Eats « Weekly Gravy

If you think a switch from sugar to a calorie-free sweetener might help you get healthier and shed pounds, think again. After years of research, there’s still only very weak evidence that no-cal sweeteners might be beneficial, according to German researchers who looked over data from 56 studies involving either adults or kids. The investigators looked at a variety of health outcomes including weight, blood sugar, oral health, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, mood and behavior. “Most health outcomes did not seem to have differences between the non-sugar sweetener exposed and unexposed groups,” concluded the team led by Joerg Meerpohl of the University of Freiburg. The quantity of non-sugar sweetener used didn’t seem to matter, either, the team added. In children, no evidence was found in weight gain between those who used non-sugar sweeteners or sugar, the research showed. There was also no evidence of any effect of non-sugar sweeteners on overweight or obese adults or children who were actively trying to lose weight. In the few studies that did show a mild health benefit for no-cal sweetener use, population sizes were either very small or the duration of the trial was too short to make any firm conclusions, the study authors noted. One nutritionist in the United States wasn’t surprised by the findings. “No matter how they are marketed, [non-sugar sweeteners] are still chemicals… read on >

Restrictive diets are hard to stick with, especially when you must eliminate most of your favorite foods. Research has also found that cutting out a particular food can cause cravings and may lead to overindulgence — and weight regain — when you allow yourself to enjoy it again. Since permanent weight loss really involves a forever approach, learning how to work in your favorites, especially sweets, is a must even during the weight-loss phase. Penn State University researchers set out to test whether purposefully including a favorite snack in a diet could help people stick with their eating plan and achieve weight loss success. They conducted a small study in which all the participants followed a low-calorie, high-nutrient diet of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, non-fat milk and lean protein with a small number of daily calories going to a sweet treat. For one group of participants the treat was one small square of chocolate twice a day plus a sugar-free cocoa drink. For the other group, the treat was red licorice, plus the cocoa drink. After 18 weeks, both groups lost inches and pounds, with the chocolate group achieving slightly better results. The researchers also found that participants didn’t overindulge in their treats — they kept within the overall calorie-range of their diet — and that the snacks kept cravings under control. To try this… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Some decorations sold for use on birthday cakes may not be what parents wish for, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Some decorative glitters and dusts may contain ingredients that shouldn’t be eaten, the agency says. They’re marketed as luster dust, disco dust, twinkle dust, sparkle dust highlighter, shimmer powder, pearl dust and petal dust. The FDA offers these suggestions before deciding on how to decorate a cake: Carefully check the label of any decorative product. Edible glitters and dusts are required by law to include a full list of ingredients on the label. Look for ingredients such as sugar, acacia, maltodextrinornstarch and color additives specifically approved for food use. Most edible glitters and dusts state “edible” on the label. If the label simply says “non-toxic” or “for decorative purposes only” and does not include an ingredients list, you should not use the product on foods.

If you’re thinking about making some health-related resolutions for 2019, the American Medical Association (AMA) has some suggestions. “This is the perfect time of year for each of us to consider our personal goals, and how we can make positive health choices in the coming year,” said AMA President Dr. Barbara McAneny. “We encourage everyone to prioritize their long-term health by making small lifestyle changes now that can have a lasting effect in improving their health,” she added in an AMA news release. The association offers some tips that can make a big difference in your health: Learn your risk for type 2 diabetes: Take a self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. If you’re at risk, the website lists steps that can help you prevent or delay development of the blood sugar disease. Get regular exercise: Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity. Know your blood pressure: Get high blood pressure under control to help prevent heart attack or stroke. Eat a healthy diet: Cut down on processed foods, especially those with added salt and sugar, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages. Drink more water. Help prevent antibiotic resistance: If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Remember: Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, including those that cause colds and flu. Limit alcohol and tobacco:… read on >

When it comes to so-called good foods and bad foods, it’s pretty easy to separate a green salad from a piece of pie. But some healthy foods can become less beneficial for you simply because of the way you cook them. Researchers analyzed three years of eating patterns of kids between the ages of 7 and 13 who gained excess weight in that time, and identified the foods most likely to get the blame. Fat-based spreads like butter, desserts, candy and sugary beverages and processed meats were on the list. But so were poultry and fish when breaded and battered, and potatoes cooked in oil — from French fries to chips. In these cases, the cooking methods undermined the value of otherwise healthful foods, and not just the chicken and fish. The researchers pointed out that when boiled or mashed without any fat, potatoes are satisfying, yet not associated with unwanted weight gain. Of course, if you leave off the coatings, chicken and fish won’t lead to excess pounds either. Note: Baking, poached and light sauteing are tasty alternatives, especially when you add herbs to increase flavor. The researchers also singled out whole grains and high-fiber cereals as good foods that don’t promote overweight. These happen to also be high in fiber, which is important for children as well as adults — and many kids… read on >

(HealthDay News) — Caffeine in limited amounts is OK for most people, but too much of the stimulant can be dangerous to your health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The FDA adds: Caffeine is found in many foods, including various beverages and dietary supplements. Coffees and teas labeled “decaffeinated” can actually contain 2 to 15 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. Pregnant women and people who take certain medications should be aware of their doctor’s recommended caffeine consumption. The FDA suggests consulting a physician about the safety of children consuming caffeine. Caffeine should not be used as a substitute for sleep. If you want to cut back on caffeine, do so gradually to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

For many, the start of the new year signals the start of a new diet. But what’s the best way to eat if you want to lose weight? For overall healthy eating, the best diet plan is the Mediterranean diet, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual diet review. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet was ranked second on the magazine’s overall Best Diets 2019 list, followed by the Flexitarian plan. All three plans focus on eating a mostly plant-based diet (veggies, fruits and whole grains), healthy fats and lean protein sources. “I hope these rankings steer people in the direction of doing something healthful,” said nutritionist Samantha Heller of NYU Langone Health in New York City. “I wish though, that we weren’t so obsessed with weight loss and diets, per se. I wish the focus was on adopting a healthy lifestyle, like eating a more plant-based diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep and managing stress, all of which help us live a better quality of life,” Heller said. To that end, she said the top three diets are all similar in their food content, and all can be healthy eating regimens. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to increased longevity and a decreased risk of chronic illnesses, the report said. The Mediterranean diet was also ranked high in multiple categories… read on >

Taking care of your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season, a medical expert suggests. “This festive time of year can be a lot of fun, but may also hurt our mental and physical health,” said Dr. Joseph Cooke, chairman of the department of medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital. “When we’re stressed or in a rush, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. To have a happy and healthy holiday season, we should all take a few moments to pause, and be mindful of what our body and mind are telling us,” he added in a hospital news release. It’s important to set realistic expectations and goals. Say no to social activities, chores and events when you need to, and be sure your priority is on you, your family and your health. Holiday parties and shopping can expose you to illness-causing germs. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you or wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to feelings of anxiety, exhaustion and irritability, according to Cooke. Be active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity every day. For example, go for a run, take a walk with your family, or go ice skating.… read on >

It’s not just a sign of the holiday season. Food servings have been getting supersized everywhere, from restaurants to grocery shelves. So it can be hard to know what a recommended portion size actually looks like anymore. Whether it’s a scoop of ice cream or a serving of vegetables, it’s probably a lot more than you think. However, everyday items as well as your own hand can serve as visual guides. For a one-cup measure of foods like cereal, fruit chunks or vegetables, picture a baseball, tennis ball or your own clenched fist. For a half-cup, picture that baseball cut in half or the front part of your fist. Other common portion sizes may be even smaller than you realize. For instance, one tablespoon is about the size of your thumb tip. One teaspoon is the size of the tip of your index finger. And a teaspoon of a liquid, like olive oil, is the surface of a postage stamp. Here’s some holiday help for measuring other small amounts: One-and-a-half ounces of cheese is about the size of a 9-volt battery. A one-ounce piece of bread is the size of a 3″ by 5″ index card. One ounce of nuts should fit snuggly within the cup of your hand. Three ounces of meat should fit into the flat square of your palm — it’s about… read on >

Many people rely on chicken noodle soup to soothe a cold, but few know exactly why the warm broth brings relief. But one dietitian can explain its magic. “Studies have shown that a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms,” said Sandy Allonen, a clinical dietitian at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “It’s all about the ingredients.” When you have a cold, it’s also important to stay hydrated, she added. “A clear broth is warm and soothing, making it a great source of hydration while you’re sick, especially if you have a sore throat,” Allonen said in a hospital news release. “You may think added salt and other seasonings aren’t great for you, but in moderation, these spices can help combat the feeling of dull taste buds,” she noted. “A loss of taste is common in a cold, but as with any flavor enhancer, salt is great for getting you to eat more.” The chicken in your soup offers a number of benefits. It’s high in protein that helps the immune system, and is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, which boost immunity and help with digestion. “Chicken is also high in tryptophan, which helps your body produce serotonin that can enhance your mood and give you the feeling… read on >