Help With Fast Food and Chain Restaurant Choices

If you are waiting for your state to require nutrition labeling on menus and menu boards, don’t hold your breath! These things take years… and even then they may never actually see the light of day.

But I did discover this “nifty” tool called Wellternatives (by Wellsphere) that allows you to enter in foods you would order at a number of fast food and chain restaurants and the tool will provide the alternative choice if yours didn’t get the best rating. Notice from the screen shot below, I entered a chicken bacon ranch sub at Subway and the system told me I’d be better off with the steak and cheese - that’s surprising! I save 15 g fat and almost 200 calories. Good to know.

But not all the alternatives come out the way I wish they would. For example. when I selected the quarter pounder, it suggested the McChicken. But there is only a 3g fat and 50 calorie difference. If I am in the mood for a burger this just doesn’t seem worth it. But if the system offered the hamburger as an alternative, it would be 150 calorie and 10g fat difference. That’s more worth the swap! I wish it had a button that sald “find other alternatives”.

Nevertheless, this is the best of all the tools I have seen out there so far because the information is all in one place. You can click to get more details about the nutrition information too, such as the percent of total daily calories that one item has. For example, a Cheesecake Factory cheesecake will set you back 1000 calories or 50% your daily total (and that’s for active people). It gives an overall score on the “healthfulness” of several different restaurant categories from coffee shops to delis to fast food and chain restaurants. It’s certainly worth a look-see. I bet you’ll learn something new.

Here’s how they determine the ratings.

Mobile Motivation: Using Your Cell Phone To Get Healthy

If you are looking for a free service and online community that will send you motivating text messages - or even nag you about diet and exercise - you may want to look at Wellphone.

What’s interesting to me about this is that it was my research project for my nutrition degree. I conducted focus groups on the use of text messages to improve nutrition behaviors. I can tell you from my research, that these health-conscious people were open to the idea, but they wanted full control over how often they’d receive the messages and the types of messages they’d receive. They also had a beef about “a computer telling me what to do”. They wanted a real person reviewing their health status and sending personalized messages.

I personally don’t think people need to be told “don’t forget to workout today” or “avoid junk food”, but a reminder like “you’re doing yoga tonight after work so pack your clothes” might help. I also think that if people could receive a text message that would teach them a diet tidbit that it would be beneficial “snacking may help to curb overeating at your next meal. grab a piece of fruit like an apple or a banana as an afternooon snack.”

They have an interesting feature that lets users look up a gym when they are traveling… although most business travelers use the hotel gym.

Hard to say where this is going, but there are possibilities. I particularly would like to see dietitians and trainers on the other end. I think the “killer ap” is where the user completes a health assessment and based on the outcome goals are set (e.g. tailoring) and then the text messages and online support are generated from these outcomes and goals.

What do you think? Would you use a service like this? Anyone willing to try and blog about it for me? Let me know!

Brown Rice Gets Health Claim Approval

This just in from Food Legislation News…

Brown rice has been added to the FDA-approved list of whole grains that may make health claims including reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Brown rice along with many other grains was prewviously excluded because its dietary fiber content was considered too low, but this requirement has been relaxed.

The health claim means brown rice products will be able to bear a whole grains logo and information pointing out the benefits of consuming whole grains.

The claim states: “Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

The low-down on brown

Brown rice contains antioxidants, anthocyanins, phytosterols, tocopherols, oryzanol and other nutrients that have been found to help reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, type II diabetes and aid in weight maintenance.

It also possesses 15 vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, selenium, iron, and two grams of fiber per one half cup of cooked rice.

Notice the serving size people, 1/2 cup cooked rice. It’s not much. When you order Chinese take out, one dinner easily feeds two people… a good thing to keep in mind. Make the dinner last two nights or share. Better yet, make your own at home. Here’s how you can do it with little effort. Buy brown rice (boil in bag for convenience), a bag of frozen stir fry vegetables, a bag of frozen broccoli, chicken breast, a jar of sauce (I have seen sweet and sour, general tso’s, and hoisin sauce among others in the store). Slice and cook the chicken (2), add 1 cup each of frozen broccoli and stir fry vegetables, add the sauce and simmer. Cook the rice (should only take 10 mins if you got the quick cooking kind). Serve 1/2 cup rice with 1 cup of chicken and veggie mixture. This serves 4.

If anyone has any favorite “at home Chinese food recipes”, I’d love to hear them.

Using Food Stamps To Buy Supplements?

Am I the only one who finds this absurd? When I was researching the school nutrition bill in my previous post, I stumbled upon this doozie…

S. 770

To amend the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to permit participating households to use food stamp benefits to purchase nutritional supplements providing vitamins or minerals, and for other purposes.

Other purposes??? Huh?

The argument to support this bill is that low-income families aren’t getting the nutrients they need.

Congress finds that–

(1) the dietary patterns of Americans often do not comply with the daily intakes of vitamins and minerals recommended by the Food and Drug Administration;

(2) children in low-income families and the elderly often fail to achieve adequate nutrient intakes;

(3) pregnant women have particularly high nutrient needs, which they often fail to meet;

(4)

• (A) scientific studies show that nutritional supplements containing folic acid (a B vitamin) may prevent as many as 60 to 80 percent of neural tube birth defects;
• (B) the Public Health Service, in September 1992, recommended that all women of childbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant consume at least 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per day to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube birth defects affecting the fetus; and
• (C) the Food and Drug Administration has approved a health claim that folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects;

(5) infants who do not receive adequate intakes of iron may suffer from impaired mental and behavioral development; and

(6) scientific evidence indicates that increased intake of specific nutrients over an extended period of time protects against diseases and conditions such as osteoporosis, cataracts, cancer, and heart disease.

So, they want to change the law to allow the purchase of supplements.

Section 3(g)(1) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 2012(g)(1)) is amended by striking `or food product’ and inserting `, food product, or nutritional supplement providing a vitamin or mineral, or both,’

This would essentially allow the use of food stamps to buy not only multivitamins, but pretty much any supplement on the market, including whey protein (for muscle building). It is essentially saying that you can’t meet daily nutrient requirements from food, which is wrong. Instead of opening up the door to use FOOD stamps for NON-FOOD supplements, how about meal plans and cooking classes to help low-income families get their nutrients from real food.

Thank goodness this Bill didn’t go anywhere since March 2007. Come on people. Think!

School Junk Food Quiz

Think you know what is considered junk food in schools? Take this quiz and find out. I got a few wrong in this one. After you take the quiz, come back and let me know if there were any surprising results. From my perspective, there is an important distinction to make here. Junk food as an occasional treat isn’t going to make a big impact on a person’s health. But it needs to be clear what is a junk food and what is not.

Sen. Tom Harkin wants to see USDA update their “archaic” school nutrition standards. The Bill has 30 co-sponsors, but it has not been acted on since March 2007.

The Institute of Medicine wants to replace junk food in schools.

Can We Get a Farm Bill Up In Here?

Geeze… can Congress get anything done these days? I remember reading a news article a few days ago saying that the 2008 Farm Bill would include funding for important nutrition programs and today I learn that Congress put forth a Bill the President will turn around and veto. I copied the full release below. Basically, the claim is that there are too many subsidies involved and more government control and “extraneous provisions” that have no business being in a Farm Bill. Gee, I hope it is not the Federal Nutrition Programs.  I just can’t believe that it takes a year and a half to produce a failing Farm Bill. We are in trouble people…

http://www.usda.gov/2008/05/0122.xml

Release No. 0122.08
Contact:
Office of Communication

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE ED SCHAFER ON CONGRESS’ ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW FARM BILL

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2008- In January 2007, the President put forward a farm bill proposal that represents fiscal responsibility, would improve the safety-net for farmers and move current programs toward market oriented policies. Our proposals were warranted and timely considering that 2008 net farm income is forecast to be $92 billion - 51 percent above its 10 year average.

“Today, the United States House and Senate announced the completion of a farm bill that unfortunately fails to include much needed reform and increases spending by nearly $20 billion. At a time of record farm income, Congress decided to further increase farm subsidy rates, qualify more people for taxpayer support, and move programs toward more government control. We should not remove farm commodities from market forces and make them dependent upon government support programs.

In addition, Congress decided to include a new permanent disaster program. This program represents a return to outdated farm policy and questions the government’s investment in crop insurance which was designed to protect farmers against low commodity prices and crop failures. This action will discredit farm programs and jeopardize public support for future farm bills.

Americans appreciate our farmers and ranchers and understand the uncertainties and risks that farming presents. However, they do not understand why their taxes should be used to provide payments to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $500,000 and higher, some of the wealthiest people in America.

We are also concerned about a lengthy list of extraneous provisions that are not related to farm programs and have no place in this legislation.

For a year and a half, the Administration has been consistently clear that Congress needs to move forward with a good farm bill that the President can sign. They have failed to do so. This legislation lacks meaningful farm program reform and expands the size and scope of government. I have visited face to face with our President and he was direct and plain. The President will veto this bill.”

#

USDA News
oc.news@usda.gov
202 720-4623

Tax Breaks for Health Insurance Companies. A Good Idea to Fight Obesity?

KaiserEDU.org just announced the 2008 essay contest winners who were challenged to write a memo to the Presidential candidate of their choice urging a specific plan for dealing with rising health care costs.

The winning essay focused on obesity. The author wrote about the idea of tax breaks for insurance companies who reward employees (with cold, hard cash) for actively participating in wellness programs, e.g. gym attendance, medical exams, and enrollment in health classes. (not sure if this means college classes or community health education classes like “cooking healthy at home”).  The other idea proposed is for school-based health and physical activity grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, for schools to promote health and physical activity.

Here is a blurb and a link to the entire memo.

Healthy Living Incentives
The McCain administration desires to reduce obesity in adults by giving tax breaks to health insurance companies that monetarily reward policyholders and their families who actively practice wellness and fitness. [10]  Healthy living practices may include proof of membership and attendance of insurance approved health clubs, regular medical physical examinations, enrollment in health classes, etc.  The eligibility requirements and standards will vary according to insurance company, but they must abide by a “10% Rule” to receive tax breaks.  The insurance company must rebate at least 10% of an eligible policyholder’s monthly premium to no less than 10% of their total policyholder clientele.  By giving insurance companies incentives to offer rebates for healthy living, policyholders and their families will have increased motivation to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Curious what you guys think about the insurance company tax breaks. If you are not exercising now, would you start if someone paid you? How much? Is 10% savings on your insurance bill enough? Sure, those who are already exercising will appreciate the extra cash, but I think they would be less likely to move the needle than those who aren’t being active now.

I admire the overall plan to help increase physical activity because this vitally important behavior largely gets ignored when discussions about obesity emerge. However, we know it takes activity and good nutrition. Programs that include one and not the other will fall short. I would have liked to see some “love” for nutrition in this proposal. The school nutrition guidelines are not rigorous enough and everyone knows school lunches s-t-i-n-k. Some are leading the way and making improvements, but we have a long way to go. Check out the D.C. school lunch menu. Kids in Washington, D.C. are the heaviest in the nation - and this is what they get offered?!

Now, it’s your turn… how far will tax breaks for insurance companies get us in improving behaviors?

Does Your Gut Need “Attune” Up?

I happened to be working on a research project for my clinical dietetic rotations on probiotics when Attune contacted me, asking if I would try their new bars and report back.

Disclosure: I received 6 Attune granola and chocolate bars to taste test and report out my opinions. That’s it. No dough.

Unless you haven’t been to a grocery store or seen advertisements since 2006, you have probably heard of something called “probiotics” a.k.a “friendly bacteria” or “healthy bacteria”. Probiotics may seem new after the launch of Activia yogurt with much fanfare in 2006. But believe it or not, probiotics have been in research and on the market for decades! The first probiotic drink came out 70 years before today’s products. I kid you not… Way back in 1936 Japan brough Yakult to the world and it is still on the market today.

In a nutshell, probiotics by definition are non-pathogenic (don’t cause disease) bacteria that survive digestion and stick to the gut lining where they mediate the body’s immune response and influence metabolic activities, such as vitamin synthesis, cholesterol assimilation, and lactase activity (the enzyme that breaks down lactose - milk sugar). So it should be no surprise that these bacteria are important to the body and in cases where the GI is disturbed, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel diseases, probiotics may provide some relief.

Back to my experience with Attune…

I was actually starving when I received the package in the mail so I wasted no time on my taste-testing-task. I tried the lemon cream flavored granola bar. Oh my… all I can say is that it was a delicious, chewy, soft bar. It was very satisfying. It was a small sized bar, but just enough for a snack-type food.

I turned the package over to look at the nutrition information. I was not surprised with what I saw. I feel the nutrition profile is typical of most nutrition granola bars… less than 200 calories, a balance of protein, carbs and fats. Actually the carb count is 22g and protein is 5g, which is roughly a 4:1 carb to protein ratio - desirable for a post-workout energy boost. I’d pair it with a piece of fruit to reach a range of 30-60g carbs if you work out for an hour to meet ACSM recommendations.

I can also see people eating one of these for breakfast. Since so many people skip breakfast, this is better than nothing! However, I would recommend the bar along with a hard boiled egg and a piece of fruit or some nuts - a totally portable and easy to assemble breakfast.

My husband was delighted to see the chocolate bars in the refrigerator. He asked me “honey is this a candy bar or health food” and I just replied “yes”. He tried the mint coco crisp bar. He said that it tasted good and it was just the right size for a chocolate snack. I agreed. I was impressed with the nutrition information. Only 100 calories, 12g carbs and 3 g fiber (thanks to the prebiotic inulin). Also 25% of your day’s calcium is not too shabby either. In my opinion, this is not a post-workout bar. It is not a breakfast bar. It is not a meal replacer. But it is an ideal choice for those who get a chocolate buzz and just want something sweet and chocolately to savor. I’m a big believer in portions and I love that this is a good-tasting bar in the right size for a treat. The fat is 7g and saturated fat 4g, which is on par with chocolate bars. Be aware that 4g saturated fat doesn’t sound like much, but it is 20% of your daily limit. So enjoy a bar - but just one - to stay on track.

So what about the nutriceutical component of the bars?

The chocolate bars all contain a mixture of three probiotic cultures called LAFTI® (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium lactis). This group has been shown to survive the acidic stomach and make it to the gut with enough colony forming units (CFUs) to be effective.

According to the clinical trials on probiotics, oral dosages range from 1X10^9 to 10X10^10 CFUs, with administration frequency ranging from twice daily to intermittent weekly schedules. Based on the literature available to-date, the number of probiotic microorganisms that is sufficient to obtain temporary colonization is 10^9 live cells daily for adults.

If you want a good literature review of the clinical trials on a variety of GI-related and non-GI conditions to-date, I recommend this journal article. The table below (taken from the journal article) summarizes the “grade” for numerous clinical conditions based on a rigorous review of the scientific evidence from clinical trials.

Now, when I tried the bars, I didn’t have any diarrhea or any of the other conditions associated with treatment. I also only had one bar a day for a few days and the research shows that if you are experiencing symptoms you should have 14 days of probiotics. So I can’t tell you “hey, I had diarrhea and I ate this bar and it went away”. But that doesn’t matter. They tasted good. They are convenient. They are the right size for snacks or meal sides. I think they are worth a try, especially if you are taking antibiotics because you need to replenish the healthy gut bacteria the antibiotics attack. Clinical trials show you will probably also get relief if you have non-antibiotic associated diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

RU Tweeting What UR Eating?

My techie friend sent me this link and I am just now getting to blogging about it. Evidently, the Twitter application has been retooled to create an online social networking food diary “Tweet What You Eat”. (TWYE). I guess the idea is that you can track the foods you are eating and their nutritional characteristics. Right now it is very basic… food name and calories. But it is crystal clear that this could be expanded to include anything about a food you would care to track - protein, carbs, fats, vitamins/minerals, or ingredients (important information for food allergies or preferences).

According to the website, you can look up foods you don’t know in the database. They don’t tell you which database they use. Most places use the comprehensive USDA nutrient database. I have to say I don’t use Twitter and I haven’t tried this application. Would love to hear from anyone who has tried TWYE. Is it easy, is it helpful? Tell me more.

I can speak from my own experiences using food diary applications. First off, let me just say that there are pros and cons to food diaries. The top reason to use them is to bring more awareness to the type and amount of food you are eating. The major down side is that it takes times. Depending on the system you use to track the information it can take a lot of time. I personally like Calorie King online. For only $40 a year, you get access to a comprehensive online database of foods and exercises, graphical reports of your long-term trends, and access to online education about nutrition and healthy eating at their CK university.

The other potential downside of food diaries is accuracy. You need to accurately recall what you ate and how much and the system needs to have accurate data. If the system doesn’t have exactly the food you ate, there will be some amount of variability. So you have to be OK with doing the legwork and just using the information as a guide.

Back to the TWYE idea… I am not sure what the true value a Twitter-based food diary brings that isn’t already covered by robust systems like Calorie King. I guess you can text your information. But if  you have internet on your phone, you can use the CK mobile version and get access too. Maybe this is just a fun experiment or maybe it could go somewhere. Who knows. Time will tell. I just find it interesting anytime we can explore blending technology with nutrition behaviors.

Diabetes Drug Therapy Inadequate for Many

News on the diabetes research front…

Pfizer is funding the three-year and $14 million Insulin Resistance Pathway (IRP) Project to look at insulin signaling in adipose (fat) cells to increase understanding of diabetes and obesity, inextricably linked conditions that affect 7 percent of the U.S. population. While diabetes has been the subject of intense study in the academic community and pharmaceutical industry for nearly 50 years, the diabetes and obesity medicines that have reached the market do not meet the needs of many patients. Nearly 60% of patients do not respond adequately to currently available drug therapies.

Wow… I had no idea that this many people didn’t respond to diabetes medication. I wonder how much of it has to do with non-compliance (e.g. not taking blood sugars, skipping medications, or not following the carbohydrate controlled diabetic diet).

“Insulin actually initiates a three-dimensional network of interconnected responses. Our goal is to understand this network and how it changes in diseases like diabetes. Collaborating in this way will help us to identify better possibilities for new treatments.”

Improving treatment regimens is an important goal for drug therapy. But I can’t help being a little dejected that $14 million is getting spent by one company to research one aspect of one disease. Nowhere near this amount is spent on disease prevention.  I bet this money could be stretched very far if it were spent on community-based nutrition and exercise programs that can help people change diet and exercise behaviors, achieve a healthy weight, maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol, and essentially help prevent the behavior-related diseases.