How much water do you really need?

Water makes up, on average, 60% of your total body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. It’s a smart idea to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters) or a little more.

Think about it – we lose about 10 cups of fluid a day for normal body processes of digestion, elimination and perspiration. With even moderate exercise, you’ll lose even more.

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to carry out normal functions. Becoming even mildly dehydrated can make you feel tired, sluggish and leave you craving sugars and high-calorie foods. So you may be mistaking thirst cravings for hunger cravings.

Does drinking more water affect your appetite? How?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Physical Activity.

Is soda making us fat?

The scales say “Yes.” Considering that one 12-ounce can of regular soda contains about 9 teaspoons of sugar and about 150 calories, drinking just one soda a day will add 1,000 calories a week. By eliminating one 12-ounce regular soda per day, you can lose about a pound in three weeks, or 16 pounds over a year.

Interestingly, diet soda, although it has fewer calories, has been linked to obesity. Researchers have speculated that the sweetness of diet soda makes your body crave calories. To play it safe, consider substituting that soda for sparkling water or unsweetened black or green tea.

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Soda and Obesity.

Cutting calories with less pain.

It’s not easy to avoid your favorite foods when dieting. But if you find delicious alternatives, it may not be as painful. Replace one or two high-calorie or high-fat items (like soda, donuts or ice cream) with low-fat versions. You can lose about one pound a week by cutting 500 calories from your daily diet.

Also, keep your daily indulgences and your sanity by decreasing the portion size. To keep portions in check, avoid eating directly from a food container. Seeing your food on a plate or in a bowl can help you judge and control your portion sizes.

Although you shouldn’t expect exercise alone to help you lose weight, it can offset some of your calorie intake. Combine activity with healthy, low-calorie eating to help achieve your goal.

How do you cut the calories but keep your sanity?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Hidden Fat.

Does organic mean better?

Maybe yes, maybe no. The USDA’s official answer is that organically produced food is not necessarily safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. But plenty of respected scientists say that it is. You’ll have to make the call. If you’re wondering what “organic” officially means, the label indicates that a USDA inspector confirmed that the USDA organic standards were followed where the food was grown and by any company responsible for handling the food on its way to market. Organic food is grown, handled, and processed differently from conventional food. It’s produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers or bioengineering.

The USDA organic seal tells you that a product is at least 95% organic. Some products have fewer organic ingredients than others (ranging from 100% to less than 70%), which will be reflected on the package. However, if the product is less than 70% organic, the claims are not allowed on the front of the package. You can find organic items such as fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products in most grocery stores.

What do you think about organic foods?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.

What’s in a weight-loss dietary supplement?

You don’t need a PhD in chemistry to understand what’s in weight loss dietary supplements. You just need to know a few basic terms. For example, natural does not equal harmless. Diet supplements can block the effectiveness of some prescription meds or, in some cases, cause issues on their own. For example, the ingredient bitter orange mimics the effects of ephedra, which was banned from the market. Other ingredients like caffeine can speed up your heart rate, not necessarily your metabolism.

Perhaps most important, the FDA doesn’t pre-approve the claims of weight loss dietary supplement manufacturers. Plus, there’s no mandatory system in place to make sure that the ingredients in supplements match the label.

Although supplements can be safe and helpful, it’s important to do your research. And make sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss what is best for you.

Are there terms on labels that you’re confused about?

Jump into the discussion now.

Learn about Supplement Labels.

Got a beef? How to formally complain about bad experiences with dietary supplements.

The FDA is responsible for ensuring that your food, medicine and other products are safe, effective and correctly labeled. You can help protect yourself and others by reporting problems to the FDA.

To file an emergency complaint call the agency's emergency number at 301-443-1240. For a non-emergency complaint contact a Consumer Complaint Coordinator or the FDA office that handles the product. A listing of FDA Coordinators and offices is provided on the FDA website at www.FDA.gov.

When you file a complaint, provide the name, address and phone number of anyone affected. Also include your contact information and the doctor or hospital if emergency treatment was provided. Describe the product and its label or container. Include the store information where it was purchased and the date of purchase. You should also report the problem to the manufacturer or distributor shown on the label and to the store where you purchased the product.

Have you filed a complaint with the FDA? What happened?

Jump into the discussion now.

Learn more about FDA approval.

Diet recipes? How to diet when you’re cooking challenged.

There are diet books and recipes abound. But what should you do if you don’t have the time or skill to cook?

Make it easy. Eat natural, uncooked foods like fruits and veggies. Or buy low-fat, low-calorie frozen meals. At cocktail time, skip the high calorie drink and make a deliciously sweet, water-based alternative with ice water and sliced pineapple and oranges floating on top. Make a healthy lunch, like a sandwich on whole wheat bread, ahead of time and take it with you. If you only have time for fast food, make healthy choices. You can now find low-fat salad, chicken, fish and even fruit at your favorite fast food restaurants.

How do you eat healthy on the go?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Hidden Fat.

Get a grip on portion size.

Portion sizes have ballooned over the past 30 years, along with our waistlines. Some food products are now five times their original size.

American restaurants seem to have a different definition of serving size than the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA’s standard meat serving is 2 to 3 ounces. Restaurant steaks are generally 8 to 24 ounces. That’s up to 12 servings in one meal! And pasta servings, on average, are about 5 times the government recommendation.

How do you handle portion sizes when dieting?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about portion size.

The real deal on food myths.

Food fuels your body. It provides energy, nutrients and don’t forget calories. Although some foods are better for you than others, there is no miracle, fat burning food out there. Repeat: No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may speed up your heart rate, but don’t cause weight loss. For example, grapefruit does not boost your metabolism. Celery does not contain negative calories. And spicy food does not jump start your system.

So what should you eat when trying to lose weight? A healthy, well-balanced diet that is low in fat and calories.

What food myths have you heard?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.

Do apple shapes lose weight faster than pear shapes?

You are born with your basic body shape, be it a pear, apple or string bean. Exercise and diet can change your body-fat percentage and your muscle size, but some experts believe that your body type will always remain the same. Pear-shaped figures tend to hold on to weight more stubbornly than other types and are more often women, as men tend to carry less fat in their lower body. Apple shapes, on the other hand (more often men), tend to muscle-up more easily.

Does your shape make it easy or difficult to lose weight?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Body and Behavior.

Eating all your calories early in the day for a weight loss advantage?

Eating the majority of your calories at the beginning of the day with the hope of “burning it off” will not help you lose weight. Although it’s a good idea to eat breakfast and regular meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable, overall calories are what show up on your scale. Bottom line: There is no connection between calories and the clock.

What’s your biggest meal of the day?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.

Do artificial sweeteners cause weight retention?

There is little consensus on whether artificial sweeteners can make you lose or gain weight. Artificially sweetened products often have fewer calories, helping you reduce daily calories and lose weight. Strangely, as these sweeteners have increased in the market, obesity rates have also sky rocketed. Diet experts speculate that these products may be less satisfying, causing you to eat even more.

Artificially sweetened products are no free ticket to weight loss. Instead, try eating smaller portion sizes and lower fat foods. The key is to pay attention to the total number of calories that you consume.

Do you use artificial sweeteners?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Weight Loss Supplements.

Your heart should race from being in love, not from your diet pill.

Some weight loss supplements claim to increase your metabolism, but what they're really increasing is your heart rate because they contain ingredients like caffeine. They stimulate your heart and don't produce substantial weight loss - not like improving your diet and exercising would do.

What else don't you know about weight loss supplements?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Weight Loss Supplements.

A bad day does not turn into a good day by adding calories to it.

It's easy to turn to food as a way to release stress. And it may make you feel better. For a second, anyway. The quick rush you get from sweets and treats doesn't last. But the calories do. Retrain your brain and your body to deal with stress in better, healthier ways. Take a walk around the block, call a friend, or take a few deep breaths.

Are there other, better techniques you use to beat stress?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about your Body and Behavior.

"Working out" does not translate to "eat whatever you want."

Physical activity can make you feel good, look good, and it can help you maintain your weight. But exercise alone won't lead to substantial weight loss. However, when you partner moderate or brisk exercise with a healthy diet, you can make a lasting change to your body.

And what you may not know is that moderate exercise can be as beneficial as intense workouts when paired with a healthy diet plan. Just keep in mind how many calories you eat vs. burn. For example, a typical 30-minute walk at a moderate pace burns about 100-150 calories for the average woman. That's about 1/2 to 1 cup of non-fat plain yogurt.

If you don't have time for the gym, find convenient ways to moderately or briskly exercise throughout your day. Take a walk around the block during lunch or park in a space a little farther away from the entrance to your office building. Every little bit helps. Make sure to talk with your doctor before starting any type of exercise plan.

How do you define "moderate activity"?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Physical Activity.

Before. After. After 3 Months.

Fad diets are just that - fads. These extreme, of-the-moment diets may be popular but they're usually not healthy. Fad diets, like the grapefruit diet or cabbage soup diet, may help you lose a few quick pounds, but they're certainly not the answer to lasting weight loss, which would warrant a healthy lifestyle change. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What's your experience with fad diets?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.

Ready to cut the string on yo-yo dieting?

Yo-yo dieting can be defeating emotionally. You lose. You gain. You gain a little more. Lose. Gain. With enough ups and downs, you might want to give up forever. But wait! Don't give up! Despite fluctuating or even disappointing results, it's important to make an effort to lose the weight, even a small amount. Experts have recently suggested that losing small amounts of weight is more beneficial than not trying at all.

What do you call a yo-yo that only goes up?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.

You're working hard. So how come it's not enough?

You're trying to lose weight. Reading the diet books. Ordering your salad dressing on the side. Passing up the birthday cake at the office. But for some reason, the weight is just not coming off. Why?

What's keeping you from reaching your weight loss goal?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about your Body and Behaviors.

Hello, brain? It's me, stomach.

Your stomach and your brain are having some communication issues. It takes 15 or more minutes for your full stomach to tell your brain that your body feels full. That's why it pays to slow down. Pace yourself. Put smaller portions on your plate. Save calories and save your leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

When do you know it's time to stop eating?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about your Body and Behaviors.

Cut out a food group and cut off pounds?

Um. No. Losing weight is about balance. A balance of calories. Activity. Foods. There are high calorie foods to avoid in all food groups. But eliminating an entire food group is not the answer. You need a variety of nutrients from each group to keep your body healthy. Making smart low calorie choices from each food group is the way to go.

What foods do you cut out when dieting?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Hidden Fat.

How much water do you really need?

Water makes up, on average, 60% of your total body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. It’s a smart idea to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters) or a little more.

Think about it – we lose about 10 cups of fluid a day for normal body processes of digestion, elimination and perspiration. With even moderate exercise, you’ll lose even more.

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to carry out normal functions. Becoming even mildly dehydrated can make you feel tired, sluggish and leave you craving sugars and high-calorie foods. So you may be mistaking thirst cravings for hunger cravings.

Does drinking more water affect your appetite? How?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Physical Activity.

Is soda making us fat?

The scales say “Yes.” Considering that one 12-ounce can of regular soda contains about 9 teaspoons of sugar and about 150 calories, drinking just one soda a day will add 1,000 calories a week. By eliminating one 12-ounce regular soda per day, you can lose about a pound in three weeks, or 16 pounds over a year.

Interestingly, diet soda, although it has fewer calories, has been linked to obesity. Researchers have speculated that the sweetness of diet soda makes your body crave calories. To play it safe, consider substituting that soda for sparkling water or unsweetened black or green tea.

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Soda and Obesity.

Cutting calories with less pain.

It’s not easy to avoid your favorite foods when dieting. But if you find delicious alternatives, it may not be as painful. Replace one or two high-calorie or high-fat items (like soda, donuts or ice cream) with low-fat versions. You can lose about one pound a week by cutting 500 calories from your daily diet.

Also, keep your daily indulgences and your sanity by decreasing the portion size. To keep portions in check, avoid eating directly from a food container. Seeing your food on a plate or in a bowl can help you judge and control your portion sizes.

Although you shouldn’t expect exercise alone to help you lose weight, it can offset some of your calorie intake. Combine activity with healthy, low-calorie eating to help achieve your goal.

How do you cut the calories but keep your sanity?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Hidden Fat.

Does organic mean better?

Maybe yes, maybe no. The USDA’s official answer is that organically produced food is not necessarily safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. But plenty of respected scientists say that it is. You’ll have to make the call. If you’re wondering what “organic” officially means, the label indicates that a USDA inspector confirmed that the USDA organic standards were followed where the food was grown and by any company responsible for handling the food on its way to market. Organic food is grown, handled, and processed differently from conventional food. It’s produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers or bioengineering.

The USDA organic seal tells you that a product is at least 95% organic. Some products have fewer organic ingredients than others (ranging from 100% to less than 70%), which will be reflected on the package. However, if the product is less than 70% organic, the claims are not allowed on the front of the package. You can find organic items such as fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products in most grocery stores.

What do you think about organic foods?

Jump into the discussion now.

Find answers about Fad Diets.