Stay on Top of Your Weight Loss Goals with the New and Improved mySENSA.com Community

Manhattan Beach, CA (PRWEB) August 03, 2011

The SENSA® Weight-Loss system is dedicated to providing its customers with the support tools they need to obtain their ultimate weight-loss goals. to help customers take their weight loss journey to the next level, SENSA® has recently remodeled the mySENSA Community (mySENSA.com), an online weight-loss destination designed to help customers lose weight and keep it off.

The new and improved site offers customizable features that are designed to help customers reach their weight-loss goals and stay in touch with SENSA® friends. Customers now have access to improved weight-loss tools, such as progress logs and exercise trackers. There is also a new robust meal plan that enables customers to add and sort food items, track water intake, and view their daily calorie budget and nutrition distribution. Customers also have the option to customize their plan by choosing what foods they would like to exclude, which is beneficial for vegetarians or those with other dietary restrictions.

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Effects of Diet Soft Drinks on Your Health

By Karen Frazier

People often opt for diet soda as a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup and sugar, but are they really healthier? The answer is not a clear cut yes or no.

What's in Diet Soda

Different soft drink manufacturers utilize varying non-sugar and artificial sweeteners to replace the sugar content in their products. Diet sodas may have one or a combination of sweeteners, including:

Sucralose: Brand name Splenda, sucralose contains chlorinated sugar molecules. Your body does not absorb these altered molecules, so sucralose passes through without calories.Aspartame: With the brand name NutraSweet, zero-calorie aspartame contains methyl esters of aspartic acid and phenylalanine dipeptide.Acesulfame Potassium: Also known as acesulfame-K or ace-K, acesulfame potassium has the brand name Sweet One or Sunett. It has a bitter aftertaste, and no calories.Saccharin: This zero calorie sweetener has been in use since the sugar shortages of World War I. It has zero calories and a bitter aftertaste.Sugar Alcohols: These are neither sugars nor alcohols. Instead, they are polyols, which are natural substancesStevia: This sweet herb provides natural sweetness without calories.

Diet sodas may also contain sodium, caffeine, phosphoric acid, artificial colors, and citric acid.

The may vary according to which soft drinks you choose; however, in general you may expect some of the following health effects from regular consumption of diet soda.

Effects on blood sugar: MayoClinic.com suggests that soft drinks containing artificial sweeteners do not affect blood sugar, while those containing sugar alcohols may cause it to rise. While some sweeteners may not cause a rise in blood sugar, artificial sweeteners may trigger sugar cravings, leading people to eat sugary foods, which will cause blood sugar to rise.Hydration: Sodas that contain caffeine serve as diuretics, leading to dehydration.Addiction: Caffeine is also a very addictive substance, and drinking sodas that contain caffeine every day may lead to dependence. Missing your daily caffeine infusion can lead to exhaustion, headaches, and many other health problems.Sodium: Some sodas contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure and water retention.Cephalic phase response: Your body is an efficient machine. When you eat sweets, your liver and pancreas respond to the sugar in them. When you eat a calorie-free sweetener, your body may prime the organs to respond just as if you had eaten something with sugar; however, when no sugar appears, it triggers insulin release and food cravings, which can lead to weight gain.Dental problems: The acid in diet sodas (and regular pop) can lead to teeth enamel erosion.Gastric upset: Sodas containing sugar alcohols may lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.Safety of Artificial Sweeteners

The FDA regulates artificial sweeteners as a food additive, and has generally recognized the ingredients as safe; however, the long-term effects remain largely unknown. No scientific studies show the dangers of the sweeteners, although anecdotal reports suggest a multitude of symptoms including:

HeadachesBody achesNeurological problemsConfusionDizzinessGastric updateThe Bottom Line

An occasional soft drink probably won't lead to health problems; however, drinking several a day may not be your best bet. Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy. If you do drink diet sodas as a regular part of your diet, you may want to talke to your doctor about it as some endocrinologists discourage the use of diet sodas.

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No White Diet

By Donna Sundblad

The is an easy way to eliminate high glycemic foods from the menu. It doesn’t require counting calories or carbs. It’s as simple as recognizing whether or not you can eat something based on its color. However, even though the name of this diet suggests “no” white foods, there are a few exceptions to the rule.

How the Works

Many popular diets have implemented the no white foods concept, and gradually people have adapted it to help them eliminate high glycemic foods that lead to weight gain. The by author Paul Array structures an entire diet around the concept. His book equips people to understand what it takes to eliminate these foods from the diet. He teaches dieters to read food labels and how to shop for groceries. His book explains how and why the diet works to eliminate hunger, cravings and to not only lose weight but to keep it off. This diet, like many before it, claims to be a lifestyle change instead of just another diet.

Paul Array is not a doctor, but a layman with much diet practice. His goal was to create a diet that not only works, but is easy to follow. The doesn’t require portion control, counting calories, carbs, or fat grams, or the buying of packaged foods or special products. Eliminating white foods from the diet is as simple as black and white and doing so helps get rid of empty calories from high glycemic foods. This helps people lose weight for more than one reason. The insulin response brought about by such foods as white sugar and flour can trigger cravings for more carbohydrates and the resulting sugar is converted to fat for storage. This leads to weight gain. Removing these foods from the diet helps bring about weight loss as the result of eating fewer calories because it not only works to eliminate cravings, but the foods eaten satisfy for longer.

Foods to AvoidPotatoesSaltSugarWhite flourWhite rice

This basic list make the diet seam easy-to-follow until you realize it means anything made with these ingredients also needs to be eliminated from the diet. This extends the no white list to include things made with them like:

No White Diet

By Donna Sundblad

The is an easy way to eliminate high glycemic foods from the menu. It doesn’t require counting calories or carbs. It’s as simple as recognizing whether or not you can eat something based on its color. However, even though the name of this diet suggests “no” white foods, there are a few exceptions to the rule.

How the Works

Many popular diets have implemented the no white foods concept, and gradually people have adapted it to help them eliminate high glycemic foods that lead to weight gain. The by author Paul Array structures an entire diet around the concept. His book equips people to understand what it takes to eliminate these foods from the diet. He teaches dieters to read food labels and how to shop for groceries. His book explains how and why the diet works to eliminate hunger, cravings and to not only lose weight but to keep it off. This diet, like many before it, claims to be a lifestyle change instead of just another diet.

Paul Array is not a doctor, but a layman with much diet practice. His goal was to create a diet that not only works, but is easy to follow. The doesn’t require portion control, counting calories, carbs, or fat grams, or the buying of packaged foods or special products. Eliminating white foods from the diet is as simple as black and white and doing so helps get rid of empty calories from high glycemic foods. This helps people lose weight for more than one reason. The insulin response brought about by such foods as white sugar and flour can trigger cravings for more carbohydrates and the resulting sugar is converted to fat for storage. This leads to weight gain. Removing these foods from the diet helps bring about weight loss as the result of eating fewer calories because it not only works to eliminate cravings, but the foods eaten satisfy for longer.

Foods to AvoidPotatoesSaltSugarWhite flourWhite rice

This basic list make the diet seam easy-to-follow until you realize it means anything made with these ingredients also needs to be eliminated from the diet. This extends the no white list to include things made with them like:

Are Diet Supplements Safe?

By Karen Frazier

Many people wonder about the safety and efficacy of diet supplements. While asking, "" is a valid question, the answer largely depends on a number of factors about both the supplement and your personal health. When evaluating the safety of diet supplements, it is essential that you take your overall health picture into account.

Types of Diet Supplements

In 33 states across the United States, the prevalence of obesity is higher than 25 percent, showing a significant rise in obese Americans in the past 20 years. Other Western countries have experienced similar rapid rises in the incidence of obesity. With that in mind, many consumers seek to assert control over their weight by taking some sort of a diet supplement. Manufacturers have complied, and the marketplace is rife with products that claim to be a weight loss panacea.

Some of the types of diet supplements you might find making claims to enhance weight loss include:

Fat burnersHerbal formulasAppetite suppressantsCarb blockersMetabolic enhancersIngredients

It seems like every year a new "miracle" ingredient comes along that manufacturers claim will melt the pounds without effort. Some of the ingredients you might see in diet supplements include:

Hoodia (derived from a cactus)Glucomannan (fiber derived from konjac)Caffeine or guarana (stimulants with slight metabolic effects)Bitter orangeL-carnitineChromiumPsylliumChitosan (indigestible fiber from crustacean shells)Conjugated Linoleic Acid or (CLA)Garcinia Cambogia

Safety is relative in this case. Because the supplement industry remains unregulated, the quality of the ingredients may be suspect. In the United States, a supplement can go to market with only manufacturer oversight, and the government will become involved only after the supplement has hit the market and people have begun experiencing adverse side effects. This is what happened with the 2004 ban of the popular diet supplement, ephedra. It appeared in many weight loss products, and the government was not able to affect a ban until after many people had suffered cardiac damage or even died from the supplement. Additionally, very few long-term, peer-reviewed, controlled, scientific studies exist showing either the safety or efficacy of many of the ingredients touted as the next weight loss miracle. With that in mind, the level of safety may vary according to the diet supplement. For instance, current concerns exist about bitter orange, a popular diet supplement additive that is eerily similar to ephedra.

Another concern about diet supplements is that they may be contraindicated for certain health conditions, or they may have adverse interactions with medications. For instance, a simple ingredients such as fiber from psyllium or glucomannan may interact with thyroid medication and render it inactive. Likewise, chromium may interact with beta blockers, corticosteroids, insulin, and other drugs to amplify the effect of those medications on the body. Additionally, people with heart conditions or high blood pressure may interact negatively with guarana and bitter orange, and those with shellfish allergies may have a severe allergic reaction to chitosan.

Use Caution

The bottom line is this. If you are trying to lose weight, the best way to do so is through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise. To date, no magic pill exists that will make you drop pounds without any effort on your part. Some of those magic pills may be dangerous to you. Even if you have friends that take the supplements and don't have problems, it doesn't mean that you won't. Your individual health picture may be different than theirs, and certain ingredients may affect you adversely. If you absolutely feel you must take a weight loss supplement, never do so without going over the ingredients with your doctor, and discontinue the product and seek medical attention if you experience adverse effects.

Losing weight requires more than a miracle supplement; however, by following the principles of a healthy diet and pursuing appropriate activity, you can lose weight without having to resort to taking potentially dangerous pills.

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Steps for Starting the Daniel Diet Fast

By Donna Sundblad

While some people may try the Daniel fast for weigh loss purposes, for most it is meant to be a spiritual experience that draws them closer to God. The fast is a partial fast based on accounts found in the biblical book of Daniel, of a time when Daniel refused to eat the king’s food to follow God's ways. Instead of eating from the king's bounty, he opted to eat only vegetables and water. His decision to do so is a lesson, for people today, in learning to deny self and to seek God’s will. For anyone thinking of embarking on this spiritual/physical journey, there are a few steps to take before getting started.

Before You Start the Daniel Fast

Before you start the Daniel fast, it is important to take into consideration the influence such a change in diet will have on your body. For example, giving up caffeine can lead to side effects such as severe migraine-type headaches and nausea. Eliminating sugar from the diet all at once may also lead to undesirable symptoms as the body detoxifies. The most common symptoms associated with the Daniel fast include:

HeadachesFatigueLeg crampsMalaiseSix Wean Off Caffeine and Sugar: With possible side effects in mind, one of the first should be to wean off caffeine and sugar before you start the fast to avoid these debilitating symptoms.How Long to Fast: Decide how long you plan to follow the fast. As a partial fast, the body does get adequate nutrition and can be followed for weeks. It is typically followed for 21 days.Check with Your Doctor: Check with your doctor before starting the Daniel Diet. Let your doctor know what you'll be eating and how long you plan to follow the fast. Your doctor will know your medical history and whether or not the fast should be modified in some way to fit your physical needs.Prayer: The Daniel fast is a physical as well as a spiritual experience. Through prayer, the dieter should ask for God’s guidance and strength as they prepare to deny self and battle physical cravings.Set Spiritual Goals: Also as a matter of prayer, spiritual goals to be accomplished while fasting should be set. These often include prayer, Bible reading, study and medication.Stock Your Kitchen: The Daniel Diet is a fast that limits many foods. Before you get started, stock your kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables. The fast is difficult enough without running out of the foods you need to eat.Daniel Diet for Weight Loss

For people interested in following the Daniel fast for weight loss, it can be done, but this approach is not really considered a fast. As a weight loss plan, it would be considered the Daniel Diet and a form of a vegan diet. It is often used by people who want to lose weight or improve their health.

What Daniel Ate

More than one version of the Daniel fast exists because no one knows for sure exactly what Daniel ate when he turned down the king’s food. The premise for this partial fast is found in Daniel chapters one and 10. Some versions of the fast also follow Jewish fasting guidelines. Some people restrict the fast to only vegetables while others include fruits. This choice is based on early translations of the Bible that translate vegetables as foods grown from seed which can also include nuts.

No matter which version of the fast a person follows, it shouldn’t be as much about the food as it is about the spiritual journey to become closer to God. A fast takes the focus off food and physical things and places it on things eternal and the relationship one has with God. The basics of all these versions of the Daniel fast are similar. There is no profit in becoming legalistic about what to eat or not eat. The purpose is deny the physical self as a matter of discipline in order to strengthen the spiritual.

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Does LA Weight Loss Really Work?

By Jasmine Myers

Have you ever wondered, Well, you're not alone. It can be very challenging to consider trying a new weight loss program, especially when there is so much information out there about diets "failing." However, it's important to note that most reputable diet programs, including LA Weight Loss, will generally work if you're willing to put time and effort into them.

About the Program

LA Weight Loss centers were once a weight loss program giant with over 400 centers throughout the United States. In 2008, the company filed for voluntary bankruptcy, closing the majority of its centers and driving traffic to its online program.

This online-based program includes three basic stages.

Weight Loss

The first phase is dedicated to the bulk of your weight loss, in which many foods are eliminated and a high protein diet is emphasized. This phase is made of a few subphases, as follows.

Two-Day Kickstart - This two-day plan uses the LA TakeOFF juice and a tailored plan to help you take off the first few pounds quickly and prepare your body for optimal weight loss.LA Rapid Results - The LA Rapid Results Food Guide should be followed until you reach goal or lose your first 20 pounds, whichever comes first. This highly detailed program separates foods into nine main groups including proteins, vegetables, starches, fruits, LA Lites, fats, dairy, beverages, and extras. The plan  helps determine when to eat and how much to eat, all based on your personal health and nutritional needs.LA My Way - The LA My Way Food Guide includes an expanded food list and more great tips and tailored advice to help you continue with your weight loss goals.Stabilization

The second stage is meant to help you begin maintenance. This stage generally lasts six weeks and includes a higher calorie range than a LA Weight Loss dieter is typically used to.

Maintenance

The third and final stage reintroduces many of the previously banned foods and is basically meant to last for a lifetime to help participants maintain their new, healthy lifestyle.

The program also includes a one-on-one counselor, a dedicated plan, and foods, diet bars, and other products for an additional cost. LA Lites and LA SmartTrim Nutritionals are just some of the products available for purchase to help maximize your weight loss and keep it off for good!

Program Effectiveness

Over the lifetime of the company, LA Weight Loss has had mixed reviews. The following are some pros and cons for the program.

ProsThe program included counselors with whom participants met in person. Many people felt that this sort of one-on-one attention promoted a healthy motivation as well as inspiration, advice, and tips right when you need it to stay on track with weight loss goals.The program offered supplementary products and even food for those wanting to purchase them.LA Weight Loss was generally based on principles of a gradual, healthy weight loss, which is widely considered to be the very best approach to long-term weight solutions.The diet was flexible enough to allow for alcoholic beverages on occasion and dining out options. This is encouraging for those who want a diet that fits into their real life.The program can be tailored to suit a meat-free diet.ConsThe program can be very expensive. Many naysayers complain about the LA Weight Loss requirement that fees be paid up front, which can add up to quite a bit on the first day of your program. The suggested supplemental products are an added expense to boot.The LA Weight Loss program does not design exercise plans, which means participants need to spend additional money on gym memberships or personal trainers in order to truly maximize their weight loss.The calorie range can be very restrictive and may cause you to be hungry.So Does It Work?

So, It works as so many other programs do: only when participants strictly follow the plans and advice of their counselors. To make the program work for you, be sure to truly commit to the diet and to your own health.

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Original 2 Day Diet

By Jasmine Myers

The generally includes the use of Japanese herbal supplements, which purportedly boost metabolism and may help you lose weight. In recent years, attention has been given to these claims and currently these supplements are considered by some to be harmful.

About the

Generally, followers of the are hoping for weight loss. With so many people now falling into the overweight and obese categories, quick weight loss can be extremely tantalizing. So many diets promise quick results without any real long-term solutions.

This particular Japanese two day diet features supplements that contain Japanese lingzhi, sometimes called red reishi. Purportedly, Japanese lingzhi disrupts the body's absorption of fat in the diet and affects fat digestion. Additionally, Japanese lingzhi supplements have been linked with the ability to boost body metabolism, effectively helping you burn more fat and calories.

In addition to its metabolism-boosting and fat-burning properties, some brands of these supplements also contain toxin releasing properties, acting as a sort of detox for the body, and may even help with constipation.

Other Aspects of the Diet

Diet recommendations for this particular diet can vary by manufacturer. However, several manufacturers of the 2 day diet products recommend consumption of a healthy and balanced diet, as well as a regular regimen of physical fitness. These additional features can help you maximize your weight loss and capitalize on your increased body metabolism and fat burning properties.

How to Purchase

The best place to shop for Japanese lingzhi supplements is at a specialty vitamins and minerals store or on the Internet. Supplements can vary in price by bottle count and based on dosage per capsule.

The following are a few manufacturers of the 2 day diet pills.

Food Lovers Fat Loss System

The allows you to eat a variety of foods while you lose weight.By Dominique W. Brooks, MD, MBA

If you are looking for a diet plan to help you lose weight, you may want to know if the will suit your needs. Understand the basics of this diet plan to determine if it will fit your needs and diet goals.

What Is the ?

The is a diet plan developed by nutritionist Robert Ferguson. This diet is supposed to help you lose weight by regulating your blood sugar levels and helps your body become more effective at burning the fat in your body with foods that are typically in your kitchen. You can order the system which explains the process and what foods you can eat; it contains several cookbooks, explanatory guides, eating plans, and motivational CDs to help start you on your way.

Food Lovers Fat Loss Philosophy

The philosophy for this diet system is straightforward: What you eat can improve your metabolism and lead to fat loss. If your metabolism is more efficient, you can also achieve weight loss, even while eating the foods that you enjoy.

The goals for this diet are:

Eating foods that are in the appropriate combination of slow and fast carbohydrates and proteinEating more often to keep your blood sugar levels evenShift your body into fat-burning mode for the duration

Calorie counting and forbidden foods are not a part of this diet. You are allowed to eat the foods you enjoy while managing your weight.

Components of the Diet

The first 21 days of the diet are called the "21 Day Metabolism Makeover." By starting this plan, you should be able to optimize your glycemic profile with the endpoint being regulation of the insulin levels in your body. Insulin is a hormone and the levels of insulin can help establish how much food is burned for fuel and how much is stored as fat. During this period you will learn how to pair fast-digesting carbs with slow-digesting carbs, proteins, and fats to keep your insulin levels even and low throughout the day.

Along with eating the appropriate carbs with your meals, you will be taught about portion sizes that maximizes your fat-burning abilities. You will also learn how to incorporate snacks - two to three each day - into your metabolism makeover. These snacks help maintain your insulin levels and promote your weight loss.

Once you have moved your body into fat-burning mode, you then learn to adjust the guidelines you practiced in the first three weeks into your daily life. This diet plan hopes to help you change your eating habits for life.

Although your new eating habits should increase your weight loss, exercise is also part of this diet plan. Incorporating an exercise plan is an important part of any diet plan.

Can It Work?

The is based in part on the glycemic index system to improve weight loss. It also promotes portion control and exercise so it is not a "crash" diet or a diet that suggests that you can eat anything you want in any amount that you wish. If you follow the diet and regularly exercise, you can lose weight on this program. The amount that you may lose will vary from person to person.

How to Get the Program

You can order the complete program on the website or through online retailers like Amazon or Ebay.

Related Topics

Effects of Diet Soft Drinks on Your Health

By Karen Frazier

People often opt for diet soda as a healthier alternative to sugary soft drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup and sugar, but are they really healthier? The answer is not a clear cut yes or no.

What's in Diet Soda

Different soft drink manufacturers utilize varying non-sugar and artificial sweeteners to replace the sugar content in their products. Diet sodas may have one or a combination of sweeteners, including:

Sucralose: Brand name Splenda, sucralose contains chlorinated sugar molecules. Your body does not absorb these altered molecules, so sucralose passes through without calories.Aspartame: With the brand name NutraSweet, zero-calorie aspartame contains methyl esters of aspartic acid and phenylalanine dipeptide.Acesulfame Potassium: Also known as acesulfame-K or ace-K, acesulfame potassium has the brand name Sweet One or Sunett. It has a bitter aftertaste, and no calories.Saccharin: This zero calorie sweetener has been in use since the sugar shortages of World War I. It has zero calories and a bitter aftertaste.Sugar Alcohols: These are neither sugars nor alcohols. Instead, they are polyols, which are natural substancesStevia: This sweet herb provides natural sweetness without calories.

Diet sodas may also contain sodium, caffeine, phosphoric acid, artificial colors, and citric acid.

The may vary according to which soft drinks you choose; however, in general you may expect some of the following health effects from regular consumption of diet soda.

Effects on blood sugar: MayoClinic.com suggests that soft drinks containing artificial sweeteners do not affect blood sugar, while those containing sugar alcohols may cause it to rise. While some sweeteners may not cause a rise in blood sugar, artificial sweeteners may trigger sugar cravings, leading people to eat sugary foods, which will cause blood sugar to rise.Hydration: Sodas that contain caffeine serve as diuretics, leading to dehydration.Addiction: Caffeine is also a very addictive substance, and drinking sodas that contain caffeine every day may lead to dependence. Missing your daily caffeine infusion can lead to exhaustion, headaches, and many other health problems.Sodium: Some sodas contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure and water retention.Cephalic phase response: Your body is an efficient machine. When you eat sweets, your liver and pancreas respond to the sugar in them. When you eat a calorie-free sweetener, your body may prime the organs to respond just as if you had eaten something with sugar; however, when no sugar appears, it triggers insulin release and food cravings, which can lead to weight gain.Dental problems: The acid in diet sodas (and regular pop) can lead to teeth enamel erosion.Gastric upset: Sodas containing sugar alcohols may lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.Safety of Artificial Sweeteners

The FDA regulates artificial sweeteners as a food additive, and has generally recognized the ingredients as safe; however, the long-term effects remain largely unknown. No scientific studies show the dangers of the sweeteners, although anecdotal reports suggest a multitude of symptoms including:

HeadachesBody achesNeurological problemsConfusionDizzinessGastric updateThe Bottom Line

An occasional soft drink probably won't lead to health problems; however, drinking several a day may not be your best bet. Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy. If you do drink diet sodas as a regular part of your diet, you may want to talke to your doctor about it as some endocrinologists discourage the use of diet sodas.

Related Topics

Low Carb vs. No Carb Diets

By Karen Frazier

People considering a carb controlled diet often wonder about the differences between low-carbohydrate and no-carbohydrate diets. While the underlying principles are the same, the implementation is different. How do low-carb diets stack up against no-carb diets?

History and Principles

Many low-carbohydrate diet proponents believe that human beings need to avoid refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods as an evolutionary imperative. Early humans were hunter-gatherers who most likely ate foods that they could either forage or kill. Some physicians, like Kurt G. Harris who invented the Archevore Diet, suggest that the human body has not evolved to process the foods that make up the bulk of the Western diet, including multiple processed foods like pasta, baked goods, and sugary snacks. Low-carbohydrate diets that focus on animal protein and vegetables mimic the eating habits of early humans, possibly providing a healthy, more natural way of eating.

In his book, Good Calories, Bad Calories, Gary Taubes explains exactly how carbohydrate consumption affects humans. When you eat carbohydrate containing foods, your blood glucose rises. In response, your pancreas releases insulin to return your blood sugar to a normal level. Insulin is the hormone responsible for storing dietary fat in your fat cells. It also keeps that fat from leaving the cells. Why does insulin do this? Because it exists to protect our body from times of famine by storing energy for lean times. Both types of diets limit the amount of insulin your body produces.

Low Carb Diets vs. No Carb Diets: What's the Difference?

Diets in which you consume fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day are considered to be low-carb. No carb diets, on the other hand, consist of zero carbohydrates. This means that you primarily eat animal protein and fat on a zero carbohydrate diet. Low-carbohydrate diets, on the other hand, allow you to eat some carbohydrate-containing foods, such as non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and moderate carbohydrate fruits. Most of the recommend low-carbohydrate diet plans, such as Atkins, Protein Power, and South Beach, recommend a moderate amount of carbohydrate intake.

Many people believe that if eating a low-carbohydrate diet will lead to weight loss, then eating a zero carbohydrate diet will bring about faster and greater losses. This isn't exactly true. Limiting carbohydrates in your diet is not the same as limiting calories and fat, and the mechanisms of loss differ. There is no scientific evidence that eating a zero carbohydrate diet will lead to faster weight loss.

Low-Carb Studies

Many scientists have studied low-carbohydrate diets to determine their efficacy. A 2010 Temple University study followed dieters for two years. One group of dieters ate a traditional low-fat, low-calorie diet while another group ate an Atkins-style low-carbohydrate diet. The study showed both diets to be equally effective at generating weight loss. Similar results have turned up in other studies, as well.

No-Carb Studies

The only study performed on a zero-carbohydrate diet occurred in 1929 when two men agreed to go a year eating only meat. The study participants didn't lose weight, but they also experienced no predicted adverse effects of too much protein in the diet such as kidney disease or vitamin deficiencies.

Concerns

Many health experts, such as MayoClinic.com, express concern that low-carbohydrate diets contain insufficient fiber, which can lead to constipation or even colon disease. No-carb diets contain even less fiber. Both low and no-carb diets are also high in saturated fat, which has been shown to contribute to heart disease.

No-carbohydrate diets are an extreme form of low-carbohydrate diets. For many, they prove difficult to maintain because of the lack of variety inherent in the diet. Most experts suggest a moderate approach to low-carbohydrate dieting that includes, at the very least, non-starchy vegetables. No discernible benefits arise from fully limiting carbohydrates.

Before going on a low-carbohydrate or no-carbohydrate diet, talk with your doctor.

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Negative Attitudes Can Influence Weight

By Kathleen Roberts

They say attitude is everything and when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, this certainly holds true. Lori Wengle, personal trainer and author of the book The Fat Princess No More, discovered how . See what changes she made in her attitude to get to her ideal weight and find out what she recommends for you.

Interview With Lori WengleMental Changes

LoveToKnow (LTK): You have said that for you, physical change didn't happen until you made a mental change. What does this mean?

Lori Wengle (LW): After years of being overweight or obese, I realized I was going about things so wrong. I wanted to lose weight for years and years and yo-yo dieted year after year. The mental change that came about is I did not need to diet anymore. I needed to eat healthy, exercise and not obsess about the scale. Nothing was going to be perfect overnight; I had to give myself time to lose weight, weight train and be kinder to myself. If I had a bad day and ate something not too healthy, I had to forgive myself and move forward. The old Lori would have wrecked the whole day with my food choices, thinking since I screwed up one meal, why not make the whole day a massive binge day! The new Lori was kinder to herself and realized it was one mistake, get back on the wagon and just do it.

Another mental change was with exercise! I always knew I needed to exercise, and did so many times. I remember doing all kinds of infomercial workouts, the latest trend, etc. But after some time, I began to not see results and would quit. Eventually, I began to be my own advocate and researched working out and exercise trends. The mental change I had to make is to realize, I had to consistently work out three to four days a week, regardless of anything else. If I wanted to see change in my body, I had to change my thoughts about exercise and I made a daily list of how I felt after working out (which was always wonderful).

Exercise made me feel great, look better, feel stronger, gave me confidence and yet every day I struggled to get to the gym, until one day I realized I needed to do this for ME, so I could finally feel great and look better. I deserved this, my body deserved it and I needed it, like a prescription drug for an illness. Everything changed at that time and I can proudly say, I have been consistent at exercise and healthy eating since 2003! Why? Because I deserve to feel good about myself, happy with body and happy with life, finally!

Common Mental Obstacles

LTK: What are some common mental obstacles and attitudes people face when trying to lose weight?

LW: The most common mental or attitude obstacles people face is that they do not have enough time to carve out an hour or two a day to eat healthy and exercise. It is stressful to wonder, especially in today's busy schedules, how to find the time for yourself. We do everything for our families, friends, kids, but it is hard for us to make time for ourselves.

Understand that we all need to make time for ourselves to live a long and healthy life!

Another obstacle that many of us use is self defeat! After years of being overweight, sometimes we believe deep down inside that we will never succeed. This obstacle consumed me for decades. It was not until I made realistic goals, and achieved those goals, that I finally lost the weight once and for all! I began with a goal of achieving 195 lbs (down from 242). That was a big goal, but I was kind to myself and set a goal of one pound a week, not getting too crazy with major changes. I made better choices for food and spent more time playing with my then young daughter (almost 20 now).

Then when I achieved that goal, I made another goal of hitting 180, my all time skinniest weight ever! After that I made much smaller goals because I was not sure if I could get any smaller. The next goal was 172, then 167, then 162, then 157 and so on. By making these small goals, I had many successes which led me to go all the way and surpass any of my expectations!

Attitudes and Food

LTK: How do negative attitudes affect our food choices?

LW: When my attitudes are negative in general, I eat poorly. It happens still today to me a few times a year. If I feel like a failure because I missed a workout or ate something I shouldn't have, I immediately stop that type of thinking and give myself a break. I KNOW that if I obsess about it, I will spend the day binging, which is self defeating. I now know that I have to get over it quickly and get back on track.

I use music or a good workout to get my mind off myself defeating, negative attitude and begin living my life again. It did take years to get here, but everyone can change their attitude and forgive themselves. It takes practice but feels so good when you don't obsess about every little mistake.

LTK: How can negative attitudes be changed?

LW: To change these attitudes it takes a lot of perseverance! I feel many of these obstacles have a lot to do with feelings of guilt about spending time on ourselves. Somehow we have to understand, the better we feel, the better we can take care of everyone in our lives.

I spent lots of time writing a food/mood journal and exercise journal and would always put down comments that would help me defeat some of my common attitude adjustments I needed. I would write

Minimize Diet Damage on Vacation

Vacations are a time for health and renewal.By Ann Parkinson

For many individuals, maintaining a diet during vacation is a real challenge. The very essence of a vacation is surrounded by concepts such as relaxation and freedom. Individuals who are on a very restricted dietary regimen may be looking to "let go" temporarily in both an emotional and a dietary manner. However, all the hard work of a stringent diet can be easily affected in a negative way by even a short one-week vacation. The trick to minimizing diet damage during a vacation is to mentally prepare yourself for the task and foresee any threats to your self-discipline.

A Real Vacation

Vacation is a real chance to cut loose. Binding diet and weight loss habits are a hindrance to the freedoms proposed by a vacation. Individuals traveling outside the country may be excited to experience the unique culinary delights offered by a different culture. This experimentation may result in an extreme breakdown of one's self-control.

Unfortunately, self-control is the foundation of a successful diet and this requires practice and a lot of effort. Even a brief vacation and a more relaxed position on diet may be enough to undo months of painfully acquired self-discipline. Some individuals will come back from their vacation binges only to discover they no longer have the self-control to practice their diet. This is a real problem.

Redefining Vacation

Maintaining self-discipline during your vacation is the key to minimizing dietary damage. Indeed, the cuisine of foreign lands is appealing and it isn't necessarily untouchable. However, an attitude of "just this once" simply will not work for individuals who really have to strive to maintain a certain weight. MedicineNet.com reports some dieters are actually "programmed" to regain weight. The majority of dieters on a restricted regimen will eventually regain the weight they have worked so hard to lose. Self-control remains the barrier to such weight fluctuations.

For dieters, the word vacation must be redefined. Vacation should not be viewed as a chance to cut loose from binding regimens. It should be seen as an opportunity to release stress while continuing to cultivate healthy lifestyle habits. A vacation that causes your body more stress and health damage will not leave you for the better when your trip has ended.

Healthy Vacation Habits

For individuals who are self-disciplined, vacation can still present problems where dieting is concerned. Airports, travel stations, and road trips will not always provide healthy foods. Airplane snacks and meals can pose a real temptation. Committed dieters work around such issues by bringing their own snacks in order to avoid the lure of vending machines and food kiosks. Fortunately, airports almost always sell bottled water. CNN hails the importance of drinking water for weight loss and maintaining a sense of "fullness." When traveling, always reach for water instead of vitamin drinks, sodas, and fruit juices.

If your vacation is extensive or diet is severely restricted, choosing accommodations that offer a kitchen can help you maintain your regime. Restaurants involve a lot of guesswork for dieters. Having your own kitchen gives you the option to prepare the sort of meals you would if you were in the comfort of own home. For persons who cannot afford such measures, be sure to research the restaurants in the areas to which you plan to visit. Most restaurants offer salads and there is almost always a food market that sells fresh fruit and produce.

Fad Dieting and Vacations

The group affected most negatively during vacations is fad dieters. Fad diets are the most difficult to maintain. They are often the most restricted. Individuals whose diet consists mainly of items such as cabbage soup or curious food combinations may find it difficult to obtain these foods during vacations. TheNewsTribune.com comments on the unhealthy nature of many fad diets, which is something to consider in itself. However, vacation may pose a real challenge even to your most unhealthy dietary habits.

Final Considerations

The more balanced your dieting regimen is, the easier it will be to maintain during most vacation plans. Moreover, the firmer your self-discipline, the less likely it will be that you'll abandon your healthy habits over the course of a few days or weeks. If you honestly feel a vacation will derail either your diet or willpower, you'll probably need to plan a vacation conducive to your regimen or forgo the vacation altogether.

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Feelings Associated with Dieting

By Meg Brannagan

Dieting often brings a variety of emotions; the very act of dieting itself is often different from our normal eating patterns, which can be stressful. Dieting forces you to consider what you eat and how much. You may have conflicting feelings about keeping up with whichever weight loss system you choose, whether it is by counting calories or cutting out sweets. Your can affect your success.

Negative Feelings

Many people struggle with negative feelings about dieting. Starting on a diet means changing your eating habits, which can be uncomfortable. People often look to food as a source of comfort, and removing that supply can lead to unpleasant feelings. You may feel:

Angry and deprived that you can no longer eat your favorite dessertsGuilty if you give in and indulge by going out to eat or having a second helpingFrustrated that regardless of what you do, the diet doesn’t seem to be workingDiscouragement

You may feel discouraged when trying to diet and you find the results are not appearing as quickly as you would like. For instance, if you want to lose weight and you follow a low-fat eating plan without seeing results the first week; you may feel like giving up. Additionally, attending parties or going to lunch and watching others eat what they want may make you feel deprived, which may lead to binge eating. You may feel as if you no longer get to enjoy your food. When faced with discouragement, consider the foods you do get to eat and what you really enjoy about your own eating plan.

Guilt

We all have days where we just can’t get some things right. If you are stressed because of other problems or you are facing discouragement with your diet, you may eat outside of your limits. This can lead to guilt for not following the rules. You may also feel worried that by going off the wagon once or twice, you may never reach your goals. If you are not careful, you may find yourself giving up entirely because of a few slip-ups. Not everyone can follow diet instructions to the letter; do your best and keep trying and don’t let guilt get in the way of your success.

Powerlessness

You may feel out of control while you are trying to diet. Most people do not start out wanting to diet any more than they want to be overweight. You may believe you have no control over what you eat or how much weight you must lose. This can lead to feelings of being trapped in a never-ending cycle of dieting and helplessness. By considering your circumstances—you are dieting to improve your life and your health—remember you are taking control to improve your well-being.

Positive Feelings

Dieting may have its challenges, but there are also some positive feelings that can be associated with changing your eating habits. By remaining optimistic, you will be more likely to stick with your diet and find success.

Freedom

Although dieting sounds restricting, you may feel great freedom from your former circumstances as you consider your overall goals. If you are dieting for your health, you can feel positive knowing you are taking steps to improve your situation, and that you face a healthy future.

Pride

When you successfully follow a diet, you can feel proud of your accomplishments. Take pride when you see results from your efforts. Whether it is seeing the scale move down a few pounds or a better health report from your doctor, sticking with your diet is a good reason to feel good about yourself.

Excitement

Dieting changes the foods we eat, but this does not always have to be a negative situation. You may find you are eating foods you would have never considered before. Dieting often forces us to try new things, and you may discover new flavors, spices, or methods of preparing foods you particularly enjoy.

Results

How you feel about dieting can impact how successful you are in your attempts. While positive feelings are great for motivation, you can use negative feelings to your advantage as well. Negative circumstances do not have to lead to the end of a diet for you. Instead, by turning your negative feelings into positive associations, you can overcome some barriers that may have once defeated you and instead find success in meeting your goals.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Weight Loss Tips

By Meg Brannagan

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses thinking and rationale to help change behavior. It is not considered just a method of "positive thinking," but rather focuses on balanced thoughts and how they contribute to a situation. CBT may be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for weight loss.

According to the Weight-Control Information Network, 68 percent of people in the United States are considered to be overweight, with over 33 percent of these people classified as obese. Losing weight and keeping it off long term can be extremely difficult, as people tend to return to habitually negative patterns of eating. Overweight and obesity is linked to numerous chronic health problems, many of which can be avoided or significantly reduced by managing weight levels. By using CBT while making positive physical changes, you may be more likely to succeed with permanent weight loss.

How it Works

When trying to lose weight, CBT may help you to consider your motives for overeating and to overcome thoughts that take you away from making the right choices. A behavioral therapist or coach can work with you to teach CBT and provide guidance for making good choices. You may learn about how to incorporate healthy eating habits into your lifestyle, and how to develop an exercise plan and a schedule to keep track of how often you are working out. These lifestyle modifications are used in conjunction with CBT in order to have a higher rate of success. The goal is to change your lifestyle and physical habits and to support those changes through your thinking.

You may meet with a therapist or behavior coach once a week, although some people may need more frequent contact. Some therapists offer weekly meetings in person but are also available for contact through emails or phone calls if you find that you are struggling. Your therapist will help you analyze what situations you find yourself rationalizing unhealthy behavior. She can then teach you about how to reorder your thinking to fit with your weight loss goals. For example, you may be tempted to overeat at a party, rationalizing that it is a celebration, so you will let yourself cheat for one occasion. With CBT, you may learn how to change your thinking habits to consider the consequences of your behavior and to remember your overall goals. You can then combine this thinking with your healthy eating habits to move closer to your goal weight.

The Process

According to the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, CBT is a form of therapeutic intervention that is effective in treating many different types of psychological disorders. Additionally, CBT can help you lose weight by teaching you to:

Determine how your thoughts influence your feelings, both negatively and positivelyUnderstand the difference between your thoughts and your feelings and how that affects your eating patternsConsider other rationale to counteract some of your automatic, negative reactions to eatingLearn how to break into negative thinking patterns as they occur to replace them with positive associations

Although you may work with a cognitive therapist to help you achieve your weight goals, you must still learn many tactics to do the work on your own. Because you are responsible for your own thoughts, you can learn CBT techniques to use, practice them on your own, and then meet with your therapist to discuss your results and your weight loss progress.

Techniques

Judith Beck, PhD., the director of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, states that there are several successful CBT techniques that can be incorporated into diet and exercise regimens that can help you become more successful at losing weight and keeping it off:

Providing education about how to modify your approaches in response to negative thought patterns about eatingMonitoring your environment and planning ahead for times when you may struggle with overeatingUsing a diet coach or therapist initially and then gradually transitioning to a supportive friend who can keep you accountable in your weight maintenanceExperimenting with feeling hungry or having a craving, so you learn that you do not have to be afraid of feeling hungryWriting down the skills you have learned and tactics to employ so that you will make permanent lifestyle changes, keeping your weight off for the long-termMindfulness

CBT helps you to be mindful of your eating practices by being aware of not only how much you eat, but why you are eating. You may choose to eat out of boredom or depression, rather than true physiological hunger. By thinking about your reasons for eating, you can determine if you really need food for hunger or if you are eating for emotional reasons. You can then choose to eat only if you feel physically hungry, and reduce your overall intake, leading you closer to your weight loss goals.

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Best Time to Eat Carbs on a Low Carb Diet

By Meg Brannagan

Low carb diets are diets that limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day. Carbs are found in many different types of foods, including fruits, vegetables, breads, potatoes and sweets. Some people interpret carbs to be bad for your health, but carbohydrates are important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get 45 to 65 percent of your daily calories from carbohydrates. Diets considered low-carb require fewer carbohydrates than this, and some diets may even be regarded as severely low carb or no-carb.

Good vs. Bad

When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, they are broken down in the digestive system for the body to use as glucose. Glucose is essential for cells to gain energy, and they are able to access the glucose when the body secretes insulin. Most foods have what is known as a glycemic index, which is a measure of how fast a food is digested and changed into glucose. Foods that have a high glycemic index are broken down quickly, the glucose rushes into the bloodstream, and the body may have to secrete more insulin to manage the spike in blood sugar. After digestion of foods with a high glycemic index, you may feel hungry more quickly. For this reason, many carbohydrates with a high glycemic index are considered to be "bad" carbs. Some examples of these foods may include:

PotatoesSoda and fruit juiceCandyWhite rice and pasta

Foods with a low glycemic index are those that take more time to digest. These foods do not cause a great spike in blood sugar or insulin levels. Additionally, because they take more time to digest, you often feel full longer after eating them. These carbohydrates are often called the "good" carbs because they help to keep insulin levels stable. Some types of foods considered to be "good" carbs are:

Fruits and vegetables with high fiberBrown riceWhole-grain bread or pastaBeans and legumesBran cerealsWeight Loss

Low-carb diets work for losing weight, which is why many people often choose these diets when they want to take off pounds quickly. Some foods that have carbohydrates, particularly those that are processed or have excess sugar, may be higher in calories. If you decide to limit these types of foods, you will most likely reduce your calorie intake, which leads to weight loss. When you choose carbs that have a lower glycemic index and help you to feel full longer, you can also lose weight because you may not feel hungry. Adding carbs that have fiber may help to control hunger, and you may also eat less. If you are on a low-carb diet for weight loss, the best time to eat carbs are when you want to go for longer periods without feeling hungry. Depending on your schedule, this may be whenever you find yourself fighting hunger or cravings. Try adding a snack of peanuts or pistachios, which are high in fiber but have a low glycemic index. If you find yourself more hungry in the evening, consider beans or legumes for dinner, both of which add fiber and take awhile to digest.

Sticking with low carb intake or those slower to digest can help regulate insulin levels, which may help with fat-burning. When the body continuously burns extra glucose from carbohydrates to maintain energy levels, fat stores may remain, contributing to extra body weight. With fewer carbohydrates, the body uses less insulin to move glucose into the cells and instead burns fat for energy.

Energy Levels Help Identify the Best Time to Eat Carbs

Eating fewer carbs can help you to manage your energy levels. Continuously eating carbs with a high glycemic index may give you quick energy because of the sharp rise in blood sugar. Once the glucose is depleted, you may feel tired and out of energy again. You may need to keep eating more food to feel as if you have energy to keep going. If you want quick energy, choosing carbs with a high glycemic index may give you a short burst of energy to get through your activities when you need it. Some carbs provide a slow, steady stream of glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in stable blood sugars and steady energy levels. The best time to eat carbs if you are on a low-carb diet is when you need more energy during the day. Try to choose carbs that have a low glycemic index, which can support your energy levels for longer periods of time. For breakfast, consider whole-grain cereals, such as oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. If you are getting ready to exercise and need some quick energy, add some carbs with a medium level glycemic index, such as brown rice, apricots or popcorn.

A Healthy Approach

Low-carb diets may help you to lose weight, but depending on the diet, you may be taking in excess protein or animal fat. If you are considering a low-carbohydrate diet, carefully choose the carbs you allow yourself to eat and consider the glycemic index. For example, you may consider substituting brown rice instead of potatoes or choosing fruit over foods with refined carbohydrates. If you want to lose weight and keep it off permanently, choose an eating method you can stick with for the long run. Eliminating carbs or eating very little amounts may work to lose weight, but this type of eating method is typically not something many people can keep up long-term.

Benefits from Carbohydrates

You can still enjoy the advantages of a low-carb diet if the carbs you are eating are those that will provide you with nutrients and that will give you energy. You will benefit from the vitamins and fiber you get from these foods and you will eat fewer calories than those found in processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Even when following a low-carb diet, you can still gain many benefits that carbs have to offer if you make the right choices.

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Really ladies, there’s no kneed to worry

Advertisement

First it was Angelina's lips. Then it was Michelle Obama's arms. Then Mila Kunis' eyes and Kim Kardashian's backside.

Now, apparently, the two things every woman wants are Kate Middleton's knees.

The Telegraph, an English newspaper, reports that the knees of the Duchess of Cambridge are quickly becoming the new most-coveted body part. "Kate is going to do for knees what Michelle Obama did for triceps," a source in the article said.

Just what women need. Another unrealistic physical trait to try to meet. Like Kate Moss' waistline wasn't small enough. Or Heidi Klum's thighs not long enough.

I do have to admit that, if you look at them, the duchess has a decent looking pair of royal patellas. They're not knobby. She's not knock-kneed. There are no bumps or sags. And, since the woman weighs less than a dried oak leaf, there's no chance of them being chubby.

But really? Knees? We're supposed to worry about knees now?

I, for one, am not buying in. love me. love my knees.

But some are. Actress Demi Moore has set a monumentally uninspired example by having a plastic-surgery procedure known as a "knee lift." she apparently forked out nearly 10 grand for the procedure to make her knees look young, perky and fabulous.

As if they could. Let's face it: unless they're bent, knees are ugly.

But they, along with most body parts, can apparently be improved for a price.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 62 percent of Americans approve of cosmetic procedures, an all-time high. Last year, women had more than 10 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, and men, nearly 1 million.

But knees are not the most-coveted celebrity body parts to which patients aspire, CBS News reports. Those are Natalie Portman's thin-tipped nose, Halle Berry's perfectly sculpted chin and streamlined jaw, the cheeks of actress January Jones.

The most in-demand body is that of supermodel Gisele Bundchen, reportedly achievable with several liposuction procedures, a full body lift, skin removal and eating the diet of a small prairie dog.

For the record, if you are concerned about how your knees looks, experts say that strengthening the muscles around them will make them look smoother.

Frankly, when it comes to stressing about how our knees look, the only muscle we need to strengthen is the one around our brains.

Send comments to Monica at lewis.427

Why Metabolic Burnout Makes It Hard to Lose Weight

By Kathleen Roberts

If you struggle to lose weight, you may suffer from metabolic burnout. What is metabolic burnout, and why does it make weight loss difficult? LoveToKnow recently spoke with Valerie Berkowitz, registered dietitian and author of The Stubborn Fat Fix, to learn more about metabolism burnout and how it may be affecting your weight.

Interview with Valorie BerkowitzAbout Metabolic Burnout

LoveToKnow (LTK): What is metabolic burnout and how is it caused?

Valorie Berkowitz (VB): Metabolic burnout is a term described in my book, The Stubborn Fat Fix, and it is exactly what the name implies. Metabolic burnout is the result of many years of abuse (stress, lack of sleep, prescription and over-the-counter medications, poor diet and exercise patterns) that cause your organ(s), i.e. your adrenal glands, pancreas or thyroid, to work less efficiently. Your internal balance is thrown off and the body struggles to bring itself back into equilibrium.

LTK: How can someone know if they have metabolic burnout?

VB: There are many different symptoms but a few are: fatigue or inability to fall asleep, hunger and difficulty losing weight. In chapter five of The Stubborn Fat Fix there are easy to answer questions that help identify and categorize the factors that cause metabolic burnout and lead to "Stubborn Fat" such as yeast overgrowth, thyroid, adrenal and hormone issues and insulin imbalance.

How to Fool Your Metabolism into Burning Fat

By Susie McGee

Is it possible to fool your metabolism into burning fat? The answer is a resounding yes! Everyone knows that as people age their metabolism typically slows down. While most children don't have to worry about boosting their metabolism, adults continue to wage war with those added pounds that continue to sneak up on their bodies. Diet and exercise play a huge role in controlling weight gain, but you can also trick your body's metabolism into burning fat as well.

Understanding

According to an article written by By Samantha Heller, M.S., R.D. and published in Health Magazine, most people's metabolic rate, which is defined as the energy your body uses when it is at rest, is typically based on genetics. Some people's bodies are just genetically geared to have a faster metabolic rate than others. That's certainly good news for some, but bad news for others.

Whether you want to lose weight or simply feel more energetic, eating healthy foods is the key. Choose foods and snacks like the following:

AsparagusBeansBroccoliEggsFishLegumesMelonsNutsOatmealSpinachWhole-grain cerealsApplesBananasBaby carrotsHummusLow-fat cheddar cheesePeanut butterTrail mix

Serve apples or bananas with peanut butter or low-fat cheddar cheese for a delicious snack, or munch on hummus with whole-wheat crackers.

Jumpstart Your Day

Most people know how important water is to the body, but they may not realize that guzzling a large glass (or two) of icy cold water can boost metabolism as well. In addition to that tall glass of water, begin each day with a good breakfast. Again, choose healthy foods, such as whole-wheat toast and a tablespoon of peanut butter or fat-free yogurt with a handful of nuts or granola.

Follow a Catabolic Diet

Catabolic foods can help your body burn fat as well. Eating these foods means you actually use more energy to burn more calories than the actual calories you ingested! Catabolic foods are primarily fruits and vegetables, and some of the best foods for you to eat include the following:

ApplePineappleOrangeWatermelonLemonsLimesGrapesSpinachCarrotTomatoPotatoBroccoli

A word of caution: While these foods are certainly good for you, a balanced diet is extremely important to maintaining a healthy body. Be sure you still fulfill the nutritional guidelines published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Choose Exercises that Trick the Body

Exercise is good in just about any form, but there are exercise routines you can do that will fool your metabolism into burning more fat.

Interval training - Many people choose a particular form of exercise and stick with it. After a while, however, the body adjusts to that exercise and weight loss slows down. However, with interval training, you are tricking your metabolism into continuously burning more fat because your workout alternates short bursts of intense activity with slower, less intense activity. A popular new program that will have you up and moving at least three times a week is the Couch to 5K Running Plan. If you have an iTouch, iPhone, or Droid phone, you can download apps, like "Get Running" which gives voice prompts for what to do during the walk/jog routine.

Weight lifting - Another way to boost metabolism is by lifting weights. This isn't body building, but instead a way to boost your metabolism with strength or resistance training. Start out slowly with weights that provide resistance but aren't so heavy that you have to strain and push to lift them.

Don't Starve Yourself

Finally, don't starve your body. When you restrict calories from your diet, you are depriving your body of a necessary energy source. This can actually slow down your metabolism because the body is tricked into believing that it must store carbs and fat until more food is available. Instead, eat regular meals filled with healthy foods that will provide your body energy and boost its metabolism.

The phrase "You are what you eat" holds a lot of wisdom. Stop starving your body or filling it with empty calories from processed and sugar filled foods, and instead choose fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods that provide your body with the energy it needs to stay active and healthy. When you change the way you eat, your metabolism speeds up, and those pounds start to melt away!

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Dr. Perricone 3 Day Diet

Wild caught salmon is a Perricone staple.By Ann Parkinson

Dr. Perricone is already renowned for his popular skin care line and his original anti-inflammatory diet which claims to fight aging and minimize wrinkles from the inside out. However, he has recently launched a three day diet plan which also claims to provide a dramatic difference in your skin tone over just a short period of time. This diet requires extreme dedication, but it is not without flavor or merit in its approach.

The Perricone 3 Day Diet

You can review the details of Dr. Perricone's 3 Day Diet at his blog. He compares this brief dietary endeavor to "a facelift in your kitchen." Though such promises may seem extreme, the science behind Dr. Perricone's diet is mostly well documented. Perricone proposes a diet that is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. For over a decade the United States Department of Agriculture has been promoting antioxidant rich foods as being useful for cellular renewal, thus promoting longevity and health. The USDA concluded that the foods highest in antioxidants were capable of warding off harmful free radicals that are responsible for aging and many kinds of disease.

Moreover, the Mayo Clinic touts the importance of certain essential fatty acids within the diet, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and fish oil products. These good fats may lower triglycerides, relieve inflammation within the body, and decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Dr. Perricone's love of wild caught salmon is a nod to the importance of these fatty acids.

Fundamental Nutrients

Perricone reduces the foundational nutrients of his three day plan to:

DMAEAstaxanthinFatty AcidsDMAE

All Natural Detox Diets

By Yvonne Gando

From disease prevention to rapid weight loss, have been touted for their numerous benefits. While many claim detox diets use the natural detoxifying power of everyday foods and beverages to achieve improved health, it's helpful to take a closer look at the detox diets out there in order to separate fact from fiction.

Guide to

While detox diets have been praised by many, critics have raised concerns about the safety of certain regimens. Make sure you find out all the facts first before deciding on whether or not a detox diet is right for you.

7 Day Detox Diet

The 7 Day Detox Diet is based on the concept that the body accumulates up to twelve pounds of undigested "junk" in the digestive tract. After taking a supplement containing 34 natural detox ingredients for one week, the diet's creator claims individuals can lose anywhere from five to seven pounds of waste.

Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, was popularized by Beyoncé Knowles, who used it to shed pounds for her role in the film Dreamgirls. With a recipe that calls for water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, this program aims to help dieters flush their systems. Those following the cleanse are to drink this lemonade while abstaining from all other food and drink for 10 days.

Colon Cleansing Diet

Using a foundation of high-fiber foods and water, the Colon Cleansing Diet claims to eliminate excess waste to help improve colon function and rejuvenate the entire body.

Fruit Flush

Aiming to help with irritability, bloating, fatigue, and carb overload, nutritionist Jay Rob developed the three-day Fruit Flush. The meal plan consists of protein shakes and fresh fruit, and is designed to improve liver function, rid the body of toxins, and boost energy.

Raw Food Diet

Based on a method by author and nutritionist Natalia Rose, the Raw Food Diet consists of consuming uncooked produce for ten days. Acceptable foods include nuts, fruits, grains, seeds, vegetables, water, juices, and coconut milk.

Martha’s Vineyard Diet

Promising to help dieters shed 21 pounds in 21 days, Martha’s Vineyard Diet was conceived by Roni DeLuz, a naturopathic doctor. The plan consists of a liquefied diet of fruits and vegetables, in addition to antioxidant supplements.

Liver Cleansing Diet

The brainchild of Laura Cabot, an Australian physician, the Liver Cleansing Diet aims to cleanse the liver with the consumption of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish. Lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil, salmon, and avocados are also allowed.

The Benefits of Detox

Supporters of detox diets, like naturopathic doctor and author of Detoxification, Linda Page, assert that benefits of detoxifying include renewing and recharging the body, while jump-starting a healthier lifestyle.

Physician, medical educator, and author Cheryle Hart claims can help the body restore optimal alkaline balance, leading to improved overall health. Specifically, dieters can achieve the following benefits:

Mental clarityBetter metabolismWeight lossImproved moodHigher energy levelsRegular sleepThe Downside of Detox: Critics and Side Effects

Detoxification, or metabolic therapy, as the American Cancer Society categorizes it, is based on the concept that the human body is exposed to toxins on a daily basis, including environmental offenders such as smog, dietary additives including preservatives, and indulgence in alcohol and caffeine.

In her article,Detox Diets: Empty Promises or Effective?, registered dietician Leslie Beck and Director of Nutrition at the Medcan Clinic in Toronto, Canada, asserts no scientific evidence exists to support the claim detox diets accelerate the elimination of waste from the body. She also claims medical experts believe that the human body has its own efficient cleansing system-–the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and GI tract–-to remove toxins.

According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, side effects of detox diets can include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration. Zeratsky also supports the school of thought that the liver and kidneys work effectively to rid the body of waste and toxins without the help of cleansing diets.

Before You Get Started

Wondering if a detox diet is right for you? First and foremost, consult your doctor. Do your research, and know that it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle for long-term benefits. No miracle cure can take the place of healthy habits

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Celebrity Dieting Tips

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner?By Ann Parkinson

The idea that "celebrities are just normal people" doesn't seem to hold up in view of the svelte figures that appear on the red carpet. If you have ever wondered how these public icons remain slim and well-preserved over the course of a lifetime, you may be in for a few radical surprises. Celebrities are public figures, and it is their job to look appealing and fit at all times. While the end result may look the same, diet tips and secrets of the rich and famous may range from healthy lifestyle choices to some extremely unhealthy decisions.

How Do Celebrities Do It?

When it comes to maintaining a trim figure, diet is at least half the focus. The trouble with mirroring celebrity weight loss methods, however, is that not all celebrities employ the same regimens. Celebrities lose weight and maintain muscle tone through a variety of means, some of which are actually dangerous. Whereas some A-list celebs employ a personal chef, a restricted diet, and a personal trainer to keep up their glamorous appearance, others may look to prescription medication, dangerous drugs, and even end up with eating disorders.

It can be daunting for the average housewife and mother to see a celebrity give birth and then, two months later, appear primed and ready for a bikini shoot. ABCNews.com brings the issue to light, stating celebs often have a lot of help, even that of the surgical variety. There are so many tricks and tools available to celebrity budgets that simply aren't feasible for the typical American. In fact, the diet tips and secrets of many celebrities simply aren't much of a secret.

Free 2000 Calorie Diet Plans

By Donna Sundblad

A 2000 calorie a day diet plan provides enough calories to include a variety of healthy foods to keep menu items interesting and your body fueled. If you're considering a 2000 calorie plan for weight loss or maintenance, it's fairly easy to follow once you learn how to track calories and substitute lower-calorie foods and drinks for some of your higher-calorie favorites.

If you're looking for dieting inspiration, you can find a number of on the Internet, or you can create your own by learning how to pare down calories in your favorite recipes. This takes a little extra work on the outset, but once you know the calorie content per serving for a recipe, the hard part is done. Some recipes come with calorie and serving size information included.

Calorie Control Council

The Calorie Control Council offers a 2000 calorie a day plan to encourage people to eat healthy, balanced meals. They not only offer a sample menu for seven days of meals, but they also provide a list of tasty low-calorie recipes to help build your lower-calorie recipe collection. They also offer a list of healthy substitutions to help you convert your own recipes, too.

2000 Calorie Diabetic Diet

Drugs.com offers the basics for a 2000 calorie diabetic diet. This diet is calorie controlled and designed to help control blood sugar as well as lose weight. A sample menu offers ideas for items to prepare, but also provides specific measurements for dieters to learn how to measure serving sizes.

DietBites 2000 Calorie Meal Plan

While DietBites offers a free 2000 calorie meal plan, they also recommend you change your diet to the number of calories required for your size. Other recommendations include setting a realistic goal weight based on your true frame size. This diet offers a healthy balance across all the food groups and a sample menu to get you started.

MyPyramid.gov

MyPyramid.gov offers a seven day menu plan for a free 2000 calorie-a-day diet. This menu also takes a balanced nutritional approach with foods selected from each food group.

Pros and Cons

Eating 2000 calories a day, whether for weight loss or maintenance, has it pros and cons:

ProsCalorie counting works to lose or maintain weight when done diligently.Allows you to eat a wider range of foods as long as you count the calories.2000 calories are enough calories to keep most dieters from feeling hungry as long as they make wise food choices.ConsMeasuring food portions and servings takes time.Not everyone wants to track their calories every day.Some dieters will feel like 2000 calories a day is not enough.For other dieters, 2000 calories will be too many.Is 2000 Calories a Day Enough?

Before you arbitrarily choose to follow a 2000 calorie diet plan, it is important to determine whether or not that is the right amount of calories for you in relation to your weight goal. Every person is different and the number of calories you need as an individual is determined by a variety of factors including your current weight, height, age, and activity level. For many women and smaller people, 2000 calories a day is more than they need, if they want to lose weight. Handy online calculators can help estimate the right amount of calories for you, but before you start any diet, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider. He will guide you to the plan best suited to your individual needs based on your medical history and current weight.

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Macrobiotic Diet Foods

By Meg Brannagan

Diet influences your life and health and choosing macrobiotic foods is often not just an eating method, but encompasses a holistic way of living. Macrobiotic foods promote good health and may be eaten to prevent illness or as a supplement for other methods of healing. Food selection follows the principles of yin and yang to provide balance for your environment. Some foods are considered to have more of these types of energy, in that they offset temperature or environmental changes. For example, in the summer, yin foods might contain more water and are refreshing for the body if the weather is hot. Alternatively, in colder months, yang foods have more aromas and provide warmth. Thus, macrobiotic diet recommendations follow these principles when selecting foods.

How Much to Eat

The macrobiotic diet includes a variety of different foods eaten in proportion for balance, with the largest amount of your calories coming from whole grains. The amounts of calories you eaten each day include:

50 to 60 percent from whole grains20 to 30 percent from vegetables5 to 10 percent from soups made with approved vegetables, condiments and sea vegetables5 to 10 percent from beans, lentils and sea vegetablesStandard Foods

Some types of foods are acceptable to eat on a regular basis in the right proportions for your daily diet. The foods to include regularly are:

Vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, leeks, mustard greens, onions, radishes, turnips and winter squashWhole grains, including barley, brown rice, corn, oats, rye and wheatAduki beans, chickpeas, lentils and tofuSea vegetables such as arame, hiziki, kelp, kombu and noriSeafood, including carp, flounder, halibut and troutDrinks such as banchea tea, dandelion root tea, roasted barley tea and spring water

You may also use some types of flavorings to add taste and for use in cooking. Flavorings such as brown rice vinegar, barley malt and seaweed powder; and seasonings such as sea salt, miso, tamari soy sauce and organic vegetable oil are all acceptable for regular use.

Occasional Foods

Some foods are acceptable to eat on occasion but should be limited to no more than two to three times per week in season:

Vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, lettuce, string beans and water chestnutsWhole grains, including bulgur, rice cakes, tortillas or whole wheat pasta and crackersBeans such as kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans or soybeansSeafood, including clams, shrimp and oystersNuts and seeds, including peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and walnutsFruits in season and local to your climateFoods to Avoid

Foods to avoid on a macrobiotic diet include:

White rice, white flour, white sugar, foods made with yeast and processed cerealsVegetables such as beets, peas, pickles, potatoes, spinach, yams and zucchiniRed meat, poultry, frozen entrees and canned or processed foodsEggs, dairy products, chocolate and honeyDrinks such as fruit juice, shakes, malts, coffee, soda, black tea and alcoholNuts such as Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts and pistachiosSeafood, including bluefish, mackerel, swordfish and tunaPreparation

Preparing macrobiotic foods involves using simple methods of cooking. Methods such as boiling, preparing soups, stir-frying without oil and steaming are all ways of cooking macrobiotic foods that are simple, use fewer condiments and sauces and preserve flavor. Foods may also be prepared using a pressure cooker if you have one. Occasionally, foods may be prepared using a small amount of vegetable oil for sautéing; they may also be baked or eaten raw.

Try to eat foods that are not processed, are organic and locally grown whenever possible. Cooking using a gas flame is preferable to preparing foods using electric ovens or microwaves. Select cast-iron or stainless steel utensils and pans rather than those coated with Teflon. In addition to carefully preparing your foods, chewing food thoroughly may make digestion easier and will give you time to reflect on what you are eating and to show gratitude for your meal.

Macrobiotic foods hold many benefits by providing vitamins and nutrients good for your health. By choosing these types of foods and following a macrobiotic diet, you are making positive choices for your lifestyle that can result in better physical and emotional health.

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Coffee On an Antifungal Diet

A necessary restriction?By Ann ParkinsonReviewed by Terri Forehand RN

The question of whether or not coffee should be consumed on an antifungal diet is an important one. Anti-fungal diets are becoming more and more popular, particularly due to the rise in awareness regarding candida albicans and their effects on health. Most traditional anti-candida diets restrict coffee on the basis of its caffeine content. This isn't necessarily a bad move on the part of dieticians, but strong medical opinions still state coffee is a highly misunderstood food. Resources such as the Mayo Clinic can't help but point out that many anti-fungal diets are showing themselves to be inadequate in their attempts to provide a formulaic candida-cleansing diet.

Caffeine and Candida

Can coffee affect a fungal overgrowth? The answer to this question is, "it is possible." However, the most important question to ask is, "Will caffeine always affect a fungal overgrowth?" There is a vast difference between answers like "absolutely" and "possibly" and the reason behind this disparity lies in the nature of caffeine and the unique aspects of an individual's biochemistry.

About Caffeine

Coffee is sometimes considered a health threat because of a single component of its chemical makeup: caffeine. However, it is important to remember caffeine is not coffee; coffee contains some caffeine. Coffee also contains a wide variety of other nutrients, antioxidants, and ingredients that may actually be beneficial to your health. In the past two decades, the medical opinions regarding coffee have taken a drastic shift and news agencies such as CBS and USNews have been happily reporting the latest research.

Caffeine and Candidiasis

So, if coffee isn't quite the dietary demon it was once assumed to be, why are major anti-fungal programs such as the Body Ecology Diet still leaving this food off their "good" list?

First of all, candidiasis is a tricky diagnosis. A systemic fungal overgrowth is a very real situation, but it is rare, and mostly present in highly immune-compromised persons such as cancer victims and AIDS patients. The more common diagnosis of candidiasis is often given by alternative medical practictioners who are seeking an explanation for a patient's tricky symptoms such as:

Chronic fatigueBrain FogPersistent yeast or fungal infectionsDigestive symptoms

Oftentimes, these patients have experienced little success from conventional medicine treatments, and so they look for an alternative program. It is always possible a yeast or fungal connection can be linked to their symptoms, and thus an anti-fungal diet alongside anti-fungal supplements are often prescribed.

Anti-Fungal Diets

Anti-fungal and candida diets are eating programs that:

Contain anti-fungal ingredientsAre yeast-freeEliminate any foods that feed fungi and yeasts, such as sugars and carbohydrates

Many, if not most, of these diets are extremely restrictive when it comes to stimulants, alcohol, sugars and carbohydrates. However, resources such as CandidaFood.com reports on the more interesting aspects of the coffee/caffeine and yeast connection.

Caffeine affects the central nervous system as a stimulant. Fungi feed on sugars. Caffeine is not a sugar. Dieticians may be able to make the argument that caffeine can over stimulate the nervous system, resulting in a rush of hormones that may compromise the immune system. The Mayo Clinic lightly outlines this process. However, such a response occurs mostly in individuals who are simply drinking too much coffee or in individuals who are inherently caffeine sensitive.

In otherwise healthy individuals, it still remains to be proven that minimal coffee consumption will affect a fungal condition.

Where the Research Lies

Currently, research cannot corroborate claims that mild coffee consumption will exacerbate a fungal condition. Hence, fungal diets that eliminate coffee completely from their regimen, are not necessarily in line with the latest medical opinion. However, it has been proven that excess caffeine consumption can be harmful to the endocrine, digestive and immune systems. Anything that compromises the immune system can lead to or at least aid a fungal infection.

If you are attempting an anti-fungal diet and are concerned about your coffee consumption, you should always preempt your plans with a doctor's visit. Discuss with your medical practitioner whether or not your fungal diagnosis is indeed accurate and any supplements or dietary changes you may be considering as a treatment.

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Dr. Brian Arcement Talks About hCG

By Kathleen Roberts
hCG is quickly gaining popularity in the weight loss world as the magic remedy for quick and easy weight loss. What are the facts about hCG? Is it safe? Does it really work? Recently, LoveToKnow had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Brian Arcement, Medical Director of Nuviva Medical Weight Loss Clinics in Florida, about how hCG works and why.
About Dr. Brian Arcement
LoveToKnow (LTK): Dr. Arcement, can you provide a little background on yourself and what makes you qualified to speak on hCG?
Dr. Brian Arcement (BA): I am a graduate of the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and completed my residency in Internal Medicine, a Fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville and a second Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center-Nashville. I am also a diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine.
As a Quad certified and Board certified interventional vascular cardiologist, I have been practicing for more than a decade. Through the course of my work, I have seen the physical devastation of poor lifestyle choices and the aging process on the human body. Therefore, during my years of professional practice, I now see weight management as a vital component in long-term health.
In addition, I have been utilizing hCG for over five years through my Hormone Replacement Therapy practice specifically for men with testosterone deficiency and most recently with the medically assisted weight loss program I designed through Nuviva Medical Weight Loss. In addition to my experience, I am comfortable with the Nuviva program's use of hCG for weight loss based on the anecdotal evidence we have seen through our clinics as well as the clinical experience other weight loss clinics nationwide have demonstrated through the successful treatment of thousands of clients.
About hCG
LTK: What is hCG?
BA: HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced by women during pregnancy. The hormone is primarily responsible for maintaining a viable fetus, particularly during the first trimester. Additionally, it is thought that hCG causes a physiologic occurrence making stored fat available as a nutrient source for the growing fetus.
LTK: Why does it help people lose weight?
BA: HCG is believed to help the body utilize stored fat for calories and to reduce the body's tendency to use lean muscle mass as an energy source when combined with a very low calorie diet.
Using hCG
LTK: In what forms is hCG available?
BA: Although hCG is available in several forms, including subcutaneous (or injectable), topical, sublingual and homeopathic, I recommend only the use of pharmaceutical grade subcutaneous hCG.
This is because the subcutaneous route is the only method known to directly control the proper amount of hCG given. hCG given sublingually requires at least double to triple the amount of injectable hCG to ensure that some hCG is absorbed. However, the amount absorbed can vary from client to client based on each individual's oral mucosa. This same reasoning applies to topical hCG and why I do not recommend its use.
Additionally, some clients are even incapable of absorbing any hCG topically or sublingually. Oral hCG has no biologic effect as the hCG is immediately broken down by acid in the stomach. The only method available to provide absolute certainty that the correct amount of hCG prescribed is given is to inject the hCG subcutaneously.
LTK: How is hCG best taken to be the most beneficial?
BA: My recommendation is found in the Nuviva protocol, which allows for a client to take 150 units of subcutaneous hCG daily six days a week. Also, we have seen through the course of our work with clients that hCG loses its effectiveness after a certain amount of time. Therefore, I recommend clients cycle on and off hCG in specific time frames in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Weight Loss

37 strawberries a day, keeps doctors away

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LA JOLLA, Calif., June 29 (UPI) -- Thirty-seven strawberries a day may help keep diabetes complications away, U.S. researchers say.

Researchers at the Salk Institute's Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory say fisetin, a naturally-occurring flavonoid found most abundantly in strawberries and to a lesser extent in other fruits and vegetables, lessens complications of diabetes.

"This manuscript describes for the first time a drug that prevents both kidney and brain complications in a type 1 diabetes mouse model," co-author David Schubert, professor and head of the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, says in a statement.

Corresponding author Pam Maher, a senior staff scientist in the CNL, initially identified fisetin as a neuroprotective flavonoid 10 years ago, which may provide the protective effect of the Mediterranean Diet.

In the study, mice fed a fisetin-enriched diet remained diabetic, but acute kidney enlargement-or hypertrophy-seen in untreated mice was reversed and high urine protein levels -- a sure sign of kidney disease -- fell, Maher says.

Researchers observed that blood and brain levels of sugars affixed to proteins known as advanced glycation end-products were reduced in fisetin-treated mice. Excessively high advanced glycation end-products also correlate with inflammatory activity thought to promote some cancers, the study says.

The findings are published in PLoS ONE.

Mormon ‘Biggest Loser’: You need to move to lose

She said she would do it, and she did.

Denise "Deni" Hill, a 59-year-old Bountiful, Utah, mother of eight, won $100,000 on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" TV show last week, for losing the highest percentage of weight among the previously eliminated contestants.

Hill went from 256 pounds at the beginning of the competition to 131 at the season finale. she lost 125 pounds, or 48.83 percent of her body weight.

She was only slightly bested by grand-prize winner Olivia Ward, who went from 261 pounds to 132, for a 49.2 percent weight loss. Ward won the $250,000 grand prize and title of "Biggest Loser."

"That was my plan," Hill said matter-of-factly during an interview on Friday, as she was driving home from California. "It was all really thrilling."

One of the most exciting parts of the experience was seeing the other contestants, who were transformed by their weight loss.

"We all get along well, and we were all so happy for each other," Hill said. One of the most changed was Justin Pope of Logan, who went from 365 to 193 pounds.

"When he first came up to me and gave me a hug, I didn't know who he was," she said. "He looked fabulous. it was incredible."

In fact, Pope came very close to beating Hill for the eliminated contestant prize. Pope partnered with Olympic gold medalist Rulon Gardner, who voluntarily left the show and didn't attend the finale.

Pope and Gardner are partners in a Logan gym, and Hill said that Pope is also hoping to open a low-cost facility for kids and families. she plans to donate some of her prize money to buy spin bikes for it.

And although $100,000 sounds like a big payoff, after taxes and tithing (Hill is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and paying off debts, "It's basically gone," she said. "But I will be out of debt."

Hill's exit from the show was a bit controversial. During Week 8, she and another parent, Jesse Wornum, purposely gained weight to be sent home — "I drank a lot of water and ate really salty food," she said.

Because of alliances forged among some of the other players, Hill said she felt the need to sacrifice herself to save her daughter, Sarah, from possible elimination.

But Sarah ended up being sent home two weeks later.

"Hindsight is 20-20," Hill said. "At the time, I thought that was my only choice to keep Sarah. Now I wish I would have just tried as hard to lose as much weight as I could. but it's what it is."

When Hill came home, she quit her sedentary job as an administrative assistant, and worked out 3½ to 4½ hours each day. she used two personal trainers — one at Four Pillars Fitness and another at the South Davis Recreation Center, and she also attended workout classes at the Skills Fitness Center.

She also received weekly deliveries of meals, a gift from eDiets to all of the contestants.

"I didn't use them all the time because I like to have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables," she said. "But it really helped once in awhile when I didn't have time to cook for myself and I was dashing out the door."

Hill said she's gotten some complaints on "The Biggest Loser" message board that not everyone can afford to quit their job to lose weight.

She pointed out that Ana Alvarado was able to lose a great deal of weight despite being eliminated the first week of the show. (And Ana would also be a shoo-in for the Miss Congeniality Award, Hill added.)

"But Ana is a letter carrier with the Post Office, so she walks a route every day. my job was sitting at a desk eight hours a day, and my goal was to win. Now I will just maintain the weight I am at.

"I lost it fast, but if I can do it, anyone can do it," she said. "I was a total couch potato. you can find time in the morning or after work. you just need to move to lose."

And, don't shy away from the gym because you think you're too heavy, she advised.

"That's what the fitness center is there for. I was so intimidated going to a gym, but they are for heavy people, not just people who are already in shape. find one that will show you how to use the machines and give you a program to follow, so you don't get intimidated. A personal trainer is great, but if you can't afford one, go to the exercise classes. there are all sizes in the classes."

Also thrilling was hearing her body fat statistics.

"I went from 52 percent body fat to 22 percent. That's an athlete. And I can't believe my kness. they were so bad before, because I was carrying an extra 125 pounds. And my sleep apnea is gone."

And now, she'll be job hunting. she half-jokes that her ideal job would be at Costco, "because I would have health insurance and I'd be doing a lot of moving and lifting."

She hopes to have an opportunity to do motivational speaking, and will be doing some work with Nu Skin as well.

She's especially proud of her daughter Sarah, who looked fabulous at the finale in a hot pink, size 4 knit dress. Sarah actually brought it for her mother to wear.

"It looked good on me, but it looked fabulous on her," Hill said. "The dress I wore was one that I brought with me from Nordstom. I had a lot of neat comments that I looked very beautiful and modest, which was my intent."

Valerie Phillips is the former Deseret News food editor. she blogs at chewandchat.blogspot.com. Email:

Straight talk about weight loss

By BRIAN SODOMA
Robert Smith knew something was wrong a few years ago. At 430 pounds, the then 30 year-old mortgage officer and family man was mentally preparing himself for a long talk about weight loss with his doctor. but to his surprise, during a doctor's visit, his blood pressure, cholesterol and other vitals came back normal.

"I couldn't believe it," he said.
But what Smith was probably more surprised about was the fact that his doctor still didn't seem concerned about him losing weight. A few diet recommendations and a brief conversation about the food pyramid and the visit was done.
Even still, Smith joined Weight Watchers and began walking and lifting weights regularly. he has lost more than 150 pounds in the past three years and remains doggedly consistent with his exercise and eating routines.
"I'm maintaining now, enjoying myself a little, but during the time I was losing the weight, I was strict," he adds.