For many people Lent is a time to take a step back, evaluate what is important and think about sacrifice. People of the Catholic faith refrain from eating meat on Fridays. In addition, Catholics and people from other Christian faiths also “give up” something such as eating high-calorie desserts or kicking a bad habit such as smoking. According to Michael Koller, MD, internal medicine physician at Loyola University Health System, Lent can play an important role in creating a healthy lifestyle. (more…)

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage an increased focus on fruits and vegetables and an understanding of proper portion sizes. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) helps consumers understand how to implement these suggestions into their daily lives with “Get Your Plate in Shape,” this year’s theme of National Nutrition Month®. (more…)

It’s been more than one month since  the new year  and swimsuit season is lurking on the horizon – how are those weight-loss resolutions working out?

“Losing weight is one of the top resolutions made every year, yet only 20 percent of people achieve successful weight-loss and maintenance,” says Jessica Bartfield,MD, internal medicine who specializes in nutrition and weight management at Loyola University Health System’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. (more…)