Paula Deen's Caloric Conundrum

Katie Trucco  

What does fried macaroni and cheese have in common with Krispy-Kreme donut bread pudding? Both contain unfathomable amounts of butter, weeks worth of calories, and they both originated in the kitchen of Paula Deen. She’s the television chef known for her butter-happy recipes and smothering dishes, all served warm with a big southern smile. Watching her prepare her sugary masterpieces is often cringe-worthy as she unwraps stick after stick of butter and drops them ever so gently into her mixing bowls while making a simple shrimp and wild rice casserole.

Just look at that big southern smile.

For years, Paula has made these dishes with impressive ease, and unlike many others in her field, she seems to actually eat and enjoy what she makes. Unfortunately, that has come with a price, as she announced a short time ago that she has been living with Type II Diabetes for the last three years. Her situation has come as no surprise to some, given her wildly unhealthy meals – she has featured deep-fried cheesecake on her show, and has shown viewers how to make a “lasagna sandwich.” After she announced her diagnosis, she claimed that she has altered her eating habits and “has always eaten in moderation.” While it is sad to see someone sacrifice their health and well-being for what they love, many are hoping that this turn in Paula’s eating style will encourage her to promote healthier eating to her fans. Her website now features “Figure Friendly” recipes, and her sons, Bobby and Jamie, are following in their mom’s culinary footsteps and have created some lighter dishes such as sweet and sour turkey meatballs. It is probably safe to say that the three of them will probably be laying off of the butter for quite some time!

Coffee: More than just a morning fix

Emily Kastl  

Pizza, Ramen, frozen meals, Easy Mac, and coffee: what do these things have in common? They are all essential components of the average college student’s diet. One thing these staples do not have in common is health benefits—or lack thereof. It’s no secret foods like Ramen and frozen meals contain enough sodium to turn you into a salt block, and pizza…well, we know there are better choices for a late night snack (although, according to Congress, pizza counts as a serving of veggies).But what about coffee? Since I’ve been known to drink a cup or 2—or 5—a day, I thought it might be worth checking out what it’s doing to my body. I was elated to come across the article 7 Benefits of Coffee. At long last I have found scientifically-supported justification for my slight addiction to this sweet, sweet caffeinated nectar.

1.) According to the Journal of Experimental Psychology, the caffeine in coffee can help sharpen your proofreading abilities. So before you grab your red pen, grab a cup of java. Maybe your next paper grade will reflect this decision.
2.) A Harvard study found that women who drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day have a lower risk of depression. This is a result of caffeine regulating the release of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
3.) Coffee helps fight Alzheimer’s disease. The caffeine in your cup of joe helps increase the production of the granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), a growth factor which helps prevent this type of dementia.
4.) According to a study conducted at Harvard, men who drink 6 or more cups a day have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Drink up, fellas!
5.) The American Association for Cancer Research recently announced that coffee might help combat the development of basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. You’ll only reap these benefits from drinking caffeinated coffee though; better get a shot of espresso in your next cup for good measure!
6.) Coffee may help ward off the risk of Type II diabetes.
7.) Your chances of developing Parkinson’s disease could decrease by up to 25% if you drink 3 or more cups of coffee each day.

Though scientists are looking further into the benefits of coffee, I can’t help but get excited about these preliminary findings. In a world where so many foods and drinks are labeled as “unhealthy” and “dangerous,” it’s refreshing to find something that’s delicious AND good for you. So, the next time you’re at your favorite café, go ahead and order the grande—you might be fighting disease!

Did a Gluten-Free Diet Just Change the Game of Tennis?

Katie Trucco  

Within the last few years, the gluten-free diet has boomed in popularity. Not only are doctors recognizing and diagnosing more Americans with Celiac disease, a hereditary condition in which the body does not digest gluten, but more and more people are acknowledging the innumerable health benefits that coincide with eliminating gluten from their diets.
Many athletes have adopted this dietary trend, including tennis star Novak Djokovic. Djokovic is now ranked among the greatest players of his generation, along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, even surpassing their accomplishments in some matches. However, as early as a year ago his serve was reputably sloppy and his forehand inconsistent. So what sparked the rapid change? Djokovic was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, which forced him to cut all foods containing the offending protein from his diet.
Suddenly, Djokovic garnered worldwide attention for his newfound precision on the court, his powerful backhand, and his unprecedented stamina during matches. His stats for the 2011 season speak for themselves; according to the Wall Street Journal, Djokovic managed to beat Rafael Nadal in rallies lasting longer than eight shots, a feat that no one has ever triumphed over Nadal.
Eliminating gluten from one’s diet is also linked to an improved mental state. Many people who suffer from gluten intolerance experience “brain fogs” in which they find they cannot function as sharply as they would otherwise. David Levitsky, a professor of nutrition and psychology at Cornell University, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal saying "It's mostly mental energy you're talking about, not energy supplied to muscle tissues." Many believe Djokovic is performing so much better because he is more mentally focused on the game.
Of course, nothing in life is as easy as giving up pizza in order to become a world-famous tennis player; but Djokavic is a solid example of how diet can significantly impact the way one performs on a day-to-day basis. Gluten-free diets, though thought by many to be nothing but a simple placebo effect, can really change the way an athlete plays and strategizes about their sport.

Miracle Noodles!

Emily Kastl  

Have you ever eaten something and thought “WOW! This is so delicious I wish it didn’t have any calories so I could eat it forever!”? Your wish is the Miracle Noodles’ command! Never heard of these? You’re probably not alone, but due to our country’s current obsession with diet foods, these calorie-free little guys are starting to make a name for themselves. More commonly known as shirataki or “white waterfall,” these traditional Japanese noodles are made from the konnyaku imo root—100% pure dietary fiber. And for you Celiacs out there, they’re gluten free! Since they are zero-calorie and carb-free, they‘re a dieter’s dream.

Image from mamaseacat's Guilt-Free Goodies blog

That’s all well and good, but how do they taste? Much like tofu, Miracle Noodles are flavor-chamelions; they take on the taste of whatever they’re in. Though I haven’t personally tried them, I‘ve read a ton of reviews and they all seemed to be on Team Miracle Noodles. Since they’re just coming onto the scene, they’re currently only available at specialty markets, Asian grocery stores, and online.
Eager to give these sensational shiratakis a try? Next time you make spaghetti, alfredo or any other dish that usually calls for pasta, set aside your Barilla and toss in some Miracle Noodles. If zero calories, no carbs, and flavor versatilty aren’t enough reasons to convince you to make the switch, how about the fact that they’re easier to make than regular noodles? Since they’re packed in water, simply rinse them off with hot water and add them to your dish! It’s like...a miracle!

A Green Movement: get your greens

Molly Donahue  

If you’re looking to add a bit of green to your diet, smoothies lend themselves as a delicious quick fix. Green? Smoothies? That’s right. Observers might give you a questionable look as you continue to add handfuls spinach to a blender splashing with an array of fruit, but the nutritional benefits and taste will counter any disbelief.
Angela Liddon from the vegan food blog Oh She Glows is one person standing behind the idea of green smoothies or as she calls them ‘Green Monsters.’ There is an entire website devoted to this idea of Green Monsters. A Green Monster consists of any green leafy vegetable, usually spinach, mixed with your usual smoothie ingredients. A common Green Monster might include any type of liquid, banana, ice, and a few cups of raw spinach. Simple.

Image from Oh She Glows blog

The website Green Monster Movement provides many recipes and also allows readers to submit their own recipes as well.
If you are feeling a need for more health benefits, try adding ground flax seed, protein powder, or chia seeds. Pumpkin, cinnamon, honey, carob powder and agave nectar also make great additions. Other leafy greens such as kale, beet-top greens, parsley or even wheatgrass can be added to your Green Monster. It is recommended to rotate the greens that you eat for a variety of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.
The smoothies are credited as energy boosters as well as helping to fulfill the daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings. It is recommended to rotate the greens that you eat for a variety of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants.
This may be just another health kick that the fitness guru’s have dreamt up, but luckily this trend won’t set you back much money and it is guaranteed to give you some added nutrition. So go green, or rather go blue! - but eat greens!