- With Mayo Clinic nutritionists
Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
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Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Katherine Zeratsky and Jennifer Nelson
Jennifer K. Nelson, M.S., R.D., L.D., C.N.S.D.
Jennifer Nelson is your link to a better diet. As specialty editor of the nutrition and healthy eating guide, she plays a vital role in bringing you healthy recipes and meal planning."Nutrition is one way people have direct control over the quality of their lives," she says. "I hope to translate the science of nutrition into ways that people can select and prepare great-tasting foods that help maintain health and treat disease."
A St. Paul, Minn., native, she has been with Mayo Clinic since 1978, and is director of clinical dietetics and an associate professor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
She leads clinical nutrition efforts for a staff of more than 60 clinical dietitians and nine dietetic technicians and oversees nutrition services, staffing, strategic and financial planning, and quality improvement. Nelson was co-editor of the "Mayo Clinic Diet" and the James Beard Foundation Award-winning "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook." She has been a contributing author to and reviewer of many other Mayo Clinic books, including "Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody," "The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and "The Mayo Clinic/Williams Sonoma Cookbook." She contributes to the strategic direction of the Food & Nutrition Center, which includes creating recipes and menus, reviewing nutrition content of various articles, and providing expert answers to nutrition questions.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor of the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.A Marinette, Wis., native, she is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She's active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
Latest entries
- Juicing and blending with a focus on flavor
May 22, 2013
- Safe juicing and blending
May 14, 2013
- Is NEAT part of your weight-control plan?
May 1, 2013
- Exercise, hunger and weight loss
April 25, 2013
- Another look at meat consumption and mortality
April 17, 2013
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Nutrition-wise blog
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Nov. 18, 2010
Junk food diet for weight loss?
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Is it possible to lose weight by eating junk food? One researcher put it to the test. The results might surprise you. continue
16 comments -
Oct. 14, 2010
Talking to kids about healthy food choices
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
If a food has no carbohydrates, no protein and no fat, does that make it good for you? How would you answer that question? continue
7 comments -
Oct. 6, 2010
Investing in kids' health
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Kids do better in school when they're well nourished. What can be done to create healthy environments at school, at home and in the community? continue
5 comments -
Sept. 29, 2010
School nutrition: Getting beyond 'kid food'
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
What can be done to get kids to give up highly processed foods, like chicken nuggets and pizza, and choose healthier alternatives? continue
6 comments -
Sept. 15, 2010
Perspectives on childhood obesity
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Solutions to childhood obesity must take into account the need to protect children's emotional health. continue
7 comments -
Sept. 9, 2010
Healthy sandwich makeover
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Try these fun and easy tips for remaking the simple sandwich. continue
8 comments -
Aug. 25, 2010
Dietary guidelines connect SoFAS and weight gain
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Are SoFAS making Americans fat? SoFAS — aka, solid fat and added sugar — are a major source of excess calories in the American diet. continue
6 comments -
Aug. 21, 2010
Calcium supplements and bone health
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Concerned about keeping your bones healthy? There's more to it than just getting enough calcium in your diet or from supplements. continue
31 comments -
Aug. 12, 2010
Dietary supplements not without risks
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
"Herbal," "natural" and "nonprescription" can all be used to describe supplements. But that doesn't mean all supplements are safe. continue
20 comments -
Aug. 6, 2010
Grocery stores make shopping easier and healthier
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Dread food shopping? There's good news. Many grocery stores are reducing the hassle factor and making it easier for shoppers to make healthy choices. continue
7 comments -
July 23, 2010
Selective eating: When picky eating persists
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
No longer a kid but still a picky eater? You may be surprised to hear that you're not alone. continue
37 comments -
July 15, 2010
Kitchen land mines: 10 foods to avoid
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Don't let these 10 foods sabotage your healthy eating plan. Play it safe, and keep them out of your kitchen. continue
33 comments -
June 18, 2010
Hit the books: Choosing the right cookbook
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Every cook needs at least one great cookbook. Use these tips to choose one worthy of your bookshelf. continue
15 comments -
June 11, 2010
Heart-health benefits of wine questioned
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Alcohol in moderation is heart healthy, right? Maybe. A new study raises interesting questions about the connection between wine and heart disease. continue
6 comments -
June 4, 2010
Red meat — no longer bad for us?
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
New research is raising questions about the long-held belief that red meat increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. continue
21 comments -
May 29, 2010
Farmers market: A healthy way to buy local
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Spring is here and farmers markets are full of lovely local produce. They're a great way to freshen up your diet and support local growers. continue
4 comments -
May 13, 2010
Serving sizes: Who decides what a serving is?
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Serving sizes on packaged foods seem out of sync with the way Americans eat today. Should serving sizes be upsized? What message would that send? continue
12 comments -
May 8, 2010
BMI may underestimate obesity in women
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
The mirror never lies, but your BMI — body mass index — might. Doctors use BMI to classify obesity, but is it the best tool? continue
24 comments -
April 23, 2010
Raw milk debate
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Fans of raw milk say it tastes better and has health benefits. Public health experts counter that raw milk poses a health threat. continue
53 comments -
April 17, 2010
Are you food illiterate? You're not alone
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
You probably dismissed it when your grandmother said, "No one knows how to cook anymore." Turns out grandma was right. continue
8 comments -
April 2, 2010
Obesity: Doctors slow to address the problem
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Why are so many doctors hesitant to discuss weight issues with their patients? Is it a lack of resources or are other factors at play? continue
32 comments -
March 25, 2010
Nutrition month: Healthy eating from the ground up
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
The theme for this year's nutrition month is improving your nutrition from the ground up. What better way to celebrate than by going green. continue
9 comments -
March 19, 2010
Misleading food labels prompt FDA action
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
To protect consumers, the FDA is stepping up enforcement of regulations ensuring the accuracy and usefulness of food labels. Protect yourself by staying informed. continue
15 comments -
March 12, 2010
Shaking the salt habit
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Cutting back on salt helps lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease. Yet the American diet keeps getting saltier. Are regulations the only way to kick the habit? continue
138 comments -
March 6, 2010
Relaxation drinks
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Do you need a drink to help you relax? Makers of new relaxation drinks think so. These non-alcoholic supplements are showing up on store shelves. continue
15 comments
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