Interesting read from a study published today in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior:

"Eating at restaurants frequently, which can mean consuming large portions of high-calorie foods, could boost your risk of becoming obese. But there may be a way to eat out and still lose weight, a new study suggests.

Researchers looked at 35 middle-aged women and found that after six weeks of following a weight gain prevention program, they lost more weight than women who didn't follow the program.  

In the program, researchers suggested that when dining out, the women should ask that half of their meal be boxed up "to go" before they started eating, and should look up calorie information on restaurants' websites, along with other advice.

The study is published today in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Along with boxing up half of a meal before starting to eat, and researching calorie counts, here are the tips the researchers gave study participants:

Budget your calories. If you know you're going to be dining out, eat a lighter meal, but don't a skip meal. You might overeat later.

Pay attention to what you're eating and enjoy the experience. Try to chew slowly and savor it.

Avoid "unloved" calories. Do you really enjoy eating cold fries? Skip food you feel neutral about-but that doesn't mean you can pass on your veggies.

Order salad dressings, sauces and gravy on the side. That way you control how much you put on your food."

Read the whole article here.

(Source: MSNBC)

Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?

Series to Debut on National Geographic Channel This Fall

Irving, TEXAS (Jan. 17, 2012) — Are You Tougher Than a Boy
Scout? It’s the question being asked by a new unscripted series from Original Productions (Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers) set to air this fall on the National Geographic Channel.

Those who have been involved with the Boy Scouts of America know how tough Scouts can be. They master hundreds of unique skills, learn what it takes to survive in a variety of circumstances, and focus on teamwork to accomplish goals that otherwise would be insurmountable. Now, as part of Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?, teams of adults from different backgrounds will have an opportunity to test their mettle against some of those Scouts in challenges based on the Boy Scout Handbook.

“I was three badges short of my Eagle Scout badge, and I know I am not alone,” said Original Productions founder and producer Thom Beers. “This series is going to allow people like me one more chance to achieve such an incredible milestone. Plus, it’s authentic, has a fun and interesting set of circumstances and underdog characters with a story to tell. And frankly, who doesn’t love the Boy Scouts?”

Read more here.