Vitamins and minerals that boost metabolism
https://ift.tt/2AzH6f8 Metabolism is the process the body uses to break down food and nutrients for energy, as well as to support different body functions. What people eat, including vitamins and minerals, affects their metabolism. In this article, learn what to eat to promote a healthy metabolism and weight control. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 31, 2018 at 03:03PM
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This Numberless Scale Changed the Way I Think About Weight Loss
https://ift.tt/2K2UQ1f As anyone watching their weight can tell you, stepping on a scale isn’t always the best part of your day. You step on, hold your breath and hope for the best. It can be a source of anxiety, frustration, and even shame. As great as it can feel to see that number dropping, even a slight uptick can really mess with your head and derail your progress. And when that happens, it’s just so much easier to start subtracting workouts and adding snacks. But, as you may have heard, health is more than a number on a scale—and that’s the idea behind Shapa, a numberless scale that aims to remove the needless anxiety so you can concentrate on what matters. Shapa’s co-founder, Dan Ariely, is a professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University who devoted his research to decoding people’s decision-making. With Shapa, he built on a principle known as loss aversion, which generally states that we prefer avoiding a negative result more than acquiring a positive one. In terms of weight loss, that means the negative feelings of adding a few pounds are more impactful than the positive feelings associated with shedding a few. But sometimes adding a few pounds is merely a factor of day-to-day fluctuations that happen naturally, whether by water retention or having eaten a heavy meal. Which is why Shapa’s goal is to get you focused on the long game rather than this so-called weight variance. The scale, together with its corresponding app, uses an algorithm to track your weight and body fat percentage while accounting for your personal patterns in weight variance—and instead of showing you your weight, you're graded with one of five colors to mark your progress. RELATED: 9 Before-and-After Photos That Show Weight Is Just a Number I’ve long been aware of the role my mind plays in my ability to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. I can rationalize just about any food choice—“What a rough day, I deserve a Twix!” or “That’s great news, I should get a Twix!”—and have talked myself out of more workouts than I can count. I tend to want instant results—a workout today should be a loss on the scale tomorrow—even though I know this isn’t how human bodies work. “Scientific research shows that the body, through various mechanisms, resists weight loss attempts, and most people who lose weight gain it back,” says Joan Chrisler, PhD, a psychology professor at Connecticut College who specializes in weight and eating disorders. “Thus, when weight loss efforts don't work, dieters think there is something wrong with them, feel like failures, and give up after a few weeks.” I get that—and I’d be lying if I said a string of disappointing weigh-ins never led to a cheeseburger. I was eager to give Shapa a shot and take a stab at changing my outlook. Shapa acknowledges that changing our behavior is key in achieving our goals. After all, the scale is only a reflection of what you're doing, so the app is all about encouraging users to build new habits and live a generally healthier lifestyle. The Shapa app, which works on both Android and iOS and can support up to seven accounts, supplies you with reminders, healthy tips, and “missions” to help change your behavior. “Focusing on your behavior is proven to be more beneficial than setting a specific weight loss goal,” reads a post on the Shapa website. “Instead of concentrating on a number on the bathroom scale or limiting your calories, challenge yourself to take a walk each day, keep a food journal, or drink an extra glass of water each morning.” After downloading the app and answering a long questionnaire about my food and activity habits, I did my first weigh-in. By design, your first few weigh-ins don’t tell you anything. There’s a nearly two-week assessment period where Shapa’s algorithm learns your variance. I found this stage to be tedious. Psychologically, it’s weird to step off the scale having learned nothing. It’s anticlimactic. Eventually though, I got my first rating from Shapa. The color scale ranges from blue (you're doing great!) to dark gray (you're slipping!). I earned a green, the neutral rating, signifying no meaningful change in my weight or body fat. At first, I was pumped by the results. I remained in the green for a couple of weeks. The wording on the results is very positive, so even though I wasn’t necessarily improving, I still felt good about not backsliding. I even found myself working out more often. But it wasn’t long before my itch for results needed scratching. After all, my goal was to lose weight, not stay exactly the same. RELATED: These 8 Women Look Like They Lost Weight—but the Scale Didn’t Budge After a few weeks of green weigh-ins, I eventually hit something of a mental plateau and found myself weighing in less frequently. That complacency led to some more iffy food choices, followed inevitably by a string of gray Shapa readings. Obviously, that’s on me. I’m not blaming Shapa for my love of fried chicken sandwiches. But while I appreciate Shapa’s philosophy, I wanted to see more of what was happening. It may seem like it defeats the purpose, but I found a way to make the app tell me my weight and change in body fat percentage—the two metrics the scale tracks—in the settings. If I got a dark gray, I wanted to know why. The results Shapa offers are an average of your last 10 weigh-ins. For me, that was just as frustrating, because any change there moved so slowly. Once I snapped out of my fitness malaise and got back on track, I was still racking up the grays. That’s because it took nearly two weeks to see those changes reflected in my average. That was a discouraging little stretch. I realize now that what I’d done was substitute one metric for another. Mentally, I was still pinning my progress to the scale—except the feedback was a color now instead of a number. As it happens, I'm not alone in tripping over such obstacles. “A common mistake people make is having impossible expectations and being too strict with themselves,” Chrisler says. “So when someone slips up and goes off the plan, it seems like the ‘diet’ is ‘ruined,’ and then they give up. It is important to have a series of statements to say to oneself when these slips occur in order to counteract self-blame and discouragement.” She recommends affirmations like: "Everyone slips up, I'll get back on my plan tomorrow," "One misstep won't ruin the progress I've made," or "Slow and steady wins the race." To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter When my Shapa average started to move again, I noticed that while my weight hadn’t changed, my body fat was down 0.1%. Now, I don’t know whether that’s good or meager, but it motivated me. I wish I knew what my starting body fat percentage was, and I definitely would love to see a chart or graph of my progress thus far. Ultimately, if Shapa offered more information, or even had different modes that would allow a user to choose how much or how slow feedback was reflected, I think I’d have found it a more useful tool. “I think it would be better to focus on making behavior changes—eat healthier foods, move more, be grateful for what we have, develop self-acceptance—regardless of how these changes affect weight,” Chrisler says. Through their reminders and missions, these are goals Shapa hopes to cultivate, too. Since using Shapa, I’ve moved more toward this perspective and shifted my focus to long-term results. I’ve definitely been less preoccupied with what the scale says, and my exercise routine is reinvigorated. As I focus more now on how I feel, the most noticeable result has been that I am able to work out harder and longer. With the long game in mind, there can only be positive results down the line. Weight Loss via Weight Loss - Health.com https://ift.tt/2um58Un July 27, 2018 at 01:57PM
Calcium-rich foods that vegans can eat
https://ift.tt/2v8P0Gh Calcium provides many health benefits. Some people who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or who do not consume dairy products for other reasons wonder how to add more calcium to their diets. In this article, we describe the 18 best nondairy sources of this vital nutrient. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 26, 2018 at 03:44PM
The Two Workouts That Helped This Reality TV Star Lose 25 Pounds Before Her Wedding
https://ift.tt/2Ofojbz Brittany Cartwright is thrilled with her “wedding body” progress. The Vanderpump Rules star, 29, revealed that she’s lost 25 lbs. as she preps for her upcoming wedding to fiancé and castmate Jax Taylor. “I normally don’t post stuff like this but I’m feelin’ good,” Cartwright posted on Instagram, along with a bikini selfie. “Still working on that wedding body of course, but I’m so proud of my progress.” The server at SUR also told E! that she does want to slim down for her wedding, but her real priority in losing weight is to be “happy and healthy.” “Being healthy and fit makes me feel so much more confident and happy with myself,” she said. “It feels really great when you start seeing results and your old clothes start to fit again.” Cartwright said that she starting working out more, and found that running and interval training “really helped jumpstart my weight loss.” “I also started going to classes at Sweat Garage and it helped to keep me focused and have direction instead of trying to go to the gym and workout on my own,” she said. She also cleaned up her diet to focus on healthy foods — with a few exceptions. “I still have to have my cheat days! I try to eat clean for the most part, eating salads cooking a lot of baked chicken and vegetables at home, but I love my cheat days. I just make sure I have them in moderation now,” she said. And she emphasized that anyone can get healthier — they just have to realize that it “doesn’t happen overnight.” “My weight has always fluctuated so I was getting down on myself, but once you change those habits that aren’t making you feel like you, and start a healthier lifestyle, you feel great and you get that ‘sparkle’ right back!” she said. Cartwright said that Taylor, 39, lost “a lot of weight” too, and has supported her through the process. The couple announced their engagement on June 8, after a rocky year. But Cartwright told PEOPLE that they’re in a great place now. “We just have been so happy. I can’t even be upset with him, I can’t stop smiling,” she said at the beginning of the month. “We’re doing very good. It’s just such a happy time right now.” Weight Loss via Weight Loss - Health.com https://ift.tt/2um58Un July 25, 2018 at 12:19PM
Which type of alcohol has the fewest calories?
https://ift.tt/2LFfBVs Many people drink alcohol but want to keep their caloric intakes in check. Vodka is generally thought to be a low-calorie spirit, but there are many other factors to consider. In this article, learn about the nutritional profile of vodka, how to reduce the number of calories in alcoholic drinks, and more. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 24, 2018 at 02:50PM
Is pasta good or bad for you?
https://ift.tt/2LxEORQ Pasta is an enormously popular food. According to the National Pasta Association, the average person in the United States eats 20 pounds (lb) of pasta every year. However, research from 2017 noted a decline in pasta's popularity, which is partly due to health and nutrition concerns. In this article, learn about the benefits and drawbacks of pasta, as well as the different types that are available. Is pasta healthy?![]() Pasta can be an excellent addition to a healthful diet. A recent study reinforced this, finding that people on a low-GI diet still lost weight when they ate pasta. The study concluded that pasta did not cause any weight gain or increases in body fat. GI is a measure of how quickly and significantly a carbohydrate-rich food may raise blood sugar. The faster the absorption, the higher and faster a person's blood sugar levels will spike. Generally speaking, lower-glycemic foods can help a person control their weight and lower their risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, according to the American Diabetes Association, starchy foods such as pasta can be part of a healthful diet for people with diabetes. However, it is essential to limit the portion size of pasta and to minimize the use of high-sugar and high-fat sauces. It is also better to opt for whole-grain pasta, or bean- or lentil-based pasta, which is more nutritious. Some people eliminate pasta from their diet because they are trying to reduce their gluten intake. Unless a person has a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, there is no evidence that a gluten-free diet offers any health benefits. In fact, studies show that many types of gluten-free pasta and other gluten-free products can be more expensive and less healthful than their non-gluten-free equivalents. They tend to be lower in fiber and protein, and higher in sugar and fat than regular foods. Finally, whole-grain pasta is one of the foods that make up the Mediterranean diet, which is a nutritional approach that many doctors and dietitians recommend for better weight control and a lower risk of disease. TypesTraditional enriched pasta only uses specific parts of the wheat kernel, which means that it loses key nutrients during the production process. Manufacturers often artificially add some of these nutrients, which include iron and B vitamins, to the final product. Whole-grain pasta uses all of the wheat kernel, which means that the nutrients remain in the pasta, along with fiber and other beneficial components. Both types of pasta are available in many shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Tips for making healthful pasta-based meals![]() While pasta can be healthful on its own, it can easily become a base for too many calories. At the popular Olive Garden restaurant chain, a spaghetti dish with a creamy mushroom sauce and meatballs contains 1,680 calories. As an adult's average daily calorie requirement is 1,600–2,400 for women and 2,000–3,000 for men, this single meal contributes to at least half of the day's calories and possibly even the full amount. The same principles apply at home, where adding pre-made sauces and common accompaniments such as garlic bread or spoonfuls of Parmesan cheese can make an otherwise healthful meal unhealthful. However, pasta can also be an excellent base for healthful foods. Tips to make healthful pasta-based meals include:
It is also vital to limit the portion size. People should aim to fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables and just over a quarter with carbohydrates, such as pasta. Alternatives to pastaAlternatives to pasta include:
SummaryIs pasta healthy? When people eat the correct portion size and add nutritious toppings, yes it can be. To make pasta-based meals more healthful, people should avoid rich, creamy sauces and high-calorie accompaniments and add more vegetables and lean proteins. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 24, 2018 at 01:50PM
Jenna Jameson Lost 57 Lbs. with the Keto Diet After Giving Birth: 'The Cravings Subside'
https://ift.tt/2LNPoRp Jenna Jameson is feeling better than ever, all thanks to the keto diet. The former adult film star, 44, welcomed her third child, daughter Batel Lu, in April 2017, but ten months later she shared on Instagram that she was still struggling with her postpartum body. Jameson’s body frustrations pushed her to start following the keto diet — short for ketogenic — a very low-carb, moderate protein and high-fat eating plan. Since starting the diet in March, she has lost 57 lbs. She shared two sets of before-and-after photos on Instagram to show how her body has changed. “On the right I weight 187. On the left I’m a strong 130,” Jameson wrote. “I was lethargic and struggled with the easiest of tasks like walking in the beach sand with Batelli. I felt slow mentally and physically. I took the pic on the right for a body positive post I was going to do and decided against it because I felt anything but f—— positive. I’m now a little under four months on the #ketodiet and it’s not only given me physical results, I feel happier, smarter, and much more confident.” And after four months on the program, Jameson pointed out how her progress has shifted from straight weight loss to toning. “I’m no longer really losing fat, I’m tightening,” she said. “I see and feel the biggest difference in my arms and back. When I was out of shape, I felt really thick through my core and trap and arm area. That’s finally starting to go. I really feel weight in our arms is a hormonal thing.” And Jameson gave some words of encouragement to her followers who are considering the keto diet, but don’t know if they can give up carbs. “I can say this to all of you ladies wondering how I stay committed to no carbs. Well, after the first week or so the cravings subside and your body adjusts,” she said. “I get sweet cravings here and there, but I usually push past them by drinking a Fresca.” Jameson also thanked her followers for pushing her through this weight loss journey. “I also want to let y’all know how much your amazing support means to me. I know you loved me heavy, and now… but your journeys inspire me to keep inspiring you,” she said. “Thank you for going on this journey with me. I love you guys!” Weight Loss via Weight Loss - Health.com https://ift.tt/2um58Un July 24, 2018 at 10:42AM
What is a lipoma?
https://ift.tt/2LIUazJ However, people may wish to remove a lipoma that causes pain, complications, or other symptoms. Some people also have concerns about the cosmetic appearance of lipomas. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, but they tend to appear on the shoulders, chest, trunk, neck, thighs, and armpits. In less common cases, they may also form in internal organs, bones, or muscles. Lipomas feel soft and may move slightly under the skin when people press down on them. They usually grow slowly over a period of months or years and typically reach a size of around 2–3 centimeters (cm). Occasionally, people have giant lipomas, which can grow to more than 10 cm. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and health implications of a lipoma. We also cover risk factors, diagnosis, and removal. Causes![]() Image credit: Jmarchn, 2016 Doctors do not fully understand what causes a lipoma. Some people inherit a faulty gene from their parents that can cause one or more lipomas. This is rare and is known as familial multiple lipomatosis. Lipomas can occur more frequently in people with specific medical conditions, such as:
Researchers have also suggested that some lipomas may result from an injury that involves a substantial impact on the area. SymptomsA person with a lipoma will typically feel a soft, oval-shaped lump just beneath the skin. Lipomas are usually painless unless they affect joints, organs, nerves, or blood vessels. In most cases, they do not cause other symptoms. A person with a lipoma that occurs deeper under the skin may not be able to see or feel it. However, a deep lipoma may place pressure on internal organs or nerves and cause associated symptoms. For example, a person with a lipoma on or near the bowels may experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Health implicationsLipomas are benign masses of fat cells. However, experts disagree about whether or not lipomas have the potential to become cancerous. A cancerous mass of fat cells is known as a liposarcoma. Based on research, many experts have concluded that liposarcomas do not develop from lipomas but are, in fact, a different type of tumor. They believe that doctors sometimes mistake liposarcomas for lipomas. Conversely, other experts think that lipomas may contain both cancerous and pre-cancerous cells, but that it is extremely rare for a lipoma to become cancerous. Risk factors![]() It is fairly common for a person to develop a lipoma. Experts estimate that around 1 percent of people have a lipoma. People who have a family relative with one or more lipomas have a higher risk of developing this condition. Lipomas are also more likely to occur in people aged between 40 and 60 years old. Other risk factors for developing a lipoma may include: When to see a doctorPeople should always tell their doctor if they notice changes in a lipoma or if more lumps appear. These changes might involve the lipoma:
Diagnosis![]() Doctors can usually diagnose a lipoma with a simple physical examination. They may start by inspecting and feeling the lump. If the lipoma is large or painful, the doctor may order tests to check if it is cancerous. They may use the following tests: When is removal necessary?Lipomas are usually harmless, so most people do not need to have surgery to remove them. People may want to remove a lipoma that:
Removal procedureA doctor can often remove a lipoma surgically. One method is to make a small cut in the skin and then squeeze out the lipoma. The person is usually under local anesthesia during the procedure and should be able to return home on the same day. A doctor may need to make a more significant incision to remove larger lipomas entirely. It is also possible to remove some lipomas using liposuction. To do this, the doctor will need to cut into the lump and insert a thin, hollow tube through the incision. They will then use the tube to suck the mass of fat cells out of the body. After surgery, the doctor will usually send the lipoma material to a laboratory for analysis. These types of operations will often only leave a small scar once the wound has healed. OutlookLipomas are harmless, fatty tumors that can form under the skin. They are usually painless and do not require treatment. However, a doctor can surgically remove a lipoma if it is causing pain or other symptoms, or if the person wants to get rid of it for cosmetic reasons. Fatty tumors can be benign or cancerous. However, experts are unable to agree whether or not lipomas themselves can become cancerous. It is essential to seek medical advice if a lipoma becomes painful, gets larger, or changes in any other way. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 23, 2018 at 02:39PM
Are dates healthful?
https://ift.tt/2NF2Wzc Dates grow on date palms in small clusters. The term date comes from the Greek word daktulos, which means fingers. Farmers harvest dates in the fall and early winter, so dates usually taste freshest at this time of year. However, many people eat dried dates, which can last for a long time in a sealed container. In this article, learn about the health benefits of dates and how to incorporate them into a well-balanced diet. Nutritional information![]() Deglet Noor dates are one of the most common types of dates that people can find in the supermarket. The following is the nutritional information for one average-sized Deglet Noor date:
Another common variety is the Medjool date. Medjool dates have a similar nutritional content and are often larger than Deglet Noor dates. Five benefits of eating datesIn addition to tasting great, dates contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also:
Risks and considerationsDates have a very high sugar content relative to the rest of their nutritional value. People who are trying to manage their blood sugar, such as those with diabetes, should be mindful of their total sugar intake when consuming dates. Eating dates in moderation is unlikely to raise a person's blood sugar excessively, even if they have diabetes. According to one study, dates are a low glycemic index food that does not result in significant increases in blood sugar in people with or without diabetes. Although the researchers had only a small sample size, their findings do indicate that eating dates in moderation should not dramatically impact a person's blood sugar. How to eat dates![]() Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, much like raisins. People can also add them to a variety of sweet or savory dishes. Some examples of dishes that incorporate dates include:
When shopping for dates, people should look for those that are shiny and unbroken. A person can store fresh dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for many months and even longer in the freezer. If refrigerated, dried dates will last for about 1 year in an airtight container and many years if frozen. A person should not eat dates that have a sour smell, are very hard, or have crystallized sugar on their surface. These signs can indicate the dates have gone bad. SummaryEating dates can be an easy way for a person to incorporate a new fruit into their diet. When eaten in moderation, dates can also contribute essential nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 23, 2018 at 01:09PM
Does the oatmeal diet work for weight loss?
https://ift.tt/2uLcTnI The oatmeal diet is a fad diet that involves eating only or mostly oatmeal. Advocates claim that it can help a person to lose weight quickly, but no evidence suggests that it safe or effective in the long term. Learn about the potential benefits and risks of the oatmeal diet in this article. Weight Loss via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc July 23, 2018 at 10:08AM |
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