healthy food

Are Liquid Supplements Right For Your Healthy Diet?

18 Jan 2010

Liquid nutrition products like Ensure (tm) and Boost (tm) have been used almost exclusively in nursing homes and hoispitals, until recently. Lately we have seen nutritional companies marketing these drinks to people of all ages and all stages of health.

Liquid supplements are supposed to be the answer for busy moms running around with the kids, business people running out the door out without time for a sit-down breakfast, and older adults wanting to insure that they will be able to enjoy their grandchildren. But what do these liquid nutrion product really offer?

In general, these supplements are composed of water, sugar, milk and soy proteins, oils, vitamins, and minerals. An 8-ounce can generally has 250 calories, and the deluxe version may have as many as 355 calories. Most are lactose free, some have added fiber, and some are specifically designed for children or adults with certain health problems.

These companies ad campaigns are using fear tactics to make you worry that you are not getting proper nutrition from your ordinary meals. True, some people are consuming less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for some nutrients, this doesn't mean they will develop a deficiency disease. If you truly feel you are not getting enough nutrients from your food, you should contact a registered dietitian or a KSU Extension Specialist in nutrition. They can help you determine your needs for additional supplements.

Liquid supplements may be a quick way to get vitamins, minerals and protein, but there is more needed for good health! Scientists continue to discover new ingredienets in foods that provide health benefits. Consider this; the canned supplements have a severe lack of fiber and other healthy components but are really high in sugars and calories. Although this was ideal for the original intent of the products, most healthy consumers don’t want or need all the extra calories that the supplement provides.

In summary, while there is a need for liquid nutritional supplements in some medical conditions, these products are unnecessary for the average, healthy person. In addition, one must consider the cost of an 8 once can of these liquid supplements to determine if they should be included in their dietary regimen.

The author is a nutrition consultant and he provides a bodybuilding exercise and tips about cosmetic dental surgery and dental problems.

By: Healthy Category: General Tags: diet, healthy food, liquid nutrition, nutrition

Organic Whole Foods – Should We Shop It?

18 Oct 2009

0 Comment

Our nutrition health or Atkins Diet largely depends on the organic food this time. Why is it like that?
A healthy diet is a lot more efficient if it also contains organic whole foods. Lots of us have grown used to buying whole grain bread from home businesses that serve local communities. It tastes much better, the ingredients are natural and it has none of the downsides of white bread. Such dietary habits should be encouraged extensively because organic whole foods contain very important quantities of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are pretty scarce in highly processed, non-organic foods. Organic whole foods are not easy to find, but once you find a good source, stick to it.

Most of the information of organic whole foods and suppliers can be found on the Internet. If you already know what the benefits of whole foods are, it will be a lot easier to search and find good suppliers. Organic whole foods should be as little processed as possible, after all, that is the actual purposes of using them. People who suffer from anemia, blood diseases, diabetes, obesity, hepatitis, kidney dysfunctions, skin problems and even cancer should give up chemicals and rely on organic whole foods extensively.

Organic whole foods are very suitable for children, babies, pregnant women and for anyone who needs high quality sources of nutrients. The body can process and absorb organic whole foods at a more rapid pace and with maximum of efficiency. Plus, the enzymes in the digestive system are a lot more compatible with organic food than with the non-organic items that are treated with chemicals. This points to the possibility that the use of organic whole foods could the recovery process for people who suffer from various digestive ailments such as constipation, ulcers, colitis, the irritable bowel syndrome and the like.

Improvements have also been reported in the hepatic function and the skin look as direct consequence of a diet containing organic whole foods. Patients suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes have reported significantly better blood sugar levels if the nutritional shift towards organic whole foods is permanent. This kind of food certainly costs more, but instead of paying for medication, it is totally preferable to the non-organic diets. Hence, we could easily qualify organic whole foods as a way back to natural dieting.

By: Healthy Category: General Tags: health, healthy food, nutrition, organic, organic food, whole food

Are You Wasting Your Money On Organic Baby Food?

7 May 2009

0 Comment

The appearance of organic baby foods on the market has made a change in the perception of baby nutrition in the first place. Lots of parents pay a great deal of attention to the quality of the products they use to feed their babies and toddlers. Organic baby foods are therefore one of the best choices a parent can have to give a child the first solid food meal in his/her life. The market is presently dominated by several important organic baby food brands that have been tested, re-tested and reviewed by both parents and researchers. Lots of the items available are refrigerated or frozen, with almost a ban put on canned preservation.

The advantage of refrigerated organic baby foods is that the natural flavor and the nutrients remain intact. There are no chemical stimulants, no hormones and zero pesticides found in the composition of organic baby foods, because the fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat that make their primary matter come from organic farms and crops. Lots of parents choose the home-made organic baby foods that they prepare by themselves from carefully selected organic food. Specialists in fact consider that this is the best chance for the kid to benefit from a a solid rock health and a proper nutrition.

In case you purchase any organic foods, it is important that you follow the nutrition stage closely related with the age of the baby. Thus, there are usually super-smooth, smooth and even chunky organic baby foods starting from four months of age and up to a year onwards. While for small babies the meals will be rather simpler, toddlers will definitely be in need of more complex meals. In case you want to identify the best sold brands in a certain part of the world, you’ll find plenty of information online together with recommendations and reviews. Have a look and see what’s good for your baby’s tummy!

Organic baby foods are recommended by researchers and pediatricians all over the world, since regular foods are too treated with chemicals such as fertilizers and hormones that intoxicate a child’s body. The consequences of poor food choices count digestive problems with food sensitivities, a low immune function, frequent colds and so on. Even if one cannot avoid using regular food 100%, at least try to create a balanced diet with as many organic baby foods as possible. Although the costs for the latter variant are higher, they are worth every penny in the context of the larger picture!

By: Healthy Category: General Tags: healthy food, organic baby foods, organic foods

More Vegetables and Fruit Equals a Healthier Heart

13 Mar 2009

0 Comment

You likely already know that you should eat a diet containing a lot of fruits and vegetables. Any kind of vegetables or fruits that you add will have health benefits. However, when it comes to heart health, some are more beneficial than others.

Among the most nutritious vegetable families are leafy greens and cruciferous. Skip the iceberg lettuce, and look for those that are dark green in color. This indicates that there are more nutrients packed inside that are good for your heart. Other important vegetables are cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Your best choices in fruit are from the citrus family. Fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits are the best choices for your heart. You’ll get the most benefit if you eat the whole fruit in its fresh form. But fruit juice also contains nutrients that are healthful.

Most people have between one and three servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This is nowhere near the recommended five servings that’s a bare minimum. Even better is to eat seven to nine servings. However, don’t try to go from one serving to nine all at once. Slowly introduce greater quantities into your usual eating habits. Here are some tips to help you sneak in extra servings throughout the day.

If you have eggs in the morning, mix in some veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers or onions. Drink some fruit juice with your toast and coffee. Make up a smoothie containing whole fruit that you can take with you as you head out the door. Or add some fruit to your cereal.

At lunch, include lots of veggies on your sandwich like lettuce, sprouts, and tomatoes. A bowl of vegetable soup counts as a serving. Eat a small salad along with your main course, or make the salad itself the entree. Try topping your salad with some fruit for extra flavor and nutrients.

If vegetables are already a staple of your evening meal, try adding an extra serving to your plate. If you’re not eating a vegetable with dinner at all, make a point of adding one. A tasty way to add more vegetables to your meal are by making hearty soups and stews. Or start each meal with a small salad.

You don’t have to make major changes to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. Simply add a serving here or there. It won’t be long before you’re getting what you need for optimal heart wellness.

By: Healthy Category: General Tags: healthy food, heart disease, heart health, heart wellness, nutrition

Fast Food, Healthy Heart

28 Oct 2008

0 Comment

A lot of individuals eat on the run in today’s fast-paced society. You’re usually better off eating at home rather than dining in a restaurant. However, you can still make healthy choices when you’re eating fast food. Keep these guidelines in mind as you choose your next fast food meal.

A lot of fast food franchises are well aware of the poor reputation that fast food has for clogging up the arteries. To meet the challenge, they have introduced many food choices that are better for you. For instance, many fast food chains now have salads on the menu. All the same, look out for the saturated fat in the dressing. And if your salad comes complete with deep fried chicken on top, you can be sure it’s not as heart healthy as the one featuring grilled chicken.

For your sandwich, opt for grilled chicken over fried. And you can’t go wrong by requesting extra vegetables on your sandwich. Ketchup and mustard are better choices for a dressing because of their lower saturated fat content.

Choose fruit or salad as a side dish rather than fries. This will fill your lunch with vitamins and fiber rather than saturated fat. Instead of soda, pick juice or milk to drink with your meal. This can aid in maintaining normal blood sugar and give you additional vitamins and minerals.

When you’re truly craving a hamburger and fries, it’s ok to give in once in a while. However, watch out for the size of the serving. A number of fast food establishments give you portion sizes that are enough for a couple of meals. Choosing a kid’s meal or a small burger with french fries will help to hold down the amount of saturated fat you consume.

If you’re giving your kids fast food, don’t forget that there are often healthy choices like apple slices and mandarin oranges available. You can also choose milk or juice rather than soda.

In a Mexican fast food place, you can eat surprisingly healthfully by choosing a simple taco or burrito. By loading it up with lots of veggies, you’ll be able to raise the fiber content. Although a taco salad might seem healthy, it’s often laden with saturated fat and calories.

Choosing fast food for the majority of your meals can take its toll on your heart health when you don’t make good choices. Your best option is to eat at home. However, if that’s not feasible, why not try the “better for you” choices that are out there.

By: Healthy Category: General Tags: healthy food, heart disease, heart health, nutrition

healthy food

Are Liquid Supplements Right For Your Healthy Diet?

Organic Whole Foods – Should We Shop It?

Are You Wasting Your Money On Organic Baby Food?

More Vegetables and Fruit Equals a Healthier Heart

Fast Food, Healthy Heart

Sponsors

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives