Archive for August, 2007
Big Mac or a BMT? When given a choice between the two, which would you pick for a ’healthy’ choice? A new study in the October edition of the Journal of Consumer Research claims that people tend to underestimate the calories in items thought as relatively healthy choices. Maybe it’s because they are sneaking in extra calories like cookies, chips and sodas because of the leeway in their calorie count with the “healthier” entree.
After a few experiments, the researchers have found a few insights to why those pounds might still creep in even though people are making a conscious effort in choosing the “better” option. The two researchers asked the group to estimate the calorie count for a sandwich, side and drink from each restaurant. Surprisingly, the meals had the same number of calories, however, the group underestimated the Subway meal by 121 calories (21%). Which would you have chosen?
When given a free coupon for a Big Mac or an Italian BMT sandwich, where would you go? Would you choose a cookie or chips along with it? According to the study, more people chose high calorie side items when ordering the BMT. This can possibly account to a underestimation in the 900 calorie BMT subway sandwich. (The study was not meant to slam or promote either restaurant, but show the underestimation in each menu item.)
The study is not to say never eat at Subway or McDonalds, but be aware of the calories. The point is not to rely on the ‘assumption’ that one is healthier than the other. And as we like to say at the Institute, always remember: “Unwise, Better, Best!”
Click here to read more about each experiment.
August 31st, 2007
Every summer, it feels like outdoor parties and other fun get-togethers become more and more commonplace. From picnics and reunions to barbeques and ballgames, almost every weekend seems to bring a potluck feast. And almost everyone seems to bring that delicious recipe they’re “famous” for. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell just how healthy many of these meals really are. With all the burgers and pizza and ice cream, you may feel that fruit salad is your best option.
Sound familiar? Here is a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to be a light, healthy, and tasty addition to any summertime gathering!
Greek Pasta Salad
10-oz whole wheat pasta, dry
2-oz 2% sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons turkey bacon, chopped
1 cup hothouse cucumbers, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup carrots, grated
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup Feta Dill Greek Dressing
Start boiling a pot of water for pasta. While waiting for water to boil, chop vegetables. Boil pasta until al dente (a little crunch). Drain pasta and let cool. Mix in veggies, pasta, cheese, turkey bacon and feta dill dressing. Toss until salad is completely covered and ingredients evenly distributed. Serve cold.
Feta Dill Greek Dressing
5-oz feta cheese
1 1/4 cup 1% cottage cheese
3/4 cup fat-free Italian dressing
1 tablespoons dill weed, dried
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix. If necessary, thin the mixture with skim milk until dressing reaches desired consistency.
Number of Servings: 6
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup
Calories per Serving: 270
Fat Grams per Serving: 5
August 29th, 2007
Did your state pass or fail? According to a report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), obesity rates for 31 states have risen since last year. Twenty two states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, while no states saw a decrease.
Mississippi started off the list as the state with the highest rate of adult obesity in the country for the third year in a row and also the first state to reach an adult obesity rate of over 30 percent. Colorado finished out the list as the leanest state in the country, even so, they still saw an increase in obesity rates as well. Ten of the top 15 states with the highest obesity rates are in the South. Could this be attributed to that good ole’ home cookin’?
South Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in the adult obesity epidemic at 27.8 % and seventh in the nation for childhood obesity at 18.9 %. In 1991, none of the states had obesity rates that were above 20%, now 19 states have obesity rates exceeding 25 %. According to Jeff Levi, PhD and Executive Director of TFAH, “poor nutrition and physical inactivity are robbing America of our health and productivity”.
Read more about this report by Trust for America’s Health and see how your state measured up. Also see the TFAH’s recommendations for combating the nation’s leading epidemic.
August 27th, 2007
Have you made Health your Habit?
The Institute is looking to reward one male and one female guest who have made “Healthy Habits” a part of their daily routine as a result of the H3I Healthy Lifestyle program. All guests who attend the Institute between May-August 2007 are eligible. To enter, submit a brief description (150 words or less) of your experience and how it has helped build healthy habits that have contributed to your permanent weight loss success.
Six finalists will have their submissions posted on the H3I website to be voted upon. The winners will each receive a two-week stay at the Institute as well as a one-year membership to a local gym of their choice. Send your entries via e-mail to GetSerious@hhhealth.com or by mail to: Hilton Head Health Insitute, 14 Valencia Road, Hilton Head, SC 29928 (Attn: Healthy Habits Contest)
GOOD LUCK!!!
August 24th, 2007
Just when you think portion sizes have reached their max, McDonald’s introduces a drink and burger that can top them all. After the call by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2002 for the food industry to take control on portion sizes, it seems that very little action has actually been taken.
According to the article from Reuters Health, instead of reducing portion sizes at these restaurants, they have changed the name from “biggie” to small, medium or large sizes. In 2004, McDonald’s discontinued it’s super size menu, after much speculation stemming from the documentary “Super Size Me”. However, McDonalds’ new 42 ounce soft drink and 1/3 pound burger offer hefty portions as well as a hefty calorie count. The burger, eaten with a large fries and large coke, can equal up to 1700 calories!! (That is almost all of a person’s daily calorie allowance!)
McDonald’s isn’t the only place still serving these super size portions; other fast food restaurants including Wendy’s and Burger King have portions this size. These large portion sizes play an important role in the obesity problem because: they provide more calories at each meal, they encourage people to eat more and they lead people to underestimate the amount of calories they are consuming. Considering that Americans spend half their budget on meals outside of the home, these meals are becoming cheaper and more convenient.
Even though most of these restaurants have started offering healthier options, like apple slices and salads, the hamburgers and fries still make up the bulk of sales. So the next time you decide to eat out, just because it does not say “biggie” it still may be too much!
August 23rd, 2007
These days the internet is used for anything and almost everything. Not only can keep in touch with old friends, pay your bills and keep up with breaking news; but you can also find loads of health information. The only problem is deciphering between the credible sources and just plain junk.
A recent studyshows that women are more likely than men to look up health information on the web. Women are also more likely to seek online support groups for medical problems and to visit more health sites than men. Men are more likely to gather health information from the web on topics that they feel sensitive to talk about with others.
According to the research, there are a few topics women search more often than men, including religion and driving directions. Men are more likely to use the web to research products and services, weather, news, do-it-yourself, sports scores, financial information and work related information.
The web can be a very good way to research health information, but like mentioned before, not all of the information is credible. As you already know, anyone can make a website and they are free to put any information they please. The US Food and Drug Administration has come up with a few major questions to answer about a health related website to determine its worth. Visit this FDA article to read more about gathering information from the web. Also remember that these websites are only to give you more information, not to take the place of health professionals.
August 22nd, 2007
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