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Diets explained – The pros and cons of every possible diet

2008-01-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

every possible diet is outlined with details of both their benefits and negatives. This brief summaries allow you to quickly grasp the ethos of each diet. There are more diets and styles of eating out there than it is imaginable. Year after year new diets sweep into the market place. I have written this article to give you a better understanding of how, why and when diets will or will not work for your body.

Definition of a diet 'working'

Many people say that a diet worked for them. What this means varies for each person. It may be they lost a few pounds or felt more energetic.

My definition of a diet working is a long term and maintained improvement in health symptoms with accompanying weight loss (or gain) if needed.

My viewpoint is losing half a stone to find you have put it on again 6 months later is not a sign of a diet working. Neither is losing 4 pounds but still suffering many negative health traits such like frequent illness, rashes, digestive pains, low energy etc.

Types of diets

I have tried to classify the major diets here but there are endless variations both within the main ones and the main types of diets so I am sure I have missed some but the information should give you a fairly clear idea of what is happening nutritionally. I have covered:

Atkins, Metabolic typing, Healthy eating, Following food cravings, Junk food diet, Average Western diet, Juicing diet, Blood type diet, Blood analysis diet, Glycemic index, Glycemic load diet, Food combination, Zone diet, Mediterranean diet, South beach diet, Low fat diets, Weight watchers

Metabolic typing diet

Uses physical, dietary and psychological traits to classify the body along fundamental systems. This allows the specific foods and nutrients to be discovered for that individual person.

Pros - Accurately determines nutritional requirement and is specific to your own body chemistry. It allows for individuals to change nutritional requirements during their lifetime as seen in the real world. Encompasses a large variation in recommendations for different people which parallels what is seen in the reality. Head and shoulders above any other nutrition system and its scientific basis and results cannot be argued.

Cons - Can be complicated and difficult to understand if following on your own and you need to use a trained advisor to get a level of analysis powerful enough to create long lasting changes

Read more

Atkins diet

Requires the person to eat greater amounts of protein through meats and to use fat liberally. Suggests obtaining carbohydrate intake from vegetables, seeds, nuts and berries. The overall effect is a high protein, high fat and low carob diet.

Pros - Suggests removing grains from the diet which can benefit most people. It ensures you obtain adequate amounts of fat soluble vitamins and promotes consuming organic foods and vegetables. Will work for certain people short term but very few on a long term basis.

Cons - It does not account for the fact that people vary greatly and a low carbohydrate intake, especially to this extent, can be disastrous. It does not separate different form of meat and vegetables. It does not allow people to change nutritional needs over their lifetime

Low fat diet / Calories restriction

Many combinations of diet follow this theme, with the main emphasis on low fat, higher carbohydrates and controlled calories. Founded frommis-interpreted fat studies in the 1950's. Forms the basis of Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and many more diets.

Pros - Can work for some extreme metabolic types. Any recommendation to reduce trans-fats is beneficial.

Cons - Disastrous for the vast majority of the population as depletes fat soluble nutrients and increases hunger. It does not allow for individual variance between people or for changes in nutritional needs over your lifetime.

'Healthy eating diets'

As recommended by the government food pyramid and all general healthy eating guides. Is also incorporated into the popular diet schemes e.g. Weight Watchers etc

Has an emphasis on lower fat and higher carbohydrates and obtaining fruit and Vegetable in good amounts.

Pros - Any diet with emphasis on increasing vegetable intake will improve many peoples health. Eating lower fat and higher carbohydrate will work for some people's body chemistry.

Cons - Does not separate out individual differences in food requirements, meaning such recommendations can be disastrous for many people. The advice does not cater for changes in nutritional requirements during your lifetime. Grain consumption is also linked to the majority of present day health issues and thus would not be good advice, except for certain people's body chemistry.

Following your food cravings

Many people say their body knows best and thus it is only right to follow what it wants.

Pros - Works well if you are very in tune with your body and accurately following a metabolic typing diet and so would know that you are obtaining your exact nutritional needs.

Cons - Food is addictive chemically and emotionally and in 99% of cases food cravings are confused and nothing to do with nutritional needs. For example your body will crave a cigarette if you have a few, but that does not mean it is needed. The more sugar or bread you eat the more you crave them also. Food cravings also drop back to your dominant gland and thus can lead to exhaustion if the stimulating foods are over consumed.

Junk food diet

Eating whatever food comes your way and not caring what it is.

Pros - None

Cons - Decreased health across the board

Average western diet

The average western diet is somewhere between a healthy eating diet, a junk food diet and following your foods cravings.

Pros - Very few benefits

Cons - Any possible benefits of a 'healthy eating' diet are usually off set by the Junk food or reliance on food cravings. This eating style is much worse for certain body chemistries than others.

Juicing diet.

Using a juicer to make any number of juices and smoothies.

Pros - Can obtain significant amounts of nutrients if done correctly

Cons - Normally lacks fat and protein amounts for good health. Reliance on fruit juice can be troublesome for many people. Does not account for the different nutritional qualities of fruits and vegetables, grouping them all together as good. Whether a food is 'good' is dependent on your body chemistry.

South beach diet

The book recommends very little in reality but for removal of heavily processed foods and avoiding certain carbohydrates which stimulate insulin production. It is a mix of Atkins diet and the Mediterranean diet with far less restrictions

Pros - Recommends reducing processed foods which is of benefit to anyone as is controlling certain insulin rising foods

Cons - Doesn't account for individual differences and allows people too many foods that will be wrong for certain body chemistries. Sold 5 million copies but also holds the title as the having the most money spent on the marketing of any diet book.

Blood type diet

This bases food recommendations on your blood type which is said to indicate your genetic needs from our ancestors.

Pros - Acknowledges the fact we all have different nutritionally needs and focuses on whole foods.

Cons - Recommendations have no bearing on the person's nutritional needs with the majority of his evidence criticized. Does not account for actual differences seen in the real world or changes during your life.

Blood analysis and diet recommendations

Food recommendations are based on results from your blood test.

Pros - Acknowledges the fact we all have different nutritional needs, and uses analysis to make recommendations.

Cons - Only uses a blood test to give recommendations. Blood is just one systemic level within the body. Put simply because you have high or low levels in the blood does not indicate whether you have high or low levels in the cells where it is needed.

Food combination / variation diets

Based on the fact that different foods secrete different enzymes which can upset digestion. Advises not combining certain food groups

Pros - Can help people's digestion if it is already severely weakened.

Cons - Can be dreadful nutritionally as the body needs protein, carbs and fat at each meal. Does not address the cause of poor digestion or identify different nutritional needs between individuals

Zone diet

Advocates a diet of 40% protein and 30% carbs and 30% fat.

Pros - Excellent for a proportion of the population

Cons - Does not work for the majority of people who's nutritional requirement varies from the recommendations.

Mediterranean diet

Based on what is commonly consumed in the south of Europe. The emphasis is on consuming unsaturated fats and carbohydrates.

Pros - Can work well for certain people.

Cons - Does not account for the variability between different people's body chemistry.

Glycemic index (GI) / glycemic load (GL) diets

Makes nutritional recommendations based on the ability of the food to raise or lower insulin within the body (glycemic index/load).

Pros - Aims to reduce the glycemic foods you consume which will benefit almost everyone.

Cons - GI is only one minor factor amongst other variables and thus should not be used to determine what to eat. Does not account for individual difference in food requirements or the other contributions and factors in nutrition.

The most effect diet you can do is a metabolic typing diet.

Hoodia Cactus Plant Diet - All You Need To Know About The Hoodia Gordonii Cactus Plant & Diet

2008-01-14T06:28:00.002-08:00

Hoodia cactus plant extract has been widely publicized on the Today Show, 60 Minutes and other broadcast television programs. This article will explain the history of the Hoodia Cactus plant, how the Hoodia cactus diet works and where to find the most potent Hoodia cactus plant weight loss that really work.

The History of the Hoodia Cactus Plant The powerful properties of the Hoodia Gordonii plant have been recognised by the bushmen of the Kalahari desert for a very long period of time. In the mid 1990s the Council For Scientific And Industrial Research undertook a comprehensive study on the numerous native plants and bush foods regularly consumed by the "Sans Bushmen".

What the CSIR soon found out was that the Hoodia Gordonii cactus plant is not only not poisonous but it also contains some incredibly powerful properties to suppress the appetite and suppress the appetite. This study was found as a result of watching how animals reacted when eating the Hoodia cactus plant.

The Increasing Popularity of Hoodia Diet Products

As a result of the substantial claims of rapid weight loss numerous Hoodia Gordonii weight loss products have come onto the marketplace to become one of the most popular and fasting growing weight loss products in an marketplace where billions of dollars are spent every year on weight loss products.

Before going about the task of choosing a Hoodia product to help with your weight loss it is critical to understandmore about the Hoodia cactus plant. Once the CSIR had been able to isolate the potent in the Hoodia cactus plant that was responsible for appetite suppressing and increasing fat burning capabilities they called it p57. The CSIR then onsold the licence to P57 to a British pharmaceutical organisation called Phytopharm.

How Can So Many Hoodia Diet Products Be On The Market When Only Phytopharm Holds The Rights

It is somewhat surprising that there are such a number of Hoodia weight loss on the market when Phytopharm holds the licence to P57. While Phytopharm actually holds the patent rights to P57 there are other patent laws that come into play. Only the Phytopharm pharmaceutical company can legally extract the potent P57 molecule located in Hoodia Gordonii and use it in any and all of their Hoodia cactus plant product lines.

However, that being said, the whole Hoodia Gordonii plant is never able to be patented. As a result of this other companies can now legally produce their own Hoodia weight loss supplements and products legally without holding the licence to P57.

With such a range of products now available from the Hoodia plant it is absolutely imperative that consumers don't fall for cheap, ineffective imitations and that they ensure that they only purchase PURE South African cactus Hoodia Gordonii products for maximum weight loss results.

Is weight loss with Hoodia really that simple? It is if you know which Hoodia cactus plant products to buy and which ones to avoid at all costs. Not all Hoodia products are the same. I have conducted an honest review of all Hoodia weight loss products which claim to give almost miraculous weight loss results for dieters worldwide. My Hoodia weight loss review reveals the truth about Hoodia products…and the truth may shock you. Read my Hoodia weight loss review now at www.hoodia-weight-loss-review.com before you buy any Hoodia weight loss product or you could be sorry!

"DIET" It's a Dirty Word

2008-01-14T06:28:00.001-08:00

When you think 'diet' you are actively engaging in short term thinking. When you start to think of it as something you go on and then off again, that's the wrong direction. Lose the word "diet" from your vocabulary!

According to Miller Jones, a professor of nutrition and food science at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minnesota. 4th graders are aware of the word diet, especially the girls.One of the world's largest study of weight loss has shown that diets do not work for the vast majority of slimmers and may even put lives at risk.

This type of yo-yo behavior is linked to many health problems. Because of the strain on the body of repeated weight loss and weight gain, the researchers found that the dieters would have been better off not dieting at all. Research has shown the repeated rapid weight gain and loss associated with dieting can double the risk of death from heart disease, including heart attacks, and the risk of premature death in general.

For starters...

When you think 'diet' you are actively engaging in short term thinking. When you start to think of it as something you go on and then off again, that's the wrong direction. Some of the BEST resources on nutrition are not diets. They are eating plans. They are how to eat healthy for life programs. They teach you how to eat correctly for everyday living. There's nothing short term about them.

"The benefits of dieting are simply too small and the potential harms of dieting are too large for it to be recommended as a safe and effective treatment for obesity." -Dr Traci Mann

A quick test is to simply look at any given plan and immediately ask yourself...

Is this something I can do for life?

Frankly...

If you are overweight, then thinking in the short term is exactly why you could be doomed to fail! As you bounce from one plan to the next, you become more and more frustrated.

FACT: Many diets that use a severe calorie restriction just makes it harder to lose the weight the next time.

FACT: Some studies show that repeated weight loss and regain actually increase the changes you'll gain even more weight the next time.

FACT: Studies consistently find that people who report the most exercise also have the most weight loss.

Now with all this in mind...

No matter what eating plan you choose or what your goals, just drop the word 'diet' from your vocabulary and pick a plan you can stick with for life. That encourages slow weight loss or weight gain. That doesn't "demonize" foods but helps you pick and choose from healthy alternatives and explains the reasons why.

If you are always changing your eating habits for special events or every 8 weeks, you might be dieting. That's the time to take a step back and learn all you can about nutrition. Learning how to eat correctly is something you can stick with for life and avoid the common frustrations.

Learn exactly how to eat, what to eat and when to eat it. No more dangerous and frustrating diets. Marc David is a natural bodybuilder and author of the, Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding. You can get info on Marc's e-book at: http://www.Beginning-Bodybuilding.com To get Marc's free e-zine with the 6 Simple Steps to Successfully creating your personal nutrition plan, visit http://www.JustAskMarc.com

The Benefits Of Flax Seed Omega 3 In Your Diet

2008-01-14T06:27:00.003-08:00

The benefits of having enough Flax seed Omega 3 in our diets are tremendous. Flaxseed Omega3 can benefit a person in 3 areas: heart health, mental health and reduced pain and inflammation. Omega 3 is a fatty acid found in flax seed, fish oil and some other types of healthy oils. Nutritional experts have long been talking about the various benefits of flax seed and Omega 3. The essential fatty acid Omega 3 found in flax seed has the ability to promote good heart health, reduce the occurrences of some common mental ailments and reduce pain and inflammations in individuals suffering from arthritis. This article will review these benefits and enlighten the reader as to why including flax seed in your diet may be critical for a healthy lifestyle.

Heart Health

The Omega 3 found in flax seed has been studied by nutritionists and found to promote heart health. Omega 3 lowers the bad cholesterol in the body while positively effecting, if not necessarily increasing, the levels of good cholesterol. Flax seed has also been shown to lower blood pressure in individual who consume it and may prevent plaque from building along the artery walls. Along with the physical health that is boosted by the consumption of flax seed and Omega 3, some exciting mental health benefits also exist.

Mental Health

Since the foods that contain Omega 3 are not common in the diets of people today, a deficiency of this vital fatty acid is common. Some experts believe that it is this deficiency that has cause the rise in mental disorders including ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Often the additional of flax seed with Omega 3 fatty acids to the diet of mental disturbed patients can ease their symptoms and alleviate their suffering. Not only does Omega 3 from flax seed lessen the instances of mental disorders but it can also increase the mood, mental acuity and visual sharpness of those who include it in their daily diets. People who eat flax seed with Omega 3 have also reported fewer instances of pain and inflammation.

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

Arthritis sufferers can be limited in what activities they can take part in. Flax seed and essential Omega 3 helps ease the pain and swelling in the joints that is associated with osteoarthritis. Studies have also shown that omega 3 from flax seed can slow the breakdown of cartilage that causes arthritis to be so painful and disabling. Since omega 3 promotes cell growth, it is possible that eating flax seed on a daily basis can alleviate many common aches and pains, such as eyestrain, headaches, lower back and leg pain. But how easy is it to add flax seed to your daily eating menu?

Incorporating Flax Seed And Omega 3 Into Your Diet

Flax seeds have a delightful nutty-type flavor that goes well with any food that you would be likely to add nuts to. First it is important to mention that flax seeds should be grinded before use to enable easier digestion and richer flavor. Once they are properly processed, sprinkle them over salads or cereals to add a crunch. This also works well with yogurt. For a healthy burst of nutty flavor, add flax seeds to your muffins instead of walnuts. You could also consider sprinkling a handful of omega 3 rich flax seeds over your breakfast pancakes.

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Omega 3 Flaxseeds Blog. For more helpful information about Omega3 Flaxseeds visit omega3flaxseeds.com

What Is GERD Diet?

2008-01-14T06:27:00.001-08:00

GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is sometimes referred to as acid reflux. The symptoms that a person suffers from with this disease can be very wide ranging as well as being extremely annoying. But if a person suffering from this disease wishes to alleviate these symptoms then they will need to make changes to their lifestyle and also start using a GERD diet.

Normally making changes to your lifestyle may seem a little daunting but certainly by alleviating some of the stresses and strains that you feel during the course of a day will help to improve your situation immensely. Also you need to start looking at the kind of foods you are eating and making changes to your diet which can then prevent the acid reflux from becoming worse.

However when it comes to making changes to your diet in order to alleviate the symptoms of this disease it does not mean that you have to give up those that you really enjoy. Instead what you need to do is find out about those foods which are causing the symptoms and then just start to reduce the amount of them that you consume. You do not need to eliminate them entirely from your diet as just by reducing the amount that you eat will go a long way to helping you to deal with acid reflux.

Also by creating a GERD diet, you are helping to strengthen the muscles that are to be found at the bottom of your throat and which will in turn help to prevent the acid reflux occurring. The muscles at the bottom of your throat allow food that you have eaten to gain entry into your stomach. They open as the food passes down your throat and will close once all food has entered the stomach. When you have acid reflux, these muscles have become too wide and so they are unable to close properly once the food has passed through.

When it comes to you designing a GERD diet in order to help alleviate the symptoms of this particular disease and to help strengthen up the muscles at the base of your throat you should first consider eliminating such foods as chocolate, fried foods, caffeinated drinks, whole milk and those foods and drinks which contain large amounts of citrus in them. Instead you should increase the amount of fat free milk as well as fish both of which can help to alleviate acid reflux.

Ricky Lim highly recommend herbal acid reflux treatment for your acid reflux problems especially for infants and young children. Visit his site at http://www.herbalacidreflux.com for more acid reflux information.

Diets and Cancer: Are The Things You Are Eating Causing Cancer?

2008-01-14T06:26:00.002-08:00

An overview of the 3 things that cause cancer in our daily diets. Cancers don't appear for no reason. Cancers develop if you follow an unhealthy diet full of cancer causing food over an extended period of time. Some of the food we eat have high amounts of cancer promoters (carcinogens) that cause cancers. In this article, we will discover the 3 common types of carcinogens most people are exposed to on a daily basis, what types of food we should and should not consume to prevent cancer.

Acrylamide In Food: Should I Be Worried?

Acrylamide has been used in industries that specialize in the treatment of contaminated water, creation of plastic, and manufacturing of food packaging. Scientists recently found traces of acrylamide in food that was cooked with high temperature cooking methods such as microwaving, frying, baking and roasting. Even though acrylamide has been attested to cause cancer in animals, doctors have not found absolute evidence that is causes cancer in humans even though it is toxic to our bodies. French fries top the charts of food that contain the highest levels of acrylamide, followed by certain brands of potato chips, breakfast cereals, cookies, brewed coffee and toast bread according to the US FDA/CFSAN 2006 Exposure Assessment for Acrylamide.

The Harmful Effects Of Sodium Nitrate

Sodium nitrate is a common food additive found in processed meat. It is used to conserve the reddish color of meat to make it look more appetizing to eat at the neglection of your health. Sodium nitrate on it's own is pretty harmless but it changes into a carcinogenic substance called nitrosamine during the digestion process, thus promoting the growth of cancer cells. Almost all forms of processed meat like bacon, hot dogs, bologna, pepperoni, lunch meat and ham contain sodium nitrate.

Trans Fat 101: What Is It And Why It Is Unhealthy

Trans fat or trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are the most terrible kind of fat you can consume. Trans fat is created by a hydrogenation process that transforms unsaturated vegetable oils to a semi-solid state. Food companies do this to save money, to improve flavor stability and to extend the shelf life of their products. Due to it's processed nature, it is considered unnatural in our bodies and it is very tough to digest, therefore it easily clogs our arteries if we don't exercise often. What's worse, trans fat promotes the development of bad cholesterol and reduces the levels of good cholesterol, increasing your risk of heart disease. Trans fat can be found in pastries, hydrogenated oils, commercially deep-fried food, food with vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated oils.

Foods That Will Help You Lay Off Cancer

It is ideal for all of us to restrict or eliminate our consumption of processed food that contain the 3 carcinogens above and other toxins such as cigarettes, alcohol, sugar and salt. However, it is very difficult for most people as some of them are really yummy. The decision is up to you to decide which is more important to you. At the very least, choose natural food like organic vegetables, fruit and meat as much as possible. Having a diet made of nutrients, antioxidants and fiber from raw vegetables and fruit should help you steer clear from cancer. As a general rule, eat what mother nature intended us to eat and avoid man-made food.

Visit Natalie's site CancerArchive.com for more tips on how to prevent cancer, treat cancer and much more. Be sure to check out Natural Cancer Treatments That Work to find out how you may cure cancer naturally without the use of chemotherapy and radiation.

6 Pack Abs Diet – Eat Your Way to Stunning 6 Pack Abs

2008-01-14T06:26:00.001-08:00

Getting that great 6 pack abs is not all about exercise. In fact, all that 6 pack abs workout is meaningless if your belly still has layers of fat. You can firm up and sculpt your abs but the fat remains – and covers up your hard work - if you do not eat right. A pot belly is still a pot belly and a love handle is still a love handle even if you have amazing abdominal muscles beneath the fat.

The good news, though, is with the proper abs diet, you can have that sexy 6 pack abs. And, you need not exert so much time and effort in workout as the body will already be shedding fat – even without strenuous activity. Eating right is a very crucial step to get that steaming hot abs.

Below are some simple diet tips to help you lose belly fat fast and get that 6 pack abs quicker:

1) Eat small, well-distributed meals throughout the day. Aside from the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner, you may want to include a morning and afternoon snack as well. Eating this way keeps the body’s metabolism going and makes fat burning easier. Fast metabolism can translate to fast abs.

2) Choose foods high in fiber. Aside from detoxifying the body, fiber is lower in calories and fills you up without the fat. So instead of that white bread or white rice, opt for whole grains and brown rice. Stack up on fruits and vegetables.

3) Build muscle with healthy protein. To "build" your hot 6 pack abs, eat healthy protein like tuna, salmon, eggs, almonds, cottage cheese, among others. Protein also boosts metabolism.

4) Get energy from complex carbohydrates. When it comes to toning your abs or tummy, complex carbohydrates may be not so complex. These carbs are simple, straightforward solutions. Eat complex carbs so that lesser sugar is converted to body fat. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, and root crops like sweet potatoes are excellent complex carbohydrates.

5) Cut down on sodium. Sodium bloats the stomach. Avoid salty foods like chips. Besides, these contain lots of fat anyway. Also, ease up on the seasoning when you’re cooking. Higher salt content in food can stimulate your appetite instead of curbing it. And if you want those ripped abs, you won’t aim to eat more.

6) Lessen alcohol intake. Like sodium, alcohol can also bloat the stomach. Plus, they are additional calories you need to burn. Imagine the washboard abs you can get if you don’t drink that next bottle.

7) Drink right. Keep your body hydrated with plenty of water. Water is also a good appetite controller.
Combine this effective abs diet tips with strategic cardiovascular and abs workout, and your dream of having sexy, 6 pack abs gets closer everyday.

Self-help expert Michael Lee has prepared a FREE extreme fat-burning course that reveals secrets on quick weight loss and how to lose belly fat fast at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/fat-secret.htm

Is The Glycemic Index A Fad Diet?

2008-01-14T06:25:00.004-08:00

Like many diets whose claims are still waiting to be scientifically tested, the glycemic index has many passionate followers. What makes this somewhat different is the number of dieticians who champion it. Find out what's going on here. The glycemic index is quite popular amongst some dietitians as a way to help control diabetes, lose weight, and improve general health. However, it is not without its' controversy - a health expert published on the American Diabetes Association website has labeled it a fad, the successor to the Atkins diet fad. This article will look at both these points of view, the complexities of the glycemic index that make it difficult to apply in real life food situations, and whether there is any value in the approach.

What Is The Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index looks at the way different carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels as they are absorbed into the bloodstream. These qualities are established by comparing each food with a control - either white bread or glucose. All foods are thus given a value against this control, and a relative table is established. Unfortunately, the GI values in the tables based on bread and glucose are not always the same for each food, making comparison difficult.

Many dieticians believe blood sugar levels can be controlled through choosing foods and meals with a favourable GI rating. This may be done by choosing foods with a moderate or low GI rating, or cooking foods with a high GI in a way that lowers the GI. Or, including those high GI foods in a meal with other foods that also lowers the overall GI value of the meal. Protein, fiber, and beneficial fats all have this effect of lowering the glycemic index of a food.

This capacity of other foods, cooking methods, and other factors to affect the glycemic index is what makes it difficult to find any practical value in the theory. The changes in GI can be fairly significant. Even how ripe a food is, how long it has been in storage, and what variety it is all have an impact. As the American Diabetes Association website states, potatoes in the US and Australia have different GI values. This level of variation requires a lot of knowledge on the part of the consumer to work out the correct values, and then make a decision on whether it is appropriate for their blood sugar levels at the time.

And the food itself is not the only variable. The glycemic index of foods varies with each person. And it can also vary for one individual on a day to day basis. Whilst potato may have a higher GI for you one day, the next it might not. Another problem is that the GI values are based on a serving size of 50g. We rarely eat 50g at a time.

The studies on the benefits of a GI diet may actually reflect other factors at play. For example, the authors of a study that found an association between those on a low GI diet and a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration made the point that a low GI diet generally had a higher percentage of antioxidants and other phytochemicals known to benefit eye health. Thus, a low GI diet may not actually be responsible for the eye benefits, it may simply be a coincidence, and the vehicle through which those particular respondents included more eye healthy food.

Ultimately, whether the glycemic index is beneficial for you is a matter of personal choice. It is a difficult and complex diet to follow for the reasons mentioned above. And poor food choices (in terms of sugar, fat and other content) can still be made. Thus a low GI diet does not necessarily mean a healthy diet. It may simply be better to incorporate general principles of healthy eating and listen to your own body, rather than a body of theory. At the end of the day, the GI is still largely theory that requires more stringent human studies.

Whether it's news on weight loss, nutrition, health supplements or fitness, get your health tips here.

Tough Love Approach Keeps Fad Dieting Going

2008-01-14T06:25:00.003-08:00

With the overweight in the UK now being banned from some surgical operations unless they crash diet, weight control charity The Weight Foundation discusses the growing stigmatization of obesity. Increasing numbers of waiting list patients are now being forced to slim before being allowed to have routine operations on the British National Health Service. A newspaper investigation claims that the localised policy is now to be rolled out nationally by the end of 2007.Doctors will allocate treatment to patients according to their Body Mass Index, the BMI being the formula relating putative optimum weight to height.

If people have a BMI over 30, which is commonplace in the UK and very much towards the average zone in the US, they will be denied non-emergency operations such as hip and knee surgery, or procedures including IVF treatment.

The new guidelines already apply to about 1 in 15 of the PCTs in the UK and, when implemented nationally, the BMI-rule will affect about 1 in 5 of the population. Failure to achieve the threshold for operations will result in being recommended a crash slimming regime and reassessment after six months.

Health officials state that their rationale behind the strict new qualification for treatment is justified by research which shows that slimmer people have better recovery rates from surgery. Whatever the proven scientific case for this viewpoint and also not forgetting the debatable validity of the now 150 year old BMI standpoint, a considered critique reveals troubling implications within this clampdown.

One of the central paradoxes of the current major debate surrounding obesity is the question of why people persist in long term dieting cycles when dieting is increasingly discredited as an effective means of lasting weight control. It can be argued that individuals are being driven into fad dieting not so much by the long standing notion of Yo Yo Dieting (itself, we would contend, simpliste and flawed) but rather by overwhelming institutionalised and cultural pressures. From this perspective, the creeping criminalisation of overweight, which is advancing steadily deeper and deeper into the denial of erstwhile civil liberties, is a major stepping-up of these institutionalised pressures.

Some would also argue that the extension of public health care intervention into wider and wider aspects of modern living is not so much a wellbeing aspiration as a symptom of the current western governmental drift towards an increasing micromanagement of the whole lifestyle. This is not necessarily a claim either of the left or the right, as both perspectives would be critical of an excessively big state overriding basic liberties.The problem with all of this in relation to the overweight arena is that it is leaving those already involved in failed fad dieting with nowhere to turn except straight back into more fad dieting.

Gradual lifestyle adjustments, new coping strategies for the emotional stresses which trigger overeating, a relaxed appreciation of the cultural drivers towards fad dieting cycles and the fostering of a choice to move in fresh directions – all of these healthful options are blown away by the official decrees to lose weight fast. In the absence of alternatives, what are people to do except to plunge back into the fad dieting mainstream?

Government, unchallenged, is always going to be relatively short term in its outlook; it is simply the way that it tends to work.The short termism in this instance is exacerbating the very issues it is seeking to address. The macho "tough love" approach will do little except deliver "tough luck" on those problem dieters who now have less freedom than ever to break away from fad dieting. This is another expression of the growing yet implicit official view that the overweight are deviants who must be brought back within the correct moral line. Is this fair or accurate?

Malcolm Evans is founder and secretary of registered charity The Weight Foundation, which researches dieting and produces commentary on weight loss culture.

Why Should You Use Nutritional Supplements in Your Diet?

2008-01-14T06:25:00.001-08:00

This article explains the benefits and the necessity of using Nutritional Supplements in your diet. Nutritional supplements are used to fulfill a deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in our everyday diet. A few years ago nutritional supplements were not as popular among people as they are today. This is because in years passed there was not much need for anyone to take these supplements. People used to eat pure and healthy food which consisted of a balanced diet including milk, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, fish. Basically back then our diet contained everything that we needed in order for our bodies to function correctly. Today our busy schedules have made our minds so pre-occupied that we don't have enough time to eat enough to fulfill all our body needs. Combined with the fact that the vegetables are extensively farmed and kept on shelves for a long time, this reduces the nutrient intake that we actually eat. This is why we need nutritional supplements to maintain our health.

It is a known fact that nutritional supplements are useful for people belonging to all age groups. Children need adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus and iron to develop healthy bones and teeth. Similarly, elderly people need all kinds of vitamins and energy vitalizing substances to keep themselves fit. These supplements also help them fight against various diseases, and some are even thought to prevent heart attacks and even cancer. Many nutritional supplements, including folic acid, are recommended to pregnant women to protect the baby from developing any abnormality. Obesity and high cholesterol can also be treated by using nutritional supplements made from natural plant and animal extracts.

Lately there has been much debate as to whether nutritional supplements are really useful or if there's really no point in taking them. It's true that there is no alternative for a proper balanced diet, nothing can take the place of fresh fruits and vegetables. But at the same time taking small amounts of health supplements is not harmful at all, instead it provides protection against many diseases in the long run.

You should never replace your everyday meals with nutritional supplements, although meal replacement powders are available on the market. As with any change in your diet it's important to consult a health specialist before consuming any kind of nutritional supplement. Also don't fall for the many attractive advertisements about some supplement products that claim to do wonders overnight. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!

Natural food extracts should always be preferred over other man-made supplements. A weight loss supplement made from extracts of green tea is an example. Many other supplements are also made by combining different herbal extracts and a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. As you must have guessed, these materials are not harmful for the body at all as they all occur naturally.

People who are taking antibiotics are advised to ask their doctor before buying nutritional supplements because they might interfere with the antibiotic course that has to be completed in order to treat an infection. Similarly diabetic patients and those suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol are advised not to consume any kind of weight gain or energy boosting supplement before consulting their doctor.

You also need to remember that these nutritional supplements are effective only when right amounts of each one is taken as prescribed by a health specialist. Overdose might prove to be detrimental to your health. Similarly taking less than the correct dosage, or not following the procedure correctly may not prove to be as effective for the body.

Overdose can also cause some side effects like dizziness and nausea. There are no clear signs of vitamin or mineral deficiency in the body, but when you feel that your diet is not composed of all the healthy food that must be consumed everyday, you should immediately ask your doctor's opinion. If taken properly and as part of a healthy balanced diet, nutritional supplements are an excellent way to ensure that your body is being fed with all the necessary nutrients it needs in order to function properly and defend it from various kinds of illnesses.

Christopher DiCicco is the owner of the online nutritional supplements store http://www.FlexHealthNutrition.com and has been involved with health and nutrition for over 20 years. He has written many articles on such topics as nutritional supplements, bodybuilding supplements, weightlifting supplements, vitamins and minerals to name a few. http://www.flexhealthnutrition.com/details/shop/AM-034

Weight Loss With the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet

2008-01-14T06:24:00.003-08:00

Find out the benefits of the lemonade fast, like losing weight, but also the things to avoid that are unhealthy. Also learn about a substance that Americans consume that have no calories but makes people fat. This means that this weight is not affected by how many calories you consume and how many you burn. This is also called the master cleanser lemonade fast, lemonade detox diet and lemonade cleansing diet. It is very popular now. Beyonce lost 20 pounds in 10 days for Dream Girls with it and Robin Quivers (Howard Stern's assistant) heard about it from magician, David Blaine. She lost 73 pounds with it. There are many testimonials of people losing weight and getting other benefits so it is a great way to lose weight before the prom. But there are complaints about it. Many people have practiced fasting including Jesus, Mark Twain, Plato, Abraham Lincoln, Hippocrates and many medical doctors. Because of this, it has been constantly improved upon. But because the lemonade diet was created by one person, Stanley Burroughs, it has attracted many people who are afraid to change anything about it. So they follow it as a cult or a religion. It is like fasting since they are not eating food and consuming water, which is the main ingredient in the lemonade. So they get many of the benefits of fasting like losing weight.

The lemonade diet recipe contains these ingredients: water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. This tastes better than just drinking water like while fasting. People experienced with fasting know that you do not have to worry about the colon. Fasting gives it a vacation and it becomes healthier than ever. With the lemonade fast people lose weight and get health benefits from not eating. But there is a practice done as part of it known as the Salt Water Flush where you drink water with a lot of salt in it. This is what is bad about the lemonade diet. This has caused many complaints.

People complain about the taste of it and about wanting to vomit after doing it and other problems. It consists of drinking salt water which does not get digested but goes through and comes out the same way that solid waste comes out. Also they complain how you have to be home with easy access to the toilet since this stuff can come out very quickly. The purpose of doing it is to cleanse the colon. Some complain that it does not work with them. These people do not know why it goes through undigested. The reason is because it is very toxic. It does not take much salt, which is not a food, to kill someone. A guy dissolved 4 ounces of salt (112,000 mg) in a quart of water and drank it and it killed him. A quarter pounder is 4 ounces. The American Medical Association is trying to get the FDA to make salt a regulated substance so they can limit the amount that is put in foods. If someone wants, they can use an enema to clean the colon. They are used in hospitals daily. If a person consumes no salt for 2 weeks, they can lose up to 20 pounds (mostly water weight). Salt has no calories but can make you overweight due to water retention. Water weight makes you look very fat and weighs a lot. Consuming less calories and burning lots of calories has no effect on this weight. Also people doing the master cleanse will drink a laxative tea which can be too strong and cause intestinal cramping.

Stanley Burroughs is dead so he cannot correct mistakes that he made so it is up to others to do it. There have been some, who are followers of this lemonade diet, that have made minor improvements like replacing maple syrup with agave (a natural sweetener from a cactus) and taking the cayenne in a shot glass instead of it being in their lemonade.

Chuck Bluestein is a nutritionist, ethnobotanical herbalist and a master faster. His website has info on colds and flus, losing weight (including water weight), Lemonade Diet, weight loss strategies, healthy diet, fasting, natural cures and how to be happier.

Is Using Diet Pills to Increase Metabolism a Good Idea?

2008-01-14T06:24:00.001-08:00

While taking diet pills may bring about a short term weight loss in the long run making permanent lifestyle changes will lead to better results that last. We are fast becoming a society in search of instant gratification. More and more people are beginning to think and believe that somehow with all our scientific knowledge and research that losing weight and getting in shape should be an easy undertaking. Losing weight should be a lifestyle choice that is based on living a healthy life. Using a pill to lose weight might work for the short term, but without serious changes in eating and exercising habits most people will soon gain the weight back, particularly when they stop taking the pills.

Why?

Here's why. A diet pills primary ingredient is a stimulant of some sort such as caffeine. The nice thing about a stimulant like caffeine is that it does indeed increase the body's metabolism and suppresses the appetite. That might sound like the perfect weight loss recipe but unlike naturally increasing metabolism using an artificial stimulant only lasts as long as the drug is in your body.

The other thing that people who use diet pills must be aware of is that the pill is not the end all and be all of losing weight. Simply taking a pill and not changing their current eating habits will lead to few if any weight loss results. The pill will give a good starting point but without some serious lifestyle changes about eating and exercising it will not give the results asked for.

The problem with any diet pill, or stimulant for that matter, is that it is artificially stimulating the body's metabolic systems. The body reacts to this stimulation by an increase in metabolism brought about by certain hormones being released into the blood stream. This does burn off extra calories but it comes at a price. The body's supply of hormones is not infinite.

The adrenal glands supply a good portion of the body's hormones. If they are constantly bombarded with caffeine or other stimulants they will soon exhaust their supply of hormones, many of which are responsible for metabolism and weight control. Before long the body's inability to regulate itself naturally will begin to have affects, some of them serious.

With any appetite suppressant one has to be aware that not actually eating enough can also have the opposite effect they might be looking for. If the body goes into starvation mode its metabolism will actually begin to slow down to store it energy for the perceived lean times ahead. This is why anyone cutting calories, either through diet or with artificial means, needs to be careful with how much they are cutting. The body requires a certain amount of calories per day to function at peak efficiency. Take in to many calories and it gets stored as fat. Take in to few and the metabolism slows down protecting the fat stores it already has.

Using diet pills in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program can be a good way to start losing weight. They can give that initial boost to ones metabolism and start the weight coming off, which can be a great motivator. They are not, however, a good long term weight loss and maintenance solution. The best long term weight loss solution is a change to a healthier lifestyle that allows the body to naturally increase its metabolism to a level that burns calories at an optimum rate.

For more information about increasing your metabolism and for more information about how your metabolism works please click here.

The Truth About The Good Diet Pill

2008-01-14T06:11:00.003-08:00

Many people who feel they have a weight problem search for a good diet pill; something they can swallow down with a glass of water and watch the pounds fall off. However, there are some risks with taking diet pills, and they typically do not produce the results that people are looking for.

There are a few kinds of diet pills that affect your body differently, but most of them are essentially an upper, which speeds your metabolism and causes you to not be hungry since your body is getting energy from the upper. Increasing your metabolism rate does cause you to lose weight, because your body burns energy more quickly, but diet pills cause your body to consume itself. The majority of diet pills that actually work are composed mostly of an amphetamine derivative, which you may recognize from the drug methamphetamine. Like meth, these diet pills have many side effects that can be harmful, especially for teens.

Typically these amphetamine-based pills are only a good diet pill when used as part of a larger good diet plan to treat obesity. These pills can be used to drop some weight quickly, but they cannot keep the weight from coming back. Only healthy lifestyle choices, like developing good diet plan and exercise program, can prevent weight from coming back. These diet pills are effective for treating people with obesity because it essentially gives them a jump-start to losing weight. One sad fact about diet pills is that many of the users of diet pills are young women whose weight is in an ordinary range, but they wish to become even thinner. Women who feel this way may have problems with their image and develop eating disorders as a way of losing unwanted weight instead of using a good diet plan and good exercise program.

Although most diet pills are junk, there may be a good diet pill out there. Some herbs are reported to help the fat melt away, but like amphetamine-based diet pills, they are not a long term fix. Using pills and other gimmicks like sweat suits and starvation diets only treat the symptoms of a weight problem, not the cause. Diet pills are the symptom of a larger problem in western culture; we expect instant results with out expending any energy. A good diet pill that is an end-all for our weight problems sounds reasonable because our culture teaches us that we deserve such things merely for showing up instead of practicing good eating habits and developing a good exercise program.

A truly good diet pill would be one that motivates people to develop healthy eating habits and activity levels since this is the only effective way to lose weight and keep it off. Diet pills do not truly help many people, and, in truth, end up causing more problems than they solve.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher who likes to publish resources for loosing weight. You can go to Weight Loss Plans for more.

How To Lose Weight With Hoodia Diet Pills

2008-01-14T06:11:00.001-08:00

You’ve heard that you can lose weight with hoodia quickly and easily. While hoodia can be an effective appetite suppressant, it isn’t a miracle weight loss solution. Here are two simple tips on how to effectively lose weight with hoodia. You’re tired of being overweight and you’ve heard that you can quickly and easily lose weight with hoodia. Not so fast! Despite the marketing hype and the exaggerated advertising claims made by people selling hoodia diet pills, they aren’t miracle weight loss pills. In fact, if quick and easy weight loss is your goal, then hoodia gordonii isn’t the answer.

There is a way, however, to gradually lose weight with hoodia if you understand what it is and what it does. Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like plant that contains a molecule called P57. This molecule tricks the brain into thinking you are full. In short, hoodia gordonii diet pills are natural appetite suppressants. They don’t burn fat, increase metabolism, or magically melt the pounds away.

The idea behind diet pills that contain hoodia gordonii is that if you feel full, you’ll eat less. As a result, you’ll lose weight with hoodia. In theory this works great as long as you maintain an overall healthy diet and you get the necessary calories your body requires. The problem is most people who take hoodia diet pills make the mistake of not eating enough. They figure since they are full they don’t need to eat.

What happens if you skip meals or drastically cut down on the number of calories you are getting is your body goes into starvation mode. When this occurs, your metabolism shuts down. This is the body’s natural way of protecting itself. By slowing down your metabolism, your body reserves what little calories you give it so that it can still perform all of its functions properly. Instead of burning calories and shedding fat, your body stores calories as fat! If you want to lose weight with hoodia you can’t skip any meals – even if you feel full.

The beauty of hoodia diet pills is that if you feel full, you’ll most likely make better eating decisions. Even when you are full, you know you still have to eat to keep your metabolism burning. However, you probably won’t have the desire to eat as much as you normally would if you weren’t full. That’s the power of hoodia. It forces you to make better eating decisions. Instead of gorging out on a plate full of food, you will probably be just as satisfied eating half as much.

Another way to lose weight with hoodia is to take hoodia diet pills at strategic times of the day. Most brands recommend you take hoodia about an hour before each meal. If you are prone to overeating in between meals, or if there are certain times of the day where you absolutely crave junk food, then consider taking hoodia diet pills in between meals or before those times you know you’re vulnerable. For example, if you tend to crave a candy bar or other junk food on the way home from work, take your hoodia diet pills shortly before you leave for work.

In summary, hoodia gordonii diet pills can be terrific natural weight loss aids as they have the potential to be effective appetite suppressants. However, don’t make the mistake of skipping meals or drastically cutting your caloric intake. Consider taking hoodia in between meals and before those times of the day you know you’ll be vulnerable to junk food. If you keep these simple tips in mind, you will be able to effectively lose weight with hoodia.

Did you know the majority of hoodia supplements on the market are fake? Be sure the brand you are taking is authentic. Visit http://hoodiaandweightloss.com for detailed hoodia reviews.

New Diet Uses the Power of Your mind

2008-01-14T06:10:00.003-08:00

In their battle against the bulge, desperate dieters have tried drugs, surgery, exercise, counseling, creams and even electrical fat-burning belts.

Now psychologists found that it could persuade people to avoid fattening foods by implanting unpleasant childhood memories about the food — even though the event never happened.

The scientists say they also have successfully implanted positive opinions about asparagus by convincing subjects that they once loved the vegetable.

The findings were stronger in a second experiment where students were asked to provide details about the imaginary strawberry ice cream episode. In that case, 41 percent of the subjects given erroneous information later believed the tale and said they intended to avoid the food.

Weight-control experts expressed interest in the study, but were skeptical about using implanted memories as a dieting technique.

Deliberately implanting memories "raises profound ethical questions," said Stephen Behnke, director of the ethics office of the American Psychological Association.

The food studies are the latest in a string of memory experiments by Loftus, a professor of psychology and criminology at UC Irvine.

Loftus is most famous for her position on recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse. Based on her work, she has suggested that most of these memories were probably false.

The point of this article is to show the real power of the mind. The mind can trick us and we can now learn to use it to trick it back into doing what serves us. You may be addicted to cigarette smoking, even though you know it’s bad for you, because the pull of peer pressure was so huge when you were younger that you started smoking. Now that desire no longer serves you but you think you are incapable of stopping.

However, your mind can be your greatest ally. To learn more about techniques to control your weight, develop your health and increase your vitality, visit the science of being well to learn about the Home Study Course and the techniques that can help you.

In the Science of Being Well Home Study Course, you will find many examples and stories to help you develop your own powers of healing using simply the power of your mind. This is not revolutionary. These secrets have been around for ages. To learn more, claim your FREE report of the First Secret to Abundant Health on www.thescienceofbeingwell.biz

*From the desk of Dr Magne, author with Wallace Wattles of The Science of Being Well Home Study Course.

High Cholesterol: Low Cholesterol Diets And Natural Supplements

2008-01-14T06:10:00.001-08:00

Is your cholesterol high, low, middling, whatever? The fact is that if you have high cholesterol you could be well on your way to a heart attack or stroke. Take control through low cholesterol diets and natural supplements, and find out about it in this article. What’s the big deal about blood cholesterol anyway? Is your cholesterol high, low, middling, whatever? Well, the fact of the matter is that if you have high cholesterol you could be well on your way to a heart attack or stroke so that’s reason enough to start worrying about it. Is your cholesterol high? Let’s look at what could contribute to high blood cholesterol. It could be all that weight you’re carrying around, it could be all that junk food you’re downing everyday, it could be the lazy, laid-back life you love which thinks of exercise and shudders. It could be your cholesterol is high due to stress - at home, at work, maybe even at play. And for women over 50 with high cholesterol, it could just be the fact that they are over 50. You might just say, ‘So what if my cholesterol’s high? Well, if your cholesterol’s high, you need to know this.

We all have good cholesterol HDLs or high density lipoproteins and bad cholesterol LDLs or low density lipoproteins. HDLs are the transporters - they carry the excess cholesterol to the liver to be broken down. LDLs, however, can cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries. If high cholesterol symptoms are left untended, it can give you a rather rude wake-up call, i.e. a heart attack. The trouble is the problem sneaks up on you so quietly, and very often high cholesterol shows no warning signs and you don’t really know about it till it explodes. That’s why it’s important to have your self checked for symptoms of high cholesterol and to check that your LDL levels are below100 mg/dL and your HDL levels are over 40 mg/dL. The National Cholesterol Education Program was launched by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in 1985 to reduce the percentage of Americans who have cholesterol higher than what it should be through educational campaigns run by professionals. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep/index.htm)

What ways are there to treat high cholesterol, or better still, prevent it? Well, exercising, giving up smoking and controlling your weight are great ways to begin. You could also look at a low cholesterol diet (for high cholesterol) and at what Nature has to offer. One natural remedy that packs quite a punch is garlic. All you need to do is to pop a clove in your mouth and chew first thing every morning - it’s a great LDL-fighter. If you just can’t do it, then chop it up and swallow it down with water. If even that’s too much, try taking garlic supplements in capsule form. Mitamins‘ Natural Remedy for High Cholesterol contains garlic extract amongst other vitamins, herbs and minerals thought to reduce bad cholesterol.

Fish oil or Omega-3 is a great natural remedy for the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol too. Participants in a study who took a daily fish oil supplement actually had a 40% lower chance of sudden heart-related deaths than non-fish-oil takers. That’s probably why Eskimos hardly suffer from high cholesterol. Also good are oat bran, red rice and avocado. A 1000mg Vitamin C tablet a day is also supposed to help when cholesterol is high. The trick is to measure cholesterol levels at least once every five years and to get what is called a ‘lipoprotein profile’. Is your cholesterol high? Managing cholesterol levels and making sure they are not high is in your hands so do the best you can for your health.

Why Diets Backfire

2008-01-14T06:08:00.001-08:00

Diets just don’t work. When you really understand why, you can create the perfect weight management plan for yourself. We are bombarded with information about eating right and exercising but millions still battle their weight. Diets often impose food rules that most people do not, cannot or should not follow for very long.

Diet "experts" recommend counting calories, servings or points. Some diets require you to eat pre-packaged meals or eliminate entire food groups. Face it; if dieting was truly effective, the problem would have been solved with the first one!

Diets are not just doomed to fail; they’re doomed to backfire. Learn why so you can create the perfect weight management plan for yourself.

Your Body is Programmed to Survive
Your body has primitive, complex survival mechanisms that help keep you alive during limited periods of starvation. Now that food is abundant and readily available, most modern "famines" are the result of self-imposed diets. While it seems that diets backfire, this is really the result of your body adapting to being under-fueled.

When you follow a restrictive diet, you lose water, fat and muscle. The reason you lose muscle is that it burns calories so some of your muscle mass may be given up to lower your metabolism and "save you" from starvation.
If you return to your previous eating habits when the diet is over, your body quickly replaces its fat stores but not the muscle you lost. You’ll have a higher body fat percentage and a lower metabolism than before the diet. That is why you usually gain more than you lost in the first place.

Deprivation Can Lead to Cravings
But it is not just your body that rebels when you diet. Your mind rebels too. When certain foods are forbidden you feel deprived, leading to powerful cravings. Eventually, when you give in to the cravings for these "bad" foods, you’ll feel guilty and out of control. You may give up the diet and binge on the foods you’ve been missing. Of course, most dieters blame themselves when the diet fails, but in reality, dieting itself is to blame.

Diets Ignore the Rest of You
The biggest problem with diets is they focus on what and how much to eat without addressing why people eat in the first place.

Many people eat or overeat because of environmental triggers such as appealing food, automatic meal times and learned messages like "clean your plate." Many people eat due to emotional triggers like stress, boredom, loneliness, sadness or anger.

Since these triggers don’t go away simply by imposing a strict set of diet rules, you may try to cope with them by eating the "allowed foods." In other words, you never really give up emotional eating or learn other coping skills, so when the diet is over, you go right back to eating the way you did before.

So What Does Work?
At this point you are probably thinking, "If diets don’t work, what am I supposed to do?" To begin with, if the diet plan you’re considering isn’t something you can imagine doing for the rest of your life, then don’t bother doing it for a day!

It is time to face the fact that the key to solving your struggle with weight and food does not lie in a magical, or even a logical, combination of diet and exercise. The real solution lies in finally addressing your relationship with food and learning to recognize and effectively cope with your eating triggers.
Start by asking yourself "Am I hungry?" whenever you have and urge to eat. When you relearn to trust your innate ability to know when and how much to eat, you will begin to eat in a way that fuels your body, mind, and spirit.

Michelle May, M.D. is a recovered yoyo dieter and the award-winning author of Am I Hungry? What To Do When Diets Don’t Work. Learn to manage your weight without deprivation and guilt with Dr. May’s complimentary mini e-course here.

Dietary Supplements – Are They Dangerous?

2008-01-14T06:06:00.000-08:00

Are dietary supplements really dangerous? A question without simple answer. Dietary supplements refer to any health products that can supplement our diet. They include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, digestive enzymes, Probiotics, herbal supplements, glandular extracts and dietary fibers etc .

The consumption of dietary supplements has been rising every year. Whereas many people believe that dietary supplements can improve their health or prevent certain diseases, some consumer groups or medical professionals have warned that dietary supplements can be dangerous. So, the question is: are dietary supplements really dangerous? Unfortunately, the question does not have a simple answer.

Dietary supplements, by its broad definition, include thousands of different products. In 2004, Consumer Reports listed 12 potentially dangerous dietary supplements. Many of them are herbal products. Some of these herbs have been used by herbalists for hundreds of years and are considered as safe. However, when the active substances in these herbs are extracted in pure or concentrated form and consumed over prolonged period, they can be dangerous to some people.

Many dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals are safe and can supplement what is missing in our diet. However, even the benign supplement can become dangerous in overdose. In local news, a woman was reported to give her two teenage daughters mega dose of vitamin A for prolonged period, thinking that the supplement is good for the eyes. Both suffered from acute liver failure and one required a liver transplant to save her life. Vitamin A is not dangerous but mega dose of vitamin A is hepatotoxic. In this case, ignorance itself is dangerous!

The quality of dietary supplement is also an important factor. The presence of contaminations, such as heavy metal, drugs, and toxic substances can make a benign supplement dangerous. One example is the presence of microcystin toxin in blue green algae dietary supplements. Microcystins are natural toxins from certain strains of blue green algae that can cause liver damage and liver tumors. According to the research conducted by Health Canada, only one strain of blue green algae, Spirulina, is free from microcystins as Spirulina is harvested from controlled ponds. Most of the non-Spirulina blue green algae supplements are contaminated by microcystins, especially those harvested from natural lakes. Daily consumption of these dietary supplements would exceed the acceptable level of microcystin intake established by Health Canada and WHO.

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is another key factor to safeguard the quality and safety of dietary supplements. Dietary supplement manufacturers in compliance of GMP standards have to test the identity of raw materials, implement a quality control unit, provide expiration date for the finished products, maintain good records of batch production and written procedures, and hire personnel who are trained to understand and follow GMP. This practice can reduce the chance of having batch to batch variation in strength, composition, purity and quality of finished products.

To sum up, although most dietary supplements are safe when consumed according to the label, consumers are advised to educate themselves before taking these supplements. What are the functions of these supplements? How long should I be taking them? Are they manufactured by reputable companies in compliance of good manufacturing practices? Never consume more than the recommended dose unless supervised by health care professionals. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or suffering from pre-existing health conditions, you should also take extra precaution and consult with your doctors or nutritionists.

Kwan H Lo is the owner of a review site providing information on high quality dietary supplements such as New Chapter Vitamins and Garden of Life products.

Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet

2008-01-14T06:05:00.002-08:00

During his 40 years of medical practice and in his nationally syndicated newspaper column, Dr. Gott's patients and readers have continually asked him for a way to lose weight that is both simple and foolproof. In response, he developed the No Flour, No Sugar diet which has prompted countless weight loss success stories from his patients, thousands of letters from readers of his column raving about...

How and Why the No Flour, No Sugar Diet Works

My No Flour, No Sugar Diet is not a magic pill, rather, it is a sensible way of eating that you’ll find easy to adopt, inexpensive to practice, and simple to maintain for the rest of your life. You’ll lose weight the optimal way -- slowly but surely -- and you’ll feel great, too. As I mentioned, fad diets require you to make drastic changes in your diet for rapid, if unhealthful, weight loss. My No Flour, No Sugar Diet involves incremental changes that will have long-term beneficial effects on your weight and your overall health.

No flour, no sugar = fewer caloriesThe key to weight loss is simply to burn more calories than you take in. In the simplest of terms, then, my No Flour, No Sugar Diet works because eliminating flour and added sugar from your diet, without making other changes, reduces the number of calories you consume. I have found, and my patients’ successes have verified, that eliminating flour and sugar from your diet is a simple way to cut calories instantly. Replacing high-calorie breads, for instance, with low-calorie vegetables and legumes will take a big chunk out of your caloric intake without leaving you feeling hungry or unsatisfied. Likewise, by replacing sugar and honey with no-calorie sweeteners, you can feed your sweet tooth while cutting calories.

To see how eliminating flour and sugar from your diet can dramatically reduce the number of calories you consume, let’s compare the caloric content of two breakfasts -- one with flour and sugar and one without. If you normally start your day with a bagel (about 250 calories) spread with a pat of butter (50 calories) and a tablespoon of strawberry jam (50 calories), and coffee with two teaspoons of sugar (30 calories), you’re eating about 380 calories. Simply switching to old-fashioned oatmeal (100 calories) with one cup of skim milk (90 calories), a medium apple (80 calories), and coffee with artificial sweetener (0 calories), will save you 110 calories. You will also have reduced your fat intake from 7.5 grams to 2 grams, increased your fiber from 1 gram to 7 grams, and added 400 milligrams of calcium. And that’s just breakfast.

As the above comparison clearly shows, eliminating flour and sugar from your diet is a simple way to rid your meals of many unnecessary calories. As an added bonus, you may find you’ll automatically reduce the amount of fat you eat. Without bread and jelly, for instance, what fun is high-fat peanut butter? No flour means no cheesy pizza, no pasta in cream sauce, and no buttery cookies. Eliminating sugar means no more fat-laden ice cream or cake with buttercream frosting.

One pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. In order to lose one pound in a week, you need to consume 500 fewer calories a day or burn 500 more a day -- or in a perfect world, a little of each. If you could make dietary changes such as those mentioned in the breakfast example above, cutting 110 calories from every meal you eat, you’d easily be more than half way there.

Avoid products containing any kind of flour, including wheat, rice, and corn flours, or refined or concentrated sugars (cane sugar, beet sugar, glucose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, molasses, etc.). Whole grains and starchy vegetables, such as wheat berries, barley, brown rice, corn, and potatoes can add bulk to your meals. Satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit and products sweetened with fruit -- as long as they don’t contain added sugar. You can also enjoy sugar-free soda, chewing gum, and even many of the light ice creams now available that are sweetened with Splenda or other artificial sweeteners. Snack on raw vegetables and fresh fruit -- excellent low-calorie sources of important nutrients and fiber.

Cutting the unnecessary, or "empty," calories of flour-based, sugary foods from your diet is a simple and relatively painless way to move toward your goal. Add an extra half hour of physical activity a day -- a brisk walk, a game of tennis, or a spin on the treadmill -- and you can expect easily to lose a pound a week until you reach your desired weight.

Slow and steady wins the raceWhile calorie reduction is the key to losing weight, it is important to remember that calories are our bodies’ fuel. They provide the energy we need to perform normal daily activities. While consuming more calories than our bodies require leads to weight gain, it is important -- even while you’re trying to shed unwanted pounds -- to eat enough calories to get the nutrients and energy your body requires to function optimally. That is why diet and health experts generally agree that the most effective diets are those on which you lose no more than one to two pounds per week.

To facilitate fast and dramatic weight loss, many fad diets require you to decrease your caloric intake to levels that are inadequate to insure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Furthermore, weight that is lost quickly is very likely to come back just as fast when you stop starving your body. A slow, steady approach will maintain your health while producing the results you desire -- and you’re more likely to keep the weight off over time. You’ll have a bad week here and there, but don’t be discouraged. It happens to the best of us. Even if you don’t meet your one-pound goal in a given week, stick with the diet and the weight loss will average out over time.

A diet for (just about) everyoneBecause my No Flour, No Sugar Diet encourages eating a wide variety of foods from all of the food groups -- including ample amounts of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains -- it is suitable for just about anyone, no matter what his or her age or activity level. Everyone, from young children to older adults, can benefit from cutting empty calories from highly processed foods out of their diet. People with specific medical conditions -- including diabetes, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and so on -- are advised to seek the advice of the medical specialist who is treating them for that condition before making any major changes in their diet or activity level. That said, the No Flour, No Sugar Diet provides guidelines for healthy eating that can be adapted to suit a wide range of special dietary or medical needs.

The average American today consumes 500 more calories per day than in 1970.

Copyright © 2006 Peter H. Gott, MD from the book Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet by Peter H. Gott, MD with Robin Donovan; Published by Warner Wellness; January 2007;$21.99US/$27.50CAN; 978-0-446-58248-3

Peter H. Gott, MD, is the author of the nationally syndicated newspaper column ''Ask Dr. Gott." His articles have appeared in USA Today, the New England Journal of Medicine, Saturday Review, and other publications. He has a general practice in rural Connecticut. Visit http://www.twbookmark.com/ for more information.

Calming nervousness with diet

2008-01-14T06:05:00.001-08:00

Nervousness and anxiety affects may people to greater or lesser extent. Whilst medication may be the key for some people, a nutritional overhaul to ensure you are receiving all the essentials may bring some relief and assist in the treatment of nervousness. Anxiety or nervousness is a common brain and nervous disorder that many experience sometime or another. It is characterized by extreme panic and fear, uncontrolled and obsessive thoughts, nightmares and could even have symptoms like nausea, muscle tension, headaches and stomachaches. A person could feel unconnected, dizzy, uncontrolled and suffer from palpations, chills and hot flushes.

There are several prescription drugs which are used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Lorazepam, alprazolam, and buspirone are often prescribed along with antidepressants. Sometimes hormonal secretion from the thyroid or adrenal glands cause nervousness and need specific treatment. Psychological counseling may also be useful in the treatment of nervousness.

Food and well-being have been associated with mood since ancient times. Carbohydrates are known to be good mood elevators. They act as mild tranquilizers through increasing serotonin which is a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. It is better to eat complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, whole wheat bread and pasta as they take longer to digest and thus one feels full for longer.

Vitamin B, especially B-6, also helps in the manufacture of serotonin in the brain. Supplements of Vitamin B6 have been used in the treatment of anxiety disorder. Food rich in antioxidants together with essential fats help in improving energy levels and may relieve the feelings of anxiety. Dehydration may also add to anxiety and nervousness, so it is advisable to ensure a good fluid intake. Hot drinks may have a calming effect, but try avoid excess caffeine. Herbal teas and hot milky drinks may be especially helpful, especially before bed.

There is ongoing research regarding specific vitamins and minerals in the treatment of nervousness. Inositol, a cyclic polyalcohol, plays an important role as a second messenger in a cell. Though it is classified as a B vitamin, it is not really a vitamin as the human body can synthesize it. It has been used to help people suffering from panic attacks and relieves the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. A trial has shown that when it is supplemented with multivitamins, it can reduce anxiety or nervousness. It is found in many foods, especially those with high bran content. Magnesium has also proved to be an important reliever of anxiety and so may present another useful nutrient to supplement in the treatment of nervousness.

There are many herbs associated with the treatment of nerbvousness. Herbal chamomile tea is often used to combat insomnia(www.mitamins.com/disease/Insomnia.html) associated with anxiety attacks. Passion flower, bacopa and kava are also used in herbal tonics given to reduce anxiety. A drink made of the root of kava and used extensively in Polynesia is a well known relaxant. In one study when used for one week, it helped subjects to reduce both depression and high anxiety levels and nervousness. These herbs must be taken under supervision as they could have other side effects.

Sometimes dieting though calorie reduction and using diet pills can contribute to anxiety disorder. Diets should be undertaken with care and it may be important to seek professional guidance. Reducing and perhaps even cutting out alcohol and coffee have shown remarkable improvement in the levels of anxiety for some people and generally assist with the treatment of nervousness.

Acidity and Diet prevent indigestion and GERD

2008-01-14T06:04:00.001-08:00

Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.

It’s surprising how many people are laid low by high acidity. Over the counter prescriptions may help but they sometimes leave behind a sensation of extreme discomfort. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD) is a condition in which stomach contents, including acid, back up (reflux) into the esophagus, causing inflammation and damage to the esophagus. Basically, acid is needed for digestion but some people secrete more than necessary. This irritates the duodenum and the stomach linings. It may even lead to ulcers in the stomach. The treatment of GERD is not clear cut but there are few things worth considering.

The symptoms of GERD are a burning pain in the chest behind the sternum or breastbone, a burning or aching pain in the upper abdomen usually accompanied by acid reflux. There are many causes for GERD. For some people there is a natural tendency for the stomach to produce more acid or because of a weakness in the normal sphincter mechanism. In this case it commonly occurs after eating, lifting weights or straining. GERD can also be exacerbatted by the consumption of foods with too much fat or spice, excess consumption of alcohol, coffee or tea, smoking and even over eating. Eating late or eating just before sleeping or sometimes even medication can cause acidity. The treatment of GERD in part, requires the correcting of bad dietary habits.

Since diet is major contributor to symptoms, changes in diet and behaviour associated with eating may help in the treatment of GERD. Try to eat regular small meals, and avoid eating until bloated and full. Keep liquids separate from meals time, to prevent over-filling the stomach. Try to avoid oily and spicy foods. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables however keep highly acidic varieties to a minimum (oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit). Try to cut down on processed and refined foods, especially carbohydrates - choose whole-grains instead. Some people find that reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine is beneficial in the treatment of GERD.

Try to avoid vigorous activity for an hour or so after you have eaten, do not carry out task that require you to bend over (gardening, changing beds). Avoid lying down immediately after eating and try to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed.

Some remedies off the kitchen shelf, such as drinking aniseed and water, cumin and water, and chewing on cloves or cardamom could relieve acidity. A long term cure, however, can come about only with a dietary change as well as perhaps, a lifestyle change.

A Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Second Heart Attacks

2008-01-14T06:03:00.002-08:00

If you search hard enough you will find information related to the mediterranean diet and how it helps prevent heart disease but what about a second heart attack. No one who has been through the trauma of an initial attack wants to repeat the experience of course. The following study found that there is hope with the Mediterranean diet supported by confirmation of previous studies relating to the Mediterranean population and their diet.

People who consumed a Mediterranean diet were 50 to 70 percent less likely to experience a repeat heart attack than those on a so called 'Western' diet, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study was undertaken by researchers in France and monitored the death rates among more than 600 men and women who had experienced their first heart attack.

The research project was headed by Michel de Lorgeril, M.D., called the Lyon Diet Heart Study, says, "By making some simple dietary adjustments that are easy to understand and easy to follow, a person can improve his or her chances of avoiding a second heart attack and having a better quality of life. He said, "Results of the study are not surprising as they rather confirm previous population studies showing that the Mediterranean population may be relatively protected from coronary heart disease because of the foods they eat,"

For the record, the Mediterranean diet reported in this study is so named because it is similar, but not identical to that of the people living near the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, olive oil and beans.

There were 204 control subjects eating a Western diet and 219 experimental subjects participated in the final examination. Body mass index (a measure of body fatness), blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels were similar between the two groups. About 18 percent of both groups continued to smoke.

The group undertaking the Mediterranean diet had a 50-70 percent lower risk of recurrent heart disease determined by the three combinations of outcome measures. They were cardiac death and non-fatal heart attacks; cardiac death and non-fatal heart attack plus unstable angina (severe chest pain at rest), stroke, heart failure, pulmonary or peripheral embolism (blood clots in the lung or other parts of the body).

Unfortunately, only 83 people, approximately 40 percent of the control diet, and 144 individuals, or about 75 percent of the Mediterranean diet group, provided dietary information. Patients in the control diet group received dietary counseling only from their attending physician in contrast to those on the Mediterranean who were given instructions by the investigators.

Highlight: Dietary intake in the control group was well above the American Heart Association Step I guidelines that recommend individuals eat less than 30 percent of their total calories from fat and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. The AHA recommends the Step II diet for individuals who have had heart disease or who have blood cholesterol levels of 240 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl) or higher. The Step II diet recommends that individuals limit their saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of total calories and no more than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol per day, while keeping total fat intake to less than 30 percent of calories or even lower.

The control diet group averaged almost 34 percent of total calories from fat and almost 12 percent of total calories from saturated fat. The Mediterranean diet averaged 30 percent of total calories from fat and 8 percent of calories from saturated fat. While there was tremendous variation in daily dietary cholesterol within both groups, the control group averaged 312 mg and the Mediterranean group averaged 212 mg a day .

Everyone on the Mediterranean diet consumed more oleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids but less linoleic than the control group. Oils high in alpha-linolenic or 'omega-3' fatty acids are found in high amounts in plants (canola) and certain nut oils whereas linoleic or 'omega-6' fatty acids are high in soya and sunflower oils. Dietary fiber intake was about three grams higher in the Mediterranean group than the control group suggesting a slightly higher intake of fruits and vegetables and whole grain products, providing large amounts of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements.

The study also found that high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and leukocytes, a type of white blood cell, were all associated with recurrent heart attacks.

Extrat from Science Daily: - Robert Eckel, M.D. chairman of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee, "In general, the study suggests that patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease can significantly reduce the risk of dying or having another heart attack by following the AHA's Guidelines for Secondary Prevention, which include the Step II diet, other prudent lifestyle behaviors and the use of aspirin and other medications prescribed by their doctors. The fact that levels of LDL cholesterol were similar between the two diet groups and far above those established by the National Cholesterol Education Programs for patients with coronary heart disease suggests that additional benefit may have ensued in both groups with additional cholesterol-lowering drugs."

An editorial accompanying the journal article stated, Alexander Leaf, M.D., Jackson Professor of Clinical Medicine Emeritus at Harvard University Medical School, says, "One main message of the Lyon study is that the polyunsaturated oils (the omega-3) contained in the Lyon diet may be helpful in preventing second heart attacks." In the study population, higher plasma (blood) levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with a lower risk of a recurrent heart attack and other heart-related problems.

Author Ray Darken - Ray often writes for and works closely with copy of Mediterranean diet . If you'd like more news and broader access to diet and nutrition information try best life diet & Tips.

Dietary Changes for Acne Treatment?

2008-01-14T06:03:00.001-08:00

Diet has been implicated in both the cause and the treatment of Acne for many years – but how much of this is folklore? We report on the latest scientific findings on dietary changes and nutritional supplements that may be beneficial for acne sufferers. Acne, pimples or "zits" as many sufferers call it, can be a real cause for depression. It is the most common of all skin diseases with around 17 million people in the USA alone afflicted with an acne problem. The official term, Acne Vulgaris describes a condition whereby the sebaceous glands of the skin become inflamed. If proper acne treatment is not sought these may develop into unsightly pustular cysts, and the end result may be permanent acne scars.

The causes of acne are varied and may include hormonal activity, stress, accumulation of dead skin cells and allergy to bacteria which are present in the pores of the skin. Sometimes it is a reaction to anabolic steroids and medication containing halogens, lithium, barbiturates or androgens. Some research suggests a role for food allergy, in the development of acne which implies the elimination of trigger foods could be helpful in the treatment of acne.

There are two types of acne: acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. Acne vulgaris is usually a bacterial infection of cysts deep within the skin. This could cause acne scarring if left untreated. Acne rosacea is a chronic inflammation of the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead, and eyelids. These show up as red eruptions. The teenage years seem to be the most troublesome for acne sufferers but it can also occur in adulthood and well into middle age.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and a healthy nutrient intake may improve its tone and quality. Although a diet of fried food, chocolates and other junk food does not directly cause acne, there is evidence that changes in diet may be helpful in the treatment of acne.

A study conducted by the US Colorado State University showed a link between refined carbohydrates and processed foods like sugar, white bread, pizza, cake and pastries, and acne. These cause a series of reactions in the body that increase the production of acne-causing bacteria. Refined carbohydrates also cause the body to produce a high level of insulin which increases the production of male hormones that cause acne. A decrease in your intake of refined carbohydrates may be beneficial in the treatment of acne. Instead try to include more whole grains, pulses and complex carbohydrates.

Furthermore it is now thought that obesity and insulin resistance may also play a role in the development of acne so dietary changes to assist in achieving an ideal weight are likely to be beneficial to the treatment of acne.

There is some research linking higher milk consumption intake to acne. If you normally include large amounts of milk in your diet, you could try reducing this and seeing if this is an effective acne solution for you. Ensure you include other calcium rich foods instead such as green vegetables, fish with soft bones, almonds and soymilk.

Omega 3 fish oils and antioxidants vitamins may also be important. Vitamin A (also in the form of beta-carotene which is converted in vitamin A) is thought to reduce acne symptoms. It is involved in strengthening the protective tissue of the skin and reducing sebum production. Additionally it helps in maintaining and repairing skin tissue and increasing toxin excretion which may be an important part of the acne solution.

Chromium supplements may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of acne via the role in clearing infections and preventing further breakouts. Zinc is a good antibacterial agent; it helps control the oil-producing glands of the skin. Eating zinc-rich foods could help in reducing acne, such foods include red meat and offal, pumpkin seeds, and mushrooms.

A role for vitamin E in the treatment of acne has also been suggested due to its anti-oxidant action and regulatory effect on vitamin A levels within the body. Vitamin E requirement can be easily met through natural sources such as almonds, corn, eggs and leafy green vegetables. However you can also try supplementing with synthetic forms and monitor any changes in your acne.

One of the most important aspects of your acne treatment is to drink at least eight glasses of water. This cleans the body of waste and keeps it free of toxins. Water helps in circulation, digestion, absorption and excretion.

Unfortunately changes in diet alone may not provide a total acne solution. There are a variety of drugs available for the treatment of acne, in addition to an array of natural remedies. It may be advisable to visit a dermatologist for a proper consultation in conjunction to any dietary changes you want to introduce.

Mitamins team
bd@mitamins.net
Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.

8 Tips To Create Rapid Weight Loss Diet Plan

2008-01-14T03:39:00.001-08:00

An effective option for people who want to achieve rapid weight loss. The following list of rapid weight loss diet tips will hopefully help point you in the direction of your weight loss goal. Here are 8 tips to help speed up your rapid weight loss diet.

1. Ensure a good daily intake of vegetables, especially the leafy green ones. Such foods are rich in vitamins and minerals.

2. Take high fiber. This may help with a number of minor conditions, such as, constipation, as well as having long term health benefits. High fiber foods include: beans, pulses, fruits and vegetables, as well as the cereals.

3. Make a varied and interesting diet. Eating a limited range of foods may make it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of all the nutrients required. Eating should be a pleasure and a social event - so try to take pleasure and interest in the food you are eating. A good variety also helps reduce the development of food allergies and sensitivities.

4. Drink lots of water. Drink at least 6 - 8oz glasses of water each day. Weight loss depends on flusing your system out, and you must stay hydrated during that process. Nothing slows down your more that no keeping it hydrated. Water helps speed up weight loss and it helps keep your stomach filled between small meals. If you are constantly in hot weather make sure you are always replenishing fluids that you are losing.

5. Up your protein take. Make sure you are eating lean protein with every meal. It helps build muscle tissue and will help your weight loss. Some types of lean protein are Roast Beef, Turkey, Eye of Round Steaks, Chicken and Fish.

6. Make breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast is the most important thing you can do each and every day. Never skip breakfast, it kicks starts your metabolism and gives you energy throughout the day.

7. Keep the intake of sugars and fats to a minimum. The fats to be avoided are the saturated fats and the trans-fatty acids.

8. Exercise is extremely important. It is necessary to indulge in mild physical activity after each meal even if you cannot make time to go to a gym.

I hope you use these tips to help speed up your rapid weight loss diet plan. Rapid weight loss diet plan info provides detailed information on Fast Weight Loss Diet - http://www.fatloss2idiots.info/.

Mediterranean Diet: Should You Drink Wine or Eat Grapes?

2008-01-14T03:30:00.001-08:00

Many studies have shown that red wine may have a protective effect for the heart. Do red grapes have the same effect? Should we trade grapes for wine? The French paradox
In studies conducted in 1992, it was observed that in southern France, mortality rates from heart disease were lower than expected despite the consumption of diets high in saturated fat. Researchers attributed the impressive low incidence of heart disease, 50 percent lower than in the Unites States, to the consumption of red wine. Since then, the possibility that drinking red wine might protect our heart arteries, has made the topic "wine and health" extremely popular. In fact, research has shown that taken in moderation -two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, red wine may increase HDL cholesterol, the "good" guy, decrease LDL cholesterol, the "bad" one, prevent oxidation of LDL, and scavenge free radicals.

What is the secret in red wine?

Since the discovery of the "French Paradox" puzzle in 1992, researchers have been trying to pinpoint why red wine has a cardiovascular protective effect. While studies have been focusing in the antioxidant properties of red wine, evidence suggests other mechanisms by which it might be beneficial for our health. Research points toward a family of substances called polyphenols which are found in plants and are abundant in grapes. Polyphenols are part of a larger family known as phytochemicals.

Phytochemicals: Medicine of the future

The word "phyto" means "plant" in Greek. Phytochemicals are nonnutritive chemicals found in plants that protect us against diseases. Many fruits and vegetables contain a wide variety of phytochemicals; in fact, researchers have identified by now more then 900 different phytochemicals in foods and they are not done yet, since every day they discover new ones. It is estimated that there may be more than 100 different phytochemicals in just one serving of fruit or vegetables. Studies have long shown that phytochemicals are present in plants to protect them, but only recently we have learned that they are also crucial in protecting humans against diseases. We know that people who consume plant foods regularly have a lower incidence of heart disease than people who do not include them in their diet.

How can phenol-phytochemicals protect our arteries?

Polyphenols can protect our arteries through the following mechanisms:
• Lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood. A study conducted to evaluate the effect of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on cardiovascular risk factors found out that at the end of the red wine intake period, 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL had significantly decreased, while HDL Cholesterol and the total antioxidant capacity of the blood had increased¹.
• Recycling vitamin E as an antioxidant. This is very important because vitamin E represents the first line of defense against LDL oxidation. Once vitamin E is exhausted, LDL cholesterol is no longer protected until the vitamin can be reactivated by agents such as polyphenols.
• Increasing the production of nitric oxide, a substance that causes the arteries and veins to relax.
• Preventing platelets from sticking to the inside walls of the arteries. Platelets are tiny particles found in the blood that play an important part in the clotting process².

Red versus white wine
White wines have shown the ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL but generally are not as effective as red wines. Polyphenol content of red wine can be about 20 times higher than in white wine and it has been observed in several studies that the antioxidant potential of red wine is six to ten times higher than white wine. About eight times more of white wine is required to produce an effect equal to red wine on preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Three factors account for these results:

• Grape skins are not included in the production of white wine.
• Red wine is made with whole grapes, including skins
• The skins of red grapes contain higher amounts of polyphenols than the skins of white grapes.

Wine or grapes for healthy arteries?

If the polyphenols in grapes are mostly in the skins, can we just have red grapes or red grape juice, which is also made with the grape skins, and obtain the same beneficial effects as drinking red wine? Yes, we can, researchers tell us.
This study, among others, showed that red grape juice and dealcoholized red wine can significantly reduce arterial disease by lowering the level of oxidized cholesterol, preventing platelets to stick together, and enhancing the production of nitric oxide³. In another study, grape juice proved to be more effective than red wine or dealcoholized red wine in inhibiting arterial disease at the same polyphenol dose. The researchers concluded that grape juice or non-alcoholic red wine are an excellent alternative to red wine when in comes to disease of the arteries.

Conclusion

Although research has shown that in the absence of contraindications, moderate red wine drinking, two 8 ounces glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day, may be beneficial to patients who have a cardiovascular condition, those health effects disappear very fast and can have serious health implications when we abuse drinking. And since studies indicate that most of the beneficial effects of drinking red wine are attributable to the polyphenols present in grapes, we may conclude that a diet that includes grapes as well as other fruits and vegetables containing polyphenols may be even more beneficial.

Research

1. G Avellone, G, Di Garbo, V, Campisi D, De Simone R, Ranel G, Scaglione R and LicataG. Effects of moderate Sicilian red wine consumption on inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 41–47. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602265.
2. Ruf JC. Alcohol, wine and platelet function. Biol Res. 2004;37(2):209-15.
3. Vinson, JA, Teufel, K, Wu, N. Red wine, dealcoholized red wine, and especially grape juice, inhibit atherosclerosis in a hamster model. Atherosclerosis. 2001 May; 156(1):67-72.
4. Folts, JD. Potential health benefits from the flavonoids in grape products on vascular disease. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002; 505:95-111.

Emilia Klapp has a Bachelor in Nutrition Science, is certified as a Registered Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association and is the author of "Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet". For more information about the author and the book and to get a list of the 10 Top Mediterranean curative foods, go to: www.Mediterraneanheart.com.

Natural Weight Loss Diet Is The Best Way To Lose Weight

2008-01-14T03:29:00.001-08:00

These days peoples are looking for natural weight loss diet that is proven to work. The best things in life are free and that is truly the case when it comes to planning your weight loss program.

Whatever you do, don't waste your money on diet patches, pills and potions - they may harm you and they will certainly harm your wallet. Also, these diet products, programs and supplements can be quite dangerous as well as beneficial. However, they can be quite dangerous as well. Yes, it is. In fact the best way to lose weight is completely natural.

There are four small steps - that's all it takes for the simplest weight loss program in the world. And best of all these steps are free! You have everything you need already so you can start right away.

1. Make healthier food.

Eat more fruit, as fruit contains usable carbohydrates packaged in fibre, which serves to level your blood sugar levels. Also, eat more vegetables. Although it is very difficult to eat too many vegetables, they provide vitamins and are full of fibre, so they satisfy your hunger with fewer kilojoules. Stay away from food that are high in fat, calories and sugar such as high-fat dairy products, chicken with skin, fatty meat, lard, desserts and pastries. Avoid "junk" food at all costs meaning you'll have to let go of that favorite burger or pizza. They should never feature in your quick weight loss diet tips.

2. Exercise regularly.

The best way to do exercise is by walking. Walk everywhere! It's free! If you can afford it, get a pedometer and measure how much you're doing each day. You can walk whatever the weather if you have the right clothes and footwear or you can just walk around your home or the shops - it really doesn't matter as long as you move!

3. Avoid Alcohol.

Alcohol should be avoided. The evidence is rising that even in small amounts there are substantial adverse effects from drinking alcohol. Women who are pregnant or wanting to become pregnant should certainly not drink alcohol. Also men and women with liver disease should avoid alcohol.

4. Drink plenty of water.

You should strive for at least six to eight glasses of water a day to keep the body replenished. Since a quick weight loss program depends on how the body gets rid of body wastes, your body should stay hydrated always.

Take this advice, and you'll see what natural weight loss dieting is all about. I hope these preparatory tips are beneficial to you.

Antioxidant Rich Diets Promote Health and Can Help You Live Longer

2008-01-14T03:27:00.001-08:00

Free radicals destroy healthy cells and cause oxidation to occur within our bodies which has many negative effects on our health. A diet rich in antioxidants such as fruits, primarily the acai berry will help combat free radicals and rejuvinate your health and well being. We all hear about how free radicals are harmful to us, and how antioxidants are necessary but I have found many people don't really understand why. I will attempt to explain.

Free radicals are unbalanced cells in our bodies that are extremely unstable. Free radicals occur naturally within our bodies and are also caused from things such as cigarette smoke, stress, lack of sleep, excess sun, as well as from normal processes in our bodies. The problem with free radicals is they want to make themselves balanced by stealing an electron from neighboring cells, which turn THOSE cells into free radicals. This process is repeated over and over again and this is called Oxidation. If you don't have enough antioxidants in your system to fight free radicals, it is called oxidative stress. Why is this bad?

Well, picture a piece of iron sitting out in the rain. If it is left there without protection, it will start rusting in no time. This is also known as oxidation. The piece of iron is breaking down. This is exactly what is happening inside of our bodies- we are literally "rusting" from the inside out! If left unabated, free radicals cause our bodies to be in a state of inflammation, which is a major factor in debilitating disease such as cardio vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, aging, arthritis, etc according to Dr. Ralph Carson, a leading pathologist.

So what is the best way to get the antioxidants we need to prevent this from happening? One of the best ways is from fruits. The problem is most Americans don't eat the recommended 5-10 servings of fruit a day, not even close. A University of California study found the 4 most consumed fruits and vegetables in America are:

1.) French-fried potatoes

2.) Ketchup

3.) Pizza sauce

4.) Iceburg lettuce.

It's no wonder America faces an epidemic in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diet related diseases. A fruit's antioxidant level is generally measured by its ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) level. This ORAC level basically determines how well a fruit combats free radicals.

Some fruits with the highest known ORAC scores (in order) are the Acai berry, Wild black raspberry, Wild blueberry, Elderberry and Red raspberry. The acai berry by far stands out with the highest ORAC score of 1,027. The acai berry, which comes from the Brazillian Amazon rain forest has received a lot of press recently and has been featured on the Oprah show where Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a prominent dermatologist said Acai is nature's #1 super food to help you live longer and look younger. There are several acai products available on the market today but make sure the kind you are getting is processed properly to ensure all the antioxidants and phytonutrients are preserved.

Get Off the Diet Roller Coaster and Kick Fad Weight Loss Plans

2008-01-14T03:26:00.002-08:00

Low calorie, low fat, low carb - more often than not, traditional weight loss plans that restrict caloric intake just plain don't work. A low GI diet is an unconventional alternative to these types of plans that focuses on the quality of the food you are eating instead of the quality - and leads to more consistent, long-term weight loss as well as improved overall health. If you are like most people, you've tried the majority of the weight loss plans available, only to be back at square one. There are reasons why this happens. But even more important, you need to know that you did not fail - the diet failed you! For most people who have struggled with healthy weight loss, a low GI diet is an effective alternative to traditional calorie-restrictive diets that just don't work.

Calorie restriction is what just about all weight loss plans have in common. One of the major reasons calorie restriction doesn't work is that it slows metabolism, unlike a low GI diet. Studies have shown that calorie restriction can slow your metabolism by as much as 10-15 percent. This is due to a survival mechanism that takes care of us during times of famine. In our hunter-gatherer days, when we would suddenly stop eating the same amount of calories, it was a signal to our bodies that food was scarce and we may be facing starvation. So, to preserve calories, our body adapted to this situation by slowing down our metabolism. It doesn't matter that you have enough food in your refrigerator to feed yourself for a month - there is really no way to bypass this survival mechanism. If calorie-restricted weight loss plans aren't the answer - then what is?

What is the Glycemic Index (GI)?

The answer is a low GI diet that focuses on the glycemic index (GI) rather than restricting calories. The GI is a measurement of the impact that a carbohydrate food has on your blood sugar - white bread has a high GI while beans and lentils have a low GI. The most complete list of the GI of foods can be found in Transitions Glycemic Index Food Guide. High GI foods cause a rapid rise in blood sugar (glucose) that in turn causes a rapid rise in insulin. When these two events happen, the body will store body fat. The great news is that when you follow a low GI diet, you don't have to count calories because most low GI foods are healthier, more nutrient dense and have fewer calories than foods with a high GI.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, one of the most respected scientific publications, compared calorie-restricted weight loss plans to a low glycemic ad libitum (non-calorie-restricted, low GI diet). The authors concluded that the decrease in total cholesterol was significantly greater with low GI diets when compared to calorie restricted diets, as was the change in LDL-cholesterol. The authors also concluded that overweight or obese people on a low GI diet lost more weight and had more improvement in lipid profiles than those on calorie-restricted weight loss plans. Body mass, total fat mass, body mass index, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol all decreased significantly more in the low glycemic index group. In studies comparing non-calorie-restricted, low GI diets to conventional restricted calorie low-fat diets, participants fared as well or better on the low GI diet, even though they could eat as much as desired. Lowering the glycemic load of the diet appears to be an effective method of promoting weight loss and improving lipid profiles and can be simply incorporated into a person's lifestyle.

With a low GI diet, you not only get the benefits of greater weight loss but also improved body composition by targeting weight loss as body fat. This is crucial since high body fat slows down your metabolism. You do not want to lose muscle since muscle is your most metabolically-active tissue and dictates your metabolism. In conventional calorie-restricted weight loss plans, while some muscle and fat may be lost, the body tries to preserve more fat stores and utilize more muscle for energy. Studies have shown that if you are on a calorie-restricted diet, your muscle loss can be even higher than 30 percent! And, what's even worse is that when you go off the diet, even if you are eating well, you are doomed to gain the weight back as fat. The only way you can gain the weight back as muscle is if you cross train and engage in regular aerobic exercise and strength training.

Beyond its effectiveness to replace traditional weight loss plans, a low GI diet also helps to lower cholesterol and bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and several studies have shown that low glycemic index diets also improve blood sugar control - most notably in those with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations both recommend low glycemic index eating to treat and prevent diseases of Western civilization - obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Are Low GI Weight Loss Plans Suitable for Children?

Eating low GI is nothing new - each and every one of our ancestors consumed a low GI diet. It is the way that we are genetically engineered to eat. Children need to consume low GI diets as well. Studies have shown that high GI foods - in particular, beverages like soda - may cause severe behavioral changes. In one study, teachers were asked to rate the behavior of grade school children. The teachers did not know which days the children were given the sweetened beverage. On the days the children drank the sweetened beverage, their behavior was rated 300 times worse by their teachers! High GI diets have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases of aging - even in children and adolescents. Even our pets are affected by eating high GI diets when we feed them food that they should not be eating from the table. Your pet will also get fat and will most likely experience diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other illness - just like a human.

Conclusion

Get off the diet roller coaster and kick calorie-restricted weight loss plans for good by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a low GI diet and regular exercise. It's important for you, your family members and your loved ones. You'll find that in no time you'll be on the right path for not only losing weight, but also looking and feeling great.

Diabetic Weight Loss Diet for Type 2 Diabetes

2008-01-14T03:26:00.001-08:00

For the type 2 diabetic weight loss and a diabetic diet plan go hand in hand. For many type 2 diabetics their diet has the double duty of not only controlling their blood sugar levels but also losing weight, which is an important step in reducing the risk factors for complications presented by this disease. The diabetic weight loss diet is an important part of keeping glucose levels in check by striking a balance between the carbohydrates, fats, and protein eaten at each meal.

Choosing healthy food is one of the most important parts of anyone's diet, but for the diabetic it can literally be the difference between life and death. Without proper blood sugar control the list of complications suffered by those with diabetes is quite scary. It is also important to remember that while some people can control their diabetes with diet and exercise, others who are at higher risk may also need to make food choices based on the medications they are currently taking.

For many diabetics trying to figure out the exact amount of carbohydrates they can eat can be a little frustrating. In the past everyone followed the same general guidelines but in recent years that thinking has changed. Diet plans for diabetic are now individualized and are based on each person's ability to tolerate and maintain good blood sugar control. One thing that helps individuals keep good glucose maintenance is the ability to measure blood sugar levels with personal portable blood glucose monitors that are quick and easy to use. The ultimate goal of a type 2 diabetic diet is to provide the necessary calories and nutrients needed while keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range and allowing the diabetic to lose weight.

The good news is a diabetic diet because of it very nature easily allows those who follow it the ability to lose the weight that can cause so many health problems and may be a contributor to their diabetes. The diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars while emphasizing leafy green vegetables, fruits in moderation because of their high sugar and starch content, and whole grains high in fiber. Protein from lean sources is also important, particularly those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as can be found in certain fish like salmon. A good starting point for anyone with diabetes is the diabetic food pyramid that can be found of the American Diabetes Association website.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming a rapidly increasing epidemic with the current obesity problem that is affecting nearly every region of the world. Because of this being able to control blood glucose levels along with effective weight loss and control is vitally important for anyone who must follow a diabetic weight loss diet.

Dieters Beware: I Gained 3 Pounds in One Hour Eating Like This

2008-01-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, food has weight and putting that volume into your body will reflect on the scale. That's why using the scale as a way to gauge your weight loss progress is liable to bring questionable results. See how you too can gain three or four pounds by eating a big meal. Your physical body is not capable of putting on a pound of flesh in a day, nor is it capable of losing a pound of flesh or fat in a day. Yet it is possible to drink a 32 oz soda and eat a 16 oz steak with 6 oz baked potato, plus the trimmings. That food alone adds up to 3 pounds 6 ounces. If you ingest three or four pounds of food and beverages where does the weight of that food all go? Does it just disappear into thin air while you chew, or does it go straight into your body?

Your scale will weigh what is there, but it is not an accurate depiction of your state of health, fitness or fatness. You can't gain three pounds in a couple hours, but your body can weigh three pounds more in that time.

Remember the scales are not a good gauge for weight loss. Find other evidence using your senses such as sight, touch and sound. Daily and monthly (for women) fluctuations, muscle gain, fat loss, are all difficult to see from a number on the scale. If you want to use the scales allow at least a five pound variation before you think you’ve gained or lost weight. So if you’ve lost three pounds and suddenly find the scale up by three pounds, don’t be alarmed, and do not suddenly decide your efforts are wasted. It could be you ate salty food the day before and are retaining water. It could be it is your "time of the month" and you are retaining water.

Real weight loss occurs in tiny, incremental amounts. Day-to-day measurements are best used to keep an eye on the situation but not to determine whether your efforts for a day or week have been successful. Tape measurements are somewhat more reliable, although the measurement will also increase by 1/2 to 1 full inch depending on water retention, and other factors.

Watch the scale if you must, measure yourself if you like, but about every 90 days get your body fat measured. You’ll have a much more accurate gauge of progress in addition to your daily assessment of how you feel, and how you look. Are you healthy? Happy? Are your clothes feeling looser? The pursuit of the perfect body can be achieved (look at bodybuilders) but do you really want to put that much effort into the task or do you just want to achieve a more healthy size?

Kathryn Martyn Smith, Master NLP & EFT, Weight Loss Coach, Author of the free weight loss E-book "Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss." Learn to use EFT & NLP for weight loss with "The Daily Bites"

Why Diet Recipes Can Ruin Your Diet

2008-01-14T03:16:00.002-08:00

The key to most "diet cookbooks" is dividing recipes into more portions to falsely create lower calorie counts. Don't be fooled. Check the recommend serving size and be sure if you're going to eat more than one serving, you include those extra calories. I read "The Ultimate Low Fat Baking Cookbook" recently. This is a huge, glossy photo coffee table books, so I start flipping through and first thing I noticed the photos. They were taken close up to make it appear the cakes and slices of pie were normal sized, but if you looked closer you could see that was not the case. These were Barbie doll sized portions! Every cake recipe made the equivalent of a one-layer round cake that was to serve eight. Think about that for a minute. The last time you had cake did you eat a two-layer with icing? Did you divide the cake into 10 or 12 portions? That's still far more than you'd get dividing a one-layer cake into eight portions. If eating tiny bits is your idea of a diet recipe, then these cookbooks are for you. Otherwise, you're just being tricked into thinking you're cooking lower calorie treats.

Another cookbook is called "Six Ingredients or Less," but I laughed myself silly when I saw the recipes. For example: Strawberry Pie. Take 1 9-inch baked pie shell, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 3 tablespoons strawberry Jello powder, and 3 cups fresh whole strawberries; serves 8. Yeah, right. Three cups of berries? Serves 8? Let's see, each person gets, about 1/3 cup of strawberries (about four big berries), a smear of Jello and a crusty bit? No topping either. ;-(

This recipe claims a calorie count of 284 per serving, so multiply times eight and that little bit-o-pie is 2,272 calories! Obviously you're not going to eat the whole pie, are you? It would make more sense to eat a bowlful of berries, as a whole cup of raw berries has only 46 calories, even adding some whipped cream sweetened with Splenda wouldn't add many calories.

Here's another: Ground Turkey Sandwich touted as "great for kids." It calls for 3/4 pound ground lean turkey, 1 cup finely chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups of catsup (vegetable?), 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar (why sugar, the catsup has tons), and 2 teaspoons dry mustard. So not counting the spices and flavorings this recipe has 3/4 pound ground turkey, 1 cup chopped onions and 1.5 cups of catsup and it serves six! Yikes. That's 2 ounces of meat, not quite three tablespoons of onions and a quarter cup of catsup per person, or child as the case may be. No wonder they beg for chips.

Too many times these recipes trick people into thinking their eating low calorie when they are not, simply because they didn't notice the recipe should serve 8 and instead are splitting it with their husband.

Create Low Calorie Recipes Yourself

Simply split the recipe into another portion. If you usually eat it all between yourself and your husband, leave enough for lunch tomorrow. Instant lower calorie. Check the cookbook if it claims lower calorie recipes to be sure they don't simply reduce the portion sizes, and you'll have a great cookbook.

Kathryn Martyn Smith, Master NLP & EFT Practitioner, Author, Speaker, and Weight Loss Coach brings a fresh approach to losing the weight you need and gaining health. Read her free e-book "Changing Beliefs, Your First Steps to Permanent Weight Loss" for an introduction to simple methods to achieve your weight goals.

Read "Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss," and Lessons in Using EFT for Weight Loss" to get started on the path to permanent weight loss

Why Low Carb Diets Don't Work, A Personal Experience

2008-01-14T03:16:00.001-08:00

Low carb diets have received a lot of attention in recent years. Whilst they may work in theory, they are not practical. This article talks about why low carb diets don't work, and what actually does. Let me share with you my personal experience with a low carbohydrate diet - why it didn’t work and what eventually did.

Like so many people around this world of ours, I struggled, and still do, with weight loss issues. It’s not that I am overly obese or overweight but like so many men, I suffer from the good old "large belly syndrome". My wife wanted me to lose weight and get back to the body that I had when I first met her. So I looked into what options there were. Turning on the television shopping channel and you are completely inundated with all sorts of whiz bang exercise gadgets and gizmos with beautiful tanned models telling you that all you have to do is purchase this machine and you’ll have a body as great as them. Their sales pitch always goes something along the lines of "just an hour a day in front of the television and you’ll be feeling the results in days". I tell you what results I normally feel from these gadgets - I feel exhausted and soon I feel ripped off because after a few weeks, I give up as the initial novelty wears off, the day to day activities get in the way, and I don’t see any real results. So then you turn to diet plans instead. And we all know one of the most commonly marketed diet plan is the low carb diet. There was so much marketing buzz about this plan that I had to try it.

There are many different low carb diet plans on the market but I think the best known and most talked about plan is the Atkin’s Diet. Essentially all of these plans have the same basic message - limit the amount of carbohydrates that are consumed, as carbohydrates turn into fat. The focus of these plans is that you need to count the number of carbs that go into your daily diet and limit the amount according to your own body type or to a set amount as dictated by the diet program. The Atkin’s diet also involves a two week "induction" process that basically says no carbs at all and also eliminate all fruit and vegetable intake. The theory behind this is that your body then goes into a state called ketosis where, unable to get energy from carbohydrate, existing fat stores are burnt as a source of energy. After this initial phase, the diet then moves into somewhat less severe phases of weight loss and weight maintenance, but still operates in a mode of restricted carbohydrate consumption.

On paper and in theory, these programs probably do work. It makes sense that by cutting out the foods that turn into fat, you will be able to reduce your fat stores and thus lose weight. But the issue is, theory does not equal real life. The reason why so many people, including me, fail with low carb diets, is that our bodies are used to the kind of energy that we get from carb intake. What basically happened to me is that during the induction period, when I stopped eating any carbohydrates, no sugar nor fruit nor vegetables, I basically felt completely flat and listless and had no energy at all to do anything. By the end of week one I was completely ready to give it all up. I pushed on, but by the mid week two, I couldn’t take it any longer and binged on carbs and fruit for a few hours. I then felt guilty and decided to restart the two weeks all over again. Needless to say by the end of week three, I was completely out of it and unable to really function properly. I didn’t feel like even getting out of bed which then impacted my family and work life.

I basically didn’t even make it out of the initial induction period and it made me depressed! I felt like I had failed and had a lot of negative thoughts about myself and food altogether.

This is essentially the reason why low carb diets, especially the Atkin’s diet, simply don’t work. Whilst in theory they should work, they do not take into account practical life and every day living nor the impacts it can have on people. If I was living in a glass bubble where I didn’t actually have any responsibilities nor did I have to go to work, this diet may have worked. But most people I know lead fairly hectic lives that require energy to sustain themselves.

It wasn’t until someone pointed me to an alternative diet plan that I was able to pick myself up out of this rut and start feeling better for myself. What attracted me to this new diet plan was the fact that I didn’t have to go into this unpractical state of consuming no carbs nor did I have to count calories nor purchase some fancy dietary supplements. The new diet was also based on proven results with all sorts of people and was scientifically proven to work. It also allowed me to eat more meals a day and allowed me to eat most of the things I normally eat.

The diet plan is based around the fact that our bodies do one of two things when you eat food, it either fires up fat burning hormones and thus burns off the fat in the food you are eating as well as fat stored in your body, or it fires up fat storage hormones which basically means you add more fat to your body. The diet plan focuses on an eating plan that optimizes the production of your fat burning hormones. The plan not only consists of what foods to eat it also involves a set time to eat. Contrary to popular belief, three meals a day is not a healthy eating plan - five to six meals a day is! (although obviously these meals are smaller than what most people eat during their three meals a day structure).

This revolutionary diet plan is based around a notion called Shifting Calories. This is because your metabolism always burns calories based on your eating habits during the past few days — because it assumes that you’ll continue to eat in the same general way. If you shift your calories and shock your body by eating different things on different days, then you can start to increase your metabolism and fat burning hormones thus burning away more fat. Whilst it may sound complicated, let me assure you the diet plan is very easy to follow.

To cut a long story short, I basically bought this plan and tried it out. Whilst it might sound cliche, I was personally very happy as the plan worked and I was able to lose quite a lot of fat around my belly. I’m now on my way of getting back the body I had when I was much younger. Low carb diet plans simply don’t work because they do not take into account the practically of real life, but the diet plan does! Make sure you check it out for yourself if you are struggling with your weight like I was.

Could Your Diet Be Making You Fat?

2008-01-14T03:15:00.001-08:00

Do You Even Know What or How Much You Are Eating? There are so many "diets" (I hate that word) out there that that it’s impossible to know which ones work and which ones are the scam. So many of my clients will say, "I can’t understand it, I’m on such and such a diet, but I’m not losing weight!" If you’re still having trouble losing weight even though you are following their plan then it’s about time you got to "doing it right."

The Calorie Counter
A lot of "diet" plans claim that you don’t need to count calories in order to lose weight, but at the end of the day if you go over the calorie allotment for someone your size and you do this each and every day, BINGO…you are going to gain weight; or at the very minimal, stay the same!

Eat more calories than you burn and you won’t lose. Eat less calories than you are supposed to and not only do you not lose but you teach your body to be a fat storing machine. You don’t have to obsess about calories but DO spend at least a week figuring out what your ideal calorie intake should be, and then customize your food plan. You’re efforts will be well worth it.

6 Small Meals a Day
I have always been an advocate of 6 small meals a day. Basically because it gets your metabolism working again and keeps your blood sugar level up where it belongs so you don’t experience the constant urge to overeat or crave a lot of sweets. It works great if you understand what a "food portion size" should be and if you are eating 6 mini-meals that don’t go over your calorie allotment for the day. I am sure you have noticed the ridiculous portion sizes at most restaurants when you are out to eat. The people prior to 1950 were thinner because portion sizes when eating out were normal! Today they are meant to feed two, sometimes three people! So know this…. Most meals when eating out should be divided or shared with another!

Try to keep your calorie consumption (for women trying to lose) to about 250 calories per each mini meal; times 6 mini meals a day equals…1500 calories for most women. Men can have about 50 additional calories at each meal. In order for any good food plan to work you should have some form of moderate activity in your daily schedule.

It’s very easy to go over 250-300 calories at a sitting and not even notice. For example; 2 large eggs scrambled, 1 slice multi grain dry toast, and an 8 oz. orange juice = 412 calories. 1 fat free yogurt and 1 granola bar = 350 calories. 1 cup pasta, ½ cup marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup green beans = 389 calories. See how you can end up eating more than you meant to (this is why I advocate a food journal). Make sure you are controlling your portions at all meals and that your "calorie limit" for the day is spread out evenly throughout the day.

Protein Shakes & Bars
Yes, yes…strength training does help to build fat burning muscle. But it has also led to many people over-doing their protein supplements. Increasing your protein intake will help build muscle and maintain that muscle while you’re burning off fat, however, it is important to adjust your protein intake to your activity level or any excess will be stored as fat. If you work out regularly, and supplement with protein shakes or bars but still can’t lose weight, consider cutting back on your protein supplements on the days that you don’t train. You should also be adjusting your carb intake on the days that you don’t train. Doing this could save you extra calories and help you shave off those extra pounds that have been driving you bananas!

The 6 principles of the Mediterranean diet

2008-01-14T03:13:00.001-08:00

Today maintaining an healthy life is very difficult. The evolution and development of the occidental society has determined welfare but at what price? Now we have to defeat over weight problems like heart diseases, diabetes, cancer etc...

This is due essentially to:
* A sedentary life and too less time for physical activities
* More stress
* Losing the way to cook homemade foods

We add too much calories in respect of that ones we can consume.

But how can we resolve these problems?...Simple! By eating as a Mediterranean.

Most people think that the Mediterranean diet is a "Diet" but it's not so. The Mediterranean diet is the way to eat used by the people who live in the Mediterranean countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc...).

In fact it's not possible to establish exactly what are the typical recipes and foods of this diet because there are thousand variations.

Now let's examine the 6 principles of this diet...

N°1 The Mediterranean diet it's not expensive
Consider that to follow the most common diets like low carbs, detox, etc...you have to pay to buy specific foods. Instead the Mediterranean diet is based on simple foods, easily to find in the supermarkets.

N°2 The Mediterranean diet is tasty
Generally during a diet most people think it's boring and difficult because you have to eat not tasty foods. The Med diet it's not so. The main foods are healthy and tasty.

N°3 The Mediterranean diet is a long term diet
Most diet fails because they promise you (and they'll do...) to loose weight fast, but after you loose it, you'll gain it soon. The Mediterranean diet guarantees you long term weight maintenance.

N°4 The Mediterranean diet is Healthy
There are a lot of trusted studies and researches that confirm the health effects of this diet. It can prevent cancer, heart disease, hypertension and has a good anti-age effects.

N°5 The Mediterranean diet is trusted
If you do a research on the net to search info about the Mediterranean diet, you won't find no one that talks bad about this diet...

N°6 The Mediterranean diet helps you live longer
The results of putting together the 5 principles above is that you'll live longer. It's a statistical fact that people who live in the Mediterranean countries have a longer life then other populations.

So what you are waiting for?

Enrico Forte is an expert on diet plans and fitness exercise for weight loss. He is the editor of the blog http://www.mediterraneanbook.com "All about the Mediterranean: Diet, Culture and tourism".

Did You Know That Fiber Diets Can Reduce Water Retention?

2008-01-14T03:12:00.000-08:00

A healthy diet is essential to everyone's well-being. As well as many other benefits, adjusting the amount of fiber in your daily diet can contribute to reducing water retention in your body. Diets high in fiber have been proven to provide many benefits. In addition to facilitating weight loss, high fiber diets are often the solution to common health problems as well. Among other health problems, one issue that can be eased by consuming more fiber is water retention, or edema. Fiber diets have been shown to play a direct role in controlling water retention.

Water retention, or edema, is an abnormal amount of fluid found under the skin. Water retention is not itself a condition, it is a symptom of what could be many conditions. Water retention could occur for many different reasons, some of them more serious than others.

Dehydration is one cause of water retention. Your body excretes less water when you are dehydrated, which means that you could become bloated. Constipation is another cause of water retention. Infrequent bowel movements can cause your body to absorb poison from partially digested foods; to dilute these poisons, the body often retains excess fluid. Something else that could be causing water retention is an excess intake of dietary sodium. Finally, there are more serious conditions that could be the cause of water retention, such as kidney, liver, and heart failure.

Many of the conditions related to water retention are related to your diet, so the first thing to do if you are experiencing water retention is to make changes to your diet. One of the things you could do is to consume less sodium. Another possible dietary solution is to increase the amount of fiber that you consume.

One of the major reasons for water retention is constipation - in fact, it is the most common reason for water retention. Because fiber is known to reduce constipation, fiber diets and water retention often go hand in hand. You should investigate different fiber diets before choosing one that will reduce water retention, but typically people choose to consume a greater amount of fiber.

If you want to find a fiber diet to reduce your water retention, then you have many options available. You could simply consume more of the many delicious fruits, vegetables, and grains that are high in fiber. Another option would be to take fiber supplements, which provide similar nutritional benefits.

Fiber diets can be the solution to numerous health problems, but it is important to consult your doctor if your health has not improved after making these dietary changes. Your doctor can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about fiber diets, visit his web pages in English, Your Fiber Diet, or in Spanish, Dietas Ricas en Fibra.

Mediterranean Diet: Why You Should Make Extra Virgin Olive Oil Part of Your Diet

2008-01-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

Olive oil has been a major player in the low incidence of heart disease among Mediterranean populations. Here’s why extra virgin Olive oil is an irreplaceable source of fat when it comes to your heart. The abundant use of olives and extra virgin olive oil truly defines the traditional Mediterranean Diet. In fact it is the principal fat source and the culinary foundation for Mediterranean cuisine.

Why?

For centuries, olive oil has been a major player in the low incidence of heart disease among Mediterranean populations. Extensive research has shown that olive oil not only prevents damage to your arteries, but it also reverses high levels of cholesterol in your blood and lowers blood pressure.

Here's the proof…

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an Irreplaceable Source of Fat When It Comes to Your Heart

In a study conducted by Montoya and associates, participants followed four types of diets for a five-week period:

1. One diet was rich in saturated fats
2. One in polyunsaturated fat (sunflower oil)
3. One in monounsaturated fat (extra virgin olive oil)
4. One in omega-3 fatty acids from fish.

The study showed that when people followed the diet rich in extra virgin olive oil, their levels of bad cholesterol went down and their blood pressure decreased 5 to 6 percent.

As you can see extra virgin olive oil is an irreplaceable source of fat when it comes to your heart because the main fat in olive oil is monounsaturated. This is the fat that does not get stuck in your arteries.

Now, I know you're thinking, "All olive oils have about the same proportion of monounsaturated fat, why should I buy extra virgin olive oil when it is more expensive than refined olive oil?"

Two Major Reasons Why You Need to Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Not Refined Olive Oils

1. Refined olive oils are loaded with chemicals

Thousands of years ago, the olives were crushed by hand in spherical stone basins. Today, in a similar method, olives (with pits) are pounded and crushed using mechanical techniques. The oil produced in such a way (cold) is the extra virgin olive oil, the natural juice from the olives. It preserves the unique flavor, smell, and healthy properties of the fruit.

The solid residue that remains after the first extraction is sent back to the press to be beaten again and be exposed to different heat levels and chemical procedures. It is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, passed through charcoal filters, and extracted with hexane at low temperatures. With time, the use of oils that have been subjected to chemical agents may have a toxic effect on our bodies.

That's why these second extractions are not recommended for consumption.

2. Extra virgin olive oil contains more antioxidants than their refined versions

Along with a loss of color and aroma, refined olive oils lose most of its antioxidant properties. Through countless studies of these abundant minor compounds Vitamin E, Polyphenols and major hydrocarbon Squalene found only in extra virgin olive oil, we have learned that these compounds are strong antioxidants and potent free radical scavengers.

Scavengers like the Polyphenol Hydroxytyrosol find free radicals that are highly unstable and destructive molecules. Free radicals subject our cells to oxidative stress and continuous damage that eventually kills the cells. When radicals kill or damage enough cells in an organism, the organism ages and eventually dies.

The more antioxidants found in your body, the more cells you can save. Plus consistent evidence shows that people with low levels of antioxidants like Vitamin E in their blood have more damage in the arteries than people with an adequate amount.

Closing Arguments for Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Buying extra virgin olive oil may be a little more expensive. But in the long run you may save a lot of money and a lot of grief.

A nine-month study at the University of Granada in Spain compared the effects of extra virgin and refined olive oils on the levels of LDL oxidation in men with decreased blood flow to the arms and legs due to the thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels. The participants consumed extra virgin olive oil for the first three months. During the next three months they did not consume any olive oil. For the final three months they were given refined oil. The results showed that the amount of LDL oxidation was significantly lower after the patients consumed the extra virgin olive oil than after they consumed refined olive oil.

Buying extra virgin olive oil is your decision. But remember, the wrong decision can put your heart and your health at risk.

What's In Your Hoodia Diet Pills?

2008-01-14T02:57:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's true that the majority of the hoodia diet pills sold today are fake, but that's not what this article is about. There may be another issue consumers need to think about – the potency of the supplements they're buying. Yes, it's true that the majority of the hoodia diet pills sold today are fake, but that's not what this article is about. Consumers have always had to be careful about buying hoodia supplements to avoid being scammed, but now there may be another issue they need to think about – the potency of the supplements they're buying.

Up until recently, supplements that contained authentic hoodia gordonii contained the wild grown variety. Today, however, most authentic hoodia supplements contain cultivated hoodia gordonii. The obvious question is what's the difference between the two? They're the same exact plant but one grows in the wild and the other one is commercially farmed like any other crop. The biggest difference between the two, however, may be the potency.

According to one of the largest raw hoodia importers in the world, wild grown hoodia has higher levels of the active ingredient, P57, the ingredient responsible for hoodia's appetite suppressant benefits. The reason wild hoodia supposedly has more P57 is because it has been left to grow longer than cultivated hoodia. The hoodia gordonii plant must be left to grow for at least 5-6 years before it reaches maximum potency. The wild grown hoodia that has been used the past few years in supplements was at least five years old before it was harvested.

The cultivated hoodia that is now predominantly used in supplements is being harvested too soon, according to this hoodia importer. They claim it is being harvested after only two or three years – about three years before it reaches maximum potency. What you get in the end is a supplement that isn't as effective as it should be.

Not all agree with this assessment, however. There are other hoodia insiders that claim the wild hoodia gordonii stock hasn't been exhausted. Yet, other insiders I've spoken to say wild hoodia is indeed completely gone right now and the only hoodia available is the cultivated variety. Furthermore, these same insiders claim that the cultivated hoodia is equally as potent as wild hoodia gordonii so consumers don't need to worry.

Who do you believe? Unfortunately, there isn't standard testing done with hoodia diet pills to test for potency. There are tests that are done all the time by independent labs to determine if a given supplement contains authentic hoodia gordonii, but they don't test the levels of P57. I doubt that such testing is even feasible. After all, how much would it cost to have every bottle tested for the specific levels of P57?

Regardless of who you believe in this debate there is one thing for certain – if the wild hoodia gordonii isn't already depleted, it probably will be soon. If the majority of the supplements today don't contain cultivated hoodia they probably will in the near future. That leads us back to the potency question. Are the hoodia supplements made today as effective as they used to be?

It appears we won't have a conclusive answer anytime soon. I guess the only thing a consumer can do is monitor their own response to the hoodia diet pills they're taking. If the pills don't work as well as they used to at the same dosage, then more hoodia gordonii may need to be taken as today's hoodia supplements may indeed be less potent than those in the past.

Not sure who to believe in this debate and would rather just stick with wild-grown hoodia diet pills to be sure you're getting maximum potency? Find out which brands contain authentic wild hoodia by reading the hoodia reviews at http://hoodiaandweightloss.com

Venapro is a long-term, non-surgical approach to hemorrhoids treatment.

2008-01-14T02:56:00.000-08:00

Venapro can act both as a preventative measure if you feel the coming of another hemorrhoid episode, or as a great way to speed up and ensure the recovery from a current full blown hemorrhoid flare up. No side effects, no rebound effects, and irritant free!

If you suffer from mild, moderate or even severe hemorrhoid symptoms, instant relief is just a click away.
Millions suffer from the annoying itching, pain and bleeding of hemorrhoids. Drugstore remedies only work for a short period of time but unfortunately for the majority of sufferers, the condition does not get any better but far worse. In fact, thousands undergo the surgical practice of "banding" in search of a cure. But many would testify that this surgery is not only one of the most painful things you will ever encounter, but is many times also ineffective. Many patients undergo this surgery numerous times to no avail. If you are looking for a safer treatment that promises real results, don’t suffer any longer, order Venapro today!

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When we formulated Venapro, we selected specific medicinal ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory qualities and soothing ability for the pain associated with hemorrhoids. We used only the purest botanical extracts and the most effective healing plant and root extracts. This botanical infusion is of the highest quality to ensure fast, long lasting relief.

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Health Care Radicalism

2008-01-14T02:53:00.000-08:00

Advocates of government-run health care routinely accuse those who disagree with them of “defending the status quo.” Ramesh Ponnuru exposes the irony of that charge in Time:

Most Americans of working age get their health insurance through their employers. The Democrats running for President want to keep it that way. The Republicans don’t … They want to make a break with more than six decades of government policy.

In other words, it is the alleged progressives who wish to maintain the status quo while the so-called conservatives promote a radical break from the past. As Arnold Kling puts it:

Real radicals in health care reform are not to be found on the Left … It is those of us who are willing to pull the government rug out from under the existing system who are the radicals.

And, as if to prove Ponnuru and Kling right, Ezra Klein jumps in to defend the employer-based insurance system that has produced so much of what we dislike about our health care system:

Within an employer’s pool … You’re protected and subsidized by your colleagues. Which is important: What you want in health insurance is for it to be stable, safe, secure.

Our political taxonomy has become so Orwellian that “progressives” use words like “safe” and “secure,” while the “conservatives” talk about ditching a traditional system that has been in place for two generations.