"Jazz Up" Your Favorite Cooked Cereal

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Starting your day off with breakfast, one that is high in fiber and low in sugar, can be a big help in your weight loss efforts.  Eating a fiber filled breakfast will help curb those morning munchies and help to regulate your appetite for the day.  So start your day off with a bowl of cooked cereal such as oatmeal, that is high in fiber and heart healthy.  To jazz it up try using fruit juice or fat-free milk for some or all of the cooking liquid; blend in grated cheese, chopped fruit, dried fruit or nuts; fortify your cooked cereal with dry milk for a calcium boost; jazz it up with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves; top it with your favorite fresh fruit.  No matter what you do, start your day off with a healthy breakfast that will stick with you!

The Truth About Vitamins

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

Is it true that vitamins provide us with energy?  Vitamins are complex substances that your body only needs in very small amounts.  Vitamins, as well as minerals, are key to every process that takes place in your body.  They work closely with other nutrients to make these processes happen.  Everything from cell production to tissue repair to building healthy bones.  The truth: Vitamins and minerals DO NOT supply energy directly!  Only nutrients that provide calories provide direct energy.  BUT they do regulate many processes that do produce energy.  They are necessary to help carbohydrates, proteins and fats to produce energy.  So, don't be fooled into consuming excessive vitamin supplements as a promise of more energy!