Fab Fit Squad

Artichokes are the oldest fruit known to man and similar to the lobster you must work to get to the good stuff. Artichokes are a significant source of  425 grams of potassium, 61/2 grams of fiber vitamin C, folic acid and 72 grams of  magnesium. Virtually fat-free, the artichoke weighs in at 60 calories (per medium artichoke) and is low in sodium.

They are in season from May to March and the biggest growers of Artichokes is the California.

When buying an artichoke you will want to:

• choose an artichoke that has tight leaves
• one that is heavy for its size
• a deep green color
• a squeaking noise when the leaves are rubbed together
• avoid any artichokes that have cracked leaves or are showing any brown discoloration.

More artichoke facts are available here.

Tip #1
by Dr. John Berardi

As a God-fearing Italian, I have to admit that I love pasta. But, as a gut-fearing weight lifter and athlete, I definitely have to choose the lower GI, nutrient dense whole-wheat variety. During training phases that require or allow for higher carbohydrate intake (higher volume training) I’ll eat one whole-wheat pasta meal per day. During other phases (like where I’m trying to lose fat), the pasta stays on the shelf in favor of a higher lean protein, good fat, and fruit and veggie intake.

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I get this question all the time. I heard you shouldn’t eat after 7pm.  Well guess what you typically go to the gym after a long day at work and you don’t eat you’ll STARVE!!! So you can eat, but don’t go on a bender. Make sure you have some protein and a vegetable, you want to stay away from starchy carbohydrates they may make you feel bloated and keep an eye on your proteins.

Today is Rid The World of Fad Diets Day.

What is a fad diet?

1. A diet that gets really popular and then falls out of favor.
2. Offers a quick fix
3. Eliminates food groups

There have been so many over the years, so I thought I list a few a get your input how many of these have you tried and what were your results?

• Atkins – For this diet how much bacon and pork rinds did you eat?
• Cabbage Soup — Really — I mean don’t you only eat that on St. Patricks day?
• The Zone Diet — 30/30/30 — I tried and let me tell could keep the math straight.
• Grapefruit Diet — wehn you eat these combined with a protein it will burn fat. 
• South Beach — This diet is like the engergizer bunny! I think I will have to come up with a new catergory for this one.

The FDA is on the of determining if Stevia is GRAS — Generally
Regarded As Safe: experts have gotten together and have given their
consensus that the product is safe for general consumption.

Once the FDA places this label on a ingredient, is basically given
the green light to be added to any product.  There are many consumer
product companies chopping at the bit to get this product out to the
general public. So,  what does this mean?

Here’s a little history lesson:

• In 1985, Stevia was suggested to cause cancer.
• In 1991, the FDA restricted its import and declared Stevia an unsafe product
• 1994, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act Stevia was classified as a supplement and the FDA was forced to change its stance.
• 2008 the 1985 study was discredited.

Suggested Health Benefits:

• regulates blood sugar levels
• lowers elevated blood pressure
• improves dental health — when used as toothpaste or mouthwash
• improves digestion
• weight management

Okay — so why — The big whoopla about Stevia is that it’s ALL NATURAL.

But what does all natural means — HMMM NOTHING,  guess what
bio-degradable waste is all natural, so are bodily excretions, doesn’t
mean I’m going to eat it!  Sorry to be so frank, but I needed to drive
how the point.  So basically because it’s natural it’s not a reason for
you to think its good for you.

Here’s are some potential side effects if the FDA gives Stevia “GRAS” status:

• may affect the male reproductive system
• large amounts may inhibit the absorption of nutrients

So I’ve presented the facts, what do you think?  Talk to me.

Everyone is always trying to find the next new diet “thing” “fad” “craze” Now it’s gluten free — until a few short years ago, no one know what “gluten” let alone the its clinical name Celiac disease. Celiac is the bodies inability to process gluten.  Gluten is typically found in rye, wheat and barley.  The disease is hard to diagnose because it masked itself with very common symptoms.

Now more than 2 million people in the US are diagnosed with the disease and by 2010 it’s projected to be a $2 billion business.

Why the big boom, well many folks mistakenly believe that by avoiding food that contains gluten they will lose weight.  Sorry folks, but it’s a marketing ploy.  Removing gluten from your diet won’t help you lose weight. Why …. because remember the “fat free” craze of the early 90’s to make up for the taste manufacturers added more sugar, salt and other ingredients to make it taste better.  Guess what???? They haven’t changed their tricks!

What to learn more about celiac disease, click here.

So, you sat out Black Friday.  Who could blame you. What’s up with Kohl’s opening at 4am! Honestly what could you possibly need at 4am!! Okay back to the story.

You are heading out looking for just the perfect gift, so here are some strategies to shop all day without blowing your diet!

1. Start with a healthy breakfast — be sure to include some protein to help keep you satiated, sorry yogurt is not a good source of protein, Greek yogurt is a better choice or cottage cheese.  Also try to have a whole grain cereal, oatmeal or muesli.
2. Stay hydrated! — sometimes thirst is masked as hunger.  So make sure you bring you own water, sorry diet soda, Starbucks, or teas don’t cut it.
3. Lunch time choices — when it comes time for lunch choice, lean meats such as grilled chicken without any sauces or cheese, green salads, non fried foods.  At the mall your best choices are Au Bon Pain, Subway or any place where you can control how your food is prepared.
4. Bring healthy snacks — bring along some nuts (no more than 1oz), fruit and a protein shake so that you are tempted to swing by and grab a cookie or 2.