Ban the buzz?

Caffeine-containing alcoholic beverages (or mixes - i.e. Red Bull and vodka) are under fire. The state attorney general and health-advocacy groups are seeking federal government support in regulating caffeinated alcoholic drinks. These beverages are a fast-growing product line popular among younger partakers [1].

Some proponents of regulating these beverages call for an all-out ban. Others advocate for warning labels advertising the potential health and safety risks of mixing caffeine and alcohol [1]. I certainly didn't think much of my Sugar-Free Sparks back in college! MillerCoors LLC has agreed to remove caffeine, guarana, and other stimulants from their products (i.e. Sparks) as of last year. Anheuser-Busch has done the same. Other companies, however, are seizing such markets with their similar products.These companies include Four Loko and Joose, and are currently under investigation by several attorneys general, The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2009 [1].

Why such the fuss? Most importantly, the mixture of caffeine and other stimulants may mask the feeling of drunkenness which can lead to reckless behaviors. Is this really a public concern? Probably ought to be. Sales of one brand of caffeine-containing alcohol, Four Loko and sister brand Four Maxed rose in sales by 2,680% over the past year [1].

A Wake Forest University study published in 2008 found that 24% of college students consuming alcohol in a given month were doing so by mixing with caffeinated beverages. Those that did mix alcohol with caffeinated beverages were more likely than those who did not drink alcohol mixed with caffeine to experience negative consequences, such as alcohol-related injury, getting into a car with a drunk driver, or being taking advantage of sexually [1].

But how MUCH caffeine are in these products? Because the companies are not required to list the amount of caffeine in the products, most of them to not list the content. Rich Brest, a 36-year-old JETT drinker, says that putting the amount of caffeine on the label is a "no brainer." However, he explains that putting a warning label pointing to product risks seems no more feasible than including a label on all alcohol explaining, "the only thing that can sober you up is time, not caffeine, not a shower. [1]"

What does the FDA say? According to their website, the FDA permits 200 parts per million of caffeine in alcoholic drinks -- the same amount permitted in soft drinks. The FDA is currently performing further research on caffeine and alcohol, says Mitchell Cheeseman, deputy director of the FDA's office of food-additive safety [1].

Stock up on Sparks, just in case, my dear northwestern boo bear!

[1]. Kesmodel, David. Buzz Kill? Critics Target Alcohol-Caffeine Drinks. The Wall Street Journal. August 3, 2009.

Go garlic, go fresh!

You've probably heard garlic is great for your health. Yep! But does it matter if you consume garlic in the form of paste? Powder? Pill? Yes, it does.

A study by researchers at the University of Conneticut School of Medicine suggest that fresh-crushed garlic is best for cardiac benefits. Scientists prepared garlic slurries containing approximately 2 ounces of garlic (10-20 cloves) in about 12 ounces of water (1 1/2 cups). The first slurry contained fresh-crushed garlic while the other contained fresh-crushed which had been left out to dry for 2 days, allowing hydrogen sulfide and other volatile chemicals to dissipate [1].

The slurries were then fed to lab rats for 30 days. The rats were then sacrificed and their hearts were studied. The research (published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry) found that while both slurries did provide cardioprotective benefits, the hearts of the rats comsuming the fresh-crushed garlic has less damage and better recovery of blood flow.

So, with garlic...go fresh. And crush. Yummm!

[1]. Fountain, Henry. Garlic for a Healthy Heart? Go Fresh, Study Says. The New York Times. August 3, 2009.

Omega-3's: How much?

Depends on the research.

A new analysis could lead to a heated debate on omega-3's having its own recommended daily intake levels. Heart-protective benefits of fish oil have been discussed for centuries, but how much do we need? Some cardiologists would like to see an established RDA for omega-3's. Dr. Carl Lavie, medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans, advocates such. He recommends people consume at least 500 milligrams of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily. This recommendation was published in Monday's release of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Those with known cardiovascular disease should look to comsume 800-1,000 milligrams of EPA daily [1].

Dr. Steven Nissen, director of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, says that Dr. Lavie's recommended may be premature and that wide-spread usage of omega-3's does not have compelling evidence in support.

Dr. Robert Bonow paves the way by recommending an increase in fish oil and deems this "good advice" while explaining that the strongest results from fish oil usage are seen in those with pre-established heart disease.

Lavie's recommendation is largely supported by recent research involving 40,000 participants ranging in health status, which revealed a number of potential advantages to omega-3's. For example, in men who had recently experienced a heart attack, those consuming omega-3's were 29% more likely to be alive in two years than their counterparts.

Dr. Rubenfire, director of preventative cardiology at the University of Michigan, explains that he would like to see a "trial in the modern era in patients on other evidence-based treatments such as aspirin, [blood pressure] control, statin and non smoking" to confirm benefits of omega-3's [1]. Fabulous suggestion, in my opinion.

MOST importantly, consumers MUST understand that supplements are not regulated. Therefore, a 1,000 milligram "fish oil" capsule can contain as little as 300 milligrams of EPA+DHA. Buy supplements that are 3rd party tested and approved for use by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). These products may be hard to find, but they are available to consumers for purchase.

What does the boss say? Well, the American Heart Association is on board with omega-3's. The AHA's current recommendation includes 1,000 milligrams a day of combined DHA+EPA for those with confirmed coronary heart disease. For healthy adults, the AHA recommends consuming 500 milligrams a day, approximately the amount found in two servings of fatty fish a week [1]. Fatty fish include: salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, lake trout, and albacore tuna.

[1]. Peck, P. and Childs, D. Recommended Daily Dose for Omega-3's May Be On the Way. ABC News. August 4, 2009.

Obama and Healthcare Reform…

What does our president propose?

Well, firstly it’s important to understand that healthcare costs are the biggest driving force behind the federal deficit and thus, healthcare reform is Obama’s top legislative priority. Specifically, Obama is designing an overhaul to create a government-run insurance program to compete with private insurance programs in an effort to insure the 46 million uninsured Americans. With healthcare costs rising faster than inflation, the number of uninsured is guaranteed to climb without reform [1].

A recent Washington Post poll shows that public support for Obama’s healthcare reform has plummeted below 50% [1]. Big ouch. Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, said there were enough votes to pass the bill in the House. This count was later questioned by Boehner.

Obama is pushing for the bill’s first version to be passed in each chamber of Congress before the one-month August recess. Republicans want a delay [1]. The month-long break is sure charge opposition.

Please comment -- what are your thoughts on Obama's proposed healthcare plan?

[1]. Whitesides, John. Obama Says Healthcare Crucial for Economy. Reuters Health. July 22, 2009.

Breakfast done right!

While an overwhelming 90% of Americans think breakfast is the most important meal of the day, fewer than half consume breakfast on a regular basis, according to the Food Information Council. Breakfast is not only important…but unique...it sets the tone for the entire day – be it for the better or the worse [1].

There’s no “perfect” meal, as everyone has different nutritional needs. However, a good breakfast starts with a “moderate meal of mixed foods,” says Richard Mattes, a professor of food and nutrition at Purdue University [1]. What does THAT mean? Keep reading.

WORST: No breakfast at all. Not hungry in the morning? This makes sense. Your body slows down its metabolism throughout the night due to the prolonged fast. If you’re sleeping 8-9 hours like we all should, your body is going a long while without food, especially since we typically don’t eat LAST thing at night and FIRST thing in the morning. Those who skip breakfast are more likely to be over-weight and eat more calories and fat throughout the day says Susan Biali, a physician specializing in dietetics. If you’re one of those people that claims eating breakfast makes you hungrier throughout the day, you’re probably starting off your day with too much sugar. If it’s a choice between nothing or something bad (i.e. a donut)…go with the donut and limit it to one [1].

BAD: Coffee or tea only. Hydration and caffeine – not enough. You’ll likely end up over-consuming at lunch when you’re famished [1]. A simple piece of fruit in the mornings would go great with your hot liquids, don’t you think?

(Pretty) BAD: Coffee/tea + a donut = quick, easy, and yummy. The 90-minute boost will leave you crashing into sleep-mode before mid-morning has even hit. Same goes for sugary cereals and bagels. Such foods high in “simple sugars” cause your blood sugar to both rise and fall too quickly, leaving you needing more. Think juice is a great option? Wrong. Physician John LaPuma says, “Think of juices as desserts because ‘their sugar content hypes up your insulin level and craving for a real, gut-filling food'” [1].

BETTER: A bowl of low-sugar, high-fiber cereal with non-fat or low-far milk, banana, and whole wheat toast with jam and coffee. Look for cereals containing at least 3 grams of fiber and 10 grams of sugar or less per serving. Cheerios, Kashi GoLean, All Bran, or Fiber One are great options. If your cereal has a mascot, leave it on the shelf at the stores. Tony the Tiger provides you nothing GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!

BEST: A hard-boiled egg and a bowl of slow-cooking oatmeal topped with berries, walnuts, raisins, flax seeds or sunflower seeds with coffee or tea. THIS meal is a nutritional powerhouse and easy to do as you can prepare the oatmeal and egg ahead of time and have on-hand. The high-fiber / high-protein make-up of the meal help regulate blood sugar, and are much more satisfying during a long morning of work. The flax seed and walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3’s which are shown to reduce LDL-cholesterol (the bad kind), and also reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease. You can also add a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter or avocado for added healthy fats [1].

And how about Sunday brunch? Timothy Harlan, a professor of medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine says that a weekend "binge" isn’t likely going to have huge negative effects. He goes on to explain, “Eating healthy is all about balance. Sure, you can eat perfectly 21 meals a week and be healthier, but at what price? Having a large, friendly meal works for all of us on a social level that transcends the perfect diet. It’s the same with eating out.” Splurging on a meal every now and then is nothing to lose sleep over. Besides, the very term “brunch” translates into just 2 meals being consumed. Even if your brunch choices aren’t the best, you have one less meal contributing calories to your daily totals [1]. Sure sounds like Mr. Timothy is an "80-20" advocate in his own way, don't you think? ; )

Side note: I feel WAY better about the Sunday brunch Mark and I had with our friend Lena last weekend. It was DELICIOUS…and it did include a salad, for the record!

[1]. Deardorff, Julie. How To Eat Breakfast. Chicago Tribune. August 2, 2009.

7-Day Slim-Down

CNN Health may be on to something. I enjoyed their article, anyways. Here’s the scoop.

Sunday: Bite it, write it.

Keeping a food journal and recording your intake (everything you eat AND drink) certainly aids in accountability. Plus, Robert A. Charles, Ph.D. says you can expect to shed a whopping 5% of your body weight by adopting this habit [1]. Hey, 150-pound people out there…that’s nearly 8 pounds lost!

Monday: Take a multi-vitamin!

Two studies in the British Journal of Nutrition say that taking a multi-vitamin daily can help make you less hungry. Besides, those taking a multi-vitamin daily tend to weigh less and have lower BMI’s [1]. I’m sold on taking one!

Take a vitamin containing 100% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for: chromium, copper, folic acid, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, niacin, pathothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12 [1].

Tuesday: Circuit train the WHOLE body.

Circuit training burns more calories than traditional strength-training says Dr. Jim Stoppani, author of, “Encyclopedia of Muscle and Strength.” Strength-training is more effective due to the shorter rest periods between sets. Leave about 20 seconds between sets and aim for 3 sets [1].

Wednesday: C-up

The Journal of the American College of Nutrition supports research on the use of vitamin C in fat burning – up to 30% more efficiency when consuming 500 milligrams or more of vitamin C while working out [1]. Plus, it’s good for immune function and wound healing.

Vitamin C-packed foods include: papaya, red bell peppers, broccoli, brussel sprouts, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupe, kiwi, cauliflower, kale, parsley, and lemon juice.

Thursday: Grab a gab partner

Create a weight-loss network. Grab a friend and motivate one another to keep up an exercise routine and healthy habits [1]. Exercising with a friend can not only make the activity more enjoyable, but you’re more likely to keep up with the routine and stay consistent with your regimen.

Friday: Eat the rainbow

Cutting calories can be as simple as adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition [1]. Due to the fiber content and low caloric-density, filling up on fruits and vegetables (5-9 a day every day!) can help decrease the consumption of all other, more calorically dense foods. Challenge yourself to snack on fruits and vegetables only. You may learn to like it…or to at least love the results!

Saturday: Relax!

Ralph LaForge, exercise physiologist at Duke University Medical Center, explains that people make better food choices when they are relaxed. He adds, you’re less likely to suffer from hunger pains when you’re relaxed. Take a few moments to perform some deep breathing when hunger strikes – it may just reduce your instinct to eat or to help curb your appetite for awhile longer.

Try the above each day this week and see how it goes. I’m going to give it a go!

[1]. Rossi, Carey. One Week to a Slimmer You: Focus on the Little Things. CNN Health. July 28, 2009.

One RD's take on your failing diet...

Why does your diet fail? Lots of reasons, probably...

Reason 1: You follow the plan that worked for your friend.

There’s not ONE “right” diet…you have to do what works for YOU. Last year a study completed by the New England Journal of Medicine found that when compared, the Mediterranean diet, low-fat diets, and low-card diets all produced weight loss. Some say, "Pass the bread basket!" while others shout, "Give me the MEAT!" -- to each their own, and same goes with their diet.

Reason 2: You eat a small breakfast.

Check THIS out: one study including 94 women showed that eating a larger (610 calories!) breakfast produced more weight loss in women when compared with those consuming a smaller breakfast (290 calories!). How much of a difference, you ask? The big breakfast eaters lose an average of 40 pounds, while the nibblers lost a pathetic 10 pounds! For the record, I completely agree with this one! Bring on the breakfast - yum!

Reason 3: You’re clueless about calorie counting.

Yep, that’s right…they’re calling you out. Did you know that an additional 100 calories each day leads to a weight gain of 10+ pounds a year? That’s a glass of fat-free milk or slice of 2% cheese too much in a day. Ouch! Add on a can of regular pop for an afternoon caffeine jolt, and you can count on an excess 25 pounds a year. Eek! So, write down what you eat by keeping a food log. A 2008 study found that recording your intake can DOUBLE your weight-loss.

Reason 4: You skip meals.

Extending the time between standard meals by 4-5 hours to “save up” for a special occasion can cause you to consume substantially more. And, you’re more likely to choose less healthy options, too. What to do? Eat every 4 hours as to not set yourself up for disaster at your next meal.

Reason 5: You load up on superfoods.

Nuts, avocados, and dried fruits are healthy, right? Yep! But, those are superfoods that are extremely easy to over-indulge in. While they’re PACKED with nutrients, they’re also extremely calorically-dense – it doesn’t take much to get the benefit before you’ve gone over-board! Your body loves the healthy stuff, but losing weight boils down to consuming LESS calories than we need. The body doesn’t care whether the excess calories are coming from fruit or candy – excess calories will lead to excess pounds.

Reason 6: You’re canceling out the benefit of your workouts.

Workout to pig out? Not wise rationalization… unfortunately. We tend to under-estimate our intake while over-estimating the number burned during exercise (Psssst: DO NOT get duped into thinking the elliptical accurately measures the number of calories you burn!). To burn off that 1 slice of 2% cheese we talked about earlier, you would owe the treadmill another mile of running. And with that additional can a pop, an ANOTHER 1 ½-2 miles of running. Walking, biking, and other aerobics will cost you even more time working away. Reward hard work at the gym with something other than food. Manicures, anyone?

Reason 7: You watch what you eat Monday thru Friday only.

Splurges ought to be reasonable and the weekend need not bring your weight loss efforts to an entire 2-day hault. And if you go really over-board, you've undone the results of scheduled, predictable (and probably good!) eating patterns the work week brings. Plan your weekend and act accordingly. A weekend, every weekend, is not a right to binge! (Duly noted. I do love the weekends...)

Reason 8: You don't plan for stress.

Food is not a licensed therapist or source of entertainment -- it's fuel for our bodies. When you're having an emotional moment or a mental uprooting, think about the situation at hand and devise an appropriate means of dealing with the situation. The right response to stressful situations does not involve fast food, refrigerators, or ice cream. Stress happens...learn to cope without using food as an answer. It won't solve your problems, I assure you!

Ansel, Karen. 8 Reasons Your Diet Isn’t Working. Family Circle. August 2009.