Rachel Berman

Rachel Berman, RD, a nationally recognized nutrition expert, has helped thousands of clients lose weight and improve their health. She is the Director of Nutrition and an editor at About.com Health. As a contributor to numerous publications, and through appearances on various local and national radio and television health segments, she regularly shares her core philosophy of balance and moderation as well her passion about helping others develop a healthier relationship with food.

Articles & Books From Rachel Berman

Mediterranean Diet For Dummies
Your companion to the easy, family-friendly diet that anyone can followThe Mediterranean Diet incorporates the foods and eating habits of the Mediterranean to improve your health and promote longevity. Mediterranean Diet For Dummies shows you that you don't have to give up the things you love to live a healthy lifestyle.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 10-17-2024
Because of the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet and the recent studies that have highlighted the diet’s ability to reduce heart disease, decrease the risk of some cancers, prevent or mitigate the effects of diabetes, and more, many have embraced the Mediterranean diet’s key guidelines.Although this plant-based diet devotes the largest portion of a plate to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, healthy fats, like those you get from olive oil and nuts, lean animal proteins, and red wine also take key roles.
Article / Updated 09-28-2023
The Mediterranean diet is not a "diet" in the commonly accepted definition of the word; it's really a lifestyle. And nothing epitomizes that more than the fact that wine has its place in the standard Mediterranean food pyramid.It's true wine can have health benefits, but it also characterizes the Mediterranean way of life as one that values good food, good drink and relaxing meals.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-22-2023
Along with making some lifestyle changes and adding exercise, your diet has a lot to do with boosting your metabolism. Sometimes making the right choices about what to eat isn't so easy, and these decisions are often fraught with anxiety because of the conflicting messages we all receive about food and health in the media.
Article / Updated 08-12-2021
Interest in the relationship between the Mediterranean region and the longevity of its denizens was sparked in middle of the 20th century when folks began to notice that people in southern Europe seemed to be living longer than people who lived in northern Europe and the United States. Since then, several studies have been conducted trying to find the reason.
Article / Updated 05-25-2021
The Mediterranean diet is not a “diet” in the commonly accepted definition of the word; it’s really a lifestyle. And nothing epitomizes that more than the fact that wine has its place in the standard Mediterranean food pyramid. Ever since the idea of a “French paradox” was observed in the early 1990s, wine and its significance to health have been the source of much research and debate.
Step by Step / Updated 04-05-2017
One of the beautiful side effects of following a Mediterranean diet is weight loss or healthy weight maintenance. Consider it a “side effect” because this type of diet is not your typical restrictive meal plan you may hear about in the media. It’s not a quick fix (that doesn’t exist, by the way), nor will you feel deprived when eating like the people in the Mediterranean do.
Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016
Taking exercise classes is great when you're trying to boost your metabolism. You can discover new movements that speak to you, learn proper technique from an instructor, and stay engaged with a variety of workouts. Yoga is not only for spiritual peace of mind — it can be super hard. There are many different kinds of yoga, from Bikram (hot yoga) to Hatha (slow poses, good for beginners) to Vinyasa (more fast-paced, flowing movements).
Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016
When you’re short on time, you can make the most of the weight or resistance work that you do using metabolism-boosting exercises that work multiple muscles of your body.Dumbbell front squatThese work your full body but can also be done without weights if you don’t have them for an anytime workout on-the-go for your legs.
Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016
Core, or abdominal, exercise is integral to almost every movement because it helps with so much: balance, coordination, and flexibility. It also improves your performance with cardio workouts. Although your abs may recover more quickly than other muscles, remember that they still need rest too.Triceps kickbackStarting position: Stand up in split-stance position, with your right leg forward, holding a dumbbell in your left hand.