My Opinion

Are They Selling Us Baloney? 

Are 'low-carb' diets really effective?  Do diets really work?  These frequently asked questions and more are answered throughout this article in an effective tone that manages to quickly capture the reader’s attention.  The article suggests that diets are not as effective as the media makes them out to be, and are nothing more than an ongoing trend that people feel compelled to try.  The facts stated are backed up with reasonable explanations that explain the points that are brought forward and argued.  Although the information provided was helpful and very beneficial, I feel as though there were multiple points that could have been more elaborate as the arguments had the potential to be much stronger.  With that being said, the points put forward were generally powerful enough to support themselves, however unless readers acquired some form of background knowledge on the topic of nutrients and health, I do not believe that the article offers as much information as it has the potential to do.  Overall if certain minor details were to be added, or even if some of the facts were to be reworded than I believe that it could be more successful with regards to the information that is obtained by the readers.

Bjerklie, D (2004). Are They Selling Us Baloney?. Time, 163 (18), 53.

Survey

Survey!

Those surveyed were all first year college or university students; specifically those who were no longer living at home, but in other facilities such as residence or apartments on their own (or with roommates/friends).  The main purpose of the survey was to get an idea of just how much student’s diets change once they are under different pressures and circumstances that come with things like essays, cramming for finals, or even just the strain of being on a tight budget and learning the values of a dollar.  Over all the findings were not necessarily impacted on gender or age either

For most, nutrition is an import aspect of their life, yet despite that it is sometimes hard to stay healthy while away at school

Results suggest that almost all of those who were surveyed have experienced changes in their eating habits for multiple reasons that vary. 

Picture yourself when you’re between classes or attempting to catch up on all of the readings needed for your next lecture.  This isn’t an ideal time to be preparing a well balanced 4-course meal that meets all of the food guide requirements.  Usually this is the time for a quick and easy meal that can be put together in no time, and many surveyors agree that it Is the time restrictions that affect what it is that they are eating.

Special thanks to Survey Monkey!! 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/82XSLVH 

Diet tip of the week

5 steps for a successful trip grocery shopping!

1. Plan ahead

Before you step foot out the door, be sure to make a list!  Write down everything that you need to get, that way you won’t be forced to search the aisles; you’re more likely to grab only what you know you really need.

2. Eat before you go

With all those yummy looking treats on the shelves, you’re hunger can easily get the better of you.  With a full stomach you will be able to focus on what you need and not have to worry about your cravings taking over.

3. Shop the outside isles, and work your way to the middle

In most stores it’s at the outside sections that you’ll find the fresher, healthier options.  So shop their first for the majority of your items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats.  Once you’ve got those items out of the way; move to the inner aisles.

4. Look around

End aisle displays are designed to attract your attention, but often lack in the nutritional value.  Try looking around the shelves; you’d be surprised at the healthy options you find just by looking at the very top shelf.

5. Read the label

Be sure you know exactly what it is that you’re eating.  By reading the ingredients label you can see the quantity of your food, and by reading the nutrition facts you’ll be able to choose brands with fewer not-so good things like calories, sodium or fat, and much more good things like fibre and calcium!

While surfing the shelves of the grocery store keep a watchful eye out for foods that are high in vitamin D like milk or eggs.  Vitamin D is the nutrient that will provide you with energy to last you until you next meal without needing snacks in between.  On top of that it has the extra benefit of providing the body with energy necessary to keep you focused and aware all day long.

Some of the best sources of vitamin D are found where you wouldn’t initially expect.  Be sure to take your time and look carefully and you may be surprised at what you have been missing in you previous shopping trips!

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50402

Recipe of the week

Healthy snack of the week

Turkey Wraps with Curry-Chutney Mayonnaise and Peanuts

This recipe is quick and easy to make for when you’re on the go, plus it filling and can provide you with energy all day long to help you get through those tough study sessions!

Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise

·         1/4 cup mango chutney

·         1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder (preferably Madras-style)

·         4 9- to 10-inch-diameter spinach flour tortillas or plain flour tortillas

·         2 cups diced cooked turkey meat (about 10 ounces), divided

·         1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided

·         6 tablespoons coarsely chopped lightly salted peanuts, divided

·         1 1/3 cups coleslaw mix (preferably green and red cabbage with carrots) without dressing, divided

Preparation

Mix mayonnaise, chutney, and curry powder in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread 2 tablespoons curry-chutney mayonnaise in 2-inch-wide strip down center of 1 tortilla. Top with 1/2 cup turkey, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 1/2 tablespoons peanuts, and 1/3 cup coleslaw mix. Fold sides of tortilla over ends of filling, then roll up burrito-style, enclosing filling completely. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut each turkey wrap in half on diagonal.

High in protein, healthy fats and many other nutrients; this recipe gets four stars for being delicious, easy and healthy!  Such a simple yet delicious meal is perfect for when you’re in a rush before class or perfects for providing you with constant energy throughout the day.  This recipe is perfect for the college student age group as it is a good source of multiple food guide groups all packed into one meal.  The tortilla is a good source of complex carbohydrates, and when eaten with turkey is also an excellent source of protein that is needed in one’s daily diet.  The extra vegetables also provide smaller amounts of protein along with other important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C and even small amounts of vitamin K

 http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/nutritiousdishes/energyfoodrecipes/recipes/food/views/Turkey-Wraps-with-Curry-Chutney-Mayonnaise-and-Peanuts-231090#ixzz2FWievBYU

  

Consumer safety report

Safety Report

When dealing with food there are some guidelines given in order to insure that you’re preparing your food properly.  These few rules are a must when cooking in order to insure you do not get infected with some form of food borne illness.  Some of the most devastating food borne illnesses include: Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staph Bacteria, and Hepatitis A.  All can come from things such as cross-contamination or spoiled food products.  Some of the side effects of these illnesses include nausea, diarrhea, Headache, abdominal pain, dehydration and muscle pain.  Although they don’t seem to be extreme symptoms, those are often signs that your body showing when you are suffering from a food borne illness.

One of the number one rules of food safety is to remember to always thoroughly cook and wash your food before consumption.  Before beginning to clean and cook the food, it is most important that you do not forget to clean up your area! That means wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils and even your counter tops.

When eating raw vegetables, you must remember to vigorously scrub the food and rinse off with clean water.  Any produce item that sits on a table or cooler at the grocery store and that does not have a bag or plastic wrap on it should be washed such as apples, pears, peppers, carrots etc. 

When it comes to the cooking of potentially bacteria-filed food like raw meat it is important that you make sure that the meat is cooked all the way through.  The food you are going to be eating is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill off any existing bacteria. 

When dealing with food there are some guidelines given in order to insure that you’re preparing your food properly.  These few rules are a must when cooking in order to insure you do not get infected with some form of food borne illness.  Some of the most devastating food borne illnesses include: Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella, Staph Bacteria, and Hepatitis A.  All can come from things such as cross-contamination or spoiled food products.  Some of the side effects of these illnesses include nausea, diarrhea, Headache, abdominal pain, dehydration and muscle pain.  Although they don’t seem to be extreme symptoms, those are often signs that your body showing when you are suffering from a food borne illness.

Where to find it

Reference

Bjerklie, D (2004). Are They Selling Us Baloney?. Time, 163 (18), 53.

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/nutritiousdishes/energyfoodrecipes/recipes/food/views/Turkey-Wraps-with-Curry-Chutney-Mayonnaise-and-Peanuts-231090#ixzz2FWievBYU

 

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50402