Mindful Eating

Linda sat at a table with a piece of rich, dark chocolate in front of her. After breathing in its sweet aroma, she took a small bite and let the chocolate slowly dissolve in her mouth. Her taste buds savored the mixture of creaminess and sweetness. “Wow, that’s the best piece of chocolate I’ve ever eaten!” Linda said to her dietitian.

What’s interesting is that this exchange was part of a nutri­tion counseling session that focused on mindfulness, the con­cept of being present in the moment, and mindful eating, being aware of all facets of the eating process. Mindfulness continues to gain widespread support to promote health and wellness, and mindful eating is being used as a tool to improve eating behaviors, encourage weight control, prevent chronic disease, and foster a healthful relationship with food.

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THE CANCER, DIABETES, AND HEART DISEASE LINK

THE CANCER, DIABETES, AND HEART DISEASE LINK

Research shows these diseases are interrelated as well as the strategies to prevent and manage them.

It’s common knowledge that clients and patients with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular dis­ease (CVD). But did you know that heart disease can be associ­ated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and that diabetes can raise the risk of various cancers?

Research has shown there are interrelationships among type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These interrelation­ships may seem coincidental and based only on the fact these conditions share common risk factors. However, research sug­gests these diseases may relate to one another in multiple ways and that nutrition and lifestyle strategies used to prevent and manage these diseases overlap considerably.

This continuing education activity will evaluate the current research showing how cancer, type 2 diabetes, and CVD inter­relate with one another, and examine how nutrition and physi­cal activity recommendations

developed to reduce cancer risk intersect and can be used to care for patients who have or are at risk for diabetes and heart disease

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Milk Proteins

For many years, nutrition professionals didn’t consider protein a priority for most Americans. The thought was that most people consume more than enough to prevent protein deficiency.

But now a new perspective is gaining momentum. A growing body of research shows that a greater intake of protein may increase muscle synthesis, decrease muscle breakdown, boost satiety, and improve glycemic control, thereby enhancing muscle func­tion and mobility, as well as assist in preventing and treating certain chronic diseases. The evidence regarding many of these health benefits focuses on high-quality proteins, including milk proteins, which many food manufacturers are adding to various dairy and nondairy products to enhance their nutritional value and improve consumers’ health.

Optimal Health vs. Preventing Deficiency

For optimal health, evidence shows Americans may need more protein than previously thought. Protein is the major structural component of all cells in the body and functions in the form of enzymes, transport carriers, and hormones. The body requires a steady supply of the nine essential amino acids from dietary protein to synthesize new proteins and balance the rate of

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