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Eight Healthy Easy-to-Make Holiday Favorites

2009-11-23T13:45:35Z

We are officially into the holiday season and that means lots of parties and get-togethers, lots of fun - and lots food and drink. Mostly high-calorie, not-good-for-you food and drink

This year you can have a healthy and happy holiday season with these sumptuous recipes thanks to Women's Health magazine. These eight low-fat and low-calorie ideas for holiday treats will cover every facet of the holiday season - all the way from Hanukkah to New Years Day.

Try all eight of these easy-to-make updated holiday favorites.

One of my favorites is the Roasted Pears with Feta. They are delicious, warm and cheesy, yet low in calories and so easy to make. They are the perfect healthy addition to your next holiday bash.

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_{Photo © Women's Health}

Eight Healthy Easy-to-Make Holiday Favorites originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 13:45:35.

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Have You Changed Your Diet? What Motivated You?

2009-11-18T10:10:39Z

Obesity rates in the United States continue to climb. According to America's Health Rankings, in another ten years we'll be spending about $343 billion dollars on obesity and obesity-related illness. If something doesn't change, about 40% of the adult population will be obese (a BMI of 30 or more). That's not good news at all.

We know what we're doing wrong. In general, we're eating too much food that isn't healthy and not exercising enough. The tough part is figuring what what will motivate a large segment of the population to eat less, eat better and move more. Maybe it would help to know what motivated people who have successfully changed their diets. If you've lost weight or changed your diet for any reason, let us know what motivated you. What was your "a ha!" moment or your tipping point that got you started?

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_{Photo © Burak Pekakcan}

Have You Changed Your Diet? What Motivated You? originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 10:10:39.

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Using Dietary Supplements Safely

2009-11-16T12:11:32Z

Today I read about a study that raises questions about the benefit of some cholesterol medications, and it turns out niacin (a B vitamin) was more effective than Zetia for reducing plaque-buildup in arteries.

Of course, the form of niacin used in this study isn't exactly the same as the niacin supplements found in stores - it's a timed-release version called Niaspan, but it's no secret that niacin supplements can reduce cholesterol levels.

Niacin is just one nutrient that can be used therapeutically when taken in large amounts. Fish oil capsules also come to mind, among others. I know many people would like to take dietary supplements along side or even in place of prescription medications, but that's something you should never do without talking to your health care provider first. Although dietary supplements are generally safe, when you dabble in mega-dosing those dietary supplements, you may wind up with some interactions with other medications or side effects that you didn't expect.

Speaking with your health care provider is just one tip for using dietary supplements wisely. I also have more ideas for you if you're thinking about using dietary supplements.

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Using Dietary Supplements Safely originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 12:11:32.

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Are Low-Fat Dieters Happier?

2009-11-10T12:16:49Z

When people lose weight, they get happier, at least for a little while. The numbers on the scale go down, your clothes fit better and your health may improve as the extra fat disappears. But does that good mood last for more than a few weeks? And does the type of diet you follow make a difference?

Researchers in Australia recently completed a study designed to measure mood changes in dieters over one year. They divided 106 participants into two random groups and gave each group a reduced-calorie diet. One half were put on low-carbohydrate diets and the other half were put on low-fat diets.

The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low-carb and low-fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low-fat dieters were happier than the low-carb dieters.

The scientists collected data on the amount of weight lost, mood, cognitive function and memory. After one year, there wasn't much difference between the low carb and low fat dieters as far as weight loss (both groups lost about the same), cognitive function and memory. But there was a difference in mood - the low fat dieters were happier than the low carb dieters.

So can this be true? Can cutting back on fats rather than carbohydrates make you happier? Maybe. This is just the first study to look at the long term effect of dietary composition on mood after weight loss, but it is plausible. Your brain likes glucose as fuel (yes, I know your body can make glucose from fat, but studies show eating carbs improves short term cognitive function) and eating carbohydrates stimulates serotonin, a brain chemical that is essential for good mood.

I think this study is interesting, although personally I don't feel any need to get involved in a low-carb vs. low-fat diet war. I believe there are good (and bad) components of each ideology. Low-carb diets get rid of the extra sugar, but it also eliminates a lot of healthy foods like many fruits, some vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat diets cut out saturated fats, but you can also miss out on the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fats that your body can't make on it's own.

Tell me about your experiences with weight loss diets and mood. Have you lost weight on a low-fat or low-carb diet? Do you prefer one over the other?

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Are Low-Fat Dieters Happier? originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 12:16:49.

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Nutrient Density

2009-11-06T11:40:56Z

Thinking about nutrient density of the foods you eat will help you make healthier choices for you meals and snacks. When you eat nutrient dense foods, you automatically eat fewer calories but you get many more nutrients. Learn about nutrient density and how to choose nutrient dense foods.

Related Articles:

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_{Photo © Rick Hawkins}

Nutrient Density originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 11:40:56.

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Life After Dentures

2009-11-03T23:08:26Z

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to a new website called Dentureliving.com, which offers help and support for denture wearers (including beauty tips and other ways to boost your confidence).

I didn't realize how many millions of Americans wear dentures. And I learned that a large number of denture wearers are embarrassed and even afraid to eat out in restaurants because they're afraid they'll have trouble eating or that their dentures might slip.

Actually, wearing dentures is much better than having serious dental problems, but they can take a little getting used to. If you're getting (or even thinking about getting) dentures, I've got some tips for learning to eat with dentures.

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Life After Dentures originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 23:08:26.

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Coping With the Time Change

2009-11-02T14:03:09Z

The annual ending of Daylight Saving Time brings welcome sunlight into the early morning hours, however it can take a few days to get used to the disruption of your sleeping patterns. There are a few things you can with do with your diet do to ease the transition:

Go easy on the caffeine. A cup of coffee or two in the morning is fine, but consuming too much caffeine later in the day may make it difficult for you to sleep.

Don't skip breakfast. Even if you're groggy in the AM, you need to get some fuel in your body before going to work and school.

Avoid heavy foods or spicy foods. Or any foods you know that may cause heartburn, making it difficult for you to sleep.

Don't drink too much alcohol. Over-consumption of your favorite adult beverages may cause a very restless uncomfortable night.

Eat cherries. Not only are they rich in vitamins, cherries contain melatonin, a substance also found in the human body that helps regulate sleep. Eating fresh or dried cherries before you go to bed at night may help you sleep better.

Today's Nutrition Tip

Coping With the Time Change originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 14:03:09.

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Swine Flu Conspiracy Theories

2009-10-30T19:42:07Z

There is so much misinformation about H1N1 influenza, but our Patient Empowerment Guide, Trisha Torrey, has some helpful tips for recognizing myths, frauds, conspiracy theories and scams:

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Swine Flu Conspiracy Theories originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 19:42:07.

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Healthy Halloween

2009-10-30T10:24:37Z

Halloween is almost here. The kids are getting their costumes ready and you know they will be bringing bags of candy home after trick-or-treating on Saturday night.

I know that eating all that candy is fun, but having a big pile of candy to nibble at for several day adds all that extra sugar, calories and unhealthy fats to your kids' diet. Since childhood obesity is becoming a problem, it might be a good idea to keep the candy consumption under control this year. Read how to have a healthy Halloween.

Healthier Halloween Treats

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Healthy Halloween originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 10:24:37.

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Eggs in a Healthy Diet

2009-10-26T18:37:57Z

Eggs were taken off of many people's diet food lists because they contain a lot of cholesterol. That's unfortunate, because eggs also contain lots of important nutrients. Actually, there are plenty of studies showing that eating one egg each day will not raise your cholesterol or lower your HDL, so almost everyone can enjoy eggs as part of a healthy diet.

Today's Nutrition Tip

Eggs in a Healthy Diet originally appeared on About.com Nutrition on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 18:37:57.

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