Diet & Fitness Blog

Then one night, dateless at New Year's Eve party, she decided that something had to give, and she declared, "This can't be, this is not who I am and this is not who I want to be! I do not want to be wearing a size-14 party dress at any New Year's Eve to come!" And that was the big "a-ha moment" when Alane decided to lose the weight once and for all!

She started with eDiets at 178 pounds and wearing a size 14. After unsuccessfully trying several other weight-loss plans, she saw a link to eDiets.com and began exploring the Web site. Alane liked that she could see sample menus from all of the various meal plans that were available, and that she was able to change between plans to find what works best for her. The Glycemic Impact Plan looked like it would work best for Alane; she liked the idea of eating several smaller meals throughout the day. But she says it was not just the diet, but the Community she found with eDiets that made the biggest difference in her ultimate success!

With the other weight-loss plans she tried, Alane says she felt alone. As a single professional living in the city, she felt she couldn't relate to the majority of people who were part of the other weight-loss plans she had previously tried. But when she joined eDiets, she found an entire community of people just like herself -- people that held lifestyles similar to hers and that had still managed to successfully lose weight! Alane now moderates the "Living Single and Healthy" Support Board, helping others to find a successful path to weight loss while living the single lifestyle. She also frequents the Exercise and Fitness Board, and says the support she receives there helps her with accountability and the friends she made are always helping to cheer her on towards her goals.

Alane found the expert advice available on eDiets to be an indispensible tool as well. She says, "It was an eDiets expert that helped me to make a lot of changes in how I cared for myself." All in all, she says of the Community, "It was a godsend -- I couldn't have done it without them!" The Support Boards helped Alane to find tips and tricks she needed to make it all work when you're working full time, dating and going to school.

After dropping an incredible 44 pounds with eDiets, Alane exclaimed, "It's nice looking better in my 40s than I did all the way through my 30s!" She is now actually maintaining at 134 pounds… that's 4 pounds BELOW her goal weight of 138! Go Alane! Now going to New Year's parties in stylish and sexy size 6 dresses, Alane has gained the confidence to get out there and enjoy the single life and all it has to offer! She also says it's unfortunate, but her weight loss has also improved how people view her at work. "It seems professionalism and ability are unfortunately often partially judged on how you look. I am more effective and better respected now than I was before. I don't feel like people will immediately dismiss me, and I'm more confident!"

Alane cautions that it was not an easy journey for her. She has numerous physical limitations and was on several types of medications that slowed her weight loss and served to compound the lifestyle obstacles that she needed to overcome. But perseverance is the name of the game, and Alane is a true champion of making the best of what she had. On the Support Boards, she's often heard saying, "If you can't do what you think you're supposed to do, do what you can anyway!" That is to say, even if you can't be perfect, doing what you can is better than doing nothing at all.

Alane's last bit of advice? "If it's overwhelming, all of these lifestyle changes, don't try to make them all at once, do it in baby steps! Practice each new change before you incorporate a new one. Approached as practice, slowly it all becomes part of what you do, your lifestyle will change and you won't even know it!" Great advice from someone who's been there!

Find the plan and support you need to suit YOUR lifestyle!
Take our Free Diet Profile and get started today!

Labels: diet, exercise, motivation, nutrition, testimonial, weight, weight-loss

Losing weight is difficult. It takes healthy eating, exercise, commitment and support. Couples support each other through all sorts of lifestyle changes, such as marriage, a career switch and childbirth, but what about dieting? When two people agree to share everything, shouldn't a commitment to healthier living be at the forefront?

According to a new report from Yale University, "When both members are equally motivated to shed pounds, they can support each other and achieve greater weight loss than when they go it alone."

Why should the two of you diet together? Find out how working together as a couple can create even greater results than doing it alone...

"Let's get rid of the word diet -- and talk lifestyle," says nutritionist Susan Burke. "Couples should undertake lifestyle changes together. When both resolve to change their lifestyle and their attitude about eating, then it can be a very positive experience -- one that will lead to permanent weight loss."

However, Burke warns that if you're committed to losing weight and living healthy -- and your partner isn't -- it can create conflict in the home. If your partner isn't willing to get on board your boat to better health, don't give up -- try leading by example.

"I'm a firm believer that the best way to influence those around you is to simply be a good example," says psychologist Dr. John Sklare. "If you are more dedicated than your partner, be as supportive and helpful as you can be while being the model of the behavior you are trying to inspire."

While you can do it alone, both experts agree that teaming up is the best way to change both your lives. Change isn't easy, and having someone who's going through the same transformation and working toward the same goals will bring a sense of solidarity to the process, Burke says.

"I'm a great advocate of couples doing a lot of things together -- and losing weight together is high on the list," Sklare said. "Two people working toward the same goal not only makes achieving that goal more likely, but it significantly reduces the emotional intensity of the endeavor."

Burke reemphasizes the fact that this is more than just "dieting together" and that you both must strive for a lifestyle change that lasts. Most people think "diet" means a temporary restriction of calories to lose weight, Burke says.

"They 'go on' a diet and eat diet food. When they 'go off' the diet they return to their usual way of eating, and usually wind up regaining more than they originally lost. Unless they change their lifestyle and their attitude about eating, they'll be stuck in this weight fluctuation cycle of losing and gaining," she explains.

Change is inevitable, but it's nice to have someone there during those uncertain, trying times when you're struggling for a serious life change. Imagine if you were the only one working toward getting married or your husband suggested: "It's fine if you want kids, but don't expect any help from me." Absurd, right?

Changing lifelong habits of poor eating and overindulgence are changes that will dramatically affect the way you live, as well as how long you live, but it's a difficult transition. Just like any major change, you'll need support.

"One of the most common complaints that I hear from women dieting on their own is the difficult time they have preparing two different meals," Sklare says. "Not to mention that when your partner is on the same eating program that you are, they are less likely to bring foods into the house that tests your will."

"Just as your partner can be a supportive presence in your efforts, they can also help undue your resolve," warns Susan. If the commitment becomes one-sided and you feel your partner giving up, Susan recommends not giving up on your spouse.

"If your partner isn't as committed to lifestyle change as you are, then they may sabotage your efforts. They may give up and want you to give up as well. If that happens, explore why your partner wants to give up, acknowledge their struggle with the change and show your support for their efforts, emphasize your commitment to your new healthy lifestyle and ask for their support as well," Burke says.

"Most people find comfort and encouragement in interacting with others of like minds that have an intimate understanding of their struggle and share a similar perspective," Dr. Sklare explains.

Dieting together can be a great way to bring you closer to your partner while achieving a healthier body, but if you don't keep the lines of communication open and support each other, it can also break apart a shaky relationship. Working together as a couple can create even greater results than going it alone, if you're both ready.

And when you decide you're ready, eDiets FREE diet profile is a great place to start. Good luck!

Labels: diet, motivation, relationships, tips, weight-loss

Labels: exercise, fun, motivation, running

Labels: exercise, motivation, music, weight-loss, workout

So often we judge ourselves based on our physical self. This means we are judging ourselves according to our height, weight, body proportions, smile, posture, nails, breasts, hair texture, appetite and so on.

We must learn to accept those things about ourselves that we cannot change. When we dwell on those aspects we don't like, we breed negative thinking. This means we are setting ourselves up for failure, either through self-starvation or bingeing. When we learn to accept ourselves for the attributes we possess instead of fighting them all the way, we stop wasting energy on something we cannot change.

When we think about ourselves, it is important to see the big picture: You are more than your physical being. Your are more than what the scale says!

This preoccupation with negative perceptions and the number on the scale is what typically sets most people up for eating disturbances. Begin thinking of yourself as the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, sexual, psychological, assertive, career person that you truly are. All of these aspects determine who you are, not just your physical self, and especially not the scale.

When looking at your physical self, you must include looking into your lifestyle -- your health and eating habits, not just your weight in pounds. You must understand that some of your physical self IS a result of genetics, and cannot be changed no matter how hard you try. You must accept this and work on those things that you CAN change.

Your goals should include a lifestyle of eating that you can follow for the rest of your life, not just on a temporary basis. If you've been on a lot of diets before, you know the pain of yo-yoing, and you know that "diets" don't work in the long run.

You want to choose a lifestyle of eating that you can continue for the rest of your life. Most people cannot be on a restrictive diet forever. Depriving yourself of your wants is just another way of setting yourself up for a binge. I have listed below some general tips for healthier living.

1. Structure your eating to include three meals a day with two or three snacks in between. The more you structure yourself, the less likely you will be to binge and the less obsessed you will become with food. Eating the small snacks between meals will increase your metabolism and keep your blood sugar levels balanced, thus allowing you to function at optimal levels throughout your day.

2. Follow your eDiets meal plan, limiting the fat you consume.

3. Do not use drugs and alcohol. These will only increase your desire for high fat foods.

4. Read labels on the food products you consume. The American Heart Association recommends that you get no more than 30 percent of your total calories from fat. You can get more specifics from the eDiets nutritional experts.

5. Avoid trigger foods. These are foods that when you eat a little they make you crave a lot more. Be aware of which foods are emotional triggers for you. Once you gain this insight, you can learn ways to manage those emotions in the absence of food.

6. Think of "plenty" rather than deprivation. Know that you are choosing a healthy lifestyle rather than a deprivation of eating. The more you think you are depriving yourself, the easier it is to binge. Deprivation and punishment is NOT the way to lose weight. Food is abundant and plentiful. It will be there when you need it to fuel your body.

7. Be AWARE of what you are eating. Many people eat while watching TV, driving a car, talking on the phone, working at the computer and so on. When you are conscious of your intake, you will eat less, savor it more, and enjoy the process, rather than inhaling your food. Allow yourself to eat only at the dining table.

8. Do not skip meals. Skipping meals makes you believe that at your next meal you can eat twice as much because you have been "good." This is a surefire way to set yourself up for a binge. The hunger that you feel after skipping a meal or snack sets you up to eat more and eat faster. Eating frequently takes less control than not allowing yourself to eat. As a result, you don't lose control and you most likely will not binge.

9. Once a binge has occurred, take note as to what caused it.

10. During a binge, try to be aware that you are binging and make an attempt to stop after you become aware of your behavior.

11. Once you recognize why you are binging, take steps to prevent a binge in the first place.

12. Plan ahead about how you will feel after you eat a certain food. Visualize how you will feel if you eat those foods, and visualize how you will feel by refusing those foods. The visualization is preparation for the future.

You must remember that changing thoughts, feelings and behaviors takes time. Work through this process slowly. Success is a journey, not a destination! Enjoy the ride.

Dr. Susan Mendelsohn is a licensed psychologist who works with a variety of addictions and specializes in managing eating disorders.

Labels: diet, motivation

I have a few different playlists that I listen to when I'm working up a sweat. Depends on my mood that day, I guess. One day Britney Spears might get me motivated, and the next day, it might be Jimi Hendrix that does the trick.

Either way, it's my list, my ears and my headphones -- so no one else has to know about my occasional (and potentially embarrassing) Village People days.

So we want to know: What are your favorite workout songs?

Share them with us by commenting below, and we'll compile the Ultimate Workout Music playlist and share it with you later!

Labels: motivation, music, workout

As much as we'd all like to think energy comes in a bottle, it doesn't. But that doesn't mean you can't find it elsewhere. You just have to know the right places to look for it!

First of all, don't believe the hype. No matter how many commercials you see with energetic, skinny people running around, they didn't get like that from whatever product is for sale. It's called acting, and the product is most likely a scam.

Second of all, one of the most well-known sources of energy drain is stress. You'll see as soon as you learn techniques to reduce stress, your energy levels will increase. One great suggestion to try is deep breathing; another is meditation.

With that said, check out these five surefire tips to aid you in regaining an upward momentum:

1. Get adequate sleep -- This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people suffer from different forms of insomnia. Although the average amount of time is eight hours, it's whatever you need to feel rested and only you can determine that. Avoid caffeine and alcohol to assure a good night's rest.

2. Stay hydrated -- It is not only important to stay hydrated for your skin and digestive health, but your overall engine running, as well. Remain conscious about how much you're drinking throughout the day. You'll feel better when you've imbibed enough water!

3. Take a multivitamin -- Eating a balanced diet doesn't insure you'll get the minimum dietary requirements you need for energy. To remind yourself, put your bottle of multivitamins next to your toothpaste or something else you know you'll use at least once a day!

4.Exercise -- Although many people think exercise makes you tired, it does just the opposite if done in moderation. Exercise actually increases energy by getting the heart pumping, providing oxygen to working muscles and by increasing cardio respiratory capacity.

5. Eat breakfast -- Many may think it's not that important, but those who eat breakfast sure can tell the difference on days they skip. Your body is resting all night and the only way to get it started in the morning is by feeding it. It's like trying to start a car without gas -- it won't work. Something light and healthy is a great way to start your day.

Although the idea of a fizzy, lifting drink like the one in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a fantastic one, there is no such thing. Actual products on the market try to persuade the public their liquid energy is a magical experience. But it's not. Red Bull doesn't really give you wiiiings.

And next time you're feeling a little sluggish, don't rush to Starbucks for that Venti Mocha Frappuccino with extra whipped cream. Put on your mp3 player, kick on some energetic music, grab a bottle of water and take a brisk walk.

Everyone could use a little more energy in their day. Just a little push is all we need sometimes to kick into high gear. Just changing a few things in your everyday routine can make a difference. Try these tips -- they're almost a guaranteed prescription for increased energy.

Labels: career, motivation, tips, workout

Well, that's what you tell yourself, anyway. But it's just an excuse -- and we know what excuses are like, right? Stop wasting time and make "10 more minutes" mean something.

Now, "10 more minutes" is the battle cry of the fitness few that are ready to take their exercise routine to the next level. If you already have an exercise program that has you sweating 20-40 minutes, a few days a week, but you feel you've hit a plateau, it may be time to add a few more minutes.

It seems that 10 more minutes wouldn't make much difference. But if you consider the cumulative effect of 10 minutes a day over a whole year, a little time can make a large difference, according to eDiets Chief Fitness Pro Raphael Calzadilla.

"Even if you only add a moderately intense jog for 10 minutes at the end of your workout you can burn an extra 80 calories (based on a 150-pound person)," Raphael explains. "Doing this only three times a week burns an extra 960 calories per month. That's going to supply some substantial fat loss at the end of the year."

Raphael also recommends easing into the extra time over a few weeks. He gives this example:

"If you're jumping rope for 20 minutes, but your goal is 30, then add three intense minutes to the end of a session each week. So in week two you're at 23 minutes, week three at 26 minutes and by week four you're be churning out a tough 32 minutes. Short goals work great."

If you prefer something a little less repetitive, Raphael suggests 10 minutes of what he calls a "free for all."

"Keep choosing different exercises for 10 consecutive minutes such as 15 reps of squats, followed by 3 minutes of jump rope, followed by 1 minute jogging in place, followed by 20 push ups and so on -- until 10 minutes is completed."

This will supply variety and can be changed for each workout. If you like a little more structure, Raphael also offers a more focused 10-minute treatment targeting just one exercise.

"Performing one exercise for 10 minutes with minimal breaks between sets will actually help that muscle recover. For example, if you perform bench press on day one, and then the very next day, perform 100 reps of a different chest exercise, it will send an abundant amount of blood supply into the muscle," Raphael explains.

"This has been proven to accelerate recovery and will allow the chest to be worked again that much sooner. However, one should not go to muscular failure with the extended reps. You won't get 100 consecutive reps, stop 1-2 short of the first 25 reps, followed by the next quick set, and so forth. Choose a weight that allow for 25-30 reps and continue to 100 or 10 minutes."

This can be done with any body part and is great for recovery.

These are great ways to burn more calories and build more muscle -- the perfect plan for adding minimal time to your workout while reaping maximum rewards. However, consistency is the key according to our fitness pro. So what happens when you don't have time for a full workout?

Here's a little routine that only takes 10 minutes of exercise to burn 100 calories. There's no reason to miss a workout anymore.

One set of 10-minute calorie-burners include:

Labels: exercise, motivation, top 10, weight-loss

It's a funny thing about a new year... It's like you're getting a clean slate. 2007 has come and gone, and now 2008 holds the promise for a whole new beginning. January 1^st is a time to start fresh, to be your best, to really set your mind to doing the things you want to do.

Do you want to fit in your favorite jeans again? Lose 10, 20 or 100 pounds? Maybe you want reduce stress, get a new job, learn more about wine or keep in touch with friends more. New Year's resolutions can be as big as changing to a whole new, healthier lifestyle to as small as simply getting rid of those pesky piles around the house.

Whatever you decide your New Year's resolutions will be, we look forward to your success. And from all of us at eDiets, happy 2008... and happy new you!

Share your New Year's resolutions by commenting below -- make the promise to change, and we'll make the promise to cheer you on along the way!

Labels: holidays, motivation, weight-loss

Happy Love Your Body Day! Just in case you didn't know, October 18 is National Love Your Body Day. This is a special day that was set aside by the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1998 to promote self-esteem and healthy living in women.

The purpose of this day is to remind us that every body is beautiful and your weight is not your worth! Love yourself, the beautiful you that you see in the mirror... Today is a day to feel empowered, feel gorgeous and feel proud to be you!

At eDiets, our goal is to encourage women and girls to love their bodies and keep them healthy every day of the year. So be sure to wish all the special female friends and family you have a happy Love Your Body Day, and if you like, take the time to wish everyone else the same as well by posting a comment.

Labels: holidays, motivation

• NEW - Men's Health and Fitness Blog
• Eat on the Cheap: Guide to Supermarket Savings
• What's YOUR Excuse?
• POLL: I Wish I Could Improve My...
• What's the RIGHT Way?

• NEW eDiets Podcast Show
• Summer Workout Music Playlist!
• Oh No! Not Cookie Monster, Too...
• Biggest Celebrity Shills
• Rising Gas Prices: Can Anything Good Come of This?...
• 4 Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship with Mom
• Eat on the Cheap: Guide to Supermarket Savings
• What's YOUR Excuse?
• VIDEO: Train Like a Champion
• The Thought that Counts? Or the Actual Gift?
• Happy Oatmeal Cookie Day (and a healthy recipe)!

• June 2006
• July 2006
• August 2006
• September 2006
• October 2006
• November 2006
• January 2007
• February 2007
• March 2007
• April 2007
• May 2007
• June 2007
• July 2007
• August 2007
• September 2007
• October 2007
• November 2007
• December 2007
• January 2008
• February 2008
• March 2008
• April 2008
• May 2008