Browse 2020 Blog Posts: Good Food As Good Medicine

Why tapping into NorCal's bounty to feed patients is so important

UC Davis Medical Center's kitchen offers organic farm-to-fork meals to patients, visitors and staff. Our partnership with local farms is the largest of its kind for a hospital.

Chef Santana Diaz discusses importance of farm-to-fork to our hospital

Our Executive Chef Santana Diaz grew up in the Northern California and local foods were always part of his family's cooking. See why he's made it his goal to feed good food to the community.

Flavor-bombed tofu tacos

Executive Chef Santana Diaz walks you through how to assemble the flavor-bombed tofu tacos, including how to make a chili lime glaze and cilantro lime vinaigrette.

What makes a picky eater, and how parents can help?

Picky eaters get a bad name, but selective eating, as it's known, isn't necessarily a bad thing. Our pediatricians help you better understand why some kids don't eat certain foods and how you can help.

Italian broccoli and pasta

Searching for a healthy and easy pasta dish? We've got you covered.

Medical center kitchen proves farm-to-fork concept even amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into our daily lives. However, if there's one positive, UC Davis Medical Center's kitchen staff has proven a healthy food procurement model which can be used across the U.S.

How to safely grocery shop during the COVID-19 pandemic

Going to the grocery store has become a more frequent activity for many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic. A UC Davis food virology researcher discusses grocery store do’s and don’ts.

Moroccan-spiced chickpea glow bowl

This dish is a perfect use for canned beans and serves as a nice clean eating meal.

Healthy eating during COVID-19: Meal planning, snacking and more

Just because COVID-19 has changed things doesn’t mean your healthy eating habits should go down the drain. Our dietitians have some easy steps to help you eat healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 ways food can help your mental health

Now more than ever, we need to be mindful of our mental health. Feeding your brain the right nutrients can keep it healthy and functioning properly.

Easy crock pot chicken tacos

Bust out that crock pot to set it and forget it with these easy and tasty chicken tacos.

Fresh arugula and vinaigrette salad

UC Davis Health Executive Chef Santana Diaz shares this refreshing salad recipe, perfect as the days warm up.

Breaking Bread At Home: Chef Diaz stars in series with top Sacramento chefs

UC Davis Health’s kitchen and those who create delicious, locally sourced food are becoming Sacramento’s worst-kept secret. As such, Executive Chef Santana Diaz was featured alongside the Capitol City’s top chefs.

Simple and healthy snack ideas during COVID-19 quarantine

Tips to smart snacking at home during COVID-19 quarantine

For many of us, life has been uprooted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving us stuck at home and often seeking comfort in food. One of our registered dietitians has some tips for snacking smart while staying in home.

Eating takeout amid COVID-19: UC Davis expert explains food safety

Should you be worried to eat food prepared by someone else during the COVID-19 pandemic? A UC Davis virologist dispels some concerns you may have about eating takeout.

6 awesome nutrition tips we can all use, thanks to our registered dietitians

March is National Nutrition Month. So we're featuring some of our registered dietitians and their favorite nutrition tips. See which piece of eating advice you might be able to add into your daily routine.

So so so low fat brownies

Get all that chocolatey goodness without the guilt with these low fat brownies.

Stuffed French toast

This stuffed French toast has the lovely taste of apricots and makes a perfect brunch dish.

5 heart-healthy steps to work into your diet

Following a few simple nutrition tips this Heart Month to help keep your heart strong and keep blood vessels clear of blockages. Our registered dietitian gives you five easy steps to heart-healthy nutrition.

Chocolate fact vs. fiction: Test your knowledge

Are you a fan of chocolate? Thinking of indulging in a bite this Valentine’s Day? Test your knowledge of the indulgent sweet.

No bake energy bites

Try out this healthy easy-to-make snack to eat at home or on the go.

Hospital earns James Beard Foundation award for 2nd straight year

For the second year in a row, UC Davis Health’s hospital café received a prestigious designation from The James Beard Foundation as a Smart Catch Leader.

Layered bean dip

This heart-healthy dip is perfect for cheering on your favorite team in the big game.

Broccoli soup

Warm your heart and stomach with this yummy and healthy broccoli soup.

Starting a New Year's resolution? Dietitian gives you 5 SMART tips to healthy eating

While most of us start the year with the resolution to be healthier, many fail to reach or maintain their new year goals. The key to success is to set SMART goals, according to our registered dietitian Tiana Carey.

Diet trends of 2020: Health benefit claims vs. reality

There are many popular diet trends these days, and it can be difficult to decide what foods to eat. Our registered dietitian discusses some of the most popular trends of the year.

Dry January: 5 health benefits to cutting alcohol in the new year

The start of the new year means an end to holiday celebrations, excessive eating and drinking. As some have taken to New Year's resolutions, many Americans use January as a self-imposed break from alcohol.