Nutrient Density
Thinking about nutrient density of the foods you eat will help you make healthier choices for you meals and snacks. When you eat nutrient dense foods, you automatically eat fewer calories but you get many more nutrients. Learn about nutrient density and how to choose nutrient dense foods.
Related Articles:
- Feel Full on Fewer Calories
- Best Nutritional Buys
- Business Eating on the Run: How to Fill Up Without Filling Out
Photo © Rick Hawkins
Life After Dentures
I didn't realize how many millions of Americans wear dentures. And I learned that a large number of denture wearers are embarrassed and even afraid to eat out in restaurants because they're afraid they'll have trouble eating or that their dentures might slip.
Actually, wearing dentures is much better than having serious dental problems, but they can take a little getting used to. If you're getting (or even thinking about getting) dentures, I've got some tips for learning to eat with dentures.
Coping With the Time Change
Go easy on the caffeine. A cup of coffee or two in the morning is fine, but consuming too much caffeine later in the day may make it difficult for you to sleep.
Don't skip breakfast. Even if you're groggy in the AM, you need to get some fuel in your body before going to work and school.
Avoid heavy foods or spicy foods. Or any foods you know that may cause heartburn, making it difficult for you to sleep.
Don't drink too much alcohol. Over-consumption of your favorite adult beverages may cause a very restless uncomfortable night.
Eat cherries. 
Not only are they rich in vitamins, cherries contain melatonin, a substance also found in the human body that helps regulate sleep. Eating fresh or dried cherries before you go to bed at night may help you sleep better.
Photo © Tom Denham
Swine Flu Conspiracy Theories
There is so much misinformation about H1N1 influenza, but our Patient Empowerment Guide, Trisha Torrey, has some helpful tips for recognizing myths, frauds, conspiracy theories and scams:
- A Review of Pandemic H1N1 Swine Flu Rumors and Conspiracy Theories
- Bogus, Counterfeit or Unapproved H1N1 Swine Flu Products
- Finding Credible, Reliable Objective Health Information on the Internet
Healthy Halloween
Halloween is almost here. The kids are getting their costumes ready and you know they will be bringing bags of candy home after trick-or-treating on Saturday night. I know that eating all that candy is fun, but having a big pile of candy to nibble at for several day adds all that extra sugar, calories and unhealthy fats to your kids' diet. Since childhood obesity is becoming a problem, it might be a good idea to keep the candy consumption under control this year. Read how to have a healthy Halloween.
Healthier Halloween Treats
Daily Nutrition TipPhoto © Malina
Eggs in a Healthy Diet
Eggs were taken off of many people's diet food lists because they contain a lot of cholesterol. That's unfortunate, because eggs also contain lots of important nutrients. Actually, there are plenty of studies showing that eating one egg each day will not raise your cholesterol or lower your HDL, so almost everyone can enjoy eggs as part of a healthy diet.
Today's Nutrition Tip
Photo © Pontus Edenberg
Don't Fall for H1N1 Prevention Scams
I know many of you are concerned about the H1N1 influenza and maybe you're worried about the delay in vaccinations, but don't be tempted by any of the advertisements for dietary supplements or herbal products that claim to prevent H1N1 influenza. They don't work.
You can help keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet rich in lean proteins plus plenty of fruits and vegetables, but taking dietary supplements won't prevent influenza infection. In fact, companies that make claims like that are breaking the law. The FDA has a list of fraudulent H1N1 prevention products and it grows bigger every day.
What does work? Washing your hands frequently, limiting contact with people who are ill whenever possible, and getting the H1N1 vaccination.
Image © EyesOn/Istockphoto.com
Smart Choices Program on Hold
The voluntary program, Smart Choices has postponed active operations until the FDA comes up with food labeling guidelines, probably some time next year.
Smart Choices has the potential to be a valuable program for consumers, but as it stands right now, there is just too much confusion. Many experts question the inclusion of foods that are high in fat and high in sugar. We'll have to see what happens with Smart Choices in 2010.
Clarifying Label Claims
This week the FDA says they'll come up with some guidelines for these types of programs, so that food companies will have to give you any bad news along with any good news about the nutritional information of their products. The new guidelines should be set up next year.
Ready For Weight Gaining Season?
Halloween is only a couple of weeks away, and that pretty much starts the holiday season for a lot of us. This is the time of year when many people gain weight - usually about a pound or so every year, and maybe more if the upcoming festivities include a lot of parties and holiday treats. If you gain a pound or two over the holidays and lose them in the New Year, it probably isn't such a big deal, but what if you don't lose those holiday pounds?
But why gain those pounds in the first place? The holiday season doesn't need to turn into a feeding frenzy. Here's a few tips:
- Watch your portion sizes.
- Don't skip meals, you'll overeat later.
- Plan ahead when you have a party.
- Stay fit during the holidays.
- Be careful with holiday drinks that can be high in calories.
Photo © Digital Planet Design