Juicing for Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?

Juicing is all the rage right now. Dieters and exercise junkies come up with wild concoctions of veggies, fruits and supplements then liquefy them into healthy sounding drinks. But are they really healthy? And is juicing for weight loss really effective?

Part of the reason depends on why you drink your fruits and vegetables. And part of the answer depends on how you include juice drinks into your total diet plan. As a general rule, I skip them altogether and I'll explain why.

Why Do You Drink Juice?

If you sidle up to the juice bar hoping to fill up on the healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that you find in fruits and veggies then chances are good that you're going to get what you pay for. Blueberries for example, are high in vitamin C. Mango has plenty of B6 and vitamin A. Sounds like a good deal right? If you add spinach to your drink, you also get iron, niacin, riboflavin and a host of other healthy nutrients. Now it sounds like a great deal, right? Well, it is a good deal if you don't eat whole fruits or veggies as part of your regular diet.

Juicing - Why I’m Skipping the Fad

So why would I deny myself a healthy concoction of vitamins and minerals? Because I like food, that's why. At least, that's the biggest reason for me. Juice drinks can contain hundreds of calories. If I'm going to consume a few hundred calories, I want to enjoy each and every one. I don't want to slurp them through a straw. I want to see my food on a plate, season it the way I prefer, cut it, chew it and take some time to taste it and enjoy it. Eating is an enjoyable and satisfying experience for me. Juicing shortchanges that experience.

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If you’re on a diet, you may also need to enjoy the sensory experience of eating. For many people, dieting is stressful. Losing weight may mean that you have to give up some of your favorite foods and eat less than you normally would. When you also deny yourself the positive sensory experiences that happen at mealtime, you could easily tip the stress scales too far in the wrong direction and end up giving up on your diet altogether.

More Downsides to Juicing

But even if the sensory experience of eating isn’t important to you, there are other reasons to think about whether juicing for weight loss is right for you.

• Excess sugar: Depending on how your juice drink is made, it can contain disproportionately high levels of sugar. Even if you don't add extra sugar, most sweet fruits contain high levels of fructose. When you separate fructose from fiber (found in the meat of the fruit) the sugar is digested very quickly. You could end up becoming hungry and eating more a short time later.


• Excess calories: It's easy to think that you'll consume fewer calories in a glass than you would on a plate, but juice calories can skyrocket when you're throwing gobs of stuff into a machine. If your juice drink is replacing a meal, then it's reasonable to consume 400 or 500 calories in liquid form. But for many people, the drink is an addition to their meals and snacks. If you're trying to lose weight, those calories could be a problem.


• Whole fruits and vegetables are better for you. The whole forms of fruits and vegetables are really good for you and juicing may mean that you to eat less of them. When you eat fruits and veggies in their whole from, you benefit from the fiber and the texture in those foods. And because whole fruits and vegetables usually take longer to eat, you may end up consuming fewer calories in a sitting.

Just because I haven't jumped aboard the juice trend, doesn't mean that you should quit the habit if you like juicing to lose weight. But just like with anything you put in your mouth, you should know what you're eating and why. Make sure you know the nutrient content, including grams of sugar and total calorie count, before you decide whether or not your juice drink is healthy.

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Three Nutrition Lies We Tell Ourselves

Lets make a list of lies we tell ourselves about eating -- basically how we stretch the truth about certain beneficial foods to justify our over-indulgences, even when we have the best of intentions. Here are three that I can think of:

1. If a little olive oil is good, a lot is better, so you can eat more.
   Olive oil is good for your heart because it's rich in monounsaturated fatty acids called oleic acids. When you replace some of your saturated fat intake with monounsaturated fats, you're doing your heart a favor. But here's what makes it tricky. First, you need to reduce some of those saturated fats, not just pour the olive oil on top of your regular saturated fat intake (if it's high). Also, all fats are high in calories, coming in at 9 calories per gram, so consuming a lot of olive oil can add too many calories, which leads to weight gain. Which can be bad for your heart when you become obese.
2. Chocolate is a health food, so you can eat more.
   Cocoa contains polyphenols that could have health benefits. The problem is that we rarely consume plain cocoa (although I'm waiting for a shipping of ground cocoa beans as I write this). Chocolate is a combination of cocoa, sugar and fat, usually a tropical fat, that melts at body temperature so we get that fabulous mouth feel as it melts in the mouth. So, while the sugar and fat make chocolate delicious, they pretty much overtake any heart-health benefit.
3. Frozen yogurt is better than ice cream, so you can eat more.
   Yogurt is good for you because it's low in fat and an excellent source of calcium, protein and probiotics that help keep your digestive system healthy. Frozen yogurt is probably better than regular ice cream because it's so low in fat, but it still has lots of sugar, so you still need to watch your serving size. It might not have as much of the beneficial bacteria either. The best way to enjoy yogurt is to stick with plain yogurt and add some berries or maybe a little honey.

You may notice I didn't include any of the controversial stuff about artificial sweeteners or fad diet idea because one side's lie is always the other sides' truth. Any more food lies we tell to ourselves?

How To Relieve Back To School Stress and Anxiety Back To School Time? No Sweat!

Many kids and parents are feeling growing anxiety over getting back to school -- the morning rush, the homework, the quicker pace of life. While this doesn’t mean we don’t like school, the advent of the busier lifestyle, along with the new changes that ‘back to school’ time brings (new teachers, new classmates, new material) can all lead to increased stress. Here’s what you can do to relieve back to school stress in your kids, and in yourself:
Start Early
Let’s face it -- over the summer, most families take their cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may be tempting to keep the late-night fun going up until the end, starting your school routine a few weeks early can help ease the transition back to school. Starting two to three weeks before the advent of school, begin going to bed and getting up close to when you need to for school, and try to eat on a more regular schedule as well. This advice isn’t just for little kids -- teens and adults need quality sleep for proper functioning as well, and getting your schedule straight now will help ensure that you all start the school year off more prepared and don’t feel as much anxiety over the advent of that first day.
Do A Walk-Through
While we’re on the topic of starting early, it’s a good idea to visit the school before the first day. For kids who are going to be first-timers for kindergarten, first grade, middle school, or even high school, this can help them feel more comfortable with the new place and get a better idea of where to go once they’re there. Even for returning students, it doesn’t hurt to know where the classroom is, say hello to whatever staff is there getting ready, and start getting excited about going back.
Stack The Deck
If you have any input in your child’s class assignment, it’s a good idea to ensure that there’s at least one friend in the class or classes your child will be attending. If classes are assigned without your input, talk to other parents and try to find out who your child will be sharing a class with ahead of time, and let them know. Knowing who is in their class will give them something else to look forward to, and remind them of what they enjoy about school. If your child is entering kindergarten or first grade, it might be a good idea to have a play date with one of the children who will be in their class a week before school starts to help them feel more comfortable and get more excited about seeing their friends again in school.
Get Ready
As most moms will tell you, nothing alleviates stress like a good shopping trip. While I say that half-joking, there’s some real truth in the idea that back to school shopping can help kids get more excited about school starting, at least for most kids. If your child really couldn’t care less about shopping, you can make it quick and painless, but for kids who relish the annual decisions of which clothes, backpacks, and other supplies will be theirs this year, the back to school shopping trip is to be savored.
Along these lines, have fun preparing your child’s study area. It’s important to be sure that you child has a comfortable, quiet place to study (even for kindergarteners, most of whom have homework these days), and preparing that area can be exciting as school approaches. You may also want to get your routines ready; as you get back onto an earlier schedule, have your kids start laying out their clothes the night before, keeping their shoes by the door, and get back into other morning habits that help you get out the door with less hassle. This can help refine your routine, and make the back to school transition easier.
Talk Amongst Yourselves
One of the best ways to relieve back to school anxiety and prepare for the coming year is to simply talk to your child about what he or she may be feeling. When the subject of school comes up, let your child tell you what’s exciting about school as well as what may be a little anxiety-provoking. If your child expresses some negativity about school, don’t discount immediately his or her concerns; instead focus on validating feelings. Then you can help find solutions or shift the focus to a more positive one like seeing friends, covering exciting new material, and growing up. This can be an excellent time to discuss important topics like how to handle bullies, peer pressure, and other important topics. This can help your child feel more comfortable, and can help you clarify expectations and troubleshoot. Creating open lines of communication is always important, and letting your child know that you’ll be available for support and open discussions can be a crucial part of your relationship, as well as your child’s success in school.
Bottom Line
The main thing to remember in dealing with back to school jitters is to be prepared (mentally, logistically, and in all other ways as much as possible), and to play up the fun stuff (friends, new supplies, great teachers and growing up). If you show your enthusiasm for what the new school year brings, your kids are sure to pick up on it, and the nervous energy will turn into excitement. Have fun!

5 Ways to Burn Calories without Exercise. How Many Calories Can You Burn with These Quick Changes?

How many calories can you burn with simple changes to your lifestyle? The answer might surprise you. It turns out that the little things you do during the day make a big difference in the number of calories you burn.

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)

If you want to burn calories without exercise, experts will tell you to increase your NEAT. This is a fancy term for all of the movement you do that is not vigorous enough to be called a workout. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, NEAT could play a major role in whether or not we lose weight, gain weight or even develop obesity.

So, how many calories can your NEAT burn? It varies, but the number could be significant. According to one study, because everyone's activity level is so different, calories burned from NEAT can vary from person to person by up to 2000 kcal per day.

5 Ways to Burn Calories with NEAT

1. Burn more calories at the office.
   Having a sedentary job isn't a direct cause of obesity, but sitting for extended periods could become a cause of weight gain in some people. The American Heart Association reported that "obese individuals appear to exhibit an innate tendency to be seated for 2.5 hours per day more than sedentary lean counterparts." Researchers estimated that if obese individuals could adopt the NEAT habits of their lean counterparts, they could burn an additional 350 calories per day.
   If you have a desk job, create a habit to get up for at least 15 minutes every hour. Take a walk to the farthest restroom or water cooler, run an errand, take the stairs instead of the elevator or do your filing from a standing rather than seated position. Grab a few co-workers and make increasing your NEAT part of a healthy-office routine.
2. Burn more calories while you relax.
   How many hours will you burn tonight while you lie down and watch television? How many calories can you burn if you just added some light activity to your TV viewing?
   Don't let your relaxation time be the cause of weight gain. Fold laundry, dust furniture or sweep the floor while you watch television. If you like to talk on the phone, walk around during your chat instead of sitting down. And try to limit computer time to 15-minute intervals.



3. Burn more calories with the kids.
   Teaching your children to increase their daily activity may save them from weight gain in the future. And it will help you, too! If you want to slim down without exercise, find ways to increase your walking timeduring the day. Walk the kids to school or to the bus stop. If you drive them, choose a parking spot at the back of the lot and use those extra steps to chat with them about their day.
   And parents, if you are tempted to scold your kids for fidgeting, you might want to think twice. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, fidgeting is a common form of NEAT and can contribute to a healthy metabolism.
4. Burn more calories with daily chores.
   According to the activity tracker at CalorieCount.com, household chores can burn a few hundred calories per hour. The actual number depends on your size and gender. For example, a petite woman burns about 160 calories per hour doing moderate chores while a larger man would burn substantially more. But who would have thought that sweeping your floor could cause weight loss? Grab a mop and see how many calories you can burn..
   Once the cleaning is done, there are always organizational tasks that can help you prevent weight gain. Organize your closet, unpack boxes or clean the garage to increase your NEAT.
5. Burn more calories at social events.
   How many times have you entered a party in a friend's home and scanned the room for a comfy place to sit? The next time you go to a party, burn extra calories by becoming more social. Choose to stand or circle the room and talk to as many party goers as possible. Offer to help in the kitchen, take a tour of the garden or greet guests at the door to stay active. You'll be the life of the party and increase your NEAT at the same time.

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6 Tips to Lose Weight at Chipotle

Welcome to the Chipotle matrix, can I take your order? Or so we think the nice folks at the popular chain should say. Because when it comes to ordering healthily at Chipotle, things can go from slim to stretchy-pants faster than you can say Olé!

You see, according to spokesman Chris Arnold, the four main items and 18 optional ingredients on the menu can be combined in more than 60,000 ways! Don’t let the room for error scare you. With these 6 healthy menu hacks you can order your Chipotle with confidence, and lose weight!

1. Know the Cilantro Secret

It’s a little known menu hack that you can request fresh chopped cilantro on your meal, free of charge! Cilantro contains a unique blend of oils (specifically, linalool and geranyl acetate) that work like over-the-counter meds to relax digestive muscles and alleviate an “overactive” gut. It’s kind of like tasty Pepto Bismol—the perfect antidote for any post-Mex fest tummy troubles! A study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Science found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefited from taking a coriander (cilantro) supplement for eight weeks as opposed to placebo. Herbalicious!

2. Stick with Sides

We’re not carbo-phobes here but this Atkins-esque tip is too good not to share: Order sides of meat and guac, for just $2.25 per side! A side of chicken and guacamole, for example, would cost you just $5 and 360 calories (a serving of rice would add about 185 calories to your bowl).

In addition to 35 grams of muscle-building protein, you’ll get a healthy 19 grams of monounsaturated fats from the avocado—proven to keep you feeling fuller for longer. A study published in Nutrition Journal found that participants who ate half a fresh avocado with lunch reported a 40% decreased desire to eat for hours afterwards. Avoca-don’t mind if I do!

3. Get Shells & Guac

Every calorie-counter from here to Timbuktu is going to tell you to “skip the chips.” And you should. They’re oily, salty and too delicious not to gobble down in a hurry. But that’s boring! And we want a fiesta! Order a side of three crispy taco shells instead of the chips (yours free if you also order a burrito bowl or salad), and you can satisfy your chips & guac craving, and slash 360 calories and nearly 20 grams of saturated fat from your order! Party on. Olé!

4. Un-Pork Your Protein

Adding protein to your meals is one of the best moves you can make if you’re watching your weight. Not only does the macronutrient require your body to expend a lot of calories in digestion—about 25 calories for every 100 calories you eat (compared with only 10 to 15 calories for fats and carbs)—a study printed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high-protein meal increases satiety by suppressing the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. Responsibly-raised and antibiotic-free, it’s hard to go wrong with your protein choice at Chipotle. Just avoid the carnitas (shredded pork). At 13 grams of fat per 4 ounce serving, it’s the fattiest on the menu. Surprisingly, your lowest-calorie option isn’t chicken!

EAT THIS!

Barbacoa (Shredded Beef) 4 oz.
165 calories, 7g fat, 530mg sodium, 2g carbs, 1g fiber, 0g sugars, 24g protein

Chicken 4 oz.
180 calories, 7g fat, 310mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 0g sugars, 32g protein

Steak 4 oz.
190 calories, 6.5g fat, 320mg sodium, 2g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugars, 30g protein

Sofritas (Tofu) 4 oz.
145 calories, 10g fat, 555mg sodium, 9g carbs, 3.5g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 8g protein


NOT THAT!

Carnitas (Shredded Pork) 4 oz.
220 calories, 13g fat, 500mg sodium, 0.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 26g protein

5. Make it Hot!

Avoid the bloaty dairy toppings and give your metabolism a boost with a generous hit of red tomatillo salsa (the spiciest on the menu). At just 25 calories, the salsa is rich in vitamin A (just one serving provides 20% of your recommended daily value!) and capsaicin, a compound proven to reduce belly fat, suppress appetite and boost thermogenesis—the body’s ability to burn food as energy. A study by Canadian researchers found that men who ate spicy appetizers consumed 200 fewer calories at later meals than those that did not. If you can handle the heat, consider adding fresh jalapenos to your order—for free!

6. Veggies A Go-Go

A serving of veggies has only 20 calories and half a gram of fat. Moreover, there's no extra cost for fajita veggies when you order a protein! Heck, be greedy and get two servings of the delicious peppers and onions. Not only will you fill up faster, you’ll also meet 60% of your daily Vitamin C value.
Now that you know this, still limit your eating out to once a week.

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Get Ready for Fall Fitness

The end of summer can be traumatic for those of us who think anything below 40 degrees qualifies as 'arctic.' Still, even I have to admit that there's something crisp and clean about cool fall mornings, free of stifling heat and humidity. This weather makes for some of the best outdoor workouts all year long.

With kids back to school and holidays on the way, it may be a challenge to find time to exercise, especially when there's not as much daylight. Challenge, however, is at the very heart of staying fit, particularly with the long days of winter to come. Getting started now can help you keep your weight in check.
Walking
Walking is one of the best ways to get in extra exercise throughout the day and, with cooler weather, you can often get away with it without sweating too much, something that may make it easier to fit it in all day long. All you really need is a good pair of walking shoes and, perhaps, some fall weather gear to keep you warm, dry and protected. The key to making it enjoyable is to make it a daily thing:

• Make it a habit to walk every night after dinner
• Get up 10 minutes early and start your day with a brisk walk around the block. Use the time to think about what you want to accomplish and make your to do list.
• Plan fall activities that involve walking - Apple-picking, hunting for the perfect pumpkin or enjoying the beautiful colors with some Colorful Autumn Walking.

Hiking
Fall is a great time to go hiking--Cool weather, no bugs and, of course, magnificent views. Plus, hiking burns mega-calories as you increase your elevation and really work those legs. If you can travel.  If you're in the flatlands (like I am), you may need to be more creative. Look for small lakes, forest preserves or bike trails that allow you to get away from city life and enjoy the great outdoors.
Running
Fall is probably the best time of year for running outdoors. It's not too hot, not too cold and watching the leaves change colors each time you head outside can make each workout a new adventure.

When the weather turns iffy, getting to the gym can help you stay on track with your workouts, especially if you get involved in a variety of activities. Don't just do the same machines each time you go, but take advantage of all your gym has to offer - Swimming, fitness classes, personal trainers, machines, weight loss programs, etc. The more variety you have, the easier it will be to stick to your program. Even if you gravitate to certain cardio machines, you can always change things up with interval training. Try some of these Cardio Machine Workout Ideas for something new and fresh.

Making fitness stick is all about momentum (among other things), so if you're a beginner, start with about 3 days of exercise a week. Do more if you can, but always start where you are rather than where you want to be. Ease your body and your mind into your new exercise schedule to minimize the fallout and add on as you get settled in. Here's a Sample Schedule to give you an idea of how to start:
Day 1: 20 minutes elliptical trainer, 20 minutes Total Body Strength and stretching
Day 2: 30-45 minutes Cardio Medley Workout
Day 3: 20 minutes elliptical training, 20 minutes Total Body Strength and stretching
These workouts are just suggestions. For more workout ideas, revisit prior newsletters and choose workouts that fit your schedule, your fitness level and your goals. You can also visit my visit any gym for more in-depth information on how to start an exercise program. You can also sign up for my free 12 Week Weight Loss Program for a more structured program to follow.

Home fitness is another other option if you're not crazy about the gym and fall is a great time to get your home gym in working order. Remember, you don't need a lot of equipment to create a solid home gym. In fact, 'home gym' can mean anything from a set of resistance tubes to a full spread complete with home gym, cardio machines and floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

Summer often finds us being weekend warriors--going for long bike rides, playing sports and just generally getting out and being more active. When fall hits, many of us head to the gym or bring our workouts indoors and that can quickly lead to boredom and burnout. This is a great time of year to try something new.

Tai Chi
Also known as a moving meditation, Tai Chi is a slow, fluid activity that helps improve balance and strength while keeping you relaxed and connected to your body. Tai Chi is an excellent activity to do on a chilly fall night to help you stay active. Check at local clubs or gyms to find classes near you.
Yoga
Yoga is another kind of moving meditation that promotes balance, flexibility and soothing mind/body connections.
Strength Training.
If you tend to stick with more cardio activities in the summer, why not shift your focus? This is a great time to focus more attention on building strength, bone density, balance and stability to keep your body ready for warm-weather activities. This is also a good time to explore new methods of strength training that you've never tried before.
Pilates.
Pilates is another great mind/body activity that can help you strengthen your core while promoting flexibility and balance. This can be a great addition to your workout routine if you want to work your abs in a whole new way.
Circuit Training. If the weather's bad, move your workout indoors and keep things interesting with circuit training. By moving quickly from one exercise to the next (cardio, strength training or a mix of both), you'll keep your heart rate up, burn more calories and your workouts will fly by.

Just because summer's over doesn't mean you need to avoid the produce section. This is a great time of year to up the nutritional value of your meals while enjoying some of the great foods that are in season.

Pumpkin
Pumpkins make great jack-o-lanterns and they're also great for nutritious and yummy meals. Pumpkin provides carotenoids (which help fight heart disease and cancer), vitamins C, E and riboflavin, iron, fiber and potassium, just to name a few. You could run out and start making pumpkin pies or you could try for healthier ideas.
Apples
This time of year, apples are at their best and, because they're so versatile, you can find many ways to work them into your diet. Apples are low in calories, high in fiber, have no cholesterol and give your body important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, calcium and folic acid. You can eat them alone or add them to any number of dishes for extra taste and nutrition.
Pecans
You probably know that nuts are good for you (as long as you practice some portion control) and pecans are at the top of the list when it comes to healthy nuts. Pecans offer zinc, magnesium, potassium, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B6, just to name a few, and they're great sprinkled on salads or eaten alone as a snack.

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Reduce Inflammation with These Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Anti-inflammatory foods may have the capability to reduce inflammation when they're eaten as part of an overall health diet.
Of course, the opposite of that is true too -- inflammatory foods might trigger your body's inflammatory response, potentially increasing your risk of chronic disease. Especially if you eat too much heavily processed, non-nutritious foods on a regular basis.

Get Me Started!

Okay, so how exactly do you get started on an anti-inflammatory diet?  
The quick start method is simply to double up your servings of fruits and vegetables at every meal -- you can't go wrong there. Divide your plate into quarters -- at least half should be filled with green, and other colorful veggies or fruits.
Here's a quick look at the fruits and vegetables that have anti-inflammatory potential:
Fruits and Vegetables. Whole fruits, berries and vegetables, are all rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Choose green and brightly colored vegetables and whole fruits, including these:

• Broccoli
• Apples
• Sweet potatoes
• Chard
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Oranges
• Olives
• Avocado
• Kale

Of course there's more to an anti-inflammatory diet, including healthful protein sources, and the right fats. Then round out your diet with beneficial beverages.
Protein Sources. Anti-inflammatory protein sources include most fish and seafood, and some plant-based sources. Some examples:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Trout
• Non-fat Yogurt
• Soy Foods
• Dry beans
• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Brazil Nuts

Fats and Oils. Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Many of the protein sources also contain beneficial fats, including fish, seafood, soy, avocados, olives and all those nuts. In addition, choose these:

• Olive Oil
• Canola Oil
• Rice Bran Oil
• Grape Seed Oil
• Walnut Oil

Beverages. Drink tap, sparkling or bottled water, 100-percent juices, herbal tea, low-sodium vegetable juice, and low- or non-fat milk.

Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips

Choose fresh foods more often and choose fewer heavily processed foods. Here are my tips:

• For breakfast, try oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts.
• Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables instead of cookies and candy.
• Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.
• Cook with olive oil and canola oil.
• Try a tofu stir-fry or scramble.
• Have a salad with lots of fresh vegetables as your meal.
• Stay away from deep-fried foods; bake, broil, poach or stir-fry instead.
• Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables as side dishes -- they should fill half your dinner plate.

Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar, and highly processed foods may increase the potential for inflammation in your body. Reduce your consumption of trans-fats and saturated fats by cutting back on highly processed foods, red meats, and high-fat processed meats such as bacon and sausage. Cut back on refined white flours in bread and pasta (look for 100-percent whole grains instead). A small amount of sugar is okay, but cut down on most added sugars by decreasing your consumption of sugary sodas, pastries, candy, rich desserts, and pre-sweetened cereals.
Another possible source of irritation comes from the nightshade family of plants, which includes, tomatoes, and eggplant. These vegetables contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine, which can trigger pain in some people. While there aren't any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants, some people do believe they get relief from the symptoms of pain and inflammation when they eliminate them.
Maintaining a healthy weight also appears to be helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.  Here is a  calorie calculators to help you determine how many calories you need each day.

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