Are you dieting?
Believe it or not, most people are not on a diet these days. Instead the focus has switched to healthy eating. A new market study shows most people are turning away from “extreme” diets and focusing on long-term weight management. Here are the percents:
Today 10 years ago
29% of women are on a diet 35%
19% of men are on a diet 23%
I am also surprised to see how the definition of a “healthy weight” has shifted. Sixty-two percent say a healthy weight is when you physically feel good, while 27% say a healthy weight means staying within a small ideal weight range.
This is a great opportunity for me to plug my weight loss programs which focusing on healthy eating for the long term, not a short term diet for results. If this is your type of thinking, I welcome you to check out the Balance Program and Mini Diet Makeover I offer to help you lose weight the healthy way. Also, subscribers to The Heart of Health ezine will be receiving a discount coupon code to start the new year off right.
So, where do you fall? Are you sticking with the “diet” mentality? If so, why? Or, have you moved into healthy eating for the long-term?
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
eNutritionServices
Reduce Heart Disease with Glucomannan
Have you heard of glucomannan? Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber. Research has shown that for every 1-2 grams of daily soluble fiber intake, LDL (bad) cholesterol is lowered 1%. Check out this post from Janie Ellington to learn more about glucomannan and how it reduces heart disease risk:
Benefits of Glucomannan Against Risk Factors for Heart Disease
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
eNutritionServices
I Say Yes!
I recently stumbled across a great campaign titled “I Say Yes!” I like the concept and want to share it with you. Here a quick summary and link to where you can learn more if you want to participate.
It is time for people to start saying YES to life. The “I say YES” campaign is on a mission to inspire people to think, act, and feel differently in their daily lives. If you have ever wanted to leap out of bed in the morning, than you need to join us today and participate in this movement. Let’s move away from hurt, struggling and negativity and move into empowerment, courage and gratitude.
The “I say YES to the Universe” campaign is for many types of people. It is for anyone who has ever questioned why they were here, what they were really supposed to do with their life, and who have often wondered if working a 9-5 job is all that there is to life.
Saying YES to life will open your heart up to receive inspiration on the things you should be doing, will encourage you to start serving others and giving back to the world.
“I am on a mission to change the way we think, act, and feel in our daily lives. Many people are so unhappy with their life and they do not know what to do about it. I am here to get people to start saying YES to life, to get them inspired and empowered, and have them start living a life that is juicy, delicious and rich in all ways” says Andrea Costantine.
The official campaign will end on December 31st, but the mission will continue. This is just the beginning of a shift that people are craving and starving for. If you are wondering if there is more to life, there is. People can participate in the campaign by visiting www.i-say-yes.com and purchasing a reminder button and receiving over $1000 in free bonuses to help them start saying YES immediately.
Together we can make a difference. Learn more by visiting www.i-say-yes.com.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
eNutritionServices
Lower Blood Pressure for Mother’s
A recent study examined the long-term effects of pregnancy on blood pressure. Over 2300 women between the ages of 18-30 years-old were tested pre-pregnancy and then periodically between 2-20 years post-pregnancy.
The study found systolic blood pressure to be reduced 2.06 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure 1.50 mm Hg lower after one birth versus women that did not have a child.
Factors such as smoking, medications, birth control, and weight gain were taken into account, but some key factors were not (such as salt intake). So, while the study was not ideal, it does show a promising link between pregnancy and altered endothelial (blood vessel lining) function. I’m sure we’ll learn more about the relationship between pregnancy and long-term blood pressure effects as more studies are completed. Until then it’s good to know there are some potential benefits to help counteract the negatives – increased waist line and reduced HDL good cholesterol.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
eNutritionServices
Technology to Reduce Childhood Obesity
The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior published a study last month (Nov. 2008) to determine the effectiveness of text messaging versus traditional paper diaries in children 5-13 years-old. The study found greater compliance (28% attrition) with follow-up when children used text messaging versus paper diaries (61% attrition).
I am all for using the cell phones and other “gadgets” young children run around with these days as a tool to reduce the growing childhood obesity epidemic!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
eNutritionServices
Reduce Brain Damage by Eating Fish
If you eat fish three or more times a week, studies find your risk of developing dementia and stroke to be reduced.
The Cardiovascular Health Study examined over 3600 participants over the age of 65. The study focused on “silent brain death”. Silent brain death occurs when small areas within the brain die due to lack of oxygen, but the individual shows no symptoms of this occurring. Individuals who eat fish regularly had a 26% reduction in silent brain death.
The protective benefit may be related to omega 3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA. The results were seen when fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon. There was no positive benefit from eating fried fish, such as fish sticks made from fish low in omega 3’s.
On the plus side for those who dislike fish or won’t prepare it three times a week. Eating fish once a week reduced silent brain death 7%. Also, using a supplement to increase omega 3 fatty acids in your diet is an option.
Be sure to discuss all supplements with your MD!
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
eNutritionServices
