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You realize the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. But getting the best and most accurate information isn’t always easy online. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) is here to assist you in your search for answers. Registered dietitians (RDs) are the food and nutrition experts. Find out if it’s time to seek the assistance of a registered dietitian.


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The Health Professional’s Guide to Food Allergies and Intolerances (10% off During the Month of May)

The Health Professional’s Guide to Food Allergies and Intolerances (10% off During the Month of May)

This comprehensive guide sheds light on the latest science behind food allergies and intolerances as well as practical suggestions for their management.

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Essential Kitchen Tools for Beginner Cooks

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By Sharon Salomon, MS, RD

Walk into a kitchen supply store and you’ll encounter a vast collection of gadgets and goodies. But what kitchen tools do you need if you’re a novice home cook? This collection of cooking essentials for your kitchen will help you prepare healthful and delicious meals at home.

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Mixing Bowls

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Look for glass or metal mixing bowls in various sizes. Plastic bowls hold odors, are harder to keep clean and can bend out of shape.

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Colander and Salad Spinner

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A colander is perfect for draining pasta, washing fruits and vegetables, and for sorting and rinsing legumes like lentils and beans. While nothing works as well as a salad spinner to dry lettuce and other leafy green vegetables.

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Good Quality Knives

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Start with a paring knife, small and medium chef’s or Santoku knives, and a serrated knife. Don’t forget to buy a sharpener.

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Several Cutting Boards

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Whether they are wooden, bamboo or plastic is less important than keeping them clean and dry. Use separate boards for meats and produce.

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Wooden Spoons

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Wooden spoons are best because they don’t transfer heat and they won’t scratch the surface of pans. Plus they are inexpensive.

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Whisks: One Small, One Large

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Contrary to common belief, whisking some ingredients with a fork won’tincorporate enough air. Use a small whisk for vinaigrettes and dressings,and a large one for aerating flour and beating eggs

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Heat-Resistant Spatula

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Any spatula may scrape a bowl, but not all are appropriate for hot pans.

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Long Tongs

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Keep hands safe by using tongs to lift or turn foods over heat or in an oven.

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Grater

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You can use a box grater for cheese, garlic, ginger or citrus fruit zest.

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Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons

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These measuring cups and spoons won’t bend out of shape like plastic can.  

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Glass Measuring Cups

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Liquid volume measuring cups should be clear so you can see the meniscus, and glass will not bend or warp like plastic can.

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Basic Pots and Pans

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Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to cookware, but instead of buying a large, expensive set to start, purchase individual pans as you need them. Perhaps begin with a pair of large and small sauté pans, a soup pot, a sauce pan and a Dutch oven which can be used on the stove or in an oven — some call it a “French oven.”

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Electronic Scale

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While not necessary for cooking, it can help you familiarize yourself with portion sizes. Also, some recipes call for ounces instead of a cup measure.

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