In case you didn't know, the NFL Pro Bowl this Sunday.  Whether or not you love professional football, if you are interested in managing your weight you should tune in to another type of “pro” bowl.  That is, getting adequate protein in your diet.  (Be mindful that I am saying, “adequate” not “excessive” here.  More on this later.) Weight Management Effects of Protein An emerging body of research1 is suggesting that protein intake may be connected to reduced hunger feelings when compared to other nutrients such as carbohydrate and fat.  It has not been determined why this is so but it

The diet vs exercise debate for weight loss continues as TV and web sites market their weight loss programs.  A recent study1 performed at Louisiana State University examined the benefits of losing weight by diet only and combined diet plus exercise compared to a control group.  The purpose of the study was to determine if dieting plus exercise provides more health benefits than dieting alone.  Thirty-six healthy male and female, healthy, overweight participants (average age of 39 years) were assigned to either a control, diet, or diet and exercise group.  The diet only group reduced their caloric intake by 25%. 

It is well documented in the nutrition science world that most people can’t count calories correctly.  Need proof?  Take a look at this YouTube clip that we showed you in an earlier blog.  What’s the big deal about being clueless when it comes to knowing how many calories are in different foods?  If you don’t know the calorie content of the foods you eat then you will have a hard time managing your weight – balancing calories in with the calories you burn – over time.  Now test yourself.  What do you estimate is the calorie count for each the

Have you ever taken the “Sit and Reach” test?  It is a basic physical fitness test given to participants of all ages to determine trunk flexibility? A good score on this test generally indicates good overall flexibility.  Good flexibility in turn is associated with improved range of motion in movement, and thought to reduce the risk of exercise related injury.  But there is new evidence that being flexible has a strong health related benefit of reducing arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness in turn is associated with increases in blood pressure which is an increased risk for coronary (heart) artery disease and

The saying goes that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.  It appears that you may not be able to believe the calorie content posted on the packaging of frozen foods or the menus of some restaurant chains either.  If you do, you might find that attaining calorie balance is hard to do.  Here’s why. In a study published last week, researchers found that on average, fast food (i.e., Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Domino’s, Dunkin Donuts) and family-style restaurants (such as Denny’s, Ruby Tuesday, P.F. Chang’s, Olive Garden, Applebee’s) underreported the calorie content of certain entrees by 18 percent

Is one of your wishes this year to look and feel younger? Who doesn’t want those things! What if we told you we had the answer to the long sought out ‘fountain of youth’? No, it isn’t a magic pill or solution. No, you don’t have to travel far to find it. No, it isn’t something that costs a lot of money nor is it very hard to do. Would it surprise you to know that it is EXERCISE?! Studies, including many done here at The Cooper Institute, have long shown that exercise can defend against all causes of mortality

The focus of the Stand Up & Eat web site is on helping people attain calorie balance.  The prevention of overweight and obesity are the result of long-term calorie balance.  But if you have followed the Stand Up & Eat Blog for any length of time, you know that attaining calorie balance takes effort.  You have to eat healthfully and stay physically active which is often hard to do with today’s hectic lifestyles and unsupportive eating and exercise environments. Of course, there are plenty of unscrupulous people and shady companies that are happy to sell you a quick fix.  Lest

It is that time of year again – time for New Year’s Resolutions. Last year we talked about resolving to get active by setting realistic, specific, and measureable goals in our blog “Resolve to Get Active.” But did you keep those resolutions and achieve as much as you set your sights? If not, you are not alone as it is estimated that more than 88% of those who make New Year’s Resolutions will not reach their goal.1 Ultimately it is an issue of adherence, which is the process or condition of steady or faithful attachment to something. But the problem