Two years ago, the authors of "Eat This, Not That" published a list of the 20 Worst Foods in America. Since then, half of those unhealthy dishes have either changed their nutritional content drastically or have been taken off the menu altogether, reports Men's Health (via Today).

Could this be the start of a trend where restaurants offer menus filled with good-for-you meals?

Well, that might be stretching it, but it does look like many restaurants are taking lists like the one mentioned above seriously. For example, gone is Ruby Tuesday's Colossal Burger, as well as Baskin-Robins Chocolate Oreo Shake. With books like "Eat This, Not That" on the market, more and more Americans are educating themselves about the food available at restaurants, and when we know that a meal packs a day's worth of calories, fat and sodium, most of us are not as likely to order it.

Photo: Barnes and Noble

We've been "Ewwing" and "Ahhing" over the outrageously obese eats at This Is Why You're Fat nearly all year (the book cover above will give you a good idea what kind of foods they feature if you've never visited the site), so it was only a matter of time before we asked the brains behind the Website, Jessica Amason, what inspired her to create it.

"I'm always on the Web, so I'm attuned to the new trends," says Amason, editor for BuzzFeed.com and former blogger for AOL's Urlesque.com. "And of course I'd noticed there were sites like Serious Eats and Pimp That Snack that were popping up everywhere. And so it made sense that there should be a one-stop shop kind of site." That's Fit also talked to Amason about her exercise regimen ("I go to a gym and I try to eat pretty healthy, but my motto has always been everything in moderation"), and if her eating habits have changed ("I was an athlete growing up, so I've always been a fairly healthy eater, but I have become very knowledgeable about the crazy fatty foods that are out there.") Read on for her favorite foods from the blog, and if she thinks these meals are really why you're fat.

That's Fit: What's your favorite guilty pleasure?

Jessica Amason: My weakness is baked goods, that's a pretty tough one from me. From the site, though, I think that my favorite is probably either the pizza burger, or the snack stadium. Just because there's real commitment there, those guys know how to go big. Because I know it's my weakness, I try not to indulge all that often, but with the holidays coming up I'm sure I'm gonna go a little crazy and then have to crack down once I get back.

Prominent New York nutritionist Esther Blum thinks you should rely on fatty foods and alcohol to slim down in the new year. You're probably checking the calendar right now but I can assure you it's not April 1st, and Miss Blum is serious. In fact, Teri Hatcher is a follower of her unconventional plan.

According to this article from the Daily Mail, Esther Blum's diet is kind of like Atkin's, except you're allowed carbs and alcohol. However, you need to watch that you're sticking to healthy fats and not over-indulging in carbs. As far as alcohol goes, stick to straight shooters to avoid sugary mixers.

Source

Regretting that fatty meal or snack you just inhaled? I feel your pain. No worries, though -- just hop outside or on a treadmill and get walking.

A recent study suggests that taking a walk can counteract the negative effects fatty foods have on your arteries. Here's how: Eating high-fat foods breaks down the endothelium (the layer of cells responsible for preventing heart disease) in your arteries. But walking after you eat these foods helps your arteries recover. Amazingly, it helps them get stronger too. The experts at Family Circle magazine (November 29, 2008) recommend this walking workout for maximum benefits.

• Walk slowly for five minutes to warm up at an intensity level of two (about 2.5 mph on a treadmill).
• Walk briskly for 45 minutes at an intensity level of five (about 4 mph on a treadmill).
• Walk leisurely for five minutes to cool down at an intensity level of three (about 3 mph on a treadmill).

Think walking isn't enough to combat the effects of fatty foods? Try fighting the fat by slashing the worst of it from your diet.

Source

Cookbooks are a staple of modern kitchens, cooking parents and restaurant mavens the world over. From Betty Crocker to Paula Deen, these books contain some of the most soothing and delicious foods meant for any human mouth. trouble is, many of them contain recipes that are anything but healthy.

Now, that's not to say that cookbooks are bad -- it's what you do with them that counts. Using a cup of sugar in a recipe meant for four servings is pretty easy to judge. That's way too much sugar for anyone to eat in one sitting (let alone refined, which sugar).

Using recipes as ideas to start up a healthy version of what you're reading on that cookbook page is a great idea. Make healthy substitutions and use certain recipes as a guide to healthier meals when possible.

Source