It's holiday time and if you're following a weight-loss plan, there are three different approaches you can take for those festive mealtimes.

1. "Keep Your Eyes on the Ball" Approach: You're working hard to reach your goal weight. This year, you plan to buzz through the holidays with intense...

Though my regular job is helping adults achieve a healthy weight, I also work with teens. Sadly, the epidemic of teen obesity means I can find them anywhere -- even here in Napa. One year, I flew to the Midwest to consult with a group of obese high school students.

The heat waves streaking across the country bring up questions in people's minds about whether they should change their eating and drinking habits in such conditions.

Do our calorie needs change, or does our metabolism increase during the hot summer temps? Well, maybe yes, but probably no. Our bodies...

For the backyard gardener or farmer's market forager, tomato season is one of the true joys of summer. They may not be around for long, but when they are, there is little you can put on your plate that so easily and simply (and healthily) packs so much flavor.

There's no better motivation than swimsuit season to get your body in gear for the beach. Sure, a fabulous pedicure and spray tan can work wonders, but there's not much you can do to conceal bulges or jiggles once you're wearing that itsy bitsy bikini.

It's time to fast...

A friend of mine recently posted on Facebook:

"OK, so why does the husband lose 7 pounds and I only lose 3 in the past 10 days of the 'new regimen?'... so not right."

So, does this sound familiar?

Many times when a husband and wife,...

They're quick. They're easy. They deliver big flavor in small doses and add the richness we crave to our favorite foods. What's not to love about condiments?

A large salad of crisp greens with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers sounds healthy, doesn't it? Or what about a chilled platter...

"I don't have time."

"I don't like cereal."

"I'm allergic to eggs."

"I'm not hungry when I wake up."

There are plenty of reasons that people skip breakfast. But there are even more reasons why they shouldn't.

Aside from increasing mental and physical performance, a breakfast...

Dear Paula,

First off, let me say that me say that I am sorry to hear your announcement that you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (DM2). I want to make you an offer: Let me help you. Let me work with you and to control your diabetes through...

I'm often asked, "If I were to change just one thing about my diet, what could I do to help me lose weight and/or improve my health?"

I'd definitely make my recommendation based on what I learned as the nutritionist for NBC's "The Biggest Loser" for 12 seasons. BL contestants...

While working as the nutritionist of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," I had the opportunity to work with other members of their medical expert team, including Dr. Michael Dansinger. Dr. D is an internationally-recognized authority on dietary and lifestyle counseling for weight loss and prevention of obesity-related medical problems. He is...

Coldbusters -- Tips and Recipes to Chase Away Your Cold

We're smack dab in the middle of cold season, and if you're lucky you haven't yet succumbed to a cough, sneeze or sniffle. But if the winter woes of a cold already haunt you, don't call on antibiotics for...

Overdo the holiday? Don't wait until January 1 to get back on track -- climb back on the wagon today! It's so easy to let one holiday derail you with a huge meal, a long weekend and not enough exercise.

I'm often asked, "What can I do to help...

Many of us strive to be responsible with what types of food we put on the table for our families and loved ones. And our attention to this effort can be heightened when it's time to set lavish spreads for holiday meals such as Thanksgiving.

There are a dizzying...

After 12 seasons with the show, I've learned that our contestants, like most Americans, are very busy people. As a professional chef and registered dietitian, I am able to suggest BL-friendly menus and recipes that are easy to prepare. There aren't too many fancy ingredients or expensive kitchen tools to...

There are no two ways about it: The contestants on "The Biggest Loser" know -- or rather, come to find out -- that their weight-loss journey and the path to health is not a result of a "diet" or fad, but a medically sound lifestyle modification program that includes exercise...

Last week, I discussed a few embarrassing health topics such as diarrhea, constipation and gas. Let's face it, we've all been there at least once. After working with the "Biggest Loser" for 12 seasons, I sometimes doubt there's an embarrassing question I haven't been asked! Here are five more:

At one point or another we've all suffered from an embarrassing health issue -- be it minor or a large nuisance that we just aren't comfortable talking about in public. People ask me health- and diet-related questions online everyday. And after working with on "The Biggest Loser" for 12 seasons,...

Last week I discussed that our muscle mass and strength have a large impact on how well our bodies' age. This week I'll continue by describing ways to measure (and build!) your muscle.

Although aerobic exercise -- things like running, bicycling, swimming, and dancing -- are good workouts...

What do muscle mass and strength have to do with how well we age?

After 30, your muscle mass dwindles some 3-8 percent each decade. Once you hit 60, these losses accelerate even more quickly. The consequences are far more serious than a change in your appearance. Declining muscle mass...