KTK-Nutrition

Smoothies have become so popular.   Especially among young people who want to grab and go.   My daughters like to make smoothies for a quick breakfast that they can take with them on their commute.   If you are buying a smoothie from a Fast-Food establishment, which ones are a healthier choice?   What ingredients make a smoothie a healthier option? Consumer reports notes that smoothies can be very healthy and nutritious as a snack or a meal.   Especially if you make them at home and know the ingredients going into the smoothie.   Some Fast-food smoothies can be healthy but others not so much.   Consumer Reports , Delish and others offer some good advice and guidelines to follow when ordering a better-for-you smoothie. What is the ideal smoothie?   The ideal smoothie is made with whole fruits and vegetables, unsweetened dairy or plant milk or yogurt, and maybe some healthy add-ins like nut butters or seeds , according to registered dietitian , Amy Keating.   I would modify thi

Summer is nearly here and hydration becomes even more important in hot weather.   Last summer I blogged on hydration and it is one of my most popular posts.   What beverage or food is best for hydration?   Water? Juice? Cow’s milk? Eating some watermelon? Most people will answer “water” as being the best for hydration.   And most people would say drinking the 8 glasses of water a day is all one needs to do to stay hydrated.   But is water really the best beverage for hydration?   Are there other ways to stay hydrated like eating a slice of watermelon?   What about kids?   Some kids are not the best about drinking water throughout the day.   What else can parents do to help keep their kids hydrated in hot weather? What is the first sign that you need more fluids/water?   Believe it or not the first sign that your body needs more water or fluids is thirst .   Thirst is your body telling you that you are becoming dehydrated.   Another sign is the color of your urine – the darker t

  The next time you are out and about, look at the lines at the Fast-Food places.   Many people have their favorite sandwiches and Fast-Food meals they like to choose.   WebMD has a great slide show on the Worst Sandwiches – not only the worst but “Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers”.    One doesn’t have to be on a diet to be concerned about healthier choices at Fast-Food places.   I had many students in my class that actually needed more calories in their day as they were very active.   Some were athletes and as noted in a previous blog, a carpenter who easily took in 5,000 calories a day.   Playing basketball, my daughter burned up so many calories, it was a struggle getting in enough calories each day. Some Fast-Food sandwiches pack in the calories, fat, and the sodium.   Let’s look at some popular Fast-Food places and look at poor choices and then some healthier options. Burger King Poor choice: Triple Whopper with Cheese .   Yes, it does have some lettuce, tomato and onion but t