Entries by Laurenp

Detox: The Real Deal

Detoxification diets are popular among celebrities and those that want to shed a few pounds or boost energy. These diets can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. They typically involve restricting certain foods or adding in special supplements or products. Unfortunately, most of the detox diets are a waste of time […]

Ginger for Good Health

Ginger is an herb and can be used fresh, dried and powdered, candied, pickled, or as a juice or oil. Ginger has been around for years and was traditionally used for colds, fever, nausea, and arthritis. Research supports ginger’s use for motion sickness, and relief of nausea and vomiting. Recent studies indicate specific plant chemicals […]

FDA to Ban Trans Fats

We have heard of trans fats for some time now and most people try to avoid them when possible, but what exactly are trans fats, where do they come from, and why is the FDA trying to ban them? Trans fats are a type of fat that naturally occur in small amounts in beef, lamb, […]

Say Yes to Soy

Soy is a rich source of high quality protein, fiber, and 12 essential nutrients. However, there has been much debate over this near-perfect food making it one of the most widely studied foods on earth. In years past, soy products were thought to increase breast cancer and cause adverse hormonal effects on men. In recent […]

Loading Up on Calcium Without Dairy

Calcium is a key nutrient in bone health, and plays an important role in heart, muscle, and nerve function. Some research suggests that calcium may play a role in protecting against diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure, however, more studies are needed. If you are like many Americans who are lactose intolerant or avoid dairy […]

Which are Healthier? White vs. Sweet Potatoes

There are many different types of potatoes offered today and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Potatoes offer an array of nutrients at an affordable price. Both white and sweet potatoes are naturally low in fat and sodium and are a good source of fiber, with about 4 grams per cup, […]

You Are HOW You Eat

We have all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat” but there is also truth in you are how you eat. Slow Down…. The faster we eat, the more we eat and the less we enjoy our food.  Both of these can cause us to want more food than we actually need. Try not […]

The Health Halo Effect

After making a healthy choice, say choosing vegetables instead of french fries or salmon instead of steak, we typically feel pretty good about ourselves. Rightfully so, since choosing these healthier choices can lead to decreased risk for many different diseases. However, what if choosing these healthier foods led to an increase in calorie consumption, also […]

Nutrition Bars: The Good, The Bad, And The Crunchy

There are several different nutrition bars on the market today and they go by many names such as “energy bar”, “protein bar”, or “meal replacement bar.” Nutrition bars are larger in weight than snack bars (such as granola) or candy bars (such as chocolate) and typically have more protein. However, some “fiber bars” contain very […]

Beyond the Buzz

  SPECIAL FEATURE Eating wheat packs on the pounds? “Lose the wheat, lose the weight, and find your path back to health,” proclaims cardiologist William Davis in his best-selling book, Wheat Belly. Wheat consumption and obesity rates have increased in the United States since the mid- 1980s, as Davis notes. We’re also eating more calories […]