Sep
08
2009
Nutrition bars go by many names including "protein bars," "energy bars," and "meal-replacement bars." Nutrition bars are generally much larger by weight than snack bars (such as granola bars) or candy bars (such as chocolate bars) and have a much higher protein content --generally 10 grams to 30 grams of protein in a nutrition bar versus little or no protein in a snack bar or candy bar.
Many bars have now added a fiber category and add that on as a benefit to the bar. Those with 2.5 mg of fiber are claiming to be good sources of fiber, while others containing 5mg. or more can claim to be an excellent source. The recommendation for fiber is at least 20grams per day.
Many of the fats in some bars are saturated, and some bars also contain hydrogenated oils as well as high fructose corn syrup.
Another concern in the area of nutrition bars is the protein it contains. Most use soy, whey, or casein isolates. These protein isolates are usually obtained by a high temperature process that over denatures the protein therefore making it almost useless. This process also can create nitrates and other carcinogens. Soy protein isolates also are high in mineral blocking phytates and potent enzyme inhibitors that can lead to abnormal cell growth.
Sugar Alcohols are used in some bars to reduce the calorie content of the bar. Sugar alcohols are ...
Posted in: Product Reviews - What's in the Food
Sep
08
2009
Walk into any bookstore and you will find hundreds of diet books lining the shelves. Surf the web and your likely to find thousands of diet tips, various questionable nutritional recommendations, as well as a myriad of individuals, some professionals some not so professional, all of whom profess that their plan offers the solution to your nutritional prayers.
It is no wonder that we are confused. It seems as though we have nothing left to eat anymore. Our goal at The Nerdel Company is to set the record straight and declare that all of the macronutrients: Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats play a vital role in our diets. The focus here is to learn how to strike that balance between all three.
Let's start with the basics. Proteins are known as the building blocks of life. A protein is formed from many smaller amino acids. These amino acids are what make up our muscle tissue, organs, immune system and hormones to name a few. There are a total of 20 amino acids. Eight of them are essential. This means that we must obtain them from our diets. The rest of the amino acids can be made from, or synthesized by the body from those eight essential amino acids. All animal proteins contain the necessary amino acids our bodies need to produce all of the other amino acids. These are known as complete proteins. ...
Posted in: What's In the Food
Sep
03
2009
By Graehm Gray
Let me start off this review by saying this is one book that you need in your home, now! There are hundreds of diet and nutrition books written each year trying to address the problem of adult and childhood obesity. And yet the problem is not getting better. 65% of U.S. adults are overweight and 30 % are obese. 17% of U.S. kids age 2-19 are either obese or overweight. It has been estimated by the World Health Organization that by the year 2030, 90% of all kids, all over the world, will be either overweight or obese. These statistics are startling! In a bad way!
David Zinczenko, Editor-In-Chief of the magazine, Men's Health, and editorial director of Women's Health and Best Life has put together a food guide collection of hundreds of products that shows us exactly what we are eating and what we should be eating. Zinczenko has covered the supermarket s and the menu offerings at various restaurants. From Sushi to Italian, Starbucks to Jamba Juice, from Boboli to Tofutti, from Lean Gourmet to Wendy's. It is all presented in beautiful photos and clear writing that is easily understandable. Did you know that a California Roll from your local Japanese Sushi restaurant made with crab, avocado and cucumber (around 300 calories) may be one of the healthiest meals for kids? Or did you know that a ...
Posted in: Featured Review
Mar
04
2009
All About Breakfast:
Breakfast is an important meal for everyone to eat. It is especially important for children and teenagers. A good breakfast plays an important role in physical health and supports emotional stability and mental alertness. Breakfast should have lots of fiber, good fats and protein; and should contain as little added sugar as possible.
Nutritious Lunch Tips: Lunch needs to be balanced so that there's enough energy both for the brain and the body to finish the day productively. Lunch should have a protein, a good grain and good fats. It should be similar to breakfast but contain a slightly larger portion to get you through the brunt of your work day as well as at least one serving of veggies. Veggies are important because they provide the mind and body with much needed energy as well as many vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants. These all help you reach your maximum potential throughout the day.
Easy munchies such as finger fruits like grapes, Clementine's (they peel easily) bananas, apples, pears and nectarines offer a great natural pick me up. Veggies like carrots, celery, peppers, cucumbers and broccoli are easy to dip in salsas, guacamole or hummus. Lunch doesn't have to be a sandwich. Salads are great ways to get in your veggies and protein. Add some nuts and dried fruit for that extra brain boost! Stuffing veggies such as the Stuffed ...
Posted in: What's In the Food
