Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
No, it?s not a typo ? I didn?t mean potatoes are mashed! Potatoes, yet again, are under fire. The USDA has recently recommended that potatoes should be OFF the school lunch menus ? and join a list of other ?limited? starchy vegetables including corn, peas, and lima beans. While not removed from menus, the recommendation is for 1 cup per week!
You may ask ?what could they be thinking?? (I sure did!)
The goal of this decision (aimed for 2012) is to get rid of the French Fries beloved by students everywhere. That?s not a bad goal ? but this is a lot like ?throwing the baby out with the bathwater.? A medium sized baked potato (about the size of your fist) is about 100 calories, and loaded with fiber and vitamin C. To lump all potatoes in the same nutritional bin is a mistake. In fact, all potatoes are off the list ? except sweet potatoes. Yes, sweet potatoes are a good choice, but not when they?re fried (which is still allowed!).
Potatoes can be a ?gateway? vegetable ? and can be topped with broccoli, salsa, and other vegetables. It?s not always the vehicle for fatty toppings like sour cream, butter, and cheese sauce. And what about a potato bar? Many schools have these ? and offer multiple vegetable toppings, reduced-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese.
While there are many ways to eat potatoes ? and French Fries do have a role in a healthy diet, in moderation ? I just want you to know that a baked potato is most definitely a healthy choice, good for both your budget and your waistline!
- Healthy Food Is Less Expensive Than Junk Food, Study Finds
Though it's widely believed that healthy food is more expensive than junk food, a new government analysis shows that does not have to be the case. "In fact, carrots, onions, pinto beans, lettuce, mashed potatoes, bananas and orange juice are all less...
- ?bad? Foods That Are Good For You
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom In my book, there are no bad foods, just bad portions. You?re not a nutritional slacker if you enjoy flavorful, high-fat foods or other favorites. You can learn some strategies to include them in a healthy diet ? and avoid...
- Healthy Eating In Black And White ? Part One
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom While consuming a variety of colorful foods is a direct connection to healthy eating, nutritious eating can be as easy as ?black and white.? This week, I?m going to look at these two interesting contrasts for healthy eating. ...
- Easy Cheesy Scalloped "potatoes"
Are you looking for a special present for you mother? Daughter? Best friend? Well, who wouldn?t love a cookbook with great tasting recipes that also help you lose weight? Being on a diet can make anyone miserable AND create SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE DEFICIENCIES!...
- Stay Healthy This Winter
WINTER: The bitter weather. The short days. The fattening food. Winter brings some of its own health challenges, but you can stay healthy as we head into the springtime. New Year?s Resolution One: Keep the Weight Off this Winter The winter just wouldn?t...
Health News
Potatoes Are Bashed!
No, it?s not a typo ? I didn?t mean potatoes are mashed! Potatoes, yet again, are under fire. The USDA has recently recommended that potatoes should be OFF the school lunch menus ? and join a list of other ?limited? starchy vegetables including corn, peas, and lima beans. While not removed from menus, the recommendation is for 1 cup per week!
You may ask ?what could they be thinking?? (I sure did!)
The goal of this decision (aimed for 2012) is to get rid of the French Fries beloved by students everywhere. That?s not a bad goal ? but this is a lot like ?throwing the baby out with the bathwater.? A medium sized baked potato (about the size of your fist) is about 100 calories, and loaded with fiber and vitamin C. To lump all potatoes in the same nutritional bin is a mistake. In fact, all potatoes are off the list ? except sweet potatoes. Yes, sweet potatoes are a good choice, but not when they?re fried (which is still allowed!).
Potatoes can be a ?gateway? vegetable ? and can be topped with broccoli, salsa, and other vegetables. It?s not always the vehicle for fatty toppings like sour cream, butter, and cheese sauce. And what about a potato bar? Many schools have these ? and offer multiple vegetable toppings, reduced-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese.
While there are many ways to eat potatoes ? and French Fries do have a role in a healthy diet, in moderation ? I just want you to know that a baked potato is most definitely a healthy choice, good for both your budget and your waistline!
- Healthy Food Is Less Expensive Than Junk Food, Study Finds
Though it's widely believed that healthy food is more expensive than junk food, a new government analysis shows that does not have to be the case. "In fact, carrots, onions, pinto beans, lettuce, mashed potatoes, bananas and orange juice are all less...
- ?bad? Foods That Are Good For You
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom In my book, there are no bad foods, just bad portions. You?re not a nutritional slacker if you enjoy flavorful, high-fat foods or other favorites. You can learn some strategies to include them in a healthy diet ? and avoid...
- Healthy Eating In Black And White ? Part One
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom While consuming a variety of colorful foods is a direct connection to healthy eating, nutritious eating can be as easy as ?black and white.? This week, I?m going to look at these two interesting contrasts for healthy eating. ...
- Easy Cheesy Scalloped "potatoes"
Are you looking for a special present for you mother? Daughter? Best friend? Well, who wouldn?t love a cookbook with great tasting recipes that also help you lose weight? Being on a diet can make anyone miserable AND create SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE DEFICIENCIES!...
- Stay Healthy This Winter
WINTER: The bitter weather. The short days. The fattening food. Winter brings some of its own health challenges, but you can stay healthy as we head into the springtime. New Year?s Resolution One: Keep the Weight Off this Winter The winter just wouldn?t...