Low Sodium Diet

Advice on Diets for High Blood Pressure

2010-01-25T19:30:00.001-08:00

If you have high blood pressure and want to control it naturally then there are several diets for high blood pressure that you can choose from. If you recognize that you need to have this, you can consider yourself among the lucky few that actually realize that they have high blood pressure in the first place. By taking the steps of going on a diet and getting a little bit of exercise, you will be able to control your high blood pressure to a certain extent naturally. Your doctor will be able to prescribe any medicine that may be needed if you cannot bring it down into normal levels.

There are several diets for high blood pressure that you can choose from. One thing that you want to make sure that you avoid are any fad diets that go to extremes. For high blood pressure the best diets are the simple ones. This diet is long term. It's not like a weight loss program, you need to choose a diet that will suit you all the time. Since you are going to have to stick w ith it for the rest of your life, at least to a certain extent, make sure that you choose something that is easily obtainable.

There are several good diets for high blood pressure that are available on the Internet. One of the most popular is the dash diet, which was written by dietitians. The American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic are a great source for lots of recommended diet plans. What these diets will generally do is give you a low sodium healthy lifestyle that you can follow in order to lose weight and to bring your blood pressure within normal levels. You don't have to be overly strict with the diets for high blood pressure, they do allow for some variation. Use common sense and do everything in moderation any time you step away from your diet guidelines.

High blood pressure food is not to be mistaken with a fad diet. It is going to be a lifestyle change to help you to control your high blood pressure in the best way possible. Stay away from fad diets that are used to just lose weight quickly but happen to affect your high blood pressure Your blood pressure can be controlled safely with the right nutritional advice

By adjusting your diet and losing some weight along with getting a healthy amount of exercise, you can adjust your high blood pressure to the extent where it can be easily maintained throughout your lifetime. In doing this, you will not only realize lower blood pressure, you will realize a higher standard of healthy living.

The Relationship Between Your Diet and Your Blood Pressure

2010-01-24T06:30:00.001-08:00

Both my career and my own personal lifestyle revolve around utilizing natural methods for controlling and even curing conditions for others. By providing your body with natural resources in which to cure itself, you are helping your health in more ways than you can count. One of these benefits is that you can avoid serious and even life threatening side effects of many medications.

One of the most widely-prescribed medications today is blood pressure medicines. These are convenient for doctors to prescribe but usually induce a number of harmful side effects. Some of these include headaches, dizziness, nausea, joint pain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Even more serious side effects include stroke and heart attack (the very problems the drugs are designed to prevent).

However, it's important for me to note here that while I discourage the use of medications for blood pressure, you need to continue taking them as prescribed if your doctor has alre ady prescribed them to you. Instead of stopping the medication, which can be harmful to your health, talk to your doctor immediately if you are suffering from side effects or if you would like to pursue a natural healing remedy instead.

The simplest way to control high blood pressure it to restructure your diet plan. By choosing healthier foods to eat, you can be in control of your blood pressure, not the other way around. Below I have listed several popular food options for those of you considering this method:

Munching away on a nice green celery stick or a big glass of juice will be beneficial to your health and to your blood pressure. Celery is said to be a natural diuretic and have a negative caloric effect, which means that it actually requires more calories to digest it than the food contains. Try eating it fresh or juice it with some carrots for a tasty beverage.

Eating an apple a day isn't the only thing to keep the doctor awa y - try papaya instead. Eating it on an empty stomach every morning for a month will help lower that bad blood pressure. For best results, do not eat anything with it and refrain from eating for at least two hours afterward.

Another food Ive tested many times is garlic; Ive actually witnessed it lowering blood pressure minutes after ingesting it. You can eat it in its natural form or packed into your meal.

By decreasing the fat, sugar, and red meat in your diet, you may be able to help out your blood pressure even if you don't like papaya or garlic. By doing this, you can also benefit by lowering your cholesterol.

Based on scientific studies centered on reduced sodium diets, The DASH eating plan even provides specific diet and serving recommendations. Those suffering from high blood pressure benefited most from the eating plan, but it also proved beneficial to people who had pre-hypertension by lowering their blood pressure.

DASH has a well-rounded eating plan, consisting of foods from these categories: whole grains, raw vegetables, fruits and non-fat or low fat dairy products. Fats and oils are allowed but in limited quantities.

Poor choices in your daily diet is not the only thing to cause high blood pressure. Stress can also be a major contributor. If you live a stress-free life and have high blood pressure, try to relax and manage your stress and you might just find that your blood pressure reaps the benefits as well.

To reduce the stress in your life, try my Hypertension No More program. This program helps to eliminate stress by increasing the amount of oxygen your body takes in. By lowering stress, you can also lower your blood pressure and live a healthier, happier life.

EL331003

Candida diet recipes for dinner

2010-01-22T21:30:00.001-08:00

Mealtime is one of the most important times of the day. While you often have to rush through breakfast and lunch in order to tend to work duties, dinner is a meal that can usher in relaxation and enjoyment after a busy day.

For people living with candida-related health problems, dinner is way to provide your body with the nutrition it needs to make it through the night. Have you ever wished you could work in your sleep? Well, with the right candida dinners, you can actually work toward fighting off candida overgrowth, even while you are sleeping.

As with all candida-friendly meals, it is important to remember which foods work against your body and actually feed the candida. You'll want to avoid foods with sugar and white flour and basically most processed foods you would find in a box at the grocery store. Also, just say no to moldy foods that only contribute to the yeast problem, such as moldy cheeses.

What Can I Eat?

There are many foods you can enjoy while sticking to a candida-fighting menu. Build meals with lean meats, whole grains, vegetables, and low-sugar fruits. These allowed foods make creating a candida dinner menu quite simple, not to mention delicious.

Check out some of the meal ideas below to get your meal plan started. By planning your meals and making sure your kitchen is stocked with the necessary ingredients, you will be prepared to have a candida-friendly dinner each day of the week.

Vegetable Soup

Combine all of your favorite vegetables in a large pot with vegetable broth and season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you enjoy. Simmer the soup to meld the flavors, and enjoy with some warm, crusty whole grain bread and a side of fruit salad for dessert. Kiwis, apples, and orange segments make a delicious, low-su gar salad.

Grilled Fish and Veggies

Select your favorite fish, and season with salt and pepper, herbs and lemon. Grill the fish along with sliced vegetables, such as squash or asparagus. The vegetables can be placed in a grill basket or wrapped in foil and cooked over the fire. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and vegetables when finished grilling.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Cook bite-size chicken pieces and vegetables in a wok or large fry pan with olive oil until fully cooked. Season with low-sodium soy sauce and serve with brown rice.

Learn more about foods you can enjoy on a candida diet buy visiting the Candida Foods to Eat page.

Best Diet Foods â The List

2010-01-21T05:15:00.001-08:00

Best diet foods might be what you looking for when you're on a diet or just want to keep your body lean and healthy. There are tons of food varieties out there and you might be confused which one to pick for a healthy breakfast, snack, or for dinner. These are a few which you could easy get:

1. Almonds
Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in monounsaturated fat which is lowering LDL cholesterol. It also claimed to improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon (feces) and the prevention of cancer. Almond flour is gluten free, made it a popular ingredient in cookery in place of wheat flour for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies.

2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is the source of complex-carbohydrates and fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol. Food and Drug Administration also stated that food with a lot of oat bran or rolled oats can carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease, when combined with a low-fat diet. Oatmeal porridge is also contains more B vitamins and calories than other kinds of porridges.

3. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products
Cheese, milk, sour cream, yogurt, and cream cheese are available in low fat varieties which offer both healthy nutrients and great taste. Research also shown that it help lower LDL cholesterol level, reduce risk of hypertension, prevent childhood obesity, protect against gout, promote healthy thyroid function, prevent bone loss that occurs as a result of menopause or rheumatoid arthritis, and prevent migraine headaches.

4. Lean Meat
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), lean meat is any serving of meat (3 ounces - about the size of a deck of cards) with less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat and 95 milligrams cholesterol. It's one of the best sources for your protein and also contains B vitamins which help the body metabolism. It could be skinless chicken breast, turkey cutlets, beef cuts with "loin" or "round" in the name, pork products with "loin" or "leg" in the name, or lamb loin chop. The methods of cook it includes grilling, broiling, roasting, sautéing and baking.

5. Egg
Egg is another easy to obtain good source of protein, it has the same protein as piece of beef or chicken and also contain vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. All of the egg's vitamin A, D and E is in the egg yolk, so forget the myth about eating only the egg white; it will only cut your benefits from egg. It's recommended to buy egg from Vegetarian Fed Free Roaming Hens because they are fed with higher nutrient and not under stress when lay eggs.

6. Fruits
Fruits are generally high in fiber, water and vitamin C as well as satisfy your sweet tooth. You could eat it plain or with cereal, yogurt, or waffles. Just remember to eat fruit instead of fruit juice, which contain sugar and part of its nutrient lost in the process. A simple and easy to get example is apple which is high in antioxidant, and reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Another example would be banana, which is high in potassium to sodium content and may prevent high blood pressure and its complications.

7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is fruit oil obtained from the olive, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It's used mainly for cooking oil, while extra virgin olive oil vastly used for salad dressings and foods to be eaten cold. It's rich in monounsaturated fat which is reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Studies also shown that consumption of olive oil can provide heart health benefi ts such as favorable effects on cholesterol regulation and LDL cholesterol oxidation, and that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive.

8. Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid. There are many type of vinegar which is includes malt, wine, apple, rice, coconut, etc. Multiple trials indicate that taking vinegar with food increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) and so, reduces the amount of food consumed. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.

9. Ginger ale
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. It contains lactose and probiotics, similar to what you get in yogurt, these help in ease constipation. It also can be used as home remedies to prevent or alleviate motion sickness, to relieve upset stomachs and to soothe coughs and sore throats.

10. Sp routed grain breads
Sprouted grain bread involves soaking the grain and allowing it to sprout. This allows the enzymes in the grain to convert some of the carbohydrates and fats to vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which is why sprouted grain bread typically is higher in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals than regular bread. It is also less refined and processed than even stone ground wheat bread, so it has less of an impact on your blood sugar.

Best Diet Foods â The List

2010-01-19T21:30:00.001-08:00

1. Almonds
Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in monounsaturated fat which is lowering LDL cholesterol. It also claimed to improved complexion, improved movement of food through the colon (feces) and the prevention of cancer. Almond flour is gluten free, made it a popular ingredient in cookery in place of wheat flour for gluten-sensitive people and people with wheat allergies.

2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is the source of complex-carbohydrates and fiber, which can lower blood cholesterol. Food and Drug Administration also stated that food with a lot of oat bran or rolled oats can carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease, when combined with a low-fat diet. Oatmeal porridge is also contains more B vitamins and calories than other kinds of porridges.

3. Low-Fat and Fat-Free Dairy Products
Cheese, milk, sour cream, yogurt, and cream cheese are available in low fat varieties which offer both healthy nutrients and great taste. Research also shown that it help lower LDL cholesterol level, reduce risk of hypertension, prevent childhood obesity, protect against gout, promote healthy thyroid function, prevent bone loss that occurs as a result of menopause or rheumatoid arthritis, and prevent migraine headaches.

4. Lean Meat
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), lean meat is any serving of meat (3 ounces - about the size of a deck of cards) with less than 10 grams total fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat and 95 milligrams cholesterol. It� ��s one of the best sources for your protein and also contains B vitamins which help the body metabolism. It could be skinless chicken breast, turkey cutlets, beef cuts with "loin" or "round" in the name, pork products with "loin" or "leg" in the name, or lamb loin chop. The methods of cook it includes grilling, broiling, roasting, sautéing and baking.

5. Egg
Egg is another easy to obtain good source of protein, it has the same protein as piece of beef or chicken and also contain vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. All of the egg's vitamin A, D and E is in the egg yolk, so forget the myth about eating only the egg white; it will only cut your benefits from egg. It's recommended to buy egg from Vegetarian Fed Free Roaming Hens because they are fed with higher nutrient and not under stress when lay eggs.

6. Fruits
Fru its are generally high in fiber, water and vitamin C as well as satisfy your sweet tooth. You could eat it plain or with cereal, yogurt, or waffles. Just remember to eat fruit instead of fruit juice, which contain sugar and part of its nutrient lost in the process. A simple and easy to get example is apple which is high in antioxidant, and reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Another example would be banana, which is high in potassium to sodium content and may prevent high blood pressure and its complications.

7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is fruit oil obtained from the olive, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It's used mainly for cooking oil, while extra virgin olive oil vastly used for salad dressings and foods to be eaten cold. It's rich in monounsaturated fat which is reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Studies also shown that consumption of olive oil can provide heart health benefits s uch as favorable effects on cholesterol regulation and LDL cholesterol oxidation, and that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive.

8. Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic liquid processed from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid. There are many type of vinegar which is includes malt, wine, apple, rice, coconut, etc. Multiple trials indicate that taking vinegar with food increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) and so, reduces the amount of food consumed. Use them in place of oil, mayonnaise, or butter in recipes.

9. Ginger ale
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. It contains lactose and probiotics, similar to what you get in yogurt, these help in ease constipation. It also can be used as home remedies to prevent or alleviate motion sickness, to relieve upset stomachs and to soothe coughs and sore throats.

10. Sprout ed grain breads
Sprouted grain bread involves soaking the grain and allowing it to sprout. This allows the enzymes in the grain to convert some of the carbohydrates and fats to vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which is why sprouted grain bread typically is higher in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals than regular bread. It is also less refined and processed than even stone ground wheat bread, so it has less of an impact on your blood sugar.

Slim Seduction - Diet Plans For Overweight

2010-01-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

Are you one of the overweight around seeking answers to their questions? Looking for best and safe solutions to their problems? Don't ever lose your hope for there are so many people who are in your situation. Just be optimistic, believed in yourself that you can achieved your goal in time. Losing weight is a tricky job, so you need the will and determination to finally do it. Here are some tips or diet plans for overweight:

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Tip # 1: Low Fat, Low Salt Diet

You should be careful of the food you eat in order to lose weight properly. The good fat or polyunsaturated fat is necessary to your diet to make you healthy and you can get it in vegetables such as soybeans, cottonseed and corn. Avoid creams, whole milk and butter which contains saturated fa ts. Try to eat less dark meat instead have a portion of skinless chicken or turkey. Eliminate the hidden sodium in your diet, foods containing such salts are cured bacon and hams etc. You should avoid these salty and fatty foods to lessen your risk of clogging your arteries which results to sudden cardiac arrest.

Tip # 2: Fruits and Vegetables

Eat more fresh fruits instead of salted chips with mayonnaise. You must also avoid these commercial sauces and salad dressings for these are high in calories. Also avoid these packed, frozen and canned foods when you want to lose weight quickly. For in between meals you can have high in fiber, low calorie foods such as apples and celery. Drink plenty of water and juices without sugar.

Tip # 3: Routine Exercise

One of the best diet plans for overweight is daily exercise. Be focus on your goal to lose weight so you need to exercise and exercise everyday to eliminate excess body fats in your system. To avoid your food craving, you can make yourself busy with exercise like walking, jogging or swimming etc.

Another important thing to remember is to seek professional advise like your doctor, a dietitian or a nutritionist for more effective approach in losing your weight problem. You should change your eating habit and change your lifestyle in order to achieve your goal. You should take and eat everything in moderation this could somehow one of the best diet plans for overweight people. Keeping your body and mind healthy and well is your choice. Be very brave to face your concern and I am sure in just a matter of weeks you can see a satisfying result. Good Luck!

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Devising Your Own High Blood Pressure Diet

2010-01-17T03:30:00.001-08:00

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is almost a certainty that your doctor has advised you to begin adhering to a high blood pressure diet as a way to control your hypertension. If you are also overweight, your extra pounds could be a factor in increasing your blood pressure; so your high blood pressure diet may be a low-calorie diet as well, at least until you lose the unwanted weight. If weight is not an issue, your high blood pressure diet will not be a calorie-restricted one.

The Basics Of A High Blood Pressure Diet

A high blood pressure diet demands that you cut back on or eliminate some foods, while increasing your intake of others. Salt is a prime culprit in creating high blood pressure, so you should be consuming no more than five grams of salt per day. You will have to start paying attention to the sodium in the packaged and canned foods you buy, because many of them are notorious for their high salt content. Go for the low-salt or no-salt versions. You can learn to season your food with herbs and spices; they are the secrets to many a brilliant culinary career.

You doctor is going to tell you that, as a part of your high blood pressure diet, you will have to lower or stop your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and high fat foods. Fresh fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids--salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines--are healthy choices which will give your body the"good fats" it needs. For more info see http://www.lower-highbloodpressure.com/High_Blood_Pressure/ on High Blood Pressure.

If you absolutely cannot live without meat, choose white meat chicken or turkey, baked or roasted with the skin removed. High fiber whole grain cereals and baked goods; potassium-rich fruits like bananas and prunes; beans; fresh fruits--especially blueberries and citrus fruits; vegetables including spinach, broccoli carrots, avocados, and celery; low-fat dairy products; unsalted nuts and soy products; and flaxseeds are all ingredients n a well-balanced high blood pressure diet.

Getting Help From Exercise

Your diet, if you want to maximize its hypertension-reducing benefits, should be accompanies by a consistent exercise program. Walking, cycling, swimming, or treadmilling between one-half and three-quarters of an hour every day can cause an additional decrease in blood pressure, but to achieve any results, the exercise must be aerobic, and it must be done regularly. You high blood pressure diet will work on its own, but may need the extra boost provided by regular exercise to get your blood pressure back into normal range.

Popcorn Diets: The Truth Behind Them - Dieting

2010-01-15T18:30:00.001-08:00

There's a lot of bewilderment concerning diets around North America. One minute we are told that low carb, high-fat, protein-rich diets are best, while the subsequent we hear that high carbohydrate, low fat diets are the ticket to weight reduction. there's no real secret diet which will work for everybody, and it is critical to choose a diet that really works well with your likes and way of life.

In this piece we may review a fad diet that was presented to customers 2 years back, the popcorn diet. By this point, everyone should know that trend diets fail to work because they're short term, impractical, and typically fast diets that inspire our bodies to pack on the fat after we are going off them. There are some good facets of the popcorn diet though, which includes nibbling all day on air-popped popping corn. Popcorn is extremely high in diet fiber which is the key for losing pounds due to it's capability to make out stomachs feel fuller for longer without the add ed calories. Fiber is also necessary in maintaining regular bowel health, forestalling heart problems and certain cancers.

Popcorn is also highly low calorie which makes it an excellent food to break on if you get the munchies. On the down side most of the people don't really like the flavor of plain popcorn as it is actually dry and tasteless. So rather than having a healthy lowcal break, they load it up with butter and salt which makes it very high in sodium and in numerous cases, higher in fat than potato chips. Eating an unnecessary quantity of corn can block the assimilation of vitamin B, which may result in anemia, low energy levels, skin rashes, depression and short term memory loss.

Just remember, humans can't live on popcorn alone, and this is the reason why the popcorn diet is one more failed trend. It's also vital to note that popcorn belongs in the top 5 foods that youngsters choke on below the age of 5, so desist from giving your tiny one popcorn t ill he / she's older, and ensure you don't leave any popcorn laying around.

Diet For Health (Important Information)

2010-01-14T04:45:00.001-08:00

DIET FOR HEALTH There is so much written about diets it can get very confusing. Unfortunately, most of us still associate the word diet in negative terms as most of the material is about losing weight and calorie restriction. I wish to outline various healthy eating programs that bring about balance and energy and at the same time one will achieve their objective and lose weight. I truly believe the word diet should be changed to eating plan. There are many eating plans that one can easily choose the ideal plan to reach your goals. Nutritional therapist agree that an eating plan consisting of fresh food which in unrefined and lightly cooked which helps to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients is best for all round health. However on your first consultation you maybe prescribed a Hypoallergenic Diet as a diagnostic tool to be used for the first two weeks of a nutritional therapy regime.
THE HYPOALLERGENIC DIET: excludes the four basic food items associated with allergic symptoms (wheat and gluten, dairy produce, eggs and yeast) other dietary food that can cause stress to the digestive system include tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, salt, alcohol, saturated fats, red meat and artificial food colors and addictives. This diet must, of course, be under professional guidance and in no way mandatory.
CLEANSING DIET: These are often based on raw foods, there purpose is to remove excess tissue acidity, often caused by long term consumption of too much protein, to correct the sodium/potassium balance and to promote cell respiration and oxygenation, and to help decongest the liver and discharge toxic waste matter. Protein when metabolized by the body leaves an acidic residue, which can build up and cause damage to tissue and joints. It may lead to the development of degenerative diseases such as arthritis and cancer; these diseases often exhibit high tissue acidity. As fruits and vegetables leave an alkaline residue after bei ng metabolized, cleansing diets main concentrates on these. For the first ten days to two weeks this type of diet mainly focuses on raw foods, following this. Some steamed vegetables may be added and some brown rice and pulses. The diet is low in calories since that is designed to break up fatty deposits in the liver. Body fats are broken down to release stored energy. You must take care not to reduce calorie intake too much.
MACROBIOTIC DIETS: Roughly translated the word macrobiotic means 'large' life and the diet was founded on the principle that wholesome food would help to promote good health and longevity. This system in centered on the consumption of whole grains and the basic proportions of each food type eaten in this diet are as follows:
Grains 50-60%
Soup 5-10%
Vegetables 20-30%
Beans and seaweed 5-10%
Fish, seeds, nuts and fruit 5% 3-4 times a week. At least two grains are used everyday with each meal. A minimum of six types of vegetables with one serving of pulses is taken daily. Fish and fruit restricted to three to four times a week.
THE HAY SYSTEM: food combining diet: Named after Dr William Hay this diet has been promoted as very popular and effective for weight loss and digestive problems. Based on the principal of not mixing protein and carbohydrates at the same meal. Protein foods: Meat, fish eggs, fish, dairy products, nuts and Soya may be eaten with
All vegetables except potatoes and artichokes
Neutral and sub acid fruits e.g. strawberries, raspberries, plums, mango, pineapple, apples, pears, and peaches. Carbohydrate Foods: All grains and pulses with the exception of Soya with
All vegetables
Sweet fruits such as bananas, grapes and dried fruit
Neutral foods. Neutral foods, which may be eaten with either protein or carbohydrates, are
All vegetables except potatoes and artichokes,
Seeds and nuts,
Herbs and spices, Wheat germ,
Fats, oils and egg yokes,
Honey, maple syrup, molasses and raisins,
Alcoholic spirits. In health terms the Hay System when followed properly in an extremely nutritious eating plan. White flour, white rice and sugar are not included.
VEGETARIANISM: The Stone Age man originally ate fruit, berries, seeds and plants. It was not until the population began to increase that man turned to hunting wild animals and fish to supplement his diet. The meat we buy today is usually mass produced, high in fats and cholesterol and contains many chemicals, including antibiotics, pesticides and female hormones. Fish is also a suspect due to increasing pollution of our seas. However, a vegetarian diet is not always a healthy diet, one of the reasons is that meat is often replaced by dairy products which contain high fat and are acid forming. A VEGAN diet avoids all animal food including the products of animals like milk and dairy and eggs. Studies have revealed that c onditions such as arthritis, asthma and psoriasis have improved. The immune system functions better with increased white blood cell activity, saturated fat levels fall. The diet does not contain hormones or antibiotics. One of the dangers of this sort of diet is that protein levels may be inadequate. The body needs protein to build and repair muscle tissue and to form cells. Enzymes are made from protein and protein is a vital part of hemoglobin. Antibodies, hormones, adrenalin and insulin are partly made my protein.
LOW CARBOHYDRATE DIETS: These are very last resort treatments for severely obese and are not recommended. Depriving the body from carbohydrates it will have to turn protein into energy. Low carbohydrates can lead to acidosis, dehydration, loss of lean tissue, impaired kidney function due to the build up of waste products from breakdown of body tissue are just a few of the complications which can occur when following this regime. If it must me adop ted it is considered a once-only diet to be used in very special cases only. for more tips go to: http://www.s-healthguide.com/nutrtional-therapy.php

The Alkaline Diet Rains on the Fad Diets' Parade

2010-01-12T17:45:00.001-08:00

What in the world is an alkaline diet I hear you say?

It's fast becoming the most popular diet around that is ALSO endorsed by nutritionists and health gurus as being sustainable long term and one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing.

The 90s were marked by the low-fat diet craze, the last six to seven years have been focused on low-carbohydrate diets like Atkins, the South Beach Diet, Protein Power and Sugarbusters, which are now considered very dubious to say the least. As people become frustrated with each type of diet, they look for something new to try.

The alkaline diet is a hot hot topic - and rightly so. At last a diet that is actually GOOD for you and based on the sense and science of our ancestors before us - eating vegetables, high quality fats, seeds and sprouts.

The alkaline diet is so appealing to people because it is a complete about turn from the high-protein, low carbohydrate diets of the past few year s. The alkaline diet, also called the pH Miracle Diet or the Young Diet, after its creator Robert Young, has a totally different approach to nutrition. Many holistic doctors and nutritionists see it as a more balanced approach to nutrition that takes the body's true needs into account.

Basically, the human body has a pH that is slightly alkaline. The theory is that since the human body runs at this pH, our diet should be comprised of mostly alkaline foods. The standard American diet has many foods that are considered acidic, such as animal protein, sugar, caffeine and packaged foods. These foods upset the acid-alkaline balance of your body and can spark and nurture a plethora of problems, illnesses and diseases.

The proponents of the pH Miracle diet say that all of these acidic foods actually disrupt the body's use of alkaline minerals. These minerals include sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which make people prone to chronic diseases.

This is the real crux of the importance of the alkaline diet. The nutrition and health community has come to realize that what a person puts into their body has a profound effect on their overall health. Although the mainstream medical community has emphasized a balanced diet including fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products, the pH diet takes this a step further.

It points out that the acidic foods actually rob your body of essential minerals. Those who follow an alkaline diet and eat alkaline foods are avoiding the acidic foods that can have a very negative effect on one's health and wellbeing.

Many of the foods that we eat commonly are considered no-nos on the pH miracle diet. One of the most surprising omissions is the absence of wheat products. The FDA recommends whole-wheat products for better health. Yet according the pH diet, grains like wheat, millet, oats and rice are acidic and harmful. The alkaline grains of buckwheat, quinoa and spelt are favored for their alkalizing benefits.

The alkaline diet prohibits all dairy and meat products. If you're worried about protein, goat milk is slightly alkaline. There is also protein provided from vegetarian options like beans, tofu and certain nuts and seeds. Most vegetables have alkalizing effects, except for mushrooms. Fruits are limited to coconut, grapefruit, lemon and lime.

Food Dieting: Healthy Diet or Best Diet Which Should Include in your Diet Meal Plan?

2010-01-10T14:45:00.001-08:00

In nutrition diet food means, the quantity of foods & drinks that have been prescribed to intake by a person as meal. Generally, we use the word diet food to identify the food by the following words: zero fat, no fat, fat free, zero calorie, low calorie, no sugar, sugar free, light food etc.

Now it is a controversial questions that which dietary method should we maintain. A Healthy Diet or Best Diet? Some diet plans like Atkins, South Beach etc., expressed that low-carb diet is the best. But studies shows, low carb diets can cause nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, fatigue; and extremely low carb-diet can result cholesterol levels and blood flow to heart.

Most of the prescribed or non-prescribed diets work great when anyone use them, but it may cause weight back when you are not with them or discontinue to use them regularly. In this case one should search diet foods or a diet meal plan which will give Long term result.

Instead, a healthy diet helps to maintain or improve physical condition. Healthy diet is essential for the avoidance of many chronic diseases such as: obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. It includes appropriate amounts of all nutrients and sufficient amount of water. Nutrients can be obtained from different kinds foods, so a wide variety of diets that may regarded as healthy diets.

The micronutrients consist in a healthy diet are: Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate, Minerals (Salt, Potassium, Manganese, Calcium, Iron, Cop per etc.) & Vitamins. You cannot avoid any of the above things for your sound health.

Some Recommendations made by WHO is given below:

Maintain an Energy Balance & a healthy weight
Limit energy intake from any kinds of fats.
Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts
Limit the intake of simple sugars
Limit salt / sodium consumption from all sources and ensure that salt is iodized

Other recommendations:

Take Vitamin or Food Supplement to ensure your health
Use the diet meal plan/ dietary supplement that are prescribed by a nutrition specialist rather than a doctor.
If you run a weight loss plan you must take instruction by a health & nutrition specialist
Include physical exercise or activity on regular basis at least four times in a week
Keep a diary for yo ur regular diet meal plan
Make diets easier by supporting your friends and family members

How to Get Rid of Extra Pounds With Low-Fat Recipes?

2010-01-09T03:01:00.001-08:00

Low-carbohydrate, low-fat, high protein, whole grains. Another misconception is that switching to a low-fat diet means that food will never taste the same again. In women, adipose on the hips and on the upper arms is a cause of anxiety. Also, merely avoiding the use of saturated fats and Trans fats is not the solution.

Healthy Vitamins

Oil that contains saturated fats is a definite no-no. It will simply taste different! We also need it so that the body can absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, which helps our skin and hair grow healthy, to protect our vital organs and to stimulate our neurological system. These are vegetable oils such as canola or olive oil, which contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

There are many sources of fats in the food you eat. You must get a healthy and balanced diet with sufficient vegetables as well. So you've decided to eat healthy and have added a while new set of words to your vocabulary . Fats are also among the basic materials required to build your body's cell.

Plans before starting with Low-Fat Recipes

All fat contains the same amount of calories but since their composition differs, their effect on the body also differs. It is raises cholesterol levels and makes you put on weight. Also sticking to low-fat recipes is not good enough if that is the only dietary change you're planning to make. People mistakenly believe that these two types of fats contain more calories than other types of fats.

Unsaturated fat, on the other hand, is healthy. Along with this, you also must cut down on meal size, eat small portions and substitute the carbohydrates you consume with whole grain. Fat is stored by the body as adipose. Also, if you snack on processed low-fat foods there's no point to keeping only the low-fat recipes in your cook book and throwing out all the rest.

While that is true, it doesn't mean it won't tast e good. Fats are an essential part of one's diet as fatty acids or lipids are storehouses of energy for the body. Ever heard of margarine, yoghurt and low-fat cheese? One of the primary sources is the oil you use to cook it in. Do you know that cooking only low-fat recipes may not help you achieve your weight-loss goals?

In men, it is usually stored in the mid-section, usually bloating into a paunch at middle age. That is not true. So resolving to follow low-fat recipes is not about reducing your calorific intake. That's because many processed foods contain high levels of sodium and sugar, which make you gain weight.

Fat and Vitamins

Fat is therefore an essential part of our daily diet. Well, low-fat recipes should most definitely be among your top priorities.

Low-Fat Alternatives

Thankfully, there are a number of alternatives to foods that contain saturated fats such as butter, cheese and curd. Fat facts let's first take a look at some fast facts about fat.

A risk of the low-fat advice may be to it is encouraging us to eat too a large amount of the insult classify of food. particular the chance, individuals have a tendency to eat around the same amount of calories, in spite of this varied their composition, and those who eat plenty of meat and dairy products, similar to the Americans tend, not to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Therefore if you trim down fat it is prone to be replacing with refined carbohydrates and that seems to be the problem.

Troublingly, the substantiation has been developing to facilitate diets exalted in carbohydrate can multiply the blood level of perilous fats called triglycerides and downgrade the "good" or HDL cholesterol. Diets summit in baby and other carbohydrates may furthermore lead to a clause called insulin resistance - the optional extra carbohydrates are curved hooked on extra glucose, which makes the essence prod uce extra insulin and after a while the mass becomes less responsive to insulin.

American Diabetes Association Diet

2010-01-07T17:30:00.001-08:00

American Diabetes Association recommends the american diabetes association diet to all diabetic patients. Better nutrition and healthy eating habits are very important issue for every diabetic patient. The Better nutrition and healthy eating habits are very important issue for every diabetic patient. Diet serves as a guideline to help ensure that you are eating healthy and consuming the needed vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Guidelines - The american diabetes association diet recommends that a diabetic person eat foods daily from the 4 major food groups.

1. Proteins, which include meats, eggs, fish, poultry, nuts and dried beans. (Peanut butter is even a protein!)
2. Dairy products like low fat milk, skim milk, cottage cheese and yogurt.
3. Whole grains, br eads and cereals.
4. Vegetables and fruits.

By following these guidelines by american diabetes association diet, you will ensure that your body receives all of the nutrients that it needs in order to function to the best of its ability. Some of these nutrients include: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates provide energy for the body. Unfortunately there are good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates include items such as: beans, lentils, whole grains, and cereals. When the body breaks carbohydrates down, sugar is produced; therefore, watch your carbohydrate intake.

Proteins are another source of energy for the body and are very important for the body's growth. Proteins have the ability to help maintain level blood glucose results. This is why whenever one has a low blood glucose level, eating a carbohydrate and a protein is recommended. The carbohydrate provides the body with the sugar whi ch causes the blood glucose level to rise while the protein ensures that the level stays there and doesn't drop back down.

High fiber foods and low glycemic index foods are very healthy for diabetics and are highly recommended in the ADA diet. High fiber foods includes: beans, whole grains, peas, etc. High fiber foods help to reduce high blood glucose levels as well as high blood-fat levels. The ADA diet does allow for you to have fat in your diet, but in the right proportions.

Avoid - The american diabetes association diet requires that you avoid foods that are high in fat. Pick meats that are lean and have low fat content. Use olive oil or flax seed oil for cooking. Remove the skin of chicken prior to eating. Skim or low-fat milk is always recommended instead of whole milk.

Low sodium content in your diet is also recommended. Stay away from foods that are high in salt and limit your salt usage during cooking. Learn to read nutrition labels as there are hidden sources of salt in foods such as canned soups.
Of course, sugar intake should be completely removed in the recommended american diabetes association diet. This means elimination of table sugar, sugar coated cereals, canned soda, syrup, etc should not be consumed.

Alcoholic beverages should also be eliminated in the ADA diet. Since alcohol acts like sugar in your blood stream, alcoholic beverages are not a good idea.

You should consult your dietitian to develop and maintain a meal plan that is right for you while following these recommended guidelines in the ADA diet.

Go to Diabetic Diet Zone to get your free ebook on Diabetic Diets at Diabetic Diet. Diabetic Diet Zone also has information on american diabetes association Diet along with a lot of other free information. Come by our new Diabetic Diet Community site today for free ebooks and other free information that can help you today.

Healthy Nutrition Diet

2010-01-06T08:00:00.001-08:00

HEALTHY NUTRITION DIET

A healthy food is beneficial for each and every person. It is important to take care of your body and if you, you will reap the good benefits. A healthy food does not need to be boring! It should be tasty, balanced too. If you feel bored with a healthy food, you will quickly yield to passion it! The body works like a machine - if you put good and healthy foods in, it will appear and perform better. For that we should take the healthy diet such as vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, nuts and whole grain products, etc.

Healthy meals are more fun and tasty than unhealthy food. Usually fatty meals are only to satisfaction and enjoyment of a meal and not satisfy our health. When ones you adopt to eat healthy foods, you'll be forced to make hem tasty and variety in all kinds of different ways.

To work best, our body needs vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and liquids. A good vegetable, fruits, grains and proteins k eeps our body healthy. Eating this kind of food prevents from the risk of illnesses such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, blood cholesterol. A deficient diet can result in obesity, and anemia. It is possible to have healthy food delivered to your door, either fresh ingredients or prepared meals. It is a bad idea to needed yourself totally of your favorite foods, but the occasional slice of chocolate and cake is good. You don't need to eliminate anything out completely. . You can make good choices and substitute one food choice for another. However, Changes should be made gradually. You can begin by introducing more fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet are beneficial. Always keep adopt to go through the labels of the food item about content of added salt, sugar and fat, etc. whatever you purchased from market.

Another main problem that people face is trying to lose weight that they have a dependence on the fatty and unhealthy food s that they are used to eat. They feel that by giving up these foods they are punishing themselves.

Choosing the best healthy food to eat should include many factors. Three important healthy foods to eat factors are the following:

1. Avoid white flour and pizza items it contains large amount of calories, Even though you're getting nutrition from the vegetables, the overall effect support against towards a negative due to the other fat gaining ingredients. Much bread available on the market which are being encourage as a healthy food to eat actually contain high sodium levels. High amount of sodium has a lot of negative possibilities to spoil the health. Also fruit and vegetables that we believe to be a healthy food to eat but it might also contain sodium solution to preserve the product. fresh fruits and vegetables are always good for healthy life.

2. Avoid deep fry, try grilling or baking instead deep fry and try to add high fiber diet. Always take fibe r
content and low fat diet: like if have to eat bread go to wheat bread (Brown bread), include more quantity of green and color vegetables and fruits such as carrot, beetroot, orange, apple papaya and guava, especially guava is very good for diabetes and papaya is good for blood cholesterol and heart diseases it melts the fat sediments which mixed in our blood.

Once you have to adopt some time on healthy food diets, you'll find it very hard to go back to your old one. These are just some of the main reasons to get into a healthy food diet, so make that decision today to change your diet and change your lifestyle.

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Using A High Blood Pressure Diet To Battle Hypertension

2010-01-05T02:00:00.001-08:00

Finding out that you suffer from high blood pressure can be surprising. For someone who's been in relatively good health up until that point suddenly has the rug pulled out from under them. Confused about the repercussions of such a condition, those newly diagnosed with high blood pressure will often go on a fact-finding mission to determine all the factors that impact blood pressure.

As they will soon find out there are a multitude of factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Genetic predisposition, a smoking habit, high stress, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption can all play a role. But the food we eat can play the most significant role in contributing to high blood pressure. And, consequently, a high blood pressure diet can positively impact blood pressure as well as overall health.

When embarking on a high blood pressure diet, patients will be told to immediately eliminate foods high in sodium. Nothing directly impact s blood pressure more than salt intake. Switching to low sodium foods can be a first step. But the most effective way to eliminate sodium is to eat a high blood pressure diet of whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limiting canned and frozen foods will also limit the amount of preservatives (a.k.a. sodium) that you consume.

Choose lean meats that are grilled instead of fried; increase your water intake to include the recommended eight glasses a day; limit white flour and sugar; and make good choices. Eating a high blood pressure diet does not mean that you have to say goodbye to your favorite foods forever. Rather, it's a matter of making healthy choices on a more consistent basis, with specific times set aside to enjoy your less healthy but much beloved favorites.

Always work in tandem with your doctor to establish a safe and healthy high blood pressure diet. Medical guidance at this time will ensure consistent changes an d successful lowering of blood pressure.

A high blood pressure diet can work wonders to alleviate hypertension. And while there is no cure for high blood pressure, there are many ways to manage it. A high blood pressure diet - one that focuses on natural, whole foods - will go a long way to increasing your health, lowering your blood pressure, and providing you lifelong vitality.

Fat Loss Diets

2010-01-03T18:45:00.001-08:00

Given the wide variety of weight loss diet options available and still more popping up with each passing day, it is difficult to decide what would work for you and what would not. Here are a few tips for you then, which would help you to know all about the best fat loss diets:

1. Natural Components Offer Best Results

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Health supplements are integral to any weight loss plan. While all of us consume these in some form or the other, not all of us end up benefiting off these. The reason behind that is that not all supplements are created equal and only the natural ones can deliver effective and permanent results. A chemical or synthetic variant would simply add to your woes by piling the system with unwanted toxins. Choose Acai Berr y and Colon Cleanse combo then for it is proven to be an essential medium for an effective fat loss diet.

2. Low-Sodium Foods Help

Another aspect to be kept in mind while investing any weight loss plan with success is to ensure that you consume a diet that is low on sodium(less than 1500 mg a day). Sodium leads to water retention and abdominal weight and therefore must be consumed in limits.

3. Going Vegan Is the Way

Vegan diets are proven to be far better and healthier than the non-vegan ones. Red meat especially adds to a lot of body fat. Milk and cheese too contribute greatly to those extra pounds. Switch over to fresh fruits and vegetables diet therefore and experience the difference. Oats, whole grains and cereals are also great ways to ensure that the body gets enough nutrients (especially fiber) to keep fit. Further, vegan diets eliminate the risks of worms and parasites attacking your system and make for a healthier choice.

4. Water Works Wonders

Adequate water consumption is also important for any weight loss diet to work. Water eases metabolic activity and ensures that the toxic wastes are flushed out of the system on a regular basis. Drink lots of water then for that would really help you loose weight at warp speed.

Ideally any diet that can balance the calories consumed with the calories spent in a healthy manner is going to be a good fat-loss diet. Quite obviously then, you could take recourse to exercising too to add to the effectiveness of your weight loss plan.

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Do diabetes diets need to be exclusive ?

2010-01-02T10:30:00.001-08:00

You should cook for the whole family the same way you cook for a person with diabetes. I mean by cutting down the sugar, and also the fat and sodium. So, you lower everyone's risk for many chronic diseases, not only diabetes.

Use of artificial sweeteners and sugar.

In many recipes, sugar can be cut by 1/4 to 1/3. I said many, not all the recipes. Let's face it: cakes and cookies may not turn out as well when the sugar is reduced. In foods that do not need sugar for texture, moistness or color, artificial sweeteners can work best.

Use a good diabetic cookbook or recipes from companies that make artificial sweeteners for the best foods made with low sugar or an artificial sweetener.

Eat sweet foods with prudence. They only have empty calories. But when you really want to indulge yourself a little, you can substitute small amounts of sugar for other carbohydrates in the diet.

To cut the fat and sodium:
+ Bake, grill, broil, boil, ro ast and poach.
+ Trim meat well, and remove skin and fat from poultry.
+ Eat fried food seldom.

Instead of using fatback, margarine, butter or oil to season vegetables, prefer fat-free and low-sodium broth.
Cook in a nonstick pan or frypan. On pots and pans, use a nonstick vegetable spray.

Instead of salt or fat, for flavor, sprinkle on lemon juice, spices or herbs.

Beware of some fat-free and reduced-fat foods. Some of them are high in calories from sugar or other carbohydrates. Some of them are also high in sodium.

Instead of large portions of meat, fish and poultry, eat more low-calorie vegetables. Choose fruit for dessert. Use fat-free or skim milk, sour cream and cheese. For salads, cut regular dressing in half with plain nonfat yogurt, or use reduced-fat salad dressing and mayonnaise. In recipes, cut the fat or oil by 1/4 to 1/2.

Portion control

To get the best portion control, use measuring spoons and cups and a small scale for weighing food. After practicing a few weeks, you may need to measure portions only when your blood sugar or weight go out of control, or when you try a new food. To make it easier to eyeball portion sizes, always use the same size plate, bowl, glass and cup. A woman's fist is about the size a piece of fresh fruit or a potato should be. The palm of an average woman's hand equals approximately 1/2 cup or 4 ounces.

Important note: Cut down on second helpings by serving portions on the plate in the kitchen.

Good diabetic cookbooks are easily available on line from many sources, including the American Diabetes Association.

Rapid Weight Loss Diet

2009-12-31T23:01:00.001-08:00

If you are ready now for a safe and rapid weight loss diets, now please taking out a piece of paper and write it out. Be honest to yourself, state down your current weight. At another column, how many lbs you need to lose. Continue the plan with the big question marks, what kind of rapid weight loss plan you are comfortable to implement and what kind of rapid weight loss diet that you can adapt. Be assured you are on the right track for weight loss. If possible, scrip it offs the possibilities of taking rapid weight loss pill. Try to lose weight naturally. If you are still not confidence enough to plan for your rapid weight loss diets, you can always invite someone to help you. Friend and family is the best person or accompanying you throughout the process of weight loss. Well if you have set your mind and now you're ready to go for choosing the right food for your rapid weight loss diet. There are two ways for you're to go. First you can diet through organic nutritional weight loss shakes. Secondly you can diet through low calories, low sugar and low sodium food. Maybe you will throw a question to me, are weight loss shakes consid ered drugs? No, they are not. There are kinds of healthy meal replacement food which safe to take. And if you're rapid weight loss diets can include protein shakes, then the possibilities for getting the weight loss results faster. Unlike others rapid weight loss pill, weight loss shakes or protein shakes are organics. There are safe. Replace your lunch and dinner with this shakes, you will easily get rid of obese. But unlike those promises from many of the weight loss expert, weight loss shakes only will contributed to part of the rapid weight loss programs.

Second way for rapid weight loss diet is through choosing the right food for your rapid weight loss plan. You must choose low calories food to eat and I possible also low in sugar and sodium. Low cholesterol food like vegetables, grapefruit, spaghetti, fruits, wheat rice good for your rapid weight loss diets. These foods are low in calories but high in fiber. Besides, not like other rapid weight loss pills, the se low cal foot help to improve your skin problem. As far as we know, high cholesterol food basically is very oily like pizza, burger and French fries. However boost up your spirit to avoid high cholesterol food during your rapid weight loss diet period and be rest assured that you definitely can achieve your weight loss goal.

If you managed to control your appetite then I should congratulate you, caused you have done the first 50% of you rapid weight loss diet plan. Furthermore, don't release yourself too early once you've seen some weight reduction. In fact you should put more effort on your rapid weight loss diet plan. And please remind yourself, away from those entire rapid weight loss pill in the market, be focus on your diet plan.

There's no actual rapid weight loss plan that works perfectly. A healthy and rapid weight loss diets must always pairing up with strong self-determination and desired to success. You are the one whom determine how rapid the re sult it. Avoid taking commercial rapid weight loss pill is a must as most of the drugs doesn't containing health benefits for our body. Schedule an exclusive rapid weight loss diet plan by include your life habits. This is important for the durability of the plan. If all these steps done then I think now you should be standing confidently in front of me now.

Diet For Diabetics - What Are the Foods to Avoid For Diabetics?

2009-12-30T13:15:00.001-08:00

When the cells of the human pancreas don't generate insulin, it creates Diabetes mellitus. Actually, insulin is useful to split sugar into a form in blood that the body can efficiently store and apply to produce energy later. This disease compels you to include diet for diabetics forget some foods and it demands your diet to be something that is high in soluble fibers and low in saturated fats. A doctor can suggest foods to avoid for diabetics and consume less carbohydrate products because it might contain high glycemic index.

The rapid increase of this disease has pressed food, beverage, and pharmaceutical companies to make products considering the need of such patients. It's also true that the doctors often prescribe not to buy such products at random and the products are often very costly as well. Such products might contain more fats and may be that the products just don't have anything that can help you to cure diabetes

If you want to keep yo ur blood glucose levels in control, a slight change in your food habit can be the best option.

Being a new patient of this disease, doctor may advice you to collaborate with a dietitian or nutritionist, who can endow you with a proper diabetic meal plan as well as snack plan. You might need to calculate your carbohydrates by pointing out your eating of sugary or starchy foods.

Then, you have to adopt a plan of diet for diabetics as new food habit. The prescription usually suggests the consumption of whole grains and starchy vegetables as the main part of your meal. It demands you to eat a minimum of two servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

The prescription then states to have proteins available in lean meat, legumes, and cheese. You must consume them in smaller quantities. Adding of slight amount of non-fat or low-fat dairy items is fine but it shouldn't cross the limit for it has fats and sugars listed under foods to avoid fo r diabetics.

This is a general prescription. To have a perfect diet for your diabetic case, please consult with a dietitian or nutritionist. Try to consume proper foods to lower high blood sugar but you must also be aware enough to keep on hand the list of very salty foods to avoid for diabetics. This is so because high blood pressure along with high blood sugar is something common in such patients. Not only consumption of fats causes high blood pressure, sodium is largely responsible for this. To avoid this problem, either lessen the salt in your food or buy non-sodium or low sodium salt replacements. Also, avoid foods like crackers, chips, processed or conserved meet products, or canned foods like sardines or soups because they contain extra sodium and salt.

Fats can be really harmful. Cardiovascular diseases often follow diabetic cases. So, avoid dairy products, solid vegetable fats, and butter because they have saturated fats. Before chicken pre paration, get the skin off. Also, strive to avoid butter and margarine. Oils obtain from canola or olive can be good for lowering elevated blood sugar levels.

It is suggestive to choose the diets for diabetics such as skimmed, low-fat, or non-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt than full cream products. It is strictly forbidden foods to avoid for diabetics with fried foods and rather boil and bake or simply broil it.

Alcoholic products are not good in such cases. Such food habit is not really difficult provided you have the patience to change.

What if you Could Extend your Life With a High Blood Pressure Diet?

2009-12-29T05:45:00.001-08:00

High blood pressure is a health issue that causes innumerable fatalities in the United States each year. Further, if it doesn't kill you, it can still lead to major problems, including heart attack and stroke. And sodium is an ingredient of a high blood pressure diet as it is one of the major high blood pressure causes. Consequently, this article will help you learn about the role of sodium in the development of high blood pressure.

Read the Ingredients

Unfortunately, given its prevalence, a good amount of the sodium you digest comes from processed foods. A good habit to develop, before buying such food, is to read the ingredients label. Unfortunately, those labels, with their multisyllabic words, seem like they aren't written in English. You feel as if you need a chemistry degree to understand them. Well, to help, remember that foods that contain ingredients with the word "sodium" in them can be bad news. For example, take disodium phosp hate and monosodium glutamate (MSG). The word "sodium" is visible. Miminize your use of such ingredients and foods.

Also, the US FDA , to aid people's dietary choices, developed sodium guidelines. For example, "low sodium" equates to 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving. Or, as another example, 5 milligrams or less of sodium per serving is "salt free" food. Google FDA sodium for the entire guide. If necessary, bring it with you to the grocery store to allow for quick and easy interpretation when you shop.

Further, highly processed foods often contain high levels of sodium, making them contributory to a high blood pressure diet. I can only imagine the thoughts going through your head now. You're busy and have no time to cook. You rely on frozen dinners and canned goods to quickly whip something up for you and your family. Unfortunately, a good amount of these foods are laced with sodium.

The Infamous Salt Shaker – One of the More Prominent High Blood Pressure Causes

Finally, like most people, you probably grab for the salt shaker at the center of your dining room table to add some quick flavor to your sometimes bland food. And, to compound the matter, you may be adding salt to processed food that already contains high levels of sodium. So resist the "salt shaker" temptation. Perhaps you might even empty your salt shaker. Further, use natural herbs to add flavor to your food. Consider onions or thyme, for example. This may be hard to do, but it's in your body's best interest.

As you can see, sodium not only presents a high blood pressure health issue, but also is hard to avoid given our busy lives. If you look at your food labels, especially those of processed foods, you'll start to see sodium everywhere. So remember to avoid ingredients with the word "sodium" in them as sodium can play a huge role in a high blood pressure diet. Also, use th e Food and Drug Administration guidelines to monitor your sodium use. And put down that salt shaker!

Take these small, proactive steps and you are on your way to eliminating some high blood pressure causes and earning better health.

Hypertension Sufferer's Diet - What Are the Processed Foods to Avoid

2009-12-27T15:01:00.001-08:00

Unknown to many, unprocessed, or natural foods already contain sodium chloride sufficient enough for our body's needs, hence, obtaining salt through natural food is not a problem. It is with the intake of processed foods that our body gets to encounter sodium chloride content that causes high blood pressure problems.

Returning to natural diets is one of the effective solutions in treating or preventing high blood pressure attacks. Accordingly, natural foods would mean anything derived from natural food sources grown from the soil, from trees, or derived from animals without need to add sauces or coatings.

In purchasing food supplies from supermarkets, reading the labels of low-sodium foods can help us determine the processed foods to avoid. An example would be a low-sodium salad dressing that contains 2 milligrams (mg) of sodium and 32 mg of potassium.

If this were to be analyzed further regarding the balance of sodium to potassium conte nt, or in determining its K-factor, the resulting proportion would be 1 mg of salt for every 16 mg of potassium. The prescribed ideal K-factor ratio is 1 mg salt for every 3 mg potassium.

Experts suggest that rather than buy foods with potassium chloride, check the labels for other substitutes like potassium gluconate and potassium bitartrate. Better yet, you can opt for natural or unprocessed foods and use salt substitutes like seasonings from spices and herbs.

Here are some of the processed foods to avoid and why they should be avoided:

1. Cooked cereals with added salt content.

2. Ready-to-eat cereals may have some moderation in sodium but are low in potassium content, hence, the addition of milk, increases the sodium level resulting to further disparity between their ratio. Occasionally, this type of food can be a part of a hypertension sufferer's diet but other low sodium, high potassium foods should be eaten in order to compe nsate.

3. Juice drinks that have minimal content as far real juice is concerned. Check the label for artificial flavors and colors as well as its sugary ingredients.

4. Processed meats use high proportions of salt in their preparation. Specifically, avoid processed beef foods like corned beef, beef burgundy, breakfast strips, frozen meatloaf, and frozen or canned sliced beef, Salisbury steak and chipped beef.

Processed pork to avoid includes cured bacon and ham, bacon bits, ham loaf, bacon bits, sweet and sour pork, ham steaks and sausages. Special preparations like frozen veal parmigiana should also be avoided. You should also consider excluding spreads, luncheon meats, franks, bologna, corned beef loaf, barbecue loaf, salami, mortadella, sandwich spreads, Vienna sausage and turkey ham.

5. Seafood are too high in sodium content although some may be eaten occasionally and with caution. Processed seafood however are best avoided si nce their preparation uses additional salt for processing.

Examples of these processed seafood are deviled crab, crab cakes, crab imperial, canned crab, fish fillets, fillet almondine, fish sticks, canned fish, lobster paste, Newburg lobster, oysters, mussels, clams, sardines and shrimps whether breaded or French fried.

6. Canned soups are definitely processed foods to avoid since most of them contain more than one gram of sodium chloride and less than the desirable level of potassium content. Do not be misled by such information as "no salt content" or "homemade"; such information does not relieve them of their high level of sodium ingredient.

7. Food flavorings with salt. Contain mostly salt blended with other ingredients.

As part of dietary measures that can prevent high blood pressure, it is recommended that the hypertension sufferer's diet should take into consideration these processed foods to avoid.

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Why Cut Back on Sodium?

2009-12-26T00:30:00.001-08:00

Sodium creeps into your diet from lots of different places, the result is, every day most people consume twice as much sodium as they should. Where does it all come from? It is important to realize what kinds of high sodium foods you eat every day that are raising your sodium level to dangerous levels.

Sodium is found in a lot more foods than you might think. Store bought spaghetti sauce, frozen entrees, chips, deli meats, soups, and other salty snacks are typically surprisingly high in sodium. Even cereals and cookies can contain a heavy does of sodium. Restaurant and take-out foods are also notoriously high in sodium. Look out for high sodium content in Indian and Chinese food particularly.

The recommended daily maximum level of sodium is about 2400mg per day. That is roughly one teaspoon of table salt. Since most people eat twice this much every day, there are rising concerns regarding the overall public health. High sodium levels tend to raise yo ur blood pressure, and the risk of stroke and other serious health problems rises with it. Also, when you eat a lot of salt, your body loses a lot of calcium through urine. This causes the body to draw on its reserve supply of calcium found in your bones. So a high sodium diet is also a risk factor for developing osteoporosis. This is particularly true if you're not getting enough calcium in your diet.

Eating a lot of sodium also causes you to retain a lot of water weight. This means you'll be gaining weight that could be easily lost if you simply limited sodium in your diet.

So what should you do to cut back on sodium? First, start paying attention to the hidden sodium content in your diet. The nutrition label on your food will tell you exactly what sodium content you'll find in the food. You can use these nutrition labels to keep careful track of your daily sodium intake and keep it to a healthy level. You can choose low sodium options for a l ot of foods that you eat regularly. You'll find low sodium soup, sauces, deli meats, and lots of other foods. If they don't taste salty enough for you, you can always add a little salt and you'll still have a very low sodium meal compared to a store bought regular meal.

Another great option for limiting sodium is to cook at home. Homemade soups, sauces, and baked goods are almost always lower in sodium than store bought goods.

Be sure to keep your potassium and calcium intake high to compensate for the weakening effect of sodium. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to help boost your level of these essential vitamins. For added insurance against development of osteoporosis or other bone related illnesses, add a good daily multivitamin to your diet. They typically provide a good strong level of calcium and potassium to ensure healthy bones and to compensate for sodium intake. If you're a little more careful with sodium, you'll b e a lot better off as you avoid the threat of serious illness related to high sodium levels.

Good Diet For High Blood Pressure And Hypertension

2009-12-24T12:30:00.001-08:00

This article will furnish you comprehensive Dietary Advice For Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Blood Pressure Levels. Here you will find Diet Tips To Reduce Blood Pressure

Diet For High Blood Pressure and Hypertension, Relation Between Diet and Blood Pressure
If you have Bad eating habits then it contributes significantly to unhealthily high blood pressure levels, even in middle age, when blood pressure levels typically rise as part of the aging process. Whether or not you are taking antihypertensive drugs, the need to make dietary improvements (eg. follow a healthy low-fat diet) is frequently at the top of a doctor's list of recommendations to reduce or prevent the onset of high blood pressure. Before outlining the best type of diet for hypertension, let's take a brief look at health consequences of raised blood pressure.

Hazards of Hypertension & High Blood Pressure
In under developed as well as developed countries, an estimated 20-40 percent of all adults suffer from persistent high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts a strain on the heart causing atherosclerosis(Thickenning of vessels). Result is damage to heart, Coronary artery disease, Kidney failure, Strok, Eye damage. Choice is yours, try to save these vital organs by controlling your BP. Remember Hypertension is a silent Killer, it shows its effects silently and when you come to know that you have BP, by that time hypertension often affects your vital organs.

Normal Blood Pressure Levels vs. Prehypertensive and Hypertensive
Normal blood pressure of an healthy adult at rest, is 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) or less. Blood pressure levels greater than 120/80 and below 140/90 are at prehypertensive stage, while levels above 140/90 are considered hypertensive stage. Both prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects should make diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to reduce or prevent the onset of hypertension and reduce the risk of heart di sease.

Weight increases blood Pressure
Over weight persons will be having high blood pressure. Weight reduction significantly decreases blood pressure.People with obesity double their risk of developing the disorder. In addition, roughly 7 out of 10 obese adults suffer from high blood pressure. If you lose even 10 pounds can produce noticeable improvements.

Dietary Advice and Tips For High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure and not overweight, here are few tips to control your BP.

Choose A Healthy Balanced Diet
If you want to reduce your blood pressure, your diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, while low in saturated and trans-fats. It should also be low in cholesterol, high in fiber, calcium,potassium and magnesium, and moderately high in protein. The American Heart Association and U.S. government recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet as a good diet guide to reduce blood pressure.

First thing is to Reduce Your Intake of Sodium (Salt)
How salt intake increases blood pressure. Eating too much salt or sodium-rich foods leads to a greater uptake of fluid and causes greater retension of water inside body, leads to volume overloard and High blood presure. It also places extra strain on the arterioles (blood vessels that dilate/constrict to regulate blood pressure and blood flow). Both these effects lead to higher blood pressure. The Recoomended daily dose for sodium for most people is 2,400 mg.

You can Reduce Sodium Intake
How can you decrease sodium intake? Eat less pre-cooked or processed food, and eat more fresh food. Sodium is found naturally in fresh foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and dairy products, but in much lower quantities than in processed foods (eg. packet, bottled or canned food).

High Sodium Foods
These foods typically have a high sodium content. In order not to exce ed the RDA, either avoid them altogether, or choose low-sodium varieties.
Sauces: baking soda, barbecue sauce, catsup, garlic salt, mustard, onion salt,Soy sauce, steak sauce, salad dressing, baking powder, mustard, onion salt, seasoned salts like lemon pepper, bouillon cubes, meat tenderizer, and monosodium glutamate.
Salted Snacks: peanuts, pretzels, pork rinds. Tortilla chips, corn chips
Soup: instant soups, Regular canned soups.
Pickled Food: Olives, or sauerkraut, Herring, pickles, relish,
Meats: smoked or cured meats (containing sodium-nitrite) such as bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, corned beef, luncheon meats, and sausage, Hogmaws, ribs, and chitterlings,.
Dairy: Most cheese spreads and cheeses.
Drinks: club soda, saccharin-flavored soda,
Cereals: Instant hot cereals, Regular ready to eat cold cereals,
Ready-to-Eat: boxed mixes like rice, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese and some frozen dinners, pot pies and pizza. Quick cook rice, instant noodles,
Fats: Butter, fatback, and salt pork.

Check Labels of Food Containers:
Choose those foods which labeled as low-sodium, very low sodium, or salt-free. Check food labels for words that indicate a high sodium content, including: sodium nitrite, sodium proprionate, disodium phosphate, and sodium sulfate., monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide,

Lower Sodium Eating Habits
Do not add extra salt when cooking or preparing meals. Cook with more herbs and spices.
Do not have salt on the table while eating do not add salt on salad.
If you cook with salt, switch to chili, ginger and lemon juice for flavoring.
If you eat cured/smoked meats, switch to fresh cold meats.
If you eat ready-to-serve breakfast cereal, choose low-sodium types of cereal.
Rinse before eating, If you eat tuna, salmon, sardines, or mackerel canned in water.
If you eat soup, switch to low-sodium or fresh soups.
If you cook with whole milk or fat diet, switch to 1 percent or skimmed buttermilk.
Remember taking less salt diet, Your BP will be in normal Limits.

If you want to know more about High Blood Pressure Diet Visit our website.

How To Adjust Your Diet To Lose 10 Pounds

2009-12-22T22:30:00.001-08:00

January comes and soon December is here — you haven't completed your new year's resolution yet to lose those extra 10 pounds. You sigh with dread because once again you face an enormous challenge.

How can you increase the odds to overcome this challenge? Start with being honest with yourself about your eating habits. Pinpoint exactly what you eat, as well as how much and how often. See the real you- the person who finishes a bucket of fried chicken in one sitting every Sunday afternoon.

Knowing your unique eating habits can help you find reasonable ways to change. Perhaps you love rich potato salads, loaded with mayonnaise. Or you must have steak, with the fat included. You may be shocked to see that you eat only a few vegetables, letting a head of lettuce wilt away in the fridge. And you discover that potato chips aren't actually vegetables.

Eating more vegetables can help you lose 10 pounds. But you can't avoid unhealthy foods alt ogether since the craving for junk food will build until it becomes irresistible. As a result, you may give in to the cravings by eating too many bags of potato chips. Instead, reward yourself every so often with treats.

Another useful technique to lose 10 pounds requires you to chew food slowly. Not only can you prevent choking, but you can also enjoy each bite, rather than devouring your food as if you're late for a meeting. If you're really running late, you might put off eating for later. In other words, you control food— food doesn't control you.

What if you want to lose 10 pounds faster? Then you could try making more changes in your eating habits, like:

-- Leave off the sauce. Forget marinating with rich liquids or barbecue sauce by using a good substitute, like a paste made from blending hot, ground chili peppers with water. You also get better flavor by spicing up your food with various seasonings.

-- Use boneles s chicken. Drumsticks may look mouth-watering, but not when you think about the extra fat. Instead, use boneless chicken and bake it.

-- Leave out the salt. Try salting every dish you cook with half as much salt: if you use 1 teaspoon to flavor the vegetable soup, try 1/2 teaspoon. By the way, soups are a great way to get more vegetables in your diet- just make sure you buy low sodium soup.

You could practice making these changes and whatever else you think of, until you lose 10 pounds. You eventually won't want to go back to your old eating habits because you'll be addicted to feeling and looking great. In other words, your new dietary habits will become a part of your life.

Hair Loss - 10 Diet Tips on How to Reduce Hair Loss

2009-12-21T10:45:00.001-08:00

Almost all of the cases of permanent hair loss or balding is a result of hereditary influences. Temporary hair loss, on the other hand, can result from nutritional deficiency, among other causes. If the proper diet is maintained, poor nutrition will be avoided. Thus, this will help reduce hair thinning and loss. Here are a few facts that may help us determine what and what not to include in our diet:

1. A high-fat and high-sodium diet contributes in hair loss. Such a diet harms our kidneys and increases the acidity of our blood, resulting in hair loss. Having a low-fat diet may help slow down the hair thinning process. According to some studies, male pattern baldness is connected to high testosterone levels, which may have resulted from consuming a high-fat and high-animal protein diet.

2. Too little protein in one's diet, on the other hand, can also lead to hair loss since it can make the hair go into a resting phase.

3. Monosaturate d fats, such as those found in nuts and extra virgin olive oil, encourages hair growth and revitalizes hair follicles.

4. Avoid ingesting foods with large amounts of carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, and potatoes. Carbohydrates are converted to glucose during the digestion process, and this raises the blood sugar level of the body. Cutting down our blood sugar level helps in reducing hair loss.

5. Have no more than one drink of alcohol per day. Alcoholic drinks lower the zinc, vitamin B, vitamin C, and folic acid levels in our body. This would lead to a deficiency in vitamins that are important for the health of our hair. Moreover, alcohol contains a high level of sugar and calories.

6. Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine decreases the levels of vitamins B and C, potassium, and zinc in our body. This deficiency in vitamins would strain the adrenal glands and this would increase the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a form o f testosterone that induces hair loss and prostate growth.

7. Soy protein stimulates hair growth. In one study, an increase of 15% in hair growth was observed. Good sources of soy protein include soy milk, tofu, fish, eggs, yogurt, and cheese.

8. Anemia is one cause of hair thinning. In order to avoid this, eat a lot of iron-rich foods. Examples include dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, cherry juice, liver, eggs, raisins, dates, and whole grain cereals.

9. Silica is another nutrient that helps improve the health of our hair. It reduces hair loss, promotes healthier hair regrowth, strengthens hair follicles, and gives shine and luster to our hair. Studies conducted in Europe have shown that silica intake slows down hair loss. An example of silica-rich food is raw oats.

10. Incorporate iodine-rich foods into your diet as it is important in maintaining the health of your hair. Use sea salt to flavor your food. Eat veg etables such as spinach, carrots, turnips, and cabbage. Pine nuts, mustard, soybeans, millet, and cold-pressed seed oils such as pumpkin, walnut, and flax seed oil are also rich in the said nutrient.

Controlling Diabetes With Diet - A Natural Approach To Disease Management

2009-12-20T02:30:00.001-08:00

If you are diabetic, in theory there is nothing that stops you from doing everything you used to do before you had diabetes. But in practice, you will have to make some lifestyle adjustments to manage your disease well such as controlling diabetes with a good diet.

In controlling diabetes with diet, one should keep in mind that there is more to treatment success than whipping the pantry into shape. The first is keeping a consistent watch on where your glucose levels are. Next is to find some ways to come up with a good diet and eventually help you control your diabetes.

Start at Home

Even though you are the one with the diabetes diagnosis, your whole family needs to make some adjustments to living with the disease. A healthful lifestyle matched with a good diet that promotes good blood glucose control is the best defense against diabetic complications. And the good news is that it is a great prescription for everyone around you as we ll.

Do not try to go it alone. The changes that diabetes brings to the dinner table can be positive ones for the entire family, particularly if your diet before now has been less than stellar.

Exercise is also a healthy choice for the whole family, both physically and on a psychological level - the family that plays together stays together.

Also, while kids should be able to enjoy the occasional treat that is not regularly on your meal plan, such as cookies or jellybeans, stocking up on junk food is not healthy for you or them. You do not need the temptation and they will be better off with more balanced fare. Limit treats to special occasions like birthdays or Halloween.

Start Out Slowly

Try limiting restaurant food to once a week and encouraging healthier menu choices. Instead of mandating "no junk food" off the bat, allow one selection of their choosing to be kept in a cabinet you do not frequent. Above all, work to provide lots of healthy, fresh, and good-tasting alternatives so the change is perceived as a positive one.

If your family members have a favorite food that is a no-no for you, only keep it on hand if you are sure it would not be calling you from the cupboard. Remember, you are not an ogre for requesting that Lucky Charms, Moon Pies, and potato chips be kept out of the pantry. No matter what degree of pouting and resistance you face from your spouse or children, stand firm. Bypassing these treats would not harm their health; having them could very well hurt yours.

Menu Planning

A meeting with a registered dietitian is an absolute must for anyone with diabetes. A good health expert will explain the mysteries of exchanges and carbohydrate counting to you and will work with you to create a meal plan that works with your lifestyle.

Parents cooking for a child with type 1 diabetes will have a whole different set of conc erns and dietary issues than, for example, an adult with type 2 who wants to learn how to eat for better control when he is out on the road.

Whether you are using carbohydrate counting or exchanges, your doctor will try to spread out your carbohydrate intake more or less evenly throughout the day to promote blood glucose balance. Again, your dietitian will work with you to come up with an appropriate amount of exchanges or carbohydrate grams, protein, and fat intake. He may also suggest other dietary guidelines based on your health history, such as low sodium if you have hypertension.

Diabetes Food Pyramid

Controlling diabetes will be a lot easier if you have a good diet to follow. And the most important guide you need to facilitate this is to know the diabetes food pyramid.

It is important to include a variety of vegetables, grains, fruits, and other nutrient-dense foods in your diet. Health experts suggest a slightly modi fied version of the recommended food pyramid as guideline for daily servings. The only difference is that starchy vegetables are moved out of the vegetable portion and down into the breads at the base of the pyramid with the rest of the starchy-heavy foods.

The general guideline should be:

1. Breads, legumes, grains, and starchy foods intake should be 6 to 11 servings

2. Nonstarchy vegetables: 3 to 5 servings

3. Fruits: 2 to 4 servings

4. Milk and yogurt: 2 to 3 servings

5. Meat and meat substitutes (proteins): 2 to 3 servings

6. Fats and sweets: Use sparingly

So the next time you plan your diet, keep in mind that your goal is not to eliminate the disease. As you go along, you will learn how to control diabetes with a good diet. It is more of keeping the culprits away from your kitchen so you can stay healthy and live longer.

Flat Belly Diet-Discover the Best Way to Lose Belly Fat Now!

2009-12-18T15:01:00.001-08:00

There is the latest weight loss program called Flat Belly Diet. This diet is based on monounsaturated fats. Each meal should compose of this fat. The meal plan should be 1600 calories a day. The suggested foods are food with monounsaturated fats such as oils like canola oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, soybean and walnut nuts, almond butter, olives and dark chocolate. Fruits vegetables red meat and whole grains can also be included.

Like any other program, flat belly diet suggests exercise and offers cardio workouts and resistance training. Though, the program advertisement says there is no exercise needed. The press release says that Flat Belly Diet can be at its best and at its worse. The diet's target market is the people with fat belly. The marketing of Flat belly diet is not taken seriously; it is indeed a healthy diet and will positively lead to weight loss. The question is....is this just another fad? That will make every person who does it frustrated? Some says the Flat belly diet does not work. But, how come Rachel Ray endorses this diet? Researches has proven that 95-98'5 of the dieters that use Flat belly diet are not successful in their permanent weight loss objectives and they even get fat even more when they started doing the diet. The flat belly diet is just a temporary solution.

They key to achievable permanent weight loss using the flat belly diet is to gaining the ideal weight and get rid of the extra fat through change in lifestyle, doing the flat belly diet while changing eating habits by eating, exercising and sleeping on time.

What is so positive about the flat belly diet?

Flat belly diet recommends varying eating habits. They suggest better options, getting rid of meats and focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. The program also offer means to trace the progress of the program, interacting with other people who are using the diet plan and the support team onli ne.

One of the flaws of the flat belly diet is that advertising that there is no exercise needed but on the contrary they also said "in order to achieve the best result exercise is recommended." It is always better to have physical activities in order to lose weight. It is an essential to have best possible health. There should be 20-60 minutes of physical activities per day. Although, there are easy exercise that can be done at home and there is no need to visit the gym. Claiming "no exercise needed" is primarily a manner of just selling more the Flat belly diet that are seeking for an easy to do program.

The flat belly diet is a healthy diet program. Flat belly diet is exciting because of two reasons, the best results for the beginners and the super yummy foods included in the list of the program at the same time they are healthy fats. It is just losing weight and having fun eating at the same time.

Low-Carb Out, High-Fiber In

2009-12-17T04:30:00.001-08:00

While at the grocery store, have you noticed that you have more choices than ever from food manufacturers? Low-fat, high-protein, low-sodium, and especially high-fiber foods have become the growing trend impacting our shopping carts, taste buds and our health. High fiber is no longer the 'neglected nutrient'. Its role in healthy lifestyles has become the buzzword for today's health-conscious consumer. The whole-grain trend has apparently surpassed the low carb movement. Fiberlady says it's about time.

Continued research encourages the food industry to develop whole-grain products that are more appealing and acceptable to you and me. By exploring new technology for grain-processing, the texture and taste of whole-grain products is being altered. There is currently marketed a fiber-enriched flour that tastes and has a similar texture of white bread. The mounting presence of dietary fiber in our food sources should easily satisfy a wide range of dietary needs, tastes a nd choices.

Fiberlady has curiously noticed foods such as cereals, breads and pastas, the once dreaded low-carbs, have now become the darlings of health-conscious, high-fiber food fans. There are good carbs that not only help you with weight loss and control, but also protect your health.

"The percentage of products being marketed as fiber-enriched has increased from 2.3 percent in 2000, 2.5 percent in 2001, 2.8 percent in 2002, 3 percent in 2003, to 4.2 percent this year," comments Tom Vierhile, the executive editor of Productscan Online. "Four years of consective growth is pretty good evidence of a trend." The revisions in the new food pyramid will help promote the trend for high fiber foods and high-fiber diets as well.

The daily recommendation of dietary fiber by nutritional experts is 20-35 grams. Studies support over and over again the health benefits of consuming high fiber foods. A high fiber diet helps to protect and prevent cardiovascular dise ase, reduces the risk of some cancers,aids in weight loss,lowers cholesterol levels, and helps regulate diabetes and high blood pressure.

Fiberlady recognizes that we have come along way in the evolution of our species, but we didn't get this far by eating highly-refined, processed foods. Fast food for our ancestors meant grabbing an apple off the nearest tree. There was an undeniable instinct for nutrient-rich fibrous plants.

Today, we descendants of the apes eat barely enough high-fiber foods to keep a monkey in bananas. There is a challenging road ahead to redefine overly-refined foods. The food industry needs to consciously bridge the gap in nutritional awareness among consumers. Informative websites are abundant and can address all of your high fiber questions and/or doubts.

Fiberlady wants you to raise your high fiber IQ and do the same for the people you care about, choose high fiber foods. Even if you have to read every nutritional fact on ever y food label on the grocer's shelf, choose high fiber foods. Think about the alternative.

Top 8 Abs Food for Your Abs Diet ( Part 1 )

2009-12-15T21:15:00.001-08:00

I guess its a a well-known fact that our diet plays a significant factor in determining whether will we get the 6 pack abs we desired .No matter how great your workout routine is and how much sweat you sweated out, having the wrong type of diet will bring you nowhere to getting the 6 pack abs.

In order to get the 6 pack abs, you're going to have to obtain very low body fat digits such that the top layer of your stomach is decreased,showing your ab muscles. In general, the abs muscles will most likely start to reveal itself once you get your body fat % to be below 10 %.However, don't get hung up on the numbers too much. Constantly see yourself in the mirror and judge yourself whether do you still need to decrease your body fat %.

In order to decrease your fat % , you will need to incorporate "abs food"
( Foods that are specifically geared towards maximum fat loss and muscle maintenance) in your abs diet.

With that, I present you the list of th e top ab foods that should be keeping your stomach's gastric juice churning at them constantly :

1) Spinach and other vegetable

2) Egg whites

3) Apple

4) Peanut Butter

5) Diary products

6) Turkey and other lean meat

7) Unsweetened Oatmeal

8) Low sodium cottage cheese

1st abs food for your abs diet - Spinach and other green vegetables

Vegetables in general, are packed with important nutrients. Spinach in particular, is a favorite vegetable recommended by most professional instructors mainly due to its extreme high value of nutrient. Spinach itself contains a substantial amount of carotenoids ( serve as biological antioxidants, protecting cells and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals and singlet oxygen).as well as quercetin ( a phytochemical which presents antioxidant effects too.) Moreover, you will also get folic acid, vitamin K, magnesium, manganese to that and more protei n from spinach than from many of the other vegetable options. It is also loaded with folate - a vitamin that protects against heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer.

Preparation Procedure : You may dress a sandwich with Spinach or stir-fry it with garlic and olive oil.

2nd abs food for your abs diet - Egg whites

Egg whites, being relatively cheap and readily available is another favorite ab food recommended by most professional trainers. Egg whites contain the highest "biological value of protein " - allowing us to digest the protein rapidly, making the protein in eggs more effective at building muscles than protein from other food sources. Moreover, eggs also contain vitamin B12 , which is necessary for fats breakdown.

Health concern about eggs: For a long time, eggs were considered as a harmful food to consume due to its relatively high amount of cholesterol value. However, studies have actually shown that eat ing an egg or two each day will not increase your cholesterol fact. In fact, most blood cholesterol comes from dietary fats instead of dietary cholesterol. Therefore, you wont have to be too uptight about your cholesterol level when consuming eggs.

The remaining abs food will be covered in the article : "The top 8 abs food for your abs diet ( Part 2 )". Do lookout for it !

Lose Weight Diet ! No Fun!

2009-12-14T15:30:00.001-08:00

Times are rough! Okay, maybe that's a bit over-dramatic. Times are rough for some people, and not so much for others. I suppose overall we currently reside in a pretty wonderful world. However, those who're constantly struggling with their weight may not see things the same way. In fact, many of these individuals are down-right depressed. Maybe they have difficulty sticking to a diet, or they simply love food a little too much. Well, the cold, harsh truth is that a REAL lose weight diet consists of routine and will power. You have to adopt proper eating habits and conform to a strict exercise regimen. This is the best route to take if you truly want results. You must stick to the program!

When people mention the phrase "lose weight diet," what comes to mind? I generally picture low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium foods with plenty of nutrients, along with a consistent workout program. And let's not forget plenty of water and rest. These are the bare essentials folk s. These are the key ingredients for any effective lose weight diet. You must change your eating habits and stay strong. I always hear people say "But what if I work out four days a week and just keep eating like I do?" Hmm, this is unlikely to be effective for someone overweight. You must also change your poor eating habits in order to shed pounds of fat. You may not gain any additional weight since you're working out routinely, but you may not lose anything either. It's sort of a stagnant position.

My guess is you really want to lose a specific number of pounds. Most people do. Ask them and they'll tell you. My spouse is a perfect example. She wants to drop 10 pounds. Maybe she believes that 10 pounds is what's keeping her from an ideal size and weight. Either way, she needs a serious lose weight diet to accomplish her weight loss goal. And the same goes for you as well.

Losing weight is never fun. The majority of us hate to even have to grapple w ith our weights. It's a pesky annoyance that comes with life and aging. Now, if you're serious about dropping pounds and getting results, remember what must be focused on. Eating right, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits and water; exercising regularly, 4-5 days a week, mostly cardio to start; and sticking to your program. Soon you will reach that desired weight you're after.

Gallstone Treatment - How a Gallbladder Diet Could Help Pass Your Gallstones Naturally

2009-12-13T11:01:00.001-08:00

So what is the best gallstone treatment out there? Obviously, a surgeon would recommend getting your gallbladder permanently removed. But is removing your organ worth $15,000 if it cures you of gallstones but leaves you susceptible to bowel or colon cancer.

Most natural health doctors and some traditional doctors would disagree with the practice of gallbladder surgeries, also called cholecystectomies. Often times, doctors don't think twice about sending their patients to surgery to remove their organ. However, recent research showing that this type of surgery increases the risk of bowel and colon cancers.

Thousands of sufferers are now postponing their surgeries and flushing their gallstones with simple remedies that include a gallbladder diet.

Why Your Diet Can Cure You?

I'm always reminded of the old saying, "You are what you eat!" And it is surprising how much your diet means to every aspect of your health, including your gallstones.

Fact! The most recent research is showing how gallstones can be caused by a person's diet. Obesity is also a major risk factor for causing gallstones.

Therefore, cholesterol gallstones develop when bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts. And since obesity tends to cause excess cholesterol in bile, low bile salts, and decreased gallbladder emptying, a person could be a prime candidate for the disease.

But if a person becomes pro-active about their diet and health, you may be able to flush your gallstones in days and return back to a normal lifestyle. In fact, hundreds of our customers were days away from surgery when they found some of our simple and practical suggestions for flushing cholesterol-based gallstones.

Here are some tips involving your diet!

S ecrets for a Simple Gallbladder Diet

1. It is important to know that gallstones can form when you go on a weight loss diet. Common factors that cause gallstones are rapid weight loss, very low calorie diets, or prolonged fasting.

If you are going to diet (which is a good idea), you should know that eating right (good calories) and exercise are the two keys to success.

2. Think long-term! Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you can eat well for a week and eat poorly the rest of the year. Eating healthy should be part of your lifestyle. You should always remember that you will feel better, look better, age better, and be better if you eat healthy. With all this said, avoid fast foods and processed foods that are high in fat, cholesterol and sodium. This will take loads of stress off your gallbladder and possibly pass a few stones.

3. Avoid red meats which have higher cholesterol and choose fish, chicken and other white meats.

4. Substitute all salad dressings for vinegar and oil which is healthier and passes through your body faster.

5. Make a fist! That is about the size your meals should be because that is about the size your stomach should be. Most of us have an enlarged stomach because of our super-sized meals. If you have excess fat on your body, you are eating too much. A great way to take stress off your gallbladder and shed some pounds is to eat meals the size of your fist. 5 meals a day!

6. Forget soda! Actually, you should avoid all carbonated drinks because they will cause more pain from the movement of your gallstone.

7. Flush! You should think of your body as a toilet that needs to be flushed. You may need to begin drinking 10 glasses of water a day. You may have to finally enjoy fruits and vegetables (fiber) and begin eating 6 a day. The better flushing you do, the more likely you are to pass a stone from a bile duct.

8. Think simple! The best diet is a simple diet with raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. After a couple weeks, your bad-food cravings will begin to go away! Stay strong and eat healthy because it only gets easier.

9. Here is a quick list of foods to avoid: oily foods, spicy foods, eggs, red meats, eggs, pork, onions, milk, corn, beans and nuts.

10. Perform a gallbladder and liver cleanse after visiting your grocery stone. Most grocery stores have everything you need for your annual gallbladder and liver cleanse. Our Gallstones Remedy Report offers a simple step by step remedy that is guaranteed to work!

Flush Your Gallstones by Tomorrow

Obviously, your diet and prevention is the first step to success for flushing your gallstones. However, if you are serious about dissol ving and flushing your gallstones by tomorrow, please visit our Gallstone Treatment website.

We offer the only 6-month trail, 100% guarantee on a gallstone remedy that has worked for thousands of other sufferers. To read our remedy in minutes, please visit us today!

Fruit Flush Three Day Detox Diet

2009-12-12T01:45:00.001-08:00

The fruit flush three day detox diet can be particularly used for cleansing after festive season. Jay Robb's methodology of helping the body get rid of all the impurities body would accumulate by piling up the body system by over stuffing oneself with all sorts of food and drink during the holiday season is quite a craze.

The objective of this diet plan is allowing the body to loose all those additional kilos gained by having the delicious meals and drinks during an extended party, a vacation or during festivals. Regaining the figure and vitality is the mantra of this diet. Due to over indulgence in food besides putting on weight, the system also gets clogged up and requires cleansing. The option to look for is the all fruit diet.

As the name suggests, the fruit flush is a 3-day diet consisting of just fruits. Fruits help in dissolving stored toxins, the water and fiber in the fruits help to flush out wastes aiding in weight reduction. It also str engthens the body and helps in improving the metabolism of liver which plays a vital role in discarding the toxins.

1st day: the pre-flush

On the first day of this diet plan between 8 am and 4 pm one has to drink protein mix (11/4 cup protein powder and 1 quart water), this has to be consumed every two hours. Make it a point to eat 3 to 6 cups of raw vegetable salad and 3 to 6 ounces of lean chicken, beef, fish or turkey at 6 pm. This food should have a topping of 1 to 2 ounces of olive oil or flax seed oil, or half avocado and half a lemon juice. After taking each protein milk or drink, one hour later drink water around 8-12-ounces.

2nd and 3rd day: fruit flush three day detox diet

On the second and third day between 8 am and 4 pm help yourself with fresh fruit serving, at an interval of two hours. At 6 pm, like the first day eat a single serving of raw vegetable salad. Along with this also drink one protein drink comprisi ng of 12 ounces of water and 5 tablespoons of protein powder.

Unlike the 30-day detox diet or fasting, the fruit flush three day detox diet can be followed for a period of up to 12 weeks, by following the diet plan for 3 days and taking 4 days off alternately. The diet is based on natural fruits and vegetables and followed uninterrupted, definitely aids in considerable weight loss without any negative effects on the system and functions. The program has had very good reviews. The dieters say the diet is rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants and low in potassium and sodium. Hence this kind of diet apart from aiding in detoxifying the body and reducing body weight also improves energy level, ensures regular bowel movements and cleansing the system and improves skin tone.

The fruit flush diet program does not advocate use of any kind of chemicals such as preservatives, laxatives or pills; also Robb does not insist on any particular exercise regime d uring the course of diet. Inspite of all this there are a few negatives.

One of the important thing is it is a very low calorie diet, hence not a balanced one. It is not a program which can be continued for very long term for reducing weight. It is not ideal if you are on a fat loss program. Many individuals who have tried it are not very convinced with the recommendation of using Robb's protein powder. The affirmative reviews definitely outweigh the negative noises and several dieters give their own handy protein mixtures to the people opting for this diet plan and manage to obtain the desired results of the fruit flush diet program!

Raw Food Diet and Weight Loss

2009-12-10T09:45:00.001-08:00

It is believed that if food is heated to over 116 deg. F enzymes which assist in digestion and absorption of the food are destroyed. Raw food diet is based on the use of uncooked and unprocessed plant food such as fresh vegetables, fruits, seed, sprouts, grains, nuts, dried fruits, etc.
To derive the full benefit of raw food diet our diet must comprise at least 75 % of the raw and living components.

Raw food is low on saturated fats and components of hydrogenated oils as compared to the conventional diet. It has low sodium content and is richer in magnesium, folate and potassium. It has higher fiber content and it contains phytochemicals which are health promoting plant chemicals. Raw food diet has less fat, less calories.

Raw food has many benefits. It improves digestion and improves skin appearance. It gives increased energy and it reduces risk of heart diseases, diabetes and cancer. It can lead to healthy weight loss.

What can you eat in Raw Food Diet

Use organic and unprocessed items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, fruits. Grains, nuts, legumes, dried fruits, seaweed are permitted. Purified water and young cocoanut milk are also permitted.

What cooking techniques can be used

Food should not be heated to 116 deg. F; such high temperature heating destroys the enzymes and the beneficial properties of raw food. Sprouting of beans, seeds and grains make them easier on digestion at the same time providing their flavor and variety. Similarly you can soak nuts and dried fruits. Juicing of fruits and vegetables as well as blending with other items will add variety to diet. You can use dehydrated food also.

Precautions

Raw food diet is basically very healthy but some people who have been previously used to diets rich in meat, caffeine or sugar may have mild but harmless reactions when they start on raw food diet. They may experience n ausea, headaches or cravings for a few days. Raw food diet is not suitable for pregnant or nursing women or children. It is not suitable for anemic persons and persons suffering from osteoporosis.

Raw food diet may be found to be deficient in proteins, calories, vitamins B12. It may be deficient in certain minerals such as calcium and iron. You may consult your physician for suitable supplements.

Criticism of Raw Food Diet

Apart fro nutritional deficiencies of raw food diet, critics are against the basic premise about the foot being unsuitable if heated to over 116 deg F because of destruction of enzymes. Critics argue our bodies do use their own enzymes and are not dependent on enzymes from the raw food.

It is also argued that raw food diet may not be suitable for people in colder climate.

A Simple 1200 Calorie Diet Plan

2009-12-08T11:45:00.001-08:00

Dealing with obesity can be very frustrating; as it takes a lot of time to burn calories and attain the perfect figure you always wanted. Most people tend to starve their bodies but what really happens is that the body slows down its use of calories thereby showing no significant weight loss on the scale. According to fitness experts, it is healthy to consume 1200 calories on a daily basis so as to provide the necessary nutrients to the body and allow for the calorie deficit required for fast weight loss.

Most diet plans that are devised by nutritionists and medical professionals are designed to accommodate 1200 calories. However certain factors do affect the number of calories a person needs to eat to attain weight loss. These factors would include gender, age, metabolic rate, fitness levels, exercise regime, medical history, and body size. A person's individual calorie requirement is calculated keeping all these criteria in mind.

Although 12 cal ories may sound like a lot of food, that's not actually true. Calories add up quickly and a balance of macronutrients is necessary so that you feel full and satisfied and do not feel the need to consume more calories. Macronutrients can be provided to the body in the form of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. The macronutrients can be consumed in the following manner:

55% of calories from complex carbohydrates

15% calories from protein

30% calories from fats (only 10% saturated fats)

These percentages would translate into 660 calories from carbohydrates, 180 calories from protein, and 360 calories from fat. However these percentages can be tweaked a bit to fit certain medical conditions.

A classic example of a 1200 calorie diet plan would be as follows:

Breakfast

1 English muffin made from whole wheat

Peanut butter – one tablespoon

Half banana

Mid-morning Snack

One apple and twenty almonds

Lunch

Whole wheat bread – two slices

Turkey breast (low sodium) – 2oz.

Cheese – 1oz.

Mustard – one tablespoon

Tomato

Lettuce

One orange

Mid-afternoon Snack

Low-fat yogurt - 8 oz.

Dinner

Baked, grilled, or broiled chicken breast (skinless) - 3 oz.

1 cup cooked broccoli or any other vegetable

Brown rice - 2/3 c.

Evening Snack

1% milk - 1 cup

Fig cookies (low fat) - 2

There are number of advantages of going on a 1200 calorie diet plan. The biggest advantage of this diet is that addition of wholesome, nutritious foods ensure that cravings for food are minimized. As a result, you can easily avoid episodes of over-eating and keep your weight in control. Since the diet includes the goodness of various food groups, it provides energy to each and every cell of your body. You must drink about 48 ounces of water along with snacks and meals to keep your body we ll-hydrated.

This diet is not appropriate for pregnant or breast-feeding women whose daily calorie requirement is much higher. It would be a good idea to consult your nutritionist or physician before taking up any diet plan for weight loss. You can speed up the weight loss process by adding an exercise session to your daily routine.

Lifestyle Diet

2009-12-06T12:15:00.001-08:00

Lifestyle Diets

It's become increasing clear that diets don't work. Most of the popular diets that people have tried over the past few years focused on restricting or even eliminating whole food groups. People lost weight on these diets and then, of course gained the weight back. Now there is a small and hopefully growing trend towards lifestyle diets.

Lifestyle diets focus on how one lives and then proposes easy to implement changes to help people to lose and most importantly keep weight off. This is very important because yo yo dieting is dangerous and may cause some serious health threats. A study done at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center by Dr. Ulrich found that the women who yo yo dieted the most had a lower number of natural killer cells. These killer cells are the cells in your immune system that aim at viruses.

The statement above does not mean that people should not try to lose weight. Obesity contributes to many disease stat es and is being considered as a separate risk factor when health care professionals evaluate heart disease risk. What this does mean is that people need to lose weight by making small changes that fit into their lives. Here are some principles that people can follow to make small changes in order to achieve permanent weight loss:

Plan Ahead

Portion Control

Fill Up With Fiber

Take 3 Deep Breaths And Drink Water

Balance Your Choice

Cheat

Plan Ahead: Eating mindlessly with no plan is like driving to a new destination with no directions. You need to have a plan for eating at home, work and while traveling or eating out. Fill your refrigerator with fresh cut vegetables and fruits so that they're easy to get to. If you have to keep high fat and sugar foods in your home, put them somewhere where it's difficult for you to get to and stay away from that food. Better yet, don't have it in your h ome in the first place. Buy pre-cooked lean protein, low fat high fiber cereals or low sodium, low fat frozen dinners so that there is always healthy food around.

Portion Control: This is one of the most important areas of any lifestyle diet. Some people refuse to eat "rabbit food" and have lives that socially revolve around food that isn't good for weight loss. These people will do best by significantly reducing their portions. Start by leaving a third of what you normally eat on your plate.

Fill Up With Fiber: Fiber is an essential part of weight loss because it makes you feel full and helps you with elimination. When purchasing cereals, check the label for a fiber number of over 5 grams. This will be under the carbohydrate section. You can also get lots of great fiber from fruits and vegetables.

Take 3 Deep Breaths and Drink Water: When you are about to binge and are eating out of emotion as opposed to hunger try this: stop and take 3 long and slow deep breath, exhaling as slowly as possible. Then drink a big glass of water and wait 10 minutes before you go for that binge. You just may skip it.

Balance Your Choice: This step has a small learning curve, but try to have a bit of a protein and a carbohydrate with every meal. This will help to control your blood sugar levels and insure more adequate nutrition.

Cheat: Everyone needs a break and if you stop eating all the foods that you enjoy, you will resent your eating habits and binge. Therefore, plan one day per week, it could be a special event where you allow yourself some of your favorite foods. Try to still be aware of portions when you do this.

The pH Miracle Diet - Must-Know Basics!

2009-12-04T12:30:00.001-08:00

The latest path breaking invention to strike the world of nutrition and dieting is the pH Miracle Diet. Experts have noted that popular dieting plans seem to vary from time to time. For instance, the 90s marked lo-fat diets, and the last decade has focused on low-carbohydrate diets like Protein Power, South Beach diet, Sugar busters and Atkins. People begin to get frustrated with each new diet and start looking for newer options. The pH miracle has stolen the spotlight currently.

This diet appeals to most people as it completely different from the usual high- protein, low carbohydrate diets that have ruled the last couple of years. The pH diet, also known as the Young Diet, named after its founder Dr. Robert Young, or the alkaline diet, has a unique approach towards the supply of nutrition. Many medical experts, nutritionists and doctors find this diet program as an extremely balanced approach to achieve nutrition that considers the true requirements of the b ody.

Normally, our bodies have a slightly alkaline pH value. The principle is that as our body functions best at alkaline pH; our diet must be comprised of alkaline foods. The normal diet of an average American contains several acidic foods, including sugar caffeine, animal protein and packaged food. These acidic products disturb the pH level of the human body and thereby cause a myriad of problems. The principles of this diet claim that acidic foods hinder the benefits of alkaline minerals, including potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium, which make people vulnerable to chronic conditions.

The real essence of the pH diet
Nutrition and health experts have realized that the food which a person consumes as part of his diet has a distinct effect on his overall health pattern. Though the medical community has given special importance to a balanced, nutritional diet which includes fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat items, the pH diet is a step ahead. It clearly indicates that acidic foods deprive the body of its essential minerals. People, who adopt the pH miracle diet, have learnt to avoid intake of food that causes disastrous effects to health.

Most foods that we commonly consume are strictly forbidden in the pH diet. The most surprising of these restrictions is the removal of wheat products. Though the FDA suggests consumption of whole wheat products, the pH diet claims that grains like millet, wheat, rice and oats are harmfully acidic. Alkaline grains such as quinoa, spelt and buckwheat are favoured due to their alkalizing benefits.

Usually, dairy and meat products are banned from the pH miracle Diet. For your protein source, goat milk is allowed. Protein is also available in tofu, nuts, seeds and beans. Almost all vegetables, except mushroom, have a high alkalizing effect. Intake of fruits is limited to grapefruit, lime, lemon and coconuts.

People who have a dopted the pH miracle diet claim that there had been tremendous effect on their health well within the first couple of weeks. It is advisable to lower the consumption of pre-processed foods, and increase the intake of vegetables, irrespective of what the diet specifies for the person. As a matter of fact, this has become the point of major criticism of the pH diet. Opponents claim that those who are already consuming fresh food and plenty of water will find no effect from this diet. They ignore the pH balance theory.

Another significant point to be noticed is that there is no scientific proof of the theories involved in pH miracle diet. Several conventional doctors find no benefits arising from this diet. But the principles of this diet are based completely on Chinese medicine, which has been in practice for centuries. These proponents are currently being studied at the John Hopkins' University and by the United Nations. Critics may have to amend their attitude towards the basis of the diet.

Top Most Diet Drinks and Benefits

2009-12-02T14:15:00.001-08:00

Many low-calorie diet drinks get their sweetness from the common sweetener aspartame. While regular soda remains the king of the soft-drink industry, consumption of diet versions has increased consistently. A new health scare erupted over soft drinks last night amid evidence they may cause serious cell damage. When it comes to beverages, consider more healthful alternatives, and save the sodas for weekend treats.

The first artificial sweeteners used in diet soda were cyclamates (often synergistically with saccharin). While many say these cyclamate-sweetened soda had a more pleasant taste than the diet soda that followed them, in 1970 the Food and Drug Administration banned cyclamates in the United States on evidence that they caused cancer in lab rats. Cyclamates are still used in many countries around the world, including for diet soda.
The Diet Soft Drink Information Center is an information portal offering a variety of resources all related to diet soft drinks. The diet soft drink ingredients such as citric acid, caffeine, low-calorie sweeteners and more.
Pop is sweetened, acidic, often caffeinated carbonated drink. There is "regular" pop that is sweetened with different kinds of sweeteners and "diet" pop that is sweetened with artificial sweeteners. The pH of regular and diet pops ranges from 2.47-3.35.
Aspartame has had anything but a sweet run, since it was approved by the American Food and Drug Administration in 1981. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener, which was invented in 1965. Weight for weight, it is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. The acceptable daily Intake is about 50 mg/kg of body weight per day. For a 75 kg person, this works out to 20 cans of diet drink per day.
Coca-Cola and Britvic's Pepsi Max and Diet Pepsi all contain sodium benzoate. Their makers and the British Soft Drinks Association said they entrusted the safety of additives to the Government.
Diet Mountain Dew - Mountain Dew is one of the most popular citrus soft drinks. Both diet and regular have the same amount of caffeine. In countries outside the USA - Mountain Dew has either reduced amounts of caffeine (or no caffeine at all).

Anti Aging Diet - The Quest for the Elixir of Youth

2009-12-01T05:00:00.001-08:00

For ages man has been trying to defy Father Time and Mother Nature. Eternal youth is a myth but you can definitely defy old age with anti aging diet. And contrary to popular myth, anti aging diet does not translate into starving yourself.

A strict adherence to any anti aging diet not only delays aging, but also prevents a large number of diseases and the ensuing stress and fatality. Such a diet plan is guaranteed to make you look younger and stay healthy too.

Anti aging diet is actually a form of calorie restriction. However, it is fundamentally different from the numerous fad diets that are featured in the newspaper daily. In this diet program, you eat less overall and keep a tab on the amount of fats and carbohydrates you are consuming.

How you keep a check on the calories is up to your convenience. You can skip your lunch, or gorge on all kinds of foods for a few days and then go hungry the other days of the week or you can limit your food intake on all days of the week.

The anti aging diet plan maintains a fine line between consuming less and being malnutritioned. That means you do not compromise on the essential nutrients by having more of anti aging food like fruits, vegetables and fishes.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, except avocadoes, coconuts and olives, are storehouses of essential vitamins and minerals. They are low on calories and devoid of fat, cholesterol and sodium, the culprits behind coronary diseases, diabetes and hypertension.

The anti aging diet program also emphasizes the intake of fruits and vegetables for they contain antioxidants in large measures. Antioxidants induce longevity by countering free oxygen radicals, which erode cell membranes and life-nourishing proteins. Antioxidants also stem the neural degeneration that comes with senility. It is no wonder that the National Cancer Institute recommends a daily anti aging diet of five fruit-and-vegetable portions. But the more, th e merrier.

You cannot banish fat entirely from your diet but the anti aging diet plan counsels that fish be the source of this fat. The omega-3 fatty acids contained therein, inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, stimulate the immune system, reduce the chances of cardiac arrest and ward off depression.

Anti aging diet has caught on like nothing else and people are already swooning over the Jennifer Anniston endorsed Atkins Diet and the South Beach Diet. Both are essentially low carbohydrate diets.

While the Atkins Diet is formulated on the principle that when you are running low on carbs, the body is left with no other choice but to burn the fat, the South Beach Diet recommends complex carbs, which take time to break down so that you have less sugar cravings.

The hype surrounding anti aging diet seems justified for nothing less than your health is at stake.

Low Calorie Fat Diets

2009-11-29T22:15:00.001-08:00

When you are on a low calorie diet, you will want to find recipes for foods that are low in calories. Yet, sometimes, you'll find something that you really would like to eat but it will have something in it that is high calorie. Can you still make it? How can you get around those tricky situations? To help you, there are a number of substitutions that you can easily use in most recipes to get all of the flavor and texture of the recipe you are looking for but with a whole lot less calories. Low calorie fat diets may be an alternative.

If you would like something cold but ice cream is just too rich in calories, consider low or non fat frozen yogurt. To replace whole milk, substitute it with skim milk. Look for reduced fat cheeses instead of standard cheese for a large deduction in calories, fat and sodium. For cakes and pies that are too calorie rich, look for something less rich such as angel food cake or sorbet with all of the sweetness you crave.

Pudding...sugar free pudding, even better is gelatin
Potato Chips...pretzels.
Doughnuts...go for bagels

That is just for taste. If you are looking for substitutions for ingredients in your favorite recipes, you can often find these too. Look for low fat foods instead of whole fat. When considering no fat foods, you'll find a real difference in the taste and often the texture of the food. Instead, take a few extra calories and take in the low fat foods.

You can also look at your oils. Extra virgin olive oil has a lot of good fats in it and is very good for your heart. Use this instead of vegetable oil. You'll find that margarine is a better choice over butter too. A good quality product won't taste bad either.

There are a number of other ways that you can handle the foods you eat. Look at the ingredients in your favorite recipe. Ask yourself what you can replace in that recipe that may be lower calorie than something alrea dy there. You may find that there are even some of the best flavors in these reduced calorie foods. Finally, don't feel that you have to spend a lot of money to be on a low calorie diet. Some of the best foods for you are whole vegetables and fruits.

The Secrets Behind pH Miracle Diet

2009-11-28T18:00:00.001-08:00

The latest dieting phenomenon which has taken the health and nutrition sector by storm is the pH miracle diet. Diets are essentially fads which come and go, but more often than not, after the initial hype, people become frustrated with the diets because they do not produce the promised results. Examples of such diets would be the low-fat diet in the 90s, which gave way to low-carbohydrate diets such as Protein Power, Sugarbusters and Atkins, the South Beach Diet.

The pH miracle diet, or the alkaline diet or Young diet, named after its founder Robert Young, has been at the centre of attention since it was first introduced, because it does not follow the high protein, low carbohydrate diet advocated by dieticians for the past few years. How does a pH miracle diet work? The theory behind this is that our body is slightly alkaline. Since our body's mechanism functions best at the alkaline medium, it only makes sense for our diet to be mostly made up of alkaline fo ods. However, the food that we eat are considered acidic. Foods such as sugar, animal protein, caffeine and packaged food will introduce acids into our body, and thus interfering with the alkaline minerals in our body. Alkaline minerals are magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, which protect our body from chronic illnesses.

Therefore, the idea behind the pH diet is to prevent us from falling prey to a host of diseases when these minerals are depleted due to the incorrect pH balance in your body. Do not go away with the notion that the acidic foods you consume are only done in small quantities. In fact, what you put in your mouth is significant enough to affect your overall health. Even though the usual balanced diet and the food pyramid recommended by doctors may seem sufficient, an inclusion of the pH diet will ensure avoidance of food that is detrimental to your health.

FDA often makes recommendations on food that are good for our health, and whole-wheat grain products is one such example. Going strictly by the pH diet theory, however, it falls into the category of "acidic foods" which we should avoid, together with millet, oats and rice. Instead, alkaline grains such as quinoa, spelt and buckwheat are better replacements due to the alkaline properties.

Thus, many of the foods that are supposedly recommended violate the pH miracle diet. Besides wheat, all meats and dairy products are also on the exclusion list. Alternative sources of protein can come from goat milk or vegetables like tofu, beans certain nuts and seeds, except for mushrooms. Fruits that are in the inclusion list are grapefruit, coconut, lemon and lime.

You will only be able to experience the difference after you've embarked on the pH miracle diet. Mind you, it's not just a slight improvement in your health, the effect is revolutionary! The rule of the thumb in any diet is to include more vegetables and fruits and lower th e consumption of processed food. This is why opponents of the pH miracle diet claims that pH balance does not play a vital part in maintaining our health since we are already eating healthily. Moreover, there is no solid scientific research to testify that this diet is beneficial to our health. On the other hand, many believe in its potential are it is currently being researched by John Hopkins' University and by Neil Solomon from the United Nations. Having its grounds firm in Chinese medicine and holistic medicine, it is hoped these new findings will prove the effectiveness of the pH miracle diet to its critics, and gain a new following on a quest to better health.

The Ultimate Weight Shredding Diet - Lose More Than 10 Kg in 30 Days

2009-11-26T01:45:00.001-08:00

This diet is for all the people who want to lose more than twenty thirty pounds of weight. It can also be followed by anyone any gender. For breakfast you will have egg whites cooked egg whites in microwave. Do not add any salt in it, you can add any other herbs to the egg. Do not add any oil. Have half a grapefruit after you are done eating the egg. On alternate days have 1 orange and 6 egg whites for men, and 4 egg whites for women.

For mid morning snack you can have a low calorie protein shake, you can make this shake in low fat yogurt by adding any of your favorite fruits except bananas and mangoes or any protein bar or a 1 oz beef jerky. For lunch time you can have 4oz of grilled chicken or 1 small can low sodium spring water albacore tuna fish, half unpeeled apple, and 8 raw baby carrots. For dinner you can have 6 oz of grilled chicken or 8 oz of grilled fish or 4 oz of beef. Have one medium sized baked potato with 1 tea spoon of low fat margarine or 1 tea spoo n of low fat sour cream. Add half a cup of steamed broccoli or cauliflower or you can have a cup of green salad with squeezed lemon.

Before going to bed have an orange or Â½ grapefruit. This diet will make you shed weight of like a machine, but make sure you add the exercise with it. It is advisable to do any type of cardiovascular exercise while doing this diet. you can do any type of exercise you want, the preferred ones are walking or running on the treadmill, or the elliptical. You can also swim if you want. Make sure you drink a lot of water while doing the diet. If you feel you are suffering from hair loss, get any multivitamin.

Watch Your Diet

2009-11-24T21:01:00.001-08:00

Instead of eating a hamburger at lunch, you opt for chicken noodle soup and a slice of white bread without butter. Instead of snacking on potato chips, you munch on a couple of rice cakes.

Whole grains are very versatile and can be incorporated into all meals, snacks, appetizers, entrees, salads, soups and even desserts. Usually, a person eats foods high in caffeine, sugar, packaged foods and animal protein. These foods are acidic and have the ability to disturb the pH balance of the body, thereby creating a lot of health problems. Rather than focusing on how many carbs a food has look at the food's Glycemic Index, a measure of how much one's blood sugar rises after eating a particular food. Eating high GI foods means large amounts of glucose are released into the body.

Forget blood pressure, blood sugar, and hormone levels. The single most important health measurement is the pH level in your blood. Stick to healthy whole grains which are absorbed slowly and do not lead to imbalanced sugar levels, such as brown rice, millet, spelt, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth or natural white rice such as jasmin or basmati

Foods such as sugar, animal protein, caffeine and packaged food will introduce acids into our body, and thus interfere with the alkaline minerals in our body. Alkaline minerals are magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium, which protect our body from chronic illnesses. High-carb and high-glycemic foods (e.g., white potatoes, tropical fruit, dried fruit, sugar), as well as artificial sweeteners, are discouraged. Low/zero-calorie natural sweeteners such as stevia, lo-han, and xylitol are permitted.

Dairy products turn into lactic acid because of its high concentration of sugar, which means you know it - acidic waste! The reason blood cholesterol, sugar, and triglycerides may be reduced on high protein diets is that people are eating much less, because of their loss of appetite, and sometimes nausea. Similar re sults, for similar reasons, are seen with cancer chemotherapy. This is very similar to the alkaline diet, in which you cut out all of the negative food stuffs, and replace with a diet rich in low sugar fruits, vegetables, good oils and small amounts of fish/lean meat.

In all honesty, the only downside to paying to join a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you have to pay to do so. With that in mind, however, you should be able to find affordable weight loss programs and plans, both locally and online. The 5 Day Miracle Diet doesn't come easy, but it is a miracle worker if you follow the plan.

I can attest first hand that the diet does work provided proper diligence is applied to the proposed meal plan. However, following the diet will prove to be no easy task as even the simple block plan amounts to a low calorie diet that leaves one in the same predicament of any other low calorie diet; a large requirement of willpower for long term success.

The Problem With Almost All Low Carb/High Protein Diets

2009-11-23T11:30:00.001-08:00

Do they work? Yes -- you do lose weight initially on a High Protein/Low Carb diet but 90% of your initial weight loss is water. And that's where the problems begin.

What happens after your body has shed its water weight? It starts to burn the left over fat and then, because it lacks carbohydrates to burn for energy, it starts to burn protein - your muscles. These diets induce a metabolic condition known as ketosis which is really an unhealthy condition found in people who suffer from kidney disease and diabetes. It is not usually found in healthy people. Burning protein is not healthy because protein is nature's building material and is vital for repairing and rebuilding your body's cells, tissues and organs. Advocates of the Low Carb/High Protein/Fat diets play down ketosis and claim it's proof your body's burning fat. That's true in part. Ketosis does burn fat but will also, eventually, burn your body's muscle tissue.

If you've ever been on one of these diets, you've noticed that your urine gets yellow. This is due to ketones which is a by-product of ketosis. This is evidence that your body is burning and breaking up muscle tissue which is protein. That's dangerous because if too much of your body's protein is broken down you could suffer irreparable liver and kidney damage. Further symptons of muscle breakdown is evident in general weakness, fatigue and lack of energy.

Another thing to consider about Low Carb/High Protein diets is that during the process of ketosis your body also breaks down fatty acids and converts them to ketones and acetones which are used for fuel. A side effect of this is that your body loses vital minerals like potassium and sodium. This reduces your thyroid hormone level which in turn slows down your metabolism and subsequently your rate of weight loss. Furthermore ketosis could boost your blood cholesterol levels which is definitely not a safe situation.

Once you stop the regimen the weight piles right back on and then some.

There's a simple way to avoid this. Do not restrict your diet to any one food group or category.

Rather than blindly cutting Carbohydrates and increasing protein and fat intake, you should opt for a healthy ratio of 30% protein, 15% fat, and 55% Complex Carbohydrates. This ratio will help you to lose weight steadily and safely. The key is to reduce fat and SIMPLE carbohydrates not Carbohydrates in general.

Another downside of Low Carb/High Fat diets is that studies show that the less carbs you consume the more likely you are to consume more fat. And this excess fat is stored up in your body's fat cells where they'll linger indefinitely, clogging up your arteries with unhealthy cholesterol. Thus the more fat you eat the more your body will retain no matter how little carbs you eat, even if you eat no carbs at all.

Now here's the secret about eating complex carbs. Because complex carbs have a low glycemic index your body has to use 250% more energy to convert these carbs into fuel than it does to convert fat into fuel. Your body works harder to metabolise and burn calories from complex carbs than it does High Protein/Low Carb. The result? Safe, systematic weight reduction - the best way to avoid health problems and sagging skin caused by too rapid weight loss.

Popcorn Diet: Successful Or Unsuccessful?

2009-11-22T06:15:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of confusion concerning diets around North America. One minute we are told that low carb, high fat, high protein diets are best, while the next we hear that high carbohydrate, low fat diets are the ticket to weight loss. However, there is no real secret diet that will work for everyone, and it is important to pick a diet that works well with your likes and lifestyle. In this article we will review a fad diet that was presented to consumers a couple of years back; the popcorn diet.

By now, everyone should know that fad diets fail to work because they are short term, unrealistic, and usually starvation diets that encourage our bodies to pack on the fat after we go off of them. There are some good aspects of the popcorn diet though, which includes snacking all day on air-popped popping corn. Popcorn is very high in dietary fiber which is key for losing weight because of it's ability to make out stomachs feel fuller for longer without the added calo ries. Fiber is also essential in maintaining regular bowel health, preventing heart disease and certain cancers. Popcorn is also extremely low in calories which makes it a great food to snack on if you get the munchies.

On the down side however, most people don't really like the taste of plain popcorn because it is really dry and bland. So instead of having a healthy low calorie snack, they load it up with butter and salt which makes it extremely high in sodium and in many cases, higher in fat than potato chips. Eating an excessive amount of corn can block the absorption of vitamin B, which can result in anemia, low energy levels, skin rashes, depression and short term memory loss.

Don't let this turn you off from popcorn though! Popcorn can be a great contribution to your diet, and a little salt and butter once in a while won't kill you either. Just remember, humans can't live on popcorn alone, and this is why the "popcorn diet" is yet another fail ed fad. It is also important to note that popcorn belongs in the top five foods that children choke on under the age of five, so refrain from giving your little one popcorn until he/she is older, and make sure you don't leave any popcorn laying around.

The Pitfalls of Weight Loss Programs and Diets

2009-11-20T22:45:00.001-08:00

Most diet and weight loss programs have a depressingly high failure rate, with people either never reaching their weight goals or reaching them and regaining all the weight they lost (and sometimes more) in about one year.

Getting the weight off fast is so desirable that many of us are willing to sacrifice health and ignore common sense in the hope that some new weight loss program or scheme will work. This pipe dream can unfortunately outweigh the negative consequences. So let's examine the downside of dieting.

What Is An Unhealthy Weight Loss Program?

* Any weight loss program that is not nutritionally sound;
* One that works against what the body naturally needs like vitamins, minerals, and a minimum number of calories a day;
* One that requires you to go without eating (for example, fasting or meal replacement drinks);
* One that puts your body into an unnatural state, such as starvation or ketosis.

Your body can only lose a few pounds a week on a consistent basis. If you lose more than that initially, it's likely just water loss. So any weight loss program that promises you will lose five pounds a week, or 25 pounds in 3 weeks, is guaranteeing you will be losing water and muscle mass not fat.

Almost every popular weight loss program out there falls into one of the following diet categories: low calorie diets, meal replacement drinks, packaged foods, unbalanced nutrients, and ketosis diets. Let's see how they stack up.

LOW CALORIE DIETS

Whenever you drastically reduce your calories, the body enters an unnatural state and its defenses kick in. So when calories drop below, say, 1000 calories a day, your metabolism will shut down in an effort to conserve energy. And weight loss with a sluggish metabolism is very difficult.

Your body will start using muscle tissue to provide energy, which again leads to a decrease in the m etabolism. Taken to an extreme, the body will break down its vital parts (such as the heart muscle) trying to meet its energy needs.

In addition to these drawbacks, trying to maintain the weight loss over time is nearly impossible because your body is now used to making do with very few calories. Going back to "normal" eating causes the weight to pile back on.

For this reason, low cal weight loss programs rarely work over the long haul.

MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINKS

One of the most unnatural things for your body is to go without solid food, which is what meal replacement plans ask it to do. Some people think that dieting will be easier if they aren't confronted with daily food choices and the pounds will just fall off. This may be true while they are on the liquid diet. But what about afterwards?

Where will the good eating habits come from after you've lost the weight? This is something that takes time, practice and knowledge. Dieters need to establish a healthy attitude towards a life-long eating plan. And no "fad" weight loss program or liquid lunch can help you with that.

Getting hooked on meal replacements can become a destructive way to view food. It often leads dieters to fear food or binge to "feed" their cravings after a long period of deprivation. And that's just the psychological side of the equation.

The lack of fiber in such weight loss programs can be a threat to good physical health. And when the body is denied enough solid food, the intestines go into overdrive absorbing calories and nutrients. This helps you during the diet period, but later it makes it much easier to regain the weight.

Another yo-yo weight loss program that hurts you in the end.

UNBALANCED NUTRIENT PLAN

Be cautious about any weight loss program that has strict rules about good foods and bad foods. Sure, high fat and high sugar foods might be considered bad for the waistline, but moderation not abstinence is key to success.

Why? Because eating the same foods every day (say, grapefruit or high protein meals) is going to result in two things: nutritional imbalance and boredom.

All foods are made up of the same nutrients in different amounts: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. It is the right proportion of these nutrients that will bring about weight loss - not the avoidance of "bad" foods and the consumption of only "good" or magical foods.

In the world of dieting, no one food or nutrient group is magical. Variety and moderation are the keys to a healthy diet and a successful weight loss program.

PACKAGED FOODS

To stay at your ideal body weight, you have to learn how to make proper food choices. By following a packaged food weight loss program you are postponing the inevitable, and spending plenty of $$$ in the process.

Another problem w ith this kind of weight loss program is that the foods provided are not always healthy. Read the package label and you will see chemicals, preservatives, sodium, sugar and saturated fats. And when all you can eat is packaged food, how do you plan meals with other people? Going out to restaurants and parties and enjoying family meals becomes a big hassle.

Your weight loss program then becomes a burden, not only to you, but to those around you.

KETOSIS DIETS

Ketosis has been defined as:

"An abnormal condition marked by excessive production of ketone bodies. Often caused by high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins diet."

Atkins and certain other weight loss programs are based on the principle of restricting carbohydrates to the point that the body enters into ketosis. On the surface, a ketogenic diet seems to work for two reasons: First, you'll lose large amounts of weight, which is very pleasing to the dieter. Secondly, you don't experience hunger.

But there are serious drawbacks. Your weight goes down due to water loss (which occurs when you restrict carbohydrates) and a loss of lean muscle tissue. This is NOT true, lasting weight loss.

The loss of appetite comes from having ketones building up in the body, which can harm your health. Side effects of a ketosis weight loss program can include fatigue, kidney stones, gout, and muscle loss. The longer you follow such a diet, the greater the risk to your health.

Clearly not a wise choice of weight loss program, not for the short term or the long.

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM QUESTIONNAIRE

There are always new weight loss programs coming onto the market and going in and out of style. To evaluate if a weight loss program is healthy and sensible for you, ask yourself the following questions:

* Is the plan nutritionally sound?
* Will it help improve m y weight, metabolism, cholesterol level, blood pressure, energy level, and general health?
* Will I be eating real food and not have to buy special formulas, drinks, etc?
* Will I be eating a wide variety of foods rather than just a few "diet" foods?
* Am I allowed to have some treats and eat my favorite foods?
* Can I eat out in restaurants, have a glass of wine with dinner, or some dessert?
* Can I follow this weight loss program without it interfering with my lifestyle?
* Can I lose weight without feeling hungry?
* Will l develop eating habits for life-long weight control with this weight loss program?
* Is this the last diet I will ever need to finally reach and maintain my ideal weight?

Cabbage Soup Diet - The 5 Stark and Dark Realities

2009-11-18T20:30:00.001-08:00

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term answer to a long-term problem. Dramatic weight loss can be achieved through the Cabbage Soup Diet. However, this diet should only be undertaken for one week at the most. Undertaking this diet longer than one week will lead to health problems. The very low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet is very severe in that very little nutrients is absorbed by the body. Here are some of the concerns you should look into:

1. The Yoyo Effect

Since the dieter can return to his or her normal eating pattern after one week, the feelings of deprivation created by the seven-day diet will result to the individual's need to fill that feeling by eating his or her favorite high-fat, high-calorie food. The binge eating will then result to feelings of guilt and a ballooning of weight, even more so prior to the diet. The individual will then go back to the diet and after one week, the cycle continues. This is very unhealthy for the b ody which cannot sustain drastic drops and increase in weight in a short period of time. The yoyo diet will also leave the dieter sick or looking slack.

2. The Unhealthy Diet Plan

A diet which is very low calorie and has a very low carbohydrate supply is unhealthy according to health experts. Although fruits and vegetables can be good for you, the absence of protein can affect the person's overall feeling of well-being. The soup itself contains nutrients but it is only in small amounts which makes the diet impractical in the long term.

3. Physical After Effects

The dieters who have undergone the diet report of looking tired and limp. Dark circles around the eyes are evident and the muscles are often soft. Since what is lost is primarily water weight, the overall look cannot be called healthy. Often, the lethargic feeling during the diet period becomes evident after the diet.

4. The Feeling of H unger

Hunger does not compensate the large amount of pounds taken off. It's basically starving yourself and although you are allowed to eat as much as you can, the hunger pangs can lead to misery in most people. The week will be terrible and if the dieter is not prepared for the emotional, mental and physical onslaught brought about by hunger, then the diet will not work. It requires very strict adherence.

5. Some Side effects

The side effect is more mental than physical. You will have your kitchen as well as the whole house smelling of cabbage. You will be eating cabbage day in and day out. You will not want to look at cabbage for the rest of your life after the diet. It can be very bland and monotonous but you can dress it up with seasoning and spices. However, medical experts say that this causes the diet to become sodium-enriched, risking the possibility of kidney-related health problems.

Also, be prepared fo r flatulence, irritability, lethargic feeling and inability to concentrate. Because of the huge amounts of water you will be drinking to compensate for lack of solid food, you will also be going to the bathrooms dozens of times in one day.

Diet Tips to Lower your Cholesterol Levels Naturally

2009-11-16T21:15:00.001-08:00

Are you gaining weight? Does this make you worry about your cholesterol level? Do you feel like you need to do something about your eating habits particularly your cholesterol diet?

What is the first thing to consider in a low cholesterol diet? Knowing the purpose of a low cholesterol diet will make you adhere to it more sincerely. Then before indulging in any strict diet, low cholesterol diet included, you have to know why some foods are safe to eat and why some are not. However, a lifestyle change that would include a good cholesterol diet as a first step would work best.

The basic of cholesterol lowering diet is the decrease in the total intake of saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol in the body to decrease weight. These types of foods are mainly fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have very high fiber content; this soaks cholesterol like sponge and disposes it out of the body. Apples, oranges and pears are high fiber foods. This i ncludes oats and carrots. Pasta, whole grains and potatoes are samples of complex carbohydrates.

If you want to go on a cholesterol diet you should minimize your intake of the day's total saturated fat calorie by 7% and fat by 25-35 percent. Limit your sodium intake by 2400 milligrams daily.

Remember, cholesterol lowering diet and maintaining a daily exercise are major factors in lowering the cholesterol level.

Here are some tips on cholesterol diet approaches:

Taking fiber-rich foods such as whole grains as your primary source of carbohydrates. This should go hand in hand with an increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries, oranges, apples, pears, grapes, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes, dark leafy greens celery, squash and eggplant among others.

Staying away from saturated fats which are mostly found in animal foods such as meat, poultry and dairy products is a good cho lesterol diet. Opt for unsaturated fats instead, specifically omega-3 fatty. Good sources of these would be the vegetable and fish oils.

Source out protein from soy protein, poultry, and fish instead of meat.

Major lifestyle change as a part of cholesterol diet would mean weight control, exercise, and quitting smoking.

If you want to dine out and still stick on your cholesterol diet, here are some tips for you to follow so that you will be able to maintain your cholesterol diet.

Find out which restaurants have low saturated fat and have a low cholesterol menu.

Sharing your dish with your companion or taking some home is advisable, better yet, you can also ask for appetizer-size servings or a side dish.

Ask to separate the gravy, butter, rich sauces and dressings. You can control your cholesterol and saturated fat much easier that way.

Ask the extras (salad, fries, baked potato) to be left off or substitute them.

If you are craving for pizza, order the one that has vegetable toppings (green pepper, onions, and mushrooms) instead of meat or extra cheese. Or to make it easier for you, order it with half of the cheese or no cheese at all.

If your dining on a fast-food restaurant, order salads, grilled skinless chicken sandwiches (fried and breaded are a no no), regular-sized hamburgers or roast beef sandwiches. Avoid large burgers, sandwiches and french-fries.

Choose the dishes that are cooked on a low cholesterol method (broiled, steamed, au jus, garden fresh, baked, roasted, poached, tomato juice, dry boiled and lightly saturated)

Be mindful of dishes that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. (butter sauce, fried, crispy, creamed, au gratin, au fromage, escalloped, parmesan, hollandaise, béarnaise, marinated, stewed, basted, sautéed, casserole and pastry crust)

Take note that if you l ose weight, your calorie needs will also be lowered. It will decrease the amount of saturated fat and the fat that you will be able to consume on the cholesterol diet.

If you are having a hard time of making changes with cholesterol lowering diet, consult a nutritionist or dietitian so that you can work up some sample diets.

The Best Diet Plan With Low Cholesterol

2009-11-14T21:45:00.001-08:00

Your body is a result of what you eat; hence, it is always emphasized on the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet. The food stuffs are made of essential nutrients responsible for the functioning of human body. Along with them, certain other substances like cholesterol are present which might have a detrimental effect on the body.

Cholesterol is a major factor for all modern day diseases especially cardiac disorders. If an individual has an advanced and elevated cholesterol level, he will be more susceptible to heart complications. A higher concentration of cholesterol in the blood sugar also threatens a danger of heart attack. So, it is constantly advertised to lower down the cholesterol and fat content in your diet which can significantly reduce the danger.

There are certain medications available in the markets which help to lessen the effects of cholesterol and decrease the intensity. Still, your diet is the most important aspect. According to research, a strict vegetarian food pattern drops the cholesterol level by almost one-third in a month. Fruits and vegetables have no fat content and are low cholesterol foods whereas consumption of meats and non-vegetarian foods increase the blood cholesterol.

A substantial portion of vegetables like broccoli and red peppers will be the best medication for a high cholesterol level. In addition, a plethora of fruits and nuts along with food items like soy milk, soy sausages, oat bran cereals and bread constitute a healthy, low cholesterol diet. These food products are good in taste and also nutritious. Fruits are rich fiber sources and have multiple functions in the body.

Fats are one of the major food groups and consist of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Nutritionists suggest that if you are on a low cholesterol diet, your aim should be to reduce the ingestion of hydrogenated fats by 7%. Also, you would need to cut down oil and other fatty substances by 25-35%. For the best results, consume the unrefined and crude form which would be greatly effective compared to the pure and processed forms. Fish and fish oil are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to a glowing skin along with lowering cholesterol levels. Sodium intake in the form of salt should be narrowed down to 2400mg daily in a well planned diet.

Plan all the major meals of your day in advance to induce a low cholesterol diet. Your breakfast should comprise of oatmeal bread, fruits minced into small bits, soymilk, vegetable margarine and jam. The breakfast should be sufficient in quantity as it fulfils the major calorie requirement throughout the day. Your lunch should be light with a variety of choices like a fruit or a dessert and oat bran bread. A low cholesterol dinner is ideal with fruits, almonds, tofu and stir-fry vegetables. It is astonishing but if one religiously follows a healthy food habit consistently for a prolong ed period, there can be significant decrease in the cholesterol level which can be around 29% in a single month.

Get a Comprehensive Diet Regimen From Nutrisystem

2009-11-13T05:00:00.001-08:00

The Nutrisystem meal plans provide a booster diet regimen tailored to be highly customized based on the individual needs without compromising the enjoyment of eating great tasting yet healthier diet.

If you are having a hard time framing your own diet plan, you do not need to sweat it out. Nutrisystem is the newest online diet site that helps in creating your comprehensive diet plan to keep you fit and to maintain a slim, healthy figure to enjoy.

Nutrisystem can assist dieters to deal with the different weight loss issues confronting them and offers counseling through telephone and online services. One can find a comprehensive diet and weight loss programs that are tailored for every individual's needs from the Nutrisystem weight loss program.

The diet and weight loss program by Nutrimetrics are directed towards providing quality food planning that promotes nutritious and balanced meal plan that is highly suited according to individua l needs.

Nutrisystem have a comprehensive diet and weight loss programs that are suited for women, men, diabetics and vegetarians. Nutrisystem has a 28-day weight loss program that is created specifically to meet a woman's needs. It consists of a 120 pre-packaged meals and desserts to choose from.

Nutrisystem also has a diet program especially suited for men to keep their body leaner and healthier while keeping away fats. Not only does the Nutrisystem diet program provides a healthy meal plan for women and men but they also offer a weight loss and healthy diet regimens for older men and women.

With its unique pre-packaged vegetarian meal plan and a diet plan for diabetics, Nutrisystem provides the best comprehensive diet plan online. It offers a Nutrisystem advanced diet program that consists of a low glycemic index carbohydrates with the right amounts of fibers and protein and low fat diet plans.

Adding its diet meal plan with foods rich in omega-3s along with soluble fibers, it promotes a healthy cardiac system that enables its customers live with a healthy heart to fully enjoy life better and of course much longer.

There are several menu entrée offered based on the individual's needs with foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and a low sodium, low calorie and low fat diet without sacrificing the quality of the tastes to enjoy. Nutrisystem never wean from providing their dieting customers what they really need on their daily diet without compromising the enjoyment of eating good tasting healthy foods.

Nutrisystem offers a highly customizable menu or one can sort through different pre-packaged meals carefully selected by Nutrisystem diet experts. Individuals who undergo counseling with Nutrisystem will be enjoying access to unlimited health and diet articles that can help them further motivate their inclination to live a healthier lifestyle.

T he Nutrisystem's comprehensive diet meal programs guarantees complete enjoyment of great tasting healthy foods that are specifically tailored to an individual's need without compromising the health in order to stay fit and to live life fuller and longer.

The Nutrisystem Diet: the Really Healthy Way to Diet

2009-11-11T21:01:00.001-08:00

In today's really fast-paced world where convenience is the name of the game, a diet program with no hassle could arrive right in your doorstep, so when the doorbell rings, it might not be the pizza delivery boy but your diet meal for the day.

The NutriSystem Diet, first and foremost, is a healthy diet and its diet plan was conceived way back in 1972. The diet plan of this program doesn't make one doing all the planning, preparing, buying, cooking and proportioning of the meals that one would be consuming. Instead, one would simply and conveniently choose among a line up of foods/meals/entrees/desserts available (more than 120), inform the people behind NutriSystem and wait for your meals to be delivered to you. The meals come in small bags that are microwave-ready, so you could just pop them inside the microwave, wait for some minutes and voila! Your diet meal right in front you. No sweat.

The NutriSystem Diet, because of the recurring changes in lifestyle and eating patterns of man throughout the years, had its diet plan adjusted to suit the needs of the modern people and thus, in 2008 the NutriSytem Advanced plan was introduced to the public and it concentrates on the following:

Carbohydrates (55%)

low-sodium meals (with only 1,800 milligrams of sodium consumed in a day)

whole grains (abundant servings)

fruits and vegetables (six servings)

high-fiber foods

protein-rich foods (25%)

omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber added on meals for a better heart

fat (20%)

The NutriSytem Advanced plan allows one to have five meals in a day, so one would not starve him/herself to lose weight. Its meal plan is generally divided in to two:

1,500 calories : men

1,200 calories : women

No t recommended are:

processed foods

white bread

alcohol

The NutriSystem Diet also requires one to get involved with physical activities as it also offers fitness plans from basic fitness workouts to yoga. There are also other great features of this diet that are obtainable at Diet Fads.

2 Healthy Recipes For Your Wedding Diet

2009-11-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

Trust me, I know how hard "DIETING" can be! Been there, Done that!!!! Especially a Wedding Diet.

Revolving your day around food, what time you're going to eat, what you're going to eat, where, counting calories, starving, depriving yourself, Etc.......

This is why I have dedicated myself to creating HEALTHY RECIPES for meals that are quick, easy to make, and will help you lose weight and get fit.

The Most effective Wedding Diet is comprised of:

Eating a Buff Bride Meal every 3-4 hours.
A Buff Bride Meal includes: A lean protein, a Starchy Carb, and a fibrous veggie.
Cut back on fat, sugar, and sodium.
Drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces.

I have been "dieting" which I really mean "eating healt hy" for over 15 years, and the only way I have been able to stick to it and get RESULTS is by ENJOYING WHAT I EAT!!!

Isn't that something??? Who would have thought that you can enjoy "dieting", but I do! And I want you too also!!!!

Now I want to give you these Healthy Recipes.

Why???? Because this is the trick! This is the way to succeed!! The way to be able to lose weight and get fit by sticking to the "wedding diet" but not feeling DEPRIVED!

These recipes taste great, are easy to make, and are so healthy that they will help you lose weight and get fit so that you look amazing in your wedding gown. Best of all, you will not feel as if you are on a diet.

Remember a Buff Bride Meal should include:

Lean Protein
Healthy Carbs
Fibrous Vegetables

Wedd ing Diet Healthy Recipe #1: Paprika Turkey Meatballs(4-6 Servings)

Ingredients:
2 onions, finely chopped
2 ribs celery, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
One 12-ounce jar roasted peppers, drained
2 tbsp paprika
2 egg whites
¼ cup homemade Ezekiel Bread Crumbs or Whole-Wheat
1 package extra lean ground turkey breast
Salt and pepper to taste
Low sodium chicken stock for cooking.

Instructions:

In a large skillet add chicken stock to medium heat. Add the onions, celery and garlic and sauté until cooked. Transfer a little over a cup of the onion mixture to a large bowl and let cool.

In a food processor, puree the tomatoes and roasted peppers. Add the puree to the skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the paprika. Add the mixture to a big pot and cook.

Whisk the breadcrumbs, egg whites into the remaining onion mixtu re. Mix in the turkey and form meatballs. Add the meatballs to the pot and cook until done.

Wedding Diet Healthy Recipe #2: Mashed Sweet Potato(4 Servings)

Ingredients:

3 sweet potatoes
½ cup starchy water
½ cup fat-free cottage cheese
½ cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
Cinnamon to taste-optional

Instructions: Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until soft.Cut the potatoes in chunks and place them in a food processor, add the starchy water, the cottage cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese and blend until smooth and creamy.

Wedding Diets - Tips Picking a Wedding Diet Plan

2009-11-09T14:45:00.001-08:00

If you are getting married soon and are looking for a wedding weight loss plan, you are likely wondering what kind of diet is right for you. Most brides worry about their weight before their wedding and spend a lot of time and energy trying to lose weight before the big day. If you are searching for a wedding dress diet, consider a few things before jumping into a weight loss program.

With so many weight loss plans available, it can be difficult to find a plan that really works, without complicated calorie counting, vigorous exercise programs, and stringent guidelines. While many diet plans will work as a wedding diet, some diet programs are too complicated and time consuming.

A good wedding day diet will not starve you or advocate stimulant use. In fact a good wedding diet plan will teach you all about proper nutrition. Trimming your calorie intake and eating the right foods, combined with moderate exercise, will help you to lose weight fast.

Low fat diets are not always a good choice. Low fat foods are low in fat but can be loaded with calories. You may be eating more calories on a low fat diet than you realize. Cutting calorie intake is the best way to begin a weight loss plan. Fewer calories combined with a consistent active lifestyle will give faster results.

Salad diets are not a good idea if you want to lose weight. Eating a lot of salad has two downfalls. Salad will not satisfy your appetite and hunger for very long. In fact, within an hour of eating a salad you may find yourself wanting to eat again. Salad dressings and toppings can have far more calories than the salad itself. Avoid eating a lot of salad for meals while on a wedding diet and eat a low calorie meal instead, this will give you consistent source of energy.

Low carb diets are one of the worst ways to lose weight, next to starvation. Low carb diets will make you miserable and can cause painful headaches. Ca rbohydrates are necessary for your body and avoiding them all together may have negative effects. Many people gain their weight back after low carb dieting.

While dieting, increasing your water intake has many benefits. You kidneys need water to eliminate toxins from your body. High protein foods break down into toxic chemicals that also need to be flushed from the body. Drinking more water will boost your metabolism and help you to feel fuller. Drinking too much water combined with starvation diets can cause dangerously low sodium levels. Balanced nutrition and adequate water will increase your weight loss and help you to realize it faster.

Many wedding diets promise to show brides how to lose weight for a wedding. When picking your plan, consider the overall cost and benefits of the diet plan. Good diet programs will not cost you a lot of money and will not require you to buy prepackaged food. You can make delicious food at home and control the ca lories that you eat without sacrificing taste.

Your wedding day diet does not have to be bland, boring, or expensive. You can lose weight for your wedding simply by practicing good nutrition, cutting 500 calories a day, and with moderate exercise.

Alli Diet Pill by Glaxosmithkline

2009-11-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

alli™ is the only FDA approved, over-the-counter weight loss product. But it's more than just a pill. It's an innovative weight loss program. The pill works by preventing your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat.

What makes alli™ different?
FDA approval makes alli different. And the customized plan was designed for use with alli capsules to give you the support you need to succeed with weight loss. With your hard work and alli, you can lose about 50% more weight than with just dieting alone. That means if you could lose 10 pounds through dieting, you could lose 15 with alli.

How does it work?
Alli blocks about 25% of the fat you eat. Typically, enzymes in your intestines break down fat from food so your body can absorb the fat. But, the active ingredient in Alli attaches to some of these enzymes and prevents them from digesting about a quarter of the fat you eat. Because undigested fat can't be absorbed, it passes o ut of your body instead of turning into calories.

Does Alli have side effects?
The main side effect occurs when you eat a meal with too much fat when taking Alli. If so much fat is blocked that your stool can't absorb it, you might have side effects. Because they are not harmful, we call them "treatment effects." These include loose or more frequent stools, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, or gas with an oily discharge. The excess fat that passes out of your body is in no way harmful. In fact, you may recognize it as something that looks like oil on top of a pizza. And these treatment effects can be lessened if you stick to reduced-calorie, low-fat meals that average 15 grams of fat per meal.

Warnings
Do not use if you have had an organ transplant. Orlistat interferes with the medicines used to prevent transplant rejection. Do not use if you are taking cyclosporine, have been diagnosed with problems absorbing food or are not ove rweight.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking warfarin (blood thinning medicine), taking medicine for diabetes or thryoid disease, or other weight loss products. Your medication dose may need to be adjusted. Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had gallbladder problems, kidney stones, or pancreatitis.

Ingredients
alli™ Contains: 40 Day Supply (120 Capsules)
alli™ Active Ingredient: Orlistat 60 mg
alli™ Inactive Ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 2, edible ink, gelatin, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, talc, titanium dioxide.

Notes
It is recommend to take a multi-vitamin once a day with Alli, at bedtime. Orlistat can reduce the absorption of some vitamins.

Recommended Use
For overweight adults 18 and older, take 1 capsules with each meal containing fat. Use with a reduced calorie, low-fat diet a nd exercise program until you reach your weight loss goal. Most weight loss occurs in the first 6 months.

The Top 8 Abs Food for Your Abs Diet ( Part 3)

2009-11-07T03:01:00.001-08:00

We have come to the final part for my "abs food" article and i will be covering the rest of the abs food in this article

6th abs food for your abs diet - Turkey and Other Lean Meats

Turkey Breast - Turkey contains almost one-third of your daily requirements of niacin and vitamin B6.However, do avoid roasting self-basting bired as they are likely to be injected with fats.

Beef- Beef is the top food source for creatine - the substance that your body uses when you are lifting weights. However, extra care and caution needs to be undertaken when choosing the right type of beef meat as beef itself contains saturated fats. Keep a lookout for rounds or extra-lean; sirloins and New York strips for they are far less fatty than prime ribs and T-bones.

Tuna and Salmon - These fishes contains omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The omega-3 fatty acids helps lower the level of leptin in your body .The lower your leptin levels, the harder it is your body to store fats. Therefore, consuming more tuna and salmon will decrease your body's capability to store fats

7th abs food for your abs diet - Unsweetened oatmeal

When it comes to the carbohydrates that you do take in, you want to make the most of your allotted calories. Oatmeal is a masterpiece in achieving this feat as it is able to provide you with more volume per calorie, thus helping you feel full. Choose only instant unsweetened Oatmeal as preflavoured Oatmeal often comes as a package with sugar calories. Studies have also shown that Oatmeal helps to keep our insulin levels stable by sustaining blood sugar levels longer than many other food. Keeping the insulin level is important as an increased level of insulin level will slow down our metabolism rate and will promote fats storage. Oatmeal also raises the level of testosterone in your body, helping your body to build muscle more effectively and boosting your sex drive.

Preparation of oatmeal : Enhance the flavor of unsweetened oatmeal by adding milk, berries, cinnamon or protein powder to enhance the taste and made it a complete meal.

8th abs food for your abs diet - Low-sodium cottage cheese

Protein is the key nutrient u will need for any base diet plan as it promotes muscle maintenance. However, not all proteins are the same. Choose only slow digesting protein sources as it will help keep you satisfied for the longest, preventing your body from sending the " I am still hungry" signal to your brain. Cottage cheese being a great source of casein protein ( one of the slowest digesting protein sources ) is able to fulfill these 2 criteria to being a healthy source of protein. Go for only low-sodium cottage cheese to minimize water retention in your body as far as possible.

An effective workout program only works well with an effective abs diet. As long as you devote atten tion to keep to your abs diet, getting the 6 pack abs you desire is no longer an impossible feat to achieve !

Easy Methods To A Diabetic Diet Plan That Can Improve Blood Pressure

2009-10-26T10:16:00.005-07:00

For people with diabetic, they are sensitive to sodium as it can raise blood pressure and create problems in addition to their diabetic condition. Less sodium in the body can help to retain less water and less fluid in the blood vessels and allow the blood flow to apply less pressure on the body. Let us look at some ways people with diabetic can do to their diabetic plan to help improve blood pressure.

Always taste your food first before adding too much flavorings. If you find the food to bland, you can then sprinkle some salt or soy sauce for flavor. However, do not add too much of it.

Try avoiding salt or salt by products as food seasonings. You can try other great flavorings such as pepper, herbs, lime juice or onion and garlic. Adding lemon juice to vegetables and salads can help to enhance the flavoring without the need to use salt.

If you buy seasoning from supermarket, try to get those salt free seasonings instead. Some seasonings like garlic salt contains lots of salt, so switch to garlic powder or fresh garlic for a healthier choice.

When eating out, ask for food to be prepared without or with little amount of salt, and ask for a sauce plate so that you can add flavor to your food by yourself instead.

When buying packaged or canned food, read the labels before you buy. Look for those with no salt added or low sodium products.

Usually, packaged food contains higher salt content. Natural food is definitely a better choice. However, we always have processed food as part of our diet. So what can we do to stay away from sodium and keep our diabetic diet healthy? The key is food label. Food labels can give you important information that can help you to pick the right food. Right now, most processed food has labels that show:

Standard serving size.
Calories and calories from fat in each serving.
A list of nutrients and ingredients in the food.
The recommended daily amounts of nutrients in the food.
The relationship between the food and any disease it may affect. For instance, some food is not recommended for children use.

By reading the labels, you can find out the amount of calories, fat, carbohydrate, and sodium in your food. This way, when you do your diabetic diet plan, you can plan what kind of food to eat less and what kind of food is good for you. For some food, you have a choice of different brand. By comparing the information on the labels, you can choose the brand that is healthier and more suitable for your diabetic diet plan to keep your blood pressure down. Food label information helps you to keep track of the amount of nutrients, salt, and fats you are eating every day, and this information is very important to a healthy diabetic diet plan.

So, start making the necessarily changes to your eating habits and take action to watch what you eat. Even with diabetic, you too can live healthily.

Rapid Weight Loss Diet

2009-10-26T10:16:00.003-07:00

A rapid weight loss diet plan not necessary has to include rapid weight loss pill. Those drugs normally used for blocking fats. However, if you intend to go for healthy diet, you are strongly encouraged for not taking any rapid weight loss pills. This is because of some of these drugs are not safe to use. However, I you insist want to take it, and then please go for the safe weight loss pills as these drugs sometimes will cause site effect to your body. Many o the rapid weight loss plan in the market has included rapid weight loss pills inside their slimming packages. However, some o them only centered profit, although they seems like really care or your weight. If you are ready now for a safe and rapid weight loss diets, now please taking out a piece of paper and write it out. Be honest to yourself, state down your current weight. At another column, how many lbs you need to lose. Continue the plan with the big question marks, what kind of rapid weight loss plan you are comfortable to implement and what kind of rapid weight loss diet that you can adapt. Be assured you are on the right track for weight loss. If possible, scrip it offs the possibilities of taking rapid weight loss pill. Try to lose weight naturally. If you are still not confidence enough to plan for your rapid weight loss diets, you can always invite someone to help you. Friend and family is the best person or accompanying you throughout the process of weight loss. Well if you have set your mind and now you're ready to go for choosing the right food for your rapid weight loss diet. There are two ways for youâ€™re to go. First you can diet through organic nutritional weight loss shakes. Secondly you can diet through low calories, low sugar and low sodium food. Maybe you will throw a question to me, are weight loss shakes considered drugs? No, they are not. There are kinds of healthy meal replacement food which safe to take. And if youâ€™re rapid weight loss diets can include protein shakes, then the possibilities for getting the weight loss results faster. Unlike others rapid weight loss pill, weight loss shakes or protein shakes are organics. There are safe. Replace your lunch and dinner with this shakes, you will easily get rid of obese. But unlike those promises from many of the weight loss expert, weight loss shakes only will contributed to part of the rapid weight loss programs. Second way for rapid weight loss diet is through choosing the right food for your rapid weight loss plan. You must choose low calories food to eat and I possible also low in sugar and sodium. Low cholesterol food like vegetables, grapefruit, spaghetti, fruits, wheat rice good for your rapid weight loss diets. These foods are low in calories but high in fiber. Besides, not like other rapid weight loss pills, these low cal foot help to improve your skin problem. As far as we know, high cholesterol food basically is very oily like pizza, burger and French fries. However boost up your spirit to avoid high cholesterol food during your rapid weight loss diet period and be rest assured that you definitely can achieve your weight loss goal. If you managed to control your appetite then I should congratulate you, caused you have done the first 50% of you rapid weight loss diet plan. Furthermore, don't release yourself too early once you've seen some weight reduction. In fact you should put more effort on your rapid weight loss diet plan. And please remind yourself, away from those entire rapid weight loss pill in the market, be focus on your diet plan. Thereâ€™s no actual rapid weight loss plan that works perfectly. A healthy and rapid weight loss diets must always pairing up with strong self-determination and desired to success. You are the one whom determine how rapid the result it. Avoid taking commercial rapid weight loss pill is a must as most of the drugs doesnâ€™t containing health benefits for our body. Schedule an exclusive rapid weight loss diet plan by include your life habits. This is important for the durability of the plan. If all these steps done then I think now you should be standing confidently in front of me now.

Rice Diet At Home

2009-10-26T10:16:00.001-07:00

Diet, as a primary way to treat diseases has been used since 1939. The Rice Diet has helped in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, renal disease, and other illnesses. The rice diet can also be used to reduce weight. It also detoxifies the body by getting rid of excess water weight and toxins from food and environment.

The Rice Diet Program in Durham, North Carolina, was one of the first medical facilities in America to use diet as the primary way to treat diseases like obesity, diabetics and hypertension. Rice diet is primarily a vegetarian eating plan which features high-complex carbohydrates, low fat and low-sodium. People who follow rice diet program lose weight faster, safely, and effectively than any other people who follow other diet programs.

Phases in Rice Diet:

There are two phases in Rice Diet:

Rice Diet Phase I

The phase 1 program includes grains and fruits. Medical supervision is mandatory and hence it is recommended to do the same at medical centers rather than at home. The rice diet food list for phase 1 includes lean cut beef, cheese, eggs, lamb, pork, seafood, vegetables, oil, veal, tofu, nuts, and dairy.

Rice Diet Phase II

This phase includes vegetables, beans and other carbohydrates, in addition to grains and fruit. You can have fish once in a week. Meals can also be taken. Vegetarian eating habits are prescribed until you attain your goals. Non-fat dairy products, fish and lean meats can be used depending upon one's physical condition. The rice diet food list for phase 2 includes fruits, dairy, vegetables and legumes, and starch (controlled).

Working

The Rice Diet limits salt and sodium-rich ingredients. Reduction in salt intake cause loses in water weight and you are less inclined to overeat. The main source of nutrition in rice diet is carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Saturated fats and sodium are limited. The Rice Diet Solution includes hundreds of tasty, filling, easy-to-prepare recipes.

Keep in mind that the end result of rice diet program purely depends on how well an individual follows the diet recommendations. Hence make sure that you follow it correctly.

Rice Diet At Home

2009-10-23T10:11:00.005-07:00

Low Salt Diet Tips for Kids and Adults

2009-10-23T10:11:00.003-07:00

Our bodies only require a small amount of salt for proper nutrition. But the fact is that we all, including our children, consume way more salt -or rather, the sodium - than we should.
Why should we care how much salt (sodium) our children consume?

Too much salt (sodium) creates risk for high blood pressure and higher risk for heart attack. And, we women know salt's affect on bloating!
The eating habits of our children will continue in their adulthood - and all too frequently less healthy than they were reared when they face busy schedules they haven't expereinced before.

What is the recommended daily intake of salt (sodium)?
The adult recommended daily intake of sodium in the U.S. is less than 2,400 mg. But, you may be interested to note the the daily recommendation in the UK is less than 1,600 mg! That's quite a difference.
So, who do you trust?
It doesn't take much shopping and looking at the nutrition information on foods to find that they hold a LOT of sodium.
I personally think that the government's recommendation of sodium intake is influenced by prepared food production.
I think that they've taken into account how American's can reduce sodium intake without too much impact on the economy.
But, then again, depending on which association you check, you'll find different recommendations from them all.
There are no intake recommendations for children, but I think that they are important due to the formation of eating habits that I mentioned above.
So, what's a person to do?
Of course, a person should follow the advice of his/her doctor.
But, for me - a healthy adult with great blood pressure - I just use my common sense to guide me.
Tips for easy, common sense salt reduction:

Use less salt than recommended in a recipe. I've never found it to affect the taste. Most of the time I totally leave it out - especially if it's accompanied by a product that already contains salt/sodium.
Don't let your kids salt at the table. The only time salt is on my dinner table is when company is over. I think that my two younger kids don't even realize that people salt their food at the table. If you do decide to let your kids have additional salt - put it on for them. It comes out faster than they realize and it's hard to see!
Check the nutrition label of every food that you buy. You will quickly become aware of how much sodium is in cereal, bread, canned goods, bacon, frozen foods, etc. Having an awareness of how much sodium you are consuming will make reduction much easier
Buy low-salt or low-sodium versions of a product. Why eat the extra sodium when you'll adjust to the difference in taste (if any) in a few bites?
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Substitute salt with other spices that will give food flavor without adding sodium

Forming good "salting" habits now, will make things a lot easier for your children in the future. Do it for them, and you'll be doing it for you too!

Take Low Cholesterol Diets To Reduce Cholesterol

2009-10-23T10:11:00.001-07:00

Cholesterol is a fatty lipid, steroid and an alcohol found in the body tissues and blood plasma of vertebrates. It is the cardinal part of the outer membranes of human body cells and it circulates in the blood of humans. Cholesterol in the human body comes from two major sources - diet, and the liver, where it is produced internally.

High cholesterol in the blood is considered to be unhealthy. The cholesterol levels in the bloodstream can influence the pathogenesis of certain conditions, such as the development of atherosclerotic plaque and coronary artery disease. It gets collected on the walls of arteries and interferes with the flow of blood. This buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels may constrict the passages considerably and inhibit the flow of blood to and from the heart.

Recent researches have revealed that the abundance of protein complexes, called lipoproteins are responsible for the cholesterol build-up in the blood vessels. Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or LDL), are responsible for heart disease.

Cholesterol in your diet:

A high cholesterol diet is considered an unwholesome diet. Diets which are rich in animal fats, meat, poultry, fish, oils, egg yolks and dairy products, are a rich source of cholesterol. Organ meats, such as liver, are extremely rich in cholesterol. A diet high in cholesterol is fatal for the heart.

Healthy diets are considered effective to lower cholesterol. A low cholesterol diet contains extremely low or no cholesterol at all. Diets of plant origin are the best low cholesterol diets.

Fat is the major source of energy for the body, but excessive fat in the diet is dangerous. The excess fat raises blood cholesterol levels. It's bad for the circulatory system and causes heart attack or stroke. The amount of fat and cholesterol in a diet should just be according to the daily calories required by the body. Thus a perfectly balanced diet is considered a healthy diet.

A perfect low cholesterol diet has the following features:

It's low in fat (especially saturated fat).
It contains low cholesterol.
It contains low sodium contents.
It's rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
It's usually a low calorie diet.

Besides taking low cholesterol diets, sugar and alcohol consumption should also be reduced, as they contribute to high cholesterol levels.

Avoid eating at fast food restaurants, because fast foods are usually high in fats and sodium.

Regular exercise can also reduce cholesterol levels.

Recent studies have revealed that certain deep-sea fish -- mackerel, salmon, herring, albacore tuna, and lake trout -- contain an oil called Omega-3 fatty acid that may help to lower blood cholesterol.

The Best Diet For High Blood Pressure

2009-10-22T10:25:00.005-07:00

If your nurse or doctor measures your blood pressure at 140/90 then you suffer from hypertension. Many adults and even some children have high blood pressure. It is very important to get proper treatment to control your high blood pressure. Diet for high blood pressure patients has to be healthy since along with medications and exercises a balanced diet can equally help in keeping your blood pressure under control.

Following a diet for high blood pressure also reduces or prevents clogged arteries, increases in cholesterol, cancer and also reduces weight. The ideal diet for high blood pressure patients should include low fat or fat free products and should definitely exclude animal fats, red meat, sugary products, and sweets. Surveys show that high potassium and low sodium content in fruits and vegetables help in regulating the blood pressure level.

The diet for high blood pressure is best when it doesn't contain high amount of salt or sodium. Many people might think salt-less food might be flavorless. To add flavor to the diet for high blood pressure you can add spices to the food instead of salt.

There are certain tips for your diet for high blood pressure that you can follow such as, rinse canned food in order to rinse off sodium. Instead, buy frozen salt free vegetables, which don't contain much salt or sodium and restrict your intake of cured meat, ham bacon, pickles, olives, mustard, ketchup, and Soy sauce in your diet for high blood pressure.

It is obvious that diet affects blood pressure level. Therefore, it is very important that you maintain a proper, healthy, and balanced diet for high blood pressure.

The most important thing that you should avoid in your diet for high blood pressure is salt. Intake of salt for hypertension patients can be harmful as it just accentuates the problem. You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you cut down salt consumption in your diet for high blood pressure. You should not have more than 6 grams of salt per day. You must cut down on pizza, frozen diners, canned food, broths, canned soups and salad dressings since these have high sodium content in them. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat in your diet.

In order to avoid salt in your diet you must avoid junk food as well. If there is a mineral imbalance in your diet then it might have an adverse effect on your health condition. Maintaining a healthy diet can work wonders. It can help you to reduce your blood pressure within a period of two weeks.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure you should consult your primary care physician for advice prior to making any changes to your diet.

Latest Trend In Heart Smart Lifestyle-slash The Sodium

2009-10-22T10:25:00.003-07:00

When you think about a heart-healthy diet, fat and cholesterol are probably the first things that come to mind. For instance, cutting back on high-cholesterol foods, swapping good fats for artery-clogging saturated and trans fats, choosing lean meats, changing to lower-fat dairy products and eating more good carbs are all recommended for living a healthy lifestyle. However, perhaps the most overlooked, and most challenging, heart-smart tactic is slashing sodium from the diet.

Everyone needs sodium, but most people consume far too much. Sodium causes the body to retain water, which increases the pressure inside blood vessels. Having high blood pressure damages blood vessels, increases the heart's workload and sharply raises the risk for heart ailments. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium can help keep blood pressure in check.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that we eat no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about 1 tsp of salt). Processed foods including soups, condiments, sauces, canned vegetables, frozen meals, lunchmeats, packaged noodle and rice mixes, baked goods and snack foods can quickly bust your sodium budget, so compare labels and choose brands with the least sodium.

Salt is often used not to flavor foods itself but to turn up the volume on other flavors, so it is possible to boost flavor with less salt. Here are some tips to shake the salt habit:

Many people don't realize how much they can improve their heart health by reducing the amount of salt they consume.

• Reduce the amount of salt added to recipes. Start by using 25 percent less and gradually cut back more over time. When reducing salt in recipes, increase the amount of herbs and spices, or try using a salt-free seasoning such as Mrs. Dash.

• Add acids such as a squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar to vegetables, fish and soups to replicate the effect of salt.

• Cut back on the amount of salt and soy sauce used in marinades. Add flavor with herbs and spices, fruit juice, wine or flavored vinegars, or use a ready-made low-sodium marinade such as Mrs. Dash.

• Choose fresh or plain frozen vegetables and add your own seasonings.

• Make your own rice dishes instead of using prepackaged mixes. Cook the rice in low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, and add flavor with a splash of olive oil and some onion, mushrooms, celery and herbs.

VIPmeals.com Now Custom Cooks And Ships Low-Sugar Meals For Diabetics!

2009-10-22T10:25:00.001-07:00

With over 16 million Americans now diabetic America is experiencing a diabetes explosion. Diabetes has become a public-health crisis, afflicting one in 18 Americans. Once a disease of the elderly, it now afflicts an alarming number of people in their 30s โ" and a growing number of children.

We keep getting fatter and fatter and need answers that work in daily life. Many simply don't have the time or inclination to cook healthy at home, and eating out carries a heavy penalty in the form of excessive fats, sugars, salt and chemicals.

According to a recent report published in the journal Diabetes Care, as a fat and happy U.S. gets fatter still, the incidence of diabetes is rising too, striking more and more people in younger and younger age groupsโ"and threatening them with everything from blindness to amputations to heart attacks.

The study involved a survey of 150,000 U.S. households, and the figures it produced were staggering. In the past eight years, from 1990 to 1998, the number of Americans found to have Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, has jumped a whopping 33%, from 4.9% of the population to 6.5%.

Although the disease has traditionally been seen in grayer age groups, the greatest increase appears to be occurring among 30-39-year-olds, who have seen a stunning 70% jump.

It is because of this that VIPmeals.com is now offering custom cooked low-sugar meals specifically for diabetics. โIt's one thing to offer low sugar meals, and it's another to make them taste good,โ said Brian Des Lauriers, managing member for VIP Meals Company. Diabetics work hard keeping their blood sugar in check and this can run opposite to what usually tastes good. โBecause we focus on Asian and Thai foods, we can offer great tasting meals that are naturally healthy,โ claimed Des Lauriers. โDon't take our word for the taste, just check out what many of our customers have to say online at www.VIPmeals.com/0_customer_comments.htm,โ said Des Lauriers.

VIPmeals.com introduces the Greaseless Cooking System for those who have special dietary needs or simply want a great tasting healthy meal direct from their freezer. VIP meals are available as regular, low fat, low sodium, low sugar and low carbohydrate meals. They can be ordered online at http://www.vipmeals.com" according to taste or special dietary needs. โWe custom cook, pack, freeze and ship meals that taste wonderful while being naturally healthy -- the way they should be,โ said Des Lauriers.

โWe have been testing our Greaseless Cooking System at World Cafรฉ in Bellevue, Washington since May of this year,โ said Des Lauriers. โThis is a process my wife, Lake developed when she was hired to assist Mrs. Lind, an 81 year old lady, who has congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health complications.โ Lake custom cooked meals with reduced fats, sugar, sodium and cholesterol to meet her specific dietary needs. Meals were packed and placed in Mrs. Lind's freezer so she could choose from various meals to her taste and be assured they met her special dietary needs.

These custom cooked meals made it possible for Mrs. Lind to remain living in her home with extended care from visiting nurses. Lowering the sodium helped reduce her ankle swelling. Reduced sugar meals kept her type 2 diabetes in check and the greaseless cooking method allowed her cholesterol levels to stabilize naturally.

Special dietary needs also includes families who just want to eat better quality meals. "The body really starts to appreciating this type of healthy cooking and reacts with a difference when you go back to McDonalds or Pizza Hut." said Des Lauriers. โOffice workers who frequent World Cafรฉ enjoy the fresh taste of greaseless cooking claiming they can work all afternoon without becoming tired or dragged down.โ

According to a May 31st article in USA Today titled โFeds Chew on Poor Nutrition Choices.' โOnly 12% of the American people have a good diet. Our environment promotes a bad diet and inactivity.โ The article goes on to say, โIt's very difficult to eat a healthy diet because there is so much encouragement and opportunity to eat a diet that's loaded with calories, fat and sugar. And the problem is getting worse. We have a whole generation of kids who are going to be obese adults.โ

The quest to find good tasting meals that are healthy is like the oil and water in today's fast paced world. Fast food and healthy food just don't mix. Most frozen and fast foods contain far too much fats, sugars, sodium and/or chemicals to be healthy. Many health challenges come from the foods we eat. Full of empty calories, chemicals, fats, sugars and sodium, we invariably suffer from health problems as we age. As the saying goes โyou are what you eat.'

For more information on VIP Meals please contact Brian Des Lauriers at 425-417-1617 or visit us online at http://www.vipmeals.com.

XXX

The Best Diet For High Blood Pressure

2009-10-21T10:18:00.005-07:00

DIET FOR SMOKERS AND EX-SMOKERS

2009-10-21T10:18:00.003-07:00

As a dietitian, the three most common questions which smokers ask me about diet and smoking, are: (1) Can a diet compensate for health damage caused by smoking? (2) What should I eat if I smoke? (3) If I quit, what type of diet is best to prevent weight gain?

(1) CAN A DIET COMPENSATE FOR SMOKING?

No diet or eating-plan, no matter how nutritious, can neutralise the health damage caused by the 850+ chemicals in tobacco smoke - many of which are carcinogenic. On average, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you double your risk of a heart-attack and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than a non-smoker. At 40 cigarettes a day, you are five times more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac death. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.

Thus before we even start to examine an appropriate type of diet for smokers, my overriding advice is: quit smoking today!

(2) WHAT SHOULD I EAT IF I SMOKE?

For anyone who smokes, daily diet nutrition is critical. The damage doneto the body's cardiovascular and respiratory functions requires a constant need for extra nutrients. Even if you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, you have increased nutritional needs due to your increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema and numerous cancers. As stated, a healthy diet will not prevent these health conditions, but it may delay their development.

INCREASED NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS

Tobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - cancer-causing agents - in the body and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (which works best in combination with the mineral selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are also rich in antioxidants.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of deep green, dark red, orange of yellow vegetables.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of red, yellow, orange or green fruits.

- Switch from coffee to tea, ideally green tea.

- Each day, take 2 tsp of wheatgerm oil (rich in vitamin E) and 6 Brazil nuts (selenium).

[Note: a serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped]

SPECIAL NEED FOR INCREASED VITAMIN C

One cigarette is estimated to rob the body of 25mg of vitamin C. Thus all smokers have a greatly increased need for this antioxidant-rich vitamin simply to maintain minimum levels. In practice, this need can only be met by taking supplements. As a general guide, I suggest you take 1 gram of vitamin C supplements per day. Choose a "timed-release" brand that includes a minimum of 100mg bioflavonoids.

BEST DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN C

Fruits, such as: blackcurrants, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, elderberries, kiwi fruit, mango, oranges, strawberries.

Fruit Juices, such as: cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, orange.

Vegetables, such as: red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes.

PROTECTIVE CAROTENOIDS

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, the most common example being beta-carotene. It is found in green plants (eg. spinach), as well as orange and yellow plants, such as carrots, sweet potato and melons. Clinical trials indicate that when consumed in foods - not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms.

[Warning: for reasons which are still unclear, beta-carotene supplements actually increase the risk of disease (eg. lung cancer). Thus your intake of beta-carotene should come exclusively from food.]

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CAROTENOIDS

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 4 daily servings of deep green, yellow or red vegetables, including: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.

Eat 4oz tomatoes daily, either in sauce or chopped.

Eat 3 daily servings of colored fruit, including: melon, oranges, strawberries, mango, cherries.

PROTECTIVE BRASSICAS

According to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers (eg. breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach). As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots.

Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress.

GARLIC AND ONIONS

Garlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic.

MORE DIETARY TIPS FOR SMOKERS

Reduce the total fat in your diet. At the same time, minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. Eat regular servings of omega-3-rich oily fish (eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines).

Eat healthy carbohydrates. Avoid refined white flour carbs, choose only whole grains such as, oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta. In addition, choose foods rich in soluble fiber (eg. apples, oat bran).

Eat healthy low-fat protein such as fish, lean chicken/turkey, or egg-whites. Include small amounts of lean red meat in your diet, along with regular servings of soy foods (eg. soybeans) and other vegetable protein.

Reduce sodium in your daily diet. Check food labels and choose low-sodium or sodium-free foods. Also avoid adding salt when cooking or eating.As a dietitian, the three most common questions which smokers ask me about diet and smoking, are: (1) Can a diet compensate for health damage caused by smoking? (2) What should I eat if I smoke? (3) If I quit, what type of diet is best to prevent weight gain?

(1) CAN A DIET COMPENSATE FOR SMOKING?

No diet or eating-plan, no matter how nutritious, can neutralise the health damage caused by the 850+ chemicals in tobacco smoke - many of which are carcinogenic. On average, if you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you double your risk of a heart-attack and are five times more likely to suffer a stroke than a non-smoker. At 40 cigarettes a day, you are five times more likely to suffer from sudden cardiac death. Smoking is also the leading cause of lung cancer.

Thus before we even start to examine an appropriate type of diet for smokers, my overriding advice is: quit smoking today!

(2) WHAT SHOULD I EAT IF I SMOKE?

For anyone who smokes, daily diet nutrition is critical. The damage doneto the body's cardiovascular and respiratory functions requires a constant need for extra nutrients. Even if you smoke 5 cigarettes a day, you have increased nutritional needs due to your increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, emphysema and numerous cancers. As stated, a healthy diet will not prevent these health conditions, but it may delay their development.

INCREASED NEED FOR ANTIOXIDANTS

Tobacco smoke leads to increased levels of free radicals - cancer-causing agents - in the body and a corresponding need for protective antioxidants that can neutralise them. The main antioxidant vitamins are vitamin C and vitamin E (which works best in combination with the mineral selenium). Phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids and carotenoids (eg. beta-carotene) are also rich in antioxidants.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of deep green, dark red, orange of yellow vegetables.

- Eat 3-5 daily servings of red, yellow, orange or green fruits.

- Switch from coffee to tea, ideally green tea.

- Each day, take 2 tsp of wheatgerm oil (rich in vitamin E) and 6 Brazil nuts (selenium).

[Note: a serving is approx 1 medium fruit, or 1/2 cup chopped]

SPECIAL NEED FOR INCREASED VITAMIN C

One cigarette is estimated to rob the body of 25mg of vitamin C. Thus all smokers have a greatly increased need for this antioxidant-rich vitamin simply to maintain minimum levels. In practice, this need can only be met by taking supplements. As a general guide, I suggest you take 1 gram of vitamin C supplements per day. Choose a "timed-release" brand that includes a minimum of 100mg bioflavonoids.

BEST DIETARY SOURCES OF VITAMIN C

Fruits, such as: blackcurrants, papaya, guava, cantaloupe, elderberries, kiwi fruit, mango, oranges, strawberries.

Fruit Juices, such as: cranberry, grapefruit, lemon, orange.

Vegetables, such as: red peppers, green peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes.

PROTECTIVE CAROTENOIDS

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. All carotenoids are antioxidants, the most common example being beta-carotene. It is found in green plants (eg. spinach), as well as orange and yellow plants, such as carrots, sweet potato and melons. Clinical trials indicate that when consumed in foods - not supplements - betacarotene reduces certain precancerous symptoms.

[Warning: for reasons which are still unclear, beta-carotene supplements actually increase the risk of disease (eg. lung cancer). Thus your intake of beta-carotene should come exclusively from food.]

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF CAROTENOIDS

Use the following suggestions are a guide to minimum dietary requirements.

Eat 4 daily servings of deep green, yellow or red vegetables, including: carrots, sweetcorn, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato.

Eat 4oz tomatoes daily, either in sauce or chopped.

Eat 3 daily servings of colored fruit, including: melon, oranges, strawberries, mango, cherries.

PROTECTIVE BRASSICAS

According to research evidence, cigarette smokers who eat more brassicas have less incidence of cancers (eg. breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach). As all these cancers are initiated by free radicals, it follows that brassicas may help to prevent other problems initiated by free radical damage and accelerated by smoking, such as: cataracts, emphysema, asthma and age spots.

Brassicas include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (all types), cauliflower, cress, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, swede, turnip, watercress.

GARLIC AND ONIONS

Garlic is a good source of unique antioxidants and contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Its anti-tumor properties are well documented. Onions, a member of the same vegetable family, have similar properties to garlic.

MORE DIETARY TIPS FOR SMOKERS

Reduce the total fat in your diet. At the same time, minimize your intake of saturated fat and trans-fatty acids. Eat regular servings of omega-3-rich oily fish (eg. salmon, mackerel, sardines).

Eat healthy carbohydrates. Avoid refined white flour carbs, choose only whole grains such as, oats, brown rice, wholewheat pasta. In addition, choose foods rich in soluble fiber (eg. apples, oat bran).

Eat healthy low-fat protein such as fish, lean chicken/turkey, or egg-whites. Include small amounts of lean red meat in your diet, along with regular servings of soy foods (eg. soybeans) and other vegetable protein.

Reduce sodium in your daily diet. Check food labels and choose low-sodium or sodium-free foods. Also avoid adding salt when cooking or eating.

TAKE REGULAR CARDIO-AEROBIC EXERCISE

No cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Working within your fitness capacity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to about 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports.

(3) CAN YOU PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN AFTER YOU QUIT?

Yes, if you take proper physical exercise and eat a healthy calorie-controlled diet, you are unlikely to gain weight. However, in my experience, some weight gain seems to be inevitable.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN?

Most smokers gain weight immediately after they quit. Current evidence suggests that the average weight gain for both men and women who quit smoking is about 6-8 pounds. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of weight gain when you quit. This weight gain is due to the decrease in metabolic rate and an increase in appetite experienced when you quit smoking. This weight increase is perfectly normal, and need only be a short term event.

SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?

There is no single diet which will prevent weight gain once you quit smoking. Your best option is to focus on healthy eating combined with regular vigorous exercise (within your fitness capacity) and let Nature do the rest. As a general guide, follow these suggestions.

First, cut down on caffeine. Nicotine withdrawal makes us jittery and nervous. So it's important to avoid coffee and caffeine-rich soft drinks which may increase this nervous tension.

Second, increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies show that an increased intake of fruit and vegetables can help to minimize weight gain after you quit smoking. Eat them for snacks, add them to meals, eat them as starters and/or desserts. Eat them on car journeys instead of sweets or candy.

Third, eat little and often. Avoid the temptation to linger over your meals. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals at more regular intervals. Aim to eat something, no matter how small, every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain a regular rate of calorie-burning.

Fourth, take steps to learn more about nutrition and choose nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. (See above for information about antioxidants, and healthy fats, carbs and protein.)

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?

Make physical exercise a top priority in your daily schedule. Ideally join a gym or fitness center and get into shape. Research evidence demonstrates a clear link between exercise and weight control after you quit smoking. Choose both cardio-aerobic and strength-training exercises, as both play an important role in raising metabolic rate.

Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Research evidence shows that lack of sleep may lead to weight gain, as well as an increased craving for cigarettes and food.

TAKE REGULAR CARDIO-AEROBIC EXERCISE

No cigarette smokers diet-plan is complete without regular physical exercise. Working within your fitness capacity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to about 30-45 minutes a day, on most days. For best effects on lung capacity and cardiovascular function, choose aerobic exercise such as: brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming and most sports.

(3) CAN YOU PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN AFTER YOU QUIT?

Yes, if you take proper physical exercise and eat a healthy calorie-controlled diet, you are unlikely to gain weight. However, in my experience, some weight gain seems to be inevitable.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN?

Most smokers gain weight immediately after they quit. Current evidence suggests that the average weight gain for both men and women who quit smoking is about 6-8 pounds. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of weight gain when you quit. This weight gain is due to the decrease in metabolic rate and an increase in appetite experienced when you quit smoking. This weight increase is perfectly normal, and need only be a short term event.

SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?

There is no single diet which will prevent weight gain once you quit smoking. Your best option is to focus on healthy eating combined with regular vigorous exercise (within your fitness capacity) and let Nature do the rest. As a general guide, follow these suggestions.

First, cut down on caffeine. Nicotine withdrawal makes us jittery and nervous. So it's important to avoid coffee and caffeine-rich soft drinks which may increase this nervous tension.

Second, increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies show that an increased intake of fruit and vegetables can help to minimize weight gain after you quit smoking. Eat them for snacks, add them to meals, eat them as starters and/or desserts. Eat them on car journeys instead of sweets or candy.

Third, eat little and often. Avoid the temptation to linger over your meals. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals at more regular intervals. Aim to eat something, no matter how small, every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain a regular rate of calorie-burning.

Fourth, take steps to learn more about nutrition and choose nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. (See above for information about antioxidants, and healthy fats, carbs and protein.)

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?

Make physical exercise a top priority in your daily schedule. Ideally join a gym or fitness center and get into shape. Research evidence demonstrates a clear link between exercise and weight control after you quit smoking. Choose both cardio-aerobic and strength-training exercises, as both play an important role in raising metabolic rate.

Also, make sure you get enough sleep. Research evidence shows that lack of sleep may lead to weight gain, as well as an increased craving for cigarettes and food.

Control Your Sodium Intake For Good Health

2009-10-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

Many recent studies warn against excessive use of sodium in diet. This is because high intake of salt often leads to various health problems such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, and kidney disease or stroke. While it is important not to have salt in high quantities in your diet, we cannot live without consuming the essential mineral found in salt i.e. Sodium. Sodium is required for functioning of our nerves and muscles, absorption of various other nutrients, and controlling water-mineral composition in our body.

Salt contains sodium to the extent of 40% and chloride for remaining 60%. Salt helps us in maintaining the fluid balances in our body. Salt is mainly present in our blood and it is discharged by our body mainly in urine and sweat. On the other hand, sodium is a mineral present in many food items that we eat such as vegetables, fruits, processed meats like fish, corned beef, salty snacks, packed and canned foods, cheese, and fast foods. Sodium is essential as it helps in absorption of minerals in our body and the lack of sodium affects the functioning of nerves and muscles.

Sodium intake is essential for the body, and its inadequacy in the body is very rare. But, excessive amount of sodium is a cause of concern. This is because sodium retains excess water in the body, which in turn may lead to rise in blood pressure, weight increase, and painful ankles.

Excessive intake of salt leads to thinning of bones (osteoporosis), kidney problems, and asthma.

It is recommended to have only 1000-3000 mg of sodium per day to make up for the daily loss of sodium. If you eat healthy and nutritious diet, you can easily get your daily supply of sodium. If you have high blood pressure, controlling your intake of salt can benefit you. Also, it is advisable not to put extra salt while having food. Use low sodium salt to control your intake of sodium. Read food labels carefully to get sodium information. You can even opt for sodium free spices, such as bay leaves, garlic, ginger, lemon, mint, oregano, parsley, sesame, thyme, pepper, and rosemary. Also, eat foods that have low sodium content such fresh vegetables, salads, shredded wheat, puffed rice, wheat, oatmeal, and crackers. Avoid eating foods that have high sodium such as pickles, olives, corned or chopped beef, smoked fish, salami, sausage, processed cheese, ready to eat cereals, baking soda or baking powder, soda drinks, salted nuts, and potato chips.

Helen R. Miller is a diet control fanatic, who has lost over 70 pounds of body fat. She shares her amazing story of how she did it through her weight and diet control blog.

High Blood Pressure Diet It Could Save You

2009-10-19T10:21:00.005-07:00

One of the main causes for deaths in United States is diseases of the heart and blood vessels. People with hypertension, or high blood pressure, are the ones more likely to develop these diseases. Thus, it is most important to try and lower the elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension is incurable in most normal cases. However a successfully managed lifestyle along with proper medication could help you fight the disease. The main part consists in reducing the amount of sodium in your diet which helps to bring blood pressure levels down.

Changes in the diet

If food is appropriately selected a diet for high blood pressure can be varied and adequate in all nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.

The function of Sodium

Sodium is an essential mineral for good health. While an average American adult consumes 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium daily, the recommended daily limit for the general public is only 2,400 milligrams. A person with high blood pressure should consult a doctor to see how much sodium should be consumed daily. Normally, 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams (2 to 3 grams) is enough.

The most common dietary source of sodium is salt. Sodium is one of two minerals that constitute salt (the other is chloride). One teaspoon of salt contains an enormous 2,300 milligrams of sodium and you can imagine an entire day's sodium consumption! This is not all; sodium is also "hidden" in your diet in other foods. The processed and packaged foods also contain sodium in varying amounts.

The Must Do's

ท Read all food labels - Most sodium in the diet comes from processed foods. This makes it important for you to check the nutrition facts label for sodium content. Try to select only foods which are labeled as low-sodium, very low sodium, or salt-free, and keep away from products with high sodium content. Baked goods made with baking powder or baking soda can also be high in sodium.

ท Reduce consumption of high-sodium processed foods - These products would include cured and smoked meats, and some pre-packaged, frozen and canned foods, most soups, and condiments.

ท Beware of salt substitutes- you must keep in mind that not all salt substitutes are sodium-free. Read the labels, and if you take medication for your blood pressure, consult your doctor before using a salt substitute.

ท Eat sufficient amounts of potassium-rich foods- Like sodium; potassium is a mineral essential for good health. It works with sodium to regulate blood pressure. Studies have proved that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less.

Thus to bring your blood pressure to the normal level you must consume adequate quantity of potassium. Rich sources of potassium includes fruits, such as cantaloupe, bananas, watermelon, oranges and orange juice, as also potatoes, spinach, and zucchini.

Getting Enough Sodium

2009-10-19T10:21:00.003-07:00

With the American diet becoming increasingly unhealthy, many Americans are facing serious health risks from consuming too much sodium. It is interesting to note, however, that many athletes are often faced with a much different problem: too little sodium. Because most athletes work their bodies so much and produce such large amounts of sweat, they can actually suffer from not having enough salt in their bodies. So for people to participate in intense levels of physical activity, it is important to monitor how much salt is in your body.

While only prevalent among serious endurance athletes, a condition where the body has too little sodium, called hyponatremia, can cause serious problems and health risks. Hyponatremia is caused when large amounts of sweat, filled with sodium, exits the body and is not replaced with anything that contains sodium. This can be cause by excessive sweating and only drinking water, for example. The symptoms of hyponatremia can include cramps, disorientation, nausea, and slurred speech. When these symptoms hit, many endurance athletes may think they are dehydrated and drink only water instead of a drink that contains sodium and further exacerbate the problem.

But to avoid hyponatremia endurance athletes can take a few simple precautions. If you are an athlete participating in a long endurance event, make sure to drink fluids that contain sodium, such as a sports drink. Before competing, make sure to eat foods that are high in salt. You can even go as far as to increase your salt intake a few days before your endurance event. If you can, avoid using medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen because these medications can increase your risks for low sodium. Most important is to remember to listen to what your body is telling you. Don't push yourself farther than your body can tolerate-everyone's body is different.

Alexander Sutton is the owner of a nutrition and fitness retail storefront in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a nutrition professional for more than 8 years. For additional information, please visit sports nutrition.

VIPmeals.com Now Ships Special Dietary Meals Low in Fats, Sugar and Sodium Direct to Consumer!

2009-10-19T10:21:00.001-07:00

VIPmeals.com introduces the Greaseless Cooking System for those who have special dietary needs or simply want a great tasting healthy meal direct from their freezer. VIP meals are available as regular, low fat, low sodium and/or low sugar meals and can be ordered online at www.VIPmeals.com according to taste or special dietary needs. โWe custom cook, pack, freeze and ship meals that taste wonderful and just so happen to be healthy,โ says Brian Des Lauriers, owner of VIP Meals Company.

โWe have been testing our Greaseless Cooking System at World Cafรฉ in downtown Bellevue, Washington since May of this year,โ said Mr. Des Lauriers. โThis is a process my wife, Lake developed in 1997 when she was hired to assist Mrs. Lind, an 81 year old lady, who has congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health complications.โ Said Mr. Des Lauriers. Mrs. Lind's doctor suggested she find an adult care facility. Being very independent she turned to her son Rob, who then hired Lake to provide meals that would help his mother remain at home. Lake developed the Greaseless Cooking System to reduce the fats, sugar, sodium and cholesterol content of her meals. Meals were cooked, packed and frozen then placed in Mrs. Lind's freezer for her to access whenever she needed a good nutritious meal.

Her new diet, made it possible for Mrs. Lind to remain at home with extended care from visiting nurses. Her ankle swelling went down due to the low sodium meals. Her blood sugar levels improved from the reduced sugar, and the low fat cooking method allowed her cholesterol levels to stabilize.

โMany customers at World Cafรฉ are hooked on this type of cooking and return on a daily basis for meals cooked without oils,โ claims Des Lauriers. โOffice workers from our local high tech economy have tuned to our greaseless cooking concept and enjoy the fresh taste of greaseless cooking. They can work the rest of the afternoon without becoming tired or dragged down,โ said Mr. Des Lauriers.

Why do we eat what we do when we know better?

According to a May 31st article in USA Today titled โFeds Chew on Poor Nutrition Choices.' โOnly 12% of the American people have a good diet. Our environment promotes a bad diet and inactivity.โ The article goes on to say, โIt's very difficult to eat a healthy diet because there is so much encouragement and opportunity to eat a diet that's loaded with calories, fat and sugar. And the problem is getting worse. We have a whole generation of kids who are going to be obese adults.โ

American Heart Association dietary recommendations dish out a more individualized approach

The new American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines 2000 have been expanded to include specific recommendations tailored to an individual's risk of heart disease and stroke. For the first time, the guidelines stress the importance of preventing obesity and are easier to use because they stress overall eating patterns, rather than a percentage of dietary fat or other nutrients. The report just released on October 31st, claims that American's need to focus on getting their daily intake of nutriments, vitamins and minerals from the main food groups and not from supplements and junk food that is labeled โlow fat' as so many are doing.

In today's fast paced world trying to find good tasting meals that are healthy is like the oil and water theory. Fast food and healthy food just don't mix. VIP Meals has made it work by cooking with water, steam and dry heat instead of oils, fats, lards or grease. We call it our โGreaseless Cooking System' and the food taste wonderful and fresh according to our customers

Most frozen and fast foods contain far too much fats, sugar, sodium and/or chemicals to be healthy. One of the main reasons for so many health challenges as we age comes from the foods we eat. If they are full of empty calories, chemicals, fats, sugars and sodium, we invariably will suffer from health problems.

VIP Meals focus mainly on Thai and Asian foods. They offer a wide variety of herbs and spices that have such great taste possibilities. โOur most important product is taste,โ says Mr. Des Lauriers. โIt is taste that will keep people coming back for more. If you are diabetic and have a choice of eating a meal that has limited taste, but low in sugar, or a great tasting meal that makes you feel full, yet allows you to work the rest of the day without hunger pangs or that blotted feeling, is also low in sugar, plus low in fat, which one will you choose?โ asks Des Lauriers.

For more information on VIP Meals or World Cafรฉ please contact Brian Des Lauriers at 425-417-1617 or visit us online at http://www.vipmeals.com/, or for a copy of the new AHA Guidelines please go to http://americanheart.org/dietaryguidelines/index.html.

XXX

Hypertension Sufferer's Diet - What Are the Processed Foods to Avoid

2009-10-18T10:29:00.005-07:00

Unknown to many, unprocessed, or natural foods already contain sodium chloride sufficient enough for our bodyâ€™s needs, hence, obtaining salt through natural food is not a problem. It is with the intake of processed foods that our body gets to encounter sodium chloride content that causes high blood pressure problems.Returning to natural diets is one of the effective solutions in treating or preventing high blood pressure attacks. Accordingly, natural foods would mean anything derived from natural food sources grown from the soil, from trees, or derived from animals without need to add sauces or coatings.In purchasing food supplies from supermarkets, reading the labels of low-sodium foods can help us determine the processed foods to avoid. An example would be a low-sodium salad dressing that contains 2 milligrams (mg) of sodium and 32 mg of potassium. If this were to be analyzed further regarding the balance of sodium to potassium content, or in determining its K-factor, the resulting proportion would be 1 mg of salt for every 16 mg of potassium. The prescribed ideal K-factor ratio is 1 mg salt for every 3 mg potassium.Experts suggest that rather than buy foods with potassium chloride, check the labels for other substitutes like potassium gluconate and potassium bitartrate. Better yet, you can opt for natural or unprocessed foods and use salt substitutes like seasonings from spices and herbs.Here are some of the processed foods to avoid and why they should be avoided:1. Cooked cereals with added salt content.2. Ready-to-eat cereals may have some moderation in sodium but are low in potassium content, hence, the addition of milk, increases the sodium level resulting to further disparity between their ratio. Occasionally, this type of food can be a part of a hypertension sufferer's diet but other low sodium, high potassium foods should be eaten in order to compensate.3. Juice drinks that have minimal content as far real juice is concerned. Check the label for artificial flavors and colors as well as its sugary ingredients.4. Processed meats use high proportions of salt in their preparation. Specifically, avoid processed beef foods like corned beef, beef burgundy, breakfast strips, frozen meatloaf, and frozen or canned sliced beef, Salisbury steak and chipped beef. Processed pork to avoid includes cured bacon and ham, bacon bits, ham loaf, bacon bits, sweet and sour pork, ham steaks and sausages. Special preparations like frozen veal parmigiana should also be avoided. You should also consider excluding spreads, luncheon meats, franks, bologna, corned beef loaf, barbecue loaf, salami, mortadella, sandwich spreads, Vienna sausage and turkey ham.5. Seafood are too high in sodium content although some may be eaten occasionally and with caution. Processed seafood however are best avoided since their preparation uses additional salt for processing.Examples of these processed seafood are deviled crab, crab cakes, crab imperial, canned crab, fish fillets, fillet almondine, fish sticks, canned fish, lobster paste, Newburg lobster, oysters, mussels, clams, sardines and shrimps whether breaded or French fried. 6. Canned soups are definitely processed foods to avoid since most of them contain more than one gram of sodium chloride and less than the desirable level of potassium content. Do not be misled by such information as "no salt content" or "homemade"; such information does not relieve them of their high level of sodium ingredient.7. Food flavorings with salt. Contain mostly salt blended with other ingredients.As part of dietary measures that can prevent high blood pressure, it is recommended that the hypertension sufferer's diet should take into consideration these processed foods to avoid. Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and weight loss.

He had published many health articles online, is a platinum expert author in EzineArticles and writes for Health Central, which is a leading health authority website.

Some of his sites includes:

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Gout Relief

Fat Loss Diet

Weight Loss Menu Plan - The Calorie Shifting Diet

2009-10-18T10:29:00.003-07:00

Looking for the ideal weight loss menu plan to help you achieve your goal of slimming down and reaching your goal weight? Are you looking for a weight loss menu plan that would help you achieve this goal without starving? Without going on some extreme fad diet that requires you to sacrifice your calories or your carbohydrates? Calorie shifting may be the answer. Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program Calorie shifting is a revolutionary new weight loss program that touts rapid weight loss on the order of 9 pounds every 11 days, which, for all intents and purposes, is just a tad shy of one pound of weight loss per day. This extreme weight loss is not achieved by reducing the number of calories or carbohydrates that you consume. On the contrary, you can achieve these astounding weight loss results by shifting the types of calories that you consume, rotationally from meal to meal, and from day to day. Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program In other words, you would be eating a balanced diet of plentiful food from all four of the major food groups. The only twist is that you must divide up your diet into different calorie types. And you must shift the calorie types that you consume sequentially at each meal. For example, you might have meat and fruit together at one meal. Or you might have meat and dairy together at another meal. Or you might have dairy and vegetables together at another meal. You might have a day that emphasizes mostly on fruits and you might have another day that emphasizes mostly on dairy products. By shifting your calories in this manner, you are capable of literally manipulating your body's metabolism, at will, to burn your body's fat stores for energy. There is no need to count calories on this weight loss menu plan. Therefore, you are free to eat as much quantity of food as you desire at each meal, until you reach the brink of becoming too full. Would you like to try out an 11-day sample menu? The Calorie Shifting Diet is a revolutionary dieting breakthrough. This diet succeeds where others fail. Low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, low-fat, and low-sodium diets are all doomed to fail. It's very hard to maintain those diets without running the risk of falling into temptation and sabotaging your own diet. Calorie Shifting works on an entirely different principle: Eat as much food as you want at each meal until you are completely satisfied. You can eat foods from all four major food groups. Is there a catch? There sure is, but once you learn what it is, you'll be pleasantly surprised. You'll kick yourself for wondering why you wasted your time on other diets when you should have been following the Calorie Shifting diet! The Calorie Shifting diet even offers its own customizable Online Diet Generator to help you create fool-proof diet plans that are guaranteed to help you lose at least 9 pounds every 11 days! Get Best Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan Program

More Health Fat Loss Diet Tips:

Strip That Fat Diet - This is a very fun and easy online diet. It consists of an online diet generator which lets you create your own meal plans, 2 diet books, a recipe book and a calories guide.

Eat Stop Eat program claims that it can help the reader lose weight and "burn stubborn body fat" all by making one simple change in the reader's every day diet. The Eat Stop Eat plan offered by Craig Ballantyne has its foundation in a dual system of fasting and weight training.

Cheat Your Way Thin is a revolutionary new weight loss book by bestselling author and nutritionist Joel Marion. This unique weight loss program is claims to trick your body into burning more calories and therefore losing weight.

Which Diet Suits You Best?

2009-10-18T10:29:00.001-07:00

The hallmark of a modern developed society seems to be people with those ugly bulges. And lots of dieting ads! Okay, let's face it. We will have to live with dieting. The question then is how to do it effectively and safely.

Dieting refers to regulated food intake to satisfy a short-term goal: losing weight or adding it. Diet refers to the food items that form the dieting process.

Human beings need essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A well-balanced diet must meet these nutritional requirements or it could threaten general health and physical fitness. The diet must make the person healthy enough to be active and still provide only enough calories that can be burned away in the course of a day without it accumulating as fat.

The fact is not every diet works for everyone. That is because there are metabolic differences between individuals. The challenge is to choose a diet that works for you. This you can do only with the help of a physician.

Diet pills are quite popular among health-conscious individuals. Some diet pills are associated with comprehensive dietary programs. However, these diet pills, especially the ones containing vitamins and minerals are not effective weight-loss tools for everyone. Some medicines cause short-term weight loss, but the loss is normally accompanied by dangerous side-effects.

Diet drugs can be classified into diuretics and stimulants. Diuretics induce water-weight loss, while stimulants such as ephedrine increase the heart rate and reduce appetite. These drugs can also cause kidney and liver damage. The stimulants increase your risk of sudden heart attacks and also cause addiction. Always look for FDA approval for these diet drugs.

Exotic dieting patterns are not just ineffective, but dangerouus as well. Starvation diets are undertaken by many to gain that perfect figure - the lean and athletic Ally McBeal look. But these diets are normally counterproductive. Yo-yo dieting refers to alternating periods of feasting and famine. It too is quite ineffective. When you starve, the body responds by decreasing metabolism. When you begin consuming food agan, the food gets stored as fat. These adjustments leave the dieter feeling lethargic and fatigued.

Certain medical conditions require special diets. A diabetic person is put on a diet for managing the blood sugar level, while mild hypertension is partly cured by following a diet of fruits and vegetables and a diet low in fat and sodium. The hypertension diet could focus on weight loss, if controlling blood pressure is necessary. Celiac disease patients follow a gluten-free diet, while people with kidney disease are required to follow a low-sodium diet to lessen the load on the kidneys. Lactose-intolerant people leave out milk products from their diet.

Many diets include medicinal plants. These herbs include leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems, and flowers. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid beverages, bark pieces, powders, tinctures, fluid extracts, creams, lotions, salves, and oils. These medicines include herbal products which are avaiable over-the-counter or at health food stores. However, it's always better to consume medications prescribed by doctors and provided by pharmacists.

Go on a diet if you need to. But play it safe, and do it in consultation with your doctor. And remember, if one diet does not work for you, it doesn't mean you have failed. You could still find a diet regimen that will work wonders for you!

K-Factor in Diets and Its Importance in Controlling High Blood Pressure

2009-10-17T10:12:00.003-07:00

Although blood pressure is the result of different factors, the common denominator is extreme salt and the improper balance of potassium and sodium. These two are the major electrolytes of the body in the production of energy, nerve conduction, cell integrity, to name a few. They are the producers of the body's electricity. The balance of proportion between sodium and potassium is known as K-factor in diets.Every tissue and organ has body cells composed of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride which are submerged in fluid. The intracellular fluid contains more potassium than sodium while it is the other way around in the extracellular fluid. The cells will function properly if there is the accurate balance of sodium and potassium or K-factor in diets which is important in controlling high blood pressure.The instinct to pull the hand immediately from a hot oven and the normal beating of the heart are examples of the proper ratio of potassium and sodium in the body. If there is distortion, this can be life threatening. The correct ratio is about three parts of potassium to one part of sodium, K-factor ratio (potassium divided by sodium), which is also applicable to animals. Plants do not require this but helps in balancing excess sodium because of their ratio of about 10 to 20 parts of potassium to one part of sodium.The importance of K-factor in diets to control high blood pressure can be exemplified when there is an oversupply of sodium in the extracellular fluids. To return everything to normal, the kidneys will initially expel the excess sodium. However, if the kidneys fail to emit the sodium from the blood, the peripheral vascular system will constrict and the resistance to blood flow will increase, the result is high blood pressure. The blood pressure rises because the kidneys are excreting plenty of sodium.In order to control this, the medical profession introduced diuretics to treat high blood pressure. In diuretics, more fluid is expelled from the body together with sodium chloride. This is effective in the early stage of high blood pressure. However, the kidneys are also required to emit potassium, hence the deficiency in potassium. As a remedy, doctors prescribe potassium supplements and drinking of plenty of water as replenishments.Since potassium and sodium are almost present in the foods we eat, it is best to increase potassium and decrease sodium in our diet. In order to remember this, here are some dietary guides:1. Except breakfast, eat one to three types of fresh vegetables. Never add salt if boiled, steamed or stir-fried. Examples of fresh vegetables are spinach, potatoes, carrots, etc.2. During breakfast, eat cereals like unsalted cereal, oatmeal, puffed rice and wheat germ together with a soy beverage or a low-fat milk.3. Eat peas, beans and whole grains but not black beans.4. Keep away from eating processed foods due to its salt content. In you can't resist the cravings, look for the label which has 2 times more potassium than sodium.5. Try to avoid salt in every food. Instead, use hot pepper sauce as substitutes.6. Always eat fresh fruits. Ice cream, sherbet and ice milk can be eaten but refrain from pies, cakes or baked products.7. Buy a cookbook with emphasis on low-sodium diet.These dietary changes may be different from your current way of life. If following the K-factor in diets will become a habit, you will realize its importance in controlling high blood pressure which will lead to a better health. Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

Sodium, Benefits Of Sodium , Sodium Deficiency And Sodium Food Sources

2009-10-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

Sodium is an essential mineral or micronutrient found in the bones as well as the fluid surrounding cells. It is a component of body secretions such as saliva and enzymes, and is lost when the body sweats. Excess dietary sodium is excreted through the urine. Sodium along with potassium helps to regulate the body's fluid balance.

Unlike other minerals, sodium (or sodium chloride or popularly termed as salt) has a identifiable and familiar taste.

Benefits of sodium:

A low sodium diet along with exercise, weight loss and medication helps reduce high blood pressure in most people.

Sodium helps maintain proper distribution of water in the body, as well as blood pressure. It is also important for maintaining the proper acid-base balance and in the transmission of nerve impulses as well as muscle contraction. The kidney efficiently reabsorbs sodium when intake is either low or losses are excessive.

Sodium is beneficial for the treatment of diarrhoea, muscle cramps, dehydration, and fever, since it has the property of holding water in body tissues.

Sodium also helps to keep calcium and other minerals soluble in the blood, as well as stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands. Sodium helps in preventing heat stroke.

The most common form of dietary sodium is table salt, which contains 40 percent sodium. One teaspoon of table salt contains about 2,300 mg of sodium.

Sodium deficiency:

Sodium deficiency is not quite common. Most of us infact consume more sodium than the recommended daily allowance. Excess sodium intake is linked with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The most frequently observed sodium deficiency occurs when excessive heat causes heavy perspiration, thus reducing body water and sodium to the extent that dehydration affects normal functioning of the body.

Symptoms of sodium deficiency include weakness, loss of appetite, nausea as well as cramps in the muscles and stomach. Such persons should use increased amounts of table salt in their food to supplement the sodium lost due to dehydration and sweating.

In rare cases, sodium deficiency can also lead to shock due to decreased blood pressure. This can also take place if the kidney is not able to reabsorb the sodium in the body. The person may have muscle or stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, mental apathy, appetite loss.

What are the common sources of sodium?

Common table salt is sodium chloride, which is 40 percent sodium by weight. Ready made and packaged foods also contain sodium bicarbonate, baking soda or sodium.

Some drugs also have high amounts of sodium. Therefore, one must carefully read the labels on all over-the-counter drugs before buying them. Look at the composition list on the drug to see if the product has sodium - especially if one is on a low sodium diet. Most spices also naturally contain very small amounts of sodium.

How to reduce sodium in diet?

Choose fresh foods over frozen or canned food items - they contain added salts.

Eat unsalted nuts, snacks, peas and lentils.

Choose ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are lower in sodium.

Limit the amount of salty snacks and seasonings such as chips, pickles, condiments, sauces.

Cook fresh and from the scratch, since processed foods usually has higher sodium content.

Check sodium-content on food labels - choose low sodium brands.

Do not be generous when adding salt at the table.

Reduce intake of fast food, such as pizzas, burgers, instant foods.

Sprinkle lemon juice over vegetables. Marinate meat, chicken and fish ahead of time with onion, garlic, and other spices and herbs before cooking to bring out and enhance the flavour.

Snack on fresh fruits, salads, low fat yoghurt, rather than chips, spicy snacks.

Eat fat-free or low-fat milk, low-sodium as well as low-fat yogurt.

Use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food, rather than adding extra salt.
Your taste buds will gradually adjust to cutting down on salt.

High sodium intake - is it toxic?

A high sodium diet may lead to water retention, hypertension, high blood pressure and heart disease, even kidney stones. A high-sodium diet also increases the need for potassium by the body.

However, sodium is generally nontoxic in healthy adult individuals because the extra is excreted through the urine.

Recommended Daily Allowance:

The recommendation is to consume less than 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. This is about 1 teaspoon of table salt per day. It includes sodium in all forms including salt.

People with high blood pressure should limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day.

The Benefits Of A Low Sodium Lifestyle

2009-10-17T09:44:00.005-07:00

A low sodium, low salt diet shouldn't be a burden at all! Personally, I have kept to an "under 1000mg" a day diet with out giving up much but fast food (and who misses that anyway?)

When I was first told that my blood pressure was high ( 160/95) and labeled as having hypertension, I decided at that moment to do some serious research into what had created this "new-to-me" health concern. I wanted to find a permanent solution to lower the numbers to an acceptable, healthy range without taking medication.

As I reflected on where I was in life at the moment, mid-life, not overweight, but not exercising regularly either, I began making small changes in my day-to-day lifestyle. I was not going to give in to hypertension.

First, I bought a nutritional handbook that lists most foods and their nutritional content. I decided to try and stay under 500mg of sodium daily. This took some work, but it paid off very well. I had lowered my count to 150/89 in two weeks. But my doctor still was concerned and wanted to see me begin medication, so I went back to the drawing table. And I put off the decision to going on medication for another 30 days.

I found that magnesium is an excellent combatant for excess sodium. I added figs, sunflower seeds and other magnesium rich foods to my daily intake. Yes, this was working, I was now at 140/85. And dropping. Dropping.

Now, when I added a daily aerobic routine of 30 minutes each day I was really making progress. Three months out and I was reading 135/79. Huge advances!

Did I mention that all this time I rarely ate out? When I did find myself in a restaurant, ordering was tricky, but not impossible. Nervous that salt would be added to anything prepared, I would order a salad, no cheese and oil and vinegar on the side. Boring, boring, boring.

I was feeling so good and healthy I began to slip a little, just a little. I ate out a little more often, still I didn't cook with salt at all, but I abandoned my daily "health breakfast" for pancakes and granola. (I was eating slow-cook oatmeal with figs and seeds topped with soymilk every morning, and loving this tasty creation) I actually forgot about my grand plan. Then, I had my bp read. I was climbing. And I knew that I needed to get back on track, and fast.

Having a culinary background, I cook most everything my family eats. This includes all breads, sauces, everything. And you know what I discovered? Food tastes BETTER with little or NO salt. You can actually TASTE the good food. I have posted many of our favorite recipes on our website, Cooking-for-Compliments.com/low-sodium.html. Daily updates are added with new and exciting recipes for successful low sodium cooking.
So, now, 10 months out and feeling great. I'm a steady 135/75 and holding! I adhere strictly to under 1000mg of sodium daily, and walk everyday for at least 45 minutes.

I eat well, get outside often and I am enjoying life. It was just a matter of thinking in a new direction, and taking action.

Certainly, you need to consult your doctor with any medical concerns you may have. This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Lowering your salt intake is a first step in treating hypertension, and I hope to provide you with delicious recipes to help you obtain your goals, too.

To your health!
Betty

PLease consider this article for publication in your newsletter or on your website. Permission is granted to reprint for free with resource box and byline intact. Please send me a copy of your publication if you choose to include my article. Thank you.

10 Tips For Dieters of Low Sodium Diet - How to Avoid Salts When Eating Out

2009-10-17T09:44:00.003-07:00

If you are among the dieters who are on a low-salt diet, then keep these handy tips in mind the next time you want to eat out:

1. Fast foods are a no-no.--As much as greasy burgers and French fries are delicious and affordable to eat; these foods are made palatable by an insane amount of sugar and salt. 2. Cooked-to-order restaurants are a go--While it doesn't hurt to ask which foods are salt-free in a restaurant, you will be much more successful in requesting a salt-free dish if the cook actually does the cooking. 3. Know what you are eating--Do not hesitate to ask how food is prepared. Even the most innocuous foods may be given a dash of salt at one point or another. 4. Skip the saltshaker 5. Bring your own sauce--Salt-free is often flavor-free, so bring your own spice-based sauce along with you when you plan to eat out. 6. Avoid processed and preserved foods--These types of foods are chock-full of salts to keep them tasty and preserved. Cheese, ketchup and salsa fall into this category. 7. Be wary of meats--Unless you specifically request your dishes not to contain salt, expect that most meat dish will contain the stuff. 8. Watch the dressing--You may be opting for a healthy salad, but the dressing usually comes with lots of salt in it. Select salt-free dressings, and ask for the dressing to be served separately just in case. 9. Stick to roasted, steamed and baked goods--Even if it is not always applicable, foods cooked in this fashion contain less salt than their fried counterparts. 10. Herbs and spices--Compensate for the lack of salt by dashing your dishes with herbs and spices. Pepper, onions, lemon and parsley can help add a touch of flavor to your food.

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Low Sodium Diet Tips

2009-10-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

If you are on a salt free or low salt diet you have discovered how difficult grocery shopping and meal preparation can be. Your doctor told you to reduce or eliminate salt in your diet. Your initial thought is you could simply stop using the salt shaker, but soon discover that salt is really called sodium. You start reading the nutrition facts labels on food packages and wonder how you are going to cut salt out of your diet when it's in everything you eat. Here is what you need to know about sodium in food.
Sodium (aka Salt) Facts
Salt is the common name for sodium chloride. The nutrition facts panels on packaged foods use the word sodium so you may not have been aware that salt is actually listed as sodium. Dietary sodium is measured in milligrams (mg). One teaspoon of salt contains 2,400 mg of sodium. Don't be fooled. Sea salt, Kosher salt, and other designer salts contain the same amount of sodium as ordinary table salt. Count the milligrams of sodium in everything you eat including condiments and write it all down. Your doctor probably gave you a target maximum number of milligrams you should consume per day. If not, the U.S. government's Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends consumption of no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. The National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine, which advises the U.S. government about recommended levels of nutrients, is more conservative and offers this guideline as an adequate intake of sodium per day: Ages 19-50: 1,500 mg per day. Ages 51-70: 1,300 mg per day. Ages 70+: 1,200 mg per day. Packaged foods are required to have a nutrition panel on the label. Always read food labels and do the math. The sodium content on the nutrition panel is based on the number of servings the package states. Example: a can of soup may say 770 mg of sodium but bases that number on 2.5 servings. 770 x 2.5 = 1,925 mg of sodium in that can of soup. Read the list of ingredients on packaged foods, not just the nutrition panel, for sodium-containing compounds such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Look for sodium in words, such as monoSODIUM glutamate (MSG). Sodium is prevalent in most processed foods. Health experts claim at least 75% of the salt we eat is hidden in packaged food. Simply claiming you don't use salt, meaning you don't sprinkle it on your food, is living in denial.
Recognize which foods are high in sodium and take control of what you eat. De-emphasize the use of processed foods where salt is used to excess. Convenience foods may be convenient, but are laden with sodium. By convenient I mean, if the food is packaged in a box or can and is easy to eat or quick to prepare, it's probably laden with salt. The same for frozen one step meals like frozen dinners, appetizers, and pizza. Fat Free actually means "Way Too Much Salt." Any label on a package that claims their food is fat free, in my opinion, should be required to state, "We took the fat out. Now our food has no taste, so we poured in extra salt to give it flavor!" The following foods have a lot of salt in them: canned soups, chili, salad dressings, pasta sauces, gravies, broths, sauces and marinades. Many brands of canned soup and chili have more sodium in each can than you should consume in an entire day. If you must eat them, compare different brands and choose the one with the lowest sodium content. Any packaged food that comes with a sauce, such as frozen vegetables in butter sauce, usually has too much sodium. Cut back on instant flavored rice or pasta. If you open the package and there is a seasoning packet inside, it is a good bet that the sodium content is very high. Pay attention to the sodium content of your favorite condiments, particularly meat tenderizer, steak sauce, soy sauce, salsa, and catsup. Avoid gravy and seasoning mixes in those foil lined pouches. Avoid ham, bacon, sausage, and lunch meat. Many varieties of cheese contain a high sodium content. Bread and baked goods have a high sodium content. Avoid salty snack foods such as pretzels, potato chips, salted nuts, olives, and pickles. These terms indicate high sodium content: pickled, smoked, marinated, teriyaki, soy sauce, broth, au jus. There are no good choices at fast food restaurants. Ordering a salad may appear to be the healthy choice, but most salad dressings contain an exorbitant amount of sodium.
Healthy Choices
We need sodium in our diet to be alive, but very little. Health experts claim 220 mg to 500 mg per day is sufficient. Cook from scratch. Know the sodium content in each of the ingredients used to prepare a meal or snack. Use a kitchen scale. Calculate the weight of food to determine the sodium count. As an example, a skinless chicken breast has approximately 20 mg of sodium per ounce. Your chicken breast weighs 3.5 ounces = 70 mg of sodium. You'll love having a scale. Throw away your salt shaker. Use sodium free AlsoSalt salt substitute at the table to season your food. You can have the flavor of salt without the harmful effects of sodium. Cook and bake with AlsoSalt using it wherever salt is called for in a recipe. Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned or processed types. Choose fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables without added salt. You can easily make your own chili, taco, and meat loaf mixes. Use a bread machine and make your own bread with low sodium and sodium free ingredients. Rinse canned foods, such as vegetables and tuna to remove some sodium. When available, buy low or reduced sodium, or no salt added versions of foods. These foods are generally quite bland, but you can add AlsoSalt to replace the salty flavor. Search for low sodium foods on the Internet. When you find products of interest, check to find where they are available in your area. Websites usually have a page that tells you which stores carry their products. Use the Internet as a tool to search for low sodium foods and make your grocery list. Write down the food product, the name of the manufacturer, and the sodium content of each item. This is so much easier and less frustrating than standing in the grocery aisle reading labels on hundreds of choices trying to determine which one has the lowest sodium content. Mainstream grocery stores are not yet convinced they need low sodium products on their shelves. Talk to your store manager and tell them you need more low sodium food choices. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are low in sodium. Worth Repeating: Cook from scratch! Food in its natural state has enough sodium to give you what your body requires.
Copyright 2005 Joan Watsabaugh
Joan Watsabaugh is the CEO of AlsoSalt, LLC. A true scientific breakthrough, AlsoSalt offers the taste of salt without the adverse health risks of sodium. It is completely sodium free without the bitter aftertaste other salt substitutes have. You can cook and bake with AlsoSalt or simply sprinkle it over food. Plus, it has the added dietary benefit of nutrients which are essential to good health. http://www.alsosalt.com/

How to Avoid Eating Salts When on Low Sodium Diet - What You Shouldn't Eat at Home

2009-10-17T00:06:00.001-07:00

It is a very difficult process to watch what you eat if you are in a low-sodium diet. Your home, on the other hand, is a place where you have the most control in this matter; make sure to avoid the foodstuffs that are high in salts:

• Preserved goods These range from simple canned soups to microwavable dinners, and are some of the most salt-rich foods you can stock in your home. Steer clear from them at all times. If you must buy any canned goods, make sure they are free from salt by carefully reading the label on them.

• Pre-made mixes and sauces These are as bad as preserved goods, as salt is often a key ingredient in preparing them. If you must buy these pre-made mixes and sauces, select brands that are specifically designed for a low-sodium dieter's needs.

• Salted breads and pastries Certain rolls and buns that you buy off the grocery may contain salts sprinkled on them. These include puddings and cakes that come off grocery or bakeshop shelves, so be very careful and selective of the breads you buy.

• Regular Cheese Though they are a common item in most homes, most cheeses contain a pretty high amount of salt. If you must buy cheese, then stick with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, cream cheese and other cheese specifically designed for people who cannot tolerate salt.

• Softened water As innocent as it seems, softened water usually has to go through a process to take out the minerals. This process does its job well, but unfortunately, this process adds salt to the water. Drink bottled or distilled water instead, as they contain significantly less amount of salt in them.

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Low Sodium Diet - A Natural Salt Substitute That is Not High in Sodium

2009-10-17T00:05:00.003-07:00

The dietary habits of our nation as a whole have gone lower and lower every year since the 1950's and its no coincidence that we are now among the most obese nation in the world but one of the silent killers out there today and that is high blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake is the culprit that many experts say has something to do with our blood pressure levels and many dieticians recommend a low sodium diet, but how can this be realistically achieved? These days almost every food we eat is filled with sodium so how can we have a low sodium diet and still get the same taste in our food that we had before?

No doubt you have seen many companies tout their salt substitute products saying that they have the same taste as regular salt with none of the unhealthy side effects but upon closer examination you will see that many of these companies have use things like potassium chloride which can effect people taking certain meds for lowering blood pressure . Its always wise to try to find a natural salt substitute. Smart salts are gaining in popularity since one of their main ingredients is basic table salt that is mixed with magnesium and potassium. As you can see these are natural minerals that are all needed in our diet . Their job is to lower the percentage of sodium in table salt without killing the taste. This is one way you can create an all natural salt substitute.

Whether you are a spring chicken in your mid twenties or a middle aged person in your forties like me it is never too late to get into a low sodium diet. We are a nation that has become salt dependent but does this mean that we have to become sodium dependent? Thankfully the answer is no and thanks to natural advances in salt substitutes you can still enjoy your charbroiled chicken salad with a pinch of some natural salt substitutes to satisfy your starving taste buds.

If you're looking for a natural Salt substitute that has all of the taste of regular table salt with half the sodium, visit us at http://www.smartsalt.com to place an order for our smart salt products.

Low Sodium Diet - Understanding it and How to Cut Your Intake

2009-10-17T00:05:00.001-07:00

Sodium is one of the most prevalent substances present in numerous food items people regularly take in everyday. It is also one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels among other complications.

This is why a low sodium diet should be observed if you want to have a healthier and lighter body. However, to cut back sodium efficiently in your eating habits, you must first understand it.

Where can you find sodium?

As mentioned earlier, sodium is almost everywhere, so to nail down where you can find high amounts of sodium, here is a list.

1. Salt--Since saltis a compound made up of sodium and chloride, salt is the number one source of sodium. 2. Canned, frozen, and other processed foods--This is because most canned foods use salt as a preservative, among other artificial ingredients. 3. Frozen dinners 4. Sauces, dressings, and marinades 5. Crackers and Cookies

How to cut down your sodium intake?

For one, you can lessen your intake of the mentioned sodium rich foods. However, you cannot just drop your intake to zero because it is still a much-needed nutrient in the body.

Another option is by switching to more natural foods. As processed, preserved, instant, and canned foods are very rich in sodium, consuming them less is a good way to cut back. However, if you cannot avoid foods like these, look for low-sodium alternatives.

Lastly, you can also use a substitute ingredient to sodium. There are numerous salt alternatives available in the market; make sure they are healthy by checking the nutritional facts. You can also go for natural salt substitutes like smart salts.

By closely watching your diet and maximizing it to low amounts of sodium, you will not only be healthier, but may also enjoy the benefits of weight loss.

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Supercharge Your Diet Plan With Healthy Sandwiches

2009-10-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

Its a fact that Americans love sandwiches. We eat them to the tune of 200 per person per year . Since sandwiches make up a large part of our diets it only makes sense to eat healthier versions of them.

First start with the bread . Get rid of that white processed bread and replace it with whole grain or 100 percent wheat breads . Whole grains have fiber in them which is good for your heart and keeping your insides moving regularly plus fiber joins with extra fat and cholesterol and moves them out of your body without them being digested into your cells. It also fills you up so that you don't feel hungry as soon as you would with white bread which has no fiber. Whole grains are also full of vitamins and minerals that are natural unlike the fake ones that have to be added back in. Try different types of breads also like omega 3 or flaxseed bread or even raisin breads. You don't even have to use breads . You can go for bagels and fajitas wraps.

Next the sau ces . Use low calorie condiments such as mustard or low calorie dressing to your sandwich . Mayonnaise has 100 calories and 10 calories in one heavy tablespoon. If you have to use mayonnaise then get the light variety. Healthier ones include vinegar and light cream cheeses, and also pickle relish, salsa and horseradish. You can try mixing light cream cheese with dried herbs or fresh ground ones for your own unique taste. The British use chutney on their sandwiches and is available in grocery stores.

When going for the meat choose the low fat low sodium deli meats that are available. Canned chicken,turkey and ham are also good choices. For fish lovers the different types of tuna are available in many flavors now and then there are the other fishes in cans like salmon and mackerel. Even peanut butter is good for you in smaller amounts . The key is to watch the portions and eat smaller amounts and get the water based tuna not the one in oil.

Add lots of vegeta bles as toppings for that extra health boost like tomatoes, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for a different taste. Try grilled veggies for something unique. Black and green olives can be used sparingly but watch for fat content and sodium as these can be high in both. Avoid the cheeses if possible but if you have to have cheese on your sandwich then for the light versions or low fat .

Sandwiches are a staple of our diet and you will want to include them in your diet plan and with these tips you can eat them and be a lot lighter and leaner.

Hidden Sources of Fat, Sodium and Sugar

2009-10-15T19:15:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard the saying that that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

This is what happens when we delude ourselves into thinking that natural foods have less calories and fats then others, or mistaking too much of one particularly healthy food (cheese is a good example) for a healthy choice.

Here is a breakdown of the ten most common food choices that contain hidden sources of fat and sugar (and therefore weight expanding calories!)

Here are the Top Ten Foods that will minimize your nutrition but maximize your waistline!

1. Cheese Pizza - A pizza that has no toppings seems like it should be healthier and it is to some extent. However just two slices of plain cheese pizza will provide you with 760 calories and almost a full day's limit of saturated fat and sodium. That's without sausage, pepperoni and anything else! Your best choice is a vegetarian pizza, such as foccacia brushed with olive oil and flavored with sun dried tomatoes and herbs.

2. Canned chicken noodle soup - Brimming with salt, a half a can averages about 1100 mg of sodium. That's almost half your daily quota. Go for the low-sodium brands instead.

3. Low Fat Potato Chips - The worst are the low fat chips fried in Olean (olestra). This indigestible fat substitute's generic name is called sucrose polyester Olean doesn't provide any calories, but in many people it causes gastrointestinal distress including severe cramps or diarrhea that they had to see their doctor. Olean also reduces the body's absorption of other foods. Try baked, low-fat potato or tortilla chips, or raw veggies like carrots and celery instead.

4. Yogurt covered raisins - This is a common offering in health food stores and it sounds healthy because raisins are a source of iron and yogurt is a common health food. Actually yogurt covered raisins are full of fat and sugar. They are usually coated with saturated sugar palm oil, or hydrogenated coconut oil. You'd be better off to snack on a handful of plain raisins.

5. Corn chips - Most people think corn chips are healthy because they are not made from potatoes. However the coconut oil that these are fried in is twice as saturated as lard. A cup of corn chips will give you almost half of your daily limit for saturated fat. If you must have corn chips look for brands that are baked or low fat.

6. Fast food bagel sandwiches - These can seem healthy because they include healthy vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce and low fat meats such a turkey or chicken. However the bagels themselves are full of carbs. Just one of these sandwiches can yield up to 700 calories, 40 grams of fat, 300 mg of cholesterol and 1600 mg of sodium. Try a turkey sandwich on rye bread with 1 slice of cheese, lettuce and tomato instead.

7. Extra large chocolate chip cookies - You might lose weight eating just one single cookie but it depends how big it is. A single large cookie, like the ones sold in Starbucks, has more than 300 calories and as much saturated fat as a 12-ounce sirloin steak plus 7 teaspoons of sugar. If you can't resist, try going for the oatmeal cookies.

8. The Breakfast Special - Restaurant skillet-style breakfasts that include eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage and cheese - is not exactly the healthiest choice out there, considering the meal alone will give you 1220 calories, 70 grams of fat (19 of them saturated) and 1820 mgs of sodium. For a healthier alternative, try a couple of scrambled eggs or egg whites with 2 or 3 pancakes or toast and small side of fruit and cottage cheese.

9. "Supersize Me" French Fries - Stop saying yes when you are asked if you want your order to be supersized. Large French fries contain 600 calories, 30 grams of fat (16gms of which are the artery-clogging saturated plus trans fats!) A super-sized waistline is what you'll get for super-sizing your fries at the fast food joint. A b aked potato is a better choice.

10. Mocha Latte with whole milk - This is actually more like a heated milkshake packed with 600 calories and 15 grams of saturated fat. Forsake the whipped cream for skim milk instead and you'll save up to 200 calories

Surviving the Sodium Scare for the People of God

2009-10-14T17:45:00.001-07:00

When you receive the Seal you start to change the way you eat. You eat less and you eat more healthy foods as God intended. One enemy found in great amounts in most processed food is sodium.

Processed food usually has a lot of salt in it, and so it has high levels of sodium. This is considered to be the single most harmful aspect of the common American diet--worse even than trans fats!

Recently the FDA has considered putting warning labels on foods when they contain high levels of sodium. And they might even regulate the sodium level in foods, setting limits to how much they can contain.

That would lower the sky-high amounts of sodium found in meals like TV dinners. When you are sealed you should not eat anything like TV dinners and you should avoid most processed food.

The FDA has not had to regulate sodium levels in foods yet. One reason is because food manufacturers are lowering sodium amounts on their own. Apparentl y low-sodium labels are a turn-off to people so they are reducing sodium quietly.

But this all shows the problem in eating processed food--what God gave us to heal us is turned into something harmful in processed food. God gave us natural salt to nurse us back to health, just as Jesus recommended.

Jesus said, "Salt is good." It is that simple. Yet the high levels of sodium in all that processed food are causing high blood pressure and heart disease in record levels. How can we get the benefits of salt instead of the harm?

The answer is to eat natural salt like sea salt. When you eat natural salt instead of hurting yourself you can cure yourself of a variety of ailments, just as God intended. God wants you to be healthy, while man-made nutrition has a different goal than your health.

Processed food is not produced to be healthy. It is produced to have a long shelf-life which makes it less expensive to produce. That means mor e profits for food companies, not a healthier you.

But there is good news. You can eat natural salt and receive up to 84 minerals your body needs. You need salt because 90 percent of your body is "salt water." And you can be cured of a variety of ailments.

You can be cured of respiratory problems, skin problems, lack of energy, and pain and stress. And much more. If you eat enough of the processed salt found in the mainstream grocery store it will kill you. If you eat sea salt it will save your life.

So you can eat salt, even eat it in abundance. "Salt is good." You even need salt. You need the trace minerals you do not get in your food. You do not need heart surgery or blood-pressure medication.

Jesus came to give life, not to take it away. And when God sets the Seal upon you, He entrusts you with new life. You will want to care for your body through your diet, especially when you start to age a little.

And yo u can avoid processed foods, even if you have limited resources like time and money. Once you get enough protein you can simply add more fruits and vegetables and whole grains. This really does not cost any more than processed food.

But if you really want to glorify God more with a longer life, you need to start eating less too. You can afford better-quality food when you eat less of it. And you will look better and feel better for it.

What Are Low Cholesterol Foods?

2009-10-13T15:30:00.001-07:00

According to the University of Utah Health Services Center, low cholestrol foods are available that can be incorporated into any recipe or diet plan. These foods contain good cholestrol amounts, but are low in saturated fats.

Thanks to extensive research, scientists have found a way to create a diet to lower cholestrol by reducing margarine consumption, not butter and eggs as originally thought. A meal or recipe that does not incorporate processed/refined foods, as well as trans/hydrogenated oils and fats are far more beneficial.

The important criteria when cooking recipes is to find ones that lower bad LDL cholestrol, but increase good HDL cholestrol. LDL that attaches to artery walls acts like plaque does on teeth. It can partially or completely block not only arteries, but veins and capillaries, limiting or halting blood flow to body cells, organs and most importantly the heart and brain. Such build up can result in heart attacks and strokes.
With labels on food packages giving more information than ever before about the nutrients, carbohydrates and cholestrol they contain, it is getting easier to eat the foods we like without the high risk of heart disease or stroke. The following is a list, based on the four food groups, of healthy, low cholestrol foods:

Meat, fish, poultry and meat alternatives:

(2 to 3 servings daily of a maximum of 6 oz. per serving)

Beef - sirloin, loin, chuck

Eggs - organic or free-range, cholesterol-free substitute

Fish and shellfish - white, pink, red, grey (fresh or water packed only)

Lamb - leg, rib, loin, arm

Legumes - peas, beans, lentils, etc.

Pork - leg, shoulder, tenderloin

Poultry - chicken, turkey, and game birds (white or light meat only, and no skin)

Veal - all types, fat cut off

Dairy products:

(2-3 servings pe r day - 6 oz. milk or yogurt, or 1 matchbox size of cheese)

Milk - low-fat, 1%, 2%, no-fat, skim, low-fat evaporated, low-fat powdered or low-fat buttermilk

Yogurt - low-fat

Cheeses (soft) - low-fat cottage or farmer; part-skim ricotta, mozzarella

Cream cheese - light or low-fat

Sour cream - light or low-fat

Ice cream - low-fat

Breads, cereals, rice, pasta:

(6-11 servings daily of whole wheat, vegetable, Omega 3, fiber2c, or low-cholestrol varieties)

Bread - pita, pumpernickel, rye, whole wheat

Rice cakes

English muffins - whole wheat

Crackers - low-fat, matzo, rye crisp breads, saltines, zwieback

Cereals - low-fat, low cholestrol, low sugar, low sodium

Pasta - any type

Rice - basmati, Thai, very long grain, wild

Fruits and vegetables:

(3 to 10 servings dail y of green, orange, yellow, red and dark green vegetables and varied fruit and juices)

Any vegetable - low-sodium canned, fresh, frozen, dried

Any fruit - low-sodium, canned, fresh, frozen, dried

Other foods:

Oils - (6-8 oz maximum daily) unsaturated corn, extra virgin olive, peanut, canola oil, safflower, sesame, soybean

The following foods should be avoided or kept to a minimum as they contain a fair amount of saturated fats and too high a concentration of LDL cholestrol:

All candies, cakes, soft drinks and sweet snacks

Animal fats - all types, lard

beef - corned, regular ground, short ribs, brisket

caviar - all types

cereals - high sugar, high saturated fat, granola

cheese - Neufchatel, Swiss, Brie, Mozzarella, Cheddar, American, Feta, processed, full chocolate

cream, full cream ricotta, Muenster

cream - m ost regular, and non-dairy

duck

ice cream - full cream

goose

luncheon meats - regular

most snack crackers - cheese, butter

organ meats - liver, sweetbreads, kidney, brain

pasta dinners - cheese sauces, cream sauces, butter sauces; egg noodles

popcorn - buttered

pork - blade roll, spare ribs, bacon

potato chips

rice dinners - cheese sauces, cream sauces, butter sauces

sausages - most varieties, including wieners and frankfurters

sour cream - full fat

vegetable dishes - buttered, with cream, with gravy, or with fatty sauces

yogurt - full fat

Easy Diet Cooking Tips

2009-10-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

Raw food is the very best diet for anyone. Hearty main-dish salads help you feel full and satisfied. Lighter salads serve as a side dish or appetizer. Dig into one tonight, and you're well on your way to starting your own salad habit.
A diet can never be complete without fruits. The most appealing factor of fruits is that they are taken raw and are one hundred percent natural. If fruit is canned in 100 percent fruit juice, drain the juice to avoid added calories.
Cooking greens are a Southern tradition – and superstitiously thought to bring good luck for the upcoming year when eaten on New Year's Day. They include any type of cabbage where the green leaves do not form a compact head.
Beef contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—particularly if it's grass-fed—and preliminary research shows that CLA may play a potential role in weight loss and bone health, as well as lower heart disease and cancer risk. Steak recipes and other beef recipes can b e tonight's ticket to eating well! Freezing your food will help with portion control too—you can't have an extra helping if it's frozen solid! Sweet potatoes are highly alkalizing foods and are good for the winter months.
Though you can buy baked chips, they still are high in fat and sodium, and tend to be brittle. Making them at home is easy, lets you control the fat and salt, and produces sturdier chips. Mix together 1 tablespoon (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) five-spice powder, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Consider lighter fare like a sorbet or a yogurt dish topped with fresh berries and strawberry syrup or fruit with a heavy cream on the side. Try a cappuccino for sweetness or richness, but make it with skim milk.
Increase portions when you serve vegetables and fruits. Use low-fat seasoning with herbs, spices, and lemo n juice — think smart, eat well and move more
To lose weight effectively, you need to set realistic goals and create a personal action plan. Your planning should focus on you and your commitment to yourself.
Take note of which foods that you and your family already enjoy. Then try to find more recipes that incorporate those tastes and textures.
Use the Internet as a tool to search for low sodium foods and make your grocery list. Write down the food product, the name of the manufacturer, and the sodium content of each item.
Sodium causes your body to retain, or hold, more water. This increases the work of your heart as it pumps blood through your body.
With a little persistence on your part you'll come through with flying colors and a slimmer body.

Spokane Super Supplements: a Focus on Sodium Chloride...salt

2009-10-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

We all ingest salt every day, whether we realize it or not. Various organizations, including the USDA, AHA, and Cooking Light magazine, recommend less than 2,300 milligrams sodium daily (the amount in one teaspoon of table salt) for healthy people. Most Americans consume closer to 4,000 milligrams a day.

Sodium has benefits, like helping to maintain the body's right balance of fluids, says cardiologist Richard Katz, MD, director of the cardiology division of George Washington University. But ingesting too much salt is a prime cause of increased blood pressure. Higher blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes, both of which can be reduced by minimizing salt intake.? Even among healthy adults there is usually room for improvement in the blood pressure department. "If blood pressure is 125/70, it's better at 120/70", Katz says. (The American Heart Association [AHA] notes that low blood pressure is relative for each person and is a concern when it drops suddenly. Your doctor can help you reach a blood pressure goal that best enhances your health.)

Only a quarter of sodium intake actually comes from salting our food, says AHA President Dan Jones, MD. More than 75 percent of sodium in our daily diets comes from the processed foods we eat. Salt is a natural preservative and it enhances flavor, so it's no surprise that salt and other forms of sodium are included in packaged foods.

What do I need to to do change my salt intake and balance my super supplements?

The first step to keep sodium under control is to make smart choices at your grocery store. Choose sodium-free, low-sodium, or no-salt-added convenience foods. Always read the label! Reading the Nutrition Facts Panel is an easy way to gauge the amount of sodium present in a food. If an item contains more than 20 percent Daily Value (DV) of a nutrient, a serving of that food is considered to contain a high amount of that nutri ent, according to the FDA; five percent DV of a nutrient is deemed low. For sodium, 20 percent DV equals 460 milligrams; five percent DV sodium is just 115 milligrams.

Lower-fat or fat-free products can be higher in sodium than their full-fat counterparts: An ounce of full-fat sharp cheddar cheese has less sodium than one ounce of fat-free cheddar. When fat is removed from foods, other things like sodium may be added to compensate. Still, if you're trying to limit saturated fat in your diet by enjoying low and fat-free foods, the trade-off may be worth it if you limit sodium in other areas.

Disodium guanylate (flavor enhancer)

Disodium inosinate (flavor enhancer)

Sodium alginate (thickener)

Sodium benzoate (preservative)

Sodium bicarbonate (texture enhancer)

Sodium citrate (pH influencer)

Sodium hydroxide (pH influencer)

What should I do to in addition to lowe ring my intake of this not so great super supplement? Exercise can help keep your body balanced both inside and outand great super supplements can help. When you sweat, you secrete the salts in your body. However, if you work out hard or play hard for more than an hour, you should drink an electrolyte replacing sports drink because you can actually lose too much salt while working out for long periods of time.

How to Lower Bad Cholesterol Through Diet

2009-10-09T13:45:00.001-07:00

It is important to lower cholesterol level because cholesterol has been associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The higher the level of cholesterol in an individual, the more likely he will be developing heart disease later on. High cholesterol levels can also put a person at risk of suffering from a stroke or a heart attack.

According to health experts, cholesterol fighting foods may help you in lowering cholesterol level. This is because the food intake itself can control the amount of bad cholesterol that enters your body.

Changing your lifestyle and dietary habits contribute a lot in lowering bad cholesterol. Below are some easy to follow guideline that will surely help you to lower your bad cholesterol.

1. Include plenty of green vegetables in your diet because they are considered the healthiest food to lower cholesterol. Vegetables are high in dietary fiber, and full of dietary nutrients that help maintain a person's efficient metabolism. These are perfect cholesterol fighting food because they are low in calorie-content.

2. Fruits are also effective cholesterol fighting food because these are low in calories. These are also an effective means of controlling weight because they are all-natural product rich in dietary fiber to boost satiety.

3. Soymilk and soy sausages, oat bran cereal and bread as well as nuts make up a complete low cholesterol diet. Soy protein, nuts, and fiber rich food such as barley and oats can effectively cut cholesterol levels by up to seven percent.

4. Minimize your intake of saturated fat and other fat substances by 25-30 percent. The best diet for avoiding coronary heart disease includes consuming unprocessed non-hydrogenated fats rather than the hydrogenated variety.

5. Increased your intake of omega-3 fats from fish, fish oil or plant sources such as flaxseeds. Also limit your daily sodium intake somewhere in the level of 2400 milligram s daily.

Make sure to follow all these guidelines for a long period of time, rather than a day or two. These are effective ways to lower bad cholesterol naturally and make your life healthier.

Note: Remember these natural treatments can't replace your cholesterol lowering medication but can only support your treatment.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Looking for some more home remedies for high cholesterol? Check out the biggest home remedies website and find effective home remedies for high blood pressure to control high blood pressure and reduce level.

K-Factor in Diets and Its Importance in Controlling High Blood Pressure

2009-10-07T18:45:00.001-07:00

Although blood pressure is the result of different factors, the common denominator is extreme salt and the improper balance of potassium and sodium. These two are the major electrolytes of the body in the production of energy, nerve conduction, cell integrity, to name a few. They are the producers of the body's electricity. The balance of proportion between sodium and potassium is known as K-factor in diets.

Every tissue and organ has body cells composed of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and chloride which are submerged in fluid. The intracellular fluid contains more potassium than sodium while it is the other way around in the extracellular fluid.

The cells will function properly if there is the accurate balance of sodium and potassium or K-factor in diets which is important in controlling high blood pressure.

The instinct to pull the hand immediately from a hot oven and the normal beating of the heart are examples of the proper ra tio of potassium and sodium in the body. If there is distortion, this can be life threatening.

The correct ratio is about three parts of potassium to one part of sodium, K-factor ratio (potassium divided by sodium), which is also applicable to animals. Plants do not require this but helps in balancing excess sodium because of their ratio of about 10 to 20 parts of potassium to one part of sodium.

The importance of K-factor in diets to control high blood pressure can be exemplified when there is an oversupply of sodium in the extracellular fluids. To return everything to normal, the kidneys will initially expel the excess sodium.

However, if the kidneys fail to emit the sodium from the blood, the peripheral vascular system will constrict and the resistance to blood flow will increase, the result is high blood pressure. The blood pressure rises because the kidneys are excreting plenty of sodium.

In order to control this, the medica l profession introduced diuretics to treat high blood pressure. In diuretics, more fluid is expelled from the body together with sodium chloride. This is effective in the early stage of high blood pressure.

However, the kidneys are also required to emit potassium, hence the deficiency in potassium. As a remedy, doctors prescribe potassium supplements and drinking of plenty of water as replenishments.

Since potassium and sodium are almost present in the foods we eat, it is best to increase potassium and decrease sodium in our diet.

In order to remember this, here are some dietary guides:

1. Except breakfast, eat one to three types of fresh vegetables. Never add salt if boiled, steamed or stir-fried. Examples of fresh vegetables are spinach, potatoes, carrots, etc.

2. During breakfast, eat cereals like unsalted cereal, oatmeal, puffed rice and wheat germ together with a soy beverage or a low-fat milk.

3. Eat p eas, beans and whole grains but not black beans.

4. Keep away from eating processed foods due to its salt content. In you can't resist the cravings, look for the label which has 2 times more potassium than sodium.

5. Try to avoid salt in every food. Instead, use hot pepper sauce as substitutes.

6. Always eat fresh fruits. Ice cream, sherbet and ice milk can be eaten but refrain from pies, cakes or baked products.

7. Buy a cookbook with emphasis on low-sodium diet.

These dietary changes may be different from your current way of life. If following the K-factor in diets will become a habit, you will realize its importance in controlling high blood pressure which will lead to a better health.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and high blood pressure treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your high blood pressure for good using proven and effective home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

How to Design a Lower Cholesterol Diet

2009-10-05T07:15:00.001-07:00

Eating is one of the things that can affect your cholesterol level a great deal. If you have too high cholesterol, the foods you eat can be one of the things you can control to most effectively and quickly lower your cholesterol. In fact, if you have elevated levels of high cholesterol, a healthy diet is the one thing that you must absolutely do in order to ensure heart health.

Adapting to a Cholesterol Friendly Diet

Once your doctor has confirmed that you have high cholesterol, you can take steps to regain your health by following a low cholesterol and low fat diet. Being true to such a healthful diet will ensure that you can reduce total cholesterol levels by as much as 15 percent. As an added benefit, this sort of diet will also make you feel generally healthier and more energetic as well.

You will benefit further with a regular exercise schedule and this will raise your "good" HDL levels for a total package of healthy living. Do this and within as short as 30 days you will experience a renewed sense of energy and vitality. The effects over all will be immediate.

Following a low cholesterol and low fat diet necessitates that you must do the following:

Get less than 7% of your day's total calories from saturated fat. Your doctor may recommend less.

Receive 25-35% or less of your day's total calories from fat. Your doctor may recommend less.

Consume less than 200 milligrams of dietary cholesterol each day, or follow the limits for dietary cholesterol that your doctor sets for you.

Limit your sodium intake to 2400 milligrams a day. Sea salt is a better option, but reducing your intake of all salts is the better choice.

You should be resolved to eat only enough calories to improve your healthy weight and reduce your blood cholesterol level.

Refuse foods made with harmful trans fats such as margarine, salad dressing and sauces.

Enjoy foods high in soluble fiber. These foods include:

Oats, rye, and barley

Fruits (especially try oranges and pears)

Vegetables (especially brussel sprouts and carrots)

Dried peas and beans

Avoid the Following Foods for Best Health:

High cholesterol foods can increase your level of blood cholesterol. High cholesterol foods include:

Organ meats (this includes liver, which may be eaten in small quantities)

Egg yolks

Full fat dairy products

Fried and processed foods are often high in fat and salt, which can wreak havoc on your heart health. Limit and eat only in moderation if at all:

Highly processed foods, and especially processed meats such as deli meats, sausages, hot dogs, bologna, salami and fatty red meats

All foods that are fried, especially deep fried foods

You will produce meals that have lower saturated fats when you try the following methods of food preparation:

Bake

Broil

Microwave

Poach

Steam

Grill

Roast (only if you remove fats that are melted in the process)

Lightly stir-fry or saute using low-fat and low-salt broth

Selecting your Foods

Enjoy a wide variety of foods regularly, including select cuts of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts each week.

You can further keep your blood cholesterol levels low by doing the following:

Choose chicken and turkey that has the skin removed. You can keep the skin on to seal in the juices so long as you remove the skin before eating.

When selecting meat, choose leaner cuts, white meat, and cuts that have less white "marbleized" texture. The white "marble" is fat that can increase your cholesterol.

Select fish such as cod that has less saturated fat than even chicken or other meats.

Even the leanest cuts of meat, chicken, fish, and shellfish have saturated fat and cholesterol so limit your daily intake to 6 ounces or less.

Remember: You can increase soluble fiber if LDL is not lowered enough from reducing saturated fat and cholesterol.

These factors can help you lower the level of cholesterol that is part of your normal food intake.

5 Fad Diets To Avoid

2009-10-04T06:00:00.001-07:00

There are so many fad diets out there these days that attract people with there fast weight loss and celebrity lifestyle image. The fact is that nearly all of these diets only really offer short-term weight loss solutions and can be extremely unhealthy. Iv'e put together a list of 5 popular fad diets - along with reasons NOT to try them!

Detox Diet
Claims to lose a stone in 10 days, defeat cellulite, give glowing skin and no more bloating. This diet is meant to compliment other detox methods such as massages, colonic irrigation, saunas, fasting etc. Food such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy, wheat, salt, sugar etc are banned, while fruit, veg, beans, seeds, nuts are allowed. This results in a lack of nutrients, lowered immune system, a temporary weight loss, mainly water. It can lead to yo-yo dieting, nausea, sickness and headaches. It is said to causes food cravings, resulting in eventually giving up! It can also cause eating disorders and there is no good evidence of it actually working!

Low Carb / Atkins Diet
The aim of low carb diets is to force the body to use its own fat as its main energy source. This produces something called ketone bodies to fuel body parts that can not use fat as an energy source such as the brain and red blood cells. This puts you in a state of ketosis - resulting in smelly breath and side effects like fatigue and nausea. These diets do produce short term results, which actually come from loss of muscle tissue and water. They are not a long term weight loss solution and are unhealthy if sustained.

Starvation Diet
Starving yourself is one of the worst diets that you could try. Ok, you may initially lose a lot of weight but the effect this has on your body is drastic! You will be extremely lacking much needed nutrition and this will lead to fatigue, lack of sex drive and hormones, sleep loss, possible hypothermia, poor concentration and judgement, depression, anxiety, personality changes, social withdrawal, your metabolism will dramatically slow down, you will lose organ tissue and muscles, you can get shakes, feel the cold more, and feel very week. Low calorie intakes actually slow down weight loss.

Hollywood Diet
This is basically a 24 or 48 hour 'Juice Fast' where you eat no food in this time. This diet has the same cons as the starvation diet. You are really just losing excess water in the body with this diet and it does'nt last long, you will soon put that weight back on. It is expensive to buy the juice, around $25! You will get no protein or iron in the body, and will be taking lots of sugar and carbs. Tastes good at first but soon turns very sickly.

Cabbage Soup Diet
This is a 7 day diet plan which supposedly offers a fast weight loss solution. This is a very short term solution and is not sustainable so is'nt a viable option for long term weight loss. There are a few benefits to this diet which include fast weight loss, a healthy beneficial change from eating junk food, and research has shown that cabbage helps to prevent cancer. However, the drawbacks do outweigh these benefits somewhat significantly. The soup is high in salt, lacking in good overall nutrition - low in protein, calcium, essential fatty acids, high in sodium and MSG, requires much will power as the soup tastes very bland and is extremely repetitive, gives you gas!, and most of all this is not a healthy sustainable solution to long-term weight loss. This diet will most probably make you GAIN weight as it has a very low calorie intake and you can get bloated!

There really is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise if you want to lose weight and live an overall healthier and more active lifestyle.

Having a Diet to Lower Cholesterol

2009-10-03T02:45:00.001-07:00

If you want to lower your cholesterol levels, following an ideal diet may be able to help you a lot. It has been known for a long time now that the food a person eats or is accustomed to eating daily can have a direct relation in the body's cholesterol levels.

And it is important for people to lower their cholesterol levels because cholesterol has been associated with the development of coronary heart disease. The higher the level of blood cholesterol levels in an individual, the more likely it is that he will be developing heart disease later on. Aside from that high cholesterol levels can also put a person at risk of suffering from a stroke or a heart attack.

Aside from using drugs to lower cholesterol levels, following a low cholesterol diet is the next best thing to keep your cholesterol levels down. Eating more vegetables, soy products and other low cholesterol foods can be just as effective at reducing blood cholesterol as medication. A study has been able to show that a vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol by as much as one-third in just a month.

The best cholesterol-lowering diet that you can follow usually includes a hearty serving of vegetables such as broccoli and red peppers. Soymilk and soy sausages, oat bran cereal and bread as well as plenty of fruits and nuts make up a complete low cholesterol diet. Soy protein, nuts, and fiber rich food such as oats and barley can effectively cut cholesterol levels by up to seven percent.

A low cholesterol diet also requires you to minimize your intake of saturated fat by seven percent and other fat substances by 25-35 percent. It has been discovered that the best diet for avoiding coronary heart disease includes consuming non-hydrogenated (unprocessed) fats rather than the hydrogenated variety. Increased consumption of omega-3 fats from fish, fish oil or plant sources such as flaxseeds is the suggested fat intake in a low cholesterol diet. With a low cholesterol diet, one should also limit daily sodium intake somewhere in the level of 2400 milligrams daily.

A typical day on the low cholesterol diet would include a hearty breakfast of soymilk, oat bran cereal with chopped fruit and almonds, oatmeal bread, vegetable-based margarine and jam. A typical low cholesterol lunch would comprise of soy cold cuts, oat bran bread, bean soup and a dessert of fruit. For dinner, stir-fry vegetables, tofu, fruit and almonds would be the usual low cholesterol diet fare. Following this type of low cholesterol diet religiously for long periods, it is possible for one's cholesterol level to drop by as much as 29 percent in just a month.

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