Archive for September, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
I’m not sure if you knew this, but September was “Better Breakfast Month,” according to Nutritiondata.com. This last day of BBM presents a good opportunity to stress the importance of starting out your day with a healthy, filling breakfast. Save the excuses of not being able to get up early enough, not having the time, and so on. Get up, eat breakfast and get on with your day.
In addition to the obvious benefit of starting off your day right, eating breakfast, especially a high-protein breakfast, can help you lose weight. About a month ago, a study came out in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition that showed people who ate eggs for breakfast, as opposed to a bagel with the same amount of calories, were more satiated and actually ate less throughout the day.
So, there you have it, eat breakfast.
Dr. Snyder
September 30th, 2008
Hi Everyone –
There is nothing better than hearing an inspirational story or accomplishment. You know, the kind that give you goosebumps and inspire you to make changes in your own life. One of things I like most about my job is witnessing people accomplish things they didn’t know they could accomplish. Well, I think you should make it a point to tell someone who might need some inspiration, and tell me too! Whether it’s about weight-loss, getting healthy or changing your life for the better, tell your story. If you would like to share it with me, send your stories to drmichaelsnyder@gmail.com.
Dr. Snyder
September 25th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
There is a common misconception that eating healthy is synonymous with eating bland food. Well, if you do it right, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Today, Shari Rudavsky from the Indianapolis Star shared a recipe from a book that is was actually written for cancer patients who are trying to eat healthy, tasty food. Check out the recipe for mashed ginger sweet potatoes:
Ingredients:
Potatoes or yams
Sea salt
Organic unsalted butter
Grated fresh ginger
Maple syrup
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes or yams and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Cook until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking liquid, and return potatoes to the pot.
Add 2 tablespoons organic unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon maple syrup, pinch each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid.
Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes. You may want to add a pinch of salt.
Dr. Snyder
September 23rd, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
Another season of The Biggest Loser debuted this week, continuing the phenomenon. This show has really produced some amazing results, and has no doubt inspired a number of people to undertake their own weight-loss journey. However, it is really important to remember that these people are under incredibly close supervision by medical professionals and are losing an uncommon amount of weight very fast.
I’m curious to hear if any of you have any feedback about this show. Do you think it inspires people, or does it give them a false sense of hope? If you are one of the few people who have not heard of The Biggest Loser, check it out on the NBC Web site here.
Dr. Snyder
September 18th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
There are so many new and interesting ways to workout out there. Whether it’s working it on the Wii, yoga, videos or the gym, everyone seems to have a preferred way to pump iron. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing so you will follow through and see results, and it’s always good to share methods – you just might inspire someone to get back up on the treadmill…or whatever it may be. What is your favorite way to work out?
Dr. Snyder
September 15th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
I have talked about this before, but it just really gets to me when people get up on a soapbox and tell you all how to eat right and be healthy when they don’t make that same commitment to themselves.
Even within the National Bariatric Society there are so many people stepping up and speaking out for obesity who are NOT being real role models. They are smoking and overweight. I believe in talking the talk, but you must also walk the walk!
I want you to know that I am right there with you – making the right decisions and trying to be as healthy as possible. I work out at 4:30am, because that is the only time I can find in my schedule. I am not asking you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.
Dr. Snyder
September 12th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
WLS, or weight-loss surgery, can be very expensive and is often not covered by insurance. There is also a certain stigma surrounding the procedure, that being that it is unnecessary in some cases. Well, I have performed over 2,000 bariatric surgeries in my career, and I have seen first-hand that WLS is sometimes the only option to get someone healthy, or even to save their life. It can be very useful for someone with a BMI of 35 or greater who have not had success with other weight-loss methods.
A study came out in the September issue of the American Journal of Managed Care finding that the cost of bariatric surgery actually makes up for itself in 2-4 years; the health complications that go along with obesity will quickly overshadow the $17 – 26,000 price tag of WLS.
What are your perceptions of WLS? Do you think it is a procedure that should always be covered by insurance companies?
Dr. Snyder
September 10th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
Who doesn’t love those classic recipes we all grew up with? Well, as delicious as they can be, they are not always the healthiest option. But there is hope! Today on the Indianapolis Star Web site, Joanie Fuson wrote about some favorite all-American recipes with minor changes to make them more healthy but still tasty. Check out this one below for hamburger soup:
Hamburger Soup
Serves 6
1 tablespoon oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cups beef broth
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen green beans or peas
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), to serve
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add meat, and brown, stirring to break up any clumps. Add onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Drain off any fat.
2. Add broth, tomatoes, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; stir in macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer until macaroni is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in corn and green beans or peas. Simmer until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese, if using.
Nutrition
356 calories; 15.4 g fat; 682 mg sodium; 35.5 g carbs; 6.1 g fiber; 21.2 g protein.
Dr. Snyder
September 4th, 2008
Hi, Everyone –
I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend – you can almost officially say goodbye to the Summer! When you are re-stocking your house after all the festivities this weekend, make sure you pay attention while you are shopping. The grocery store can be a dangerous place. The snack and cookie aisle can be terrifying when you are trying to keep your diet on track. I know it sounds kind of crazy to have a game plan when you enter the grocery store, but you would be amazed at how little temptation you will have to deal with if you just focus.
First and foremost, never shop hungry. You will be surprised how easy it is to make smart decisions when you are satiated and not starving. Next, stay on the perimeter. This is where all of the perishable, healthy food lives. There really isn’t even a need to venture into the center aisles unless you need non-food items.
Just remember, put on your armor before you enter the battle with the grocery store.
Happy shopping,
Dr. Snyder
September 2nd, 2008