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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

It's in the Bag (or lunchbox)! OMNI Medical Center 's Suggestions for Healthy Kids' Lunches

Weight management isn't just something adults should be conscientious of for themselves these days...

We should also be mindful of our children's health and do our part to make sure they are eating nutritious lunches (and not all that junk out there)!

So here are some fun ways OMNI Medical Center suggests parents can prepare lunches for their kids to make them eat healthier!

Prepare some Super Scrumptious Sandwiches:

• Natural peanut, almond, or cashew butter & sliced fruit on a whole grain English muffin

• Sliced turkey, chicken, or lean roast beef & sliced avocado with lettuce and tomato on a whole grain roll

• Salmon & sliced cucumbers with low fat mayonnaise (or olive oil mayo) on whole wheat bread

• Egg salad made with chopped red bell peppers & low fat mayo (or olive oil mayo) spread on whole wheat pita

Add some Spectacular Side Items:

• Pre-packaged, low-fat unsweetened yogurt (we like Chobani Champions Greek yogurt for kids)

• Trail mix of your child’s favorite dried fruit, nuts, and seeds

• Fresh fruit salad

• Baby carrots and a small container of hummus or bean dip

• Cherry tomatoes with sugar snap peas

• Farmer’s cheese, lowfat ricotta cheese, or even almond cheese

• 1 eight-ounce container of almond milk, low fat milk, or water

• Small container of guacamole or salsa

Prepare Perfect-Sized Portions: 

Remember to make kid-friendly portions when packing their lunch. It is important to provide your kids with the right amount of nutrients without going overboard. The following guidelines will help direct you to grade school lunch portion sizes:

• 1 eight-ounce cup of milk or other beverage

• 4 ounces of yogurt 

• 2–3 ounces of meat or cheese

• 1–2 slices bread or half a cup of grain like rice or pasta

• 1 cup of fruit

For more nutritional suggestions (for adults too!) or details about the services OMNI Medical Center has to offer, visit us at: www.omnimedicalctr.com.

Here's to healthier brown bag lunches!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

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Yes We're 'Cereal!' The OMNI Medical Center - Recommended Breakfast for 140 Calories!

If you don't have time to prepare yourself a protein smoothie or eggs for breakfast, why not have a quick bowl of cereal (yes, we said cereal!)?

Here's one of the newest products on grocery store shelves (we found ours at Super Target)...

It's Fiber One (the 80 calorie kind) Honey Squares cereal.

A serving of this (which is 3/4 cup) contains only 80 calories.

This cereal has 10 grams of dietary fiber, only 3 grams of sugar, and 15 net carbs!

Fiber One Honey Squares tastes great with one serving of almond milk (which is an additional 60 calories).

So the next morning you are pressed for time and you are considering skipping breakfast to be punctual at work, consider having a bowl of this good stuff instead. 

Your mind, body, & metabolism will thank you!

--The OMNI Medical Center Team

For information on medically supervised weight management programs, check out: www.omnimedicalctr.com

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