Food For Thought

Anxiety

The Suppression of Individual Liberty

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on May 21, 2016

Humans are the only animals with free will. With freedom comes responsibility and despite so much perceived “freedom,” many are unhappy. Loss of individual liberty may be to blame

Humans are the only animals with free will. With freedom comes responsibility and despite so much perceived “freedom,” many are unhappy. Loss of individual liberty may be to blame

Relationships

The Value of Asking

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on May 21, 2016

To live a more satisfying life, ask questions, don’t make assumptions. And when you're confronted by assumptions, question them.

To live a more satisfying life, ask questions, don’t make assumptions. And when you're confronted by assumptions, question them.

Bullying

Life is Too Short to Deal with A-Holes

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 24, 2015

Everyone can be a jerk sometimes, but what about those who are committed A-holes? We’ve all encountered one and they can make our lives temporarily miserable. Early recognition is the key to coping with and kicking these selfish jerks to the curb.

Everyone can be a jerk sometimes, but what about those who are committed A-holes? We’ve all encountered one and they can make our lives temporarily miserable. Early recognition is the key to coping with and kicking these selfish jerks to the curb.

Diet

The Mediterranean Miracle

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 10, 2015

People who follow the Mediterranean meal plan tend to live longer and have a reduced risk of developing diabetes, cancer and obesity. If you resolved to eat more healthfully in 2015, this meal plan may be an easy way to keep your New Year’s Resolution.

People who follow the Mediterranean meal plan tend to live longer and have a reduced risk of developing diabetes, cancer and obesity. If you resolved to eat more healthfully in 2015, this meal plan may be an easy way to keep your New Year’s Resolution.

Happiness

New Year’s Evolutions for Personal Success

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 7, 2015

Have your New Year's Resolutions already fizzled out like week-old champagne? Don't be discouraged! Change your Resolutions into Evolutions for a successful new you in 2015.

Have your New Year's Resolutions already fizzled out like week-old champagne? Don't be discouraged! Change your Resolutions into Evolutions for a successful new you in 2015.

Burnout

Leave Me Alone!

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 3, 2015

Vacation Buzzkillingtons, also known as co-workers, may consistently break personal borders by bothering colleagues on vacation. Better planning and setting limits help curb these behaviors and allow for a more enjoyable and peaceful time away from work.

Vacation Buzzkillingtons, also known as co-workers, may consistently break personal borders by bothering colleagues on vacation. Better planning and setting limits help curb these behaviors and allow for a more enjoyable and peaceful time away from work.

Diet

Does Soda Make You Fat?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on August 24, 2014

Some experts would have you believe that soda is the prime suspect in creating the obesity epidemic. But is liquid sugar really any different than table sugar or solid sugar?

Some experts would have you believe that soda is the prime suspect in creating the obesity epidemic. But is liquid sugar really any different than table sugar or solid sugar?

Diet

Soda Warning Labels: Rated "F" for Futility

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on June 15, 2014

“Experts” say put warning labels on sodas and sugary drinks but such proclamations show how out of touch they are with the realities facing persons struggling to lose weight.

“Experts” say put warning labels on sodas and sugary drinks but such proclamations show how out of touch they are with the realities facing persons struggling to lose weight.

Diet

Fed Up With Nutrition Misinformation

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on May 26, 2014

Nutritional scientists who’ve worked with patients know that warning labels, taxes, unrealistic weight loss diets and negative tactics do not foster lasting change or long term good health.

Nutritional scientists who’ve worked with patients know that warning labels, taxes, unrealistic weight loss diets and negative tactics do not foster lasting change or long term good health.

Appetite

Will Legalization of Marijuana Lead to More Obesity?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 8, 2014

Colorado and Washington are frequently listed in the top 10 of “fittest” states, but with the legalization of marijuana, will their citizens' health go to pot?

Colorado and Washington are frequently listed in the top 10 of “fittest” states, but with the legalization of marijuana, will their citizens' health go to pot?

Self-Esteem

Barbie: Blacklist or Buy This Black Friday?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on November 23, 2013

Barbie once again tops many little girls Wish Lists this holiday, but parents seeking to build their daughter’s self-image may be concerned that Barbie sends the wrong message. However, Barbie, along with other toys, can actually boost girls' creativity.

Barbie once again tops many little girls Wish Lists this holiday, but parents seeking to build their daughter’s self-image may be concerned that Barbie sends the wrong message. However, Barbie, along with other toys, can actually boost girls' creativity.

Child Development

The Ugly Side of Child Fame: From JonBenet to Corey Feldman

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on October 25, 2013

Popular TV shows suggest that childhood stardom is the key to a happy life. However, behind the scenes, some child stars are the victims of pushy parents who will pursue fame at the expense of their child’s health and well being.

Popular TV shows suggest that childhood stardom is the key to a happy life. However, behind the scenes, some child stars are the victims of pushy parents who will pursue fame at the expense of their child’s health and well being.

Eating Disorders

Does Grandma Have an Eating Disorder?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on October 4, 2013

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia have historically been associated with teens and young adults, however disordered eating patterns are on the rise among retirees. In a culture where youthfulness is akin to skinniness, many older women are practicing dysfunctional weight loss strategies.

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia have historically been associated with teens and young adults, however disordered eating patterns are on the rise among retirees. In a culture where youthfulness is akin to skinniness, many older women are practicing dysfunctional weight loss strategies.

Diet

Do Soft Drinks Really Make Kids More Aggressive?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on August 22, 2013

Yesterday news headlines were ablaze with the latest nutrition study suggesting that soft drink consumption causes violent and aggressive behavior in children. But is this true? A closer look at the actual study and the results reveal a flawed study that is far from conclusive. Here’s why.

Yesterday news headlines were ablaze with the latest nutrition study suggesting that soft drink consumption causes violent and aggressive behavior in children. But is this true? A closer look at the actual study and the results reveal a flawed study that is far from conclusive. Here’s why.

Diet

Three Reasons Dieters Should Eat More Protein

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on July 25, 2013

Protein is unique among the macronutrients in its ability to curb appetite and boost weight loss. Eating protein at each meal increases caloric expenditure, preserves muscle mass and creates a feeling of fullness. But how much dietary protein is enough?

Protein is unique among the macronutrients in its ability to curb appetite and boost weight loss. Eating protein at each meal increases caloric expenditure, preserves muscle mass and creates a feeling of fullness. But how much dietary protein is enough?

Diet

Five Ways to Unconsciously Cut Calories

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on April 25, 2013

It is often said we eat with our eyes instead of our stomachs, so how can we restore sanity to our snacking? Changing a few cues might be the key to losing weight without conscious dieting. From blue plates to different drinking glasses, simple changes can trick your brain, causing you to eat less and shed pounds.

It is often said we eat with our eyes instead of our stomachs, so how can we restore sanity to our snacking? Changing a few cues might be the key to losing weight without conscious dieting. From blue plates to different drinking glasses, simple changes can trick your brain, causing you to eat less and shed pounds.

Anger

Tantalized by Train Wreck Reality Television

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on January 31, 2013

Reality shows that feature glammed up toddlers are all the rage, boasting skyrocketing ratings. But what is so appealing about these shows? Why do some think these shows are “must see TV” while others charge they are “must flee TV?” Schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, may explain the popularity of “train wreck” television.

Reality shows that feature glammed up toddlers are all the rage, boasting skyrocketing ratings. But what is so appealing about these shows? Why do some think these shows are “must see TV” while others charge they are “must flee TV?” Schadenfreude, or taking pleasure in the misfortune of others, may explain the popularity of “train wreck” television.

Beauty

Princess by Proxy: Explaining Extreme Pageant Moms

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on November 5, 2012

Why do some child glitz pageant parents behave the way they do? New research suggests that "Princess by Proxy" a form of "Achievement by Proxy" may be to blame. Extreme pageant parents may lose sight of their child's needs in favor of their own desires for fame and fortune.

Why do some child glitz pageant parents behave the way they do? New research suggests that "Princess by Proxy" a form of "Achievement by Proxy" may be to blame. Extreme pageant parents may lose sight of their child's needs in favor of their own desires for fame and fortune.

Friends

Are Your Friends Making You Fat?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on August 7, 2012

If you are struggling to lose weight, you might want to take Friend-ventory. Friends have a profound effect on our body weight and health habits.

If you are struggling to lose weight, you might want to take Friend-ventory. Friends have a profound effect on our body weight and health habits.

Bullying

Why Is Swimsuit Season so Scary?

Martina M. Cartwright Ph.D., R.D. on May 15, 2012

Every year around this time, department store dressing rooms echo with the disgruntled sighs of women trying on swimwear. Armed with at least a half dozen spandex garments of various shapes, sizes and colors, nothing can morph a mature woman into an awkward adolescent like a full length, three-sided mirror.

Every year around this time, department store dressing rooms echo with the disgruntled sighs of women trying on swimwear. Armed with at least a half dozen spandex garments of various shapes, sizes and colors, nothing can morph a mature woman into an awkward adolescent like a full length, three-sided mirror.