BOSTON, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A New Year's diet resolution to lose weight can take on added importance as COVID-19 continues to put those who are obese at increased risk for severe illness and death. For Will Johnsonwho weighed more than 500 poundslosing 140 pounds over the last year started with losing 13 pounds in his first week and never looking back.

Seeing results quickly can keep you motivated to keep going.

Everything changed when a friend told Will he was going to join the HMR Program. After he looked into it, Will volunteered to do it with him. "I've always been a big guy," notes Will. "I've dealt with high blood pressure since high school, and was diagnosed as a diabetic in 2015. I had given up hope on losing weight, but I joined to encourage my friend."

For Will, his love for his wife and their mutual love for Disney World gave him the motivation he needed. "On our last trip in 2019, I was too big to fit on the rides with her, so we couldn't even sit together," said Will. "I could see how much it upset her, and I got to the point where I didn't want to go back there, to a place I loved, because of my weight."

As a program ranked as a Best Diet for Fast Weight Loss by U.S. News & World Report for the past 7 years, Will was able to see results quickly on the HMR diet, which kept him motivated to keep going. In addition to the structured diet, Will found his own source of accountability through the community with thousands of other HMR members; support he says is needed, especially during the rough times.

Medical MotivationSince losing weight, Will is off many of his medications, or the doses have been cut.1 He says, "I'm completely off insulin. I don't have as much back pain or knee issues, and I can walk longer distances without needing a break to catch my breath."

Learning a New Way to LiveWill says he had to unlearn a lot of old behaviors, and he's learning new ways to look at food "It's exciting to try new things. Who would order ratatouille over a ribeye? This guy, though I wouldn't have before." Another big change for Will? "Now, water is my main beverage, when just over a year ago, I'd consume a gallon of juice a day."

A Different Disney World

For Will's 40th birthday this year, he wanted to go back to Disney World with his wife, and go on the rides with her by his side. He explains, "This is the first time since we've been married that I didn't need a seat belt extender on the plane." He adds, "I can do things now that I haven't been able to do. This program has saved my life."

About HMR

Since 1983, HMR has helped more than half a million people with their weight and health goals, first in hospitals, and now also at home. HMR's mission is to help more people improve their health and quality of life through weight loss and simple sustainable lifestyle changes.

*Average weight loss for the Healthy Solutionsat Home plan with coaching is 23 lbs. in 12 weeks. Average weight loss for HMR's Decision-Freein-clinic plan is 38 lbs. at 12 weeks.1 People who lose weight may see improvements in health risk factors such as blood pressure, glucose, and/or cholesterol, although everyone may not have the same medical results as Will. Each person's medical situation is unique and changes in medication should be made only in consultation with a doctor. HMR offers programs with and without medical supervision.

SOURCE HMR Weight Management Services

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Brittany Cartwright from Vanderpump Rules admits shes shocked with how quickly shes starting to drop the baby weight, revealing shes lost seven pounds in only 11 days on Jenny Craig.

Cartwright told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that since becoming a spokesperson and ambassador for Jenny Craigs Max Up program, shes seen a huge difference in her energy level alone. Her plan is to lose at least 30 pounds. But she didnt anticipate it would start coming off so fast. The food is so good, she said. And Ive already lost seven pounds since that photo of me. I was shocked that its already been seven pounds. So its like Im doing really good and Im proud of myself. She added, Im super excited about the results shes already seeing.

Before I even started this, everybody told me how good the food was, she explained about Max Up. And it actually is delicious. But thats something that everybody I talked to, said that the food was so good. And Im glad that theres a private coach. Its just so easy to follow the app along with your coach. It just makes it so, so easy. You know, pop it in the microwave and youre good to go for your meal and it tastes good. So it just seemed like it was just the perfect fit for my life.

Vanderpump Rules fans know Cartwright is also an amazing cook, plus shes cooking for husband Jax Taylor and baby Cruz. With all the meals, you can add certain things, she said. Like you can add fruit and vegetables. I can add chicken breast as long as it goes along with your plan.

And your coach gives you a grocery guide of all kinds of things that youre allowed to put with your meal, she added. And its all balanced out for you. So its really perfect. I cook for Jax and Cruz because hes starting to eat people food. So also I still cook a lot for them.

Speaking of Taylor, Cartwright said hes trying to curb his Taco Bell habit to support her. Hes definitely helping me by like not snacking and not like ordering a bunch of food, she said. And hes trying to eat healthier as well. And hes definitely saying that he might be trying the plan soon.

The couple also built a gym at home so Cartwright has quick and easy access to fitness. We made a gym at our house, but that was something we did during quarantine, she said. You know, a lot of people were working out at home when the pandemic started.

So we still have that and I like to work out at home a lot, but I also have a trainer I go see. Shes actually my friend from Kentucky. We knew each other from before we even moved to L.A., so I work out with her four days a week as well. And I think, you know, working out is a super, super important part of the whole weight loss journey Im on.

Cartwrights weight loss journey hasnt been easy. She said comments about her pregnancy weight gain were especially harsh, especially seeing how quickly others like Lala Kent bounced back to her pre-baby form. That being said, she felt relieved to be somewhat out of the spotlight after she gave birth to Cruz in April.

I feel very lucky because I was able to be with Cruz so much, she said about just having private time with her son without having cameras constantly filming her. Ive just got to spend so, so much more time than I thought that I would be able to, and Im very grateful for that.

But shes also happy to not have the intense scrutiny that comes along with being on reality television. And just like the weight gain, my weight loss journey has not been the same as theirs, Cartwright said about her former Vanderpump Rules co-stars who recently had children.

And thats completely fine, she added. But people can be so harsh and so mean on a show where they feel like they know you or know what youre going through or think that you should be a certain way. And this isnt real life. So like for me, I wasnt able to go right back down skinny.

RELATED: Vanderpump Rules: Jax Taylor Wrote a Childrens Book Teases Move Away from L.A. with Access Hollywood

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Vanderpump Rules' Brittany Cartwright Is Smashing Weight Loss Goals 'I've Already Lost 7 Pounds and I'm Super Excited' (Exclusive) - Showbiz Cheat...

A persons liver usually contains a small amount of fat. However, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is where an individual has a store of excess fat in their liver. It does not result from alcohol use.

There are two types of NAFLD: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Weight loss is the only recommended treatment for NAFLD, and there are currently no medications to treat either condition.

Read on to find out the symptoms, causes, and treatments of NAFLD, NAFL, and NASH and the differences between the three.

According to the American Liver Foundation (ALF), the liver typically contains a small amount of fat.

However, fatty liver occurs when more than 10% of this organs weight comprises fat.

NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States and affects up to 25% of the worlds population.

NAFLD is known as a silent disease, meaning that usually there are no symptoms of the condition.

However, some people may experience symptoms such as:

The ALF estimates that around 100 million people in the U.S. have NAFLD. However, health experts do not fully understand what causes the condition. Studies are continuing, but researchers have concluded that certain health conditions may contribute to the development of NAFLD. A persons genetic makeup, diet, and digestive system may also play a role.

Health conditions that may make an individual more likely to develop NAFLD include:

And while researchers believe specific genes may contribute to developing this condition, further studies are necessary.

As well as the above, certain herbal remedies or dietary supplements can cause damage to the liver, so anyone who wishes to start taking supplements should always discuss the risks with their doctor.

A person can control or even reverse NAFLD through healthy living, which may involve following a nutritious diet or losing weight. Experts suggest losing weight can help reduce fat in the liver as well as reduce inflammation and fibrosis.

If healthcare providers suspect a person has NAFLD, NAFL, or NASH, they may order various tests to confirm. These may include:

Also known as simple fatty liver, NAFL occurs when there is a mainly harmless build-up of fat in the liver. It is known as steatosis.

According to the United Kingdoms National Health Service (NHS), most people will only ever develop NAFL and not usually realize it.

However, NAFL may progress for some individuals and cause liver damage.

NAFL typically does not cause liver inflammation or damage. However, because the liver may be larger than usual due to the additional fat in the organs cells, people may experience pain. Usually, NAFL will not progress.

Fatty liver is not necessarily due to NAFLD. Doctors may wish to look into alternative diagnoses before settling on NAFLD as the cause of a persons fatty liver.

For example, fatty liver can also be due to:

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it may be possible to prevent or minimize a persons risk of developing NAFLD with lifestyle changes.

These include:

Often, losing between 3% and 5% of a persons body weight can reduce fat in the liver.

As there are no symptoms, doctors usually only discover NAFL when carrying out medical tests for other reasons. For example, a blood test will show high levels of liver enzymes. Healthcare professionals may then wish to carry out further investigations, such as a complete medical history and physical examinations.

If a person has NASH and high levels of fat in their liver, they also have inflammation and liver damage.

This inflammation and liver damage can lead to:

Again, there are often no symptoms for NASH, but some people may develop cirrhosis as a complication.

Symptoms of cirrhosis include:

It is essential to seek urgent medical attention if a person experiences any of the following symptoms:

Without treatment, cirrhosis can cause the liver to stop functioning: A range of different health issues can result from the liver not working correctly, as it controls so many other bodily functions.

The ALF estimates that about 20% of people with NAFLD will develop NASH. Older individuals are also more likely to develop NASH, but some children may get it.

NASH is also more likely to occur in people with:

To reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, people should aim to lose between 7% to 10% of their body weight. Health experts recommend doing this over time rather than rapidly, as losing weight too quickly can worsen liver disease.

Doctors may use medications to treat complications of NASH, which may require minor medical procedures or surgery. People experiencing liver failure or liver cancer may need a liver transplant.

A liver biopsy is the only test that can diagnose NASH, as it needs to show precisely how far the condition has progressed. Liver biopsies can rule out other conditions or give healthcare providers a better view of advanced liver disease or cirrhosis than imaging tests can.

NAFL, NAFLD, and NASH are connected, in that NAFL and NASH are both types of NAFLD.

While NAFL is easily treatable and reversible, NASH may advance to a stage where all a person can do is prevent further damage.

Slowly and steadily losing weight is the best treatment for all forms of nonalcoholic fatty liver conditions.

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MANAGING your diet as a diabetic can be hard work, and sometimes feel like a full-time job in itself.

Constantly looking through product information and timing your meals can be tiring, but there are straightforward foods to avoid to prevent blood sugar spikes.

1

When you're diabetic your body can struggle to produce enough insulin, or the insulin isn't effective.

With type 1diabetes, a persons pancreas produces no insulin, but in type 2, cells in the body become resistant to insulin - so a greater amount of insulin is needed to keep glucose levels within a normal range.

Even if you have a balanced diet, it can be hard to keep your levels in check.

It's important you don't cut any food groups, whether you have diabetes or if you're just trying to improve your diet.

A balanced diet contains foods from carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

It's also essential to understand that it's difficult to target particular areas for fat loss.

Again this can be done through a range of exercise and healthy food choices, while cutting down on some foods will help - there are also certain exercises that you can do to target belly fat.

Speaking to The Sun GP Dr Sally Roxburgh from The Fleet Street Clinicsaid it is important for those with type 2 diabetes to control their sugar intake as well as control their weight, portion sizes, and calorie intake.

She added: "Getting enough exercise and lifestyle choices are equally important.There are certain foods that should be avoided if you have type 2 diabetes, while other foods should be consumed in moderation."

Dr Roxburgh said it can be easy to over indulge when it comes to fruit juices and smoothies - meaning you are packing in extra sugar and calories which can lead to both glucose spikes and weight gain.

She explained: "Fruit juice and smoothies should be avoided as they can put blood sugar up very quickly.

"Fruit in general can be consumed and I would never recommend excluding any fruit totally because of the nutritional value that fruit contains, however, there are certain fruits that I would recommend over others for someone with type 2 diabetes.

"For example, berries or an apple rather than pineapple, oranges or bananas. Tinned fruit, however, I would avoid as it is kept in a high-sugar syrup."

Healthy smoothies can sometimes have just as much sugar as fizzy drinks in them - even though the sugars are natural these can contribute to weight gain.

Dr Roxburgh said processed meats such as salami and ham and fatty red meat should be avoided.

She said: "These can cause weight gain which makes diabetes harder to control. Instead, opt for leaner meats such as chicken and turkey.

"Ready meals and processed foods should be avoided as they often contain hidden sugars and fats that make blood sugars high, cause weight gain and predispose to heart disease.

"A combination of a healthy, balanced diet, weight management, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices will be the best way to manage type 2 diabetes."

Studies have previously revealed that processed meats lead to weight gain in as little as two weeks for people who eat it on a regular basis.

The study found that people eating processed meats ate an average of 500 calories more than those who did - and an excess of calories equates to weight gain.

Speaking to The Sun, Dr. Naomi Newman-Beinart said oncecarb-based foods are digested, the sugars element of the carbs is absorbed into the bloodstream.

She explained: "Then your pancreas produces insulin to remove glucose from the blood and to allow it to be used by your cells.

"If the blood sugar of a healthy person gets too high then more insulin is produced, slowing down the breakdown of fat, thus fat accumulates more easily in the body.

"Various foods can raise blood sugar and this is not a bad thing as blood sugar will rise after any snack or meal.

"But the foods that make your blood sugar rise more quickly are the carb-based ones such as rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit and anything with added sugar."

Dr Newman-Beinart added: "Don't forget if you eat wholegrain foods then the fibre in these causes your blood sugar to rise more slowly."

Top tips to make sure you're on the right path to weight loss

Personal trainer Lewis Paris explained that we need to dispel myths when it comes to fat loss.

He said: "When losing weight we can't simply decide where we want to lose fat, it's impossible, instead we lose fat all around the body.

"Yes we can help encourage certain areas around the body to "tone up" by performing certain exercises but we still can't pinpoint exactly where the fat will be lost."

To ensure you're on the right path to losing weight and shedding belly fat, keep it simple and focus on these 3 things:

- Understand your daily maintenance calories and eat 2-300kcal less

- Increase your NEAT: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (walking, cleaning, gardening, playing with your kids etc)

- Introduce LISS workouts x1-2 times per week: Low Intensity Steady State Cardio (bike ride, brisk walk, cross trainer)

He added: "To increase your chances of burning belly fat and building a solid core, you must first understand how to contract & breathe correctly during your workouts.

"This will not only encourage good technique and a saved lower back but it'll help improve your mind to muscle connection, your muscles will get stronger and you'll build a more toned physique around your midsection."

While this might seem like an obvious bet, it's best to avoid drinks that have added sugar and sweeteners.

The NHS says you should drink plenty of sugar-free fluids if you have high blood sugar levels as this can help if you're dehydrated.

Dr Roxburgh added: "It is also best to try to avoid adding sugar to your drinks such as in your tea or coffee. Similarly, alcohol should be limited as it is calorific and high in sugar."

Associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago Rasa Kazlauskaite, MD said that it's hard to control your blood sugar levels if you're constantly having sweetened drinks.

This could include fizzy drinks, juices or even coffees laden with sweeteners.

She said that even though these drinks are calorific, they don't actually make you feel any fuller and if consumed in excess can lead to weight gain.

"While for the most part the best course of action is toentirely avoid sweetened caloric drinks, a small serving of these beverages can be helpful in quickly raising blood sugar when people are struggling with acutehypoglycemia.

"If you dont have low blood sugar and are simply craving something sweet, you can scratch the itch with asugar-free seltzer.

"Still, your main beverage of choice should be water. If you have trouble putting away water without the flavor, try adding pieces of freshly sliced fruit to your water bottle, she told Everyday Health.

A little bit of what you fancy every now and again can be good for us.

But for people suffering with high blood sugar levels, this has to be narrowed down even further.

Cakes have teaspoon after teaspoon of sugar in them and often you won't be able to find out how sugar laden they actually are, especially if they are from a bakery or its been baked by a friend.

The NHS said you should avoid cakes if you're trying to lower your blood sugar levels and trying to lose weight.

But there are some food that can help lower your blood sugar levels.

Dr Roxburgh said that snacks made from wholegrains are a good addition to the diet.

She added: "Potatoes are very high in carbs so arent usually counted as one of your 5 a day but if you want to eat potatoes, then new potatoes are better than old potatoes as they contain less starch."

Dr Roxburgh also suggestedkeeping alcohol to within 14 units weekly with three or four days off drinking, and avoid alcohol on an empty stomach as this can also lead to hypos.

Dr Newman-Beinart said: "Reishi mushroomsare an important supper food to include in your wellness routine as they includebeta-glucansand triterpenoids, which are compounds that can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, reducing your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes."

You can use Reishi mushrooms in different dishes as a powder - ideal for any one not a fan of their veggies.

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Diabetes: The 5 foods to avoid to prevent high blood sugar and lose belly fat... - The Sun

Exercising more and losing weight are the top two New Year's resolutions according to research group Statista. As motivated as many of us are in January, persevering with a pledge to get in shape and shed pounds can be quickly derailed by cost when you consider equipment, meal plans and membership fees.

The key to trimming costs while slimming down may be at your fingertips, literally.

Many app-based weight loss programs are available to download to your smartphone that can help you monitor your calorie intake, carbohydrates, fitness regime and water consumption and give you access to healthy recipes, lifestyle coaches, community support and more.

Not only are weight loss apps plentiful and accessible, but they are proven effective. A team at Stanford Medicine recently compared nearly 40 different studies on weight-loss monitoring. What they found is that regardless of which weight loss tactic you choose, youre typically more successful if you track your progress with digital health tools. Self-monitoring via digital health makes us more aware of what we are eating, how much we are moving and our progress, and is consistently associated with improved weight loss in behavioral obesity treatment.

Most digital weight loss apps are free to download and fairly easy to use after some time and practice. A basic, free membership gives you access to a wide range of tools; however weekly, monthly or yearly fees may be required for premium functionality. If youre on a budget, pick an app that offers the greatest access to features and information without monthly fees.

The key to succeeding with the do-it-yourself approach to diet and exercise is finding an app that is user-friendly, motivates you to make healthy changes, holds you accountable and offers you support. Heres a breakdown of some of the top-rated weight loss and fitness apps that will help you stick to your get-fit resolution without going broke.

Lose It!

Cost: The basic program is free or you can pay $40 a year for the premium upgrade.

The skinny: A super-intuitive and easy-to-use app, the free version also allows you to create a customized weight loss plan and tracks macronutrients, water intake, blood pressure, measurements and more. You can quickly and easily input your calories in and out by logging items from a database of over 32 million foods and exercise. Plus, you can sync other health apps to better track your progress and add friends and join community support groups to work with others to achieve your goals. Premium members can unlock features for advanced nutrition and exercise tracking, like the camera feature that allows you to scan package barcodes or photos of food. The Lose It! Technology will help you log it with ease.

Visit: https://www.loseit.com/

My Fitness Pal

Cost: Free for basic membership; premium membership is available for $9.99 a month or $49.99 for the year.

The skinny: With a focus on mindful eating, the app and supporting website allows you to track meals, learn about your habits and reach your goals. You can keep things simple by signing up for the free version where you'll be able to log your food from an extensive database, monitor your workouts and track your progress. If youre interested in a more enhanced experience, a premium membership is ad-free and allows you to customize calories goals and track your macros by gram or percentage. Youll also have access to personalized coaching and nutrition plans and be able to subtract your exercise calories.

Visit: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

Healthi (formerly iTrackBites)

Cost: Healthi is free to download and use but you can upgrade to Healthi PRO for $29.99 (rather than $59.99) annually during the limited time promotional period.

The skinny: Billed as an entire weight loss program in your back pocket, Healthi assigns a BITES value to each food. The healthier the food, the lower the BITE value (its very similar to WWs tracking programs). To make logging a cinch, you can access a database of 6 million foods. Healthis premium option does feature significantly more. Youll also have access to meal plans, online coaching, community support, a restaurant guide, barcode scanner and a hands-free voice recognition feature. Healthi has also developed six tailored plans to help users achieve weight loss goals: Carb Conscious, Conquer Cravings, Sugar Smart, Calorie Command, Better Balance and Keeping Keto (the latter two available with the premium membership).

Visit: https://www.healthiapp.com/

MyNetDiary

Cost: There is a free option or you can upgrade to premium membership for $9 per month or $50 annually. New users are entitled to a free two week money-back guarantee.

The skinny: Rated the no. 1 mobile diet app by American Journal of Preventive Medicine, MyNetDiary lets you simply track what you eat and how much you exercise. Set a weight goal, enter a target date, create a meal plan and log away. The app will customize the advice, behavior and offer hundreds of easy recipes based on your eating style. MyNetDiary also boasts superb connectivity to wearable tech and other fitness tracking apps. When you upgrade to premium, you can access tailored diet plans, like low-carb, keto, high-protein, Mediterranean and more.

Visit: https://www.mynetdiary.com/

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Shed weight, not cash, with money-saving fitness apps - Albany Times Union

James Argent has shed almost half his bodyweight and looks utterly transformed - but his surgeons are concerned he may have gone too far and will need to regain half a stone after his gastric sleeve surgery

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James Argent outlines plans for 2022 after dramatic weight loss

James Argent has wowed the world with his 13st weight loss.

Looking happier and healthier than fans have ever seen him, the former TOWIE star beamed as he showed off his newly-svelte figure.

Having suffered from a binge eating disorder since his teens, the 34-year-old underwent gastric sleeve surgery which took him from 27st to 14st.

In fact, he's shed so much weight his surgeons think he may have gone too far, and might need to put some of it back on.

The experts from the Transform Group who performed his two-hour surgery have expressed slight concerns about the speed of his weight loss.

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"But they are pleased for me and are in regular contact, taking blood tests to make sure Im getting enough nutrients," James told The Mirror.

"Ive lost a little bit more than what I wanted to, so I want to get more toned, bulk up a little bit and maybe even put on half a stone."

James' rock bottom came in lockdown when his binge eating spiralled out of control and his doctor warned him he would be at risk of death if he contracted Covid.

And then his mum Patricia tearfully told her obese son that she no longer recognised him.

So on April 8 last year he paid 10,000 to have the op in which 70% of his stomach was removed to restrict how much he can eat at private Burcot Hall Hospital, near Birmingham.

Initially, his weight goal was 15st 7lb, which his surgeon estimated would take up to 18 months to reach.

But Arg, who shot to fame in reality hit The Only Way is Essex in 2010, exceeded expectations by losing almost half his bodyweight in just eight months.

Hes been accused of cheating with the "quick fix" surgery, which also removes appetite-increasing hormones from the stomach, but Arg insists it was anything but an easy option.

He explained: "I enjoy food so to commit to a lifetime operation was a big thing for me."

For two months after the surgery, Arg was on a liquid-only diet and his first meal after that was his mums chicken curry.

It took a while to adjust to the new normal, and there were moments he over-ate and became sick.

"Sometimes Id get as hungry as I did before," he said.

"When that happens you eat too quickly. It makes you feel rough and be sick and its extremely uncomfortable."

He added: "Ive learned the hard way. Theres been moments where Ive f***ed up but now Im used to it."

When people lose a lot of weight quickly, they are often left with excess skin - but Arg says hes been "blessed" to only have a small amount around his stomach.

He hopes to finally beat the food and body confidence issues which have plagued him since he was young - but he still struggles with his self-image even now.

"Ive lost all this weight and I still wonder if people can see my tummy or if what Im wearing is a bit too tight," he said, pulling his jumper down.

"I am always going to suffer with that," he said.

"Unfortunately with an eating disorder or addiction its something that you really have to keep on top of and work with for the rest of your life."

Having replaced his addiction to fast food with a compulsion to buy clothes - Arg admitted he still needs to be careful.

"The only thing Ive really got to watch is that I dont turn into a shopaholic, because Ive had to clear out my whole wardrobe," he confessed.

"I never imagined my life would be like this. I feel confident, much more energetic, happier and healthier. Im buzzing off life."

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James Argent fears he's lost too much weight - and wants to put half a stone back on - The Mirror

Gregory Gourdet is showing off the results of his hard work.

The Top Chef star, 46, revealed that he lost 40 lbs. in the last half of 2021 after giving his body a "health reset."

He shared a carousel of before and after side-by-sides, ending with a final after photo as he opened up about his "pandemic weight journey" on Instagram Tuesday.

"212# to 172# This was hard! ," Gourdet captioned the snap. "Between gyms closing, a running injury (I have a torn meniscus) and survival eating at work, I gained a good amount of weight in 2020."

Opening up about his experience, he added that while he "pressed the health reset button in July" when he was at his "highest weight ever," he quickly discovered that previously successful methods like intermittent fasting and yoga weren't working.

Gregory Gourdet

Gregory Gourdet/instagram

"I power walked on a treadmill for months until my therapist told me I could run again," Gourdet shared. "I went keto for the first time and extended my fasting to 20 to 24 hours a few days a week and finally started losing the extra weight. Spent hours diving deeper into the health benefits of fasting and keto."

RELATED: Mina Starsiak Hawk Reflects on Weight Loss and Calls Out Social Media Troll: 'Be Kinder'

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From his physical therapist to his personal trainer, Gourdet thanked those who helped him along the way.

He then "reminded" his followers "that health isn't measured by weight. Thick or thin, always love yourself," encouraging them to "Live in whatever body you feel comfortable in and don't compare yourself to people on the internet. We all come in different shapes and sizes and can all do different things in our bodies."

The three-time James Beard Award semifinalist concluded by sharing he has "a very long road to recovery," noting that he wants to "be in shape" for the opening of his wood-fired Haitian restaurant Kann, set to open in late spring.

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RELATED VIDEO: James Corden on His 28 Lb. Weight Loss

Gourdet starred in season 12 of Bravo's Top Chef, placing as the runner-up to winner Mei Lin. He later appeared in the show's 17th season featuring previous all-stars.

Since the show, he became the Director of Culinary Operations at Departure Restaurant in Portland, where he oversees food programming, menus and events.

His cookbook, Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health was released in May 2021.

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Top Chef Star Gregory Gourdet Reveals 40 Lbs. Weight Loss: 'Pressed the Health Reset Button' - Yahoo Entertainment

January is often considered a time for New Years resolutions and asking tough questions about your intention for the year to come. And for an increasing number of people, the first month of the year is also an occasion to step back from alcohol consumption. Dry January challenges participants to abstain from drinking alcohol for all 31 days of January.

The challenge first began in 2013 as a public health campaign hosted by the U.K. nonprofit Alcohol for Change. Since that first iteration with 4,000 participants, Dry January has grown to be a part of the cultural lexicon. Nearly 10 years on, the monthlong alcohol detox is practically a movement, with nearly 20 percent of adults in the U.S. saying they plan to participate in 2022s, per a Morning Consult poll.

Following what is, for many, a period of holiday indulgences, Dry January may act as a reset button. According to a 2019 study from the University of Sussex, other reasons participants take on the challenge typically include improving their health, proving to themselves they could do it, losing weight, and cutting back on spending money.

Studies show that reducing alcohol intake has proven health benefits, like lowered blood pressure, improved sleep, and a reduced risk of liver disease. As for the efficacy of Dry January? Well, nutritionist Keri Gans, MS RDN CDN, explains that noticeable benefits vary by participantand have to do with how much you were drinking before January. According to the CDC, one drink per day is considered moderate drinking for women, and two per day for men. People are more likely to see changes if they were drinking more than that amount, Gans says.

In that sense, Dry January is an effective way to gauge the role alcohol plays in your life, which may lead to lasting behavioral change. The 2019 study from the University of Sussex found that 81 percent of surveyed Dry January participants felt more in control of their drinking after the challenge.

While the challenge was designed to be complete abstinence from alcohol, you can adapt it to your lifestyle and needs. No one size fits all, Gans says. For context, half of the participants surveyed by Morning Consult plan to abstain from alcohol entirely, with the other half planning to reduce consumption. If youre considering taking on the challenge in any form, read on to see the benefits of Dry Januaryand perhaps be persuaded as to why it might be right for you.

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Depending on an individuals specific drinking habits and starting weight, taking a monthlong break from alcohol could result in losing weight or generally feeling less bloated. Alcohol has liquid calories, which dont provide the same nutrients as the ones found in food. If people dont replace the weekly calories consumed from alcohol with other beverages or food, it will automatically create a deficit that will result in pounds lost, Gans says.

Research shows that alcohol influences our food choices. A study from the American Journal of Health Studies shows that food cravings are more intense and frequent when alcohol is consumed, and people are more likely to reach for characteristically unhealthy food to satisfy those cravings. Essentially, Gans says, drinking can influence people to be less controlled in their eating. Having alcohol out of your system for an extended period of time may lead to making more conscious food choices and developing healthier eating habits.

As you may already know, alcohol often has a sedative effect. It can help a person fall asleep more quickly, Gans says. But the quality of that sleep, Gans says, isnt optimal. Gans explains that the sedative effects of alcohol can wear off and actually lead to a more restless night. Additionally, Gans asks us to consider the effects of not staying up for one more beer. Less alcohol consumption could simply mean getting home earlier, and getting more sleep.

In addition to health benefits, Dry January often has a fiscal boon. Maybe youll spend less on the weekly grocery run. Or maybe youll skip out on those $15 cocktails. Either way: That money adds up. Your wallet will thank you.

Along with rethinking one dietary habit, Dry January offers a great opportunity to build another: Drinking more water. If youre someone who typically has a glass of wine or a beer with dinner, Gans recommends replacing that drink with a cool glass of H20. Water has countless documented benefits, from reducing bloating to getting smoother skin. Water is needed by every cell in our body to perform at its best, Gans says.

Dry January might be the secret ingredient your skincare cabinet was missing. Alcohol can have an effect on your overall appearanceespecially your skin. The biggest problem? Since its a diuretic, or a substance that rids your body of water, alcohol can result in dehydration, and in turn lead to a loss of skin elasticity and enlarged pores. Alcohol can also lead to skin inflammation, giving a red and puffy complexion. Essentially, by the end of the month, you may be looking dewier.

During Dry January, you may be replacing alcohol with energyheaps of it. The University of Sussex measured that 67 percent of Dry January participants had more energy than before. This may manifest in physical activity: Gans says you may have the wherewithal to work out in the morning or evening. Alcohol can lead to sleepiness, so cutting back may lead to alertness in the morning. You wont be drinking as much during Dry Januarybut imagine what else you can be doing.

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What Is Dry January and What Are the Health Benefits? - Oprah Mag

If there is one millet thats known to the world as one of the healthiest, it's none other than Ragi or Finger Millet. Considered as one of the most nutritious cereals one can have in todays time, ragi is called as the next big thing when it comes to nutrition. With about 15-20 per cent fibre and 5-6 per cent protein in it, ragi has the highest amount of calcium & potassium in it as compared to the rest of the millets. Due to its nutritious profile, ragi is mostly considered for weight loss and several recipes are made using it. This millet is also considered a good option for those suffering from diabetes as it has a low glycemic index in it which lowers the digestibility and absorption of starch.On the other hand, moong dal is one of the nutritious lentils that we eat in our everyday life. Though, most of people think moong is quite a boring dal; however, there are several uses of this dal that you might not be knowing about. This dal is loaded with vitamin A, B, C and E along with minerals like calcium, iron and potassium and last but not least - protein. If you are a vegetarian and want to add protein to your diet, moong dal is one of the safest options to have daily. This dal is known to be heart-friendly and is known to have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties in it. The benefits of this dal are so many that the ancient Chinese took this lentil quite seriously as it has high levels of Vitamin B-1, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), which develops resistance against contagious agents that cause diseases like cancer.Moong dal and ragi dosa is a very delicious recipe that one can prepare while on a diet. The best thing about this recipe is that it is diabetic-friendly, as diabetes is one of the common diseases that come along with obesity. It is the healthiest version of dosa that one can literally have daily in their diet. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, this dosa recipe will never fail you. Both the ingredients used in this dosa recipe are something that can keep you full for a long time. This recipe also helps in minimizing cravings as it's loaded with fibre and minerals. Apart from this, this dosa also boosts your energy levels. Now, you might be wondering, how long to ferment the batter of this dosa. You might be surprised to know that this dosa batter doesnt need fermentation and can be made instantly. This dosa recipe is very digestive and can be made for all age groups. So, lets get started with this Moong Dal and Ragi Dosa recipe.

Ingredients1 1/2 cup Moong Dal1 1/2cup Ragi Flour1 tsp Black Pepper

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This Moong Dal and Ragi Dosa recipe will help you lose weight faster - Times of India

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Every year, I make one or more New Year's resolutions that I have every intention of starting Jan. 1. But I find myself losing momentum quickly into the new year when the holiday merriment starts to fade. Do you have tips for achieving resolutions and goals?

ANSWER: It is the time of year again when people make New Year's resolutions, many of which are health related. Losing weight, eating healthier, exercising and quitting smoking are popular choices. Losing weight often leads the list, but it also is the most difficult to accomplish.

New Year's resolutions are easy to make, but not so easy to achieve. To make the resolution into an actual solution, you need to spend time preparing and planning. There is no magic button for keeping a resolution.

The first step toward success is developing a structured health plan. Your health plan should include where you're headed and why you want to get there. Be realistic about what challenges you may face along the way and define how you plan to work through the challenges.

The second step is to visualize your goals. Think about a what a healthy future might look like to you. Convert those thoughts into a short, clear statement: your health vision.

While there are many ways to write a health vision, one popular format is: "I want to (blank) so I (blank)." Examples may be: "I want to lose weight so I have more energy to enjoy life." Or, "I want to have better balance between my work and personal life so I have more quality time for myself and for my family."

After you create a health vision, the third step is to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that is all about achieving identified goals to produce a feeling of accomplishment and much-needed motivation to fuel your health journey.

SMART means:

Specific -- What am I going to do? You need to have a specific plan in place to start. Take the time to design and research.

Measurable -- How will I track my progress? You may say, "I would like to lose some weight." But it would be better if you said, "I want to lose 50 pounds in four months."

Achievable -- What steps will I take to make this happen? Set a realistic goal. With the right weight-loss program, 50 pounds may be realistic. Ask the program you're considering what the average weight loss among participants is after one year. Depending on the program and its weight loss approach, you may need to set a smaller, more attainable goal.

Relevant -- Is this important enough to me to want to do it? Think positively. Behavior only changes from the positive. Remember there are programs to help you accomplish your goal.

Time-framed -- When will I do this? Set a specific target date. There is nothing magical about Jan. 1 as a start date. It is better to pick a date when you have a plan in place.

Your SMART goals should consist of long-term and short-term goals. Establish your long-term goal first. An example of a long-term goal is: "I will walk briskly for 30 minutes each day at least five days a week."

However, if you haven't been exercising on a regular basis, there often is a need for intermediary, short-term goals. For example: "I will walk 15 minutes during my lunch hour at least three days each week for the next month." After reaching your short-term goal, extend your efforts gradually, until you ultimately accomplish your long-term goal.

Finally, accept challenges, and don't give up. Nearly everyone will face challenges during their health journey. Perhaps it's a busy family life, work, school, medical issues or peer pressure to continue bad habits. It's important to identify potential challenges and envision strategies to address them as part of an effective health plan.

Here are a few tips for success:

Confront your temptations. You will need to change your environment to help with your weight goals. Get rid of food that won't help you realize your goal -- this should be part of your planning.

Tell your friends. Changing your habits for good may affect your inner circle of friends. Let them know what you're trying to do and enlist their support in helping you achieve your goal.

Remember the reward. Make a list of the reasons you want to lose weight. When you lack reasons to change, it is easy to fall back into old habits.

Be prepared for a setback. Give yourself another chance. Most people slip up at some point. The people who are successful are the ones who get back on track. Look at how many days you still have left in the calendar year and see what you can accomplish before the year is up. Don't give up.

Commit yourself. You can't take lifestyle changes lightly. Consider keeping a health journal to record your activities and achievements, adding to your motivation and accountability. Make your health a priority.

Embracing a healthy lifestyle is an ongoing, dynamic process. Use the new year as an opportunity to start the journey to living a healthier life.

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Making New Year's resolutions that stick - Jefferson City News Tribune