Do you really know what is healthy food?

We all try and stick to choosing healthy items when grocery shopping or eating out, but how well do we really know our foods? Discover how to find out about reading between the lines, what to look out for in labels and how to dine out healthily.

When shopping in your local supermarket, it's very easy to be attracted to colourful aisles filled with crisps and chocolates. It can sometimes take a lot of will power to resist grabbing a few treats...especially if you are food shopping on an empty stomach!

So the logical choice is to head for the aisles that sell 'healthy' food. But how genuinely healthy is the food that you are buying? It looks healthy, it sounds healthy, but you may actually find that it contains 'hidden' fats, salts and sugars. In short, anything BUT healthy!

Fat free? Sugar free? Calorie free?

Phrases such as 'fat free' and sugar free' sound great in theory, but a closer inspection may be needed. A claim such as 'fat free' usually means that in order for the item to be 'fat free', something else has to be added to make it taste edible.

So check the label at the back to see what has been added to make up for the lack of fat. The product could be significantly high in sugar, and so, even if the product is fat free, it will probably be packed full of calories. The same goes for products boasting a low number of calories or no sugar at all. Again, check the back label because the fat content may be very high.

Also check to see whether the nutritional information relates to the portion size or if it's per 100g. When cooking a meal, think in terms of portion size to get a better idea of how much fat and calories each person will really be consuming.

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A., B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is the creator of the online weight loss, health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For free resources, tips and healthy recipes to help you lose weight and gain energy, visit

Today you are reading Part One. This is a Three-Part article.

With so many varying recommendations on how to approach losing your body fat, many crucial details tend to slip into through one ear, yet right out of the other, quick, fast, and in a hurry. Yes, it's true that you hear so many conflicting ideas about health, diet, fitness, and weight management. Why does so much instructional or informational variation exist? Which parts are factual? What are the concepts, ideas, or truths that can really help you?

Likely, the GREATEST fact you can benefit from right away is the following: to lose body fat assuredly, you need a three-part fat attack strategy, and your methodological system needs to be a truly solid one. The three parts, of course, you already know WHAT they are. However, what you are more likely to lack is acute and chronic skill or savvy regarding exactly HOW and WHEN to mix these intricately related weight loss pieces together.

Let's explore each one here, just a little, that is, 1) diet-foods-nutrition, 2) physical action-movement-exercise; and 3) reeducation-strategy-knowledge acquisition/enhancement/upgrading. Perhaps there's a clue for you in the fact that the latter of these vital elements above is quite lengthy.

Here's one solid scientific fact you might observe. You are more likely to adopt and adhere to solid diet or exercise lifestyle when you educate yourself. You grow more, when you know more... about your approach, your limits, your potential, and your benefits.

Occasionally, you may tend to ignore important and crucial facts about fitness or nutrition. At times you just can't help that. It's a small part of human nature. Plus, you probably hear a lot of "crap" these days, particularly concerning "carbs – to be or not to be," and/or the "best and only time of day to exercise." After a while, though you don't really want them to, your ears simply become numb to the barrage of junk information. Then, you assume that no one really knows what they're talking about anymore. You might even mistakenly include accredited professionals into that stereotype, too. Perhaps, you even express your own opinion as true fitness fact without receiving support from science and community.

Time after time, you try things that don't work. Yet, once in a while, you try something that does. Is what you tried still working for you? Probably not. Consider cutting to the chase about excess, loose tissue... hanging around in places you don't want it to. Your formidable enemy is likely to be "saturated" fat. Here's a professional tip that can help you now and far into your future. Gain a thorough understanding of this "Three-Step Fat Attack" concept. It's a relatively new concept, yet the power lies in the fact that although each area can afford you some weight loss productivity, combining the three yields geometrically improved results.

It might not be such a natural tendency for you to try new things. You may not even have the luxury of acquiring formal knowledge on nutrition, fitness, or weight management. That leaves you with trial and error as major modus operandi. Then, your weight loss solutions stem from incorrect data such as: rumors, old tales, things that you have "heard about," or just plain old advertising hype.

(Believe it or not, we're still talking about part three – reeducation-strategy-knowledge acquisition/enhancement/upgrading – because all of the above has to do with know-how and knowledgeable approach to weight loss, avoiding unnecessary time, trouble and effort.)

Now's your time to concentrate on a focused, weight management approach that works with long-term reliability. What you need is plain and simple. However, you need to realize right now that you can easily fall into one not-so-obvious trap. This trap catches most people who are seeking solutions to a diet or exercise problem. You can avoid it from now on. That common trap is NOT REALLY UNDERSTANDING THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE, underestimating it, or taking it for granted without deeper exploration, inspection, and investigation.

Yes, this is where you can place your focus... on increasing comprehension. And, how can you grasp complex details without expanding your ability to process that knowledge? Easy. Learn about it. This moves us to the very first step in your "Three-Step Fat Attack," which follows:

1. Read.

2. Apply.

3. Maintain.

Yes, it's that simple. Yet, do you really understand it? First, here's an easy way to remember it... you have to RAM this approach into your arsenal of diet exercise tools. That's right. RAM IT IN! Here's your detailed breakdown for R. A. M.:

STEP ONE - "R." = "Read accredited sources of information."

You can expect to find that these sources might be slightly "unpopular." Now, understand what "unpopular" really means. Unpopular simply means this type of news is not sitting out on the stands just waiting for you to pick it up. This is not the dazzling, interest-grabbing, highly publicized, or TV advertised gossip. Accredited, accurate, helpful, long-lasting, scientific data is not so easily located. You have to find it. You have to do your homework. Do some research. Yet, even with research, you need to have a central idea of what you are looking to explain.

We'll explore the weight loss difficulty involved and the viable solution in Part Two.

Kenneth G. Dockins, owner, is an American Council On Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, also an ACE Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, possessing over 15 years experience in diet, exercise, fitness, health, nutrition, and weight management. Specialty: aerobic endurance exercise program design and weight loss achievement. Temple University Kinesiology graduate. American Heart Association AED and CPR Certified Healthcare Provider - Basic Life Support.

JUST A LITTLE BIT IS BETTER THAN NOTHING; STILL, A WEE BIT MORE IS SO MUCH MORE ADMIRABLE!

If you're "averagely overweight," that is, not doctor-diagnosed with extreme obesity, or if you just want to feel better by losing or shedding a few pounds, there's good news for you – from ACCREDITED, reliable, trusted experts who also care about your well-being. [See: ACE; ACSM; AHA; or AHA.]

Truth: Ten minutes of daily exercise is admirable because it's far better than zero minutes of productive energy expenditure. However, exercise physiology and weight loss science point to 30 minutes per day, at least three times per week, as part of your best body fat improvement scenario.

Why Does 30 Minutes Prove So Beneficial, And What's The Other Part of An Effective Weight Loss Scenario?

Your body has only three possible energy systems. Two of them are oxygen-INDEPENDENT. Yet, in order to metabolize fat, your body demands that oxygen be present. Long-story-short: brief, especially "quick" exercise bouts look for quick energy sources. These reside in blood and in muscle. It takes more than a few minutes to significantly tap into your fat stores, and especially, to burn enough of it for a long enough time to lose some substantial body weight.

This is almost the exact opposite of muscle tissue, where you can see and feel virtually immediate results. Burning fat requires patience. You simply have to allow yourself TIME to let exercise effects occur.

Reach Your Aerobic Threshold

Generally, exercise begins with a warm-up phase, at least 1-3 minutes. Provided your intensity remains within your target heart rate training zone, (about 120 heart beats per minute – an estimated average for most non health-impaired adults) you'll spend the next 7-10 minutes reaching your aerobic threshold. Staying near-to, but right below the point where your muscles burn (from a too-highly-intense performance causing lactic acid build-up) will bring you to a virtually perfect "fat-burn." Yet, THIS very special meeting only occurs at medium-to-low intensities, which takes longer periods of time.

Lipids (a simplified word for "non-water-soluble-fats" within your system) have to move from the outside of a cell, through the cytosol, mix with pyruvate, plus oxygen… then proceed to your "furnace" (mitochondria). This is where you break fat down into your "rewarding and much-wanted" by-products – energy (the work you've achieved); H2O (sweat); and carbon dioxide (a lot of continuous "exhaling").

So, if you quit at the 10-minute mark, you deny yourself approximately an additional 10 calories or more per minute of weight lost, primarily from fat stores. Stopping this process at 10 minutes is much like going all the way to the door of your favorite party but never stepping inside…for the "real" action.

Reasons Why You Should Work Out More Than Ten Minutes

With all of that said, there's an even more monumentally powerful yet scientific reason why you should work out for more than only ten minutes. In fact, at least 30-minute exercise sessions prove most beneficial for effective weight loss and improved endurance. You'll get three fundamental benefits from this:

First, you preserve your LEAN body mass (which you need because it burns fat far better than fat can burn itself).

Second, you get to expend MAXIMUM calories (the true key to losing weight – maximizing caloric expenditure, which is a time-consuming venture).

Third, your extended physical activity makes you change the way your body USES food internally or metabolically (for example, getting three-fold increase in calories expended, compared to person remaining sedentary.).

To Summarize, Experts Now Agree

The bottom line is that essentially all experts in diabetic science, obesity control, dietetics & nutrition, exercise science & personal training, and exercise physiology agree that extended, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity is yet the most significant and flexible factor in energy expenditure for losing weight.

Mix that with practicality, reasonability, and utilize the following tip: Base your safe, effective weight loss goals around the fundamental principle that you need to alter your energy balance in the NEGATIVE direction by expending about 500 calories per day from smartly manipulating both EXERCISE AND DIET. You'll find that it's barely even possible to accomplish this feat by altering food alone. With exercise, however, you can obtain your weight loss objectives much more comfortably and conveniently, plus safely, too, for results that are long-lasting and health enhancing.

Kenneth G. Dockins, owner, is an American Council On Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, also an ACE Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, possessing over 15 years experience in diet, exercise, fitness, health, nutrition, and weight management. Specialty: aerobic endurance exercise program design and weight loss achievement. Temple University Kinesiology graduate. American Heart Association AED and CPR Certified Healthcare Provider - Basic Life Support.

Do you want bigger breasts? Do you think exercise might give them to you? If so, here's a true story that might interest you. (Of course, we asked permission to print this story for you, and the names are changed to protect privacy).

A young lady asked me this, regarding exercise and fitness personal training. Her question was "If I train with you, will my breasts get bigger? Will they lift themselves up, become firmer and fuller like they used to be when I was younger? Truthfully, I hesitated momentarily, before answering this one. Yes, I really wanted to motivate her, as well as gain her service as a new fitness client. And, I also wanted to stimulate her existing desire to re-kindle her fire and passion for exercise. My greatest personal satisfaction comes from seeing other people improve themselves, especially when their benefits come from advice, education, suggestions, and/or training techniques that I have brought to them.

However, my ethics are much stronger than my desire for profit. Ethics in the diet, exercise, and personal fitness training industry are an extremely valuable commodity. They denote character and intent to provide quality service. Therefore, I smartly hesitated before answering the young lady's question. I could see the look in her eyes. She may have wanted me, as a trainer, to say, "Yes, of course your breasts will become larger, firmer, and fuller, just like they used to be. All you have to do is exercise." The truth, however, is quite surprising and perhaps contrary to your probable expectations.

As I began to research the subject, "natural breast enhancement," many truths became obvious, almost instantly. Of course, you find your most immediate replies from Internet sources. Members of the general public, many of whom have no accreditation, formal education, or long-term training expertise, are free to create such highly opinionated responses. Although these individuals (and some small businesses, too) may mean well, they simply lack accuracy, especially in the art and science of conducting skilled research.

Now, let me tell you what I noticed right away. Upon my first query on natural breast enhancement, several web sites displayed conflicting information. For example, one site said that herbs, minerals, and vitamins would cause a woman's breasts to enlarge. The next site said that "exercise" would boost breast size by at least one "letter." A third said that "nothing" would help because genetics alone determined breast sizes. A fourth claimed that wearing pressure clamps all day long would increase breasts by at least two cup-sizes.

As you might already see, the offerings, replies, and suggestions included various alternatives, methods, and techniques. There were suction and pressure devices, creams, encapsulated hormone products, immune system "enhancers," nutrient supplements, etc. A few sites even boasted about "special secret exercises." (Of course, you had to pay first before they told you what these unique, new "special secret exercises" were, if any.) The exercise science industry says nothing about "special breast enhancement exercises." This type of information is only hype. Don't buy into it. Stick with science. Stick with accredited information sources. Maintain your knowledge through licensed, formally trained professionals. Especially, deal only with specialists who maintain high "ethical" standards.

You may be interested to know this. Here is the basic outcome of a comparison between the various natural ingredients associated with "breast health." These ingredients were different from those that claimed to increase "breast size." If you are a candidate for such products, you must be meticulous about the phrasing of such descriptions. There's a saying on the Internet that, "You have to already know what you want, before you can find it." In other words, asking for "breast health" gives you different results than "breast enhancement" or "breast enlargement," or even "natural breasts."

For example, properties of nutrients claimed to exert "anti-cancer" functions. Still, others were reportedly claiming to make the breast expand (or, at least "appear" to) swell in size. Certainly, you could rationalize the following. Some nutrients do indeed tend to protect your cells from deterioration. At least, there are some that may offset the formation of cancerous cells. This, however, does not automatically mean that the tissue will appear larger and/or grow bigger. When you refine your "purpose," you are more likely to find something that can provide you with a satisfactory solution.

Do You Want the Bottom Line on "Natural" Breast Enlargement?

There really is "nothing" available and practical that will give you such results. The only thing that possibly comes close to achieving this for you is the "pressure clamp" concept. That is, you wear pressure clamps all day long for about 20 to 30 days non-stop. Surely, you can see how many people cannot arrange the time for such an activity. Convenience is certainly a factor that affects you. And, can you withstand the discomfort of this type of breast enlargement technique? At least, this idea has some merit, but it's still not your most practical and achievable solution. Now, consider the following.

In a "natural" way, nothing exists that will actually make your breasts firmer, fuller, or larger. You can, however, protect the "natural health" of your breasts. Additionally, with exercise, you can naturally increase the size and strength of the MUSCLE layers BENEATH your breasts. These muscle layers (called "pectorals") can give you a slightly more firm appearance. This is true only because the muscles themselves become more firm, NOT your mammary glands. In reality, breasts consist of fat tissue, not muscle. Fat can seldom be "firm" to the touch, and fat is hardly likely to give you a firm, solid appearance.

Now, "think outside of the box" for just a moment. Returning to our original story line, the ironic thing is that the woman you read about already possessed very large breasts.

Thousands of "decent-sized" ladies would "kill" to have what she already has. However, the feeling that your breasts may not be nice enough also comes from other facts. Your surrounding body parts can also lack THEIR proper shape and symmetry. Your overall fitness (including body fat ratio, flexibility, strength and endurance) may be poor or below average.

So, here's a breast enlargement/enhancement/health solution that you can count on, virtually, forever. BECOME TOTALLY FIT. For example, with the woman you read about above, reducing waist size would conversely increase breast size appearance. Do you understand how this works? In exercise science, there is something called a "waist-to-hip" ratio. It measures your cardiovascular risk as well. However, with an excellent waist-to-hip ratio, your body "looks" good, too. In other words, reduce your waistline to enhance your upper body stature, appearance, and appeal.

Next, there is your "body composition." This is an approximated measurement of the amount of fat you carry in your subcutaneous tissue layers (immediately below your skin's outer surface). This is a ratio of the fat to muscle your body carries. Via practically any combination of aerobic, bodybuilding, endurance, toning, or strength workout activities, you can remarkably enhance your body composition. This, in turn, enhances the size of your waist, plus the shape of your torso, and consequently, the appearance of your breasts. Therein lies your "breast enlargement," the "natural way."

It's time to train your way into a more pleasing appearance, and a higher level of stamina comes with it. It's a win-win situation for you, without medical complications, and with no negative side effects. Help "nature" take its course by helping your body do what it is supposed to do – that is, to PERFORM. Call your trainer or weight management specialist and get more information. Then, step into higher gear with enjoyable and effective diet, exercise, and fitness physical activities. Your breasts will say, "Thank You."

Kenneth G. Dockins, owner, is an American Council On Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, also an ACE Certified Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, possessing over 15 years experience in diet, exercise, fitness, health, nutrition, and weight management. Specialty: aerobic endurance exercise program design and weight loss achievement. Temple University Kinesiology graduate. American Heart Association AED and CPR Certified Healthcare Provider - Basic Life Support.

In an attempt to explain the obesity epidemic in the world, fingers have recently been pointing to fructose – the sweetener found naturally in fruit and honey and as a component of high-fructose corn syrup used in sweetened foods and beverages.

Some research has suggested that fructose may stimulate a hormonal response in the body that promotes weight gain, while other studies have hypothesized that fructose, vs. other forms of sugar, may trick you into thinking you are hungrier than you should be. But is fructose the real culprit? Many experts don't think so.

John S. White, PhD, a researcher specializing in nutritive sweeteners, finds the information unfounded. "I don't believe that limiting any single food ingredient would be at all effective. Obesity is caused by a host of environmental, psychological, and physiological factors. All macronutrient food ingredients -- fats, carbohydrates, and proteins -- will contribute to weight gain when consumed to excess. … That may not be a trendy position, but it is one that is consistent with rational science."

White's colleagues agree. The expert view is that fructose may only be one ingredient causing people to gain weight, but other factors should be looked at, and overall calorie intake is likely high in obese people. Limit your consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages and snack foods just as you would any simple carb. Get your carbs from whole grains and veggies instead. They suggest reading labels carefully and when you need a sweet, try to choose fruit over artificial candy and beverages.

The fact of the matter here is that added sugars, in any form, can be a significant factor in obesity. The moral of the story: don't give fructose a bad rap - everything in moderation - you could gain weight by eating too much of any food.

Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our Health and Fitness Blog!

Do you consistantly starve yourself until you get to the restaurant, and then order everything on the menu to fill the hunger gap? If you are serious about watching your weight there are things you can do to be a more 'informed diner' so you make the right decisions on what food to eat when you dine out.

Fitness expert Bob Green (yes, the same Bob Green from the Oprah show) gives us a few tips on what to consider at different types of restaurants.

Italian Restaurants

-Skip the bread basket. At the very least, don't have it sitting in front of you for the whole meal.

-Split the pasta dishes. Portions are normally large enough for two.

-Choose soup for a meal, like Minestrone.

-Avoid anything called 'parmagiana' as it is usually fried and layered with cheese.

Chinese Restaurants

-Watch the oil and avoid anything deep-fried.

-Remember most of the calories are hidden in the sauces.

-Say "no" to egg rolls - they are filled with fat.

-Avoid dishes with eggplant in them - they soak up the oil like a sponge.

-Choose brown rice over white. Don't mistake fried rice for brown rice.

-Fortune cookies are okay to eat - they only have about 30 calories.

Mexican Restaurants

-Skip the chips/nachos.

-Substitute salsa for other toppings such as cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

-Avoid quesadillas and enchiladas that are filled with cheese. Tamales are filled with fat.

-Try to only eat half a burrito - save the rest for later.

-Taco salads are a good option - just don't eat the shell. The shell doubles the calories.

-Fajitas are a good option. Load them up with veggies and salsa, skip the sour cream.

Bob believes there is "nothing more dangerous than showing up at a restaurant really hungry." Being an informed diner can save you hundreds of calories in just one meal. To buffer the hunger, be sure to snack before you go out.

Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our Health and Fitness Blog!

Are you a between-meal eater? Many of us are, but that doesn't mean you have to visit the vending machine all day. There are smarter ways to snack throughout the day where you can lower your calories and still fill the hunger gap.

Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, author of the American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, goes over some common snacking times and makes a few smart suggestions on what healthier items we can replace those "filler" foods with.

When you need a wake-up or need a quick energy jolt: Eat a small breakfast of carbs and protein (cereal, egg, milk) or have an AM snack of proteins like peanuts or cottage cheese.

Before leaving the office for a meeting: A quick piece of fruit or chunk of cheese is good if you don't know when lunch is coming.

Before working out: You might want pump up with a piece of fruit and a big glass of water.

After school or work: A small sandwich and a glass of milk will work, otherwise, people eat all the way until dinner, a cookie, a cracker, a soda, and are never satisfied. If you are cutting calories have some cut-up veggies or a rice cake with peanut butter or cheese.

When out with friends: Try splitting a dessert or snack when you go for dessert or grab a bite with your buddies.

Before partying: A cracker and cheese or little carrots are a good choice to take the edge off. Drink an equal amount of water after every drink when you can.

Before bed: Milk contains tryptophan, which makes some people sleepy, and chai tea can be soothing.

Snacking not only helps ease those nasty hunger pains, but it relaxes and softens stress. Snacking should not be used to escape boredom. Find the smart snacks that fit both your individual needs and the occasion at hand.

Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our Health and Fitness Blog!