Eating To Live, Not Living To Eat
Sarah McIntire
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: News
Renowned nutritionist and educational speaker Deanna Latson came to FSU on September 10 to share practical ways to live a better life through a better diet. She gave three presentations that evening, and all were full of energy and excitement that kept her audiences captivated and ready to absorb all of the information she conveyed.
Latson is a clinically certified nutritionist and holds a master's degree in health communication. She taught at San Francisco State University for five years before taking her information and enthusiasm on the road to educate audiences all around the country. Since then she has worked with many professional sports teams and spoken to thousands in schools and communities all across the country. She is a member of the Wellness Council of America and has been working hard for many years to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with as many people as possible.
She started her presentation at FSU by sharing her reasons for getting into the field of nutrition. Originally it was just a personal goal for her; she wanted to get herself healthy so that she could confront her father about his unhealthy eating habits and overall poor health to potentially save his life. Her personable nature shone through her presentations even when she was reviewing facts and figures. Latson didn't lecture, she performed.
Latson provided many important details about healthy eating, but one that she stressed the most was to stay away from aspartame. Aspartame is a sugar substitute found in anything from chewing gum to diet sodas, but it's also a known carcinogen. Just know this when you've got the craving for a little caffeine: regular soda may be bad for you in many ways, but diet soda is far, far worse. If you're up for it, just go for a little green tea instead. It'll give you the boost you need without all that high fructose corn syrup.
Speaking of high fructose corn syrup, that made the list of Latson's, "Dirty 5," the five food substances she advised we stay away from at all possible costs. The other four are enriched flour (it's been stripped of all nutrients and ends up being about as healthy as paste), artificial colors and flavors, and partially hydrogenated oils. One of the easiest ways to avoid the "Dirty 5" is to take in as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can, which should already be one of your main dietary goals.
Latson is a clinically certified nutritionist and holds a master's degree in health communication. She taught at San Francisco State University for five years before taking her information and enthusiasm on the road to educate audiences all around the country. Since then she has worked with many professional sports teams and spoken to thousands in schools and communities all across the country. She is a member of the Wellness Council of America and has been working hard for many years to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with as many people as possible.
She started her presentation at FSU by sharing her reasons for getting into the field of nutrition. Originally it was just a personal goal for her; she wanted to get herself healthy so that she could confront her father about his unhealthy eating habits and overall poor health to potentially save his life. Her personable nature shone through her presentations even when she was reviewing facts and figures. Latson didn't lecture, she performed.
Latson provided many important details about healthy eating, but one that she stressed the most was to stay away from aspartame. Aspartame is a sugar substitute found in anything from chewing gum to diet sodas, but it's also a known carcinogen. Just know this when you've got the craving for a little caffeine: regular soda may be bad for you in many ways, but diet soda is far, far worse. If you're up for it, just go for a little green tea instead. It'll give you the boost you need without all that high fructose corn syrup.
Speaking of high fructose corn syrup, that made the list of Latson's, "Dirty 5," the five food substances she advised we stay away from at all possible costs. The other four are enriched flour (it's been stripped of all nutrients and ends up being about as healthy as paste), artificial colors and flavors, and partially hydrogenated oils. One of the easiest ways to avoid the "Dirty 5" is to take in as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can, which should already be one of your main dietary goals.
Be the first to comment on this story