About Charlyn Fargo

Charlyn Fargo

Charlyn Fargo

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian and holds a master's degree in nutrition. She grew up on a central Illinois farm and covers agriculture for the State Journal-Register in Springfield. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Illinois as well as a degree in food and a master's in nutrition from Eastern Illinois University, all of which provides her with the knowledge she shares in her weekly column, "Nutrition News ."  While growing up, she spent her summers showing Shorthorn cattle. She has a daughter, Katie.

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Quality Plants May 29, 2026

I've been around long enough to remember when vegetarian diets were all the rage. Now we call them plant-based. No matter what you call them, these diets replace meats with plants for protein. There are many studies that back up the health benefits o... Read More

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Weight Loss by the Numbers May 22, 2026

When I see someone serious about losing weight, they typically have a habit of tracking their calories. Most use an app on their smartphone such as MyFitnessPal or Lose It! or MyNetDiary. There are many others as well. These happen to be free (althou... Read More

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Whole Grains for Health May 15, 2026

Keep the whole grains coming. Not only do they help with diabetes, but new research finds they may improve heart health as well. Earlier research has found that higher consumption of whole grains may help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabete... Read More

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Powerful Fruits and Vegetables May 08, 2026

I think we're still learning how important adding fruits and vegetables can be to our health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate, based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommends filling half our plate — every time... Read More