Effects of Smoking on Nutrition

Cigarettes are one of the most lethal carcinogens known to man. They are the single most common and preventable cause of cancer in society. Although most people know that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer and other respiratory illness, and it is one of the main causes of heart disease, most people do not grasp the nature and extent of how harmful tobacco is. The combination of smoking, liberal drinking and poor nutrition conceivably elevates...

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How Can I Follow a Low Sodium Diet?

Salt -- a crystalline substance made of sodium and chlorine that's used for seasoning food. Sounds rather benign, right? So why do so many healthcare providers tell us to follow a low sodium diet?The truth is, eating a diet high in sodium contributes to many health concerns, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attack. And, because excess sodium may cause fluid retention and weight gain, COPD patients may experience a worsening of dypsnea, or shortness of breath if they consume a diet high in sodium. While a low-sodium diet...

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Healthier fast food at fried chicken chains

Although certain chains have been advertising “no trans fats” in their food, the fact is that fried chicken can pack quite a fattening punch. According to the restaurant’s nutrition info, just a single Extra Crispy Chicken breast at KFC has a whopping 440 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 970 mg of sodium. A healthier choice is the drumstick, which has 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 370 mg of sodium. Alternatively, if you like the breast...

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Healthier fast food at burger chains

Figuring out healthier options at your favorite fast food burger chain can be tricky. A typical meal at a burger joint consists of a "sandwich", some fries and a drink, which can quickly come in at over 1700 calories for something like Burger King's Triple Whopper with a large fries and a 16 oz. soda. A better option would be a regular single patty burger, small fries, and water, which is about 500 calories. Alternatively you may enjoy...

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Top tips for healthy eating at fast food restaurants

Make careful menu selections – pay attention to the descriptions on the menu. Dishes labeled deep-fried, pan-fried, basted, batter-dipped, breaded, creamy, crispy, scalloped, Alfredo, au gratin or in cream sauce are usually high in calories, unhealthy fats or sodium. Order items with more vegetables and choose leaner meats. Drink water with your meal. Soda is a huge source of hidden calories. One 32-oz Big Gulp with regular cola packs about 425 calories, so one Big Gulp can...

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Healthy Fast Food

Tips for Making Healthier Fast Food Choices America has been called a "fast food nation" and for good reason. Everyday, one out of four Americans eats fast food. If you are eating out, fast food restaurants are often the cheapest option, but unfortunately, not usually the healthiest one. Eating just one fast food meal can pack enough calories, sodium and fat for an entire day, but the quick-and-cheap temptation can be hard...

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