Yesterday I mentioned the first of two headlines featured in the Denver Post that directly relate to Family Nutrition… bottom line of STORY #1: What is eaten during pregnancy can affect a baby’s health and weight status! Today I continue with STORY #2: “Toxic metal detected in corn syrup“… as if there weren’t enough reasons to lay off of the regular soda!  Although this study was small (just 20 samples) it has significant implications because high fructose corn syrup is so prevelant in the typical American diet… and even traces can add up, especially for young children and teens.  Researchers found that there were traces of mercury in 9 of the 20 samples examined.  The toxic metal exposure comes as a result of a manufacturing process that helps extract high fructose conrn syrup from corn kernels. So, what do we do as a family??? First, check food labels before you buy… realize how many of the foods you regularly eat contain corn syrup as an ingredient. Where does corn syrup hide? Condiments/seasonings/sauces, cereal, processed breads, beverages, canned fruit, flavored yogurt… and many more!  Second, if there’s a close alternative (ie. different brand or similar food item) that does not contain corn syrup, buy this alternative product instead.  Third… and most important… shop around the outside of the grocery store to find whole, unproccessed foods… start with fruits and vegetables and lean cuts of meat, fish and poultry and choose dairy products without added sugar (ie. lowfat milk, plain yogurt, cottage cheese).  Finally, carefully navigate the center isles of the store… look for whole grains (brown rice, oats, corn tortillas, whole wheat pasta), canned beans/legumes, and minimally processed staples.  BOTTOM LINE: More research is needed to warrant a complete removal of corn syrup from our diets… but to be on the safe side, begin to wean your family off of this often-present ingredient by choosing nutrient-rich whole foods instead of highly processed foods and beverages!

Nearly every day there are nutrition-related news stories hitting the mainstream media… today is no exception.  Usually I just glance over the articles – but today I paused because both of today’s stories in the Denver Post had a direct link to the families we seek to serve at IMAGEplus+ Health Concepts!  NEWS STORY #1:  “Monkeys hand humans fat clue”. New research coming out of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine points to the theory that childhood obesity begins in the womb. Monkeys who ate a diet high in fat from processed foods had pre-term fetus’ that had already developed a fatty liver (which can contribute to diabetes and other chronic health problems later in life) and full-term babies who became overweight by the time they were 6 months old.  Even more striking – it did not matter if the mothers became fat on the “junk food” diet… it still affected the health and weight status of their babies!  What does this mean for women who are or hope to become pregnant? Although more research is needed and we are limited by the non-human nature of this study, we can safely assume that what a pregnant woman eats does affect her offspring.  The quality, not just the quantity of food consumed has potential to affect the future health and weight status of her newborn.  What is the solution? Fresh, whole foods… more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, lowfat dairy (or dairy-substitute)!  NEED HELP??? It is not easy to make lifestyle changes, but if you knew that your choices could affect your baby… would you at least want to try to improve your diet to include more whole foods?  We can help!  Call an IMAGEplus+ Coach or Registered Dietitian TODAY at (888) 314-9998.

NEWS STORY #2… to be continued, tomorrow…

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!

Today I had a discussion with a friend who has been considering the costs vs. benefits of completing the LEAP-MRT program with an IMAGEplus+ Registered Dietitian.  The cost is undoubtedly a challenge to some, especially if you look at the service at face value only.  However, if you dig deeper and realize the positive impact made from identifying and eliminating the foods and food chemicals that are making you sick, driving you to the MD and causing lost days at work… in the end you will likely see that LEAP-MRT saves you money!  Not only will savings be realized in the reduction of health care costs, you will also save big bucks on the carts-full of processed food purchased, as these will likely be trimmed from your food repertoire.  Another bonus: your productivity, at home, at work, at school…and your energy can increase exponentially!  Think about the time and energy saved if you did not need to rush to the restroom due to an “IBS moment” or if you did not need to lock your office door, turn out the lights and close your eyes, trying desperately to head off an impending migraine.  IMAGINE!  … call an IMAGEplus+ LEAP Therapist at (888) 314-9998 (ext. 1) today for your low-cost initial LEAP assessment ~ only $39… which is waived with the purchase of a LEAP-MRT package!  Invest in your health today!

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!