The politically correct opinion that fat it ok seems to be rooted in the belief that our body image obsession is all about vanity.  The unpolitically correct truth is that fat is killing us and health.com has a great article listing in great detail 19 Good Reasons Not To Be Fat. Guess what, none of them have anything to do with vanity.

All of us can do a favor to ourselves, our families and our country’s health budget by maintaing a healthy weight. And of course there is the unfortunate side effect of looking good. But then there is a price to pay for everything.

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Oprah, are you watching? To comment on this post, click on the title or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

She has told us that it is okay to be fat.

But that is a lie. It is a horrible  horrible lie.  And she knows better. Obesity is an epidemic in America. According to the CDC it is the second biggest risk to our health (second only to smoking).  And it is the single largest contributor to health care costs. It is now threatening to be a generational disease as up to a third of American children are now overweight according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Oprah says it is okay accept yourself if you are fat.  But would she say the same thing if you were a drug addict, and alcoholic, or a child abuser?  The effects on your health are just as severe for obesity as for drug addition and alcoholism. And a large percentage of obese adults are abusing their children by feeding them a diet that will lead to their obesity. 

Oprah told Barbara Walters that she no longer has the time to concern herself with her weight.  Eating less with the services of a full-time professional chef requires no time at all.  And being healthy requires only an investment of 30 minutes of exercise four times a week. 

And when you consider that millions and millions of people believe that Oprah’s values are the values that all of us should adopt, how can she abandon the most important values of all?  Life, health and our children.

Isn’t it ironic that Oprah’s new network was formerly Discovery Health?

Shouldn’t prudent and sound advice on health, diet and fitness be one of her “favorite things” shows? I know it would make me scream and jump up and down.

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So what happened? He lost 27 pounds, his BMI (body mass index) is now in the normal range, his “good cholesterol” increased 20% and his “bad cholesterol” decreased 20%, his triglycerides decreased 39%.

So what conclusions can we draw from this experiment.  I draw three conclusions:

1) Calories are the only thing that really matter in weight loss.

2) Bad fat levels in your blood are more a factor of your obesity than your diet.

3) If we believe that bad fat blood levels are a significant predictor of heart health, then obesity is a much bigger factor than diet.

Until I read this story, I believed in the myth that not all calories are the same. Now I have lost my faith.

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However, researchers have recently been able to lengthen the lifespan of mice by 12% by feeding them a cocktail of 3 essential amino acids.  Leucine, isoleucine and valine, known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), account for a fraction of the 20 amino acids from which proteins are made, but appear to have special anti-aging properties.  And these amino acids are readily available today in nutritional supplements available to consumers.  I found a 90 capsule bottle of these amino acids in a nutritional supplement available on Amazon.com for $13.95.

I don’t know about y0u, but I would pay $4.65 per month to add 10 years to my life.

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In July of this year, a report issued by the  US Government Accountability Office presented at a congressional hearing on genetic testing raised serious questions about the reliability of this data. The GAO found that direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test results were “misleading and of little or no practical use to consumers.” As a test, the GAO sent identical saliva samples to four leading companies. It found that disease predictions varied widely, “indicating that identical DNA can yield contradictory results” from each company.

The GAO also found 10 “egregious examples of deceptive marketing” by companies, such as saying they could predict what sports children would be good at.   And unbelievably, two companies saw no problem  for a woman to surprise her fiancé with the results of his genetic test performed on him without his permission or knowledge.

Even if the results were 100% reliable,  are you sure you want to see this information? A feature writer for the leading tech blog gizmodo.com describes the experience in this gripping feature story.

We all would like to see into the future. But for most of us we only want to see things that we can prevent or change.  For now, medical science cannot change our DNA.

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BOOZE

Have a cocktail, or two, or even three. And it doesn’t have to be a glass of red wine that is chock full of resveratrol to add years to your life. Current studies show that drinkers live longer than non-drinkers. And even heavy drinkers even live longer than non-drinkers. So when you feel like a drink, indulge yourself and know that you may be adding years to your life. As a wise man once said, Live to Drink or Drink to Live.

SEX, SEX, AND MORE SEX

Dr. Oz, America’s (or at least Oprah’s) number one health advisor,  touts the health benefits of an active sex life. In fact, he recommends sex 8 times a week, which is, as I calculate, an astounding 416 sex acts per year. So who am I to argue with Dr. Oz.  And by the way, can I get a prescription for that?

COFFEE

The media has tried to makes us all feel guilty about that cup of coffee that helps us face the day.  But the real truth is that more recent scientific studies have supported the health benefits of coffee than vice-versa. Recent studies have linked coffee consumption to decreased risk of diabetes and Parkinson’s and has proved it to be a mood elevator which can increase brain function.  So don’t worry if you run on Dunkin. It’s definitely ok.

SUN

Sure, if you bake in the sun all day all summer long so that you resemble a brown lizard you are increasing your chances of skin cancer. But if you stay in your office and avoid the sun, you may end up with a Vitamin D deficiency like a huge percentage of Americans and actually increase your chances of other types of cancer and several other diseases. Vitamin D deficiency has become epidemic in our country, in part because of our sun avoidance paranoia.  So make regular moderate sunlight exposure part of your routine to actually increase that healthy glow as well as your actual health.

FATS

When I say fats are healthy, I am not talking about that fats in that 32 ounce porterhouse. I am talking about the healthy fats that you find in the extra virgin olive oil that you drizzle over your bruschetta or the omega- 3 fats that you find in most kinds of nuts. Don’t worry about the calories, ingesting these fats are going to increase your heart and cardio-vascular health and improve your health in a dozen other ways.  So when you are watching football this Sunday, grab that handful of nuts without guilt and know you are giving yourself a healthy handful.

CHOCOLATE

By now we know that dark chocolate and the cocoa found in dark chocolate contains powerful anti-oxidants. In fact, a study conducted by Cornell University found  that it contains anti-oxidants more powerful than those in green tea or red wine. So you can indulge your sweet tooth without guilt if you indulge it with a semi-sweet chocolate treat that is low in added sugar.

MASSAGE

Massage may be the most important healty tip for the lazy man. Studies have linked massage to dozens of health benefits and it is used from everything from sports injuries to cancer treatment to stress reduction. One of the healthiest habits that you can cultivate is regular massage from a talented therapist.  In fact, there are now nationwide chains of massage studios such as Massage Envy that offer discounts for membership.

SLEEP

Some researchers have identified lack of adequate sleep as one of our top national health problems and there is a compelling link between lack of sleep and increased obesity and diabetes. Even if you eat right and exercise, your lack of sleep may be sabotaging your other good health habits. So don’t feel guilty about sleeping late on weekends or even sleeping in and getting to work late. That extra sleep may make you healthier and more productive.

LAUGHTER

Laughter has been described as the best  medicine and there is some scientific evidence that this may be true. a study at the University of Maryland concluded that laughter improves your blood vessel health and may play a role in reducing cardiovascular disease. We knew before that laughter can elevate your mood and mental state and now we know that it can improve your heart function as well. So when you to to that comedy club on Saturday night you actually may be doing something to improve your health.

TAKING A DAY OFF

Even if you are not an employee of the iphone factory in China where employees are killing themselves every week, overwork has been linked to health deterioration and increased death rates. When the stress at work gets the best of you, then taking a mental health day may be the best thing.  It will clear your head, and reduce your stress level which in turn can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure and elevate your mood. Playing hooky may actually save your life (or your boss’s).

I truly believe that these 1o habits can increae your health levels.  But doing them all at once and with too much intensity can be dangerous. Just like exercise.

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And that abstaining actually significantly increases your risk of death!

A 20-year study of 1,824 individuals between the ages of 55 and 65 (63 percent were men) – who had some kind of outpatient care in the previous three years, found that non-drinkers had the highest mortality rate at 69 percent, followed by heavy drinkers at 61 percent and moderate drinkers at 41 percent – moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one-to-three drinks a day.

The study, conducted by Charles Holahan, psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, controlled for socio-economic status, level of physical activity, number of close friends, quality of social support, as well as non-drinkers who had health issues related to past heavy drinking. So it tried to eliminate variables other than booze that might have affected the results.

The findings are published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (subscription required to read the full study).

So fire up that martini shaker and if you really want to turbo charge your longevity cocktail make it a pomegranate or add a few olives.

Cheers!

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The amazing and surprising conclusion that I draw: when compared with a low fat diet,  a low carb diet may actually be more effective at lowering risk factors for heart disease. So bring on the bone-in porterhouse and steamed broccoli (I can live without the baked potato).

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“The point of life is living it. And I tell you, I got in that cage and I felt alive. I felt human again. You get that thing over your head, people think you’re 70 and you don’t know shit. They don’t bother to get to know you. I like Eminem. I like rap music. …Mentally, I feel the same as I did when I was 30. I like the same kind of cars and the same kinds of women. Nothing’s changed for me, but there’s this stereotype. You don’t change, but they try and make you fit a mold and be something you don’t want to be, which is an old person. Not me. I’ve been a fighter all my life.”

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The dozen are aconite, bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, and yohimbe. The FDA has warned about at least eight of them, some as long ago as 1993.

Take a look at your vitamin shelf, and if you see any of these there, throw them out. Also, look at all of the nutritional supplement labels, many of these ingredients may be contained in supplements that have been renamed from branding purposes.

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author, dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author, dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author, dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author, dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com.

1) Make sure you are eating enought calories

2) Don’t be afraid of caffeine

3) Avoid white carbs

4) Drink ice cold water

5) Eat organic

6)  Eat protein in every meal

7) Lift weights

Take a multi-vitamin

9) Avoid alcohol

10) Eat dairy

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“When I think of truly superior aromas, I think of the aroma of a freshly grilled White Castle hamburger – life just doesn’t get better than that,” says  Laura Slatkin, founder of Nest Fragrances, a partner in the campaign. “We have captured that exact essence in our White Castle candle!”

The Columbus, Ohio-based White Castle is selling 10,000 of the novelties in a first run. The promotion recognizes National Hamburger Month (May 1-31), and net proceeds will benefit the charity Autism Speaks.

To comment on this post click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on the title or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Jamba Juice (Nasdaq: JMBA) announced today a new school lunch program to help schools offer their students a better-for-you beverage alternative in the school cafeteria.  The Jamba Juice School Lunch Program provides schools with the ability to purchase and sell Jamba Juice’s All Fruit™ smoothie line at fixed and reduced prices. Healthy, refreshing All Fruit™ smoothies are made with real whole fruit, juice, and ice.

Part of Jamba’s overall commitment to promoting health, wellness and physical activity among the nation’s students, the new program follows the Company’s record breaking “Jamba Jump Day™” event earlier this month.  Hosted by Jamba Juice in partnership with the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD), the event activated more than 88,000 California children and adults to break the Guinness Book of World Records’ record for “the most people jumping or skipping rope at the same time.”  Today’s announcement builds upon the momentum of Jamba Jump Day™ with the goal of helping parents, teachers and students successfully address the problem of childhood obesity through nutrition education and healthier choices in school cafeterias.  

“Jamba is proud of these innovative programs that provide a unique ability to bring health-oriented choices to our schools and students,” said James D. White, President and CEO, Jamba Juice Company. “These programs also highlight our passion to promote greater physical fitness activities in schools and communities throughout the United States.”

Mr. White made the announcement while attending the 2010 Summit on Health, Nutrition and Obesity.  The event brought together policy leaders and experts on health, wellness and obesity, including former President Bill Clinton.  Discussions included topics on future health, wellness and obesity prevention policies. Mr. White used the opportunity to applaud the Governor, the First Lady of California Maria Shriver and First Lady Michelle Obama, for their leadership on these important issues and pledged Jamba Juice’s support for the “Let’s Move” campaign and other partnerships to promote healthier living.

“Jamba is proud to be part of this distinguished group of leaders and organizations working together to address the obesity challenges our nation faces,” said Mr. White.  ”Jamba brings unique solutions to the table.  We are activating the innovation and spirit of our Company and employees to inspire healthy living and more physical activity, particularly among youth.”

Last year, Jamba Juice announced a partnership with the National PTA to support parents and teachers in creating school-based programs that encourage healthy lifestyle choices.  Jamba Juice has a goal to raise $1 million through its School Appreciation Card—a keychain sized swipe card that can be used with every purchase at participating Jamba Juice store locations.  Schools can learn more about the partnership and how to sign-up by visiting www.jambajuice.com/PTA.

Lean Poultry and Fish

Skinless poultry and fish are excellent food sources of protein in comparison to the amount of calories they provide. For example, about 3.5 oz. of roasted light meat chicken offers 27g of protein and only 150 calories. Roasted chicken breast provides about the same amount of calories and protein. Breast meat from a roasted turkey, about 3.5 oz, is even lower in calories and higher in protein, offering 135 calories and 30g of protein. Less fatty fish offer a lot of protein per calorie. A 3-oz. portion of Atlantic baked cod offers about 90 calories and 19g of protein. The same amount of cooked king mackerel offers about 114 calories and 22g of protein. A 3-oz. portion of canned, water-packed light tuna offers 99 calories and 22g of protein.

Soy Foods

Soy protein isolate is pure soy protein powder. Most brands of soy protein isolate powder supplements provide 25g of protein and 95 calories per 1 oz., or 28g, of powder. Light firm tofu is also very low in calories but rich in protein. A 100-g serving, or about 3.5 oz., provides 8g of protein but only 55 calories. One slice of soy-based vegetarian meatloaf or patty (about 56g) offers approximately 12g of protein and only 110 calories. Vegetarian hot dogs or frankfurters provide 11g of protein for just under 75 calories for each link (about 57g). Textured vegetable protein (TVP), also known as “soy crumbles” when rehydrated, are rich in protein. On average, 2/3-cup offers about 10g of protein and 70 calories.

Dairy Products and Eggs

Nonfat dry milk powder is rich in protein but low in calories. For example, 1 oz., or 28g, which is enough to make one 8-oz. glass of fluid milk, offers 10g of protein for 99 calories. Nonfat yogurt, sweetened with a low- or no-calorie non-nutrative sweetener, on average offers about 100 calories and 10g of protein for an 8-oz. container. The amount of protein and calories varies by brand, flavor and type. Lowfat (1 percent milkfat) cottage cheese is a low-calorie, protein-rich food. A 4-oz. serving provides about 14g of protein yet only 80 calories. Other types of cheese are high in protein, but also very high in calories. One egg is the equivalent of 1 oz. of meat in the amount of protein it has. A whole egg provides about 7g of protein and about 80 calories. Most of the protein in an egg is in the white. So, dried egg whites are excellent, concentrated sources of protein. About 28g, or 1 oz., of dried, powdered egg white provides 23g of protein but only 107 calories.

Whey Protein

Whey protein powder which is derived from milk,  is widely used by athletes and body builders. It is a great source of quality protein that is easy to digest and is very low in fat.  A typical whey protein powder will contain about 23 grams of very high quality protein with only 120 calories.  Whey protein smoothies are a great way to build muscle, kill your appetite and lose weight.

For me, I cannot control my appetite without eating protein with virtually every snack and meal. Carbs only make me crave more carbs. When I am on my most efficient  healtjag, lots of protein is the key.

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 Dr. Wiseman says:

“A few seconds of bad fortune can unravel years of striving, while a moment of good luck can lead to success and happiness. Luck has the power to transform the improbable into the possible; to make the difference between life and death, reward and ruin, happiness and despair. Research has revealed there are four main differences between the lives of lucky and unlucky people.”

Lucky people…

Create, notice and act upon chance opportunities
Use intuition to make successful decisions
Expect the best for the future
Transform bad luck into good fortune

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Director Kevin Smith was recently a victim of this policy and has “vowed never to fly Southwest again”.  Now if only we could get all the other airlines to adopt this policy we could ground Kevin forever.

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Make your Valentine’s Day celebration this year a healthy one with these Hot &  Healthy ideas:

Breakfast in Bed with a Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Wake her up with a  pink smoothie on Valentine’s Day. Start by adding some low-fat strawberry yogurt to your blender. Toss in some frozen strawberries and a frozen banana, add a little orange juice and blend on high until well mixed. Pour the smoothie into tall glasses and top with a little low-calorie whipped topping, a strawberry and a Hershey’s kiss.

Give Her a Stress Reducing Massage

Many studies have confirmed the health benefits of massage: stress reduction, improved circulation, endorphin release. Grab some massage oil and give your partner a sensual treat before or after your evening out. For massage tips, just search “couples massage” on Youtube and you will find everything you need.

 Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Combine ripe strawberries with dark chocolate for a healthy, yet indulgent Valentines Day snack full of anti-oxidants. Start with large, ripe strawberries. Melt some dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip the strawberries halfway into the dark chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, and then place them on some wax paper to allow the chocolate to harden.

You don’t need a heart-stopping fat-filled dinner out to heat up your honey for Valentine”s Day. Keep it healthy and simple and you both will have more energy for the heart healthy exercise that will ensue.

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Dr. Oz has even developed an 8 times a week sex schedule to help you figure out how to work it in. 

To eamil this post to your significant other, click on the title and cut and paste the web address into your email…………. or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

A research team at the University of Minnesota followed thousands of men and women participating in the Singapore Chinese Health Study for 14 years. At the end of the study, published this month in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the team found that those drank two or more soft drinks a week had an 87 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Oddly enough, those who drank fruit juice, which can contain as much sugar as soda, didn’t have the same cancer risk. However, there may also be a link between soda drinkers’ other unhealthy habits which explains the discrepency. Individuals who drank soda were more likely to smoke and eat red meat — two lifestyle factors already linked to cancer.

Researchers suspect that sugary soda interferes with the body’s insulin levels, which then contributes to cancerous cell growth in the pancreas, which is responsible for insulin production.

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To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

Warning: If you are a one of those picky micro-brew/craft beer drinkers step away from this post. You will find it frightening.

You can’t really watch the Big Game without beer, right?  I am not picky about my beer, as long as it’s cold, wet, and preferably light. Since taste is not my most important focus, I go for the lightest of the lights. My personal favorite is MGD 64 with that many calories and only 2.4 carbs per bottle. The new Bud Select 55 is fewer calories and an astoundingly low 1.9 carbs per bottle, but is even more watery if that is possible. Either will work for the Big Game and you won’t be feeling the bloat when Manning wins his second.

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Sautee onions, garlic, and zucchini in olive oil. Add remaining ingredients to chicken broth and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with whole grain crackers or bread.

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To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

But if we are really serious in this country about healthcare reform, shouldn’t we be equally serious about healthy behavior reform?  With obesity as the single largest contributor to healthcare costs in our country, shouldn’t we be applauding companies that give employee incentives for healthy behavior? Last week I discussed this issue in Super Sized- My Story. And I was thrilled to see someone in this country taking the initiative to influence people in a positive way to engage in healthy behaviors that will help all of us. Thank you, Mr. Mackey!

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To comment on this post, click on the title, or email the author dennis@healthjag.com

I was reflecting on this when I recently analyzed the McDonald’s menu for the drive-thru diet posts on this blog. In those days, a meal of a McDonald’s hamburger, small fry, and small coke ran 685 calories. Hardly a healthy meal, but manageable. Fast forward to 2009. Hardly anyone orders a McDonald’s hamburger  or a small fry anymore. That sandwich is considered so small that it is relegated to the children’s Happy Meal. And McDonald’s recently ran a promotion where the 32 ounce drink was 99 cents, which was actually less than the small size. In 2009 ,the typical average adult meal at McDonald’s consists of a Big Mac, large fry, and large coke, and comes in at a whopping 1,370 calories, exactly double my satisfying fast food treat from 1963. And although I am using McDonald’s as an example, it is only the prototypical example of all corporate fast food and sit down restaurants. The bottle of Coca-cola that I grew up with was 6.5 ounces. The average bottle that you purchase in a convenience store is between 20 and 32 ounces, a four fold increase.

Given these facts, it is actually amazing that only 1/3 of Americans are classified as obese and only 2/3 are overweight. It is popular for us to blame our obesity on stress eating, depression, or unhappiness. From my point of view our obesity is caused by our evolutionary craving for food that drove our hunter-gatherer ancestors to spend their entire existence looking for food, combined with our scientific ability to engineer artificial foods that satisfy our most basic cravings without the satiation that comes with nutrients. Add to that cocktail the unbelievable ability of humans to market to each other, and the unlimited (relatively speaking) ability of the average American to afford to purchase calories, and it’s actually amazing that obesity isn’t closer to 100%.

Although hunting for food with a gun is still practiced in parts of our country, the most common weapon for hunting now is the automobile.  We cruise the suburban savannah in our SUV’s, spotting our food sources grazing on the edges of the boulevard.  Our prey aren’t camoflaged by their surroundings, they invite us to hunt them with signs that brag about the billions and billions of their kind that have been downed before.  And there are no limits to the amount of our prey that we can take home. Our limits are our pocketbooks, and as obesity statistics show, money is not a limiting factor for calorie consumption.

So the question is, what human motivation is stronger than our evolutionary need to binge on food, stronger than the easy accessibility of calories, stronger than multi-billion dollar advertsiing budgets?  What motivates people to engage in a  healthy lifestyle in the face of all that is stacked against us? Are most of us doomed by our DNA controlled  propensity for instant gratification? Maybe not. The obesity rate in Japan is about 3.5% compared to over 30% in the U.S. The average citizen of Japan consumes over 200 caloires less per day than the average American. It seems to me that we have created a culture of unhealthy eating in our country. Over the last year, we have focused the debate in this country on our health care delivery system and costs. But the number one health care problem in this country is obesity. Obesity by itself is the source of the majority of our country’s health care costs. And this problem has gotten little attention from the government.  A few years ago, we declared a government sponsored “war on drugs”.  And although this war has not been successful, we have been fairly successful in indoctrinating our children in the dangers of drugs through the DARE school drug education programs.

Until we recognize that obesity is a severe national problem, as severe as cigarette smoking and drugs, we cannot begin the cultural change that is required for us to slim down.  For example, I have noticed that it is not politically correct to criticize people who are obese. In the 1960’s smoking was part of our culture. It was promoted through advertising and protected by the government. It would have been unthinkable to outlaw smoking in public places. Has the time finally come for us to treat obesity like cigarettes? It is a choice that turns into an addiction. It causes severe health problems, costs our country billions of dollars that we cannot afford, and if we don’t prevent our children from getting hooked, then they all become unhealthy obese adults.

I came to realize over a period of time that being fat made me less attractive, less able to do the active things I wanted to do, and was going to become more and more of a problem as I grew older.  But we are all fighting an uphill battle living in a culture that promotes obesity and doesn’t treat it for what it is. Until we can turn our culture around, each of us are fighting the battle as an army of one.

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Shirataki noodles are packaged “wet”, that is, you purchase them pre-packaged in liquid, and they are ready-to-eat out of the package. You can prepare them by boiling them briefly or running them under hot water, then combining them with other dishes, or adding things like tofu, garlic, spinach, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber made from the roots of the Asian Konjac plant. Glucomannan makes up the majority of substance in shirataki noodles. Eating lots of dietary fiber, which is found only in plant foods (such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts) has been proven to have many health benefits.

Cooking shirataki noodles by themselves is relatively straightforward. Since shirataki noodles are packaged pre-cooked, you simply heat them up and enjoy. WARNING: the liquid that shirataki noodles are packaged in has a slight fishy/seafood smell to it, so it’s recommended that you rinse the noodles under water for a couple of minutes until the fish smell is gone.

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The researchers scanned the brains of 94 elderly people.  Although the test participants were elderly, they were all  cognitively normal. They were not afflicted by brain degenerating diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinsons. According to Dr. Paul Thompson, a UCLA professor of neurology, just a 4% loss of brain tissue represents“severe” brain degeneration.

So not only can being fat affect your health, we now have evidence that if affects your intelligence.  Of course, we don’t know for sure if the deficiency in brain tissue caused people to be fat, or if the fat caused the loss in brain tissue.

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A television advertisement featured a spokeswoman, Valerie Bertinelli, in a lab coat saying that ”a major clinical trial” had shown that ”Jenny Craig clients lost, on average, over twice as much weight as those on the largest weight-loss program”, which referred to Weight Watchers, a complaint filed in federal court in New York on Tuesday said.

”The Jenny Craig advertisements are false,” Weight Watchers said. ”Jenny Craig did not conduct ‘a major clinical trial’ comparing its product with the Weight Watchers program.”

Weight Watchers, which is based in New York, asked the court to stop Jenny Craig, a unit of the Swiss company Nestle, from using advertisements claiming that its weight-loss program was superior. It also seeks damages.

Weight Watchers said the start of the year was ”a critical time for weight-loss companies” because people sought to stick to their New Year’s resolutions to lose weight.

Couldn’t we just settle this with a wrestling match between spokespersons Valerie Bertinelli and Jenny McCarthy?

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