Weight Loss Diets

Superlative Haute Cuisine

by Maggie Ball

A Review of La Cuisine De Joel Robuchon: A Seasonal Cookbook

From Chaucer to Faulkner, The Literary Lunch: Recipes for a Hungry Mind looks at some of the more delicious food references throughout the history of classic literature, and turns these into real, kitchen tested recipes which can be cooked up at home.

La Cuisine De Joel Robuchon
by Joel Robuchon
Cassell Illustrated Pbs
September 2001
ISBN: 1-84188-134-1

Joel Robuchon is considered to be one of the best chefs in the world. His Paris restaurant Jamin, from which he has recently retired, has been named as one of the ten best, and with his 3 Michelin stars, international fame, myriad of prestigious awards, 12 cookbooks, television appearances, high profile consulting work, and columns for newspapers, Robuchon is truly a epicurian celebrity. His knowledge is extensive, and his philosophy simple, but stringent. He advocates using the best possible fresh ingredients seasonally, and combining them in ways that bring out their natural flavours. His latest book La Cuisine De Joel Robuchon is structured seasonally, and set out in alphabetically arranged food order. For Spring, we have Aparagus, Artichokes, Morels, Spider Crabs, Lamb, Veal, Broad Beans, Chanterelles, Carrots, Cherries, Strawberries, Apricots, and Vanilla. Each item is given a detailed page of background, information, best ways of preparing, and relevant flavour partners. The information page is followed by a recipe for each food, with a suggested wine partner. Summer brings us Bread, Haricot Beans, Mussels, Lobster, Tuna, Tomatoes, Salt, Olive Oil, Aubergines (eggplant), Melon, Grapes, Applies, and Shortcrust Pastry. Autumn includes Truffles, Oysters, Scallops, Herring, Ceps, Foie Gras, Partridge, Pheasant, Hare, Pork, Walnuts, Pears, and Chocolate, while Winter includes soup, cavier, cod, salmon, capon, pot-au-feu, lentils, cabbage, potatoes, turnips, chestnuts, lemons, and flaky pastry.

The book is glossy, and nicely presented, with botanical drawings mingling with the large, lush food photographs. Generally speaking, the preparations aren?t difficult, relying instead on showcasing the natural flavours and exquisite ingredients, rather than on sophisticated culinary techniques. However, unless you live in France, where superb seasonally oriented and epicurian food markets abound, you may find it difficult to pick up the range of exotic mushrooms, game birds, and seafood listed. Robuchon?s featured ingredients are not for those on a budget either. Sliced Scallops and Cavier, Truffle and Smoked Bacon Pancakes, Warm Foie Gras with Lentil Cream Sauce, or Truffled Christmas Capon might set you back a little (plus I doubt my little boys would appreciate the effort).

Not all the ingredients are fancy and rare. There is plenty that a home cook can learn from the master about things like the humble carrot, the melon, bread, grapes, apples, vanilla, turnips, potatoes, and lemons. New Turnips Steamed in Gravy is sublime, and will change the way you look at the funniest vegetable in the supermarket. There are hints for making really smooth mashed potatoes, for peeling and pureeing chestnuts, for making a versatile soup base, and a very tasty sourdough bread. I doubt that the average cook will use this book every day. Robuchon?s reputation is daunting, and you feel that you would be failing him dreadfully if you were to substitute, play around with the recipes, or take shortcuts (mea culpa). Its emphasis on products and produce rather than meals makes it less practical than a book which provides simple and quick family meals. However, La Cuisine De Joel Robuchon is as enjoyable to read as the food is to eat, providing an informative guide to seasonally available ingredients. The book will increase your knowledge of many different types of foods, and you will be a better market shopper as a result. The recipes themselves are simple, and there are some innovative and very easy winners which you will certainly add to your daily meal creation such as “Carrots with Cumin” (a wonderful combination), “Ratatouille”, “Apple Upside Down Cake” (I tried it without the Calvados ? don?t tell Joel, and it was still delicious), and even “Braised Green Cabbage” or “Cream of Pumpkin Soup”. It is kind of special to prepare a Robuchon meal, even if you don?t take on the Capon, Caviar, Morels, or Truffles, and you don?t need fancy French flourishes. Just a good knowledge of the ingredients you are using, and a philosophy which insists on always cooking with the seasons, using the freshest ingredients possible, cooked in a manner to take advantage of its singular flavour. Ah bon.

About the reviewer: Maggie Ball is content manager for The Compulsive Reader, Preschool Entertainment, and is the author of THE ART OF ASSESSMENT: How to Review Anything. Her fiction, poetry, reviews, interviews, and essays have appeared in a myriad of on-line and print publications.

Filed under: Body & Mind — webmaster @ 4:45 am

The Mediterranean Diet and Benefits of Wine

Wine Diva Uncorks SecretsNo more frustrations over serving the wrong wine.
By Shawn McKee
eDietsStaff Writer
I am a relative wine novice. Most of my “fine wine” experience comes from the boxed variety, but a Grigio greenhorn I shall be no more. I have a secret weapon: The Wine Diva.Christine Ansbacher, dubbed the Duchess of Cork by The New York Post, is a venerable vino veteran who holds a diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, is a Certified Wine Educator and just wrote a pocket-sized wine guide chock-full of useful wine tips called, “Secrets from The Wine Diva.”

eDiets Mediterranean Diet can help you make healthy choices without sacrificing flavor and variety. Plus, you can even have a glass of wine with your dinners! If you’re ready to get serious about your health, visit eDiets and set up your personal profile to get a plan personalized to meet your needs.

This is no hoity-toity, pretentious guide to wine snobbery. Christine didn’t even laugh when I told her of my box wine exploits.

“Box wine is a good place to start, but sooner or later you’ll want to trade up,” Christine suggests. “I want to help people get more pleasure from their glass and not have to pay a lot for their pleasure!”

She likens it to training wheels on your bicycle. You may not taste the difference in wine from a box or a bottle, but as your skills and tastes develop, you’ll want to take your wine exploration to the next level.

This handy wine guide is not just ostentatious “vino babble.” Christine claims her book will teach you how to pair the right wine with food, pronounce it with friends and much, much more. The trick is pairing the proper wine with the proper dish to bring out the flavor in both, because as Christine says, “a meal without wine is called breakfast!”

The Wine Diva takes her years of technical wine training and turns it into practical advice for aspiring oenophiles (wine experts). She’s trained in winemaking from soil to storage, and everything in between, but explains that most people don’t need to know all that.

“To learn about wine there is simply no substitute for pulling corks. Which is why I believe in wine drinking, not wine thinking,” Christine says. So basically, to become a connoisseur you simply need to consume more wine.

If you think a glass of wine with dinner will shatter your diet, you shouldn’t give up your wine wishes just yet. As my great-uncle used to say, “Ifa you lika de vino, drinka de vino… bellisima!” The popular eDiets Mediterranean diet not only includes delicious dishes, but allows for your favorite wine to accompany your delectable dinner.

Wine won’t cork weight loss plans, but is it actually healthy?

“Red wine is part of a healthy, active and fit lifestyle. It’s been shown to lower the risks of coronary heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and cataracts — and it contains cancer-fighting properties. It’s part of my healthy lifestyle — and it’s delicious,” Christine says.

The American Heart Association acknowledges the benefits of moderate wine consumption — two glasses for men and one for women per day — to lower the risk of coronary heart disease. So grab a glass.

“When you are thirsty drink water; when you want pleasure drink wine,” Christine suggests.

Water’s easy, but how can you pick the right wine for dinner? Don’t panic. Here are tips for pairing the right wine with your meal, straight from The Wine Diva:

When foods are browned via broiling, grilling, baking and roasting, the juices are caramelized. Connect these caramel flavors from cooking with the caramel flavors of oaked wines like Chardonnay and Cabernet.

When foods are cooked in clear liquids — steamed, poached, lightly sauteed, or braised — no extra flavors are added, so reach for “clear,” unoaked whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Muscadet; and reds with very subtle oak like Barbera from Italy, Shiraz from Australia, Beaujolais Village and Chinon from France, and Merlot or Pinot Noir from Chile.

Christine also adds this tidbit for those counting calories, “Read the labels. Wines with more moderate levels of alcohol will have fewer calories. More alcohol equals more calories.”

And remember: “If you can’t tell the difference, don’t pay the difference. Wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good,” says Christine.

Grab a bottle (or two) and call your friends, it’s time to throw the ideal dinner party. Just make sure you swirl the wine and sniff it first. This will increase your enjoyment and make you look like an instant expert. Welcome to high society.

eDiets has great ways for you to eat healthy, lose weight and take control of your health. We’re here whenever you need us for inspiration and support!

Shawn McKee graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism and has written for The Broward and Miami New Times.

Filed under: FAQ — webmaster @ 3:43 am

The Secrets of GI Diet

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Glycemic Impact is a hot topic in the world of nutrition. But what is Glycemic Impact all about? Great ideas? Good intentions? In this case, GI stands for Glycemic Impact. While most of us will have heard of, and might even have tried, low-carb plans, low GI is another way to control carbohydrate intake while still including carbohydrate foods in our diet.

What is GI

GI stands for Glycemic Impact. This is a method of numbering or ranking carbohydrate foods to tell us if that food will make our blood sugar levels raise very quickly, moderately or very slowly. The sugars in low GI foods are released more slowly into the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise and then fall more slowly than the foods that have a higher GI number. If we choose to eat more foods with a low GI, they will be absorbed more slowly and can help even out blood glucose levels.

High GI foods release their blood sugars more quickly, causing a “sugar rush.” You’re probably familiar with that high you get after eating a sugary snack — that’s the simple sugars hitting your bloodstream all of a sudden. This sugar hit causes insulin to be released, and insulin’s role is to store the sugar away. This change from high blood sugar levels to low makes us crave sugary foods all over again.

Why Go Low Gi

Many studies have shown that foods with a low GI number satisfy our hunger for a longer period of time, and they also reduce our food cravings. And, that’s not all! Research has shown that there are other good reasons for eating low GI foods. When you eat LOW GI foods:

Your blood sugar levels rise more slowly

It can help keep the insulin levels balanced

It can help with the management of diabetes

You feel fuller for longer

Energy levels increase

It is a way to refuel your carbohydrate stores after exercise

It can help reduce cravingsAnd, what you really want to know…

Eating LOW GI foods can help you lose weight!How Can I Follow a Low GI Plan?

Eating low GI does not entail a radical overhaul of your diet! As is so often the case with healthy eating, balance is the key. Eating low GI doesn’t mean only eating foods with low GI numbers. It’s about swapping high GI foods for lower GI alternatives whenever possible and trying to include low GI foods at each meal. You can still have medium and high-GI foods but in moderation, but making some simple changes can make a huge difference:

Reduce your intake of high GI carbohydrate foods such as sugar and sugary foods, sweets, cakes, cookies and soft drinks.
Instead of high GI cereals such as cornflakes or Rice Krispies, choose a low or medium GI cereal such as hot oatmeal, All Bran, Bran Flakes or muesli.
Instead of high GI white breads, choose breads that list “whole wheat” or other whole grain such as whole oats or whole grain rye as the first ingredient.
Swap high GI white rice for basmati rice or wholegrain brown rice.
Replace high GI carbohydrates like baked or mashed potatoes with whole wheat pasta, barley, sweet potato or bulgur wheat.

Of course, calories still count, but if you are eating a low GI diet, you are going to feel fuller for longer. The control of blood sugars will help you avoid cravings, and you will have more control over your eating.
Getting to Know GI

Choose to eat low GI carbohydrate foods, which will take longer to digest, give you a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels and keep you satisfied for longer. Glucose and white bread are set as the standards, and they have a GI of 100. All other foods are then measured against this.Low GI has a rating of 55 or less

Medium GI has a rating of 56-69

High GI has a rating of 70 or more Some Low GI Foods

Apples, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, pears, plums, oranges, strawberries, peaches.
Green vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, mushrooms, onions, peppers and lettuce.
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and beans.
Sweet potato, whole-grain varieties of bread, pasta, barley.
All Bran, muesli.
Whole-grain crackers; dark chocolate.
Low-fat yogurt, milk, pudding.

Some Medium GI Foods

Raisins, pineapple, cantaloupe melon.
Beetroot, sweet corn.
Grape nuts, porridge, puffed wheat.
Boiled new potatoes, white basmati rice, brown rice, pita bread, crumpet, Ryvita, whole wheat bread, couscous.

Some High GI Foods

Dates, watermelon.
Parsnips, turnips and cooked carrots, fava beans, pumpkin.
White bread, baguette, bagel.
Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Shredded Wheat, Weetabix.
Popcorn, wafer biscuits, jelly beans, sports drinks.

Answers to Your Questions!

I love my bread, cornflakes and potato. How can I live without them?

Well, of course, you can eat these foods, but don’t eat them at every meal and every day. Choose boiled new potatoes, brown rice and pasta, which has a low or moderate GI number, more often. These lower GI foods will be digested more slowly and satisfy you for longer and therefore delay the hunger pangs for longer.

So should I stop eating so many bananas?

No! Bananas and the other fruits have a moderate GI number, but they still have a high nutritional value, and so we should continue to eat them. We would again say don’t eat them every day, and choose fruits with a lower GI number more often.What about the vegetables with a high GI?

Same story! These vegetables pack a strong nutritional punch, providing fiber, vitamins and minerals. Once again, we would say don’t eat them every day. And, of course, do choose lots more of those with a low or moderate GI number.

What is the GI value for meat, chicken and fish?

Well, these foods do not contain carbohydrate, so the GI cannot be tested. These protein foods will not have an effect on your blood glucose levels and so lean meats, fish and poultry will be included in your meals.

Should I only eat foods with a low GI number?

No. Ideally, choosing the foods with a low GI number is best, but you don’t have to choose only these at every meal. That is because the effect of the low GI food at one meal will actually carry over to the next meal and reduce the overall GI for the day.What else can affect the GI of foods?

When you look at the listing of low, moderate and high GI foods, you might be surprised at the category some foods fall into. This is because that rating will be affected by a number of other factors.All of these factors will affect the overall rate of the GI:

How foods are cooked.

Mashing and processing.

Combining foods with a different GI will alter the overall GI of a meal.

The amount of carbohydrate food eaten at a meal.

The amount of fat in the meal will affect the rate.

The amount of protein in the meal will affect the value

How do I put it all into practice?
To get the greatest benefit of GI, it is best to include a food with a low GI with every meal or snack to lower the overall effect on your blood glucose levels and gain all the other wonderful benefits!

You can now get your own personalized GI plan online! Just click here to find out more.

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 7:55 am

Exercises to shape the hips

Question: What exercise is good for the hips & for body shape

Answer: Michael Stefano if his Firefighter’s Workout book advises these exercises for toning the hips:

STANDING KICKBACK

REAR RAISE

SIDE RAISE

Watch exercise demos -> click here

Also take a look at:

3 Leg-Toning Exercises
Lunges, leg lifts, and squats

Tanya Zilberter, PhD

Filed under: FAQ — webmaster @ 6:08 am

Brain Foods

The Smart Way to Eat

By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer
“Get help losing weight with eDiets”

Brain food. What is it? My grandma always told me fish was brain food, but she also said, “If you keep doing that you’ll go blind.” That was an old wives’ tale, but is nourishing your noggin as easy as opening a can of tuna? You may be surprised.According to Nutritionist Susan Burke MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, fish is good for your body and your brain. She explains, “eating fish at least once a week can slow mental decline by three to four years.” Give a man a fish and he eats for a day — teach a man to fish and you may prevent dementia.

Fish isn’t the only brain-booster, but building your brain can be pricey with all the supposed brain-boosting pills on the market, so to keep your waist thin, your wallet fat and your mind moving here are the foods that keep you healthy, wealthy and wise:

Food for Thought

Fish is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the essential fats that ensure healthy functioning of the cells in the brain.

Nuts and Seeds are rich in selenium, vitamin E and phytochemicals, nuts and seeds protect against brain aging. Their plant sources of omega-3 fats also contribute to healthy brain cells.

A cup of green or black tea provides polyphenols, special plant compounds that keep brain neurons healthy and blood vessels elastic so that nutrients can flow to the brain. Choose green tea to enhance memory and alertness and improve attention span.

Whole grains supply the brain with its preferred source of fuel: carbohydrates. Whole grains also contain three B vitamins important for brain energy: folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12. Whole wheat pasta, barley, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain breads are all sources for complex carbohydrates.

A Cart of Many Colors

In general, think colors when perusing the produce aisle. If it’s brightly colored, it is brain food — loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that maintain brain health and enhance mental performance.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables contains many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals essential for optimal brain function and memory.

All berries are good, but especially blueberries are rich in anthocyanin pigments and potent antioxidants that build a protective shield around the brain, guarding against aging and damage to the brain.

Spinach is an antioxidant powerhouse, bursting with beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid that help to keep blood vessels healthy and brain nerve impulses working properly. The iron in spinach is important for getting oxygen to the brain and improving concentration.

To improve your brain function, even out your blood-sugar level by eating and drinking water regularly — try a meal or snack every three to four hours.

The best sugars for the brain are complex carbohydrates. Starches and fruit sugars (fructose) do not cause the roller-coaster mood swings that junk sugars do. The molecules in complex carbs are long, so it takes longer for the intestines to break them down into the simple sugars the body can use. They provide a time-released source of steady energy, instead of a sudden surge followed by a sudden drop.

Now challenge your friends to a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit to show them just how smart you are, and remember:

“One cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one has not dined well.”
–Virginia Woolfe

Looking for a fresh approach to dieting? We have the answer! Check out eDiets new Summer Fresh Diet — sizzlin’ grilling recipes, delicious salads and the juiciest fruits and vegetables the season has to offer! Visit eDiets and fill out a free diet profile!

Shawn McKee graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BA in Journalism and has written for The Broward and Miami New Times

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 8:39 am

Fruits and vegetables are the best nutritional bargain around

14 Reasons to Make Produce a Priority
by Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S.
DietWatch
The U.S. dietary guidelines recommend more fruits and vegetables for everyone — a total of two and a half cups per day for those on a 1200-calorie plan, three and a half cups for those eating 1600 calories, and four and a half cups for those eating 200 calories per day. Moreover, the guidelines are specific about what kinds of vegetables to choose: dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables.

Why so much priority on produce? Fruits and vegetables are the best nutritional bargain around! They are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and folic acid. “Big deal,” you may be thinking. “I can get all those from vitamins and supplements.” Not so fast! Fruits and vegetables are also rich in chemicals known as phytonutrients — or, literally, nutrients from plants. Phytonutrients can be found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and even herbs. Several of these phytonutrients have been found to offer protection against heart disease, cancer, and other ailments.

So why aren’t phytonutrient supplements available? Consider that an orange has more than 170 known phytonutients — more than scientists could possibly distill into pills and powders. No, to get maximum benefits from phytochemicals, you need to eat a variety of plant-based foods.

But which phytochemicals are most beneficial, and where can they be found? The following chart provides a run-down of some of the major phytochemicals, the benefits they offer, and which foods

Mind you, these phytonutrients are not magic bullets. You still need to safeguard your health by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking other precautions (wearing sunscreen, not smoking, etc.). But if the thought of a little extra protection against heart disease and cancer motivates you to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, then your health can only benefit!

Flavonoids

Anthocyanins     may decrease risk of cancer as well as urinary tract infections

Found in: strawberries, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes and black currants

Catechins     may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease as well as the risk of gastric, esophageal, and skin cancers

Found in: green or black tea and wine

Flavanones     may lower lower blood pressure, inflammation, and levels of LDL cholesterol (shown in animal studies; not yet proven in humans)

Found in: citrus fruits

Isoflavones     may help maintain bone health, improve menopausal symptoms, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels

Found in: soy foods such as soymilk, tofu, miso (Note: Discuss the use of soy foods, particularly isoflavone supplements, with your physician if you have any concerns relating to breast cancer.)

Quercetin     may decrease the risk of cancer and protect against LDL oxidation

Found in: red and yellow onions, kale, broccoli, red grapes, cherries, apples

Resveratrol     supports the normal, healthy function of the heart

Found in: red wine, red grapes (and red grape juice)

Beta Carotene     may reduce cancer risk, slow process of aging

Found in: green and yellow/orange vegetables and fruits such as spinach, broccoli, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots (Note: fiber may hinder the absorption of carotenoids, while fat may increase it.)

Lutein     may reduce the risk of cancer and is important in maintaining healthy vision (may decrease likelihood of developing macular degeneration and cataracts)

Found in: various green vegetables including broccoli, greens (spinach, Romaine, kale)

Lycopene     may decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as heart attack

Found in: most red fruits and vegetables, with the exception of red peppers; this includes tomatoes, watermelon, guava, and pink grapefruit

Allyl Sulfides     may reduce cancer risk, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and maintain healthy immunity

Found in: garlic, onions, leeks

Glucosinolates (including sulphoraphane)     may reduce the risk of cancer

Found in: cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnips)

Lignans     a type of phytoestrogen which may decrease cancer risk     flaxseed and grains such as wheat, oats, and barley. *note that flaxseed needs to be ground and that most flaxseed oil does not contain lignans or dietary fiber

Phytosterols     may help reduce lipid levels

Found in:    all plant foods, with the highest concentration found in plant oils

Saponins     may reduce risk of developing cancer and reduce lipid levels

Found in:    soy foods and various legumes

Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S. is the Manager of Nutrition Services for DietWatch. Jennifer holds two master’s degrees from Indiana University, one in nutrition science and one in exercise physiology. Jennifer has taught nutrition and biology at the university level, and has provided nutrition and fitness counseling and coaching for individuals, medical facilities, health organizations, and schools. She has produced educational materials and has appeared frequently on radio and television

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 8:37 am

A portion-controlled, low-calorie, clinically proven weight loss program

The Medifast diet is safe and effective

Medifast is a portion-controlled, low-calorie weight loss program that helps you lose weight faster and more effectively than traditional diets. The clinically proven, easy-to-follow Medifast 5 & 1 Plan helps your body burn fat and lose weight quickly. There is no calorie counting, no points system, no diet pills and best of all – no confusion!

Remember, Medifast is a lifestyle change, not just a short-term weight loss solution. We won’t abandon you the way fad diets have in the past. Our Transition, Maintenance and Exercise Plans pick up where the 5 & 1 Plan ends – and teach you how to sustain your weight loss results long term! More from Medifast

5 & 1 Plan

With the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you eat 6 meals a day: 5 Medifast
Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal. You can choose any 5 Medifast Meals
including shakes, bars, soups, pudding, oatmeal, scrambled eggs and
more. With over 60 Medifast Meals to choose from, your menu will never
lack variety! Your daily Lean & Green Meal consists of a balance of
lean protein (such as beef, chicken or fish) and salad or vegetables.

With Medifast you eat every 2 to 3 hours, so you won’t get hungry.
The quick weight loss results you experience will inspire and motivate
you to embrace Medifast as an essential part of your new, healthy
lifestyle. Complete 5 & 1 Plan information is available for free in
the Medifast Quick Start Guide, included with every Medifast order. More from Medifast

Transition

You begin Transition after you have reached your goal weight.
Transition reintroduces you to foods you previously put on hold – foods
such as fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and
higher-carbohydrate vegetables. Transition gradually adds calories back
into your diet, while giving your body the appropriate time it needs to
adjust to the new levels of calories and carbohydrates. The 5 & 1
Plan helped you develop healthful eating habits, such as
portion-control and eating 6 times per day. Transition and Maintenance
reinforce these patterns of healthy eating to help you maintain your
weight loss results. More from Medifast

Maintenance

In Maintenance, you learn how to sustain your weight loss results by
making healthy food choices and living an active lifestyle. The
ultimate goal of Maintenance is to help you remain at a healthy weight
for the rest of your life. The actual number of calories needed to
maintain a stable weight long-term is individual – you may need to
experiment with different calorie levels during Maintenance to find the
level that’s right for you. Complete Transition and Maintenance
information is available for free in the Medifast Transition &
Maintenance Guide. More from Medifast

Exercise

Regular exercise is a necessary part of losing weight and maintaining
weight loss. It can also help prevent many chronic diseases and improve
your overall mood. Walking is one of the easiest ways to incorporate
exercise into your daily schedule. Check the Medifast Exercise Guide
for more information on how exercise can conveniently be integrated
into the Medifast program. More from Medifast

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 8:33 am

Diet on the go: success story

Guaranteed Weight Loss with Your Own Personal Chef. Lose 10lbs in 4 weeks. “We guarantee diet food, dieting, meals delivery, weight loss, low fat meals, delicious food, mail order meals, personal chef”
I’m currently at 210 pounds. I am living a dream, one of wonder and joy from every triumph and every personal interaction. I love my life, and I love my body. The prison I used to inhabit now enables me to be active every day, taking long walks, golfing, running, backpacking, bowling, lifting weights, and many other things that just a year ago I thought I would never be able to do again. I marvel at even the simple things I can do now that I could not do a few short months ago, like tying my shoes or crossing my legs. In just 10 months, I regained my health and my life. Once on the brink of death, I have literally been reborn.

In November 2005, I returned to the Duke Diet and Fitness Center for a refresher. I went to make sure I was still on the right track, and to take my knowledge to the next level. “Are you SCOTT!?” said the man standing in the lunch line. “I heard you lost over two hundred pounds since February! You look fantastic. How did you do it?!”

On Memorial day 2006 I ran in the Boulder Colorado BolderBoulder 10K walk/race. I didn’t set any land speed records, but I finished, and I knew that my life had been given back to me. I knew that I would have to finish a half marathon run before the end of the year. This past month I finished the BoulderBackroads half marathon. My life is back and feel wonderful. I have been blessed.

Thank you Diet-to-Go for helping me achieve what I thought was unachievable.
-Scott, NJ

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 8:25 am

Virtual Gym: Bent Over Row Demo

From eDiets

Dumbbell Bent Over Row

Starting Position:

Stand with feet shoulders-width apart and a slight bend in the knees.

Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend forward from the hips until the upper body is at about 45 degrees.

Extend the arms down, keeping your shoulder blades together.Movement:

Contracting the upper back muscles, pull the dumbbells up toward your sides, stopping when your upper arm is parallel to the floor. Remember to slightly squeeze the shoulder blades together as you pull up to the contracted position.

Slowly return to the starting position, stopping just short of the arms fully extending.Key Points:

Exhale as you lift the weights.

Inhale while returning to the starting position.

If you have any discomfort or weakness in your lower back, avoid this exercise.

Start out with light weights to make sure your lower back can tolerate this position

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 6:57 am

Hydroxycut

Click here to order

From Muscle Surf

How long will it take for me to see results using Hydroxycut?

Most people, when using Hydroxycut at the recommended dose, can see visible results within 10 days.

Can I up the dosage to experience quicker results?

No, definitely not. It would be extremely dangerous to take more than the recommended dose. Stick to the suggested use on the bottle.

I can’t seem to get to sleep at night, I think it is the Hydroxycut, any ideas?
If you are having trouble falling asleep, do not take Hydroxycut after 4pm in the afternoon. This way the effects will have worn off by the time when you go to bed.

Can I stack Hydroxycut with another fat burner for even better results?

No. Hydroxycut is very powerful and should not be taken in conjunction with any other type of fat burner.

How much weight can I expect to lose while taking Hydroxycut, assuming I exercise moderately and eat a healthy diet?
Most people can expect to lose up to 2.5 lbs the first week of Hydroxycut use.

Is exercise absolutely mandatory to lose weight while using Hydroxycut?

If you are seeking optimal results, it is suggested that you exercise 30 - 45 minutes per day. This can include running, jogging, weight training or any number of activities.

Do I have to alter my diet for Hydroxycut to be effective?
It is recommended you eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink 6 - 8 glasses of water for optimal results.

Will Hydroxycut interact with any medication I am currently taking?
Please consult your doctor before using Hydroxycut. Only your doctor will know if the ingredients in Hydroxycut will adversely interact with your medication.

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Do you find that your are not getting the weight loss results you want from diet and exercise alone? Introducing new and advanced Hydroxycut - and effective patent pending weight loss formula with key components that have been scientifically proven to help you lose weight fast, increase energy, burn calories, and control appetite. Hydroxycut now offers an easy to swallow, sweet coated cap and a condensed serving size.

New and advanced Hydroxycut is so effective that 2 8week clinical studies show its primary ingredients cause up to 3 times more weight loss than diet and exercise alone.

Hydroxycut Ingredients

Serving Size 2 Capsules

Servings Per Bottle 75

Calcium (as hydroxycitrate) 156mg

Chromium (as polynicotinate) 133mcg

Potassium (as hydroxycitrate) 218mg

*Hydroxagen Plus 1.32g

Garcinia cambogia extract (fruit and rind) (standardized for 60% hydroxycitrate acid

Gymnema sylvestre extract (leaf) standardized for 25%gymnemic acids

Soy phospholipids (supplying phosphatidyl ethanolamine (NOPE), phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl choline

Rhodiola rosea extract (standardized for 5% rosalins)

Withania somnifera extract (root) (standardized for 1.5% withanolides

**Hydroxy Tea 414mg

Green Tea extract (as camellia sinensis)(leaf) supplying polyphenols, catechins, epigallocatechin gallate- 91mg EGCG

White Tea Extract (as Camellia sinensis)(leaf) standardized for 50% polyphenols, 35% catechins, 15% EGCG

Oolong Tea Extract (as Camellia sinensis)(leaf) standardized for 50% polyphenols, 25% catechins, 15% EGCG - 200mg of caffeine

Other ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone croscarmellose sodium, vegetable stearine, magnesium stearate, coating, silica, acesulfame-potassium, maltodextrin, propylene oxide.

Hydroxycut Reviews

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules with a glass of water 3 times daily approximately 30-60 minutes before meals. Do not exceed 2 caps in a four hour period and/or 6 caps in a 24 hour period. Do not take within 5 hours of bedtime. See bottle for complete instructions.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Warnings:

Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have been treated for or if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, heart, liver, thyroid or psychiatric disease, diabetes, anemia nervousness, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, stroke or difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement. Consult your doctor if you are taking an MAO inhibitor or any other prescription drugs. Discontinue use and consult your health care professional if sleeplessness, tremors, dizziness nervousness, headache, heart palpitations or tingling sensations occur. Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Improper use of this product may be hazardous to a person’s health. Note: Guarana extract contains caffeine. Keep out of reach of children.

Filed under: Weight Loss — webmaster @ 10:38 am

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