We live in a fast paced world.  People are on the go, multi-tasking, planning and thinking ahead.  In a busy world, people also eat on the go; in the car, at their desks, standing up, walking down the street, barely taking the time to enjoy their meal.  When we eat quickly, we tend to eat more, therefore consuming more calories.

Digestion begins in the mouth.  Slowing down to completely chew your food, allows the release of digestive enzymes that break down food and greater assimilation of nutrients. Whole foods, especially whole grains, must be mixed with saliva and chewed until they become liquid to release their full nutritional value.  Because digestion becomes so efficient when you chew your food thoroughly, your body will begin to feel wonderfully light.  To get into the habit of chewing correctly, try counting the chews in each bite, aiming for 30 to 50 times. It helps if you put your fork down between bites.

The New York Times reported on a few scientific studies to support the claim that eating slowly is a method for consuming fewer calories.  Who could imagine that losing weight is as simple as taking a few more minutes to slow down and eat what is already on your plate? For more information check out the Power Eating Program: You Are How You Eat by Lino Stanchich.

Tags: Healthy Tips, Nutrition News by Integrative Nutrition
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If you are only given the options of fast food or grocery stores full of packaged and processed foods, you may not know much about healthy foods that are locally and organically grown.  You may have only seen hamburgers wrapped in paper, or chicken nuggets in a box.  The idea of grass fed beef or free range chicken might be foreign to you.

Students at Automotive High School in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, are being introduced to food in a different way.  They are taking a class called “Food, Land, and You.” Their teacher Jenny Kessler, introduced this class three years ago, as an elective English course.  The class is a primer about food broadly defined — its social, political and economic aspects.

Students discuss factory farming and corn subsidies, they read articles by Michael Pollan and watch documentaries like Food, Inc.  They also tend a 2,500-square-foot organic vegetable garden, and take trips to the local butcher shop and Queens County Farm Museum, where they collect eggs and work with compost.

The New York Times reports that most of Ms. Kessler’s students live in “food deserts”—neighborhoods with lots of fast food but little fresh produce or other healthy fare.  “The purpose of going there is just for them to know it’s out there,” Ms. Kessler said. “It’s really hard to cement in their heads that there are other options to industrial food.”

Does your local high school offer a class like “Food, Land, and You?”  Perhaps is should be a required course rather than an elective? 
 

Tags: Food, Healthy School Food by Integrative Nutrition
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Dear Students and Graduates,

One of our graduates has some great news. Seema Dasani has been working with Whole Foods to help launch a project to help shoppers and Whole Foods Staff improve their health and happiness.

Seema is the founder of Eat Right America, which is one of two organizations helping carry out this initiative!  www.eatrightamerica.com/wfm

This presents a wonderful opportunity for our graduates!!  Many Whole Foods locations will be hiring Healthy Eating Specialists. To find out more, visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere

To be hired, visit your local Whole Foods Market as soon as possible and ask to be interviewed as a Healthy Eating Specialist and inquire about all positions they may have.

Thank you for your passion and commitment.
Step by step we continue our ripple effect.

Joshua

Tags: About Graduates of IIN, About IIN by Integrative Nutrition
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Will taxing and putting warning labels on soda discourage people from buying it?  Has this method discouraged people from using tobacco?  Should tax revenue from sodas and sugary beverages be used in anti-soda campaigns or put in a fund for healthier school food?  The rise in childhood obesity rates have the attention of lawmakers, but will raising prices on unhealthy foods keep kids from consuming them?

The Obama administration has a commitment to remove junk food, including sodas from schools.  This is a great first step in the fight against childhood obesity.  But, as Mark Bittman of the New York Times writes:  “a growing number of public health advocates are pushing for even more aggressive actions, urging that soda be treated like tobacco: with taxes, warning labels and a massive public health marketing campaign, all to discourage consumption.”

Taxing soda has the potential to raise over a billion dollars annually in New York State alone.  The question remains, where is the best place to apply this money?

Where do you think lawmakers should apply these funds?

Tags: Nutrition News, Politics, obesity by Integrative Nutrition
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The Food and Drug Administration is considering increasing serving size on nutrition labels to match what people are actually consuming as a serving.  This in turn will increase the calorie amount and determine all the other nutritional values.  The hope is that people will think twice before going back for seconds when it may actually be fourths!

Barbara O. Schneeman, director of the F.D.A. office that oversees nutrition labels, said in a New York Times report, “We are actively looking at serving size and evaluating what steps we need to take.  Ultimately, the purpose of nutrition labeling is to help consumers make healthier choices, make improvements in their diet, and we want to make sure we achieve that goal.”

One concern is that by increasing serving size, consumers will think the government is saying it’s ok to eat even more.  Consumers need to be educated.  When shopping for food, read the labels closely.  Consider that packaged processed foods tend to be high in fat and calories.  The best foods are ones without nutrition labels.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are much more nutritionally dense than most processed foods, yet they have no fancy packaging to proclaim their immense health benefits.  When shopping, it is important to shop the perimeter of the grocery store where you’ll find more whole and nutritious foods.

Do you think the FDA’s plan to increase serving size will work to curb the obesity problem among Americans?  

Tags: Nutrition News, Politics by Integrative Nutrition
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Arielle Fierman is a graduate of Integrative Nutrition and now works as a health counselor and jeWELLry designer.   Arielle’s signature accessory- the “iloveme” ring -inspires us to love and care for ourselves which will in turn open our hearts so that we can share that love with others.  How appropriate for a truly Happy Valentine’s Day!

What were you doing before IIN?

Before IIN, I worked in special events and public relations for a large cosmetics company in NYC.

What led you to explore IIN’s program?

Growing up, I was surrounded by the concept of quick-fix diets and the idea that attaining outer beauty came from spending lots of money on the best creams and perfect shades of lipstick.  I wanted to design and live a life where I could learn how to achieve beauty and health from within.  I attended an IIN information session and decided that it was not only time to learn from the experts, but also a chance to align myself with like-minded friends.

What did you learn at IIN?

Aside from switching my attention away from bad foods and toxic people, I learned that health isn’t just about nourishing your body through food. – it’s a healthy combination of practices that are critical in looking great and feeling fantastic – these may include (and are by no means restricted to) nurturing good relationships, engaging in positive thinking, practicing self-care and exercising on a daily basis!

What do you love about the school?

I love IIN because it continues to encourage me to find my niche and mesh both of my passions- wellness and jewelry.  My work as a Holistic Health Counselor and JeWELLry Designer has given me the opportunity to use my education and creativity to shine my light and inspire others.  I now have a successful business doing what I love.  I feel accomplished everyday when I go to sleep and revved up each day when I wake up!

Your studies led you to start a business. What’s the name of your business?  Tell us about your practice.

In 2009, I founded Be Well with Arielle health counseling and jeWELLry company that celebrates inner and outer beauty.  I am devoted to inspiring women to look and feel beautiful, inside and out…one iloveme ring and kale chip at a time!  All of my jeWELLry is designed with the intention of uplifting the chakras (energy centers within the body) which reflect inner beauty and balance the body’s physical, emotional and spiritual energies.  I use reclaimed materials and infuse each piece with energy healing Reiki. Every piece is handmade in New York City with love.

Tags: About Graduates of IIN, About IIN, Career by Integrative Nutrition
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Federal legislation banning junk food from schools is soon to be introduced.  Will something as powerful as the federal government work to keep junk foods out of schools?  Or is the answer to childhood obesity a more traditional approach with parents teaching their kids good eating habits?  Parents want nutritious foods served, but removing vending machines and candy sales cuts into a major source of revenue for schools.  Are there more creative ways to raise money for sports uniforms and school trips?

When kids spend the majority of their day at school and are left to make their own choices about what to eat, many will choose a high sugar, high calorie option over one that is more nutritious.  Do we leave these choices up to the students or let the government make these choices for them? 

Read this article from the New York Times for more info.  Please comment and let your opinion be heard. 

Tags: Healthy School Food, Nutrition News, Politics by Integrative Nutrition
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Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett hopes so.  He wants to inspire the residents of his city to be healthier and lose weight.  Mayor Cornett’s appeal is in response to his city listed as of one of the unhealthiest in America.  The OKC Million community challenge to lose a total of 1,000,000 pounds is open to all and everyone is encouraged to join.  Individuals, families, friends, corporations, churches, local organizations, community groups, sports teams, police departments, fire departments and schools are all welcome. 

When Oklahoma City residents join the site www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com they have access to nutrition information, recipes, weight loss programs and success stories.  Sounds like a recipe for success! 

Watch this report from NBC Nightly News to see how Mayor Cornett’s city is accepting the challenge.

How healthy is your city?

Tags: Nutrition News, diet, obesity, weight loss by Integrative Nutrition
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The 82nd Annual Oscar nominations were announced and Food, Inc. is nominated in the documentary (feature) category.  This film has received much critical acclaim and attention since its release in June last year, including a feature on the Oprah show  where she called it “thought provoking” and “eye opening”. 

Food, Inc. brings to light glaring issues of sustainability, food production, and workers rights.  The more people that view the movie the more likely these issues will be brought to the top of both personal and political agendas.  The fact that the Academy Awards has chosen to recognize Food, Inc. is monumental as it will bring even more national attention to this must see film and the concerns it addresses.
 

Tags: Celebrity News, Food by Integrative Nutrition
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When you grocery shop do you find labels that tout “Natural Goodness, Kid Approved, Parent Tested, or Doctor Recommended” leading you to believe that the product is a good choice?  Marketers avoid regulation on front of package labels and rely on consumers trust in a name brand product by labeling with misleading phrases. 

How often do you go further in your investigation of what’s inside the package?  Do you stop at the front of the package or do you turn it to the side and read the nutrition facts and ingredients list?  How can we be sure that what we are feeding our families is actually a good choice nutritionally? 

For more information The New York Times Well Blog discusses meaningless claims on food labels, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest published a detailed report.
 

Tags: Food, Nutrition News by Integrative Nutrition
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