With hip New Yorkers focused on Fashion Week, including the designers setting trends and the models bringing them to life, many experts are warning that the skinny women walking runways are not only at risk for eating disorders themselves, but could cause eating disorders in the young women who admire them in magazines and on television.
 
I disagree—at least with the latter concern.  Certainly, women (and men) who make their livings by marketing their physical presence—and being acutely aware of how others are reacting to them—may be more prone than others to psychological disorders connected with self-esteem and unresolved emotional turmoil deep beneath the surface. This not only includes anorexia and bulimia, but conditions like depression, panic disorder and substance abuse. The same could be said, however, of those who gravitate toward the acting profession or any other career in which success is partly determined by the way the person looks in front of a camera.
 
I do not believe, however, that young women who see thin models in magazines or on television become eating disordered based on those images.  In order for anorexia or bulimia to take root, a woman has to have a pre-existing vulnerability of brain chemistry or a life history of emotional turmoil or both.  Seeing thin models in Vera Wang or Calvin Klein won’t distort the body image of those whose self-perception has not been made fragile, whether by complex psychological dynamics or complexities of neurochemistry.
 
For me, part of the evidence that thin models don’t spread eating disorders is that fashion designers use these women to market to all consumers, not just the ones who are razor thin.  The marketplace is still a pretty smart barometer of the American psyche and that means that, like it or not, women who are size 12 are just as likely as size 2 women to be motivated to buy clothes worn by today’s “Twiggy.”  And America is getting fatter despite our collective ideals of beauty, not slimmer. 
 
If size zero fashion models cause anorexia, why have decades of exposure to them resulted in an epidemic of obesity among young people.
 
I maintain the same position about violence in movies.  No amount of watching violent films can make otherwise healthy people turn into thugs or killers—any more than watching films about heists turns moviegoers into thieves.
 
I believe the same can even be said for advertising of alcohol and cigarettes.  The advertising itself doesn’t create addicts.  The desire to be repeatedly intoxicated by alcohol or nicotine resides in the brain chemistry or life circumstances of the users, not within the text or photographs of what is used to promote their drugs of choice. 
 
There are many powerful and toxic influences that fuel the millions and millions of cases of eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders in the United States.  The most significant of those influences, however, are to be found not in the magazines we read or the television programs we watch, but in the disintegrating and traumatic relationships that unfold right in our homes.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement including www.livingthetruth.com. Dr. Ablow can be emailed at info@keithablow.com.

Studies show that certain foods can increase your chances of longevity by decreasing the risk factors associated with the top diseases plaguing Americans.  Here are some tips to increase your chances of living longer.

BEANS:

There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease.

Studies have shown that people who eat a high-fiber diet lowered their risk of diabetes by 30 percent. Foods high in fiber take longer to digest, which means that insulin is created slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes.

PISTACHIOS:

About 400 million people around the world are classified by the World Health Organization as obese. In a study done by Swedish researchers, men who had been overweight at 18 were one third more likely to die prematurely compared to their normal-weight peers. The study of 45, 920 men over an average 38 years underlines the dangers of being overweight and the need to tackle a growing obesity epidemic.

This nut can help! Pistachios are known as “the skinny nut” because they contain two key nutrients which help stave off hunger: Fiber and protein. Pistachios are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids as well. Omega-3’s prevent platelets in the blood from clumping together and sticking to arterial walls in the form of plaque. They also drive down triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Researchers suspect that omega-3’s may block the production of inflammatory substances linked to arthritis and lupus.

Get cracking! Whether you’re at the office, ballpark or hanging with the guys, stick with pistachio nuts.

EDAMAMES:

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. One out of every six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, and one out of every 35 men will die of this disease.

Researchers from Japan’s National Cancer Center found that increased intake of soy isoflavones significantly reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men by as much as 50 percent.  Soy isoflavones help reduce testosterone, which is the hormone that may increase prostate cancer risk.

While dining with your wife or taking your family out for Japenese food, order some edamame to the table, which are boosting with soy. If that’s not your thing, opt for the miso soup.  If you’re in the car, grab a Soy Joy, which is not only packed with healthy soy proteins, but filled with essential vitamins and minerals.

COFFEE:

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. As of February 2009, as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Is your morning cup of joe what gets you through the busy work day? According to the April, 2009 publication of Tufts Newsletter, a new study by Finnish and Swedish researchers reported that people who drink between three to five cups of coffee a day in midlife could be cutting their risk of Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease by 65 percent.

Some studies have also shown that coffee helps protect the nervous system, which can also protect against dementia.  Due to the fact that the average American drinks more than three and half cups of coffee daily, these results can have imperative implications for the prevention or delay of the onset of dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.

If three cups of coffee seems like one-too-many for you, don’t worry — have a skim cappuccino with breakfast or dessert, or grab an iced latte mid-afternoon. These sweet coffee treats will get you through the day. 

ALCOHOL:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States today. Seventy million Americans suffer from some form of CVD. 

A study by Harvard University researchers suggests that, moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of heart attack. Those who had one-half to two drinks a day had the lowest heart attack risk — 40 percent to 60 percent lower than healthy men who didn’t drink. And that was true no matter whether they were drinking beer, wine or liquor. In addition, in a recent British study, they found that moderate alcohol consumption along with a healthy lifestyle added 14 years to life, compared with men and women who did not adopt these behaviors.

Do we need to say how to incorporate more alcohol in your diet? Just don’t get carried away doing shots with the guys.

SKIM MILK:

Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurological condition that affects 2.5 million people worldwide.

Consuming sources of vitamin D like skim milk, eggs and sardines will help reduce the risk factors associated with MS.  According to researchers at Oxford University, northern countries, which have less sunlight, tend to have a higher incidence of MS. The study proves that vitamin D controls the activity of a gene that increases the odds of MS. Vitamin D attacks the fatty sheath that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, reducing one’s risk of MS.

Switch from whole milk to skim milk and save on almost half the calories and eight grams of fat. Add skim milk to your coffee, smoothies and cereal bowls.

ONIONS:

According to researchers at the University of California’s School of Public Health, the healthiest people were those who consumed substantial dietary vitamin C on a daily basis.

There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies, as well as levels of interferon — the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.

What’s a burger without sautéed onions?? Grill up some onions for your burgers and steaks and eat your way to a healthier life.

BANANAS:

Until the age of 55, more men suffer from high blood pressure than do women.

Research suggests that foods rich in potassium can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. The evidence is so convincing that the Food and Drug Administration recently allowed food labels to bear a health claim about the connection between potassium-rich foods and blood pressure.

Not only are bananas an amazing post-workout snack, but they are great to eat any time of day. Slice up some bananas into your morning bowl of oatmeal or cereal.  Blend bananas into a fruit smoothie or as a delicious dessert, or enjoy dark chocolate frozen bananas.

CHOCOLATE:

High cholesterol puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. For many men, the risk of high cholesterol starts in their 20s and increases with age. High cholesterol tends to run in families, so obviously genes play a role. But a variety of lifestyle factors also affect cholesterol levels ― including diet, activity level, and body weight

According to Dutch researchers, men whom consumed cocoa lowered their risk of dying from heart disease by 50 percent compared to those who did not eat cocoa. Cocoa contains chemicals called flavanols, which have been linked to lower blood pressure and improve function of the cells lining the blood vessels.

How exciting is this? Something that you grew up on can actually help reduce your cholesterol! 

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

It is that time of year again … ‘Tis the season for barbeques!! Although barbeques are great for the whole family, BBQ foods can be high in saturated fat, low in fiber and packed with calories. If you are trying to maintain your shape or lose a few pounds for bikini season, don’t fret, there are so many healthy and delicious foods to substitute.

Tanya’s Tips

1) Simply grill it: With barbeques comes barbeque sauce. One tablespoon of sweet barbeque sauce has 20 calories, 4 carbohydrates and no fiber. Although this doesn’t seem like a lot of calories, who only uses 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce? Eliminating sauces can be an easy way to cut calories.

2) Choose lean protein: Lean meats, such as chicken, fish, turkey and sirloin provide less calories, saturated fat and cholesterol than high-fat meats, such as hot dogs, and full-fat hamburger meat. One ounce of lean protein has 45-65 less calories, and 5-8 grams less fat than high-fat meat. Opt for chicken or shrimp skewers, and if your hamburger craving is a must, chose USDA Select or Choice grades of lean beef trimmed of fat, such as ground sirloin.

3) Choose whole-grain buns: Whole-grain products have more fiber than white bread. Remember, fiber is the indigestible part of carbohydrate that provides bulk without any calories. Fiber fills you up without filling you out.

4) Skip the potato and pasta salads: Traditionally-made potato and pasta salads are loaded with calories and fat. They provide excess calories in the form of carbohydrate without any fiber, which may cause drops in blood sugar, making you feel lethargic and irritable an hour after you eat them. Instead, make a big salad mixed with all your favorite veggies. Spinach and rocket lettuce are in season — or throw some sliced vegetables on the grill — asparagus is also in season and grills very nicely.

5) Choose your alcohol wisely: Alcohol is allowed on the F-Factor diet, however, some choices are better than others. So, if you want to have a drink in the shade and you are a beer-lover, try low-carb beer. Otherwise, chilled white wine is always yummy or vodka and Crystal Light tastes great, especially when it is blended with some ice!!

6) Don’t forget to hydrate: Although alcohol is allowed on the F-Factor diet, drinking in the sun can speed up the effects of alcohol. Alcohol plus sun can equal headache and dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink adequate water when the sun is hot, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Drinking 6-8, 8 oz. glasses of water every day is great for your skin, helps regulate bowel function and will prevent dehydration, so don’t forget to DRINK UP!

F-Factor Best Bets

*On the Grill – a serving size is about 4-5 oz.

Depending on how lean the meat you buy is, this will vary. Try to get lean meat, trimmed of fat.

Instead of Potato Salad and Cole Slaw – Try this!

Tanya’s House Salad

1 bag romaine hearts (or spinach, rocket lettuce)
1 bag baby carrots
2 celery hearts
1 red pepper
1 seedless cucumber
1 box cherry tomatoes
1 14-ounce can hearts of palm
1 14-ouce can garbanzo beans
1 red onion

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

The topic of anal cancer has gotten a lot of media attention lately because of Farrah Fawcett’s very public battle with the disease. And it’s raised a lot of important questions about advances in cancer treatment and the future for patients fighting the battle of their lives.

What is anal cancer and who is at risk for it?

Anal cancer is characterized by the growth of a tumor around the anus ― which is opening at the end of the intestinal tract — and it’s completely different from colon cancer. A large proportion of anal cancers have tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease, but this isn’t the only cause.

Other patient populations at a greater risk for developing anal cancer include patients with multiple sexual partners, those who participate in anal intercourse, smokers, people with immunosuppressive diseases, such as HIV, and people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

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What is the treatment for anal or intestinal cancer?

If it’s caught early, the most common treatment for anal cancer is surgery. But in patients whose cancer affects the anal sphincter, having surgery to remove the tumor and cancerous cells can lead to fecal incontinence causing the need for a permanent colostomy. So often for these patients, radiation and chemotherapy may be the preferred course of treatment. For later stage anal cancers, doctors treat patients with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.

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What is the cure rate for anal cancer?

Well ― like any cancer, early detection greatly increases the chance of survival. If it’s caught in the early stage, there is an 86 percent five year survival rate. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases to 54 percent. Up to 10 percent of patients treated for anal cancer will develop cancer elsewhere in the body.

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What kind of advances are we making in cancer research?

We have made advances with regard to the surgical treatment of cancers by offering minimally invasive surgeries. In some cases, we’re able to provide surgical treatments with less negative side effects and shorter recovery time. Clinical studies have shown that other treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may be just as effective as surgery without many of the negative side effects.

With regard to medical treatments, there have certainly been advances in the kinds of treatments we’re using. New medical technologies are making it possible for doctors to individualize a patient’s treatment by studying the genetic makeup of their particular cancer — ultimately decreasing the chances of recurrence or spread of the cancer, and increasing a patient’s survival outcome.

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What are the major milestones/accomplishments we’ve seen in cancer research recently?

Well again, one of the major milestones is being able to identify the genetic makeup of cancers individual to each patient.

The other advancement is the research that’s been done in molecular-targeted therapies. These therapies target the development of cancers by inhibiting the growth of the disease at the cellular level — which we hope will be able to limit or potentially even stop the cancer from spreading.

Molecular-targeted therapy is a more specific treatment than chemotherapy, because chemo treatment kills off not only the bad cells — but also the healthy cells in the body. So with a therapy that is very specific in its attack of cancerous cells, the hope is that it should more be effective in stopping the development of the cancer.

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What are some tips for preventing cancer?

We’ve all heard it time and time again — good health comes from making healthy choices. So my first tip would be stop smoking! I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, cigarettes are full of cancer-causing agents and have been linked to the development of many cancers in the body.

Second, everything in moderation including alcohol! If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a nice cocktail, make sure you do it in moderation, which means 1 or 2 glasses — preferrably of red wine — or else,  just avoid alcohol all together.

Make healthy dietary choices. Try to maintain a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fruits and vegetables. Both provide essential nutrients and antioxidants which help ward off disease. Limit the amount of read meat you consume, since high levels of it have been linked to certain cancers.

Recent studies have shown that vitamin D may play an important role protecting against the development of certain diseases. Because exposure to small amounts of sunlight causes the body to produce healthy amounts of vitamin D, people who live in cold environments or places with extended seasons of darkness may want to consider getting their vitamin D levels checked and taking supplements.

And finally — know your family history so you can better determine your risk for other cancers, because your screenings for certain cancers may start earlier than what is recommended to the general population, and preventive therapies may be an option for you.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

Today I want to comment on a news piece from the New York Post about Dr. Malcolm Lloyd, a physician who seems to be recommending daily alcohol consumption as a preventative for a variety of ailments from the common cold to Alzheimer’s and certain cancers. He also seems to be indicating that people who drink regularly in moderation seem to live longer than those who don’t. Give me a break!

I know that there have been numerous publications exploring the correlation between alcohol consumption and heart health. For example, we all know that a chemical compound found in wine called resvesterol, is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to complement the stability of a healthy heart.

However, there have been many other studies that have clearly demonstrated increased cancer rates ― especially breast cancer ― in women who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.

Now trust me, I am not, by a long shot, a person who doesn’t enjoy a good drink once in a while. And I do acknowledge that there are cultures in various parts of the world where alcohol is an integral part of the local cuisine. However, these are also the cultures where healthy servings of vital nutrients, vegetables and proteins play a key role in their daily eating habits. They tend to be more physically active, and place a lot of importance on maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

But here in the U.S., we are a “fast-food nation.” For the last 3-5 years, we’ve been hearing about how the obesity rate has reached epidemic proportions – affecting both adults and our children.

Obesity significantly raises the risk for many diseases and conditions like:
          o          Coronary heart disease

          o          Type 2 diabetes

          o          Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

          o          Hypertension (high blood pressure)

          o          Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)

          o          Stroke

          o          Liver and Gallbladder disease

          o          Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

          o          Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)

          o          Gynecological problems

 
Americans also deal with high rates of depression — another disease that when coupled with the effects of alcohol can have disastrous results.

We also have to remember that alcohol has addictive properties that for some folks can completely ruin the chances of future health and longevity.

I know that everyone is looking for an excuse to justify their daily cocktail, but I find it irresponsible for one physician to give us a free pass to drink myself to “an everlasting life.”

Eighty-five percent of the women in the United States experience hot flashes as they approach menopause. Researchers suggest that women with higher body weights actually have more hot flashes that their leaner counterparts. It is believed that hot flashes may be the body’s attempt at dispersing heat, but unfortunately fat seems to act as insulation that prevents the heat from spreading, which usually causes overheating to take place.

Therefore, studies have shown that women who followed a low-fat diet high in fiber-filled foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains experienced fewer hot flashes than women who didn’t. Below is a list of foods that can help you reduce your symptoms:
 
1. Fiber: Recent research has suggested that no other method enhancing regularity has the same effect as fiber.  Fiber absorbs the estrogen, which relieves hot flashes by reducing the amount of estrogen reabsorbed from bile salts released into the intestine to be mixed with stool. It is recommended that women should be consuming 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Enjoy fiber-rich foods throughout the day such as whole grain breads and cereals, apples, pears, broccoli and cauliflower. 

2. Calcium: The National Institutes of Health recommends that menopausal women get 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Calcium cleanses excess estrogen from the liver, making this nutrient vital in reducing hot flashes.  Calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, low-fat yogurts and low-fat cheeses. 

3. Soy: Recent studies have found that soy, which is rich in phytoestrogens like isoflavones, can also help reduce hot flashes, as well as night sweats and other menopausal symptoms. Opt for tofu, edamame or any other variety of soy beans, as well as low-fat soy yogurts and cheeses.

4. Beans: Almost all beans — not just soy — contain two important compounds; genistein and daidzein.  Which are known for being estrogenic, helping to control hot flashes and other discomforts of menopause.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: New research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows a common food compound found in omega-3s can ease hot flashes. Salmon, shrimp, walnuts and tofu all contain high levels of omega-3s. 

6. Vitamin E: According to the National Cancer Institute, studies suggest increasing your intake of vitamin E. Vitamin E replenishes necessary electrolytes lost through perspiration during hot flashes.  Mango, sweet potatoes, almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds are all great sources of vitamin E.

7. Vitamin B: This essential vitamin has been shown to help reduce hot flashes.  Foods like bananas, pistachios, fish, meat, eggs, bananas, beans and whole grains are all wonderful sources of vitamin B.

8. Vitamin C: One study showed that increasing your intake of vitamin C which contains bioflavonoids; a powerful antioxidant, reduced hot flashes. Grapefruit, oranges, potatoes, broccoli and pineapple are all fabulous sources of vitamin C.

9. Water: Drink a lot of water. Drinking water restores fluids lost to perspiration during hot flashes and can even prevent or minimize the hot flashes themselves.

10. Foods to avoid: Certain foods like, alcohol, caffeine, excess sugar, high-fat meat products and spicy foods rank among the top aggravators of these frustrating episodes.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

R & B star Rihanna is reportedly back together with singer Chris Brown, risking her life for “love,” after he allegedly beat her so badly, anyone who saw her bruised face cringed.

Like many battered women, Rihanna doesn’t seem to see the danger in dancing with a violent man who has proven he can’t control his destructive impulses.  That’s because her vision is clouded by passion or naivete or whatever dark chapter of her own life she may be replaying now by “playing with fire.”

Rihanna’s father has apparently blessed his daughter’s decision, saying he’s “behind her,” whatever she decides.  That’s not loving your child; it’s letting her walk into the abyss, and it may be the best window on why Rihanna can’t stand up for herself.  Maybe no one ever did—even her dad.

If the allegations about Brown are true, the likelihood that he was “caught” the very first time he abused a woman is remote.  More likely, there have been other episodes of uncontrolled rage in his life and that there will be more.  Men who abuse women aren’t usually one-time offenders.  They lack the internal restraint necessary to control their impulses, or they harbor deep resentment toward females (often rooted in experiences and emotions from when they were much younger) or their behavior and judgment is impaired by alcohol or illicit drugs.  Very frequently, they have personality disorders, whether narcissistic or paranoid or antisocial.  They are entirely focused on their own needs and enraged when they aren’t met.

Rihanna proves that she doesn’t understand any of this by returning to her relationship with Brown so quickly.  There’s no possibility that he completed any anger management course or detoxed from any drug he might be on or delved deeply enough into his psyche to exorcise any demons that might have led him to turn his self-hatred into a clenched fist and the terror and tears of woman just 21 years old.

He needs help, and a lot of it.  So does she.

What Rihanna is teaching her lover is that her self-esteem is so low, or her need to fix a man so great, that she is willing to risk everything to be by his side. For a man like him, it unconsciously gives him license to strike out at her again.  And it actually deprives him of learning that his disorder can cost him things he cares about (if he actually does care about Rihanna at all).  

Rihanna’s decision is a terrible example for young women in America and around the world—as bad as anything we ever saw from Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan.

As a forensic psychiatrist, I’ve testified in murder cases that started out just like this one.  Let’s hope it doesn’t end as badly.

Dr. Keith Ablow is a psychiatry correspondent for FOX News Channel and a New York Times bestselling author. His newest book, “Living the Truth: Transform Your Life through the Power of Insight and Honesty” has launched a new self-help movement. Check out Dr. Ablow’s website at livingthetruth.com or e-mail him at info@keithablow.com.

Everyone loves a good drink.  The problem is, by indulging in common cocktails, the pounds pack on. Many drinks contain as much as 500 calories. Additionally, it’s hard to have just one drink. As one cocktail often isn’t enough, it’s important to be smart when it comes to choice of beverage. Below, you will find the best and worst cocktails while dining out — also 3 great cocktail recipes you can make at home. 

Worst:

1. Margarita:
If you’re planning on ordering that margarita you may want to think again. This one drink has about 750 calories and 56 g carbs. Substitute it for a Corazon Blanco tequila on the rocks with a splash of lime.

2. Long Island Iced Tea:
How about that Long Island Iced Tea? You may want to reconsider. A long Island Iced Tea has about 750 calories 44 g carb. Try substituting this for rum mixed with Diet Coke and topped with a slice of lime; it will save you more than 600 calories.

3. Pina Colada:
Your Pina Colada is costing you 650 calories and 90 g carbs. Instead, substitute this one with vanilla-flavored vodka and Diet Coke/Sprite, and you’ll save yourself more than 500 calories.

4. Cosmo:
Although Cosmos only have 150 calories and 10 g carbs, we all know that a Cosmo isn’t the only drink you’ll be having tonight. It may not have as many calories as the other drinks on our list, but you’ll drink this one quicker and find yourself ordering it again … and again. If you want to keep fitting into your sexy outfit, a simple solution is to order vodka with diet cranberry juice (yes, you can get diet cranberry) instead.

Best:

1. Gin and Tonic, Vodka and Tonic or Rum and Diet Coke:
It’s a three-way tie with only 65 cal per 8 oz. glass! This is because when you drink a one-ounce pour of most liquors and top them off with a non-calorie mixer, you have a drink that’s pretty low in calories, no matter what the combination. Be careful, as many places pour 1.5 ounce shots in drinks. Ask for a 1 oz. pour or a skimpy pour and you won’t pour out of the top of your jeans. Whether you choose gin, vodka, whiskey or rum, top it off with a mixer that adds nothing: club soda, Diet Coke or diet tonic waters. Make them special with infused alcohol flavors, baby splashes of juice or sugar-free syrups (though the latter two will add a few calories).

2. Mimosa:
Half champagne and half orange juice, the Mimosa is at its best when made with the freshest-squeezed juice imaginable for only 75 cal per 4 oz. champagne glass. Don’t even worry about which champagne. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter. If it makes you happy to buy the expensive stuff, by all means, knock yourself out. The rest of us will be skinny and richer.

3. Kahlua and Coffee:
The Starbucks coffee craze has gotten people thinking up crazy calorie-filled concoctions but luckily, one of the old standbys of classic cocktails can fulfill your alcohol needs and your caffeine needs with substantially less calories: 91 cal per 6 oz. Kahlua is the most famous brand of coffee-flavored liqueur, but any type will do, and the addition of coffee adds zero calories. With such a light drink, you can afford to add a bit of skim milk to make it creamy. You can enjoy this mixture in a steaming mug on a cool night, or ask your bartender to serve it iced in a tall glass. Iced Kahlua and coffee makes a stimulating slimming drink on a hot summer day, and you’ll see the results on the scale.

4. White Wine Spritzer:
Fashion models, celebrities and trendy barhoppers order spritzers when they want to cut their wine calories in half. The concept of the spritzer is simple: white wine mixed in equal proportions with club soda, but depending on the wine you use, it can be refreshingly pleasing and only 100 cal per 5 oz. glass. And while some might think it’s an atrocity to mix a nice Pinot Grigio with anything, it’s your body, and if you prefer a spritzer to a beer gut, it’s your prerogative. Make a spritzer pretty and pink with a blush wine, or add a squeeze of orange or lime juice for oomph. However many you have, it’ll be half the calories of drinking regular wine.

5. Martini:
Martinis are practically straight liquor, but shaken with ice and an aromatic splash of vermouth, they have a cocktail sensibility for 160 cal per 2.5 oz. glass. The taste can be strong for a drinker who likes more flavorful drinks, but the flavor can be enhanced with infused liquors at a cost of zero extra calories. Vanilla-flavored vodka makes a memorable martini, but if you want to be even more daring, try one of the many brands of spicy pepper-infused liquors. Garnished with a chili pepper, the heat might boost your metabolism an extra notch.

Cocktail Recipes to Try at Home:

1. Skinny White Wine Sangria
“Summer and peaches go hand in hand. Every year I hand this recipe out my patients and they love it!”

Serves 6

The Breakdown: 125 calories, 45 g of carb, 6 g of fiber

Ingredients:
-1 Bottle of Wine (Riesling, Albarino, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Rioja, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc)
-1/2 cup of Peach Schnapps
-2 peaches, sliced
-2 nectarines, sliced
-1 green apples, sliced
-1 pint of raspberries
-1/2 cup of Splenda
-.5 L of Diet Sprite

Preparation:

Pour wine and Schnapps in the pitcher and ass sliced peaches, nectarines, apples and raspberries. Next add Splenda and stir gently. Chill mixture for at least an hour. Add Diet Sprite before serving.

Serve and Enjoy!

2. Vodka with Fresh Oranges and Raspberries
“This drink recipe is super low in calories but strong in taste.”

Serves 4
The Breakdown:  150 calories, 6 g of carb, 2 g of fiber
Ingredients:
-1 cup of vodka
-1 ½ cups of Crystal Light, Orange Sunrise flavor
-½  cup fresh raspberries
-½ cup fresh oranges
-Ice, crushed

Preparation:
Blend together vodka, crystal light, fruit and ice. Pour into tall glass. Add fruit to garnish. Sip and Enjoy!

3. Van Gogh’s Garden (Image Available)
“A new favorite! This cocktail makes you feel like you’re indulging, without having to worry about packing on the pounds.”

Serves 4

The Breakdown: 125 calories, 10 g of carbohydrate, 1.5 g of fiber

Ingredients:
-Slices of cucumber
-Slices of Kiwi
-8 packets of Splenda
-1 ½ oz Lucid Absinthe
-1/2 L Club Soda

Preparation:
Muddle two slices of cucumber and two slices of kiwi with Splenda in a whiskey glass.
Fill with ice, add shot of Lucid Absinthe and top with club soda.
Garnish glass with an unpeeled kiwi slice and/or cucumber slice on the rim.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

Well it’s Super Bowl weekend – a great American tradition – and everyone is very excited thinking about where they will be spending their weekend having fun and watching the game.

Typically around this season, I always get asked “Hey Dr. Manny, what are the healthiest snacks for me to serve during my party.” And of course I go through the panoply of things like veggies and other low-fat treats. And of course, I always advise people to drink in moderation.

But I’ve recently started getting a lot of phone calls from my male friends saying, “You know, we just read that a new study out of Australia that’s reporting that alcohol is good for your sex life.”

According to the researchers who interviewed over 1,500 men – those men who regularly consumed alcohol reported less erectile dysfunction. It seems that every time there is a study that comes out linking alcohol to good health, everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon and join the party.

But let’s be careful here. True erectile dysfunction is a vascular problem, and there is no evidence that alcohol improves vascular conditions. If anything, alcohol can worsen vascular conditions, especially when they’re associated with diabetes and obesity.

Looking at studies that survey outcomes can lead to many biases from the subjects involved in the study — and let’s face it, erectile dysfunction is not a topic that most men feel comfortable talking about!

So when I see headlines in newspapers saying that alcohol can be good for your sex life, I wonder what a “good” sex life is? Because last time I checked, it was far more complex than having an extra couple of beers.

There are some great foods that you can incorporate into your diet that are heart-healthy and will do wonders for your sex life! Cooking together with a romantic partner encourages intimacy and connection — so prepare meals together.

Stay away from foods that contain excess amounts of caffeine — they reduce libido.  And stay away from foods that may make you feel bloated and gassy (cabbage, broccoli, onions). Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive and are found in various fruits and vegetables, so include a salad with meals if you want some action later. This is very exciting news, so start preparing.

Foods for a better sex life:

Bananas, carrots, asparagus. 
Bananas, carrots and asparagus are all erotic stimulants because of their phallic resemblance.  Asparagus contain folate, which boosts histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.  Plus, watching you eat asparagus, a phallic food, is sure to get him in the mood.

Red wine.
Red wine is healthy for your heart and your romantic moods!  It may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. It is also a particularly rich source of antioxidants which raise HDL (good) cholesterol.  It lowers inhibitions and stimulates appetite so add a glass of wine to a romantic dinner!

Oysters.
Oysters have long been considered the food of love, and legend has it that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day — once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips.  Oysters carry a hefty dose of zinc. Zinc has been linked to male fertility, potency, sex drive, and is essential for sperm production. The daily requirement for zinc can be gained by eating just one oyster, so imagine what serving your boyfriend/husband an appetizer of a few oysters can do …  schwing!  If oysters aren’t his thing, turkey, lean beef, and beans are other good sources of zinc.

Champagne.
 So you’ve already heard the buzz that a daily glass of wine raises good cholesterol and helps prevent arteries from clogging. But alcohol, especially champagne, can also improve your health and your sex life. Like many mind-altering substances, a glass or two of champagne will lower inhibitions and help ease any couple into an amorous mood. 
 
Pistachios.
Besides providing protein to help increase stamina, pistachios are heavy in healthful mono-saturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are linked with increased sexual desire. Pistachios also have a greater portion size than any other nut, so you can eat 49 kernels (1 serving) and still feel thin and sexy.
 
Artichokes.
This nutrient-dense, peculiar plant was once considered such a powerful aphrodisiac that women were banned from eating it. According to Martha Hopkins, co-author of “Inter-Courses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook,” part of the appeal of the artichoke may be that you have to work hard to “get past the spiked leaves to get to the velvety-smooth heart.” 
 
Spices.
The right spices not only heat things up on the tongue, but also in the bedroom.  Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers, stimulates nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins, giving you the pleasurable feeling of a natural high.  “Chili pepper and ginger help improve circulation,” says Dix. “And hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body.”  The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices help infuse romance into the atmosphere.
 
Avocado.
According to the Doctrine of Signatures, food aids the part of the body it resembles. In fact, the Aztecs valued the avocado as an aphrodisiac and named it “ahuacale” or testicle because they grow in pairs. Though science can neither confirm nor deny that this fruit will get your fire going, it will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.
 
Chocolate.
Don’t skip dessert!  Eating chocolate causes the release of mood-boosting, stress-reducing serotonin. The sweet stuff also causes a release of phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, leading to feelings of excitement conducive to lovemaking. Just make sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Even smells of certain foods have been found to be sexually arousing, according to studies at the Smell and Taste Foundation in Chicago, notably:

For men: Pumpkin pie and buttered popcorn
For women: Licorice candy

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.