The other day I happened to be flipping through TV channels and came upon The Dr Oz Show.

For the most part, I like Dr. Oz – I think he’s hip, current and above all he explains things to people in ways that are easily understandable. BUT I will tell you that this particular episode left me disappointed, disgusted and frankly pissed off!

This particular show’s topic was centered on the subject of women’s backsides and how to reduce the size of a woman’s butt. Dr. Oz had a stage filled with women who all gave the reasons why they hated their above average sized butts and what they’d done to try to conceal or reduce them throughout the years.

Here’s a clip.

But it’s what happened next that truly astounded me – Dr. Oz recommended that the women eat 275 grams of carbohydrates per day, and according to him, doing so would help reduce their butt fat! But that’s not all – he went on to say they could consume all types of carbs including whole-wheat rolls filled with mashed potatoes! Are you freakin’ kidding me?

This show and the information given out was in my opinion wrong on so many levels that I’m literally beside myself. Lets start with the fact that every woman on his stage was considerably overweight and in fact some were even obese. Yet they somehow ended up on a show that discussed only booty fat. How about the fact that nearly all of the women had a minimum of 30 pounds to lose? I mean seriously, the stage looked like a Biggest Loser weigh-in, with all the participants wearing spandex shorts and T–shirts. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that these women have excess fat all over their body, don’t exercise or eat well, and need full body help, not just on their backsides! Come on!

Second, to suggest that eating mashed potatoes, pastas, breads and other refined carbohydrates are the way to weight loss is absurd. What is this, the early 80’s diet plan? Especially in the quantities the good Doctor suggested – 275 grams? That’s nearly 1200 calories per day of just carbohydrates, before calories from fats and proteins are even added. I don’t even eat that many carbohydrates. To add insult to injury Dr. Oz said the ladies also needed to reduce their fat intake to compensate for the extra sugars, and that this would facilitate fat loss. Listen, I know he has an MD, but Dr. Oz is off his rocker on this one!

Later the famous doc went on to share his magic recipe for Derriere Diet Butt-Busting Brownies that also allegedly target butt fat. Wanna know what’s in them? Well we have milk, oats, raisins, cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Okay and…? What’s so butt busting about that recipe? Yes it’s true cayenne pepper is known to have thermic qualities, meaning it raises body temperature and cinnamon does help regulate blood sugar levels. But to suggest eating these brownies targets butt fat is simply ridiculous.

Bizarrely at no point during the segment did Dr Oz stress the importance of a healthy lifestyle; diet, exercise, reducing calories and how to keep your insulin levels stable. In fact the doc’s actually a bit hypocritical, because later in the episode he revealed how a particular brand of sugar (one he’s endorsing actually), keeps blood sugar levels more stable than regular table sugar, which helps keep your energy consistent and is better for weight management. Yet he just told a stage filled with overweight women to eat pasta, mashed potatoes and rolls! Surely those aren’t low on the glycemic index and convert to sugar fairly quickly. So which is it Doc?

Here are the facts. We know that carbohydrate management is key to weight loss and that by taking in lower amounts of carbs, more of the body’s fat will be utilized for fuel. The reason is simple – carbohydrates are fuel and if you supply them to the body in ample amounts, your body will have no reason to use fat for fuel. Plus lower levels of sugars will also keep insulin levels low and prevent excess fat storage. Dr. Oz’s proposal not only goes against the grain, but it defies logic and rationale.

What bothers me most is that I’d bet Dr. Oz doesn’t eat 1,200 calories of carbohydrates per day, or his mashed potato sandwich. Yet he’s suggesting his audience give them a go. That’s just plain wrong in my view. My fear is that woman all across the nation watched this episode and are now eating tons of carbohydrates thinking it’ll make them thinner. It won’t.

I do like Dr. Oz, and I actually think he knows this is bad information. Everything else aside, even the suggestion that eating certain foods will specifically target your butt fat is nothing more than a fairy tale. You don’t need an MD after your name to know that.

But what do you think? Are you a Dr Oz fan? Have you seen a recent news or health story that left you speechless? Comment away…

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All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

Hold your horses people! I didn’t say it!

Nope, as you’ve probably heard by now it was famed Chanel front man Karl Lagerfeld, who in a recent article in the UK  said the multi-platinum singer was ‘a little too fat’.

Of course what I want to know is: Who cares what Karl Lagerfeld thinks?

I mean seriously, have you seen this guy? He’s hardly in a position to be calling people out on looks! What bothers me most is that Karl goes on to say, “but she has a beautiful face”… meaning what? That her body makes her less attractive or less appealing? Look, I’m in the fitness industry and yet when I see Adele I see a beautiful woman with amazing pipes.

That said let’s be honest here, Adele IS overweight and I am concerned by the health implications stemming from her weight. I actually feel a bit sad because someone so young with such incredible talent should be healthier and taking care of herself. But seriously I’m a little tired of people being targeted because of their weight.

Now, before you go and call me a hypocrite let me explain. Yes, I’ve made comments regarding Christina Aguilera’s weight,  Janet Jackson being a spokesperson for Nutri-System  and Kirstie Alley endorsing 100 days of dancing.  And of course there are many other posts I’ve written on the subject of celebrity weight and exercise. But in all of those cases, weight wasn’t the issue – it was the celebrity element / endorsement that drove me crazy!

If Adele’s trainer were to come out and say that she purposely trains to look the way she does (as Christina’s did), then you can bet I’d have something to say about it. Although in truth, it does bother me a bit that Adele says she likes her curves because it means she can indulge. To me that sends the wrong message to her fans (and isn’t true!)

You can indulge even if you’re of normal weight, plus if you exercise you’ve bought yourself a little more freedom when it comes to food. In fact I know that I probably cheat more on my diet than many people who struggle with their weight. The problem isn’t indulging, it’s how much of it we engage in. The reality is for most people, if you’re overweight you simply eat too much. Period. Now I’m NOT talking about those who suffer with medical conditions, weight gain from medications or thyroid related issues.

Now back to Lagerfeld. Who cares what this guy’s opinion is? I can assure you Adele certainly doesn’t care what this old man thinks. He infers that she’d be more successful if she were thinner. I say no way, she’s a brilliant singer and I don’t think she’d sell one record more (or less) if she were a different weight. In fact she’s the first British singer to spend 16 weeks at number one on the US charts. As Adele says, she makes music for the ears – not eyes.

I’m not saying that overweight people, famous or not, are making good choices. Because we know they’re not. There is conclusive evidence that links being just 10 pounds heavier to health risks like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and a whole lot more. If you want to say Adele should be worried about her health, then go ahead, I’m with you all the way. And there are rumors that she smokes – that’s not good for her health either. But if you’re going to make fun of her and call her fat like a 3^rd grader, I’m just going to call you a jerk!

But what do you think of Lagerfeld’s comments? Do you think Adele should lose weight? Or is she great just the way she is? Fire away…

All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

If you’ve been following me, you know I love to use words like ridiculous, insane and ludicrous. Well today’s story fits them to perfection!

Today it’s been widely reported  that celebrity junk-food chef Paula Dean has diabetes, and has now signed a multi million dollar deal to represent a diabetes drug. Say what?

Over the years Deen has come under considerable scrutiny for her high fat, high calorie recipes and her terrible food recommendations, especially for kids. This is a woman who suggests cooking deep fried butter balls! In 2009, Barbara Walters asked Paula how she could suggest kids eat cheesecake for breakfast or chocolate cake and meatloaf for lunch. Clearly Paula Deen is a fabulous role model wouldn’t you say?

Okay, I know what many of people will say, “You don’t have to eat her food or follow her suggestions”. And I totally agree. While I may be repulsed at the food Deen cooks and how she markets it, at the end of the day we all make out own choices what to eat. But for Paula to now become a spokesperson for a diabetes drug is just plain wrong in my opinion. I have a great idea – how about Paula starts to eat better and exercise instead? What about that? Then maybe she wouldn’t even need meds.

Listen, I don’t want to make light of Paula’s condition – but the truth is that many cases of diabetes are the direct result of poor food choices – food like the high fat, sugar, sodium and fried crap Paula Deen cooks. And there are also many instances of people who find they don’t need medical intervention to help with their condition simply because they became more active and started eating more nutritious foods. Why Paula isn’t trying this obvious remedy first escapes me.

Well actually it doesn’t. I suspect I know exactly why Paula ia taking meds – because it’s easy and she’s getting paid a lot of money to lend her name to the medication. How’s that for a message – don’t change how you eat, don’t go to the root of the cause, don’t try to be healthier, just Band-Aid and cover up your bad choices with a pill! And we wonder why the rest of the world views Americans as lazy.

Seriously, unless Paula goes on TV and admits that her past way of eating was terrible, and that she brought this on herself, I’ll have ZERO respect for her. This is a golden opportunity for someone in the public eye to send a positive message, and teach others how not to make the same mistakes they have. But I’m not holding my breath.

To be clear, I’m NOT saying exercise is a cure for diabetes, but in almost all cases it certainly helps. Deen may very well need meds no matter what she does, but in my mind you should always try the non-medical remedy first.

I wish Paula all the best and hope she gets better but I do wish she was using her platform in a different way.

Edit 1/16/2012 It’s been brought to my attention that I may have offended some people with type 1 diabetes by not specifying the different types of this disease and its causes. There are two types, Type 1 and Type 2. What Paula Dean has been diagnosed with is Type 2, or adult onset diabetes, which in many cases, not all, is a direct resut of poor diet and lack of exercise. Type 1 is a genetic issue, and is no way a reflection of the persons lifestyle, result of bad food or lack of exercise. My point was that more than likely, Paula Dean, through her own poor food choices has most likely caused this condition with her own actions. With that clarified, I still stand by my other thoughts and think it’s absurd for her to promote diabetes meds.

But what about you? Do you think Paula Deen should be a spokesperson for a diabetes drug? Do you ever cook her foods? And is she sending a bad message out to America? Comment away…

All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.

I’ve talked about Kirstie Alley many times before here on the site – and there’s no denying that she looks amazing these days – fit and trim.

Kirstie won America’s heart – and respect – when she lost 100 pounds and was runner up on Dancing With The Stars. I can tell you that it’s no small feat at any age to do what Kirstie did, let alone as a 60-year-old woman! My only concern for Kirstie is whether she can keep the weight off – we all know she has a history of yo-yo weight loss and gain – a pattern I’ve discussed before at Angry Trainer Fitness.

Well now it seems that Kirstie is issuing a challenge of sorts in an effort to get people moving and to help them lose weight. On the People magazine website, Alley states that beginning on New Years Day, she’ll be dancing for 1–2 hours per day, for 100 days straight. And she wants you to join her!

So will Kirstie’s plan help people shape up? Uh-oh, I feel an Angry rant coming on…!

Here’s the thing, Kirstie of all people knows that in order for a fitness program to be successful, it has to be a realistic plan, and it can’t be excessive. But what’s she’s suggesting here is totally contradictory to intelligent fitness planning. Whenever someone goes full force in one direction, the likelihood is that they’ll eventually quit because the plan isn’t sustainable. Where are the rest days in this plan, or other modes of exercise? Where is the progression from dancing for 10 or 15 minutes per day and working up to an hour, or two? And who wants to dance for two hours per day, everyday? How boring.

I remember Kirstie on Dancing With The Stars, where she talked about how hard the dancing was in the beginning and how tired and sore it made her. Yet Alley expects people to just get up and dance 1 -2 hours per day for 100 days? That doesn’t make much sense does it? And let’s assume that people could actually stick with this program and get results. What happens when the 100 days are up? Whoever stuck with the plan is now a slave to it and will have trouble readjusting to a new, more realistic regime.

Even more infuriatingly, Kirstie says in the piece, “People don’t have to do monotonous, zombie workouts that are boring”, inferring that dance is better and more entertaining than other forms of exercise. While I agree that with bad instruction or lack of direction some exercise programs can feel that way, the truth is that no form of exercise, when performed correctly, should be boring. Personally I’d find dancing for 2 hours per day for 100 days boring!

Later Kirstie says, “The thing about dancing is that it’s free and you can do it anywhere and any time”. To which I say – as opposed to what? I can workout anywhere, anytime too, and with more freedom actually. I don’t even need equipment – with just my bodyweight I can get an incredible workout, indoors, out, whether it’s hot or cold, in the woods, my house, or in a gym. The fact is, with certain dance you CAN’T perform them anywhere – you need a certain amount of space and the surfaces need to be level and smooth.

Listen, I get where Kirstie is going and I know her intentions are good. She obviously found something in dancing that worked well for her when other programs had fallen short. So now she’s showing her passion. But I’d never suggest only one form of exercise for anyone.

Sure dancing burns calories and you may develop a bit of muscle tone in your legs. I’ve taken Zumba/Latin Dance and it’s no joke. But it’s also not a complete workout. Certainly our population of deconditioned individuals need more structure in a fitness plan. Plus many people have injuries, whether with their back, feet, knees etc – and for them dance is not ideal. Personally I would have liked to have seen other forms of exercise included in Kirstie’s plan and a more realistic challenge. In my opinion 5 days per week of dancing at 45 minutes to an hour would be plenty for most people and a great goal for people to aim for. Unfortunately what Kirstie is proposing is just too much.

But hey, that’s the Angry Trainer way of thinking.

 What do you think? Is 1–2 hours of dancing for 100 days straight a good plan? Do you think dancing is a good way to get fit? Comment away…

Another day, another celebrity fitness story!

Today at The Huffington Post , there’s a story about Stacy Keibler, ex-WWE Diva, Dancing With The Stars contestant and the girlfriend of George Clooney, who’s plugging a new fitness video game for the Xbox.

The product in question is the Xbox Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 game and the Huff Post headline suggest it’s how Stacy stays in shape. As part of the piece Stacy is interviewed by Entertainment Tonight where she demonstrates how to use the game and explains why she’s a fan.

As you may have noticed in recent years video games consoles have exploded onto the market place with numerous virtual exercise games, designed to get people fit and moving right in the comfort of their own home. But is a video game really how Stacy stays fit and got those amazing legs? Doubtful I’d say.

Now to be fair – and in Keibler’s defense – at no point during the accompanying video does Stacy attribute her health and fitness to the video game. She says she’s used it a “few times” at home but when you see her actually demo the game, it’s quite clear she hasn’t used it all that much. Stacy looks a bit uncoordinated, her timing isn’t so great and her kickboxing side-kick, well…it leaves a bit to be desired.

The ET interviewer asks Stacy how she decides what products to endorse, and she answers that she likes things that get people up off the couch and moving. Keibler then goes into a product pitch about how great and varied the games are, and how they help people who are unsure of which method of exercise they like best. According to Stacy, if you use this game you don’t have to buy a gym membership or commit to personal training sessions, just select the exercises you like and workout at home. Sounds easy, right?

I’ll agree that in theory this makes sense, IF you use the game. But how many of us have treadmills or exercise equipment in the house collecting dust? Simply owning exercise equipment or a game console doesn’t guarantee anyone will use it. I think that’s the main difference between going to a gym and trying to work out in your house. If you make it to the gym, chances are you’ll at least be doing something. Plus if you find a competent class instructor or trainer, they’ll help correct your form or notice imbalances in your form. A game can’t do that.

But what I find most interesting is the use of a celebrity once again to sell fitness to the masses. I know Stacy is an ex WWE wrestler, and she undoubtedly works out, but why not have a well-known coach, trainer, or at least someone in the fitness industry plug this product – someone with real authority and fitness credibility? To me the idea that Keibler stays fit using a video game is silly. I’m not saying that this game or similar products don’t have value – I think they actually can. But the choice of spokesperson is wrong in my opinion, as I just don’t find her credible to be repping a fitness product. To me she’s more of a model than an athlete, just as WWE is more about putting on a show than a real sport.

I totally understand that companies use stars to try and sell products or in the case of TV shows, boost ratings. But I also think that credibility counts for a lot. I mean look what happened when The Biggest Loser hired Anna Kournikova as a trainer – she failed miserably. Why? Because she’s not a trainer! Just as Keibler isn’t a fitness authority.

I suppose it’s a good thing that Stacy is using her celebrity power to spread the word on fitness and health, but I can’t help feeling that her real motivation here is a paycheck!

But what do you think? Do you think Stacy Keibler is a good ambassador for fitness? Would you buy a fitness product because she endorses it? Comment away…

When it comes to fitness advice who do YOU listen to – aside from The Angry Trainer of course?

Is it Jillian Michaels, Jackie Warner, Gunnar Petersen… or how about 50 Cent?

Yep, earlier today I read on The Huffington Post  that Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent, is set to release a fitness book in early 2012.

Titled ‘Formula 50: A 6-Week Total Body Transformation Plan’, the book is co-written by Jeff O’Connell, who happens to be the editor-in-chief of Bodybuilding.com. There aren’t a whole lot of details available as to just what 50 will be preaching, but given the co-authors title, I’m sure the book will focus heavily on weight training, with nutrition advice and sample programs.

So how do I feel about this? On the one hand I’m wondering if I should write a book on how to become a rapper! Don’t worry I’m not. But on the other, I think it’s great that 50 Cent is doing something positive with his fame. In fact he recently launched an energy drink called Street King that provides a meal to a child in need for each one sold. I’ve tried the drink and I have to say I do like it (and of course it’s all in a great cause)

But should you take fitness advice from someone in the music industry, or any celebrity for that matter? If someone isn’t a personal trainer what right do they have to tell you how to workout?

I’m always skeptical when it comes to celebrities preaching fitness but in this case I actually think 50 Cent’s book might be worth reading – and here’s why. Usually I call out celebs for preaching fitness info or selling workout DVD’s when they clearly have no clue what they’re talking about and wouldn’t know their way around the gym with a guide (hello, Kim Kardashian). But I do think Curtis knows his stuff, or at least his way around the weight room. One look at his body and it’s evident he’s been pumping iron – and most likely eating well – for quite some time. After all, his physique is one of the best in the celebrity world, and he’s worked out at the Workout Loft with trainer Joe DiAngelo (who was Angry Trainer Approved earlier in the year.)

At the end of the day 50 Cent isn’t selling some crappy ‘get 6-pack abs in weeks’ machine like Mr. Dimples himself, Mario Lopez. Mario lost all credibility with me when he put his name on that contraption.

Of course I’ll reserve my final judgment until I see the actual book but I have a feeling I know what Formula 50 is going to say. It’ll most likely be filled with traditional weight training exercises, programs and schedules to follow and sound nutrition advice for losing weight and gaining muscle. BodyBuilding.com is a highly respected website that’s full of great information, with an esteemed panel of experts. There’s no way they’d sign on to a project unless it was going to give out practical, real information.

Often celebrity names are just used to sell a product and attract attention, with the real hard work being done by others behind the scenes. But as I say 50 Cent works out and is using his fame to help others get in shape and eat healthy – so good luck to him.

Hmm, I wonder if he’ll sign a copy “To The Angry Trainer” when the book comes out?

But what do you think? Would you buy a fitness book authored by 50 Cent? What celebrities DO you and DON’T you listen to when it comes to hawking healthy products. Mario Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, L.L. Cool J… who is the real deal? Comment away…