http://www.cityslim.com Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:37:09 -0400 http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=173 & & & Last week in the deli near Columbia Presbyterian, I had an interesting conversation with a woman concerned about losing weight. “I eat so well,” she cried out in desperation, addressing me as I finished placing my order (turkey, lettuce, tomato, avocado on whole wheat bread with fat-free Italian dressing). “I don’t know why I just can’t lose this weight around my middle.” Empathetically, I nodded and listened attentively as she rattled off her order: a turkey sandwich, lettuce, tomato, bell peppers… (healthful so far)… with mayonnaise and mustard. Waiting for our orders, we started chatting and I happened to throw in the fact that I have a Master’s Degree in Nutrition. Enthusiastically, she implored my advice. “If I could make one suggestion,” I thought aloud, “I would tell you to lose the mayonnaise!” I went on to explain… http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=172 & A hot new topic in the field of cancer prevention is the causal role of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation, a pathological condition in which the immune system becomes unbalanced and fails to put the brakes on normal healing processes, has been linked not only to cancer but also to myriad other diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.[i] Stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition and other lifestyle factors can all promote inflammation, but poor diet may in fact serve as the main contributor! Therefore, CitySlim would like to call your attention to the “Wellness Diet,” featuring Anti-Inflammatory Diet Basics. http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=171 & & & For the past two days, I've braved the busy streets of New York City weighted down by the& 1.5-inch-high brown soles of the new Walkstar II-style FitFlops. These ultra padded accessories are proported to be, according to their slogan, “the flip flop with the gym built-in.” Highly skeptical about the ability of flipflops to tone my back, legs, and behind, I invested in a bronze patent-leather pair, not for the slimming claim, but for the comfort! With a cushioned heel area absorbing 36% more shock than regular footwear, I figured these slightly cumbersome but not bad-looking sandals would make for a more back- and joint-saving alternative to my usual, thin-rubber-soled, support-less pair of [Havaiana] flipflops. However, within hours, I felt a tightness in my quads and hamstrings. Could the patent-pending micro-wobbleboard TM technology actually be doing the trick? http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=170 Hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, and diabetes, some of the most common diseases around today, necessitate that you limit your sodium. Even if you do not have these conditions and whether or not you are at risk, you should not ingest more than the recommended range of 1500 to 2400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults.[i] This equals about 1 teaspoon of salt. In general: the lower your sodium, the more beneficial effect on blood pressure. http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=169 Hi, CitySlim. I have a question for you about spicy foods. I particularly enjoy a little spice in my dishes, however, I've always been curious whether having too much might in fact be somehow bad for you. I will take it that the chemical (capsaicin) isn't fully absorbed when it's consumed in large enough quantities as I've had the "smoldering fiery… apocalypse" as it's literally translated from my country days after very hot meals. Do you know if there are any real indications that having large quantities of very, very hot foods could in fact be bad for you? Thank you. ~Natasha K. & http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=168 & & & When everyone at the office starts complaining of a sore throat, what can you do to protect yourself from the inevitable? CitySlim’s solution: Sugar-Free COLD-EEZE® Zinc Lozenges. & & & SUGAR FREE COLD-EEZE® LOZENGES are designed for health conscious consumers looking to limit their calorie and carbohydrate intake. These Lozenges contain Isomalt, a sugar alcohol that contains about half the calories of sugar and other carbohydrates.[i] (Isomalt is not a sugar replacement and although it is called a sugar alcohol, it does not contain any alcohol.) & & & I personally tried COLD-EEZE® Zinc Lozenges after learning about how Zinc is purported to assist in treating the common cold by inhibiting the proliferation of rhinovirus. The claims, and supporting research, were intriguing. As a scientist, I invested in a pack of the Sugar-Free Lemon-Lime variety from my local supermarket and stocked up my ammunition so I would be ready to fight a future cold. http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=167 Recently, a lot of hype has been circulating about the colorectal cancer-fighting effects of curcumin, a substance found in curry and common flavoring agent in the spice turmeric, but how accurate are these potentially life-saving claims? http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=166 Whether you are anemic or are just low in iron, you should beware that what you see (i.e., the amount of iron printed on the label of your supplements) may not be what you get. The quantity of iron& you take does not correlate with how much iron& your body absorbs! Many dietary factors inhibit iron absorption, including: Polyphenols in tea and coffee (from tannin derivatives of gallic acid) Oxalic acid in spinach, chard, berries, chocolate and tea, among others Phytates, or phytic acid, inositol hexaphosphate, or polyphosphate in maize, whole grains, legumes EDTA, a preservative Phosvitin, a protein found in egg yolks Nutrients such as calcium, calcium phosphate salts, zinc, manganese, and nickel http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=165 Hello, What advice might you have for those of us (male or female) who have trouble maintaining normal body weight and are too thin? ~Evgeny S. http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=164 Looking for a way to monitor your calories and see a breakdown of your daily carb, fat, and protein intake? Wish there was just a way you could type everything you ate into a computer program and have it fire back a summary of all your macro- and micronutrients?& & Well, yes, such a program exists and it’s accessible to anyone on the web!& & & & The USDA website, http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov, has a “Nutrient Assessment” Program that lets you type in a day’s worth of dietary information and then calculates your total caloric intake along with your carbohydrate, fat, protein, micro- and macronutrient distribution. Then, based on your gender, height, and weight, it offers a recommended nutrient amount or acceptable range, so you can alter your diet to incorporate the suggested numbers. To get a better understanding of your diet over time, the MyPyramid Tracker lets you monitor what you eat up to a year.& & & & & & & & & & & & &n bsp;& & & & & & & & & & & & &nbs p;& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & &n bsp;& & & & & & & & & & & & &nbs p;& & & & & & & & & & & & &nb... http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=161 Pronounced KEEN-wah or KEE-no-uh[i] , Quinoa is ancient staple grain that is not only flavorful, but is also highly nutritious and convenient! I would have to agree with the folks at Men’s Health Magazine, who have named Quinoa the "Top Secret Superfood," in its April 2007 issue. They specifically mentioned the EDEN Organic Brand, which cooks in just in twelve minutes! http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=160 & & & In 1980, scientists realized that colon cancer death rates in the United States decreased with latitude. Outdoor workers have now been found to have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer less than indoor workers. Breast cancer mortality rates vary by sunlight exposure. So what’s the connection between sunlight and lower cancer rates? Vitamin D! http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=159 Q. Dear CitySlim, I heard artificial sweeteners are worse for you than cigarettes. I also read somewhere that you actually consume more& when using an artificial& sweetener because your body does not recognize it as sugar and cannot send the proper signals to your brain that you are full. Also, what are the cancer issues associated with artificial sweeteners?& & ~David Z, New York, NY http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=158 & & & By now, we’ve all seen the “Diets don’t work,” campaign by Weight Watchers or have heard this mantra uttered at some point during this year. So what does work? Is Weight Watchers really the answer? Why do these types of programs work for some people, but not others? The answer is that they encourage active planning and strategizing! Want to know the secret? CitySlim will show you how to lose weight and keep it off! http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=157 & & & First of all, congratulations on& your healthful lifestyle choice! Studies show that consuming 400 grams/day of fruits and vegetables decreases your risk of cancer and “it is the position of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and Dieticians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.” These are benefits simply not available from just taking vitamins and supplements. Many of the antioxidant and fibrous components of fruits and vegetables work in tandem to promote healthier bodily functions. However, could you be getting too much of a good thing or not enough? & & & The key words in the ADA and Dieticians of Canada position statement are “adequately planned” vegetarian diets. The major caveat of going “vego” (whether it be vegan, vegetarian, lacto-ovo-vegetarian or a combination) is to make sure you are ingesting all of the essential amino acids on a daily basis. Many of the vegetarian-faring fail to consume enough complete protein, which can be harmful to your body. Different amino acids play key roles in vital processes, including repair of muscles, bone, skin, organs and blood, proper growth, and the building of hormones, antibodies, and enzymes to regulate chemical reactions. Without protein, cuts and abrasions will not heal quickly, muscles will not grow ... http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=156 CitySlim offers promising news to those with high cholesterol! New studies prove that adding just four specific food components to your diet may reduce cholesterol to a magnitude achieved with the starting dose of first-line drugs, such as statins, without the side effects. Whether you want to reduce your cholesterol by about 30%, lower your LDL:HDL cholesterol-ratio, or maintain a healthy heart, you should definitely consider the Portfolio Diet.[i]& The Portfolio Diet is a combination of four cholesterol-lowering food groups in the diet to achieve maximum reduction in cholesterol concentration by diet alone. The diet is only proven effective when the following four food groups are eaten together in a 2,000 calorie diet low in saturated fat. You ready? Get your pen and paper or print out the following list. http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=150 Without a doubt, one of the most highly-publicized dietary recommendations for boosting overall health and well-being is to make sure your daily intake of antioxidants is adequate. “Eat your fruits and vegetables,” we’ve all been told. Why? The proposed answer: antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are defined as “molecules such as some vitamins that block the action of activated oxygen molecules (free radicals) that can damage cells.”[i] & From proposed cancer-fighting abilities to their comparison to a “fountain of youth,” the hype surrounding antioxidants seems well-deserved. http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=149 Q. Dear CitySlim, I thought peanut butter was a good high-protein snack, but my roommate tells me it's full of fat. Will eating peanut butter make me gain weight?& & ~Natalie S, Providence, RI http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=148 Time to throw away your cream cheese, margarine, and butter… and make room for a healthful, naturally anti-inflammatory spread. Follow the cholesterol-fighting way of the Mediterranean diet and get yourself a can of Kalamata Olive Spread! Kalamata Olive Spread is a smooth, savory condiment that combines the pungent aroma of pressed Kalamata red olives with capers, aged red wine vinegar, garlic, grape juice, herbs, and, in the more preferable brands, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). This tapenade is ideal for spreading on bread, sandwiches, and bruschetta, or even for tossing with pasta. http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=147 You might be wondering what diet has to do with cancer, but did you know that approximately one third of cancers can be prevented by changes in diet? According to various sources, certain food play an integral role in the fight against cancer by releasing agents that can boost your immunity and cause abnormal cell growths to shrink or disappear. The new hot topic in the field of natural cancer-fighting compounds are phytochemicals, a large group of "nonnutrient compounds that are& biologically active in the body."[i] Phytochemicals, as you might expect, are found& plants, including vegetables,& fruits, legumes, grains, herbs, tea, and spices.& New research sheds light specifically on the phytochemical group, “isothiocyanates,” which possess some of the strongest cancer-fighting abilities. These compounds naturally occur in cruciferous vegetables, including: “broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnips, collards, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnip, and watercress." http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=146 Q. Hi, CitySlim... any recommendations on what to eat for someone with newly-discovered celiac disease? ~Craig P, Westbury, NY http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=145 Ahh, milk. It does a body good… doesn’t it? Apparently, that’s the million dollar question; literally. The National Dairy Council continues to spend exorbitant amounts to promote this nutrient-rich source of calcium, while other groups campaign to debunk false milk myths, especially the one about milk’s supposed weight-loss capabilities. With all these mixed messages from the media, it’s no wonder the public is left to decide on their own whether or not to go dairy. http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=144 After reading and re-reading the series of POM juice ads on my daily subway commute, I decided it was finally time to give this drink a try. With all of the alleged health claims and ubiquitous promotion, I felt like I was missing something by not being a part of “POM Wonderful.” http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=143 You know it happens to you. It’s only been a half hour since lunch and its going to be another late night at the office. Soon enough, your stomach starts rumbling, sending out reverberations in Morse code. The signal reaches your brain and can only be translated into two words… “Feed me!” What can you do? The vending machine in the lobby is a diet-disaster waiting to happen. The drug store across the street has those chocolate bars you could always go for and you know there’s always a stash of some sugary confections stored beneath your co-worker’s desk. You try to fight it, but your stomach’s whining is actually impairing your ability to work. Reasoning to yourself, you realize you do always have to be on your A-game at the office. There’s only one thing to do at this point, “Indulge the Snack Attack!” http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=142 Everywhere you turn these days, you can easily find yourself bombarded with campaigns advising you to “Go Green.” Go green to save the environment, to conserve energy… but to stop cancer? Yes, that’s right. Now, you can go green (in terms of your tea selection) to save, well… yourself!& & Green tea stands apart from other teas due to its possession of a special ingredient: EGCG, or & Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. This biologically-active constituent of green tea imparts numerous health benefits to its drinkers, such as alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease and infection, and improving impaired immune function. However, the most compelling evidence of the powers of EGCG becomes evident when examining its effects on various types of cancers. http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=141 Q. I am taking multivitamins but my doctor suggested I also take omega-3 as a supplement. Do you agree? ~Omer I, Istanbul,& Turkey& http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=140 This Sunday, if you plan to watch the game with your pals, expect to be surrounded by all things crunchy, fried, greasy and salty! While your mouth may start to water at the prospect of the festivities, keep in mind that Superbowl is no excuse to indulge in unhealthy, impulsive eating. To help you out, CitySlim& offers your& the following SuperBowl Survivor Tips and Warnings. http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=139 & & & It is not always about& what you eat!& For 2008, significantly more nutritionists and registered dieticians are stressing the importance of controlling& how much& we consume, especially due to the alleged correlation between the American obesity epidemic and the recent trend of portion distortion in restaurants, fast food joints, and even at the movies. & & & Many people have recently approached me, expressing their desire for personalized diet regimes. The best advice I can give is to follow a balanced diet at every meal. But what constitutes balanced? Now, thanks to health-promoting campaigns by the American Institute for Cancer Research and new, user-friendly products from companies like PortionPal, planning the perfect meal has never been easier. http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=138 It took three different trips to Food Emporiums around New York City to finally get my hands on the hottest new cooking oil on the market… Enova! Sold out almost everywhere, this substitution for conventional oils boasts that “less Enova oil is stored as fat” in comparison to other vegetable oils. According to clinical research reports and the American Dietetic Association’s Fact Sheet Review Board, this statement happens to be true! Enova brand oil is a mixture of olive oil and canola oil, which we (should) already know are good for us. But what makes Enova different is that it consists of 80% diglycerides (DAG), making it the only DAG-rich oil on the market. So what does that mean? http://www.cityslim.com/weekend_details.php?id=136 Cook Away Cancer!& Start your New Year with a resolution to stay cancer free! Studies show that your lifestyle contributes up to 40% of your risk of getting cancer. CitySlim teams up with the National Foundation for Cancer Research& to bring you Cancer-Fighting Recipes and Nutrition Tips to Keep You Healthy on the Go. http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=135 Q: Should I be taking a multivitamin every day? What specific things should I look out for in my multi? ~Maria S, New York, NY http://www.cityslim.com/warnings_details.php?id=134 & Read these weekly warnings to stay on top of your diet! Information vendors do not want you to know... On a diet? Trying to maintain your figure, eat right? No problem... except one four-word ingredient that will easily add back all the stubborn pounds you are trying to shed. The culprit is: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) may be one unique cause of the modern obesity epidemic and you will find it& in almost every snack and soft drink! http://www.cityslim.com/tipstricks_details.php?id=133 Too busy to be healthy? Squeeze CitySlim's weekly Tips & Tricks into your morning for easy and fun ways to& Get Healthy on the Go. Looking for a quick, slimming breakfast but short on time? There's no better high-protein, low-carb, low-fat, and cholesterol-free food than egg whites! Egg white from an extra large egg has on average& 16 calories, less than 1 g of fat and& carbohydrate and, most importantly, NO CHOLESTEROL!& Why just egg whites and not the whole thing? Because of the cholesterol!& One large egg yolk alone packs about& 210& mg of cholesterol. The total recommended daily value, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and& as seen on the Nutrition Facts Label,& is only& 300 mg! That's almost a& whole day's worth of cholesterol in just one egg yolk! & http://www.cityslim.com/market_details.php?id=127 Let CitySlim's Food Finder walk you down the supermarket aisles each week to select the hottest and healthiest new foods on the market. Stay healthy and shed the pounds NATURALLY with our weekly selection.& & Finally, Pasta for Dieters! Low-calorie, high-fiber pasta… too good to be true? Not anymore, thanks to the folks at Fiber Gourmet. Recently, I tried their spinach, tomato and standard Light Pasta Noodles and was very impressed! The consistency was just like “real” pasta: chewy, substantial and satisfying, not gritty or gummy. & http://www.cityslim.com/ask_details.php?id=112 Got health, diet and nutrition questions? CitySlim.com's got answers.& CitySlim answers your questions twice a month!