Nutrition Articles

ROOTS

Authored by Rachel Bowers, UMN Public Health and Nutrition The words parsnip, turnip or rutabaga brings back memories of admonishments to “eat your vegetables!”  These roots don’t promote themselves very well with appearances either- they are often gnarled and nubby.  However, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas and other root vegetables can be deliciously sweet. Root vegetable is…  Read More

Cabbage

Authored by Hilary Gebauer, UMN Public Health and Nutrition Cabbage is loved around the world and many cultures have their own favorite way to prepare it from German sauerkraut to Korean kim chee. Cabbage will start showing up in the farmer’s market mid-summer and will be around into the fall. Luckily, it’s a versatile veggie…  Read More

Eating Local All Winter Long

Authored by Hilary Gebauer, UMN Public Health and Nutrition In the middle of February, it can be hard to talk to friends in California. They’ll tell you of their latest trip the farmers market, or the newest delicacy that showed up in their CSA box. But just because the Mill City Courtyard and the farmer’s…  Read More

Healthy Kids

Authored by: Gail Anderson, RD, U of MN Public Health Nutrition student It is important for kids to have healthy role models. When kids see their parents and siblings eating healthy, they are much more likely to eat healthy themselves. Kids who eat a variety of foods are more likely to enjoy mealtime and they…  Read More

The Skinny on FAT

By Dustin Nelson, Meet Your Vegetables Nutrition Intern Fat is an important nutrient for the body. It is critical for proper growth and development and maintaining normal health. Fat has a whopping 9 calories per gram which the body uses as stored energy. Fat also acts as an insulator for tissues, a cushion for vital…  Read More

Sausage & Lentil Soup

8 Tips for Increasing Fruit and Vegetables in Your Diet

Eating the recommended number of servings for fruits and vegetables can seem like a daunting task. The number of servings each person needs depends on his/her calorie needs. Check out www.choosemyplate.gov/ for more information on this. Getting in your fruits and vegetables each day may be easier than you think! So, what exactly is a serving?…  Read More

Gluten-Free Goodies at the MILL

Authored by: Gail Anderson, RD and UMN Nutrition student The Mill City Farmer’s Market offers a variety of gluten-free products. Gluten-free products are beneficial for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergies. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, it sets off a response that causes damage…  Read More

Bountiful Berries

Authored by Hilary Gebauer, UMN Public Health and Nutrition Summer is short in Minnesota – and so is berry season! So when you have the chance for fresh Minnesota grown berries be sure to take advantage. We all know that berries taste great on their own or on top of cereal, ice cream or yogurt.…  Read More

Heirlooms—what are they, exactly?

photo courtesy of Mette Nielsen Photography Authored by Jillian Tholen, University of Minnesota Public Health Nutrition student It is entirely possible that you grew up with certain expectations about ripe fruits and vegetables—they are supposed to look a certain way. Tomatoes are red, peppers are green, and watermelons are pink, easy.  And really, there is…  Read More

Farm to School, Revolutionizing School Lunches

By Jennifer Kret, UMN Public Health Nutrition Graduate Students A nutritious diet is an important part of a healthy childhood. Likewise, reducing childhood obesity is a major public health challenge, since obese children are more likely to become obese adults, increasing their risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Because children spend a significant amount of…  Read More