During the colder, winter months our bodies crave comfort foods – foods that ‘stick to your ribs,’ making you feel full and satisfied, but why? Unfortunately, the verdict is still out on this one; but some say it’s related to our serotonin levels, which are at their lowest during the winter months. Serotonin is a brain chemical that regulates mood, appetite and sleep. So, eating a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack will increase your brain’s production of serotonin making you feel better…at least temporarily. Now what to do when you’ve eaten too much?

fat, Holidays, protein, tipsJessica PirnakOctober 31, 2016protein, coffee, full, Portion, water

Turning 101 Years Old

When I was 10 years old, my grade 5 schoolteacher told me that the secret to a healthy, long life is oatmeal and what was her evidence? Well, her mom, who was 101 and still healthy and strong ate oatmeal every morning! Almost 20 years later and I still remember this story but now that I’m studying nutrition it’s time to explore this phenomenon – is oatmeal really the secret to becoming a centenarian? Oatmeal is a great way to start your day. Homemade quick rolled oats with melted brown sugar and a tad of cream just makes the most delicious bowel of oatmeal; however, you might find yourself hungry again in no time! How can this be? Doesn’t oatmeal have a ton of fibre?

Fibre, Personal Journey, tipsJessica PirnakApril 30, 2014cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, full, protein, oatmeal

3 Ways to Eat Well in 2014

Happy New Year! Now that your taste buds are satisfied with all sorts of food from the holidays, have you promised yourself once again that this year you will eat better? No need to be overwhelmed! Here are three sensible eating goals that can make this year your healthiest one yet.

fruits & vegetables, Holidays, protein, tipsJessica PirnakDecember 29, 2013Canadian Food Guide, fish, full, New Year's resolutions

The Magic Number 23

20-35% of your total daily calories should come from fat because in addition to providing flavour, texture, and energy, dietary fats supply fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K). Because fats are more energy-dense than carbohydrates and proteins, they also help us to feel full and satisfied after eating a high-fat meal and may help us lengthen the time between meals.

fat, protein, tips, vitamins and minerals, weight controljessJune 24, 2012full, Olive oil, almonds, Heart healthy fats

Not So Boring Fiber

In the 1800s, Sylvester Graham traveled up and down the East Coast, praising the virtues of fibre - leaving behind the legendary graham cracker! Unfortunately, in today’s market the graham cracker does not count as a source of fibre, but scientific evidence supports this early promotion of fibre as part of a healthy diet. If you’re like most Canadians, you’re probably not getting enough fibre each day. It’s estimated that most people need twice as much as they’re getting (25g each day).

Fibre, fruits & vegetables, weight controljessApril 29, 2012cancer prevention, full, high blood pressure

Eat, Breathe, Full

Before you get up for seconds or order dessert do you ever ask yourself “am I full?” If so, this little tidbit might come in handy.

tipsjessJune 4, 2011dessert, full