Category: Diet

Greens Are Great For You

March 17th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone! In the spirit of this day, I am going to talk about greens! Instead of green beer, you should be reaching for another sort of greens drink. For those of you who aren’t getting in the recommended 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (minimum), taking a greens drink  is a great way to get all the nutrients that you would be missing.

Pathway UltraGreens is a comprehensive greens formula that also contains beets, aloe vera and much more. It also contains some of the most known greens. Here is what some of these superfoods do:

Spirulina: Spirulina is the most famous of the blue-green algae for good reason. It is one of the most nutritious foods known, containing up to 65% highly digestible protein. It is one of the highest food sources of vitamin B12, contains up to 10 times more beta carotene per gram than carrots, and along with kamut, alfalfa and barley juice, is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll. Spirulina is one of the few natural foods to contain the omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Spirulina is also a rich source of B complex vitamins, minerals, enzymes, RNA and DNA. Continue reading “Greens Are Great For You”

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Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports

March 15th, 2011 by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach

Longer days and warmer weather go hand-in-hand with spring sports. As we eagerly shed our winter wardrobe – and any excess winter weight we may have gained during the “off season” –  it’s helpful to have some fresh, energizing but simple snacks on hand to give us that extra edge.

The best choices are snacks that are light and portable that we can easily pack and eat before or after a competitive game, match or tryout. Remember the saying, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail”? Taking a few minutes to plan your snacking can make all the difference in giving you the sustained energy you need so you can get the most out of whichever sport you’re playing.

So, what are some snacks to choose which will fuel your body for maximum energy, health and endurance? Here are a few with the right mix of carbohydrates, protein and a touch of fat to give you loads of energy while helping you easily recover so you can “stay in the game” as long as you’d like. Continue reading “Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports”

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Body pH and Your Health

March 14th, 2011 by Ellen Kittredge

If you’re like most people reading this article, you’ve probably never thought about the pH (relative acidity or alkalinity) of a substance since you took chem 101 in high school.

And why would you? Generally pH is not something that comes up in casual conversation… unless you’re hanging out with other nutrition enthusiasts, in which case it’s a favorite topic!

It turns out that our bodies are designed to function within a very narrow pH range. In fact, a slightly alkaline pH (just above 7.0) is considered optimal for health. Believe it or not, just the simple process of bringing your blood to a higher (more alkaline) pH can actually correct for a large number of health conditions, including skin issues, heartburn, inflammation, arthritis, poor circulation, digestive complaints, fatigue, a weak immune system… the list goes on and on.

A proper pH of our fluids and tissues can mean the difference between happy, healthy cells, and cells that are constantly swimming in a too-acidic bath. Now I’m not talking about the pH of the stomach. That needs to be acidic to digest our food. That’s a separate topic. It is the pH of your blood that can dramatically impact your health status.

So, you might be wondering which foods help to create a more alkaline blood pH and which foods create a more acidic pH? Continue reading “Body pH and Your Health”

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The Harmful Effects of Energy Drinks on Teens

February 21st, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

A new study in the Journal of Pediatrics warns against the amount of caffeine and other stimulants being consumed by teens. Researchers looked at brands like Red Bull, Spike Shooter and Redline, and found cases of seizures, delusions, heart problems, and kidney or liver damage. These drinks can be particularly harmful to children and teens who have cardiovascular or diabetic conditions.

Here are some possible risks associated with consumption of energy drinks among children and teens:

  • Cardiovascular events (high doses of caffeine may have an adverse effect on heart conditions that prohibit the use of stimulants)
  • Effects on children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or eating disorders
  • Effects on calorie intake and diabetes
  • Effects on bone mineralization

The researchers also said that, although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the amount of caffeine in soft drinks such as colas, it does not regulate the amount in energy drinks. The researchers found that several countries and states have debated or restricted the sales and advertising of these drinks. For example, they reported that the UK’s Committee on Toxicity investigated Red Bull and determined that it was safe for the general public, but that children younger than 16 years old or people sensitive to caffeine should avoid drinks with high caffeine content.

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How to Eat Healthy During Your Workday

February 8th, 2011 by Debi Silber, The Mojo Coach

Leaving the office to grab a bite for lunch or dinner? Here are just a few tips to encourage light and lean restaurant eating.

· Order an appetizer (as long as it’s a healthy one) with a salad or two healthy appetizers instead of a high fat/calorie entree.

· Start with a clear-based soup or salad versus a cream-based soup.

· Ask that the bread basked not be put down on the table. If that’s not an option, make a rule about how much you’ll have before you go, and stick to it!

· At a buffet or salad bar, load up on the vegetables and watch out for high fat toppings and mixtures.

· Portion off half of the entree and share it, or pack it up for another meal.

· Use the opportunity to enjoy what the restaurant is known for by enjoying a small portion of those foods, which are unique, interesting and symbolic of that restaurant, while avoiding ordinary foods that you can have anywhere. Continue reading “How to Eat Healthy During Your Workday”

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

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