It seems the older women get the more protein they need. Recent studies from researchers in the US and UK have found that women lose more muscle mass than men do as they age because their bodies can’t process protein like they used to. We already tend to have more fat and less muscle, even as early as middle-age.

This study compared women and men between the ages of 60-80.  Recommendations from the study include resistance training (weight training), and more protein in the diet. The goal is not to eat more food, but maximize your protein through better food selection. Select lean meat, eggs, legumes, and vegetables high in protein.

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As promised, I am addressing the issue of water weight. Many of you have asked what it is exactly and why is it the first thing I lose on a diet? I thought these were some great questions, and so I’ve done a little homework for you. While there were several references to water weight, there wasn’t an overwhelming amount of information about why we lose it first. I hope that what I have found will help you to understand it just a little better.

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There is something magical that happens when the first day of spring arrives. There is a distinctive shift in our brains and we begin to think of sunshine and all of the goodness that comes with it. We begin to revv up our bodies and prepare for outdoor activities. It is a time of rebirth.

For some of us, there is a panic that sets in. We realize that summer is just around the corner and our dream of a svelte body is slightly delayed. Bathing suit season is scary for some of us. Quite frankly, there are other things that we would rather be doing. However, this time of the year is a great opportunity to make the changes we have been talking about and not acting upon.

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Too often at holiday times, we find ourselves varying and straying from our diet plans. We make excuses for our dieting mishaps and blame it on whichever holiday we are about to celebrate. This is a dangerous practice that we need to overcome.

As I have spoken with different friends the past few days, there has been a general concurrence that too many of us are following an Easter diet filled with sugared candies and chocolates. We are bringing into our homes baskets of candy items and sweet treats to fill our Easter baskets. But we are instead stuffing our mouths with the items and then running back out to purchase more for Easter Sunday.

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TLC is airing a new show that just may catch your interest. The show is called “I Can Make You Thin” and it features weight loss guru Paul McKenna. The series will feature five different programs. The first episode was last night and it is well worth your time to set your DVR in advance if you can’t catch it. It airs Sundays at 9 PM on TLC.

The approach of this show is very straight forward and the successes that Paul McKenna has had in Britain have been astounding. He is bringing us his approach to weight loss here in the United States and I think we should take a moment and hear what he has to say.

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I was discussing with my husband this afternoon about the fact that I just feel so tired and worn out today. As we talked it over, it became really clear to me why I was so tired and worn out. I had forgotten to take care of myself today. I’ve done so many things wrong for my health that it is really no wonder that I am so exhausted. So what have I done wrong?

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That what the latest Johns Hopkins research says.  If you want continued weight loss, then stick with your weight loss program.  Longevity in a commercial weight loss program does pay off.

According to the John Hopkins study, individuals sticking to their program commitment lost 13-16% of their body weight.  Those who didn’t stick it out, dropping out in the first month only lost 1%.

Of the individuals studied, only 7% remained in their program for one year; and 42% dropped out in three months.

Let’s take the time to make more than a commitment to weight loss.  Let’s make it a long term commitment to weight loss.

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So you have decided to start a diet. Which day is your start day? If you are like most dieters, you have chosen to start on a Monday. While this is a very popular day to start, it may not be the best choice. We all like to have a clean beginning when we start a task. Dieting is no different. It is far too easy to decide to put it off just one more day. This is a dangerous place for a dieter to be and a dangerous game to play. Pretty soon that tomorrow becomes next week or perhaps even next month. The vicious cycle begins yet again.

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How about some garlic or onions, leeks and shallots?  Yum, I know.  Not exactly the picture of fiber and phytochemicals like berries. They are vegetables though and for a diet you couldn’t do any worse than to include super foods that help protect your body from disease and offer a boost to your immune system.

The research isn’t totally in on garlic but there has been talk that it is good for your cholesterol too.  Whether that’s the case or not, since it is a plant I’d bet it is worth a shot to consider it over less natural forms of flavor. 

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This afternoon I’m running away with my family and going to a movie. I love sitting in the theater and watching a good flick. In the past, I loved the short, but expensive visit to the concession stand and the popcorn smell that filled the entire theater. I always took the extra butter and a large drink and happily munched and sipped my way through a great flick.

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