Recent Updates

I recently came across a video clip of a CBS Early Show episode I participated in a few years ago about the over-the-counter (OTC) diet pill Alli, a branded version of the prescription drug Xenical (Orlistat).  (see below)  Since weight loss makes its way to many new year’s resolution lists, I thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic.

There was an interesting story on 60 Minutes a couple Sunday’s ago on the food flavoring industry. You may remember the episode. It was the one with Angelina Jolie. Ok, now you are  probably nodding your head saying oh yeah, I saw that one. Anyway....what interested me about this episode was the segment where Morley Safer interviewed Givaudan, a Swiss corporation that creates designer flavors for the processed food industry. They aim to replicate the greatest flavorist out there, Mother Nature, by chemically re-engeneering her molecules in a lab so your frozen entree tastes like chicken and your soda tastes like orange - even when there is no chicken or orange in there.

sup·ple·ment
noun
1. something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.


I've been meaning to write a note about the sensationalized story that made the rounds recently about the dangers of supplements for women.  As if war, revolution, economic malaise, debt crises and the like weren’t enough...the popular media decided to provide more of what we don’t need: fear. A few recent articles were based on a study that examined vitamin and mineral supplements in relation to total mortality in a group of postmenopausal women.

This Thanksgiving, I offer you a few meal planning tips and my one-pan turkey & stuffing recipe.  We all need to reduce calories, carbs and fats, without sacrificing too much, if anything, in the taste department.  Here are a few tips to assist in meal planning: