Healthy Support

Healthy eating for seniors focus of free presentation

Even minor changes in eating habits can help with healthier living.

“As we age, healthy eating can make a difference in our health, help improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being,” according to Karen Ring, director of the Healthy Living Program at Pima Council on Aging in Tucson.

“Even making slight changes in eating routines can help you live longer and better. Generally, one can support their physical health by staying active, eating healthy, sleeping well, and going to the doctor regularly,” Ring said.

“Eating habits change throughout the life span,” Ring added. To help provide updated information and resources for older adults, PCOA decided to host an interactive discussion led by nutrition and medical professionals during a free presentation on Monday, Oct. 30. Learn the impact that the foods and drinks a person chooses each day can help meet

… Read the rest
more
Healthy Support

New program helps toddlers develop self-control and healthy eating habits

Two of the best predictors of life-long health and well-being are early childhood self-control skills and healthy eating habits. A new program that teaches parents how to cook with their 2-year-olds is helping toddlers excel on both fronts. Doing things like stirring ingredients together without spilling and singing a song while something is in the microwave helps toddlers learn multiple important self-control skills, like paying attention, controlling their bodies, waiting patiently, and cooperating with their parents. Toddlers also get excited about being involved in the “grown-up” activity and are more likely to try the new foods they help make. Previous research has shown that self-control in preschool predicts adult outcomes like higher incomes and fewer health problems. Similarly, healthy eating habits in preschool predict how often adults eat their fruits and vegetables.

The Recipe 4 Success program was co-developed and rigorously tested by a team of researchers from

… Read the rest
more
Healthy Support

Teaching toddlers to cook boosts self-control and healthy eating habits, new study reveals

In a recent article published in Child Development, researchers presented the findings of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of Recipe 4 Success, a preventive intervention implemented across seven cities, villages, and towns of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the United States of America (USA).

Study: Promoting toddlers
Study: Promoting toddlers’ self-regulation and healthy eating habits among families living in poverty: A randomized controlled trial of Recipe 4 Success. Image Credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

The RCT examined the effects of this intervention on parents’ sensitive scaffolding, responsive food parenting practices, toddlers’ self-regulation, and healthy eating habits.

Background

Recipe 4 Success intended to enhance the benefits of another home visit program called Early Head Start, which aimed at supporting poor families to nurture the social, emotional, and physical health of their young children. 

About the study

In the current RCT, researchers covered 242 parents and their two-year-old toddlers from families who completed

… Read the rest
more
Healthy Support

Food-tracking apps pros, cons – Chicago Sun-Times

Food-tracking apps have ballooned in popularity.

One of the most popular features of nutrition-focused digital apps is the ability to record the food you eat and quickly view nutritional information. Dietary guidance and sharing of recipes can be just a few taps away. Physical activity and sleep also can be tracked to help with health and weight-loss goals.

Some things to know about food-tracking apps:

Pros

Food apps are convenient, affordable and increasingly easy to use.

“The top two strengths of these apps include accountability and awareness of eating habits,” says Caroline Susie, a Dallas registered dietitian.

Since behavioral change can be hard to implement and maintain, Susie says one useful tool to support dietary changes is having help to hold you accountable for your dietary choices.

Tracking your food also can bring a whole new level of awareness and mindfulness to how you eat.

“Using apps for

… Read the rest
more
Healthy Body

A positive body image can boost mental health

Wellness, Living, Mental Health,

Esther Muchene

In a society bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards, embracing and loving our bodies becomes an empowering journey towards holistic well-being. True wellness encompasses physical, mental and emotional health, and it begins with cultivating a positive relationship with our bodies.

Studies have shown that body acceptance plays a significant role in overall well-being. Research published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology showed that individuals who practice self-acceptance and have positive body image experience higher levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction and happiness. By embracing our bodies, we foster a healthier mindset that positively impacts our mental and emotional health.

Negative body image can have detrimental effects on mental health, according to research published in the Journal of Health Psychology. The study showed that poor body image is associated with increased levels of depression, anxiety and unhealthy eating habits. On the other hand, a positive

… Read the rest
more