Many cereal grains contain an assortment of protein bits known as “gluten�. It has been estimated that gluten intolerance (a.k.a. celiac disease) affects more than 1 million Americans.

Even in very small amounts, gluten can cause intestinal damage in people with celiac disease. Unfortunately, there is no viable cure for this malady. So what can you do?

Fortunately, gluten intolerance can be controlled by eating a gluten-free diet. And while many stores carry gluten-free foods, read labels carefully, because sources of gluten are not always apparent. (more…)

“I haven’t weighed myself lately, but the pants keep sliding off now, which is awesome!” the ‘NSync alum turned TV host (of NBC’s The Singing Bee) gushed to Us Weekly after shrinking two sizes this spring. (more…)

Gwen Stefani says she had to work hard to shed about 40 pregnancy pounds after son Kingston was born in May 2006, but the results are worth it! (more…)

Continued from The Best Weight Loss Program.

Roadblock 4 I fear I’ll only burn calories if I work out like a fiend.

Success Strategy Strap on a pedometer, start counting steps, lose weight.

Your gym workout is important. But just as critical are the fitness opportunities life throws your way, like not being able to find a parking space anywhere near your building or cleaning up the trash your dog regarded as an all-you-can-eat buffet. (more…)

When Marissa Jaret Winokur hit the July 10 premiere of Hairspray, she had a lot to celebrate:

Besides the musical’s return to the big screen (she starred in the Broadway smash hit), she got to flaunt her new body. “I’ve lost 60 pounds!” she says. “No gimmicks, no quick tricks.”

Marissa lost her weight the old-fashioned way: with sweat and determination. “I hike, play tennis, swim laps and do Cardio Bar,” she says, referring to the fitness class. (more…)

As young women head toward middle age, the amount of physical activity they do drops by 15 percent and their weight rises by 21 percent over a two-decade period, according to initial research from Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California. (more…)

Is there a downside to diet sodas? Is diet soda bad for you? Diet soda may be good for your weight, but those sugar-free sodas are not doing your smile any favors.

Although sugary beverages are worse for your teeth, a new study shows that some diet versions cause more damage than water or plain iced tea.

“Many contain phosphoric or citric acid or both, which can erode tooth enamel,â€? says Poonam Jain, D.D.S., director of community dentistry at Southern Illinois University. (more…)

Continued from Marissa Jaret Winokur: Weight Loss.

Breakfast Marissa gives oatmeal a kick by adding fruit. As for java fix? “I’ll have one cup of coffee but not gallons,� she says.

Lunch A small salad with protein and a drizzle of low-fat dressing is super filling. Marissa satisfies her sweet tooth with grapes or an apple. (more…)