As a registered dietitian (RD), I have always known that nutrition was important for health, disease prevention, and weight loss. Throughout my college years, and during my dietetic internship, this was stressed incessantly, time and again. Clinically, I had learned a great deal of useful information, but my specialized education had never focused specifically on sports-related nutrition.

01/29/2012 | Nutrition Talk | Amanda Cassell

As we slip into the colder months, I often see a steady decline in the consumption of fruits and vegetables of many of my clients. While much of this can be explained by reduced availability, especially in the northern regions, it should serve as no excuse. When this is coupled with increased cravings for holiday treats and comfort foods, the athlete is sure to miss many of the vital antioxidants and phytonutrients necessary for fighting off those winters colds, supporting recovery, and general overall health. One easy, and often overlooked, way to ensure that you are incorporating these into your diet is with homemade power smoothies.

01/17/2012 | Nutrition Talk | Jaime Windrow

Today is not much for tropics, but with left over pineapple and papaya I will try to give it a go. I have previously decided to add the ginseng over the horseradish, and so do. There is nothing sparkling today about my juice as I feel like predetermining the ingredients removes a bit of the excitement. Maybe if I add a spontaneous ingredient, things will perk up. In attempts to mask the tropical feel, I go with beet and romaine, and am quite surprised at the smooth vegetable taste.

01/09/2012 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 19

This morning I am participating in a workout/lecture (I'm lecturing in between intervals of circuit training) so I think that juicing before this event may be helpful. I like the superfood properties of the kale and the tomato addition really adds some substance. The two of these together seem like they may stand on their own quite well, but something is telling me to add some kind of heat. Perhaps cliché with the tomato, but I pull out the forgotten horseradish root. Somehow I will work the juicer into an adult beverage, but alas, another blog topic. Not knowing much about horseradish, I had purchased some while in the root section picking up my ginger and ginseng. Now, I am quite pleased that I did. Properties of horseradish root include strong antibiotic, expectorant, bronchodilatator, antibacterial, coronary vasodilatator. However, systemically horseradish raises blood pressure associated with its heat characteristic. The immune system is stimulated, and oh yes! it has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being antiparasitic, antianemic, antiscorbutic (prevents scurvy by preservation of vitamin C) and is a diuretic. It can stimulate the appetite. Also it is known that horseradish has aphrodisiacal properties. Seriously! Where has this been hiding and why does this not get more press! Horseradish, I love you.

01/08/2012 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 16

I have been hearing such unbelievable things about kale, I decide to incorporate some leaf into my juice today. Additionally, I will continue the morning ritual to juice first thing in the morning! I am ready. Hopefully, the rest of the family is ready, as well.

12/26/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 13

In celebration of pomegranate season, I have purchased likely, too many. I am a huge fan of the pom, but clearly the prep can be a deterent. I suppose I'd better get busy peeling and popping. What I have decided to try is a dual pomegranate prep. I will peel and pop 2 at one time and seal the anrils from one in an airtight container in attempts to decrease oxidation of the precious antioxidants. I think this may not be optimal, but nonetheless, a technique to get me going on the delectable poms.

12/22/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 10

Today, I thought I would read the instructions for my new juicer. Fortunately, I don't think I have been operating the juicer in an unsafe manor the previous 9 days. However, a solo tip about a particular fruit stands out. There is no mention of food with the exception of pomegranate. I figure this must be important. There are explicit instructions on how to eat and prepare a pomegranate. According to Bella, one should score the outside of the pomegranate to peel off the skin, then under running water and into a bowl of water, push the anrils into the bowl. The fiber will float, the anrils will sink (for the most part) and you will have successfully separated your fruit and are ready to juice. Bella recommends juicing the pomegranate twice (the pulp, not the juice) to fully extract all the juice.

12/13/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 7

Well things are certainly picking up at this time of year, and initially I have a sense of gloom about my juice. I was rushed and behind schedule, but onward I pushed to collect some ingredients for juice. In fact, once I started the process, I became far more engaged and excited about what I should create. Hey, kind of like a day where you don't quite feel like doing the workout, but lace up the sneakers anyway, and have a great session!

12/11/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Project Juice: Day 4

Feeling like I have made some serious progress, purchasing the actual juicer, I am confident that I will be able to make some quality juices. Simplicity as the Golden Rule, I create an orange, ginger and ginseng juice that I deem quite tasty and full of vibrant health! Perhaps because I have bought enough root to take me through the month do I feel the compulsion to add ginger and ginseng to everything I make. Quite frankly, these ingredients just sound as if they belong in a juicer. However, how much ginseng should I really be getting?! After researching a bit, ginseng root has many healthful benefits, including lowering blood sugar, blood pressure and improving the immune system. Warnings about ginseng in high doses only appear regarding extracts and supplements, not the actual root.

12/08/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins

Core Diet dietitian Anne Rollins chronicles here journey on the Core Diet holiday juicing challenge! Join her in her 30 day journey……

So, I have been lured into a 30 day trial of juicing. Perhaps a bit of previous intrigue, and with minimal taunting, I am in… 30 Juices in 30 days.

My disclaimer: I have never juiced, am scared of juicing and do not own a juicer.

Typically, if I choose to start a new endeavor, I will research and analyze every possible angle, perspective and internalize until I feel expertly versed…Unless of course, I feel like jumping in with no knowledge at all so as to create a larger margin for improvement. The later is true for my juicing. After wrapping up the racing season and moving into holiday mode, I'm feeling like I need some raw enzymes and with no time to prep.

12/05/2011 | Nutrition Talk | Anne Rollins