By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on March 3, 2010
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE DOCTOR – Ed J. Hendricks, M.D.
What’s all the talk about the latest diet craze using HCG? Maybe a friend has told you about it or you read about it somewhere. What is it and does it help with weight loss?
HCG, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, and is not the latest, greatest weight loss product on the market today. In fact, it was first introduced for weight loss by Dr. A. Simeons back in 1954, who believed that the HCG hormone accelerated weight loss and suppressed hunger. He combined daily injections of HCG with a prescribed diet – a diet now known to be dangerously low in protein intake. This nutrient poor diet was actually a starvation diet. While it is true starvation diets produce rapid weight loss, much of what is lost is muscle – not a healthy way to lose weight.
The Simeons method was wildly popular in California in the 1970s until several clinical trials proved that HCG had nothing to do with the weight loss. Although only a few clinics in the metropolitan Sacramento area seem to be using HCG for weight loss today, in other parts of the country, HCG is becoming extremely popular again. Some of you have asked us if we will carry HCG. My answer. Absolutely not.
The HCG method is a hoax, a dangerous one. We strongly advise against using HCG, in any form, for weight loss and are especially critical of the diet used in combination with the HCG. If you want to know more detail about HCG, read the blog I posted on our website, hendricksforhealth.com, dated December 20, 2009, titled “HCG Treatment for Obesity – HCG and Weight Loss,” or pick up a copy in the office at your next visit.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST – Paula Hendricks, BS, Nutritionist-C
Recipes and Hand-outs:
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on February 10, 2010
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE PRACTITIONER - Cheryl Mitchell, PA-C, MPAS
Everyone knows thin people have more willpower than overweight people – right?
Have you struggled to control your weight and overeating all your life (or alternatively – since you had kids, since menopause, since an injury – pick one)? Do you wish you had the self-control and willpower to stay thin like (insert name of your example here)? Do you wonder how you can change so you’re as strong as they are?
Let’s reframe the situation. Your has-always-been-thin person above never overeats. They know when they are full and stop eating. Stresses don’t make them hungry – so they eat only when they really need food. Their “appestat” (appetite thermostat) works like it should. Does their “appestat” drive them to eat when their body doesn’t need the food or nutrients? No! So how much willpower do they need to eat only what they need and not more? NONE! They have no desire to overeat. Control comes naturally; they would have to force themselves to overeat. Your has-always-been-thin person stays thin but says nothing about their willpower or strength – they don’t need any willpower to stay thin.
Now let us look at you and your need for willpower. You struggle every day, often all day to eat only what your body needs, but your brain is not satisfied. Your stomach is full, often uncomfortably so, but your mind still says “keep eating”. Sometimes you fight the desire for food successfully, and other times you just can’t stay away from the unneeded food. The desire to eat is there when you are stressed, when happy, when cold…You fight not to eat all the time. Most of the time you resist the urge, but when the urge overwhelms you – you (and it seems like the rest of the world) call yourself weak, and that you have no willpower! Your thin person needs NO willpower to not overeat. You struggle everyday to control your eating – and win much of the time. I ask you – who is showing strength? The person who is never tested, or the person who, while tested all the time, loses occasionally? Give yourself credit for your strength.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST – Paula Hendricks, BS, Nutritionist-C
In the distant past, perhaps sixty years ago, a series of nutritional research studies were thought to indicate that saturated fat intake could raise LDL “bad” cholesterol levels which in turn were thought to elevate risk for heart disease and stroke. Although not everyone agreed with this interpretation, the notion that eating fat causes coronary heart disease took hold and has been dogma for many years. However, a new analysis recently released in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which reviewed the combined results of over 21 studies regarding cholesterol intake and heart disease, found no clear evidence that higher intakes of saturated fat led to higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Wow, that’s pretty comforting information for steak lovers, right? Don’t expect all the “experts” to promote eating red meat and high fat dairy products right away.
So what do we think about this new analysis and how does it affect what we teach our patients? Well, it is not new information to us at all, as evidenced by 20 years of clinical observation within our own practice. We have known for a long time that sugar and other processed carbohydrates were the “bad guys” in the American Diet rather than fat. Consumption of sugar, high carbohydrate processed foods, non-nutritive foods and trans-fat are the real culprits.
We believe that to single out specific nutrients such as saturated fat and ignore the entire diet is a mistake. In the 80s, we were told not to eat fat, in the 90’s we were told not to eat protein, and today, we have told all who would listen not to eat “bad carbs.” Of course, if you look at the Food Pyramid recommended by the FDA today, you’ll see they recommend that you get the majority of your food from carbohydrates, including “bad carbs,” the processed ones. It is confusing at best.
We believe consuming a balanced combination of foods containing all the macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) – animal protein, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and good fats – will reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and chronic illnesses, promote longevity, and reduce your risk of illness as you age. However, the balanced combination of food we recommend deviates significantly from the “balanced diet” recommended by the FDA. We believe the FDA food pyramid is an out of balance, protein-deficient, essential fatty acid-deficient, high carbohydrate eating style which if consumed long enough, will inevitably induce diabetes, obesity and a host of other chronic illnesses. Just remember when you eat, protein is “good,” fat is “good,” and carbs can be either “good” or “bad.” To stay healthy, we all should learn to recognize and eat the good carbohydrates (vegetables and fruits) and avoid the bad carbohydrates (sugars), processed.
Recipes and Hand-outs:
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on January 6, 2010
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE DOCTOR
Happy New Year! Thank you again for celebrating with us 20 years of helping people get healthy by making positive changes in their lives through nutrition, physical fitness, and the right mindset. As we enter our 21st year, we will continue to offer the best medical care, share the latest medical research in nutrition and caring for the overweight individual, and continue to guide you with your goals for health and wellness. I look forward to seeing you in the office soon.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
It’s time! Get your mind right, refocused and ready to start the New Year on the right path. If you’re ready to jump right in, schedule an appointment today, set some goals, and get started. If you’re not ready to get fully started or commit, that is OK too. You are always welcome to come in for a no charge weigh-in and purchase some products to slowly ease back on track. We are here when you are ready. In the meantime, download a copy of the recipe of the month and the latest information about “Think 30!’ Not age, but grams of protein.
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on December 4, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE DOCTOR You Want to Take my Blood Pressure Again?
Why so many? Beginning in November, the medical assistants have been taking 2-3 blood pressure readings per patient visit. Many of you are asking, “Why did we start doing this?” Well, there are several reasons. First, many patients are nervous when they first arrive at the office, and many have been rushing to make their appointment on time, or are anxious about their weigh-in. In these situations, the first blood pressure reading may be higher than normal. A second reading a few minutes later is often lower. Second, averaging two (or more) blood pressure readings is now the recommended standard of practice for measuring blood pressure in a physician’s office. Our own research has confirmed that a single blood pressure reading is sometimes inaccurate and misleading.
What do the blood pressure numbers mean and what should they be? The higher (systolic) number represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body. The lower number (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Review the chart below to determine your blood pressure category.
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY |
SYSTOLIC mmHg |
DIASTOLIC mmHg |
| Normal |
<120 |
<80 |
| Prehypertension |
120-139 |
80-89 |
| Hypertension, Stage 1 |
140-159 |
90-99 |
| Hypertension, Stage 2 |
≥160 |
≥100 |
Currently, the experts recommend lifestyle changes and/or weight loss as the only treatment for prehypertension. Patients with Stage 1 or Stage 2 hypertension are typically advised to make lifestyle changes, lose weight, and take anti-hypertensive medications. Untreated elevations in blood pressure are associated with higher mortality. It is now well-known that reducing blood pressure to normal levels extends life-span. This is the major reason a more accurate blood pressure measurement is important for your health.
What change should you expect with weight loss? If your blood pressure is above normal, you should begin to see a decrease in blood pressure with just a few pounds of weight loss. This is true even if you are already on medications to control hypertension. If your blood pressure is normal, less than 120/80 to begin with, you may see only a slight decrease in blood pressure. Of course if your blood pressure goes down with weight loss, it will go right back up if you regain the weight lost. An exercise program will also help to lower your blood pressure. Blood pressures for everyone tend to rise gradually as the years go by so if weight loss lowers your blood pressure, it may go back up with the passage of time even though you maintain your weight loss. If your blood pressure remains above normal, even with weight loss and exercise, we may recommend starting a blood pressure medication.
What about blood pressure medications? If you are on blood pressure medications, you may be able to reduce the dose or discontinue your medications entirely with weight loss. If you begin to experience lightheadedness or dizziness, it may mean your medication dosage should be adjusted. As with any medical concern, always discuss with your practitioner.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on November 5, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE DOCTOR
We’re pleased to report that Dr. Hendricks will soon be participating in a cutting edge clinical research project in partnership with staff at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University (LSU). The project will investigate circadian blood pressure rhythm (rhythmic biological cycles recurring at 24 hour intervals) in patients newly started on phentermine. Prior research has confirmed that blood pressure varies during the day and night with lowest pressures during early hours of sleep. Normally blood pressure increases in anticipation of arousal, then falls after awakening only to rise again at intervals during the day.
The LSU researchers have shown that some overweight individuals have abnormalities in this rhythm. We will be looking for evidence to support the hypotheses: circadian blood pressure rhythm abnormalities in overweight patients improve with weight loss.
In a prior, still ongoing study, we found no evidence that phentermine directly induces blood pressure changes and that blood pressure falls with weight loss. In the new study, we’ll also be looking for evidence to show that phentermine therapy doesn’t change an individual’s normal circadian blood pressure rhythm and that abnormal rhythms in obese patients improve when weight loss is enhanced with phentermine therapy.
Participating patients will wear an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor which will record blood pressure every 30 minutes during the day and every hour during sleep for one week before starting their weight loss program, for one week early in the program after phentermine is started, and finally for one week after 12 weeks of weight loss. We anticipate a study report will eventually be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
This research is another in a series of investigations, dubbed by Dr. Hendricks as “The Phentermine Rehab Project,” intended to publish evidence of the safety of long-term therapy, and to refute long-standing phentermine safety concerns of the FDA and uninformed physicians, hopefully thereby countering governmental restrictions on the uses of weight loss medications.
According to Dr. Hendricks “Phentermine is the safest and most cost effective anti-obesity drug on the market today. It’s a shame its’ use has been marginalized because physicians fear governmental criticism and reprisals for prescribing it.”
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
– Ingredients: one packet Tex Mex Chili Protein Packet, 10 protein grams of diced Canadian bacon, and 2 T. reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese. Instructions: follow Tex Mex packet directions. Add the bacon and cheese. Mix. Add some chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of light sour cream.
- Ingredients: one packet Tex Mex Chili Protein Packet & ½ cup cottage cheese. Prepare Tex Mex Chili per directions on the box. Add cottage cheese. Mix and heat. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese on top.
CALCIUM INTAKE AND BONE HEALTH: by Paula Hendricks, BS, Nutritionist-C
We have updated our calcium recommendations. Please review the following for the latest up-to-date information. I know, it’s a little technical – that is why the new recommendations are delineated first followed by a detailed explanation.
New Recommendations:
As we age, we all want to keep our bones strong, prevent osteoporosis, and reduce the risk of fractures. And if you want healthy bones, all you need is calcium, right? That is what most people believe but it’s not true – calcium supplements alone will help slow down or stop bone loss, which is great, but if your goal is to make them stronger and healthier by increasing bone mineral density, you need more than calcium alone. Eating as we recommend, doing weight bearing exercises, and supplementing with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D all work synergistically to improve bone health.
Types of Calcium: Most calcium supplements are either calcium carbonate or calcium citrate. Since intestinal absorption of calcium carbonate is dependent on gastric acidity, we recommend taking calcium carbonate after a meal when gastric acidity is high. Calcium citrate isn’t as dependent on stomach acids for absorption and those patients taking medications to reduce acid in the stomach, such as Prilosec or Zantac, should consider taking a calcium citrate supplement. Post-gastric bypass patients should also take calcium citrate.
Calcium Intake: The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for adults is 1000 mg, and after the age of 30 (the end of the bone-growth age), 1200 mg. daily. The maintenance diet we recommend can provide up to 300 mg of daily calcium, without any dairy products. Adding one ounce of low-fat hard cheese can provide 400 mg of calcium, and consuming a variety of protein supplement products sold in our office can add up to 600-800 mg daily.
By adding a 600 mg. calcium supplement in the evening, you should be close to the Recommended Daily Allowance of calcium for the day. If you have any bone health issues, consult with your physician for personal dosage levels appropriate for you.
Calculating Calcium Amounts in Food: To determine how much calcium you are consuming in various products, look for the percentage of calcium on the nutrition label. For calcium, the percentage is based on the recommended % Daily Value intake of 1000 mg. For example, the Cappuccino protein powder nutrition label states that the contents contain 10% of the % Daily Value of calcium, about 100 mg. One Vanilla Ready-To-Drink protein supplement contains 35% of your % Daily Value of calcium, about 350 mg. If you just consumed these two protein supplements every day, you would be adding approximately 450 mg. of calcium to your daily diet.
Vitamin D and Magnesium Intake: Calcium is more readily absorbed in the body if there is an adequate vitamin D blood level. Based on information from the Vitamin D Council, we now recommend that adults take 5,000 I.U. of vitamin D in addition to what is in your multivitamin and what is in your calcium. Children should be on 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D per 25 pounds body weight. These daily doses for adults will improve bone health and provide a multitude of other benefits. In addition to vitamin D, magnesium supplementation of 250 mg daily also aids in the absorption of calcium and incidentally, the combination of calcium and magnesium is a good evening tranquilizer. Who doesn’t need a good night’s rest?
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on October 3, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
FROM THE PRACTITIONER - Cheryl Mitchell, Physician Assistant-C, MPAS
As you progress with your weight loss program, sooner or later a question arises; “What should I do with my larger size clothes?” There is only one good answer – you must get rid of them. It doesn’t matter where they go, just as long as you can’t get them back. Give them to your favorite charity, a consignment store, or even consign them to the garbage can. It only matters that you can’t ever get them back to wear.
Why is this so important? It is really very simple. Human nature likes to put off dealing with problems. If you start to lose focus on your diet – and we all do at some point – and gain a little weight, it is very easy to put off refocusing as long as you can comfortably fit into some clothes. You tell yourself, “I’ll worry about it tomorrow.” Unfortunately, as long as your clothes aren’t ‘strangling’ you, tomorrow never comes.
There comes a point when you must do something. If you have a larger size in your closet, the easiest thing to do is to put on the larger size “just for today” and deal with the weight gain issue ‘tomorrow.’ As I said earlier, tomorrow never comes. But, if you have gotten rid of the larger clothes, then your choices are different. You can continue to ignore the weight gain by buying a larger size (ouch!) or you can refocus on your diet today. Tight clothes are a constant reminder to stay focused.
In the eight years I’ve been working with Dr. Hendricks, tight clothes is a primary reason why clients return after a ‘disease holiday.’ Those clients that get rid of the larger sizes generally come back with a much smaller weight gain than those who keep their larger clothes ‘just in case.’ Do you really want to give yourself permission to gain again?
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST – Paula Hendricks, BS, Nutritionist-C
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on September 10, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
· For This Month Only! All Prepaid Office Visit Packages on Sale! Set a goal and keep on track this fall and take advantage of our prepaid office visit packages; 4, 12, or buddy visits. Whether you are a new, established or returning patient, you can purchase these already discounted packages and receive an additional 10% off. Decide, commit and succeed this fall and you will be better prepared for the holidays ahead. Call or stop by the office and get prices on the various packages. Don’t wait – this is only valid for the month of September. Tell a friend – what a savings for someone who wants to get started this month.
· Protein Special of the Month: Bulk Oatmeal and Hot Cocoa. Start the day right for you and your family – Bulk Oatmeal and Hot Cocoa tubs are on sale this month! While supplies last. Get kids off to a great start: mix one-two servings of Oatmeal protein with a half serving of regular whole oats; mix one-two servings of Hot Cocoa with ½ cut hot milk and ½ cup hot water. Each flavor has 15 grams of protein per serving. Special Price of $22 each. Regular price – $26.
· Supplement Special of the Month: – Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Total Formula 2 for Women and Total Formula 3 for Men #60. Boost your immune system and be ready to protect yourself from the upcoming flu season. The whole family should be taking a multi-vitamin, multi-mineral. Special Price $12.25 + tax. Regular price $14.50.
· Our 20th Anniversary Key Diet Book: Purchase our latest Key Diet Book today for yourself or for friends and family. The new version has up-to-date information on the best way to eat for long term health and wellness and new tips on exercise and motivation. $14.95 + tax.
FROM THE DOCTOR
After 20 years of practicing bariatric medicine, my clinical observation confirms that patients who set goals and keep regular appointments are more successful than those that don’t. Patients who commit, in spite of life’s obstacles, are more likely to keep regular appointments, follow their recommended diet and supplement regime, not skip breakfast, and maintain a regular exercise program.
Patients who skip appointments tend to get off track, or have a minor slip, and set themselves up for complete mental failure. I always tell my patients, “Don’t skip appointments just because you got off track. A minor slip is not failure. It is just one event. Move on and stay focused on your long-term goals.” Success with managing your weight requires both commitment and persistence. Sometimes other arenas of life loom so large that one is distracted, and the focus on weight disappears temporarily, and the weight goes up. This will happen to everyone from time to time. I do not think weight gain is failure.
Bottom line: Lose the perfectionist mentality. Weight management should not be set on an all or nothing, success or failure scale. When you lose sight of your goal temporarily, it just means you have to recommit. In fact, long-term success requires recommitment each and every day without fail.
My goal is to keep you active, fit and healthy for the long-term. Living a long, healthy life is also my personal goal and I have to work at it, too. Sometimes I get off track, have a minor slip, and have to recommit. I am not perfect, just like you, and need goals to keep me focused. I look forward to seeing you in the office soon to discuss your goals.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
· Recipe of the Month – Spinach Scramble. Growing up in the Bay Area, my family and I would frequent a restaurant called Original Joe’s. Whether it was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we often ordered one of our favorite dishes called “Joe’s Special,” which typically consisted of ground meat, spinach, onion and eggs. We hope you enjoy my version of the “Special.” Pick up a copy in the office today or go to website and download.
· Did You Know? – The Benefits of Probiotic Supplements and Probiotic Yogurt Intake. Read more about the benefits of probiotics – pick up the latest Fall Did You Know? hand-out in the office today or download it.
· Quick Meal Ideas – School is back in session, football season is here, and time is limited. Learn how to make some quick meals that will offer left-overs, or when the kids come home hungry from school, or for the gang watching football. Download the following recipes at our website under Blog:
- Taco Salad: make a double batch for dinner on Sunday and you have lunch or dinner for football Monday.
- Individual Pizzas: these are fun and easy to make. Let the kids create their own pizza.
- Deviled Eggs: these are a great breakfast, lunch or dinner snack.
For more quick meal ideas, look at our book of recipes while in the office.
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on September 4, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
· For This Month Only! All Prepaid Office Visit Packages on Sale! Set a goal and keep on track this fall and take advantage of our prepaid office visit packages; 4, 12, or buddy visits. Whether you are a new, established or returning patient, you can purchase these already discounted packages and receive an additional 10% off. Decide, commit and succeed this fall and you will be better prepared for the holidays ahead. Call or stop by the office and get prices on the various packages. Don’t wait – this is only valid for the month of September. Tell a friend – what a savings for someone who wants to get started this month.
· Protein Special of the Month: Bulk Oatmeal and Hot Cocoa. Start the day right for you and your family – Bulk Oatmeal and Hot Cocoa tubs are on sale this month! While supplies last. Get kids off to a great start: mix one-two servings of Oatmeal protein with a half serving of regular whole oats; mix one-two servings of Hot Cocoa with ½ cut hot milk and ½ cup hot water. Each flavor has 15 grams of protein per serving. Special Price of $22 each. Regular price – $26.
· Supplement Special of the Month: – Multi-Vitamin/Mineral Total Formula 2 for Women and Total Formula 3 for Men #60. Boost your immune system and be ready to protect yourself from the upcoming flu season. The whole family should be taking a multi-vitamin, multi-mineral. Special Price $12.25 + tax. Regular price $14.50.
· Our 20th Anniversary Key Diet Book: Purchase our latest Key Diet Book today for yourself or for friends and family. The new version has up-to-date information on the best way to eat for long term health and wellness and new tips on exercise and motivation. $14.95 + tax.
FROM THE DOCTOR
After 20 years of practicing bariatric medicine, my clinical observation confirms that patients who set goals and keep regular appointments are more successful than those that don’t. Patients who commit, in spite of life’s obstacles, are more likely to keep regular appointments, follow their recommended diet and supplement regime, not skip breakfast, and maintain a regular exercise program.
Patients who skip appointments tend to get off track, or have a minor slip, and set themselves up for complete mental failure. I always tell my patients, “Don’t skip appointments just because you got off track. A minor slip is not failure. It is just one event. Move on and stay focused on your long-term goals.” Success with managing your weight requires both commitment and persistence. Sometimes other arenas of life loom so large that one is distracted, and the focus on weight disappears temporarily, and the weight goes up. This will happen to everyone from time to time. I do not think weight gain is failure.
Bottom line: Lose the perfectionist mentality. Weight management should not be set on an all or nothing, success or failure scale. When you lose sight of your goal temporarily, it just means you have to recommit. In fact, long-term success requires recommitment each and every day without fail.
My goal is to keep you active, fit and healthy for the long-term. Living a long, healthy life is also my goal, personally, and I have to work at it, too. Sometimes I get off track, have a minor slip, and have to recommit. I am not perfect, just like you, and I, too, need goals to keep me focused. I look forward to seeing you in the office soon to discuss your goals.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
· Recipe of the Month – Spinach Scramble. Growing up in the Bay Area, my family and I would frequent a restaurant called Original Joe’s. Whether it was for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we often ordered one of our favorite dishes called “Joe’s Special,” which typically consisted of ground meat, spinach, onion and eggs. We hope you enjoy my version of the “Special.” Pick up a copy in the office today or go to website and download.
· Did You Know? – The Benefits of Probiotic Supplements and Probiotic Yogurt Intake. Read more about the benefits of probiotics – pick up the latest Fall Did You Know? hand-out in the office today or download it.
· Quick Meal Ideas – School is back in session, football season is here, and time is limited. Learn how to make some quick meals that will offer left-overs, or when the kids come home hungry from school, or for the gang watching football. Download the following recipes at our website under Blog:
- Taco Salad: make a double batch for dinner on Sunday and you have lunch or dinner for football Monday.
- Individual Pizzas: these are fun and easy to make. Let the kids create their own pizza.
- Deviled Eggs: these are a great breakfast, lunch or dinner snack.
For more quick meal ideas, look at our book of recipes while in the office.
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on August 5, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
· Protein Special of the Month: Just in time for back to school lunches – Crisp n’ Crunch bars are on sale, both the Cinnamon Crunch and Fudge Graham. Each flavor has 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. These filling bars make great snacks or meals for all ages. On sale for $10.80 (box of 7 bars). Regular price – $12.00
· Supplement Special of the Month: Pro-Flora Probiotics #30 – Special Price of $17.10 + tax. What are probiotics and should you be taking them? Read more about the benefits of supplementing with probiotics below or download the Late Summer 2009 handout on our website blog under Did You Know.
· Just Released – Our 20th Anniversary Key Diet Book: Purchase our latest Key Diet Book today for yourself or for friends and family. The new version has up-to-date information on the best way to eat for long term health and wellness and new tips on exercise and motivation. $14.95 + tax.
· Get Motivated and Come with a Friend or Family Member: Ask us about our discounted Prepaid Buddy Office Visits. We offer packages of 4 or 12 visits.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST
· Recipe of the Month – Chicken Tostadas for Four! Our family loves to eat Mexican food, especially chicken tostadas. They are really tasty when you use fresh Pasilla chilies. Each serving has 30+ grams of protein. Pick up a copy in the office today or go to our website and download the recipe. Enjoy!
· Did You Know? – The Benefits of Probiotic Supplements and Probiotic Yogurt Intake. Research studies suggest eating probiotic-containing yogurt or supplementing with probiotics stimulates a beneficial immune response, improving the body’s ability to ward off infections. Maintaining a healthy immune system is extremely important today because of the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and the emergence of new viral strains such as swine flu…. Read more about the benefits of probiotics – pick up the latest Did You Know? hand-out in the office today or download it from our website posted under our blog.
· Want your Kids to Succeed Physically and Academically in School? It’s that time of the year again – school schedules, getting to bed earlier, the morning rush, purchasing back to school supplies, and signing up for school sports. And most importantly, sending the kids off to school with a nutritionally sound breakfast and healthy lunch to help them succeed both physically and academically. Scientists show that good nutrition improves mental and physical abilities. In fact, multiple studies have shown that kids who skip breakfast are more likely to eat more during the day, have a higher body mass index, score poorly on tests, and be less physically active. Help your kids succeed in school and in life by providing them with sound nutritional guidelines at an early age. Be an example. Breakfast is the more important meal of the day. Start it with a good protein meal.
Get organized by planning ahead. If morning time is too rushed, plan or prepare both breakfast and lunch the night before. Have your kids help with the process. Skip the cereal and milk and serve up some eggs with chopped ham and cheese, make a yogurt smoothie with high-protein Greek-style yogurt, or a low-carb burrito. Make a healthy breakfast casserole, and divide into serving sizes that can be quickly heated for breakfast. For lunch ideas, pick up a copy of our Lunch Choices for Kids hand-out at the office. Want something quick, easy and healthy? Take advantage of our special pricing on Crisp n’ Crunch bars for breakfast or lunch. Kids also like the Chocolate and Vanilla Wafers, BBQ Cruncho’s, and the Ready-to-Drinks and Shake-n-Go’s.
Know anyone who would be interested or would benefit from our Monthly Newsletter, Recipes of the Month, or Did You Know handouts? If you do, have them sign up for our monthly email newsletter. All they need to do is send us an email through our website and request we add them to our newsletter. Or if you receive the newsletter, you can forward them the email link. Share health with those you love.
By Paula Hendricks - Nutritionist on July 3, 2009
PRODUCTS & SPECIALS
· Protein Special of the Month: Stock up on the light and refreshing concentrate flavors on sale this month: Orange and Peach Mango. Sale price: $11.25 for a box of 7. Regular price: $12.50
· Supplement Special of the Month: B12 Sublinguals - “The Energy Supplement.” If you are in need of a little extra energy during the upcoming lazy summer days, try the B12 sublinguals. Sale price: $15.00. Regular price: $18.00 Read more about B12 below under From the Nutritionist.
FROM THE DOCTOR More News on Vitamin D – “The Sunshine Vitamin”
Vitamin D continues to be a hot research topic with 170 scientific papers published in the last 30 days, and 580 in the last 90 days. Studies show that if you go out in the summer sun in your bathing suit until your skin just begins to turn pink, you make between 10,000 and 50,000 units of vitamin D3 in your skin – a reasonable average from all the studies is 20,000 units. That means a few minutes in the summer sun produces 100 times more vitamin D than the recommended dietary allowance. In spite of this amazing human ability to produce vitamin D, the majority of the population is vitamin D deficient. Why? A major reason is most of us rarely get total body sun exposure and when we do, we’re slathered with sunscreen which blocks vitamin D production in the skin.
Vitamin D3, once made in the skin or taken as a capsule, is rapidly converted to calcitriol or 25-hydroxy vitamin D, which can be measured with a blood level. 25-hydroxy vitamin D interacts with over 2000 genes in the human body (about 10% of our genetic makeup). The list of human diseases in which lack of vitamin D may contribute to the pathology continues to grow as researchers probe vitamin D – gene interactions. The complete list is amazing and too long to repeat here, but a short list includes breast cancer (multiple cancers in fact), asthma, osteoporosis, heart failure, viral infections including influenza, immune deficiency, chronic pain, celiac disease, depression and diabetes!
I recommend every adult should take an extra 5000 IU of vitamin D3 daily with their calcium. If you have questions, ask me or another practitioner at your next visit.
FROM THE NUTRITIONIST Recipe of the Month / Supplementing with B12
· Pick up a copy of the following today in our office or go to our website and download:
* Recipe of the Month – Cheeseburger Cobb Salad! Love the flavor of an outdoor-grilled cheeseburger and a side of fries? Try making this delicious, easy-to-prepare recipe this summer with an abundance of fresh vegetable garnishes. Just in time for a 4th of July picnic. The Cheeseburger Cobb has become a family favorite for us. We like to serve it with a side dish of oven-baked, spicy-seasoned sweet potatoes. For those of you on the VLCD, serve without the potatoes until you transition to the LCD. Each serving has 30+ grams of protein. Enjoy!
· Supplementing with Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) has always been known as the “energy” or longevity vitamin as it often increases energy levels, whether consuming it from foods or supplementing. B12 is essential for the health of the entire nervous system, stimulates growth in children, and needed for the formation of red blood cells. B12 also stimulates the utilization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and assists in the function of iron in the body. The best sources for Vitamin B12 come from animal protein foods such as meats, most fish, crabs and oysters, egg yolk, and milk products. Organ meats (liver, heart and kidneys) are particularly high in B12. Strict vegetarians must supplement with B12 or they become deficient and can become anemic (low iron in the blood). If you have been ill, feeling tired, or are traveling soon, we recommend supplementing with Vitamin B12. You can also ask for a B12 injection when you stop by and visit the office (patients only).
Contact our non–surgical weight loss clinic, which serves Sacramento, Roseville, and surrounding areas, to schedule an appointment.
2310 Professional Dr., St. 200
Roseville, California 95661
Phone:916.773.1191
Fax: 916.773.0498
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2621 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, California 95816
Phone: 916.551.1999
Fax: 916.551.1998
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