FitSugar

Diet Tip: Put Down That Fork

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I have mentioned the idea of putting down your fork between bites before, but I want to thank user VicVicVictooriaa for bringing it up again.

It's true, putting your fork down between bites will force you to eat slower, thus giving your body enough time to register the amount of food you're actually putting into your body before it's too late (and you feel uncomfortable). Chances are you'll realize you've had enough much sooner than if you were to scarf down your whole meal without releasing your grip on your fork. If that doesn't work, you can always try a diet fork.

So try it out and let me know if you notice a difference in how much you eat by using this technique in the comments section below.

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Diet Fork: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Recently I came across a new product, The Diet Fork ($8.95 for 10 - buy it here), which is supposed to help one eat slower while simultaneously burn more calories. Here's how:

Shorter and dulled teeth inhibiting user from grasping larger pieces of food at any one time.
Smaller triangular shaped surface area allowing dieter to hold less food than many other forks.
Uncomfortable grip compelling user to put fork down between bites, slowing the user's eating speed.

OK, so basically it's a broken fork that makes it hard to eat. Sound incredibly frustrating to anyone else? I'm curious what you guys think, is the Diet Fork cool or not?

(Oh and sorry for the lame image, but that is all they had on the Diet Fork site.)

Diet Tip: Put Down the Fork Between Bites

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

One way to make sure you don't overeat is by slowing down so that your stomach has time to register that it's full. There are plenty of tricks to keep yourself from scarfing down dinner, such as eating with your non-dominant hand.

Here's an even easier one: Make sure you put down your fork between every bite. If you're eating something with your hands, such as pizza or a sandwich, put down the actual food. Then, don't pick up the fork or food again until you've chewed and swallowed the previous bite. When you start to feel full, put down the fork altogether!

The forced pauses will prevent you from racing through your meal and give you more time to savor it. Plus, not only is this a healthy eating tip, but it's also good table manners, don't you think?

Source

Slow Down, You're Eating Too Fast

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:30:00 -0700

Overeating...it is an easy thing to do. We all do it and it leaves us with a bellyache or a sense of guilt (if you're trying to lose a few pounds). Since it takes 20 minutes after you start eating to register feelings of fullness, slowing down while eating is a great way to avoid eating more than you need. Here are a few tips on how to avoid that over full feeling.

Put your fork down between bites and completely chew your food before shoveling in the next bite.
Meditate on the food. I have already told you about the chocolate meditation, and you can do it with any food. Pay attention to the taste and the texture of what you are eating.
Don't eat in front of the TV. Mindless snacking often translates into overeating.
Eat foods that require some work - artichokes, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pomegranate, crab or lobster. You have to work for your food here and that will help slow you down.
If you eat with your family or house mates engage in conversation. Since you don't want to be impolite and talk with your mouth full, it will take longer for you to eat. Plus a good conversation and good meal make a great combination.
Try to avoid eating on the run. Wolfing food down in your car or while walking to the subway is a horrible way to digest food. Plus you generally make choices based on convenience rather than your health.

I sure do hope these tips help you slow it down.

Healthy Eating Tip: Dealing With Salad Dressing

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

Salads are a staple of healthy eating, and if you're trying to lose weight you might be adding them into your daily diet. While the greens may be low in calories, chances are good the dressing is not. Many dressings are high in fat, as well as calories. Overdressing your greens can subvert your healthy salad intentions, but skipping the dressing makes a salad dull and ultimately unsatisfying. The simple technique of placing the dressing on the side and dipping your fork, then taking a bite of greens will satisfy your palate and help you keep your waistline trim. Remember: Dip the fork, don't dress the salad.

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Common Diet Sabotages: Part One

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Can't seem to figure out why you can't lose those last few pounds? It may not be the hours you're not spending at the gym or those random fast food runs that are sabotaging your diet, but rather the little things we may not even think about. Women's Health found common culprits for what may actually be keeping you from your goal weight. Here are highlights:

You're using the wrong serving utensils, and I'm not talking about etiquette here. If you find that you're always using big spoons and knives. Knives and spoons often go hand in hand with unhealthy items like mayo, peanut butter, ice cream. Forks, on the other hand, are better served to dig in to foods like salads, steamed fresh vegetables, and chewy lean meats.

There's more so read more.

Your produce is always going bad. Sure you're buying lots of fresh fruits and veggies at the store, but are you actually eating them? A drawer full of rotten produce may mean that you're not eating as healthy as you could be.
You're hungover. You can eat salads until you're green in the face, but splurging on cocktails is not helping your cause. Any drink with alcohol in it is high in calories and not to mention not nutritious at all.
You're always tired. Just like eating healthy and working out, sleep should become a priority. It's not only been proven that folks who get enough sleep have faster metabolisms. When push comes to shove, sleep is more essential than hitting the gym. So in a pickle, choose your bed over pumping iron.

Stay tuned for more common diet sabotages, but in the meantime do you have anything that is sabotaging your diet? Share it below.

Source

Colles’ wrist fracture

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:45:33 -0700

Illustrations

Colles fracture

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Colles' fracture is a break across the end of the main bone of the forearm (the radius). A Colles' fracture results in a backward and outward position of the hand in relation to the forearm.

Alternative Names

Transverse wrist fracture; Dinner-fork deformity of the wrist

Considerations

Wrist fractures are common among children and the elderly. Children's bones are soft and tend to get buckle (torus) fractures, which are incomplete fractures on one side of the bone. Because bones become brittle with age, fractures are common among the elderly.

Wrist fractures most often occur when a person falls forward and then attempts to break the fall by throwing the hands forward. The impact of the hand on the ground and the sudden uptake of body weight by the wrist cause the ends of the radius and/or the ulna (the bones in the forearm) to buckle just above the wrist.

In older people, particularly those with osteoporosis, the radius may fracture just above the wrist, resulting in a backward angle. This is called a Colles' fracture.

The fracture may appear on an x-ray as a mild increase in density on the top side of the bone with a slight irregularity in the surface rather than a nice smooth line. Severe injuries will show evidence of a fracture through the entire bone.

Treatment may range from simple immobilization with a splint and sling to a lightweight fiberglass cast. If cast immobilization is insufficient to repair the fracture, surgery may be necessary and the break may need to be fixed with a plate and screws.

Older people with Colles' fractures often fail to regain full mobility of the wrist joint. Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur as a late complication of the injury. Chronic pain may result from injury to the ligaments or the joint surface of the wrist. In addition, in older patients, the fracture is usually related to osteoporosis, so treatment for osteoporosis is advised.

Causes

This injury is usually the result of trauma from a fall in which the person attempts to break the fall using the hands and arms. It is frequently associated with such sports as rollerblading, skateboarding, running, or any other activity in which the hands may be called upon to prevent a foreword fall occurring at relatively high speed.

Symptoms

History of a typical fall resulting in wrist injury
Wrist pain
Swelling just above the wrist
Deformity of the arm just above the wrist (increased angulation)
Unable to hold or lift object of any significant weight

First Aid

Reassure the injured person.
A fractured or dislocated hand, finger, or wrist should be placed and splinted in a normal resting position. Rest the fingers around a padded object such as a sock, wadded cloth, or rolled elastic bandage. If the hand or wrist is injured, place the object in the victim's palm, and use a circumferential wrap to maintain the position of the object. In order for the hand to maintain circulation, keep the fingertips uncovered. If the victim has a broken wrist, place a rigid splint on the underside of the wrist, hand, and forearm to restrict any motion. Broken fingers can be splinted independently or taped together with padding in between.
Elevate the broken wrist, hand, or finger and place it in a sling.
Use an ice pack over the wrist to help reduce swelling.
Transport the victim to an emergency medical facility.
DO NOT attempt to move the wrist or hand.

Do Not

The hand or the wrist should not be moved.

Prevention

Exercise to slow or prevent problems with the muscles, joints, and bones.
Eat a well-balanced diet with adequate amounts of calcium.
Remove any obstacles that may cause a person to trip or fall (such as loose rugs).
Install railings or use aids such as a cane or walker to help prevent falls.

Review Date: 9/21/2006

Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Scale Back Your Food Choices

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

With restaurants expanding portion sizes with menu items like the Country Burrito from Hardees or the 42 oz. Xtreme Gulp at 7-Eleven (pictured), it's easy to eat way more than you actually need or even want. I am not saying you have to give up going out for a meal, but just be smart when you do. Bigger size may mean a better value, but is it realistic to need 42 oz. of soda in one sitting? Probably not.

One way to be smart is by scaling back how much you actually eat and drink in the first place.

Here are a few tips for getting you on track:

Steer clear of large, jumbo and king size orders. Even a medium portion can be big, so share it with a friend. Better yet, opt for the small.
Eat half of what you order. Ask for a doggie bag and enjoy the rest on another day.
Have a bottle of water or diet soda instead of a regular sugar-laden soda.
Order a side salad with your meal.
Savor your food and eat more slowly. Put your fork down between bites. This will help you eat less.

Also, be sure to check out some of my breakdowns of popular restaurants before heading out so you can make wise choices along with portion size.

Source

Cures for an Empty Stomach

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:30:00 -0700

Now you know why it is important not to let yourself get super hungry, you need some hints how to avoid running on empty. Well, Women's Health has compiled of list of ways to effectively quiet the rumble of your empty belly without adding to the all around girth of your belly.

Here are the top ten suggestions:

Pack a packet: Instant oatmeal beats out All Bran and Muesli for fullness factor. We love Quaker's Weight Control Maple and Brown Sugar -- it tastes heavenly and has more fiber, protein, and whole grains than the regular variety. (Me? I am more of an Irish Steel Cut Oats gal.)
Find berry treasure: Raspberries are one of the most fiber-filled fruits, packing 8 grams into a cupful -- a whopping 32 percent of your RDA. Add some to your cereal or yogurt.
Can the juice: Whole fruit has a higher fiber content and makes you feel fuller than fruit juices, even those with pulp.
Make a dinner date: A study found that women eat less than usual on dates (men tend to eat a lot more).
But don't eat by candlelight: Dim light can trigger binge eating.
Better yet, make it a blind date: It's worth a try -- dine blindfolded and you'll eat 22 percent less food without missing it. Just watch out for the salad fork.
Bulk up: Soluble fiber expands in your GI tract to make you feel full, so get your 25-gram RDA. That's a packet of oatmeal, two slices of whole-wheat bread, and 1 cup each of broccoli, edamame, and raw carrots.
Ignore diet labels: One study found that after eating full-fat muffins, subjects were less hungry and ate less over the next 24 hours than after eating a fat-free version.
Hold your breath: Just smelling a fresh-baked cupcake in the break room can induce the insulin secretion that makes you think you're hungry. Sight activates the appetite snowball too, so avert your eyes.
Down a multivitamin: Research suggests that your body may compensate for a lack of nutrients by increasing your appetite so you'll eat more.

Women's Health has a suggestion for almost every situation! Plus there are forty more tips! Read them all in Get Your Fill. It's a belly full of information.

Source

Not-So-Healthy Health Foods

FitSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

A lot of times we have the impression that something is healthy just by its name but that is not always the case. I came across this great article from MSNBC.com that exposes foods that are typically labeled as healthy, but aren't:

Enhanced waters: Why drink ordinary water when you can drink “nutrient-enhanced water”? Well, maybe because these “enhanced” waters are just sugar water with a touch of nutrients and a lot of hype. There is no evidence that the ingredients prevent colds, boost health and energy, or reduce disease risk. They also come at a high price, some cost up to $1.50, two to three times the price of plain bottled water.

Watch out for the serving sizes, too. A Glaceau VitaminWater says it supplies half of your daily need for some of the nutrients. But you have to drink the entire bottle, which according to the label would be 2.5 servings and 125 calories, almost the same amount of sugar calories as you'd get in a cola. In reality, you're getting only 7 out of the 40+ nutrients you need. Even then, the amount is miniscule. For example, the vitamin C you'll get from drinking an entire bottle of Glaceau VitaminWater could easily be gotten from eating two strawberries, for a fraction of the calories. You are much better off taking a moderate-dose multiple vitamin and mineral supplement and leaving these enhanced waters on the grocery store shelf.

What about whole grain bread or salads, read more

Whole grain bread: The brown wrappers of multi-grain, whole wheat, 7 grain, oat or rye breads all look so wholesome and healthy. Think again. Flip it over and read the ingredient list. If you see “wheat flour” or “enriched flour” as the first or second ingredient, you have mostly refined white bread with some whole grains added.
Salads: Salads are often the answer to everything from waistlines to health. However, many fatty concoctions are guzzled under the guise of “salad fixings.” The fact that salad dressing is the number one source of fat in women's diets attests to the confusion over what is really a healthful salad and what is a fat-laden disaster.
Skip anything mixed with oil, mayonnaise, cheese or whipped cream. This includes potato or pasta salads, Mexican meat or cheese sauces, tuna mixed with mayonnaise, egg salad, macaroni and cheese, tartar sauce and Waldorf salad. A one-ladle serving of these foods could contribute up to three tablespoons of fat to the meal. Remember that one small ladle drizzles two tablespoons of dressing onto your plate, or up to four teaspoons of fat and 170 calories. In essence, too much of the wrong dressing can transform four cups of low-fat vegetables into a 70% fat calorie lunch! Place some low-fat dressing in a small dish and dunk your fork lightly into the dressing before each bite.