HealthBeat: Wellness & Nutrition

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden say adults have about the same number of fat cells in their body, no matter how much they diet...or don't. And just what your weight is, they add,
depends on how many of those fat-hoarding cells you have in your body. That number is actually set by your weight and eating habits during adolescence. 



Every year the scientists say ,whether you are fat or thin, whether you lose weight or gain it, Ten-percent of the fat cells in your body die off.

Life expectancy may have reached an all-time high in this country but a new, nationwide survey shows that depending on where you live, your life expectancy could actually be shorter, especially if you're a woman.

Slimming down your diet isn't always easy, but replacing a just a few ingredients can make all the difference. 


You might think a batch of brownies would be full of fat, but it doesn't have to be. 



"I'm going to cut the fat and calories by just using egg whites," said registered dietitian Colleen Doyle, co-author of The Great American Eat Right Cookbook. 



Doyle says by swapping the eggs for egg whites, you'll save more than 60 calories.

Last January many people began the New Year with a new resolve to feel great in ‘08 by eating healthier and exercising more. HealthBeat's Jaine Andrews was among those resolutionists and while most of them have forgotten their resolution, 12 weeks later Jaine is still at it. Here are her final results. 


Since early January, I have broken a sweat four or five times a week and broken through my fruit and vegetable avoidance issues to a healthier diet.

Many people blame a few extra pounds, on a slow metabolism. If you're doing things to slow it down, surely there are ways to speed it up, right? 


Think exercise isn't for you? It needs to be, if you want to lose weight. Experts say exercise is the single best way to increase the rate at which your body burns calories, otherwise known as your metabolism. 



But Sanford Health Registered Dietitian Teresa Beach says in addition to exercise, some other lifestyle changes can be just as effective.

Remember when you used to eat food just because you liked it? Now we invest our time and money into diets that make some foods appear bad and others better. And, the result can be some distorted facts when it comes to food. 


Actually, they're food myths. Sort of urban legends, if you will, that have been passed down the grocery aisle for ages.

If you're a couch potato who finds yourself tired all the time, we have the answer for you. But we should warn you, you might not like the solution. It’s a simple fix for chronic fatigue. 


If this is the last place your family and friends are likely to find you, chances are you probably spend more time in front of the TV than in the gym.

Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese--conditions that often lead to high blood pressure and diabetes. Losing weight can be challenging. But, a new study shows certain lifestyle changes are helping some people lose pounds and keep the weight off. 


Researchers point out that even small amounts of weight loss can offer health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels and helping prevent diabetes.

You may have heard of websites that help you track your calorie intake and exercise progress. But now the Internet is offering a new way to drop the pounds, by making you put your money where you mouth is. 


"Is eating a donut worth $50? Because that's what it may cost at the end of the week," said Erin Finnegan, who’s trying to lose those last ten pounds. 



Finnegan says she’s tried just about everything to reach her goal weight. 



"Every pound you lose it's like you lose a pound of motivation," she said. 



Finnegan is now trying a free website, www.stickK.com, where you bet your hard-earned cash you'll meet your goal. 



If you succeed, you get the money back.

Wheat is the foundation of our diet. You'll find it in everything from the bread you eat to the coffee creamers you drink. But for some people, consuming any wheat is off limits.

The more weight you carry on your body, the greater your odds of developing cancer. That's according to British researchers. 


According to the study in this month's issue of the medical journal, The Lancet, obesity can raise the risk of common cancers like colon cancer and breast cancer.

Let's be honest. Exercise isn't always as high on people's priority list as it should be. And that often leaves fitness instructors with the challenge of developing new twists on old routines to entice people into breaking a sweat. 


One of the newest fitness crazes has been the rapid popularity of Pilates classes all across KELOLAND.

Like many people, HealthBeat's Jaine Andrews resolved to move more and eat less in the New Year.
It's been four weeks since she started with Sanford Wellness Center's "Lose the Belly, Lose the Risk" program. So how's she doing so far? 



Okay, so this usually isn't the way you're used to seeing me each night, but until a month ago, I wasn't used to sweating this much.

Before letting your kids go to the movies or play video games, you probably check the rating to make sure it's appropriate. So why not do the same for the snacks they eat? 


It's estimated that 1 of every 3 children is now overweight in this country. It's a fact that puts those children at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.

We've got a bit of a quiz for you. What's your favorite song? You know the one that really gets your heart pumping and your feet moving. Whatever it is, hold on to that thought, because your choice could have a big impact on what you get out of your next workout. 


The fixation with mixing music with working out does have a scientific basis.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota now say if eaten in excess, red meat, fried foods and diet pop can increase your odds of developing something known as metabolic syndrome. 


Metabolic syndrome is seen more often as a major health problem these days. It's actually a cluster of symptoms that predispose people to diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

Most of us look forward to the weekend as a much-welcome rest from the office. But for workaholics, that day of rest never comes. And that could spell trouble for your health. 


Ask any workaholic and they'll probably admit there is always one more email to read, one more phone call to return, or one more critically important trip to the office that can't wait until Monday.

The City of Sioux Falls has hired a Health and Wellness Coordinator, who's paid to help employees eat better and exercise more.

Whether you're a professional athlete, a high school athlete or a weekend warrior, reaching peak performance is a common goal. But that's not going to happen if you fall short in your strength or flexibility. 


Those weaknesses are a common cause of injury. That's why doctors at the Mayo Clinic have developed a program aimed at helping athletes, such as the hockey player you're about to meet, be their best at their game. 



17-year-old Charlie Thauwald is a star on the ice.

Did you begin the New Year with a fitness program intended to work off those holiday indulgences? 


If joining a gym is part of your plans there's something you should know. 



Anyone who's joined a gym in the past knows, it's not always enough to have a membership card in hand and a gym bag.