Today in the “spry” magazine section of the Denver Post a great little article was featured from three fellow dietitians (Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD; Bonnie Johnson, RD; and Serena Ball, RD ~ www.spryliving.com).  The topic was 5 Top Nutrition Trends – very timely and I think right-on.  I’ve added a few of my own insights.  The trends were as follows:

1. “The fat-phobic phase appears to be over.” An emphasis on heart-healthy poly- and mono-unsaturated fats is replacing the old philosophy that all fat is bad.  Healthy fats found naturally in nuts, seeds, fatty-fish, avocados and plant-based oils should be emphasized when liberalizing the fat content of your diet.  Do we need supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids?  It’s best to ask a registered dietitian, as the answer depends upon your health status and your intake from food sources.
2. Antioxidants have not left the main stage.  It’s still debatable whether these disease-fighting compounds can be bottled or synthetically added to our foods in a way that keeps their beneficial properties intact.  Best route to get these powerhouse nutrients… you guessed it… eat rich sources of antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains… with occasional (and in moderation) indulgences such as red wine and dark chocolate (the higher the cocoa content the better).
3. Anything that promotes gut health – especially fiber and probiotics.  Added fiber is showing up everywhere from white bread (!) to yogurt.  We need both soluble (apple flesh, oats, Benefiber) and insoluble (fruits/vegetables, whole grains) fiber.  A good rule of thumb for selecting high fiber foods, look for at least 3 gm fiber per 80-100 calories of a particular food.  Probiotics – beneficial bacteria that may promote healthy digestion, can be found in a wide variety of food products.  Research is ongoing to determine exactly what strains and amounts of particular probiotics lend to improved digestive health.
4. “Gluten-be-gone.” I was asked by a client not to long ago whether the new gluten-free craze could be labeled a new fad diet!  My answer: “Yes… and No.”  The answer is not clear-cut.  We know that prevalence of celiac disease (a autoimmune, genetic disorder with gluten-intolerance as a key component) is much higher than is currently diagnosed.  We also suspect that there are other forms of gluten-intolerance on the rise.  Additionally, there’s beginning to be a wider consensus regarding the usefulness of gluten avoidance among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other behavioral disabilities (ex. ADHD, ADD).  It is no wonder that the gluten-free diet is all the rage.  However, most dietitians and physicians agree – do not begin a gluten-free diet without medical necessity.  Especially if you suspect celiac disease, going gluten-free prior to testing will likely result in false-negative outcomes.
5. Fierce competition within the sugar substitute market.  One of the most common questions I get from my clients – especially parents of young children – is “What about sugar substitutes? Are they better than sugar?”  My answer is always… “It depends!”  (A cop-out, I know!)  What I explain is that there was a great deal of research that went into determining the safety of each sugar substitute on the market.  However, this does not negate the fact that we are all individuals with a unique tolerance to foods and food-based additives.  There are some people who absolutely have negative responses (ie. headaches, stomach upset, nausea) from certain sugar substitutes and therefore should avoid the offending substance.  The bottom line when it comes to sugar substitutes: use any substitute in moderation and stop use if you suspect an individual sensitivity to a particular substitute.

I am a fierce advocate for those who take the road less traveled through the nutrition land mines that exist in our society.  On Monday, my dear friend and colleague, Shana Patterson RD, announced an expansion of her impressive Smart Meal program.  This program was developed to help Colorado restaurants highlight menu selections that meet particular nutrition guidelines and help consumers easily determine the best choices when they do eat at participating restaurants.  Ms. Patterson’s announcement was that this program now has the funding to expand it’s reach to include kid’s meals.  The Smart Meals for Kids program has taken root in McDonald’s restaurants throughout Colorado – and here is where the road less traveled begins.  Remember back to “Super Size Me” – the movie that demonstrated the ill effects of consuming only (the worst) foods from the McDonald’s menu?  Within WEEKS… McDonald’s Corporation made sweeping changes to its menu – added more entree salads, offered alternative sides, etc.  What Ms. Patterson is doing is forging a partnership that will not only improve the health and wellbeing of children, but will also work to change an entire industry.  Parents want choices for their children.  Consumers need healthy options no matter what restaurant they visit.  These choices are available due to the tenacious efforts of public health advocates such as Ms. Patterson and the bold (and risky?) alliances that she has forged.

Just a snippet from an article in today’s Denver Post (source: The Philadelphia Inquirer). Brian Wansink, author of “Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think” comments on Jennifer Orlet Fisher’s research… “When it comes to childhood obesity or obesity in general, people love to point fingers…” Fisher’s work “shows how a parent or other gatekeepers in a household can make a difference in childhood obesity, tonight.”

I could not agree more! That is the reason why I am passionate about sitting down across the kitchen table with parents and their children to help them all bring a mindful presence back into their eating!

Without a doubt, the new year is a great time to focus on weight loss among adults… thus the plethora of new advertisements for the latest, greatest weight loss lotion, potion or … diet!  But what about our kids, our families? What do they need as they assess their health in the new year?  Do they need another diet… or does Mom need to be on another diet?  NO!  Families need more than just another fad diet to achieve optimal health.  Beginning the first week of February, IMAGEplus+ Health Concepts is offering SOMETHING NEW for parents who are struggling to get meals on the table or broccoli past their kids’ lips… the Family Nutrition Camp.  What will make the difference for families?… HINT: It is not more information!  What makes the difference is how our IMAGEplus+ dietitians and coaches empower families to apply what they know into their everyday life and provide them with one-on-one support and encouragement throughout the process.  Do you know a family who could use help with their nutrition and health??? Send them to the Family Nutrition Camp… it will change the way the eat, think and live!

Although not “new” news… it is nonetheless crucial to realize that we cannot sit by and hope that our children will learn to eat well and move more on their own initiative.  This headline came from a James Madison University conference last week where the US Surgeon General, Rear Adm. Steven K Galson and Virginia’s State Health Commissioner, Karen Remley, reported the grim statistics on childhood obesity that are not budging despite our nearly decade-long fight to reverse the trends.  What can we do?  As a teacher, parent, mentor or friend?  Let me suggest:

• Encourage play… and join in if necessary!
• Set limits on idleness and screen-time
• Educate yourself on what a child needs for growth and nourishment
• Provide hands-on experience with fresh foods
• Lead from the front when it comes to eating and activity

At IMAGEplus+ Health Concepts it is part of our mission to help families achieve abundant health.  Call today for more information about our Family Nutrition Camps beginning in January!

Nearly every week a news story comes out that supports the value of family meals.  We at IMAGEplus+ Health Concepts couldn’t agree more with the authors of these stories.  Family meals are important for teaching children about nutrition, building valuable early feeding experiences and even bringing families closer together.  It is for these reasons the IMAGEplus+ Family Nutrition Camp was developed.  The Family Nutrition Camp helps families understand their unique nutrition needs and the benefits of sharing meals together.  The Family Nutrition Camp also challenges families to take their new knowledge about nutrition and put it into practice to build a better table.  As we move into this wonderful season of sharing meals and memories, consider signing your family up for an IMAGEplus+ Family Nutrition Camp – it can be one of the most lasting gifts you can give your children this year – the gift of health and nutrition!

IMAGEplus+ Health Concepts vice-president of Nutrition Services, Traci Thompson, was recently featured in a news story on food packaging. To date, she has been featured around the country including the following stations:

• Los Angeles (KABC 7)
• Chicago (CBS 2)
• San Francisco (CBS affiliate KPIX TV channel 5)
• Seattle (NBC affiliate KING 5)
• New York (WCBS 2)
• Dallas/Ft. Worth (CBS 11)
• Boston (WBZ TV)
• Philadelphia (CBS 3)
• Milwaukee (NBC affiliate TMJ4)
• Austin, TX (CBS KEYE 42)

People around the country are ready to Think. Eat. MOVE… toward abundant health!