Salmon Cakes

Last night at our STRIVE 2 Survive lecture we had some tasty salmon cakes. This is a great way to get some omega 3 fatty acids from your salmon in a tasty treat. I was skeptical at first, but these actually have a great taste. Next time you’re looking for something new and tasty to make, give these a try!

Salmon Cakes Appetizer
1 box Zatarans Salmon Cake Mix

16 oz can Shurfine Pink Salmon (can also use poached walleye)

1 egg

¼ c fat free mayo

½ c cold water

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Let stand in the refrigerator for 30 min. Mold salmon cake mixture into small patties. Fry in olive oil until brown.

Dipping Sauce: 1 c fat free mayo, 1 tbsp hot sauce, mix together well.

-Kelsey

Should I take supplements?

Have you ever considered taking a supplement?  Could be a vitamin supplement, fish oil, flax seed, or maybe even an herb? Supplements have a purpose in our health, however we do encourage you to choose food first as they provide the more natural source of vitamins and minerals. An example of this would be vitamin D and calcium that we can get from a healthy intake of dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. If you are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to milk, then a supplement may be appropriate for you. Tonight at our STRIVE 2 Survive lecture, Deidra VanGilder, PharmD will be discussing when taking supplements are appropriate, which ones are safe, and how much we should be taking. Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it’s important to take appropriate precaution and ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking them. I always enjoy Deidra’s lecture as this is definitely a “hot topic” in nutrition and a great part of our STRIVE 2 Survive program.

-Kelsey

 

 

 

Best Diets

The US News has evaluated and ranked 20 diets using a panel of health experts. I find this information very fascinating as the diets that are at the top of the list are ones I incorporate into my daily medical nutrition therapy at the clinic and with our STRIVE 2 Survive participants.  These top ranked diets include recommendations that have been proven to improve disease such as heart disease (including cholesterol and blood pressure), diabetes, and aid in weight loss. In addition, it’s important to note these diets are not quick, fad diets with missing food groups. They are balanced diets that one can incorporate the recommendations into their lifestyle and not feel too restricted or miss out on an important food group.  These principles are the foundation of my nutrition therapy, as we strive to keep you healthy for life and work at disease prevention not just a quick fix! Please note that the USDA MyPlate is not included as they targeted specific weight loss diet plans not overall healthy eating plans like MyPlate is.

Best Diets

Top 5 (listed in order): DASH, Mediterranean, TLC, Weight Watchers, and Mayo Clinic Diets

Bottom 5 (listed in order): Glycemic Index, Medifast, Raw Food, Atkins, and Paleo Diets

For the full report, please visit: http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets

-Kelsey

A tasty fall treat

As we strive to find variety in our diets while keeping them healthy, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite fall treats: apples with carmel! This is a great way to get your fruit in while giving your sweet tooth satisfaction. I choose fat free carmel to reduce the fat and calories, but portion control is still important to watch with the carmel! Next time you’re looking for a sweet fall treat, try this!

Enjoy!

Kelsey

Tips for a Healthy Halloween

It’s that time of the year again. Not only are the stores packed with Halloween costumes, the aisles are filled with candy. Most of the candy passed out to trick-or-treaters comes in “fun size” or “mini” portions, however looks can be deceiving! People often think that since they are in smaller size, more can be consumed. Calories from Halloween candy can quickly add up. For example 3 mini snickers packs on 300 calories!

Thankfully Halloween doesn’t have to mean an automatic weight gain. Try waiting until the day before to buy treats to pass out. You will feel less likely to nibble when it’s not sitting around as long. Also, keep it out of sight, such as a closet or cupboard you rarely use. The biggest challenge is the leftover candy after Halloween is over. Try buying candy that you don’t like as it’s easier to get rid of, or purchase healthy options.

Halloween treats to try: sugar free bum, boxes of raisins, animal crackers, pretzles, trail mix, fruit snacks, lollipops, or non candy choices such as stickers, erasers, etc.

Halloween treats to avoid: candy bars, caramels, fudge, skittles, and m&ms.

Happy Halloween!

-Kelsey