Each week a flurry of food news and information arrives in my email inbox. Sometimes it’s a big story such as mandatory restaurant menu labeling or growth in gluten-free food options that deserves an in-depth discussion. But most often facts and findings come in little nuggets of nutrition news. So in the spirit of holiday “stocking stuffers” here’s a roundup of recent items.
Weighing in
The bathroom scale really can help you lose weight and keep it off if you weigh yourself at least once a week. Researchers in Finland found that the more frequently dieters weighed themselves, the more weight they lost. Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and author of “Slim by Design: Mind Eating Solutions for Everyday Life” said, “If you want to lose weight, it’s best to weigh yourself every day. But if you weigh yourself only once a week, do it on Wednesday because that will give you the most accurate reading.” Holiday tip: If you’ve had a big weekend of parties, weighing yourself on Monday morning is not recommended.
Spice it up
Nutrition researchers at the University of California and University of Colorado have been busy in the kitchen using herbs and spices to enhance the appeal of recipes lower in salt and fat. Information provided by McCormick’s Spices for Health project says people in the studies cut sodium consumption by 1,000 milligrams a day and consumed 68 percent less fat and 35 percent few calories when herbs and spices were used in cooking. Please pass the pepper.
Over-caffeinated kids
Researchers in Denmark warn that one in five children ages 10 to 14 are consuming too much caffeine from energy drinks. When caffeine intake from cola and chocolate is included, every second child and more than one in three adolescents age 15-17 consume too much caffeine. The study also found a link between energy drink consumption and poor lifestyle habits such as gaining weight, not getting enough sleep and staring at a screen too long. Since caffeine is not a nutrient, its content is not required to be listed on the Nutrition Facts panel on foods and beverages. It is required to be identified on the list of ingredients.
Not enough nuts
Eating nuts is a good thing for heart health, but a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that about 60 percent of Americans aren’t noshing on enough nuts. The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend consuming an ounce-and-a-half of nuts a day. So enjoy a handful from the bowl of nuts often offered by hosts during the holidays.
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