Fitness Pudding - Where The Proof Is

Claims are made that radiofrequency, a form of high‐frequency electromagnetic energy, as from radios, cellphones and microwaves, can heat fat cells enough to activate lypolysis, or their breakdown into fatty acids and glycerol. If not consumed for energy, they will be converted back to storage or accumulate in the liver. Despite a recent research review that concluded there is “little evidence to prove [these] effects of [radiofrequency] on adipose tissue,” 1 the idea still persists that...

Psyllium is a source of viscous, gel-forming, water-soluble fiber. It is one of the most widely used fiber supplements all over the world. Traditionally, psyllium has been most recognized for regularity and bloating concerns, such as Edrolax a constipation relief aid in the early 1930s, not to be confused with Ed Rolax former forward for the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Since then, claims for weight loss range from improving regularity and feelings of fullness, helping crowd...

Today, we are going to discuss the grapefruit diet, which is a rehash of the hollywood diet from the 1930s. So, I have brought along my own little starlight to help determine if claim is fact or fiction. The claim is that if you eat the grapefruit diet, then you will lose weight. There are three proposed mechanisms. 1. Meal-Replacement The original diet was something like half a grapefruit, a boiled egg and melba toast, as...

The ‘blood-type’ diet is based on a popular book published in 1996, which has since sold over 7 million copies. 2,3 The idea is that our blood group reveals something about our ancestral dietary habits, and matching our current eating to those habits help reduce disease risk. Those with blood group O, the hunter, are advised to eat a high-animal protein diet, blood type A, the agrarian, a mostly vegetarian diet, type B, the nomad, should...

Could cockroach milk be our next superfood? More specifically, milk from Diplotera punctata or the Pacific Beetle Cockroach. Now, cockroaches do not have udders or nipples to milk each morning, so the study behind all the attention is referring to the milky substance that comes out of mother’s brood sac to feed her babies. In the egg, the babies get this nourishing milk that is rich in proteins called lipocalin-like milk proteins or Lili-Mip, which turn...

I am sure you have already noticed the many internet articles and ads popping up about keeping your New Year’s Resolution.  But, what about why we break and abandon our resolutions? I came across a really cool 1972 study by Drs. Marlatt and Kaplan. 4  They examined 135 people and their resolutions over a 3-month period. The majority of resolutions were a desire to lose weight – interestingly, with an average starting weight of only 138 pounds...

If you were interested by our previous post, Exercise Doesn't Help with Weight Loss  – a review of a controversial editorial, "It is time to bust the myth of physical in activity and obesity: You cannot outrun a bad diet,"  – you might also be interested to read some recent comments and responses by other experts regarding this article, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (click below). It is Time to Bust the Myth of...

Healthy buzzwords on food labels can be misleading.  Below is a recent press release from the American Marketing Association, investigating the effects of 'fitness' branded food on consumption in 'restrained' eaters. Restrained eaters are ridgid, chronic dieters who are commonly preoccupied with their weight, and subsequently inhibit certain 'forbidden' foods. But, when their diet is blown, they tend to binge and overeat. In other words, if a restrained eater has placed sweet foods on their forbidden...

Fat in food is, and might always be a hot and controversial topic. We learn something new everday that expands our understanding, allowing us to make educated decisions in our healthy eating lifestyles. Of course any change in our knowledge fuels controversy and debate amongst fat-inspired amateurs and aficionados, alike. If you are one of the many who are enthusiastic about fat in food, you might be interested in  a recent compilation by NutritionAction.com dedicated to...

The common idea that 1 pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories most likely comes from original research in the late 1950's on the effects of fasting in obese individuals. Well, it stuck, and is the basis for our current, simple prescriptions for weight loss. The subsequent rule, then, is to expend, 'burn', and/or reduce intake of 3,500 calories to lose a pound of fat. Commonly, this deficit is accomplished by expending and/or cutting 500...