Unfortunately, people often find diets hard to sustain, in part because they tire of avoiding certain foods, loading up on others or feeling deprived and hungry. And their diet is often temporary, something to endure for a while before returning to the old habits. The result, lost pounds return once the diet stops.

• Try eating water-dense foods like salad and fruit at the beginning of a big meal.

• Push your plate away before you feel full; this will give your stomach time to send signals to your brain that you've had enough and really don't have room for seconds.

"Losing weight consistently tops New Year's resolution lists, and this year will be no different. But with so many fads, gimmicks and new weight-loss programs out there, it's tough for dieters to know what will really work for them, and how to even take that first step," said Carla Wojnaroski, Editor-in-Chief, iVillage Total Health. "The Supercharge Change for Better Health Community Challenge will help dieters make the small changes that will have a big impact on their habits and ultimately their health."

Last year with advice from expert diet and fitness coaches, and daily support from Community members, iVillage helped participants lose a staggering 558,536 pounds combined. Here are two success stories:

    * Nancy Vienneau, 28, has lost 81.6 lbs. since January 2007. Nancy decided to participate in the challenge last year because she and her husband wanted to have a baby and avoid obesity-induced fertility issues. "A combination of fear of public failure, the encouragement and support of others, and my desperate desire to start a family have made this possible for me," she said. She hopes to continue to lose another 100 pounds to reach her ultimate goal.

    * Alicia Verburg, another previous iVillage community challenge participant, credits her weight loss to the help of the message boards. "I have lost 45 pounds in the past year and a half and the Ultimate Weight Solution message board on iVillage has played a large role in keeping me focused and giving me the support I've needed to lose the weight," she said.

This year's Supercharge Challenge encourages participants to make diet, exercise and behavioral changes that leading nutrition and fitness experts say have the biggest impact on weight loss and overall health by providing innovative, handpicked, "supercharged" solutions. Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS will share ways to supercharge eating, while celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins will keep participants on track with fitness routines that have big results. Once the challenge is over, participants will have developed new, healthy habits to help them keep off the extra pounds. Meanwhile, supermodel and body-image guru Emme will support each participant's inner transformation.

Additionally, iVillage Community support is, as always, a major component. Challenge mentors (members who have successfully lost weight through support from the iVillage community) will be available to answer questions, offer motivation and share how they achieved success. Daily assignments will encourage participants to reach out to their community, mentors and coaches for motivation, inspiration and advice.

Daily challenge emails will also share cutting-edge strategies to help participants feel fuller on fewer calories, superfoods that speed up weight loss, tips on how to boost calorie burn during a workout and avoiding diet "frenemies," and the best ways to dress for your body shape. The Healthy Living Program is the challenge's free personal weight-loss tool and offers flexible food and exercise plans that users can customize for their own weight-loss goals and needs, including shopping lists, healthy recipes, and illustrated exercise instruction.

Read more:

iVillage Supercharge Change for Better Health Community Challenge

"The magnitude of the effect was considerable," they write in the September 11 issue of Neurology. The observation comes after researchers tracked the dietary habits of people diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. It follows an earlier study by the same team that suggests these diets may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's in the first place.

"This time, we found that Alzheimer's patients who were following the Mediterranean diet had longer survival as compared to those who were following the diet less," said study lead author Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, an assistant professor in the department of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

Read more:

Forbes

Reuters Health

More and more today we are seeing and hearing the term "Functional Foods" in the media. But what does it all mean and which foods fall under this heading?

"Functional Foods" are foods or dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. You can take greater control of your health through the food choices you make, knowing that some foods can provide specific health benefits. Examples can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified or enhanced foods and beverages, and some dietary supplements. Biologically active components in functional foods may impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects. Functional attributes of many traditional foods are being discovered, while new food products are being developed with beneficial components.

Demand
Consumer interest in the relationship between diet and health has increased the demand for information about functional foods. Rapid advances in science and technology, increasing healthcare costs, changes in food laws affecting label and product claims, an aging population, and rising interest in attaining wellness through diet are among the factors fueling U.S. interest in functional foods. Credible scientific research indicates there are many clinically demonstrated and potential health benefits from food components. These benefits continue to expand the health claims now permitted to be identified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Scientific Criteria
Many academic, scientific, and regulatory organizations are considering ways to establish the scientific basis to support and further validate claims for functional components or the foods containing them. FDA regulates food products according to their intended use and the nature of claims made on the package. Five types of health-related statements or claims are allowed on food and dietary supplement labels:

1. Nutrient content claims indicate the presence of a specific nutrient at a certain level.

2. Structure and function claims describe the effect of dietary components on the normal structure or function of the body.

3. Dietary guidance claims describe the health benefits of broad categories of foods.

4. Qualified health claims convey a developing relationship between components in the diet and risk of disease, as reviewed by the FDA and supported by the weight of credible scientific evidence available.

5. Health claims confirm a relationship between components in the diet and risk of disease or health condition, as approved by FDA and supported by significant scientific agreement.

A large body of credible scientific research is needed to confirm the benefits of any particular food or component. For functional foods to deliver their potential public health benefits, consumers must have a clear understanding of and a strong confidence in the scientific criteria that are used to document health statements and claims. The scientific community continues to increase its understanding of the potential for functional foods and their role in health.

Nutrigenomics "Personalized Nutrition"
As scientific and technological advances develop in the field of health and nutrition, more and more focus has been directed toward the emerging field of nutrigenomics or "personalized nutrition." The science of nutrigenomics involves the application of the human genome to nutrition and personal health to provide individual dietary recommendations. By using an individual’s unique genetic makeup and nutritional requirements to tailor recommendations, consumers may one day have a greater ability to reduce their risk of disease.

Personalizing nutrition to an individual’s unique genetic makeup has the potential for positive health outcomes overall. Choosing an individualized approach, over a more traditional or general approach, to health and nutrition recommendations can provide consumers with the most appropriate and beneficial information for their specific nutritional needs. While personalized nutrition seems promising, research is still in the preliminary stages, and years may pass before accurate and effective recommendations can be made for individuals.

Functional foods are an important part of an overall healthful lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity. People should strive to consume a wide variety of foods, including the examples listed here. These examples are not "magic bullets." The best advice is to include a variety of foods, as recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid.gov, which would provide many potentially beneficial components.

Reprinted with permission from the International Food Information Council Foundation, Functional Foods Backgrounder (November 2006).

Calories Count, But Consumers Don't:
Food & Health Survey Highlights Six "Diet Disconnects"

More than half of Americans (56%) say they are trying to lose weight, and a majority of them say they are trying to improve the healthfulness of their diet and increase their level of physical activity. Yet, nine out of 10 Americans do not know how many calories they should consume in a day.

The conflicting findings on calories represent just one of six consumer "diet disconnects" found in the second annual Food & Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation. The survey of 1,000 American adults was conducted over three weeks in February and March of 2007.

This survey is an important snapshot highlighting the gap between Americans' desire to have a more healthful diet and the reality of converting this desire into day-to-day behavior. We call these gaps "diet disconnects,

The "diet disconnects" revealed in the annual look at consumer attitudes on food, nutrition, and health include everything from carbohydrates and dietary fats, to how consumers link nutrition and physical health, to what they consider the most important meal of the day.

Uncovering these disconnects,

is the first step to really helping consumers achieve an overall healthful lifestyle.

The six "diet disconnects" include:

1. Calories: Easier eaten than counted? Seventy percent of Americans who said they are trying to improve the healthfulness of their diet reported they are doing so in order to lose weight. But, only 11 percent of Americans know the number of calories they should consume each day. This is consistent with findings from one year ago.

2.`Diet & Exercise: Both at once? A clear majority of Americans (84%) reported being physically active, for health benefits, at least once a week. But, nearly half (44%) of Americans who report being physically active say they do not "balance diet and physical activity" to manage their weight.

3. Breakfast: Does it come too early in the day? Ninety percent of Americans agree that breakfast is an important meal to achieve a healthful diet. But, less than half of Americans (49%) report eating breakfast every day.

4. Fat Chance: Which are the good ones? Consumers' concern about the types and amounts of fats they include in their diet is up from a year ago (72% vs. 66%) and they are specifically trying to consume less trans fat. But, consumers are unclear about which fats are healthful. For example, Americans report trying to consume less polyunsaturated fats, one of the fats recommended for health benefits.

5. Carbs: Where do they fit in an overall nutrition plan? Consumers are getting the message that specific types of carbohydrates can improve the overall healthfulness of their diet. Specifically, more than 70% of consumers say they are trying to consume more carbohydrates like fiber and whole grains. But, more than 50% remain concerned with the amount of carbohydrates they consume, which is not surprising given the past attention to fad diets that promoted decreased consumption of carbohydrates.

6. "Functional Foods": Can you pass the additional benefits, please? Consumers agree that consuming specific foods and beverages can provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These benefits include improving heart health (80%); improving digestive health (76%); and improving physical energy or stamina (76%). But, more than 50% of Americans say they currently do not consume foods or beverages that deliver these benefits.

In addition to these key areas of nutrition, the survey included questions regarding consumer attitudes on caffeine and health, hydration, and athletic performance; as well as low-calorie sweeteners and their role in weight management.

Since the science concerning food, nutrition, and health is continually evolving there is an ongoing need to provide clarity,

Our survey shows that there is an opportunity for all of us in the nutrition field to make diet information more understandable for consumers.

The IFIC Foundation plans to continue to monitor these trends and report the results of the Food and Health research every one to two years.

For a PDF copy of the entire survey visit: http://www.ific.org/research/foodandhealthsurvey.cfm.

Read more: International Food Information Council Foundation

It seems at times confussing, one month this is the plan to follow for weight loss and the next month another new one comes along. I guess that is where the term "Fad Diet" came along, whatever is popular at the moment with the masses must be the best.

Research is starting to distill a few options that really can help shed pounds without compromising your health. This article provides some insightful new findings for your consideration.

Which diet plan is best at promoting sustained weight loss remains a controversial issue. In the A TO Z (Atkins, Traditional, Ornish, Zone) Weight Loss Study, investigators randomized 311 women (age range, 25-50) to one of four diets: Atkins (very low carbohydrate); Zone (low carbohydrate); Traditional or LEARN (lifestyle, exercise, attitudes, relationships, nutrition ; low fat, high carbohydrate); and Ornish (very high carbohydrate).

Women on the Atkins diet lost more weight during 1 year than did women on other diets. Concerns that the relatively high fat levels in the Atkins diet might deleteriously affect lipid profiles were not substantiated by these results . . .

Read more: Journal Watch Women's Health

Baby Boomers seem willing to try anything to slow the physical aspects of growing older, from lotions to pills to home remedies. A new survey reports that 25 percent of Boomers would even put off retirement five years if it meant they'd never have wrinkles. The survey, released today by the Florida Department of Citrus, sheds light on Americans' top aging concerns and how we are thirsty for ways to feel and look younger. View image

According to Cheryl Forberg, an expert on anti-aging nutrition and consulting dietitian to NBC's "The Biggest Loser" fitness reality show, the secret to prolonged youth is as close as the kitchen.

"Baby Boomers can beautify themselves inside and out by selecting foods rich in nutrients," says Forberg, who also authored "Stop The Clock! Cooking: Defy Aging - Eat The Foods You Love." "Envision the grocery store as a virtual medicine cabinet of vitamins and minerals. Have fun mixing and matching favorite items to create a tasty, versatile menu that provides benefits for the body inside and out." Forberg recommends the following nutrients for common aging concerns:

Get Glowing Skin
Keeping skin radiant is top of mind for Baby Boomers. Collagen breakdown in the skin may contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen. One serving of 100 percent grapefruit juice contains 72 milligrams of vitamin C, more than a full day's supply. For the 30 percent of Baby Boomers concerned about weight gain, this juice is fat free with less than 100 calories in each eight-ounce serving.

Boost Your Energy
More than 40 percent of Americans find having less energy to be the most unpleasant aspect of aging. A poor diet is often the culprit in lagging energy levels. To stay energized, avoid processed foods and sugary soft drinks. Add foods rich in iron such as lentils, lean red meats in moderate amounts, and spinach. This mineral delivers energy to every cell in the body. Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men.

Strengthen Your Disease Defenses
According to the survey, 54 percent of American adults are most worried about increased risk for diseases as they grow older. Look for foods rich in lycopene, vitamin C and potassium. Studies suggest lycopene may help in the fight against certain cancers and heart disease. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases.

Potassium plays an important role in cardiovascular health, and a higher potassium intake has been associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of stroke. Load the grocery cart with foods like bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh grapefruit, and kale.

Sharpen Your Mental Pencil
Baby Boomers commonly experience fading memory or slight changes in motor coordination skills. Spinach, onions and broccoli contain quercetin, a flavonoid found to promote brain function and prevent risk for stroke. Fresh Omega-3 rich fish, such as salmon and tuna, also contribute to improved blood flow in the brain.

Don't Forget Bone Health
Women are especially susceptible to postural changes or increased risk for osteoporosis after 40. To maintain bone strength, add calcium-rich foods and beverages to the grocery cart. In addition to milk, there are a variety of foods that contain calcium, including sesame seeds, leafy green vegetables and tofu. Dried plums and peanut butter contain boron, a mineral that strengthens bones to prevent osteoporosis through enhanced calcium absorption qualities.

Forberg says that while it's not realistic to stop the hands of time, it may be possible to stay youthful longer with smart eating habits and regular exercise.

Read more: Florida Department of Citrus

The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean style cooking.

There is no one, typical "Mediterranean" diet. At least 16 countries border the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean diet is simply a nutritional model inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of some of the countries of the Mediterranean basin, particularly Greece, Southern Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, Turkey and Spain.

Diets vary between these countries and also between regions within a country. Many differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy and agricultural production result in different diets. But the common Mediterranean diet would include a high consumption of fruit and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil and fish; making them low in saturated fat and high in mono unsaturated fat and dietary fiber.

A main appeal of the Mediterranean Diet is its rich, full flavored foods. Margarine and hydrogenated oils are lack the flavor that olive oil can imparts to foods. Red wine is also consumed regularly but in moderate quantities.

As a result of the eating patterns, people living in Mediterranean countries tend to consume relatively high amounts of fat yet they have far lower rates of cardiovascular disease than in countries like the United States, where similar levels of fat consumption are found.

One of the main explanations is thought to be the large amount of olive oil used in the Mediterranean diet. Unlike the high amount of animal fats typical to the American diet, olive oil lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also known to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure. In addition, the consumption of red wine is considered a possible factor, as it contains flavonoids with powerful antioxidant properties.

Dietary factors may be only part of the reason for the health benefits enjoyed by these cultures. Genetics, lifestyle, and environment may also be involved.

Key components of the Mediterranean diet include:

Eating a generous amount of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds

Consuming healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil as an important source of monounsaturated fat

Dairy products, fish and poultry consumed in low to moderate amounts, little red meat

Eggs consumed zero to four times weekly

Consuming very little red meat

Eating fish on a regular basis

Drinking red wine in low to moderate amounts

Read more: The Mayo Clinic