It’s a known fact that obesity is on the rise, and more women suffer from the disease than men do.

A recent study lead by Gene-Jack Wang and his team of Brookhaven National Laboratory revealed that women are less able to suppress their appetite than men.

The study involved 10 men and 13 women who were quizzed about their favorite foods from pizza to cinnabons. After that, they were asked to fast overnight for the purpose of scanning their brains during the experiment. The volunteers were also taught “cognitive inhibition”, a way to mentally decrease the thoughts of hunger and decrease their appetite.

After an overnight of fasting, Wang and his colleagues asked the volunteers to apply the cognitive inhibition technique while being exposed to their favorite foods as they monitored their brains.

Wang noticed something interesting that may lead researchers closer to an answer for why more women are obese then men.

Both men and women agreed that their appetite was decreased BUT… their brain scan showed different. The men’s brain activity decreased while the women’s stayed active.

Many factors can contribute to this finding. One theory was that since women provide nutrition to their babies, they were hard wired to stock up for two. Hormones and emotional distress can also lead women to crave food more.

No doubt that more studies are needed to fight the obesity battle, but Wang suggests that helping people mentally train themselves to suppress food desires, then we can aid in the prevention of overeating that leads to obesity.

 

So am I a PIG?

I can attest that I used to constantly think of food. I craved sweets, salty foods.. you name it! But I totally agree that cognitive inhibition is a great way to suppress and decrease hunger. when I began my health journey, I realized how my weight problem was mostly mental. I had to control my brain and shift my thoughts in to viewing food as a tool for survival and not just for pleasure. Although.. I still love food! healthy versions of course.

Overall, I think the study revealed great points and I look forward to more like it. Yay Wang!

Love,

Ghada

 

 

The scary word this Halloween is

“Calories!” 

 

Halloween was always a great time!

 

Instead of the cute pumpkin carriers that other children carried, my brothers and I grabbed 30 gallon trash bags and headed out on a mission.  After a night of begging for delicious candy, we would gather back home and eat as much of our goodies as we could shove in our mouths. Bad idea!

 

If only we knew about the empty calories and junk that we were filling our bodies with.

 

Become a leader this Halloween and make a difference by eliminating unhealthy treats filled with sugar and artificial flavors, and opting for healthier options for your Trick-or-Treaters.

 

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and we should all work towards making Halloween and other holidays healthier for our young ones.

 

Here are some healthy  & fun suggestions to hand out this Friday:

 

Nabisco has a variety of 100 calorie packs that satisfy any taste bud. I like the Honey Maid crackers because they provide a good source of whole grains.

 

 

 

Sweet & crunchy fiberlicious apples are always a perfect treat.
  

 

 

 

High in antioxidants, this sugar-free Dove dark chocolate is a delicious bite size treat.

 

 

100% Juice boxes are nutritious and usually contain high amounts of Vitamin C.

 

 

 

 

Sun-Maid Raisins are packaged in cute little boxes and may appear like chocolate pebbles, so “Trick” them in to eating them.

 

 

 

 

You can never go wrong with home made oatmeal and raisin cookies. Control the sugar and calories by making them yourself instead of purchasing the processed brands. 

  

Be healthy and stay safe!

Love,

Ghada

Even though scientists and experts have studied obesity for many years, they are still far from understanding the truth behind this issue.

 

But, a recent study conducted at the Oregon Research Institute reveals interesting findings on a brain chemical that seems to lead to overeating: Dopamine.

 

What is dopamine? Dopamine is a brain chemical that senses pleasure. For example, take a comforting food like warm apple pie. As you stuff your face with a huge bite of pie, dopamine levels are boosted giving you a satisfactory sensation.

 

 

Senior scientist, Dr. Eric Stice lead a study that suggests that dopamine levels are less active in obese individuals compared to the fit and lean.

 

The study involved 43 college girls ages 18-22, and 33 teenagers ages 14-18. The girls ranged from very skinny to obese. 

 

They were all asked to sip on delicious chocolate milkshakes while a scanner studied an area of their brain called Dorsal Striatum, the pleasure center filled with dopamine.

 

Scientists noticed that the pleasure center was less active in the obese volunteers compared to the thinner ones.

 

Scientists suggest that less dopamine activity may lead to overeating.

For example, if the person’s pleasure senses are low when indulging in a milkshake, then he or she may overeat to compensate to reach the level of satisfaction.

 

So, how do I feel about this released study?

 

I find this dopamine study to be very interesting but I also feel that there are more factors that need to be researched before this conclusion is definite.

Since I have experienced being in a bigger body and overeating, I can say that I was always satisfied with my meals. I did feel a boost in my dopamine levels as I tasted all the flavor and appreciated every texture. But, only under a scanner will I really know how active my pleasure center was, compared to now.

I also had an addictive behavior and used food for comfort. I felt insecure and unworthy so every bite was a symbol of happiness.

I felt that the problem was me, myself and I.

I realized I had to battle my mind by learning how to retrain my thoughts about food. The difference between then and now, is that I enjoy eating while practicing portion control. I eat to live, not live to eat.

 

What are your thoughts on the study?

Love, Ghada.

I think our hero Arnold Schwarzenegger is tired of eating out and packing on the weight.

 

The California governor has agreed to sign a bill this week that will require California chain restaurants to post and provide nutrition facts for their customers.

 

This new law will effect restaurant chains with 20 locations or more. A total of 17,000 restaurants will have to take act by July 1st.  On that date, the qualified restaurants must start providing hand outs/ brochures with nutrition facts and calorie info.

 

By January 1st, nutrition facts must also be displayed on the front counter and display board. 

 

 

Check out the nutrition facts on McDonald’s Medium Fries!  Ruh Roh

 

This law has already been in effect in New York City, and will soon be passed in other states as well.

 

I hope that these new laws will lead to a decrease in obesity and weight-related health issues. I know that if I was provided with nutritional information while dining out, I would more likely choose the healthiest options. I hope that others start doing the same.

 

Starbucks, Cosi and Chipotle are some of the many chains that are already on the ball, providing nutritional facts on their food items, so try to make a stop there before heading to another fast food place.

 

 

 

  

Personally, I would rather make my own coffee at home and pack my own meals and snacks to go.

 

Thank you ladies for taking the time to read my articles, now go spread some fairy health dust!