Happy Halloween!

Hi, Everyone –

Halloween is tomorrow and that means candy, candy and more candy. It’s pretty much impossible to limit your kids from eating sweets but you can curb the sugar intake with the proper preparation. iVillage posted an article the other day about healthy options for Halloween – check it out and have a safe, happy Halloween!

Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 30th, 2008

Science and weight loss

Hi, Everyone –
 
An interesting study was recently reported on by the AP about creating foods that actually trick your body into feeling full. Peter Wilde and his team at the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, England have come up with a very interesting idea. They are developing foods that actually slow the digestive process, making your body think it’s more satiated.
 
As far as the science behind it, they are coating fat in foods with plant proteins. The proteins take longer to break down and, thus, it takes the process longer to digest the fat – making you feel fuller, longer.
 
There is always something new out there in the way of weight-loss science, but I’m curious to hear what you think about this. Do you think it’s the real deal, or not?
 
Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 27th, 2008

Getting ready for the holidays

Hi, Everyone -

The holidays are just around the corner and this is a time when most diets go out the window. Usually it’s the “I’ll wait until January excuse,” buy why not start now? Get a jump on everyone else so you can focus on other things for your New Year’s resolution. Of course there are going to be days over the holidays, Thanksgiving in particular, when you are not going to be able to stick to your diet, but you know you will feel better if you just start today!

Here is a challenge, write down 5 reasons why you think you can’t start getting healthy today. Now, leave the list somewhere for a day and go back to it. I’m almost sure those reasons you wrote down will not seem good enough not to start – try it and tell me what you think.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 20th, 2008

Are you ready to lose weight?

Add comment October 15th, 2008

Criteria for Gastric Bypass

Hi, Everyone –

An article I was interviewed for in the Denver Metro September edition of M.D. News recently came out, and after reading the article, I realized there is some really important information I have not talked about on this blog. As you may know, I am a bariatric surgeon and the criterion for bariatric surgery is a very common question I get. Gastric bypass is by no means a quick fix, but it can be a very effective tool for certain people.  As outlined in the article I mentioned, written by Jeanne Davant, below is the checklist for bariatric surgery:

·         BMI of 40, or 35 with comorbidities.

·         Comorbidities such as depression, diabetes, fatigue, GERD, heart disease, coronary heart disease,     hyperlipidemia, hypertension, joint pain, menstrual and/or fertility issues, sleep disorders, and urinary stress incontinence

·         Failure of previous weight-loss attempts

·         No medical problems that would make surgery too hazardous

·         No abuse of drugs or alcohol for at least one year

·         Non-smoker, or willingness to quit in anticipation of surgery

·         Readiness to make permanent life changes

·         The personal desire to have surgery for yourself

If you have any questions, just ask!

Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 14th, 2008

Biggest Loser Recipes

Hi, Everyone –

I have talked about the show “The Biggest Loser” before on my blog. Though these contestants are in a very controlled environment, there are quite a few helpful hints that come out of the show. In addition to the eating and exercise advice you can get watching the show, they also have quite a few recipes in Chef Rocco’s recipe corner on the Web site. Check out this one below for a healthier version of a chicken caesar salad:

291 calories per serving

PAM spray
4 large garlic cloves, 3 of them chopped
4 slices Ezekiel Bread
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1-1/3 pounds
Nu-Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
juice and zest of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons grated pecorino-romano
1 large head romaine, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350. Place bread on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and very crisp, about 8 minutes. Lightly bruise 1 whole garlic clove and rub it over the surface of each piece of bread. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Season chicken breasts with Nu-Salt and pepper and spray lightly with PAM. Grill about 4 minutes per side, or until charred on the outside and just cooked through. Remove from grill and keep warm. Slice.
3. Meanwhile, together the 3 chopped garlic cloves with the fat-free sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest and pecorino. Season with freshly ground black pepper and Nu-Salt.
4. To serve, toss together the romaine with the sliced chicken, dressing and croutons. Adjust seasoning, if necessary. Although no actual salt is called for in this recipe, please add it as you see fit.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 10th, 2008

Is there a stigma attached to weight?

Hi, Everyone –

A New York Times article last week talked about the growing “fat acceptance movement” and how more attention is being paid to overall health and not just weight. It is definitely true that even a very slim person can be unhealthy, and that a healthy regimen of diet and exercise is key in maintaining overall health, not just weight. However, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject. What do you think about fat acceptance?

Dr. Snyder

2 comments October 7th, 2008

What’s the right plan for me?

Hi, Everyone,

Kevin over at Weight Ladder posted today about finding the right weight-loss plan for you and you alone. This is a very good point that often times gets overlooked when people are looking for a quick fix. Everyone is different, every body is different and what might work for one person, will not necessarily work for another. The best thing to do is consult someone who knows what they are talking about. Got a question? Ask me!

Dr. Snyder

Add comment October 2nd, 2008