Slow day...post day...

You know work is slow when it's a double-post kinda day... : )

 Mari asked me a wonderful question about PCOS and what type of diet is best for women suffering from PCOS. Great question, Mari...I hope this is helpful!

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to secrete more and more insulin in order to transport glucose (sugar) out of the blood and into muscle, fat, and liver cells where it is converted to energy or stored as fat. Elevated insulin levels can cause polycystic ovaries, weight gain or difficult losing weight, increased risk of heart disease (elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels), and increased clotting factors. The risk of the developing diabetes in women with PCOS can be up to 40% by the age of 40. Most women (50-60%) with PCOS are obese (BMI greater than 30). Weight loss, even as little as 5% can lead to decreased insulin levels which is critical due to the fact that elevated insulin levels promote fat storage [1].

In researching how much carbohydrate a woman with PCOS should consume, I found varying recommendations. Before prescribing a standard 50-55% carbohydrate diet or a low (40% or less) carbohydrate diet, I would want to know a PCOS patient’s fasting blood sugar and HbA1c – a lab value indicating an average blood glucose reading representing 6-8 weeks. Agreeably, women with a higher BMI are statistically more likely to have insulin resistance, in which case a lower (less than 50-55%) carbohydrate diet is probably advisable.

I am of the opinion that to prevent diabetes, one should eat like a diabetic. For most women of normal to overweight size, this would include 30-45 grams of carbohydrates at meal times and 15-30 grams of carbohydrate + 1-2 ounces of protein before bedtime. Emphasis should be placed on complex, low-glycemic index carbohydrates, as well as a diet low in saturated (13 grams or less per day) and trans fat (none, preferably). For women with a BMI greater than 30, carbohydrate and energy needs go up – consult a Registered Dietitian for recommendations.

For example, a 180-pound (81.8 kilograms) female requires roughly 1230-1640 calories a day to lose weight (15-20 calories per kilogram of body weight. In order to find your weight in kilograms, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2). At minimum (30 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 15-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 26-34% of the daily intake. At maximum (45 grams of carbohydrate per meal with a 30-gram carbohydrate evening snack), carbohydrate comprises 40-54% of the daily energy intake. 

(Note: one gram of carbohydrate contains 4 calories – this is needed for calculations).

Other diet-related suggestions for women suffering from PCOS [1]:

-         Pair carbohydrate-rich foods and snacks with a lean protein or fat high in mono and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

-         Consume foods with a lower glycemic index – these foods are typically high in fiber

-         Space carbohydrates out throughout the day. Consuming consistent, moderate carbohydrate levels is best for blood sugar control

-         Consume plenty of decaffeinated, sugar-free beverages, especially water

-         Exercise on a regular basis -- aerobic and anerobic

-         Take a multi-vitamin mineral supplement daily

[1]. McKittrick, Martha. PCOS and Diet. OBGYN.net Publications.

The above information was provided by the above source. The author, Martha McKittrick is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. In other words, she is a wonderful resource!

Cookie Taste-Test Results!

The preferred cookie in yesterday's cookie taste testing was the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Hands down. There were only 2 votes NOT for the Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies and they were for the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and the Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies.

P.S. I had 2 late-comers who wanted in so the total participation was 18 employees!

Last night I made deer meat tacos for dinner!

My father-in-law is a bow hunter and provides us with deer meat. Yum!

I had 1 deer meat taco, a dollop of fat-free refried beans, and a bed of shredded lettuce with deer meat, salsa, corn, and homemade guacamole. Mmmm!

 Nutritional comparison of deer/venison vs. ground beef

(values represent a 1 ounce, raw portion)

- deer meat is 40 calories versus the 72 in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 0.8 grams of fat compared to 5.7 grams in ground beef*

- deer meat contains 7.6 grams of protein compared to 4.9 grams in ground beef

*this is standard 70-80% lean (does not specify)

Question: Have you tried deer meat? Did you like it? Did it taste "game-y" to you?

A Tribute to Crock Pots and Whack Weight Loss Products

It's no secret: I'm obsessed with my crock pot. I catch a lot of grief from my husband over my crock pot usage...who continues to inhale my slow-cooked suppers. So, thanks to Easy Reader News, here's a public tribute for crock pot users and lovers out there....'cause really, what's not to love about a crock pot?

Reason #1 to go crock: Vitamin and mineral preservation.
Similar to braising, crock pot cooking produces low, steady, moist heat for hours -- approximately 300 degrees for 4 hours on high and 200 degrees for 10 hours on low. When you place wholesome, nutrient-dense foods INTO the crock pot, that's what you get out of the crock pot. No nutrient loss!

Sarah Krieger, RD and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association explains the unfortunate vitamin and mineral loss through standard cooking methods. Nutrients are lost through heat, oxygen, and water. A crock pot, however, contains all of these elements throughout the cooking process and thus, retains nutrients in your food.

Reason #2 to love your crock pot: Lean and cheap -- make it great!
Cuts of beef such as chuck, shoulder, and bottom-round are exceptionally lean and cheap...but they're also rather tough. The low-temperature, moist-heat cooking of a crock pot, however, breaks down tough muscle fiber and connective tissue in these leaner, cheaper cuts. You're left with a healthy, iron-packed, tender beef cut...and gaining convenience in preparation!

Reason #3 to use your crock: There's better things to do during the evening hours!
The crock pot is a time-saver. Rather than meal preparation and cook time in the 60-90 minutes after getting home from work, I can enjoy the time playing with Lily, visiting with my husband, or going for a workout! After loading up your crock, your job is done! And crock pot liners save on dishes...big time. I highly recommend using them! If you've ever "finished" dinner before work, you know how great a feeling it is to know it's one less thing on your plate come 5 o'clock when you punch out for the day.

My friend Kristin recently  purchased a crock pot in order to try many of the recipes I post. Kristin, this post is in honor of your recent purchase....I hope it brings you many years of crock pot happiness and delectable meals!

On a completely unrelated note, ABC News put out a fun article entitled, "Top 5 Weird Weight Loss Products". I thought I'd share a recap as it was rather entertaining to read...

Weird Weight Loss Product #1: The Hula Chair
Gain an exotic dance workout inspired by dance-exercises such as Zumba and Kukuwa...by sitting in a hula chair! Dr. Steven Blair, professor of exercise science at the University of South Carolina stated, "Standing, you'd be burning even more calories, and standing on one leg, you'd be burning even more calories than before." Rather than buying this expensive, large hula chair, Blair suggests going on a walk...and saving your money. If you're looking for a laugh, however, Ellen DeGeneres trying to pour a glass of water while sitting in the hula chair WAS rather amusing.



Weird Weight Loss Product #2: Power Plate
A vibrating platform which supposedly causes the body to burn more calories due to the higher difficulty in balancing. Again, Dr. Blair recommends going for a walk for increased calorie burn. The Power Plate is beneficial for bone density, however.

Weird Weight Loss Product #3: Thermal Suits
Water weight through sweat is not a feasible means of losing weight. Using such suits can be dangerous, decrease endurance, and cause the body difficulty in regulating body temperature. Not smart, not useful.

Weird Weight Loss Product #4: Sound Waves for Muffin Tops and Belly Fat
This Vaser technology uses sonic waves to dissolve a layer of fat which is then sucked out through a vacuum. These procedures are marketed as "sculpture" liposuction and are meant to assist those who are relatively fit rather than the general obese population looking to shed lots of weight quickly.

Weird Weight Loss Product #5: The Tongue Patch
Dr. Nikolas Chugay, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, developed the tongue patch as a temporary way to lose 20 to 40 pounds. The procedures involves stitching a prolene patch to the tongue, causing discomfort and pain to chew and swallow food. Patients of Chugay's receive 700 calories of daily nutrition through a liquid drink mix containing carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals. The patch is removed after a month. Wow, just wow.

Question: Has anyone tried one of the whack weight loss products discussed above? I've heard of a lot of Power Plate users in the Chicagoland area; that products appears the most feasible of the 5.

Looking forward to Biggest Loser tonight! Have a wonder Tuesday!

Eggcellent!

Eggs are rich in choline – a nutrient receiving much attention for its proposed role in brain function and memory performance. Additionally, eggs contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that can preserve eye health and reduce macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness [1].

Recently, the Journal of Nutrition suggested eggs be looked at as a “package deal” – they are inexpensive, contain the highest-quality protein known to man, and are loaded with vital nutrients such as folate, riboflavin, selenium, B12, and choline. For a mere 75 calories, eggs are considered nutrient-dense, low-calorie food that can enhance any menu [1].

But of course, shopping for eggs can be as tricky as every other food product in the grocery store. Free range versus organic versus this versus that. Here’s a Chicago Tribune run-down on 12 “egg terms” to increase your knowledge of eggs and egg shopping [2].

Natural: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service defines "natural" as not containing "any artificial or synthetic ingredients, and it must be minimally processed." By this definition, almost all eggs would be considered natural.

Free range: Indicates that hens have access to the outdoors, but there are no regulations on the duration or quality of their access.

Pasteurized: Eggs that have been treated with heat to eliminate salmonella bacteria and make them safe to eat raw or undercooked.

Pasture raised: This unregulated term implies that hens are raised outdoors and moved regularly in mobile hen houses to different grassy lots on the farm. This gives them access to a variety of foods found on the ground -- bugs, grubs and other small creatures -- as well as chicken feed.

Fertile: Hens are raised in barns that also house roosters. The term is unregulated but implies that the hens are uncaged.

Food Alliance certified: According to Food Alliance, their certification requires "Healthy and humane treatment of animals, safe and fair working conditions, soil and water conservation, pest and nutrient management, protection of wildlife habitat and other agricultural concerns."

Animal Welfare Approved: Hens must be kept cage-free and allowed to perform natural behaviors such as nesting, perching and dust bathing. Outdoor access is required at all times, and forced molting and beak cutting are prohibited. Certifies mostly family farms.

American Humane Certified: Hens must be kept uncaged, but access to the outdoors is not required. Space requirements allow for natural behaviors. Forced molting is prohibited, but beak trimming is permitted in some cases. AHC has certified about 85 percent of cage-free eggs in the United States.

United Egg Producers Certified: This certification allows hens to be caged, does not require access to the outdoors and does not prohibit beak cutting or forced molting. It does require that hens have "access to clean water and are fed several times a day." The UEP literature suggests caged hens are safer and healthier than uncaged birds.

Certified Humane Raised and Handled: Hens are uncaged inside barns or warehouses and may have access to the outdoors. Includes space requirements for hens to perform natural behaviors. Forced molting is prohibited, but beak cutting is permitted.

USDA organic: Hens are kept uncaged in barns or warehouses, are allowed access to the outdoors and are fed an organic, vegetarian diet free of antibiotics and pesticides. Forced molting and beak cutting are permitted.

Do you purchase a certain type of egg? Free range? Natural? Pasture raised?

[1]. Callahan, Maureen. 5 foods that should have a place in your diet. Cooking Light; CNN Health. November 6, 2007.

[2]. Eng, Monica. Egg confusion. Chicago Tribune. September 23, 2009.