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Al Roker's Gastric Bypass and Weight Loss
Tweet Share on Facebook February 7, 2013 Comment"Dense morning fog, followed by gusty winds with temperatures soaring to a potentially record-breaking 60 degrees by this January afternoon, followed by drenching rain and a flash flood watch by this evening with temps dropping to the 30s." That's what the morning news reported, and wow—what a perfect day to meet with a weatherman!
For 27 years, viewers have been relying on Al Roker, Today show co-host and weather reporter, to tell them whether to carry an umbrella or leave their jackets at home. What Roker's audiences may not have realized, though, was that his eating habits were as turbulent as his forecasts—laden with erratic weight patterns and unpredictable clothing sizes.
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Snacks to Serve During the Grammys
Tweet Share on Facebook February 7, 2013 CommentWhile Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and Sting are belting it out on stage at the Grammy Awards, you'll probably be at home, sitting on the couch with your girlfriends and predicting who will win the award for best album. One item that will definitely be involved: food. But let's be honest, you don't really want to gorge yourself while watching your favorite fit celebrities strut their stuff on the red carpet. It's a surefire way to feel not so good about yourself.
Watch the Grammys in style while keeping it skinny. Here are some of my quick fixes that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
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Why a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis May Save Your Life
Tweet Share on Facebook February 6, 2013 CommentIt's one of the most underdiagnosed conditions around, and I'd argue that, in a sense, the diagnosis of sleep apnea is more a blessing than a curse.
For those who aren't familiar with sleep apnea, its most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), causes sufferers to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, or breathe so shallowly that the oxygenation level of their blood plummets, leaving their bodies in an almost nightlong state of metabolic panic.
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A Romantic, Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day Meal
Tweet Share on Facebook February 6, 2013 CommentMy husband and I used to celebrate Valentine's Day with gifts and a special meal out, but these days the holiday has taken on more of a family feel. The kids get the gifts now, and instead of heading out for a fancy dinner this February 14, we'll tuck them in and then I'll make us a "date night" dinner at home. It will be both sexy and great for our tickers. Another benefit to cooking your own Valentine's dinner? You'll save mega bucks, and that's always good for a healthy bottom line.
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5 Red Foods to Eat for Your Heart
Tweet Share on Facebook February 5, 2013 CommentIt's time again for the ultimate red month—February, known as American Heart Month, National Cherry Month, and for Valentine's Day. It's the perfect time to celebrate eating red for good health by making smart choices.
[See Best Heart-Healthy Diets]
Here are my top five red foods that will give you high-quality protein, powerful antioxidants, and phytonutrients:
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Digestion vs. Metabolism
Tweet Share on Facebook February 5, 2013 CommentYou can't blame me. The Internet is rife with articles dispelling myths about eating, diets, and nutrition—or what we put into our bodies. But in my line of work, I find that misunderstandings about what happens to our food once we eat it are equally common.
One of the misperceptions I frequently encounter is a false assumption that the rate of one's digestive processes implies something about the rate of one's metabolism. In other words, we are inclined to assume that just because the corn we ate at lunch shows up in our poop before bed, we must have a "fast metabolism."
In fact, however, digestion and metabolism are wholly separate processes, governed by multiple different—albeit sometimes overlapping—influences.
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Want to Sleep Better? Unplug First
Tweet Share on Facebook February 4, 2013 CommentAre you having trouble falling asleep? You may have an overactive mind from all the electronics in your life. Phones, Facebook, TV, blogs, e-readers—electronics have become such a constant part of our daily lives that we feel almost lost without them. But it's hard to wind down and nearly impossible to get a good night's sleep when our brains are all wired up!
Experts suggest giving yourself a curfew for electronics to prepare yourself for a full night of zzz's. At least a half hour before you want to fall asleep, power down all your devices, and even keep them in another room. (Yes, your does smart phone does have an off switch.) Exercise your right to shut off the world and enjoy some peace and quiet.
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$100 Worth of Health, Responsibility, and Power
Tweet Share on Facebook February 1, 2013 CommentThere is an old saw, which you doubtless know as well as I, about a $100 bill. The bill comes to you at first with just a tiny bit torn out of one corner. If you are reasonable, you accept it as the $100 bill it is, and barely take any notice of the insignificant missing fragment.
Then it comes to you with two such bits missing, and it's still of no consequence. Then three. And so on.
