Diet & Fitness Blog

Overcome Dieting Excuses & Lose Weight! -- PART 1

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:19:00 +0000

By Dorian Wagner
Senior Copy Editor

It's easy to get excited about losing weight, but actually getting motivated to do something about it is always the hard part.

There's a wide world of excuses out there, and this we're bringing you this series of how regular people -- just like you -- busted through their toughest ones to reach their weight-loss goals.

In Part 1 of our Overcoming Dieting Excuses series, Justin S. looks at a "before" picture of himself and realizes, "Well, that guy right there had a lot of excuses."

Justin talks candidly about the real-life issues that caused him to lose weight and lose motivation. He originally lost 47 pounds, then gained it all back when his "world was basically turned upside down." He:

Had a baby
Sold his house
Moved in with the in-laws
Had a huge Italian dinner every night (pasta, bread, desserts…)
Had 3 kids under 3 yrs. old living under the same roof
Had his weight equipment all packed away

Can you relate to any of the "excuses" Justin had? After two years, Justin realized he couldn't blame his weight on anyone else, and got back to work. He's now lost over 60 pounds, and his story is not only inspiring, it's one we think many of you will be able to relate to.

Check out Justin's story in the video below!

Just like Justin realized, at some point you just have to get your butt in gear… If you're ready to put an end to your excuses, click here and get started for free today with a quick diet profile that will help you make sense of all the different diet choices out there.

Did you like this post? Read more like it:

-- Drop 6 Sizes! Check out Katie's Amazing Weight Loss!

-- What's Your Real Motivation for Losing Weight?

-- "Fat and Flubby" to Fashionable, Fit & Fabulous!

Sole Man: What His Shoes Say

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:13:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

What's the first thing a woman notices on a man?

Some say smile, some say eyes, some say face and some say shoes. That's right: For some women, the first thing they notice is shoes. I'm not going to tell you what's the first thing a man notices on a woman, but I can tell you that shoes fall well outside of the top 10.

There's nothing wrong with where your eyes glance when first encountering the opposite sex, but what do you do with this information when you get it? You make assumptions about the man, his beliefs and his bank account and then decide whether you're going to make contact.

Every men's magazine I've ever read extols the virtue of slickly shined shoes on a first date: "Women notice shoes." But do women really know what a certain shoe says about a man or what to say to that man after scoping his slides?

Well, it's your lucky day because as a man, I have access to the secret code of the male mind. I know what his shoes portray, and what information you can glean from glancing at his feet. It's as simple as following these keys to kicks and following up with the right steps.

Polished Penny Loafers
He's old school, uptight and wants to look respectable. Comfort is not as important as professionalism. If there is a penny in said loafers, he's older than 60.

Making contact: Open with a comment about the weather and then talk about how kids today have no respect for a finely crafted loafer.

Well-Worn Tennis Shoes
This guy is either athletic and laidback or sloppy and lazy. Either way, he's comfortable in his skin and sporting new Nikes is his idea of dressing to impress.

Making contact: If he's unkempt and portly, mention how society puts too much emphasis on superficial things and ask him to go out for coffee. If he's obviously fit, challenge him to something --- anything. Sporty dudes can never turn down a challenge of any kind.

Converse All-Stars
He's laid-back, cool and casual yet complicated, stylish and intelligent. He's also quite handsome, as well as macho yet sensitive. He is the man of your dreams. [Editor's note: Shawn wears these. He also probably has no idea what he's talking about.]

Making contact: Smile at him and give him that "come hither" stare. He's perceptive -- he'll pick it up.

What do other shoes say about men? Let us know what you think and post a comment below.

All-American Cookout Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Send us your 4th of July recipes!

Think you're a good cook? Then it's time to prove it with a Fourth of July recipe smack-down! eDiets is looking for a recipe worth $200 and someone who wants a shot at glory.

Whether your Independence Day fare is a patriotic potato dish, an all-American meat recipe or a stately salad, share your nosh with the nation and do your part to keep this country fed. We’re considering all great recipes – from the grill, the oven or just your trusted cutting board.

Our staff will vote on your cookout cuisine for its taste, creativity and nutritional benefits. If yours reigns supreme, you will win an eDiets goodie bag (valued at over $200!), containing a pedometer, exercise DVDs and CDs, workout equipment and a lot more.

But that value pales to the priceless fame that comes with having your recipe featured in an upcoming issue of The Daily Skinny newsletter, complete with bragging rights! If you're not getting the Skinny newsletter, you can sign up here.

Send your recipe and contact information to blog@ediets.com. If yours is selected, we’ll contact you by email to let you know which Skinny newsletter your recipe will appear. We’ll even have your recipe analyzed by our nutritionists for its nutritional value – and they may offer improvements without changing its award-winning appeal!

Just to whet your appetite and get the creative juices flowing, try this cool summertime thirst quencher from Atkins that is low-carb, full flavor and comes with a healthy dose of vitamin C:

Low-Carb Margarita

Ingredients
3 ounces tequila
2 ounces lime juice
1 teaspoon orange oil (optional)
4 packets sugar substitute
7 ice cubes

Directions
Mix all ingredients in a blender until ice is crushed. Pour into a chilled glass.
Prep time: five minutes.

Makes two servings. Nutritional values per serving: 4.5 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 0 grams protein, 0 grams fat, 118 calories and 4.5 grams net carbs.

Are you grill master of your domain? What's your summertime claim to fame? Send us your recipe for your chance at fame and fabulous prizes! The winner will be selected by staff members based on taste, health, creativity and whatever else we deem appropriate.

7 Secrets of Great Grilling

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:31:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

The basics of grilling are simple: Use fire to cook meat. The cavemen did it. The pioneers did it.

In the summertime, people all over America get together and do it. There's something wonderful about gathering around an open flame to heat -- then eat -- meat.

It could be the simplicity or the spectacle, but I tend to think it's the flavor. There is nothing better than burgers, dogs, steaks or kebabs hot off the grill. Those juicy, smoky flavors that get your mouth watering with their aromas as they sizzle on the grill are the taste of summer.

An added benefit of grilling is that it's also a healthy way to cook your foods -- assuming you don't keep going back for seconds, thirds or more.

"The great thing about grilling is that there's no added calories from cooking oils or butters, and with fat in the meat (cooking out and) dripping off, you're left with flavorful food with less fat," according to Tracey Ryan, MS, RD, eDiets Manager of Nutrition Support. "Of course, you should try and select lean cuts of meat and season them with herbs and spices instead of marinades for the healthiest grilling."

While grilling may be a simple way to make healthy, delicious dishes, there are a few tricks to take your cookout from caveman to connoisseur in no time.

Tools of the Trade
Make sure to keep your grill clean by scraping it after each use (if it's still warm, it's much easier). If you decide you can't wait to eat and simply lack the time to scrape the grill -- or just forget -- make sure to scrape it before the next use. Again, if you warm it up and then turn the fire to low, it will be easier.

If you're cooking burgers, you'll need a large metal spatula. For almost anything else, you're going to want to invest in a nice set of tongs. I used to use a fork to flip my steaks and such, but one of my chef friends explained that I was letting a lot of the sweet juices out through those little holes. I made the switch, and my meats have never been more succulent.

Meat Matters
Choosing the proper meat is crucial to your backyard barbeque. Knowing how many people you're entertaining -- and how much clean up you want to do -- will help decide what to cook. Although steaks are always a favorite on the grill, making steaks for a large group can be difficult and costly, but for a small gathering, here's how to select a steak:

Pick a steak that is 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick or more so it won't dry out as easily during grilling. Sirloin is a lean, tender cut of meat. Slash the edges of the fat every inch or so to avoid curling and avoid the urge to eat the fat when it's done cooking. Cook over a medium-high heat and flip once.

Hamburgers and hot dogs are the best thing to cook at large gatherings. No utensils are necessary, and if you do it right, you can even keep them pretty healthy. Make burger patties about 1-inch thick so they stay juicy while cooking and stick with leaner meat; 85/15 and 90/10 are both good selections, Tracey says.

When it comes to meat, not all wieners are created equally.
"Beef hot dogs must contain only beef with no soybean protein or dry milk solid fillers added," says eDiets Director of Nutrition Services, Pam Ofstein. "Kosher dogs are all-beef and do not have natural casing (sheep intestine). As for the term 'frankfurter,' they may contain up to 3.5 percent fillers (use your imagination) and made from a combination of meats."

So stick to hot dogs at your cookout to avoid the mystery meats. You can also switch to turkey hot dogs to save yourself a few calories.

Finally, grab the whole grain buns to get some extra fiber and hold the mayo when dressing your dog or burger. Mayonnaise is basically egg yolks and oil, so it's high in calories. One tablespoon will add about 100 calories and 11 grams of fat to your burger, so go with ketchup and mustard instead.

What tips do you have creative cookouts and gourmet grilling? Share your secrets by commenting below.

Recipe: Flag Cake

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:30:00 +0000

This patriotic dessert is perfect for the 4th of July. It's soft vanilla cake topped with a layer of whipped cream and berries from the Atkins Diet.

Servings: 10
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup soya powder or sifted soy flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup granular sugar substitute
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon zest
9 large eggs, at room temperature, separated
3/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granular sugar substitute
1 quart strawberries, halved 1/2 cup blueberries

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 13 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl whisk soy powder, baking soda, sugar substitute, salt and zest. Combine yolks, water, oil and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Slowly add the liquid mixture into the dry mixture, whisking until just combined.

3. With an electric mixer on high, beat whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes.

4. Using a rubber spatula, fold whites into batter in three additions. Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly and smooth top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and sides have just started to pull away from the pan. Allow cake to cool completely, about 1 hour.

5. Transfer cake to a serving platter, running a sharp knife around the side to help release. Insert strips of waxed paper underneath cake. With an electric mixer on high, beat cream, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and sugar substitute until soft peaks form. Using a metal spatula, spread whipped cream in an even layer on top and sides of cake.

6. Form stars by arranging blueberries in upper left corner of cake to form a 4x3 blue square. Form "stripes" by arranging strawberries in 4 equally-spaced horizontal lines across cake.

Nutrition
Calories: 342
Fat: 25 grams
Protein: 15 grams
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Net Carbs: 10 grams

Recipe from Atkins.com.

What's Your Favorite Olympic Event?

noreply@blogger.com (shawnanigans) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:12:00 +0000

By Glenn Mueller
Senior Writer/Editor

Summer is always a difficult time for a fanatical sports fan like me. Aside from baseball, there's really nothing to watch. Usually, by the time the 4th of July is over, I am already counting down the days until the first Gator football game of the season (August 30th against Hawaii).

But this year is different. From August 8th-24th, the 2008 Olympic Games will take place in Beijing. Now, you can call me an idealist, but I love the Olympics. I love the link to Ancient times, all of the pageantry and tradition and the Olympic spirit. But most of all, I just admire the fact that in today's fast-paced, profit-driven-world, people still push themselves to their absolute limits for honor and for country.

The Summer Olympics also gives me a chance to enjoy watching a variety of sports that I don't get to see very often, including boxing, rowing, cycling, fencing, wrestling and weightlifting. I am really looking forward to watching the U.S. women's gymnastics team led by Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin.

And as a basketball fan, I can't wait to see the U.S. squad in action. We may have had to settle for the Bronze in 2004, but this time should be different. The 2008 roster features as much depth and talent as the original "Dream Team" of 1992. Making the trip to China will be NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, LeBron James and the biggest sports celebrity down here in South Florida, Dwayne Waaaaaaaaaaaade!

I like the Olympics so much that it is extremely difficult for me to pick a favorite event. However, I have to admit that I'm kind of partial to swimming. Though I have never been very athletic, we all know from my post last week that I swam during my junior and senior years of high school.

I've always wondered what it would be like to be at the top of the podium sporting a gold medal and fighting back the tears as the National Anthem plays in the background. Throughout the course of history, this has been one of the greatest honors any athlete can receive. I'll never get to experience this thrill first-hand, but an elite group of athletes from around the world will get to experience it very soon. And you can bet I'll be watching!

So what about you? What's your favorite Olympic event? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Report: 24 Million People in the U.S. Have Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Glenn Mueller
Senior Writer/Editor

Diabetes is growing in epidemic proportions in this country, and those numbers show no signs of slowing down. In fact, the U.S. Government reported last Tuesday that the number of Americans with diabetes has grown to 24 million -- a full 8 percent of the population.

According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those numbers represent an increase of 3 million people in just two years. As if these numbers aren't alarming enough, approximately 57 million Americans currently suffer from pre-diabetes.

“These numbers leave me speechless," says Tracey Ryan, eDiets Manager of Nutrition Support. "That 24 million Americans have diabetes is shocking enough, but what is more saddening is the thought that 57 million more are on the verge of developing diabetes if they don’t make changes, and quickly."

Fortunately, Tracey says there are some things you can do to lower your risk for diabetes.

"It is extremely important to be aware of your risk for diabetes, but being proactive is just as important, if not more,” Tracey says.

Perhaps the best way to decrease your risk for diabetes is to start exercising. Exercise can help control your blood glucose, lower your blood pressure, and improve your blood cholesterol. It also reduces your risk for heart disease and stroke, by strengthening your cardiovascular system. Perhaps most importantly for people with diabetes, participating in regular physical activity helps insulin work better, increases flexibility and improves blood circulation. Recent research shows that just about any type of exercise improves blood glucose control.

“If you are at risk of developing diabetes it is time that you made some changes to the way you eat and how much physical activity you do," Tracey says.

According to the American Diabetes Association, losing even a little bit of weight can help people with or at risk for diabetes by lowering insulin resistance and lowering blood glucose levels. Tracey suggests following a healthy meal plan similar to the Living With Diabetes plan on eDiets.

"Making sure you round out your diet with lean meats, fish, whole grains, fruits and vegetables in combination with a moderate amount of exercise should help you to lose some weight, and at the same time reduce your risk for diabetes,” Tracey says.

Like this post? We think you might also enjoy:
-- What's Your Real Motivation for Losing Weight?

-- Oops, is that Mustard on Your X-Ray or Are You Dying?

-- Breaking News: Diet Found to Reduce Heart Attacks

New Report: 54 Million Americans Uninsured

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Geoffrey Anderson Jr.
Copy Editor

It's not a topic that people regularly talk about amongst friends. You can't just bring it up over a pint of beer after work or during a casual conversation about the weather -- it's somewhat personal.

So, when the subject does make it into my conversations once in a blue moon, I always get the same reaction from people: "You're uninsured? That sucks, man."

Yes, I am uninsured. And yes, it does suck.

Unfortunately, I am in good company. Last week, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that about 54 million Americans were uninsured at one point during 2007. More than 30 million Americans reported being uninsured for at least a year prior to being surveyed by the CDC.

Sure, there are plenty of benefits to health insurance, such as peace of mind, but what is a person supposed to do when it can't be afforded? With rising gas and food prices eating up disposable income, even a low premium can prove devastating to a low-income individual or family. Eligibility requirements for Medicaid further complicate matters.

Case in point: My father died two years ago from a stroke. Medical expenses totaled about $31,000, and he was uninsured. Left to foot the bill, my mother and I had no means of paying the exorbitant costs. Luckily, though, charity care offset the charges, taking a weight off our shoulders.

Not everyone can be so lucky, though. If there's one lesson that experience taught me, it's that one's health shouldn’t be taken for granted. It's one thing to be poor, but it's a completely different (and unfortunate) situation to be poor and unhealthy. I still don't have health insurance for myself (I'm a contract worker), but consider getting insured if you can spare the money or talk to your employer about it. The peace of mind is worth it.

What’s Your Summer Slimdown?

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:37:00 +0000

By Glenn Mueller
Senior Writer/Editor

You are no doubt familiar with the summer of love, but how about the summer of slimming?

Well, personally, I intend to use these summer months to whip myself back into shape. Writing about health and fitness all day doesn’t do my body any good unless I decide to practice what I preach.

Not everyone who works for eDiets.com is a model of health and fitness, but I’ve certainly got plenty of competition here on the content team. One of my co-workers is a former college gymnast, who still looks like she could be a walk-on for the Olympics in August if the U.S. team needed her. As you may remember from reading her blog post, our Senior Copy Editor ran a full marathon in February, and plans to do another one soon. And even though you’ve seen videos of him stuffing his face full of bacon candy, our staff writer rarely ever misses his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class after work. Then there’s me. I’m the one with the beer belly.

Granted, I am nearly a decade older than my three amigos on the content team, but I’m not going to use that as an excuse (especially since I am younger than our Senior Director of Merchandising, who is quite possibly the fittest person in the company right now). So, I asked her for advice on the best way to get back in shape and she suggested I try spinning.

Now, I've only been spinning for about a month, so I'm not going to claim to be an expert on the subject. But, to my surprise, spinning classes not only provide a great workout, but they are also a lot of fun. In case you've been hiding under a rock, spinning is an aerobic workout in which you use a specially designed stationary bicycle called (get ready for a shock here) a spinning bike. As you pedal away, motivating music blasts out of the loudspeakers while the instructor takes you through a sort of simulated outdoor cycling ride.

One of the great things about spinning is that you can control your own pace by adjusting the resistance knob on the bike. Also, since you are riding on a stationary bike, spinning provides less opportunity for embarrassment than other aerobic workouts. For instance, you don't have to worry about accidentally jumping to the left when everybody else in the class jumps to the right (believe me, I've done it).

And, perhaps best of all, you don't actually have to dress in those goofy-looking Spandex clothes that many bicycle enthusiasts wear. Some people choose to wear them, but you'll never see me coming to class in anything like that. It is bad enough that I had to wear a Speedo when I was on the swim team in high school.

Anyway, I have found spinning to be a great way to kick off my summer slimdown. In fact, this weekend, I am participating in a spinning fundraising event called "Spinning Nation." And I have to give a quick shout out to my gym, Michael's Body Scenes in Boca Raton, Fla. They've raised more money for this event than any other participating gym in the country, and I think that is really awesome.

Enough about me… What about you? What's your summer slimdown? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Flip-Flops: Hazardous to Your Health?

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:59:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

I like to wear flip-flops, and since I live in Florida, I can wear them almost the whole year round. They are my footwear of choice and I sport them daily. They are summer's official shoe.

However, a recently released study from Auburn University suggests that my favorite footwear may be hazardous to my health. The researchers found that flip-flops alter the walk of the wearer and the altered stride can lead to persistent foot and ankle pain.

Apparently, flop wearers take shorter steps which create greater stress on the body over the same distance of regular shoe wearers. Plus, the toes must pinch to hold the flip-flops in place, creating an imbalance in toe muscles. Not to mention the lack of arch and heel support -- especially for those who wear their flops until the tread is paper thin. Being overweight was another factor that contributed to worsening the ankle and foot pain.

However, before you hide your toes away and throw your flops away, there is a silver lining: Like most things we take pleasure in, you can enjoy flops in moderation according to those presenting the research.

I can't possibly part with my summer slides, but I will buy pairs with better support and replace them more frequently. It's hard to give up such a casual, yet functional footwear that illustrates my bohemian beliefs so simply. They are quick, comfortable and keep my feet from getting too smelly. I mean, I gave up smoking for my health, but I'm no saint -- I'm not giving up my flops.

Will you stand your ground on flip-flops or will you kick the habit?

Chocolate Pudding Day! (like you needed an excuse to eat chocolate)

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:45:00 +0000

By Giselle Gerber
Content Manager

I'm not too sure how they come up with all these fun celebratory food days, but today I'm not complaining. You see, Thursday, June 26th is National Chocolate Pudding Day!

I'm always looking for a little something sweet right after I eat lunch or dinner and chocolate pudding always manages to satisfy my sweet tooth. How can I not indulge in this smooth and creamy dessert? After all, it's low in fat and calories, so there's no guilt added. I asked Pam Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition Services what she thought about pudding snacks, and here's what she had to say:

"Chocolate pudding can be a low-calorie alternative dessert without compromising taste. Sometimes you simply want that rich, decedent chocolate flavor but don’t want the extra calories or fat. Chocolate pudding is a perfect treat and can be even pack on more nutritional value by adding some fresh fruit (berries) – making it rich in antioxidants."

So to celebrate this chocolate-y day I plan to raise my spoon and devour a slice of warm, chocolate pudding cake I made in honor of this special day. And for all you bakers out there, here's a delicious, quick and easy chocolate pudding cake recipe for you to enjoy -- in moderation, of course.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

Vegetable oil spray
2 cups all-purpose flour (or try using 1 cup whole wheat flour with 1 cup all-purpose flour)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for the pudding batter)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk, applesauce, and vanilla, blending thoroughly. Pour into baking pan, spreading evenly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the boiling water, brown sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder until sugar and cocoa are dissolved. Pour carefully over batter. Pudding batter will be thin and runny.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until top is firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in center of cake will not be an accurate test for doneness. Let cake rest for 15 minutes before cutting. To serve, slice cake and top with sauce, or pool sauce on plate and top with cake. And if you want to take Pam's advice, top with fresh berries for an extra antioxidant punch! Makes 24 servings, 1 square inch per serving.

Nutritional value per serving -- Calories: 152; Protein: 2g; Carbs: 37g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated: 0g; Polyunsaturated: 1g; Monounsaturated: 0g; Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 94mg.

Mine came out great (in fact, that's a picture of it up there)! Let me know how your pudding cake turns out by commenting below!

Closet Full of Clothes and Nothing to Wear?

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:27:00 +0000

Can you relate?

It's a problem we ladies deal with all the time. The closet is stuffed, but there's nothing there. "Can't you just throw something on?" guys may wonder. Ah, if it was only that easy...

So take heart in knowing you're not alone. None of us have anything to wear, especially not Cathy Cox, eDiets' Testimonial Manager. Watch her video blog below as she takes "nothing to wear" to a whole new level...

Have you been there before? Tell us about it by adding a comment!

Brag Blog: Share Your Diet Milestones!

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:06:00 +0000

By Dorian Wagner
Senior Copy Editor

It's time to celebrate!

What are we celebrating? Well, whatever you want. You decide.

Personally, I'm celebrating a whole week of going to the gym and not slacking off. I made it every day! This after a solid three weeks of being incredibly unmotivated. But, I'm happy to report that I'm back at it -- and it makes me feel good to brag about it. :)

So what do you want to brag about? Share your happy things with us -- whether they're mini milestones (hey, I didn't have to fight my zipper this morning!) or huge accomplishments (I've lost 50 pounds since starting eDiets!).

You tell us what to celebrate! Take the opportunity to brag about yourself. Strut your stuff by writing a comment, and we'll cheer you on and celebrate YOU!

Click here to add your comment to our brag blog!

FRIDAY FUNNIES: Vote on Who's Cuter!

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:11:00 +0000

EDITOR'S NOTE: Be prepared to oooh, awww, make funny faces and forward to your friends. :)

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polls.blogflux.com/poll-27371.html"&amp;amp;gt;Take the poll&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;Here at eDiets, we thought you'd like to get to know us a little... So, for the past few weeks, we've been putting together a post we call the FRIDAY FUNNIES. This week, we're giving you a more personal look at some of our lives... pictures of our kids.

OK, to be honest: A bunch of us don't have kids; we have cats. But don't tell them that! My cat is my son, and I won't be told otherwise (and everyone knows better than to deflate a proud mommy).

This week, we decided to put our pride and joys on the line. Here's some pictures of our dear children... Vote on who you think is the cutest (hint hint: Pimp is mine)! And don't worry, we won't be offended if you don't pick ours, and we certainly won't tell them you said so.

Bring on the kitties!

Pumpkin, the newest baby of the bunch.

Owner: Lenisse Komatsu, web designer

Sweet Pea & Lily, she couldn't choose just one!

Owner: Cathy Cox, testimonials manager

Pimp, was adopted by an apartment full of girls.

Owner: Dorian Wagner, senior copy editor

Shongy, didn't have a recent picture.

Owner: Giselle Gerber, content manager

My Favorite Healthy Breakfast!

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:03:00 +0000

By Dorian Wagner
Senior Copy Editor

So recently I have been LOVING my morning breakfast, and I wanted to share it with all of you. I know mornings are tough (I'm always so rushed; breakfast needs to be easy and quick), so this is a great, healthy deee-licious meal you can throw together in seconds!

And just to be sure it's as healthy as I thought it was -- we all know some products that call themselves healthy aren't exactly the best -- I ran my favorite breakfast by Pam Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition Services, and she gave it a thumbs up! Yay me!

So without further ado, here's Dorian's Perfect Breakfast Parfait and Pam's comments are at the bottom.

1 cup Kashi GOLEAN cereal
1 cup no sugar added, low-fat yogurt (store brand, I'm cheap)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries (they're in season!)
1/4 cup mandarin orange wedges, from a can, drained
Coffee with 1 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. Vanilla Coffeemate

I just layer everything (except the coffee, silly) on top of each other in a bowl, or parfait glass if I'm feeling fancy, mix it up and I'm good to go!

Pam's praise:
Dorian, you balance your morning pretty well. It's a good idea to start the day with a nutritious breakfast filled with protein, whole grains and fresh fruit. The important thing is to pick a whole grain (cereal) that is high in fiber. Kashi GOLEAN is a high fiber source and also tastes really good. You got in about a serving and a half of fruit in the morning -- plus protein (yogurt) using a low-fat product. Good choices!

For variety, you can always mix it up (literally as a parfait) and add different types of berries or a banana... your pick. And for those of you who like to avoid sugar, you can substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener in your coffee, or maybe switch it up a little with green tea in the morning for those super antioxidants!

Thanks, Pam! And I hope all of you readers enjoy my breakfast as much as I do!

Like my breakfast? Let me know what you think or share your own healthy breakfast ideas by commenting below!

Like this post? We think you'd also enjoy:
-- Maximum Motivation: How to Recover from a Setback
-- Summer Survival Checklist
-- Would You Like Fries With That? Well, Maybe...

Times are Tough: Super "Staycation" Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:25:00 +0000

By Glenn Mueller
Senior Writer/Editor

Though the meaning of the word should be painfully obvious, UrbanDictionary.com defines a "staycation" as a vacation spent at or close to home. They even use it in a sentence as follows: "With the price of gas soaring, a staycation is what most Americans will experience during the summer of 2008." Thanks for reminding us.

Since I will most likely be using my stimulus check from Uncle Sam to pay off my credit card debt, this is likely to be a staycation summer for me. Oh well. I guess I don't need to be so grumpy about it. After all, I do live in South Florida, which is already a tourist destination. There is plenty to do around here on my days off from work.

But no matter where you live, there are some great things you can do close to home that are both fun and inexpensive. Here's a few ideas:

Be a tourist in your own town. When was the last time you visited a local museum, art gallery, planetarium, aquarium or zoo? Many times, when people live and work in a place, they don't take advantage of the fun things to do there.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polls.blogflux.com/poll-27302.html"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Take the poll&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Have a picnic. Pack a healthy picnic basket and head to the beach or park with your friends. Combating the rising costs of gas and airfares may be no picnic, but you can have one anytime you want. So, go ahead and pack that basket. Oh, and watch out for the ants.

Get a room. Gas prices are out of control, so road trips and plane fares are out of the question. Why not stay at a nearby hotel for a weekend -- just being away from home and having someone clean your room and change your sheets can be a relaxing break. Plus, without the travel cost, you're getaway is all that much cheaper!

Backyard pool party. OK, maybe you don't have a big, expensive pool in your backyard. If not, a few kiddie pools and lawn chairs will do the trick.

So, what about you? Will you be traveling this summer or taking a staycation? And, if you are going to be staying home, what are you going to do for fun?

Why I Stuffed My Face for 5 Days Straight

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:20:00 +0000

By Dorian Wagner
Senior Copy Editor

I consider myself a pretty healthy eater. I know that I can't eat a burger and fries every day, and I know that if I do eat a burger, I shouldn’t have fries. I know that my plate shouldn't consist of a pile of carbs, and that I should have wheat toast with breakfast, not a giant everything bagel. I know that a bag of chips isn't a "snack," and that I shouldn't have a bowl of ice cream every night after dinner. I know that I should order a Skinny Vanilla Latte at Starbucks, not a Venti Caramel Macchiato, extra whip, extra caramel.

I also know that I seem to forget all this when I'm on vacation.

I just got back from a five-day trip to Chicago (my sister graduated from University of Chicago -- congrats!), and just like after every vacation, I feel like I gained five pounds of blubber eating stuff I wouldn't normally dream of ordering. It's like the rules don't apply if you're out of town.

When I'm at home and in my regular routine, I eat yogurt and a whole-wheat English muffin for breakfast, or a bowl of cereal and fruit. So why, while on vacation, would I feel the need to eat three pancakes doused in syrup, a side of bacon and possibly a stack of toast slathered with butter?

And why, for lunch, would I feel the need to cram in (almost) four slices of Chicago-style deep dish pizza and two beers?

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://polls.blogflux.com/poll-27300.html"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Take the poll&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

And for the love of gosh, why would I a.) order a greasy cheeseburger and fries for dinner -- and clean the plate, and then b.) top off my tummy with something called a "Mess" from a place called Treats. (A "mess" is your choice of ice cream, blended ever so deliciously with heaps of whatever combination of toppings you choose. My Mess, just so you fully understand my overindulgence, was coffee ice cream with Oreo chunks and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup morsels. To my credit, I did manage to refrain from whipped cream.)

Mess, indeed. I feel like my whole diet's a mess after this trip and I can't wait to get back in the gym and back to my regular routine. My yogurt this morning was to die for, and my small sandwich and veggies were faaaabulous for lunch.

The secret to not letting a vacation feeding frenzy not totally wreck your diet (besides not over-stuffing your face in the first place, of course), is to get right back on the saddle when it's over. If nothing else, my gluttonous vacation renewed my sense of purpose and I'm back on the healthy eating train with a fierceness. Full steam ahead! Next stop: those darn abs I can't seem to get!

Can you relate? Share with us by commenting below!

Measuring Matters: Japanese Pass Waist Restrictions

noreply@blogger.com (Alex) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:52:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer

A couple of months ago, I wrote an April fool's gag about the government stepping in on the obesity epidemic in America and enacting an anti-obesity law. Some people realized it was a joke and thought it was funny. Others weren't so quick to catch on and were outraged. But my goal was to spark conversation on a touchy subject -- which I did.

To whit: Should the government step in?

Some said yes, some said no, but everyone held passionate views. So when I saw the New York Times article, "Japan, Seeking Trim Waists, Measures Millions," I was instantly curious. Had Japan done what some Americans believe was necessary to stop this growing problem? Did the Japanese even have an obesity problem? Would they have a catchy tune to help illustrate the issue and give the people something to dance to?

The answer to all of these questions seemed more mysterious than the origins of the ninja… But I was ready to find out.

The law, which took effect two months ago, breaks down like this: Companies and local governments must measure the waists of Japanese citizens between the ages of 40 and 74 (about 44 percent of the population of Japan, or 56 million people).

If people are over the prescribed waist size -- 33.5 inches for men, 35.4 for women -- then they are given dietary guidance first and "re-education" after six months if the dietary guidance isn't effective. (Re-education sounds a little too Clockwork Orange for me.) If companies fail to have their employees meet these new weight guidelines they could face huge fines.

Many complain these guidelines are too strict and that the government is simply trying to shift the cost of healthcare to the private sector -- most Japanese are covered by public healthcare or through their work.

However, proponents think this new law will help to stop the ballooning cost of healthcare for Japan's ever-increasing elderly population, as well as stop the spread of several weight-related diseases with the focus being on metabolic syndrome -- a precursor to diabetes and heart disease.

With such drastic measures to stop Japan's ballooning beltlines, they must be facing some serious weight woes. But how bad is it? According to Japanese statistics, the average waist size for a Japanese man is 32.8 inches and 28 inches for a woman. If you're wondering how we stack up here in the United States, the average waist size for men is 39 inches and 36.5 inches for women.

If you ask me, and I'm considered overweight by Japanese standards at a 34-inch waist, I think they need to lighten up in over there (not literally), but maybe we could learn a thing or two about coming together as a nation to stop this growing epidemic.

I'm not sure if it will work, but something needs to be done. So, I'll leave you with a few of the lyrics from Japan's anti-metabolic syndrome song that's sweeping the nation and got my toes tapping. I couldn't make this up if I wanted to:

Goodbye, metabolic. Let’s get our checkups together. Go! Go! Go!
Goodbye, metabolic. Don’t wait till you get sick. No! No! No!

Do you think the Japanese have the right idea? Would an approach like this work here in the States? Let us know what you think and comment below.

Maximum Motivation: How to Recover from a Setback

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:03:00 +0000

By Shawn McKee
eDiets Staff Writer

It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up. -- Vince Lombardi

I get knocked down -- a lot. I think most people do. As a matter of fact, if you're not getting knocked down, you're probably not really trying. Life knocks you down and things very seldom work out the way they are planned. I am reminded of this nearly every day.

I've been injured for well over a week -- and it's driving me insane. I thought I could work through the pain, but after some research, consultation and some more pain, I realized I should take some time off. I strained my biceps. It's not the worst injury in the world, but it's ruining my routine.

I am a creature of habit. I follow a fairly rigid routine and it keeps me healthy, normal and sane. But when I fall out, I tend to fall way out. I let my daily diet go from 5 or 6 healthy meals to 3 fast-food runs, I abandon the gym and my training completely to reunite with my couch and the most mindless reality TV I can find (American Gladiators, anyone?).

For the first day or so, it's not that big of a deal. It's actually kind of a nice little vacation. But as the days wear on, I feel lethargic, listless. I can't get motivated for anything and I realize that starting back up will be a grueling task. I throw myself a pity party. I will start tomorrow, or, um, maybe Monday. That's a good day to start. Monday it is… Monday comes and goes -- I still haven't started.

I've lost my momentum. Inertia has set in and I am now experiencing "a feeling of unwillingness to do anything." It's physics: A body at rest remains at rest unless force is applied to it. I need to use The Force. So, I consult the Jedi Master of motivation, eDiets Fitness Pro Raphael Calzadilla for some sage advice.

"The key to recovering from a setback is focusing on one successful day. Don't worry about anything beyond one day of dietary and exercise consistency," Raphael recommends. "The next day, focus on how good you feel having completed that successful day -- then do it again. You'll find that you string together a bunch of successful days just by using this method."

So, I'll pick myself up off the floor, dust the dirt from my lapel and take returning to my routine one day at a time. It seems so simple, but sometimes it's hard to see the door when you're face down on the floor. The other realization I have about getting out of a slump is that you can't always do it alone -- sometimes you have to ask for help. So, now it's back to basics… I'll see you at the gym.

Did you have a setback that you thought you couldn't come back from? How did you recover? Post below, it may help you and someone who isn't quite ready to ask for help yet.

Summer Survival Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:32:00 +0000

By Jenn Kepler
Jr. Copy Editor

I have gotten into my car several times these past few weeks to find my car's temperature gauge announcing ridiculous temperatures… like 103 degrees Fahrenheit. I know this is Florida and all, but it's not even summer yet!

Summer doesn't officially start until Friday, June 20, a date that’s also called the "summer solstice." If you're wondering about the science behind it, this is what I understand: On June 20, the North Pole will be inclined toward the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year and, because of that, the day the Earth receives the most sunshine. Tada! The official start of summer.

Time to unfold that sunshade that's been sitting in my trunk for months. Other than keeping my car (and myself!) cool, I've also decided on a few fun ways to kick off my summer…

Blinded by the light? Protection from the sun's UV rays is first and foremost on my list. You can't enjoy the summer if you're squinting to see everything or if you've turned lobster-red after a few hours in the sun. Recently, I splurged on a pair of polarized sunglasses, a floppy straw hat and dermatologist-recommended sunscreen (no more breakouts!). You may feel guilty spending the money, but you can use protection as your justification.

Healthy fixin's: Biting into a juicy watermelon has "summer" written all over it. Some of my favorite fruits are at their juicy peak in the summertime -- like berries, cucumbers, nectarines, peaches and watermelon. With so many fresh choices at the grocery store, it won't be hard to get in my daily servings of fruit.

Get outside: I brought my old bike over to my apartment after it collected some dust and spider webs at my parents' house. Why run on the treadmill when you can bike to the beach or nearby park and get just as much exercise? Plus, it'll be a good way to stay in shape during the swimsuit season!

Kick back, relax and have some fun: The summer solstice calls for celebration in many different cultures. Why not get the grill going, invite some friends over and celebrate the start of the season?

What are you doing to kick-start your summer? Comment below and share with us!

Sex Quiz: Mighty Man vs. Wonderful Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:02:00 +0000

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr.
Copy Editor

Let's talk about sex. No, I'm not talking about the fun activity that two (or more) individuals do together. I'm talking about sex: the biological distinction that defines you as either male or female. Your sex plays an integral role in your overall health, including your susceptibility to certain diseases and conditions.

You didn’t have a choice in the matter, but at least you have the following quiz to inform you of things to look out for (plus, I've also thrown in some fun facts to mention at your next cocktail party!).

1. Recent studies prove that in the span of a day, a woman speaks more words than a man.
a. True
b. False
c. I went over my minutes again.

2. Who's more prone to depression?
a. Men
b. Women
c. Both have an equal risk.

3. A couple walks into a bar. The man orders two cosmopolitans. The female orders two gin and tonics. Who's likelier to feel the effects of the alcohol sooner?
a. The man
b. The woman
c. Why is the man drinking cosmopolitans?

4. Men have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis than women do (Autoimmune diseases pit the body's immune system against the body.).
a. True
b. False
c. This is a tough one.

5. This sex is four times as likely to die from suicide.
a. Men
b. Women

6. Research shows that breast cancer is the leading cause of death in American women.
a. True
b. False
c. The research is inconclusive.

7. What's one reason women tend to live longer than men?
a. Men are likelier to engage in impulsive activities such as popping wheelies on the highway without wearing a helmet.
b. Men are more likely to spend most of their time watching football rather than playing it and exercising.
c. That's life.

8. Both a man and a woman end up in the local hospital after having their first heart attacks. Who has the higher risk of having a second heart attack?
a. The man
b. The woman

Give me the answers already!

Let's see how you did. Click here to see the answers!

Sex Quiz: Mighty Man vs. Wonderful Woman -- The Answers!

noreply@blogger.com (Just don't call me Dor...) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:45:00 +0000

If you've already completed the quiz, the right answers are below. If you haven't, stop peeking and click here to take the quiz!

Remember, these answers only take sex into account – factors such as family history and size could skew the results. Anyway, enough with the disclaimer…

1. False: If you answered True, you're correct – if we were still living in 2006, when Dr. Louann Brizendine released her book The Female Brain. The book asserted that women spoke about 20,000 words daily while men spoke only 7,000. However, last year, a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Review challenged Brizendine's study, putting men slightly ahead overall. However, it is unclear whether the men's results included grunting and cheering.

2. Women: Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, according to WebMD. One contributing factor is the hormonal changes that a woman experiences throughout her life, including pregnancy and menstruation.

3. The Woman: If a man and a female are at the bar looking for a good time, the woman's likelier to find it first, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports. Because men typically weigh more than women, their bodies have more water to dilute the alcohol. Thus, women tend to be more affected by an alcoholic drink.

4. False: The National Women's Health Information Center says that most autoimmune diseases occur in women. Again, it appears that hormonal fluctuations play a role in increasing a woman's risk.

5. Men: Yes, men are four times as likely as women to die from suicide. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are three times likelier to attempt suicide.

6. False: Although breast cancer is a leading cause of death among American women, it isn't No. 1. The leading cause of death is actually heart disease. The American Heart Association Web site states that "nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer."

7. A: Men are likelier to engage in risk-taking situations, putting their lives at stake in the process. Sitting in front of the tube drinking beer instead of exercising doesn't help one's health, either.

8. The Woman: In the first six years after a heart attack, women are almost twice as likely to have a second heart attack, according to the Texas Heart Institute. For more information on maintaining a healthy heart, stop by next month for "The Heart of Summer," the eDiets July theme.

So how did you do? Let us know by leaving a comment below!