ChooseMyPlate.gov

Meal Planning wtih ChooseMyPlate.gov

The Supertracker feature is a great weight loss tool.  You set up a profile and establish goals.  There are tools to look up nutrition info on the foods you eat, create a food diary and exercise log, and track weight loss.  There is also a report function for monitoring trends and progress to keep people motivated to achieve their goals.  Best of all, it’s free!

The site also has great information for healthcare professionals.  The education materials, nutrition tips, are easy to read and copy well.

Mona Lisa Franco, RD

Portion Distortion

Do You Know How Food Portions Have Changed in 20+ Years?

Anyone eating on the run or at restaurants has probably noticed that food portions have gotten larger. Some portions are called “super size,” while others have simply grown in size and provide enough food for at least two people. With this growth have come increases in waistlines and body weight.

To see if you know how today’s portions compare to the portions available 20 years ago, quiz yourself on Portion Distortion I (2003) and Portion Distortion II (2004). You will also learn about the amount of physical activity required to burn off the extra calories provided by today’s portions.

Health Tips for Eating Out

Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices

Fast food is cheap, convenient, filling, and to many of us it tastes good.  If you are eating out, a fast food restaurant is often the cheapest option, but unfortunately not a healthy one.  Eating just one fast food meal can pack enough calories, sodium and fat for an entire day or more. Eating fast food on a regular basis can lead to a host of different health problems, both physical and psychological.

 

 

Tips to Lower Salt Intake When Dining Out

Eating less salt can substantially reduce the risk of health problems associated with high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke — a cause of death for more than 2 out of every 3 people with diabetes.