Eating For Health

Interesting news this week for those interested in losing or maintaining their weight. A surprising study out of Scotland about the benefits of sunlight on our health.          Sunlight and Childhood Obesity and Diabetes – Scottish researchers reported that sunlight can be important in preventing diabetes and helping to avoid childhood obesity.   We all know spending time outside is healthy for exercise, fresh air and to get our vitamin D. a.        Sunlight and weight:   But now they have a new finding about sun.   “A natural gas, nitric oxide, is released by our skin after exposure to sunlight.”   ( Sunlight key to fighting childhood obesity and diabetes ).   This helps us control our metabolism and slow weight gain.   b.         Sunlight and diabetes – because one gains less weight, one is less likely to get diabetes.   Exposure to sunlight also seems to reduce the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.   Sunlight exposure resulted in less resistance to insulin and more no

We have all heard fast food is bad for our health.   And mostly it is.   High in fat and high in calories.   But can you enjoy some fast food without it being a belly buster or clog our arteries?   Yes, you can enjoy fast food and eat fairly healthy if you make wiser choices.   Rule #1:   Skip the fried foods – I always tell my students, to avoid the fried foods.   So high in fat and calories. Rule #2 – Skip the sugary soda – opt for milk, juice or just a black cup of coffee. MSN health and fitness featured a video on healthy fast food this week Can You Really Order Healthy From a Fast-Food Restaurant?     Foods to Choose:   1.  McDonald’s   Grilled chicken sandwich – skip the mayo Apple slices or side salad Milk       2.  Subway Choose the whole grain bread – 9 Grain Wheat or 9 Grain Honey Oat Turkey Breast or Grilled Chicken – skip the mayo Vegetables – load up on vegetables, choose the healthier spinach, olives Chips – if you want chips choose baked or S

Who hasn’t had an afternoon when they needed some extra energy, something to give their energy a boost?   Well rather than hit the snack machine for some high sugar, high salt food or grab a left over donut in the break room, what are some foods that can give you an afternoon pick me up?   Men’s Health has some good ideas on   Foods That FIght Off an Afternoon Slump .   Green Tea – Coffee is great in the morning and who doesn’t like their morning coffee?   But in the afternoon a good choice is a cup of green tea.   It contains theanine and some caffeine to help stimulate your reaction time and creativity.   The theanine will stimulate your brain cells without the jitteriness of coffee.   Keep some packets of green tea in your desk at work and be ready for an afternoon pick me up. Almonds – a handful of nuts a day is a great health habit.   Almonds are a great mix of heart healthy fat, protein and fiber.   A study from Purdue University indicated almonds could aid in weight loss

A few years back I saw the CEO of PepsiCo being interviewed on CNBC.   She said her goal was to make snack foods healthier.   Yeah, right.    Not too long after I noticed Sun Chips.    A whole grain chip made with a heart healthy oil.   Back then Frito Lay also began producing Doritos and Fritos that were whole grain.   But for some reason they no longer are.   But she continued to produce Frito-Lay chips with heart healthier oils.   So now what is Indra Nooyi the CEO of PepsiCo up to?   She now wants to cut down on the sugar in the sodas Pepsi produces so that Americans who are soda drinkers will get   less sugar in their diets.   Time magazine said she is putting “PepsiCo on an innovation diet”.    Pepsi   True – a new lower sugar Soda, coming to stores in October.   Good bye high fructose corn syrup and hello sugar (sucrose).   But less sugar as Stevia will also be added.    And good bye 12 ounces, the new soda will come in a 7.5 ounce can.    Calories, 60 calories a can com