Question & Answer

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! If you have a health or fitness related question please feel free to submit it here.

How Can I Safely Lose Weight Fast?

Q: I have a wedding coming up in a month and I want to lose 15 pounds before then. What’s the safest way to quickly lose weight? A: You can safely lose 3 or more pounds a week at home with a healthy diet and lots of exercise, says weight loss counselor Katherine Tallmadge, RD. ... Read More

What do you think of weight loss contests like the “Biggest Loser”?

Q: My boyfriend and I love watching the “Biggest Loser”.  What are your thoughts on contestants dropping insane amounts of weight in a short period of time? A: The “Biggest Loser” is a wildly popular show that may help those looking to lose weight in one very important way: Motivation. It can be very inspiring ... Read More

How can I kick my soda habit?

Q: I’ve been drinking three pop’s a day for many years now and I’ve finally decided to try and kick this habit.  What are some tips to kick the soda habit and make this process as easy as possible? A: Good for you for wanting to cut soda out of your diet. Here’s a few ... Read More

Can green tea help me lose weight?

Q: I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about green tea and its affect’s on your health, but does green tea help in weight loss too? A: More than a decade’s worth of research has shown that green tea may help prevent cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes and, to answer your ... Read More

Are raw vegetables healthier than cooked?

Q: Do I really need to eat my vegetables raw to get the most nutrition out of them? A: Not always.  Contrary to popular belief, cooking vegetables doesn’t destroy all the nutrients and some vegetables are even more nutritious after cooking.  Studies show that cooked spinach, carrots, asparagus and a host of other vegetables actually ... Read More

Do spicy foods aid in weight loss?

Q: Can eating spicy foods really help me lose weight? A: It’s true. Eating spicy foods that contain red or green chili pepper can temporarily increase your metabolic rate by up to 23% some studies suggest.  The actual weight lost will be minuscule, but if you eat spicy foods often the affects may add up.  ... Read More

How can I effectively add some muscle to my body?

Q: I’ve been pretty successful in losing weight these last few years, but now I’m actually looking to put on a little muscle.  How can I add some muscle without regaining the fat? A: Great question!  First of all, if you want to add some muscle you will need to take in an extra 200 ... Read More

How does fiber help me lose weight?

Q: I’ve noticed people making a big deal out of fiber and it’s weight loss benefits lately.  How does it help one lose weight? A: Fiber does have some weight loss benefits with the main one being that it helps you feel fuller longer, so you consume less calories.  It is also believed that fibrous ... Read More

I do 1,000 crunches a day but I still can’t see my abs. What gives?

Q: I do 1,000 crunches every day, but I still can’t see my lower abs.  What do I have to do to get a six-pack abs? A: You have a six-pack abs, there just hidden under the layer of fat on your stomach!  Doing a thousand crunches a day will not guarantee you a six-pack.  ... Read More

Can foods labeled as zero grams of trans fats still contain trans fats?

Q: I heard that foods with zero grams of trans fats on the nutritional label can actually still contain trace amounts of these fats?  Why is this and how do I avoid these fats then? A: You heard correctly.  Manufacturers are allowed by the FDA to label foods containing less than 0.5 grams of trans ... Read More

Does my body burn more calories than it takes in when I eat celery?

Q: I heard that your body burns more calories through chewing and digesting than it takes in when eating celery.  Is this true? A: No.  This myth seems to run rampant across the internet and is a part of a weight loss regimen known as the “catabolic diet” or the “negative calorie diet”. There’s an ... Read More

How do I order a healthy pizza?

Q: I often go out with my friends and order pizza.  I realize this isn’t the best thing for my diet, but I love my pizza.  How can I make my trips to the pizzeria healthier? A: The best way would be to make it yourself.  That way you can control exactly what goes into ... Read More

How can I eat healthy on the run?

Q: I’m a college student who is constantly on the run between classes and work.  I have no way of keeping food cold or anywhere to warm it up on campus because the cafeteria is closed by the time I get there.  So currently I just eat out for most of my meals.  How can ... Read More

Will I gain weight if I eat at night?

Q: My friend keeps telling me not to eat after 7 o’clock if I want to lose weight.  Is this true? A: No.  There is no magical time to stop eating for weight loss purposes.  What matters is that you burn more calories in a day (or week) than you took in.  So, if you ... Read More

Is it bad to salt my food?

Q: I’ve been trying to eat healthy but I tend to salt a lot of the so-called “healthy” foods to give them more taste.  Is this bad? A: Most likely, unless you’re still able to keep your sodium intake under 1500 mgs per day, the American heart Association’s recommended daily sodium intake.  Keep in mind ... Read More

Is there a such thing as a healthy cookie?

Q: My friend eats these Kashi cookies like they are going out of style.  She says it’s not a big deal because they are “healthy”.  Is there a such thing as a healthy cookie? A: There are cookies that are healthier than others, but that doesn’t mean you should scarf them down like they are ... Read More

How do I lose weight and not feel like I’m starving myself?

Q: When I try to cut calories and follow a diet plan I never feel full.  I’m constantly thinking about food because I’m always hungry.  What do I need to do lose weight and not feel like I’m starving myself? A: Excellent question!  This is something a lot of dieters struggle with and can make ... Read More

Can cinnamon really help me lose weight?

Q: Can cinnamon really help me lose weight? A: It may do just that. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant that has antibacterial and antifungal properties and also reduces blood sugar all the while increasing insulin levels.  It’s these effects on blood sugar that may make cinnamon a helpful tool in the war against obesity and ... Read More

Do I really need to give up ice cream to lose weight?

Q: I really want to start dieting, but I absolutely love ice cream.  Do I really need to give up my ice cream to be successful on my diet? A: Absolutely not.  You can still lose weight and even live a healthy life all while enjoying your ice cream – in moderation of course.  Try ... Read More

How can I reduce my salt intake?

Q: I think I might be taking in too much sodium.  How can I reduce my sodium intake? A: According to the Mayo Clinic, most organizations recommend not exceeding the range of 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults.  So, if you are consuming more than this amount you will want to ... Read More

Are items labeled “low fat” or “smart choice” really healthy?

Q: How do I know if a food item labeled “low fat” or “smart choice” is really healthy? A: Keep in mind that labels on the front of the box are mainly just marketing.  Check out the nutrition information and ingredients on the side or back for the real story. The best foods, however, don’t ... Read More

Are there any fruits that are low-carb?

Q: I’m looking for some low carb fruits to eat on my carb cutting days.  Any suggestions? A: Opt for berries – blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, etc – and papaya when looking for a low-carb, nutrient packed fruit.  Keep in mind that you will want a wide variety of fruits, as well as other food groups, ... Read More

How Can I Eat More Protein As A Vegetarian?

Q: I’ve been thinking about switching to a vegetarian diet, but I’m a little concerned that I won’t be consuming enough protein. What are some protein-rich, vegetarian friendly foods? A: You still have plenty of options: Cheese, yogurt, eggs, and milk are just a few.  If you plan on going vegan, meaning you won’t intake ... Read More

Do people gain an average of 10lbs over the holidays?

Q: I’ve heard that people gain an average of 10lbs over the holidays.  Is this true? A: While some people might gain that much, the average holiday weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a modest .8 to 1 pound according to a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ... Read More

Will eating slowly really help me lose weight?

Q: Will eating slowly really help me lose weight? A: Yes, according to a study at the University of Rhode Island. Researchers found that eating slowly can reduce around 70 calories per meal, which can add up over time. This study supports the theory that it takes time for your body to recognize when it’s ... Read More

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