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Posted: March 30, 2017 at 9:42 pm
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) The decision to enact a so-called Soda Tax in Santa Fe will be left up to the voters in May, but this week people got a surprise when they showed up to work at City Hall.
All of their normal sodas are gone, replaced with diet drinks.
I thought it was a little weird, I thought it was an interesting strategy, Elizabeth Dyches said. I dont like not having options.
Its not that Elizabeth Dyches wont have any options if she tries to buy a soda inside City Hall in Santa Fe, but for everyone who does work there, the menu has changed in the Coke machine.
If I worked there it would probably tick me off not to have an option, Dyches said.
This week, the vendor came in and switched out some of its products. Now everything inside is clear on calories as the sign reads.
Theres Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper, even Sprite Zero what you wont find are any of its regular sodas.
People KRQE News 13 spoke with said it was an odd move.
People who dont like diet soda arent going to start drinking diet soda. I dont like it, Im not going to drink it, said Devon Gilchrist, Santa Fe resident.
We know sugar is not good for us, but we know a lot of things arent good for us. That should still be our choice, said Mary Fatheree, Santa Fe resident.
Earlier this month, the city council decided to put Mayor Javier Gonzales soda tax idea on the upcoming ballot. It would impose a tax of two-cents per ounce on soda and other sugary drinks. Thats 24-cents more just for a can of soda.
The money would go back to support early childhood education programs.
Coca-Cola sent KRQE News 13a statement saying in part, We realize that not everyone drinks soda. As peoples tastes and needs change we want to be responsive.
However, some people believe the company is jumping the gun.
Coca-Cola says this was the companys decision, and not a request from City Hall. The proposed tax will be voted on in May.
Posted: March 30, 2017 at 9:42 pm
What does eating a plant based diet mean? It means consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes and excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour and refined sugar. People who consider themselves vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians, i.e., those who eat meat only occasionally, are following a plant based diet. A plant-based diet provides a host of health benefits by preventing and even reversing some of the major diseases striking people today. It is widely recognized that eating less animal-based food (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, etc.) is linked with better overall health and lower levels of inflammation. A plant-based diet also assists in the treatment and prevention of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
Want to learn more about eating a healthy, plant-based diet? Join RVNA Dietitian Meg Whitbeck and Chef Cathy Katin-Grazzini for an informative presentation at the RVNA Nutritional Education Center at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield on Thursday, April 6 from 11:30 am 1:00 pm. The April 6 workshop will include a plant based diet presentation, cooking demonstration, and tasting. The fee is $23 and the workshop is open to the public. Register by calling RVNA at 203 438-5555 or sign up and pay online with a credit card at http://www.ridgefieldvna.org.
Founded in 1914, RVNA is an accredited non-profit Medicare-certified home healthcare agency that also supports public health and safety and promotes the highest quality of life. RVNA provides compassionate care to all individuals, whether young or old, through a continuum of care that encompasses health care at home and in the community. RVNA also provides home health aides and companionship through a non-medical subsidiary called HomeCare by RVNA and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy in its Rehab by RVNA facility at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.
Visit RVNA at http://www.ridgefieldvna.org
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RVNA Health Source: Plant-Based Diet Demo & Tasting on April 6 - HamletHub
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Posted by Carson McGrath on March 29, 2017 Leave a Comment
(Graphic by Caroline OConnor/ Daily Collegian)
Can you save the planet with your diet? The Plant-Based Nutrition Club at the University of Massachusetts thinks so. The group educates the UMass community on the benefits of plant-based, vegan or vegetarian diets, and they feel good doing it.
Normally what I tell people is I went vegan for the animals, found out I was saving the environment and felt a hell of a lot better, said Nicole Henderson, a sophomore English major and current secretary of the club.
Still relatively new to campus, the Plant-Based Nutrition Club, or P-NUT, brings speakers to campus, screens documentaries and leaflets in the community to share information about the advantages of opting out of meat and dairy products for more vegetables and legumes.
Plant-based foods provides you with a lot of good things like fiber, protein and healthy fats that animal based products dont provide, said Haley Harzynski, a nutrition major from the class of 2016 and founder of P-NUT.
Harzynski started the club her junior year at UMass in the hopes of joining like-minded students together to discuss the benefits and realities of being vegan, vegetarian or having a mostly plant-based diet. Harzynski has been vegan for six years and a vegetarian for 15 years.
Planted-based nutrition and veganism is all about creativity, abundance and taking something that people dont see and creating something from it, Harzynski said.
Jordan Lake, a sophomore sustainable food and farming major and vice president of P-NUT this past fall semester, said plant-based nutrition is one of the easiest ways to be an activist.
We make a decision of what we eat at least three times a day, and simply being mindful of our choices can have immense impact beyond oneself. What we eat impacts so much more than our bodies, and our society is so disconnected from this, said Lake.
P-NUT works to inform the campus community on alternative, healthier and more sustainable diets in order to fight the stigma of living a vegan or plant-based lifestyle.
I think there is a big stigma behind the word vegan, which is why a lot of times we prefer plant-based because we are kind of a new generation of vegans, where some of the older people are go vegan or get out kind of thing, whereas I feel this generation is a lot more inclusive, said Henderson.
Reed Mangels, a nutrition professor at UMass and a registered dietitian, stopped eating meat in the 1970s and became vegan over 25 years ago. Mangels is the current faculty advisor of P-NUT.
As someone who has been involved with vegetarian groups in her own community, she said P-NUT is a great way for students to discuss their plant-based diets and to learn about various options available for the vegan lifestyle.
I saw this as a really great forum where people could educate each other and be a support group, she said.
Being vegan or vegetarian is not a requirement to join the group. The club welcomes students who are interested in the lifestyle or want to learn more about how to implement the diet into their everyday lives.
We are not going to make an impact or reach different communities if we are only having people in the lifestyle, we need people who dont know about it, who have friends who dont know about it and that is how it spreads, said Olivia Laughlin, a psychology and communication major and president of P-NUT.
By demonstrating to students what types of alternatives to dairy or meat products they can eat, all while educating them on not only the personal health benefits but environmental benefits as well, Laughlin said the club serves as role models for other students on campus.
Just by making [veganism] look easy and normal and accessible, it makes it a lot more appealing, she said.
The group holds the philosophy that being vegan is not a huge sacrifice.
One of the biggest conceptions is that it is a sacrifice; you have to sacrifice everything you love, you have to give up all this great food but it is really not. The hardest parts have nothing to do with the eating, sometimes it is hard to confront the information, Laughlin said.
Jessica Holley, sophomore nutrition and public health major and member of P-NUT, has been a vegetarian since she was in middle school and went vegan four years ago. At times she finds people unwilling to understand her choices.
People get very defensive. Its like I am doing something wrong about the way I choose to eat, said Holley.
P-NUT aims to create a discussion on campus centered around dismantling the misconceptions of what vegetarianism and veganism is in order to push people to think about where their food comes from and the effects it may have not only on their bodies but also on the environment around them and the animals that inhabit it.
[Veganism] made me look into other social justice issues and look past the surface of how the systems want you to see things, and so it really just sparked my passion for finding my own truth in things, said Laughlin.
There are already vegan options for students on campus at places like Earth Foods, Peoples Market, Roots and the dining halls.
Last year the group brought Mary Lawrence, owner of Well on Wheels, to Franklin Dining Hall as a vegan guest chef for students to try vegan and vegetarian dishes.
The group wants to continue to push for more plant-based and vegan options in the dining halls through strengthening their connection with UMass Dining Services.
Henderson also said P-NUT hopes to continue building relationships with the community from hosting events at Earth Foods or Peoples Market, to partnering with the UMass Nutrition Association.
I see P-NUT becoming more collaborative in the future working with student-run businesses, off-campus groups and hopefully having contact at least with some national organizations. Theres so many different scales to work on, but collaborating and working with others is always the most fun and interactive to get working with people, said Lake.
P-NUT meets every other Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Chenoweth Laboratory.
Carson McGrath can be reached at cmcgrath@umass.edu and followed on Twitter @McgrathCarson.
Filed under Archives, Campus News, News, Scrolling Headlines Tagged with Chenoweth Laboratory, Earth Foods, English major, Franklin Dining Hall, haley harzynski, Jessica Holley, Jordan Lake, Mary Lawrence, Nicole Henderson, P-NUT, peoples market, plant-based nutrition club, Roots, vegan, Well on Wheels
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Plant-Based Nutrition club promotes healthier, sustainable diets on campus - The Massachusetts Daily Collegian
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Predator Nutrition
Miro Judt, 33, saw his weight climb after he gave up on exercise and became addicted to full sugar fizzy drinks, takeaways, crisps and chocolate.
But after his girlfriend dumped him he vowed to turn his life around and embarked on a gruelling exercise and diet routine.
Less then one year later he was in the shape of his life after losing 6.5 stones and gaining a serious amount of muscle.
Now hes also happily loved up with new model partner Victoria and has also clinched his dream job in the fitness industry with PredatorNutrition.com.
Miro, from Wakefield, started to put on weight after living off a toxic diet of fatty fast foods and snacks.
But when his girlfriend of six years called a halt to their relationship telling Miro hed let himself go, it was the wake up call he needed.
After seeking advice from a competitive body builder he was able to create a diet plan that put him on track towards getting the physique he craved. The Body Coach Joe Wicks recently revealed the one food he would never eat.
Miro, 33, stuck to a clean living diet that included fish, chicken, egg whites and protein shakes, supplemented by products from Predator Nutrition.
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A girl shows the difference in just a year
Predator Nutrition
He also started putting in twice daily cardio shifts as well as lifting heavy weights and was able to lose over 6.5 stones in just nine months.
He met glamour model Victoria Wilson on a dating website after she was impressed by his muscular physique, and after hitting it off they have now lived together for over a year.
They even work out together, with Miro regularly acting as her trainer when the pair hit the gym for a couples workout.
Miro said: When I was younger I didnt care what I was eating and drinking, and was regularly knocking back full fat bottles of coke and ordering unhealthy takeaways.
Predator Nutrition
The problem was I had no real concept of what a nutritional diet was, so I put on a lot of excess weight
Miro Judt
The problem was I had no real concept of what a nutritional diet was, so I put on a lot of excess weight.
My long-term girlfriend leaving me was the real turning point. She was so dismissive of me and had no belief that I could lose the weight.
I felt so hurt, but I decided there and then that I was going to change and to show her that I could do better and improve my physique.
I cut out all junk food and fizzy drinks from my diet whilst adjusting my calorie intake, and thanks to help from a bodybuilder I was able to start on a strict diet that helped me slim down.
Meeting Victoria was the best thing that ever happened to me, and she has really given me my confidence back.
Weve even started hitting the gym together, and always help each other to make sure we are both sticking to our diets.
I know that the reason Victoria got with me is because of my physique, but we have been together for a long time now and I know that is because she loves me for who I am.
For me she is the one, and my hope is that one day we will get married. When Im with her, I know that all this hard work to lose the weight really was worth it. If my ex girlfriend can see me now, I hope shell realise what she is missing out on.
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Junk food addict dumped by his girlfriend for gaining weight sheds six stone by doing THIS - Express.co.uk
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Photo: Thinkstock/Magone
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Now that golden milk is enjoying its moment in the sun, many wellness influencers have moved on to another good-for-you beverage:blue algae lattes. Heralded by many as a superfood, spirulinahas taken over cafe menus (hello,unicorn latte) as the smoothie booster du jour. Other forms of algae, like chlorella or E3sproprietary strain Blue Majik, are riding the wave of spirulinas popularity.
But just as doctors were singingits praises, the buzzy ingredient was makingheadlines for another reason: Algae was called out as the reason why people became violently ill after eating Soylent bars. Um, yikes.
So whats the dealis it safe to sip your oh-so-Instagrammableblue latte with impunity? Tofind out, I tappedGlobal Healing Center founder Edward Group, MD, who spent five years researching and studying various types of algae.
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According to Dr. Group, there are literally thousands of different types of algae, but three are by far the most popular: spirulina (the main ingredient in those strikinglyblue lattes), AFA, and cruella. First, the good news on The Big Three: They all have very high concentrations of nutrients and vitamins, includingprotein, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, and B vitamins.
Also, according to Dr. Group, 60 percent of algae is made up of protein. Soy hasa comparable amount, but a major reason a growing number of food manufacturers are favoring algae is thatall those added nutrients comewith the protein. Its like buying a pair of leggings, and findingout at checkout that you get a sports bra and tank for free.
Spirulina, AFA, and cruella also serveas a magnet for toxinsin the bodyandtheydo an excellent job offlushingthem out. Clearly algae is full of health benefits. But keep in mind: Dr. Groups advice to add more to your diet comes with a major warning.
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[My team and I] tested spirulina, AFA, and cruella from all over the world and found that the majority of them were contaminated with different types of metals such as arsenic, aluminum, mercury, or lead, Dr. Group reveals.
Why the scary levels of contamination? Blame the manufacturers. A lot of companies use fillers, whether theyre sellingthe algae in capsules or using it as a food ingredientlike a flour; its not the algae itself thats toxic, but what its being mixed with, Dr. Group explains. When you start mixing itwith genetically modifiedmaltodextrin, soy protein isolates, or other compounds, a lot of times that can cause contamination.
Considering one of the core ingredients in those Soylent barsbesides algae flouris soy isolate, it sounds like he may be onto something.
Despite the contamination risks, Dr. Group notes thatalgae is one of the worlds most nutrient-dense foodsI would never want to deter someone from taking it. The key is paying close attention to thesource.
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To make sure the smoothie booster is clean and pure, our expert advises sticking withcompanies that are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-freewhich will limit cross-contaminationa lot.
He also says to check out brandswebsites to see if they call out where their algae is sourced from and whether any testing hasbeen done to verify thatits clean. If theyre not toutingthat information, be wary.
And if youre eating out? Yourserver should be knowledgable about whats being served. If he or she cant speak intelligently about it, buying premium goods might not be a priority for the cafe. This may be one instance where fully becoming a Portlandia character and knowing as much as you can aboutthe path from ocean to table is worth the effort (and the awkwardness).
While youre adding more superfoods to your diet, you definitely dont want to leave out the seven on this list. And while it wont make you sick, chia seeds (that other buzzy ingredient) might be the cause of your bloating.
Excerpt from:
Is algae a superfoodor will it make you sick? - Well+Good
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Just eight per cent of recipes mentioned cooking food to a certain temperature, but not all the temperatures were accurate
COOKBOOKS are apopular go-to on how to cook a tasty meal because, lets face it, we cant all be master chefs.
But they offer little advice on how to prepare food safely and the advice they do provide is often inaccurate, experts have warned.
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In fact, just eight per cent of recipes reviewed in a recent study mentioned cooking food to a certain temperate to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
But not all the temperatures listed were actually high enough to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, like salmonella.
Senior author Ben Chapman, fromNorth Carolina State University, said: Cookbooks arent widely viewed as a primary source of food-safety information, but cookbook sales are strong and theyre intended to be instructional.
Cookbooks tell people how to cook, so we wanted to see if cookbooks were providing any food-safety information related to cooking meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, and whether they were telling people to cook in a way that could affect the risk of contracting foodborne illness.
In other words, very few recipes provided relevant food-safety information, and 34 of those 123 recipes gave readers information that wasnt safe.
Put another way, only 89 out of 1,497 recipes gave readers reliable information that they could use to reduce their risk of foodborne illness.
Chapman and his team analysed 1,497 recipes from 29 cookbooks that appeared on the New York Times best sellers list for food and diet books.
They looked at three things; does the recipe tell readers to cook the dish to a certain temperature, is that temperature a safe temperature, and does the recipe promote food-safety myths.
One of those myths is tocook poultry until the juices run clear, which has been proven unreliable as a way of determining if the dish has reached a safe temperature.
Almost 100 per cent of recipes gave readers subjective indicators to determine when a dish had finished cooking and none were found to be reliable.
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Lead author Katrina Levine, said: The most common indicator was cooking time, which appeared in 44 percent of the recipes.
And cooking time is particularly unreliable, because so many factors can affect how long it takes to cook something: the size of the dish being cooked, how cold it was before going into the oven, differences in cooking equipment, and so on.
Other common indicators used in the cookbooks included references to the colour or texture of the meat, as well as vague language such as cook until done.
Levine added: This is important because cooking meat, poultry, seafood and eggs to a safe internal temperature kills off pathogens that cause foodborne illness.
These temperatures were established based on extensive research, targeting the most likely pathogens found in each food.
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Chapman concluded: Ideally, cookbooks can help us make food tasty and reduce our risk of getting sick, so wed like to see recipes include good endpoint cooking temperatures.
A similar study was done 25 years ago and found similar results so nothing has changed in the past quarter century.
But by talking about these new results, were hoping to encourage that change.
If you want to know the safe cooking temperatures for your recipes you can foodsafety.gov.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368
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Your COOKBOOKS could be making you sick, experts warn - The Sun
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:42 am
Spring is an exciting time for high school teens, as it means several events are taking place, including graduation and prom night. It's also a time to carry out some tried and true tips for safety.
As prom night approaches, here are five tips for parents and five tips for teens that will make for an enjoyable and safe evening for everyone.
For teens:
The best way to have a good time is for everyone to stay safe and healthy, before and during prom night. Enjoy this time by planning and making smart decisions.
For parents:
As you talk with your teens, listen to how they feel. Talk about any potential worries or fears, along with what theyre most looking forward to. This will help them understand youre just trying to help them have a good time while keeping them safe.
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5 prom season safety tips for teens and parents - WCPO
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:41 am
There is growing scientific evidence that what you eat can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago developed the MIND (Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet.
Think you dont have to worry about memory loss or dementia until you are well into your golden years? Think again! Lifestyle choices you make in your 30s, 40s and 50s can impact your risk for dementia in later years.
According to the Alzheimers Association, there are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimers disease in the United States. Many more suffer with declines in cognitive function that impact their ability to work, socialize or maintain their independence. Alzheimers is the sixth-leading cause of death, and one out of every three seniors dies with some form of dementia.
There is growing scientific evidence that what you eat can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago developed the MIND (Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. This diet is a hybrid of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet and the Mediterranean diet, both of which have been found to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A study of the MIND diet followed 923 individuals aged 58 to 98 for an average of four and a half years. Researchers found that the MIND diet lowered the risk of Alzheimers by as much as 53 percent in participants who adhered rigorously to the diet. Risk was reduced 35 percent in those who followed the diet moderately well. The longer participants followed the MIND diet, the lower their risk for not only Alzheimers but also dementia, stroke and heart disease.
The MIND diet emphasizes 10 brain-friendly food groups and recommends limits on potentially damaging foods.
Foods to Include:
1. Green leafy vegetables. Every day, eat a half a cup of cooked or one cup of raw leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beet greens, collards, broccoli and romaine. Leafy greens are high in vitamin K, folate, beta-carotene and lutein, all of which help preserve brain function.
2. Other veggies. Get at least one serving (1/2 cup) daily of a green, orange, yellow, purple or white vegetable. Vary your colors to get a wide range of protective phytochemicals.
3. Nuts. You need five to seven servings a week. A serving is one-quarter cup and can easily be incorporated into a daily snack. Nuts can help lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and are an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps prevent memory loss. Walnuts may be the king of nuts, with their abundance of omega 3 fatty acids.
4. Berries. Get at least two servings (1/2 cup each) per week. Blueberries and strawberries are especially potent and encouraged. They have polyphenols and phytochemicals that fight against free radical damage, decrease inflammation and remove toxic proteins that accumulate in the brain as we age.
5. Beans. Aim for three to four half-cup servings weekly. Beans supply a steady source of glucose that the brain needs for fuel. Neurons are unable to store glucose, so a steady supply is essential. Beans are a low glycemic index carb and also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
6. Whole Grains. Include three daily servings. A serving is one slice of bread or a half-cup portion of grain. Whole grains are proven to promote a healthy cardiovascular system and improve blood flow. Plus, they are a good source of B vitamins needed for optimal nerve function.
7. Fish. Eat a serving of three ounces or more at least once a week. Oily fish, such as tuna and salmon, have high amounts of DHA and omega 3 fats, which are essential for brain function.
8. Poultry. Eat poultry at least twice a week. Poultry is a lean source of protein, generally lower in saturated fat than red meat.
9. Olive oil. Use olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats, for your primary fat. It has phytochemicals that may boost enzymes believed to be critical in removing damaging beta amyloid from the brain.
10. Wine. One five-ounce glass of wine daily works as an anti-inflammatory. But use caution: Too much alcohol can damage the brain.
Foods to Limit:
1. Red meat. Eat less than four servings per week. Saturated fats encourage plaque formation in the brain, just as they do in the heart. Participants who ate the most red meat had a higher risk of Alzheimers.
2. Butter and margarine. Limit these to no more than one tablespoon daily.
3. Cheese. Keep it to less than one serving per week. Cheese is high in saturated fat.
4. Pastries and sweets. No more than five servings in a week. Store-bought sweets can be high in trans fat, which may inhibit essential fatty acids getting to the brain. Sweets are also high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
5. Fried or fast foods. Get less than one serving per week. These are usually high in undesirable trans or saturated fats, as well as sodium.
Regular exercise is also associated with a reduction in future cognitive impairment. A combination of cardio exercise (walking, jogging, biking, swimming) and resistance training (free weights, resistance bands, calisthenics) is most beneficial.
Your brain works 24/7 to coordinate millions of complex tasks and functions. Like an expensive car, your brain works best when given premium fuel. The MIND diet offers that.
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MARLAY -- MIND Your Diet and Nourish Your Noggin - Lakenewsonline.com
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:41 am
New York Post | Get a dancer's bod with Misty Copeland's high-fat diet | New York Post New York Post It may come as a surprise that ballerina Misty Copeland is a big fan of fat, but for the principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, fat is a virtue. Eating it ... Misty Copeland's 'Ballerina Body' offers fitness and diet advice, plus ... |
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Get a dancer's bod with Misty Copeland's high-fat diet | New York Post - New York Post
Posted: March 29, 2017 at 10:41 am
America is unhealthy, and were dying as a result.
McDonalds, one of our most popular eateries boasts meals that are nearly 1000 calories and full of preservatives and potentially harmful chemicals. Our favorite activities including watching Netflix and using social media are sedentary. The American lifestyle is ridiculed in the media and popular culture for being hedonistic and slovenly. Now, there is actual evidence to back up this claim.
In 2016 the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Survey reported that 97.3 percent of American adults are unhealthy based off of factors including whether or not participants had a good diet, exercised moderately, were smokers and if they kept their body fat under control.
The standards of health that were applied to each participant survey are attainable and adjustable relative to each individual. The average healthy person is not expected to be a fitness guru or marathon runner. We need to take this report as a wakeup call, especially considering the rising death toll.
A study released this month by Tufts University reported that over 318,000 deaths per year are hastened by unhealthy eating. Over half of the deaths are consequences of major cardiometabolic killers such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Heart Disease is the most prevalent disease in America, with over 610,000 people, thats 1-in-4 people, dying every year from it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Risk factors for the disease include diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption, reported American Health Association President Steven Houser. He also noted that most of these factors, including high blood pressure are on the rise. The nature of our predicament is bittersweet because we know the proper solution we must change our habits: eat healthier and exercise more. Yet, our poor health seems to be the last thing on our minds. Or is it?
While it is the responsibility of the CDC, the Food and Nutrition Service, the Food Research and Action Center and several other federal agencies to educate the population on proper nutrition, Americans obviously suffer from a gap in their knowledge.
MyPlate is the latest government backed nutrition advice to date. It suggests that the average person should consume primarily vegetables and grains and then fruits and protein followed by dairy and oils. Food literacy is incredibly important to teach and advocate for, but that only holds true if the information being taught is correctly. Much of the nutrition advice from the USDA is problematic or flawed according to research.
The USDA suggests that variety, and quantity are key factors when attempting to eat nutritious foods, and also recommend to choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
They do not address the major health concerns that are fast food and packaged or processed food, which are often low in sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, but chalked full of chemicals as a result.
The chemicals the food industry uses to substitute sugar and other natural ingredients are often far worse for us than the real stuff. Artificial sweeteners have been approved for use in limited quantities by the FDA, but the true safety of such chemicals remains a controversially debated.
The studies that were conducted were done using far smaller amounts of diet soda than the 24 ounces a day consumed by many people who drink diet soda, according to Harvard Health Publications. So the effects of the actual average amount consumed by Americans could likely produce different probably negative results. It seems like an odd discrepancy when the people who conduct such studies have ready access to statistics on how much soda the average American consumes.
Healthy foods are also known for being unaffordable. In comparison to a large soda at McDonalds 99 cents, a bottle of water costs $1.69. Canned fruits and vegetables usually go for half that of fresh or frozen produce. Some people simply cannot afford to buy the fresh option, all well knowing that it is better for them.
We need to collectivize our efforts to create a plan to make fresh food more accessible to every class and to ensure the comprehensiveness of food literacy.
This is the opinion of Jennifer Lee, a freshman communication studies major from Los Angeles, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan, or email csontag@theloyolan.com.
http://www.health.com/mind-body/less-than-3-percent-of-americans-live-a-healthy-lifestyle
http://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2017/03/07/deadly-diets-study-tufts
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
http://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-is-heart-disease-on-the-rise#1
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The reality of the American Diet - Los Angeles Loyolan (subscription)
