My eDiets Review

I've never been on a "diet" per say. There are times when I watch what I eat, but I've never restricted myself from anything for long periods of time like most people do when they want to lose weight

I think it's important that we learn it's not about temporary dieting and depriving yourself of certain foods altogether. It's about developing good eating habits for the rest of your life and continuously rewarding yourself with desserts from time to time.

A lot of people ask me about weight loss programs such as "Weight Watchers", etc. Well I've never joined any sort of program like that but if you are one who would like a more structured weight loss plan, you may want to look into eDiets.

Here's my review of it here.

The Miracle Flat Stomach Food

I hope you didn't click on this post expecting to read about some miracle food that will instantly flatten your stomach or help you lose weight. Shame on you if you did. :) There are such foods that instantly melt the fat from your body.

I am creating this post because I get a lot of emails from people who want to know if a certain magical food exists.

Of course there are those foods that are good for you and are low if fat/calories and high in protein and/or fiber. When you consistently eat these kinds of foods instead of the high-in-fat varieties you will lose weight because simply because you're lowering your fat/calorie intake and increasing your protein and fiber consumption.

Let's take soybeans for example. They are an excellent health food. They are high in protein, fiber and low in fat and calories. If eaten in addition to a healthy diet, the sum of your entire diet will help you in the long run. Notice I said "the sum". It's not just the soybeans alone that are "melting the fat away" - nor is it any other single food item.

Also, don't think you can eat a cheesburger and fries and then follow that up with a healthy food to get rid of the fat from the burger and fries. It doesn't work that way. Healthy foods do not cancel out the negative effects of the unhealthy ones.

If you want to lose weight, you need to eat a combination of healthy foods and incorporate exercise regularly.

So instead of looking for the miracle food, evaluate your entire diet. Be sure you're eating protein, fiber, minimal fat and carbs. Drink at least 6 glasses of water per day and exercise at least 3 times per week.

There are no miracles in weight loss - only hard work, determination and realistic goals.

Best Time for Stomach Exercises?

Email from Anonymous

Hi, great site! Do you know if it matters when you exercise, in particular ab crunches? Is it better to do them in the morning, night, or does it make a difference? What about regular cardio exercise?

Lisa's Response

I get that question a lot so I decided to post it on my blog. Yes, some believe there is actually an opportune time to exercise and it is determined by what they call your personal "circadium rhythm". Read this article to learn more.

Weight Loss Baby Steps

Email from Anonymous

I need to lose weight badly but I'm so overwhelmed. I don't know where to start. My middle is big and so is the rest of my body. It's so hard to get started and stay focused.

Lisa's Response

First of all, I want you to realize that weight loss happens a little at a time. Don't try to take on too much at one time or you'll get discouraged and quit.

Start small. Cut out a few bad foods. For example, try eliminating fast food, white bread and pasta. Those are three foods that will surely put weight on you when you eat too much of it. Instead eat grilled chicken, fish, tuna, and salads.

Also try exercising 3 times per week for 20 minutes. This could be anything from jogging in place to jumping jacks or skipping rope. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are moving.

Then after 2-3 weeks, try exercising 3 times per week for 30 minutes instead of 20 and upping the intensity.

Replace soda with sugar free drinks like Crystal Light and lightly sweetened fruit drinks. Remember, sugar can be fattening if you don't burn it off. Also, drink 8 glasses of water per day.

It's important to take baby steps and you'll slowly but surely see the weight come off. Don't try or expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. It's just not realistic or healthy. You may only lose a pound or two a week. It doesn't sound like a lot, but as long as you're making progress those numbers will add up.

Don't give up and always remember to have one day where you can eat whatever you want. Just try not to overdo it.

Remember, it's all about baby steps.