Healthy Eating with Olive Oil
Adding olive oil to your diet — and cutting down on other, less healthy fats — can be part of a healthier way of eating. In fact, doctors and nutritionists commonly recommend olive oil as a component of a smart, well-balanced diet.
he adage "you are what you eat" is especially accurate when it comes to what kinds of fat you eat. Too much of
any fat (saturated fat from animals, polyunsaturated fat from nuts/seeds, or monounsaturated fat) is a problem, of course. But certain kinds of fat, particularly saturated and polyunsaturated, can contribute to health problems because they can raise cholesterol levels.
Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, does not increase cholesterol levels. In fact, a diet that includes olive oil in place of other oils has been clinically proven to
improve cholesterol levels.
Meet our Registered Dietitian
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MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Many experts suggest that people looking for a better way to eat should try the "Mediterranean Diet", an endorsed part of the FDA's "Heart Healthy" diet — and a delicious way to eat.
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Hi, I’m Lindsey DeCaro, Filippo Berio’s Registered Dietitian. I’m here to provide you with practical nutrition information you can use to help you and your family lead healthier lifestyles. Choosing the right foods is a vital part of good health…but it’s not always easy. I can help guide you on your path to healthier living while fueling your passion for great food.
Nutrition is a unique science, one that continues to evolve. But there are basic principles of good eating that are achievable. The best approach is to learn how to eat sensibly, without getting caught up in the latest fad diet. You’ll feel your best when you choose a wide variety of foods in moderate portion sizes that match your nutritional needs. This is the approach that I take for myself and my family. Join me in discovering an eating style that recognizes the health attributes of foods while celebrating the delicious flavor and enjoyment they have to offer!
While you are here please be sure to read some of the latest articles regarding olive oil and your health. Brush up on facts regarding good and bad fats, or get a better understanding of how to read nutritional information on a label.
In good health,
Lindsey DeCaro, RD, LDN
Lindsey DeCaro, RD, LDN earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from Virginia Tech and went on to complete an American Dietetic Association accredited dietetic internship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Lindsey has been a practicing Pennsylvania State Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist since 2001. Her experience includes both clinical nutrition and, most recently, consumer nutrition education within the food industry.
Click here to contact Lindsey with your health-related questions.
by Lindsey DeCaro, RD, LDN
Beginning with the first tulip’s bloom – spring is nature’s season of renewal. Now is the time to give your diet a sense of new beginning that matches the vitality of the season. By increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and selecting low-fat dairy and meats, you’ll renew your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Try also replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated fats, such as Filippo Berio Olive Oil and you’ll be looking and feeling great in no time at all.
Indulge in the garden-fresh goodness of produce like asparagus, fava beans, spinach, strawberries, rhubarb, and green peas — all of which are at their peak ripeness during the spring. When available locally, these seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically sold within 24 hours after harvest and have a shorter distance to travel, which can ensure freshness, flavor and greater nutrient retention.
You can also add some extra flair to your fare by experimenting with fresh herbs. The levels of antioxidants found in herbs are comparable to many fruits and vegetables. Chervil, tarragon, dill, and cilantro flourish during the spring months. Try these flavorful herbs in your favorite dishes.
Another great way to kick off – and stick to – a healthier lifestyle is to exercise your culinary creativity by adding variety to your meals. This helps keep cooking fun, and is a terrific way to get your daily intake of a wide range of nutrients. Try tasty food combinations that are good for you, like a tossed salad topped with grilled salmon or fresh strawberries mixed with low-fat yogurt. Also, switch up your routine with healthier food substitutions. For example, use avocado on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise or drizzle Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil on steamed vegetables instead of butter.
Let spring be the time to give in to your adventurous side and experiment with a plethora of nutritious ingredients. Consider trying one new food each week – quinoa this week, and maybe rhubarb next week. Add to a favorite recipe, or create an original culinary masterpiece. It’ll keep things interesting and your body will love you for it.
Don’t forget that maintaining emotional and spiritual health, a good attitude and a positive outlook are also keys to overall quality of life and integral to staying physically healthy.
We at Filippo Berio care about your health and the issues you face. For more information, log on to:
The American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org)
American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
