You probably already realize that adding zucchini or carrots to a cake won’t magically make it low calorie or healthy. But you might not realize that there are many foods that sound healthy but really aren’t. It might seem as though bran muffins are the perfect way to get needed fiber, but the 3 grams…  read on >

Love your chicken parm but not the crazy calorie overload you get at a restaurant? Try this lighter version that’s easy to make at home. Most of the unwanted calories in chicken parmesan come from heavy breading plus the typical big side of pasta. Both bring down the nutrition profile since the breading is made…  read on >

Some 37 million Americans are facing hunger today, says Feeding America. Though hunger is not always apparent, the effects on the mind and body can be devastating. Worrying about where your next meal will come from or the inability to feed your loved ones can adversely affect your mental health. And concentrating in school or…  read on >

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential elements that the body doesn’t make on its own, says the Cleveland Clinic. Fish, plants and supplements are among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For people who don’t have a history of heart disease, two servings of fish per week is recommended. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids…  read on >

For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that doesn’t respond to the usual treatments, a complex surgery may help, a new study finds. In carefully selected patients, the surgery provided much more relief than two different types of medication treatment — 67% for surgery compared to 28% for “active” drug treatment and 12% for the…  read on >

Many people who take cholesterol-lowering statins may not benefit from them, researchers say. Drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol) provide little value to people without heart disease, new research shows. Yet these heart-healthy folks represent a sizable number of statin users. While statins for people with heart disease isn’t controversial, their use in people…  read on >

Are you a chicken finger fanatic, but worried about what might be lurking in the take-out versions? The solution is simple: Do it yourself. Making chicken fingers at home is a snap. Between oven baking and ingredient swaps to cut back on the fat and calories, this version is the perfect way to lighten up…  read on >

For most babies, the two front teeth appear first, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Though babies won’t develop teeth for months, it’s important for parents to know how to care for them. The academy mentions these additional facts: Most babies develop teeth between 6 and 12 months. Fluoride should be in your child’s toothpaste…  read on >

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 16, 2019 Weight-loss surgery before pregnancy may lower obese women’s odds of having a baby with major birth defects, new research suggests. For the study, the researchers examined data on more than 33,000 births in Sweden between 2007 and 2014. Of these, nearly 3,000 children were born to mothers who had a type…  read on >

Don’t let the names of exotic grains like millet keep you from trying them. They’re as easy to make as standard white rice yet far more nutritious. Millet is the seed of a grass that grows in Africa. It has a fluffy, dry texture and tastes similar to corn. Millet has a wide variety of…  read on >