eDiets.com reserves the right to delete any comments we deem inappropriate.
Britons Overweight and Malnourished?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
I guess Britons have not received the memo stating that nutrition does not mean eating an abundance of food, but making good choices and practicing portion control.
In a recent a recent article, the British diet was under attack for being high in fat, salt, calories and low in nutrition. As a result, malnutrition is now a problem and affecting over 2 million people in Britain! Like in many countries, Britons are not only eating foods that are poor nutritionally, but they are eating too much of it. This is a big concern since this kind of malnutrition will not cause starvation, but will most likely lead to heart disease instead. Most people are shocked when they hear that a country like Great Britain is dealing with malnutrition, so they don't take research such as this seriously.
So what needs to be done to make Britons and other wealthy nations aware of this possibility? Malnutrition needs to be properly defined as poor nutrition and not just being undernourished.
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Labels: Overweight
Are restaurants responsible for controlling the amount of portions they serve diners?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
For those who dine out frequently, here is a tip "Chefs are not counting calories, so beware of how much of the food on your plate you are eating." It’s no secret that Americans are getting bigger, but so are the portions we are being served. Some may feel that if it's on the plate then it must be the right amount to eat. Not so fast...most restaurants are offering portions two to four times larger than the average person should eat, whether the chefs are aware of this or not. Their primary concerns are cost, the food's appearance and presentation, and meeting their customer’s expectations (more bang for your buck).
So what should the informed diner do? Well, if you are concerned about your controlling your weight, it is entirely up to you. Our tip is to order the to go tray when you order your meal. Before you even take the first bite divide your entrée in half and save that portion to enjoy another day. Not a fan of leftovers...split the meal with a friend, saving money and your waistline.
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do”
Labels: dining out
Better handle the supermarket line by just skipping it.
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
European shoppers have been using personal scanners for their grocery items prior to reaching the checkout stands for a while, but it looks like the U.S. is catching on. American consumers have use handheld scanners for setting up baby and bridal registries, but the Associated Press reports that the handhelds might be coming to a supermarket near you soon.Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take care, take control and enjoy!
Labels: Grocery shopping
Exercise for Osteoarthritis Might Make You Feel Better
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Exercise may be the key to help free you from the physical pain of osteoarthritis. Many people fear exercise because of the pain they feel during and after a lot of activity, but exercise done properly, with rest and joint care, might actually make you feel better. For more information check out this link!
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"You never know what you can do, unless you try"
Labels: Aging
Ovarian Cancer, No Longer the Silent Killer!
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Ladies! If bloating and abdominal pain happen to you just once a month, you can now consider yourselves lucky! Historically, ovarian cancer was known as the “silent killer” because once diagnosed with it, your chances of survival were slim. However, recent studies show that there are a few symptoms that are associated with early signs of this type of cancer. These symptoms could save your life if the cancer is caught in its earliest stages. It has been found that bloating and abdominal pain are some of the first signs, but I am talking about pain that lasts a few weeks without sessation, and not just a few days. What else to look for?
Renee BS, LD/N, ACSM
Nutrition Specialist
"If you don't take care of your body, where are you going to live?"
Labels: cancer
Is it time for doctors to stop sugar coating children's weight issues and start calling them fat?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
This is such a touchy subject and one that hits close to home. There is no denying that obesity is on the rise in children today. However, I don’t think the solution is for doctors to make children feel insecure about their weight issue. Children are already taunted in school by their peers if they are overweight, so why should doctors add more fuel to the fire? Don’t we want our kids to trust doctors instead of fearing them?
There are times when doctors will have to refer to children as being “obese” but I don’t think this recommendation should be a general consensus for all Clinicians. Instead of focusing on labels, I think it’s time to start focusing on getting the proper treatment for these kids.
It is not recommended for children and teenagers to lose weight. However, for those with medical complications a calorie–controlled diet that is supervised by a physician may be necessary. A child who is considered 'at risk' of becoming overweight with no medical complications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, may not need to follow a calorie-restricted diet. Rather, eliminating high calorie food and drinks and increasing fruit and vegetable intake can help in maintaining the child’s current weight while continuing his or her growth pattern.
Samantha, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Labels: children
Five Thirty-second rule
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
We’ve all heard of the “five-second rule”. You have five seconds to pick up that carrot you dropped (not on purpose, I’m sure..) and still be able to eat it (yippee!).
Well, it appears that the five-second rule may not be that accurate after all. Students at the Connecticut College in New London put this rule to the test by conducting experiments in the college’s cafeteria. After dropping apple slices and Skittles in the dining area, their research found that your food is actually safe for about thirty seconds, even more for dry foods. Good news for parents!
My favorite part of the article: “It took 5 minutes for organisms to colonize a Skittle.”
Eunice, DTR, CPT-ACE
Nutrition Specialist
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”
Labels: Food Safety
Frazzled mother’s psychological health is now in jeopardy
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Having kids is a hard job for sure, especially when you have more than one. You need to entertain, feed, and protect, while the long list continues to even include all that is required of us. Oh, and don’t forget about the most important duty...worrying about them every minute of the day.
With all the "job requirements," we can now be concerned about this terrifying side effect, our mental health being compromised. I am totally not surprised by this, as I tend to my 3 children under 7, the pressures can surely mount and I often think, "Why is this so hard?" Who could ever imagine how a 5 year old can press your buttons more than your co-worker, boss, or even mate? Yet it happens endlessly even though I think that the majority of it is not deliberate. Kids are just sponges for knowledge, and we have to do our job and Teach. (Oh yeah, another job requirement)
Nevertheless, how we react to them at this crucial stage: quick yelps at them, the constant 'stop its', can actually show how they would treat other people and this is what breaks my heart and probably rattles my mind the most.
Always remember that they are kids, take a breath and think before you react. This will surely save our minds down the road and make for a more pleasant day! Literally taking a step back can be healthy for us.
Denise, DTR, CPT-AFAA
Nutrition Specialist
It's one day at a time and that's what you need to focus on; each day that you do this will make you stronger for the next!
Labels: Mental Health
Does caffeine predict the foods you eat according to your gender?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Just when you thought of every excuse possible to justify unhealthy eating, there is one more.
Did you know that caffeine can affect your mood, food cravings or give you a headache? Now whether you get one or all 3 side effects is dependent on your gender. Ladies, if you are like me and you feel like you can’t think or function properly without your morning coffee, we now have an excuse...it's in our genes.
According to the research being conducted at the University of Toronto, caffeine's effect on women contrasts significantly with its effect on men – a reaction based on which version of a gene binds to dopamine, a chemical in the brain known to affect mood.
Before we get carried away, further research is still needed; however, these studies may help determine future dietary recommendations based on our genetic profile. What an exciting thought...being able to form your proper menu based on genetics. In the meantime, give your coworker, spouse, family their space because that first cup of coffee can set the tone for their whole day.
Wendy, BSc, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”
Just wanted to let you know--I rarely feel like commenting on the articles posted here, but I enjoy reading them! Thanks for adding this feature.
Kellogg Pulls Advertising for Not So Grrreat Products
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
With a possible lawsuit looming in the foreground, the Kellogg Company has made the decision to pull their advertising directed at children under the age of 12, if the product does not meet certain nutrition guidelines for calories, sugar, fat and sodium. They are even going a step further by no longer using licensed characters and branded toys to promote the foods that don't meet these guidelines as well. However (and this is a good 'however'), Kellogg will attempt, in good faith, to reformulate those products that do not make the cut nutritionally.This decision, from a very influential company in terms of what our kids eat today, comes at a crucial time with childhood obesity still on the rise. Let's hope other kid-driven food companies will follow suit and put similar changes in the works.
Tracey, MS, RD
Nutrition Specialist
"Where there's a will, there's a way"
Labels: children
Let's hope parents get the message. My daughter loves Frosted Flakes, I buy it like twice a year as a treat, not a daily food. She has been asking all the time since she is little, but I control what is purchased. The ads only make kids think about it, the real problem is the parents that buy it. I run into parents all the time that tell me, "I can't lose weight we have junk food in the house for the kids all the time". Do your kids really need any of it??? We need more education, taking the ads away will only help a little.
Obesity Can Go Beyond What Your Eyes See
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
As we find more about how substances, hormones and different types of cells can affect our weight, scientists have recently found that this can go all the way to the simplest unit of life; the molecule. Scientists from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) have found that a molecule called Bsx could be the difference between why one diet works for you and the same won’t work for me. Is the mystery uncovered or do we need more studies?Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
"Take care, take control and enjoy"
Labels: Obesity
Dogs Really are Man’s Best Friend!
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Most of us know by now that the key to a healthy lifestyle is less time on the couch and more time on our feet. Surprisingly, the obesity epidemic is not only a problem for humans; this sedentary life is plaguing humans and canine alike. A research study found that simply walking your dog 20 minutes a day, five days a week, led to an average weight loss of 14 pounds among its human participants. The dogs enjoyed a healthier life too! This physical activity has also been shown to improve blood pressure and reduce stress! So, what are you and Fido waiting for? Get walking!Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
"You never know what you can do, unless you try"
Labels: exercise
No More Periods
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
By Michelle Mahoney, DTR
Lybrel, the new birth control pill that can halt women's menstruation forever has been approved. Now ladies, I know that time of the month can be a little uncomfortable and some times even a bit painful. OK, a lot uncomfortable and painful. But how is a birth control pill that stops your periods indefinitely really benefiting?
Hey there --
I was just in for my annual exam last week and my dr. and we discussed this issue. He told me that the only reason to have a period is if you want to get pregnant. There is no need to menstruate, or slough off the lining, or cleansing, or whatever. We decided on the 4-periods-a-year plan for me, and feel comfortable with that decision.
-- L
What this pill was approved to do is something that doctors have been doing for years now for some women. Perhaps instead of stopping periods completely they had been decreasing their frequency. It's not as simple as just stopping periods and losing all of the symptoms of menstruation. Skipping periods can have similar or worse side effects like breakthrough bleeding, cramps, etc, for some people. It's not for everyone. A lot of women dropped out of the study. However, for some of us who really suffer during menstruation (I get 1-3 day migraines that used to be guaranteed), the thought of skipping menstruation sounds very appealing.
Its like everything, it could be really helpful for some people. But others like me that are sensitive to the pill it could be dangerous. I can't take any pill, due to the side effects, depression and headache. So it definitely has to be based on individual discussions. But no period sounds great, I will have no problem once I am done with it.
Detox, Fast, Cleanse. What’s Next, The Colonoscopy Diet?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
These fad diets claim to rid the body of toxins and fat, clearing your skin and boosting your immune system. Let’s see, do these diets teach us “good” habits? A diet based on liquids, diuretics and laxatives is most certain to leave your body starving for energy, hence compromising your muscle mass. I’d like to hang on to my muscle, wouldn’t you?
Renee, BS, LD/N, ACSM
Nutrition Specialist
"If you can change your mind, you can change your body"
Labels: Fad Diets
Gee whiz. If I go on this type of diet, what is my poor liver going to do. It's job is to get rid of the toxins in my body. So, with fasting and flusing, it will probably atrophy. I rather have things work the way they are supposed to. Don't mess with your body and it will last you a long time. That's my motto.
Are Junk Food Ads Responsible for the Rise in Childhood Obesity?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
In a recent article, junk food TV ads shown during children’s programs doubled the number of ads 30 years ago. Surprise! I guess that’s why toddlers recognize the fast food chains even before they can speak. This would also explain why taking your child to the grocery store can be an absolute nightmare. “No not that one mommy, I want the blue box, it’s part of a balanced breakfast, that’s what the man said on TV”.
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”
Labels: children
I think it is the parentization of free time that is contributing most to childhood obesity. By this, I mean that children are not allowed to run around freely in the neighboorhood, due to fear of kidnapping.
We all were outside from the time we got home from school, till dark or mom called us in from dinner. Summers, we spent in kid-designed activities: outside rollerskating, climbing, hide-and-seek games.
My children, who are now grown, were allowed to eat whatever they wanted--they had the sweet cereals, snacks, etc., along with regular meals. I never insisted they eat everything on their plate. Both are adults now (male), and both prefer non-sweet meals over snacks, and have always been NORMAL weight.
As soon as my older boy was 3 or 4, he played in a community court with older kids, with occasional adult checking up. His younger brother tagged along with him, and they ran and played in the neighborhood (and we did not live in an upscale neighboorhood either).
EXERCISE is what is lacking. We ate several times a week at their favorite fast food, and we had sodas in the home as well. Kids need to be kids.
They are many times more likely to be killed in an automobile accident than they are to be kidnapped by a stranger.
-beloved from ediets
I agree with the above comment, we need to let kids be kids.
More important parents need to learn that its OK not to keep chips in the house all the time. Also important to shut the TV off and go for a walk.
Besides the kids running around, I know people who will stop and ask if I need a ride when I am walking someplace. I have always walked places with my daughter and you know what she is better off now and loves to walk (she is 13). We need to stop driving, not getting up from the couch, etc.
Parents are the example and have control over what comes in the house. I don't allow sweet cereals all the time, but don't disallow them. I buy a bag of chips once in a while and DD will live.
Also the above made a really good point, didn't insist the kids clean their plates. Making someone clean their plates is making them ignore their cues that they are full. That is important. My daughter always had to eat veggies if she wanted desert, but if she was full then it wasn't an issue not to eat them, but you don't get desert because your full.
So my 13yo thinks salad and spinach and broccoli are great foods and asks me to make them:)
Parents need to learn what to eat and how to move, then they can set the example for their kids.
I think the rise of childhood obesity is lazy parents. I am not a parent but have several friends that have kids. When I watch their kids I make normal daily food for them like my mom did. NOPE they want McDonald's nuggets, or junk food like a frozen kiddie meals that have nothing good for them. I remeber eating fresh meals never did we get a forzen dinner. I had one friend tell me to warm up her kids milk in the microwave- I was shocked because I grew up thinking the microwave causes cancer... and I am starting to belive it since it has become so wide spread.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It is always great pleasure to read your posts.
Michael Moore's new film 'Sicko' hits theaters this summer
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Some love him, others love to hate him. Michael Moore has received both praise and criticism for his previous two films 'Bowling for Columbine' and 'Fahrenheit 9/11'. So who is his next target? The health care industry.Nutrition Specialist
Labels: health care
I am very fearful that people are going to listen to these alleged "real life stories" as fact or the complete truth. There are always two sides to every story and Mr. Moore is known for his one sidedness and sensationalizing the worst.
Yes the healthcare industry in in dire need of some stabilization we all can agree to that.
Just know even though this is a documentary it is also classified as a comedy. All stories should be researched fully prior to making any comments.
This movie is made for the purpose of entertainment and contains some none factual and dramatized information for the purpose of getting a rise out of people.
Just remimber you have a mind along with vast resources to have an informned opinion.
I've seen an advanced viewing of this film and the some parts brought me to tears. It is pathetic that this is happening in America.
I think that the controversery that this movie brings is timely. After 31 years of RN life, I can tell you, there are some serious issues that are not simple to solve. Medicene in the US is a capitalist venture. Our insurances are on the stock market. I watched the mix of business and healthcare change over the years.....it is not a healthy mix for Americans anymore. We need to look at the issues and make decisions that will be incredibly difficult for the people and the economy of this country. There are two sides to this story. There are victims and there are those who abuse and use the system and its workers. For us who work ourselves to the bone, it is hard to think that the care we deliver is not available to some or that some would criticize what we do. This is an emotional subject, a subject put on the back burner so long that it is now in flames. It is sad that we spend millions on the war daily.......it just makes our decisons for the future more painful and the system more weighted.
Do you practice what you preach?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
A recent survey from the International Food Information Council Foundation found that people know basics about nutrition, but they do not practice them. They call this “diet disconnects” as a short description of what people intend to do and their actual habits. Check how connected you are.
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
"Take care, take control and enjoy"
Increased Cancer Risk for “tanorexic” Teenagers.
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
It seems the sun rays may not be the only thing to blame when it comes to melanoma. Teenagers always seem to want the best of everything which sometimes include the perfect tan. So they spend hours each week baking under UV radiation in tanning beds. With skin cancer on the rise, why are parents allowing their teenagers to place themselves at risk to look darker for a prom or beauty pageants? I think parents need to educate themselves more on this issue because studies done by the Academy of American Dermatology suggest that people who frequent tanning parlors before age 35 have a 75% higher chance of getting melanoma.
Samantha, RD, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist.
"We are all measured by inches, ages, numbers and all the outside things that don’t add up to who we are on the inside. So let your weight loss journey be one of self-acceptance every step of the way. If you are unhappy with yourself fifty pounds heavier you’ll probably feel the same way when you lose the weight. Happiness is not embedded in outward appearances."
Labels: cancer
Those Dreaded Wrinkles!
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Apparently, too many women are still not paying attention to the warnings about UV rays and the damage they can cause. The fact that melanoma is the second most common type of cancer among women in their twenties doesn’t seem to faze them and they continue to diligently “work on their tans”.
Seemingly, getting cancer isn’t scary enough…but wrinkles...now those are terrifying!
Hey, whatever works…
Eunice, DTR, CPT-ACE
Nutrition Specialist
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going”
Labels: Aging
Do You Trust Your Man at the Supermarket?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Nutrition Specialist
Labels: Relationships
This too funny! I just sent him out last night to get groceries with my fingers crossed!
My hubby did all the shopping for a while. He is better with coupons and sales then I am, the problem he has, is buying stuff he thinks we like. He buys my daughter cookies, but she doesn't eat cookies. Or for me Fat Free cookies, which are not helpful for losing weight. Then would wonder why I wasn't losing after buying sausage and no veggies?
Popular Detox Diets Unsafe
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
Jerri, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
I am sure you know someone who has tried detox diets. They promise to flush the poisons from your body, purge pounds of fat, clear your complexion and bolster your immune system. Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Beyonce Knowles attribute great weight losses to diets like the Fruit Flush and Master Cleanse; however, studies show they do nothing but cause unpleasant and unhealthy side effects. Fasting leads to muscle breakdown and a shortage of many needed nutrients, thus depriving the body of vitamins and minerals we get from food and possibly weakening the body's ability to fight infections and inflammation. I guess it is true what we Nutritionists say...a balanced, healthy diet and plenty of good old exercise is the best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy w