Archive for June, 2009

High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Feast or Famine?

June 29th, 2009  |  by Michelle  |  Published in Carbohydrates

iStock_corn-beakerHave you seen the commercials?  My favorite depicts a couple sitting in the park, blanket spread beneath them; the woman offers her man a bite of a popsicle, two in fact, that’s how much she loves him.  He balks and says, “…it’s got high-fructose corn syrup in it…[and] you know what they say about [that]?”  “What?” she says.  He doesn’t remember and can’t answer, and she laughs at how silly he is.  Then she lays out the facts: “…it’s made from corn, has the same calories as sugar…and it’s fine in moderation”.8 (Two Bites Commercial)

You can probably guess that I’m going to disagree.  That’s my gut reaction anyway.  If I’m fair, though, high-fructose corn syrup is an outstanding example of the confusion at the heart of much of the nutrition world.  Depending on whom you ask, high-fructose corn syrup can be shown to be the root of all evil or just another delightful way to sweeten our foods.  So which is it?
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Backcountry Buffet

June 17th, 2009  |  by Michelle  |  Published in Athletics

iStock_backpackingOrigin Nutrition was recently interviewed by backcountry.com for an article on backpacker meals. After the writers and staff at backcountry tasted the dehydrated delectables, they came to us for a stance on the meals, nutrition-wise. Check out the article for their opinions on what tastes good, and ours on whether it’s worth carrying on your back.

Natural Alternatives for Acid Reflux

June 1st, 2009  |  by Kari  |  Published in Digestion

mango_yogurtPropping yourself up on pillows every night so you can keep your dinner down and sleep is not a fun way to live.  If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.  There are millions of Americans that experience acid reflux, costing us a fortune in health care dollars, not to mention a major reduction in quality of life.  Changes in lifestyle and eating habits, as well as taking supplements, can help keep digestive juices in your stomach and out of your throat.  Let’s take a look at what causes reflux and some healthy, healing habits that can help you to live with (or without) acid reflux.  

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