They say laughter is the best medicine when it comes to your health. So it goes without saying that it also must benefit your weight-loss efforts in one way or another. Research indicates that feelings of joy and happiness contribute to changes in the body. Having a good chuckle strengthens…
Need an intense, calorie-burning workout to jumpstart your summer fitness goals? Then a boot camp might be what you’re looking for. You’ve probably seen advertisements for boot camps or watched people participate in them on reality shows, but what are they really all about? Fitness boot camps are physical training…
Most of us know what foods to choose – and which to avoid – when trying to lose weight. But the average American gets one-fifth of his or her calories from drinks, so it pays to take a look at the liquid refreshment you choose. It’s especially important to stay…
Just for the record, most diet and fitness experts can’t say enough about the benefits of journaling when trying to lose weight. After all, what better way to keep track of your successes and failures than by logging it all? It’s a tool that comes in handy when you’re recording…
You’d start exercising, but you’re just too tired, right? It sounds counterintuitive, but a regular exercise program actually increases energy. Researchers found that typically sedentary people who complained of fatigue increased energy levels by up to 20 percent, and 65 percent reported less fatigue. The participants in the study simply…
A little weight loss can go a long way… in the bedroom. Research shows that losing just 10 percent of those extra pounds can dramatically improve your sex life. Experts say that’s because people tend to have a better self image when they lose weight, making them more comfortable when…
There’s something fishy going on over here… and that’s a good thing. Ask any health expert and they’ll tell you to add fish to your diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (fatty fish to be specific) twice a week. In addition to being low in saturated fat and…
It’s hard not to love side dishes. Most of us take comfort in cheesy macaroni, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice dishes. We’re talking about the beloved sidekicks that can derail just about any diet in spite of the best-intentioned main dish. Take traditional mac and cheese. A 12-ounce serving…
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…
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….