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.

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!