Marci’s Annual Book Round-Up for 2022
Typically, each January, I do a roundup of my favorite books from the previous year. Since I was out on leave this past January, I thought today was the PERFECT day to share my recap because here in the U.S., it’s National Book Day! Below are some of the books on the top of my [...]
Ready for an Eating Disorder Conference that is Very Different?
It’s spring here in the USA, which means conference season is in full force!! As someone who is borderline obsessed with ongoing learning and professional development, this is both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many compelling learning opportunities, yet we all have to operate within the limits of time and money. (I am still [...]
What Makes You Incredibly Happy?
Today, March 20th, is International Day of Happiness! It’s Marci! I’m kind of, sort of, back! As many of you know, I have been on maternity leave since October when my second son, Henri, was born. The last several months have been a pretty unbelievable whirlwind of emotions and sleep deprivation. Writing this feels like [...]
These new AAP guidelines will increase eating disorders in children
If you are in the eating disorder world, you have probably heard the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) newest guidelines for children who live in larger bodies. If you have not heard of these new guidelines, I’m going to summarize them here, as well as provide my stance on these recommendations. In the wise words [...]
Learn to Take Up Space for Yourself
Taking up space can feel impossible and can often be a reason why you might feel stuck in your life or in your recovery. Hi! It’s Christine, one of the dietitians with the Marci RD team, still covering for her while she’s on Mat leave with the family! For those of you who might not [...]
Self-Reflections and Lessons Learned from Life at College
For many, as the year comes to a close, it's often a time for self-reflection. For me, the end of the year is bittersweet, filled with emotions, gratitude, and hopes for the new year. ~ Anita Dharwadkar Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Folks often look back at the year and focus on what they didn’t do versus [...]
How to Practice Gratitude with your Body during the Holidays
The holidays are approaching and this can be a tough time for many different reasons. Before we jump in, I did want to say that if you cannot be with loved ones or if this time of year is filled with mixed emotions, my thoughts are with you. ~ Christine Laker Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with [...]
Clinicians, Conferences and Expanding Your Skills
I find that October is a month where I look forward to attending conferences and events like the TEDD-WIND Inclusivity Conference. I do this in order to expand and elevate my skills so that my clients and students in my programs can grow as well. This year is a little different as I am away [...]
FALL TRAINING SALE + New and Improved Body Image Training
Body Image Training 2.0 training program -- SALE! It is that time of year again where I like to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to receive more training and development and at a special sale price! Plus, I have some important information about the Body Image Training 2.0 training program I offer and [...]Reflections and Re-Learning While Prepping for Maternity Leave
Here are some reflections I wanted to offer you before I say goodbye for a bit as I head out on Maternity Leave. These are lessons I’ve been really grateful to learn the past couple of months and hope you gain some insight from what I’ve learned and even re-learned. 3 Things I’ve Been Re-Learning […]
Updates and News from the Marci RD Nutrition Team
As we head into Fall, our team of dietitians has lots of news to share. Can you believe that September is almost over? Admittedly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed because I am heading out on maternity leave for baby #2 on October 1st! I’m filled with a whole range of emotions – excitement, mixed with […]
Body Image Training & Coping tools + Groups to help you!
Last month I wrote about summer body image struggles and I can’t thank you enough for all of the positive feedback I received from both individuals and providers. The topic resonated for so many of you and it’s a topic we can’t seem to get off our brains over here at Marci RD. Since it’s a [...]
Summertime Body Image is HARD!!
I know I am writing to folks across the globe, but here in the US, temperatures are hitting record highs, which seems to correlate with record high grumpy body image. With hotter temperatures and less clothing, it’s natural to feel more vulnerable and exposed. Often, summer brings more socialization and opportunities for body comparisons. Additionally, [...]
Happy Pride and Resources on Intersections of Eating Disorders, Sexuality, and Gender to Share
I LOVE pride month. While the month’s origins are rooted in a very painful history of violence and oppression, it also reflects a movement towards celebration and freedom. Freedom to be one’s self without apology or shame. I understand we have a long way to go in creating a world where true equity and safety [...]
Having Equity in the Eating Disorders Field
I am thrilled to put all of my support behind the first upcoming BIPoC Eating Disorders Conference. In the video below, I share with you my perspective on why we as a field desperately need this conference and the action you can take to support it. IF you say you care about greater equity in [...]
Celebrating International No Diet Day!! [May 6, 2022]
I Have TWO Reasons to Celebrate today, which is International No Diet Day. It’s just never going to get old that a worldwide celebration of NOT DIETING also falls on my birthday. So, you better believe I have two very solid reasons to celebrate. But I also want to share, in case you didn’t know, [...]
When Eating Disorders and Chronic Illness Intersect
We are talking about Eating Disorders and Chronic Illness with our newest Dietitian at Marci RD Nutrition, Anita Dharwadkar. Did you know that chronic illness creates specific vulnerabilities to the development of mental health challenges and eating disorders? In my experience, this is an area that deserves a whole lot more attention. Have you ever [...]
Exciting Changes at Marci RD Nutrition: A New Dietitian
It’s National Registered Dietitian Day and it’s the perfect opportunity to share some very exciting news about the dietitians in my practice! First, I am thrilled to announce that Anita Dharwadkar has just joined the team full-time. Anita is passionate about working in the field of eating disorders, with particular interests in working with kids, […]
Urgent Action: Standard of Care in the Field of Nutrition and Dietetics
Have you ever wanted to make a difference with just a few minutes of your time? Here’s your chance!! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recently released a draft proposal of some really harmful recommendations through their Evidence Analysis Library. You can read the proposed guidelines for yourself here. To put it bluntly, they are advocating [...]
Eating Disorders Awareness: Increasing Awareness In and Out of the Field
What’s that saying? “Clean up your own backyard” before pointing your finger at somebody else’s. Something like that? It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week and I can’t stop thinking about that quote. Stay with me on this one. It’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week and: Eating disorders remain the most lethal of mental illnesses, second to death [...]
My Fave Books of 2021 by Marci Evans
It’s January and well, I won’t say Happy New Year, because most people I talk to right now aren’t jumping with joy right now. Things are a bit rough my friends, so it really seems like no better time than to escape into the land of books. For the third year in a row, my [...]
Remember and Repeat after me – I AM Enough
December is a hectic month. Regardless of your religious affiliation, the holidays you celebrate, and how you are managing the pandemic right now - December is kind of hard. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve found myself dropping balls left and right - sending my son to school without his water bottle, forgetting to [...]
Boundaries & Gratitude are Like PB&J
Here in the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday reminds many of us to reconnect to our gratitude. Yet, this creates a very interesting tension for individuals with eating disorders because of the central role that food plays in our gatherings and celebrations. “I’m supposed to feel gratitude while managing all of this food stress?!” For [...]
3 Myths about Eating Disorders Treatment
While there are a lot of problematic myths out there, here are three Myths about Eating Disorders Treatment that I’ve been reflecting on quite a bit. As I have been doing all the legwork on the newest version of my online training “Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders” I have been thinking a lot about common […]
To the Beleaguered – 5 Suggestions to Help you Get Through Today
We have never been more ready to say goodbye to such a beast of a year (almost two). If you are reading this, it is likely because you struggle with and care deeply about your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Or because you are a clinician who cares about the mental, emotional, and physical well-being […]
Family Meals – Friend or Foe?
I recently learned that September is National Family Meals Month. I don’t know about you but when I think about family meals, I have two different reactions - a personal reaction and a professional one. Let’s start with the latter. Professional me is stoked! I know the research behind the incredible benefits of family meals: Better academic [...]
What Does Equality Have to Do With Your Body?
Today is Women’s Equality Day here in the United States. This is a day which commemorates “the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits...denying the right to vote...on the basis of sex.1” I am so grateful that so many people have fought tirelessly and continue to fight for the [...]
What does body image healing mean?
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog posts. It always surprises and delights me to get your feedback and appreciation. I always write from the heart and hope that at least one sentence will feel meaningful for at least one person...well let’s be honest, my bar is a bit higher than [...]
What’s Food Insecurity Got to do with Pride Month?
It’s hard to believe that here in Boston, the summer is upon us! This past week we’ve had scorching temperatures, coupled with lots of very quick changes to our covid guidelines. It sure feels like a lot of changes all at once. If you’re like me or any of my clients, you might find yourself [...]
I Have Two Reasons to Celebrate!
I wanted to share a special message with you on International No Diet Day. And you'll learn why I find this day extra special. ;) I hope you'll join me in celebrating! Sneak Peek! I wanted to share this other special information with you too! “The Gut Brain Connection: Cutting Edge Research & Future Directions [...]
COVID Weight Gain & What It Really Means
I’d venture a guess that I am not alone in feeling awfully tired of the fear mongering headlines related to COVID weight gain. And I’m also not alone in saying that, given what this past year has cost us, some extra weight really shouldn’t be the biggest worry on our minds. But as more people [...]
My Favorite Books of 2020…and Books for 2021
Last year I kicked off 2020 with a review of my favorite books from 2019. And I have been waiting in excitement to continue the tradition as we usher in 2021. For me, books are for learning, for escape, for adventure, and for FUN! And I can say that I needed all of those things […]
How Will We Get More People Doing Eating Disorders Work?
National Eating Disorders Week is upon us and I thought I’d share a little about why I love the work I do and why I am so passionate about expanding the field to more professionals. You can check out my video by clicking below or scroll down for the cliffs notes version. As [...]
A Little Dose of Gratitude
Holy smokes, it is November. How have we made it to the end of 2020? To be honest, I’m not quite sure. But I do know that this year has been hard. And I also know that my brain (well, all human brains) tends to dwell more on what’s not going well rather than what […]
Ch Ch Ch Changes…
I have been singing the illustrious David Bowie song, “Changes,” while simmering over this month’s newsletter. Fall has always signaled a time for transition and change for me. Something about the start of a new school year, even though I’m no longer in school, lives in my bones. I get re-energized to refocus and reprioritize […]
Digestive Disorders and Eating Disorders: A Complicated Mix
Several years into my work as a nutrition therapist I found myself really grappling with a clinical dilemma. Many of my clients were not only suffering from an eating disorder but they were also suffering from pretty severe digestive issues. And these digestive issues were not only complicating their recovery but they were seriously impacting […]
When Cooking is the LAST Thing You Want to Do
Is it just me or do any of you dread dealing with food day in and day out these days? It seems that many of us feel an apathy towards food that is reflective of the constant drain of managing the complexities and uncertainties that is covid life. I personally never felt a surge of […]
Special Eating Disorders Training Package for New Grads and RDNs
One of the most common questions I get from students and new dietitians is this, “Marci, how did you get into the field of eating disorders?” The honest answer is that I received zero training in school, a tiny bit of exposure in my internship, then threw myself into self-study at the very beginning of […]
Why Racism Matters to My Work
Over the past week, I have been filled with a flood of thoughts and emotions related to the death of George Floyd and the resulting groundswell of anti-racist protests. While issues of race in America might not seem directly related to my work as an eating disorder specialist, I wanted to share with you why […]
My Musings on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Come as You Are. Think on that phrase for just a moment. Come. As. You. Are. What if we felt able to show up in all facets of our life exactly as we are? Not as we pretend to be. Not as we believe others want us to be. Not as external expectations demand we […]
Boston Speaking Events
I wanted to let you know about a couple of exciting talks I’m giving in the Boston area in April. I have the privilege of teaching about two of my passion topics – body image counseling for dietitians and counseling techniques for dietitians! Woohoo!!! I hope that you may be able to join me. Here […]
My Favorite Books of 2019…and A Long List for 2020!
A year and a half ago, I wrote about my love affair with reading and shared with you the books I had recently read and loved, as well as books on the docket. As the new year takes off, you better believe that prioritizing my (very long) reading list has been high on the agenda. So […]
Welcoming a New RD to the Team!
I opened the doors to my private practice exactly 11 years ago this month. It seems impossible that so much time has passed! And in those 11 years, I have welcomed 5 dietitians to my team. All of them compassionate, smart, hardworking, and fun! I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by women I […]
Feeling disconnected from your body?
Do you feel disconnected from your body? Wanting to reintroduce movement back into your life in a gentle and mindful way? Feeling in need of support, guidance, and compassion as you re-engage with your body? Yoga can be the answer! Sarah Patten is one of our clinicians on the Marci RD Nutrition team. She is […]
I Survived Being Audited & Lived to Tell the Tale
At the end of August I was enjoying my summer vacation in Maine. While strolling along and soaking up the gorgeous end of summer weather I made the terrible mistake of checking my inbox. To my surprise, I received an email informing me that I was being audited by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR). […]
Forget WW! How to Protect Your Children from Food & Body Shame
The top question I receive from family, friends, and people on social media is, “How do I raise my child to have a healthy relationship with food and body?”. For many people, they reach out to me because they have struggled, often since childhood, with disordered eating, chronic dieting, and body hatred and desperately do […]
Some Personal Maternity Leave Musings from Marci
I am a planner. Always have been. So when I suddenly became very sick during my pregnancy and delivered my son nearly two months early, some of my well thought-out plans had to be tossed out the window. I had plans for how I would use those last two months, preparing both myself and my […]
An update from Marci
I’m happy to be sending you a quick hello from my maternity leave. I’ve been reflecting on some of the principles I’ve taught my clients over the years and how they have been immensely helpful to me as I’ve transitioned into this new and very busy role as a parent. And what I love about […]
Self-Compassion and Embodiment While Recovering from Disordered Eating
This is a guest article by my colleague, Sarah Patten, one of the Registered Dietitians with the Marci RD Nutrition team. The cold days of February are upon us and the winter doldrums have settled in for many. On the days when I’m most longing for warm weather and sunshine, I try to remain grateful […]
Free Resources and Goodies for the Holiday Season
For many of us, the months between October and December are filled with a flurry of celebrations with the holiday season. This can be a time filled with joy and excitement but also a tremendous amount of overwhelm and financial stress. As this week marks the celebration of Thanksgiving here in the United States, I […]
It IS Possible to Feel Less Crappy About Your Body Image
Negative body image plagues most women and many men. It’s a truth that makes me sad but an issue I care deeply about because negative body image threatens our capacity to follow our passions, feel connected to and accepted by others, and experience joy. Negative body image is not a matter of vanity because it […]
Summer Reading Fun!
I have been a voracious (compulsive?) reader since I was little. Winning my 6th grade class reading competition ranks high on the list of my life accomplishments. Barely edging out Aaron Brooks (he was a very reasonable 2nd placeman, despite my gloating) made my little heart soar. And I can still remember pouring over the […]
Calories In = Calories Out is BS
I posted an image on social media a few weeks ago stating “Calories In = Calories Out is Bullsh*t” and it was met with a massive response. I had a sense it’d strike a chord and it sure did. One of the dominant themes I heard from students and professionals was, “It is BS, BUT […]
The Final LIVE Body Image Workshop is being held in London, England!
I am so excited to be finalizing plans for the very last, live and in person Body Image Workshop, being held in London, England this September. Fiona Sutherland and I wanted to let you know that we still have some spaces for our final Body Image Workshop being held on September 1st and 2nd in […]
Making Your House a Home: A Body Image Healing Workshop
Do you struggle with your relationship with their body? Do you struggle with your confidence around body image? Would you like to heal your negative body image and move towards a place of body peace? Body image dissatisfaction and distortion are key issues for many people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or background. […]
Improving Digestion Without Obsession
Crystal Longo Savoy wrote this post on digestion while interning with me. You can follow her on Instagram. Marci has written about the intersection of digestive disorders and eating disorders previously in this blog post. Because they are so closely intertwined and prevalent in the Eating Disorder (ED) population, we wanted to give you some simple […]
The Body Image Tour: Lessons Learned
Traveling across the United States, training clinicians on body image work with my Aussie side-kick, Fiona Sutherland, was not something I ever envisioned for myself. In fact, just about everything I’ve done in my career thus far fits under the category of “things I never envisioned.” But the process of developing and giving this training […]
One Man’s Journey to Love His Body
In the spirit of body image healing, my dear friend, Alex Amorosi, has graciously accepted my invitation to share his story. Alex is a masterful yoga instructor, trainer, and healer. And I have no doubt that his personal journey of body image healing will inspire your own. Thank you Alex. I’m not quite sure how […]
Let’s Get Real
Monday marked the start of the annual Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) and I thought long and hard about what I could say that might feel meaningful to each of you. Many of you know an awful lot about eating disorders because you treat them or have suffered from one. An eating disorder has touched you in some […]
What a Fat Person Needs – A Life Lesson
You guys have seen me write A LOT about the problems of weight stigma. I even developed a free short guide for practitioners on how to provide non-stigmatizing care. But I understand that terms are often thrown around and their true meaning can seem vague or unclear. You may have even asked yourself, “What does […]
But I Hate My Body…Cracking the Code on Body Acceptance
Are you considering the notion of body acceptance. Or perhaps someone in your life is urging you to consider body acceptance. Maybe you have heard the word body acceptance and thought to yourself, “Why in the world would I accept THIS body?” Body acceptance is a super challenging idea for nearly everyone. We have been […]
Dismantling Stigma One Word at a Time
The words we use matter A LOT! They carry far more meaning than their simple definition might imply. I find that, as I work with both clients and clinicians on dismantling internalized weight stigma, many feel overwhelmed and intimated by the linguistics of it all. Learning to speak and process in a non-stigmatizing way is […]
Sugar Addiction: A Summary Of The Science
With Valentine’s Day around the corner and New Year’s Resolutions just behind us, I figured it was as good a time as any to talk about the concept of food addiction or more specifically, sugar addiction. I have been interested in the science of food addiction for about 6 years now. My interest stems from […]
My One Word For 2018: Balance
During my teen and college years, I was a bit obsessed with resolution setting. Every January, I would set aside time to create a list of resolutions organized by category, sub-category, and sometimes even due dates… Flash forward many years and I no longer make resolutions. I’m curious – do you make resolutions at the […]
The Most Important Thing My Clients Taught Me This Year
Day after day, hour after hour, I listen to the intimate details of my clients’ lives. I love this part of my job and I am consistently struck by two truths: Being a human is HARD. If you had my job, you’d be less harsh with yourself. You would be able to see your struggles […]
5 Tips to Help You Enjoy the Ultimate Food Holiday
If you have a love-hate relationship with Thanksgiving, you are so not alone. Many of my clients say they love it because it’s a chance to relax, eat yummy food, connect with family and friends, and reconnect with gratitude. And yet, it’s all of the relaxing, eating, and socializing that also stresses them out!! You […]
Wonder Woman & Her 30 Seconds of Bravery
I’m not a particularly brave person. I don’t say that in a self-deprecating way. I say it in a neutral way – like stating my preference for English muffins covered in PB&J for breakfast. But at a recent annual nutrition conference (which drew over 10,000 registered dietitians), my bravery was put to the test. I’d […]
Permission to Not Be Perfect
One of my favorite podcasters, Colleen Shannon of Being Boss, once said something to the effect of, “I’m not going to do my best, because my best might kill me.” Hearing her words was one of those beautiful aha moments where I literally said out loud “YES! YESS!!” So often, my striving for “my personal best” […]
A Special Eating Support Program Starting In October
We’re so excited to announce that, Sarah Patten, an Eating Disorder and Intuitive Eating expert, will be starting a 5-week Intuitive Eating Group Program on Tuesday, October 3rd. Do you want to improve your Relationship with Food? Are you looking for Guidance on how to honor your Nutritional Needs? Are you struggling with Recovery […]
It Takes a Village…or a Team
My expertise is in treating individuals with eating disorders. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I never do this work alone. I am always working in tandem as part of a team. I believe it’s the only effective and ethical way to support an individual to full recovery. And just like my clients who need a […]
To the Bone: A Blog to the Lovers and the Haters…and Everyone in Between
Back in the mid-1980’s I stumbled upon a Hallmark or Lifetime movie about bulimia. The show demonstrated in detail, a lot of which I can still remember, how the young, pretty, skinny white actress engaged in her symptoms. I remember staring at the screen, mesmerized. The show didn’t make me want to copy the girl’s […]
Build Enduring Strategies with the Intuitive Eating Group Program
We’re so excited to announce our new Intuitive Eating Group Program Do You Want to Improve Your Relationship with Food? Looking for Guidance on How to Honor Your Nutritional Needs? Struggling with Recovery From an Eating Disorder? Marci RD Nutrition has a 5-week Intuitive Eating Group Program that will Transform You and Your Life! We […]
Your Values – Your Key to Contentment
I’m a registered dietitian by training but so many of my clients tell me “You’re more than my nutritionist Marci, you’re like my life coach!” I take that feedback seriously!! My clients trust me to join with them on their life journeys and that is a privilege. There are a couple of reasons my clients […]
Motherless on Mother’s Day
For some, Mother’s Day is a joyful time. For other’s, it can be quite painful. For those of you who fall into the latter category, this blog post is for you. With honesty and bravery, one of my client’s shares her story as well as 6 tips for getting through the weekend. I know […]
Dietitians: Are you Ready for the EDRDpro Symposium?
Yes, the EDRDpro Symposium is the only international, web-based eating disorder conference for nutritionists, therapists, and students. Have you ever had the chance to participate in something that makes you giddy with excitement?? That’s exactly how I feel about the upcoming #EDRDpro Symposium – a 4 day online symposium with 15 eating disorder experts. How […]
Defining Self-Acceptance… Or At Least My Definition
My client, whom we’ll call Sally, was telling me how she’s been reading up on all sorts of positive body image blogs. You know, blogs that encourage you to love yourself and accept yourself as you are right now. And that was just all too far from reality for her to be able to swallow. […]
Practice Taking a Pause
By Sarah Patten, RD LDN One of my favorite routines after getting out of bed in the morning involves making a steaming hot cup of coffee and taking a moment before taking my first sip to pause, gaze out my kitchen window, and set an intention for my day ahead. This ritual started a couple […]
BED and The Well-Trained Clinician: Are You Helping Without Harming?
The Need for Well-Trained Clinicians This blog post was originally posted on the Binge Eating Disorder Awareness Blog. I’ve reposted it here to spread the word! Binge eating disorder (BED) may seem new since it was just added to the official list of mental health diagnoses. But the truth is that using food to manage […]
5 Week Mindful Eating Meal Support Series
Is working on your relationship with food a part of your goals for 2017? Marci RD Nutrition is offering a 5-week meal support series with eating disorder and Intuitive Eating expert Sarah Patten. Details below! Who should consider participating? Anyone actively working on their eating disorder recovery as well as those focused on improving […]
Healing the Hate: A Better Body Image in the New Year
I originally wrote this video blog for Recovery Warriors which is a phenomenal community and resource for anyone looking for additional support in their eating disorder recovery. But you don’t have to have an eating disorder to have crappy body image. So if you’d like to feel better about your body, this one’s for you. […]
Resolutions: Making change a reality
I’m in the business of helping people make positive change in their lives. And I know how hard change can be. So it wasn’t surprising to hear my friend say “I refuse to make resolutions. Every year I make them and forget all about my good intentions until December.” Sound familiar? Making resolutions is a popular topic, […]
Healthy Selfishness
Photo Credit: I discovered this photo from my friend and colleague Leslie Schilling’s facebook post. Check out her blog– you’ll love her sensible and sassy nutrition expertise. This time of year is all about giving. So I thought I’d be a little subversive and talk about taking. This post is all about healthy selfishness. What is healthy selfishness you […]
Holiday Bill of Rights
There seems to be a pretty consistent theme that I’m discussing with all of my clients…the holidays. There are so many wonderful things about the holiday season. But let’s be honest, it’s also a stressful time of year. And if you’re struggling with food and feelings about your weight, it can all feel a bit […]
Tips for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a wonderful yet stressful holiday for a lot of people. The entire day is centered around food. And if food is a source of stress and anxiety for you, that’s a lot of pressure! I won’t be providing you with a list of food do’s and don’ts at your Thanksgiving meal. So if […]
Self-Care or Self-Destruction Post-Election 2016
Regardless of whether you supported Donald Trump or not, this election has likely deeply affected you. In this video blog I share my thoughts about picking up the self-care pieces post-election 2016. Self-care is at the center of your ability to be present and effective as the kind of change agent YOU want to be. […]
#TBT: Serving Size vs Portion Size
The Concept of “Throwback Thursday” (TBT) is all over social media these days. This past week I have been talking quite a bit with clients about a topic I actually blogged about over two years ago. So here’s to throwing back to an old but still pertinent topic- the different between a serving size vs. […]
Calories, Calories
How often have you heard someone say “Oh, that’s only 250 calories, it’s not so bad.” I’ve heard it A LOT and it really gets on my nerves. What if a calorie total wasn’t good or bad? What if we could strip all the morality out of how many calories we consume? Unfortunately, calorie talk […]
Body Positive & Weight Loss
Body Positive. It seems to be a term that’s getting a little more press these days. As a self-described “body positive dietitian” you’d think I’d be thrilled! Truthfully, I’m conflicted. I’m conflicted because “body positive” began as a term used to promote body inclusivity, meaning all bodies (fat, thin, short, tall, able-bodied or not) deserve […]
Dare to be Different
Trying to lose weight (or at least talking about trying to lose weight) is a popular thing to do. It’s culturally acceptable and even socially obligatory to be dissatisfied with the size and shape or your body. One client recently said to me “I feel like a freak because I’m the only grad student NOT […]
How to Help Someone with an Eating Disorder
Chances are you know someone with an eating disorder. And chances are you don’t know how to help them. This article on helping someone with an eating disorder is a great resource. Here are the take-home points: Communicate your concerns. Share your memories of specific times when you felt concerned about the person’s eating or exercise behaviors. Explain […]
The Role of the RD: Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment
Eating disorders are psychological issues, so you may be wondering why having a dietitian as part of a treatment team is even necessary. In fact, if food is an issue for you, the idea may seem downright frightening! Here are a few ways a dietitian can be immensely helpful in treating eating disorders: • Reduce […]
The Weight of Weight Stigma
The following post was written by Elizabeth Jarrard, RD. Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me. Right? Words like “fat” “obese” get tossed around a lot in our society. Unfortunately they are often also associated with words like “gross” or “lazy.” These words do hurt. The stigma of weight […]
Falling in Like with Exercise
In the space of 7 days I had 3 clients tell me that they recently discovered that they truly loved getting physically active. Yes, I mean exercise (a dreaded word for some of you, I know, bear with me). And I had to blog about this because all 3 stated that they started loving exercise […]
Eating with Emotion
Originally published October 2013. I don’t often use a lot of self-disclosure on my blog. In fact, the last time I shared something personal was July 2011 when I talked about my body image. But after finishing my dinner tonight I had a little conversation with myself that I wanted to share. I love chocolate…like, […]
Grief and Self-Care in Eating Disorder Recovery
There often seems to be common themes that appear in my nutrition counseling work. And it always amazes me how many clients seem to be working through similar struggles at any given moment. Over the past two months there has been an unusual amount of grief that my clients have been working through. All of […]
Amy’s Journey- A Guest Blog Post About Recovery
Many of you will identify with some of what Amy has to share about her journey to making peace with food and her body. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it. I know I did! I’m a pretty impatient person. I don’t really understand people who enjoy the journey… I just want to get to the […]
Eating with Satisfaction
Satisfaction: Fulfillment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this. Synonyms: gratification – contentment – content– pleasure Eating food that is truly satisfying is one of the MOST important aspects of feeding yourself. Now those words may be considered heresy in a day and age that promotes rigid, controlled eating. In […]
My Bliss List
A couple of days ago I was listening to a great episode from one of my favorite podcasts called RadioLab. In this particular episode the researchers were talking about “bliss” and they invited a variety of scientists to finish the sentence “bliss is…” And so I thought it would be fun for each of us […]
How Do I Know if I’m Hungry?
How do you know you’re hungry? I know it sounds like an odd question but I’m always amazed at the answers I get to this seemingly simple question. Think about it a moment. Imagine I just asked you “how do you know you’re hungry?” What would you say? I talk about hunger a fair amount. […]
Independence from Our Toxic Food Culture
In this video blog I talk about how identifying and living from your own food values gives you sanity in an often insane food culture. In the spirit of Independence Day- I invite you to celebrate the fact that you are autonomous and can declare what does and does not work for you and your […]
NEW Online Eating Disorder Training for Dietitians and Dietetic Students
10% off until August 1st! <br /> I am incredibly excited to announce the launch of my Eating Disorders Online Training today! Whether you’ve been practicing for 20 years, or you’re a dietetic student or intern, the chances are high that you’ve received zero training on how to counsel people with eating disorders. Given […]
Spring Peanut Pad Thai
I LOVE Thai food. It’s perhaps my favorite cuisine and almost always sounds delicious. While thumbing through my Food and Nutrition Magazine I came across a Spring-inspired homemade version of Pad Thai. As my readers know, I don’t like to spend loads of time in the kitchen. But this recipe sounded easy enough plus it […]
Help! I Am Addicted to Food
I have blogged about food addiction before. But I recently had the opportunity to serve as a guest on my colleague and friend Julie Duffy Dillon’s Love, Food Podcast. (If you haven’t already subscribed, I totally encourage you to do so!) In this episode, Julie and I tease through a letter written by a woman […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2016 & Sarah Patten
Sarah Patten is a passionate eating disorder specialist who works with me in my practice. She is going to close out National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2016 by sharing with each of you “The One Thing She Wishes People Knew About Eating Disorders.” Take it away Sarah! Picture Source Typically, when a person finds […]
#5- Recovery is Possible
A client in recovery wishes you knew: I never really believed in the concept of recovery. And while I’m not fully recovered, I’m so much further along than I ever dreamed possible. And while it’s been tough, my life is so much better without the clutches of my ED. I’m starting to believe that full […]
#4- Societal & Cultural Norms Fuel the Fire
A client in recovery wishes you knew: There are so many things that I wish people knew about EDs – and primarily because people don’t talk about them as much as they should given their prevalence and our society’s warped perspective on women’s bodies. No one who has an eating disorder wants it; they affect […]
#3- The Judgments Really Hurt
A client in recovery wishes you knew: 1. I’m not lazy (even though I’m fat) 2. Your judgement hurts- a lot. (I’m probably more judgmental of myself than you are of me anyway, I constantly have to content with “negative voices”.) 3. You can help by valuing me as a person for my ideas and […]
#2- Eating Disorders Come In All Shapes and Sizes
A client in recovery wishes you knew: Bodies really do come in all shapes and sizes, and we don’t teach kids that it’s OK to follow your own genetic blueprint. For me, eating disorder recovery means accepting that plus-sized is my body’s healthy setting. Another client in recovery wishes you knew: Eating disorders come in […]
#1- You Can’t Always See The Pain
A client in recovery wishes you knew: I wish that people knew that even though you are eating and smiling again and look better on the outside, you can still be suffering on the inside. Rebecca Scritchfield wishes you knew: You can’t always see the suffering. Most people assume that “harmless” occasional body bashing, or […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2016
A couple of months ago I began contemplating what I wanted to share for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) 2016. Each year for the past several years I have honored this important week with a variety of posts on insurance coverage, personal recovery stories, Twitter Chats, fact and statistics, and much more. And this […]
Product Showcase: Building Your Anti-Dieting Community
Image Source In this Product Showcase I provide you with four resources to build your anti-diet community. And if you are trying to get off the dieting train, you know it takes fortitutde and a lot of positive reinforcement in this toxic and obsessed culture we live in. I review the book “The Gluten Lie” […]
It’s Winter & Soup’s On!
Picture Source Soup is one of the best parts of winter. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and one pot meals are super easy. Plus the varieties are endless. And as I discovered last year, January is National Soup Month. So I had to share with you a couple of my tried and true favorite soups to […]
Cleanses and Detox Diets- Are they for me?
Many articles have been written about the virtues or vices of doing a detox or cleanse. I just did a quick Google search and was astounded to find nearly 20 million articles on the topic! Proponents of cleansing (however it’s defined) argue that is detoxifies your body, improves health, and can jump start metabolism and […]
Guest Post: A Lesson from “Inside Out”
I am an adjunct professor at Plymouth State University’s Eating Disorder Institute. I love this job. I train clinicians and graduate students how treat people with eating disorders. One of the assignments I give my students is to write a blog post that would be fitting for my blog audience. I have selected one blog […]
Marci’s Top 5 Tips for Detoxing in 2016
As we get ready to ring in the New Year, I wanted to share with you my top 5 tips for detoxing in 2016. I’m going to do this David Letterman style so starting backwards with: 5.) Detox your closet by ditching clothes you can only fit into when starving and overexercising […]
Rituals
It’s the holidays! While it’s a time of stress and overwhelm, for many of you it’s also a time of tradition. The holiday season is filled with traditions and rituals and I have been thinking about this quite a bit. A ritual is a ceremony or action performed in a customary way. My extended family […]
Rituals- Your Daily Habits That Help or Hinder
It’s the holidays! While it’s a time of stress and overwhelm, for many of you it’s also a time of tradition. The holiday season is filled with traditions and rituals and I have been thinking about this quite a bit. A ritual is a ceremony or action performed in a customary way. My extended family […]
Nigella Lawson, Clean Eating, & Eating Disorders
Recently, famed Chef Nigella Lawson appeared in an article where she stated that “Clean eating is a way to hide an eating disorder.” I posted this article on my Facebook feed and it generated A LOT of discussion. And it was amazing to me see the varied comments and strong emotion behind each of […]
Lazy Girls Week of Healthy Eating (a la Trader Joe’s)
In this vlog I give you a tour of my grocery cart for the week. I show you how to assemble super simple, super yummy, and super nutritious meals for the busy week ahead. Enjoy my lazy girls week of healthy eating and be sure to share with me your go-to weekly meals when you […]
My Favorite Fall Breakfast
Picture Source As the weather gets a bit cooler I get excited for warm foods (and let’s be honest cute scarves and boots). And most recently I’ve fallen in love with oatmeal. Wait- please keep reading! I know this sounds boring. An oatmeal love story. Hang with me… Historically I didn’t like oatmeal. As a […]
Fall Products I Love & Hate
In today’s vlog I give a roundup up 2 products I love and 1 product I hate. It’s my Fall special of showcases and no case that I think you’ll love. I’m talking my favorite cures for the common cold, simple and delicious frozen food, and taking yoga challenges to task. Tune in and then […]
Big Butts, Burgers, & Weight Stigma
Are you interested in hearing my take on weight stigma? Check out my video below! In honor of weight stigma awareness week I tackle some tough topics and share with you some important research. But in addition to this video, there are some absolutely amazing blog posts I’d encourage you to read. I have been blown […]
Snacking Smarts
Check out my latest video blog for tips on smart snacking. I’d love to hear your thoughts after you listen. What is your favorite go to snack?
Product Showcase: Fairlife
I recently learned about Fairlife milk, a new product from the Coca-Cola company. This milk is different from all other milk for a couple of different reasons. Through a filtering process, lactose, the often tummy bloating and diarrhea causing sugar in milk, is removed. Additionally the milk gets separated into five parts — water, vitamins and […]
Solutions for Summer Social Eating
Does that summer potluck have you excited but stressed about overeating? You are not alone! And with a little thought and a little prep, you can successfully manage your summer social eating situations. In this video blog I help you think through your biggest pitfalls to eating without overdoing it and walk you through how to […]
Food Values Save You From Our Crazy Food Culture
In this video blog I talk about how identifying and living from your own food values gives you sanity in an often insane food culture. In the spirit of Independence Day- I invite you to celebrate the fact that you are autonomous and can declare what does and does not work for you and your […]
TBM: My Own Body Image Journey
Is Thowback Monday a thing? I’m making it a thing with a republishing of this blog post I originally wrote in the summer of 2011. I think you’ll enjoy it. A client asked me a question recently. It was a semi-personal question and I felt that it was something worthy of sharing here. To be […]
Want to Know What’s Amazing About the Human Brain?
Enjoy this guest post by Sarah Patten, who also happens to be very fascinated by the brain. Her words will inspire you to nourish that most vital (and as it turns out hungry) organ! Riding a bike has brought me joy for as long as I can remember (after mastering the whole “no training wheels […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
If you struggle with mental health concerns, you’re in really good company. Justin Timberlake has OCD and ADD and yours truly is a highly anxious lady. I mean, between me and JT, you should feel kind of GOOD about being in this camp. 🙂 All joking aside, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And I […]
Toddlers and Picky Eating
This blog post has been in the works for quite some time but perhaps it’s apropos to publish it on Mother’s Day. For all the mothers reading this post- keep up the awesome work! Several weeks ago I received a request to write a post about feeding toddlers. It’s a fantastic topic! Many parents are […]
Brain, Mood, Exercise, and BDNF
Ever wonder why laughter, medication, and exercise have the power to improve your mood? This video explains why that is and it all has to do with Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). I learned about BDNF for a 2nd time while attending The Academy of Eating Disorders annual conference last week. And I decided to […]
The Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act
Hey Readers, It’s not often that I talk politics on this blog. But after hearing Lizabeth speak at the MEDA conference a couple of weeks ago, I realized that I needed to have her write about this very important issue. Please, please take the time to read this. And if you have experience with this […]
21 Day Fix from a Passover Perspective
Rachel shared her blog post with me and I wanted to share it with EVERYONE as quickly as possible. She addresses a universally important topic- how we as women speak about our bodies and the damaging domino effect- that is relevant whether you celebrate Passover or not. Read it, re-read it, and share it. The […]
TBT: Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salad
I originally posted this recipe last summer so I’m calling this Throwback Tuesday. This is one of my favorite and easiest recipes. It’s Spring (although admittedly feels like late Fall here in Boston) and this salmon dish is perfect for grilling! But if you aren’t ready to fire up the grill quite yet, it’s a […]
Forgiveness with Alex Amarosi
I am so happy to welcome Alex Amarosi back as a guest blogger. He has shared his words of wisdom on the blog before. As a friend and colleague, I highly recommend you visit his blog to read his thoughts on all things yoga, self-care, and mindfulness. Alex Amorosi-ERYT is a Registered Yoga Teacher offering […]
Lent: Supporting or Derailing Your Health?
This post is written by Sarah Patten, a registered dietitian nutritionist with Marci RD. I hesitate to type these words for fear of jinxing what I’m about to say, but after being pummeled with blizzards for the past few months and experiencing the official snowiest winter in Boston’s history, it seems as though the worst […]
The Mindful Eating World Summit
I was honored to participate in The Mindful Eating World Summit. It felt like a great way to share, with a larger audience, my thought and experiences as a nutrition therapist. My interview airs on Wednesday, March 25th so please follow this link to catch all of the details. Mindfulness is a catchy word used […]
Intuitive Eating, Obesity, Weight, and Dieting
It’s National Nutrition Month and in celebration, I wanted to share some important research about Intuitive Eating, Obesity, Weight, and Dieting. Intuitive Eating shaped my life and my career so it only felt appropriate to bring it to light during National Nutrition Month. Enjoy the vlog! And below I have included the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 […]
National Nutrition Month: Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle
March is National Nutrition Month and I love the theme that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chose “Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle.” There’s just something about that verb “bite” that feels very active, intentional, and strong. It somehow says to me “go for it and don’t hold back!” So that’s what I’d like to […]
EDAW 2015: Say Hello to Goodbye
I can think of no more perfect piece of writing to close this year’s EDAW. It is a letter, written by a client of mine, to her eating disorder. Here she expresses her gratitude and bids adieu to the eating disorder that has maintained a strangle hold on her life for four decades. Let these […]
EDAW 2015 with Amber Barke
I hope you have enjoyed the line-up of blog posts so far. I am happy to introduce to you my colleague and friend Amber Barke. Amber, LICSW is an psychotherapist, yoga instructor, and mindfulness coach in Cambridge, MA. She favors an integrative mind-body approach in her work with individuals, groups, and in training settings. You can […]
EDAW 2015 with Sarah Patten
It’s no secret that I love my job. I mention it a fair bit on this blog. And one of the many things I love about my job is the colleagues I collaborate with on a regular basis. And I am truly one lucky lady to call Sarah Patten my friend and colleague. I teach […]
EDAW 2015: I Had No Idea
I am so pleased to share with you another phenomenal post written by Rachel. She speaks to the Eating Disorder Awareness Week theme “I Had No Idea.” In this entry she shares both the hard and hopeful realities of eating disorder recovery with incredible insight and resilience. I know you’ll enjoy it. Rachel is an elementary […]
EDAW 2015 with Adrienne Kerrigan
This post was written by Adrienne Kerrigan. She is a Boston-based eating disorder expert and recovery coach. You can learn more about her here! In this post she shares with us why she loves working in the field of eating disorders as well as how her clients inspire her. Take it away Adrienne! As we […]
EDAW 2015: The Invisible Eating Disorder
I’m very grateful to a client of mine who agreed to write this post for Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Since this week is all about generating greater understanding and myth busting, I felt that my client’s perspective and story was incredibly important to share. It’s important because what she has to say is profound and […]
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2015
This week we honor and acknowledge eating disorders awareness week. In this vlog I introduce the theme for 2015 as well as the group of guest bloggers who make an appearance on the blog this week. It is an inspiring mix of clients and clinicians so I hope you’ll come back each day to read […]
Calorie Banking & Vyvanse
In this Vlog I talk about why you can’t get something for nothing, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food, nutrition, and health. I’ll be discussing two issues, calorie banking & the new FDA approved drug Vyvanse. Both of these have the potential to make big promises without properly identifying the costs. I hope you enjoy […]
A Love Letter to Me
Happy Valentine’s Day! I love having any excuse for celebrating. And Valentine’s Day, which may be a reminder to some of you of your single status, is really all about love. And the MOST important love you can have is love for yourself. While it may sound cheezy, why not honor today by writing yourself […]
Breakfast Cookies? YES PLEASE!
I love cookies. They might be my favorite dessert. It’s actually a toss up between cookies, cake, and brownies which makes up like 75% of dessert options. I digress…I also like a very simple breakfast because as much as I would like to make more time for breakfast, I don’t. So when I started […]
Fat Fashion Part 3 & Marci’s Musings
Picture Source I’m excited to share with you the final post in my series on larger lady fashion. While the first to posts were quite practical, this one provides you with some excellent points to ponder as well as some handy tips. Her writing is in response to the New York Times Article Plus-Sized Fashion […]
Fat Fashion: Part 2
Wowee- I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback about this fat fashion series. Thanks everyone! But most of all, big thank you to the wisdom of the women who shared their thoughts and experiences. So without further ado, here is more fashion advice for larger ladies. Enjoy! And if you missed the first post, […]
Fat Fashion: A 3-Part Blog Series
***Disclaimer: This post is not just for fat women. This post is for everyone because we all need to learn to check our weight bias at the door and evaluate our own internalized stigma about size. I hope this 3-part blog series will increase your capacity for compassion around weight. A couple of months ago […]
Guest Post: The Little Book of Confidence
Here is another fantastic post by Christina Ypsilantis, Simmons Dietetic Intern. Do you ever have times when you need a little boost to your day? Sometimes a cup of coffee may help, some yoga, or even a brisk walk to clear your head. While those can all be effective ways to get rid of the […]
Vlog: Mary’s Gone Crackers
I just realized that it’s been nearly a year since my last product showcase post. That is such a shame! And I hope to make it up to you with my very first vlog. Let me know what you think!
Eating Disorder Recovery Support & Transition Services
One of the most difficult parts of eating disorder recovery is transitioning from lots of support to less. I work outpatient and often feel like a once a week session for my clients just isn’t enough! And this is why I think Adrienne’s business model and services are pretty brilliant. She’s incredibly experienced in working […]
Let It Go
No, I am not writing about the Frozen song that has undoubtedly gotten stuck in each of your heads in 2014. I’m writing about the things that each of us may need to let go of from 2014 to make space for the things we want to welcome into our lives in 2015. Recently, a […]
Annual Resolutions: Helpful or Harmful?
I hope you’ll enjoy this post on New Year’s Resolutions written by dietetic intern Christina Ypsilantis. We’d love to hear your thoughts! ‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. I don’t know about you, but I think that making New Year’s resolutions can be fairly overwhelming. The idea of having to make a pledge for […]
My Christmas Wish
I saw this quote on Pinterest and knew I wanted to share it with each of you. The holiday season is an emotional time for all of us. And for many of you reading this blog, many of those emotions are extremely challenging. So my Christmas wish would be that each of you feel just […]
Guest Blog: 4 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays in Recovery
Image by Kirsten Skiles By Emma Balek Many people look forward to the holiday season, but for people struggling with eating disorders or going through recovery, this season can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. Here are some tips for not letting your eating disorder get in the way of enjoying the holidays. 1. […]
Can Comfort Eating Equal Healthy Eating?
This blog post was published yesterday on the The Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics Stone Soup blog for National Comfort Food Day. Who know that was a thing?? I was pretty thrilled about it and thought it was only right to re-publish it here for any of you who didn’t missed it. Sure feels like […]
A Thankful Heart
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not only do I love a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but I love that we have a holiday tradition oriented around cultivating gratitude. On this Thanksgiving day I have a very thankful heart. In particular, I am so grateful for my work. I have the luxury of spending each […]
Guest Blog: What to Say to Someone in Recovery
By Emma Balek Image by Anna Levinzon While eating disorder recovery can be very different for each person, I think most people would agree that it is a difficult time. Not only can this be an emotional, exhausting, and sometimes scary process for the person going through recovery, but their family and friends may struggle […]
National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month
I was recently reminded that November is National Peanut Butter Lover’s month. It’s really no trouble for me to write an ode to peanut butter because I love it so much. In fact, if I was asked to pick a single favorite food item (as opposed to a favorite genre of food) it would be […]
Food Addiction & Research
**I wrote this post nearly a year ago and thought it was timely to re-post. Enjoy! A few weeks ago a wrote a post on food addiction and mentioned that I was working on a blog post for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics blog. It came out last week and I wanted to re-post […]
Guest Blog: How I Stopped Counting Calories
By Emma Balek How Calorie Counters Deceive Us Calorie counting may seem like the solution to all your problems. You want to lose those five pounds or be able to fit into that dress, so you download a calorie counting app on your phone, and expect the pounds to come off just like that. But […]
Body Imagine, Self-Talk, & Neuroscience
I found this 7 1/2 minute story from NPR fascinating! If you have body image issues and/or an eating disorder, take 10 minutes to read this post and list to this podcast. The thing I find so fascinating about this story is that introduces neuroscience research that explains why the way we speak to ourselves […]
Guest Blog Post: What is Health?
By Emma Balek I cannot remember the last time I went an entire day without hearing a conversation about weight loss or calories. At restaurants and cafes, when I’m hanging out with friends, and even when I’m passing people on the street or studying at the library, I hear people talking about their calorie budget […]
Eating Disorder Online Training- Registration Expanded
I am so thrilled to announce that due to high demand, I have expanded registration to accommodate more attendees for my online training. If you are interested in taking the online training, there is space and time! Details are listed below. Thank you all for your interest in my upcoming training for dietitians and dietitians […]
Meghan Trainor, All About That Bass, & My 2 Cents
A couple of weeks ago I was driving and listening to the radio. I had just changed the radio station when a catchy beat caused me to pause my surfing. And that’s when I heard it. The lyrics that literally made me laugh out loud. Yeah, it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two But […]
Weight Stigma Awareness Week (WSAW) 2014
It is WSAW 2014. And this year’s post is inspired by a recent talk I watched on TED by the brave and smart Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her talk is entitled “The Danger of a Single Story” and I loved it so much I embedded it here for your viewing pleasure. I think her message is applicable […]
Eating Disorders Nutrition Therapy Training
Thank you all for your interest in my upcoming training for dietitians and dietitians to be. Registration is now live! Please note, the registration button states that you are registering for a webinar on October 14th, 2014. The cost of $250 will cover ALL 5 hour long trainings on October 14th, 28th and November 4th, […]
Save the Date: Online ED Training with Marci
Save the Date!!! I am hosting a 5 week Eating Disorder Nutrition Therapy course for RDs and RDs-to-be. Whether you’re brand new to the nutrition field, or hoping to gain more experience in treating clients with eating disorders, this course will give you the skills and tools you need. “Whether you are just beginning to […]
Putting the Smooth in Smoothie
Original post located here on The Academy for Nutrition and Dietetic’s Blog- Stone Soup. As a dietitian, I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve been way behind the smoothie bandwagon. Sure, I’ve made smoothies before. But over the past year or so, juicing and blending everything — from spinach and kale to berries and chia seeds […]
Guest Post: A Comfy Inner Home
Below is a guest post from a close and trusted friend and colleague, Alex Amorosi. He is a brilliant and thoughtful yoga teacher and trainer. I truly love his blog and found this post to resonate with the eating disorder work I do. While Alex writes from the perspective of a gay man, his words […]
Morning Bars
A friend of mine passed along the following recipe for a homemade granola bar and I’m completely in love. These bars are simple to make and super filling. They are a fun breakfast alternative with fruit and milk or make a great afternoon snack. Enjoy! Ingredients:Cooking spray2 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats (gluten-Free, if […]
National Junk Food Day
Did you know that yesterday was National Junk Day? I wouldn’t have known except The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asked me to write a blog post about it. I was actually super stoked to write about junk food and hoped that my approach to nutrition (fairly different than many RDs) would provide a unique […]
#TBT: 4th of July- Declare Your Independence
I love the 4th of July. It’s a laid-back, relaxing, good weather, and grilled food kind of holiday. What’s not to love? I also really like the theme of independence. And I think it’s a fantastic theme for anyone looking to improve their physical, mental, or emotional health. We all find ourselves with habits we’d […]
Bad Body Image, Clothes, & Shopping
Alright everyone, let’s talk clothes and shopping. It seems to be one of the biggest topics for me at work right now. The seasons have changed and thankfully, warmer weather is here! This means more shorts, tanks tops, and even…swimsuits. I thought it might be helpful if I passed along some tricks of the trade […]
The Body Image Movement
Women are tired of feeling crappy about their bodies. I know you are. If you are like most women, you feel bad about your body and then guilty that you feel so bad about it. Taryn Brumfitt was in that exact place until she decided to make a change. Please please take 5 minutes to […]
Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders Training
The Southeast Massachusetts Dietetic Association has invited me to give a half day training for dietitians. I’ll be using case studies and teaching therapeutic techniques to effectively treat eating disorders in an outpatient setting. I will discuss ways to appropriately integrate CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing within a RDN’s scope of practice. The Southeast Dietetic […]
New You, New Life, Seriously??!!
Lose weight and gain a new life. Seriously? Seriously??!!! We see these types of advertisements all of the time because they are cheap marketing tactics used by gyms, diet plans, and supplement companies. And it’s a really dumb marketing campaign. Last time I checked, regardless of my weight I still had bills to pay, difficult […]
Happy Belated
Yesterday was a day of celebrating for me! It was my birthday…which also coincided with International No Diet Day. What are the chances that an anti-diet dietitian gets to celebrate a no diet day on her birthday? Cake seemed appropriate on so many levels. 🙂 So what is a diet? It can be defined as […]
Guest Blog Post: Thine Own Self
The following post is written by my dear friend and colleague Alex Amorosi. He is a registered yoga teacher and all around amazing human being. He maintains a phenomenal blog here. Enjoy this post he wrote about the art of listening to and responding to the core of your authentic self. And if you love […]
Spring Clean Your Diet
Spring Clean Your Diet! How many articles have you seen or read over the past month that sound just like this? I thought I’d capture the whole spring fever concept…but with a twist. I’d like to challenge all of my readers to clean out their diets by committing to reducing or even eliminating diet food. […]
My Take on National Nutrition Month
Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? Each year in March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chooses a theme to celebrate. And this year’s theme is “Enjoy the taste of eating right.” The Academy is super into “eating right.” Their URL is www.eatrigh.org after all. I don’t like the worD “right” because it […]
Product Showcase: The Foodery
About a year and a half ago, two guys from a new company called The Foodery contacted me via Twitter. They wanted to meet up and learn about my practice and tell me about their food company as well. I enjoy meeting people in my community and learning about organizations that are food-related. But when […]
The Biggest Loser Controversy…Again
The Biggest Loser is not a new topic of conversation on my blog. I have shared my opinion of the show a number of times. So I was quite pleased when, during the hub bub of last weeks’ TBL controversy, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reached out to see if I wanted to write […]
Product Showcase: Do Yoga With Me
It’s been a little while since I written about a product I think is fabulous. And I think I have the perfect product to share with you for the winter time. I learned about it from a client who had been wanting to try yoga but experienced a lot of barriers to taking a class. […]
Healthy Weight Week 2014
I have the great honor of receiving the designation “Top 35 Healthy Weight Blogs” by Green Mountain at Fox Run. Green Mountain is sponsoring Health Weight Week 2014 and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. “Healthy Weight Week encourages people – especially women – to improve health habits in lasting ways by eating […]
January is Mental Awareness Month
I recently had the pleasure of writing an article on the topic of Mental Awareness Month for The Academy of Food and Nutrition’s blog. It’s predominantly a post to bring awareness about eating disorders, the most relevant mental health issue facing dietitians. The full link to the article is here but I’ll share with you […]
New Years Tips
New Year’s is often a time of self-reflection and goal setting. So I thought I’d share a couple of tips for you to consider in anticipation of the new year that is upon us. Tip #1 Consider accepting yourself as you are right now. I can hear all of your objections as you read that […]
Product Showcase: Trader Joe’s Turkey Bolognese
I prefer to eat warm food most of the time. And during the freezing winter months my food is most often warm and quite comforting. One of my very favorite comfort meal comes courtesy of Trader Joe’s Turkey Bolognese, which I am currently OBSESSED with. I’m obsessed for a couple of reasons: 1. It tastes […]
It’s the Holidays: Take a Deep Breath…Seriously
The holidays are in full swing. What are YOU anxious about? Family Food High expectations Finances Too much to do and too little time The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a mixed bag for most people. While it may be fun filled, it’s also a time of high anxiety. This year I thought […]
Guest Post: Spin Your Turkey Dreidel!
As many of you are aware, Thanksgiving and Chanukah are happening at the same time this year! Since I am no expert on Jewish religion and culture, I invited fellow blogger Rachel to share with us her thoughts on this very special holiday season. Rachel maintains her own (and might I add excellent) blog which […]
Food Addiction and Research
A few weeks ago a wrote a post on food addiction and mentioned that I was working on a blog post for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics blog. It came out last week and I wanted to re-post it here but with a couple of other thoughts. One of the things I love most […]
Recipe: 5 Ingredient White Chicken Chili
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again. I like really yummy food, really fast. After a long day of work, I don’t have the time or energy to cook anything elaborate. And after I made this recipe for a group of friends, I knew that I had to share it on my blog. […]
First Lady Michelle Obama & The Biggest Loser
Several months ago I wrote a blog post about why I am not a fan of the TV show The Biggest Loser (TBL). Last week I heard that first lady Michelle Obama might make an appearance on the show to promote her (in my opinion) misguided but well-intended Let’s Move campaign. And when I heard […]
Recipe: Bean and Chicken Sausage Stew
I love food that’s high in flavor but short on time. So my favorite go to recipe in the fall and winter months are one pot meals. This recipe is a 15 minute Bean and Chicken Sausage stew I found on Pinterest via Real Simple. It’s right up my ally (with a few tweaks). Serve […]
Food Addiction: A Prelude
Food addiction is a hot topic right now. I’m currently working on a blog post on food addiction for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and look forward to sharing it with you after its release. But in the interim I thought I’d give you a taste by sharing with you some intriguing research. The […]
Crushing on Brene Brown
I first read Brene Brown’s book “The Gifts of Imperfection” nearly two years ago after watching her landmark TED talk. Both the talk and the book affected me in ways that no other work had before. Her research and message has changed me as a person and as a clinician. I actually wrote a bit […]
Weight Stigma Awareness Week
Weight Stigma is judgment or stereotyping based on one’s weight, shape and/or size. If you don’t think that weight stigma has anything to do with you, please keep reading. It’s the number one form of bullying and discrimination in the United States today. A scientific study of 170,000 people showed that feeling fat is worse […]
What is Clean Eating?
You’ve certainly heard the term “clean eating.” As you think about those words, what images, feelings, and connotations get conjured up? What does the term “clean eating” mean to you? Toby Amidor, RD and media-savvy nutrition expert recently wrote about clean eating in an article in Today’s Dietitian a few months ago. She explained that […]
Intuitive Eating, Intuitive Living Fall Workshop
The lovely Amber Barke and I are facilitating another Intuitive Eating, Intuitive Living workshop in my office in Harvard Square. We hope you’ll join us! Here is a link to the registration page and below you’ll find the workshop details. Intuitive Eating, Intuitive LivingAn insIght Workshop with Amber Barke LICSW, RYT and Marci Anderson MS, […]
Neuroplasticity and Negative-Calorie Foods
Picture SourceAs many of my clients can attest, I am endlessly fascinated by the field of neuroscience and the useful applications it has in my own work. Perhaps you’re aware but it wasn’t until the 21st century that neuroplasticity, the idea that our brains continue to change and adapt through adulthood rather than ending in […]
Recipe: Arugula and Lentil Salad from Martha Stewart
I recently tried out a recipe that I wanted to pass along. It’s a fantastic summer recipe that doesn’t necessarily require cooking, is incredibly fast and easy, and tastes great. I brought this dish to a potluck and it worked really well as a side dish. But you could also serve a bigger portion with […]
Client Spotlight: Pregnancy and Eating Disorder Recovery
(This post is written by a client. Here is her story.) “You do not have to be good You do not have to walk on your knees For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” ~ Mary Oliver “You don’t […]
Product Showcase: Grano
I’m really obsessed with Ana Sortun. She’s a Boston-area chef and makes insanely good food. So, I suppose it’s more accurate to say I’m obsessed with her food since I actually don’t know her. But in any case, if you haven’t eaten at Oleana or Sofra, do yourself a favor and go. Just go. And […]
Guest Post: Obesity as a Disease
This article was written by Joanne Sauer, LCSW. She currently is taking graduate classes at Plymouth State University to further her knowledge and work to help patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders. She works as a Social Worker at the Albany NY VA Hospital. She also works part time for a managed care company as a […]
Paleo Diet Debunked
It’s not uncommon for people to ask me “Marci, what do you think of the Paleo diet?” And it’s not unusual for me to respond with something like “I try not to.” I’m so tired- so very tired of the dieting culture we live in. It’s a state of affairs that leaves me both tired […]
Guest Post: Embrace the Yolk
This article was written by Maria Cruz, RD, LDN, the nutritionist for Williams College. She is passionate about helping people find joy and ease with food, and when she is not working she enjoys gardening, yoga, movies, and spending time with her family. Egg whites are a standard breakfast option in many restaurants and cafeterias […]
Summer Eating & the Shehechiyanu Blessing
I was recently talking with a client about some delicious nectarines I had bought from Trader Joe’s. It sparked a conversation about how great it is to enjoy some of the summer fruits and veggies that we had been missing during the cold winter months. One of my favorite parts of my job is that […]
Guest Post: Raising Joyful Eaters
This blog post is brought to you by Sarah Anderson, RD, LD. Outpatient Dietitian for New London Hospital, New London, NH. Do you remember what your favorite foods were when you were a child? Do you remember how excited you were when you got to eat your favorite food? I can remember jumping for joy […]
Breaking News: Man Eats When Damn Well Pleases
A friend and colleague of mine forward me this video clip from The Onion, which is perhaps my favorite place for news. (For those of you who don’t know The Onion writes parodies of news stories and is often quite hysterical.) Alert: if you are bothered or offended by profanity, please don’t watch this. For […]
Fat, Sick, And Nearly Dead: A Guest Post Review
Don’t ‘Reboot with Joe’ A guest post by dietetic intern Shalini. A little while back I was told about this “life-changing” documentary that I had to watch; it was called “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” It fell within my scope of interest, so I watched. The cartoon illustrations between the major segments were amusing, but […]
After the Boston Marathon…
All of us in the Boston area are still recovering from the shock of the events at the Boston Marathon yesterday. Despite the devastation I have been warmed by the generosity of the vast majority of the people in the world. The true colors of goodness, caring, and support shine through during the darkest moments. […]
Breakfast Outside the Box with Janel Ovrut Funk
My friend, colleague, and vegetarian food blogger Janel Ovrut Funk has an AWESOME idea to share for breakfast. She knows how much I value healthy fats in the diet and deplore the fat-free craze of the 90’s that seems to be hanging around in our cultural consciousness. So thank you Janel for this post for […]
DIY Vision Boards
By Elizabeth Jarrard- Registered Dietitian at Marci RD Nutriton Do you surround yourself with inspiration? Are reminders of your goals staring you in the face when you wake up, when you head out the door? What would happen if they were that close? What would happen if you were constantly reminded of where you want […]
National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month! And this year The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrating with the theme “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.” I actually love the theme this year because it embodies my belief that what is “right” in terms of nutrition is individual. And the key to good nutrition is honoring […]
When Love Doesn’t Feel Like It
I know we just wrapped up Valentine’s Day. But the holiday really does get me thinking about love. And this year I thought a lot about loving ourselves. I know that sound cheezy but please keep reading. I actually think learning excellent self-love takes a lot of work. And I also think it can be quite […]
Lessons From Nemo: Fasting and Feasting
This past weekend, we had a major storm out here in New England. In fact, I’ve never seen so much snow at once! As I was watching Facebook, my inbox, and news reports I was intrigued with everyone’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming deluge. In fact, I found it incredibly interesting. Many people headed […]
Eating Disorder Training for Nutrition Counseling
When: April 27th, 2013, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Where: Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett Street Cambridge, MA 02138 Investment: RDs $125, Interns & Students $105 Participation Limited to 20 * Become familiar with the basic psychology of eating disorders and common co-morbidities. * Learn basic counseling & psychology terms to increase confidence when working […]
A Value-Driven Model Towards Health and Wholeness
I intentionally held off on writing a “New Year’s Blog Post” this year. I think everyone gets inundated with them and I wasn’t so sure that I had anything that I really wanted to contribute. But now that it’s the end of the month I feel like it’s an opportunity for a little quiet reflection. […]
The Biggest Loser & Why I Can’t Support It
It should come as no surprise to anyone who reads my blog that I do not support or agree with the show “The Biggest Loser” (TBL). I recently shard this article on my personal Facebook wall and it generated a discussion about the show. I decided to write a more thoughtful response here on my […]
Guest Post: On Purpose and Eating Disorder Recovery
Have you ever looked in the mirror and been unhappy with what you saw? Maybe you’ve even hated what you saw or even thought “if I could change that one part of me, I’d be ok.” As an eating disorder (ED) therapist, I am especially interested in how people see their physical bodies and their […]
Product Showcase:Frozen Sweet Potatoes
I don’t know if you’re like me but I love really good food and I like it pretty darn quick. Right now, my schedule just doesn’t allow for meals that take more than 30 min to prepare. So I’m always looking for nutritious, speedy options for meal time. And this weekend I stumbled upon another […]
Tips for the Holidays
I was recently invited to guest blog for The Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition’s blog “Today’s Diet and Nutrition.” There are a plethora of “tips for the holidays” articles out there so I suppose I added mine to the mix. While the blog post is specifically geared toward individuals with an eating disorder, I actually […]
Part 1: My Hollywood Experience
Over the Thanksgiving holiday I was talking with a family member about her experience working in PR and Marketing in Los Angeles. I immediately asked her to share her experiences with all of you. She has generously agreed to talk about what she learned and how it influenced her feelings about her weight, body image, […]
Exercise and Metabolism: Reality Check
Metabolism, simply defined, is the energy your body uses up to keep you alive. Our culture is kind of obsessed with speeding up metabolism. Miss Jillian is only one of many examples I could have posted here. And you want to know what’s crazy, the same culture promotes ideas that actually slow your metabolism down! […]
Interview: Omega 3 and Omega 6, What You Need to Know
I was recently asked to give an interview on essential fatty acids. I was actually thrilled to talk about this because getting enough essential fatty acids (omega-3) in your diet is essential to brain health, mental health, and satiety! Through the 90’s dietary fat got a very bad rap. But slowly people seem to be […]
Bully Calls News Anchor Fat: When it’s Worse than Bullying
The virtual world of tweeting and blogging was all a flutter when a man called news anchor Jennifer Livinston fat. Many of us applauded Jennifer’s direct and powerful response. I appreciated the fact that this issue (which is pervasive in our culture) got some air time! So I posted it on my facebook page to […]
Recipe for Joy and Meaning
Have you ever read a book that has truly transformed you? A book that has transformed your world view, your priorities, and your purpose? There have been a few of those books in my life time. Professionally, the first time this happened was when I read the book “Intuitive Eating.” That book profoundly influenced the […]
Recipe: Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs
Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis Prep Time: 15 min, Cook Time: 20 min, Level: EasyServes: 4 to 6 servings *I love this recipe. It’s a refreshing way to introduce the flavors of Fall. By adding feta cheese or white beans, it’s a stand alone salad. Or you can […]
Product Showcase: The Foodery
I have never been a fan of pre-made diet-based meals like Jenny Craig. They are tasteless, nutritionally inadequate, and provide a “quick fix” without the ability to facilitate lasting and healthful change. And it wasn’t until I was recently introduced to The Foodery that I fell in love with the idea of home delivered meals. […]
Yoga &/or Meditation: Why She’s in Love with It
Today we have the very good fortune to hear from guest blogger, Amber Barke, therapist and yoga instructor extra-ordinaire. While she has been a long-time lover of yoga and mindfulness practice, I am very much a newbie. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. For those who know me, either personally or […]
Intuitive Eating, Intuitive Living Workshop
I am thrilled to announce the first Intuitive Eating, Intuitive Living Workshop that I will be facilitating with Amber Barke LICSW, RYT. On a day to day basis I am reminded of the number of people struggling with food, exercise, and their bodies. Amber and I have developed a workshop to address these very challenges. […]
“I’m No Longer Trying to be Airbrushed in Real Life”… So take THAT Shape Magazine
Blast Burn Sculpt Flatten Tone Tighten Shrink Change Drop Lose Banish Zap Kick Firm Better Perfect I did a google image search for Shape magazine. And the words above grace the cover. Read through the list. Think of those words being directed at you and your body. Think of those words being directed at your […]
#ENDED with Nicole Ortiz
Thank you to all that joined us last night for our #ENDED Twitter Chat with Nicole Ortiz! We had a great time talking about body image, how stepping outside out comfort zone can help to build self-esteem and action steps for sharing a healthy lifestyle with others. Q1 Summer is a hard time for many […]
Summer Salad Recipe with Couscous and Veggies
Ok, I use the term “recipe” very loosely because I don’t really measure ingredients. But this salad came out so scrumptiously and made such wonderful leftovers, I made it two weeks in a row. Summer Couscous Salad Ingredients 1-2 cups whole wheat couscous 1-2 medium zucchinis. sliced and quartered 1 bunch of asparagus, sliced 1/4 […]
#ENDED with Nicole Ortiz
Someone tell me how it is already the end of August?? We are so excited to wrap up the summer with a fantastic #ENDED Twitter chat with a pageant queen and eating disorder awareness advocate Nicole Ortiz! Nicole Ortiz is an entrepreneur, pageant queen and eating disorders awareness advocate. Having overcoming anorexia and bulimia, educating the community […]
Exposure Therapy: A Guest Post from Casey Becker
There is not one approach to treating food and body image issues. I have seen first hand the importance of incorporating of variety of tools to treat these chronic problems. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of eating lunch with Casey and was excited to hear about how she utilizes exposure therapy in […]
Product Showcase: Flamous Falafel Chips
A couple of weeks ago I ran to Darwin’s to pick up some pita chips. (Big shout to Darwin’s, home to some of the tastiest sandwiches I’ve ever tasted.) To my surprise they were all out. But they had falafel chips, which I had never heard of or tried. The package says it’s “the chip […]
#ENDED Twitter Chat with EDN Maryland Recap
Thank you to all that joined us last night for the #ENDED twitter chat with Eating Disorder Network of Maryland. For those of you that missed it here’s a quick recap Q1. Eating disorders are incredibly complex- can we start by listing as many risk factors for developing an ED that we can think of? PrjectED A1. […]
Top 10 Signs You Have A Healthy Relationship with Food
When you have a healthy relationship with food then… How would you finish this sentence? Kaleigh, from HugStronger asked me this question and given the culture of eating in the U.S. it’s a really important one. We live in a society that conflates health with morality, size with success, and appearance with identity. This takes a […]
WTF?! The OMG Diet
By Elizabeth Jarrard RD LDN Every time I open up my computer, walk into a bookstore or turn on the TV there is a new diet book/philosophy that is screaming at me “Click/Open/Read here how to Lose 10 pounds in one week!” They all make my blood boil and make me want to let out […]
#ENDED Twitter Chat with Eating Disorder Network of Maryland
We have a very exciting Twitter chat coming your way this month! We are honored to have Sharon Peterson, the director of Eating Disorder Network of Maryland (EDN Maryland) talk with us about the genetic component of eating disorders as well as how clients and therapists can learn to manage personality traits that may be hindering […]
Skinny Cow, How ‘Bout a Name Change?
This post is brought to you by a student enrolled in the Eating Disorder Institute Program at Plymouth State. I know you’ll enjoy it. I’ve Got Beef! SkinnyCow products perplex and infuriate me. I have two major issues with them at the moment, one being the name and two being their recent declaration that […]
Product Showcase: The Brita Bottle Aqua
This product showcase is brought to you by a student in my nutrition counseling course at Plymouth State’s Eating Disorder Institute. This is a perfect product for the summer! “The reusable Brita Bottle filters ordinary tap water as you drink.” As someone who constantly drinks water all day, I knew I had to find a […]
4th of July: Celebrate Your Independence
I love the 4th of July. It’s a laid-back, relaxing, good weather, and grilled food kind of holiday. What’s not to love? I also really like the theme of independence. And I think it’s a fantastic theme for anyone looking to improve their physical, mental, or emotional health. We all find ourselves with habits we’d […]
Recipe: Toaster Cakes
This recipe comes from a student in my Nutrition Counseling course at Plymouth State University’s Eating Disorder Institute. I haven’t made the recipe yet but it sounds like a fun breakfast option for the morning of 4th of July! It’s a perfect time of year to incorporate berries. The anti-oxidant richness of the vibrant berries […]
#ENDED Twitter Chat with Dr Deah Recap
Thank you to all the participants for our Twitter Chat last night! We helped to ring in a body positive summer by participating with Dr Deah-Expressive Arts Therapist and Health at Every Size Expert . Missed the chat? We saved a recap here for you! Q1. What does the term expressive therapy mean? What are […]
#ENDED Twitter Chat with Dr. Deah
Help us ring in a body positive summer by participating in our #EndED twitter chat on Wednesday, June 27th 2012. I’m honored that Dr. Deah will be joining us to talk about body image, self/size acceptance and Expressive Arts Therapies. Dr. Deah Schwartz has more than 30 years of experience using therapeutic expressive arts in psychiatric […]
Recipe: Grilled Balsamic Strawberries by Elizabeth
I’m often drooling at the posts and pictures of food that Elizabeth shares. And these strawberries are no exception. Talk about a fantastic summer treat! Perfect for pairing with your favorite grilled entree. And the beauty is that it is so ridiculously simple. Grilled Balsamic Strawberries Soak strawberries in balsamic vinegar for 15 min. Rub […]
Food Labels: Calories VS Energy
I recently traveled abroad to Europe. And as with all of my travels, the culinary and food world influenced my itinerary. Discovering the traditions and palate of the region is always one of the highlights of my explorations. But while I was traveling this time, I couldn’t help but take a look at their version […]
Product Showcase: Frozen Edamame
I absolutely love edamame. It’s inexpensive and stays well frozen for weeks at a time. It’s full of protein and healthy fats. Edamame in the pod can be thrown in boiling water for a couple of minutes or zapped in the microwave for a quick and yummy snack. Or you can buy the shelled kind […]
Summer Diet Plans?
As the temperatures warm up, you might be considering a new diet plan to get yourself “beach body ready.” If that’s the case, check this article and think again. *Note: a version of this article originally appeared in the Summer 2011 issue of The Massachusetts Dietetic Association Newsletter. As the […]
Considering Kitniyot
Below is a special blog post for Passover written by guest blogger Rachel. If you are interested in reading more about eating disorder recovery from a Jewish perspective her blog is an absolute must read. Picture Source Oh, Pesach. So many food rules, so many opportunities for obsessive thinking. Now, I love the holiday’s theme […]
The Miracle of Mindfulness
By Elizabeth Jarrard RD “Aha!” moments strike me at odd times. Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that I had a big “AHA!” moment about “mindfulness” during a yoga class (my first in far too long!). My teacher spoke to how hard it was to just move. To just go through the vinyasa flow, because our brain […]
Recipe: Spiced Balsamic-Beet Compote
I recently attended a bridal shower where this spiced balsamic beet compote was served. And it is truly amazing. Delicious served with crusty sourdough bread as a delicious appetizer. Plus the gorgeous jewel-colored beets are a beautiful addition to any table. Do you have any appetizer recipes you can’t live without? Please share! Recipe and […]
You are What you Eat…Really?!?
We live in a society that moralizes food. Don’t believe me? Good carbs, bad carbs Clean eating: I hate this term because it somehow carries the connotation that you are dirty if you aren’t eating “clean.” Michael Pollan: ok, ok, I have an entire blog post brewing about Mr. Pollan. I appreciate that he focuses […]
Product Showcase: Desert Pepper Corn and Black Bean Salsa
This product showcase post is brought to you by Lauren Fowler, dietetic intern. On my weekly grocery trip, I decided to try a new-to-me salsa brand and flavor. Salsa is one of my staples because it goes well with so many foods, like eggs, black bean burgers, or just tortilla chips! I picked up the […]
Recipe: Butternut Squash Stew
This blog post is brought to you buy Lauren Fowler, dietetic student. Enjoy! Over the past few weeks, I thought spring had come early because of the lack of snow and cold temperatures. I woke up to a surprise snowstorm last week, and this soup was the perfect recipe to warm me up after walking […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Client Spotlight
I thought long and hard about what I wanted to share on my blog for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. And I didn’t think there could be anything more powerful than sharing a story of recovery from one of my clients. Enjoy. Committing to recovery was a difficult decision to make. Not because I didn’t […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2012: #endED Twitter Chat Re-Cap
Thank you to all that joined February’s #endED twitter chat with National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) before Eating Disorders Awareness Week. NEDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Elizabeth Saviteer ( @NEDAStaff )and Marci Anderson ( @MarciRD ) lead the chat and some wonderful comments were […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and #endED
We are happy to announce that this month’s #endED twitter chat will be with National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) as we get ready for Eating Disorders Awareness Week. NEDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Both #Ended and NEDA share the vision of a world without eating disorders. Join us on February […]
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
During my sophomore year of college I learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. At the time, it didn’t interest me all that much. In fact, the whole theory seemed like a no-brainer to me. And as for that whole notion of “self-actualization”… let’s just say it didn’t really speak to my 20 year old self. […]
Product No Case: The Quantum Scale
If you know me at all, you know that I’m not a fan of obsessing over the scale. And I recently came across this scale called The Quantum. The premise is actually an interesting one. Rather than telling you what you weigh, it stores your weight from the first time you step on it and […]
Recipe: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
My friend Kate shared her fabulous Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas recipe and it tasted so good I wanted to share it with all of you. It’s packed full of smoky flavor and I love the contrast of the sweetness from the potatoes and creaminess from the beans. Mmmm! It’s also packed with natural […]
#endED Chat Re-Cap with Rosie Molinary: Living with Intentional Wellness
Thank you to all that joined #EndED this Wednesday. We had a very inspiring, powerful conversation with writer Rosie Molinary, about kicking off our year in a way that deliberately embraces intentional wellness. If you missed the chat, you can catch some of the highlights below! Q1. Are there rituals/exercises you start the year with […]
#endED Chat with Rosie Molinary- Embracing Intentional Wellness
Help us ring in a body positive 2012 by participating in our #EndED twitter chat on Wednesday, January 25th. I’m honored that writer Rosie Molinary will be there to talk about kicking off our year in a way that deliberately embraces intentional wellness. If you’re new to Twitter, here’s a primer on how to participate. It’s […]
Understanding Body Image: Part 2
This post is part 2 of what will likely be a 5 part series on understanding bod image. My first post in the series can be found here. To reiterate, body image is actually really complex. The series is aimed to help you understand more completely what the phrase “body image” actually means in order […]
Product No Case: 100 calorie packs by Nabisco
I periodically review products that I personally think are pretty crappy. Products that tout themselves as health food or diet food but don’t do much more than set you up for overeating while providing no nutritional value. Do not get me wrong. I am totally a proponent of incorporating food into your diet that is […]
Recipe: Stuffed Dates
One of my all time favorite restaurants, Upstairs on the Square, serves these incredible stuffed dates. They come out warm from the oven and taste absolutely heavenly. I LOVE dates. The sweet, chewy gooeyness is to die for if you ask me. I know they aren’t super popular in the U.S. but give them a […]
A Holiday Eating Guide: Revised… Again
Recently, an article on eating well during the holidays appeared in The Boston Magazine. The writer shared her spin on eating tips that “you can actually use” during the holidays. No surprise. It’s that time of the year and everyone is dishing up advice on how to avoid gaining weight during the holidays. I’ll be […]
A Holiday Message: Gifts and Traditions
The holiday season brings to mind two words: gifts and traditions. And it is with those two words that I write this holiday message to each of you. Gifts: For those of you celebrating Christmas, you may be frantically shopping and wrapping for the coming weekend. But have you thought about what gift you’d like […]
Product Showcase: Candy Cane Green Tea from Trader Joe’s
The holiday season gets me all excited for special things that are only available this time of year. Cozy sweaters, holiday decorations, Christmas music, the scent of cinnamon swirling in my apartment, and Burdick’s hot chocolate (to name a few). But this year, I discovered a new favorite holiday obsession: decaffeinated Candy Cane Green Tea […]
Holiday Treats
In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share with you two little “treats” I’ve recently discovered. Treat #1 XO Jane: Check out this article “Suck It, Food Guilt Season.” I had trouble choosing a favorite quote to share with you, but here’s one to give you the flavor: “You don’t need to titter […]
Mindfulness: The Art & Science of Changing Your Brain
What do you think about when you hear the word “mindfulness?” To be honest, I used to think “nope, not for me!”. Breath in, breath out, follow my breath. Ugh! I honestly couldn’t see the point and every time I tried it seemed like a miserable failure. And then I attended a workshop by the […]
Recipe: Eggs Poached in Marinara Sauce
Another reader passed along this tasty and super easy recipe and I had to share. Talk about a great week night speed meal. Plus the eggs are a stellar source of very affordable protein and the fat-soluble vitamins are a plus. Please don’t fret about the cholesterol in eggs. Even the American Heart Association gives […]
Holiday Tips for Healthy Conversation
Semantics are important. The words we choose hold a great deal of meaning, whether we realize it or not. So I’d like to give you something to ponder during this holiday season. As you spend time with family and friends you may want to consider a few of the following tips. My hope is that […]
Recipe: The Best Sweet Potatoes EVER
I truly LOVE Thanksgiving food. And sweet potatoes are at the top of my list of favorites. I tried these sweet potatoes two years ago and posted on my blog immediately. But it came to my attention that the link to the recipe is no longer active! So I felt the need to re-post. The […]
Serving Size vs Portion Size : What’s the Difference?
Alright, I’m about to get on my RD soap box here. I have a little pet peeve. Ok, sometimes it’s a big pet peeve. Have you ever noticed that popular diet books, magazines, and well-intended news reporters get confused between serving sizes and portion sizes? Probably not. But I’m writing about it because it’s important! […]
Recipe: Pecan Crusted Baked Salmon
A client was telling me about this fabulous salmon recipe that has been passed down to her from her Grandma. It sounded so scrumptious I had to share with you guys. I love salmon for it’s deliciously fresh flavor. But I also love eating it, knowing all the omega-3s are doing great things for my […]
Understanding Body Image: Part 1
When you read the words “body image” what does that mean to you? Body image is actually a pretty complicated topic. I google searched a definition and there were over 4 million results and quite the variety of definitions. For our conversation, I decided to select my favorite definition: A term that refers to […]
Product Showcase: Two New Frozen Favorites
Ok, I’m going to keep it real here. I like to cook. But recently, there hasn’t been time for much else but microwaving. So I recently picked up two new frozen items to try. (Yes, frozen and pre-prepared items from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have been keeping me fed the past couple of weeks.) […]
Product No Case: Arctic Zero
A big thank you to my anonymous blogger who wrote this post for my site. I thoroughly enjoyed every line and think you will too! Remember, these product “no case” postings are intended to highlight products out there that tout themselves as health food, but are anything but nourishing! Talk about a wolf in sheep’s […]
Hot Tamales & Halloween
Did you read my blog title and think you were going to get a list of do’s and don’ts for Halloween? I tricked you! What I would like to do is give you a little homework. While you are out at a Halloween party, trick-or-treating, or passing out candy become an observer. I’ll share with […]
Earn Your Mac N’ Cheese Tonight
Earn your mac n’ cheese tonight. You have probably read something like this and other similar obnoxious advertisements at your local gym. And it annoys me every time. Can you imagine telling a child that they have to run 5 laps around the back yard to earn dinner? NO! Of course not. So why do […]
Recipe: Pad Thai
The Very-Thai Pad Thai This post was written by Utchima Sriprachya-anunt, a dietetic intern at the Tufts Medical Center, Boston. You can follow her blog (which unfortunately, is in Thai) at utchimama.wordpress.com. Every time I tell people I come from Thailand, the next thing that always follows is “Ooh I love Pad Thai. Can you […]
#endED Twitter Chat Re-Cap: Michelle May
Thanks to all that joined our #endED Twitter chat this Wednesday with Michelle May MD (@EatWhatYouLove) as we talked about mindful eating. For those of you that missed it, here were some of the “highlights.” (If you don’t know about Twitter, the @ symbol is the way a username is signified on Twitter. The # before […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Michelle May
If I said it once, I’ll say it again: I am STOKED about tomorrow night’s twitter chat. We have the pleasure of chatting with Michelle May, author of “Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: Break the Eat, Repent, Repeat Cycle” and creator of “Amy I Hungry?”. Michelle is a motivational speaker and guru of […]
Fat Talk Free Week: Who’s With Me?
This week is Fat Talk Free Week. Yup, you’ve read that right folks. The one week out of the year that is dedicated to banning fat talk and body bashing. We women have come a long way over the past couple hundred years. But we are stuck in the dark ages when it comes […]
Lentil & Eggplant Chili Mole
I love talking food with my clients. Recently, one of my clients was raving about a fabulous recipe she made. I have yet to try the dish, but it sounds so amazing (and her review so convincing) I thought I would pass it along to all of you. Don’t fear the long ingredient list. It’s […]
Product No Case: Lundberg Rice Cakes
A few months ago, someone was telling me about Lundberg brown rice cakes and how amazing they are. Now, my level of skepticism climbs pretty darn high when someone says delicious and rice cake in the same sentence. Rice cakes speak of dieting food in my book, but I am always on the lookout for […]
The War on Obesity: A War Worth Fighting?
A few days after the FNCE (the American Dietetic Association’s annual conference) dust has settled, I still find my emotions riled up about the very first session I attended. John Foreyt, renowned obesity research and Linda Bacon, Health At Every Size (HAES) clinical researcher and advocate stood head to head to duke out their views […]
Product Showcase: Ak Mak Crackers
Alright, a few days ago I tore to shreds the poor brown rice cake in my product no case post. But I promised to share with you a whole grain cracker that I simply love. It is the yummy and inexpensive Ak Mak Cracker! They have been around for ages and are available at just […]
Client Spotlight: Things I Wish For
We all have wishes. Things we long for, dream about, hope of. And I believe that taking care of our minds, bodies, and spirits is a pre-requisite to living a full and abundant life. A life that is full of wishes coming true. This beautifully written client spotlight could not capture these sentiments more completely. Imagine the […]
Crunchy Tofu Fingers
I am not vegetarian. Nor am I a huge fan of tofu. But I do like variety in my diet and am often surprised about the number of inquiries I receive from vegetarians concerned about their nutritional intake. In all reality, eating sufficient protein isn’t terrible tricky (vegetarian or not). Great vegetarian protein sources include: […]
#endED Recap with @BEDAorg
Thanks to all that joined our #endED Twitter chat this Wednesday with @BEDAorg as we talked about weight stigma. For those of you that missed it, here were some of the “highlights.” (If you don’t know about Twitter, the @ symbol is the way a username is signified on Twitter. The # before a word […]
#EndED Twitter Chat: Weight Stigma with BEDA
Our next #endED Twitter chat is Wed, September 21st at 8:30pm EST with @BEDAorg to talk about about weight stigma. You might be asking what exactly is weight stigma? Weight stigma is bullying, teasing, negative body language, harsh comments, discrimination, or prejudice based upon a person’s body size. Weight Stigma is something that shames and […]
Product Showcase: Peanut Butter & Co Cinnamon Raisin Swirl
I love peanut butter. So when a client brought me a jar of Peanut Butter & Co’s Cinnamon Raisin Swirl peanut butter I was pretty excited. BUT I was not prepared for the DELICIOUSNESS awaiting me. If you like peanut butter, cinnamon, and raisins then you MUST find the nearest store that sells Peanut Butter […]
Grateful
Today marks a tragic day in America’s history. However, 9/11 is also a day that causes me to think about gratitude. So I felt inspired to share a piece of gratitude from a client of mine. I’ll be honest, when I’m in a sad or downright rotten mood, making a list of things I’m grateful […]
Exercise: How to “make it count”
* In order for my exercise “to count” it has to hurt*In order for my exercise “to count” I have to do it 6 days a week, for at least an hour*In order for my exercise “to count” I have to feel worn out after*In order for my exercise “to count” I can’t eat anything […]
Summer Salsas
As August is coming to a close, I had to share with you two of my favorite summer salsa recipes. I guess I just can’t let go of the idea of an endless summer. 🙂 Pair these tasty salsa with corn chips, burritos, or burgers. They’re a yummy way to incorporate fruits and veggies into […]
Connecting to Ourselves: Tuning out the Shoulds
First off, I want to say that tuning out the shoulds and tuning into our body’s needs when it comes to fuel is a process and journey. There will be some ups and downs along the way, but the longer that you tune out what you “should” be doing and view eating in a self-care, […]
Guest Post: A Letter to my Hair
Elizabeth is a RD-to-be who hopes to change the world-one self-loving thought at a time! She loves spreading this message in person, through social media, and on her blog Guiltless.Dear Hair, Thanks for covering my not-attractive-when-bald head. Thanks for blowing in the breeze, keeping my head warm in the snow, and obeying when I pull […]
Guest Post: Eating Well While Traveling
Eating well while on the road is tough for all of us! And since I’m heading out on vacation, I appreciate Janel’s great guest post on nutritious eating on the run. Big thank you Janel! Be sure to check out awesome blog full of culinary tips and delicious recipes. Whenever I travel, whether it be […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Andrea Owen Re-Cap
On Wednesday I was joined by other positive body image activitists to talk with Andrea Owen of “Your Kick Ass Life” about practical solutions to staying sane and maintaing a positive body image in the summer months. I love this topic-in fact I already wrote a post about it-and couldn’t wait to hear others’ thoughts. […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Andrea Owen
Save the date! Wednesday, August 17th I’ll be tweeting with my guest expert Andrea Owen. We’ll be talking about practical solutions to staying sane and maintaing a positive body image in the summer months! Andrea is a professional life coach and speaker. She is passionate about empowering women and girls to value their character and feel beautiful […]
Balsamic Vinaigrette
I love a good balsamic vinaigrette. It’s great for salads and wraps and marinating portobello mushrooms. And I was recently inspired by an article I read for the many uses of a tasty (and also cheap!) homemade vinaigrette. Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (play around with flavored vinegars!)1 clover garlic, minced1 tsp. dark brown […]
Does This Uterus Make Me Look Fat?
How many advertisements and articles have you seen in your lifetime that sell you the idea of getting a “flat belly?” I’ve seen a zillion and I’m sick of it. In fact, I was brewing up a blog post about it and telling one of my clients about it. We were talking about the female […]
My Response: What Nutritionists Order…
Several days ago, some friends on Twitter asked about my thoughts regarding this article in The Huffington Post: What Nutritionists Order When Eating Out. My knee jerk response: I hate it. Below is a more thoughtful, nuanced response. If you glance through the article, you might feel that the nutrition suggestions are reasonable. So why wouldn’t […]
Client Spotlight: Happiness Starts Now, Not in 10 Pounds
I talk about body image and weight a lot. Our culture values thinness (sometimes under the guise of health) and places one image of beauty on a pedestal (thin, lean, blonde, Caucasian). Consequently, a lot of women find themselves lost in self-loathing as they don’t seem to measure up. Rather than putting their energy into […]
Be Big
*Note: the post below is written by a client of mine, who happens to be extremely passionate about swimming. This article (in a longer form) appeared in the July/August 2011 New England Masters newsletter. She shared it with me and I was extremely eager to share it with you. Enjoy. Recently at the pool I admired […]
Harnessing the Power of Social Media: Tools for Eating Disorder Recovery and Positive Body Image
*Please note, the article originally appeared in the Summer 2011 Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group newsletter. We live in a world where thin is glorified and unrealistic images of feminine beauty are plastered online, in print, and on TV. These images are hard to avoid and they present serious challenges for clients struggling with […]
Product Showcase: Sweet & Snappy Thai Chili Glaze
Wow. I just finished up a super duper delicious dinner and had to share my new favorite product with you. I found it at a farmer’s market on Martha’s Vineyard and have been lovin’ it ever since. It’s called Chesca’s Kitchen: Sweet and Snappy Thai Chili Glaze. You can check it out here and send […]
My Own Body Image Journey
A client asked me a question recently. It was a semi-personal question and I felt that it was something worthy of sharing here. To be quite honest, this is a bit unusual for me as I don’t talk in a personal way very often on this blog. I hesitate to do so for a number […]
Marci’s Cherry, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Veggie Salad
On Sunday I was craving some fresh, seasonal food. And I ended up creating the most delicious salad ever. It makes for a great summer side dish. Please note, when I cook I don’t measure, so what I have indicated below are my best guesses at measurements. Have fun with my recipe or get creative […]
#endED Twitter Chat Re-Cap with Ashley Solomon, PsyD
On Wednesday I was joined by other positive body image activitists to talk with Dr. Ashley Solomon of @nourishthesoul about Body Image for the #ended twitter chat. We discussed a lot of key things, and some great points were made. I couldn’t not share them with you! (If you are not familiar with Twitter, the […]
Summer Lovin’: Body Image & The Allure of Dieting
As the weather grows warmer and people begin shedding layers, it’s common for body dissatisfaction and anxiety to grow. A recent Glamour magazine psychologist-designed poll (1) states that 97% of women experience “I hate my body” thoughts on a daily basis, with an average of 13 negative thoughts each day. With these statistics, it’s no […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Ashley Solomon, Psy.D
Our next #endED Twitter chat is Wed, June 29th with Ashley Solomon, Psy.D. We’ll discuss body image and eating disorder recovery. I can’t think of a better topic for summer. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details, including how to participate in a twitter chat if you’ve never done so before. Below are […]
Busy Girl’s Quick & Tasty Indian Dish
Who says Indian food can’t be quick and healthy? I created an super delicious Indian meal for dinner and the first thought that came to my mind “I’ve gotta’ blog about this!” So, here is my “busy girl’s quick & tasty Indian dish you won’t regret.” Chef’s Note: I don’t actually measure anything when I […]
Guest Blog Post on Eat Well With Janel
For today’s blog post, check out Eat Well with Janel’s blog. I’m acting as a guest blogger while she’s enjoying her honeymoon. 🙂 I won’t divulge the whole blog post, but will give a one word clue: leftovers. Intrigued? Then head on over! Plus, Janel’s fabulous blog is loaded with great recipes and cooking tips. […]
Let’s Talk about Food
Save the date for Saturday, June 25th! Boston’s Museum of Science is hosting an amazing all day food event from 10 am – 5 pm. And it’s free!!! Check out the demonstrations, exhibitors, demos, and food offerings. Here is a link with more info. And this is the Museum of Science event info as well. […]
Good-Bye Jeans
I learn a lot from my clients. In fact, that’s one of the things I love about my work. A few weeks ago, I got an email from a client who wanted to bring in some old jeans to our next session. These were jeans she wore when her eating disorder was pretty darn bad. […]
Product No Case: Shirtaki Noodles
I just saw an advertisement that made my stomach turn: “The Miracle Noodle: imagine the world where noodles are calorie free.” If you know me at all, you know that I am screaming “noooo!!!” While a large percentage of the US population may go crazy for calorie-free food, I dig in my heels and cringe. […]
Product Show Case: Seasoning Blends
Each month I try to highlight a product I think is fabulous. As I was whipping up some fajitas for dinner last night, I knew exactly what I wanted to blog about- seasoning blends. You may be wondering why I get psyched about spices, but let me explain. The key to delicious/nutritious cooking is all […]
Boosting Body & Self-Esteem with a Little Homework
This past weekend I was chatting with a group of therapist buddies. We were discussing the number of “perfect body” and pro-dieting messages we are all exposed to on a given day. These “perfect body” messages are not only unrealistic and false but also self-esteem crushing. Let’s face it, we live in a world that […]
Sunny Sea Gold and “Food: The Good Girl’s Drug”
In March I attended the BEDA conference and had the pleasure of hearing from and meeting Sunny Sea Gold. Sunny currently works for Redbook, has written a book for girls struggling with binge eating “Food: The Good Girl’s Drug”, maintains her blog, has recovered from her BED herself, and is a rock star “recovery warrior.” […]
#endED Re-Cap with Marsha Hudnall
Last night Marsha Hudnall RD joined #EndED as our guest expert on Binge Eating Disorder. There was a lot of great discussion that revolved around these questions: *How is BED diagnosed? *How is BED different than overeating? *How does someone know if their binges need to be addressed? *What are common myths about BED? *What triggers […]
Fiddlehead Ferns
Three years ago I heard the words “fiddlehead ferns” for the first time. I was at the renowned Cragie Street Bistro (now Craigie on Main) for a dinner I will never forget. One of the dishes we ordered was the fiddlehead ferns because no one in our group had ever heard of them! We are […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Marsha Hudnall
Our next #endED Twitter chat is Wed, April 25th with Marsha Hudnall MS RD (of Green Mountain at Fox Run). We’ll discuss binge eating disorder. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details, including how to participate in a twitter chat if you’ve never done so before. Below are the questions Marsha will be […]
My Declaration about Eating Disorder Recovery
Recovery from an eating disorder has been an extremely hot topic lately. A recent New York Times article has created a firestorm in the eating disorder community (from clinicians, people suffering from an eating disorder, as well as their families). In fact, “recovery” is a highly debated topic as there is no consensus currently as […]
Nursery Rhymes & Emotional Eating
Emotional eating makes me think of the nursery song, “There was an old lady who swallowed a fly”. Just in case you need a refresher: There was an old lady who swallowed a flyI don’t know why she swallowed a fly – perhaps she’ll die!There was an old lady who swallowed a spider,That wriggled and […]
International No Diet Day
I just saw this fabulous post by Ashley Solomon, PsyD. She is one of my favorite writers on topics like body image, self-acceptance, self-esteem, disordered eating, and eating disorders. I had to share it with you, as I can think of no better day to share my birthday with than “International No Diet Day.” Enjoy. […]
Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad with Bananas
This post was written by Jessie Erwin, dietetic intern at the University of Connecticut. You can follow her Tweets at @JessieHealth. Back when my husband and I were studying at Amherst College in Amherst, MA, we used to eat at a restaurant called Judie’s. Although I loved to try new dishes every time I went […]
Product No Case: Full Bar
All too often, a product appears that causes me to shake my head in disappointment. The latest product? Fullbar, a granola-type bar that claims to help you “feel full and satisfied on smaller amounts of food”. Developed by a bariatric surgeon (Dr. Snyder), the bar’s use is simple: consume with 8 ounces of water 30 […]
Why a “Summer Body?”
Or a “beach” body, or a “bikini” body? Why not a “rake-the-leaves” body or a “shovel-the-snow-then-go-cross-country-skiing” body? While we’re at it, how about a “clean-the-house-then-go-grocery-shopping-and-carry-the-case-of-water-yourself-’cause-you’re-just-that-strong” body? And just how IS a summer body supposed to look when compared to a winter body? Assuming you even have a “winter” body in the first place (whatever that […]
Intuitive Eating and Eating Disorder Recovery
I was recently asked by Nina V, owner of the website www.helpforeatingdisorder.com, to write an article on Intuitive Eating and eating disorder recovery. I recently completed my training to become a certified Intuitive Eating Coach and was thrilled to share my thoughts. Enjoy. Intuitive Eating is a phrase that is famous among many people hoping […]
#endED Twitter Chat Re-Cap with Harriet Brown
Last week Harriet Brown was our guest expert for our monthly #endED Twitter Chat. She taught us a lot about family based treatment for anorexia and the important roles that families play in supporting their loved one through recovery from an eating disorder. (If you want to learn more about her story, this is a […]
Asian Rice and Vegetable Bowl With Eggs and Chili Sauce
I love my Real Simple magazine and I love Asian cuisine. So I was delighted to try this recipe from my February issue of Real Simple. I have no idea how authentic this recipe is, but let me just say it is DELICIOUS and super simple. A big bowl of goodness…hmmmm. 🙂 Picture Source *Note […]
My Free Newsletter
On Thursday, April 21st my newsletter will be arriving in your in-boxes. This month’s theme is self-acceptance. If you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s easy- simply scroll down and look to your right! Enter your name and email address and you’re set. Do you have a family member or friend you think might like my newsletter, […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Harriet Brown
Our next #endED Twitter chat is Wed, April 20th with Harriet Brown. We’ll discuss myths and facts about anorexia nervosa, family-based treatment, and ways in which families can positively affect eating disorder recovery. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details, including how to participate in a twitter chat if you’ve never done so […]
Client Spotlight: Ups & Downs of Recovery…Totally Worth It!
Every so often I have the pleasure of sharing with you a client’s story. (See the tag on the side of my blog: Client Spotlights). Eating disorder recovery is a long and scary road. Seeing the successes (both small and big), is a vital part of holding out hope and belief in a better life. […]
Connecting to Ourselves: Hungers
This past week I had the privilege of attending a conference with the phenomenal speaker Anita Johnston, Ph.D. and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon. Dr. Johnston talked a lot about deciphering our true hunger by using imagery and metaphors. One thing in particular that really stood out to me was when she […]
Balanced Living in Today’s Culture
On Wednesday, April 13th I’ll be speaking at Harvard on the topic of “Balanced Living in Today’s Culture” with two esteemed colleagues, Deb Schachter LICSW and Sheila Reindl EdD. The event is open to the public. I hope you can join us! Please see the Harvard Alumni events website for more details! We’ll be discussing […]
Product Showcase: Aluminum Foil
Each month I love to highlight a product I think is fabulous. And while I was thinking about the product I wanted to showcase, I realized that aluminum foil is a kitchen staple I just couldn’t live without. Not only is handy for cooking, it SAVES me from messy and very time consuming clean up. […]
Binge Eating Disorder Association Re-Cap
*Disclaimer: this post re-caps my personal highlights and gems learned during the BEDA conference. It’s much longer than I normally write for a blog post. I just returned from a trip to Scottsdale, AZ for the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA). Not only was the 90 degree weather therapeutic, but the speakers and networking was […]
Dining in the Dark & Mindfulness with Meal Makeover Moms
Can you imagine what it would be like to eat a meal blindfolded? Well, call me crazy, but I signed up (along with 34 other dietitians) to dine in the dark. It was a event through the Massachusetts Dietetic Association. The evening began with a mindfulness exercise, which I led. The exercise was followed by a 4 […]
Exercise: Finding Your Happy Place
Exercise. Just say the word and notice what feelings and thoughts come up for you. If the word exercise is accompanied by a lot of negativity, you aren’t alone. In addition to my role as nutrition therapist, I am also a certified personal trainer. And I have learned quite a bit while helping many people […]
Guest Post: A Crazy Loaded Cuban Black Beans Recipe
Hello all, this is Matt from FaveDiets, here to spread some healthy cooking love! By far, one of my favorite ingredients to cook with is black beans. Not only are they delicious and incredibly cheap, but they’re chock full of fiber, protein and other nutrients. I mean, what’s not to love about that! I’m lucky […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Evelyn Tribole Re-Cap
In 2004 I was living in Southern California and completing my dietetic internship. I was one of the very few assigned to spend a couple of months working at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders. Not only did I learn that I was passionate about treating eating disorders, but I discovered the book “Intuitive […]
#endED Twitter Chat with Evelyn Tribole
Our next #endED Twitter chat is Wed, March 23rd with Evelyn Tribole. We will be discussing intuitive eating and eating disorders. Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details, including how to participate in a twitter chat if you’ve never done so before. Below are the questions Evelyn will be discussing. I hope you […]
Thai Green Curry in 20 min or less
How much do I love leftovers? A LOT! On Sundays I cook a batch of something that can hang in the fridge for a couple of days. It saves me when I don’t want to eat out for lunch (which gets expensive) and when I work late and don’t have the time or energy to […]
Introducing: Connecting to Ourselves
I am totally excited to introduce to you a new monthly post “Connecting to Ourselves” by Janet Zimmerman. We are CONSTANTLY surrounded with distractions and negative messages that take us away from what is really best for us (think about all of the icky dieting messages to get you geared up for bikini season, ugh!). […]
Client Spotlight: 5 Lessons on My Path to Recovery
Every so often I have the pleasure of sharing with you a client’s story. (See the tag on the side of my blog: Client Spotlights). Eating disorder recovery is a long and scary road. Seeing the successes (both small and big), is a vital part of holding out hope and belief in a better life. […]
Today is Registered Dietitian Day
I am a Registered Dietitian and I absolutely LOVE my job. Some people like their work, some tolerate it, but I don’t think a lot of people end up pursuing what they LOVE. So I consider myself among the fortunate minority. Why do I love my work: I love working with people I love talking […]
Product No Case: Guest Blogger Janel Ovrut
Product No Case: Vitamin WaterPicture Source It took me absolutely no time to come up with a No Case food for this blog post. I’m from the school of thought that all foods can fit in a healthy diet, but there are a handful of “foods” that I truly believe have absolutely no place in […]
Product Showcase: Guest blogger Janel Ovrut
Product Showcase: Trader Joe’s Frozen Brown RicePicture Source When Marci asked me to do a Product Showcase guest blog post for a food I love, the first thing that came to mind for me was Trader Joe’s Frozen Brown Rice. I know it sounds basic and boring, but this frozen food gem has saved me […]
Marci’s Nutrition Principles for National Nutrition Month
“For both excessive and insufficient exercise destroy one’s strength, and both eating and drinking too much or too little destroy health, whereas the right quantity produces, increases or preserves it.”-Aristotle March is National Nutrition Month. And in my line of work, it’s easy to see how darn confused everyone is about what it means to […]
Guest Blogger: IAmGuiltless on Body Image
Today’s blog is brought to us by Elizabeth Jarrard, social media diva and co-owner of the blog “Guiltless”, my favorite positive body image blog out there! When was the last time you looked in the mirror and loved every part of your reflection? Who among us has not compared themselves to our peers? Can you […]
Our First #endED Twitter Chat Re-Cap
About a month ago, I attended a webinar on Twitter Chats, led by #mefirst creator Rebecca Scritchfield. As I sat listening to the webinar I thought “why isn’t there an eating disorder twitter chat happening?” I’m “newish” to Twitter and was a bit nervous to start one myself. But with the encouragement from my social […]
Establishing an Outpatient Eating Disorders Treatment Team
When struggling with an eating disorder, one of the hardest things to do is establish an outpatient team. An outpatient team typically consists of a therapist, physician, dietitian (sometimes referred to as nutritionist or nutrition therapist), and psychiatrist. If you live in Massachusetts, MEDA is the best resource for those struggling with an eating disorder […]
3 Truths about Eating Disorders
There are loads of myths about eating disorders. Below are three myth-busting truths about eating disorders. Wear purple for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week! 1. Eating disorders are serious illnesses, not lifestyle choices Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, biological and social factors. As our […]
Reclaim Your Right
Hey Friends Check out my guest blog spot: Reclaim Your Right at The Nurture Principles. What do you think, any of you willing to put yourself first? Marci RD in Cambridge
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Passion is defined as “any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.” I am passionate about preventing, treating, and creating awareness about eating disorders. February 20th-26th is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW). It’s one week out of the year that I commit to raising awareness about the very serious reality of this debilitating disease. Eating […]
Quinoa Chili Buns
This recipe was sent to me a from a reader and friend. If you have any recipes that you think deserve a little press, SEND THEM MY WAY! This chili recipe is excellent in a bowl or served as a sandwich. The chili thickens over time, so it makes a great consistency for a “sloppy joe” […]
Happy Valentine’s Day
Love it or hate it, today is Valentine’s Day. Old, young, single, in a relationship- the advice I’m going to offer applies to YOU! So please forgive me while I step on my soap box (it only happens once in a while!). Here are two small things to consider. Believe me, they are for your own good. […]
Guest Post: Food as Connection
Today we have the pleasure from hearing from guest blogger Ashley Solomon, PsyD. Ashley is a therapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, trauma, and serious mental illness. Please check out her fabulous blog Nourishing the Soul. Nourishing the Soul is a look at how our relationship with food can become distorted when […]
Product Show Case: Trader Joe’s Frozen Oatmeal
Each month I love to showcase a favorite food or culinary product I think is fabulous. I was recently introduced to Trader Joe’s frozen steel-cut oatmeal. It comes in packs of two. All you do is drop in a bowl and microwave for a few minutes. And you have a beautiful bowl of warm oatmeal. […]
Mindfullness VS. Concentration- Wile E. Coyote, Super Genius
You know when you hear a word so much it starts to lose it’s meaning? Mindfulness is a catch word I’ve been hearing about A LOT lately. But what does it actually mean? I talk about mindfulness with my clients quite a bit. In fact I’ll be talking about it my newsletter this month (still time to […]
Interview on Weight Loss Website: Thintopia
Recently I was contacted by Micah, weight loss blogger. He manages the Thintopia blog. This man is on a mission to find what really works when trying to lose weight. Anyone who knows me, knows that I look at food and weight pretty differently than a lot of other health experts. I’m a believer that […]
My Totally Kick-Butt Veggie Lasagna
Last week a friend of mine said something that kind of broke my heart “Marci, when you get rid of all the unhealthy stuff in your diet, you aren’t left with anything that tastes good.” Au contraire! If you agree with those sentiments, there are potentially two culprits here: 1. You are eating too rigid. […]
Making Time for Meditation
Meditation isn’t just for new-aged hippies. It is simply a tool to get to know yourself better. It’s about getting comfortable with being still, with being with yourself and with your body. As a nutrition expert who is interested in the power of meditation, I turned to someone whose expertise lie in training the mind: […]
Black Bean and Walnut Burgers
Last week my husband and I lost power in our apartment. Not only did my work come to a grinding halt (not complaining) but I couldn’t cook dinner. I quickly picked up the phone and dialed for Thai food take-out, my favorite. We had some brown rice leftover but not enough for a meal. I […]
Product No Case: HCG Supplements
January 16-22 is Health Weight Week. I love their 3-fold mission:1. Celebrate diet-free habits2. Prevent eating & weight problems3. Work towards being accepting, happy, and healthy at our natural weights On the Healthy Weight Week website, they name their 2010 “Slim Chance Award Winners” for the worst weight products of the year. These horrible weight […]
Product Show Case: Wholly Guacamole
Typically I am not a fan of the 100 calorie snack pack revolution that has taken over the grocery stores. It’s usually highly processed, not so tasty, and totally unsatisfying “non-food” food. And as an eating disorder expert, I’m NOT a fan of calorie counting. But, I totally love the single serve packets of Wholly […]
Chunky Chicken Picadillo Chili
Are you in the mood for something warm and comforting for dinner? I am absolutely in love with this super simple chili. I’m telling you, try this recipe out. It is delicious and perfect for a cold winter night. CHUNKY CHICKEN PICADILLO CHILI Ingredients2 tsp. ground cumen2tsp. chili powder1 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. cinnamon1 pound boneless, […]
Product Showcase: Whole Grain Waffles
At the moment I am totally obsessed with whole grain waffles for breakfast. Schmear a little peanut butter and jelly on that baby, add a glass of milk and you are set! So many breakfast options leave you hungry 30 minutes later (think breakfast cereal) but this is a well-balanced, protein and whole grain packed […]
A Call To Arms…Abs, Quads, Calves, Shoulders
Each month I try to post a blurb on exercise. And this article (forwarded to me from a client, you know who you are and thank you) probably takes the cake. Getting physical activity is about so much more than shaping and toning our tooshies. And our culture’s weight and body obsession has darn near […]
Dietitian Approved Thanksgiving Recipes
Are you still looking for some recipe inspiration for Turkey Day? Registered Dietitian Jenna A. Bell is blogging about “Dietitian Approved Easy, Tasty Recipes.” You may find something great! (Although I did see a recipe for fat-free gravy which sounds kind of gross if you ask me.) Here’s a link to one of my top […]
Turkey Day Prep
Thanksgiving is a week away and I’m already talking turkey with my clients! I thought this was a great blog post from mindful eating expert Michelle May. Save the stuffing for the turkey!
Yogurt-Chocolate Frosting
A week ago I was one of thousands of dietitians attending our annual American Dietetic Association Conference. And to my good fortune, it was in Boston so I didn’t have to travel far! There are hundreds of vendors at the conference exhibit hall (and let me tell you, a lot of non-food/non-nutritious items). But Chobani […]
The Family Dinner
Take the time to read this absolutely fantastic interview with author Laurie David, who recently wrote “The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time.” Even if you don’t have kids (like me), you’ll benefit from the messages in the interview. I think the messages apply to all relationships, […]
Free Webinars & a Workshop from Renfrew
Free sounds pretty good, right? Well it’s especially good if you are looking for additional support for you or a loved one with an eating disorder. Renfrew is providing 2 free webinars and a workshop over the holiday season. Check them out and pass the message along. Eating disorder treatment is expensive, so take advantage […]
Marci RD on Twitter
Welcome me in to the 21st century and social media! After a weekend of talks on social media, I have finally joined the twittering bandwagon. For those who just can’t get enough of my blogging and need a little more MarciRD, you can follow me: @MarciRD. Tweet Tweet! If you tweet, I’d love to follow […]
Eating Disorder Blogs
If you or someone you know is struggling with food and body issues, you probably already know that finding adequate support and helpful resources is CRUCIAL. Gurze Books has been providing phenomenal eating disorder resources since 1980. Check them out. One of my favorite resources is extensive list of eating disorders blogs written by the […]
A New Holiday Challenge
Every holiday season we are bombarded with two contradictory messages: celebrate, socialize, eat, and enjoy…..but DON’T GET FAT! What if we decided to take on a new challenge this holiday season? Rather than obsessing about eating or not eating, let’s focus on how we can make sure we spend a little time each day taking good care […]
Fat-Free Talk Week Part 2: Marci’s Rant
Over a week ago I blogged about Fat-Free Talk week, which many of you were inspired by. And a conversation I had with a client actually sparked a memory of a recent talk I wanted to blog about! The intelligent, vivacious, and inspiring Naomi Wolf (see here and here) gave the keynote address at […]
Super Simple Mediterranean Chicken
I made this chicken dish up the other night and was thrilled with the results. It’s delicious, easy, and great paired with a winter veg like sweet potatoes or butternut squash. IngredientsChicken Breast, as many as you’d likeRoasted Red Pepper Dressing (anything works really, I bought the Cindy’s Kitchen brand from Whole Foods)1 onion, slicedFeta […]
Product No Case: Yoplait YoPlus
Have you noticed that they just don’t make yogurt like they used to? It’s weird. Yogurt is now loaded with everything from added fibers, strains of bacteria, artificial sweeteners, Vitamin D, and probably some other things I haven’t named. And unfortunately, most of the label claims aren’t back by research and are just simply misleading. […]
Product Showcase: Organic Bistro
Let’s be honest, very few of us have time to cook every night. And most of us are eating on the run or eating out more than we think we ought to. Sometimes you just need something quick and easy! Organic Bistro (sold at Whole Foods) may be just the week day time saver you’re […]
Supportive Specialist Open House at MEDA
Save the date! MEDA is hosting a fantastic (and free!) open house that you may be interested in. On Saturday, November 6th, from 11a – 12:30p, MEDA will be offering a Supportive Specialist Open House that will highlight the expertise of our supportive specialists, including acupuncture, therapeutic touch, massage and expressive therapy. All are such […]
E! News 6 Part Series: “What’s Eating You”
E! will be running a new documentary on eating disorders. Below is a clip from their press release. And here is a link to an article with a bit more information on what the series will feature. E! Explores Extreme Eating Disorders In The New 6 Part Series “What’s Eating You” (Los Angeles, CA, August […]
Recipe: Salmon with Fig & Apple Spread
Every once in a while, I even impress myself in the kitchen. On Saturday I had a real hankering for salmon but was bored with my typical go-to salmon recipes. But while I was strolling the aisles of the grocery store, my eyes widened as I saw a little jar of fig spread. Hmmm, it’s […]
Brain Food
Let’s face it, we live in a food and body obsessed culture. We are constantly confronted with negative messages of how to eat less and deprive ourselves as much as possible. What’s the consequence of this kind of discouraging messaging? A LOT of unhealthy and unhappy people. Perhaps it may be helpful to remember that […]
Recipe: Southwest Quinoa
A couple of weeks ago I had some friends over for dinner. Our guests were all vegetarian and one has celiac disease. So I needed a meat-free, gluten-free meal and knew just the thing. I had a box of organic red quinoa from Trader Joe’s stashed in my cupboard and there was a recipe on […]
Boston Local Food Festival
Save the date! On Saturday, October 2nd Boston will be celebrating local food. Check out the festival’s website for details. “The Boston Local Food Festival, presented by Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston (SBN), is a delicious outdoor celebration of the many benefits of local food. Located on the historic Boston waterfront, along Fort Point […]
Resource: Audio Dharma
While meditation may sound a little hokey to some of you, there is good research to show for the benefits of incorporating a meditation practice into your life. Interestingly enough, “neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex – brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to […]
Home Delivered Diet Meals
I couldn’t help but grin when reading NY Times columnist, Fred A. Bernstein’s article “Trying Out Delivered Diet Meals.” In attempt to lose some weight, Bernstein tried several different home delivered diet meals. I can’t blame the guy. He wants weight loss without hassle and without having to think. While he does succeed in losing […]
The Exercise Balance
As both a dietitian in the field of eating disorders and a certified personal trainer, I’ve observed first hand what a complicated issue exercise can be for A LOT of people. “Working out” is often associated with punishment for eating or punishment for not looking a certain way. It’s easy to feel that your exercise […]
Product Showcase: Frozen Roasted Corn
Thank you again to the geniuses at Trader Joe’s! I know, nearly all of my favorite products come from TJ’s but with good cause. They offer so many fun, unique, and totally tasty items. And this month’s spotlight is courtesy of my good friend Lisa, who has worked for Trader Joe’s for several years […]
New Treatments for Eating Disorders
A client sent me a link to a radio program entitled “New Treatments for Eating Disorders” on the Diane Rehm Show. While I haven’t had time to listen to the program myself, I thought it was worthy of sharing with you. If you listen to the show, let me know what you think. The panel […]
To Die for Recipes: Two Winners
Thanks for sharing your recipes with me! I received two that I was particularly excited about. The first is my from my friend Bianca. Check out her blog post! Green or Yellow Bean Fries1. Buy as many fresh green or yellow beans as you’d like2. Wash and trim them3. Line a pan with aluminum foil, […]
To Die for Recipes?
So as you probably already know, I love to cook and I love to eat good food. But the trouble is, I haven’t found any new recipes that I’m totally crazy about. So I’m asking you my readers. Send me a recipe you are absolutely loving right now. I’d love to try it and share […]
The F Word
I feel that this NY Times article is too important to pass by. We live in a society that values thin and derides fat. We live in a society where a woman shows her strength and ability by shrinking herself. We live in a society where fat embodies all that is wrong and thin embodies […]
Fitness Fact: Feet!
A couple of months ago, a participant in my step aerobics class asked “Marci, my feet and shins have started hurting me, what could that be from?” So I asked her how old her shoes were. She thought for a minute and said, “hmmm, I’ve had these for about a year and a half.” After […]
Verrill Farm: Tomato and Corn Festival
Last week I had the opportunity to attend a “Field to Fork” dinner at Verrill Farm in Concord, MA. And I must say it was one of the most unique and fulfilling eating experiences of my life! A big group of us sat on picnic tables, with a beautiful view of the farm around us. […]
Product No Case: Lean Cuisine
I have a pet peeve- Lean Cuisine. They masquerade as a good for you, weight friendly option. When in reality, they leave plenty to be desired in terms of nutrition, taste, and health benefits. Why? 1. From a caloric standpoint, Lean Cuisines are more like a large snack. All my clients and readers know I’m […]
Food For Thought: Omega-3s and Brain Health
I am fascinated by the connection between the fuel we put into our bodies and how it affects the way we think, feel, and act. I am a believer that how we nourish ourselves plays a huge role in not only our physical health but also our mental health. Yes, our diet has an impact […]
Product Showcase: Pluot
Ok, I’m cheating a bit. Each month a showcase a product that I think is fabulous. And this month I can’t help but showcase something that isn’t really a product. It’s a pluot! If you haven’t had one- you must. Pluots are a cross between a plum and an apricot. They are an absolute treat, […]
Client Spotlight: Letting Go
I am continually grateful to my clients who teach me on a daily basis. Their intelligence, compassion, and drive never cease to amaze me. And I’m also grateful that they are willing to share their stories with my blog readers. I can’t tell you the number of people who say that the client spotlights are […]
Celebrity Diagnosis: Harmful or Helpful?
Check out this article below. Apparently a husband and wife (both physicians) have decided to take celebrity health issues and turn them into “teachable moments.” What do you think about this? On one hand, I hate the fact that it feeds into our unhealthy obsession with people who (in my humble opinion) are not always […]
Eggless Salad
I stumbled across this delicious recipe, courtesy of the the Red Lentil restaurant in Watertown (which I HIGHLY recommend for delicious vegetarian/vegan food). It’s a fabulous meal for a warm summer day and makes great leftovers! The recipe list looks long but it’s a lot of stuff you likely have on hand. Eggless Salad 2 […]
Produce No Case: Shape-Ups & Easy Tone
Each month I have a little fun showcasing an item that, in my opinion, just isn’t as good for your health as it is advertised to be. In the past I have showcased food items. But last week, a client prompted me with a brilliant idea. She had been to City Sports in Cambridge […]
Free Renfrew Workshop for Those in Recovery
Are you or is someone you know working on recovery from an eating disorder? The Renfrew Center is offering an excellent (and might I add free!) workshop/webinar. Topics include goal setting, body image concerns during the summer, and coping with the challenges of vacations. Here’s a link for more info.
Workout Fun?
Did you know that research shows that the right tunes can actually help you enjoy your workouts more? I recently read this article and thought the concept was great. If you are prone to hanging out on the couch, the right music may just help you get your bootie movin’. Check out the playlist selections […]
Product Showcase: My Lil’ Coach
Each month I highlight a product I love. It’s usually food, but this month I wanted to highlight a pretty cool IPhone app. It’s called My Lil Coach, developed by Registered Dietitian Lisa Bunce. In her 20 years of nutrition counseling experience, she ran across the dilemma that most people have- figuring out a way […]
Measurement of Health: Our Neck?
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I think measuring things like weight and BMI isn’t all that useful. I just don’t feel that the information tells us a whole lot about our health. I believe that it gives us a sliver of information, not the whole picture. I believe that focusing on behavior is […]
Orthorexia: Can healthy eating be a disease?!
Yesterday, I received several emails with a link to this article on a condition called “Orthorexia.” Most people read the article and wondered if it was serious, wondered if it wasn’t some sort of exaggeration or joke. And while I admit, reading about it online may seem strange or even ridiculous, it is a […]
Client Spotlight: Cooking and Climbing
Each month I look forward to posting a client spotlight. And I’m so grateful that “A” was willing to share her story with all of you. It has been so gratifying to work with her as she has worked hard to develop a happy/healthy relationship with food. She has fought hard in her recovery from […]
Nutritious Eating on a Budget
Today I’m appearing on the Money Matters Network Radio Program at 2:00. You can tune in live here or listen at WBNW AM 1120 Boston. I will be mentioning a handout: Nutritious Eating on a Budget. Click here to access the handout. And to those of you who tuned in and listened- thank you! Feel free to […]
Fitness Fact: Muscles = Metabolism, Really?
Each month I try to write a little blurb on something exercise-related and I stumbled across an interesting tid- bit while preparing for a recent seminar. Once we hit our 30’s, our Resting Energy Expenditure* begins to decline by .8% for women and 1% for men each decade. Translation: in our 30’s our metabolism begins […]
Marci RD on the Radio
Hey Friends,I will be making my first radio appearance this Friday at 2:00 on the Money Matters Radio Network. You can tune in live here or listen at WBNW AM 1120 Boston. I’ll be talking about nutrition myths and facts relating to eating healthy on a budget, dieting, and metabolism. So get your questions ready! You can call […]
Beyond Calorie Counting
Yesterday I gave a nutrition seminar for a group of women at Get in Shape for Women at Central Square in Cambridge. One of the themes that developed during my seminar is that many women simply don’t trust themselves with food! They want to be told exactly what and how much to eat, since they […]
Homemade Granola Bars: Walnut & Dried Cherry
Have you ever noticed that most granola bars keep you full for like 30 minutes? That always really bugs me. I like granola bars because they are tasty and portable. But on the flip-side the more nutritious bars (like Larabars and Kind bars) can be expensive and the less expensive bars (like Nature Valley and […]
Product No Case: Calorie-Free Salad Dressing
A couple of days ago I blogged about my current favorite salad dressing from Trader Joes. And then I was in the grocery store and stumbled upon calorie-free salad dressing from Walden Farms. Their label brags “calorie free, sugar free, fat free, carbohydrate free, gluten free, cholesterol free.” So my question is, we know what […]
Trader Joe’s Spicy Peanut Dressing
So I was sitting with my lunch, thinking about what product I wanted to highlight this month. And then it hit me, I had to blog about the absolutely TO DIE FOR salad dressing that I was relishing on my grilled chicken salad that very moment. Let me just say that I look forward to […]
Book Review: Goodbye Ed, Hello Me
I just finished reading “Good-bye Ed, Hello Me” by Jenni Schaefer and I am a HUGE fan. Jenni wrote about being “in recovery” in her first book “Life Without Ed” (which is also a phenomenal book that I highly recommend). But in this follow-up book, she talks about what life is like and what life […]
Vote for Evelyn Tribole!
Oprah is currently holding auditions for a health show on her upcoming television network. And one of my mentors and nutrition idols, Evelyn Tribole, has auditioned. She has revolutionized the world of nutrition therapy for both clinicians and clients. Author of several books, including Intuitive Eating and experienced media spokesperson, Evelyn is exactly what this […]
Check Out My Newsletter
Disclaimer: Self-Promotion For those of you who haven’t subscribed to my newsletter, now would be a good opportunity! I send a bi-monthly newsletter filled with nutrition info, recipes, and upcoming announcements. The May/June issue will be on “Summer Season Nutrition Controversies” like Vitamin D and BPA. Expect to have it in your inbox by the […]
Protein Drink Dangers
Watch CBS News Videos OnlineI thought this news clip was really interesting. Another testament to the value of eating whole, non-processed, real food!
Produce 101: Selecting & Storage Tips
After a long winter, welcoming summer and the accompanying abundant produce selection can be truly thrilling. I was walking the aisles of my grocery store, excited to add cherries and nectarines to my cart (two of my summer time favorites). So I thought you’d appreciate a couple of resources for the selecting and storing of […]
Friend Spotlight: Health & Self at the TOP of the List
So each month I try to highlight a client’s success whether big or small. And this month I’d like to showcase my good friend Laci. Over the past year she has fully committed herself to her health. She, like many of you, was overworked and overcommitted with her job, volunteer work, and taking care of […]
A Dietitian’s Cheat Food
I’m not like a lot of dietitians. I work predominantly with people who struggle with disordered, compulsive, or emotional eating. So my job is to help my clients feel less obsessed and connected to food on an emotional level, so they can get to living a healthy full life that isn’t centered around food 24/7. […]
Ginger & Lemon Grilled Chicken
Looking for a simple & delicious summer recipe? I think this one fits the bill. I like making a batch of this Ginger & Lemon Grilled Chicken to use throughout the week. I’ll throw it on salad greens, in a whole wheat tortilla with arugula and tomatoes, or on some rice with veggies. Enjoy! Your […]
Oprah: Says She’ll Never Diet Again
In March I wrote a blog post about Oprah’s interview with Geneen Roth. And just last week, she had Ms. Roth on her show. Unfortunately I missed the show but have been thinking a lot about her vow to never diet again. And several questions came to mind: * How many billions of dollars will […]
Product No Case: 5 Hour Energy Shot
Each month I pick a product that glows with a “health halo.” A product that claims to be healthy, but actually is not. And this month The 5 Hour Energy Shot takes center stage. Their website brags: “At only two ounces it goes down fast. It has zero sugar, zero herbal stimulants and only four […]
Product Showcase: MAC Knife
I have a fear of sharp objects. It stems from an accident I had in my adolescence but irrational fears still remain. So you may be surprised to know that the one thing I wanted for my birthday was a real chef’s knife. So after a bit of research and help from my friend Kris […]
25 Healthy Meals in 20 Minutes or Less
As a Registered Dietitian (RD) I subscribe to multiple nutrition listservs. One such listserve was discussing their responses to this article I recently blogged about. As a result, many of the RDs were claiming how easy it is to pull together a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes. One of the RDs decided to collect […]
Advocacy and Eating Disorders
I spent the weekend attending the 2010 MEDA Conference: Getting Unstuck: Revitalizing the Prevention and Treatment of Eating Disorders. The closing keynote speaker was Kitty Westin, a woman who’s daughter commit suicide as a consequence of her eating disorder. Kitty has turned her grief into activism and has committed her life to advocacy for the […]
Too Busy To Cook: Reality or BS?
I got a kick out of reading this article. Michael Ruhlman says the old excuse of being too busy to cook is a bunch of BS. He states that we all have the same 24 hours in a day and that we all choose how to use those hours. If you don’t have time to […]
New Recipe: Bulgur Chicken Salad
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe simply because I haven’t tried any news ones I’ve been crazy about. But I made this bulgur chicken salad yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Truth be told I had never used bulgur in a recipe before. Turns out its super cheap and an extremely easy whole grain […]
Happy Earth Day!
A colleague of mine wrote a great blog post on creating a healthy kitchen that is earth-friendly. I think she has some great ideas, so check it out! Here’s my #1 earth-friendly tip: Stop buying water in plastic bottles. Cut down waste by drinking from a reusable BPA-free water bottle. I bought one for $2 at Old […]
All Women Worry About Getting Fat
So my Dad sent me this article from Yahoo! News. A recent research study shows that women who have a normal perception of body image based on psychological screening tests still have brain scans that reveal they are concerned about getting fat. In fact their brain scans are similar to women with full blown eating disorders. […]
Yoga in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
A recent randomized clinical control trial of using yoga in the treatment of eating disorders appeared in the April issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health. The study compared traditional treatment at an outpatient eating disorder center as compared to individual yoga plus standard care. After 8 weeks, those in the experimental group showed lower […]
Product No Case: Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt
The purpose of the “Product No Case” blog postings are to share with you foods disguised as “healthy” but might not be. And the highly marketed Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt is another great example. I know what you’re thinking, it’s fat-free yogurt, it must be healthy! Well, I’m not saying that it’s devoid of any […]
Product Showcase: Amy’s Breakfast Burrito
Are you in a breakfast food rut? A lot of my clients that I meet with for nutritional counseling feel bored about their food choices but also want easy meals that are quick and healthy. One of my breakfast favorites is an Amy’s Breakfast Burrito. In a couple of minutes you have a warm breakfast […]
Food Inc on PBS
Save the date! A fabulous food documentary, Food Inc will air on PBS April 21st. It changed the way I think, buy, and prepare my food. Below is a summary from the PBS website, but click here for the full article. In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, […]
Client Spotlight: Finding Peace with Food
I find immense joy in sharing my client’s successes (click on the Tag “Client Spotlights” for more inspiring stories). Here’s another spotlight that gives me goosebumps. Check out J’s story of learning to surrender control and find peace with food. Recently, I’ve caught myself at random times having an unfamiliar feeling: I’m no longer controlled by food; […]
Calorie-Free Chocolate?
So I am a chocolate LOVER. And I was intrigued by an article introducing a new product- Le Whif. It’s an inhalable, calorie-free chocolate. It was developed by a Harvard professor (the same guy who brought you breathable insulin). Here’s a short article and interview with the product developer. Le Whif is already being sold […]
Natural Remedies: Ginger & Nausea Relief
Sorry for my delay in blog posts! Not only have I been busy at work, but I had the misfortune of acquiring some sort of terrible stomach virus. Fortunately, I felt well enough to speak at the WECAN event at Harvard this afternoon on the topic of “Becoming Your Own Nutrition Expert.” One of […]
WECAN at Harvard
For any of you ladies out there, you may be interested in attending Harvard’s WECAN event on Saturday, March 27th. WECAN stands for Women’s Empowerment Convention & Network. Event details are listed here. I’ll be giving a workshop on “How to Become Your Own Nutrition Expert & Love Food Too!” I’ll be raffling off a […]
Fitness Fact: Good Computer Posture
Have you ever thought about the number of hours in a day you spend sitting in front of a computer? Have you ever paid attention to how you are sitting in front of your computer? The typical American is expected to live for 78 years. Now imagine how you’ll be looking at 78 if you […]
Product No Case: Fiber One 90 Calorie Bars
The purpose of the “Product No Case” blog postings are to share with you foods disguised as “healthy” but are truly not. And General Mills Fiber One 90 Calorie Bars are a shining example. They are packed full of fiber (a rather popular marketing ploy these days) in an attempt to look healthy. Here’s what’s […]
Product Showcase: Kind Bars
One of the questions I’m always asked about is easy, portable, yet healthy snack options. I recently wrote about healthy snacking but wanted to show you a product that I love. They are called KIND Bars and you can find them at most grocery stores out East, including Market Basket, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. […]
Tips on Canned and Frozen Produce
As part of National Nutrition Month (NNM), The American Dietetic Association has created a few film clips on healthy eating. I have included this clip on tips for using canned or frozen produce. I actually talked about utilizing frozen fruits and vegetables in my nutrition tools class at The Wellbridge Athletic Club in Harvard Square. […]
Edamame Pate’ Sandwiches
Are you tired of eating turkey sandwiches for lunch? If your are anything like many of my nutrition clients, you are looking for simple meal ideas that are healthy, yet taste good! I just tried a recipe that may be a solution to your deli-meat doldrums. Edamame Pate’ Sandwiches are a simple, nutritious, and easy […]
Nutritious Snacking Ideas
Last night I was teaching my “Nutrition Tools” class in Harvard Square. And one question that all of the participants wanted to know about was healthy snacking options. Here are some of the suggestions I provided. 1.) A snack should contribute to the nutritional profile of your day. So, a snack should look like a […]
Improving Body Image
Many of the clients that I see for individual nutrition counseling struggle with their body image. I was scoping out some resources and came across a couple I thought were worthy of sharing. I hope they may be of use to you or someone you know. 1.) The Body Image Workbook: An 8 Step Program […]
National Nutrition Month
In case you didn’t know, it’s National Nutrition Month. A time to celebrate delicious and nutritious eating all month long! The American Dietetic Association has provided a Good Nutrition Reading List that you may find helpful. I’m currently reading “The Rules of Normal Eating” and am lovin’ it! Here’s to happy eating and happy reading. […]
Client Spotlight: 3 Lessons Learned
I have been working with a client who has made tremendous strides with her eating habits and her relationship with food. She is currently 37 years old and describes herself as a long time emotional eater and “on again/off again” dieter. She grew up with a father who equates food with love and has had […]
Kale: Two Stellar Recipes
It’s been a while since I posted a recipe and I could not resist sharing both of these with you. Kale is a stellar veggie that most people have no idea how to prepare. Kale is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), green or purple, in which the central leaves do not form a […]
IPhone Food Apps
Here is a fun article describing the wonderful world of IPhone Food Apps. You can find just about any app you need relating to food: locating a good restaurant, selecting gluten-free foods, creating a new recipe, helping you pair wine and cheese, and even listening to customized audio farts. Yes, the practical and the useless […]
You Are Not Alone: ED Support Letter
I wanted to provide one more useful tool for those struggling with an eating disorder. I recently learned about the “You are Not Alone” Eating Disorder Support Letter. Subscribe and receive a monthly inspirational letter to support you along your path to recovery. Please forward this along to anyone you think may benefit from this […]
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 21-27 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) NEDAwareness Week is a collective effort of primarily volunteers, eating disorder professionals, health care providers, educators, social workers, and individuals committed to raising awareness of the dangers surrounding eating disorders and the need for early intervention and treatment. The Theme: It’s Time to Talk About It […]
Product No-Case
So after writing my last post on being a wise consumer, I thought it’d be fun to start a monthly posting called “Product No Case.” I currently blog once a month about a product I love that supports healthy living (see Tag: Product Showcase). So why not blog about a product that’s a dud? A […]
Marci Anderson: Pocast Interview
I was recently contacted by a company called “Feed Your Career.” Feed Your Career is a career management site for food, nutrition, and culinary professionals. They offered to conduct a interview with me for free and invited me to talk about myself as well as my nutrition consulting business here in Cambridge. It sounded like […]
Fitness Fact: Let’s Move
For this month’s fitness fact blog post, I decided to highlight the new Let’s Move website I mentioned on Monday’s blog post. Did you know that children need at least an hour a day of vigorous play and activity to stay healthy? This may seem like a lot but consider the number of hours children […]
Michelle Obama: Tackling Childhood Obesity
For those of you who listened to President Obama’s State of the Union address on January 27th, you likely heard him introduce his wife’s initiative to tackle childhood obesity. Interestingly, she received some criticism for sharing her own family’s story and making explicit reference to her daughter’s weight. Many eating disorder experts fear that her […]
Is Sugar Addicting?
Is sugar addicting? I recently received an email from a friend who had this question. She felt that she was completely addicted to sugar and wanted to know my recommendations on how best to detox her system. Little did she know, she was asking a question that researchers and scientists seriously debate. Just google the […]
Jillian Michaels: Sued
According to the Associated Press: Jillian Michaels has been sued for alleged false advertising by a woman who claims she was duped into buying a diet supplement endorsed by the celebrity trainer. Christie Christensen of Lake Elsinore, Calif., is seeking class-action status for the case she filed Tuesday in Los Angeles. Michaels is a hard-charging, […]
Product Showcase: Kashi 7 Whole Grain Pilaf
Since it’s Heart Month, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight a whole grain food product I absolutely love. A few months ago I found Kashi’s 7 Whole Grain Pilaf in the hot cereal aisle. It looked interesting so I bought it. And to my delight, it is an absolutely scrumptious grain that cooks […]
February is American Heart Month
Most of us associate February with Valentine’s Day. And we all know what that means- chocolate. But February isn’t just for celebrating love and candy. The American Heart Association has deemed the month of February American Heart Month. Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States yet it is one of the most […]
A Little Spice in Your Life
Did you know that this week is National Salt Awareness week? Weird, but true. If you’re interested in learning about the effects of a high salt diet, check out this link. Salt is usually a guilt by association kind of ingredient. It tends to be excessive in highly processed and packaged food items. On the […]
Client Spotlight: Honesty as a Tool for Change
Today I’d like to highlight a client I’ll call Tricia. I’ve been working with Tricia for nearly 8 months. She’s battled bulimia for years, but her recent breakthrough is a lesson that applies to anyone looking to make positive change in their life. In short, Tricia decided to become transparent with me, her therapist, and […]
Exercise & Depression
If you tend to feel a bit blue during the winter months, you are not alone. Rates of depression increase during the winter, including people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). In fact, recent findings suggest that the severity of eating disorder symptoms for bulimia peak in the Fall & Winter months. While clinically […]
Marci RD Nutrition Newsletter 2010
If you appreciate my blog posts, I’d encourage you to sign up for my nutrition newsletter if you haven’t already. My first newsletter in 2010 will be emailed out on January 31st so you have less than a week to log on to my blog at http://www.marcie.sg-host.com/_blog/blog and sign up. Just type in your name and email […]
National Soup Month
I just discovered that January is National Soup Month. I guess it makes sense. It’s absolutely freezing outside and the idea of a nice comforting bowl of soup is exactly what I was craving while walking home from work today. Lucky for me, a friend of mine had recently passed along one of her favorite […]
Marci’s New Nutrition Class: Nutrition Tools
In February I will be teaching a new nutrition class at the Wellbridge Athletic Club in Harvard Square Course: Nutrition Tools Date: 4 Tuesday evenings Feb. 16-March 9 Time: 5:30-7:00 Class Size: Limited to 6 Topic: I’ll be providing 4 tools that everyone needs to improve their relationship with food and start making healthier choices […]
Nutrition Counseling & Insurance
I just wanted to formally update my readers that I am now accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield and Harvard Pilgrim health insurance. If your policy covers nutrition services and you are in the Boston area, it’s as easy as a co-pay!
Free Youth Cooking Class
I received an email from Diana Limbach, program manager for Take Back the Kitchen (TBK), a program at The Haley House in Boston. She informed me that TBK is proud to host a free open cooking class for youth of all ages this Saturday, Jan 23 from 3-5 pm. The class is generously sponsored by the […]
Food & Mood Seminar
This evening I have the pleasure of giving a seminar on “Food & Mood” to a group of 15 friends who live in the Boston area. They all decided to chip in and hire me to give a nutrition seminar to their group of gal pals. I was so impressed that they wanted to spend […]
Healthy Weight Week
You might not know it, but this week has been officially named “Healthy Weight Week.” As a dietitian in Cambridge who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and works predominantly with women who struggle with their weight and body image issues, I’m pretty sensitive to the topic of weight. It’s been my experience that […]
Product Showcase: Food Steamer
Delicously steamed veggies often play center stage in many of my meals. And after talking to a lot of clients, I realized that many of you are cooking veggies in a pot. Stop! Pot cooked veggies deplete many of the precious vitamins and minerals and leave your veggies soggy and overcooked. Ugh. I highly recommend […]
Kate’s Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas
My friend Kate shared her fabulous Black Bean and Sweet Potato recipe and it tasted so good I wanted to share it with all of you. It’s packed full of smoky flavor and I love the contrast of the sweetness from the potatoes and creaminess from the beans. Mmmm! It’s also packed with natural sources […]
2010 Food Trends
Marion Nestle, author of “Food Politics,” “Safe Food,” and “What to Eat” and professor in the nutrition, food studies and public health department at New York University was recently interviewed by the San Fracisco Chronicle about her food prediction trends for 2010. I highly recommend checking out Nestle’s blog for a ton of really reliable/non-biased […]
Cashew-Mushroom Pate’
I was recently invited to a friend’s house for dinner and wanted to bring an appetizer that was tasty, easy to transport, and something different from my usual chips with bean salsa. So I pulled this recipe from my “Recipes to Try” binder. It was very simple and a great change of pace. The flavors meld really […]
Nutrition New Year’s Resolutions: Part II
In my first blog posting on New Year’s Resolutions, I promised to provide some guidelines that may help you figure out how to make some resolutions that work for you. Here they are. Step 1: refer to the questions in my last blog post and spend a bit of time thinking and journaling about them […]
Taco Bell’s Drive-Thru Diet
So I just saw this article on ABC’s website. Taco Bell is unleashing a weight loss advertisement campaign with Christine who lost weight on a Taco Bell diet like Subway’s Jared Fogle. But dieticians are on the fence about whether these campaigns ultimately hurt or help a nation facing an obesity epidemic. Check out Taco’s Bell’s new […]
Nutrition New Year’s Resolutions
I’d be willing to bet that a fair number of you are already thinking about some health-related resolutions you’d like to make for the new year. I have some pretty strong feelings about goal setting as it relates to weight, diet, and exercise. But before I share my own thoughts, I’d encourage you to first […]
Food Tips for the Holidays
As a dietitian who works in the field of eating disorders, I am a member of MEDA (Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association). MEDA is a phenomal resource for clinicians, family members, and individuals struggling with eating and body issues. I recently received an awesome handout from Amy Armstrong, who is the clinical director at MEDA. The […]
Recipe: Bean Salad with Quinoa
This recipe is great for so many reasons:1.) It tastes delicious2.) It’s a great source of whole grains, fiber, and plant-based phytochemicals3.) It makes great leftovers4.) It’s easy5.) It’s gluten-free and vegan Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients. It’s all basic stuff you probably already have (or might want to think about […]
Fitness Fact: Why Exercise Won’t Help You Lose Weight
I know, I know. You are probably thinking that I made an error typing out the title of this blog post. Nope. Despite the fact that I am a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and group exercise instructor in Cambridge, MA I firmly believe that using exercise as a means to lose weight can actually […]
Media Literacy vs. Thin is In
I recently blogged about Ralph Lauren and the fashion industry’s constant stream of messages and images which negatively affect women’s self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. And unfortunately, the glorification of a thin body is so pervasive in our society; it’s becoming more and more difficult to question its validity. I’m currently in the middle of […]
The BEST Sweet Potatoes Ever
I had the pleasure of dining on the most scrumptious sweet potatoes this past Thanksgiving. My friend Amelia got the recipe from NPR, where they promised we’d ‘love them.’ And love them we did! They are actually vegan and a nice break from the traditional dish which is typicaly covered in lots of marshallow and […]
Ralph Loren Boycott
So did any of you hear about the Ralph Lauren photoshopping debacle? Poor Filippa Hamilton. Her waist was made to look smaller than her head after some editing that went seriously wrong! The picture, shown below, is so ludicrous. But I think it makes for an excellent reminder that the images we see in mainstream […]
Product Showcase: Tazo Sweet Cinnamon Tea
Another produce endorsement from your friendly nutritionist in Cambridge! So I really had to think about what product I wanted to showcase during the Christmas season. And for anyone who knows me, knows that I like anything containing cinnamon. So I thought I’d share with you my all time favorite herbal tea. It’s Tazo’s Sweet […]
Overrated Health Foods
I don’t always love the diet-related articles posted on the Yahoo! and MSN homepages. But today is an exception. MSN posted article entitled Top 10 Overrated Health Foods and I think it’s worthy of a blog post. After checking out the article, do you notice any trends or themes? I certainly did. Nearly every one […]
Staying “Regular” Through the Holidays
Bet you never expected to find an article on bowel health during the holidays! But let’s be honest, at this time of year, most of us are thrown from our regular routines and this can affect how things are going (or not!) in the GI department. Here are a couple of ideas: 1.) Move your body. […]
Client Spotlight: SMART Goals
When I started working with my client Mary she was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. She had a long history of feeling like a failure when it came to setting and achieving goals. After some good discussion, my feeling was that Mary had continued to make the same goal for 15 years. I asked her if […]
Holiday Weight Gain….
Are you sick of the articles and news reports talking about holiday weight gain? I am. But in my profession, it’s a conversation that I simply can’t avoid. And to be realistic, most people are pretty stressed out about the amount of food-related celebrating this season brings. If you are looking for simple tips and tricks […]
Sports Drinks
On Saturday I had a great time teaching a workshop at Wu Dao Kung Fu on fueling for exercise and everyday living. One of the things we discussed was using sports drinks for hydration, a topic that I thought others might be interested in as well. I see people sipping on powerade, gatorade, vitamin water, etc. all […]
Upcoming Workshop
I just wanted to let you know that I’m giving a workshop on Saturday, November 21st entitled “Fueling for Life & Performance.” If you are interested, check out this flyer and don’t hesitate to email with any questions you might have.
Thanksgiving Food Preparation Tips
Alright, you’ve got 7 days until the Thanksgiving feasting begins. If you are a bit inexperienced in the kitchen, Thanksgiving may feel a bit overwhelming! However, I was just forwarded a link to a fantastic resource developed by Alice Henneman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This link has articles on:■Planning ahead for Thanksgiving Day ■Where […]
Fitness Fact: Exercise & Diabetes
Since it is Diabetes Awareness Month, I wanted to share with you a bit of information regarding diabetes and exercise. And if you don’t have diabetes, keep reading! Chances are, you already know someone or will know someone diagnosed with this serious disease. Did you know that exercise acts just like insulin? Insulin is the […]
Homemade Facials & Face Masks
I recently received a fabulous gift to get a facial at Le Pli spa in Harvard Square. While I’d love to say that this happens frequently, I would be lying. But while I was there, my estetician Helen gave me some great pointers for keeping my skin healthy with some cheap, easy, and fun at-home […]
Product Showcase: Frozen Edamame
Since this month is Diabetes Awareness month, I wanted to showcase a produce that makes for great low-carbohydrate, high-protein snack. Most of us tend to snack on high carb items like fruit, granola bars, and crackers. These types of snacks can make it very hard for a person with diabetes to keep good control over […]
November is Diabetes Awarenenss Month
This November, join the American Diabetes Association in a national movement to Stop Diabetes.November is American Diabetes Month®—a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. This year, we need to take a bolder, more audacious approach to […]
A Healthy Reminder
Don’t forget- this weekend is the 14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival. Check out this blog posting for details. Hope to see you there!
Exercise & Osteoporosis Prevention
Turns out that October 20th, 2009 is World Osteoporosis Day. Additionally, the National Osteoporosis Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary. They’ve developed several useful handouts: 25 Facts about Your Bones & Osteoporosis 25 Calcium Rich Foods 25 Ways to Improve Your Bone Health 25 Ways to Prevent Falls While you might not be able to […]
The Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet
I live in Cambridge and have found myself surrounded with friends that follow a vegetarian/vegan diet. Their rationale for doing so varies from person to person: health benefits, decrease damage to the environment, reduce animal suffering, etc. While I don’t follow a strict vegetarian lifestyle, I am a huge advocate of replacing some of your […]
14th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
Save the Date! Boston’s 14th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival has expanded to two days. When: Saturday, October 31st from 10-6 & Sunday, November 1st from 10-4Where: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St in Boston, easily accessible by public transporationWhy: Enjoy delicious/free food while learning about how to incorporate healthy vegetarian living into your life. […]
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that October marks the 25th year of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM)? The purposes of this annual campaign is to increase awareness, raise funds for research, and promote prevention and early detection. Please note that Friday, October 16th is National Mammography Day. Take this as an opportunity to schedule a mammorgram or […]
Food Rules
Today, theNew York Times magazine is all about food. One of the articles, written by Michael Pollan caught my eye. It’s about food rules. Basically, his premise is that culture might have more to teach us than the government or trained nutritionists. Pollan says “If we can’t rely on the marketers or the government or […]
Product Showcase: Dole’s Wildly Nutritious Frozen Fruit
Did you know that frozen fruits and vegetables may have a higher vitamin & mineral content than your fresh fruits and vegetables? It’s true! And this cool video from Dole can show you why. Ok, it’s not cool, it’s sort of cheezy. But the content is good. That is one of the many handy tips I picked […]
Eggs & Cholesterol
So I have a surprising number of people ask me about eggs. It seems that a fair number of you like them but are afraid that their high cholesterol content will have a negative impact on your cholesterol. As it turns out, the newest research shows that it’s actually excessive intake of saturated fat, rather […]
Client Spotlight: Physical Activity
I’m often inspired and amazed at the changes my clients make to improve the quality of their lives. Sometimes these changes are quite major, but most of the time they are small yet significant steps to better health. So I thought it would be fun to anonymously spotlight my clients once a month. I’ll focus on […]
Mixed Vegetable Masala
This is one of my favortie Fall recipes. I love one pot meals and this one is a cinch. The total prep time is probably an hour, but aside from chopping there is basically no work involved other than stirring. If you don’t have garam masala, I recommend you go pick some up at Whole […]
Mindless Eating & 80% Full
I’m reading a book for my book club called “Mindless Eating” by Brian Wansink. You’ve probably heard of it. Professor Wansink has made his food lab at Cornell famous from such experiments including stale popcorn and endless soup bowls, to name a couple. Essentially, he studies the subconscious cues which encourage all of us to […]
Fitness Fact: Exercise & Sick Days
Professor David Nieman, Dr. PH. of Appalachian State University, conducted three trials with more than 150 females comparing sedentary individuals to participants who engaged in moderate exercise (i.e., a brisk walk for 45 minutes, five days per week). After three and a half months Nieman reported that, “the number of days of sickness in the […]
The Biggest Loser: Second Chances
Believe it or not, one of the things I’m most frequently asked about is my opinion on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” reality show. And fans are getting geared up for the show’s 8th season! Simply put: The Biggest Loser is a TV show and TV shows are meant to entertain. As a result, contestants are put […]
Product Showcase: Barbara’s Shredded Spoonfuls
As I munched on breakfast this morning, I thought to myself ” I LOVE this cereal….I should blog about it!” And then I thought, hey, I should blog about some of my favorite food products on a regular basis. So, if things go as planned, you’ll be getting a “product showcase” on the 10th of […]
Eating Gluten-Free on a Budget
Many of you may know someone who has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. What was once considered an incredibly rare and often undiagnosed disease has gained more attention by clinicians, food manufacturers, and the media. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet (harder than it sounds), so as a dietitian […]
Vitamin D Supplementation
Yesterday I got a phone call from my friend. She had just been to her doctor, who informed her that her serum Vitamin D levels were very low. Consequently, he prescribed a pretty serious supplementation regimen for her to follow for several weeks in order to raise her levels back to a normal range. Naturally, […]
Alli
Most of you have probably seen commercials for the over the counter weight loss pill Alli. Currently, it’s the only FDA approved non-prescription weight loss pill. Back in 2007 the pill was approved and sales for the product sky rocketed…and I was skeptical. According to the Alli website, the pill works by attaching to “some […]
Healthy Dining in Harvard Square
Clients often ask me for restaurant suggestions for healthy dining in Harvard Square. One resource that many of you might find helpful (regardless of location) is called The Healthy Dining Finder. Essentially, you type in your zip code, price range, and type of restaurant you are looking for. And the website produces restaurants and menu suggestions […]
What is Normal Eating?
Have you ever wondered what “normal” eating looks like? I was recently forwarded this article on “normal eating” and wanted to share it with all of you. What do you think normal eating looks like? Here’s the article from the NY Times: Today, the mental health site PsychCentral.com asks an interesting question: What does it […]
My Favorite Summer Recipes
I wanted to share with you two of my favorite recipes of the summer. The first recipe comes from Cooking Light, my favorite resource for great recipes (check out their website, it’s packed full of delicious recipes and practical culinary information). Both recipes are fresh, full of flavor, and so incredibly simple. They remind me that […]
The Apple Test
I recently had the opportunity to co-lead a weekend workshop with a Boston-based organization called Feeding Ourselves, which aims to help people learn how to feed themselves based on internal cues (i.e. hunger and fullness) rather than for emotional or social reasons. The Feeding Ourselves approach combines psychological awareness with behavioral techniques for establishing a positive […]
Food & Mood- CCAE in Cambridge
I wanted to let me local readers know that I will be teaching a new class at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education this Fall. Here are the course details: Food and Moodby Marci Anderson Do you feel tired and sluggish even when you get enough sleep? What about insatiable snack cravings that you just […]
Holly Clegg’s Cookbook “Eating Well Through Cancer”
I have an absolute love for reading and buying cookbooks. Everytime I get a new one, my husband wonders if I don’t already have enough recipes to choose from…I reassure him that you can never have too many cookbooks. And one of my very favorite cookbooks is one I received while teaching a nutrition class […]
Farmers’ Markets in Cambridge
Below is some basic information on Farmers’ Markets in Cambridge. I thought this blog posting may be helpful to my friends and clients in the area. If you don’t live near me, perhaps this may inspire you to check out a farmers’ market in your neck of the woods! Summer is a great time for fresh […]
Something Fishy…
As I talk with clients, family, and friends about the work I do in the field of eating disorders I’m amazed at the number of people who are closely linked to someone who has or is struggling with food and body image issues. While these problems are pervasive, most people have no idea how to […]
Fighting the Eating Urge
So a lot of my clients (mainly women) bemoan the fact that they just don’t have any self control. As it turns out, researchers are beginning to find more and more support that there is biological reason for that! So our food-laden environments are extremely triggering and hard to ignore. Gene-Jack Wang, a senior scientist […]
Seasonal Produce = Nutrition & Money Savings
A cost effective and delicious way to take advantage of summer’s fresh berries is to buy in bulk and freeze them. I found a deal on a huge case of blueberries. I kept some for eating and some for freezing. And my favorite thing to do with frozen berries is whipping them up into delicious fruit smoothies. Blend together your favorite […]
Go on a media diet
Warning: this blog post could be taken for another “rant” I need to get off of my chest…. The other day, a client began a conversation with me as follows: Client: I’ve just been feeling so bad about my body. And I read in an article in People magazine that Melissa John Hart eats a […]
Family Meals
With all of the confusing headlines and shifting recommendations about eating, it’s no wonder many people feel uncertain about their diet. However, there is a large body of research that suggests one of the very best things you can do for your family is eat together! I found a relevant article on the Children’s Data […]
Food, Inc
I had the opportunity to go see Food, Inc. last night. If you care at all about the food you feed yourself and/or your family please go see it! It’s essentially “Fast Food Nation” and “Omnivore’s Dilemma” rolled into a well-research, eye-opening, and entertaining 90 minute film which traces our food supply from farm to plate. In short, […]
Fruit2day
I was recently handed a free sample of a new product called Fruit2day. According to the sales rep, it’s 2 servings of fruit in a bottle for just 110 calories. Here’s what I have to say about the benefits listed on their website:1.) Easy, on the go way to drink your fruit.Fruit, by nature is great for […]
Larabars
We are all looking for easy ways to eat well on the go. Hence, the creation of THE BAR. Yes, if you walk the aisles of any convenience store or supermarket you just may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of them! In fact, as a dietitian, one of the most common questions I get […]
Taste of Cambridge
For those of you living in the Cambridge and are interested in eating good food while supporting a good cause, check out Taste of Cambridge. Celebrate the diverse restaurant scene in Cambridge in good conscience. All proceeds are donated to two charities: Youth on Fire and Club Passim’s Culture For Kids/Music Speaks. A huge vendor lists […]
How much does Oprah weigh now? Who cares!
As a registered dietitian/nutritionist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, a recent New York Times article caught my attention. The title? “Bingeing on Celebrity Weight Battles.” While Ms. Oprah Winfrey seems to have ignited the public’s interest of her own weight struggles back in the 80’s, the need for celebrity self-disclosure on everything weight related seems […]
Cooking Light’s Guide to Organics
I live in Cambridge, where a lot of people have already bought into the world of organics and buying food locally. But as a nutritionist, I still get a lot of questions about whether or not it’s worth it to buy organic. So I thought it’d be fun to share with you a great video […]
Nutritional Gatekeepers
In an attempt to save money, more and more people are cooking at home. And while this may be cheaper, are you certain that your food is more nutritious? Brian Wansink, author of “Mindless Eating” suggests that the nutrition gatekeeper of your house (the person who buys and prepares most of the food) influences more […]
Popping Pills is No Health Guarantee
I suppose I’ll start this blog post with a little self-disclosure. I don’t take a daily multi-vitamin. What can I say, I’m a registered dietitian and a huge proponent of getting nutrients from food. Plus, I can’t stand pills and can never seem to remember to take them. But during my relatively short career as […]
BMI Screening in Mass Schools
So it’s been over a month since The Boston Globe published an article“BMI screening will begin this fall in Mass. schools.” This topic has weighed heavily on my mind (yikes, no pun intended) but I still seem to be combing through all of my thoughts on the topic. The article states that starting this fall […]
When Economy Sours…What Soothes Your Soul?
A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from a Harvard journalism student looking to interview me for a nutrition-related article. He sent me a series of questions to answer via email along with a link to an article from the New York Times entitled “When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls.” The […]
Healthy Snacking
So I recently wrote an article on healthy snacking as a guest blogger for Dianna Huff, who specializes in business to business (B2B) marketing communications and search engine optimization. Check out the article. Trust me, snacking is either friend or foe…I provide 4 common pitfalls, 4 helpful solutions, and 4 simple snacking ideas for anyone crunched for […]
Happy Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to give you a couple of ideas to eat in a more “sustainable” way. Sure, we hear the term “sustainable” all of the time. But the truth of the matter is that most of our Western agricultural practices degrade our environment and deplete our soil. What’s the direct […]
Boston Marathon: A spirit of motivation
As I type, the Boston Marathon is well underway. Since 1897, thousands of athletes have trained rigorously in order to compete in the world’s oldest annual marathon race. And it is a site to behold! Last year, I cheered on runners at mile 22. With a few miles to go, some competitors were running, some […]
Eating by the Season- Asparagus
Eating food that is in season is one of the best things you can do for your health and your local economy. Produce that is in season tends to be higher in nutritional quality and available for purchase from your local farmers markets…soon to be sprouting up! Here is a link to a fabulous resource from the website […]
Part V: Bringing it Home
We have finally made it to our last and final blog posting for this series on the basics of grocery shopping. I’ve walked you through the steps of preparation, what to buy, and how to efficiently use your time and money. While all of the topics we’ve covered so far are important, this one perhaps […]
Eating Disorders: How to Reach Out
A few days ago, a close friend called with a dilemma. “I think my friend has an eating disorder, what should I do? What can I say?” For anyone who has witnessed a friend or relative suffer the demands of such a destructive illness, you know how difficult these questions can be. Please know that if you find yourself in such a situation, […]
Part IV: How Much is it Gonna’ Cost Me?
This is the 4th in a series of 5 blog posts on grocery shopping. Hope you find this information useful. It seems that most newspaper articles and news stories are focused on one thing THE ECONOMY. And for good reason, most people have been affected by it. And if you haven’t noticed, eating at home […]
Spring Cleaning
If you are like me, all of your well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions have somehow drifted into the background. Spring is a fabulous time to re-visit those goals or clean up an area of your life that needs a little dusting off. Here are four simple tips to cleaning out your kitchen and ramping up your efforts for healthier […]
Diet & Health Care Reform
While the excitement surrounding the election of our 44th President of the United States is slowly dying down, the buzz on politics certainly hasn’t diminished in my neck of the woods. While the economy is certainly the most talked about topic, I’ve been happy to hear both President Obama and his wife address issues of […]
The Feeding Relationship: Parents & Children
I just got back from serving on a health panel at my church here in Cambridge. I thoroughly enjoyed talking about my topic of choice (food and nutrition) for two hours. While there was a wide variety of questions that I addressed, a common theme focused on the feeding relationship between parents and children. While […]
Part III: Finding the time
When I talk to people about their biggest barriers to grocery shopping and eating well there is one response that rings loudest and clearest- TIME! I empathize. I even love to grocery shop and cook, and find it difficult. But I promise, it is possible to eat well, even if you are crunched for time. […]
Harvard Says Good-Bye to Calorie Counting
As a registered dietitian and nutrition therapist who treats eating disorders in Cambridge, I was intrigued by a recent article appearing on the CNN website. Harvard University Dining Services has decided to remove detailed nutrition information cards from their dining halls after parents and students raised concerns about their triggering effect for students susceptible to […]
Part II: What to Buy (Nutrition)
Last week I introduced the topic of grocery shopping. I covered the first part (preparation) in a five-part series. Today I’d to talk a little bit about nutrition. Nutrition is a very controversial topic. Why? Because the science behind it is complicated! Case in point: fat. You’ve likely heard a litany of recommendations on fat […]
Grocery Shopping Part I: Preparation
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to grocery shop. I’d join my Mom on weekly visits to Basha’s grocery store. The spray of water descending on the heads of lettuce in the produce section, perfectly lined rows of canned chili and sliced peaches, and brightly lit displays of giant glazed donuts in […]
Welcome to my Blog!
Welcome to the Marci RD Nutrition Consulting blog site. My goal is to help you find stress-free and balanced solutions to a healthier life. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t have your health, you cannot fully embrace and enjoy all that life has to offer. So, the purpose of this blog is to […]