Mindful Eating vs. Distracted Eating

 #WellnessWednesday with Registered Dietitian Christine (MS, RDN, CSSD)
• • •
Consider practicing mindful eating versus distracted eating by putting away your devices during a meal. You may find that you enjoy the meal more because you are paying attention to the smell, taste and texture as well as being in tune with your feelings of fullness!

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National Seafood Month

It’s National Seafood Month! October is all about sustainable seafood around here. Everyone knows that seafood is an excellent component of a healthy diet, but overfishing, bycatch, and seafood fraud can make it challenging to decide which fish to eat. We asked our partners over at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program to share some advice for buying seafood that has been fished or farmed responsibly. Your seafood choices are critical to a healthy ocean, so grab a Seafood Watch guide or the app, and let’s go shopping!

CHECK OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

To find the right seafood recommendation, you’ll need to know three things: the species (what kind of fish is it), where the seafood is from and how it was caught or farmed. For example, if salmon is on the menu, find out if it's Atlantic, Chinook, Chum, Coho, Pink, or Sockeye salmon. Next, ask where it’s from and how it was caught or farmed. Sometimes it can be hard to find out how seafood is caught or farmed. Often just knowing the country of origin will tell you whether to buy a product. Also, check to see if we have recommended an eco-certified option. If in doubt, choose a different Best Choice seafood.

CHOOSE A BUSINESS (OR FISHERMEN) YOU TRUST

Many businesses have already made commitments to sustainable seafood. Shopping at a restaurant or grocery store with commitment means that you can do your research before visiting and be confident that what is offered meets your sustainability expectations. If you have access to a local fisherman, that’s another great way to learn more about the seafood you’re buying and the people that harvested it.

ASK QUESTIONS

The easiest thing you can do is ask the question: "Do you sell sustainable seafood?" By doing so, you help drive change in the marketplace. The more businesses hear support for sustainable seafood, the more interest they have in providing it as an option. We encourage you to thank the businesses that sell sustainable seafood and ask those that don’t to visit SeafoodWatch.org.

CONSIDER BUYING WHOLE FISH

Whole fish may seem outside the comfort zone of home chefs, but it is more affordable, versatile, and is less likely to have fraudulent labeling. If you have our Seafood Watch recommendations handy, whole fish can be a great way to guarantee you’re getting the sustainable product you paid for. Finally, if whole fish is available, ask the store to clean, gut, and portion it for you.

BE ADVENTUROUS

In North America we mainly eat five seafood products: canned tuna, shrimp, tilapia, salmon and pollock. Considering Seafood Watch has recommendations for over 300 species, that is a very limited menu! Next time you buy seafood consider trying something new: from arctic char to clams to seaweed, there are hundreds of Best Choices for you to explore!

 Reference:

1. Monterey Bay Seafood Watch Program. https://www.seafoodwatch.org/.

Written by Julia Jordan

OCTOBER 2020

weeatlivedowell.com

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FOOD AND MOOD

We have all probably experienced a time when our mood influenced our food choices. Whether you crave comfort foods when sad, or lose your appetite when stressed, we know mood can influence how we eat. But what if what we eat can also influence our mood? Research suggests that this might be the case.

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
What we eat can impact many of the systems in our bodies that influence mood, depression, anxiety and other aspects of our mental health. These connections are still being investigated, but according to a recent research review, three areas seem likely to play a role. Eating patterns that lead to frequent changes in blood sugar trigger hormone responses that may alter mood. Brain health has been tied to inflammation and certain foods have been associated with either increased or decreased inflammation. And finally, our gut health, which is closely tied to the way we eat may also influence our mental health.

WHICH FOODS ARE INVOLVED?
Rapid and frequent changes in blood sugar are usually connected with refined carbohydrates often found in sweet snacks, sugary drinks and grains that are not whole . Limiting high sugar, low fiber foods or pairing them with other nutrient rich foods can help avoid spikes in blood sugar. Foods that provide omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts and seeds are thought to help reduce inflammation. For gut health, probiotics (yogurt with active cultures, fermented foods) and prebiotics (high fiber foods like oats, asparagus, apples) can help support.

BOTTOM LINE
Our mental and physical health are complex and can be influenced by many factors. Even if one food is found to show benefits, our overall diet as well as physical activity, sleep and stress levels will also play a role. The good news is that healthy eating has almost no side effects and many potential benefits. Healthy eating patterns, like the Mediterranean Diet, promote physical health and may also help to support our mental health.

Reference: Firth Joseph, GangwischJames E, BorisiniAlessandra, Wootton Robyn E, Mayer EmeranA. Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing? BMJ 2020; 369 :m2382

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
AUGUST 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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PICNIC SAFELY

Getting outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather is one of the perks of this time of year. If picnics are part of your plans, you might be wondering what extra steps you need to take to do so safely in this era of COVID-19. Here are some tips:

SPREAD OUT
If your typical picnic set up includes one big table for all of the food, consider breaking it up. You can put sides on one table, desserts on another and so on. Spacing out the food will help to naturally space out your guests too.

REDUCE HIGH TOUCH AREAS
While the risk of spreading COVID-19 through surfaces is thought to be low, it is one that is relatively easy to address. Instead of putting a serving spoon in each dish, encourage people to serve themselves with their own, clean, disposable utensil. Use toothpicks for smaller items. Focus on individual items instead of bulk dishes like casseroles. Many popular casseroles can be made single serve by preparing them in muffin tins. Pre-plating items can also help reduce the frequency of everyone touching the same surface. Make utensil roll-ups for each person with fork, knife and spoon wrapped in a napkin.

FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL RULES
Each area of the country is at a different point with the spread of COVID-19 and local rules around staying at home or social gatherings generally reflect this.

IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY HOME
No one wants to miss out on fun activities but if you are sick you really need to sit this one out and encourage your guests to do the same.

BEYOND COVID-19
While our current focus is on preventing COVID-19, foodborne illness at picnics is still a very real risk. To make sure that illness doesn’t spoil your outdoor eating, make sure to wash your hands often, maintain food temperatures and handle leftovers carefully. More food safety tips can be found at
homefoodsafety.org.

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
JULY 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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TIGHTENING YOUR FOOD BUDGET

If you find that your income has been reduced by the current COVID-19 pandemic, or simply
want to lower your food budget to free up money to be more charitable or support local
businesses, we have put together some tips to help.

PLAN AHEAD & BE FLEXIBLE
This may sound like conflicting advice, but both can be helpful strategies. Plan ahead by listing out
the meals and snacks you and your family will have. Start with doing inventory of what you have
on hand. Plan to use ingredients before they go bad by building them into your meals and snacks.
Group common ingredients so that you can plan for leftovers. If you are going to roast a chicken
for dinner one night, consider having chicken tacos a day or two later so that you can utilize the
leftover chicken. Within your overall plan, allow for some flexibility. You may find that some items
are sold out or that others are on sale. Look for swaps that keep your overall plan in mind but let
you take advantage of items that are on sale or seasonal.

STOP FOOD WASTE
Nothing can derail your food budget like throwing away food. Keep your refrigerator organized. It
can be easy to forget that you have strawberries waiting to be eaten if you can’t see them behind
the milk. If possible, store leftovers in clear containers so they are easily visible. Date your food so
you don’t have to rely on your memory of when something was opened or prepared. Use your
freezer! If you have fresh items or leftovers that you won’t use before they go bad, freeze them.
Make clean-out-the-fridge recipes. Soups, stir-fry meals, frittatas and smoothies are perfect for
using up a variety of ingredients before they go bad.

CONSIDER COST VS CONVENIENCE
Individual packs of snacks and drinks can be handy if you are packing lunches, but that
convenience comes at a cost. Bulk items are usually less expensive. To make them more packable
and control portion size, use reusable containers to repack them yourself. This will cut costs and
send less packaging to landfills.

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
JUNE 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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Time To Garden

Whether you have a green thumb or not, this could be the perfect time to start a garden.

Research suggests that gardening may offer benefits to both our physical and mental well-being. With the current recommendations for both kids and adults to avoid going out to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we all need more home based activities. Gardening is something for all ages and skill levels that doesn’t rely on screen time.

If you are new to gardening, here are some tips to get you started:

• Evaluate your space. Gardening can be small, large and anywhere in between. If you live in an apartment, check out which windows offer the most sun throughout the day. If you are in a house, check for both indoor and outdoor spaces with good sun and room for plants.
• Figure out which zone you live in. You can enter your zip code into this interactive map from the USDA to determine your zone. Knowing your zone will help you know which plants will do best in your area.
• Grow things you like! If your garden does well, you won’t want the bounty to go to waste.
• Check out kidsgardening.org. Don’t let the name fool you. They have great resources for kids, but the site is helpful for adults who are new to gardening too.
• If you do have kids, involve them. The team at KidsGardeninghas put together a list of easy parent and kid gardening activities. They also have lesson plans that help you bring science, math and nutrition concepts to life through gardening.
• It’s okay to cheat a little. Waiting for seeds to germinate can be a long process. While a lesson in patience is probably good for all of us, starting with seedlings is a great way to jump start your garden with something green that you can see right away.
• Have reasonable expectations. If you are new to gardening, you might want to start small with a few plants in containers. As your knowledge and skills increase you can expand to a raised bed garden or something larger.

Reference:

1. Soga, Masashi et al. “Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis.” Preventive medicine reports vol. 5 92-99. 14 Nov. 2016, doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN

MAY 2020

weeatlivedowell.com

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Social Media Diet

Food pictures are all over social media. Look around when you are out to eat and you’ll likely notice people taking more pictures of their food than their friends. Do all of these food pictures influence how we eat? A new study says it might.

WHAT DID THEY STUDY?
To get an idea of what people think of how their social media friends eat, researchers asked themto report on their perceptions of how much and how often their friends ate certain foods as well as whether they think their friends like certain foods. They also asked how often they thought their friends should eat certain foods. They then compared this to how the people in the study actually eat.

WHAT DID THEY FIND?
How much and how often people believed their social media friends ate fruits and vegetables predicted how often they ate fruits and vegetables themselves. People with friends who ate a lot of fruits and vegetables ate more, while people with friends who are not big posters of fruits and vegetable pics tended to eat fewer. For less healthy items like high calorie snacks or sugar sweetened drinks, people were influenced by how much they thought their friends should have, not how much they actually had. The more they thought their friends should have, the more they had themselves.

BOTTOM LINE
While this study is just the beginning of looking at how social media can influence our eating styles, it does offer some ideas on how we can test some new strategies for eating better. If you have some food related goals you are trying to achieve, enlist some friends to help and make it social. Post pictures of your favorite healthy foods, drinks and meals and encourage your friends to do the same. Even if it doesn’t influence your behavior, it could give you some ideas for new foods to try.

Reference:
1.Lily K. Hawkins, Claire Farrow, Jason M. Thomas. Do perceived norms of social media users eating habits and preferences predict our own food consumption and BMI?, Appetite, Volume 149, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2020.104611.

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
APRIL 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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SUPPORTING A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

With the current COVID-19 outbreak making headlines globally, nationally and locally we are all looking for ways to keep ourselves and our families healthy. Most information tells us that people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk, which naturally leads to the question of how do we strengthen our immune system?

Does what we eat impact our immune system?
Absolutely, but maybe not in the way you would expect. The clearest connection is that being deficient in certain nutrients, or being malnourished in general can decrease your immune system’s ability to function normally. Fortunately, this is not an issue for the majority of Americans. With your immune system, more is not necessarily better. You certainly want your immune system to work the way it is supposed to, but you can’t boost your immune system beyond its normal capacity by eating or drinking certain products. Beyond nutrition, getting enough sleep, managing stress and being active are important too.

Which foods are involved?
Research on the nutrition – immune connection is still very new and not conclusive, but certain
ingredients show promise. Sometimes referred to as functional ingredients, examples include Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Probiotics and Green Tea. Each of these play a role in supporting a healthy immune system. Being deficient in these ingredients could negatively impact immune function. On the flip side, taking in too much of certain of these ingredients can also hurt immune function. For this reason, it is usually a good idea to stick to food sources instead of supplements. If you think you might need a supplement, discuss this with your healthcare provider first.

Try out some of our favorite recipes featuring foods and drinks with these functional ingredients at weeatlivedowell.com:

• Foods: Whole grains, seafood, yogurt (with live cultures), beans, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, eggs
• Drinks: Green tea, kefir, kombucha, yogurt based smoothies

Remember that even with a healthy immune system, you still could be at risk for COVID-19 or other
illnesses. There are no foods, drinks or supplements that can prevent, cure or treat COVID-19. Washing your hands often, keeping your hands away from your face and avoiding close contact with people who are sick is still your best defense.

Reference:

1. Wu, Dayong et al. “Nutritional Modulation of Immune Function: Analysis of Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Relevance.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 9 3160. 15 Jan. 2019, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.03160

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
SPECIAL EDITION 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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HOW TO STOCK YOUR KITCHEN

When emergencies like weather events or the recent COVID-19 outbreak hit, shelves at local stores are cleared as people stock up. If you are wondering what you should keep on hand, check out this list that our Chefs and RDs put together that incorporates basic staple items. In instances where multiple types of items are listed, feel free to choose your favorites.

PANTRY
Grains

• Pasta –whole grain or legume based when possible
• Brown Rice
• Quinoa, Barley, Farro, Bulgur, Cornmeal/ Polenta
• Rolled oats
• Dry Cereal
• Crackers

Protein

• Beans (canned or dried) – garbanzo, black, kidney,
• Dry Lentils
• Cans or pouches of tuna, chicken or salmon
• Nuts/seeds – almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds
• Nut butter – peanut butter or almond butter

Fruits & Vegetables

• Marinara Sauce
• Canned tomato products – whole, diced, crushed, paste
• Canned fruit – pineapple, mandarin oranges ( in water or juice)
• Applesauce , unsweetened
• Dried fruit - raisins, apricots, dates
• Salsa (jar)
• Canned or jarred olives – black or green
• Root vegetables - onions, white potatoes, sweet potatoes
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil

Oils, Vinegars, Condiments, Other

• Olive oil/canola oil
• Vinegar – balsamic, apple cider, red wine
• Ketchup
• Mustard – brown, Dijon
• Mayonnaise
• Soy sauce or Hoisin sauce
• Hot sauce
• Broth/Stock – chicken & vegetable
• Pesto
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Chocolate chips

Spices/Seasonings

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Basil
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Sugar – white, brown
• Flour

Beverages

• Coffee
• Tea
• Shelf stable milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Sparkling water
• Water

REFRIGERATOR

• Eggs
• Root Vegetables: carrots, turnips, parsnips
• Celery
• Lactose-free milk or other ultra pasteurized milk (soy, almond, oat)
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Cheeses (Parmesan, feta, cheddar, plus 1 other)
• Apples, Oranges
• Hummus

FREEZER

• Whole wheat sliced bread
• Corn tortillas
• Animal protein – chicken, fish, pork, ground turkey/beef
• Frozen fruit - berries, peaches, mango
• Frozen veggies - peas, corn, green beans, spinach, broccoli, edamame

Written by Aliza Mason, RDN SPECIAL EDITION 2020

weeatlivedowell.com

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Celebrating 10 Years of a Unique Partnership

COMPASS GROUP AND FLORIDA’S FARMWORKERS

I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of pride in 2009 when we signed our groundbreaking agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). Compass Group was the nation’s first foodservice company to agree to pay an additional premium per pound for all the tomatoes purchased from Florida annually, with a portion of the money being passed from the supplier directly to the workers. The agreement helps ensure humane labor standards and a fair wage for the harvesters. In addition, there is also a code of conduct put in place where workers can voice concerns about safety and working conditions without fear of retaliation.

During the past decade, we’ve been able to use our scale as the largest global foodservice company to favorably influence the food industry to do the right thing. Other large food companies have since signed on and are part of the Fair Food program. We are overjoyed when our industry can come together and make a positive impact on society.

In 2019, Compass doubled the Fair Food purchases within our partnership with the CIW to 8.7 million pounds – an impressive 70 percent increase compared to the previous year.

DOING MORE TO RAISE AWARENESS

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of how much labor goes into putting fresh, nutritious food on our plates. Most consumers are surprised to learn 85% of the fruits and vegetables we eat are picked by hand.

As part of Farmworker Awareness Week, which is March 22-28, we will share our fair food commitment on every touchpoint possible. We want our clients, customers, and associates to know that simply by being part of Compass Group; you are supporting the fair treatment of farmworkers.

To celebrate the people behind the food, this campaign will feature the men and women we met working in the fields in Immokalee. What a powerful way to share their story! We want to help make farm work less dangerous, more respected, and the term “farm-to-table” to mean safety and dignity for all who work to feed us.

Follow the conversation and progress on social media with #iCareAboutFair.

Written by Julia Jordan, Director of Sustainability at Compass Group North America
MARCH 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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#OurHearts

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful meeting our health goals when we join forces with others. To underscore this point, NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement, to inspire people to protect and strengthen their hearts with the support of others. Making the following heart healthy lifestyle changes will be easier and more successful if you work with other motivated people:

GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Ask a colleague to walk with you on a regular basis, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both show up. Join an exercise class at your local community center and bring a neighbor along. Grab your kids, put on some music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or just dance. Make your social time active and encourage everyone—family and friends alike— to think of fun things that get you off the couch and moving.

EAT HEART HEALTHY FOODS
We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join you in your effort to eat healthier. Need healthy eating ideas? Try NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. It’s free and scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol levels.

QUIT SMOKING
To help you quit, ask others for support or join a support group. Research has shown that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does.

Visit #OurHearts for inspiration on what others around the country are doing together for their heart health. Then join the movement by tagging #OurHearts to share how you're being heart healthy with friends, family, or others.

Reference:
1. Join the #OurHearts Movement. National Heart, Lung and Blood Insitute. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/our-hearts

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
FEBRUARY 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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Trending Diets

January is a time that many of us examine how we are eating and look to make some changes. Testing out the latest fad diet can be tempting. Here are some tips if you are considering a new diet.

TRENDING
One of the most popular diets currently searched for on Google is the ketogenic diet, also called “keto.” This diet is actually not new. The ketogenic diet has been used since the early 1900s to treat medication resistant epilepsy. The basis of the diet is to eat high fat, very low carb and moderate protein to force the body to use ketones for energy instead of traditional glucose. Paleo and Whole30® are other trending diets that focus on eliminating certain foods and focusing on whole, less processed ingredients. While none of these diets have enough research to support recommending them across the board, it is possible to include strategies into each of them that are well researched. Focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and good fats like olive oil and avocado supported by lean proteins.

TRIED AND TRUE
There are a few eating styles that are actually well researched and shown to support overall health. One is the DASH eating plan. DASH has been shown to help reduce heart disease risk and is being investigated for additional benefits. The Mediterranean Diet is also supported by research as a way of eating that supports overall health and helps to lower disease risk. Both of these diets have similar foundations with a base of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

BOTTOM LINE
Regardless of the style of eating you adapt, consider your overall health, not just your weight. The foods you choose to eat, or not eat, can impact your health in ways you may not realize. Being fully transparent with your doctor and seeking.

Reference:

1. Google Trends. Available at https://www.google.com/trends
2. DASH Eating Plan. Available at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan
3. Mediterranean Program. Available at https://oldwayspt.org/programs/mediterranean-program

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RDN
JANUARY 2020
weeatlivedowell.com

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Gifts That Inspire Well-being

The season of gift giving is quickly followed by the season of health focused resolutions. Support your friends’ and family’s efforts by gifting them something that will support their goals.

EDIBLE GIFTS
Have you perfected a delicious and nutritious soup, sauce or snack? Make an extra batch to give as a gift. You can use holiday themed cookie cutters to make snack bars or even to chill pesto and other sauces in small portions with a festive look. If you think they won’t be able to enjoy what you have made within a few days, consider giving a ready to make gift that includes the dry ingredients and a recipe to follow. Mason jars make great containers for just about any food and can be easily decorated. Want to give something a little more flexible? Consider a subscription to a fruit and vegetable delivery service. New services that help to rescue produce that would other wise go to waste are available in many areas. Search for “imperfect produce delivery.”

CULINARY GIFTS
It is easy to go overboard with kitchen gadgets, especially if kitchen space is tight, but some tools are well worth it. Consider a grater/zester. They don’t take up a lot of space and can be used to quickly zest citrus and to grate things like cheese, garlic or ginger. A good knife is a must too. If you know someone who is just getting started with cooking, a good chef knife is a must. Cooking magazine subscriptions can help inspire people who already have all the gadgets.

FITNESS GIFTS
Do you have a playlist that keeps you motivated when exercising? Share it by printing it out and presenting it with a gift card to download the songs. Have a friend who travels a lot? Resistance bands are super packable and can be used for a variety of stretches and exercises. Wearable fitness tracking devices work for a variety of fitness levels and tend to require little tech knowledge to operate. Or, give the gift of an experience with a trip that includes things like hiking, biking or other activities that keep everyone moving.

Reference: These tips were provided by our team of nutrition and sustainability experts. Read more at weeatlivedowell.com

DECEMBER 2019
weeatlivedowell.com

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Recycling

The average American generates a lot of trash, about 4.4 pounds per person according to the EPA. Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of trash going to landfills, prevent pollution, and conserve resources.

Most of us were taught in elementary school to reduce, reuse, and recycle, but figuring out what items are actually recyclable can be daunting. Consumers want to do the right thing but often find it confusing. Variation in recycling programs across the country and unclear labeling make the task a challenge for the average person.

When we recycle correctly, we give products a new life and improve the environment. You can do your part to help keep the recycling system strong by keeping it clean and free of contaminants. Here are a few tips to remember when recycling at home.

DO YOUR RESEARCH
Look into guidelines in your area and read up on what your town or city accepts for recycling. Doing a little bit of research will ensure that you don’t end up tossing something that will clog the system.

CLEAN & EMPTY
A little bit of food residue is okay, but everything should be as clean and dry as possible to avoid contaminating the rest of the materials.

NO PLASTIC BAGS
Plastic bags and plastic wrap are recyclable, but not through your curbside pick-up. These items get tangled in the equipment at the recycling facility and cause issues. Recyclables should be loose in the bin and not in plastic bags.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT
If you are not sure if something is recyclable, the safest thing to do is throw it in the trash, so you don’t contaminate the recycling.

GO BEYOND THE KITCHEN
Don’t forget you can recycle other items throughout your home, such as bathroom items like soap containers, shampoo, and conditioner bottles.
 
Reference:Source: https://archive.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/web/html/

Written by Julia Jordan
NOVEMBER 2019
balanceittakesyou.com

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NATIONAL SEAFOOD MONTH

October is National Seafood Month and a great time to clear up some confusion about fish. On one hand, thanks in part to their omega-3 fatty acids, fish has been credited with everything from making us smarter to decreasing heart disease risk. On the other hand, we see warnings about avoiding fish because of mercury and other toxins. Add sustainability factors like over-fishing and by-catch and it can be difficult to decide if fish should have a place on our plates.

FISH AND HEALTH
The most recent Dietary Guidelines recommend that most adults eat fish twice per week. Fish offer a unique combination of protein and beneficial fats that has been linked with lower risk of heart disease and improved brain development in babies. Certain fish, however, have been found to contain higher than recommended levels of the toxic metal methyl mercury, and shouldn’t be eaten frequently. Varying the type of seafood you eat can help reduce your chances of taking in too much mercury.

FISH AND SUSTAINABILITY
The oceans may seem to have an endless supply of fish, but that may not be the case. Advances in how we fish have had unintended consequences for the overall health of ocean life. Issues such as over-fishing and by-catch have taken a toll and are threatening the sustainability of our seafood supply. Many fish, however are raised and caught in a way that helps maintain the health of the oceans overall. If you want to consider the sustainability of ocean life when choosing your fish, you can consult guides such as those available through Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

BOTTOM LINE
Current research suggests that the benefit of eating fish in recommended amounts outweighs the potential risks. Being selective in your fish choices can help you maximize the health benefits while reducing potential exposure to toxins and negative impacts on ocean life. The Environmental Defense Fund’s Seafood Selector offers suggestions for fish that are both good for you and good for the ocean.

Reference:

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015. Available at http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/
2. EDF Seafood Selector. Available at http://seafood.edf.org/

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RD

OCTOBER 2019

balanceittakesyou.com

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WHOLE GRAINS: THE WORLD TOUR

September is Whole Grains Month and this year the Whole Grains Council is celebrating under the theme “Whole Grains: The World Tour.” Whole grains are an important part of some of the world’s healthiest diets. If you haven’t yet made half of your grains whole, now is a great time to start.

BETTER FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
Whole grains have been tied to improved health in many studies and current recommendations suggest that we choose whole grains for at least half of the grains we eat. Whole grains are a part of the Mediterranean Diet, DASH diet and other healthy eating patterns across the world. Whole grains were also identified as part of a Planetary Health Diet in the recent EAT Lancet report. Whole grains could help us feed more people with less land through lower water requirements, improved soil fertility and reduced waste.

WHOLE OR NOT?
Sometimes whole grains are obvious, but other times it can be a little tricky to identify whether or not a food has whole grains. When shopping, looking for the Whole Grain Stamp can be a quick and easy way to identify whole grains. The stamp will also let you know how much whole grain is in the product. While all foods with the stamp have whole grains, not all whole grains will carry the stamp. Specific statements like “100% whole wheat” or “14g of whole grain” can also lead you to whole grain foods. Be cautious of vague use of the words “whole grain” like “made with whole grain” because you might only be getting a small amount of whole grains. The following words in the ingredient list also let you know there are whole grains present: whole grain [name of grain], whole wheat, whole [other grain], stoneground whole [grain], brown rice, oats, oatmeal (including old-fashioned oatmeal, instant oatmeal), wheatberries. Ingredients are listed in order, so the earlier in the list, the more the food contains.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Inspire others and get inspired by using and following #wholegrainsmonth on social media. If you tried a new whole grain recipe or dish and enjoyed it, post it. Looking for some menu inspiration for dinner? Search the hashtag for recipes and serving ideas.

Reference:

1. Whole Grains Council available at wholegrainscouncil.org.
2. Summary Report of the EAT-Lancet Commission available at eatforum.org.

SEPTEMBER 2019
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Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RD

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HAVE A PLANT™

Have a plant. That’s it. No numbers, no specific foods. Just have a plant. This simple message is the new campaign by the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). Moving past prescriptive messages about how many servings per day, Have a Plant™ focuses on how eating fruits and vegetables can help us feel happier and healthier.

WHY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?
Eating more fruits and vegetables is thought to improve physical health, but there may be another reason to put some plants on your plate. Recent research suggests that eating more fruits and vegetables might make us happier and more satisfied with life. The DASH diet, which is full of fruits and vegetables, has also been linked to both physical and mental health benefits. With short- and long-term benefits and almost no downside, eating more fruits and vegetables is something we can all focus on.

WHY A NEW MOVEMENT?
Despite years of encouragement, only 1 in 10 of us are getting the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. PBH looked at both behavioral science and consumer research and determined a new approach was needed. It turns out we may be more motivated by the immediate feelings we get from eating well, than the longer-term health benefits. So now, instead of “5-a-day” or “more matters”, we have Have A Plant™ – Food Rooted in a Better Mood.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Have A Plant™ is a call to action and PBH wants us all to join in. The fruitsandveggies.org website has a new look and is full of recipes, tips, seasonal guides and more. A carefully selected team of experts answer questions and offer advice both on the site and through social media. To follow along or join in the conversation, follow #haveaplant.

Reference:

1. Have A Plant™. Produce for Better Health Foundation. Available at fruitsandveggies.org.

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RD
AUGUST 2019
balanceittakesyou.com

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BUILD A BETTER BREAKFAST

You have probably heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While it may not necessarily be more important than lunch or dinner, it is a meal that many of us tend to skip for a variety of reasons. A recent study suggests that skipping breakfast may do more harm than we previously thought. Skipping breakfast tends to leave us low on energy and extra hungry at lunch, but it may also increase our risk of dying from heart disease. Here are some tips to start your day off right with breakfast:

GET SOME GRAINS
Breakfast is a perfect time to get in some whole grains. There are so many delicious options – oatmeal, whole grain muffins, and even whole grain pancakes – to choose from. Be cautious with portion size though. While whole grains are good, breakfast grains in general can get a little out of hand with their portion size. If it doesn’t fit in your hand, it might be a little too big.

FRUIT AND VEGGIES
Fruit gets a lot of attention at breakfast and it is a great choice, but don’t forget the veggies. Most of us could use more vegetables each day, so starting out with some at breakfast gets you on the right track. Vegetables add color, flavor and nutrients to omelets, scrambles and frittatas. Vegetables not typically eaten at breakfast are finding their way on to menus in the form of vegetable hash, smoothies and even breakfast salads and are all worth trying.

DRINK WISELY
Coffee and tea are two of the most popular breakfast drinks, but they vary widely in how well they help us start our day. Be cautious of add ins that are high in sugar and calories that add up quickly and are easy to overdo in a drink. Breakfast is also a good time to start hydrating. With little to no water intake overnight, your body will thank you for adding a glass of water to your morning routine.

Reference:1. Shuang Rong, Linda G. Snetselaar, Guifeng Xu, Yangbo Sun, Buyun Liu, Robert B. Wallace, Wei Bao. Association of Skipping Breakfast With Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality. Journal of the American College of Cardiology Apr 2019, 73 (16) 2025-2032

Written by Jennifer M. Roberts, MS, RD
JULY 2019
balanceittakesyou.com

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EAT WELL, LIVE LONGER & BETTER

The news that eating well can help us live longer, healthier lives is not necessarily new. A recent study, however, helps to show just how important what we eat is. According to this study, poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor across the world. Yes, even more than smoking. What if 1 in 5 deaths could be prevented by eating better? It might just be possible.

WHAT DID THEY STUDY?
The results of the Global Burden of Disease study were published recently and looked to answer the question of which foods and nutrients have the biggest impact on our health. They looked at the impact of 15 different dietary risk factors across 195 countries. Each of these factors was evaluated for their impact on two measures, death and DALYs, which measure the loss of “healthy” years of life due to illness.

WHAT DID THEY FIND?
In 2017, 11 million deaths and 255 million DALYs were connected to dietary risk factors. Three factors (too much sodium, not enough whole grains and not enough fruit) accounted for 50% of deaths connected to diet. The researchers estimate that 1 in 5 deaths globally could be prevented with improvements in the way we eat.

WHICH FOODS SHOULD WE FOCUS ON?
In the past, the focus of improving eating habits has been on what to cut out or eat less of. Interestingly, this study finds that we may be better off focusing on which foods to eat more of. Of the top six factors, five were areas where the risk is in not getting enough of an important food or nutrient. To make sure you are supporting your health, focus on getting enough whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, nuts and seeds and plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean and canola. Getting too much sodium is also a top factor, so reading labels and limiting salty foods is a good strategy, too.

Reference:
Health effects of dietary risks in 195 countries, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.
GBD 2017 Diet Collaborators. Published Online April 3, 2019 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(19)30041-8.

JUNE 2019
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PERSONALIZED NUTRITION

Have you ever wondered why two friends can follow the same diet and have very different results? It turns out that our genes not only determine what color our hair and eyes are but may also direct how we respond to what we eat. This is where nutrigenomics comes in.

WHAT IS NUTRIGENOMICS?
Nutrigenomics looks at what we eat in the context of our specific genetic make up to maximize health. We are now able to identify genetic variations that make us more or less likely to develop certain diseases, determine how we manage our weight and whether certain foods will help or harm our health. These variations, sometimes referred to as SNPs, help to explain why we each react differently to eating the same foods. Not all aspects of our health have been mapped to specific SNPs, but many have and understanding your profile could help you make decisions that will support your personal well-being.

HOW IS IT USED?
Health care providers (RDNs, MDs) can help you get started. Most tests can be completed with a simple cheek swab that is sent into a testing lab. The results will tell you which variants you have and what you can do with that information. For example, if you have the variant that makes you a slow caffeine metabolizer, you should limit your caffeine consumption to protect your health. If you are a fast metabolizer, more caffeine might actually be better for you. Athletes can also maximize performance through personalized nutrition recommendations based on genetic variations.

BOTTOM LINE
Nutrigenomics is an exciting and developing area of personalized health. As new information emerges, it is important to remember that many factors impact our health. Understanding your individual profile can be one of many tools in your well-being journey.

Reference:

1. Deepika Laddu, Michelle Hauser. Addressing the Nutritional Phenotype Through Personalized Nutrition for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, Volume 62, Issue 1, 2019, Pages 9-14.
2. Guest NS, Horne J, Vanderhout SM, El-Sohemy A. Sport Nutrigenomics: Personalized Nutrition for Athletic Performance. Front Nutr. 2019;6:8. Published 2019 Feb 19. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00008

MAY 2019
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