In order to achieve maximum results from your muscle-building or fat-loss program, taking in the right amount of calories is essential. Your calorie balance is what will dictate whether you gain or lose body weight, making it incredibly useful to track this information.

Unfortunately, there are a number of calorie counting myths that people fall for that will cost them results in the long run. By making yourself aware of these myths, you can be sure that they won’t to affect your progress.

By now, most people are familiar with the golden rule of vegetable consumption: five a day. Although, when it comes to getting the most out of those veggies, many are still stumped. Boil, steam, bake, fry or dry? The options are limitless, but the nutritional differences can be profound -- at least that’s what AM found when we looked at different way’s to prepare veggies.

In today’s Western society it’s much easier, and not to mention quicker, to spend a few bucks at the McDonald’s across the street than it is to make a satisfying dinner. In a world of Big Macs, KFC and Häagen-Dazs ice cream, who really wants to eat their spinach and celery sticks? As a result, however, our fat-filled diets have brought about an epidemic of heart disease, which has become North America’s No. 1 killer. Fortunately over the years, scientists and nutritionists have studied the foods that are good for the heart, and some of these might come as a surprise. So, here's a list of foods that you should include in you diet, and maybe it will help you avoid a trip to the doctor’s.

Drinking is so commonplace in our society that it is the one thing many dieters struggle with the most. They can cut out junk food and sodas, but when it comes to saying no to the party juice, it becomes a bit of a struggle. If you think about it, there’s always a reason to have a few drinks.

"It’s my friend’s birthday!"
"I’m on vacation!"
"It’s Monday!"