Paleolithic eating (trends, part 3)

++ The "paleo" (or "cave man") diet has become popular with people who want to go back to foods "the way nature intended," or who are concerned about health issues that arise from our modern life-style. The diet includes foods that would've been available to our hunting/gathering ancestors, such as fish, wild game (and similar meats and poultry), eggs, fruits, vegetables.  It avoids dairy foods, grains, legumes, and processed foods.

good points:  it avoids the salt and sugar often added in processing foods; the animal protein included is lean; it encourages the intake of more fresh vegetables.

bad points:  in avoiding grains and dairy foods, it is much harder to take in all the vitamins and minerals you need in a day; some of the foods are hard to find; it can get expensive;

If you're looking for a compromise, you could go back about 100 years.  In those days, there were few processed foods; sweets were foods you made at home, and not very often; meats and dairy foods were eaten, but in moderation because of the storage challenges in keeping them fresh and safe to eat; etc. In many ways, this heirloom diet is better than the food patterns many people follow today. 

Chia (trends, part 2)

++ Chia seeds aren't just pets any more!   (although you can still sprout them on clay animal models)

The hype says they add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet; and at the same time, they help you lose weight. 

There is some truth to the first claim.  They do have omega-3's, but they are not a significant source because you shouldn't eat a lot at a time.  Actually, the same is true of their fiber content.

The second claim is a bit of a stretch, but an understandable one.  Put a few seeds in water and watch them swell.  They absorb a lot of water, so you may feel full sooner and be less tempted to over-eat.  However, too much of a good thing can lead to problems, mainly a bad stomach ache - they can continue to get larger inside of you.  Limit yourself to 1 ounce, spread throughout the day.

Still, they do have benefits - so, don't hesitate to enjoy them, in small amounts.