Childhood Obesity Rate Rising Again

A few years ago it appeared that the national childhood obesity rate had leveled off. However, currently 1 in 5  children are obese, and the prevalence increases with age.

If we don't do something NOW, we will be responsible for the current generation having a shorter lifespan than their parents.

Say what you want, but I believe Former First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign was a major step in the right direction.

Does your child's school have recess and physical education? If not, why not?  If they do, how often?

Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood?  If not, is there a playground nearby?

Do you know what your children are eating, especially when they're not with you? Does your child's school cafeteria have a Farm to School program? If not, send them off with their own lunch; making sure it includes plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, and plenty of water (not soda or energy drinks!) Lastly, even though fast food may be cheap and accessible, our children are paying for the convenience with their lives.

If we're going to save our children, we need to make diet and lifestyle changes NOW!

Nutrition Bootcamp 4 Kids can help our children get on the road to better health. 

Contact us today 

404-229-6758

healthynulife@yahoo.com  

Confused About Gluten-Free?

Have you been noticing the proliferation of "gluten-free" lables lately? Exactly what it gluten? It’s a mixture of  proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people are gluten intolerant and experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea and fatigue; however, these symptoms  are not permanently damaging.

A more serious reaction to gluten is celiac disease.  If you have celiac disease, eating even trace amounts of gluten triggers an autoimmune response that destroys the villi in your small intestine -- leading to malnutrition and potentially cancer, osteoporosis and other autoimmune conditions in the long run.

It is important to note that just because something is flourless does not mean it is gluten-free.

Ezekiel Bread is flourless, but contrary to popular belief, Ezekiel Bread is NOT gluten-free.  I say this because, until very recently, I thought it was.  In fact, I religiously bought and ate it.  That is until I did some research, and discovered flourless is NOT the same as wheat-free and gluten-free.  Yes, even I was confused about gluten-free!

Although Ezekiel Bread is easier to digest than regular gluten products because it is sprouted, it is not gluten free.

There are many aliases for "wheat;" and many of them would make you believe they are wheat-free/gluten-free.  Case in point, spelt, rye, and barley. Other gluten containing grains include: bulgur, couscous, durum, farina, kamut, kasha, semolina, triticale and their derivatives such as malt. Even oats need to approached with caution because they are often processed in factories on the same equipment that processes grains with gluten.

One other surprise about gluten is that it can also be found in gravy and cream sauces thickened with flour, soy sauce, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, brewer’s yeast (unless prepared with a sugar molasses base), yeast extract, malted drinks, beer, ale, gin, whiskey and drinks like Postum™, Ovaltine™ and Cocoamalt.

So what's a person to eat?! Gluten-free alternatives include: brown rice pasta instead of regular pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, organic corn or potatoes.

Bottom Line: if you are confused about gluten, please read your food labels, and do your research. Your life could depend on it!