When it comes to losing weight, the little things add up -- trying just one new thing every day can quickly make a big difference. With that in mind, we've taken science's best weight-loss strategies and created a week's worth of slimming to-do's.
In trendy neighborhoods of Tokyo customers are lining up for vitamin injections that promise to improve health and beauty.
I was wondering if substituting sugar for honey is a healthy trade-off? Are the types of sugar and antioxidants in honey worth the 70 calories per serving, or if I'm trying to lose weight, should I cut out sugar altogether, including honey?
What are some healthy snack choices that college students can store in their dorm room?
Women who develop a mild case of gestational diabetes during pregnancy tend to have fewer complications and healthier babies if the diabetes is treated, according to the first large-scale randomized trial in the U.S. to address whether such treatment leads to health benefits for mother and child.
You're under 50. You're pretty fit. You can't have a heart attack, right?
America's relationship to food and health has certainly changed in the 20 years since Cooking Light debuted. Some of those changes may seem discouraging: Rates of obesity and diabetes have risen, food-borne illnesses frequently make headlines, and more people eat meals -- often fast food -- away from home than ever before.
Studies already suggest that the Mediterranean diet -- rich in fish, fruits, nuts, and olive oil -- can prevent second heart attacks, delay Alzheimer's disease, and maybe even lower your cancer risk.
Can eating too much fruit keep me from losing weight? Am I consuming too much sugar?
So many first-year college students gain unwanted pounds that the so-called Freshman 15 is the subject of a new MTV reality show. (They're auditioning now.)
When it comes to losing weight, the little things add up -- trying just one new thing every day can quickly make a big difference. With that in mind, we've taken science's best weight-loss strategies and created a week's worth of slimming to-do's.
In trendy neighborhoods of Tokyo customers are lining up for vitamin injections that promise to improve health and beauty.
I was wondering if substituting sugar for honey is a healthy trade-off? Are the types of sugar and antioxidants in honey worth the 70 calories per serving, or if I'm trying to lose weight, should I cut out sugar altogether, including honey?
What are some healthy snack choices that college students can store in their dorm room?
Women who develop a mild case of gestational diabetes during pregnancy tend to have fewer complications and healthier babies if the diabetes is treated, according to the first large-scale randomized trial in the U.S. to address whether such treatment leads to health benefits for mother and child.
You're under 50. You're pretty fit. You can't have a heart attack, right?
America's relationship to food and health has certainly changed in the 20 years since Cooking Light debuted. Some of those changes may seem discouraging: Rates of obesity and diabetes have risen, food-borne illnesses frequently make headlines, and more people eat meals -- often fast food -- away from home than ever before.
Studies already suggest that the Mediterranean diet -- rich in fish, fruits, nuts, and olive oil -- can prevent second heart attacks, delay Alzheimer's disease, and maybe even lower your cancer risk.
Can eating too much fruit keep me from losing weight? Am I consuming too much sugar?
So many first-year college students gain unwanted pounds that the so-called Freshman 15 is the subject of a new MTV reality show. (They're auditioning now.)
If you're like most Americans, you will consume 22 teaspoons, or 355 calories, of added sugar today. Now, the American Heart Association would like you to cut back dramatically.
Many people with heart disease try to banish fats, but they're missing out on lots of foods that can protect the heart.
A whopping 70 percent of American kids aren't getting enough vitamin D, and such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to two new studies published this week in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels also may increase a child's risk of developing heart disease later in life, experts say.
I have been hearing a lot about the bitter orange extract (citrus aurantium), which is supposedly used as an appetite suppressant. Would this be a safer alternative to taking regular diet pills?
Weight-loss surgery isn't risk-free, but a new study suggests that in the hands of a skilled surgeon, it may be safer than previously thought. However, some people -- including those with sleep apnea or a history of blood clots -- are more likely to have problems with surgery than others, according to a study published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Hi. I am 21 weeks pregnant, and from start of the pregnancy to date, I have put on 15 pounds. I was high on weight before pregnancy, too, and worried what measures should I take to control my weight gain. Also, what are the risks associated with weight gain?
What advice do you have for an athletic woman trying to lose only 5-10 pounds while maintaining energy to participate in sports and such?
I seem to get very sore after every workout. My fiancé says I'm working out too hard, but I was wondering if there were other reasons. I've been a vegetarian for 13 years and am usually low on protein and iron (and probably a few other things, too). Could low levels of protein and/or iron contribute to why I get so sore after working out?
Cutting daily calorie intake by 30 percent may put the brakes on the aging process, have beneficial effects on the brain, and result in a longer life span, according to a new 20-year study of monkeys published in the journal Science.
Americans talk a good game about wanting to eat well. More than 75 percent claim they want to see more healthy options on restaurant menus. But when it comes time to order, only about half say they actually make nutritious choices, according to a recent survey.
I recently learned that my total cholesterol and triglycerides are very high, and my doctor recommended oatmeal, which I do not like. I did find a way to make it palatable, though. It's such a pain to make it every day. My question is this: If I make a large batch of it at once, will it lose its benefits by reheating? And what about instant oatmeal? Are the benefits the same?
Weight-loss surgery can sometimes reverse type 2 diabetes and ease other obesity-related conditions. Now, new research suggests that obese women who undergo bariatric surgery experience a 42 percent drop in their cancer risk.
How do you stay motivated to begin and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle?
Is it OK to eat the same thing over and over, day after day? As an example - eating grilled chicken, green beans, and rice, whites of eggs, and berries. Are there any significant health risks to such monatany?
Think that vitamins can only help--but never hurt--a condition? Although that's true in many cases, some vitamins can be harmful to certain people or under special circumstances.
I am a single woman who works full time and goes to school part time. How do I prepare nutritious meals when I barely have time to go through an unhealthy drive-thru joint? Any suggestions on what kinds of foods are good for packing in the a.m. and then eating later? I would love to start cooking for myself, but it just seems like such a waste if it's only me that's eating. Thanks!
As the summer months creep ever closer, trying to achieve the perfect set of abs can seem like a lost cause.
I've been wondering how many extra calories I should consume to build muscle mass. One program on Fit TV suggested that I should take in between 700 and 1,000 extra calories; another said I should take in only an extra 250 calories. How many extra calories do I need to gain muscle mass?
What is your opinion on vegan diets? Do you find they are better than animal-based fares? What should one watch out for? This is not for weight loss but general health.
This Mother's Day, skip the flowers and forget the chocolate (unless it's dark)! Give your mom something she really needs -- the gift of good health.
I walk every day, eat a healthful diet, and have no diabetes in my immediate family. I'm not model skinny (truth be told, I've been known to pack on a few extra pounds), but I'm certainly not a couch potato or junk food addict. So, imagine my surprise when a routine blood test showed that my blood sugar was elevated and I was officially prediabetic.
Is no-sugar ice cream really a healthier alternative to regular ice cream? What exactly is the sugar alcohol they use in the no-sugar ice cream?
In 2005, the government's revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduced the term "nutrient density," which sounds complicated but simply refers to how much nutrition a food provides.
The sport of polo needs new oversight to protect its prized horses, the nation's largest animal protection organization said after reports that a pharmacy's mistake with medication may have killed 21 animals.
I am looking for an online tracking tool to use for keeping track of daily calories and exercise. Any suggestions on the most user-friendly sites? I am not really interested in participating in message boards, but thoroughly enjoy reading articles about health issues.
I love baked potatoes but because of the starch, I don't eat them often. Do you have a list of starches to avoid and which are beneficial in the daily diet?
Whole grains are in the midst of a renaissance. Since their 1970s heyday, the findings from scientific research have expanded on these fiber-rich foods' abilities to help protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Such results led the government to urge us all, in its 2005 dietary guidelines, to eat at least three servings of whole grains daily.
Is it true if you drink lots of water, it will help you to lose weight? Is it bad for your body if you consume too much of it?
For many, springtime means revamping exercise regimens, improving appearance, reading more books, taking on a new hobby, and improving dietary habits.
75 percent of U.S. adults are projected to be overweight or obese by 2015, according to researchers. Americans consume anywhere from 150 to 300 more calories than they did three decades ago and half of those calories come from liquid. A new study out of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that reducing liquid calories, especially from sugar-sweetened drinks such as punches, fruit juices and sodas, helps people lose weight and keep it off.
Make smart food choices in an airport, at a rest stop and from a vending machine.
"Metabolism" is the name of the bodily system that converts food calories to energy needed to perform various tasks, like pumping oxygen to muscles during a long walk. Many variables contribute to your metabolism, including heredity, gender and age. But you can quicken yours; here's how.
The dieting world screams with contradictory advice: Carbs are evil; carbs are good for you. "Good fat" is healthy; "good fat" has tons of calories.
Every day, Jason Dinant chows down 16 hard-boiled egg whites, one and a quarter pound of meat and four cups of vegetables, sprinkled with an occasional carbohydrate.
Burger lovers beware: People who eat red meat every day have a higher risk of dying over a 10-year period -- mostly because of cardiovascular disease or cancer --than their peers who eat less red or processed meat, according to a new study of about half a million people.
Simple food choices go a long way when it comes to your heart's health. Focusing on fresh foods full of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants can decrease your risk of developing heart disease and cut your chances of a heart attack. These 10 foods will help keep your ticker in top shape.
Americans love to take their vitamins. More than 150 million Americans take dietary supplements according to the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group.
Is it prudent to take beta carotene as a supplement?
What should we include in our diet to increase HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides?
Researchers may be getting closer to an effective way of preventing age-related macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of vision loss among older Americans.
Having a senior moment? A new study suggests that cutting calories may help.
If your pants feel tighter than usual, you might begin to suspect that you've gained a couple of pounds. But at what point should you begin to worry that the weight gain is serious? Could you be one of the approximately two-thirds of American adults who are either overweight or obese, with an increased risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease? While no single measurement is perfect, here are a few ways to size yourself up.
Judy LaCour has been taking a multivitamin supplement for the past 30 years: "As often as I can remember, which isn't always, but on and off since I was in my 40s." She buys them in bulk from her local wholesale warehouse.
My co-workers and I are small women (5 feet and under) in our 40s and want to make sure we get the correct nutrition. If we followed the guidelines about how many servings of each food group, we'd be well on our way to gaining weight, since they're based on "normal" sized people. Are our nutritional needs different from those who require 2,000 calories a day? Do we cut how many servings or do we cut the size of each serving?
To most of his friends and colleagues, Muata Kamdibe was the fun-loving, dreadlocked English professor with a great sense of humor. He was outgoing and loved to laugh and have a good time.
Most of the world seems to think that America invented obesity sometime in the last century, but the truth is, fat has always been a part of life (witness Hatshepsut, one of the great ancient Egyptian queens who reigned in the 15th century BC -- despite her svelte sarcophagus, modern archeologists believe that she was pretty obese and may have suffered from diabetes).
New research reveals a seeming contradiction when it comes to kids who do and don't need vitamins to supplement their diets.
What is the name of the new diet to lower cholesterol that Dr. Sanjay Gupta talked about on "House Call" on CNN?
What are good snacks for diabetics to eat during the day?
I am a healthy 35-year-old woman who has been approximately 25 pounds overweight my entire adult life. I work out at my gym for an hour a day, five or six days a week doing various cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercises. I think I am more fit than I have ever been, but even though I have stepped up my activity level in the past eight years, I haven't lost a single pound. The last time I lost any weight was five years ago when I had to lose weight for my job. I ate about 900 calories a day, worked out two hours a day for a month and lost 7 pounds. I was tired, starving and had a constant headache. I work to monitor my calorie intake but I am literally hungry all day. My blood tests are normal. Is there something wrong with me?
You have access to more nutrition information than ever -- from magazines like Cooking Light to the Internet, newspapers, and television. When you add to that the hype about fad diets, the resulting information overload creates more confusion than clarity.
Losing weight and getting healthy isn't easy, but it's often the little things that add up over time. Here are some things you may want to avoid and some you should include in your diet if your resolution is to lose weight and feel fine in 2009.
Tim Kassouf lost 45 pounds, and it all started when he got really mad at his girlfriend.
Previous studies suggested that taking certain vitamins might lower the risk of getting prostate cancer. However, two new studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men taking these supplements were just as likely to develop prostate cancer as those who weren't taking them.
Is it true that when your metabolism slows down (e.g. from exercise, age, etc.), adding calories proportionally will "kick-start" it back to prior fat-burning levels? In my case, my rate slowed from 2,000 to 1,500, and the gym's nutritionist recommended an increase in calories from 1,600 to 1,900. Thank you.
If losing weight is at the top of your resolution list, you're not alone. An estimated 80 million Americans go on diets every year, spending more than $30 billion annually on programs and products.
Amid pink slips and plummeting stocks, 2009 may not be shaping up to be the year you hoped for. But one thing you do still have some control over is your body. So put your stress on the shelf and resolve to focus on you come January 1. To help you out, here are some experts' tips for turning last year's failed resolution into something stable for the future and who couldn't use a little more stability?
It's no secret that cold and flu season peaks in winter. And if you're looking for ways to stay well, one priority, say experts, is simple: Follow a wholesome diet, just as you should any time of year. But that can be a tall order during the busy holiday season, when hectic social schedules and family commitments often interfere with regular meals.
A February 2008 laboratory study from the American Psychological Association says the widespread use of no-calorie sweeteners may actually make it harder for people to control their intake and body weight. Here are tips on the healthiest ways to get that sugar fix without packing on the pounds.
Americans spend billions of dollars a year on supplements in hopes of making up for the lack of nutrients in our diets, staying healthy, looking young and extending our lifespan. But do they actually work? The National Institutes of Health doesn't specifically recommend any daily supplements because there is no research or studies that show unequivocally that a specific supplement works. However, there have been studies that prove certain supplements do not work, such as ginko (to help memory) and echinacea (to ward off a cold). There are a few dietary supplements that show some benefits: calcium supplements and vitamin D (to reduce the risk of osteoporosis), omega 3 supplements (to reduce the risk of heart disease) and folic acid supplements (to prevent major birth defects).
Vitamins are important for good health. Now, doctors are touting the benefits of vitamin D. Is this the new fabulous vitamin of the 21st century or just another supplement?
Most U.S. adults and more than 30 percent of American children take some form of dietary supplement, most often multivitamins and multiminerals, according to a report in the October 2007 issue of Archives of Pediatrics. Experts emphasize diet as the best source of nutrients for children, but physicians may recommend supplements for certain children at risk of deficiency.
Research suggests that having a big breakfast with carbohydrates and lean protein, and even a piece of chocolate, will help keep your appetite in check all day and help you lose weight.
When you see photos of Cameron Diaz's slim silhouette or Jessica Alba's flat post-pregnancy tummy, you probably wonder just how Hollywood stars stay so lean or snap back into shape so quickly. While many swear their svelte bods come from eating right and exercising round the clock, the truth is that some celebs may go to strange and interesting lengths to get or stay pin thin. Here, the skinny on exactly what the big names do to get red-carpet ready -- from the healthy strategies you'll want to steal to the just plain wacky ideas you'll want to avoid.
Want to shed some pounds? You're more likely to be successful if you stand to gain --or lose -- some money.
A study says eating too much red meat can increase your chance of getting conditions that lead to heart disease and diabetes. Middle-aged people who ate at least two servings of meat per day increased their risk of metabolic syndrome by 26 percent. The research was published in the January 22, 2008, issue of Circulation.
A study says eating too much red meat can increase your chance of getting conditions that lead to heart disease and diabetes. Middle-aged people who ate at least two servings of meat per day increased their risk of metabolic syndrome by 26 percent. The research was published in the January 22, 2008, issue of Circulation.
Let's face it: Your weekly (or daily!) run to the grocery store is the foundation for your good health. So it's thrilling news that the supermarket industry is on a health kick -- these days you'll most likely find organic produce and "natural" packaged foods at almost any store you go to. But which chains are outdoing themselves to deliver the freshest and healthiest foods to you? And which ones provide the best tools to help you make smart choices? We asked six prominent health experts to help us pick the top 10 healthiest grocery stores out of the nation's largest chains. Health.com: Meet our judges
When Dr. Danielle Ofri first read the headlines, she was horrified: Doctors were prescribing placebos to their patients instead of real medicine. How awful, she thought. How deceptive.
"Enough salt already," sighed Theo Hodge on a recent evening as I added more salt to a plat de resistance I was preparing for us. Considering that he was my doctor, the scolding came as no surprise. But as a chef and food writer, I know sodium chloride salt is an important ingredient in many recipes. Both professional and home cooks equate salt with flavor.
Pediatricians say babies, children and teens need to double their intake of vitamin D
Reading a book may not burn many calories, but the right material may help kids shed pounds
Get a peek at how our Mississippi 8 documented their diet struggles in an ABC special
About one in two American adults has borderline or high cholesterol levels, which increase one's risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
A new study suggests that the common weight-loss surgery leads to less weight loss in patients with diabetes
If carb-loading were an Olympic competition, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps would probably medal there, too. His day starts with three cheese-tomato-onion-fried egg sandwiches, an omelet, three powdered-sugar-covered slices of French toast, a bowl of grits and three chocolate chip pancakes to top it off, according to news reports.
In the dining room's soft amber glow, dozens of patrons peruse the menu at Rock Creek restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland. From a health standpoint, making a smart choice is easy.
Thirty minutes of moderate activity a day won't cut it if you're trying to lose weight, a new study says. Budget at least an hour, most days of the week
Sujit Bhattacharya knew he felt sluggish and had trouble putting on his socks and shoes. One day, when he tried on a pair of size 30 shorts, his wife pointed out that they fit only under his belly.
From curbside snack carts to four-star restaurants, New York City chefs have until next summer to rid their kitchens of trans fat. It's a bold move, but a necessary one, according to city health officials.
Harvard professor and nutrition guru, Walter Willett, weighs the balance between high-fat and high-carb diets
Are you ready to make the commitment to a healthier, happier and longer life? Get in shape in 2008 with CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta by signing the pledge below and join us as we kickoff our great American Fit Nation tour this summer.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most nutritious foods you can choose. They're low in calories yet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. That's why produce, along with whole grains, forms the basis of a healthful diet. What's more, the way you store, prepare, and cook these foods can magnify (or preserve) their already healthful properties.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most nutritious foods you can choose. They're low in calories yet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. That's why produce, along with whole grains, forms the basis of a healthful diet. What's more, the way you store, prepare, and cook these foods can magnify (or preserve) their already healthful properties.
Eating fruits and vegetables helps keep you healthy and protects against disease, but it's not always easy to consume as much produce as experts advise. Fortunately, juices can be a convenient way to squeeze in extra servings. Six ounces -- just 3/4 cup of juice -- counts as one serving of a fruit or vegetable.
The steep decades-long rise in child obesity appears to have peaked, according to a new study
Vitamin D is becoming an increasingly important player in a healthful diet. Over the past 10 years, a spate of research has linked it to an impressive and diverse array of potential benefits. In addition to vitamin D's well-known function of increasing calcium absorption and thereby helping encourage healthy bone growth, it has shown promise in helping to prevent certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. CookingLight.com: The Calcium Connection
If you're like us, you eat out more than ever -- and, as nice as it is to not have to cook, those meals out can actually feel like work. How do you navigate the minefields of huge portions, hidden fats, and sky-high sodium levels?
In 2005, the government's revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduced the term "nutrient density," which sounds complicated but simply refers to how much nutrition a food provides. For example, a slice of 100 percent whole-grain bread is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while a slice of regular white bread is lower in all three.
Hardly a week goes by without news of antioxidants' health-promoting benefits. Experts believe these nutritional substances may help prevent heart disease, fight certain cancers, ward off dementia, and even slow certain aging processes.
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