Health Briefs TV Offers Suggestions for Lowering Daily Sodium Intake

Sodium is another name for salt. It finds its way into the food we eat every day and we barely notice it. Health Briefs TV offers some suggestions for lowering our daily sodium intake.

The recommended daily intake is 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon) of sodium per day. Yet, many of the foods we consume pack double and even triple this amount.

Restaurant food, fast food and frozen food are known to be high in sodium.  It is used as a preservative and for flavoring. But before grabbing a bite out or taking that frozen pizza from the freezer, read the nutrition label to see what the sodium content is.

Bread, pickles, olive, nuts, crackers, diet food and even some sodas are a few culprits. Deli meat and cheese and packages of deli meat and cheese are also full of salt. Try whole grain breads instead of white. Rinse pickles and olives first before eating to reduce sodium.

Cook more at home. The only true way to reduce sodium is to make the meal yourself. Add herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon to add flavor instead of salt.

Pizza is an all-time favorite for many people, but it too pack in the salt. Healthy alternatives can be found by making your own using no salt added canned tomatoes or tomato slices. Roast vegetables to add flavor and sprinkle herbs on top.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests forgoing sodas at lunch and grabbing a bottle of water instead. Water is better for hydration and usually does not contain added sodium.

herbs and spices are tasty salt  alternatives

Health Briefs TV Relays Weight Loss Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season wreaks havoc on the best weight loss successes, and throws a wrench into healthy lifestyle changes. Health Briefs TV relays weight loss tips during the holiday season.

It can be a major challenge to maneuver the many holiday parties, gatherings and the food and drinks offered at them. The numerous Christmas and other holiday cookies and sweets, the big family meals, the cocktail parties with sugar-laden drinks and fattening appetizers all lead to one big nosedive off of the weight loss plan. But there are ways to counter these hazards and, at the very least, maintain weight.

Before heading out to a party or food gathering, drink plenty of water. Snack on fruits and vegetables. If planning to drink alcohol, eat some bread or crackers to soak the alcohol in your stomach.

Take the smallest plate on the buffet table. Walk around the table before getting line to get something to eat to see what’s being served. Look for the healthiest options such as lean chicken and fish, vegetables, salads and sides. Take a little bit of the food you want to eat. If it is a heavier, fattier food, consider taking about two tablespoons worth of the item.

Health Briefs TV suggests taking a brisk walk after the meal if possible. Party goers should stay up for a little while once home and re-hydrate with water or lemon water before bed.

Holiday parties and family gatherings will soon begin. Don’t let one happy reunion get in the way of weight loss success. Keep the momentum going throughout the festive season and start the new year ahead of everyone who is just beginning their healthy lifestyle change. 

Health Briefs TV the Calorie Count during the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is a favorite American event which most people enjoy. What people eat during this fan event is astounding. Health Briefs TV takes a look at the calorie count during the Super Bowl.

A recent study states that the amount of food bought and consumed during the week of the event adds up to 6,000 calories per U.S. household. That’s the highest amount for one week in the year. The second highest calorie consumed week is the week before the Super Bowl. That’s more than people eat during Thanksgiving, another feast event.

This report does not include the amount of food purchased in bars and restaurants or from food delivery services. The data was taken from a study of more than 200 buyers in New York who shopped in the grocery store. While most people try to eat healthier meals and snacks, the Super Bowl is one day where all caution is thrown into the wind. The study does not include the amount of calories from alcoholic beverages.

Health Briefs TV suggests making and taking a healthier dish to a Super Bowl party. Hosts might want to set up a buffet style table and let guests put their offerings on it. Walk around the table first and plan what to put on a plate. Then choose a smaller plate instead of larger ones. Here’s hoping your favorite team wins this year.

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Health Briefs TV on How to Avoid Being Bloated

Nothing is as uncomfortable as being bloated. The extended belly, the tighter than usual jeans, and the stiffness can make one feel like they’ve just swallowed the Goodyear Blimp. Health Briefs TV offers some suggestions about how to avoid being bloated.

We can attest to the fact that eating too fast causes bloating.  Excessive air enters the mouth and works its way down to the stomach when we rush a meal. When we hurry to finish eating, we also don’t chew food well and larger pieces of it sit in the stomach waiting to be digested. This can leave us feeling stuffed. Slow down. It takes 20 minutes for the brain to register fullness. And that’s really not a long time.

Soda, also called pop in some parts of the country, is a carbonated drink. The tiny bubbles which we love in the drink cause bloating in the stomach. Sometimes, drinking soda through a straw can make this worse. To lessen the bubbles, pour carbonated beverages in a cup with ice cubes and let it sit on the counter or desk for a little while before drinking.

Sandwiches are usually loaded with sodium which can cause bloating. From the bread to the meat, cheese and veggies in them, the sodium in a Sammie can cause uncomfortable bloating.

Health Briefs TV also suggests avoiding low-fat or low-calorie foods which contain artificial sweeteners since they can sit in the stomach a long time and wreak havoc.

Banish the bloat by eating healthier foods more slowly.

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Health Briefs Reveals Why We Choose the Foods We Do

You are what you eat is an old Americana adage. If you eat unhealthy foods, you will become unwell and overweight. Health Briefs offers insight on why we choose the foods we do.

A recent study found that we tend to eat less healthy foods and more of them per serving when we share a meal with an overweight friend or family member. A group of young college students dined together. One of them was outfitted with a prosthesis which made her look overweight. When she ate more unhealthily, the others at the table also ate more unhealthily. When she ate a healthier meal, having more salad than pasta, the others also ate the same way.

Health Briefs TV knows that the best way to prevent overeating or eating too many unhealthy foods when dining out is to plan ahead. Choose a restaurant which offers a healthy menu, stick to the meal you want. Drink plenty of water before going out. Add more vegetables to the meal and skip bread. We choose the foods we do based on how hungry we are, who we are dining with and the choices on the menu. Pre-plan before heading out and enjoy a healthier meal no matter what. 

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Health Briefs on the Benefits of Eating Healthier Foods

People who enjoy healthier foods and meals benefit in ways that have nothing to do with weight loss. Health Briefs shares what the benefits are with readers.

Most people will eventually admit when they eat unhealthy foods such as those bought at fast food restaurants, that they do not feel all that great later. Over indulging at meal times is another way in which to feel unwell.

Healthy eating is not just about consuming nutritious foods. It is also about reducing portion size. Here are some of the super benefits people can gain when they eat more mindfully:

A New Zealand study found that a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables resulted in the participants’ reporting better moods, more energy and that they felt calmer. Another study found that the test subjects got more sleep and were more rested than those who did not consume five or more servings of produce per day. Skin looks healthier and is glowing when people eat more produce. The vitamins and minerals in them boosts cell growth too. Health Briefs TV knows that a healthy lifestyle also means healthier brains. A person who consumes beans, nuts, fish and produce as well as enjoying small servings of olive oil is more likely to have strong brain functions and be less prone to the smaller infarctions which lessen cognitive ability. Eating healthier is better for everyone and its benefits outweigh any objections anyone might think of.

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How to Find Healthy Food in Any Airport by Health Briefs TV

(there are healthy food options even at fast food restaurants)

Airports offer passengers a multitude of food choices –some healthy and some not so healthy.  Health Briefs TV provides suggestions on how to find healthy food in any airport.

More people travel today and as they pass through the world’s airports, they may grab a snack or a meal. For those who are searching for a nutritious and filling option, we have a few ideas.

Most fast food establishments will have grilled chicken sandwiches, small salads or small packages of crudités for those who choose not the order fried foods and French fries. Add a bottle of water to the meal to stay hydrated.

Stand-alone vendors may have smaller dishes such as pasta salads, hummus and veggies or crackers and yogurt cups for the health-minded traveler. Grab one to take on the plane or to enjoy while waiting to board.

The Health Briefs TV show also suggests getting a small bag of almonds and a large bottle of water for flights lasting longer than an hour. The almonds are a good source of protein to fill one up. Water is the best hydrator and is best bought after passing through security check points. A large bottle will last throughout most flights with exception of the longer ones across country or overseas. Before giving in to a craving for a burger and fries, look around the terminal for healthier options. Even the smallest of airports and terminals will have something to satiate.

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Health Briefs Reviews Calorie Counts on Restaurant Menus

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 60 percent of the people they interviewed said that they read the calorie counts on menus. Health Briefs takes an inside look.

Not surprisingly, women more than men read the nutritional information and calorie counts on the menus. Since they are usually the ones who order for children, this could be a positive step in the fight against childhood obesity. Many American fast food chains post the healthful facts on the menu boards on the walls. Eat-in restaurants also list the fat and sodium contents in menus. The CDC reports that more than 50% of the people they talked to take time to review food options based on its nutritional components. The Health Briefs TV show wonders how many of its readers do the same. For those who are watching their weight and salt intake, perusing the items based on how healthful they are makes good common sense.

Many people misjudge the portion size of the food they eat. It might helpful to know that three ounces of meat or chicken is the same size as the palm of a hand. Most American restaurants upsize the portion to almost two to three times that size. Diners can cut half the meat and take the other half home. Knowing how much to eat is half the battle in eating healthy.

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Health Briefs and Why Salad Bars are Hangouts for Norovirus

There are many news reports out that salad bars are the main culprits of the norovirus -- the debilitating medical problem is usually found on cruise ships. Health Briefs relates why salad bars are the main hangouts for norovirus.

The food in salad bars is handled by workers who may or may not use gloves and/or wash hands before handling food. The food is fresh and not cooked. Some food workers, not all though – can cause about 70% of norovirus outbreaks related to contaminated food. This is through the touching of raw foods like fresh fruit or prepping food like sandwiches with their bare hands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The center found 90% of food contamination during food prep, and 75% of food involved in outbreaks was eaten raw. So how can we prevent this from happening to us?

Health Briefs TV suggests avoiding the salad bar altogether is possible. If not, scan it carefully to be sure the food is fresh and hasn’t been sitting out too long. Observe workers preparing food for it and observe how they bring and distribute food to it. If you or someone you are with becomes ill, seek medical attention right away. The norovirus can cause terrible gastrointestinal pain which can lead to debilitating diarrhea and vomiting, which then can cause dehydration. Take extra care when choosing food from salad bars, raw fish stations, and any sandwich prep place.

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