First30Days - Diet and Fitness

Absolutely Stuffed

2008-12-03T11:31:49Z

Who can forget that disgustingly memorable scene in "Monty Python's The Meaning of Life" when Mr. Creosote, a large diner, overdoes it at a restaurant and proceeds to regurgitate his entire meal and then some?

Now that we are in full holiday mode, we are also in full eating mode, and there may be some days where you feel like Mr. Creosote where even a wafer-thin mint could set you over the edge. But it’s hard to say no to Christmas buffets and dinner party appetizers, and when you do, it can feel as if you’re missing out. No matter what time of year it is, it’s important to listen to your stomach. But what if you constantly “hear” it saying “FEED ME”?

Those stomach growls and low blood sugar feelings are both evolutionary mechanisms that tell us when to eat. Before the days of supermarkets and food delivery services, survival depended on somehow finding food, and the idea of worrying about losing weight or being thin wasn’t a blip on the radar. Times have changed, of course, and now our food problems are the opposite—there’s too much of it and the Western diet tends to be on the unhealthier side. So, how does the body tell you to stop already?

Lest we eat and eat and eat till we pop, the brain and stomach communicate via hormones, one in particular being leptin. The more you weigh, the more leptin you have, which means that it takes fewer calories to feel full the more overweight you are. Whoa! So, why aren’t you losing weight? The brain eventually becomes so used to NOT listening to the leptin signals that it becomes desensitized, and hence, one doesn’t feel full…ever. Unfortunately, this is how “overweight” can quickly upgrade to “obese.”

Do you listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s had enough, or is the pleasure of eating yummy food too enjoyable? [The Daily Beast]

—Alicia Kachmar

100 Calories at a Time!

2008-11-28T09:33:26Z

For some of us, setting really high standards for a fitness routine ends up backfiring. If your plan involves exercising five times a week, and you realize you can’t possibly meet this requirement, you may throw your hands up and quit. It’s okay to aim low, especially in the beginning of your journey toward losing weight.

Weight loss has to be gradual in order for that weight to stay off, so why not make a plan to burn just 100 calories a day? Judging from the popularity of those 100-calorie-packs, we may just have found the magic number! To lose 1 pound of weight, 3,500 calories must be burned, which works out to five weeks of 100-calories-a-day burning.

MSNBC has some suggestions for getting there, such as multitasking: if you’re sitting in front of the television, add some leg lifts or simple stretches. Try to think of your household chores as serving a dual function: the cleaning function first and foremost, but also as exercise. Hard-core mopping or scrubbing is a work-out!

Can you think of other multitasking ways of getting something done while also exercising?

Standing Traditions

2008-11-28T09:32:02Z

In our family, there is a little something called the “guilt couch,” where post-Thanksgiving dinner eaters go to rest and digest after we inevitably eat too much. It’s a funny tradition, but what if there were a new tradition that fell less along the lines of, well, falling onto the couch?

Yeah, holidays do not pair well with getting in shape, but Amanda MacMillan of Health.com has decided to change all that this year.

After you catch up on sleep (which you deserve!), it’s time to get moving. MacMillan suggests bringing work-out clothes if you are traveling elsewhere and if any of your traveling involves waiting around in airports or at train depots, walk around and get some exercise that way. Weather permitting, go for a walk wherever you’re spending Thanksgiving and explore your surroundings, especially if you haven’t been there in a while.

Luckily, another tradition our family has is the annual Thanksgiving hike. Talk about getting in shape! For 2-3 hours before dinner, we hike through the woods and really earn that feast being cooked up by the non-hike participants. Do you have any traditions in the same vein? If not, can you think of something fitness-related that may be fun to try this holiday weekend?

Shop Till You Drop!

2008-11-25T15:46:20Z

You may choose your grocery store based on convenience—how close it is to work or home—but some stores are healthier overall than others.

Even though “green is the new black,” shopping local is in and “fresh produce” is on everyone’s minds, including that of grocers. Some supermarket chains go above and beyond when it comes to stocking healthy food choices that include both local and organic sources. Supporting your local farmers’ markets should usually be part of your shopping and living-healthier repertoire, but they won’t have everything and some only operate during the good-weather seasons. So, where should you go?

Not surprisingly, Whole Foods tops the list at number 1, with Trader Joe’s not far behind. There were a few surprises, however: Pathmark and Safeway. Initially, Pathmark looks like another cheap supermarket option with its namesake brand and discount prices, but it also happens to be “the largest retailer of locally grown produce in the Northeast.” Safeway is also going local and has added its own organic brand to the mix.

No matter where you go, read labels when possible and pay attention to produce signs. If you can’t identify ingredients, maybe you should look into what they are exactly. Where are those veggies coming from? How are the animals your meat comes from being raised? Buy an organic apple and a regular one, go home and compare!

Where do you do most of your grocery shopping, and have you gone the local or organic route?

Back to the Land

2008-11-20T08:44:41Z

It’s time to think outside the egg carton! Er, outside the box. Well, both as a matter of fact! Veggie and herb gardens are a dime a dozen, even in urban areas like New York City where tomato and basil plants take up residence in makeshift window boxes and on fire escapes. What’s next in the grow-your-own-food trend? How about chickens and their eggs?

A Brooklyn family had one of those light bulb moments while visiting Amish country in Pennsylvania. Upon seeing the bed-and-breakfast owners merely go outside when they ran out of eggs, they thought to themselves, “Could we have chickens too?” The answer turned out to be a resounding “yes,” and even the community is now benefiting from extra eggs and chickens (on the menu at a local restaurant!).

Urban and backyard farming were both common during war times when the food supply was hard-pressed and money tighter. In a quest to live healthier and buy locally, all while keeping finances in check, would you consider the slightly crazy idea of raising some chickens in your backyard? As someone mentioned in the comments of this original Newsweek article, how would you feel about having an animal around that feeds YOU instead of the other way around?

First Family of Fitness

2008-11-19T15:24:58Z

Apparently, our new President-elect Barack Obama, or future change leader-in-chief as we'd like to refer to him, has been making time during the transition process to squeeze in some exercise. According to this Associated Press article, fitness isn't just a passion for the new leader of the free world, but he gets his whole family, including wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, into the action.

President-elect Obama admits that he tries to get in about 45 minutes of exercise a day, six days a week, though he says he prefers to work out for 90 minutes at a time. He says he likes to alternate between cardio and strength training, and as we all know from publicity video over the past two years, he likes to play basketball as well.

That's quite a lot of exercising for someone with a number of crises to fix in the coming months, but we imagine that if it takes some extra time on the elliptical for Obama to find the solution to this troubled economy, by all means sweat it out!

Michelle takes a less-vigorous approach to her fitness, working out about 90 minutes, three days a week. She reportedly prefers a step machine, the treadmill and cardio exercises using weights.

Since the Obamas have succeeded in creating an important message around embracing change over the last two years, maybe they'll support another important message for the country—that of fitness and health.

Do the Obamas inspire you to live healthier?

Gluten Be Gone!

2008-11-18T11:30:55Z

Chances are, if you ascribe to a gluten-free diet, you are suffering from celiac disease, or at the very least, have a gluten allergy that requires some eating restrictions. It's hard enough to work on living healthier before factoring in such a serious lifestyle change, but for many, it's absolutely necessary. Celiac is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine that often goes undiagnosed because it can resemble other digestive diseases and disorders. These days, there are many diagnostic tests out there that can identify celiac as the culprit.

After you've dealt with a diagnosis that so seriously affects your diet, you'll have to investigate for yourself what foods you can or can't eat by reading labels. Processed foods can have long lists of ingredients, so start getting used to reading them thoroughly before you dig in. A safer alternative, and one that can really add some variety to your gluten-free diet, is to start cooking gluten-free recipes. Maybe there's no more pasta on the horizon, but you'd be surprised how closely you can imitate a lot of gluten-containing dishes!

Eating Well has a whole slew of gluten-free recipes with generalized nutritional information to boot. Are you or someone you know afflicted with celiac? How many meals do you cook for yourself and how do you approach restaurant eating? And by all means, if you have a recipe to share, go ahead!

The Skinny on Losing Weight

2008-11-14T13:36:16Z

There’s no question that we are fed a lot of messages through the various forms of media that bombard us everyday. When it comes to dieting and losing weight, some of these messages even seem conflicting or contradictory of what we think we already know. Tell us the truth, already! How do you know what to believe when you’re attempting to get healthier and shed some pounds?

Fitness guru Tom Gilliam and his coauthor Jane Neill, R.D., drawing from their book Move It. Lose It. Live Healthy: The Simple Truth About Achieving & Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight, dispel 11 common myths about losing weight. Here are just a few of them:

Myth: Vegetarian = Healthy Don't be fooled by a restaurant's attempt to make a dish healthy by calling it "vegetarian." To replace some of the flavor of meat, often unhealthy substitutes are added. Make sure you know exactly what is going into your meal.

Myth: Reduced fat = Low in fat. Not necessarily true! In order for a product to be able to tout the “reduced fat” label, it needs to have 25% less fat than the original. If we’re talking French fries or frozen pizzas, this reduction may not even make a dent.

Myth: If you exercise, you need to drink a sports drink. Those drinks are full of sugar and any electrolytes you might gain can easily be ingested in a healthy diet. Unless you're training for the Tour de France, stick with water.

Have you debunked any myths about losing weight or staying healthy lately? [Newsblaze.com]

Mind Over Matter

2008-11-13T16:42:37Z

Surely you’ve experienced the proverbial butterflies before leading a meeting, giving a talk or performing in front of an audience. You’ve probably had stomach flops as a result of thinking about a new love. Maybe your heart rate was sky-high as you waited to hear test results at the doctor’s. It’s not at all a New Agey thing to say that mind and body are very much connected, and this fact could be affecting your workout routine, for better or worse.

In an MSNBC.com article, Gareth Dutton, a psychologist in Florida, reminds us that “a thought is just a thought. It doesn’t mean it’s reality.” So, you hate exercising! In actuality, there are probably specific things about exercising you don’t like, but if you think more about it, there are fun aspects, too. Need help getting out of the negative-thought rut? The article lists some typical utterances such as “There’s no way I can find the time to exercise” and “I’ll never be able to lose all this weight,” and offers up “better thoughts” for turning that negativity around.

When you’re formulating a plan for getting in shape, what thoughts run through your mind? Are you excited at the new challenge and looking forward to the results? Or are you beleaguered by doubts and fears, presuming that you are going to fail? Maybe a combination of both?

You Inspire Us!

2008-11-12T13:44:31Z

It never ceases to amaze us here at First30Days that you are so willing to share yourselves with us. We understand how hard it is to create lasting change in life. A letter we received today from Linda underscores that principle as it applies to losing weight:

I heard you on Gayle King's XM talk show today. I was sitting in the car finishing my sandwich about to go in to my Weight Watcher meeting. WOW! is all I can say. You have really put into words all that I've been going through the last 3 1/2 years. I've lost 105lbs through persistence,being supported by my WW group and learning all the things that you actually put in to words! Sometimes it is hard to explain why I could be successful after 5-6 failed attempts at this over the last 20 years. Everything that you talked about is really right on and explained my journey very well! Thanks for sharing this. I am about to purchase your book and share these insights at my meeting! Hopefully we can get some others inspired and get through the "demons" of change!! Thanks, Linda

Linda, thank YOU! This is exactly why we are here, and getting the message out there that yes, you can change! You are stronger and more resilient than you've ever been told. Change does take time, but we know that there are things you can do, think and say to get through it. If you want to listen to the Oprah and Friends show Linda referenced, click here. And let us know where you're standing in the midst of change...we'd love to hear from you!

Love the Twinkie...Again

2008-11-06T15:42:09Z

Sweet tooth or not, it’s a bit frightening to read that 500 million Twinkies are consumed every year—wowzers! There’s no question that these sponge cake and icing treats are a dessert splurge with little nutrition and virtually no benefits for your weight loss plan. But in a time when more people are packing lunch and/or eating on-the-go, Hostess, the Twinkies’ maker, is getting in on the calorie-counting scene. On the surface, this seems like a good thing, right?

Meet “Twinkie Bites.” It sound harmless and cute, and at only 100 calories a package, it qualifies as low-cal! But did you know that a regularly-sized Twinkie is only 150 calories anyway? It’s great that the calorie-counting is done for you, but what you’re getting is a bunch of empty calories and because the snack pack is more convenient, might you be more likely to eat a Twinkie everyday?

There are many foods out there that take advantage of the consumer, what with clever marketing such as Swedish Fish being touted as “fat-free” candy. Yes, that’s true, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for you! How do you feel about these snack packs jumping on the “low-cal” bandwagon? Do you think 100-calorie snack packs backfire in terms of eating healthy and losing weight? [MSNBC]

Election Party Menu

2008-11-04T13:56:44Z

Before you read any further, did you vote? If not, go, go go to your local polling station right now! If you did your civic duty by casting a ballot today, your job is done. But wait! You can hop into your pajamas later and watch the election returns on television until the next president is determined, but there’s a good chance you’re hosting or attending a party. What should you cook?!?

The folks at Eating Well magazine know that it will be party time for a lot of people tonight, but whether you are jovially celebrating or anxiously awaiting, there’s no reason to go overboard with the consuming. No matter what the occasion, living healthier should still be a top priority and that’s why these healthy election party recipes are just perfect for tonight.

In lieu of beer, try spiced apple cider (a serving of fruit!), a drink that is great for chilly evenings. Hot artichoke dip is one of those quintessential party appetizers, but it’s usually loaded with fat. Eating Well has tweaked the recipe, making a healthier, high-fiber version. To complete your menu, click on the link below. Do you have socializing plans tonight? Are you cooking or baking anything special, like ObaMartinis or McCain and Cheese? [Eating Well]

Comfort Food

2008-10-31T12:01:52Z

In times of stress, many seek solace in comfrot food. Whether you are studying for a final exam all night or getting over a bad breakup, sometimes it feels like you need some munchies to get you through. Now that we find ourselves hit by economic woes, scientists in the public health field are concerned that American eating habits may go from bad to worse.

According to one study, six out of 10 Americans say that they have recently changed their grocery-buying habits by opting for food of lesser quality. Unfortunately, cheap food can often be equated with bad food, as evident by the McDonald's Value Menu! The correlations don't stop there: Adam Drewnoski, an epidemiology professor says that, 'All evidence suggests that obesity is the toxic consequence of a failing economic environment."

Have you changed your spending ways when it comes to your grocery list? Can you find ways to live healthier and budget at the same time, by cutting out some other activity or expense? [MSNBC]

Losing Your Wardrobe

2008-10-23T14:30:43Z

You’ve been shedding pounds through changes in diet and exercise, and you’re really starting to see the progress. A size 18, now 16, now 12! Woohoo! Hands down, it’s great news to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle—you’ll probably even save money in the long run when it comes to healthcare and illness. But upon further perusal of your closet and dresser, you realize something: You can’t fit into any of your clothes because they are all too big!

Wearing clothes that are too tight can be unflattering, but the same goes for clothes that are too big. If you look like you’re drowning in oversized garments, it will be hard to really see your progress then. Can you afford to buy an entire new wardrobe? What if you are at size 12 now, but your goal is size 8? You’ll have to revisit the same clothing issue months down the road if you get there.

There’s a company that may help you out in this transitional time, aptly called Transitional Sizes. Basically you rent clothes for the short-term by visiting them online, picking out a few things and waiting for your new threads to show up in the mail. Would you consider using such a service? If not, how do you deal with the wardrobe issue when you’re losing weight? [Orlando Sentinel]

Make Your Workout Virtual

2008-10-22T16:31:13Z

Remember when summer vacation meant playing outside, running around and being exhausted by dinner time? Computer and video games changed all that. Suddenly, more and more free time got devoted to these sedentary “activities,” and coupled with sub-par eating habits, kids are doing anything but getting in shape. Adults may be guilty of the same thing! But not every latest gadget restricts any sort of workout to one’s index finger. Newsweek reports on some innovative alternatives—let’s see what they’ve got:

* The Wii Fit was one of the first to show the crossover from gaming to exercise, and it still remains popular, along with Dance Dance Revolution. Now, Nintendo DS allows you to hook up a pedometer to the system and get access to diet tips and health trivia.
* If you’re more of a computer person, FitBit will allow you to keep on top of your fitness regimen online. There will be a community function in addition that will allow you to connect with your family and friends if you want to get in shape together (virtually anyway!).
* Expresso Fitness brings a little more excitement to sometimes monotonous stationary-biking, in the form of TV screens that incorporate a video game aspect to your pedaling. In addition, workout info can be uploaded to the internet and you can track your progress.

Have you tried any of the above? If not, can you see yourself getting more motivated if there were more entertainment involved in your workout?

Eat Like a Caveman

2008-10-21T14:41:06Z

There’s the Phil Hartman Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer bit that goes, “Ladies and gentleman of the jury, I’m just a caveman.” And then there are those Geico cavemen commercials. Cavemen aren't exactly our brightest ancestors, but they aren’t only good for laughs! It turns out that we could learn a little from something called “The Caveman Diet.” Seriously!

Clearly our crazy fad diets, processed “health” food and obesity epidemic are all pointing to one fact: we’re doing something wrong! As advanced as our society is, we don’t know how to eat healthily anymore! Or if we know how to live healthier, we choose not to because there are so many other tantalizing choices that win over when debating in the grocery aisle.

Ray Mears is a proponent of “The Caveman Diet,” spending weeks out in the wild and subsisting on what he can find. He’s convinced such a “primitive” lifestyle would prevent more illnesses related to our bad eating habits. He says, “We still have a Stone Age body. We have modern minds, but our brains and bodies still require the same food.” What do you think? Are you ready to go back to a hunting-and-gathering lifestyle, or at the very least, bring it into your household?!? [The Times UK]

The Hidden Costs of Bad Eating

2008-10-17T13:59:59Z

These organic strawberries cost how much??? Whether you signed up for Weight Watchers and have to buy their brand of food or you’re switching to an organic diet full of fruits and veggies, the cost of adopting a healthier lifestyle seems far higher than that of a fast-food, junk food one. But, looks can be deceiving!

Those french fries are on the dollar menu, but future heart problems or struggles with obesity will mean anything but thriftiness. In other words, you will “pay” later. One Weight Watchers participant describes the debate in her head regarding living healthier: “I still have to argue with myself, to convince myself that I’m worth the price of fresh fruit and veggies.” And yet, “My newfound sense of self-confidence and energy makes it all totally worthwhile.”

When you’re looking at your food choices, try to see the hidden values as well as the hidden costs. Is that cheap item really good for you? It if were the same price as granola, which would you buy? You can’t always measure the results of making healthier purchases, but you know they exist. Think of it as preventative medicine! [WeightWatchers.com]

Thanksgiving Recipe Contest!

2008-10-14T13:49:31Z

Pumpkin pie, stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, glistening turkey...

Thanksgiving isn’t exactly the healthiest holiday, even if you do take an extra helping of green beans and cranberry sauce! But then again, are holidays ever really about eating well? While it’s important to celebrate and take part in family traditions, living healthier should still be a daily activity even on big-meal days.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be eating low-fat granola bars at the dinner table come Thanksgiving. No way! But perhaps you can come up with a “healthy recipe makeover” for the big feast and enter the Reader’s Digest recipe contest. Is there a different take on stuffing that doesn’t require so much butter? A veggie dish that isn’t covered in hollandaise or cheese sauce? A dessert that packs in the flavor without packing in the calories?

Submit a recipe and photo by November 12 if you want to be in the running. On the RD site, you will find some Thanksgiving food inspiration if you’re feeling stuck, with recipes such as Tangerine Cranberry Sorbet and Mustard Green Beans. Do you have any healthy dishes from your family’s Turkey Day repertoire? Or some new ideas brewing?

Far East Diet Advice

2008-10-14T13:03:11Z

A new book entitled Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat recently appeared on the market and this startling 3% obesity rate has people wondering: what the heck are the Japanese doing so well to stay healthy and live longer?!?

By now, globalization and broader awareness have helped us get a grasp on the typical Japanese diet. On average, it consists of fish, rice, tea and veggies, a far cry from what the typical American is chomping down on.

Rather than go the regular book review route, Charlotte Hilton Andersen at The Huffington Post decided to discuss the Japanese eating habits and lifestyle with three Americans. Three Americans who all lived in Japan and observed firsthand the little nuances and habits that all contribute to better health across the water.

Jennie Berglund, one of the interviewees, says, “You never saw someone walking and eating or eating in a car,” because it’s considered rude. The common foods eaten (above) were repeatedly mentioned, but there’s also a daily fitness habit that complements diet: walking. Despite the prosperous car industry in Japan, many Japanese walk and/or take public transportation to get where they are going out of financial necessity or efficiency (traffic!).

Would you consider incorporating a more Japanese diet into your daily food choices for the sake of losing weight?

Go Mediterranean

2008-10-10T13:56:12Z

Even if you are not on a diet, most of us could afford to eat a little better, but it’s not always easy to figure out how to actually go about living healthier! Do you find yourself using the same recipes over and over? Are some of them not the most nutritious but get the job done?

The New York Times has a companion recipe to its recent Mediterranean “diet” article we wrote about here, and although the ingredients may not currently be found in your kitchen, it doesn’t require many if that turns out to be the case.

Swiss Chard (or Spinach) With Currants and Pine Nuts

INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons currants or raisins
2 pounds Swiss chard, stemmed and washed in several changes of water, stems diced and set aside
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
3 tablespoons pine nuts
Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Put raisins in a bowl and add enough hot water just to cover. Let soak for about 10 minutes and then drain.

2. Place some ice water in a large bowl and then boil a large pot of salted water. Add the chard or spinach (without the stems) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until it wilts a bit and is tender. Immediately place in the bowl of ice water and let sit for a few minutes. Drain the water and try to squeeze out as much water as possible. Chop chard coarsely.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook just the chard stems in the oil for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add in the pine nuts and cook until they begin to color (2 to 3 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the greens (from Step 2) and currants and toss together, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper if you prefer and serve warm.

Let us know if you make it and what you think!

Healthy Surroundings

2008-10-09T12:47:28Z

Unless you specifically order from the list of entrees highlighted as “healthy," it’s probable you’re getting more calories than you need in an average sitting. A good rule of thumb is almost always to eat half and take the rest home—enough to taste, with no waste! But it's not that easy for some people, and it turns out a restaurant’s ambience and non-food features can contribute to your overeating.

Yes, there are actually studies out there on “food ambience,” meaning the lighting, the setting, even the plate you’re eating from, and how those factors affect your intake. Here are a few factors that stand out and how you can counteract their “eat eat eat!” mantra:

1. Lights: The fast-food chains have got it down pat. Bright lights actually cause your nervous system to speed up, resulting in overeating. No matter how hard it may seem at first, keep telling yourself to eat slowly!

2. Temperature: The higher the temperature, the less you will eat because your metabolism slows down. In the summer months, take advantage of outdoor seating.

3. Tableware: Pay attention to the size of the plates and glasses used. Do they resemble those at home or are they much larger? Just because there’s one plate in front of you does NOT mean there’s only one serving in front of you!

Think about your favorite restaurants for a moment. Do any of the above sound like familiar ambience factors? Do you tend to eat more at particular places? [Health Magazine]

The Fairest Diet of Them All

2008-10-09T12:38:27Z

Any idea what could be the healthiest diet of them all?

Wait…for…it…ding ding ding, we have a winner! It’s the Mediterranean Diet!

In case you haven’t heard of it, the Mediterranean Diet isn’t a regimented diet like Weight Watchers, but rather a way of life. It revolves around vegetables, fruits, beans, grains and fish, with olive oil being the primary fat and wine being the way to wash it all down. In other words, it contrasts greatly with the common American diet that relies on saturated fat, red meat and a lot of dairy for calories.

In addition to substantial scientific evidence for the healthiness of the Mediterranean way of eating (it's been proven to decrease the risk of many diseases), its stand-out feature is that it’s a lifestyle, not just a set of eating habits. As Peter Libby, M.D. says, "It’s a mistake to think of a diet as a temporary measure; instead, it is a lifetime commitment to healthy choices.” Fortunately, the Mediterranean Diet consists of tasty and healthy foods you can commit to eating indefinitely!

That’s the key word: “indefinitely.” If you can’t envision sticking to the cabbage diet, Atkins or even a restricted diet you create for yourself for the long-term, then those short-term gains (well, losses!) will inevitably be reversed. Scroll up and look at the food types involved again. Which do you favor? How many of them make up your daily intake? Which can be turned into a fulfilling snack that would win out over cake or cookies? [Nytimes.com]

Treats...or Tricks?

2008-10-09T12:35:15Z

You’ve spent weeks, possibly months perfecting your Halloween costume, and visions of candy bars and lollipops are swimming around in your head. It’s almost Halloween! While it may be a few weeks off, those gigantic bags of candy are already on store shelves, tempting kids and adults alike. What will you buy this year? Are there healthy alternatives?

Getting a piece of fruit is mildly disappointing (OK, majorly dissapointing), but who says you have to give out food at all? In a CNN article, Lisa Bruno recalls how overweight some trick-or-treaters looked to her one year and it frightened her more than the costumes! She began to hand out small toys in lieu of candy. With the obesity epidemic hitting kids hard, it’s worth tweaking the candy-heavy tradition of Halloween and brainstorming some new ideas.

One mom allows her kids to eat whatever treats they want that night, but afterwards the “switch witch” will exchange any amount of candy they decide on for toys. Some families even “buy back” the candy, giving their kids a nickel or dime per piece and then taking the candy to work. All in all, telling your kids they just can’t have any candy on Halloween will ultimately backfire when they are surrounded by so many others going wild.

Do you have any ideas to curb the candy intake come October 31?

The New Energy Bar

2008-10-07T14:36:04Z

Remember when the only retail product you could customize was your L.L. Bean backpack? Maybe your hand towels when you got married? Customization was usually relegated to slapping your initials on something and that’s it. Boy, have times changed!

ElementBars, hailing from Chicago, lets you customize energy bars when, you know, the grocery store options just don’t cut it! First, choose from the following bases: chewy, oaty, crispy or datey. Speaking of “datey,” the site even has a built-in warning to tell you if the ingredients you’ve chosen are “incompatible.” Sounds like an online dating site! Will you find a match? If not right away, the site will help you build your own bar based on a "few lifestyle-oriented questions."

Here comes the inevitable question: would you do this?!? Bars cost $3 a pop and you are required to buy a minimum of 12, so at $36, is energy bar customization worth it to you? What would be your recipe for the perfect energy bar?

Focused Workouts

2008-10-07T14:35:49Z

You may dread the gym for a lot of reasons: you feel self-conscious around all the tight and toned people, it sucks up a lot of time or, simply, you’re not sure your workout is really working out for you. If you have a particular health problem or illness, all of these factors get amplified and you may not feel so motivated in such a silently-judging atmosphere.

Gyms across the country are beginning to tailor workouts to specific needs, but it’s much more than the “beginner” versus “advanced” idea. The Dedham Health and Athletic Complex in Boston sees a lot of patients after diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease and others, tailoring routines on an individual basis and emphasizing comfort in the gym surroundings.

Ellen Orzel joined after a double mastectomy to lose some extra weight, a risk factor in recurring bouts of certain cancers. She says, “I was comfortable going in there, knowing I could tell her I had a mastectomy.” In addition to losing pounds and getting in shape, there is common ground and camaraderie if you are doing your cardio next to someone who experienced a similar bad bout of health. Now, that’s a support group! [CNN]

Wacky Diets That Won't Go Away

2008-10-03T10:41:23Z

You’ve seen the commercials (possibly at 3:00am): drink this greenish-brown mixture three times a day, cut out a certain food group, rinse and repeat. Not all diets are gimmicky and downright suspect, but when there’s a profit-making business behind them, you have reason to question the legitimacy and effectiveness of such diets.

Lisa Drayer is a nutritionist who recently appeared on CBS’s "The Early Show" to debunk these fad diets. Drayer specifically addresses four big ones: the Grapefruit Diet, the Juice Fast Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet and the Weight Loss Cure. It’s less important how ridiculous or restrictive a diet sounds, and more important to consider the risks of ingesting goodness knows what.

For instance, the Weight Loss Cure diet involves being injected with HCG, a hormone originating from the urine of expecting women. It supposedly curbs appetite so that you only need to consume 500 calories a day! Kind of sounds like…starvation? While this diet has been debunked by the FDA, it still “sells.” Some of the diets that center around one food, such as cabbage or grapefruit, both result in loss of water, NOT fat. Yes, you may shed pounds, but not the ones you want to!

If you’re thinking about trying your hand (and gut) at one of the above, or you already have, take a few minutes to read over her thoughts. Do you have an experience to share, positive or negative, with a fad diet?

Taking Calorie Inventory

2008-10-02T15:45:47Z

Restaurants in New York City started posting calorie counts on menus a few months ago, and now one parent company of a number of fast food chains is calling on all of their venues to follow suit across the country by 2011. You may not have heard of Yum Brands Inc., but you're probably all too familiar with their offspring: Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and Long John Silver’s. Soon, their menu boards will tell you exactly how much of that greasy stuff is going into your body. Yikes!

Jonathan Blum, a spokesman for the company, says, “We believe this is the right leadership role…to be providing more information so consumers can make better-informed purchase decisions about the food they eat.” Not exactly what you expect to hear from companies that inadvertently depend on people NOT making the best food decisions! But you may recall that back in 2007, both the Taco Bell and KFC chains transitioned to oils without trans fat, so at least they are heading in the right direction.

In addition to the changes made inside restaurants, Yum Brands will also cease advertising during TV shows watched by kids under 12 and it hopes to eventually create some online exercise programs aimed at adults and kids alike. Will the new calorie counts affect your eating habits or were you already aware of them? How often do you choose the healthier options at fast food chains? [MSNBC]

Careening Off the Workout Wagon

2008-10-02T15:34:52Z

There is no shortage of exercise regimens out there, whether you’re perusing magazines like Shape, surfing health web sites like Weight Watchers or taking a peek at the latest work-out video, but the challenge is not picking one, it’s sticking to one. Is there a better way to go about committing to exercise that the majority of us are failing to grasp?

Gretchen Rubin of “The Happiness Project” focuses on using resolutions to really make change happen. Exercising and getting in shape are two of those resolutions the majority of us have made at one time, most likely more than once. Exercising is obviously beneficial to both the mind and body, but it also means falling off the wagon can be a real downer, even devastating because you feel like a failure.

Rubin consults a yoga instructor for the common pitfalls in committing to exercise using familiar declarations like “I have to start TOMORROW. No delay!” and looking for warning signs in these statements. Even if you do fall off the exercise wagon, it’s important to remember you can pick yourself up and get right back on again!

How do you get yourself back on the work-out wagon? Have you been able to formulate an exercise plan you can stick to?

The Presidential Health Debate

2008-09-26T14:28:42Z

The presidential debates are scheduled to begin tonight with a focus on economic and foreign policy. But one subject has been less of a debate and more of a question in the minds of voters: Which presidential candidate is healthy enough to sit in the Oval Office? Both candidates have released their medical histories, and here's what we know:

*Arizona Senator John McCain, Republican Nominee: If McCain is elected, his ripe old age of 72 would make him the oldest first-term president. When his 1,173-page health history was released in May, McCain’s doctors said he was in “excellent health.” The senator has suffered a bout with melanoma, a skin cancer, which he had removed from his left temple. McCain also takes a medicine for cholesterol, aspirin to thwart blood clots and medication to avert kidney stones. He smoked for 25 years, quitting in 1980. McCain often refers to his 96-year-old mother as proof that good genes run in the family.

*Illinois senator Barack Obama, Democratic Nominee: The 47-year-old quit smoking in 2007, using Nicorette gum to help ease cravings. Like his running mate, Obama’s doctors have also deemed him as being in “excellent health.” The senator is known for his penchant for basketball and water sports.

Political pundits say that a presidential candidate’s health history has become essential to the voting process. President Bill Clinton was asked to lose weight when he came into office, current President George W. Bush has admitted to early drinking problems, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt hid a history of hypertension and cardiac problems throughout his terms, dying of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1945 during his fourth term. He also had polio.

We want to know: Would a president’s state of health sway your voting decision? [The Miami Herald]

Funky Fitness Fads

2008-09-26T14:17:01Z

Ultimately, getting in shape only takes a pair of sneakers and some motivation to get out the door and start moving! But there are some new fitness trends that are becoming pretty popular, and some top fitness experts are weighing-in on their effectiveness. Here's the low-down on three new fads.

*Skorcher: This machine zeroes in on your rear-end in a rather specific manner, focusing on toning the buttocks and thighs by pushing out of a basic squat position. Personal trainer Jay Blahink says it may allow you to do specific exercises, but the machine is not always effective. You might want to save the money and stick to weighted lunges and squats.

*Yoga fusion: This update on a classic involves a blend of yoga, aerobic dance, cycling and boxing. The workout pioneers claim it's an ideal way to squeeze in cardio and sculpting, but Los Angeles-based trainer Kathy Kaehler say she thinks these classes give people a “false sense of what yoga is for and how it is practiced.” The good news? These workouts won’t hurt you either.

*RealRyder: It might sound like a device fit for a horse rider, but the RealRyder is actually an indoor bike that allows you to move from side to side. As an outdoor bike rider, Lombardi says she loves the $2,395 bike. But Blahinik says trying to gain balance on the RealRyder may result in a reduced calorie burn.

We want to know: What fitness trends have you tried and liked (or hated) recently? Do you think there are one too many workout choices available to consumers? [MSNBC]

Grape Juice vs. Wine

2008-09-26T14:06:51Z

It would be safe to assume that grape juice would be equally as beneficial as its wine sibling, seeing as how they both come from grapes, right?

That appears to be true. Experts say that both grape juice and wine have the same heart-healthy goodies, like resveratrol and flavonoids. Choose juice made from red or dark purple grapes and you will reap the advantages of wine minus the buzz. Like alcohol, wine can also lessen a person’s risk of blood clots and help to prevent LDL, the ‘bad” kind of cholesterol, from clogging arteries.

A daily swig of grape juice or wine may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A sipper must of course be careful of artificial ingredients and excess sugar when choosing grape juice.

Then again, wine can also have some affects that are not so beneficial to your health, since alcohol lowers your inhibitions, leading to overeating.

Here’s what we want to know: Would you choose wine or grape juice for your daily dose of grape antioxidants? Why? [The New York Times]

The Ultimate Calorie Bomb

2008-09-23T06:29:41Z

If a 110% sugar high, obesity and a possible heart attack are on you list of “health” goals, then please do get your hands on the new Baskin Robbins Heath Shake.

Known as "the death shake" by some on the internet, the shake comes packed with 2,300 calories, a half pound of sugar and more than 100 ingredients, including syrup, artificial flavors galore and even nitrous oxide. Really? You need a chemical compound commonly used as laughing gas in the local dentist office to be added to this take-a-sip-and-keel-over shake?!

If this is not scary enough for you, then perhaps you should consider these Baskin Robbins nutritional facts: The shake contains 108 grams of fat, 64 grams of saturated fat and 303 grams of carbohydrates. Remember, the average male is supposed to consume about 2,500 calories per day and the saturated fat in this shake has more than three times the recommended daily allowance of just 20 grams.

This shake is a prescription elixir for heart disease, if the diabetes and obesity don't get to you first.

These fast food calorie phenomenons, like the 1,360-calorie salad, lead health experts and consumers alike to wonder if one's health is really in his or her hands. Of course, people should be held personally responsible, but shouldn’t major corporations and businesses share a bit of the accountability?

We want to know: Do you think food and beverage chains can take some of the bad rap for the nationwide weight and health problems? And if you tried the Heath Shake and lived to tell the tale, share it here. [The Consumerist]

Muscle-Building Food

2008-09-23T06:14:51Z

The bulging boys and lean gals that stroll away from the weight-lifting area at the gym are proof that a bit of muscle-pumping can do wonders for an individual’s physical appearance and strength. But one factor that may not be as obvious is these fitness pros are also adhering to a healthy diet.

Here are a few foods to keep your eye on for ultimate muscular health.

*Fish: Lean swimmers, like tuna, halibut, salmon and canned sardines, are packed with amino acids that can help build muscles and repair tissues after a workout. Eat two to three servings a week.

*Sweet potatoes: These tasty taters are a great source of potassium and antioxidants that are essential for muscle growth. Incorporate these veggies into your daily dose of five to nine servings of veggies and produce per day.

*Low-fat yogurt: This creamy treat is loaded with protein, potassium, vitamin D and calcium, all nutrients that can keep muscles running smoothly.

*Quinoa: At first it’s tricky to say (keen-wah), but quinoa is chock-full of quality carbohydrates that can help pack on the muscle. Be sure to stack up on these good carbs because too little can cause severe muscle weakness.

*Pumpkin seeds: Picking a perfect pumpkin may be a favorite pastime, but its seeds are the perfect snack for helping to increase muscle mass, thanks to their magnesium, manganese, iron and copper properties.

We want to know: How do you soothe sore muscles after a tough workout? [MSNBC]

Snack Attack

2008-09-19T14:09:16Z

You try. Really, you do. But when you are faced with a chocolate chip cookie and a big juicy orange, sometimes that cookie is just too tempting to turn away. That’s OK because it turns out you're not alone. More than 68% of people eventually choose a not-so-good-for-them treat.

You don't need a researcher to tell you that when people are given the choice, it’s in their nature to choose impulsively and sometimes unconsciously. The key to combat this behavior is to plan out those healthy snacks. You'll be more likely to stick with a healthful choice if you've thought about it ahead of time.

Try spending some time on Sundays to prepare pre-cut veggies and fruit, storing them in containers or plastic bags for fresh keeping. You may also want to make baggies of almonds and crunchy whole grain cereal. All of these treats can be stashed in a desk drawer or purse, and they will help you to make a healthy split-second decision when hunger strikes.

We want to know: What healthy treat do you keep on hand for emergency snack attacks? [MSNBC]

Eat to Quench Your Thirst

2008-09-18T13:08:38Z

Water or a light sports drink are obvious solutions to the parched tongue that often goes hand-in-hand with a tough workout. But have you ever thought about eating to hydrate your body?

Some experts say food can also have an impact on your daily fluid needs, making water less of a forced effort and more of an everyday habit.

While the debate for daily water needs rages on, many health gurus are sticking with a flexible approach that allows people to recognize that fluid needs may differ from person to person. This might be where food steps in as a source of fluid. Foods like lean meats, poultry, fish and water-packed fruits and veggies can all contribute to one's daily fluid needs. The bonus is that food also encourages people to consume more liquids in order to wash down a meal, so it’s a win-win situation.

Fruits and veggies, like bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, watermelon and apples are all ideal pre- and post-workout snacks, and, given their thirst-quenching benefits, it looks like they may also lend a hand in re-hydrating your body after a tough sweat session.

Don't throw out your water bottle. Be sure to keep it handy during a workout. Food may be a bonus, but liquids are always necessary.

What’s your favorite pre-or post-workout snack? [CNN]

Are Enhanced Foods Healthy?

2008-09-18T12:56:51Z

Peanut butter and jelly. Cheese and crackers. Whipped cream with a cherry on top. These are all combinations that make sense.

But what about anchovy-flavored orange juice?

If you can stop gagging for a moment, then consider the latest health creation which includes grinding up these little, oily fish and adding them to products like Tropicana Healthy Heart orange juice. The promise is that you can enjoy the health benefits of added omega-3s from these tiny fish without the fishy taste.

This is just one of the many odd food pairings that companies are concocting, including ginger ale laced with green tea and powdered beets in peanut butter. These additives are called nutraceuticals, or healthy ingredients that are taken from foods. Soon enough you'll see them popping onto your supermarket shelves, including enhanced ketchup, waffles and yogurt.

Here’s what we want to know: Does this take healthy living too far? Do you think these combos are good for you? Would enhanced food help solve the health problems that affect millions of Americans or should we just learn to be getting our nutrients from whole foods, like fruit and vegetables? [The New York Times]

Get Your Kids Moving!

2008-09-17T11:17:59Z

Now is as good a time as ever to discuss the importance of physical activity with your children, especially given the fact that next week kicks off “Take a Child Outside Week.”

As an adult, you're probably aware of the importance of regular exercise. Children might understand the concept of running around until they're pooped, but unless they learn at this early age to incorporate exercise into their regular routines, they could face a future of laziness, obesity and poor health.

Though the jury is out as to how much exercise a child should get every day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Thats at least two good games of tag, a game of Red Rover and some rounds of double dutch.

If you're unsure what kind of exercise your child should participate in, why not suggest they try activities they can do throughout their lifetimes, like swimming or running? This will help them learn an activity that they can do well into old age, as opposed to say, baseball or cheerleading.

Take a Child Outside sounds like the perfect opportunity to talk to children about the importance of taking care of their bodies, and even get some playtime in for yourself! Don't just watch your kids play kickball—get in there and play with them! When was the last time you hopped on a seesaw or played hopscotch? [The New York Times]

Teeth with Fighting Yogurt Power!

2008-09-12T11:34:09Z

If you haven't picked up a health magazine lately, here is a quick reminder that yogurt is incredibly healthy for you. It keeps your bones strong and thwarts yucky infections, and now it may be a fantastic way to prevent gum disease.

In a recent Japanese study, researchers found that about 1,000 adults who ate a significant amount of dairy products, specifically yogurt, had gums that were a healthy home to their pearly whites.

How much yogurt? It's tough to say, but making it a part of a balanced diet couldn't hurt. And here are some hard facts that may help you add yogurt to your next grocery list: One in three American adults are affected by periodontal disease when scary bacteria take a liking to their teeth and cause gum irritation. Hmm...suddenly the thought of including a cup of yogurt sounds so much more pleasing than having your gums scraped off.

We want to know: What habits have you developed to keep your chompers healthy? [Eating Well]

Blood, Gore and...Chowing Down?

2008-09-11T12:47:52Z

You would think that stomach-turning murders and hanging-on-the-edge-of-your-seat crimes scenes would turn off the average viewer’s appetite, not to mention make them a bit queasy for the evening.

But an interesting new study in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that people who watch “Law & Order,” “Cold Case,” “CSI” and similar shows might be at risk for stuffing their faces and shopping ‘til they drop.

It sounds like a scary ending to a murder mystery...one that leaves you with a big behind and a maxed-out credit card. But the study, titled “Sweet Escape,” shows that people who enjoy programs that highlight doom are reminded of their own imminent death, therefore leading them to spend and eat more.

Like any good investigation, there are alternate theories. Some doctors think mania, bipolar conditions and several other psychological reasons, like anxiety, as reasons for overconsuming. A need for distraction or to fill a void, or even a history of obesity, all play a part.

We’re curious: Have you ever felt the urge to overeat or buy things online after watching "Law and Order?" [MSNBC]

A Rock-Solid Body

2008-09-11T12:47:17Z

There are plenty of workout plans out there designed to get you in shape—hop on the treadmill, lift free weights, do some ab exercises, and so forth. What about scaling a wall, climbing your way to the top at an indoor rock climbing gym? It sounds like an exercise plan that is fit for a pro, but it turns out that with a little practice even the youngest of competitors can practice the sport, too.

At least, that’s what 14-year-old Adam Fox has been doing for the last two years. He says that, while he has tried more traditional sports, like baseball and soccer, he prefers more extreme sports, particularly ones that involve “hanging in the air and falling.”

The freshman at Ferguson High School in Florida says that his typical workout involves stretching for about five minutes before easing into some climbing, working up to a rather aggressive pace. Fox climbs for about four hours per day, taking breaks between climbs.

He says he uses his knowledge of running to set the pace of his workout which has proven to be quite the cardio routine. Fox also enjoys the fact that a difficult route can provide a challenge for his noggin, similar to a brain teaser pattern.

Even at his young age, he has learned the importance of flexibility and a strong core. Fox takes a 90-minute yoga class at the gym at least once a week.

Maybe you can't commit to rock climbing quite like Fox (his mom says he doesn’t have “an ounce of fat on him”) but you don’t have to go full throttle to find a good workout in the sport. Check out a local gym in your area and sign up for a beginners class to start learning how to climb the right way. You might be surprised by the total body workout! [Miami Herald]

Rev Those Engines!

2008-09-09T10:51:06Z

As if the wrinkles and bum sag that come with getting older aren't enough, research shows that women and men in the 40+ age group also must face the facts when it comes to their quickly declining metabolisms. After the age of 40, women and men burn 2% to 5% less calories with each decade, meaning that they are set to gain about one pound per year.

There are ways to help keep your internal engines burning, but with so many sources to choose from it might be hard to differentiate between what actually works and what is pure rubbish. That’s why we decided to lean on Cynthia Sass, the nutrition director at Prevention magazine and co-author of the book Flat Belly Diet, to help us tell the tall tales from the helpful hints. Here are a few of the best:

The Tip: Drinking your required daily amount of water can help shed calories.
The Truth: The effects on your metabolism are minor, but five to six glasses of chilly water—also tea or coffee—can help burn 10 extra calories per day. And that equals about one pound per year!

The Tip: Spicy dishes will help incinerate extra calories.
The Truth: Start asking for fiery food because just like it does to your taste buds, the extra zest in your dish can help excite your metabolism, too. Studies have shown that just one tablespoon of red or green chili peppers can boost your metabolism by a temporary 23%.

The Tip: Dieting can cause your metabolism to drop, making weight loss even tougher.
The Truth: Every pound you lose equals a metabolic two- to 10-calorie loss per day. But that is not to say you should not lose weight. Instead, focus on building muscle through strength training to keep your metabolism running smoothly.

We want to know: What metabolism-boosting tips have you tried? Did they work? [CBS]

All-Natural Health Secrets

2008-09-09T10:50:58Z

Know that co-worker who always talks about how he, “never gets sick?” Yeah, he irks us, too. The truth is he may have a few tricks up his sleeve for living healthy and staying strong. Here are a few tried-and-true au naturel health tips we came across while raiding his desk drawer. We say—share them with everyone you know!

*Get a massage: That sounds easy enough, right? A good rubdown can help decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure and even your heart rate—all factors which can lead to a boosted immune system. Check out a professional or invest in a nature-bristle brush to get your circulation going. Just 10 minutes a few times a week will give you the health benefits you need.

*Welcome smelly breath: Garlic is packed with antioxidants that work to fight inflammation, keep away cancer and encourage a healthy heart. Try munching on two cloves a day. If you can't stand the idea of burps that reek, then try aged-garlic extract, a less smelly version of the herb.

*Scrub your hands: Hand-washing is the best way to thwart the 1 billion colds that Americans come down with on a yearly basis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand washing also helps avoid foodborne illnesses, like salmonella, that have affected the nation in recent months. Keep sanitizing gel or wipes on hand for quick touchups.

*Take a cold shower: It sounds downright frigid, but cold shower lovers say the method increases energy, reduces migraines, increases circulation and helps ease pain. Try it in small increments, otherwise your chill screams might stir the whole neighborhood.

We want to know: What are your secrets for staying healthy and energized? [Health]

The Drinking Age Debate

2008-09-05T10:55:01Z

It’s never fair to make assumptions, but it is pretty fair to say that, for many college students, drinking and dorm life go together like, well, a martini and an olive. More than one-third of college students admit to binge drinking at least once during a two-week period, according to a study conducted last year by the American College Health Association.

That may be one of the incentives that lead more than 100 college presidents to sign a petition last month, asking for a debate about whether the minimum legal drinking age should be lowered from 21 to 18. Their reason? “Twenty-one is not working.”

When it came time for health experts to weigh in on the proposal, some were left shaking their heads while others thought it may just be the ticket to lowering binge drinking amongst college students. Most health professionals agree that lowering the drinking age is a bad idea, citing an increase in traffic deaths, decreased memory capabilities and a tendency to develop an alcohol addiction as reasons for keeping the legal age at 21.

Choose Responsibility, the non-profit group who circulated the petition, says increased binge drinking rates amongst non-legal youngsters and proof that younger drinking ages in other countries have resulted in less alcohol abuse by teenagers are just a couple reasons why the decreased age limit might work.

Here is what we want to know from you: If you're old enough to serve your country, are you old enough to have a drink? [Los Angeles Times]

Lose Weight, End Hunger

2008-09-05T10:41:31Z

Getting pumped up to lose weight can be tough, so it never hurts to have an incentive, like an upcoming wedding or high school reunion that your once-upon-a-time crush just happens to be attending.

But what if your motive was to help feed the mouths of hungry children across the globe? Would that help you jump on the weight loss train?

Now is your chance to shed pounds for a good cause through Weight Watchers’ new Lose for Good project. The initiative is an effort to help people who want to shed pounds and those who can't afford to put dinner on the table each night.

Weight Watchers says that for every pound lost with their program between September 7, 2008 and October 18, 2008, they will donate an equal amount of food, up to $1 million, to one of two organizations: Share our Strength, a nationwide organization that works to feed hungry American children, and Action Against Hunger, which works to solve the hunger crisis around the world.

If that’s not enough to get you moving, consider this: In 2007, 862 million underfed people were malnourished in the world, according to Bread for the World. Compare that to the 1.6 billion people who were overweight in 2007, and one can easily see the reasoning behind “Your Loss is Their Gain” motto of the program.

You can visit the Lose for Good site or a Weight Watchers meeting for more information on making your body, and the world, a healthier place.

We want to know: What efforts have you joined in order to raise money for a greater cause? Would you cut out cake or cookies if you knew you could feed a hungry family?

Energy Food, Minus the Java

2008-08-31T19:03:13Z

If a cup of joe is your fix for sleepiness or if you think a glass of wine is the best stress tamer, think again. The truth is a few simple foods can help take your energy levels from blah to “I’m ready to rock!” without the java jolt.

Health experts say you should think of food for your body in the same way you do fueling up at the pump—your body needs “gas” to keep moving. Here are two of the most common energy drainers and how to fix them with foods that will keep you living healthy.

Stress

*Stack up on carbs. And we mean the good kind. Try a whole wheat English muffin with an all-fruit spread or some brown rice with fresh veggies.

*Eat chocolate! That sounds easy, right? Health gurus say a few squares of the dark kind can help boost mood-enhancing stimulants.

*Munch on greens. A salad packed with dark, leafy greens with spinach, peppers and broccoli will help keep you energized.

Dieting

*Small, regular meals. Trying to drop a few pounds with diet foods can leave your energy zapped. Consider eating a few mini meals throughout the day to keep a constant flow of energy going.

*Pack in the fiber. It will help slow digestion, keeping you feeling fuller, longer. Try bananas, greens and whole grains to keep away hunger and extra pounds.

*Stay hydrated. A thirsty tongue will only make increase hunger pangs. So, be sure to consistently sip on water and unsweetened beverages. Avoid artificial sweeteners – they may only make you hungrier.

We want to know: What healthy habits do you have that keep you running strong all day? [MSNBC]

Meow and Woof for Good Health

2008-08-29T12:58:23Z

If you are a dog or cat lover, then chances are you talk about your pets just like they are one of the family—and they are!

But one thing you may not have considered is how your furry friends may be affecting your health...in a positive way! Sit down with your kitty or your puppy on your lap and read on—you may be surprised to find out that your little buddy is good for more than just slobbery kisses!

Dogs are great for:

1. Giving you a mood boost. In fact, more than 80% of pooch owners have said they feel happier when their dog is around.

2. Improving your social life. Research shows dog walkers are more apt to meet new people when they are out for a stroll.

3. Shedding excess weight. Just like your dog, you too are getting a great workout when you hit the pavement. Dog walkers have been shown to lose an average of 14 pounds in one year.

Cats are known to:

1. Keep you relaxed. Most kitty owners will tell you their feline keeps them chilled out.

2. Safeguarding your heart. A new study shows that people who are self-proclaimed “cat people” are less likely to suffer a heart attack than those without a cat.

3. Kicking asthma to the curb. People may think all that fur might cause the opposite, but researchers say kids with kittens are likely to see an increase in immunity rather than suffer from an asthma attack.

We want to know: How does your furry friend help keep you living healthy? [Health]

A Waist-Friendly Bash

2008-08-29T12:33:32Z

This upcoming Labor Day weekend can easily be considered another reason to let loose and party—and it is. But in case you missed the hot dog memo, many of the foods you will be munching on are not members of the healthy-things-to-eat food group. Still, you don’t want to be the host who serves guests peanut butter sandwiches and filtered water. Here are a few tips to keep your diet on track while making your guests happy. Your waistline will thank you on Tuesday morning.

* Cut veggies—carrots, cucumbers, peppers—in advance to help ease pre-party preparation stress. These are a great mingle-while-eating, healthy snack.

* Use lean ground beef for burgers and try grilling up some turkey hot dogs or chicken sausages. You may also want to try lean ground turkey or veggie burgers.

* Add some vegetables to the fire. Just brush fresh vegetables, like zucchini or portobello mushrooms, with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, and put them on the grill. You may also want to put them on skewers which make serving easy.

* Opt for fresh fruit-based desserts. Cakes and cookies don’t have to be the main event. Instead, try serving a mix of fresh fruit or an apple cobbler.

* Eat a healthy lunch before your nighttime party. This will keep you from mindless overeating when the mingling and fun starts.

* Send “doggie bags” home with friends. Pack small portions of goodies into plastic bags, so you are not left with too many temptations.

* Watch the booze. Alcohol calories can add up very quickly, so keep your libations to a minimum. Give guests options to choose from, like diet soda or flavored waters.

One thing to keep in mind: You know your guests the best. So, if your friend Suzy just loves your double-double chocolate cake, then make it for her. But keep your slice on the small side. And send Suzy home with the rest. [Weight Watchers]

One Pig Snout with Cancer, Please!

2008-08-28T13:37:49Z

If the idea of eating an animal’s spleen, windpipe and tongue makes your tummy rumble, then tie a bib around your neck and open wide for an American classic—the hot dog.

While hot dogs are typically made from pork and beef muscle meat trimmings, the U.S. government A-OKs the use of by-products in your favorite barbeque meal, including pig snouts, cow lips and lamb spleens. But your label doesn’t tell you that, now does it?

Still, a new TV commercial that blasts the dogs for their contribution to an increase in diseases, like colon cancer, has some experts up in arms. The commercial features kids sitting in a school cafeteria where one little boy says, “I was dumbfounded when the doctor told me I have late-stage colon cancer.”

The ad’s shock appeal may have some wiener lovers thinking twice before their next opportunity to scarf one down, but doctors and health experts, including the American Cancer Society, say the dramatization is not exactly accurate.

Many, in fact, are sticking to quite the opposite story, saying that the occasional hot dog is not going to increase cancer risk. Some people are also disapproving of the advertisement because it links colon cancer to children, a connection that has only been studied and found in adults. But is there such a thing as the “occasional” high-fat hot dog treat for Americans? Last year, United States consumers spent more than $4 billion on hot dogs and sausages, according to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.

Want to have your hot dog and live healthy too? Opt for a lean turkey or tofu dog, two choices that will keep fat and sodium—and cancer—at bay.

We want to know: Do you think health ads that use scare tactics are effective? If so, name one that changed the way you thought about things! [MSNBC]

High-Tech Produce

2008-08-26T12:11:17Z

Much like a security system that scans your retina or doors that unlock with voice activation, you, too, may soon be able to feel like you are a member of a secret spy initiative when you hit...er...the grocery store?

It turns out that those super smart scientists are concocting an invention that would allow you to wrap your produce in a bag made from what researchers are calling “edible optics.” These membranes from pure, edible silk would be just the beginning, experts say, of a system where light-diffracting holograms—like those related to credit cards—would come equipped with biological sensors that would signal if a food item is contaminated with salmonella or E. coli.

It all sounds very Matrix-like, but scientists say it may be just the ticket to preventing outbreaks like the recent serrano peppers salmonella scare. Silk is already used for stitches after surgery, and as opposed to its plastic bag predecessor, it is biodegradable, making it earth-friendly and a step toward healthy living. And many techies are catching on to the possible produce of the future, suggesting ideas for meat wrapped in E. coli-sensing materials and even edible silk underwear. We haven’t yet found a health benefit for that one, but we’ll let you know.

The invention still requires testing, but scientists are confident that supermarket shopping will only be the first stop for the edible optics. Experts say the silk sensor may also be able to identify environmental pollutants or sugar in the bloodstream of a diabetic.

We’re curious: What invention would you like to see make its way to your supermarket? [MSNBC]

DEBATE: Can States Charge for Obesity?

2008-08-26T12:04:04Z

If you are overweight, it probably feels like you are already paying for your weight problems. After all, many people who are not at an ideal weight are suffering from poor health or emotional issues that are taking a toll on their day-to-day activities.

But if you call Alabama home, then look out because you may have to start coughing up some cash for your plump frame.
The state—which was recently handed second place in the national obesity ranks—has recently warned its 37,527 employees that if they don’t slim down within the next year, then they will pay $25 per month for health insurance that would typically be free.

The new law would be a first for the United States, but several states across the nation have also begun to emphasize more healthful behaviors. In July, South Los Angeles banned construction of fast food restaurants for one year, and New York City recently began requiring food chains to post nutritional content on menus.

The Alabama State Employees’ Insurance Board will give state workers until January 2010 to take advantage of free health screenings and begin to implement weight loss goals if need be. If problems do arise, patients will have until January 2011 to make health improvements.

But here’s what we want to know: Do you think state law officials have the right to play diet police? Has the United States hit a point where law enforcement is required in order to cut back on obesity? If you are overweight or know someone who is obese, do you think such laws will help influence personal health choices? [Time Magazine]

Poor Economy, Better Health?

2008-08-26T12:01:42Z

An economic crisis seems more like a reason for excess cheeseburgers and cancelled gym memberships than it does a time for improving personal health. Unemployment and a lack of money can lead to several health problems, including higher obesity rates, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Some experts are saying the poor economy can also lead to better overall societal health. It has been proven that a recession leads to less traffic accidents, smoking, obesity and drinking. Now, that is not to say that a bad economy is oh-so-fabulous, but here are a few things you can do to make this recession a healthful one:

* Swap beef, chicken and fish for beans. Not only will you be saving some serious money, but beans are great source of protein and fiber. And the occasional vegetarian meal is great for your heart. Try pairing beans with veggies and brown rice.

* Cut back on gas. Take the train, bus, subway or hop on a bike. The bonus: Trekking it to public transportation or pedaling your way from point A to B will help you squeeze in some cardio.

* Quit smoking. When times are tight, cutting back on your nicotine habit will improve your health and help you save some dough. Make a pact with a smoking friend to cut the habit together or look into a local support group where you can meet up with other people who are trying to kick nicotine.

We want to know: How are you making the best of this suffering economy? [Los Angeles Times]

Crawling for Fitness

2008-08-21T11:26:38Z

Take a trip to, say, New York City's Central Park and you will find runners, walkers, bikers and people sweating it out all over the place. While Big Apple dwellers are known for not giving oddities a second glance, these are a few that might cause even the most experienced to pause should he or she come across them while engaging in a morning stroll: A man crawling on his hands and feet, butt up in air; a woman meditating in a tree; or a fella cracking a whip, only to later switch to a leather baton.

It may sound weird—OK, totally weird—to you, but this is the scene you might happen upon should you arrive early at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven Park, a haven for exercise of the different sort. In a place where headstands and wooden swords are the norm, jogging is something that seems out of place. And basketball and tennis courts? Yeah, right.

But don’t knock it just yet because in a country where iPods and fancy workout gear are a mainstay, we may be able to learn a few things from this focused and connected approach to exercise.

The point of this Zen-like exercise is to learn how to exercise for personal benefit, not to impress the people who may be looking on. Instead, people have learned to march in place, walk backward and even play games that make their bodies feel good.

We want to know: What exercise do you like that doubles as a mind/body experience? Have you ever avoided a specific workout because you felt silly? [The New York Times]

Pocket-Sized Alcohol?

2008-08-21T10:27:04Z

Take a peek around these days and you can find a drink fixer-upper anywhere. Health-enhancing drinks that cure a hangover. Super water to give you energy, tea to slim your waist, and even magic elixirs that make you smarter. Now drink creators have gone one step above and created tiny-enough-for-your-purse alcoholic pouches. Vodka, gin and whiskey have all been made into tote-able packages for the on-the-go guy or gal that needs happy hour at the office...STAT.

It all sounds silly, right? But the makers of ShotPak have created these drinks that can be picked up at a liquor store for $.99 to $1.50 a pop.

And the average drinking-age adult might say, “Hey, good idea!” People might be especially excited by the wide range of sippers available, including Kamikaze, Lemon Drop and Sour Apple. But what has some consumers up in arms is the fact that the so-called “party in a pouch” largely resembles the fruit drinks many children carry in their school lunches. Some critics even say that the cocktail in a pocket is giving teenagers one more reason to sneak alcohol into school, public areas, and even the home.

And the seemingly “cool” image portrayed by the scantily-clad woman in ShotPak ads—she has a packet sticking out of her low-slung jeans pocket—only further people’s worries that the image will give kids the wrong idea.

We want to know: Do you think this “alcoholic candy bar” has gone one step to far? What is your take on the hype that surrounds pop culture drinks? Are the manufacturers encouraging bad behavior? [Los Angeles Times]

Sweating It Out, Summer Style

2008-08-19T11:01:33Z

Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn't mean the steamy weather won’t stick around for a bit longer. And when you are exercising in the sizzling hot outdoors, it's smart to keep a few things in mind to ensure you stay healthy and maintain enough energy to get you through a sweat session. Check out these pointers before the next time you hit the pavement and you will maximize your exercise results.

*Sip water. Lots of it. And don’t count on thirst to give you a heads up because a parched tongue usually means you are already dehydrated.

*Take it easy. When you step outside for a workout in muggy weather, you may want to take it down a notch. Lowering the difficulty of a workout will reduce your risk for injury and not take such a toll on your body.

*Dress for heat success. Be sure to wear breathable clothing and avoid workout gear that might sap water from your body, like rubberized sweat suits.

*Shield your skin. Slather on the sunscreen before stepping outside, and pick one that has a SPF 15 or higher. You also want to be sure it is sweat-resistant so it doesn't slide off when your heart starts pumping.

*Become a summer early bird. Your schedule may not always allow it, but try to workout in the morning to avoid higher temperatures. You may also want to try exercising in the early evening for the same effect.

The number one thing to remember, however, is that sometimes exercising in the heat is not an option—there is such a thing as it being too hot to workout. Play it safe and use your best judgment. If it’s too hot, go for a dip in the pool—playing it cool poolside can be a workout, too!

We want to know: Do you have a summer exercise strategy? [Los Angeles Times]

Chubby and Healthy

2008-08-19T10:49:24Z

If you always thought chubby thighs were an indicator of poor health, then you may want to rethink your logic. That’s because a recent study shows quite a few skinny folks have health issues that typically go hand-in-hand with obesity.

The findings don't claim that being obese is healthy. What the research did find, however, is that weight is not necessarily a trustworthy indicator of health. Instead, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and height are also necessary in order to properly gauge cardiovascular health.

Researchers found thin people generally had healthier metabolisms than overweight or obese participants. But being a skinny-minnie did not always indicate total health. More than 24% of thin adults—about 16 million people—had unhealthy risk factors.

Then again, about half of the overweight people displayed two or more of the risk factors. Still, half of them boasted a healthy metabolism, and one out of three obese participants was metabolically in shape. Of course, fit versus fat is still the better health option. But when gauging overall health, body size is definitely not the best determination.

The verdict: Thin people should be concerned with total health, too, because weight is not always going to point you down the path of life-long fitness.

Want to trim your figure? Sign up for 30 days of losing weight email tips today! [The New York Times]

Because I Said So!

2008-08-19T10:32:41Z

If you've never met the glare of a mother warning you to bundle up before stepping into the cold, then consider yourself a lucky non-victim of old wives’ tales. Because beliefs, such as the idea that chilly weather will cause the common cold (no proof yet), are pretty much a mainstay amongst health expert imposters and moms alike.

What about the ones that do ring true? Well, we have analyzed a few of the best to help you keep living healthier. So, sit back and start learning, but don’t sit too close to the screen because it may harm your eyes (so not true)!

The tale: If you drop food on the floor, follow “the five-second rule.”
The truth: Experts say the one-second rule isn’t even an option due to the bacteria that instantly infects the food when it hits the floor. And with the 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses that plague the United States every year, it’s best to toss any food that is dropped on the floor.

The tale: Cracking your knuckles may cause arthritis.
The truth: It’s a bad habit, but popping your knuckles will not cause osteoarthritis. In fact, in a study of knuckle crackers versus people who never cracked their joints, there was no difference between the two groups. But a few things this bad habit may cause are a weaker grip and hand swelling, both of which can result in a loss of dexterity. So, although arthritis is caused by genetics and older age, knuckle cracking may be a tendency you want to swap for a less harmful one, like gum chomping or hair twirling.

The tale: “Double dipping” is a total germ-fest.
The truth: Swapping spit via chips and dip really can transfer germs and bacteria to other people. So, if you see another person take a second scoop of dip after already digging in, then you better be comfortable kissing him or her.

We’re curious: What’s your favorite old wives’ tale. Do you think there is any truth in it? [MSNBC]