You’ve probably heard the term “mindless eating” before. Mindless eating refers to the unconscious consumption of foods and beverages which usually leads to overeating. Several studies have shown that most of us frequently engage in some level of mindless eating. Yet, according to Brian Wansink, author of the book “Mindless Eating,” the answer for mindless eating doesn’t rest on controlling everything you put in your mouth. Of course, mindfulness is a good habit to nurture, but let’s face the fact that it is just too hard to maintain awareness at every single moment of our life. Imagine the monstrous amount of energy you’d have to put into your daily choices to practice mindfulness. Thus, instead of trying to be part of the “food police,” you could simply tweak the environment around you in order to favor better food choices.
Feed Your Skin
Are you ready to show some skin this summer? We are well aware that the cold, dry winter weather can take a toll on our skin, leaving it dehydrated, dull and flaky. Besides, as we age, our skin layers suffer several unwelcoming alterations.
Dietary Supplements: Adopt or Ditch?
They seem to be everywhere – from the grocery store aisle to “call now” infomercials. Nowadays, there are so many different products on the market that one can easily get confused. You may find them as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids, bars, and powders. Most of them promise you the world: fast weight-loss, more energy, improved athletic performance, and protection against an array of diseases, just to name a few. But what exactly are dietary supplements?
Don’t Get Bored!
Some Novel Salad Ideas
Summer is around the corner and you want to get bikini-ready. You’ve been working out hard, but now it is time to makeover your diet. So you think: “Hey, salad is a good way to eat healthy and light.” The problem is that eating the same salad every day is not only boring, it is also unwise. That’s because when you don’t vary your menu, you will probably miss some important nutrients and disease-fighting phytochemicals. Therefore, your best option is to include a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Hey, do not despair. I have your back. Here, I give you a few suggestions of combinations of veggies, fruits, nuts, and dressings. To transform these salads into a complete meal, just pair them with a lean source of protein such as fish, chicken, turkey, or tofu, for example.
Nutrient of the Week: Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found mainly in animal products and fortified foods. Its absorption is a complex process which depends on a compound produced by the stomach called intrinsic factor. Some people may present a genetic defect that disables the body from producing this compound, which significantly impairs vitamin B12 absorption, leading to its deficiency.
Seven Nutrition Strategies for Boosting Health
I’ve just read this article, “Seven Nutrition Strategies for Boosting Your Clients’ Health from the Inside Out,” and thought it would be nice to share it with you. Most of the following healthy eating behaviors we’ve already covered in previous articles. However, repetition is a great way to reinforce something that is truly important. Thus, let’s take a look at what the experts are saying.
The Power of Popcorn
Popcorn is an all-time favorite snack. Just the smell of freshly popped popcorn can make anyone’s mouth water. Fortunately for us, popcorn is also a great healthy snack that can help curb the mid-afternoon cravings. That is because popcorn is a whole-grain, thus a great source of fiber. High-fiber foods can make you feel full sooner, satisfying hunger for longer periods of time. But you probably already knew that.
Phytochemicals: A Healthy Bonus
You are probably thinking: “What the heck are phytochemicals?” Even if you are not connecting the dots right now, I’m sure you’ve heard of them before. Many articles have been written recently emphasizing the potential benefits of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a relatively new class of nutrients. Technically, phytochemicals are not considered nutrients per se, because they don’t provide energy or building blocks to the body. They aren’t considered essential either. However, these substances are believed to have health-protective properties. Recent research suggests that these compounds can perform fundamental protective roles, reducing the risk of developing many diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
“Fuel” for Thought
Do you know how your body transforms that slice of pizza into energy? The concept behind it is simple: energy is released whenever chemical bonds are broken. After digestion and absorption, food molecular bonds are broken, releasing energy to sustain body functions such as growth and repair, transportation of substances, and muscle activity. The human body uses mostly carbohydrates and fat for fuel. Protein typically offers only a small contribution toward energy.
Nutrient of the Week: Essential Fatty Acids
You must be wondering what on earth are fatty acids. Well, fatty acids are the simplest form of lipids found in the body and in foods. When you consume dietary fats or oils[1], your body breaks down the large lipid molecules into smaller units that can be absorbed and used by the cells. The most common type of lipid is the triglyceride, which is composed of fatty acids and glycerol[2]. There are many types of fatty acids in nature, and their combinations provide distinct tastes and smells to foods.