Every time you swallow a bite of sandwich or slurp a smoothie, your body works hard to process the nutrients you've eaten. Long after the dishes are cleared and the food is digested, the nutrients you've taken in become the building blocks and fuel needed by your body. Your body gets the energy it needs from food through a process called metabolism. What...

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Phytochemicals … polyphenols … antioxidants … what do all of these terms mean?   The term phytochemicals is a broad name for a wide variety of compounds produced by plants. They’re found in fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, and other plants. Each phytochemical comes from a variety of different plant sources and has different proposed effects on, and benefits for, the body. Some researchers estimate there...

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Summer is the perfect time to go outside and have fun. It's one of my favorite times of year because there are so many outdoor activities to choose from. Everything is more fun outside, whether you're swimming, running or cycling.   But the summer heat can be a problem if you're not careful, particularly in areas with extreme heat and humidity. After experiencing the Badwater...

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What's a healthy weight? Some teens have a hard time knowing what a healthy weight is, especially with all the body changes that are taking place. Girls sometimes think they need to be thinner even if they are not overweight. You may see models in magazines or on TV who are really skinny, and you may think that you need to lose weight...

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Emily Edison, Registered Dietitian & Best Teen Diets nutrition adviser teaches the fundamentals of how to read and understand a nutrition label and ingredients list. Take a look at this short video! Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information  for teens, parents and educators that emphasize...

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It’s summer—that amazing time of year when fresh produce abounds. As a dietitian and nutrition editor I love that there’s an abundance of fresh, delicious and healthy choices. Better yet: many of summer’s fruits and vegetables are brimming with secret health benefits. Here are some of my favorites and why they’re a particularly good choice in the summer—as reported on in EatingWell Magazine: 1.Corn: Nothing says...

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Peanuts are among the most common allergy-causing foods, and they often find their way into things you wouldn't imagine. Take chili, for example: It may be thickened with ground peanuts. Peanuts aren't actually a true nut; they're a legume (in the same family as peas and lentils). But the proteins in peanuts are similar in structure to those in tree nuts. For this...

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Emily Edison, Registered Dietitian, talks about her two biggest rules for grocery shopping. Find out what they are and why they are so important by watching this short video! Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of...

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By Kaycie Smith, BS Nutrition and Food Science & Best Teen Diets Community Manager During the summer boats come out and we spend hours upon hours out on the lake or river. Whether you are just along for the ride or are participating in water sports for fun or competitively, proper nutrition is important. As with any other time of the year you need...

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The teen years are both fun and hard, especially for teens with cystic fibrosis (CF). Teens grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially, all at the same time. Teens with CF can do almost everything their peers do, like go to school, go to college, date, and plan careers. However, as a growing teen with CF, your nutrition needs are high. It is crucial...

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