There is no magic nutrient — hormone, drug or protein powder — that will effectively increase your muscle mass without exercise. The only way you can increase your muscle size is by stimulating growth at a cellular level. The best way of achieving this is by following an individually tailored weight training program plus a diet that gives you increased energy. By combining diet and weight training you can expect to increase your body mass by about 0.5kg per week.

There is no magic nutrient — hormone, drug or protein powder — that will effectively increase your muscle mass without exercise. The only way you can increase your muscle size is by stimulating growth at a cellular level. The best way of achieving this is by following an individually tailored weight training program plus a […]

After many years of unsuccessful dieting and with 50 looming, I decided to try a drastic measure and had lap banding surgery. I told my friends I had a small op and then as I lost weight they were thrilled for me. I have lost over 35kg and I thought I was on a winner […]

By Judy Davie For further information about food and nutrition, visit Judy Davie’s website at www.thefoodcoach.com.au “I love to bake for the family but know it’s not great for my health or weight. Is oil better to use than butter?” — Cathy I always use either oil or a table spread (called Omega spread) when […]

It’s time to get organised, take charge of your life — and kick-start the new year with The Australian Women’s Health Diary 2007. Busy mums such as the Seven Network’s Sydney news anchor, Chris Bath, know how important it is to stay on top of their daily lives by being organised. And what better way […]

By Annette Campbell Around 100,000 Australians are currently living with the debilitating neurological condition, Parkinson’s. Political legend Don Chipp was one of its most recent casualties. Although it’s commonly perceived as an “old person’s disease”, according to figures from Parkinson’s Australia, one in seven people living with the condition is younger than 40. Here we […]

Spill your diet secrets! Chat to other slimmers here I dieted for half my life Just before I turned 28 years of age, I realised something that was both sad and shocking. I had been dieting for half of my life. I’d been put on my first diet at the age of 14 by well-meaning […]

By Judy Davie For further information about food and nutrition, visit Judy Davie’s website at www.thefoodcoach.com.au I love eating, so much so I have to lose quite a bit of weight, but find the food on diet plans bland and tasteless. Can you suggest anything? Dallas — Qld Herbs and spices are part of traditional […]

We all know that calcium counts when it comes to bone health (see The new rules on calcium), but it’s not the only factor in keeping your bones healthy. To boost bone strength and protect your risk of osteoporosis make sure you also: Get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight: 15 minutes of indirect exposure per […]

With so much focus being turned onto childhood obesity recently, you're not the first parent, grandparent, or nanny taking a second look at the habits of the little ones' in your care. The best place to start is with a review of how much physical activity and screen time they're getting each day. And at least one hour of exercise and no more than two hours in front of the TV should be your aim. If you're stuck for ideas to get kids turned on to a more active lifestyle, check out my top tips below: