Jerry the Blogger

Mission: Nutrition

Follow Jerry as he starts making healthier nutrition choices using the Balanced Life™ Plan.

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May 26, 2008

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Make Nutrition Your Responsibility

posted by: Jerry

Just as you should have a designated driver if you're planning to drink alcohol at a party, fit people need a designated healthy food bringer if you're going to stick to make nutrition part of your life.

My wife and I figured this one out after attending numerous social occasions after deciding to live a healthier lifestyle. When we bring the veggie tray (or at least, know that someone is), we tend to eat better at the party--and not leave feeling like big old cheating pigs. Just filling up on veggies helps reduce (though not eliminate) the temptation to snack on higher-calorie, fatty snacks.

My wife and I have spent too much money on those overpriced prepackaged veggie trays from the grocery store, I finally my wife had what she described as a "DUH" moment and bought a clear acrylic Appetizers on Ice serving tray from Linens 'n' Things. It has a bottom tray to hold ice under your veggies (or other appetizers), so they stay chilled throughout the party.

Now, we just buy our favorite veggies, slice them up, get a container or two of hummus, and we're set for any party! Plus, the tray looks classier than the boring plastic ones from the grocery store.

We've become "the designated veggie tray bringer" at family events ... and we're healthier for it! Socializing is an important part of a psychologically healthy life, but don't sacrifice your physical health just to attend a party. Make eating healthy your responsibility as every party.

Topic: Eating Out and About

May 19, 2008

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Coffee Makes You Healthier?

posted by: Jerry

Anyone who knows me knows that I love coffee. In fact, saying that "I love coffee" doesn't quite describe my daily intake of coffee. I can easily drink an entire 10-cup decanter of coffee in the morning if my wife doesn't wake up in time to drink some before me. During the work week, I also consume between three and six cups of coffee at work thanks to the gourmet coffee machine at my office. I realize that caffeine consumption should be limited, but for better or worse I'm addicted to the java.

As it turns out, my addiction to coffee may in fact be "for better" in terms of my health. A recent news story at WedMD.com highlighted the more than 19,000 medical studies that suggest coffee may in fact be good for your health. Some of the highlights include:

Coffee contains ingredients that actually reduce cavities
Coffee contains more antioxidants than blueberries or broccoli
2 cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of colon cancer by 25%
2 cups of coffee per day reduces gallstones risk by 50%
2 cups of coffee per day reduces risk of cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's by 80%

Heavy coffee consumption (six or more cups per day) also seems to provide additional health benefits, including:

Risk of Type Two diabetes decreased by 54% in men and 30% in women

Of course, coffee isn't a perfect "wonder beverage." Pregnant women still need to limit their consumption of coffee, and heart and hypertension patients also need to avoid coffee due to the high levels of caffeine.

The other (and perhaps most important) thing to remember is that these health benefits are based on the consumption of "plain, black coffee." If you consume three cups per day of a "mocha mix" coffee with whipped cream you�re consuming 1,500 calories per day in coffee alone! Plain filtered black coffee, on the other hand, has only two calories or less per cup with zero fat and zero carbohydrates.

Topic: Healthy Foods and Nutrients

May 12, 2008

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Maintaining Low Weight And Strong Bones

posted by: Jerry

When most people think about developing fragile bones as they get older, they are usually thinking of older women and osteoporosis. However, a recent study indicates that men who suffer from the constant yo-yo of weight loss and weight gain should be very concerned about their bones.

The study, conducted on 4,601 men over a 28-year period shows that "weight cycling" in adulthoo may lead to fragile bones later in life. The more frequently men lost weight and regained weight between the ages of 25 and 50, the more likely they were to suffer a forearm fracture after the age of 50. Specifically, weight cycling was linked to increased "skeletal fragility" and weakening muscles.

What is the magic solution that doctors suggest in order to avoid these problems? Well, no surprise here, the solution is long-term balanced nutrition and exercise. Sure, calcium is important for strong bones, but a number of other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are likewise essential for bone health. Of course, even with the best nutrition you need to stay active to keep the body healthy. This obviously isn't anything new for those of us who have been following the Start Making Choices program.

I personally took interest in this latest study regarding weight loss and men's bone health because I have been lucky enough to live my entire life without ever having broken a single bone. The truth is that it takes a great deal of trauma to break healthy bones in adults, so if you suffer a break it usually indicates that you either received a massive impact or you have health problems.

I'd very much like to avoid breaking any bones in my body for the rest of my life. Losing my excess weight and keeping it off might just help me keep all my bones in one piece.

Topic: Weight Management

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Jerry
My name is Jerry, and I'm a father, editor, and photographer. I've gained too much weight recently, and in 2006, my wonderful daughter was born... Read More