Fasting for Weight Loss is NOT the Answer
I was recently on WJLA ABC 7 to discuss the fasting craze that’s become a popular method for weight loss for many people. Unfortunately, most of what I discussed about it in the segment ended up on the cutting room floor. (I’m used to that expected consequences of editing stories). I wanted to take the opportunity to clear up some things that weren’t covered. I felt that the segment makes it appear that fasting may look like a good idea, and I don’t think it’s fair that the last word should look come across in that way. You can watch the full video here — but read on below for some addit...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 26, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: diet eating healthy food nutrition weight loss dieting disordered eating fasting healthy eating Source Type: blogs

Produce of the Day: Blueberries – So Much More Than Just Muffins
All this month I’m making it fun to eat better with my 30-Day Challenge “Half Plate Produce” in the spirit of National Nutrition Month’s theme “Enjoy the taste of eating right!” Tweet, Post, Instagram or Pin your favorite pics and recipes that help make it fun for YOU to eat better. (Use #30DayChallenge and #NNM in your messages.) Feature Produce of the Day: Blueberries Did you know that blueberries are one of the few fruits actually native to North America?  Most of the other fruits grown in the US were imported from overseas at some point, but blueberries have been here since before t...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 25, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food fruits nutrition recipes 30 day challenge blueberries produce Source Type: blogs

Salmon Salad Recipe: Quick, Convenient, and Healthy
If you’re like me you love all kinds of salads. Not just greens (which are FAB) but also tuna salad, egg salad, chicken salad and the like.  That’s why I can’t believe it took me so long to add salmon salad to the mix! Make Ahead Meals Save Time and Energy I love meals you can make once and eat 3-4 times, especially for lunches which tend to be “all business” for me. I want it to be super easy and delicious, but during the week, I don’t have time! I know you don’t either. This recipe is my healthy take on salmon salad. I use hummus to add another interesting layer of flavor plus n...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 25, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: food nutrition pregnancy recipes healthy lunches healthy recipes salmon salmon salad Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Pan Fried Chickpea Salad
Another Happy Meatless Monday, where has February gone! Today I wanted to share a delicious, very simple, healthful and savory vegetarian side dish: Pan Fried Chickpea Salad. This one-pot chickpea salad is made with warming spices, vibrant cilantro and lemon, protein packed chickpeas, making it the perfect go-to accompaniment. Not to mention the absolutely divine dressing! It keeps for up to a week when left undressed, so consider doubling  it to have at your convenience. I love serving a double portion as a main meal topped with thick slices of creamy ripe avocado or toasted walnuts for an added crunch. Photo from: 101c...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 24, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition chickpeas healthy food healthy recipe meatless monday salad side dish vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Heart Smart Your Menu with Tasty Comfort Foods
Think “heart healthy eating” is bland and boring? Think again.  February is “Heart Health” awareness month. With heart disease being the leading cause of death for both men and women, eating well is one of the best ways you can protect your heart.  I know most people aren’t going to eat salads all the time, which is why I want to share my “heart smart” take on  some of my comfort favorites, chili and pizza. Using healthy swaps like veggies and spices in place of salt, choosing whole grains and cooking with heart healthy corn oil, people can still enjoy these delicious and easy favorites wit...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 18, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food nutrition recipes vegetables cans get you cooking corn oil heart health Mazola mushrooms WBAL wheat foods Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Broccoli Basil Mac and Cheese
Another Happy Meatless Monday! Today I wanted to share an incredibly gorgeous and modern take on a family friendly comfort food classic: Broccoli Basil Mac and Cheese. This cozy, yet waistline friendly, casserole is the perfect winter meal for the adults and children in your home, loaded with creamy and melty cheese as well as nutrient packed fresh squash, basil, broccoli and tomatoes. Feel free to get creative with the vegetables and cheeses so suite your family’s preferences. Because there are a number of steps involved, this dish is best made during the weekend and served throughout your busy week (and there ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 17, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: food nutrition recipes cheese healthy food healthy recipe mac and cheese macaroni vegetables vegetarian Source Type: blogs

I’m in Washingtonian Magazine (Who Hoo!)
It’s not everyday you can say that you’re mentioned in Washington DC’s most well-known printed magazine. I was overjoyed this month to be mentioned in not only one, but TWO issues – Washingtonian and Washingtonian Mom! As a working mother, with another one on the way I have since traded my fashion magazines for a new favorite, the Washingtonian Mom. I’m more interested to know where the trendy family friendly “hot spots” are around town versus the latest celebrity gossip and how to get “tight buns” these days. As I was paging through the Winter 2014 edition for some inspiration I was excit...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 12, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition Diet ratings dietitian gluten free diet mediterranean diet Paleo diet Washingtonian Washingtonian Mom Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Grapefruit, Honey & Yogurt Scones
Happy Meatless Monday! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, today I wanted to share a whimsical, romantic, and waistline friendly version of one of my favorite brunch pastries: Grapefruit, Honey & Yogurt Scones. These beautifully pink tinted flakey scones, made with protein packed greek yogurt, seasonal and vibrant grapefruits and indulgently sweet honey, are sure to wow the honey in your life (and you!). These can easily be made in advance and rewarmed Valentine’s morning to give your special someone or entire family the breakfast in bed experience. I love to serve mine warmed with a small pat of...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 10, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition recipes breakfast in bed brunch grapefruit healthy food healthy recipe meatless monday scones valentine's day vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Healthy Tuna Salad with Hummus
Add some tang and creaminess to your next tuna sandwich with some hummus and avocado. Unlike many high-fat dips and spreads, humus provides a number of essential vitamins and minerals, protein, and fiber that will help keep you feeling full for longer. This brilliant combination of flavors is a guaranteed delicious omega-loaded sandwich you’ll want to make again! Tuna Salad with Hummus Makes 8 servings Image reprinted with permission from thecozyapron.com and http://www.healthyaperture.com Ingredients  2 12 oz cans light tuna packed in water, drained ½ C tomatoes, chopped ½ C celery, chopped (about 2 stalks) ½ ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 7, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition Source Type: blogs

“Good for Your Heart” Chili Recipe
What’s more comforting than a simmering pot of chili? One of the things I love about chili is that you can please everyone in the family. I also love that you can get lots of nutritious foods into a pot without being in the kitchen all day. My chili recipe reduces the amount of meat using a 50/50 mix of blended mushrooms and several other fiber rich vegetables and beans.  This healthier twist reduces the cholesterol and sodium and increases the fiber and nutrients, which help to make the recipe heart healthier (especially if you compare to a traditional recipe). My recipe has all the taste and flavor you have come t...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - February 5, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition Source Type: blogs

Worst Diets of 2013 Slim Chance Award “Winners”
The Slim Chance Awards have been announced! I was honored to be one of the judges. This year’s “winners” include the Special K Challenge, Body Contouring, the Cotton Ball Diet and the Tongue Patch! Go to http://www.fitwoman.com/hww for the details on why this year’s “winners” are a losing way to start the new year! Want to find out which DIET PLANS were voted the WORST SCAMS in 2013? Check out these categories to whet your whistle and then head on over to www.fitwoman.com/hww for the “winners”! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog)
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - January 1, 2014 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Roasted Carrot & Turmeric Soup
Happy Meatless Monday! I can’t believe how quickly December (and this year!) have flown by! I wanted to end this incredible year by sharing with you one of my favorite insanely nutritious and delicious vegan soup recipes: Roasted Carrot & Turmeric Soup. I love cozying up in the winter with a huge bowl of nourishing soup or stew and basking in it’s warmth, especially as the day’s continue to shorten. This vibrant soup is loaded with warming and healing spices that will make even the darkest nights glow and excite everyone at your table. Who wouldn’t love a golden orange soup with a good piece of ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - December 30, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food nutrition recipes carrot healthy recipe meatless monday soup spices stew turmeric vegan vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Garlicky Kale with White Beans & Tomato
      Happy Meatless Monday and Merry Christmas! Today I wanted to share a delicious and vibrant side dish I am confident you’ll want to have make an appearance at your holiday table: Garlicky Kale with White Beans & Tomato. This beautiful vegan side is not only loaded with healthful fiber, nutrients, and comforting flavor, but it’s red and greens from the fresh kale and tomato are sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. This recipe should make more than enough for 4 hungry eaters, but if you’re having more people at your table it can be easily doubled or tripled. This dish make...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - December 23, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: recipes beans garlic healthy recipe kale meatless monday nutrition tomato vegan vegetarian Source Type: blogs

Add Flavor to Your Holiday Foods
The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing, being with loved ones, and —celebrating!  If you’re like me, your schedule is probably filled with holiday parties and get-togethers right now.  My first response to a party invite is always, “What can I bring?”  We all want to bring a dish that’s the hit of the party, and I’ve got good news for you – you don’t need a culinary degree to make a flavorful, nutritious dish.  All you need is a little know-how, and you can blend appealing textures and flavors to create delicious foods that will please every crowd. This past week I appeared on WBAL NBC TV ...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - December 19, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: nutrition beano blueberries entertaining holiday New York Style snacks peanuts recipes Source Type: blogs

Meatless Monday Recipe: Poblano and Portobello Fajitas
Another happy Meatless Monday! Today I wanted to share a fresh, savory and interactive meal the entire family will love: Poblano Pepper and Portobello Mushroom Fajitas. These simple and vibrant fajitas will be on the table in minutes and provide your family with a nutritious, customizable, and fun evening together without spending too much time in the kitchen prepping or cleaning afterwards. These fajitas can be made spicy (by including the jalapeño and poblano peppers) or mild by leaving them out. Try incorporating sautéed corn and different colored bell peppers as well as experimenting with the various varieties of mus...
Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog - December 16, 2013 Category: Nutritionists and Food Scientists Authors: rebeccascritchfield Tags: cooking eating healthy food nutrition recipes fajitas family meal meatless monday mushrooms peppers vegan vegetables vegetarian Source Type: blogs