Tag: metabolism

How is Alcohol Metabolized?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Quick and Dirty Nutrition Tips from Monica Reinagel

We’ll be ringing in a new year soon and I daresay a few glasses of champagne or other spirits will be enjoyed by many Nutrition Over Easy readers. So this seems like the perfect time to address some of the lore about alcohol and nutrition. For example, is it a good idea to eat a big meal if you’re going to be drinking? If you’ve over-indulged, can certain foods ward off a hangover? Is it true that alcohol is metabolized into sugar or that it blocks your body’s ability to burn fat? Answers to these and other frequently asked questions about alcohol—along with my tips on how to indulge safely—are in this week’s Nutrition Diva Podcast. Read or listen to it here.

Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Can eating more often help you stay thin?
Can eating more often help you stay thin?

A study in this month’s  Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that people of normal weight eat more frequently (5 times per day on average) than overweight people (who average 4.2 times per day), suggesting that eating more frequently may be a key to maintaining a healthy weight.  At least, that’s what all the headlines will say–and this will fuel the popular myth that eating more frequently “revs up your metabolism.”

See also: Metabolism Myths

But let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?   Continue reading “Is Eating More Often Really the Key to Staying Thin?” >

Fat-Burning Chili Peppers: The Reality Check

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

This is the kind of study that the media love:  Researchers from Purdue University report that adding a half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your meal can reduce your appetite and cause you to burn more calories.  Count on seeing this new “fat-burning tip”  popping up on magazine covers and internet aggregation sites. Before you get too excited, however, it pays to look beyond the headlines.  Continue reading “Fat-Burning Chili Peppers: The Reality Check” >

Why Make Such a Fuss About a Good Habit?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Although Mr. Harper and the editors of Shape Magazine have so far declined to comment on my challenge, the response from readers has been really fascinating.  If you’ve been following the discussion in the comment thread for yesterday’s post or on my Facebook page, then I apologize for repeating some of that here. But something that’s come up in the discussion strikes me as so significant that I really want to underline it. Continue reading “Why Make Such a Fuss About a Good Habit?” >

Dear Bob Harper and Editors of Shape Magazine

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

February 2011 Shape MagazineI recently came across the following weight loss advice from “Biggest Loser” trainer Bob Harper in Shape Magazine (February 2011, page 171):

“Eating first thing revs your calorie burn…If you don’t eat within two hours of waking, your metabolism can slow down to conserve energy.”

Arrggh!  What will it take to put a stake through the heart of this myth-that-will-not-die?  Bob Harper and Shape are not the first to perpetuate this urban legend and I’m sure they won’t be the last.  But, c’mon! A guy of this clout and a magazine of this caliber should do better than repeat well-worn nonsense. They should be a beacon of accuracy in the swirling fog nutrition misinformation.  And so, I’d like to issue…

A Friendly Challenge to Mr. Harper and the Editors of Shape:

If you can produce one shred of evidence or data to support this statement, I will personally treat you all to breakfast–a protein-rich and high fiber breakfast, of course. Continue reading “Dear Bob Harper and Editors of Shape Magazine” >

Ask Monica: Should I Eat More to Burn More?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Q. I started an exercise regime that says I should eat more than I normally do so that my body will burn the calories to lose the weight. The exercises are weight training and cardio and last about 45-60 min per day/ 5 days a week. Is it true that we should to eat more to burn more? I’m have been on the program for 90 days with minimal weight loss.

A.  I wish you’d written about 89 days ago because I’m afraid you’ve been given some bad information.  Simply eating more (or eating more frequently) does not cause your body to burn calories at a faster rate than it otherwise would. Continue reading “Ask Monica: Should I Eat More to Burn More?” >

Does Caffeine Increase Fat-Burning During Exercise?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Q. I read recently that the consumption of caffeine prior to exercise will assist the body in using body fat as fuel, up from 21% to 40%. The remaining fuel comes from stored carbs. Any truth to the story?

A. There may be a grain of truth to the story but not much more.  Taking caffeine  before exercise has been shown to increase energy expenditure (the number of calories burned) during exercise by around 10%.  So if you would normally burn 200 calories in a half-hour, some extra caffeine might help you burn 220.  Continue reading “Does Caffeine Increase Fat-Burning During Exercise?” >