Diet and Weight Control

There are many diets and weight loss programs available, and more are created every day. How is one supposed to sift through all of the conflcting claims? Should I go low carb - high protein? Is that good for me? Is it effective? What about just counting "points" or staying with another diet that relies on fruits?

While you may find some answers on this page, what you will find is information about good and solid research that can help you determine what to eat and how to plan staying healthy.

Keep in mind, that weight loss is based on a very simple principle, regardless of what diet or fad one may choose to follow: the balance of calories. In other words, if you take in more calories than you expend through physical and mental activity, you will gain weight. If you expend more calories than you take in, you will lose weight.

There are some tricks, though, that can make dieting easier and more effective. For example, are there ways to make us less hungry or feel full sooner? What nutrients are in which foods and what do we need them for?

See the articles and links below for answers.

How Food Affects The Brain: Omega 3 Especially Important

In addition to helping protect us from heart disease and cancer, a balanced diet and regular exercise can also protect the brain and ward off mental disorders. "Diet, exercise and sleep have the potential to alter our brain health and mental function. This raises the exciting possibility that changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage and counteracting the effects of aging..." ...

Click here for a PDF version of the full news release

Mediterranean Diet Relieves Symptoms of Arthritis

Learning how to eat Mediterranean-style may help people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) improve their symptoms. A new study shows that participants felt some relief of their pain and symptoms after switching to the Mediterranean diet. But there's a hitch....

Click here to read more of the study

Apple Juice May Boost Memory

An apple (or two) a day may help keep Alzheimer's away -- and fight the effects of aging on the brain.
A new study shows drinking apple juice may improve memory by preventing the decline of an essential neurotransmitter...  click here to read the news release

Green Tea, Sleep and Goal Setting: all part of a good diet

Green tea, adequate sleep and goal setting are all important aspects of a good diet. New Research links sleep deprivation with increased hunger and a new report indicates that most dieters set unrealistic goals. Green tea has long been known to have appetite suppressing properties. Click here to read the details

Body acceptance tied to healthy eating

Women who accept their bodies, flaws and all, are more likely to eat healthily or intuitively, new research shows. This suggests that women's typical reasons for dieting may backfire... Click here to read the details

All Diets Work For Those Who Adhere To The Regimen

Adherence to diet for one year, not the specific diet plan, is the most important
determinant of weight loss and reduction of cardiovascular risk, according to this study ... See the report here

Fatty acid tied to depression and inflammation

The imbalance of fatty acids in the typical American diet could be
associated with the sharp increase in heart disease and... Click for more

What are Micronutrients?

What are they good for and in what kinds of foods can I get them? The two links below will connect you to two excellent web sites where youcan get these and other questions answered.

Take me to the Linus Pauling Research Institute at the University of Oregon

Check out the Human Nutrition Research Center

Right here on the Solution Resources Website:

What is the vitamin content of various fruits? See a printable chart.

Weight Management the Scientific Way

This brief presentation discusses select research studies and summarizes what science tells us about weight control using diet, exercise, and some "tricks". Access handouts of the presentation here.

Did you Know?

'Weight Watchers' are the Biggest Losers
Researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examining survey data from about 2,000 people over the age of 18 found those who have lost weight and successfully kept it off are more likely to weigh themselves daily, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day, compared to other dieters.

Sometimes even the best research doesn't get you the results you wish for. You are still not losing weight or are lacking energy and feeling down. Your EAP can help. Call Solution Resources EAP at 509-535-4074 and request a personal consultation.