African-American Women Less Affected by Media Body Standards
New research from the University of Florida shares that media-based body standards are less likely to affect African-American women. The study found white women were more likely to become dissatisfied with their bodies when shown “media-ideal” models than African-American women were. “We’re bombarded with media images of what’s considered ideal. We wanted to measure the influence of race on how that makes women feel about their bodies,” said researcher Heather Hausenblas... Read More
Lose Weight for the Holidays
Lose weight during the holidays? It can happen without swearing off your favorite holiday foods. Many of us gain a few pounds each holiday season, and they tend to stick over the years. But you win even if you maintain your weight through January. It’s not about dieting. It’s about small tweaks with lasting results: smaller portions, balanced meals with fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, and making time for exercise and rest. The idea is to savor the tastes... Read More
5 Surprising Reasons You Might Be Gaining Weight
1. Medications. If you’ve packed on more than 5 pounds in a month without a lifestyle change, your prescription could be at fault. But don’t stop taking your medication; talk to your doctor. 2. Stress. Reach for food to ease stress? Relaxation and exercise work better—without adding pounds. 3. Lack of sleep. Your body stores more fat when you don’t get proper rest. Aim for at least seven hours a night. 4. Medical condition. Hypothyrodism (yes, what Oprah has) —a deficiency... Read More
Pregnancy Pounds: How Much Weight Is Safe to Gain?
For many women, the pink or blue line on a pregnancy test stick is a green light to indulge or “eat for two.” But that old notion is just that—old—and potentially harmful. Long before we conceive, four out of five African-American women are either overweight or obese, according to federal data. More than half, 53 percent, fall into the obese category. These numbers should give pregnant pause to black women of childbearing age for two reasons. Being heavy at the time... Read More
Resolve to Win … in 2010!
It’s hard not to get the resolution urge on New Year’s Day. There’s that sense of renewal, of rebirth and (for me) the guilty awareness that I ate my own weight in chocolate during the holidays. Sure, last year’s resolutions didn’t make it past Jan. 5. But hey, this year is going to be different! Right? Real Talk: Many of us don’t have a clue how to make a reasonable resolution, which is why we fail to keep the ones we make. We set high goals for ourselves,... Read More
Beverly Johnson's Model Behavior
Beverly Johnson was the definition of fierce gracing magazine covers and stalking down catwalks at the top of the modeling game 30 years ago. Who would have guessed that during that time, Johnson, 55, subscribed to the “don’t eat work out,” she says. “I love modeling. It gave me my start. It made me who I am and it’s lucrative. But the money that the models get, they deserve every penny and more. The discipline it takes is unbelievable. I’m... Read More
