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A $15 Weight Loss Tool

Want to lose weight without investing a lot of money on expensive equipment?  A simple $15 pedometer can help you lose weight--even if you don't go one a diet!

According to a recent HealthDay News article, new research has found that modest weight loss--about a pound every 10 weeks--can occur just by strapping on a pedometer when you go out for a walk.

Pedometers may work, in part, because they help you track your progress.  They motivate you to take just an extra 100 steps or go an additional half mile.

Although the weight loss in this study was not dramatic, it does illustrate the importance of tracking your progress during a workout.

Fast Food Is The Most Dangerous Type Of Restaurant

Think any type of restaurant will add pounds to your waistline?  You're probably right, but some restaurants are more dangerous than others.  A recent HealthDay News article reported on a study that found folks who like near fast food restaurants are more likely to be overweight than people who live near "full service" restaurants. 

The results of this research suggest that it's not necessarily dining out that equals extra calories.  Instead, it's the type of restaurant we choose that can make a difference in our weight gain.

So the next time you need a quick meal, bypass your local fast food joint.  Instead, grab a quickie lunch from one of these places:

Your local supermarket: Many have delis that provide fresh sandwiches and salad bars.  At the very least, you can cobble together a meal from hummus, low fat cheese, whole grain crackers and fruit.

Your local Chinese buffet:  Stick with steamed rice, stir-fry veggies and wonton soup.  Watch out for anything that's fried or in a heavy sauce.

Your local convenience store:  Many offer made-to-order sandwiches and salads.  You might also find hard boiled eggs, fruit and yogurt in the refrigerator section.

A Big Breakfast Can Keep Off The Extra Pounds

Your mother was right: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!  According to a Reuters Health article, a recent study found that a hearty breakfast--followed by fewer calories throughout the rest of the day--can reduce the amount of weight gained during middle age.

But that doesn't mean you can eat unlimited amounts of bacon and eggs!  Instead, try these suggestions for a hearty, healthy breakfast:

•    Multi-grain blueberry pancakes with scrambled Egg Beaters
•    Omelette made with veggies and egg whites, whole wheat toast and half a grapefruit
•    Three scrambled egg whites, a whole grain English muffin and two slices of lean turkey bacon
•    Whole wheat waffles topped with sliced strawberries
•    Low-fat cottage cheese, apple slices and a bowl of hot oatmeal
•    Whole grain cereal, sliced bananas, low fat milk and a slice of Canadian bacon
•    Breakfast burrito made with whole wheat tortilla, scrambled egg whites, crumbled turkey bacon and salsa
•    Two hard boiled eggs, pan-fried potatoes and an orange

And who says you have to eat traditional breakfast foods in the morning?  A bowl of  veggie soup, a sandwich, or last night's leftovers can be a quick and tasty breakfast, too!

Introverts Are More Likely To Be Thin

Are you a social butterfly or a wallflower?  According to a recent study reported by Reuters, sociable people are more likely to be overweight when compared to their introverted counterparts.  And if you're the anxious type, you have a greater chance of being underweight!

There are a few possible explanations for these results.  My theories include:

•    Anxious people are more likely to fidget, which leads to additional calories burned throughout the day.
•    Extroverts spend more time in social situations, most of which involve food and dining.
•    Introverts tend to eat at home and avoid high-calorie restaurant meals.
•    If social folks exercise, they probably do it with other people (which means less concentration on the workout because they're busy chatting).

Why do you think sociable people are more likely to be overweight?

Bits From Bloggers

•    Diet Blog reviews a new strength training book for women. 

•    A Weight Lifted discusses the dangers of weight loss surgery as a fix for diabetes. 

•    Eating Fabulous shares some tips for easing into a vegan or vegetarian diet. 

•    Wellness Junction helps us make breakfast healthy. 

•    Aprovchar shows us the journey she took to healthier living. 

Find Kickboxing Classes In Your City!

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Many of us need the extra motivation of an exercise class to keep us focused on workouts.  The atmosphere of fitness and health can help spur us to work harder, sweat more and burn more calories.  And a class environment can be useful for technical workouts like kickboxing.  By taking a class, you have access to a professional instructor who can teach you the skills necessary for the activity.

If you don't know which gyms in your area offer kickboxing classes, you can find out at GymTicket.com!  Just search for kickboxing classes with your address and zip code to find fitness centers that offer kickboxing instruction.  (You can also click on a link to the nearest metropolitan city.)  It's simple, easy and convenient! 

Your search results will create a map marked with nearby kickboxing classes marked.  Details about the health center and the services it provides--such amenities like nutrition counseling, juice bar, sauna and lockers--are included when available, and you may even find a link to a guest pass!  You'll also find contact info for the gym, like the address and email link.  In some cases, you may find a special offer such as a waived enrollment fee or a free personal training session.

And if you're looking for fitness centers and gyms that offer other types of workouts, GymTicket.com can help you find those, too!  Just browse around the website to search for other gyms by location or type of facility.

Health Tidbits

•    Botox could be deadly.  Link 

•    Get to the doc for your shots.  Link 

•    Exercise to live longer.  Link 

•    Meat and diet soda could increase your risk of heart disease.  Link 

•    Walk just an hour each week to reduce your odds of developing colon cancer.  Link 

•    Caffeine increases your risk of a miscarriage.  Link 

•    Ask your doctor to wash her hands.  Link 

Walking At Home Can Boost Fitness

Think you need a pricey gym membership to get fit?  Think again!  A recent study reported by Reuters suggests that walking at home can boost "stamina, vitality and mental health."

And you don't have to do a lot of walking to see benefits!  The study subjects walked just 20 minutes at least twice a week.  Here are some ways you can make walking at home work for you:

Walk around your neighborhood!  If you live in a safe neighborhood with sidewalks, try just taking a brisk walk around the block.  You'll get a chance to greet your neighbors, too!

Head back to high school!  Need a softer or safer walking path?  Consider the track at your local high school, which is usually available during evening hours and some weekends.

Go to the park!  Local parks and playgrounds usually have plenty of open space for walking.

Drive to the mall!  If the weather is a little wet or cold, consider walking at your local mall.  Many malls open early during the week to allow walkers a chance to exercise without a crowd of shoppers.

Buy a treadmill! Although the initial investment is relatively expensive, the purchase of a treadmill allows you to exercise at your convenience.  Place it in front of the TV so you can workout to your favorite show!

Be a Do-Gooder!  Need some extra motivation?  Volunteer to walk dogs at your local animal shelter.  It's good for your body and your spirit!

Bits From Bloggers

•    Learn about weight loss around the world from Diet Blog 

•    Find out why A Weight Lifted thinks scales can be harmful to our diet. 

•    Check out these 4 tips for jump rope workout exercises at FitBuff. 

•    My Path To Fitness Blog offers some tips for cold-weather workouts. 

•    See how Go Workout Mom combines housecleaning and exercise. 

Health Tidbits

•    More good news about the Mediterranean diet.  Link 

•    A pedometer may help with weight loss.  Link 

•    A different cooking oil could help you drop some extra pounds.  Link 

•    Toddlers shouldn't be given cold medicine.  Link 

•    Working with money could make you sick.  Link