Inspiring Links​

​Here is a list of other websites and tools that are helpful that you might enjoy.
BMI Calculator 
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. It is a measure of underweight (<18.5), healthy weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), or obese (>​ 30).

BMI For Adults Widget

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Find nutrient information on over 8,000 foods using this new and improved search feature. You can now search by food item, group, or list to find the nutrient.  You can also calculate the ca;lories and nutrient content based on the serving size you choose and recalculate it for your portion.  Great resource!  Spend some time familiarizing yourself with healthy foods and know what you are eating. 

http://ndb.nal.usda.gov  for the main page or dive right in  http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list
ChooseMyPlate.gov
What I like about it: 
  • It is a free website 
  • You can plan personal menus and a weight loss plan based on your food preferences
  • Has an online calorie tracker and more
  • Many choices to meet our food PREFERENCES 
  • Focuses on balance, portion control and variety. 
Our USDA recommends a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean proteins and includes the importance of physical activity.  That sounds perfectly right, logical and healthy. 
What I do not like about it:  
  • Politics play a role in this resource pleasing every food organization
  • Our government is targeting the entire US population, trying to move the general population to healthier diet and exercise habits which is good; however, the promotions within each food group are not of equal nutritional value
Example of politics:  Our government will always say "eat more" and not "eat less".  Can you imagine the backlash from the dairy industry if our government said to eat less dairy?  A specific example is equating fruit juice to fruit, at least as a snapshot. Drinking a cup of juice is not as nutritiously beneficial as eating a piece of fruit and drinking water. The benefit from eating a piece of fruit is the fiber, more antioxidants and phytochemicals. Juice is pure sugar. If you choose to drink juice, make sure you are buying 100% fruit juice. Additionally, I would not recommend choosing canned fruit! It has less nutritional value than fresh or frozen. Keep in mind that our government is reaching out to our entire population, trying to move everyone in the right direction. You are not the general population. You can make better choices than canned fruit.  You already know that a real apple is better than that.    
Disclosure:  Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any diet or exercise program and ask whether you are healthy enough to engage in a diet and exercise program. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider concerning your overall health and wellness, including your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately.  It is your choice to follow the suggestions, opinions and advice given by a Health Inspires wellness coach.