Diets in Review

We’re excited to announce that we’re introducing the Mom to Mom Newsletter this fall. Written by a mom for moms, the newsletter will focus on the four things a mom needs to live a healthy and balanced life: Food, Fitness, Family and Fun. Our Chief Mom, Carmen Staicer, will offer insights in these areas for balancing healthful living with real life; not only for yourself, but for your entire family.

As the mother of six children, and a weight loss success story herself, Carmen is all too familiar with managing a household, her health, and the needs of the other busy bodies in her home. She’s a real mom who gets it, who has figured out how to make it all work, and will help you find your way there, too.

Sign-up now, and then learn more about the Mom to Mom Newsletter.

Each month you can expect to see family-friendly recipes, ways to get fit together, and learn about activities that bring the family closer together. Proving good health depends on more than just what you’re eating, it’s about the happiness and well-being of the whole family.

Look for your first Mom to Mom Newsletter before Thanksgiving, as Carmen helps you prepare to celebrate and offer thanks in a more healthful way.

I predict that by early 2010, you’ll see something surprisingly new – small cans of Coke. How small you ask? The cans will run 7.5 ounces and come in at only 90 calories. These are “mini me” versions of the the real thing. Typically if you buy an individual bottle of soda you’re looking at 20 ounces, 2.5 servings, and a lot of excessive calories from sugar. But with these smaller cans, you get portion and calorie control. If you replace one 20 ounce soda (240 calories) with their 7.5 ounce mini-can (90 calories) you’re saving 150 calories.

Watch my video review of the small Coke cans and another new product, Sprite Green, sweetened naturally with Truvia, the sweetener made from the Stevia plant. Sprite Green has 70 calories in 12 ounces.

Mexican food can certainly be one of the more challenging cuisines when eating out, as there aren’t many low-fat items to choose from, and several dishes are full of fried foods. Add on calorie-filled margaritas and tortilla chips to start and you are already filling up on unneeded fat and calories before having even ordered your main course.

Dishes at Mexican restaurants are usually on the larger side with the addition of rice and beans accompanying the meal. To help prevent overeating, I would first suggest ordering a house salad, which should entail tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and some avocado for your healthy fat. This starter salad will also help in the avoidance of eating the full entree when it arrives or you can ask for half the portion to be put in a to-go container.

Some terms that you should look to avoid on the menu are: fried, crispy, refried, breaded and cheese. Instead look for items that are baked or grilled and request sauces on the side so you can control the amount on your food.

Tune in this Thursday, October 15, 2009 to the Rachael Ray Show when she introduces a family who once collectively weighed 1,200 pounds. Five-hundred pounds lighter, this family of four discusses the decision they made that changed their lives.

Plus, as a bonus, all four family members receive a makeover by Rachael’s own fashion and style guru Gretta Monahan, who revamps their looks and wardrobe to highlight their new slimmer selves.

If you’ve ever tried an online weight loss service, you’ve never tried one like traineo. traineoPLUS is a service that allows you to conveniently record your eating, exercise and progress to goal weight loss. And while that might not sound revolutionary, their newest tool, traineoPLUS, is.

We’re pleased to announce that DietsInReview.com has partnered with traineoPLUS to deliver a robust weight loss tool that is sure to help men and women alike better manage their new lifestyles.

Based on the scientifically-proven idea that those who regularly record their weight loss efforts are much more likely to reach their goals, and maintain them, traineoPLUS gives its users greater detail and information allowing them even greater opportunity for success. This is because traineoPLUS was created by a team of weight loss experts who have embraced the power of visualization. Recording your weight loss (and gain) each day, you’ll be presented with a highly valuable graph that presents your projected weight loss, what you should do to modify your habits to continue that progress, and the date at which you should reach the goal.