Cottage Cheese Filled Dates

Image by David R. Blume goo.gl/vxxn1w

By: Nikki Nies

Whenever you’re pairing foods, you want to make sure they have the right balance of sweet and savory. The overpowering of one ingredient can lead to the

For as little in size that dates are, they’re nutrition powerhouses, containing fiber, the antioxidant tannins, beta carotene, vitamin A, potassium and iron. While the peanut butter stuffed dates trend has been going around, I’ve been trying to incorporate more cottage cheese into my meals as it is great to pair with savory or sweet foods. Pairing dates and cottage cheese is a great way to maintain protein content, but the added benefit of cottage cheese’s healthy fats. While low in calories, cottage cheese and dates are great spin on the traditional peanut butter stuffed dates.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 5 dates
• Drizzle of honey
• Sprinkle of  cinnamon

Instructions

Slice dates lengthwise, stuff with cottage             cheese. Drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon on top of each date. Eat up!

What additional toppings would you add to this easy, delectable snack?

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/dates.html

Health Benefits of Dates – Promoting Heart, Brain, and Digestive Health

Adopt Private Mind Tricks

By: Nikki Nies

While the words portion control, calorie counting and “mindfulness” are regularly thrown around as necessarily components of weight loss.  Unfortunately, there’s often times a discrepancy in the information provided to the public and what information the public retains and understands when temptation confronts them. In addition, when environmental bias cues bias one’s feeling of satiation, the task can become even more challenging.

Rule of thumb strategies, technically known as “heuristics,” create for ourselves — such as not spending more than $15 on an item of baby clothing, or more than $50 on a pair of shoes — can help simplify the daily choices we make. Behavioral economists believe that adopting good heuristics can help one develop sound habits.  In terms of nutrition, these habits can be healthier.

For instance, most people know that eating an apple is better than eating a slice of cake and that eating a slice of cake is better than eating two slices of cake.  With many restaurants, movie theatres and grocery stores now providing nutrition fact labels to consumers, it does not appear that consumers need more nutrition information, but perhaps, better heuristics to help develop bias towards eating less unhealthy foods.

Such rules could offset irrational tendencies, as found by studies led by Brian Wansink.  In a pilot study consisting of 1000 participants from a weight loss website were randomly assigned three small behavior changes over a three month period.  The results found the weight loss ranged from a 1.93-pound monthly weight loss (e.g., use ten-inch plates for dinner) to a 0.83-pound monthly weight gain (eat oatmeal for breakfast), the average heuristic resulted in an average weight loss—1.16 pounds per month per person.  The most effective heuristic was found to entail little decision making, such as the use of smaller plates and/or eating in the kitchen versus in front of the TV.

Less restrictive interventions are also found to be more effective to implement long term, such as the consumption of hot breakfasts instead of more restrictive heuristics, such as specifying one eats oatmeal for breakfast.  Additionally, by weighing the effectiveness of an intervention by compliance and estimated weight loss may increase compliance and make overall healthier food choices.

The use of heuristics can be a great way to integrate small, modifiable changes to one’s lifestyle, while increasing likelihood of long term implementation that gives clients the autonomy to adapt changes to preferences and lifestyle. What heuristic strategies have you found to be most successful? What do you hope to incorporate into your life?

Photo Credit: Diabeter

Sources:  http://www.learnvest.com/2014/05/money-habits/#ixzz3NL95JtVm

http://www.learnvest.com/2013/07/4-ways-to-trick-your-brain-into-banishing-bad-money-habits/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23994507

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1470-6431.2012.01098.x/abstract

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22577307

http://www.foodpsychology.cornell.edu/pdf/permission/2009/Healthy_Hueristics-AER_2009.pdf

http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/content/mindless-eating-and-healthy-heuristics-irrational

Food & Nutrition Magazine

By: Nikki Nies

Are you a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)? AND is the largest American organization of food and nutrition professionals. If so, do you actively read their published Food & Nutrition Magazine? It’s a fantastic, evidence based bi monthly magazine that is created and written by Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RDNs) for RDNs.

This magazine has a plethora of information, everything from food related movie reviews to a list of RDN-Approved Desserts to the exploration of the latest food trends. 

Food & Nutrition Magazine’s Blog, Stone Soup, is a guest blog written by members of AND. Some of the latest posts include Shaved Carrot and Fennel Salad, how to get ready for National Kiwifruit Day and  Winter Running Essentials.

I’m a huge fan of Food & Nutrition magazine due to their immaculate content, collaborative efforts and last, but not least, their dazzling pictures. If you’re a fan of the magazine, why not try your hand at becoming more involved in the production and creation of the magazine? To pitch a story,  Food & Nutrition Magazine welcomes engaging, dynamic journalism about food and food trends, innovations in research and practice, and explorations of the cultural and social factors that shape Americans’ diets and health.

Photo Credit: Food & Nutrition Magazine

Low Cholesterol Diet

By: Nikki Nies

While it’s been pounded into our heads the notion of “good” vs. “bad” fats, we shouldn’t overlook such labels as they’re for valid measure.  Yes, fats can be used as a type of energy source for the body, but it’s the primary source of the energy and like any subject matter, too much is harmful.  In regards to our bodies, too much fat has a direct correlation with one’s risk for heart disease and/or stroke. Old news, right?

Fat intake’s contribution to cardiovascular disease(s) may be old news, but why does our society struggle with that news? Perhaps, you need a fresh thought on the concepts.  Not keen on the guidelines for a low cholesterol diet? Limit cholesterol, duh! Yet, there’s more to it than that.  Actually, there’s two tiers of the cholesterol diet, which was created by the National Cholesterol education Program (NCeP).  The two low cholesterol guidelines continue to emphasize: low sodium, decreased total fat and saturated fat, decreased dietary cholesterol, increased fiber and complex carbs and decreased energy intake to obtain and/or maintain a healthy body weight.

I’m not a fan of the word “diet”, but that’s how dietary guidelines are phrased.  Therefore, Step 1 is composed of dietary changes to reduce cholesterol levels for those over the age of 2.  Step 2 of the cholesterol diet consists of more stringent limitations and is more appropriate for those with a current and/or past heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol or evidence of atherosclerosis–clog in arteries.

Photo Credit:Disease Proof and Women’s Fitness UK

Sources: http://www.gatewayhealth.com/images/uploads/general/36_-_Low_Cholesterol_Diet.pdf

Best Coffee Cities

By: Nikki Nies

There’s often controversy over whether coffee is good for you or not.  While critics sort that out, I’m going to go with the “innocent” until proven guilty theory in regards to the benefits of coffee since I owe a lot of my own sanity to the carafes of coffee over the years! With that said, I’m definitely more particular about my coffee than let’s say the brand of garbage bags I choose.

Thankfully, my trusty Time magazine has come out with a new list of Best Coffee Cities!  Take a look below at the list: 

1. Portland, Oregon with Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Coava and Water Avenue Coffee : This city has again topped the list of “best coffee” due to it’s vibrant variety of coffees.  Stumptown Coffee Roasters has thankfully expanded beyond Oregon.  While, Coava is a single origin roaster and Water Avenue Coffee offers $1 sidecar shot espressos.
2. Seattle, Washington with Slate Coffee Roasters or Convoy Coffee, which  offers  bike-powered coffee cart with pour-overs, AeroPress, and iced coffee. Or check out the interactive Starbucks Reserve and Roastery and Tasting Room!
3. Providence, Rhode Island with sweet “coffee milk” found at Dave’s Coffee.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico with its local flavor found at New Mexico Pinon Coffee Company.  Short coffee history classes, cupping and roasting demos are offered weekly or check out Golden Crown Panaderia, where one can indulge in a Coffee Milkshake with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and espresso!
5. Houston, Texas with Siphon Coffee‘s offering of vacuum prepared coffees.  Or head over to the Revival Market that sells Houston based roaster Greenway.

After going through this list, what city is missing from the list? Yes, “best” is subjective, but what’re some non negotiable parameters you use when opting for different coffee flavors?

Photo Credit:The Roasterie and Pinterest 

Sources: http://time.com/3506334/best-coffee-cities/

Downfall of “Ideal” Weight

By: Nikki Nies

Neologists are people that help coin, create and/or make new words.  I’m sure when the neologists were formulating the word”ideal”, they couldn’t have predicted the self esteem, body image and insecurities that stem from ideal when paired with the word “body weight.”  In a society, where one’s undeniably critiqued, judged and perceived based on outward appearance, it’s unfortunate that three little words–ideal body weight (IBW) are given so much power.

The dictionary’s definition of:

satisfying one’s conception of what is perfect; most suitable

The dictionary definition of ideal has the word perfect in it.  As we all know, perfection is unattainable.  Can the odds be more stacked against us?

Advocates of IBW may argue that replacement of the word “ideal” with “optimal”, “excellent”, “desired” and/or “perfect” would cause the same stymie to the human psyche.  However, I would argue that you’ve have missed the point of my post.

Can we go back to “healthy” weights? We need to focus on weights that are more “suitable” for people based on body frame, history and family genetics. Where being healthy is celebrated and where weight is just a number, not a dictator?

Photo Credit:ricerca correlati

Sources: http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-tips/why-you-should-let-go-weight-perfection?cid=socWL_20141014_33593707

Five Things You’re Getting Wrong About Weight and Weight Loss

7-11 Healthy Options Trial

By: Nikki Nies

7-11 may be known for slurpees, but with the help of Tony Horton, the founder of P90X, 7-11 is rolling out “healthier” options to 104 of their flagship stores in Los, Angeles, California.  Not familiar with Tony Horton, perhaps, you’ve heard of P90X, which advertises its ability to change one’s body with intense workouts over a 3 month period.  Such promises for a dramatic body transformation is questionable, yet I’m willing to listen.  The line of healthier products will be distributed through the Tony Horton Kitchen (THK).

While, my initial reaction to 7 Eleven’s new health announcement was “glee”, I wish there was a registered dietitian attached to this project.  By no means am I snubbing Tony Horton, but it’d be great to have a certified food expert part of the conversation.  With that said, I’m still willing to read through what 7-11 has to offer as I want to encourage and applaud those making efforts to a healthier America.

7-11 will be offering:

Sandwiches:

• Grilled Chicken with Blueberry Mustard on whole grain sub
• Stacked Roasted Turkey Breast on whole grain flat bun
• Salads
• Spicy Quinoa Salad with Chimichurri Dressing
• Curried Chicken Salad with Pomegranate Raita Dressing

Wraps:

• Golden Roasted Turkey Breast Wrap with Chipotle Black Bean Hummus
• Spicy Black Bean Hummus & Vegetables Wrap

Cold Pressed Juices [or High Pressure Pasteurized]

• Apple, celery, beet, ginger, parsley, spinach, lemon
• Apple, coconut water, lime, mint
• Celery, apple, cucumber, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, lime, lemon, wheat grass, clover sprouts
• Carrot, apple, celery, lemon, beet, spinach, lime, parsley, ginger

For those in CA that have had the opportunity to try 7-11’s healthier options, what’re your thoughts? How’s the taste for the value? Is the food fresh?

Photo Credit:Red Peak Group and 7-11

Sources: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/09/12/7-eleven-whole-foods-healthy-snacks-snacking-snack-foods/2804879/=

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/09/30/7-eleven-convenience-stores-fresh-food-tony-horton-nutrition/16424751/

https://www.yahoo.com/health/healthy-fast-food-p90x-guru-helps-7-eleven-serve-it-98981084177.html

http://www.kcet.org/living/food/food-rant/the-problem-with-7-elevens-new-healthy-options.html

https://www.7-eleven.com/Hungry/Fresh/
http://corp.7-eleven.com/news/09-30-2014-7-eleven-powers-up-its-fresh-foods-menu-as-first-retailer-to-offer-tony-horton-kitchen-foods

Food Revolution

By: Nikki Nies 

While obesity is a preventable disease, we’re currently on the losing end of the war.  It’s not only an American, first world problem.  As a global epidemic, Jamie Oliver has once again, thankfully, taken it upon himself to lead a Food Revolution!  While we’re by no means deprived of food, with so many options, more children than ever are malnourished due to the number of empty calories they consume on a regular basis.

Jamie Oliver explains the premise behind said Revolution!

“Since I’ve been working in America, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of people who have come out to support the Food Revolution. More than 630,000 people have signed the petition, over 300,000 of you subscribe to our newsletter and thousands of you have written to me. The only message I keep hearing is that you believe your kids need better food, and that you want help to keep cooking skills alive. That’s why this Food Revolution matters.” -Jamie Oliver

It’s great to hear others acknowledge and understand the issue at large.  The Food Revolution is a great platform to help inspire all to get back into the kitchen to cook real food from scratch and get away from the pre packaged, processed products that are ubiquitously calling our names!  This movement has already made great strides toward health awareness and changing how we eat. Still not convinced change is needed?

Global obesity alarming #s:

• More than 43 million children under 5 years old are overweight or obese
• More than 1.5 billion adults are overweight or obese
• With obesity, one’s life can be cut by 10 years
• In the U.S., obesity costs $10,273,973/hr!

While the above numbers are scary stats, Jamie’s got a 6 point plan moving forward:

1. Cook more with the availability of community kitchens (i.e. church halls, healthcare centers and/or schools) that will help you learn the basics of home kitchen! By getting in the kitchen you can control portion sizes, ensure the use of fresh ingredients and it’s a great way to get the family together!
2. An activist program is supporting parents that want to ensure better quality of food for their children.  There is a community website that encourages grass roots change nationwide in the U.S.
3. With the Food Revolution truck, this mobile food classroom offers cooking classes
4. Inspiring parents, caregivers, teachers and students to cook fresh meals and snacks on campus and throughout school district
5. Within corporations, promoting a culture change: helping healthcare sectors to recognize the “investments” needed for better health in the future.  Also, providing employees the opportunity to learn essential cooking skills and fresher foods at canteens

What are you waiting for?!? There’s so many ways you can contribute to this revolution and be part of the change! Sign the global petition today! Learn more about this Revolution and how you can get involved today!

Photo Credit:Mazwo and Indiana Public Media

Sources: http://www.jamieoliver.com/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/22/jamie-oliver-food-revolution-online-video

http://foodrevolution.org/

Foodie on Campus

Original Image by Foodie On Campus

By: Nikki Nies

There’s a famous saying that one’s college years are the best of a person’s life.  While that may be true, there are many aspects of the college experience that must be present for the “best” to be presented.  For many, heading off to college is the first taste of independence.  With the bombardment of offers, temptations and often times free food, it’s no wonder students get a headache with so many dining options.  Many options that aren’t always the wisest in regards to health, I might add.

 However, it doesn’t have to be like that.  You can have you cake and eat it too at college at times.  With Foodie on Campus(FOC): Your Inside Guide is dedicated to providing resources, recipes and latest news to campus students, it doesn’t have to be like that.  The founder and Editor in Chief, Faye Mitchell RD, LDN recognizes that food is an integral part of the college experience.  Instead of implementing restricting rules about eating habits, Mitchell’s team of interns provide an awareness of how to be a successful “foodie” on campus!

Guiding Principles:

Original Image by Arya Ziai via Flickr

• “Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” —Ruth Reichl
• Keep it positive
• Food is meant to be enjoyed
• Diet is a four letter word
• There are no “good” foods or “bad” foods
• Everything in moderation
• Nutrition is science based, not opinion oriented
• There are no quick fixes or miracle foods
• Weight is just a number
• No fat shaming, no skinny promoting
• Eat for Pleasure – Move for Fun!
• “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” ―Julia Child

Nutrition is about understanding that health doesn’t mean one has to trade flavor for health.  There are so many practical, easy swaps that can be made.  There’s no better time to make healthier changes than as a college student!

Don’t miss a bite of FOC’s’ daily updates, sign up today! Follow @foodieoncampus AND like on Facebook!

Source:http://www.foodieoncampus.com/

What’s Really in Nuggets

By: Nikki Nies

During one my undergraduate classes at Montclair State University, we were challenged to question what really makes up a food composition, how easily the food industry manipulate its consumers to believe what they want them to sell their products and why providing awareness of what one’s really eating is more important than ever.

Although, I was introduced to this Jamie Oliver video more than three years ago, it’s stuck with me and I can’t look at chicken nuggets the same way! Watch this quick video on how chicken nuggets are made, have your thoughts on “chicken nuggets” changed? Are you surprised to find out what’s really being sold as chicken nuggets?

The scary part, after seeing how chicken nuggets are made, a handful of children are still eager and willing to eat these “chicken nuggets.”

Photo Credit: Tomnomura