You might be surprised that standards for school meals have not changed in 15 years, despite all of the attention on childhood obesity and nutrition related issues. Thanks to new guidelines the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced last week, we will begin seeing less starchy vegetables, more whole grains, lower-fat milk and less sodium in [...]

As I reflect on the previous year, I think of how far this blog has come, how many topics we have covered, and how thankful I am for all of our loyal readers. 
Reminiscing scrolling through the different posts, I stumbled across 2009’s New Year’s themed blog and thought it was good enough to share once [...]

Yesterday in the News & Observer, Felicia Gressette, who in a previous life was the food editor for the Miami Herald, wrote a story about making heat and eat meals for family as a gift. 
WakeMed Corporate and Community Health’s dietitian Stacy Kropp provides some nutritional tips for seniors in the article. 
In case you missed the article and [...]

Andrea Weigl, food writer at the News & Observer, wrote a STORY included in today’s paper about eating healthy for the same price (or cheaper) as going through the drive through at a fast food restaurant. 
In the sidebar, WakeMed Cardiac Rehab Dietitian Diana Koenning provided some additional tips for keeping family heathy and well fed on [...]

When you think July 4th, everyone has certain food traditions that come to mind.  For my family, potato salad is a staple at our picnic.  For others, Fourth of July is synonymous with soda and potato chips, hot dogs and hamburgers, fried chicken, coleslaw, ice cream, or all of the above.
There is also a running [...]

Laura Aiken is a community health specialist with WakeMed and director of Advocates for Health in Action.
Yesterday the House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would direct the state Child Care Commission to create stronger nutritional standards for childcare centers. 
The bill, as origionally introduced, included provisions limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and prohibiting serving whole [...]

WakeMed Cary Hospital recently earned the Red Apple recognition for creating a healthy food environment. Led by N.C. Prevention Partners, the Healthy Food Environments Initiative is a statewide project to help all NC hospitals make healthy foods more available, visible and affordable for employees and visitors.
Efforts included: offering more affordable healthy snacks in Points West Café; rearranging displays [...]

Laura Aiken is a community health specialist with WakeMed and director of Advocates for Health in Action.
Once again, Wake County is leading the way in providing healthy options for our citizens. Beginning June 26, the Western Wake Farmers’ Market in Cary will provide low‐income individuals improved access to fresh, wholesome food by accepting Electronic Benefits [...]

Caroline Youngblood is manager in public relations and editor of Heart to Heart, WakeMed Heart Center’s magazine.
WakeMed Heart to Heart is starting a new feature — Mealtime Makeovers. Here is what we have in mind and how you can help make it great!
Family gatherings wouldn’t be the same without Great Grandma’s cheesy potato casserole or [...]

Stacy Moretz, registered dietitian, Corporate and Community Health.
When you think of the Easter Bunny, chocolate bunnies, marshmallow treats and candy-filled eggs are often the first things that come to mind.  This year try to turn away from these sugar-filled treats and focus more on things to get kids outside and moving.  In the Triangle, it [...]