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  • Read the Label Food processing companies are incredibly sophisticated, and their mastery of manipulation of food is only a part of it. Where food companies really excel is in how they write their labels. It can be as simple as the rather silly claim on a candy package that the contents are “a fat-free food!”…

  • Should I Wait Until I Lose Weight Before I Build Muscle? Some say you cannot build muscle and lose fat at the same time. This belief comes from the experience of trained lifters and bodybuilders, who find it hard to progress in strength or add muscle (having already added quite a bit) unless they are…

  • Sheldon asks a classic question — and illustrates the many ways we rationalize things when we think we shouldn’t be doing them. Note that once a bunch of work gets done to rationalize the cookie, the second cookie just happens. Worst-case scenario: you binge. So how do we get around this? Build treats into your…

  • Exercise to Make You Feel Better

    Some of the things experienced athletes say can sound bizarre — that a workout gave them more energy or relaxed them, rather than just making them tired or sore. You can get this feeling, too — it comes with understanding how to use intensity (how hard you work) and developing your conditioning. Exercise can regulate…

  • With so much sitting and so much screen time in our daily lives, it’s more important than ever to make the time to get some exercise and do some strength training. Although there is good evidence that our ancient ancestors didn’t have to be on their feet all day long, they probably had substantially more…

  • Accountabilibuddies It can be hard to make a big change alone, and research shows that people tend to share behaviors with the people around them. One way you can help maintain a commitment is to enlist social support. Here are some ways to get it: Get others in your household on board: Agree to a…

  • Weight training is an effective, low-impact way to help support bone density, which becomes especially important later in life. Don’t wait to get started! Building the best bone density earlier in life helps protect you later. Learn more about support for your bones at Calcium and Bone Health (CDC). Vanessa Redgrave photographed by Bruce Weber…

  • Are You Helping? This cartoon is about depression, but it applies equally well to obesity. Whether you’ve never struggled with weight loss or you’ve been hugely successful, it can still be tempting to tell others to just “snap out of it,” “at least make an effort,” or even “acquire some willpower from someplace.” If you’ve…

  • Dogs won’t usually take a bone right out of your leg (that seems like more of a cat thing!), but they can help you keep exercise on your agenda. Give your pup the gift of some extra walking time! Image from an ad campaign for the TV show “Scrubs”