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PF Chang’s Mini Desserts

Brandi by
Brandi

August 5, 2008
posted to Diet Tips.

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I’m writing this as a public service announcement - do not be deceived by the teeny-tiny desserts!

At a dinner tonight at PF Chang’s (which was already too calorie and fat packed for me to want to fully own up to), the waitress asked if we wanted dessert. There were about 20 people at the table- I was hoping someone would order that Great Wall of Chocolate. I could have one or two bites and not hurt anything.

PF Changs Mini DessertsThen she said they have these new “mini desserts.” It’s a single shot glass full of dessert. Just $2.00 each. Eight different choices, including the Great Wall of Chocolate. I know better, but my sweet tooth took over and convinced me that that much cake couldn’t be that bad. It was delicious- all I’d hoped it would be. Not to mention cute.

Upon my arrival home, I’ve scoured the net to find the nutrition facts. I found them at The Daily Plate. That cute little teensy weensy itty bitty glass of chocolate cake… has 336 Calories! 26g Fat! 24g Carbs! That’s 8.5 WW Points for those of you counting!

The lesson learned? Dessert in a restaurant, no matter which shape, size or level of adorableness, is NEVER good for you!

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How Many Sets Do You Need to Do?

Jason by
Jason

August 5, 2008
posted to Fitness.

Mayo Clinic’s Edward Laskowski, M.D., has an interesting answer about how many sets of a strength training exercise you need to do to get results. Hint: It’s less than two. His advice is for those looking to build strength. If you’re into bodybuilding, more sets are advised.

Looking for more fitness advice? Read Matt’s, the DietsInReview.com fitness expert, articles here in the Diet Blog.

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High-Fat Diet Linked to Early Puberty and Health Complications

Kinsey by
Kinsey

August 5, 2008
posted to Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Diet News.

The New York Times this week published an animal study examining foods eaten during a rats pregnancy and nursing and its possible affect on the age that their offspring starts puberty.  For girls, an early first menstrual period has been linked to complications later in life such as breast cancer, obesity, and insulin resistance and is associated with teenage depression.

pregnant momResearcher from the University of Auckland conducted a study in which they fed pregnant rats two different diets and continued the feedings though lactation.  One group received a high-fat diet while the other group received a regular diet.  After the babies were weaned from their mothers, they also consumed a high-fat or regular diet.

The researchers noticed those rats whose mothers consumed a high-fat diet had a much earlier onset of puberty, despite the diet the babies ate.  Also, babies that ate a high-fat diet had an early puberty (even if their mothers ate a regular diet). Deborah Sloboda, lead author of the study, concluded with “This might suggest that the fetal environment in high-fat fed mothers plays a greater role in determining pubertal onset than childhood nutrition”.

Easily said, a high-fat diet may be linked to early puberty.  A diet high in fat is linked to numerous health complications, but knowing this information is very important for expecting mothers.  The truth is you are making decisions about yours and your baby’s health.  While pregnant and lactating, it is imperative to provide your child with the best and healthiest food choices.  For specifics, consult a Registered Dietitian (RD) in your area or ask your physician for a RD that specializes in pregnancy and lactation nutrition.

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Olympic Athletes Who Cheat… on Their Diets

heather by
heather

August 5, 2008
posted to Olympics and Diet Tips.

beijing olympics

As we embark upon the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we marvel at the way these conditioned athletes have taken care of their bodies and health as if it were a fine piece of exquisite art. But it might be comforting to know that even some of your favorite Olympiads honor their sweet tooths every now and then.

katie hoffSwimmer Katie Hoff, 19 of Maryland, loves Hostess 100-calorie mini muffin packs. Their controlled portions and their yummy three flavors of banana, blueberry, and cinnamon coffee cake make this gold-medal hopeful feel like she’s indulging in something she shouldn’t even though they only pack a soft 100 calorie punch. And after a few hours of racing laps in the pool, I’d imagine those 100 calories are well-deserved.

In addition to  a post-workout snack, Katie has a splurge day to avoid having feelings of diet deprivation breaking her focused concentration. Many successful diets make room for a day when you can eat your favorite dishes, just not to the point of being stuffed. The Cheat to Lose and The Crack the Fat Loss Code are just two popular diet programs that have a cheat day built in to their weekly dieting cycle. Weight Watchers even gives each person 10 “flex” points each week to use how they like. For Katie, once a week, she splits a slice of Oreo cheesecake with a friend and leaves any trace of  leftover guilt on her napkin.jessica mendoza

Ninety-nine percent of the time, these athletes are noshing on a disciplined diet of good carbohydrates, lean proteins and quality fats. To return some fuel to a fatigued body, Jessica Mendoza, an Olympic softball player who also won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics, refuels with a banana, peanut butter and berry smoothie. The combination of carbs, protein and fat gives back to Jessica’s body after hours of working hard in her position as an outfielder.

So as we all watch these world-class athletes from our cushy couches, we can steal a few of their secrets on how to live a fit and healthy life.

Stop by the DietsInReview.com throughout the 2008 Beijing Olympics to learn more about fitness and nutrition from our esteemed U.S. Olympics team.

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DietsInReview.com Diet Blog News

Brandi by
Brandi

August 5, 2008
posted to Diets in Review.

At the start of summer, I promised a few changes around the site and here in the Diet Blog. I wanted to recap some of those things that have taken place- like the newest additions to our team. Also, there are a few glimpses of things still to come.


DietsInReview.com Diet Blog Updates from Diets in Review on Vimeo.

Don’t miss anything happening at DietsInReview.com. Sign up for our free bi-weekly newsletter and receive the latest DietsInReview news, reviews, recipes, blog posts, fitness tips from Matt and nutrition tips from Kinsey. Plus, get the inside track on our giveaways!

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Guest Blog: Creativity Ensues with these Original Mini Diets

Brandi by
Brandi

August 5, 2008
posted to Guest Blog and Diet Tips.

eat shrink and be merryThis month, the Featured Guest Blogger, and in this case Bloggers, are the dynamic sisters Janet and Greta Podleski. These witty ladies are the funny-bones behind the new tasty and health-conscious cookbook, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry. They’ll join us right here, every Tuesday in August, to impart nutritional wisdom and a good chuckle. Learn more about Janet and Greta at Eat, Shrink & Be Merry.

Hi! We’re sisters Janet and Greta Podleski, authors of the bestselling cookbook, Eat, Shrink and Be Merry! Pleased to meet you!

We’re excited to give readers of Diets In Review some tips and tricks on how to feel better, look better and cook better. It’s our goal to make healthy eating so delicious and so darn fun, people will almost get healthy by accident! Our mission is to help Americans eat more healthfully–one stomach at a time! So let’s start right here with yours!

Even though we truly believe that dieting is only “wishful shrinking,” we love diets when we make them up ourselves. Just kidding! Actually, the following week-long “Janet and Greta Mini Diets” truly are beneficial because they can help improve your overall eating habits. Our first video blog will show you some of our favorite weekly mini diets such as the “Think Outside The Box Diet” or  the “Meatless In Seattle Diet”. We hope you like it!

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Wake ‘n’ Bacon

Jason by
Jason

August 4, 2008
posted to General.

If you’re like me, you aren’t much of a morning person. My first thought, after taking care of my two-year-old daughter’s needs, is making my way to the coffee machine. My internal clock is good enough that I can pretty much muster enough energy, albeit grudgingly, to get out bed. But if you need an alarm, there is a much more pleasant option than blaring noise.

Being woken by your sense of smell is so much more appealing… especially when it’s the smell of bacon. Here’s a quirky little invention that will wake you with the scrumptious smell of swine. It’s probably not a good idea to eat it, since the pork will have sat at out all night. I would assume you could replace bacon with something else if you’re a vegetarian.bacon alarm clock

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Weight Watchers Frequently Asked Questions

Brandi by
Brandi

August 4, 2008
posted to Guest Blog and Weight watchers.

You know our good friend Roni, she drops by the Diet Blog from time to time and we love it when she does.  roniShe’s been chronicling her experience with weight loss and Weight Watchers over at WeightWatchen.com for some time; but recently, packed up her things and moved to her new home at RonisWeigh.com. We asked her to look at some of the questions you often ask about Weight Watchers- and she has provided answers to 11 of those. We hope this helps on your own personal journey.

1. How many meals do you eat each day?

Surprisingly, that is a tough question.  Since losing the weight and maintaining for over 2 years my concept of meals have changed. I can say I always eat breakfast and dinner with my family, so that’s 2. But everything in the middle could be considered a “snack”. I eat something when I’m hungry, weather it be a piece of fruit, a sandwich, leftovers, handful of nuts, yogurt.  Sometimes, yes, I have a traditional “lunch” but more often then not I snack my way through the day.

weight watchers

2. How do Points affect pregnant/nursing women? How should they adjust their Points totals?

I followed Weight Watchers Flex while nursing for 8 months and it was a great plan for me to be accountable during that tough post baby time.  For moms who are exclusively nursing, 10 points should be added to their daily targets. If your baby is having formula or starting solids, then you add 2 points per nursing session up to 10 a day.

3. There are 35 Flex Points/week? Does everyone get these? 

Yup! Everyone. Even those strange CORE people! ;~P

A lot of Weight Watchers folks think they should skip them to lose faster, but they are built into the plan for a reason.  My philosophy is to use them when I’m still hungry at the end of the day or I save them up for special occasions.

4. How does exercise influence Points? 

There is a formula to add points to your daily target when you exercise. It’s based on the length and intensity of the workout. Activity Points (AP), we call them, aren’t introduced until the third week of the program, I believe.

5. Do I have to go to meetings?

You don’t have to, although I found them very helpful.  Weight Watchers has an online program as well. If you choose not to attend meetings, I would recommend weighing in at home with a friend or joining an online community like BlogToLose. The support and accountability really helps!

6. Why do Points calculations only take in the first 4 grams of Fiber?

The higher the fiber content of the food the lower the points. I believe the story is that people would manipulate the points of food by adding extra fiber through unnatural means, like sprinkling fiber supplements on cereal, just to get a lower point value.  The point isn’t to manipulate the points by unhealthy means so Weight Watchers capped them.

7. Can you expect to see weight loss with Weight Watchers in the first month?

Yes! Especially if you follow the healthy guidelines. Most people lose at least a few pounds (some of it water weight) their first week as there body is getting used to a more portion controlled healthy diet.

8. If you stick to your allotted Points each week- what is the anticipated weight loss? Does the higher or lower end of that range affect weight loss?

Great question that I eluded to earlier. The expected Weight Loss is 1-2 pounds a week.  That is the goal of the point allocation. Eating less or more points would of course affect that, but if you stay with your daily target and the 35 weekly points, 1 pound permanent weight loss is the weekly goal. As funny as it sounds, you need to eat to lose, so going below your daily target is not recommended.

9. Can or should children/teens under age 18 participate in Weight Watchers? 

I’m not sure I’d recommend any child going on a “diet”. This is, of course, only my opinion but children should be taught healthy habits and not worry so much about “dieting”.

10. I’ve reached my goal weight. How do I determine Points to maintain my weight?

The maintenance plan is tricky. Weight Watchers has you add 4 points to your daily target for a week and then evaluate your weight. If you’ve gained, then drop your new target by 2; if you’ve lost, add 4 more. Most people I’ve talk to in maintenance eat about 10 points over their weight loss target to maintain.

11. Is the weight range for Points goal weight or current weight?

Current weight and as you lose it will change. I started at 26 I think, by the time I reached goal I was at 20.

Learn more about Weight Watchers Points here at DietsInReview; and use our free Weight Watchers Points Calculator.

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Don’t Overlook Lunch with Back to School Plans

Kinsey by
Kinsey

August 4, 2008
posted to Children and Teens.

It’s approaching back to school time, so have you though about your child’s (or children’s) lunch?  It’s sad to say, but for the most part our school’s cafeteria food is extremely lagging in terms of providing healthy, nutritious meals.  Even more upsetting is the fact that little can be done to improve these meals… simply put, it comes down to budgets and money.

lunch boxI do have good news!  Packing your child’s lunch can help guarantee your child is receiving a healthy meal that will help them stay focused and be motivated at school.  Same rules apply here for your child as they do for you: limit the amount of processed foods (packaged cookies, chips, etc) you provide, pack water, milk, or 100% juice instead of soda, provide plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, and make sandwiches on whole grain/whole wheat bread.

Make it a group effort; you and your child can make the lunches together as part of your nightly routine before bed.  That way your child has a say in the foods he/she will eat, you provide education to why eating a healthy diet is important (and lead by example!). It allows for some extra bonding time, and you are laying the foundation for your child’s health and their future food choices.

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Top BOSU Exercises with Flat Side Down

Matt by
Matt

August 4, 2008
posted to Fitness.

BOSU stands for “Both Sides Up,” and is used for several exercises to increase balance and stability. The BOSU ball can be used either side up and incorporated into any everyday fitness routine. Today, however, I will be covering a few exercises with the flat side down.

See other workouts with the BOSU ball.

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