Worries solved

Your top nutrition questions answered

Does pricier protein speed slimming?

Q:

I’ve been adding a scoop of whey protein to my morning smoothie for months. Lately I’ve seen ads for fancy patented proteins that are double the price of my grocery-store brand but promise faster slimming. Is it worth switching?

A:

When it comes to whey protein, a higher price tag doesn’t equal speedier weight loss. Every whey protein is going to contain the same essential amino acids (like cysteine, leucine and lysine) that have been shown to speed the creation of metabolism-revving lean muscle, increase calorie burn by 100% and boost levels of appetitesuppressing hormones by 298%. Some brands will advertise specific benefits or studies conducted with their product, but that doesn’t mean a cheaper product won’t yield the same results.

To get the most out of your protein powder, we suggest a whey protein concentrate. Unlike an isolate, in which the protein has been separated from the fat and other components, concentrates deliver compounds (like bovine serum albumin) that have been shown to strengthen the immune system and boost the production of liversupporting glutathione.

Beyoncé’s sweet slimming sip

Superstar artist and mom of three Beyoncé has a delicious way to rev metabolism: She sips WTRMLN WTR (available in grocery stores). Made from freshly juiced watermelon, this beverage delivers energizing electrolytes and an amino acid (called L-citrulline) that’s been shown to increase levels of fat-burning compounds in the body.

Is fish oil safe after gallbladder removal?

Q:

I recently had my gallbladder removed, so digesting fats is difficult. But I’ve read about the health benefits of omega-3s and I’d love to get the perks. Can I still take them? A:

Great question! You’re right—if you’ve had your gallbladder removed, the body’s ability to regulate bile flow decreases significantly, which makes it hard to digest fats. That said, it is completely safe to supplement with fish oil—in fact, we encourage it!

The reason: When you eat foods that contain healthy fats, the body has to extract those fats, a process that requires the release of bile. But with supplements, the fats are already broken down, so your body can readily absorb them without any added strain on your system.

When you do eat difficult-todigest foods (like fried and processed fare), we suggest taking ox bile— concentrated bile derived from cows— with your meal to help the body break down the fats. One we like: Uni Key Bile Builder ($40, UniKeyHealth.com).

Q

I have a beach vacation coming

up in a few weeks. Is there a fast fix for

cellulite?

A

Absolutely! We recommend a twopronged approach to quickly banish troublesome lumps and reveal smooth skin within two weeks:

(1) Eliminate dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese, until your vacation. Dairy contains a hard-to-digest protein molecule (called casein) that can get stuck in lymph ducts and cause a backup of lymph fluid. This backup weakens the connective tissue that keeps fat cells from bulging and causing cellulite. But cutting out dairy lowers levels of dimple-causing toxins.

(2) Enjoy 2 Tbs. of ground flaxseed daily, blended into smoothies or sprinkled on salads. These seeds deliver soluble fiber, which binds to waste (like casein) trapped in lymph fluid and sweeps it out of the body. Plus, plant estrogens in the super seeds stimulate the production of skin-firming collagen to ensure your skin looks extra smooth.