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Does Organic Produce Pack More Punch?

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

Although some health experts claim that organic produce is more nutritious than conventional, most scientists aren't sure.

One reason: Studies have produced conflicting results, perhaps due to comparisons of produce grown in different locales and varying climates.

However, in a new University of California at Davis study, researchers grew kiwis using both organic and conventional methods on the same farm at the same time. The finding: The organic kiwis contained more disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium and calcium than the conventionally raised fruit.

"Produce grown without pesticides is under more environmental stress, which causes it to produce more antioxidants naturally," said the lead researcher, Adel Kader.

menshealth.com

Outsmart Your Cravings

Research finally proves it: Cravings are a fact of life. At the start of a Tufts University calorie restriction study, 91 percent of dieters desired decadent foods. After six months of calorie-cutting, the same percentage still had cravings. But don't despair — plan well, and you'll lose.

You crave: chocolate (One Snickers Bar, 280 calories)

So have a small portion: two squares Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa Bar (110 calories)

Or try a bigger low-cal substitute: 1 cup Silk Chocolate Soymilk (140 calories)

You crave: Salty snacks (quarter canister Pringles Original, 240 calories)

So have a small portion: Pringles Original 100 Calorie Pack (100 calories)

Or try a bigger low-cal substitute: one bag Smart Balance Low Fat Popcorn (120 calories)

You crave: ice cream (one scoop Baskin Robbins Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream, 290 calories)

So have a small portion: one McDonald's Kiddie Cone (45 calories)

Or try a bigger low-cal substitute: 12-ounce Starbucks Raspberry Chocolate Frappuccino Light Blended Creme (140 calories)

You crave: baked goods (one Mrs. Fields Walnut Fudge Brownie, 360 calories)

So have a small portion: two Mrs. Fields Bite-Size Nibbler White Chunk Macadamia cookies (120 calories)

Or try a bigger low-cal substitute: two Vitalicious Vita Brownies (200 calories)

prevention.com

Clean Sweep

To lose weight, watch what you eat. Literally.

People eat less when surrounded by messy plates, according to a study published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skills.

Cornell University researchers invited 50 people to watch the Super Bowl at a sports bar with a chicken-wing buffet; only half the tables were cleared. Researchers found that when bones were left on the table, people ate 27 percent fewer wings.

Being surrounded by discarded food gave diners an internal sense that they'd eaten enough, says study author Collin Payne. Subjects also may have found the remnants unappetizing or embarrassing, he said.

Don't want to dine out amid table scraps? Try the following strategy for portion control: As soon as your food arrives, separate the amount you think you should eat, then dispose of or doggie-bag the rest. If you can't see it, you won't need to eat it.

womenshealthmag.com

[Recipe of the week]

Spiced Butternut Soup with Crab

4 cups roasted butternut squash

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Pinch freshly ground nutmeg

Dash hot pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 ounces cooked lump crabmeat

Combine squash, broth, milk, cumin, nutmeg and hot pepper sauce in a blander and puree. Transfer to a medium saucepan.

Heat over medium heat 7 minutes and season with salt and pepper. If soup is too thick, add additional broth to reach desired consistency. Divide among four bowls and top each with 11/2 ounces of crabmeat. Serves 4.

Per serving: 222 calories, 15 grams protein, 31 grams carbs, 6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 44 milligrams cholesterol, 5 grams fiber and 551 milligrams sodium.

prevention.com

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