Can Yoga Improve Eating Habits?

New research points to another reason why yoga practitioners stay slim — it helps people become more in tune with feelings of hunger and fullness. Read the full story.

Is Krav Maga for You?

Looking for a new workout? The Israeli martial art Krav Maga is a great way to burn calories and build muscles — and it's fun, too.

• Get the facts on Krav Maga.

August 31, 2009

The FIT List FIT RUNNER: Fall Marathon Prep! FIT TIPS: Running 101: Beginner's Guide FIT FOOD: Top 7 Foods for Runners FIT SHOES: Find Your Perfect Running Shoe FIT BUY: Buy Running Shoes Here FIT BLOG: "I'm Running a Half-Marathon" FIT PLAN: 6 Weeks to a 5K FIT MUSIC: 60-Minute Marathon Playlist

6 Calorie Cutters to Fight Fat The number one rule for weight loss is one you already know: Keep your calories in check. However, sticking with this rule isn't always easy. To help you, we've rounded up the best research-backed tips for curbing your appetite and keeping your weight loss efforts on the fast track. 6 strategies to help you cut calories without feeling hungry. End Overeating! 100 Ways to Cut 100 Calories Are Calories Sneaking Onto Your Plate? 7 Ways to Beat Stress Fat Diet Secrets 8 Slim-Down Tips from The Biggest Loser Shed pounds using the very same diet strategies that Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels share with contestants at The Biggest Loser ranch. Whether you have 10, 20, or 30+ pounds to lose, these eight eat-smart tips and exercise tricks will kick your body's fat-burning engine into full gear.

Monday August 31, 2009
Welcome to today's edition of Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger.

Today's Small Change: Get to bed on time tonight.
Early to Bed
Less-than-stellar-quality sleep is a common complaint — 7 in 10 people say they experience frequent sleep problems. Yet there are a variety of ways to improve your sleep. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day will help set your body clock. Today I want you to decide what time you're going to go to sleep — and follow through with it.

To ensure that you stick to your bedtime, it's important not to schedule stimulating activities right up until your last waking moment. For example, most of us spend the last hour before bed watching TV several nights a week. While certain programs may be relaxing, catching up on financial news or watching a violent drama may make you more prone to tossing and turning. Likewise, a heavy meal late at night is likely to affect your sleep because your body will be busy digesting it. So do yourself a favor and cut back on TV and large meals before bed. Instead, create a wind-down routine to help yourself relax and be ready for a restful night's sleep when the time comes.

Your bedtime routine might mean taking a warm bath or curling up with a favorite book for a few minutes. There's some truth to a warm bath helping to produce restful sleep — your body temperature drops after the bath, which makes you feel relaxed and sleepy. If you're hungry, a light snack is fine; milk or a carbohydrate snack will help relax you.

A bedtime ritual need not be anything extravagant — just come up with a routine that will tell your body it's time to get ready for sleep. Stick to your bedtime, and set your alarm (if you use one) for the same time every morning — you'll sleep better in the long run.

- August 31

De-Stress in 3 Minutes or Less
Stop Emotional Eating Before It Starts

What is the single, most common problem that most dieters face when trying to lose weight? Will power? Nah. Temptation? Sometimes. Emotional eating? Bingo! That's why it takes so much more than good intentions and information about nutrition and exercise to be successful. The ability to manage difficult situations and feelings effectively--without turning to food and eating--is a necessary foundation of a successful weight loss plan and healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, there are many proactive steps you can take to keep functioning on all your mental cylinders during tough times. These steps range widely from basic relaxation techniques to the development of a reliable support network. Other options include:

Keeping a food journal to help you identify your emotional eating triggers Cultivating mental and emotional well-being through practices like meditation, mindfulness, massage, and yoga...

Monday August 31, 2009

Welcome to today's edition of the Duke Diet & Fitness Daily, your source for weight-loss advice from the experts at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. You can find even more nutrition, fitness, behavioral health, and medical tips at www.dukediet.com.

Food & Nutrition
A Healthy Take on Italian Food
If you love Italian food, here's good news! You don't have to give it up as part of a healthier lifestyle. But it may be a good idea to make some changes to the items you usually order. You can trim calories and fat while still enjoying a great meal. Try these tips for eating Italian the healthy way:

• Skip over the bread dripping in garlic butter or dipped in olive oil.
• Start your meal with a green salad or a healthy appetizer like marinated vegetables.
• Choose pasta paired with low-fat sauces like marinara, primavera, red or white clam, mushroom, white wine, or tomato and basil.

Click below to get seven more tips for enjoying an Italian meal without sidelining your weight-loss efforts.

Read more

			Don't blow your diet by splurging on unhealthy side dishes. With selections such as Grilled Potato Spears, Maple Beans, and Vegetable Rice Pilaf, you'll keep the meal interesting without overindulging.
	Citron Risotto Get recipe now >> Glazed Beets Get recipe now >> Carrot Brown Rice Get recipe now >> Herbed Skillet Vegetables Get recipe now >> Zucchini with Tomatoes Get recipe now >>

Smart Foods

Tea 101: Drink to Your Health!

Tea is the most-consumed beverage worldwide, next to water. And according to the Tea Association, Americans consumed well over 50 billion servings of tea in 2004,; or more than 2.25 billion gallons! About 87 percent was black tea, 12.5 percent green tea, and the small remainder oolong tea. Whether you're a regular tea drinker or just starting out, here's what you need to know about tea and its healthy side effects! Read more

Monday August 31, 2009

Hello, and welcome to your daily newsletter from
Joy's LIFE Diet!
Ask Joy

Thin Thighs Elude Her

Q: My thighs are way too big, but the rest of my body is in pretty good shape because I'm a big exerciser. Is there any diet I can follow that will help me lose in my thighs but not anywhere else?

A: Whether it's thighs, belly, arms, or ankles, most of us have body parts that we'd love to make over. Chances are, if you check out your family tree, you'll see thighs like yours (albeit with slight variations) on one or more relatives. In other words, your proportions and the places you store fat are largely governed by genetics. When you drop weight, your body directs where you lose the inches, and no diet — whether high-fat, low-fat, high-carb, or low-carb — can change that.

Even though spot-reducing can't be achieved through diet, that doesn't mean you can't do something about your thighs. The good news is that when you take in an appropriate amount of calories (meaning less than you burn), you'll eventually lose weight all over — including in the problem areas. And if you continue to regularly exercise while watching what you eat, you'll burn more calories and you'll tone, tighten, and strengthen the muscles underneath the fat, so when it comes off, your thighs will look lean and downright smashing!