Nutrition

By Darci Steiner; Attainable Nutrition- Parker

Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances such as vitamins A, E and C that help protect cells in the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are damaged molecules with unpaired electrons which can multiply and set the stage for disease, especially heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants can bind to these unpaired electrons neutralizing their damaging effects. The heart muscle cells, nerve cells, and certain immune system cells are the most vulnerable to free radical damage.  Free radicals can form from the damaging effects of tobacco, pollution, processed foods, chemicals used to color and sweeten food and radiation.  A high intake of antioxidant nutrients appears to be especially protective against cancer. Antioxidants go after free radicals like Pac-men to gobble them up and neutralize their damaging effects to the body. They are found most abundantly in fruits and vegetables.

By Darci Steiner; Attainable Nutrition- Parker

Ad campaigns for packaged foods vie for our attention as they announce, ‘Made with whole grains!’ or ‘With added fiber!’ We feel good about our purchases knowing we’re feeding our children whole grains and fiber. What food companies aren’t highlighting is how much sugar, sodium, fat grams, and unpronounceable ingredients are in their product. Reading the food label gives us a closer look into what really may be lurking inside those fun and colorful packages. Here are some things to look for:

Metro Editorial

Men and women who have successfully adopted healthy lifestyles know full well that combining exercise with a healthy diet is the key to getting and staying healthy. Simply visiting the gym won't work if it's not coupled with a healthy diet.

By Maren Stewart; President and CEO of LiveWell Colorado- Denver

With its beloved characters and nearly a century of tradition, the magical world of Disney has become synonymous with childhood. Unfortunately, obesity has as well. Fortunately, Disney is using its magical influence to benefit the health of our children.

Metro Editorial

It is certainly hard to deny the appeal of cheese. On top of a burger, cheese makes every bite better. Mixed into pasta, it can turn the average dinner into a feast. And what child (or child at heart) doesn't enjoy a satisfying grilled cheese sandwich every now and then?

Metro Editorial

Doctors, fitness professionals and nutritionists all have ideas on what men and women should and should not eat. Choosing the right foods can help save waistlines and lives.

Metro Editorial

The lazy days of summer can often result in a too-casual, graze-all-day approach to eating. When kids are on summer break and off from their normal schedules, it's important to keep a structured daily routine for both meals and snacks that keeps them feeling energized and at their best throughout the day.

By Mary Schreiner, MPH and Nutritional Chats facilitator, South Suburban Parks and Recreation- Centennial

I am often asked how a diet for an athlete or a very physically active adult differs from one for a more sedentary person or couch-potato.

By Dr. Tim Moser, Denver House Calls- Denver

Karen was feeling fatigued. “Join the club” was the response she received from her friends whenever she mentioned her unexplained fatigue.  Despite eating a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night, Karen was finding it more difficult to get through her day.  The morning work out at the gym was almost too much to bear.  In addition, vague abdominal pain was an almost daily occurrence.  Mild diarrhea was also present.

By Maren Stewart, LiveWell Colorado, Denver

From jingles for sugar-loaded cereals to flashy fast food advertisements, unhealthy food is marketed to our children at an alarming rate. With American children watching an average of 44.5 hours of television a week, they are exposed to upwards of 30,155 television advertisements a year, of which 50 percent is for candy, snacks, sugary cereals and fast food.

By Christina Sevilla, Center Director and Owner of LearningRx- Denver and Centennial

Nutrition always seems to get an extra spotlight the first few months of the year when everyone is making and trying to keep their resolutions. Usually people think about nutrition in relation to their weight, cardiac health, or overall well being, but more and more research is showing what we eat can change the neural pathways in our brain.

By Maren Stewart, LiveWell Colorado, Denver

Today's generation of American children may be the first in two centuries to have shorter life expectancies than their parents. While there are many reasons, childhood obesity -- and its alarming rate of increase throughout the United States -- may be the most devastating one.

By Darci Steiner, Attainable Nutrition in Parker

Yesterday my toaster oven caught on fire because one of my daughters put a paper towel over her frozen Amy's Tofu and Cheese Burrito just like the directions said to do. "Mahhhmmm, my burrito's on fire!" she screamed. I dashed into the kitchen as she unplugged the appliance from the wall with its contents ablaze. "The directions said to cover the burrito with a paper towel!" she exclaimed while I smothered her burrito. She missed one important basic detail - the directions were for microwave cooking, not the toaster oven.