Why a Gluten-Free 'Diet' Isn't the Secret to Weight Loss

By , SparkPeople Blogger
A round-up of the most interesting and thought-provoking stories of the week.

BMI Not a Good Measure of Healthy Body Weight, Researchers Argue
Scientists are starting to join the argument against BMI, or body mass index, the commonly used metric to determine whether a person is overweight, obese, or of normal weight. Read why BMI is falling out of favor. Live Science

Is a gluten-free diet right for you? It depends on what ails you
For those with celiac, a wheat allergy, or sensitivity to the protein in certain grains, a gluten-free diet can improve health and quality of life--it's a life-saver for some people. But if you're just trying to lose weight, there are better ways, some experts say. Courier-Journal

Richard Simmons, Internet Star?
If you're a fan of the fitness icon best known for sweating to the oldies, check out this story. NYT

Why You Should Avoid Antibacterial Hand Soap
When it comes to staying healthy and keeping clean, any soap will do. Antibacterial soap is overkill--and worth avoiding, some say. Find out why. Mind Body Green

Diverse Gut Microbes, A Trim Waistline and Health Go Together
The bacteria in your gut play a much larger role than we thought, scientists are discovering. Microbes affect everything from insulin resistance to weight. NPR

Lunchables, the Lunchbox King, Faces a Rival Vowing Higher-Quality Fare
Those ubiquitous, ready-to-eat and oft-criticized lunches for kids now have a rival in supermarket coolers. Would you buy your child (or yourself) a more nutritious version of the Lunchable? NYT

Do I look fat in this? A question to never ask your daughter
What you say in front of your daughters about your own body can have a tremendous impact on her development and self-esteem. Indy Star

Julia Child Was Wrong: Don't Wash Your Raw Chicken, Folks
Gasp! The grande dame of French cuisine was wrong?! Turns out your chicken doesn't need a rinse. NPR

Fewer school districts promoting junk food, soda
This is the good news about school lunches this week… AP

Why Some Schools Are Saying 'No Thanks' to the School-Lunch Program
… and this is the bad news. TIME

Why Are We Hung Up on Chocolate Milk in School?
Let them drink chocolate milk, experts declare! Find out why it's not so bad after all. US News & World Report

Bring Your Lunch to Work
Mark Bittman is committed to making packed lunches cool. Do you brown bag it? NYT

Which stories topped your "must-read" list this week?