Ask the Nutritionist
Join PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose for his monthly column and podcast as he answers some of the most popular nutrition questions he hears from shoppers. Have a question? Write to us at nutrition@pccsea.com, or, sign up for a free Walk, Talk & Taste class and ask in person. Have little ones in your life? Find out the latest family-friendly advice on our Ask the Family Nutritionst page.
Pastured eggs — June 2013
Do pastured eggs offer any nutritional advantages? Our nutrition educator tells all.
Podcast available
Heart-healthy, high-heat cooking oils — May 2013
I've heard that olive oil isn't the best for cooking. What are my options?
Podcast available
Cooking with culinary herbs — April 2013
Cooking with culinary herbs is a wise and easy way to boost both the flavor and health benefits of your meals. Find out which offer the most health benefits in the kitchen.
Podcast available
Eating out with food allergies — March 2013
So, just how careful do you need to be about your food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity at potlucks, restaurants and parties? Our nutrition educator shares tips and advice.
Podcast available
Cruciferous vegetables — February 2013
Hear Nick explain how cruciferous vegetables help our bodies ward off several forms of cancer and otherwise boost our overall health.
Podcast available
Raw foods: will they help your health? — January 2013
Hear Nick speak in greater depth about raw foods.
Podcast available
Do spices offer any health benefits? — December 2012
Hear Nick speak in greater depth about the health benefits of spices.
Podcast available
Why you definitely should eat carrots — October 2012
Find out why carotenoids are so vital to good health (and, whether you really can turn orange from eating carrots) from PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose.
Podcast available
Getting into the groove of back to school — September 2012
The ultimate challenge when packing school lunches is keeping them interesting, tasty and balanced.
Podcast available
Food Comes From Farms — August 2012
Teaching our children about local foods and the farms where those foods are grown or produced makes a lasting impact on their relationship with food.
Hydration for health — August 2012
In the summertime, when we sweat a little bit more, hydration becomes even more important. Electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium) are lost through sweat and therefore need to be replenished.
Hemp and other super seeds — July 2012
Explore a trio of super seeds — hemp, chia, flax — that is a great, plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Podcast available
The health benefits of pasture-raised foods — June 2012
Learn more about grass-fed meats, including cooking tips, from PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose and Assistant Merchandiser Jared Mitchell.
Podcast available
Plant-based diets — May 2012
Just how many ways can a plant-based diet benefit you? Find out in this Ask the Nutritionist podcast with PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose.
Podcast available
Are beer and wine good for me? — April 2012
Hear more about alcohol's nutritional content; current beer, wine and cider trends; and the cultural history of alcohol from Nick and former PCC Beer and Wine Specialist Julie Johnson.
Podcast available
Do the health benefits of coconut oil make it worthy to take as a supplement? — March 2012
Hear Nick speak in detail about coconut oil, dietary fat and saturated fats.
Podcast available
Which foods are the top sources of calcium? — February 2012
Hear Nick speak in greater depth about how to satisfy your body's calcium need in this podcast.
Podcast available
What is the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic? — January 2012
Learn about probiotics and prebiotics in this podcast. Do both offer the same benefits for my immune system?
Podcast available
Why do holiday meals make me sleepy? — November 2011
Hear more about tryptophan, an essential amino acid found naturally in turkey and a variety of foods that can help relieve symptoms of insomnia, mild depression and other mood disorders (and, make you drift off to dreamland after a feast).
Podcast available
Pumpkin seeds: a nutritional powerhouse — October 2011
PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose speaks in greater depth about pumpkin seeds, their benefits and ways to enjoy them.
Podcast available
Breakfast protein options for any diet — September 2011
PCC Nutrition Educator Nick Rose provides a variety of hearty, wholesome options suitable for vegans and any omnivore.
Podcast available
Added sugars — August 2011
Is there a recommended amount of sugar not to exceed daily? Does it matter what type of sugar I eat?
Podcast available
Go wild for salmon — July 2011
Salmon is without a doubt the most iconic food here in the Northwest and also one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.
Podcast available
Berry power: packed with nutrients — June 2011
These small wonders pack a punch in both flavor and nutrients and often seduce us with vibrant hues of purples, blues, and of course, ruby reds.
Podcast available
Gluten free? Here's what's on the menu — May 2011
The transition to gluten-free eating can lead to a much healthier diet, as it "forces" you to focus on fresh, wholesome foods.
Podcast available
Eating for energy, sports and fitness — April 2011
Whether you're training for a marathon, gearing up for a game or heading out on a beautiful hike, here are some tips to power up for success — including natural sources of potassium.
Podcast available
Big benefits of little sprouts — March 2011
Breads, tortillas, grains and tofu with sprouted ingredients deliver great flavor and also are easier to digest. Sprouted foods are an ancient tradition and just one of the many ways humans have found to make nutrients easier to absorb.
Podcast available
Heart-healthy dark chocolate — February 2011
You may have heard dark chocolate is rich not only in flavor but antioxidants, but how much is too much? And how "dark" should dark chocolate be? Hear more from former PCC Nutrition Educator Leika Suzumura.
Podcast available
Vitamin D, in depth — January 2011
Which foods offer the "sunshine vitamin" in abundance? Former PCC Nutrition Educator Leika Suzumura, R.D., gives you the lowdown.
Podcast available
Eating organic on a budget — August 2009
PCC Nutrition Education Manager Goldie Caughlan shares her budget-friendly shopping tips with PCC Food Writer Karen Gaudette.
Podcast available