There always seems to be new diet plans or diet fads arousing everyone's attention. I know it does mine. This latest Special K Diet is what's hot now. If you want to throw away the diet pills then you might want to try this new Special K Diet for your next weight loss plan. It seems that Kellogg Special K has been promoting their own diet called the Special K Diet Challenge. Why not see if it's the diet for you? Follow these simple steps to see if this is the right diet for you.
Instructions
1
On the Special K Diet, you eat a serving of any of the Special K cereals for breakfast with 2/3's cup skim milk. Also include some fruit with your cereal.
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For lunch on the Special K Diet, you will eat a bowl of any kind of Special K with 2/3's cup of milk and some fruit. Practically the same as what you had for breakfast, unless you change the flavor of your cereal.
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For dinner on the Special K Diet, you will eat a normal meal as usual.
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For you snacks on the Special K Diet, you can choose from any of the Special K Bars or opt for fresh fruit and veggies.
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As for the beverage you drink on the Special K Diet. You are allowed to consume beverages as you normally do.
Most folks feel that losing weight is a daunting task and they are unsure of the best way to lose weight. If you need to lose weight fast, all you have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and dive into the weight loss process. Within a week or two you'll start feeling better and you will lose fat quickly. Here's the quickest way to lose weight fast - the healthy way: Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
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Don't eat products that contain white flour. The most important thing to do first is realize how many products you eat contain white flour. White flour is now your weight loss enemy and you must replace all white flour products with vegetables (preferably green leafy vegetables). Broccoli has protein and many health benefits so you can start with that, but don't forget the hundreds of other green leafy vegetables that are out on the market as well. Doing just this one step is the quickest way to lose weight fast - the healthy way. But wait, there's more!
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Stop eating sugar and sugar products. Simple sugars are also your weight loss enemy. Chocolate, candies, cookies, etc are super fun while you're eating them, but they completely sabotage any healthy diet and make you fat quick. Sugar also makes you tired. If you eliminate all simple sugars from your diet, you'll soon be amazed at how much energy and sleep you'll get.
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Be sure to eat five small meals a day. This takes some getting used to, but trust me, it's one of the best ways to lose weight. When you replace white flour products with vegetables and stop eating simple sugars, you will want that small healthy meal every 3-4 hours. If you need to lose weight fast, be sure to eat a source of protein at EVERY meal (eggs, meats, nuts, etc) since protein is the one thing that will keep you full until the next meal. If you think of your plate in thirds, one third will be protein, one third vegetables and one third complex carbohydrates (sweet potato, whole grain wild rice, etc). Eat things that look like they just came from the farm or field - the more natural it is, the healthier it is for you and the faster you will lose the weight. If you can afford organic foods, great, but it's not necessary. If you get a sweet tooth, put some blueberries/strawberries/other fruit in yogurt and sprinkle some toasted almonds on top. It will get you through the moment until your next healthy meal.
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Drink a lot of water to help speed up your weight loss. You should drink at least 3 tall glasses of water a day. Those sugar drinks, coffees and sodas are going to get you NOWHERE - you will not lose weight fast while consuming those products. They sabotage your healthy diet just like cookies, cakes and candies. Eliminate the sugar drinks and drink water, milk and not from concentrate orange juice instead. V8's are great too if you can stand the salt.
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Find an "exercise" you like to do if you need to lose weight fast. "Exercise" is merely a way to get the body moving. So if you hate the thought of "exercise", think of it as moving your body instead. You can still lose weight fast if you watch your favorite TV show, march in place and raise your hands up in the air repeatedly for the duration of the show (and commercials too, no cheating!). Sure, it's really exercise, but by the time your show is over, you'll feel better about yourself, you don't have to mentally endure 60 minutes without entertainment and you'll help yourself lose weight faster. If you prefer to go to a gym and do aerobics or cardiovascular equipment - GREAT! Just keep in mind that you can "move your body" anywhere at anytime and every bit of movement helps with your weight loss. Typically you should "move your body" for 30-60 minutes, 3-5 times a week for best weight loss results.
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Don't give up when you go through the sugar and carbohydrate withdrawals. The first week is not easy I must say. You'll constantly be thinking about the white flour products and simple sugars you've given up. If you get to the point where you're going to indulge, put your walking shoes on and go walk around the block for 15 minutes. If it's raining or cold out (there is no excuse!!), turn on the tv and march for 15 minutes. While you are walking or marching, remind yourself that these cravings are the thing that got you where you are now (unhealthy and/or overweight). Also remind yourself that you deserve to be healthy and getting through the moment of 'deprivation' is key to your long-term weight loss success.
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Allow your self some type of indulgence once a week. This doesn't mean you can go back and eat that bag of chips or cookies (ie, white flour products) - you definitely will not lose fat quickly that way. What it means is that you can have a healthier snack to keep your weight loss on track. My favorite is yogurt raisins (as an example). Don't eat the whole bag for goodness sakes. I usually have 10-15 in the morning and the same in the evening on my "off day". On this one day during the week, it's very important to indulge on something you like (it's your reward for the week!), but make sure you don't overdo it. If you need a snack with some 'junk food' substance, check out my White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie recipe listed below under "Resources". Try not to have more than 2 or three of those on your day off, then share the rest with your friends. You may want to enlist a friend or family member to keep you accountable on your 'day off' so you lose weight faster.
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If all of the above fails because you can't do it on your own, you might want to hire a personal trainer if you need to lose weight fast. It might just be the next best way to lose weight if you find your self-motivation is limited. In this economy the trainers are actively looking for business, so I'm sure you could even find one to come to your house if you absolutely abhor the gym scene. You can sign on for 2-3 times a week if you can afford it, or if you can handle some work on your own at home, hire them for a once a week session. They can also help keep you accountable by phone when you get to the point where you're getting ready to open the bag of whatever white flour/sugar product is in your face. Determination and consistency are crucial to losing weight fast - the healthy way.
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Be sure to check out the Resource links below for more information on exercising and staying healthy.
Fasting is a practice that involves choosing to abstain from food, drink, or both for a pre-determined amount of time. It is generally used for detoxification of the body or for other medical reasons. Fasting programs are also popular and proven weight loss methods when used safely and moderately. Due to the health risks of fasting, it is extremely important to follow a few steps to ensure that your fast is both effective and healthy for your body.
Instructions
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Begin with a very brief fasting program before building up to a longer program for weight loss. If this is your first time fasting, it is best to start out fasting for only a portion of the day, such as a 12-hour period that starts at night. Generally, fasting for more than a few days is not medically recommended, so it is dangerous to subject your body to this practice without giving yourself necessary preparation time to adjust.
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Prepare your body to undergo a fasting program for weight loss by limiting unnecessary food habits, such as the intake of alcohol, sugar and caffeine at least 1 week prior to starting your fast. You should also refrain from or limit your use of nicotine and try to avoid eating red meat. One of the primary purposes of fasting is to rid the body of these toxins, so it is usually helpful to get yourself in the habit of avoiding these substances before you even begin.
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Allow yourself to eat only 1 meal per day while fasting. The best time of day to have this meal is usually about 3:00 in the afternoon, as this is the midpoint of the working day for most people. The meal you have should only be comprised of water, tea or juice and some form of raw fruits or vegetables to ensure maximum detoxification and weight loss.
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Avoid exercise and other strenuous activity during your fast. Though refraining from exercise may seem to contradict the purpose of a weight loss program, your body will not be physically capable of performing any form of exercise due to the physiological effects of fasting. Denying your body food and water temporarily decreases the amount of energy your body is able to expend.
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Rebuild the amount of food you eat slowly after you finish your fast. It is common to want to binge after completing a fast, but it is important to slowly increase your intake of food over a period of days to allow your digestive cycle to return to normal.
The best way to lose weight is to do so slowly, by making slight changes to your diet and routinely exercising. Running is one easily-accessible form of exercise, as it does not require a gym membership or any special equipment other than running shoes. This means that you can exercise no matter where you are, and do not have to commute to and from a gym or other exercise facility. As with most things fitness-related, running is a matter of starting small and slowly building up to a regular several-mile run.
Instructions
1
Decrease your portion sizes in order to consume fewer calories per day. If you want to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit of 500 calories per day. Try ordering an appetizer when you go out to eat instead of an entree, or if you eat at home, waiting 10 minutes before you go back to the kitchen for seconds.
2
Increase your complex carbohydrate intake by eating whole grain bread, pasta and rice and eliminating white bread, pasta and rice. Also, increase your fruit and vegetable intake. You don't really need to eat a grainy carbohydrate with every meal, particularly if you replace these grainy carbohydrates with vegetables.
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Eliminate fast food and soda from your diet. Both of these are high in calories but offer very little by way of nutrition.
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Reduce your animal fat intake by focusing on lean meats such as skinless chicken breast and chops with the fat cut off.
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To get started running, begin with a brief warm-up, then jog for 60 seconds, then walk for 90, and repeat for around 30 minutes each day.
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Reduce your walking time a little bit each week while increasing your jogging time.
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Add running time in the same manner that you walked and jogged once you are jogging for your entire workout.
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Begin interval training, which is more effective for weight loss, once you are consistently running for 30 minutes at a time. To interval train, you need to sprint as hard as you can for a short period, then slow down to a slow run or jog for a short period, and repeat. Start with 30-second sprints and 90-second jogs, but as you become more fit, you can decrease the length of time you spend jogging until you are sprinting for 30 seconds then jogging for 30 seconds. Mix your interval training with a 30 to 40 minute run in order to maximize your calorie reduction. So, you could run at a mild pace for 10 minutes, then interval train for 20 minutes, then run for 10 more minutes. Or you could make a more complex mix of the two, where you jog for 10 minutes, interval train for 5, then jog for 5, and so on until you reach 40 minutes.
Losing weight is not easy at any age. After the age of 50 it seems to be more difficult and old routines and habits do not work as effectively. Metabolisms slow down and other health problems can cause difficulties in a diet and exercise routine. There are a few changes that can be made to help ensure health and weight loss after 50.
Instructions
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Walk more. The benefits from walking include cardiovascular exercise, increased circulation and natural relief from stress.
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Tone up. Doing muscle toning exercises are very important as people age. Toning muscle allows for the body to maintain strength and proper alignment.
3
Be balanced and flexible. It is important to continue activities that promote the use of natural physical balance and flexibility. Activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi or Karate provide these skills that decrease after the age of 50.
4
Take a multi-vitamin. Health problems and some medications stop the body from absorbing the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly.
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Eat smaller portions. You may find that the same portion you have eaten in the past is more than what you actually need now.
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Make changes to your exercise and diet plans gradually. Drastic changes are hard to accept and make a part of your daily routine.
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Enlist a friend to join you. It is easier to deal with these new changes alongside a friend or spouse.
Porcelain veneers are a way to correct gaps and tooth staining without painful dental work. Your dentist will talk to you about your desires and expectations. She will then gather the information she needs to have your veneers crafted at a dental lab. The next step is to remove some of the enamel from your teeth and place temporary veneers on your teeth. When your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and replace them with the permanent ones.
Natural
Porcelain veneers are made from a type of ceramic that mimics tooth enamel in many ways. This makes the veneers look very natural.
Stain Resistant
Veneers resist staining, even when exposed to well-known tooth staining agents such as coffee and cigarettes.
Longevity
Porcelain veneers last up to 15 years, but they may need to be replaced sooner if they chip or break. Breakage is rare, but can occur when eating very hard foods or grinding your teeth at night when sleeping.
Permanence
When veneers are applied to your teeth, your natural tooth enamel is removed. This means that you cannot choose to have your veneers taken out if you decide you do not like them. Veneers must be replaced when worn or broken and cannot be removed without being replaced.
Tooth Sensitivity
Because your tooth enamel is removed when veneers are applied, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold.
Not for Everyone
If you have unhealthy, decayed or decaying teeth, you may not be a candidate for veneers.
Expense
Veneers cam be a great way to get a perfect smile without painful procedure, but that comfort comes at a price. It can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per tooth to get veneers. And veneers will need to be replaced when they wear out or if they break.
Sixty-six percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, reports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. These drastic numbers come from eating too much or inactivity. Weight loss requires a deficit of calories, meaning you must use more calories daily than you take in. It is possible for women to achieve weight loss without obsessing or restricting.
Hydrate
Water possesses numerous benefits for weight loss and overall health, so when trying to lose weight, it's essential to drink plenty of water. It's possible to confuse thirst with hunger, so you may mistakenly consume extra calories in food to satiate the thirst.
Stock up on Healthy Snacks
Keep healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and popcorn in your kitchen and at your desk at work to minimize the chance of making unhealthy choices. Snacking will help maintain a satisfied feeling, making you less likely to make unhealthy decisions based on being overly hungry. If possible, make meals to bring to work. Not only will you control calories in your meal, but you'll also save money by not eating out daily.
Keep a Log
Log the foods you're eating in a daily food journal to ensure you're including all your necessary proteins and starches while staying within your ideal calorie range. You can use results from websites like FreeDieting.com as a guideline to determine your daily caloric needs for fat loss. The website also offers a calories-burned activity calculator so you can ensure your activity level is sufficient for weight-loss success.
Add Instead of Take Away
Instead of spending time thinking about what you're not allowed to have, focus on what you want to include in your diet. Fit more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. In addition to disease-prevention qualities of produce, fruits and vegetables displace fat and will cause dieters to consume less, reports WebMD.com.
Size Control
Pay attention to the amount of food that you're consuming. Use a smaller plate to make smaller portions appear larger. Use smaller spoons to eat soups or ice cream. It will take longer for you to finish the food, giving you the impression that you're actually eating more than you are.
Have Fun
Find an exercise partner to keep you motivated and try new things. Take group classes at a gym or create a "competition" with your partner based on what you enjoy (e.g., racquetball play-off, mile-long race, dance off, swimming matches). Make other small, fun changes like substituting a stability ball for your chair at work--you won't even realize you're exercising when you maintain stability or bounce up and down at your desk.
Avoid Mechanical Eating
Women's involvement in grocery shopping or cooking can often prompt mechanical eating. Through taste testing while cooking, it's estimated that women can consume upwards of 300 calories, according to Weight Loss Help and Tips. Samples at the grocery store can stack up calorically, too. Chewing gum can minimize the amount of calories consumed when grocery shopping or cooking. Since the average stick of gum contains seven to 10 calories and you burn 11 calories per hour by chewing gum, if you keep the same stick in your mouth for 60 minutes you're actually "burning" calories while avoiding extra food consumption.
Practice the Three-Bite Rule
One way to allow for "cheats" when losing weight is by following the three-bite rule. The rule is ideal for vacations or special occasions where you may encounter sweet or sinful dishes. Don't deny yourself--simply allow for three bites. The first bite allows you to experience the taste, and the last bite allows you to savor the flavor. You'll also be less likely to overindulge, since you won't be afraid of "never having the food again."
The use of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, is very controversial, but little research has been done on either side to prove or disprove the safety of genetically modified food.
History
Genetically modified crops have been modified in an attempt to improve upon certain characteristics of the original plant. Crops may be modified to produce more plentifully, resist certain diseases, increase nutrient levels or resist herbicides.
Testing
According to FDA regulations, if a company can prove that the composition of the new GMO crop is "substantially equivalent" to the non-GMO counterpart, then it is considered safe, and no other testing is done. So, if the composition of a GMO carrot resembles that of a non-GMO carrot, then it has passed the test.
Considerations
When addressing the safety of GMO foods, the World Health Organization has said that there have been no known negative effects, but that they will continue to monitor for potential negative effects.
Theories/Speculation
According to the Action Bioscience Organization, genetically modified crops can potentially cause unknown allergic reactions, and genetically modified soybeans that were tested had an increase in allergen content.
Potential
According to the Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology (PSRAST), our understanding of the consequences of altering foods through genetic means is too incomplete, and we do not understand all of potential consequences.
We all know the importance of watching cholesterol and eating a low-fat diet. Some fats are bad for your health and have no redeeming qualities. Omega 3 is a class of fat or oil that in recent years has been touted for its health benefits. It is now known that omega 3 fats are useful in weight loss as well.
Fats and Functions
There are different types of fats that have equally different effects on your cholesterol level, how much fat you store and how much fat you burn. Saturated fats and trans fats increase the ratio of bad cholesterol (LDL) to good cholesterol (HDL). These are the same fats that put weight on your body. Sources of saturated fats include meat, milk, cheese, palm oil and coconut oil; trans fats can be found in baked goods, shortening, margarine, hydrogenated oils and heat-damaged vegetable oils--as in fast foods..
There are also fats that are good for you and can even help you lose weight. They help lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise your good cholesterol (HDL). They are the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Monounsaturated oils (olive oil, canola oil, peanut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pistachios and pine buts) also help control blood pressure and diabetes. Omega 3 (fish, walnuts and flax seed) and Omega 6 (safflower, sunflower, sesame, nuts and beans) are both polyunsaturated fats. They protect the heart, strengthen the immune system and are anti-inflammatories.
Fat Burning Omega 3
Omega 3 affects metabolism by decreasing insulin levels by as much as 50%. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for storing fat. It inhibits the action of lipase, which breaks down fat for energy. Insulin also activates an enzyme that converts carbohydrate into fat, which the insulin causes to be stored.
Study Results
According to the Journal of Obesity, recent studies have shown that supplementation with Omega 3 fish oil increased the number of fat calories burned in a single day. Changes in fat oxidation, body fat and metabolic rate were apparent after only three weeks. Both the fish oil group and the control group had the same diet with the exception of the fats, and exercise was not a part of the program. The omega 3 group took 1.8 gm of fish oil per day while the control group had 1.8 gm of monosaturated and omega 6 fats. The basal metabolic rate of those on fish oil increased, burning more fat at rest. In three weeks those taking fish oil lost 1.3 lbs more than those not taking fish oil.
How to Use Omega 3
A daily intake of 1.8 gm of omega 3 in the form of flax seed or fish oil has been proven to increase basal metabolic rate and increase weight loss from fat. Split up the total amount into three doses for morning, afternoon and evening. It is important to eat a healthy diet, omit saturated fats, eat lots of fiber, fresh vegetables and exercise daily.
Whether it is for a New Year's Resolution, in preparation for the summer swimsuit season, or because of a doctor's recommendation, people everywhere are struggling to do their part to take off pounds.
When trying to lose weight, you normally concentrate on what you can not eat, rather than on what you should eat. Although dieting and watching caloric intake is a big part of losing weight, it is also important to remember that there eating some foods that can actually assist you in your weight loss efforts.
Fruit
Most people are aware that fruit is an excellent food to eat while dieting, but some are better than others. For instance, fresh fruit is always a better choice than canned fruit in light or heavy syrup. Top fruits for weight loss include grapefruit, melons, berries and peaches.
Sometimes fruit does not sound quite as appealing as an ice cream cone, but there are several tricks to make it more appealing. Mix berries with low-fat yogurt for a smoothie in the morning. Freeze grapes for a late-night frozen snack. Slice apples for easy snacking at work.
Vegetables
Vegetables not only are helpful for weight loss, but they are beneficial to your overall health. They are low in fat and calories and provide extra energy and fiber. As of 2007, only 11% of Americans were meeting the dietary guidelines for adequate vegetable intake.
Sneak vegetables into items you already enjoy eating. Try topping your pizza with mushrooms, peppers and onions, rather than fatty meats. Substitute lettuce for cheese on your sandwich at lunch. Eat a salad before dinner--it will actually cause you to consume a smaller portion of higher calorie foods.
Eggs
Surprisingly, eating eggs for breakfast was proven in a study by the Rochester Centre for Obesity in America to help limit caloric intake throughout the rest of the day. Eating eggs to start your day will help you to feel less hungry by lunchtime and eat a smaller amount for lunch. Do not fry eggs, and combine them with fruit or whole-grain toast for best results. As a bonus, eggs are high in healthy nutrients and Vitamins A, D and E.
While there's no magic food to help you shed pounds, there are many things you can eat to help you raise your metabolism, reduce appetite and accelerate weight loss. Since diet is such an important part of the weight loss journey, even small changes you make can have a big impact on the scale.
High-Fiber Food
Fiber works as a two-way weight loss aid. It provides satiety, so you end up eating less but feeling full, and it also regulates your digestion, preventing you from becoming bloated. High-fiber foods such as green leafy vegetables are especially good because they are low in calories and fat free, so your overall caloric consumption is reduced and your weight loss is quicker and more effective. Fiber also prevents blood sugar spikes, which can lead to cravings. Other high-fiber foods that can help with weight loss include lentils, oatmeal, kale, buckwheat and apples.
Spicy Dishes
Some spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper and cinnamon can raise metabolism, causing the body to burn calories faster and more effectively. Spices not only cause a significant raise in metabolic rate during the actual meal, but their effect lasts for up to 20 minutes after eating. Other condiments that raise metabolism include wasabi powder, coriander and garlic.
Lean Protein
Chicken, turkey, fish and eggs all have something in common: they are pure protein. Because your body works harder to digest protein than anything else, you burn more calories and boost your metabolism by eating proteins. Also, protein are more satisfying than carbs and sugars, so you are less likely to suffer spikes in blood sugar or to have cravings. Certain proteins, such as salmon and sardines, are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduces the amount of leptin in your body. Leptin is a hormone that affects metabolism and fat burning: the less you have of it, the more effective your body is at losing weight. Low-fat dairy products and soy are also good sources of protein.
Low-Sugar Fruits
While fruits are natural and a good source of fiber, many contain high levels of sugar and can compromise your weight loss efforts if consumed in excess. Examples of high-sugar fruits include bananas, grapes, pears, pineapple and figs. On the other hand, low-sugar fruits provide lots of hunger-satiating fiber with very low calories. Examples include berries, papaya, plums, apricots, lime and melon.
Good Fats
Vegetable fats are good for lowering DLH cholesterol and providing a feeling of satiety. Since they don't contain cholesterol (as animal fats do), they do not increase the risk of heart disease or cancer. While consuming a large amount of any fats, including vegetable fats, can lead to weight gain, moderate consumption will help control cravings. Fish, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, will even raise metabolism. Other good fats to consider are flaxseed oil, avocados and peanut oil.
Many people experience gastrointestinal discomfort after consuming certain kinds of foods. Symptoms can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. Accordingly, those who struggle with this condition should consume easily digested foods to help reduce or eliminate gastrointestinal distress.
Dairy
In the late 1980s, Mervyn Danilewitz reportedly found a cure for runners' stomach ailments, claiming that eliminating dairy products from the diet 24 hours before a run would solve the problem, according to Runner's World. Many dairy products contain lactose, a form of sugar that can be difficult for some people to digest. To avoid stomach upset, try almond, rice or soy milks, which are typically lactose-free. Milks and yogurts that contain acidophilus also boast beneficial bacteria that can help the body break down lactose.
Low-Fiber Produce
Because the body does not break down fiber it is good for cleaning out the digestive system, but it can also cause gastrointestinal trouble. According to Bob Seebohar, Ph.D., the director of sports nutrition at the University of Florida, "When fiber gets low in the tract, bacteria feast on it, producing gas and sometimes cramping." Consequently, Runner's World recommends consuming more low-fiber produce such as cantaloupe, tomatoes, grapes, zucchini and grapefruit.
Protein
According to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, creators of the Gastrointestinal Diet, protein-rich foods are easy to digest compared to high-fat varieties. Consequently, the diet includes lean cuts of meat, fish and skinless poultry, as well as water-packed tuna, turkey bacon and well-cooked eggs. The diet restricts consumption of processed or cured meats, such as hot dogs, pepperoni, corned beef and cold cuts.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined, processed carbohydrates have had the whole grain broken down and much of the natural fiber removed, making them easier to digest than whole-grain versions. The GI Diet recommends replacing high-fiber cereals and breads with simpler carbs, such as plain bagels, white bread and cereals with less than 2g of fiber per serving.
Beverages
The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance reports that some people may develop an upset stomach or heartburn after consuming acidic food and drinks such as orange juice, lemonade or tomato juice. Therefore, most citrus juices are restricted on the GI Diet. Instead, choose water, cranberry juice and lactose-free nutritional drinks.
There is no definitive link between genetically-modified foods and changes in estrogen---or estrogen-mimic---levels. The reason is that there have been few studies on such a link. There are established links between estrogen-activity and soy.
They Are Everywhere
Genetically-modified soy beans are being mass produced by agribusiness. They are ubiquitous in our commercial food supply, often without our noticing. There is no doubt genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are increasing our GMO soy intake, or that our intake of estrogen-mimics has gone up with it. The question is how. "Estrogenesis" is not well understood yet.
The Brazilian Experiment
Brazilian experiments observed changes in the reproductive system of female rats that were fed GM soy; and those who ate regular soy did not manifest the same changes.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate, which is a weed inhibitor, is routinely used with GM crops, and is a proven estrogen-mimic, though if and how the glyphosate is taken up by the plants is not well understood. Equally poorly understood is how glyphosate circulates through the food chain and water supply adjacent to the farms.
Fighting Estrogenesis
Estrogenic food effects can be lowered by avoiding processed foods, which use a great deal of GMO soy. Estrogenic effects can be countered by eating estrogen inhibiting foods, like greens, citrus fruits, garlic, onion and bee pollen.
Weight gain is always associated with accumulation of fats on different areas of the body. Some carry more fat on their upper limbs, while others have it on their belly. But for most people, especially women, areas of the thigh are a major source of fat accumulation, resulting in a body shaped like a pear -- wherein the upper half appears leaner than the lower half because of wide and bulky thighs.
Exercising for at least 30 minutes daily and eating a diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in refined sugars and flour will help you to reach your weight loss goals. Keep in mind we do not have a way to target weight loss to a certain area (wouldn't that be grand!). If you lose weight in your thighs, you will likely lose weight all over. Use strength and toning to improve the size, shape and look of your thighs.
Instructions
1
Watch what you eat. Add more protein and fiber to your diet. Fiber keeps your body lean and healthy, while protein helps to boost the effects of your exercise.
2
Jump rope three to four times per week. This is a good thigh exercise and is an excellent warm-up or cool-down routine. Start by turning the rope forward and alternately jump your legs using the jogging pace. Slightly bend your knees to keep the impact low as you jump, and keep your back straight during the entire procedure. You can increase the difficulty by jumping both legs at the same time instead of doing the jogging pace or step.
3
Ride an exercise bike, swim, jog or go on a brisk walk. These are excellent aerobic exercises that trim your thighs and your whole body. For an effective hit on your thighs, try to stand up instead of sitting down in an exercise bike and pedal as fast as you can. For swimming, paddle your legs more as you go over with your strokes, especially when you're doing the back stroke. Jog three to four times a week. You can incorporate it with brisk walking if you choose to. Begin by jogging at a comfortable pace for about 30 seconds and then brisk walk until you have enough energy to jog again. Execute this alternating jog and walk cycle for 25 to 30 minutes, three times per week.
4
Execute squats three times per week. Start by having your own body weight as a resistance for the first three weeks of your squat routine. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale as you lower yourself to a squat -- bend your knees, keeping your knees from extending past your toes, until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Exhale as you go back to standing position. Make sure to keep your back straight during execution. Do this procedure in three sets of 10 repetitions. Gradually increase your resistance after the first three weeks by performing it with dumbbells in both hands. As you improve, work your way up to using a Smith machine or barbell.
5
Perform some dumbbell lunges. Begin by standing upright, feet shoulder-width apart, with dumbbells in both hands. Relax your arms and shoulders to allow the dumbbells to hang down at your sides. Step your right leg forward as far as you can, while you keep your left leg in place. As your right foot lands in front of you, bend both your knees to lower your body. Then step your right foot back to starting position. Now step forward using your left leg. Repeat the right and left alternating lunge 10 to 15 times. When you flex both your knees, make sure that the knee of your front leg (the one stepping forward) is not flexed beyond your front toes. Make sure your back leg (the one in place) does not touch the floor as you flex.
6
Do lying leg curls. Position yourself on the hamstring machine on your stomach (prone position); hold on to the hand grips and place both your feet below the attached weights. Inhale as you carefully curl the weight up, bringing your feet toward your buttocks. Exhale as you lower them back down. Repeat this procedure 10 to 12 times and relax. Do not allow your bottom to arch up as you pull the weight toward your back side. If this is happening, you may have too much weight.
7
Execute some leg raises. Lie flat on your back on an exercise mat. Inhale as you elevate your legs and exhale as you bring them back down without letting them touch the floor. Maintain your legs elevated about 1 to 2 inches from the floor and make your legs stop on that level as you bring it back down. Repeat 10 times and relax.
The cereal diet consists of eating a high-fiber, whole grain cereal with low-fat or fat-free milk twice a day (for breakfast and lunch) and a sensible, well-balanced dinner over the course of two weeks. After two weeks, slowly introduce other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts, into your morning and afternoon meal. After four weeks, you may begin to also eat a sensible, well-balanced lunch, but can still eat cereal for breakfast.
How does it work?
2
By eating cereal for breakfast and lunch, you are cutting calories big time! Instead of a pastrami sandwich with bread, lettuce, tomato and mayo, you are eating a bowl of cereal for lunch, ingesting 150 to 200 calories instead of 500 to 700 calories. If you're choosing a high-fiber, high-protein cereal, you will stay full until dinner. It is imperative that you eat breakfast and lunch at your regular hours so that your blood sugar doesn't drop and so that your metabolism keeps working.
What is the outcome?
3
Weight loss! You should lose only two pounds per week maximum. Gradual weight loss is not only the healthiest way to lose weight but the best way to maintain your new weight.
Stamina is defined as a measure of sustained capability, like in sports or daily activities. Having stamina is like having prolonged energy. Foods provide the body with energy, but some foods have additional nutrients that are beneficial for those times when you want to push your body to the next level.
Peanuts
The Natural Home Remedies website states that adding peanuts to your weekly diet will boost stamina and energy. Peanuts are a rich source of protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle tissues. In addition, these healthy snacks are loaded with good fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation, which improves heart and brain health. You can snack on plain peanuts or add them to dishes like chicken or salads. Organic natural peanuts and peanut butter is available at your local health food store.
Beetroot Juice
Science Daily News reported on a study conducted at the University of Exeter and Peninsula Medical School that revealed that beetroot juice increases stamina. Beets are red root vegetables that are high in vitamins A and C and other minerals. The research showed that participants had lower blood pressure and more stamina when exercising after drinking beetroot juice. The reason for the increase of stamina is thought to be from an increase in oxygen uptake, which makes exercise less tiring.
Spirulina
The Natural Cures and Remedies website states that spirulina can increase stamina and reduce allergies. Spirulina is a blue green algae that contains high levels of antioxidants, iron and minerals. The reason why spirulina helps improve energy levels is because it also contains high-quality protein that is easy for the body to assimilate. This sea vegetable also contains omega-3 fats and b-vitamins. B-vitamins are vital because they improve nervous system health, which is also vital for optimal energy.
An attractive, healthy smile requires regular dental and periodontal care. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, periodontitis, or pyorrhea, is caused by bacteria that lurk in the colorless film on your teeth called plaque and that cause inflammation in your gums. The earliest stage is called gingivitis which, if not treated, can lead to moderate and severe periodontal disease, loss of teeth, and a number of serious diseases.
Nutritional Help
Gum disease causes the gums to recede from the teeth, weakening the bone structure and eventually leading to loss of teeth or the need for gum surgery. Gum disease is attributable to a variety of causes including improper care, heredity, age, smoking, obesity, stress, diabetes, and nutritional deficiency. Regular professional treatment by a periodontist, and consistent home care, are necessary to halt the progress of gum disease. In addition, proper nutrition and a balanced diet, with nutritional supplements if necessary, can help boost the immune system and decrease oral inflammation.
Vitamin C
Sailors long ago ate limes and other citrus fruit to help prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Even today, a deficiency in vitamin C can be one of the conditions that contribute to gingivitis and ultimately to periodontal disease. Vitamin C is partially responsible for producing collagen in the skin, including gum tissue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Recommended Dietary Allowance of vitamin C is 60 milligrams a day, but doses as high as 200 mg can be beneficial.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has been found beneficial in treating a number of health problems, including oral health. Studies performed in Japan and at the U.S. Air Force Medical Center indicated that patients taking 75 mg of CoQ10 daily reduced the depth of the "pockets," or spaces in between their gums and teeth. A depth of 4 mm or more is considered moderate periodontitis. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to boost the body's immune system, thus fighting the bacteria that trigger gum disease. CoQ10 can be found naturally in such food as beef, sardines, spinach and vegetable oil and is also available in supplements.
Antioxidants
Vitamins A and E are antioxidants that help protect against gum disease. Vitamin A (retinal and beta carotene) is important in forming bones and teeth. In addition to ingesting vitamin E, people with irritated gums may find it helpful to open a capsule of vitamin E oil and rub it on the inflamed gums several times a week.
Minerals
Calcium and magnesium are dietary minerals that are essential to bone health. Calcium can help prevent the bone loss that results from periodontal disease and eventually leads to tooth loss. Calcium is readily available in dairy products, canned fish with bones, and leafy green vegetables, and magnesium can be found in nuts, but if enough of these minerals are not a part of your diet, add a supplement. The USDA's recommended daily allowance for calcium is 1,000 mg per day. For magnesium, it is 420 mg.
Small quantities of selenium help stimulate antibodies to fight infection. Selenium should be taken in conjunction with vitamins A and E. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system. Look for a multivitamin that contains these dietary minerals as well as the recommended daily allowance of essential vitamins.
Fad diets are classified as diets that cannot be sustained for a long period of time. Soup diets fit the mold. Typical soup diets claim to promote a weight loss of 10 lbs. or more in 2 weeks or less. While these claims may be true in some cases, the majority of the weight loss won't be from fat; it will be water weight. Diets such as these are unhealthy and not recommended; proceed at your own risk.
Cabbage Soup Diet
This diet is based on the idea that restricting yourself to portion sizes and calorie allowances only leads to cheating on your diet. The Cabbage Soup diet is intended to be followed as a 7-day plan. Each day on the diet is different: you will be indulging in different food groups each day, the one constant being that you can have unlimited cabbage soup. The diet claims to promote a weight loss of up to 10 lbs. in just 7 days. Of course, the weight loss claim is unsubstantiated, and losing such a drastic amount of weight in such a short period of time is dangerous. A side effect that should be expected just by taking a look at the main ingredient is incredible flatulence. If you embarrass easily or must work in public all day, this diet may not be right for you.
Sacred Heart Soup Diet
The Sacred Heart Soup diet claims to be affiliated with the Sacred Heart Hospital in Montreal Canada; however the hospital denies any affiliation with the diet. The diet claims to promote a weight loss of 10 to 17 lbs. in just 1 week. While there has been speculation about the hundreds of people who claim to have experienced extreme weight loss on this diet, such rapid results are reserved only for those who are morbidly obese; a person of average size cannot shed that amount of weight in such a short time. This diet works much like the Cabbage Soup diet in that you can only indulge in specific foods each day (e.g., unlimited fruits on Wednesday; eat as much beef and vegetables as you can handle on Saturday). If the Sacred Heart Soup diet and the Cabbage Soup diet were measured against each other, the Sacred Heart Soup diet would be the champion: flatulence is not a side effect, and the soup itself is more filling and tastier.
Amazing Soup Diet
The Amazing Soup Diet is unlike any other soup diet included on this list. Unlike the abovementioned soup diets, the Amazing Soup Diet isn't based on a fad or food groups. The Amazing Soup Diet claims to help its dieters lose up to 20 lbs. quickly, however no specific timeline is provided. The Amazing Soup Diet is based on the premise that a calorie-controlled diet leads to weight loss. The Amazing Soup Diet actually allows you to eat three hearty, calorie-controlled (400 calories) non-soup meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Any other time of the day you get hungry, you can fill up on limitless bowls of a 45-calorie soup. This diet is ideal for people who feel the need to "munch" all the time, because the low-cal soup satisfies the oral fixation.
The Sacred Heart Soup diet is a diet that proposes a strict diet for you for a period of seven days with a net result of several pounds of weight loss and some detoxification benefits to the body. This is also known as the Cabbage Soup diet and is popular with many due to an unlimited quantity requirement of specific foods.
Instructions
1
Make Sacred Heart Soup. This is the staple of the diet for the seven days and you can eat as much of it as you want. The diet suggests you eat plenty of soup to keep you full and help detox your body. Many people find that two extra large batches will last the week, or you can start the soup on a Sunday and make another batch by Wednesday. You can make a big batch and warm it as you need it on the stove or in your microwave or you can cook it in a slow cooker and leave it on low all day.
The recipe is adaptable with some flavor variations such as herbs and spices but consists of:
2 large tins of any canned tomato (stewed, diced or whole plum) Green onions for taste Beef bullion to taste (a few small envelopes or teaspoons ought to do) Dry package of chicken noodle soup mix Bunch of celery, chopped 2 cans of beans 2 lbs. carrots 1 bell pepper (green, red, orange or yellow) Generous handful of chopped mushrooms Vegetable cocktail 1/2 to 1/4 head of shredded cabbage
Simmer until vegetables are soft but not mushy.
2
Eat fruit and soup on day one. Eat only these items but eat as much as you want. Drink only from the following list: unsweetened juice, black coffee, black tea and drink plenty of water. Do not add milk or sugar to coffee and tea.
Any fruit is allowed except bananas.
3
Consume vegetables and soup on day two. Eat as much soup as you can, drink plenty of water and eat lots of cooked and raw vegetables. Have a baked potato for dinner with a little bit of butter.
4
Enjoy lots of fruit and vegetables and soup on day three. Skip the potato today but fill yourself up with plenty of soup and don't forget to drink six to eight glasses of water.
5
Have at least three bananas on day four and drink as much skim milk as you can. Also, eat your sacred heart soup.
6
Eat a steak or some ground beef today. Try to get from ten to twenty ounces of beef today. If you prefer, you can consume skinless chicken or fish in its place but today your body will benefit from protein. Eat tomatoes too and don't forget your soup!
7
Load up on the meat again today with no limit and have a bowl of soup as well. Also eat as much cooked and raw vegetables as you want.
8
Boil or steam up some brown rice on day seven and have some vegetables and soup as well. At the end of the seven days, you're all done. You may have lost more than ten pounds. Resume a regular, healthy diet for at least a few weeks before trying the sacred heart diet again.
Atenolol is a popular beta blocker that has an unavoidable side effect--weight gain. The gain in weight can also cause swelling in the limbs and coughing fits. But atenolol--as with all beta blockers--may make congestive heart failure worse. In fact, a symptom of heart failure happens to be weight gain that can take place over several days.
Instructions
Healthy Plans
1
Maintain a sensible eating plan that includes veggies, fruits, low-fat milk and grain products. Include meat products that are lean, such as fish and poultry, then add nuts and beans. Feel free to add egg whites if you prefer a heartier breakfast.
2
Work out for 30 minutes every day to cut your weight down. Also cut out as many sugars as possible, and trim trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol from your daily diet as well. Products like alcoholic beverages contain empty calories, so limit your intake of these adult beverages as much as possible.
3
Expect weight gain from atenolol, an older, popular beta blocker. Although most people will gain between three and five pounds, talk to your doctor to inquire about switching medications if the gain increases.
4
Talk with your health care provider if you are noticing weight gain with atenolol. While the added pounds might be caused by a low metabolic rate, the direct cause of weight gain due to older beta blockers baffles doctors. Since the beta blockers are used treat ailments like migraines and high blood pressure, your doctor may be able to provide you with alternatives.
5
It's best to speak with your physician if you begin to experience weight gain immediately upon taking a beta blocker. Weight gain of several pounds can also be caused by fluid retention which can also be attributed to the atenolol. However, making a commitment to maintaining a healthier lifestyle and focusing on regular aerobic exercise will greatly reduce your weight gain.
Our physical traits are mostly determined by genetics, but you can help nature along with changes in your diet. To get your hair and nails in the best shape possible from the inside out, read on.
Instructions
1
Eat high-quality protein foods. Eggs are a good source as long as you don't have cholesterol problems.
2
Eat grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
3
Make sure your diet is composed of 50 percent fresh fruits and vegetables.
4
Add sulfur- and silicon-rich foods to diet. Onions, broccoli, fish and sea vegetables are all good sources.
5
Eat food rich in biotin, such as brewer's yeast, brown rice and soybeans.
6
Sprinkle ground flaxseed on your cereal. It provides essential fatty acids.
7
Eat foods high in B vitamins.
8
Drink tea made from alfalfa, burdock root, dandelion, and yellow dock.
Crash diets remove a lot of food from your diet in order to enable you to lose weight quickly. The cabbage-soup diet is one of these diets. It focuses on eating fruits, vegetables and cabbage soup. Understanding the advantages, disadvantages and even the potential dangers of this diet can help you decide whether or not it is right for you.
First Day
You begin the cabbage-soup diet by eating as much fruit as you want, except bananas. You are also allowed to eat as much cabbage soup as you want while drinking unsweetened teas, cranberry juice and water. Breakfast can be an orange, an apple and some cranberry juice. A good mid-morning snack could be half a bowl of cabbage soup and a peach. Lunch could be apples, pears, a bowl of cabbage soup and water. Mid-afternoon snacks can be another half a bowl of cabbage soup, apricots and tea. Supper can be a fruit salad and two bowls of cabbage soup.
Second Day
The second day focuses on raw and cooked vegetables. You can eat as many as you want in addition to your cabbage soup. Drinks should remain the same. Wake up to a helping of boiled broccoli and cauliflower with a glass of water. A good mid-morning snack can be half a bowl of cabbage soup, some carrots and water. Lunch can be a salad, a bowl of cabbage soup and some unsweetened tea. Mid-afternoon snacks can consist of half a bowl of cabbage soup, celery sticks and some more cranberry juice. Supper can be a baked potato with butter and two bowls of cabbage soup with unsweetened tea as a drink.
Third Day
The third day combines fruits and vegetables with cabbage soup. Wake up to a fruit salad with some peas and Brussels sprouts and water. A mid-morning snack can consist of an apple, a half a bowl of cabbage soup and some carrots with tea to drink. Lunch can consist of multiple boiled vegetables and sliced pears and peaches atop a salad, and a bowl of cabbage soup with unsweetened tea. A mid-afternoon snack can be half a bowl of cabbage soup and some kiwis and cranberry juice to drink. Supper can be two bowls of cabbage soup, two oranges, two apples and any other vegetables you feel like eating with water to drink.
Fourth Day
By the fourth day, you will no doubt want some sweets. The fourth day helps you get over this craving by allowing you to eat as many bananas as you want. You are also allowed to drink as many glasses of skim milk as you desire. Cabbage soup should also be consumed in large amounts. This day will have a mixture of bananas and cabbage soup for every meal. Try eating three bananas with milk at breakfast. A bowl of cabbage soup makes a good mid-morning snack along with some milk. Lunch can be two bowls of cabbage soup with three bananas and milk. A mid-afternoon snack can be two bananas and supper can be two bowls of cabbage soup with all the bananas and milk you desire.
Fifth Day
The fifth day introduces protein into your diet. Ten to 20 ounces of beef will be eaten during this day as will six tomatoes. Start your day with a full sliced tomato and cranberry juice. A mid-morning snack can consist of half a bowl of cabbage soup and water. Lunch can be two sliced tomatoes sprinkled over five ounces of beef with a bowl of cabbage soup on the side and unsweetened tea to drink. A mid-afternoon snack can consist of five ounces of fried beef and another tomato with water. Supper can be up to another 10 ounces of beef, two bowls of cabbage soup and the rest of your tomatoes sliced for bite-sized consumption.
Sixth Day
The sixth day is kind of a binging day: On this day you can eat as much beef and vegetables as you want, as well as your cabbage soup. Start the day with five ounces of beef and some boiled broccoli and cauliflower and skim milk. A mid-morning snack can consist of a salad topped with cucumbers and carrots with half a bowl of cabbage soup. Lunch can be another five ounces of beef mixed in with two bowls of cabbage soup and cranberry juice to drink. A mid-afternoon snack can consist of steamed veggies and water. Supper should have as much beef as you want, along with whatever vegetables you feel like eating with some unsweetened tea.
Seventh Day
On the seventh day, you can eat as much brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, vegetables and, of course, cabbage soup that you want. Start the day with a bowl of boiled brown rice and apple juice. A mid-morning snack can consist of half a cup of cabbage soup and some dry broccoli and water. Lunch can be a variety of boiled vegetables, orange juice and two bowls of cabbage soup. A mid-afternoon snack can consist of prune juice, half a cup of cabbage soup and a small bowl of brown rice. Supper can be two bowls of brown rice with fried vegetables scattered on top, two bowls of cabbage soup and two cups of orange juice.
Advantages
This diet allows you to eat as much food as you want every day. All of the foods eaten on this diet are healthy, so it can help change bad eating habits quickly. The diet does take off weight quickly, as it focuses on foods such as cabbage, tomatoes, vegetables and fruit that promote health and weight loss.
Disadvantages
While it can take at least 10 to15 pounds off, this is not a long-term answer to weight loss. The diet lacks nutrition, even though the foods you eat are healthy. This diet is also quite boring. Moreover, cabbage soup, the centerpiece of this diet, is not to everyone's taste. It's also extremely high in salt and causes gas.
There are many low-carb diets available, full of claims for quick weight loss. Planning menus ahead for a week can take decisions or temptation out of each meal. The Dr. Atkins diet is perhaps one of the most popular of the very low-carb diets, and the diet has been currently modified to include healthy carbs. A very low-carb diet is one that has less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.
Benefits of Low-carb Diets
There are benefits to be gained from a low-carb diet. Initially weight often comes off quickly for many people, giving them a good and positive start to seeing great results. When you eat a diet rich in protein, especially animal protein, it is very satisfying and hunger takes a long time to return. .
Breakfasts for low carb
Breakfast is probably the most challenging meal to fix for an ongoing low-carb diet. Here are seven potential breakfast meals to keep you in line: 1. 1/2-water and 1/2-berry juice, scrambled egg whites with spinach and cheese 2. A slice of ham and of cheese, 1/2-cup of blue berries and 1/2-slice of whole grain toast with butter 3. Poached eggs with slice of cheddar cheese, 3 strawberries, coffee with milk or cream 4. Small salmon filet, 1/4-bagel with cream cheese, 1/2-peach, coffee or tea 5. Scrambled eggs with ham, 1/2 of small cantaloupe, coffee or tea 6. Omelet with onions, chicken and cheese, 1/2-cup blue berries, coffee or tea 7. Scrambled egg whites with a slice of pepper jack cheese, 1/2-cup grapes, tea or coffee
Low-carb Lunches
Lunches are versatile, and you can plan ahead, especially important if you work. You can have a variety of low-fat protein and low-carb vegetables, such as cucumbers, celery, zucchini, green onions and mushrooms. 1. One 6-ounce can of tuna with low-fat mayonnaise and sesame seeds, celery sticks and a 1/2-peach 2. Turkey sandwich on 1 slice of whole grain bread with mustard and lettuce, sliced cucumbers, 1/2-cup of blue berries 3. Salmon steak with lemon, lettuce salad with olive oil, 1/2-cup of green beans 4. Chef salad with turkey, cheese, walnuts and black olives and romaine 5. Spinach salad with chopped almonds, feta cheese, 1/2-cup of pineapple 6. 2 hard boiled eggs, 1/2-grapefruit, sliced tomatoes 7. 3 slices of roast beef, one slice of cheddar cheese, dill pickles, celery, black olives
Low-carb Dinners for Seven Days
Take some time to be creative at dinner and plan some interesting and delicious low-carb dinners. You can always add potatoes or rice for the rest of the family. 1. 8-ounce steak, caesar salad, 1/2-cup of cooked broccoli, 1/2-cup fresh strawberries 2 Whole chicken breast, cabbage salad with blue cheese, 1 cup walnuts and strawberries with sour cream and sweetened with stevia. 3. Pork chops with peppers and onions, cucumber salad in vinegar, black olives, 1/2-cup of cantaloupe 4. Turkey breast roasted with havarti cheese, dill pickles, black olives, hot peppers, green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing 5. Hamburger patty with two strips of bacon and cheese, sliced tomatoes, onion slices and 1/2-peach for dessert 6. Bratwurst with sauerkraut and hot mustard, cucumber salad, non-fat yogurt with 1/2-cup of strawberries and sweetened with stevia 7. Loin lamb shops with rosemary and mushrooms, 1/2-cup of green beans and celery, 1 cup of grapes.
Colitis is a disease that causes inflammation in the intestines and other areas of the body. A person with colitis can have frequent flare ups that involve gastrointestinal distress, cramping, body aches, exhaustion and diarrhea with bleeding that can be overpowering. Colitis patients have a real struggle trying to find foods that are beneficial to their systems. The over active immune system of the colitis patient and daily bouts of diarrhea coupled with blood loss during an active flare up drain the body of major nutritional needs, such as iron and vitamin B-12.
Misconceptions
There is no set diet for a person that lives with colitis. Individual colitis patients struggle with specific foods. Each person with colitis finds that certain foods trigger cramps and diarrhea. These triggers can even change, meal by meal. Diets that claim to be structured for colitis patients may very well work for some people, but not all.
Identification
It is important for people with colitis to meet their basic nutritional needs. It is good to eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours during waking hours. Do not be surprised if you wake up hungry during the night, especially after a day with an over active bowel. Drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day is essential because colitis can be a very dehydrating condition. In general a person in good health should have 25 grams of fiber a day. Colitis patients should consume 20 grams of refined fiber a day. During a flare up, it is good to eat 2 grams of fiber per serving of low fiber foods. Refined fiber foods include white breads, white rice and white pastas. Basic nutritional needs include low fat dairy products with calcium and vitamin D, lean meat and proteins. Eat poultry, fish, canned fruit and cooked vegetables as tolerated. When the body is not involved in an active flare up, add tomatoes, oranges, cooked greens, potassium rich bananas, soy beans and grapefruit into your diet. Some individuals with colitis find that acidic fruits and juices cause them discomfort, so start with a segment or two of an orange with a meal to see if you can tolerate it. You may need to supplement with vitamin C tablets. A colitis patient should try to bring good bacteria into the intestinal system with yogurts, buttermilk, acidophilus and the flavored liquid yogurt like drink, kefir. It is wise for a colitis patient to keep a food diary. Record daily intake of foods and try to pinpoint which ones cause symptoms. This is also helpful when you have a check up with your gastroenterologist. Make notations when you have symptoms, bouts of diarrhea, number of movements and if blood was present.
Prevention/Solution
A colitis patient must actively figure out what foods affect them. Certain foods are going to cause pain and symptoms. Milk products can cause cramping and diarrhea within minutes for some patients, while others are able to tolerate dairy products such as cheese and yogurt. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, apples, potato skins, dried fruit, nuts and beans can be sources or triggers for painful symptoms. In general the peelings are the trigger as roughage or fiber can cause gas. Caffeine can increase loss of fluids in your system and should be avoided. A colitis patient should also avoid high fiber whole wheat breads, cereals, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Beets should be omitted from the diet during a flare up. They can cause stools to be red, which masks any blood that could show up. It is advisable to have foods with high iron content in your diet when you can tolerate them. It is another factor to record in the food diary. Avoid artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol, as they are known to cause diarrhea in people who do not have colitis and could cause further complications for a colitis sufferer.
Considerations
In colitis patients, the bowel evacuates foods before much of the nutritional value can be absorbed into the system. There are times that the active episodes will leave you feeling drained and cold. Hot drinks and white toast can help gain some strength and warmth until you are able to eat more substantive foods. There is a possibility of weight loss with flare ups. You may also experience an unending appetite when you are on prednisone so you must also be careful with food intake.
Warning
The person with colitis may need supplements. Your doctor may prescribe iron tablets and vitamin B-12 shots to help. B-12 deficiency and leaves patients susceptible to falls and serious injury. You may need to seek out the professional advice of a nutritionist that works with colitis and people with Crohn's disease. The American Dietetic Association has a link at their website where you can search for a nutritionist within your area code. Make sure the individual you choose is familiar with the condition and has worked with colitis patients.
The soup diet was supposedly designed by a hospital to help cardiac patients lose weight fast just before surgery, and it has been referred to by many hospital and other names. No medical center, however, endorses it, "The New York Times" reports. Its main component is an extremely low-calorie vegetable soup, which is eventually supplemented with a limited selection of other foods. Its intended to trigger substantial (10 to 17 pounds) of weight loss per week, but it isnt safe to adhere to for more than a week.
Composition
Although numerous variations of the soup have been touted over time, according to the Lose-Weight-With-Us website, the basic recipe calls for a handful of different vegetables (the chief one being cabbage), to which other ingredients are added over several days.
The dieter can eat as much soup as desired and can add fruits and vegetables during the first three days . Beef is added on the fifth day, and brown rice and fruit juice appear on the seventh day. (See the first link in the References section for a specific list of ingredients and cooking instructions.)
Limitations
Dont plan on maintaining this regimen for more than a week because the diet is extremely low in calories and nutrients. Following it for more than seven days will lead to serious malnutrition. In "The New York Times" article, dietitian Paula Posner criticized the diet, saying, "... theres no balance. Not enough protein on a regular daily basis and it doesnt change your habits. Accepting the diet as an only short-term weight-loss approach may not be hard for many people to accept, in any case. The American Heart Association, which disapproves of the diet, points out that severely food-restricting diets are so monotonousthat its almost impossible to stay on them for long periods.
People with diabetes or other dietary requirements should consult a doctor before embarking on the diet, Lose-Weight-With-Us warns. The soups high salt content also may make it unsuitable for people with high blood pressure.
Results
If followed faithfully, this very-low-calorie diet will cause loss of 10 or more pounds during the week you're on it, but much of this represents loss of water and muscle, not fat. Also, that rate of weight loss isn't sustainable because very-low-calorie diets cause the body to go into starvation mode. To conserve calories, it slows the metabolism and begins storing the calories as fat, rather than burning them for energy. Because the diet doesn't teach dieters how to eat right, as people resume a more normal diet, they quickly regain the pounds they lost, a LoseWeight.intervalinc.com article says.
Fungus lives naturally in the colon, digestive tract and externally. Though there are a number of types of fungus, the most prevalent one is candida albicans. At times, candida albicans can over-proliferate in the body because of an overuse of antibiotics, corticosteroids, poor diet or stress. Consequently, someone can get adverse symptoms such as migraines, gastritis, joint pain and even autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia. A fungus diet is recommended to alleviate the condition before a person gets sicker.
Foods Not To Eat On A Fungus Diet
When someone has a severe candida overgrowth they should eliminate gluten and sugar from their diet. Candida albicans feeds on sugar and gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat. Most commercial products such as bread, pasta, cereal, cookies, snack foods and milk contain gluten. Removing gluten from your diet will require you to eat substitute foods instead of your favorite bread or pasta. There are brown rice substitutes for most of these products. There are also breads and crackers that are made of almonds, hazelnut and pecans. Adhering to a gluten-free diet will eliminate most sugar from your diet. You should also limit your fruit to one or two a day because of their sugar content.
Foods To Eat
Chicken, beef, turkey, fish, pork, legumes, beans, brown rice, potatoes, yams, vegetables and fruits do not contain gluten. Neither do certain grains such as millet, amaranth, quinoa, kamut, basmati rice, buckwheat and besan. You can usually add oatmeal and corn products after the first week although they do have traces of gluten and sugar. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables because they contain digestive enzymes that can kill the excess fungus. They also contain many vitamins and minerals. You might consider juicing with vegetables to improve assimilation. People with fungus problems typically have fecal impaction that blocks certain nutrients from entering the bloodstream. Juicing will help you bypass the digestive process entirely. Common vegetables used in juicing are carrots, cucumbers, kale, spinach, onions radishes, parsley and cabbage. Fruits are also high in nutrients. They are also natural laxatives which can alleviate any constipation problems from candida overgrowth. Pineapples, kiwi, strawberries, bananas, melons and mangoes are some fruits you can use to juice. Stick with one or two them a day. You could also add a fruit to your vegetable drink for flavoring.
Other Foods, Herbs & Spices To Eat Or Drink
Sugar-free yogurt is another good food for a fungus diet. Yogurt contains cultures or probiotics which can replenish the natural bacteria in your colon and digestive tract. Other foods that can kill fungus are garlic, virgin coconut oil, ginger, senna, Paul d'Arco tea, oregano, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract. You can use oregano on external fungus infections like the toes.
No one person is accredited for discovering the weight-loss benefits of the cabbage soup diet, but it became popular among dieters in the 1980s. It is a low-fat, low-calorie restrictive diet.
Significance
The cabbage soup diet is significant because dieters must follow an itinerary consisting mainly of cabbage soup, water, fruit and a vegetable.
Function
Followers of this diet plan will loose weight quickly while staying full.
Considerations
Consider following the cabbage soup diet to lose excess water weight. It is designed to be a short-term diet plan.
Time Frame
The weight-loss program is designed for a seven-day period. It is not recommended to exceed this diet for more than 10 consecutive days.
Warning
The cabbage soup diet is high in sodium and has very little protein. Light-headedness is a common side effect because of the lack of protein.
Arthralgia, drawing from the Greek roots "arthro" (joint) and "algos" (pain), means joint pain. Thus polyarthralgia, with the prefix "poly," means pain in several joints. Polyarthralgia is one of the signs that indicates the progression to polyarthralgia arthritis.
What Is Polyarthralgia Arthritis?
As polyarthralgia is a symptom of arthritis, as well as being non-inflammatory (arthritis is inflammatory), polyarthralgia arthritis can be defined as arthritis with polyarthralgia as one of its symptoms.
Causes
The causes of polyarthralgia arthritis are numerous and are wide of range. However, sports injuries are among the best known causes of the condition.
Symptoms
Pain in two or more joints is the defining characteristic of polyarthralgia arthritis. Other symptoms include some swelling and stiffness of the joints affected, as well as redness.
Treatment
Treatment of polyarthralgia arthritis varies according to cause. It may involve prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, or it might be serious enough to require surgery.
Significance
When polyarthralgia becomes inflammatory, it has morphed into polyarthralgia arthritis, and thus has become a more serious condition. It is essential to treat polyarthralgia before it gets to such a stage.
Today we live in a world where the Atkins and South Beach diets are touted as successful ways to lose weight. Both diets eliminate all carbohydrates in their first stage. Dr. Arthur Agatston, founder of the South Beach diet, admitted to TIME Magazine that when dieters returned to eating regularly after following his program, they would most likely regain their lost weight. Carbohydrates play an essential role in the diet, supplying the body with fuel and boosting glucose levels. However, not all carbs act the same. Some carbs will raise blood sugar levels higher and faster than others, which is important for post-workout snacks and people suffering from hypoglycemia. These blood-sugar-raising carbohydrates are known as fast-acting carbs.
Process
While all carbs raise blood sugar, fast-acting carbs will work more quickly than slow-acting carbs. It is easier for the body to convert them into glucose. Glucose is quickly digested in the stomach. It then travels to the small intestine and is absorbed by the bloodstream. Once the glucose enters the bloodstream, the entire body can utilize its energy.
More often than not, simple sugars, which are made up of the simplest molecular structure, break down more quickly than complex sugars, which have longer molecular chains. However, this is not always the case. Potatoes, which contain complex chain molecules, are digested quickly. The molecular chain has so many branches that it can be broken down easily.
Types
Some fast-acting carbs are potatoes, white bread, non-diet soda, power drinks, raisins, milk, lifesavers, fruit juice, sticky white rice, cake frosting, jelly beans and spaghetti. Any food containing sugar, honey or corn syrup is a fast acting-carb. It is also possible to purchase glucose tablets and gels.
Uses
Fast-acting carbs can be consumed after a workout. This will spike your insulin levels and direct maximum blood flow to your muscles, allowing them to get more nutrients and begin repair.
For people who suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it is important to always carry a supply of fast-acting carbs. The symptoms of low blood sugar include heart palpitations, fatigue, hunger, sweating, trembling and confusion. Once you begin to feel these effects, you should consume 10-15 grams of fast-acting carbs. If after 15 minutes, your blood sugar levels are still too low (under 70 mg/dl), consume another 15 grams of fast-acting carbs. Repeat this until your blood sugar levels are stable.
Muscle pain is typically not considered an indication that thyroid levels are out of balance. Although muscle pain can be due to a variety of causes, thyroid levels should be considered, along with other symptoms, to decide if the thyroid gland is involved. By understanding this relationship and other symptoms related to thyroid disorders, you will be better prepared to discuss your condition with your physician.
Endocrine Myopathy
Myopathy is a term used to describe a muscle that is producing symptoms of pain, cramps, tenderness, weakness and spasms. According to a 2007 study by Wayne E. Anderson, DO, California Pacific Medical Center, malfunctions in the endocrine system often produce muscle pain. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and when it does not produce enough thyroid hormones, you can suffer metabolism and circulation problems, which contribute to muscle weakness. Additionally, an excessive amount of thyroid hormones can cause similar muscle weakness and pain.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the term used when the thyroid gland is working below normal and not producing adequate thyroid hormones to keep the body healthy. Muscle pain and spasms are included in symptoms of hypothyroidism. Unexplained weight gain, constipation, depression, fatigue and menstrual cycle changes are also symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's Disease
When the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system the condition is called Hashimoto's disease, and often leads to hypothyroidism if untreated. This slowly progressive disease displays many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism as well as pain and tenderness in the shoulders and hips. Muscle spasms and pain and swelling and stiffness in the joints are also common symptoms.
Miscellaneous Causes
There are other possible causes for muscle pain that may not be related to the thyroid. Calcium and magnesium play an important role in muscle nerve transmission and low levels in the blood can bring on muscle pain. Infections such as malaria, polio, lupus and Lyme disease also cause muscle pain. Some drugs such as statins and ACE inhibitors cause muscle pain as a side effect.
If you are considering going on a diet, you may want some help and advice on how to do it. While you may be looking for a program, you may not want to spend the money on commercial diet programs. Commercial dieting programs can be expensive. Many weight loss and exercise programs are available for free that can help you achieve your goals.
Instructions
1
Visit your doctor. Talk with them about what a healthy weight for you would be and measures you need to take to get there. Discuss what type of exercise is best for you. In addition, talk with your doctor on calculating what you body mass index is and steps that can be taken to decrease it. While you are at the doctor's office, write down your weight.
2
Calculate how many calories you need to consume in order to lose weight. A resource to help you with this is MyPyramid.gov. This government-owned website is free and will help you in determining you daily caloric intake.
3
Create a diet plan that will help you track your calories and nutrition intake. Many free websites are similar to paid weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers. Some that are free are MyPyramid Menu Planner, Free Online Health and My Fitness Pal. Links to these websites are listed in the Resources section. If you do not have a computer or Internet connection at home, visit your local library. Most libraries will provide you access to a computer and Internet connection.
4
Look through your television channels to see if there are exercise shows that would be a good fit with your exercise program, based on the discussion you had with your doctor. If they are on while you are at work or unavailable, record them through a digital video recording (DVR) feature or use another method such as a VCR.
5
Browse the video collection at your local library if you do not have channels that feature exercise programs. Many libraries allow you to check out videos for free.
Protein is an essential part of every diet because it wards off disease and keeps your body functioning properly. Protein is found in many sources, and salmon is a healthy option due to its status as a complete protein and its low percentage of saturated fat.
How Many Grams of Protein Does Salmon Have?
Six ounces of grilled or broiled salmon has 34 grams of protein, or more than half of your daily intake if you are 140 pounds. To calculate your daily protein requirement, add 8 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight.
Salmon is a Complete Protein
All fish, including salmon, contains complete protein. Animals and animal products are the only source of protein that is complete, or not missing essential amino acids.
Salmon Contains "Healthy Fats"
Of the sources of complete protein, seafood is often a better choice than meat because it is naturally lower in saturated fat and higher in unsaturated fat.
Salmon Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Another benefit of choosing salmon as a protein source is it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to health and development.
Warning
Salmon should not be your only source of protein, as it contains mercury.
The chicken soup diet, sometimes known as the chicken diet, involves a very strict plan designed to help you lose weight quickly. This diet should not be followed for more than seven days at a time since it is extremely low in calories. However, if practiced correctly, participants can lose up to 10 pounds. With any diet or fitness plan, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to go on the chicken soup diet. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1 You may eat bagels on this diet but only whole-wheat varieties.
Start your day with one of the five breakfast options that are allowed on the diet.
Breakfast One:
1 cup nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup fruit
wheat germ
Breakfast Two:
1 cup ricotta cheese with 1/2 tsp. sugar and a dash of cinnamon
2 pieces whole-grain toast
3 dried figs
Breakfast Three:
1-1/2 cup Total cereal
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup orange juice
Breakfast Four:
1/2 cup prune juice
1 whole-wheat bagel
1 oz. nonfat cheese
Breakfast Five:
1-1/2 cups cooked Wheatena cereal
1/2 cup skim milk
2
Prepare the chicken soup in the morning on your first day of the diet. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add parsnips, celery, turnip, jalapeo pepper, garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are crisp yet tender. Add the chicken broth and the cooked chicken. Add the frozen carrots, frozen broccoli, frozen collard greens or spinach, frozen chopped onions, lemon juice and dill. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, and allow the soup to simmer for about five minutes. This recipe will make about 26 cups of soup.
3
Eat a serving of soup as often as you wish during the seven days you are on the diet. You must eat one of the five recommended breakfasts to ensure you get enough grains, fruit and dairy each day. After breakfast, however, you should eat only soup until the next morning. Drink plenty of water or lightly sweetened tea to stay hydrated. Consider taking a multivitamin since this diet regiment is unlikely to provide you with all of the vitamins and minerals you require.
