News
Not All Carbs Are Created Equally
With the rise in popularity of the paleo and keto diets, carbohydrates are sure getting a bad reputation.
Truth is, if you’re regularly active, your body needs carbs for energy and recovery.
Vail Health's registered dietician nutritionist, Lauren Larson, says the key is to choose the right carbs in the right portions at the right time.
What are the right carbs?
- GO carbs include whole, minimally processed options like whole pieces of fresh fruit (bananas, apples, berries), whole grains (100% whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, quinoa, rolled oats), and certain vegetables (sweet potatoes, winter squash).
- SLOW carbs include processed/starchy options like dried fruit, 100% juice, white grains, instant oats, and starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, and corn).
- WHOA carbs include highly processed options with added sugar like sugary beverages, ice cream, cakes, cookies, candies, sweetened cereal, and flavored yogurt or oatmeal.
When is the right time to have carbs?
- GO carbs is nearly every meal and snack.
- SLOW carbs is occasionally or before/during/after exercise.
- WHOA carbs are best to limit, avoid, or consume only around activity.
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What’s The Connection Between Phone Addiction And Teen Depression?
Most adults spend too much time on their phones, and it is harming their mental health. Dr. Charles Raison, psychiatrist and director of the Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center, attributes some of the cause for rising depression and suicide rates to phone addiction. He wants to build a study at the center to examine how removing phones from the hands of teens may help their mental health.
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The Bitter Truth About Sugar
We are a nation of sugar addicts. In 1900, the average American consumed 4 pounds of sugar each year. The current average sugar consumption in our country is an astronomical 150-170 pounds per person each year. This hard truth has contributed to an obesity rate that is 35.7% for adults.
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Body Composition: Why It Matters More Than a Number on the Scale
In the world of health and fitness, weight often steals the spotlight. We celebrate weight loss milestones, obsess over numbers on the scale, and let weight loss/gain dictate how we feel about our progress. But there's a far more accurate and meaningful indicator of health and fitness: body composition.