Thursday, January 14, 2010

Protect Yourself from the Flu!

(article taken from Nutrition Works newsletter January '09)
1. Sugar and processed foods impact the immune system. Through a complex system of chemical processes, sugar and processed foods (sodas, candy, cookies, ice cream, and potato chips are the big culprits) depress the immune system. There is a direct link between the amount of sugar your child consumes and his/her health. Foods that you think are healthy may be hiding a lot of sugar and many refined ingredients: juices, yogurt drinks instead of real yogurt, breakfast foods such as pop-tarts, kid's cereals, frozen waffles, and many of the "100 calorie" treats still have ingredients that are not good for your immune system.

2. Fresh foods offer the highest quality vitamins.
Don't substitute orange juice for your daily dose of vitamin C. Real oranges, berries, and vegetables contain tons of vitamin C! And for those who are not getting their fruits and berries I invite you to look at JuicePlus (www.BostonNutritionJuicePlus.com) the next best thing to fruits and vegetables.

3. Sleep will boost the immune system.
At night while we rest, the body is working to rebuild the immune system. Deep sleep allows a complex set of hormonal changes that recharge the body so that it's resilient the next day. The best way to fight off a cold or flu is to act immediately and get extra rest. Pay attention to the health of others around you such as those at work or your child's school. If you hear of a bug "going around" and you notice that your child is tired, there's a good chance that extra sleep will ward off the cold or flu. This is the time to allow extra television and require a mid-day nap.

4. Soups are still the best winter foods.
Homemade soups are packed with vitamins and minerals. They warm the body and strengthen the immune system.

5. Wash hands frequently, soap and water are best.
The best way to kill germs is to use soap and hot water and scrub hands thoroughly. Only use the anti-bacterial products when soap and water are not available.

Monday, November 2, 2009

How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Follow These Tips to Keep Extra Pounds Off This Holiday Season
© Diane Bair Nov 2, 2009

How not to gain weight during winter? Here's advice from a nutritionist on how to fight Thanksgiving overeating, and enjoy holiday meals and parties without dieting.Read more: http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_avoid_winter_weight_gain#ixzz0VkRyQV80

Quoted in online article written by Diane for Suite 101.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Phytonutritients for Fall

FALL PRODUCE...Learn to eat with the seasons.


Phytonutrients for Fall

 
People eat more fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer months when many delicious varieties are in season. As Fall approaches and the cold weather begins, people tend to eat fewer fresh fruits and vegetables. Most people do not realize that Fall has an abundant source of ripe produce; you just need to know what to eat!

Plant nutrients called Phytonutrients give plant-based foods their rich pigment and distinctive tastes. "They are essentially the plant's immune system." Phytonutrients help us stay healthy by stimulating our enzymes to help our bodies get rid of toxins. There are thousands of phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer as well as improve cardiovascular and digestive health! You can find phytonutrients in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, spices and tea.

 
Healthy Fall Vegetables to include in your diet!

Pumpkin
Squash
Sweet potato
Broccoli
Dark leafy greens
Carrots
Cranberries
Tomatoes
Peppers
Apples
Plums
Red grapefruit, oranges and tangerines
Figs
Turnips
Beets
Parsnips
Swiss chard
Kale

Here are a few ideas for using these vegetables:
  •  Try baking butternut or acorn squash seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Squash also works well in pasta dishes.
  • Baked sweet-potato fries are another great treat.
  • Baked apples with cinnamon make a warm fall treat.
  • Make homemade applesauce, or add apples to salad.
  • Cranberries are easy to add to muffins, breads, yogurt or cereal.

  
The holiday season is a great time to explore different fruits and vegetables. Consider serving cranberry sauce, butternut squash soup, or pumpkin pie at your house! Traditional recipes can also be adapted to create healthier versions by including some of these nutrient packed foods.

 

  
Excerpt from article by Brooke Whinnem, R.D., L.D.N., C.N.S.C. , November 2008

 
Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital

The Beginning

Welcome to Boston Nutrition.  My passion has always been Nutrition!  For several decades it has been a joy to be able to work with others to help them meet their nutrition and health goals and find out what is important to them in the area of health and wellness.  Please join me as I use this technology to post the latest nutrition tips and other useful information.  Eat Well, Live Well, Be Well!