Nutrition Trends...Part 2

A few more trends that seem to keep 'popping up' in the news...in work-related emails...in health & cuisine magazines...on the web...
Just think--when a friend mentions one of these, you can say, "Yeah, I already heard about that." :o)

**Changes in Nutritional Labeling! This includes 'Front-of-package' labeling and major changes in serving size (meaningful portion sizes) that is more in line with how Americans are eating. Unless consumers study the label carefully they may think they are getting fewer calories or other nutrients than they are--as they are pouring 1 1/2 cups of cereal into a 'typical' American cereal bowl---when the serving size for most cereals 3/4 cup.
->TIP: Pay attention to serving size of your favorite foods---do the measuring & see how close you are to an actual 'serving' -- so you'll know if you're actually consuming 120 calories...or 240 calories!

**Green Tea Rising Up In Ranks! The research is revealing the amazing benefits of green tea (decaf as well)...from prevention of skin cancer, powerful antioxidant effect, antibacterial effect, heart health protector, promotion of fat-burning, regulation of blood sugar and insulin...to promoting fertility (a recent study showed that women who had 1 cup of green tea a day got pregnant faster).
->TIP: Opt for a green tea at your favorite coffee place at least once per week (more often, preferably)--it's less expensive than the latte's & so good for you. Check out the 'tea' section of your grocery store as well--with a goal of an organic green tea.

**Herbs and Spices to 'Kick Things Up A Notch' (Sorry, Emeril!) Many of the herbs that make foods taste amazing (and can decrease the amount of salt/sodium needed) have great health benefits. Turmeric (that's what's in curry) has great antioxidants & anticancer agents--as well as anti-inflammatory & antibiotic effects. Oregano is a strong antioxidant. Cinnamon is a powerful antimicrobial, found to kill E. coli (bad bacteria) & other bacteria--along with having anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger has powerful antibiotic & anti-inflammatory effects. Garlic has been proven effective against some resistant bacteria, along with yeast and parasitic infections---and it has great anti-inflammatory effects.
->TIP: If the spices in your spice rack have been around for over a year, it's time to start over with fresh...dried is OK...organic is best. Start experimenting with these great spices that make your house smell SO good!

**Having FUN Cooking At Home! Whether you're involving your little ones...or inviting a few friends over to make a meal & then enjoy...the benefits are many! It's a great way to teach kids very basic nutrition concepts (yes, there are many older elementary kids that have no idea what protein is...or that it is something that should be included with each meal) -- a great way to cut down on use of processed foods with all the preservatives and other harmful ingredients -- and low budget entertainment!
->TIP: Watch a few episodes of a Food Network show (Giada is my favorite) to get some ideas...or just go on one of the 'food' websites: www.foodnetwork.com www.cookinglight.com to get some ideas. Some of the websites even generate grocery lists for specific recipes.

Back to the books---I have several pages marked with a sticky-note in my current textbook as 'great blog ideas' -- Stay tuned!

May You Be Blessed With Good Health...
Sana