Real World Nutrition News You Can Use
There is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. And nothing in this field is black-or-white, yes-or-no, but many shades of gray and a lot of “it depends.” So, my goal is to help clear up some of that misinformation with some snark, entertainment, and facts (with some opinion thrown in).
Many of these topics come from interactions with the public, friends, clients, and students. I see sheer misinformation about the science of nutrition, and I do my best to clear things up one blog post at a time.
If you have a topic you are wondering about, let me know.
Looking for a specific topic? Search to see if it is already here.
The Myth of 21 Days
Have you heard that it takes 21 days to create a new habit? It sounds so simple: do something every day for 21 days to create a habit. Right? Perhaps, but not necessarily.
Stop the Cheating Mindset
Many times, people have a CHEAT DAY with their diet. And others may only have a CHEAT MEAL. What does this mean? Cheating? Is this a good approach to eating?
Talking Turkey
Are turkeys full of hormones? Do you need to look for antibiotic-free turkey? Does the tryptophan make you sleepy? Should you choose light meat or dark meat? Should you cook it without the skin? This article covers eight facts about turkey.
Eating Through the Holidays
This time of year is often a roller coaster for people: Halloween, Thanksgiving, the Christmas season, and New Year’s. All holidays in which eating more than usual is the norm. So, consider what can you do to stay with your routine as much as possible.
Managing Diabetes - It Takes a Team - and YOU are in CHARGE
November is National Diabetes Month in which there is a push to bring more awareness of this disease that affects more than 34 million adults in the U.S. And, even if you are not part of that 34 million, it is estimated that more than 88 million Americans are at risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime. The catch with diabetes isn’t just the blood sugar and avoiding sugar in the diet. And most people need help with addressing the many aspects of diabetes.
Do you need IV Therapy?
Have you heard of IV therapy? IV therapy is getting intravenous fluids outside a medical or hospital setting for therapeutic use and not for medical "need." Anyone who's ever been to the hospital, emergency department, or urgent care (or even seen this sort of thing on television) knows that an IV is a common way for the medical staff to deliver medications and assist with overall hydration. IV therapy is available outside of this setting for apparently healthy people at medical spas, wellness centers, and even in your own home (not self-administered, but someone coming to your home to administer it). Is this something you should consider?
Watermelon: Much More Than Water
Eating more watermelon is a fun way to get more water in your diet. In addition to being 92% water, it is also an excellent source of nutrients including lycopene, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
Safe Grilling: How Do You Know?
When someone says, “safe grilling,” most people think of keeping the kids away when the match is lit or keeping a safe distance as you hear the “clicker” over and over again on the old gas grill until the “whoomph” of the flame lights up. Now the grill is safely heating with minor arm and facial hair damage. But it is also ensuring that the food is cooked properly.
Men: Take Charge of Your Health
June is Men's Health Month, a national observance used to raise awareness about men's health care and encourage them to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. Even though June is Men's Health Month, this is a year-round concern that men need to take control of their health.
Hydration for the Win
Of all the nutrients we need (carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water), water is our most essential nutrient. We can go days without eating and may not feel well and be uncomfortable, but without water or fluid of some kind, we can die within a couple of days (more or less) depending on our health status and environmental conditions.
Snacking Smart
Were you ever told that you couldn’t or shouldn’t have a snack because it will “spoil your appetite”? Unfortunately, many people still have the mindset that we shouldn’t snack. I often tell people to include one or two snacks during their day. The “problem” isn’t that we snack, but what we choose to have as a snack.
What is the most important part of nutrition?
To prioritize what is the most important part of nutrition is impossible. Nutrition covers so much: from energy (calories) and macronutrient distribution (i.e., how many carbs, fat, and protein should you have) to problems with digestion (GI disorders), healthy food choices, moderation, pediatric nutrition, and elderly nutrition, sports nutrition and diabetes, heart disease, and bone health and much more. So much more.
Which Is Better: Black or Green?
After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. This world loves tea, from Europe to Asia and places in between, and the U.S. is no exception. Lucky for us, tea is not only a flavorful alternative to water; it has health benefits. But which is better for us, black or green tea?
The Magic of “Ten Pounds
People come to me to learn how to help and improve their health. I work with people on how food, nutrition, and behavior modification can do this and how it applies to their lives.
These things are never a one-size-fits-all approach. Ever.
I can have a framework for people. I can make a “blueprint,” – but it is never the same for everyone because we are all different.
And with weight loss, when that is their goal or what they want, we discuss this more.
The most magical number that comes up the most is TEN. The first ten pounds, the last ten pounds, the final ten pounds, another ten pounds.
The easiest and the hardest are ten pounds.
What is it about these ten pounds?
This question isn’t a judgment. It is an observation.
Vitamin B?
People will often refer to “vitamin B” which is not an accurate statement. There are eight B vitamins all with different names, roles, and recommendations. And, most don’t need supplementing if you have a varied diet. Learn more about the different ones and which might need supplementing.
What Are Your Five Golden Rings?
According to the Urban Dictionary, the expression “grab for the gold ring” is “to take a chance and reach for some goal or desire.” We often neglect things in our lives or put them on the back burner, which decreases our healthy life and quality of life. Think about what you want to reach for in the next year, and consider these five things in your life.