Molly Morgan, our registered dietician, is the author of To Your Healthy Life.Style. Here you'll find past month's articles containing helpful advice and information on healthy eating, dairy foods, and Crowley products.

To Diet or Not to Diet?

Does it feel like you are consistently on a diet or thinking about going back on a diet? You're not alone! According to a National Consumer survey, in 2004 about 33% of Americans are on a diet. In that same year Americans spent an estimated $43 billion on weight loss products. Help your wallet and try a new twist on your diet mindset. strive to be 100% Fad Free and say goodbye to fad diets!

How to Spot a Fad Diet

Here are some quick ways you can spot a fad diet:

• Exaggerated health claims
• Recommend eating or not eating specific foods to cure disease
• A promise of quick weight loss
• Offer a guaranteed cure or a limited time offer
• Elimination of a entire food group or groups
• Proof based on personal testimony rather than scientific evidence
• Has a 'magic bullet' approach that one food or product is the answer

If you're not sure about a diet, the American Dietetic Association has a great tool for you to use: Popular Diets of 2007.

What to Do Instead

• Set small, realistic, achievable goals that work for you!
• Example: Switch from whole milk to 2% milk
• For more ideas read To Your Healthy Life.Style. from January 2007
• Downsize your portions
• Even try a smaller plate, this can help to decrease how much food you eat!
• Click here, to checkout this portion size tool from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute!
• Get back to the basics
• Use the Food Guide Pyramid as your eating plan!
• Calculate how many calories your body needs per day and get your own personalize meal, click here.
• Check out the inside scoop on the food pyramid and portion sizes.
• When in doubt, ask a Registered Dietitian
• Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well¬-being, as well as your wallet. Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to communicate current and emerging science-based nutrition information and are an instrumental part of developing a diet plan that is unique to your particular needs.
• Email our Registered Dietitian, Molly Morgan with your nutrition questions! Molly's email: molly.morgan@crowleyfoods.com

Make Dairy Part of Your Day

• Including fat free and lowfat dairy foods as part of your eating plan may help your waistline! Here is more information on losing weight with Crowley.
• How many servings of dairy your body needs per day varies based on your age! Use the Crowley Calcium Calculator to find out how much calcium your body needs per day.
• Quick ideas to try to kick-up your dairy intake and help your waistline:
• Add a Crowley yogurt to your lunch everyday. check out the great flavors like: Classic Vanilla, Strawberry Banana Burst, Pineapple Passion, and more!
• For a quick snack, have 8 oz of Crowley Cottage Cheese topped with your favorite fruit
• Pour 8 oz of Crowley Fat Free Milk on your cereal and even drink the milk out of the bottom of the bowl!
• For a treat, have a 8 oz glass of Crowley 1% Lowfat Chocolate Milk
• To kick-up the calcium in your cooking, check out Crowley's great recipes!

Source:

1. Calorie Control Council
2. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
3. MyPyramid.gov
4. American Dietetic Association

The information provided on our Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or cure an illness. Before starting a diet or exercise program, Crowley recommends you talk with your health care provider for consultation on what is right for you and your health.