Genes may affect body shape, but nutrition is always the same!

Another study was recently done on genetics vs. nutrition. Like all the studies before, this one pointed to genes’ contribution to your health and body. It stated that those wide hips are probably not just the fault of greasy french fries. Dry skin is probably not solely from those forty cups of coffee you drink every day. Sure, your DNA probably helps a little.

However, when the article about the study draws to a close there is a laundry list of nutrition advice for all shapes and sizes.  Things that will counteract that nasty DNA no matter what the problem.

Surprise, surprise. According to the article, everyone benefits from whole grains and whole fruit.  No matter what your genes, those hips will never disappear if you continue drinking mass amounts of soda and milkshakes. The only way to get the body and the skin you desire is to pay attention to your food.

Which is exactly what we’ve been saying all along.

Look at the ingredients on your favorite items and toss out the ultra-processed products. Convert the grams of sugar to tablespoons and think about how much you’re really consuming. Opt for brown, hearty breads instead of gummy, white slices with no nutritional value.

Stick to the lessons we’ve mentioned over and over again and it won’t matter much if your genes tend towards a puffy mid section or not.

National Humor Month

We’re a little late on the reporting but April is National Humor Month. It may seem a little unrelated to diet, but in reality laughing is one of the easiest things you can do to benefit your body.

Did you know laughing can relax muscles for up to 45 minutes after a good, hearty chuckle? Or that endorphins are released during a giggle-fest and can actually increase your tolerance for pain?

But more than anything else, a regular dose of laughter can launch you into a much better mood and put stress in perspective. After all, stress is a common cause for overeating.

We’ve mentioned portioning before in High School Reunion Diet but it’s important to keep coming back to the subject. Larger portions than necessary are one of the largest problems with diet in America. By simply cutting back on the amount we eat, we can cut back on the amount of weight our bodies hold on to (for some quick references as to portion sizes check out WebMD).

So giggle a little bit more this month and let the stress slip away. Then, you won’t be so tempted to pile on the extra servings!

On a side note, does anyone have a good joke in honor of April?

More News on Glycemic Indexes!

As we’ve said a hundred times in the past- it’s not ‘carbs’ that kill your diet, it’s the dumb ones that do the deed. But then again, I’m sure you remember that from our past lessons. .

So you’re far ahead of the learning curve, as the idea is just now seeping into mainstream media. Hopefully everyone memorized the lesson the first time around: carbs with low GIs are good, carbs with high GIs are not.

So when you check out some of the new press on the matter, try to keep all of our food suggestions in mind as well.  Sure, darker bread is better for you but don’t just go by the color. Take a look at the actual label and pick up something 100% Whole Grain. Or do a little research on the actual Glycemic Index rating, the extra time could make all the difference in your health.

“40 may be the new 30; but if you’re obese, 40 is the new 60.”

Michelle Obama continued the fight against obesity, this time in an executive setting. Near 100 activists, professors and government officials gathered to listen to the fact-filled speech. Some of the information, contributed by experts in the field, will contribute to her final report on the matter. Also, the suggestions brought up during the talk may be advised later in Michelle’s campaign.

Some suggestions that came up (and can be included in your life!) included:

1. Clean environments in corporate offices for women to breastfeed. Babies who are breastfed for the first six months have a much smaller risk of obesity.

2. More parks. People within closer vicinity to a park or track are statistically less obese. Even a few blocks makes a difference!

3. Recess. Short bursts of physical activity during the work day may help slim you down and keep you alert. Even if it’s just jogging down the staircase during lunch, get your body moving!

Empty Food

Empty calories like those found in white bread and overly processed foods.

Opt for whole fruit (not the juice!) and veggies :)

After-Easter Egg Recipe

Looking for something to do with all those extra Easter eggs that never made it into a basket? We have just the recipe for an egg scramble packed with essential vitamins and tons of nutrients.

Onion Spinach Scramble

Ingredients

Directions

Chop the spinach as small as you like. Saute the onion in the olive oil, and add some salt (1/4 tsp or so), let the onions caramelize (cook on low heat for 15 minutes, until translucent).

Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the chopped spinach. Add egg mixture to the sauteed onions and cook as a pancake until done to your liking.

Good thing that eggs are an excellent source of protein and Vitamin A. Not to mention the significant amounts of Iron and Calcium you can find inside. So chow down and enjoy!

Easter Egg Hunt + Exercise = Michelle Obama’s fight against obesity

Michelle Obama continues to work tirelessly on the  ”Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity. Even when work means spending the annual White House Easter Egg Hunt teaching nutrition and promoting exercise, she’s up for the task.

While kids 12 and under piled on the White House lawn looking for Easter Eggs, the First Lady went to work with activities like yoga, dance and sports. Also included were top chefs and celebrities with nutrition know-how. With accurate nutrition knowledge and regular exercise, there’s no reason children should suffer from a growing diabetes epidemic.

With around 30,000 attendees, this was no small event. Nor was it a small effort on Michelle Obama’s part.

We have to applaud her for the effort and let’s all hope some of the Easter eating lessons stick throughout the year.

Rx Haiti Benefit: Proceeds go to much needed prostheses

NYDG Foundation: 
Rx Haiti
BENEFIT TO PROVIDE ONGOING MEDICAL CARE FOR HAITI

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010 
6:00PM VIP RECEPTION 
7:00PM COCKTAILS & AUCTION 
THE GREENHOUSE 
557 BROADWAY, NY 10012 

Proceeds from the event will provide prostheses for earthquake victims who suffered loss of limb: now identified as the major ongoing medical need of survivors. 

The evening will include music, cocktails and an auction featuring the works of major artists and photographers, clothing, jewelry and other special donations.

For more information visit http://www.nydgfoundation.org/haiti/

Health & Beauty at Barneys New York

Barneys New York exclusively features the new Colbert, MD product line “Daily Nutrition for the Skin.” The coveted serums and creams are sold on the cosmetics floor, along with The High School Reunion Diet, the book that teaches beauty and health through nutrition, by Dr. David Colbert and Terry Reed.  Join Dr. Colbert, Linda Wells (moderator), and other expert panelists at Fred’s Restaurant at Barneys Wednesday, April 28th.  eblst10_barneys_2

Eat The List: Kale

Kale is a close relative of the Brussels sprout and a bonafide superfood. The green cabbage-like veggie is loaded with nutrients and vitamins.

Here are just a few:

Check out all the Virtues of Kale on a fellow nutrition blog.

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