Good Food Is Good Medicine Blog

person preparing winter squash in a kitchen

Health benefits of winter squash and ways you can cook them

Winter squash isn't just a pretty fall decoration. There are more than 100 kinds of summer and winter squash that provide incredible health benefits.

Health Tips

Food safety in hot weather: 4 tips to keep your family safe

Many of us are heading outside this summer for a picnic or barbecue with family and friends. But there are some things you should keep in mind when you're taking food outdoors.

person with a TV remote and a bowl of popcorn

Health Tips

Bad eating habits: When, what and how often you eat matters

We all may have some bad eating habits, like eating too close to bedtime or mindlessly snacking on chips while watching TV. Our dietitians offer ways to combat these bad habits to help you eat healthier.

Health Tips

4 tips to reduce added sugar in your diet and the health risks if you don’t

A sweet treat every once in a while is much deserved. But be aware that too much added sugar can lead to other health risks. Our registered dietitians offer tips to reduce sugar in your diet.

man picking out produce at farmers market

Health Tips

Dietitians’ tips for sustainable eating that are good for you and the planet

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year's theme focuses on the importance of choosing healthy foods that are good for you and the environment. Check out our dietitians' tips for sustainable eating.

Snack Recipes

Roasted squash with wild rice and cranberry

This warm dish is perfect on a cold day. It's low in fat and calories and can be served as a side dish or as an afternoon snack.

older woman and young girl making a heart with their hands

Health Tips

I’m a cardiovascular dietitian. Here are 7 things I eat and avoid for heart health

Need some ideas for heart-healthy eating habits? A UC Davis Health cardiovascular dietitian explains seven things she eats and foods she avoids to help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Health Tips

Dark chocolate health benefits? The good and the bad to this sweet treat

Dark chocolate is praised for having some health benefits, but a new report shows you need to be wary of which chocolate you choose. The advice for this dessert is everything in moderation.

Snack Recipes

Simple winter fruit salad

Keep it simple and fresh this holiday with a winter fruit salad. Take advantage of locally sourced fruits and nuts to create a dish of beautiful colors and aroma.

Chefs Jet Aguirre and Santana Diaz in the kitchen

Farm-to-Fork

Local chefs team up to teach Sacramento kids about healthy eating

Two of UC Davis Health's chefs teamed up with the Food Literacy Center to teach cooking and nutrition to low-income schools in the Sacramento area.

Entrée Recipes

Red bean and turkey chili

Try this healthy turkey chili full of vegetables and legumes to warm you up during the cold winter months.

Farm-to-Fork

UC Davis Health executive chef attends White House conference for a healthier America

Executive Chef Santana Diaz attended a conference in Washington D.C. to discuss ideas to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and close disparities in the U.S.

man reading a label on a jar of vegetables

Health Tips

Your guide to low sodium eating and how to lower blood pressure

Limiting the amount of sodium you eat can help lower blood pressure and lessen your chances for other health conditions. Get tips to limit your salt intake and learn how to read food labels.

Health Tips

Summer food safety tips to keep your family healthy

If you're planning a picnic or barbecue outside this summer, it's important to know how to store and prepare food to keep bacteria and cancer-causing chemicals away.

Health Tips

Why it’s important for you to drink water and stay hydrated

This may be obvious to some, but water is very important to your health. What does it really do for your body? Get that answer and more in this blog.

Entrée Recipes

Creole gumbo

This tasty creole gumbo is a popular American dish that has West African and French influence. It includes a variety of proteins and an option to turn up the heat.

Health Tips

Potato health benefits and why you should eat more spuds

Potatoes are often overlooked as part of a healthy meal. However, these starchy vegetables have a lot of health benefits and nutrients. Check out why you should be eating more potatoes.

Health Tips

Paleo diet: What it is and why it's not for everyone

The paleo diet is a popular eating trend, but it's not the best plan for everyone. Our registered dietitians explain the diet, the health benefits it can provide, and the health risks it can bring.

Entrée Recipes

Chickpea cake with spring salad, vinaigrette, and hummus

In celebration of Earth Day, UC Davis Health's Food and Nutrition Team brings you a delicious whole food, plant-based, gluten-free meal. Watch the Facebook Live as our chefs walk you through step-by-step.

Health Tips

Why is breakfast important? Our dietitian gives healthy breakfast ideas

Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? What are some healthy breakfast foods? Our registered dietitian Melinda Gong answers these questions and more about breakfast.

Health Tips

Our dietitians celebrate a world of flavors for Nutrition Month

Our registered dietitians share some of their favorite foods from around the world in celebration of National Nutrition Month. Check it out! You may find some new dishes you'll want to try.

Health Tips

Intermittent fasting: Benefits, how it works, and is it right for you?

Intermittent fasting remains a popular diet trend. However, it may not be for everyone. Our registered dietitian takes a look at the pros and cons and explains if it could be the right eating plan for you.

Health Tips

3 tips for healthy weight loss in the new year

Don't look to diet in the new year. Instead, follow these three tips from our registered dietitian that will help you slowly lose and keep off those pesky extra pounds.

woman holding a list picking out produce

Health Tips

Meal planning tips to eat healthier and stay on budget

Do you find yourself wondering how to eat healthier at home? Our dietitian gives you some tips on how to eat well for your health and your wallet.

Entrée Recipes

Grilled chicken with roasted veggie potato corn cake, fondue and green beans

This delicious meal is perfect to cook up on those cooler days. You can serve these dishes altogether or make each piece separately to go with other dishes.

Raw salmon sitting on cutting board with garlic and walnuts

Health Tips

5 immune boosters to help keep you healthy amid COVID-19 outbreak

Now more than ever, it's important for your immune system to stay in tip-top shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the best ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a nutritious diet.

Entrée Recipes

Summer squash and corn medley

Cook up this colorful dish to enjoy on a warm summer evening.

Executive Chef Santana Diaz standing in front of the Tower Bridge

Farm-to-Fork

UC Davis Health chef, hospital food take center stage at Sacramento's Tower Bridge Dinner

UC Davis Health's Executive Chef Santana Diaz will be leading a team of culinary masterminds for Sacramento's annual Tower Bridge Dinner. See how they're doing it.

Vegetables on a table with woman ready to cook

Health Tips

COVID-19 nutrition: 4 tips to keep your immune system in top shape

Eating healthy and staying hydrated can help your immune system stay strong and avoid infectious diseases like COVID-19. Here are four nutrition tips to keep your body healthy.

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