Doug’s Philosophy
I'm on a journey of revisiting most of what I've held to be true. Having been educated and trained in a traditional hospital internship, I now appreciate that there are many valuable voices and perspectives to be considered in the field of nutrition, and that no one body of experts has all the answers. I am willing to take a stance even if it doesn't mean 'toeing the party line'. I strive to be a free thinker versus running with the pack.
Likes: coffee, sarcasm, red meat, blueberries, Brussels sprouts, eggs, organic butter, 90% dark chocolate, authenticity, french fries & coconut milk/oil/dried flakes.
Dislikes: arrogance, phony bologna & other soy analogues, margarine, skim milk, cooked mushrooms, liver, decaffeinated anything, nutrition professionals who don't walk the talk & chocolate ice cream.
Multi-level marketers: DO NOT CONTACT ME
Category Archives: Blog
Weekend Wrap-Up. Soundbites That Caught My Eye
(DougCookRD.com) Could Marijuana Lower Diabetes Risk?
Regular marijuana use is linked to advantageous indices related to diabetic control, according to a new study in The American Journal of Medicine.The research found that current marijuana users had considerably lower fasting insulin and had a lower probability of being insulin resistant, even after excluding patients with diabetes mellitus.
Breastfeeding May Help Prevent ADHD In Children
Breastfeeding may help prevent children from developing ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) later in life, according to a new study.The research was conducted by a team of Israeli researchers and published in Breastfeeding Medicine, the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
Vitamin C Does Not Lower Uric Acid Levels In Gout Patients
Despite previous studies touting its benefit in moderating gout risk, new research reveals that vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, does not reduce uric acid (urate) levels to a clinically significant degree in patients with established gout.
Grocery Store Navigation.
(DougCookRD.com) Product: Allen’s 100% Pure Unsweetened Apple Juice
Manufacturer: Lassonde Industries Inc. alassonde.com
The Position: a taste of generations, children today can enjoy Allen’s apple juice like adults did in the past
Ingredients: apple juice, vitamin C
Analysis: I know as a dietitian I am supposed to sing the praises of fruit and I do, to a point. However the more I read and learn I am not so sure that fruit should be a ‘free’ food; one that can or should be eaten with abandon. No doubt I am about to ruffle some feathers.
What’s my beef? Fructose.
A few years ago I was first introduced to fructose research at the annual Canadian Diabetes Association conference.
Giveaway: Swap & Drop Diet Cookbook
(DougCookRD.com) From the editors at Best Health Magazine, the Swap & Drop Diet Cookbook is the companion to the Swap & Drop Diet, a step by step plan which allows followers to make small changes one meal at a time which, added together, turn into big changes without it feeling that way.
The Swap and Drop Diet approach is part of a new healthy eating and dieting trend which focuses on small sustainable changes which won’t overwhelm as opposed to most diet/food-based regimens. Research is fairly clear and consistent, comprehensive changes don’t last. This is part of the ‘undiet’ or ‘no-diet’ trend that is popping up everywhere.
This ‘diet’ makeover is build on a 12-week, step-by-step plan which tackles one change with one meal, one day at a time 
with a focus on portion control. Truth be told, this is the approach dietitians have always taken as small changes are more manageable and changes need time to become new habits. Doing a 180 degree ‘all raw’, or ‘vegan’, or ‘no sugar or caffeine ever again’ throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater turn is wrought with a lack of success.
With that in mind, it’s time for another giveaway!
I have four copies of the new Swap & Drop Diet Cookbook to give away. Read more about the healthy eating plan here and then be sure to enter the giveaway!
To Enter: Simply complete the following actions! The more actions you complete, the more entries you will receive.
Time To Rejuvinate With The Revive In Five Challenge
(DougCookRD.com) Spring has finally arrived in Southern Ontario and with spring comes a desire for new beginnings; just look to nature for proof. I think change is likely welcomed more so now, than it is at New Year’s, yet there’s so much pressure to ‘clean house’ on January 1; of course I don’t have proof of this, but motivation to rejuvenate seems higher in the spring and summer.
Taking on new challenges can be difficult but not if you have a easy plan.
On that note, change can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get bogged down with details and not knowing where to start. That’s where the Revive in Five challenge can help. As a healthy living challenge, which was developed by world champion skier Kristi Richards, registered dietitian Nanci Green and the Canadian Health Food Association, Revive in Five is a five-week guide to help Canadians
Grocery Store Navigation. Ace Bakery Breads
(DougCookRD.com) Manufacturer: Ace Bakery
The Position: bakers of high quality artisan breads that you’ll find have more flavour, richer colour; made with the simplest of ingredients
Analysis: bread has taken a lot of heat over the years. As one of the four horsemen of the dietary apocalypse [rice, potatoes and pasta being the other three], bread has been blamed for surging blood sugar and insulin levels, diabetes, weight gain and more. While there are snippets of truth in most sensationalized sound bites, bread, and bread products,
Can Omega-3 Fats Help To Improve Mental Health?
(DougCookRD.com) As a dietitian, I am routinely asked about the health benefits of omega-3 fats; their role in health and well-being is undisputed. This is no truer than in my current position as a dietitian at Canada’s largest hospital for mental health and addictions. Nutrition plays a critical role in mental health, mood, and addiction recovery which is why nutrition education is a core component of the treatment plan with dietary fats comprising a significant portion of the discussion. The role of omega-3 fats in reducing inflammation, improving neuronal, or brain cell, structure and function including the production and function of neurotransmitters is heavily emphasized.
Omega-3 fats and mental health. What is the evidence?
Over 30 well controlled trials have found a benefit of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA in the treatment of various psychiatric conditions,
Weekend Wrap-Up. Soundbites That Caught My Eye
(DougCookRD.com) Neither High Fructose Corn Syrup Nor Table Sugar Increases Liver Fat Under ‘Real World’ Conditions
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism presented compelling data showing the consumption of both high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sucrose (table sugar) at levels consistent with average daily consumption do not increase liver fat in humans, a leading cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Vitamin D Linked To A 50 Percent Reduction In The Incidence Of Dental Caries
A new review of existing studies points toward a potential role for vitamin D in helping to prevent dental caries, or tooth decay.The review, published in the December issue of Nutrition Reviews, encompassed 24 controlled clinical trials, spanning the 1920s to the 1980s, on approximately 3,000 children in several countries.
Summer Skin Protection With Diet
(DougCookRD.com) Despite the current crappy spring we’ve been having so far, I’m confident the sun will arrive any day now. By now, we should all appreciate that a little sunlight on the skin is good for us – it makes vitamin D! But too much can lead to burning, liver spots, and wrinkles. Taking cover in the shade can go a long way to help prevent this. But did you know that there are a handful of nutrients that accumulate in the skin which offer protection by acting like an internal sunscreen?
Foods and nutrients that help to protect the skin from within
Before you gobble these up and go running out into the sun, remember that they can’t replace sunscreen or the shade. However, studies have shown that after consuming foods rich in these nutrients,
Recipes. Orange Bran Flax Muffins, Asian Barley and Wild Rice Salad And More
(DougCookRD.com)
Orange Bran Flax Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oat bran
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground flax seed
- 1 cup natural wheat bran
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 whole oranges
- 1 cup brown sugar [use less if desired]
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of avocado oil
