Sleep can help you lose weight and avoid obesity and cravings.  We all know that sleep is essential for optimal health.  We do not function efficiently without enough sleep, and we are just plain grumpy if our sleep is interrupted, but we still fail to get enough good quality…

Fresh is better but frozen is fine! Frozen Food Isle I can remember, as a child, my grandmother telling me that flash foods were better than frozen foods. If you think about it, it makes sense that fresh food would be better for you than frozen food. Frozen food is processed and well, fresh food…

A healthy and delicious version of this popular Tex-Mex dish. Chicken fajitas are one of my family’s favorite recipes. I personally love to make it because it can be made in so many ways and it is easily to make. You can make them in a frying pan, grill them, or even back them on…

Got Splurge? Don't get down. Did you overdo it a little last night?  Did you have too much cake at a party?  Too many buffalo wings while out with friends?  Stay positive and don't let a little lapse get you down.  Don't allow yourself time to become discouraged over a single lapse.  When you begin…

Yo-yo diet may increase your risk of heart disease and premature death.   Scale and Tape Measure A number is just a number, but if your weight yo-yos up and down, losing weight may be bad for your health.  I am not talking about the daily fluctuations that occur in all of us.  Some weight fluctuations…

Detox the myth that detox diets are healthy.   Fruit and Vegetable Smoothy Detox or detoxification diets are being sold as the cure to all that ails you.  You can find it on TV on such shows as the Dr. Oz show and on just about every website that is dedicated to fitness, health, and…

Email based support may be superior for weight loss.   Support Group Weight loss is tough and difficult under even the best circumstances.  Almost every dieter is looking for that one thing to help them maximize their weight loss.  Dieters spend billions every year looking for one thing to help them lose and maintain their weight…

Exercise is not a great means to lose weight. Exercise To lose weight, you can do this two ways: eat fewer calories than you burn or burn more calories than you eat.  You must have a negative calorie balance to induce weight loss.  There is not a magical pill that will transform or suspend the…

No amount of exercise will turn fat into muscle.  Sit-Ups I remember in high school that guys and my football coaches used this statement.  Even in the late 70s and 80s, we knew that this statement was utterly malarkey.  This statement is almost as fictitious as the alchemist turning lead into gold.   I know…

Obesity Tied to Secretive Eating I am not an expert on eating disorders or obesity for that matter, but as a primary care physician, I often am the first to suspect and diagnose eating disorders. The diagnosis is difficult to make, and patients and…

Being moderately overweight is not protective in overall mortality. Obesity: Belly One of the problems in research is when you oversimplify or unintentionally skew your data.  When you do this sort of examination of data, you miss the proverbial forest because you are looking at all the trees.  You need to look at the right…

Your health should be more important.  [pullquote]Sacrifice those high-calorie foods that you crave for something that matters more: your health.[/pullquote]I know you crave something.  There is a food you cannot resist.  For me, it is something smothered in gooey cheese.  It could be nachos or pizza or maybe even another food depending on the restaurant or my mood.…

A delicious side dish that will add a lot of flavor to any meal. A simple and delicious dish to serve with roast meats.  It is easy to make and even my teenage son loves it.  It is also very filling and full of healthy fats.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Magic Bullet? Apple cider vinegar I can remember as a child that we always made apple butter and cider in the last summer in West Virginia. We would gather at the family farm to pick apples and press them for cider. I love the stuff and miss those simpler days of…

Eating Patterns May Help Men Maintain a Healthy Weight A Family Preparing a Meal We are all looking for a silver bullet to help us lose weight and sustain the loss afterward.  To be bluntly honest, we have not found such a piece of information, and I personally doubt it exists at all.  The problem…

[pullquote]Everyone has a bad day or weekend.  Pick yourself up and keep going![/pullquote] We have all experienced a momentary lapse in judgment.  I did it this weekend myself.  You meant to just grab a cup of coffee on your drive into work this morning.  You stopped at Starbucks, and there it was staring back at you…

Group support of a structured diet is a winning strategy.   Diet and Nutrition Confusion Obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States and becoming an increasing problem worldwide.  You can easily see the problem with a short trip to your local shopping center or grocery store.  Five to ten years ago, you only…

Never Get Discouraged! [pullquote]Never Get Discouraged!  If you can't see the result sin the mirror, remember, the first and most important changes happen on the inside of your body.[/pullquote]  It is easy to get discouraged when you do not see progress in the mirror.  Often, initially, progress can be slow, and most of the initial changes…

An easy low calorie, high-fiber casserole.   This high-fiber casserole is one your family will love. Freekeh is a young green wheat that is often roasted and cracked. This traditional food of the Middle East has a pleasant nutty flavor and cooks in just 25 minutes. A high-fiber whole grain, freekeh is perfect for savory…

Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier.   We have all heard the myth that eating at home is more expensive.  Food that is good for you is more expensive is what I have always heard, and I guess that is true if all you eat is frozen…

“Low-Content” Nutrient Claims in the United States Don't Add Up I can remember the big low-fat claims for nearly a half century, but the fact is that this fight has been going on for over a century. Experts pushed the concept that fat was bad for you and you should…

Sleep deprivation may cause people to eat more calories. Sleep is so critical for good health.  In the past, most of the research investigated the behavioral health impact of poor sleep.  Over the past 10-15 years, the amount of research done on the physical and metabolic effect of…

How much time you spend a week preparing meals can influence your health and your wallet. [pullquote]Failing to plan is planning to fail. - Allen Lakein[/pullquote]I recently started prepping my meals ahead of time.  I usually prepare my meals for…

[pullquote]Slow Progress is better than no progress!   No matter how slow you progress, you are still doing better than the person on the couch.[/pullquote]I know it might seem depressing when your progress is slower than you expect or want.  Miracles rarely happen so make you own miracle instead of focussing on miraculous results, be happy…

This is a mild recipe to make a family favorite. My family loves this recipe and I am sure yours will too. It is a great winter soup that will help warm you up. It is easy to make and freezes well for later meals. If you want to expand it, consider adding a whole…

[pullquote]Slow Progress is better than no progress!   No matter how slow you progress, you are still doing better than the person on the couch.[/pullquote]I know it might seem depressing when your progress is slower than you expect or want.  Miracles rarely happen so make you own miracle instead of focussing on miraculous results, be happy…

“Low-Content” Nutrient Claims in the United States Don't Add Up I can remember the big low-fat claims for nearly a half century, but the fact is that this fight has been going on for over a century. Experts pushed the concept that fat was bad for you and you should…

Will sin taxes and subsidies improve healthy dietary choices? I have discussed both sin taxes and the increasing obesity epidemic in the article entitled "Food for Thought: Tax on Body Weight".  Ever expanding waistlines will have a major impact on the health care costs of the future if we…

Obesity Tied to Secretive Eating I am not an expert on eating disorders or obesity for that matter, but as a primary care physician, I often am the first to suspect and diagnose eating disorders. The diagnosis is difficult to make, and patients and…

Rice: Should I avoid it? Rice is a grain and is one of the most consumed foods in the world.  It is cheap and very dense in both calories and carbohydrates.  Since as long as I can remember, it is has been tied to obesity and chronic diseases such…

A delicious and spicy dish with the zing of ginger and sweetness of teriyaki. This a delicious recipe that adds the slight kick of jalapeño peppers and the sweetness of teriyaki.  I am certain you will like it.  The change from Salmon to Chicken will make a dish your whole family will love.   [cooked-recipe…

No amount of exercise will turn fat into muscle.  Sit-Ups I remember in high school that guys and my football coaches used this statement.  Even in the late 70s and 80s, we knew that this statement was utterly malarkey.  This statement is almost as fictitious as the alchemist turning lead into gold.   I know…

 [pullquote]“I am in shape. Round is a shape.”- Anonymous[/pullquote]  We spend a lot of time and effort on losing weight.  American's spend billions on supplements, health clubs, and weight loss books.  There is no quick fix so make a pledge today to change.  The key to last weight loss is making a change that sticks.…

Guidelines for food intake are not evidence based. I am confident that nearly 100% of the public has seen the food pyramid and the new nutrition plate guideline.  We have been brainwashed in school that these tools were the key to being healthy…

Cappuccino Your coffee habit might be making you fat. I love a good cup of morning joe.  No, I am not talking about a third-rate crappy news show.  A cup of coffee is a staple part of breakfast around the globe.  America’s appetite for caffeinated drinks has led to the success of multiple coffee franchises.…

Reader Question: Does White Kidney Bean Extract work for Weight Loss?   This question came to me from a reader who is struggling with weight loss.  He has been on a diet for three months and has plateaued and wants to know if this supplement might help.  He…

Eating Breakfast Every Day Will Not Protect Against Obesity Breakfast Many of us have heard this whopper, and I am not referring to that fatty charbroiled cheeseburger from a fast-food chain.  American children have long been indoctrinated by our family members, teachers, and just about any authority figure that routinely eating breakfast is a simple…

A delicious side dish that your family will love. This dish is a delicious adaptation of Homes Chef's Zucchini and Sun-Dried Tomato Au Gratin.  I did not care for the sundried tomatoes, so I adapted the recipe.  I am certain you will enjoy it.  

Advice on smartly navigating the weight loss landmines in the supermarket. When trying to lose weight, one of the most difficult activities you must do is grocery shopping. Since weight loss is 80 percent diet, going to the grocery store can be an exercise in torture. All those tempting…

[pullquote]Determination and Satisfaction: Try to wake with determination to be successful and go to bed with the satisfaction of your accomplishments.[/pullquote]The feeling of determination is critical for the start of a diet and exercise program.  If you are not determined to be successful, you will not start a new program to be more healthy or to lose weight…

Mechanism found to indicate why the Western diet leads to obesity.   America is in the state of an epidemic.  At least two-thirds of the adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese and the global cost could be as high as 2 trillion dollars per…

The sweetener and creamer in your coffee and tea can sabotage you weight loss plans. We all like to have a Cup of Joe in the morning and I am not referring to that for that terrible copy of Fox and Friend on CNN.  I am referring to…

Would a tax reduce sugar usage and obesity or is sugar not the bitter poison as portrayed.   For years, public health experts and politicians have argued that adding a tax on sugar would lead to reductions in poor health outcomes.  Sugar consumption is at higher levels…

[pullquote]Progress: you may not be where you want to be, but you are a heck of a lot closer than when you started![/pullquote].  We have all been there.  We hit a day in which we are not progressing as much as we would like or maybe we see our goal and it seems so far away,…

A sweet, salty, and tangy treat for tastebuds. This chicken recipe covers all the bases that I look for in a recipe I love. It is a combination of sweet, tart, and salty. It uses lean chicken breasts and takes less than 45 minutes to complete. This stuffed chicken recipe is easy enough to make…

Water is the essence of life, and without it, there would be none.    Most of us quite simply forget that drinking enough water throughout the day is necessary to maintain an efficient, well-hydrated state.  Many of us avoid consuming water to escape restroom visits during our days of…

A new start after a return to an old problem, again. 2023 is well behind us. To be honest, 2024 has nut been much better.  It was a tough 2 years for me, with multiple injuries and a return to my sedentary lifestyle. It began when I retired from the US Army. Now, I have…

Hot Peppers and Spicy Food May Increase Longevity.   Red hot peppers on the table Spicy, hot foods are adored by many.  Although this has nothing to do with weight loss, it clearly indicated a positive benefit for eating spicy foods.  I have published another article on the benefits of hot peppers in weight loss.  Recent…

Fruits and vegetables lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer deaths.   Most of the world, including the United States, eats too few fruits and vegetables.  I can remember trying to get my son to eat more vegetables during his elementary school carnivore stage.  Adults are equally…

“Diet” is a four-letter word.  Instead, let’s start eating and living healthily. There are so many diets out there and each one has its own book.  You could literally read a new diet book every day of your life and still have a few more to read.  Most…

The Future is What You Make.   The best way to predict your future is to make your own future.  The future thin and healthy you is just one thought away.  Visualize yourself thin and make it happen.  Rehearse your plan daily prepares you to recognize and…

A delicious and spicy dish with the zing of ginger and sweetness of teriyaki. This a delicious recipe that adds the slight kick of jalapeño peppers, the zing of ginger, and the sweetness of teriyaki.  I am certain you will like it.    

Not all vegetables are created equal.        You already knew that.  Some vegetables have more fiber, some have more vitamins, some aren’t vegetables at all.  Wait… What?  Take corn, for instance.  When in its kernel form, corn is classed…

  A spouse's weight loss can "spread" to the other spouse. I often find interesting research when I am studying for my job.  I receive emails every day highlighting new research studies.  One from MedPageToday caught my eye [1]. We all know that the benefit of…

Sleep deprivation may cause people to eat more calories. Sleep is so critical for good health.  In the past, most of the research investigated the behavioral health impact of poor sleep.  Over the past 10-15 years, the amount of research done on the physical and metabolic effect of…

Will sin taxes and subsidies improve healthy dietary choices? I have discussed both sin taxes and the increasing obesity epidemic in the article entitled "Food for Thought: Tax on Body Weight".  Ever expanding waistlines will have a major impact on the health care costs of the future if we…

Vegetarian is not necessarily healthier and may not lead to weight loss.   Not all vegetarians are skinny or healthy. It is important to understand that vegan or vegetarian diets are not all the same.  Vegetarians often eliminate meat for religious or health reasons.  Many will continue to eat processed…

A healthy burrito bowl your family will love for dinner. I absolutely love Chipotle's burrito bowls so I trying to find a healthier option.  Although not a copy of the original, I am certain you will like this one.  My family loves this as a healthier option. It is not only healthy, but it is…

Is it just the fiber that makes Oatmeal a good choice or is there more to it? It is estimated that during the Bronze Age (3200-600 BC), oats were first cultivated in Switzerland.  Oats had been around for a long time before that but were probably…

Inactivity linked to a decreased motivation in obese mice Elderly Couple Walking on Beach So much research has been completed to find the magic bullet for the cause of obesity and this study is no different.  I found the study after reading an article on Science Daily entitled "Inactivity in obese mice linked to a…

I recently received a question by email after one of my posts in which a reader asked for a definition of Binge Eating Disorder (BED).   Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder is characterized by compulsive overeating in which people consume excessive amounts of food while feeling they are out of control…

Mechanism found to indicate why the Western diet leads to obesity.   America is in the state of an epidemic.  At least two-thirds of the adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese and the global cost could be as high as 2 trillion dollars per…

Vegetarian is not necessarily healthier and may not lead to weight loss.   Not all vegetarians are skinny or healthy. It is important to understand that vegan or vegetarian diets are not all the same.  Vegetarians often eliminate meat for religious or health reasons.  Many will continue to eat processed…

An American classic made just a bit healthier. This a healthier version of a recipe I once tried from Blue Apron.  I loved it so much that I slimmed it down.  Cheeseburgers are delicious but there are nto exactly low calorie.  

Red Tomatillo Salsa I love Chipotle Mexican Grill.  It is like the Subway of TexMex.  If you make smart choices, it can be healthy.  This recipe is a spicy salsa recipe inspired by their Red Tomatillo Salsa.  It is not the same, but I am sure you will love it.  

Exercise is Not Punishment! [pullquote]Exercise would be rewarding and relaxing, not a punishment for a dietary indiscretion.[/pullquote]Exercise is healthy and we want to encourage ourselves to do more of it.  Exercise is not a form of torture like waterboarding so we need to stop treating it such.  Look forward to your next session and embrace…

A new mouse study sheds light on how chemicals from plastic may increase obesity risk. What the heck is BPA?  BPA is a chemical found in a variety of plastic food containers, water bottles, and can linings. BPA is employed to make certain plastics and epoxy resins. BPA…

Carbohydrates are no more fattening than any other calorie source.   If you read any of the low-carb books, you will get the idea that carbohydrates are evil and you should avoid them at all costs.  There could be nothing further from the truth because your body needs…

“Diet” is a four-letter word.  Instead, let’s start eating and living healthily. There are so many diets out there and each one has its own book.  You could literally read a new diet book every day of your life and still have a few more to read.  Most…

Having sex is not a great form of exercise and will probably not help with weight loss.   This concept is total bullshit.  I am sorry if I insulted your sensibilities.  To be honest with you, this is just not a great way to lose weight. Sure, you…

The wonderful flavor of garlic alfredo and the kick of crushed red pepper. I love garlic and developed this recipe after making many Italian-style recipes while being stationed away from my family.  You can tailor the spice level to your taste. My brother is a professionally trained chef and is my inspiration for this recipe.…

[pullquote]Progress: you may not be where you want to be, but you are a heck of a lot closer than when you started![/pullquote].  We have all been there.  We hit a day in which we are not progressing as much as we would like or maybe we see our goal and it seems so far away,…

Supplements create short-term success and are not the answer. supplement capsules Supplements that claim to stoke or speed up the metabolism have been around for decades and currently go by the name thermogenic or metabolism boosters.   They are currently one of the most popular weight loss supplements in the world, and the supplement companies have billions invested…

Exercise is Not Punishment! [pullquote]Exercise would be rewarding and relaxing, not a punishment for a dietary indiscretion.[/pullquote]Exercise is healthy and we want to encourage ourselves to do more of it.  Exercise is not a form of torture like waterboarding so we need to stop treating it such.  Look forward to your next session and embrace…

Low-calorie diets: The new fountain of youth?   Fountain of Youth We have searched for solutions to create youth and longevity since Ponce DeLeon was searching for the fountain of youth.   We want to live forever but we are quite mortal and forever will never happen.  Our bodies are just not made to live…

Quote to inspire a healthy mindset: Motivation So you need a little motivation to get you to lose weight and exercise.  Focus on success.  You can do this.  Avoid these negative thoughts of failure and you will.  It may not happen as quickly as you would like, but it will happen as long as you keep…

A smooth and filly snack that packs island flavor. I love Piña Coladas or Pina Coladas if you do not have the special characters on your keyboard.  This is an awesome drink that I think you will love.  You will need a Ninja Blender and xylitol, pineapple extract, and coconut extract.

Apple cinnamon can be a delicious and filling start to your day. This is a great recipe for weight loss and a much tastier version of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. It is filling and full of fiber. Since it is made with Fairlife skim…

A mother's body fat may affect her child's risk of obesity. Chunky Baby It has been a common belief that obesity is mostly a learned behavior that children get from both parents.  In the past ten years, genetics has been increasingly blamed for obesity in individuals.  It has been postulated that the body mass index…

The sweetener and creamer in your coffee and tea can sabotage you weight loss plans. We all like to have a Cup of Joe in the morning and I am not referring to that for that terrible copy of Fox and Friend on CNN.  I am referring to…

Why so many pounds regained weight after weight loss and how to prevent the weight gain?  Energy Balance I am nearly 100% certain that this is not the first time you have tried to or have lost weight.  I know there are some folks out there that are blessed with a good metabolism but they…

Quit Making Excuses and Get Motivated!   Motivation: Results Not Excuses Ok, you had a bad weekend and you slipped up and either did not exercise, splurged on snacks, or both.  But really, stuffing yourself like a Christmas turkey isn’t limited to the holidays. There are plenty of times we might be tempted to overeat.  My…

A tender and juicy chicken recipe that is exploding with bold TexMex flavors. It is great to spend a week at home and today I am making one of my family's favorite meals. The best part is that is is a healthy meal that can jump-start your path to better health. The only weakness is it…

Myth: If You Eat and Exercise Consistently, You Will Never Gain Weight Man and woman jumping rope If you exercise once a day, every day, the theory that you can eat whatever you want and not gain weight or fat is utter malarkey.  All the indulgent calories that you consume will just be offset by…

Inactivity linked to a decreased motivation in obese mice Elderly Couple Walking on Beach So much research has been completed to find the magic bullet for the cause of obesity and this study is no different.  I found the study after reading an article on Science Daily entitled "Inactivity in obese mice linked to a…

Success!  [pullquote]Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day after day.  [/pullquote] We have all had bad days where we overeat or miss our exercise goal.  It can be very discouraging.  You need to dust yourself off and get back up.  Lick your wounds and get back out there.   Success at anything you…

Inactivity linked to a decreased motivation in obese mice Elderly Couple Walking on Beach So much research has been completed to find the magic bullet for the cause of obesity and this study is no different.  I found the study after reading an article on Science Daily entitled "Inactivity in obese mice linked to a…

Stop Wishing and Start Doing.   Stop Wishing and Start Doing We all look at the stars and wish for something.  We are not in the land of Disney so face the facts: the only way you are going to get the health you want is to start doing.  Your life is your life.  You…

A healthy alternative to a Tex Mex Favorite. Our family loves Mexican food. It is one of our favorite meals to have both at home and in a restaurant. We have tried just about every Mexican joint within 30 miles of our house. My favorite dish at our favorite place is the Burrito California. This…

Multiple studies indicate impulsivity is linked to obesity.   The notion may surprise you in the slightest, but multiple sets of research support the theory that people with impulsive personalities may be more likely to struggle with addiction whether to drugs, alcohol, or even food, but are they also more likely to…

Is it just the fiber that makes Oatmeal a good choice or is there more to it? It is estimated that during the Bronze Age (3200-600 BC), oats were first cultivated in Switzerland.  Oats had been around for a long time before that but were probably…

Is it just the fiber that makes Oatmeal a good choice or is there more to it? It is estimated that during the Bronze Age (3200-600 BC), oats were first cultivated in Switzerland.  Oats had been around for a long time before that but were probably…

Recent weight loss research found that long-term weight loss is difficult.   Obesity I found an article just after the holidays that was very depressing for me.  While searching for research to back up another post, I found an article on CBC - Canada entitled "Obesity Research Confirms Long-term Weight Loss Almost Impossible"​[1]​ that touted…

Myth: If You Eat and Exercise Consistently, You Will Never Gain Weight Man and woman jumping rope If you exercise once a day, every day, the theory that you can eat whatever you want and not gain weight or fat is utter malarkey.  All the indulgent calories that you consume will just be offset by…

Steel Cut Oatmeal: the perfect food and a superfood all rolled up in one. Oatmeal in the slow cooker. Oatmeal is a "superfood."  Although superfood is a made-up marketing term and can be misleading, it is absolutely the proper term for oatmeal.  Oatmeal is very filling when eaten, high in fiber (with both soluble and insoluble),…

Water is the essence of life, and without it, there would be none.    Most of us quite simply forget that drinking enough water throughout the day is necessary to maintain an efficient, well-hydrated state.  Many of us avoid consuming water to escape restroom visits during our days of…

Inactivity linked to a decreased motivation in obese mice Elderly Couple Walking on Beach So much research has been completed to find the magic bullet for the cause of obesity and this study is no different.  I found the study after reading an article on Science Daily entitled "Inactivity in obese mice linked to a…

Quit Making Excuses and Get Motivated!   Motivation: Results Not Excuses Ok, you had a bad weekend and you slipped up and either did not exercise, splurged on snacks, or both.  But really, stuffing yourself like a Christmas turkey isn’t limited to the holidays. There are plenty of times we might be tempted to overeat.  My…

A mother's body fat may affect her child's risk of obesity. Chunky Baby It has been a common belief that obesity is mostly a learned behavior that children get from both parents.  In the past ten years, genetics has been increasingly blamed for obesity in individuals.  It has been postulated that the body mass index…

Myth: If You Eat and Exercise Consistently, You Will Never Gain Weight Man and woman jumping rope If you exercise once a day, every day, the theory that you can eat whatever you want and not gain weight or fat is utter malarkey.  All the indulgent calories that you consume will just be offset by…

Apple cinnamon can be a delicious and filling start to your day. This is a great recipe for weight loss and a much tastier version of Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. It is filling and full of fiber. Since it is made with Fairlife skim…

 You can enjoy your favorite foods by lightening the ingredients.   Making healthy choices is the first step to eating right and losing weight.  Cooking in a healthier way is another huge part of meeting this goal because if you cook the Paula Dean way with a pound…

Sugar type may be an independent risk for weight gain and disease.   I have been told for years that calories are calories and it does not matter from which source they come.  This month, I found a study in a PubMed search and a review article from Science Daily[1] that…

Dietary sugar guidelines are lacking in evidence. Sugar Cube Pyramid I like to review medical journals, Google Scholarly, and MEDLINE for newly released research articles.  I read each with a certain degree of skepticism.  I recently found a journal article in the Annals of Internal Medicine entitled "The Scientific Basis of Guideline Recommendations on Sugar…

Why so many pounds regained weight after weight loss and how to prevent the weight gain?  Energy Balance I am nearly 100% certain that this is not the first time you have tried to or have lost weight.  I know there are some folks out there that are blessed with a good metabolism but they…

Frozen and prepackaged meals can be a healthy option. Man and Microwave Meal Our society is increasingly on the go and has less downtime than many of our counterparts in the world. With the increased time at work and travel to and from, we look for more convenient ways to feed our families. Frozen and…

A smooth and filly snack that packs island flavor. I love Piña Coladas or Pina Coladas if you do not have the special characters on your keyboard.  This is an awesome drink that I think you will love.  You will need a Ninja Blender and xylitol, pineapple extract, and coconut extract.

 You can enjoy your favorite foods by lightening the ingredients.   Making healthy choices is the first step to eating right and losing weight.  Cooking in a healthier way is another huge part of meeting this goal because if you cook the Paula Dean way with a pound…

Low-calorie diets: The new fountain of youth?   Fountain of Youth We have searched for solutions to create youth and longevity since Ponce DeLeon was searching for the fountain of youth.   We want to live forever but we are quite mortal and forever will never happen.  Our bodies are just not made to live…

Dietary sugar guidelines are lacking in evidence. Sugar Cube Pyramid I like to review medical journals, Google Scholarly, and MEDLINE for newly released research articles.  I read each with a certain degree of skepticism.  I recently found a journal article in the Annals of Internal Medicine entitled "The Scientific Basis of Guideline Recommendations on Sugar…

Sugar type may be an independent risk for weight gain and disease.   I have been told for years that calories are calories and it does not matter from which source they come.  This month, I found a study in a PubMed search and a review article from Science Daily[1] that…

Myth: If You Eat or Exercise Consistently, You Will Never Gain Weight A common myth is that people who exercise should not gain weight.  The common belief is that fat people are lazy and if they exercise it would fix their obesity.  The fact is that weight gain is mostly an input and not an…

A delicious recipe for a cold day. A tasty recipe for a soup that replaces some of the noodles with vegetables.  It is a delicious soup that you will enjoy and best of all it is balanced with starch, meat, and lots of vegetables.  This soup will fill you up and keep you full for…

My Lessons from a Dietician Nutrition and Calories I recently attended a nutrition class that was offered for free at a local hospital.  It was an interesting class.  Many of the things discussed were things that we already know.  Don’t eat junk food.  Eat more fiber.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Reduce red meat consumption. …

Low-calorie diets: The new fountain of youth?   Fountain of Youth We have searched for solutions to create youth and longevity since Ponce DeLeon was searching for the fountain of youth.   We want to live forever but we are quite mortal and forever will never happen.  Our bodies are just not made to live…

Don't quit, try again.   We live in one of the most prosperous nations in existence.  How do we prove that? Our waistlines. There are approximately 320 million people in the United States1.  68% of us are overweight or obese.  At any given time, about 50% of overweight people are trying to lose weight, and…

Meal timing study shows promise in helping people shed body fat It has long been postulated that the key to weight loss is eating breakfast and not skipping meals.  It appears that a recent study breaks this concept particularly.  A study at the University of Alabama Birmingham found…

Not all snacking is bad.   Mindless Eating in front Television Snacking is when you consume food or beverages between your regular meals. Snacking is vilified because, for many of those trying to lose weight, this may be counter-productive to the end result.  Sure, if your idea of a snack is diving headfirst into the…

Breakfast: Is It The Most Important Meal of the Day? Breakfast We have all heard the statement that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  My grandmother always told me it was unhealthy to miss breakfast.  I have read in many books that missing breakfast makes weight loss more unlikely.  Breakfast can help with…

Are you discouraged at the progress in meeting your New Years Resolution? We are at the one-week mark and between 1-3 weeks is where quite a few of us will become discouraged and plan on quitting their plan.  No matter whether you plan to save more, lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle, or improve your…

The statement "fast food is too unhealthy for weight loss" is a myth.   Burger and Fries Now before you flood my inbox with emails, I am not saying that it is healthy to eat fast food every meal or even every day.  If you must have a fast food meal, it is more healthy if…

Keeping Old Clothes Will Not Help Motivate You to Lose Weight Walk-in closet I have done it for years.  Whether the clothes are too big or too small, I keep the old clothes because I think I might need them if my weight swings back the other way.  I like a particular pair of shorts…

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Be Better For Weight Loss Than a Low-fat Alternative. As we enter the post-holiday period, most of us begin to focus on recovering from all the parties and feasts.  Most have gained a little poundage over the holidays, and now we plan to lose the extra that we gained around our waistlines.…

The statement "fast food is too unhealthy for weight loss" is a myth.   Burger and Fries Now before you flood my inbox with emails, I am not saying that it is healthy to eat fast food every meal or even every day.  If you must have a fast food meal, it is more healthy if…

Whey Supplementation Helps with Weight Loss.   WP Powder with Scoop What is whey protein (WP)?  Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and are made of chains of amino acids. Simply put, whey is one of the two proteinaceous compounds found in milk, with the other being casein.  When a coagulant called renin…

Pasta can be a very fulfilling meal, but can it be healthy? Not all noodles are created equal.  Even within the same brand, there may be a drastic difference in the nutritional content.  Because we enjoy pasta but want to eat healthily, we compared the nutrition information to help us choose the best.   As with…

Ways to control you portion size Weight loss is not an easy task.  Most dieters have no idea of what a portion size is and how to moderate the intake of various foods they eat in a given day.  When we sit down to eat, the last thing…

A new start after a return to an old problem. 2023 is well behind us. It was a tough year for me, with multiple injuries and a return to my sedentary lifestyle. It began when I retired from the US Army. Now, I have made a change and returned to a more healthy lifestyle.  …

A Single Additional Bottle of Cold Water Can Lead to Significant Weight Loss Glass of Water This is one of my quick tip articles.  Before we hit the research, let's discuss some background information.  Water is an essential element in our diets.  Our bodies have a need for water that is relentless to function efficiently.  The amount…

Don't quit, try again.   We live in one of the most prosperous nations in existence.  How do we prove that? Our waistlines. There are approximately 320 million people in the United States1.  68% of us are overweight or obese.  At any given time, about 50% of overweight people are trying to lose weight, and…

New data shows red meat has neutral effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors Red meat has long been vilified for causing heart disease for the last 20-30 years.  Just like dairy and butter, red meat and the saturated fat contained within it has long been tied to heart disease.…

Not all snacking is bad.   Mindless Eating in front Television Snacking is when you consume food or beverages between your regular meals. Snacking is vilified because, for many of those trying to lose weight, this may be counter-productive to the end result.  Sure, if your idea of a snack is diving headfirst into the…

Splurges are a quick way to derail your diet.   Don't let a single slip up ruin your progress or knock you off the wagon.  The big thing is you need to not let one slip up turn into a whole day, month, or week of slip ups.  You cannot…

The odds are that you have already given up of violated your New Year's resolution. We are one month into resolution season.  Millions of us made the decision to take the plunge into a new plan to accomplish a self-improvement goal.  Statistics show that 40% of Americans will…

Fruits and vegetables and fruits will help you lose weight.   Fruits and vegetables at a farmers market Americans, in general, eat too few fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables have several benefits that make them exceptionally beneficial for those trying to lose weight.  They tend to have more fiber than fruit juices but still have the…

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Be Better For Weight Loss Than a Low-fat Alternative. As we enter the post-holiday period, most of us begin to focus on recovering from all the parties and feasts.  Most have gained a little poundage over the holidays, and now we plan to lose the extra that we gained around our waistlines.…

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Magic Bullet? Apple cider vinegar I can remember as a child that we always made apple butter and cider in the last summer in West Virginia. We would gather at the family farm to pick apples and press them for cider. I love the stuff and miss those simpler days of…

Recent weight loss research found that long-term weight loss is difficult.   Obesity I found an article just after the holidays that was very depressing for me.  While searching for research to back up another post, I found an article on CBC - Canada entitled "Obesity Research Confirms Long-term Weight Loss Almost Impossible"​[1]​ that touted…

A delicious recipe for a cold day. A tasty recipe for a soup that replaces some of the noodles with vegetables.  It is a delicious soup that you will enjoy and best of all it is balanced with starch, meat, and lots of vegetables.  This soup will fill you up and keep you full for…

A Single Additional Bottle of Cold Water Can Lead to Significant Weight Loss Glass of Water This is one of my quick tip articles.  Before we hit the research, let's discuss some background information.  Water is an essential element in our diets.  Our bodies have a need for water that is relentless to function efficiently.  The amount…

Alcohol is the diet destroyer.   Quite a few of us enjoy social time after work and the relaxing and sedating effects of a drink.  It is a part of our society's traditions.  I am no different.  I love a good glass of bourbon and…

Meal timing study shows promise in helping people shed body fat It has long been postulated that the key to weight loss is eating breakfast and not skipping meals.  It appears that a recent study breaks this concept particularly.  A study at the University of Alabama Birmingham found…

Sleep can help you lose weight and avoid obesity and cravings.  We all know that sleep is essential for optimal health.  We do not function efficiently without enough sleep, and we are just plain grumpy if our sleep is interrupted, but we still fail to get enough good quality…

Splurges are a quick way to derail your diet.   Don't let a single slip up ruin your progress or knock you off the wagon.  The big thing is you need to not let one slip up turn into a whole day, month, or week of slip ups.  You cannot…

A healthy alternative to a Tex Mex Favorite. Our family loves Mexican food. It is one of our favorite meals to have both at home and in a restaurant. We have tried just about every Mexican joint within 30 miles of our house. My favorite dish at our favorite place is the Burrito California. This…

Whey Supplementation Helps with Weight Loss.   WP Powder with Scoop What is whey protein (WP)?  Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and are made of chains of amino acids. Simply put, whey is one of the two proteinaceous compounds found in milk, with the other being casein.  When a coagulant called renin…

Chew More Slowly, Lose More Weight Woman Chewing Chocolate It has been widely postulated that eating slower or completely chewing your food will increase satiety or suppress your appetite.  In medicine and health research, folks often say things based on experience but with our any proof.  For years, my wife has nagged me to eat…

Inspiration may help you start right! Here is a thought.  Get started with the first step to being healthier today.  Lose one-half pound per week.  That sounds like very little, and you may ask…

Cardiovascular risk reduction benefits may continue five years after weight loss program ends. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Need another reason to lose weight.  This study evidence may motivate you to lose weight.  More motivation is a good thing, and hopefully, this will push you to success.  The bottom line is that even a small amount…

Taxing Obesity: That will teach those overeaters!   Ultimately, what may be needed to address the obesity problem are direct taxes on body weight. - Jonathan Gruber This is the way many liberals and politicians think.  Tax them and punish them for their bad behavior, and they will change.  How well have they worked out…

Is there a healthy alternative to corn-based tortilla chips? Strapping on the feed bag in front of the TV is harder to avoid as you watch your favorite football team.  Our falls are spent in tailgate party binge eating and drinking copious amounts of alcohol.  Snack foods are the bane of weight loss and maintenance.…

Can running excessively cause hip and knee arthritis?   Running is an excellent form of exercise if your body can take the pounding.  You can burn over 500 calories per hour.  One of the questions many patients ask is if it will increase your risk of degenerative or osteoarthritis (OA).…

Does diet soda help or hurt weight loss?   A cold glass of soda drink The recent bans and taxes in liberal cities to paternalistically protect you from the evils of sugar or carbonation are nothing new.  The bullseye on soda or carbonated sweetened drinks has been around for a long time and they want you…

Obesity and High Blood Pressure AKA Hypertension Diabetes and Hypertension affect many Americans. Hypertension is at epidemic levels, and like diabetes, high blood pressure is a silent killer. The number of people living with hypertension is predicted to be over 1.5 billion worldwide in less than…

Obesity in parents may be an indicator of developmental delays in children.   Obese Family We all know that obesity is not good for the individual and that families who are overweight tend to brood children that are overweight, but is your weight bad for your children's health.  Although the research is not definitive, there is…

A Challenge of Terminology: Overweight or Overfat Overfat One of the problems with our current state of diet, weight loss, and obesity in the United States is the language we use. Every article I read refers to weight loss when they mean fat loss. I am no different because I interchange the worse at will.…

Pasta can be a very fulfilling meal, but can it be healthy? Not all noodles are created equal.  Even within the same brand, there may be a drastic difference in the nutritional content.  Because we enjoy pasta but want to eat healthily, we compared the nutrition information to help us choose the best.   As with…

My Lessons from a Dietician Nutrition and Calories I recently attended a nutrition class that was offered for free at a local hospital.  It was an interesting class.  Many of the things discussed were things that we already know.  Don’t eat junk food.  Eat more fiber.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Reduce red meat consumption. …

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Magic Bullet? Apple cider vinegar I can remember as a child that we always made apple butter and cider in the last summer in West Virginia. We would gather at the family farm to pick apples and press them for cider. I love the stuff and miss those simpler days of…

Understanding Prediabetes, Diabetes, and Obesity This post will hopefully help individuals understand how excess weight puts them at a higher risk of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes. Most with a weight problem are not aware they are predisposed for pre-diabetes and diabetes until symptoms of type 2 diabetes begin to show. Even then it takes time…

Alcohol is the diet destroyer.   Quite a few of us enjoy social time after work and the relaxing and sedating effects of a drink.  It is a part of our society's traditions.  I am no different.  I love a good glass of bourbon and…

Why haven't I lost weight? I have said this before, but it is time to review this topic as we enter into the new year.  We are impatient and expect instant changes.  Weight loss takes time, and you need avoid becoming discouraged.   Weight loss and fitness require a lot of effort that is more…

There are healthier tortillas for you to enjoy. So, you have decided to improve your diet. This concept brings up a lot of questions.  Where do you start?  What do you need to change?  Do you go low calorie, low carbohydrate, high fiber, high protein, or any combination of the above?  The wraps you use…

Can running excessively cause hip and knee arthritis?   Running is an excellent form of exercise if your body can take the pounding.  You can burn over 500 calories per hour.  One of the questions many patients ask is if it will increase your risk of degenerative or osteoarthritis (OA).…

Chew More Slowly, Lose More Weight Woman Chewing Chocolate It has been widely postulated that eating slower or completely chewing your food will increase satiety or suppress your appetite.  In medicine and health research, folks often say things based on experience but with our any proof.  For years, my wife has nagged me to eat…

Metabolic Syndrome: Is it more than just overweight? What is metabolic syndrome?  Metabolic syndrome, aka Syndrome X, is a common condition that is every bit as prevalent as the common cold and likely way more expensive for us to treat.  Nearly 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, and it has a family, age-related, and ethnic…

Sleep can help you lose weight and avoid obesity and cravings.  We all know that sleep is essential for optimal health.  We do not function efficiently without enough sleep, and we are just plain grumpy if our sleep is interrupted, but we still fail to get enough good quality…

Does Food Flavor Lead to Obesity? We all have foods that we crave.  The mere thought of eating them brings the flavor to mind and makes our mouths water.  It has often been postulated that sweet or fatty flavors by themselves might cause obesity.  Fat, sugar, and carbohydrates have been vilified as culprits when discussing…

A tender and juicy chicken recipe that is exploding with bold TexMex flavors. It is great to spend a week at home and today I am making one of my family's favorite meals. The best part is that is is a healthy meal that can jump-start your path to better health. The only weakness is it…

Ways to control you portion size Weight loss is not an easy task.  Most dieters have no idea of what a portion size is and how to moderate the intake of various foods they eat in a given day.  When we sit down to eat, the last thing…

Do Carbohydrates Help or Hurt Weight Loss? Carbohydrates have been vilified over the years.  The Adkin's diet and other low carbohydrate diets have highlighted carbs as the primary cause of our obesity problem in the United States.  Is there any truth to this claim or is this just hype to sell books and low-carb foods?   Research…

Fresh is better but frozen is fine! Frozen Food Isle I can remember, as a child, my grandmother telling me that flash foods were better than frozen foods. If you think about it, it makes sense that fresh food would be better for you than frozen food. Frozen food is processed and well, fresh food…

Color Up Your Food and Dinner Plate for Weight Loss When I started to research this as a topic after reading an article on colors of plates and weight loss, I thought this topic is crazy.  The color of a plate is not going to cause someone to lose weight.  What inherent property would a…

Are you discouraged at the progress in meeting your New Years Resolution? We are at the one-week mark and between 1-3 weeks is where quite a few of us will become discouraged and plan on quitting their plan.  No matter whether you plan to save more, lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle, or improve your…

Why haven't I lost weight? I have said this before, but it is time to review this topic as we enter into the new year.  We are impatient and expect instant changes.  Weight loss takes time, and you need avoid becoming discouraged.   Weight loss and fitness require a lot of effort that is more…

Taxing Obesity: That will teach those overeaters!   Ultimately, what may be needed to address the obesity problem are direct taxes on body weight. - Jonathan Gruber This is the way many liberals and politicians think.  Tax them and punish them for their bad behavior, and they will change.  How well have they worked out…

Alcohol may not be as bad for weight loss you may think it is. There is research that has shown that a single drink a couple of times a week may lower your risk of becoming obese, but those who consume more than four drinks daily are more likely to be obese.  More to come on…

Calories differ based on the source.   Calorie Definition A calorie is a single measurement of energy, and each calorie is the same in terms of energy.  If they come from a different source, are they different in the way they affect the human body based on the laws of physics and thermodynamics?  Are all calories are created equal…

 Diet Is Better Than Exercise  There is plenty of research out there that indicates that diet is better than exercise.  We've been taught that exercise is so important for weight loss.  I absolutely hate doing to the gym.  The question is, is it true that diet is better than exercise to lose weight? A lot…

Does Food Flavor Lead to Obesity? We all have foods that we crave.  The mere thought of eating them brings the flavor to mind and makes our mouths water.  It has often been postulated that sweet or fatty flavors by themselves might cause obesity.  Fat, sugar, and carbohydrates have been vilified as culprits when discussing…

Healthier Buffalo Chicken Tenders This a very tasty version of my favorite recipe.  My wife makes this for me and my son and he loves it.  It does well with a healthy version of ranch she often makes to dip for the tenders and celery in.  If you are interested in ranch recipe, visit "Recipe:…

Alcohol is the diet destroyer.   Quite a few of us enjoy social time after work and the relaxing and sedating effects of a drink.  It is a part of our society's traditions.  I am no different.  I love a good glass of bourbon and…

Green Coffee bean may help with weight loss but it is probably not worth the risk. Green coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffee fruit.  They simply normal coffee beans that haven’t been roasted.  When we roast coffee beans to produce drinking coffee, the process reduces the chemical chlorogenic acid level in the coffee…

Obesity humor is not just a joke. A positive attitude and confidence can empower successful weight loss, but how is it possible if we continue to pile on with derogatory and sarcastic humor from all angles that make fun of and diminishes the problem and ridicules the individual.  A negative attitude can make losing weight difficult or…

The odds are that you have already given up of violated your New Year's resolution. We are one month into resolution season.  Millions of us made the decision to take the plunge into a new plan to accomplish a self-improvement goal.  Statistics show that 40% of Americans will…

Obesity is not due to Poor Self-Discipline. I do not know how many times during my years in the military have I heard an officer and enlisted Soldier refer to someone overweight as weak.  It is more than just willpower and a decision to be thin.  It is 100% false that weight gain/loss is all about…

Egg Taco: a simple breakfast treat you family will love. This recipe is a very tasty breakfast meal that is easy to make. tacos are a key staple in Texas. I have grown fond of them during my time at Fort Hood. My family have grown to prefer them over a breakfast sandwich. I have…

Losing Weight Can Expand Your Wallet While Trimming Your Waist! The number of Americans that are overweight or obese is approximately 72 million per the CDC.  Most are not motivated to lose weight but obviously, we are or you would not be on this website.  What can I do to…

Spicy Food Are Key to Lasting Weight Loss It has long been postulated that spicy foods can help to speed up your metabolism.  Capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in hot peppers, makes you sweat like you just exercised, but does it affect your metabolism?  Do chilies raise your body temperature and require your body to…

How to Incorporate Exercise into Your Day Push Ups Ok, it is Monday after a weekend.  I hit the snooze button too much and now I have to play catch up on my steps.  Don't let your work schedule get in the way of 10,000 steps.  In an ideal situation, I would have gotten up at…

Can Coconut Oil Help with Weight Loss? Almost everyone who is dieting wants to find a quick way to maximize weight loss. We all know there are no magic bullets to weight loss, but there are some things that might help us increase our weight loss were assist with maintenance.  Could coconut oil be one of those…

Low-fat and Fat-free foods often contain as many or more calories as the full fat versions. In college, I remember when the avalanche of low-fat and fat-free products hit the market.  People flocked to the stores to buy and try these new products.  The marketing had sole them as a way to manage calories and eat…

A tender and juicy chicken recipe that is exploding with bold TexMex flavors. It is great to spend a week at home and today I am making one of my family's favorite meals. The best part is that is is a healthy meal that can jump-start your path to better health. The only weakness is it…

Can running excessively cause hip and knee arthritis?   Running is an excellent form of exercise if your body can take the pounding.  You can burn over 500 calories per hour.  One of the questions many patients ask is if it will increase your risk of degenerative or osteoarthritis (OA).…

Supplements create short-term success and are not the answer. supplement capsules Supplements that claim to stoke or speed up the metabolism have been around for decades and currently go by the name thermogenic or metabolism boosters.   They are currently one of the most popular weight loss supplements in the world and the supplement companies have billions invested…

Doughnut are Satan's Minions Doughnuts are one of those things that are very hard to resist.  They are exceptionally delicious and I might even say addictive but they are also poisoned to your waistline.  They make you feel good with a euphoria that is to some as addictive as heroin.  There is nothing like the…

Can Calcium Increase Weight Loss I already did an article that showed research raving that yogurt can help with weight loss.  We are told that milk and calcium are good for the bones and teeth.  I have read that calcium can do it also, but is there research to back that up?   Pouring milk Research on…

Does Food Flavor Lead to Obesity? We all have foods that we crave.  The mere thought of eating them brings the flavor to mind and makes our mouths water.  It has often been postulated that sweet or fatty flavors by themselves might cause obesity.  Fat, sugar, and carbohydrates have been vilified as culprits when discussing…

A delicious recipe for a cold day. A tasty recipe for a soup that replaces some of the noodles with vegetables.  It is a delicious soup that you will enjoy and best of all it is balanced with starch, meat, and lots of vegetables.  This soup will fill you up and keep you full for…

How to avoid overeating while traveling.   Travel and Dieting: The Open Road Traveling can create difficult obstacles to eating a healthy diet.  It may seem like the two are incompatible, and you may feel like just waiting until after the holiday season or your big trip.  The stress of traffic and being in the…

Are you discouraged at the progress in meeting your New Years Resolution? We are at the one-week mark and between 1-3 weeks is where quite a few of us will become discouraged and plan on quitting their plan.  No matter whether you plan to save more, lose weight, live a healthy lifestyle, or improve your…

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Be Better For Weight Loss Than a Low-fat Alternative. As we enter the post-holiday period, most of us begin to focus on recovering from all the parties and feasts.  Most have gained a little poundage over the holidays, and now we plan to lose the extra that we gained around our waistlines.…

There are healthier tortillas for you to enjoy. So, you have decided to improve your diet. This concept brings up a lot of questions.  Where do you start?  What do you need to change?  Do you go low calorie, low carbohydrate, high fiber, high protein, or any combination of the above?  The wraps you use…

Whey Supplementation Helps with Weight Loss.   WP Powder with Scoop What is whey protein (WP)?  Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and are made of chains of amino acids. Simply put, whey is one of the two proteinaceous compounds found in milk, with the other being casein.  When a coagulant called renin…

Not all snacking is bad.   Mindless Eating in front Television Snacking is when you consume food or beverages between your regular meals. Snacking is vilified because, for many of those trying to lose weight, this may be counter-productive to the end result.  Sure, if your idea of a snack is diving headfirst into the…

A simple chicken dish that is easy to make. This is an easy main course to put together.  Enjoy this chicken in a high-fiber wrap with a side of veggies and you have a quick and simple meal. You family will love this dish and ask for it regularly.

Interval Training can assist with weight loss We have all looked for exercise to help maximize weight loss.  Which ones work and which ones do not?  All exercise will work for weight loss if you have a calorie deficit, but some work better. What is interval training?  Interval training is a type of exercise that combines various…

Sleep can help you lose weight and avoid obesity and cravings.  We all know that sleep is essential for optimal health.  We do not function efficiently without enough sleep, and we are just plain grumpy if our sleep is interrupted, but we still fail to get enough good quality…

Why haven't I lost weight? I have said this before, but it is time to review this topic as we enter into the new year.  We are impatient and expect instant changes.  Weight loss takes time, and you need avoid becoming discouraged.   Weight loss and fitness require a lot of effort that is more…

 Diet Is Better Than Exercise  There is plenty of research out there that indicates that diet is better than exercise.  We've been taught that exercise is so important for weight loss.  I absolutely hate doing to the gym.  The question is, is it true that diet is better than exercise to lose weight? A lot…

New Year's Resolutions rarely come to fruition.   We rarely put a lot of time and effort into planning our New year's resolutions.  We make many unrealistic and idealistic plan to change our lives after a night full of alcohol induced delusions…

A light, refreshing, and delicious smoothie to start the day. Today for recipe Sunday and I have made a simple, summertime smoothie that is so tasty and filling it can keep you full for hours.  This is my favorite Raspberry Orange Smoothie.  This recipe is a delicious and filling breakfast smoothie.  

Overeating is one reason we are overweight. It does not matter if you are trying to maintain weight loss or if you are just starting to lose weight, the reasons for less-than-successful weight loss are the same.  You have decided to make a change and are careful to know portion sizes and eat healthy choices, but…

What does a Mediterranean Diet do to diabetes risk?   Metabolic Syndrome infographic First, let's look at what metabolic syndrome is.  Metabolic syndrome is a pre-drome for diabetes are heart disease.  It is simply the syndrome of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol levels, and truncal or central obesity.  The pre-drome or precursor…

Recent weight loss research found that long-term weight loss is difficult.   Obesity I found an article just after the holidays that was very depressing for me.  While searching for research to back up another post, I found an article on CBC - Canada entitled "Obesity Research Confirms Long-term Weight Loss Almost Impossible"​[1]​ that touted…

A Mediterranian diet is not only healthy; they may help with weight loss.   Assorted Nuts I remember in the past year being taught that a low-fat diet is a way to go but as I indicated, this is a thing of the past.  Now research is overwhelmingly abundant that it is not fat, but the type…

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.   This is a great time of year to enjoy you family so from my family to yours, Merry Christmas.  Enjoy the family time and don't worry about your diet.  As I have said many times this year, have a great day and don't go "hog wild".  The less…

How to survive with your sanity after the holidays with your family. I have often thought about a vacation in sub-Sahara Africa during the holiday season to avoid my family.  I guess I could play possum or just stop answering the door and phone.  I love my family, but ten…

Alcohol does not have too derail weight loss, but it can.  Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy. - Frank Sinatra Ok, we all know that alcohol is full of calories, but we continue to drink it.  This point I would make is that if you can avoid alcohol,…

Obstacles to a Diet During Travel  Travel during the holidays presents several road bumps.  Road trips, air travel, changing schedules, eating Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, Chanukah and its emphasis on dairy and foods fried in oil.  The list of challenges is as endless as the different ways we celebrate the holidays. …

Merry Christmas and let's pack on the pounds! Holidays are times of plenty and food is no different.  The goal is to enjoy yourself without digging a hole too big to escape from in the new year.  I’m not going to advocate that you should attempt…

Spicy Food Are Key to Lasting Weight Loss It has long been postulated that spicy foods can help to speed up your metabolism.  Capsaicin, which is the active ingredient in hot peppers, makes you sweat like you just exercised, but does it affect your metabolism?  Do chilies raise your body temperature and require your body to…

Cortisol: The Beer Gut Hormone Steroid hormone cortisol (hydrocortisone) structural formula Cortisol is a steroid hormone of the glucocorticoid class that is made and released by the Adrenal Glands in response to stress (Examples of glucocorticoid-like hormones are hydrocortisone and prednisone).  The adrenals located above each kidney.  It is often released in hard times to…

Motivation is one key for weight loss success. The Way Get Started Is To Quit Talking And Begin Doing. ~ Walt Disney I have found it difficult to stay motivated and have to admit that I often fail to meet my target.  More times than not, I get backed into a corner and have no choice but to lose…

Egg Taco: a simple breakfast treat you family will love. This recipe is a very tasty breakfast meal that is easy to make. tacos are a key staple in Texas. I have grown fond of them during my time at Fort Hood. My family have grown to prefer them over a breakfast sandwich. I have…

Pedometers and The number of steps needed for a healthy lifestyle. If you buy a pedometer, smartwatch, or fitness tracker like a Fitbit, chances are the device will encourage you to take 10,000 steps a day. But do you have to walk this much to be healthy?   There are many recommendations on how many…

Can Coconut Oil Help with Weight Loss? Almost everyone who is dieting wants to find a quick way to maximize weight loss. We all know there are no magic bullets to weight loss, but there are some things that might help us increase our weight loss were assist with maintenance.  Could coconut oil be one of those…

Stress and Cortisol: a struggle with Obesity This is the first of a four-part article on stress and cortisol.  If you understand stress and cortisol, you will understand one reason why Americans are getting fatter and fatter.  Sure we overeat, but stress and cortisol are arguably the main reasons why. What is Stress? Stress is…

Resistance training may provide superior results.   It has long been argued which type of exercise is superior for weight loss.  Once camp argues that aerobic exercise is superior because it burns more calories and is better for the heart.  The other group argues that resistance training is superior because it…

I am not sure I know who said it, but I found it online.  Today I needed come inspiration.  I reassess my goals and I would like to get to 199 pounds and 18 percent body fat.  I am currently at 208 and 22.5 percent.  The body post and metabolic testing in 3-4 weeks should help…

A simple but healthier twist on a family favorite. I have to admit that I love Italian.  I have a weakness for a simple pasta and meat sauce and I am looking for ways to make a quick dish that I can make and put in bowls in my refrigerator to eat for dinner for…

There are healthier tortillas for you to enjoy. So, you have decided to improve your diet. This concept brings up a lot of questions.  Where do you start?  What do you need to change?  Do you go low calorie, low carbohydrate, high fiber, high protein, or any combination of the above?  The wraps you use…

Type 2 Diabetes can be slowed or prevented. “No disease that can be treated by diet should be treated with any other means.” ― Maimonides Diabetes Diabetes type II or adult-onset diabetes is a genetic disease that is diet and nutrition-related.  If your parents have it, you likely have the gene that will give you this disease.…

"Stressed spelled backward is desserts. Coincidence? I think not!" ~Author Unknown Chips, nachos and curls This a small food for thought on the simple things you can remove from your diet and how much weight you could lose in a year if you avoid them.  We are going to focus on sugar and junk food today.…

Most people who avoid gluten are wasting money. Low and no gluten foods are a huge market right now.  Just a few years ago, you could not find a gluten-free product on the shelves, but now, you see the label almost everywhere.  The number of folks who feel that…

Doughnut are Satan's Minions Doughnuts are one of those things that are very hard to resist.  They are exceptionally delicious and I might even say addictive but they are also poisoned to your waistline.  They make you feel good with a euphoria that is to some as addictive as heroin.  There is nothing like the…

A simple but healthier twist on a family favorite. I have to admit that I love Italian.  I have a weakness for a simple pasta and meat sauce and I am looking for ways to make a quick dish that I can make and put in bowls in my refrigerator to eat for dinner for…

Exercise can help, but a flat belly is made in the Kitchen. "I got kicked out of ballet class because I pulled a groin muscle.  It wasn't mine." - Rita Rudner  Exercise motivation is tough.  Many morning that I have planned to exercise ended with me rolling over and burying my face in the pillow…

Omega-3: An Appetite Suppressant?  There is no such thing as a sure thing or a magic bullet when it comes to weight loss.  Around the globe, obesity and obesity-related illnesses represent a major public health challenge. The prognosis for citizens of the United States is exceptionally poor.  Unfortunately, there is no sunrise on the horizon and…

An introduction to Portion Control One of the most common reasons for failure in weight loss is overeating.  No matter if you are trying to lose weight or just start eating healthier the first thing you need to learn is portion control.  The first step is to really understand what a portion or serving size…

 Can I Eat Eggs and Lose Weight?   Eggs in a bowl. Successful weight loss is as simple as making good decisions for your breakfast.  Adding eggs to your diet may be one of the easiest things to do if you’re trying to lose weight.  Eggs are cheap, easy to make,  and they are a great source…

The Hormones of Weight Gain and Loss Nearly two-thirds of Americans are either overweight of obese.  Medical providers are overwhelmed by the consequences of poor dietary and lifestyle decisions.  Obesity results in deaths from illnesses such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes type 2, heart disease, high cholesterol, and stroke.  Weight gain and obesity is…

Can I eat at McDonald's and still maintain a healthy lifestyle?   McWeight Fat food is the biggest minefield for dieters.   You are on the road and want something fast and your family chooses McDonald's.  Although it is not the best choice, you can still control your portion size and eat somewhat healthy.   Breakfast:…

Weight training can assist with weight loss. Lifting Weights If you understand how you burn calories, you understand why it is important to keep muscle mass.  Weight lifting is one way to protect and build more muscle mass.   Many consider weight liftings or residence training to be one of the most important methods of…

Happy Thanksgiving Today is the day of plenty.  Please enjoy your Thanksgiving.   Tomorrow is another day. The most important thing about Thanksgiving is you should feel no regret and no guilt.  Focus on recovery tomorrow.  Tomorrow I will post an article on attempts to…

Thanksgiving is almost here! Thanksgiving is the holiday of over indulgence.  The cornucopia of plenty is a threat to any diet.   Many surveys indicate that the average weight gain during Thanksgiving is approximately 5 pounds for each American.  …

Obstacles to a Diet During Travel  Travel during the holidays presents several road bumps.  Road trips, air travel, changing schedules, eating Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners, Chanukah and its emphasis on dairy and foods fried in oil.  The list of challenges is as endless as the different ways we celebrate the holidays. …

Fact: Our metabolic rate can be changed. You have probably heard people blame their weight on a slow metabolism.  I know I have heard them and they treat it like it is a crutch.  To them, it is an unchanging disability that will forever keep their weight high.  Is metabolism the…

A simple Tex-Mex dish that is also healthy. Tex Mex Pizza A delicious and simple recipe for Mexican pizza your family will love. Mexican Pizza is delicious as a pizza crust or flour tortilla topped with any number of toppings. You can add beans, beef, cheese, sour cream, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, or even guacamole. The…

Exercise: Slow Return to Running If you have not figured it out yet, I am in the US Military.  The military is very interested in readiness and part of readiness is being able to run from incoming fire.  I can run if you chase me with a baseball bat.  In fact, I am pretty sure…

Can Calcium Increase Weight Loss I already did an article that showed research raving that yogurt can help with weight loss.  We are told that milk and calcium are good for the bones and teeth.  I have read that calcium can do it also, but is there research to back that up?   Pouring milk Research on…

How to Incorporate Exercise into Your Day Push Ups Ok, it is Monday after a weekend.  I hit the snooze button too much and now I have to play catch up on my steps.  Don't let your work schedule get in the way of 10,000 steps.  In an ideal situation, I would have gotten up at…

Meal timing study shows promise in helping people shed body fat It has long been postulated that the key to weight loss is eating breakfast and not skipping meals.  It appears that a recent study breaks this concept particularly.  A study at the University of Alabama Birmingham found…

Low-fat foods will not help with weight loss.   I first started having a weight problem when I was in my early to mid-twenties.  The college weight was adding up and my sedentary lifestyle with most of my time spent sitting and studying was not helping.  During that period of…

Pasta can be a very fulfilling meal, but can it be healthy? Not all noodles are created equal.  Even within the same brand, there may be a drastic difference in the nutritional content.  Because we enjoy pasta but want to eat healthily, we compared the nutrition information to help us choose the best.   As with…

New data shows red meat has neutral effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors Red meat has long been vilified for causing heart disease for the last 20-30 years.  Just like dairy and butter, red meat and the saturated fat contained within it has long been tied to heart disease.…

Splurges are a quick way to derail your diet.   Don't let a single slip up ruin your progress or knock you off the wagon.  The big thing is you need to not let one slip up turn into a whole day, month, or week of slip ups.  You cannot…

A new study found plant protein promotes high satiety.   In recent years, animal advocacy groups have been pushing for less animal and more plant based consumption.  Manufacturers have made progress in the texture of plant based products that look, taste, and feel like their animal based predecessors.  You…

Taxing Obesity: That will teach those overeaters!   Ultimately, what may be needed to address the obesity problem are direct taxes on body weight. - Jonathan Gruber This is the way many liberals and politicians think.  Tax them and punish them for their bad behavior, and they will change.  How well have they worked out…

Steel Cut Oatmeal: the perfect food and a superfood all rolled up in one. Oatmeal in the slow cooker. Oatmeal is a "superfood."  Although superfood is a made-up marketing term and can be misleading, it is absolutely the proper term for oatmeal.  Oatmeal is very filling when eaten, high in fiber (with both soluble and insoluble),…

Can running excessively cause hip and knee arthritis?   Running is an excellent form of exercise if your body can take the pounding.  You can burn over 500 calories per hour.  One of the questions many patients ask is if it will increase your risk of degenerative or osteoarthritis (OA).…

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Be Better For Weight Loss Than a Low-fat Alternative. As we enter the post-holiday period, most of us begin to focus on recovering from all the parties and feasts.  Most have gained a little poundage over the holidays, and now we plan to lose the extra that we gained around our waistlines.…

Breakfast: Is It The Most Important Meal of the Day? Breakfast We have all heard the statement that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  My grandmother always told me it was unhealthy to miss breakfast.  I have read in many books that missing breakfast makes weight loss more unlikely.  Breakfast can help with…

Whey Supplementation Helps with Weight Loss.   WP Powder with Scoop What is whey protein (WP)?  Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and are made of chains of amino acids. Simply put, whey is one of the two proteinaceous compounds found in milk, with the other being casein.  When a coagulant called renin…

A Challenge of Terminology: Overweight or Overfat Overfat One of the problems with our current state of diet, weight loss, and obesity in the United States is the language we use. Every article I read refers to weight loss when they mean fat loss. I am no different because I interchange the worse at will.…

A tender and juicy chicken recipe that is exploding with bold TexMex flavors. It is great to spend a week at home and today I am making one of my family's favorite meals. The best part is that is is a healthy meal that can jump-start your path to better health. The only weakness is it…

Sugar type may be an independent risk for weight gain and disease.   I have been told for years that calories are calories and it does not matter from which source they come.  This month, I found a study in a PubMed search and a review article from Science Daily[1] that…

New research shows that access to supermarkets and fast food is not tied to obesity in veterans.   Healthy Home Cooked Meal America is the land of plenty, and on every street corner, you will find a fast-food restaurant to get you to fix filled with a fat and carb-filled delight.  In recent years, new…

Keeping Old Clothes Will Not Help Motivate You to Lose Weight Walk-in closet I have done it for years.  Whether the clothes are too big or too small, I keep the old clothes because I think I might need them if my weight swings back the other way.  I like a particular pair of shorts…

A Single Additional Bottle of Cold Water Can Lead to Significant Weight Loss Glass of Water This is one of my quick tip articles.  Before we hit the research, let's discuss some background information.  Water is an essential element in our diets.  Our bodies have a need for water that is relentless to function efficiently.  The amount…

Not all snacking is bad.   Mindless Eating in front Television Snacking is when you consume food or beverages between your regular meals. Snacking is vilified because, for many of those trying to lose weight, this may be counter-productive to the end result.  Sure, if your idea of a snack is diving headfirst into the…

A healthy alternative to a Tex Mex Favorite. Our family loves Mexican food. It is one of our favorite meals to have both at home and in a restaurant. We have tried just about every Mexican joint within 30 miles of our house. My favorite dish at our favorite place is the Burrito California. This…

Recent weight loss research found that long-term weight loss is difficult.   Obesity I found an article just after the holidays that was very depressing for me.  While searching for research to back up another post, I found an article on CBC - Canada entitled "Obesity Research Confirms Long-term Weight Loss Almost Impossible"​[1]​ that touted…

Chew More Slowly, Lose More Weight Woman Chewing Chocolate It has been widely postulated that eating slower or completely chewing your food will increase satiety or suppress your appetite.  In medicine and health research, folks often say things based on experience but with our any proof.  For years, my wife has nagged me to eat…

My Lessons from a Dietician Nutrition and Calories I recently attended a nutrition class that was offered for free at a local hospital.  It was an interesting class.  Many of the things discussed were things that we already know.  Don’t eat junk food.  Eat more fiber.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Reduce red meat consumption. …

New data shows red meat has neutral effect on cardiovascular disease risk factors Red meat has long been vilified for causing heart disease for the last 20-30 years.  Just like dairy and butter, red meat and the saturated fat contained within it has long been tied to heart disease.…

Smaller meals mean fewer calories...Maybe. Myth If you have health problems, discuss this and any dieting plans with your doctor or dietician.  They can help individualize your plan to your disease condition. One of the most common myths I hear is that it is better to eat 5-6 smaller meals rather than three larger meals. …

A delicious recipe for a cold day. A tasty recipe for a soup that replaces some of the noodles with vegetables.  It is a delicious soup that you will enjoy and best of all it is balanced with starch, meat, and lots of vegetables.  This soup will fill you up and keep you full for…

Frozen and prepackaged meals can be a healthy option. Man and Microwave Meal Our society is increasingly on the go and has less downtime than many of our counterparts in the world. With the increased time at work and travel to and from, we look for more convenient ways to feed our families. Frozen and…

Chew More Slowly, Lose More Weight Woman Chewing Chocolate It has been widely postulated that eating slower or completely chewing your food will increase satiety or suppress your appetite.  In medicine and health research, folks often say things based on experience but with our any proof.  For years, my wife has nagged me to eat…

A Challenge of Terminology: Overweight or Overfat Overfat One of the problems with our current state of diet, weight loss, and obesity in the United States is the language we use. Every article I read refers to weight loss when they mean fat loss. I am no different because I interchange the worse at will.…

Cardiovascular risk reduction benefits may continue five years after weight loss program ends. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Need another reason to lose weight.  This study evidence may motivate you to lose weight.  More motivation is a good thing, and hopefully, this will push you to success.  The bottom line is that even a small amount…

Frozen and prepackaged meals can be a healthy option. Man and Microwave Meal Our society is increasingly on the go and has less downtime than many of our counterparts in the world. With the increased time at work and travel to and from, we look for more convenient ways to feed our families. Frozen and…

Is there a healthy alternative to corn-based tortilla chips? Strapping on the feed bag in front of the TV is harder to avoid as you watch your favorite football team.  Our falls are spent in tailgate party binge eating and drinking copious amounts of alcohol.  Snack foods are the bane of weight loss and maintenance.…

Meal timing study shows promise in helping people shed body fat It has long been postulated that the key to weight loss is eating breakfast and not skipping meals.  It appears that a recent study breaks this concept particularly.  A study at the University of Alabama Birmingham found…

Maximize Fat Loss What dieters should focus on is fat loss and not weight loss.  Ultimately, maximizing fat loss is all about calories in versus calories out and a total deficit of 3500 calories to lose 1 pound of body weight[1].  This fact is true, but how much less should you eat to…

My Lessons from a Dietician Nutrition and Calories I recently attended a nutrition class that was offered for free at a local hospital.  It was an interesting class.  Many of the things discussed were things that we already know.  Don’t eat junk food.  Eat more fiber.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.  Reduce red meat consumption. …

Aspiration Therapy for obesity; a Safe and Effective Treatment or the 21st Century Tape Worm. In obesity, you have to understand the root of what causes most obesity.  Most obesity is not caused by a magical endocrine disorder or metabolic shortcoming that hinders someone from losing weight.  The problem in…

The statement "fast food is too unhealthy for weight loss" is a myth.   Burger and Fries Now before you flood my inbox with emails, I am not saying that it is healthy to eat fast food every meal or even every day.  If you must have a fast food meal, it is more healthy if…

Meal timing study shows promise in helping people shed body fat It has long been postulated that the key to weight loss is eating breakfast and not skipping meals.  It appears that a recent study breaks this concept particularly.  A study at the University of Alabama Birmingham found…

Can running excessively cause hip and knee arthritis?   Running is an excellent form of exercise if your body can take the pounding.  You can burn over 500 calories per hour.  One of the questions many patients ask is if it will increase your risk of degenerative or osteoarthritis (OA).…

Alcohol is the diet destroyer.   Quite a few of us enjoy social time after work and the relaxing and sedating effects of a drink.  It is a part of our society's traditions.  I am no different.  I love a good glass of bourbon and…

Metabolic Syndrome: Is it more than just overweight? What is metabolic syndrome?  Metabolic syndrome, aka Syndrome X, is a common condition that is every bit as prevalent as the common cold and likely way more expensive for us to treat.  Nearly 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome, and it has a family, age-related, and ethnic…

Apple Cider Vinegar: The Magic Bullet? Apple cider vinegar I can remember as a child that we always made apple butter and cider in the last summer in West Virginia. We would gather at the family farm to pick apples and press them for cider. I love the stuff and miss those simpler days of…

Splurges are a quick way to derail your diet.   Don't let a single slip up ruin your progress or knock you off the wagon.  The big thing is you need to not let one slip up turn into a whole day, month, or week of slip ups.  You cannot…

Is there a healthy alternative to corn-based tortilla chips? Strapping on the feed bag in front of the TV is harder to avoid as you watch your favorite football team.  Our falls are spent in tailgate party binge eating and drinking copious amounts of alcohol.  Snack foods are the bane of weight loss and maintenance.…

Low-carbohydrate Diets May Be Better For Weight Loss Than a Low-fat Alternative. As we enter the post-holiday period, most of us begin to focus on recovering from the all the parties and feasts.  Most have gained a little poundage over the holidays and now we are planning to lose the extra that we gained around…

Peanut butter can be a part of your weight loss plan. As a child, I loved to eat peanut butter sandwiches after exercise.  I used to have 1-2 after each football and basketball practice.  It is a staple food of many children and teenagers in America, but somewhere after that age,  peanut butter becomes vilified…

Understanding Prediabetes, Diabetes, and Obesity This post will hopefully help individuals understand how excess weight puts them at a higher risk of developing pre-diabetes and diabetes. Most with a weight problem are not aware they are predisposed for pre-diabetes and diabetes until symptoms of type 2 diabetes begin to show. Even then it takes time…

Sleep can help you lose weight and avoid obesity and cravings.  We all know that sleep is essential for optimal health.  We do not function efficiently without enough sleep, and we are just plain grumpy if our sleep is interrupted, but we still fail to get enough good quality…

Does Food Flavor Lead to Obesity? We all have foods that we crave.  The mere thought of eating them brings the flavor to mind and makes our mouths water.  It has often been postulated that sweet or fatty flavors by themselves might cause obesity.  Fat, sugar, and carbohydrates have been vilified as culprits when discussing…

Why haven't I lost weight? I have said this before, but it is time to review this topic as we enter into the new year.  We are impatient and expect instant changes.  Weight loss takes time, and you need avoid becoming discouraged.   Weight loss and fitness require a lot of effort that is more…

Calories differ based on the source.   Calorie Definition A calorie is a single measurement of energy, and each calorie is the same in terms of energy.  If they come from a different source, are they different in the way they affect the human body based on the laws of physics and thermodynamics?  Are all calories are created equal…

Do Carbohydrates Help or Hurt Weight Loss? Carbohydrates have been vilified over the years.  The Adkin's diet and other low carbohydrate diets have highlighted carbs as the primary cause of our obesity problem in the United States.  Is there any truth to this claim or is this just hype to sell books and low-carb foods?   Research…

Obesity and High Blood Pressure AKA Hypertension Diabetes and Hypertension affect many Americans. Hypertension is at epidemic levels, and like diabetes, high blood pressure is a silent killer. The number of people living with hypertension is predicted to be over 1.5 billion worldwide in less than…

Alcohol is the diet destroyer.   Quite a few of us enjoy social time after work and the relaxing and sedating effects of a drink.  It is a part of our society's traditions.  I am no different.  I love a good glass of bourbon and…

Taxing Obesity: That will teach those overeaters!   Ultimately, what may be needed to address the obesity problem are direct taxes on body weight. - Jonathan Gruber This is the way many liberals and politicians think.  Tax them and punish them for their bad behavior, and they will change.  How well have they worked out…