A new report has shown that obesity is still rising in the U.S. Over 2/3 of Americans are either overweight or obese. In addition, the number of obese and overweight children has now climbed to 30 percent in 30 states, a troubling trend that could signal decades of weight-related health problems such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease as these children become adults. Baby boomer’s have the highest rate of obesity, compared with previous generations. The concern is that Medicare will have to pay the high price tag for the chronic conditions caused by obesity. The report suggested that under the current economic conditions, obesity is expected to rise as the cost of nutritious food increases and people choose the lower priced-high calorie foods.

The report also called upon local, state and the federal governments to support programs that provide schools with healthy foods, make healthy foods more affordable, support more physical activities at schools, get kids to watch less TV and spend less time with computers and video games, and encourage companies to offer workplace wellness programs as well as promoting nutritional and obesity counseling.

Tags: Baby Boomer, Chronic Conditions, Diabetes And Heart Disease, Economic Conditions, Federal Governments, Food Increases, Generations, Health Problems, Healthy Foods, Heart Disease, High Calorie Foods, Local Governments, Medicare, Nutritious Food, Obesity, Overweight Children, Price Tag, Related Health, State Governments, Workplace Wellness

A new study done at Yale University shows that watching food ads on TV leads to an increase in snacking among children and adults, increasing the risk of weight gain. Research was done to test the effects of food commercials watched on television. It was found that children aged 7 to 11 who watched a half-hour cartoon that included food commercials ate 45 percent more snack food while watching the show than children who watched the same cartoon with non-food commercials. That increased amount of snacking would lead to a weight gain of nearly 10 pounds a year, unless it was countered by decreased intake of other foods or increased physical activity. In a study involving adults, those who saw TV ads for unhealthy foods ate much more than those who saw ads that featured messages about good nutrition or healthy food. Researchers suggest that the commercials trigger mindless eating regardless of hunger. Therefore it is imperative to have low calorie foods in the house like vegetables so the overall number of calories consumed is low.

Tags: Adults, Calories, Cartoon Food, Food Ads, Food Commercials, Food Researchers, Food Tv, Gain Research, Good Nutrition, Half Hour, Healthy Food, Hunger, Low Calorie Foods, Nutrition Food, Physical Activity, Risk, Snack Food, Television, Tv Ads, Unhealthy Foods, Vegetables, Weight Gain, Yale University

With the recent death of Michael Jackson, heart disease and the risk for heart attack will be getting more attention. Heart Disease is the number one killer in America for both men and women. According to the American Heart Association, 39 percent of all female deaths in America are the result of cardiovascular disease. Women are at greater risk because they are so busy taking care of everyone else that they ignore or deny their own physical problems. Women need to take charge of their health and address issues related to managing stress, inactivity and obesity. Risk factors for both men and women with regard to heart disease are hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, stress and alcohol intake. To prevent heart disease, a lifestyle change is needed including quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising. In addition, alcohol should be in moderation as excessive alcohol use leads to an increase in blood pressure, and increases the risk for heart disease. It also increases blood levels of triglycerides. The CDC suggests that BMI be kept within healthy guidelines of 18 to 24.9.

Tags: Address Issues, Alcohol Intake, American Heart Association, Blood Levels, Bmi, Cardiovascular Disease, Cdc, Controlling High Blood Pressure, Excessive Alcohol, Female Deaths, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Lifestyle Change, Lowering Cholesterol, Maintaining A Healthy Weight, Managing Stress, Obesity Risk Factors, Triglycerides

Have you noticed a few more pounds coming on recently? Why is this happening? You think you are eating well  and you do try to exercise. As we age our metabolism slows and our bodies don’t need as many calories. The key to weight loss is burning more calories than we use. Summer is a great time to lose weight because food selections are lighter and we are generally more active with outdoor activities. But where do we start? Set a daily caloric limit of 1500 calories, for example. Then evaluate your portions and make sure they’re not too large. Studies show a low carb diet is most effective for weight loss. In addition, it is important to get in low calorie (100 calories or less) snacks throughout the day but  don’t get carried away.  Be mindful of your selections with your food and beverages because every calorie does count. Studies show that people generally miscalculate their portions on the low side by about 50%. That means you are taking in 50% than calories than you think you are. Be honest with yourself, if you overindulge you are only hurting yourself. Similarly, drink low calorie beverages whenever possible, avoid sweet tea, those calories add up quickly- 150 to 200 calories per 8-12 ounces. Then get your body moving. It doesn’t matter what activity you do, your goal is to burn calories. Definitely do some weight resistance exercises with bands or dumb bells 3 times per week because that is the quickest way to build lean muscle and increase your metabolism.

Tags: Build Muscle, Calories, Dumb Bells, Food And Beverages, Food Selections, Gaining Weight, Great Time, Increase Metabolism, Lean Muscle, Lose Weight, Low Carb Diet, Muscle Metabolism, Resistance Exercises, Snacks, Sweet Tea, Weight Exercises, Weight Loss, Weight Resistance

This recipe can be made using pork or chicken and is very easy to make.

Grilled Chiptole  Pork or Chicken Tenders

Makes 4 servings

1 pound boneless center cut pork loin roast, trimmed of visible fat or chicken cutlets/tenders
1/3 cup packed Splenda light brown sugar
2/3 tablespoon dried cilantro OR 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 chipotle chile in adobo, minced, plus 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
cooking spray

1) Slice the pork or chicken across the grain into ½-inch-thick tender-like strips. In a large bowl, toss the pork with brown sugar, cilantro, chipotle, adobo sauce, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the flavors meld, about 30 minutes.

2) Preheat your grill.. Place tenders lying flat, not touching each other, on the grill.  Grill until meat is lightly browned and cooked through, turning occasionally. Average cooking time is 5 to 8 minutes.

Calories per serving: 272, protein 24 grams.

Tags: 30 Minutes, Adobo Sauce, Black Pepper, Calories, Chicken Cutlets, Chicken Tenders, Chipotle Chile, Cilantro, Flavors, Garlic, Grill Recipe, Light Brown Sugar, Plastic Wrap, Pork Loin Roast, Protein, Summertime, Tablespoon, Teaspoon Chili Powder, Teaspoon Garlic Powder, Teaspoons Salt