Aquafull!

Add comment June 3rd, 2009

Beware of “healthy drinks”

Hi, Everyone –

News recently came out that Coca Cola’s celebrity endorsed Vitamin Water is under the gun by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) for their less-than-accurate nutritional description of the sugary drink. The CPSI is suing Coca Cola for claims that the drink is healthy, despite containing 33 grams of sugar in each beverage.

Watch out for those supposedly “healthy” beverages because they can really throw off your diet without even realizing it. Most importantly, read your labels and know what you are putting in your body!

Have a great weekend –

Dr. Snyder

Add comment April 16th, 2009

Going Red for Women

Hi, Everyone –

Today is “Go Red for Women Day” across the country. If you saw an inordinate number of people wearing red today, that’s probably why. This is a great day, especially if you are a woman, to stop and think about your lifestyle, health and whether heart disease could be an issue for you. Heart disease doesn’t just happen to men and it can actually be even more serious for women. For example, women are three times more likely to die from a heart attack than men. Keep this in mind, and keep your heart healthy ladies!

Have a great weekend,

Dr. Snyder
 

Add comment February 6th, 2009

Happy New Year!

Hi, Everyone –

Another year has gone by and here we are again. It’s up to you, 2009 can be the best year of your life, or it can be another year where the resolutions go out the window. This time, hold yourself accountable – write it down. What are your resolutions for this year? How many times have you had the same resolutions before?

This is your year,

Dr. Snyder

Add comment January 2nd, 2009

Holiday heart dangers

Hi, Everyone –

The holidays are a notorious catalyst for overeating, weight-gain and, in general, having a little too much fun. However, while doesn’t seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, there are some real dangers looming.

According to a University of California-San Diego study cited by Vanderbilt Medical Center, heart attacks and strokes actually increase over the holidays. There is a noticeable rise in December and January, with significant influxes on both Christmas Day and New Years Day.

According to Vanderbilt doctors, there are many reasons why this spike occurs. One of the main reasons is that the hectic holiday months cause people to skip medications and ignore symptoms that they might have otherwise checked-out. And of course, the increase in unhealthy food and alcohol consumption doesn’t help either.

So, over the holidays, make sure you take care of yourself and enjoy your families.

Dr. Snyder

Add comment December 9th, 2008

Get outside this winter!

Hi, Everyone –

Usually, the favorite season for outdoor recreation is summer. It makes sense, warm weather and sunshine are the perfect reason to take your exercise regimen outside; however, there are actually a ton of great things to do outside in the winter as well. Living in Colorado, I might have a little bit easier access to the slopes and traditional winter sports, but there are plenty of other activities you can do.

If you can’t hit the slopes (which is great exercise, by the way) get outside and have a snowball fight with your kids, or build a snowman. If it hasn’t, or doesn’t, snow where you live, take advantage of the cool weather and go for a brisk walk or hike to enjoy the changing seasons. Just because it’s a little chilly outside, doesn’t mean you should stay locked inside! What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?

Dr. Snyder

Add comment November 17th, 2008

Shielding your kids from eating disorders

Hi, Everyone –

A disturbing article came out in the UK’s Sun today. The article discusses the recent rise in the number of young girls battling eating disorders. In just 13 months, the British Pediatric Service Unit reported that there were 206 cases of anorexia in children under the age of 13, and the youngest reported was just six-years-old.

It is so important that kids have good role models when it comes to eating, being active and accepting their bodies. With all of the negative images in the media, it is even more important that kids have positive influences they can emulate. How do you keep your kids grounded when it comes to a healthy lifestyle?

Dr. Snyder

Add comment November 10th, 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

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