Author Archives: Willow Jarosh MS, RD & Stephanie Clarke MS, RD

3 Sweet Reasons to Choose Pears if You Have Diabetes

Willow Jarosh MS, RD & Stephanie Clarke MS, RD By on

November is National Diabetes Month and it’s also a great time to find perfectly ripe pears, which comes in handy since pears have a lot of the attributes we recommend in a diet to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. Pears are a low glycemic index (and low glycemic load) food – a medium-sized pear ranks 38 on the glycemic index – which means they have a mild effect on blood sugar levels. While there isn’t a cure for diabetes (yet!), we do know that food is a very powerful tool that can be used to reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life. As registered dietitians, we see the power of food every day, and the research supports just how much of an effect food can have on reducing the impact of diabetes. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with type Continue reading →

Smart Snacking 101: Using the Rule of Two

Willow Jarosh MS, RD & Stephanie Clarke MS, RD By on

Follow this snacking rule to stay satisfied and energized longer! Snacking has some major benefits, aside from being fun and delicious. We can think of a couple easy scenarios where snacks are critical to a busy day: 1.  When hunger strikes in between your normal meal times. Having a snack between meals can help keep you satisfied, so you don’t nosh on the first thing (or everything) you see. 2.  When meals don’t have enough fruits and veggies, snacks come to the rescue to balance things out. Not all snacks are created equal. Some snacks can leave you with low energy, craving more food soon after eating. As Registered Dietitians, we often get asked to share our tips for the ultimate snack that provides long-lasting energy, steady blood sugar and will keep you full. We recommend using the “rule of Continue reading →

The Two Diet Changes to Make in 2016

Willow Jarosh MS, RD & Stephanie Clarke MS, RD By on

When it comes to personal meal goals, it’s important to focus on making changes that will make an impact, but aren’t unrealistic or overwhelming. So, we’ve put together our top two big-impact changes. These are changes that studies have shown will help you stay at a healthy weight, prevent disease and have more energy! 1. Keep track of the colors on your plate: Mind your fruits and veggies and aim to get 1 1/2 – 2 cups of fruit and at least 2 1/2 – 3 cups of veggies each day. For more information about exactly how much you should be eating based on your age and activity level, check out ChooseMyPlate.gov. Research shows that getting enough colorful produce can help keep weight off and ward off nasty diseases like cancer and heart disease. This is why the new 2015 Continue reading →

Snack Right to Stay Healthy Through the Holidays

Willow Jarosh MS, RD & Stephanie Clarke MS, RD By on

Office candy dishes, gifts of baked goods, parties, dinners, and extra-packed to-do lists all shuffle in with the holiday season. And increased stress levels can also follow suit. While we can’t do your holiday shopping for you, we can offer up a helpful tool for keeping your energy level stable, your mood happier, and your weight steadier during the holiday season… snacks. But not just any old snacks will do, follow these four tips to ensure your snacks are energy-boosting powerhouses. Use the Rule of 2: The combination of protein, high fiber/less processed carbohydrates, and fat is one that keeps blood sugar and energy levels stable for hours. At mealtime, make sure you have this triple threat (+ veggies!) on your plate. At snack time, aim for at least 2 of the 3…what we call the “rule of 2.” Examples: Continue reading →