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Wired has an interesting story about "exercise in a pill". The article outlines ongoing research into drugs that can mimic the effects of exercise, including, in one study, improving stamina 44 percent in "couch potato" lab mice.

Today, researchers are reporting that an experimental drug can mimic the results of an exercise regimen -- with no exercise required. After four weeks of taking the pill, mice who hadn't worked out displayed a 44 percent increase in their running endurance.

"It’s tricking the muscle into ‘believing’ it’s been exercised daily," said the study's lead researcher, Ronald Evans of the Salk Institute, in a release. "It’s basically the couch potato experiment, and it proves you can have a pharmacologic equivalent to exercise."

Low fat diets are not the best way to lose weight according to a new study.

The research which looked at more than 300 obese people found those who stuck to a Mediterranean or low carbohydrate diet lost more weight over two years.

Low fat diets are the most commonly recommended diets in the UK to help people lose weight, and also to reduce the risks of heart disease and cancer.

However, researchers led by a team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in Israel, found those on a Mediterranean diet lost on average 60 per cent more weight.

Link (telegraph.co.uk)

I have listed examples of the Reward Meals (RM) I have been eating since beginning this program on March 3, 2008. None of my meals are weighed or measured and I let my eyes do the work for me.

I love the fact that I can eat anything I want during my RM as long as it is balanced. Once my plate is empty I am allowed to have more food, but I must keep it balanced by taking the same amount of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. By following the rules, I find that it is impossible for me to overindulge in carbohydrates. I have not gone back for a second plate, but it is nice to know that it is possible, if I want to.

The other day I decided to share my thoughts with one of my support groups. One of the members of this group suggested I share it with another group, as well as put it in my blog, so here it is!

I am looking forward to sharing this journey with those of you willing to keep us all informed.

I wish those of you that are struggling with this way of eating the best of luck in getting back on plan.

I understand it takes a certain frame of mind to give up foods that make us feel good, but feeling your body getting smaller is much more satisfying.

Every day that I am successful in eating the CALP way, is another day that is getting me closer to my goal. I have a long way to go, but I know that the choices I am making are getting me closer every day.

Listed below are examples of the Complementary Meals (CM) I have been eating since beginning this program on March 3, 2008. None of my meals are weighed or measured and I let my eyes do the work for me. It is very important for me to balance my CMs with the same amount of vegetables and protein.

The majority of my meals are leftovers with the exception of a few. I prefer fresh vegetables but have no trouble opening a can of green beans and adding some vinaigrette dressing to them.

There are many more protein and vegetable choices that are allowed on this plan. Listed below are the actual combination of foods that I have been eating during the short period of time I have been on this program.

Baby Back Ribs and Green Beans w/French Vinaigrette
Protein: Pork

My enthusiasm for the Carbohydrate Addict's Lifespan Program (CALP) continues to be at an all time high. I can honestly say that I am not familiar with too many weight loss programs, but I can't imagine any of them allowing any and all foods like this one does. Of course there are foods that can slow or even stall my weight loss journey, but I will worry about that when I get to it.

I love this plan because I eat real food that I can buy at the supermarket. My cupboards are not filled with low carb, fat free, sugar free foods that are not eaten because they do not taste very good. Our meals continue to include foods that can be enjoyed by the entire family, and we do not have to go to the trouble of preparing two separate meals just so I can eat low carb.