If you have a lot of recipes that need analyzed, save yourself some time. We will happily accept your recipes by e-mail, fax, or by traditional mail. In order to speed the service be sure to include the information requested on the recipe form.

More reliable nutrition resources on the web.

Weight Loss Resources

The American Cancer Society has free information on weight loss through their Great American Eat Right Challenge.

Great American Weigh In

The National Institute for Health (NIH) also has some great free resources to help people lose weight including a food and activity diary.

National Institute of Health Weight Management Resources

Nutrient Database Resources:

The USDA has one of the most comprehensive FREE databases of nutrients in food. This database can help you find vitamin, mineral, protein, fiber, carbohydrate, and fat content of common and uncommon foods.

USDA Nutrient Database

General Nutrition Resources:

Center for Science in the Public Interest(CSPI) is a consumer watchdog group that publishes a magazine called Nutrition Action Health letter. They have well written articles a number on interesting and sometimes controversial topics!

Center for Science in the Public Interest and Nutrition Action Health letter

General Health Information:

This website is sponsored by the FDA and has information on a variety of topics from food safety to suntan lotion.

FDA Consumer

Sugar substitutes have come along way since the introduction of Tab? in the 1960's. In the 60's only two sugar substitutes were used; saccharin and cyclamate. Unfortunately, the FDA banned cyclamate in the 1970's due to concerns about cancer. During that same time period saccharin was listed as being potentially carcinogenic. This may help explain the long held belief that all sugar substitutes cause cancer.

In May of 2000, saccharin was removed from the list of potential carcinogens by a subgroup on the National Institute of Health. Additionally, saccaharin containing products are no longer required to carry a warning that they may cause cancer in laboratory animals.

What about aspartame? Recently, a large study concluded that among half a million older adults cancer risk was not increased by drinking diet drinks sweetened with aspartame. This study further supports the FDA and the American Medical Association's conclusion that aspartame is safe for most individuals and is not associated with serious adverse health effects.

Acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and neomate (newest to the market) are also approved for general usage in the United States. All three have been thoroughly studied in animal models and none have been associated with increased cancer rates. Based on scientific studies you can rest assured that your favorite sugar substitute does not cause cancer.

Do you want to learn more? Check out www.cspinet.org

Jennifer Hartmann, MS, RD, CD

Update: Cyclamate is sold in a number of European countries and currently is under petition to be reinstated by the FDA due to evidence refuting the original cancer claim.

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My favorite part about being a nutritionist is learning about the positive aspects of the foods I love! So I ask you, do you love soup too? Has it been a while since you had soup? Here is a great reason to include soup in your diet. Check out this article and you might agree. Plan From Campbell's Soup

My love of food and nutrition began in an (almost) landlocked state in the 70's and 80's. Lucky for me my mother was into the "health food scene" long before it became popular. I vividly remember one store (Apple a Day) and the scent of freshly ground grain in the air. My mother always found interesting ways to get us to try new foods and tried to thwart the "I hate this, I hate that mentality". My siblings and I did not always oblige but she certainly tried.

My tastes were also influenced by the family down the street who were "foodies". They could afford to eat and cook food that was hard to come by where and when I grew up. Eating at their house was always an event and included such things as fresh salmon, spicy Indian dishes, and flavorful sauces.

Thus the foundation for my love affair with food and nutrition began.Jennifer Hartmann, MS, RD, CD

Last night I was at a party and was asked what I did for a living. When I told the woman that I was a dietitian she did what everyone tends to do."Oh no, don't look at what I am eating", as if I was dissecting her plate as we spoke. Most people may be shocked to learn that we don't see what is on your plates until you point it out to us.

During the holidays or at parties dietitians probably will not notice what you are eating. In fact, we are eating from the same buffet table that you are. Gasp! We do not feel guilty about eating some crab dip or whatever it is that the host and hostess provide. So eat and enjoy your cookies over the holidays and remember you can always come and see us in the New Year. -Jennifer Hartmann, MS, RD, CD

Lately, parents are bombarded with information about their kids and weight. They are preached at about moderation, good versus bad foods, and increasing their child's exercise. Commercials further add to the battle by taking children's television heroes and making them into subliminal spokespeople for empty calorie laden foods. Postive role models such as Cookie Monster (who eats cookies in moderation)are still hard to find.

Which may have lead you to wonder what to do? Turning off the television is an easy first step. What you might say! Yes, the chatter box not only influences your child's food habits but it also leads to inactivity. (*Meal times should also be television free!) I do understand that television can have a place in family life; what I am advocating is a reduction. Second, it is important to note that YOU are your child's number one food role model. Thus, if you skip fruits and vegetables eat junk food and then pressure you child into eating "good food" you are in effect negating the positive aspects of all food. Lastly, exercising/playing WITH your kids (starting at a young age if possible) lays the foundation for good exercise habits throughout their life.

Interested in learning more? Check out the following from the Center for Disease Control:

Quick tips for healthy kids