Tune in this Tuesday, October 20, 2009 when actress and environmental advocate Alicia Silverstone stops by the Rachael Ray Show.

On hand to promote Silverstone’s debut as an author with her just-released The Kind Diet, an informative and accessible guide to leading a meat- and dairy-free life. The actress-turned-activist doesn’t just dish with Rach about her plant-based lifestyle, but she also dishes up a batch of her delicious Crispy Peanut Butter Treats with Chocolate Chips made without eggs or butter and with only five ingredients.

Sometimes, you make plans to work out. You might do all of the prep work: you pack your gym clothes the night before, make sure you have your water bottle and a healthy snack, you clear your schedule, and then, boom! Something happens and your carefully constructed plans vanish in smoke. What’s an intrepid gym rat to do? Don’t worry, there are many things you can do at home that will give you a great workout, even if you don’t have access to free weights or a treadmill! Here are some great options:

• The Power of 50 – 50 squats, 50 push ups, 50 sit ups and 50 lunges. It’s guaranteed to get your blood moving!
  

As a dietitian, I am well aware of where people get their health information. By and large, people search the Internet, read blogs (like this one), watch the news, and read books and magazines. There is no shortage of information available and books especially seem to carry a layer of credibility. That’s why I think it is crucial that when I find a book I love, I need to shout it from the rooftops! The Biggest Loser Simple Swaps, by the show’s dietitian and chef Cheryl Forberg, is one such book. In this post, I’ll share why you should run (not walk) to pick up your copy today.

I am sure you have heard the argument before that quitting smoking can help you save money. It is one reason used to argue for a tax on cigarettes. Recently, there have even been discussions of a tax on soda and possibly other unhealthy foods. Often our wallets are more important in motivating us than our own health.

Recently, I was able to visit Africa and help deliver supplies to orphanages that did not have electricity, beds, or even windows. They were enthusiastic, but a suitcase of children’s clothes just did not seem like enough. One orphanage told us that they are trying to raise money and just $2500 would build an entirely new building to house 30+ orphans. How could I not think about how much money I spend on frivolous things when there are children sleeping on concrete and not getting enough to eat?

Can there actually be a positive associated with obesity? While there are countless obesity-related health concerns, there just may be one positive – you are less likely to successfully commit suicide.

According to a new study at Harvard School of Public Health, there were about 12 suicides per 100,000 adults in 2004 and 2005. However, with every three percent increase in obesity in any given state, there were three fewer suicides per 100,000 adults. This even took into account the fact that states with higher rates of obesity also had higher rates of gun ownership, adults who smoke, and lower rates of household income.