Nicholson Clinic Blog

Food is not a bad thing, but the way the food industry portrays their products you’d think you were their enemy. They don’t care if you are healthy or if you make good food choices, they’re in it for the profit. The more they can appeal to consumers, the more money they make. Over at Texas Lap Band Talk, they have put together a list of 5 things that the food industry does not want to you to know.

1. Low fat does not mean low calorie
While low fat or reduced fat products can be a helpful part of a healthy diet, food companies often add sweeteners to lower fat foods to make up for the taste lost by removing the fat. My favorite example is reduced fat peanut butter. The calories in peanut butter come mostly from fat so you would think a 30% reduction in fat would make for a lower calorie PB, right? Read the labels–most reduced fat PBs have exactly the same calories as their full fat brothers because there is a ton of added sugar or corn syrup added instead.

2. Low calorie does not mean unlimited quantity
Again, while low calorie foods can and should be an important part of your weight loss program, try to avoid the trap of eating more of something just because the individual portion has fewer calories. For example, reduced calorie cookies are low calorie if you eat two…. if you eat 20 because they’re “low cal” you’ll still end up with an extra pound or two.

3. 100 calorie packs are kind of a rip-off
The food companies often charge extra for giving you a few small servings of something, increasing their profit per unit sold. It’s almost as easy – and a lot cheaper – to buy a little food scale for the kitchen and measure out 100 calorie portions of snacks into the little 1/2 size sandwich bags that are sold at Wal-Mart. That way you can have exactly the food you want in a pre-measured portion and you won’t break the bank doing it.

4. Low carb is mainly for the Atkins diet
While it is true that a high carbohydrate diet will cause you to gain weight (because the carbs just get broken down to sugar in your body then get stored as fat), a food that is “low carb” is not necessarily healthy or low calorie. Low carb foods gained in popularity during the Atkins diet craze, but unless you’re following a strict 20g carb/day diet to send you into ketosis, then low carb versions of certain foods are usually sabotage (higher in fat and at least as much if not more calories than your usual version).

5. Read the nutritional labels not the packaging
The FDA does impose some rules as to what the food companies can print on their labels, but there is an enormous amount of deception that goes on in how things are worded or presented. Things that are “reduced calorie” just have to be a certain percentage less than their regular counterparts. This does not mean they’re low-calorie in general. If a scoop of chocolate covered chocolate ice-cream has 500 calories per scoop, the reduced calorie version may have 400 calories which is still ginormous!! You’ve got to become a nutritional label reader to see past their tricks and get to the truth.

via noscales.com

The hospital is never a place anybody wants to spend much time in. While there are some wonderful facilities, everyone wants to get and and out as quickly as possible. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, patients may find their stay a lot more plesant thanks to some changes in many hospitals’ menus.

image credit pinksherbet

Due to a large amount of patient demand, many hospitals are adding fresh, organic and local produce. It makes a lot of sense that healthcare facilities would eliminate fried foods and other high calorie items that are directly linked to heart disease.

Some notable hospitals that are making changes include Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, CA, who has an on-site vegetable garden; Chicago’s Swedish Covenant Hospital is striving to serve meals that are entirely organic; Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston Oregon now offers grass-fed beef.

Nearly 250 hospitals nationwide have signed a pledge to serve more fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid heavily processed foods & trans fats, and provide organic produce and hormone free milk.

We’re sometimes asked whether it is okay to want to have weight loss surgery in order to look and feel good for an upcoming special event such as a wedding or reunion. Our first response is typically, “Of course!,” because it is a natural human trait to want to look our best at special occasions. However, we will also tell you that a single event should never be your sole reason for choosing weight loss surgery. If your goal is only short-term in focus in order to look good for a certain day or activity, then you may not maintain the motivation needed to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle after the special occasion has come and gone.

Having said all that, it can be particularly rewarding for a patient who has made a decision to change their life for the better to have an “eye on the prize” and to be rewarded by meeting a goal about weight and overall health by a particular date. The key is to consider a weight loss surgery far enough ahead so that you are not tempted to try shortcuts or to bypass our recommended gradual weight-loss program. Losing too much weight too soon because you’re practically starving yourself in order to shortcut the process is not only unhealthy, but also sets the stage for bad habits that will make achieving a permanent lifestyle change more difficult.

If you’re considering one of our weight loss surgeries in the near future, we can certainly assure you that you will able to show off a slimmer and healthier “new you” by the upcoming holiday season, for sure! Going ahead with a decision to lose weight means you can bring in the New Year 2010 with an improved self-image as well as a more positive outlook on life. Get started today by contacting us at Nicholson Clinic, and we’ll show you why we’re not only different, but how we will individually and uniquely work with you to set you on a healthier path that will change your life for good.

It’s being called a nationwide obesity epidemic, with alarming news that in the past 30 years, the occurrence of overweight children growing up to become obese adults has soared. It is now estimated that one in five children in the U.S. is overweight, with heavy children getting even heavier. Some studies put that figure at one in four, and in some areas one in three. Even more concerning is that being overweight is being seen in younger and younger children, including preschoolers.

Further, the tendency to be overweight is especially higher among certain populations such as African American, Hispanic, and Native American, although in general, the United States is quickly becoming known as a nation of fat people. That’s not something we want for ourselves and for our children, and luckily, more and more people are taking note and wanting to do something about it.

Reversing the trend of childhood obesity isn’t easy. Convenience food (a.k.a. junk food) in extremely large portions is a major culprit in becoming overweight. But so is having a sedentary lifestyle. In previous generations, children spent significant time outdoors engaging in physical free play like tag, recreational sports, playing at the park, and just being on-the-go. Due to busy lifestyles and safety concerns, more children are now kept indoors, and turn to the television and electronic games for entertainment. Usually, time is passed with a snack, which is often unhealthy and laden with fat and calories.

Once the cycle begins, it’s much harder to break as an adult. If you are obese now and were overweight as a child, you know too well how that is true. Further, being overweight can create social barriers as a child. It’s hard enough going through the teenage years with everything going your way, but if you add extra weight and dread required activities such as physical education class, it can be even more awkward.

If you are considering or have recently had weight loss surgery, consider teaming up with a child who is overweight to exercise together and motivate one another. Sharing a common goal of wanting to become more physically fit and engaging in simple things like early-evening walks after work or school can promote self-esteem and a healthier lifestyle for you both.

Acknowledging obesity as a health issue and getting to know the person behind the weight are ways to reduce the stigma of obesity. What are other ways? Health care of professionals, including researchers, clinicians, and psychologists, say that a variety of strategies exist to help individuals to make a difference in the life of a person who is obese by becoming aware of their own biases, developing empathy, and working to address the needs and concerns of obese patients.

Other ideas for normal-weight individuals to better relate to individuals who are obese, some of which are cited in The Obesity Society, include:

• Understand the difficulty of lifestyle changes. Persons of normal body weight may have other health issues or difficulties they have had to overcome, and sharing these issues might help people to better relate to one another.
• Recognize that small weight losses can result in significant health gains.
• Offer concrete advice, and only when asked genuinely, about ways to lose weight. Instead of simply saying, “You need to lose weight,” persons being asked should offer specific ideas, such as “Begin a regular exercise program”, “Don’t eat at fast-food restaurants” or “Consider having weight-loss surgery.”
• Emphasize behavior changes rather than changes on the scale. By looking past the weight as a number, you can help the person to focus more on their overall health goals while focusing on their strengths as a person.
• Keep a positive mental attitude (known as good ol’ PMA) when supporting a person who is obese and is trying to regain a healthier lifestyle.
• Avoid tempting a person to eat what and when you do. If you’re going together to the movies, for example, avoid the popcorn and butter and both of you just order a diet drink or bottle of water instead.
• If you are a healthcare professional or work in an environment where individuals of all sizes may be seen as patients or customers, create a supportive and safe area. Many practices and waiting areas (including at restaurants) have flimsy chairs or ones that are too small for many adults. Focus on meeting the needs of all sizes of people who will frequent your place as a way to provide an inviting and comforting establishment.

Each year here in the DFW Metroplex from late September to October we all crowd into Fair Park and enjoy some great food, music, and entertainment. The State Fair of Texas is famous for it’s crazy collection of fried foods and it’s great to enjoy some time outside after the Texas heat wave has already past.

“All things in moderation” is a good slogan when you’re headed to a fair, because indulging in high-calorie fair food is a wonderful treat, but it’s not worth blowing all that hard work you put in over the summer. Thanks to CalorieKing, a website with a database of nutritional information, we can now account for what we are eating.

• Turkey Legs ………………………… 1,135 calories
• Foot Long Hot Dog …………………. 470 calories
• Funnel Cake …………………………… 760 calories
• Fried Snikers Bar ……………………. 445 calories
• Fried Twinkie ………………………….. 420 calories
• Cheesecake on a Stick …………… 655 calories

We don’t want to ruin the fun for you, but it’s important to remember that you must account for everything that you eat. So when you are headed for the fair pack a small notebook with you so you can journal the food that you are eating.

As if anyone needed yet another reason to lose weight, significant evidence suggests that obesity and overweight play an important role in cancer. Research has clearly established an increased risk for kidney cancer in both men and women and endometrial cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer in women. In addition, evidence is suggesting that excessive weight can contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, gall bladder cancer, and even thyroid cancer. Links to esophageal cancer and prostate cancer are being reviewed, but there are no known conclusive results. Too few studies have been conducted for other types of cancer at this time.

The news isn’t all bad, however. Being overweight may be somewhat protective against some cancers, although studies appear inconclusive as well. Why does weight affect cancer risks? Many trials are being conducted to determine those answers, and the mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer relationship isn’t fully understood.

According to the American Cancer Society, however, cancers linked to obesity among women comprise about half of all new cancers diagnosed and about 14 percent of new cancers in men. Studies also point out that normal-weight individuals have an overall higher recovery rate without complications and a lower mortality rate. Of course, many other reasons can be contributing factors and weight alone isn’t a reason unto itself. But what can’t be debated is that being at your recommended body weight and maintaining an active lifestyle tips the scale in favor of a healthier and happy life for the long term.

Below we’ve embedded a video from YouTube of Caitlin Van Zandt describing the difference that the Lap-Band has made in her life.

YouTube link

The Art of Living with Marilu Henner and The Obesity Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study of obesity, have announced a strategic partnership to expand education on obesity. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, obesity affects about 59 million American adults and an increasing number of children and teens as well.

The collaboration will provide viewers across the nation with expert-driven information about the global obesity epidemic and ways to improve the quality of life of those affected, as well as offering health options toward achieving a fit lifestyle.

According to the recent press release, the partnership will bring increased awareness and understanding. “Together, we will educate the public about the impacts of obesity, and highlight the need for better prevention and treatment,” said Jim Nicholas, Vice President of Production for The Art of Living. Internationally renowned obesity expert, Robert Kushner, M.D., President of The Obesity Society, Clinical Director of the Northwestern Comprehensive Center on Obesity in Chicago, and Professor of Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine will address such topics as the causes and consequences of obesity, prevention and treatment, and improving the quality of life of those who are affected.

“The Obesity Society is delighted to be able to partner with The Art of Living, lending its scientific expertise to programs that help promote a more healthful lifestyle for families everywhere, and improve the lives of those affected by obesity,” said Dr. Kushner.

The Art of Living with Marilu Henner is a lifestyle show that covers health, travel, dining, fashion, interior design and family life, among other topics. The show is dedicated to keeping all members of the family well-informed, and airs on a variety of national and regional networks. For more information, please visit www.watchartofliving.com.

If you’re like an increasing number of Americans who are opting for weight-loss surgery as way to regain control of their health, be sure to shop around and make careful comparisons before choosing the clinic that will best meet your needs. Not all weight-loss surgical centers are created the same, and not all have the same benefits and features. Some may require charges every time you come in for a LAP-BAND fill, for example, while others quote a cost that may not include the surgical fee for the anesthesiologist. You may think you’re getting the best deal, but in the end you end up paying more than you would have otherwise.

We understand the need to comparison shop and for you to make sure you are comfortable with the team of doctors and the procedure you want before making a life-changing decision. That’s why we invite you to attend a free informational seminar so you can learn more The Nicholson Clinic difference. Seminars for August, September and October have already been planned. Times are at 6:30 p.m. and are scheduled for Aug. 11 and 26, September 2 and 26, and October 7 and 28. Our website has additional details about how to sign up.

We’ll also show you how you can most likely afford weight-loss surgery, regardless of whether you have insurance that covers the procedure or are self-paying. If you are seriously overweight and feel your quality of life is affected, how can afford not to? Convenient payment plans are available and feature low interest rates and low monthly payments. You can qualify with a quick over-the-phone application.

Our three basic weight-loss procedure options include the Sleeve at $12,400; LAP-BAND at $13,000; and Gastric Bypass for $17,200. You’ll like how he plainly state what is included so that there are no surprises.

Get started today and be on your way to a slimmer, healthier you!

Nicholson Clinic