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….
It’s common knowledge that high cholesterol is a major health hazard. But how many people take into consideration good cholesterol? Good cholesterol, known as HDL, helps fight against heart disease. According to research, HDL cholesterol is made up of protein, lipids and cholesterol. The HDL drives out the LDL, also…
Before you pop that top, do you know what’s lurking in that tall cool one? When it comes to beverages, sodas are public enemy number one. They may seem inconsequential, but it’s hard to believe how quickly the numbers add up. A 12-ounce can of cola contains 144 calories. If…
When it comes to the obesity crisis, it’s hard to deny that a lack of portion control is a huge part of the problem. In this super-sized society, we wrongly believe that bigger is better and the more, the merrier. But most experts agree it’s portion distortion that’s making Americans…
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…
Get ready to take the long way home. When you’re walking somewhere, it’s only natural to want to take shortcuts. However, it’s those added steps that will total up to more calories burned. Instead of hurrying to your destination, take some time to get extra physical activity. If a straight…
Listen up, carboholics! There’s life beyond pasta and bread…and it could mean the difference between losing and gaining. Many people don’t realize the importance of protein. However, protein is responsible for giving the metabolism a bigger boost than either carbs or fats. Consuming proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese…
Take time to evaluate not only what you eat, but also how you eat it. When you sit down to a meal, do you rush through, gobbling as you go, without stopping for a breath? Take a look at your plate– is it a dinner-sized one, overflowing with food? Smaller…
“Twas the night before Christmas and hopefully you’re armed with a plan for surviving the big day without a major diet derailment. By following a few helpful hints, you can be sure you’ll stay on track and still enjoy the merriment. For many people, the Christmas holiday revolves around big…
Manufacturers bleach flour and sugar and heavily process these products making them a former shell of the whole foods they once were. Most white foods have been stripped of their nutritional value. They also have less fiber and vitamins than their whole wheat counterparts, which also have greater nutritional density….