It May Be Spooky Season, But You Don’t Have to Fear Your Menopause Symptoms
Written by Abby Walter, Dietetic Intern, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Updated October 28th, 2026 October is World Menopause Awareness Month, so let’s take a moment to learn some quick facts. Menopause is identified once you have gone one full year without a menstrual period. At this point, your ovaries have stopped releasing […]
Taking the Sting Out of Life
Written by Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated September 17, 2026 What if managing pain wasn’t about simply “pushing through it”? Whether it’s a nagging ache, a recurring injury, or chronic pain that seems to call the shots, you don’t have to let discomfort define your day. While dietary […]
Shots, But Make It Mediterranean
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated August 19, 2026 Move over green juice—there’s a new shot making the rounds, and it comes straight from the pantry. The olive oil shot trend is exactly what it sounds like: drinking a tablespoon or two of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) straight, […]
Seed the Difference: Hemp for Health
Written by Emily Chmelik, Dietetic Intern from University of Minnesota – MPH Nutrition Program Hemp is one of those ingredients that silently benefits us nutritionally, especially because it is versatile and has uses that go far beyond just food. Hemp comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, but contains little to no THC, which means it doesn’t have […]
Are You Fibermaxxing Yet?
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered DietitianUpdated July 22, 2026 If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably come across the latest wellness trend: “fibermaxxing”. So, what is fibermaxxing? Simply put, it’s making a conscious effort to eat more fiber-rich foods, like beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole […]
Turn Up the Heat, Not the Calories
Written by Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered DietitianUpdated July 8, 2026 According to anthropologists—scientists who study human behavior, cultures, societies, biology, and languages across history—grilling is one of humanity’s oldest cooking methods. After early humans learned to control fire, they likely began cooking meat over open flames, making it […]
Dip, Drizzle, and Thrive: The Mediterranean Diet Made Simple
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD Updated May 27, 2026 The Mediterranean diet is a simple, flavorful way of eating inspired by the traditional foods of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean proteins like fish and poultry, it emphasizes fresh, minimally […]
Stay Sharp: Stroke Prevention
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, DCN, MS, RD, LD Updated May 20th, 2026 When you’re spending time with friends or in a group, have you ever noticed someone showing any of these signs? Trouble with balance Complaints of blurred or poor vision A drooping face Weakness or numbness in one arm Difficulty speaking If you notice […]
Bright Ideas for Better Aging: The Vitamin D Advantage
Written by Avery Erickson, Dietetic Intern, Viterbo University Updated May 5, 2026 Vitamin D is a powerhouse nutrient that supports strong muscles, steady balance, and brain function. Adults over 65 are more likely to have lower vitamin D levels because the body becomes less efficient at producing and utilizing it. The kidney metabolizes vitamin D, […]
Gluten and Health: Cutting Through the Noise
Written by Avery Erickson, Dietetic Intern, Viterbo University Updated May 7, 2026 Gluten is the protein substance in wheat flour and cereal grains. Gluten is created when gliadin combines with glutenin during the kneading process. As you continue kneading, it strengthens the gluten and creates the strong, stretchy, and chewy bread structure in our baked […]