New Controversial Study Reveals Calories, Not Proportions of Macronutrients, Most Important

A 2-year Federal Study Finds that Calorie Reduction, Not Proportions of Fat, Carbs, or Protein, Lead to Weight LossA new federal study found that reduced calories are key to weight loss regardless of amount of proteins, carbohydrates or fat. The study examined 811 participants, 38% of them men, 62 % women, all overweight or obese, between the ages of 30 and 70 years of age. Each subject was put on a reduced-calorie diet for two years with different proportions of proteins, carbs, and fats.
“The diets all used the same calorie reduction goals and were heart healthy, low in saturated fat, and cholesterol while high in dietary fiber,” said researchers whose findings will be published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index were recommended in each diet.
Participants also participated in group and behavioral counseling during the two-year study. Participants were asked to keep a food journal and participate in 90 minutes of moderate exercise per week, monitored through questionnaires.
The participants lost an average of 13 lbs. over a 6-month period while sustaining a 9 lb. loss (gained 4 lbs.) for two years. The study’s findings help to reiterate that as long as a person chooses healthy and nutritious foods, a reduced calorie diet, no matter which approach, can result in weight loss and healthy weight maintenance.
Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, director at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, said “This provides people who need to lose weight with the flexibility to choose an approach that they’re most likely to sustain: one that is most suited to their personal preferences and needs.”
This study helped provide answers to a subject of very intense debate over the last years. With the 100s of diets out there, the question everyone asks is, “Do diets work?” “The answer, in most cases, is yes!” states Kristen Harvey, Chattanooga personal trainer and fitness expert. “But not every diet will work for you.” Mrs. Harvey adds. “While Miss Suzie Homemaker might enjoy a flavorful, gourmet diet like the Sonoma Diet, Joe Schmo , a single guy who spends most of his nights at Taco Bell, might fall in love with the new “Burrito Diet.”
Mrs. Harvey offers additional take-home lessons reported in the NHLBI study. First, participants with the highest attendance at the group sessions had the highest rates of success with their weight loss goals. Whether or not this was attributed to the person’s level of commitment or the effectiveness of the group sessions is hard to say. But the support and accountability that came from attending the group sessions and individual consults was important to a person’s success.
Second, participants were asked to choose low-glycemic foods. While the amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates varied, the diets were all low in sugar. The proportion of fats, proteins, or carbohydrates did not make a difference on weight loss. However, sugar may significantly sabotage a person’s weight loss results.
Finally, although the weight loss was statistically significant, a 9-lb. weight loss in 2 years is an EXTREMELY inefficient weight loss program. While it is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise in order to lose weight, 90 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is not adequate to achieve significant health benefits.

Save Money On Groceries!

My grandmother is always very wise with her money. She constantly sends us coupons in the mail and always splits a salad or soup with my grandfather when they go out to eat. But she doesn't know about this great resource (or how to use the computer). =)

Instead of clipping out all the coupons from the Sunday paper, this is a great resource to try. It's quick, efficient, and you can print out the coupons you want on a single piece of paper.

Check these out these online gems:
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.organicgrocerydeals.com

Happy Grocery Shopping!

Chattanooga’s Top 5 Action-Packed Winter Weekend Adventures

Weekend warriors and families alike can enjoy these great events and activities during the cold months in and around Chattanooga! There are so many great things to do! Let your imagination run wild!



1. Snow Mountain- Stone Mountain in Georgia has created a winter wonderland now until March 8th for innertubing, sledding, campfires and all sorts of outdoor snowy fun! Check it out at: www.snowmountainpark.com. The cost per ticket is $25 for adults and children. If you have a few extra bucks, check out Cirque de Soleil’s Kooza, the Bodies Exhibition, or Dialogues in the Dark showing for a limited time in downtown Hotlanta (www.atlanta.net).


2. Rock Climbing- Check out Urban Rocks gym, a new indoor rock climbing gym off Amnicola. The cost of admission is $14 for adults, $12 for students, and $10 for children. Rock climbing offers a KILLER arm workout! For that reason alone, you’ve got to check this place out! http://urbanrocksgym.com


3. Roller Skating- At Hamilton Skate Place, www.hamiltonskate.com, take yourself back to the 80’s with a family fun skate on Sundays, from 1p-5p, for only $5 admission. There are different theme nights throughout the week. Tuesday nights are Family Fun Nights. Thursday night is Christian skate night. Prices range from $4.50 to $10 per person.


4. Paintball- Check out Chattanooga’s largest indoor/outdoor paintball playing facility in the country. Now located downtown and for a drastically reduced annual membership fee of $99/yr. You can host a very memorable party, bring your church group, or hold a corporate team-building event for only $8 per person or $15 for field play with rental.


5. Ballroom Dance- One Friday evening each month, Chattanooga USA Dance, a non-profit social dance club, sponsors a ballroom dance at Allemande Hall. The ballroom dance begins at 7:30pm beginning with a beginners dance class, followed by a night of dancing from 8:30pm to 11pm. The dance event usually happens on the second Friday of each month with a different ballroom dance featured each time. The current schedule is March 13-Cha cha, April 10- Foxtrot, May 8- Rumba. For more information, check out http://chattanoogadanceinc.org.

For more information about the latest events in and around Chattanooga, check out Chattanooga Has Fun, Chattanooga’s OFFICIAL site for fun! http://www.chattanoogahasfun.com

Barbie Turns 50!!!!

Come On Barbie! Let’s Go Party…


Celebrating 50 years in 2009, Barbie’s famous face and head-turning style have made Barbie way more than the most popular doll in the world. Today Barbie is a worldwide fashion icon, pop culture princess and a global brand powerhouse.



For five decades, Barbie has inspired girls of all ages to dream, discover, and celebrate their girl hood- from fashion to fantasy- all in a world without limits. With her blonde hair, missile breasts, and tiny waist, Barbie epitomized the American ideal of beauty way before Pamela Anderson and Angelina Jolie came along.



This past Saturday, February 14, 2009, life-size Barbie dolls (and even a Ken doll) strutted down the runway at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. To celebrate this iconic doll with her fantastical wardrobe, Mattel teamed up with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to bring 50 designer fantasies to the runway for the first time since Barbie’s creation. Big name designers like Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Michael Kors, were among them.

Wide-eyed celebrities including Heidi Klum and Kelly Pickler along with little girls clutching their own Barbie dolls, packed the seats as they watched their little girl fantasies come to life in cat-eye sunglasses, retro one-piece bathing suits, glamorous gowns, hot pink mini-dresses, skin-tight leggings, fuzzy wraps, and bubble-gum pink high heels. Barbie's wardrobe was a retrospective of American fashion.

Barbie herself - projected in a splendid array of batting eyelashes, luscious pink lips and bouncing ponytail, and with perfect accessories in a shiny car or with handsome Ken - absolutely stole the show.


"Barbie is everything that an all-American gal should be - sporty, smart, sophisticated and sexy," said Michael Kors. Tommy Hilfiger agreed, calling Barbie the “quintessential American icon.”



Carol Ockman, an art professor at Williams College, in an interview with Economist magazine, discussed people’s enduring fascination with Barbie stating, “Barbie is a modern have-it-all woman, with an array of powerful careers, a closet full of couture, a doting metrosexual boyfriend and very little pressure to marry and procreate (though she can always choose the domestic route, complete with apple-cheeked baby and a "dream house" kitted out in Pepto Bismol-pink accessories).”
But this fresh-faced plastic fantastic, has come under criticism since its start for offering girls unrealistic expectations of womanhood, and even for inspiring eating disorders and related pathologies. Barbie has played a major role in our distorted perceptions of the “ideal” body.

Studies have shown that Barbie’s proportions, when rendered in the flesh, are impossible to achieve. If Barbie were life-size, her measurements--at 36-18-38, would make it impossible for her to stand, or even live.

A study conducted by Brownell and Napolitano compared women, aged 22 to 32 years, of normal weight and average height to Barbie’s proportions. They found that in order to achieve the Barbie ideal, these women would have to increase their height by 24 inches, increase their bust size 5 inches, lengthen their neck 2 to 3 inches, reduce their waist by 6 inches, and their neck circumference by 0.2 inches. (Brownell, K., & Napolitano, M.A. (1995). Distorting reality for children: Body size proportions for Barbie and Ken Dolls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 18, 295-298.)



Although the “Barbie ideal” is truly unrealistic and unattainable, that doesn’t discourage women from trying to attain this physique. With the popularity of cosmetic surgery, studies are showing that more and more people are carving out physiques that can only be obtained by going under the knife. Not only have our ideals been distorted, but our bodies are now beginning to morph into the unnatural physiques of plastic dolls and cartoon characters through unnecessary and sometimes, very dangerous, means.


But is this really any different from years past? For centuries, women have undergone pretty scary and torturous treatments in the name of beauty. Corsets and girdles were used in the olden days to cinch the waist, resulting in numerous health problems, including displacing organs and broken ribs. Although “shapewear” is making a big comeback, the options available today are often much more humane.


The Pa Dong Long Neck people, part of the larger Karen tribal group that lives along the Thai and Burmese border, use rings to “elongate” their necks beginning at the age of six. A few rings may be added every year, up to a limit of 20. The women's necks aren't actually stretched. Rather, the weight of the rings gradually crushes the women's collar bones, producing the illusion of long necks.

These are only a few examples of the “crazy” things women will do in the name of beauty. What is considered “ideal” continues to change but what remains clear, is that good old-fashioned diet and exercise can work “wonders” in creating a sleek, sexy, and near-perfect physique, regardless of genetics.


While I believe that plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures can have their place, nothing beats a proper diet and training regimen. There is no magic pill. No “quick fix”. No miracle potion. But we’ve definitely come a long way in understanding how our body functions and how we can contour our curves and create head-turning, jaw-dropping physiques with the smartest training strategies and optimal nutrition. And we can accomplish this through a philosophy of “training smarter, not harder”.

Want to learn more about how to create a million dollar figure? Subscribe to my blog to be on the cutting-edge and stay up-to-date with the latest training and nutrition strategies to help you carve out an attention-grabbing, jaw-dropping physique.

Stay tuned for my next blog post: Play Boy Bunnies Take on Anime Cartoons….

Flower Power

A recent study found that the sight and scent of fresh flowers is as effective as anti-depressants.

Fresh flowers don't have to cost much. You can find beautiful bouquets for a couple bucks at BiLo and other supermarkets. But the benefit is worth the investment.

I always try to have fresh flowers in my house. Whether or not anyone else notices, they always brighten my day and make me smile!

Happy Valentines!!

Put Sex Back In Your City

By Jennifer Nicole Lee

It’s no wonder that the movie “Sex and the City” made record breaking history with an estimated $57 million in sales last year in just their opening weekend!

Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha exemplify the modern day multidimensional woman that has it all, including a super-fierce body that is confident, sexy, strong and fit!

And let’s face it ladies, when you look good, you feel good! If you feel like “Sex” has left your “City” it’s time to BRING YOUR SEXY BACK with The Sexy Body Diet™ this Valentines!

The Sexy Body Diet™ will help you lose that darn ugly fat, blast cellulite and allow you to build feminine sleek and sexy muscle tone with only 4 short workouts per week! Some women are even experiencing the enjoyment of getting their hot body back and not only looking, but feeling years younger and even reporting having higher sexual energy with the help from the
Fitness Model™ Program (www.myfitnessmodelprogram.com)!

Bring Your Sexy Back with my www.MySexyBodyDiet.com

The Sexy Body Diet™ is a scientifically proven fat burning and muscle toning program which is endorsed by elite trainers and top female fitness magazines. It has been used by hundreds of women of all ages to gain that Fitness Model™ look! Most importantly it does not rely on hours of training; you DON’T have to live in the gym and work out 3 hours a day!
It is the ultimate Bikini Body Program that will give you a round butt, toned arms and flat abs!

Most importantly, it will help you get those flat abs that you have always wanted!
Summer is here- Are you bikini ready? Here are some of my favorite tips for six pack abs:

CRUNCHES: Don’t Count-Just “Burn” Them!

Abdominal exercises are your arsenal at sculpting and toning your tummy. I am strict when it comes to these, almost always exercising my abs until exhaustion. My militant mantra is “If you are not burning, you are not earning”, meaning you have to work for your washboard and a good indicator is that post work out soreness that sets in on the abs after my workouts.


Here I have highlighted my 3 top favorite abs exercises guaranteed to give you a run for your money!

A. BALL BUSTERS: Lay your back on a yoga ball with your knees bent 90 degrees and your workout buddy holding your feel down. Lean all the way back holding a small 5 pound weight behind your neck crunching up and actually curling your torso inwards towards your belly button and at the same time turning your pelvic muscles up.

B. THE PENDULUM: Lay on the floor while holding your work out partner’s ankles. Bring your legs up and have your partner push them down to the floor and then snap your legs back up-the key is to use resistance when your legs are being pushed down.

C. HANGING KNEE RAISES: When I first put myself into these arm straps, I thought that it was some kind torture device! But now I only have my abs thanking me! Hang in 2 arm slings with elbows bent and locked, and gently raise your knees into your chest.

SEXify your life and unleash your sexy body this Valentines with the Sexy Body Diet www.mysexybodydiet.com! You can also visit www.myfitnessmodelprogram.com and www.mybikinimodelprogram.com for more great sleek, sexy and feminine weight loss and nutrition programs.

Chattanooga’s Fitness Expert Reveals Her Instant Red Hot Tips on How to Look Hot Naked this Valentines!

Everyone has insecurities about how they look in the buff. But everyone wants to feel sexy in their own skin. With Valentines just a few days away, fitness expert Kristen Harvey shares her RED HOT tips to help you look hot naked INSTANTLY this Valentines. Kristen’s tips will help you look sexier and slimmer at a moment’s notice!

1. Be Confident. Confidence is the Ultimate Sexiness. Whether or not you feel confident about how you look, fake it ‘til you make it. Tell yourself that you’re great even when some part of you is doubting it. By holding your head up high and making eye contact, your actions will help you create the confidence you need. Always remember that motion creates emotion.

2. Posture is an instant slimming agent. Keep your chin up, shoulders back and stand up tall. Not only does the mere act of standing tall further up your confidence quotient but it instantly smoothes your stomach, diminishes back fat, lifts your breasts, and eliminates that double chin. No rib-crushing shapewear required!




3. Get a beautiful bronze tan. A tan not only has an instant slimming effect, but it also accentuates your muscle definition. Sunless tanning has come a long way and offers a number of options: spray tan, airbrush tan, and tan-in-a-bottle. You can get a realistic sun-kissed look without the fake orange color with a little bit of research and know-how. My personal favorites are Mystic Tan, Neutrogena, or Pro Tan. But if you don’t want to spend the time or energy creating the perfect bronze, try a tinted moisturizer instead to add a subtle touch of color.

4. Wear sexy lingerie. Nothing dampens your sex appeal more than an old stretched-out torpedo bra with unmatching granny panties. When shopping for lingerie, make sure to explore your options and try on a couple of items to find the best fit and most flattering ensemble for your figure.




5. Put on some high heels. High heels add glamour to any situation. High heels add height to your frame, giving the illusion of longer, leaner legs, and diamond-shaped calves.




6. Add some sparkle. Compliment your nudity with a small accessory to give you that extra touch of femininity. From a small necklace, a pair of earrings, or even a belly chain. You can find great body jewelry online at Fredericks of Hollywood (www.fredericks.com).




7. Use soft lighting. Candlelight is almost always flattering. You can even use pink or amber lights to soften the room and add to the glow.



8. Good Hygiene is a MUST! Make sure you are squeaky clean while nude. Fix your fingernails and toenails, take a shower or bath, or use a nice perfume or cologne. Also, pay attention to body hair, as you might want to groom and/or shave any areas that might need shaving such as legs, underarms, back, etc.

9. Pamper Yourself. Every woman deserves to indulge in moments of luxury, never mind how large or small. You don’t have to spend a lot to look and feel great. When you take care of your body, you feel good about yourself. It’s those little indulgences that tell your brain you’re worth it! Give yourself a French manicure, curl your hair, or experiment with fake eyelashes. Play with beauty, have fun, and step out in confidence.




10. Avoid Foods that Cause Bloating and Stay Hydrated. Typical culprits include beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, onions, and garlic. Also watch your salt intake and make sure you drink plenty of water. If you are retaining water, the best thing to do is drink MORE water!




11. Moisturize. Dry, scaly skin is not appealing on even the hottest body. Before baring it all, make sure that you use a great exfoliator and moisturizer. Some good products include Olay Body Quench (includes a bit of shimmer which catches light very nicely), rich cocoa butter, and of course, body oil infused with your favorite scent. Skin feels so much better when its smooth and silky!

12. Work Out. Having a hot body will help you feel even more sexy and confident when in the nude. Exercise helps boost confidence, improves your mood, and enhances your libido!!! Your body is your best accessory. Time invested in the gym is time well spent. Nothing is more beautiful than a healthy, vibrant, and well-trained physique. There’s no substitute for blood-pumping, oxygen-infusing cardio exercise with tightening, toning resistance exercise, and a great detoxifying sweat to sculpt your body, invigorate your mind, and create a more beautiful, confident, sexy you.




13. Sexy is as Sexy Does. Do things that make you feel alive. Doing activities that make you feel sexy with your clothes on will make you feel better with them off. Put in some high-energy salsa music, go dancing, and get your endorphins pumping!

For more information on how to SEXify your life and create your sexiest body ever, visit www.mysexybodydiet.com.