HealthTip: Short-Term Gains Vs. Long-Term Harm? Which Will You Choose?

Are you struggling with controlling your weight?
It is important to know that popular or "fad diets" aren't usually the best or healthiest ways to loose weight and keep it off. Diets that promise quick weight loss by drastically changing or limiting foods are difficult to follow, can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies, and are often unsuccessful. It is recommended to loose 0.5 to 2 pounds per week through healthy food choices, portion control, and adding more physical activity into your life. If these suggestions become part of your everyday routine, they can lead to a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure later in life!

Want more information? Take a look at the Weight Control Information Network at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/myths.htm and always consult your physician before making major changes to your diet.

Did Someone Say Cookie-monster?

When it comes to cookies, you can call me a cookie-monster. This all-time favorite snack haunts and tempts me on stressful, long days. So why not try to change this indulgent snack into something healthier that you can have more often? These beauties were an experiment I tried tonight. I found a basic "healthy cookie" recipe on allrecipes.com and adapted it to what I had in my cupboard. I've never properly measured anything for this recipe, and it always seems to turn out! So good luck with your power cookies!
I usually start with 1-2 mashed bananas in 1/4 cup oil, add approximately 2 cups rolled oats, then add millet, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, dried fruit (raisins, cherries, blueberries, cranberries), chopped walnuts, and almonds. I use 1-2 eggs, depending on what I have at home to help the mixture bind together, 1/3tsp of baking soda, 1/3tsp baking powder, ~1/4c whole wheat flour, cinnamon, ground cloves, and dark chocolate chips.
Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, form into cookies using a spoon and your hand onto a baking sheet and bake at 350-370F for 10-15 minutes.
These cookies satisfy my sweet tooth while the dried fruit, seeds, millet, and oats provide fiber to keep me feeling full for longer- this way I won't eat the entire batch when they come out of the oven!

If you're a cookie-monster too, try experimenting with your cookie recipes to increase fiber, replace part of the fat and sugar, but still include the things you love!

HealthTip: Cash or Credit?

Are you trying to eat more nutritiously?
A new study investigated if the type of payment shoppers used at the grocery store affected the type of food they purchased. They found that those paying with debit or credit were more likely to purchase unhealthy foods ("impulse buys" e.g. throwing candy or cookies into the shopping cart without a second thought) than those who paid with cash. The process of handing over cash may prevent impulse purchases because it could be more psychologically painful to pay with cash than to swipe a plastic card!
So, if you're trying to be more aware of what you buy at the grocery store, try paying with cash and see if this little trick helps!

Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/cash_credit_102810.html

What is a Nutrition Facts Table Anyway?

A nutrition facts table (NFACTS table) is present on most packaged products and contains information about 13 specific nutrients. When comparing 2 similar products while looking at the NFACTS table, compare key ingredients such as trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and sugar. Try to choose foods lower in these ingredients. Be sure to take a look at the serving size too, as these amounts can differ between products.

Want more info? Take a look at Health Canada's reliable website!
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/nutrition/cons/index-eng.php

HealthTip: A Fact About Fats

Did you know that not all fats are bad for you?! The ones that can harm your body over time are called saturated and trans fats. These fats are usually solid at room temperature and can clog arteries (blood vessels leading to the heart). Unsaturated fatty acids containing omega 3 and omega 6 are what your body needs! So try some healthy fat by grabbing a hand-full of walnuts in the morning before you run out the door, slicing some avocado into your sandwich for lunch, or sprinkling some toasted sunflower seeds onto a salad or in your oatmeal in the morning!

If you have any health questions, feel free to ask and I'll do some research on your behalf.
Thanks for coming by!