Tags: diet, fruits, vegetables, Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers Unveils New Plan Posted on December 17th, 2010
Well halleluiah, finally Weight Watchers, diet behemoth has joined the 21st century! They’ve unveiled a plan that “allows” fruits and vegetables on their new “Points Plus” program. As a health educator and weight loss coach, I never could figure out the logic in the original “points plan” that gave people the choice between a piece of chocolate cake or a whole wheat muffin. Poor choices! Both will spike insulin, leave the body feeling hungry and wanting “more.” Now with the new system, fruits and vegetables are “points free.” People can eat an unlimited amount of fruits and vegetables, helping them to be healthier and stay full longer. The new formula is based on the amount of protein, fiber, carbohydrate and fat found in foods – a formula which takes into account that protein and fiber are important for that “feel full” feeling, thus warding off hunger.
Well, I could have told you that. I’ve been running successful weight loss programs for years. What makes a dieter fail? Deprivation, stringent rules, calorie counting (sorry – it doesn’t work) and constant insulin spikes which initiate a craving response. If you want to help people to lose weight, keep them full. Hunger is a natural body response. If you’re hungry you won’t adhere to a weight loss plan – pure and simple.
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/food/diet-nutrition/2010-12-13-weightwatchersfollo13_ST_N.htm
Tags: childhood obesity, diet, food, Jamie Oliver
Renegade Chef Tackles School Food Programs Posted on March 27th, 2010
Finally a voice of reason in a sea of poor food choices. Renegade British chef Jamie Oliver has the gumption to tackle America’s school food program. Oliver whose voice sounds like the adorable Geiko frog, does not mince words when he sheds light on the “slop” that is served on the lunch trays of the next generation of America’s Most Talented – our future leaders, movers and shakers – our kids! Oliver has taken it upon himself to change the way America eats. His new reality show Food Revolution is going to rock a few boats. Shocking statistics show that Huntington West Virginia has the highest obesity rate in the country. Oliver, slams what the typical American Mom is serving at home. Plus he challenges the usual lunch room fare – pizza, corn dogs, mac and cheese and yes – MILK – my bête noir and common allergen for most kids. Oliver put the focus on fresh ingredients and nutritious foods – freshly prepared. Jamie Oliver will be successful because he nailed the issue. The foods that we eat reflect our level of respect. He points out the current junk our kids consume indicates a lack of respect by parents and school nutritionists – in effect “child abuse.” According to Oliver a prisoner in a jail cell is given more nutritious foods than today’s kids. Bottom line: Respect your children and feed them foods that will build body and brain to create a generation of winners – not losers.
Tags: Add new tag, blood sugar, diet, food sensitivity
Toll House Cookies Making People Sick Posted on June 24th, 2009
Seems large food giant Nestle is having a few problems. A large number of people have developed e-coli as a result of eating raw toll house cookie dough. I could have told you so. Any substance containing eggs needs to be carefully prepared and kept refrigerated at all times. As a child I remember my family attending a summer picnic and cookout. A number of people came down with food poisoning. My father who was a doctor figured the suspect was potato salad. Eggs and mayo are two key ingredients in potato salad and on a warm sunny afternoon make the perfect breeding ground for e-coli or food poisoning, or just a tummy ache. If you’re going to a pot luck or backyard barbeque, steer clear of the potato salad.
Now back to the toll house cookies. Who doesn’t like cookie dough? Smooth and crunchy with those chocolate chops and walnuts peppered throughout the creamy mixture. In the old days, I must have consumed quarts of the stuff. Now I know better. Food allergies and blood sugar handling issues makes me steer clear of all kinds of cookies. They neither call to me nor take their “toll” on my system. Check out my June, 2009 newsletter which contains a great recipe for almond flour cookies with crunchy walnuts and just a bite of ginger.
Tags: allergic, diet, food sensitivity, Kirstie Alley, Oprah, weight loss
Kirstie Alley Has Regained All the Weight Posted on May 17th, 2009
Recent show on Oprah – Kirstie Alley had regained all the weight that she’s lost in 2007.
I could have to told you so. I wrote about Kirstie in my best selling book: The Body Knows Diet – Cracking the Weight Loss Code.
In my opinion Kirstie Alley is intolerant or allergic to common foods – especially the ones she eats frequently. It doesn’t matter that she is the spokes person for a well-known weight loss center. If she consumes foods to which she is sensitive, intolerant or allergic, she WILL gain weight. Alas after she left the controlled conditions of the diet facility all her weight returned and then some.
Weight gain is related to multiple sensitivities to common foods, an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract hence uncontrollable cravings, high carbohydrate consumption plus imbalanced hormones. Not enough exercise is a factor too. Kristie, get with the program ~ I would love to guide you with permanent weight loss.