About.com Weight Loss

It's American Heart Month!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:47:56 +0000

Throughout the rest of the month we will be taking a look at heart attack, heart disease, your weight and its impact on heart health and lifestyle changes that can affect both your weight and your heart health.

Today, let's take a look at some signs of heart attack.

We often think of a heart attack as something that comes on suddenly. Did you know most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort? People aren't sure what's wrong and, unfortunately, wait too long to get help.

Here are some signs that can mean a heart attack:

Chest discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath, which may occur with or without chest discomfort as well as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

To learn more, visit About.com's first aid Guide's informative article on heart attack signs.

It's American Heart Month! originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 22:47:56.

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"I Tried It!": Chick-fil-A Fruit Cup

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:47:14 +0000

Having had the experience of ordering a fruit cup at other restaurants only to receive a dollop of canned fruit, I was a little reticent to try again at the chicken restaurant, Chick-fil-A. But, I was in a bit of a pickle, because I was saving major calories for later on in the day, but I had to meet a friend there (she ordered the chicken biscuit and at nearly 400 calories, it was so off-limits!). But I just couldn't stare at her while she ate, right?

Well, I am pleased to say that the fruit cup at Chick-fil-A leaves all those other fruit cup offerings in the dust. The fruit is most definitely fresh, not canned or frozen, and very flavorful. It featured firm grapes, tart apple cubes, flavorful strawberries and more. At only 50 calories, I enjoyed this cup in the time it took my pal to chow down her biscuit (yummy, fresh fruit requires lots of chewing!). It was very refreshing (Which is not what she was saying about that heavy biscuit in an hour or so!) and a great way to start the day. I think it would also make a healthy dessert option at lunch or dinner.

Chick-fil-A offers a number of healthy choices, so be sure to check out the quick guide we added recently! Have you tried a healthy item at a restaurant recently? Did you love it or hate it? Post your recommendations (or warning!) in the comments section.

"I Tried It!": Chick-fil-A Fruit Cup originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 01:47:14.

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Did You Know?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:32:41 +0000

Getting enough lean protein in your diet can help rein an out-of-control appetite (protein takes longer to digest than carbs so you feel fuller longer) and prevent overeating. It may also help to stoke your metabolism. And the more "fired up" your metabolism is, the more calories you burn.

Wondering how to find healthy ways to eat lean protein? Check out these sources.

Image: USDA.gov

Did You Know? originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 01:32:41.

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Soup's On!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:08:58 +0000

It's soup season! What's better on a cold day than a nice bowl of soup or chili? Eating soup can help you lose weight by increasing fiber and curbing your appetite. But not all soups are smart for those of us watching our weight. And how do you make soup into a meal that won't leave you ravenous? Here's some soup-er advice!

Soup's On! originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 01:08:58.

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Share Your Success Story

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:57:29 +0000

Have you lost weight and kept it off? We want to hear from you! Take a moment to share your weight loss success story so others can learn from your experiences. You can upload a before and after photo, too!

Image: Clipart.com

Share Your Success Story originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 00:57:29.

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Weighing In on Weighing In

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:50:31 +0000

Weighing in is an important part of being consistent with your weight-loss efforts. One of the most common questions I am asked about weight loss is: "How often should I weigh in?". I know what works for me, but that may not be what works for you.

Personally, I think weighing in weekly is the best policy. It is often enough that you can keep an eye on your progress (or lack thereof) in time to make any needed changes, yet not so often that you become obsessive and worry about every little pound gained or a plateau. (No matter how effective your weight-loss plan is you will have a few days where it appears you don't lose -- or even gain -- weight, even if you otherwise consistently lose weight throughout the month.)

More:
Why I Weigh in Weeky
How Often Do You Weigh In?

Image Source: Clipart.com

Weighing In on Weighing In originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 00:50:31.

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Saturday "Smart Swap!": Taco Bell

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:55:54 +0000

Don't you love it when one little change can make a huge difference to your diet?

That's what a "Smart Swap!" is all about -- a way to enjoy a food similar to your fave while saving a bunch of calories!

Today's swap? At Taco Bell, swap a Grilled Stuft Chicken Burrito for a Fresco Style Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco to save 470 calories.

To see the calorie counts of some popular Taco Bell items, learn what choices to avoid, and which menu items to choose more often, check out:

Taco Bell Quick Guide

Saturday "Smart Swap!": Taco Bell originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 23:55:54.

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Do This to Stop Overeating

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:52:04 +0000

To prevent overeating, it's important that you feel sated and satisfied throughout your day. Feeling full is also one of the secrets to following a healthy diet without feeling a sense of deprivation.

Some dieters think they have to feel hungry when losing weight, but that's just not the case. The less often you feel even a mild sense of hunger, the fewer calories you are likely to eat. Here are some pointers on feeling full to prevent overeating.

Do This to Stop Overeating originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at 00:52:04.

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Have You Tried Plate Portioning?

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:15:09 +0000

Plate portioning is an easy way to control your portion sizes and eat a healthier diet. By mentally breaking your plate into sections and assigning certain types of food to each section, smarter choices can become automatic. Here is how to practice plate portioning.

Have You Tried Plate Portioning? originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 00:15:09.

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Add More Healthy Foods to Your Diet

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:29:53 +0000

There are two types of foods that most of us don't get enough of: produce and whole grains. It's important to eat more of these foods for many reasons. Not only are fruits, vegetables and grains low in calories and full of vitamins, they also include plenty of fiber, which can help prevent overeating. Check out these easy ways to add more healthy foods to your meals.

Image: Clipart.com

Add More Healthy Foods to Your Diet originally appeared on About.com Weight Loss on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 00:29:53.

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