In a television interview, a representative of Mercy Chefs, an organization of food professionals who were in Kentucky providing meals to families devastated by recent tornadoes, said this: “It’s so rewarding to share a meal with someone who has just lost everything.”

His words struck me because they are so true. Whether we are on the ...Read more

Are carbohydrates good or bad? This is a trick question. That’s because there are many types of carbs, and they all have differing effects on our health.

So what is a carbohydrate? Many clients think “bread” when I ask this question. They are often surprised that fruit and milk also contain natural carbohydrates. Vegetables are also a ...Read more

I am not making this up. The day after I submitted my last column in which I admitted my penchant for peppermint during the holidays, I received a package from my very favorite boss of days gone by.

Along with a personally-knitted red wool and mohair scarf that will serve me well on cold winter mornings on our ranch, the package included a bar ...Read more

I like traditions. So I admit being somewhat bothered when I hear Christmas carols on the radio before my turkey dinner is digested. And why do they call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday” when I’m still giving thanks for leftovers?

That said, I do love the holiday season. And as soon as the turkey soup is made and we’ve gobbled ...Read more

“What everyday blessings have you experienced that are often easy to forget?” That question from my morning reading made me think.

I’ve become grateful for warm weather and gorgeous sunsets while horse camping in Arizona these past few weeks. And as we travel home to a colder climate, I’ve come to realize what life would be without some...Read more

A patient with diabetes and heart disease told me he hardly uses salt. “I do buy more convenience foods since my wife died, though,” he continued. That’s an issue, according to new guidance to food manufacturers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Citing that more than 70% of the sodium we ingest resides in packaged or restaurant ...Read more

I’m thankful my husband and I already enjoyed social isolation before it became mandatory. One of our greatest pleasures is to take our horses and dogs to an out-of-the-way place where we can ride and explore nature.

So here we go again on our longest trip yet, to the warmth of Arizona. Besides a couple of stops along the way to see family in...Read more

I sometimes consult with overweight patients who are considering bariatric (weight loss) surgery. For some individuals, the need to take specific vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives is not an easy to pill to swallow. To not do so, however, puts them at risk for serious nutrient deficiencies.

Still, some patients balk at ...Read more

Reader RS from Indiana writes:

"Hi Barb,

Being a retired home economics teacher, I always enjoy reading your column. I have always peeled the skin off of apples due to my concern about the chemicals used to spray the apples. Should I be concerned about this or am I overly cautious?"

You might be overly cautious and miss out on some great ...Read more