Diet and Nutrition

Lisa Lillien and the Lazy Girl’s Guide to Getting Healthy on Dr. Oz

Hungry Girl Lisa Lillien joins Dr. Oz on his November 14 show as they discuss her methods for eating well and staying satisfied while sticking to a healthy diet.

Lillien is not a nutritionist, dietitian, or doctor, but her Hungry Girl franchise has attracted millions of followers as she sheds light on how to sate your appetite the wholesome way. She started off with a free daily email of food tips and tricks, but that grew into seven best-selling books, a television show that airs on the Food Network and Cooking Channel, a weekly column on WeightWatchers.com, and regular contributions to other national media.

This time around on Dr. Oz, Lillien has a plan for women to eat twice as much this month and still lose five pounds. She brings four secret ingredients with her that will help bulk up your meals and in the meantime save you calories. She promises that these fixes are quick, easy, and delicious.

Dr. Oz, looking somewhat incredulous, asks Lillien, “You can eat all that stuff and still lose five pounds this month?”, to which she replies, “Ya! It works!” (more…)

Posted on November 14, 2023 by SarahS

5-Week Holiday Survival Guide with $5000 in Prizes from The Best Life and DietsInReview

It’s as hard for us to believe as anyone else that “the holidays” officially kick off in just one week! We hope we aren’t the only ones already thinking about how to make this a healthful season where we spend more time giving thanks and less time feeling guilty.

We want to help ensure you have such a holiday season for yourself and your family. That’s why we’ve partnered with Bob Greene and team at The Best Life Diet for a five-week Holiday Survival Guide.

You’ll learn how to manage the craziest parts of the season – like overeating, stress, and fitting in a workout. If keeping you motivated weren’t enough, together we’re offering up more than $5,000 in prizes to help you end this year on a high note as you work on embracing all that lies ahead in 2024.

The Holiday Survival Guide kicks off on Tuesday, November 20 with a Twitter Party to get you in the spirit of this special event. Join us and the Best Life team for a one-hour event to introduce you to both of our social media teams, which will play an integral role in keeping participants motivated for five weeks.

TWITTER PARTY

Use #HolidayFit

Follow @TheBestLife and @DietsInReview

Start at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT on Nov. 20

You can officially sign-up to join The Holiday Survival Guide on Monday, November 19 at TheBestLife.com. Then, you’ll receive five emails each week through December focused on a different element of managing the season in a healthful way. Plus, find Facebook and Twitter posts each day to keep you on track. (more…)

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Natalie K

Retrofit Gains $8 Million in VC Funding; Launches Retrofit My Company

Just a year after opening its web-based doors, Chicago-based Retrofit announced today the raising of $8 million in venture capital funds. The fund raising was led by Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), and brings the company to a total of $10.7 million in Series A funds. Other investors include Correlation Ventures, Hyde Park Angels, New World Ventures, and I2A Fund. It’s a move that will allow one of the most tech-minded brands in weight loss to grow to serve a broader clientele. retrofit weight loss program

“DFJ is a great backer to have,” commented Jonathan George, former CEO of Boxcar. “Their resources and knowledge will help turn Retrofit into an even bigger winner than they already are. From the looks of this, it’s a growth round that will help propel them into the future. These type of rounds don’t happen without significant traction.”

The move comes in time for Retrofit to make a major play when the January new-year diet season kicks off. Today’s announcement comes in hand with the release of their Retrofit My Company contest, which will position the brand in a corporate environment.

The company will give away $300,000 worth of complimentary services to the company that wins.  According to Retrofit, “A high profile panel of judges chooses the company and up to 100 employees at that company will get their own expert weight loss teams, fun wireless devices, and full Retrofit program that is helping more than 90% of clients lose weight.”

CEO Jeff Hyman pointed out in a press release that companies have $1500 per year in additional health care expenses for each overweight or obese employee. It’s long been reported that a healthier staff is a happier and more productive staff, not to mention one that saves the company money. (more…)

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Natalie K

Pepsi Special Aims to Make the Japanese Skinnier with a High-Fiber Additive

Pepsi-Cola isn’t exactly in a healthy industry. Over the past years, big soda companies like Pepsi and Coke have been scrutinized for contributing to the obesity epidemic. In light of this, Pepsi just announced a new fiber-infused flavor, “Pepsi Special,” that claims to reduce fat levels in the body. The product is only sold in Japan.

Pepsi Special contains dextrin, “a type of ‘functional fiber,'” explained our resident dietitian, Mary Hartley, RD. “This is a fiber isolated or extracted from a plant (or, in some cases, manufactured) added to a food. Dextrins are true soluble fibers that can help improve digestion. They act as ‘prebiotics,’ undigested fibers that feed the friendly bacteria in the colon.”

Benefits of dextrin include stabilizing blood glucose, regulating insulin, reducing risk of heart disease, and reducing cholesterol and fat cell levels in the body. Dextrin can be found in glue products as well, but it’s not safe to consume in that form. There are a number of foods and medications that contain dextrin and have for about half a century, notes Hartley. “Most people eat some dextrins every day without noticing a change in weight,” she said.

Will drinking the new Pepsi product make you skinnier? Probably not.

“Pepsi Special is a gimmick. It is just another product to increase market share,” calls out Hartley. (more…)

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Samantha

Dr. Oz Says Obesity Isn’t Our Fault in Interview with Hormone Diet Author

Doctor Oz’s newest fat-burning prescription has the doctor picking up a blow torch and liquefying a mountain of butter in a depiction of how jump-starting your hormones can melt away fat fast.

“When you learn how to manipulate these magical hormones to work together, your fat, flab, ripples and rolls will melt away,” he promises on his November 12 episode.

Oz’s guest on the show is Dr. Natasha Turner, naturopathic author of The Hormone Diet, a bestselling book about creating a hormonal balance in the body for weight loss, living better, and looking younger.

“Hormones are your internal thermostat that control the metabolic rate of every single cell in your body,” Oz says on the show. “When the system is out of balance and it crashes, everything slows down and just won’t move.”

Doctors Oz and Turner contend that resetting the body’s hormones will supercharge weight loss attempts, even if you’ve been trying for years with little or no success.

“It’s not your fault folks, it’s the biology of blubber,” says Oz. (more…)

Posted on November 12, 2023 by SarahS

Khloe Kardashian Drops 10 Pounds the Right Way Before X-Factor Debut

Although Khloé Kardashian has tried her share of lose-weight-quick dieting strategies in the past, she revealed that her diet before her first appearance as co-host of The X-Factor consisted only of making healthier eating choices the old-fashioned way.

The 28-year-old told People magazine after the show that she trimmed down ten pounds by reducing her intake of sweets as well as cheese, a personal favorite indulgence, and working hard not to binge eat. She tries to keep up with a consistent exercise program and is changing her diet slowly to make sure she can realistically keep it up.

Kardashian said she’s learned that crash diets do not work long term. “When I used to do things like crash diets or things too fast, it never stuck because it wasn’t a lifestyle change,” she told reporters.

The star posed for the cover of Life & Style magazine in May 2024 for an article about how she lost 20 pounds in 20 days. Although that’s over the recommended amount of weight loss in such a short period of time, Kardashian said she did it through healthy meals prepared by her chef and extended daily workout sessions with her husband and a personal trainer.  (more…)

Posted on November 12, 2023 by SarahS

Avoid the ‘Salty Six’ For a Healthy Heart

Do you know how much sodium is safe to consume on a daily basis? And perhaps more importantly, do you know how much sodium is actually in the foods you eat?  If you answered ‘no’ to either of these questions, the American Heart Association is here to help. The organization is seeking to provide some clarity on the topic of sodium with the introduction of its “Salty Six” – a list of six popular foods that are likely adding the highest levels of sodium to your diet.

It’s no secret that foods like canned soup and salty pizza made the list for their outrageous levels of sodium. But would you be surprised to know that bread and rolls ranked number one on the Salty Six and poultry and sandwiches followed not far behind?

(more…)

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Dana

How to Cook with Artichokes

Artichokes: Where do I begin? As a child I was absolutely terrified by them and as an adult I’m still a little bit unsure of their distinct texture, taste and shape. When I order a salad at a restaurant and it comes with artichokes, I usually manage to eat about half before throwing in the towel. However, I think the problem here is two-fold: 1) I didn’t realize how good they were for you, and 2) I’ve never actually cooked them myself. However, all of that’s about to change. 

Health benefits:  It’s no surprise that artichokes are a staple in the Mediterranean diet as they’re loaded with vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Like many other fruits and veggies, artichokes are also high in fiber – nearly 10 grams in one medium choke. Each serving also contains approximately 3-4 grams of protein and less than one gram of fat for a satisfying, healthful indulgence. One of the tricks to getting the most nutrients out of your artichoke is eating the whole vegetable. If you opt only for the hearts, you will inevitably miss out on some of the vitamins and minerals. However, with that being said, the hearts are still worth devouring as they’re no doubt a healthy, low-calorie food.

Nutritional statistics: 1 cup contains approximately 76 calories, 1 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 8 g of dietary fiber, 1 g sugar and 5 g protein. (more…)

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Dana

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Without the Guilt

A quick search of what’s in season in November will yield an abundant list of produce that’s ripe for the picking. Think broccoli and Brussels sprouts, carrots and cranberries, kiwi and kumquat, rutabaga and winter squash. And let’s not forget the veggie that often gets overlooked while roaming through the produce aisle: Artichokes.

Artichokes are full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and K, folate, magnesium, potassium and manganese. Like many other vegetables, artichokes are also loaded with fiber – nearly 10 grams in one medium choke! And they also contain between 3 and 4 grams of protein each and less than 1 gram of fat. All of these components help make artichokes a satisfying yet healthful indulgence. (more…)

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Dana

HealthBuzz November 9: Run for NYC, No GMO Labeling, Barack Obama’s Favorite Recipes, and Fall Soup Recipes

We are hours away from the weekend! Get ready with a healthy dose of news. We highlighted this week’s headliners from DIR which are GMO Labeling Losing in California, Marathoners Run to Recover NYC, and Nutristystem’s First Female CEO. Also we have headliners from the Atlantic.com, ABC’s Liz Neporent. Plus, see re-elected President Obama is eating at the White House and a healthy soup recipe from AroundThePlate.org.

GMO Labeling Didn’t Win the Battle in California, but We Haven’t Lost the War

For the past couple of months, millions united to educate the California electorate about GMO and Prop 37. Unfortunately, GMO labeling did not get enough ‘yes’ votes and there will be no law to inform consumers of what they’re eating. But those who were for GMO labeling are remaining optimistic, and we speak with Leah Segedie to understand why.

New York City Marathoners Run Anyway in the Race to Recover

Although the New York City Marathon was cancelled after Hurricane Sandy, runners still ran, but for a whole new cause. Hurricane Sandy left millions without power and a roof over their head. ING has transformed The 2024 ING New York City Marathon into “Race to Recover, which has raised about $2.6 million to assist those in need.

Nutrisystem Names Dawn Zier the Company’s First Female CEO

Female-centric brand Nutrisystem announced its new CEO this week, Dawn Zier, who will become the first female CEO for the company later this month. Zier will begin her new role on November 15, just weeks before “diet season.” It is unlikely that the company will have any major programs announced within the next couple of months, but it will be interesting to see what direction Nutrisystem takes under Zier. (more…)

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Samantha

Nesquik Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination

Nestle is issuing a voluntary recall on more than 200,000 packages of its popular chocolate drink mix Nesquik. The product is believed to be contaminated with salmonella.

The Associated Press reported that the issue involves the ingredient calcium carbonate. Nestle stated that their ingredient supplier, Omya Inc., was the source of the possible contamination. The recall only affects the dry powder, not the ready made drinks.

The containers that have been affected are the 10.9, 21.8, and 40.7 ounce canisters. They all have the “best if sold by” date of October 2024. Consumers are urged to cease use and can return the item to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may also contact Nestle Consumer Services.

There have been no reports of illness at this time. Salmonella poisoning symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fevers. The elderly, infants, and pregnant women are at higher risk of severe symptoms.

Calcium carbonate, the ingredient that caused the recall, is added to many foods as either a preservative or a source of added calcium. According to their website, Nesquik states that it is fortified with added calcium to help build strong bones. Apparently this is why the ingredient is included in this product. (more…)

Posted on November 9, 2023 by Lacy