"Vegan is Love" Sends Controversial Diet Message to Kids

What influences your choice of diet?? If you are a parent, you may want to come up with an answer to that question before tomorrow.? A new children's book, Vegan is Love will be released on April 23, 2012.? The book asks children not to eat meat and offers disturbing illustrations to encourage them to eat vegan.

Healthy Eating for Kids

Most parents know that getting children to eat well is hard enough.? The growing burden of childhood obesity is widely reported.? The book could make healthy eating for kids more difficult. It's release comes on the heels of? increasing research that supports the? role of lean protein as part of a healthy diet.? Parents may now be in for a battle if they try to cook healthier meals with lean meat and dairy products.

Vegan is Love covers topics that some say are appropriate only for older readers.? One illustration in Vegan is Love shows injured bunnies, monkeys and mice in a laboratory environment.? The book also describes the "violent and sad" deaths of animals raised for meat.? So what is a healthy meat-eating parent to do?

Make a Case For Veggies

Whether you choose to eat meat or not, this may be a good opportunity to encourage the whole family to eat more fruits and vegetables.? In the short run, you might be able to sell the kids on the idea of eating foods that they hadn't eaten before.

If your child's decision to avoid meat lasts longer than a week or two, you may want to investigate other sources of protein.? Lentils, some green leafy vegetables, and grains like quinoa have protein and vitamins and minerals.? You may also want to visit your pediatrician to see how to make sure your child is getting all of the nutrients he/she needs to stay healthy.

Would you buy Vegan is Love for your child?? How will you handle questions from your kids if they see the book?

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10 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Lose Weight

Are you beginning to think that you can't lose weight? Does it feel like all of your diet efforts backfire and cause weight gain? If you want to lose weight, find out which common weight loss mistakes might be preventing you from getting the weight loss results that you want.

10 Things to Stop Doing if You Want to Lose Weight

1. Stop choosing the wrong diet.
   How often have you chosen a diet because it worked for a friend? Perhaps you were inspired by a celebrity spokesperson? A diet might be perfect for someone else, but their needs, their lifestyle, and their food preferences could be completely different from yours.

   Instead, ask yourself five important questions about your diet history, medical background, and sources of support. The answers will help you to identify your specific needs as a dieter and help you to choose the best weight loss plan for you.

2. Stop setting unrealistic goals.
   Dieters are often highly motivated and full of excitement at the beginning of their weight loss program. It is often during this phase that they set unrealistic goals for weight loss. But unrealistic expectations can cause weight gain when lack of progress leads to lack of motivation.

   Instead, take the time to sit down and set both short- and long-term goals. By setting up small, achievable steps on the way to your larger goal, you set yourself up for gradual success. Incremental steps will also help you to stay motivated through the entire weight loss process.

3. Stop using "lack of time" as an excuse.
   One of the most common barriers to weight loss is the belief that you don't have enough time. One study found that 41% of women cited "lack of time" as the reason that they didn't eat better and 73% of women said they didn't exercise because they didn't have the time. The bottom line is that if you want to lose weight, you have to find a way to carve out time for healthy activity.

   Instead of giving up, get out an old-fashioned paper calendar. Find windows of time that are not consumed by absolute necessities. Then schedule time for healthy food preparation and exercise. Pen in these items and schedule everything else around them. Don't be afraid to put other priorities on the back burner or ask for help (see item #4) so that you can take the time you need to make your health a top priority.

4. Stop isolating yourself.
   In a recent interview with Biggest Loser runner-up Hanna Curlee, she said that the most important thing she learned during her successful weight loss experience was to ask for help. "I was ashamed to ask for help," she said. "I could have called someone and reached out for help, but I thought I didn't have anyone." She realized later that she had friends and family who were willing and able to help her through her weight loss journey.

   Instead of isolating yourself, learn how to get diet support from family and friends. Take the time to identify your needs for yourself and then approach others. That way, you'll be clear about defining specific ways in which they can help.

5. Stop underestimating your food intake.
   Do you really count all of your calories? Remember that even tiny 25-calorie nibbles here and there throughout the day can add up. Snacks count, food from your dining partner's plate counts, and calories consumed during food preparation count.

   Instead of relying on guesswork, use a food tracker like the one at CalorieCount.com. The website provides a great tool, and there is even a mobile app that will help you track every food that you consume. Make your entries more accurate by purchasing an inexpensive food scale. The tool will allow you to report the exact size of each portion you consume. Compare prices to find a scale that fits in your budget.

6. Stop believing that "healthy" foods will cause weight loss.
   Several studies have shown that people are more likely to overeat foods that they perceive to be healthy. One study at the University of Michigan found that when a food was labeled "organic," dieters ate more of it. There may be health benefits to the food you are eating, but if you eat too much of it, it will cause weight gain.

   Instead of reading product claims on packages, read nutritional facts labels. Start by assessing the serving size, then see how many calories and how much fat is in the product. You may find that your "healthy" snack is causing unhealthy weight gain.

7. Stop sitting all day.
   Non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, is a fancy term for all of the non-exercise movement that you do every day. It can account for up to 15-30% of your total calorie burn. If you spend your day sitting at a desk or your evenings lying on the couch, the calories you burn from NEAT will be minimal.

   Instead of being sedentary, increase your daily activity. If you have a desk job, get up every hour and walk to the restroom on a different floor, refill your water, run an errand on foot, or climb the stairs in your office building. If you like watching television at night, fold laundry or dust furniture instead of just lying on the couch.

8. Stop overestimating your exercise activity.
   Many people who want to lose weight join a gym. But you actually have to go to the health club to burn calories. And your workout time is only the time you spend exercising. It should not include the time you spend in the locker room, parking your car, and chatting with friends.

   Instead of using ballpark figures, invest in a heart rate monitor. There are quite a few models on the market, so compare prices to find one that fits your budget. A heart rate monitor not only lets you know how hard you are working, but most models will measure your "time in range" to let you know exactly how many minutes you can count as exercise.

9. Stop compensating for exercise by eating more.
   It is normal for your appetite to increase when you begin to exercise. A common weight loss mistake is to indulge in extra snacks and treats as a reward for the workout. But eating those treats can cause weight gain.

   Instead of overeating after your workout, plan to eat a healthy, low-calorie snack right after you exercise. Combine a lean protein with a carbohydrate to satisfy your hunger and replace nutrients lost during the workout. A glass of skim chocolate milk works well and tastes decadent enough to feel like a treat.

10. Stop expecting major results from minimal change.
    It's easy to believe the advertising claims made by numerous weight loss pills, supplements, and fad diets. Too many of them claim that major weight loss is easy. But weight loss is hard. Don't let the difficulty of the process deter your best efforts.

    Instead of getting frustrated, focus on small accomplishments as you lose weight. At each stage of the weight loss process, find an accomplishment to be proud of. Then focus on what you have gained. For example, if the scale isn't giving you the weight loss results that you want, then celebrate the fact that you ate a well-balanced diet during the day and remind yourself about the health benefits you gained from eating well. Your exercise plan may not be resulting in weight loss yet, but it may help you sleep better at night and feel better during the day. Look for and acknowledge the little perks along the way.

_Sources:

_{G. A. Kline, S. D. Pedersen. "Errors in patient perception of caloric deficit required for weight loss-observations from the Diet Plate Trial." Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Volume 12, Issue 5, pages 455-457, May 2010.}

_{Veronique Provencher, Janet Polivy, C. Peter Herman. "Perceived healthiness of food. If it's healthy, you can eat more!." Appetite Volume 52, Issue 2, April 2009, Pages 340-344.}

_{Jonathon P. Schuldt., Norbert Schwarz. "The "organic" path to obesity? Organic claims influence calorie judgments and exercise recommendations." Judgment and Decision Making, Vol. 5, No. 3, June 2010, pp. 144-150.}

_{Welch N, McNaughton SA, Hunter W, Hume C, Crawford D. "Is the perception of time pressure a barrier to healthy eating and physical activity among women?." Public Health Nutrition. 2009 Jul;12(7):888-95.}

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“Most Beautiful” Beyonce Reveals Post-Baby Diet

Beyonce Knowles has been named People's 2012 World's Most Beautiful Woman.? The Grammy-winning singer, actress and new mother impressed the magazine's editors and will grace the cover of their annual issue. ?But what may also impress readers is Beyonce's new approach to dieting.? According to some media reports, the singer has sworn off fad diets.

Beyonce's Post-Baby Diet

Beyonce is choosing healthy eating and exercise habits in order to set an example for her new daughter, reports an Indianapolis radio station.? This reportedly includes three meals a day and a moderate exercise plan.? Beyonce gave birth in January and has been showing off a curvy, but toned new figure.

Science Behind No Nonsense Diet

If the bloggers and gossip columnists are correct, Beyonce's post-baby diet is directly in line with new research about the effectiveness of fad diets.? A study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine reported that liquid diets, non-prescription pills, diet supplements and popular fads don't work. ?Researchers instead found that healthy weight loss can happen if dieters simply eat less and exercise more.

3 Foundations of a Healthy Diet

If you're ready to get started and lose weight with a no-nonsense approach, start by learning more about the three most important components of a successful weight loss plan.

• Healthy Eating. Find the best diet to meet your needs , or lose weight by changing your cooking techniques and counting calories.
• Exercise & Fitness. Not sure where to start?? Use these seven steps and you'll be on your way.
• Support & Motivation. Find a support group that will keep you on track.? Connect with the Weight Loss Facebook page or follow me on Twitter to get daily tips, ask questions and get feedback from other dieters.

It sounds simple, but it works.? If Beyonce's post-baby diet can make her the most beautiful woman in the world, chances are good that it will work for you.

Photo credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images

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Pedometer

Pedometers aren't just for race walkers, in fact, buying one could be the best fitness investment you ever make. A pedometer can cost as little as $5 and will be worth much more if you use it to set and meet daily step goals:

Studies have shown people who walk fewer than 5,000 steps each day are more likely to be overweight while those who take more than 9,000 steps daily are more likely to be of normal weight.

Pedometers are a great way to get and stay motivated in your walking routine. And they're really simple to use, too. Read on to learn more.

What Kind of Pedometer Should I Get?

Like a lot of other gadgets, pedometers come in different sizes, brands, and varieties. On average they cost between $12 and $30, depending on how many "bells and whistles" they have.

You can get one that is very discreet if you'd like to wear it all day long or at work. Mine is a little larger than a 50-cent piece; my friend's resembles a pager.

A simple pedometer only records the number of steps you take based on your body's movement. There is a tiny apparatus within your pedometer that moves each time you move your hip in order to take a step. The pedometer "clicks over" with every step you take.

The fancier, digital pedometer models track the distance you've walked and calories burned, but they're more expensive. A simple step counter is enough to keep me motivated and you'll probably find that to be the case, too. You can always "upgrade" later on.

More: How Far Have I Walked? >>

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Are You Too Stressed to Lose Weight?

What is your stress level on a scale of 1-10?? According to a recent report by the American Psychological Association, most of us will report a 5 or above, higher than is considered healthy.?? The same report found that while most of us know that there is a link between stress and obesity, most of us aren't likely to do anything about it.

How to Overcome Stress to Lose Weight

People commonly deal with stress by eating.? This wouldn't be problematic if we chose lean protein or fresh fruits and vegetables, but more often than not, we choose high-fat, high-calorie comfort foods.? This can lead to weight gain, which may in turn, cause stress.

Going on a diet, or trying to count calories might be too much to manage if your plate is already full.? If you want to lose weight, consider using stress management techniques to get the weight loss process started.? Calming your emotions will help to make you feel more in control of your health.

Exercise to Reduce Stress

Another great way to de-stress is to move.? Start an exercise program or simply add more movement to your daily routine.? If you find yourself getting riled up at work, take a break every hour to climb stairs or go for a ten-minute walk.? You may find that the physical activity helps you to vent strong emotions and the calories you burn will help you to manage your weight.

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Does Your Exercise Walking Speed Matter?

If you are walking for exercise and to improve your health, you may want to monitor your pace. A new study has found that walking speed matters if you want to live longer.? A recent study conducted in Australia examined the walking speeds of 1705 men. Researchers found that those who walked at a faster pace were more likely to outpace the grim reaper.

How fast should you walk?

In the Australian study, men who walked at a pace of 2 miles per hour lived the longest.? Of course, the men who were physically able to walk that fast may have been healthier in the first place so it may be a stretch to assume that if you walk at that pace you will certainly live longer.? But other studies have looked at the health benefits of different walking speeds.

A moderate intensity workout can be reached if you walk at a pace of 100 steps per minute.? That would mean you should walk 1000 steps in ten minutes or 3000 steps in 30 minutes. Experts generally recommend 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to improve your health and more if you are walking for weight loss.

If you don't have the time to walk for thirty minutes, you can still break up your workout throughout the day.? Three segments scattered throughout the day will do the trick.? This might be a particularly good goal for someone who works a desk job and needs to break up long periods of sitting.

Walking for Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight and get healthy, walking is a great way to start.? It is also one of the best forms of exercise for people who are overweight. Keep in mind, however, the mechanics of walking can be different if you are obese.? Your gait and center of gravity is different if your body is larger. If you are overweight and starting an exercise program, focus on consistency rather than pace.

When you are just starting out, set a goal to walk for at least ten minutes every day.? Once you have successfully reached that goal, increase the amount of time that you spend exercising.? As you get more comfortable with 20 and 30 minute sessions, then begin to focus on walking speed.

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Tips to Get Healthy Kids

Are your kids fit and healthy? A new study presents sobering statistics about the health of our youth.? Childhood diabetes is on the rise and the disease is getting harder and harder to treat.? The best defense may be to prevent it in the first place.? Improve your kids' health by promoting good exercise and eating habits in the home.

The Best Way to Get Kids to Exercise.

It's great to promote the importance of physical activity in the home.? But your kids won't believe that exercise is important if you tell them while you're sitting on the couch watching The View (even if you've already worked out).

The best way to get your kids to exercise is to do it with them.? Go outside, play tag, ride bikes to the park, walk to the grocery store to shop for a healthy dinner, or head to the health club together.? If you or the kids are overweight, begin an exercise program together.? You may find that they inspire you as much as you motivate them.

Get Kids to Eat Healthy Meals

Every parent knows that the dinner table can become a battle zone.? Many kids would rather eat sugary cereal out of a colorful cartoon-covered box than a bowl of broccoli.? So what is a parent to do?

Try a few of these tricks to get your kids invested in their own healthy meals.

• Eliminate soda.? Get rid of sugary drinks and replace with water or skim milk.? If the kids want something different, try making fresh fruit juices as a treat.
• Take the kids to the farmers market.? Let each child choose at least one fresh fruit or vegetable to bring home.? Local growers often have samples to try and can offer preparation tips for varieties that are new to you.
• Teach your kids to cook. Let your kids be involved in the planning and cooking process.? Teach them how to prepare a healthy meal.? This may take more time in the beginning, so experiment during the weekends.? But eventually, they may be able to lift the cooking burden for you during the week.

If you or your child has already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, learn more about the diabetes diet and exercise program.

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