December 31, 2007

FRUIT AND FIBER For all of the countless pages of diet advice and hours of fitness TV programming, a new study finds that the keys to a healthy weight are still the simple things: eat more fruit and fiber-rich foods. The study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, was conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California. By tracking the daily diets of normal-weight and overweight-to-obese adults, researchers concluded that normal-weight adults consumed 33% more fiber and 43% more fresh produce on average. The higher the proportion of complex carbs and dietary fiber in a person's diet, the lower their body fat was likely to be. The study also called into question the long-term benefit of low-carb dietary approaches.

VISCERAL FAT - YOUR PROBLEM?
It's often affectionately referred to as the "gut" or "beer belly," but any doctor or public health official can tell you there's nothing endearing about the accumulation of visceral or "deep" abdominal fat that can plague individuals who live sedentary lifestyles and consume excess calories. While many individuals stricken with accumulated deep abdominal fat resort to invasive and risky surgeries, a new study finds that simple exercise over the course of several months may be enough to burn off the visceral fat and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. According to the study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, engaging in vigorous aerobic activities such as bicycling or brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day can result in a 7% loss of both deep and superficial abdominal fat. The study also found that those obese subjects who engaged in exercise lowered their risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic conditions.(Prevention)

As the new year is beginning you can begin working on a new you. Put your mind and your body to work in keeping yourself healthy and happy. If you need help, just ask me.

For comments, questions or suggestions . . . please email Allen