Foods That Boost Your Mood
What you eat can reduce stress, increase focus and protect your mental health.
Easy Ways to Drink More Water and Less Sugar
Stay hydrated without sacrificing flavor with these tips on how to enjoy more water.
Breaking Your Caffeine Habit
It may feel like caffeine is unavoidable, but these tips can help you reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.
Fiber in Your Diet: Why You Need It
Learn which foods to mix into your diet to boost soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Lower Cholesterol with Food
By cooking at home and monitoring portions, you can lower your cholesterol.
The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses
There are many misconceptions about fasts and cleanses – before starting one, check out what experts in the Sutter Health network have to say.
Nutrition Topics
Recipe Hub
Sutter Health's team of doctors and dietitians have come together to provide patients with tools to cook healthy and delicious meals.
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Healthy Eating for Older Adults
Collaborative webinar with Cal Poly students and PAMF Health Education to educate the public on healthy eating.
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Nail this nutritious, whole-grain dish with help from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
Heart-Healthy Lentil Soup
Master this hearty, fiber-rich soup with tips from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
Metabolism-Firing Fennel Salad
Sutter health coach Jamie Dougherty shows how to craft a fennel, citrus and radish salad to rev your metabolism.
Metabolism-Revving Curried Kale
Here's a simple, scrumptious dish that'll fire up your metabolism. Get the how-to from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
6 Ingredients and You're Set!
Knock out a nutritious, delicious dinner in 15 minutes using just six ingredients. Health coach Jamie Dougherty shows how.
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays
Linda Shiue, M.D., of PAMF Internal Medicine, explains how to eat healthy and still enjoy your favorite foods.
Portion Distortion: How to Plan Healthy Meals
Debbie Lucas, a dietitian with Sutter Patient Education, discusses how to plan healthy meals with appropriate portions.
Ask an Expert
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
Experts say not to skip meals because it slows metabolism down. We are also advised to exercise to burn fat. Now they say you can't just do aerobics, you need resistance training. I'm training with weights and all I'm doing is getting bigger.
You should try to do both types of exercise. Both have benefits. Aerobic exercise is helpful to improve circulation and to burn calories and, if done long enough, to also help burn fat stores. When you do resis... continue reading about Experts say not to skip meals because it slows metabolism down. We are also advised to exercise to burn fat. Now they say you can't just do aerobics, you need resistance training. I'm training with weights and all I'm doing is getting bigger.
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
I read recently that a vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased heart disease. Should I be tested for this deficiency, and if I'm low, would a supplement take care of this increased risk?
Your question is an excellent one, and a hot topic in the world of cardiology and preventive medicine.Vitamin D is not a true vitamin since we can manufacture it in our bodies, through the action of UVB rays th... continue reading about I read recently that a vitamin D deficiency may be linked to increased heart disease. Should I be tested for this deficiency, and if I'm low, would a supplement take care of this increased risk?
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
First of all, congratulations on your weight loss! I have no doubt there was a lot of hard work that contributed to your success, and it is extremely frustrating when all the effort that's gotten the scale to m... continue reading about I have successfully lost weight this year (almost 60 pounds), but now the scale won't move anymore. It is like my metabolism has acclimated to the diet. what can I do?
Katerina P. Shetler, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Thank you for this very interesting question. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer from abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, loose bowel movements or constipation. Patients with lactose intolerance and ... continue reading about Is the presence of lactose intolerance and/or irritable bowel syndrome typically associated with someone who may also be sensitive to gluten?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
The following can cause increased hair loss: poor nutrition, genes, hormones, age, certain medications, stress, rapid weight loss and some medical conditions.I will address the nutrition component. Listed are s... continue reading about I am a vegetarian. I have unhealthy hair, dandruff, and hair loss. A recent blood test indicated my testosterone is slightly higher than normal. I started including egg and ground flaxseed powder in my diet. Can you suggest a diet to promote hair growth?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What's a bigger dietary cause of high cholesterol -- animal protein like eggs and meat, or high-sugar foods and simple carbs? Seems like I'm hearing a lot more about the harm of sugar these days.
Keeping your heart healthy is complicated. Many factors contribute to your risk of heart disease, including genetics, diet, physical activity and stress. Here are some tips to help you lower your blood choleste... continue reading about What's a bigger dietary cause of high cholesterol -- animal protein like eggs and meat, or high-sugar foods and simple carbs? Seems like I'm hearing a lot more about the harm of sugar these days.
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What exactly is a complex carbohydrate diet?
I am not familiar with a diet that consists of only complex carbohydrates. A balanced diet contains complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables with lots of color, lean protein, and good fats like olive oil an... continue reading about What exactly is a complex carbohydrate diet?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
Eating healthy takes planning. It is important to keep healthy choices at home that you will eat. If you want a sweet treat like a cupcake, cookie, or ice cream, go out for it. Don't keep it in your house. That... continue reading about How can I keep myself from always wanting something sweet? Why does it seem like "healthy" foods don't fill me up, but non-healthy foods do?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What are goji berries and what are their health benefits? Can they promote weight loss?
The goji berry is also called the wolfberry. It is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that is native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hopes of extending the ... continue reading about What are goji berries and what are their health benefits? Can they promote weight loss?
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