Researchers develop online salt calculator
Canadian researchers have developed an online salt calculator to help people reduce dietary sodium. The calculator estimates sodium intake using a survey about eating habits, and researcher and dietitian JoAnne Arcand says people often are surprised by how much salt they consume. The Toronto Star (3/7)

Milk products have quality proteins, nutrition experts say
Dairy products such as milk and yogurt provide high-quality proteins that help with heart health, weight and glucose control, and digestion, nutrition experts said. Registered dietitian Nancy Rodriguez said the best way to get these proteins is through food rather than supplements, and it is important that intake be spread throughout the day by including protein in each meal. Today's Dietitian (3/2013)

Bill takes aim at seafood fraud
A House bill seeks to make sure consumers are given correct information about the seafood they purchase. If it becomes law, fishermen will be required to share with consumers the information they collect about the seafood they catch. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model)/Business Updates blog (3/6)

Other News

Science & Research

Welch's report: U.S. families prioritize eating together
About 85% of Americans say eating with family is a favorite time of the day, and 71% said they eat family meals as often or more than they did when they were children, a survey by Welch's indicates. "Parents are making mealtimes a priority in order to share a moment with their children," said Sarah-Jane Bedwell, a registered dietitian and a member of Welch's Health and Nutrition Advisory Panel. Progressive Grocer (3/7)

Americans show optimism on health but may lack access to resources
Despite data showing widespread obesity and diabetes, 90% of Americans see themselves as healthy, according to a survey by Penn, Schoen & Berland, while 81% see people in their communities as healthy. Respondents listed regular access to doctors and health care facilities as well as healthy food choices among the most important factors in their health. However, respondents who valued community health resources most had limited access to them. Nurse.com (3/9)

Children's diets may be swayed by celebrities
Children were more likely to eat snack foods endorsed by celebrities, especially when the celebrity was seen in a context other than the advertisement, according to a U.K. study to be published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Children did not consume any less of snack foods that were not endorsed by celebrities, indicating that endorsers' influence contributed to overeating, researchers said. MyHealthNewsDaily.com (3/8)

Fitness

Physical activity may help lower cortisol levels in children
U.S. researchers monitored the physical activity of 252 8-year-olds and found that those who were less active had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than active children. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, suggest that exercise can boost mental health through the regulation of the stress hormone response to stressors. RedOrbit (3/7)

Hot Topics

Institutional Foodservice

N.Y. district finds healthy meals are recipe for success
School meals are more popular than ever in one New York district since nutrition professionals began serving made-from-scratch meals. "These students are our future and to educate them, you have to have a good food service program for them. If they're not getting healthy good food, their minds aren't working," said district chef Jerry Carr. WETM-TV (Elmira, N.Y.) (3/7)

Recipe of the Day

Cheesy broccoli quinoa casserole
This healthier version of the classic broccoli-rice casserole makes a great Meatless Monday dish. The Garden Grazer

Editor's Note

SmartBrief's inside look at #SXSW
SmartBrief is attending the South by Southwest Interactive Festival, with tweeting @SmartBrief and blogging at SmartBlogs. Here's some of our coverage so far.

• Live at #SXSW: 6 innovation lessons from the world of standup comedy
• Live at #SXSW: How the WWE became the social champion of the sports world
• SXSWedu Snapshot: What's changing in education?

Food For Thought

Have a diversified portfolio of protein. Variety really is the spice of life." -- RD and author David Grotto, as quoted by Today's Dietitian Share: