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 Reports on Limiting High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is in many diet sodas

There have been many reports on the effects high fructose corn syrup has on our bodies and health. Some good and some bad. Health Briefs TV reports on how to limit it in your diet.

High fructose corn syrup can be found in many food and beverages. From tomato ketchup, frozen treats and diet soda, it seems it is in most of the things we consume. Despite the recent medical finding that it can increase the risk for heart disease, there are steps we can take to limit the amount of high fructose corn syrup in our daily diets.

Avoid drinking diet soda or sugar-free drinks every day. These drinks have a higher amount of fructose corn syrup than other beverages such as iced tea or water.

Make homemade ice treats by freezing natural fruit juices in molds with popsicle sticks. They are easy and taste better than the store bought kind. If this is not convenient, read the nutritional info on the box and buy ones with a lower amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Avoid eating fast food which can contain a larger amount of high fructose corn syrup.

Skip condiments that have high fructose corn syrup in it.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests reading food labels and sticking to organic condiments which tend to not contain high fructose corn syrup.  To find more food and beverage products with little or no high fructose corn syrup, click here. 

Health Briefs TV Examines the Low FODMAP Diet for People with IBS

Print and use as a grocery list

People who are affected by irritable bowel syndrome may find some relief from the Low FODMAP diet. But what is it? Health Briefs TV examines how this diet can spell relief for people with IBS.

FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide and polyols. These are types of carbs which are difficult to digest and become fermented by bacteria which can cause bloating and discomfort. Nutritionists and doctors can guide someone with IBS on this diet.  Most of the people who are put on this plan report that it works better than a gluten-free diet.

Carbohydrates can be present in different forms in foods. They differ from being a long-chain carb, such as a starch, to simple sugars. These are usually well-digested. Fiber and resistant starch are long-chain carbs which are resistant to digestion. They are also important for stool formation.  An Australian group found through their research that short-chain carbs, or FODMAPs, can spell gastrointestinal trouble for some people who live with irritable bowel syndrome. When the FODMAPs are reduced in the diet, there are less IBS symptoms. The Health Briefs TV show also notes that this type of dietary change can be tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and eating habits. Those diagnosed with Celiac disease might want to discuss this plan with their doctor.

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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How to Not Over Eat During the Holidays from Health Briefs TV

Oh how good the home cooked meals are. We know how hard it is to be careful what we eat during the holidays. Health Briefs TV offers a few thoughts about to not overeat during the holidays.

It is okay to indulge on the holiday itself but not on the days before and after it. Over indulging throughout Thanksgiving week and the weeks leading up to and including Christmas, Hanukah and New Year’s Day can derail anyone’s weight loss plan or wellness routine. But do enjoy the special dishes people like to make.

Take plenty of walks before and after meals with family members and friends. This is the nicest way to spend quality time with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

If there is a lot of fatty, carb and calorie-laden food on the table, take small portions of it.  A small portion should be no bigger than the palm of the hand.

The Health Briefs TV show suggests snacking on veggies and low-fat or healthful dips and spreads. Make your own to take with you or borrow a car and head to the store for the ingredients.

Over eating throughout the holiday season can wreak havoc on a healthy lifestyle or weight loss plan, Think ahead and prepare to not over eat.

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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 TV with Tips for Successful Weight Loss

Anyone who has tried to lose weight and keep it off knows that it is a daily struggle. But with a few helpful tips from Health Briefs TV, losing weight and keeping it off can be a success.

One of the keys to successful weight loss is to find and implement the best strategy or program that fits into our lifestyle. Not all programs are suitable for everyone. Take some time to look into the different ways to lose weight. Once one is chosen, follow it to the letter every day. Set small weekly goals instead of lofty long term goals. Each small goal met is a victory in the overall effort to shed pounds and live a healthier life.

Grocery shopping is a challenge and even more so when on a tight budget. Grab the weekly store sales circular and plan to stock up on the weekend. If dining out anytime during the week, choose a healthy entrée with plenty of vegetables. Divide food on the plate in half and take one part home. A healthy portion size for people wanting to lose weight is half the amount. Drink lots of water. Squeeze a lemon slice into the water for a little extra flavor and weight loss boost. Skip dessert. Take a walk when home. 

The Health Briefs TV show wants readers to know that the key to successful weight loss is you. Are you important enough to become healthier, more fit and active? We think you are.

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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—Sweet 2 to Eat-- Fruit Recall Expansion

Recently, peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots from Wawona Packaging have been recalled to a breakout of Listeria. They were packaged in the company’s Cutler, California plant. Health Briefs wishes to advise readers of an expansion to the recall in regard to the stores where the fruit was shipped.

The above mentioned fruit were shipped from June 1 through July 12 to the following stores: Costco, Kroger, Wal-Mart and now Whole Foods. Wal-Mart also operates Sam’s Club’s. Notices have also been sent to Trader Joe’s, Ralph’s and Food 4 Less. The recall is nationwide and stems from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The affected fruit will have a sticker on it which says “SWEET 2 EAT”.  Health Briefs TV advises readers to check the stickers on peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots.

As a general rule of thumb, always wash produce before eating to rid it of lingering pesticides and germs. Store it in a bowl or on a plate on kitchen counters instead of the fridge. The stickers on produce items actually mean something:

• Stickers on conventionally grown produce have four digit numbers
• Organic produce labels have five digit numbers and they always start with a "9"
• Genetically modified produce labels also have five digits, but they always start with "8"

This is same no matter where we buy produce. And it seems the stickers are edible. Who knew?

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Daily Health Habits from Health Briefs

Get busy with some fun ways to exercise this summer. Take a walk after dinner when the sun is not so high and hot. Or go for a swim in a pool. Health Briefs encourages readers to enjoy any time outdoors when the weather is nice.

Take a nap and go to bed at a regular time every night. A University of Chicago study found that getting 4.5 hours of sleep rather the needed 8 to 8.5 hours, ramps up hunger and appetite and more so in the afternoon. Take a 20 minute nap during the day if possible, and hit the sack on time.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of water if out in the sun all day long and into the evening. It renews cells and refreshes brain energy. Additionally, people who drink 7 glasses of water per day eat less than those who do not.  Drink up, readers.

Health Briefs recommends eating meals on schedule every day. Have some breakfast within one hour of waking and space other meals out three to five hours apart. Include some proteins, whole grains and lots of produce.

Find a healthy way to deal with stress. Emotional eating is not good for anyone as it tends to lead toward eating unhealthy, “comfort” foods. If stress is pressing, try listening to favorite music, go for a walk or run, or close the eyes and meditate.

These five daily habits are healthy and can help all of us avoid overeating and becoming lazy this summer.

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Health Briefs on Which Fast Foods Will Not Wreck a Diet

We love fast food. It is so quick and convenient and yet can wreck a diet in one bite. Fortunately, Health Briefs found some items on a few popular fast food menus that is healthy and will not throw dieters off track.

Enjoy a quick and tasty meal or snack with the suggestions below.

Panera – Breakfast Power Sandwich made of whole wheat bread, egg whites, spinach and packs 22 milligrams of protein and a healthy dose of fiber.

Chipotle – Choose the corn tortilla with steak, veggies and cheese for a fiber filling lunch. Forgo the processes white flour burritos.

McDonald’s – Grilled chicken BLT sandwich contains a lot less fat than the fried version even with the bacon. It still has a lot of salt, but it won’t knock one off a weight loss plan.

Wendy’s – We have been long time fans of the Frosty and we love the Jr. Chocolate Frosty even more. With 200 grams of fat and five stick with you grams of protein, plus the chocolate flavor – this is one summer treat that not only cools one off but tastes awesome also.

HealthBriefs knows there are other fast food places offering healthier versions of their favorites. We’d love to hear from readers about favorites. Are there any healthy options at In-N-Out or Sonic Drive In? Let us know.

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