It’s that wonderful time of year and holiday festivities are just around the corner! It’s time to enjoy our favorite holiday meals with family and friends. With all of the excitement it can also be a time of unwanted weight gain. The good news is you don’t have to completely deprive yourself of your favorite holiday dishes. Research shows that enjoying your meals in moderation is more effective in the long run, when it comes to weight management, than elimination. Also, enjoy holiday dishes at work, at home, at restaurants or where ever you are invited and just remember your portion control strategy.

The holiday season has arrived and for many of us so has the extra pounds. Bouncing from party to party, grabbing handfuls of baked goods sitting on desks and kitchen counters everywhere you go. “I’ll just have 2 more bites,” keeps adding up to 40 bites by the end of the day

According to the most recent U.S. Census, Hispanics are the least likely racial or ethnic group to seek medical care. This contributes to less access to information about common health risks and how diet can help protect against preventable diseases. A recent survey by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) points to an important opportunity for more education specifically about the benefits of good dietary fats like those found in fresh avocados. Given Hispanics are the youngest ethnic group in America, nearly 15 years younger than whites, teaching vital nutrition lessons now will have a big impact on the growing community.

The beginning of the school year means parents packing up school lunches for their children. This reminds me of my childhood when my mother packed my lunchbox with tasty treats and a satisfying lunch to get me through the day. Old habits are hard to break. The “going back to school” time got me thinking about the importance of packing your lunch box, even beyond your school yard years.



You know that fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are great tasting and good for you. But did you know that how we pair them with other foods can help us reap even more benefits from these gifts of Mother Nature? It's true!