Thanksgiving is here again, kicking off the holiday season. And ‘tis the beginning of many festive events, most with food being front and center. This can cause a certain amount of trepidation about overeating and weight gain, putting at least a small damper on spirits. After all, about half of all weight gained annually occurs during the winter holidays. READ MORE

In our daily lives, we are constantly exposed to microorganisms that we swallow or inhale or ones that reside in our mucous membranes and skin. The extent to which these organisms cause disease in our bodies depends on the integrity of our immune system. If you lack a strong immune system, you are at a greater risk of succumbing to diseases and infections. READ MORE

Approximately 11 million people throughout the world receive a cancer diagnosis each year. While the most common forms are rectal, colon, lung, breast or prostate cancer, the numbers of those suffering from mesothelioma are also on the rise. Many scientists believe that the number of persons suffering from this ailment will double by the year 2030. READ MORE

Ahh the holidays! Decorating the house and having good eats. Inviting friends over and having good eats. Going to holiday parties and having good eats. Opening presents, then having good eats. Oh, did I mention eating? READ MORE

After years of political wrangling, menu labeling will finally begin December 1 of this year. All restaurants, similar retail food establishments and vending machines with 20 or more locations must provide calorie information on menus and menu boards. This includes food facilities in entertainment venue chains such as movie theaters and amusement parks, and also alcoholic beverages served in the covered food establishments and listed on the menu. Consumers, as noted on menus and menu boards, must also be provided, upon request, written nutrition information about total calories, total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein. The menu labeling mandate is a part of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka Obama Care). READ MORE

A lot is made of New Year’s resolutions. Most of what I read and hear is somewhat cynical about their lack of success. Allow me to put a more positive spin on this long-standing, annual tradition. READ MORE

We weren’t born loving cheeseburgers and hating spinach. Our “taste conditioning” has been developed via many years of eating high-fat, high-sodium, and sugar-laden foods offered by restaurants and a plethora of processed “convenience” foods. A recent study by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center has determined that we can, in fact, re-condition our taste buds to enjoy healthier options. READ MORE

A lot is made of New Year’s resolutions. Most of what I read and hear is somewhat cynical about their lack of success. Allow me to put a more positive spin on this long-standing, annual tradition. READ MORE

Thanksgiving is here again, kicking off the holiday season. And ‘tis the beginning of many festive events, most with food being front and center. This can cause a certain amount of trepidation about overeating and weight gain, putting at least a small damper on spirits. After all, about half of all weight gained annually occurs during the winter holidays. READ MORE

There has been a lot of controversy about artificial sweeteners and health. While most studies have found them to be safe, anecdotal evidence from individuals indicates they may cause headaches or other minor side effects in some. There has also been much debate as to whether diet beverages actually help weight loss and maintenance or whether they hinder it. One theory suggest that the intense sweetness of diet beverages may entice the taste buds and cause people to seek out and consume more calories from sweet foods and beverages. This is merely conjecture, however, because there is currently no solid scientific evidence to confirm this. Again, this may be the case for some and not others. READ MORE