The Ingredients in Whites Premium

Look along the row of pet foods in pet shops and you'll see all manner of ingredients listed, both in cheaper and more expensive foods.

In a quality natural food you would expect to see the type of meat used, just one or two cereals and the fats or oils listed as a recognisable animal or plant species, rather than the use of vague terms such as animal or cereal by-products.

When you compare the ingredients and nutritional values of Whites Premium food against others you may be pleasantly surprised to find it is in fact, by volume, less expensive and healthier for your dog. Whites Premium food contains high levels of good quality protein sourced from human grade meat and poultry products.

Protein: The list of ingredients on any dog food pack is based on their percentages in the food from greatest to least. You can see that protein is very high on the list in all Whites foods and that all the other ingredients added are only there because they benefit a dogs health and should be part of his/hers diet. Whites use fish, lamb and chicken; it’s as simple as that!

By products: Whites use no animal by products, cheap plant proteins, or cheap fillers.

Preservatives: Whites use no chemical preservatives . Instead they choose to use the natural antioxidants Vitamin A and E to preserve the food.

Seaweed meal: Packed full of vital nutrients and antioxidants, Seaweed meal is great for your dogs’ fitness and safeguarding against disease. Also rich in iodine to keep energy levels balanced. Seaweed is an excellent source of nutrition containing a remarkable supply of vital nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and minerals (it is rich in iodine and iron) to regulate your dogs’ hormones and eliminate toxins.

Vitamin A – is an essential nutrient for the normal functioning of your dogs visual system, for growth and development and appetite and taste.

Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant that works synergistically with other antioxidants to protect against cell damaging free radicals, boosting your dogs’ immune system, vitamin D – works to help maintain healthy bones and teeth for your dog and is thought to have an important anti-ageing role within the body, Copper – an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of haemoglobin (the main component of red blood cells) and myelin (the substance that surrounds nerve fibres), plus a full complement of B-vitamins – the B complex vitamins can be found in all living tissues. B vitamins are essential for the functioning of your dogs’ nervous system, for good digestion, for the growth and maintenance of muscles, and for preventing skin conditions and trace minerals – are added to our premium dog food to supplement and help your dog’s immune system.

Niacin – releases energy from carbohydrate, and helps to maintain healthy skin, digestive tract and nervous system.

Magnesium – a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body's use of glucose and insulin secretion.

Whites senior/light food contains MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroiton to reduce joint wear, fight arthritis and alleviate joint pain.

Barley: High in the antioxidant Selenium – helps regulate the metabolism, including thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defence systems, and immune function.

Beet Pulp - Today science is touting the benefits of fiber in human diets to prevent chronic disease. Fiber has similar benefits in pet food diets.

Pharmacological doses of fiber* (less than 5%), that contains both rapidly and moderately fermentable fiber is recommended in foods for healthy pets. Beet pulp fits that description better than any other fiber*. Quality fiber aids in the management of diabetes, colitis and constipation. It absorbs water or gives it up, as necessary, for good health, and correct amounts regulate healthy transit time in the colon. When used correctly in pet food formulas, beet pulp is an excellent fiber source, a partial Prebiotic and aids in the prevention of the diseases noted. Research suggests it may aid in fighting colon cancer, decreases pathogenic bacteria and aids gut health. It is a recommended fiber for pets suffering from gastrointestinal issues*, IBD, etc.

Beet Pulp gently massages intestinal walls to remove mucus on a daily basis. If beet pulp is not used, very often mucus builds up on the intestinal wall and inhibits nutrient absorption. About every 30-days so much has built up, it lets go and comes out in the form of mucus covered stools.

*“Small Animal Clinical Nutrition IV”
Source: Nutrient Metabolism
Fructooligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus Modify Gut Microbial Populations, Total Tract Nutrient Digestibilities and Fecal Protein Catabolite Concentrations in Healthy Adult Dogs¹

Kelly S. Swanson,* Chrstine M. Grieshop,† Elizabeth A. Flickinger,† Laura L. Bauer,* JoMay Chow,** Bryan W. Wolf,** Keith A. Garleb,** and George C. Fahey, Jr.*²


Brewers Yeast: provides most of the B vitamins, sixteen amino acids and fourteen or more minerals. The major B vitamins it contains are, Vitamin B1 (thiamin) – releases energy from carbohydrate in the diet, and is important for the heart and nervous system. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – releases energy from carbohydrate in the diet, and maintains healthy skin, eyes and digestive tract.

Yucca Extract: Beneficial for healthy skin and a gleaming coat, and to promote the healing of wounds. Yucca Extract is helpful in preventing arthritis, joint pain and joint inflammation. Yucca contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese and Copper.

Rice: An excellent hypo-allergenic low fat food source, a carbohydrate that is digested easily and slowly maintaining your dogs energy all day long. Rice is high in manganese, which helps utilize several key nutrients such as biotin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, and choline, keeps bones strong and healthy and helps the body synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol and maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is also a good source of the minerals selenium and magnesium (see above under Barley).

Peas: Green garden peas are a valuable source of protein, iron and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibre helps to reduce cholesterol therefore reducing the risk of heart disease. They are also complex carbohydrates

Oats: Included in Whites Vitality Muesli as they are high in protein and can be easily and quickly digested, and are rich in silicon to help keep the working and active dogs bones strong. Oats are a complex carbohydrate that the working and active dogs body uses to maintain stamina, fight fatigue and boost energy and performance levels.

Britons Choke Down Healthy Food

Many Brits love a full English breakfast, but hate nutritious foods, like spinach, mushrooms, lentils, onions, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and other vegetables. But, they still eat them! According to a new report, during their lifetime, people living in the United Kingdom consume 4,000 portions of foods they dislike, because they know eating them is healthy. Nutritionists are astonished by the amount of food people are forcing themselves to eat; The Telegraph investigates.

The Healthy Eating Spot

Welcome to the Healthy Eating Spot. If you are like me, I am sure you have seen the various diets, and weight loss programs that exist today. Some of them have merit and some of them don’t. I am not here to pass judgment on any of them. What I am here to do is promote making healthier food choices, no matter what our lifestyle may be. It is very possible to make better food choices whether we are at home, at a friend’s house, or out at a restaurant.

Though we eat everyday, we are not always aware of what we are putting in our bodies. Processed food and fast foods tend to make up quite a bit of what is consumed on a daily basis. That brings us to the question, what truly is “healthy eating”? There certainly are some rules. Let’s not even refer to them as rules. They are more like guidelines to eating in a healthier manner. Anyone can eat healthy and anyone can achieve results. Whether you want to lose weight or cure ailments. You will find something here for you.

When I have discussed healthy eating with various people I have heard the following reasons for not doing it:

• It is too expensive

• Healthy food looks bad

• Healthy food lacks taste

Nothing could be further from the truth. If you want to eat organic or premium/higher priced foods there is nothing wrong with that. However, that does not mean that you are automatically eating healthy. It also does not have to mean the food is bland, tasteless, and awful to look at. What it can mean is:

• New food choices

• Fewer health-related issues

• Increased energy

Feel free to check out topics such as specific foods and ingredients, which will take the mystery out of healthy recipes. We will also discuss how to create effective shopping lists, which will also be useful in putting together a meal plan that is right for you. In addition to that you will be able to find some tips on healthy snacks, and getting healthier skin or hair through the food you eat.

The Healthy Food List And Food Shopping

A healthy food list is essential to creating a quality healthy meal plan. It is also a good tool for stocking your pantry and cabinets with quality wholesome foods. Most importantly, it is a good tool to keep your costs down and to stay focused on purchasing the items you actually need once you are at the supermarket.

When at the food shopping destination of your choice, there are a few things to look for. The first thing to remember when shopping for food is to read the ingredients on the back, not the marketing on the front . Many foods make claims to be "All Natural", "Organic", "Light", and "Reduced Fat". Those terms can mean so many things, which is why it is important to look at the nutrition label for the actual ingredients. Things to look for include hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrups, and other added sugars. These are some of the ingredients to avoid or keep to a minimum. They can be found in anything from breakfast cereals to salad dressings, since they are used as preservatives to prolong the shelf life of these products.

What should a healthy foods list consist of? Some or all of the following:


Produce

Fruits and vegetables make up an essential part of the healthy food list. There may be debates about which fruits and vegetables are better for you. However you can not go wrong if these types of food are a predominant part of your daily eating habits. No matter which ones you choose. For convenience it can even be useful to purchase canned vegetables and fruits. In the case of canned vegetables, make sure they are not treated with lots of chemical and look at the sodium content. A good idea when using canned vegetables is to rinse them off once removing them from their container. These same rules apply for frozen vegetables, in order to reduce the amount of additives actually being consumed. When looking at canned and frozen fruits, it is good to find the ones that are in an unsweetened fruit juice. This is a better option as opposed to the many varieties processed in sugars and syrup.

Meats/Seafood

shrimp, seafood, shellfish, prawns Various types of seafood, lean cuts of beef, lean cuts of pork, and poultry are ideal choices to add to your healthy food list. When shopping for these items, the goal is to get the items with higher protein but lower saturated fat. This can be found in Wild-caught Salmon, Scallops, Shrimp, Chicken/Turkey Breasts, Chicken/Turkey Cutlets, Canadian Bacon, Flank Steak, and Pork Loins.

Dairy

Quality dairy products can provide much needed calcium as well as protein. They are definitely something that should be included on your healthy food list. Many dairy foods contain high amounts of saturated fats, so that is something to be aware of. Some of the suggested items to purchase include Low-fat Milk, Eggs, Low-fat Plain Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, and Feta Cheese. It is good to limit or avoid cheeses that are labeled reduced fat or the ones that are processed and shredded. Many of these have additives that take away from the true health benefits that cheese can provide. Yogurt is another popular dairy food that can be a nutritional pitfall due to the added sugar content. It is beneficial to try to find a yogurt with more fruits listed in the ingredients and less sugar shown on the nutritional label.

Breads/Grains

Bread is a constant part of our daily eating habits. Whether we are making a sandwich at home, or nibbling on the basket of bread while waiting for the main course at a restaurant. Bread is all around us. Despite the negative publicity it gets at times, there is room for bread to be incorporated on a healthy food list. It is important to know that not all bread is created equally. When shopping for bread, look for the ones labeled 100% Whole Grain, 100% Stone Ground Whole Wheat, Stone Ground Whole Grain, or made from Sprouted Grains. Breads just labeled as wheat or multi-grain look brown but are not nearly as loaded with fiber and protein as true "whole grain" breads.

When it comes to grains the following should make the list: Barley, Brown Rice, Bulgur Wheat, Couscous, Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, Steel-Cut (Irish) Oatmeal, Quinoa, and Wild Rice. These can be used in side dishes with dinner, eaten as breakfast, or used to top a salad for lunch. Most of them (excluding the oatmeal) can be used as a healthy replacement in a standard rice dish. Also note that more grocery stores are stocking flour made from these whole grains. These whole grain flours are a healthier alternative to the standard refined all-purpose flour. Do not hesitate to add these to your healthy food list.

Beans

Many times when we refer to beans we are actually referring to Legumes, which include beans and more. It is hard to go wrong when you choose which beans/legumes to include in your healthy food list. They are another great source of fiber and come in many varieties. Black beans, Chickpeas (garbanzos), Green Peas, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Pinto Beans, and Soy Beans are a few of the choices. Many of these, soybeans in particular, are also a quality source of protein. Buying them fresh or dried is the ideal way to buy beans. Canned beans can be used too, since they are a convenient way to incorporate legumes in our meals on a daily basis. When using these canned beans it is recommended that they are rinsed thoroughly once they are drained and removed from the can. This removes a lot of the excess salt that is used when they are packed in the can.

Oils/Nuts

There are so many oils to choose from at the grocery store. Which one do you include on your healthy food list? For starters, you want to look at the oils that are labeled "Extra Virgin", "Cold Pressed", or "Unrefined". The less processed an oil is, the better it will be for you. Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Peanut Oil, Sesame Oil, Walnut Oil are all good examples of what should be used in our kitchen. Whether you are cooking with it, using it as a marinade, or whipping up your own salad dressing. These are all oils that would be considered healthy ingredients.

When selecting nuts, it is best to purchase the ones in or near the produce section vs. the ones in the snack aisle. The canned nuts found in the snack aisle are usually processed with hydrogenated oils (trans fats), which add unhealthy oils to otherwise healthy nuts. Raw or roasted nuts such as Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Peanuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Pumpkin Seeds, and Sunflower Seeds are all quality additions to your healthy food list.

Condiments

mustard, green cap, brown mustard, yellow mustard, condiment

Condiments are often used to enhance the flavors of the food we eat. Changing to a healthy eating lifestyle does not mean you need to avoid condiments altogether. There are certain ones that have additives and sugars that should be avoided. That still leaves plenty to choose from. In addition to enhancing flavors, condiments can also speed up the body's metabolism as well as improve the digestion process. Horseradish, Hummus, Mustard, Salsa, Soy Sauce, Vinegar (apple cider, balsamic, red wine, rice wine) are all items that can be added to your healthy food list.

Superfoods to Improve Your Health

What does food really mean to the body? Which foods would be classified as "superfoods"? To answer the first question, food is fuel/energy for the body. In addition to fueling the body, food is also a key source of nutrients that keep our systems functioning normally. The term superfoods, is a relative term used to describe, fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are packed with a high amount of nutrients. These can range from Vitamin A, to Potassium, and Zinc. That makes food a key component to improving our overall health. Superfoods come in all sizes and colors. In fact a good guideline is to get as many colors of the rainbow into your meals as you can on a daily basis. The more colorful the foods are, the more likely that you are getting the nutrients that provide the greatest health benefits.



There are various forms of supplements to get many of the nutrients that our body needs. However, the most ideal way to obtain these vitamins and minerals is directly through a food source. As an example, let’s say you have a desire to improve your skin. You can eat foods that provide you with healthier skin. Of course you can buy various creams and pills that say they can provide you with results such as soft, smooth, supple skin. The alternative is to eat your way to better skin, just by making a few food choices. The superfoods that can help accomplish this will be high in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. For instance bell peppers are a very good source of Vitamin C. They are often overlooked in the produce section, and are a cost effective and nutritious source of a much needed vitamin.

bell pepper vegetable yellow red fruit food  health kitchen

Heart related ailments such as high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can also be improved through our diets. Foods that are high in Vitamin B, Omega-3 fatty acids, Magnesium, and Potassium have been identified as being heart healthy. Some of the specific superfoods that have these particular nutrients include spinach, flax seeds, walnuts, squash, Swiss chard, and cantaloupe. This is another example of where getting nutrition through food can improve your health.

Whether you are searching for superfoods to improve your memory, limit the effects of migraines, or to battle against the common cold & flu. You can find a food that will help to improve your health. If you check the links on this page you will find some more in depth information about these various superfoods. This will include what they look like, how they can be used in recipes, and the nutrients they can provide.



goji, berry, vitamin c, lycium berry, wolf berry, chinese, tibet fruit For instance, have you seen this particular fruit (to the right) before? These are known as goji berries. They have various miracle cure claims associated with them. But this is simply a good wholesome fruit choice that has been shown to contain significant amounts of Vitamin C, and Caratenoids (Beta Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, etc...)

The health benefits from eating goji berries on a regular basis include improving immune system functions, and protecting cells against damage. Protecting cells from being damaged slows down the effects of aging, as well as the advancement of certain diseases.

Goji berries can be used in place of raisins, either in a recipe or as a snack. Goji has the tartness of a cranberry, but with more sweetness associated with it. This is yet another superfood that can be added to your daily eating routine, which can provide those much needed health benefits.

Healthy Recipes, Suggestions, And Ideas For Healthier Meals

Healthy recipes are no different than any other recipe you have come across before. There are ingredients, there are measurements, there are specific cooking instructions, and you end up with a final product to eat. The only difference with a healthy recipe is that you will pay closer attention to the individual ingredients, as well as the portions of food.

breakfast mix whisked whisk recipe food cuisine cake bake cooking cook scrambled omlette eggs egg diet ingredient soft plate salt We can not start talking about healthy recipes without talking about breakfast. Does this sound familiar? "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day". It is a saying that we have heard quite often. Please do not mistake this for a tired cliché. There are solid nutritional principles behind that expression. When we eat in the morning, it literally helps break us out of the fasting state that our body goes into when we sleep. If you are looking to be energized to start the day, breakfast is the place where it starts. If you are looking to lose weight, breakfast provides the metabolism increase needed to trigger weight loss. We would not expect a car to start if it had no gas in it. Similarly speaking, we should we expect our day to start off well if we do not fuel our body in the morning.

I know what is coming next. There is no time in the morning for breakfast. Here are a few examples of some quick and effective breakfast recipes:

3 eggs

1 slice of lean lunch meat, diced (roasted turkey, ham, chicken)

1 tablespoon of cheese (shredded)


3 eggs

1 ounce of smoked salmon (diced)

1/3 cup of fresh spinach leaves


3 eggs

2 tablespoons of rinsed canned beans (black, kidney, chickpeas)

1 slice of tomato (chopped)

These egg recipes can be prepared in one of two ways. Whisking the eggs in a bowl, and then, adding them to a skillet until the eggs are firm. The other method is to whisk the eggs in a microwave safe container, and add the additional ingredients. Cook the eggs for 2 1/2 minutes or until the eggs are firm enough for your liking. Season the eggs to your tastes, with salt and pepper.


No time or desire to cook up some eggs? Let's put the blender to work, and make a smoothie.

1/4 cup of fresh or frozen peaches

1/4 cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, etc)

1/4 cup of non-fat plain yogurt

1/2 cup of orange juice

Blend until smooth and enjoy your breakfast. This is considered a simple, yet healthy recipe.


If those choices are not good for you, then a slice of whole grain toast with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter, served with a small glass of orange juice can be another quick but fulfilling breakfast alternative.

Now that we have breakfast in our system, we will need to address our lunch needs. A simple healthy recipe for lunch can be like the following salad:

a grilled chicken breast (sliced); a few ounces of baby corns; 1/2 a small red onion sliced up; a handful of grape tomatoes sliced in half; 1/2 a small carrot shredded or sliced; 2 1/2 cups of mixed greens or fresh spinach leaves.

A simple dressing can be made of 3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice mixed together with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick you can add some dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme.

Creamy dressings, such as ranch, are very popular when it comes to what people want to place on their salad. To add those same creamy textures to your dressing, just mix in a spoonful or two of plain nonfat yogurt. The yogurt adds stomach friendly pro biotic bacteria, and not the empty calories found in many store bought creamy dressings. You can substitute various flavored vinegars such as balsamic vinegar, and red wine vinegar for the lemon juice. Mustard can also be mixed into the dressing instead of the yogurt for a tangier flavor. The possibilities can only be limited by your imagination. Healthy recipes can become what you want to make them, as long as you keep the appropriate ingredients in mind.



What day would be complete without having dinner? This can be a meal that is more involved and complex if you like to cook and you have time in the evening. This can also be a simple meal that still fulfills your nutritional needs, but does not keep you in the kitchen any longer than you desire to be.

A simple dinner can be made from a small salmon fillet or a salmon steak (approximately 5 ounces) that is grilled or baked in the oven. The fish can be flavored with your favorite seasoning or with some fresh chopped dill, along with salt and pepper. Added to that could be some steamed asparagus (about 7 ounces) drizzled with some lemon juice for additional flavor. Then some brown rice or quinoa can accompany the fish (4 ounces). They can be prepared via the directions on the package they came in.

Not a fan of fish? No problem, substitute you favorite lean cut of meat. You don't eat meat? Then, try grilling a portabella mushroom with the same herbs or your favorite seasonings.

asparagus lunch plate dinner food salmon



Not to be lost in all of this, are the snacks that we should be eating in between our meals. Try some of these healthy snack ideas. In addition to those ideas check here for some healthy recipes for snacks. Please check back on this page for updates on more of these healthy recipes.

Getting Started With Eating Healthy

market, vegetable, food, salad, plant, fresh, wet, carrot, pepper, green, red, tomatoes, tomato, onion, lemon, citrus, cauliflower, eating healthy

Let's take a look at what truly makes up this term we refer to as "eating healthy". During any particular time during our day we need to consume proteins, carbohydrates (carbs), and healthy fats. Yes the words carbs and fats have been used in reference to eating healthy foods.

Carbs are not the bad word that everyone makes them out to be. They are a preferred source of fuel to the body, especially the brain. Simply put, we can not function without carbs in our body due to our energy needs and the vitamins and minerals they provide. There is a distinction in the types of carbs that we can eat. Carbs can be classified as either a "good" or a "bad" carb. Not all carbohydrates are created equally. Carbs can essentially be referred to as mainly sugar (though there are water and fiber components as well). Ultimately they get broken down into sugar once they enter the blood stream. How quickly the food item gets broken down into sugar determines if it is considered a good or a bad carb.

Examples of bad carbs include processed, refined, white and "starchy" foods like potatoes, white bread, and pasta. They break down into sugar into our blood stream fairly quickly. In fact it has been said that the body can convert a baked potato into sugar much quicker than a candy bar. Various fruits and green leafy vegetables(high fiber, not processed, colorful foods) are examples of good carbs.




Protein is required for our bodies systems to function in a normal manner as well. It is not quite the nutritional powerhouse as "good carbs" can be. However it is still a vital energy source for our body, and is a very important component of the muscles found in our body. Protein has been touted for its ability to fight fats. This effect is truly achieved when good carbs are paired with that protein. Protein can be obtained through animal or plant sources. Animal source proteins can be found in meats, poultry, and seafood. Plant based proteins can be obtained through nuts, vegetables, and beans.




The final component of eating healthy is incorporating healthy or “good" fats. For the most part these are known as monounsaturated fats. Examples of these would include the fats found in olives, avocados, and peanuts just to name a few. These fats actually help lower the bad cholesterol in our bodies. There are also a group of polyunsaturated fats that are known as Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are known as essential fatty acids because, since they can not be created by our bodies and must be acquired from food or supplements. Examples of Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, cod liver oil, and flaxseed. Omega-6 fatty acids can be obtained from corn, sunflower, and canola oils.

Eating Healthy Foods Myths vs Facts

What is healthy food is often considered to be everything in your local health food store. Now, this would be the biggest myth there is in a healthy eating diet plan.

healthy food, healthy snacks



Health food stores buy their products. If the buyer is uneducated in the area of food additives, he could be sold anything and hinder your efforts at eating healthy foods.

For example, I recently went into a health food store that had a sign over the ketchup promoting the ingredient HFCS instead of sugar.

Oh dear!

High Fructose Corn Syrup is a man made food additive. It is linked to obesity and diabetes. This is an ingredient that should be avoided and not used instead of sugar. HFCS is not part of eating healthy foods.

Another example is aspartame. This chemical is permitted to be used in supplements even though it is linked to neurological disease. Just this one ingredient has 92 possible different side effects reported to the FDA. This additive is often found in children's vitamins. So, read the labels and avoid this ingredient in your healthy eating diet plan.

Another myth is that processed meals that balance the food groups are healthy.

I know, those prepared meals look soooo good. And they are easy too, which makes them even more tempting.

But, processed food has chemicals. A good rule: if you can't say the ingredient, don't buy it.

Then there is also the possibility that they contain new foods or genetically changed ingredients. Labeling is voluntary, so you can't know for sure. To give you an idea of the chances, it is estimated that 70% of processed food contains genetically engineered ingredients.

When it comes to what is healthy food-where do fortified foods fit in. Fortified foods have had nutrients added beyond the amount that which normally be in that food item.

Here's the thing about fortified foods. Synthetic man-made nutrients are used which makes them a lower quality than natural vitamins. They are cheap and abundant. Second, the practice of fortifying products is a manufacturers effort to pass off their products as healthy.

Fresh meat is considered healthy. Yet, it can be loaded with pesticides, hormones (a cause of early puberty) and antibiotics. Your healthy food alternative in fresh meat is to buy organic or natural. Both of these methods don't have these additives. Although organic is regulated, if you find a trusted natural producer that works too.

We all know that fruits and vegetables are healthy. Is this too a myth.

Well, not exactly...

You see, the method of production is the ultimate defining factor here.

Let me explain...

Conventional farming practices use chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. All these chemicals affect the soil and the plants. Nutrient depleted soil does not produce the healthiest of plants.

On the other hand, organic produce is grown in nutrient rich soil. This produces nutrient rich plants. Synthetic chemicals aren't used, the crops are rotated and composting is employed.

It is true, fresh produce is part of healthy eating. So, what is healthy food-is best answered by getting the most benefit from the food you eat. Making sure you properly clean it because rinsing isn't enough. Try a vegetable wash like, Eat Cleaner, for instance. And yes, do buy organic food whenever available. But, when you can't get organic, take a sensible approach to making your selections.

Fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk for smokers

Fruits and vegetables reduce cancer risk for smokersAccording to a recent study, the risk of some kinds of lung cancer can be reduced to a considerable extent among smokers if they eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

H. Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita of the Netherlands-based National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, said a mix of different fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of cancers, especially among smokers, if it is not possible for them to get rid of smoking.


Fruits and vegetables contain many different bioactive compounds, and it makes sense to assume that it is important that you not only eat the recommended amounts, but also consume a rich mix of these bioactive compounds by consuming a large variety,” Bueno-de-Mesquita said.

The risk of squamous cell carcinoma decreased substantially when a variety of fruits and vegetables were eaten, the study concluded.

While previous research has shown the influence of the quantity of fruits and vegetables on cancer development, Stephen Hecht, editorial board member for Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, said this is one of the first to evaluate diversity of fruit and vegetable consumption, rather than quantity.

“The results are very interesting and demonstrate a protective effect in smokers,” he said.

Foods to Keep the Heart Healthy

Foods to Keep the Heart HealthyStudies have stressed that a Mediterranean diet is the best option to keep the heart healthy, and now, the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource's February issue has managed to present the essential components of this popular diet, in addition to detailing the reasons as to why it is known as the heart-healthy eating routine.

The diet includes a good amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which are a part of every meal. These are naturally low in fat and sodium and also have no cholesterol. Also, the bread, pastas and rice included in the Mediterranean diet are made from while grains instead of grains. These are one of the best sources of fiber and contain various minerals and vitamins.

Fat is gained from mostly healthy sources, and olive oil is the primary fat used in Mediterranean cooking.

Red meat's consumption is almost nil, while consumption of wine is also moderate. Light alcohol consumption manages to cut the risk of heart diseases.

More inclusion of fish or shellfish in the diet, lesser amounts of dairy products and eating some nuts and seeds everyday are also important components of a Mediterranean diet.

Benefits of Healthy Food Improved My Overall Health

eggplant, lettuce, greens, peppers, tomatoes, persimmons, healthy food, plum

We can all reap the benefits of healthy food, one way or another. I always have been conscious of what I was eating, though I would not refer to myself as always being a "healthy eater". When I went out to eat, I would order salads and drink water. At home I always tried to avoid making fried food, and ate things that I thought were healthy foods. At any one time you could find fat-free, low-fat, and organic foods all throughout my pantry and refrigerator.

In my mind I was eating good healthy food, so there was not a problem. Unfortunately my body told a different story. The body always tells the true story. I was not as active as I wanted to be or should have been. As it turns out, my daily eating habits were not made up of the things that would provide me the benefits of healthy food. I had the weight gains, and a variety of ailments (aches & pains, to cold & flu). Of course I would take the band-aid approach, as opposed to solving the root cause. If my weight was up, I would increase the exercise regimen, and watch my calorie intake. When I had a cold or a headache, I would take the appropriate measures to resolve that particular issue. That could be medication, or some natural remedy.


This pattern went on for many years. Then one year during the winter holiday season, is where I had a change in my thought process. I was reading a magazine that had various articles on making better food choices. My timing may not have been the best, since the winter holiday season is the time of year I love to cook and eat the most. I determined that at that point, when the New Year kicked in I was going to implement a healthier eating plan.

During the first week of that New Year, I followed through on the eating plan I discovered from the magazine. This plan involved eating 6 times a day, and eating wholesome foods. Upon first glance, I did not think I could eat that amount of food in one day. It looked very intimidating in the beginning. That did not deter me, and by the end of the first week I felt a definite difference. This encouraged me to follow through on the second week of the plan. By this point I was hooked on this new healthier eating approach. I learned it was not all about fat-free, low-fat, organic products, or calorie counting.


From that point, I had a huge appetite. That appetite was not only for food, but an appetite for learning all about healthier foods and nutrition. I was inspired also by a television ad for a weight loss program. There seemed to be some nutritional and scientific principles behind it, which inspired me to buy books to learn even more. All this time, I was not only reading about the benefits of eating healthy food. I was actually implementing them into my new healthy eating lifestyle.

Pretty soon the benefits of eating healthy food were becoming very apparent. For starters, I felt way more energetic and had fewer ailments. Including less aches and pains, and I managed to avoid severe symptoms during the prime cold and flu season. In addition to that, after a few months of keeping up the plan, I was losing weight. It was not even something I was consciously trying to do, but people who had known me for years kept asking the same question every time they saw me. "Are you losing weight?" My response was always "I guess so". I never weighed myself during the process. Though I knew how much I weighed prior to starting this whole process. When asked what I was doing to lose weight, I told everyone I was eating more food on a daily basis. Of course nobody believed me. In fact I was eating more than I ever had done in my lifetime. It was shortly thereafter that my clothes started feeling looser on me. This prompted shopping trips to find clothes that fit better. A trip I would gladly make at any time. Surely I am not alone in that feeling. This is another example of the benefits of healthy food impacting my life.


It does not take anything extraordinary to change your eating habits. I am not a nutritionist nor am I a classically trained chef. I am just an ordinary person who loves to cook, and loves to learn as much as possible about the benefits of healthy food. There does not need to be a compromise between the two. Some of the better dishes I have made over the past few years have been very health conscious and received rave reviews by others. One of the things I learned was that I did not have to give up all the things I desired to eat. Let’s be honest, we all have those indulgences that we feel we have to have (ice cream, cake, cookies, etc...). If I did give up something there always seems to be a healthier yet still fulfilling alternative. Healthy food does not have to mean a compromise in taste or variety. It just takes a little bit of knowledge and some ingredient watching. If you are going out to eat, the same knowledge combined with some menu awareness will yield the same results. Aren't you ready to experience the benefits of healthy food?

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Healthy Foods

healthy foods

We’ve all heard the above saying, but do I really realize it’s truthfulness? Healthy foods are the fuel that powers our bodies. If we fuel our bodies with natural foods, nutrients and vitamins, we can expect optimal performance.

But if we fill up with processed foods and drinks full of chemicals and preservatives, how can we expect our bodies to react well? It’s a simple matter of cause and effect. The difference between healthy and unhealthy foods can mean the difference between health and sickness, if not immediately, then definitely over time.

That being said, there are specific foods that affect specific areas of our bodies. Take a look at the following healthy food list for various organs and stages of development.

Top Healthy Foods

If you want to start taking steps to in the right direction towards health, these are the top foods to have in your diet regularly:
  • Quality fats. Surprised to find this first on the list? Fats are essential to everything from brain health to heart health. These include raw (unpasteurized) butter & cream, coconut oil, small amounts of olive oil & raw seed oils, and even lard.
  • Fermented/cultured foods. These include raw yogurt & kefir, as well as many things you probably didn’t realize could be cultured – homemade jellies, mayonnaise, traditionally-pickled vegetables, and more.
  • Organic vegetables and fruits. Yeah, I know you knew that one. It’s important, though. And a good amount of these should be raw. These will do the work of alkalizing your body, which is key to your health.
  • Quality animal protein sources. Free range eggs & pastured meats are a great way to start changing your diet for the better without even noticing a difference in what you’re eating.
  • Raw dairy. If you consume dairy, it should be grass-fed & unpasteurized (raw). This includes milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, butter, etc.
grass fed cows You may notice that a lot of my recommendations include the word, “raw.” Generally speaking, the less your food is cooked, the better. And some foods, such as milk, may not seem cooked, but when you buy them in a normal grocery store, they have been heated to the point of damaging their nutritional value.

Healthy Foods for Kids

healthy foods for kids
  • Keep washed, sliced fruits & veggies in handy portion-sized bags in the refrigerator. Keep plenty of fresh fruit or fresh fruit salad around. They’ll eat it if it’s readily available and if there are not cheese crackers to choose instead!

  • Let (or help) them make a fruit smoothie – they are very cooling on a summer day when made with frozen fruit! We’ve gone through spurts in our family when we make smoothies for breakfast every morning. They’re very versatile, you can change the taste to be whatever you like. I even add greens into our diet by tossing one or two handfuls of spinach into our fruit smoothies, and no one can taste it! And be sure to add some healthy fat, like coconut oil, to make them both filling and more nutritious.

  • Make homemade popsicles out of pureed fruit or fresh squeezed fruit juice. My kids love the simple pops I make by blending homemade yogurt, berries, and a little agave nectar. A popsicle mold is cheap on Amazon.

  • Stop keeping juice or soda in the house – instead keep a nice jug of ice-cold water ready in the fridge, and even make fresh lemonade by adding a little lemon juice and some agave or xylitol. But getting your kids used to drinking water will benefit them greatly.

  • If your children are used to being given a separate meal if they don’t like what the adults are eating, you’ll need to gradually change that habit. I know it’s easier in the short term, but treating them this way can have very negative effects on their long-term eating habits, and thus their health. Start introducing them to greens and colorful veggies by adding a little to their plates at every meal. Don’t despair if they turn up their noses at first. Just go on and on yourself about how delicious the new foods are, and keep putting them on their plates until they eventually try it (it might take weeks!). I’ve always found that it helps to talk about why we’re eating certain foods, too (did you know that eating those green beans is helping you have strong bones and muscles? Let me see your muscles!). Remember, your attitude toward healthy foods makes all the difference! Don’t get upset if they whine, try hard to keep it positive.

Healthy Diet Foods

If you’re looking for healthy diet foods, all these natural healthy foods are fine. Just remember to eat in moderation, especially of the higher calorie foods. It can take time to adjust your appetite to eating less than you’re used to. Eliminating the excessive carbs contained in wheat products can go a long way towards helping you lose weight. But remember to pay attention to the amounts you’re eating. Put less on your plate than you think you want, eat slowly, and stop before you feel full. Eating fewer overall calories not only shrinks your waistline, but has been shown to extend the lifespan, too! It’s a package deal!

Okay, so now I understand the importance of Eating Healthy Foods. Now let’s talk about how to work them in to our lives without breaking the bank.

Finding local sources

You might be surprised and thrilled at the local sources available to you for finding healthy meats, dairy, eggs, and produce.
  • For fruits and vegetables, joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a must. You can google, “CSA” and your area to find ones local to you. This not only gives you a way to buy organic fruits & vegetables affordably, but it will probably introduce new and exciting foods into your diet that you didn’t know about!

  • For unpasteurized milk, you can visit realmilk.org to find a source near you. But what if there’s nothing available in your area, or your local milk co-op is full? Well, do what I did, and start your own co-op! Find a farmer with grassfed cows who would like to sell their raw milk and cream (you can use craigslist, your local paper – any advertising source you can think of – to find these folks). This farm doesn’t need to be very close to you, because then you’ll contact the owners of the realmilk.org site, or run your own ad on craigslist, stating that you’re starting a raw milk co-op and are looking for members. It might start out small, but there are more people every day searching for sources of raw milk, and over time you’ll have a nice-sized group of people with whom to rotate driving to a farm and picking up milk each week.

  • Pastured meats are most affordably bought in bulk. This is where your,”bulk savings account” is crucial. After a few months of saving, you’ll be able to afford to buy half of a grassfed cow, or several whole pastured chickens. Your freezer will be full of healthy, yummy meat, for months! A great place to start looking for pastured meat is eatwild.com. But if you don’t find someone in your area (or if they’re all too expensive, which many are – I’ve seen grassfed ground beef sell for over $7/pound!), start asking farmers in your area. Again, run a craigslist ad, contact your local Weston A. Price chapter, ask any local agricultural contacts who might have information. And if you encounter someone selling bulk grassfed meat for more than you can afford, don’t be afraid to bargain with them! They might be willing to reduce their price rather than lose your repeat business.

Making your own

Now, don’t cringe. I know you’re busy, I am too! But most of us waste just as much time running out to grab something to eat at the deli as we would taking a few minutes to prepare our own healthy food at home. It just takes a little forethought and preparation.

I have made my own yogurt, cheese, cultured mayonnaise, cultured butter, meat stocks, cultured jam, delicious raw foods, and so much more. It’s easy, and it’s fun (and if you knew just how much I hate being in the kitchen, that would really mean something to you!). And the satisfaction you’ll feel when feeding your family the fresh, healthy foods you’ve prepared is worth every minute of planning and prep.

Below are some great books to get you started finding ways to prepare your own healthy foods at home (I don’t necessarily endorse every single view in these books, but they all contain fabulous, family-friendly, truly healthy recipes). The small amount you spend on these books will pay for itself many times over in the health benefits your family will experience!

- Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
- Living on Live Food by Alissa Cohen
- Alkalize or Die by Theodore Baroody

How to Grow Healthy Food

how to grow healthy food Starting your own garden is a great way to start eating healthy on a budget! Even if you don’t have much space, you can grow “bush tomatoes” on a patio, herbs on window sills, even many vine plants can be grown in containers.

Do you love salsa? Plant patio tomatoes, scallions, cilantro and a pepper plant.

Back to my own shortcomings – I have a black thumb. Seriously. I’ll be honest and say that I have not yet attempted my own full-scale garden. But even I can keep a tomato plant alive in a pot! Keep a little compost heap in your kitchen and add all the leftovers from your organic CSA. Use this yummy fertilizer to keep your food-bearing houseplants strong and healthy.

Do you want salads? Plant a variety of lettuce not available in your grocery store, tomatoes, scallions, spinach, radishes, and carrots. Add a little olive oil and vinegar dressing and some pastured grilled chicken or steak & soft-boiled eggs. This will fill you up and taste better than store-bought veggies.

Healthy herbs are easy to grow in containers if your home is short on space. They’re far more pungent than store-bought, dried herbs in jars.

Aside from saving money by growing your food rather than purchasing it, you also will gain exercise by planting, watering, pruning and harvesting your food, plus you’ll have satisfaction at having grown your own food. And let’s not forget the natural vitamin D you’ll be receiving from the sun as you tend your garden! ( You can skip the chemical-laden sunscreen. The sun provides vitamin D, which is essential to healthy living. It’s not sun alone that causes cancer, it’s a host of lifestyle and food choices.)

Information About Vitamin A

Vitamin A

Introduction

Often touted as a miracle vitamin, vitamin D is the secret to great skin, higher immunity levels and holistic development. A vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that also improves eyesight, helps strengthen bones and protects the body from heart disease, reduce acne and psoriasis conditions, reduces wrinkles, relieves irritation and contribute to improved measles and conditions of glaucoma.

The function of the body

Retinol, which is a byproduct of vitamin D is responsible for helping the eyes adjust to dark environments easily. Therefore, regular vitamin D may help prevent the condition known as "night blindness". Retinol fatty acids help to regulate the genetic terms and phrases in the body and adequate vitamin A helps to maintain the physiological characteristics of cells in the body. Vitamin A is also an effective medicine against infections and helps to strengthen the mucous investment of the skin, urinary tract and gastrointestinal disorders that are primarily defense against most infections. While vitamin D may be needed for proper growth and development of the body, too little or too much of this vitamin can harm the fetus. Red blood cells from stem cells, which depend on the Vitamin D to become blood cells. Vitamin D is also responsible for the mobilization of iron to be in the form of hemoglobin.

Lack conditions

Since vitamin D is necessary to protect the eyesight and immunity deficiency can cause impaired vision and increased incidence of disease in the body. Night blindness is one of the main conditions for lack of this vitamin. When failure is less revealing of small change in the connective tissue of the eye. These are signs of Bitola. If failure has serious proportions, it can cause dryness of the eyes and ultimately lead to corneal ulcers, scars and eventually blindness in the face.

Children who have lower levels of vitamin D levels tend to get more respiratory illnesses and diarrhea. Children who already have state of measles or diarrhea, and insufficient vitamin D tend to suffer more than children with HealthyMind level of vitamin A. In these children the severity of the infection is over.

Symptoms in adults and children

Vitamin A is responsible for the healthy development of bones and tissues in children. Therefore reduce the level of this vitamin can lead to a slowdown in the growth of the child. The child might develop defects in development, including dwarfism, which is where the body parts fail to develop normally and be stunted appearance. Often the person will take mongoloid facial appearance and bone will not develop fully resulting in a distorted facial appearance.

Adults and children, lack of vitamin A can cause diseases such as night blindness, inflammation of the eyes, inability to see well at night, dry eyes, inflammation of the cornea, etc. Apart from conditions relating to the eyes, you may experience skin roughness, dryness, and the increased presence of wrinkles. Children with inadequate vitamin D are more prone to respiratory diseases and infections of the urinary tract. This can also occur in adults who do not have enough vitamin D in their bodies.

Diet Tips

The word “diet” tends to scare most people. Being on a clean deit is nothing to be ashamed of! It just shows that you are taking action and being disciplined. Along with a clean diet, exercise is going to be the best way to accomplish your weightloss goals! These are a few tips that will help with keeping a clean diet, losing a few pounds, and staying accountable.

What is a “Clean” diet?

Healthy Foods

A clean diet basically means that anything you eat is a healthy food. No burgers, pizza, junk food, sodas, etc. Basically, if you know its bad for you, don’t eat it. A clean diet consists of fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole wheat/grains, and healthy fats(omega 3′s).

Water, Water, Water!

I can’t stress enough the importance of water. On a typical day, our body will require about 8 glasses of water to maintain healthy weightloss, heatlhy skin, proper digestion, as well as increase energy. For those who are very active with either their job or exercise routine, the demand for water is increased. This is when I would recommend anywhere from 10-15 glasses per day.

Cheat!Ice Cream

Yes, thats right, cheat! We all have those cravings and foods that are extremely hard to let go. A cheat day once a week is going to help curve those cravings as well as boost metabolism. When you feed your body something that isn’t normally in your diet, that causes your body to work harder to digest the food or “cheat meal” which causes that spike in metabolism.

Stay Accountable

This is a VERY important part of living a healthy/active lifestyle. We all hit a point where we lose motivation and fall off track. This is more likely to happen when you don’t have a way to stay accountable! Simple ways to help this is by sharing with everyone that you are on a diet, that you are trying to make changes in your body. This will be effective when people start to ask “Hey how is that diet going?”. That is going to help keep you more consistent and on track with the diet/exercise routines. Another great way to be held more accountable is to have someone do the diet/exercise with you! Having a “Success Partner” is going to be a fun and effective way to ensure you are doing your best to stay on track.

Maintain!

This is the most important part about any diet/exercise routine! Once you have lost the weight and gotten to feel happy and confident with the way your body looks, it’s time to keep the weight off! To be able to maintain your current weight, you need to know how certain foods effect your body. Keeping track of caloric intake is a fantastic way to know what number to stick with in order to stay at the current weight. If you get to the point where you would like to lose more, you simply increase the exercising or decrease the calories each day.

Ingredients of a Healthy Food

Ingredients of a Healthy FoodWe understand that food provides certain essential macronutrients, namely protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Without these nutrients in balance no diet can be completely healthy. However, some qualities of certain nutrients are healthier than others, and some foods provide these healthy items better than others. Understanding the "ingredients" of a "healthy" food will help you to build a diet that can better fuel the body and prevent disease.

Good Fats, Bad fats

Not all fats are created equal. We know that an excess of fat can lead obesity, heart disease, and chronic illnesses like cancer. However, there are several kinds of fat that are not only beneficial but essential to healthy living. They are needed for the transportation and absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which cannot be absorbed and used by the body without fats; the regulation of cholesterol in metabolism; for the creation of certain chemicals used by the body; and for healthy skin and hair. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are actually good for cardiovascular system, lowering bad cholesterol. Additionally, some fats that exist in the form of fatty acids, like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, help prevent disease, lower bad cholesterol, control high blood pressure, and treat ailments like depression and anxiety disorder.

Polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, Omega-3's, and Omega-6's are elements of healthy foods; even though a serving of nuts may appear very high in fat, you'll notice that saturated fat quantities are low; the rest of come from this "good fat" category. Most ingredient labels now list poly and mono unsaturated fats, so knowing a good fatty food from a bad fatty food is as easy as checking the package. Some sources of good fats include:

- Olive oil
- Walnut oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Sesame and sunflower seed oils
- Avocado oil
- Nuts like walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts, pistachios, and cashews
- Oily fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, bass, and sardines
- Whole grains like flaxseed and wheat germ
Try to replace bad fats, like butter and margarine, with the good oils and fats listed above. Replacing sources of saturated fats, like excessive quantities of cheese, fried food, or red meat, a few times a week with the healthier options above can add an extra nutritious edge you your diet. Sautee items in olive or walnut oils rather than frying in tradition oil and use ground nuts as flavorful sauces instead of cheese or cream, and substitute fish for red meat at least once a week.

Lean Protein

Protein makes up our hair, nails, skin, blood, hormones, enzymes...the list goes on. Suffice to say that protein is essential to the human diet. Broken down by special acids and used to perform countless functions, protein must be replenished daily through our diet, making it a very healthy ingredient in food. Good sources include:

- eggs
- meat and poultry
- fish
- milk and other dairy products, like yogurt or cheese
- legumes like beans, peas, and nuts
- whole grainsThe problem with protein is that when consumed in the form of many meats and/or animal products, protein can be accompanied by saturated fat. Lean protein, or protein that is accompanied by less than 10grams of fat, is the best choice for weight and health conscious eaters. Choosing lean meats, like chicken, turkey, or lean beef (beef that has been trimmed of excess fats) provides plenty of protein without the added calories and fats.

Fiber

Fiber, though not scientifically considered an essential nutrient, plays many important roles in healthy living and nutritious foods. It lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar levels, slows the digestion of carbohydrates, regulates the digestive system/prevents constipation, and slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Fiber rich diets have been linked to lower instances of heart disease and obesity.

Fiber, like the different fats, is also listed on all food labels. Good sources include: whole grains, unrefined grains, grains, whole grain products like bread and pasta, brans, oatmeal, wheat germ, fruits, and vegetables.

Vitamins

These food elements work together to fill in the rest of the nutritive properties of food. Deficiencies often lead to illness and death, as is often in the case in third world countries where well rounded diets are not easily accessible. The list of these elements and the roles they play is long... B vitamins alone could take up an entire page, but here is a guideline to some of the most important:

Vitamin A: helps build and maintain healthy skin and promotes eye health; found in dark leafy greens like spinach, and yellow/orange fruits or veggies like carrots

Vitamin B-complex: performs many roles, including releasing food energy, building healthy skin, aiding the development of red blood cells, and assisting metabolism; found in dairy, meat, nuts, legumes, some fruit, and vegetables (individual vitamin sources vary)

Vitamin C: maintains healthy blood vessels and tissues, speeds healing, and boosts the immune system; found in citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, peppers, strawberries, and green tea

Vitamin D: maintains healthy bones and teeth and helps them harden, aids in calcium absorption; found in dairy, eggs, some fish, and sunlight

Vitamin E: fights the destruction of healthy cells and vitamins like A and C by free radicals; found in dark, leafy greens, vegetable oils, whole grains, wheat germ

Vitamin K: helps blood to clot; found in dark, leafy greens, milk, egg yolks

Nutrition

Your Support System for Nutrition Education - 718.780.3344

Patients at NYM are supported by an experienced team of Registered Dietitians (RD) who are dedicated to ensuring that each patient receives individualized nutrition intervention, nutrition support and education for themselves and their loved ones and meals that are high quality, meets their medical needs and are culturally appropriate.

Diets include:


  • Regular
  • Diabetic
  • Cardiac/Sodium Controlled
  • Kosher
  • Kosher Diabetic
  • Pediatric
  • Mechanically Altered (soft/chopped/pureed)
  • Renal

Healthy Food


During your stay at the Hospital, an RD will continue to visit the patient and family members to determine if additional nutrition services are needed here or will be needed before the patient returns home.

Each dietitian is registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and therefore is recognized as the authority on providing sound nutrition advise, information and resources to assist patients with complying with their physicians dietary guidelines and recommendations.

Our team of Registered Dietitians are available Monday Sunday to assist you and your family during your stay in the Hospital.

Here are some of the services our team provides:


  • Assessment of patient nutritional status
  • Counseling and education for
  • Diabetes Management
  • Weight Management
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Pediatric nutrition related issues
  • Feeding the Geriatric patient
  • Pressure Ulcer prevention and management
  • Healthy Eating
  • Managing therapy related symptoms
  • Educational and vocational needs
  • Heart care
In addition to our in-patient care, New York Methodist works hard to educate the community on good nutrition. Our team of RDs travel throughout Brooklyn neighborhoods providing advice on healthy eating and exercise.