Online Medicine

Are you wanting to lose weight and keep it off?  If so, one of the worst things to do is to count calories.  Counting calories will make you overly consumed with food, and will likely cause you to deprive your body.  Instead of counting calories learn to listen to your body and fuel it with food that will give you the energy you need.  Counting calories is short term, learning to recognize your body’s hunger cues and nourishing your body will last a lifetime.

Many people understand that in order to lose weight they need to keep their bodies hydrated so they don’t mistake thirst for hunger, but many people don’t realize that coffee, soda and tea won’t hydrate your body.  In fact both coffee and tea are diuretics and will dehydrate your body.  Soda is filled with artificial ingredients and sugar which goes against your weight loss goals.  The one sure way to keep your body hydrated is to drink plenty of water.  Keep a water bottle on hand at your desk, bring one in the car, and where ever you go and take sips all the time.  Quickly you’ll realize how much your body needs water, and you won’t believe you ever went without it.

HOUSTON -- (April 16, 2009) -- "Ew." It's a word many parents hear when they serve a meal to their child. But before getting frustrated, parents should know that children taste different flavors in foods than adults do.

According to an expert at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, exposing children to various types of foods early and often will help them develop a taste for different foods.

"Children have sensitive taste buds, and they taste what we smell," said Roberta Anding, registered dietitian with BCM and Texas Children's Hospital. "Certain foods may have a stronger taste for them than they do for adults."

Taste perceptions

This is why exposing children to various types of food at an early age is important. It starts with breast feeding, which exposes them to a variety of flavors, she said.

"Early imprinting will help alter their taste perceptions," said Anding.

Don't give up after offering a new food just one or two times, she said, because it can take 10 to 15 food exposures for a child to actually like the food. However, forcing or cajoling a child to eat a food will ruin a food experience for them, making them less likely to be willing to try the food again.

"Ask that they at least take one bite of the food," said Anding. "Try introducing the food again when the child is hungry."

Smell impacts perception

Because 80 percent of taste is smell, children might be more willing to try raw vegetables rather than cooked ones, since they don't have as strong of a smell, she said.

Getting children involved in the preparation of the food can also help. But Anding does not support another age-old tactic – hiding vegetables and fruits under sauces and toppings, most of which are unhealthy.

"This makes something that would be considered a nutritious food no longer nutritious," she said.

Rewarding children with food is also not a good idea. It elevates the status of food and makes certain foods or treats more valuable to children.

"Remember that as a parent, your reaction to food has an influence on your children," said Anding. "So if you cringe at the sight of a certain food, chances are they will too."

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Are you wanting to lose weight but feel tempted by something sweet after having your meal?  Did you know that eating dessert can add up to 500 additional un-wanted calories?  One sure way to get rid of your sweet tooth is to brush your teeth after you eat.   The flavor of toothpaste along with having clean teeth will likely vanish your desire.

Ever heard the saying, “Our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs”.  What this means is we’re often looking at food and wanting more, but our stomachs are full.  To ensure that you don’t over eat do what I call “the full test”.  After you eat your first portion of food, walk away from the table and get a glass of water.  The simple act of stepping away from the table will help you access if you’re still hungry, or if you’re eating more because there’s more available.  Drinking a glass of water prior to taking another portion will fill up your stomach a little more (plus hydrate you) and you’ll be less likely to have a second helping.