Allison Nolan, MPH

​Ever wonder what would happen if your doctor could prescribe groceries instead of pills? What if a nourishing meal was seen as necessary to your recovery—not just a nice bonus? For those with chronic illness or pregnant individuals, nutritious meals are essential. This is the foundation of Food is Medicine (FIM), the concept that access to nutritious foods, when built directly into healthcare, can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

​                                                                                                          Kate Harvison, MSc

​In today’s health-conscious world, the term “high protein” is a marketing staple, appearing everywhere from food packaging to fitness trends. It seems like anything you eat or drink, from cereal to ice cream, and even bottled water, has a high-protein alternative on the market. When you open social media, you likely will see influencers promoting their new favorite high-protein recipe that helps them meet their health goals. The International Food Information Council’s 2024 Food and Health Survey found that 71% of American consumers were trying to eat more protein. Yet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most Americans meet or exceed their dietary recommendation for protein. So, why the sudden trend to consume as many high protein foods as we can? 

Alexandra Ross, PhD, MHS  

High sodium intake is associated with hypertension, heart disease, and strokes, making it a public health concern across the globe. However, reducing sodium consumption can be challenging due to the high levels present in packaged foods. Recognizing this public health concern, South Africa tackled this issue head-on by passing sodium reduction regulations—and the United States has proposed their own targets on a voluntary basis. So, what can we learn from South Africa’s approach?

Soren Harnois-Leblanc, PhD

​Staying active and limiting sedentary time may require a bit more encouragement over these cold winter months. Here is one incentive: did you know that you can optimize your health by considering all movement behaviors and their influence on each other over a 24-hour period?

Yutong Zhang, MS  

​Imagine you’re navigating the bustling aisles of supermarkets after a tiring day of work, and your attention is quickly drawn by all convenience, ready-to-eat options prepared on site. These prepared foods don’t require any extensive cooking, a perfect match for your busy life. In the US, prepared foods in supermarkets are in high demand over the past decades because of their convenience. However, this convenience comes at a cost of low nutritional quality and raises public health concerns. Petimar et al. led a study published in 2023 that revealed the high calories and low nutrient density reality behind supermarket prepared foods.