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November 2007
Not So Healthy Nutrition Claims
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The information included in Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. But, “good nutrition found here!” claims printed on other parts of the box or container may only be healthy for marketing purposes.
Take “All Natural” for instance; that doesnt automatically mean a food product is all good. After all, wood chips are natural, but not good for you. A product with the “all-natural” claim can still be high in calories, saturated fat, sugar and sodium and low in fiber or other important nutrients.
And when something is taken away such as salt to make a product “low sodium” watch out for what may be added to boost the flavor appeal. Sometimes, more sugar or more fat is added to make up for the lower salt. And “cholesterol free” or “trans fat free” may be accurate descriptions of a product’s makeup but, they could still contain other ingredients that raise your blood cholesterol, such as tropical oils ( palm oil or coconut oil ) which contain cholesterol-raising saturated fats.
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What’s up with airline food?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since many of you may be travelling over the holidays, I would like to know what you see being served….or NOT being served on airlines today. Many are moving toward selling snacks and meals on board and some say that means that the quality of the air borne offerings have actually improved. United Airlines even offers “vegetarian-friendly, trans-fat-free” Smartpack snack box, which sells for $5 and contains granola, organic peach applesauce, cheddar cheese and other items. FYI All the items in the box add up to 810 calories. Airlines do allow you to bring your own snacks on board. And with flight delays and long travel days…that can be a really smart move especially when travelling with kids. And if you do bring foods with you from home remember that you can’t take any liquids through the security check points and that often includes semi solid foods like yogurt! What’s your inflight food plan?
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Holiday Diet Secrets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How does SHE do it? Or HE? Some say they avoid over-grazing at Holiday parties by eating a salad before they go. Others say “It’s easy! Just make sure to exercise a bit more during the holiday party season.” Still others have little secrets which may be hard to spot. One woman told me she makes sure to take a clutch purse to parties, so that she only has one hand left to hold a drink OR have a bite to eat. Not both at once! Dietitians warn against grazing on small bites of this and that over the length of a party because it can add up to way more than a meal. So, make a plate with the appetizers presented and sit down to eat sensible portions. Then get back to the party and socialize! What are your secrets for off setting increased temptations of fabulous foods during the Holiday?
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The Green Diet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How can you lose weight and help save the planet? Easy! Just try the new “Green Diet” where you get out of your car and walk or bike half an hour a day instead of driving.
One scientist calculates that if all Americans between 10 and 74 walked just half an hour a day instead of driving, they would cut the annual U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas, by 64 million tons. About 6.5 billion gallons of gasoline would be saved. And Americans would also shed more than 3 billion pounds overall, according to these calculations.
Health and climate experts say that reducing car travel in favor of biking or walking would not only cut obesity and greenhouse gases it would also mean less smog, fewer deaths from car crashes, less osteoporosis, and even less depression since exercise helps beat the blues.
Are you willing to walk your way to fitness and a cleaner planet?
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High Interest in Low Salt?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Low sodium” may be the new “low calorie” as more food companies cut the salt to appeal to Baby Boomers being told by their doctor’s to reduce sodium intake to help keep blood pressure under control. But the new generation of lower sodium food products are being designed to taste better, with the use of flavorful herbs and other zesty tastes. Hey, maybe processed foods had too much sodium to begin with!! And now food companies are having to get back in the test kitchen to come up with recipes for products that will sell and be lower in sodium. What do you think?
Calories as big as price?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a food fight going on over whether there should be government regulations requiring restaurants to put calorie and other nutrition information on the menu. One such proposal in New York City asks that calorie numbers be just as easy to see as the price of a dish. The idea is to make people think twice about ordering a 1,000 calorie lunch, which for many people is about half the recommended daily total of calories. New York City was the first place in the U.S. to enact a regulation requiring some restaurants to put calorie information on menus. Since then, other cities and states have considered similar rules. California lawmakers passed a bill similar to New York’s regulation, but it was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this month. King County, Wash., which includes Seattle, enacted a menu labeling rule in July. What information would you like to see on restaurant menus? is posting the information on the restaurant’s website good enough?
