Archive for category Obesity
Healthy Food Choices – How to Avoid Heart Disease, Diabetes and Obesity
Posted by admin in Diabetes, Disease, Healthy Food, Obesity on September 29, 2011
There is now strong evidence that carbohydrates are the baddies in the war against obesity, heart disease and diabetes. So where does this leave the well established theory about saturated fat and how it not only increases our weight but is also responsible for heart disease?
In a nutshell research is now telling us to do the opposite to what we have been told to do in the past in order to stay healthy. Back in the 70′s when the treatment of cholesterol became popular; doctors took a very simplistic view believing that dietary saturated fat led to body fat. You only have to look around you to see that the eating recommendations that occurred as a result of this theory have had devastating effects upon our health and the prevalence of diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Saturated fat was once blamed for heart, cholesterol and obesity problems and we were encouraged to eat less meat and more carbohydrates (e.g. bread, cereals). But now multiple studies are revealing that this was all wrong! One such 2010 study reviewed the evidence around this subject (Astrup, A. et al, Am J Clin Nutr:2011 Jan 26) and found that “replacing saturated fat with carbohydrates does not reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), and may even increase the risk”. (Dairy Nutrition News April 2011) Read the rest of this entry »
Healthy Snacks Are Good – Avoid Obesity
Posted by admin in Healthy Snacks, Obesity on September 29, 2011
Childhood obesity is on the rise largely due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Kids don’t go out and ride their bikes on long all day adventures anymore, nor do they climb trees, or play outside with other kids and run around the neighborhood. Times have changed and so have children’s activities. The computer and TV have taken over all of their leisure time.
Kids learn by example for both activities and diet. If mom and dad are active and eating healthy, they will too. If mom and dad eat fast food four times a week, they will too. It’s understandable in today’s fast paced world that parents don’t have time to cook every meal. But eating out is all about choices.
Fortunately many fast food companies are starting to meet the demand from the public to offer healthier foods. Although McDonalds menus have not changed that much the menus posted now show the number of calories, fat and carbohydrates in each meal. Burger Kings deluxe hamburger meal is well over 1,100 calories. By posting the calorie intake many parents have stopped the habit of buying fast foods and ordering hamburgers and fries for their children. Read the rest of this entry »