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Milk alternatives: Choosing the right one for you

Lactose-free, dairy-free, plant-based — these are all labels you might find on beverages meant to replace cow’s milk. And with the demand for these products on the rise — especially for people with dairy or lactose intolerances and anyone trying to include more plant-based foods in their diet — making the best choice can be daunting and tricky. Is almond milk giving you enough protein? Is there vitamin D in coconut milk? Is soy a healthy option, and what on earth is pea milk? These are just a few questions Hy-Vee registered dietitians are answering for inquiring shoppers. To ...

Sugar Substitutes: The good, the bad, and the really sweet

They’re everywhere. In low-calorie ice creams, yogurts, breakfast bars, diet sodas, and more. Stevia, tagatose, erythitol — and blends of all of the above — these are just a few examples of the sugar substitutes you might find on an ingredient list. But what are they, why are they everywhere, and are they safe? Glad you asked. Sweeteners can be divided into two categories: nutritive and nonnutritive. Nutritive sweeteners are any caloric sweeteners or sugars that provide carbohydrates (think table sugar, honey, or agave). Nonnutritive sweeteners are calorie-free or low-calorie ...

Should you be taking a fiber supplement?

Perhaps this is a better question: Are you getting at least 28 grams of fiber per day? That’s the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Turns out the average American only gets 15 or 16 grams of fiber each day. While many dietitians encourage clients to consume fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to reach that number, consumers may still turn to fiber supplements. But not all supplements are created equal, or even contain the same types of fiber. The first thing to know about fiber is that there are two different types: soluble and insoluble. ...

How the cauliflower can morph into movie night snack

By MELISSA D'ARABIAN Associated Press Years ago, I was attempting to reverse my daughter Valentine's disdain for cauliflower. She was always my veggie-loving kiddo, so I was stumped by her dislike of one my favorites. Who doesn't love roasted cauliflower florets, with those crispy caramelized golden edges? She loved artichoke - pulling apart the leaves and scraping them on her teeth. So, why not create a pull-apart version of cauliflower? I roasted it whole on a lower temperature (about 350 F) for nearly an hour, and then pumped up the heat to 400 F for some browning. I then ...

Healthy snacks can prevent you from overeating

By Laura Schmidt RD, LD 5 things you should know about Hy-Vee’s Dietitian Energy Bites, plus a few healthier snack ideas to get you through the week. You may have seen them on display in your local Hy-Vee. They’re the cookie dough-shaped balls that look too good to be healthy. So, what are they, and should you be eating them? Here’s a few things to help you decide. 1. Each Energy Bite is developed by Hy-Vee registered dietitians and pre-packaged for on-the-go snacks. 2. They might taste like peanut butter cookie dough, but they’re loaded with nutrition from whole grain ...

Making health the new holiday tradition

We all love the holidays. It’s a special time of year to create our own traditions and make memories with our families. But they also offer great opportunities to add a few extra pounds, with all the extra food, holiday parties and get-togethers. The problem is, when the Christmas tree is down, the scale often stays up. Where do we go wrong? • Constant nibbling/grazing instead of taking one plate • Portion sizes, lack of moderation • High-calorie recipes • Inactivity • Too busy to plan meals/snacks How can you cut some of those extra calories? • Turkey ...