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Tag: Diets

  • Wendy Williams Started Dieting in the First Grade

    Wendy Williams has been overweight. Wendy Williams has been thinner. She likes thinner better.

    The talk show star said recently that her son was perplexed about her exercise regimen, given that she is thin now.

    “My son said something to me this weekend that made me feel really good” Williams said, “but it’s not going to steer me off my path. He said, ‘Mommy, I don’t even know why you go to the gym. … Because you’re already skinny, you’ve got no weight to lose. You don’t need to go to the gym. Why do you go? It’s just a waste of your time and your money.’ ”

    Williams revealed that she has had struggles with her weight all her life, even trying crazy diets as a very young child.

    “My first diet was in the first grade! Tuna fish and mustard with yogurt on the side. Weight was a big thing for me to overcome,” Wendy Williams said.

    But now that she is thinner, why does Williams hit the gym so hard?

    “I go to the gym because it’s not about me losing weight at this point, it’s about me trying to fight heart disease,” Williams explained. “I can’t say that that has made me lose weight because I already lost 50 lbs. in three years, which I find to be amazing. Because, of all the crazy diets I’ve been on, none have ever been as effective as [saying to myself], ‘Just push back, fatso. Just stop eating so much.’ And I don’t love food as much as I used to.”

    Williams’ own weight loss was a gradual thing. She took three years to lose 50 pounds.

    “Slow and steady is the name of the game. It’s not going to happen overnight. I no longer believe in fad diets, crash diets. I don’t believe in diet pills. I don’t want my heart to race and pop out of my chest. Yes, I did have a jump-start because years ago I did get the liposuction and a tummy tuck, but I have to say that, if there is a poster child for plastic surgery and the jump-off to a new lifestyle, it would be me.”

  • Weight Loss: Faster Diets Are Good Too, Shows Study

    American adults are more obese than ever and still growing larger. It’s a problem that millions struggle with and one that helps make weight loss a billion-dollar industry.

    Though fad diet books are immensely popular, slow and steady weight loss has long been recommended by health professionals. Now new research is showing that quick-loss diets might actually have some merit.

    The study, published today in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, pitted current dietary guidelines against more rapid weight loss techniques. Researchers found that obese people are more likely to lose a substantial amount of weight if that weight is lost rapidly.

    The study looked at 200 obese adults who were put on either a 12-week diet of 450 to 800 calories per day or a more gradual 36-week diet. Participants on the 12-week diet were more likely to reach the 12.5 percent weight loss goal of the study. Those on the 36-week diet were more likely to drop the program early.

    “Global guidelines recommend gradual weight loss for the treatment of obesity, reflecting the widely-held belief that fast weight loss is more quickly regained,” said Katrina Purcell, co-author of the study and a dietitian at the University of Melbourne. “However, our results show that an obese person is more likely to achieve a weight loss target of 12.5 percent weight loss, and less likely to drop out of their weight loss program, if losing weight is done quickly.”

    Purcell and her colleagues suggested that the small amount of carbohydrates seen in quick-loss diets could help promote satiety. The study’s authors also hypothesized that ketone production resulting from low-calorie diets could be influencing the greater weight loss seen in the study.

    As for the canard that diets simply don’t work, the study did find that dieters are likely to gain back weight after ending a diet. Whether weight is lost quickly or slowly, dieters were found to have regained an average of around 71 percent of their lost weight three years after the diet ended.

  • Weight Loss Aided by Spinach Extract, Shows Study

    For decades now advertising has promised to help people lose weight using a variety of products, but none of the pills, diets, or programs have ever proved to be the miracle product that consumers crave. As Americans continue to grow larger, however, even products that help a little could end up contributing significantly to public health.

    A new study published by researchers at Lund University has shown that spinach extract could help dieters shed pounds. Though the compound won’t turn consumers into Popeye, the study’s authors believe it can curb appetite, helping people who may be struggling to eat less.

    The study found that thylakoids (green leaf membranes, according to the authors) in the extract stimulate the human body’s satiety hormones. Researchers observed that patients using the extract were better able to control their appetites, leading to weight loss.

    “Our analyses show that having a drink containing thylakoids before breakfast reduces cravings and keeps you feeling more satisfied all day,” said Charlotte Erlanson-Albertsson, a co-author of the study and a professor of physiological chemistry at Lund.

    Erlanson-Albertsson and her colleagues looked at 38 overweight women over the course of three months. Half of the women were given the spinach extract while the other half received a placebo.

    “In the study, the control group lost an average of 3.5 kg while the group that was given thylakoids lost 5 kg,” said Erlanson-Albertsson. “The thylakoid group also found that it was easier to stick to three meals a day – and they did not experience any cravings.”

    The study’s authors calculated that their extract can reduce hedonic hunger – the hunger humans have beyond what they actually need for energy – by up to 95%. It does this by slowing down digestion, giving the body time to release hormones that tell the brain it is full.

    “It is about making use of the time it takes to digest our food,” said Charlotte Erlanson-Albertsson. “There is nothing wrong with our digestive system, but it doesn’t work well with the modern ‘pre-chewed’ food. The thylakoids extend digestion, producing a feeling of satiety. This means that we are able to stick to the diet we are meant for without snacks and unnecessary foods like sweets, crisps, and such.”

  • Best Diet Foods: Are You A Healthy Eater?

    Summer will be here before you know it and if you want to show some skin, you might also want to lose some weight.

    Diets aren’t fun for anyone and most people have a hard time following them because of the types of foods that can and can’t be eaten.

    Don’t let the lack of variety in a diet stop you from losing weight this summer.

    There are numerous foods that are delicious, versatile, healthy and perfect for diets.

    Fruits and vegetables are the most common and best diet foods, but whole grains, and lean proteins are also good options.

    Check out these great diet food suggestions. You can add them to meals, shakes or just enjoy them by themselves.

    Vegetables

    Avocados are healthy, cool and refreshing and make a great addition to salads and sandwiches. You can even swap out your mayo for avocado and get the same great texture with more flavor and less fat. They can also be added to soups and shakes.

    Broccoli is another great vegetable option for diets and is full of fiber. Fiber gives you energy and helps your body function better. It also keeps you full longer. Broccoli can be eaten raw with your favorite low fat dip or added to salads, soups and casseroles. It can be boiled, steamed, grilled and even sautéed, making it one of the most versatile vegetables around.

    Fruits

    Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries are all full of antioxidants which can help make your skin look better and rid your body of toxins. They are also packed with fiber and can keep you full and help with your sweet tooth. Add them to yogurt, salads, low-fat ice cream or even whole wheat pancakes.

    Bananas and apples are both filling fruits that are full of vitamins and minerals. They make great snacks and can help keep you feeling full longer.

    Other fruits such as peaches, pears, kiwis, oranges and melons are also great for diets and will help supply you with the energy you need to get through the day.

    Proteins

    Chicken, pork and fish are all great protein options. You can grill or bake them and use them in almost any type of recipe. Your body needs protein to build muscle and stay strong. Protein is also satisfying and will keep you full between meals. Instead of breading your fish and meat or covering them with unhealthy and fattening sauces, use spices and herbs to give them flavor.

    Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up flavor or eating less. Healthy foods allow you to eat more and stay full longer. What are your favorite foods that are also great for diets?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • High Fiber Diet: What Should You Be Eating?

    High fiber diets are all the rage and not only are they healthy, they can also help you lose weight in a safe and timely manner. While many diet fads are unhealthy or simply don’t work, the high fiber diet is very effective. Foods that are high in fiber can help with digestion and are lean and healthy. They can also help ward off illnesses and improve your immune system.

    A high fiber diet sounds easy enough, but as with many diets, it can be hard to know which foods are high in fiber and should be eaten. The amount of foods that are high in fiber may surprise you and you may also find that you are already including most of them in your diet. The key to mastering the high fiber diet is to eliminate the unhealthy foods that are processed and contain a lot of saturated fats, and replacing them with larger portions of high fiber foods.

    Most vegetables contain large amounts of fiber, but some have more than others. Dark, leafy greens are the best high fiber vegetables, including spinach, swiss chard and collared greens. Broccoli, eggplant, pees, celery, squash and cauliflower also contain high amounts of protein.

    Fruits are another obvious high fiber food. Oranges, dates, prunes, blackberries, strawberries and almost all other fruits are high in fiber. They can replace other sugary foods as dessert options or can be made into breakfast shakes and smoothies. They are also portable and easy to take in school or work lunches.

    Don’t think that just because you are eating a high fiber diet, you can’t enjoy a snack or bread. Whole grain bread and other whole grains like pastas and cereals can also be eaten on the high fiber diet. If you are craving a salty snack, choose some almonds, flax seeds or soy nuts.

    Give the high fiber diet a try and see if you notice any results. Remember that being healthy is more important than losing weight. Once you have started living a healthy lifestyle with high fiber foods and exercise, the pounds will start falling off.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Detox Diets: Before You Do It, Read This

    Detox Diets: Before You Do It, Read This

    Detoxification is something that the body does naturally to get rid of or keep toxins in check. The human body is exposed to different toxins every day, from the food we eat, the liquids we guzzle, and even the environment, such as fungus-contaminated buildings. Toxins are also the by-product of the body’s normal cellular activities, and many of the body’s organs function to turn toxins into less harmful compounds and excrete these from the body.

     What is a Detox Diet?

    To help the body along, people engage in a detox diet. This type of diet is intended to be done for only a short period, because prolonging it more than necessary may result in deficiencies in the necessary nutrients the body needs, such as calcium and protein. Going on a detox requires dieters to fast and refrain from eating certain types of food, such as processed meat and those containing artificial flavors. Instead, dieters eat organic food rich in antioxidants and vitamins needed by the body for its natural detoxification process. High-fiber food and plenty of water are recommended as well, to help in eliminating toxins through excretion.

    Is Going on a Detox Diet Necessary?

    The idea behind going on a detox diet sounds good, but the detoxifying effects are not scientifically proven. A detox diet by itself is harmless unless it results in nutrient deficiency, but there is little evidence that it actually eliminates toxins from the body. As mentioned, the body—in particular, the liver and kidneys—naturally works to kick the toxins from its system. Going on a detox diet is not necessary, but it can be beneficial, considering that dieters would be avoiding highly processed food containing added sugar and preservatives.

     What Can I Get from a Detox Diet?

    Those who have tried going on a detox diet reported feeling more energetic and focused after the dieting period. Clearer skin, improved digestion, and regular bowel movement also result from eating organic, high-fiber, and vitamin-rich food. People should be careful not to overdo it, however, as there are also possible side effects to limiting the diet to certain foods. Fasting, the first stage of a detox diet, can result in fatigue, constipation, and dehydration. It can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and would make it more difficult for the body to heal itself. This type of diet is certainly not for everyone, especially children and pregnant or lactating women.

    What if I Want to Try Out a Detox Diet?

    As with any pursuit in the name of fitness, it’s best to consult your doctor first before embarking on a diet. A detox diet is not a be-all and end-all solution to getting rid of toxins—keeping the body’s organs in proper working order is. So, be sure to discuss a diet plan with your doctor that will help you keep fit without depriving yourself of the nutrients your body needs.

    Dr Oz Detox Diet Secrets

    Image via Flickr

  • Weight Loss Programs- Which One Is Right For You?

    Are you trying to lose weight and get fit? No matter how overweight you are, there is a weight loss program that will work for you. You may have seen weight loss commercials on TV and thought, “Yea right, that would never work.” and you may be right. While there are numerous weight loss programs that are not a logical or even healthy option for most people, there are others that can help you achieve your weight loss goals regardless of how big or small they are.

    Weight Watchers is one of the most popular and effective weight loss programs available. While many women love to use weight watchers to lose weight, it can be beneficial to men also. The Weight Watchers programs uses points to help with portion control and teaches dieters how to make smart food choices. The program also offers weekly meetings, a website and support to help motivate you to lose more weight.

    Nutrisystem is a popular weight loss commercial, but it can be a useful one to dieters who have problems choosing the right foods or portions to eat. With the Nutrisystem program, food is sent to your home in prepackaged portions. You are instructed how many meals or snacks you can eat each day and you can choose the ones you want. This makes it easy and requires very little thought or planning.

    If you are into a more homeopathic type of weight loss, consider trying the Laugh Yourself Skinny weight loss plan developed by Jessica Procini, a stand up comedian turned certified holistic weight loss coach. This program is designed for people who have a hard time sticking with a boring diet program or exercise routine and promises to make weight loss fun and more enjoyable.

    You might have to try out several different weight loss plans before you find one that works for you. Remember, the key to successful weight loss is to get healthy first and then worry about the pounds you lose. Good luck with your weight loss goals.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons.

  • Best Diet Plans to Help You Lose Weight

    Best Diet Plans to Help You Lose Weight

    It’s the beginning of a new year, so you know what that means: resolutions. Many resolutions have to do with weight loss, so the search for the best diet plans begin. The trouble is, with so many diets available, how do you know which is the best? Here, we examine the basics of some of the recent diet trends, and some that have been around for some time.

    The Adkins Diet

    The Adkins diet is one that has been around for quite a while, likely because it has some merit. Those who are on the diet are able to eat high-quality proteins and good fats, like avocado. Meanwhile, they are to eliminate refined carbohydrates, such as white bread. Doing so cuts out excess sugar, which allows you to drop some pounds.

    The Slow Carb Diet

    If you want to enjoy as much flour, rice and sugar as you can, this diet is likely not for you. This diet requires you to eliminate all white refined carbohydrates, as well as fruit and dairy. Basically, you can nosh on veggies and lean meat, which isn’t much, but you are able to eat all you want once a week.

    The South Beach Diet

    The South Beach diet is good in theory, but quite difficult to put in practice, at least for any considerable length of time. Dieters are able to eat lentils, chicken, beans, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds and good fats in the form of olive oil. If you are able to eat only these ingredients forever, then good for you. If you can’t live without fruit and bread, however, this diet may not be the best for you.

    The Fast Diet

    The title of this diet can be misleading. “Fast” doesn’t mean you’ll lose weight quickly, it means you are “fasting,” at least on some days. The diet has its followers restrict their caloric intake to 500 or 600 a day, depending on the gender, on two non-consecutive days a week. However, on the non-fasting days, you are able to eat a variety of foods, including steak and alcohol. Score!

    Paleo

    The paleo diet takes you back; way back to the day of the caveman. This diet essentially encourages you to eat what your ancestors ate. Whole foods and meat take the stage here, while refined and processed foods are kicked to the curb.

    The bottom line when trying to choose your diet plan is determining what works best for you, and what you can actually see yourself doing. Dieting is a marathon, not a race, so pick what you think you can stick with for the long haul. And speak with your doctor before trying any of these diets.

    If you need any encouragement in your weight loss process, visit Twitter for some uplifting posts, like these:

    Image via Wikimedia Commons