Americans Blind to the Obesity Epidemic

By Amanda Gardner (HealthDay Reporter)

Americans have skewed perceptions when it comes to their weight, often believing they are lighter than they actually are, even when the scales are shouting otherwise, a new poll finds.
As part of the Harris Interactive/HealthDay survey, respondents were asked to provide their height and weight, from which pollsters calculated their body-mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight to height. Respondents were then asked which category of weight they thought they fell into.
Thirty percent of those in the "overweight" class believed they were actually normal size, while 70% of those classified as obese felt they were simply overweight. Among the heaviest group, the morbidly obese, almost 60% pegged themselves as obese, while another 39% considered themselves merely overweight.

These findings may help to explain why overweight and obesity rates in the United States continue to go up, experts say.

"While there are some people who have body images in line with their actual BMI, for many people they are not, and this may be where part of the problem lies," said Regina Corso, vice president of Harris Poll Solutions. "If they do not recognize the problem or don't recognize the severity of the problem, they are less likely to do something about it."

And that means that obesity may be becoming the new norm, raising the specter of increasing rates of health threats such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

"I think too many people are unsure of what they should actually weigh," said Keri Gans, a registered dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "For many, they have grown up in a culture were most people are overweight and that is the norm, or they have been surrounded by too many celebrities and fashion in the media and think very thin is the norm."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34% of adults aged 20 and older are obese, and 34% are overweight. Among children, 18% of teens aged 12 to 19 are obese, 20% of children aged 6 to 11 are obese, as are 10% of kids aged 2 to 5.

Most respondents to the poll who felt they were heavier than they should be blamed sloth, rather than poor eating habits, for their predicament.

"In the mindset of most Americans, they're not looking at this as a food problem as much as an exercise problem," Corso said.

According to the poll, 52% of overweight people and 75% of both the obese and morbidly obese felt they didn't exercise enough.
"We're seeing the couch potato stigma [syndrome]," Corso said. "Three out of five Americans overall are saying they don't exercise as much as they should."

Added Gans: "It is sad that 59% of people who responded know they should be getting more exercise but yet aren't. Maybe they set the bar too high and forget that simply walking counts as exercise."

Food appeared to be a lesser culprit than lack of exercise in people's minds, with 36% of overweight respondents, 48% of obese respondents and 27% of those morbidly obese feeling they ate more than they "should in general."
A third of overweight people, 55% of obese people and 59% of morbidly obese people felt they ate too much of the wrong types of food.
As for weight-loss interventions, the respondents deemed surgery the most effective method, followed by prescription drugs, then drugs and diet-food supplements obtained over-the-counter.
About half felt that procedures such as gastric bypass and stomach stapling were either very or fairly effective in helping people shrink their girth. Faith in these remedies seemed similar, regardless of the respondents' weight.
"Americans like the quick fix and that's what they think the surgery is even though there are so many other things" that work, Corso said. "And so many people reverse their own surgery. These numbers are staggering."

Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of obesity surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, noted that "when [Dr. Everett Coop, surgeon general in the 1980s] wrote 'Shape Up America,' he said the biggest health problem facing America was not AIDS, not cancer, it's obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Since then ... we've seen nothing but a rise in obesity despite all of these efforts that have gone on now since the 1980s."

"The American public knows this but it's hard and it's something that they're not quite ready to do," Corso added. "This wake-up call still isn't ringing as loudly as it could."
The poll included 2,418 adults (aged 18 and over) who were surveyed online between Aug. 17 and 19.

4 surprising reasons women can't lose weight by By Jennifer Benjamin, Health.com

(Health.com) -- Most of us already know that eating less and moving more are the keys to dropping extra pounds. But if you're already doing everything "right" and can't seem to lose weight -- or are even gaining it -- you may have a hidden health condition that's sabotaging your efforts. And the symptoms may be so subtle that even your doctor can miss them. Here, some possible weight-loss blockers -- and how to get the help you need.
A Sluggish ThyroidYour thyroid gland makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) disrupts your metabolism, as well as many other aspects of your health. Some estimate that as many as 10 percent of adults have hypothyroidism, which is more common in women and is most often diagnosed in the 40s and 50s.
Could this be you? Besides weight gain or an inability to lose weight, you may notice fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, joint pain and muscle weakness, heavy periods, increased sensitivity to cold, even depression. Many people with low-grade hypothyroidism just feel "off," with no obvious signs of being truly sick.
How to get tested: Ask your internist to run a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) screening. In general, the higher your TSH level, the slower your thyroid is. "While traditional 'normal' values are between .45 and 4.5, if your level is above 2, you might still struggle to lose weight," explains Dr. Jamie Kane, M.D., medical director of Park Avenue Medical Weight and Wellness in New York City. Your doctor may also want to check your levels of T-3 and T-4, the two main thyroid hormones. But hypothyroidism isn't always a straight numbers game; more and more doctors are now treating the symptoms, not just the blood-test results. "If a patient isn't feeling well, it's often because her thyroid isn't functioning as well as it should for her body," says Dr. Erika Schwartz, M.D., an internist in New York City.
How it's treated: Your doc will usually start by prescribing a low-dose T-4 thyroid hormone like Synthroid. If your symptoms don't improve, discuss upping your dosage or switching to a combination of T-3 and T-4.
Health.com: 25 diet-busting foods you should never eat
Out-of-Whack HormonesAs many as 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which a woman's ovaries produce an excess of male hormones. In addition to causing ovulation problems and infertility, PCOS may go hand-in-hand with insulin resistance, a glitch in the way your body processes blood sugar, which is often associated with excess fat storage, especially around the waist. Left untreated, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Could this be you? You may have irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, acne, some male pattern balding, and trouble getting pregnant, along with unexplained weight gain (though not everyone with PCOS has weight issues).
Health.com: How carbs can help you lose weight
How to get tested: Your gynecologist or internist can test your levels of sex hormones for an imbalance of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen, says Dr. David Katz, M.D., director of the Yale Prevention Research Center. She may then test your blood sugar and insulin levels or perform an ultrasound to check for cysts on your ovaries.
How it's treated: Lifestyle changes are usually the first step. If you're already eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, you may have to kick it up another notch to see results. If you have insulin resistance, Katz says, you'll also want to cut out refined carbs and added sugars. If you've made these changes and still don't notice a difference, your doc may prescribe a drug called metformin, which is used to treat insulin resistance as well as assist with ovulation (if you're trying to get pregnant).
Health.com: America's healthiest superfoods for women
Trouble-Making FoodsMost people know if they're allergic to certain foods like nuts or shellfish, but many aren't aware of food intolerances. While a true food allergy results when your immune system mistakenly identifies a food as harmful and mounts an immediate response, food intolerances can have a variety of causes, including lack of a certain digestive enzyme (as with lactose intolerance) or sensitivity to food additives, and tend to manifest over time, says Dr. Elizabeth W. Boham, M.D., R.D., a family practitioner at The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts. Eating a "trouble food" -- the most common being dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, corn and nuts -- can lead to bloating and water-weight gain, among other symptoms. Experts estimate that food intolerances affect as many as 1 in 10 people.
Could this be you? You may regularly have bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation -- as well as seemingly unrelated symptoms like mild asthma, eczema, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue.
Health.com: The 50 fattiest foods in the states
How to get tested: An internist or gastroenterologist can help you diagnose the problem, but you can begin to figure it out for yourself through an elimination diet. Boham suggests that you start by removing gluten and dairy (these are the biggest culprits) from your diet for two to three weeks. If you don't notice a difference, also eliminate eggs, corn, soy, and nuts, and consider nixing additives such as food coloring and preservatives. After a few weeks, slowly reintroduce the possible culprits, one at a time, noting any reactions.
How it's treated: If the reaction is severe, you'll need to cut the offending food from your diet. For mild reactions, try a daily probiotic supplement, which restores the good bacteria in your gut necessary for digestion and can help prevent bloating and water weight gain. Boham recommends one with at least 10 billion live bacteria per pill.
Pills That Pack on PoundsWeight gain can be an unwelcome side effect of some drugs, including antidepressants, steroids, and, more rarely, birth-control pills (due to a temporary increase in water retention).
Health.com: What to do when the drugs you need also put on the pounds
Could this be you? You may notice weight gain within a few weeks of starting a new medication, though it could take several months before you see any effects, Kane says.
How to get tested: No special test is needed; you know if you're gaining weight.

How it's treated: Talk to your doctor, who may be able to prescribe an alternative. In the case of anti-depressants, bupropion has been shown to cause less weight gain and possibly even lead to weight loss. With birth control pills, switching to a version with a lower dose of hormones might minimize weight gain. But remember, treating the condition you're taking the drug for is your biggest priority, so you should never go off any meds on your own.

Copyright Health Magazine 2010

Best diabetes fitness plan: aerobics plus weights by Carla K. Johnson, associated press medical writer

CHICAGO – People with diabetes should mix aerobics with weight training to get the best results in lowering blood sugar, a new study suggests. The combination worked best for weight loss too, compared to aerobics or weight training alone.
Blood sugar is fuel to muscles, and more sugar is burned during aerobic activity. Weight training builds more muscle, and both activities change muscle proteins in ways that enhance the process.
"It's clear that doing both aerobic and strength training is superior to either alone," said lead author Dr. Tim Church of Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. "It's almost like taking two different drugs."
Patients in the study, published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, achieved the results over nine months, exercising three days a week for about 45 minutes each session.
"People can manage this amount of exercise," said Laurie Goodyear of Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, who wasn't involved in the new study but does similar research. "They didn't have to go on a diet. This was purely an exercise effect."
The researchers' goal was to test three exercise programs that doctors could realistically recommend and patients could stick with. They compared aerobics alone, weight training alone and a combination. U.S. guidelines recommend aerobics and weight training combined for all adults.
All three groups worked out for about the same amount of time. A fourth group of patients was offered only weekly stretching and relaxation classes for further comparison. The study was completed by 245 people with diabetes.
Led by trainers, patients walked on a treadmill that raised the uphill grade by 2 percent every two minutes for the aerobics. Weight training, also supervised, was done on machines that worked muscles in the upper body and legs, with more weight added as participants increased their strength.
"It gave me a lot more energy. That was one of the first things I noticed," said Deidra Atkins-Ball, 44, a biology professor, diagnosed with diabetes a year before she joined the aerobics-weights group.
A distant aunt with diabetes lost both legs and her vision to the disease. Too much blood sugar can damage nerves, eyes, the heart and blood vessels.
"I remember as a kid having to do things for her, going to the store for her," Atkins-Ball said. "It really scared me."
The researchers found that only the group that combined aerobics and weights both lowered their blood sugar and lost weight, although all three fitness groups reduced their waist sizes.
Fewer patients in the combo group started taking new diabetes drugs than in the other groups. Decisions on medications were left up to the patients' regular doctors during the study.
Forty-one percent of the patients in the combo group either decreased their diabetes medications or lowered their average blood sugar as measured by a common blood test, compared to 26 percent for weights only, 29 percent for aerobics only and 22 percent in the non-exercise group.
The blood sugar reduction achieved by the combo group was enough to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other complications, the researchers wrote, citing earlier studies.
Atkins-Ball's results were good, if not long-lasting. She dropped 4 pounds and saw her blood sugar reach near normal levels. When the program ended, she joined a gym and kept exercising — for a while.
Then she got busy, let her gym membership lapse after a year and has seen her blood sugar levels climb. She's now taking two diabetes drugs, instead of the one she took during the study.
Atkins-Ball is trying to get back into an exercise routine by walking two miles with her husband in the mornings. Her advice for others with diabetes is to get into a structured exercise program.
"That's what helped me the most," she said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101123/ap_on_he_me/us_med_diabetes_fitness;_ylt=Aih36.TQdj.dt9_Vg_g2vWus0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFkbmJzNG80BHBvcwMxNDIEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9oZWFsdGgEc2xrA2Jlc3RkaWFiZXRlcw--

Developing A Roadmap To A Healthier You

Most people are astonished by the fact that I am able to cut my weight down so fast for a contest and often ask me how it is possible. Losing 20-30 pounds in 12 weeks are results that most people dream about and struggle to do for years. The fact of the matter is that sometimes you need a goal and a system for tracking progress in order to achieve desired results. For me, the goal was to step on stage and show off a drug free 190 lb 5% body fat physique.

Your goals may be anything from being able to fit in a certain size pants to lowering cholesterol or blood pressure to a certain level. The fact is that goals should be measurable and include actual numbers that way progress can be tracked. For example, "I want to lose weight" or "I want to lower my cholesterol" are too vague but are also the goals that most people set for themselves. It becomes obvious to me why people don't see the results they want. This is because they not only don't know where they are trying to get too nor do they have any idea where they are in comparison to where they were. Setting a goal like "I want to weight 120 lbs by December 31, losing 2lbs per week for 10 weeks" is perfect because it is detailed and creates a road map for a person on their journey to better health. The next phase after setting a goal is choosing a designated time each week, or twice a week to even better track progress, allowing for adjustments to be made mid week. For example, you would need to weigh yourself at the same time (preferable upon waking on an empty stomach) each week in order to track your progress and figure out what went wrong or right each week.

This is the exact method I use when preparing for a natural bodybuilding contest. I first set a desired weight goal (190 lbs), then a date (contest date), and how I am going to achieve that weight (lose 2 lbs per week for 12 weeks for a total of 24 lbs). I then figure out that I will weigh myself twice per week (Saturday and Wednesday morning on an empty stomach) in order to make necessary adjustments mid week if my weight loss isn't moving along like it should. I then figure out what went wrong or right with my week or first half of the week based on the weight I came in at. This is done by taking a look at my caloric intake, calories burned with cardio, and strength training regimen. The old calorie in calorie out equation comes in to play here and I am often able to figure out what needs to be adjusted or what part of the formula needs to be intensified (burn more calories or consume less calories).

I will admit that it takes some serious dedication but the results are worth any and all frustration you feel when counting your calories or pushing yourself through tough workouts. You will also train yourself to live a healthier lifestyle and realize that down the road you wont have to spend as much time analyzing your calorie charts because you will learn what foods to eat and how much cardio to do. In this way, living healthier becomes second nature. It is getting through this "training period" where all of your knowledge is gathered that will make for a healthier thinking mind in the long run. There is nothing better than being able to refer back to accountability journals from the past when you are feeling yourself falling off track. This allows you to see what you were doing for cardio, what foods you were eating, how many calories you were consuming, and the amount of time you spent strength training. So lets get started. There is no better time than now!

-Justin Medeiros,  NASM-CPT
Certified Personal Trainer
Natural Bodybuilding Competitor

Hemp Protein - The King of the Plant Kingdom by Mathew G. Kadey MSc., RD

The importance of obtaining high quality protein from the diet should not be taken lightly. Protein is the fundamental building block for our muscles and it is essential that these same muscles be supplied with a daily dose of high quality protein. This is especially true for those who are exercising on a regular basis. As a result of this need, protein powders are in high demand. Despite its drawbacks, soy protein has traditionally been the most popular choice in terms of a plant protein supplement. However, there is now a new option and it’s definitely worth some attention. For some time now, hemp as a food has been available in Hemp Seed Nut, Hemp Seed Nut Butter and Hemp Seed Oil forms. Now consumers can benefit from hemp in the form of a protein powder. Hemp Protein Powder has been raising eyebrows in the marketplace as a very competitive protein source and a great source of all the essential amino acids. Hemp foods come from the same plant species as marijuana (Cannabis sativa l.), but from a special variety that contains virtually no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that triggers marijuana's psychoactive effects. Hemp Protein Powder is produced when whole hemp seeds are cold-pressed to expel the oil, leaving behind a dry “cake.” This cake is then milled at low temperatures to remove some of the fibre and produce a concentrated form of protein. Nutritional Benefits of Hemp

 

      Hemp Protein Powder can supply any diet with a vegetarian source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, chlorophyll and a complete, balanced gluten-free source of the essential amino acids.

      Many plant proteins are labelled "incomplete" proteins as a resulting from the low amounts of one or more of the nine essential amino acids. Truth be told, the "incomplete" label is somewhat misleading as all plant proteins do contain each of the essential amino acids. But in most cases (e.g. grains, legumes), levels of one or more amino acid are insufficient for human needs. However, hemp protein supplies enough of each of the essential amino acids to contribute to the human body’s requirements. In fact, an important aspect of hemp protein is that it is a quality source of the amino acids arginine and histidine, both of which are important for growth during childhood, and of the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, both of which are needed in the production of vital enzymes. Hemp protein also contains relatively high levels of the branched-chain amino acids that are crucial in the repair and growth of lean body mass, making a hemp protein shake after a workout a worthwhile investment. Almost two-thirds of hemp protein is made up of edestin, a globulin protein found only in hemp seeds. This makes hemp the superior source for this protein in the plant kingdom. Edestin is a type of plant protein that is similar to protein found in the human body, and thus is perfectly suited to aid in meeting the body’s cellular needs such as DNA repair. Since much of hemp’s protein resembles that found in human blood, hemp protein is very easily digested and assimilated. In addition, another one-third of hemp’s protein is albumin, another high quality globulin protein also found in egg whites. When purchasing a hemp protein powder you should be looking for a brand that supplies at least 50% protein by weight, supplying 15 grams of protein per 30 gram serving.

     While hemp protein powder may contain more total fat than many other protein powders available today, it should be stressed that almost all of this fat comes from the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3. Hemp is recognized by the World Health Organization as having what is considered to be an optimal three-to-one balance of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is this ratio that is believed to be ideal in promoting long-term well-being by decreasing the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes and depression.

      Importantly, the fat present in hemp is also one of the few food sources of the fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is showing promise in helping the fight against chronic diseases.

     Hemp Protein Powder contains no additives or preservatives. While many protein powders use artificial flavouring, Hemp Protein Powder’s  natural nutty flavour is all the flavour needed.

Hemp versus Soy

      In the plant kingdom hemp is second only to soy in protein content. But it has several advantages over the soybean.

     Unlike Hemp Protein Powder, many soy protein isolate powders that are not labelled organic are often processed with hexane, a petroleum solvent that has adverse impacts on the environment and potentially human health. The resulting hexane-processed soy is utilized in many soy protein powders, cereals and bars. Hemp protein Powder produced using only expeller (cold) pressed techniques does not involve the use of hexane in the production process. It is this same technique that ensures valuable vitamins and minerals are not destroyed during processing.

       Soy protein contains oligosaccharides that can cause stomach upset and gas in some individuals. Hemp Protein Powder is free of this irritant and there are no known allergens present in Hemp Protein Powder. The addition of sugar to many soy protein products is also a concern for our expanding waistlines.

      Perhaps the most important difference, the non-organic soybeans used in many soy protein powders are often derived from genetically modified soybeans. Hemp is never genetically modified. In addition, hemp foods have low environmental impact because hemp doesn't require Herbicides or Pesticides to grow.

How to add Hemp Protein Powder to your diet

      Hemp protein powder can be mixed into juices, smoothies and protein shakes. It can be used during baking by adding to pies, cakes, muffins and breads at a 25% hemp to 75% flour ratio. This is especially useful for those following the low carbohydrate lifestyle.

      Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or a carnivore, whether you are young or old, active or sedentary, Hemp Protein Powder is a tasty way to obtain your body’s protein needs, and is readily available at a natural products retailer near you.

Source: http://www.manitobaharvest.com/nutrition/index.asp?itemID=172

6 Nutrients That Speed Fat Loss and Why You Should Get Them in Your Diet.

An ever-increasing amount of research now suggests that incorporating specific foods into a calorie-controlled diet can actually promote greater fat loss and give you improvements in body composition. Based on the latest scientific research, I’ve compiled a list of 6 foods that appear to give a definite edge in terms of fat reduction. They should be in every bodybuilder’s diet. Are they in yours?
1. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has been a part of many kooky diets over the years. However, now there is solid scientific evidence that suggests grapefruit does provide a positive impact on the body’s insulin levels that results in better fat loss1.
In this 12-week pilot study, researchers from the American-based Scripps Clinic revealed that overweight people who ate a serving of grapefruit with each meal (3 times a day) experienced an average weight loss of 3.6 pounds compared to a control group that lost only 0.5 of a pound.
The study participants maintained their daily eating habits and slightly increased their exercise routine. The simple addition of grapefruit resulted in significantly greater weight loss and some participants even lost more than 10 pounds during the study1.
The researchers speculated that some “hidden” chemical properties within the fruit enhance the effects of insulin and this is supported by the lower glucose and insulin measurements seen in participants that consumed grapefruit. Lowering insulin secretion in response to food intake enables fat to be burnt for energy and also increases satiety- satisfy hunger while consuming fewer calories.
Bodybuilders are generally leaner than the regular population so don’t expect that the consumption of grapefruit will enable you to shed 10 pounds of body fat. However, eating a slice or two of grapefruit after a meal appears to help promote lower, steadier glucose and insulin levels that reduce hunger and promote better fat metabolism. This simple strategy may well enhance fat loss during a calorie-controlled diet.

2. Red Wine
Yes, red wine should be a part of every health conscious person’s diet. Small amounts of this beverage provide numerous cancer-preventative effects but red wine may also enhance fat metabolism2.
One of the biggest discoveries in nutritional science is the identification of resveratrol, the active ingredient in red wine. This compound has been shown to dramatically increase the rate at which cells metabolize fat. Resveratrol stimulates the SIRT1 gene to produce a protein called sirtuin-1 which blocks a receptor on fat cells. When this receptor is blocked, lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) is increased and the formation of new fat (adipogenesis) is decreased2.
Other studies have shown that the stimulation of this protein by resveratrol (red wine consumption) also activates the genes that promote a longer, healthier lifespan. Resveratrol comes from the skin of grapes but since it oxidizes quickly (losing its metabolic effect in the process) fresh grapes and white wine are less effective sources. Red wine is a unique source of resveratrol as it retains the same amount as was in the grape at the time of fermentation.
I’ll give you an idea of how much I believe in the health benefits of this compound. Previously I’ve never drank red wine and never really cared for it’s taste at all. However, based on the steadily accumulating health benefits of this drink I’ve trained my self to have a half-glass of red wine with my evening meal, every night. This small amount won’t have any detrimental effect on body fat and it’s all that’s required to provide some rather powerful heath benefits. It doesn’t have to be the expensive stuff either. Around 5 bucks will get you a very drinkable red wine. Remember to seal the bottle tightly as it red wine tends to go acidic rather quickly.
Now, I’m not advocating that consuming large amounts of red wine is going to get you ripped. Not for a second. Alcohol is alcohol; it is a calorie-dense nutrient that acts a lot like fat in promoting calorie storage. However, bodybuilders need to get their head around the idea that everyday science is unveiling previously “hidden” compounds in regular foods that have profound benefits to our metabolism and physiology. And sometimes these compounds are found in foods that are not your typical bodybuilding staples. Smart bodybuilders will incorporate this new research into their diets and reap the benefits.
3. Whey Protein
If you’re looking for foods shown in research to enhance fat metabolism and improve body composition (increase fat loss and/or lean body mass) you cannot go past high quality whey isolate. The research is tremendously compelling. Here are some examples.
One study examined the effects of supplementation with a high quality whey protein in comparison to casein in healthy adults. Even though no exercise was performed during this trial after the 10 week supplementation period (only 20 grams a day), the whey group demonstrated a decrease in body fat percentage and an improvement in anaerobic performance3.
A study on rodents has shown that supplementation with a whey isolate during 6 weeks of exercise training resulted in much better improvements in body composition compared to supplementation with casein or carbohydrate. The researchers discovered that whey isolate (but not casein or carbohydrate) preserved lipid oxidation in the hours during and after exercise, unlike the other supplements. This means this type of whey promotes greater utilization of body fat for fuel4.

4. Dairy Calcium

A substantial amount of scientific research has accumulated over recent years that support a rather unlikely concept. The amount of calcium consumed within the diet appears to be a key component in the regulation of energy metabolism. The evidence suggests that a high calcium intake not only protects against body fat accumulation, it enables a person to utilize (burn) more fat for energy. The amount of calcium in the diet basically determines how easily an individual gains or loses body fat. So if you’re after a lean’ mean physique you’d be crazy not to increase your intake of calcium.

However, before you go rushing out to buy a pack of calcium pills, beware that the best source of calcium that promotes fat loss is from dairy foods that are rich in protein.
Dairy proteins that are rich in calcium appear to provide the greatest fat-loss effect6. A review of the current literature on the impact of calcium’s effects on body composition clearly shows that calcium from dairy sources exerts a significantly greater effect on fat metabolism and weight loss than calcium supplementation. 5. Fiber-Rich Vegetables

A high intake of vegetables (high in naturally occurring fiber) is one of the real secrets to an ultra lean body7. Best of all, a high vegetable intake enables your supplements to exert their potent effects on muscle growth. Unfortunately most bodybuilders don’t eat enough vegetables. The reason why vegetables are so effective for fat loss is that they provide “bulk” to the diet but add very few calories. This “tricks” the metabolism into staying elevated during calorie restriction because of the large volume of food the body has to process7.
Vegetables increase satiety and keep blood sugar concentrations steady so that the muscle building, fat burning process isn’t interrupted.
If you want a single digit body fat percentage then a high intake of vegetables is essential. All vegetables are nutrient dense, yet sparse in calorie content, so make sure you select from a variety. Not many people realize a large plate piled high with any variety of vegetables contains less than 300 calories and I guarantee most people couldn’t finish the plate!
As your calorie restriction becomes tighter, increase your vegetable intake. This not only keeps your hunger at bay, it will also definitely enhance your fat loss results.
6. Water
That’s right, plain old water! Based on the research available, there is no doubt that drinking more water enhances fat loss during a calorie-controlled diet.
In a recent study, 14 healthy, normal-weight subjects (seven men and seven women), were used to assess the effects of drinking 500 milliliters (approximately 18 ounces) of water on energy expenditure, metabolism and fuel utilization8. In this study the scientists assessed energy expenditure and metabolic rate by using whole-room indirect calorimetry. This is a highly accurate method of assessing changes in the metabolism.
Results showed that drinking 500 milliliters of water increased metabolic rate by 30%! The increase occurred within 10 minutes of consumption and reached a maximum after 30 to 40 minutes.
Drinking water increases thermogenesis (calories expended via heat). About 40% of the thermogenic effect originates from the body warming the water from room temperature to body temperature. In men, fat was the main fuel utilized during this process. In contrast, women tended to use carbohydrates to fuel thermogenesis. The total thermogenic response to water consumption in this study was about 24 calories.
Drinking 2 liters of water per day would augment energy expenditure by approximately 100 calories. If a person is on a calorie-restricted diet, this amount will definitely add up as weeks go by to ensure better fat loss results.

By Paul Cribb Ph.D. CSCS. http://ast-ss.com/

References

1. The 228th ACS National Meeting, Aug 2004.
2. Nature 17:429;771-776, 2004.
3. J Appl Physiol 87: 1381-1385, 1999.
4. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 283: E565-E572, 2002.
5. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 34;5: A1688, 2002.
6. Obesity Research reviews 12: 582-590, 2004.
7. J Nutrition 130: 272S-275S, 2000.
8. J Clin Endo & Metab 88; 6015-6019, 2003.

7 Tips to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

November is just around the corner, and you know what that means: the holiday season, and for some, holiday weight gain. A lot of numbers are thrown around with regards to how much weight people actually gain. The truth is, the “average” person gains about three to five pounds during the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
You might be thinking, “That’s not a lot of weight,” but the trouble is not the weight gain, it’s the weight loss, or lack thereof. The fact is most people don’t lose that weight come January. Instead, it adds up year after year, and “suddenly” you’re 20 pounds heavier, a term researchers call “creeping obesity.”
This year, rather than waiting until 2011 to try to get back on track, stay on track through the end of 2010 with these seven tips from nutritionist Christopher R. Mohr, guaranteed to help you avoid dreaded holiday weight gain throughout the holiday season… and beyond!

1. Make sure you get your exercise in first thing in the morning. During the holidays, you’re going to eat (and probably drink) more calories than usual, so making time for exercise is a must. Think of it like a checkbook that needs to be balanced; don’t go crazy and promise you’ll be more responsible in January.
2. Go for a walk, post meal. After you do the dishes, fight the urge to just collapse on the sofa. Instead, give your metabolism a little boost with some movement and fresh air (weather permitting).
3. If you’re preparing the meal, try some slightly healthier alternatives. While you don’t need to revamp the menu to tofu and wheat grass, there are some simple strategies that will go undetected by even the finest of palates. Things like using half the butter and sugar a recipe calls for and switching from full fat milk to chicken broth for mashed potatoes. Trust me; your guests won’t even blink an eye!
4. Don’t hover over the buffet table. You will eat more when an entire table of food is beckoning. Pick your options, put them on your plate and then step away from the buffet table.
5. Pick your favorite foods and enjoy small portions of them. Dinner rolls are a waste of time. You can get them whenever you want. At the holiday, choose foods that are a bit more unique, the ones you may only have once a year and enjoy them (in moderation, of course).
6. Give away any leftovers. We know there’s nothing nicer than leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast (ok, and lunch too), but keeping those delicious leftovers around just equals temptation. Do yourself a favor and send each guest home with a care package of leftovers.
7. Get right back on track that evening or the next morning, depending on the time you eat dinner. One meal will never make or break you. Throwing your arms up in the air and claiming defeat will.

Remember that Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are just three days out of an entire six or so weeks. If you follow these tips, it will be smooth sailing from here to ’11, and your skinny jeans will be waiting to greet you on the other side. Bon appetite!

Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD, (http://www.mohrresults.com/) is a consulting Sports Nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals and is the Sports Nutritionist for Under Armour’s TNP Training Council. He also consults for organizations such as the Discovery Health Channel, The Dairy Council, Clif Bar and Nordic Naturals. He is on the Advisory Board for Men’s Fitness Magazine and has written over 500 articles for consumer publications from Men’s Fitness, Weight Watchers to Men’s Health and Fitness. Dr. Mohr has Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Nutrition and a PhD in Exercise Physiology.

3 Tips to Stay Hydrated (Making Water Drinking More Enjoyable)

It is hard for most people to even think about drinking the mandatory 8 to 10 glasses of water per day let alone actually do it. This seems like such a challenge for most people and is actually jotted down as a goal for many clients to drink more water each day. The fact of the matter though is that the body needs these 8 to10 glasses every day to reach proper hydration levels and to function properly. The benefits of staying properly hydrated are too many to count but a few that you will definitely notice and feel are better joint motion (more lubrication), less muscle tightness, higher energy levels, smoother looking skin, and better urinary tract function. The list goes on and on but the benefits I have just named are usually the most commonly strived for. Many everyday ills can be lessened or even cured by increasing water consumption but the hard part is choking down the proper amounts each day.  Those who engage in intense cardio and strength training regimens will need more than the 8 to 10 glasses deemed mandatory due to their bodies need stay even more energized and for proper motor and muscle function. So enough with all the facts lets go over 3 simple ways to make drinking the proper amount of water each day more enjoyable.

Tip 1:  Sugar free drink mixes

Feel free to add a sugar free drink mix to your water in order to add some flavor. It is better to use half of a packet in order to only lightly flavor the water and not over do it.  This strategy actually makes the water taste better and will not cause you to get sick of the over bearing taste of the mix. Green tea mixes are always great for a little extra fat burning effect.

Tip 2: Add some fruit juice

Feel free to add just a hint of your favorite fruit juice to a glass of water in order to flavor it. Obviously this can be easily overdone so please only add a quick splash. The healthier the fruit juice the better of course, and remember to add the splash once the glass of water is already poured. By adding the splash of juice last you will immediately taste it upon your first sip and will be pleasantly surprised.

Tip 3: Squeeze a lemon or lime

A great method is to add a few squeezes of a lemon, a lime, or both to your glass of water in order to give it that extra kick. This is a great strategy when consuming tap water to hide that chlorine taste. The greatest benefits of this method however are the detoxifying benefits of the lemon juice which can aid in liver detoxification (removal of toxins and waste products) and enhance the digestive process.

-Justin Medeiros, NASM-CPT

Are excess carbs turned to fat?

Carbohydrates are the body’s (and the brain’s) preferred fuel source. But what happens if you eat more then you need for fuel?
While the liver is capable of converting carbohydrates to fat – a process called de novo lipogenesis, the physiological fact is its very difficult to convert carbohydrate to fat. However, excessive carbohydrate consumption elevates your insulin levels which shuts down fat metabolism pathways. This makes calories easier to store in fat cells.
Dropping carbs from your diet will change the fuel your body uses, however this “new” fuel will come mostly from gluconeogenic amino acids (protein). That is, you’ll burn a whole lot of muscle in the process.
So what about the role of exercise in carb consumption? Intense exercise is an excellent “tool” you can use to channel carbohydrates to produce an anabolic response within muscle. Consuming most of your daily carbohydrate intake in the hours following a workout will ensure that your carbs go towards muscle recovery and growth.
The bottom line is that a diet high in sugars (carbs) may not necessarily be turned into fat, however, a high carb intake will promote fat gain, simply because this way of eating inhibits fat utilization and encourages energy storage.

-Paul Cribb Ph.D. CSCS

http://ast-ss.com/information/?p=1302

Visualization

The following may seem like a simple concept but sometimes the simplest little techniques are the most effective. Visualization is an important concept not only in fitness but in everyday life. It is important to visualize yourself a certain way or visualize how you will perform certain activities before you do them, such as weight training and cardio when exercising. You should create a mental image of what you want to look like and become focused on achieving that desired look for example. This will serve as a mental blueprint so to speak, sort of like when an architect designs a building he/she is going to build. You are constructing a new you and a healthier body so why shouldnt you develop a blueprint for that as well? You can even start small if you have a long way to go and change your visual everytime you reach an established visual goal (a milestone). You can even visualize how a certain workout will go beforehand (your intensity level, strength, exercise performance etc.) and strive to bring those mental images to life. I know this technique sounds a little ridiculous but believe me it truly works. You not only become more motivated each time you work out but you now have a mental image of yourself locked in your brain that becomes hard to get out because deep down inside you know it is the way you need to look and feel. Visualize greatness for yourself and you will achieve just that.

-Justin Medeiros NASM-CPT

Post Workout Recovery Tips

Fitness Together workouts can be demanding and often leave you with feelings of soreness, tightness and fatigue. These feelings come with the territory when working hard in the studio to reach your goals and transform your body into a lean and healthy machine. The benefits of the exercise routines you do definitely outweigh temporary soreness and tightness but it is understandable that you may want these post workout feelings to be reduced or even eliminated for the most part. The soreness, tightness, and fatigue is usually your body telling you that it needs some post workout TLC to speed up the recovery process and help your muscles repair. Four easy and highly effective measures you can take to give your body what it needs are: (1) rest one or even two days per week depending on the intensity of the workouts performed on the other days, (2) immediately feed your muscles with lean muscle-repairing protein (protein powder, fish, eggs, chicken etc.) after a workout, (3) take a warm Epsom salt bath to relieve muscle tightness (removes toxins and relaxes the nervous system), (4) book a great massage with a registered massage therapist (also aids in the removal of toxins within the body).

Exercise and Depression

        

 Depression and exercise actually go hand in hand as most of the symptoms of depression are actually the opposite of the positive feelings brought about by engaging in an exercise program.  Let’s break down some of these symptoms one by one and then discuss the positive effects of exercise.  First, depression often leads to a lack of confidence in one’s self or a lack self esteem. People tend to bring themselves down by being too hard on themselves or by losing that feeling of self worth. They tend to see themselves in a negative light and often have a less than positive image of themselves in their head both physically and mentally. Second, depressed people tend to feel a lack of motivation. This can obviously stem from symptom number one and focuses on a person’s weakening ability to exert suitable amounts of effort when dealing with basic activities of day to day life, never mind more challenging projects that arise. This symptom creates a sense of laziness (“Why bother?” “Who cares?” “I just don’t feel like it”), and an inability to cope with life. Third, anxiety tends to be another powerful symptom of depression and will also stem off of the second symptom. The inability of the patient to cope with day to day life often creates a feeling of anxiousness in the person when they are confronted with situations they deem too stressful. These situations will vary in nature depending on the severity of the depression with even the most basic of daily activities causing anxiety in extreme cases. Fourth, lack of sleep can also occur when someone is depressed, which can go hand in hand with another symptom I’ll refer to as dwell and worry. Dwelling and worrying are two symptoms I group together due to their similarity in nature. You are dwelling on anything from the past to present situations to even what may happen in the future. You are worrying about the past returning or affecting the future, present situations, or even what the future may bring. Of course more symptoms exist but they are beyond the scope of this article.

                Now let’s discuss how exercise can combat each of the symptoms discussed above in order to validate the importance of incorporating exercise into a depression solution regimen.  First, exercise fends off that lack of self confidence by boosting a person’s self esteem. By setting attainable goals, that may be extremely simple a first, a person begins to feel a sense of accomplishment and knows what they have to do to reach those goals. By creating a plan, people are held accountable and as they accomplish more they realize just how strong they really are.  Second, a game plan developed with attainable goals also gives people the drive they need to stay motivated. As they see themselves accomplishing, feeling better, and looking better, they tend to become more motivated people overall. Third, as people become stronger both mentally and physically, stressful situations tend to seem easier and easier to deal with thus reducing anxiety. Exercise is a proven means of stress relief in general and will serve as an outlet for that relief. Fourth, higher self confidence and lower stress also increases a person’s ability to get a good night sleep. Just knowing they are more capable of handling daily tasks and stressful situations, and that they have a new outlet to release their stress, will put their mind at ease more so than before.  Lastly, after having strengthened the mind with thoughts of confidence, motivation, and a better night’s sleep, a person will tend to worry and dwell less, as their mind is now focused on more positive things like goals that have been set and what they intend on accomplishing.

The Benefits Of Putting On Some Lean Muscle

There are a several benefits to putting on some lean muscle than just the most known reasons of getting stronger and improving the appearance of your frame. Many people, especially women tend to associate the term muscle or muscular with being oversized or losing a nice feminine, tone, or lean physique. The fact of the matter however is that adding some extra pounds of lean muscle to your body can reap a number of benefits for both men and women. The focus is not on the size of the muscle created but on the fat to lean ratio of someone’s bodyweight. As body fat is converted to lean muscle weight benefits that arise are but are not limited to an increased ability of your body to burn all those extra unwanted calories (higher metabolism), lower risk of injury, and increased confidence and motivation levels. Overall, your body just plain functions better in a variety of ways whether it has to do with your physical body or your mind.