Showing 16 Result(s)

Impact of Nutrition Practices and Policies in Childcare Facilities on Child Nutrition Habits 

Healthy habits are developed at a young age which can positively impact health and well-being throughout life. Children’s eating habits, including consumption of fruits and vegetables, are determined by many factors including their food environment in the home or childcare setting.  Some research has indicated that children can receive up to two-thirds of their daily …

Relationships between ultra-processed foods, weight gain, and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents 

Obesity rates have increased over the last few decades. Dietary patterns are key lifestyle factors related to weight gain and obesity. With the fast-paced world we live in, our society has shifted from traditional diets consisting of homemade meals to more processed, packaged, and ready-prepared food items. Though pre-packaged meals are convenient in today’s “on …

Association Between Eating Habits and Sleeping Difficulties in Children and Adolescents 

Sleep is crucial for adequate growth and development in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, sleeping difficulties are a common issue among these age groups. Numerous studies have indicated that lifestyle factors including unhealthy diets and prolonged screen time at night can contribute to sleep disturbances. Current research also suggests that individuals who skip meals or replace …

Lean Red Meat Consumption & Cholesterol

Red meat consumption has often been associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as it contains high amounts of saturated fat. Though red meat provides a good source of protein and other essential nutrients including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, excessive intake of red meat has been …

Parenting Practices Related to Adolescents’ Food Choices

Adolescent obesity is a continuing problem in the U.S., with a 22.2% prevalence among 12–15-year-olds. Obesity in youth, characterized by having a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for age, is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease during adulthood. Unhealthy eating behaviors are a major contributing …

Enhance your Meals with Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices have numerous health benefits and can also be used to enhance the flavor profile of various dishes. Many snacks and meals commonly consumed in the US tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat which can lead to negative health consequences if consumed in excess. By substituting with healthier ingredients and …

Influence of Diet and Physical Activity Patterns on Health-Related Outcomes 

Dietary intake and physical activity are modifiable risk factors for obesity and chronic diseases. Along with reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases, improvements in dietary and physical activity behaviors can aid with weight management, enhance glycemic control, and improve bone mass.  A recent cross-sectional study on 1,836 US adults (20-65 years old) compared the …

Meat Intake and Health-Related Outcomes

Since 1961, global meat production and consumption have exponentially increased. Meat and meat products form an important part of the human diet as they contain high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.  Meat can be categorized as red meat, poultry, and seafood which can be cooked and consumed or can be processed. Meat is considered to be …

Teenagers & Healthy Snack Choices

According to the World Health Organization, overweight and obesity have increased the risk of chronic diseases and mortality rates worldwide. An increase in portion sizes and negative changes in eating patterns (such as increased snacking frequency) have been thought to be large contributors to the current obesity epidemic. When it comes to adolescents, snacks tend …