
Mr. Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician

Eating disorders are serious and can be life-threatening. In addition, people with eating disorders are at higher risk for medical complications and co-occurring mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These co-occurring conditions can make eating disorders worse
Mr. Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician

Sarah Blunden Registered Dietician

Several nutrients play especially important roles:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds) support brain cell structure and may help reduce symptoms of depression.
- Magnesium contributes to stress regulation, sleep quality, and nervous system function.
- B vitamins — particularly B6, B12, and folate — help the body produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood and motivation.
- Protein-rich foods provide amino acids needed to build these neurotransmitters.
- Fiber-rich foods support gut health, which is closely connected to the brain through the gut–brain axis.
Mr. Andy De Santis, Registered Dietician

Research increasingly supports a strong connection between nutrition and mental health. Diets centered on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins are associated with improved mood, sharper cognitive function, and lower rates of anxiety and depression. These foods provide steady energy, reduce inflammation, and support healthy brain function.
Healthy Eating NOW Types of Foods that are Important
Featuring Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician
Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician
Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician
Healthy Eating NOW for major dsieases.
Emily Campbell & Dr Annick Fournier-Sarah Ware, RD, Registered Dietician , Vancouver BC
A nutrient-rich diet can play a major role in protecting your eyesight and supporting long-term eye health. Foods high in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reduce dry eye symptoms, and maintain healthy vision over time. Focus on incorporating these eye-supporting food groups into your meals for natural visual wellness.
Sarah Ware, Registered Dietician & Dr Graham Wong Cardiologist, Vancouver BC
Healthy heart nutrition emphasizes plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables and fruits, one quarter with whole grains, and one quarter with lean or plant-based proteins. A heart-smart eating plan depends on practical daily choices, including reducing heavily processed foods and choosing nutrient-dense ingredients.
The following core strategies provide a strong foundation for managing heart disease and supporting long-term cardiovascular health:
- Choose whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.
- Increase fiber intake through vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
- Replace saturated and trans fats with healthier unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
- Limit sodium by reducing packaged foods and seasoning meals with herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Reduce added sugars found in sugary drinks, desserts, and processed snacks.
- Select lean protein sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, fish, skinless poultry, and low-fat dairy.
- Practice portion control and balanced meal planning to maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay hydrated and pair healthy eating with regular physical activity for optimal heart health.
Sarah Ware, Registered Dietician & Dr Akshay Jain Endocrinologist, Surrey
Healthy nutrition for diabetes focuses on balancing blood glucose levels, reducing cardiovascular risk, and maintaining a stable weight. Managing diabetes does not require complete food deprivation; instead, it emphasizes portion control, choosing high-quality carbohydrates, and maintaining consistent meal timing.
Key principles of a diabetes-friendly diet include:
- Eating whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats
- Limiting refined sugars and highly processed foods
- Monitoring carbohydrate intake to avoid sudden spikes in blood glucose
- Including fiber-rich foods, which help slow glucose absorption
- Reducing saturated fats and sodium to support heart health
- Staying hydrated and avoiding sugary beverages
Regular meal patterns are also important because skipping meals or overeating can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Combining healthy eating with physical activity further improves insulin sensitivity and overall health.
Sarah Ware, Registered Dietician & Dr Maz Badii Rheumatolgist.
An anti-inflammatory eating pattern, especially the Mediterranean diet, is widely recommended for people managing arthritis. This style of eating may help reduce chronic inflammation, ease joint pain and stiffness, and support healthy weight loss, which lowers stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
Featuring Dr Chris Allard Urologist, Toronto
Healthy Eating NOW
Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician
Featuring Andy De Santis, RD, MPH, Registered Dietician
Sarah Ware, Registered Dietician & Dr Maz Badii Rheumatolgist.





