There is some debate over the healthiness of coconut oil and whether the types of fats found in this oil are dangerous or healthy.
Saturated Fat
Coconut oil contains 92 percent saturated fat, the most dangerous kind of fat in the diet and the kind linked to heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. However, the saturated fat in coconut oil is made of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which proponents of this oil say are easier on the body.
Lauric Acids
Lauric acids, a disease-fighting compound that may also lower bad cholesterolwhile raising good cholesterol, is prevalent in coconut oil.
Hydrogenation
There is a difference between virgin coconut oil and partially hydrogenated coconut oil, found in many prepackaged foods. Hydrogenation causes dangerous trans-fats to form, so this type of coconut oil is always considered unhealthy.
High Smoke Point
Coconut oil has one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil, which means it will not burn over high heat. Heating oil too hot is thought to produce toxic chemicals that can damage health, making coconut oil possibly safer than oils with low smoke points.
Warning
Doctors, scientists and organizations on both sides of this issue agree any oil can be unhealthy if used in excess.
Sugarcane extract in a fatty diet will help shed the flab.
Washington: It sounds counter-intuitive - add sugarcane extract to a fatty diet and it will help reduce body fat. But that could be the way of the future if trials by scientists, including an Indian-origin researcher, pan out.
Dr Ankur Desai from Horizon Science, a Melbourne-based food biotechnology firm, and colleagues at La Trobe University claim their findings show sugarcane molasses in high-fat diets can encourage calorie excretion and increase metabolism.
In their research, published in the 'Nutrition Horizon' journal, the scientists investigated the impact of adding an extract of molasses to the food of mice raised on a high fat diet.
Molasses usually end up as a waste-product of sugar refining. However, they are rich in polyphenols – chemicals found in plants known for their antioxidant properties, said lead scientist Richard Weisinger.
The results of the La Trobe experiments may provide a completely new approach for weight management in humans, say the scientists who have presented their findings at a meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour in the US.
The scientists supplemented the high-fat diet of a group of laboratory mice with molasses for 12 weeks. They found that these mice had lower body weight, reduced body fat and decreased blood levels of leptin - a hormone involved in energy regulation, appetite and metabolism - than others.
Further analyses revealed that molasses supplements led to increased energy excretion, ie, more calories were lost in feces. The scientists found increased gene expression for several liver and fat cell biomarkers of energy metabolism.
"The addition of molasses extract to a high-fat diet appears to reduce body weight and body fat levels, primarily through reduced caloric absorption.
"Supplementing food with molasses extract might therefore be a way of tackling the worldwide increase of obesity and metabolic syndrome which has huge costs for our health systems," said Weisinger.
Clinical trials are scheduled to begin next year to evaluate the molasses extract for weight control in humans.
It would take a lot more than a few stern words to get rid of most women’s potbellies.
But it is just this approach that Mary Ascension Saulnier - dubbed The Fat Whisperer – adopts to banish her clients’ love handles and thunder thighs.
The weight loss guru – who has achieved cult status in West Hollywood where she is based – uses power of persuasion to encourage fat cells to leave the body.
Fat fighters? Kim Kardashian, left, and Paris Hilton have been spotted leaving the studio of cult 'Fat Whisperer' Mary Ascension Saulnier
It may sound like hokum, but clients claim to have lost pounds using her unusual approach (that’s lbs, not £s), and Saulnier has become the go-to woman for A-listers preparing for a red carpet event - 70 per cent of her client list is now celebrity-based.
Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson have both been seen leaving her studio – though it would have been a challenge to find any fat to chat to on their bodies – as has weight loss success story Kim Kardashian, and Saulnier is now so successful that she has achieved her own star status in the lucrative weight loss market - worth a staggering £2 billion in the UK alone.
Swish: The Hollywood clinic where Mary performs her 'fat whispering' sessions
Of course, it’s not just the gift of the gab that 53-year-old Saulnier - also a Pilates instructor and raw food chef - uses to fight flab. She has an artillery of hi-tech equipment at her disposal too.
She uses a combination of detoxifying masks, teas and wraps, heated inflatable suits and an ultrasound machine that pelts stubborn zones with sonic waves – which all work their magic while Saulnier orders the clients’ recalcitrant fatty bits to leave the body.
‘I command you to get out!’, she is said to whisper to the fat cells in an effort to banish them.
Miracles? Mary Ascension Saulnier has been dubbed The Fat Whisperer by her satisfied clients
Saulnier, who studied at Santa Fe Academy of Natural Healing, claims her technique allows her to get to the emotional heart of the client’s over-eating or drinking issues.
'I listen to what emotion is in the cell membrane, then I talk to it,' Saulnier tells Elle magazine.
'I tell the cell which way to move out of the body.'
She combines these treatments with a diet of her own devising, that allows 500, 700 and 1,000 calories to be eaten on alternate days.
You could go up to 1,500, she says, but celebrities 'don't feel comfortable eating that much'.
And this ultra-low calorie diet might, it transpires, be at the heart of Saulnier's success. Most of Saulnier's clients are vegetarian or vegan, live on six small meals a day, avoid meat, dairy, carbonated drinks and alcohol.
They sound like a disciplined bunch, with or without the input of the Fat Whisperer. Saulnier operates in a parallel universe, where women for whom 'bread' is a dirty word go to bed hungry every night. Being thin is their trade: their commitment to maintaining what we would deem a too-skinny figure is lifelong, and must come at whatever cost.
In a way, it's a comfort to know that these devotees of Saulnier aren't simply lying around waiting for their fat to jump ship.
They work at it - only they have more willpower - and money - than most 'normal' women. The Fat Whisperer simply helps them stay on track, and to become aware of why they over-eat, drink or yo-yo diet.
Saulnier's sessions cost up to £140 a time (that’s a lot of money to be ‘persuaded’ out of women’s purses - perhaps The Wallet Whisperer would be a more apt name?) but it is unfair to judge too harshly.
After all, most women would sell their grannies for a miracle weight loss remedy, and Saulnier simply provides a service that they say works for them - in fact, salon owner Kate Somerville says she lost 20lbs using Saulnier's technique - that is why she invited her to practise at her salon.
Without a Fat Whisperer at our disposal though, it's a simple fact that the good old fashioned ‘eat less, move more’ technique is the best way to lose weight long-term. Anything marketed as an immediate fix that doesn't involve some form of surgery is likely to reduce water retention, but not fat.
Still, if it means that dress that hasn't zipped up for years will finally fit - even if it's just for one night - then a session with Saulnier might just be worth it. Fat Whisperer: here we come! resource: Mail Online
Are you a food lover? And you want to be lose your weight too? Well many people have a wrong perception that, to lose one’s weight, one has to cut down his or her diet and one has to embrace many embargos in food choice. From now on, this worry of yours’ is finished. We are presenting you with such a technique in which you can eat everything and do diet side by side. The “Zone diet” is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet based on the concept that if one eats an ideal balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in every meal and snack, one will achieve hormonal balance. This will control insulin levels and result in weight loss and health benefits.
Individuals are instructed that every meal should consist of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fats. This produces the ideal ratio of protein to carbohydrate. The protein to carbohydrate ratio of .75, allows the body to function at optimal level. The amount of carbohydrates and fats allowed on the diet derives from the calculation of protein needs. The result is an everyday diet that usually ranges from 1,100 to 1,700 calories. Dietitians believe this to be a low calorie diet.
Foods are either “good” or “bad” On the Zone diet:
“Good” foods that are allowed include: proteins: lean chicken and other poultry, seafood, egg whites, and low-fat/non-fat dairy products. Carbohydrates: fruit, non-starchy vegetables and barley.
“Bad” foods that are forbidden include: fruits and vegetables: carrots, corn, bananas, papaya, mango, most fruit juices and many fruits bread, cereal, rice, bagels, most baked goods potatoes whole milk dairy products, alcohol diet soft drinks. If one chooses to drink, stay away from hard liquor and prefer the occasional beer, or a glass of red wine with a nice meal.
Zone diet is planned to promote fat loss and weight loss, but its developer also claims that the diet brings about substantial health benefits. Being in the Zone claims to boosts energy, delays signs of aging, help prevent chronic diseases and allows the body to function at peak physical and mental levels.
Penned by Raymond Young from your P90X Workout shop. In order to snap up Tony Horton's Most recent routine visit p90x workout .
CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - If you're one of the many people attempting to lose weight, you may feel like you're facing an impossible goal. But enjoying certain foods can actually speed up the process of losing weight by speeding up your metabolism. Here are 7 super foods that can speed up your weight loss, according to Self Magazine:
1. Cheese
According to a recent medical study, women who ate one ounce of full-fat cheese every day gained fewer pounds than those who did not. The study explains that the linoleic acid in cheese boosts metabolism. The health benefits are even greater if you choose a cheese that is also low in calories and sodium, like ricotta cheese.
2. Almonds
Almonds come in second on the list, because they are a great source of Vitamin E and one of the highest nuts for protein. They burn fat, are great for your immune system, and are good for calming your hunger between meals.
3. Coffee
Go ahead and drink that extra cup of coffee in the morning, it can boost your metabolism by up to 15%. However, you should skip the milk and sugar because they cancel out the fat-burning effect.
4. Green Tea
Drinking three cups of green tea every day can help you lose an extra 30 calories a day. Although it seems small, that translates to about three pounds each year. If you don't like the taste, you can try different flavors like ginger peach or honey ginseng.
5. Peppers
The compound in chili peppers which gives them their kick can also activate fat-burning signals in your brain. If you don't like spicy foods, you can eat milder poblano peppers and get the same metabolism-boosting effect.
6. Eggs
The amino acids in egg whites help to build lean muscle, and lean muscle helps your body burn fat. One study shows that if you partner eggs with cheese in the morning, you'll burn more fat than you would with a high-carb breakfast. It also could help you to continue to burn fat all day long.
7. Portobello Mushrooms
These members of the mushroom family are rich in copper and pantothenic acid, which are both great for kick-starting your metabolism. Additionally, the potassium in portobellos help rid your body of extra salt.
This is what helped me lose 20lbs over a six month period.
Portion control is the primary weapon against unwanted weight.
Portion-wise eating means having your cake and eating it too. Everything can be enjoyed -in moderation.
But this advice is more difficult to follow than ever. Oversized food portions and drinks are everywhere. We're enticed to "save" money by getting the next size up. Gone are the days of feasting when food is available, not knowing when famine will hit. We have 24hour access to food everywhere.
Most of us eat at least three times a day and if weight loss is the goal smaller meals with healthy snacks in between is advised. We don't have to approach any given meal or snack like it's the last chance ever to eat. Even if it's a special occasion, keep in mind there will be others.
When working on weight loss, remember the tennis ball tip.
Read rest of article here: Portion size vital to weight loss
Whether you’re handing out the treats or will have to deal with the pillowcases full of goodies your kids bring home (or both!) Halloween can cause quite the candy conundrum. But you and your kids don’t have to miss out on the fun to avoid turning into Augustus Gloop. Follow Gladwyne-based dietitian and family nutritionist, Emma Fogt‘s tips for a happy, healthy Halloween.
1. THINK OUTSIDE THE WRAPPER
You’ll already have to deal with the loot the kids bring home, so do yourself a favor and opt for calorie-free or healthier treats. “This year, instead of handing out tons of candy, opt for more stickers, mini pumpkins, mini toys and dollar-store gifts like fake tattoos, stick on gems, crayons, pencils, erasers or sticky notes,” suggests Fogt. “Or passing out more nutritious foods such as; individually wrapped Fig Newtons, dried fruits, pretzels , baked chips or popcorn.”
2. EAT BEFORE TRICK-OR-TREATING
“Make sure to feed the children and yourself before trick-or-treating, even if it is early,” says Fogt. “I guarantee your kids—and you— will eat less candy on a fuller stomach.”
3. BUDGET THE CANDY
The amount of candy kids collect in one night goes far beyond the USDA’s advice of having approximately 250 calories of discretionary calories per day. “Discretionary calories are those calories that contain added fats and sugars,” says Fogt. “It is so easy to overspend these discretionary calories on a normal day, but it’s especially difficult at Halloween time.” So, spread them out. If you really love Reese’s, figure out how many you can have in a day, enjoy them, and then opt for nutrition-packed whole foods for the rest of the day.”
4. EAT THE CANDY AFTER DINNER, NOT IN BETWEEN MEALS
“Have candy only after dinner, not as a snack or when you are hungry,” says Fogt. “If you start to eat candy on an empty stomach, you will; fill up on these non-nutritive calories.” Instead, keep fresh fruits on the table. “If you are truly hungry, an apple will sound just as good as a candy bar,” says Fogt.
Halloween Fruit Bites
Great way to have fun and get your kids to eat apples and nuts. Fruit bites is a healthy snack for kids that you can make together.
To make these little bites you can use pears or apples. Any nuts will work. We used peanuts.
1. Wash apples and pears. Dry them.
2. Quarter a pear, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter.
3. Sliver the peanuts.
4. Cut them into smaller teeth looking pieces.
5. Press the your peanuts into the pear to make teeth.
5. HAVE A HOUSE CANDY RULE!
“As the parent, you are responsible not only for what and where your kids eat, but when,” says Fogt, who recommends having kids pick any two pieces of candy after dinner and stashing the rest during the day. “After some time, the ‘best’ candy is gone and you can chuck the rest. The younger your children, the more control you have over their food choices, timing of meals and when they eat.”
6. PUT CANDY AWAY
Leaving candy out in view is a fast-tack to a sugar fest. “Brian Wansink, a Cornell researcher and author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think says that we eat more of visible foods because it causes us to think about it more, and every time you see the candy bowl you have to decide whether … you want a piece of candy or not. “Don’t get sucked into the ‘see food diet’ mentality that makes you want to eat the candy simply because you see it and not because you are hungry.”
When you experience a sweet craving it may be that you are actually hungry for real food. “Ride the crave wave for a few minutes and ask yourself if you really want candy right now or real food,” says Fogt. “Take a break and get up. Go outside or eat some fresh fruit and see if the sweet carving subsides.”
7. GIVE SOME AWAY
“You can also choose to get the candy out of the house,” says Fogt. “Donate the candy to a shelter or homeless facility, a food bank or a senior center that would appreciate it.”
8. GET THE REAL GOODIES
Keeping cheap candy you don’t like in the house—if you aren’t a fan of Peppermint Patties, for instance, handing them out will be a lot easier than handing out your favorite. “But why not get a little of your own yummy, high-quality dark chocolate?” suggest Fogt. “Eating a good piece of dark chocolate slowly is rich, sweet and satisfying, and it also provides antioxidants.”
resource: blogs.phillymag.com
Eerie eyeball snacks for Halloween
One of my favorite creepy snacks to serve at a Halloween party is Eerie Eyeballs. I originally got the recipe from Britta Blvd and it’s a pretty easy one with great impact. I love seeing people (especially kids) squirm and squeal over these chewy, gummy, and freaky little bites!
The trick to these is in the mold. My favorite mold is a simple plastic paint palette. They are cheap, easy to store, and have a perfect round shape and a smooth, slick surface. Best of all, you can find them at any store that sells craft supplies. Just make sure you’ve never used them for paint before — we want these eyeballs to be edible!
You can also use any other mold you can find that has a round shape. Some suggestions are truffle molds and round ice cube trays. Or, you can just put the mixture in a bowl and use a melon baller, but your results won’t be nearly as consistent or round.
Eerie Eyeballs
3 oz box (that’s the small size) of lemon gelatin (can be sugar-free)
1 cup hot water
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup pineapple juice
8 oz cream cheese (can be lowfat/Neufchatel)
Dissolve lemon gelatin in 1 cup water in double boiler, add marshmallows, and stir to melt. Remove from heat. Add pineapple juice and cream cheese. Beat until well blended. Cool slightly. If you are using molds, spray them very lightly with non-stick cooking spray, then pour the mixture in the molds and leave to set in the fridge. To decorate the eyes, use food coloring (liquid or paste) and a tiny (clean!) paint brush and get creative. You will need black food coloring for the pupils, but the irises can be any color you like.
You can have a lot of fun with the painting. The eyes can be realistic and creepy, or wild and crazy (think cat eyes, bloodshot eyes, or eyelids and huge lashes!). I tend to go to parties with kids at them, and I don’t want to gross them out, so I make the eyes pretty tame. Just ordinary blue eyes is still enough to make most people shiver to see one being eaten, though!
This recipe will make a LOT of eyeballs, especially if you are using the palettes as your molds, since they are not very deep. If you don’t have a lot of molds, you might want to try to cut this recipe in half.
Here are some fun ways to display the eyeballs:
Arrange them on a platter in the middle of the buffet table.
Put one or two eyes on the edge of each plate, including serving platters and your guests’ dining plates.
Put one or two on top of a cupcake or use them to create a border around a cake.
Spear them with a swizzle stick or umbrella and use them to decorate a cocktail glass (Note that if your eyeballs are flat, you might want to put two of them back to back for this idea, to create a fuller-looking eye.) Add a drop of red food coloring on the stab wound and really gross them out!
Put one on your tongue and walk up to a guest at your party and stick your tongue out. This is sure to get a reaction, especially if chew the eyeball up right after they see it!
Got any favorite creepy treats that you serve at your Halloween parties? I’d love to hear about them!
and partially hydrogenated coconut oil, found in many prepackaged foods. Hydrogenation causes dangerous trans-fats to form, so this type of coconut oil is always considered unhealthy.
They are cheap, easy to store, and have a perfect round shape and a smooth, slick surface. Best of all, you can find them at any store that sells craft supplies. Just make sure you’ve never used them for paint before — we want these eyeballs to be edible!
and 
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but your results won’t be nearly as consistent or round.
