Diet and nutrition
Good health starts with a nutritious diet. Whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, lean protein; they have an appeal that endures. That's not to say that fads don't come and go, that research doesn't change, that trends don't shift. They do. The following articles offer a highlight of the latest news — and a snapshot of ever-evolving nutrition science.
1:33 PM CDT, March 12, 2012
Work burnout tied to emotional eating
Women who are fed up with their jobs may be more likely to turn to food for comfort in times of stress, a new study suggests.
March 7, 2012
Instilling healthy eating habits in kids is a mission, not a war
Dr. Laura Jana and Dr. Jennifer Shu are co-authors of a new, updated edition of "Food Fights" — a real world guide to meeting the nutritional challenges of parenthood. The two pediatrician moms have cultivated a laid-back approach to instill healthy eating habits, without turning the dinner table into a battlefield.
10:00 PM CST, March 3, 2012
Woman uses holistic approach to health
When Rhonda Greene discovered she could study online at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the world's largest nutrition school, she jumped at the opportunity.
5:07 PM CST, February 27, 2012
Tips for cutting portion sizes in half
The other night, while dining at a local Italian restaurant, I consumed way more calories for dinner than I should have.
10:55 PM CST, February 22, 2012
Heart-healthy 'Kathy's Cookbook' was labor of love for late cardiac patient
Kathy Brown wasn't always much of a chef — but she was an educator. When Brown, the former head of Grace Christian School, was diagnosed with amyloidosis of the heart in April 2008, she began experimenting with recipes to suit her new low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar diet.
10:33 AM CST, February 22, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Raw milk causes most dairy-related disease outbreaks, CDC says
A sour note for the raw-milk fans out there: Unpasteurized milk is 150 times more likely to cause a disease outbreak than pasteurized milk, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
6:07 AM CST, February 16, 2012
Is going gluten-free good for you?
Henry Hunt said goodbye to gluten not because a doctor told him to, but because — like so many others — he decided he was better off without it.
February 20, 2012
Seeking the right recipe for food labels
You can give people all sorts of useful information, but that doesn't mean they'll use it.
7:01 PM CST, February 16, 2012
Mars candy bars downsizing — but will you eat less?
On Tuesday, Mars Inc. reiterated a promise to “renovate” its chocolate products — which include M&Ms, Snickers, and Dove Bars — so that no portion will exceed 250 calories by the end of 2013.
4:16 PM CST, February 15, 2012
Smart subs: Sensible switches for healthier eating
You're already cutting back on calories, sipping sparkling water instead of soda, slathering sandwiches with mustard (10 calories per tablespoon) instead of mayo (57 calories per tablespoon) and making vegetable dips with plain yogurt (149 calories per cup) instead of sour cream (444 calories per cup).
1:02 PM CST, February 15, 2012
Urinary tract infections linked to contaminated chicken
Urinary tract infections are common conditions that occur when bacteria from the intestines enter the urinary tract. New research, however, suggests that the bacteria causing these infections may come from contaminated food -- especially chickens.
3:55 PM CST, February 13, 2012
A Mediterranean diet may promote brain health: study
The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a host of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. A study finds that the diet may also be associated with a decreased chance of small vessel damage in the brain.
3:36 PM CST, February 13, 2012
Dietary changes can slow retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is one of several eye conditions that appears to benefit from nutritional substances. In a study published Monday, researchers found that people with the condition experienced a slowing of the disease process if they took vitamin A supplements and ate a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.
10:26 PM CST, February 10, 2012
First lady shares healthful meal with Ocoee family
First Lady Michelle Obama got rock-star treatment Friday night as she visited a Central Florida family on a tour celebrating the second anniversary of her Let's Move! diet-and-exercise campaign.
10:56 AM CST, February 9, 2012
Can lecithin keep your arteries clean?
Q: I am 70 years old and have been taking lecithin for more than 35 years. When the doctor viewed images of my arteries, he was amazed to find no plaque or calcification deposits of any kind. He said I had the arteries of a 20-year-old. My heart doctor gave 100 percent credit to the lecithin for keeping my arteries clear.
10:42 AM CST, February 9, 2012
Loving leftovers
A few slices of veggie pizza from that new restaurant you tried last night, a hunk of lasagna or eggplant parmesan from Saturday's potluck, and that chili you simmered on Sunday need not languish in your refrigerator.
6:03 PM CST, February 8, 2012
Some restaurant patrons may pick smaller portions when offered them
Having the option to order smaller restaurant side dish portions resulted in a substantial calorie cutback among customers, a study finds.
4:00 PM CST, February 8, 2012
Soy pills not helpful for breast cancer prevention, study says
Eating soy-based foods or taking soy supplements has been an intriguing strategy to reduce cancer risk. But a carefully performed new study shows soy supplements did not lower breast cancer risk and may even be harmful to some women.
7:26 PM CST, February 7, 2012
One less for the road
Last year in this space, dietitian Judy Caplan had a message for business travelers: Eat better. But what should you be drinking?
5:46 PM CST, February 7, 2012
Maybe babies don't need the spoon-fed mush
Most infants are weaned from breast milk or formula to pureed baby foods. From there they go on to eat finger foods -- cut-up pieces of soft table foods -- and on to cheeseburgers and fries. Well, OK, maybe not all of them.
4:22 PM CST, February 6, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
About half of elementary school kids may have access to junk food on campus
Think your kid isn't tempted by junk food while at school? A study finds that about half of kids surveyed from public and private school had ready access to vending machines, snack bars, school stores and a la carte lines. And they're not just selling carrot sticks.
7:06 PM CST, February 1, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Sugar can harm like alcohol and tobacco, regulate it
Move over salt. Step aside, saturated fat. There’s a new public enemy in the pantry, and it’s … sugar.
6:29 PM CST, February 1, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Showing kids photos of vegetables may get them to eat a bit more
Kids don't always eat their vegetables, but does showing them photos of veggies make them consume more?
Healthy food tips for February: American Heart Month
According to the American Heart Association, "There are nine calories in every gram of fat, regardless of what type of fat it is. That's a lot of calories compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which contain four calories per gram." Whether you read the nutritional facts on menus or at home, here are some popular items to avoid or add on your grocery list to fight heart-related illnesses for February, American Heart Month.
6:49 PM CST, January 31, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Olympian Natalie Coughlin on food: Eat healthfully, but enjoy it
Swimmer Natalie Coughlin didn't earn 11 Olympic medals by eating junk food. The 29-year-old has been interested in food since her days at UC Berkeley, when she began to break out of her grilled chicken and broccoli habit and explore more appealing fare.
1:17 PM CST, January 30, 2012
'Spam' linked to diabetes risk in Native Americans
In a new study, American Indians who frequently ate processed meat that comes in a can - a common food on reservations and one subsidized by the U.S. government - had a two-fold increased risk of developing diabetes compared to those who ate little or none of the products generically known as "spam."
4:32 PM CST, January 30, 2012
Frito-Lay chips not 'all natural': lawsuit
A New York man sued Frito-Lay on Monday, claiming the company misleads consumers with the claim its popular Tostitos and SunChips products are made with "all-natural ingredients."
10:17 AM CST, January 30, 2012
Calories count, but not where they come from: study
Sticking to diets with strict proportions of fat, carbs and protein may not be more effective for people who want to lose weight and fat mass than simply cutting back on calories, according to a new comparison of four diets.
January 30, 2012
Bagged greens: To wash or not to wash
The salad chefs I know fall into two camps: Some serve pre-washed bagged leafy greens straight from the bag. The others insist on washing them first, even though the bag label promises that the contents are "triple-washed."
January 30, 2012
Salad industry on hunt for solution to tainted greens
For millions of Americans, bagged salads are a miracle food, the perfect mix of health and convenience.
2:44 PM CST, January 25, 2012
Good carb, bad carb
Confused about which carbohydrates you should be eating? Welcome to the club.
1:16 PM CST, January 25, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Frying foods in olive, sunflower oils may not be bad for your heart
Rejoice, those who love fried foods: eating them may not put you at higher risk for coronary heart disease--if you're frying those foods in olive or sunflower oils.
2:45 PM CST, January 25, 2012
Ellen Warren: You'll buy less junk food if you pay in cash
Who doesn't know that junk food is bad for you? It's empty calories, puts on the pounds and is awfully, terribly, almost impossibly hard to resist.
2:51 PM CST, January 25, 2012
Is it possible to outgrow sensitivity to gluten?
Q: I always thought celiac disease was extremely rare and only affected young children. I was told that I had celiac as a child but that I had outgrown it.
1:38 PM CST, January 18, 2012
Ellen Warren: Start small to build nutrition habits that stick
Where do you start? You see yourself in the mirror and know you should do something about how you look and feel. But, how to begin?
Calorie content on common alcoholic drinks
Here's the calorie content of some common drinks. If weight is your only concern, pick your drink carefully.
6:48 PM CST, January 13, 2012
Should moderate drinkers cut back on their alcohol?
Most of us can see the health benefits of cutting back on alcohol consumption, especially for those who drink too much. Go from 10 beers a day to five, or six glasses of wine to three, and there would be positive changes. But what about the moderate drinker? As defined by the U.S.
12:43 PM CST, January 13, 2012
Indulge: A singular sip crafted from top-notch ingredients
It’s not incongruous to pair "good" with "indulgence." Not when you’re talking about the bloody mary at Perennial Virant: fresh, light, spiced nice, pickled vegetables garnishing. Do it with the most healthful ingredients.
5:39 PM CST, January 12, 2012
Switch hands, stop a habit
Want to break a bad eating habit? Try a change of venue — or switching hands.
2:07 PM CST, January 4, 2012
Book tackles how to diet without being hungry
"Diet" means "denial" no matter how you spell it, but "diet" doesn't have to mean "hungry," too. But often it does, which may be why so many righteous January resolutions are forgotten by February. A new e-book attempts to tackle the problem, offering ways to lose weight while still feeling satisfied.
1:50 PM CST, January 4, 2012
Ellen Warren: The keys to maintaining your weight loss
Some good news on the weight-loss front. Even if you've been a total flop before — regaining all the weight you lost and 10 pounds on top of that — you can be a dieting success.
12:16 PM CST, January 4, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
The DASH diet ranks best overall in U.S. News Best Diets 2012
The DASH diet took the number-one spot in best overall diet in the U.S. News and World Report's Best Diets 2012, which also rates other popular diets in various categories.
4:20 PM CST, January 3, 2012
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Too many calories, too little protein may mean more body fat
Eating excess calories will add extra pounds, but eat too little protein and you could be putting more fat on your body, a study suggests.
12:48 PM CST, December 30, 2011
Fruit, veggie lovers not immune to weight gain
A large new European study finds that simply eating a lot of fruits and vegetables may not be enough to stave off the weight gain that often comes with age -- except for people who recently quit smoking.
3:49 PM CST, December 28, 2011
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
How do we diet? With apps, healthful foods and smaller portions
When we diet, most of us eat more fruits and vegetables, many choose an established weight loss program, and one in four of us gets some help from a smartphone app.
2:06 PM CST, December 28, 2011
Can you keep a secret? It may be just what you need to lose weight
Anita Mills was 382 pounds when a family doctor gave her four simple rules to lose weight:
5:45 PM CST, December 27, 2011
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Does shift work plus a poor diet equal an occupational hazard?
Shift work is becoming increasingly common in this 24/7 world, but it may come at a price: worse health for workers.
December 26, 2011
Pantry Raid: Good and bad food choices
What the Eckerlings are doing right: The couple are eating some fruits and vegetables and cooking many meals at home, so they're able to control what goes into their food. Having a bowl of fruit on the counter is a good reminder to eat it. Many healthful foods are part of their diet, such as eggs, oatmeal and fish, and they're able to keep treats in the house without bingeing on them.
1:59 PM CST, December 21, 2011
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
How much salt is in starchy foods young children eat?
A recent study found that kids may develop a taste for salt early on, a recent study finds, if they're fed starchy foods that contain sodium.
1:25 PM CST, December 14, 2011
Ellen Warren: The working equation: Move more, eat less
You finally decide to get off the couch and start an exercise program. You faithfully go to the gym, walk in the neighborhood, swim, bike — whatever — and your weight stays stubbornly the same.
November 28, 2011
'Pizza vegetable' controversy is hot potato
A law blocking new regulations of tomato paste, spuds and salt in school meals causes a stir.
November 17, 2011
Mountain for some, molehill for others
Despite several decades of urging from doctors and government officials to cut back on salt, a culprit in high blood pressure, most Americans aren't paying much attention.
4:49 PM CST, November 14, 2011
Is cheese better than butter for heart health?
Doctors and nutritionists have long recommended avoiding all animal fats to trim cholesterol, but Danish researchers report that cheese may not be so bad, and probably shouldn't be lumped in the same category with butter.
1:46 PM CDT, November 4, 2011
Commercial diet schemes better than doctors' help
Commercial weight-loss programs such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World are more effective and cheaper than family doctor-based services led by specially trained staff, according to the findings of a study.
1:26 PM CDT, November 2, 2011
A problem of grand proportions
It's tempting to read a silver lining into the otherwise dreary news that food prices are skyrocketing and appear on pace to post their largest annual increase since 1980.
1:29 PM CDT, November 2, 2011
Some athletes ditch processed foods for the real deal
When sports physiologist Allen Lim flew to Europe six years ago to work with America's top pro cyclists, he saw a lot of problems in the peloton. Riders complained about the diet of packaged bars, gels, chews and sugary sports drinks that fueled them through races like the Tour de France, and many were experiencing stomachaches, diarrhea and bloating.
11:15 AM CDT, October 31, 2011
Will money follow cantaloupe Listeria outbreak?
Debbie Frederick hopes that her father's death in September in one of the most lethal outbreaks of food-borne illness in U.S. history will force the government to increase the safety of the country's food supply.
12:35 PM CDT, October 26, 2011
Be a good household nutrition director
In many households, one person is in charge of food shopping. That person has lots of power. "They lay the groundwork for healthy eating habits," says registered nurse Babs Benson, director of the weight management program at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Va. To do the job well:
12:44 PM CDT, October 26, 2011
Should blood type guide your food choices?
While searching for relief from migraines and general malaise, a friend recently consulted a nutritionist who told her, matter-of-factly, that because she has Type O blood, she should be eating lots of meat and eliminating gluten, dairy and many grains. A Chinese medicine doctor she consulted confirmed the advice, saying, basically: Duh.
12:05 PM CDT, October 21, 2011
Sweet tooth linked to pleasant disposition
Does having a sweet tooth make a person more agreeable and friendly? New research suggests there could be a link between taste preferences and disposition.
8:15 AM CDT, October 18, 2011
BOOSTER SHOTS: Oddities, musings and news from the health world
Emily Zaler's ingredient for guilt-free food: protein powder
Emily Zaler's business card should probably read "mad scientist." When the personal trainer is not putting clients through their paces up and down the famed Santa Monica stairs or working out herself, she's making a mess in her kitchen. There, she modifies recipes that are normally filled with unhealthy fat, sugar and carbs using her favorite secret ingredient: Whey protein powder.
4:03 PM CDT, October 14, 2011
General Mills fruit snacks more like 'candy': lawsuit
Ads for General Mills fruit snacks mislead customers into thinking products like its Fruit Roll-Ups are healthy, when they actually lack significant amounts of real, natural fruit, according to a new lawsuit.
3:24 PM CDT, October 14, 2011
Honey memory boost too sweet to be true?
A daily spoonful of Malaysian honey may boost postmenopausal women's memory, researchers say in a new report that aims to provide an "alternative therapy" for hormone-related intellectual decline.
4:24 PM CDT, October 10, 2011
Multivitamins no fountain of youth for women
Women taking multivitamins don't live longer than those who get their nutrients from food alone, a new U.S. study shows.
3:04 PM CDT, October 8, 2011
Taking dietary supplements? It may be too much
People who take dietary supplements to boost their intake of minerals may actually be getting too much of a good thing -- and even risk serious problems.
October 6, 2011
Radical thinking on antioxidants
Antioxidant-rich products promise an easy way to stave off disease. Simply swallow two softgels daily or knock back a glass of goji-pomegranate juice and the "supercritical" compounds will neutralize those nasty free radicals that threaten your health.
2:41 PM CDT, October 5, 2011
Overeating and stress
It's been another hectic day. On impulse, you grab an extra-large candy bar during your afternoon break. You plan to take just a few bites. But before you know it, you've polished off the whole thing — and, at least temporarily, you may feel better.
Burning off lunch calories
The office lunch — which 62 percent of us eat at our desks, according to the 2011 Desktop Dining survey from the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods — can deal a caloric wallop if you're not careful. But when it comes to weight loss, the key is to burn more calories than you consume (erase 3,500 calories to lose a pound).
3:19 PM CDT, September 21, 2011
Boost workout with right foods at right time
Getting a great workout goes beyond the number of reps you do or the miles you log on the treadmill.
September 9, 2011
Battle lines solidify over bid to distinguish food, supplements
Lazy Larry dietary supplements look and taste like fudge brownies. They contain some of the same ingredients, including flour, trans fats, sugar and oil. And until recently they could be found among the snack foods in convenience stores.
12:32 PM CDT, September 8, 2011
Grape seed shows small effect on blood pressure
Grape seed extract is marketed as a way to guard your heart health, but clinical trials so far suggest the supplement has small effects on blood pressure and heart rate, a new review finds.
Nutrionists' dream vending machines
In an office building, vending machines are typically stocked with goodies to appeal to every sweet tooth, salt craving and "get me out of this slump" snacker. But in an ideal world, the vending machine would be able to satisfy your craving and also be good for your body.
11:18 AM CDT, September 7, 2011
Plant-rich diets tied to lower breast cancer risk
Women with diets rich in vegetables, fruit and legumes may have a somewhat decreased risk of developing one type of breast cancer, a new study suggests.
11:46 AM CDT, September 7, 2011
Healthier living could cut 2.8 million cancer cases
Healthier lifestyles and better diets could prevent up to 2.8 million cases of cancer each year, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) said, calling on governments to "avoid a public health disaster."
September 5, 2011
Recommendations for a balanced diet
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends consumers eat a balanced diet based on five food groups: grains, vegetables, fruit, dairy and proteins.
12:59 PM CDT, September 1, 2011
More beans, less white rice tied to less diabetes
Beans and rice are a classic combination throughout the western hemisphere, but a study in Costa Rica finds that the bean half of the equation may be better for health.
1:07 PM CDT, August 31, 2011
How to beat the food craving clock
Stand by the office vending machine at 3:23 p.m., and you'll probably see a parade of co-workers slinking over to grab a chocolate bar.
1:09 PM CDT, August 31, 2011
The tricks to picking frozen treats
Selecting a healthier version of ice cream can be confusing with all the options in today's stores. Here's some advice from Gloria Tsang, a registered dietitian and author of the new book "Go Undiet: 50 Small Actions for Lasting Weight Loss":
August 26, 2011
The power of plants in your diet
Make way for the plant-based diet, the latest buzzword for an optimal diet that focuses on plants, such as grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, rather than a diet of animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Health experts extol the virtues of a plant-based diet as a healthy eating style that can help you fight chronic disease and obesity.
5:14 PM CDT, August 24, 2011
Crystallized ginger may help restless leg symptoms
My 86-year-old mother began to suffer with restless leg syndrome in her 40s; the severity has increased through the years. Recently, she realized that the symptoms had decreased markedly.
3:19 PM CDT, August 23, 2011
Diet alone helps lower bad cholesterol
A diet based around plants, nuts and high-fiber grains lowered "bad" cholesterol more than a low-saturated-fat diet that was also vegetarian, researchers reported.
August 15, 2011
Restaurant will have to dish on nutrition
Just how many calories in that eggplant parmigiana? In 2012, when restaurant labeling becomes the law of the land as part of healthcare reform legislation, diners will be in for some surprises. The law requires restaurants and retail food businesses with 20 or more locations to list calorie content for standard items on menus and menu boards. Drive-throughs are included, but movie theaters are exempt. Beyond calories, more detailed nutritional information — such as sodium, saturated fat or cholesterol content — must be available on request.
August 14, 2011
Long-discredited hCG diet makes a comeback
Among the hundreds of drastic and unproven weight loss plans, the controversial hCG diet may take the cake.
3:40 PM CDT, August 10, 2011
Many fruit juices affect how medications work
Q: I know that grapefruit juice is a problem with my blood pressure pill felodipine. I wonder about other juices, like apple and orange juice. Will they affect this or my allergy medication fexofenadine? It is so hard to tell what is safe to eat or drink with your medicine.
Getting omega 3 from veggies, spices, fruit
If you're looking for something other than snack nuts like these to incorporate more omega 3 in your diet, here are some meal ideas with spices, fruits and vegetables. Why is omega 3 important? It can help reduce asthma, help with dry-eye syndrome, maintaining good eyesight, protect skin and relieve joint pain in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Incorporating omega 3 from nuts, seeds
If you're not a fan of seafood but want to include omega 3 fatty acids in your diet, there are alternatives. In Michael van Straten's book "The Omega 3 cookbook," he gives suggestions for healthy nut snack items that include the essential fatty acid. According to CDC, omega-3 polyunsaturated fats provide an essential fatty acid that our bodies need but can't make.
1:15 PM CDT, July 27, 2011
Synthetic B vitamin can ease diabetic neuropathy
Q: I heard a caller on your radio show talk about a vitamin for peripheral neuropathy and restless leg syndrome. What is it? Can you tell me more?
July 14, 2011
Raw meat, a manly dish in Ethiopia
When tourist James Barker had dinner at the home of his Ethiopian hosts, he knew he'd have to be polite and eat whatever indigenous cuisine they offered him. He didn't know it wouldn't be cooked.
July 13, 2011
Experts defend bashed potato
Potatoes have taken a mashing lately, being blamed over other foods for people's long-term weight gain and possibly being limited in favor of other vegetables for school lunches.
June 13, 2011
Nutrition Lab
Extracting the facts about pomegranate pills
Legend has it that King Tut was fond of pomegranates, and so were the ancient Persians. They surely enjoyed the fruit in its natural form — not processed into pomegranate extract pills.
June 8, 2011
Ellen Warren: Eating breakfast to stay slim
When the diet expert told me, "Start eating," she totally had my attention.
4:04 PM CDT, May 11, 2011
Ellen Warren: Focus on the food when eating
Hardly any of us have what it takes to perform a full lifestyle makeover. But what about baby steps?
May 5, 2011
Jamie Oliver hits the road
In a downtown parking lot sits one of the most impressive things that Jamie Oliver, the chef-activist-TV personality, has brought to Los Angeles for his "Food Revolution" television show: a red-and-khaki-striped big rig tricked out as a traveling cooking school.
May 2, 2011
Lunch Box
When are salads less healthy?
A fellow perpetual dieter confessed recently that, on doctor's orders to lose some pounds, she'd been digging into salads at lunch, dousing the lettuce leaves with bottled "low fat" or "low calorie" dressings.
April 21, 2011
Caveman diet draws grunts from nutritionists
Would adopting the diet our caveman ancestors supposedly ate allow modern-day Americans live longer, healthier lives?