New fad diets seem to pop up just as the latest one starts fading or is proven to be just that: a fad. With so many diets out there, how are you to know which one is right for you? The Raw Food Diet, The Blood Type Diet and The Master Cleanse/Lemonade Diet are a few that research now show are good for you. Remember, not all diets are right for everyone. Felicia Stoler, MD, discusses fad diets and how to choose the one that is right for you....
With cold and flu season at its peak, is there anything you can do nutritionally to build up your immune system and help it fight off sickness? That is the question posed by Dr. Felicia Stoler, and she is more than happy to help you answer it. Dr. Stoler, who hosted the second season of TLC’s groundbreaking series, Honey, We’re Killing the Kids and serves on many local, state and national committees related to health and wellness, strongly believes that the foods you eat can directly contribute ...
If you've got cold symptoms or a nagging injury, maybe you should take the day off or cut back your workout routine. Or should you? Is it better to work through the pain and adjust your workout, or just take the day off entirely? Sometimes giving yourself the day off is more beneficial to your health than if you stuck to your regular workout. Listen in as Dr. Jordon Metzl discusses the best ways to handle those days you just don't feel quite right....
Diabetes, risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease are all health risks associated with smoking, but surprising new evidence is finding that sitting can be just as bad for you, causing the same complications. It’s About Prevention, Not Treatment The health risks of sitting too much mostly affect those with desk jobs. Even if you go to the gym in the morning, the amount of sitting you do at work, followed by sitting in front of the TV at home, can outdo that hour of physical activit...
If you find yourself having certain health issues after a workout, there are some simple changes you can make to your workout that will help. What sort of maladies might be affecting you? Swollen fingers, sore feet, or a sore "saddle" after cycling class can all be painful and debilitating. Keeping your hand raised while walking, or working your way up to a longer cycling workout can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Listen in to Grace DeSimone as she discusses the various workout maladies ...
You may already know that going to the gym is important, but are you using your time effectively? Grace DeSimone, editor for the American College of Sports Medicine’s Resource Manual for Group Exercise Instructors and a fitness guru with over 30 years experience, says that for many gym-goers, “the number one thing is that they plan to get to the gym, and that’s it.” They may wander around, chat with friends, and perhaps sip on some free coffee. You look at the time, notice an hour passed, and go...
Do you want to look younger, be fit, and have more energy? Eating healthier and following some sort of fitness training program can help sculpt your body, so you can be full of energy and confidence. Healthy recipes don't have to be bland or tasteless, either. With the right ingredients, they can be delicious AND good for you. Denise Austin joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to share some of her great recipes that can change the way you feel and look... and that taste amazing, too....
Fun, easy and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, Denise Austin's new 360° Plan is available in three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. There is truly something for everyone. The program also includes a large social element, with internal communities where users can help each other, track their friends’ progress through graphics and stats, and provide support. Built from three core elements that are fundamental for a complete health routine, the 360° Plan focuse...
As you approach middle age, you may be concerned how your body will handle the stress of running. Actually, new studies show that running as you approach this point in your life may not be a bad thing. But, is walking still better for you? Your body does go through changes as the years click by, and overuse injuries can become more common. Adjustments to your routine may be necessary; but that doesn't mean you should stop or cut back so much that you're not getting any real benefits. Listen in a...
You are active, eat well, and take care of your health as much as possible, yet you are still unhappy with your body image. This is a common problem many women face, but the struggle to combat this unhappiness and turn it into something positive can be significant. The Real Definition of Positive Body Image Michele Olson is a Professor of Exercise Physiology at Auburn University Montgomery, and is known internationally as THE Exercise Doctor. In Olson’s experience, women tend to think of a posit...
It's just a fact: alcohol has calories. During the holidays, alcoholic drinks can flow freely. Festive drinks are as much a part of holiday fun and tradition as the delicious food; but the calories can add up just as fast. And, if you think you're making a smart choice by using diet soda in your rum and coke, think again. Substituting diet for regular really doesn't cut many calories in the end. Fortunately, there are ways to cut some calories without ruining your party atmosphere. Listen in as ...
Can't afford a personal trainer or gym membership? You don't need a whole gym to work out. You just need to stay motivated. Sharing your workout via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram can be a great motivator, because once you've shared, you want to make sure to follow through. Music and other distractions can be a big help for some, but others need to concentrate fully on their workouts to keep going. Listen in as Jim white, RD, discusses how to stay motivated while wor...
There's a lot to consider when you're making the decision to get a personal trainer or if you're in the search for a gym that's right for you. In terms of a gym, you should keep in mind the old adage that realtors tout: location, location, location. If you pick a gym that's an hour's drive away, it's not likely that you'll go consistently. You'll also want to consider cost. Be on the lookout for hidden fees or "promotional" prices that expire after a few months. The culture of the gym might be s...
With the New Year comes another surge in fitness-related resolutions. You’re ready to eat better, exercise more, and achieve the calorie deficit needed to lose weight. But before you step on that elliptical, can you trust what it says? If you are using any kind of cardio machine and rely on the information displayed, chances are it may not be as accurate as you’d think (or hope). Does 400 Calories Really Mean 400 Calories? Even with all of the new technology popping up in gyms everywhere, the ca...
Strength training is a great way to help stave off aging. Boosting your metabolism and keeping your workout new and balanced helps keep your look tight. Not only looks, but lowering your fat content keeps you healthier longer. Good cardio workouts help keep your heart strong so you can continue to enjoy all those great activities that also make you happy. Listen in as Allison (Ally) Bowersock, Ph.D., discusses just how a good workout routine can really keep you feeling younger....
Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, etc. are a great way to connect with friends and family. But, they can also help add a new dimension to your daily workout. Sharing your workout routine and even creating competitions among your friends can help motivate you and others. You may be surprised by how many of your friends find that you sharing your workout will help them to also be more motivated. Listen in as John P. Higgins, MD, shares his thoughts on how social media can become part of...
Germs at the gym... they're everywhere. You can help yourself and others stay healthier during and after your workout by practicing a few simple hygienic habits. Wearing shower shoes and wiping down the equipment before and after use are just a couple ways to help keep the gym as hygienic as possible. There are also some things you may not have thought of, such as using metal water bottles (they're easier to keep clean), and cleaning your ear buds regularly. Both can make a big difference. Liste...
Women are encouraged to continue exercise, including strength training, during pregnancy, according to experts at the American College of Sports Medicine’s 12th annual Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition. Although exercise is generally a good thing for expectant mothers, a healthcare provider should still be consulted to ensure safety and help tailor an exercise program for that specific woman based on her needs and potential barriers. Jen Hoehl joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss t...
Protecting your eyes while exercising and playing sports should be a priority. If something flies into your eyes (or your children's eyes) while playing sports, don't rub! One expert in this matter, Dr. Daniel Laby, advises using a non-medicated eye drop to clear them out; similar to what your tears would do. Protective eyewear has come a long way and is not so "geeky" to be seen in. Listen in as Dr. Laby gives great suggestions to help you keep your eyes safe....
Don’t believe everything you hear from mainstream nutrition. A lot of it is the best guess of the moment, and much of it gets proven wrong over time. In a recent article, there are nutritional misunderstandings in our nutritional knowledge. Examples include the following: margarine is healthier than butter, artificial sweeteners help you lose weight, and eggs aren't good for you. These myths have all been studied and found not to be all together true. Listen in as Jim white, RD, and Melanie Cole...
You tell yourself, "It's Thanksgiving, I'll eat what I want and worry about nutrition later." It doesn't have to be that way. There are a few things you can do that can help keep your Thanksgiving meal nutritious without giving up flavor. For instance, using low-sodium chicken broth, reducing oil and butter wherever possible, and substituting yogurt for sour cream in those dips we all love can go a long way in making your feast healthier than ever before. Listen in as Jim White, RD, and Melanie ...
Recent studies shows that "a slow and steady approach to weight loss does not win the race, and the myth that rapid weight loss is associated with rapid weight regain is no more true than Aesop's fable." Over the years, rapid weight loss has been thought to be less healthy than slow, steady weight loss. Those crash diets you've been told to avoid? Perhaps they aren't as bad as you'd thought. Along with nutrition and exercise, any weight loss is a good thing. Studies show that changes in eating h...
You are what you eat. You've heard the saying again and again; and now we know just how true it is. There's a reason they call it JUNK FOOD. Researchers from Australia have come to the conclusion, after evaluating the dietary habits of young teenagers as part of a large study, that those who consume a high amount of soft drinks, fried foods and other processed garbage perform worse mentally. Listen in as John Higgins, MD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss the repercussions of filling your body with ...
When you set out to do your workout, do you measure in distance or time? The concept of time versus distance for the best workout has long been debated. Knowing your goals and limitations is the first step towards deciding whether time or intensity is right for you. Of course, either goal is better than none. Moving your body, however you do it, is of utmost importance. Mixing up your workout is also essential. Walking, sprinting and even hills are great ways to break up your routine to get the ...
The number one exercise for six-pack abs? Push away. As in, push away from the table. When striving to make your abs visible, your diet needs to be your first priority. Unless you shed the outer layer of fat from your middle, you'll never see the definition you desire. There are certain exercises that can focus in on the ab region, like planks and crunches for example. You want to keep your muscles fresh, so variety is also very important. Listen in as Neal Pire and Melanie Cole, MS, share great...
Freestyle workouts and choreographed classes each have their own benefits; but which one is right for you? The strict regimen of choreographed classes keep you on track, but after time, they may get a bit monotonous. Freestyle workouts can offer a bigger challenge and help keep it fresh. But the thing to consider is whether or not you have the daily motivation to keep up. If a workout has a trademark name (e.g. Zumba) you can be assured it's going to be the same every class. Listen in as Grace D...
Staying motivated for your workouts all year long can be a real challenge. At some time or another, everyone falls into "workout burnout." The key is to determine what are important or salient motivators for YOU. The health benefits -- including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, colon cancer and all-cause mortality, as well as increased energy, improved fitness and better quality of life -- can be a huge motivator. Ways to keep yourself on the workout path: Make it conve...
There are so many fun and useful kitchen gadgets on the market today, but which ones are the best to use for healthier eating? Kitchen tools that are easy to keep handy are the best. For instance, easy-to-clean cutting boards, a good timer and all variations of measuring devices are great to have on hand. Preparing vegetables can be challenging, but a good peeler and a food processor sure go a long way towards getting those healthy foods into your diet. Listen in as Felicia Stoler, PhD, and Mela...
Have you ever gone to the grocery store without a list and found yourself buying all the wrong foods? Meal planning is a great way to help ensure your meals are healthier. Planning your meals ahead of time and following your shopping list to a "T" will greatly reduce the urge to buy those foods which aren't part of your weekly meals. Felicia Stoler, PhD, and Melanie Cole, MS, discuss your meal planning so that your food shopping experience will benefit your diet and your health....
Positive thinking always goes a long way towards a positive, happy attitude. Feeling good physically and mentally is very important to your overall health. There are ways to help your mental game, like setting goals and knowing some of your vitals at the beginning so you can keep track of your positive progression. As for the physical aspects, good nutrition is so important for your energy levels; but equally important is knowing what and when to eat. Listen in as Brenda C. Buffington, EdD, and ...
