Between parties and celebrations, you eat out a lot more often during the holidays. And this means that more than half of us will gain at least a pound, and 10% of us will gain five pounds or more. Still, while we might put “lose weight” at the top of our resolutions list, more… Continue Reading
sodium
Colon Cleansing and Weight Management
By David H. Rahm, M.D. Q: I’ve noticed a number of weight loss programs recommend starting with a detox or cleansing regimen. Is this a good idea and is this a safe thing to do? The practice of “kicking off” a weight loss program with a cleanse offers dieters some advantages. By… Continue Reading
Eating Out Means More Calories, Sodium, Sugar & Fat
A lot of social activities revolve around food – a date, girls’ night out, or even a birthday celebration. And then there are those nights when you’re just too tired to cook, or you’re really craving that one dish from your favorite local restaurant. It seems that we’re eating out more than ever, with… Continue Reading
Consuming Probiotics May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
To lower and keep your blood pressure in check, you’re supposed to reduce sodium, eat fewer processed foods, drink less, and weigh less. For those looking for more, it seems like taking more probiotics, the all-important beneficial bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract, can also help you lower hypertension. A review published in Hypertension,… Continue Reading
Sodium: Surprising Sources & Health Effects
Rumored to have once been more valuable than gold, we take salt for granted today. It’s used in nearly every food we eat – even in desserts! But in the same way we can overindulge in sweets, alcohol, and fat, we can and do overindulge in salt, often without even knowing it. May… Continue Reading
The Health Benefits of Coconut Water
It’s a clean, potable beverage for many people around the world, one recommended by the World Health Organization for treatment of dehydration, and since it’s sterile, it’s even been delivered intravenously. What is this miracle elixir? It’s a drink you’ve been seeing pop up everywhere lately – coconut water. But when it comes to… Continue Reading
Celery
(Apium graveolens) Celery is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Other members include carrots, fennel, parsley, and dill. Perhaps best known for its stalks, celery is a versatile vegetable, crunchy in texture with a mildly salty taste. While celery ribs are the most commonly consumed portion of the vegetable, the roots, leaves, and seeds… Continue Reading
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Released
Although somewhat belated, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released late last month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Since 1980, the Guidelines have been updated and issued every 5 years. The 2010 Guidelines don’t represent a significant departure from government recommendations made… Continue Reading
New Front-of-Package Labels Highlight Key Nutrition Facts
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) recently announced the launch of Nutrition Keys, a front-of-package initiative designed to help busy shoppers make better informed food choices at the grocery store. The initiative was developed as a response to an industry specific request made last year by First Lady Michelle… Continue Reading
Walmart Phasing in “Healthier” Packaged Foods
At a press-conference held earlier this week, executives from Walmart announced a major nutrition initiative to phase in healthier foods to its vast network of stores and huge customer base. The five key elements of the program include: Reformulation of Packaged Foods Walmart will reduce sodium content by 25% and added sugars by… Continue Reading