CitySlim http://www.cityslim.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:26:28 -0400 Stay Away from Mayonnaise! 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… Are you Getting Enough Iron from Supplements? 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 Important Advice for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Veg-Wanna-Be's 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 ... A Radical Concept: Too Many Antioxidants Can Be Harmful 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. Milk: A Sour Reality? 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. Staying Slim on Superbowl Sunday! 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. High Fructose Corn Syrup: Highly Fattening 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!