The last version of the dietary guidelines were published in 2005. This year is the year that we will see some new ones coming out. Right now, the guidelines are nearing completion, but it may be early next year until we see a new food pyramid.

Soon you will be seeing nutrient labeling at chain restaurants in VT.  New York City started labeling foods on menus at chain restaurants and this practice is starting to spread to other states, including Vermont. 

Although Vermont doesn’t have as many chain restaurants as most states, this law will require any chain restaurant with more than 20 locations to label number of calories next to each menu item.  Also, a statement concerning calorie intake will be required on the menu. 

This year legislation was passed and  is part of the Vermont Health Care Reform Bill Act.128 (S.88). See the complete bill at the link provided and go to page 99 Section 38b for the specifics on menu labeling.

http://leg.state.vt.us/docs/2010/Acts/ACT128.pdf

A recent study from the University of Michigan examined the weight differences between children who brought lunch to school and those who purchased school lunch.

This study looked at almost 1300 students over three years and found that the children who bought lunch at school were more likely to be obese. Also those who bought school lunch were more likely to eat fattier meat, sugary beverages and less fruits and veggies than those who brought lunch.

I think this study is interesting because schools are required by law to serve a ‘balanced’ meal. However, what may be ‘balanced’ may not be what children are buying.

I believe that there needs to be more research on this. I have seen studies showing healthier children who eat school food as well. I’m sure that different states have different regulations regarding what schools may serve, but hopefully it’s only going to get healthier.

Today I did it- I rode my bike to work. Today was an absolutely beautiful morning to take the 27 mile trek over Searsburg down Woodford and into Bennington. It’s amazing that there really aren’t any cars on the road between 6-7 am!

It was a little cold (40 degrees) when I left this morning, but I warmed up very quickly.

Now I’m just hoping for a rainless afternoon for my ride home!

Myth- you should eat every hour if you want to lose weight.

This is definitely a myth.  Many people hear this and start eating constantly throughout the day.  It’s really important to be aware of your hunger and satiety cues.  If you are eating every hour on the hour, you aren’t able to listen to your body to know when you are truly hungry.  Remember that eating is important to nourish our bodies.  The problem is, we often eat for many other reasons besides true hunger. 

This also goes along with my other recommendation to avoid waiting too long between meals to eat and not skipping meals.

I hear so many nutrition myths everyday. I thought after hearing one myth after the next that I would start to write about these myths.

The first myth that I hear all of the time is that you can eat anything you want if you are exercising.

I hear this all the time. When I ask clients what they have tried in the past to lose weight, I often hear “exercise”.

Exercise without dietary changes is not going to cause weight loss, generally. For those who are walking a mile or two, that burns 100-200 calories. It’s quite easy to make up for that exercise without realizing it.

Also, for those who are doing more intense exercise, it’s so important to eat in order to fuel the body for the workouts and give you enough energy to exercise.

This is not to say that exercise is bad. I hope that from reading my previous blogs, you understand that I am very much of an advocate of exercise. However, when it comes to weight loss, diet needs to take first priority!

May 17-21 is ‘Bike to Work Week’. For those of you who live within biking distance, plan to ride to work at least one day. I’d love to hear from anyone who plans on doing it!!!

I just had a discussion with a co-worker about doing a triathlon this summer. She has never done a triathlon and has been thinking about it for over a year now.
I think that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Right now is a great time to start training for anything. If you are concerned that you don’t have enough time to train, sign up for something in August. That gives you over 3 months. There are many training plans out there to help you train for any sport.

So, if you have any thoughts about doing a triathlon, 5k, or distance bike ride, start now. Sign up for something so that you are committed!

Remember to start slow to avoid injuries!!!

Since we have elminated fryers, I have heard many complaints and many good comments. It’s been a while, and we continually strive to improve the food choices here at SVMC.

I have heard constructive criticism about ways to improve the food and we are really looking for more.

Some of the things that the nutrition department has been trying to do since signing the healthy food pledge include using more fresh local veggies. They are also offering more fruit choices and trying to make healthier entrees.

We all realize that there’s always room for improvement. The nutrition department would really like to know what you think and how you feel we could do better.

In addition, a few of us had a thought about starting a garden on hospital property. We would need assistance with this project though. If you have any ideas about this, let me know. Feel free to email rodr@phin.org anytime! I will share all emails with our nutrition department.

Well, the pharmaceutical industry is at it again.  Another diabetes drug which also contributes to significant weight loss is going to be on the market soon. 

Victoza, which is made by Novo Nordisk has been awaiting FDA approval for a while and should be on the market in February.  It’s primary indication is for diabetes.  However, one of the side effects is weight loss which can be pretty significant.  In one of the trials, 3 out of 4 people lost 5% of their initial body weight.  That’s a huge percent which is enough to make a difference in medical conditions (especially to deter diabetes).

It will be intersting to see if it gets approval to use as an obesity drug.  It’s still not a quick fix, however, for those looking for an easy way to lose weight.