STRIVE’s Tasty Treats

by kelsey | May 20, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diabetes, Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health

Last night was our last night of STRIVE 2 Survive until fall. The treats County Fair Foods served are healthy and tasty appetizers and would be a great addition to your holiday get togethers this weekend! Be sure to give these a try!

Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip (pictured above)

6 oz fat free Greek yogurt

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 oz reduced fat cream cheese, cubed

1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach

1 tsp dill weed

1/8 tsp pepper

Fresh veggies, pretzles, or sliced bread

Place yogurt, feta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and crushed garlic cloves in a food processor; process until smooth. Spoon yogurt mixture into medium bowl; stir in spinach, fresh dill, and black pepper. Cover and chill before serving.

Mock Tuna

1 (19 oz) can garbanzo beans

2 Tbsp mayo

2 tsp spicy brown mustard

1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish

2 green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor combine garbanzo beans, mayo, mustard, relish chopped, onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill and serve fresh veggies, pretzles, or sliced bread.

Enjoy!

-Kelsey

The Facts about Artificial Sweeteners

by kelsey | Apr 30, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diabetes, Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health

I apologize that is a re-post, but I have recently had questions about this hot topic, so I thought it was worthy of reposting!

One of the most frequent questions I get from patients is what the real truth is about artificial sugars. You hear all kinds of good and bad things about them, so how do you know what to believe?! Well….here’s the facts:

Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes refer to substances that have little to no calories or other nutrients and are added to foods and beverages to provide a taste that is similar to table sugar (sucrose). Because artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than table sugar, smaller amounts are needed to create the same level of sweetness.

There are five artificial sweeteners that have been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

Acesulfame-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar and it is heat stable, making it great for cooking or baking. The FDA approved acesulfame-K in 1998. Brand names include Sunett and Sweet One.

Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than table sugar and is one of the most commonly used sweeteners today. Aspartame was approved by the FDA in 1981 and is used in a variety of foods. Brand names include NutraSweet and Equal.

Saccharin is about 300 times sweeter than sugar and is used as tabletop sweetener, in baked goods, jams, chewing gum, canned fruit, candy, dessert toppings and salad dressings. The FDA approved saccharin in 1981, along with a warning label stating it was ‘reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen’. This warning label was lifted in 2000, after numerous studies cited there is no evidence that saccharin is associated with an incidence of cancer. Brand names include Sweet ‘N Low, Sweet Twin and Sugar Twin.

Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar and approved by the FDA in 1999. Sucralose is not absorbed by the body and is eliminated through the urine and feces resulting in zero calories. Sucralose is also heat stable so it can be used for cooking or baking. The brand name for sucralose is Splenda.

Neotame is 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sugar. Neotame is approved for use in beverages, dairy products, frozen desserts, baked goods and gums. Neotame is not available for consumer purchase at this time.

Stevia has become a popular sweetener in recent years and is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni bush. Two forms can be extracted: Reb A and stevioside. Both are 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar and are calorie free. In 2008, Reb A was generally recognized as safe by the FDA for use as a tabletop sweetener and in prepared foods. Brand names include A Sweet Leaf, Sun Crystals, Stevia, Truvia, and PureVia.

There is a lot of confusion about artificial sugars due to the mixed messages consumers hear about their risks, but when you really look at the studies and evidence, there are are in fact little concerns. According the the FDA, National Cancer Institute, and several other health agencies, there is no sound evidence that these artificial sugars approved cause cancer or serious health problems. Acceptable Daily Intake levels have been set by the FDA to help you determine how much you can consume and still be safe. The ADIs are set at 100x less than the smallest amount that may be harmful. So in order to actually come close to being at risk for side effects it would mean the average person would have to consume around 20 cans of diet pop/day to experience adverse effects. Please see the charts below:

Acceptable Daily Intake for Various Levels: Note the ADI is based on kg of body weight. Take your weight in pounds divided by 2.2 to get your weight in kg.

There are also newer studies suggesting that the use of artificial sweeteners tricks our body as it’s not real sugar and in turn we eat more. These studies are inconclusive and not reliable.

The Bottom Line:

Adults may be able to better manage weight when sugary foods and beverages are replaced with artificial sweeteners as these artificial sweeteners are sugar free, calorie free. Studies have also shown that artificial sweeteners do not increase appetite or food intake in adults, adolescents or children. The American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics states that, “based on studies reviewed, artificial sweeteners are safe for use in the general population.” Special populations, such as pregnant women, should limit the use of sugar substitutes and avoid saccharin, since the fetus may not be able to clear the substance quickly enough. Individuals with PKU should avoid aspartame since phenylalanine is found in aspartame. However, individuals with this genetic predisposition can use neotame. So all in all, I recommend them for those wanting to manage their weight and control their blood sugars, however moderation and portion control are key!!

Source:ADA Evidence Analysis Library (2011).The Truth about Artificial Sweeteners or Sugar Substitutes: How Much Is Too Much?.Retrieved May 1, 2012 from the American Dietetic Association. Website: http://www.adaevidencelibrary.com/files/Docs/NNSResourceDraft3.pdf

-Kelsey

Cool off with a Smoothie!

by kelsey | Apr 28, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diabetes, Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health

With the weather warming up, we will be consuming more icecream and frozen treats. Smoothies are a great way to cool off and get some great nutrients while you’re at it! I am reposting a post from last year written by Lara Cafruny, SDSU Dietetics Student. With the weather getting into the 70s this week, you might need to cool off with a delicious smoothie! -Kelsey

Lately there has been an explosion in the media discussing smoothies for weight loss, athletic performance, and meal replacements. Since the supplement industry heavily promotes “quick fixes”, keep in mind that an overall balanced diet is the best way to maintain or improve your health. The goal of many supplement industries is not to fix the problem, but rather to create addiction and increase revenue. Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and claims made for them are not always accurate or proven. However, homemade fruit and vegetable smoothies are way to guarantee your 5-A-Day natural nutrients. Consumption of fruits and vegetables may help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes while delivering fiber and vitamins. With a new season upon us, we are gifted with a wider variety of options to choose from when eating the rainbow. Contrary to the common belief, consuming the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables can be inexpensive and in the long run will save you money in terms of medical bills.

There are endless smoothie recipes you can use to make a quick breakfast, after a workout, or for an afternoon snack. Adding an extra boost to your smoothie such as protein powder or Greek yogurt will additionally provide other valuable nutrients. Here’s a guide to help get started

Here are some examples:

Green Smoothie: Mango Chunks, Banana, Kale or Spinach, Apple Slices, Water, Plain low fat yogurt

Carrot Smoothie: Carrots, Orange, Pineapple, Low-sugar Apple Juice, Ice Cubes, Cinnamon

Desert Smoothie: Banana, Apple Slices, Low Fat/Skim Milk, Peanut Butter, Top with Dark Chocolate Shavings

Enjoy!

-Submitted by Lara Cafruny, SDSU Dietetics Student

It’s Grill Time!

by kelsey | Apr 16, 2015 | Cooking Tips, Diabetes, Diet, Food, Weight Management, Wellness/Health

With the weather finally getting nicer, grilling season is officially here! Grilling is a great way to change up cooking techniques and try new flavors after a cold winter season. Spice up any cookout by adding fruits and vegetables to the menu. Beyond the benefits of adding color, variety and flavor, fruits and vegetables can also add a variety of vitamins and nutrients. Keep in mind the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.

Kabobs are a great item to include marinated vegetables like red or yellow peppers, mushrooms, eggplant, cheery tomatoes, and onions. Simply brush your favorite vegetables with olive or canola oil and your favorite spices and grill over medium heat, turning until marked and tender.

When grilling meat, choose healthier options like lean cuts of beef, pork, chicken, or fish. Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry, and their juices separate from ready-to-eat foods avoiding cross contamination. This can be done by using separate plates, cooking utensils, and cutting boards. Frozen foods should be thawed in a refrigerator or the microwave, not on the countertop or by the grill. Also remember to use a food thermometer when cooking meat, poultry, or fish to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature, this is key to reducing risk of food poisoning. Steak should reach 145°F, hamburgers 160°F, and chicken and pork 165°F.

Vegetarian or an avid mat lover, a grilled marinated Portobello burger can be a tasty alternative. Marinate and grill mushrooms, gill sides up, over medium-low heat with the grill covered until they are marked and softened (about 15 minutes). Flip and grill until cooked through.

Not forgetting dessert, try fruit kabobs with pineapple slices, watermelon, or peach halves. Grilling on low heat until the fruit is hot and slightly golden. Serve them on top of low-fat frozen yogurt or angel food cake.

Most of all enjoy!

-Kelsey