"Pawn Stars" star Austin "Chumlee" Russell is half the man he used to be thanks to rigorous dieting. The formerly obese Las Vegas pawnbroker from the History Channel has shaved nearly 100 pounds off without surgery. Chumlee revealed his diet secrets and they include a lot of common sense thinking.
His jaw-dropping weight loss means that "Pawn Stars may need to retitle itself the "Biggest Losers." Between Chumlee and fellow cast member Corey Harrison, they've lost a scale-tipping 300 pounds! 

Summer diet dessert recipe: Food swaps to cut calories, burn fat, curb cravings

The number of obese people is growing, that's probably no surprise. Scarily, morbid obesity is getting more common. Not only are more people fat than ever before, they are fatter than ever. Kids especially are having weight problems younger. I've lost 100 pounds and I feel the pain of gaining weight and the struggle to take it off. I know that deprivation dieters feel, especially at parties. Summer picnics are difficult too.

So here are decadently diet desserts to lose weight, burn fat and curb cravings. That's not an oxymoron. You really can have your cake and eat it too. You can diet and still enjoy Memorial Day, graduation open houses, weddings, showers, Father's Day, baptisms, weddings, 4th of July. Use these food swaps to cut calories, burn fat and curb sweets cravings.  Summer diet dessert recipe: Food swaps to cut calories, burn fat, curb cravings

Lower LDL Cholesterol Naturally Drug-free with Greek Yogurt

Need to lower your LDL cholesterol? Want to do it without drugs? I got mine down to normal with diet. One change I made was eating more Greek yogurt. Yogurt and kefir (fermented yogurt drink) have long been used in the Mediterranean world for health.

One 8 ounce serving of plain skim milk Greek yogurt contains zero fat, is low in cholesterol, high in acidophilus and provides 20+ grams of protein. Nutrition Data (click here) shows that one cup of plain skim milk yogurt contains 45%  RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of calcium., a mineral women and elderly don't often get in sufficient quantities.

Acidophilus or bifidus (l. bifidum), is good bacteria which restores healthy flora to the digestive tract. It's especially important to eat it after taking antibiotics which kill all bacteria, good and bad. Yogurt is an excellent source of acidophilus, l. bulgaricus and l. thermophilus, other healthy live bacteria cultures.

The popular Mediterranean Diet, based on the dietary foods pyramid Mediterranean region dwellers, relies on yogurt and kefir as diet staples. For those working to reduce triglycerides and LDL (low density level lipoproteins) or 'bad' cholesterol, yogurt is an excellent dairy substitute. Being fermented, it helps clean clogged arteries. To get the most health benefit, choose Greek yogurt or kefir skim or lowfat.

Plain yogurt substitutes for cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, cheese spreads, shredded cheese and milk in cooking and baking. Bake with plain yogurt in breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, cream pies, muffins and donuts, in place of milk. Blend into dressings and sauces. For snacks, blend with honey or raw sugar. Add salt and vanilla for to substitute for frosting, topping or icing.

  One of my children's favorite treats was dip made by blending peanut butter and plain yogurt half and half. Now I used PB2 peanut powder. Dip fruits, vegetables, crackers, pretzels and other salty snacks. If you prefer a sweeter dip, add honey, raw sugar, pure maple syrup or blue agave syrup. Cinnamon, ginger or cardamom make tasty add-ins for yogurt-peanut butter dip.

  For more great food and health tips, visit my blog www.greatfood4u.blogspot.com.

I Lost 100 Pounds and So Can You with These Not-So-Obvious Diet Tips

Are you sick to death of hearing about counting calories and exercise to lose weight? You want to scream "Pardon me, Sherlock, but no schlitz! Tell me something I DON'T know!" Okay I will. I lost 100 pounds (<---photo 2010, ---->2014). And though diet and exercise are important, it's about a LOT. If you need to lose weight, try these diet tips that go beyond the obvious, to the root of successful weight loss.  Lost 100 Pounds and You Can Too With These Less Obvious Diet Tip

10 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds Fast, with Safe Diet Tips

Want to shed winter belly fat? Spring's a good time. I've lost nearly 100 pounds using drug-free, non-surgical methods. Left photo is 2011 and right is 2014. Here are 10 ways to shed 10 pounds. So you need to lose more? Keep reading and you'll learn how.10 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds Fast, Safe Diet Tips 

Health Problems I Lost When I Dropped 98 Pounds

I've lost 98 pounds and dropped from size 18/20 to 3/4. Left photo (me far right) is from 2011. Left photo is Jan. 2014. I never had weight problems till I lost two stillborn babies, started early menopause at 41 and took the antidepressant Paxil (Health says Paxil can cause weight gain). Once I started getting fat, it snowballed. With 100 extra pounds, came added health problems. Since I've trimmed down and shed weight, I shed health issues, too. High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, pre-diabetes (insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome), liver swelling, high blood pressure, coordination, heart--here's how.  Health Problems I Lost When I Dropped 98 Pounds

Belly Fat to Flat, Foods To Add and Subtract Tummy

 I've lost 97 pounds and dropped from size 20 to size 3/ 4. I gained 100 pounds after losing two stillborn babies. I put on weight all over, but especially in the stomach. Belly fat has always been my nemesis. And it's pernicious, even since losing weight.

So I research what causes and cures belly fat. Some advice is contradictory, so I follow trusted physicians like Dr. Oz, and my personal experience. The trick is to avoid saturated fat, highly-inflammatory, sugary, salty and bloating foods. Eat healthy MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids), metabolism-boosters, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, fermented foods, vitamin C. Here's an A-Z guide of foods that add and subtract to tummy bulge.   Belly Fat or Flat, Foods That Boost and Burn Stomach Bulge 

How I Lost 96 Pounds, Dropped 10 BMI Points, 8 Sizes

I was a "chubby" child, but slim in high school and young adult life. Through four children, I stayed at 130 pounds. Then I lost two stillborn babies, started the antidepressant Paxil and put on over 100 pounds. In 2012, I started dieting with little success. Finally I hit on a working plan, lost 96 pounds and dropped eight sizes (20 to 4). I've shed most excess body fat and got my BMI to 24.7 from 34. Left is me 2010 and right  is March 2014. Here's how.  How I Lost 96 Pounds, 10 BMI Points and 8 Sizes

Artichoke Vitae Plus Fat Burner, Antioxidant, Super Food

I've been dieting for about 20 months and lost 96 pounds. I've trimmed fat from every part of my body and dropped from size 20 to 4. My BMI has gone 34 to 24.7 (normal). One way that I have kept the diet momentum going is to mix up what I do. Every time I hear about a new diet superfood or supplement on a reputable source (Dr. Oz is my go-to). I give it a try. Here's my newest find.Artichoke Vitae Plus Super Fat Burner, Antioxidant, Super Food - News - Bubblews

Diet Tips Just How Many Calories Should You Eat to Lose?

There's a plethora of information about how to lose weight. Most can be divided into "common sense" and "stupid and dangerous." But there are grey areas. Like calorie limit. Just how many calories should you eat per day? Depends on who you ask.

Most weight loss advisers use a BMI (body mass index) calculator to determine how much you should weigh. It factors height, weight and sometimes gender, age, body shape and clothing size (the good ones include those). I've lost 95 pounds. Here's my thoughts on calorie counting.Diet TIp Just How Many Calories Should I be Eating, Anyway?

Weight Loss Tip, Plan When to Eat, Not Just What

Dieting is very one-day-at-a-time. I've been doing it for about 20 months. Some days, I'm so sick of counting calories I want to scream. I'm always looking for ways to make dieting less tedious. I realized that it's as much about when I eat as what.

I've lost 95 pounds (left November 2013, right 2011) by allotting myself 1,350 calories a day. I eat six small meals and snacks. I eat breakfast within 30 minutes of rising (Dr. Oz recommendation). I've found that to have less trouble with hunger, I have to balance calories between meals and snacks. 300 for breakfast, lunch and dinner; 150 for snacks.   Diet Tip Plan When You Eat, Not Just What

Warning, Binges and Blowouts Make Dieting and Fasting Harder

I'm a Catholic: well not cradle Catholic-- I'm a convert. One thing I love about being Catholic is that we sure know how to celebrate life. Take Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras): it's a huge Catholic lollapalooza before the solemnity of Ash Wednesday and Lent.

All good Catholics, it seems gear up for the penitential season by overdoing it in the party season. I have my doubts about the wisdom of this. And this isn't just for Catholics. It's for everyone trying to lose weight. I have lost 95 pounds and take it from me. Fat Tuesday Feasting Makes Ash Wednesday Fasting Harder That's me now left and int 2010 right. Blowouts and binges make dieting exponentially harder. Just sayin.

Caffeine Free Water Pills for Weight Loss

I have noticed my weight loss slowed and stopped, even though I'm still dieting. A friend mentioned that I might be retaining water. As I'm out of menopause and no longer have monthly cycles, I didn't think that would be an issue. So I went looking for safe natural caffeine free diuretics. I found one by Sundown Naturals and cost only $3. With a $2 off coupon from Meijer, only a buck. It's primarily potassium with other good herbs like Uva Ursi, alfalfa, parsley, juniper, bucchu. Read on   Caffeine Free Water Pills for Weight Loss

Weight Loss Challenges--Maintenance Diet After Weight Loss

I write a lot about weight loss. Over the last 10 years, I put on 100 pounds. I went into menopause and everything went FUBAR. So I've been working to lose shed that fat. I've only got about 7 pounds left to go. I'm trying to do it healthy, making little tweaks. I made up my mind I wasn't going to crash diet, nor make huge, invasive changes, like surgery. I'm looking to build healthy habits I can sustain once all the weight is gone.  Diet Difficulties--Weaning Into a Maintenance Diet After Weight Loss

Neither Shaming Not Enabling Helps the Obese Person

You've heard those PSAs "if you love someone, DO this or that for them?" Help them, get help for them. Okay, sometimes we can assist. And other times, the most loving this is not to help. Encourage them to do it themselves or just butt out and be a friend. Like losing weight. Several adult friends are overweight. Their parents and/or spouses are trying to force weight loss.  Shaming, Enabling Obesity Does Not Help--I Know

Almond Health Benefits, Where to Buy Cheap Almonds, Almond Milk, Almond Butter

If you're trying to lose weight and/or eat healthier, you know that almonds top the recommended eating list. Here are places to find cheap almonds, almond milk and almond butter. Note: almonds are in the tree nut family, so avoid them if you are allergic. However, people with peanut allergies that lead to anaphylaxis may be able to eat almonds. Another reason they're touted. So here's  Where to Buy Cheap Almonds, Almond Milk, Almond Butter

How I Am Trying to Break My Habit of Staying Up too Late

 I have been staying up too late at night and having trouble getting up in the morning. My husband works nights and I miss him. After the kids go to bed I read or watch TV or play on Facebook, way too late. Here's how I'm breaking that habit.

* One thing at a time. I've been working on breaking other bad habits--overspending, overeating, depression, anger. I can only deal with one major issue at a time, can only deal with one bad habit at a time. We got $22,000 in debt and I got that paid off in 2010. I had some health issues that I've found some treatment for--cholesterol, arthritis, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea. I was able to lose 88 pounds--only 12 left to goal weight. So now I can turn my attention to staying up late.  How I Am Breaking Bad Stay Up Late Habit

Diet Psychology: Anorexic Thinking, Food Phobia

I am working on losing 100 pounds. I'm down almost 80. Now that I'm in the home stretch, I'm really feeling great and want to push through and lose it fast. I don't get nearly as hungry as I got when my stomach was still much larger. So it's sometimes easy to skip eating. More often than not, I will only eat about 700-1,000 calories a day. I know that many people don't eat more than that. But I think for me, it's not enough. That's only three-quarters of what I'm aiming for: 1,350. Diet Tips: Dealing with Anorexic Thinking, Food Phobia

Diet Recipe of the Day: Low Calorie, Super Protein Cottage Cheese

I've lost 75 pounds dieting and still have 25 or so to go to get to goal weight. Every day, I'm submitting a diet recipe using the +Dietrecipeoftheday tag. I've been craving savory foods. But salty snacks are mostly carbohydrates with no protein. And I'm trying to cut gluten and bread. Here's a snack that hits all three and is filling and tasty  Diet Recipe of the Day: Low Calorie, Super Protein Cottage Cheese

Antioxidant, Detox, Cleanse--It all Goes in the Toilet

 Let's talk bluntly about diet supplements. Antioxidants, detox supplements, system cleanses all end up in the toilet. Why? Because they all make you poop. Ewww, nasty! No bowel movements aren't the most fragrant or pleasant of subjects. But they are essential to weight loss. Antioxidant, Detox, Cleanse--It all Goes in the Toilet