May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease which includes an allergy to gluten. If someone has CD, then it is essential they follow a strict gluten-free diet. Gluten is a form of protein found in wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and many other grains. It is also found in many condiments via addition of grains such as most soy sauces, BBQ sauces, and salad dressings. Even trace amounts of gluten can evoke a negative reaction. Individuals have usually had less than optimal vitamin and mineral absorption prior to diagnosis so it is always good to have a proper assessment done and determine if any supplements are advised to help with any deficiencies. In terms of food preparation, here are a few tips to keep your home Gluten Free if a family member is diagnosed with CD.

We are a cheesy family.

When we first realized that my son needed to be on a dairy-free diet, my biggest fears were around adequate protein and calcium in his diet. I know from being a dietitian that specializes in family nutrition that many other parents have faced this same concern. In honour of Allergy Awareness Week, I wanted to share a few tips with you if you have a child who needs a casein-free or casein-and-egg-free diet on ways to ensure nutritional adequacy. At the end, I’ve also included an Oatmeal Banana Flax Muffin recipe that’s a great nutrition boost for any time of day!

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “go further with food”. As a mom and a dietitian I am always looking for ways to make each bite as nutritious as it can be. Perhaps you can relate. If so, here are a few ways that you can take the food you already serving in your home one step further towards optimal nutrition.

I’m no gourmet chef. I’ll be the first to admit that. But every once in awhile I make a meal that my hubby raves about for a couple of days. This Chicken Enchilada recipe is one of those meals. It’s by far one of his favourite meals in our rotation. If you were to ask him, he would likely say we don’t make them enough. He’s probably right.