November 2003 "Tips"

Weight Loss Tip:

Stop Worrying About Your Weight?

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Don't be such a worry wart when it comes to your weight!  It is definitely something to think about and be serious about but endless worrying may hurt more than help you.  

Here's why:

  • Worrying about your weight makes you fatter
    Worrying so much can make you miserable.  When you feel miserable there is a good chance you will eat foods you shouldn't and gain more weight.
  • Worrying about your weight problem makes you less able to solve it
    Worrying too much makes you feel more of a failure. Result? You are beaten before you start.  Take a positive, go get them attitude!!  
  • Worrying is a waste of your valuable time
    Instead of worrying about your weight so much do something about it.  Put the energy you put into worrying into starting to change lifestyle habits such as eating healthier and exercise.

So, stop worrying and take action instead.  You will be a much happier, healthier, and thinner person!

Nutrition News: 

Admiring Chocolate

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Who isn't in love with chocolate?  It can be a bitter-sweet relationship!  It tastes so heavenly yet sticks you with loads of calories and fat.  


However if  you try to stick to cocoa, or choose chocolate that contains more heart-healthy fats, you can make it more of a sweeter relationship than a bitter one.

 

Here's the dish:

  • Cocoa and some other chocolates contain flavonoids - the same headline-grabbing health-promoting substances found in tea, red wine, soy foods, cranberries, peanuts, strawberries, apples and many other fruits and vegetables. The flavonoids in chocolate are called flavonols.

  • The latest research finds that eating flavonoid-rich foods can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • Science has found that dark chocolate is higher in flavonoids than milk chocolate.   The way that cocoa powder and chocolate syrups are manufactured removes most flavonoids.

  • Cocoa's main fat, stearic acid, may be heart-healthy. Our bodies convert it to a monounsaturated fat.

So What's the Catch...

There's a hitch, though: The good stuff is in the cocoa. But most chocolate is also rich in saturated fats - the kind that raises "bad" LDL cholesterol. Products made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils also contain cholesterol-raising trans fatty acids. Not to mention that many of the candy bars we eat are full of nougat, nuts, caramel, peanut butter, and other high fat, high sugar, and high calorie ingredients.

The Smart Way To Eat Chocolate

When you get that urge for chocolate, choose dark chocolate. It's got slightly more flavonoids and proportionately more stearic acid than milk chocolate.  Keep your urges down to a minimum.

For a more common indulgence, try real cocoa. Make hot cocoa with skim milk or low-fat soymilk - and use it in cooking. 

Fitness Fun:

Take a Walk Daily

(By: Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD)

 

Taking a walk daily will only take about 20 minutes and will be well worth it!  Daily walks can help to relieve feelings of anxiety and depression, and increase feelings of enthusiasm and optimism. Daily walks also can help you boost your energy level, enhance your self-image, release tension, manage stress, and improve your ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well.  Do it first thing in the morning so you don't make excuses later.  Start your day out right and feel good about an accomplishment early in the day!