Doctors and Dietitians

RDs Bring Food and Nutrition Expertise to the Table

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Who is a Registered Dietitian?

Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. The expertise, training and credentials that back a registered dietitian are vital for promoting positive lifestyle choices

Trust a Registered Dietitian

When you need food and nutrition information based on fact or need to know how a healthy diet improves health and fights disease— rely on qualified professionals in the field. Registered dietitians draw on their experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use. A registered dietitian can put you on the path to lowering weight, eating healthfully and reducing your risk of chronic disease.

RD=Expert

Registered dietitians know the science of nutrition. They have degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or a related field from well-respected, accredited colleges and universities.

Looking for a Registered Dietitian?

When you need trusted, accurate, timely and practical nutrition advice, seek the services of a registered dietitian.

Healthy Food Choices

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:24:00 +0000

Instead of…	Replace with…
*Milk Group* Sweetened fruit yogurt Whole milk Natural or processed cheese	Plain fat-free yogurt with fresh fruit Lowfat or fat-free milk Lowfat or reduced- fat cheese
*Meat Group* Beef (chuck, rib, brisket) Chicken with skin Lunch meats (such as bologna) Hot dogs (regular) Bacon or sausage Refried beans	Beef (loin, round), fat trimmed off Chicken without skin Lowfat lunch meats (95% to 97% fat free) Hot dogs (lower fat) Canadian bacon or lean ham Cooked or canned kidney or pinto beans
*Grain Group* Granola Sweetened cereals Pasta with cheese sauce Pasta with white sauce (alfredo) Croissants or pastries	Reduced fat granola Unsweetened cereals with cut-up fruit Pasta with vegetables (primavera) Pasta with red sauce (marinara) Toast or bread (try whole grain types)
*Fruit Group* Apple or berry pie Sweetened applesauce Canned fruit packed in syrup	Fresh apple or berries Unsweetened applesauce Canned fruit packed in juice or "lite" syrup
*Vegetable Group* Deep-fried french fries Baked potato with cheese sauce Fried vegetables	Oven-baked “french fries” Baked potato with salsa Steamed or roasted vegetables
*Solid Fats* Cream cheese Sour cream Regular margarine or butter	Light or fat-free cream cheese Plain lowfat or fat-free yogurt Light-spread margarines, diet margarine
*Added Sugars* Sugar-sweetened soft drinks Sweetened tea or drinks Syrup on pancakes or french toast Candy, cookies, cake, or pastry Sugar in recipes	Seltzer mixed with 100% fruit juice Unsweetened tea or water Unsweetened applesauce or berries as a topping Fresh or dried fruit Experiment with reducing amount and adding spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.)

brought to you by: http://mypyramid.gov/STEPS/nutrientdensefoods.html

Eating your Way to a Healthier You

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Eating your Way to a Healthier You

View more presentations from menucoach.

Mother's Day - Don't Let It Sabotage Your Weight Loss Success

noreply@blogger.com (Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN) — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:37:00 +0000

Much has been written about weight gain during the holiday season. Some experts say as much as 5 pounds can be gained between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Other experts believe that for most people the bigger challenge is the weight gain between New Year's Day and Thanksgiving, which also includes Mother's Day.

Whatever the holiday, everyone can agree that the holidays bring many more opportunities to over indulge. The following tips are designed to help you get through Mother's Day sensibly -with everything in tact-blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Oh, and of course your weight!

Do have the traditional Mother's Day foods you've enjoyed since childhood - but remember to enjoy moderate portions.

Concentrate on eating slowly - by putting the fork down between bites, and savoring the taste and companionship during the meal.

Choose to eat new foods or traditional family favorites rather than waste calories on everyday foods, like mashed potatoes or broccoli.

Eat a small snack about 1 hour before you go to dinner so you don't arrive too hungry. Upon arrival at dinner, place appetizers on a plate instead of picking on foods here and there. You'll be less likely to overindulge!

Scan the entire buffet table before you make your food choices. Choose small portions of food you really, really want.

Remember to enjoy other aspects of the holiday, such as socialization with family and friends.

Look your best! When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you're less likely to seek comfort in food.

For more great expert tips check out Confessions of the Food Police in the May/June issue of VIV Magazine.

Constance Brown-Riggs, National Spokesperson for The American Dietetic Association and Author of "Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes"

Flat Belly Diet reviewed by a Dietitian

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Flat Belly Diet
By Liz Vaccariello with Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD
Rodale (2008)

Reviewed by: Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN

Claims:

The Flat Belly Diet claims you can lose up to 15 pounds in 32 days and flatten your belly – all without a single crunch. The editors claim the Flat Belly Diet is grounded in cutting-edge science that has found a link between monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and the accumulation of belly fat and is the safest, most satisfying way to lose weight. On the Flat Belly Diet you get to eat satisfying, healthful foods and lose the weight you want.

Synopsis of the Diet Plan:

The Flat Belly Diet consists of two parts: a four-day anti-bloat jumpstart and the four-week eating plan.

The jumpstart is designed to flush out fluid, reduce water retention and relieve digestive problems. Dieters are told to avoid the salt shaker, salt-based seasonings, highly processed foods, excess carbohydrates foods (pasta, bananas, bagels and pretzels), bulky raw foods, gassy foods (legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, peppers and citrus fruits), chewing gum, sugar alcohols, fried food, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, tea, hot cocoa and acidic fruit juice. Dieters must also drink two liters daily of “sassy water”: a blend of ginger root, cucumber, lemon and mint leaves. The jumpstart meal plan provides 1,200 calories daily and a four-day shopping list and sample menus are provided.

The four-week eating plan has three basic rules:

• Eat 400 calories per meal.
• Never go more than four hours without eating.
• Eat a MUFA at every meal.

This phase of the diet provides 1,600 calories daily from three meals and one snack. (Men are instructed to go to flatbellydiet.com to customize their calorie counts.) The book includes 28 sample breakfast, lunch and dinner and snack options of 400 calories each; a chart of MUFA foods; charts listing Flat Belly meal replacements, frozen meals and fast foods; and more than 80 recipes with nutrient analysis for calories, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and fiber.

The diet is based on a healthy, Mediterranean-style meal plan with menus and recipes provided to support the reader. Recognizing many dieters are eating on the run, there are also options for fast-food dining as well as meal replacements. And although the books claims “not a single crunch required,” there is an illustrated chapter touting the health benefits of cardio, strength training and core-focused exercises. Success stories with before-and-after pictures serve as strong motivators for weight change. However, there are only two calorie levels provided -- 1,200 calories for the jumpstart phase and 1,600 calories for weight-loss phase -- but no adjustments for calorie levels based on gender, height, weight, activity level or any other pertinent variables.

Nutritional Pros and Cons:

Despite having a relatively healthy eating plan, there are components of the book that are indicative of a fad diet, including:

• The jumpstart phase requires dieters to suddenly stop consuming caffeine, which can
cause severe headaches as well as other symptoms associated with withdrawal.
• Dieters are led to believe MUFAs are the “silver bullet” for weight loss.
• The book claims to be “grounded in cutting-edge science” but the authors fail to provide any scientific rational for “sassy water.”
• Rapid weight loss may result from being on this diet, but most of the weight will be water weight.

Bottom Line:

Based on the Mediterranean style of eating, the diet portion of this book is healthy. For individuals who require a 1,600-calorie plan, this book is great. Those requiring other calorie levels will need to work with their registered dietitian to individualize the meal plan.

purchase Flat Belly Diet

"The Engine 2 Diet" reviewed by a Dietitian

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:15:00 +0000

The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter’s 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan That Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds
By Rip Esselstyn
Wellness Central (2009)

Reviewed by Jim White, RD, ACSM/HFI

Claims:

Written by Austin firefighter and former professional tri-athlete Rip Esselstyn, this plan focuses on lowering total cholesterol and LDLs (called “lethal cholesterol”) while improving HDL (or“healthy cholesterol”) through a plant-based diet. Weight loss is the inevitable result from a lowfat, high-fiber diet.

Diet Plan:

This book recommends readers keep a plant-based diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits,legumes, tofu and soy products while “abstaining from all animal-based products and refined foods” -- and the author does mean ALL. In short, this is a vegan diet. The 28 days are broken into weeks in which the reader progressively purges from his or her diet processed foods, dairy, meats, eggs and oil (including olive and canola oils). For those readers who may need to “wean themselves off of unhealthy foods,” there is a modified Fire Cadet version. The book includes a weekly menu planner and more than 100 pages of recipes; lists of “E2-Approved foods” with brand names; a particularly good chapter on nutrition label reading as well as an exercise program with directions and photographs.

Nutritional Pros and Cons:

The author appropriately addresses the seriousness of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes and correctly points to some lifestyle choices that can lead to them. However, the Engine 2 Diet recommends the following macronutrient configuration:

Protein: 2 ½ percent to 6 percent
Fat: 9 percent to 15 percent
Carb: plant-based carbohydrates make up the rest of the diet (75 percent)

This extremely low fat intake would explain why the pounds “burn away” and the protein recommendations are well below 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommendations of 10 percent to 35 percent. The author also suggests a direct cause/effect of eating dairy products and Type 1 diabetes, which has not been proven. Nonetheless, he acknowledges eliminating the dairy food group may cause a decrease in calcium and addresses this by recommending plant-based foods that are good sources of this important nutrient. He promises the reader the palate will change over the course of the month so the desire for the unhealthy foods will decline, which may be optimistic.

Bottom Line:

I would recommend the book as a resource for vegetarians who are looking for interesting recipes, to a vegetarian wanting to progress to a vegan diet or to a self-proclaimed food “purist” wanting to decrease serum cholesterol with radical dietary changes to avoid the use of statins. The claim to decrease cholesterol and pounds if all the recommendations are followed is a foregone conclusion…but that is a big if because it will be difficult for the average reader to successfully sustain such extreme dietary changes. But the author’s friendly, positive and emphatic approach may motivate readers to take a stern look at their food intake and try to at least incorporate some plant-based meals into their diets.

Medifast - What Your Physician Should Know

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Medifast has been providing a clinically proven approach to weight loss and nutrition since 1980.

Medifast nutritional products are formulated with only the highest quality ingredients. Patients should work closely with a physician prior to starting and while following the Medifast Program.

Why have so many people been successful with Medifast?

The Medifast Program is a lifestyle plan that includes three phases: weight-loss, transition, and maintenance. Medifast uses nutritionally balanced meal replacements to help your patient lose weight safely and quickly. Medifast products are formulated with the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Your patient will appreciate Medifast’s “no-counting” approach to weight loss, which provides structure and simplicity while meeting all of the body’s nutritional needs.

Why does Medifast work?

Medifast is designed to safely create a gap between caloric intake and caloric expenditure without sacrificing nutritional needs. Each Medifast Meal is formulated with a proven balance of carbohydrates and protein for improved satiety and program adherence. The key to success on Medifast is the nutrient-dense, low-calorie Medifast Meals that promote mild dietary ketosis, helping the body achieve fast weight loss while preserving muscle tissue. This fat-burning
state also helps eliminate physical hunger while providing sufficient levels of energy.

The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan
5 Medifast Meals (any combination) + 1 Lean & Green Meal of lean protein (or meatless options) and vegetables

The 5 & 1 Plan provides 800 to 1,000 calories and 80 to 100 grams of carbohydrates daily through pre-portioned, vitamin- and mineral-fortified meal replacements. We encourage patients to eat every 2 to 3 hours to maintain proper nutrition, energy, and blood sugar control, and to avoid hunger. Protein and vegetables from the Lean & Green Meal should be weighed and measured with a food scale or measuring cup before eating. The 5 & 1 Plan is a low-sodium, low-fat meal plan with adequate protein (less than 30% of the calories). The Lean & Green Meal is comprised of 5 to 7 ounces of lean protein (or meatless options), 0 to 2 healthy fat servings (depending on protein choice), and 3 servings of vegetables. This meal may be consumed at any time during the day.

Recommendations:

Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of non-caloric fluids daily. Water is recommended. Medifast provides additional meal plans for your patients with special dietary needs, including:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Seniors – ages 70+
Teens – ages 13-18
Nursing moms

Medifast suggests that patients who already have an exercise program in place decrease the intensity of the exercise the first 2 to 3 weeks of starting the Medifast Program as their bodies adjust to the 5 & 1 Plan. Once they have adjusted to the fat burning state, activity can be gradually increased back to the normal level. Patients new to exercise can start a low- to moderate-intensity exercise program with physician approval 2 to 3 weeks after starting the 5 & 1 Plan. To improve compliance and promote long-term commitment, Medifast recommends incorporating activities patients will enjoy. No more than 45 minutes of vigorous exercise per day for patients on the 5 & 1 Plan.

Patients with diabetes

Prior to beginning the program, Medifast recommends that all patients with diabetes consult with their physician about the program and current medication dosages. For patients on insulin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinedoines, and other medications, Medifast suggests that they check their blood a minimum of 2 to 3 times daily, especially at the beginning of the Medifast Program. As blood glucose levels improve with weight loss, continual physican monitoring is necessary to determine proper therapeutic levels of medications.

Concerns for women

Because estrogen is stored in adipose tissue, fast weight loss may cause an increase in the level of blood serum estrogen. Increased estrogen levels can affect the regularity of menstrual cycles and possibly increase PMS symptoms. Fast weight loss, along with higher estrogen levels, can also increase fertility. If a patient becomes pregnant, she should discontinue the 5 & 1 Plan immediately due to the low calorie level. Lactating women who need a higher calorie intake are advised against using the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan.

Contraindications to the 5 & 1 Plan

Significant medical conditions and certain medications may prohibit patients from using the Medifast Program. In some cases, patients may be able to use Medifast Meals as an occasional meal replacement. It’s recommended that physicians screen patients for the following conditions:

Heart attack within the past 3 months; recent or recurrent
strokes or mini-strokes; unstable angina; severe liver or kidney
disease; clotting disorders; active cancers; eating disorders;
severe psychiatric disturbances; current use of steroids over 20
mg/day; current use of lithium; or type 1 diabetes.

Patients over 70 years of age

Patients over age 70 can use the 5 & 1 Plan with close supervision. Some physicians have recommended a higher caloric intake based on individual needs. Medifast offers higher-calorie meal plans (1,000 to 1,500 calories per day) for this population.

Potential side effects

Most patients feel great on the Medifast Program. However, some patients may experience:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue (in first week)
• Feeling cold
• Dry skin and hair

Medifast and lactose intolerance

Medifast offers a variety of low-lactose and lactose-free products.

Medifast and prescription medications

Most prescription medications will not interfere with the Medifast Program. However, as patients lose weight, medication dosages may need to be adjusted.

• Medications for depression, thyroid or hormone
deficiency, etc., may be continued while on Medifast.
• Medications for arthritis, such as Indocin® or naproxen,
should be avoided due to potential stomach irritation.
• Medications for blood pressure usually need to be
adjusted as patients progress on the program.
We do not recommend the 5 & 1 Plan for patients using over
20 mg of steroids, such as cortisone or prednisone, per day.

Medifast Program Phases

Weight-Loss Phase:

Patients follow the 5 & 1 Plan designed to induce mild dietary ketosis for safe and effective weight loss.

Transition Phase:

Designed to reintroduce healthy foods (including fruits, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains) into the calorie- and carbohydrate-balanced meal plan. Transition phase duration is a minimum of four weeks.

Maintenance Phase:

Designed to provide nutritionally-balanced and energy-appropriate meal plans to patients for successful lifelong weight management.

For more information:

Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE provides complimentary coaching to assist your patient in obtaining their goals.
www.DianaYoung.TSFL.com

5 Emotional Eating Triggers

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:02:00 +0000

Food is used to satisfy our feelings, and that’s when the cycle of emotional eating takes over.

Eating to suppress negative feelings can sabotage your efforts to lose weight.

Top 5 Emotional Eating Triggers:

Anger
Hopelessness
Lack of Control
Feeling Unappreciated
Boredom

So, how do you regain control of your eating habits?

Keep a food journal and rank your hunger from 1-10. You will become aware of how often you eat and how hungry you feel. Getting to know your triggers will help combat your feelings associated with foods. In your food journal, write what you are thinking. It may help determine your mood and make you more aware of your emotional eating habits.

Make a list of things you enjoy doing and carry the list with you. When you feel the urge to eat, take out the list and begin doing an enjoyable activity instead.

Activity example: Tweet me and I'll tweet you back.

Stay away from your normal comfort foods and instead indulge in a pickle, celery sticks or a cup of bouillon. The trick is to keep healthy snacks around for when you have trouble overcoming your trigger points.

Until next time,
Diana Young

Need a Dietitian?

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Clinical Research Using Medifast Products

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Clinical Research Using Medifast Products

Medifast uses both clinical research studies and retrospective analysis data from its Medifast clinics as the basis of its claim, "clinically proven". An overview of Medifast clinical research is provided below.

STUDY 1

REFERENCE: Crowell, M.D. & Cheskin L.J, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Multicenter Evaluation of Health Benefits and Weight Loss on the Medifast Weight Management Program.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a medically supervised, protein-supplemented modified fasting program (Medifast) for weight reduction and to evaluate the impact of weight reduction on coexisting health problems.
RESULTS: The results of the study concluded that medically-supervised, protein-sparing modified fasts offer a safe and effective means of weight reduction and are accompanied by significant improvements in coexisting health problems. Of samples taken, males lost an average of 67 lbs and females lost an average of 47 lbs during fasting. The study found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as the normalizing of blood pressure and hypertensive patients.

STUDY 2

REFERENCE: Cheskin, MD, FACP, Mitchell, MS, Lewis, BA, Jhaveri, MD Yep, BS. Johns Hopkins University School of Bloomberg Public Health. Efficacy of 2 Diet Plans Designed for People with Type 2 Diabetes on Weight and Health Measures.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the standard ADA (American Diabetic Association) self-selected diet (SD) vs. a portion controlled diabetic food diet (PCD) in obese patients with NIDDM. The study also evaluated not only the metabolic effects in the long term, but also compliance and any consequent medication changes in patients of the two weight loss regimens. (16-34 weeks of active weight loss, 52 weeks of maintenance) The meal replacements (Medifast) used in this study are soy-based products (bars, shakes, soups) that are considerably lower in sugar than their non-diabetic counterparts and other popular diet products on the market.
RESULTS: The results discussion is as follows. Significantly greater results were achieved after the initial 34-weeks of weight loss by participants in the PCD group in pounds and percent weight loss, insulin level and hemoglobin A1c. The PCD group also saw significant improvements within group in BMI, systolic BP, diastolic BP, waist/hip measurements, cholesterol, HDL triglycerides, glucose and percent body fat. Dropout rates were less in the PCD in both weight loss and weight maintenance. During weight loss, participants in the PCD group significantly decreased their use of medications to treat Type 2 DM. Participants in the PCD group also self-reported higher ease of compliance with the diet compared to the SD group (64.2% vs. 56.0%).

Researchers recommended that a PCD be considered for type 2 diabetics desiring weight loss, but that periodic use of SD during weight maintenance will not adversely affect weight loss efforts. The research supports that using a portion-controlled diet will produce comparable if not better outcomes in type 2 diabetics attempting to control their weight.

The study was published in the 2008 January/February issue of 'The Diabetes Educator'. The peer-reviewed journal is the official journal of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The study was also presented at American Diabetes Association's 65th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego, CA, June 11, 2005.

STUDY 3

REFERENCE: Lawrence J. Cheskin, Lisa M. Davis, Andrea Hanlon-Mitola, Amy Mitchell, Ami Jhaveri, Mary Yep, Vanessa Mitchell. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD 21205. Efficacy of Parent-Child Dieting Plans Incorporating Medifast Meal Replacements for Weight Loss. RCT Comparing Balanced Energy Deficit Diets With or Without Meal Replacements for Weight Loss and Maintenance Among Children Dieting Alone or With a Parent.
PURPOSE: The study compared the safety and efficacy of supplemental Medifast portion-controlled meal replacements (MRs) with a USDA Food Guide Pyramid-based diet. Both weight loss diets were 20% energy-restricted (~500 kcal deficit). 80, 8-15yo children, BMI>95th%ile, were screened and 40 randomized to either a MR diet (3 MRs/d during active weight loss and 2 MRs/d during maintenance) or to the food-based diet. Subjects were further randomized to dieting alone or with a parent.
RESULTS: By ITT analysis, dieting with a parent, or food vs MR, made no difference in weight outcome. However, following initial weight loss (6mos) and 1yr maintenance (18mos), significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) benefits were seen in the MR group in BMI%ile (0 mos=98.8 Â± 1.0, 6 mos=96.6 Â± 3.2, 18 mos=96.4 Â± 3.4); body fat (↓5.9%@6 mos, 5.3%@ 18 mos), total cholesterol (↓6.7%, 5.6%), LDL (↓19.8%, 7.9%) and triglycerides (↓23.6%, 22.3%). No significant between-group differences, differences in growth rates, or adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Among overweight 8-15yo children, dieting with or without a parent, meal replacements were as safe and effective as a food-based diet for weight loss and maintenance. (Supported by Medifast Inc., MD)

STUDY 4

REFERENCE: Drs. Walker S.C. Poston, C. Keith Haddock, Jennifer E. Taylor, John Foreyt. Effectiveness of Medifast Supplements Combined with Obesity Pharmacotherapy: A Clinical Program Evaluation.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the long-term impact of Medifast meal-replacement supplements combined with appetite suppressant medication (ASM) among participants who received a minimum of 12-weeks of treatment.
RESULTS: Results of this study were presented at the American Society of Bariatric Physicians annual meeting in May 2007 and the study is pending publication in a medical journal.

STUDY 5

REFERENCE: National Institutes of Health: Impaired Capacity to Lose Visceral Adipose Tissue During Weight Reduction in Obese Postmenopausal Women With the Trp64Arg B3- Adrenoceptor Gene Variant.
PURPOSE: This study examined whether women on a weight loss program who are carriers of a genetic variant (Trp64Arg) lose less visceral fat than women who do not have this gene. Participants entered a medically supervised weight loss program aimed at reducing body weight to less than 120% of ideal value. Food was self selected with dietitian supervision, with or without the inclusion of the TakeShapeTM, a Medifast brand modified fasting supplement.
RESULTS: Results from the study showed that reductions in body weight, BMI, total fat mass and fat-free mass were not significantly different between carriers and non-carriers of the variant. Both groups experienced weight reduction of 31-36.1 pounds, which the study identified as a significant weight loss effect.

STUDY 6

REFERENCE: Vivienne Matalon, M.D. The Bariatrician Summer 2000. An Evaluation of Weight Loss following a Carbohydrate and Fat Restricted Diet with Appetite Suppressant and Dietary Supplementation.
PURPOSE: This was an open label trial designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a weight loss regimen consisting of a carbohydrate and fat restricted diet, supplemented with an appetite suppressant, a dietary supplement and a liquid protein drink (Medifast). At baseline, evaluations included a history and physical, and measurements of total body weight (lbs), body fat (%), BMI, lean body mass, water weight and blood pressure. Patients were then see weekly for 6 months. At each weekly visit, total weight, % body fat, BMI, lean body mass, water weight and BP were noted. At the end of the study statistically significant differences from baseline to final value were noted for body weight (P<.001), percent body fat (P<.001), BMI (P<.001), lean body mass (P<.001), water weight (P=.01) and body systolic (P=.003) and diastolic (P<.001) blood pressure.
RESULTS: Of 47 patients enrolled, 24 (51%) completed six months using the dietary regimen prescribed. Data was analyzed for all patients who were treated with the diet, as well as for the subset of patients who completed the entire study period. The dietary regimen showed that a carbohydrate and fat restricted program supplemented by a natural appetite suppressant can lead to progressive weight loss of comparable value to prescribed pharmacologic agents at the time of study. Patients in the study experienced statistically significant decreases in overall body weight, percent body fat, BMI, lean body mass, total body water and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

STUDY 7

REFERENCE: L. M. Davis, C. D. Coleman1, W. S. Andersen, L. J. Cheskin. The Effect of Metabolism-Boosting Beverages on 24-hr Energy Expenditure. The Open Nutrition Journal 2008; 2: 37-41.
PURPOSE: The effect of thermogenic meal replacement beverages (TMRB) containing 90 mg EGCG and 100 mg of caffeine on resting energy expenditure (REE) was tested. Thirty adults (19 women, 11 men) were stratified into 3 groups: lean (n=10, BMI 21.5 ± 2.1); overweight/obese (OW) (n=10, BMI 29.8 ± 2.7); or weight maintainers (WM) (n=10, BMI 28.8 ± 4.0). Following an overnight fast, baseline measurements, including REE via indirect calorimetry, were performed. REE was repeated at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consuming a TMRB. Appetite was assessed via visual analogue scale at baseline, 30 minutes and 120 minutes after the TMRB.
RESULTS: Mean 24-hour REE was increased 5.9 ± 2.5% overall (p=0.000), 5.7 ± 3.1% among lean subjects (p=0.0002), 5.3 ± 1.4% among OW subjects (p=0.000), and 6.8 ± 2.7% among WM (p=0.0007). Appetite was significantly reduced 30 minutes after the TMRB (p=0.0002). TMRB appear to be a promising weight control tool.

For more information

Setting Weight Loss Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:28:00 +0000

A goal is your vision. It is what you desire; what you aim to achieve. Goals should be personal and meaningful. We can give you ideas and suggestions, but unless the goals feel right, it will be difficult for you to make a lasting commitment to them. Commitment is the key to success.

There are two types of goals: outcome goals, which are the "prize" for all your hard work, and behavior change goals, which are strategic plans you make to help you reach your outcome goal.

Setting specific behavior change goals will help you achieve your outcome goals. These may include shedding excess weight, improving your nutrition and getting into good physical shape. Your behavior change goals should be realistic and have a measurable outcome.

Examples of behavior change goals include:

I eat 5 Medifast Meals and 1 Lean & Green meal per day.
I walk briskly during my lunch hour for 20 minutes each day during the week.
I drink 8 glasses of water daily.

At times you will need to make adjustments, or change your goals, based on unforeseen obstacles that get in your way. This doesn't mean you give up on the goal; rather it means that you need to set up a contingency plan. We all lead busy lives, and sometimes we may fall behind on the important things - like exercise - and will have to make up for it by making sure we are still eating all the right foods. Stress is often an obstacle that can make us fall into bad habits, so taking time to relax and do things you enjoy could be just the thing you need to stay on track.

For more information

Journal For Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Keeping a journal can help you learn a lot about yourself in terms of what you eat, how much you exercise and why you engage in various activities.

Journaling the meals that you eat helps you to avoid "unconscious eating" - eating that leads to consumption of excess calories, beyond what you may have ever intended to consume. In fact, research actually shows that keeping a food journal will help you lose weight! In addition, journaling your meals will help you keep the weight off once it's gone.

In addition to keeping track of your foods, journaling your moods, such as stress, boredom or anger, can help you pinpoint problem areas during your day, which in some cases may serve as triggers to overeating. Once you understand the problem, you can find a solution that does not involve opening the box of cookies or the jar of jellybeans.

And last but certainly not least, remember to log your exercise. The more often you log your exercise, the clearer it will be to see how exercise affects the bottom line when it comes to weight loss.

Need help with weight loss? contact Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE

Catch that Carrot - Setting a Reward System

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:01:00 +0000

When beginning a weight-loss program, it is important that you set weight-loss and fitness goals to monitor your progress along the way. Once you have short-term goals, set up a reward system as positive reinforcement for your efforts.

We are familiar with reward systems from others, such as employee of the month, sports trophies and scholastic achievement awards. Weight-loss achievements are unique because you are the only one who really knows how hard it was to reach your goal! And so you must reward yourself!

Here are some guidelines for setting up a reward system:

Before losing any weight, plan the reward system so that the further along you go, the larger the rewards. For example, reaching the first goal could be a CD, the second goal a bottle of perfume/cologne, the third goal a facial, weekend trip with friends, etc.
Never use food as a part of your reward system.
Make sure you set up reasonable goals. Do not push yourself too hard - take the time to do this right!
You can set up the system by the number of pounds lost, clothing sizes lost, adherence to your exercise program or anything that you feel deserves recognition on your way to success.
Remember that losing the weight isn't the final goal, it's maintaining your lower weight. Use the reward system for maintaining the weight for a certain number of months until your accomplishments become habits.

For more information

Portion Control Just Got Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Dear MFers,

Medifast teaches you portion control.

Since you will be eating Medifast Meals five times a day, you will only consume the amounts of food that we provide. In addition, our Lean & Green meal is very easy to follow, and has been mapped out for you when you start the plan. The My Plan section knows what you are supposed to be eating, and will give you suggestions for all of your meals. For more information on proper portioning, see our Quick Start Guide included with your first Medifast order.

Keep the serving sizes below in your head at all times, in order to better estimate your portions:

1/2 cup of cooked vegetables = scoop of ice cream
1 ounce of cheese = a pair of dice
3 ounces of chicken or fish = 1 deck of cards
1 tablespoon of salad dressing = 1/2 of a ping pong ball
1 teaspoon oil or butter = tip of your thumb

Good Luck! And if you need more support, contact me

Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE

Benefits of a Low Carbohydrate Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:51:00 +0000

ABSTRACT

The persistence of an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes suggests
that new nutritional strategies are needed if the epidemic is to
be overcome. A promising nutritional approach suggested by this
thematic review is carbohydrate restriction. Recent studies show
that, under conditions of carbohydrate restriction, fuel sources shift
from glucose and fatty acids to fatty acids and ketones, and that ad
libitum–fed carbohydrate-restricted diets lead to appetite reduction, weight loss, and improvement in surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:276–84.

Contact Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE for more information.

10 Medical Benefits of Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:12:00 +0000

The medical benefits of a low-calorie diet include:

A reduction in blood pressure
A decrease in blood glucose levels
A decrease in total and LDL cholesterol levels
A reduction in triglyceride levels
An improvement in respiratory function and sleep apnea
A reduction or alleviation in pain associated with osteoarthritis, or inflammation of the joints
A reduction or alleviation of lower back pain
A decreased risk for gallbladder disease/gallstones
Increased mobility
The timid, introverted, and non-assertive individual gains greater self-esteem and self-worth as their external image improves. This also comes from their recognition of a goal achieved.

What do you want to read?

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:19:00 +0000

hard at work, originally uploaded by creatingkoan.

We are regularly adding new articles to the site to enhance your experience. Tell us what topics you want to read and we'll make sure you always find the content you need!

Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE
Dietitian and Diabetes Educator

Weigh In on Childhood Obesity

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Join me at "Let's Talk" and weigh in on childhood obesity.

With more school budget cuts on the way, "WE" the public need to stand up and lead kids down the right path to a healthy lifestyle.

You and I can make a difference.

Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE

Meal Replacements vs ADA Diet - A Study Published in "The Diabetes Educator"

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:13:00 +0000

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studied the efficacy of meal replacements for people with diabetes by comparing Medifast to basic nutrition recommendations provided by the American Diabetes Association. Results of the study show that people with Type II Diabetes, using Medifast Plus for Diabetics, lost twice as much weight as those following the ADA's recommended food guidelines and were twice as likely to stick with the diet. Other improvements in health included:

* 19% decrease in insulin
* 12% decrease in fasting triglycerides
* 10% decrease in blood glucose
* 27% increase in quality of life
* 9% increase in HDL
* 7.5% decrease in body fat
* 8% decrease in blood pressure

Nutrition News - March 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:07:00 +0000

American Dietetic Association President Rings the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell
-The ‘Stock” Exchange
(By Bonnie Taub- Dix, ADA Spokesperson)

Food nutrition programs don't lead to obesity: USDA

Source: USDA

As Indian Growth Soars, Child Hunger Persists

The contradictory science of antioxidants

Framingham Heart Study Launches New Project to Develop Blood Tests for Heart Disease

Lifesaving Kidney Treatment, but Only to a Point

Can two people eat on $67 a week?

Prince Charles' Herbal Products Stir Controversy
The product in question is "Duchy Herbals Detox Tincture,”
which contains dandelion and artichoke extracts.

ViB drink a cocktail of contradictions

GAO cites fraud in Medicare in-home services billings

Bill Proposes Restrictions on Raw Milk Sales- CT

Judge upholds almond pasteurization law

Coos Head Food Store Recalls MT Hood Trail Mix Because of Possible Health Risk

Registered Dietitians in the News

St. Fatty’s Day
Between guzzling green beer and noshing on fish-and-chips,
it’s easy to OD on the spirit of Saint Patrick.
(Toby Smithson, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

The Park Avenue Diet
(By Kathleen M Zelman, RD)

From fat to flat: Popular diet might help reduce dangerous flab
(Margie Bryan Fougeron, RD quoted)

Moderate Protein Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:12:00 +0000

Public release date: 4-Mar-2009

Contact: Phyllis Picklesimer
p-pickle@uiuc.edu
217-244-2827
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Is one diet as good as another? U of I study says no and tells you why

Any diet will do? Not if you want to lose fat instead of muscle. Not if you want to lower your triglyceride levels so you'll be less likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Not if you want to avoid cravings that tempt you to cheat on your diet. And not if you want to keep the weight off long-term.

"Our latest study shows you have a better chance of achieving all these goals if you follow a diet that is moderately high in protein," said Donald Layman, a University of Illinois professor emeritus of nutrition. The research was published in the March Journal of Nutrition.

Layman's new study followed the weight-loss efforts of 130 persons at two sites, the U of I and Penn State University, during 4 months of active weight loss and 8 months of maintenance.

Two previous studies had looked at short-term weight loss; this one was designed to look at long-term effects, he said.

Although both plans were equal in calories, half the group followed a moderate-protein diet (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% fat) while the other followed a diet based on USDA's food-guide pyramid (55% carbohydrates, 15% protein, 30% fat).

"Persons in the first group ate twice the amount of protein as the second group," said Layman.

And the difference in protein made all the difference in improved body composition and body lipids, he said.

Although the amount of weight lost in both groups was similar, at 4 months participants in the protein group had lost 22 percent more body fat than members of the food-pyramid group. At 12 months, the moderate-protein dieters had lost 38 percent more body fat.

"The additional protein helped dieters preserve muscle. That's important for long-term weight loss because muscle burns calories—if you lose muscle, and you used to be able to consume 2,000 calories without gaining weight, you'll find that now you can only eat, say, 1,800 calories without weight gain," he said.

What were the effects on lipids? Although at 4 months the food-guide pyramid appeared to be more effective in lowering LDL and total cholesterol levels, at 12 months LDL levels came back up until both diets were equally effective, Layman said.

"This is the first study to show that short-term changes in LDL cholesterol are not maintained with long-term weight loss. Most scientists believe that high cholesterol is more a factor of genetics than of diet," he said.

But the moderate-protein diet had by far the bigger effect on lowering triglycerides, and that lasted as long as individuals remained on the diet, he said.

"Of the two types of lipid problems, high triglycerides pose a greater risk for heart disease. Approximately twice as many people have high triglycerides, and people with this condition are approximately four times more likely to die from heart disease," the scientist said.

To ensure compliance, participants met every week for weigh-ins and nutrition instruction. "We taught participants how to follow their diet, how to grocery shop, and how to prepare the meals. They also measured everything they ate three days a week," he said.

"Studies that report there is no difference among diets also report that subjects were not carefully following the diets," said Layman. "It's very important to realize the difference between diet compliance and diet effectiveness."

The protein diet was easier to follow and maintain long-term, with 64 percent of the moderate-protein dieters completing the study compared to 45 percent of dieters using the high-carbohydrate diet, Layman said.

"Subjects on the moderate-protein diet reported that they weren't as interested in snacks or desserts, and they didn't have food cravings. When you eat protein, you feel full longer," he said.

Average weight loss for the protein group was 23 percent higher than the food-pyramid group, with 31 percent of "completers" in the protein group losing more of than 10 percent of their initial body weight versus 21 percent of the food-pyramid group.

###

Co-authors of the study are Ellen Evans of the U of I Department of Kinesiology and Public Health; Donna Erickson, Jennifer Seyler, and Judy Weber of the U of I Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition; and Deborah Bagshaw, Amy Griel, Tricia Psota, and Penny Kris-Etherton of The Pennsylvania State University Department of Nutritional Sciences.

It was funded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, The Beef Checkoff, and Kraft Foods.

Nutrition News - February 18, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Survey shows awareness of peanut recall but misunderstanding

Americans fuzzy on trans fat sources: survey

Appeals court upholds NYC's calories-on-menus rule

Study confirms: Don't reward yourself for calories burned

Group call for program to prevent underweight births

New Botanical Drug May Silence Peanut Allergies, Animal Study Suggests

Hospitals see big drop in staph superbugs
Study: MRSA infections from IV tubes fell nearly 50 percent in 10 years

Registered Dietitians in the News

Approved as a natural product, stevia may broaden appeal of sugar alternatives
(Dawn Jackson Blatner, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

Health Rules You Can Rewrite After 40
Be Religious About What Really Matters; Take Shortcuts With the Rest. Check Out Our Guide to Being a Sensible Slacker
(Christine Gerbstadt, ADA Spokesperson & Colleen Doyle, RD quoted)

Loose Change: Take a bite out of your food bill
(Tara Gidus, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

More families eating home-cooked meals
(Jacquelynn O'Palka, RD & Jan Yudt, RD quoted)

Teen-mothers-more-common-in-city">Teen mothers more common in city
(Natalia Miner, RD quoted)

Think these 8 foods are healthy? Wrong!
Skip the diet soda and potato chips and have seltzer and popcorn instead
(By Nicole Ferring, RD; Janel Ovrut, RD quoted)

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Shawn C. Smith as Nutrition Director
(Shawn C. Smith, RD cited)

In Paris, Culinary Education Starts In Day Care
(Sandra Merle, Dietitian/France quoted)

Nutrition News - February 17, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Phone Call Helps Dieters Lose Weight

New Test For Mysterious Metabolic Diseases

Vitamin E May Decrease Mortality Of Elderly Male Smokers, Yet Increase Mortality Of Middle-aged Smokers

Vitamin Pills: A False Hope?

Coffee: Good, bad or just forget about it?

Few teens need cholesterol-lowering drugs, researchers say

The Claim: Sunscreen Prevents Vitamin D Production

MedlinePlus: Current Health News
-Amputations much more common in diabetics
-Web-based program improves diabetics' self care

Registered Dietitians in the News

Artificial Sweeteners: They're Enough to Give Some People a Headache
(Dawn Jackson Blatner, ADA spokesperson quoted)

Corn syrup's bitter sweet debate
(Keri Gans, ADA Spokesperson, Gunilla Nordhammar, RD & Ruth Wolfe, RD all quoted)

'Joy of Cooking' or 'Joy of Obesity'?
In the classic cookbook, published since 1931, changes in ingredients and serving sizes have led to a 63% increase in calories per serving in 17 of the recipes, a study shows
(Brian Wansink, ADA Member & Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo,ADA Spokesperson quoted)

Cherries help heart, help prevent diabetes
(Lona Sandon, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

Break these rules to lose weight
(Dawn Blatner Jackson, ADA Spokesperson & Keith Ayoob, RD quoted)

Seven roadblocks to dieting
(Sarah Krieger, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

Nutrition News - February 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:50:00 +0000

How can parents fight child obesity? Get to play Related Resource: If Your Child Is Overweight: A Guide for Parents, 3rd Edition

Weight Loss More Effective Than Intensive Insulin Therapy

9 things you should unlearn about tea

Many Americans Unaware of Food Recalls, Survey Finds
Related Resource: FDA Peanut Product Recalls

U.S. to Compare Medical Treatments

In Digitizing Healthcare, a Battle Over Patient Privacy

MedlinePlus: Current Health news
- Astronauts' bone strength lost in space
- Belly Fat May Make Migraines More Likely
- High uric acid raises risk of death in adults
- Low vitamin D tied to higher body fat in women
- Mediterranean diet may help prevent spina bifida

Registered Dietitians in the News

Healthy family makeover
(Jim White, ADA Spokesperson cited)

Cupid Countdown, Day 5: Have a healthy, romantic meal
(Keith Ayoob, RD; Dawn Jackson Blatner & Bonnie Taub-Dix, both ADA Spokespeople all quoted)

Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
(Ryann Null, dietetic intern & Althea Zanecosky, RD quoted)

Dietitian: Industrial food model leading to widespread famine
(Melinda Hemmelgarn, RD quoted)

More families eating home-cooked meals
(Jacquelynn O'Palka, RD quoted)

How healthy are decaf green tea and dried fruits?
(Wendy Bazilian, RD quoted)

New study finds teens with higher dairy intake have lower body fat
(Melissa Dobbins, RD quoted)

Tips for cyclists at risk of bone loss
(dietitian cited)

Ten tips for healthier, faster meals
(By Samara Felesky-Hunt, Dietitian/Canada)

Water world: How to hydrate right
(Lori Smart Dietitian/Canada quoted)

Nutrition News - February 14, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Young, RD, LD, CDE) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:45:00 +0000

The Human Diet: High Nutrition and Cooking
(Presented at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science)

Changing habits may not lower blood pressure

Diet pattern linked to higher diabetes risk

Eggs not dangerous for heart health: Study

Fructose-sweetened drinks again raise questions in obesity-related study

Hayek Breastfeeding: Why Do We Care?
Some Say the USA Is Unique in Its Breastfeeding Issues

A Skeptic Becomes A True Believer
(Hospital initiative to reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections in ICU)

Court Finds No Link Between Vaccines, Autism

Mead Johnson's Success Formula
Keys to Strong IPO Include Timing, Timing, Timing; Booming Baby Market

Consumers Cut Food Spending Sharply
Markets and Restaurants Feel the Pinch as People Purchase Generic Brands and Stay Home

Cocoa Prices Create Chocolate Dilemma

Registered Dietitians in the News

How to eat cheap: What foods to buy and where to buy them
(Keith Ayoob, RD & Keri Gans, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

Simpson gossip spotlights the burden of celebrity
(Dawn Jackson Blatner, ADA Spokesperson quoted)

dietitian receives top award
(Joetta Redlin, RD quoted & the Iowa Dietetic Association cited)

The 'Mayo Clinic' Diet
(By Kathleen Zelman, RD; Connie Diekman, immediate past president of the ADA quoted)

Guys, make Valentine's Day special
Looking for a romantic Valentine's Day gift that's truly from the heart?
Cook for her
(Kimberly Kramer, RD quoted)

Plan aims to make healthier Riverland
(Kate Blowes, Dietitian/Australia quoted)