by Amy Mullins | Jun 29, 2016
I
t seems that most Americans start their mornings off with a mug of hot coffee, iced coffee, or any number of fancy variations. For many, it’s the key to starting your day off right. Ever notice what happens when you don’t get your coffee in the morning? Let’s just say, it can be enough to change your mood for the worse. So, what is it about coffee that is so appealing to people worldwide? You guessed it… caffeine.
Caffeine acts in the body as a short-acting stimulant and is found naturally in certain plants, seeds, and the fruits of more than 60 plants such as tea, coffee, cocoa beans, and kola nuts. Caffeine also is widely added to a growing number and variety of beverages, edibles, and medications.
There have been numerous studies on caffeine and how it affects the body – some good, some bad, and some inconclusive. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that for most people, the amount of caffeine in two to four cups of coffee a day is not harmful. Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and may even experience harmful effects (including pregnant and nursing women, children and teenagers) and should limit or avoid its use.
It is generally recognized that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe for healthy adults; however, too much caffeine (500-600 mg/day) can cause problems such as:
- Make you jittery, shaky, nervous, restless, and irritable
- Make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Headaches or dizziness
- Make your heart beat faster or cause abnormal heart rhythms
- Dehydration
- Upset stomach
- Make you dependent on it so you need to take more of it. If you stop using caffeine, you could get withdrawal symptoms.
- Interfere with the metabolism of certain medications.
How much caffeine is in your favorite coffee, tea, soft drink, snack food, chocolate, or medication? A regular home-brewed cup of coffee (8 oz.) typically has about 100mg of caffeine. But, different brands and products contain widely varying amounts. For instance, a grande cup of Starbucks coffee has 330 mg compared to McDonald’s brewed coffee with only 133 mg of caffeine, for approximately the same size.
Want a real “eye-opener”? Check out this extensive list of the Caffeine Content of Food & Drugs by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The bottom line is that it’s okay to drink your cup of Joe in the morning and/or afternoon, but just remember moderation is the key!
References:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
http://www.eatright.org/
http://www.cspinet.org/
by Amy Mullins | May 30, 2016
It’s hard to believe that summer is almost here and the kids are out of school! Often times, when kids (and parents too) get away from their normal routine, poor eating and snacking habits creep in. It’s important for kids (and parents) to have a variety of go-to snacks that are tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare!
Put some thought into which snacks make the best choices, and get input from the kids. Children and teenagers are more likely to eat what you buy (and be excited about it!), if they help in the process.
1.) PLAN: Sit down together and make a list of snack-type foods they might like, and can easily prepare themselves.
2.) LIST: Make a list of the foods you’ll need to pick up at the grocery store.
3.) SHOP: Take the kids with you shopping… let them help fill the cart with the foods you’ve agreed on.
4.) PREPARE: Allow the kids to help wash, cut, portion, and prepare snacks. This will give them more confidence in the kitchen… now and as a future adult.
Stumped on where to get started? Your best bet is to stay away from processed, pre-packaged snack foods, and sugary drinks. These are typically high in unhealthy fats, oils, and sugar, and lack the vitamins, minerals, and fiber fresh and frozen whole foods have.
Try these super easy and healthy snacks:
- Layer vanilla yogurt and mandarin oranges or blueberries in a tall glass. Top with a sprinkle of granola to make a “parfait”.
- Put cubes of low-fat cheese and grapes on pretzel sticks to make “snack-kabobs”.
- Top a banana with low-fat vanilla and strawberry frozen yogurt and sprinkle with your favorite whole-grain cereal for a healthy “banana-split”.
- Use whole grain (flour or corn) tortillas and top with tomato sauce, cut veggies and shredded cheese. Eat it flat (like a pizza) or roll it up (like a wrap).
Keep your children, and yourself, on track this summer by remembering these main messages from ChooseMyPlate and The Dietary Guidelines:
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
- Focus on whole fruits.
- Vary your veggies.
- Make half your grains whole grains.
- Move to low-fat and fat-free milk or yogurt.
- Vary your protein routine.
- Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
Everything you eat and drink over time matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. Start with small changes to make healthier choices you can enjoy. Find your healthy eating style and maintain it for a lifetime.
Find more great ideas with additional resources from MyPlate Snack Tips for Parents
and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 25 Healthy Snacks for Kids.
by Amy Mullins | May 19, 2016
Do you ever feel that burning, uncomfortable, and often painful feeling in your lower chest, sometimes spreading to the throat after eating? Most of us have experienced heartburn (acid reflux) at some point in our lives, dismissing it with “I’ve eaten too much again.” It’s not uncommon and is actually a normal process, with most occurrences being brief and not too bothersome. However, heartburn, or acid reflux, can become a serious issue if it’s a recurring problem.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the esophagus (the tube in your throat that food travels through to reach your stomach) becomes damaged from stomach acid, often a result of a weak or leaky trapdoor (sphincter) connecting the esophagus and stomach. People who experience heartburn at least two times a week may have GERD.
The most common symptoms are:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
Other symptoms may include:
- Stomach pain
- Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
- Persistent laryngitis/ hoarseness
- Persistent sore throat
- Chronic cough, new onset asthma, or asthma only at night
- Regurgitation of foods/fluids; taste of acid in the throat
- Worsening dental disease
- Recurrent lung infections (pneumonia)
- Chronic sinusitis
Complications can be very serious and can include bleeding ulcers, blockages of the esophagus, permanent lung problems, and even esophageal cancer. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor and devise a treatment plan.
Some factors that may contribute to GERD include:
- Pregnancy
- Overweight
- Alcohol use
- Smoking
- Certain medications that delay the emptying of the stomach after a meal
Your doctor may recommend some of the following lifestyle changes to improve symptoms:
- Eat a low-fat diet (avoid fried foods)
- Avoid certain foods that may worsen the problem (excessive chocolate, caffeine, peppermint, spicy foods, raw garlic and onions, tomato-based foods, and citrus fruits)
- Lose weight, if overweight
- Avoid alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Eat smaller meals
- Drink liquids between meals instead of with meals
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Avoid lying down, straining, or bending over following meals
- Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches (place wooden blocks under bedposts)
If you are concerned that you may have more than just the occasional “heartburn,” talk to your healthcare provider. It’s important to alleviate symptoms that could lead to more serious complications.
References:
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gerd.html
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-adults/Pages/overview.aspx
by Amy Mullins | Mar 11, 2016
Celebrating the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Nutrition Month each March is the perfect time to focus on your health needs and set new nutritional goals. A couple of key messages for this year’s theme include discovering new ways to prepare meals that trim sodium and practicing mindful eating behaviors. Make it your goal to incorporate at least one of the following tips into your lifestyle so you can “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right!”
Get Creative with Herbs and Spices
Instead of adding salt or condiments high in sodium to your food, consider using herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, oregano, or cilantro. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, paprika, pepper, and cumin are another great option to include in your favorite meals. Flavoring with herbs and spices instead of salt can help reduce your sodium intake without sacrificing taste.
Appreciate Each Bite
Take time to appreciate every flavor, texture, and the overall eating experience at each meal. Eating slowly and enjoying every bite gives your stomach time to tell your brain that you are satisfied. This practice may help you eat less overall, as well as assist you in reaching your nutritional goals.
Practice Mindful Eating
Think about where you eat a majority of your meals. Eating at your desk or in front of a television can be distracting and may cause you to overeat. Aim to find a place where you can focus solely on your meal instead of trying to multitask while eating.
To learn more about how you can savor the flavor of eating right, visit www.eatright.org or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office.
by Amy Mullins | Feb 3, 2016
Photo credit: pixabay.com
Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of Americans, accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths? It has been called the “silent killer” because often there are no symptoms.
Your risk for heart disease can depend on many things. The good news is that 80% of risk factors are preventable!
Things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Be physically active every day.
- 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity, equivalent to brisk walking, has been shown to lower obesity, blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol
- Aim for a healthy body weight.
- Aim for normal blood glucose. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US and can cause serious health complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.
- Fasting glucose levels over 100mg/dL could signify prediabetes
- Fasting glucose levels over 126mg/dL could signify diabetes
- Check your blood pressure regularly.
- Less than 120/80 mmHg is normal
- 120-139/80-89 mmHg is pre-hypertension
- 140/90 mmHg or higher is hypertension
- Check your cholesterol. People with high cholesterol have about twice the risk of heart disease as people with lower levels. Aim for:
- Total Cholesterol (less than 200 mg/dL)
- Low triglycerides (less than 150 mg/dL)
- Low LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (less than 100 mg/dL)
- High HDL (good) levels (60 mg/dL or higher)
- Consume a healthy diet. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and ChooseMyPlate, a healthy eating plan:
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
- Stays within your daily calorie needs
Taking care of yourself is no easy job! Talk to your doctor and schedule regular checkups. Knowing what your risk for heart disease is literally can save your life. For more information about reducing your risk of heart disease, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
