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- January, in a nutshell.
January, in a nutshell.
Top health and wellness headlines recapped
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Elevate your nutrition with science-backed tips by expert dietitians, all in a nutshell.
As we entered January, a month synonymous with fresh starts and renewed goals, we couldn’t help but notice the flood of nutrition and health headlines dominating the conversation.
Even as dietitians, we’ve felt a twinge of anxiety navigating the noise around wellness habits and what’s best for our bodies. In this month’s newsletter, we’re cutting through the clutter and breaking it down into simple, actionable terms so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered in your health journey.
WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
🍒RED DYE NO. 3: Last week, the FDA made a big move by banning a popular food coloring used in candies, cakes, frozen goodies, and some medications. This decision came after studies showed it was linked to high cancer rates in animals. Food brands will have until 2027 to make these changes to their products.
Our take: While this is a significant victory for our health—and especially for our children—there are still many artificial colorings that have no place in our food. We’re hopeful it’s only a matter of time before those are addressed as well. That said, there’s no need to panic if your guilty pleasures include Funfetti cake or frosted animal crackers. Instead, use this as an opportunity to start checking the ingredients in the foods you buy regularly. (Look for “Red 3”, “Erythrosine”, “FD&C 3”, or “FD&C No. 3” on labels.) Consider supporting brands that use natural colorings like beet or carrot juice to keep their products vibrant and wholesome.
🥃ALCOHOL: The U.S. Surgeon General recently highlighted the strong link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Did you know that alcohol can raise the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, like breast and colorectal cancer? Surprisingly, less than half of Americans are aware of this connection.
Our take: While the Surgeon General is advocating for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages, the immediate takeaway for us is clear: Even moderate amounts of alcohol (including wine 🍷🥲) aren’t as “healthy” as once presumed, so it’s worth rethinking how it fits into your weekly routine. The good news is that reimagining your beverage choices doesn’t mean missing out. There are so many delicious non-alcoholic alternatives to cheers with from sparkling teas and craft mocktails to kombuchas and zero-proof spirits.
🥓PROCESSED FOODS: A recent New York Times article shed light on the importance of cutting back on ultra-processed foods (i.e. hot dogs, chips, soda, flavored yogurt, breakfast cereal), linking a diet rich in them to chronic conditions like obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Instead, experts suggest cooking more meals at home, opting for whole foods, and carefully reading labels to avoid additives like high-fructose corn syrup and soy protein isolate.
Our take: We’re all for finding simple ways to reduce processed foods where you can, but we understand it can feel overwhelming. To make it manageable, start by focusing on just one meal or snack of your day that feels doable to improve. Prepping fresh produce and protein in advance is a great strategy to avoid falling into the convenience trap of processed options. We love keeping frozen vegetables and brown rice on hand. Plus, experimenting with herbs and spices can elevate the natural flavors of whole foods, making the shift not only healthier but also more enjoyable.
WHAT WE’RE EATING
🍓Char: Trü Frü frozen treats are a staple in my house and lately I just cannot get enough of the dark chocolate raspberries. These are perfect for a post-dinner sweet treat or an afternoon pick-me-up!
🥣 Jen: I finally got my hands on Painterland Sisters skyr and I am obsessed. This creamy, organic, lactose-free (!) yogurt is full of protein and probiotics. While it is thickkk and a tad tangy, it’s also amazingly versatile: from yogurt bowls and taco salads to my recent go-to chicken salad recipe— I am hooked.
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We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the devastation that has rocked Los Angeles over the past few weeks. This one hit close to home for us as so many have been affected by this tragedy. If you’re looking for ways to give, here are just a few of the many organizations doing amzing work 🙏
❤️ Altadena Girls, Baby2Baby, LA Community Meals, World Central Kitchen, Los Angeles Fire Department
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with how to protect your health from wildfire exposure and its after effects, this post is a good place to start.
