Diet Pundit - A Diet and Weight loss Guide

Food,Inc. What`s on your plate?

December 27, 2009 – 11:05 pm

Food inc
Have you ever thought about that the food you are eating where does it come from? the salad you are eating does it really come from a farm as luscious and green as the picture on the pack is shown?The burger you are eating how many different cow`s meat is it made of? and what if one of those cows was diseased?

Award-winning filmmaker Robert Kenner worked for over six years to bring Food, Inc so that you know whats on your plate,this film will (as claimed) will change your perspective on food.
The film tied for fourth place as best documentary at the 35th Seattle International Film Festival.

This film is 94 minutes long and has been categories in three segments, first segment tells you how the meat is mass produced to make it cheap but inhuman and contaminated.Cattle are given feed that their bodies are not designed to digest, resulting in new strains of the E. coli virus that sicken tens of thousands of Americans annually.

In Food, Inc. we meet Barbara Kowalcyk, whose 2 year old son, Kevin, died from E.coli poisoning after eating a hamburger

below is a clip of Kevin from food inc.

Second segment describes the production of wheat corn and other crops on the large scale.

Third segment is about the economic and legal power of the major food companies, who are thriving by supplying cheap but contaminated food, the heavy use of petroleum-based chemicals (largely pesticides and fertilizers) helps them to pocket more money which is a selfish act , they promote unhealthy food,and they have kept the prices so low that a low income family is forced to feed their family such poisonous food which later contributes to obesity and heart diseases.

Such big corporations are jeopardizing millions of people`s lives by feeding us the convenient food that tastes good and it is addictive as well as cheap but it is a silent killer.

It is a must watch!

By dietpundit | Posted in DVD Reviews, Research | Tagged Research | Comments (1)

Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones

December 27, 2009 – 6:13 am

No More Trouble Zone is another master piece by our toughest lady Jillian Michaels,who never cease to amaze us by her tough but rewarding workouts .For jillian curvy and soft is not sexy ,she thinks “ripped” is sexy.

In this workout dvd she targets the trouble areas that we call saddlebags, muffin tops and wobbly arms .This workout is one hour long warm up and cool down included,it is composed of seven 6-minute circuits that leave no muscle unworked. You can choose to do the entire 40 minute circuit or just select the body parts you want to focus on so you can focus on your “problem areas”Each of the circuits consists of 5 different exercises that you do for 30 seconds each, then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 2 sets of each move.

Jillian has a lot of unique, effective compound moves (compound means that you work the upper and lower body at the same time). You need 3 lb. weights and a mat for the workout but you can adjust the amount of weight to suit your strength.

Here is the breakdown of her routine

Circuit #1- Shoulder & Legs
- Squat with Shoulder Press
- Backwards Lunge with Side Shoulder Raise (repeat on other leg)
- Chair Squat with Front Shoulder Raise
- Front Shoulder Press Outs

Circuit #2- Chest & Abs
- Chest Press with a Crunch
- Chest Fly with Double Leg Raise
- Bicycle Crunches
- Squirms (lying down with knees bent. lift head and shoulder blades off ground and alternate bending to the side and tapping your heels).
- Push Up

Circuit #3- Biceps & Butt
- Dead lift with Hammer Curl
- Static Squat with Concentration Curl
- Front Lunge with Wide Grip Curl (repeat on other leg)
- Side Lunge with Biceps Curl

Circuit #4- Thighs & Triceps
- Chair Pose with Triceps Kickback
- Sumo Squat with Overhead Triceps Press
- Surrender (step back and down to kneeling position then stand up again)
- Forward Lunge with Triceps Push back (repeat on other leg)

Circuit #5- Core
- Double Crunches
- Twisting Plank
- Plank with Toe Taps (repeat with other leg)
- Windshield Wipers (lying down lift both legs and move from side-to-side)

Circuit #6- Upper Body & Core
- Plank with Back Rows
- Superman
- Scissor Kicks
- Pelvic Thrusts (repeat on other leg)

Circuit #7- Lower Body & Core
- Side Plank
- Side Lying Leg Raise
- Inner Thigh Raise
- Donkey Kicks
- Fire Hydrant with Kick

Then relax with a nice cool down.

By dietpundit | Posted in DVD Reviews | Comments (2)

Low Fat Salad Dressing

July 30, 2009 – 2:48 am

“I ate just salads and nothing else for the whole week and still gained weight!”

“I skipped my lunch and just ate salad because I am on diet”

How many times did you hear or experienced something like this and wondered why after doing everything right we are unable to lose weight.The truth is, it isn’t the salad that is holding you back from your dream weight it is the evil salad dressing .Salads prepared at restaurants or fast-food joints are not always the healthiest choices though out of guilt you side order them and try to eat most of it rather than your hamburger and,you still exceed your calorie allowance for the day and the weight loss hits a stall.

Fats in commercial salad dressings

Whenever you order a salad keep this thing in mind: Dressings in general, especially ranch, blue cheese, thousand island, high oil-to-vinegar ratio vinaigrettes, and regular mayonnaise or sour cream are packed with fats ,for example one tablespoon of regular mayonnaise(14.7g) has (4.9g) grams of fat.15g of blue Roquefort cheese has 7.8g fats,butter milk 100g(as a base) has 36.9g,caeaser dressing 14.7g has 8.5 g fats,french dressing 7.2g fats in 15 g,one tablespoon itatlian dressing has 4.2 grams of fats and thousand island dressing contains 5.6g on fats in one tablespoon.

Now lets look at some of the ingredients in your salads.

1.Taco salads with cheese ,sour cream ,ground beef and refried beans are a definitely a big NO NO.

2.Classic Caesar salad has egg based dressing and all that cheese and croutons will not only give you a couple of extra pounds but also a high cholesterol level.

3.Cobb salads are made of bacon, eggs, blue cheese, avocado and a creamy dressing that is packed with fats.

How to Prepare your Own Low Fat Salad Dressing

If you dislike most of the fat-free or low fat bottled varieties because of the preservative an sodium make your own salad dressings . Plain non-fat yogurt, fat free mayonnaise or fat-free sour cream, can be used for the creamy based salad dressing. Low fat buttermilk is perfect, too. Just add your own herbs and seasoning.
For vinaigrette dressings, the usual ratio of oil to vinegar is three to one. Instead you you can use in one part vinegar,one part water ,one part fruit juice and one part oil, use olive oil to make it even healthier. Or simply replace some of the oil with fat-free broth. Use honey, mustard, garlic, herbs, shallots, ginger or other flavors to add taste and body. If you like fruity taste you can add some fruit purees as well and voila the best an healthiest salad dressing is ready which will not add invisible calories in your salads.

By dietpundit | Posted in Recipes | Tagged foods, low fat, Recipes, salad | Comments (2)

FitDay the diet and exercise diary

July 27, 2009 – 11:28 pm

FitDay began as a personal computer software application by two Boston programming entrepreneurs, Jim and Russ Determan (brothers),later in 2002 they decided to launch an online version which is by far the best software to keep track of your daily activity , food intake and goals.
Fitday is an online food diary or food journal that enables you to know that how many calories you are consuming and what is the percentage of fats/carbs/proteins in your diet. Whether you are on a low carb diet,low fat diet, low calories diet or low sodium diet fitday is all what you need to keep track of your nutritional needs.You can not only keep a journal of your daily food intake but also you can set goals of physical activity and weight loss.You can get reports of a certain time period and you can judge that either you have progressed or not and the best part is that it is free !

FitDay PC

FitDay claims that over 2 million members are using this software to achieve the maximum results in their fight against the bulge.If you want to get more out of FitDay you can get premium membership or you can buy FitDay PC. FitDay PC is a faster, easier, smarter version of the online FitDay software which has many cool features that free online version does not offer like you can access your data even if you are not online.
So before embarking on a weightloss journey take a look at this helpful website.

By dietpundit | Posted in Gadgets, Research | Tagged Diet, Fit, fitday, gad, Gadgets, weightloss | Comments (4)

Reebok Jukari Fit To Fly

July 21, 2009 – 9:35 am

What is Jukari?

The name “JUKARI” comes from the Italian meaning “to play.”

A specially-commissioned Reebok research tried to figure out through 1500 women across 25 countries that why women don’t workout regularly .The research revealed that almost 50% of women knew that working out on daily basis keeps them fit which is good for their health and well being , but ,only 25% of them indulge in exercise. The research
also showed that almost 61% of them would workout more provided they find it interesting/fun .
Keeping this in mind Reebok collaborated with the world renowned entertainment company Cirque du Soleil to creat something new to make exercise fun again.
Jukari fit to fly is a revolutionary fitness equipment that gives you the thrill of flying while strengthening/lengthening your muscles and give you a full cardio workout.

Reebok Jukari Fit To Fly has a Flyset that is specially designed to hang it from the gym celing.The FlySet has a durable three-stranded rope fixed to the ceiling with a 360 degree swivel point at an adjustable length with two attachment loops.The FlyBar, a 4.5lb neoprene coated attachable steel bar, is placed through the two loops, which can be varied in height.
Reebok has spent some big bucks to promote their new product .Bar Rafaeli,Bipasha Basu,Kim Kardashian,Jamie king ,Molly Sims are some of the promoters.

By dietpundit | Posted in Gadgets | Tagged Gadgets, Kim Kardashian | Comments (1)

Kim Kardashian’s Fit in Your Jeans by Friday

July 16, 2009 – 7:04 am

People might not take this workout seriously for all that makeup strange workout suits and fancy set.But this workout is all you need if you want to get into your pair of jeans that you feel are a bit snug now.

Kim Kardashian who recently won the“Best Beach Body” poll at popeater.com with trainers Jen Galardi and Patrick Gougdeau did this workout dvd series called “Fit In Your Jeans By Friday” which promises to fit you in your jeans in just five days .It sounds unreal and overly optimistic but this workout does work !!Here is a real life story, Alissa was a bit skeptic before trying out this workout but she stuck with the plan and got the great results .Click here to read Alissa`s story.

Fit in your jeans is a 3 DVD workout set

1.Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt

It is a quick paced work out which consists of squating and lunging to get you a rocking booty in just 5 days(or at least its a start!)

2.Amazing Abs Body Sculpt

It is an intense workout to tone up and tighten your abs.

3.Butt Blasting Cardio Step

A step routine cardio workout to burn maximum calories and tone up your lower body.

To keep you motivated toward your goal Kim challenges you to take part in her five day transformation contest and the best transformation gets a pair of jeans hand picked by Kim.The guidelines for the transformation challenge are as follows

1. Order FIT IN YOUR JEANS BY FRIDAY and if you enter jeans challenge you will get free shipping just for taking the jeans challenge!
2. Photograph your “Monday “ look (pre-work out)
3. Workout to my DVD FIT IN OUR JEANS BY FRIDAY until Friday
4. Photograph your “Friday” look (post work out)

By dietpundit | Posted in DVD Reviews | Tagged Fit, Kim Kardashian, Workout | Comments (4)

Cheese Crisps (Atkins Friendly)

July 13, 2009 – 2:58 am

Weight loss can be a real challenge if your idea of snacking is a bag of potato chips.Now here is a solution (but only for those who are low carbing or following Atkins way of eating) that is home made cheese crisps by Linda.

Linda is a successful low carber who has lost 50lbs.her recipes are really authentic .She even gives you a carbs/proteins/fats and calories count so that you don’t have to calculate the carbs ..On her low carb recipes web site she has explained four different ways to make these crisps they are yummy and can easily satisfy your carving for a crunchy snack .

Cheese Crisps

For recipes click here

By dietpundit | Posted in Recipes | Tagged atkins, low carb, Recipes | Comments (0)

Jillian Michael`s Making the Cut

May 25, 2009 – 11:40 pm

making-the-cut-jillian-michaels
“Making the Cut” by strength trainer Jillian Michaels (NBC’s The Biggest Loser) is a clear, no-nonsense 30-day program The book does not target those wanting to lose a lot of weight but it targets people who are already in good shape but want to lose the last 20 or fewer nasty pounds and get into the best shape of their life. To follow the program, one should have a little knowledge about weight training.Jillian covers everything from hormones ,metabolism, supplements like hoodia, even the master cleanse . Jillian Michael`s(inventor of 30-day shred) diet is based on her oxidizers theory there are 3types of oxidizers in her opinion

Oxidizers

1.slow oxidizer 2.balanced oxidizer 3.fast oxidizer

Slow oxidizers need more carbs and fast oxidizers need more protein. The book has three different menus with recipes. The diet is strict, regimented, not vegetarian, and calorie conscious, and requires time and planning. Fast food is not allowed! Jillian provides shopping lists and you cook your own meals. There are in 3 separate 30 day menu plans. One for each oxidizer type (slow, balanced, and fast). For that reason, 1 plan will ask for non-fat cottage cheese and another will ask for low fat. Those two ingredients are not on the same meal plan and they are also on separate grocery lists (of which there are 3, one for fast, balanced, and slow).her recipes make up to 10 – 12 servings for the following reasons: Most women don’t want to make separate meals for their families. Also, the book allots each reader with and individualized calorie allowance. As some of the recipes are very low calorie, some people doing the plan will require up to 5 servings of each recipe.

Workouts:There are over 100 separate exercises in this book and less then 10 of them require gym equipment. The workouts seem predominantly designed to utilize body weight exercises (no gym required).The workouts do seem tough, that is for sure. However, you can easily modify the exercises to accomodate your fitness level. Jillian offers over 8 variations of plank exercise, 11 different variations of lunges, 8 variations of push ups, and 8 variations of squats just to name a few. For those that don’t have a treadmill accessible she offers up over 10 different types of cardio intervals that require no equipment like mountain climbers, butt kicks, squat jacks etc. The book is designed so that if you follow it precisely, you can achieve the best body of your life. It is an excellent book for those who seek this type of serious, physically-demanding diet and exercise program where everything is spelled out.

You can even read an excerpt from this book here before buying it.

By dietpundit | Posted in Book Review | Tagged Jillian Michaels, Workout | Comments (6)

Bicep Curls on the go

April 15, 2009 – 7:45 am

Are you new to all fitness and weights thing?well these cute dumbbell bottles will be a cool start.These plastic bottle not only quench your thirst but while sitting in your office ,or out in a park with your babies ,can actually help you lose some fat around your biceps.

Although they weigh only 0.5kg but still its a fun way to do a little workout in public or on your desk without looking overly fitness maniac.

Yanko Design

By dietpundit | Posted in Gadgets | Tagged weights, Workout | Comments (2)

Jump Off the Pounds with JumpSnap Jump Rope

April 12, 2009 – 10:06 am

Jump snap is a jump rope without the rope. You do not have to be super fit to do the skipping with JumpSnap jump rope, no tripping no messing up with ropes.This revolutionary products has many great features which make it very effective.Jumping rope is a full body workout and you can blast off up to 100 calories every 5 minutes.

“Jumping at a moderate speed of 70 to 120 turns per minute for 15 minutes burns 150 to 200 calories—as much as running a ten minute mile, but with half the impact on your knees and ankles.”

Liz Neporent
iVillage Diet & Fitness Expert

Jump snap package inculeds

* test-LCD Display for Jumps, Calorie Counter, Timer, User Profile, Target Mode, Key Guard, Auto Shut-off
* (2) Ergonomically designed handles
* (3) 2.5 oz insertable weights for each handle
* 8-minute beginner workout DVD
* 12-minute intermediate workout DVD
* Mesh travel bag
* 30-Day money back guarantee
* (2) AAA Batteries included

JumpSnap Features

Jump Time
Calculates how long the user jumps.

Jump Counter
Calculates the number of jumps.

Calorie Counter
Calculates the approximate number
of calories burned based on the user’s
height, weight and workout summary.

Stop Watch
Standard stop watch.

User Profile
Saves height and weight information for each user.

Target Jumps Alert
Allows the user to set the number of jumps they want to achieve in their workout. An alarm alerts the user when the target number of jumps is achieved.

Target Jump Time Alert
Allows the user to set the length of time they want to achieve in their workout. An alarm alerts the user when the target time is achieved.

Snapping Sound
Helps the user maintain a rhythm and proper form when jumping.

Auto/Manual Talking Mode
Provides the user with an audible workout summary using either the manual or automated setting.

Auto Power Off
Helps preserve the battery by shutting off after 3 minutes of nonuse.

Blue Back Light
Illuminates the LCD screen for easier viewing, stays lit for 10 seconds after hitting any key.

Screen Saver
Saves your workout data even if the device shuts off after 3 minutes.

Key Guard
Protects the unit from turning on accidentally thus preserving the battery.

“There’s a misconception that only very fit, well coordinated people can jump rope…But we get people of all shapes and sizes and levels of fitness who can complete our one-hour jump rope class.” Beginners don’t jump through the rope for the entire class, he notes, but are encouraged to do “neutral and resting moves”—for example, putting down the rope and miming the instructor’s movements—when they need a break. “

Marty Winkler
President of FreeStyle Roping, (CQ) a Burbank, Ca. company that markets jump rope products and services.

jump snap is safe and effective for each and every body type. It is a total body workout, utilizing almost every major muscle group. It can streamline the upper body and trim the fat away on arms (triceps).Click below for the product review.

By dietpundit | Posted in Gadgets | Tagged fitness, jumpsnap, Workout | Comments (2)