Like most people, I absolutely LOVE my sweets. I would eat a HUGE piece of chocolate cake for breakfast and/ or indulge in a 2 pm candy fix everyday if I thought I could get away with it. The problem is that as I get older, my body does not seem to tolerate the high sugar dose as well. Heck, I really don’t think my body tolerated sugar much when I was younger either, but ignorance is bliss.
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Posts Tagged ‘The Rite Bite’
Pour some sugar on me
Thursday, May 9th, 2013The “Bloat” on Sodium
Thursday, February 21st, 2013Salt has received a bad rap. Or has it? The American Heart Association and 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend reducing your sodium intake to less than 2300 mg per day. For high risk populations and individuals over 51 years of age, a further reduction to less than 1500 mg per day is recommended. Do you know how much sodium is in a single teaspoon of salt? (2325 mg of sodium per teaspoon) How much sodium does an American actually consumer per day? (Approximately 3436mg per day)
However, research studies are ambiguous regarding whether sodium is detrimental to our health. Experts cannot even fully agree whether we actually need to be so restrictive. A few studies suggest that limiting sodium in the diet helps reduce high blood pressure and risk for cardiovascular disease. What should we believe or even practice?
First and foremost, higher sodium products are more processed; therefore, the nutritional content is compromised. Although sodium accentuates the flavor of foods, other spices can be even more flavorful and provide health promoting phytochemicals in the diet. Sodium content is also very high in processed meats, which should be avoided according the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Furthermore, sodium displaces potassium in processed products, reducing a valuable dietary mineral that is healthful. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet promotes a diet rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium for management of blood pressure. These blood pressure lowering minerals are provided by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein.
Although sodium is an essential electrolyte (mineral) needed by the body, it is not one we need in large amounts. There is no health advantage to extra sodium or salt. If you are an avid exerciser though, then you may need a bit more than the average person. For the average person, it would not be harmful to follow the current recommendations. Your diet will be more healthful by selecting lower sodium foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
For sodium sensitive individuals (like myself), it is imperative that you follow the guidelines to reduce your bloat and control your blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is a silent killer affecting 1 out of every 3 Americans, while prehypertension (precursor or warning sign) affects close to another 30% of Americans. The CDC reports that following the sodium guidelines would reduce the incidence of hypertension and subsequent annual health care dollars spent on treating it. Isn’t watching your sodium intake worth it?
-Larissa Brophy, MS, RD, LD
Happy Heart Health Month 2013!
Friday, February 8th, 2013It is February again, which means it is time to remind you about your heart health. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women. Hopefully, everyone wore their red on February 1st in support the women’s heart health initiative. I am, however, going to focus on overall hearth health for EVERYONE.
Your lifestyle is important to prevent heart disease as well as control it. Here are recommendations from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC):
1) Eat a heart healthy diet
2) Maintain a healthy weight
3) Exercise regularly
- Goal is 30 minutes 5x week
- Include strength training 2 to 3 times per week
- Work on flexibility everyday
4) Know your numbers
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Have your cholesterol checked yearly
- Manage your diabetes
5) Use alcohol in moderation
- Women: Up to 1 drink per day
- Men: Up to 2 drinks per day
- One drink = 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounce of 80 proof hard liquor
What is not included on the list and just as important is stress management. When stress levels are consistently high, it can take a toll on your heart health. Remember, exercise is a great stress reducer and helps strengthen your heart while lowering blood pressure.
Stay tuned….my next few blogs will cover the components of a heart healthy diet. Until then, I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes this month to improve your heart health. Make an appointment with your physician to have your numbers checked, try a heart healthy food, or take a walk a few times per week. Remember, it is one step at a time….
-Larissa Brophy, MS, RD, LD
Lifestyle Matters
Monday, December 24th, 2012As you formulate your New Year’s resolution, consider your short-term and long-term goals. I know after the gluttonous holidays, most people desire weight loss. Should the goal be just to lose those extra pounds you gained or overall health? I vote for the latter of course.
Try these strategies on for size: (more…)
The Right Bite
Tuesday, December 18th, 2012As we approach Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year Day, you may want to consider your food bites. There is an abundance of goodies at work, home, potlucks and holiday parties. Which bites are “right” for you? All of them in moderation.
Keep these ten strategies in mind:
- Eat a healthy snack or mini meal before you head out to the party. Never arrive famished. You will always make worse decisions and eat too much when you are overly hungry.
- Never skip a meal as you cannot “bank” your calories for the day; you will metabolize what your body can use and store the additional calories. Yes, a calorie is a calorie in this sense.
- Bring a healthful dish to the potluck or party; at least you know there is something good for you to eat.
- Take mini or bite size portions; this way you can try more dishes without the guilt.
- Skip the foods you know that you do not like; you still will not like it regardless of who made it so save the calories for something delicious.
- Do not deprive yourself; ENJOY! Just try a smaller portion so you do not regret it later (either not trying it or trying too much).
- Focus on fruits and vegetable dishes; fill up on these items first, then splurge on the goodies.
- Chew your foods thoroughly; savor eat bite as if it is going to be your last. This strategy will help you eat slower. It takes the stomach 20 minutes to tell the brain you are full. Be sure to listen to your cue and stop eating when you have reached full.
- Limit your alcoholic beverages, especially the mixed drinks. These beverages add non-nutritious calories and can contribute to mindless (uninhibited) eating.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is calorie free and helps fill the stomach, signaling the brain (hopefully) that you are filling up. Add some fruit to flavor your water.
The last question I want to ask you, “Does your food taste any different at bite 3 than at bite 20?” It is important to remember that it is not the number of bites that make the food taste good, but the food itself, which can be accomplished in just one bite. So what is your “right” bite?
By Larissa Brophy, MS, RD, LD
Trainers Talk: Perspective of a client
Wednesday, December 12th, 2012It is estimated that one third of the U.S. population is considered obese. In the state of Ohio alone it is estimated that over a quarter of residents are self proclaimed as being obese (http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html). If you are like me, weight is and has been an issue for a long time. You hear professionals lay out what you are supposed to do and eat and how often and think it all sounds easy enough. Of course that is until it’s ten at night and you’re rooting through the cabinet for the least healthy thing possible because your starved and craving everything you’re not supposed to have just because. (more…)
Trainers’ Talk: FITNESS TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!
Monday, December 3rd, 2012- Every little bit counts! Missed your daily workout? Don’t worry, you can still fit something in. Do strength training moves or quick cardio bursts during the commercials of your favorite shows. Doing something is ALWAYS better than just sitting on your bum.
- Mix It Up. The more variety you can get in your workouts, the better! Don’t get stuck in a rut.
- Is reading wrecking your efforts? It might seem like a great way to keep yourself entertained during a workout, but if you can read the latest gossip, chances are you’re not pushing yourself enough. Try downloading a podcast or listening to an audio book instead.
- Lift your spirits by lifting weights. Studies show even a little bit of exercise can increase your mood. Next time you have a bad day remember to reach for dumbbells not junk food.
- Check your bags. Take your gym clothes on your next trip and take advantage of hotel gyms and swimming pools. Hotel with no gym? Take your workout outdoors, or try simple strength moves and cardio bursts in your room.
- Define at your desk. Corporate workers can sit in front of a computer for 10+ hours a day. That lack of movement can take a toll on your body. Make a point to move every hour, whether it’s to physically deliver a message or just to circle the office. It will break up the monotony of your workday, help you get to know your coworkers and restore some fitness to your 9-to-5.
- Take a class. Signing up for a spin or aerobics class at your local gym is obviously a great way to get into shape. But classes also come with more incentives to work out. The fact that you pay for it will push you to get your money’s worth and the energy from everyone in the room will help improve yours. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the steps at first—think of what a big step you’re making for yourself.
- Prep your playlist. Music has the power to pump you up. Organize your songs carefully. Put your favorite songs at the beginning, middle and toward the end of the time you’ll be working out to motivate you. Change it up often by adding new songs or switching Mp3 players with a friend.
- Work the big stuff STAT! You burn more calories when you work large muscle groups simultaneously.
A Prescription for Exercise
Monday, December 3rd, 2012More physicians are prescribing exercise for their patients. Let’s face it; we can be a sedentary nation. Technology, convenient transportation, and busy schedules (just to name a few) contribute to this lifestyle. Yet, we know that exercise is good for us. Exercise helps decrease health risks such as obesity, hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles and insulin resistance. An individual can prevent and/or delay the development of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with consistent, regular physical activity.
The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the first published guidelines by the government, provide specific recommendations for adults. Keep in mind, children under the age of 18 years need at least one hour of physical activity daily.
These published guidelines for adults are:
Intensity of Exercise Minimum Recommendation Recommendation for Optimal Health
Moderate: 2.5hrs per week 5hrs per week
Vigorous: 1.25hrs per week 2.5hrs per week
*At least 2 days per week, you should include strength training
**Always stretch after the muscles have been warmed up and loosened.
So once you are on the road to exercising, can you get too much? YES. The three components of physical fitness include flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and cardiovascular endurance. Keep these three principles in mind when establishing a exercise regimen.
Excess exercise can lead to injury and possibly stress fractures, especially if your nutritional intake is inadequate. Additionally, recent research suggests that too much exercise, just as too little, can be detrimental to your mental health. The conclusion of this self-reported data was that between 2.5 and 7.5 hours of exercise is key to optimal mental health. Anything less or more may be associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms.
Who knew?.
-Larissa T Brophy, MS, RD, LD
Trainers’ Talk: Fast Food is Making our Nation Fat
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012The Rite Bite’s new blog segment, “Trainers’ Talk” is a community of fitness instructors and trainers contributing to discuss some of the topics we see often in our field.
How outside of ourselves have we become? We are quick to point fingers and pass blame. We go to great lengths to avoid self reflection and admittance of any flaws. Yes, our food needs to be regulated better. Yes, making unhealthy/unnatural foods affordable and obtainable is not great for us. But let’s be real, McDonald’s doesn’t make us fat! The fact of the matter is, fast food chains are not forcing us to order heaps of processed crap and shovel it in their mouths.
No more excuses. Lack of self control and poor choices are the most common factors of weight gain. That being said, I am sympathetic to those who are genetically predisposition to hold more body fat, or are on necessary medications that include weight gain as a side effect. But for the majority of the population, it really is as simple as calories in vs. calories out. We must commit to doing something to break the weight gain cycle! Take responsibility for your health. Quit passing blame and take control!
- Emily Olsen B.S. in Exercise Kinesiology
Fitness Director at The Rite Bite
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
AFAA/ZUMBA/TRX/SilverSneakers/WERQ certified Group Fitness Instructor
Trainers’ Talk: What your trainer won’t tell you-
Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
I’m about to break every cardinal rule of sales, marketing & self-promotion, and tell you something most trainers would dare to admit:
You don’t need us. (more…)
