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Lose Weight the iPod Way
Now you can actually lose weight with your iPod! WeightCasters.com is proud to announce an alliance with TRIMp3.com to provide users with weight loss motivation, relaxation, and hypnosis mp3´s. We´ll be back with our free weight loss podcasts soon. But for now, visit TRIMp3.com to get started. They offer a Free Relaxation mp3 with each order.
January 4, 2006 in Diet Tips | Permalink | Post a Comment (74)
Bite Sized Pizza
We are always looking for a good healthy pizza recipe. So we were happy when the Nutrition Twins served up this Bite Sized Pizza pizzaz.
Serves 4: 2 pizzas per person
Ingredients
8 garlic or onion melba toast rounds
3 tablespoons low-fat spaghetti sauce
1/3 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
½ cup chopped broccoli
½ cup chopped spinach
½ cup mushroom
Directions
Preheat broiler. Place melba toast rounds on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of spaghetti sauce over each round. Sprinkle with broccoli, spinach, mushrooms. Then sprinkle each with cheese. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or just until cheese melts. Note: You can also microwave these. Prepare them the same way as you would for the broiler, but place the melba rounds on a microwave-safe plate in a circle. Microwave on high for 15-30 seconds. Rotate the plate and microwave on high for another 15-30 seconds until cheese melts.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 65 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Total Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg
Sodium: 63 mg
January 3, 2006 in Healthy Recipes | Permalink | Post a Comment (0)
Ephedra-Free Weight Loss Supplements
Dear Nutrition Twins,
I really want to take a weight loss supplement but I am worried that some of the supplements that are labeled “ephedra-free” really aren’t safe either. Can you tell me if they are? I am desperate. Please help.
Tori, Tennessee
Dear Tori,
Many people like you really feel desperate to lose weight and are anxious to try some of the new “ephedra-free” supplements on the market. You are wise to investigate these products before you dive into trying them as some of these products may raise blood pressure and heart rate, just like ephedra does.
In fact, recently, an article published in the American Journal of Medicine tested the effects of Advantra Z, Xenadrine EFX, or a placebo on heart rate and blood pressure. Both of these supplements contain bitter orange, which is an herb commonly found in many of the new weight loss supplements. Bitter orange (also known as Citrus aurantium) contains synephrine, which stimulates the central nervous system. The study revealed that both of these supplements raised heart rate, but only Xendrine EFX raised blood pressure. The authors of the study suspect that Xenedrine EFX raised blood pressure because it has other stimulants and caffeine since it actually contains less synephrine than Advantra Z. This just goes to show that you should not assume that the weight loss supplements are safe just because they are ephedra free.
If you are desperate to lose weight, try decreasing the portion sizes of the meat and starches at your meal by one-third. Then fill up on steamed vegetables seasoned with spices or seasoned with “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” Spray. Be sure to replace fatty snacks like chips or sugary snacks like cookies with fruit. Also, boost the length of your cardiovascular exercise sessions. These changes will help you to see the results that you are desperate to achieve. Good luck!
The Nutrition Twins, www.nutritiontwins.com
January 3, 2006 in Weight Loss Q&A | Permalink | Post a Comment (0)
Whole Grains and Weight Loss
You’ve probably noticed how many new products there are on the shelves advertising whole grains and there’s a good reason why. Whole grains are better than refined grains – because they have NOT been processed.
When whole grains are processed to produce white bread, white rice or pasta they loose important nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are essential for helping us fight against heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
The ironic thing is that even though the majority of companies now offer whole-grain alternatives, eighty percent of us eat them less than once a day so it’s about time you realize just how important whole-grains are for your health.
Also, there is an added bonus to whole grains. They can help you lose weight by giving you a feeling of fullness - thanks to their high fiber content. You’ll see that whole grain foods take longer to digest and have some staying power, so you’re less likely to find yourself reaching for a snack an hour after you’ve eaten.
So if you haven’t made the switch to whole grain – now’s the perfect time start. From English Muffins to Chips Ahoy – whole grains have taken over the shelves with even more varieties to come. The only problem with all of these new products is that it can be confusing if you don’t know how to properly identify a product that is actually made from whole-grains versus one that may just have added some whole-grains – believe or not there is a difference. The answer is on the label so check out the list of ingredients on the pack of the package. You’ve found a whole-grain product if the first ingredient listed says whole wheat, whole grain or stoneground.
Remember that change doesn’t happen overnight so start adding whole-grains to your diet by first switching from white bread products to whole grain or whole wheat. Work up to three servings a day and you are on your way to better health and successful weight loss.
Heather Campanile, RD, www.weightcasters.com
January 3, 2006 in Weight Loss Tips | Permalink | Post a Comment (1)
