Foods That Boost Your Mood
What you eat can reduce stress, increase focus and protect your mental health.
Easy Ways to Drink More Water and Less Sugar
Stay hydrated without sacrificing flavor with these tips on how to enjoy more water.
Breaking Your Caffeine Habit
It may feel like caffeine is unavoidable, but these tips can help you reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake.
Fiber in Your Diet: Why You Need It
Learn which foods to mix into your diet to boost soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.
Lower Cholesterol with Food
By cooking at home and monitoring portions, you can lower your cholesterol.
The Truth About Fasts and Cleanses
There are many misconceptions about fasts and cleanses – before starting one, check out what experts in the Sutter Health network have to say.
Nutrition Topics
Related Videos
Healthy Eating for Older Adults
Collaborative webinar with Cal Poly students and PAMF Health Education to educate the public on healthy eating.
Master Mushroom Barley Pilaf
Nail this nutritious, whole-grain dish with help from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
Heart-Healthy Lentil Soup
Master this hearty, fiber-rich soup with tips from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
Metabolism-Firing Fennel Salad
Sutter health coach Jamie Dougherty shows how to craft a fennel, citrus and radish salad to rev your metabolism.
Metabolism-Revving Curried Kale
Here's a simple, scrumptious dish that'll fire up your metabolism. Get the how-to from health coach Jamie Dougherty.
6 Ingredients and You're Set!
Knock out a nutritious, delicious dinner in 15 minutes using just six ingredients. Health coach Jamie Dougherty shows how.
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays
Linda Shiue, M.D., of PAMF Internal Medicine, explains how to eat healthy and still enjoy your favorite foods.
Portion Distortion: How to Plan Healthy Meals
Debbie Lucas, a dietitian with Sutter Patient Education, discusses how to plan healthy meals with appropriate portions.
Ask an Expert
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
Calcium is important for your bones and teeth, but also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Calcium needs vary with age, and it is important to consume enough calcium every day. Besides dair... continue reading about I am a vegetarian and have recent concerns about lack of calcium and risk of osteoporosis. What can I eat that is high in calcium besides dairy?
Ravin Agah, M.D., Ph.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Is it safe to take a low-dose iron supplement if you're not anemic? My teenage daughter is a distance runner, and her coach recommends them for girls on the cross country team.
Generally it is not recommended to take low-dose iron if you're not anemic. Excessive iron can be deposited in the liver and can cause problems. Runners often get "runners anemia" which is why some coaches reco... continue reading about Is it safe to take a low-dose iron supplement if you're not anemic? My teenage daughter is a distance runner, and her coach recommends them for girls on the cross country team.
Karen Handy, M.P.H.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
I exercise hard in the early evening and eat dinner after that. Each night at around 9:30, I'm ravenous. What is a good snack that will actually satiate the hunger without calorically unraveling the hard work of my work out?
Snacks with high fiber and water content, that also include some protein and just a bit of heart-healthy fat, will help you feel the most full and satisfied. That same fiber and water content will also keep you... continue reading about I exercise hard in the early evening and eat dinner after that. Each night at around 9:30, I'm ravenous. What is a good snack that will actually satiate the hunger without calorically unraveling the hard work of my work out?
Ronesh Sinha, M.D.
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
What's the latest on cholesterol in the diet? Are eggs safe to eat? If so, how many in a week?
I am a proponent of the intake of natural and healthy sources of cholesterol, such as eggs, for most people. Eggs are an excellent protein source with all nine essential amino acids and less than 0.5 grams of c... continue reading about What's the latest on cholesterol in the diet? Are eggs safe to eat? If so, how many in a week?
Dorothy M. Coleman-Riese, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
The short answer to your question is that for healthy kids, melatonin is probably safe and effective in small doses, under the direction of a physician, for two to four weeks. Outside of these conditions, thing... continue reading about My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Are commercial smoothies healthy?
Smoothies can be a healthy way to get some of your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables for the day. It really depends on what type of smoothie you order or buy. Most smoothies from the market or a smo... continue reading about Are commercial smoothies healthy?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Is Stevia real sugar or is it a substitute? Sometimes I feel weak and shaky after being off sugar for a few days, and when I start using it again, I feel fine. Could I start using Stevia instead of sugar? Are there any real health benefits in doing this?
Stevia is a sugar substitute. It is made from the stevia herb, a plant that is native to northeast Paraguay and a member of the chrysanthemum family. Stevia is currently grown in many places including Brazil, J... continue reading about Is Stevia real sugar or is it a substitute? Sometimes I feel weak and shaky after being off sugar for a few days, and when I start using it again, I feel fine. Could I start using Stevia instead of sugar? Are there any real health benefits in doing this?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
If you are a healthy person in her sixties, what is a safe number of eggs one can eat each week?
Eggs can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Eggs have gotten a bad rap in the past because of their high cholesterol content. A single egg contains around 210mg of dietary cholesterol. The American Heart ... continue reading about If you are a healthy person in her sixties, what is a safe number of eggs one can eat each week?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
What are good snacks to eat throughout the day? Also - I don't like the taste of water. What can I substitute?
Snacking is a great way to help you feel more energetic. Most people need to eat something every three to four hours to keep their blood sugar levels steady.If you plan to eat your meal within one to two hours,... continue reading about What are good snacks to eat throughout the day? Also - I don't like the taste of water. What can I substitute?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.