It’s an old trope of the classically skinny woman: she must have the self-control of a saint, and the willpower of Wonder Woman—especially when the chocolate cake comes by at the dinner table. (She’ll just take coffee, thanks.) Weight, in fact, may have very little to do will willpower. In 1982, researchers Bennett and Gurin devised the...
Every year, January is the season for getting back in shape and getting healthy—or “trying to get healthy” as so many put it. It seems safer that way. To try is to give your best effort, while still leaving the back door open in case you can’t quite reach your goals. Well, no more “trying,” no more excuses, and no more half-hearted...
LaDon G., a 51-year-old who works in an assisted living facility in Spokane Valley, WA, knows exactly how she got to almost 300 pounds. “My daughter died in a fire 20 years ago when she was just five years old,” she says. “And afterwards, I just kind of gave up on things.” LaDon used food to comfort herself. “My mom used to make cinnamon...
Today it’s a Santa-shaped cookie, tomorrow it’s an eggnog latte. With so many reasons to celebrate, the festive season can be a diet disaster. In fact, holiday weight gain accounts for half of American’s annual weight gain. And, even more sobering, that middle jiggle often sticks around for good—research shows weight gained during the...
‘Tis the season to fall off the weight-loss wagon. With treats abounding and cold weather rolling in, it’s prime time for overindulging and skipping workouts—which can ruin that healthy momentum you’ve been building all year long. In order to keep your health goals intact and still enjoy yourself during the holidays, you need to think...
Heading into the holiday season, with its big buffet dinners and lengthy mingling sessions, can be intimidating—especially if you’re worried about what others will say when you turn down a calorie-laden appetizer or walk around with an empty glass. That’s why being able to anticipate your actions and responses is key. “You know when those...
The decision to live a healthier life can be made in an instant, and for 33-year-old Daniel W. of Leesburg, Virginia, seeing a photo of himself on January 1st, 2013 was the catalyst for change. “Seeing that picture, I suddenly realized how unhealthy I’d become,” Daniel says.
If you’re burning more calories than you’re taking in by cranking up your exercise, you should notice nice, steady weight loss. But there’s often a glitch in thinking when people ramp up their exercise. Some people feel they deserve a reward for their increased efforts, and more often than not that reward is edible—it’s something I like...
Moms are busy people. But when Tyler W., 31, a director of a non-profit in High Point, NC, decided to add grad school into her already packed routine of full-time work and parenting her (now) 2-year-old daughter, she realized something had to give if she wanted to stick with her weight loss goal. “I knew with my schedule I wouldn’t have time...
Megan K., 38, a kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia, PA, had tried to lose weight before, but nothing seemed to work. “I’ve struggled with my weight on and off throughout my life,” says Megan. “And I had always been interested in fitness, but I was never able to stick with it.” So when Megan learned about Fitbit trackers from a friend...