RDsWeighIn

Falling for Fall

So I’m accepting the fact that fall is really here.  I know.  It seems like I’m behind the times but it takes a while for the weather to change in Atlanta…we still get 70+ degree days through October.  It was only a couple weeks ago when I first donned a jacket to counter the cool morning air.

 

The truth is… I actually love the fall but I really miss the summer’s bounty of fruits and veggies.  Nevertheless, I’m ready to trade in my cantaloupe, berries, okra, and summer squash for apples, cabbage, collard greens and sweet potatoes. 

 

Here in the South there are so many fun fall events that center around food and even a bit of physical activity like visiting a pumpkin patch, getting lost and found in a corn maze and picking apples in the North Georgia Mountains.  My mission this weekend will be to find the perfect pumpkin.  I'll carve a not so scary jack-o-lantern, roast the seeds to make pepitas and use the pumpkin pulp to make something delicious to eat like pumpkin pie or a velvety, smooth pumpkin soup.  I like to enjoy the seeds with a little spice.  Here’s a recipe that might work for you… Spicy Pepitas!  Enjoy!

Fight Childhood Obesity: Give to your local food bank

As odd as it may seem, households in the U.S. with food insecurity are also households with childhood obesity. Some have proposed theories that low income households are consuming high fat, high calorie foods to make up for the lack of quantity of foods, thus contributing to overweight. Another theory is that when money is available and food is abundant in the household, high amounts of food and calories are consumed in a short time leading to a feast-famine cycle. This somehow effects the physiology of the body, leading to excess weight gain. But really no one completely agrees or is quite sure why this paradox occurs. What we do know is that 11% of households in the U.S. were considered food insecure in 2004. Given the current economy and job loss, this number is likely higher today.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that food insecure households with hunger was associated with higher obesity rates in girls ages 2 - 5 years old. An association was not found in food insecure households without hunger. Food insecurity is defined as an uncertain or limited ability to obtain adequate amounts of food and nutrients in socially acceptable ways. In other words not knowing when or where your next meal will come from. Food insecurity with hunger takes this definition further to the point at which meals are regularly missed or one meal may need to be spread through out the day. Food is insufficient to sustain normal physical function and activities.

Given the public health concern of childhood obesity, many community outreach programs exist within schools and after school programs to teach kids to make healthy food choices and exercise more. There are legislated mandates to teach nutrition in schools. It seems everyone wants in on the action to prevent childhood obesity. But how does all this education help if the families of these children can't afford and don't have access to healthy foods in the first place?

You can help fight childhood obesity by helping to make healthy food available. Donate to your local food bank or help tend a community garden. It doesn't matter how much one knows about nutrition, if nutritious foods are not available or affordable, people will not eat them.

Consumers Stress over Organic Eating

The other day I was teaching a class on what to eat to lower blood cholesterol to a group of 52 very motivated people who had some form of heart disease.  A recurring theme during the question and answer session was organic foods.   People wanted to know how important are organic foods for management of their heart disease.   Particularly interesting was the fact that eating organic foods was not a part of my talk.  However, a number of the participants had been to see a ‘Certified Holistic Health Counselor and Food Expert’ and they were told to throw away all foods in their kitchen that were not organic.  Most disturbing was they were told that the non-organic foods they were consuming were contributing to their condition.

The primary concern among participants was that they could not afford to eat an exclusively organic diet.  They were feeling overwhelmed, confused, and angry.  Ironically, some would suggest brewing stress of this caliber is not healthy for heart disease management.

If the motivation is to limit exposure to pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics and hormones then there are some foods you may want to select organic.  If it is to help prevent or manage a chronic disease such as heart disease then limited food dollars may be better spent on improving the overall quality of the diet by eating more fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

There are two lists, the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15, that can help guide consumers when selecting fruits and vegetables.  Dirty Dozen lists fruits and vegetables with the highest chemical residues and includes: Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, grapes (imported), carrots, and pears.   The Clean 15 lists produce with some of the lowest chemical exposures and includes:  Onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, mangos, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

As to be expected much discussion in the class centered on meats and dairy.  Organic milk, beef and poultry contain no hormones and antibiotics, but often cost 100% more than conventional products.  When talking about heart disease the bottom line is to choose nonfat, lean animal products in order to limit total and saturated fat.   More important than eating organic is first, making the switch to nonfat dairy and lean meats and second, making sure the meat portion size is appropriate.

Most often organic beef is also grass-fed.  It is true that pasture-raised, grass-fed beef contains less total fat than meat from grain-fed animals.   In addition, meat and milk from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals contains greater levels of heart beneficial fatty acids such as omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid.

As for processed foods choosing those made with whole grains, the least amount of added sugars, and the lowest in saturated fat and trans-fat free, trumps organic.  I think it’s wiser to spend limited food dollars on the organic versions of the Dirty Dozen than it is on organic processed foods.

Consumers facing the daunting challenges of living with a chronic disease should not be stressing themselves about the organic factor, especially given all there may be to learn about management of their medical condition.  A practical solution that can fall into most food budgets is to focus on foods that come with the heaviest burden of pesticides, additives, and hormones.  Buy organic for the Dirty Dozen, conventionally grown for the Clean 15, and if the budget allows feel good about eating grass-fed beef once in a while, but watch the portion size.   

Turning the Tables on the Food Police

Just last weekend, I took my sons to see the clever and enjoyable animated movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. In the movie, a young boy-turned-man with a penchant for invention creates a machine that converts water into food. He does this to provide the townspeople of Swallow Falls (who fell on hard economic times) with alternatives to sardines, their usual fare. Suddenly, everything from meatballs and spaghetti to hot dogs, steak, and ice cream begin to fall from the sky. As more and more food floods the town, and as the food gets bigger and bigger in size, the town’s Mayor greedily (and disturbingly!) bites off more than he can chew, eats everything in sight, and subsequently gains a significant amount of weight until the machine is destroyed and the town returns to some relative normalcy.

In a funny coincidence, a cartoon and accompanying article in today’s New York Times Dining section depicts my own New York City mayor Mr. Mike Bloomberg’s eating adventures and his work as an advocate for healthier eating habits in the Big Apple. Described in the article as the city’s “nutrition nag,” the Mayor successfully paved the way for the ban on trans fats in restaurants, and the mandatory posting of calorie information at fast food chains. Despite his supposed love affair with salt (the cartoon shows Mr. Bloomberg gleefully adding salt to a saltine!), the mayor has also encouraged people to resist the salt shaker when eating out, and to steer clear of sugary beverages because of their potential role in weight gain and diet-related diseases.

Although Mr. Bloomberg is not at all overweight like the mayor in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, the article suggests that he enjoys many of the same foods that fell from the sky in the movie (namely cheeseburgers, hot dogs, steak, pizza, and bagels). For many, especially critics of Mr. Bloomberg’s nutritional policies, the Mayor’s supposed eating habits may beg the following question: shouldn’t someone like the Mayor, who is adamant in his efforts to improve the health of consumers, practice what he preaches? Is it ok if he cracks down on “junk food” but eats it himself?

As a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, I take my role as an educator and motivator for healthy lifestyle habits (which include moderate, nutritious eating habits and regular physical activity) very seriously. I read up on the latest scientific research on food, nutrients, and fitness and do my best, as others in my profession do, to translate findings into practical, real-world tips to help consumers understand the facts and adopt more healthful food and fitness habits. But just like the Mayor, I do not claim to, nor do I eat a perfect diet. I, too, enjoy (and consume) some of the foods and beverages-- namely, hot dogs, steak, movie popcorn, pasta, pizza, chocolate, bread & butter, and Diet Coke®-- that can definitey raise a few eyebrows. Sometimes, I even hear “I can’t believe you eat that—and you’re a dietitian!” But like the mayor, I am at a healthy body weight (incidentally, I have maintained a weight loss of more than 30 pounds since my high weight in high school for more 10 years). I have no shame about my eating habits, and know that while I like certain foods that many may consider taboo or less than healthful, I balance out my indulgences by making sure to consume lots of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and low fat dairy foods. I keep my portions small, and I exercise or do some sort of physical activity (even just walking) every day. And perhaps like the Mayor, when I go overboard or eat something that I know is not particularly healthful, I balance that out by cutting out other treats that day so that my weight stays within a healthy range.

While I can’t speak for the Mayor, I can say that I have learned to truly enjoy food, eat without guilt, and after an indulgence can successfully resume healthful eating habits because I know doing so gives me energy, makes me feel good, and keeps my weight and overall health in check.

It is ultimately up to consumers to decide if the Mayor or other political figures (not to mention registered dietitians and other health professionals) who push for healthier habits in practice or policies are “allowed” to be imperfect, and be real people who eat real food. Being honest about our own eating habits, even when we’re trying to educate and empower consumers when they make food decisions, can hopefully show that we’re human too, and are equally challenged by a 24/7 food environment that encourages excessive consumption. The bottom line is that while not all nutrition policies will be popular with consumers or health advocates, we experts have a right to push for what we think will help the nation eat in a more healthful way. Ultimately, it’s up to consumers to decide what, how much, and where they will eat, and how they’ll use nutrition information (such as calorie counts) to make those decisions.

Source: http://bit.ly/3MkP0

ADA's Health Reform Efforts & Priorities

At this historic moment, ADA and thousands of our members are actively engaged in efforts to reshape the country’s health policies, to place nutrition closer to center stage in assuring Americans will be healthier and that registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered are recognized as providers of the best quality nutrition care and services. These are advocacy efforts we must make on our own behalf because, in all honesty, no one else is going to do it for us.

 

Who will speak as clearly as we can about the importance of nutrition strategies for keeping people healthy? Who will be there to ensure RDs are included in community and clinical health teams that address health problems? Who will advocate for health information technology to include nutrition data? Who besides ADA will speak about nutrition as the foundation of health and the cornerstone of prevention?

We owe it to ourselves and to our future to demand a seat at the table where health reform is being debated. I would like to share some of the details of ADA’s work, update you on our progress and encourage you to join the cause of making nutrition a more significant strategy in everyone’s health.

ADA and Reform

Throughout 2009, we have been meeting with members of Congress across the country who sit on the key committees taking up health reform. As of this writing, it appears the House of Representatives will consider a health reform bill sometime this fall. It is not clear when the Senate will consider a bill; in fact, despite all the words and all the action, it is not a foregone conclusion that any major health reform bill will pass in 2009. Neither ADA nor anyone else really can predict how the debate will play out, or what the final product will look like.

Long before the current debate on health reform began, ADA was engaged on issues that matter to our members: successfully expanding coverage for nutrition care and services and increasing reimbursements to providers.

To prepare for this debate, which encompasses the entire U.S. health system, ADA brought together a task force to consider how reform could impact nutrition and enlarge the role we play in public health as well as clinical areas. ADA has since had a continuous dialogue with Senate and House committees that decide health matters.  ADA has met with members of the House and Senate to discuss the importance of nutrition in health care legislation.

Our messages have stayed true to ADA’s mission and vision: to improve the health of Americans through nutrition strategies. From our outreach, people already better understand that nutrition is the foundation of health and it is a cornerstone of disease prevention and management.

In Washington

During this summer, ADA’s Washington staff has been involved in intense discussions with Congressional committee staff, promoting the role of nutrition and nutrition services in prevention and disease management. We stay in touch with numerous members of the five key Congressional committees and the leadership of the House and Senate. ADA’s political action committee — ADAPAC — helps make it possible for ADA to be assertive on the issue of health reform, which we have made the centerpiece of our grassroots activities in 2009.

ADA intentionally has not taken a position on any of the proposals pending in House and Senate, because it would be premature to take a position on a specific piece of proposed legislation until it has been finalized and we know exactly what the bill says. In the meantime, we continue our work to get provisions included that would strengthen prevention-related portions of the legislation. If ADA does take a position on a complete bill, it likely will be when the House or Senate decides to take it up for a debate.

That being said, there are provisions in the House draft that ADA is likely to support. For example, H.R. 3200 would require all private health insurance plans, the new “public option” (if there is one) and Medicaid to cover preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force which recommends the following:

“… intensive behavioral dietary counseling for adult patients with hyperlipidemia and other known risk factors for cardiovascular and diet-related chronic disease. Intensive counseling can be delivered by primary care clinicians or by referral to other specialists, such as nutritionists or dietitians.”

However, this is not the language ADA recommended to Congress. We prefer more precise language that is not subject to interpretation. The House chose this language because other options to expand Medical Nutrition Therapy services — including the version we favored — were judged by the Congressional Budget Office to be too expensive. Therefore, ADA would like to see amendments to Medicaid that would cover MNT for beneficiaries who are at risk of developing a chronic disease as a result of being obese. H. R. 3092, introduced by Kathy Dahlkemper (D.-Pa.) embodies that concept, and if it is offered as a floor amendment during general debate, ADA will do all we can to support it.

In the Senate, our message to the Finance Committee includes a request to include the provisions of Sen. Jeff Bingaman’s (D.-N.M.) bill, S. 1060, the Obesity Prevention, Treatment and Research Act. This bill amends the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children Health Insurance programs to cover MNT for people who are obese or are diagnosed as pre-diabetic. This is only logical now that obesity has reached a point where two-thirds of adults and one in five children are overweight or obese. Preventing and controlling obesity is central to health reform that provides better quality care at lower costs. 

In both the House and Senate, ADA continues to stress that disease prevention and management must be available to Americans. We make the point that this is part of a smarter overall health system that tilts the scale toward primary care physicians and teams of professionals to care for people in their own communities. And if someone becomes sick away from home, or relies on more than one physician, electronic medical records will facilitate their care and treatment.

ADA also favors provisions that establish new restaurant labeling requirements, patient-centered medical homes in community-based settings as well as Medicaid programs, and improved reimbursement rates in Medicare.

These are exciting and important times for ADA, every member and every American. We have the ability and the duty to design responsible policies and programs that will create a healthier future for everyone.

Not all nutrition information is created equal

A recent segment on Good Morning America is a hot topic of conversation among registered dietitians due to inaccurate information that was presented to the public by a self-proclaimed “nutritionist” during the interview. 

 

Hearing that someone is a “nutritionist” often makes the public think that they’re educated and trained in nutrition science and health issues. But in many states, titles like “nutritionist” and “diet counselor” are not regulated, so terms like these are used by people who are not qualified to give accurate nutrition advice. Many “nutritionists” have little if any actual nutrition training or just mail-order credentials. Even if a person holds degrees from accredited institutions, nutrition may not be his or her specialty.

 

So who is the qualified nutrition expert? When you need trusted, accurate, timely and practical advice, seek the advice of a registered dietitian.

 

With required college degrees in nutrition, dietetics, public health or related fields such as biochemistry, medicine or a nutrition specialty in family and consumer sciences, from accredited colleges and universities, RDs know the science of nutrition. And to earn the RD credential, they must perform a supervised internship, pass an extensive examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and earn professional education credits throughout their careers to maintain registration.

 

With their education and experience, RDs have the skills and knowledge to translate nutrition science into practical meal planning. A registered dietitian can assist with eating disorders; work with your health-care team by helping you change your eating plan pre- or post-surgery; and help you set goals for athletic performance – whether you’re running a marathon or jogging with your dog.

 

The next time you hear nutrition advice on television, or see a diet book that looks like it might help you lose those last 10 pounds, take a closer look to make sure the information is coming from the qualified expert in food and nutrition science: a registered dietitian.

 

Visit ADA at http://www.eatright.org to locate a registered dietitian near you.

 

The American Dietetic Association is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

 

Jessie M. Pavlinac, MS, RD, CSR, LD

American Dietetic Association President

adapresident@eatright.org.

Gluten Free in the news

Recently, a popular TV personality wrote a book about the gluten-free diet. She is advocating
it's use for losing weight for people who don't need to follow the diet because of celiac disease and also
recognizes that people with celiac disease must follow the diet.

This book has caused some discomfort with some RDs who want to make sure the
message is that the diet is the only treatment for people with celiac disease.
It's not a fad or a trend.

What is gluten? It's the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Recently, it was found that 1:133 people in the U.S cannot tolerate gluten. However, for every person who knows this, 89 don't. Many people have unexplained symptoms such as stomach discomfort, gas, and bloating. Yet some people have other  symptoms such as infertility, anemia, or neurological issues.

That said, as an RD who works in a gluten-free store, I interact daily with people
who have celiac disease and with other people who are trying a gluten-free diet because
they believe they feel better without gluten in their diet. People who don't need to follow the diet for medical reaons will consume gluten at times when they eat out, or attend a reception.

Bottom line, the "wanna be gluten free by choice" people may be making healthier food choices than prior to being gluten-free. Following a gluten-free diet for weight loss is not the magic weight loss solution that many people long to find.Many people who follow the gluten free diet struggle with gaining weight because there are so many gluten free products available in the marketplace.

Kentucky "UNfried" Chicken...Really?

Yes, it’s true! KFC is declaring today, April 27 as “UNFry Day” and to commemorate the day, KFC is offering a free taste of its new grilled chicken.

After all, McDonald’s®, Burger King® and Wendy’s®, three major fast food chains, have already proven that catering to their customers desire to eat healthy pays off.

KFC President Roger Eaton says KGC (G as in grilled) “showcases our commitment to meeting our customers’ ever changing needs.” Well, the grilled addition may be more about the Colonel’s bottom line than anything else. But the good news remains – you now have healthier options.

The KGC will provide between 70 to 180 calories and 4 to 9 grams of fat depending on the piece. Compare that to the original KFC providing between 110 to a whopping 490 calories and 7 to 31grams of fat depending on the piece.

I think we all can agree that nothing beats a good home cooked meal. But there are those occasions when you will have, what I call – “a dietary indiscretion.” After all, no one is perfect. So, aim for more good days then bad and choose your fast food wisely.

Following these 8 simple tips will lessen the negative impact of your “dietary indiscretions.”

 

1.      Watch your portion - steer clear of larger portions: “super size,” “deluxe,” “hungry man,” all translate to more calories than you’ll ever need.

 

2.      Avoid foods described as “fried,” “crispy,” “batter dipped,” or “extra crispy.” Think about it. What makes food “crispy?” Lots of bad for you fat!

 

3.      Quench your thirst with a bottle of water instead of sugary soft drinks like soda, sweetened ice-tea, or lemonade.

 

4.      Skip the fries and onion rings. Opt for a side salad instead. But don’t be fooled – the salad dressing could be a land mine! So, choose “light” or “reduced fat” salad dressing.

 

5.      Choose chicken breast instead of wings. The wings are the fattiest part of the chicken – even if they’re grilled.

 

6.      Have it your way!  Ask for extra lettuce and tomato. Tell them to hold the bacon and mayo.

 

7.      Just say “no” to the apple pie or cookies. Choose fresh fruit or a fruit cup packed in water instead.

 

8.      Finally, slow down, chew and enjoy how tasty eating healthy can be.

                                                                                               

 Bon Appétit!

 

 

Michelle Obama is digging in!

 

Last week, a new beginning took place on the White House lawn – under the direction of First Lady Michelle Obama, the first White House garden since World War II was planned.  Here is a link to the garden layout from the White House blog. 

To up the cool factor even more, Mrs. Obama helped to break ground alongside kids from the Washington Bancroft Elementary School.  Wait, there’s more – the plans for the harvest are to use it for the needs of the White House family and guests, but also to provide some of the fresh produce to a local soup kitchen. 

One of the reasons Mrs. Obama gives for her interest in having a White House garden is simply because she is a mom, interested in nutrition for her kids.  She believes in the importance of fresh produce, and has found that her

girls are more likely to eat fresh vegetables when they taste good – such as when they come straight from the garden. 

Gardening with children can be a powerful nutrition lesson.   Kids get to learn where food comes from, how to grow it properly, and best of all – kids tend to eat (or at least try) what they grow!  The National Gardening Association,

which provides support to community and school gardening programs, identified other great benefits kids gain from gardening.  They surveyed garden program leaders, and found that the leaders saw the kids improve in the following characteristics (click here to visit the full report): 

94% environmental attitudes
90% self-confidence
90% social skills
86% attitude towards school
84% community spirit
81% leadership skills
78% volunteerism
69% nutritional attitudes
67% scholastic achievement
63% motor skills

Starting a garden with a child does not have to be a huge project, or cost a lot of money.  There are plenty of resources out there - on the internet, your local library, or your local community extension program.  The point is to get out there, start digging in the dirt, and see what you can grow together! 

ADA at NASDAQ Opening Bell

In honor of National Nutrition Month, ADA President Martin M. Yadrick rang the opening bell on NASDAQ this morning.  He was joined by a number of ADA members who live in the New York area.

To view the full event video, go to the NASDAQ Web site.

© 2009, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. Reprinted with permission.