If you listen to the many fitness gurus online, you’ve probably heard “calories in versus calories out” as the only way to lose weight. While the saying holds some merit, it doesn’t fully explain the most healthy and effective approaches that will lead to sustainable, long-term weight loss. As a result, many people have resorted to starving themselves of calories, which can be incredibly harmful to health. In this article, learn why starving yourself isn’t a good idea for wei

For decades, we were told to fear certain foods. Fat was the enemy. Carbs were suspicious. Calories were everything. But nutrition science has evolved and so have the guidelines. Today’s food recommendations focus less on villains and more on value : how foods nourish your body, support your energy, and work alongside your lifestyle. In other words, it’s no longer about “foods that make you fat.” It’s about patterns, balance, and how you live. Let’s break down what’s changed

"Happy Weight" and "Healthy Weight" Weight is often seen as a key sign of health, but the concept of a "healthy weight" can vary depending on body type, lifestyle, and overall well-being. This is where the idea of a "happy weight" comes into play, sometimes causing confusion and frustration for those trying to find their ideal weight. Here’s the difference between these terms and how to determine what a healthy weight is for you. Society, Culture, and Body Image Societal and

As we grow older, fighting off belly fat can feel like an impossible mission. In the years following menopause, fat tends to migrate from the thighs to the belly. In both sexes, more fat accumulates around our middles with each passing decade, according to a study of more than 10,000 people. That accumulation can eventually put you at higher risk for serious health problems. As more fat surrounds internal organs like the liver and heart, the likelihood of developing chronic h

Celebrity trainer and best-selling author Jorge Cruise isn’t shy when it comes to talking belly fat — and how he, 40 pounds overweight years ago, carried a lot of it. “Belly fat robs us of confidence at any age,” says Cruise, who is now 54. “But more than that, our waistline is our lifeline, particularly as we get older. You can have hip fat, butt fat and arm fat, and still be relatively healthy. But if you have belly fat, it will crush your health.” What is belly fat? B

A new report predicts that close to half of U.S. adults will be diagnosed with obesity a decade from now. The analysis, published as an original investigation in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)Trusted Source, projects that 126 million U.S. adults will be living with obesity by 2035. That would be almost 47% of the population. That compares with the 107 million U.S. adults currently estimated to have obesity. They comprise about 42% of the population. Th

I’m a dietitian. So it may come as a surprise that around my house, dessert is served every day. In fact, eating dessert daily is deemed healthy by many dietitians. While this may have you scratching your head, as long as a small dish of dessert doesn’t fill the belly too full – too full for a healthful meal of protein, carbohydrates and fats along with vitamins and minerals – that dessert might just be what your body is craving. And that’s a mindful way to eat. Here’s how di

Potatoes can have benefits for a balanced weight-loss plan. They are naturally low in calories and provide fiber and resistant starch, which can help you feel fuller for longer. What Benefits Do Potatoes Have for Weight Loss? There are several ways in which potatoes may support your weight-loss goals. 1. Low in Calories A medium-sized Russet potato with the skin has about 168 calories , which makes it a satisfying side dish that can fit into a low-calorie diet. 2. Good Source

Every year, millions of people make ambitious New Year’s resolutions — only to abandon them weeks later. If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a resolution, you’re not alone. This is exactly why tiny habits are becoming a healthier, more sustainable alternative. Research shows that: Over 60% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by early February. Around 80–86% give up by the end of March. Some estimates suggest only 8–9% actually keep their resolutions long-term. I

Swapping your usual between-meal snacks for a handful of mixed tree nuts could help cut cravings for sweets and fast food and improve the overall quality of your diet. Researchers found that young adults at higher risk for metabolic syndrome who snacked on nuts daily for 16 weeks reported fewer urges for sugary and salty treats, ate more protein-rich foods, and scored better on a measure of diet quality. Here’s what you need to know about the metabolic health benefits of nut

If your goal is to lose weight, snacking can be your ally. But not all snacks are equal. Well-balanced snacks can provide nutrients you need, reduce your appetite and curb overeating at your next meal. At EatingWell , we believe all snacks, even the ones some consider “bad,” can fit into a healthy eating pattern. What’s more, many of these snacks we've chosen to highlight are actually good for you, especially if you’re working to lose weight. While you may be tempted to bani

If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be resigned to spending hours in the kitchen chopping, simmering and prepping elaborate meals from scratch. This can feel daunting and unrealistic, especially when your schedule is already overflowing. But here’s an encouraging truth: convenience foods like canned soups can be a practical and nourishing option for those pursuing weight loss. When chosen thoughtfully, these affordable, ready-to-eat meals can be a nourishing and satisfyi

Nighttime Is the Right Time When you’re trying to lose weight, eating healthful foods and working out regularly are important things to do. But there are also small changes you can try at night to help you slim down. Keep Evenings Busy Sometimes people overeat at night because they’re bored. If that's you, try to fit in some activities before bed. Walking, journaling, chatting with a friend, or reading a book can help distract you from binge eating.  Picking up a new hobby --

If you’ve decided that you want to lose some weight, weighing yourself regularly may help you check your progress. Find out what you need to know when it comes to regular weigh-ins, including when and how often. How Often to Weigh In Studies show that within two years of weight loss, people generally gain two-thirds of the weight back that they worked hard to lose.  But if you weigh yourself regularly, research suggests, you'll be more successful in losing weight and keeping

In general, calorie counting involves recording what you eat on paper, online, or in an app. It may help you create and maintain a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. However, it may be challenging to be accurate, and some people may find that counting calories fosters an unhealthy relationship with food. It may be best to work with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, to incorporate calorie counting in a meaningful and helpful way or fi

The Plank Challenge may be all over social media. But there’s another reason to burn off belly fat that has nothing to do with sculpting killer abs. Belly fat, technically known as visceral fat, can spell bad news for your health.  If you’ve never heard of visceral fat before, this type of fat burrows deep into your abdomen, where it surrounds organs like the liver and intestines. That doesn’t just make your belly rounder. Visceral fat also cranks out inflammatory proteins th

Calories are a unit of energy that your body needs in order to do anything – move, digest food and even breathe. But is a calorie you eat equal to a calorie you burn? Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as you may have been led to believe. Below you’ll find six common calorie myths dispelled by registered dietitians. Myth: All calories are always completely absorbed. When you eat food, your body digests – or breaks down the food — with your teeth and enzymes. Once the

When you lose weight, those pounds can come from either fat or muscle. And you don’t want to lose muscle, especially as you get older. Not only does muscle help you stay strong and independent, but it’s a leading indicator of overall health and longevity. In fact, research shows lean muscle mass is better at predicting overall health than body mass index (BMI), a score that uses both your height and weight to provide a rough estimate of whether you’re underweight, normal weig

When you lose weight, those pounds can come from either fat or muscle. And you don’t want to lose muscle, especially as you get older....

Carrying a few extra pounds isn't uncommon, especially as people get older. But those pounds can lead to serious health risks. That's...