Diet and Nutrition

Antioxidant Packed Fruits to Add to Your Diet

The human body is made up of over 100 trillion cells, and every hour at least one billion need to be replaced. Most cells are replaced because they are damaged by free radicals, which are atoms that have lost an electron due to metabolism, the immune system, which neutralizes viruses or bacteria, and environmental factors, such as: polution, radiation, smoke, or herbicides.

These free radicals attack normal cells just like the game “Pacman”. Free radicals search out an extra electron, thus damaging the perfectly healthy cells. This where antioxidants come into play. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which ends the electron “stealing” reaction. They act as scavengers by helping prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to possible disease.  Antioxidants are stable in either form (with or without electron), so they do not transform into free radicals. They are like your own little cell protectors. (more…)

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Matt

3 Online Tools for Weight Loss Success

If you’re like me, and sit at a desk for the majority of each day, chances are it can be challenging to squeeze in enough exercise to keep you feeling energetic and active. In fact, it has been reported that people who have desk jobs are more prone to weight gain than those who move throughout the day.

Before you  blame a looming deadline for the extra pounds you’ve packed on recently, think about how you can use technology to help you reach your weight loss goals. Obviously, you haven’t overlooked DietsInReview as a great resource for everything health, fitness, nutrition and weight loss, but there are a number of websites out there that offer helpful trackers and calculators meant to help you achieve your fitness and diet goals with only a few clicks of the mouse. (more…)

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Maris

Food Allergies at Highest Levels in History and Will Continue to Rise

In what may end up being the largest of its kind, a new study has found that food allergies are among the most common medical conditions in the U.S. Even worse, the problem seems to be growing.

The newly released study found that nearly three percent of Americans – about 7.5 million people – have a potentially life-threatening allergy to dairy, eggs, shellfish, and the most common allergen: peanuts. About 1.5 percent in the study tested highly positive for the antibodies, which are proteins made when faced with what the body sees as an allergen. Next up was shrimp, at one percent of the people in the study. (more…)

Posted on October 22, 2024 by Jason

6 Healthiest Spices

Different types of spiceWestern medicine is starting to pay attention to traditional healing herbs. “We’re now starting to see a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years,” says Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor at the University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center. Although it’s difficult to say that spices can cure disease, they can be beneficial when fighting a variety of health conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer to the common cold.

Here are six of the healthiest spices from around the world, gathered by Eating Well.

1. Sage
Try it in: Turkey Tomato Soup

Sage may help preserve memory, a fitting benefit for its name. Some research suggests that it can help regulate enzymes in the brain to prevent the deterioration of acetylcholine, improving symptoms that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Herbalists also recommend sipping on hot sage tea to sooth sore throats and upset stomachs.

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Posted on October 22, 2024 by Health Buzz

Pay with Cash to Lose Weight

cashA recent study showed that people who use their credit cards to buy food make poorer nutritional choices than those who pay with cash. The New York Times reports that using a credit card decreases the “pain of payment,” but also seems to make consumers feel less guilty about purchasing junk food.

“[W]hen consumers encounter vice products — such as cookies, cakes and pies — the emotive imagery and associated desire trigger impulsive purchase decisions,” the authors write. But “pain of payment can curb the impulsive responses and thus reduce the purchase of such vice products.”

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Posted on October 21, 2024 by Health Buzz

Hot for Hummus: 5 Varieties We Love

Most of us know that hummus is a creamy dip or spread traditionally made of mashed chick peas, garlic, tahini (sesame) paste and lemon juice.  What many of us aren’t aware of is how many varieties of hummus have emerged from home kitchens and some of our favorite food producers, as this Middle Eastern mainstay has become one of the trendiest appetizers in America.

Hummus is more than a just a simple snack: it’s a versatile dip for vegetables, crackers or pita chips and is a delicious substitution for condiments typically high in saturated fats, like sour cream or mayonnaise.  The best thing about hummus? If you’re making your own, you can customize it with your favorite flavors and if you’re hitting the grocery store, there is an option for every palate. (more…)

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Maris

Power Food Pairings Increase Nutritional Value

Women’s Health has released a list of 9 Power Food Pairings – combinations of food items that give you more nutritional value when eaten together. Even better, they seem like pretty easy combinations to work into your diet. Check out Women’s Health for the full list and read my favorites below.

That time of the month may have you reaching for less nutritious foods, but research shows less pre-menstrual irritability in women who ingest the most calcium and vitamin D. Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin D, and broccoli provides easily-absorbed calcium. I tend to crave a little fat, so a broccoli and cheese omelet sounds ideal to me. (more…)

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Brooke Randolph

Successful Dieters Don’t Make Excuses

Jim Stone lost 69 pounds last year. (Image via USA Today)

Jim Stone lost 69 pounds last year. (Image via USA Today)

If there’s one theme running through the success stories from the USA Today Weight-Loss Challenge, it’s “no excuses.” Those who took the challenge knew they had a problem, but their justifications and defenses kept them from doing anything about it. Until they could give these excuses up, each one remained overweight and unhappy about it.

Jim Stone didn’t think he had time to exercise. His job as an engineer in Madison, Alabama is time consuming. But then Jim started to notice that his older and overweight friends were facing health problems, and he realized he was next in line. So, he made changes to his lifestyle by joining Weight Watchers, incorporating more walking into his day and making time to get to the gym. “I considered other things more important,” Jim says. “Now I consider taking time to exercise an important part of my day.” He’s lost 69 pounds in the past year.

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Posted on October 21, 2024 by Health Buzz

Health Buzz: The Veggie Recall, Halloween’s Friendly Side, Biking for Military Kids

This week’s hot health buzz from DietsInReview.com:

Blogs Against Breast Cancer – Our 3rd annual donation drive is off and running. Get your badge and we’ll make a $5 donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation! Plus, VML, a leading digital marketing agency, will match it with another $5.

Potatoes are a Smart Food for Weight Loss

When healthfully prepared, a potato should be part of your balanced diet. With more potassium than a banana and half a day’s worth of vitamin C, there’s no reason to fear this vegetable.

Scarrots New Junk Food of Choice for Halloween

Trick the neighborhood into a healthy treat this Halloween with these delightfully holiday-themed packaged baby carrots. (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Health Buzz

6 New Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

Emily Fonnesbeck is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

I love pureed pumpkin. It is such a tasty way to sneak in a vegetable and it just screams fall. It is loaded with vitamin A, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to health of the eyes. At just 40 calories for 1/2 cup, pumpkin is a very nutrient dense food. Here are a few ways I like to use it:

Pumpkin Yogurt: Mix plain non-fat Greek yogurt with pumpkin (I usually do equal amounts or slightly more yogurt) and season with vanilla and cinnamon. This can be used as a dip or as a base for breakfast with the addition of fruit, oats, cereal, and/or flaxseed.

Smoothies: Add a spoonful (or more if you’re daring!) to your regular smoothies. I recommend pumpkin, almond milk, banana, milled flax seed, cinnamon, vanilla and a scoop of almond butter. Blend together and enjoy a nice refreshing drink! (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Smart for Life Cookie Diet is Now Gluten Free

Whether it’s by nutritional necessity or personal choice, many people follow gluten-free diets. Gluten allergies and intolerances can often make it difficult for consumers to enjoy most foods that are on the market. For years now, this group of people has grown and they are looking for more options. They want to eat a variety of food and they don’t want to sacrifice taste to do so. The gluten-free industry has expanded to accommodate the consumers and there are now very few options that don’t have a gluten-free alternative. Even the famed cookie diet has an answer for the gluten-conscious. (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Theresa