Why is life expectancy dropping in the US?
According to the CDC, the US currently spends about $3.8 trillion every year on healthcare. That’s up a shocking 30 percent from the $2.6 trillion we spent back in 2009 (adjusted for inflation). So why is it that our rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune conditions and bone/joint disorders are either staying the same or going UP? With all that money being thrown at healthcare, shouldn’t we be seeing disease rates decreasing? And...
4 Reasons you can’t lose weight (or gain back what you lose)
I just read an article written by an MD talking about weight loss. She mentioned that according to a recent poll, 72 percent of Americans want to lose weight, aiming for an average of about 40 pounds. What makes this challenging, she states, is that only 14 percent of people who have lost weight have been able to keep it off for more than five years. But then the rest of the article suggests...
Enjoy the holidays without guilt! (Plus, a delicious recipe)
Christmas and New Year’s are truly the most wonderful time of year when we count our blessings and spend cherished time with loved ones and friends. It’s a time for Christmas trees, cards, twinkling lights, wreaths, presents and… Lots of FOOD! Yes indeed, the holidays usually present several opportunities to indulge in foods and beverages that are not-so-great for your health (or your waist). But never fear! Because you CAN enjoy some tasty holiday...
Butter or margarine? Which is healthier?
It’s been said that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it. I see this playing out all the time in my career as a nutrition coach, especially when the subject of fats comes up with my clients. I am reminded time and again that the average person is completely clueless about fats, particularly when it comes to butter and margarine. But the thing is, it’s not really their fault! Instead,...
Do you sabotage your health like this?
In my professional practice, I’m sometimes entertained by the reactions I get when people consult with me about their health issues and the first question I ask them is, “How’s your diet?” I frequently get the deer-in-the-headlights look, or they look down at the floor. That good, huh? Now, most people know that eating wholesome nutritious foods is important for good health! But the problem is that there are sneaky little excuses that can...
10 foods you must avoid
I had a conversation with an acquaintance who told me she was in good health because: Her cholesterol was under control with Lipitor Her blood pressure stayed right around 120/80 with atenolol Nexium kept her acid reflux at bay Metformin brought her A1C down to under 6% THAT'S good health? This woman is anything BUT healthy. Sadly, people like this uber-medicated woman are increasingly common in our society today, and that includes our...