Christen Cooper

The challenges are real, but they're also manageable, says Christen Cupples Cooper, an assistant professor and founding director of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. "Just because candy canes, chocolates, cookies and holiday fare line almost every aisle of every store, doesn’t mean you need to buy and consume these products," Cooper says. "Keep the holidays framed in your mind as a celebration and regard food as one element, but not the centerpiece of the entire holiday season."

“The emphasis was on ‘fast’ rather than ‘food,’ with restaurants advertising quick food and attractive prices and profits being driven by cheap ingredients and labor,” explains Christen Cupples Cooper, Ed.D., R.D.N., assistant professor and founding director of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at the College of Health Professions at Pace University.

In an interview with MDLinx, Christen Cooper, EdN, RDN, Coordinator MS, Founding Director in Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Professions, Pace University, Pleasantville, New York, said, “Many herbs show promise for preventing and fighting diseases. This is why registered dietitians encourage people to replace excessive sugar and salt with fresh herbs when trying to boost the flavor in dishes.”