Most of us know what it takes and why it’s important to include all of the food groups in our diets, yet many people leave out important components of a successful workout program. Does yours have all the pieces of the pie, or are you unbalanced? There are five elements…
You’ve consumed your allotted calories for the day when a killer craving comes out of nowhere. You’re first instinct is to reach for the Ben and Jerry’s, but don’t give in just yet. We have a more polished approach to ward off those hunger pangs. Bypass the kitchen for the…
Women have been taking oral contraceptives, aka The Pill, for almost 50 years to prevent pregnancy. But there are a lot of misconceptions about taking the pill, particularly those about weight gain. Most side effects of taking oral contraceptives are mild and include breast tenderness, nausea, headache and breakthrough bleeding….
Instead of concentrating on cutting foods out of your diet, bring new foods to the table. There are probably a whole slew of fruits and vegetables you’ve never sampled. In order to prevent yourself from feeling deprived, train yourself to look at all the foods you can eat instead of…
Summer is a great time to eat al fresco, whether you’re grilling or having a potluck — or both. But besides the bugs, be sure you don’t invite some other unwanted critters to your meal. We’re talking about bacteria that can make you and your fellow picnicgoers sick. Bringing food…
Many people associate losing weight with deprivation. The reality is — you’re on a diet; you’re not dead. In other words, you can still enjoy modified versions of your favorite foods. You won’t believe how much you can actually save in fat and calories while still satisfying your cravings. It’s…
No pain, no gain. Keep this in mind when it comes to your strength training routine. Squats are far from fun. Most people struggle when it comes to this essential exercise. Squats work the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals. In order to get the most out of squats, maintain the proper…
A bowl of cereal can be a great way to start the day. However, not all cereals are created equally. Some cereals are so loaded with sugar that they are bowls of candy in disguise. The more a box of cereal resembles a box of cookies or candy, the less…
For Mexicans Cinco de Mayo is a celebration for their victory over France, but for Americans it’s another excuse to eat, drink and be merry. Of course, those rich Mexican dishes and high-calorie cocktails are an easy way to derail your diet. Among the worst offenders are the fried tortilla…
Fats have gotten a bad rap over the years. However, all fats are not creative equal. There are good fats and bad fats. The first step is identifying which fats are which. Saturated fats kick up total blood cholesterol, along with the LDL or bad cholesterol. These are found in…