Tag Archives: Emily Fonnesbeck

New Added Sugar Recommendations are Finally Created

By Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD, nutritionist for the Biggest Loser Resort.

The American Heart Association has released new recommendations for added sugar consumption. This is actually the first time a recommendation has been given, and just in time. Sugar intake in this country is at an all time high and the over consumption is being linked with increased risk for obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and/or high LDL cholesterol).

This is interesting since in the past, fat has been the macronutrient that has been villainized. But looking at the data over the past few decades, intakes of protein and fat have either stayed the same or gone down. So all these extra calories are coming from carbohydrates; not whole grains unfortunately, but refined sugary foods.

The average American consumes about 300-350 extra calories per day in added sugars. This is equivalent to 79 grams or 22 tsp of sugar (1 tsp is equivalent to 4 grams of sugar). The new recommendations are 100 calories, 24 grams or 6 tsp for women and 150 calories, 36 grams or 9 tsp for men. To give you some perspective, one 12-oz can of soda has 33 grams of sugar.

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Posted on May 18, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Grilling Can Save Your Diet at Summer BBQs

By Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD, nutritionist for the Biggest Loser Resort.

As the weather warms up, you may find yourself attending many outdoor barbecues. The good news is grilling is a great way to prepare foods. It requires no water and has a short cooking time, two variables that can lead to nutrient loss. Water leaches vitamins from food and longer cooking times can destroy nutrients. The bad news is that grilled foods are often served with heavier dishes.

Here are some tips on how to lighten up your summer barbecues.

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Posted on May 4, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Healthy Lunch Meat Brands for a Better Sandwich

By Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD, nutritionist for the Biggest Loser Resort.

Generally speaking, I don’t really like lunch meat. Most are high in sodium, contain fillers and byproducts, and are processed with nitrates and nitrites. But I realize they are convenient so if you are willing to spend a little more money, you can control the quality of the product.

Specific brands I recommend are Boar’s Head, Applegate Farms, Nature’s Promise and Wellshire Farms. These will be 100% meat without the fillers and may have low sodium varieties, which I would recommend if you can find them. They are most likely be found at the deli counter rather than prepackaged on the shelf. Choose turkey, chicken, lean ham or even lean roast beef over pastrami, liverwurst, pepperoni, salami or bologna. (more…)

Posted on January 5, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Eat Food, Not Stuff Simple Rules of Clean Eating

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

You have probably heard the term “clean eating” a lot lately. It is definitely a new buzz word, or term, that is getting a lot of attention. The actual definition is unclear, and up to interpretation. My definition of clean eating would be – “Eating Real
Food.”

In my lectures, I stress the importance of eating “food” rather than “stuff”. When people watch their calorie intake, often they only monitor the quantity of the calories taking no thought for the quality of the calories. This may lead to using artificial no-calorie sweeteners, fat-free salad dressings, or having a Snickers bar for lunch. With clean eating, or focusing on real foods, you would instead use less of an unprocessed sugar, a high quality vinaigrette, and eat a well balanced lunch of
veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. (more…)

Posted on November 3, 2024 by GuestBlogger

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

Pros and Cons of Milk Alternatives

This article is brought to you by our Biggest Loser newsletter sponsors – The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. Guest Blogger Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

If you have visited the spa, you know that we don’t serve cow’s milk. Instead, we use alternatives such as rice milk, almond milk and soy milk. I get a lot of questions about the difference between these milks such as protein and sugar content, the benefits of each and which would be the best choice. They are all very different, with their own pros and cons. The key is to find which is best for YOU. (more…)

Posted on May 19, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Top 10 Ways to Lose Weight… and Keep it Off!

This article is brought to you by our wonderful biggest loser newsletter sponsors – The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge. Guest Blogger Emily Fonnesbeck RD,CD is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

So you want to lose weight. But, where do you start? While the following recommendations may be simplistic, if done consistently, they will bring about noticeable changes.

1. Eat Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It will jump-start your metabolism and improve performance. You will notice less cravings and preoccupation with food, and higher energy levels. Studies show that people who start their day with a big healthy breakfast, tend to eat less calories overall. Food is fuel! You need fuel in the morning, not right before bed.

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Posted on April 28, 2024 by GuestBlogger