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You need to consume less calories if you want to lose weight. Image Credit: from_my_point_of_view/iStock/GettyImages Losing weight requires you to eat fewer calories than you burn. Choosing healthy foods and moderate portions keeps your calorie intake in check. Chicken, fruits and vegetables are healthy, as long as they’re not fried or drenched in a creamy or sugary sauce. If you stick to these foods and control your portions, you may lose weight....

The blue toilet seat phenomenon is still somewhat of a mystery, but signs point to a condition called chromhidrosis. Image Credit: bymuratdeniz/iStock/GettyImages Sweating is an important bodily function that keeps you cool during hot weather and tough workouts. The end result is usually nothing more than sticky skin and the occasional pit-stained tee — but for a small percentage of people, sweating can also leave behind a blue toilet seat....

Jumping rope improves fitness and bone density. Image Credit: Hi-Photo/iStock/GettyImages The sight of a jump rope might bring back memories of your middle school days, when jumping and skipping was something that came naturally and effortlessly. It’s harder for most adults than it is for kids, but that challenge makes it a very effective cardiovascular workout. Advertisement Jumping rope improves fitness, burns a lot of calories and has other benefits that may make you want to give the popular childhood activity another go....

Is Yogurt Healthier Than Milk? Image Credit: Thodsapol Thongdeekhieo / EyeEm/EyeEm/GettyImages Dairy products are an effective part of any healthy meal plan, but choosing the right ones can make the difference between creamy smooth skin and a case of cottage cheese thighs. Milk or yogurt should be a part of your daily meal plan for the calcium and vitamin D they contain, but it doesn’t really matter which you choose. Both are as good for you as they are good to enjoy....

Hummus, a dip made with mashed chickpeas, is a good dietary source of arginine. Image Credit: Sedaeva/iStock/GettyImages A cornucopia of confusion surrounds the benefits of taking L-arginine supplements. Also called just “arginine,” there’s some evidence that this amino acid may lower blood pressure and improve heart health, but there’s little agreement among experts about safe dosage or its interaction with alcohol. Advertisement What Is L-Arginine? “L-arginine is an amino acid, and our bodies need amino acids to build protein,” says Amitava Dasgupta, PhD, a clinical toxicologist and professor at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston....

Neck Exercises for Boxing Image Credit: oneinchpunch/iStock/GettyImages In boxing, having a strong neck helps absorb the impact of blows to the face and better handles direct impact. It also enables quicker head movements, so you can see what’s coming and dodge blows, and it doesn’t tire as easily so you can maintain proper body positioning. Advertisement It doesn't take much to strengthen the neck muscles. Just add a few of these moves to your existing training regimen and see what a difference it makes in the ring....

No-cook meals can save you time and energy when you don't want to deal with the oven. Image Credit: jenifoto/iStock/GettyImages Sometimes you don’t want to turn the oven on and get to work in the kitchen. Advertisement After long, draining days or on warm evenings when the idea of a hot meal seems not-so-appealing, it's great to have some no-cook recipes on hand to whip something up in a matter of minutes....

If you're struggling with step-ups, the first change to make is lowering the step you're using. Image Credit: Stuart Anning/Cultura/GettyImages You may not even notice how many times per day you go up a step, until it suddenly becomes difficult. If you find yourself choosing the elevator over the stairs or if your favorite stair-climbing workout becomes impossible, it’s important to listen to your body. Advertisement "The main factors that can contribute to someone not being able to perform a step-up include having pain or an injury, limited mobility and limited strength," Grayson Wickham, DPT, CSCS, founder of Movement Vault, tells LIVESTRONG....

A large pile of fresh watercress on a tabletop. Image Credit: Nadalinna/iStock/Getty Images L-arginine and L-lysine are amino acids that coexist in many protein-rich foods, such as tuna, watercress, nuts and soy. Your body uses amino acids to manufacture structural proteins, hormones, enzymes, antibodies and other important molecules. However, amino acids also participate in a number of other crucial processes, such as energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis and cell signaling. L-arginine and L-lysine have multiple functions, some of which may be better served when they are consumed together....

Side Effects of Biotin 5000 mg Image Credit: STEEX/iStock/GettyImages Biotin has emerged as one of the most popular dietary supplements for healthy skin, hair and nails. Also known as vitamin B7 or coenzyme R, it reduces hair loss and supports metabolic health. While the benefits of biotin are well-known, few people are aware of its side effects, such as mild nausea and increased thirst. However, doses of up to up to 10 milligrams a day are safe, according to Mayo Clinic....

If you don't eat enough calories for a period of time, your body may go into starvation mode or adaptive thermogenesis. Image Credit: MirageC/Moment/GettyImages Restricting calories is key to weight loss, but it’s possible to go too far. Dieters have long blamed “starvation mode” for making it harder to shed pounds, though some have doubted its existence. The technical term for starvation mode is ​adaptive thermogenesis​, and it does exist — though it might not always be to blame for weight-loss plateaus....

A high-sugar diet may be linked to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Image Credit: Reji Ittiachan/iStock/GettyImages A true sugar overdose, where you can experience a potentially fatal reaction after consuming too much sugar, typically only affects people with diabetes — but consuming high amounts of sugar over the long term can have adverse health effects. Here’s what the experts say about your sugar fix. Advertisement Sugar 'Side Effects' There are two main sugar groups to consider when you look at your diet: natural sugars, such as those found in fruit, and added sugars, found in processed products such as cereal....

Foam rolling can boost mobility and exercise performance — but consistency is key. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative What Really Happens to Your Body When examines the head-to-toe effects of common behaviors, actions and habits in your everyday life. Foam rolling is one of those physical activities that, if you like it, you’re on your way to ​loving​ it. Advertisement The benefits of foam rolling are plentiful: A regular rolling routine not only provides an immediate release from tension and soreness after a grueling workout, but it may also promote mobility, flexibility and overall fitness gains, explains David J....

Waking up early to cook breakfast isn't always a realistic option to start your day. Image Credit: DebbiSmirnoff/iStock/GettyImages Waking up early to cook breakfast isn’t always a realistic option to start your day. Sometimes you just need to microwave a bagel, eat it and run out the door. There are several ways to warm this quick snack, depending on how much time you have. Advertisement Bagel Nutrition Facts A bagel by itself isn’t the most impressive breakfast food....

Hemp seeds provide necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Image Credit: KarpenkovDenis/iStock/GettyImages As a buzz term in the cannabis industry, hemp seeds contain a minute amount of the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This chemical gives marijuana its reputation of creating that “high” feeling. However, hemp seeds make a powerful addition to a diet, as they offer essential nutrients. Advertisement Tip Hemp seeds provide necessary vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Additional benefits include helping to regulate the immune system and possibly reducing your risk of heart disease....

An overhead view of a teapot and a cup of tea. Image Credit: bannerwega/iStock/Getty Images Burdock root, scientifically referred to as arctium lappa, has been used for centuries in Europe, North America and Asia as a digestive treatment and a diuretic. More recently it’s been used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. Although burdock root is eaten as a cooked vegetable, you get similar health benefits from drinking tea made by steeping the root in boiling water....

Focus on animal proteins to help better absorb protein. Image Credit: Aamulya/iStock/GettyImages Whether to build muscle or boost your immune system, getting enough protein is crucial. But often people up their protein intake without realizing that the body can only absorb so much. You may be able to up protein absorption by choosing the right sources, spacing your intake and taking probiotics. Advertisement Tip Eating less protein at one time, prioritizing animal proteins and supplementing with probiotics may improve protein absorption....

Close up of a golden delicious apple. Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images Apples are a low-calorie, high-fiber food option that can be served on their own or prepared in a number of dishes, both sweet and savory. There are a number of apple types, but some of the most popular include Lady, Jonathan, Winesap, Rome, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and Braeburn. While all apples are high in antioxidants and nutrients, if you are on the quest to find the healthiest apple, researchers at the Eden Healthcare Technologies lab in Leicestershire, England, have determined the healthiest variety to be the Pendragon apple....

A man power walking on a trail. Image Credit: BrianAJackson/iStock/Getty Images In a dream world, men would be able to pick and choose where they lost weight and the order in which different body parts leaned out. In reality, there isn’t much you can do to alter this. The first place you’ll notice weight loss depends on your genetics. Typically, the last place you gained fat will be the first area to lean out....

Vegetables, fruits and spices have the highest amounts of salicylic acid. Image Credit: Claudia Totir/Moment/GettyImages Finding salicylic acid in food might be easier than you think, as numerous foods contain some level of this naturally occurring substance. If you have a salicylic acid sensitivity, be sure to read all packaged food labels before buying a product that may contain this chemical substance. Advertisement Tip Vegetables, fruits and spices have the highest amounts of salicylic acid, according to an article by Christine Sexton, MPH, RD, published on the website Diet vs Disease....