Aspartame is a sugar substitute that is found in over 6,000 food products world wide. With it’s increase in popularity as a nonnutritive sweetener, there has been growing concern as to the safety of Aspartame. There have been accusations that Aspartame can cause serious health problems including an increased risk of cancer, impaired nervous system […]
Author Archives: Amy
Should You Be Taking a Calcium Supplement?
The best way to meet your calcium needs is to include calcium-rich foods like low-fat dairy products, beans, almonds and green leafy vegetables in your diet on a regular basis. However, many Americans are not consuming enough calcium-rich foods to meet their estimated needs. In fact, Studies have found that over 85% of girls ages […]
Guide for Healthy Restaurant Choices
As we all know, it can be very challenging to make good food choices when eating in a restaurant. Not only are the portions frequently over 2 ½ times larger than what a serving should be, but the foods are often loaded with extra fat and calories. Unfortunately, even when we are trying to make […]
Meeting Nutrient Needs After a Workout
Many athletes think about what they are eating before exercise to improve performance, but they don’t realize that what they eat afterwords affects recovery time and muscle development. If carbohydrates are consumed immediately after a workout, they can enhance the rate that glycogen stores are made. Use the following as a general guide if you exercise […]
Nutrition Needs During Exercise
If you are participating in endurance exercise that lasts longer than 1 hour, it can be helpful to include some carbohydrates during your exercise. This has been found to help athletes run longer and harder during endurance activities and stop-and-go sports. Eating carbohydrates during exercise is particularly helpful when you have low levels of muscle glycogen. How Can […]
Feeling Fatigued…Exercise May Help
Do you feel like your energy levels are low? Next time you feel like you could use a pick-me-up, don’t reach for the “energy drinks” or sugary snack. While these items may give you a “quick fix”, they will often leave you feeling even more tired about an hour or two later. Instead, reach for […]
Calcium and Bone Health
One of the most important interventions in preventing bone loss is to ensure that your calcium intake is adequate. The preferred method to meet your calcium needs is through food. The following foods are good sources of calcium: All dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt Some legumes such as soy, navy, pinto, garbanzo […]
Abdominal Fat Increases Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
It is well know that extra weight in the abdominal region increases the risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Now it appears that Alzheimer’s disease can be added to that list as well. A study published by the Journal of Neurology found that individuals in their 40s who were obese and carried extra weight […]
Arthritis: The Role of Diet on Inflammation
Currently, there is not a specific diet for people with Arthritis, and it has not been proven that eating any one food will make joint pain better or worse. However, there is some evidence that certain foods promote inflammation while others help to reduce inflammation within the body. A well-balanced diet is important in arthritis […]
Plants Sterols and Stanols May Improve Cholesterol Levels
Did you know plants can improve your cholesterol? Sterols and stanols, which are components of plant membranes, structurally resemble cholesterol. In fact, their structures are so similar to cholesterol that our bodies can’t distinguish the difference. However, plant sterols and stanols are either not absorbed or minimally absorbed in the body. When they are present in sufficient quantities […]