Feature Articles
Food, Fitness and Weight Control
How college students can avoid the freshman 15
Most new college students have heard of the freshman 15. It refers to the 15 pounds many students gain during their first year in college. To avoid excess weight gain, it’s important for students to practice simple habits...more
The latest on what works for weight loss
New research led by the Harvard School of Public Health concludes that the best way to lose weight and maintain weight loss is by decreasing calories and increasing activity...more
Weight Gain can be Difficult for Some
Less than five percent of the adult population is classified as being underweight. People who deal with this issue are often hard pressed to find information on healthful weight gain...more
Stick to the facts when it comes to dieting
Although fad diets can be traced back as far as 1820, they don’t work for permanent weight loss...more
FDA Approved a New Over the Counter Diet Pill
The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a diet drug for over the counter sales. The drug, alli, taken with meals works by blocking 25 percent of the fat the person eats...more
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is encouraging us to be “fad free” in our food choices. The ADA defines a food fad as “an unreasonable or exaggerated belief that eating (or not eating) specific foods, nutrient supplements or combinations of certain foods may cure disease, convey special health benefits or offer quick weight loss.” ...more
A large percentage of us eat more than we should on Thanksgiving and some of us are actually miserable because of the amount of food we eat. Many of us will continue to overeat throughout the holiday season. Nobody likes to feel miserable and very few people are trying to gain weight so why do we continue to overeat? ...more
“But Mother, I’m Full” - Dealing with Pressures to Eat
One major principle of healthy eating is to eat when hungry, and stop eating when we are satisfied. This helps us avoid over eating, and reinforces our natural abilities to monitor our food intake and calories. Unfortunately, our best efforts to eat more healthfully, and eat less to maintain a healthy weight, can be sabotaged. Well meaning family and friends, and some not so well meaning, can pressure us to eat...more
Conquer Weight Gain with Small Changes
“Small changes over time can lead to a big difference in your weight and your health. Short term “diets” simply don’t work in the long run because you end up feeling deprived, starved, and often bored with the regiment...Nutrition experts recommend for long term success that you adopt a healthy eating pattern that fits your preferences. Increase your awareness of major obstacles that often lead to weight gain such as super-sized portions, frequent eating of high fat fast food, too much regular soda or fruit drinks, and lack of physical activity...more
Portion Control is Important for Health
In the last two decades, overweight and obesity have become an epidemic in America. The truth of the matter is that we are just eating a lot more than we used to. It is interesting to note that the size of plate we eat on is larger than it was twenty or thirty years ago. And, we have come to expect everything to be available in a super size...more
Questions Answered about Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index or BMI is used by health professionals as one tool in determining health risks for chronic disease. It is used for population assessment of overweight and obesity...more
Glycemic Index of Foods: The Facts
At this time of the year many people are going on diets to try to meet the goals of their New Year’s Resolutions. Advertisers want us all to use their product and have come up with myriad of ways to sell their special diet approach. Several diets are now saying their diet is based on the Glycemic Index of foods and that is the newest and best way to lose weight...more
Slow and steady pace wins race to fitness
Jumping feet first into a vigorous exercise program could land you back in your easy chair, nursing sore muscles by the next day. “Don’t go into a vigorous sport if you haven’t been active,” said Steve Ball, a University of Missouri Extension exercise physiologist. “You need to start off slowly and build up gradually.” ...more
We’ve all heard those quick little tips, like fill up on water before you go to a party or use sugar-free foods to save calories. Do these promoted tips really work or are they simply myths...more
By March, many of us have already tossed our New Year’s diets aside. The extra weight is still there, but it’s hard to keep up the willpower needed to get it off. Many would be willing to pay a hefty sum for a pill or herbal tea that would help shed our unwanted pounds, but experts warn against quick fixes....more
In the past few years, many people have restricted carbohydrates to lose weight. The main thing to remember for weight control is that calories are what really count. It takes 3,500 unused calories to add up to one pound of weight gain. Protein and carbohydrates provide four calories per gram of food but fat provides nine calories per gram of food. Fat calories can add up fast! ...more
Are Low-Carbohydrate Diets Worth It?
Grain products, vegetables, and fruits should be the foundation of a healthy diet. Eating foods that are moderate in sugars, salt, and sodium, while also being low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol will ensure proper nutrition...more
Dairy foods have powerful impact on weight management for children and adults
Calcium has been known for its important role in bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Now studies indicate there is a growing body of evidence that shows a relationship between calcium intake and maintaining a healthy body weight. ...more
People lose more than pounds on high-protein diets
People trying to shed excess weight on high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets could be losing more than pounds, according to a University of Missouri Extension expert. ...more
What causes weight gain? Skipping meals and gorging later in the day, eating out frequently, eating larger portions and drinking large amounts of non-diet soft drinks...more
Super Sizing of America: More Weight for
Your Buck
As Americans we have been brought up to believe in the "bigger is better" rule. Just look at what we purchase: Hummers, 60-inch big screen TVs and extended cab trucks. 8 ounce steaks, jumbo cookies and super size fast food prove how we cling to our motto for even our food selections...more
There is little question that Americans are getting fatter despite one third of all adults trying to lose weight at any given time. A staggering 30 billion dollars are being spent annually on weight loss products and promotions, yet as a nation we are gaining weight at an unprecedented rate...more
Physical Inactivity More Risky than Overweight
Steven Blair, Director of Research at the Cooper Institute in Dallas, recently came to the University of Missouri to present a talk titled "Physical Inactivity: Our Biggest Public Health Problem." His bottom line message is that being physically inactive is more of a health risk than being overweight...more
We have no-fat this and no-fat that, and even the no-fat fat! America is on a binge of no-fat and low-fat foods. But the binge is not calorie free, and the result is that Americans are eight pounds heavier than ten years ago. And, a third of us are obese, up from a fourth, just ten years ago. What’s happening?...more
Ephedra Fact Sheet: Metabolife and Metab-O-lite
Both Metabolife and Metab-O-lite are some of the hottest selling dietary supplements on the market that claim to help with weight loss and boost energy. What are the ingredients?...more
The supersizing of portions and plates is one of the major factors contributing to the supersizing of Americans - over 60% are now considered "overweight." The rise in obesity among our youth is especially alarming because we are now seeing a type of diabetes - Type II - in children that was previously seen only in overweight adults...more
Quick and Easy Weight Loss, Is it For Real?
The promise of "quick and easy" weight loss
is actually one of several "red flags" signaling diet fraud. Unfortunately,
losing excess body fat is neither quick nor easy. Healthful eating
and regular physical activity are the real keys to maintaining a
healthy weight over a lifetime. Here are several "red flags" to
help you spot "junk" diet advice...more
Stay in Shape: Don't Let Desk Jobs Do You In
It's easy to put on weight as we get older, especially when we have a sedentary lifestyle...Here are some strategies for fitting fitness in, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle despite a sedentary job...more
If you are the type who likes to serve yourself at the table-that's a wise habit to have. If you are frequently served your portion-whether away from home or at home-the waist will show your habit...more
Last update: Friday, August 21, 2009
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