Posts by Danielle VenHuizen
Looking for a meal plan? Why you really don’t want a “meal plan.”
One of the main parts of my job is helping people know what to eat. Makes sense, right? I am a dietitian/nutritionist after all. Many people come to me, not surprisingly, and ask me for a meal plan. It is a question I get weekly. People want structure, specifics, the basics. Many also say, “I…
Read MorePrebiotics & Probiotics: What’s all the Hype About?
By Darieli Sanchez, Dietetic Intern The human body is filled with good and bad bacteria, and while that might sound alarming, the good bacteria work hard to keep us healthy. Most bacteria in the body live in the colon6, where they help break down food, absorb vitamins, protect against harmful bacteria, and more. By consuming…
Read MoreSerious Weight Loss Tools (for those who are serious about getting it right)
As I mentioned in my last blog post, there are a few essential tools that can help you get serious about doing weight loss the right way: with an accurate calorie goal and a way to track body composition. Remember, not all weight loss is the same. The thing is, you may not be losing…
Read MoreWeight Loss: Why is it so damn hard?
You know it’s funny. People often ask me what my favorite type of client to work with is. I usually say something like digestive disorders or food sensitivities. You know why? Because there is generally a methodical way to go about figuring out the root problem and coming up with a well defined plan to…
Read MoreWhat is the best eating schedule? Three meals, many meals or even fasting? Reviewing common diet patterns and what may work best for YOU.
It seems the “experts” are always changing their minds on what and when we should eat. Eat this. Don’t eat that. Stop eating that thing we told you to eat last year and eat this instead. Eat 3 meals a day. Eat 6 meals a day. Fast one day a week. Do intermittent fasting 3…
Read MoreThe Comfort of a Fall Routine
I don’t know about you, but I’m in total denial that it’s Fall. Every year about this time I refuse to admit the leaves are changing color and a coolness exists in the morning air. I want summer to last forever (it’s a short season in Seattle, we savor every minute!). But that being said,…
Read MoreEat This For Healthy Summer Skin
Warmer weather is finally upon us, and with that, it seems everyone is trying to look and feel their best while taking advantage of the outdoors. Weight management is certainly a huge part of that, with everyone trying to increase their exercise and improve their diet, but surprisingly skincare is another topic I hear come…
Read MoreEasing Menopause with Diet
Oh menopause. The “change,” as they say. This season of life is so often regarded as a very challenging time for women, one filled with hormonal upheaval, mood changes, temperature dysregulation, and undesired fluctuations in weight. Basically, it sucks. But does it have to? Numerous books and websites have sought to offer solutions to the…
Read MoreZero Calorie Sweeteners: No Bueno Say the Experts
Once again non-nutritive or “artificial” sweeteners are making the news. New evidence shows that there are negative biochemical changes in the body in response to these low-cal sugar replacers.1 We already know that sugar has detrimental effects on our blood sugar, insulin, and waistline. It is common knowledge nowadays that sweets consumption should be lowered…
Read MoreExercise: Is it really less important than diet for weight loss?
I have been hearing for some time now that when it comes to weight loss, exercise is not king. Diet is paramount. I mean, the NY Times said it, so it must be true.1 To be fair, they cited many reputable studies in their report that seem to indicate exercise only goes so far in…
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