What is Throwback Natural Pepsi?

Throwback Natural Pepsi is marketed as a premium soda made with sugar, natural caramel and kola nut extract in place of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) compared to the traditional Pepsi, which contains HFCS, artificial coloring, phosphoric acid, caffeine citric acid and natural flavors.  Pepsi is calling it natural due to it being made with sugar rather than the controversial HFCS that’s seen in so many products these days.  This new Pepsi is supposedly paler in color and less fizzy than other cola products.

The throwback part plays a couple roles, one as a tribute to a more natural way before technology became part of producing foods and the throwback drinks will have retro-looking packaging as seen in the 1960s and 70s.

Is it healthy or not?
First let’s talk about HFCS.  HFCS is a syrup that’s been chemically altered to produce a sweeter product which gives food items longer shelf life in grocery stores.  Some nutritionists blame consumption of HFCS as a culprit to the obesity problem in our country and health complications (high cholesterol, diabetes).  HFCS is OK in moderation but rarely does our society consume anything in moderation.

Throwback Pepsi is somewhat of a healthier alternative then traditional soda because it does not contain HFCS and it is a more “whole food/natural form” which is ideal for any diet.  However, it does contain sugar which means you’ll be taking in empty calories.  I think it’s a healthier choice but I wouldn’t start to drink them on a daily basis maybe just as a treat every now and then.

Remember it’s important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids, but ideally you will want to drink water!

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Is Pepsi Throwback Healthier?

Store-bought cupcakes are guaranteed to have these five unhealthy ingredients.

Everyone from Biggest Loser trainers to Dr. Oz and less famous nutritionists will urge you to remove these five food ingredients from your diet. Today. Making a habit of reading food labels can make a meaningful difference in your weight loss efforts.

Know what is in your food, and make a conscious effort to cut out these ingredients:

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup – A man-made sweetner with zero nutritional value. The list without HFCS is shorter, but a few examples include soda, fruit juice, cereal, condiments, cookies, pickles and even cough syrup.

2. Sugar – A cup of white granulated sugar has 774 Calories. You’d have to walk for 90 minutes or swim for an hour to burn that off. Don’t burn it off? It converts to fat.

3. Enriched Flour – This means “white” bread products like sliced bread, tortillas and crackers. These grains are missing important nutrients that were stripped during processing. Stick to whole grains to reap all the fiber, minerals and vitamins.

4. Trans Fat - You’ll see this on labels as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated.” These man-made fats (more economical than pure saturated fats) increase LDL-cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease. This stuff hides in packaged foods like margarine, baked goods, frozen foods, chips and more.

5. Saturated Fat – These are hard or solid fats, like butter or animal fats. They have a negative effect on heart health and increase cholesterol. Stick to healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) found in avocados, nuts and olive oil.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

5 Things to Remove from Your Diet Today

Dr. Oz and Oprah introduce the Ultimate Health Checklist (Oprah.com)

As Oprah’s Best Life week continues, she welcomed Dr. Oz, a.k.a. America’s doctor, to the show once again. In the second day of her campaign to get healthy alongside the rest of us, she asked Dr. Oz to share the most important things about our health that we need to be aware of and proactive in doing. He calls it the Ultimate Health Checklist, and says that as long as we’re able to keep to the list, which really isn’t that overwhelming, we can live long, happy lives.

Here are the 10 things on Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Checklist that all men and women should make a point of following.

1. Schedule a Check-Up. Dr. Oz told Oprah’s audience that people who have a family doctor are healthier, and pointed out that while many do not have health insurance, you can find free and government-funded access to quality health care providers.

2. Know the Five Ingredients to Avoid. Check food labels for this simple list of ingredients, and pass on foods that include them in the first five ingredients listed (meaning they are highest in concentration).

• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Sugar
• “Enriched“
• Trans-fat (may be indicated by the word “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated”)
• Saturated Fat

3. Add Healthy Foods to your Diet. Make an effort to meet these nutritional goals each day and week.

• 3 grams Omega-3 daily. Sources for this healthy fat are fish, soybeans, nuts, flaxseed and others.
• 5-7 servings of Antioxidants daily. Sources for this cancer-fighting agent are blueberries, red beans, pomegranates and pecans.
• 25 grams Fiber daily. You’ll want to chose whole-grain options, like brown rice and whole grain cereals and pastas.
• 1 Tbs. Olive Oil daily. Extra-virgin or regular olive oil both work. Dr. Oz suggests this is why the Mediterranean Diet is praised for working so well.

4. Take a Multi-Vitamin. This should be part of your daily routine. Here are Dr. Oz’s vitamin tips.

Oprah checks Dr. Oz's resting heart rate. (Oprah.com)

5. Know Your Numbers. At your check-up, learn these numbers, and make it a goal to optimize them.

• Waist size – measure at belly button, total inches should be less than half your height.
• Blood pressure – optimal is 115/75
• Cholesterol – LDL (bad) should be <100; HDL (good) should be >40
• Resting heart rate – <83 beats per minute (athletes average about 40)
• Blood sugar
• Vitamin D – find out if you have a deficiency. Darker skinned people are more susceptible.
• C-reactive protein
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

6. Find a Health Advocate. Always bring a relative or a friend with you to the doctor to better understand your treatment.

7. Get Organized with Your Health Information. Keep updated copies of insurance, medical records, allergies, etc. so that you can play a more active role in your care and treatment.

8. Know the Medical Tests You Should Have. These will vary for men, women and by age, but talk with your doctor to learn if you need:

• Mammogram
• Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam
• Dental check-up (2x/year)
• Vision check-up (1x/2 years)
• Bone Density
• Hearing
  

  Dr. Oz gives four attainable exercise tips. (Oprah.com)

9. Exercise. Dr. Oz wants us to keep our bodies actively moving, and recommends the following:

• Start walking. Aim for 10,000 steps per day, start with 30 minutes/day (about 3k steps)
• Elevate your heart rate for 60 minutes every week
• Flexibility 5 minutes/day
• Strength training 30 minutes/week

10. Sleep! Your body requires the rest that comes from a good night’s sleep. Practice these tips to catch your Zs:

• Get 7-8 hours sleep each night
• Keep the room dark and cool
• Create a routine
• Make the bedroom for sleep and sex only
• No caffeine four hours prior to bed
• Do not keep a TV in your bedroom
• Take a calcium and magnesium supplement

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Checklist from Oprah’s Best Life Week