The Empowering RD

04/25/2026

1 in 10 women experience infertility.
And for many, ovulatory dysfunction is a key contributor—meaning nutrition and metabolic health can play an important role.

The “Fertility Diet” Pattern—
A landmark 2007 Harvard study found that women with ovulatory infertility who closely followed this eating pattern had:
• 66% lower risk of ovulatory infertility
• 27% lower risk of infertility from other causes

So what does that actually look like?

Key features:
• Swap trans fats → monounsaturated fats (think olive oil, avocado)
• Swap animal protein → more plant protein
• Choose high-fiber, low–glycemic carbs (whole grains, not refined)
• Get iron from plant sources more often than meat
• Take a multivitamin
• Choose full-fat dairy over low-fat

Overall pattern:A balanced, nutrient-dense approach emphasizing:
• Plenty of vegetables
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Adequate calcium (including dairy)

This isn’t about one “magic” food—it’s about a consistent pattern that supports hormone balance, metabolic health, and overall fertility.

Infertility affects about 8.5% of married women who are of childbearing age. And, nutrition and a healthy body weight for both partners can have a significant impact on the ability to conceive.

04/04/2026

WIC isn’t just a food program—it’s preventive care and a healthcare intervention, proven to reduce health disparities.

Participation in WIC improves outcomes for both mom and baby, including:
• 20–30% reduction in low birth weight
• 10–20% lower risk of preterm birth
• 5–15% higher breastfeeding initiation rates
• Improved diet quality in young children (higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
• Reduced iron deficiency/anemia in children
(NBER, 2025; USDA/NIH, 2019)

Cutting funding now removes these critical supports, leading to worse health outcomes and higher long-term healthcare costs.

The National WIC Association strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s FY27 budget proposal, which would significantly cut WIC’s fruit and vegetable benefits and threaten access to nutritious foods for millions of low-income families. The proposed reductions would reverse recent gains in mater...

04/03/2026

Are you aware of the early signs of diabetes? Frequent urination, constant thirst, and fatigue could be your body’s way of sending a message. 🩺

03/31/2026

New research shows that combining strength and balance exercises with protein may help older adults improve muscle strength, mobility, and independence as they age.

12/01/2025

Alcohol — especially wine — has an image as a heart-healthy choice, but few are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer risk. The link should be of special concern to women, since increased breast cancer risk starts at relatively low amounts of alcohol: http://blog.aicr.org/2018/02/26/how-do-i-read-mixed-messaging-on-alcohol-and-health/

10/04/2025

09/14/2025

https://animalequality.org/news/2025/04/15/march-global-actions-take-on-factory-farming-cruelty/

Animal Equality faced some of the toughest battles in animal protection last month. Here’s how supporters turned the tide for animals.

08/09/2025

Our produce storage guide is here to help! 🥦🍎
Keep fruits and veggies fresh longer with smart storage tips:

• Apples stay crisp for up to 8 weeks in the fridge
• Avocados, bananas, and peaches go quickly—best within days
• Garlic and onions can last for months in a cool, dry spot
• Berries, beans, and mushrooms need quick use—about a week
• Tomatoes and watermelon are happiest at room temperature
• Root veggies like potatoes and carrots offer extended shelf life
• Leafy greens like lettuce and zucchini stay fresh for 7–10 days in the fridge

🥕 Store smarter, waste less, enjoy more freshness!

08/06/2025