Healthy Friday

I must admit that I have not been as diligent at my healthy eating as I was in the beginning of my pregnancy and I'm ready to get back on the wagon. I've still been eating lots of spinach, fruit, low- fat dairy, and the things I know are good for Madelyn, but I've also been sneaking in one too many treats. So, it was perfect timing yesterday when I found a new issue of Health magazine in the mailbox. Health is a great magazine that focuses on natural-living, with an "everything in moderation" perspective which I fully subscribe to. Consequently, they even did a feature on a TV star who just had a baby and would like to lose the remaining extra weight, so I'll be sure to tuck that away for when the time comes.

More interesting than that though, was an article on probiotics. You've probably seen commercials advertising food products that now include probiotics, which are essentially the opposite of antibiotics, that work to rid your system of unhealthy bacteria, infection and other forms of junk that can accumulate in your system. Probiotics are now successfully being used to boost children's immune systems. They are all natural and can be found in certain yogurts, cheese, even cereal. Below is an excerpt from the article in Health.

"The “boost your immunity” probioticLab studies show that many probiotics have invigorating effects on the immune system. In theory, this should increase a person’s resistance to disease. But only a few strains, like L. casei DN-114001, L. rhamnosus GG, and L. acidophilus NCFM, seem to reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses like winter colds. In a study with 360 people over age 60, daily use of L. casei DN-114001 cut the duration of respiratory infections by a one and a half days and the severity by 20%. Similarly, in a study with 571 kids in day care, L. rhamnosus GG reduced both stay-at-home sick days and the number of infections serious enough to require antibiotics. And in a winter study of more than 200 preschoolers, the third strain (L. acidophilus NCFM) reduced the incidence of fever by 48%, cough by 42%, and antibiotic use by 68%. Researchers think similar benefits may be enjoyed by all age groups."

As someone who was the "sick kid" and in my opinion over-prescribed antibiotics for several years, I really want to take a more natural approach to Madelyn's overall well being (and my own). Just make sure if you start consuming large amounts of probiotic-infused dairy you consider switching to organic so you can avoid the added hormones and antibiotics found in regular milk products.

Also in the issue were a list of the most healthy fast-food restaurants in the US. Included were Panera Bread (a personal favorite), Jason's Deli (appx. 1/3 of their total produce used in organic), Corner Bakery, Chipotle (who uses all hormone and antibiotic-free meat), Einsteins bagels, and Taco Del Mar. Of course, it's still up to you to order the healthy items when stopping at these places:)