Celebrity Diet Dish

Courtney Love Dramatically Slims Down

2007-03-30T13:40:00Z

Controversial rocker Courtney Love has reportedly dropped 44 pounds, according to People magazine. She apparently lost the weight by following a macrobiotic diet, which is made up of mainly fish and veggies.

Courtney is evidently making some major changes to her life. She has been sober for a year and a half now reports that she is getting her life back on track. She has also reportedly had cosmetic surgery to get her old nose back and now says she is focusing all her efforts on raising her daughter and getting her career back on track.

Courtney deserves a lot of credit for working to turn her life around. She seems to have been able to remain sober and she looks great in recent photos. This is a far cry from the Courtney Love we saw a few years ago standing on David Letterman’s desk with her shirt over her head.

Versace Daughter has Anorexia

2007-03-29T13:05:00Z

Allegra Versace is suffering to from anorexia, according to a press statement issued by her mother, Donatella Versace. The 20-year-old fashion house heiress is reportedly receiving medical care for the condition she has struggled with for several years.

There has been speculation in the past that Allegra has suffered from an eating disorder as she has been spotted at public events and fashion shows looking quite thin. The announcement of her illness comes at a particularly sensitive time for fashion houses, many of which are being to move away from the use of size zero models.

A growing number of models are being diagnosed with eating disorders and recent deaths in the industry have caused a major outcry about the size of models. Last year two South American models died of complications associated with anorexia. Some European countries are beginning to ban the use of super skinny models for photo shoots and runway shows.

With the kind of demand fashion houses are putting on models to fit into their clothing its no wonder the pressure to be skinny has overtaken one of their own. Hopefully Allegra can recover from her illness and hopefully this ordeal will finally make fashion industry leaders realize their unrealistic standards are causing casualties and an extremely unhealthy perception of body image by women everywhere.

For more on this story visit ThinkFashion.com.

Nicole Richie Hypoglycemic

2007-03-22T13:27:00Z

Nicole Richie is reportedly being treated for hypoglycemia. According to People magazine The Simple Life star has being diagnosed with low blood sugar just weeks after she was hospitalized for dehydration.

Hypoglycemia is a condition that causes glucose levels in the blood to suddenly drop. In many cases this is caused by a poor diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. This condition causes numerous symptoms including fatigue and dizziness. Nicole has apparently suffered fainting spells in recent months.

Nicole’s diagnosis of low blood sugar explains her behavior over the past year. Individuals who suffer from hypoglycemia can experience depression, mood swings, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns…and abnormal weight. Could it be that Nicole Richie did not suffer from an eating disorder after all? Could her dramatic weight loss be attributed to a simple undiagnosed blood sugar condition? Perhaps this is a convenient explanation from Nicole’s reps to put her in a more favorable spotlight. Only her doctors know for sure.

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie at Fat Camp

2007-03-20T13:24:00Z

Yes, it’s true; Paris and Nicole are headed for fat camp. No, they are not taking part in a diet; it’s much worse than that. They are going to be running a program as camp counselors.

According to US Weekly, which apparently got the bizarre news from E!, the skinny blondes will be taking on the roles for the fifth season of The Simple Life. The girls will spend one week teaching a diet and fitness program to overweight girls at a camp somewhere in the Southern California Mountains.

Does anyone else think that the producers of this “reality” show have gone a little too far this time? Obviously they are playing on the irony of the situation – Nicole spent time in rehab after admitting to suffering from an eating disorder while Paris, who undoubtedly has never suffered from weight problems in her life, marketed a giant hamburger for Carl’s Jr. Kudos to Nicole for getting help for her problem, but there are other issues that make her a poor role model a group of young girls. This ditzy duo could inflict serious damage on a group of vulnerable young girls who are likely struggling with self esteem issues along with weight problems.

Of course, the producers of The Simple Life can’t take all the blame. What camp director in their right mind would actually think that this scheme is a good idea? This is a show that uses twisted humor and shock value to attract audiences. The odds are pretty good that at some point during the week something cruel or inappropriate will be said by either Nicole or Paris. Either that or they will try to teach the girls to pole dance for the fitness segment of the program. Seriously, couldn’t the show’s creators come up with a more appropriate theme for the next season? Maybe they could film a crossover episode with Jack Ass.

TrimSpa Starts New Ad Campaign

2007-03-14T13:02:00Z

Troubled diet pill maker TrimSpa has announced that it will no longer be using celebrity endorsements to peddle its product. The company plans to use regular members of the public for its future campaigns.

TrimSpa already has a new commercial in the works – the first since the death of spokesperson Anna Nicole Smith, who died in February. The former Playboy model claimed to have lost 68 pounds in less than a year by taking the weight loss drug. The newest ad campaign will feature numerous before and after photos of people who have reportedly lost weight by using TrimSpa. The unique aspect of this campaign is that the commercials can’t be skipped or fast forwarded with devices like TiVo. Viewers will either have to sit through it or take a bathroom break.

Until now, TrimSpa has been keeping a relatively low profile. Aside from earlier allegations about the diet pill’s possible role in Anna Nicole’s death, the company is also in the midst of a lawsuit brought on the United States Federal Trade Commission for allegedly making false claims about the safety and effectiveness of its product.

Celebrity Secrets to Losing Baby Weight

2007-03-13T12:55:00Z

Losing baby weight is the biggest weight loss challenge of many women’s lives. We look at celebrity moms who drop 30 or 40 pounds two months after giving birth and think, how do they do it? It’s certainly no miracle. These high profile mommies enlist a personal trainer and, in many cases, a personal chef almost as soon as the baby pops out.

Online gossip magazine SheKnows.com collected quotes from popular entertainment magazines to reveal how some of these Hollywood stars shed the baby bellies. Some methods may be beyond our reach – Denise Richard had portion-controlled meals delivered to her house – but some of the tips could quite easily be followed by the rest of us “average moms”.

Actresses Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner lost their baby weight by cutting out high carb foods like muffins, pasta and breads and took to eating more fish and chicken. Some celebs, like Jenny McCarthy, followed weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers to gradually drop the excess pounds. Most new celebrity mommies, like Gwen Stefani, challenged themselves with rigorous workout routines that included jogging, cardio equipment and yoga classes. Interestingly, and perhaps most telling, was the fact that most of the Hollywood women quoted revealed that breastfeeding helped them lose the majority of their weight.

Kate Winslet Wins Tabloid Lawsuit

2007-03-12T13:47:00Z

Kate Winslet has always been upfront about her weight and now she has a court case victory to prove it, according to a Scottish news source. The curvaceous star took Britain’s Grazia magazine to court after it reported that she had visited diet doctor Yi Pan to help her lose weight. Kate was awarded 10,000 euros after London’s High Court found that she had visited the doctor for a neck injury but had not, in fact, received weight loss counseling. Kate donated the winnings to a charity that tackles eating disorders.

This lawsuit is not only a victory for the 32-year-old actress, it’s a victory for every woman who embraces her curves and is trying to win acceptance into a world that overrun with propaganda touting skinny as the only beautiful body image. With role models like Kate standing up for the “real woman” maybe the rest of the world will finally clue in that we don’t need to starve ourselves to be beautiful and sexy.

The Skinny on Star Jones

2007-03-09T14:18:00Z

For the few people who do not sneak a guilty peek at the gossip rags at the checkout counter of the grocery store, there is a new Star Jones Reynolds in town! We all remember the Star we watched on The View, who lost over one hundred pounds before her wedding to banker Al Scales Reynolds. Star first attributed the dramatic weight loss to diet and exercise, but later admitted to “medical intervention.”

Just this week the former talk show host announced a new venture – she will host a celebrity style justice show on Court TV. This isn’t a surprising move for the outspoken diva. Before taking on The View she was an assistant district attorney in New York City. What is surprising is her new image. If you though Star was slim before you should see her now! Star is sporting a super thin body that rivals Kelly Rowlands, and it begs the question, how did it happen? The new Star is also sporting glasses and a chic new hair cut – very New York attorney!

Is it a coincidence that Star Jones has vamped up her image at the same time as she announced a new television show? Very doubtful. As for what her former co-hosts think of her transformation, Joy Behar had this to say on yesterday’s episode of The View: “Star Jones has finally become a skinny ***.”

Shaq to Fight against Childhood Obesity

2007-03-07T15:23:00Z

Proponents in the fight against childhood obesity have just gained a new teammate. Shaquille O’Neal has announced that he will help launch a reality show to help overweight children.

The Miami Heat basketball star will appear in six episodes of the untitled ABC show, which is being modeled after Britain’s reality weight loss show, Ian Wright’s Unfit Kids. The show will feature elementary and junior high school students in Florida. The focus of the show will be to help children live more active and healthy lifestyles. It will air this summer.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. More than 10 percent of children in Florida are overweight. Children who are overweight or obese are at a much greater risk of health conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as shorter life spans.

Shaq is the perfect spokesperson for this cause because is a father of six children and a role model and idol to many other children. He deserves big kudos for taking on the challenge.

Celebs Rebound from Breakups with Weight Loss

2007-03-01T13:54:00Z

Hollywood's hottest actresses are not taking their latest breakups lying down, according to the February 19 issue of US Weekly. More than a half dozen beautiful celebrities are getting even with their exes by looking sexy.

Drew Barrymore reportedly dropped 20 pounds after splitting with long-time boyfriend Fabrizio Moretti. She toned up her body by running five miles per day and by eating lean meats, vegetables and cereal. Hollywood sweetheart Reese Witherspoon reportedly slimmed down by running and practicing yoga. She has taken on a diet of high fiber foods and fish.

Kate Hudson has experienced more than her share of hurt after splitting with husband Chris Robinson, of the Black Crowes, in August 2006 and then broke up with new boyfriend Owen Wilson a few months later. Instead of locking herself in a room with a box of Krispy Kremes, Kate took action. She reportedly lost 10 pounds by running daily, taking strip aerobics classes and chowing down on sushi and fresh produce.

These stars prove to us underlings that breakups are not the end of the world and we can use the opportunity to get a fresh, and much healthier start. The truth is, eating healthier and exercising help to make us feel better about ourselves and life in general. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain that help us to feel calm and blissful. Fiber-rich foods release serotonin that makes us feel happy. So before you open a tub of Ben and Jerry's and get ready for a sob fest, reach for a bowl of fruit or a bran muffin instead and get on with life.

Prince Charles Calls for a Ban of McDonald's Food

2007-02-28T18:06:00Z

Prince Charles took a swipe at the world's largest fast food franchise during a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates. During a speaking engagement at the Imperial College London Diabetes Center in Abu Dhabi, the prince, known as an outspoken health advocate, suggested that the emirates should ban McDonald's.

The emirates have one the world's highest number of cases of diabetes. Approximately 40 percent of the population is at risk of developing the disease. The seven emirates bank the Arab Peninsula and are fast becoming popular tourist destinations because of warm weather and beautiful sandy beaches. There are already 25 McDonald's franchises located throughout the federation.

While banning fast food establishments from countries that are just beginning to open their doors to them may seem like a practical solution, it is not very realistic. Countries that depend on tourism are not likely to ban companies that could potentially help the economy.

The remarks made by Prince Charles may not have been well thought out, but they are not exactly surprising. The prince is a big proponent of healthy eating and even created an organic farm. His work to promote proper nutrition is admirable but perhaps he needs to look into more viable options for change.

America Ferrera Embraces Her Curves

2007-02-27T13:53:00Z

Ugly Betty star America Ferrera is anything but ugly, but admits to trying just about every diet ever invented in an attempt to lose weight. The 22-year-old star revealed to In Touch magazine that since she began her role as Betty she has quit trying fad diets and now loves her curvaceous figure.

America said she eats healthy, runs and practices yoga to maintain her weight. The stress of starring in a hit television show also helps to keep the pounds off. Nutritionists and weight loss experts certainly wouldn't recommend the "stress diet" for weight loss, and in fact stress causes most people to gain weight. America has to be commended, however, for flaunting her curves and making women aware that you do not need to be a stick figure to be a successful celebrity.

For practical weight loss solutions check out Maintenance Diets at DietNation.com

Kate Winslet Speaks Out About Hollywood's Weight Obsession

2007-02-22T14:01:00Z

Kate Winslet is the most recent actor to speak out about her battle with weight and bash the film industry's obsession with skinniness. The curvaceous beauty revealed to Britain's Daily Mail that she was teased about her weight as a teenager and turned to unhealthy measures to shed the excess pounds.

The 31-year-old star, famous for her roles in Titanic and Finding Neverland, spoke candidly about using laxatives for three months during her early acting days to fit the Hollywood image. Now, as mom and role model to the majority of girls and women who can't achieve the size zero waif-like figure, Kate embraces her curves. She focuses on nutrition rather than drastic dieting measures to manage her weight and refused to get skinny for her role in the acclaimed film Little Children.

Voluptuous actors seem to be taking back the power in Hollywood by speaking out against industry standards for weight, and it's about time. If more A-list celebrities like Kate condemned the current unhealthy measure of beauty maybe the trend would pass.

Alison Sweeney to Host The Biggest Loser

2007-02-21T17:43:00Z

The celebrity edition of The Biggest Loser is going to be a lot more fun to watch now that soap opera super star Alison Sweeney has agreed to host. The sassy actor plays the notoriously evil Sami on Days of Our Lives and will continue with her role on the show while she tapes episodes of the reality show this spring.

The Biggest Loser challenges participants to lose weight through supervised dieting and exercise. The participant who loses the most weight by the end of the challenge wins $250,000. In the celebrity edition, overweight actors and musicians face off to knock off as many excess pounds as possible.

Sweeney herself has struggled with her weight throughout her life and acting career. She documented her battled to lose weight in her bestselling book All the Days of My Life (So Far), which was released in 2004.

Liv Tyler's Weight Loss Secret - Don't Diet

2007-02-20T13:26:00Z

After so much media attention on size zero actresses in recent months Glamour magazine's article about Liv Tyler can only be described as a breath of fresh air. In the February edition Liv discussed her lifelong battle with weight and her constant need to diet to fit the Hollywood ideal of what an actress should look like.

Liv said that after the birth of her son Milo in 2004 her perspective changed. She stopped dieting and stopped caring as much about her weight. She put all her focus on raising Milo. Even now as she works to put out two films this down to earth actress refuses to starve herself to fit into the size zero mold. Instead she has hired a personal chef who cooks up plenty of fresh vegetables and lean proteins and has managed to lose 10 pounds without depriving herself in the least.

Liv is the role model young girls should be paying attention to rather than the young starlets who are willing to sacrifice anything, not least of all their health, to be super skinny. While most of us won't be hiring a personal chef any time soon Liv is simply adopting healthy eating habits that any one of us should be able to follow. Thank you Liv for reminding Hollywood that you can be healthy and still be stunningly beautiful.