Last week ground breaking legislation was passed in Virgina. Governor Bob McDonnell signed a new law requiring school districts to provide information on anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders, to parents with children in grades 5 through 12. Hopefully Virgina will start a trend that other states will follow as the first step in treatment has to be with education. Schools are so concerned about our growing obesity epidemic that often eating disorders get left behind. Parents need to know what signs to look for in children and then need to be educated on treatment options that are available. Hopefully with more education can come prevention, earlier treatment, and more successful recovery.

I was recently forwarded a blog post from the New York Times about how fewer days of exercise may be better than more–contrary to what we hear and read on a constant basis. I was not surprised by the headline, but more surprised that the headline was written. I have provided the link below-I think it is worth a read:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/why-four-workouts-a-week-may-be-better-than-six/

This past week the Journal of the American Medical Association published a research paper titled Does Body Mass Index Adequately Convey a Patient’s Mortality Risk? BMI, a ratio of height to weight, is currently used to categorize people as underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-39.9) and obese (30-34.9). The report found that those whose BMI labelled them as overweight had less risk of dying than people of normal weight; And while obese people had a greater mortality risk over all, those at a BMI between 30 and34.9 were not more likely to die than people with normal BMIs. To see the full report click here

This article has been both criticized and praised. Those critical question why BMIs below 18.5 were not examined. Others praise the authors for questing the obesity guidelines and what society views as healthy. I hope this study will continue to stir discussion and debate.

As we enter the colder months, Brussels sprouts become a favorite on the dinner table. A vegetable consisting of the small compact bud of a variety of cabbage, Brussels sprouts are thought to have originated in Brussels, Belgium! Unlike most green vegetables, Brussels sprouts are high in protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. Although the protein is incomplete—lacking the full spectrum of essential amino acids—eaten with a serving of whole grains will make them complete. Research suggests they may offer protection against some forms of cancer. They are also an excellent source of Potassium, Vitamin C, Folate, and Vitamin A. Still not convinced they are worth a try? Try this delicious and simple recipe below.

Happy Holidays!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
2. Place 1.5 lbs of trimmed Brussels sprouts, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal tightly, and shake to coat. Pour onto a baking sheet, and place on center oven rack.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, shaking pan every 5 to 7 minutes for even browning. Reduce heat when necessary to prevent burning. Brussels sprouts should be darkest brown, almost black, when done. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt, if necessary. Serve immediately.

Eating family meals together is an important way to stay connected in our relationships and maintain a balance between work and family life. We often lead chaotic lives and finding time to sit down and eat a meal let alone with others can be a challenge. As a nutritionist, mother, and wife I cannot emphasize how important this in the development of healthy relationships with food. It is certainly not necessary to eat all 3 meals a day together–even once a week can make a lasting impression. It is important to not make this time necessarily about food–taking the emphasis away from food can actually make the eating process go smoother. Below are a few suggestions worth considering, especially if someone in your family struggles with their own relationship with food.

• If everyone seems on different schedules during the week try eating together on Sunday nights.
• Make everyone part of the cooking process
• Insist on no technology during the meal time
• Consider eating breakfasts together if the timing of dinners is too complicated
• Try preparing one meal for everyone to eat
• Talk about something else other than food during the meal

Personally and professionally I found the experience of eating with family to be one of the most powerful tools available. I hope you too find it as therapeutic and rewarding–happy meal time!