Kwynn

A Little InSIGHT on Vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the four fat soluble vitamins. One of the major functions of Vitamin A is to help give us the ability to see during the day and at night. Other critical functions include the formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other vital organs. Vitamin A also plays a supporting role in cell growth. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily Recommended Dietary Allowance¹ for Vitamin A is as follows: Continue reading “A Little InSIGHT on Vitamin A”

Sugar Alcohol

In contrast to the name, sugar alcohols have absolutely no alcohol. Sorry to bust some of your bubbles. Sugar alcohols start off as natural sugars. They originate from fruits like berries, but have gone through some chemical processing. Sugar alcohols do provide some calories (unlike sweeteners); however, not as many as something like table sugar. Be careful with foods labeled “no sugar added” or “sugar free”. Read the food label to see if there are any sugar alcohols. Not listed, no problem. What’s the count for total carbohydrates? See a number?? A product containing sugar alcohols will increase the total carbohydrate count. You can also read the ingredients. Sugar alcohols usually end with ‘ol’ (mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, etc.). So be ware, especially my diabetics and pre-diabetics. Sugar alcohols do raise your blood sugar😉! Continue reading “Sugar Alcohol”

Mindful Mindset

Would you consider your eating habits in or out of balance? Are you bringing anything to the table with you when you eat? For example, are you stressed, angry, or sad? How do you feel after you eat – did the food fill that void or salvage those emotions? Have you attempted dieting only to “blow it” a few days or weeks in? If you can identify with any of the questions above, you are not in control of your dietary lifestyle. Food is controlling you. Continue reading “Mindful Mindset”

Alkaline Water

Here’s another buzzword!! Alkaline water was another fad going around and is apparently still relevant. I have seen videos all over social media where a person tests the acidity of assorted brands of water. I have also encountered people who make/sell the water. After digging in a little deeper and researching the topic, I have found some pros and cons to drinking the water. Let’s talk about what I’ve found.

Another reason for the pancreas fails to operate is due to an increase of free radicals in the body. We always produce free radicals in the body as a by-product of various chemical reactions daily. However, when our body’s pH level is acidic, we promote the formation of more free radicals. Free radicals play a part in creating insulin resistance in the body. Alkaline water can help reduce the number of free radicals in the body, bringing the body from acidic to alkaline.

Although I have tried to provide an explanation of how alkaline water is useful, there really is not enough research or evidence that show proven benefits of the product. Should you choose to drink Alkaline water, make sure that it still has the same minerals of non-alkaline water.

Another thing I must mention, if you are not in control of your diet, your blood sugar will be uncontrolled no matter how much water you drink. You should get an understanding of the basics of diabetes and what happens to sugar in the body. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes and you want to learn more about it, you need to purchase my guidebook “Sugar Shock(er)”. This guidebook is a simple download that will walk you through how different types of sugar is processed in your body. It will also provide you with a food log and list and sample recipes that are low in sugar. This is a small fraction of what it would cost to meet with a health professional and you don’t need an appointment! Email me with questions, if you have them!

I scream, you scream, we all scream, for…CRAVINGS!!!

Earlier this month, I talked about appetite, gauging your hunger, and using that to determine what you eat. Another layer to your appetite is cravings. When you are trying to eat healthier and/or limit the carbs and junk food, do you get a craving for something sweet, fatty, or salty that makes you head to your cabinets or pantry for a little piece of happiness? Lord knows I do! In all of my years of a dietitian, I have yet to hear someone say that they crave carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli. That’s why you need to eat something your taste buds are not actually longing for!

Side Note: If you have had those cravings (carrots, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, etc.), let me know in the comments. I want to acknowledge you and let you know how truly special you are!

We crave food for a number of reasons. It could be triggered by something external such as a smell or an advertisement. It could also be an internal cue such as craving for something we haven’t had in a while or something that our bodies are used to having quite often, like caffeine – coffee anyone? Regardless of how you were enticed to lust after the item, a war has just begun between your brain and your gut. Here are some things you can try to help reduce the cravings or even get rid of them:

Allow yourself to have a taste
Focus on the food or beverage
Limit distractions that take your attention away from eating
Try to eliminate any triggers (treats in the break room, aromas, commercials, etc.)
Slowly wean yourself from any foods to which you may be slightly addicted

Controlling your minds (because your gut is a second brain) and cravings are a beast! But, once you get better at this skill, you will be able to stop avoiding food, stop dieting, and eat what you want – in moderation, of course.

I am in the development stage of a product that will show you how this is done, and it is going to completely change the way that you look at food. Sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to know when it is ready! It is going to be a GAME CHANGER!