By: MARY-JO SAWYER | Special Correspondent Published: March 07, 2012 Updated: March 07, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Is your plate in shape? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) wants it to be so you'll be healthier. That's why it has based its National Nutrition Month theme on the USDA's new MyPlate plan.

Get your plate in shape by following the academy's four simple suggestions.

If you don't have veggies at each meal yet, try something simple, such as baby carrots or celery sticks, then move up to a salad. Cook some frozen veggies in the microwave, or steam fresh ones on the stove.

For easy fruits at lunch, include whole fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas, pears or oranges. For dinner, add grapes, berries or fruit cups. To save money, buy fresh produce in season, and check for sales.

Animal protein sources include beef, pork, poultry, fish and eggs. A healthful meat portion is 3 ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. If that's smaller than what you currently eat, cut back gradually, while increasing your produce portions.

Nonmeat sources of protein include peanut butter, soy products, dried beans and peas, and tofu. Try the Lentil Chili recipe, which marries meat and nonmeat protein sources. The lentils provide an excellent source of fiber, too.

Try a little stealth nutrition by using white wheat bread for sandwiches, or hiding the whole-grain pasta under the red spaghetti sauce. Or mix the white rice or pasta with their brown varieties, and gradually increase the ratio until you're eating the whole grains most of the time.

After the holidays, many people went to the gym to get in shape. Why not use March as a time to get your plate in shape? Start by making one new change at meals each day.

Lentil Chili

Read the original:
Practical Nutrition: For a healthier you, get your plate in shape

Public release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kelly Plowe, M.S., R.D. kplowe@pistachiohealth.com 310-966-8316 Paramount Farms

March is National Nutrition Month and as the spotlight shines on all things healthy, celebrate with a mindful snack that loves you backCalifornia pistachios.

The theme of this year's "National Nutrition Month" is "Get your Plate in Shape." The annual campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), highlights the importance of healthy meals as well as snacks.

With U.S. children and adults consuming food more frequently than they did 30 years ago, three meals a day is no longer the norm. Instead, snacks play a predominant role in the U.S. diet and there are now more opportunities than ever before to eat, so it is important what you choose packs a nutritional punch.

Once regarded as a high-fat food that health-conscious dieters should seek to avoid, nuts are now touted as nutritional powerhouses and are an ideal healthy snack. New research, supported by the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation, adds to the growing number of studies that have consistently found that those who regularly consume nuts, like pistachios, tend to weigh less and have lower odds of developing certain chronic diseases.

Tree Nut Consumers May Have Lower Weight and Reduced Risk Factors for Certain Diseases

The study, recently published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, suggests that tree nut consumers are less likely to have certain risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The researchers examined the diets of more than 13,000 adults participating in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that tree nut consumption was associated with a lower prevalence rate of four risk factors for metabolic syndromeabdominal obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), low HDL-C (good cholesterol) and elevated fasting glucoseas well as a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in general, as compared to non-nut consumers. Metabolic syndrome occurs when you have a cluster of conditions that together increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In addition, tree nut consumers had higher levels of HDL-C and folate and lower levels of C-reactive protein and homocysteine, all of which are important indicators of heart health.

The researchers also discovered that, on average, tree nut consumers had significantly lower weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) compared to non-tree nut consumers. The average weight, BMI and waist circumference of tree-nut consumers were about 4 pounds, 1 kg/m2, and an inch lower, respectively, than non-consumers.

"We found that in addition to lower body weight, tree nut consumers also had a 22 percent lower risk of becoming overweight or obese and 17 percent lower risk of developing abdominal obesity than non-tree nut consumers," stated Carol O'Neil, PhD, MPH, RD, lead author of the study and Professor at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. This data confirms similar results found by researchers at Harvard University in 2011 which found that consumption of nuts was inversely associated with weight gain.

Original post:
Give your snack a national nutrition month makeover with pistachios

March is National Nutrition Month -- a nutrition information and education campaign sponsored each year by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

For some older adults, food choices sometimes are not an option, with low-income seniors having to make painful decisions, such as spending money on medications instead of food.

No senior citizen should go hungry in our community, however, hunger among our elderly population is a growing crisis; hunger rates have more than doubled for low-income seniors in the United States in the last few years.

In the U.S., there are over 5 million seniors who grapple with hunger issues, almost 3 million seniors who are at risk of not having enough to eat, and nearly 1 million seniors who go hungry because they cannot afford to buy food. Ongoing hunger and malnutrition can cause chronic diseases that result in expensive hospitalizations and nursing home or other long-term care placements.

Thirty eight percent of seniors dealing with inadequate food and nutrition have incomes below the federal poverty level ($10,890 in 2011).

In addition to the impact of poverty on hunger, several other factors come in to play, such as renting versus homeownership, age, living alone, and raising a grandchild. Studies reveal that households supporting a grandchild are about two-and-a-half

In these challenging economic times, it is no surprise that there are increasing numbers of older Americans who do not have enough to eat. Baby Boomers began turning 65 last year, and those between the ages of 60 to 69 have the highest risk of hunger.

Lack of proper nutrients significantly increases the chances of poor health, which not only diminishes the quality of life, but also increases utilization of health care services, early long-term care placements, and an increased risk of death.

The Area 1 Agency on Aging supports local home-delivered meals programs in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, serving nearly 300 meals five days per week. Home-delivered meals are taken, often by volunteers, directly to an older adult's residence.

Excerpt from:
GRAY MATTERS: National Nutrition Month

Students and parents in Belding will be able to become aware of just how important healthy habits are at this years Nutrition Night, which is scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday.

The free event, geared toward middle school and high school students, will take place at Belding High School and feature a variety of activities, including speakers, vendors and informational seminars.

One of the speakers includes Mike Church, who is a musician, food columnist and chef at Calvin College. He said he will be promoting healthier eating habits, teaching attendees how to properly read food labels and know serving sizes, and discussing organic and natural food products.

Church said he decided to present at Nutrition Night because he wanted to spread awareness about healthy eating and because it will also be something he is not used to doing.

Im always looking for a challenge, and its a good way to give some great information to students, said Church. Im going to try to just make it fun and simple.

He said he will be demonstrating quick and easy ways to make smoothies that are not only pleasing to the palette, but provide a good source of protein.

Church added he realizes how tough it can be for students to get good sources of nutrition for personal brain fuel, and will give them a few new options to try in the morning besides sugary cereal.

It can make a world of difference, Church said.

Bodybuilders Dave Doolittle and Todd Davis will also be in attendance, speaking about how important nutrition is in terms of learning, brain function and physical activity. Both have been in the body building world for more than 15 years and have won multiple championships.

Doolittle said he will also discuss his drug free bodybuilding career, emphasizing that some, more unhealthy ways for achieving dreams can be harmful.

Excerpt from:
Nutrition Night gives Belding students insights to health

Following years of planning and several extensions, nutrition labels are now required on ground meat and poultry packages, and on or near major cuts sold in supermarkets, effective March 1.

This nutrition information will confirm for consumers what the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently said, that lean meat and poultry products are an important part of a healthy balanced diet, declared J. Patrick Boyle, president of the American Meat Institute. This final rule has been in progress for more than a decade, and the meat and poultry industry is pleased to provide nutrient content information to consumers about our fresh products.

Nutrition labels have been required on processed meat and poultry products for many years, and many fresh single-ingredient meat and poultry products like steak, tenderloins and ground beef also have carried labels voluntarily. Now, this valuable information will be offered more widely and will provide a pleasant nutrition surprise to many meat and poultry consumers, Boyle said.

Meat and poultry products, Boyle noted, are nutrient dense and rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Consumers should note that 29 cuts of beef, pork and lamb are considered lean. A 3-ounce serving of meat or poultry contains between 160 and 200 calories and contains all nine essential amino acids, he said. That is why meat is considered a complete protein.

Boyle said recent research has shown that lean meat and poultry provide a sense of satisfaction that help control hunger and aid in weight control. More than 40 cuts of meat and poultry qualify for the definition of lean.

AMI has produced a video to educate retailers and consumers about lean cuts of meat and poultry.

The Washington, D.C.-based American Meat Institute is a national trade association that represents companies that process 95 percent of red meat and 70 percent of turkey in the United States and their suppliers throughout the country.

Read more:
Nutrition Labels on Meat Now a Must

WASHINGTON, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --"On March 1, nutrition labels will be required on ground meat and poultry packages and on or near major cuts of meat and poultry sold in supermarkets. This nutrition information will confirm for consumers what the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently said: that lean meat and poultry products are an important part of a healthy balanced diet. This final rule has been in progress for more than a decade, and the meat and poultry industry is pleased to provide nutrient content information to consumers about our fresh products.

"Nutrition labels have been required on processed meat and poultry products like bacon, ham and marinated pork loins for many years. Many fresh single ingredient meat and poultry products like steak, tenderloins and ground beef, also have carried labels voluntarily. Now, this valuable information will be offered more widely and will provide a pleasant nutrition surprise to many meat and poultry consumers.

"Meat and poultry products are nutrient dense and rich in protein, vitamins are minerals. Consumers should note that 29 cuts of beef, pork and lamb are considered lean. A three ounce serving of meat or poultry contains between 160 and 200 calories and contains all nine essential amino acids. That is why meat is considered a 'complete protein.'

"Recent research has shown that lean meat and poultry provide a sense of satisfaction that help control hunger and aid in weight control. More than 40 cuts of meat and poultry qualify for the definition of lean."

To view a helpful video about lean cuts of meat and poultry, click here: http://bit.ly/zg9R71

Continued here:
Nutrition Information for Fresh Meat and Poultry Products Will Showcase High Nutrient Value in Meat & Poultry Products

Loblaw banner stores offer Canada's largest assortment of fresh offerings along with a broad range of services to empower Canadians to make healthier choices

BRAMPTON, ON, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - (TSX:L.TO - News) -To mark Nutrition Month, on March 3 , a nation-wide 'dietitian day' will take place at Loblaw banner stores across Canada . As part of a livelifewell corporate commitment to helping Canadians make healthier choices, dietitians will be in select stores from 10AM to 2PM to debunk nutrition myths and provide tips on how to make healthier food choices for customers' individual needs. This exciting event is part of an official sponsorship of Dietitians of Canada's Nutrition Month campaign. In addition to this event, at select stores, dietitians offer one-on-one consultations and guided grocery tours on different topics such as diabetes, heart health, gluten-free diets and family nutrition.

"Healthy living is something many Canadians strive for, but between eating the right foods, exercising and being mindful of growing health risks, it can feel like a daunting endeavor," says Alexis Williams , Dietitian, Loblaw Companies Limited. "With a large assortment in Loblaw banner stores of health-related products and services in the country, Canadians can embrace the products and expertise they need to help them accomplish their health goals."

Fresh First Start at the fresh departments for healthier choices and great tasting foods. From seafood to meat to produce and baked goods, Loblaw banner stores sell the most fresh food of any retailer in Canada*! Loblaw is committed to offering customers a large assortment of fresh and local produce annually - up to 40% of produce sold in Loblaw banner stores in August and September 2011 alone was fresh Canadian-grown produce and an in-house team dedicated to sourcing the best growers and produce across North America works year round to ensure customers can choose great tasting, fresh produce.

Culinary Convenience There isn't always time to cook from scratch and Canadians need quick, tasty options they can feel good about feeding their family. In the recent Loblaw Companies livelifewell survey, compiled from a national online poll conducted by Vision Critical for Loblaw Companies Limited, results reveal that 50 per cent of Canadians look to food labels for information to help them make healthy lifestyle choices. The newly-designed packaging of PCBlue Menu products makes it easy to quickly identify nutritional benefits with plus (+) and minus (-) symbols identifying nutritional attributes of products so customers can see what the products contain more or less of, right away. Loblaw banner stores also offer the competitively-priced PC Organics range of products and select stores house comprehensive Natural Value sections to meet the needs of many Canadians' strict dietary restrictions and preferences. For more information about new PC Blue Menu products, pick up a copy of the newest President's Choice Insiders Report, now in select stores, or online at http://www.pc.ca/bluemenu

Empowering customers to make healthier choices In addition to the broad range of products available at Loblaw banner stores, Canadians can also benefit from a unique and extensive roster of in-store offerings, including in-house experts and partnerships with third party organizations to provide a true health and wellness destination experience for customers. From one-on-one counsel with pharmacists and eye-care professionals, to President's Choice Cooking School classes, Loblaw banner stores have ample resources to help support customers on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle - all under one roof

*AC Neilsen

About the survey

Vision Critical conducted an online survey on February 1, 2012 among 1,004 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid forum panelists. The margin of errorwhich measures sampling variabilityis +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada . Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Loblaw Companies Limited TSX: L

Here is the original post:
Nutrition Month Alert: Canada's largest grocery retailer - Loblaw Companies - hosting nation-wide dietitian day event ...

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT - News) today announced plans to build a nutrition manufacturing facility in Tipp City, Ohio, to produce two of the company's fastest-growing adult brands, Ensure and Glucerna, for the North America market. Abbott will invest $270 million in the facility and will employ approximately 240 people. Groundbreaking is expected in April with the plant operational in late 2013.

"As the U.S. population continues to age, particularly baby boomers, this new plant will enable us to meet the fast-growing demand for our leading adult liquid nutrition products, Ensure and Glucerna," said John C. Landgraf, executive vice president, Global Nutrition, Abbott. "It will be a key addition to our global manufacturing network that will allow the company to gain important operational efficiencies."

"Abbott Nutrition's U.S. headquarters and other operations are in Columbus, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the state with this facility," said Landgraf. "We appreciate the collaborative efforts of Gov. John Kasich and Tipp City Manager Jon Crusey and their development teams."

The state-of-the-art plant will specialize in aseptic packaging technology. Aseptic packaging has many benefits including the ability to expand the use of new ingredients, shortened product development time and reduced energy use during manufacturing.

Abbott's nutrition business currently generates approximately $6 billion in sales, which is expected to grow to more than $9 billion by 2015. This growth is supported by attractive pediatric and adult nutrition market fundamentals, increasing global awareness of the importance of nutrition to overall health and well-being, and the rise of an emerging-market middle class. The nutrition business is one of the cornerstones of Abbott's diversified portfolio.

About Abbott Nutrition

For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been developing and marketing science-based pediatric and adult nutritional products to support the growth, health and well-being of people all over the world. Globally recognized brands include Similac, PediaSure, Gain, Ensure and Glucerna.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 91,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com.

Original post:
Abbott to Build Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Ohio

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire -03/01/12)- Despite coming under increased scrutiny, shares of companies focused on nutrition have been on an impressive run of late. TickerSpy's Nutrition Products Stocks Index (RXNTR) is up roughly 8.6 percent over the last month -- outperforming the S&P 500 by 4.2 percent. Five Star Equities examines investing opportunities in the Nutrition industry and provides investment research on Fuse Science Inc. (Pinksheets: DROP.PK - News) and Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF - News). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

http://www.fivestarequities.com/DROP

http://www.fivestarequities.com/HLF

The nutritional supplement sector is not without criticism. In late 2011, the British Daily Mail newspaper, in their report on two pieces of research, one published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, suggested that the vitamin and mineral supplements do next to nothing for one's health. A 2011 review titled, 'Trash the Vitamins: Convince Your Patients,' published in Archives of Internal Medicine, even suggested dietary supplements can actually promote a higher risk for death.

Dr. Carrie Ruxton from the Health Supplements Information Service told the Daily Mail that the "findings should be treated with extreme caution given the poor methodology and lack of reliable information about the health of participants, or the type of diets consumed."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Nutrition Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at http://www.fivestarequities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Fuse Science, Inc. focuses on providing energy and body replenishment products. The company develops conveyance technologies to deliver energy, medicines, vitamins, and minerals. Earlier this month the company reported that it entered into licensing and distribution agreements with Mission Product Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Mission Athletecare. The distribution agreement provides Fuse Science with access to a robust network of food, drug and sporting goods retailers, representing nearly 20,000 locations

Herbalife Ltd., a network marketing company, sells weight management, nutritional supplement, energy, sports and fitness, and personal care products worldwide. Herbalife reported fourth-quarter earnings of $105.4 million, or 86 cents a share, compared with $86.3 million, or 69 cents, a year ago. The company was helped by a double-digit volume growth in all of the regions it serves, prompting the company to raise its full-year outlook.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.fivestarequities.com/disclaimer

Original post:
Nutrition Stocks on the Upswing - Fuse Science and Herbalife Showing Impressive Growth

The next time you shop at the grocery store, you may see something new nutrition labels on meat. The same types of labels you already find on other foods.

In 1993, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made nutrition labeling voluntary for many types of raw meats. The labeling becomes mandatory on Thursday.

The new rule affects all ground meat and poultry and 40 of the most popular cuts of meat in the United States such as chicken breasts, steaks, pork chops, roasts, lamb and veal. If the nutrition facts are not on the package, as in the case of some larger cuts of meat, look for posters or signs at the meat counter for this information.

Its the kind of information that consumers are asking for and we just think its about helping people make their own best choices by having the information that they need, says Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, Undersecretary for Food Safety at the USDA.

These labels or posters include listings of total calories, calories from fat, levels of saturated fat, protein, cholesterol, sodium and iron. In addition to showing the lean content for a particular meat, such as 90% lean, labels must now also include the fat percentage, in this example 10% fat.

The information can also be used to comparison shop among products. If a consumer is concerned about total calories or saturated fat, for example, they can compare and contrast products and possibly make a selection based on the nutrient content of the food, says Registered Dietitian Heather Mangieri, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

And she adds that the best cuts of meat are those that provide the best nutrient bang for our calorie buck,.

When it comes to beef, those cuts that include the word round are the lowest in fat, with loin being a close second. In poultry, dark meat has more fat than white meat, Mangieri says.

Read more from the original source:
Nutrition Labeling for Meats Becomes Mandatory

NEW YORK, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. ("Cenergy"), the operating subsidiary of Laufer Bridge Enterprises, Inc. (OTC:LBGE.PK - News), announced the appointment of Mr. Bill Chaaban as the new ChiefOperating Officer (COO), and to the Board of Directors of Cenergy Nutrition.

Bill Chaaban, B.Comm., JD, LL.B., LL.M.is a licensed attorney in theUSA and Canada, and will advise themanagement teamregarding daily operational and regulatory affairs ashe hasintimate knowledgeregarding the manufacture, wholesale and retail distribution of nutritional supplements.He operates one of the few privately owned companies that is vertically integrated from the manufacturing to retail consumer level.Mr. Chaaban hastwenty five years of industry experience, and will oversee the manufacturing and branding of the Cenergy supplement product lines.

Mr. Chaaban is also the founder of http://www.Fitnessone.com, which is a leading online retailer, and will be involved in the day to day operations, as Mr. Chaaban's strategic and industry insightwill benefit in the development of the Cenergy brand.

International Distribution

Mr. Chaabanwill also aid in developing the distribution of our brand in foreign markets as hisknowledgeof foreign laws and regulations pertaining to sales and marketing of nutritional supplementswill befundamental to the growth of Cenergy Nutrition'sbusiness abroad.

Keith Thomas, the CEO of Cenergy Nutrition commented, "The appointment of Mr. Chaaban to the position of COO now positions Cenergy Nutrition to prepare for its upcoming launch and distribution of its nutritional supplement lines. We are very excited as the company is now putting together a team with a wealth of experience in the marketing and branding of nutritional supplements, and now sets the stage for Cenergy Nutrition to embark on its long awaited world-wide launch."

In addition, the Company has retained the New York based public relations firm South Street Media, Inc (www.southstreetmedia.com) to assist the company in shareholder and media communications as the company enters the production and distribution phase of its business model.

About Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc.

Laufer Bridge Enterprises, Inc., through its operating wholly subsidiary Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc., is a nutrition company engaged in the development of nutracueticals. They will offer a broad spectrum of capsules, tablets, and powders, as well as science based products in three principal categories. These categories are weight management, nutrition challenges, energy and fitness. The Company's objective is to successfully market, distribute nutritional products, and continue to develop innovative supplements. http://www.CenergyNutrition.com

To request an investor packet onCenergy Nutritionregister online at http://www.wallstreetnewscast.com/request/lbge.html

Read more:
Cenergy Nutrition Appoints COO for Production and Branding of Supplement Line

TUESDAY, Feb. 28 (HealthDay News) -- Even when fast-food restaurants list calorie counts for menu items, diners may still have a hard time using the information to make healthy meal choices, researchers report.

In the study, the scientists examined the calorie listings for 200 food items on menu boards from 12 restaurant chains in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem.

Too often, calorie counts were listed for combo meals or meals intended to serve multiple people, or had wide ranges in what the calorie count might be.

For example, a bucket of chicken was listed as having 3,240 to 12,360 calories, but the menu board did not provide enough information for consumers to determine the number of pieces of chicken in a serving size.

A listing for a sandwich combo meal said it ranged from 500 to 2,080 calories. However, no information was provided on how to order within the lower range of this menu item.

Under federal law, restaurants with 20 or more locations must provide calorie data and additional nutritional information for menu items and self-serve foods. Although the calorie information complied with U.S. labeling rules, consumers may have a tough time making sense of much of it, the study found.

"Menu postings for individual servings are easily understood, but complex math skills are needed to interpret meals designed to serve more than one person," wrote study author Elizabeth Gross Cohn, an assistant professor at the Columbia University School of Nursing, and colleagues. "In some items, calories doubled depending on flavor, and the calorie posting did not give enough information to make healthier selections."

Researchers suggested that calorie listings should do more than merely comply, but take into account what level of "math literacy" is needed to make use of the information. In a revised system, a breakfast sandwich, for example, would be listed as, "Egg with ham/bacon/sausage: 350/550/750," so consumers could know exactly how many calories various options would add.

"In low-income communities with a high density of chain restaurants, and where educational attainment of consumers may be low, simplifying calorie postings and minimizing the math required to calculate calories would increase menu-board utility," the researchers wrote.

The study was published online Feb. 16 in the Journal of Urban Health.

See the rest here:
Many Gaps in Fast-Food Nutrition Information

By: MARY-JO SAWYER | Special Correspondent Published: February 29, 2012 Updated: February 29, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Beans, beans, the magical fruit! The more you eat, the more you can improve your nutrition, increase protein, lower your cholesterol and control your blood sugar. I bet you were expecting another description, but whatever their reputation, dried beans and peas are inexpensive nutrition dynamos.

Beans and peas are really vegetables and include kidney, pinto, black and lima beans, chickpeas, split peas, black-eyed peas and lentils. They come frozen, canned or dried.

They're rich in iron, zinc, folate and potassium, nutrients often low in many American diets. White beans, black-eyed peas, black beans and lentils are good sources of iron.

Dried beans and peas are protein foods, too. A half cup cooked is equal to 2 ounces of meat. Save money on your grocery bill by having vegetarian entrees, such as vegetable chili or beans and rice, several times a week. Add protein to your meals with refried beans, or toss a few into your salads or meat chili.

A half cup of cooked beans contains 6 to 8 grams of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber promotes healthy digestion, and may be linked to reducing colon cancer. The soluble fiber helps reduce high cholesterol levels.

Control your weight with dried beans and peas. They're naturally low in fat and calories. A half cup has less than 1 gram of fat, and 100 to 120 calories. Their added fiber and protein at meals can help you feel fuller and more satisfied so you'll eat less.

Don't avoid these higher carbohydrate veggies if you have diabetes. Their fiber and complex carbohydrate cause a slower rise in blood sugar than some other starches. Carbohydrate varies among beans at 16 to 22 grams per half-cup.

Three Bean Salad is a delicious low-fat recipe with 15 grams carbohydrate, which counts as one serving of carbohydrate in a diabetes meal plan.

Part of the carbohydrate in beans is a complex sugar, which can't be broken down by the human digestive tract. It results in the gassy reputation of these beans; some are gassier than others.

Go here to see the original:
Practical Nutrition: Benefits of beans

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

As part of the Pentagon’s dramatic new efforts to improve the diet and fitness of its troops and the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign, the military’s choice for healthier alternative UFood Grill restaurants moved a step closer today to opening its first location on a military base.

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. (OTCBB:UFFC.OB - News) – a growing “better-for-you” fast food chain with healthier menu offerings, has been approved by the Army/Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) and is well positioned to support these initiatives. In January 2012, UFood announced they’d signed an agreement for global military base development of 26 UFood Grills with MBUF, LLC, a private investment group of military veterans. Three locations are now underway at the Aberdeen Proving Ground military base in Maryland, with the first of these three locations slated to open in March 2012.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Jonathan Woodson announced changes to the menus of 1,100 dining halls at military bases nationwide earlier this month. The move, which adjusts the Pentagon’s nutritional standards for the first time in 20 years, will bring more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and food choices that are lower in fat to 1.45 million troops a day at all 1,100 American military dining facilities in the coming months.

“Simply put, this is America's entire military once again stepping forward to lead by example," Mrs. Obama said about the Pentagon’s nutrition movement earlier this month. “A lack of fitness is not just a health issue, but a national security issue.”

“As we enter the military with our upcoming opening at Aberdeen Proving Ground, we will be at the forefront of healthier eating within the military," said UFood Chairman and CEO George Naddaff. “MBUF is comprised of a group of experienced veterans who understand that leading by example in the area of health and nutrition benefits the military and our country as a whole. We look forward to opening Aberdeen together as we map out further military base locations for UFood.”

“The military has had a great response to the UFood Grill concept,” said Francis L. Shea, managing partner, MBUF, LLC. “As a veteran myself, I know how important a balanced diet is to military fitness. By offering a healthy fast casual alternative to fast food, we believe that UFood will serve both the nutritional and the lifestyle needs of our military and their families, and their overall health.”

UFood Grill is committed to offering consumers food that tastes great, is lower in calories and fat and, wherever possible, serving meals that are antibiotic and hormone-free, gluten-free as well as natural, grass-fed beef and cage-free eggs. UFood boasts a wide-ranging menu that includes lean burgers, rice bowls, salads, wraps, paninis and smoothies. In addition to airport locations in Boston, Cleveland and Dallas, construction is underway at two locations in the Salt Lake City International Airport, which will open in April.

About UFood Restaurant Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Boston, Mass., UFood Restaurant Group, Inc. is a franchisor and operator of fast-casual food service restaurants. UFood Grill offers a healthy lifestyle alternative to consumers in the fast-casual restaurant space and is positioned to become a leading player in the “better-for-you” quick-serve restaurant category. Franchise innovator George Naddaff, who founded Boston Market and led the franchising of several companies, including Sylvan Learning Center and VR Business Brokers, leads the company. Mr. Naddaff also founded two of the first educational day care centers in the United States, Living and Learning Centers and Mulberry Child Care Centers, both of which were sold to KinderCare®. Mr. Naddaff has assembled a veteran management team at UFood Grill with a successful record in the franchise market. UFood is currently launching a growth plan to franchise nationwide. To learn more, visit http://www.ufoodgrill.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 involving known and unknown risks, delays, and uncertainties that may cause our actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, delays, and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, our reliance on our sole supplier, the limited diversification of our product offerings, additional financing requirements, development of new products, government approval processes, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

See more here:
Pentagon’s Nutrition Effort Advances as UFood Grill Moves Closer to Opening First Military Location

A McDonald's in Texas has installed an interactive kiosk allowing patrons to access previously difficult to find nutrition information about the restaurant's food. Brianna Ladapo and other advocates of healthy living applaud this effort and support a higher level of transparency concerning nutrition.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Nutrition has become a topic of focus for modern-day Americans, due in part to a better awareness of the value of healthy living. Despite the fact that some Americans are adopting more health-conscious lifestyles, fast food restaurants, like the highly successful McDonald's, continue to thrive. However, a recent move by a Texas McDonald's has improved nutrition transparency—something that Brianna Ladapo and other wellness experts applaud.

SelfServiceWorld.com reports that Jonathan Chan, the owner and operator of a McDonald's restaurant, has installed an interactive, touch-screen kiosk to allow patrons to access nutrition information. Located in Richardson, Texas, this McDonald's is the first to offer such a feature, which provides information about calories, carbohydrates, fat, protein, sodium, cholesterol, sugar, fiber, and more.

This innovative feature does more than simply inform customers of their nutrition intake. The kiosk allows patrons to put together balanced meals that target dietary needs. For example, individuals who are looking to reduce calories may be prompted to forgo a soda or skip a condiment. Brianna Ladapo and other dietary experts see this as a step in the right direction.

"Chan's pioneering decision to help bring transparency to the often murky—and historically deceptive—waters of fast food nutrition will revolutionize the industry by providing customers with an intuitive, interactive technology that will heighten their awareness about the foods they choose to consume," commented Brianna Ladapo. "I am encouraged to see this popular franchise helping to spearhead a much-needed paradigm shift toward healthier eating habits in the United States, and hope its efforts inspire other food establishments to embrace the same level of responsibility and spirit of public service."

The public's response to the kiosk has been equally positive. "At first, I was concerned about a negative response from customers; that the information may turn them away from ordering certain menu items," stated Chan. "But there hasn't been a negative effect at all. In fact, it's been 100 percent positive, and at times has served as an opportunity to start a conversation with our customers."

Brianna Ladapo hopes that other fast food franchise owners follow in Chan's footsteps, creating higher transparency surrounding fast food nutrition.    

ABOUT:

Brianna Ladapo is the Director of Communications at New York University School of Medicine. An advocate of healthy living and balanced nutrition, Brianna Ladapo is also a Nia instructor and supporter of the vegan lifestyle. A freelance writer, Brianna Ladapo has shared her experiences pertaining to health, wellness, and nutrition with others through highly-esteemed online publications, including Livestrong.com.

###

Michael McGarety
PR Authority
800-475-2390
Email Information

Read the original here:
Brianna Ladapo Applauds Texas McDonald’s in Nutrition Transparency

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Nutrition standards are being tightened at Santa Clara County facilities.

The San Jose Mercury News (http://bit.ly/wo1yff ) calls them the most comprehensive healthy food and beverage policy in California.

County leaders are expected to approve the nutrition rules on Tuesday. If approved, the rules will take effect in July.

Pizza and burgers will still be on cafeteria menus. But, when possible, they'll be made with more healthful ingredients.

County vending machines are already required to contain 50% healthful items. But candy, potato chips or sugared sodas currently offered could be replaced with such things as trail mix, baked chips, water and iced tea.

The rules would apply to vending machines and meals at the county jailhouse, hospitals and other areas.

The new nutritional standards are part of the county's obesity-prevention efforts.

Information from: San Jose Mercury News, http://www.sjmercury.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

See the original post here:
Santa Clara County tightening nutrition standards

CLEVELAND, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With several thousand installations, the MIND™ (Make Informed Nutritional Decisions) touch screen from Vendors Exchange International has provided nutrition information on vending machine products in hospitals, universities, and other health conscious locations BEFORE a selection has been made by the consumer. 

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-mind-vending-touch-screen-provides-nutrition-information-and-more-140138373.html

VE has now introduced an improved version of the Display Builder software (Version 2.0) that makes the MIND touch screen even easier to program and design for a fun and engaging interactive experience.  The software works with the website nutritionaldatabase.org where screen shots for vending products are stored on a secure database.  In addition, the software for the MIND touch screen can now show more than just nutrition information.  Vending operators can use it to improve the interactive experience with slide shows, advertising, promotions and public service announcements like tips for healthy eating. The flexibility of the MIND touch screen has improved to benefit the operator and the consumer.

The MIND touch screen has successfully provided nutrition information and interactive experiences on all types of vending machines and kiosks.  Featured in magazines, cable news outlets like CNN and on-line information sources like the Huffington Post, the MIND touch screen has been described as not only providing information but also "the coolest thing about this [vending] machine."[1]  Easy to install (either 5.7" or 7" screens available) and now to program, the MIND touch screen is a previous winner of the NAMA 2010 Innovation Award.  To find out more about the MIND touch screen, check the Vendors Exchange website (http://www.veii.com/new_technology/mind_nutrition_touch_screen), see our promotional video (http://youtu.be/CqiEeA4NYVE) or call Ryan Garson at 800.321.2311 extension 105.   

ABOUT

Vendors Exchange International, Inc. has been serving the vending industry since 1960.  The company provides quality new, reconditioned, and as-is can soda, snack, food and coffee machines; VE branded and OEM replacement parts; and electronics repair service, offering pick-up and delivery within a limited service area.  For additional information, contact Rick Solomon by phone 216.432.1800, fax 216.432.2786, or e-mail Rick.solomon@veii.com.  Details may also be obtained through the web at http://www.veii.com.

[1] Kimberly Procaccino, clinical nutrition director at Lehigh Valley Health Network, uppermacungie.patch.com, July 14, 2011

Read more from the original source:
The MIND™ Vending Touch Screen Provides Nutrition Information and More

When Congress passed the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1993 (NLEA), the intent was to increase consumers' awareness of food. But a study conducted by three Duke University academics found that intent has not stopped neither companies from making unhealthy food nor Americans from eating such fare.

The researchers, whose report will be published in March, found the overall nutritional quality of brand name foods in supermarkets fell but became tastier. The paradoxical result came after many food companies made the decision to emphasize taste over nutrition, according to Prof. Christine Moorman, one of the three academics.

"The fact is that consumers actually don't care about nutrition as they care about taste," she said, adding the nutrition label did not overcome past consumer biases. "We find that there's a not a lot of use of the label itself, especially in categories where consumers have a lot of experience. Most people don't and even if they do see it, it's hard from them to switch (to another brand)."

Like us on Facebook

The problems range deeper though. Not only do consumers largely ignore nutrition labels, the overriding perception equates healthy foods with bland tastes, Moorman added.

"Since nutrition is perceived to be negatively correlated with taste, we believe many companies decided to reduce the nutritional value of their food products after the passage of the NLEA," she said. "Nutrition labels were generally not present before the NLEA, consumers would not be aware of these changes, only that the product competed well on taste."

The findings are actually an amalgam of two studies, one which compared food products that fell under NLEA and featured nutrition labels after 1993, and a second set which didn't. The second part of the study used Consumer Reports assessments to check for changes in nutrition and taste.

But the results of the study were not wholly dire. Nutrition labels did improve so-called "junk foods," which have become healthier since the passage of NLEA. Also, companies with smaller or fewer brands were more likely to improve the nutritional quality of their foods, the study found.

"This makes sense because companies may have hoped to grab the attention of health-conscious consumers while many of their large counterparts hesitated for fear of negative consumer reactions," Moorman said.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail:
To contact the editor, e-mail:

See original here:
Study: Consumers Ignore Nutrition Labels, Go For What's Tasty

Dietitians of Canada busting food myths

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - March is National Nutrition Month and dietitians across Canada are busy busting myths and misinformation about Canadians' food and nutrition. This year's theme encourages people to 'Get the Real Deal on Your Meal'.  Every day in March, Dietitians of Canada (DC) will discuss a different food myth and present the 'real deal' to DC website visitors. The campaign is based on real-life situations dietitians have experienced with clients, family and friends.

A client reads a tweet about the latest superfoods they should eat to be healthier A shopper searches the grocery store shelves for gluten-free foods because a friend told her that everyone should avoid gluten A diner takes the bun off their burger because they think cutting carbs will help them lose weight

"Nutrition information has never been more accessible than right now," said Janice Macdonald, Director, Communications, Dietitians of Canada. "Ironically, there's also more confusion and misinformation than ever before. We want to talk about the most popular myths - and more importantly - focus on the facts."

DC polled its members from coast to coast and selected the top 39 myths. Food and nutrition research was then collected to debunk each myth and arm dietitians with the evidence needed to talk to Canadians.

"We want Canadians to have accurate information so they can make informed choices about the food they eat," said Macdonald. "Dietitians are the reliable, year-round source for the most current thinking on food and nutrition." 

About Dietitians of Canada

Dietitians of Canada (DC) is the national professional association for dietitians, representing more than 6000 members at the local, provincial and national levels. DC is one of the largest organizations of dietetic professionals in the world and has led the Nutrition Month Campaign for 30 years.

About Nutrition Month Sponsors

DC acknowledges its partners who help to bring Nutrition Month messages to Canadians.  This year's Sponsors are: Official Sponsors - Dairy Farmers of Canada and Loblaw Companies Limited through its livelifewell™ program, and Participating Sponsors - General Mills Canada Corporation, Hellmann's and Lipton® Tea. For more information about Dietitians of Canada and Nutrition Month, visit http://www.dietitians.ca. 

Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month 2012
Assess Your Diet With eaTracker
Find a Dietitian Near You
Nutrition Month 2012: Executive Summary

Image with caption: "March is Nutrition Month (CNW Group/Dietitians of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120228_C7127_PHOTO_EN_10478.jpg

Image with caption: "Get the real deal on your meal (CNW Group/Dietitians of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120228_C7127_PHOTO_EN_10415.jpg

PDF with caption: "Fact Sheet". PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/02/28/20120228_C7127_DOC_EN_10420.pdf

Video with caption: "Amanda explains the impact of sodium on health and how to decrease your intake.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120228_C7127_VIDEO_EN_10480.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120228_C7127_PHOTO_EN_10480.jpg&clientName=Dietitians%20of%20Canada&caption=Amanda%20explains%20the%20impact%20of%20sodium%20on%20health%20and%20how%20to%20decrease%20your%20intake%2E&title=DIETITIANS%20OF%20CANADA%20%2D%20Get%20the%20Real%20Deal%20on%20Your%20Meal%20During%20Nutrition%20Month%202012&headline=Get%20the%20Real%20Deal%20on%20Your%20Meal%20During%20Nutrition%20Month%202012

The rest is here:
Get the Real Deal on Your Meal During Nutrition Month 2012

by Maria Polletta - Feb. 26, 2012 10:05 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

SCAN Health Plan Arizona, a special-needs plan for Maricopa County residents that operates under a Medicare Advantage contract, will offer free nutrition-related presentations and cooking demonstrations for seniors as part of National Nutrition Month in March. The classes, listed below, are tailored to the needs of older adults.

All presentations will take place at the SCAN Connections Resource Center, 1313 E. Osborn Road in Phoenix. Space is limited. RSVP at 602-778-3420.

"SOLUTIONS FOR LIFE: NUTRITION AND LONGEVITY"

Information on a weight-reduction and longevity program. March 14 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

"HEALTHY NUTRITION ON A BUDGET"

Information on nutritional guidelines for seniors, nutritious and low-cost sample meals and snacks, and community resources. March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

"HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR SENIORS"

A look at the role of nutrition, portion distortion and nutritional guidelines for seniors in maintaining a healthy weight. March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

"GET YOUR PLATE IN SHAPE"

Demonstrations on portion control and healthy cooking. March 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"WELLNESS WAY OF LIVING"

This session will mark the start of an eight-month series of hourlong workshops focused on healthy living. March 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Source: SCAN Health Plan Arizona

Excerpt from:
Free nutrition presentations offered for seniors