It will be worth the wait!

Thank you for your patience.

While the above is true, the fact is eggs are not a major source of these vitamins and minerals. Yet one egg contains all the daily cholesterol the body needs. Most of us eat more than one egg at breakfast.

The writer’s position is from a food specific point of view. He is simply comparing each part of the egg to the other. Keep in mind that he is not looking or even considering total daily intake, which of course, if you are a carnivore, will most likely include meat at lunch and dinner, and other fatty snacks in between. This is where the true expertise is. In making the connection between intake and how it may affect the body, the nutrition professional considers the overall intake of specific, and total nutrients to better educate and counsel. As a personal trainer, most likely he concentrates on calories and weight. And indeed that is why the federal regulatory agencies make clinical dietetic services –which are regulated -distinct from weight loss programs, which are not.

Cholesterol is a fat, and yes, if you burn it through exercise you will not have any deposits to harm you. Wrong or misleading information (not put in perspective) can kill.

It is quite unlikely for you not to get enough cholesterol if you are a meat eater - and even if you are a vegetarian. As he so rightly said, the body makes its own cholesterol.

But why are we talking about cholesterol?

A high cholesterol intake (over 200mg daily) is indicated as a risk of heart disease. To say that eating egg yolks may help you to burn calories better is simply saying what dietitians have always taught; when you eat a balanced meal or diet (the whole egg carries most nutrients, albeit in minute amounts) your metabolism is elevated, thus burning calories more efficiently.

A balanced diet simply means at each meal always having foods from the major food groups, namely, meat (chicken, turkey, fish, beans and peas, nuts), grain (e.g. rice, potato, corn, pasta, dumpling, cassava, yam), fruit and vegetable (choose your favorites, a fruit is a fruit, is a fruit) and milk group, which provides mostly calcium (e.g. milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, tofu).

If you are told you have high cholesterol, are overweight, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or want to prevent all of these conditions without compromising taste or nutrition, see a registered dietitian (RD). To locate one in your area, ask your doctor, or visit

A registered dietitian and advocate for improved health care Claudette(Cee)Josephs provides medical nutrition therapy, education and cooking instructions to the HIV and substance abuse community, and makes nutrition and health presentations. She can be heard on 88.9 FM in the Bronx, on Sundays at 6 o’clock PM, which streams at selaradio As singer/songwriter, she is dedicated to freeing the world through the truth of the gospel.

http://ceejosephs.org
email: questions@ceejosephs.org
www.dietinthekeyofcee.wordpress.com

So said a gentleman to me the other day. Many of us grew up eating ‘barefoot food’ – meaning only the meat and starch. Whether it was because access was limited, or you just did not like fruits and vegetables – it is a fact that many of us did not, and still do not eat enough of these very important foods. But here’s the thing (and I am going to keep it real). Black men (and women) are more likely to have high blood pressure than white men. They are also at higher risk for suffering from a stroke or dying from heart disease. In addition, HIV/AIDs is rampant in our community, and men are more often diagnosed with some cancers. According to scientific reports - compared to people who eat only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts — as part of a healthful diet —are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases. Frankly, I am tired of singing at funerals of relatively young black men, the overwhelming cause of death being heart disease. Of course, coupled with HIV/AIDs, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and/or overweight it becomes doubly important to eat right.

As part of a healthy diet, eating fruits and vegetables, instead of high-fat foods may make it easier to control your weight. You may also feel full on fewer calories. That is because most are also lower in calories and higher in fiber than other foods. To get a healthy variety, think color. Eating fruits and vegetables of different colors gives your body a wide range of valuable nutrients, like fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Some examples include green spinach, orange sweet potatoes, black beans, yellow corn, purple plums, red watermelon, or white onions. For more variety, try new fruits and vegetables regularly. The Asian corner store, and now many Mediterranean foods are available in the community. Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease, and diabetes through the lowering of blood sugar levels. Many of us suffer from constipation. Well guess what? Eating fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to regulate your bowels. Great fruit and vegetable sources of fiber are; navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, lima beans, white beans, soybeans, split peas, chick peas, black eyed peas, lentils, and one that we may not be too familiar with, artichokes.

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that may help protect you from infections and chronic ailments – by boosting your immune system; • Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain a healthy blood pressure • Magnesium supports normal muscle and nerve function, a steady heart rhythm, and a healthy immune system. • Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections • Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Some of these nutrients may also be found in other healthy foods. Eating more fruits and vegetables ( about 2 to 4 cups a day) as a part of a healthy diet is a smart thing you can do for your health.

www.dietinthekeyofcee.wordpress.com.

My facebook page is Cee Josephs -Song Healer.

Let's continue the fellowship here.

I am in the process of making my 5^th CD project.  But I’m experiencing a familiar condition – GERD, which negatively affects my voice.  Because I am concerned with putting out my best project yet, I thought I would take medication, if only for a short time. Before, I have always tried to control it naturally.

But then I came across a paragraph from ‘Ministry of Healing’ by Ellen G. White:

“A practice that is laying the foundation of a vast amount of disease and of even more serious evils is the free use of poisonous drugs.  When attacked by disease, many will not take the trouble to search out the cause of their illness.  Their chief anxiety is to rid themselves of pain and inconvenience. ….they resort to paten nostrums, of whose real properties they know little, or they apply to a physician for some remedy to counteract the result of their misdoing, but with no thought of making a change in their unhealthful habits.  If immediate benefit is not realized, another medicine is tried, and then another, thus evil continues”. Pg.43

Reading this was enough to send me back to my vow to begin exercising and drinking enough fluid. I had already started dietary changes, like (eating) very little fat and lighter meals. You see, over the holidays I had, as many of you may have, packed on a few pounds. And I decreased my exercise, and sitting for long periods.  Now as a dietitian I always say not to be too concerned about eating during celebrations. Just get back to your regular way of eating (if it was being done right, of course) as soon as it is over.

Pure air, sunlight, rest, exercise, proper diet, adequate fluid [water, what did I say about sugar!], and my trust in God to keep me healthy (yes, I do pray to Him for this especially).

I am taking my advice. Here’s to the [soon to be] new me! And you!

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a nutritionist and a dietitian? To put it simply, a nutritionist has no concrete definition, while a dietitian has credentials to go with the term. Any person working in a health food store or otherwise can call themselves a nutritionist.

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a credential just like a Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Doctor (MD). To become a Registered Dietitian you must:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in dietetics, a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university


2. Complete an internship with at least 900 hours


3. Take and pass the RD exam


4. Complete 50 Continuing Education Credits every 5 years to maintain license.

To earn a Bachelor's Degree, Registered Dietitians study food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology, communications, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry.

A Registered Dietitian is knowledgeable in the science of nutrition. They learn how to interpret research studies and apply that knowledge to counseling individuals on how to improve their lifestyle and health. He or she is able to look at your medical history, current symptoms, medications, supplements, exercise routine, weight, and eating habits and give advice that is safe and effective for you to reach your goals.

A nutritionist may or may not have the credentials of a Registered Dietitian. An RD is the authority on nutrition in the US. If you are looking for someone to help you with your diet and aren't sure if the person you find is credentialed, ask them if they are an RD and to see their credentials. Some nutritionist claim they have credentials, but if he or she is not an RD then their credentials are not backed by science, education, and experience like they would be if they were an RD.

The picture on this blog is of Connie Diekman, the current President of the American Dietetic Association with her dog, Eddie, who has a certificate calling him a nutritionist from the American Association of Nutritional Consultants. No education or experience was needed to apply for this certificate.

Claudette (Cee) Josephs, MS, RD

A large study found recently, that increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet lowers the risk of developing diabetes.  However, an increase in fruit juice consumption was associated with increased risk of developing diabetes.

Although fruit juices may have antioxidant activity, they lack fiber, are less satiating and tend to have high sugar content.

It is not surprising to me, as I see this development over the years of treating clients. Too often I see mothers, on the subway, in church, in the park - feeding their babies from bottles filled with ‘red juice’ or what appears to be apple juice. Is it any wonder that we as adults gravitate to the same (juice thing)? Is it any wonder that diabetes is now an epidemic? Both clients and staff – practitioners alike, seem to feel they must have ‘juice’ or ‘drink’ with their lunch. And it is almost always available.

Yes, for a long time dietitians/nutritionists have recommended fruit or fruit juice, even while we know, and recommend whole fruits over fruit juice, because of the fiber. 

As a vegetarian and health nut, I am always trying to find ways to get the nutrients I need, without eating or drinking a lot.  Here are ways to get your antioxidants, fiber and fluid in one shot.  This could be your ‘drink’ or ‘juice’ if you must have liquid with your meal:

1.    Blend your favorite fruits or vegetables, or both. Put it in your water bottle, or a bottle dedicated for that, and have it at lunch. You can add water to it.  The same amount of fiber and nutrients will still be there.

2.    Wait until dessert to drink. Drinking pure water or unsweetened tea with a sweet (preferably fruit) will go down better than drinking water with savory foods, and eliminate the need for eating additional sugar.

Here’s to your health!                  

Claudette (Cee) Josephs, MS, RD

In presenting expert insight on the clinical significance and relevance of new data on insulin therapy, (based on findings presented at the 2009 World Diabetes Congress of the International Diabetes Federation), Dr. Phillip Home, and others concluded that insulin therapy should be initiated when the diagnosis of diabetes is made. The barriers, they found, is physicians’ reluctance, due in part, to fear on the part of their patients.1

The truth of the matter is that, when diet and exercise changes are initiated as first line of treatment, there are positive outcomes.  The problem is that patients do not always get the medical nutrition therapy needed to effect these changes. Many physicians do not refer their patients to nutritionist/dietitians. It may be that they are not aware of the value of the dietitian, or they believe that the little knowledge of nutrition imparted to their patients is enough for successful treatment.

 Dietitians, where are you?

By not demanding that people get the best of care through our therapy offerings, we leave it to the other disciplines to convince patients that the little knowledge given is sufficient.  And so, when the diet (or lack thereof) fails, and blood sugar, blood pressure, or weight increases, the patient has no choice but to take the MD’s recommendation to go on insulin therapy.

The claim that there is a better quality of life on insulin may be due to the very fact that the ‘diet and exercise’ failed, and after being placed on insulin, the body now begins to correct itself, and patients feel much better.

But listen to this fact: most insulin therapies tend to cause weight gain and increased incidence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – the very symptoms of diabetes we try to avoid, and which cause patients great concern.

Dietitians, where are you?

Forty-one percent of African Americans with diabetes have never seen a dietitian, or given nutritional counseling or teaching.2 -now, why is that? Are we not the nutrition experts? Is that not what we spend at least four years of college learning, and more time doing internships, and taking exams for licensure? Is it to give away our healing and prevention expertise to psychologists, chiropractors, and anyone who call themselves nutrition counselors?  Why are we not always the ones interviewed on television, or other media giving correct nutrition advice? We are the experts. We have all the knowledge and understanding needed to change eating behavior for good outcomes, including prevention of diseases.  No other discipline does.

Thank God for the medical institutions, and Congress, that makes it mandatory for the dietitian to be part of the medical team in treating inpatients.  And yes, we have an opportunity to teach, heal and also show our vast knowledge and skills to other staff.  But what of the majority who are in the community, with, as yet no need of acute care?

Here we are, lined up, at the door of the hospital, or nursing home – welcoming the broken. Yet they may not have needed to be there if we had given them the care needed to stay away, in the first place. Is it any wonder that obesity and diabetes is an epidemic?

We not only can heal, through medical nutrition therapy, but we can keep whole, through education and training.  We have an integral part to play in keeping America healthy.

So, dietitians, where are you?

1.   http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/711176

2.     http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/583000

 http://ceejosephs.org

Mindless Eating

Claudette (Cee) Josephs, MS, RD

It was toward the end of the day, and I was sitting at my desk, on the computer, when a co-worker handed me a bag of candy in celebration of Halloween. Immediately I started eating one, after the other, after the other… you get my meaning.

Generally, I do not eat between meals, and especially not [of] candy. It is definitely not a part of my diet. After all, I am a dietitian who tries to live what I teach. I am always concerned about eating right and exercising.

Yet I found myself eating these sweet, delicious empty calories with relish.  Why?

I have listened to clients, and read what psychologists have to say about the topic. In most cases mindless eating is a result of stress, be it a bad day, confrontation, relationship issues, or depression, or just plain having fun. This list is not exhaustive.

But at the time I was handed this bag of goodies (well, they tasted good), I had none of the above stressors, or mood changes. I did not need to be eating for comfort.

As the caption suggests, I did not think about what I was doing. The taste was what drove my desire.

Since childhood, taste determined for the most part, what we ate. We call the foods we eat preferences. And indeed everyone has preferences. That is why MyPyramid – the recommended guide

to the way we should eat- was developed. We can still eat well by choosing only the foods we like from each food group.

Sweet is the taste we gravitate to, overwhelmingly. And we have let it lead us into our adult life.  It is in this life that we begin to see the effects of eating sweet, and by this time controlling it becomes a struggle that is almost impossible to overcome.

As a singer,  as soon as I open my mouth to sing -whether in the bathroom or performing- I immediately become focused on the quality of my voice and what I need to do to get the sound I desire. In my opinion, it is only through committed, consistent, mind and mouth practice of eating as recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid, that we control our sweet tooth, and avoid many of the diseases and conditions that plague us.

Peace & blessings.

http://mypyramid.gov