Researchers air concerns about calorie-counting system
The Atwater system of determining calories in food is flawed, and people may be consuming more calories than they realize, researchers said at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting. Calorie counts do not reflect things such as fiber content or energy use in digestion, and Harvard University researcher Rachel Carmody says food labels could give consumers a false sense of security regarding calorie counts. National Public Radio/The Salt blog (2/20)
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Dietary Health

CMS proposed rule would affect hospital dietitian privileges
A CMS proposed rule to reform Medicare regulations deemed unnecessary, obsolete or burdensome includes requirements for registered dietitians who want to establish hospital privileges. Comments on the proposal will be taken through April 8. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (2/19)
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Nutrition experts say it's OK to reduce dairy consumption
Nutrition experts say it's fine to use alternatives to dairy products to get the same nutrients, and some experts even recommend eliminating dairy to achieve better health. Registered dietitian Ruth Frechman says that as long as a diet includes important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, protein and vitamin D, dairy products may not be required. Chicago Tribune (tiered subscription model) (2/20)
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Other News

Science & Research

Study looks at fast-food, calorie consumption in adults, children
Adults ate, on average, about 11% of their daily calories from fast food between 2007 and 2010, compared with 13% from 2003 to 2006, CDC researchers say. The calorie intake of children also dropped, but the calories they consumed from saturated fat remained above optimal levels. Reuters (2/21)
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Foods with high glycemic index may trigger acne, review finds
Foods with a high glycemic index, such as pasta, soda and candy, may lead to acne, according to a review in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers said these foods can cause blood-sugar spikes that increase hormones that in turn can stimulate oil production that triggers acne. National Public Radio/The Salt blog (2/20)
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Lack of siblings is linked to greater risk for childhood obesity
Children without siblings had a 44% higher risk of being obese than did those with brothers or sisters, according to a Danish study in the journal PLOS One. Of the children with siblings, the youngest were 33% more likely to be obese compared with other siblings, researchers said. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)/Booster Shots blog (2/20)
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Fitness

Pa. teacher says yoga balls make children more attentive
Replacing classroom chairs with yoga balls, which require students to use their muscles to stay seated, has helped children be more attentive, Pennsylvania elementary-school teacher Robbi Giuliano says. She's part of a trend that links physical activity to learning by using exercise gear, including footrests and standing desks, that gives students a chance to move around and fidget without disrupting class. Yahoo/The Associated Press (2/20)
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Institutional Foodservice

IU Health hospitals eliminate some unhealthy foods, beverages
Indiana University Health is fighting obesity by eliminating deep fryers, regular soda and sports drinks at its hospitals. It also may add juice to the list. IU Health's executive director of nutrition and dietetics said the goal is to reduce calorie intake because 65% of Indiana residents are overweight or obese. WRTV-TV (Indianapolis) (2/20)
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Recipe of the Day

Kale and chard power salad
Get your greens with this salad, featuring blue cheese, walnuts and dried cranberries and topped with a maple vinaigrette. Aggie's Kitchen
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Food For Thought

You don't have to eat dairy to make sure your diet is complete." -- RD Ruth Frechman, as quoted by the Chicago Tribune Share: