https://www.scmp.com/rss/324863/feed Jae Berman is a columnist for the Washington Post. She is a registered dietitian, a personal trainer and owner of Jae Berman Nutrition. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Imagine yourself exercising: running, hiking, dancing, lifting weights – whatever you like to do. Picture yourself pushing to a maximum intensity. Now, ask yourself: are you breathing out of your nose or mouth? If you are like most exercisers, you breathe through your mouth, especially as the intensity of the exercise mounts. But experts are learning that breathing through the mouth may not be as efficient or effective as breathing through the nose. Why you get better results from group exercise... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2185264/how-breathe-properly-during-heavy-exercise-youre-probably?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2185264/how-breathe-properly-during-heavy-exercise-youre-probably?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Feb 2019 12:15:20 +0000 This is the season for reflections and resolutions. It will be immediately followed by the season for failure and frustration. That’s because people who make health-related New Year’s resolutions also make a big mistake: they look at them as an issue of willpower rather than ability. A more helpful approach to creating healthier habits is to consider those behaviours new skills, and to accept that there is a process to becoming competent in those skills. In other words, you shouldn’t resolve to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2179877/how-make-your-new-years-resolution-stick-treat-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2179877/how-make-your-new-years-resolution-stick-treat-it?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Dec 2018 11:16:42 +0000 There seems to always be a mad dash toward the next new thing in nutrition and fitness, whether it’s the latest exercise craze, superfood or diet regimen. But leaping from fad to fad isn’t exactly a well-reasoned strategy for improving health. Nor is it a way to create changes that stick, which are the only ones that will have an impact. If we’re going to generate enough motivation to create sustainable change, we need to have clear objectives and understand how and why our habits fulfil those... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2160978/five-things-you-can-do-live-longer-study-shows-increased?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2160978/five-things-you-can-do-live-longer-study-shows-increased?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Aug 2018 18:00:00 +0000 When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s easy to assume that as the number on the scale goes down, other issues associated with weight will be resolved. For example, if weight gain was a result of overeating, as it often is, it’s understandable to expect that hunger and cravings would decrease along with kilograms.  A small but interesting study tells a different story. It followed 35 obese people for two years as they were supported through a weight-loss programme that included nutrition and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2140367/does-weight-loss-make-you-more-hungry-how-curb-cravings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/2140367/does-weight-loss-make-you-more-hungry-how-curb-cravings?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Apr 2018 05:00:30 +0000 We often get derailed in our exercise routines because we can’t fit the perfect workout into our day. We think we must go to a gym, or a certain class, or use a particular technique. And we end up doing nothing at all – but all that’s about to change. According to the annual State of Obesity report, “Eighty per cent of American adults do not meet the government’s national physical activity recommendations for aerobic activity and muscle strengthening.” It’s not just Americans: most Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2115840/ten-minute-workouts-busy-hongkongers-can-be-done-anywhere-no?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2115840/ten-minute-workouts-busy-hongkongers-can-be-done-anywhere-no?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Oct 2017 12:00:31 +0000 There are many reasons that people avoid exercise. Time is an obvious one. Our lives are already busy – who has time to work out? Money is another common excuse. Gym memberships and equipment can get pricey. People often wonder what type of exercise they should do. There are many different forms and so much confusing information that it can be unclear what’s best. People also worry that they’ll get injured. Exercise can be fun until you get hurt, so it may seem easier to just avoid it. Many also... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2108571/ten-tips-improve-your-health-mental-well-being-and-fitness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2108571/ten-tips-improve-your-health-mental-well-being-and-fitness?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Aug 2017 11:02:12 +0000 I’ve accepted that many people don’t want to meet a dietitian. It’s assumed that we’re going to suggest eating bland, healthy, nutritious food, and avoiding all the tasty treats. Quite frankly, sometimes a version of that is true, causing a vicious cycle to occur. Clients are annoyed that they must give up the fun foods, and every follow-up appointment is a discussion about how they feel deprived and can’t imagine another day without their drinks, sweets and fries. Acupuncture proves an... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2104463/lasting-weight-loss-embrace-stress-healthy-eating-and-turn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2104463/lasting-weight-loss-embrace-stress-healthy-eating-and-turn?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jul 2017 05:18:11 +0000