What Diet Cult Do You Belong To? I’ve been studying a bit about cults recently. I was reading a few blogs this week and realized that most diet programs, philosophies or whatever you want to call them, require strict adherence to the diet’s philosophy. Though you aren’t punished or expelled from the diet if you break the rules (like cults), you do feel an enormous guilt at having betrayed your diet beliefs.  Here is a perfect example. A friend of mine, a macrobiotic for 20 years or more, starting sneaking in an egg or two. But...

The Skinny on Apple Cider Vinegar Though hundreds (thousands?) of diet fads have come and gone over the years, the science behind why apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help you with weight loss is pretty solid. Apple Cider Vinegar Lowers Blood Sugar Levels Several studies have shown that apple cider vinegar helps to lower blood sugar levels. When the blood sugar is high, insulin is released from the pancreas to bring it down.  Excess insulin gets stored as fat.  It is important for weight loss to maintain low blood glucose levels. Better Digestion The acids in...

Bitter Greens are Healthy It is unfortunate that most American diets do not include more bitter greens. We are a population that chooses mostly overcooked and doctored food, and bitter flavors are not very popular. In Ayurvedic tradition, bitter foods are considered to help with weight reduction as well as reduce food cravings.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine bitter foods are recommended for removing heat in the body. Great for Digestion Eating bitter greens like kale and watercress activate the taste buds causing enzyme production and the bile to flow. This helps to promote digestion. Bitter greens...