It seems straightforward. Calories in equal calories out. If we eat less and exercise more, we’ll lose weight. NOT TRUE! The truth is: Eating calories isn’t the same as burning calories. When you eat sugar and refined carbs (bread, pasta, crackers, chips, cereals), an increase in the hormone insulin occurs. This hormone fuels fat cells… Read more »
I cannot believe I had never tried this vegetable before I came to the USA, and I must say I have tried quite a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables in my time. I know the local folks out here must know this amazing vegetable. Yes, I am talking about the fresh, juicy root vegetable,… Read more »
As you may recall, my most recent article discussed weight gain associated with alcohol intake during menopause (I Need a Drink, Desert Health May/June 2016). While the article was enlightening, writing it did nothing to burn the extra twenty pounds I’ve accumulated through this hormonal roller coaster that is “middle-aged.” So, I found myself faced… Read more »
Fasting, the complete abstention from food and beverages other than water, has been practiced for millennia because of its physical and spiritual benefits, as well as out of necessity in times of food scarcity. Positive effects of fasting include initiating cellular repair, reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure and glucose. Fasting also increases longevity, prevents… Read more »
Obesity is rising steadily around the world. More than one-third of American adults are obese. Of even more concern is that obesity quadrupled in teenagers in the last 30 years. The role of environmental chemicals in obesity, and obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, has garnered increased attention. Medical experts have… Read more »
There are plenty of reasons why grains can impact your weight loss goals, aside from gluten. We are aware of the obvious benefits of swapping burger buns for whole grains or gluten-free options, but often grains, and wheat in particular, are overlooked as a hidden cause of resistant weight loss. Let’s take a look at… Read more »
What do you get when you bring together a medical doctor and a Ph.D. in nutrition? You get a breakthrough diet based on the consumption of smart fats. That’s right, a diet based on eating fats that are actually good for you. Originally, Steven Masley, M.D., and Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. disagreed on the most beneficial… Read more »
In the cycle of traditional Chinese medicine, springtime is associated with the organ of the liver. And just as you might undertake spring cleaning in your home, this is a good time of year to consider a liver cleanse to remove stagnation that has built up from winter inactivity and holiday overindulgence. The liver is… Read more »
Green smoothies are addictive especially when you make them at home where you can tweak the flavors and health benefits to your liking. Adding pineapple provides bromelain for achy muscles, cinnamon cuts the taste of heavy greens and helps stabilize blood sugars, avocado creates a smooth texture while providing healthy fats, nuts add the chew… Read more »
Denise Minger is curious, tenacious, witty and smart. She graduated summa cum laude with a major in English and aspirations of becoming a college professor. Her passion is writing and in school she was drawn to classes that culminated in 40-page research papers because she “deeply enjoyed producing them.” But upon graduating, life took a… Read more »
Vitamin D is a nutrient present in almost every single cell in the body. It is primarily used to regulate calcium and mineral uptake, mineral metabolism, and bone growth. However, the abundance of vitamin D in the body’s cells indicates it has much broader actions than may be entirely known. One main role of vitamin… Read more »
Recently, I was privileged to train with a leading brain specialist who repeatedly reviewed with our team that the brain always does the best it can with the resources it has available. She demonstrated clinical examples how water intake, excellent nutrition, sleep, and listening to body cues alter brain function. Brain disorders affect 1 in… Read more »
It’s the start of a new school year, and parents are faced with the same challenge: how to prepare healthy, easy, and nutritious school lunches every day. Healthy school lunches do not need to be time consuming, or expensive. The key to creating nutritious lunch options is staying well stocked and thinking ahead. Maintaining a… Read more »
The fitness industry is flooded with supplements that claim to make you stronger. There are websites, magazines, books and of course, your friends to show you the way to more muscle. The problem is that many of these supplements are not healthy for the average gym guy and may even contain illegal performance-enhancing ingredients. Some… Read more »
Nutritional deficiencies often go unnoticed or undiscovered in routine lab work and annual physicals. However, each vitamin, mineral, and nutrient has specific deficiency signs and symptoms that commonly occur. By paying attention to changes in our body’s physical health, deficiencies can be assessed before any long-term complications. A list of common nutritional deficiencies below is… Read more »
The “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” are revised every five years to fulfill a mission of identifying foods and beverages that support Americans in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, promoting health and preventing disease. The 2015 Guidelines reflect “two fundamental realities. First, about half of all American adults – 117 million individuals – have one… Read more »
The last fifty years have seen major advances in modern medicine and nutrition knowledge which have extended the number of years we can expect to live, and the quality of life we can hope to enjoy. While retirement age used to be about stopping, now it is about going. Considerable research has been done to… Read more »
Do you feel confused by all the latest dietary trends? Although there seem to be hundreds of ways we are advised to eat, most diets can be grouped into three categories based on their similarities: PALEO refers to a diet made up of foods presumed to make up the diet of early humans, consisting chiefly… Read more »
During the last decade, there has been increased focus on foods and chemicals thought to be harmful to the body. Of particular controversy are Genetically Modified Organism (or GMO) foods. Despite all the attention, many people are still unaware of exactly what GMO foods are, and why are they potentially harmful. The term “GMO food”… Read more »
Tired of traditional dieting? Mindful eating is a truly natural, conscious alternative that works. How often do you eat in a really unconscious state, with your attention in conversation or TV? By “unconscious,” I’m referring to having attention somewhere other than on the food and the thoughts, emotions and sensations that arise around food. When… Read more »
