Melissa Rifkin Nutrition

Dietitian, Weight Management & Expert

Melissa Rifkin Nutrition

5 Steps for Building the Perfect Smoothie According to a Dietician

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Looking for a low-prep, nutritious meal or snack? (Who isn’t!) Look no further than the infinitely versatile smoothie. 

I love smoothies partly because they are easy to tailor to individual preferences. Smoothies are endlessly customizable, from fruits and veggies to protein add-ins, to health “boosts,” and various ways to incorporate healthy fats. And there is no better way to replenish after a workout or refresh on a hot day than a chilled smoothie.

While smoothies can be packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients, not all smoothies are created equal. Pre-made packaged smoothies and those sold at smoothie stores often use fruit juice as a base and contain added sugar. The natural sugar found in fruit is no cause for concern for most people, but added sugar detracts from the healthfulness of a smoothie. 

Often, the most nutritious smoothie is one you make yourself. Here are the key steps, components, and tips for building a healthy, balanced, and delicious smoothie! 

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7 Easy Ways to Help Reduce Stress

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We have all experienced stress. For better or for worse, stress is a regular part of all of our lives and can be caused by many different factors. 

Though we all experience stress, stress presents itself differently in everyone. While some of us notice an increased heart rate or have trouble sleeping, others experiencing stress may have digestive issues or a loss of appetite. 

Let’s explore the different types of stress, how they affect our bodies, and steps we can take to better manage the stress in our lives. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to reduce stress.

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What Is Moon Milk? + The Top 2022 Wellness Drink Trends

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Over the years, we’ve seen food trends evolve. In the ‘90s, low-fat everything was in. Today we see a push for higher-fat foods reflected in popular diets, like keto and other low-carb styles of eating. Sheet pan meals, plant-based eating, zero-waste cooking, and gut health are other food and health trends that have become popular in recent years. 

Click ahead to read more about Moon Milk.

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6 Easy Eco-Friendly Habits to Implement Today

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When considering the simple choices you can make to protect and enhance our environment, you might first think of driving less, recycling more, and repurposing items that may otherwise end up in the landfill. These are all wonderful ways to take care of our earth. There are many other simple habits you can implement at home to further your eco-friendly efforts. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to become more eco-friendly.

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How To Identify Kosher or Halal Vitamins

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With so many vitamins and supplements available on the market today, it can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate the market. On top of choosing from the sheer volume of options, those with dietary preferences and restrictions, like those following Kosher and Halal, may have an even more challenging time finding the right vitamin supplements to meets their needs. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to identify Kosher or Halal vitamins.

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How I’m Incorporating Serenity Kids’ Toddler Formula into Max’s Meals

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My little guy is full of energy these days, playing with toys around the house, running around outside and LOVING our neighborhood playground. I love that he is so active, but, boy, does he keep me on my toes!

As a mom, and even more so as a dietitian, I think about Max’s nutrition constantly. Is he eating enough? Is he eating too much? How is his digestion? Which new foods should I introduce next? While there is not a concrete plan to follow with feeding a toddler, and every child has different preferences and needs, one thing giving me peace of mind in ensuring Max is getting everything he needs is Serenity Kids’ new A2 Whole Milk Formula.

Max eats and/or drinks calories every couple of hours, and while we largely rely on homemade meals and snacks, using Serenity Kids’ toddler formula has been a great addition to his nutrition. It is free of soy, a common allergen for children, and provides 8 sources of healthy fats, like DHA to support brain and nervous system development. It also contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in easily absorbable forms to fill in any gaps we may be missing in Max’s food intake. And, one of the more unique features of Serenity Kids’ new A2 Whole Milk Formula is that it is contains prebiotics like Human Milk Oligosaccharides and galactooligosaccharides for the microbiome and is made with grass fed A2 whole milk which has only A2 beta casein protein that allow for easier digestion compared to traditional formulas made with A1 protein.

Believe me, Max is happy to have a cup of Serenity Kids’ toddler formula on its own, but I have also found unique ways to add it to his meals and snacks as well for extra nutrition and benefits.

  • Add to a fruit and veggie smoothie. The texture blends seamlessly!
  • Incorporate into oatmeal. Just add a little extra liquid to maintain a nice texture.
  • Mix a scoop into your next batch of energy bites. I make a variety of energy bites with a base of oats, nut butter and usually some sort of chocolate 🙂 , and will add a scoop of Serenity Kids’ toddler formula when making a batch for Max.
  • Blend into purees. Pumpkin and apple was a favorite of Max’s, but you could easily add a scoop to any of your little ones’ favorite fruit and veggie purees.
  • Make popsicles. Simply add a scoop to your favorite smoothie recipe, pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing afternoon snack.

These are only a few of the ideas I have tried, but there are so many additional ways to incorporate Serenity Kids’ new A2 Whole Milk Formula into your little guy or gals’ meals and snacks. Have fun in the kitchen and get creative with different ways to boost your toddlers’ nutrition!