Happy New DECADE! THEME: “decadent” goals Not only is it a new year, but a new DECADE! Where do YOU stand on resolutions? Are you like the majority of promise-makers? Most people resolve to improve health and fitness. Well, if you’re like most Americans (88%)*, you have at least one resolution. And, if you are like the majority of these promise-makers, your resolution is probably related to health and fitness. *GNC Poll Research Within the wellness industry, surveys show that top resolutions include: Lower my risk […]
Viscous Cycle of Binge Eating and Depression
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD What may feel good in the moment, may lead to chronic depression – something that we may all be dealing with in regards to our current pandemic. Stress, boredom, frustration are all emotional triggers that can lead to comfort foods. Comfort foods are more likely to be laden with fat, salt and sugar which can temporarily satisfy an emotional need, it can have longer-term effects on both physical and mental health. In short, binge-eating can create a cycle of eating and depression. Awareness, mindfulness and […]
BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH FOOD
There is much controversy in research to date of whether food can reduce mood swings or even create happiness versus dread. Basically, the science of how nutrition affects moods is based on brain chemistry: Components (elements of food) can cause changes in brain structure, chemistry, and physiology, all of which reflect behavior too. Studies have shown that there are foods that typically effect moods. Omega 3 fatty Acids: these are considered essential fats that have to be eaten in a day to have any effect, since our bodies do […]
Coconut Oil: a healthy fat and a personal care additive
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Based on new interest in healthy fats, I have been asked my opinion on coconut oils more than anything else in the recent past. Most of the confusion arises based on its high level of saturation as a fat. When I was a dietetic student in the late 1990’s, the one of the facts that stayed with me is that coconut oil is one the most naturally saturated in fat sources that exists (as high as 90% actually). Therefore, how is it possibly a good […]
FAST FOOD RULES !!
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Most clients arrive with conditions. The one I find the most obvious and demanding is that we are all busy. Whether it is running around for business meetings, carpooling for kids, errands, errands and more errands, it seems like living out the car tends to prioritize cooking in the kitchen. Statistically it is reported that at least 25% of all Americans eat fast food every day and there are more than 300 000 fast food restaurants to choose from country wide. Sadly, eating on the […]
DISSOLVING SUGAR CRAVINGS
One of my biggest challenges, not only with my own personal goals, but also with many clients, is to get to the bottom of the age old obscurity of sugar cravings. It’s not rocket science, right? Just don’t eat it ! Right? But oh we all know it, and live it day after day, it is just not that simple. Why? Because the physiological response to sugar is like an addiction. Sugar temporarily elevates the levels of various neurotransmitters and endorphins. The “feel good” chemicals, serotonin and dopamine are released […]
NEED AN OIL CHANGE
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD There has been much debate about the healthiness of different oils in the nutrition media lately. With the boost on research and essential fats, oils, some of which do offer the good source of fat to our daily intake needs some analysis. The reason why I want to blog on this is although many have been deemed healthy, depending on whether you use them for cooking or not, may change their chemistry. In other words, heating various oil sources can create free radicals which in […]
Hyponatremia: Signs, Symptoms and Warnings
Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Hyponatremia tends to be mostly associated with athletes who participate in long duration sports such as marathons and triathlons. Endurance athletes taking in water during training or an event can develop hyponatremia, a potentially life threatening condition that occurs when sodium levels drop to a dangerous low in the blood stream (below 135 mmol/L (of blood). Early symptoms may include nausea, drowsiness, confusion, headache and fatigue. These can quickly progress to seizures, coma and death if not resolved in time. Importantly, athletes are not the […]
