Nutrition

Plan Ahead for Eating at Social Events

Don't arrive hungry and be tempted by unhealthy choices. Replace sugary and alcoholic drinks with water when you can. At buffet, choose whole-grain foods, fruits, greens and vegetables first to help you feel full and eat less of the unhealthy foods.

Trans Fat is Double Trouble for Your Heart Health

When it comes to fat, trans fat is considered by some doctors to be the worst type of fat. Unlike other fats, trans fat — also called trans-fatty acids — both raises your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your "good" (HDL) cholesterol. A high LDL cholesterol level in combination with a low HDL cholesterol level increases your risk of heart disease, the leading killer of men and women. Here's some information about trans fat and how to avoid it.

U.S. Serves Up New Nutrition Symbol on MyPlate

In its latest effort to get Americans to eat healthier meals and fight the obestiy epidemic, the federal government has introduced a new nutrition symbol called MyPlate, replacing the USDA's Food Pyramid. To help make healthy choices, the USDA has also introduced a website called www.choosemyplate.gov which provides practical information on healthy eating.

Sources: Mayo Foundation for Education and Research; U.S. National Library of Medicine ; Vitality, Issue 3, 2011