Alyssa Northrop, Therapeutic Massage and Nutrition Counseling

01/20/2026

There’s been lots of buzz about beef tallow since it was included in the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) this month. As a foodie, I may cook with it occasionally for its rich flavor. But as a dietitian, I’m wary that it’s very high in saturated fat, which raises LDL cholesterol and may increase the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. And with 6 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon (about 50% of its calories), using beef tallow may quickly push you over the 10% of total calories limit on saturated fat as outlined by the DGAs.

I was happy to chat with Kirsten Nunez, MS about whether beef tallow is actually healthy for Real Simple.

Dietitians break down the benefits and downsides of beef tallow, along with whether or not it should be part of a healthy diet.

10/18/2025

I’m finally catching my breath after an incredible week! was ALL the things. From the pre-FNCE Indian Fusion cooking class and inspiring opening talk with to the fantastic closing session with and and everything in between, left my heart full and my mind invigorated. Thank you and so many others for hosting fabulous events, and brands like and for promoting healthy eating! For me, the best part of FNCE is always connecting with colleagues, most of whom I only get to see once a year. I’m already counting down the days until next year in San Antonio!!

09/02/2025

Happy to chime in on the best frozen foods for lower blood pressure for Eating Well. (Spoiler — it's beets!) Kudos to Kelsey Kunik RDN for her great article!

Tasty, convenient frozen spinach, berries, edamame, beets, peas and salmon can make managing blood pressure a lot easier, according to dietitians.

05/07/2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the connection between stress, sleep, and mental health with today. We all had the opportunity to experience tools and techniques for supporting mental wellbeing through stress management and better sleep. The brain is like a muscle - the more we practice techniques for mental wellbeing, even when we’re feeling good, the easier it is to implement them when stress inevitably hits us hard.

10/29/2024

As a registered dietitian on the perimenopause journey, I’ve known strength training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density and helping ease symptoms during this transition. But let’s face it—for a long time I thought I just didn’t really like lifting heavy things up and down over and over again. Boring!
 
Then a few months ago, my friends roped me into strength training classes at a local gym. We all meet and walk to class together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. And you guys, turns out I am HOOKED! I love how the strength I’ve gained makes me feel less flimsy throughout my day. And every time I fill up my gigantic watering can to water my plants, I swear that thing is lighter!
 
But I’ve noticed my body really craves a protein-rich snack after weight training. And while there’s a place for high-quality protein powder (I just wrote a round-up of best protein powders for people with diabetes—link in the comments!), I always try to meet my nutrient needs through food first.
 
This yogurt, fruit, and h**p heart yumminess has become my current fave post-workout snack. Thank you for gifting me organic h**p hearts! With 10 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons, 12 grams of omegas, and a fresh, nutty flavor, they’ve become my new favorite way to increase the protein in my favorite post-workout snack. And I love throwing on whatever seasonal fruit I have in the house, like blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, and—for a fleeting, precious time while the season lasts—persimmons!
 
What’s your favorite way to boost protein in your post-workout snacks?

**phearts

10/24/2024

People with diabetes are at increased risk of age-related muscle loss and less likely to meet their protein needs than those without the condition. While we dietitians always recommend meeting your body's nutrient needs through whole foods before turning to supplements, here are the best protein powders for people with diabetes seeking an easy way to get more high-quality protein. Thank you so much for sharing your expert insights for this story, Vandana Sheth, RD, CDE, Esther Tambe Nutrition, and Warnke Wellness!

Best Protein Powders For Diabetes, According To Experts

10/05/2024

Thank you, for an incredible pre-FNCE Pause on Purpose for Total Brain Health retreat that provided the opportunity to practice the six pillars of brain health:
-eat well
-move more
-sleep soundly
-stress less
-engage the brain
-connect with others
And thank you, for those divinely yummy (and beautiful) Dark Chocolate California Prunes with Sea Salt! I am grounded and ready to connect, engage, and be inspired over the next several days at

09/05/2024

Some people get excited about sweater weather - I get excited about apple weather! I was delighted to see bag upon bag of orchard-fresh apples at the grocery store the other day. Whether fresh, in a pie, in savory recipes, or sliced with nut butter or honey, these fiber and antioxidant-rich fall beauties have never tasted better! When I want apples straight from the source, my go-to is where you can do an apple tasting, an orchard tour, or sample their divine hard ciders while eating the best apple cider doughnuts (seriously, they are consistently voted among the best in the Twin Cities). Now’s the time to eat your 🍎 a day! Have a favorite recipe? Share it in the comments.

06/21/2024

Need another reason to eat more broccoli? It's by far the best source of sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous veggies that offers a slew of health benefits. Learn more about this antioxidant compound—and how to get more of it—in my latest article for Forbes Health.

Sulforaphane: Benefits, Side Effects And Food Sources

06/04/2024

It’s finally that time of year when making dinner inevitably involves wandering out to the garden for a handful of herbs or fresh greens. After moving from our house with the big garden to our tiny city lot, I worried my days of picking fresh, sun-warmed backyard veggies were over. But you’d be amazed at what you can grow in a few raised beds built on the driveway! It’s not too late to plant your backyard garden - whether it’s in the ground, raised beds, ceramic pots on a porch, or even an herb or two on your windowsill!