Saturday, November 30, 2013

Breast Feeding: Friend or Foe?

Breast  Feeding...Taboo? Many moms are judged for breast feeding in public but is this really bad? Breast feeding provides a connection between mother and new born. So breast feeding..I think yes
Mom PROS: 
  • With breast feeding mom lose weight that has been gained throughout their pregnancy
  • Have I mentioned it provides a bond between mom and infant, a bond that lasts a life time 
  • It's FREE!! Breast milk is from the mom and not from some food brand that is overpriced AND it's always on hand
  • It reduces the risk of breast cancer which can affect many women 
  • Breast feeding aids in post-partum depression that can happen after the pregnancy and severely affect the mother-child bond


The immunity provided in breast milk is also very important. Mainly because of the colostrum which provides the infant with antibodies not available in artificial milk or formula milk. Many moms agree that this is why breast feeding is better for their child. The antibodies are also easier to digest than the formula milk. The formula milk might have more vitamins and minerals but it is hardest to digest than the breast milk that might not have as many. 

Colostrum transforms into what is called mature milk this milk with time has the right amount of fat, sugar, water and proteins to help the infant grow and be healthy. And although babies only get a small amount of colostrum at each feeding it amounts into what their tiny stomachs can take to make them healthy. The amount of antibodies in the milk aids against illness for the infant. At times it protects against type II diabetes and childhood leukemia which formula-fed babies aren't protected against. Learn more about protection here

In recent studies breast feeding has been linked to higher IQs in later childhood. Researchers from Boston have conducted rigorous studies with over 1,312 babies and mothers. Recording the amount of time spent breast feeding, if the child spent time in daycare and also how much fish the moms ate. Since omega-3 can be found in fish oils that enhance the brains development. The longer a mother breast feeds the higher a kid of 3 years would get on a vocabulary. So can breast feeding improve the IQ?  It would be safe to say that what the mother consumed throughout the pregnancy is a major role in this discussion. 

Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds?

 Or 

Where are they from? and What are they?

The Chia seed is manly native in Mexico and Guatemala. Mexicans believe Chia seeds are a great part of a healthy diet.Chia seeds come for an `herb` or plant that has white or purple flowers. Flax seeds come form the flax plant that is tall and slender. The flax seed has pale blue flowers on it.  Flax seed are also known as Linseeds. In 3,00 B.C, Babylonians started to cultivate flax seed, and discovered lot of great health benefits. Flax seeds were used by Ancient Egyptians for both food and medicine.    

Benefits?


Both Flax Seeds and Chia Seeds have many benefits. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have good health benefits, because omega-3 fatty acids can help lower low-density-poprotein(LDL, bad) cholesterol and increase high-density-poprotein (HDL, good) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is bad for the heart, because it can lead to coronary heart diseases. LDL causes a plaque growth in the arteries and leads  atherosclerosis. Omega-3 also protects the blood vessels from hazardous inflammation.  The prevention of inflammation can prevent arthritis. 

 Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds are great source of fiber. Both Chia and Flax seeds help a person feel fuller faster because of the fiber. Since these are high in fiber they help a person loose weight, because when it is consumed before a meal it makes the person fuller and to eat less. The fiber also absorbs the fat and prevents the body from absorbing them. Chia Seeds and Flax Seed block calories leading to weight loss. Since fiber is low  in energy, it is great because it keeps a person fuller longer without that extra energy. 

CHIA SEED                                                 VS                                       FLAX SEED     2 TBL                                                                                                            2 TBL           69                                                         Calories                                               75
    4.4g                                                           Fat                                                   6g
    2.3g                                                         Proteins                                             2.6g
     6g                                                           Carbs                                                 4g
    20%                                          % Recommended Daily Fiber                          15
    9%                                         %Recommended Daily Calcium                         4%


Recent Research?

There are some scientist who are trying to prove that Chia Seeds and flax seed help with diabetes. Consuming Chia Seeds or  Flax Seeds everyday, they improve the glycemic control in obese man and pre-diabetic women. Chia Seeds slow down how fast the body converts carbohydrates into simple sugar, there are studies that show that Chia Seeds can control blood sugar.

Consuming it?

Golden Brown Flax Seed can't be consumed just like it is. The Flax Seed as a whole has an outer layer that the body can't digest. If the body can't digest it then the body doesn't get all the Flax's nutrients. To be able to adsorb all the great nutrients that the Flax Seed has to offer, you have to grind the flax seed until it is powder like. Once it is grinned you can consume it and your body will be able to adsorb all the nutrients. Flax seeds can be added to oatmeal or even your orange juice. 

Chia Seeds are smaller than Flax Seeds. Chia Seeds can be added to your water. When Chia Seeds are added into the water and let to rest there, the Chia seeds will become a little soft. The longer the Chia seeds rest with the water the more dense and gel-like composition it will become. Chia seeds don't have any flavor so you can basically add it to anything. If you add Chia Seeds to your foods, it actually helps intense and bring out the flavor of your  food. Chia Seeds enhance your food with lots of flavor. 
Raspberry Coconut Chia Pudding PopsMake Ahead Chia Seed OatmealAvocado Fruit Salad with Chia Seed YogurtStrawberry Chia Seed Spread

More On Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds

Chia Seed Recipes
Flax Seed RecipesWhy is Everyone Eating Chia Seeds?

Work Cited

Ali, Ali. "Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds." My Natural Family. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.mynaturalfamily.com/natural-health-tips/chia-seeds-vs-flax-seeds/>.
"Chia Seeds." and  Health Benefits Information at Nuts.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/chia-seeds/premium.html>.
Horwitch, Katie . "Superfood Spotlight: Flaxseed." The Chalkboard  Superfood Spotlight Flaxseed Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://thechalkboardmag.com/superfood-spotlight-flaxseed>.
"Learn about the benefits of flaxseed and how to make the most of your diet with healthy flaxseed recipes.." Delicious Flax Seed Recipes For Better Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.healthyflax.com/flax-recipes/>.
"MNT." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405.php>.
Wittenstein, Beth. "Crazy for Chia: 10 Must Make Recipes Using Chia Seeds." NoshOnIt. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2013. <http://noshon.it/blog/2013/08/10-must-make-recipes-using-chia-seeds/>.

MLA formatting by BibMe.org.

Plenty of Fish in The Sea - Living a Pescetarian Lifestyle


Pescetarianism is a sect of Vegetarianism in which followers exclude all sources of meat except for fish. This type of diet can have positive and negative effects on the body and environment, the positive outweighing the negative. Most converts to this diet claim that it is the best alternative to all meat diets and vegetarian lifestyles. Pescetarianism provides the protein which vegan and vegetarian diets lack, this type of diet is also beneficial to a wide variety of people because of all the nutrients found in fish. The diet also includes other essential foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, dairy, eggs, honey, and beans. Fish is not only a great source of protein; it provides almost all the healthy omega-3 fatty acids the body needs, providing the body with an ample amount of lipids and long-term energy.
 
 

Fish is very low in unhealthy saturated fats which cause CHD and type two diabetes, and very high in those omega-3 fatty acids which can ward off or reduce the symptoms of CHD, diabetes, and cancer. A study conducted by the Yale College Vegetarian Society suggested that up to 80 percent of cancer cases are preventable through healthy diets that contain low amounts of fats and oils, and high amounts of fiber, a model Pescetarian diet. Fish also is very high in iron, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B. Iron is extremely important to women who are more prone to iron-deficiency amenia because it provides the body with oxygen for the blood. Magnesium is used in the body to build bones and provide energy to the muscles; zinc is used to support the immune system. The Pescetarian diet provides all of these essential nutrients and vitamins without unhealthy consequences found in an all meat diet.

 Speaking of consequences, there are few consequences associated with the Pescetarian diet. The only consequence regarding personal health is mercury poisoning, commonly found in larger fish. Mercury is a natural-occurring element in the environment found in plants and animals. Due to human industrial activity the amount of airborne mercury increases and eventually ends up in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. This leads to fish consumption of mercury and with the influence of the food chain, larger fish generally contain more mercury in their bodies. An excess amount of mercury in humans can lead to reproductive troubles and immune system failure. One report from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that human fetuses exposed to mercury before birth “may be at an increased risk of poor performance on neurobehavioral tasks, such as those measuring attention, fine motor function, language skills, visual-spatial abilities and verbal memory.” However, this is the main risk and/or consequences of Pescetarianism. All in all Pescetarianism’s benefits outweigh the negatives. Converting to Pescetarianism is the first step in gaining a healthy lifestyle for yourself and the environment.

Friday, November 29, 2013

The Highs and Lows of a Vegan Diet


         A Vegan has a diet that doesn’t contain anything of animal origin. Vegans do not eat animal products such as eggs, dairy, meat, fish and honey. Strict vegans don’t even wear clothes that contain animal based products. People decide to maintain a vegan diet for many health, environmental, and animal right reasons. A vegan diet has many advantages, but there are some underlying disadvantages that some vegans do not consider. Did you know that two out of three vegans are Vitamin B12 deficient compared to only one out of two meat eaters? Meanwhile the listing of 171 species under the Endangered Species Act are caused by environmental damage from grazing livestock. The question is whether being a vegan is really that great or if the disadvantages out weigh the advantages
Some health advantages of being vegan consist of lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and an increased intake of antioxidants. It has been proven by a nutritionist, Jackie Keller, that vegan diet can lower cholesterol because she conducted a study with people that have Type II Diabetes. She found that when the people with Type II Diabetes switched to a vegan diet their LDL lowered by 21%. A dietician, Paragi Mehta, proved that vegan diets can lower blood pressure by studying people that changed to a vegan diet and resulted in a decreased risk of death from ischemic heart disease. Mehta also suggested that vegan eating also increases the intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains. These foods are rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It has also been proven that eating animal fats and proteins can raise cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Another U.S. study showed a correlation of premature death with consumption of animal meat. These advantages make a vegan diet seem like an incredibly healthy alternative to meat eating diets, but there are still many disadvantages.  
Becoming vegan is a complete change from a regular diet and dining out can become difficult. Not many restaurants are vegan friendly and usually don’t offer anything vegan to eat that contains all of the required nutrients. It is also difficult to change to a vegan diet without being fully educated. Our bodies need a certain amount of certain nutrients, and if we take away our sources for those nutrients we need to replace them with others. There is evidence to show that most vegan diets don’t contain adequate vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and calcium. The only way that vegans can get calcium is by consuming dark leafy greens or fortified soy products to meet the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of 1,000mg. Vegans can only obtain Vitamin D by taking supplements, drinking Vitamin D fortified soy milk, or by sun exposure. To obtain Vitamin B12 vegans can take supplements because this vitamin is mostly found in animal products. Vegans are also at risk of iron deficiency. The most common source or iron is from beef and shellfish, but obviously vegans would not eat these. Between ages 19-50 Females need 18mg of iron and men only need 9mg to avoid iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can result in fatigue and problems with brain function. Vegans need to make sure that they consume plenty of soybeans, white beans, and spinach in order to get the RDI of Iron. Vegans also need to make sure that they receive an adequate amount of protein. Most people get their protein from eggs, dairy, fish, and meat, but vegans need to substitute those foods for beans and nuts to get the RDI of 46mg of protein for women and 56mg for men. There are many health risks for becoming a vegan because they need to make sure that they get a balanced amount of nutrients from their diet. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the supplements and foods in order to get the required amount of nutrients. There are dangerous risks associated with being deficient in any of the nutrients, but there are also health risks with being a meat eater. Here is a great article on how to get the proper amount of protein in your diet in this article by FOXNEWS
Becoming a vegan can be healthy if it is done correctly with plenty of planning, but health reasons are not the only reasons why vegans cut animal products out of their diets. Vegans believe that by going vegan they are preserving animals rights. They believe that by going vegan they are letting the animals exist freely without human interference. They also do not use any animal products because egg laying chickens and dairy cows are killed when they do not produce eggs and milk anymore. They think that just turning vegetarian is not enough because the animals will still be slaughtered when they can no longer produce the needed products. Bulls and cockerels would also be killed at birth because they can’t lay eggs or make milk at all. People kill the “unproductive” animals. Some animals are even given supplements in order for them to produce more. Animals are treated terribly in factories because they are cramped, killed, and have multiple health problems. Choosing to go vegan would show compassion for these animals. 
One argument shows that eating meat is the circle of life and that humans were made to eat animals. For 2.3 million years we have been eating meat and it is just a part of life. There is no proven fact that vegans have reduced the slaughter of animals in the United Staes. It has also been said that vegan diets do not help the animals, animals die regardless of whether we eat them, and every other animal eats animal meat. It has not been considered unethical to eat meat and you do not need to be a vegan to love and respect animals. 
Last but not least people turn to a vegan diet because they think it helps the environment. Vegans believe that livestock farming is harmful to our environment. They make a good point by saying that the amount of resources used to raise livestock animals are inefficiently used, and those resources could be used to feed humans instead. There is also a massive amount of polluted runoff caused by animals and factory farms. They also think that vegan diets reduce the emission of green house gases. A study by the University of Chicago found that the U.S meat eaters generate 1.5 tons more carbon dioxide per person than vegans. 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the livestock industry. Vegans argue that using fertilizers and pesticides to raise livestock are harmful to the environment, but growing plants, crops, fruits, and vegetables uses the same amount of fossil fuels and  fertilizers. Vegans also think that the only way to raise livestock is by the modern factory farming, but before this technique there was no harmful environmental effects. There is nothing environmentally wrong with farming the traditional way, therefore the argument should be against factory farming. Vegans also do not account for the fact that animals die as a result of vegan diets as well. To create soy products, people have to clear animal land for their factories. Everything that we eat now is made from the result of animals and fossil fuels regardless of whether your diet is vegan or not.  This link by the vegansociety includes the reasons why people turn to a vegan diet for environmental reasons. 
To sum it all up there are advantages and disadvantages to both vegan and meat eating diets. Either diet is not helpful for the environment, so that factor is not a legitimate reason to turn to a vegan diet. Some people think that vegan diets are healthy, but they are only healthy if they are done the right way. If you don’t cover all of the nutrient RDI’s then you could become deficient in almost every nutrient. Being vegan could be very dangerous for your health if you only eat fruits and vegetables. Omitting foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and any animal product can be detrimental because they need to be replaced by other alternatives. If they are not replaced the effects could be life threatening. Some people also become vegan because it is compassionate for animals, and this is true for the most part. Animals can still be harmed as a result of a vegan diet, but the amount is much less. There are many advantages to being a vegan, and I agree that the advantages out weigh the disadvantages. Vegan diets are only helpful and effective if they are done the right way. I will still eat meat but that doesn’t mean that a vegan diet doesn’t work for some people. Everyone just needs to find the diet that works for them whether its paleo, vegan, vegetarian, meat eating, or pescatarian. No diet is wrong or unhealthy if it is gone about the right way. 
 

Watch these insightful videos on the vegan vs. meat diet debate 








Sources 
http://www.medicinenet.com/vegetarian_and_vegan_diet/article.htm
http://www.aarp.org/food/diet-nutrition/info-02-2011/9-pros-and-cons-to-going-vegan.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/482780-disadvantages-of-being-vegan/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149636.php
http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm
http://www.vegansociety.com/become-a-vegan/why.aspx
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-5-reasons-why-vegan-diets-are-a-terrible-idea/

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

A Magnified Look at the Old Past Time: You are what you eat!

As time goes by, the number of vegans and vegetarians seems to be on the rise. More and more people are refusing to eat meats and fish; and in positive correlation, the number of people going organic seems to be on the rise as well. A chief concern all of these people share in common is that of bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Plants, animals, and fish alike have the possibility of undergoing the process of bioaccumulation and/or biomagnification. Harmful chemicals are causing these issues; so in return, more and more people are beginning to speak out against pesticides and pollution and abstain from the products affected by them. A growing emphasis is being placed on what toxins we put into our bodies, as more and more people draw attention to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, which support the time old saying “You are what you eat!”

Bioaccumulation occurs solely between the environment and the living organism. It is when the organism’s intake of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, surpasses the rate at which it can either metabolize or excrete the toxic substance; therefore, causing an accumulation of the substance in the tissue or fat of the living organism. Similarly, biomagnification is the accumulation of toxins in a living organism; however, this toxic accumulation progresses as the organism moves up in the various levels of the food chain. For example, a predator, like a shark per say, at the top of the food chain will have accumulated the most toxins because the fish it consumed had consumed toxins, and the fish they had consumed had consumed toxins, and so on and so forth. The cycle simply builds and builds; until those at the top of the food chain have accumulated so many toxins that they become in danger to the harmful effects the stored chemicals can have on their bodies!
Watch this VIDEO for clarification on Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification:



Qualities a Pollutant Must Possess In Order to Biomagnify:

The four necessary qualities include a substance that is: long-lived, soluble in fat, mobile, and biologically active (8). The substance must first be long-lived because short-lived substances, in contrast, break down; therefore, posing no danger. The substance must be mobile to increase the likelihood of the species to take it in, and also biologically active so that it has the potential to cause problems instead of being biologically dormant. Last, it must be soluble in fat. If a substance is not fat-soluble, it means that it is soluble in water and can be excreted out of the body through the cells and/or bodily functions; therefore, causing no harm. If it is soluble in fats; however, the substance cannot be released, so instead it will build up in the fat/tissue of an animal or plant allowing bioaccumulation or biomagnification to occur.

    

Common pollutants to biomagnify include: heavy metals such as mercury, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s), plastics, and radioisotopes.

PCBs
Not only can they accumulate in fish and animals, for example, but they can also be spread in the air of the environment. However, the consumption rather than airborn exposure of PCBs has posed much greater risks. An EPA article on the Health Effects of PCBs explained that PCBs could act as carcinogens, or cancer causing agents, in consumers of such toxins. Additionally, PCBs have been researched and found to affect the immune system, reproductive system, neurological health and nervous system, and endocrine system.

More about how each system is affected by PCBs in the article attached below:


Mercury
Mercury is transformed from its original elemental state into its most toxic form, called methylmercury, by bacteria, such as that living in the ocean. In return, mercury poisoning is most often caused from the consumption or overconsumption of certain types of fish. This then puts the consumer at risk of a number of serious health concerns. One example would be that “60,000 children [are] born annually suffering from neurodevelopmental problems due to in utero exposure to mercury” (2).



POPs
POPs, include the pollutants that can be airborne or transported by water around the world, and in accordance to their name, can persist for a long time. One common POP is DDT, which was used as an industrial chemical after WWII during the industrial boom. When these pollutants spread though they become a part of our food, which then becomes a part of us. This accumulation of POPs, like the other substances, can cause neurological defects, cancer, birth defects, immune defects, certain diseases, and even damage certain organs, all of which can lead to death.

Current Solutions and Research
Throughout the world, emphasis is being placed on humans minimizing their contribution to the pollution of the environment in order that they may subsequently improve their own health. Current research shows that countries continue to actively place bans on emissions discharged from factories, and on pesticides used on farms, which run off into waterways or are directly consumed by humans. David Chandler of ehow.com explains the effects pollutants and pesticides are having on coastal areas like Florida, saying “Florida's Department of Health, for example, has issued fish consumption advisories for many freshwater and marine fish within the state, including shark, largemouth bass, cobia, yellowfin tuna, snook and bluegill” (5). Consuming these fish in excess amounts or even appropriate amounts, can pose serious health concerns for the consumer because pollution and pesticides have caused toxins to biomagnify in these fish.

So…is it really worth that steak, that filet of tuna, or that pesticide doused apple?


Wrap Up
Tying this all back into nutrition, what do you think about the effects bioaccumulation and/or biomagnification can have on YOU? Would you consider becoming vegan, vegetarian, or even switching to only organic produce? Because after all, non-organic produce is at risk of bioaccumulating various toxins from constant bombardment of pesticides. Furthermore, when these pesticides run off into water, they can cause bioaccumulation or biomagnification, as toxins climb the marine trophic levels or food webs, causing poisonous, toxic seafood to reach OUR plates. Not only so, but when these chemicals mentioned above biomagnify on land when toxic pesticide plants are induced by cows, which are then induced by us; or as subsequent leveled species eat each other until we in the end eat them, a mess of toxic sewage enters our mouths.



YOU TRULY ARE WHAT YOU EAT!

Will you join in the effort to become organic and say NO to the use of pesticides that are becoming so overused and prevalent in our nation and nations around the world?

I have not been organic in the past, nor vegetarian or vegan; however, although I cannot give up meat, I am now more apt to consider choosing organic produce and products to better avoid toxic products that could be threatening to my health. For if you do decide to go organic, vegan, or even vegetarian, you could be better protecting yourself from a whirlwind of problems presented from an issue that starts off small but only magnifies; the issue of biomagnification!



This is a helpful article to better describe biomagnification:



Sources:


 






Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Gluten free: Is it just another fad?



We all know somebody who has chosen to go Gluten free. Lately it seems to be the in thing to do. So is  gluten free just another diet fad like the others? Or is this diet different? Read to find out. 


Let's take a look at the pros and cons 

Pros: 


  • If you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may have inflammation or damage to the intestinal tract. Eating gluten free can help reverse this damage and inflammation.
  • Leads to a healthier diet filled with less processed foods
  • Introduces higher quality grains, like quinoa, into your diet

Cons: 


  • Possible weight gain from eating gluten-free products, which often contain higher levels of fat and sugar
  • Possible weight gain as the intestinal track recovers and begins to absorb nutrients properly
  • Possible weight loss and consumption of a nutrient deficient diet from eliminating too many foods for fear of a negative reaction
* When thinking about going gluten free take into consideration the proteins you may be missing out on. Such as reduced carbohydrate intake due to lack of education on nutrients and lack of fiber from traditional sources can lead to digestive issues



Gluten free diets aren't only an option for those who have a gluten allergy or Celiac Disease.  Gluten free diets are becoming a popular way to loose weigh. So does taking gluten out of your diet really make you loose weight? 

Liz Neporent has an interesting take on the gluten free fad. In her article, "Gluten-Free Diets No Help in Losing Weight," She states that the weight loss comes from reducing calories, not the absence of gluten. According to nutritionist, Jennifer Nelly, while on a gluten free diet you have fewer choices and tend not to eat as much

According to Cynthia Sass in her article, The Worst Gluten-Free Mistakesthe weight loss from a gluten free diet  is generally caused by giving up foods that contain gluten, which are loaded with dense amounts of refined carbs, like bagels, pasta, crackers, pretzels and baked goods. Getting rid of  these foods altogether, or replacing them with more veggies and healthy gluten-free whole grains, like quinoa and wild rice, automatically cuts excess carbs (which may have been feeding fat cells), ups fiber and nutrients, and results in soaring energy. 

So it looks like Gluten doesn't directly effect your weight loss. It just tends to be that there is a positive correlation between foods that have a lot lot of gluten and foods that are full of carbohydrates. Don't get me wrong though. Gluten free diets are very beneficial to one's health especially if you suffer from celiac disease or gluten allergies. 

                         What can you eat on a gluten free diet? 

It may seem like there isn't a wide variety of gluten free products out there, but the more popular the gluten free diet is becoming the more gluten free products are sold. These products even include bread and pasta. Don't worry because there are foods that you are probably used to eating and won't have to cut out of your diet. These foods include Beans, seeds,  natural nuts, fresh eggs, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and most dairy products. 






What is the verdict on 

Gluten Free?  

I would say that Gluten free diets aren't really diets at all. Gluten free is a lifestyle and for those who are willing and ready for a lifestyle change gluten free is a great way to go. With all that being said, a gluten free diet isn't for everyone. Most people don't have celiac diesease and aren't  allergic to gluten. Maybe all you need to do is replace foods like white bread with hearty whole grain versions, which may include spelt (in the wheat family), and rye (which, while not wheat, also contains gluten). If you don't have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, these swaps may make you feel great, and lead to weight loss, because trading refined grains for whole grains ups your intake of fiber, boosts satiety, so you feel fuller longer, and better regulates blood sugar and insulin levelsConsult a doctor or nutritionist before going gluten free and weigh out the pros and cons. It seems to be that gluten itself doesn't necessarily effect weight loss. I think that this would be a great question to ask again once there has been more research done on the tops. 



Above is a video from a girl who discovered she was  allergic to gluten. She talks about how a gluten free diet has positively affected her life. 

Remember No Wheat doesn't mean no sweets! Here's a link to some great gluten free recipes including pumpkin pie, just in time for the Holidays! Wheat free recipes!

 

Monday, November 11, 2013

As Portion Sizes Increase, so do Waistlines

Over the past couple of decades, portion sizes have increased, and with that, more people have increasingly become overweight and obese. The restaurant business has become bigger and more popular, and with that, they seem to give more food for the meal than is actually necessary. Over the years, plate sizes have gone from 7 inches to 12 inches. With more surface area, people are more inclined to fill up their plate and eat all or most of the food they have compiled. According to this journal, people are earning more money in their jobs, and this makes them more inclined to eat out, which substitutes a fresh, healthy, home-cooked meal that they could have had. 
This photo shows what a restaurant serves a single person compared to the actual serving size. 
Adolescents are ignorant to healthy foods and their benefits. They really know the advertisements that they see on television. Typically, these ads are promoting unhealthy foods. In this TED talks video, Jamie Oliver talks about how he went to an elementary school and brought in a plethora of healthy foods, and the children couldn't recognize them. It's really sad to see these kids not knowing what the simplest of foods are, and some of these things make up the unhealthy foods that they eat on a regular basis. This constant cycle of eating around the clock has many unsafe consequences. For example, CHD is an effect of obesity, and strokes are another one. This disease, as Jamie said, is preventable. Everything can be eaten in moderation. If this was to be achieved in all places, less people would have to worry about what will happen to their kids or themselves. There would be a lot less stress and those unhealthy people could be taught new habits to continue and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 




This photo just shows a few examples of how the makeup of food portions has changed over the past decades. 
All over the country and the world, there are fast food chains that make the portion sizes bigger and make the cost of the meal cheaper in order for more people to have to opportunity to have that food. Honestly, they don't need the opportunity to have that unhealthy food, but sometimes, it's all they can afford. If someone lives in a low-income family, they aren't going to reach for the more expensive, natural foods, they want to stretch their budget and make the most of what money they have. Having these foods at a high availability causes people to buy more, and eat more in one sitting. 
As Jamie Oliver said, the disease of obesity is preventable, and reversible. If a person believes that they can eat healthy and make healthy decisions about their portion sizes, they can. 
This is an informational website from the Australian Women's Health magazine that displays healthy portion size and control. 

Sources:
-http://hope4health.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/ever-increasing-portion-sizes/
-http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/wellness/portion-size-then-vs-now
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_QOzc79Uc
-http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/womens-health/weight-loss/eating-strategies/article/-/18797795/how-to-control-your-portion-sizes/
-http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/4/905.long