FitSugar

Healthy BBQ: Not So Healthy Whole Wheat Buns

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

It's that time of year again to bust out the grill. Since hamburgers and hot dogs are a staple at most backyard BBQs, there's something you should know. The whole wheat buns you're buying may not be so healthy. Gasp! They might say "made with whole wheat," or they look brown but that doesn't mean they don't contain enriched flour and corn syrup of the high fructose variety. Check out the surprising ingredients in these popular buns and rolls:

Pepperidge Farms 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns: High fructose corn syrup

Arnold Select Multi Grain Kaiser Rolls: High fructose corn syrup and enriched wheat flour

Barowsky's Wheat Bulky Rolls: Enriched flour

Country Kitchen Whole Grain Wheat Hot Dog Rolls: High fructose corn syrup

Fit's Tip: Remember to read the label to make sure your buns and rolls are made with whole wheat flour or another whole grain flour, and aren't sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. At a BBQ, you don't want to eat your corn as a sweetener, but as grilled corn on the cob. Am I right?

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Barbecue Food Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:01:06 -0700

This Fourth of July, you're most likely going to at least one barbecue if not two. Before you eat one of every grilled item offered, you should know the nutritional info of your basic barbecue fare. The numbers may surprise you.

	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Hamburger patty with bun, no fixings	329	5	70	288	23	1	24
Cheeseburger with bun, no fixings	409	9	90	628	23	1	28
Cheeseburger with bun, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup	436	9	5	770.3	29.4	1.5	28.9
Veggie burger with bun, no fixings	220	1	10	630	41	6	9

There's plenty more and to see them just read more.

	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Veggie burger with bun and cheese	300	5	30	970	41	6	13
Veggie burger with bun, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup	327	5	30	1,112.3	47.4	6.5	13.9
Hot dog with bun, no fixings	250	3	30	540	22	6	14
Hot dog with bun, ketchup, and mustard	306	3	31	1,1027	33	6	15.2
Tofu Pup and bun, no fixings	180	.5	0	530	25	2	12
Tofu Pup and bun, ketchup, and mustard	236	.5	1	1,017	36	3	13.2
1 piece barbecue chicken	176	2	68	240	7	1	24
1 grilled sweet Italian sausage	290	9	65	800	1	0	14
4 oz. grilled salmon	318	3.4	56	1,104	13.2	.1	20.3

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:50:14 -0700

Illustrations

Male urinary system

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disorder that occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances that destroy red blood cells. It often affects the kidneys.

Alternative Names

HUS

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

This disorder is most common in children. It often occurs after a gastrointestinal (enteric) infection, caused by a type of E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7). It has also been associated with other enteric infections, including Shigella and Salmonella, and some non-enteric infections.

HUS was once very rare, but it is increasing in children. It is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. Several large outbreaks in 1992 and 1993 were linked to undercooked hamburger meat contaminated with E. coli. Because of these outbreaks, supermarket hamburger meat now has new labeling, and there are new temperature guidelines for hamburgers cooked at fast-food chains and restaurants.

HUS is more complicated in adults. It is similar to another disease called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Other risk factors for HUS are unknown. HUS may occur with a variety of other diseases and infections.

Symptoms

HUS often begins with vomiting and diarrhea (which may be bloody). Within a week, the person may become weak and iritable. People with HUS may urinate far less than normal. Urine output may almost stop. Because red blood cells are being destroyed (a process called hemolysis), the person quickly becomes anemic and pale.

Early symptoms:

Later developing symptoms:

Low urine output
No urine output
Paleness
Bruising
Skin rash that looks like fine red spots (petechiae)
Yellowish coloration to the skin (jaundice)
Decreased consciousness
Seizures -- rare

Signs and tests

A physical exam may show an enlarged liver or spleen. There may be abnormal changes to the nervous system. Lab tests will show signs of hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure.

A complete blood count (CBC) might show:
- Lower platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Rupture of red blood cells
- Anemia from loss of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
- Raised white blood count
Coagulation studies such as PT and PTT may be normal or abnormal.
Blood chemistry such as a chem-20 shows abnormalities, including:
- High BUN level
- High creatinine level
- High free hemoglobin level
A urinalysis shows:
- Blood in the urine
- Protein in the urine
A urine protein test can be used to show the amount of protein in the urine.

Other tests:

Stool culture may be positive for a certain type of E. coli bacteria
Kidney biopsy shows changes

Treatment

This is a serious illness in both children and adults, and it can cause death.

People with this condition receive transfusions of packed red cells and platelets as needed. Some people may need kidney dialysis. Doctors may prescribe medications such as corticosteroids.

Some people may have the liquid portion of their blood (plasma) treated with plasmapheresis or plasma exchange. The plasma is removed and replaced with fresh (donated) plasma or filtered to remove antibodies from the blood.

Expectations (prognosis)

More than half of people who get treatment will recover, and the outcome is better in children.

Complications

Chronic or relapsing HUS
Acute kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure
Uremia (symptoms caused by the build-up of nitrogen-containing wastes in the body)
Hemolytic anemia
Thrombocytopenia (lack of enough platelets)
Problems with blood coagulation
Problems with the nervous system

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of HUS. If you have reduced consciousness, blood in the stool, or a lack of urination, it is an emergency situation.

Call your health care provider if you have had an episode of HUS, and your urine output decreases or you develop other new symptoms.

Prevention

You can prevent the known cause, E. coli, by cooking hamburger and ground meats well. It is not possible to prevent other, unrecognized causes at this time.

Review Date: 4/27/2007

Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000510

Sandwich Dilemma: Which Bread to Choose?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:30:00 -0700

It's lunchtime. You head to the local cafe to get a bite to eat. When you order a sandwich, you're faced with this: sliced bread, bun, roll, pita, or wrap? So many choices. Let's see how these breads compare nutritionally.

To see the breakdown read more.

Type of bread	Calories	Total Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
2 slices white bread	134	1.6	340	25.4	1.2	2.2	3.8
2 slices wheat bread	130	2	266	23.6	2.2	2.8	4.6
White Kaiser roll	210	2.5	340	37	.5	4	9
Wheat roll	136	3.1	169	22.9	1.9	.8	4.3
Multi-grain wrap (10" diameter)	210	6	680	32	7	2	6
Spinach wrap (10" diameter)	210	5	560	35	2	2	6
Sundried tomato wrap (10" diameter)	210	5	550	35	2	4	6
White bread pita (4" diameter)	77	.3	150	15.6	.6	.3	2.5
White bread pita (6.5" diameter)	165	.7	322	33.4	1.3	.6	5.5
Whole wheat pita (4" diameter)	74	.7	149	15.4	2.1	.2	2.7
Whole wheat pita (6.5" diameter)	170	1.7	340	35.2	4.7	.5	6.3
Original English muffin	120	1	200	25	1	1	4
Whole wheat English muffin	130	1	270	25	3	2	5
Multigrain English muffin	150	1.5	180	27	2	3	5
Subway 6" Italian white	200	2	470	38	1	5	7
Subway 6" wheat	200	2.5	360	40	4	5	8
White hamburger bun	200	3	390	37	1	5	6
Whole wheat hamburger bun	120	2	190	18	2	3	6
Plain Bagel	290	1	530	62	2	6	10
Everything bagel	340	2	820	75	2	5	13
Honey whole wheat bagel	300	1	510	64	3	10	11

Source

Fast foods

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:56:54 -0700

Overview

Definition
Function
Food Sources
Side Effects
Recommendations

Illustrations

Fast food

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Fast foods are quick, reasonably priced, and readily available alternatives to home cooking. While convenient and inexpensive for a busy lifestyle, fast foods are typically high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt.

Fast food chains and restaurants have responded to the public's increasing awareness about nutrition and have attempted to help people concerned about health. For example, they now make ingredient and nutrition information available on their menus. Despite these changes, however, in order to maintain a healthy diet, it is necessary to choose fast foods carefully.

Function

Most people today have less time to select, prepare and eat food than their grandparents did. Fast foods are very appealing because they are widely available and inexpensive.

Food Sources

Fast food items have been modified to reflect consumers' concern about the fat content of their food. Many fast food restaurant have switched from beef tallow or lard to hydrogenated vegetable oils for frying.

Some restaurants offer low calorie choices like salad bars and assorted take-out salads with low calorie dressing, low-fat milkshakes, whole grain buns, lean meats, and grilled chicken items.

Side Effects

Maintaining nutritional balance is not easy with fast food, because there is no control over how they are cooked. For example, some are cooked with a lot of oil and butter, and there may be no option if you want your selection with reduced fat.

The large portions also encourage overeating. Fast food also tend to lack fresh fruits and vegetables.

In general, people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease must be much more careful about choosing fast food, due to the high content of fat, sodium, and sugar.

Recommendations

Knowing the number of calories and the amount of fat and salt in the fast food can help you decide which items are better choices. Many fast food restaurants have published the nutrient content of their foods. These are often available on request. You can plan a convenient yet healthful diet with this information.

Make better choices when eating at fast food restaurants. In general eat at places that offer a variety of salads, soups, and vegetables.

Choose smaller-sized servings. Consider splitting some fast food items to reduce the amount of calories and fat. Ask for a "doggy bag." or simply leave the excess on your plate.

To help supplement and balance the fast food meal, make nutritious options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and yogurt available as snacks.

When chosen carefully and not used in excess, fast foods can offer reasonably good quality nutrition. By being aware of what and how much you eat, and paying attention to how it affects your health, you can set a good example for your children. As always, variety and moderation are the key principles in providing a healthy diet for children as well as adults.

Consider these general tips:

PIZZA

Ask for less cheese, and choose low-fat toppings such as onions, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

SANDWHICHES

Healthier choices include regular or junior-size lean roast beef, turkey, or chicken breast, or lean ham. Extras, such as, bacon, cheese, or mayo will increase the fat and calories of the item. Select whole-grain breads over high-fat croissants or biscuits.

HAMBURGERS

A single, plain meat patty without the cheese and sauces is the best choice. Ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Limit your intake of french fries.

MEAT, CHICKEN, AND FISH

Look for items that are roasted, grilled, baked, or broiled. Avoid meats that are breaded or fried. Ask for heavy sauces, such as gravy, on the side. Better still, avoid heavy sauces and dressings altogether.

SALADS

High-fat food items such as dressing, bacon bits, and shredded cheese add fat and calories. Choose lettuce and assorted vegetables to make up the majority of your salad. Select low-fat or fat-free salad dressings, vinegar, or lemon juice when available. Ask for the salad dressing on the side.

DESSERTS

Choose low-fat frozen yogurt, fruit ices, sorbets, and sherbets. Occasional indulgent desserts add fun to a carefully selected, well-balanced diet.

Review Date: 8/6/2007

Reviewed By: Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD, family physician specializing in nutrition, fitness, and preventive health, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, and Assistant Clinical Professor, St. Louis University's School of Medicine, Department of Community and Family Medicine.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002462

Gardenburger: Sun-Dried Tomato Basil

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:30:00 -0800

If you recently got your cholesterol or blood pressure checked, you may realize that your body could really benefit from cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat. Adding more bean-and vegetable-based foods to your diet will not only keep you regular, but will also be good for your heart.

If you're used to eating hamburgers, and you don't want to give them up, Gardenburgers are a tasty alternative. They come in many wonderful flavors, such as one of my favorites, Sun-Dried Tomato Basil. Just how healthy are they? To find out read more

Okay, so they don't look like a real hamburger, and they definitely don't taste like one, but they do taste delicious and are really filling. Did you check out the amazing nutritional info? Only 1 gram of saturated fat per 100-calorie patty. Plus 5 grams of both fiber and protein. I love that you can see whole pieces of red bell peppers, corn, rice, rolled oats, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. All those real ingredients make this patty taste fresh and savory.

Serving Size	1 patty
Calories	100
Total Fat	3g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	310mg
Carbs	15g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	2g
Protein	5g

Fit's Tip: These Gardenburgers taste great on a bun or on an open-faced sandwich with lowfat cheese, tomatoes, and avocado. You can also cut up pieces and use it in your Shepherd's Pie, lasagna, or spaghetti in place of ground beef.

Considering Low Carb? Then Consider This

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

With the influx of low-carb diets, it's hard to ignore the amazing claims of weight loss by skipping out on breads, pastas and others. Problem is, what you don't hear about is the potential issues with going low-carb.

Here are some things to consider before you start a low-carb diet:

A low-carb diet may not be the best idea for anyone with diabetes, kidney stones, high cholesterol, or women who are pregnant.
Some people on a low-carb diet may need to take a multivitamin as well as a fiber supplement to get needed nutrients missing from your diet.
Since most low-carb diets are high in protein, be sure to drink a lot of water to combat potential dehydration and liver damage.
It's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new diet; low-carb is no exception to the rule.
Finally, have you ever tried eating a hamburger with no bun? Try it first, then decide if you still want to go low-carb.

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