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Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 6 Tips to Get & Stay Motivated to Move!

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Ahhh, exercise. Easier said than done, right? I personally love to do it. My favorite activities? Taking a long walk or hike outside solo (listening to music) or with a friend, taking a class like tap dancing or Zumba, or doing some sort of weight training (think lunges, squats, and abdominal exercises). I consider exercise and being active just as important to my daily routine as brushing my teeth, and definitely feel the effects when I skip a day.

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Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Breakfast in the Classroom

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

I can recall back in my early childhood years frantically rushing to get out of the house, often skipping breakfast, just to find myself out of energy and unable to focus by recess time. As it turns out, I’m not alone. Today, over 18 million students go to school hungry despite the proven benefits and health aspects associated with breakfast intake. The Breakfast in the Classroom program is a relatively new intervention that provides breakfast to students where they need it most–in the hub of learning and socialization, the classroom. In this day and age, when obesity among children is a major concern, how can the implementation of Breakfast in the Classroom help improve overall health and education?

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Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - What Food Group Is Chocolate In?

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

This was one of the great questions asked by someone in my son Eli’s 3rd grade class during during March’s National Nutrition Month. Here are my responses to this question and several others. Hope any of you parents out there will these will find this helpful when talking to your kids about nutrition.

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Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Screen-Free Gems

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Did you know that, according to a recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids aged 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day on ‘entertainment media’—watching tv or movies, listening to music, and playing video games. They also were found to spend another 2 hours texting or talking on the phone.

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 8 Tips to Go Green When You Eat

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Earth Day will fall on April 22nd, 2011. To celebrate, here are Jackie Newgent’s “8 Eco-Rules” and tips for simply and painlessly becoming a greener eater-or an “ecotarian”

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Do New Food Rules Make or Miss the Mark?

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A new set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) was unveiled on Monday, January 31, 2011. These new food rules, issued every 5 years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are designed to promote health, prevent disease, and create the…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - The Small Change Diet

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

What better way to celebrate the American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month than with an interview with my friend and colleague Keri Gans, author of a brand new book that’s sure to help many, The Small Change Diet: 10 Steps to a Thinner, Healthier You (Gallery). Here are the highlights from…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Keep the Muscle, Hold the Fat

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

I recently had the pleasure of attending a lecture by orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright. I was also proud to endorse her book Fitness After 40, and as a 41 year old was inspired and encouraged by what she had to say.
I’ve been a fitness buff (not an extreme one—but…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 5 Minute Fixes for the Frazzled

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We all get frazzled this time of year! But doing a few of these 5 minute fixes (many that involve food, fitness, and friends) a few times a day will help you feel better, and in some cases, burn calories or check off items on your to do list. So…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Conquer Snack Attacks with Experts’ Top Picks

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500

People always ask me “what’s a healthy snack?” My answer is always the same–a healthy snack is one that you can identify as coming from one or more of the key food groups–fruits, veggies, grains (especially whole grains), lean meat and beans, and low fat dairy foods (or calcium-rich dairy…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 4 Tips to Bust a Cold

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500

It’s that time of year when sniffling, sneezing, and coughing once again take center stage to the dismay of many of us. According to Joan Salge-Blake, a nutrition professor at Boston University and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “Americans suffer from about a billion colds each year, and there…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Diet Soda: Sinless Sip or Saboteur?

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve been a lover of diet soda—Diet Coke® in particular—for years. Memories from my childhood include sipping it from a big cup loaded with ice while scarfing down fast food or a bag of chips. Though I’ve long given up my fast food habit, improved my food and fitness habits,…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Tips to Combat Cancer

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I’m thrilled to share with you some tips to help you prevent and combat cancer from Karen Collins, MS, RD, Nutrition Advisor to the the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Karen and I met (and instantly bonded) when we were co-presenters at the Dr. Oz-headlined Food For Your Whole…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Ironing Out Iron: Your Question Answered

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Question: I’ve been struggling lately with very low iron levels. Anything you can suggest to help with that? I’ve been eating lots of spinach and red meat!
~Melissa Fenton from NY, NY
Answer: You’re not alone–so many people, including young children, teen girls, and women during their childbearing years have…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Move Over Deprivation! Will Moderation Be The New Diet Mantra?

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Many of us registered dietitians and health professionals talk about moderation ad nauseum. Problem is, moderation isn’t sexy–at least it wasn’t until today!
MODERATION NATION, a national initiative by the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition (HCHN) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA), launches today. This program will cover the…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Want to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes? It’s Easy as 1-2-3

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I turned to my dear friend and colleague Connie Brown Riggs for the latest on type 2 diabetes prevention. Here she provides a quick overview and her three top tips to help you beat type 2 diabetes.

Turn on the TV and flip channels for a while. Eventually, you’ll come…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Do You “Read It Before You Eat It?”

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I recently spoke with my friend and colleague Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, author of the new book Read It Before You Eat It (Plume) which just hit book store shelves. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation….
What inspired you to write a book about food labels?…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Your Question Answered: Toddler Nutrition

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Question: My daughter is turning one and seems to eat A LOT! She’s very tall for her age and her weight is proportionate. But at what age do I worry about portion control? I try to balance her meals with all the food groups…a typical meal would be chicken, sliced…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Fueling Kids for Sports

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500

When she works with professional athletes, registered dietitian Mitzi Dulan explains to them that their bodies are like well-tuned, high performance race cars that need proper maintenance to get the most out of their bodies when they’re out on the field or court. Dulan argues the same is true for…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Huge: A Weapon In Kids’ Fight Against Fat?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Having attended two so-called “fat camps” as an overweight teen, and as a registered dietitian who has devoted her professional life to helping people—especially overweight children and their families—live more healthful lives, I eagerly anticipated the premiere of Huge on ABC Family TV. This original dramatic series chronicles the trials…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 3 Ways to Eat Smart This Weekend

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Whether you’re headed out of town, going to or throwing a 4th of July barbecue, or just staying home, don’t let stress about what you’ll eat or how you’ll overcome temptations get the best of you. If you find weekends like this a challenge when it comes to food and…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Boost Your Mood With Food

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We all have stresses in our lives—illness, work and family commitments, and surprises that come out of nowhere on any given day. Some of you have told me you deal with stress by taking a fitness class or a run, walking or talking with a friend, hitting a punching bag,…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - From Me To Oprah: Talking About The “O” Word: Obesity

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

I went to a fascinating and informative panel discussion called “Weighty Manners: Effectively Communicating About Weight and Health” presented by the National Eating Disorders Association and STOP Obesity Alliance. Model turned activist Emme, WABC-TV anchor Diana Williams, WCBS-TV Medical Reporter Dr. Max Gomez, and Deputy Health Editor from Glamour magazine Wendy…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - From Me To Oprah: Respect Yourself!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

As I settled into my bleacher seat yesterday, about to watch my younger son’s weekly basketball class, I overheard a woman next to me yell “get your ass out on that court now!” to her 7 or 8 year-old son. The first thought that came to my mind was…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Helping Kids Milk Their Diet

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

We all know that milk provides kids with calcium and vitamin D, important nutrients that help them lay the foundation for healthy bones and teeth. Milk is also an important source of high quality protein, and provides the body with all the essential amino acids it needs to create body…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - From Me To Oprah: You Don't Need To Be The Biggest Loser; Small Steps Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

On today’s Oprah show, diabetes–a group of metabolic diseases marked by chronic high blood sugar levels– will be the hot topic. While it’s unclear from the promos if a registered dietitian (or even better, an RD who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator) will grace the Oprah stage alongside Dr.…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Never-Ending Snack Attacks: How To Turn Potential Perils Into Perks

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

An article called “Snack Time Never Ends” appeared this week in the Dining Section of the New York Times. Since I had been preparing a talk called “Feed Your Family Right: How to Choose Healthful Snacks” for parents of children at a local K-8 school, the timing of Jennifer Steinhauer’s…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - From Me to Oprah: 8 Secrets For A Healthier Life

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

As a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, wife, and mother of two boys, I have always tried to live a good, mostly healthy life. Since this is the second week of a New Year, and many of you are tackling your unhealthy habits (including overeating and underexercising) head on, I…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Diet Do #5: Get Real About Your Ideal Weight

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you ask anyone if he or she would like to weigh less, chances are the answer would be a resounding “Yes!” Fitting into a favorite pair of jeans, looking better in a bathing suit or in workout clothes, wearing a smaller size, or simply seeing a lower number on…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Diet Do #4: Create Solutions, Not Resolutions

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you’re like most people, the start of a new year makes you think about all the things you want to change about yourself, all those negative habits you want to overcome or healthful habits you want to incorporate into your life to improve your life. The problem is, despite…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Diet Do #3: Fit In Fidgeting

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Does the term couch potato apply to you? Would you much rather sit around than be on the move? Are you constantly on the go, moving from one thing to the next like a chicken without a head? Or are you somewhere in between–you like to be active, but you…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Diet Do #2: Pare Portions & Sideline Servings

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Are you portion-challenged? When you eat or drink, do you often find it difficult if not impossible to stop eating or drinking when you’ve had enough, even when you’re full?
You’re definitely not alone…countless people have just the same problem leaving a few chips or cookies in a bag, leaving…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - 5 Simple Diet Do's To Eat Better & Get (& Stay) Fit In 2010

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

“Don’t procrastinate”…..growing up, I heard that expression in my home over and over from my dear (dare I say old) dad. I don’t think my dad was speaking specifically to me when he said it (maybe he was talking to my mom and brother, the creative, perhaps less organized ones…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - From Me To Oprah: Shock And Pour; Soda And Obesity

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

For this week’s From Me to Oprah: Weekly Tips for Managing Weight and Life, I decided to weigh in on the latest ad from the New York City Department of Health. In this 30-second video called “Are You Pouring on the Pounds?” a man is shown drinking globs of what’s…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Swimming in a Sea of Chocolate Milk: Is it a Healthful Option?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

If you’re my contemporary, you’re likely familiar with the expression “Raise your hand if you’re sure” in commercials for a popular deodorant. But now, a new campaign from the dairy industry that will launch on Monday November 16th and ask you to “Raise your hand for chocolate milk” may put…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Are You An Entitled Exerciser?

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

After growing up marginally overweight, unable to run even a mile without stopping (and panting), I moved to Manhattan in the early 90’s. My fiancé (who eventually became my husband) encouraged me to start running with him. I got hooked and decided to challenge myself by running in a race.…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Can You Catch Diabetes?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It’s not like the flu–you can’t catch it by having an infected person cough or sneeze on you or shake your hand. Nevertheless, diabetes, a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic high blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels, may creep up on you without you even knowing it. According…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Afraid to Eat? 4 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Getting Sick From Food

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Just last week, the Centers for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) released a list of the 10 FDA-regulated foods that account for about 40 percent of all reported foodborne outbreaks in the U.S.. Healthful vegetables, including leafy greens, potatoes, tomatoes (my personal favorite), and sprouts made the list, as…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Turning the Tables on the Food Police

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Just last weekend, I took my sons to see the clever and enjoyable animated movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. In the movie, a young boy-turned-man with a penchant for invention creates a machine that converts water into food. He does this to provide the townspeople of Swallow Falls (who…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - A Call to Action: Fixing Big Food to Fight Diet-Related Diseases

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In an informative New York Times Op-Ed piece today by Michael Pollan, the author makes a compelling argument that in order to significantly and substantially reduce our nation’s health care costs, it needs to step up the plate and overhaul the food industry. He points out what many of us…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Seals of Approval on Food Packages

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I just read through an interesting article in the New York Times business section about the new “Smart Choices” food labeling campaign that allows food products that line grocery shelves to bear a green check mark to indicate they are so-called “smarter choices” among the sea of food products available…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Overcoming the "Diet" Mentality

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I read a great article by Jeffrey Zaslow in today’s Wall Street Journal. In this current piece, he writes about his experience working on an article in the late 1980’s that revolved around a study that showed a high prevalence of dieting behavior among fourth grade girls in California. As…

Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN - Welcome to TheZiedGuide

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

In TheZiedGuide blog, I will talk about topics in the news and of interest to me and you that relate to nutrition, diet, fitness, and health. You’ll learn a little bit about me, why I’m passionate about what I do, and why I became a registered dietitian in the first…