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Up one levelHave a question about nutrition or healthy eating? If you don't find the answer to your question here, then contact a Registered Dietitian from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext 3100 or nutrition@wechealthunit.org. You can also contact a Registered Dietitian, free of charge, through Eat Right Ontario at 1-877-510-510-2.
Peanut-Safe Lunches
I just received a notice from my daughter’s school saying they are a peanut-safe school. What are some healthy, peanut-safe lunch ideas for her to eat?
Healthy Foods at Arenas
These days I find myself spending a lot of time in arenas watching my daughter’s hockey games and eating at the snack bar. Can you give me some ideas of healthier foods at the snack bar?
Energy Bars and Protein Powders
Do I need to eat energy bars and protein powders now that I am more physically active?
Quick, Healthy Meals
Life is busy and it’s challenging to prepare regular meals for my family. What can I do to make it easier?
"Fruit" snacks
I’m trying to make sure my 6-year old son eats the recommended number of servings of vegetables and fruit each day. Do “real fruit” gummies and other similar products actually contain fruit? Are they a healthy option instead of a piece of fruit?
Vegetarian Meals
I heard Canada’s Food Guide recommends eating meat alternatives more often. What are meat alternatives and can you suggest ways of including them in my families’ meals?
Healthy Eating in the Summer
Recently, with the warmer weather, it’s more difficult to eat healthy as I’m often invited to barbeques, picnics, and weddings where higher calorie foods and alcohol are offered. How can I attend these functions and still stay on track with my healthy eating goals?
Frozen Treats
My family has been asking me to buy ice cream treats and Popsicles when I go to the supermarket. What can I choose that’s healthier for them?
Whole grains
I'd like to eat more whole grain foods, but I don’t know how to tell if something is in fact “whole grain”. How do I know the products I’m choosing are the best choices?
Greens
I heard that eating dark green vegetables is good for me, only I don't know what vegetables count as dark green or how to cook them. Please help!
Drinks and Calorie Counting
With the holidays fast approaching do I need to worry as much about “liquid” calories as food calories when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight?
Fitness and Healthy Eating
I’ve just started a new workout routine to improve my fitness level. When is the best time to eat, before or after a workout?
Frozen dinners
Frozen meals are common in our household. What’s the latest nutritional advice about using them?
Food Labels
I’ve been trying to eat better by reading food labels. What should I focus on when reading a label?
Quick, Healthy Meals - Slow Cookers
It’s becoming more challenging with busy schedules to plan and prepare family meals. Do you have any suggestions?
Vitamin E
I hear that vitamin E may help prevent disease. Should I take a vitamin E supplement, just to be safe?
Mercury in Fish
Canada’s Food Guide recommends at least two servings (150 grams) of fish each week. I enjoy fish, but am concerned about the mercury content and tend to avoid it. Does this mean we don’t have to worry anymore?
Sodium in Soups
I like to take canned soup to work for my lunch. I’m wondering if I should be concerned about the amount of salt in already prepared soups?
Antioxidants
I’ve heard that antioxidants can prevent cancer. What are antioxidants and can they really prevent cancer?
Prebiotics and Probiotics
I’ve seen a number of new products containing probiotics and prebiotics in the grocery store. What are they and what are the health benefits to eating them?
Vitamin D
I will be turning 51 this year. I have heard that I should start taking a vitamin D supplement. I thought it was better for me to get my vitamins from food not supplements. What exactly is vitamin D, why is it so important, and do I need a supplement?
Iron and Folate
I recently saw a product at the grocery store that has extra folate and iron added to it; should I buy this product? Should I be concerned about how much iron or folate I consume?
Vitamin or Enhanced Waters
I have seen a number of bottles of water containing vitamins in the supermarket. Should I buy these for my family?
Healthy Snacks
I’m trying to improve my family’s eating habits and I find snacks the hardest to contend with. Do you have any tips?