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Submit Your Success Story

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:04:00 EST

Photo: jupiterimages Have you lost weight and kept it off? We want to share your story with the world! Let us know how you gained it, what was the breaking point and how you finally shed the weight. Click here to share your story.

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Hot Chick Diet, Back Exercises and Fast Total Body Turnarounds: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

How do hot chicks eat? Jodi Lipper and Cerina Vincent, authors of "How to Eat Like a Hot Chick," dish on the 10 dishes to ditch from your diet to eat like the hottest of hot chicks. Want to improve your posture and reduce back pain at the same time? Then head to AOL Health for the best exercises for a better back. And now to fit in the total-body fitness fast, we reveal 25 ways to transform your body. We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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Exercise Machines to Avoid, Appetite Suppressants and Breastfeeding Body Benefits: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST

Listen up gym rats, not all equipment is created equally. AOL Health uncovered these six injury-prone exercise machines -- so you can keep getting all the fitness gain without the pain. What do mushrooms, soy milk and oatmeal have in common? These foods are all appetite suppressants. Read, eat and enjoy! New mammas and moms-to-be we've got great news for you: Breastfeeding baby may be good for the both of you. One recent study found that breastfeeding had a risk-reducing effect on metabolic syndrome -- a condition linked to midsection fat, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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Diet-Friendly Frozen Meals

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:18:00 EST

For dieters, prepackaged frozen dinners mean super-convenient meals and instant portion control, but not all diet-friendly frozen foods are equally tasty. Page through our gallery of microwaveable delights and duds. Delight: Amy's Brown Rice, Black-Eyed Peas & Veggies Bowl The veggies in frozen dinners tend to be soggy and scant, but the ones in this dish from Amy's are actually plentiful and crunchy. The rice is fluffy and the black-eyed peas are an interesting addition. Overall, it's a filling dish that is loaded with iron and will only set you back 290 calories. Delight: Gardenburger BBQ Riblets Served in a savory barbecue sauce, these faux ribs are tasty, not at all scary as you might expect. At 240 calories and 4.5 fat grams per serving, you won't have to feel guilty about polishing off this meal. Compare that to traditional ribs with almost twice the calories and five times the fat. Delight: Kashi Lime Cilantro Shrimp Normally, we're a little leery of frozen fish, but Kashi's shrimp meal changed all that. This dish is packed with tasty and filling shrimp and crunchy veggies over a fiber-filled, whole-grain pilaf. Not only is this entrée tasty, but the calorie count is low enough (250 calories) to allow for dessert or soup on the side. Delight: Lean Cuisine Five Cheese Lasagna This lasagna is generous and comforting, but a little bland, which might appeal to those who don't like a lot of spice. The noodles are firm and the cheese rich and it's a welcome change from some of the rubbery frozen lasagnas in the market. Best of all, you get a hearty slice of southern Italian cuisine in only 320 calories. Delight: Smart Ones Santa Fe Style Rice & Beans Rice and beans may not sound like much, but somehow Weight Watchers makes it work. This Smart Ones entrée offers a filling meal, while staying slim on calories (310) and fat (7 grams). The cheese doesn't taste processed, the beans are well-cooked and the rice isn't dry or sticky. Dud: Lean Cuisine Roasted Vegetable Pizza Every dieter dreams of pizza, especially one with a thick crust piled high with cheese and veggies. This frozen pizza is not the stuff of dreams. Lean Cuisine tries -- we'll give them that. The box has a special lid that is supposed to make the crust crispy, but it's sad and soggy most of the time. While the calories and fat are relatively low (330 Calories, 5 grams of fat), we'd rather run out for a slice and a half at about the same count. Dud: Amy's Organic Cheese Lasagna Amy's lasagna may be tops in taste, but with 14 grams of fat and 320 calories it's little on the fatty side. Given that this is such a small portion, you would do better with the vegetable lasagna option, at only 9 grams of fat and 290 calories. Plus, the veggie version packs tons of greens, making it both healthier and more flavorful. Dud: Cedarlane Beans, Rice and Cheese Burrito This burrito may be organic but that doesn't mean it tastes fresh or unprocessed. It's surprisingly bland considering it contains a whopping 490mg of sodium and that it is supposed to have a blend of special herbs and spices. The use of soy cheese makes it low in fat (just 1 gram) but contributes a fake, plastic-like taste and texture. Sure, it's only 260 calories, but there are better tasting low-cal frozen burritos out there. Dud: Healthy Choice Four Cheese Manicotti Though this Healthy Choice pasta might offer tastier tomato sauce than other frozen dinners, the cheese is tasteless, the noodles are on the rubbery side and the side of broccoli is soggy. The worst part of the meal is the caramel apple crisp it comes with, which tastes anything but sweet. The entire meal adds up to only 340 calories and 6 grams of fat, but your stomach will be rumbling in two hours. Dud: Smart Ones Fire-Grilled Chicken and Vegetables The chicken (if you can call it that) in this Smart Ones meal comes in sparrow-like cubes and is smothered in a sticky, sweet sauce. There are very few vegetables to speak of -- unless you count microscopic bits of red and green pepper. Bafflingly, for a low-cal dish (290 calories and 3 grams of fat), what you get the most of is rice. You're best bet is to mix the rice and the chicken together and close your eyes.

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Fit Into Your Holiday Party Dress Fast

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:12:00 EST

That holiday party is right around the corner and the little dress you've been waiting to wear is still a tad too tight. Fortunately, you have options besides binding yourself into a corset or blowing your budget on a last-minute shopping spree. Our ten no-fail diet tricks will help you slim down fast. Number 10: Make Your Own Meals When every calorie counts, making your own food can give you a diet advantage. When you prepare your own food, you can more easily control portion sizes, avoid salt and bloating carbs and you can use low-fat cooking techniques like steaming instead of sautéing or frying. Number 9: Skim the Portions A typical plate of pasta in a restaurant often holds several servings and can add up to as much as a day's worth of calories in one dish. To save calories and avoid overeating, limit yourself to single servings only of meat and carb-heavy foods, like bread and pasta. What does a proper portion look like? A single serving of meat should be the size of a deck of cards, and a helping of pasta is the size of a tennis ball. You can fill the rest of your plate with low-calorie steamed veggies. Number 8: Eat Healthy Salads A salad is a dieter's staple and if you make the right choices, you'll get a healthy dose of protein, filling fiber and water-rich veggies. Some general salad rules to live by? Use vinegar for dressing, avoid processed meat, croutons, bacon bits and salads served in a taco shell. Number 7: Add Extra Workouts You'll give your diet a helping hand by adding some extra workouts to your week or extending your exercise sessions by 10 minutes or more. Increasing your activity level will not only burn more calories and boost your metabolism, but it can also help you shed water and gain energy. Number 6: Shake the Salt A guaranteed way to beat bloat is by limiting your salt intake. It's easy enough to avoid adding salt to your food, but many processed and frozen foods contain high levels of sodium, so be sure to check the labels. Number 5: Lighten Up Your liquids Specialty coffee drinks, soda and sports drinks are all calorie-wasters. While on your mission to slim down fast, avoid drinking empty calories. Use no-cal sweeteners in regular coffee and switch to diet soda or no-cal seltzer and when you exercise, drink water. Number 4: Can the Carbs When you're trying to slim down fast, one easy way to beat bulk is to ease up on the carb-heavy foods. While carbs can be great for boosting your energy, they also make you retain water. Cut back on carbs while loading up on water-based veggies. Number 3: Skip the Spirits When you're trying to drop weight fast, avoid drinking your calories. Cosmos and other fruity martinis generally contain a few ounces of liquor plus sugary syrups which can add up to 800 calories. Hold off on the alcohol until you're in your little black dress. Number 2: Try a Diuretic Drink Add this to your arsenal of quick slim-down tricks: a cranberry-based diet drink that 'Biggest Loser' trainer Jillian Michaels swears by. This safe diuretic drink will help you shed water weight, which will help you look at your slimmest at that holiday gathering. Number 1: Dine Out Lighter When you're eating out, making a few smart tweaks to your usual restaurant order can trim hundreds of calories from your meals. Some easy ideas? Avoid sushi rolls made with cream cheese and excess avocado, hold the mayo and cheese on sandwiches, order thin-crust pizza loaded with veggies and grilled chicken.

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Best Diet for Your Body

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:49:00 EST

Featured on the "Today Show", the Engine 2 Diet is a plant-based elimination diet created by Texas firefighter, Rip Esselstyn. Over the course of 28 days, you'll remove processed foods, dairy, meat and excess oil from your diet. What's left to eat on the vegetarian plan? Plenty of whole grains, beans, soy-products, fruits and veggies. There's also a firefighter-inspired exercise program to follow. The Mediterranean Diet is based on a pattern of eating tied to the Mediterranean region, which boasts lower rates of chronic diseases than most parts of the world. Essentially, the diet emphasizes foods from plant sources, limited meat consumption, small amounts of wine and olive oil as the main fat sources. Tend to eat when you're stressed or bored? The Best Life Diet from Oprah's trainer, Bob Greene, may help you get a grip on your emotional eating. You'll get on a regular meal and snack schedule and learn to incorporate exercise into your life. Rather than a short-term diet, this plan aims to instill lifelong healthy habits. If you're a meat-lover, then the Atkins plan might be right for you. You'll fill up on protein like steak, eggs, and cheese. Even fats like butter and mayo are okay. But bread, pasta, rice, and starchy vegetables are off limits. Why? When carbs are restricted, the body goes into fat-burning mode. The French Women Don't Get Fat plan is more of a philosophy than a diet regimen.The book encourages a French attitude toward food -- choosing high quality, seasonal produce, savoring meals and sitting down to dine rather than eating on the run. A bonus of this diet is that you can still enjoy chocolate, wine and cheese. For those who crave convenience and are willing to pay extra for taking the guesswork out of meal planning, NutriSystem might be for you. It doesn't get easier than having prepackaged meals delivered right to your door. The focus is on low-fat proteins, whole grains, veggies and heart-healthy fats. Pritikin is a decades-old diet has no phases or levels to follow. You simple eat six to seven small meals a day, choosing from categories of food labeled as "Better," "Better Still" and "Best," including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, small amounts of meat and low-sodium vegetable drinks. Dieters who want a quick fix may find the answer in a bottomless bowl of cabbage soup. With the Cabbage Soup Diet, for seven days, you'll sink your spoon into a homemade vat of soup along with a limited list of some low-calorie foods. If you don't lose the amount you want in a week, you can take a break, then repeat. You have to be hard-core fan of this fruit to survive the Grapefruit Diet which calls for eating the fruit, pulp or juice (along with other food) at every meal. While the jury is still out on how it works, researchers suspect that eating grapefruit lowers insulin levels, which may lead to weight loss. If following a strict eating plan helps you stay focused, the Fat Flush may be a good fit. The premise: By drinking concoctions of juice and herbs, taking supplements and avoiding foods in certain combos (i.e. no milk and meat together) you'll flush the toxins from your overtaxed liver and allow it to return to the fat-burning organ it is.

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High Fiber Foods

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:45:00 EST

Prunes, salad and oatmeal -- if these foods immediately come to mind when you hear about high-fiber diets, it's time to change your thinking. Not only does fiber help you drop pounds quickly, but it also keeps you feeling full for longer. Tanya Zuckerbrot, author of 'The F-Factor Diet,' recommends these nine surprising fiber-filled foods to help you whittle your waistline. Pears Most people are unaware of the fact that pears contain more fiber than prunes. An average size pear packs five grams of fiber, compared to only three grams in one prune! Pistachios Pistachios have the least amount of calories and fat of all nuts, and a one-ounce serving has three grams of fiber. Toss pistachios into your cereal or yogurt, on top of salads or eat them on their own as a fiber and protein-packed snack. Berries All berries are a great source of fiber! One cup of antioxidant-rich raspberries has eight grams of fiber and only 60 calories. Try adding berries to high-fiber cereal. Best of all, you can eat them as a dessert. Artichokes An entire artichoke has six grams of fiber and only 60 calories. Next time you have company, whip up your favorite low-fat spinach and artichoke dip for a great boost of fiber. You can also steam an artichoke for a great low-calorie, high-fiber snack. Lentil Beans Next time you're faced with a soup decision, remember this: One cup of lentils contains 16 grams of fiber - - 16 times the amount of fiber in a cup of chicken noodle soup! Try a lentil-based soup to get your fiber and protein fix. Edamame Unsure about which appetizer to order at a Japanese restaurant? With eight grams of fiber in just one cup, edamame is a great choice that will fill you up so you don't overeat during the main meal. Light Popcorn Many people wouldn't suspect it, but a serving of popcorn actually packs four grams of fiber. Popcorn is also a good source of whole grains, and because it's popped with air, you fill up on less. Whole-Grain Cereals Whole-grain cereals are a great opportunity to get in 14 grams of fiber early in the morning. A one-half cup serving of Fiber One provides you with 14 grams of fiber -- 14 times more than the amount of fiber in a bowl of Special K. Top a bowl of your favorite fiber cereal with berries and skim milk to feel full and energized until lunch. Whole-Grain Bread Products One-hundred percent whole-wheat breads, tortillas, English muffins and pitas contain twice the fiber and almost half the calories of their all-white counterparts! At lunch, make sure to order sandwiches on any of these high-fiber breads to help keep you feeling full all afternoon.

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How Much Do You Know About Sugar?

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:43:00 EST

How Much Do You Know About Sugar? Which of the following is not sugar? Dextrose Sucralose Maltose Fruit juice concentrate Which of the following contains more sugar? One York Peppermint Patty A cup of Honey Nut Cheerios 12 fluid ounces of orange juice Half a cup of granola Which is not a function of sugar? To act as a preservative To provide energy for yeast Alter food boiling/freezing points To reduce calorie intake Which is not true about sugar? Different sugars digest differently Sugars are carbohydrates You're born with a "sweet tooth" Which is not true about the amount of sugar in the diet? High-sugar diets are unhealthy Low-sugar diets are healthy High-fat dieters consume less sugar Sugar is critical to a healthful diet Sugars can contribute to which of the following? Hyperactivity Reduced cognitive performance Reduced attention span Calmness Which of the following is real sugar? Aspartame Acesulfame-K Lactose Stevia soKe.flace('body_sugar_facts', '574', '565'); var uid = new Date().getTime(); var flashProxy = new FlashProxy(uid, 'http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/modtools/kit_swfpublisher_javascriptflashgateway.swf'); var flashvars = {}; try { flashvars.lcId = uid; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.targetAds = 'body_sugar_facts'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.omniture_tracker = '0'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.adrefresh_wrapper = '1'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.config_xml = soKe.fv('http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?id=250992'); } catch (Exc) { }; try { flashvars.display_type = soKe.fv('center'); } catch (Exc) { }; if (typeof(screen_name) != 'undefined') try { flashvars.userName = screen_name; } catch (Exc) { }; var params = {}; try { params.wmode = 'opaque'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.quality = 'best'; } catch (Exc) { }; try { params.allowScriptAccess = 'always'; } catch (Exc) { }; var attributes = {}; try { attributes.id = 'outlet'; } catch (Exc) { }; top.exd_space.refresher.ads2Refresh(new Array( 'body_sugar_facts', new Array('93227653','160','600','0','I','') )); top.exd_space.refresher.mmx('body_sugar_facts', 'http://www.aolcdn.com/_media/channels/ke_blank.html', ''); swfobject.embedSWF('http://cdn.channel.aol.com/multipliers/quiz_1_1/quiz.swf', 'body_sugar_facts-swf', '574', '565', '8.0.0', 'http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/swfobject/expressinstall.swf', flashvars, params, attributes);

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Game Day Snack Makeovers

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:35:00 EST

Want to tackle calories? You can indulge at your Super Bowl party without the guilt. From burgers to dips, we give game day snacks healthy diet-friendly makeovers. MVP Burgers What's game day without burgers? Instead of ground beef, throw ground turkey on the grill and save up to 100 calories and 6 grams of fat. Top it off with whole wheat buns, low-fat cheese, avocado and tomato slices for a great burger. Halftime Pizza A lighter version of this traditional party favorite is easy to make. All it takes is some fresh tomatoes, basil and low-fat mozzarella cheese onto a whole wheat crust. Add some ground cracked peppercorn and your guests will be shouting, "Mama mia!" Where's the Beef? Grill mavens have to have their steak. Remember, portion control is a key to reducing cholesterol. If your game plan is to lose weight, try eating protein-rich meat without the carbs. Don't cover your masterpiece with buns, show off your savory steak in lettuce wraps. Healthy Spuds Potato skins coated in oil and packed with bacon, cheese and sour cream are a nutritional nightmare. For lighter football fare, forgo the oil and load your hot spuds with grilled vegetables. And don't feel guilty adding an ounce of reduced-fat cheese and non-fat sour cream on top. Easy Skewers Can't get enough of grilling? Trim fat and prep time by serving up some easy chicken kebabs. The fun with these finger foods is that you can dip them in a variety of low-fat spicy and sweet sauces without packing on the pounds. Try these recipes for crowd-pleasing party dips. Dip It Good Craving the crunch without the calories? Be the MVP of good health by adding small sliced veggies like carrots, celery and even baby tomatoes to your game day spread. Add a low-cal dip like fat-free ranch dressing, hummus, salsa or low-fat cheese and you've got a delicious snack everyone will enjoy. Tastes Great and Less Filling Enjoy refreshing light beer but don't overdo it. You can keep up your weight loss game plan by watching what you drink. Lighter is better and each bottle contains about 100 calories. Find your favorite brew among our top 11 best beers. Baked Goodness A game-time feast without chips? No way! You can still have a crunchy snack without derailing your diet with baked chips that are lower in calories and are trans fat free. Our favorites are baked Tostitos -- but watch your portion sizes, since calories can easily add up.

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Unhealthy Restaurant Salads

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:43:00 EST

When you're watching your weight, salad is an obvious meal choice. But dieters beware: A lot of seemingly healthy salads pack more calories and fat than a plate of french fries. After looking at this revealing survey of some popular restaurants salads, you'll want to rethink what and how you order. Going South While Chili's Southwestern Cobb Salad sounds scrumptious, it contains an unappetizing 1080 calories -- and that's before you add the dressing. That's more than half the amount of daily calories recommended for the average person trying to lose -- or even maintain -- weight. While we love a good Cobb salad, for those calories, you could chow down three medium sized slices of cheese pizza. Sneaky Salad Lurking in the nutritious-sounding mix of pistachios, pears, dried cranberries and gorgonzola in Cosi's popular Signature Salad is 611 calories and 45 grams of fat. The biggest offender? The oil-laden roasted shallot sherry vinaigrette dressing. Forget the dressing and you'll cut the calories and fat by half. That's Almost Right Of all the salads on Wendy's menu, the Mandarin Chicken Salad seems a safe bet. There are no layers of cheese or even bacon bits, just a blend of lettuce, mandarin oranges, diced chicken, almonds and crispy noodles. So why does this dish carry 540 calories and 25 grams of fat? The sesame dressing packs a whollop. Slim about 100 calories from your salad by substituting a berry balsamic vinaigrette or plain vinegar instead. Bacon, Lettuce, Too Many Calories Ruby Tuesday's Carolina Chicken Salad is made with greens, but that's about the only healthy ingredient in this 1,007 calorie concoction. The fried chicken, sugared pecans, bacon and shredded cheddar cheese that top the salad are responsible for its 68 grams of fat and for giving salad, which is usually considered a health food, a bad name. (Skip the) Dressing for Success Many times, a salad is comprised of healthy ingredients, but the dressing that flavors the arugula, spinach or radicchio is what amounts to a high fat and calorie count. Boston Market's Market Chopped Salad is one such case. Though the salad isn't exactly light at 480 calories and 40 grams of fat, when the Market Chopped Salad Dressing is drizzled on, it adds an extra 360 calories and 39 grams of fat, or the amount of calories you'd find in Boston Market's Smokehouse BBQ Chicken sandwich. Et Tu Caesar? Friendly's Chicken Caesar Salad is no healthful mixture of chopped grilled chicken. Doused with three different types of cheese and a fatty Caesar dressing, this order packs a wallop in the form of 1,030 calories and 84 fat grams. Unhealthy by Any Other Name When ingredients like sausage chili, BBQ tortilla strips and sour cream outnumber the vegetables in your salad, as is the case with Bob Evans' Chili and Cheese Salad, be prepared for the consequences. This Bob Evan's order will set you back 855 calories and 64 grams of fat. If chili and cheese are what you crave, skip the salad and opt for a low-fat chicken or turkey chili. Your waistline will thank you! Seafood Salad Slip-Up A light citrus dressing tops Macaroni Grill's Seared Sea Scallops Salad, but that doesn't make up for the feta cheese, Parmesan crisps, prosciutto and toasted walnut toppings which add up to 1,170 calories and 94 grams of fat.

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Weight-Loss (Dis)Honesty

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:09:00 EST

#z .pageTitle{background: #fff url(http://www.aolcdn.com/body/body-dietbasic-icon) no-repeat 15px 22px;_background-position:15px 19px;} .navConditions{margin-top:10px;} http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=722888&pid=722887&uts=1253128948 http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf AOL Health's Weight-Loss Honesty Survey By AOL Health Editors Let's be honest, when it comes to our weight, or our friend's or lover's, we're often not as up-front or truthful as we could be. Take our survey to find out how your peers feel about everything from secret eating to their bathroom scales. Photodisc AOL Healths Sleep Slurvey jupiterimages jupiterimages Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images jupiterimages jupiterimages Getty Images Corbis Photodisc oKE.start("body-weigh_loss_honesty"); .read_post_comment { margin:10px 0px 0px 10px; text-decoration:none; }

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Diet Advice From Real People

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:51:00 EST

cindyjmd says: Read food labels. Pay attention to what constitutes a serving size. Too many consumers get tricked by not understanding the serving size that calories and fats are referring to. Do not add salt to any food and watch your sodium intake. Measure everything. Limit saturated fat greatly and totally eliminate trans fats. For supplements, take chromium, One-A-Day Weight Smart multivitamins, calcium, and omega 3 capsules. lux door says: If there are absolutely no carbs in your diet, your metabolism will lower because you'll be burning off lean muscle. A small amount of carbs in your diet is fine, as long as you make the right choice when deciding which kinds to eat. Small servings of things like whole grains, whole wheat bread and brown rice are healthy. The ultimate carb to include in your diet is oats. Half a cup of oats mixed with water is only 150 calories and contains a goldmine of good nutrition. MattMetzgar says: You don't need to buy any special foods to lose weight. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and meats. If you cut out sugar and white flour, you can make great strides in weight loss. The easiest way not to be tempted with junk food is not to buy it. Put a little more effort and planning into your grocery shopping and it will pay off. OhmGirl says: My best advice is to talk to your doctor about a weight-loss program that is based upon your daily caloric needs, level of exercise and personal health goals. Healthy weight loss takes time. You need to adjust your lifestyle to decrease extra calories. There are some quick things you can do: switch to diet sodas instead of regular; have a piece of fruit instead of fruit juice; switch to lean, white meats instead of red meat; eat tuna packed in water instead of oil and drink skim milk instead of 2 or whole. These tricks can help you shed a few pounds easily. ebbie626 says: What I recommend is a food journal. Calorieking.com has a good one that only costs about 3 bucks and their website is a great resource for finding out the caloric value of foods. Just keep your food journal for a week and eat as you would normally. At the end of the week, review your journal and see what you can cut out of your diet. The process is really eye-opening and it gives you a sense of accountability for your food intake. fitgirl says: Shop around the outside aisles at the grocery store, minus the bakery. Look for foods that that have not been processed to death. When you look at the ingredients on a box, make sure there isn't anything that you can't pronounce. In addition, you will need a solid fat burning work out that will help you speed up your fat loss and build lean muscle mass to fire up your metabolism. This precious muscle will help keep the fat off after you have lost it. JtotheAsays: Take the stairs instead of the elevator wherever you go. If your kids have a Wii video game system, play the sports package games for 30 minutes after they go to bed. Get a bicycle this spring. It's great for your legs, abs and glutes and is very cardiovascular. Angel baby ngu says: The best way to lose weight is to munch on low-calorie foods. Try to eat at least five times a day and keep each meal three hours apart. Make your meal portions small and stop eating around 8 p.m. If you like sweets, go to the store and look for Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs. Keep track of what you eat and maintain your calorie count around 1500-2000. Try to eat at the same times every day. When eating meat, eat chicken and a little bit of beef -- stay away from pork. Add some lemon or lime to your meals. It helps boost your metabolism. dwilson says: My mom has been doing really well with weight loss recently. She puts ankle weights on while she walks the dog, cut out bread and potatoes from her diet, and is eating more salads. She has also begun to exercise with the Body Pump system. Even though she hasn't been able to do as much exercise as she would like because of a back injury, she's still been able to lose a few pounds every week.

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Low-Calorie Snacks

AOL Health Editors — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:13:00 EST

Courtesy of The Hershey Company Hershey's Kisses are a perfect choice if you're looking to curb a chocolate craving. Creamy and full of flavor, these morsels are substantial and satisfying. And at only 100 calories for three pieces, your waistline won't have to suffer for your indulgence. Whip It Good For a decadent and visually delightful treat, top raw, sliced fruit with Cool Whip Lite. A half cup of fresh strawberries paired with four tablespoons of the light whipped topping equals a measly 90 calories. Spread It On Top half an English muffin with one teaspoon of protein-packed peanut butter and you'll have a healthy and filling snack with only 95 calories. Spread the low-cal goodwill by sharing the other half with a co-worker. Go Crackers For a crunchy and sweet snack, what could be better than cripsy, crumbly graham crackers? Two sheets of this classic treat have exactly 100 calories. Proof in the Pudding Easy to grab on the go, Jell-O Fat-Free Pudding Snacks come in delicious flavors like chocolate, tapioca, devil's food, and chocolate/vanilla swirl. Light on calories -- coming in at just 100 -- these pudding cup cuties are full of flavor. Fro-Yo Forever Creamy and delicious, frozen yogurt is a perfect treat any time of the year. Just three ounces of a fat-free brand will only set you back 100 calories. Get Colorful There's nothing like beautiful, fresh, ripe cherries to brighten up your palate. A cup of this antioxidant-rich fruit has only 95 calories. A Good Egg Eggs used to get a bad rap, but now they're back in good favor because they are such a good source of iron and protein. One medium hard-boiled egg delivers a host of essential vitamins and just 81 calories. All About Almonds Crunchy almonds make a filling, protein-packed snack. While we don't suggest overindulging, 10 raw almonds roughly equals a diet-friendly 100 calories. Can't find them raw? Roasted, without salt, only adds a few more calories. Plenty of Pop Three cups of air-popped popcorn weigh in at just 93 calories and give you nearly 15 percent of your daily requirement of fiber -- making it the perfect snack to fill you up, not out.

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Hottest Celebrities Over 40

AOL Health Editors — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:26:00 EST

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=805346&pid=805345&uts=1261600865 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf By AOL Health EditorsLisa RinnaRinna turned heads and stole the headlines for posing for the May 2009 "Playboy" cover at age 45. In an interview with That's Fit, she explains how she stays in shape after having kids. While she's always been a fan of exercise, being on "Dancing With the Stars" has changed her entire workout philosophy. "Dance is such an overall workout...that also makes you really, really happy... what's more fun than dancing?" PLAYBOY Magazine oKExp.start("thatsfit-ke_hottest_celebrities_over_40");

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Winter Workouts and Exercises

AOL Health Editors — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:26:00 EST

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=807710&pid=807709&uts=1262118397 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf Top 11 Winter Workouts When the weather turns cold, you don't have to put your fitness routine on ice. Look at our gallery of 11 fun, calorie-burning activities that will help you stay in shape and lose weight all winter. Winter Workouts and Exercises Top 11 Winter Workouts When the weather turns cold, you don't have to put your fitness routine on ice. Look at our gallery of 11 fun, calorie-burning activities that will help you stay in shape and lose weight all winter. Number 11: Fitness DVDs Don't feel like warming up your car to go to the gym? Invest in some dumbbells and a stash of fitness DVDs and get fit in your living room. With your gym at home, all you have to do is roll out of bed and press 'play.' Number 10: Pilates Sculpt your abs and back with Pilates. Whether you use DVD instruction or take a class, this mat-based exercise is a great way to strengthen your core. Number 9: Mall Walking Attention shoppers: Walking around the mall does double duty -- burning calories while you get your errands done. To get the best burn, intersperse 2-minute intervals of fast walking into your regular pace. Number 8: Jump Rope An intense workout, like jumping rope, burns calories in a short amount of time. Jump ropes are inexpensive and light enough to pack when you travel. Just remember to wear a good pair of shock-absorbent shoes. Number 7: Yoga Escape the winter blahs and find your inner zen with yoga. Not only is yoga meditative, you'll build muscle holding those tough poses, so you'll be more relaxed and toned after your winter-long practice. Number 6: Dance Salsa, swing or freestyle your way slim with dancing. It's a fun way to work your glutes, abs and legs when you're stuck indoors. You may not be ready for a guest spot on 'Dancing With the Stars,' but you'll be sure to break a sweat and groove pounds away. Number 5: Spinning Cycling indoors will help you shed pounds and firm up your legs and rear. Crank up your favorite music and start spinning. Keep the revolutions-per-minute high for an intense cardio workout. Number 4: Circuit Training Fight boredom and get a full-body workout by combining cardio and strength exercises. Whether you're at the gym or at home, you can easily burn calories by switching up activities. Start with a 5- or 10-minute workout on the treadmill, elliptical machine or bike, then mix in bicep curls, squats and back extensions into your circuit training. Repeat the routine for 30 minutes to an hour. Number 3: Ski or Snowboard What's a better winter sport than hitting the slopes? Skiing and snowboarding use all the major upper- and lower-body muscle groups -- and you get to play in the snow. oKExp.start("thatsfit-ke_winter_workouts_and_exercises_popup");

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Sugar Busters! Diet Plan, Holiday Weight Loss and Winter Workout Favorites: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Think sugar is toxic? Then the Sugar Busters! Diet Plan may seem like the weight-loss program for you. On it, dieters cut refined foods and sugar from their meals to lose weight. They consume about 1,200 calories a day for 14 days. Still want to learn more? Head to AOL Health to learn more about the Sugar Busters! Diet plan. Trying to lose weight this holiday season while everyone around you is overeating and/or engaging in the worst of food-pusher offenses? We've got just the advice you need to help you achieve the ever-alluring (but impossible-seeming) holiday weight loss. From mall walking (while you shop for the holidays) to yoga, there are plenty of fitness routines you can move indoors to keep you in shape during the chilly winter months. We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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'Flat Belly Diet' Success, Mind-Body Pain Connection and More: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

By now you've probably heard about belly-flattening foods, but have you seen what kind of results they can have on your waist and overall health? Check out AOL Health's "Flat-Belly Diet" success stories to see why this weight-loss program worked for these dieters. Plus, they've got 25 flat-belly recipes to get you started. Is your pain all in your head? To find out, we asked Dr. James Gordon, founder and director of the Washington, DC-based Center for Mind-Body Medicine and author of "Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression," whether some common physical complaints are actually more mental than physical. And now for something scary... Did you know you're probably decked out in 515 chemicals from cosmetics right now? Head to AOL Health to find out why, what you can do about it and which have the worst side effects. We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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8 Easy Ways to Cut Fat, Vegan Cowboy Diet and Food Pushers: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

Want to cut fat from your meals without noticing it's gone? AOL Health has eight dietary tricks to skim the fat. One smart move? Order steak fries when you're craving taters. Here's why. We at That's Fit love us our veggies -- and have plenty of advice on going veg (full-time or part time), but we found another interesting take on the benefits of a vegetarian diet. AOL Health reports that one cowboy who gave up meat for four weeks at Dr. Oz's urging and under his guidance lost 30 pounds, reduced his waist by six inches and was able to stop taking medication for cholesterol and diabetes. As we head into the holiday season parties and guilty-pleasures lie ahead, as do food pushers -- the ones who just aren't satisfied till you've had that last piece of cake. Your safeguard? Head to AOL Health to learn how to successfully combat the best of the pushiest food pushers. We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

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Zone Diet: Celebrity Approved

AOL Health Editors — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST

The Zone Diet, devised by Barry Sears, M.D., and introduced in 1995, gained popularity through celebrity dieters like Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore and Madonna. Like other weight-loss plans, the Zone Diet encourages dieters to cut calories, especially those from carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. It encourages people looking to lose weight to eat lots of lean meats and other foods filled with healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well as fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. To keep their blood-sugar levels stable and fend off hunger pangs, those on the plan eat five small meals a day. Unlike some diets, the Zone Diet doesn't force people to buy certain foods, which can help cut down on the costs that sometimes accompany these plans. There are, however, a line of Zone Diet supplements. People who choose to eat them should be warned that they can be expensive. Sounds perfect, right? Not so fast. The diet discourages dairy consumption, which can keep those on the Zone Diet from getting several essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Vitamin E and calcium. Another common complaint is that the low-carb plan leaves dieters too tired to exercise. Coffee and soda intake can get tricky on the plan, too, because caffeine, which causes insulin levels to spike, is considered a no-no. Others have a hard time understanding the 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat (40-30-30) ratio that Dr. Sears says will make your metabolism function best. These restrictions can be especially problematic when you're dining out. Dieters are also required to eat within one hour of waking and, roughly, every two to three hours after. Additionally, Zone Diet creators claim -- despite a lack of evidence -- that those who follow the plan will decrease their risk of cancer, heart disease and other conditions while improving athletic performance. If you have decided to lose weight, one of your best bets is a healthy, low-fat diet, paired with exercising several times a week. That's Fit has Diet and Weight Loss tips to help. Read the full Zone Diet Review and Zone Diet Foods List from AOL Health.

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An Appetite Suppressant You Already Eat, 10 Funniest Workout Videos and More: Links We Love

AOL Health Editors — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Like a hefty helping of tomatoes with your meal? Then you're in luck. A new study from the UK's Reading University shows that tomatoes may help control hunger. If you thought BPA was only hiding in your plastic, here's a health update: the December 2009 issue of Consumer Reports tells us BPA is in a variety of name-brand canned food items including Progresso Vegetable Soup and Campbell's Condensed Chicken Soup. Now for a light-hearted link we love: 10 workout videos to get you LOLing at your desk, if not well, exercising. Hey, laughter burns calories too.

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