Having A Bad Taste?


Ever had a bad taste when taking medications? A side effect of certain medications have been shown to effect your taste. Some medicines leave a metallic or salty aftertaste, and alter the way regular food taste.


Examples of medicines that cause a "metallic" taste range from antibiotics, blood pressure medications, thyroid and diuretics, along with muscle relaxers. Having an aftertaste from medicine can be inconvenient when wanting to enjoy a good meal! Take a second to look over tips on how to reduce the metallic taste! 


Here are some tips on how to cure the bad taste!




By: Brooke Stewart

Can Coffee Consumption Lower the Risk of Prostate Cancer?

A recent study done by Harvard  found that drinking 6 or more cups of coffee a day lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer by 20 percent.  The study also showed that it doesn't matter if the coffee was decaffeinated or caffeinated.  Health professionals suggest decaffeinated coffee due to the large amounts of caffeine in 6 cups of coffee.  Additional research is needed

If you're drinking coffee, GO FOR DECAF!!! 

Some Things to Know Before Ordering your Next Drink

        Although you want to think that the calories in your favorite cocktail don't count or exist, they are still there, and they can add up quickly.  Here are some popular drinks that you should think twice about before you order...

9 oz. Mai Tai – 620 Calories (3 oz. Light Rum, 2 oz. Dark Rum, 1 oz. Crème de Almond, 1 oz. Triple Sec, 1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix, 1 oz. Pineapple Juice) 
12 oz. Piña Colada – 586 Calories (3 oz. Rum, 3 oz. Coconut Cream, 6 oz. Pineapple Juice)  
6 oz. Mud Slide – 556 Calories (1.5 oz. Vodka, 1.5 oz. Kahlua, 1.5 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream, 1.5 oz. Half-and-Half) 
10 oz Margarita – 550 Calories (4 oz. tequila, 4 oz. margarita/sour mix, 2 oz. triple sec, lime juice, 1 tsp. sugar)
10 oz. Long Island Ice Tea – 543 Calories (1.5 oz Vodka, 1.5 oz Rum, 1.5 oz Tequila, 1.5 oz Gin, 1.5 oz Triple Sec, 2 oz Sweet and Sour, 0.5 oz Cola)

.....After a few drinks at the bar,  your total calories can add up to more than you need in the day.  This doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a few drinks without regret. There are many drinks that contain a fraction of the calories.  Some examples are:
6 oz. Rum and Diet Coke – 65 Calories (1 oz. Rum, 5 oz. Diet Coke) 
6 oz. Vodka and Soda – 65 Calories (1 oz. Vodka, 5 oz. Soda Water) 
7.5 oz. Gin & Diet Tonic – 115 Calories (1.5 oz. Gin, 6 oz. Diet Tonic) 
12 oz. Budweiser Select-55 Calories
12 oz. Bud Light – 110 Calories 
4 oz. Cabernet Sauvignon – 90 Calories 
4 oz. Chardonnay – 90 Calories 
4 oz Dry Champagne – 105 Calories
4 oz White Zinfandel-80 Calories 


Some other tips to remember before you order your next drink.... 
-choose light beer instead regular
-the higher percent alcohol content, the higher number of calories it has
-limit the amount of mixers in your cocktail (those calories can add up fast!!)


Caloric information found at
http://www.calwineries.com/learn/wine-and-health/science-of-wine-and-health/calories

By: Emily Kukla

Are you on the organic bandwagon?

The organic label has established itself in super markets all over the country. The question we need to ask ourselves is; “Is organic food really better for you?” The truth is, organic has nothing to do with the nutrient value of a product. The term organic refers to the way farmers grow and process their products. Organic farms apply natural fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers. Research has shown that when comparing the nutrient value of organic vs. non-organic there is no significant change.

 However, organic has been shown to benefit the environment by reducing pollution as well as conserving water and soil quality.  By choosing organic you are helping your local farm as well as improving the environment. However, its important to remember that organic does not mean its more healthy.

By: Emily Wetzel

Cooking Time!

Monday was another day full of cooking for the office! Nutrition Counseling Services contributed its second day of filming for UIC’s 14 week program. The Recipes made included; a variety of snacks, a breakfast burrito omelet, a healthy french toast, and many more! You can find these recipes, as well as more information about the 14 week program here!

http://www.ncpad.org/programming/fact_sheet.php?sheet=677

Out with the Old in with the New

The wait is over.....USDA's "Myplate" is finally here!!
For those who felt that the "MyPyramid"was confusing, you might find "MyPlate" easier to follow.  The "Myplate" is a circular plate cut into 4 colored sections representing fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.  The plate also has a circle to represent your daily dairy intake. This new approach is designed to show the public a visual representation of the balance between fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. "MyPlate" also provides tips and tools the public can use in order to choose the healthier option. Overall, the new MyPlate is an easier way for the public to understand the balance of different food groups. Refer to the USDA's MyPlate website for additional tools and tips!


By: Emily Kukla