Debra Wein Pic
February 12, 2010
This Week's Topics
Recipe: Green Pizza
Fast Food: Knowledge is Power
Being Overweight Affects Mother and Child
Is your metabolism keeping you from reaching your weight goal?
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SN Healthy Recipe
Green Pizza
 
1  pound prepared pizza dough, preferably whole-wheat
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1/4 cup water
5 ounces arugula ,any tough stems removed, chopped (about 6 cups)
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup prepared pesto
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
      
      
Position oven rack in the lowest position; preheat to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
 
Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about the size of the baking sheet. Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake until puffed and lightly crisped on the bottom, 8 to 10 minutes.
 
Meanwhile, cook broccoli and water in a large skillet over medium heat, covered, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in arugula and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
 
Spread pesto evenly over the crust, top with the broccoli mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until crispy and golden and the cheese is melted, 8 to 10 minutes.
 
 
Per serving (makes 6 servings):
323 Calories; 13 g Fat; 4 g Sat; 7 g Mono; 19 mg Cholesterol; 33 g Carbohydrates; 15 g Protein; 3 g Fiber; 511 mg Sodium; 241 mg Potassium
 
Hello friends...
 
medalAfter receiving feedback from some of our loyal SNaC Bytes followers, we have decided to try something new. We will be sending out our weekly Snac Bytes newsletters on Friday mornings instead of Thursday afternoons, hoping that more of you will be able to take a few quiet minutes in the morning to read and enjoy the newsletter. Please let us know what you think by posting a comment on our facebook page. We love to hear your thoughts!

Have a great week!
 
-Debra 
Fast Food: Knowledge is Power
child at fast foodThe battle between public health advocates and the fast food industry rages on: Should restaurants have to provide the consumer with the calorie content of their food? Restaurants are reluctant to tell us what they add to their products to keep us coming back for more, despite the call from policy makers and the public who claim we have a right to know what we, and our children, are eating. There is now evidence that knowledge is power (and health) when it comes to ordering fast food.
 
In new study published in Pediatrics, researchers found that the number of calories selected by parents for their child's hypothetical meal at McDonald's restaurants was reduced by an average of 102 calories when the menus clearly showed the calorie content of each item. While 102 calories does not seem like a lot consider this, one hundred extra calories every day for a year equals a ten pound weight gain annually.
 
In this study, 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-olds were presented with sample McDonald's restaurant menus which included current prices and pictures of items, and asked what they would select for their children. In addition, half of the parents were also given menus that clearly showed calorie information for each item. Parents who were given the calorie information chose an average of 102 fewer calories for their children, compared with the group who did not have access to
calorie information.
 
Bottom Line: This is the first study to show that calories provided at the time of purchase, can significantly reduce the amount of calories eaten by children at fast food restaurants. With the increasing rate of overweight and obesity in our children, everything to curb their intake of saturated fat, sugar and calories should be done.

Source: Pediatrics 2010; doi:10.1542/peds.2009-1117

Being Overweight Affects Mother and Child

medalEvery time you turn on the TV, or read a newspaper, you cannot help but hear that across all ages, genders and ethnicities, Americans are too heavy, including women of childbearing age.  Approximately 51 percent of non-pregnant women ages 20 to 39 are now classified as overweight or obese.
 
A new study published in the journal Nursing for Women's Health finds that obesity in pregnant women is associated with an increased risk for pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, induction of labor, cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, infants of obese mothers are at higher risk of birth defects such as neural tube and heart defects. And it doesn't stop there; the offspring of obese mothers are at an increased risk of childhood and adult obesity, potentially creating a vicious cycle.
 
Bottom Line: If you are thinking of having children, be sure to consult with your dietitian or other healthcare provider to determine what your ideal pre-conception weight should be. Being a healthful weight means a happier and healthier you and baby.
          
 Source: Nursing for Women's Health 2010, 13(6):486 - 495.
About Sensible Nutrition

Metabolism Measurements
 
Ever wonder if your metabolism is what is keeping you from reaching your weight goals? 

Let a Sensible Nutrition RD measure YOUR metabolism and tell you the truth! Call 781-741-5483 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule your appointment.

 
About Sensible Nutrition

Sensible Nutrition (SN-www.sensiblenutrition.com) is a consulting firm established in 1994 that provides nutrition and fitness services to individuals, universities, corporate wellness programs and nonprofit groups. SN's client list includes The United States Coast Guard, Blue Cross Blue Shield, EMC, Putnam Investments, Corcoran Jennison, Harvard Business School, Boston Ballet and Children's Hospital. For more information about our corporate wellness services, please check us out at www.wellnessworkdays.com 

SN services: One-to-one counseling, fitness counseling and training, group lectures, metabolism measures and more!  Let the Sensible Nutrition staff develop a nutrition program to help you finally reach your health and weight goals!Gift Certificates are available!

Debra Wein, MS, RD, LDN, SN President and Co-Founder writes a regular nutrition column for the National Strength and Conditioning Association's  Performance Journal, has been quoted in Family Circle, Shape, Self, Men's Health, Allure and Prevention and has appeared on Fox 25, Channel 56 and Channel 5 news.

Contact us at www.sensiblenutrition.com  or 781-741-5483

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