As the countdown to season five of NBC’s Biggest Loser begins, we thought we’d catch up with two of the contestants. Neill and Amanda Harmer make up the white team on the first time Biggest Loser Couples season. The Oklahoma City couple has been married for three years, they have a two-year old son and say they’ve both battled their weight most of their lives.
I was fortunate enough to catch up with Neill and Amanda a few days before the big premiere. And I’m glad that I did. If you haven’t already made a decision on which of the ten teams you’re going to cheer for- I think the Harmers should be a top choice. They are so genuinely down to earth, have a captivating sense of humor and are truly in Biggest Loser to win. You can tell that above being a devoted married couple, they are the best of friends.
Be sure to tune into NBC this coming Tuesday night, January 1 at 7 p.m CST to watch the Harmers and the other couples on Biggest Loser’s premiere. You can follow along right here at Diets in Review for weekly episode updates. We plan on catching up with Neill and Amanda at the season’s finale to chat about the things that were hush-hush during this interview.
Nearly everyone over the age of 30 starts their quest for the Fountain of Youth. To a large extent, the effects of aging are inevitable. Are there measures you can take to counter some of those issues brought on by Father Time? Sure.
There is one simple thing you can do. Before you go out and buy expensive creams and lotions, consider this list compiled by New York Times writer Natasha Singer. Simple common sense, like washing your face, can do wonders.
We’re very excited at Diets In Review to welcome our newest contributor to the Diet Column, as well as a new expert voice behind those reviews you’ve come to depend on. Heather Ashare joins us this week. Heather is a writer specializing in nutrition, wellness and health. She received a Masters degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. Heather has written for a number of health publications and magazines around the country including The Detroit News, NY Spirit and Smart Woman Chicago magazines.
Heather has also been a dedicated practitioner and instructor of Ashtanga yoga for the past six years. She has also been studying Ayurveda medicine, the ancient form of Indian health and healing for the past three years and edited the book “The Power to Heal” which is an introduction to Ayurveda.
She currently lives with her boyfriend and their daughter in Michigan.
Welcome, Heather.
How much cardio is too much cardio? It’s a question of personal interest. Not that I’ve been hitting the treadmill every day. But, I evidently overdid it on the eliptical machine a couple weeks back.
Back being the operative word.
My lower back has been tense and sore ever since my cardio routine of a couple Saturdays ago. I attribute it to maybe too light on the stretching and a little too much on what was a new machine for me.
Anyway, back to the initial question.
A reader asks MSNBC Contributing Editor Jacqueline Stenson how much is too much.
Proponents of eating raw food, take note. A new Italian study shows that cooking veggies doesn’t always render them nutritiously inferior. The study found that raw vegetables were packed with antioxidants. But that after cooking them, the results were mixed. Some lost antioxidants, while others surprisingly gained them!
A reader writes…
I am 300 pounds and I am a paraplegic. I have use of my upper body only. What can I do to lose my weight? I already have changed the way I eat.
-W.J.
To answer such a sensitive question, I asked my friend and former colleague at eDiets.com, Susan Burke March, a certified nutritionist, to share her advice.
Dear W.J.:
When you can’t walk, it surely makes weight loss more challenging. If you’re not expending calories in activity, it makes what you eat much more important. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen–if you take the challenge to burn calories, even if you can’t walk. You say you have upper-body abilities, so you’re halfway there! I can envisage the New York City Marathon, where I volunteered for a number of years. The wheelchair athletes were truly inspiring–their upper-body strength was phenomenal, and they competed with as much enthusiasm and joy as the runners. I think you need a physical therapist to help you by showing you how to burn calories, even if you can’t walk. There are lots of ways to do it…there are many pieces of equipment you can purchase, and there are wheel-chair exercises for you to do–daily–to burn calories.
So, that’s your mission–to seek out and find the resources that will teach you to incorporate upper-body exercise into your daily routine–and that means daily. Burning calories daily, using upper-body movement will improve your circulation, strengthen your muscles, including your heart muscle, will improve your mood and sleep, and will allow you to move that scale and balance your life. I Googled “exercise equipment for paraplegics” and found this link: http://www.blvd.com/Exercise_Equipment/Accessories/.
If you’ve changed your diet–I applaud you…that is a great first step. Take this second step, and stay on the path toward improved health. Good Luck!
-Susan Burke March M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
Author of the upcoming book, Naturally Thin — How a Dietitian Went From Overweight to in Control
The stocking were hung by the chimney with care- and there pies, brownies, hams, candied this and that everywhere.
Now that the stockings are packed up again, boxes full of unwanted wrapping paper are stacked by the door and your in-laws have finally went on their merry way- you’re starting to ponder the upcoming new year.
If you’re like most Americans, your new years resolution will center somewhere around your waistline. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Lose Weight, Eat Right and Get Fit are all listed in the top 10 resolutions according to the U.S. government. You can set yourself up for success by following these simple guidelines for your new years resolution.
Not sure which weight loss program is best for you? Step over here to read more than 220 reviews about the most popular and the more obscure programs. Diets In Review has provided you with detailed information about meal plans, exercise, expense and more. Do your homework first. Diets In Review wishes you a Happy New Year and the best of luck reaching your goal.
I’ve got the fever folks! We are one week away from the premier of Biggest Loser Season 5. This is the season where couples are competing for the first time. We’re pretty excited over here at Diets In Review as we’re going to be visiting with one of the couples, Neill and Amanda Harmer from Oklahoma City. They are the white team and going into this with a great attitude and fun sense of humor.
You’ll be able to see that interview right here in the Diets In Review Diet Column before the Jan. 1 premiere. We wanted to give you a chance to ask the Harmers a question, too. Leave your burning questions in the comment section below.
Bookmark this column throughout the season, as we’ll post weekly updates about Biggest Loser, the Harmers and the progress of all the contestants.
Ladies (and their gents)… if you’re looking for an extra edge in getting pregnant, your diet can help. And no, this isn’t from some quack. Prominent Harvard Medical School researchers suggest in a new book that it can improve your chances. Among the culinary steps to take - cut down on meat. Boo, I know. But, ice cream helps!
Exercise has many benefits. And, they’re probably further reaching than you realize. Take this article, for instance. Even mild exercise like walking can possibly save you from developing dementia in your old age. Just move, baby!
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