Welcome to the Smart Calorie Health Newsletter!

I had a lapse last month for a variety of reasons. There was unfortunately no August Newsletter. Call it writer's block, or just a lack of time... Because I want to continue to put out a quality (not necessarily quantity) newsletter, I have decided to go to a quarterly publication, and I'm playing with a variety of formats. This is where YOU, the reader, come in. E-mail me with what topics you are most interested in and would like to see covered. This month I am talking about some interesting recent headlines from various sources, but if there is something that you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please let me know! Don't forget to take our new Smart Calorie Poll, "When did you last have your Blood Pressure checked?"

Let's Rebuild the Pyramid?

There's been a lot of press recently about rebuilding the USDA's food pyramid. As it stands now, the base of the pyramid is composed of grains (complex carbohydrates): bread, rice, and pasta. Moving up a level, we find vegetables and fruits. Dairy and meats occupy the next tier, and finally the pinnacle is fats, oils, and sweets. The idea behind the whole pyramid concept is to make up the majority of your diet with those foods at the base of the pyramid, and only add smaller amounts of the foods toward the top. As you may imagine, there is a huge controversy about what should be at the bottom and the top of the pyramid.

The new pyramid is planned for unveiling in 2005, and seems to target the American public that is sedentary and doesn't exercise. The government is soliciting a variety of input from dieticians, nutritionists, academics, industry, and other professionals. Ultimately, the new pyramid will offer more detail on portion sizes and calorie ranges. There will be a pyramid custom made for different groups based on age, sex, and level of activity.

How will this new pyramid help? Frankly, I'm a bit skeptical that it will. Your best bet on a healthy diet will still be common sense and moderation. Most people know that burgers and french fries are not as healthy as fresh fruit and vegetables. An apple is better for you than a bowl of ice cream. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't eat ice cream, just not 6 scoops. And the burger doesn't have to have ½ a pound of beef, extra cheese, 4 strips of bacon, sauteed onions, and smothered with mayonaise. It all comes down to moderation in what you eat and in the how much you eat. And for Pete's sake, let's not forget about the importance of regular daily activity!  

Which reminds me of a joke. My uncle recently e-mailed this to me, though I have seen it circulated before. Regardless of your religious persuasion, the point is well taken:

In the beginning...

God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then Satan created Ben and Jerry's and Krispy Creme.

And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?"

And Man and Woman said "Yeah, and another one with sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds.

And God created the healthful yogurt that woman might keep the figure that man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them.

And woman went from size 3 to size 9. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing and garlic toast on the side. And man and woman had to unfasten their belts.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter.

And man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then brought running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so man would not have to toil changing the channels. And man and woman watched TV and gained more pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And man and woman gained another ten pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that man and woman might consume fewer calories and still satisfy their appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and it's 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then Satan said, "You want fries with that?" And man replied, "Yea! And super size 'em." And Satan said "It is good." And man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

And Satan created HMO's.

It is ultimately up to you to watch your diet and health, and use moderation, common sense, and exercise to keep yourself fit. You can't blame McDonald's, the government, or even Satan.     Back to the top.

Your Weight Loss Questions

A reader asks about natural weight loss supplements:

Can you recommend a natural weight loss supplement (I'm thinking along the lines of fish oil supplements, green tea, etc)? I'm not looking for anything like the typical "advertised" supplements, but something more natural that will aide the body in weight loss.

Answer:

I don't believe in supplements specifically for weight loss. Fish oil and omega three fatty acids are in the press a lot lately. I believe there is no substitute for a healthy diet (fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and modest complex carbs), and regular daily exercise. I do think that some supplements and vitamins, like green tea and fish oil, can help to promote good health, but should not take the place of a healthy diet and exercise. Fish Oil and Green Tea healthy choices for supplements, but I would not necessarily use them for weight loss. The distinction, in my opinion, is important. Portion size, exercise, and moderation are what count.   Back to the top.

This Month's Recipe

Angel Hair Pasta with Lemon and Chicken

A great quick meal that is simple to prepare, and in keeping with our theological tone this month! I prefer the refrigerated fresh Angle Hair, but any regular dried pasta will also do nicely. Add fresh vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (9 oz.) Angel Hair Pasta
1½ cups cooked diced chicken
¼ cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
¼ teaspoon marjoram
3 gloves diced garlic

Cook angel hair according to package instructions. Toss hot angel hair with remaining ingredients. Makes 4 servings (Calories 378, Protein 24 g, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrate 36 g, Sodium 176 mg).   Back to the top.

Site News

Don't forget to sign up for the Smart Calorie Health and Nutrition Support Forum. You can ask general weight loss and diet questions to a community with similar goals and philosophies. Though a public forum, there is also a method to send private messages to individuals as well. Access the public discussion boards and sign up for free. The more who join, the better the discussions!

If you have found My Deluxe Calorie Diary, My Recipe Diary, or the Body Fat Calculator helpful, consider donating here. With a minimum donation of $15 for the programs, you will gain access to a private Support Board at the Smart Calorie Health and Nutrition Support Forum. I will be moderating this private board and answering your specific weight loss and nutrition questions.

In next month's newsletter I'll be talking more about how your weight and diet affect your blood pressure. Until then...

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If you have comments about this month's newsletter, feel free to e-mail me. If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, feel free to forward a copy to them! They can also sign up for their own copy here.

©2003 TMM Medical Consultants