September 1, 2011
Have you gained any weight lately? How does it make you feel about yourself in terms of your overall self-esteem and sexuality? One of my girlfriends refers to this recently acquired weight on her back as ‘fack’ or back fat! If you’re involved with someone, does your partner support you and help you work to reach your desired weight and health goals?
Did you hear about the survey recently discussed on the Today show by psychotherapist and Today show contributor Dr. Robi Ludwig? The poll was a joint collaboration between Cosmopolitan magazine and AskMen.com and asked all types of relationship questions.
Of course the one I want to focus in on has to do with weight gain. Don’t miss this… according to this poll of 70,000 people, nearly 50% of the men said they would dump a partner who gained weight. This is in comparison to only 20% of the women who responded the same.
According to Dr. Ludwig, she has not found this response to be typical in her private practice. She says that women are much harder on themselves and their looks and weight than their partners. Do you agree?
Do you think this survey response has to do with women being more objectified than men where their bodies are constantly evaluated and sexualized…and at younger and younger ages? Think about celebrities. Gain weight and your tabloid fodder. By the way, seems to me, this is true more for women but not so much for men. Hmmm
According to the Journal of Obesity, weight discrimination is an issue for woman.
Why do you think weight gain in women is such an issue for men? Going back to the Today show segment, is it because a man’s partner is seen as an extension of him and reflects how he wants to be viewed by the world? Do you think an overweight partner sends the message that the guy is not successful or has poor self-esteem?
Ladies, when you gain weight, is your self-esteem or sexy feeling diminished? Do men pick up on this? I’m not sure there’s one answer but rather a tightly interwoven net of thoughts and feelings. Whatever happened to mutual support, understanding and working together?
I want to know what you think so post your comment on my blog at susanmitchell.org or Facebook page…both which you will find at susanmitchell.org
On a completely separate note, if you plan to grill out this weekend, try these grilling recipes from I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
*** For sharing their recipes with you, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!Ò has provided BBQ Roll-Up Tool Sets as giveaways so register to win one of these grill sets today! ***
SHRIMP SCAMPI SKEWERS
4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinate Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes
1 lb. uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
4 green onions, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 lemon, halved and sliced
20 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Spray Original
Combine shrimp, onions, lemon juice and garlic in medium bowl. Cover and marinate 10 minutes.
Alternately thread shrimp, onions and lemon slices on skewers*. Grill or broil, turning once and spraying with 10 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Spray Original, 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
Just before serving, spray with remaining 10 Sprays.
*If using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 30 minutes prior to use.
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories 130, Calories From Fat 20, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 2g, Cholesterol 170mg, Sodium 190mg, Total Carbohydrate 6g, Sugars 1g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 24g, Vitamin A 8%, Vitamin C 50%, Calcium 8%, Iron 20%
Recipe Courtesy of Unilever Kitchens
SUMMERTIME GRILLED VEGETABLES
4 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
3 lbs. your favorite vegetables (red onions, zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers), sliced or cut into chunks
30 sprays I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Spray Original
Alternately thread vegetables on skewers*. Grill or broil vegetables until tender. Arrange vegetables on serving platter. Spray with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Spray Original.
*If using wooden skewers soak at least 30 minutes prior to use.
Cost per recipe**: $4.92
Cost per serving**: $1.23
**Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories 90, Calories From Fat 10, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g, Total Fat 1g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 40mg, Total Carbohydrate 17g, Sugars 9g, Dietary Fiber 6g, Protein 5g, Vitamin A 60%, Vitamin C 170%, Calcium 6%, Iron 20%
Recipe Courtesy of Unilever Kitchens
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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August 10, 2011
It’s back to school time, which means daily lunch duty. My girlfriend Petra is taking her two young girls to choose lunch boxes and buying small sizes in bulk of items such as energy bars, raisins, yogurt, cheese sticks…foods she includes in their lunch almost daily. This saves her time, money and lowers her stress level.
This week on my podcast, Regina Ragone, registered dietitian and Food Director at Family Circle magazine brainstorms with me on ideas for lunch duty. And… don’t forget you can now find our podcasts at familycircle.com, keyword ‘podcast’.
Regina’s first piece of advice: getting the kids involved significantly ups the odds that they’ll eat what you send. Brainstorm some options together before school starts.
I agree…starting with input on the lunchbox, whether you shop online or in a store, let your children have a say. But remember Mom and Dad select a lunch box with room for food plus a drink container and cold packs.
Some lunch boxes have a built in option for the cold pack. You can find cool lunch boxes everywhere from big box stores to your grocery, Office Depot, Sports Authority, Target and endless places online.
Regina suggests PlanetBox for an eco-friendly way to pack a variety of healthy bites and says that older kids will like the Go Green Bento Lunchbox or Easy Lunchboxes.
For quick prep, sandwiches are a given. Choose a whole-grain bread, which helps keep blood sugar remain stable throughout the afternoon. Try whole-wheat wraps or bagels to mix things up. Multigrain or whole-corn tortillas are also fun options (we like LaTortilla Factory) as are the popular whole-wheat sandwich rounds/thins. Have you seen the Pepperidge Farm whole-wheat sandwich bread shaped like goldfish? Kids love these. Watch for a sale, buy a couple of packs and freeze them. They will keep in the freezer up to about 3 months.
Also on Regina’s list is Aladdin’s Collapsible Salad Set which comes with individual containers, so it’s like a salad bar to go. Build a health salad with a base of greens and add toppings like nuts, tofu, beans and cheese. Leftovers plus salads prepped ahead on the weekend come in handy…especially pasta, tuna, chicken or egg salads, all of which are good salad toppers. I like to include fresh or dried fruit too.
Be sure to include a lean protein source, which will help keep your child feeling full and focused. Look for processed deli meats that are lower in sodium and have no nitrites added from companies like Applegate, Wellshire Farms, Dietz & Watson, and Boar’s Heads.
I keep baskets in my pantry filled with healthy selections including whole-grain cereal bars or nut bars, dried fruit such as cherries or blueberries, nuts, whole-grain crackers, peanut or almond butter, and pop-top cans or pouches of tuna. Every week I refill the fridge with cups of Greek yogurt, string-cheese, cut up fresh fruit and small pieces of whole fruit such as plums, pears, and apples….I buy what’s in season…says me time during the week and money on my grocery bill.
For a new spin on whole grains, try this month’s recipe for Wheat Berry Salad.
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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August 3, 2011
August 3, 2011
Did you know that age-related macular degeneration, aka AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss as you get older? Do you have friends or family members who are losing their vision?
Perhaps they’ve been diagnosed with AMD, which affects the central vision and results in significant vision loss or even blindness. Spots, referred to as blind spots, cloud this central vision making it very difficult to see faces clearly, read and drive. And don’t miss this. If you have a family history of AMD, are female or white…all three increase your risk.
What if you can add certain foods to your diet NOW to help prevent AMD down the road? Data from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (known as AREDS) reported in the May 2009 issue of the journal Ophthalmology found that participants whose diets were high in certain nutrients including vitamin E and C, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fats had the lowest risks of age-related macular degeneration.
Other studies suggest that a diet consisting of more low-glycemic foods (vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils and whole grains as examples) and less high glycemic foods such as candy, desserts, and sweetened drinks results in a lower risk for AMD.
In case you’re wondering how refined or processed foods, which are typically high on the glycemic index affect vision, here is what scientists currently believe. High-GI foods cause a rapid increase and decline in blood glucose levels as opposed to low-GI foods that raise blood glucose more slowly.
The rapid rise in blood glucose may damage the macula or part of the retina, which provides detailed central vision. The good news is that the certain nutrients just mentioned above seem to help protect your eyes from AMD.
Consider making these foods a staple in your diet.
- Citrus fruits, kiwi, berries, potatoes, tomatoes: Vitamin C
- Nuts (walnuts have fats that convert to omega-3s in the body): Zinc, Vitamin E and healthy fats
- Red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seafood (such as crab and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products: zinc
- Dark green leafy veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale plus yellow foods such as corn and egg yolks: carotenoids: lutein
and zeaxanthin.
- Cold-water fish like salmon or canned tuna: omega-3 fats
For more information on eye health, check out the National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/index.asp.
The good news is that all the foods mentioned above are not only beneficial for eye health but for your total body health.
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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July 13, 2011
July 13, 2011
So you’re trying to eat more fresh foods that are less processed. You’re preparing some meals ahead or making meals that do double duty. But on some days even make-ahead meals never happen. What to do?
This week on my podcast, Regina Ragone, registered dietitian and Food Director at Family Circle magazine joins me as we share some of our favorite quick-fix items that don’t sacrifice on taste or nutrition. We’re not spokespersons for these products, we just like them.
And… don’t forget you can now find our podcasts at familycircle.com, keyword ‘podcast’.
1. Rustic Crust’s Great Grain Pizza Crust ($3) and Old World Pizza Sauce (3 packs/$4), you can get dinner on the table in less than half an hour (often faster than pizza delivery!).
Regina suggests topping the pizza with your favorite low-fat cheese blend and then piling on plenty of veggies. Make an extra pizza for leftovers…it’s good hot or cold.
2. Brush some ColavitaBalsamic Glaze ($7.50) on chicken breasts or pork chops during the last minute of cooking for a sweet, caramelized coating. Or step up steamed vegetables with a light drizzle of Lucini’s Robust Garlic-Infused Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ($16).
Also toss the garlic infused oil with potatoes. I use a lemon-infused on my salads regularly along with balsamic vinegar.
3. Enjoy one of the newest better-for-you frozen microwave dinners. Regina says that time and again their staff turns to Kashi’s Frozen Entrees ($4). Their current top three are Lemongrass Coconut Chicken, Mayan Harvest Bake and Chicken Florentine. Each meal boasts Kashi’s famous 7 whole-grain pilaf plus fresh vegetables, for a great-tasting, high-fiber, low-fat meal.
Watch for sales and put a few extra in your freezer. When you’re schedule changes at the last minute, which often happens, you’re prepared.
4. Having an ice cream craving? Try Arctic Zero a frozen treat made from whey protein that’s like eating a frozen protein shake with only 150 calorie per pint…yes, I said pint. ($4.49-4.99)
This is the perfect option if you have family members or friends who are diabetic, follow a gluten-free diet or you just want a frozen ice cream-like treat that’s creamy but without all the fat and calories. My current favorites are Maple Vanilla and Cookie & Cream.
5. Looking for meatless options? Dr. Praeger’s burgers contain no fillers or egg products—just fresh vegetables. Regina loves the California, Bombay, Tex Mex and Italian Veggie Burgers (4/$5), stacked high with lettuce and tomatoes on a whole-wheat Arnold reduced-sodium Sandwich Thin.
Add a Dr. Praeger Sweet Potato or Spinach Pancake (6/$4) and you’ve hit your veggie requirement for the day.
Be sure and try the recipe for Burrito Casserole. You can make the assemble up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Leave out on counter for 15 minutes before putting in oven.
It takes on 15 minutes to put this casserole together. Depending on the size of your family, you may have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Want more details? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
Listen to this week’s podcast
May 4, 2011
May 5, 2011
Do you have friends or family members who are unhappy with how their body looks? Are they always comparing themselves to celebrities, models or others in the media? Do you think the media plays a role in the way women, teens and even younger girls view themselves?
Let’s dig deeper into body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Joining me on this week’s podcast is licensed nutritionist and certified eating disorders registered dietitian Karen Beerbower. Karen has a Masters degree in Medical Science from Indiana University School of Medicine.
As the president of Nutritional Guidance Inc., based in Orlando, she has worked in private practice for over 20 years and is the Clinical Director of Blue Horizons Eating Disorder Services.
Karen talks about the growing numbers of women, teens and even young girls who are unhappy or dissatisfied with their bodies.
Their self worth, worth to others and happiness is based on the perception of what they think others are looking for or see as ideal…not on their inner self.
Did you know that everyday we are exposed to over 3000 images, many based on a woman’s appearance that has been altered in some way (computer enhanced or airbrushed as examples). With the obesity crisis front and center, there is awareness that one must keep weight in check at all costs.
Shockingly Karen reports that 47% of young girls ages 12-18 are unhappy with their weight and many at age 12 and younger are dieting. These young girls (8-12 years old) read magazines where the models are in their 20s and want to associate with how they look.
 Restrictive eating through dieting can then lead to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Medically, there is concern that their bodies have not fully developed. What effects this dieting has on hormones, body fat, future health and fertility are unknown.
Fast forward to a group of older women who are also unhappy with their looks. Many fingers extend beyond traditional eating disorders including this segment referred to as desperate housewives syndrome.
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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March 30, 2011
Thanks for the positive feedback from last week’s podcast on cholesterol busting. Glad to hear you found it helpful.
I’ve had requests from some of you who are road warriors to talk about eating smart when you travel for business. Whether you’re on the road every week or less frequently, you already know that it can be tough to eat well and keep your competitive edge.
 This week on the podcast, registered dietitian and author Patricia Bannan joins me to share real-world road warrior tips. Patricia is a former health correspondent for CNN and has been a guest on news shows nationwide, including NBC’s Today show. Just back from a media tour,Patricia shares road warrior tips from her new book Eat Right when Time is Tight.
I’m going to be a road warrior in April. Most of the time (I think you road warriors would agree) business travel requires very long days, waking up early to get to the airport then long, multi-course meals with clients.
It can be hard to find healthy food or the time to squeeze in any ‘me’ time. Yet, we road warriors want to keep our competitive edge.
Here are a couple of the travel tips which Patricia shared to help us stay sharp and not overindulge so that we don’t up wearing that extra food home on our belly or thighs.
“Eat Right When Time is Tight” Tips for Business Travelers:
- When you first check in to your hotel have a quick peek at the fitness center. Then you know exactly where it’s located. Make it a priority to do a quick workout first thing in the morning. Even thirty minutes on the treadmill or a twenty-minute session of lifting weights will translate into higher productivity and less stress throughout a busy day.
- If it’s not too late, and depending where you’re staying, look for a local market to stock up on healthy snacks—bottled water, energy bars, fresh or dried fruit, nuts, and yogurt if you have a refrigerator.
- Carry your Eat Right Survival Stash (healthy, already-portioned, shelf-stable foods) in your briefcase or bag and a bottle of water or tea as your first weapon of choice.
- Make sure you stay hydrated. Remember that thirst often masquerades as hunger, and opt for no-calorie or low-calorie beverages throughout the day. Watch your alcohol intake—those calories add up fast, especially if you start drinking before evening.
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
Listen to this week’s podcast
March 16, 2011
Is strength training part of your regular workout routine? Or, have you decided it’s time to include it? Strength training or weight training can improve quality of life and overall health by reducing both blood glucose levels and body fat. It improves strength as muscle mass increases and is maintained.
Strategy # 1: Eat 1-2 hours before your workout and 30 minutes after.
According to an article in Today’s Dietitian, people say they don’t want to eat before or after a workout or they will blow the benefits. However, think about it this way.
When you have a meal or snack before a strength training session, your energy level increases and ultimately can result in additional calories burned…in other words, you don’t poop out as quickly.
Most sports nutritionist suggest a meal or snack two hours before a workout but at least one hour if the snack is smaller in size. According to a second article in Today’s Dietitian, a pre-strength training meal or snack should be high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat and fiber in order for the stomach to empty quickly such as a bagel and fresh fruit.
Don’t forget that nutrition post workout is part of the smart strategy. Eat a meal or snack consisting of carbs and protein within 30 minutes to speed glycogen recovery and to help repair muscle microtears that may occur during lifting.
Storage rates for glycogen are fastest the first hour after exercise. Remember that carbohydrate, one of the three energy nutrients along with protein and fat that supply calories, fuels the brain and body and most easily converts to energy or glucose. Stored glucose is called glycogen.
Strategy # 2: Increase protein for muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
Remember that your intake varies depending on your routine but in terms of protein needs for the day, sports nutritionists Janice Dada and Dr. Jenna Bell suggest 1.2 to 1.7 grams protein/kilogram body weight for strength training.
The range for protein in the daily diet has been 5-35% of total daily calories. Now the suggestion is to reach the higher end of that range….20-35% of total calories from protein, especially when you weight train.
Muscle hypertrophy and strength gains also result from repeated sets of higher weights and less repetitions plus the right nutrition. Remember that if you are just starting out and are a strength-training novice, it’s important to start slowly and build muscle endurance with lighter weights or resistance before you progress to heavier weights and strength gains.
More Resources:
Joint Information
Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (Gait Trial)
glucosamine versus placebo (Journal of the American Medical Association)
Books
Power Eating by Susan M. Kleiner, PhD, RD
Energy to Burn by Jenna Bell, PhD, RD, CSSD
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
Listen to this week’s podcast
March 2, 2011
Think about this…women often receive less care for their hearts by the medical community but at the same time are more concerned  about the health of others instead of themselves. Yet, heart disease is the number one killer of women.
Heart disease in women is often overlooked and can have a tragic ending. Every week in the background you hear my awesome producer Billy P. You don’t want to miss Billy P share his story about the loss of his wife in this week’s podcast.
These preventive tips can help women improve their health, feel better, hopefully avoid medication and live longer.
Tip #1 Find Out Your Numbers
* Cholesterol profile including triglycerides, HDL and LDL
* Blood pressure
* Body mass index (check out this simple BMI calculator
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ )
* Blood sugar
* Waist circumference
Money is tight, medical costs are high…I hear you. But you and the health of those you love are much more important. Every week there are free health fairs and clinics with opportunities to take advantage of and find out some of these numbers. Check out this new document posted at the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association on healthy living guidelines for women. It has a place to record all the numbers you need to know plus a lot of good information.
It’s true that you can’t change your family history, gender or your age for that matter, but you can alter your diet, exercise/activity level, whether you smoke or not, and your weight.
Tip # 2 Once You Know Your Numbers, Ask Yourself if You Have Metabolic Syndrome
How do you know? According to the American Heart Association and National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, you may have metabolic syndrome (which puts you at a greater risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease) if you have 3 or more of the following risk factors:
1) Your waist is greater than 35 inches
2) Your triglycerides are higher than 150 mg/dL
3) Your HDL (protective cholesterol) is less than 50 mg/dL
4) Your blood pressure is higher than 130/85 mm Hg
5) Your fasting blood sugar is higher than 100 mg/dL
Tip # 3 See a Health Care Professional
If any of your numbers are abnormal, now is the time to see a health professional. Remember, high blood pressure is called the “silent killer” as it generally has no symptoms. When you lower your blood pressure, you reduce the chance of stroke by 35-40%, heart attack by 20-25% and heart failure by 50%.
And did you know that two out of three people with diabetes die of heart disease? Don’t miss this…women with type 2 diabetes develop heart disease at a much younger age compared to non-diabetic women. Making smart changes in the diet, losing some weight and moving around more can help to prevent or postpone diabetes.
You are busy, I know that…your schedule is over full and you’re stressed most days. But I don’t want you to put off taking care of you any longer…you and your family are worth it. Tell me what you’re doing. I want to hear from you.
Want more? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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January 19, 2011
Is life getting in the way of what you want to accomplish? Do you have dreams and goals that you want to come true but your ‘but’ gets in the way. No, not that ‘butt’ although you might be feeling that your bum or backside is a little larger than it was in 2010.
I’m talking about the ‘but’ that keeps you stuck in your rut and prevents you from moving ahead and reaching your goals. You know the ‘but’…you would like to take that spinning class ‘but’ your schedule is already jammed or you feel exhausted and need to get more sleep ‘but’ it never seems to happen.
Let 2011 be the year you have a mental boot camp with yourself and kick the ‘but’ out of your life. A mental boot camp is an up close and personal inventory. Take a hard look at your day-to-day life and decide what must be addressed, changed, adapted, deleted, whatever…so that you and your family find more contentment. 
During your mental boot camp, ask yourself some of these questions:
* Do you stress-eat? If so, get rid of the foods that call your name. Clean the pantry or fridge so you have to work harder to get those stress foods. Don’t completely give up these foods because then you will want them even more. Instead, buy the smallest size of the best item, such as high quality chocolate, and truly enjoy it.
* Are you drinking your calories? Notice where your calories are coming from …lattes, smoothies, sweetened tea and sodas, energy drinks…and pay attention to the size of the container. Remember…bigge size = bigge thighs.
* Did you have a fight with someone you care about and turn to that bag of chips in the pantry for comfort? Time to deal with these emotions and find healthier (calorie free) options for comfort. Have a plan…call a friend, go for a walk, watch a funny show…defuse the situation and stay away from the food. I realize that some issues are way bigger than this…that’s why it’s important to go thru a mental boot camp so you know if counseling or help of some type is needed.
Instead of a focus on weight loss or exercise, review your life and the contentment you feel or don’t feel. Why? Your contentment level and attitude affect your weight. When you are overwhelmed and stressed, it’s impossible to find the time to eat well, shop and prep food, exercise or do anything else for yourself…and you feel guilty when you do.
Stress eating and binge eating are often tied to tough and emotionally stressful events in life and how you cope with them. Food is an outlet and is available ever direction you turn. It’s legal and calls your name when you’re mad, hurt, sad and stressed…you known what I mean.
When I was writing books, I realized I truly was the author of those books, which meant it was up to me to write and complete them. The same is true for you. You are the author of your book…your life. As the author, you have the ability to change the chapter in 2011 if it’s not working for you.
Listen to this week’s podcast below.
Listen to this week’s podcast
January 5, 2011
I hope your New Year is off to a great start and that you’ll join me every week for straight talk…about eating smart and taking care of yourself and your family.
Your straight talk tip for this week is to broaden your palate and try a couple of new food items or spices.
It’s a treat for your taste buds and varied selections pump up your diet with a greater variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other worthwhile nutrients.
2011 food and culinary predictions from Epicurious.com include:
Chef Mario Batali recently opened a food hall in Manhattan called Eataly and Todd English created the Eurpoean-style food emporium at the Plaza Hotel’s Food Hall. Not limited to New York, no doubt this trend will become part of the culinary landscape in many US cities.
Pop-up Cafes…also known as food trucks are popping up all over. Why? In a crunched economy, the capital investment and resources needed for start up are minimal yet locations are plentiful and chefs have creative freedom. People relish the availability and reasonable cost.
Scoot over cupcakes. Epicurious.com predicts macarons are the next confectionary delight. Macarons are typically made with ground almonds or almond paste and come in a plethora of flavors.
Before you bite into that mouth-watering macaron, FoxNews.com reports in their top 10 foods to watch article that small pies will be the next ‘it’ dessert. I noticed this trend during the holidays…small pecan, pumpkin and blueberry pies that serve two or three people. Ok…some of you will tell me they’re individual pies.
What comes next may surprise you. In a time of meatless Mondays, locally grown and heirloom produce, how about an ultimate breakfast platter?
- Ultimate Breakfast Platter with scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, three pancakes with syrup, and a biscuit. All of this and topped off with 1310 calories, 72 grams of fat and a full day’s worth of sodium (2490 mg). Burger King and other fast foods are going the route of porking up their menus with more…more cheese, more bacon, and more desserts. LATimes.com reports that extra cash will also be needed to pay for these obscene portion sizes.
I’ve got to know what you think about this trend so post your comments.
ChicagoTribune.com listed among their trends the downsizing of portions so perhaps it’s the type of restaurant that will be downsizing versus obscene-sizing.
Showing up on several food trend lists, the lowly sweet potato is gaining popularity. The sweet potato is a power food. Rich in fiber, beta-carotene and a list of other nutrients, it’s a simple quick fix in the micro when you’re time crunched. Sprinkled with cinnamon, a sweet potato is an easy side dish or snack.
- Local Somewhere (grown or sourced), Heritage, Artisanal or Heirloom: from tomatoes and fennel to pigs and cheese…this trend to know where your food comes from is hot and likely not to change.
- Food Aps: Progressivegrocer.com reports food aps as a growing trend as we look to social media for new aps and coupon sources.
- Nutritious Children’s Meals
FastCasual.com reporting on the National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” survey of more than 1500 chefs finds that healthy meals for children are finally getting attention…both in restaurants and in schools.
Every December in the foodie world, there are speculations about upcoming food and culinary trends…new items you’ll find on restaurant menus, fresh trends in your grocery, and recipes that call for new or different ingredients. Weigh in and tell me what you think. You can post your comments on my blog or on Facebook.
If you want to read more about the trends, you’ll find the links to all the articles mentioned in this week’s blog or listen to this week’s podcast below.
Want more information? Listen to this week’s podcast below.
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acquired weight on her back as ‘fack’ or back fat! If you’re involved with someone, does your partner support you and help you work to reach your desired weight and health goals?
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