#healthyaging

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

Mar 23, 2019

Want to Stay Stronger Longer? Do This!

If there was something you could do to stay strong and slow down the body's aging process, would you do it? UM...is that even a question?! The past few years I've watched a few older adults in my life age and lose their strength in what seems like rapid fashion. Really, it's not rapid, it's just that it seems that way to someone not living with it every day. I've noticed their change in mobility and ability to do daily tasks. The loss of strength impacts their quality of life

Lindsay Kastrau #RD2B & Shannon Crocker MSC RD

Jun 14, 2018

Simple Nourishing Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls are a great way to incorporate some wholesome fruits and vegetables. And the best part is, you can really make it your own! T

Protein: Do You Get Enough at Breakfast?

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

May 31, 2018

Protein: Do You Get Enough at Breakfast?

Higher protein intakes at meals (along with exercise) are linked with maintaining lean muscle mass as you age. It works out to about 20-30 g

3 reasons to put protein on your breakfast plate | Protein-packed sweet potato and turkey muffin tin

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

Sep 8, 2017

3 reasons to put protein on your breakfast plate | Protein-packed sweet potato and turkey muffin tin

Breakfast is a prime time to pump up protein. Eating about 20 to 30 grams of protein is especially important for those of us aged 40 and ove

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

Jan 10, 2017

5 Easy Ways To Crush Food Cravings

January is the perfect time to renew your passion for healthy eating. If you’re trying to eat more healthfully but find yourself dreaming of donuts and potato chips, you’re not alone. You might have heard that you crave foods that your body needs, but it doesn’t work that way! If it did, we’d all be craving vegetables and fruit – ‘cause most of us don’t get nearly enough! Cravings are more about brain chemistry and the psychology of pleasure and reward. You may be feeling cr

15 Simple Swaps to Help You Crush Food Cravings

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

Jan 10, 2017

15 Simple Swaps to Help You Crush Food Cravings

If you’re eating mostly healthy foods, enjoying a small serving of that food you’re craving isn’t a big deal. In fact, it’s actually a good option to enjoy foods you love, in moderation. But there are also lots of simple swaps that are better for you, just as tasty, and can help you crush your cravings. Here are 15 of my favourite craving-crushing snack swaps: Craving a sweet treat? Swap that cookie or ice cream for… 1. Almond Butter Energy Bites – these little bites are stud

Real Food Fuel: Almond Butter Energy Bites

Shannon Crocker RD

Jan 6, 2017

Real Food Fuel: Almond Butter Energy Bites

These bites deliver energy, protein and fibre (and a hint of chocolate) to help you crush cravings, manage munchies and power through a work

Resolved to eat better in 2017? Three small tweaks you can stick with!

Shannon Crocker RD

Jan 3, 2017

Resolved to eat better in 2017? Three small tweaks you can stick with!

Resolving to eat better doesn't mean you have to revolutionize your diet! Like the tortoise and hare story goes, slow and steady wins th

7 Healthy Holiday Habits to Avoid Weight Gain

Shannon Crocker RD

Dec 12, 2016

7 Healthy Holiday Habits to Avoid Weight Gain

As a dietitian, I hear a lot of talk about weight gain at this festive time of the year. A quick online search for “holiday weight gain” brought up 2,040,000 results (in 0.60 seconds!). Wowza! What’s the worry? There’s a nasty rumour going around that people gain between five to ten pounds over the holidays. Not so. Research shows that it’s closer to about one to two pounds. That doesn’t sound so bad, right? It’s true that a little extra holiday cheer at a party or two isn’t

Shannon Crocker Rd

Nov 22, 2016

Loaded Hummus aka Best Appetizer Ever!

If you're looking for a fabulous appetizer for your holiday party, this is it! It's super simple to make, tastes amazing and it's nutritious. It's a delicious ways to get more pulses (chickpeas in the hummus) and veggies into your life too. And let's face it, we can all use a little more fibre in our lives. I've made it twice now and received rave reviews. Here's what you do: Spread your favourite hummus, fairly thickly, onto a platter. Top it with chopped kalmata olives, roa

Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Soup: A Smart Choice

Shannon Crocker MSc RD

Nov 1, 2016

Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Soup: A Smart Choice

Lately I’ve been reading a lot more about healthy living for brain health. I’m definitely interested on a personal level, but also, I find the mind-diet connection fascinating! What we know about the potential role that healthy eating plays in optimal brain function as you age is, well, mind-blowing! So is there one food that is the best for brain health? Research shows that a high quality diet, rich in foods such as vegetables, nuts, pulses, is more important than any one fo

Should You Be Eating Blueberries for Your Brain?

Shannon Crocker RD & Olivia Lovrics

Sep 6, 2016

Should You Be Eating Blueberries for Your Brain?

I make a point of supporting students with a passion for nutrition. From time to time, I’ll feature student guest posts. This post is written by Olivia Lovrics, a student at the University of Guelph studying Biomedical Sciences and Nutritional Sciences. She loves everything about food, including learning about it and eating it! Ads for anti-aging products and brain-boosting supplements are ubiquitous; the information can often be contradictory, misleading and overwhelming… an