Food programs break the link between food insecurity and obesity in children

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Food FARMacias could be one part of the solution to the nation’s growing food insecurity problem, according to a new study by pediatricians at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York-Presbyterian. Food insecurity—or lack of enough healthy food for an active, healthy life—is not just an issue of hunger. Food insecurity prevents children from reaching their full potential physically, cognitively, and socially. Children who grow up in food-insecure homes are sick more often, recover from illness more slowly, and are hospitalized more frequently. Food insecurity can contribute to obesity because people who…

Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)

HEDIS is a set of performance measures that are used to compare health plan performance and measure the quality of health plans. These measures were created by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). About 90% of health plans use HEDIS as a standard to measure the performance of their plan. The data is tracked from year to year to measure the performance of the health plan and thus provide information regarding the population served. The data that is collected is used to monitor the health of the general population, evaluate treatment outcomes, etc., and the data is collected through…

Adventurer Bear Grylls’ healthy eating plan is absolutely nuts

We always knew Bear Grylls had balls — but this is ridiculous. For many years, he lived as a vegan, existing on raw juices, vegetables and pulses. But Grylls has now gone to the other extreme and lauded the health benefits of eating organs such as the liver, heart and even the testicles. The adventurer, 48, said his diet was built around “grass-fed, good quality” red meat, raw dairy and fruit as well as organs. He steers clear of bread and pasta, and avoids processed foods. The former soldier has even put his face to a dietary supplement range that…

Dental Flossing | Guest Diet Blog

Image Source: daysoftheyear.com A key part of maintaining good dental hygiene is teeth flossing. However, as many as 36% of Americans don’t bother with flossing at all. While there have been claims made that flossing is not necessary, there is enough evidence to the contrary that flossing does, in fact, help with the prevention of oral diseases. Why is Teeth Flossing Important? Flossing is an important part of good dental hygiene. Here is why. Plaque is a natural result of bacterial buildup in the mouth. Bacterial build up is also a natural result from the food we eat and our…

8 Beverages for Flawless and Glowing Skin

Maintaining beautiful, healthy skin requires more than just applying expensive beauty products and a consistent trip to the Dermatologist — nutrition plays a very important role too. Our skin is a mirror of what’s happening inside our bodies. Therefore, healthy skin cannot exist without a healthy body. So when we are healthy and clean on the inside, our skin cells will be visibly nourished on the outside. In my previous articles, I already talked about natural and frugal ways to get glowing skin, as well as spices that you can incorporate into your diet and skincare routine. Now for today’s…

15 Healthy Foods to Buy at Walmart, According to a Dietitian

bernardbodo / Getty Images Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN With rising food costs, many people are finding it more challenging to afford nutritious foods, especially when shopping at traditional grocery stores. Thankfully, big box stores like Walmart continue to offer lower prices on groceries than many of their competitors. Despite having a reputation for selling low-quality and “unhealthy foods,” you can find hidden gems at Walmart that are both affordable and nutritious. As a dietitian, here are 15 of my go-to foods from Walmart to help you create a healthy and budget-friendly shopping list. Marketside Classic…

Policy changes to make healthy food cheaper are the need of the hour to tackle the diabetes epidemic: Expert

“Foods like fish, fruits and vegetables are more expensive, making this a social determinant in the rise of diabetes cases. We have to find ways to cultivate healthier food and maybe provide them through government schemes to make them more affordable and accessible,” said Nihal Thomas, senior professor, department of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore. | Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy Food that is high in carbohydrates is cheap, whereas food that is high in fiber, and therefore healthier is more expensive, making this one of the factors contributing to the high prevalence of diabetes in India. “Foods…

Breakfast tacos, chickpea burgers and more

Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our Start the TODAY newsletter to join the 30-day challenge and receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox. You asked, we answered! Hundreds of Start TODAY members told us they wanted healthier, balanced meal ideas to help them reach their health goals. This dietitian-designed meal plan gives you the flexibility to ease into spring and summer — all while learning the building blocks of healthy eating. This week’s menu features plant-based MVPs, including snap peas, carrots, avocado, asparagus and lettuce. You’ll find these ingredients in meals from Steak Caesar Salad to Chickpea Burgers,…