Kim Kardashian Dancing with the Stars Bod!

“I wanted to challenge myself,” Kim says of her decision to go on Dancing With the Stars. “Knowing that I was going to do this, I started heavily working out in the gym all summer.”

Here’s another excerpt from the book -

Chapter Excerpt - THE SOY SOLUTION

SOY SOLUTION

One of the greatest sources of protein that you should add to your diet is soy. Studies now show that substituting soy protein for animal protein can lower your level of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease. When I really got serious about losing weight and eating right, my consulting dietitian, Laura, who really helped me conquer my eating demons, first suggested soy as an alternative to eating meat. Soy? I must admit the whole thought of soy was altogether unpalatable and made me question how much I wanted to drop those extra 40 pounds that I’d been carrying for more than a year. After all, I enjoyed steak and a good burger every now and then. Plus, the pizza with sausage and pepperoni provided quite a fix for my cravings.

Research suggests that a compound found in soya beans could help stroke victims

America’s #1 Online Diet Website Now has The Soy Diet.

Check it out a ediets.com

But if I was going to challenge myself, become healthier and show Laura…I was not just a slug making a half-hearted attempt at losing weight, I bought into soy. First of all, there’s plenty of evidence that soy can significantly reduce your cholesterol level. In a study of 38 clinical trials of people on high soy diets, researchers from the University of Kentucky at Lexington found those who ate an average of 47 grams of soy each day saw a near 13 percent drop in their bad cholesterol level. Repeated studies in Italy found soy even more effective for those with high cholesterol levels, with LDL levels falling by 22 to 25 percent. Italy’s medical community is so convinced of its benefits that the Italian National Health Service provides soy free to families.

CELEBRITIES & SOY

Rebecca Romijn and her husband, Jerry O’Connell, seen leaving a formal party in Los Angeles, Sept.14, 2008. The “Ugly Betty” actress is expecting twins, and recently told AOL news that she craves lemonade and, of all things, soy cream cheese. Romijn is one of a host of celebrites to become pregnant with twins, along with Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez and Julia Roberts. (Flynet)

Cold Steamed Eggplant With Sesame Soy Dressing

Steamed eggplant has a delicate, silky texture. Dress it while still hot — the eggplant will soak up the sauce, and the flavor will permeate the dish. Then refrigerate and serve cold. If you want to add more spice to this salad, include the minced serrano chile.

This series offers recipes with an eye towards empowering you to cook healthy meals every day. Produce, seasonal and locally grown when possible, and a well-stocked pantry are the linchpins of a good diet, and accordingly, each week’s recipes will revolve around a particular type of produce or a pantry item. This is food that is vibrant and light, full of nutrients but by no means ascetic, fun to cook and a pleasure to eat.

2 pounds eggplant, preferably Japanese eggplants

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 to 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger (to taste)

1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil or walnut oil

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon chopped chives or cilantro

Optional: 1 small serrano chile, seeded if desired and minced

1 bag baby arugula, washed and dried, for serving

1 small red bell pepper, cut in thin slices, for garnish (optional)

1. If you can find Japanese eggplant, cut them in half lengthwise, then cut into pieces that will fit into your steamer. If using large globe eggplants, cut them lengthwise into quarters. Place in a steamer and steam 10 to 15 minutes, until thoroughly tender and you can cut through with the tip of a knife with no resistance. You will probably have to do this in 2 batches.

2. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame or walnut oil, olive oil, and cayenne or red pepper flakes. Set aside.

3. When the eggplant is tender, use tongs to remove it from the steamer, and transfer to a cutting board. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then cut into 1-inch wide slices. Season with salt and pepper and while still warm, toss with the dressing and the optional minced chile. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer.

4. Remove from the refrigerator and gently toss with the chives or cilantro. Arrange the arugula on a platter and top with the eggplant. Garnish with the optional red pepper slices.

Yield: Serves 6

Advance preparation: You can make this through Step 3 several hours ahead of serving.

Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now gives its approval to claims that 25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a low fat, low cholesterol diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, but the FDA won’t sanction taking substances isolated from soy protein, like isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, amid safety concerns for use by menopausal women. The FDA says four daily 6.25-gram servings of soy can reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDLs) by up to 10 percent.

Sources of soy protein include tofu, soymilk, soy flour tempeh, textured soy protein and miso. You certainly can find soybean oil in many products that you’re eating today, like margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing or vegetable shortenings. But the FDA only recognizes soy protein as a cholesterol-fighter.

More and more, as the American Dietetic Association suggests, I gradually integrated soy-based foods into my diet and overcame the fear of the unknown. What you’ll find is that you can season the soy/tofu so that you don’t have to deny your taste buds. And remember, whole soy foods are a good source of B vitamins, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber and blends in nicely with the Economy Diet (Working Title – lol) that includes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy products, poultry, fish and lean meats.

Soy diet ‘may help stroke patients’ (Press Association)

Could soya beans help stroke victims recover? (Daily Mail)

Soy-rich diet improves arteries in stroke patients (Reuters)