Lead a Fit and Healthy Life
Posts tagged Health/Nutrition
Changes in the Food Pyramid
012 months ago
Goodbye Food Pyramid, Hello Dinner Plate
The Obama administration is about to ditch the food pyramid, that symbol of healthy eating for the last two decades. In its place officials are dishing up a simple, plate-shaped symbol, sliced into wedges for the basic food groups and half-filled with fruits and vegetables.
The circular plate, which will be unveiled Thursday, is meant to give consumers a fast, easily grasped reminder of the basics of a healthy diet. It consists of four colored sections, for fruits, vegetables, grains and protein, according to several people who have been briefed on the change. Beside the plate is a smaller circle for dairy, suggesting a glass of low-fat milk or perhaps a yogurt cup.
Your work is making you fat
012 months ago
Workplace Cited as a New Source of Rise in Obesity
Looking beyond poor eating habits and a couch-potato lifestyle, a group of researchers has found a new culprit in the obesity epidemic: the American workplace.
A sweeping review of shifts in the labor force since 1960 suggests that a sizable portion of the national weight gain can be explained by declining physical activity during the workday. Jobs requiring moderate physical activity, which accounted for 50 percent of the labor market in 1960, have plummeted to just 20 percent.
The remaining 80 percent of jobs, the researchers report, are sedentary or require only light activity. The shift translates to an average decline of 120 to 140 calories a day in physical activity, closely matching the nation’s steady weight gain over the past five decades, according to the report, published Wednesday in the journal PLoS One.
Today, an estimated one in three Americans are obese. Researchers caution that workplace physical activity most likely accounts for only one piece of the obesity puzzle, and that diet, lifestyle and genetics all play important roles.
Going Gluten Free
01 year ago
Gluten-Free: The Low-Carb of This Decade?
The slant of this is annoying — that you shouldn’t go gluten free if you don’t have a health issue bc you could lose out on vitamins. If you are eating whole, clean foods –that shouldn’t be an issue.
“Gluten-free” is fast becoming the “low-carb” diet trend of the 21st century, although only 10 percent of the people buying its foods suffer from the celiac disease, wheat allergy or “gluten sensitivity” that make gluten avoidance a medical-must.
The burgeoning gluten-free marketplace has been a boon to men and women whose good health depends upon keeping gluten out of their gullets.
…Celiac disease, also called celiac sprue, affects an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, many of them unaware that they have a genetic disorder in which the body perceives gluten in their food as an alien invader and launches an immune system attack on the intestines and other organs. Symptoms can range from diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and headaches to malnourishment, osteoporosis, neurological conditions and in some cases, infertility and cancer.
Celiac sufferers must strictly adhere to gluten-free eating. Even a stray crispy crouton in a salad could be enough to launch an internal immune system siege that can sicken them.
Like those with wheat allergy, which can trigger hives, congestion and potentially fatal anaphylaxis, celiac patients must be vigilant about the contents of everything they eat. Offending foods containing wheat products include such surprising items as salad dressings, cold cuts, egg substitutes, imitation crabmeat (surimi), some herbal teas and licorice.
In addition to wheat, rye and barley, gluten can be found in exotic grains like spelt, kamut, faro and triticale. Even some oat products may contain traces of gluten picked up in the field or during processing.
With the addition of people suffering from gluten sensitivity, the market for foods once considered in the dietary fringe is expected to grow further. Packaged Facts predicts it could approach $5.5 billion by 2015.
Sugar- the most demonized additive known to man
11 year ago
by Stephy
in Health/Nutrition
It’s so interesting to gain the insight and knowledge that science provides us around what we are trained to put in our bodies —
On May 26, 2009, Robert Lustig gave a lecture called “Sugar: The Bitter Truth,” which was posted on YouTube the following July. Since then, it has been viewed well over 800,000 times, gaining new viewers at a rate of about 50,000 per month, fairly remarkable numbers for a 90-minute discussion of the nuances of fructose biochemistry and human physiology.
Lustig is a specialist on pediatric hormone disorders and the leading expert in childhood obesity at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, which is one of the best medical schools in the country. He published his first paper on childhood obesity a dozen years ago, and he has been treating patients and doing research on the disorder ever since.
The viral success of his lecture, though, has little to do with Lustig’s impressive credentials and far more with the persuasive case he makes that sugar is a “toxin” or a “poison,” terms he uses together 13 times through the course of the lecture, in addition to the five references to sugar as merely “evil.” And by “sugar,” Lustig means not only the white granulated stuff that we put in coffee and sprinkle on cereal — technically known as sucrose — but also high-fructose corn syrup, which has already become without Lustig’s help what he calls “the most demonized additive known to man.”
Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Gary Taubes
01 year ago
Gary Taubes on “Why We Get Fat”
Yes, Yes, Yes. Eating the crap foods creates cravings for more crap food — and you are living in a vicious cycle. That’s why I think eating a Paleo like diet is key. Cut out most carbs and eat whole, clean food — not processed – you are good to go. Look into the science more and see what you think –
Taubes challenges the conventional wisdom that says if we just eat less and exercise more we will lose weight. He contends that carbohydrates – sweets, breads and fruit – and not fatty foods are to blame for our nation’s rising obesity rate.
We’re not fat because we’re gluttons with no willpower who sit around watching too much TV, he says. Instead, we become couch potatoes because we are getting fat by eating too much pasta and rice, and too many cookies. That diet brings on a vicious cycle of craving more of the same carbohydrates that sap our energy and pack on the pounds.
“It’s the most important issue in medicine today,” argues Taubes, a fellow at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health. Being fat increases our risk of heart disease and diabetes, he says, as well as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Diets that require a steep drop in caloric consumption only allow us to drop pounds temporarily but are not a cure for obesity, he says.
…DeVane and Taubes agree that exercise alone is not the answer because people dramatically underestimate how much exercise is required to burn off pounds. And, Taubes says, exercise will just make you hungrier.
Safeway’s Simple Nutrition Shelf Tags – A Review
21 year ago
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Safeway to do a review of their new Safeway.com/Simplenutrition healthy options label system they were rolling out in their stores. In their words: Safeway understands that shoppers want to make better nutrition for themselves and their families. But they also understand reading nutrition labels and wading through all the different sources of nutrition information can be time consuming and confusing. Fortunately, SimpleNutrition is here to help! SimpleNutrition is a new ‘at the shelf’ program that simplifies and personalizes grocery shopping so you feel confident about making informed food choices.
They offered me a gift card as a thank you for taking the time to visit their store and give my honest thoughts about it. Other than knowing there was a new label system they were using, I didn’t find out any more information, thinking it would be a better experience to go in ‘blindly’ and see if I could figure it out. Also, I am not familiar with this particular Safeway either, so it was a double blind experience. Here are my thoughts –
Here’s the Safeway in Ashburn, VA that I visited on a Friday late afternoon. I walked into the store and headed to the produce area –which coincidentally, seems to be in the front of every grocery store if you haven’t noticed before. Anyone know why? Hmmm…
As I was going through the produce area, I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary in terms of labels of the food. Looked completely regular to me — so I headed on down a few aisles, again, nothing stuck out. I was beginning to think that maybe this particular Safeway was not using the new label system. So as I pushed the cart down a few more aisles and went to the frozen food section.
Now that my son, Nate is eating gluten free foods, I have had to become familiar with frozen breakfast items that he can eat and figured, maybe I will see these new healthy option
labels there. What I saw was a clearly marked ‘Organic’ label which I thought was great, but hardly a stand out. (See picture to the right)
I continued on through the aisle and came upon them – FINALLY! They look like little tabs hanging off the edge & right below the food item. They color-coded them along 
with its related word. I saw Organic, Gluten Free, Low Sodium, All Natural & More! Once I got the hang of it and noticed them – I realized how much help they really were. It helped me quickly identify the gluten-free items instead of having to look through and carefully make sure that the product I am getting is indeed what I think it is.
What I have been finding is that many brands have a healthy, organic version AND a healthy, organic but Gluten free option and other than a small little label on it – that says it’s Gluten Free, it’s hard to tell. This really did make it easy!
As I said, once I noticed them – that’s how I finished my shopping trip. Looking for these little tabs all over the store. They were up and down the rice & pasta aisle and I was able to find them in the frozen food area. I was able to scan this wall of mac & cheese options and find the ones that are gluten free quickly and easily. That made me very very very happy!
The way this Safeway is laid out – the healthier options are integrated with all of the food — so I can see how these labels would really help
shoppers quickly identify healthier options. Even the lower sodium spaghetti sauce had a healthy options label to help you find it easier.
So what are my overall thoughts about Safeway Simple Nutrition Shelf Tags? Anything that helps people make better nutrition choices for themselves and their families is a step in the right direction in my book! I really liked how these tags stood out and were very readable. So, for those shoppers already looking for healthier options — this makes it easy. One wish? I wish it had the magic power to convince people to make a conscience choice to buy them…..
Please know that although Safeway did provide me with gift cards to thank me for my time, the opinions shared above are my own & were in no way influenced by them. They did not encourage me to write any particular review of my experience.
Car full of Groceries from Safeway!
Steve’s Original for the WIN!
21 year ago
Last weekend, I tried a Paleo Krunch Bar from my friend Jason – and that was all I needed — it was Delish! Seriously, folks.
A delicious blend of coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and honey, PaleoKrunch fits into your bag and can answer any snack attack. Perfect for people following Zone® or Paleo®
I went home and ordered a batch of them along with their Paleo Krunch cereal. I really miss cereal now that I am Paleo, but this cereal paired with coconut milk — perfect substitute. It’s like eating granola which is close enough for me.
In addition to being delicious, Steve’s Original gives back to the community in a really meaningful way.
15% of proceeds from PaleoKits, PaleoKrunch, and other Steve’s Original products go to the Steve’s Club National Program to help bring fitness, nutrition, and personal development to youth across the country – one kid at a time.
So while a bit on the pricey side – its good, high quality, paleo friendly food that not only meets nutritional needs, it also helps others. Steve’s Original for the WIN!
Obesity is a huge threat
01 year ago
Panel: Obesity is century’s greatest public health threat
While I agree with some of these guidelines — but most of the actual food ones, I call foul! As you know – I am a believer in the Paleo view on eating: lean meats, nuts, berries, fruits, veggies. Clean eating at its purest — no wheat products anywhere! Now I don’t follow it 100% all the time — but it’s my main approach to eating and i have never felt better.
The final 2010 dietary guidelines will be released later this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services.
About two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the United States are overweight or obese. The advisory committee highlighted four major steps:
•Reduce excess weight and obesity by cutting calorie intake and increasing physical activity.
•Shift to a more plant-based diet that emphasizes vegetables, cooked dry beans and peas, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Increase the intake of seafood and fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products, and eat only moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry and eggs.
•Significantly reduce intake of foods containing added sugars and solid fats, which contribute about 35% of the calories in the American diet. Cut sodium intake gradually to 1,500 milligrams a day and lower intake of refined grains, especially those with added sugar, solid fat and sodium.
•Meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Those recommend that adults get at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as brisk walking, or 1¼ hours of a vigorous-intensity activity, such as jogging or swimming laps, or a combination of the two types. Children and teens should do an hour or more of moderate-intensity to vigorous physical activity each day.
The report calls for many changes in the food environment, including:
•Improve nutrition literacy and cooking skills, and motivate people, especially families with children, to prepare healthy foods at home.
•Improve the availability of affordable fresh produce through greater access to grocery stores, produce trucks and farmers’ markets.
•Encourage restaurants and the food industry to offer health-promoting foods that are low in sodium; limited in added sugars, refined grains and solid fats; and served in smaller portions.
Must Read: Gluten: What You Don’t Know Might Kill You
01 year ago
Gluten: What You Don’t Know Might Kill You
I recently went Gluten free (paleo approach) in October to lose weight, but what I realized was that when I got rid of the gluten – I felt great. It was the culprit for my constant fatigue that had plagued me since i could remember. I was always tired for no logical reason — no one ever mentioned to look at what I was eating – only that maybe my lifestyle was causing it and I should try meds. 7 days after being off of all gluten – i could feel a fog lift. A palpable feeling — and felt fantastic! I finally lost the last few lbs I had struggled with for years — sleep better, exercise better – you name it! And when I do have a roll or bread or whatever — i feel horrible the next day in all sorts of ways. I call it a gluten hangover! So I think very carefully if what I am considering eating is worth it. Make sure you take the time and read this entire article – it’s good!
SOMETHING YOU’RE EATING may be killing you, and you probably don’t even know it! If you eat cheeseburgers or French fries all the time or drink six sodas a day, you likely know you are shortening your life. But eating a nice dark, crunchy slice of whole wheat bread–how could that be bad for you? Well, bread contains gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and oats. It is hidden in pizza, pasta, bread, wraps, rolls, and most processed foods. Clearly, gluten is a staple of the American diet. What most people don’t know is that gluten can cause serious health complications for many. You may be at risk even if you don’t have full blown celiac disease. I want to reveal the truth about gluten, explain the dangers, and provide you with a simple system that will help you determine whether or not gluten is a problem for you.
Drinking Coffee May Lower Women’s Risk of Stroke
01 year ago
by Stephy
in Health/Nutrition
Study: Drinking Coffee May Lower Women’s Risk of Stroke
I believe in moderation of certain things — coffee being one of them. I love having a cup of coffee after CrossFit in the AM. It gives me the same feeling that eating a warm bowl of oatmeal used to. So now that I know it may help lower my risk, no more apologies!
Are you drinking a cup of coffee right now? Congratulations, you may be lowering your risk of stroke, according to study of nearly 35,000 women published Thursday in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.
The study led by Susanna Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm followed women aged 49 to 83 for an average of 10 years, and found that those who drank more than one cup of coffee a day had a 22% to 25% lowered risk of stroke, compared with women who drank less. Further, the study found, drinking little or no coffee was actually associated with a slight increase in stroke risk.
