A record two in three women have dieted in past year, while 44% of men were among the 29million Britons trying to slim Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2532602/More-half-UK-tried-lose-weight-2013-95-women-STILL-worry-theirs-staggering-statistics-reveal

A record-breaking two out of three women tried to lose weight in the past year – and more men than ever are trying to slim down, figures have shown.

This means that last year a total of 29million Britons decided to exercise or diet to ward off problems associated with weight gain.

The proportion of women who tried to shed some weight went up last year from 63 per cent to an all-time high of 65 per cent.

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More than half (55 per cent) of Brits having tried to lose weight in the past year

And the percentage of men who attempted to cut down the size of their paunch rose from 42 to 44 per cent in 2013, according to an annual survey by retail analyst Mintel.

The figures come after Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence spoke out against the pressure on women to look thin, calling on Hollywood to drop its obsession with unrealistically skinny body images.

 

Official statistics show 61 per cent of the UK population are still overweight. Of these, more than 13million are clinically obese – with the cost of NHS treatment for associated health problems such as heart disease and diabetes running to billions of pounds every year.

Encouragingly, the survey showed that exercise seemed to be more popular with slimmers than faddy diets, with around 60 per cent of people choosing to get a bit more active when they wanted to manage their weight. 

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The 5:2 diet is now the nation's favourite, followed by Atkins and Dukan

However many of the 29million who tried to lose weight last year used a combination of exercise and healthy eating. Just under half said they tried to cut back on fatty foods and 48 per cent limited themselves to smaller portions and consumed less sugar.

In 2013, 2.32million took up fashionable diet crazes – with around a million trying the 5:2 regime, which involves reducing calorie intake on two days a week.

The programme’s part-time approach led to it coming out on top of the list of the year’s popular diets. The regime is particularly effective at reducing belly fat and lowering the cholesterol levels associated with blocked arteries.

Coming in second place was the low carbohydrate Atkins diet – and 25 per cent of dieters opted for high protein and low fat weight loss regimes such as the Dukan diet.

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But while millions see the New Year as a good time to try and get healthy, with a host of celebrity weight loss DVDs cashing in on the trend, the figures revealed that many slimmers’ efforts are doomed to failure. 

Mintel found that out of everyone who tried dieting last year, one in five said their good intentions had soon fallen by the wayside thanks to a lack of willpower.

More than a third found it hard to count calories when dining out and around one in ten said their lives were so busy that it was too hard to stick to a diet.

Despite struggling to eat healthily, many people said they still viewed food aimed specifically at dieters with suspicion. Diet food sales dipped by 1 per cent in 2012 and then went on to increase by a marginal 2 per cent in 2013. The survey found most people didn’t trust the products’ ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners.

They also tended to resent the small portion sizes and questioned whether any of the meals were actually lower in calories than standard products.

Mintel’s senior food analyst Emma Clifford said: ‘Sales of diet meals are struggling, which is at odds with the huge consumer interest in losing weight, framed by rising levels of obesity.

‘There is a myriad of other routes towards weight loss that consumers prefer over buying “light” or “diet” food, with exercising more being the most popular. Furthermore, the market is hampered by negative perceptions in terms of healthiness and portion sizes.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2532602/More-half-UK-tried-lose-weight-2013-95-women-STILL-worry-theirs-staggering-statistics-reveal.html#ixzz344ZBjehj

The Best and Worst Foods to Eat During Pregnancy Which foods go to the baby, and which foods go to the butt?

When I was about three months pregnant, my obstetrician told me, "Certain foods go to the front, and others go to the back." Since then, no matter how many years I studied nutrition or how many prenatal classes I taught, no statement was as succinct or painted as clean an image as that one. So if you’re around three months pregnant, and you’ve already gained about 20 pounds, most of that weight gain probably had little to do with your growing fetus and more to do with overfeeding.

Armed with a cache of wit and wisdom, I'd like to share a few maternity mantras to help you enjoy this unique and amazing time in your life – while also looking ahead to enjoying the way you look and feel after your special delivery:

The thought of eating for two could lead to eating too much. Excessive portion sizes and giving into every craving could lead to double time at the gym after delivery. Even more seriously, it could put you at risk for complications during pregnancy. On average, the demands of pregnancy require around an extra 300 calories per day. The goal is to add foods rich in nutrients you may otherwise not get enough of, like calcium from milk or fiber from whole grains.

[Read: 5 Ways to Clear Up Portion Distortion.]

The power of protein is important for you and your baby to fuel muscles and promote growth.You may be getting enough protein from your typical diet, but it's important to choose the right sources of lean protein and be sure to double check that your taking in the right quantities. Choose chicken, lean meat, low-fat dairy and part-skim cheeses.

Docosahexaenoic acid is important for your baby's brain and eye development. Food sources that are naturally high in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids include fortified eggs, walnuts and certain fish. Fish is an excellent source of protein that's low in calories and high in nutrient value, but when it comes to the type of fish to select, we need to keep food safety in mind. Women in their childbearing years, as well as pregnant and nursing women, should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because of their methylmercury – a heavy metal that's toxic to a developing baby's neurological system. The Food and Drug Administration is updating its advice for pregnant women on the appropriate levels of mercury in seafood, but don't wait for this information to appear on seafood packages – you can probably have several children before that happens. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americansincorporated the FDA's warnings to state that pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume eight to 12 ounces of a variety of safe seafood per week, while limiting white albacore tuna to six ounces a week. You may need to speak with your health care provider about taking an omega-3 supplement.

Vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin B-6 aid in reducing the risk of neural tube defects that causes spina bifida. Taking a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid before you are pregnant is recommended, and be sure to choose rich food sources including lentils, dark green veggies and non-citrus fruit. You can find vitamin B-6 in fish and meat, as well as in non-animal sources such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, spinach and fortified grains.

[See: Pharmacists' Top Recommended Vitamins and Supplements.]  

Carbohydrates are a pregnant woman's best friend. They help halt nausea, squelch craving and smooth moods. Whole-grain, high-fiber carbs can also help alleviate the discomfort of constipation, but be sure to couple fiber with fluid, or else it'll cork you up instead of provide a moving experience.

Calcium is essential for your baby’s bone development and for your long-term bone strength. Don’t underestimate how much your intake of calcium today will help bolster your bones for the future. You can put a solid deposit in the bone bank by choosing yogurt, cheese and other non- or low-fat dairy products. Fortified cereals and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greensare also high in calcium.

Let’s get something straight about weight gain in pregnancy... You are supposed to gain weight. This is normal. It's suggested that one to four pounds total should be gained during the first three months (first trimester), and two to four pounds per month should be gained during the fourth through ninth months (second and third trimesters) for a total of approximately 25 to 35 pounds for women who start their pregnancies within a healthy weight range. Weight gain ranges may differ for those who begin this journey either over- or underweight.

Keep in mind that although you might be in a hurry to ditch post-pregnancy pounds, it took at least nine months to put them on, so be as patient with yourself as you will have to be with your new bundle of joy.

[Read: The Truth About Losing Weight After Childbirth.]http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/06/05/the-best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-during-pregnancy?int=986d08&int=986d08

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/06/05/the-best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-during-pregnancy?int=986d08&int=986d08

The Best and Worst Foods to Eat During Pregnancy Which foods go to the baby, and which foods go to the butt?

1. When I was about three months pregnant, my obstetrician told me, "Certain foods go to the front, and others go to the back." Since then, no matter how many years I studied nutrition or how many prenatal classes I taught, no statement was as succinct or painted as clean an image as that one. So if you’re around three months pregnant, and you’ve already gained about 20 pounds, most of that weight gain probably had little to do with your growing fetus and more to do with overfeeding.
2. Armed with a cache of wit and wisdom, I'd like to share a few maternity mantras to help you enjoy this unique and amazing time in your life – while also looking ahead to enjoying the way you look and feel after your special delivery:  
3. 
   
4. The thought of eating for two could lead to eating too much. Excessive portion sizes and giving into every craving could lead to double time at the gym after delivery. Even more seriously, it could put you at risk for complications during pregnancy. On average, the demands of pregnancy require around an extra 300 calories per day. The goal is to add foods rich in nutrients you may otherwise not get enough of, like calcium from milk or fiber from whole grains.
5. [Read: 5 Ways to Clear Up Portion Distortion.]
6. The power of protein is important for you and your baby to fuel muscles and promote growth.You may be getting enough protein from your typical diet, but it's important to choose the right sources of lean protein and be sure to double check that your taking in the right quantities. Choose chicken, lean meat, low-fat dairy and part-skim cheeses.
7. Docosahexaenoic acid is important for your baby's brain and eye development. Food sources that are naturally high in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids include fortified eggs, walnuts and certain fish. Fish is an excellent source of protein that's low in calories and high in nutrient value, but when it comes to the type of fish to select, we need to keep food safety in mind. Women in their childbearing years, as well as pregnant and nursing women, should avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because of their methylmercury – a heavy metal that's toxic to a developing baby's neurological system. The Food and Drug Administration is updating its advice for pregnant women on the appropriate levels of mercury in seafood, but don't wait for this information to appear on seafood packages – you can probably have several children before that happens. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americansincorporated the FDA's warnings to state that pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume eight to 12 ounces of a variety of safe seafood per week, while limiting white albacore tuna to six ounces a week. You may need to speak with your health care provider about taking an omega-3 supplement.
8.  
9. Vitamins such as folic acid and vitamin B-6 aid in reducing the risk of neural tube defects that causes spina bifida. Taking a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid before you are pregnant is recommended, and be sure to choose rich food sources including lentils, dark green veggies and non-citrus fruit. You can find vitamin B-6 in fish and meat, as well as in non-animal sources such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, spinach and fortified grains.
10. [See: Pharmacists' Top Recommended Vitamins and Supplements.]  
11. Carbohydrates are a pregnant woman's best friend. They help halt nausea, squelch craving and smooth moods. Whole-grain, high-fiber carbs can also help alleviate the discomfort of constipation, but be sure to couple fiber with fluid, or else it'll cork you up instead of provide a moving experience.
12. Calcium is essential for your baby’s bone development and for your long-term bone strength. Don’t underestimate how much your intake of calcium today will help bolster your bones for the future. You can put a solid deposit in the bone bank by choosing yogurt, cheese and other non- or low-fat dairy products. Fortified cereals and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greensare also high in calcium.
13. Let’s get something straight about weight gain in pregnancy... You are supposed to gain weight. This is normal. It's suggested that one to four pounds total should be gained during the first three months (first trimester), and two to four pounds per month should be gained during the fourth through ninth months (second and third trimesters) for a total of approximately 25 to 35 pounds for women who start their pregnancies within a healthy weight range. Weight gain ranges may differ for those who begin this journey either over- or underweight.
14. Keep in mind that although you might be in a hurry to ditch post-pregnancy pounds, it took at least nine months to put them on, so be as patient with yourself as you will have to be with your new bundle of joy.
15. [Read: The Truth About Losing Weight After Childbirth.]

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2014/06/05/the-best-and-worst-foods-to-eat-during-pregnancy?int=986d08&int=986d08

Getting started on the NHS weight loss plan

Weight loss guide features:

• promotes safe and sustainable weight loss 
• learn to make healthier food choices 
• get support    
• exercise plans to help you lose weight
• learn skills to prevent weight regain

We want to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle so you can lose weight safely and learn the skills you need to keep it off in the long term.

Your calorie allowance on the plan:

• Men should eat and drink no more than 1,900kcal a day.
• Women should eat and drink no more than 1,400kcal a day.

If you normally eat a lot more than the recommended 2,500kcal for a man and 2,000kcal for a woman you may find it hard to cut back to our suggested calorie limit. If so, aim to reduce your calorie intake gradually over the next few weeks

If people are overweight, it’s usually because they
eat and drink more calories than they need.
Losing weight - Getting started is designed to help you lose weight at a safe rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1lb to 2lb) each week by sticking to a daily calorie allowance.
For most men, this will mean consuming no more than 1,900kcal a day, and 1,400kcal for most women.
If you go over your limit one day, don’t worry, we've got that covered. It simply means you’ll have to reduce your calorie intake the following days.
For example, if you're a woman and you have 1,700kcal on Tuesday – that’s 300kcal more than your daily calorie allowance of 1,400kcal.
To stay on track, you’ll need to remove 300kcal from your remaining calorie allowance over the rest of the week.

Information guides

The guide is delivered through 12 weekly information packs full of diet, healthy eating and physical activity advice, including weekly challenges.

Is this for me?

• This guide is intended for use by healthy adults with
  a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and over. Find out if you need to lose weight using the BMI healthy weight calculator.
• It is not suitable for children and young people or pregnant women.
• If you suffer from any medical condition you should consult your GP before starting.
• You are urged to seek the advice of a health professional before starting on any weight loss programme. 

Each information guide contains a food and activity chart (view sample PDF, 545kb) to help you record your calories, exercise and weight loss so you can see how well you're doing at a glance.
Print and stick the chart somewhere you can see it, such as the fridge or a kitchen cupboard, and update it at the end of each day.
In addition to a healthier diet, regular physical activity is a vital component of your weight loss journey.
Not only will it help you lose more weight but it will also keep you motivated and improve your general health and wellbeing.
As you work through the weeks, you'll get lots of ideas and structured programmes to help you get active, from easy ways to gradually build activity into your day, to the popular Couch to 5K, 5K+ and Strength and Flex podcasts.

Getting started

The links below provide the tools and knowledge you'll need from day one on the plan. Before you download Week 1, it's worth taking a look so you can:

• work out how much weight you need to lose
• learn how to count calories on the plan
• line up some non-food rewards to celebrate your progress along the way  
• make the best start on the plan with our 12 weight loss tips     

*The NHS Choices weight loss guide has been developed under the supervision and advice of specialist dietitians from the British Dietetic Association, which represents registered dietitians in the UK. Thanks to dietitians within DOM UK (Dietitians in Obesity Management) – a specialist group of the British Dietetic Association.

 .http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/weight-loss-guide/Pages/losing-weight-getting-started.aspx