Lifestyle Nutrition For Everyday Living

MNT Works Receives 2009 Best of Wilmington Award

2009-07-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MNT Works Receives 2009 Best of Wilmington Award
U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- MNT Works has been selected for the 2009 Best of Wilmington Award in the Nutritionists category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce AssociationCONTACT:U.S. Commerce AssociationEmail: PublicRelations@us-ca.orgURL: http://www.us-ca.org

Transitions Lifestyle System

2009-04-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Come learn why traditional methods of dieting don’t work and what you can do to successfully lose weight and keep it off. This free seminar will kick off a 12-week weight management program starting May 6 at 7 p.m at Wilmington Family Chiropractic. The program is based on the well-respected Transitions™ Lifestyle System, a low glycemic weight loss program developed by Dr. Shari Lieberman to help you lose weight without dieting.

Our Program Offers:

12 weekly meetings providing education, support, and accountability
Customized nutrition supplements to support your weight loss efforts – a $135 value
Daily journal and low glycemic index book
Body fat analysis and exercise plan
Mind/Body work with focus on stress management
One-on-one support from Phara J. Taylor, Registered Dietitian and personal nutrition coach
Support and ideas to maintain energy and health!

Benefits of Transitions™ Lifestyle System

No Calorie Restriction
No Elimination of Major Food Groups
Education for a Healthy New Lifestyle
Weight Loss Without Dieting!

“Not only has my own life changed, but my kids’ lives have, as well. If this system works for someone like me, it will work for anyone! Transitions worked when nothing else did. Whether you have a lot of weight to lose or just a little bit, this system works. Transitions is a lifestyle change-- for a lifetime!" - Melissa Girtman

~Register Today ~

For more information call 617-461-8503 or visit
http://www.mntworks.com/

Sucess is Not an Accident

2009-03-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced to this great motivational book by Amy Barret at
http://nutritionmadesimple.blogspot.com/

Tips from Success is Not an Accident!
LIVE ON PURPOSE

TEN RECOMMENDATIONS
1.) Know your life goals.
2.) Make a priority "To Do" List each evening for the following day.
3.) Wake up early; before your obligations kick in.
4.) Return as many phone calls and emails as possible at one or two predetermined times during the day (Time management).
5.) Batch or group as many of your daily or weekly errands as possible.
6.) Thing of your relationships as precious investments.
7.) Avoid the Quick Fit mind~set at all cost, it will only cost your more time.
8.) Throughtfully prune something in your life each year, maybe even every quarter.
9.) Insulate yourself sufficiently from distrations.
10.) Constantly remind yourself the TIME EQUALS LIFE!

Success is Not an Accident by Tommy Newberry

Gold’s builds to a new standard - Roslindale, MA - West Roxbury Transcript

2009-01-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

Gold's Gym of West Roxbury - Grand Opening!

Gold’s builds to a new standard - Roslindale, MA - West Roxbury Transcript

MNTworks was happy to participate in the grand opening of Gold's Gym at West Roxbury. Member and non-members were able to speak one on one with a Registered Dietitian regarding their nutrition and health concerns. Nutrition counseling is available for members by appointment. All major insurance is accepted including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care, and Medicare.

MNTworks wishes the members at Gold's Gym much success in their nutrition and fitness goals for 2009!

All the best!

Phara Jourdan Taylor, MS RD LDN
MNTworks Nutritionist

Weight Loss Program for Children and Tweens

2008-10-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Medical Nutrition Therapy Works, aka, MNTworks is pleased to introduce The Healthy Kids 4 Life program - a family-based weight management program for children ages 8 - 12 designed to help children and their families establish good eating habits and make lifestyle changes for healthy living.

The Healthy Kids 4 Life program combines several key elements:

Family Approach: We use a family approach to help kids and their families learn basic nutrition concepts through age appropriate illustrations and activities. We believe children do better managing their weight through positive role modeling and reinforcement. Healthy Kids 4 Life values the importance of family support, which is critical for kids attempting to lose weight the right way.

Nutrition Education: Our nutrition sessions focus on overcoming obstacles to weight loss such as poor food choices, destructive eating behaviors, and inactive lifestyle. Families will work with a dietitian one-on-one over the course of eight weeks to learn the nuts and bolts of healthy eating and how to effectively manage weight. Nutrition topics to be discussed include:

·Healthy Meal Planning
·Healthy Food Choices
·Portion Control & Food Cravings
·Eating Out & Fast Food
·And More!

Behavior Modification: The Healthy Kids 4 Life program includes the vital component of behavior modification designed to help families identify and change specific undesirable behavior patterns and replace them with positive ones by first creating self-awareness, behavior change, and self control.

Physical Activity: Physical activity is important for kids to stay fit for life. Developed and led by a certified personal trainer, the physical activity component incorporates age appropriate exercises to help children achieve their personal fitness goals. Children will meet twice per week for fun filled activity and active play.

To participate in this program, please register by October 31, 2008. Call 617-461-8503 or visit www.mntworks.com to register.

Is high blood pressure really a big deal?

2008-09-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

YES. If you’re Haitian American or are of African descent, there is a good chance that you or a relative has high blood pressure, also called hypertension. According to recent estimates, high blood pressure affects over 40% of blacks in the United States. Blacks not only are at higher risk for this serious disease, but they get it at an earlier age, and suffer more of the complications.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms – it is often called the “silent killer” because most people feel healthy and don’t’ know they have it. Untreated, high blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and even death – with absolutely no warning signs. The good news is that high blood pressure can be controlled—and better yet, it can be prevented!

If you are one of the unlucky ones whose blood pressure soars above normal (120/80 mm Hg), you can lower your blood pressure by making changes to your lifestyle. Studies show that losing a few pounds, saying no to salt and salty foods, following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting regular exercise is very effective in reducing blood pressure.

For my Haitian brothers and sisters who want to reduce blood pressure naturally, consider the following.

1.Cut the salt. Haitian Americans, like many people of African descent, tend to be more sensitive to the effect of salt on blood pressure. Eating less than 2300mg (1 teaspoon) sodium per day has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. Sodium is in table salt, and is added to commercially processed or prepared foods. Aim for less salt by avoiding table salt, limiting the amount of salt use in cooking, and making food choices that are low in sodium. Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance flavor. Mrs. Dash offers a great line of herbs and spices that contain no salt. See Table 1.0 for sodium content of common seasonings.

2.Read food labels. Be sure to read the nutrition food label to find out how much sodium is in a food. Remember the amount listed is for one serving, which may be more or less than you eat. In general, look for foods with less than 250 mg sodium per serving.

3.Eat better. Compared to the typical American diet, which tends to be high in saturated fat, cholesterol, red meat, added sugars and sugar beverages, studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, fish, poultry, and nuts can help reduce blood pressure. So go ahead and eat a little healthier, your blood pressure will appreciate it.

4.Get more fiber. Studies show that a diet high in fiber may help people keep their blood pressure under control. Eating foods high in fiber like fruits and vegetables, especially the darkly colored ones and choosing whole grain products may not only keep blood pressure in check, but it is the foundation for a healthy diet.

5.Go bananas. Bananas are rich in potassium and many scientific studies suggest a diet high in potassium can help protect against high blood pressure. Some of the most commonly eaten foods in the Haitian diet are rich in potassium including papayas, plantain, and mangos. See Table 2.0 for more potassium-rich foods.

6.Lose weight, if overweight. Even modest weigh loss can lead to long term reduction in blood pressure – one more reason to shed those extra pounds. With regular exercise – getting 30 minutes of physical activity most days – and a healthy eating plan, you can lose weight and reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure is a chronic disease that gets worse over time. It can’t be cured, but it can be prevented and controlled with a healthy diet and exercise. The choice is yours.

Table 1.0 Sodium Content of Common Seasonings
Table Salt 1 tsp 2325 mg
Bouillon Cube 0.1 oz cube 1100 mg
McCormick Garlic Salt ¼ tsp 490 mg
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt ¼ tsp 380 mg
Table Salt Dash 155 mg
Lawry’s: Salt-Free 17 ¼ tsp 0 mg
Mrs. Dash Original Blend ¼ tsp 0 mg

Table 2.0 Potassium Rich Foods
Papayas 1 papaya 781 mg
Lima Beans 1 cup 955 mg
Plantains 1 medium 893 mg
Bananas 1 banana 422 mg
Oat Bran 1 cup 532 mg
Tomatoes 1 cup 528 mg
Cucumber 1 large 442 mg
Cantaloupe 1 cup 427 mg
Pears 1 pear 333 mg
Mangoes 1 mango 323 mg

Phara J. Taylor, MS, RD, LDN, is a registered dietitian and owner of Medical Nutrition Therapy Works specializing in nutrition counseling for weight loss and chronic disease management. If you have any questions regarding this article, please send your questions to phara@mntworks.com and your question will be answered in the next issue or visit us at www.MNTworks.com.

On Style - WSJ.com

2008-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Trish Symonds-Powell feels about as proud and anxious as a mother can. Since moving to New York last August, her 18-year-old daughter has been scouted by modeling agencies, club promoters and the reality TV show "America's Next Top Model."

Tatiana Stewart's willowy physique -- she is 6'2" and wears a size 4 -- attracts fashion-modeling scouts on the street. But once she appears at auditions, they tell her that if she wants to pursue a career on fashion's runways, she must lose weight. "I can't imagine her being as beautiful as she is if she's emaciated," Ms. Symonds-Powell says. Click here to read more. . . .On Style - WSJ.com

Habits For Weight Loss Success

2008-07-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

As a Registered Dietitian in private practice, I counsel many patients on healthy eating for weight loss. It breaks down into six core habits that will help you not only to lose weight, but to keep it off permanently.

Eat small frequent meals. A lot of people think skipping meals will help them lose weight but that is to the contrary. When you skip meals, the body goes into starvation mode to and slows down to compensate and as a result you burns less calories. Over time, you teach your body to become less efficient at burning calories at rest. It is much better to eat frequently every 4-5 hours to keep your blood sugars up and your body using food for fuel.
Take a pass on the junk food. Junk food has barely any nutrition and is usually laden with excess fat, excess calories, and excess sugar that translate into a pound of fat around the belly. Try to incorporate more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that is not only healthy but that feels you up.
Balance your meals with adequate protein, a healthy carbohydrate, and vegetables. Filling half your plate with vegetables is a great habit to incorporate into your daily life whether you’re trying to lose weight or stay healthy. Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And because of their fiber content, vegetables will help stabilize your blood sugars so that you can fill full and satiated longer. So don’t skip the veggies.
Avoid excessive carbohydrates. The three worst culprits are sodas, juices, and refined carbohydrates. You will be doing your body a huge favor just by limiting the sugar in your diet. Excessive sugar leads to sugar cravings, which not only set you up on a roller coaster for failure, but it throws your body out of balance. White bread, white pasta, white potatoes are high on the glycemic index — a measure of how fast a carbohydrate is broken down and absorbed into the blood. The faster it enters the blood, the greater the secretion of insulin — the fat storing hormone. Instead choose foods with low glycemic index like sweet potatoes, beans, lentils that are absorbed more slowly. Only eat carbohydrates that have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Choose lean proteins. Lean protein sources include lean cuts of meat, chicken, pork, turkey, and fish. Limit processed meats since they tend to have nitrites and other additives that increase the risk of cancer. Other protein choices include low fat cheeses, cottage cheese, eggs, peanut butter, and nuts. You should include protein with every meal and snack.
Lift weights. Muscle burns fat and consumes calories. Cardiovascular exercise is important for overall health and fitness, but weight lifting is the single most efficient way to lose body fat and keep the weight off permanently because it increasing your resting metabolic rate (the calories your burn) during and hours after you exercise. So work those muscles, because the more your muscles work, the easier it is to lose weight.

Soy's Thyroid Dangers

2008-07-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

Soy's Thyroid Dangers

Thyroid Disease - What Is Thyroid Disease Video - About.com

2008-07-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Thyroid Disease - What Is Thyroid Disease Video - About.com

Natural Cholesterol Management

2008-06-21T14:16:00.001-07:00

At my practice, I see a lot of patients for high cholesterol. This one patient came in today with cholesterol numbers in the 300's and a high LDL. I often encourage healthy eating but most importantly cutting out the unnecessary fat - like the double quater pounder with cheese and whole milk latte at McDonald's. That alone would save him at least 50 grams of fat. Not only is it important to lower overall fat in the diet - but saturated and trans fat should be minimized. For a person on a 2000 calorie diet that translate into 65gms .

Increasing soluble fiber in the diet can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber binds with cholesterol and takes it out of the body. A good recommendation is about 9-10 gms soluble fiber per day. Cheerios has made a name for itself by claiming that eating cheerios reduces cholesterol. Unfortunatley, cheerios does not contain enough of the soluble fiber that one needs to effectively manage choleterol naturally. For a healthy dose of soluble fiber, I recommend Kashi cereals, Fiber One, or bran cereals containing at least 3gms soluble fiber per serving.

If you want to try a granola bara, I like the Kardea Gourmet Bars ... they are great snacks and contain only 150 kcals, 7 grams of fiber with 5 grams of soluble fiber. They have a delicious selection of banana nut, chai spice, cranberry almond and lemon ginger. Their products contain natural plant sterols which in adequate amounts (2-3g) effectively lower cholesterol. Some sources of plant sterols include Benecol, Kardea Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Gourmet Bars. I love their products and highly recommend them for anyone seeking to lower cholesterol naturally.

Personal Nutrition Coaching

2008-06-21T13:25:00.001-07:00

Weight control is difficult for many and will power is simply not enough to combat the buldge. Will burning an extra 100 calories per day really alter the number on the scale? It may seem that way. . . but the body's natural defense will kick in to maintain its body weight and composition. So what is a person to do? Reducating the body to be more efficient at using fuel (food) is a start. Not all foods are recreated equal as we know - that double cheeseburger will have a different impact then those strawberry milkshake. To learn more about how to eat the right way so you never have to diet again, consider hiring a personal nutrition coach. MNTworks will work with you one-on-one to develop a plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

___________________________
Phara Jourdan, MS RD LDN
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist
Direct: 617-461-8503
Fax: 617-249-1769
Email - phara@phara.com
www.MNTworks.com

Mini Diet Makeover

2008-06-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Does your diet need a makeover? Learn the secrets to healthy eating never diet again. Together we can makeover your diet to get you the resutls you want whether it's weight loss, more energy, better sleep, increased productivity. The Mini Diet Makeover is an easy and affordable way to get started with the help of your own personal nutrition coach.

Benefits of Mini Diet Makeover:

One-on-one counseling
Private and confidential
Personal menu development
In home assessments available
Optional follow up visits
60-minute session

________________________

Phara Jourdan, MS RD LDN
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist

Direct: 617-461-8503
Fax: 617-249-1769
Email - phara@phara.com

http://www.mntworks.com/

Eat This, Not That

2008-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Do you really know what’s in the food you’re ordering at the local diner, fast food restaurant, or high-end bistro? Several recent studies have linked obesity to eating out at restaurants – yet Americans continue to spend billions on fast food and convenience dining despite the growing problem of obesity.

If you have ever stopped at McDonald’s, Burger King, or your local eatery for a meal and think you are making the right choice – think again! A Big Mac comes with a whooping 540 calories and 29 grams of fat while a whopper with cheese weighs in at 760 calories and 47 grams of fat. Over time, these extra calories and fat are enough to pile on 10, 20, 30 or more pounds of weight per year. Not to mention the sodium content or carbohydrate load that come with these meals, you might be increasing your risk for developing diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and more.

Having a basic understanding of what goes into our bodies is essential to breaking the cycle of unhealthy food consumption. In this fast-paced world where food is readily available, how do you navigate through all the nutrition data and nuances? As a personal nutrition coach, I see clients who find themselves in this same predicament and this is what I tell them: Eat This, Not That! by David Zinczenko Editor-in-Chief of Men’s Health. Simple and illustrative, this book is a primer to making smart choices about food every time, whether you are grocery shopping, eating at a fast food chain, or dining at Macaroni Grill. It’s like having a nutrition coach right in your pocket. It’s a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to lose weight the smart way and feel healthy while doing it.

Our philosophy on weight control is based on the balance approach that promotes small dietary and lifestyle changes to achieve and maintain healthy weight. Our Balance Program is a great place to start. It’s a convenient at-home weight loss program featuring eight e-coaching sessions with your own personal nutrition coach. To learn more about our programs, visit us at http://www.mntworks.com/.

About the Author: Phara Jourdan Taylor is a registered dietitian and personal nutrition coach in Wilmington, MA. She can be reached at 617-461-8503 or via email at phara@mntworks.com.

The Impact of Soy on Thyroid

2008-06-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

What impact does soy products have on thyroid? That's the question that I have for the soy industry who makes billions in profits every year selling everything from soy milk, to soy powder, and the like. The fact is soy products can negatively impact your health . . . but we don't hear about this in the news or in the health journals. We only read about the health promoting qualities of soy - however, it's worth noting that soy foods can negatively affect your thyroid. The bottom line is soy products increases the risk of thyroid disease. For those who are currently struggling to maintain healthy weight with an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism), you might need to think twice about soy.

List of pesticides residues in fruits and veggies

2008-05-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is a great link for list of pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php

Winning the Nutrition Game, With Help From a Coach

2008-05-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

MARIAM NOORZAI of Camarillo, Calif., struggled with obesity for 20 years and at one time weighed 279 pounds. She tried weight programs from Atkins to Weight Watchers, but it wasn’t until she hired a personal nutrition coach last fall that she finally lost the excess weight, dropping to 128 pounds. Read more.

Learn the Secrets to Eating Healthy and Feeling Great!

2008-05-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Our mission at MNTworks is to educate and inspire our clients to pursue lifelong energy, nutrition and health. Our approach is centered around evidenced-based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to promote healthy outcomes based on an individual’s nutritional needs and medical history.

We believe in the "non-diet" approach that focuses on delicious foods for everyday living. We do not emphasize calories, carbs, fats - although they do matter. Unlike other plans and experts that emphasize diet, our focus is centered on fostering healthy eating habits for the long term.

Our motto is - it's not a diet, it's a way of life. Understanding that small changes can lead to lasting results, we can help you find a total eating plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

To learn more about how medical nutrition therapy can help you click here.

Learn the secrets to eating healthy and feeling great!

2008-05-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

We believe in the "non-diet" approach that focuses on delicious foods for everyday living. We do not emphasize calories, carbs, fats - although they do matter. Unlike other plans and experts that emphasize diet, our focus is centered on fostering healthy eating habits for the long term.

Our motto is - it's not a diet, it's a way of life.Understanding that small changes can lead to lasting results, we can help you find a total eating plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

To learn our medical nutrition therapy can help you click here.

Winning the Nutrition Game, With Help From a Coach

2008-05-24T11:15:00.000-07:00