Coconut Oil in Review – Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD

I have been asked my opinion on coconut oils more than anything else in the recent past. I guess the population has gone cuckoo about coconuts. The only fact that stayed clear to me about coconut oil from school days is it is one the most saturated in fat sources that exists (as high as 90% actually). Therefore, how is it possibly a good fat? Granted, school years are way back when, and it is time to reeducate myself on coconut, which is now considered a readily available source of […]

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NUTRITION FIGHTS SYMPTOMS OF FATIGUE

ILANA KATZ MS, RD, CSSD   One of the most common complaints I hear from friends, clients and co-workers, is that they are all exhausted. Now don’t get me wrong, yes, I am working with many endurance and ultra-endurance athletes who train up to twenty hours per week. One’s knee-jerk reaction is “well, no wonder… all that training” meaning training logically elicits exhaustion, right?  Believe it or not, no wrong – research has shown that physical activity, particularly endurance should generate invigoration (1,2) So why then are we a nation […]

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A little CNN fame …

The 2013 6-Pack are overhauling their diets. Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD show them how to eat better and shop wiser. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDID8zOPIUM

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WEIGHING IN ON WEIGHING IN.

ILANA KATZ MS,RD, CSSD   Is your scale the boss of you? Really, are you allowing this unforgiving, inanimate demon to constantly determine your moods? I ask this of many clients almost daily, and believe it or not, I get a defensive nod, and a “yes, of course!” Why people? Jokes aside, I do understand why, since I too have known to be a slave to a scale. Oh yes, and shamefully, I too allow that scaly, dumb thing determine my self worth. But I am done… I am ready […]

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SURVIVING THE TRAVEL CHALLENGE FOR ATHLETES

Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD Whether it is for business or for an event, competitive athletes face many challenges associated with travel. An athlete must maintain a regular eating schedule to ensure proper carbohydrate and protein levels, daily vitamin needs, adequate energy and hydration. Travel, however, very frequently disrupts this schedule and exposes the athlete to foreign food and water which may lead to gastrointestinal distress. This article focuses on key points that will help athletes adapt and reduce the nutrition stress of unfamiliarity. Some of these points include planning […]

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Metabolic Effects of Alcohol

Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD   Alcohol is one of those controversial topics that I often get asked about from a sports dietetic point of view. In short, my opinion is that alcohol is certainly a favorite mood-altering nutrient and it therefore has both pleasant and unpleasant effects. Many athletes use a nice cold brew as both a relaxant before a big event, or a celebratory tradition after. So my opinion is “moderation y’all, moderation”. What I think most are really seeking, is the science behind how appropriate my opinion […]

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Iron Deficiency and Athletes Ilana Katz MS, RD, CSSD

Iron is a trace element, meaning it is present in the body in extremely small amounts. However, it plays a critical role in human metabolism. Iron forms the oxygen transporting compounds in blood (hemoglobin) and in muscle (myoglobin). Iron absorption by the body is determined by the amount already stored relative to a constant level. In other words, the lower the stored levels of iron (called serum ferritin), the more room there is for iron absorption. Marginal iron intake creates a risk for low iron stores, which in turn can […]

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Blasting Stubborn Fat

Would you like to know the secret to blasting stubborn fat? First, a riddle. Which came first – the chicken or the egg? …. Did you ever figure that one out? Arguing about whether nutrition or diet is more important to your weight loss is almost as impossible to answer. My mother has been heard to say that she could never be as thin as I am because she can’t run a marathon. Well, I don’t like to argue with my mother but her lack of running isn’t the issue. […]

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Stretching Increases Flexibility

The jury is still out on this one.

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Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Performance

  This is what this site is all about.  People will read this section and they will be able to figure out what they can get here, why they will want to and what their next step is. Everyone wants to lose weight but no one knows how to do it.  Consistenly.  Effectively.  That is, anyone can lose a bit for a while but how do you make lasting  changes. What are the principles you need to know to become lean and strong?  Do you have time and energy to […]

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