A new study shows that contrary to beliefs, most weight is gained when you’re young

Are you in denial about your weight and eating?

Weight misperception is widespread – with many of us not seeing extra weight in ourselves and our loved ones – and we also underestimate how much we eat

diet, nutrition, preventionAyala Laufer-CahanaJune 29, 2022calories, denial, fast food, fiber, junk food, obesity, obesity epidemic, soda, sugar, weight loss, wellnessComment

We'll need even more willpower to resist junk food

Big data in the hands of junk food brands takes consumer behavior nudging to the next level and resisting the lure of tempting food becomes even harder

Is cutting back on meat always healthy?

Meat avoidance, in and of itself, doesn’t tell us what people actually eat, and the quality of plant-based foods is important

cancer, diet, nutrition, vegetarianAyala Laufer-CahanaMarch 23, 2022burger, calories, health, meat, obesity, processed meat, red meat, soda, sugar, vegan, vegetable, vegetarianComment

Can you eat junk food and be healthy?

A new study finds that half of daily calories US adults consume are from from junk food, and it's hardly a surprise, given our food environment

Taking your time to eat helps with weight control

Slow eating is a habit associated with intake moderation and lower rates of overweight and obesity, and slow eating may also actually increase your energy spend

Why it pays to think small

Considering how difficult and persistent weight loss and weight-loss maintenance can be, taking a conscious small step is an approach that can help all of us prevent further weight gain, and studies prove it works

What to eat to keep your liver healthy

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is extremely common – affecting about a quarter of the world population and 70 percent of people who are obese – and although there are no FDA approved medications for it the good news is that this liver affliction is preventable and reversible

Does a healthy diet really protect against Covid-19?

Even with the vaccine, controlling the risk factors of severe disease is still crucial and healthy diets may help keep Covid-19 – as well as a myriad of chronic diseases – in check

Coronavirus, plant based diets, preventionAyala Laufer-CahanaOctober 6, 2021calories, Covid-19, fruit, immunity, obesity, soda, sugar, vegetable, wellnessComment

Most of kids’ daily calories come from highly processed foods

A new study looks at the diets of American kids and finds that two thirds of calories now come from highly-processed foods. If we changed just that, childhood obesity could be cut by half.

junk food, nutrition, parentingAyala Laufer-CahanaSeptember 22, 2021added sugar, diabetes, fast food, health, HFCS, junk food, obesity, snacks, soda, sugar, whole foodsComment

The de-stress diet: Improve your mood with fruits and veggies

The sugary drinks and young-adult colon cancer connection

A famous actor’s death is a stark reminder of colon cancer’s rising rates among younger people; lifestyle choices can reduce that risk

junk food, nutrition, sugarAyala Laufer-CahanaMay 20, 2021added sugar, Chadwick Boseman, colon cancer, diet, fiber, fruit, microbiome, prevention, soda, sugar, vegetableComment

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Isn't a Useful Approach to Food

Food is all too often categorized in a binary way: healthy vs. unhealthy, and Americans divide food this way more than others according to a new study. Food's healthfulness, however, exists on a grey scale.

food psychology, nutritionAyala Laufer-CahanaMarch 31, 2021calories, fruit, healthy food, junk food, obesity, soda, unhealthy food, vegetable, wellnessComment

Science-Based Moderation: The Inconvenient Upper Limit of Alcohol and Sugar

Scientific advice to further limit added sugar and alcohol was ignored in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. While alcohol and junk food can give some comfort, and a little indulgence shouldn't be denied, the truth is still the truth.

Why Eating Well Can Save Your Teeth

Dental diet advice goes well beyond just sugar control. Periodontitis is a major public health issue, and is influenced by many factors beyond dental hygiene, including genetics, smoking, and alcohol consumption. An association between a balanced diet and periodontal health has been observed for centuries.

diet, nutritionAyala Laufer-CahanaDecember 16, 2020gum disease, Periodontitis, cavities, sugar, nutrition, vitamins, wellness, fruit, vegetables, sodaComment

Are Artificial Sweeteners Better Than Sugar for Your Heart?

There’s disturbing evidence showing a correlation between the consumption of diet drinks and the metabolic syndrome as well as type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity, and new research reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology looks at artificial sweeteners and heart health.

Is the Sugar-Cancer Connection Just a Myth?

Excess sugar can lead to weight gain. Obesity and type 2 diabetes – which is a common consequence of obesity – increase the risk of cancer. But is excess sugar by itself – in the absence of weight gain – risky?