calorie-related stories
Test Your Calorie Knowledge: This Week on AOL Health
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They say ignorance is bliss, so it's often easier to indulge in an unhealthy snack or meal when you don't know exactly how much exercise you would need to do to burn it off. Sure, some of you might say, "I don't care. I deserve to indulge." But we know that some of you would be horrified to know that you'd need to walk for more than five hours to burn off a Ruby Tuesday's Turkey burger, which weighs in at 1,173 calories. Or how about the ultimate indulgence for some people -- McDonald's fries? If you knew you'd have to walk for almost two hours to burn off 350 calories from a medium serving, would you still belly up to the drive-thru?
We challenge you to take this quiz from AOL Health. Test your knowledge of calorie counts in some of our favorite foods and see if they're worth the workout.
Fallen off the workout wagon because of a time crunch? Get back on track and save time with circuit training.
Xenical: Prescription Drug Version of Weight-Loss Drug Alli
Xenical is a prescription drug designed to help significantly overweight people lose weight. It is a version of Alli, the only diet pill that is approved by the FDA.
According to the manufacturers, Xenical is different from other diet pills because instead of suppressing your appetite or speeding up your metabolism, it blocks about one-third of the fat you eat from being digested. The undigested fat cannot be broken down and is eliminated through your bowel movements.
However, Xenical is not a magic pill.
"Xenical is a weight-loss drug that can have significant side effects and in blocking the absorption of fat to encourage weight loss, may also block the absorption of important vitamins, minerals and healthful fats required by the body," says Marissa Lippert, RD, of Nutrition Counseling & Communications. "Weight-loss drugs are temporary fixes, rather than lasting solutions. It's important to remember that in order to healthfully lose weight and sustain it, fresh food in the appropriate portion sizes should be the primary focus."
The American Heart Association agrees and recommends reduced-calorie diets that typically allow for no more than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake to come from fat.
Possible side effects include uncontrollable bowel movements, gas and oily discharge.
If you think Xenical may be right for you, speak to your doctor.
At That's Fit, we've got great food ideas, exercise plans and more to help you lose weight.
According to the manufacturers, Xenical is different from other diet pills because instead of suppressing your appetite or speeding up your metabolism, it blocks about one-third of the fat you eat from being digested. The undigested fat cannot be broken down and is eliminated through your bowel movements.
However, Xenical is not a magic pill.
"Xenical is a weight-loss drug that can have significant side effects and in blocking the absorption of fat to encourage weight loss, may also block the absorption of important vitamins, minerals and healthful fats required by the body," says Marissa Lippert, RD, of Nutrition Counseling & Communications. "Weight-loss drugs are temporary fixes, rather than lasting solutions. It's important to remember that in order to healthfully lose weight and sustain it, fresh food in the appropriate portion sizes should be the primary focus."
The American Heart Association agrees and recommends reduced-calorie diets that typically allow for no more than 30 percent of your daily caloric intake to come from fat.
Possible side effects include uncontrollable bowel movements, gas and oily discharge.
If you think Xenical may be right for you, speak to your doctor.
At That's Fit, we've got great food ideas, exercise plans and more to help you lose weight.
Does Dieting Equal Torture?
Even though it shouldn't, the struggle of losing weight can sometimes feel like torture. That is, if your definition of torture is having to say no to a second slice of chocolate cake. But some people take weight loss to an extreme called Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). According to some reports, the VLCD principals of extreme calorie deprivation have been used as a means of control for prisoners being interrogated.Wait a minute. Back that bus up. Can things like calorie restriction and waterboarding really be considered in the same category? Apparently, some people in government believe that they can. The fact that VLCD has been used in such a shocking way should set off some warning bells.
VLCDs are often prepared drinks or foods that replace regular meals. Usually, VLCDs total 800 calories or less per day. When medically prescribed and supervised, VLCDs can be a safe measure for a period of time. And, due to the extreme calorie restriction, a moderately to severely obese person can potentially lose 3-5 pounds per week.
Condiments - Don't Let the Toppers Tip Your Calories
I often ask my son if he would like some scrambled eggs with his ketchup. (It's official ... I've turned into my mother.) Condiments can certainly add a little jazz to our foods, but many of them are high in fat, sodium and/or calories. So, just like you're smart with your food choices, it's also prudent to be careful with your condiments. Healthcastle details what's in your favorite condiments. Want just the basics? Here you go:
- Mayonnaise. One tablespoon of regular mayo has about 100 calories, 85 milligrams of sodium and 10-12 grams of fat.
- Sour cream. Regular sour cream is 18 percent butterfat and one tablespoon has 26 calories and six milligrams of sodium.
- Mustard. About your best choice for topping a sandwich, mustard has only nine calories per tablespoon, but it does have 170 milligrams of sodium.
- Ketchup. One tablespoon has about 20 calories and 140 milligrams of sodium.
- Miso. One tablespoon has 40 calories and 750 milligrams of sodium.
- Soy sauce. Soy sauce has a mere eight calories per tablespoon, but it has 900 milligrams of sodium.
Keep in mind that the listed nutrition information can vary according to brand.
Does an After-Dinner Walk Erase Your Splurge?
Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
So you went a little overboard with dinner. How long will it take to walk it off?
Chocolate - How to Enjoy it Guilt-Free
Huffington Post shares the following tips for enjoying chocolate without guilt:
- Get the best chocolate you can. If you're going to have a treat, it might as well be one that you love, love, love.
- Use environmental control. The Huffington Post writer has an affinity for See's chocolate -- and a shop is within walking distance of her house. Instead of buying a large amount, she walks there once in a while and buys just a few. While we may not all be blessed (or cursed, depending on how you look at it) with a See's in the neighborhood, any store within walking distance can be a great way to get some exercise before getting your chocolate fix.
- Eat the best part first. Okay, I have to admit that this "tip" made me laugh out loud. But, if it works for the Huffington Post writer, it might work for you, too. She nibbles the chocolate off the outside -- still getting the flavor of the center, but avoiding the calories.(I'm sorry. It still makes me laugh. Just eat the whole piece for goodness sake!)
- Know the calories. If you know the calories in your piece(s) of chocolate, you can easily fit them into your daily calorie allowance.
You Take It Easy on Special Occasions
Your Turn, Nutrition & Supplements
- 43 percent of you forget about the calories. After all, it's only one day.
- 39 percent of you take a balanced approach. You don't let it stress you out, but you watch your portion sizes so you don't go overboard.
- 17 percent of you count every calorie.
There are always going to be special occasions. I'm sure a lot of you have dinner plans to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend. And, as most of you know, it's okay to treat yourself once in a while. So, on those rare special occasions, order what you want. But choose healthful options when possible and watch your portion sizes. Besides ... it's more romantic if you share a dessert, anyway!
Calories on Special Occasions - Do You Forget About Them?
Your Turn, Nutrition & Supplements
Super Bowl Sunday just passed. If you partied, you might have had quite a few temptations to deal with. Potato skins, chips and beer just to name a few. So what is your tactic? Do you have a mental calculator tabulating all the calories you're consuming? Or do you just forget about calories on special occasions?
Withdrawn: Advice on Low-Fat Diets for Weight Loss!
Jonny's Take, Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Jonny Bowden, author, nutritionist and weight loss coach cuts through all the misconceptions about diet and fitness to help you transform your body, your health and your life.
Have you heard that a low-fat diet is the way to go for weight loss? Of course you have. Who hasn't? And like much "conventional" advice, it's turning out to be bogus.
Recently, researchers combed through hundreds of previously-published studies that investigated low-fat diets in comparison to other weight loss strategies. They looked at the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, MEDLINE and EMBASE, all sources of rigorously-controlled published trials. They were interested in the ability of people to actually sustain weight loss over a long period of time, so they investigated the studies in which people were given specific dietary advice (like eat a low-fat diet, or reduce calories). Three independent reviewers poured over the studies that met the criteria for inclusion.
Guess what they concluded?
Recently, researchers combed through hundreds of previously-published studies that investigated low-fat diets in comparison to other weight loss strategies. They looked at the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, MEDLINE and EMBASE, all sources of rigorously-controlled published trials. They were interested in the ability of people to actually sustain weight loss over a long period of time, so they investigated the studies in which people were given specific dietary advice (like eat a low-fat diet, or reduce calories). Three independent reviewers poured over the studies that met the criteria for inclusion.
Guess what they concluded?
Is Your New Years Diet Bad For Your Health?
Like the rest of America, you're probably trying to slim down this January. But here's a good reason to not diet this new year:
Weight Loss - Lighten Up on Calorie Counting
When it comes to weight loss, calories count. But don't get bogged down with record-keeping.
Weight Loss - Is Diet Advice Dumbed Down?
Defeatist or not, the article has some good points. Everyone wants to hear about how easy weight loss is, but there is no magic pill nor is there an overnight remedy for obesity. While 10 minutes of exercise might sound like a great plan -- and it is certainly better than sitting on the couch -- small amounts of exercise aren't enough for weight loss. And, as the article states, most people tend to greatly underestimate the calories they consume and overestimate the calories they burn.
Don't let articles like this get you down. The fact of the matter is weight loss isn't easy. If it was, nobody would be overweight. But weight loss is possible. You can do it. Be honest with yourself and how many calories you're consuming. And push yourself to exercise just a little more. You'll see the results. Check out America Takes It Off: Shrink a Size for realistic tips that work.
Swap Mushrooms for Meat
In these tight economic times, we all have to be penny-pinchers. Since meat is one of the most expensive grocery items to buy, it only makes sense to cut back. Beans and tofu spring to mind as meat-replacements -- they're inexpensive, filling and high in protein. Another great option -- though not high in protein -- is mushrooms.
Swapping mushrooms for meat isn't only economical, it's healthful, lower in calories, filling and completely tasty. Try them in lasagna or grill up a marinated portobello as a burger. A recent study found that when participants ate meals where mushrooms replaced beef, they consumed an average of 420 fewer calories. Great news if you're trying to lose weight!
Calories - Put Yourself on a Budget
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
In these tough economic times, almost everyone is on a tight budget. But did you know that you can apply penny-saving principles to calories as well? I'm not a big believer in tracking calories every day. Currently, I'm on board with the America Takes It Off: Shrink a Size program and trying to lose weight. While I don't plan to count calories every day, I have been using an online tool to count them for now. The practice helps me get a good grip on my eating habits, and it doesn't allow me to pretend I'm doing better than I really am.
I like the idea of banking calories and, in theory, it should work. However, I have a horrible sweet tooth. Like many of my co-workers, I've been trying to minimize sugar in my diet. I splurged on a tiny sugar cookie the other day and had serious sugar cravings for the next 24 hours. So, for me, banking up for a bigger treat is probably a bad idea. How do you think this idea would work for you?
Flu - Will Dieting Make You More Susceptible?
Recent research suggests that dieting during flu season could make you more likely to catch the flu. Researchers from Michigan State University put mice on a calorie-restricted diet; the mice found it harder to fight off the infection than other mice who were given higher amounts of calories. So, yay! Hand over the chocolate cake, I'm going to eat some calories and save myself from the flu. Uh ... no.
The mice in the study were given 40 percent fewer calories than their non-restricted counterparts. That's a pretty drastic calorie reduction. Safe and effective weight loss involves cutting calories, certainly -- but the reduction shouldn't be as drastic as that in the study. You can use an online calculator to estimate your caloric needs. Eating healthfully, as balanced diets suggest you do, will help you with your weight loss efforts while keeping your body strong, healthy and able to fight off illness.
