Even if that coach helps out by phone, with no face-to-face contact, it can translate to more weight loss, the experts found. Either approach results in more weight loss than going solo. The studies will be presented this week at the American Heart Association annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“The ‘remote’ intervention, to me, is very exciting,” said Dr. Lawrence Appel, a professor of medicine and director of the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health. He led one of the studies.

Weight loss tips

Weight-loss support and education delivered over the phone or a website, he said, was effective. “We don’t discourage in-person,” Appel said. “Going in, we thought it would be the best intervention.” The researchers found otherwise. “Given their druthers, the people said, ‘I prefer not to come in,’ ‘I prefer to use the phone, the Internet.’”

In the study, Appel and his colleagues assigned 415 obese men and women, average age 54, all with at least one cardiovascular risk factor such as high blood pressure, to one of two programs. In one, patients got weight loss support remotely — by phone, a website and email. In the second, they got in-person support during group and individual sessions, along with remote support.

A third comparison group met with a weight-loss coach at the study start. They could also meet with the coach at the end. In between, they were on their own, referred to websites on weight loss and given brochures.

Those in the self-directed group lost less weight. On average, the self-directed group shed 1.7 pounds, the remote group lost 10.1 pounds, and the in-person group 11.2 pounds over the two-year study.

A higher proportion of those in the intervention groups lost 5 % or more of their starting weight. That may not sound like much, but experts agree it is enough to make a difference to your health.

In the second study, Dr. Thomas Wadden, at the University of Pennsylvania, and his team assigned 390 obese adults to one of three types of programs. One group was termed ”usual care” and saw their doctors for weight-loss education and support every three months. One group received brief lifestyle counseling, including visits with their doctor every three months and monthly sessions with lifestyle coaches. One group received enhanced lifestyle counseling, which included everything the brief lifestyle counseling group got, along with being offered a choice of meal replacements or weight-loss medications.
The weight-loss medicines were either orlistat or sibutramine. Orlistat now carries a warning about potential liver damage. Sibutramine is not available in the United States now, after reports of an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes with its use. By the end of the study, most were using the meal replacements, not the medicines.

At the end of the two years, 86 percent were still participating. Those who received the enhanced lifestyle counseling lost the most: 10.1 pounds. Those in the usual care group lost just 3.7 pounds and those in the brief lifestyle counseling group lost 6.4 pounds.

Those in the enhanced lifestyle group were more likely to drop 5 percent of their starting weight, according to the report.

Both studies suggest a model using primary care doctors works, said Wadden, professor of psychology and psychiatry and director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the university. That model is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which makes recommendations based on evidence of benefits and harms.

In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Susan Yanovski of the U.S. National Institutes of Health pointed out that the participants got the meal replacement and medicines at no cost. “Whether patients would be willing to pay for these therapies, or insurers would be willing to reimburse for them, is not known,” she said.

Appel estimates his program would cost less than $500 for the two years and speculates that employers might pay. Wadden said his program would cost about $1,300 for the two years. He said employers or insurers might pay in the future.

One in three U.S. adults is obese. Both studies were funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The study led by Appel was also supported by other sources, including Healthways, a disease-management company that has a consulting agreement with Johns Hopkins. One study author has received consulting fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck and royalties from Taylor & Francis Publishing.

More Information

For information about healthy food choices, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more weight loss ideas and for a special offer, visit SlimTrim1.com today.

Researchers from St. Louis University’s Doisy College of Health Sciences recruited 34 people between the ages of 50 and 60, who were either overweight or toward the high end of normal weight. The participants were split into two groups — the first group of 18 was put on a diet, while the second group of 16 exercised.

Exercise - lose weight

The dieting group reduced their total calorie intake by 16 percent per day for the first three months of the study. For the final nine months, the dieters reduced their caloric intake by 20 percent.

The second group exercised to burn 16 percent of their caloric intake per day for the first three months, then increased their workouts to burn 20 percent of their calories for the final nine months.

By the study’s end, both groups lost roughly 9 to 10 percent of their total body weight. However, the researchers found that the participants of the dieting group lost muscle mass during their weight loss, while the exercising group did not.

“If push comes to shove and somebody wants to know if they should diet or exercise to lose weight, I would suggest exercise, provided they are willing to put in the extra time and effort and not offset the gains they make by eating more,” said Edward Weiss, the study’s lead author.

Though the most effective weight loss strategy is to combine diet and exercise, the researchers emphasized that people who only exercise to lose weight are missing out on some unique health benefits of calorie restriction.

“It’s important that dieting not be seen as a bad thing because it provides enormous benefits with respect to reducing the risk of disease and is effective for weight loss,” Weiss said. “Furthermore, based on studies in rodents, there is a real possibility that calorie restriction provides benefits that cannot be achieved through exercise-induced weight loss.”

Running to Lose Weight

If you’re like most runners, you probably resolved to shed a few pounds this year, which is a great goal, since losing extra flab will make you a healthier, fitter, and faster runner. But doughnuts and French fries aren’t the only obstacles to your target weight. Bad nutrition habits you may not even realize you have make it hard to drop excess pounds, says Lisa Dorfman, M.S., R.D., director of sports-medicine nutrition and performance at the University of Miami. Nutrition missteps, such as disregarding food labels and eating while distracted, can sabotage your diet. Here’s how to pick up healthy habits that will get your weight-loss and running goals on track.

Diet Downfall: Venti Mocha Frappuccino

In a study published in 2009 in Preventing Chronic Disease, researchers analyzed purchases at Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts in New York City over 11 weeks. They found two-thirds of purchases at Starbucks and one-fourth at Dunkin’ Donuts were “blended coffee drinks” that average 239 calories. The researchers warn that 200 extra calories a day can lead to a 20-pound weight gain in one year.

New routine: Switch to plain brewed coffee, which is nearly calorie-free. If you love specialty drinks, choose a smaller size with nonfat or low-fat milk and skip the whipped cream and syrups. Add sugar yourself: Presweetened drinks can contain 20 teaspoons of sugar, says sports nutritionist Deborah Shulman, Ph.D., who notes you should only have about 10 teaspoons of added sugar a day. If you want to splurge, do so after a hard run; the sugar sparks an insulin response, says Shulman, “which stops protein from breaking down and builds up energy sources.”

How to avoid packing on pounds this off-season.

Diet Downfall: Not Enough Water

Runners understand it’s important to hydrate before a workout, but many don’t realize they should also drink before sitting down to eat. According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who drink two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lose more weight than those who don’t drink. “It’s the fullness factor,” says Dorfman. “You eat less because your stomach feels full,” which helps reduce your calorie intake and spur weight loss.

New routine: Before meals, drink a glass or two of water or a cup of tea. A bowl of soup will have a similar effect, says Dorfman. Do the same before reaching for that midafternoon snack. “Runners often think they’re hungry when they’re actually thirsty,” says Dorfman, so drinking water may relieve what you thought was hunger.

Diet Downfall: Too Much Meat

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the diets of more than 300,000 adults and found that those who eat the most meat gain more weight (about four additional pounds) over five years than those who eat less meat. “Meat is a very important source of protein and iron,” says Shulman. “The problem is we eat too much of it and eat it in place of plant foods.”

New routine: If you’re trying to lose weight, “a plant-based diet with a little meat is best,” says Shulman. “Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and beans have fewer calories per gram.” She suggests making meat one ingredient among many, like shrimp and vegetable stir-fry, beef and bean burritos, and chicken curry with rice.

Winter got you down? How to outrun the blues during the season of plunging temps and zero motivation.

Diet Downfall: Not Reading Food Labels

Nutrition-fact panels and ingredient lists on packaged foods will help you determine a product’s relative merits, says Shulman. In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs found adults who read nutrition labels are more likely to lose weight than nonreaders.

New routine: Focus on the nutrition facts panel for key nutrients to limit, such as calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, and review the ingredients. “If you want whole-grain bread, but the first ingredient is ‘wheat flour,’ you know more than half the flour is not whole grain,” says Shulman. Beginning early this year, some companies are planning to add labels to the front of packages. And remember to check serving sizes, which are often unrealistically small.

Diet Downfall: Eating While Distracted

The amount of time Americans (including runners) spend eating while multitasking has risen sharply over the last three decades, according to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs. This behavior makes it more difficult to monitor calorie intake. “It’s like reading on the treadmill,” says Dorfman. “You don’t do either well.” She notes you end up eating faster, which leads to overconsuming calories and weight gain.

New routine: Turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, and focus on your food. “It’s important to have an eating place,” says Dorfman. “Set the table wherever you are and remove all distractions.” If you usually eat lunch at your desk, stop scrolling through e-mails between bites. If you’re at home, don’t eat on the couch–sit at the kitchen table. Make eating an event, and enjoy it.

Try these energy-rich and nutritious recipes from fellow athletes.

Stumbling Blocks
Common nutrition mistakes that trip up runners

Eating too close to a run
Fifteen minutes after eating, insulin levels rise, says Deborah Shulman, Ph.D., leaving you feeling sluggish. So eat one and a half to two hours before a run. The exception? “Your body doesn’t release insulin midexercise,” says Shulman. A snack just before a run will keep you energized.

Making energy bars a meal
High in sugar and low in fiber, energy bars are perfect on long runs, but not ideal for weight loss, says Shulman. They won’t keep you full long, making it likely you’ll overeat at your next meal.

Overdoing sports drinks
Sports drinks are high in calories and meant to provide fuel for running an hour or longer, says Lisa Dorfman, M.S., R.D., or if you’re working out at a high intensity for at least 45 minutes. Otherwise, water or a low-calorie sports drink is your best option.

Not fueling up midrun
“You have 90 minutes of carbs in your system,” says Shulman. Run longer without midrun fuel and you’ll bonk, which won’t help you lose weight. Consume 30 to 60 grams of carbs (try a sports drink or dried fruit) for every hour you exercise to keep energy high.

Overeating post workout
Runners know they need recovery fuel after a workout, but they often overestimate how many calories they burn, which leads to overeating. “If you do an easy workout that’s 45 minutes or less,” says Dorfman, “100 calories is sufficient for recovery.”

Source: Nicole Falcone, Runner’s World


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There’s nothing like a weight loss strategy that takes almost no time or effort–but still works like a charm! Here are 10 successful strategies to cut calories and burn fat that literally take 60 seconds or less.

1. Mix a juice spritzer
Combine your favorite juice (half of your usual amount) with plain or sparkling water. You can cut up to 85 calories per glass–and lose 5 pounds or more a year.

2. Walk while you talk
Burn calories while you talk on the phone: Do the laundry (68 calories), set the table (85), or water plants (102).

3. Study the wrapper
At a quick glance, that candy bar appears to contain 220 calories. But a closer look may reveal that it (or a bottle of juice, bag of crackers, or bag of nuts) provides two or more servings–which more than doubles those calories.

4. Sip green tea before a walk
The caffeine frees fatty acids so that you burn fat more easily. And the polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) in green tea appear to work with caffeine to increase calorie burn. (If you have high blood pressure, skip this tip.)

5. Pack a lunch
Dining out more than 5 times a week may make you eat more–nearly 300 calories a day–than if you dine out less frequently.

6. Dip your bread
Use olive oil in place of butter. It’s healthier and may also help you eat less. In a recent study, dippers ate a total of 52 fewer calories, on average, than those who used butter.

7. Sprinkle flax on cereal
High-fiber ground flaxseed can help curb your appetite and eliminate calories. Add it to yogurt or muffin and bread mixes–it’s available in health food stores.

8. Schedule a blood test
About 1 in every 12 women (most of whom don’t know it) has an underactive thyroid, which can slow down her metabolism.

9. Supersize your H2O
Buy the big bottle when it comes to good-for-you stuff such as water: You’ll drink more.

10. Eat a chunky salad
Chop carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or other veggies instead of shredding or slicing. It takes more effort to munch bigger pieces; you’ll do more chewing and eat less during the main course.

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Healthy Diet Foods List

One of the biggest problems people seem to have about being on a weight loss diet is the selection of foods they are going to be allowed to eat. Not to mention, the selection of foods they are no longer going to be allowed to eat. With certain unbalanced diets (for example, low carb) this may be true.

With The Lose Weight Diet, it is false.

The big fear some people have is that they would get tired and/or bored of eating the same healthy diet foods over and over again. Some people may even go as far as to say it’s impossible to consistently eat the same few healthy foods every single day for a long period of time without either falling off the diet or just going insane. Well, first of all, that’s not quite true.

For the most part, I eat the same foods at the same times of the same days every single week/month/year and have been doing so for years now. I realize how crazy that may sound to some people, but to me there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s very convenient and simple. Plus, I really like the foods I eat. I am perfectly happy with these foods. After all, that’s why I made them a part of my diet in the first place.

I am certainly not telling anyone to eat like this, and you certainly don’t have to. I’m just saying some people just don’t need that much variety in their diet.

If you happen to be like this too, great.

However, if you are the type of person who DOES want variety in your weight loss diet because you WOULD get tired of eating the same foods over and over again, then this list is for you.

I have separated the foods into 3 categories:
- good sources of protein
- good sources of carbs
- good sources of fat

Keep in mind though, the key to The Lose Weight Diet (or any weight loss diet for that matter) is total calories consumed. As you learned earlier, weight loss happens when you are in a calorie deficit, meaning you are taking in less calories than your maintenance level and are therefore burning more calories than you consume.

So, while the foods on this list would all make great additions to your diet (for both weight loss and all around health), you need to make sure you stay within your calorie range. Also try to stay close to the guidelines suggested regarding how much protein, carbs and fat your diet should consist of.

With all of that being said, here’s a list of acceptable and healthy diet foods:

Good Sources Of Protein

Chicken (without skin)
Turkey (without skin)
Lean cuts of beef
Lean cuts of pork
Lean cuts of lamb
Lean cuts of veal
Eggs
Egg whites
Tuna fish
Salmon
Shrimp
Lobster
Flounder
Sardines
Snapper
Swordfish
Trout
Crab
Clams
Scallops
Milk (2% or skim)
Cottage cheese (low fat/non fat)
Yogurt (low fat/non fat)
Tofu
Black beans
Garbanzo beans (aka chick peas)
Kidney beans
Lentils
Lima beans
Navy beans
Pinto beans
Miso
Soybeans
Peanuts
Almonds
Cashews
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Pistachio nuts
Natural peanut butter
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Protein powder, protein shakes and protein bars

Good Sources Of Carbs

Brown Rice
100% whole wheat bread
100% whole wheat bagels
100% whole wheat pita bread
Whole wheat/whole grain pasta
Sweet potatoes
Yams
Oatmeal
Buckwheat
Bulgur
Bran cereals
Garbanzo beans (aka chick peas)
Kidney beans
Black beans
Lentils
Navy beans
Pinto beans
Lima Beans

Fruits And Vegetables

Good Sources Of Fat

Salmon
Mackerel
Herring
Anchovies
Sardines
Scallops
Halibut
Fish oil supplements
Peanuts
Almonds
Walnuts
Cashews
Natural peanut butter
Olive oil (extra-virgin)
Flax seeds
Flax seed oil
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds

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