Sida Cordifolia

is a weight loss herb which is considered as a weaker alternative to the more effective yet dangerous Ephedra

Posted by Jane   on August 12, 2009
Under Weight Loss Herbs

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Proactol

is a popular natural fat binder that prevents the digestion of up to 28% of fat in your food

Posted by Jane   on August 14, 2009
Under Fat Binder Reviews, Product Reviews, Slimming Pills

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Baloney and Marshmallows For Lunch

Supermarkets are scary. Just stand in line and watch what people buy, it's startling. Blue yogurts, canned meat, and "fruit" flavored breakfast cereals.

Nasty stuff, right? Now, most people don't pay attention to other shoppers, but I'm a jerk. I take mental notes so I can pass judgment. Try it. It's a lot of fun!

Last week, I was at the store, minding my own business - not really - and watched some lady buy quite the lunch for her kids.

So this lady gets in line behind me and she's yammering on her cell phone, not even a regular one, it was one of those pseudo Secret Service ear pieces, for people who are wildly self-important. "Red team go! Red team go!"

I was ignoring her until she said, "I'm just picking up lunch for the kids." There's nothing wrong with that, until I noticed what she was piling onto the conveyor belt: sliced white bread, packaged baloney - not even the fresh stuff - and a bag of marshmallows. Wow, major parenting fail!

Listen, I'm not a parent. I don't want kids. I don't even like children. They're annoying and they smell. But how can you slap a piece of baloney between white bread and call that a meal fit for a child? The answer is, you can't.

I don't even want to know what the marshmallows were for. If she puts them on the sandwich, Child Protective Services need to be notified.

Her kids will probably grow up and be some of those annoying people who, at 35 years old, still only eat three things and pout about trying new foods.

Image credit: Warner Video

Teens and Kids Weird parenting sandwiches 22 Comments Karen on 6 Nov 2010

ahahahahah My boyfriend and I do the same thing when we go to the grocery store! lol We look at people and their purchases and makes wild guesses. For example "no wonder she is the size of an elephant..." or "they are obviously having taco night..." or "...she must be having a bunch of people over for dinner..." etc We don't always make negative comments, we just like to people watch and try to guess things about people. It is amazing what you can learn about a person by looking at what they buy at the grocery store.
My brother works in a grocery store and sometimes I shop at his store. He is not allowed to ring me through the till but his coworkers can. He has told me that his fellow employees always comment to him about my purchases. "That was the most vegetables I ever rang through the till.." its pretty funny.

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Sprinkle Crystals on Your Food and Lose Weight

Is it just me, or are diet aids getting more and more weird?

We've had "Le Whiff" - chocolate you inhale. And now, the latest upcoming craze is crystals.

Tiny crystals that you sprinkle on your food. Doesn't sound too appetising, does it?

The crystals, called Sensa granules, enhance the smell of food, meaning that it tastes better (smell can count for up to 90% of what we experience as the "taste" of a food). They were developed by the neurologist Dr Alan Hirsch (from the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago) back in 2008.

The Sensa website claims that:
By enhancing smell, Sensa Tastants were designed to help speed up the process and trigger your "I feel full" signal, so you eat less and feel more satisfied.

Sensa is currently on sale in America, costing $59 for a month's supply of the crystals. Other countries are expected to start selling them soon. Dieters are enticed by the promise they can carry on eating exactly what they already eat, without counting calories or exercising: the only change is that they sprinkle Sensa crystals on every meal and snack.

Some experts, however, are sceptical about the use of Sensa as a diet aid. Dominic Dwyer (a neuropsychologist at Cardiff University in the UK) said the idea behind Sensa was sound, but warned:
A mouthwatering smell from food can simply make us eat more. This stuff would have to be very carefully used.

What do you think? Would you pay $59 a month to sprinkle tiny crystals on your food? Would you be satisfied with less food if it tasted really good?

Weird dieting sensa 3 Comments

What's the Best Diet to Retain Muscle? [Forum]

What's the Best Diet to Retain Muscle? By asahlieh on Nov 9, 2010 5

I am 22. I am 6' tall and weigh 320lbs. I am out of shape (obviously) but i have a decent amount of muscle from my lifting days. Im trying to get down to 220 as soon as possible (approx. 11-12 months). What is the best diet to burn fat, and retain muscle? I run 20 min a day and lift. my BMR is 2824.

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

Food & Recipes   5 Comments Dan S. on 11/09/10

I have lost about 110 pounds and have 70 or so to go, what you are asking is highly individual, what works for me might not work for you. Over the last year I have played around with diet and this seems to be the balance that works for me:

Paying With Cash Means Less Junk Food

Who pays with cash anymore? Today it's all about plastic. Heck, even gentlemen's clubs have ATMs. Not that I know first hand. I've just heard they do.

But maybe we should break out the dead presidents again, because a new study says when you pay with cash, you're less likely to buy junk food.

I bet the vending machine industry has known this for years. Their dirty little secret, "If you build it, they will buy."

Published in the Journal of Consumer Research, scientists found people are less likely to buy unhealthy foods when they go grocery shopping if they pay with cash, instead of those evil plastic credit or debit cards.

When analyzing the shopping carts of 1,000 United States households over six months, researchers observed shopping carts contained more impulse buys or junk food when people paid with credit or debit cards, and not cash.

The researchers called cash payments "more painful than card payments." Painful is the perfect word for it. Buying junk food with plastic is easier to swallow, so encouraging people to shop with cash could help them develop better shopping and eating habits.

Its really tempting to over-shop when you're not paying with cash. When you put your toilet paper, generic vodka, and orange juice on the register, it's easy to grab a Snickers bar. You're money seems limitless. Just deal with it when the bill comes.

I haven't gone grocery shopping with cash in years. If I went to pay and ran out of cash, I'd have a stroke and drop dead on the spot.

Image credit: South Park Studios

Health junk food vending machines 5 Comments Maggie on 9 Nov 2010

Husband and I made a decision about six months ago to use cash for groceries because it seemed our grocery budget was creeping upward and we have goals to meet - namely paying off our mortgage in the next five years (20 years ahead of schedule). To do that means we live on a tight budget and groceries are a generous column item (we buy almost all organic), but it was creeping up.

When he gets paid, I take the grocery budget, put it in an envelope and that's what I use - I know exactly how much I have and guess what? We stay within budget!

It has nothing to do with junk food versus healthy food - we already eat healthy and did before - junk just doesn't come into our house. For us it's that I am much more conscious about sticking to the list and picking up things on sale over buying stuff whatever the price. I now look at the price and if, say, red peppers are outrageously priced, I'll sub green peppers or change menu plans for something else that is within the budget.

We do the same thing for eating out - we don't have a defined number of nights in a month we'll eat out, we have a defined eating out budget we work with and since we eat healthy, eating out with cash, within the budget means just once or twice a month - but it's incredible food and we savor the treat to eat out!

Reply blob on 9 Nov 2010

Using actually cash instead of atm's or credit makes you keenly aware of what you are spending. Add to that a monthly food budget and you will be amazed at how frugile you will become.

I highly recommend looking into Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover." It will not only change your financial fitness, but you will become prudently aware of what you are spending on food. You may even drop a few pounds while incorporating Dave's tenets into your lifestyle.

Maggie is right, the envelope system is simple and genius.

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Poll: What's Your Worst Diet Excuse?

It seems that it's part of the human condition to make excuses for things.

Excuses why we were speeding, why we didn't have our homework, why we're broke, and of course, why we're fat or unhealthy.

The Mirror.co.uk recently published The World's Worst Diet Excuses. They list the excuse, why it is just an excuse, and what can be done to "beat it".

I think this list is good food for thought because it challenges the thinking and the excuses people have told themselves for so long that they believe they are true.

Which of the 10 dieting excuses have you been guilty of making now or in the past? Participate in the poll and comments below.

Image Credit: FreakingFitness

What's your worst diet excuse?

1. Diets don't work for me. 2. Regular meals are impossible. 3. I have wheat intolerance. 4. It's my hormones. 5. I've got a slow metabolism. 6. It's my medication. 7. It's in my genes. 8. I'm big boned. 9. It's water retention. 10. I suffer from insomnia. View results

Diets diet myths polls weight loss 11 Comments

Is Medifast Suitable For Someone With PCOS? [Forum]

Is Medifast Suitable For Someone With PCOS? By Dana on Nov 11, 2010 1

In addition to a new healthy lifestyle and eating habits, my doctor suggested that I try medi fast, which I'm willing to try. I have PCOS, which among other issues, causes me to have a problem with insulin resistance. I was able to achieve a healthier lifestyle and the motivation in need to continue it by taking the prescription drug Meridia. In 15 weeks I lost 33 pounds.

My question is, I've been educating myself about what my body needs to maintain a healthy weight. With PCOS, the body sometimes has trouble using insulin properly and converting it to energy. The GI diet is the best for people with PCOS and it discourages consumption of any artificial sweeteners, which I no longer eat.

The only Medi Fast foods that don't contain something lab created or artificial is the soups. I looked at nutritional facts, and the products have maltodextrin, acesulfame potassium, corn solids, hydrolized chemicals..... There have been medical studies showing that artificial sweeteners may actually cause insulin resistance. Is this "diet" ok for me to try?

Weight Loss   1 Comment Bonnie on 11/11/10

I have PCOS too, and it sounds like you're eating right for it: stay away from simple carbs like sugar and refined flour. I wouldn't use Medi Fast products, though. The very best thing you can do to improve insulin resistance and help stabilize your blood sugar levels is incorporate exercise into your life. You didn't mention what exercise you're doing, and I think your doctor would have done better by you to recommend that first.

Try looking up books written by Dr Elizabeth Vliet, such as 'The Savvy Woman's Guide to PCOS.' She has good information about PCOS and lifestyle changes we can make to improve our health.

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How Veg-Friendly is That Subway Knife?

I like Subway. It's the only fast food I eat. I haven't stepped foot in a McDonald's for over five years. It's nasty.

Subway's "eat fresh" works on me. You can see right in front of you what's going into your food - not too many secrets. Who knows what animal parts lurk in a McRib?

But one thing about Subway creeps me out, the knives they use to cut the sandwiches. They use the same knife to cut every sandwich. I think that's weird.

Here's why. I don't eat meat - yeah, I know some of you get annoyed when I say that, blah, blah, blah - so I only order a Veggie Delight; no cheese, no cold cuts, only vegetables, oil, and salt and pepper.

I don't have any religious or ethical reasons for not eating meat. I just think its healthier, period. But let's say you're not like me - lucky you - and you have strong moral objections to eating meat. Wouldn't you be upset if someone halved your veggie sandwich with the very same knife they just used to cleave through a half-pound of roast beef and melted cheese?

Listen, I know vegans. And they'd sooner cut your throat then let you touch their food with a knife that got within a 50-foot radius of any animal. Okay, before I get slammed, that's an obvious exaggeration. Calm down.

But you get the idea. Personally, I've never made a stink about the knife, mostly because I haven't seen my knife used on anything gross, like mayonnaise or bacon, but who knows what happened before I got there. Ugh, I don't want to think about it.

I don't know if Subway has an official knife cleaning policy, and I've never seen an employee balk at using any particular knife - or wash them for that matter - but as trivial as it may sound, isn't that dangerous?

Whether or not you consider an enraged vegan dangerous is one thing, but what if someone is allergic to stuff left on the knife?

Image credit: New York Post

Food Weird fast food Subway vegan vegetarian 24 Comments Lana on 30 Oct 2010

That is a health hazard. Imagine that tuna salad sandwich they just made was rotten and nobody noticed, next they move on to make your sandwich with the same knife, then you get sick. You should get the health inspector in there. There are all kinds of proper food handling policies about when to change utensils,how often to wash them etc. They are obviously violating those rules and procedures that are in place for a reason.

Reply Cupsi on 31 Oct 2010

I don't know how it is in the USA but in Australia here they use the samge gloves to make everything, and they've touched meat! I avoid ALL fast food because of cross contamination. I only eat something that wasn't packed on a restaurant premises!! Tgat way I can be a true vegetarian!

Reply pretty on 1 Nov 2010

you can always ask them to change the gloves and wash the knife. they always do it for me. and it should'nt be problem for u either.

Reply Cupsi on 1 Nov 2010

But all the lettuce, tomato etc in the buckets have already been touched by gloves (that have already touched meat)

Reply LOL on 2 Nov 2010

Get over it....your veggies have also been walked on by bugs, pissed on by animals and splattered with blood with the harvesting combines.

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McDonald's Employee Sues And Wins

We've all seen (and raised an eyebrow at) news stories of customers suing fast food manufacturers for making them fat.

But here's a new one: an employee of McDonald's has successfully sued the company because he gained weight while working there.

The unnamed employee of a McDonald's branch in Brazil, blamed the company for his weight gain on the grounds that:
His job requirements included taste-testing food (due to frequent "mystery customer" inspections).
He was provided with free lunches - but no healthy options.

He started working for McDonald's at the age of 18, weighing a healthy 154 pounds. After twelve years, he'd gained 65lbs.

Judge Joao Filho ruled that the company should pay $17,500 to the employee. They have the right to appeal, and are reported to be considering their options.

Frankly, I'm amazed he won. A gain of 65lbs in 12 years is around 5.5lbs per year, which isn't an excessively rapid gain. If the employee had previously had a fairly active lifestyle in school, he might well have gained just as much weight by taking up a sedentary desk job.

Whether you think it's a crazy example of litigation gone mad, or a story about McDonald's getting what they deserve, this opens up debate about how much responsibility employers have for their employee's health.

If you work in a company with limited, or unhealthy food options, are they to blame if you end up overweight? If your job involves sampling foods, what measures should your employer take to ensure that this does not affect your health?

Weird fast food mcdonald's 15 Comments LOL on 2 Nov 2010

From the linked article:

The plaintiff said that because McDonald's hired undercover customers to randomly visit restaurants and report back on quality, he felt forced to taste everything on the menu to ensure the food was up to par. He said he was also given free lunches of burgers, fries and ice cream, which contributed to his excessive weight gain during the course of employment.

A) he wasn't required to taste food, but felt compelled to?

B) he was provided free lunch, which includes all menu items, so his choice to eat just the crap is McD's fault?

Given the very tiny award (less than $1500 a year) I think it speaks volumes that the judge felt sorry for the dude and wasn't really all that harsh with McD's

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New Law Basically Outlaws Happy Meals

San Francisco is usually a laid back kind of town; hipsters, peaceniks, folk singers, stoners, and whackos, all living together in perfect harmony.

But on Tuesday, San Francisco passed new legislation that isn't so lovey-dovey, at least not for local fast food restaurants.

"Kid's meals" can no longer be sold with toys unless they meet specific nutritional standards; standards that may threaten McDonald's Happy Meals.

On Tuesday, with a veto-proof vote of 8 to 3, San Francisco officials passed a law that would allow restaurants to give away toys with kid's meals only if the meals have less than 600 calories, contain fruits and vegetables, and include drinks with no excessive fat or sugar. The law takes effect December 1, 2011.

The first thing that comes to mind is McDonald's Happy Meals. Since 1979, when Happy Meals were first introduced, McDonald's has used the kids' meal, specifically the free toy, to directly market to kids.

McDonald's might not state it that frankly, but come on, we all know what those cheap plastic "made in China" toys are really for - "Mommy I want McDonald's!"

Here's a Happy Meal commercial from 1979, in Klingon:

San Francisco officials say the law is designed to help combat childhood obesity; hard to argue against that. But McDonald's isn't happy about it. A spokesperson for the company said they are disappointed with the new law, and called getting the free toy in a Happy Meal "part of a fun, family experience."

No doubt, a law like this is one of those evil "progressive" initiatives so many Americans are scared of. And yes, it is very big brother-ish. And yes, it is the government putting the screws to private industry. But, are there any other solutions out there? We have a lot of fat kids! Just look!

Would You Work Out At Madonna's Gym?

I guess we shouldn't be too surprised, but the ageless (except for her hands) superstar has announced the opening of her new line of fitness centers - "Hard Candy Fitness" (Seriously?! - better than Sweet and Sticky I suppose?)

It makes sense that someone who keep as fit as Madonna would have an interest in a fitness venture. At 52, Madonna is FIT - and has always taken her health very seriously.

The new chain will open its first location in Mexico City on November 29th, and there are plans to expand to Brazil, Argentina, Russia and other locations in Europe and Asia.

So besides the fact that it's "Madonna's gym", what does "Hard Candy Fitness" (cringes again) have to offer?

The venture is a partnership with the 24 Hour Fitness people, which means we will likely see a cookie-cutter gym with Madonna's name and a few higher-end frills. (Trying not to be harsh, but the very same thing happened in my city with a high profile Canadian hoops star).

The 30,000-square-foot club will have a children's book center, a fashion line, a spa called La Isla Bonita, and a day care center (Like a Virgin).

Back up a second...

...I'll get over "Hard Candy Fitness" eventually, but I can't even begin to explain how wrong it is to call your daycare center "Like a Virgin". What's next? A children's clothing line called "Material Girl"? Oh wait...

The gym will also include a fruit bar center, a bike studio, cardio equipment with individual viewing screens and various types of dance fitness programs in the form of Zumba, Latin Moves and Cardio Kickboxing. These types of classes are popular at the moment and I suspect they will stay on top of the hottest group exercise trends.

How much will this set you back? "Not as much as you might think" - according to the managing director (source). I guess that's code for, "yup, it's going to be overpriced but not as ridiculously exorbitant as you might have expected".

I should be thankful Madonna doesn't train with Tracy Anderson anymore and isn't going into business with her. I can just imagine touring that gym; "This is the weight room... here are the 1 lb dumbbells, the 2lb dumbbells and over there are the heavy one's - the 3 pounders - careful with those ones!"

The gym will be equipped with some of the more well-known cardio and strength training brands such as; Hammer Strength, PreCor, Nautilus, Hoist, StarTrac, Free Motion, AbCoaster, and TRX suspension training. I'm more interested in how many squat racks, benches and free weights they have, but they are appealing to the higher-end masses presumably - those who like the bells and whistles.

Things I would hope NOT to see in Madonna's GymA woman's only sections called "No "Guy's" The fruit bar featuring "Vanilla Ice" smoothies. The snack bar selling a terrible version of American PieTrainers that have fathered Madonna's children.TV's featuring any of Madonna's movies.

In all seriousness, it will probably be a neat experience and have some "flare", which most clubs don't have. I prefer the bare-bones iron-heavy set-ups, with lots of floor space, but I'm usually in the minority there.

With Madonna's international appeal, it could be a recipe for runaway success. As Mark Mastrov, Madonna's business partner in the venture says; "Madonna's touch will be everywhere".... I'll leave that one alone!

Would you workout at a "Hard Candy" center?

Celebrities Exercise celebrities gym 5 Comments Alex on 31 Oct 2010

Every Madonna intitiative i hot.

Reply David on 31 Oct 2010

I think that Madonna gets a huge return on whatever she tries to do. This gym idea is something that would intrigue people because it is something that worked for her, and we are talking about someone who has stayed ahead of the trends since the 80's. I loved your list of things you would NOT want to see in here gym though classic!

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Weight Loss: A Very Cool Solution

Take a curious ex-NASA scientist and a forward-thinking pop culture author, and the result may be a revolutionary (and perhaps a bit uncomfortable) weight loss method.

Using the laws of thermodynamics, Ray Cronise has hypothesised that strategic exposure to cold will accelerate weight loss. He credits this method for his 30lbs weight loss in 6 weeks.

Says Cronise; Our body temperature remains constant and it takes a lot of energy to keep it that way, no different than heating your house... I treated my body like a thermostat... to see if I could run up the utility bill and get the furnace (my metabolism) running at full blast. Source

A seed of curiosity was planted in Cronise upon hearing of Michael Phelp's prolific caloric intake. It dawned on him that it was the cold water forcing Phelps to fight to keep its temperature.

Using swimming and something called thermal loading, where the body is exposed to cold in various ways, Cronise applied some old military research and found that he could lose up to four pounds a week. Techniques include ice baths and chugging ice water.

Therein lies a paradigm shift - while traditionally we think of heating the body up to induce a metabolic boost - Cronise suggests focusing on cooling it down.

The theory will come to fruition in the form of a book by "The 4-Day Work Week" author Tim Ferris, where Cronise is a case-study and contributor. Among Ferris' extensive research, he discovered a technique that uses temperature manipulation to improve fat loss by 300 percent.

Bring on the Skepticism Dr. David Katz, founder of the Integrative Medicine Center and professor at Yale University, had this to say about the concept; Being cold is uncomfortable. Frankly, if people are willing to be that miserable to lose weight they might as well try eating well and exercising.

A valid point and one of the best quotes I've heard in a long time. And while the old military research offers some reason to be optimistic, most of it focused on keeping weight on soldiers and not weight loss, per se. I haven't seen a clinical trial with a control group to support the anecdotal experiences of Cronise.

Moreover, I live in Canada - I'm cold here 8 months of the year. The last thing I want to do after coming home from a cold rainy day is soak in a cold tub, or crush glasses of ice water.

So while the theory makes complete sense, I still recommend guarded optimism - sounds like a potentially moderately helpful adjunct strategy, to the standard eating better/less and exercising more. At best I would say this strategy is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary.

Would you try this out as a fat loss method?

Image Credit: horiavarlan

Science Weird weight loss 9 Comments Lana on 1 Nov 2010

It makes sense. I know a few of bodybuilder that will keep their house colder than normal just to get that extra calorie burning before a competition. It coul dbe dangerous though I can imagine some idiot getting hypothermia because he/she decided to try doing it improperly.

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Dad's Fatty Diet May Give Daughters Diabetes

Your old man can give you a lot of things: his hot temper, his big hairy feet, his old broken down Buick - but diabetes?

Apparently so, if you're a girl.

New research found male lab rats eating a fatty diet increases the risk of their female offspring developing diabetes.

Sounds like a bizarre form of mousy nepotism.

For the study, published in the journal Nature, scientists fed one group of male lab rats a fatty diet, and another group a normal diet. No surprise, the rats on the fatty diet became obese and diabetic.

Then they gave the rats a booty call, hooking the boys up with girl rats of normal weight. After 13 weeks, the female offspring of the obese and diabetic rats began showing symptoms of diabetes. Eek! I mean, squeak!

The researchers say the obese dad's sperm may be affected by their metabolic change, and is somehow being transferred into their offspring.

I bet it happens to humans too, but it's probably more nurture than nature.

Odds are if your dad sits down to a big breakfast of steak, eggs, bacon, and sausage every morning, and you grow up thinking there's nothing wrong with that, and regularly nosh your own lumberjack breakfast, you're probably going to run into some health problems later in life too.

My old man eats Cherrios with chocolate milk, sprinkled with sugar, luckily I missed that habit. Then again, I'm not a chick!.

Image credit: USA Today

Food Weird diabetes fat 8 Comments musajen on 3 Nov 2010

The conclusions here are laughable. Mice are herbivores first and foremost. Fat is a miniscule component of their natural diet. What do you expect when you jack them full of something not typical in their diet? It's going to impact their health and infuence factors in their offspring.

Let's feed a mouse a diet contrary to what it is naturally adapted to eating but blame it on the FAT. Fat is not the problem here. A diet unnatural to the subject is the problem.

We see plenty of evidence of this in society today with humans eating a grossly unnatural diet. We can't even name half of the stuff going into processed foods and, anthropologically speaking, we're adapted for a whole foods, hunter/gatherer type of diet.

Reply Zoran on 3 Nov 2010

Hi Musajen, I think you missed and you hit the point at the same time. I guess the thing is that high fat diet is not natural to us, just as it's not natural to mices, but to a different degree ofcourse.
Today we are eating food more than enough to preserve our bodies. We often eat some food only cause it tastes good. Now, I don't say it's wrong, only some of us overdo it and get different response from their bodies then others.

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Backyard Chicken Coops: Good Idea or Not?

The issue of whether or not urban centers should allow backyard chicken coops has sparked an ongoing debate in my neck of the woods (insert "crying foul" joke here).

Vancouver city council recently amended an animal control bylaw, making it legal to keep chickens on many more residential properties. Residents who own land of less than an acre are allowed up to 4 hens in their backyards.

Other urban areas in the US have already approved such a by-law including New York, Seattle and Portland.

Here are some of the stipulations that come with owning chickens;

Coops must be between four square feet and ten square feet in size, and cannot be kept in front yards or on apartment or condominium balconies.Other fowl such as roosters, ducks and turkeys are not allowed, and eggs produced by the hens cannot be sold commercially.When hens reach the end of their lifespan of up to six years, they cannot be killed by the owner, but must be taken to a slaughterhouse or veterinarian for slaughter or euthanasia.Backyard Coops: The ProsUrban sustainability: fresh, locally grown eggs can reduce carbon footprint.Good for communities and families as an educational tool.Instil discipline in children.Backyard Coops: The ConNoise: backyard chickens can produce noise and in smaller quarters neighbors may not appreciate it.Odour: (yes I'm going to use another "foul" joke).Disease: we had a run of avian flu a few years back and the little critters can spread disease.Urban predators: chickens may attract coyotes, foxes and other geographically-specific predators.

Where do you come out on backyard chicken coops?

Image source: laura_zz

Food Media Watch backyard chicken coops free range chickens 15 Comments Robert on 4 Nov 2010

And this is their idea of progress.

Please, proceed to disguise the descent into mediocrity, poverty, and socialism... as increased "sustainability." It's clearly fooling us all.

Reply

Grasp This Painful Truth to Improve Your Health

You want to be healthier, fitter, happier -- that's why you're here, right?

Recognizing the importance of good health has a lot to do with seeing the "bigger picture." So, what is the real secret to improving your wellbeing long-term?

I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all way to do things, but here is one very simple fact you definitely need to understand...

Nobody is responsible for your health, but you!

The sooner you realize that, the better.

There are many things in life, which you simply cannot entrust to others. And, although you may try to delegate the responsibility of your health to diet gurus, health professionals, even your employer, or the government, ultimately you are the only person who can take care of that problem, and do it right.

So, next time you go to make an unhealthy lifestyle choice, remember that your actions will always have a consequence -- the choice to do/ or not do something is made by you alone.

Rather than viewing this responsibility as a heavy burden, though, see it as something that you can do, change, and accomplish. It's a gift -- feel empowered by it!

Image source: nkzs

Health health 4 Comments Cupsi on 5 Nov 2010

"So, next time you go to make an unhealthy lifestyle choice, remember that your actions will always have a consequence"

Just vomit the food up

No bad consequence necessary

Reply Nicole

Does Progesterone Cause Weight Gain? [Forum]

Does Progesterone Cause Weight Gain? By Emma123 on Nov 5, 2010 3

I visited my doctor last week for an annual check up and she said my hormones were out of balance. She decided to give me a prescription for progesterone. I have heard about his drug causing weight gain and anxiety but i don't really know what to believe, as my doctor assures me I will have no side effects. When i was on a similar drug earlier this year, I gained a substantial amount of weight (but I was also not exercising regularly either).

Should I be wary about weight gain with a new drug, and if so how can I combat it (if that is even possible)?

Weight Loss   3 Comments

How Can I Separate Emotions From Eating? [Forum]

How Can I Separate Emotions From Eating? By doctordaffodil on Oct 26, 2010 13

So I realized that I take out many of my emotions such as stress and anxiety out on food. I want to lose 10 pounds but it is very difficult because I am an emotional eater who tends to resort to restriction that is followed by a binge.

I am looking for ways to separate my emotions from my eating habits and lose weight in a healthy way. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks!

Weight Loss   13 Comments carolyn on 10/26/10

pray to GOD

Reply

5 Ways to Overcome Gym Shyness

Are you shy when it comes to working out at the gym?

Deep down you may even know there's no reason to feel like that, because making positive changes in your life is commendable, and you're doing it for you, and you only!

It can, however, be difficult to overcome this shyness, if you're the type of person who worries about what others think of you.

Self-esteem and confidence issues can really eat away at you, and even stop you achieving your fitness goals.

On the Diet Blog Forum we recently had a sharepost from someone who simply cannot stand working out in a gym, because they feel everyone is judging them.

Our Forum users have given some really great advice, and I thought it would be good to share...

Here are some of their suggestions for overcoming gym shyness:

1. Start At Home
"I suggest you just buy weights... lift them everyday, then once you don't feel below everyone else, go to a gym. The other way, I would suggest working out at home. If you have a treadmill, run on the treadmill for a decent amount of time everyday." Subjectdc

"I started walking in the evenings when less people would see me. I'd add more and more each day. I also bought all the Biggest Loser DVDs and did them at home, until I got to a place where I felt more comfortable going to the gym." April

2. Enjoy The Journey
"The keys to physical success are this: 1. Get there! 2. Find a good workout and someone to show you how to do the exercises correctly. 3. Believe in the workout you are doing... so far there is no one way to get there. Enjoy the journey and make it fun and as exciting as possible. Stimulate, recover and grow stronger and better everyday. Be proud of who you are. You could be at Denny's or sucking on a cigarette. If you are at the gym, you are already respected by the gym goers!" Jim

3. Exercise At Non-Peak Times
"Pick a gym that caters to an older crowd... and exercise in the early a.m. hours, when the people working out are there to exercise, not to find a date for Friday night." newscctv

4. Get A Personal Trainer
"I also got a personal trainer and still have a personal trainer. People say "that must be expense", I say maybe, but I am worth it. Having the trainer kept me coming back, still does. Get back to the gym and keep it up. Good luck to you. Walk in that door with a smile and positive attitude that you are there for you, your health, your energy, your well being. If the others do not like this, they can go jump!" Les

5. Stop Thinking People Are Judging
"I was fat at one time in my life, now I am fit. I like seeing people in the gym trying to better them selves. A lot of people you see that are fit in the gym started off were you were. Don't think people are judging you." Scotty123

"No one is judging you at the gym. As a avid gym goer of normal weight, I find it encouraging when someone takes the step to improve there health. 99% of people in the gym either don't notice others, or will think, "I'm glad you are here." Sally

Do you have something to add to these tips -- how can someone overcome gym shyness?

Image credit: mrsmas

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