Women have been taking oral contraceptives, aka The Pill, for almost 50 years to prevent pregnancy. But there are a lot of misconceptions about taking the pill, particularly those about weight gain. Most side effects of taking oral contraceptives are mild and include breast tenderness, nausea, headache and breakthrough bleeding….
To work out or not to work out — that’s the question. Many people don’t know the facts when it comes to exercising while ill. Some experts maintain there is some truth to the notion that working out when sick will make you feel better. However, they recommend activities that…
You’re in the mood for toast, but a tablespoon of butter just isn’t going to do it this morning… or any morning. That’s because a tablespoon of butter will set you back 102 calories and 11.5 grams of fat (7.3 grams saturated fat). Not such a great to start the…
Microwave popcorn might be an on-the-go dieter’s best friend. It’s a convenient, sometimes lower-calorie salty snack option. It’s a whole grain, and it offers plenty of fiber per serving, which fills you up. And it’s certainly better than the movie theater’s fat- and salt-laden offerings. But microwave popcorn is far…
It’s easy to slack off on workouts during the coldest times of year, but you’ll regret it once bikini season comes around in a few months. Stay on top of your fitness by choosing to work out outside at least one day a week. Revolutionary materials, like moisture-wicking fabrics, make…
Beware of the muffin – and other sweet breakfast breads. For years people have assumed that muffins are a healthy, diet-friendly option. However, that isn’t the case for the most part. Some muffins come with a heavy price in terms of calories and fat. A Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cheese muffin…
Detox diets seem to be all the rage in the diet and celebrity worlds. But many of them are dangerously low in calories, incorporate suspect supplements or are simply too expensive. A detox diet is too low in calories to maintain for an extended period of time, but it can…
When it comes to weight loss, it’s important to have a plan in place. If you address your weight-loss issues haphazardly, it’s unlikely you will realize your goals. From your exercise regimen to your daily menus, you must use some foresight to plan ahead – whether it’s for a day,…
Want to know how to get more out of your mushrooms? Bump up the health benefits of those Brussels sprouts? It’s a fact that some foods play better with others than on their own. And the opposite is true – certain compounds in foods can work against each other and…
Fitness fads come and go — remember the thighmaster? — but if you want a well-rounded workout, then embrace the fitness ball. It’s no secret that exercise balls are a great way to add variety to your workout and improve strength in your core and lower body. But working out…