Dr. Susan Mitchell, Nutrition Expert

Hold on! Before you take a sip of your beverage find out if you’re drinking an extra meal…calories that can end up as a muffin top, bigger belly or even man boobs. Sweetened beverages of all types are known to pack on the pounds in all the wrong places.

Grab a yogurt container or drink and let’s clear the label confusion! Yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium but it also contains probiotics or friendly bacteria. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?

Do you know that what you eat affects what you see? Yes, food is not just for taste but it’s for vision and may help prevent some diseases you want to know about.

I also like what’s going on with the current research… keeps pointing to blueberries for their benefits to the brain, particularly in helping to prevent cognitive decline and maybe Alzheimer’s Disease. Here’s the deal.

Last week we talked about the number of calories we drink everyday from beverages. You asked me to follow up and discuss enhanced waters, energy drinks and coconut water. You want to know if they’re worth the money or just a waste.

Have you been listening to all the chatter on banning bake sales in Boston and shrinking soda sizes in New York City? So what’s your opinion?Should laws be enforced that cut off calories at the 16 ounce mark or ban bake sales in order to curb the obesity crisis in our country?

After a long day, could you eat the door off the refrigerator you’re so hungry? Do you grab crackers, chips or cookies to tide you over until dinner is ready? Maybe it’s time to rethink your usual ritual and replace it with a healthier habit.

Do you need a quick breakfast solution that you can microwave in a mug? How about Microwave Coffee Cup Scramble? You got it…scrambled eggs made in your coffee cup.

Are you irritable, find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and seem to constantly deal with hot flashes and headaches? These familiar symptoms are a few of the issues women face as they go thru perimenopause and menopause. The contender for the most frustrating issue would no doubt be the muffin top.

Did you hear about raspberry ketones? Recently the Internet was ablaze with searches for raspberry ketones after they were discussed on The Dr. Oz Show as the next can’t-live-without weight loss miracle. What do you think? Hope or hype?

Pizza time.

Are you a Mom-on-the-go or Dad-on-the-go who is so busy driving carpool and taking your children to all their activities that you have a hard time eating healthy?

Did you know that eating disorder in boys, adolescents and men have increased 250% in the last 10 years? Yes, you read that right…250%!

If you have elevated blood pressure or know some one who does, listen up.

Have you ever wanted to have a garden? Whether it’s big or small, in pots or raised beds…your own garden to provide fresh, locally grown herbs and veggies for you and your family. Regina Ragone, Food Director for Family Circle magazine has wanted a garden for years.