March, 2008

Losing 20 pounds in 30 days almost sounds too good to be true. Medifast says its possible. With programs designed specifically for men, women and diabetics, Medifast can be responsible for helping people lose 2-5 pounds a week. This rate of weight loss makes it one of the fastest ways to lose weight, amongst popular weight loss programs. Medifast also boasts the support of 15,000 physicians who recommend it as “safe and effective in multiple clinical studies.”

What is Medifast? It’s meal-delivery meets meal-replacement. You’ll follow a low calorie diet, about 1200-1400 calories/day, that is low in fat, offers balanced nutrition and has been proven successful in clinical research. Critics suggest that a diet this low in calories is counter-productive as it forces your body into starvation mode, where the body begins holding on to fat stores for survival. However, Medifast clarifies that limiting caloric intake will let your body use those fat stores for energy rather than packing on more calories.

Following the Medifast 5 & 1 plan means eating 5 Medifast “meals” and 1 Lean and Green Meal each day. Every two to three hours throughout the day you will eat your choice of Medifast shakes, bars, oatmeal, soups, scrambled eggs, pudding and a variety of other meal replacement foods and snacks, all of which are delivered directly to you. For dinner, you’ll eat one Lean & Green Meal that you prepare with your own food. The L&GM consists of a small portion of lean protein. This can be 5-7oz. of chicken, fish, beef, seafood, pork or turkey and can be cooked any way you like- just not fried. You’ll accompany this protein with three servings of vegetables from the Medifast Vegetable List, which might include fresh spinach, cucumbers, asparagus, eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes and green beans. During the beginning of your Medifast program, higher carb vegetables are removed from your diet to help you jump start your weight loss. Things like carrots, peas and corn will reintroduced at a later stage.

Medifast also recognizes the importance of regular exercise in order to lose weight and maintain health. Many programs dismiss exercise encouraging you to change little about your lifestyle to lose weight. This is not realistic. While Medifast does not provide clear-cut guidelines to follow for your exercise regimen, it does recommend that you find time each day to incorporate physical activity. Depending on your current level of exercise- don’t over commit or strain. “Listen to your body” is what they suggest and do no more than your body will allow. Many Medifast customers make walking their activity of choice because it conveniently fits in with their schedules.

The Medifast site features dozens of testimonials from real people who found success with the program, as well as blogs of six current Medifast customers. The site also offers many tools and support that have become popular amongst online weight loss programs such as weight trackers, community message boards, BMI calculator, online ordering and more.

What sets Medifast apart from many of its notable competitors in the diet market is that it makes the distinction that this is a lifestyle change and not a quick fad diet or even fast approach to dropping pounds. So while other diets help you shed pounds quickly, after that they leave you hanging. Medifast teaches when you should eat, how to eat and what to eat- so that long after you’ve bid farewell to the program, you’re still maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Learn more with the Diets In Review Medifast review.

Go ahead and start Medifast today with this special offer- Buy 4 weeks of food and get one free! Use code PROMO at check out.

I’ll turn 38 years old this Summer. I’ve never hiked a lick in my life. So, why not take on the highest mountain in the lower 48 states? As crazy as that sounds, it’s a challenge that I’ve taken up with my best friend. Said friend, who lives in Virginia (I, in California) called one day and said he was going to climb Mt. Whitney this year, and I blurted out “I’ll go!” He’s had a solid history of hiking and bi- and tri-athlons. I have, none.

California Mt Whitney

Mt. Whitney resides in east central California. Interestingly, the highest peak neighbors the country’s lowest point - Death Valley - which is 282 feet below sea level. The most trail we will be taking is about 22 miles up and down. And by up, I mean about 14,500 feet above sea level! My motivation is twofold: I have been interested in being more “outdoorsy.” I spend way too much time cooped up in an apartment at a computer (like now). Second, I’ve wanted to get back into shape, and in fact better shape than I’ve ever been in my life.

So, I started training last December and promptly strained my lower back on, of all things, the elliptical machine. Stretching does wonders (especially when you are pushing 40). So one wonders why I didn’t do it before getting on the elliptical machine. I worked through that thigh burn, and I was rewarded with what my massage therapist says are knots in my quads and hamstrings, which radiated up to my lower back. If I want to look at the glass as half full, the back injury has been a positive in that it finally hit home how important core strength is. In physical therapy I’ve done low impact core exercises, mostly involving a fitness ball. It can be real challenging, but at the same time not as unpleasant as simple crunches.

A little background on me: I am not a schooled professional in nutrition or fitness. I have no official certifications. Only my 8 years working in the diet and fitness world as a writer and editor. I have been in and out of shape in my adult life. I’ve never been too terribly out of shape, weighing 15-20 pounds more than my ideal weight. I guess you could say I “wear it well.” Most people were shocked a few years back when I told them that I was 205 pounds. At 5′ 9″, that’s too heavy, even if it just appears that I’m “big boned.” That weight gradually dipped below 200 pounds when I moved to California last Fall. Then December came, an elliptical machine, and the physical therapy I currently find myself in. Considering that my family and I moved to Sacramento, California, knowing virtually nobody, I’ve been pretty happy with my dedication to getting in shape for this trip.

So far, I’ve lost about 10 pounds, weighing in at about 185. My goal is to lose at least another 10 pounds, and see if there is time and room for a few extra. Because every pound lost is one pound less to drag up 14,500 feet!

In the coming weeks and months I would like to share my progress, including trials and tribulations as the all-important date approaches. There is a lottery system in place that assigns you a climbing date, due to the popularity of Mt. Whitney. We should find out in the next week or so.

Next week, I’ll share a little more detail on my diet and fitness strategy, and more about safety and skills that need to be learned for long distance hiking.

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. And our dietary habits are light years away from each other as well. It’s not all that surprising, but a study shows how different our choices are. As you might suspect, women make better choices. Here’s the press release from the American Society for Microbiology.

This new book from Weight Watchers, “He Loses, She Loses,” also looks at the differences of men and women in the way that they approach diet.

Two very good reads if you and a spouse or opposite-sex friend are looking to partner up in your weight loss or plan to get healthy.

If you plan on sitting on your duff this weekend watching the March Madness Sweet 16, do yourself a favor and don’t fill up on the typical watch party snacks. Greasy potato chips, fried chicken wings and calorie-packed cheese dips are common fare at these parties. Whether you’re hosting the crowd or have been invited to attend, be prepared with healthier snack options. Your guests won’t notice the difference and you’ll look like you’re helping out the host if you are the guest. These are our top two seeds:

Cherry Almond Clusters are a sweet, crunchy twist on traditional popcorn balls.

Ingredients
19 cups air-popped popcorn
2 cups granulated sugar (substitute Splenda, with zero calories)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp. almond extract
1 cup maraschino cherries, cut into quarters (use fresh cherries to reduce calories)
1/2 cup blanched, whole almonds, toasted

Preparation
1. Keep popcorn warm in a 300 degree F oven
2. In a heavy medium-size saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, vinegar and salt
3. Bring to a boil; clip candy thermometer to pan
4. Cook syrup to 250 degrees F (hard ball stage)
5. Remove saucepan from heat
6. Quickly stir in almond extract
7. Scatter cherries and almonds over the popcorn
8. Slowly pour syrup over all; toss lightly to coat evenly
9. Spread popcorn on sprayed cookie sheet and let cool
10. Separate into clusters with a fork

Caribbean Chicken Kabob have a refreshing flavor and offer plenty of protein and fresh veggies.

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 lime rind, finely grated
2 Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. rum
1 packet sweetener
1 tsp. cinnamon
Fresh veggies and fruit like mushrooms, peppers, onions, zucchini or pineapple

Preparation
1. Cut chicken into bite sized chunks
2. Place in a bowl with the lime rind, juice, rum, sweetener and cinnamon
3. Marinate 1 hour
4. Save the juices and thread chicken on 4 wooden skewers with desired vegetables
5. Cook the skewers under a broiler or grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the juices

Click here to find hundreds of free recipes at Diets In Review.

People often need a friendly face with an authoritative voice to encourage them to live healthy lives. For many, Ellie Krieger is the personality whose face and voice gently inspires them to continue the struggle toward a balanced, healthy lifestyle. As the host of the highly-popular Food Network television show “Healthy Appetite,” she greets her audience with the ease of a long-time friend, offering health tips and recipes that promote losing weight. As the author of the bestselling “Small Changes, Big Results,” she has gained both media attention and a ever-growing base of loyal fans. Today, her momentum continues to build with her new online program “Healthy Living With Ellie Krieger.”

Building Her Following Through Exposure

Krieger, a registered dietitian, has been slowly building a fan base with regular appearances on popular TV shows such as “Today,” “Saturday Early Show” and “Your Total Health.” She has also contributed articles and columns to print magazines such as “People,” “Parenting” and “Woman’s Day.” Catering primarily to women, Krieger offers her expertise in both health and nutrition to an ever-growing legion of female fans who are struggling to lose weight and live healthy lives.

The Ellie Krieger Method For Healthy Living

Krieger maintains that most fad diets are ineffective for living healthily over the long-term. For example, while some diets that encourage its followers to avoid consuming carbohydrates to lose weight, doing so for a prolonged time can have physical and health impacts. Instead, she promotes eating foods that people find delicious while getting into shape and keeping fit through exercise. Krieger contends that this balanced lifestyle of eating the right foods, not depriving your body of foods that it naturally wants to enjoy and being active is the only healthy way to lose weight and keep it off while feeling energized and staying healthy.

Through her book, Food Network television show and online program, Krieger emphasizes that people should focus their attention on the quality of foods they eat, not simply the quantity. For example, eating desserts that you crave is something you should allow your body to enjoy. Just don’t eat desserts in excess. Plus, she claims that if you’re going to indulge, make sure you do so with foods that are worth indulging. That is to say, don’t indulge in horrible-tasting muffins simply to “fill the void.” Indulge in great-tasting muffins so that you’ll enjoy your food more.

Through Krieger’s online program, you’re encouraged to stick with a schedule that includes 3 meals and 2 snacks each day. Nothing is off-limits, including the desserts you crave. A critical component of the program is getting exercise. In the program, you’ll be provided with a customized activity schedule to help you stay active each day.

Healthy Living Can Be Simple

According to Ellie Krieger, living a healthy life isn’t mysterious. It’s simple. It merely requires sticking to a diet that focuses on the quality of foods you give your body and ensuring that you maintain an active lifestyle. By doing these things, you can feel better, lose weight, live healthier and enjoy life more fully. Often, the best solutions are the simple ones.

Article by Damon Zahariades

Maybe you’ve experienced it: You’ve finished exercising and you feel an amazing sense of joy, bliss or euphoria, almost as if you’re truly walking on cloud nine… in your running shoes. For many years, science has been challenged in trying to determine if runner’s high actually existed. But recently, a team of researchers in Germany showed that running does incite a high. In the journal Cerebral Cortex, the study showed that endorphins, the feel good hormones, are released in the runner’s body as they exercise. The more endorphins the runner’s body creates, the greater the effect in emotional state.

I was a runner for many years and admittedly had a modest addiction to the way I would feel following a run. It was a combination of feeling serene and calm yet joyful and well, high. So maybe if you love to run, but have a hard time pinpointing why, science may have answered your question.

It’s always been said that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. That path through the stomach is now thought to be the fastest way to the brain- and mental illness. It’s a widely known fact that belly fat is the most dangerous fat you can carry. This is because the fat sits closely to most major organs and puts undue strain on your heart.

A new study, discussed on CBS Evening News last night, shares that middle-aged people with big bellies are more likely to develop dementia when they’re older.

If the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure weren’t enough to scare you into a extra sit-ups and healthier diet, maybe this news of dementia will.

The study is clear in stating that this is about belly fat, and not necessarily being overweight. Individuals with healthy weight and high amount of fat in the abdomen were 89% more likely to develop dementia. Those with belly fat were three times as likely to develop dementia as those with fat hips.

Only a day after his elimination from Biggest Loser, Dan talks about the release of his first single, joyous reunion with Bob and his many marriage proposals. He was the youngest person in the house, just barely having turned 21. Until last night’s elimination, he was a top contender for the Biggest Loser title and $250,000 prize. He didn’t walk away from the house lacking really- with a weight loss of more than 112 pounds, a new tattoo taking up his entire forearm and having found himself, he says he’s ready for the big things waiting him in his future. As spirited, young and funny as he appeared on the show, Dan’s personality shined through in our interview.

You and your mom had mentioned that you’re sort of a model for this generation of obese kids- growing up on video games, fast food and little activity. How do we change it?
You know, it’s so tough because it’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone is doing and flashing right in front of you. It’s so easy to stop on the way home and grab some fast food. Go home, sit down on the internet, watch tv, Tivo. It’s so accessible, fun and it’s right there at your fingertips. It’s hard when you’re young to be conscious of your health and exercise. When you’re growing up, that’s not your focus. It’s about being a kid, having a good time. It’s important for parents and adults to be a part of those kids lives. “Let’s get you in some sort of active sports program, let’s enroll in summer camp a couple days a week.” Let’s break the cycle of the sedentary electric lifestyle.

I grew up, my parents were so busy with my mom starting her youth foundation. It was so easy for me to be completely sedentary. My new goal when I go back home or work at the camp- I have to do whatever I can to share with those kids the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, explain to them how it is easy and fun to live healthy and it can be so beneficial to their health and their lives as they get older.

What was it like sharing this experience with your mom? How has it changed your relationship?
My mom and I have always been great friends. I am kind of a momma’s boy. I of course have plenty of friends. She wasn’t my only friend. She’s a great friend of mine. We both enabled each other in gaining weight. “Hey Mom, want to go out to dinner?” “Oh sure, we do need to talk about work,” we’d always justify it.

The thing that was an interesting dynamic that I never did foresee was that we enabled each other to turn this whole thing around. It became, let’s have dinner tonight but let’s have this healthy thing together. It was amazing because I thought it was possible that me and her would maybe bring each other down or remind each other of old habits. But that wasn’t the case. We both wanted to change so badly that we really helped push each other in a positive direction. Enabling each other for the best.

After the whole thing, we did bond so much and become so much closer. Because it’s such a unique experience.

When the guys eliminated your mom Jackie from the game you were obviously upset. When did that change for you, becoming part of the brotherhood of the blue team? Right after my mom was eliminated, I was like I’m on chopping block. I’m next to go. I need to do whatever it takes to keep myself in this game. I told these guys “I’m OK- I forgive you, it’s a game. I was still very hurt and I didn’t feel that way. I was just saying that to rebuild the bond. Over time though, I did come back around. After a little bit, just competing together, going to Las Vegas together, getting tattoos together- we really did truly, truly rebuild a bond. It happened so organically. It wasn’t this forced friendship. It was just going through this experience together. It did help build a strong bond/brotherhood among each other.

Roger mentioned in elimination last night that you grew up a lot on this show. Did your relationship with the guys help fuel that?
I love Roger. When I left there, Roger was one of the best friendships I made. Fantastic guy. Just being around them. Going through being a 21-year old, being overweight, trapped in
side my own insecurities, in my own body, to a matter of a few short months changing my life, entering this new world of being an adult, taking responsibility for my own actions, health and life. It was such a transformation period. Guys like Roger being there, being a friend, someone to talk to, point me in the right direction as I figure out my new life.

I owe so much of this to Bob, too. He’s got such a strong head on his shoulders. He made me stay focused. He’d say “Dan, you’re becoming a man, take responsibility.” These guys really helped me shape my direction and my focus going through dramatic changes in my life.

You can really see if you watch Episode 1, I’m coming to the ranch, showing up 310 pounds, with my mom, trying to figure this whole thing out, riding her shadow a little bit. By the last episode, my mom is gone, I’d lost 112 pounds on the show. I’m a new person, I had my image/makeover completely redone. I’m a completely different than who walked on that ranch. It’s amazing even for myself to watch.

How is your new rock star lifestyle in LA?
It’s been wild, going so well. Being out here there are two things to focus on. One- I still have to focus on exercise and weight loss because I’m still trying to win for this finale. I’m going to win biggest at home. The other is my music. I’ve been in the studio doing some recording. I just released my first single online. I’ve got two more coming out soon.

It’s really exciting because I spent so much of my life worried about the way I look, I was afraid to get on stage. I didn’t want to be that overweight guy who can sing, That’s over. That tag ‘overweight guy with great voice’ is gone.

Being on Biggest Loser I feel like I can do whatever I want. If I can lose half my body weight in just a few months- I can do anything.

Have you written any songs about Biggest Loser or your personal weight loss?
The song right now is Back to You. It’s a double entendre. On one hand it’s like love got away, gotta find way back to you. On the other, I let myself go, I slipped away. I was this overweight person that I wasn’t happy with. I gotta find my way back to that person- that healthy 21-year old person i have to find my way back to it. If you hear the song, it’s about my journey.

I’m 21-years old, I’m open to anything. I know there’s big things in my future, and I’m ready for it.

Any love interests? Your crush on Allison was very apparent?
It’s been quite interesting since I have left the ranch. The last time I was out on my own, I was 310 pounds. I left the show at 185. It’s a little different, I’m not going to lie, getting noticed a little more getting more attention. So many girls on MySpace asking “will you marry me, you’re the hottest guy!” Used to be the overweight guy who was the wingman to all the good looking friends. Taking a little adjusting. Getting used to it. Worries mom a little bit.

Have you been in touch with Bob since you left?
Once I moved out here to LA, I sent him a text message, said I’d love to have a cup of coffee. We did, sat down, had a cup of coffee. I went home, he was in australia, a few weeks went by. It was a joyous reunion. I got to tell him how much I appreciate him. The whole thing with the competition, challenges, weigh in over. It was just Bob and I, no cameras. I got to say “I appreciate you so much. You invested so much of your time in me, helping me change my life forever.” He’s become a friend for life.

Dan- thank you so much for visiting with us today. We wish you a lot of luck in your journey to become a rock star and look forward to seeing you on the finale, April 15.

Listen below to hear Dan’s prediction for the finale winners.

Last night’s episode of Biggest Loser could be summed up in two words: Girl Power. At least that’s my interpretation. The other two-word set could be: One Pound. The episode was certainly less dramatic than most in the past few weeks, but definitely presented its own little nuggets of drama.

Kelly is the last woman standing from Jillian’s black team. While it now includes Ali, she’s not removing that pink shirt any time soon. I have to say that I’m a little surprised that Kelly has hung this long. Self-doubt can trip anyone and she’s had plenty of it. More than anything for her, I hope that she leaves Biggest Loser a more confident person. She’s pushed herself beyond the limits of anything she ever dreamed for herself, and the results are showing.

Ali is a fierce competitor and one who should be taken seriously these next few weeks- if they weren’t already. During the weigh-in she had reached the 85 pounds lost mark. She’s now lost more weight at the ranch than any other woman in Biggest Loser history. Guess what- she’s not done. If there’s a female who can take the top spot at finale, I believe it’s Ali.

There was an impromptu pop quiz last night that had all the competitors shaking in their New Balances and spandex pants. They were taken into the elimination room with one of the fear-striking silver platters in the middle of the table. Alison said the last man standing in the quiz would win whatever was under the cover. That man was Dan. One of the funniest moments in the show was Alison removing the cover to reveal a slice of chocolate layer cake- a 600 calorie slice she informed. Dan’s face, expecting a trip, cash or gold coins, collapsed into a bewildered “Thank You?”.

Alison told Dan he could do anything he liked with the cake- but she recommended he take it to the challenge untouched. That cake was treated like a new born baby- it went to bed, to dinner, to the gym- all in an effort to keep anything from happening. Upon winning the quiz, he bragged that it made him the smartest person in the house. I had to doubt those smarts a bit when the cake went missing and a note forged by Roger indicating that Kelly had stolen it was actually believable. Dan- my friend, I saw right through that hoax. You really didn’t!?

At the challenge the six remaining competitors were taken to a basketball arena and had to fill each other’s tables with classic arena food- hot dogs, ice cream, cotton candy, pizza, pretzels. The person with the least calories on their table won $10,000. The guys ganged on the girls and filled their tables with a combined 30,000+ calories, not placing a single item on any man’s table. Of course not- PRIDE ON THREE! They set themselves up to win the money and Jay was offered the $10,000 cash…… or he could use it to buy a one pound pass. And he did.

The weigh in was incredible as those two girls took first and second place with impressive weigh ins. Mark and Dan were forced below the line. And Dan said his farewell to Biggest Loser. That kid worked his tail off and I really think did a lot of growing in his time there. I’m talking to Dan this afternoon- so if you have any pressing questions for him, throw them in the comments section before Noon CST today!! Look here tomorrow for the full interview with Dan.

If you want to dig even deeper into the Biggest Loser in between our updates, visit biggestloser.msn.com.

Next Week- the final 5 are headed to Australia.

Quote of the Week- “They’re repulsive to me right now,” from Jillian about the guys after their behavior in the challenge.

Cry of the Week- Dry eyes! Just really proud of Kelly and Ali this week.

DON’T FORGET- You can win Bernie’s autographed Berndana!

Bernie was nice enough to sign one of his now famous black “Bernandas” from Biggest Loser: Couples. So, Diets In Review wants to give it to you- well, one of you.

Sign up for the all-new Diets In Review Newsletter now through April 1 to be eligible to own this prized piece of Biggest Loser memorabilia. Bernie said that the person who takes it home has to wear it “PROUD!”.

While the sign up date ends April 1- we’re not kidding. So hurry- what are you waiting for?!