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

Summer is Here!!

With a successful memorial weekend past us, and summer finally upon us, now is the perfect time to jump aboard the healthy bandwagon! We have made a list of 5 healthy tips for a great summer!

1. Berry Blast!

     Summer is the season for berries. Berries are high in fiber and antioxidants. This is can help prevent cancer as well as reduce the risk of age-related illnesses!

2. Play time!

      It’s a great time to be outside. Pick an activity outdoors, and get the family involved. This is a great way to bond while getting some fresh air and burning off any excess winter weight gain.

3. Vacation Destination!

      Take time to unwind and relax! Taking a vacation can lead to a lower blood pressure as well as decrease those stress hormones.

4. Keep up that Sleep!

      Summers a great time to catch up on sleep. Getting a minimum of 7-8  hours of sleep a night, you can improve your health and lower your stress!

5. Stay hydrated!

      Summer’s heat can get to you if you don’t remember to stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated can increase your energy during long summer days. Keeping you happy and healthy!

Wishing you all a health and happy summer!!

                                  [tips and ideas were taken from http://women.webmd.com/features/8-summer-steps-for-healthy-living]

by: Emily Wetzel

Lights, Camera, Action!

Wednesday was an exciting day for Nutrition Counseling Services!  We had a day full of filming for a new healthy cooking product. Jennifer Vimbor, MS, RD, road-tested the product prior to the interview and then provided an extensive question and answer session on screen, allowing her to give her professional opinion on the product’s convenient and healthy cooking methods. Stay tuned for updates on when the interview will air! 

Jennifer Being Filmed! 

                                                                                                                                                                        By: Emily Wetzel

Helping NCPAD Promote a Healthier You!

Monday was a day full of cooking demonstrations for 14-Weeks to a Healthier You, a web-based program by The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD). 
This program is directed towards promoting healthy lifestyles among people with disabilities by improving their eating habits and encouraging physical activity. After developing recipes and analyzing the calories and nutritional content, we recorded a cooking demonstration of each recipe so participants can learn how to easily prepare each recipe.

Recipes included: Stuffed Peppers, Turkey Lettuce Wraps, a Very-Berry Smoothie, Chicken Kabobs with Chickpea Salad, and a fresh start to the day with the Kick-Off Parfait! 
Being able to assist with the nutrition aspect of the program, such as creating recipes, providing healthy daily tips, and performing cooking demonstrations has been a great experience so far!

Visit the NCPAD program details!




By: Brooke Stewart

High Fructose Corn Syrup- The Truth...

In today’s world, the media often skews and mis-informs the public about various health topics. Too many times we end up asking ourselves what to believe and why we should believe it.

          

      High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Sugar has been an on going debate since the food-processing industry has discovered an inexpensive way to sweeten their products.

            

      The truth is; High Fructose Corn Syrup, has been shown to DIRECTLY correlate with obesity, and when compared to sucrose or table sugar HFCS is the worst choice.

          

       Most simply put Fructose is metabolized by the liver. The liver takes the fructose and converts it quickly into fats (Triglycerides), which produces products that are associated with heart disease. Fructose as well does not stimulate insulin or leptin. These are two hormones that our body uses to control hunger and appetite. This could potentially lead to an increased weight gain due to excess calorie consumption.

            

       Although you may hear that chemically there are very little differences with HFCS and table sugar, the slight chemical variation in HFCS interferes with the way our body uses essential minerals such as; copper, magnesium, iron, calcium and chromium.  A deficiency in these minerals can lead to osteoporosis, heart arrhythmias, insulin resistance, anemia and more.

        

        Being aware of this fact will help you decided what products to buy and which ones to stay away from. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that; “the more processed the food, the more likely it will contain this unfavorable ingredient.” So next time your at the grocery store, look at the package and go for the natural ingredients. Make sure to keep in whether your choosing a product that contains natural sugar or not, moderation is always best. 

By: Emily Wetzel

BEAT THE HEAT!!

During the hot summer months, the heat can be a danger zone for dehydration! Keeping the right amount of fluids on hand before, during, and after exercise is the key to keeping your body in check! 

Tips from the American College of Sports Medicine can help prepare you to beat the heat and improve performance and...Stay Hydrated!!


Visit Washington Running Report for the full article.

By: Brooke Stewart

  

Does Sleep Effect Your Weight?

Between work, school, kids, and our ever-expanding appointment books, it seems like everyone these days is beyond busy.  Many of us try to remedy this by skimping on sleep. 

However, a recent study from Nutrition Action Health Letter reveals that getting a full eight hours of sleep is a critical part of avoiding weight gain and obesity. The study allowed one group of ten overweight, middle-aged women and men to sleep for five hours, while another similar group was allowed to sleep for a full eight hours. 

After three months, the groups switched sleeping requirements and then the results were taken. In each trial, the sleep-deprived individuals proved to gain more weight and body fat than their well-rested counterparts.  The sleep-deprived individuals felt hungrier throughout the day due to higher levels of the appetite-stimulating hormone called Ghrelin. The hormone may cause an increase in appetite, causing them to consume more calories as well as lower metabolic rates, which meant they were also burning fewer calories. 

Along with proper nutrition, sufficient sleep is crucial to improving your health, well-being, and maintaining a healthy weight.   

Strive to fit in eight hours of sleep every night!  
   

By: Brooke Stewart

Hello!

Welcome to Nutrition Counseling Services' blog!!

Here at NCS, we are truly passionate about nutrition and the role food has on our health and well-being. Check in regularly for updates on the latest nutrition tips, events, and research.

There's a lot of information out there. Our goal is to provide you with the facts.
We welcome any questions or comments you may have.

Thank you for visiting our blog and hope you enjoy!

Best,
Jennifer