Pick up almost any magazine on the stands, and you can read about celebrities and their magical weight-loss solutions, from fantastic personal chefs and trainers to private gym memberships and procedures. While their tips and tricks may be unique, their hefty price tags aren't. I don't know about you, but it always leaves me feeling less than inspired--how are WE supposed to look like THEM when they have the luxury of spending thousands and millions of dollars to look that way? But now there's good news for the weight-loss-craving girl on a budget--a new New Zealand study shows that you may not weigh less just because you pay more.
The study group targeted middle-age women who had lost 5 percent of their body weight, dividing them into two groups: a $3000 per person elite program equipped with personal consultations with nutritionists and trainers, and use of a personal gym, and a $750 per person basic plan involving daily weigh-ins with a registered nurse, and bi-weekly phone calls.
What did the study find? Just because you opt for a VIP weight-loss plan, doesn't mean you'll shed more pounds than a fee-free variety. In fact, the two diets proved equally effective! Women on the pricey plan lost 2.5kg on average, and those on the basic plan lost 3.6kg. The difference was not considered statistically significant, but what it revealed about weight loss was.
Personal trainers, gyms, chefs, and nutritionists are great outlets for those that can afford them, but they can't guarantee weight loss. In the end, it seemed the key component to successful weight loss was support. Many people said what they really needed was someone to simply "keep an eye on them" to help them stay focused and on track. Get support from a friend or family member who has a similar goal in mind, or check out an online support community like Self's Forums where you can swap fitness tricks and find weight-loss buddies. Plan scheduled weigh-ins, workouts, and meal plans together, and do it all without breaking the bank!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Get some class, girls...and get off facebook!
I was sitting in the Miami Airport with my boyfriend and his friend Cullen. We were impatiently waiting for our return flight to Pittsburgh (we had been wandering the airport like Tom Hanks in Terminal for almost 12 hours) after our week-long adventure on Royal Caribbean. I couldn't see the TV, but the CNN program came through loud and clear, even through the boisterous and constant interruption of flight announcements. I stopped my sudoku and listened closer as "Facebook" and "drunk college girls" came from the reporter's mouth. The three of us looked at each other and simultaneously got up, moving so we could watch the report.
Haven't heard about it? Read CNN's "Young women drink, party, post" by Elizabeth Cohen. Then CNN's Senior Producer, Medical News Jen Pihfer's breakdown of the situation on Paging Dr. Gupta's blog. While it may be slightly out of the realm of the diet, nutrition, fitness gamut that makes up Jen's Daily Serving, I felt this story was too important. Pihfer's right; some of the reasons that made the list are pretty laughable (#8-a random kid who you know from your math class you suddenly "LOVE"or are "BEST FRIENDS" with), but as soon as you scroll down to the pictures, that's where the fun stops. Girls locked in dog cages, throwing up in the middle of streets, falling over in the midst of a group of friends.
I am a senior at Ohio University (yes, the same OU that ranked #2 in party schools a few years ago and that gets its 15 minutes of fame from its infamous Halloween celebration), so I can say that I've had my share of college-life fun. I am on Facebook, and I know that at one time or another there was probably a picture posted of me that I wouldn't write home to mom about. But I also know that this social network that allows you to poke your crushes and write on your best friend's wall can be destructive and detrimental to a person's reputation. (Anyone remember Northwestern University's soccer team that was suspended after pictures surfaced of supposed hazing and underage drinking?)
This story has generated tons of feedback, making it obvious that these young women are not naive or ignorant to what they did--they're proud. They love the attention and see nothing wrong with the group, the pictures, any of it. They're shouting loud and clear that they have no concern that if and when they try to become successful working women, these pictures will come back to haunt them. Maybe they're just too young. Maybe they don't plan on being successful. Either way, they fail to see what this will do long-term.
We need to get the younger generations (and I'll admit my own) back on track. There's nothing wrong with showing off your achievements on Facebook, but what happened to being proud of achievements in academics or athletics--not making a drunk ass out of yourself?
Haven't heard about it? Read CNN's "Young women drink, party, post" by Elizabeth Cohen. Then CNN's Senior Producer, Medical News Jen Pihfer's breakdown of the situation on Paging Dr. Gupta's blog. While it may be slightly out of the realm of the diet, nutrition, fitness gamut that makes up Jen's Daily Serving, I felt this story was too important. Pihfer's right; some of the reasons that made the list are pretty laughable (#8-a random kid who you know from your math class you suddenly "LOVE"or are "BEST FRIENDS" with), but as soon as you scroll down to the pictures, that's where the fun stops. Girls locked in dog cages, throwing up in the middle of streets, falling over in the midst of a group of friends.
I am a senior at Ohio University (yes, the same OU that ranked #2 in party schools a few years ago and that gets its 15 minutes of fame from its infamous Halloween celebration), so I can say that I've had my share of college-life fun. I am on Facebook, and I know that at one time or another there was probably a picture posted of me that I wouldn't write home to mom about. But I also know that this social network that allows you to poke your crushes and write on your best friend's wall can be destructive and detrimental to a person's reputation. (Anyone remember Northwestern University's soccer team that was suspended after pictures surfaced of supposed hazing and underage drinking?)
This story has generated tons of feedback, making it obvious that these young women are not naive or ignorant to what they did--they're proud. They love the attention and see nothing wrong with the group, the pictures, any of it. They're shouting loud and clear that they have no concern that if and when they try to become successful working women, these pictures will come back to haunt them. Maybe they're just too young. Maybe they don't plan on being successful. Either way, they fail to see what this will do long-term.
We need to get the younger generations (and I'll admit my own) back on track. There's nothing wrong with showing off your achievements on Facebook, but what happened to being proud of achievements in academics or athletics--not making a drunk ass out of yourself?
BMI Twins!
Here's something fun I stumbled across...you supply your sex, height, and weight, and they pair you up with a celeb that's rocking your body type. I was paired with the adorably cute Jennifer Love Hewitt! Give it a try--who's your celeb body double?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Test Your Nutrition Know-How!
Do you know the cream of the crop when it comes to good, healthy eats? Before you answer, try taking the "Eat This, Not That" Quiz at Women's Health's website.
You might be surprised what you find out. I made the grade in most sections, but there were some that left me stumped long after their labels were revealed. While grabbing a cinnamon bun from Au Bon Pain rather than Cinnabon can save you 400 cals and 20 grams of fat, opting for a Wendy's Chicken BLT Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing over a Single Classic with everything sans cheese will rack up over 200 extra cals and twice the amount of fat.
Take the whole thing like I did, or narrow it down to specific food categories. Either way, take a break today to test your appetite aptitude, and let me know how you score!
You might be surprised what you find out. I made the grade in most sections, but there were some that left me stumped long after their labels were revealed. While grabbing a cinnamon bun from Au Bon Pain rather than Cinnabon can save you 400 cals and 20 grams of fat, opting for a Wendy's Chicken BLT Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing over a Single Classic with everything sans cheese will rack up over 200 extra cals and twice the amount of fat.
Take the whole thing like I did, or narrow it down to specific food categories. Either way, take a break today to test your appetite aptitude, and let me know how you score!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Bon Voyage!
My school runs on a quarter system. The school year begins right after Labor Day and graduation rolls around in early June. But in between point A and point B, we take a 6-week hiatus from classes for what they call our "holiday break." That's right, from Thanksgiving through New Years, I find myself heading back home for turkey and staying until the clock strikes 2008.
A typical break means retreating to my quiet, northeast Ohio town and working at as a seasonal employer with a group of like-minded friends (6 weeks of work certainly pumps up the weakening bank account before returning to school), but being my last official holiday break, I decided to mix things up. This break, work is not on my list of things to do. Taking its place? A cruise through the Bahamas with 7 of my closest friends!
We planned the trip months ago, and the countdown has finally headed into the single digits; on Monday morning, we will forgo our college-town meeting ground for Miami, Florida where we will board Royal Caribbean for a 4-night cruise! Our close-knit group (consisting of my three roommates, my boyfriend, and his three buddies) have been friends for the last few years, and from the moment this idea was conceived, we have been constantly planning and impatiently waiting its arrival.
Managing winter weight gain is definitely the buzz word these days, but while others at Thanksgiving are worried about the months of sweet-treated, fat-laden landmines that lay ahead, I have an added concern--fitting into that bathing suit that has been purposely shoved to the bottom of my drawer for months. To remain sane, I opt to enjoy all the best holiday fixings, but vow to be the gym's best friend until I leave. To help keep things interesting while I tone what can be toned, I create different, personalized workouts, courtesy of Women's Health. By constantly mixing things up, I keep my mind and body interested, intense, and into it (very important when you're looking to shape up fast). Bored with your usual routine? Mix it up with a new workout of your own!
But this trip has also come with extra, unforeseen, benefits. Traditionally, I am the night owl of Christmas. For weeks before the big day, I open up shop in our kitchen and stay up long into the wee hours cooking, baking, sprinkling, and chocolate-covering. In between buzzers, I write out Christmas cards and finish wrapping presents. I've been doing it since middle school--making way too many baked goods on way too little sleep--and I always look forward to every single moment of it. But while mapping out my December calendar, a week-long trip right before my usual peak-season created some unwelcome stress. I imagined myself returning from an incredible trip, only to face all of my Christmas chores left untackled. So this week as I headed out to the gym, I made extra pit stops along the way. Before I knew it, the boxes left to be checked were drastically outnumbered by those already marked. And all without a single ounce of holiday-harbored stress!
Lesson learned? Productivity breeds more productivity, just as sitting on the couch breeds more sitting on the couch. By getting up and tackling one goal (quality time with the gym) I was motivated to tackle others (like getting all of my Christmas shopping done). And that stress I was expecting upon my return from paradise? Gone! By managing my lengthy list of things to do, I have left myself a small, palpable group to tackle the week before Christmas!
A typical break means retreating to my quiet, northeast Ohio town and working at as a seasonal employer with a group of like-minded friends (6 weeks of work certainly pumps up the weakening bank account before returning to school), but being my last official holiday break, I decided to mix things up. This break, work is not on my list of things to do. Taking its place? A cruise through the Bahamas with 7 of my closest friends!
We planned the trip months ago, and the countdown has finally headed into the single digits; on Monday morning, we will forgo our college-town meeting ground for Miami, Florida where we will board Royal Caribbean for a 4-night cruise! Our close-knit group (consisting of my three roommates, my boyfriend, and his three buddies) have been friends for the last few years, and from the moment this idea was conceived, we have been constantly planning and impatiently waiting its arrival.
Managing winter weight gain is definitely the buzz word these days, but while others at Thanksgiving are worried about the months of sweet-treated, fat-laden landmines that lay ahead, I have an added concern--fitting into that bathing suit that has been purposely shoved to the bottom of my drawer for months. To remain sane, I opt to enjoy all the best holiday fixings, but vow to be the gym's best friend until I leave. To help keep things interesting while I tone what can be toned, I create different, personalized workouts, courtesy of Women's Health. By constantly mixing things up, I keep my mind and body interested, intense, and into it (very important when you're looking to shape up fast). Bored with your usual routine? Mix it up with a new workout of your own!
But this trip has also come with extra, unforeseen, benefits. Traditionally, I am the night owl of Christmas. For weeks before the big day, I open up shop in our kitchen and stay up long into the wee hours cooking, baking, sprinkling, and chocolate-covering. In between buzzers, I write out Christmas cards and finish wrapping presents. I've been doing it since middle school--making way too many baked goods on way too little sleep--and I always look forward to every single moment of it. But while mapping out my December calendar, a week-long trip right before my usual peak-season created some unwelcome stress. I imagined myself returning from an incredible trip, only to face all of my Christmas chores left untackled. So this week as I headed out to the gym, I made extra pit stops along the way. Before I knew it, the boxes left to be checked were drastically outnumbered by those already marked. And all without a single ounce of holiday-harbored stress!
Lesson learned? Productivity breeds more productivity, just as sitting on the couch breeds more sitting on the couch. By getting up and tackling one goal (quality time with the gym) I was motivated to tackle others (like getting all of my Christmas shopping done). And that stress I was expecting upon my return from paradise? Gone! By managing my lengthy list of things to do, I have left myself a small, palpable group to tackle the week before Christmas!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Keeping the Holidays Healthy!
'Tis the season for holiday parties, but with each winter soiree comes a risk of breaking your diet, and your budget! For an easy, cheap, and nutritious appetizer that will surely win over the crowds at your next holiday happening, try this simple hummus recipe!
Healthy Hummus
1/4 c. loosely packed flat parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 tbsp. tahini
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 c. water
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Nutrition facts (per 2 tbsp. serving): Calories 30 (38% from fat), carbs. 4g, protein 2 g, fat 1g, sat. fat 0g, cholesterol 0mg, sodium 29 mg, calcium 16 mg, fiber 1g
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Simply Delicious!
As I got ready to watch the Indians face off in game 4 against the Red Sox a few weeks ago, my parents decided to make a guest appearance! They are never ones to come empty-handed, and this was no exception. My dad was on the phone ordering pizzas for my house as my mom unpacked all the game-time snacks they brought--peanuts in their shells (my dad swears he eats fewer when he has to crack each one open), candy corn, chips and pretzels galore, pumpkin cookies, and apples with my favorite caramel dip.
As my dad cracked open the case of beer and my mom mixed her favorite new concoction for me and her, I noticed the last thing in her bag of treats--a squash?
Yep. A butternut squash to be exact. I guess it was her latest craze--and something I just had to try. She brought fresh cut string beans as well, telling me about a delicious little recipe she had made and loved. It was simple:
-Dice one butternut squash into cubes. Place in a bowl with fresh cut string beans and chopped onion.
-Lightly toss in 2 tsp. olive oil, adding any seasonings of your choice (for lack of selection, I used garlic salt)
-Bake at about 350 degrees for about 30 minutes (stirring it at the 15-minute marker). The green beans and squash should be slightly browned and crispy.
I made it the other night with a bun-less veggie burger and man was it delicious! But not only is this dish tasty, it also packs a powerful punch of nutrition! One cup of cubed fat-free butternut squash serves up 82 calories, half your daily dose of Vitamin C, and more than four times your daily value of Vitamin A! The raw sweet onion weighs in at 47 cals per serving with the green beans adding 32 cals and 4 grams fiber per cup, while the olive oil (80 cals, 10 grams fat) dishes a healthy serving of monounsaturated fat and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Give it a try this holiday season-and let me know what you think!
As my dad cracked open the case of beer and my mom mixed her favorite new concoction for me and her, I noticed the last thing in her bag of treats--a squash?
Yep. A butternut squash to be exact. I guess it was her latest craze--and something I just had to try. She brought fresh cut string beans as well, telling me about a delicious little recipe she had made and loved. It was simple:
-Dice one butternut squash into cubes. Place in a bowl with fresh cut string beans and chopped onion.
-Lightly toss in 2 tsp. olive oil, adding any seasonings of your choice (for lack of selection, I used garlic salt)
-Bake at about 350 degrees for about 30 minutes (stirring it at the 15-minute marker). The green beans and squash should be slightly browned and crispy.
I made it the other night with a bun-less veggie burger and man was it delicious! But not only is this dish tasty, it also packs a powerful punch of nutrition! One cup of cubed fat-free butternut squash serves up 82 calories, half your daily dose of Vitamin C, and more than four times your daily value of Vitamin A! The raw sweet onion weighs in at 47 cals per serving with the green beans adding 32 cals and 4 grams fiber per cup, while the olive oil (80 cals, 10 grams fat) dishes a healthy serving of monounsaturated fat and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Give it a try this holiday season-and let me know what you think!
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