Diet and Nutrition

Unsung Hereos of the Slim Down

Josie Maurer, creator of YumYucky.com, spreads the message of finding balance between fitness and your greedy side. She lost over 40 pounds after the birth of her fourth child through sensible eating and exercise, yet she still maintains her love for large slices of cake.

Who says the booty, thighs and stomach should get all the credit? Those other body parts deserve some kudos, too. When you set your eyeballs in the mirror to assess the shrinking progress of your body, do you daydream about that pivotal moment you achieve goal weight in your left pinky toe?

Umm. No.

But here’s the happy news. Those body parts you aren’t necessarily focused on right now are going to be your happy unsung heroes as the weight comes off. The collarbone is a hero and the feet are, too. Take a glance at your lovely little fingers. They’re on their way to losing weight.

Not quite sold on the free hype I’m selling? I turned to the happy people of Facebook and Twitter to validate these claims. I asked, “Excluding your booty, stomach and thighs, what body part(s) were you pleasantly surprised to see lose weight?”

The proof is in these weight loss testimonials: (more…)

Posted on July 24, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Seven Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat More Whole Grains

Federal nutrition guidelines recommend at least three servings of whole grains per day, but most children only eat one. But there’s hope: a new study from the University of Minnesota shows kids may not dislike whole grains as much as is generally believed. Children in the study were given a choice between whole grain graham crackers and processed graham crackers, and they didn’t show a strong preference.

“Graham snacks provide a healthy, highly acceptable whole grain food that kids love to eat,” says Len Marquart, the lead investigator on the study. “This is an excellent way for kids to get up to an additional serving of whole grain per snacking occasion.”
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Posted on July 23, 2024 by Margaret

Marisa Tomei’s Diet Secrets

Much of the recent spotlight has been on Sandra Bullock as the beacon of midlife beauty and redemption in Hollywood. Her career has experienced a very successful second act, and she’s solidified her place in fans’ hearts as they feel sympathy for her public split with the unfaithful Jesse James. But, another female Hollywood veteran has had a resurgence of her own.

Marisa Tomei got best supporting actress in My Cousin Vinny in 1992. But since the peak of her acting career in the early ’90s, she seemed to only occasionally pop up in high-profile projects. But with roles in such recent critical darlings as “The Wrestler,” “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead,” and this year’s “Cyrus,” she has quietly crept back into the spotlight.

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Posted on July 23, 2024 by Jason

7 Foods That Fire Up Your Passion

John McGran, chief editor at Diet-to-Go, has been covering the fields of diet, fitness and health since 2000. He writes from the perspective of a dieter rather than a dietitian.

I’d much rather eat my way to health and happiness than pop a pill and attain the same results. So when it comes to dieting, I choose to eat my way slim rather than seek out a magic bullet for weight loss.

The same principle applies to perking up passion. Sure, there are plenty of ads for potions or pills that claim to magically transform you into a Casanova. But I’ve discovered that a fine meal with the proper ingredients can spark love and romance without the chemicals!

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Posted on July 23, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Do Picky Eaters Have an Eating Disorder?

Several articles can be found online claiming that “selective eating” is being considered for the updated Diagnosis and Statistical Manual as an eating disorder like Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa. The American Psychiatric Association is due to publish the DSM-5 in mid 2024. Reports on this addition to the DSM vary. One article I read claimed that it is the American Psychological Association not the American Psychiatric Association considering the change; however, it
is understandable that someone outside the field might mix up APA with APA.

A blog on the American Psychological Association website skeptically commented: nowhere on the American Psychiatric Association’s draft DSM 5 website on eating disorders is the term “selective eating” or “picky eating” mentioned (searches for such terms also turned up nothing on the draft DSM 5 website). It seems like quite a stretch that a disorder not even listed in the draft version of the DSM-5 would make it into the final version. (more…)

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Brooke Randolph

Diet Disaster: Seven Kids’ Meals with Over 1000 Calories

1000 calories kids meals: Mac and Cheese Quesadilla

Friendly's Mac & Cheese Quesadilla kids meal contains over 2000 calories.

Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic levels in the United States, and one factor is the perception that kids won’t eat healthy foods. This belief is particularly visible on kids menus. “Children’s meals at restaurants are garbage,” said Mary Jo Messito told the NY Post. Messito is the director of the Pediatric Obesity Clinic at Bellevue Hospital. “Somehow, the restaurant industry has created special meals for children that are trash. And I don’t know where that came from.”

Here’s a list of seven “kids” meals to avoid feeding your kids; each containing over 1000 calories from The Daily Beast.

1. Chevy’s Bean and Cheese Burrito meal

Calories: 1020
Saturated fat: 15 grams

2. Chevy’s Cheese Quesadilla meal

Calories: 1020
Saturated fat: 20 grams

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Posted on July 22, 2024 by Health Buzz

Ali The Bachelorette Sheds Pounds

Ali Fedotowsky discovered that dating many men under the watchful gaze of cameras can be stressful during this season of The Bachelorette. The 25-year-old has endured an emotional roller coaster, and it looks like it led to stress eating. “I was always hungry! I didn’t think much of it, but everyone noticed,” said Ali in OK! “I just wanted to eat more.” Keeping healthy eating habits can be difficult while traveling. Ali gained 15 pounds while jumping from city to city across Europe.

“I also wasn’t as active as I usually am at home.” As soon as filming ended, she knew she wanted to get back to a healthier lifestyle–and drop 10 pounds. To reach her weight-loss goal, Ali ate healthfully six days a week, but then gave her diet a break for one day. “I am good during the week, and one day I pig out,” she says. “I love pizza from Domino’s or Pizza Hut and a Diet Coke.”

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Posted on July 22, 2024 by Health Buzz

Bread Crust Will Curl Your Hair and Other Food Myths

Getting your kids to eat a healthy meal is often a struggle. You can’t blame a parent for resorting to a little trickery. We’ve all done it. I pride myself on serving fresh, whole foods and always telling my kids the truth about foods; what’s in them, what’s not, why this food is better than another for your body. But I’m also guilty of some fibbing or well-intentioned browbeating in the name of good health.

Eat the crusts of your bread – it will curl your hair – Absolutely untrue, although I tried for years and actually volunteered to eat my curly headed sister’s crusts.

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Posted on July 22, 2024 by Carmen

A Snapshot of American Dieters: Are We Misguided in Our Efforts to Lose Weight?

Mary Hartley, RD, MPH, is the director of nutrition for Calorie Count, providing domain expertise on issues related to nutrition, weight loss and health. She creates original content for weekly blogs and newsletters, for the Calorie Count library, and for her popular daily Question-and-Answer section, Ask Mary. Ms. Hartley also furnishes direction for the site features and for product development.

At this point in time, 70 percent of American adults are trying to lose weight. That’s what the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) found in its 2024 Food & Health Survey. IFIC is dedicated to communicating science-based information on nutrition for the public good. It is a not-for-profit foundation that does not lobby for political causes or corporate interests. They surveyed about 1,000 American adults for the fifth year in a row.

Trying to Lose Weight
It makes sense that 70 percent of Americans are trying to lose weight. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that 65 percent of America’s adults are overweight or obese by Body Mass Index (BMI). At least we know we’re overweight, and we deserve some credit for that.

But here’s the problem: despite our best efforts, we are not giving weight loss our best shot. Weight loss is still a matter of calories-in vs. calories-out and calorie control is the way to see results. More calories in than out and you’ll gain. More calories out than in and you’ll lose. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Obesity Working Group (OWG) recommends a “calories count” focus for its messages because of the importance of calories in weight control. (more…)

Posted on July 22, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Is All-You-Can-Eat at the Ballpark Really a Good Value?

Although Major League Baseball players need to be in top shape, their fans have a new reason not to be. Nineteen of 30 major league teams now have an “all-you-can-eat section,” where spectators can fill up on ballpark staples like peanuts, hot dogs, soda, lemonade, nachos and ice cream.

Although there is a salad bar at the buffet-style section at Baltimore’s Camden Yards, the message is not a healthy one. The $40 ticket may seem like a steal, but the real cost is paid in unhealthy calories. “Teams say the intention is not for fans to gorge themselves on the food, but many fans say it often comes with the culture of being at the ballpark,” writes Sports Illustrated. “Even as Orioles fan Michele Sparklin ate a salad and said she yearned for choices like a grilled chicken wrap, she admitted to overindulging in hot dogs — and food in general — while sitting in the section. ‘When there’s a hot dog in your face, you have to take it,’ she said.”

Read More:

Does a Healthy Hot Dog Really Exist?

How to Afford Eating Healthy in a Comfort Food Economy

Coors Field Introduces Gluten-Free Stand

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Health Buzz

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia is destructive both physically and mentally. The repetitive vomiting that is sometimes a part of bulimia can cause dental discoloration and swollen cheeks. Those who suffer from bulimia generally also suffer from low self-esteem. Verbal, physical, or sexual abuse are all risk factors for developing bulimia.

People who suffer from bulimia are more likely than others to have parents with substance abuse or mental health struggles. Participation in activities that generally require slenderness can also contribute to the development of bulimia.

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Posted on July 21, 2024 by Brooke Randolph

Diet and Nutrition

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