Today is World Food Day and it reminds me that not everyone eats enough, let alone has access to, nutritious food. In the most recent statistics reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 925 million people in the world are hungry. In the United States, approximately 37 million Americans, including 14 million children, […]
Health
4 simple ways to eat more whole grains
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that the consumption of whole grains, by adults in the United States, is far below the recommended level. The study focused on two age groups, ages 19-50 and 51+. In both age groups, the individuals that consumed whole grains had a lower […]
Weekly Recipe – Raspberry banana chia smoothie
Here’s a filling breakfast smoothie using chia seeds to add an Omega-3 boost to your diet. Omega-3s are considered part of a heart healthy diet.  For more information on this take a look at my previous post, Chia seed, an amazing source of Omega-3. Approximate prep time: 5 minutes Total cook time: 5 minutes 1 […]
Chia seed, an amazing source of Omega-3
I first heard of the chia seed from my boyfriend. He was reading the book Born to Run and told me about the Tarahumara, a tribe in Mexico’s Copper Canyon. According to the book, a staple of the Tarahumara diet is the chia seed. The chia seed is partially credited with giving the Tarahumara the […]
Weekly Recipe – baked acorn squash stuffed with apple
Looking for something different for tonight’s dinner? As you read in my previous article, eat more fruit and vegetables, we need more of these foods in our diet. Last night we tried this recipe for baked acorn squash stuffed with apple and it was delicious! Acorn squash is good source of fiber and is rich […]
Challenge – eat more fruit and vegetables!
How much fruit and vegetables do you eat daily? Chances are, not enough. Most adults in the U.S. are falling short of the recommended daily servings of fruit (2-3 servings per day) and vegetables (3-4 servings per day).  According to the 2010 Healthy People report,  “In 2009, an estimated 32.5% of adults consumed fruit two or […]
Vitamin D – The super vitamin?
Vitamin D, more doctors are prescribing it and more Americans are taking it. Studies are indicating that as much as 57% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Why is this and how does it impact our health? Given all of the possible long term health benefits, including playing a role in preventing some of the world’s most prolific diseases, this is a subject worth paying attention to.
To journal or not to journal (part 2)
I go back and forth between the composition book/pen and online journal methods. Since, I have been journaling for awhile, I am always looking for a good online program that is easy to use, allows for the entry of custom foods, tracks intake versus goals, and delivers summary information that is clear and easy to understand. Following is my review of three programs (one for the iPhone/iTouch). It is important to note that I was not asked to review these programs or offered any incentives.
To journal or not to journal (part 1)
You want to lose weight? Sure keeping a food journal may help but only, and only, if you follow a strict set of procedures. You want to make better food choices? Yes keeping a food journal may help but only, and only, if you follow a strict set of procedures.
Do you see — err read — what I’m getting at? Whether your goal is to lose weight or to expand your nutritional education keeping a food journal requires three things: discipline, honesty, and time.
Corn Sugar – Don’t be fooled by the new name
The gist is that consumption of high fructose corn syrup is at a 20 low and the Corn Refiners Association petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to change the name. Obviously they want it to sound more appealing to consumers so that they will forget that it is very unhealthy.