There are many a diet book out there proclaiming they have the key to fast weight loss. But to be brutally honest, weight loss takes work. There is no quick fix – no magic cure all.  There is however solid, science based strategies that will help you achieve overall health and fitness. The trick is putting all these strategies together to obtain success. And I do mean putting them together – you can’t take one puzzle piece and lay it out hoping it will form the whole picture. You need all the pieces, fitting together nicely, to complete puzzle. This is an element that isn’t always made clear, even in low-carb world. If there is one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that diet and exercise are not the only considerations to be made when working to lose weight and stay healthy.

Jeff Thiboutot and Matt Schoenberger understand the connection between the various elements in weight loss and together wrote the book S.P.E.E.D. to help us understand this as well. Before we dive into the clever acronym they use, let me just say a few words about the book as a whole. I love that it is loaded with references to back up their claims. I love that this book is a complete view of the weight loss picture and that they dive into areas where so many other diet books fall short. Did I mention I love it? I do. I love it.

The first chapter starts by explaining what a healthy weight truly is. They spend some time explaining the problems with those pesky BMI measurements. You’ll also learn the important difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Then we get into the really good stuff:

S. stands for Sleep. Sleep? What does that have to do with weight loss. Turns out it has quite a lot to do with weight loss actually. In this chapter you’ll learn why. It was an eye opening revelation for me and I’m now implementing their suggestions to improve my sleep patterns, which will improve my health.

P. stands for Psychology. Again this is an area most people don’t consider when dealing with weight loss. I personally can attest to this being a very important topic that is too often overlooked. They discuss having a vision and goals, as well as understanding and correcting unhealthy relationships with food. They really nail down the irrational thinking that eating disorders tend to cause. (I saw myself in many of these areas.)

E. stands for Exercise. Now this one you likely expected, but I believe you’ll be surprised by what you find within this section. This isn’t your normal “exercise works miracles” kind of thinking. You’ll learn about a variety of exercises and how they effect health and weight loss.

E. also stands for Environment. Not global environment, but your personal surroundings and the factors that influence eating patters and choices. This is another area that is too rarely discussed.

D. stands for Diet. (But you knew that already.) In this area they give you strategies for chosing the healthiest choices, as well as help you understand carbs, calories, supplements and more.

In the back of the book they have a great section that debunks many weight loss myths you’ve likely heard. You’ll also find examples of daily menus and exercise routines to help get you started.

As I mentioned, I love this book. S.P.E.E.D. really breaks all the important areas in to small, easy to chew bites that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or lost. It’s not a tediously long read, so you’ll be on your way to making healthy changes in very short order. With this book you have all the tools for success right at your fingertips. I’ve already started using these tools to my advantage and I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes. It in no way effected my opinion of the book.

Food City Brand tortllias have been recalled according to the FDA website, due to undeclared soy. Details below:

Elie Baking Corp issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy in Food City brand Low-Carb Tortilla White and Whole Wheat 10 count

Contact:

dianag@neareastbakery.com
508-584-4890

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 16, 2010 – Elie Baking Corp. dba Near East Baking Corporation, 204 N Montello St,, Brockton, Massachusetts is recalling the following:

Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla White, 13.5 oz, 10 count. UPC 0 87848 42002 0
Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla Whole Wheat, 13.5 oz.10 count. UPC 0 87848 42003 0
MFG Date 07/21/10 & MFG Date 07/22/10 stamped on the top left of the bag.

The products may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products

The products were distributed in K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. d/b/a Food City retail stores, in the following states: Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not declare soy in the ingredient statement.

Consumers who have purchased Food City low Carb Tortilla White & whole wheat 10 ct are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company by E- mail: dianag@neareastbakery.com or call collect 508 584 4890. Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

According to an FDA press release, there is a nationwide recall of eggs from various brands using the same supplier. Information below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 13, 2010 – The following statement was released by officials of Wright County Egg regarding the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) on-farm records review and egg testing for Salmonella.

Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa is voluntarily recalling specific Julian dates of shell eggs produced by their farms because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.

Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. These companies distribute nationwide.

Eggs are packaged under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. Eggs are packed in varying sizes of cartons (6-egg cartons, dozen egg cartons, 18-egg cartons) with Julian dates ranging from 136 to 225 and plant numbers 1026, 1413 and 1946. Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg carton. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1946 223.

There have been confirmed Salmonella enteritidis illnesses relating to the shell eggs and traceback investigations are ongoing.

Wright County Egg is fully cooperating with FDA’s investigation by undertaking this voluntary recall. Our primary concern is keeping Salmonella out of the food supply and away from consumers. As a precautionary measure, Wright County Egg also has decided to divert its existing inventory of shell eggs to a breaker, where they will be pasteurized to kill any Salmonella bacteria present.

Consumers who believe they may have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. This recall is of shell eggs only. Other egg products produced by Wright County Eggs are not affected. Consumers with questions should visit www.eggsafety.org.

Our farm strives to provide our customers with safe, high-quality eggs – that is our responsibility and our commitment.

Contact:
Egg Safety Media Hotline
404-367-2761

Please check your eggs to be sure they are not part of this recall.