Melissa Rifkin Nutrition

Dietitian, Weight Management & Expert

Melissa Rifkin Nutrition In the News

5 Healthy Reasons Why Acai Is a Superfood That Is Here to Stay

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In recent years, acai has become a popular food item available in many different forms, from frozen fruit mixes to juice, powders, and a wide variety of other supplemental forms. Many may recognize its deep purple color and be aware that it provides numerous health benefits, but why exactly is acai considered such a healthful food? There is plenty to discuss on this topic as the assumed health benefits associated with acai reach far and wide. 

While discussing the benefits of consuming acai, however, it is important to recognize that while there is research, more studies are needed to confirm many of the benefits that are currently thought to exist. Let’s dive into everything acai has to offer, from origin and versatility to research-based health benefits. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to set rules for your weight loss.

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Mindful Eating + 3 Supplements to Support Healthy Weight Loss

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By Melissa Rifkin, MS, RDN, CDN

In this article:

A healthy weight does not look the same for everyone. Gender, height, age, body frame and composition, health goals, and activity levels are some of the important factors to take into account when assessing what a healthy weight is for your body. While there is no one equation that works for everyone in determining an ideal weight, there are a number of factors that are helpful for anyone with a weight loss goal, starting with eating habits.

‌‌‌‌What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating is a concept that encompasses your “why” surrounding food habits. Are you eating out of hunger? Or as you looking for a snack to distract from the stress you are feeling at work? Unfortunately, most adults don’t take the time to think through the “why.” If you can stay more aware of your eating cues and put a brief pause between wanting a snack and getting it, you can set up yourself to be able to make more mindful choices to better serve your goals. 

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to set rules for your weight loss.

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‘The 7 Biggest Weight-Loss Mistakes, According to Dietitians’

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By: Danielle Omar, PD, My Fitness Pal

Dietitians have seen it all when it comes to weight loss. From crazy fad diets to bulletproof coffee — while appealing, what sounds too good to be true usually is.

We are all susceptible to the lure of the quick fix or thinking there’s one magic bullet to achieve ultimate weight-loss success. But this mindset often leads to mistakes that eventually get in the way of the long-term goals we’re trying to achieve.

Is it possible to avoid some of these pitfalls that inevitably occur on your weight-loss journey? Absolutely — but we must be able to recognize those pitfalls first. Below are the seven of the biggest and most common weight-loss mistakes dietitians see, with tips from real-life RD’s to help you stay on course.

Click ahead to read the first tip from Melissa on how to set rules for your weight loss.

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’15 Foods You Should Never Eat’

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By: Elizabeth Narins, Harpers Bazaar Magazine

We know we should stay clear of hard-and-fast food but some foods can seriously mess with your health.

“It doesn’t mean you’ll get sick, get cancer, or die if you eat a dangerous food once,” says Nneka Leiba, deputy director of research at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which catalogs studies on potential toxins found in specific brand-name foods and ranks their safety in a massive database. “But there are certain foods you should avoid as much as possible if you have a choice.” …

Click ahead to read Melissa’s input on #3 on the list!

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‘Health Holiday Desserts and Snacks’

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By: Ruben Castaneda, U.S. News & World Report

Holiday eating that’s good for your heart. Holiday parties mean gingerbread cookies, fudge and cupcakes. People in the U.S. typically gain 1.3 pounds during the holiday season, according to recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. That may not seem like much, but it takes an average of five months to lose that extra weight, according to the study. Fortunately, you can enjoy seasonal fare without packing on holiday pounds. 

Skip ahead to slide 6 for Melissa’s yummy recommendation!

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