It's not just about the catchy tune on the web site… Well, maybe it is because "Veggie Henry" is so cute…

Actually, I evo for the health of it!

I'm a Registered Dietitian. I've been one for over 20 years – that's a lot of brussel sprouts and wheat germ… and I don't even like those wicked micro cabbages!

The evo team asked me to write an article for the web site about food and nutrition trends. I thought, here we go again… I abhor trends; the latest diet from sunny California, the current miracle food, or worse, some magic pill or potion. But there are currently some great food evolutions happening in North America– everyone has a list of the "Top 10".

Here is my "Top 3":

1. "Locavores": Folks who try to eat mostly locally grown and produced foods.
   Eating local is great – it supports local agriculture, reduces the environmental impact and the costs of shipping. Seek out some local producers in your area and enjoy that "fresh from the farm" feeling.
2. "Food Network Junkies": You know who you are.
   It's amazing that so many of us (yes, I confess), are interested in new foods and cooking techniques but it's 1:00 am so turn off Nigella, Jamie & Christine and get some sleep
3. "Flexitarians": People who eat animal protein but also include plant based protein in their diets.
   My personal favourite! As a Dietitian I am thrilled to see a trend that jives with the latest nutrition recommendations. The new Canada's Food Guide says that we should "Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often" Health Canada - Eating Well With Canada's Food Guide The latest meta-analysis on cancer research and diet recommends that we "eat red meat in moderation and avoid processed meat" http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=dc_home This means limiting beef, pork and lamb to 500 g per week and avoiding sausages, bacon, and deli meats.

Enter evo.

Remember those cardboard pizzas and "TV dinners" of yesteryear? (Consider yourself lucky if you were born in the 1980s or beyond!) Consumers now have aisles of frozen ethnic foods, prepared salads, and ready to eat items to choose from. Until very recently however, there was a limited variety of plant based protein available.

It is wonderful to see products hit the marketplace that taste great and are easy to prepare. It is superb when these same products can also help people meet the current recommendations for healthy eating.

So, all you budding Flexitarians, (and yes, you carnivores, vegetarians & vegans can come to the party too…) resolve to try some new products every week. Head over to the frozen food section and toss some evo products in your cart.

You can "make a change for the better"…

Susan Somerville, Registered Dietitian

All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Copyright (c) 2007 - 2008 Susan Somerville RD, All rights reserved.

In my feature articles I will bring you current, evidence-based information – backed by science, not anecdotal "evidence" from your neighbour or friends. I will combine that information with some helpful nutrition tips that I hope that you incorporate into your life.

Food and nutrition misinformation abounds! I encourage you to “surf” the linked web sites – these are resources you can trust. Challenge yourself with a quiz, enter your food intake and get a nutritional analysis, or “Ask a Dietitian” and get some expert advice for free!

Susan D. Somerville BSc, RD

Nutrition and Food Service Consulting

Susan is a Registered Dietitian. She is a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario, Dietitians of Canada, and the Dietitians in Business and Industry Network. She earned an Honors Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario and completed a Dietetic Internship at Royal Columbian Hospital in British Columbia.

Susan owns SDS Management Solutions - an active consulting business. She provides nutrition and food service expertise to businesses, hospitals, schools and individuals. For 20 years she has worked in the field of dietetics, striving to ensure that her clients receive nutritious, safe and appealing meals.

Her true passion is education. Susan has provided dynamic educational sessions to hundreds of clients. She has presented interactive and inspiring nutrition workshops to schools, community groups, and sports teams. Susan recognizes that people often struggle with the vast sea of conflicting nutrition information. Her goal is to help navigate the waters, translating reliable, science-based information into practical nutrition advice for busy people, families, and children.

Susan lives in Toronto with her husband, 2 daughters, and a voracious chocolate lab.