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How Do You Lose 105 lbs? One Word: Support.
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"One flight of stairs and I was out of breath... and now I'm back to the same fitness level I used to be in my 20s!" Victoria V. recalls.
How can that be for a beautiful, outgoing, young woman in her early 30s? Excess weight is how. At 5 feet 5 inches and 215 pounds, Victoria just couldn't perform like she used to. And perform she had! Victoria had been a dancer through her college years, and was now suddenly struggling with her weight. The weight left her breathless, unable to perform simple, routine activities like stairs without difficulty. Complex modern dance routines were definitely not on her playbill any longer.
The same day she became aware of the decline in her fitness level, she was also confronted by a rude stranger in a parking lot. His words should not be repeated here, but Victoria says, "It was harsh! But it made me think; it opened my eyes!"
Victoria's eyes were opened to the fact that she had to do something about her weight. She bought books and talked with friends and was trying to decide on a course of action when her sister called her and said she should check out eDiets.com. Victoria followed her sister's advice and went to the Web site.
"eDiets simplified dieting," she says. It takes all the information you could find in a book and puts it to practical use for you by providing shopping lists, customized meal plans, personalized exercise routines, she says. Plus, "all the support!" And all at your fingertips! "You'll use eDiets far more than any book you'll read once and then let sit on your bookshelf!"
While Victoria started losing weight right away, she still struggled with making the time to plan and prepare ahead. A must for any dieter, it requires developing discipline and willpower. Luck for her, she found the support and accountability she needed to develop those strengths right within the eDiets Support Groups. Victoria says of her Support Group family: "They always helped ease my worries about staying on track. They helped me to stay focused!"
Victoria has found her focus -- she took off and kept off 65 pounds! She looked fit and fabulous. But life threw her a little twist, and a little less than a year ago, Victoria had to have some surgery and was not able to be as active as she normally enjoyed. Victoria gained back about 25 of those 65 pounds she lost, and decided then and there that it was time to put a stop to it before things got out of hand!
Enter eDiets Meal Delivery! This time, Victoria turned to our tasty, fresh-prepared meals delivered right to her door. It was just the thing she needed to get back on track. Since teaming up with eDiets' Meal Delivery, returning to her former active lifestyle and taking up Pilates, she's lost those 25 pounds again -- plus 10 pounds more!
Today, Victoria weighs just 140 pounds, and she says she expects her ultimate goal weight to fall somewhere around 135. Almost there! When we asked Victoria how her life has changed since losing the weight, she told us, "Overall, I lost the weight and I got my life back. I gained the confidence to follow my dreams and go after a wonderful new job opportunity, and I got it!"
It goes to show you'll never know what you gain when you lose, and eDiets is here to help you get there in the way that works best for you.
Inspired by Victoria's success? If you're ready to lose weight and look and feel your best, we can help you make it happen... Plus, no dishes, counting calories or cooking (we promise!). Click here and get a FREE GIFT for trying it out!
Couch Potato Workout Tips!
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Linda Spangle, RN, MAeDiets Contributor
You were doing so well with your exercise program, but then something happened. A bad cold, a few rainy days, and there went your motivation. You keep trying to get started again, but nothing works.
When you can't seem to budge off the couch, use these ideas to jump-start yourself and get back into a routine.
1. Just do something, then you're started!
When your exercise program feels like a distant memory, tell yourself to "just do something, then you're started!" Even the smallest action can be enough to break through the inertia and get yourself unstuck. All you need is one positive step -- take one walk, eat one healthy meal -- then mentally acknowledge that you're over the hump.
Looking for a great place to start? How about with our FREE diet profile? Click here!
2. Do it for three days
With whatever step you've taken, repeat it for a minimum of three days in a row. Once you sustain a positive action for at least three days, you'll regain your confidence and start feeling back in control. You can return to this concept and perk up your motivation again and again. Just take one step, stick with it for three days, and you'll be back in the groove.
3. 10-minute solution
Getting started is half the battle. But what if you don't "feel" like exercising again the next day? Any time your motivation lags, make a deal with yourself that you only have to exercise for 10 minutes, and after that, you can quit. Then go do it. Sometimes at the end of ten minutes, you'll be relieved it's over and you'll stop. But other times, you'll feel better and you might decide to keep going longer. Either way, you're a success!
4. Find new tricks
Instead of waiting for motivation to hit, learn how to build it yourself. To do this, invent new tricks and create fresh ideas that will inspire you toward action. For example, to boost your workout program, plan to set your alarm, lay out your exercise clothes, put a water bottle in the refrigerator and buy a new CD of energizing music. Anytime when you don't feel like exercising, reach for this list, and rev back up.
5. Do it anyway
You don't usually wait until you feel like going to work. You just go. The same thing is true for visiting your mother or changing dirty diapers. Because you consider these things to be important, you do them regardless of how you feel at the moment. In the same way, if you're not in the mood for exercising or eating right, tell yourself to do it anyway.
Then skip the leftover chocolate cake and eat your fruit instead. Get off the couch and put on your workout shoes. Each day, take a few steps that will move you forward, even if you don't feel like it. When you are truly committed to your goals, you can skip the excuses and do it anyway!
What are some of the things you do to get out of couch-potato mode? Let us know how you get motivated below...
Linda Spangle, RN, MA is author of 100 Days of Weight Loss. For more information on Spangle and her inspirational book, go to www.100DaysChallenge.com.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:28:00 PM
I find that if I can just put on my workout shoes then I can get motivated to move.
Top 10 Healthiest Jobs
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By Carolina Diaz-BordoneDiets Contributor
Wake up, nine-to-fivers: You spend 2,080 hours a year at work... Is your career healthy? High stress, low physical activity, little motivation and depleted morale levels are signs that your daily work environment is suffering and in need of some serious adjustments.
Given that you spend more than half your weekday waking hours on the job, your work surroundings can have an immense impact on your health. When you are engulfed in an unsound ambiance day in and day out, it can take a major toll on your emotional and intellectual well-being.
Chances are, your work will suffer and affect your ability to cope and be productive in the workplace. While you may not be able to throw away your computer and put a stair master in its place, you can transform your individual work conditions by making minor modifications.
Workplace stress is one of the biggest problems you cannot afford to ignore. Stress can lead to absenteeism, high health care costs and loss of performance, all of which can impact your company's bottom line. One way to help reduce stress is through breathing exercises. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few seconds to breathe deeply through your nose. Do this several times before getting back to work.
Physical activity is the best natural stress reliever. Try to save some time during your lunch break to take a 10-minute walk. Get up every hour and walk down the hall and stretch your legs. Even if you can only get up for a few minutes, it's important to take the time to move.
Another way to increase your health environment is by coming to work nutritionally prepared. Pack healthy snacks to munch on throughout your day and try to avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine.
You should also make adjustments to your personal space to make it more conducive to a satisfying and pleasant workday. Organize your clutter and make your area functional. Also, try to smile and not take things too seriously. Rather than getting upset, listen; be assertive but remember you can't control everything.
You can, however, control the way you deal with others and situations. Don't waste your time listening to negativity. Surround yourself by optimistic people. This will help keep you motivated and inspired.
Here's a list of the top 10 healthiest jobs, according to Monster.com. The jobs don't include professional athletic sports, but they do include athletics-related careers and jobs that promote a balanced, wholesome workplace environment.
2. Chiropractor
3. Choreographer
4. Florist
5. Massage Therapist
6. Nutritionist
7. Personal Trainer
8. Professor
9. Running Coach
10. Yoga Instructor
Got any great tips you use at work to help reduce stress and keep you in shape? Let us know by commenting below!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:01:00 AM
I was a secretary for 21 years. When my kidneys began to fail due to a medication I was taking for the same amount of time, I kept a quart size themo pitcher of water in my office on my desk. We never do drink enough of that "good stuff"! We underestimate its importance. I have since had a kidney transplant thanks to the benovolence of a stroke victim.
Film's Most Famous Foods
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Every year, a new generation of actors is anointed Hollywood royalty at the Academy Awards and -- while we've seen great strides in diversity for award recipients -- every year one group is continuously shunned on Oscar night: The food actors.From being the object of affection in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle to being the villain in Super-Size Me, food has played an integral role in countless films throughout history while breaking down Hollywood's most bigoted barriers.
To celebrate these forgotten heroes of the silver screen, eDiets sat down with a few of the most famous foods from some of history's most popular films to find out what it was like to rewrite the rule book -- and honor their achievements as social trailblazers.
Breakthrough Role as a Pastry
In The Godfather trilogy, food was an indispensable element of the story and culinary accuracy was precise and paramount. The Godfathers also jump-started the careers of many Italian-American foods that -- up until that point -- were only playing pizzas, pastas and organized crime dinners.
"When I got the part, I knew it was a big opportunity in my career," explains Tony Di Cannoli. "I took some heat from the Anti-Italian Food Defamation League, but I think it really changed people's perception of what ethnic foods could portray on screen."
He now sits in an Italian Market window in an undisclosed Midwest town -- past his acting prime and in the witness relocation program -- but remembers those glory days working with Pacino, Coppola and the rest.
"The original line was, 'Leave the cannolis. Take the gun,' but I says to Francis, 'that's not realistic -- an Italian never leaves a cannoli behind," he explains. "It changed the whole movie and showed that food is more important than guns, which is the underlying theme of those films."
Indeed it is, so we salute you Mr. Cannoli, wherever you are, for your daring role in The Godfather. And as Peter Clemenza said, "Leave the gun… Take the cannolis." Bravo!
Best Man-on-Food Romance
In American Pie, a film about the relationship between young men and their desserts, most of the stars went on to TV and movie fame while one cast member -- who bared all -- watched her life crumble.
"Originally, when the director offered me the part, he said it would be done very tastefully," explains Ms. Apple Pie (who asked we not use her real name). "Of course I was nervous. I had never done a love scene, and man-food love was seriously frowned upon at the time!"
It turned out to be one of the hottest, steamiest love scenes ever filmed, as well as being crucial in bringing the sexual rights of food to the forefront.
"Sure, people had seen man-woman, woman-woman, man-man and a few other combos, but this was the most graphic example of inter-culinary lovemaking ever shown on the big screen. It was truly groundbreaking," remembers Ms. Pie.
However, many rightwing religious groups spoke out against her "immoral and inappropriate relationship," both on and off the set of American Pie, with costar Jason Biggs.
"I got death threats, but we were in love," she recalls. This fairytale, however, would not have a Hollywood ending for the aspiring starlet.
Due to the backlash from her love scene, she never worked in mainstream film again, her relationship with Biggs ended and she fell into a life of drugs, alcohol and selling slices on the side of the street.
"It opened a lot of doors for a lot of foods," Ms. Pie recalls. "It was hard, but I know I did the right thing. I just hope people can accept love -- in whatever form -- and foods today realize what things were like for film foods in the not-so-tolerant nineties."
A true pie-oneer, who let love lead. Kudos!
Lifetime O' Chocolate Award
In a time when lady sang the blues, a clockwork was orange and the great hope was white, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory dared to put a darker shade of chocolate into their film.
"At the time, it was difficult to find work in film as dark chocolate," says star of the Chocolate Factory, Jermaine J. Goodbar. "All the good parts were going to white chocolate and some to milk chocolate, but nothing for my dark chocolate brethren."
Then he got the call: "They, were gonna take a chance, and wanted me to audition for the role of golden-ticketed Wonka Bar. This is the role I was made for."
It wasn't all gumdrops and lollipops for this veteran stage and commercial actor -- he would have to prove himself. A lot of people on set were not happy about the producers hiring a dark chocolate bar in the starring food role, but he persevered.
"Some people called me names like fudge-face and tried to melt me down for cocoa, but after I proved myself on the set, most of them came around."
Often regarded as one of the bravest food actors of all time, Goodbar put on one of the finest on-film food performances ever, while paving the way for future generations of food to appear on the silver screen -- regardless of color.
"I heard after that, green beans were getting parts, red potatoes were being played by real red potatoes, not regular potatoes just painted red," he recalls. "And, have you seen the remake of Chocolate Factory? That's my grandson, J.J., playing the part I played over 30 years ago."
He is a proud chocolate bar who has overcome a great deal to pass on an acting legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Many said he was nuts for taking the part, but he simply smiled and said, "No, I'm just chocolate."
True bravery, thy name is Goodbar.
Shawn McKee graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism and has written for The Broward and Miami New Times.
Saturday, February 23, 2008 9:36:00 AM
Is there a way to run a weekly menu the way it used to be? It is a real pain to get a weekly meal printed.
Thanks,
Shonda
Award-Winning Party Ideas
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Bridget KellyeDiets Contributor
If you're one of the millions of Americans who will be tuning in to Hollywood's biggest party of the year on Sunday, you may find that watching all those scantily-clad stars strut down the red carpet is a bit rough on the self-esteem.
Once you've had enough time to notice that those women are unrealistic ideals, you'll feel better, but you can still use them as good motivation to get in shape. With our Oscar Party plan, you'll enjoy winning low-fat hors d'oeuvres, and be too busy having fun to spend the night mindlessly munching or feeling lousy about your body. Use these tips and the award for best weight-loss effort goes to... why, YOU, of course!
Dress the Part. Host a party and suggest that guests get gussied up to watch the show. Dressing up can help you feel better about your appearance when all those perfect bodies in designer gowns begin appearing on the screen. Plus, you may find that you're less likely to dig into the chips and dip when you're wearing something more elegant.
Be An Interactive Audience. Have a betting pool. If you get everyone involved in voting for their own favorite flicks and keeping track of their answers they'll be too busy to think about their next bite. You can print out a ballot at www.oscar.com. Or, get even more serious by logging on to ABC's enhanced TV site, predicting winners as they are picked, and participating in interactive polls.
Use the Time Crunch. If you're not getting dressed up to go to a party, put on workout clothes and get some exercise during the show. Walk or jog in place or lift weights while you watch. Every time someone's speech gets interrupted by the music because they're rambling on for too long, drop and give us 10 crunches. And at commercial time, do at least five push-ups.
Snub the Unknowns. During the categories that you know nothing about -- and don't mind missing -- don't just sit there. Get up and move around. Offer to refill drinks, get yourself a glass of water, or start counting those ballots.
Serve Winning Appetizers. Whether you're hosting the party or joining someone else's festivities, you'll want to arm yourself with at least one low-fat, but tasty snack. These five-minute appetite pleasers are so tasty, they're fit for the stars:
Mushroom Cups
Combine spreadable, whipped low-fat cottage cheese with crushed, fresh basil, garlic powder and chopped shiitake mushrooms. Fill small phyllo cups with mushroom mixture and top with shavings of Asiago cheese.
Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
Rub steamed shrimp with chili paste and place on long wooden skewers. Serve with plum sauce.
Mediterranean Crostini
Toast French bread baguettes in a broiler and cut into half-inch thick slices. Top with low-fat scallion cream cheese, mixed with light tomato sauce and alternate toppings of artichoke hearts, sliced black olives, roasted red peppers and asparagus tips.
Mini Crab Cakes
Combine 1 pound fresh lump crab meat, 1 cup plain bread crumbs, 2 beaten egg whites, 1/4-cup fat-free mayonnaise and 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning in a bowl. Form into half-inch patties. Arrange on a broiler pan coated with nonstick cooking spray and broil, turning once, about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with fat-free sour cream.
"Champagne" Punch
Instead of alcoholic beverages, serve a lower-calorie festive beverage (after all, it is Sunday night). Combine one part diet ginger ale, one part sparkling cider and one part low-calorie cranberry juice and add a dash of lime. Garnish with lime slices.
10 Fitness Myths Exposed!
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Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACEeDiets Contributor
It's that time again. Time to dispel some of the prevailing fitness and nutrition myths -- oh and believe me, there are many.
So pull up a chair, put aside your "lose 50 pounds by eating only grapefruit" article and open your mind for just a little while. You may disagree with these facts, but that's what keeps the myths alive.
And, away we go…
MYTH: Women will get big if they weight train.
A woman has approximately one-third the testosterone compared to a man, so putting on a ton of muscle is not going to happen. The women you see in the magazines who look big and manly are on steroids, growth hormones, etc. You may look bulky if you're carrying excessive body fat and building muscle. However, if you're reducing body fat, you'll eventually be able to see those lean, defined muscles.
MYTH: You must work out five to six days per week to make progress.
I see a lot of people in the gym five to six days a week, and they'd be better off playing ping pong. Consistency and level of effort is the key. I'd rather see someone work out three days per week with enthusiasm and intensity, than five inconsistent days of lackadaisical effort. In fact, for those clients that have trouble with motivation, I recommend only two days of workouts per week, but they must do it every week.
MYTH: Spot reducing is possible.
The human body loses fat over the entire body at various rates of speed. It's impossible to spot reduce. If you're focusing on only losing fat that sits on your hips, it won't work. Generally, the first place you gain fat is the last place you lose it.
MYTH: Stretching prevents injuries.
After analyzing the results of six studies, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could not find any correlation between stretching and injury prevention. According to Dr. Julie Gilchrist, one of the researchers involved with the study, "Stretching increases flexibility, but most injuries occur within the normal range of motion." Dr. Gilchrist goes on to say, Stretching and warming up have just gone together for decades. It's simply what's done, and it hasn't been approached through rigorous science."
Make no mistake: A stretching program is not without benefits. Seven of nine studies suggest that a regular stretching program does help to strengthen muscles. However, it does not appear to actually prevent injuries. Warming up prior to exercise and increasing blood flow to the muscles is actually more conducive to injury prevention. I'm not suggesting that you eliminate stretching. It is valuable and flexibility is certainly important as we age. However, we may be off base assuming it's an injury-prevention technique.
MYTH: One should lose weight before they begin an exercise program.
There is no physiological reason to lose weight prior to beginning an exercise program. Exercise is the best thing for your health, and there is no time like the present to start. There are too many benefits of exercise to list here, but you're doing every system and cell in your body a world of good by exercising. Any amount -- starting with five minutes a day -- is beneficial.
Fat loss and muscle gain are only two of the many benefits that your body will experience from exercising. Each day will get a little easier as you become more fit. There is no justification for waiting to begin--unless you have orders from your doctor.
Whether you exercise with 20 percent body fat or 30 percent body fat, you'll still be providing your body with the same benefits. When you carry less weight, you can move a little more easily, and it may be less strenuous on your heart. You can be more fit at 30 percent body fat if you are exercising than if you try to achieve 20 percent body fat without exercising.
The goal is to gain or preserve muscle and lose fat -- not just lose weight (which implies both muscle and fat).
MYTH: Lifting weights very slowly is the best way to weight train.
Lifting super slowly produces super long workouts -- and that's it. University of Alabama researchers recently studied two groups of lifters doing a 29-minute workout. One group performed exercises using a 5-second up phase and a 10-second down phase, the other a more traditional approach of one second up and one second down. The faster group burned 71 percent more calories and lifted 250 percent more weight than the super slow lifters.
The real expert says: "The best increases in strength are achieved by doing the up phase as rapidly as possible," says Gary Hunter, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., the lead study author. "Lower the weight more slowly and under control." There's greater potential for growth during the lowering phase, and when you lower with control, there's less chance of injury.
MYTH: Eating a lot less or going on a crash diet will get the results you seek.
This was a dietary strategy popularized prior to the 1980s. People would go on crash diets like the grapefruit diet and lose weight -- meaning muscle and fat. They assumed just eating less would take care of everything.
Today, we know total calories are important, but so are the amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats in the diet.
A slight caloric deficit (less than maintenance) must be adhered to, as well as eating small meals and snacks every two to three hours. This helps to control blood sugar; and it is a fact that blood-sugar control will help you to lose fat. It may look confusing, but eDiets.com takes all the planning and hassles away by doing it for you.
MYTH: Performing countless abdominal crunches thinking it will get rid of the "pooch" area on the lower tummy/abdominal area.
I get a question related to this issue approximately 20 times per week. It is not possible to spot reduce any area of the body. The real solution is to reduce overall body fat through a slight caloric deficit, add resistance exercise (weight training) to stimulate the metabolism, and cardiovascular exercise to burn additional calories. That's the way to fat loss.
Performing crunches will never reduce the abdominal area because it only serves to strengthen muscle, not flatten a specific area. Just as 200 bicep curls will not make the arm smaller, nor will 200 abdominal crunches make the waist smaller. You cannot spot reduce any part of the body. It's just not physiologically possible.
MYTH: Performing a lot of cardio is the best way to lose fat.
Some people go up to 90 minutes or longer on a cardio machine. The problem with this strategy is it's completely ineffective. It's a poor method to lose body fat and a real time waster. You can work out for long sessions with moderate intensity or use shorter sessions with higher intensity (based on your fitness level). You can't do both!
The shorter, more-intense session will burn more overall calories and preserve muscle, which will make you look tight and lean when you get to your scale weight goal. In addition, the shorter, intense sessions will have a more profound effect on the calories you continue to burn 24 hours after completing the session.
Want to lose fat efficiently through cardio? Pick up your pace a bit and try to get a more intense and efficient 30 to 45 minutes. You don't need to be huffing and puffing for dear life, just increase the intensity a bit and keep it sustained at a higher level within your target heart-rate range.
MYTH: Calories are the only thing that counts when trying to lose fat or gain muscle.
Ratios of proteins, carbohydrates and fats are also important. The key to losing fat and gaining muscle is controlling and manipulating insulin levels. In simple terms, when we consume excessive calories or excessive amounts of high glycemic carbohydrates at one meal, the body's blood sugar rises. When this happens, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower blood sugar levels.
One of the many drawbacks of this happening excessively is, along with putting you at risk for diabetes, the body also holds onto stored fat! A balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats works most efficiently in losing fat and gaining muscle.
Don't forget, the ultimate key to a lean and tight body is the combination of proper nutrition, exercise and consistency.
As always, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Have you fallen for any fitness and nutrition myths? If so, let us know about them by commenting below!
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with ACE and APEX. In addition, he successfully completed the RTS1 program based on biomechanics.
Saturday, February 23, 2008 6:48:00 AM
I was surprised that you didn't comment on the myth: "IT IS MORE BENEFICAIL TO EXERCISE BEFORE EATING BREAKFAST".
Saturday, February 23, 2008 11:26:00 AM
Getting rid of the myth is the best way to go to have a better health and body. I was unable to excersice for a period of two years. I started excersising again last October now at a 130lbs and 63" height I wear a size 4 pants.
Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:30:00 PM
I am very interested in starting to swim at a nearby indoor pool. Is there anyone out there that professional can serve as a swim coach, just to help me get started?
Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:55:00 PM
I am also interested in the myth: Exercising in the morning when you wake up,and before eating breakfast.This is due to the fact, that at this time you are burning stored fat.
Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:04:00 AM
Your scale can be your worst enemy when you exercise and try to loose weight. You may be burning the fat, but at the same time, increacing your muscle. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat but takes up less space. Dont always go by the scale; this can be discouraging. Weeks of excercise may not give you the weight loss you may be looking for (especially if you dont have a lot to loose) Go by how your clothes are fitting, they may be getting "bigger"!
Sunday, February 24, 2008 3:21:00 AM
I read in a magazine it doesnt matter what time of day you work out. Its when it best suits you. If you're going to hate waking up at 6 to run then you're going to hate working out and will probably quit. The best thing to do is work out when you're relaxed and can happily go about you're business.
Sunday, February 24, 2008 9:00:00 AM
These 10 myths exposed are definetely the best I've read so far; they trully make sense.
Thanks.
Ubelinda
Sunday, February 24, 2008 1:00:00 PM
It was some good info but how about if you are on a low carb diet and working out 4 times a week doing cardio and strength training. How long do you think it would take to start seeing results? I've been at for almost two weeks now.
Sunday, February 24, 2008 6:50:00 PM
What about the lemonade/maple syprup/cayenne pepper diet? I've read Beyonce tried it and lost 20 lbs. in two weeks and am considering trying it. Any suggestions?
Monday, February 25, 2008 2:54:00 PM
Hi Raphael,I started exercising since October last year, I've lost approx 7lbs but I've seemed to come to a fullstop. I watch what I eat and I started drinking lots of water. Help!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 7:18:00 AM
In regards to the last comment, 20 lbs of what? Fat? Water? Muscle Tone?
sounds like Beyonce was doing "The Master Cleanse" which probably helps detoxify the body from impurities. You can't stay on it forever, keep in mind when you do any type of cleanse if you're losing 20 lbs in two weeks you can bet it's just water weight and your body will return back to it's normal weight if you don't have a healthy lifestyle to begin with.
Restricting certain types of carbohydrates for example will cause you to lose water weight as well. One gram of carb causes your body to store up to 2.5 grams of water. The body needs carbs however for energy, and don't forget fiber.
A healthy lifestyle consists of not only a proper exercise program but a nutrition program that you can follow for life. That has got to be your foundation.
JM
BA Kinesiology
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:52:00 AM
The problem with the Cayenne Pepper/Maple Syrup diet is that you lose the weight so quickly. It's very unhealthy. You don't learn anything about changing your eating habits. It is completely up to you if you want to try it, but personally I think it's very unhealthy and rather dangerous myself. Your body needs proteins and fats and carbohydrates to operate properly (the right kind of course)..I'm not a professional, but in my personal opinion, i'd never try it.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:53:00 AM
There was a time I was "buff," according to my daughter. Now I am not where I would like to be, but I am having a hard time exercising. I rather walk, but I don't like cold weather, I live in Boston. However, is there anyone out there willing to be my exercise partner?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 8:59:00 AM
the annonymous who is on a low carb diet and working out 4 times a week would be better off to eat according to Canada's food guide (American Pyramid). Carbs are good, but try for whole wheat and watch your serving sizes. You will find more energy in a diet that includes the proper portions of all food types. I believe that eating less fat is the best heart healthy way of life.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:01:00 AM
I've always heard not eating anything after 7pm really helps also.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:15:00 AM
The South Beach Diet was the only one that worked for me. I lost all my baby weight plus more but it is a slow loss which keeps it off. Stay with the low carb diet and you'll see results. As for Beyonce's diet........it will make you sick and it's not safe. Do NOT try it. Also, do not try thermogenics. I got very sick when I tried them. They are dangerous! Research on what else Raphael has to say. He knows what he's talking about. Google him!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:24:00 AM
what about the lemon and honey water as 1st thing in the mornin?is it a myth? and is splenda/sugarfree safe
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:26:00 AM
hi,i have been gymming and having a well balanced diet for the past 4 months!!very religiously..why in the world can i not c considerable results!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 1:26:00 AM
hi,i have been gymming and having a well balanced diet for the past 4 months!!very religiously..why in the world can i not c considerable results!
The Worst Celebrity Diets
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Joy DaviseDiets Contributor
Trendy diets are fleeting; they come just as fast as they go. But last year, some of the craziest diets came to light and won't soon be forgotten, thanks to their celebrity supporters. There were so many bad diets, but we searched high and low to find candidates for our "worst celebrity diet hall of fame." Here are the winners.
Kirstie Alley's "Shortcut" Diet
Remember when Kirstie Alley shed a whopping 75 pounds on the Jenny Craig diet? Her weight-loss success was so widely publicized that the actress even appeared on Oprah in a bikini. That was a year ago, and this is now. We think Kirstie might need to call Jenny again, collect. It's rumored the actress has gained back the weight she so famously lost. Over the summer, Kirstie was spotted looking heavier and more like her pre-Jenny days. And it didn't help that in one of her Jenny Craig commercials she's seen sitting down (and nicely camouflaged) behind the wheel of the car.
Beyonce's Maple Syrup Diet
It's hard to imagine that one of the sexiest women in Hollywood went on a crash diet, but that's what singer/actor Beyonce did to prepare for her role as a supreme diva in the movie, Dreamgirls. Beyonce dropped an unbelievable (and dangerous) 20 pounds in two weeks on the "Master Cleanse Diet," (a.k.a. The Lemonade Diet). On the Master Cleanse Diet, you drink a beverage (no food) made from lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper for 10 days. You'll see a dramatic weight loss… if you don't drop dead first. Plus, too much crash dieting will trick your body into storing fat instead of burning it.
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Anna Nicole Smith's Alleged TrimSpa Diet
Even those of us who live under a rock now know that the late bombshell, Anna Nicole Smith, lost about 70 pounds by using the TrimSpa supplement pills. If you remember how heavy Anna appeared on her reality show, you know something worked. But was it really the TrimSpa pills? Or did she secretly undergo liposuction before she endorsed TrimSpa? Fast forward to Anna's tragic death and investigators searching the blonde star's hotel room and finding a refrigerator full of – ahem – another company's weight-loss shakes. Oops!
Britney Spears' Junk Food Diet
Your mother wasn't kidding when she said, "Don't eat junk food -- it'll make you fat." Enter exhibit A, Britney Spears. Sure, she's had two kids, but our favorite pop-tart is looking heavier, sloppier and more unkempt than we've ever seen her. It seems that the fallen starlet's well-documented diet of In-N-Out burgers, Starbucks frappucinos and Red Bull drinks have all caught up with her. Britney is far from overweight by normal standards, but she's definitely not the toned Britster we once knew with to-die-for, six-pack abs. Remember that embarrassing performance she did at the Video Music Awards sporting a belly in an ill-fitting bikini? No more, Britney. Give us less, much less, of you altogether.
Jennifer Hudson's American Idol-Dreamgirls Diets
While her Dreamgirls co-star Beyonce was starving herself to slim down for her diva character, Jennifer Hudson had the opposite challenge; she had to gain weight to play the character of Effie. The Oscar-winning actress gained 20 pounds in two weeks and said she did so by eating "all the cookies, cakes and pies I could." And believe it or not, Jennifer says she lost a whopping 60 pounds during American Idol because of all the stress. The good news is Jennifer's back to eating well-balanced meals. Look for her as Carrie Bradshaw's assistant in the upcoming and highly anticipated Sex and the City movie.
Nicole Richie's "Skin-and-Bones" Diet
When The Simple Life star got busted under the influence driving the wrong way down an L.A. highway, she weighed in at a mere 85 pounds. In pictures and on the red carpet, Nicole's arms and legs looked like tiny twigs that might snap off and break with just the right amount of wind. Her head and those famous oversized glasses were the biggest thing on her whole body. She never admitted to having an eating disorder, but clearly, something was awry. Thank goodness for divine intervention this year. Only the arrival of a baby could cause Nicole to gain lots of desperately needed weight. A mere two weeks after the birth of her daughter, the new mom looks great. Keep it up, Nicole – and by that, we mean the weight.
Remember, fad diets may work in the short run, but depriving yourself of certain food groups for quick weight loss is a recipe for disaster in the long run. Sensible eating and regular exercise are the cornerstones of any good diet plan.
What's the most ridiculous fad diet you've ever tried? Share them with us by commenting below!
Joy Davis is a freelance writer who specializes in holistic wellness, fitness and travel. Several of her articles have also appeared in City Smart Magazine.
Labels: celebrity, diet, nutrition, weight-loss
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:57:00 PM
I am amazed that people pay so much for pills. TrimSpa for example has a dismal rating at review sites like NutritionalTree.com. Why do people not research before they buy?
Thursday, February 21, 2008 1:10:00 AM
I tried drinking Slim Fast shakes twice a day and eating a balanced meal at night. It made me sick. Later I learned that I am a diabetic and was really harming myself. Look at the contents of a Slim Fast shake! Ouch!
Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:55:00 AM
I TRIED THE NO EATING AND TAKING EPHEDERINE PILLS TO LOSE WAIT. IT WORKED BUT I LOOKED LIKE DEATH WARMED OVER. NOW I EAT SENSIBLY AND HAVE BEEN LOSING WEIGHT AT A MUCH MORE EVEN RATE.
Thursday, February 21, 2008 8:52:00 AM
The Maple Syrup Diet that Joy Davis refers to is formerly called the Master Cleanse - and frequesntly referred to as the Lemonade diet. You won't DIE from using this fasting program. Please - what a ridiculous commnt from the author. Do some research, the Master Cleanse is safe for nearly everyone - and I have done it myself. You get to clean out your system and cravings disappear. I know MANY people who have gone on the MC and have come out of the 10 days having lost weight, felt calmer and more balanced, become less allergic, and cleaned their entire system of mucus and pathogens. I'm actually Beyonce used the MC. The cayenne is just a smiggin and is needed to have the cleaning effect. The maply syrup provides every amino acid and nutrient needed - it is a complete low glycemic food - a true gift from nature. I'm not trying to convice anyone to do the cleanse, I am just trying to point out that the author should have picked another celebrity to criticize. Beyoncee made a smart choice.
Thursday, February 21, 2008 11:40:00 AM
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Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:36:00 PM
There is an article in USA Today stating that Kirstie Alley may bring litigation against media claiming that she gained all her weight back. She told USA Today that she is 5'7" and weighs 145-150 down from 219.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-02-20-kirstie-alley-jenny_N.htm
Thursday, February 21, 2008 1:12:00 PM
Your degrading words about Britney (heavier, sloppier) just reinforce many girls' obsession with body image and show a prejudice of overweight people. I'm sure she didn't ask the harassing reporters to photograph her. I was disgusted with the comments that show an unbelievable hatred of her and overweight women in general. Where are the comments about fat male actors?
Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:01:00 PM
I completely agree with krobarb. I also feel it's especially not right to pick on Britney when it's clear that she is going through a very difficult time in her life. It must be very hard to know that the world is ridiculing you.
The Ultimate Food Quiz
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By Shawn McKeeeDiets Staff Writer
Eating healthy is about being an informed consumer. So with the bushels of misinformation out there about the foods you eat, eDiets decided to put together a Food Fun Facts Quiz to test your nutrition knowledge.
These true-or-false questions may shed a little light on some of the more misunderstood and mysterious foods, as well as their effect on your diet.
TRUE OR FALSE
All fats are bad, and following a low-fat diet is the best way to lose weight.
False: Fat is necessary for energy, especially for active and growing kids, for hormone function, vitamin absorption and transport. Fats add flavor to your food, but fat contains more than twice the calories -- per gram -- than protein and carbohydrates. Fat is more concentrated in calories, so to lose weight on a calorie-controlled diet -- you need to eat less fat.
Nutritionist Susan Burke, suggests you choose your fats wisely: "nuts, avocado, seeds and fatty fish contain immune-promoting monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids."
The only good thing about fiber is that it gets you regular in the restroom.
False: While that is one benefit, fiber also helps to lower the risk for heart disease and cancer. Also, a diet high in fiber translates into increases in the intake of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods. Fiber helps fill you up, without adding calories. Foods high in fiber are generally lower in calories, fresh and can help you maintain your weight loss, according to Susan.
Fresh vegetables are better than frozen.
False: In fact, frozen vegetables can be healthier than fresh depending on how long the fresh vegetables have been sitting in the market. Frozen vegetables are processed at their peak nutritional value, whereas it could take days, even weeks, for fresh vegetables to be transported. It could be even longer before you cook them. Health experts recommend you eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables daily -- fresh or frozen.
Tomato sauce is a better cancer fighter than raw tomatoes.
True: When tomatoes are heated -- like in sauce or the processing of ketchup -- the benefits of lycopene are enhanced because it's more easily absorbed by the body than when in raw tomatoes. Studies show that the body uses lycopene for protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease.
The benefits of grapes come from a valuable nutrient called grapetine, which is necessary to keep the squishy substance in your eyeballs replenished.
False: Grapes are full of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants; however, grapetine is not one of them. In fact, it's not real at all. A study from the Journal of Nutrition shows that eating fresh grapes may prevent the accumulation of harmful oxidized cholesterol and those naturally occurring antioxidants in fresh grapes, known as polyphenols, are believed to be responsible for this positive effect.
One polyphenol in particular, resveratrol, has demonstrated its ability to help protect against arterial wall damage caused by "bad" (LDL) cholesterol. Another polyphenol, tannin, was shown in a Canadian study to eliminate disease-forming viruses and tumors. Grapes also include high levels of caffeic acid, which is a strong cancer-fighting agent.
Mushrooms are good for more than just making tie-dye shirts groovy.
True: Mushrooms are an underappreciated, low-calorie food rich in nutrients. Mushrooms surpass all other items in the produce category in selenium, which was shown in one study to decrease prostate cancer by 60 percent. Also, mushrooms are an excellent source of three essential B-vitamins: riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid.
Additionally, mushrooms are an under-recognized source of potassium, which has been shown to help regulate blood pressure, keep the right balance of water in fat and muscle tissues, and ensure the proper functioning of cells. One 3-ounce portabella mushroom cap provides more potassium than an orange or even a banana.
The banana is an appealing fruit, packed with nutrients, that won't cause you to slip off your diet.
True: Bananas are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. Potassium is an essential mineral for protein synthesis and the building of muscle because it stimulates nerve impulses for muscle contraction. Since bananas are sodium-free and very rich in potassium, they can be eaten as part of a diet to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Plus, bananas contain a good supply of vitamin B6, which is significant in the production of antibodies in the immune system, as well as helping in protein metabolism, red-blood-cell formation and functioning of the central nervous system. Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium.
Eggs will kill you with their high cholesterol content.
False: An egg is high in cholesterol, but all that cholesterol does not go directly to your bloodstream and arteries. Actually, in healthy people only a small amount of the cholesterol in food passes directly into the blood. In fact, most of the cholesterol that circulates in the blood is created by the liver in response to saturated and trans fats in the diet, which does translate into an increase in heart disease.
Eggs are good for you -- inexpensive and loaded with nutritional benefits. For about a dime, an egg has 6 grams of protein, healthful unsaturated fats, key vitamins and minerals such as iron and riboflavin, and it is low in saturated fats and free of trans fats. Eggs are also a good source of choline, which has been linked with preserving memory, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which may protect against vision loss.
Figs are not just good for filling Newtons.
True: Although, the Fig Newton is the third most popular cookie in the U.S., with Americans consuming more than 1 billion per year, the fig is also a fruit -- and it's good for you. Research at Rutgers University reveals that dried figs contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, plus a number of phytosterols, which decrease natural cholesterol counts. Figs are also good for your bones because of their calcium to phosphorous ratio, which is ideal for the absorption of both minerals. Half a cup of figs contain as much calcium as a half-cup of milk.
Now you know, and as my old friend GI Joe says, "Knowing is half the battle."
Labels: diet, food, nutrition, quiz, weight-loss
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:09:00 AM
This was a great quiz. While I know most of those foods were healthy (or not), the reasoning for such wasn't always clear until now. There were, however, a few times when some great additional info was left out. Such as the tomato sauce question and it's mention of lycopene. A mention of watermelon would have been great there, as it's higher in lycopene than any other known fruit or vegetable among many many other benefits as well as being very filling for so few calories, high in water, and significantly lower in sugar than most people think! And when mentioning potassium, it may also be beneficial to know that potassium is one of the 4 key electrolytes aiding in heartbeat regulation and lowering the potential damage of a coronary attack. - Just some FYI bits. You can't put it all out there as there's just SO many benefits of some items, but as you said... knowing, is half the battle.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:18:00 AM
I would like to see more of this type of information (Food Quiz)on a regular basis. So many people are struggling to eat the right foods and are just not sure what they might be or what value they get from food types. It could be a "Food Quiz" or a "Did You Know" informative format. So consider adding something like this as a regular feature.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:02:00 AM
ALL OF YOUR FOOD FUN FACTS ARE GOOD TO KNOW, BUT WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT PRUNES. ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOU & A GOOD AS A FRUIT SERVING.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:28:00 PM
Wow! I loved this article!..very informative! I am from the medical feild and half the stuff in here even I wasnt aware of!! way to go! :-) please send in more such articles with valued info!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:41:00 PM
I enjoyed learning more about nutrition through this quiz. My ? is about cholesterol; mine is high and dietician says I should eat egg whites instead. Do they have the same nutritional value? M.R. from NYC
Thursday, February 21, 2008 2:11:00 PM
I actually loved learning something new about the things I eat.It was surprising to see some of the benefits that we get out of vegetables and fruits we consume with out even realizing it.After reading this article I know what to eat,what I can stubstitute in my life(ex: instead of candy to have a banana)and to live a better and healthier life.Thank you for all the wonderful information provided!
Ingrid
7 Foods That Cure
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Shawn McKee
Staff Writer
Food is the fuel that runs the body -- and the better the quality, the better the performance. Foods not only can turbo charge your engine, but can be a great device for upkeep as well, giving you the tools to ward off the regular wear and tear associated with as much tread as you've put on your tires.What additives do you require to keep your engine running on all cylinders? The vast majority of foods with healing qualities work best in preventative roles and are most effective when consumed as whole foods. If you're not already eating these superfoods, it's time to get in the fast lane.
Bean Dieting?
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber and are extremely filling, keeping you full longer and helping to decrease obesity. Additionally, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in November 2005 reporting that a healthy diet rich in lean protein -- about half from plant sources such as beans -- was found to lower blood pressure and "bad" LDL cholesterol, and to cut the risk of heart disease by 21 percent. This magical fruit is full of antioxidants and in some studies has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Thank You Berry Much...
Strawberries, raspberries and especially blueberries have been touted as great sources for antioxidants. Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University analyzed 40 fruits and vegetables for their disease-fighting antioxidant activity. They found blueberries to have two to three times as much antioxidants as apples, broccoli, spinach and many other fruits and vegetables.
Berries are thought to slow the deterioration of joints as well. According to a Boston University study of arthritis patients, these foods protected joints because of the vitamin C they contain. Vitamin C is also a key component in the creation of collagen, a necessary component of cartilage and bone.
Go Nuts for Your Heart
Nuts are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (you know this), but did you know they can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels? Walnuts have especially high levels of omega-3s, which reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Japanese men and women who ate a one-fourth to one-third cup of walnuts a day lowered their "bad" LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10 percent. Walnuts, almonds and pistachios are all high in arginine, an amino acid that increases blood flow to the heart.
Grainy Reception
Researchers at the University of Minnesota suggest that eating three daily servings of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 to 36 percent, stroke by 37 percent and Type 2 diabetes by 21 to 27 percent. Whole grains include oats, whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur and bran. Ditch the Wonder Bread -- you’re a grown up now. Go for breads labeled "whole" and skip those "enriched" kiddy breads.
Yo-Yo-Yogurt
Yogurt is the king of foods containing probiotics, the "friendly" bacteria that helps fight illness and disease. Yogurt seems be the most beneficial of the probiotics. Two recent studies suggest that eating yogurt significantly improved a person's ability to fight off pneumonia. You can eat yogurt every day -- just make sure the brand you buy contains "live" or "active" cultures, as the bacteria won't be very effective if they're dead before you ingest them.
Fish Food
Study upon study indicates that incorporating salmon into your diet reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. New research from the University of California, San Diego, reports that a higher intake of omega-3s appear to preserve bone density, keeping your bones stronger and protecting against fractures. These omega-3s can also be found in other cold-water fish, such as sardines, tuna and mackerel.
Cabbage Curbs Cancer?
The American Association for Cancer Research presented a study at the November 2005 meeting that found Polish women who ate cabbage or sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) four or more times per week were 74 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. Additional studies found that cabbage may also protect against lung, stomach and colon cancers. The secret ingredient seems to be sulforaphane, a phytochemical in cabbage that works by stimulating cells to eradicate cancerous substances.
Labels: diet, food, tips, weight-loss
Sunday, February 24, 2008 9:30:00 PM
what kind of beans to eat please explain
8 Surefire Fat-Burning Tips
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Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACE
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro
Sometimes certain moments in our lives leave an unforgettable impression. About 5 years ago, I was up late on a weekend night and watching TV. An infomercial was promoting an exercise machine that could help you achieve your weight-loss goals in 6 minutes a day. Six minutes a day -- yeah, right! That infomercial got me thinking about how many people buy into fat loss myths. On the part of the consumer, this has to do with a lack of knowledge and hope for the magical workout and the magical diet. Neither of which exist.If you ever see a quick fix promise, always go back to the fundamentals. Fundamentals will never let you down, and they will never lie to you or mislead you.
There are eight points to consider when attempting to burn body fat.
1. Control Blood Sugar -- Your goal should be to control blood sugar. Controlling blood sugar levels helps to shed fat. This is accomplished by taking in some protein, carbohydrates and good fats spread evenly through the day every two to three hours and by not over eating.
A sample meal schedule might look something like this:
- 6:30 Breakfast
9:30 Snack
12:30 Lunch
3:30 Snack
6:00 Dinner
9:00 Small Snack
2. Calories Count -- Your goal is to eat as much as possible while still losing fat. For example, if I can get you to lose 1 t