Blog Posts by TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

Bad news for foodies: A recent study published by Rand Corporation found that, based on the energy and nutritional value of restaurant quality foods, a whopping 96 percent of restaurant entrees fall quite short of the guidelines as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

We're not just talking Burger King and Wendy's here either; this refers to all restaurants, from pub to posh.

Naturally, this begs the question that, if 96 percent of menu items don't meet USDA guidelines, then what foodsare safe to order? Kate Kaczor, nutrition assistant atLaura Cipullo Whole Nutrition Services, weighs in.

Skip the salt (and butter and oil)

According to the study, most of the main entrees are within the calorie limits, but far exceed the saturated fat and sodium contents recommended. To help limit the intake of these, restaurant goers should ask for their dishes to be prepared without added butter, oil or salt.

Having the waiter doggie bag

By: StacyAtZeel

Based on recent reports, 42 percent of American adults will be obese by the year 2030, and the number of severely obese individuals is expected to increase from roughly 5 to 11 percent.

On the bright side, obesity is no longer accelerating; not long ago, it was projected that up to 51 percent of the population would be at risk by 2030-a number that has since dropped nearly 9 percent.

While a decrease in the potential number of obese individuals is certainly a notable feat, these still aren't exactly statistics to applaud either. Without argument, 42 percent is a shockingly high number despite the fact that Americans are making an effort.

So, what can we do?

"I don't know if obesity predictions drive people to make changes on an individual level," says Zeel Expert Lauren Slayton, a registered dietitian and founder of Manhattan's Foodtrainers. "I liked much of what was issued in the IOM report, but my favorite quote was, "Action must occur

By: StacyAtZeel

When Zeel health and fitness expert and celebrity personality Andrea Metcalf caught wind of the latest obesity forecasts for the year 2030, her reaction was candid and appropriate. "I'm bummed," she said. We couldn't help but agree.

There isn't just one reason for her distress either. "I'm disappointed that we have made picking out great nutrient-dense foods a quandary," says Andrea, "and taken the fun out of fitness." As this best-selling author of Naked Fitness points out, we now work out on treadmills indoors rather than enjoying the fresh air available right in our own backyards.

Andrea goes on to explain that this counterintuitive push toward indoor fitness supports U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin's take on the national fiasco. "Health does not occur in the doctor's office [or] in the hospitals only," she has said. Start in your own backyard. Get out and play in the park; enjoy this country!

Fortunately, there are simple ways to

By: StacyAtZeel

If you're just tuning in, we at Zeel have decided to follow in the footsteps of HBO's Weight of the Nation and dedicate this week to addressing obesity in America by reaching out to our very own health and wellness experts.

One way to make a difference is to pledge to commit to reversing the obesity epidemic via a click of the mouse. But then again, that'd also mean you're probably sitting at your computer right now-at this very moment-instead of doing something that's positive and actionable.

In 2030, 42 percent of the U.S. population is expected to be obese. "The sad thing is those stats are no surprise to me at all," says Zeel Fitness Expert Frank Baptiste. "We all suffer from what I call the "Sitting Disease."'

He continues: "The fact is, even those of us who are active are part of a sedentary society. The general perception of fitness and exercise is much like dieting-it's something you do to attain or maintain a look. The mission of

By: StacyAtZeel

Keep kids active and educated!Over the last few days, we've been chatting up a storm with several of our expert health and wellness providers to get their take on the obesity epidemic, and what we've found is horror, shame and general sadness regarding the overwhelming statistics.

What we haven't delved into at length is the fact that, while 42 percent of the American population could be considered clinically obese in the next 20 years, a large number will be of adolescent age.

"In order to avoid fulfilling the frightening obesity predictions laid out by the CDC in its most recent report, we must direct our attention towards expanding the health education available to parents and children," says certified personal trainer Steve Ettinger. The acclaimed children's book author behind Wallie Exercises, Steve knows just how important it is to instill the value of fitness and nutritional health early on.

"Kids and parents need to know from an early age not only the benefits of

By: StacyAtZeel

Let's face it. You wouldn't think twice if you overheard one woman talking to her girlfriend about that awesome Pilates studio she's been really into lately. But what about the men?

Despite the fact that Pilates was actually created by a male-a one Joseph Pilates-the highly popular practice has managed to maintain a primarily female base of devotees.

"Men have been a bit slower to sign on to a Pilates program than women, but the gap is beginning to close," confirms Pilates guru and owner of Manhattan's Mongoose Bodyworks Halle Clarke. "Men do Pilates for the same reason women do: to get in shape, stay in shape, recover from an injury, improve a sport, look better and feel better."

One thing Halle points out is that it's often more common for men to discover Pilates after being referred by their physician (or wife!) to remedy their aching back, herniated disc, poor posture or other ailment. "But however it is that they get here, they tend to

By: StacyAtZeel

Unless you've been fortunate enough to practice one-on-one with an expert Pilates instructor (or, if you've never practiced at all!) then chances are, there may be a few gray areas when it comes to this popular fitness program. Whether Reformer or Mat, Stott, Power or a fusion-style class, here's what you need to know about getting started with - or enhancing - your Pilates practice.

A hard-core workout. When it comes to grueling workouts, your core tends to hog all the attention-especially during the summer, when your six-pack is on constant display. But behind every strong core, there's an even stronger back, so pay particular attention to these important muscles as well. (Read more here.)

Breathe easy. Just as in yoga, Pilates emphasizes a focused style of breathing. We turn to two of New York City's top Pilates experts to learn about the importance of the breath as you move from one position to the next. (Read more here.)

Injury prevention

By: StacyAtZeel

Stretching is just one way you can maximize the effect of your massage!Not long ago, we spoke with valued Zeel Expert Rogelio Medina - founder of the Organization of Massage Therapy Professionals (OMTP) - about the importance of choosing a qualified bodyworker. (You can read the blog in its entirety here.)

Even the best massage sessions can be jeopardized by making less than ideal decisions after it's over. Planning on heading straight back to the office? Bad idea. Is there a chance you'll be sitting in traffic? Even worse idea. Did you schedule your toughest workout of the week for that evening? Perhaps the worst idea of all!

At the end of the day, the quality of your massage may actually rely just as heavily on the measures you take following your session as on the skills of the therapist. Rogelio tips us off to five secrets for prolonging that sense of relief long after a session is over.

1. Stretch. Perform specific stretches that can be done throughout the day and at work. Not all stretches require a yoga mat