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From Anorexia to Athlete

Published on December 10, 2014

2773 views

Recently, I had a conversation with some girlfriends about working out and specifically doing push-ups. One friend invited us to do a push up program where you start out doing as many as you can and build up to 100 (even if you can’t do 1 it’s designed to build you up to 100 over time). She decided she was going to do it, but not the whole program because she was afraid, “it will make my boobs even smaller, which is the one downfall to losing weight.”

Another girlfriend confirmed this fear. I added my two cents on the matter, “it should make your breasts look perkier and larger when you build up the pectoral muscle behind them.” That didn’t matter, their fears of looking less feminine outweighed their fitness goal for more strength.

Of course why wouldn’t it? In a culture that punishes female Olympians with the ridicule of taking a gender test if they don’t look feminine enough or break a new record that women weren’t supposed to be able to break (read more here Are the 2012 Olympics the Year of the Woman?).

I’m not saying that I’ve never been afraid of loosing what little breasts I have or that I’ve hated the fact that my little sister wore a bigger bra size then me by the time she turned 16. It’s only recently that I’ve been able to conquer my own self-hatred of my body by accepting that it just that – a body. It’s been a long battle, but on most days I sit on the side of victory and look in the mirror and see flesh, bones, muscles and organs that help me achieve my goals – physical, mental, and spiritual enlightenment and acceptance.

Battling Anorexia

Not too long ago, I looked in the mirror and thought that I was obese, grotesquely obese. I’m nearly 6’ tall and have never weighed over 165 lbs. I’ve never been close to obesity, but on my darkest days there was no way you could convince me of what I wasn’t or why it really mattered. Becoming an athlete, someone who sets physical goals and goes out to achieve them, not only saved my life, but also enhanced it. As an athlete I push myself not only on the track (or in whatever sport arena I participate in), but in life as well. The lessons go beyond accepting my body for what it is, but loving my ability to run 26.2 miles, jump up and do pull ups, participate in Spartan Adventure Races, and most recently complete various Cross Fit workouts (which short of the Marine Corps, are the most challenging work outs I’ve ever done). Of course, it’s been a long journey to get here.

I spent the better part of my late teens and early twenties hungry and malnourished by choice. In college, I woke up at 5 or 6 AM every morning to run 6 miles (10-15 miles on the weekends). I then carefully monitored how many calories I consumed during the day to make sure I didn’t exceed my limit of 1000 calories. I beat myself up if I didn’t go to bed with a growling stomach. At one point, my friend Joel would not let me get up from the table until I had consumed what he considered enough for me (he’s a rather large and intimidating man so when I say force, I do mean by loving force). Of course, I simply found excuses not to eat with my friends in order not to exceed my strict calorie limit, but Joel always (and to this day still) asks me if I’m taking care of myself in a way that makes me realize that food is not the demon, the perceptions in my head are.

Becoming an Athlete

When I was 24-years-old, I decided that I was going to be a Marine Corps Officer. I trained for the nine months prior to leaving for Officer Candidate School (OCS) by running six miles and weight training. I worked out at the gym at the recruiters’ office. They were the first mentors that discussed proper nutrition for an athlete with me. All of my coaches in high school somehow missed this important subject. They put it very simply, “You are going to burn more calories than you can possibly consume at OCS. Libby, you’re going to have to eat if you want to make it through. If you don’t, you’ll end up a medical drop.”

I have no idea where this determination to be a Marine came from, it was certainly a relatively new life goal, but I heeded their advice and ate everything the cafeteria workers piled on my plate. I wanted to be a Marine more than I wanted to be thin enough, enough for what I still don’t know. I was amazed by how much energy I had, how much I enjoyed food and how much time I had wasted counting calories.

Today, I don’t count calories, or get on scales. I don’t let myself partake in the idea that there is some invisible standard set by the media, Hollywood and society that I’ll never reach, but should keep trying at all cost, because if I don’t reach it I won’t be loved/successful/fill in the blank. On my bad days, when I tell my boyfriend I feel fat even though I know I’m not, he simply laughs at me. I remind myself that my body is my vessel and needs to be fueled properly. I wonder if this will be a battle I will always fight? If so, I know that as long as I constantly challenge myself, both physically and mentally, and know that I won’t meet my goals without the proper fuel, I will win. My latest challenge is Cross Fit, but I still enjoy running and other various sports. In September I start classes for holistic health with a focus on nutrition.

Feminine Enough

As an athlete, or at least a very fit person, I face a new battle. Looking “feminine enough.” Again I ask, feminine enough for what? As women push their bodies and break records in the Olympics, I listen to the sportscasters, friends and strangers comment about their lack of female curves. My own boyfriend has voiced concern that I will look “manly” if I get to strong (to which I laughed). I am, always have been, likely will always be a svelte person. Without the aid of plastic surgery, I will never look like Marilyn Monroe, and that is okay. I have learned, the hard way, that suffering in order to fit into someone else’s idea of beauty, health, success, etc., will only make you suffer. In the end it will never be enough because it’s not what you want.

Love Thyself

It was a slow progression from obsessive calorie counter to amateur athlete. Today, I eat until I am full and enjoy healthy fats and, gasp, carbs! I have a slight dark chocolate addiction and am healthier and fitter at 31 than I was at 21. I hope that my girlfriends realize that their goals should always trump someone else’s ideal of worthiness. If a woman wants to work up to 100 push-ups or run a marathon or become a racecar driver, she shouldn’t let society’s preconceived notion of gender roles and standards of femininity/beauty stand in her way. I wasted too many years avoiding the pleasure and nourishment of food in hopes of being thin enough and learned that in the end you are just starving for self-acceptance and participating in the life you want to live. I honestly believe that becoming an athlete saved me from Anorexia.

Surfing the Sugar Wave: PCOS and Insulin Resistance

by Suki Eleuterio

Published on February 20, 2014

4559 views

After a wonderful Valentine’s day filled with candy, chocolate, and carbs, I was riding the sugar wave and loving every minute. On Friday evening, after two cups of coffee, the combination of sugar and coffee was keeping me buzzed and happy. But by Saturday I woke up with a headache, feeling moody and miserable. I felt like a grey cloud was hanging over my head. Why was I in such a funk? By the time Sunday rolled around – after more cake and more carbs, and a barbeque lunch with friends – I came home and crashed…literally.

All day I had felt on the verge of tears and when I walked in the door, they all came tumbling out. My husband watched helplessly as I wept and sobbed uncontrollably, and when I was done he put his arm around me and handed me a cup of soup. But where were these emotions coming from? And why did they come on so suddenly?

What is PCOS?

To fully understand, we must travel back to 2008, the year I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS. The syndrome, which affects nearly five million women in the United States, often goes undiagnosed and if left untreated can lead to high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. The name Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome refers to small cysts that form around the ovaries, but it is really an endocrine disorder in which the sex hormones estradial and progesterone are out of balance. Women with PCOS typically have an increased production of androgens (the male sex hormone) causing acne, increased hair growth, irregular menstrual cycles, and male pattern baldness. This can also lead to weight gain and infertility.

Coming away from my doctor’s office I was left confused. What was Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? My OBGYN had actually read me the disorder from her textbook and then handed me a prescription for birth control pills. Because PCOS has no documented cure and because doctors still know very little about the cause of the disease, patients are often left helpless, searching for answers on the Internet or among their peers. My doctor never once told me there might be a link between what I eat and my disorder. She never once mentioned that diet and exercise were important factors in controlling my PCOS symptoms. And because I was “thin.” she assumed I was healthy.

The truth was, I was far from healthy. I had come from a country where most food was prepared from scratch, ingredients were natural and from the earth, and dinners were bought from the butcher or farmer, not a box. When I moved from Kenya to the US in 1999, my diet drastically changed without me giving it a second thought. I went from rice and beans to TV dinners, from curry and vegetables to Ramen noodles. In college I existed on pasta, fried chicken, alcohol, caffeine, frozen meals, and anything I could lug across campus from the food store. Although outwardly I appeared fit, I was eating the kind of diet that leads to heart disease and high cholesterol.

After college, my diet consisted of pizza, pasta, canned beans, canned soup, and anything else I could fix up really quick on the stove. Because I was a terrible cook I turned to things that were high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat, all the while not understanding the link between these foods and my PCOS. I was at the top of my sugar wave and the more sugar and carbs I consumed, the more I was addicted to them. It was a vicious cycle that I was unwilling to break. I started gaining weight, losing hair, and developing acne, all the while working out as hard as I could and getting nowhere.

It was not until I began to read more about the disease and learn to cook for myself that I saw what I was really doing to myself.

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

In 2011, I began seeing a specialist at local fertility clinic. This was the first time that someone addressed my PCOS as a real syndrome that needed to be attended to. The doctor gave me a food chart and asked that I wrote down all that I ate for a week. She then sat me down and showed me on a diagram just how much sugar I was taking in and how little protein and fiber I was getting. She suggested I try a low carb, high protein diet similar to the Atkins diet. “Why?” I asked. She explained that PCOS has been linked to insulin resistance. “Let me explain it this way,” she said, “For example, if I eat a cupcake and you eat a cupcake, I will burn off that cupcake in a day or so. Whereas women with PCOS may eat the cupcake and it could take a week to burn off that cupcake.”

I was shocked. Why had nobody told me this before?

According to the PCOS Foundation, “Insulin resistance (IR) is a physiological condition where the natural hormone, insulin, becomes less effective at lowering blood sugars. The resulting increase in blood glucose may raise levels outside the normal range and cause adverse health effects.” If left untreated these high insulin levels can lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, increased insulin levels causes the increase of androgen production, leading to excess hair on the body, loss of hair on the head, and acne. It also may lead to infertility.

Sugar Crash versus Hormone Roller-Coaster

So what caused my crash off the sugar wave? I believe that my sugar filled weekend, coupled with a sudden stop of food (I hadn’t eaten in 5 hours) lead to a dramatic drop in glucose. Although I am no doctor, I also think I was emotional because my hormones had been up and down all weekend.

Listening to my doctor, I knew right then and there that my sweet tooth had to be curbed, but it took a while to follow through on her advice.

Sugar Addicts Anonymous

It’s not easy being a sugar addict. Every day consists of riding the sugar wave: I wake up and have tea that is filled with sugar, for breakfast I have cereal or yogurt that is filled with sugar, at lunch I have something with carbs, in the afternoon I have some chocolate, at dinner I have carbs again and some protein, and then just before midnight I raid the fridge looking for something sweet. If I go out to dinner, I must order a dessert. I am, unfortunately, a card carrying member of the Sugar Addicts Anonymous.

How Much Sugar Per Day?

Men should have no more than 37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons
Women should have no more than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons

…according to the American Heart Association.

It’s not a real club but it really should exist. There are probably hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of us living in the United States. When we live in a country where even our bread has sugar in it – yes, even our bread, just read the labels for High Fructose Corn syrup – it feels like we have been set up to fail. But there is a way out!

The truth is, just like any other addiction, you have to work hard at it. My changes began with watching movies like Food Nation and Forks Over Knives and reading books like “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and “Women Code.” I came to realize that I needed to nurture my body and think about the things I was putting into it. At first I found sugar alternatives like agave nectar or honey, but then I realized I was using just as much (if not more) honey than I was sugar, so was I making that much of a difference?

Over the course of a year, I cut back on my sugar in small steps like instead of three spoons I had one spoon in my tea. Then I dumped out my yogurts with 18g of sugar and opted for one with 9 grams, and then one with no sugar because it was just natural yogurt (I just added fruit). I learned to read labels, I cut down on my alcohol intake (which was a huge factor), and I increased dark, leafy vegetables and grains.

I can’t say its been an easy road and weekends like this remind me what riding the sugar wave is all about. But I like to think I am riding the sugar lake now with an occasional wave coming up on the horizon. The PCOS symptoms have been under control for the past year and I know that my diet and a good exercise regime has helped to keep them at bay.

And although that chocolate cake might taste oh-so-wonderful as I scarf it down, perhaps this time I’ll give it a pass.

Read more about my sugar addiction on my blog.

Photo credit: Paul Patton

Your Real Body Type: You are NOT a Fruit!

by John-Brandon Pierre

Published on August 21, 2013

4344 views

In our minds are deeply held beliefs about our bodies. We constantly assess our bodies whether we’re naked, clothed, or being intimate. The thoughts never completely leave our minds because, let’s face it, our birthday suit is the only gift we can’t return. We can, however, improve it, shape it, and mold it to our liking. Even with its amazing potential for customization, we often panic, fret, and judge our bodies. We see terms like “pear,” “apple,” and “coke bottle” to describe our body shape. But, unless you’re in the mall looking for clothes, all of these terms (including other references to your body using fruits vegetables and inanimate objects) are wrong. Once you understand what your body type really is you can relax knowing that, while some physical features can’t be changed, you still have a lot of control over your body and it’s physique.

Muscle, Fat and Bone

When we think of our body composition three things usually come to mind, muscle, fat, and bone. Now if you’re in the medical field those thoughts go much deeper but for the sake of simplicity it’s true that our body’s shape mostly consists of muscle tissue, fat tissue, and bone tissue. Media and mass circulated misinformation can make it seem like our body types are set and there isn’t much we can do about them, that our genetics have to be perfect in order to be fit and healthy, or that we have to undergo some crazy surgery and take a miracle pill to get our bodies to a place where we feel confident and positive about ourselves. This type of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. As a trainer I’ve heard the excuses and the concerns that plague the minds of friends, family, and clients. It’s often a feeling of helplessness, one that is incredibly hard to express let alone deal with. The good news is that muscle fiber can be built, fat cells can be reduced in size and the body really is concerned with only two things, efficiency and survival.

Muscles

Your muscles, a major part of your musculoskeletal system which is made up of bones muscles ligaments and tendons; its purpose is to, “protect and support the internal structures and organs of the body, allow movement, give shape to the body, produce blood cells, store calcium and phosphorus and produce heat.”[emphasis added] Your body is in a constant struggle to create efficiency by constantly changing to meet the amount of strain you place on it. Muscle fiber gives the body shape and your organs protection. It also creates more red blood cells, increases your white blood cell count, and can increase the body’s ability to fight infection. Here is the secret: you need muscles. Skinny isn’t necessarily healthy. Skinny is in itself a potential health issue, but I’ll get to that in a future article. Muscles big and small are vital to your survival and well-being.

Fat

Fat, also known as lipids, is another misunderstood aspect of health. Lipids of the appropriate type are incredibly important to the body. While saturated and trans fats can be harmful, other fats such as mono and polyunsaturated fats are healthy and support your body’s functioning by acting as a “highly concentrated secondary energy source, and a carrying agent in the transportation of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are an essential ingredient in skin and hair and regulate blood pressure.” (pg. 478) You as an informed consumer need to be aware of what you are putting into your body. It will determine the quality of life you live both now and in your later years.

Bones

Usually we only get information about bones after damage has been done or in a milk commercial. Your skeleton “serves as a collection of levers that transmit muscular forces, protects organs, serves as a framework for tissues and organs, and serve as banks for storage and release of minerals like calcium and phosphorous.”(pg. 74) Exercise (low or high impact) creates dense bones providing us with a healthier, stronger, and more durable skeleton. A diet and exercise regime that supports bone health is also critical to help people create a healthy future.

Body Types

In keeping with the idea that the most useful information is simple information, I’d like to bring your attention to something called Somatotypes. When people talk about what genetic body type they are, this is what they should be referring to. Your Somatotype is your body’s propensity to create, store, or regulate muscle and fat. The term “Somatotype” was coined by William H. Sheldon. “William H. Sheldon, PhD, MD, introduced the concept of body types, or somatotypes, in the 1940s. Most people are unique combinations of the three body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.” “Most individuals have a dominant somatotype and also display some characteristics of the other two.” Keep this in mind the next time you look in the mirror and are being a little overly critical of your body. There are arguments involving bodybuilders, scientists, and fitness professionals that support the theory that your Somatotype is not set in stone and can change through exercise and dieting. This is an entirely different subject and there is a lot of information out there if I’ve piqued your interest.

Female body type — What body type are you?

It is believed that ectomorphs have fewer fat cells and muscle fiber cells. Again, this is arguable but they are classified as having very lean frames, high metabolisms, and small muscles. Ectomorphs can build muscle and they can get fat if they become overly sedentary. The University of Houston says, “While most of us love to hate these genetically-blessed individuals, some male ectomorphs may not be thrilled with their narrow-chested frames, and some female ectomorphs long for more womanly curves.” Now does this mean that a female ectomorph can’t have womanly curves? Absolutely not! It just takes work and she has to pay attention to her diet. She can’t be peckish about eating and has to educate herself on proper dieting to get her to her goal.

On the other end of the spectrum is the endomorph. Many endomorphs simply give up thinking that they must be cursed to never be fit and healthy. Many endomorphs are actually ecto- and mesomorphs that are super sedentary and have terrible diets, thus they are not endomorphs at all. But, to those true endomorphs, you are not without hope. Endomorphs simply have more muscle fibers and more fat cells, so paying close attention to exercise and dieting is crucial. Step off the yellow brick road and Dorothy is storing fat, fast. Living healthy, exercising, and being active, all while adopting a healthy diet is the key to a fit healthy life.

Last is the famed and envied mesomorph. Their bodies pack on muscle easily and have fewer fat cells so they usually have a very muscular build. I’ll even admit (and I’m an ectomorph), that they hit the genetic jackpot. All that is needed is consistent exercise and a good diet and their bodies can become shaped very easily. Does this mean mesomorphs don’t get fat? No! Like any person, no matter the body type, diet and exercise is critical to good health.

A Healthy Lifestyle is all that Matters

So, no matter your body type, the key is to live healthy (research your food and what is going into your body) and be active. When you stand in front of the mirror and you’re being your own worst critic, ask yourself a few honest questions. Do you really have any goals for your health and fitness? How do you eat, honestly? Are you active and how? Then realize that what you see is your creation. You can change it. Genetics are there to help us survive as a species, not hold us back. They neither doom or guarantee fitness or good health. You have power over your body, and there are people like me who simply want to dispel the myths and encourage and empower you with the ability to live the life you really want to live. So now you know that the terms Pear, Apple, Bottle, etc. belong in the clothing stores. They have no practical application other than picking out a shirt, jeans, a dress or other garment. When you look at yourself, see what you want to be, make a plan, and get after it. Stay healthy, and keep moving forward.

References

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/somatotype

“It’s Your Body Composition, Not Your Body Weight That Matters!” IronMagazine Bodybuilding Fitness Magazine Anabolic Steroid Resource RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2013.http://www.ironmagazine.com/2012/its-your-body-composition-not-your-body-weight-that-matters/

“HOW TO SOMATOTYPE.” HOW TO SOMATOTYPE. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2013.http://www.mysomatotype.com/howtosomatotype/

“Understanding the Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body.” – The Musculoskeletal System. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2013. http://lrrpublic.cli.det.nsw.edu.au/lrrSecure/Sites/LRRView/7700/documents/5657/5657/5657_04.htm

“THE 3 SOMATOTYPES.” THE 3 SOMATOTYPES. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2013.http://www.uh.edu/fitness/comm_educators/3_somatotypesNEW.htm

Hatfield, Frederick C. Fitness: The Complete Guide.Santa Barbara,CA: International Sports Sciences Association, 1996. Print

About the Author: John-Brandon Pierre is a former enlisted United States Marine who, for twelve years, had the responsibility of keeping Marines in shape, conditioned, and ready for the worst both physically and mentally. John is now an ISSA Certified Fitness professional and the proud owner of Pinnacle Fitness and Training.

Get bikini ready fast! Lose weight now! Specially formulated for women!

by Lynda Chang

Published on May 14, 2013

2960 views

Got your attention, eh?

Summer is nipping at our heels, which brings shudders to many women. No longer can we hide under big sweaters and coats. It’s time to peel off our winter camouflage and get bikini ready! At least this is what we’re led to believe as we’re bombarded by media ads and commercials.

In 2012, Americans spent $20 billion in their weight loss quest, including diet books, diet drugs and weight loss surgeries. At any given time there are approximately 108 million dieters in the U.S., typically making four to five attempts each year. Eighty-five percent are women, so it’s no wonder the weight loss industry has created a niche targeted to women. Typical diet pill concoctions consist of thermogenic fat burners and appetite suppressants. The Bermuda triangle for me is HOW these products have been tailored to specifically work for women. SLIMQUICK® and Pro Clinical HydroxyCut™ Max are two “made for women” products that are easily recognizable on retail shelves, ready to be snatched up by eager consumers.

Key Differences

Men and women are different. We know this. Our physiological differences are apparent. At the root of these key differences are our hormones, dictated by the various glands of our endocrine system. There are more than 20 major hormones that course through our bloodstream to influence almost every cell, organ and function of our bodies. Males and females differ by the types and levels of hormones that run through our respective masculine and feminine veins. By diet pill manufacturers targeting women, we would assume that these magic pills work in conjunction with our cycling hormones.

The Bermuda Triangle of Weight Loss

“The active ingredients in the SLIMQUICK formula are backed by real clinical research that shows that they work to burn fat, reduce appetite and increase energy! In a clinical study, overweight women using a key ingredient in SLIMQUICK along with a 1,350-calorie diet lost an average of three times the weight compared to those who just followed the 1,350-calorie diet! That means you could get three times the weight results by using SLIMQUICK!” is SLIMQUICK’s FAQ explanation to the question “How does SLIMQUICK work?”

The website repeats usage of the term “key ingredients,” yet provides no details of what these key ingredients are. All this may satisfy the consumer hopeful for a quick fix, but for me it explains nothing and only irritates me. I went further to buy a bottle with the hopes of finding a sound scientific explanation within the packaging, but to no avail. There’s a nice mini glossy color package insert that includes a diet plan, but still lacks clinical explanation to their trademark tagline, “Designed for Women™.” A deeper dive on their webpage, Designed for Women, provides yet another ambiguous explanation of how women are genetically programmed to carry extra fat. Compared to men, we have more enzymes for fat storage and less for fat burning. There are six physiological barriers that hinder women with weight loss, but guess what? SLIMQUICK helps overcome these barriers. HOW is still the million dollar question, or should I say in the weight loss industry, the billion dollar question.

From what I can tell, caffeine seems to be the only identifiable key ingredient in SLIMQUICK. Let’s do a simple breakdown. What does caffeine do? It gives us a temporary energy boost and dehydrates us. Caffeine gives us energy to move more and we lose water. Water loss results in weight loss, but that loss is only temporary. SLIMQUICK states that each full serving (3 caplets) contains the caffeine equivalent to approximately two 8-ounce cups of regular brewed coffee. So why not just drink coffee?

Pro Clinical HydroxyCut Max does somewhat of a better explanation, if only by comparison to SLIMQUICK. The genesis of the product came about to meet the weight loss needs of competitive female fitness athletes and figure models; you know, the ones we see in health and fitness magazines in their perfectly toned bikini bodies. The website states the product, “contains an ingredient that delivers fast-acting energizing effects.

Max! Hydroxagen® contains proprietary ingredient blends that complete the formula.” Oh hey, proprietary ingredient blends sounds legit! Are you getting excited? Keep reading. “The Max! ProDefine™ Blend is composed of clinically proven key ingredients that can help you achieve powerful weight loss results.” Wow, clinically proven so it must work! Furthermore, each pill “contains an ingredient (caffeine anhydrous [1,3,7-trimethylxanthine]) that supports increased energy.” Claims include data analysis of the results from two clinical studies on the key ingredients (lady’s mantle extract, wild olive extract, komijn extract, and wild mint extract) shows statistical significance for test subjects having lost 7 times more weight versus placebo subjects. Are you ready to buy now? Not so fast. As always pay attention to the fine print. Footnotes state average weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reduction with key ingredients were achieved and that all groups followed a calorie-reduced diet. Repeat the last part of that last sentence. All groups followed a calorie-reduced diet. There is your scientifically proven formula. Weight loss happens when calorie burn is more than calorie intake.

Reality Check

One ugly truth about an industry that caters to aesthetics is they actually want you to fail. They want to hook you in for a temporary fix, with the hopes of keeping you hooked. Circle back to the 2012 statistics of approximately 108 million dieters in the U.S., typically making four to five attempts annually to lose weight. Each repeated attempt is the fail ratio the weight loss industry counts on to stay successful.

Why am I so passionate about the topic? I was the kid who could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight. A can of corn with a stick of butter (yes, a whole stick of butter) melted in the microwave was a snack for me. Then one day as an impressionable teen, I was weighed with my dance team. Weight scales were a non-factor for me until then. The scale hit 109 lbs. Somehow my brain blitzed and I didn’t want to be a 3-digit weight girl. I wanted to be only 2-digits! Never mind the fact I stand 5’3” and 109 lbs was a reasonable weight. I needed to be 2-digits, so I put myself on this blind asinine “diet” based on Slim-Fast commercials. I had two shakes a day, yet still ate Burger King Whoppers. In my young utterly clueless mind, I thought this diet shake was the magic bullet to weight loss. Why? Because I believed the commercials. Two shakes for breakfast and lunch, with a sensible dinner. Did I lose weight? Yes. The weight loss also triggered an unhealthy need to keep losing weight for the magic goal of 90 lbs.

Through age and life experiences, we become smarter human beings. We are logical. We know and understand facts, but as humans we are also driven by emotions; lured into quick fix pills and the weight loss industry preys on that. Revenue is based on moving product. SLIMQUICK claims to be the #1 leading weight loss brand for women since 2005. I give them credit for their business savvy. They certainly move a lot of product for not explaining a whole lot. They even offer a free trial if you pay $4.95 only shipping and handling. Hook, line and sinker.

At the end of this article, I still have no idea what is it about the diet pills that make them work for only women, and frankly I don’t care to find out because ultimately they’re not good for our health. Thankfully after cycling through various diet kicks, I have landed on a healthy lifestyle. I stay active and eat well. No food is off limits. If you want it, enjoy it in moderation. Deprivation leads to obsession. Just say no to magic beans that will lead you to no place better than Jack and his beanstalk. We all fluctuate from time to time in our health. When it comes time to “get healthier,” do what you already know.

Lazy Men Have Fewer and Slower Sperm

by Chandler Marrs, PhD

Published on February 19, 2013

2618 views

Two publications from the same the study population (Rochester Young Men’s Study) affirmed what women everywhere have long suspected: active, healthy men make better mates. That’s right, exercise and healthy diet affect a man’s ability to mate at the most fundamental level – his sperm quality.

Researchers from Harvard’s School of Public Health found that otherwise health young men (ages 18-22, n = 188) who were predominantly sedentary and/or eat poorly had significantly fewer sperm and slower, less active sperm. Because the studies were analyzed and published separately and we were only able to access the abstracts, it is not clear if men who were both sedentary and had a poor diet suffered greater reductions in sperm quantity and quality than men who met only one of those requirements. We can only surmise that it would be the case.

Physical activity and sperm quantity. Men with greater than 15 hours per week of moderate to vigorous activity had an average 73% more sperm than men who were largely sedentary and exercised <5 hours per week.

Diet and sperm quality. Men who ate well and included fruits, vegetables and fish in their diets had 11% more active (motile) sperm than men who ate the typical western diet rich in processed food and red meat.

The takeaway, exercise and healthy diet impact one’s ability to conceive at the most basic level. So before mating or seeking pricey fertility treatments, consider cleaning up your diet and lifestyle.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Ideas for Diabetics, Vegetarians and Everyone in Between

by Lauren Chmiel

Published on November 21, 2012

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The holidays symbolize a joyous time of family, friends and food. As a big proponent of a plant-based diet, this time of year has usually served as a conundrum for me. While my family is carving the turkey and noshing on honey-baked ham, I have always found myself turning to the carbohydrate-heavy side dishes. I have decided I am done torturing myself and have taken to the Internet and vegan/vegetarian cookbooks for help in planning a healthy, plant-based holiday. Rather than turkey, I indulge in acorn squash stuffed with spinach and a bit of Gorgonzola (or, for my vegan audience, try a quinoa mushroom pilaf stuffing instead). The traditional turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes is not necessary for a fulfilling holiday. If you are curious about plant-based Thanksgiving dishes, I highly recommend sites such as The Post Punk Kitchen, Vegetarian Times or One Green Planet. For me, experimenting with new, healthier foods has been an exciting and challenging adventure.

Regardless of dietary status, it is important to recognize that the average person consumes anywhere between 5,000 to 6,000 calories throughout Thanksgiving Day. Such a deluge of food into the human body overworks our system. According to Joanna Gorman, a registered dietitian quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal, insulin and the breakdown of fat kick into high gear and cause unnecessary strain and stress. For those among us who must monitor their insulin, there are a number of substitutions one can make on Thanksgiving, such as switching out potatoes for mashed rutabagas, parsnips or cauliflower for more fiber and lower carbs. Try sautéed green beans with garlic instead of casserole, which can be heavy with cheese and cream. Use whole-grain bread crumbs (or even brown rice) and double the veggies for your stuffing. The Mayo Clinic and dLife (a Diabetes resource site) both share a number of recipes and ideas for a healthful holiday.

The best way to avoid overeating for one big meal is to partake in smaller meals throughout the day. Portion control and light exercise is key; rather than sitting on the couch all day, maybe take a little walk around the block with a loved one instead. Listen to your body and don’t keep allowing yourself to eat out of boredom or based on the deliciousness of a particular dish. Not only should we keep ourselves from overeating, we shouldn’t push our loved ones to eat more when they are already sated either.

It is important to enter the holiday season armed with knowledge on how we can better care for each other and ourselves. Many choices we make during this time of year, such as overindulging in sweets or tripling our calorie count can be harmful to our bodies. I know I have made these mistakes many times and felt remorse and physical pain as a result of my overeating. I truly hope these resources will allow my readers to seek out new and interesting recipes and partake in a healthy and happy holiday season.

Hormones Matter

Where health, hormones, and a whole bunch of other stuff, make sense.

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