June 23, 2020

Drive-Thru Food Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Health

When I was a teenager and young adult, drive-in restaurants used to be THE popular place to go.  I know they hold a lot of fond memories for my Boomer-aged patients as well as those who spent many summer nights at the local drive-in restaurant with their friends.  You’d pull your car in and order a chocolate shake, burger and fries from a speaker and a few minutes later a car hop would bring your food to your car.  They’d place it on the tray that attached to your car door; you’d eat your fast foods while you visited with […]
March 14, 2017

Toxic Chemicals Found in Fast Food Wrappers

WASHINGTON – New research based on nationwide tests shows that many fast food chains still use food wrappers, bags and boxes coated with highly fluorinated chemicals. EWG’s report supplements a new peer-reviewed study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, which shows some of the test samples contained traces of a notorious and now-banned chemical formerly used to make DuPont’s Teflon. Scientists from nonprofit research organizations including EWG, federal and state regulatory agencies, and academic institutions collaborated to collect and test samples of sandwich and pastry wrappers, french fry bags, pizza boxes, and other paper and paperboard products from 27 […]
July 8, 2016

What Are Processed Foods Anyway?

We hear the term “processed foods” all of the time. “Don’t eat processed foods; eat whole foods” is what is commonly touted by nutritionists, fitness experts, and wellness coaches, including me. But, what are processed foods anyway? Technically, any food that has been changed from its natural state is a processed food. Read on for some critical distinctions you may not have considered that will help you pick the healthiest options for you and your family. Minimally Processed Foods Even fresh foods are processed. Let’s take lettuce, for example. There are two categories of lettuce: head lettuce and leaf lettuce. […]
June 24, 2015

Are There Healthy Fast Food Options?

Here are five quick ideas for reasonable fast-food choices that will help alleviate some of the guilt of occasional drive-through dining (and yes, we name names here…so be ready to see if your favorite option is good or bad news!)… Your shift ended late and you have a ton of things that need to be done. Or maybe you’re on your way to work and realize that you’ve not yet eaten. And guess what? You’re hungry. You only have time for one thing…(insert evil music)…fast food! Can you really pick up a meal from a fast-food restaurant and still maintain […]