The EDGE: Even a little weight loss may cut diabetes risk in teens

Pick 100-calorie snacks that are nutritious, dietitian says | CDC: Cyclospora outbreak sickens 353 people in 15 states | There are health consequences to a gluten-free diet, RDs say

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August 1, 2013

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Healthy Start

Pick 100-calorie snacks that are nutritious, dietitian says
A 100-calorie snack is the portion-right size for between meals, but registered dietitian Susie Bond writes that many prepackaged versions are highly refined and come up short on nutrition and energy. Snacks should be considered fuel stops throughout the day, rather than treats, she writes, and should include carbohydrates, fiber and possibly some protein to help bridge the gap until the next meal. Florida Today (Melbourne) (tiered subscription model) (7/30)

Dietary Health

CDC: Cyclospora outbreak sickens 353 people in 15 states
CDC officials reported Monday that the stomach bug outbreak linked to the cyclospora parasite has now sickened 353 people in 14 states and New York City, with at least 21 persons reportedly hospitalized. The cause of the infections, often linked to tainted produce, is still unidentified. "No food items have been implicated to date, but public health authorities are pursuing all leads," the agency said. HealthDay News (7/30)

Other News

There are health consequences to a gluten-free diet, RDs say
San Diego Union-Tribune (7/30)
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Science & Research

Even a little weight loss may cut diabetes risk in teens
A modest weight loss of about 8% was associated with better insulin sensitivity in obese teens ages 13 to 17, researchers reported in the Journal of Pediatrics. The results suggest that even small improvements in exercise and eating habits may help reduce diabetes risk in obese teens, researchers said. United Press International (7/31)

Breast-feeding rates in U.S. continue to rise
The number of mothers who nursed their babies from birth, at 6 months and at 12 months substantially increased from 2000 to 2010, CDC researchers say. The rates of breast-feeding at 6 months and one year of age rose from 35% to 49%, and from 16% to 27%, respectively. Overall, the breast-feeding rate increased from 71% to 77% during the study period. Reuters (7/31), U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News (7/31), USA Today/The Associated Press (7/31)

Study: Smelling oranges reduces chocolate consumption
Women on a diet ate 60% less chocolate after smelling oranges compared with their consumption after smelling chocolate, according to a study from the University of Leeds that was presented at a Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior conference. Food preferences can be influenced in the womb, and the study adds to evidence that the senses, including hearing, can affect consumption. National Public Radio/The Salt blog (7/31)

Fitness

YMCA fitness program helps seniors improve balance, avoid falls
A YMCA fitness class in Ormond Beach, Fla., is designed to help seniors with arthritis achieve better range of motion, improve their balance and avoid falls. Volusia Flagler Family YMCA's Beverly Johnson says clinical studies have shown the EnhanceFitness program can improve strength and movement, and is like a support group for people with similar medical conditions. The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Fla.) (7/31)

Study: Watermelon juice relieves muscle pain
In a study, athletes who had cycled at maximum effort were less likely to have sore muscles if they consumed watermelon juice before the workout. Researchers credit an amino acid, L-Citrulluine. NutraIngredients (7/30)

Institutional Foodservice

Students search school menus, nutrition facts on mobile app
Students and parents in a Utah school district have access to a new mobile application for school menus, where they can learn about their schools' lunch and breakfast options. The application lists nutritional information for menu items and potential allergens, such as peanuts and eggs, and officials say the application also will list the local farms that supply fresh produce. "Just the touch of a button and it tells you how many carbs, fat, protein and sodium," student Jason Holgate said. The Deseret News (Salt Lake City) (7/30)

Recipe of the Day

Top recipes from July
These were the most popular recipes in July:

Food For Thought

A gluten-free claim is by no means an indication that a food is more natural, healthful or lower in calories. For optimal health and weight management, it is essential to consider the whole diet, physical activity as well as eating behaviors."

-- RD Janice Baker of Palomar Health, as quoted by the San Diego Union-Tribune