Nutrition

Starvation Response

BY: Ron Leach NSCA-CPT

Does your body think it's starving to death? If you are typical, and only eating 1 or 2 super size meals a day, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

The notion of eating less to lose weight does not work in the way we would like. It encourages your body to store fat! You may actually get lighter, but it is due to muscle loss. So...eat less and get fatter? Are you confused? That's what the diet and weight loss industry is counting on. Your confusion is what sells the next "miracle" weight loss drug, diet, exercise machine, etc.

The way our bodies work has not changed much in the last two millennium. Our bodies were designed to store energy as fat when food is less available. Therefore, if you are restricting calorie intake, or not

2010's Best Guilt-Free Food Finds (So Far!)

Written by Hungry Girl

OK, we realize the year has only just begun, but there have been some AMAZING new food items on our radar. (That's right, we have food radar. Jealous?) Check out HG's favorite new finds...

Eat Smart Simple Noodles Grab n' Go Cups
PER SERVING (1 container): 210 - 240 calories, 7 - 9g fat, 360 - 570mg sodium, 32 - 37g carbs, 1 - 2g fiber, 8 - 12g sugars, 4 - 5g protein

Holy quick and guilt-free lunch, Batman! This is pretty much the best instant cup-o'-noodles ever. It has veggies, ramen-like noodles, and sauce: Teriyaki, Spicy Orange, or Kung Pao. Follow the simple directions, and you have noodles and steamed veggies coated with yummy flavor. YAY! They're currently only available at select markets, so request 'em. They're worth begging for...

Great Finds at Costco for Healthy Grocery Shopping

Written by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance

When it comes to shopping for healthy and organic foods, I've heard many people complain about the price, stating that it is much more expensive than unhealthy food. Whole Foods may not be cheap, but there are many other stores that provide healthy options that won't break the bank. My recent favorite: Costco.

Many argue that being a member isn't worth it because they'd never go through the amount of food you have to buy, but Costco's offerings are making it more and more worth the price of admission. Having been a member over the last few years, I continue to stumble upon healthy items that make me more and more appreciative of the $50 fee.

10 Ways to Right-Size Your Diet

Written by Reader's Digest Magazine

Portion distortion is one of the prime causes of America's obesity epidemic, yet most of us don't realize that we overeat -- or that when it comes to reining in calories, serving size is crucial. Here's how you can downsize your portions and still feel satisfied.

1. Contemplating seconds? Wait 10 minutes.Your stomach needs about that long to signal the brain that it's full, so stall before helping yourself to more mashed potatoes or lasagna. Keep the conversation going, tell a joke, or if you're dining alone, read the newspaper or walk around the house. If you're truly hungry after the delay, have seconds of the veggies or salad.

2. Quit the clean plate club. One in four Americans eat everything they're served no matter how big the portions, surveys reveal. A better strategy: Eat a healthy portion, then stop. It's better to waste a little food (and save it for tomorrow) than to overload your body.

What's in Your Food?

Written by Xtreme Advantage Personal Fitness

How much thought do you put into what you eat?

If you want to get into great shape then you'll be interested to know that 80% of your fitness results are attributed to your diet.

In our fast-paced society, eating is often done with little or no thought as to what exactly it is being ingested. Excess body fat is a direct outcome of this hurried, poor nutrition. Even if you have the best intentions with your diet, you are likely frustrated and fed up with extra pounds.