My name is Amy Lusk and I am not only a Registered Dietitian, but I am also a new mom to a beautiful 5- month-old baby girl named Addison Grace. No one ever told me that becoming a mom would be one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs at the same time. I don’t think anything can prepare you for your first time of becoming a parent no matter how hard you try, and I did everything imaginable to prepare! I took the baby basics class, I read every book imaginable, I visited with pediatrician offices, and I consulted every mother that I knew for advice. As a parent, you want what is best for your child, and nutrition was at the top of my list. After all, nutrition is one of the most important components for adequate growth and development of a baby. As a first time mom, I found myself concerned about a variety of factors when it came to feeding my new baby, such as: How would I know if I was feeding her enough? Was she getting enough nutrition? Should I breastfeed or formula feed? If I do formula feed, what formula is best? I felt so intimidated and I had so many questions. If you are a first time parent, or even if you are a parent already, I am sure you can relate. That is why I am writing this new blog series. I intend to address many of the issues that I just described. As an experienced health care professional with a background in pediatric nutrition, I hope to not only help answer your questions and concerns about feeding your baby, but also share my own personal experiences as a new mom. I hope that you will follow along with me on this journey and share with me your stories, struggles, and questions. More to come soon…
Archive for September, 2010
How a Registered Dietitian (and Mom) Feeds Her Baby
Saturday, September 25th, 2010Fun and Healthy Tailgate Party
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010Hut, Hut, Hike! That’s right, it is the end of summer and that means one thing: FOOTBALL. Ready or not football season is here. If you are a football fan, game time means food time. Before, during, and after the game we tailgate and attend social gatherings to cheer on our favorite team.
Typically, when tailgating, we are bombarded with pizza, wings, burgers, chili, and brownies. Oh yeah, maybe a cocktail or two (if you are over 21 of course). Weekend after weekend of tailgates and parties these game day favorites can really add up when it comes to calories and pounds. While your team is making a tackle against their opponent these food choices are tackling your waistline. According to eatingwell.com an average fan can take in an estimated 1,200 calories in one sitting.
You can enjoy these foods if you eat them in moderation. But with a 4 hour football game, talking with friends and being drawn in by the excitement we tend to overeat and not even think about it. That is, until we go home and head for the Tums!
From dips to potato salad to cupcakes and cookies, you can still enjoy football season with healthy options for your tailgate or party. You may even score some points of your own with your friends!
Tips to enjoy your favorites:
- Use smaller plates
- Make your plate and sit down to eat rather than grazing at the table
- Stick to one serving
- Wait at least 15 minutes before going for seconds-odds are you will not even be hungry
- Drink a bottle of water in between alcoholic beverages
Foods swap options:
- Turkey brat for a pork brat- 160 calories vs. 540 calories
- Chicken sandwich for burger- 281 calories vs. 500 calories
- Salsa for cheese dip- 15 calories vs. 40 calories
- Light beer for regular beer
- Fruit for brownies
If you take the time and plan ahead you can find healthy options for your tailgate. There are many websites like- cookinglight.com and eatingwell.com that have healthy football snacks and ways to make your wings a good option. So as the time counts down and your team brings home a victory you will be bringing home a few less calories and energy to maybe go play a game of football yourself!
