Don't Do Crunches!

Do your regular weight-training routine—on your feet. "When you weight-train standing up, your abs have to work to stabilize the spine and keep you upright, giving you more bang for your buck," says Alwyn Cosgrove, C.S.C.S., a personal trainer in Santa Clarita, California. So, if you normally do leg presses, do squats instead. Lying leg curls? Do Romanian deadlifts. Seated biceps curls? Stand and curl. Whatever the move, make sure the stabilizing muscle tension stays on your abs, not your lower back.

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Best Ways to Ease Knee Pain

Nearly everyone has experienced knee pain. Whether it’s caused by arthritis, excessive foot pronation or overuse of the muscles that protect this vulnerable joint, our knees take a knocking. In fact, knee arthritis is the single greatest cause of chronic disability among U.S. adults age 65 and older.
Here’s the good news: Most chronic knee pain is avoidable. New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that exercise and physical therapy are just as effective as surgery for relief from chronic knee pain related to arthritis. Learning to strengthen and stretch key muscles that support the knees, and other ways to protect and take care of our knees, can ultimately prolong the health of this vital body part.

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1. Strengthen your butt

We know from research that knee injuries, including common Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears, can occur when large hip muscles are weak. ACL tears, which are eight times more likely in women athletes, have been shown to lead to other cartilage tears and to correlate with knee arthritis later in life.
As a society, our butt muscles are weak. When the main butt muscle (gluteus maximus) is weak, it causes the pelvis to drop and the upper thigh bone (femur) to fall inward. This imbalance creates painful downward stress on the hip, knee and ankle every time you take a step.
Hip extensions are helpful exercises to strengthen the glutes.

2. Stretch the muscles that support your knees

When butt muscles atrophy or become imbalanced because we tend to sit much of the day, the hamstrings and hip adductors (inner thigh muscles) also overwork — to compensate for the underdeveloped gluteus maximus — resulting in compressive force on the knee joint. By stretching out these support muscles, you decrease the chance that they’ll get tight and cause muscle imbalances. So remember the complementary two-fold process: As you strengthen naturally weak muscles like the glutes, also stretch supporting muscles like the inner thigh muscles.

3. Tone your core muscles

Abdominal weakness will cause your pelvis to tilt forward, creating excessive low-back curvature and shifting the leg bones inward. You can experiment with this yourself: Over-arch your back and notice how your legs and knees want to roll in toward the midline of the body. Then flatten your back and notice how the opposite movement occurs at the legs.
Strengthening the core helps to keep your back in a neutral spine position and places the lower extremities — specifically the knees — in the best possible position for movement without joint compression.
There are so many ways to strengthen your abdominal muscles besides doing crunches. ...
Pilates was created with a strong emphasis on improving core strength to improve the function of the entire body. Or try fun core workout options like abs ball exercises, an abs routine on a fitness ball, or a core workout with elements of dance, yoga or kickboxing.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight makes men five times more likely (and women four times more likely) to develop knee osteoarthritis. New research shows that a 10% decrease in weight will result in a 28% increase in knee function (such as for climbing stairs and walking). Another study found that for every 11 pounds a woman loses, there is a remarkable 50 percent decrease in the risk of knee arthritis.
Why? Fat decreases muscle strength, and excess body weight adds strain to knee joints. In fact, there’s an inverse relationship between body weight and quadriceps muscle strength: the higher your body weight, the weaker your knee muscles.
To start burning those extra calories required for weight loss without adding additional impact to the knees, try water aerobics, an elliptical trainer or cycling (making sure you have proper seat height).

5. Mind your feet

You may look great in three-inch stilettos, but keep in mind that high-heeled shoes increase the compressive force on your knee joints by 23%. Wearing heels also encourages tight calf muscles, another common cause of knee pain. A tight calf can pull the foot inward to a position called pronation, which essentially collapses the arch of the foot and causes the lower leg to roll inward, placing stress on the ankle and knee.
So embrace the flat shoe fashion trend and stretch out those calves. On the flip side, replace your workout sneakers frequently — every 300 miles, which could be three months or a year depending on your level of activity. This is a safe way to avoid wearing a shoe with poor cushioning support for your arches and joints.

Join Brody's Fitness & Self Defense Club www.brodericksorrell.com for  Expert fitness & self defense tips and a FREE Boot Camp every month.

Lighten the Foods You Already Love

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One of the easiest ways to cut back without feeling denied is to switch to lower-calorie versions of the foods you crave. A pizza tastes just as good with reduced-fat cheese, and when you garnish low-fat ice cream with your favorite toppers, who notices those missing calories?

And while you're trimming fat calories, keep an eye on boosting fiber.

Fiber helps you feel satisfied longer, so while you lighten family favorites, you can easily amp up the fiber by adding a cup of whole wheat flour to your pizza dough, or toss a handful of red bell peppers on the pie.

Don't forget to lighten the drinks going with that meal. Try switching from high-calorie favorites to diet soda or light beer, or maybe add a spritz of seltzer to your wine.

Hate low-cal drinks? Mix your preferred drinks with a splash of the low-cal option, then increase the ratio as your taste buds adjust.

Go Walking

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Walking when the weather's nice is a super-easy way to keep fit, says Diane Virginias, a certified nursing assistant from New York. "I enjoy the seasons," she says, adding that even when she's short on time she'll go out for a few minutes. "Even a five minute walk is a five minute walk."

No sidewalks in your neighborhood? Try these tips for slipping in more steps:

• Trade your power mower for a push version.
• Park your car at the back of the lot.
• Get out of the office building and enjoy walking meetings.
• Sweep the drive or rake the leaves instead of using a leaf-blower.
• Get off the bus a few stops earlier.
• Hike the mall, being sure to hit all the levels.
• Take the stairs every chance you get.
• Sign up for charity walks.
• Crank the music and get your heart rate up the next time you mop or vacuum.

It all adds up. If you walk twice a day for 10 minutes and try a few of these tips, you may find yourself with a low-impact, 30-minute workout easily tucked under your belt.

2 Painless Ways to Lose Weight

Painless weight loss? If you're desperately trying to squeeze in workouts and avoid your favorite high-calorie treats, it can seem like there's nothing pain-free about it.

Yet while eating healthier and slipping in exercise does take some work, it really doesn't have to require heroic effort. Making just a few simple lifestyle changes can pack a big weight loss punch over time.

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1. Add, Don't Subtract

Forget diet denial: Try adding foods to your diet instead of subtracting them.

Add in healthy goodies you really love, like deep-red cherries, juicy grapes, or crunchy snow peas. Slip those favorite fruits into your bag lunch and breakfast cereal; add the veggies into soups, stews, and sauces.

"Adding in really works, taking away never does," says registered dietitian David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods, but do remember to keep an eye on overall calories. And don't forget to add in something physical, too, whether it's doing a few dance moves before dinner, shooting hoops, or taking a quick stroll.

2. Forget About Working Out

If the word "exercise" inspires you to creative avoidance, then avoid it. Maybe the trick to enjoying a workout may be to never call it working out.

"There's some truth to that,"  once you start your not-calling-it-exercise plan, you'll discover "the way good health feels knocks down the roadblocks that were preventing you from exercising in the first place."

So burn calories and invigorate muscles by beachcombing, riding bikes, grass skiing, making snow angels, hiking, washing the car, playing Frisbee, chasing the dog around the yard, or even enjoying great sex. After all, a rose by any other name ...

13 rules to safely exercise while pregnant

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Exercising during your pregnancy has great benefits – it can help prepare you for labor and childbirth and lift your spirits – but you need to approach working out with extra caution. Whether you're a regular exerciser looking to continue your regimen during pregnancy or a former couch potato looking to get moving, follow these 13 rules to keep you and your baby safe.

If you exercised regularly before getting pregnant and your pregnancy is uncomplicated, you can most likely continue working out as before, with modifications as noted below. In some cases it's not okay to exercise during pregnancy, though, so talk to your doctor or midwife about your fitness routine to make sure your activities don't put you or your baby at risk.

2. Take in extra calories

Exercise burns calories, so make sure to eat well to help nourish and strengthen your body. While you're pregnant, you'll naturally gain weight as your baby grows. The amount you'll need to gain will vary based on your pre-pregnancy weight.
If your body mass index (BMI) is in a healthy range (between 18.5 and 24.9), you'll need to eat 300 or so more calories a day than before you were pregnant – and probably more than that if you're exercising. If you're underweight or overweight you may need to gain a little more or a little less than someone with a healthy BMI and adjust your calories accordingly.
Your doctor will monitor your weight as your pregnancy progresses and can help you figure out how to keep your weight gain on track through diet and exercise.

3. Steer clear of dangerous sports 

Avoid contact sports, as well as activities that might throw you off balance, such as horseback riding, downhill skiing, or mountain biking. Regular cycling early in your pregnancy should be okay if you're comfortable on a bike, but it's probably best to stick to stationary or recumbent bikes later in pregnancy.
Even if you're normally graceful, keep in mind that during pregnancy the increased levels of the hormone relaxin, which relaxes pelvic joints in preparation for childbirth, loosen all ligaments and joints, making you more susceptible to sprains and injury from falls.  See our list of the best kinds of exercise for pregnancy.

4. Wear the right clothes

Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Dress in layers so it's easy to peel off a layer or two after you've warmed up or if you feel too hot. Make sure your maternity bra offers enough support, and choose athletic shoes that fit your feet properly and offer good support. If your shoe size has changed because of mild swelling, stash away your pre-pregnancy sneakers and buy a new pair.

5. Warm up

Warm-ups prepare your muscles and joints for exercise and build your heart rate up slowly. If you skip the warm-up and jump into strenuous activity before your body is ready, you could strain your muscles and ligaments and experience increased postworkout aches and pains.

6. Drink plenty of water

Drink water before, during, and after exercising. Otherwise, you can become dehydrated, which can cause contractions and raise your body temperature, sometimes to levels that are dangerous for you and your baby.
James M. Pivarnik, director of the Center for Physical Activity and Health at Michigan State University, says that while there's no official recommendation for how much water pregnant women should drink while exercising, a good guideline is to drink one cup (8 ounces) before you exercise, one cup for every 20 minutes of exercise, and one cup after you finish your workout. In hot or humid weather, you'll need more.

7. Don't lie flat on your back

Avoid lying flat on your back after the first trimester. This position puts pressure on a major vein called the vena cava, which will reduce blood to your heart and may diminish blood flow to your brain and uterus, making you dizzy, short of breath, or nauseated.
Some women are comfortable in this position well into their pregnancies, but this isn't necessarily a good gauge of whether blood flow to the uterus is affected. Placing a pillow under your right hip or buttock will allow you to be almost supine without compressing the vena cava.

8. Keep moving

Standing in one place for prolonged periods – as when you're lifting weights or doing yoga poses – can decrease blood flow to the uterus and cause blood to pool in your legs, making you dizzy. Keep moving by switching positions or walking in place.

9. Don't overdo it

Don't exercise until you're exhausted. A good rule of thumb: Slow down if you can't comfortably carry on a conversation. In general, the best guideline is to listen to your body. When something hurts, that means something's wrong, so stop. You should feel like you're working your body, not punishing it.
To be extra safe, read our list of 10 signs of danger during pregnancy exercise.

10. Don't get overheated

Avoid letting yourself get too hot, especially during the first trimester when your baby's major organs are developing. Raising your core temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 10 minutes could harm your baby.
The increased blood flow and higher metabolic rate that happen when you're pregnant mean you'll feel warmer than usual, and doubly so when you exercise. And since feeling warm is common in pregnancy, you may get overheated much faster than you normally would, even before your belly is big.

Signs of being overheated are largely individual, but pay attention if you're sweating a lot or feel uncomfortably warm, nauseated, dizzy, or short of breath. To cool off quickly, stop exercising, take off layers, and change your environment: Seek out air conditioning or step into a cool shower. Hydrating is key, too, so drink lots of water.

11. Get up from the floor slowly

As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts. That's why it's important to take great care when you change positions. Getting up too quickly can make you dizzy and may cause you to lose your footing and fall.

12. Cool down

At the end of your workout, take five to 10 minutes to walk in place and do some pregnancy-friendly stretching. This will allow your heart rate to get back to normal and help to prevent sore muscles.

13. Make it a habit

Make a commitment to work regular exercise into your schedule. Keeping up a routine is easier on your body than long periods of inertia interrupted by spurts of activity. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, you can safely engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week as long as you have your healthcare provider's go-ahead.

Fuel for fitness

Planning on picking up the pace tomorrow? Eat food that will help keep you going strong. For breakfast, opt for a high-carbohydrate meal—one similar to what you'll be eating on race day, so you can find out what foods digest best (for you!). Try a whole-grain English muffin or a bagel with peanut butter or a low-fat cream cheese. Then, have a well-rounded meal post-workout to help with recovery. Andrew Kastor's favorite? One to two slices French toast with a side of fruit. "The protein-to-carbohydrate ratio is perfect for enhancing my recovery," he says. We like that it's super-yummy, too.



Rapid Results Boot Camp Rockville

Get it tight working out at work

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Some women spend a lot of time commuting to and fro from work. In addition, they even have to cook the family dinner, while some others have to look into their children’s studies too. These women can perform short bouts of exercise at work. Research has shown that this too helps.
You could begin by walking to the station instead of taking an auto or cab. You can use the stairs instead of the lift. Use the short tea and coffee break at work to do a quick up and down the stairs instead of chatting with your colleagues.
At work, walk up to a colleague if you need to, rather than emailing or whatsapping. Try to get up from your seat and be mobile whenever you get an opportunity. Avoid sitting in your seat for long stretches. If that’s not possible, at least move around in your chair, get fidgety, turn around, and stretch your legs and hands. Try to do a few simple stretches. It’s also important to maintain a good posture. Sit up straight.
If you have access to a gym at your workplace, you can use it instead of taking  tea or coffee breaks. You can also spend the first 10 minutes of the lunch break doing a quick burst of activity. Whatever you do, make sure to warm up before your workout and cool down after you finish.

How to find time for exercise on your own

The best practice would be to wake up half an hour early and exercise. If that’s not possible then a late evening workout should suffice. Those who have never worked out before can start with a 15-minute walk at a normal pace. Gradually increase the pace and duration.
Once you are used to walking and start enjoying it, try to incorporate other forms of workouts. Some of you might even enjoy working out in a gym. Beginners who prefer working out at home would do well with a personal trainer for a few months.
Those who have exercised before can do surya namaskars, squats, lunges, toe touching exercises, push-ups, dips and crunches a few days a week. It would also be a good idea to get a few home workout videos. But be careful and don’t overdo. You may end up with injuries and be put off by workouts forever.
The bottom line is to do something that you enjoy and can sustain for long. Exercising should become a part of your life. Besides weight loss, exercise is a great way to charge you up for the day ahead or to and wind up your day.

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Relieve those side stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Bodies by Brody Fitness Bootcamp 7am & 530pm Monday-Friday Rockville Md www.brodericksorrell.com

You know it: a sharp pain just below the rib cage that always seems to pop up when you're working out your hardest. It's called the side stitch, and it can be a major nuisance—especially when it keeps you from completing a workout. To ease the ache (so you can get on with your run), take your fist and press it beneath your rib cage while taking deep breaths from your belly for about 10 steps. In about 30 seconds, the pain should subside, so you can get on back to (fitness) work.

5 ways to flatten your stomach

Achieving a flatter stomach is going to take some work, but showing it off in your favorite pair of skinny jeans will be worth it

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 Most of us want a flat stomach (I know I do), but when it comes to our collective dream of a flatter tummy, there's good news and bad news.

First, the good: It's possible to get a flatter stomach without doing endless sit-ups or crunches. In fact, all of the tips I'm going to discuss are non-workout-related, meaning it's possible to flatten your belly by making changes to your lifestyle, not necessarily to your workout routine (though hitting the gym once in a while is never a bad idea).
Now for the bad news: Carrying excess pounds in your midsection isn't good for your health, and I'm not even talking about the extra weight.

"Storing fat in the belly (is) associated with a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke," says Tammy Lakatos Shames, a registered dietician and certified personal trainer, and one half of The Nutrition Twins. "Excess fat around the hips and thighs isn't as dangerous."
Extra poundage around the tummy -- known as visceral fat -- is nestled deep around vital abdominal organs and actively thrives on the hormones and internal chemicals affecting our health. But it's not all bad: Lose the habits that thicken your belly and you'll trim your tummy.
So, how do you do that? Try to:

1. Lower your stress
Life's little stresses actually increase the brain's production of cortisol, the fight-or-flight hormone that was useful when we, like, lived in caves. Today, cortisol just causes extra fat storage in the abdomen, rather than helping you outrun a saber-toothed tiger.

Belly Buster: Activities like yoga or deep breathing can help reduce stress and cut anxiety.
"They activate the body's parasympathethic nervous system to help you automatically relax," says Lyssie Lakatos, the other half of The Nutrition Twins, who, like her sister, is also a registered dietitian and personal  trainer.

2. Get more sleep
Cortisol kicks into high gear when you aren't getting enough shut-eye.
"Cortisol -- the same hormone that increases during stress -- is affected when you're sleep-deprived, and that can increase belly fat," says Shames. "Plus, when you're tired and craving energy, you often turn to food because cortisol also makes you feel hungrier."
Belly Buster: Shoot for at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night to arm yourself against the battle of the belly bulge.

3. Eat foods that contain probiotics
Consuming foods that contain probiotics (aka live "good" bacteria) can help reduce belly bloat caused by an overabundance of "bad" flora in your gut.
"Eating dairy with probiotics will help to ease digestive woes that can cause bloating," says Lakatos.
Belly Buster: Add foods that are good sources of probiotics to your daily intake. Kefir and yogurt are great, as long as the label says they contain live and active cultures.

4. Skip belly-bloating beverages
Don't want a beer belly? Avoid alcohol. "The occasional social drink is fine, but a little goes a long way," says Shames. "Large amounts of alcoholic beverages -- especially in the evening -- are proven to have a bloating effect."
Other beverages that aren't helping your cause: coffee (it can irritate your GI tract) and soda.
"Many dieters believe that drinking zero-calorie soda won't have negative impact on their physique, but the truth is that the carbonation in fizzy drinks -- even sparkling water -- can cause belly bloating when the gas from the carbonation settles in the stomach."
Belly Buster: Stick with regular ol' water for best results.

5. Avoid salt and sneaky high-sodium foods
Salt causes gastrointestinal discomfort and excessive bloating to the midsection.
"Sodium... attracts and retains water, giving you a puffy appearance," says Lakatos.
Belly Buster: Stay away from prepackaged meats and processed foods with large amounts of seasoning. These are subtle sources of high sodium that can lead to a tubby tummy.

Achieving a flatter stomach is going to take some work, but the health benefits are totally worth it. Plus, showing off in a new bathing suit won't be so bad either

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Snag the right support

Sure, your yoga sports bras works great for downward dog—but when it comes to running, you'll need one that's designed to lock them in for all that pavement pounding. So what should you look for? "The best sports bras are loose around the chest so you can expand your ribs and diaphragm more effectively. But they should also be form-fitting," says Deena Kastor, an American marathon record holder and 2004 Olympic marathon bronze medalist. Just make sure the cup is made of comfy material (like a soft compression fabric; look for descriptions that include the terms "breathability" and "compression")—you don't want to be itching at mile two! 

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Swap out your shoes

While we've all heard that running shoes break down after logging lots of miles (about 300 to 350), you may still be holding on to your fave pair. (They fit just right! They're so cushy!) Not a good idea. "Glue has a tendency to break down under ultraviolet light, as do the other materials that make up the shoe," says Andrew Kastor. So even if your sneaks have only 150 miles on them but are more than two years old, recycle them (try oneworldrunning.com or recycledrunners.com), because chances are they've already started deteriorating. And as a rule of thumb, always keep tabs on how many miles you've logged on them—tedious, but hey, you'll be proud of how far you've gone. 

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Have a fruity ice cream sundae....Bodies by Brody

Next time your family or friends decide to make an ice-cream run, don't worry about being left out of the fun! Order a fresh (and super-refreshing) ice cream sundae, piled high with diced kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries. You'll get a serving of delish fruit—no hefty calorie-laden toppings required.

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Up your exercise

How do you know when to increase your exercise? "The general rule of thumb is to up the amount of miles run, for races half-marathon length and longer, by 5 to 10 percent each week,"

Fun up your food

It's easy to get in a diet rut, even if you're loading up on flavorful fruits and veggies. The solution? Have plenty of spices, fresh herbs, and lemons at your cooking beck and call. "It's amazing what a little dash of spice, sprinkle of herbs, pinch of lemon zest, or squirt of lime juice can do to liven up a dish—and your diet," says Newgent. The best part: They contain almost no calories. Experiment with your dinner, tonight!

Be a weekend warrior

You've been following your diet plan to the letter, but enter: the weekend. To deal with three nights of eating temptations (think: birthdays, weddings, dinner parties), up your activity level for the week. For instance, try taking an extra 15-minute walk around your office each day, suggests Newgent. Then, go on and indulge a bit at the soiree, guilt free. Another party trick? Enjoy a 100-calorie snack before a celebration, which can help you eat fewer munchies at the event. 

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Whether you're heading off to spin class, boot camp, or any other exercise, it's always important to hydrate so you can stay energized and have your best workout. Electrolyte-loaded athletic drinks, though, can be a source of unnecessary calories, so "drinking water is usually fine until you're exercising for more than one hour," says Newgent. At that point, feel free to go for regular Gatorade-type drinks (and their calories), which can give you a beneficial replenishment boost. But worry not if you like a little flavor during your fitness: There are now lower- cal sports drinks available, adds Newgent, so look out for 'em in your grocery aisles.

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Before you hit the road, make sure you're packing these key staples: a watch to log your total time (or a fancy GPS to track your mileage), an iPod with great amp-you-up music, a cell phone if you don't mind holding onto it, and a RoadID (a bracelet that includes all your vital info, $20; roadid.com). And on a sunny day, wear sunglasses. "They reduce glare, which can decrease squinting, ultimately releasing the tension in your shoulders," says Andrew Kastor. And that's a performance bonus, because relaxing them helps conserve energy on your runs. Hey, we'll take a boost where we can get it!

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Feeling guilty about that giant ice cream sundae you enjoyed at your niece's birthday party? Don't beat yourself up! It takes a lot of calories—3,500—to gain a pound of body fat. "So really, that one off day doesn't usually result in any significant weight gain," says Newgent. It's about what you do the next day and the day after that's really important—so don't stay off-track. So be sure to whittle away at those extra calories over the next day or two, preferably by boosting exercise rather than eating too little. Starvation is not the healthy answer!

Eat this, run that www.brodericksorrell.com

When you have a 5- or 10K (you get to eat more with a half or full marathon) on your calendar, it's important to plan out what you're going to eat the morning of the big day—something that will keep you fueled and also go down easy. While everyone is different, "We always have good luck with a high-carbohydrate breakfast such as a small bowl of oatmeal with fruit or a couple of pieces of toast with peanut butter or cream cheese," says Andrew Kastor, who also advises eating around 200 to 250 (primarily carb) calories about 90 minutes before you warm up for your run . And don't worry about nixing your a.m. caffeine fix on race day. "Coffee is great for athletic performances," Kastor adds, because it makes you sharper and may even give you extended energy. Talk about buzz-worthy!

5 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

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1. Stay on a schedule.
Get your body into a consistent routine during the busy work week. Our bodies love to know exactly what time we'll be able to rest, get active, eat, work and play. It’s all about creating a routine that works well for your unique body type, lifestyle and personal preferences.

2. Rise with the sun.
If you rise with the sun after a good night's sleep, your body shouldn’t need a caffeine hit in the morning as the sun is a natural energizer and stimulant. The morning sun causes your body to release the feel good hormone serotonin, setting you up for a positive day.

3. Drink water.
We wake up dehydrated and with very acidic bodies after a solid nights sleep where the body has been busy repairing and rejuvenating. It's important to flush out any excess toxins and re-alkalize the body first thing in the morning for optimum functioning throughout the day.

4. Eat your meals at the same time each day.
Your body will keep its metabolism revved and utilize the fuel you are putting into it if you eat at set times during the day, and make healthy choices based on your energy and nutritional requirements.

5. Make sure you get some down time (and some sleep).
Rest and sleep are extremely important to keep your metabolism fired up and to support sustainable weight loss.

‪

Combat cocktail hour

Is it ladies' night? If you know you'll be imbibing more than one drink, feel (and sip!) right by always ordering water between cocktails, says Newgent. That way, you won't rack up sneaky liquid calories (and ruin your inhibition to resist those mozzarella sticks!). But your H20 doesn't have to be ho-hum. "Make it festive by ordering the sparkling variety with plenty of fruit, like a lime, lemon, and orange wedge in a martini or highball glass," adds Newgent.

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Police your portions

Does your steak take up more than half your plate? Think about cutting your serving of beef in half. That's because it's best to try and fill half your plate with veggies or a mixture of veggies and fresh fruit, says Newgent, so that it's harder to overdo it on the more caloric dishes (like cheesy potatoes or barbecue sauce–slathered ribs—yum!).

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When to weigh

You've been following your diet for a whole week. Weigh to go! Now it's time to start tracking your progress (and make sure pesky pounds don't find their way back on). "It's best to step on the scale in the morning before eating or drinking—and prior to plunging into your daily activities," says Newgent. For the most reliable number, be sure to check your poundage at a consistent time, whether daily or weekly.

Pick your perfect tunes

Running with music is a great way to get in a groove (just make sure it's not blasting too loudly, or you won't hear those cars!). To pick the ultimate iPod playlist, think about what gets you going. "I know several elite athletes that listen to what we'd consider 'relaxing' music, such as symphony music, while they do a hard workout," says Andrew Kastor. So don't feel like you have to download Lady Gaga because her tunes are supposed to pump you up—go with any music that you find uplifting.

Buy comfy sneaks

You shouldn't buy kicks that hurt, bottom line! "Your shoes should feel comfortable from the first step," says Andrew Kastor. So shop in the evening—your feet swell during the day and stop in the late afternoon, so you want to shop when they're at their biggest. Also make sure the sneaks are a little roomy—enough so that you can wiggle your toes, but no more than that. They should be comfy from the get-go, but Kastor says they'll be even more so once you have a good 20 to 40 miles on 'em.

How to Prevent Throwing up when Exercising

Intense exercise has a number of effects on the body. As well as raising metabolism and burning fat, it can also cause dehydration, dizziness and nausea. Whether you do cardiovascular exercise or strength training, it is not uncommon to throw up during or after a workout. There are many things that you can do to prevent this feeling and enjoy your workouts more. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that can accompany a number of circumstances, so you can pick the most likely remedy or try a combination of preventative measures. Read more to find out how to prevent throwing up when exercising.

1. 
   1
   Drink water regularly to replace the water lost during exercise. Dehydration is common among people who exercise. You should steadily drink water before, during and after a workout to replace the water you have lost.
   • Other symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, sticky mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, muscle weakness, dizziness and headaches.
   • Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 cups (473 ml) of water 1 to 2 hours before working out. Drink 2 more cups (473 ml) 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising. During your workout, drink 1/2 cup (118 ml) of water for every 15 minutes you exercise.

1. 
   2
    Never gulp water during exercise. Gulping down large quantities of water can give you a relieved feeling; however, your body has a defense mechanism of causing vomiting if your stomach is too full. Drink water in steady sips during your workout. 

1. 
   3
   Eat a meal 1 to 2 hours before you workout. One of the largest causes of workout sickness is low blood sugar. If your body has already used up its stores of calories you may start to sweat more than usual, feel dizzy and nauseous and pass out. The best prevention is to ensure that you eat a meal of at least 300 calories, which includes protein and carbohydrates, before your workout.
   • If it is not possible for you to eat a meal a few hours before you workout, then eat a small carbohydrate-based snack and drink a protein shake after your workout. Carbohydrates are the fuel that is used during aerobic activity. Protein helps to rebuild the muscles after your workout.
   
   
2. 
   4
   Do not exercise immediately after you have eaten. It is important to give your digestive system the time and energy to devote to digestion. If you do not, necessary fluids will be pulled away from your muscles and into your digestive tract. 

1. 
   5
   Drink a power drink, like Gatorade, during your workout, if you are prone to low blood sugar. Although fruit and sweet drinks have high levels of sugar, they can help to raise your blood sugar to safe levels and hydrate you. 

1. 
   6
   Avoid carbonated drinks before, during or after workouts. Carbonation or even excessive shaking of a water bottle can increase the amount of gas in your stomach after you drink. Drinking from a glass produces less gas than drinking from a water bottle.

1. 
   1
   Don't close your eyes when you exercise. When you do abdominal crunches, floor exercise, yoga, pilates and weight lifting it is common for people to close their eyes and focus on the movement. Open your eyes and focus on the horizon so your body can better understand the movement, just as if you were motion sick in a car. 

1. 
   2
   Breathe slowly and consistently during weight training. Controlling your breathing can help to lower your blood pressure. A sharp rise in blood pressure can create the feeling of nausea and induce vomiting.
   • High blood pressure is especially a problem among weight lifters. Lifting heavy weights can cause an extreme hike in blood pressure. It is important to breathe as you lift and avoid doing too much at once.
   
   
2. 
   3
   Reduce your bending. If you draw in a big breath and bend over, your stomach can get the feeling of being too full and induce vomiting. Squat instead of bending, if you are breathing heavily. 

1. 
   4
   Reduce your workout intensity, if you are at maximum heart rate. Overexertion often leads to exercise-induced vomiting. Prevent this by increasing your workouts incrementally, so that you stay between 70 and 85 percent of maximum heart rate. 

Relieve those achy muscles

After a grueling workout, there's a good chance you're going to be feeling it (we're talking sore thighs, tight calves). Relieve post-fitness aches by submerging your lower body in a cold bath (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit; you may have to throw some ice cubes in to get it cold enough) for 10 to 15 minutes. "Many top athletes use this trick to help reduce soreness after training sessions," says Andrew Kastor. And advice we love: "An athlete training for an important race should consider getting one to two massages per month to help aid in training recovery," adds Kastor. Now that's speaking our language!

Find the best fitness friend

A workout buddy is hugely helpful for keeping motivated, but it's important to find someone who will inspire—not discourage. So make a list of all your exercise-loving friends, then see who fits this criteria, says Andrew Kastor, an ASICS running coach: Can your pal meet to exercise on a regular basis? Is she supportive (not disparaging) of your goals? And last, will your bud be able to keep up with you or even push your limits in key workouts? If you've got someone that fits all three, make that phone call.

Curb your sweet tooth

Got a late-night sugar craving that just won't quit? "To satisfy your sweet tooth without pushing yourself over the calorie edge, even in the late night hours, think 'fruit first,'" says Jackie Newgent, RD, author of The Big Green Cookbook. So resist that chocolate cake siren, and instead enjoy a sliced apple with a tablespoon of nut butter (like peanut or almond) or fresh fig halves spread with ricotta. Then sleep sweet, knowing you're still on the right, healthy track.

FEED The MACHINE! Nutrition Guideline

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Following my new guideline will help your body return to it's natural size, and then staying on my guideline will allow you to achieve that dream body that you deserve.
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Avoid

1. Large amounts of read meat (and pork)

2. Fast food

3. Processed sugars (not natural sugar)

4. Alcohol (empty calories) If you're gonna drink, drink 1 bottle of water to one alcoholic beverage.

5. Dairy

6. Canned food

7. High fructose corn syrup


Must Have

1. Fruits. They satisfy your sweet tooth and are loaded with disease-fighting nutrients, yet are low in calories. Keep a stock of fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruits on hand. Eat them plain or toss into cereal, yogurt, waffles or batters. Some convenient favorites include frozen berries, dried cranberries and canned mandarin oranges. Whole fruits are usually best because of their fiber content, but if you prefer juice, be sure it's 100% juice, and enjoy it in small portions.
 
2. Veggies. Keep a supply of prewashed mixed greens, shredded carrots, steamed beets and shredded broccoli slaw on hand for quick and nutritious salads. Roast sweet potatoes for a side dish that needs no topping other than a little cinnamon, salt and pepper. If fresh vegetables tend to become science experiments in your refrigerator, try plain frozen vegetables. Canned vegetables are another option; just rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium. For your lunchbox or a snack, try the convenient packs of assorted veggie sticks with low-fat dip.

3. Calorie-Controlled Snacks. Little harm may be done to your diet if you choose calorie-controlled snacks. While these foods might not be the ultimate health food, sometimes you need a cookie and these packs help you limit your portion. They eliminate the chance of mindless eating so you can enjoy an indulgence without sabotaging your diet.
Check the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel and try to find snacks that offer some nutritional benefits. The most nutritious calorie-controlled snacks will have less than 3 grams of fat, less than 140 milligrams sodium, 15 grams of sugar or less and made from whole grain with about 2-3 grams of fiber and 7 grams of protein.

4. Healthier Fast Food. Every fast food restaurant usually has healthy options. Fast food restaurants don't have to spell disaster for dieters. Making the choices even easier are the nutrition numbers posted on the menus. Opt for grilled chicken, salads with light dressings, baked potato with chili or sub sandwiches with 6 grams of fat or less.

5. Diet-Friendly Desserts. Lower-calorie and portion-controlled sweets mean that desserts can usually be part of any weight loss diet. Dieters who crave ice cream love novelty ice cream cones, ice cream bars, frozen fruit bars and portion controlled treats ranging from 75-150 calories. Cookie lovers can enjoy portion controlled packs or simply choose plain cookies such as graham crackers, fig bars, vanilla wafers or gingersnaps. On the road, try chewing on a piece of sugarless gum or suck on a piece of hard candy to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet.

6. Flavored Mustards and Vinegars. These add sizzle to foods with very few calories. Try honey, tarragon, ginger, garlic, wasabi or Dijon mustards. In the vinegar department, experiment with balsamic, wine, herb, cider, champagne, fruit-flavored or sherry vinegars. Drizzle vinegars over steamed veggies, use mustards in place of mayonnaise or butter in recipes. When making salad dressings, use an equal amount of vinegar to oil for a calorie-saving and delicious vinaigrette.

7. Beverages. Good old-fashioned water still tops the list of healthy drinks. But when you want something more, try these virtually calorie-free options: flavored waters; powdered packets mixed into bottled water; green, herbal or exotic teas; coffee; sparkling water mixed with a splash of 100% fruit juice; vegetable juice or diet soft drinks. Low-calorie alcohol options include light beer, wine spritzers and cocktails mixed with club soda.

8. Breakfast Cereals. Research shows that people who eat breakfast control their weight better than those who skip the morning meal. Start your day the healthy way with a bowl of whole-grain cereal (top it with fruit and low-fat dairy for extra nutrition). Look for cereals with fiber and protein and not too much sugar, such as oatmeal.

9. Lean protein. Lean protein is important for dieters because it helps you feel satisfied. Excellent sources of low-fat protein include eggs; skinless poultry, edamame or other beans; nuts; shrimp; crab; fish fillets; lean cuts of beef (such as flank steak and sirloin); and pork tenderloin. When choosing meat, go for lean cuts, trim off all visible fat and control your portions. Rotisserie chicken is a dieter's staple. Remove the skin and enjoy the lean poultry meat. You can serve one as is, shred the leftovers for tacos, pasta dishes, soups, stews, quesadillas, casseroles or chop it for an entree salad. Not ready for chicken the next night? Debone it and freeze the leftover meat for a quick meal later in the week.

10. Whole Grains. Most whole grains are a good source of fiber, which helps fill you up. Try the wholegrain pasta blends or brown rice ready-to-serve. Another dieter's favorite is fat-free popcorn – crunchy, filling and a whole grain!

Got Motivation!

As we exercise, we may forget why we are doing what we're doing. That's ok! Now is the PERFECT time to reset our minds and refocus our sights.

Take some time to buy a few magazines. Relax in a cafe over a cappuccino and look at the new spring fashions. In your mind, slip into that new dresses, blouses and slacks. Will those shoes suit you? What do you think of the colors? Let your mind wander, and think about how you plan to give your appearance a new touch in the coming weeks.

Make sure you have a smooth ride, reaching your fitness goals by reading the free tips on my blog. The link is posted below.
http://brodericksorrell.blogspot.com/

Commited to your success,
Broderick Sorrell
www.brodericksorrell.com

Follow and Share my blog if you like this post.

Xing Tea review

Personal Trainers Review of Xing Tea: http://youtu.be/-pqB3iboByY

Simple Fat Furnace Rules

Argo Tea Review

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Broderick Sorrell....How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label.

People look at food labels for different reasons. But whatever the reason, many consumers would like to know how to use this information more effectively and easily. The following label-building skills are intended to make it easier for you to use nutrition labels to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet.

For more blogs on exercise and fitness click here.
Also contact me for Free nutrition and health coaching here.
For personal training and fitness boot camps info click here.
For all natural vitamins and supplements click here. 

 

The Nutrition Facts Label - An Overview:

The information in the main or top section (see #1-4 and #6 on the sample nutrition label below), can vary with each food product; it contains product-specific information (serving size, calories, and nutrient information). The bottom part (see #5 on the sample label below) contains a footnote with Daily Values (DVs) for 2,000 and 2,500 calorie diets. This footnote provides recommended dietary information for important nutrients, including fats, sodium and fiber. The footnote is found only on larger packages and does not change from product to product.
In the following Nutrition Facts label we have colored certain sections to help you focus on those areas that will be explained in detail. You will not see these colors on the food labels on products you purchase.

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  The Serving Size

(#1 on sample label):

The first place to start when you look at the Nutrition Facts label is the serving size and the number of servings in the package. Serving sizes are standardized to make it easier to compare similar foods; they are provided in familiar units, such as cups or pieces, followed by the metric amount, e.g., the number of grams.
The size of the serving on the food package influences the number of calories and all the nutrient amounts listed on the top part of the label. Pay attention to the serving size, especially how many servings there are in the food package. Then ask yourself, "How many servings am I consuming"? (e.g., 1/2 serving, 1 serving, or more) In the sample label, one serving of macaroni and cheese equals one cup. If you ate the whole package, you would eat two cups. That doubles the calories and other nutrient numbers, including the %Daily Values as shown in the sample label.

Example
	Single Serving	%DV		Double Serving	%DV
Serving Size	1 cup (228g)			2 cups (456g)
Calories	250			500
Calories from Fat	110			220
Total Fat	12g	18%		24g	36%
Trans Fat	1.5g			3g
Saturated Fat	3g	15%		6g	30%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%		60mg	20%
Sodium	470mg	20%		940mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	31g	10%		62g	20%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%		0g	0%
Sugars	5g			10g
Protein	5g			10g
Vitamin A		4%			8%
Vitamin C		2%			4%
Calcium		20%			40%
Iron		4%			8%

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  Calories (and Calories from Fat)
Calories provide a measure of how much energy you get from a serving of this food. Many Americans consume more calories than they need without meeting recommended intakes for a number of nutrients. The calorie section of the label can help you manage your weight (i.e., gain, lose, or maintain.) Remember: the number of servings you consume determines the number of calories you actually eat (your portion amount).
 (#2 on sample label):
In the example, there are 250 calories in one serving of this macaroni and cheese. How many calories from fat are there in ONE serving? Answer: 110 calories, which means almost half the calories in a single serving come from fat. What if you ate the whole package content? Then, you would consume two servings, or 500 calories, and 220 would come from fat.

General Guide to Calories

• 40 Calories is low
• 100 Calories is moderate
• 400 Calories or more is high
   

The General Guide to Calories provides a general reference for calories when you look at a Nutrition Facts label. This guide is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Eating too many calories per day is linked to overweight and obesity.

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  The Nutrients: How Much?
Look at the top of the nutrient section in the sample label. It shows you some key nutrients that impact on your health and separates them into two main groups:

   Limit These Nutrients

 (#3 on sample label):
The nutrients listed first are the ones Americans generally eat in adequate amounts, or even too much. They are identified in yellow as Limit these Nutrients. Eating too much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, or sodium may increase your risk of certain chronic diseases, like heart disease, some cancers, or high blood pressure.
Important: Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible as part of a nutritionally balanced diet.

   Get Enough of These

 (#4 on sample label):
Most Americans don't get enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron in their diets. They are identified in blue as Get Enough of these Nutrients. Eating enough of these nutrients can improve your health and help reduce the risk of some diseases and conditions. For example, getting enough calcium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that results in brittle bones as one ages (see calcium section below). Eating a diet high in dietary fiber promotes healthy bowel function. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Remember: You can use the Nutrition Facts label not only to help limit those nutrients you want to cut back on but also to increase those nutrients you need to consume in greater amounts.

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  Understanding the Footnote on the Bottom of the Nutrition Facts Label

(#5 on sample label)
Note the * used after the heading "%Daily Value" on the Nutrition Facts label. It refers to the Footnote in the lower part of the nutrition label, which tells you "%DVs are based on a 2,000 calorie diet". This statement must be on all food labels. But the remaining information in the full footnote may not be on the package if the size of the label is too small. When the full footnote does appear, it will always be the same. It doesn't change from product to product, because it shows recommended dietary advice for all Americans--it is not about a specific food product.
Look at the amounts circled in red in the footnote--these are the Daily Values (DV) for each nutrient listed and are based on public health experts' advice. DVs are recommended levels of intakes. DVs in the footnote are based on a 2,000 or 2,500 calorie diet. Note how the DVs for some nutrients change, while others (for cholesterol and sodium) remain the same for both calorie amounts.

 

How the Daily Values Relate to the %DVs

Look at the example below for another way to see how the Daily Values (DVs) relate to the %DVs and dietary guidance. For each nutrient listed there is a DV, a %DV, and dietary advice or a goal. If you follow this dietary advice, you will stay within public health experts' recommended upper or lower limits for the nutrients listed, based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet.

Examples of DVs versus %DVs
Based on a 2,000 Calorie Diet

Nutrient	DV	%DV	Goal
Total Fat	65g	= 100%DV	Less than
Sat Fat	20g	= 100%DV	Less than
Cholesterol	300mg	= 100%DV	Less than
Sodium	2400mg	= 100%DV	Less than
Total Carbohydrate	300g	= 100%DV	At least
Dietary Fiber	25g	= 100%DV	At least

Upper Limit - Eat "Less than"...

The nutrients that have "upper daily limits" are listed first on the footnote of larger labels and on the example above. Upper limits means it is recommended that you stay below - eat "less than" - the Daily Value nutrient amounts listed per day. For example, the DV for Saturated fat (in the yellow section) is 20g. This amount is 100% DV for this nutrient. What is the goal or dietary advice? To eat "less than" 20 g or 100%DV for the day.<

Lower Limit - Eat "At least"...

Now look at the section in blue where dietary fiber is listed. The DV for dietary fiber is 25g, which is 100% DV. This means it is recommended that you eat "at least" this amount of dietary fiber per day.
The DV for Total Carbohydrate (section in white) is 300g or 100%DV. This amount is recommended for a balanced daily diet that is based on 2,000 calories, but can vary, depending on your daily intake of fat and protein.
Now let's look at the %DVs.

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 The Percent Daily Value (%DV):

The % Daily Values (%DVs) are based on the Daily Value recommendations for key nutrients but only for a 2,000 calorie daily diet--not 2,500 calories. You, like most people, may not know how many calories you consume in a day. But you can still use the %DV as a frame of reference whether or not you consume more or less than 2,000 calories.
The %DV helps you determine if a serving of food is high or low in a nutrient. Note: a few nutrients, like trans fat, do not have a %DV--they will be discussed later.
Do you need to know how to calculate percentages to use the %DV? No, the label (the %DV) does the math for you. It helps you interpret the numbers (grams and milligrams) by putting them all on the same scale for the day (0-100%DV). The %DV column doesn't add up vertically to 100%. Instead each nutrient is based on 100% of the daily requirements for that nutrient (for a 2,000 calorie diet). This way you can tell high from low and know which nutrients contribute a lot, or a little, to your daily recommended allowance (upper or lower).

 Quick Guide to %DV:

5%DV or less is low and 20%DV or more is high 
(#6 on sample label):
This guide tells you that 5%DV or less is low for all nutrients, those you want to limit (e.g., fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium), or for those that you want to consume in greater amounts (fiber, calcium, etc). As the Quick Guide shows, 20%DV or more is high for all nutrients.

Example: Look at the amount of Total Fat in one serving listed on the sample nutrition label. Is 18%DV contributing a lot or a little to your fat limit of 100% DV? Check the Quick Guide to %DV. 18%DV, which is below 20%DV, is not yet high, but what if you ate the whole package (two servings)? You would double that amount, eating 36% of your daily allowance for Total Fat. Coming from just one food, that amount leaves you with 64% of your fat allowance (100%-36%=64%) for all of the other foods you eat that day, snacks and drinks included.

   

1 serving
2 servings

Using the %DV for:

Comparisons: The %DV also makes it easy for you to make comparisons. You can compare one product or brand to a similar product. Just make sure the serving sizes are similar, especially the weight (e.g. gram, milligram, ounces) of each product. It's easy to see which foods are higher or lower in nutrients because the serving sizes are generally consistent for similar types of foods, (see the comparison example at the end) except in a few cases like cereals.
Nutrient Content Claims: Use the %DV to help you quickly distinguish one claim from another, such as "reduced fat" vs. "light" or "nonfat." Just compare the %DVs for Total Fat in each food product to see which one is higher or lower in that nutrient--there is no need to memorize definitions. This works when comparing all nutrient content claims, e.g., less, light, low, free, more, high, etc.
Dietary Trade-Offs: You can use the %DV to help you make dietary trade-offs with other foods throughout the day. You don't have to give up a favorite food to eat a healthy diet. When a food you like is high in fat, balance it with foods that are low in fat at other times of the day. Also, pay attention to how much you eat so that the total amount of fat for the day stays below 100%DV.

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Nutrients With a %DV but No Weight Listed - Spotlight on Calcium:

Calcium:  Look at the %DV for calcium on food packages so you know how much one serving contributes to the total amount you need per day. Remember, a food with 20%DV or more contributes a lot of calcium to your daily total, while one with 5%DV or less contributes a little.
Experts advise adult consumers to consume adequate amounts of calcium, that is, 1,000mg or 100%DV in a daily 2,000 calorie diet. This advice is often given in milligrams (mg), but the Nutrition Facts label only lists a %DV for calcium.

For certain populations, they advise that adolescents, especially girls, consume 1,300mg (130%DV) and post-menopausal women consume 1,200mg (120%DV) of calcium daily. The DV for calcium on food labels is 1,000mg.
Don't be fooled -- always check the label for calcium because you can't make assumptions about the amount of calcium in specific food categories. Example: the amount of calcium in milk, whether skim or whole, is generally the same per serving, whereas the amount of calcium in the same size yogurt container (8oz) can vary from 20-45 %DV.

Equivalencies
30% DV = 300mg calcium = one cup of milk
100% DV = 1,000mg calcium
130% DV = 1,300mg calcium

 

Nutrients Without a %DV: Trans Fats, Protein, and Sugars:

Note that Trans fat, Sugars and, Protein do not list a %DV on the Nutrition Facts label.

Plain Yogurt	Fruit Yogurt

Trans Fat: Experts could not provide a reference value for trans fat nor any other information that FDA believes is sufficient to establish a Daily Value or %DV. Scientific reports link trans fat (and saturated fat) with raising blood LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, both of which increase your risk of coronary heart disease, a leading cause of death in the US.
Important: Health experts recommend that you keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol as low as possible as part of a nutritionally balanced diet.
Protein: A %DV is required to be listed if a claim is made for protein, such as "high in protein". Otherwise, unless the food is meant for use by infants and children under 4 years old, none is needed. Current scientific evidence indicates that protein intake is not a public health concern for adults and children over 4 years of age.
Sugars: No daily reference value has been established for sugars because no recommendations have been made for the total amount to eat in a day. Keep in mind, the sugars listed on the Nutrition Facts label include naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit and milk) as well as those added to a food or drink. Check the ingredient list for specifics on added sugars.

Take a look at the Nutrition Facts label for the two yogurt examples. The plain yogurt on the left has 10g of sugars, while the fruit yogurt on the right has 44g of sugars in one serving.
Now look below at the ingredient lists for the two yogurts. Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight (from most to least). Note that no added sugars or sweeteners are in the list of ingredients for the plain yogurt, yet 10g of sugars were listed on the Nutrition Facts label. This is because there are no added sugars in plain yogurt, only naturally occurring sugars (lactose in the milk).

Plain Yogurt - contains no added sugars

Fruit Yogurt - contains added sugars

If you are concerned about your intake of sugars, make sure that added sugars are not listed as one of the first few ingredients. Other names for added sugars include: corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, honey, and maple syrup.
To limit nutrients that have no %DV, like trans fat and sugars, compare the labels of similar products and choose the food with the lowest amount.

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Comparison Example

Below are two kinds of milk- one is "Reduced Fat," the other is "Nonfat" milk. Each serving size is one cup. Which has more calories and more saturated fat? Which one has more calcium?
REDUCED FAT MILK 2% Milkfat	NONFAT MILK

 Answer: As you can see, they both have the same amount of calcium, but the nonfat milk has no saturated fat and has 40 calories less per serving than the reduced fat milk.

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This document was issued in June 2000 and updated July 2003 and November 2004.