Diet and Nutrition

How to Plan, Prepare and Eat at Your Memorial Day Celebration

Memorial Day is right around the corner. Are you ready for the big event? If not, don’t fret because we have some last-minute tips on how to plan a party, navigate holiday eating, and even a round-up of healthy All-American recipes.

If you’re playing host this Memorial Day weekend, DietsInReview.com’s Registered Dietitian, Mary Hartley, RD, says planning early for a big party is key. In addition to cooking as many foods as you can ahead of time, some of her recommendations include:

  • Make a menu, shopping list, and list of equipment you’ll need – you might have to buy or borrow things like serving platters, a punch bowl, or a coffee urn.
  • Think about your oven and refrigerator capacity to make sure you can accommodate your menu items.
  • Don’t make a dish you have never tried before.
  • At the party, assign someone the task of keeping the food table refreshed and cleaning up as you go.

When it comes to actually eating at the party, navigating a big spread of food can be tricky. But Mary says a few simple tricks can help keep your waistline in check. Start by limiting alcoholic drinks as they can provide a lot of empty calories. Also, don’t show up starving and have a snack before you go so you aren’t tempted to devour everything in sight when you arrive. And lastly, be discriminating and don’t snack on everything just because it’s there. Instead, pick your favorites and pass on the rest. (more…)

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Dana

Paula Deen Drops 30 Pounds by Rearranging Her Plate

Paul Deen, the Food Network’s southern belle, is speaking out about her new diet, dropping two dress sizes, and how she’s coping with Type-2 diabetes.

On a recent episode of ‘The View‘, the star opened up about how she’s altered her diet and managed to lose 30 pounds. The episode titled “The Fat Show,” was looking at the rising obesity rates in America, and saw Deen as a key guest.

When asked how she views her diabetes in light of her love of cooking with butter- and sugar-laden foods, Deen pointed to some scientific evidence for comfort.

“Studies have shown that there’s no one food that causes diabetes. What causes Type-2 diabetes is being overweight,” she said. “There’s a good chance if you’re overweight that you’ll become diabetic or pre-diabetic.” (more…)

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Dana

Ziplist Makes Meal Planning a Snap

Life would be simpler if we had more money and could lose a few pounds, right? If so, it just got easier. On May 22, Ziplist, the popular digital shopping list and recipe box resource, launched its free meal planner, which aims to help users get on track physically and financially.

The idea that meal planning will allow for healthy and balanced eating is widely accepted. If all meals and snacks are planned for, spontaneous drive-thru eating or impulse grocery shopping need not occur. Meal planning can ward off over eating and help one lose weight and stay on track. These same tactics keep one from over-spending and going over budget. So, why isn’t the whole world planning their meals? Often times the task seems too daunting. The new meal planning function at Ziplist claims they have the simplest way for planning a week’s or even a month’s worth of meals. (more…)

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Lacy

Tyler Florence Releases Children’s Book, ‘Tyler Makes Pancakes’

Food Network star Tyler Florence is crossing over from chef to author with his new children’s book ‘Tyler Makes Pancakes.’

Florence is a proud parent himself to three kids, ages 15, 5 and 3. Being a chef, it was a natural desire for the new author to teach his own children about food. After realizing there wasn’t anything else like it on the market, Florence and illustrator Craig Frazier jumped at the chance to write a book that teaches children from a very small level – around pre-school age –  where food comes from and how to prepare it with several kid-friendly recipes.

‘Tyler Makes Pancakes’ tells the story of a 6-year-old boy named Tyler and his chubby dog, Tofu. The pair goes on imaginary adventures throughout the book, including a trip to a chicken coup on a nearby farm where Tyler and Tofu learn that eggs come from chickens. (more…)

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Dana

Richard Simmons on The Doctors with 13 Secrets to Get Thin

Friday’s episode of The Doctors will potentially be the most energized segment in daytime television history. Fitness legend Richard Simmons will be bringing his one-of-a-kind aerobic exercises to the cast, audience, and viewers at home. Simmons plans to reveal 13 secrets to get thin by summer.

Good thing laughing burns calories too as the previews for Friday’s episode display images of the docs in stitches as Simmons pumps up the audience in a style only he could bring to an exercise routine. While the docs and the audience get in on the good, aerobic time, Simmons also brings a dose of seriousness. Simmons will help one dangerously overweight audience member find the motivation to begin exercise and lose weight.

This installment of The Doctors will be memorable, for sure. Until then, a few of Simmons’ 13 secrets are being revealed so we all can get a head start on our plan to get thin by summer.

(more…)

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Lacy

Organic Baby Spinach Recalled in Nearly 20 States

A heads up to spinach lovers: there’s been a recall on two brands of organic baby spinach distributed in the U.S.

According to a recall alert published by the FDA, the decision to pull the suspect spinach from shelves was made after a random test at a distribution center in Terrel, Texas, found a possible salmonella contamination in a finished package of spinach.

The test was completed by the Texas Department of Agriculture under a cooperative agreement the USDA holds with individual states requiring them to hold frequent, random testing of fruits and vegetables for safety precautions.

The contaminated bag of spinach came from Taylor Farms in Salinas, California, where the grower took impressive cautionary measures to remove packages of spinach being sold under the brand names Private Selection and Marketside. No illnesses have been reported to date as a result of the potential contamination. (more…)

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Dana

The Secret of the Thai Chicken Noodle Bowl: Eating Well is Easier than You Think

By Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, CSSD, the lead food and nutrition expert for Retrofit.

People always ask me how to start eating better and I say just start right where you are. Don’t wait another minute, start making choices that are improved over yesterday or even this morning. Making healthy choices doesn’t take more time than unhealthy ones, and eating well can be palate-pleasing to even the pickiest of taste-buds. I’m going to share one of my favorite recipes as an example…

The recipe below is 15 minutes start to finish – so it’s perfect for even your busiest days. I used pre-cut, rinsed, fresh veggies to get the nutrition in without the time, swapped out regular pasta for whole grain pasta, and used high-flavor, low-calorie foods (in this case lime, garlic and onion) to pump up the taste without adding fat.

Simple changes can add up to a great plate, enjoy!

Thai Chicken Noodle Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces uncooked whole grain fettuccini
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 lime juiced (more…)
Posted on May 24, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Start Eating More Calcium Rich Foods During National Osteoporosis Month

Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. In light of May being National Osteoporosis Month, it seems appropriate to take a look at some of the causes and consider some of the foods that can help strengthen your bones. Some of the leading causes of osteoporosis are lack of vitamin D, sedentary lifestyle, estrogen deficiencies in women, and low testosterone in men.

According to Dr. Linda Russell, a Rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, there are certain factors that can put you at higher risk for osteoporosis including being Caucasian or Asian, having a petite body, going through menopause before age 45, tobacco use, family history of osteoporosis, and taking medications like glucocorticoids, aromatase inhibitors and anticonvulsants. For those who may be at risk, you can get tested.

Dr. Russell stated, “A DEXA (dual x-ray absorptiometry) can detect osteoporosis. Medicare allows this test to be done every two years and every year if the patient is on glucocorticoids or has primary hyperparathyroidism. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a DEXA in women at menopause and men at 70. The US Preventative Task Force recommends a baseline for women at age 65, but earlier if risk factors are present.” (more…)

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Descygna

Nutrisystem Named National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association

Nutrisystem – one of the most recognizable names in the weight loss industry for its healthy, delivered, portion-controlled meals – has been named a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association.

The company is being recognized for its commitment to supporting the mission to treat and eradicate diabetes through such efforts as clinical research and involvement with the ADA’s diabetes-focused movements.

Nutrisystem has also helped make significant strides in the fight against the disease with its Nutrisystem D program, which provides delivered, pre-portioned meals specifically designed for those living with diabetes.

Anthony Fabricatore, Nutrisystem’s Senior Director of Research and Development, spoke with Diets in Review recently to share what this strategic partnerships means for the diet company as a whole. (more…)

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Dana

Giuliana Rancic Makes a Strong and Speedy Recovery From Breast Cancer

These days the Miss USA pageant is about more than just evening gowns, swimsuits and world peace; it’s about advocacy for both global and local organizations that are on a mission to educate, inform and even save lives.

This year, The Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions – co-sponsored by Donald Trump and NBC Universal –  are committed to raising awareness for breast and ovarian cancers by working with organizations such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda’s Club – both of which are focused on research and education in these areas.

Hosting the Miss USA competition are Bravo’s Executive Vice President of Development and Talent Andy Cohen, and E! News anchor and managing editor Giuliana Rancic, who is a breast cancer survivor herself.

In a recent press event promoting the pageant, Rancic opened up to Diets In Review about her recovery from breast cancer, and how she approached health in the days and months after her treatment was completed. (more…)

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Dana

Diet and Fitness Secrets of Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, and Other Sexy Celebs

We’re always attuned to what’s going on in the celebrity realm, especially when it’s relating to diet and fitness. It’s kind of our thing, after all.

In a recent interview with health contributors Joy Bauer and Jill Martin, The Today Show gave the insider scoop on the diet and fitness habits of some of Hollywood’s most beautiful stars, including Matthew McConaughey and Scarlett Johansson.scarlett johanssen

One beauty on the list is 27-year-old Scarlett Johansson, who recently starred in the Blockbuster hit the ‘Avengers.’ The shapely star kept her curves in check for the film, having only six weeks to get in tip-top shape. To do so she worked with a trainer as well as her stunt double, and relied on dumbbells and resistance bands during her circuit training sessions three to four times a week.

During training, Johansson followed a mostly vegan diet, meaning no animal products, meat, or dairy. But every once in a while she would give into some of her favorite turkey chili, and one of her favorite dessert – dairy free oatmeal cookies. Bauer says even when she’s indulging, the star manages to wiggle in a few healthy components. (more…)

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Dana