Let Them Eat Less Cake, Live Longer

State laws making a difference, says study

(NEWSER) - Why do teens in California consume fewer calories a day than young people in other states? It's because they snack less when at school, a new study finds, and they snack less because state laws have curbed the sale of junk food and banned the sale of soda and sugary drinks in schools, reports NPR . California teens ingest 158 fewer calories daily than teens in other states, an amount that can have a big cumulative effect for the better. More»

Chowing down when depressed may just be instinct

(NEWSER) - There’s a reason we gorge on chocolate bars or French fries when we’re down: Fatty foods actually do make us feel better, a study suggests. Scientists in Belgium had subjects look at images of sad people and listen to sad music while being fed through a tube, the Daily Mail reports. Brain scans revealed that those who received a saline solution grew 4% more depressed, while those who got a fatty solution through the tube didn't experience changes in their mood. More»

Diet giant now emphasizes unprocessed foods

(USER SUBMITTED) - Weight Watchers has totally overhauled its legendary points system to reflect changing perceptions about how the body processes food, the first change since its inception in 1997, the New York Times is reporting. Fruits, veggies, and whole foods are generally good, meaning points free, while processed foods should be eaten less. More»

But experts are skeptical about 'Christine' and 'Drive-Thru Diet'

(NEWSER) - Want to lose weight? Then run for the border, hit Taco Bell’s Drive-Thru Diet menu, and knock off 54 lbs in two years. Or at least that’s what happened to Christine, a Jared Fogle knockoff featured in new Taco Bell ads as a devotee of the chain's Fresco items. Though the spots feature all the disclaimers—her weight loss is “exceptional,” the taco treats were part of a larger effort, don’t call the Drive-Thru Diet a diet—diet experts are largely unhappy, ABC News reports. More»

Celery, seaweed could work wonders for your diet

(NEWSER) - The usual admonitions we hear at this time of year about eating right are probably going in one ear and out the other, so perhaps these unusual health-food suspects from Men’s Health will catch your attention as you prepare that New Year’s resolution.

• Celery: Its phytochemicals are thought to lower blood pressure. Bonus: It’s great in Bloody Marys.
• Seaweed: High in potassium and calcium, which lower blood pressure. You’re most likely to see it wrapped around sushi.