Author: Julie Brake

Teaching our children proper nutrition is key in keeping them healthy. This is especially true for kids who participate in sports. It is important for all kids to be physically active; the national guidelines recommend an hour of activity every day. For kids and teens involved in athletic activities beyond that daily hour of activity, good nutrition is crucial for appropriate growth, development, and sports performance. A basic understanding of good nutrition will build a foundation for healthy kids and athletes. Balance is the main idea. It is important for all kids to eat foods from all of the food…

What does “family nutrition” mean, exactly?  Family nutrition means teaching and encouraging eating attitudes and behaviors within the family unit. Every family has nutrition habits. The concern is whether the habits taught and encouraged are healthy or unhealthy. Since every family member is unique and has different nutritional needs, each individual’s needs should be considered in the family nutrition plan. The combination of needs will often mean that certain family members will need to focus on special areas. For instance, in a family with one child who is underweight and one parent who has diabetes, the child will need to…

There are many reasons why it is important to educate our children about proper nutrition. If you are reading this article, you probably agree. It is important for everyone to have good nutrition for good health. Kids in particular are growing and developing so rapidly that good nutrition plays a major role in keeping them healthy and happy. So how do we teach kids about nutrition? The first step is having an educator who knows about nutrition. Parents can have a basic knowledge of good eating habits just by learning about the Food Pyramid, food groups, and how to read…

Bulimia nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is an eating disorder that is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. It is most common among young females, although both males and females of any age, race, or demographic may struggle with any eating disorder. There are many signs and symptoms of bulimia. It is important to understand that if you believe you struggle with bulimia or any of its symptoms, you should talk with someone you trust and ask them to help you get the medical attention you need. The warning signs of bulimia include: Preoccupation with food Frequent overeating, especially when distressed Excessive concern about…

Anorexia nervosa, commonly called anorexia, is an eating disorder with lifelong effects. It is most common among teenaged females, although both males and females of any age, race, or demographic may struggle with this condition. Anorexia can even start as a healthy weight loss plan for an overweight individual that is taken too far. There are many signs and symptoms of anorexia. It is important to understand that if you believe you struggle with anorexia or any of its symptoms, you should talk with someone you trust and ask them to help you get the medical attention you need. The warning…

Julie currently owns a private practice, Positive Nutrition, located in Woodstock/Marietta, GA, northwest of Atlanta. She is a Registered Dietitian, licensed in the State of Georgia. She specializes in family nutrition, sports nutrition, and disordered eating treatment and prevention. Julie has previously worked for the State of Florida as a community nutritionist and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, FL. Her community nutrition experiences include obesity prevention and WIC nutrition, counseling for infants, children, and pregnant and postpartum women. Her clinical nutrition care experiences have included all types of hospital patients, including pediatric and prenatal patients. Her private practice focus…