Friday, September 08, 2006

food nutrition : Can I trust nutrition information I get from newspapers and magazines?

Nutrition tips from different sources can sometimes conflict with each other. You should always check with your doctor first. Also, keep in mind this advice:

There is no "magic bullet" when it comes to nutrition. Short-term diets may help you lose weight, but they are difficult to keep up and may even be unhealthy in the long run.
Good nutrition doesn't come in a vitamin pill. With a doctor's recommendation, a vitamin pill can help you get enough vitamins and minerals, but your body benefits the most from eating healthy foods.
Eating a variety of foods is best for your body. Learn to try new foods.
Stories from people who have used a diet program or product, especially in commercials and infomercials, are advertisements. Remember, regained weight or other problems that come up after someone has completed the program are never talked about in those ads.


What changes can I make now in my diet?
Almost everyone can benefit from cutting back on fat. If you currently eat a lot of fat, try just one or two of the following changes, or those suggested in our handout on healthy food choices:

If you eat meat, eat it baked, grilled and broiled rather than fried. Take the skin off before eating chicken. Eat fish at least once a week.
Cut back on extra fat, such as butter or margarine on bread, sour cream on baked potatoes, and salad dressings.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with your meals and as snacks.
When eating away from home, watch out for "hidden" fats (such as that in salad dressing and desserts) and larger portion sizes.
Read the nutrition labels on foods before you buy them. If you need help reading the labels, ask your doctor or your nutritionist.
Drink no- or low-calorie beverages, such as water, unsweetened tea and diet soda.
Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are good for your health even if your weight never changes. So try to set goals you have a good chance of reaching, such as making one of the small changes listed above or walking one more day per week.

Copyright © 2001-2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

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