Trans-fats are detrimental to our health because they raise our LDL levels, the bad cholesterol. They are created by partial hydrogenation, which turns liquid oil into a solid fat. Trans-fats are substituted for saturated fats in everything from baked goods and cereals to fried foods and salad dressings. Companies use trans-fats for several reasons, including their ability to extend the shelf life of products. As of January 15, 2008, Health Department inspectors have started checking food service establishments for the now-illegal oils.

The New York Times quoted the county health commissioner, Dr. Joshua Lipsman, saying “When chefs say ‘Oh, what’s next?’ they are missing the concept of reasonableness,” We are enforcing laws that protect public health, and this doesn’t take away from people’s choices. Trans fat is like lead in gasoline or lead in paint. It’s something that doesn’t need to be there and no one will miss.”

New York City banned the use of trans-fats in restaurants and now Westchester County has followed suit. For more information on this story please visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/27colwe.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=does+that+trans-fat+ban+grease+a+slippery+slope%3F&st=nyt&oref=slogin.

For more information on healthy eating, without trans-fats, please visit our website.

One of the areas of nutrition Personal Web Nutrition focuses on is sports nutrition. We tailor programs for many avid weight lifters, runners and bikers, looking to lose wight, gain muscle or improve their overall health and performance. An extremely important part of sports nutrition is incorporating enough protein and calories into your diet.

There has always been a lot of debate between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. I have read many articles and books about this topic, including The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and in my opinion, there is validity to both sides.

Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article on NFL star Tony Gonzalez’s decision to become a vegetarian. Last year, after learning the benefits of a vegetarian diet, Tony Gonzalez tried a vegan diet for himself. At first he cut out all animal sources, including fish, eggs and dairy. After losing weight and hindering his performance he decided to incorporate animal products a couple of times per week into his diet, except for beef, pork or shellfish. Visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120122116182915297.html?mod=hps_us_inside_today to view the complete article.

For more information on a vegetarian diet, sports nutrition or other special dietary needs, please contact us at info@personalwebnutrition.com or 917-885-0052.

Good news New Yorkers, starting March 31 you will know exactly how many calories you are consuming at fast-food chains that operate at least 15 different establishments. The city Board of Health is requiring major fast-food chains to display calorie counts on their menus. For more information on this story visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120105411061008499.html?mod=health_home_stories

January is almost over. Are you making progress with your resolution to start eating healthier?

If not, Why Weight?

Learn how to eat healthy for good! Join me, Rachel Lerner, certified nutritional consultant and Founder of Personal Web Nutrition.com for a Life-Changing Teleclass on: The Secrets to Healthy Eating; including decoding nutrition labels, mastering grocery shopping, foods we should limit or avoid, organic vs. commercial foods, foods we should be eating and many other wonderful tips and strategies to educate you about the right foods for you and your family.

“Food is a powerful medicine”

Let Personal Web Nutrition.com be your guide. I have designed this special workshop to teach you the importance of proper eating habits and nutrition. The Secrets to Healthy Eating teleclasses will be offered three different days and times to make it extremely convenient for everyone!

Saturday, February 2 10:30-11:15AM (EST)

Thursday, February 7 6:00-6:45PM (EST)

The Secrets to Healthy Eating teleclass is complimentary to Personal Web Nutrition.com members and extremely affordable to non-members. The cost is only $7.95, less than a nutritious lunch or dinner. Sign-up today, it is never too late to start eating healthy!

To sign up for the February 4 class, click on http://february4class.eventbrite.com

To sign up for the February 7 class, click on http://february7class.eventbrite.com

Once you sign-up for a workshop you will receive a call in number and access code via email. Then simply call in from wherever you are at the appropriate time, and participate or simply listen along.

I hope you will join me for this wonderful workshop!

Warmly,

Rachel Lerner, CNC

Founder, Personal Web Nutrition.com

Organic means grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers or hormones. Pesticides are present in most commercial produce. Fresh, organic produce contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than conventional produce.

Another reason to eat organic produce is to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMO), also know as engineered foods. Engineered foods are foods in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The most common GMO crops are canola, corn, soy and cotton. The main problem with genetically modified foods is they can introduce new toxins or allergens into previously safe foods. To avoid these foods, look for labels that say GMO free.

If you consume dairy, organic is the only way to go. Organic cow’s diet’s contain no added hormones, antibiotics or chemicals. They also have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E and antioxidants.

Commercially grown meat (chicken, beef or pork) is loaded with hormones and antibiotics. These animals contain excessive levels of antibiotics, steroids and growth hormones because they are confined to tiny cages which are shared with thousands of other chickens, cows or pigs.

If you are going to consume meat, choose organic meats whenever possible. Many restaurants and stores now offer meat from small, local farms that have been raised in humane ways without the use of antibiotics or chemicals.

If you have any questions about this blog or any other nutrition related issue, please contact us at info@personalwebnutrition.com or 917-885-0052.

Calcium is the most abundent mineral in your body. The majority of calcium is in our teeth and bones. Calcium is essential for muscles to work properly, hormone and enzyme production, our nervous system and to help blood vessels constrict and relax. It is important that we consume calcium on a regular basis to replenish our body’s supply.

I have been completely dairy free for over 5 years. Clients always ask me how I consume enough calcium without eating dairy products. While dairy does contain calcium, there are many other wonderful foods that are also high in calcium:

• broccoli
• salmon
• sunflower seeds
• brazil nuts
• almonds
• green leafy vegetables
• tofu
• sardines

Another tip on calcium consumption is to avoid any products that contain caffeine. A high caffeine intake can increase the elimination of calcium from your body.

For more information on calcium consumption or any other nutrition concerns, please contact us at 917-885-0052 or info@personalwebnutrition.com.

I am always amazed at the health and nutrition books people buy to help them lose weight or eat right. Some of my favorite newcomers are: The Ultimate New York Diet, Women’s Health Perfect Body Diet, The Ultrasimple Diet and TNT (Targeted Nutrition Tactics) Diet. These books all have the same agenda, to grab our attention by providing us with quick ways to lose weight and eat right. The problem with most diet books is the information and theories are usually not sustainable for long periods of time.

We all know someone on one diet or another, dwelling on calories, carbs, proteins and fats (good/bad). The biggest problem with relying on a one-size-fits-all nutrition diet or program is that they do not take specific dietary needs into consideration. Nutrition is about YOU, the individual, and has to be tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

As we all try and start the New Year off right, please consider your own special dietary needs and realize there is no quick-fix, regardless of what we are made to believe!

Contact us today at info@personalwebnutrition.com or 917-885-0052 to find out how we can tailor a nutrition program specifically for you.

Rachel Lerner, CNC and Founder of Personal Web Nutrition, will be making appearances this month at The Vitamin Shoppe!

Ms. Lerner will be at The Vitamin Shoppe in White Plains, New York:

• January 19 12-3
• January 28 12:30-3:30

and The Vitamin Shoppe in Port Chester, New York:

• January 21 12-3

Please stop by The Vitamin Shoppe to meet Rachel Lerner, CNC. You will receive a complimentary gift upon signing-up for any of our services.

Personalwebnutrition.com is committed to helping you lose weight this year. It’s a New Year and we want you to keep your New Year’s resolution to start eating healthier. As part of our efforts to help you start the New Year off right, we are offering a free 10 minute nutrition consultation to you! Call us today at 917-885-0052 and let us show you the benefits of our individualized nutrition services. Personalwebnutrition.com wants to teach you new skills and tactics to help you lose weight and learn how to change your eating habits for good. From our own personal experience, we understand the physical and emotional part of learning healthier eating habits. There is no such thing as a quick fix. There are many diets available but the key to long term weight loss is individualized food programs tailored to your personal needs. This gift is only available until the end of January, so please contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Now that the holidays are over, it is time to think about the upcoming year and how to finally keep our New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. Here are some helpful words of wisdom I want to share with you:

• Baby steps are better than no steps
• Don’t think of your healthy eating as a diet, it is a lifestyle change
• Try and start with a salad for lunch or dinner
• Eat 4-5 mini meals per day, instead of 2-3 large meals
• Drink lots of water
• Enlist a partner to help inspire you to stay on track
• Incorporate healthy modifications to your favorite recipes
• Avoid high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils
• SIGN-UP WITH PERSONALWEBNUTRITION.COM FOR TAILORED PLANS AND PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS