"Eat 'em and Weep!" OMNI Medical Center 's List of Foods That Make You Even Hungrier

Ever wonder why...after eating certain foods you feel even hungrier?

That's because some ingredients in the foods we eat can trick our bodies into not recognizing when we’re full, causing “rebound hunger.”

OMNI Medical Center recommends a high-protein high-fiber diet for everyone on our medical weight loss program, to protect your lean mass, keep you fuller longer, and to give you the best weight loss results possible.

So which foods trigger "rebound hunger?" Here's OMNI Medical Center 's List of the 7 most common culprits:

1. Beverages.

Sodas, iced teas, and other sweetened beverages are our biggest source of high-fructose corn syrup—accounting for about two-thirds of our annual intake. New research shows that fructose can trick our brains into craving more food, even when we’re full.

2. Canned Foods.

Many canned foods are high in the chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA, which the Food and Drug Administration recently stated was a chemical “of some concern.” Researchers have found that exposure to BPA can lead to food cravings and obesity.

3. Having Too Little for Breakfast (or skipping it!).

After following about 7,000 healthy people for almost 4 years, researchers found that those who ate just 300 calories for breakfast gained almost twice as much weight as those who ate 500 calories or more for breakfast. The reason: Eating a big breakfast makes for smaller rises in blood sugar and insulin throughout the day, meaning fewer sudden food cravings.

4. Skipping the Salad.

Most of us don’t eat enough leafy greens (we at OMNI Medical Center are sometimes guilty of this too), which are rich in the essential B-vitamin folate. Folate helps protect against depression, fatigue, and weight gain. In one study, dieters with the highest levels of folate in their bodies lost almost 9 times as much weight as those with the lowest levels. Leafy greens are also high in vitamin K, another insulin-regulating nutrient that helps curb cravings. .

5. Skipping the 'tea party.'

According to a recent nutrition study, people who drank one cup of black tea after eating high-carb foods decreased their blood-sugar levels by 10 percent for 2 and a half hours after the meal, which means they stayed full longer and had fewer food cravings. Researchers credit the polyphenolic compounds in black tea for suppressing rebound hunger. What's this mean? It means make time for "tea time" after eating carbs with any meal!

6. Foregoing the Fluids.

Dehydration often mimics the feeling of hunger. If you’ve just eaten and still feel hungry, drink a large glass of water before eating more, and see if your desires don’t diminish. Bottoms up!

7. Plain Ol' Boredom.

Researchers at a University in Australia found that visual distractions can help curb cravings. To test yourself, imagine a huge, sizzling steak. If you’re truly hungry, the steak will seem appealing. But if that doesn’t seem tempting, chances are you’re in need of a distraction, and NOT another meal. Pretty interesting, right?

For more nutritional info or to find out about the OMNI Medical Center medical weight loss program visit our web site: http://www.omnimedicalctr.com/ .

Here's to learning more about weighing less!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

Web content written for OMNI Medical Center by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.

How Sweet it ISN'T! What OMNI Medical Center Thinks You Should Know About Sweeteners

We all know that sugar in large amounts is bad for us, and even worse for anyone trying to lose weight.

So in place of sugar, most of us have learned to acquire the taste for artificial sweeteners and/or sugar substitutes (we keep Stevia in the OMNI Medical Center break room) .

But given all the marketing hype behind different "natural" alternatives, it's hard to know which ones really are the best sweeteners. 

So here's a list OMNI Medical Center found regarding the best and worst substitutes for sugar: 

Bad Sweetener #1: Aspartame

There's conflicting evidence regarding the safety of aspartame, a common chemical sweetener used in diet soda and other low-cal or low-sugar goods, but some people report headaches or generally feeling unwell after ingesting anything containing the chemical. To make life easier for everyone, this is one instance where you may want to follow the "better safe than sorry" principle. That's because a University of Liverpool test-tube study found that when mixed with a common food color ingredient, aspartame actually became toxic to brain cells. Making matters worse, aspartame is used in many diet sodas, and studies have found drinking diet soda may increase your risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also of concern with aspartame, researchers have found that one harmful breakdown product is formaldehyde. Sweet? OMNI Medical Center doesn't think so.

Bad Sweetener #2: Agave

While your local health food store likely stocks agave sweeteners, it may be best to keep them out of your cart. Many agave nectars are made up of 70 to 80 percent fructose—that's more than what's found in high-fructose corn syrup! If you don't want to give up agave, look for types that contain no more than 30 to 40 percent fructose.

Bad Sweetener #3: Sucralose

While sucralose, better known by its brand name, Splenda, may originate with sugar, the end product is anything but natural. It's processed using chlorine, and researchers are finding that the artificial sweetener is passing through our bodies and winding up in wastewater treatment plants, where it can't be broken down. Tests in Norway and Sweden found sucralose in surface water released downstream from treatment discharge sites. Scientists worry it could change organisms' feeding habits and interfere with photosynthesis, putting the entire food chain at risk. 

Good Sweetener #1: Stevia

Stevia is becoming recognized as one of the safest sweeteners on the market. All types of stevia are extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, but some forms taste better than others (OMNI Medical Center likes Now Foods Stevia).People tend to overuse powders, in which the sweetness is really concentrated, so if you've tried powders in the past and didn't like them, try liquid forms of a liquid stevia sweetener product instead.

Good Guy #2: Sugar alcohols (in small amounts only!)

Popular sugar alcohol sweeteners include xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, natural sweeteners made through a fermentation process of corn or sugar cane. They contain fewer calories than sweeteners like pure sugar and honey, but more than stevia. Just don't overdo it—too much (as in more than 5g per sitting) can cause gas, bloating, and even GI distress.

Good Sweetener #3: Organic, raw local honey (in small amounts as well)

While honey does boast higher fructose levels, it also contains a bounty of cancer-defending antioxidants, and local honey has been said to help alleviate allergy symptoms. Don't limit raw honey's use to your tea, either. Use it to speed healing on burns, and as a natural antiseptic on cuts and scrapes. Honey also has a low glycemic index, so adding it to your tea or yogurt won't lead to energy-busting blood sugar drops later in the day.

For more helpful nutritional tips or to learn about the OMNI Medical Center medical weight loss program visit our web site at: www.omnimedicalctr.com.

Here's to a sweet weekend!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

Web content created for OMNI Medical Center by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.

We Have Beef...with Nitrates! Why OMNI Medical Center Wants You to Beware of Additives

Think you're eating healthy by having deli meat for lunch?

Think again...deli meat purchased from your local grocery store (unless it's organic) can be dangerous to your health.

Here's why OMNI Medical Center believes you should be conscientious of additives like nitrates and nitrites in your food:

Nitrogen-based compounds (like nitrates and nitrites) are essential for digestion in small amounts. They occur naturally but are synthetically produced for use in fertilizer and as food additives. They’re commonly used to cure processed meats.

Why they can be dangerous: Nitrates and nitrites have a tendency to fuse with amino acids to become carcinogenic nitrosamines. 

Ironically, the processed meats into which nitrates are commonly added are rich with amino acids, making nitrosamine formation very likely. 

In addition to concerns about cancer, increased nitrate and nitrite intake has been linked to deaths in Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson’s patients. 

Despite the risks, the valuable use of nitrates and nitrites as inhibitors of botulism warrant their acceptance as food additives in the eyes of the FDA.

Where you’ll find nitrates and nitrites in your food: Oscar Meyer hot dogs, Hormel bacon, Hillshire Farm deli meat, and other lunch meats from the deli section of most grocery stores.

For more helpful nutritional tips, or to find out about the OMNI Medical Weight Loss program, visit our web site: www.omnimedicalctr.com.

Here's to healthier lunches (without the additives, that is)!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

Web content created for OMNI Medical Center by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.

Fall in Love...with Autumn Produce! OMNI Medical Center's Top Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

Happy Friday!

The fall season is here...and that means cooler weather, the beautiful changing colors of leaves, and amazing fruits and veggies for cooking and eating!

Check out OMNI Medical Center 's list of Top Produce for Autumn:

Broccoli--Broccoli is a green cruciferous vegetable packed with folic acid, vitamin K, A and C. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Add it to cold salads, whole grain pasta, serve it cold or hot with toasted sesame seeds or simply lightly sautéed in garlic and oil.

Brussels sprouts-- These greens are members of the cabbage family, and if made properly, they taste phenomenal and help keep you full -- because Brussels sprouts are packed with filling fiber! Our favorite way to prepare them is roasting them in the oven. Brussels sprouts are a very good source of folate as well as a good source of iron.

Pumpkin--In addition to making a beautiful carving, pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse! It's high levels of beta carotene, Vitamin A and Vitamin C (which can help boost immune function). Pumpkin is also rich in potassium and high in fiber. Use pumpkin as a soup base, add it to chili, or simply heat it up with some cinnamon and organic Stevia for a sweet, savory dessert!





Spinach--A great veggie for those of us on the OMNI Medical Center medical weight loss program! Spinach is packed with iron, fiber and folic acid. Use spinach as a side dish, add it to soups or eat it raw in a salad. 



Sweet Potatoes--More nutritionally dense than their white-potato counterparts, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, and also contain potassium, iron and copper. Not only are they super healthy, but they're naturally super sweet, too! For a savory baked dish, brush your sweet spuds with some cayenne pepper, sea salt, and a sprinkle of olive oil for a healthier version of french fries!

Winter Squash-- Best in October through November, winter squash is an amazing veggie. Sure, it's full of fiber, but did you know that our friend winter squash is also a good source of Vitamins A and C, several B vitamins, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids? Winter squash has a sweet flavor and is great as a side dish tossed with a few dried cranberries and paired with turkey, chicken or pork.

Apples-- Apples are full of antioxidants, and some experts believe they can curb your appetite and cause you to take in fewer calories throughout the rest of the day (which is great if you're on the OMNI Medical Center program). Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw (we love Fuji apples!) or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin -- it contains hearty, healthy flavonoids.

Grapefruit--Research suggests that this sweet 'n sour citrus fruit can aid in weight loss (another great item to add to your grocery list!). A small study found that eating half a grapefruit a day resulted in an average weight loss of more than 3 pounds in 12 weeks. Scientists speculate that the weight loss happens because grapefruit lowers insulin levels, which curbs your urge to snack. In addition, grapefruit contains more than 75 percent of your daily recommended intake (DRI) of Vitamin C, is a good source of lycopene and contains pectin, which has been shown to lower cholesterol. If grapefruit is a little too tart for you, try sprinkling a little organic Stevia on top. If not, try adding it to mixed greens and combine it with avocado and shrimp for a refreshing citrus salad!

For more nutritional ideas or information about the OMNI Medical Center Weight Loss Program visit our web site: www.omnimedicalctr.com. 

Have a great weekend, 

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

 Web content created for OMNI Medical Center by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.

Get High on Low-Carb Snacks! OMNI Medical Center 's List of Top Healthy Munchies

When many of us are dieting, sometimes it's hard to choose what we can (and can't!) eat...

We know we should have 3 meals a day, and 2-3 snacks...but what can we nosh on in between breakfast & lunch, and between lunch & dinner?

OMNI Medical Center has a list of top low-carb snacks for patients on our medical weight loss program, as well as everyone who's on a diet!

Here's some healthy snack ideas for you to enjoy:

1. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Use about 4 cheese cubes for this snack. Roll about 1 ounce of organic sliced roasted turkey breast around 2 cheese cubes and repeat with the remaining cheese and turkey to make a total of two small (but filling!) roll-ups.

2. Side Salad Topped with a Hard-Boiled Egg or Avocado

Top a typical side salad with a hard-boiled egg or 1/4 chopped avocado, drizzle with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette.

3. Large Artichoke

Cut an artichoke in half (from the stem to the tip) and cut out the inedible thistle part of the center of the artichoke. Place in microwave-safe, covered container with 1/2 cup water and cook on high until tender throughout (about 6 minutes for one artichoke or 10 minutes for two). Enjoy with lemon juice or 2 teaspoons of canola oil or olive oil mayonnaise.

4. Avocado and Shrimp Cocktail

Toss 2 ounces of cooked thawed shrimp with 1/4 avocado (chopped) and a tablespoon of cocktail sauce.

5. Eating out? Order a typical fast-food Caesar side salad with grilled chicken (no dressing)

6. Peanut Butter & Celery Sticks

Serve 3 celery stalks with 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter (we like Skippy Natural).

7. A Handful of Nuts

A handful, depending on the size of the hand, can be the ideal snack portion: a quarter cup. You can keep roasted, unsalted mixed nuts on hand or choose any variation of nuts (we like almonds and cashews the best).

8. Edamame Bowl

A super-convenient way to enjoy high protein soybeans as a snack is to put 3/4 cup of frozen, (organic) shelled edamame into a microwave-safe bowl and micro-cook them for a few minutes or until nice and hot. Sprinkle with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

9. Carrot Sticks and Hummus

Cut one medium-sized carrot into sticks or coins and serve with 1/4-cup hummus.

10. Almond Milk Latte (iced or hot)

Blend a cup of almond milk with a shot or two (1/8 to 1/4 cup) of espresso or triple-strength coffee (decaf if you're sensitive to caffeine). Serve over or blend with 3/4 cup crushed ice for a refreshing (and energizing for some!) iced almond milk latte.

For more fun healthy snack ideas or to learn about the medical weight loss program at OMNI Medical Center, visit us at: OMNI Medical Center .

Here's to healthy snack time for everyone!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

 Web content created for OMNI Medical Center by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.

Antioxidants a Plen-Tea! OMNI Medical Center 's Suggestions for a Healthy, Refreshing Beverage

We all know it's important to stay hydrated, but sometimes it's not always fun to drink plain water!

That's why OMNI Medical Center suggests you drink more tea...green tea that is, and preferably a green tea that you brew yourself at home.

The key compound in green tea is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and it seems to work as a signaling agent for inducing programmed cell death. Drinking green tea can help cells to die at the end of their normal life cycle, which is important in the prevention of cancer. In a recent magazine article, one naturopath doctor says cancer is caused by cells that have continued to grow and mutate beyond their normal lifespan.

So when it comes to quenching your thirst, OMNI Medical Center suggests you opt for a home-brewed cup of (or glass of iced) green tea. Brewing your own tea will allow you to have more antioxidants than a bottle of store-bought tea.

Your taste buds will definitely thank you, and your body will love all the benefits your green tea beverage has to offer!

Cheers, 

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

For more health tips or to find out more information about OMNI Medical Center's weight loss program, check us out at: www.omnimedicalctr.com.

Web content for OMNI Medical Center created by Escaype Enterprises, LLC.