Optimal Nutrition | Optimal Nutrition For Life

RESOLUTIONER OR NOT?

Published on December 31, 2023

Time to Chime on the Time to Shine Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD As we start off a new decade, many are making resolutions for the new year and the new “you” and then many become “resolutioner” haters simultaneously. I have been seeing both sides and wanted to chime in with my own $0.02 worth. There are many polls that throw out stats of how many people tend to make new years resolutions (it so happens an average of ~50% of Americans make new year’s resolutions based on weight, fitness […]

Principles for a Healthy Lifestyle and Optimal Weight

Published on December 21, 2023

Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Researched and accepted dietary principles may guide the individual to finding a healthy and appropriate lifestyle for themselves. I have laid out a few of these that within my studies, experience and analysis of current articles in peer-reviewed journals with an understanding that each human is unique. Unique in their metabolism/physiology, in their emotional and stress (psychology) and in their struggles and challenges with daily living. Therefore, it goes without saying that there is no single “diet” or “lifestyle” that works for the masses. Each […]

POWER MUFFINS

Published on November 18, 2023

Another great muffin recipe from my sports nutrition kitchen: FLOUR, ALL-PURPOSE 1/3 cup WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR 1 cup OATMEAL, DRY regular or instant 1 cup PROTEIN POWDER, VANILLA 3 tbsp SUGAR, BROWN packed 1/2 cup SUGAR, GRANULATED 1/2 cup BAKING POWDER 1 tbsp BAKING SODA 1 tsp CINNAMON, GROUND 1 tsp SALT 1 tsp ALLSPICE, GROUND 1/2 tsp CARROT grated 1 ¼ cups RAISIN, SEEDLESS 1 cup MILK, 1% 3/4 cups BUTTERMILK, LOWFAT ½ cup RICOTTA CHEESE, LIGHT ¼ cup SWEET POTATO, MASHED canned ½ cup CANOLA OIL ¼ […]

Electrolyte Balance for Endurance

Published on September 23, 2023

Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD INTRODUCTION Sodium is an essential mineral for life. It’s biochemical functions include normal cell function, blood volume regulation, blood pressure/body fluid regulation, pH homeostasis, and heart function. Because sodium in excess can result in increased blood pressure there is a fine line between balancing athletic electrolyte intake to replenish sweat values, and the dietetic recommendations on sodium intake to reduce heart disease. Most medical organizations recommend low or moderate sodium intake for the general population. Above and beyond the general population, are endurance athletes, whose […]

Emotional Eating: Awareness and Control

Published on June 25, 2023

Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Emotional (or stress) eating has always been a hot topic, mainly because one can find themselves turning to the pantry or fridge for a source of comfort, even though the appetite stimulant hormones are not active. How it can be controlled, comes with an understanding of what it is and why it happens and then developing an appropriate strategy on how it can be controlled. Recognizing signs of emotional eating may seem obvious, like feelings of stress, anger, or sadness drives you to eat. Underlying […]

Miraculous Magnesium

Published on June 4, 2023

The USA has the highest rate of dairy consumption, yet it also has the highest rate of osteoporosis. Does this not seem preposterous? It was this observation that got me reanalyzing some metabolic pathways involving calcium. During this research, I also noticed a high percentage of my clients that report calcium supplementation recommended by their doctors. I certainly agree that calcium supplementation has its place in our diet, but only if calcium sources are limited. How I arrived at this premise is described here, and it involves a trace mineral […]

THE KETO DEBATE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Published on May 31, 2023

Ilana Katz MS, RD CSSD I recently revisited a movie “Sleeper” (Woody Allen) since there was something interesting in the concept about a man waking up after a 200 year sleep. Recommendations for weight loss looks very different in that 200 year gap. On awakening, the sleeper finds that not only are deep fried foods good for weight loss, they are also considered healthy. An AHA moment. perhaps? Are we in a movie? Covid may make it feel this way, but weight-loss these days has a movie-like feel to it […]

Make Weight Loss for Your Overweight Child a Family Affair

Published on April 21, 2023

Obesity can be a huge obstacle in a child’s development, both physically and emotionally. Children suffering from obesity can experience isolation, bullying, or poor self-image in their relationship with their peers. This can also be a fundamental detriment to a child’s ability to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with their family. Because of the emotional, physical, and familial on the line, making your child’s weight loss a family project is not only a good idea, it is nearly critical to your success. This guide will help you get both […]