5 Mindless Habits that Can Add 6.5 Pounds Guest Blogger: Michelle J. Stewart RD, LD/N

1. Cocktail Hour. The evening ritual of a frozen margarita or Pina Colada may seem like a harmless and well deserved treat after a long day, but be warned these cocktails can really add up. An 8 ounce frozen margarita will pack in approximately 300 calories and an 8 oz Pina Colada is almost 450 calories! If you drink one of these beverages three times a week you could easily gain two pounds in a month.

2. Eating from the “Bag”. The simple act of mindlessly eating your favorite chips or crackers while watching TV, reading a book, or hanging out with friend can easily add 300 - 500 calories in a sitting. A one ounce serving of corn chips is equivalent to 12 chips and 150 calories. It is not uncommon for someone to eat two to three times that amount while unconsciously eating from the bag. Munching from the bag two to three times a week could easily add one pound over a four week period. To combat this behavior, start by portioning out a serving of chips on a plate and leave the bag in the pantry.

3. Cleaning the Kids Plate. Cleaning your child’s plate by eating their “leftovers” can really add up. On average every extra bite of food will be approximately 25 calories. If you think that you eat two bites off of your kids plate, three times a day, seven days a week, this could add up to one pound over four weeks. 

4. Ordering In or Dining Out. Busy summer days can leave one tired and un-inspired to cook, which often leads to ordering in or dining out. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a meal out or taking a night off from kitchen duties and ordering take out, if you are not aware of the choices being made the calories can really add up. Not only are restaurant meals known for their large portion sizes, but they usually have higher fat and sodium content than the home cooked version. For example, a traditional chinese dinner of Broccoli and Chicken with 1 cup of rice is approximately 750 calories, compared to a homemade version will be approximately 400 calories. Do this three times a week and this could easily add up to 1 - 2 pounds a month. 

5. Self Serve Treats. Frozen yogurt can make a delightful summer afternoon treat, and when reading the nutrition facts it appears to be a sensible choice when it comes to choosing a healthy food. However, the deception of frozen yogurt lies in the portion of self serve cups. A “serving size” is 4 ounces and can range between 80 - 130 calories. However a “small” serve serve cup at most of the popular frozen yogurt chains will be approximately 16 ounces, and a large cup can run up to 32 ounces. Fill your cup to the brim (or even half way) and you are in for a high calorie treat. Your 80 - 130 calorie “small” treat can easily turn into a 320 - 520 calorie meal...and this is before toppings! Indulge in self serve frozen treats 3 times a week and you could gain 1.5 pounds over the course of a month.

To summarize how these small “mindless” acts of eating can add up check the above graphic!

Michelle J. Stewart RD, LD/N 

Michelle J. Stewart is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and better known as The Nutrition Planner. Founder of Michelle Stewart Consulting & Associates who has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. Michelle is a Certified Diabetes Educator, and also holds certifications in Adult, Adolescent, and Childhood Obesity and is a Certified Wellness Coach. A Master’s In Public Health keeps her abreast of the latest health concerns and on the cutting edge of intervention. Focusing on aging and longevity with a holistic approach to living your best life is her pathway to inner peace and happiness.

You can learn more about Michelle's services by connecting to the following addresses.

Website. The Nutrition Planner
Facebook. The Nutrition Planner

Twitter. Michelle Stewart

Poor Dentition and Vegetable Choices

A lack of fresh vegetables related to poor dentition, dental disease, mouth ulcers or infections can lead to nutrition deficiencies.

Two years ago, I lost the majority of my teeth and the ability to eat most raw fruits and vegetables. I tolerated ice cream, baby foods, and over-cooked mushy vegetables. I knew I had to make a change.

Below is my AV (any vegetables) Gazpacho. On the left are some of the raw ingredients: bell peppers, scallions, not shown - Romaine lettuce and low sodium tomato juice. To enhance the presentation, I included bell pepper flowers.

“The presentation of food should stimulate the palate, excite the senses, and nourish the body.” -Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND

It's not the same as munching on a fresh carrot or crunching on celery. However, the AV Gazpacho is flavorful, high in fiber, eliminates wasting vegetables and I never make it the same way twice. 

I start off with two cups of low sodium tomato juice (related to high blood pressure) and add one to two cups of chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, kale, lettuce, onions, spinach, squash, and tomatoes. This makes two servings.

The AV Gazpacho will meet your vegetable requirements and appeal to your senses.


Nutrition Information based on the following ingredients:
2 cups Tomato Juice, low sodium
1 cup Bell Peppers, chopped
1/4 cup Scallions, chopped
3/4 cup Romaine Lettuce, chopped

Blenderize until you achieve a consistency tolerated.
Yield: 2 servings

May, Older Americans Month. Age is just a number when it comes to health and good nutrition can keep us young.

Older Americans Month, Getting older is inevitable. Aging is not. Nutrient-dense foods.

April 26, National Pretzel Day Joins National Dance Week

Pretzel Dips

Nutrition Information

Pretzel Recipe: Pizza Pretzel with

Pasta Sauce

In 2003, Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell declares April 26 National Pretzel Day to acknowledge the importance of the pretzel to the state's history and economy.

Enjoy a pretzel while getting some exercise
Alex Wong from FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance"
choreographed a Pretzel Dance for Auntie Anne's in
honor of National Pretzel Day and
National Dance Week ( April 24 - May 3, 2015).

A Brief History Of The Pretzel,

presented by Synder's of Hanover

Today, the popular advertisement words

are Sustainability or Renewable.



Meatless Monday: Yellow Squash with Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, and Tabouli Salad

Ingredients
1 Yellow Squash, cut into strands
1 Tomato, diced

1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
4 Tbsp Tabouli Salad

Directions

1. Combine squash, tomato, and bell pepper.
2. Top with Tabouli Salad

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Analysis Services

Purchasing nutrient analysis software and learning how to use the program is only useful if you have the knowledge to convert “as purchased” ingredients to the “edible portion.” Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrient information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN at recipenews@gmail.com

National Nutrition Month and Beyond Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The March 2015 theme for National Nutrition Month® is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.” 

The theme encourages everyone to explore new foods and flavors, keeping taste and nutrition on your plate at every meal. During the month of March, we looked at the many foods and combinations that contribute to "Biting into a Healthy Lifestyle" I hope you will take the information presented and use it year round.

Resources

Visit the Academy’s website to view a library of recipes designed to help you "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle."

As part of this public education campaign, the Academy’s National Nutrition Month website includes a variety of helpful tips, games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition based on the "Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle" theme.

###

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

March 30, Jeopardy celebrates its Anniversary with Healthy Foods

Jeopardy first premiered on March 30, 1964 on NBC. To celebrate Jeopardy's anniversary and National Nutrition Month, some healthy foods got together to compete.

Lucille Beseler welcomes Vicki Hatch MS, RDN, LDN, CDE to Family Nutrition Center of South Florida.

Meet Vicki Ellis Hatch MS,RDN,LDN,CDE at the Hallandale Beach location of Family Nutrition Center of South Florida

VICKI ELLIS HATCH is a Nutrition, Healthcare and Fitness Expert and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 25 years of experience leading clients to improved clinical and lifestyle outcomes.

A native to Miami Beach, Florida, Vicki has been involved with sports and nutrition her whole life. Her first career was that of a tennis professional. She played and ​competed in junior tennis in Florida and throughout the United States; then received a four year scholarship to play tennis for the University of Texas at Austin. She competed professionally on the women’s tennis circuit, and then became the Director of Tennis at many luxurious tennis clubs in South Florida. Vicki also coached at the University of Texas at Austin, where she led the Texas Lady Longhorn Tennis team to capture two (2) national collegiate NCAA Division I Championship titles.

For the last 20 plus years, Vicki has taken her game indoors as a Registered Licensed Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in private practice in the Aventura area. She also has a well-rounded clinical background in the hospital settings: Aventura Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Memorial Healthcare System as a dietitian and Clinical Nutrition Manager. Vicki specializes in pediatric, teen, adult, and geriatric populations, with expertise in areas of Diabetes, Weight Management, Gastrointestinal Health, Sports Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Cardiovascular disease/Cholesterol management, Renal Disease, Healthy Pregnancy Outcomes, and Corporate Health.

She spends a great deal of time helping patients to organize their busy lifestyles, as well as sifting through the myriad of nutrition and health information, educating and guiding her patients- in a safe, healthy and productive environment that provide solutions and produce results. Vicki truly enjoys speaking and motivating. She has inspired many- both young and old. She has provided talks on Nutrition and Health at major corporations, works year round with children’s groups to promote healthy eating and healthy minds for young people, has been quoted and published in the Miami Herald, and on local television networks and radio.

As part of Family Nutrition Center of South Florida, Vicki’s office is located in our Hallandale Beach location. She provides Medical Nutrition Therapy and continued support to patients worldwide via face to face visits, and online and telephonic communication. If you would like to achieve healthy outcomes of weight management, normalized blood sugars, decreased use of medications, effective exercise regimens, improved feelings of well being via nutrition and exercise- even completing your first marathon , you have come to the right place!

She will personalize a Medical Nutrition Therapy program for you and/or your family- specific to your nutrition and medical needs. Vicki will provide all the education, motivation, and behavior modification systems for you to succeed at making lifestyle changes to achieve all of your health goals. English / Spanish spoken.

Vicki Hatch MS,RDN,LDN,CDE
126 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard
Hallandale, Florida 33009
954.840.7296

Statement From Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation On New ‘Kids Eat Right’ Nutrition Education Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Kids Eat Right initiative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is collaborating on a nutrition education campaign to raise awareness that the diets of America’s kids are lacking in three important components– dairy, calcium and vitamin D.

As part of this nutrition education initiative, the Kids Eat Right logo will appear on KRAFT Singles packaging, identifying the brand as a “proud supporter” of Kids Eat Right and encouraging parents to visit www.KidsEatRight.org/cheesyfacts for tips to help kids get more vitamin D and calcium.

Contrary to recent published reports, this collaboration does not constitute any endorsement or nutritional seal of approval by the Academy, its Foundation or Kids Eat Right. The Academy Foundation does not endorse any products, brands or services. The Kids Eat Right logo on KRAFT Singles packaging identifies the brand as a proud supporter of Kids Eat Right. It also serves to drive broader visibility to www.KidsEatRight.org, a trusted educational resource for consumers.

The Academy and our Foundation deeply appreciate all supporters of Kids Eat Right, including KRAFT Singles, in raising awareness of the nutrient deficiencies in our children’s diets and finding solutions to overcome them. This collaboration aligns with the purpose of Kids Eat Right to provide nutrition information and resources, both directly to the public and through registered dietitian nutritionists who work with schools and communities to improve kids’ healthy eating and lifestyle practices.

In the coming months, Kids Eat Right will be releasing more information on the new collaboration including web content and kid-friendly recipes.

###

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity devoted exclusively to nutrition and dietetics. It funds scholarships and awards, public awareness and research projects and the Academy strategic initiatives, and is the largest provider of scholarships and awards in the field of dietetics. The Foundation’s mission is advancing public health and nutrition utilizing the expertise of registered dietitians. Visit the Academy Foundation at www.eatright.org/foundation.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - Tomorrow the last day to Exercise Your Right to Vote

The Academy has provided a map of the Overall State Affiliate Voting.  

 http://elections.webauthor.com/elections/states.cfm

With a group so large and critical issues facing our profession, I would expect more people to be involved. I want to personally encourage each of you to vote in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Elections. The polls are open now and will stay open until February 22^nd.  It takes only a FEW minutes to make a difference in the association.  Click here to vote. http://elections.webauthor.com/elections/vote.cfm?

Please consider Lucille Beseler for President-Elect. I have known her for years and I am personally supporting her in this election:

I have worked with Lucille and learned a great deal from her.   She is a true leader and will serve the association well.  Below is a Colleague letter that provides you some insight into her skills and abilities.

Dear Colleague:

As a practicing RDN, business woman, and entrepreneur, I am always looking for new opportunities where I can take the lead to help our profession showcase our knowledge, skills, and talents, as well as the difference we can make in peoples’ lives. My business ventures over the past 24 years prove that I am capable of this as I have built a thriving private practice that has created job opportunities for many RDN’s in the state of Florida. My business also has processed over 45,000 insurance claims and has earned me the reputation of being a leading expert on nutrition reimbursement. In many ways, I have been a successful trailblazer in our profession, which is why I am excited to have the opportunity to provide leadership to the Academy as its next President.

Compensation for our services has not kept pace with other health professions. We need to determine why this is and how we can change it. We have the power to create a more positive perception of the RDN, and NDTR. As president, I plan to work diligently on branding the RDN and NDTR.

Our broken healthcare system is looking for new innovations to improve outcomes. Nutrition is the cornerstone of wellness and prevention. This is our time to seize opportunities to showcase our ability to improve health and lower health costs. This will create meaningful work for our colleagues. I want to lead our members during this time, but I need an engaged membership to do so. I believe I have the ability to motivate and prompt RDNs and NDTRs to become more engaged because of my energy, vision, and passion.

In accordance with the Academy campaign rules you may personally endorse me but not as an Academy leader. Getting the vote out is most important as only 7% of the membership voted last year. Voting parties or setting up voting at district meetings or workplaces can help get the vote out.

In conclusion, I feel strongly about the following issues and will focus my efforts on:
* Branding the RDN/NDTR
* Improving reimbursement for services
* Influencing the creation of new job opportunities
* More at http://www.lucillebeseler.com/

My years of experience and success in business give me the confidence to be your heels-on-the-ground candidate. Remember, voting matters. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lucille

The Food Label Detective: Case. Mini Potato Pancakes, frozen; Manischewitz

The first statement I noticed was the 10 pancakes; then 2 pancakes per container. I was always an excellent math student and this did not add up. It should be 10 servings; unless there is a new math I'm not aware of.

Recommendations. 

1. Manischewitz. You should consider rewriting your label to reflect what is actually in the box.
2. For individuals with special dietary needs, I would hold off using this product until they can verify the nutrition information.

Below is the cooked version of the Mini Potato Pancakes.
The two pancakes weighed 63 grams (prior to cooking.) 

The label above states they should weigh 28 grams.* 

Each pancake measured about 2-inches x 2.25-inches.

*21 CFR 101.9(b)(10)(iii) 

The serving size and servings per container is based on the amount of the product as packaged or purchased needed to make the RACC (Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed) of the prepared product (required). A second column of nutrition information based on the "as prepared" basis may also be presented (optional).

Clearly this label does not provide nutrition information "as prepared." Guesstimated calories of two prepared pancakes using canola oil is about 100 to 125 calories. 

Edible Art E-Cards to Benefit the Environment and Employee Special Need Adults

The Wellness Calendar and eCards are projects created by people with Special Abilities. Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Due to the increased cost of postage our wellness calendar and eCards will be provided only through the Internet. The services are free, however we welcome donations via Paypal. Monies donated will be used to provide employment opportunities to special need adults. 

Sample eCards

To view our eCards collection, go to
 http://weighing-success.com/greetings/

Customized eCards are available. For Customized eCards contact, Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RDN, LN at recipenews@gmail.com.
 

To learn more about the Wellness Calendar,
visit http://weighing-success.com/calendar.html

Please make a donation.

Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday.

Sandra and Jake.

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN
Jake Frank
John Gargiullo

Michelle Canazaro

Nutritional Analysis Detective Epicurious, Gourmet: Baked Flounder Fillets in Lemon-Soy Vinaigrette

Epicurious, Gourmet: 

Baked Flounder Fillets in Lemon-Soy Vinaigrette

Comparison

The recipe requires you purchase two raw 6-ounce flounder fillets. However, when analyzing the recipe you must take into consideration cooking. Epicurious, Gourmet analyzed the recipe using two 6-ounce flounder fillets cooked; this resulted in an inaccurate analysis.

Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and 25 years experience. A great service for the Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-796-7235

Proud to Love Cooking! - The Kid's Dietitian

Blogger, Lucille Beseler MS, RDN, LDN, CDE - The Kid’s Dietitian

The launching of my new web site “the Kid’s Dietitian” has been an exciting project.  Our team has been working hard to create a site for families to nurture good nutrition.  Childhood obesity remains a significant problem for our youth.  Obesity in Adults is at an all time high leading to heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.  We hope to provide education that leads to individual change.  Our web site will have a collection of articles, tips and recipes.  Yes, recipes because we are starting a movement “Proud to LOVE cooking.”

Over the last 23 years of practice I have seen thousands of clients and their families and often I am told I hate to cook or one noted client told me “I do not do the cooking thing.”

So when did cooking become a skill that we should be ashamed to have.  Goodness with all the cooking shows on TV one would think American cooks but we don’t.  Our children have grown up taking boxes out of the freezer and putting those boxes in another box called a microwave.  Then they get to eat out of a plastic tray! UGH…

No wonder supermarkets and restaurant selling “natural and organic” food are at an all-time popularity.  Our children and adults are longing for wholesome, healthy food, and quasi home cooked.

 

I am not ashamed to say I love to cook for 1 or 20.  I have been cooking since I was 5 years old alongside my Grandfather.  I had a stool that would get me to the counter and we would cook together, exploring spices and herbs, cleaning vegetables, trimming meat and fish.  I never cut myself because he was there watching out for me! He taught me respect for good fresh food and being a cooking family Mom jump in on my cooking education after work or on the weekends.  The idea was if you like to eat then you should like to cook.  This does not mean you have to make 2 hour gourmet meals but having good basic skills can help you get a meal to the table in less than 30 minutes.  We all have 30 minutes to ensure a great meal gets to the table. Teach your children basic cooking skills. It will help the whole family as they can do some prep work to help get that meal on the table. 

Hope you will join me in our movement - Proud to love cooking! Subscribe at The Kid's Dietitian.

Lucille

Lucille Beseler MS, RDN, LDN, CDE - The Kid’s Dietitian
Website.  The Kid's Dietitian
Facebook. Family Nutrition Center of South Florida

Twitter.  Kid's Dietitian

Don’t leave money on the table - Why you should hire a billing company

I have had a private practice for 23 years and now a billing company for RDN’s – Bill it mnt .   I was able to meet many RDN’s that came over to our booth at the FNCE Marketplace.  It was interesting to hear their stories on billing.    The decision to hire a billing company or the software you use should be based on your unique practice.  If one has a small boutique type practice and sees less than 4 clients per day it maybe more cost effective to do your own claims.  On the other hand if you have a full time busy practice (7-10 clients per day) when are you going to have the time to do billing? 

Important questions to consider:

• How valuable is your time? Billing is time consuming when you look beyond filling out claim forms.  The claim form needs to be filled out and submitted in a timely fashion or it will be denied.  Once you complete the claim form and submit it tracking payment and denials is just as important and takes time.

• How much money are you going to leave on the table because you cannot chase denied claims or submit them in a timely fashion?  Many RDN’s are losing  $$ above the cost of doing business for this reason.  Many RDN’s told me the amount of money they are losing which was staggering.  One RDN told me she has 1 year of denied claims to settle. You are not in business to lose money.  Paying a company to do your billing will save you money otherwise don a blue coat and consider yourself a volunteer.

• Will adding more hours to your day doing billing impact on your quality of life causing burnout? 

• It is more profitable to see more clients and leave the billing to someone else – a staff member or an outside contractor?

If you want your practice to grow do what you do best while generating more income- see clients!

Free up your time and do more marketing to get more clients in the door!

To learn more visit:

Bill It mnt

Bill it mnt on Facebook

The Simple Life... When Apples and Blackberries Were Only Fruits

The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) provided Free Apples and Blackberries to encourage healthy snacking. The technology college students are addicted to and the need for something healthy inspired the event. Students received free antioxidants, fiber and vitamins from the fruits instead of actual cell phones, while they learned the importance of healthy nutritional habits.

 

“What surprised me the most was that when other clubs give out free pizza, there is a line around the corner, but if you give out free fruits, you really have to market it well. It was a very eye catching, clever idea.”    - Megan Huard

"It’s a great idea that an association is giving out healthy snacks. I was tricked by the advertisement and thought they were giving some kind of phones. At the end, I learned about the benefits of apples and blackberries."   - Mario Garcia

"This was a great opportunity for nutrition education; it was great to see so many students interested in learning more about the benefits of these fruits and about our association."  - Marcela Lucena

The SDA at FIU is dedicated to making the world healthier, one plate at a time. Through on and off campus activities, they serve the community and fellow students as they teach the importance and benefits of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Bill It! mnt - Billing for RDN's by a RDN. We know your business - it's our business too.

Dear Colleagues:

Lucille Beseler MS, RDN, LDN, CDE President of Family Nutrition Center of South Florida is proud to announce the launching of  Bill it! mnt.

Bill it! mnt is a billing and practice management company designed for the RDN by a RDN!

Our goal is to simplify business for nutrition professionals to ensure their success!  Bill it! mnt  processes claims for Medicare and other payors.

We provide an array of services including:

•          Medicare application completion

•          Obtain NPI numbers

•          Contract negotiations

•          Accounting and Payroll services are available

INSURANCE BILLING

•          Create and submit claims

•          Manage denials and rejections

•          We make sure you get what you are owed

If you or a colleague has a small practice and is unable to hire billing staff? Don’t spend your valuable time doing billing. Your time is valuable, let the professionals do the billing and get your money fast. We know your business, it’s our business too! 

For more information, visit  www.billitmnt.com

Contact:

Lucille Beseler MS, RDN, LDN, CDE
Bill It! mnt, a subsidiary of Family Nutrition Center of South Florida

5350 W. Hillsboro Blvd. #105
Coconut Creek, Fl. 33073
954-360-7883
billitmnt@bellsouth.net

Facebook. Bill It! mnt

Kids Eat Right Month - Easy Breakfasts for Kids to Make

To learn more, visit Kids Eat Right at http://bit.ly/Kh7F7Z

August is Kids Eat Right Month, a new nutrition education, information sharing and action campaign created by Kids Eat Right, an initiative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Foundation.

Kids Eat Right Month Spotlights ‘Hungry-Overweight Paradox’

FOR RELEASE JULY 17, 2014

 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Encourages Policies 

that Provide Consistent Access to Nutrient-rich Food

CHICAGO – It may seem like a contradiction, but millions of American children are both hungry and overweight. During Kids Eat Right Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spotlights the “hungry yet overweight paradox” and ways to ensure children meet their nutrient requirements and maintain a healthy weight.

“Kids Eat Right Month provides us with a valuable opportunity to shed light on one of the most serious social and health issues related to childhood obesity – the ‘hungry yet overweight paradox’ of food insecurity that threatens the health of the nation’s children,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Angela Lemond.

Kids Eat Right Month focuses on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles for children and families, featuring expert advice from registered dietitian nutritionists. The Kids Eat Right initiative, created in 2010 by the Academy and its charitable Foundation, offers resources and information for Academy members and the public to encourage nutritious, healthful eating among children and families.

More than one in five kids lives in a food-insecure household, meaning their family’s income doesn’t allow for consistent access to food. “Meanwhile, a child can look overweight while still being hungry for nutrients because limited income leads to a trade-off between food quantity and food quality,” Lemond says.

“Individuals and families experiencing food insecurity often experience periods of time when they have full pantries, followed by periods without. When food is available, many children eat a healthy and steady diet, though some may overeat due to fear of lacking food in the future. When food is not available, children’s diets may be minimal or they may have to skip meals altogether. These wide swings in calorie consumption affect their metabolism and promote fat storage,” Lemond says.

The hungry-overweight paradox leads to serious, long-term health consequences. Children who are food-insecure are more likely to have iron deficiency, asthma, delayed cognitive development, increased stomachaches, headaches, colds and increased fatigue. “To successfully address the hungry-overweight paradox, the Academy supports programs and practices that combat hunger and malnutrition, encourage food security, promote self-sufficiency, educate consumers and health professionals, and are environmentally and economically sustainable,” Lemond says.

“Long-term, lasting solutions to the hungry-overweight paradox must include research, innovative and creative initiatives that show children and adults alike the benefits of good nutrition, and improving access to nutritious food for all people,” she says. 

Registered dietitian nutritionists help in developing school and workplace policies, community programs and cooking and shopping strategies for families and individuals. “The Academy and our members are strong advocates for programs that have been proven effective in reducing food insecurity and nourishing children, including school meal programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP,” Lemond says.

For more information about high-quality nutrition and balanced eating plans for kids, or to download the Academy’s Nourish to Flourish infographic, visit www.KidsEatRight.org.

###

All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity devoted exclusively to nutrition and dietetics. It funds scholarships and awards, public awareness and research projects and Academy strategic initiatives, and is the largest provider of scholarships and awards in the field of dietetics. Visit the Academy Foundation at www.eatright.org/foundation.

Summer without Salmonella Partnership for Food Safety Education

Resource

Partnership for Food Safety Education

Meatless Monday: Butternut Squash Risotto with Tabouli Salad

Would your children eat fresh vegetables if it came with a prize? Ads Targeting Children

Resources.
1. CSPI, Food Marketing to Kids
2. goodfood, Junk food ads disguised as apps, games to lure children, warn advocates
3. WebMD, Fast-Food Ads Aimed at Kids Focus on Toys, Not
4. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Fast-Food Television Ads Use Toys, Movies to Target Kids

June 20, Take Your Dog To Work Day Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day® was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event asks pet lovers to celebrate the humane-canine bond and promote pet adoption by encouraging employers to support “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.

On Friday June 21, 2013 businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Pet Sitters International invites your business to participate in this fun and worthwhile event.

For nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. "Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Health Benefits of a Dog

Studies have found that:
• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
• People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.
• Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without pets.
• Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

Caring for a pet can help 
with those healthy lifestyle changes by:

• Increasing exercise. Exercise doesn’t have to involve boring repetition at a gym. Taking a dog for a walk, riding a horse, or simply chasing a kitten around are fun ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.

• Providing companionship. Isolation and loneliness can make disorders such as depression even worse. Caring for a living animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems. Most pet owners talk to their pets, some even use them to work through their troubles.

• Helping meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners. Dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks or in a dog park. Pet owners also meet new people in pet stores, clubs, and training classes.
• Reducing anxiety. The companionship of a dog can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world.
• Adding structure and routine to your day. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—you’ll always have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for your pet.
• Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. This could involve petting a cat or taking a dog for a walk.

Pets and older adults
The key to aging well is to effectively handle life’s major changes, such as retirement, the loss of loved ones, and the physical changes of aging. Pets can play an important role in healthy aging by:
• Helping you find meaning and joy in life. As you age, you’ll lose things that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. You may retire from your career or your children may move far away. Caring for a pet can bring pleasure and help boost your morale and optimism. Taking care of an animal can also provide a sense of self-worth.
• Staying connected. Maintaining a social network isn’t always easy as you grow older. Retirement, illness, death, and moves can take away close friends and family members. And making new friends can get harder. Dogs especially are a great way for seniors to spark up conversations and meet new people.
• Boosting vitality. You can overcome many of the physical challenges associated with aging by taking good care of yourself. Pets encourage playfulness, laughter, and exercise, which can help boost your immune system and increase your energy.





Resources and References
Facebook. Take your dog to work
5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health
The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets
Take Your Dog To Work Day
Pet Sitters International