“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” – La Rochefoucauld
Posted at September 29, 2009 @ 8:10 am by Maria in Nutrition, Recipes
Did you ever have to run to the store to get some baking powder for your recipe? How about sugar, sour cream, or self-rising flour? Keep this list close by and it will be sure to save your recipe.
Baking powder, 1 tsp = 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar + 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda Read more…
Posted at September 26, 2009 @ 9:29 am by Dan in Fitness, Motivation
If one of your fitness goals is to get a flat stomach, you are getting yourself more than just great looks. Checkout the health benefits of having a slim waistline at:
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4739759_help-determine-overall-health-risk.html
Waist-to-hip ratio calculator:
http://www.dietandfitnesstoday.com/waist-to-hip-ratio.php
We are here and always listening. Ask us any questions at balance@topbalancenutrition.com
Posted at September 24, 2009 @ 9:18 am by Maria in Nutrition
With obesity epidemic rapidly on the rise, eating disorders should not be ignored. As a matter of fact, many people with eating disorders may appear be be normal weight. Many of them may even go on to become overweight or obese. Eating disorders do not disciminate. If your HUSBAND, your CHILD or your PARENT suddenly changes their eating habits, gains or loses too much weight or starts acting strange/awkward around food PAY ATTENTION.
Eating disorders are real diseases. The issue is NEVER about food. If you suspect that your friend or your loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, understand that they are truly ill. In addition to the real disease there is also the social stigma and a significant degree of shame associated with living with an eating disorder.
Below is the list of resources. Please take the time to educate yourself. If you or someone you know does have an eating disorder, DO seek professional help.
The Elisa Project: www.TheElisaProject.org
National Associaiton of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: www.anad.org
National Eating Disorders Association: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Eating Disorders Anonymous: www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org
Lifelines Foundation for Eating Disorders: www.lfed.org
Something Fishy: www.somethingfishy.org
Gurze Books: www.bulimia.com
National Eating Disorders Information (Canada): www.nedic.ca
Eating Disorders Association of the UK: www.edauk.com
Lifelines Foundation of Eating Disorders: www.lfed.org
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PREVENTING EATING DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
From: Eating Disorders Clinical Pocket Guide
Author: Jessica Setnick, MS, RD/LD
1. Don’t make disparaging comments on weight, body shapes, or what you or someone else is eating.
2. Throw away your bathroom scale and only weigh children at their medical check-ups.
3. Guide children to follow their own body’s signals for when, what, and how much to eat. Teach them to say “No, thanks” to food that is offered when they’re not hungry.
4. When a child or teen announces a decision to change their eating, always ask why. Listen for any motive that is not food-related, such as “So I’ll have more friends,” or “So I’ll do better in school.”
5. When a child you know is feeling down or disappointed, encourage healthy methods of expression, such as talking, writing or art, rather than eating or dieting.
6. Seek professional help for any child or teen who appears to be struggling with their weight, shape or eating. If needed, seek help for yourself in order to be a better role model.
NEVER make negative comments to children about their weight. NEVER make children think they have disappointed you or done something wrong because their weight is not what you expected. NEVER talk about your own weight issues in front of children. EVER.
Posted at September 21, 2009 @ 7:48 am by Maria in Nutrition
With all of us tightening our budgets in this tough economy, many start wondering if spending money on organic food is truly worth it. The Consumer Reports, the Environmental Working Group, and the United States Department of Agriculture conduct investigations to determine the levels of pesticide contamination in our fruits and vegetables. Below is the summary of the current recommendations.
MOST CONTAMINATED – BUY ORGANIC:
LEAST CONTAMINATED (notice the presence of skin on many):
For more information, go to http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php
***We understand that buying organic food can be very expensive. Consider going to your local farmer’s market. Many local farmers use responsible farming practices, but do not have the funds to obtain the USDA ORGANIC certification. Do not be afraid to ask questions once you get there.
***Buy frozen organic berries and/or freeze your own when they are in season/on sale. Use them in your oatmeal, baking, and smoothies (no need to add the ice).
Posted at September 17, 2009 @ 8:44 am by Maria in Nutrition
Still wondering if that leftover pasta from three days ago is still safe to eat? How about those condiments that have been on your fridge door for a while? Wonder no more. Go to www.stilltasty.com and search by food or food category.
While you are there, quiz yourself on some basic food safety information. Is it safe to eat veggies that have been frozen for a year? How about drinking milk past its expiration date? The answer is YES to both.
Posted at September 16, 2009 @ 3:17 pm by Maria in Uncategorized
Sometimes the simplest things make me happy. www.onesmartbrownie.com is certainly one of them. This amazing blog, started by my fellow graduate NYU student, is fun, easy to read, inspirational AND educational.
Check it out and let me know what you think. E-mail me at mbella@topbalancenutrition.com or post your comment below.
