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Diet : article

A healthier Valentine's treat

BUTLER, Mo. – Charles Schultz once said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”  Americans apparently agree with the Peanuts creator, because an estimated 58 million pounds of chocolate will be bought for Valentine’s Day this year.

Apps to keep your fitness resolutions on track

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re losing your way instead of your weight, University of Missouri Extension specialists have evaluated and recommended several smartphone and tablet apps that might help you get your New Year’s resolution back on track.

Be wary of energy drinks

Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not the best option nutritionally, said Tammy Roberts, former University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Unfortunately, the energy in these drinks comes from sugar and stimulants like caffeine, guarana, ginseng and green…

Belly fat is linked to health risks

People with a lot of belly fat are at a higher risk for health problems than people who carry fat in other areas. Some of those health problems include diabetes, some types of cancer, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease and dementia.

Dark chocolate: the healthy way to her heart

BETHANY, Mo. – One heart-healthy way to your Valentine’s heart is dark chocolate.Dark chocolate and cocoa may have health benefits if consumed in moderation, says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet Hackert.

Diabetes prevention is focus of community health partnership in SW Missouri

MONETT, Mo. – Cindy McCracken says she’s on a mission to live a healthier life. A partnership in southwestern Missouri is helping her do just that.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Every five years the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services publish the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are developed by an expert panel of nutrition and health professionals to help all Americans consume a healthy and nutritionally adequate diet.

Eat more fruits and vegetables by adding them to your favorite recipes

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Parents might complain about getting kids to eat their vegetables, but even adults often find getting their recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables a challenge.

Expert comment: Potential cuts to federal food assistance, nutrition education

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee recently approved a proposal that would make it harder to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reduce benefits and make other changes. Jo Britt-Rankin, director of MU Extension SNAP-Ed, is available for interviews about SNAP, SNAP-Ed…

For a healthier heart, balance potassium and sodium

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Doctors and nutritionists often focus on reducing sodium in our diets to maintain heart health. That’s important, but don’t overlook the role of potassium, says Lynda Johnson, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Glycemic index: How useful is it for managing health?

BETHANY, Mo. – People looking to lose weight or eat healthier have sought to reduce calories, carbs and fats in their diets. In recent years, health-conscious consumers have been seeking out foods with a low glycemic index. But how effective is this for managing health?

Green up your eating plan

Summer is a great time to “green up” your diet by eating more fresh or cooked greens.

Growing seeds of hope for the hungry

MEXICO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension Master Gardeners and Grow Well Missouri partner to plant seeds of hope in food pantry clients at Mexico’s Help Center.

Healthier eating for the holidays

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - You can eat healthier this holiday season if you make a few simple changes to recipes, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.

Live like your life depends on it

You can improve your health and prevent or lessen the effects of chronic diseases through diet and exercise. By investing a little time in your health, you can live a longer, healthier life.

Making merry without putting on pounds

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. –The holidays – a time for parties, food and drink. It’s also a time for temptation when you’re trying to watch your weight. But denying yourself the foods you love usually doesn’t work.

Meat cooking methods may increase cancer risks

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Charbroiling, grilling over open flame, broiling and pan frying meats can produce tasty meals. Unfortunately, these methods, especially if the temperature is above 300 degrees Fahrenheit, also result in the formation of certain undesirable chemicals.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is known for boosting health and lowering risk for chronic diseases like heart

MU Extension receives CDC funding to promote nutrition, physical activity

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has received $768,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the first year of a five-year project to tackle high rates of obesity in 10 Missouri counties.

MU Extension teaches kids that cooking matters

MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – In a crowded kitchen in a church basement, nine elementary school kids are cooking lunch.

New physical activity recommendations

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have released their 2007 recommendations for physical activity. These guidelines have been revised since the last update in 1995. Their goal is to help people live more active and healthy lives.

Nutrition information you can see

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – A new food-labeling system helps consumers make better-informed decisions as they shop, says a University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.

Nutrition plays an important role in eye health

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – There is evidence that nutrients can play an important role in treating and preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60 in the United States.

Pills, powders can't replace training and diet for young athletes

Young athletes, eager to be a starting player or earn a scholarship, may be tempted to follow the lead of pros and use performance enhancers to gain a competitive edge.

Protect against colds and flu with vitamin E

BETHANY, Mo. – Cold and flu season is in full swing. One defense against them is to get plenty of vitamin E.

Simple strategies to avoid mindless eating

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - If you're like most Americans concerned about diet, you're familiar with that guilty feeling when you decide to eat a second helping or have an extra-large slice of pie.

Sports nutrition for better performance

You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch.

The good and bad news about holiday weight gain

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Contrary to popular belief, the average American only gains about a pound over the holiday season. But that extra pound usually stays with us. Year after year, those pounds add up, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The power of protein

Everywhere we look we see new, great protein-boosted drinks and foods. But how much protein is really needed, and do Americans get enough or too much?

Tips for maintaining lost weight

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–Many people start the year resolving to lose weight. A lot of those people succeed—at first. But the pounds we shed early in the year often find their way back to us by the following January.
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