Global Weight Loss Advice

SBD Chinese

2011-08-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

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Chinese, Indian, and Japanese Food on The South Beach DietFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated December 08, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:south beach diethealthy restaurant choiceschinese foodindian foodjapanese food

Just because you've started The South Beach Diet, you don't have to give up eating at your favorite ethnic restaurants. In the coming weeks, we'll look at several different cuisines and the SBD-friendly options they offer. In this installment, we cover Chinese, Indian, and Japanese.

Chinese

The biggest problem about Chinese food is that Chinese dishes have been "Americanized" to rely less on vegetables in favor of deep fried meats, such as the perennial favorite, sweet and sour chicken. The portions are often too large and include rich sauces.

Needless to say, you'll need to avoid all fried meat-based dishes. Fried rice is on the hit list, but when you're SBD you'll want to steer clear of white rice, too, even though it's steamed, because of its high GI rating. Noodles are a no-no (Say bye-bye vegetable lo mein; it may be rich in veggies, but the noodles are a carb nightmare!).

Here are some general guidelines for Chinese menus:

No:Sweet and sour chickenFried rice, dumplings and noodlesLo meinEgg rollsCrispy duckMoo Goo Gai Pan

Yes:Chicken and broccoliEgg drop soupSteamed vegetablesRice (Ice cream scoop size; Phase 2 or 3 only)Meat, poultry, shellfish (grilled, steamed, broiled; lean)

Indian

Indian food can be a good choice because you can get Tandoori style meat, which is basically roasted. You can find salads, chickpeas, beans and dishes made with other vegetables such as lentils (dal) and spinach. Masalas and raitas are good choices.

The most tempting part of any visit to an Indian restaurant is the traditional bread prepared in the Tandoori oven. While it may be prepared in a healthy way, a carb is a carb and bread is bread.

Japanese

Japanese food is another good choice because fish, shellfish, and vegetables are staples. Miso soup is completely acceptable. While sushi may be off-limits, sashimi is acceptable as it does not include rice.

There are also vegetarian options, which are also acceptable, such as tofu- and edamame-based dishes. Though Teriyaki dishes are grilled, the marinade is high in sugar, making them unfavorable on The South Beach Diet. Tempura is, of course, a no-go (Hello, deep fried anything, good-bye SBD!).

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What is a Tummy Tuck?

2011-08-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

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What is a Tummy Tuck?Tummy Tuck is a Serious Surgery with RisksFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated December 22, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:abdominoplastyabdominal fatweight loss surgery Tummy tuck is a nickname given to a surgical procedure known as abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck doesn't actually lead to weight loss in and of itself. It's often done after a significant weight loss in order to improve the patient's appearance.

What it Is; What it Does
Abdominoplasty is done to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area. It also results in tightening of the abdominal wall muscles. The result? This procedure can significantly reduce the protrusion of the mid- and lower-sections of the stomach.

Serious Surgery
While the euphemism 'tummy tuck' may sound benign, abdominoplasty is in fact a major surgery. Loose skin is removed, skin that has stretch marks may also be removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened up with sutures. 2

Possible Side Effects
The surgery results in permanent scarring and carries risk factors such as suture rupture, slow healing, seroma, bleeding, 1 and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Serious complications, however, are fairly unusual for abdominoplasty.

Insurance & Costs
Since this procedure is considered an aesthetic one (for appearance's sake, not health), it is not generally covered by insurance. According to Smart Tummy Tucks.com, the average cost of the tummy tuck itself can range between $5,000 to $9,000, not including related fees. 3 The charges vary somewhat among individual patients.

If you are still interested in this procedure, talk it over with your physician and ask her to refer you to a qualified bariatric surgeon in your area. You may also wish to visit http://www.smarttummytuck.com.

Thanks for sending in your question. Good luck with your weight loss efforts!

1 Smart Plastic Surgery.com: http://www.smartplasticsurgery.com/tummytucks.html risks/complications, 14 October 2004.

2 Surgery.org: Tummy Tuck: http://www.surgery.org/public/procedures-tummytuck4.php, 12 January 2005.

3 Smart Tummy Tuck.com: Costs: http://www.smarttummytucks.com/costs.html, 18 January 2005.

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Your Weight Loss Goals - Is It too Complicated

2011-08-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Many men and women battle with their weight. Finding out the simplest weight loss diet is typically arduous. Here are some cool and useful diet tips to help with losing weight. Take all of this in to become enlightened on the straightforward manner to lose weight

Eat five little meals daily. This could be roughly every three hours. Most folks love eating therefore this should not be too onerous!! Any nutritionist or health knowledgeable can tell you this is the means to eat. It's one in all the best ways that to keep your blood sugar stable.

You've got ought to eat less calorific food and/or burn additional through exercise to be thinner. The best means (in terms of effort put in)is merely to chop calories. Your weight loss will begin when you do this - it's that straightforward.

Forget fat... focus on your carbohydrate intake. Therefore several dieters make the mistake of following a rigidly low-fat diet, however don't understand that the underlying rationalization for their weight gain is eating an excessive amount of carbohydrate - sometimes in the form of chocolate, bread and alcohol.

If you have got a wedding or a vacation in an exceedingly month then banishing carbohydrate is sweet for a quick fix, however be prepared to work out your weight fly back on... and a lot of! If you are wanting to lose weight long term then the only sustainable approach is to line goals to reinforce the quality, amount and timing of your carbohydrate intake.

Be realistic. Crazy goals like losing two dress sizes in 2 weeks can virtually perpetually finish in tears, lost motivation and a lot of than a little comfort eating. You'll be able to only ever seem like a thinner you - so set standards you know you can achieve.

Carbohydrate Counts for Bacon

2011-08-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Weight LossSearchWeight LossEat RightDiet PlansConquer Your WeightShareSee More About:low carb dietcarbohydrate countsgood carbsbad carbsCarb Counts: Bacon

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Overweight

2011-08-02T08:06:00.000-07:00

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Definition of From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated September 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:obesitybody mass indexassessing your weight

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Workout CDs

2011-08-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Shape Fitness Music series. A lot of the CDs in the series feature dance and club hits as well oldies from the 80's and 60's. Each volume is unique and the songs are arranged for working out and cooling down.1) Shape Fitness Music: Walk Plus 2: Hot Club HitsThis CD is great for walking outdoors or using a treadmill. The songs average about 136 to 138 beats per minutes. Many well known tracks are found on this title such as "Beautiful Life" and "Mr. Vain", both huge dance hits from the 90's.

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Carbohydrates

2011-07-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

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What are ?From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated December 08, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:nutritionhealthy eatinggood carbsbad carbs No matter how popular low carb diets are, it's important to remember that in and of themselves are not "bad" things to be avoided at all costs. On the contrary, when it comes to general nutrition and healthy eating, getting enough carbs is important.

are your body's primary source for energy. are comprised of sugars, starches, and cellulose. Your body must break down carbs in order to turn them into glucose (commonly referred to as blood sugar). The reason too many of the wrong kind of carbs aren't good for you is that your body can convert them into body fat to use (or not use) later.

Not All Carbs are Created EqualThere are two different types of . Discerning among the two is important, because their impact on your body differ significantly. Simple (sugar) like table sugar, honey, candy, and the like, are digested quickly and give your body an energy surge.

An example of the effects of simple carbs is one we can all identify with. You know the "buzz" you get from eating a candy bar? That's the carbs at work. I'm sure you know the crash you feel soon after, too. You have some energy for a while and then you veg out. That's a simple carb for you, alright; they leave you high and dry. You'll feel hungrier much faster after eating simple carbs than you do after eating protein or complex carbs. That's why after you eat toasted white bread for breakfast, you're ravenous before noon.

Kinder, Gentler Carbs
Then there are the "good guys" of the carbohydrate world, complex . Complex are comprised of starchy and fiber-rich foods. They are processed by your digestive system much more slowly than simple carbs are. Examples of complex carbohydrate foods are legumes, fruits, grains, and other vegetables; starchy foods include potatoes, wheat, rice, and corn.

Most complex carbs are high in nutrient value; they contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Complex carbs are the "best bargains for your calorie buck." They help you feel more satiated (you feel fuller longer) than simple carbs. This is because high fiber foods are absorbed at a slower rate than other foods. In general, complex carbs are far better for you than simple ones.

Carbs 'Got Work to Do!
Both complex and simple carbs supply glucose to your muscles. Once the carbs are "manufactured" as fuel, a few things can happen. The fuel is used right away for your body to perform its regular functions or to exercise, it is stored as potential energy, or, if your cells don't require anymore glycogen, they convert into fat. (Incidentally, this conversion to fat is the basis behind the many popular carb-reducing diets.)

Suggested ReadingWhat is a Carbohydrate?What are Processed Foods?Enriched or Fortified?Suggested ReadingUnderstanding Which Carb Level is Right for You?Can Carb Cravings be Your Friend?Suggested ReadingSeven Steps Towards Greater Carb ControlSeven Myths of Low Carb DietsIs Low Carb Right for You?Related ArticlesSimple and Complex and DiabetesGood Carbs and Bad Carbs - Complex are Good Carbs and Diabetes - How Affect DiabetesBodybuilding FAQ - Is It Better To Eliminate Carbs From the Bodybuilding Di...What's the Difference Between Simple and Complex ? Related Searches complex carbohydrate foods low carb diets honey candy complex carbs complex vitamins minerals Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietLosing WeightPhase One Allowed FoodsIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:nutritionhealthy eatinggood carbsbad carbs By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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Dining Out on the SBD

2011-07-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

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Tips for Eating Out on The South Beach DietFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated September 09, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:south beach dieteating out on a diethealthy eating

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Glycemic Index

2011-07-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

(Part 2)From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated November 10, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:starchescarbohydrates (Continued from Page 1)

Added Benefits
Another plus to low-GI eating is your body retains more muscle than in low-fat diets. This is due to the fact that leveling out your blood sugar means your body will begin using stored fat more efficiently. This means even before you see a significant weight loss, you will probably find your clothes are fitting more loosely and you begin feeling a little trimmer, particularly in the tummy area.

What Ranks Foods on the GI?
The more quickly a carbohydrate is digested by your body, the higher its score on the . The easiest foods for your body to break down are starches. This includes bread and potatoes, as well as junk foods like pretzels, cookies, pies, donuts, and potato chips.

The foods are highly processed and high in refined sugars -- a dead give away that a food ranks high on the GI. But not all starches are created equal: "Good" starches include whole grains, legumes, sweet potatoes.

Refined carbohydrates such as breakfast cereals, bagels, and candy, are to be avoided. The more processed a food is, the more likely it is to have a high GI rank. Foods consumed closer to their natural state (ie "whole foods") are on the lower end of the Index.

The Best Choices
There are many foods that rank so low on the that they are considered "free". This is due to the fact that they do not have any effect on your body's glycemic load. You can eat as much of them as you like and you don't need to worry about eating them at a certain meal or with another food. These include, but are not limited to:Alfalfa sproutsScallionsTurnipsTomatoesPeppersOnionsOkraMushroomsGreen beansCollardsCucumbersEggplantCeleryBroccoliCarrotsCauliflower

Pasta is OK!
Pasta in and of itself is not a high-GI food. Depending on how you cook it, the lower GI it has. You'll want to make your pasta al dente (still quite firm) to keep its GI rank at the optimal level.

What is My GI Goal?
Most people should keep their glycemic load to about 80. If you're pregnant, breast-feeding, or highly active, you'll need to raise it. Most people can maintain their weight at about 130 per day. Very active athletes can go as high as 150.

Previous12NextRelated GuideSitesDiabetesLow Carb DietsNutritionRelated ArticlesThe Revisited - Foods StudiesGood Carbs, Bad Carbs - Which are You Eating? - Definition of - How to Use the Which Foods are High In Carbohydrates? Video

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Diet-Friendly Fridge

2011-07-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

is to make healthy foods easy to choose and to keep high-fat, high-calorie foods out of sight (and hopefully, out of mouth!). I put low-fat, lower-calorie choices like yogurt, turkey slices, reduced-fat cheese, and other healthy foods in clear view, but I stow away less-than-ideal fare (like leftover pie my Mom sends home with me!) further back on the shelf. I know I am more likely to reach for something smart if I don't see those other choices first.

More: Six Ways Planning Pays

Make Produce a PriorityIf you file away your fruit and veggies into the produce drawer, reconsider: Most produce will store well in see-through, covered containers on the shelves, and you will be more likely to choose them when they are within view. To make produce an even more automatic choice, wash it and chop it up into bite-size pieces before putting it in the containers.

Tip: When storing produce like pepper slices or celery in plastic containers, put a drop of water in the bottom of the container to help keep them crisp.

Make Your List and Stick to ItHere's something really simple, but effective: If it's not in the house, you can't eat it. No more "just in case company comes" or "I buy it for the kids" excuses! If you are really serious about losing weight, you know deep down that there are certain foods that shouldn't cross your threshold. Fine-tune your grocery list and try to stick to it as closely as possible. Resist promos or buy-one-get-one offers that seem too good to pass up. Those deals may seem like a bargain while you're at the store, but you will regret them later on when you realize those impulse purchases are undoing your success.

More: Grocery Store Smarts

Stock Up on StaplesAlways keep the staples on hand for your favorite recipes. Keep a running grocery list on or near the fridge. When you empty a bottle or container from the fridge, immediately add the item to the list; if you notice an empty spot on a shelf, think of what's usually there and make sure it's on the list.

More: Add Flavor without Fat

Of course, all the healthiest ingredients in the world won't do you any good if you never have time to cook when meal times comes around. Set aside an afternoon on the weekend to prepare a large batch of healthy meals and then refrigerate or freeze individual portions so you'll always have a healthful, pre-prepared meal within reach.

More: Best and Worst Ways to Cook for Weight LossMake Smart SwitchesIt's inevitable that you will need to swap most of the higher-fat foods in your fridge for lower-fat substitutes to lose weight, but that does not mean you have to do it all at once. You will find your new eating habits much easier to adjust to -- and stick to in the long-run -- if you make a few changes at a time, rather than going completely cold turkey on all your favorite foods. For example, instead of buying diet, low-calorie, or reduced-fat versions of everything in your fridge, start with low-fat dairy this week and next week, move on to something else.

Tip: Sometimes, a step-down process is best: I tried fat-free milk some time ago and disliked it so much I swore I'd never try again. Recently, I gradually stepped down from 2-percent to fat-free milk by drinking 1-percent for a while first, which really helped me make the transition.

To Have and Have Not...It's important to have healthier choices on-hand before you say "So long!" to choices that aren't the best. Here are some ideas for must-haves (and mustn't-haves) in your healthier fridge:

Always Stock Up On:ready-to-eat bagged saladsfresh vegetablesfresh fruitsalsa and/or picante saucelow- or non-fat sour creamlow- or non-fat cream cheese1-percent or fat-free milk or soy milkfat-free butter sprayreduced-fat or fat-free mayoreduced-fat or fat-free salad dressingslean protein, such as turkey or chickenlean deli meats, such as roast beef or turkey slices

Reduce or Eliminate Use Of:whole milkregular cheesescreamy salad dressings, e.g. blue cheesesodahot dogsregular mayobutter or margarinechicken or tuna saladregular sour cream and cream cheeselunch meats, e.g. bologna

Single Servings are SmarterTry to buy individual servings whenever possible. I have found this is really important for me; even if a large container of a food I tend to overeat is a better value, I know I am not doing myself any favors by having it in the house. That's not to say you can't overeat by eating too many individual servings, but you may be less likely to go back for a second when you have that empty container in your hand. Research has shown when we have a visual reminder of how much we have eaten, we are less likely to overeat.

More: 5 Ways to Prevent Overeating

Use Your Refrigerator as a ReminderConsider keeping a record of your weight loss progress on the fridge door. Whether you post pictures or a graph showing you much your weight has gone down over the weeks, either will serve as an excellent motivation to take a moment and think about what you're doing next time you head to the fridge. This little reminder may be all you need to reach for those carrots instead of the chocolate cake!

More: Weight Loss 101 - Stay Motivated

To find out the caloric content of your favorite foods -- refrigerated or not! -- check out Calorie Count Plus!

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Hypothyroidism

2011-07-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

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Understanding From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated December 08, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:obesity and healthunexplained weight gain What is the Thyroid?The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck, in front of the trachea and below the larynx (voice box). If you are male, you can easily locate your thyroid gland -- it is just below your Adam's apple.

What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?The thyroid gland secretes two hormones -- thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones control your metabolism, which means they regulate the body's ability to break down food and to either use that energy or store it. These hormones can affect nearly every tissue and cell in the human body; they also tell your organs how quickly to work. Your thyroid must produce sufficient hormones in order for you to be in good health.

What is ? means the thyroid gland is underactive -- it does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. As a result, many physical and mental processes are slowed down, causing sluggishness, and the body consumes less oxygen and produces less body heat.

What Causes ? is most commonly caused by a disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This disease causes the body's immune system to actually attack the thyroid gland.

How Many People Are Affected by Thyroid Problems?According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), around 27 million Americans have either overactive or underactive thyroids, but over half of them are undiagnosed.

Are Thyroid Issues More Prevalent in One Gender than the Other?Thyroid disease overall is more common in women than men -- about 80% of thyroid disease sufferers are female. In the case of , the AACE says women are five to eight times more likely have an under active thyroid than men.

What are the Risk Factors for ?Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing , particularly if they are obese. Thyroid surgery, neck X-rays, and radiation treatment can also increase the risk of developing .

Continued: Symptoms and Treatment

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Chinese Restaurants

2011-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

include soup, teriyaki chicken and steamed vegetables.

Image: © Jupiterimages Corp. Check out our dining out "Quick Guides" for the best and worst dishes at many different types of restaurants. This guide will help you make healthy choices at .

Choose:hot and sour soupwonton soupsteamed spring rollteriyaki chicken skewerdishes made with steamed or boiled chicken or shrimpsteamed vegetablesstir-fries (request less oil)bok choyAvoid:battered or fried appetizersegg rollsGeneral Tso's chickenKung Pao chickenduckdishes laden with rich sauces e.g. Hoisin or sweet and sour

To search the nutritional information for many other restaurant foods, visit About.com's Calorie Count.

More Dining Out "Quick Guides":Mexican Restaurants "Quick Guide"Indian Restaurants "Quick GuideSuggested ReadingHealthy Choices at Indian RestaurantsHealthy Choices at Mexican RestaurantsHealthy Choices at Greek RestaurantsRelated ArticlesIndian Restaurants - Healthy Choices at Indian RestaurantsMexican Restaurants - Healthy Choices at Mexican RestaurantsItalian Restaurants - Healthy Choices at Italian RestaurantsGreek Restaurants - Healthy Choices at Greek RestaurantsHealthy Choices at Asian Restaurants - Healthy Choices at Japanese and Chin... Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietLosing WeightPhase One Allowed FoodsIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:healthy chinese foodeating out on a diethealthy eating By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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Count Calories

2011-07-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

with Calorie Count PlusVirtual WalkthroughGet Your Diet ProfileUseful ToolsHow Many Calories Are In...BeveragesGrains and PastaSnacksRelated ArticlesCounting Calories - How to Lose Weight Counting CaloriesCut Calories - How do You Cut Calories from Your DietCalorie Count - Learn About Calorie CountReal World Weight Loss Tips - Easy Ways to Lose Weight Every Day (Part 2)Sign Up for Calorie Count - Why You Should Sign Up for Calorie Count Member... Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-Out in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietLosing WeightPhase One Allowed FoodsIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:caloric intakecaloriescounting caloriesdietingcutting calories By Category Weight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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Lose Weight without Spending

2011-07-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

MoneyFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated July 31, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:food diarieslosing weightsetting weight loss goals 1 of 5Previous Next Step 1: Start a Food Diary

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After Lap-Band

2011-07-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

SurgeryFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated June 28, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:weight loss surgerylap-band surgery Lap-Band surgery is a form of weight-loss surgery that limits the amount of food you can consume. You must make lifestyle and dietary changes following the surgery in order for it to be successful. This article will help you learn more about life after lap band surgery.What is Lap-Band?Lap-band surgery is a relatively new development in bariatric surgery. Rather than creating the bypass in the digestive system that gastric bypass surgery entails, lap-band does not cause part of your digestive system to be re-routed. Instead, a constrictive band is placed around your stomach that limits its size and therefore the amount of food you're able to eat.What Happens Immediately Surgery? surgery, you will follow a number of fairly simple, but important, eating and drinking guidelines. In time, you will eat three healthful, nutritious meals a day and avoid between-meal snacking. During the first couple of weeks following surgery, you will not be eating normal foods. You will be on an all-liquid diet for a least a week and you will eat solely pureed foods for up to 14 days. After that, you can work up to eating regular foods again.

Returning to Normal EatingWhen you do return to eating normal food, there will be some items you'll want to avoid because they're known to cause problems among lap-band patients. These foods include some breads, dried fruit, nuts and coconut, popcorn, fried foods, and pasta.

You will only be able to eat small amounts of food at each sitting and you'll be advised to eat very slowly, taking at least half an hour to eat your meal.

You will want to avoid high-fat, high-calorie foods, and make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins and minerals by including a variety of foods in your meals.

You will also be advised to stop eating as soon as you feel a sense of satiety (fullness) coming on, because overeating can cause significant discomfort for a lap-band patient, and if done regularly, would ultimately lead to weight-gain.

You will not drink liquids while you eat, but you can have them after your meal (about an hour later). Eating and drinking at the same time causes food to move through the digestive system a little too quickly. However, it is important that you drink between meals in order to keep your digestive tract moving.

Is it for You?In general, it all comes down to a balanced diet using mini meals and a concerted effort to avoid problem foods. Living a new lifestyle, like that surgery, takes a lot of work, but the results are certainly worth it.

Be sure to talk to your physician about your interest in bariatric treatment options to make sure you're a good candidate.

Source:Chebil, Joseph MD, and Mary Ellen Sabatella, RD. "Living with Lap-Band". (Note: This hand-out was provided to me by a local bariatric center. Ask your physician for literature on bariatric surgery so that you can have an informed discussion about your options at your next visit.)Suggested ReadingLap-Band SurgeryAll About Weight Loss SurgeryDo You Qualify for WLS?Suggested ReadingRisks of WLSStomach Stapling SurgeryDuodenal Switch SurgerySuggested ReadingUnderstanding Abnormal Recovery Symptoms25 Tips for Successful WLSPaying when Insurance Won'tRelated ArticlesWhat Happens After Adjustable Gastric Lap-Band Surgery?Lap Band - Lap Band Surgerynot eating enough after surgery - am I eating enough after surgeryCauses of Constipation - Causes of Constipation After SurgerySuccessful Weight Loss Surgery - Understanding Why You Eat Related Searches lap band surgery high calorie foods weight loss surgery vitamins and minerals pureed foods liquid diet Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietLosing WeightPhase One Allowed FoodsIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:weight loss surgerylap-band surgery By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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South Beach Diet Updates

2011-07-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

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Updates to the South Beach DietFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated June 27, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:south beach dietsouth beach diet foods to enjoy The South Beach Diet book's content was updated via The South Beach Diet Web site in April of 2004. The main changes were the addition of a few specified dairy products and the allowance of previously-discouraged vegetables. If you are using an early edition of The South Beach Diet book, you will want to make note of the following updates to The South Beach Diet:

South Beach Diet ChangesSome changes were made to the content of The South Beach Diet book before the release of its second edition. If you are using the the 2003 edition, please take note of the following updates.

Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of The South Beach Diet, announced the changes in April 2004, stating that the diet continues to evolve as more nutritional studies are done. (These changes are based on continuing research about the glycemic index.)

Additional Dairy AllowedThe South Beach Diet previously called for avoiding all dairy products in Phase 1, except for small amounts of fat-free, nonfat milk, 1 percent milk, or soy milk being allowed in coffee.

Now, two servings per day of the following foods can be included on the Foods to Enjoy list of Phase 1:

1 percent milkfat-free milklow-fat plain soy milk (4 grams of fat per serving)1 percent or fat-free buttermilkfat-free plain yogurt

Upon entering Phase 2, you can introduce up to four ounces of artificially sweetened non-fat yogurt (flavored varieties) daily.

Please note that any whole milk products are still to be avoided during all three Phases of The South Beach Diet.

Tomatoes and Onions are UnlimitedTomatoes were previously limited, but now they can be consumed in any quantity during any phase of the diet.

Previously, onions were limited to on-half of an onion each day on all Phases. They can also now be consumed in any quantity during any phase of the The South Beach Diet.

Carrots AllowedPreviously, carrots were on the Foods to Avoid List in the first two Phases. They were also limited in Phase 3. Now, carrots are allowed beginning with Phase 2.

Source:

SouthBeachDiet.com. Updates: The Official Homepage of The South Beach Diet. Retrieved: March 22, 2004.Suggested ReadingSBD OverviewSBD Phase 1How to Get StartedRelated ResourcesSouth Beach Diet 101South Beach Diet Q&ASouth Beach Diet MainSuggested ReadingSBD Phase 3Pros and ConsSBD Food ListsRelated ArticlesSouth Beach Diet A to Z - When can Alcoholic Beverages be Consumed - Alcoho...South Beach Diet 101

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5-Factor Diet

2011-07-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

which was written by fitness trainer Harley Pasternak with Myatt Murphy.Who is Harley Pasternak?Harley Pasternak is a fitness trainer whose clients have included John Mayer, Halle Berry, Mandy Moore, and many other celebrities. He has appeared on television as a nutrition and fitness expert on such shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tyra Banks Show.How much does this diet cost?The book is available in hardcover for about $17. It is also available as an online membership at the diet's official Web site for around $20 a month. The only additional costs for following this diet are purchasing regular grocery store foods or ingredients for recipes, as well as fitness equipment such as a set of dumbbells and a stability ball, which can be found for about $15 each.What is the about?The key principle of the is to eat five meal each day that must be made up of five components: a lean protein, a complex carbohydrate, fiber, a "good" fat, and a sugar-free drink. The food choices Pasternak recommends are based on the Glycemic Index (GI), which rates foods according to their effect on blood sugar levels. (Eating foods with a low GI, as well as high-fiber foods, may help control cravings and prevent overeating by keeping your blood sugar stable.) Pasternak provides some additional key points behind the basis of his diet, including the importance of both protein and fiber as they relate to weight loss and good nutrition in general.

Pasternak says getting regular exercise is 50% of his plan. He says you must exercise five days a week to get the "full benefit" of the plan. He suggests five exercises, to be done five days each week, that take about five minutes each to do. Photos and step-by-step instructions for exercises are provided in the book.What is the food like on the ?Each of the five snacks or meals required six out of seven days on the must include what Paternak refers to as "5-Factor Foods" (low-fat protein, low- to medium-GI carbs, fiber, a healthy fat, and water or another sugar-free beverage).

Pasternak says consuming moderate-carbohydrate, high-protein meals will help you stay fuller longer, which diminishes between-meal hunger pangs. An example of a 5-Factor meal would be baked chicken, mixed vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, a half cup of lentils, and a glass of sparkling water.

There are some specific recommendations among the acceptable foods on the plan, such as choosing white meat poultry over dark and avoiding grapes because of their high ranking on the GI. So it is important that you read the eating guidelines carefully before you begin planning your meals.

Pasternak provides more than 100 recipes in the book, all of which require only five main ingredients and five minutes of preparation.

Each week, there is one day Pasternak calls a "cheat day" when you can eat absolutely anything you want.Is the a fad diet? Will it work?The would not be considered a fad diet because it provides healthful eating guidelines, recommends a variety of foods without excluding any food groups, and is adaptable to your own preferences. Additionally, it recommends regular exercise. All of these points are hallmarks of a sound diet plan.

On the other hand, all of the "five of everything" rules does make this diet seem rather "gimmicky." (And the name-dropping on Pasternak's part -- "Halle Berry loves my fajitas!" -- doesn't make it seem less so.)

There is not really any new or exclusive science behind the plan; it's actually just good, common-sense advice about making better eating choices and becoming more active. There is no "weight loss magic" to eating five meals a day, and always being required to eat all five of the "5-Factor Foods" together at one time isn't necessarily any more effective than eating them among different meals or snacks.

Weight loss comes down to calories in/calories out. Whether you eat five or three meals a day, if you burn more calories than you take in, you'll lose weight. If, for example, you completely remove high-calorie and high-sugar foods such as white bread and soda pop from your diet and replace them with whole grains and sugar-free beverages, and you work out most days a week, you are virtually guaranteed to lose weight.How long does the last?Pasternak presents the diet as a 5-week plan (again ... five!), but you will need to stay on it quite a bit longer if you have more than about 10 pounds to lose. It does not provide rapid results, which is actually a plus. You can expect an average loss of one to two pounds a week after the first week. This diet is safe and adaptable as a permanent lifestyle.

C'tnd Who is the for?

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Carbohydrate Counts for Vegetables

2011-07-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Weight LossSearchWeight LossEat RightDiet PlansConquer Your WeightShareSee More About:carbohydratesnutritionlow carb dietsCarb Counts: Vegetables (A - B)

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Benefits

2011-07-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

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6 Health of ExerciseWhat are the Health of Exercise?From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated July 26, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:exercisehealth of exercising Come on, you already know you need to exercise regularly, right? Just in case you need a half dozen more reasons to get moving, consider these health of exercise:

Physical activity burns calories, so the more you just get up and move, the more calories you will burn. You even burn calories doing things like running the vacuum cleaner or going up and down steps.

Exercise may help you succeed at breaking your weight loss plateau. Many people hit a stopping point where their diet and amount of exercise simply seems to stop working. Increasing your physical activity may give your weight loss another "push" and you'll begin losing again. Strength training is especially effective in doing so because building muscle will help you burn even more calories.

Exercise increases your metabolic rate and the rate stays elevated for some time, even once you've stopped the activity. Perhaps this is why active people can "Eat anything and not gain weight." and why other folks "Gain weight just by looking at food."!

Exercise -- particularly in the morning -- may help you sleep better. Just be sure not to exercise too close to your bedtime if you exercise at night, because it may keep you awake. If you need to exercise within a few hours of going to bed, make sure it's only a brisk walk. Experts say you should allow yourself about three hours between exercise and going to bed. Save the high-impact aerobics for the a.m., mid-day or early afternoon.

Exercise is good for body and soul. Exercising improves mood and due to the chemicals it releases in the brain called endorphins, it gives you an overall feeling of well-being. This is the same chemical that being in love or eating chocolate induces!

Exercise reduces the risk for several diseases including heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, breast cancer, osteoporosis and colon cancer. Exercise may also help prevent, or be effective in treating, some mental illnesses, such as depression.

Related ResourcesCalorie Burn CalculatorWhat is Exercise?Metabolism QuizExercise and Your HealthExercise Protects Against Breast CancerExercise for a Strong, Healthy HeartExercise and DiabetesMore on About.comGet Started with RunningAbsolute Beginner WalkingBeginner's Exercise CornerRelated ArticlesExercise and Weight Loss - How many calories are you burning with exercise? of Exercise - Health of Exercise and Physical ActivityAging Gracefully - of Exercise for Older AdultsCardio for Weight Loss and Gain - Use Cardio to Help You Lose WeightHealth of Exercise - Understanding the Health of Exercise Video

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Set Point Theory

2011-07-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

obesityweight gain causes Definition: is a theory that the body maintains its normal weight and body fat level with internal regulatory controls that dictate how much fat one has. According to the , some individuals have a high setting, meaning they tend to have a naturally higher weight as a set point, and others have a low set point, and therefore a naturally lower body weight.

The suggests that despite dieting efforts, the body tends to return to its set point weight, however regular, consistent exercise may help to adjust the natural set point.Examples: Some refer to the as an internal "thermostat" that regulates body fat.More Obesity-Related TermsAbdominal ObesityAdipose TissueBody Mass IndexRelated Articles - Definition of Losing Weight with Hypothyroidism: How an Underactive Thyroid Can Affect We...Lagrange points - Space and Astronomy Definition - Online Dictionary and Gl...Anorexia Nervosa - Definition of Anorexia NervosaGifts for Fitness Focused Fathers Related Searches consistent exercise point theory regulatory controls thermostat Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietPhase One Allowed FoodsLosing WeightIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:obesityweight gain causes By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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Heart Disease

2011-07-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Weight and are connected, but that doesn't mean being overweight guarantees you'll have heart problems. There are ways to reduce your risk. This article will help you understand the link between weight and .What is ? is a number of abnormal conditions affecting the heart and the blood vessels in the heart. Types of include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia. The most common form of is coronary artery disease, a narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, which is the major reason people have heart attacks.

How Prevalent is ?According to the Centers for Disease Control, is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. In 2002, almost 700,000 people died of , just over half of which were women. These statistics mean that nearly 30% all U.S. deaths were due to .

has been the deadliest health condition for women for 100 years. According to the American Heart Association, has been the leading killer of adult females since 1908.

How is Weight Connected to ?Overweight is considered a major risk factor for both coronary and heart attack. Being 20% overweight or more significantly increases your risk for developing , especially if you have a lot of abdominal fat. The American Heart Association has found that even if you have no other related health conditions, obesity itself increases risk of .

Being sedentary causes risk to increase, possibly even more so for women -– inactive females are more likely to become diabetic, have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. All three of these conditions increase the chance of developing .

Apples vs. PearsYour risk of developing may be heightened even more by the way your weight is distributed on your body. Being overweight and “apple-shaped” -- meaning you carry most of your excess weight in your abdominal area -- is considered riskier than being overweight and “pear-shaped.” Apple-shaped individuals also have many other increased health risks including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and stroke.

To find out if your waistline increases your risk of , you can measure yourself with a measuring tape. You may need a partner to help you measure accurately. The measurement should be taken at the narrowest part of your waist. A high-risk waistline is 35 inches or higher for women and 40 inches or higher for men.

What You Can DoThe good news is, reducing your weight by just 10% can begin to lower your risk of developing and other obesity-related health problems. can often be connected to “known risk factors” with being overweight considered a “modifiable” risk factor (a risk you can do something to prevent). Age and race, on the other hand, are “nonmodifiable” risk factors.

In addition to managing your weight, you can reduce your chances of developing by controlling other related risk factors such as: controlling your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, quitting smoking and getting enough exercise.

A healthy diet is also an important part of lowering your risk of . The American Heart Association recommends a diet that contains no more than 30% of daily calories from fat. For example, if you eat a diet of 2,000 calories per day, no more than 600 calories should come from fat.

To learn more about , visit The American Heart Association or About.com's site.

Sources:

American Heart Association. Diseases & Conditions. 1 February 2008.

American Heart Association. Obesity & Overweight. 1 February 2008.

Centers for Disease Control. CDC . 7 February 2008.

Centers for Disease Control. CDC Deaths,Leading Causes for 2002. National Vital Statistics Reports 2005;53(17) as qtd. in DHDSP - - Facts and Statistics. 7 February 2008.

U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health/Medline Plus. Medline Plus: s 4 February 2008.Weight, and Your Health...Assess Your Waist to Hip RatioMen: Do Your Heart a Favor!Health Risks of ObesitySuggested ReadingWhat is ?Common Symptoms of Diagnosing Suggested ReadingPreventing Assess Your RiskCardiac Risk FactorsRelated ArticlesHealth Risks of Being OverweightRisk Factors You Can't Change - MenopauseMental Health Affects Heart Risks Risk In Women - Women's Risk of Controlling Your Risks - Menopause Related Searches risk american heart association control coronary artery disease coronary types of Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietPhase One Allowed FoodsLosing WeightIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:health risks of obesityobesitybelly fat By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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Type 2 Diabetes

2011-07-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

and ObesityFrom Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated November 05, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:obesityhealth risks of being overweight

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Sonic Drive-In

2011-07-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

?From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated January 10, 2010

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:healthy fast foodhealthy restaurant choicescounting calories

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The South Beach Diet

2011-07-20T03:26:00.000-07:00

(Part 2)From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated June 22, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:south beach dietsouth beach diet phase 1 (Continued from Page 1)Is it Easy to Follow?Once you get used to cutting those "bad carbs" ... yes, it becomes easier. Dr. Agatston says you will become accustomed to eating the good carbs and fats and leaving the bad ones behind.

Many SBD fans swear that their cravings for sweets and other bad carbs virtually disappear during Phase 1.

For some, the Phase 1 period can be extended beyond two weeks, but it is not meant to be a permanent way of eating.

Dr. Agatston says even if you're a bread and pasta lover, you'll be able to get through Phase 1 painlessly. He says you will eventually lose the urge to eat these types of foods. Most South Beachers find cravings subside after two weeks.

What does Phase 1 Do?
The theory behind Phase 1 is that there is a switch inside us that affects the way our bodies react to the food we eat (and makes us gain weight).

When the switch is on, we crave foods that actually cause us to store fat (Agatston, pp 4-5). According to Dr. Agatston, at the end of the first two weeks the switch has gone from the on to off position.

The principle requiring the stringent Phase 1 is that by following the specified plan, you can correct the way your body reacts to food. By the time begin to add some of the forbidden foods back into your diet, your body has had a chance to adjust.

(Please note you will need to read book in order to accurately follow this plan. You may also find the companion food guide helpful.)

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Cinema Wars

2011-07-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Revenge of the Snacks Episode 3From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com Guide

Updated September 28, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:healthy movie theater food choiceshealthy snackseating out on a diethealthy eating (Continued from Page 2)

Beverage Basics

Granitas have just as many calories -- or more -- than soda. Just because they're fruit flavored, they're not a better choice. Pass on ice cream and treat yourself to a low-fat frozen yogurt after the film. Cotton candy literally is pure sugar; it may be fat-free, but it's not calorie-free.

Sayonara, Sodas
Now ... don't even get me started on those silo-sized sodas! Unless you're a diet soda fan, stick with buying bottled water or bringing some in with you (Now, go find an even bigger purse.). The overly-generous cup of soda has thousands of empty calories that will find their way to your waistline in no time.

Let's All Stay Out of the Lobby
So you've got your kiddie popcorn, your bottled water and a resolve to refrain from refills. What's left to do? Sit back, relax, enjoy the movie ... and your sense of pride at having stuck to your guns!

Sources:
CalorieKing.com: Caloric Database Search movie theater popcorn. 17 May, 2005.
Center for Science in the Public Interest: CSPI Press Room , 14 April, 2005.
Food Psychology.com: , Wansink, Brian, 18 April, 2005.

Previous123NextSuggested ReadingSmall Changes for Losing WeightSmall Changes, Big RewardsGuide to Healthy SnacksSuggested ReadingHealthy Snacks with 200 Calories or LessIdeas for Healthy 100 Calorie SnacksSnacking Solutions for Low-Fat DietersSuggested ReadingPortable Healthy Snacks for Work or TravelAvoid Common Dinner Diet MistakesHow Cutting Cooking Fat Benefits HealthRelated ArticlesEasy Ways to Lose Weight - Easy Weight Loss Tips - Losing Weight by Making ...Soda - Green LivingBaking Soda BasicsBaking Soda BasicsBaking Soda Basics Related Searches food psychology center for science in the public interest diet soda empty calories frozen yogurt calorieking Explore Weight Loss Must Reads Diets A to Z8 Easy Ways to Lose WeightFood Diary Print-OutCount Calories in 5 StepsSpring Clean Your Diet Most Popular Caloric IntakeThe South Beach DietPhase One Allowed FoodsLosing WeightIs Loose Skin an Issue? See More About:healthy movie theater food choiceshealthy snackseating out on a diethealthy eating By Category Count CaloriesWeight Loss BasicsHealthy EatingEating OutNutritionAbout DietsEmotional EatingExercise for Weight LossObesity & HealthChildren & TeensWeight Loss SurgeryGlossary

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