Wednesday, February 26, 2014

3 Easy Ways to Incorporate Organic Greek Yogurt

3 easy ways to incorporate Organic Plain Greek Yogurt:

1. Yam Pie
1 medium sized yam
Dash of pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup organic plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup walnut pieces

Microwave yam for 6 minutes
Cut open, top with pumpkin pie spice, yogurt, and walnut pieces

2. Goji Trail Mix Parfait
1 cup organic blueberries
1/2 cup organic plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup trail mix with the following:
            Cocoa nibs
            Pine nuts
            Sunflower seeds
            Cashew pieces
            Goji berries

Top blueberries with yogurt
Sprinkle goji trail mix on top

3. Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
1 and 1/2 cups organic plain Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine ingredients and mix well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferable overnight for best results.

Serve with fresh veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, celery, jicama, broccoli, cucumbers, and sugar snap peas.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Caffeine, Children, and Addiction


Addictive substances are characterized by their stimulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine at various sites throughout the brain. Caffeine is known to stimulate dopaminergic pathways and therefore has significant addictive potential. Many individuals experience withdrawals from caffeine that include severe headaches. Caffeine Use Disorder is now a recognized clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5. By exposing children to addictive substances during critical periods of brain development, dysfunctional brain circuitry can develop, placing the child at higher risk for developing other addictions that are substance-related or behavioral (i.e. internet gaming, gambling). It appears that the profit-driven food and beverage industry is stimulating the creation of addicts at younger and younger ages in the US, leading to a tremendous healthcare burden. For many people the substance-seeking behavior leads to illicit drugs and/or alcohol, others become addicted to highly palatable foods, and many cross-addict through various substance-related and behavioral addictions. It is possible that chronic caffeine exposure during childhood and adolescence is a significant contributor to the growing problem of addiction in our country.