The elliptical trainer is an excellent low impact alternative to the treadmill in that you can get in a great full body workout without placing undo stress on your joints. Most elliptical trainers allow you to adjust the cross ramp angle to target the lower body muscle groups, including your legs, thighs, and glutes. Check […]
The treadmill offers a great form of cardiovascular (cardio) exercise but it also has various settings and modes that allow you to really tone and tighten your lower body, especially your butt. Check out this clip for three treadmill exercises that help you get a bigger butt.
When it comes to weight training, you need to choose exercises and equipment that tax all the major muscle groups of your upper and lower body. A good weight training routine should include at least eight different exercises which can easily be performed with machines as they guide your body through the desired range of […]
The back extension exercise is a great way to work the lower back and other muscles of the core for greater balance and stability. Performing this exercise on a Roman chair ab bench, not only works the lower back but it also works the glutes and the hamstring muscles located on the back of the […]
While the bench press is one of the most effective exercises for building and sculpting the muscles of your chest, it’s often quite difficult for beginners to perform. There are some good alternatives to the bench press. Check out this video clip to see three of them.
As a woman you can experience significant health benefits from exercise training regardless of the type of exercise equipment you select. It all comes down to your access to equipment, personal preferences, and lifestyle. Cardio exercise equipment like treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair climbers, and stationary cycling machines are excellent for burning calories and improving your […]
With so many people sitting in chairs and in front of computers these days the back has become one of the most vulnerable areas to chronic pain and muscle injury. One way to potentially counter this problem is by replacing your traditional office chair with an exercise ball. When properly seated on an exercise ball […]
Oatmeal is a nutritious and incredibly versatile food that can be enjoyed as breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. I personally enjoy eating semi-sweetened oatmeal as a stand-alone dish but it’s also one of my favorite ingredients to add to smoothies and guilt-free treats for a fiber boost. To satisfy a sweet tooth, here’s a wholesomely delicious, […]
Growing up, I was a grilled cheese kind of girl, but it was mainly “government cheese” on Wonder bread. This certainly wasn’t the healthiest sandwich. Although I’ve grown up to be more health conscious, every now and then I still crave a good grilled cheese sandwich. Here’s one of my favorite recipes that includes lobster for a protein boost.
Next to salmon, red snapper is one of my personal favorite fish to eat. It’s also an incredibly nutritious, low-calorie source of protein that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and the potent antioxidant selenium. Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for red snapper that incorporates other health-promoting ingredients like fresh garlic, olive oil, and avocado.
Most women want a toned, well-sculpted lower half with a shapely butt and strong legs that are lean but not bulky. To sculpt your body this way, you’ll have to perform targeted resistance exercises for all the lower-body muscles. Since, they’re a lot of muscle groups in this area, many women have a hard time choosing the best exercises. Before I fully delve into […]
Holiday overeating is a major threat to weight management and Memorial Day is certainly no exception. Still, at the end of the day, managing your weight is all about maintaining a healthy balance between the amount of calories that go in and out of your body. Believe it or not, I generally suggest giving yourself permission to eat […]
Many weight loss seekers tend to avoid resistance training (weight lifting) for a fear of “bulking up” or “getting bigger”. But, in spite of what many believe, this type of training is absolutely critical for long-term weight management and overall good health. Here are five reasons why resistance training is especially necessary for those seeking to lose a little or even a lot […]
A while back, one of my Facebook followers asked an interesting question pertaining to the role of cardiovascular (cardio) exercise in weight loss: “Dr. Nina, I would like your take on the idea of eliminating intense cardio exercises like running for weight loss…Is there any empirical data that supports or denies this claim?” Believe it or not, this is actually an ongoing […]
Have you recently experienced a dramatic weight loss and now sense that people are treating you differently? Are you suddenly hearing things like you’re “getting too skinny” or you “look sick”? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes” you’re certainly not alone. Unfortunately, this is something I’ve been dealing with for most of […]
During my many years as a vegan, I enjoyed mushrooms in just about every dish. While I’m no longer a vegan, I still regularly include them in many food preparations, especially salads and stuffings. Here’s one of my favorite mushroom-packed recipes that includes a pairing of chicken and goat cheese.
It is well known that regular fasting can help you lose weight and improve your health. But, for many people the sheer act of abstaining from all foods and beverages can be a difficult, if not impossible, process. Those able to fully abstain are at increased risk of entering a starvation mode, which is generally accompanied by extreme hunger, cravings, and, oftentimes, weight […]
I could easily tell you my upbringing in a food desert on Chicago’s South Side contributed to my battle with obesity during my early teen years, but, this was not at all the case. Looking back, I now know I had a severe addiction to food—Very similar to those addicted to drugs and other vices.
I regularly include mushrooms in food preparations and they’re actually quite high on the list of nutrient-dense foods. Nutrient-dense foods are essentially those rich in health-promoting macronutrients and micronutrients but relatively low in calories, sodium, and sugar. So, whether you’re trying to lose weight or just adopt healthier eating habits, here are five reasons to incorporate mushrooms into […]
I don’t know about you, but bacon just makes everything taste better to me. Still, I seldom eat it as a main course. Instead, I generally treat it as more of a garnish for meats and omelets or a ‘salty’ seasoning for salads. Funny enough, I feel the exact same way about goat cheese. I can add it to just about […]
