When you look at Halle Berry today, it’s hard to imagine the beauty as anything other than 100% healthy. But back in 1989, Berry passed out and fell into a diabetic coma while working on the set of her first television show, Living Dolls. Berry remained in the coma for seven days, and when she woke up, she was told that she had been diagnosed with diabetes and was at serious risk for losing her eyesight or even her legs. Scared into action, Berry took a hard look at her lifestyle and made some serious changes.

Though her doctor wasn’t sure at the time, Berry had developed Type II diabetes. Type I diabetes is associated with the auto-immune system and can’t be impacted by dietary or fitness changes. Most Type I sufferers are diagnosed as children. Type II diabetes, on the other hand, typically affects overweight adults and can occasionally be controlled without insulin, by changing your diet and exercise habits.

Berry immediately put herself on a strict diet and took her health seriously, concerned about cardiovascular complications that plague many diabetics as well as dramatic health threats to her vision, kidneys, and legs. She cut out overly processed foods, red meats, and sugary carbohydrates. She started to eat tons of fresh vegetables and healthy pasta, grilled chicken, or fish. She cut back on fruits due to their high sugar content, and turned to honey or molasses to sweeten her meals. Berry also took charge of the lifestyle habits that could impact her condition.

In a new study out of the Harvard School of Public Health, researchers have found a link between soy consumption and sperm concentration. Although soy-based products such as tofu and energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years, there has not been a great deal of research on soy’s impact on the body. Preliminary research with women indicates there may be a link between soy and breast cancer in certain populations, so soy is not recommended as a staple of any diet.

In this study, the team surveyed the eating habits and tested the sperm concentration of 99 men who went to a fertility clinic between 2000 and 2006. The men reported the quantity and frequency in which they consumed products such as tofu, tempeh, soy or tofu meat products, soy-based dairy products, and soy energy bars, powders, and drinks. Then researchers divided the men into groups based on how often they ate soy products. The men in the highest group ate approximately 3-4 servings of soy per week, averaging half a serving per day.

Remember that book that came out a few years ago, “French Women Don’t Get Fat”? Say what you will about the French, but the fact remains that French women are typically very slender and healthy. One of the key points of the book was that French women still indulge in pastries and breads and delicacies – but they know their limits and apply other strategies and routines to retain their sleek physiques. This is all well and good – but how do you know exactly how much to indulge in? Where do you draw the line? If you have trouble figuring out exactly how much you can get away with, the three-bite rule may be the perfect fit for you.

It’s simple, easy, and guilt-free. You can eat your favorite foods, but the quantity will be so small that it won’t impact your waistline. It’s exactly how it sounds – just take three bites of that dessert or favorite dish that’s tempting you. There are a few other rules, of course – you won’t make much progress if you liberally apply the three-bite rule, taking three bites of everything on the table, or if you decide to take abnormally large bites. To make it work, just think about your eating actions before you take them. Do you really want another cookie, or would you feel better if you had celery sticks and low-fat peanut butter, a handful of air-popped popcorn, or a couple of grapes?

However, let’s say you’re at a wedding or family event. Do you really want to sacrifice a delicious taste of your Aunt Sue’s devil’s food cake, which you only get a crack at a couple times per year?

The days of Brenda and Brandon Walsh are decidedly over. No matter what your take on 90210 2.0 is, chances are you’ve noticed a few major differences between the ‘classic’ cast and 2008’s new crew. Though some changes are positive (The Wire’s Tristan Wilds adds some much-needed diversity) some are downright unhealthy, like the weight of two of the show’s leading ladies.

Shenae Grimes, 18, who plays Beverly newcomer Annie, and Jessica Stroup, 21, as returning character Kelly’s little sister, have recently come under tabloid attack for being too thin. Us Weekly ran an expose with shocking pictures of the gaunt beauties, and sources close to the show have told the press that some of the ladies’ male co-stars are planning an intervention.

By Jamie Yu

The majority of us are fully aware how detrimental over-training when exercising can be to us in body and in mind. The lack of recovery ,on top of the excessive physical stress we apply from us either lifting weights and/or engaging in cardiovascular activities, is the main cause we think of for hitting that ‘wall’ and in some cases actually regress in our progress to reaching that peak of physical excellence.

The usual suspect symptoms, to name but a few one might look for, would be : d

• Reduced strength and stamina
• Decreased appetite
• Chronic fatigue
• Lack of motivation and focus
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure and resting pulse rate

But current studies have shown that elements outside our training are also connected with the main causes of overtraining.

Cycling fans everywhere were in for a shock this week as the buzz surrounding cycling champion and cancer survivor and research advocate Lance Armstrong confirmed that he will be returning to professional cycling. The seven-time Tour de France winner has kept himself busy since retiring in 2005.

After three years working tirelessly to promote cancer research and advocacy through his LIVESTRONG foundation, traveling and speaking around the world, penning an autobiography, and spending time with his children and a string of celebrity women, Armstrong will join the Astana cycling team when he makes his comeback.Armstrong says that after his extensive work on cancer prevention, research, and outreach in the United States, he wants to use his return to the world of competitive cycling to promote his cause on the international stage.

By Sean Hashmi

I came across a very interesting article that I wanted to share with everyone about whether or not chewing slowly helps you eat less. The idea is that eating slowly enhances the taste and enjoyment of food, gives the feeling of being full faster, and allows people to feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.

Some of you might not be aware, but the origin of this concept came about in 1962, when Ferester and colleagues noticed that obese people ate faster than lean people. Naturally, they made the conclusion that obese people would probably eat less if they were to eat slowly. This certainly seemed logical and quickly became a standard of just about every behavioral treatment program since then. In fact, this advice has even been printed on milk cartons for students in public school cafeterias.

So what could possibly be wrong with such a convincing argument?

By Jamie Yu

Most people who engage in weight loss programs generally keep food diaries as a way of observing what they eat and monitoring the amount of calories they consume. They create reminders of what was eaten and also provide motivation and a give you a better idea of your progress, or in some cases, regression.

However, recently researchers have found that photographing your food before you eat could have a much bigger impact on your weight loss goals.

When designer Marc Jacobs began his second stint in rehab last March, he knew exactly what people were thinking. Drugs and alcohol would always be a vice for the outspoken creative. But this time around, something was different. Jacobs says he simply traded one vice for another, but so far, the change seems to be a good one. He’s become an addict – a gym addict!

Over a year ago, Jacobs sought medical help for digestion problems. None of the standard medicines helped – in fact, the side effects actually made him sicker. So he decided to go along with his nutritionist’s recommendations. Lindsey Duncan immediately put Jacobs on a plan consisting of frequent, small meals packed with natural foods such as mangosteen, goji, noni, and acai berries. She also recommended an exercise program that has developed into a full-scale addiction for Jacobs.

He now works out at the gym for up to three hours each day, putting his 44-year-old body into a youthful, vibrant state. As the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton and helmer of his personal Marc Jacobs line, he’s at the top of his career and his body.

By Bonnie Pfiester

Someone recently asked my opinion on power-walking with a pet. Although I don’t personally recommend pets for workout partners, I feel the same way about partnering up with anyone who could slow down your intensity or distract you.

My suggestion would be to completely separate walking your pet and exercising your body. Walking a pet is great for daily activity, but not for fat-burning cardiovascular exercise. Many people would consider their morning walk exercise. However, most people don’t get their heart rate high enough for it to actually be considered exercise.

Your exercise regimen should be very purposeful, with as little distractions as possible. For a fat-burning workout, it is important to keep your heart rate up and keep it steady. Your pace must be set by you, not your pet. Exercising with a pet only works if your pet is a well-trained and experienced fitness partner.

Are you one of the Mac addicts who’s obsessed with your new iPhone? Do you constantly whip it out, glad to keep track your e-mail, schedule, and multimedia files all at once? Well, there’s even more good news: did you know that you can also use it to help you track your diet and exercise choices – for free?

The new “CalorieMinder” application, from developer Mark Dionne’s new company, offers a free system that tracks your calories, exercise, and generates detailed reports on your lifestyle choices. You can add this app with one simple touch to your iPhone or iPod touch by visiting the CalorieMinder website. CalorieMinder is currently signing up Beta testers who will receive a free one-year upgrade to the premium CalorieMinder service once it becomes available. The standard CalorieMinder will still be free.

Scientists have discovered a gene variation that may make it difficult for some men to stay monogamous. The study, to appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, is the first to examine whether a hormone that encourages monogamy in animals has the same effect on humans.

Have you ever put yourself in a good mood for no apparent reason at all? Experts from various disciplines now believe that certain foods we eat play a hand in our happiness. Avoid the diet doldrums with these healthy, happy foods:

1. Oily fish – Medical research teams believe that sardines, salmon, and other oily ocean foods can bring you up when you’re feeling down

Have you ever put yourself in a good mood for no apparent reason at all? Experts from various disciplines now believe that certain foods we eat play a hand in our happiness. Avoid the diet doldrums with these healthy, happy foods:

1. Oily fish – Medical research teams believe that sardines, salmon, and other oily ocean foods can bring you up when you’re feeling down

With our growing obesity epidemic, cities are doing their part to try to promote awareness, public health initiatives, and active lifestyles. Here are three ways Los Angeles is officially becoming healthier:

1. The state has ordered a ban on all trans fats, which clog arteries and lead to heart disease. LA will follow trailblazer New York in the crackdown on fat. The city has forced restaurateurs to rethink menus and ingredients, but hopefully the ultimate benefits will be seen in greater numbers of healthy citizens.

2. The controversial fast food ban: Recently, the LA City Council approved a ban that limits fast-food restaurants in specific low-income areas of LA. While no existing chains will be impacted, no new fast-food joints can move into the area. Critics are claiming unconstitutionality, but proponents of the movement purport that by limiting the fast food presence, the city can attract healthier, more nutritious choices into low-income areas, where struggles with health and diet are more prevalent.