Diet and Nutrition

Lean Cuisine Recalled for Chunks of Plastic

by Descygna Webb

Nestle Prepared Foods has recalled over 10,000 pounds of Lean Cuisine frozen spaghetti and meatball meals amidst a mountain of complaints received from consumers in Minnesota. Lean Cuisine sites the possible presence of foreign materials as the cause for the recall, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Although there is only a remote possibility of adverse health consequences if people consume the product, a recall was still necessary. Some complaints involve finding hard plastic in the frozen meals. All of the products in question were sold east of the Rocky Mountains in 9.5 ounce containers. The title shows “Lean Cuisine Simple Favorites, Spaghetti with Meatballs” and the establishment number on these recalled meals is EST 7991, with “best before” dates of November 2024.

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Posted on March 17, 2024 by Health Buzz

Raw Honey: a Superior Sweetener

HoneyHoney has been used to treat different ailments for thousands of years, but recently raw honey has been getting a lot of attention. It’s being touted for its nutritional benefits, its antibacterial properties and its ability to treat allergies. But are these claims too good to be true?

Raw honey, which is unprocessed and is as close to its natural state in the hive as possible, is a source of polyphenol, a rich antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. According to WebMD, a small study showed that people who ate four tablespoons had higher levels of antioxidants in their blood.

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Posted on March 17, 2024 by Margaret

Throw a Healthy March Madness Party

by Descygna Webb

The month of March is upon us again, and this means it’s almost time for March Madness. Following bracket Monday, people everywhere will be consumed with watching college basketball games all day, everyday for the next couple of weeks. As teams get eliminated and emotions flare, you may find that watching games with friends makes them much more memorable.

You can throw a March Madness party and be healthy at the same time with a few simple tips. When you volunteer to throw a party, you automatically put yourself in control of the food that’s served, unless you ask others to contribute. This can help you keep things light and tasty without including lots of extra fat and calories.

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Posted on March 17, 2024 by Health Buzz

Satisfy a Sweet Craving on a Diet

Like all cravings, an urge for something sweet is best handled by practicing moderation. When you’re trying to satisfy your craving, remember to eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Step away from other distractions so that you can focus on your treat.

Make an effort to identify why and when you crave sweets. Focus on new ways to achieve the same pleasure you receive from satisfying your craving. Eliminate your triggers (such as eating before a party or not keeping sweets in your pantry) and allow yourself small, healthy rewards.

Small amounts of fruit-based desserts are often enough to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you crave something sweeter than a bowl full of berries, then use a limited amount of sugar or other sweetener.

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Theresa

Satisfy a Carbohydrate Craving on a Diet

Carbohydrate cravings can be pretty intense. Although they’re typically associated with stress, carb cravings can hit for a variety of reasons. The true cause of most cravings among dieters is habit. We have a tendency to grow comfortable with the way we handle our cravings and it quickly turns into a way of life.

Let’s take a step into the confessional: I once was so distraught over a fight with my father (a total cliche, but I swear it’s true!) that I drove to the store, bought a loaf of french bread and ate nearly the entire thing while I thought about what I should do- no joke. Needless to say, that wasn’t my proudest moment but we all have demons to face and apparently one of mine is artisan bread.

It took me some time to gather the common sense and knowledge that supplied me with the tools to fight my carb cravings. I’m happy to say that I rarely notice carb cravings anymore. Here are a few of the tips that brought me success. I hope they work for you too!

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Theresa

We Love Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

I’ve always been a fan of veggie dips. Even when I didn’t follow a healthy diet, setting out a tray of veggies with a dish of dip was a guaranteed way to get me to eat some fresh vegetables. Most commercially prepared dips are chock full of fat and calories, and no matter how you try and spin it, they just aren’t good for you. Marzetti, the company most known for their ubiquitous white tubs of vegetable dips, has come out with a lighter, more healthy version.

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Carmen

Improve Your Skin with a Healthy Diet

We all know that what we eat impacts our body weight but what some of us might not know is that what we eat also impacts the quality of our skin. While some skin conditions are determined by genetics, others can be controlled with your diet. For skin that is soft, fresh and unblemished, look to your diet to help feel great from the inside out.

So, what should you eat to keep your skin looking vibrant and young?

“In general foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins will help keep skin healthy, ” said Dr. Tess Mauricio, a cosmetic dermatologist, author and physician educator. “Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and decaffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages will help keep your skin cells healthy.”

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Maris

Biggest Loser Simply Sensible Entrees Make Preparing Healthy Meals Simple

The Biggest Loser has taken the guess work out of one more weight loss stumbling block with the introduction of their new Biggest Loser Simply Sensible Entrees. These low calorie and healthy packaged entrees, when combined with a cup of vegetables, make a well-balanced, low-calorie, healthy meal. Certified by the American Heart Association, the pre-portioned meals are always fresh, never frozen, and ready in minutes to save you time and calories.

Created by chef Calvin Harris, Simply Sensible Entrees are available in five fresh and delicious flavors:

  • Beef Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes, 220 calories per serving, 2 servings per package
  • Lasagna with Meat Sauce, 200 calories per serving, 2 servings per package
  • Mediterranean-Style Chicken Boneless Chicken Breast with rib meat in a White Wine & Rosemary Sauce and Bowtie Pasta, 250 calories per serving, 2 servings per package
  • Beef Tips and Gravy with Brown Rice, 200 calorie per serving, 2 servings per package
  • Zing Chicken Boneless Chicken Breast with rib meat in a Sweet & Spicy Asian-Style Sauce and Brown Rice, 230 calories per serving, 2 servings per package

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by Kelly

Add Yellow to Your Meals for Health and Bright Color

By Rebecca Scritchfield, RD a nutrition expert based in Washington, D.C. www.rebeccascritchfield.com.

March is National Nutrition Month and we are eating our way through the rainbow-ROYGBIV style. Today’s color is Yellow! What makes these foods the color of the sun? The bright yellow color shows you these yellow foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals. The bright yellow color in fruits and vegetables comes from flavonoids, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, which helps prevent against aging, cancer and build overall health!

Make sure to color your plate with these yellow foods!

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Posted on March 16, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Vtrim Expands Its Behavioral Approach to Weight Loss Online

Vtrim LogoVtrim is a behavioral weight loss program that was developed at the University of Vermont, which uses evidence-based and researched techniques to help participants make lasting and meaningful changes to their health. The program recently announced a licensing agreement with entrepreneur Krista Conley Lincoln, who will help bring Vtrim’s online program to more people nationally. Lincoln is now CEO of the new company Vtrim Online Solutions.

“Vtrim is a solution with a track record for delivering results when it comes to sustainable weight loss and increased health,” said Lincoln in the press release. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a talented team, and I want to thank the University leadership and Dr. Harvey-Berino for their confidence in me.”

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Posted on March 15, 2024 by Margaret

17 Day Diet Hits Amazon Today

The 17 Day Diet book coverOne of the most frequently asked questions we get about The 17 Day Diet is “Where can I buy the book?” Until now, the book was only available through the author’s website. Overwhelming demand for the book appears to have led to some delays in shipping.

The good news is that starting today, The 17 Day Diet is now available on Amazon. Hopefully, Amazon’s large-scale facilities will end the kinds of logistical problems we’ve had so many comments about.

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Posted on March 15, 2024 by Margaret