The clinical weight loss industry has been abuzz lately over a recently published report conducted by the John Hopkins University out of Baltimore, Maryland. This study involved surveys from over 500 randomly selected physicians, with the purpose of trying to determine weight loss advice and types of treatments overweight doctors might prescribe versus a physician of normal weight. The results showed that obese or overweight doctors are less likely to discuss the need for patients to lose weight, despite the fact that weight loss may be instrumental in their health. The study found that 30% of participating doctors whose Body Mass Index was normal were more likely to suggest or prescribe … [Read more...]

In today's pop culture, where image is so closely tied to beauty, everyone wants to look their best. But with the recent popularity of weight loss reality shows, it seems that the executive producers for this type of programming have found a way to showcase those that are clinically obese. All over the world, in virtually every major market, the small screen has become filled with the obstacles and very personal challenges these overweight contestants are faced with in their desire to be thin. With shows like "The Biggest Loser," "Losing it with Jillian," "Excess Baggage" and dozens of clones and spin-offs, experts are at odds as to the good and bad influences this type of programming … [Read more...]

Over the years, coffee has been given a bad rap by most health experts, earning it a sort of negative, must-be-avoided reputation when discussed within most mainstream nutritional circles. When it came to the consumption of coffee, the conventional wisdom was that caffeine, as well as other ingredients, contributed to heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, diabetes, and even cancer. Most of the allegations leveled at coffee seemed to make sense. After all, the image most of us have of the coffee-swilling caffeine addict typically was that of an unhealthy person living an unhealthy lifestyle anyway. With a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, this stereotypical … [Read more...]

When it comes to dieting and losing weight, it's never all that easy. Fitness experts almost always try to make it sound like a walk in the park if we will just follow their advice. The ones who write stuff like "Top 10 Weight Loss Tips" are the worst - maybe even a little evil - as they casually lead us down this yellow brick road with a wink and a smile. Just follow these 10 tips and together we'll be holding hands, skipping and singing while the fat just melts away. Ok, I'm half kidding. Losing weight sucks and we all know it. I'll be the first to admit that voluntarily forcing myself to abstain from food was never high on my list of fun things to do. But losing weight doesn't have to … [Read more...]

Not too long ago, at the annual Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada, Fauja Singh completed the race in 8 hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds. Not a very remarkable time when you consider that the winner finished more than 6 hours earlier. However, his race time was incredibly remarkable and inspiring because Mr. Singh was 100 years old. At first I thought it must have been a typo... is it really possible for anyone at the age of 100 to run an entire marathon? After seeing Mr. Singh's stats, not only is it possible, but considering that several people half his age finished behind him makes his race time that much more impressive. Not only that, but as I dug deeper into Fauja Singh's story I … [Read more...]

Most people seem to think that eating out at restaurants is somehow synonymous with an unhealthy lifestyle. It doesn't matter if you're trying to lose weight or watching your cholesterol, the thought of going into that restaurant often creates an unsettled feeling of capitulation to this commitment we've made to ourselves. Whether it's a fast food joint or an elegant restaurant, most dieters seem to think that it's pointless to even try and eat good once they've walked through those doors. The good news is that dining out at your favorite restaurant no longer needs to be code for surrender. From hotdog stands to pizzerias, there are lots of little tips and tricks you can use to help keep … [Read more...]

Everyone talks about the benefits of going green these days. It's often considered our social responsibility to do our part in whatever capacity we can: after all, a healthier planet is what "going green" is all about, isn't it? Maybe so, but for just a moment I'd like you to shift gears and consider a completely different "Green Initiative". One that will create a much healthier environment for someone you should care very much about - yourself. If the green movement is cutting edge stuff these days, then my Mom was one of the original hipsters. Way cool and way ahead of her time, she was preaching the importance of green, leafy vegetables long before Al Gore invented the internet. … [Read more...]

What if I were to tell you that you needed to start eating in order to lose weight? When it comes to breakfast, that all-important first meal of the day, it really is true. The familiar saying, "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper" has a lot of truth to it. But even going beyond the discussion of weight loss, eating breakfast provides a lot of other benefits nutritionally. In fact, eating breakfast is so important that eating a bad breakfast is probably better than skipping it all together. We need carbohydrates and proteins soon after waking in order to maintain a high level of cognitive abilities from our brain. After going all night without food, … [Read more...]