Health News Blog

What is Your Food Indulgence? Share Your Love For Food!

noreply@blogger.com (Ivelisse) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:19:00 +0000

We all have favorite foods that we like to indulge in. You know, the ones that we can eat at any time of the day or night.

For me, indulging is more about taking pleasure in eating or drinking something you enjoy. It's about savoring the food slowly instead of doing the kind of overeating that leads to frustration and guilt later on.

I am not particularly a “sweets lover” (although my fondness for chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has grown lately), but I like salty foods a lot. I love bread, milk (cannot live without it) and, last but not least, wine. I don’t do it often, but I am always in the mood for a good bottle of wine – with food or alone. It reminds me of my younger days when my family used to get together to talk and hear or play music. My grandfather was from Spain, so we inherited that “custom”.

So tell me, what is your favorite food indulgence and what happy memories come to mind when you are enjoying it? How does it affect your diet or well-being? Respond and share your love for food!

Ivelisse, BS, LD/N

Nutrition Specialist

Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!

Beautiful Mommies (and Daddies)

noreply@blogger.com (Navalee) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:08:00 +0000

As I've mentioned in previous blogs, I have no problem with women (or men) who decide to get plastic surgery; “It's your body”, I say. As long as you're safe and do your research, then do what makes you happy. I, personally, don't know if I could do it, but you may want to ask me again in about 10 years.

If you've decided to go under the knife, and happen to have children, have you thought about what you will tell them about your procedure? “Mommy is going under the knife” may not be the best explanation. If my mom would've told me that at the age of 6, I'd be pretty concerned!

No worries, moms. Dr. Michael Salhauzer has come up with a solution: a new picture book titled, “My Beautiful Mommy”. In it, Mommy gets a nose job and a tummy tuck, and her daughter is told that these things will make Mommy “prettier”. Sounds simple enough, right?

I still have my doubts about this book. I mean, is this really the message that we want to be giving our children? Aren't we supposed to be telling them to be happy with themselves just the way they are? And, more importantly, where is the book about beautiful daddies?

Thoughts?

Eunice, DTR, CPT-ACE
Nutrition Specialist

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”

Salty Food For Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole S) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:39:00 +0000

A recent article on msnbc.com highlighted the 20 saltiest foods in America from many popular chain restaurants. Some of them are no big surprise, but others were surprising as they come from my favorite restaurants!! Another shocker? A few of the items on the list are from restaurants that many people think have lighter, healthier cuisine.

For example, number 14 on the list, the saltiest Chinese Entree: “P.F. Chang's Beef with Broccoli" contains 3,752mg sodium, 1,120 calories, 65g fat. Wow!!! This amount warrants the suggestion that everyone definitely should look at the nutrition facts more carefully.

Many people take in way more sodium than the body needs, and it is apparent that most restaurants are not looking out for our best interest. In today's fast food and chain restaurant market, salty foods are abundant, and the best way to control and limit intake of salt is to prepare food ourselves.

Take a look at the list and tell me what you think. Any surprises?

Nicole RD, LD/N Nutrition Specialist

"A healthy body is a good body"

Loafin’ on the Sofa Might Shorten Life

noreply@blogger.com (Jerri) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:18:00 +0000

For the first time in a very long time, there is great concern amongst physicians, nutritionists and health care professionals that our lazy society will reverse life expectancy trends.

Our kids are spending way too much time on the couch watching TV and playing video games instead of getting on their feet, out of the door and exercising. This, combined with “super sized” fast food portions and general poor eating habits, are causing great concern that our long trend of increasing life expectancy might soon take a turn for the worse.

Obesity, diabetes and heart disease will get the best of us if we don’t take our life and health seriously. So, watch what you eat! Watch what your kids eat. And take advantage of the milder weather to get out and exercise!

Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

"You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there." - Unknown

How Much $$$ Does Your Beauty Cost?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:11:00 +0000

We all want to look younger and beautiful for as long as we can. According to the article in Today's Dietitian, ”Beauty From Within, Natural Approaches to Nourishing Skin”, it looks like I will be contributing my share to the projected 30.7 billion dollar industry for anti-aging products. I am always looking for new products and trying them out. Even when I know better!

What can we do to save some cash? According to a study conducted by Unilever, it was found that higher intakes of vitamin C, linoleic acid and lower fat and carbohydrate intakes were associated with better skin appearances. Hydration, eating fresh unprocessed foods, and protection from the sun are a must as well. Even with all that, remember that genetics plays a part too!

Have you ever wondered how much money you invest in your beauty products? I do, especially when I see all the half-used bottles of creams, moisturizers, masks, and eye creams sitting on my bathroom shelf. I wonder if should have bought that nice pair of shoes instead. Just think of all the money I could save!

Wendy, BSc.DTR
Nutrition Specialist

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”

Donate Your Dog's Blood to Save Lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:13:00 +0000

I have to two Boston Terriers, so when I came across this article about dog blood transfusions, it definitely got me thinking.

Dogs get into accidents just as humans do, if not even more so. They get hit by cars, bit by other dogs and a blood transfusion could be necessary.

Unless you've had an emergency with your dog, have you ever thought about blood transfusions? I certainly didn't. For my kids, yes, but not for my dogs. That is until now.

If you donate your dog's blood, there is even an option to store it for future use. This is great!

Denise, DTR, CPT-AFAA
eDiets Nutrition Specialist

It's one day at a time and that's what you need to concentrate on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!

Why Do You Eat Out?

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:49:00 +0000

I've read a few articles discussing why Americans still eat out so much. Some talk about convenience, and many say it's actually cheaper to eat out than to make your own meals. I think that's a joke. Regardless of why we do so, let's get real. We definitely do not eat out because it's cheaper!

To me, people do not care about “economizing” or “convenience” at all. I think most people are just plain lazy. Let's face it! Even if we are told that it would take just 10 minutes to prepare and cook ourselves a meal, we would rather do nothing for those 10 minutes. If you add to that the fact that you have to wash your own dishes, eating out becomes even more enticing. That's why our country is so fat and unhealthy.

So, there you have it. Americans could care less about how much it costs or the amount of time they have to wait for their food. We all just want to avoid getting off our “derriers” and doing it ourselves! What is your excuse?

Renee Brunetti LD/N, NSCA-CPT, ACSM
Nutrition Specialist

"If you had one car to get around in your lifetime, how would you treat it?"

Are You Making Your Life Greener?

noreply@blogger.com (Ivelisse) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:47:00 +0000

I know that there are plenty of ways to have a “greener” life, but are we really taking the time to think of other ways to reuse, renew and recycle?

I thought I did, but realized I was wrong when I moved to the country and went to a landfill for the first time. In 2006, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) calculated the US generated 251 million tons of waste…And it shows!! So, I want to share some of the things I do to have a better, more responsible, and greener life.

How much plastic do you really recycle?

Water and juice bottles are most obvious ones, but what about the plastic container your antibiotics were dispensed in, the plastic bottle for your deodorant, or the ketchup, dressing and peanut butter plastic jars? Almost every single thing that we use has a plastic component, but we just toss them out. Remember the plastic lids for the coffee can, the jar of mayonnaise, the shampoo bottle, the tube for your lip gloss. Recycle them too. Check with your local agencies to determine which can be recycled.

How many napkins do you use?

It's amazing to see how much paper is used at home. I noticed one day that my husband uses 2-3 napkins at each meal. He uses one, and the other two just stay crumpled on the table. So, I began using cloth napkins. I didn’t get fancy ones; just bought a couple of packages of 12 cloth napkins (about $10 each) and use them every two days. It's no biggie on the laundry load either. Since they're small, they don't increase my water usage significantly.

So, instead of using 1460 napkins and 26 rolls of paper towels per year, I now use and reuse 24 napkins for the year. Sorry, I still don’t have any ideas for the toilet paper!

Now it's your turn! Let's hear about your greener way of living. I'm sure we can all benefit!

Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist

Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!

How About a Slice of Healthy Cake?

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 13:50:00 +0000

When was the last time you fantasized about a slice of healthy cake? I think it's safe to say that the answer is never!

Let's face it. No one dreams about a healthy cake with ingredients like wheat germ, flaxseed and wheat flour. So, whose bright idea was it to make cake healthy? Do we really think it contributes to a healthier life style? We all know that cake is not exactly in the healthy section of the food guide pyramid.

So here is my solution: Have a slice of cake occasionally, and enjoy it. Savor each bite knowing that you only do it once in a while, and save the wheat germ and flaxseed for your cereal!

Michelle, DTR

Nutrition Specialist

“Love is a present that can be given every single day you live”

Just One!

noreply@blogger.com (Navalee) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Oftentimes, those who are living by themselves opt to eat out because it can be very time consuming and sometimes wasteful to cook. I definitely can't criticize because I did the same for many years. I would spend my Saturday afternoons trying to create the next best meal; only to find myself throwing half of it away by the end of the week.

This was until I decided that I would have to learn to make this work, or my waistline and wallet would suffer. In the past three years, I have learned many shortcuts when cooking just for one. Here are a few that you may find useful:
· Purchase non-perishable items or those than can be frozen in bulk on sale. Then, separate packaging to single or double size servings before final storage.
· Plan more than one meal with the same ingredients. For example, a leftover roasted whole chicken can be boiled, chilled and chopped to make chicken salad or chicken tacos.
· Freeze your leftovers. Make sure to separate leftovers into single portions before freezing.

I hope these help, but I know that I am not alone in this; if you have more tips to help those who cook for one, then please share!

Navalee, MS, RD
Nutrition Specialist

"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety." - Aesop

Choosing the Best Supplement For You

noreply@blogger.com (Eunice) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:24:00 +0000

Nutritional supplements and vitamins are hardly difficult to come by. It seems that everywhere you look: magazines, TV, radio or the Internet, you can find an advertisement about a supplement that promises to do anything and everything! While there is no lack of availability, the question then becomes, which is best for you?

First off, remember that supplements are meant to complement your diet, not replace it. The best source of vitamins and minerals is going to be whole foods. So, a healthy diet and exercise routine are a must.

Also, take into account any medications or supplements that you are already taking. It would be best to speak to your doctor to find out about any possible drug interactions. You should also consult with your physician before choosing a supplement if you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition.

Now, if you're healthy and just want to ensure you're getting all your nutrients, something basic like the eDiets Daily Essentials would be a great choice.

Finally, if it sounds too good to be true, then (you guessed it) it probably is! So, stick to reliable sources and do your research. Your health is more important than a good deal!

Check out the eDiets Store for other supplements that may complement your healthy diet.

Eunice, DTR, CPT-ACE
Nutrition Specialist

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”

Bottle or Tap? That Is the Question

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole S) — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Is bottled water really better than tap water? Or is it the other way around?

An article from Today's Dietitian debates the issue. Currently, 60% of bottled water is packaged and sold in the same state, so it is exempt from any FDA regulations. Another not so well known fact is that “some bottled waters do not meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards.” I know that I usually try to avoid unregulated food items, but I never thought water to be one of them.

Water from the tap is actually very well regulated by the EPA and is accepted to be generally safe. If you choose bottled water, it is very important to know where your water is coming from and how it has been processed, or you might as well just drink from the faucet! You have to make sure that is has been distilled or processed through reverse osmosis to ensure it is quality bottled water.

So, which is actually better? I guess the important thing is preference. I like bottled water for convenience and portability, but in actuality, it may not be any better (and it may actually be worse) than drinking straight out of the faucet. If you keep water bottles in a hot environment, it can be a site for bacteria growth! Yuck! I think I'm going back to the tap (at least most of the time). How about you?

Nicole, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist

"Healthy Body is a Good Body!"

Water, Water and More Water

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sat, 24 May 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Okay, you've heard it before: Drink eight glasses of water per day. Water is good for your skin. Water helps to flush toxins from your body, and of course, it helps to curb your appetite, right?

Wrong. These are all myths, according to a new scientific review published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Apparently, none of the findings above were conclusive in any scientific studies.

So where did all these water myths come from, and why won't they just go away? That's what I would like to know. It would be nice to get to the bottom of the water woes, so we can all stop pretending to enjoy these large bottles of water we drag around daily.

I’m curious…how much water do you drink everyday based on these supposed myths?

Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

"It is eaiser to be wise for others than wise for yourself"

Who Needs to Eat for Two When You Can Exercise for Two?

noreply@blogger.com (Denise) — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:02:00 +0000

A new study shows that you can improve your baby’s cardiac health when you exercise throughout your pregnancy.

I find this new study very interesting. Now pregnant women can keep exercising to better their own health and that of their baby’s. Mom can get fit for delivery AND stay fit to lose the weight afterwards...definitely a win-win situation!

Make sure to consult with your doctor to get their OK before starting your exercise regimen.

Denise Fishkin, DTR, CPT-AFAA
Nutrition Specialist

It's one day at a time and that's what you need to concentrate on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!

What You See is Not Always What You Get

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:08:00 +0000

It's no secret that many of us are more concerned with how we look on the “outside.” Who cares if your body fat is not within healthy limits if you can fit into a size 6, right? Well, if you want to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, you should care.

We have charts that tell us what a “normal” weight is for our height. However, being of normal weight does not assure us that our body fat percentage is within normal range.

Lack of exercise is a huge factor in the amount of body fat a person carries. Someone who is at a healthy body weight but has a high body fat percentage will most likely not have visible muscle tone. So, if looks are so important, try to look at this another way: Although you may look good in size 6 when wearing clothes, do you look just as good wearing a bathing suit?

Renee Brunetti LD/N, NSCA-CPT, ACSM
Nutrition Specialist

“If you had one car to get around in your lifetime, how would you treat it?”

Can You Afford to Go Green?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:36:00 +0000

Have you heard about the latest fashion? It's green fashion; clothes made without using pesticides, chemicals and dyes. They are good for the planet, but they may not be so good for your budget. If you think this is a fad, think again. We all need to do our part to help preserve our world by decreasing pollution and reducing our waste. More and more, you will see clothes made with bamboo, soy, and hemp; however, some of these clothes may be out of reach, costing over $200 for a pair of jeans. But don’t fret, you can still do your part by purchasing organic make-up or accessories, as well as raw cotton T-shirts ($20).

Have any of you gone green in your fashion?

Wendy, BSC.DTR
Nutrition Specialist

“Your purpose in life is to breathe. Everything else is a choice. Instead of living your life by the 'have to's' and the 'shoulds', live your life making aware choices and doing what you love to do. It's all about choice.”

Women Do More Housework than Men

noreply@blogger.com (Eunice) — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:46:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but this isn't exactly shocking news to me.

Still, you may be interested to hear the numbers behind this statement. According to a study done by the University of Michigan, “having a husband creates an extra seven hours a week of housework for women” (for a total of 17 hours per week). For men, being married actually saves them an hour of housework each week!

I'm not married, but I'm pretty sure that those statistics are right on. The good news is that this number is down from the 26 hours of housework that were being done by women 30 years ago. I'm guessing that this is due to technology and maybe even some resourceful men! Maybe...

Eunice, DTR, CPT-ACE
Nutrition Specialist

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”

Shopping Healthy On A Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Navalee) — Sat, 10 May 2008 22:51:00 +0000

MONEY! MONEY! MONEY! Okay, now that I have your attention, let's talk about the lack of it. If you have been paying the least bit of attention to the national news, you would know that there has been much focus on the state of our economy. With the rise in fuel and food prices, many Americans will be faced with making smart selections when purchasing foods.

It is projected that more Americans will have to resort to using food stamps in order to support the needs of themselves and their families. This will require us to become even more supermarket savvy as we shop healthy on a budget.

Remember, there is no stigma when you need to feed yourself properly. Check out the USDA's tips on meal planning, shopping and budgeting.

Now, it's your turn. What are your tips for stretching the dollar while still maintaining proper nutrition?

Navalee MS, RD
Nutrition Support

“Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are.” - J. Frick

Hay! Are You a Chronic Allergic Rhinitis Sufferer?

noreply@blogger.com (Jerri) — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:56:00 +0000

Spring is in the air again, which is great news unless you are one of the many who suffer from allergic rhinitis, better known to the world as “hay fever.”

It’s that wonderful time of the year when buds open into beautiful flowers and the earth thaws and turns shades of green. Sadly for the allergy sufferer, along with the color of spring comes the pollen and a variety of other substances like dust and dander, blowing on the back of gentle breezes and ultimately turning in to a multitude of sneezes!

Such nasal allergies, termed “hay fever” stem from an oversensitive immune system.

So, what do you do if you are one of the unfortunate ones who suffer from those running, stuffy, sneezing, itching, teary-eyed, wheezing kind of blues? Any secrets you care to share on how to nip it in the bud?

Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

You never know what you can do, unless you try!

Eat What You Want and Lose Weight!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:09:00 +0000

That's right, forget calorie counting, carb counting, and fat counting; just eat! Now, I know what you are thinking…cakes, cookies, chocolate? This can't be! Well, not according to study done by Brigham Young University that revealed “intuitive eating” is better for losing weight.

Now back to the cakes, cookies and chocolate. The last time I tried eating what I want (mainly cake with whipped frosting and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies) I gained 20lbs.

Intuitive eating suggests that we recognize what our body wants and then determine how much to eat based on hunger and satiety. Intuitively, I wanted cake with frosting and when I felt full I stopped (6 slices later).

What do you think; will “intuitive eating” work for you? I guess it didn’t work for me.

Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

“ No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut.”

The GOOD News about Breast Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Jerri) — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:04:00 +0000

If you are like me, you are probably afraid of being one of the 1 in 8 women who will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. However, according to a recent Web MD article there is some good news for us concerning breast cancer.

Leslie Ford M.D., associate director for clinical research in the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention says, “We’re starting to understand the molecular and genetic basis of tumors, which is helping us develop better ways to treat the disease and even prevent it in high-risk women.”

Apparently there are some great ways to reduce your risk, such as fine tuning your diet and exercise, breastfeeding your baby, quitting smoking and taking new estrogen inhibiting drug regimens such as tamoxifen and raloxifene (which have not been approved by the FDA as of yet). I for one am very anxious to hear the FDA’s stance on these new breakthroughs, but am very hopeful nonetheless!

Jerri, DTR

Nutrition Specialist

You never know what you can do, unless you try!

Does Fat Reduce Your Risk of Injury?

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:44:00 +0000

If you are an avid runner and have intense running sessions, you might want to consider increasing your fat intake to help you avoid injuries. I am not a runner but do know the intensity of the workouts as you prepare for a race. I took a running clinic and know that it can be challenging to run in the middle of the winter. With the cold temperatures, breathing is affected, not to mention you have to worry about not falling on an ice patch! Remember, when running, there is a lot of wear and tear on the body. That is why nutrition and injury prevention are essential.

According to the study by the International Society of Sports Nutrition, ankle and foot injuries are very common on women that decrease their fat intake. Remember you do not have to be a marathon runner to prevent injuries; an injury can take place just as easily with a 5 K run.

I do recommend a running clinic if you can afford it. It will help you learn breathing, running techniques and how to gradually increase your time and distance. But most importantly, it will teach you about proper shoes, clothing, and you can make new friends that will keep you motivated.

Wendy, Bsc.DTR
Nutrition Specialist

It’s always better to work on who you want to be as opposed to what you want to do or how you want to look. When you have clarity about the kind of person you want to be, you are driven to fulfill that vision.”

Middle Age “Pot Belly” Can Mean Older Age Alzheimer's

noreply@blogger.com (Eunice) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:48:00 +0000

My husband calls it a “gas tank”, “overdeveloped abs”, or “beer belly”, and these “pot bellies” seem to be the topic of jokes all over. But it's no joke when it comes to the findings that relate pot bellies with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's. Believe me, it isn't very funny when you can't remember your loved ones, what day it is, or where are you living.

A recently published study indicates that there could be a relation between how much fat you accumulate around your waist and your chance of having Alzheimer's. After 36-40 years, 16 percent of those that participated have been diagnosed with dementia, and the bigger the waist size, the higher the risk. Up to three times more, to be exact.

The reality is that a bigger waist size has been related with increased incidence of other conditions, including vascular disease which hardens the arteries and can cause reduced blood flow to the brain. Research has shown that changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's can begin to appear in young to middle adulthood when a lot of people, coincidentally, develop bigger tummies.

A girth measurement of less than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is recommended for better health.

Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist

Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!

Better Body, Sharper Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Jerri) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:56:00 +0000

Get in shape with exercise and your brain will follow! This is the conclusion of Harvard University professor John Ratey, a noted expert on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Professor Ratey’s book, Spark: The Revolutionary the Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, unveils the research that supports his theory. The basic premise is that humans evolved as physical creatures. When we drop the physical activity from our routine, both body and mind get “flabby.”

The fix is obvious. Professor Ratey puts it this way, “Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can improve cognitive performance, soften the effects of stress, help fend off addiction-related cravings and tone down the negative consequences of women's hormonal changes. When it comes to psychiatric disorders, he calls exercise "one of the best treatments we have."

Get in step and learn how challenging your body will challenge your mind!

Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist

You never know what you can do, unless you try!

Insects in Your Food; Yuck or Yum?

noreply@blogger.com (Renee) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Yuck? Your reaction depends on where in the world you live. Some cultures around the world eat them because they like them and others simply out of need. However, in the United States, I think it is safe to say that most of us eat them without even knowing, or at least without thinking about it. Because if we did, we might think twice.

Processed foods are the biggest culprits. They more often than not have ground insects in them. Many are made with ingredients that are produced directly by insects, like the pigment Carmine.

Kudos to anyone who actually knows what the ingredients are in all the foods they consume and can pronounce them! For all you dieters out there, guess what? Insects are low in calories and fat and high in protein. Yum?

Renee Brunetti LD/N, NSCA-CPT, ACSM

Nutrition Specialist

“If you had one car to get around in your lifetime, how would you treat it?”