We are thrilled to once again have author and nutrition expert Keri Glassman answer  questions submitted by our amazing fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter. Fresh off the release of her new book, The O2 Diet, Keri dishes with us on nutrition, superfoods and her tips for maintaining a healthy diet. And we can’t help but notice she’s a big fan of mushrooms. If you missed last week’s edition, we have to highly recommend checking that post out.

Q: I’ve heard a lot of talk about vitamin D lately. How important is it for our bodies? – Brian (Grand Rapids, MI)

A: Most of us don’t get enough vitamin D, which is troublesome because it plays an important role in supporting a healthy immune system and lowering the risk of certain diseases. You can increase your D levels by including foods containing D in your diet. I mentioned that mushrooms are the only item in the produce aisle to contain vitamin D; salmon and dairy are great sources as well.

Q: I’m trying to lose weight. Where can I cut corners on calories without feeling hungry and bored? — Jill (Boulder, CO)

A: It can be challenging to find foods that fill you up, but are good for you. Reach for foods that are low in calories and high in fiber like fruits and whole grains. Try substituting veggies for meats once a week to lose weight. For example, studies have shown substituting four ounces of mushrooms for four ounces of meat once a week for one year could save more than 18,000 calories and nearly 3,000 grams of fat – that adds up to more than five pounds. Lastly, sauté an assortment of vegetables as a meal starter; it’s a great way to pack in antioxidants and help you eat less throughout your main meal.

Q: How can I satisfy snack cravings without killing my diet? — Jessica (St. Louis, MO)

A: Be a conscious snacker. You can’t go wrong dipping cut up veggies in hummus. You can sprinkle a few mushrooms into a quesadilla, or grill up a veggie sandwich for a satisfying snack. Consider keeping a healthy side salad around as a snack, especially when making dinner for the kids. Marinated mushrooms with pine nuts is a great one! And if you need something sweet, you can give in a little without giving up; I love dark chocolate and almonds, and portion controlled treats make managing snacking a lot easier for me. Just put one serving of almonds or chocolate in small Ziploc bag, and keep it in your purse or desk drawer for when hunger strikes.

Q: I have a deep love for cooking and food, but I also have a passion for health, and I am taking the steps of going back to school to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian. What are your thoughts on combining a career as a personal chef with a dietetic degree? — Renee (Chicago, IL)

A: I always say that I love food, which is one of the reasons I love being a nutritionist. You have to love food! Combining being a chef with an RD is a powerful combo and I wish you the best of luck!

A special thanks to Keri for making a special guest appearance on the Mushroom Channel. To learn more about Keri Glassman and The O2 Diet, visit www.nutritiouslife.com.