Aimee E. Raupp is the author of Chill Out and Get Healthy– a no nonsense guide for women on improving their health now. As well she is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist with a masters of science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. For more information visit AimeeRaupp.com.

Eat fat to lose fat

Yes, you heard me: eat fat to lose fat.

“But, isn’t fat is bad for my health? And, doesn’t it cause heart disease?” I hear you say. The answer to both is no.

For many centuries, cultures (like the French) have been eating high fat diets and, oddly enough, they have much lower rates of obesity and type II diabetes than we do here in the United States. You see, what happened was back in the 1950’s some scientists ran a small and very poorly designed study looking at the incidence of heart disease and the dietary habits of different nations. Somehow (after leaving out a great bit of data) these researchers determined that Americans hearty full-fat diet caused the most heart disease. And, voila now American’s eat a low-fat diet because their doctors recommend it.

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By Eve Kecskes MS, RD

It’s two-and-a-half weeks into the new year: are you still following your resolution? If so, how much longer do you think you can keep it up? Or are you like most of us and did you ditch it by now?

Most people make resolutions that are too hard to stick with long-term. We end up failing and then give up completely. As a dietitian, I’m going to focus on New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and be healthy. I’m sure you want to be healthier even if you didn’t make a formal resolution.

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Pop icon Britney Spears can’t escape the headlines for too long, it seems she’s always making some sort of news. Currently it’s her weight loss that’s being put under the microscope. Or rather, the possible falsified photos indicating weight loss. Spears just wrapped up a successful concert tour titled Femme Fatale and she accepted an engagement proposal from her longtime boyfriend Jason Trawick. Things have been looking up for the young star. After years of negative drama swarming her image, Spears seems to be in a much healthier place. Her body has represented that health as well. Critics have taken note that she’s slimmed down in the last few months and she’s looking better than ever.

Spears appeared in the recent edition of V Magazine. The article discussed her tour and she praised her crew for all their hard work. The image of Spears was captured in September and is currently the only piece of the article getting mentioned.

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Maruchy Lachance is president of Running Ninja!, a lifestyle brand for runners by runners. Running Ninja! offers a wide variety of apparel and gifts for runners to keep you happy and inspired while you’re on the run.

I realize I harp a great deal on the sensibilities of achieving a healthy and fit body by adopting better eating and exercise habits.  Like you, I am subjected to constant advertising and word-of-mouth systems that promise to reduce your weight and have you super model fit in record time. The temptation for immediate results is tempting to all of us. Whether you want to make a million dollars overnight or develop an enviable figure, the idea of having it happen quickly has led many to discover that you can achieve it just as fast as you lose it.

The downfall to ‘instant’ is that you skip all the important steps that will help you sustain your achievement. Like many overnight millionaires, many are in ruins after just a short time of receiving their wealth. The same is true with quick weight loss. When you dive into the pool of ‘instant’ you are robbed of the discipline and experience necessary to maintain your results. Adopting a weight management system that helps you lose weight gradually will give you the tools necessary to reduce your caloric intake,  the necessary amount and type of exercise and the education you need to take control of your immediate and long-term fitness goals.
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Jenna Edmiston loves spending time in the kitchen with her six year old daughter creating healthy, wholesome meals. In between balancing family, work and her personal life, she tries to keep a healthy lifestyle with an open mind and heart. Head over to petitfoodie.com where she shares her thoughts on food, body image and children.

The New Year is finally here. With it came the extra pounds added during the holidays and freezing temperatures. I don’t know about you but I’m craving healthy, warm foods. Comforting foods don’t mean sacrificing your favorite pair of skinny jeans.

Here are a few of my very favorite tips I live by during the dreary days of winter:

• Starbucks can be addictive. Think of the high-calorie drinks as a special treat and only get them once a week. Always ask for skim milk. Your waist line and wallet with both thank you.

• When you are craving a fabulous warm drink, try drinking a huge mug of warm lemon water. Most of the time your craving will pass and you will feel energized.

• I crave mashed potatoes on the regular. Instead of making them with heavy cream and butter try adding chicken or veggie broth. This will enhance the flavor making them creamy and rich without the extra calories.

• Soups don’t have to be cream laden. The best soups can be made with fresh veggies and broth.

• Making a big batch of soup on the weekends is perfect for all you busy folks out there. The left overs only get better with time and make for great lunches.

• Serve a small salad at dinner every night. EVERY NIGHT. Don’t make excuses ….just do it.

• Embrace winters citrus fruits. Oranges and clementines are to die for right now. They are as sweet as apple pie. Is there anything more refreshing, really?

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