MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'healthy food'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:03:02 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051304&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Fchill-out-with-these-cold-foods-in-this-heat-wave%2F The dog days of summer are scorching up the thermometers. Today (7/21/2011) the heat index is at 115 degrees F! You (and many people) may complain of a decrease in appetite and general lack of interest in firing up their stoves. But we still need to eat. Some foods can actually help you get a little relief from the heat because they are cold and hydrating. I went on Let’s Talk Live to show how you can increase the nutrition in your meals and stay cool in the summer heat wave of 2011!  No cooking required! Click the image below to watch the full video Breakfast – Blueberry Fruit Shake: Ingredients 2 cups frozen blueberries 1 cup frozen mixed fruit (including cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, peaches, etc) 1 cup milk 1 tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Instructions... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051304 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:04:24 +0100 5051304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993010&cid=t_128703_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Low calorie foodLow-calorie foods help in rapid weight loss. Low calorie foods can help you to lose weight without much effort. If you add calorie burning food to your diet that can really help you in getting that perfect shape you always desire. The best method to maintain a healthy lifestyle is by developing a nutritious diet. Combine low calorie foods to make delicious recipes. They will help you to get a slim look far easily than expected. So, here are some low calorie food items: 1. Soybean SoybeanSoybean prevents fat piling on the body. Soybean is rich in lecithin which prevents fat from piling up in your body. It helps in breaking down calories making you slim and fit. Several recipes can be made using soybean oil. Adding a bit of soybean oil to the salads ca... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993010 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:02:16 +0100 4993010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993011&cid=t_128703_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Rapid weight loss tricksAdd healthy food to your diet to reduce weight rapidly. Losing weight is not a task that can be accomplished overnight. You have to consistently work for positive results. Don’t lose heart if you are facing a problem in shedding that extra fat. Combining different techniques can certainly help in staying fit and looking smart. Select a slimming schedule that suits your lifestyle. This makes it easier to sink into a daily routine and make you lose weight faster. Here are tricks that could help you shed weight quickly: 1. Calorie burning foodAdd calorie burning food to your diet, it will really help in making you fit. Add vegetables, cucumber, lettuce, green beans and fruits like blueberries, watermelon to your diet. They will do wonders for yo... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993011 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:49:09 +0100 4993011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4993015&cid=t_128703_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Fat burning food for dinnerHave delicious food for dinner which helps to reduce body fat. There are some food items which when consumed at dinner can help in reducing body fat. There is a whole list of fat burning food items which can help you burn that extra fat from your body. The fact is that these food items keep your metabolism rate high while you are asleep. So, eat the following items at dinner to have a perfect shape. 1. Tuna fish Tuna FishIt delays the process of breaking down of food. Tuna delays the process of breaking down of food, thus tricking your mind to feel satiated for a longer duration. Incorporating suitable alternatives in your diet is a comparatively better way to lose weight. Tuna fish takes full benefit of amino acids responsible for boosting... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4993015 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:17:43 +0100 4993015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984720&cid=t_128703_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Reducing Belly FatYou can reduce belly fat by adding healthy food to your diet. Tired of the fat around your belly? Want to get rid of it? You can easily get that perfect shape by doing regular exercise that makes you lose weight and look fit. The first step to reduce that extra fat is to improve your diet and add healthy food in your daily regime. So, here are some food items that you can add to your diet and you will have a flat belly: 1. Mushrooms: It is a rich source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is known to help in reducing weight as the proper absorption of calcium by body depends on it. People who have deficiency of vitamin D face problem in burning fat. If you eat three ounces of mushroom daily, you can fulfill the requirement of vitamin D in our body.2. Whole grains... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984720 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:31:58 +0100 4984720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960345&cid=t_128703_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skincareblog.org%2F Sonal Bahuguna: Youthful SkinProper care helps to maintain a healthy and youthful appearance of your skin. With the age it becomes tough to maintain the soft and smooth texture of our skin. Premature aging caused due to pollution or other factors can be controlled. Proper care and maintenance of skin requires some effort. Here are some handy tips that you can add to your lifestyle to get a healthy and youthful look: 1. Water intake Water Is EssentialDrink six to eight glasses of water everyday to maintain your skin’s elasticity. Drinking the required amount of water daily maintains the required hydration, so that the body can function well. It improves the softness of skin. Seven to eight glasses of a day is the minimum requirement of an individual. 2. Sleep well Get adequ... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960345 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:33:32 +0100 4960345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670214&cid=t_128703_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fwhy-buy-organic-now%2F The economy is terrible. We are all afraid to lose our jobs, our homes, our way of life. Many of us have given up our morning lattes, at least, or maybe took a vacation closer to home. One thing that we all tend to do when we’re worried about money? We compromise on what we eat. We don’t eat out as often: great! We watch our portions and don’t buy junk: fantastic! We buy leaner cuts of meat and give up organics: STOP RIGHT THERE! Eating cheaper cuts of meat and buying over-processed and unnatural foods will just make you unhealthier, unhappier, and the chances are that you’ll end up spending more to fill up on junk, all the while making you sick! Did you know that the best-selling items are mood modifiers, like cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine containing beverages and sweets? Did you ... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670214 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:57:01 +0100 4670214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670215&cid=t_128703_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Ffries-don%25e2%2580%2599t-count-vegetables-americans-refuse-eat-greens%2F American companies are making it easier and easier for us to get our vegetables, so how come we aren’t eating them? You can get your salad in a bag, your carrots come pre-washed (even though you should wash them again anyway), and your vegetables ready-to-steam.  In fact, ready to eat vegetables are a $3 billion dollar a year industry!  So, why do we not eat our greens? No one seems to know why. Many people seem to be intimidated by our veggie friends.  A recent article in the New York Times discusses a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control issued a comprehensive nationwide behavioral study of fruit and vegetable consumption. Only 26 percent of the nation’s adults eat vegetables three or more times a day, it concluded. (And no, that does not include French fries.... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670215 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:55:19 +0100 4670215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361327&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F18%2Fquoted-in-washingtonians-fit-foodie-blog-and-nbcs%2F If you know me, then you know I love sharing my opinion on things. And don’t get me started on nutrition, wellness, and dieting or you may not get me to shut up! So that’s why I love it when a reporter wants to interview me. I seem to have a knack for turning “a few short questions” into an hour long conversation! I love it when they end the call with “wow, this is really interesting!” That’s how I know I hit that sweet spot of giving practical knowledge. My lastest phone friend was from the Washingtonian (DC’s top magazine – DCers, you better subscribe). We discussed one of my FAVORITE topics — energy management! Who couldn’t use more energy?! The problem is most of us are going about it the wrong way. We’re hyped up ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361327 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:41:16 +0100 4361327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302302&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F01%2Fcapsaicin-for-weight-loss%2F By Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern Have you ever taken a big bite of salsa only to recoil at the intense spice? The big bang happening with each scoop is due to capsaicin. Capsaicin is found in super hot peppers, like cayenne, but you may have also seen it as a topical cream or dietary supplement. The capsaicin within that spicy hot food is doing you some good by acting as an antioxidant but also strengthens lung tissues, helps relieve pain, and aid digestion among other great things. The topical cream is actually a pain reliever and anti inflammatory, which first excites pain signals in the body (through nerves in the spinal cord and other areas of the body) and then decreases them. When the cream is applied, the ‘substance P’, which is an important transmitter of a pain messag... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302302 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 09:42:00 +0100 4302302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285361&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F23%2Fhigh-cholesterol-what-now%2F Recently, I had blood tests done for my annual health examination to check my cholesterol levels. As a healthy individual, I wasn’t expecting to hear anything but “normal” from my test results. Come to find out, I have borderline high total cholesterol! Good total cholesterol is under 200, borderline is 200-239 and high is 240 and above… and I’m right smack dab in the middle of the borderline numbers. There are a lot of factors that influence your blood cholesterol. Diet and physical activity are the two you’ve probably heard of but genetics, weight, age, gender, alcohol consumption and stress are also factors. For a lot of people, including me, finding out you have high cholesterol is both shocking and confusing. So, you have your numbers (probably including  triglyceride... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285361 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:12:32 +0100 4285361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285362&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F23%2Fch-ch-ch-chia-packs-a-nutrient-punch%2F By Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern Do you remember chia pets (ch-ch-ch-chia!)? Where you added small seeds to terracotta forms that eventually produced a plant? The same chia seeds are now carried in stores like Whole Foods…to eat. Chia seeds have been grown in Mexico for thousands of years. They were even brought to the capital of the Aztec empire in several tons as a tribute to the gods. The seeds have impressive nutrition, containing lots of linolenic acid, dietary fiber, and protein. They are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants (specifically polyphenols)  which help to fight free radicals, or cell damagers, in the body. To add to the resume, chia contains ten times the omega-3 as salmon or other fatty fish (but no DHA for brain health which fish has) making it... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285362 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:44:02 +0100 4285362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249265&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F10%2Fbetter-baking-for-your-health%2F Fresh baked goods find their way into our diets from time to time, there’s no denying that, but with all of the refined carbohydrates, the treats only leave us feeling guilty. Made with white flour and sugar, most of the time they are empty calories that pack pounds onto the waistline. To make your baked goods a bit less treacherous for your waistline, there are some changes you can try! Cut back on sugar: Depending on the recipe, you can cut back as much as half of the normal amount suggested! Though sugar is still needed, this will definitely help the cause. With this, it is best to test out before planning to bake a large amount to give to someone else, because it can be a tricky switch. Fat replacement: A lot of cooking forums suggest unsweetened applesauce as a replacement for oil ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249265 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:02:21 +0100 4249265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414647&cid=t_128703_136_f&fid=35300&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.metastaticlivercancer.org%2F2010-12-09-cancer-treatment%2Fif-it-makes-you-healthy%2F Cancer survivor Sheryl Crow shares her healthy diet in her new cookbook "If it makes you healthy". (Source: Metastatic liver cancer) Metastatic liver cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414647 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:25:06 +0100 4414647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4238166&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F07%2Fchefs-as-parents-in-d-c%2F To make a change, you have to do some work.  Are you willing to support better food choices for your children by working in their school’s kitchen?  Partnered with local and nationally recognized Chef Cathal Armstrong, the parents of D.C.’s  Tyler Elementary are doing just that. The push for the D.C. public school system to engage in healthier lifestyles stems back to the First Lady’s obesity awareness program.  White House chef and food advisory Sam Kass recruited local chefs and urged them to become involved with the Healthy Food Initiatives.  Armstrong visited Tyler Elementary and was appalled with their food set-up.  Tyler Elementary is a small school of 300, with 81% on the reduced or free meal program. His outrage with the current foodservice led to the new program, C... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4238166 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 07:02:02 +0100 4238166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200750&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F25%2Feasy-homemade-rolls-for-thanksgiving%2F If you have a breadmaker go the extra mile and make rolls from scratch. These only took an hour “from soup to nuts”! We used a nice egg wash for the color and we raised the bread near the wood burning stove! The best part is not having the fear of losing an eye in opening the vaccum packed rolls! Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry. (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200750 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:57:59 +0100 4200750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200751&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fcompare-your-favorite-foods-using-myfood-a-pedia%2F MyFood-A-Pedia is a new nutrition tool designed for users to quickly access a food’s calories and MyPyramid food group information. This application also allows you to compare two different food items. What makes this tool unique from other online calorie counters is that is calculates the total number of discretionary – or “extra”- calories from alcohol, solid fats, and added sugars in foods. These “extras” contribute to weight gain mainly because they sneak into our diets. Added sugars in “juice” drinks, sodas, and fat-free or light products can sneak up on a dieter without them even being aware. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram and contains no nutritional benefit. Solid fats – such as saturated and trans fats – are artery-... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200751 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:25:03 +0100 4200751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190552&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F23%2Fhave-a-balanced-and-healthy-thanksgiving%2F Thanksgiving is notorious for getting just as “stuffed” as the turkey. There’s a lot of rich once-a-year foods available and we indulge… that’s why the typical plate is 1500 calories, nearly a day’s worth for women and a half day’s worth for men! It’s almost like eating a large Big Mac, fries, soda, and an apple pie in one sitting. It’s common for people to be concerned about Thanksgiving weight gain, but let’s be more flexible and focus on a balanced holiday. You should enjoy these seasonal foods at their finest! Studies show if we eat what we want, we will be more satisfied and in actuality, eat less. So here’s what you can do for a healthy and balanced Thanksgiving: Put color on the plate. Make sure the Thanksgiving table has two non-starchy veggies. Green beans ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190552 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:16:54 +0100 4190552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190553&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F22%2Fbanana-bread-make-over%2F Banana bread with a hot cup of coffee may seem like a good, quick breakfast or an afternoon snack, but bite for bite, it may not be worth the damage! My recipe, a similar version found in many cookbooks (posted below), yielded the following numbers per serving when cut into 12 thick slices. 290 calories 15 grams fat 1.5 grams fiber Yikes! Here is the original recipe, with the substitutions in bold.. 1 2/3rd cup all-purpose flour (substituted entirely with whole wheat flour) 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar (I only used 2/3rd cup) 2 eggs ½ cup oil (substituted entirely with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce) 3 very ripe bananas, peeled and mashed 2 tablespoons sour cream (substituted entirely with 2 tbsp fat-free vanilla yogurt) 1 teaspoon vanilla extr... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190553 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:15:35 +0100 4190553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183581&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Fits-a-disease-not-a-diet-gluten-free-diets%2F By: Carlene Helble It seems like the latest fad diet, is one associated with a serious disease. Going gluten free has become the latest ‘weight loss’ plan among many, but dropping pounds doesn’t come with dropping gluten. Rebecca was recently interviewed by Fox 5 on Gluten Free dieting as a way to lose weight, made popular with “The G-Free Diet”  book written by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. See the video on Rebecca had to say on this myth. (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183581 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 20:14:28 +0100 4183581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183582&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Famerica-fails-in-eating-fruits-and-vegetables%2F By: Elizabeth Jarrard The National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance (NFVA) recently released a report that showed in an average day, only 6 percent of individuals consume the recommended amount of vegetables and 8 percent the recommended amount of fruit. The US’s report card didn’t look to great, and even received a couple Fs. The societal cost of NOT eating fruits and vegetables: $56.2 billion (grew 9% each year over last 5 years), growing health care cost of treating diet-related diseases To put this in perspective, eight of the states with the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption are also in the top 10 states with the highest obesity rates.  William Dietz, M.D., Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity said, “A diet high in fruits and... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183582 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:14:16 +0100 4183582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164727&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F14%2Fceliac-disease-why-the-gluten-free-diet-is-no-joke%2F Earlier this month I had the pleasure of speaking with Shelley Case, RD, a dietitian from Canada who is an expert in Celiac disease and Gluten-free eating. I became interested in this subject due to the popularity of Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s book, The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide, and the way it had taken over the public by storm. In the hospital where I work, I noticed an increasing amount of people interested in Gluten-free options, and not because they had Celiac disease or a wheat intolerance. I began to wonder why so many people were opting out of eating Gluten. I came to the conclusion that many people equated Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s physique with her Gluten-free diet. What people need to realize is that she suffers from a specific disease in which she cannot... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164727 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:15:58 +0100 4164727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139502&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F05%2Fdoes-a-picky-eater-signify-an-eating-disorder%2F By: Alison Brewer, Intern As a child, I had the traditional outlook of “macaroni and cheese is good, broccoli is bad.”  When you’re young, it’s almost like you are supposed to be picky.  As I grew, I became more open to new foods so that I now have a very short list of ‘I Don’t Like You’ foods.  However, the title of picky eater doesn’t outgrow everyone and has recently been identified as a potential eating disorder. Uncommon Disorder Eating disorders are more common than people think. One out of 100 kids will struggle with one. We’ve heard of bulimia and anorexia, but these are not the only eating disorders in existence. Doctors have changed the term of the condition ‘picky eating’ to ‘selective eating’ when it seems we do not outgrown ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139502 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:13:42 +0100 4139502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106095&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F26%2Ffill-up-on-fiber-and-feel-fuller-for-longer%2F If you have found yourself eating what feels like a good amount of food, but struggle with staying “full,” there could be a chance you aren’t getting enough fiber. Fiber not only functions as a way to fill you up and make you feel fuller for longer, but it also has many amazing health benefits including: improving gastrointestinal health and function improving glucose tolerance and insulin response decreasing LDL and cardiovascular disease risk factors reducing the risk of some cancers. Two Types of Fiber Soluble and insoluble fiber are two types of fiber that you can consume, each with different functions in the body. Insoluble fiber helps move bulk through the intestines and promotes better digestive health. It is also linked to reducing the risk of colon cancer. You ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106095 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:53:23 +0100 4106095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023151&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F01%2Ffruit-juice-health-or-hype%2F Every time we turn on the TV, listen to the radio, drive down the road, we are bombarded with advertising from food marketers proclaiming that their product is the secret to weight loss, longevity, and pleasure. With over 200 food choices to make every day it is difficult to sort through claims produced by food manufacturers to make the best choice for your health. Today we’ll tackle the issue of fruit juices: health or hype As part of its ongoing efforts to uncover over-hyped health claims in food advertising, the Federal Trade Commission has issued an administrative complaint charging the makers of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice with making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products will prevent or treat heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. David Vl... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023151 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:29:13 +0100 4023151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018459&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F30%2Fwinter-squashdelicious-and-nutritious%2F By Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern As fall weather starts to set in it means new produce comes into season! One of my favorite categories of cold weather produce is winter squash, which can unfortunately be a little overwhelming. With so many varieties, how do you know which is ripe? How do you cook it? Luckily, Rebecca gave some great tips on how to select and cook several varieties of squash and served it up with a side of helpful nutrition information. Be sure to read “The World of Winter Squashes” on the Nutrie Centre website to get your fill! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018459 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:20:44 +0100 4018459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018460&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F30%2Ffake-dyes-added-to-food-might-lead-to-cancer%2F Still looking for that natural ingredient in the dye Red 40?  Yeah, I haven’t found it either.  But I have recently discovered that the Center for Science in the Public Interest has found links of specific dyes to harmful consequences. Michael Jacobson, executive director at CSPI stated that the addition of these dyes does in no way alter the taste or flavor, but is simply for aesthetics.  So I’m thinking, that’s not that bad, right?  We all deserve something pretty to look at.  But wait, the addition of the dyes might not add flavor, but can create allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children, while causing cancer in all other ages.  Knowing this, I’ll pick something else in my life to be pretty! The research states the dyes Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are currently co... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018460 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:40:27 +0100 4018460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946707&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F09%2Fchokeberries-may-help-manage-weight-blood-sugar%2F Have you ever heard of a chokeberry? Me neither, until I attended a nutrition research conference and learned that they are helping rats manage their weight. Intriguing, especially if they can help do that for people too. So, if you’re curious about the chokeberry, look no further. Chokeberries, a distant relative of the cherry, grow in the U.S. But, they are inedible in raw form; hence, the name “choke,” I’m thinking. They have a very high anthocyanin content, a plant chemical that gives all berries their color. Anthocyanins are really good, even if it is hard to pronounce. In fact, laboratory studies show potential benefits of anthocyanins to combat: cancer aging and neurological diseases inflammation diabetes bacterial infections A particular research study was looking at the ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946707 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:21:07 +0100 3946707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915316&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fweight-loss-advice-dont-eat-like-a-typical-american%2F As a nutrition expert, people are always asking me for my “weight loss secrets.” The truth is, I don’t have any secrets. I think the credible information that would help most people is already out there. Things are changing ever so slowly. I see a growing trend toward simplifying weight loss strategies. Many people are saying that they aren’t dieting (yay!), they’re just making healthier food choices and only eating when hungry. (That’s a big one. Try it for one day and you will realize, you really don’t know what hunger and fullness feels like.) One simple tip I can offer is to avoid eating like a typical American – the SAD diet(Standard American Diet). I recently appeared on TV with a client to show how she is losing weight – and inches – by avoiding the SAD eating h... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915316 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:38:18 +0100 3915316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868934&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F16%2Fadd-avocados-to-your-balanced-diet%2F As a dietitian, people always want to know what they can do to eat well. Healthful eating is easy if you focus on choosing foods that have good nutrition for the calories. By filling your shopping cart with a variety of vegetables and fruits, you can be sure you are getting a good nutritional “bang for your buck.” I love avocados, with nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in a one-ounce (3 slice) serving, and I’m excited to be working with Avocados from Mexico. Watch this video to learn why avocados are tops on my “nutrition list” and get a few ideas for including avocados in easy-to-make meals and snacks. There are endless possibilities to include avocados in your eating plan. Avocados from Mexico are available year round too! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritc... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868934 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:21:52 +0100 3868934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854783&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F10%2Ffiber-from-the-farm-natural-sources-give-extra-health-benefits%2F A new phase of food marketing has been the fiber health halo. Added to cereals, drinks, and packaged snack bars, companies promote these products as a prime way to get your daily fiber intake. Have you ever seen an ad for fruits, vegetables, or beans promoting their fiber content? Me neither, but these whole foods contain natural sources of fiber plus important vitamins and minerals: an added bonus! Try to use these nutrient dense sources to get your fiber fill. Not only will they keep you full for a longer period of time when eating, but they also lower your risk of heart disease and obestity…something fiber additives aren’t yet proven to do. Here are some of the fiber counts in these healthier foods: Pear: 5 g fiber Medium apple: 4 g (1/2 C ) lentils: 7 g 1 C Raspberreies: ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854783 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 01:53:24 +0100 3854783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845303&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F09%2Fcheryl-forberg-discusses-the-biggest-loser-6-weeks-to-a-healthier-you%2F I had the great pleasure to sit down with superstar dietitian Cheryl Forberg, RD, who just so happens to be a professional chef and the nutrition expert behind the wildly successful weight loss on NBC’s The Biggest Loser! She talked with me about her latest book, The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You, which released yesterday. Plus, read on to see how you can win a copy for yourself! Rebecca: Cheryl, you’ve authored several wonderful books for Biggest Loser so far and I was personally a big fan of Biggest Loser Simple Swaps, what makes The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You different than other books? Cheryl: There are many books on the market catering to dieting and weight loss. One of the distinctions of The Biggest Loser eating plan is th... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845303 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:13:05 +0100 3845303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833590&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F08%2Fwhole-foods-a-hyper-local-grocery-store%2F Short Pump Virginia was in the news this past week when Whole Foods Market announced they took over an acre in  for a community garden that will help supply its local store. This is the first on-site field-to-store garden in the country and was exiting news to proponents of the Local Food Movement. The garden has separate areas for composting, an orchard and space for individual gardens and for demonstration and educational programs. By producing food on site, it will be much more sustainable and energy effecient, since this food will have no “food miles”- a buzz word that indicates how far, and how much gas has to be burned for that food to reach your table from the field. The goal of the community garden plot is not only to have items for sale, but to create a space for edu... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833590 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:17:59 +0100 3833590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827364&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F06%2Fgloss-interview-beat-the-heat-hydrate-wout-drinking-calories%2F By: Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern The peak of summer heat has just begun and it’s easy to become dehydrated. Rebecca’s interview with Gloss Incorporated, a women’s website, shared the importance of staying hydrated. She detailed how losing 2% of our body weight  in the summer heat can cause major health risks. Another caution is to drink fluid while exercising outside for longer than an hour. Two to four ounces of water every 20 minutes is ideal and will keep you at the top of your game. If you find yourself bored with water, Fruit 2O Essentials is the perfect alternative. It’s not worth becoming dehydrated because you dislike water. While Rebecca’s top pick is a yummy peach mango, there are flavors for every palate! You can read the whole interview with Gloss and book... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827364 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:26:06 +0100 3827364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808860&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F02%2Fagave-nectar-no-healthier-than-othan-sweeteners%2F Have you turned your love of sugar in to a love of agave in an effort to be healthier? Maybe you should rethink much “love” you give it. If you are unfamiliar, agave nectar (ah gav ee) is a sweetener that ranges in color from light to dark, depending on the processing time and amount of minerals in the product. It is less thick than honey or maple syrup and has a sweeter taste. The agave sweetener comes from various species of the agave plant. After the juice has been extracted, it is heated to create simple sugars. The final product is some percentage of the sugars glucose and fructose. So far agave should remind you of typical sugar sweeteners – including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, the reality is that in recent years agave has been given a “health halo.” Since a... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808860 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:06:57 +0100 3808860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787138&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F25%2Ffast-facts-on-flax%2F Flax seed oil is filled with beneficial components that are essential to an overall healthier you.  It is filled with both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids that can otherwise be a bit difficult to get the recommended amount by food sources only. There are some cautions to take with flax seed oil, however.  Because it is a fat, it can go rancid, and you must take the necessary precautions to avoid that.  You need to make sure that exposure to heat, air and light are all minimal or avoided.  In regards to the general quality of the oil, some are enriched with antioxidants to make their shelf life longer.  If these factors are unavoidable, you could always stick the bottle in the refrigerator to help prolong quality life. If you prefer, you can go the route of flax seeds instead... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787138 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:46:58 +0100 3787138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786284&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F25%2Feat-like-bernie-southwest-turkey-burger-with-avocado%2F Bernie Salazar, at-home winner of The Biggest Loser (season 5) delivers this guest blog and video. Together with our resident nutrition guru, Rebecca Scritchfield, Bernie motivates audiences to make positive changes through The Nurture Principles. Hey, hey! Bernie Salazar here… I’m so excited to share this video blog with you on one of my favorite foods I’ve been eating since losing 130 pounds on The Biggest Loser, The Amazing Avocado! Watch me turn one of my old meals – burger and fries – into a delicious and nutritious Southwest Turkey Burger. I love the creamy texture of avocados on my burger. Three slices have only 50 calories! Find out how else I incorporate avocados into my well-balanced eating plan in this video. Then, leave a comment and tell me how you like your avo... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786284 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 04:53:52 +0100 3786284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786279&cid=t_128703_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FSjqAV2-PX_k%2F Orthorexia: Good Diets Gone Bad Her parents are health food nuts, says the 32-year-old North Carolina woman, who asks that her name not be used. "I can’t remember a time when they weren’t. It just got worse over the years … much worse since they retired." When she was a child, her parents first phased sugar from the family’s diet. "Then they progressed into herbal remedies and supplements … major pill popping … then a vegan diet," she tells WebMD. "They tried every extreme trend that came along in the ’80s." Growing up, she says, "I can remember always being hungry because there was no fat in the house. … My middle sister ended up with anorexia. Another sister goes to Overeater’s Anonymous." Wh... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786279 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:34:00 +0100 3786279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772487&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F21%2Fhealthy-chinese-food-is-possible%2F Is it possible to have healthy Chinese food? Just because you see a couple broccoli bits in that dish does not mean it’s healthy. In fact, Chinese takeout is among the worst offenders of the healthy eating guidelines; saturated fat and salt are through the roof with some dishes. Case in point: an order of General Tso’s Chicken can set you back 1,600 calories, 3150 mg sodium (exceeds 2100 mg per day limit) and 59 grams of fat (11 grams saturated – heart clogging kind – about a day’s worth). But don’t fret just yet, maybe you can have your fortune cookie and eat it too. Watch this video to learn how you can have healthy Chinese takeout. Try some of these healthy chinese recipes: Oriental Grilled Turkey Tenderloin Asian Chopped Salad Sesame Peanut Noodles Pork Stir-Fry with ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772487 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 07:52:10 +0100 3772487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758129&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F15%2Fenjoy-eating-with-dave-grottos-101-optimal-life-foods%2F Want to live long and prosper? Of course you do! So don’t miss this amazing interview with dietitian and author of not one, but two books that can help save your life and give you an optimal life! In this interview, Dave Grotto, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods, and I discuss common mistakes dieters make – like having the “good foods, bad foods” list. Dave gives his perspective on where consumers are getting it right (like buying healthy foods) and where they are getting it wrong (forgetting to cook it or overcooking). Finally, you don’t want to miss his three favorite foods he would bring if he was stranded on a desert island and trying to survive (and stay happy) while waiting for help to come. Listen now for great information! About Dave David W. Grotto, RD, LDN is the autho... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758129 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:44:09 +0100 3758129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754116&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F14%2Fa-family-of-sous-chefs-cooking-at-home-with-family-is-good-for-everyone%2F By: Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern We all have crazy schedules. Between work, school, meetings, appointments, the last thing some of us want to do when we roll into the driveway is cook, leaving us to either go out for food, or leave home cooking as a burdensome chore. Sound like you? It’s time to look at home cooking in a new way! Eating at home has exponential benefits. It’s less expensive, healthier, and more educational than dining out. When we live in a world of ‘ultimates’ and ‘doubles’ that plague our dining scene, it has become the norm to see a meal with a 3,000 mg sodium count. That’s 1000 mg over the daily limit in a single meal! Restaurant meals also tend to come with a side of fries, or chips, rather than a selection of vegetables, which increases calorie... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754116 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:52:30 +0100 3754116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3743740&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F10%2Fhealthy-menu-creation-an-interview-with-mollie%25c2%25a0katzen%2F Recently, I scored an interview with cookbook author, Mollie Katzen. She shared her thoughts on recipe trends and healthy eating. Find out what she thinks you should eat! 1.    What trends or patterns do you see towards healthier menu options or healthier recipes? M.K.: I am happy to see that main portions of meat or fish are becoming smaller, and vegetable dishes are taking up more space on the plate. Also, I’ve been seeing a very encouraging trend toward more than one vegetable dish on the same plate – with complementary colors and flavors.  Should menu options state that they’re healthy or smart choices? I don’t think so. I think this is a turn-off to customers, even those who intend to eat well.  There is still an association with “healthy” and u... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3743740 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:15:20 +0100 3743740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737317&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fbalancing-health-with-culinary-arts-an-interview-with-chef-greg-higgins%2F All this week, I’m covering walnuts. From nutrition to culinary uses, I’m exploring what top fitness, nutrition, and culinary experts have to say about this “bumpy” nut. Up next is my interview with Chef Greg Higgins. If you’re into “green eating”, this is your guy. 1) As a restaurant chef, what is essential for creating healthier menu options?  Whether it is swapping out butter for a healthier oil, or lower fat dairy, etc., how do you keep high-taste in tact while still offering healthful options? G.H.: We use olive oil as our primary cooking & flavoring oil. That in conjunction with a steady supply of local, seasonal & sustainable fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 2) In regards to restaurant health, taking healthy foods into the ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737317 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:16:09 +0100 3737317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723445&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F03%2Fbalancing-health-with-being-a-chef-an-interview-with-chef-charlie%25c2%25a0ayers%2F I scored an interview with Chef Charlie Ayers of Calafia. Find out what he thinks about cooking healthy and eating delicious food. 1. As a restaurant chef, what is essential for creating healthier menu options?  Whether it is swapping out butter for a healthier oil, or lower fat dairy, etc., how do you keep high-taste in tact while still offering healthful options? C.A: It is important to give your guests compelling flavor profiles, so that they are satisfied and not missing the added fats that are normally associated with restaurant foods.  We tend to use a lot of ingredients that are versatile and can be either applied to Latin American or Asian cuisines.   We make all of our own dressings, our ketchup is made in house with no high fructose corn syrup, and instead use an organic brow... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723445 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:03:40 +0100 3723445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721985&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Fsummer-bbqs-vegetarian-style%2F Whether you’re a vegetarian full time or have started dabbling in cutting back on animal meats, it’s easy to have a BBQ full of flavor and good nutrition. Why not fill up your summer BBQ with some healthy vegetarian dishes?! Take advantage of the summer harvest of fresh vegetables to please all palates-from those who love their burgers rare to total herbivore! Vegetarian burgers-either store bought or homemade Corn on the cob Whole Wheat buns Healthy coleslaw Red potato salad Veggie Kabobs baked beans Need a dessert? Throw some peaches or pineapple on the grill, and serve with yogurt or ice cream! Enjoy the company of good friends in the sun! Here’s to your health! What’s your fave BBQ dish? (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721985 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:37:42 +0100 3721985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718724&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2F5-sweet-treats-for-summer%2F It’s perfectly okay to have a sweet tooth. As a card carrying member of the “sweet tooth club,” I know what it’s like to want something sweet after a meal. If you’re trying to make changes to cut back on sweets and lots of added sugars, it can be daunting thinking about giving up the sweet things you like. The key is to find a healthy middle ground. There are no “good” or “bad” foods. The idea of restricting really just makes you want it more. Instead, think about how often you have heavier desserts like cake and ice cream. Keep the portion to a few bites. But, have low-calorie sweet treats more often when you crave a little something sweet. Here are a few refreshing desserts that will be sure to satisfy. They are delicious and healthy sweet treats that will get you thro... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718724 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:43:32 +0100 3718724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714469&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F30%2Fmindless-eating-are-you-sabotaging-yourself%2F One of my favorite presentations at Food for Your Whole Life Symposium was Dr. Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating. A leader in the field of food psychology, he has unveiled a lot of the hidden influences on how much we eat, and how consumers make food choices. Did you know that we make at least 250 food choices every day? Rather than being the next fad diet which promises you can lose weight effortlessly without thought, he uses years of food psychology research to re-engineer your food environment so that you will eat less without even knowing. While it is easy to blame fast food, big food, and the government for the rising rates of obesity in America, this food fight begins in our own homes. Some tips for preventing Mindless Eating in YOUR life: We eat with our eyes not out stom... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714469 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:32:07 +0100 3714469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710825&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F29%2Fassimilation-to-american-culture-and-diet-why-some-immigrants-become-unhealthy%2F By: Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern One of my favorite things to do is learn about foods from other cultures…and try them too! Different cuisines not only broaden your palate’s horizons, but they allow you to try some great produce that is uncommon to US grocery stores. Many immigrants residing in the US are having problems meeting the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables because what they are comfortable with is just not there. Imagine being in a foreign country looking for your favorite fruit and never seeing it. Ho-hum. Dragon Fruit From the Veggie Gardener.com The May 2010 American Dietetics Association Journal published a study that looked into the availability of culturally specific fruits and vegetables available in African American and Latino communities i... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710825 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:27:42 +0100 3710825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3703116&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fthinking-of-acai-for-weight-loss-think-again%2F So when acai was making the rounds as a super fruit, I needed to find out more. As it turns out, yep, it’s a berry! It is different from some of the other wonderful berries like raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries because it does not have natural sugars and it is higher in omega-9 fat (which unlike omega-3, it is not essential). As a result, pure acai berry (if you are in Brazil) or the pulp (if you’re at a store that sells it) tastes like dirt. In order to use it, you need to add sugar. So, sure, try the berry if you want, but mix it with other fruits that naturally contain sugar. If your acai is sweet, read the label… I bet there is added sugar. What I don’t like about acai is that because of its excessive, over-rated hype, marketers have tried to pull the w... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3703116 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:58:48 +0100 3703116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695837&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F24%2Ffarmers-market-find-the-pea-tendril%2F One of my favorite things about the Farmers Market is that it shows me a world of new vegetables to experiment with! Case 1: The Pea Tendril. Pea tendrils (also know as pea shoots or greens) are the tender young leaves and delicate shoots of the pea plant, all of which are edible. They have a crisp texture and taste like a cross between peas and spinach. This is an exciting way to get your nutrient-rich greens in, and they are high in vitamin A and C, and folic acid. A veggie seasonal to the spring and early summer, you will probably only find them in your farmers market or a specialty grocer. Pick out fresh stems with a bright green color, and make sure they are not too dry or stiff. They can be served raw, tossed in a salad, or wilted, by lightly steaming or stir-frying them. This is my ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695837 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:55:06 +0100 3695837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695838&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F24%2Fskip-your-camping-food-blahs-and-try-some-fun-and-healthy-fuel%2F By: Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern Summer is the perfect time to run out from the office and pitch your tent on a camping adventure, but do you know how to fuel your trip? Rebecca recently provided Dick’s Sporting Goods magazine with some essential tips for a successful camping experience. While candy bars and junk food may seem like an easy pre-packaged pick up, simple carbs will eventually result in an energy crash, the last thing you want while hiking to your destination. The right balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat in your snacks and meals is crucial for sustained energy the whole trip. It’s also important to remember to eat every 3-4 hours during activity. When you and your group hike, bike, climb, or even set up camp, you are expending calories, which need to be r... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695838 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:42:26 +0100 3695838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687378&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F22%2Fellie-kriegers-healthy-appetite-now-on-cooking-channel%2F You’ve probably heard me brag about Ellie Krieger, a fellow dietitian, many times on Balanced Health and Nutrition due to the fact that she is simply amazing! She has wonderful cookbooks, which I recommend to my clients, Her fantastic cooking show, Healthy Appetite, will now be on the Cooking Channel as of June 1st. The Cooking Channel provides food lovers with a ‘richer variety of food information and cooking styles…diving deeper into cooking instruction and food information’ and Healthy Appetite is sure to fit in perfectly. Ellie’sshow provides viewers with recipes to create healthy dishes for real people and tips for staying healthy while at work, eating out, or on vacation. Ellie is not only an R.D., and T.V. show hostess, but also a New York Times best-selling author. Her ti... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687378 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:33:40 +0100 3687378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662642&cid=t_128703_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fartificial-sweeteners-vs-sugar-more-risk-than-reward%2F photo: Thinkstock If you check out the candy aisle in any grocery store, chances are you’ll see a growing number of sugar-free sweets. While this may seem like the perfect solution to reconcile a sweet tooth with good nutrition, eating foods that are artificially sweetened may be worse for you than the real thing. First of all, removing sugar from something doesn’t remove any of its other unhealthy substances like fat or refined carbohydrates. And the process of artificially sweetening may actually introduce chemicals into a food, which could lead to upset stomach and diarrhea. Plus, artificial sweeteners also may make you crave more food. We know – pretty confusing. So we’re just going to keep eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and then when we i... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662642 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:13:04 +0100 3662642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687379&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Ffarmers-market-finds%2F One of my favorite parts of summer is shopping at the Farmers Market. Farmers Markets are a great place to find fresh, local and sustainable produce. Not only are you shopping in a very environmentally friendly manner, but this also a great chance to get to know the people that grow your food. And the taste of fresh fruit and vegetables in your meals can not be equaled by anything in the supermarket! Here are some tips to make the most out of your farmers market trip! Find a Market Close to You! Local Harvest will help you find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other things! Bring a Reusable Bag-So you can load up on veggies without wasting paper or plastic Chat it up! Get to... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687379 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:31:45 +0100 3687379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652717&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F11%2Fhealthy-summer-slaw%2F Today I’d love to share with you a refreshing coleslaw for the summer! By swapping out the mayo with some lime and cilantro, you get a vegetarian side that’s both healthy and refreshing! Ingredients: 1 head purple cabbage Juice of 6 small limes 1/2 a bunch of cilantro Pinch of salt Coarsely chop cabbage. Combine cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro in food processor. Pulse several times until you reach desired size of cabbage. Salt as desired! Voila! This simple refreshing slaw is sure to be a healthy hit at your next BBQ or picnic! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog) Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652717 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:29:54 +0100 3652717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648822&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F10%2Fvegan-breakfast-the-tofu-scramble%2F Some people don’t consider breakfast complete without eggs-scrambled, fried or hardboiled. But for those of us who don’t like eggs or choose not to eat them, a tofu scramble comes mighty close to the “real thing.” It takes even less time to prepare than scrambled eggs, so you can impress your breakfast guests in a jiffy! Ingredients: 1/2 white onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 block tofu, drained and pressed 1 TBS olive oil 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 TBS soy sauce 2 TBS nutritional yeast 1/2 tsp paprika Preparation: After draining off all excess water from the tofu, gently crumble it, and set aside. Sautee onion, pepper in oil for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add Tofu  and sautee for another minute. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648822 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:23:17 +0100 3648822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3645076&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Ffood-for-your-whole-life-nutrition-today-for-a-healthy-tomorrow%2F By: Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern It’s no secret; nutrition can affect your health at every stage of life. California Walnuts held an amazing symposium and webinar, Food for your Whole Life, that brought experts like Dr. David Katz, from across the country to focus on each life stage. The panel of specialists included a representative from the USDA, who gave us a sneak peek at what is being worked on for the new food pyramid that is being released this fall. Look for a new view on the calories obtained from fat and carbohydrate sources as well as more information on trans fats. The children’s specialist talked about one of our favorite topics, school lunches. He described studies that he and his team members were working on to increase healthy choices in students. Small changes... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3645076 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:25:37 +0100 3645076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632456&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F05%2Fveg-out-for-breakfast%2F Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern “Here’s your wake-up call: breakfast eaters tend to be leaner and more successful at maintaining a healthy weight than people who miss their morning mea.l” This quote from Ellie Krieger’s website really says it all! Breakfast is extremely important, and for those of us who are on track with breakfast, some times get stuck in a menu rut: cereal, perhaps a banana? How often do you throw some nutrient dense veggies into your morning meal? National Public Radio recently published a fantastic article on the lack of American vegetable intake at breakfast, comparing it against some delicious options across the globe that did contain vegetables (http://n.pr/dvehBB). Here are some options with easy ways to make a change, and ‘go global’ in the morni... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632456 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:10:34 +0100 3632456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629902&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F04%2Fusda-and-congresswoman-chellie-pingree-want-healthier-school-lunches%2F By: Carlene Helble-Elite Nutrition Intern Even if you can’t remember the last time you ate in a school cafeteria or what you had, you’ve probably heard a heaping portion about what’s going on with the Child Nutrition Act.  USDA Under Secretary Concannon and Congresswoman Chellie Pingee met recently to discuss what needs to change. The Child Nutrition Act is comprised of the national School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Summer Food Service Programs which works to provide around 32 million children with a meal each day. Schools enrolled in the programs must meet certain nutritional requirements, such as meeting 1/3 of the RDIs for certain nutrients while staying under less than 30% of calories from fat, for the meals served in order to be reimbursed by the state and federal governments... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629902 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:09:24 +0100 3629902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3610530&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F28%2Flets-move-keeps-on-movin-to-reverse-childhood-obesity%2F In a live press conference First Lady Michelle Obama discussed an exciting announcement in regards to the ‘Let’s Move‘ campaign and the ‘Partnership for a Healthier America’ who have begun to seek out a solution to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity. The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, comprised of sixteen food product companies, have ‘pledged to cut 1 trillion calories from the food they sell’ as well as change products to reduce calories, fat, sugar, sodium and portion size. The four main pillars of the Let’s Move program are to make schools healthier, increase the amount of physical activity children get at school and at home, give parents the information to make healthy decisions, and increase access to food for all families. It seems one major componen... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3610530 Fri, 28 May 2010 23:05:54 +0100 3610530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599769&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F26%2Fdr-oz%25e2%2580%2599s-ultimate-longevity-grocery-list%2F Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern Today on The Dr. Oz Show, the health expert will be revealing his ‘ultimate longevity grocery list’. Foods that make the list are major disease fighters and can help improve quality of life, something we can all use on our next run to the grocery or farmers market! Registered Dietitian, Ellie Krieger of the Food Network, will also be appearing on the show to help explain the benefits of these super foods. Here are the delicious and nutritious, foods that make the list: Dr. Oz suggests four servings of vegetables a day, which should include disease fighters jicama, a great addition to a salad, kale, and sweet potatoes. Six servings of grain are suggested, but not your average white bread; Longevity grains include teff, millet, and amaranth. Apples,... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599769 Wed, 26 May 2010 06:00:16 +0100 3599769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3503017&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F25%2Fnegative-calorie-foods-just-another-diet-myth%2F Have you heard celery and grapefruit called “negative calorie foods” and wondered if it was just a myth or actually true?  Read on to find out the facts about this dieter’s phenomenon. So the theory goes that there are foods that provide negative calories, presumably because the calories it takes to digest the foods are greater than the calories in the food. While it is true that digesting food burns calories, it is not true that any food has negative calories. Thermic Effect of Food The Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) is the reason for the whole “negative calories” concept. TEF represents the energy expenditure above resting metabolism that contributes to digestion and storage of food. In other words, you put energy in (burn calories) to get energy out (calories available from di... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3503017 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:00:52 +0100 3503017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3480954&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F18%2Feat-colorful-foods-to-cut-cancer-risk-by-40-percent%2F If you could do something to prevent cancer, would you do it? You might say “yes,” but unfortunately you might not actually do it. How’s this for an alarming fact? At least one-third of annual cancer deaths in the United States are related to dietary factors. Increased fruit and vegetable consumption can reduce cancer risk, but less than one-third of U.S. adults eat the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eating healthy, including fruits and vegetables loaded with phytochemicals (powerful antioxidants), and following a low fat diet helps people manage weight and prevent disease! Think about it, every day you have choices of what to eat. You have the power to keep yourself healthy from the inside out. W... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3480954 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 09:38:03 +0100 3480954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472071&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F15%2Fhow-to-eat-healthy-in-a-comfort-food-economy%2F It’s no secret that the economy stinks these days. According to a survey by a Chicago-based research firm, people are passing on the healthier options offered at fast food and casual dining restaurants in favor of a super-sized serving of comfort. Eighty-two percent of respondents say their better-for-you items are selling ‘lousy.” Customers are citing economic factors for their preferences. More than half of consumers say they are more concerned about their eating habits than they were a year ago… yet: 70% say that healthful foods are harder to afford 53% say they buy less-healthful items because those items are cheaper (not necessarily, as I wrote about the price of salmon vs. hotdogs) 44% say their budget prevents them from eating healthful foods 34% of respondents say that th... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472071 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:15:23 +0100 3472071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411312&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F27%2Ffive-easy-food-swaps-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes%2F Everyone loves easy. The easier something is, the more likely you are going to do it, right? Trust me, I’m right. In the spirit of easy and diabetes awareness, today I’m sharing easy changes you can make to prevent diabetes. These five tips involve slashing sugar, saturated and trans fats, and cutting back on calories so you can lose weight and better control your blood sugar levels. 1. Swap water for calorie beverages. Water has zero calories, that’s the bottom line. Used to sodas? Try sparkling water with a twist of lime. Need more flavor? Add some mint or unsweetened iced tea. I love using herbal teas! You’ll save 17 teaspoons of sugar for each 20-ounce soda. 2. Swap a coffee beverage with a small skim milk latte. A small pumpkin spice latte made with 2% milk has almost 40 grams... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411312 Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:48:41 +0100 3411312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370710&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F15%2Fparents-teach-your-children-well-give-them-fruits-and-veggies-often%2F As a dietitian, food is my life. I spend much of my time helping people try new foods and improve their eating behaviors. (I love my job!) I especially enjoy working with parents. It’s a chance to show them how eating well with their kids can be fun and help build life long habits. If there is only one piece of advice I have for all parents, it’s easy: serve fruits and vegetables often. So much of our food preferences are formed right at home. Kids learn to enjoy the tastes and flavors of a variety of foods when parents put them on the plate. It might take time to find out what your kids like and certain fruits and vegetables may fall in and out of favor, but it is always important to try. Enjoy healthy meals and snacks with your kids and everyone wins! Avocados from Mexico i... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370710 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:26:29 +0100 3370710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346753&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Feat-like-bernie-salazar-southwest-turkey-burger-with-avocado%2F NBC Photo: Dave Bjerke Hey, hey! Bernie Salazar here… I’m so excited to share this video blog with you on one of my favorite foods I’ve been eating since losing 130 pounds on The Biggest Loser — The Amazing Avocado! Watch me turn one of my old meals – burger and fries – into a delicious and nutritious Southwest Turkey Burger. I love the creamy texture of avocados on my burger. Three slices have only 50 calories! Find out how else I incorporate avocados into my well-balanced eating plan in this video. Then, leave a comment and tell me how you like your avocado. Watch me make and enjoy my southwest turkey burger with avocado! Twitter: @AmazingAvocado Facebook: Become a Fan Web: Two chances to win! (Source: Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346753 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:16:02 +0100 3346753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3316274&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F28%2Fhow-to-have-a-healthy-lunch-at-work%2F We’re all a little cash strapped these days. If you haven’t already started brown bagging it, you just might when I tell you that you could save $200 or more per month just by bringing food from home for lunches at work. Not only do you want your food to be affordable, but you also want it to be healthy. Just leave it to me, your resident healthy eating expert, to give you some quick and useful tips that will have you feeling great, losing weight, and saving cash in no time. Watch the video that accompanies this blog post. * sack lunchPack a food bag each week and include: o Fresh fruit that holds up: apples, oranges, bananas o Nuts: portion-control if possible, about one ounce o Individually-wrapped cheese sticks o Canned, wild-caught salmon o Frozen meals:... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3316274 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:18:40 +0100 3316274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3292038&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F21%2F3-simple-recipe-swaps-for-heart-health%2F It’s officially heart health awareness month. This topic is important to me. This month it will be one year since my mom had her quadruple bypass surgery. But the good news is many of your heart disease risk can be lowered with your food choices. That’s right, people… four out of five of your heart disease risk factors can be reduced with healthy eating. Can you believe that? Yes, your every day decisions matter, even though you may not see the immediate reward. Here’s what we’re trying to do: Manage weight – excess weight, especially obesity increases risk for high cholesterol, blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes all which increase heart disease risk. The more of these you have, the higher your heart disease risk. We manage weight my daily... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3292038 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:35:58 +0100 3292038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288061&cid=t_128703_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FAXj1WOwfJYw%2F One of the great secrets I’ve learned over the years is that we can’t visualize a negative action. You can’t picture in your mind NOT eating an ice cream cone. You can’t imagine NOT kicking a dog. You can’t imagine NOT eating that huge piece of FUDGE staring at you from the plate across the room. In each case you have to imagine Doing the action and then putting a huge red circle with a slash through it. Imagine saying to yourself all day… I can’t have ice cream, I can’t have ice cream, I can’t have ice cream… What are you really focusing on… Ice Cream. The definition of diet is… A selection or a limitation on the amount a person eats for reducing weight: No pie for me, I’m on a diet. Instead of focusing on what you CAN’T have… why not create a diet che... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288061 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:39:37 +0100 3288061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3288058&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F19%2Fhot-nutrition-books-in-2010-part-2%2F We all could use a little health help and a great way to get advice you can trust is by turning the pages of a great nutrition book. But how do you separate the great stuff from the absolute fluff? You read this post, of course. I have a few books to recommend that would make any health nut’s shelf happy. Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Celiac Disease: Nutrition You Can Live With, by Kimberly A. Tessmer RD, LD, is a guide for anyone living with celiac disease. There have been other books about eating gluten-free written by people who aren’t experts. If you have celiac’s, you need a credible resource to help you eat nutritiously and avoid gluten. Why I like it: If you want to know about gluten-free, you need to read this book because it is written by a celiac’s disease nutrition expe... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3288058 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:33:54 +0100 3288058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3276114&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F16%2Fhot-nutrition-books-in-2010%2F We all could use a little health help and a great way to get advice you can trust is by turning the pages of a great nutrition book. But how do you separate the great stuff from the absolute fluff? You read this post, of course. These books will help provide relief from celiac’s disease, keep you trim, and tell you how to eat well while pregnant — among other things. This list is in addition to my first list of hot nutrition books. Gluten-Free, Hassle Free: A Simple, Sane, Dietitian-Approved Program for Eating Your Way Back To Health is a book that focuses on a no-nonsense approach to the gluten-free diet. Why I like it: Because one book on celiac’s disease and wheat allergy is not enough, you’ll also want this useful book on your desk. The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies is pa... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3276114 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:30:16 +0100 3276114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3273110&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F15%2Fcut-out-carb-confusion%2F Did I trick you with the title? We’ve gotten so used to seeing “cut out carbs” in the last decade, you might think this post is about low-carb eating. Quite the contrary. People are often misled about carbohydrates and as a result don’t know where to place them in their eating plan, especially if they are dieting. If that sounds like you, read on because just in case you don’t know, carbs are necessary for health. 1. You need carbs. Our brains thrive on simple carbohydrates – glucose to be specific. That’s why the body breaks down carbs into glucose – so the brain can eat. So why in the world would you cut out carbs? Don’t do it. The problem people run into is that quality counts and they don’t always focus on quality when it comes to carb intake. I’ll cover that late... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3273110 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:27:41 +0100 3273110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3251430&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F08%2F12-must-have-foods-for-a-healthy-pantry%2F How healthy is your pantry? Do you think it may be in a need of a “nutrition makeover”? Read this guest blog post by dietitian Nour El-Zibdeh, RD and be sure to visit her website AFTER you leave a comment about your favorite pantry must-haves and why. In health, Rebecca Raw Nuts and Nut Butters Nuts are a good source of vitamin E, protein, and poly- and mono- unsaturated (good) fats. Buy raw to keep salt intake in check and eat as a snack or on top of salads or cereals. Nut butters make a perfect breakfast or lunch sandwich. Buy a 100% nut butter, without salt, sugar, or extra oils and ingredients. Nuts are calorie-dense; eat no more than 1 ounce fresh, or 2 tablespoons nut butter, a day. Whole Grain Pasta While pasta suffers from the misleading bad rep of carbs, whole-whea... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3251430 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:18:54 +0100 3251430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989433&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Fhealthiest-soups-for-fall%2F When you think of soup, do you think of a health food or a heart attack? Believe it or not, most people consider soups to be more harmful to health than beneficial. But I’m here to help soup reach its full potential and earn its way back on your “health hero” list. In this post, I’ll explain the pros and cons of soups and I’ll show you how you can enjoy a bowl of healthful goodness no matter what your time availability or cooking skill level. The Pro: A nutrition boost! Soups can be a wonderful way to get more veggies, fiber, and plant-based protein in your diet. Soups made with low-sodium broth, veggies, beans, and lean protein have a lot of nutrition to offer for 100-200 calories per serving. The Con: Most people worry about the sodium content of soups so they avoid them altoge... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989433 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:20:21 +0100 2989433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981396&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Ftop-5-foods-to-prevent-cold-and-flu%2F Along with fall comes the seasonal flu. It’s inevitable. People at high risk of catching the flu should protect themselves first and foremost with a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has great information on steps you can take to prevent a flu infection. It includes the basics like washing your hands and avoiding people who exhibit flu-like symptoms. But I’m going to focus on an area that is often overlooked – your immune system. The job of your immune system is to protect your body from bacterial and viral infections, such as the ones that cause the common cold and seasonal flu. The immune system protects you in three different ways: It creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering your body (your skin). If a bacteria or virus does enter ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981396 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:09:40 +0100 2981396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970436&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F07%2Fyou-can-count-on-nutrition-at-your-fingertips-for-food-advice%2F Everybody eats. But not everybody is a food and nutrition expert. Good advice can sometimes be as hard to find as an H1N1 vaccine! But don’t fear, registered dietitian and author Elisa Zied has you covered in her latest book “Nutrition At Your Fingertips” (NAYF). I scored an interview with the MSNBC contributor. Read on to find out more about her book and get some excellent nutrition advice from a real expert. Can you give me an “insiders peek” into NAYF, what is it? Nutrition at Your Fingertips is part of Alpha Books’ At Your Fingertips series of books. It is designed to give you answers to your basic and not-so-basic nutrition questions quickly, accurately, and reliably. The book is highly formatted and jam-packed with food, nutrition, and even fitne... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970436 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:32:38 +0100 2970436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912561&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F21%2Fbe-social-without-blowing-your-diet%2F Whether it’s a late summer BBQ, wedding, or other life milestone, you’re bound to have your calendar booked with a celebration sometime soon. For people working hard to lose weight, it can be stressful and even cause anxiety that can make you want to skip the event altogether. If this sounds like you, you should know that your uneasy feeling is natural and you shouldn’t think negatively toward it. Instead, how about a solution? I’ll explain why you’re having a difficult time and how you can be social without blowing your diet. It’s All About Control The reason social engagements may make you feel uncomfortable has to do with control; how much control you think you have over making “the right” choices so you won’t leave feeling stuffed and regretful of your actions. Some p... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912561 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:48:32 +0100 2912561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814755&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Fhealthier-food-alternatives-for-children%2F Matt Lauer of the Today Show interviews David Zinczenko of Eat This Not That to show parents how to help children make healthier choices when it come to meal and snack time. Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Eat This Not That! for Kids is one of the books I have gotten for my daughters written to teach you how to be the leanest family on the block. My daughters enjoy going through the book and discovering that many of the foods we are eating are in the “eat this” category and not in the “not that” category. They keep searching for more healthy options from the “eat this” list to add to what we purchase at the store, or health options for eating out. Eat This Not That! for Kids is available on Amazon. (Source: Nut... Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814755 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:02:54 +0100 2814755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748159&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F08%2F30%2Fbe-healthy-4-life-presentation%2F Be Healthy 4 Life is a focused concept presentation that I developed to be a minimalist version of an earlier presentation, “How to Live a Healthy Life” for the SlideShare Best Presentation Contest that runs through early September. The presentation has gotten a lot of views and downloads, but not a lot of votes for the contest. Be Healthy 4 Life View more presentations from Kirsti Dyer MD, MS. This presentation was developed as a patient and student education resource for younger students, high school students, college students and adult patients. In the presentation the common steps that people should follow to life a healthy life are included. More Information: Dyer K. Be Healthy 4 Life. Squidoo.com (Source: Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50) Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748159 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:12:23 +0100 2748159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709206&cid=t_128703_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F7B6-docGX0U%2F We’ve hear for a while that garlic is one fabulous food item when it comes to benefiting the heart. As soon as the news was out that garlic was good for us, we saw everything from packaged to powdered to pill form. But which is best? You probably guessed this, being the smart reader you are: fresh garlic. Fresh is usually best! The original is always better than the copy. Book always better than the movie… ooops, got off topic there. (But the book usually IS better than the movie – I think most of us can agree on that.) Anyways, a new study has confirmed that fresh garlic helps suppress those nasty chemicals that “act as a “death signal” for heart muscle cells.” So include some fresh garlic in your dinner meal. Who knows, it may make you a little bit heal... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709206 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:24:43 +0100 2709206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657941&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F30%2Fdebunking-the-new-smart-choices-packaged-food-label%2F Uniform Food Label I first wrote about the Smart Choices labeling program in November 2008, after it was rolled out at the American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference. In a nutshell, it is the food industry’s stab at taking all the “front of package” labeling from individual companies (smart spot, sensible solutions, etc…) and giving it some uniformity. The new smart choices program has come under hefty criticism from Marion Nestle, who thinks it is more a marketing effort than a nutrition effort. I hear what she’s saying – do we really need a big effort to help people choose processed foods?  Shouldn’t nutrition experts tell people to limit packaged foods and eat more whole foods?  YOU BET! But, I’m more of a realist than a... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657941 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:50:12 +0100 2657941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630403&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F22%2Frebecca-scritchfield-joins-diets-in-review%2F I’m excited to announce that I am the nutrition blogger at Diets in Review. I post video and text blogs three times a week. Catch up with all my posts on my blogger archive page. Want to get to know me better – check out my author page. If you read my blogs, here’s a taste of what you’ll get: the latest diet news deconstructed tips for eating healthy no matter what your lifestyle review of the healthiest foods that will nourish you and help you prevent disease quick and easy dietitian-approved recipes, most with 5 ingredients or less Why did I choose to partner with DIR? Their mission! To provide constructive information and education by health professionals that the public can use to implement healthy changes, support weight loss efforts and inspire to live a hea... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630403 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:59:44 +0100 2630403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588472&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fhealthy-eats-starbucks-new-salads-and-smoothies%2F Last week, I posted about the healthy foods makeover Starbucks gave itself called “real food, simply delicious” (all natural ingredients, whole foods, and as few ingredients as possible). Since then I had the chocolate banana Vivanno smoothie with the espresso shot as a quick lunch. It was delicious. At only 300 calories it wasn’t enough of a lunch for me, but it held me over during my meetings until I was able to get a “second lunch” which was a 200 calorie snack of feta cheese, tomato, and basil salad with whole grain crackers. A good nutrition tip: if you are busy and don’t really feel hungry but know you need to eat something, go for a light lunch of a few hundred calories then eat a “second lunch” a few hours later when you do feel hungr... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588472 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:04:21 +0100 2588472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2556393&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F30%2Fstarbucks%2F Think your ideas don’t matter to a big company like Starbucks? Think again… This week Starbucks is launching a whole line of new foods all inspired by customer ideas submitted at My Starbucks Idea. The bottom line. Starbucks customers want good nutrition – as evidenced by the fact their number one selling food is their oatmeal. Starbucks has taken their healthy approach to food to a whole new level! Starbucks asked me to help spread the word about these changes. After talking with them about what they were up to and why, how could I not participate? (Starbucks paid me for my time to speak with their lead dietitian, Katie Thompson and research so I could write this blog post, but they had zero input into the content.) Here’s the skinny on the changes: No more high f... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2556393 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:02:44 +0100 2556393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513426&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F23%2Fon-a-mission-to-understand-local-foods-movement-an-interview-with-chris-wharton%2F A couple weekends ago, I attended the ADA leadership institute in Dallas, TX. Despite heavy rains, I arrived on time for two of the three days of the event. I was so surprised (and happy) to run into a former fellow student of nutrition. We both served on the ADA Student Council Advisory Committee (as chair and vice-chair). We lost touch and all I can say is he’s been up to a lot, including getting a PhD, a Yale Post-Doc (Rudd Obesity Center) and now a researcher trying to understand more about the local foods movement. Of course, I’m interested… I love finding out what influences behavior. So enjoy this guest post/interview with Chris. Check him out. Leave a comment. As someone who grew up in the midwest of a low SES and very limited exposure to fruits and vegetables, I&... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513426 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:37:00 +0100 2513426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458548&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F06%2Fhealthy-recipes-blog-from-culinary-dietitians-at-food-network%2F Love, love, love the Healthy Eats blog! The blog features the latest healthy tips, nutrition news, low-calorie recipes and easy ideas for adding fresher, more wholesome foods to your life. Lead by a dedicated team of culinary and nutrition professionals, Healthy Eats is about more than just food — they help you make the wisest, healthiest choices. Here are the guidelines all Healthy Eats-approved recipe must meet: 1) Entrée: Maximum of 400 calories, 15 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat 2) Appetizers / Sides / Snacks: Maximum of 250 calories, 10 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat 3) Soups / Side Salads: Maximum of 250 calories, 10 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat 4) Beverages: Maximum of 200 calories, 5 grams of fat and 2 grams of saturated fat 5) Desserts: Maximu... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458548 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:23:22 +0100 2458548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453268&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Ffood-inside-the-obama-white-house%2F I was watching NBC’s Special Inside the Obama White House. I have to take pride in that my husband was on the production team making it happen. Of course, the food expert in me has to find my personal interest hook – the food! So here’s a play-by-play of what was covered. Apples by the basketfull! Obama wants to encourage healthy snacking by making apples available on hand in nearly every room. Apples have natural sugars – carbohydrates for quick energy, fiber for fullness, and even some vitamin C to keep the immune system supported. All this for under 100 calories! M&M’s – Is it any surprise that there would be candy too? M&M’s are the perfect tiny piece of chocolate Americana you’d expect to see on hand for staffers to nosh on. Als... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453268 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:16:14 +0100 2453268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424534&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fconsumers-still-dont-understand-calories%2F It’s on the label for every food we eat – so why do we still have a hard time with calories when it comes to weight management? Since 2006, International Food Information Council (IFIC) has been trending out consumer attitudes toward numerous health and nutrition topics. Steadily, when consumers are asked about weight managemen, calories still confuse. Hmmm…. that’s not good, considering America’s obesity and overweight status (2/3 of population) and the need for a negative energy balance (calories in < calories out) to lose weight. According to IFIC’s survey, 55% are trying to lose weight, but very few are actually counting calories (17%)Even worse 63% of people inaccurately estimate the number of calories they take in, with 47% overestimating calori... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424534 Wed, 20 May 2009 18:56:02 +0100 2424534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406282&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F13%2Fthe-biggest-nutrition-transformations%2F Check out Cheryl Forberg’s blog post on Tara’s food journal before and after The Biggest Loser. Look at all the volume of food you get from the calories when you prioritize vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Here’s the lunch example: Before Lunch cafeteria sandwich on a white roll or panini bread with grilled chix, cheddar, red roasted peppers, sliced pickle and honey mustard with small bag of potato chips (1 ounce bag) and 16 ounce diet cola 990 calories At lunch time, Tara purchased 3 or 4 cookies to eat as afternoon snacks; such as chocolate chip 600 calories After 3 Whole wheat tortillas Grilled bell peppers, onions, with shrimp or chicken (4 oz. of chicken or 13 shrimp) with nonfat Greek yogurt (1/2 cup) Lettuce and diced tomatoes Seasoned with no sodium spice bl... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406282 Wed, 13 May 2009 05:02:32 +0100 2406282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398857&cid=t_128703_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F2bSzUmQ6It4%2F We’re all feeling the pinch with the economy in the state it is right now, but experts say a healthy diet is still possible when money is tight. Shirley Kindrick, a registered dietician at the Ohio State University Medical Center, makes a good point. She says, “Selecting healthy food items is always important, but in an economy where money may be in short supply (and) families are under stress and people may be working longer hours or two jobs, a good diet is the basic foundation for staying healthy.” Or, as my grandma used to say, you can’t burn the candle at both ends! One tip for saving money while eating healthy is simply to serve a smaller portion of meat. Many people eat portions too large anyway, so instead serve a piece that is about as big as a deck of ca... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398857 Sat, 09 May 2009 09:21:18 +0100 2398857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2357408&cid=t_128703_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F22%2F10-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day%2F Midweek Mental Greening “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.” - John Muir. It’s Earth Day my friends, and I have 10 ways to celebrate that will help take care of both Mother Nature and your mental wellness. 1. Back away from the treadmill. Lately, the weather here has been pretty rainy (and even snowy and sleety at times!), so my treadmill has gotten a lot of use. However, it’s warming up now, which means morning walks or jogs – and less electricity – are on the horizon. 2. Break ground on your garden. April is a big month for turning your vegetable garden plan into a reality. Growing your own veggies is good for your brain, your soul, and the planet. 3. Talk with your ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2357408 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:00:05 +0100 2357408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2281993&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F18%2Fquick-and-healthy-a-cookbook-that-fits-the-nutrition-bill%2F When it comes to eating, who doesn’t want quick and healthy? About the only thing that could make this book better is if it promised CHEAP too. But from the looks of some of the recipes, like turkey french dip, veggie primavera, and chicken curry soup, I doubt the food is anywhere near pricey! Brenda J. Ponichtera, RD sent me a cookbook and asked me to take a look. Let me tell ya, I liked what I saw. First, these recipes live by their name - quick and healthy! I love the variety of foods in this book - vegetables, fruits, and whole grains serve as the basis for most of these dishes. There’s something for everyone - whether you like Chinese, Mexican, Indian, or standard American. Most recipes have variations so you can make the same dish several different ways. The other thing I... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2281993 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:28:56 +0100 2281993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207704&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fmake-your-own-granola-bars%2F The economy is tight, plus this looks like a fun recipe. It seems like a great one to make with kids! Granola Bars 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped 1 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds 1/4 cup dried currants (I usually use golden raisins) 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp granulated cane sugar or maple sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup almond butter (peanut butter works well too) 1/2 cup maple syrup (I usually use part honey) 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup apple juice (or any juice on hand) - Preheat oven to 350 F. Oil an 8 x 8- inch baking pan - Place almonds, oats, flour, sunflower seeds, currants, cinnamon, sugar and salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine. - Whisk the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla and juice together in another bowl. - Pour t... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207704 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:54:09 +0100 2207704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207710&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F06%2Fheart-health-awareness-eat-your-heart-out%2F Chris Mohr, PhD, RD over at Mohr results posted some great tips for eating “heart healthy”. In honor of heart month, wear red day, and my mom with heart disease, I’m passing on his tips. Join his newsletter list and get more great tips like this. Eating for optimal heart health is really no different than eating to get lean. And exercise recommendations are the same too – make time to move regularly (at least 5 hours per week), add 2-3 days of higher intensity, short duration sprints and make sure you’re hitting the weights several times each week. As for nutrition, here are the top 10 foods you should include regularly if you want to be in optimal health – you can not only decrease the risk of disease, but specific foods can virtually prevent heart disease (and man... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207710 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 07:20:37 +0100 2207710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2207712&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F06%2Fnational-wear-red-day%2F My mom has heart disease and coincidentally is having open heart surgery on February 6. Please wear red and raise awareness about heart disease in women among your friends and family. Please encourage women who smoke to stop smoking today. Even if you never exercise, go for a walk with a friend and commit to a new exercise program. Revamp your diet to include heart healthy oils found in nuts, avocado, flaxseed, and olive/canola oil — and decrease saturated fat and remove trans fat. Eat whole grains. Eat oatmeal to help lower cholesterol. Check your risk factors. Most importantly, visit the doctor and get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked if you have a family history or are concerned about heart disease. You owe it to your family and friends. You deserve it. Now here’s... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2207712 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:00:56 +0100 2207712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073984&cid=t_128703_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F12%2F31%2Fand-the-winner-of-the-souplantation-sweet-tomatoes-family-pass-is%2F Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes sounds like the perfect place to head for a healthy feed after a couple of weeks of holiday food. I haven’t been to one myself but will definitely make a point of stopping in and checking out their menus next time I’m in the States. Meanwhile, the winner of the Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes family pass for four is… Jay B Congratulations Jay B. You’ll be receiving an email with instructions on how to claim your prize. Happy New Year everyone!   Tags: giveaway, healthbolt giveaway, healthy eating, healthy food, healthy restaurants, souplantation, souplantation & Sweet TomatoesShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073984 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:26:46 +0100 2073984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1603315&cid=t_128703_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F330829807%2F Here is a warning for all heart patients! One of the highest consumed fish in America is now being called fatty and could have dangerous implications for persons with heart disease, arthritis, asthma and other allergic and auto-immune diseases as it could cause an inflammatory response. …has very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and, perhaps worse, very high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Tilapia has higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids than 80% lean hamburger, cookies, bacon or sausage. Wow- this is really big news around my house as our favorite fish is Tilapia! My kids love it and so do I so we will have to revisit our choices at the seafood store. We buy it because we love the taste but appare... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1603315 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:14:53 +0100 1603315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1470183&cid=t_128703_150_f&fid=36082&url=http%3A%2F%2Falliconnect.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F05%2F26%2Fspring-entertaining.aspx In January, I wrote about the alli calendar which directs readers to three episodes of Trend Watch on Vogue.TV. The first episode focuses on spring entertaining with celebrity chef and RD Melissa Petitto.  Melissa used produce from local farmer's markets to create the menu. Spring lends itself to fresh produce no matter where you live.  For those tempted by the food in the Trend Watch episode, most of the recipes were selected from alli cookbook or The alli Diet Plan. Or, more recipes are available in the healthy eating section of myalli.com or in your favorite low-fat cookbook or magazine. (Source: alliConnect) alliConnect blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1470183 Mon, 26 May 2008 20:00:00 +0100 1470183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386101&cid=t_128703_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F274201849%2F The past few months have proven to bring the largest price increases in food in recent years and we are all felling the crunch. I know for my family of five we spend approximately $700-$800 a month at the grocery store- we eat a lot of produce! For many diabetics the choices are fairly limited at their local grocer and when the prices go up and their budget doesn’t, they start cutting corners and that is when problems begin. Here is a list of tips that may help you stick with your ‘healthy diabetic’ food choices at the store- and won’t break the bank… 1. Buy boneless packs of meet that are ‘family’ size and separate them into smaller packets when you return home. 2. But large cottage cheese or yogurt containers and then split them into smaller indi... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386101 Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:32:11 +0100 1386101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1715301&cid=t_128703_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2008%2F04%2F19%2Fcredit-for-header-source%2F The graphic for this blog header and the Blog Avatar (the Kiwi) were adapted and inspired from an incredible image by Meliha Gojak called Slice. Using “Slice” I was able to create very appropriate and appealing graphics for a Nutrition course. Image Source: Meliha Gojak. Slice. Royalty Free Use. Authored by drdyer. Hosted by Edublogs. (Source: Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50) Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1715301 Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:18:52 +0100 1715301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344715&cid=t_128703_150_f&fid=36082&url=http%3A%2F%2Falliconnect.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F04%2F01%2FTastes-so-good-it_2700_s-rated-_2300_1-by-epicurious.com-_2800_DRAFT_2900_.aspx As part of the alli program, we offer meal plans and restaurant guides within the packaging, customized meal plans on myalliplan, and two alli cookbooks. Also, Steve discussed last June that alli is compatible with low-fat reduced-calorie options like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or Nutrisystems, We know that some alli users may want meal options that are convenient and fresh.  Last month we announced a partnership with eDiets and now the meal plan is available through eDiets.  eDiets is rated #1 for best taste and nutrition by epicurious.com. And, you can choose your preferences. An example of sample meal plan could include Denver Style Potato Skillet (breakfast), Oven Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Wild Rice Salad (Lunch) and Tu... alliConnect blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344715 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:00:00 +0100 1344715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1334605&cid=t_128703_150_f&fid=36082&url=http%3A%2F%2Falliconnect.com%2Farchive%2F2008%2F03%2F28%2Fnational-nutrition-month.aspx For some, the most challenging aspect of losing weight, or keeping it off, is making informed food choices. March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to learn more about making smart eating decisions.      As part of National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association provides lots of information on their site, including an interactive quiz and games.  I also wanted to share some tips provided by Lisa Jones, MA, RD, LDN. She's a dietician with the American Dietetic Association, with 14 years of experience.  She recommends: If portions are confusing, try drawing them. Sketch an 8-inch plate, cut it in half, and then cut the left side in half again. The right side should be veggies, and the le... alliConnect blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1334605 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:50:00 +0100 1334605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=913619&cid=t_128703_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fblack-sheep-bleats-with-forked-tongue.html I blame the Celtic blood that courses through my veins, but I believe that budgetary concerns plague everyone. Most people have the monthly cycle of rent, food and utility bills, robbing Peter to pay Paul, as well as the need to conserve energy and save the planet. So often, it is the tiny things, the small extravagances that snap the spine of the bank balance. It is because of these tiny things that I determine to eradicate all extraneous and frivolous expenditure. I think these thoughts as I wrangle with the child safety cap on the jar. One of the best ways to save pennies, which of course will expand into many thousands of spare dollars, is by controlling the kitchen. Most of us have freezers and the careful homemaker makes full use of it’s magical powers. Why make one, when two are c... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=913619 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:55:00 +0100 913619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=841901&cid=t_128703_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F152438031%2Fshift_your_brain_back_into_gea.html We know much more about how certain foods enable the human brain to focus more, stay motivated, improve memory, and maybe even slow down brain decline that comes with age.Get back into gear after a holiday, Leslie Beck, Canadian based dietician at Globe Life Health reminded readers today - with a diet that starts when your feet first hit the floor.Research suggests breakfast, for instance,  can improve mental performance and concentration. How so? Cereals, toast and fruit raise blood glucose levels, which in turn fuels the brain after a night of fasting. Glucose kick starts mental energy, as it makes acetylcholine, a memory neurotransmitter. It's thought these breakfast foods provides a slower and more sustained release of glucose … and can boost memory and attention.To tak... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=841901 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:05:59 +0100 841901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825593&cid=t_128703_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F148891362%2F I am going to be totally honest right now. And once again in no way am I judging or belittling, but there are too many overweight children. We had our first day of the school around my neck of the woods today, so I had to take my middle daughter to school for the first part of the day. I was shocked by how many “obese” kids there were. I am not taking about big, strong, athletic, tall children, but very chunky, sweaty and fat kids. I understand to a certain degree that genetics comes in to play. My hubby is well over 6′5″ and I am 5′9″ so our kids are tall, strong girls, but they are not jiggly and out of breath from walking a flight of stairs. And I also get that some families have to eat what they can afford which means pre packaged foods, sugar filled... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825593 Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:32:53 +0100 825593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825597&cid=t_128703_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F146512548%2F Sub-standard housing more than doubles diabetes risk, a team of U.S. researchers found, but they are not exactly sure why. Are you kidding me? Does anyone else think that the results of this study are self explanatory? Sub-standard housing usually means government assisted or “section 8″ housing, right? Well, the persons that qualify for this assistance have economical challenges that others do not have. Understand this, in no way am I passing judgment or “putting” anyone down. Heck, my kids public school is Title One, but why would scientists be puzzled at the findings of something so obvious. Low income areas are also linked to higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, more heart attacks and obesity. Healthy food is expensive and pre-packaged or less nutritious c... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825597 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:57:45 +0100 825597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=708895&cid=t_128703_109_f&fid=35677&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FBrainBasedBusiness%2F%7E3%2F129775154%2Fwork_with_your_brain_over_brea.html Rather than hit the floor running, why not set the alarm 20 minutes earlier to allow time to stop and feed your brain.  You’ll not only jumpstart a far better day, but you could extend your lifetime. It’s how the brain adds to its value. An ideal might be to awaken to bacon, egg and coffee aromas as a reminder to take in a good breakfast before hitting the road. That’s because - familiar breakfast foods trigger the olfactory bulb, which controls scents  - the most powerful of the five senses. Other triggers will help too. Any memories of these scents, for instance, can send signals to the amygdala, which operates your emotional center. Simply put the thought or the smell of a good breakfast can add serotonin to brighten your day. You may remember,... BrainBasedBusiness blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=708895 Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:10:04 +0100 708895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=638014&cid=t_128703_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F24%2Fwebsite-offers-healthy-restaurants-and-eating-tips%2F Filed under: Diet, Prevention, NutritionIt is one thing to prepare heart healthy foods at home, but eating out and trying to maintain a heart healthy diet can be a challenge. Many restaurants do not offer a wide variety of palatable foods for diners wishing to eat in moderation. With this thought in mind, I recently did some research to determine if I could eat healthily in most states or cities around the nation. I hit upon a few websites that offer suggestions for local eating establishments and a few that offer tips for how to eat out. The site that hosts various restaurants varied from city to city. The Denver area lists three restaurants offering heart healthy menus, while the Branson, Missouri area offers just one, Blimpie Subs and Salads. I was somewhat disappointed with the restaur... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=638014 Thu, 24 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 638014