How to Lose Weight Using Weights

Using weights to achieve weight loss is far more rewarding than losing weight through calorie reduction alone. Working out with weights transforms your body into a calorie-burning machine, making it healthier, stronger and leaner. Eating a healthy diet provides you with the nutrients needed to hasten the progress toward your ultimate goal.

Instructions

1

Get advice on proper form and technique from a personal trainer, recommends MayoClinic.com. If you are new to using weights, even if you have previous experience, discuss your weight-training goals with a professional and learn how to avoid injury and reduce the potential for sprains, fractures and the possible development of future physical problems.

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Choose an alternative method for learning proper form and technique without the expense of visiting a personal trainer. Purchase weight-training videos developed by popular physical fitness experts, like Jillian Michaels' "Shred-It With Weights," or Tom Venuto's ebook, "Burn the Fat," to learn correct form and avoid injury while working out. Another alternative is Exercise4WeightLoss.com, which offers free fitness videos online.

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Use weights to increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR), the minimum number of calories required to keep all bodily processes functioning in a state of rest. Working out with weights enables you to increase lean tissue mass (muscle), which is what stimulates the increase in your BMR and the number of calories burned each day -- without dieting. Even at rest, you will continue to burn more calories. Metabolically active tissue (muscle) burns more calories than any other type of body tissue. Tom Venuto, in Iron Magazine online, says, "Low calorie dieting and aerobic training without weight lifting can make you lose muscle," which slows down your metabolism.

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Use weights to increase and prolong fat burning. In 2007, the "Journal of Applied Physiology" published a study that linked elevated fat loss to weight-training exercises. Tests performed on study participants following performance of weight-training exercises, such as chest presses, lateral pull downs, leg presses, shoulder presses, leg extensions and leg curls, revealed that increased fat burning continued for 40 minutes after the participants had finished their workouts.

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Choose weights you can lift 12 to 15 times without incurring muscle stress, recommends MayoClinic.com. Begin with one to three sets of 12 repetitions. Increase the size of your weights and the number of sets as your strength increases. Exercise two to three times a week, with each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Use free weights, such as dumbbells, home gyms, which provide resistance weights, and elastic tubing to force contraction of your muscles and increase lean tissue mass as you continue your workouts.

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Perform a full-body workout for each session or work specific muscle groups on alternate days. For example, you may choose to work your upper body muscles -- arms and shoulders -- on Monday, your abdomen and back on Wednesday and your lower body muscles -- legs and buttocks -- on Friday. Allow one day in between sessions to give your muscles a rest.

Ensure Vs. Boost Nutrition Drink

Nutritional drinks help provide dietary elements that may not be consumed during the day's meals. For some, nutritional drinks are used as a substitute for actual meals due to time constraints or old age. You may use nutritional drinks to fill in the gaps that your meals do not cover. Two of the nutritional drink options available are Boost and Ensure, both of which offer multiple products in their line.

Products

Boost and Ensure both offer multiple types of nutritional drinks. Boost sells their standard drink, Kids Essentials, Boost Plus for gaining weight, Boost High Protein and Glucose Control for diabetic consumers. Ensure offers their standard nutrition shake, Ensure Plus for weight gain or maintenance, Bone Health, Immune Health, Muscle Health and Clinical Strength for increasing overall health. All Boost and Ensure products come in eight ounce plastic containers with twist off plastic lids.

Ingredients

The standard Ensure nutritional drink primarily contains water, corn maltodextrin, sugar, corn syrup and milk protein. Other ingredients include cocoa powder to give a chocolate taste, soy oil, soy protein isolate and canola oil. The regular Boost drink has water, sugar, corn syrup solids, milk protein concentrate and vegetable oil that includes canola, sunflower and corn. The Boost nutritional drink also has a chocolate flavor due to cocoa and alkali.

Other Flavors and Directions

Aside from the standard chocolate, the Ensure drink also comes in vanilla, milk chocolate, strawberries and cream, butter pecan and coffee latte flavors. The regular Boost nutritional drink comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors. Both types of drinks should be kept in a refrigerator to stay cold.

Nutritional Contents and Calories

The Boost drink includes 10 grams of protein and 300 grams of calcium, while the Ensure drink has nine grams of protein and 300 grams of calcium. The Boost drink has 60 milligrams of vitamin C, while the Ensure drink has 30 milligrams of vitamin C. The Ensure drink has just under one gram of fiber, while fiber is not included in the Boost drink. The Boost drink has 240 calories and four grams of fat. Ensure's nutritional drink has 250 calories and six grams of fat.

How to Detox With a Multivitamin

According to BodyHealth.com, an online drugstore, the body is exposed to foreign chemicals every day. Fish is laced with mercury, red meat often contains antibiotics and hormones, the air is polluted and water contains impurities. These toxins build up. The Mayo Clinic's Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., states that while not completely proven, detox diets can rid the body of these toxins by flushing, improve concentration, general health and aid weight loss. The problem is that the body strips itself of nutrients in this diet, so a multivitamin becomes key. This diet should only be used for a short time, preferably 24 to 72 hours.

Instructions

1

Consult a physician to be sure your body is capable of handling an "extreme" diet, such as a juice cleanse. Create a fasting journal where you outline your day into five sections: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner. Write "multivitamin" in your breakfast sections every day and check your label to make sure if you can take it without food.

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Take your multivitamin and drink water. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Zeratsky warns that dehydration is a risk involved in fasts and cleanses. Avoid the risk of eating protein or carbohydrates on this fast, as the multivitamin is loaded with folic acid. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, eating cereal or protein bars while taking a multivitamin can overload your body with too much of a good thing.

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Drink a glass of all natural, pulp-free fruit juice in the morning. Drink water in addition. If you feel the need to chew, try freezing fruit juice and blending it into a smoothie.

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Snack with a cup of broth, which is low in calories, easy on digestion and full of flavor. Remain calm through any hunger pains. According to Detoxforlife.com, dieting can cause hunger pangs and swinging blood sugar levels. Chromium in your supplement helps use fat and retards fluctuating blood sugar levels.

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Drink more water and fruit juice for lunch. As a general rule, for every five to eight glasses of water your drink, have a cup of broth to replenish lost electrolytes through intense hydration.

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Snack by having another fruit juice frozen smoothie. To keep yourself interested, try mixing different juices to find your favorite blend. Have dinner before it gets dark by having broth, fruit juice and some more water. Keep yourself to strictly water after dinner.

Tips to Lose Weight in 3 Months

Three months is a healthy time frame to lose weight. Although the amount of weight a person can lose varies per individual, eating healthy foods, planning meals, working out, and having support and reward systems are methods that may help shed the pounds faster. Keep in mind that losing weight and keeping it off is a lifestyle choice. Aim to lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week, which in three months should be around 12 to 24 pounds total. Does this Spark an idea?

Create a Weekly Workout Plan

It takes a few weeks to see results from any exercise plan. The USDA recommends 60 to 90 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity at least five days a week to lose weight. In your first six weeks, aim to have at least three aerobic activity days and two to three toning/weight-lifting days. This time can be spent in a gym, at home or outdoors. In the next six weeks, choose different types of aerobic exercise and toning sessions and lift heavier weights. Exercise tapes are also a good way to get your exercise and come in aerobics, toning and weight-lifting varieties. Mix and match these into your regimen. Aerobic exercises include running, walking, dancing, hiking, stair climbing and biking. Toning includes Pilates and yoga.

Join a Weight Loss Support Program

There are many free online weight loss programs with nutrition, exercise and lifestyle suggestions and plans. Do an online search to see which ones fit your lifestyle and budget. One of the benefits of an online program is blogging and participating in online membership forums to share your progress. Most websites offer calorie information, which can be used for meal planning. If being online is not a possibility, research community weight loss programs, or start one of your own. Starting a weight loss group is as simple as meeting with friends and family who want to lose weight on a weekly or daily basis, and following a plan. Visit your local library and read books about proper nutrition and exercise tips and share these resources with your group.

Plan Every Meal

Whether eating out or preparing meals, plan what you put in your mouth. Do some research online or at a library about calorie intake for your body weight and plan your meals around your allotted amount. A good starting point is to keep caloric intake to 1,500 to 1,800 a day. Start at 1,800 and slowly move down to 1,500 calories a day. Treat yourself once a week to a favorite meal that goes a little beyond your calorie allowance.

Reward Yourself

Set weight loss goals and milestones and reward yourself when you have achieved them. For example, your overall weight loss goal for three months may be to lose 20 pounds. So reward yourself with a favorite piece of clothing or a good book for every 5 pounds lost.

Receding Gum Prevention

Dental health is an important part of overall health. One way to keep teeth and gums in good shape is to prevent receding gums. When gums recede, it reveals the root of the tooth and can make teeth vulnerable to decay, which can lead to tooth loss. There are ways to prevent gums from receding and it's possible to reverse some gum loss with the proper dental care.

Causes

There are several causes for receding gums, including aging, defective fillings, diseases such as diabetes and some medications, such as oral contraceptives. Tobacco use and eating a poor diet can lead to receding gums. Crooked teeth can also cause gums to recede. Receding gums are most often caused by periodontal disease. This condition begins when plaque buildup on teeth and gums, caused by bacteria, isn't removed daily. This irritates and inflames gums. There are two stages of this disease: the more severe form, periodontitis and the reversible stage, gingivitis. Another of the most common causes of receding gums is brushing teeth too aggressively. According to WorlDental.org, a dental health magazine, two out of three people brush too hard, pushing the gums away from the teeth.

Prevention

There are ways to prevent receding gums. Most important is to see a dentist for regular dental hygiene. Experts recommend seeing your dentist every six months. A dentist can check your gums to see if they are receding. A dentist can also help correct any crooked teeth. At home, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don't brush too hard. The California Dental Association also recommends that brushers stick to small, circular strokes or short strokes back and forth. Brush at least each morning and each evening, but after every meal if you can. Be sure to brush for two to three minutes each time.
Be sure to include your tongue when you brush, gently running your toothbrush from the back to the front a couple of times to help remove bacteria.
It is also important to floss daily. Be sure not to push the floss into the gum line too harshly; this can also injure gums. Don't forget to floss behind your back teeth.
Eat a balanced diet. Avoid sugary foods such as cookies, candy and pie. Hard candies stay in the mouth a long time so avoid those. Also limit starchy foods such as crackers and bread sticks, as they tend to stick to teeth. Choose sugar-free gum to chew.
Following these recommendations with those of your dentist can help restore gums to a healthy state.

How to Make Zippy Diet Salad Dressing

Try this tasty salad dressing that will add flavor to your salads and zap your taste buds. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Pour all ingredients together into a jar.

2

Screw lid on tightly, and shake well to mix thoroughly.

3

Pour into cruet for serving.

The Best Fishes for Eating

For meals typically filled with beef, pork and chicken, fish can provide a welcome alternative to an ordinary fare. In addition to providing variety, fish also can help fill important nutritional gaps. Fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines contain nutrients that may be capable of reducing inflammation, building strong bones and lowering cancer risks.

Wild, Atlantic Salmon

A fatty fish, salmon packs a significant dose of healthy fat. One 3 oz. serving of wild Atlantic salmon, for example, contains more than 2gm of omega-3 fatty acids, according to NutritionData.com. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower inflammation, reduce chances of depression and maintain heart health, according to Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Salmon is also an excellent protein source. Each serving of Atlantic salmon contains around 22 grams of protein.

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Six ounces of canned albacore tuna may contain up to around 1.35gm of omega-3 fatty acids, according to WHFoods. Tuna also contains vitamin D. Vitamin D, according to HealthyTuna.com, helps the body build strong bones by helping calcium and phosphorous. A link may also exist between vitamin D and cancer prevention.

Sardines

Like albacore tuna, sardines also assist the body in building strong bones, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Sardines contain both significant amounts of vitamin D and calcium. Sardines also come with a good amount of selenium and vitamin B12, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Choosing Fish

When purchasing fresh fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that consumers look for signs of freshness such as clear eyes, tight scales and springy flesh. Fillets should appear shiny and compact. The FDA notes that fillets may lose some glossiness if previously frozen. If this occurs, the fillet is still safe to consume. Frozen and canned fish are viable alternatives to fresh fish. Consumers need to check frozen fish to see if the pieces were tightly sealed and have an absence of ice crystals.

Considerations

Unfortunately, some fish are contaminated with toxins, such as mercury. The FDA advises young children and women who are pregnant or nursing to take precautions when consuming fish. Mercury may impair nervous system development. The FDA recommends 12 oz. of fish per week. Consumers need to avoid fish high in mercury, like shark and tilefish. According to the EDF, sardines and Alaskan wild salmon contain low amounts of contaminants.

How Many Calories a Day Should You Eat to Lose Weight?

Everybody is made differently, so there is no universal amount of calories that you can eat each day to lose weight. In order to know how many calories you should eat a day, you need to know your body rather well. Once you calculate your metabolic rate and understand your physical activity, then you can begin calculating how many calories you should eat. But even when you do this, take some exercise into consideration, as this will help you lose weight in a faster and healthier fashion.

Average Calorie Intake

Most people eat about 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day, but fewer or less may be needed depending on each person. There are many factors that determine how many calories you should eat each day. Your gender, age, height, weight and physical activity are all major factors you have to consider. The idea behind losing weight is to eat less calories a day than your body needs for simple living. This is called your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR).

Basal Metabolic Rate

The BMR is the rate at which you burn calories while performing daily functions like sleeping and breathing. These are the calories your body needs just to lay down all day. This is the largest factor in understanding how many calories you need to eat to maintain, gain or lose weight in a healthy way.

There are several different formulas that are used to calculate BMR since it is based on a number of factors, like age, sex, weight and height. You can go online and find a BMR calculator that will do this calculation for free. Here is an accurate formula that is widely used.

Men: BMR = 66 + (13.7 X weight in kg) + (5 X height in cm) - (6.8 X age in years)

Women: BMR = 655 + (9.6 X weight in kg) + (1.8 X height in cm) - (4.7 X age in years)

After you find your BMR, you're going to want to take your daily activity into account to get a more accurate reading. Use this formula:

Activity Multiplier
Sedentary = BMR X 1.2 (little or no exercise, desk job)
Lightly active = BMR X 1.375 (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/wk)
Mod. active = BMR X 1.55 (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/wk)
Very active = BMR X 1.725 (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days/wk)
Extr. active = BMR X 1.9 (hard daily exercise/sports & physical job or 2X day training, i.e marathon, contest etc.)

Here's an example to make things less complicated:
-30 year old woman
-150 pounds
- 5'6''
- No exercise

BMR = 655 + (9.6 X 68kg) + (1.8 X 167.64 cm) - (4.7 X 30 yrs)
655 + (652.8) + (301.752) - (141) = 1468
Activity Multiplier = 1468 (BMR) x 1.2 (sedentary) = 1762

This person uses 1762 calories a day for routine maintenance.

How to Lose Weight

Now it's the easy part. In order to lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories a day than your BMR. About 3,500 calories equals 1 pound of body weight. So if you want to lose 1 pound in a week, you should eat 500 fewer calories each day. A person who has a BMR of 1,762 should eat about 1,262 calories a day if she wants to lose weight.

You can also increase your activity rate to help you lose weight. A person who is eating 500 fewer calories a day can also add a workout routine that burns another 500 calories a day. This will help you lose weight faster and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You shouldn't eat less than 1,200 calories a day without consulting your doctor first.

How to Lose Weight by Walking Fast

Walking fast is aerobic exercise that burns fat and helps people to lose weight. However, many people go outside in good weather and never move faster than a leisurely stroll. All physical activity is good, but to really burn fat and lose weight a person needs to walk fast enough to be exercising aerobically.

Instructions

1

Lose Weight with a Sensible Diet and Regular Exercise

Most of us want to lose weight -- some a little, many more a lot. Diet and exercise are the two main tools at our disposal. Getting eating under control and obtaining proper nutrition from fewer calories are the key diet strategies. The key exercise strategies are mainly to burn a lot of fat through aerobic exercise and to maintain and build muscle through strength training.

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Choose Walking as Your Main Aerobic Exercise

Walking is cheap and can be done by virtually everyone. It is also relatively injury-free. After obtaining approval from your doctor, start gradually walking 10 minutes at a time once or twice a day. Get your muscles and cardiorespiratory system accustomed to the effort first. Walk five or six days a week. Follow this gradual light walking exercise as you ready yourself for more effort to lose weight.

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Choose a Safe Place for Your Walking

You can walk indoors at a mall, gym or your home. Or you can walk outside weather permitting. Do not walk outside in the dark. There are many videos available for walking in your home to help you lose weight. See the Resources section for a link to 10 top rated walking videos.

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Follow a Progressive Walking Program

Gradually extend the duration of your walks until you are walking for 60 minutes a day, five or more days a week. Once you can comfortably walk for 60 minutes, gradually pick up the pace until you are walking aerobically, that is with an elevated heart rate and sighing respiration.

You should never be gasping for air or have your pulse racing. Back off the pace if you get out of breath, and stop if you feel any sort of pain or get lightheaded or dizzy. Walking for 60 minutes and picking up your pace will really help you lose weight.

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Learn to Walk Fast

"Fitness walking" is walking fast enough to cover a mile every 15 minutes. That's walking at 4.0 MPH and you would cover 4 miles at that pace in one hour. Over time you may be able to cover a mile in 12 to 14 minutes -that's really fast walking. Walking fast involves your upper body, too as your arm swing naturally moves to nearly 90. As you achieve fitness you will see your efforts to lose weight become ever more successful because your body will be trained to efficiently burn fat and many calories.

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Include Warm-up and Cool-Down Time

It is very important that you gradually warm up your cardiorespiratory system and muscles before you go aerobic. Spend at lease five to ten minutes walking slowly before you start on your 60-minute aerobic walk. Then spend about five minutes in slow walking to cool down your body after your aerobic walk.

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See the Resources section for more articles on walking and weight loss. Good luck!

How to Eat With Dentures

Whether you have complete dentures that replace all of your teeth or partial dentures, it may at first be difficult to eat. One you get accustomed to it, they will be a great benefit to your health. If you lost your natural teeth due to decay or disease, you'll be able to talk and eat without any problems once you have dentures.

Instructions

1

Start with soft foods that are easy to chew. You may want to start with a liquid diet, according to the American Dental Association.

2

Cut your food into pieces and take small bites.

3

Eat slowly. Put even amounts of foods on both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures stable while you chew.

4

Drink lots of fluids during your meals. This will help ease chewing with the dentures.

5

As your gums begin to heal, eat foods that you can bite off. Press the food against the back teeth on the upper denture to stabilize it, suggests Dr. Dan Peterson, a dentist in Nebraska. Try to ease into foods you can bite off, such as corn on the cob and bread.

6

Be cautious with hot foods or hard foods. Avoid sticky things.

About the 1200 Calorie High Protein Diet

The amount of protein an individual needs is based on her weight. To calculate this number, divide your weight by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. Then multiply that number by .8 to arrive at the grams of protein you need each day. For this exercise, a 150 lb. woman needs at least 55 g of protein per day. If she's following a 1,200-calorie plan, then she is planning to lose weight by minimizing her intake of carbohydrates and fat.

Breakfast

If you aim to consume only 1,200 calories throughout the day, choose foods that are nutritionally dense. Breakfast is a must because it provides the fuel to start your day. Choose a cereal with a high-protein content and a serving of milk. One cup of Kashi Go Lean cereal (140 calories) provides 13 g of protein along with fiber and vitamins. A 1/2 cup of skim milk adds 3 g of protein and 34 calories.

Mid-Morning Snack

Snacks are important because you need to continually fuel your body throughout the day. If you eat breakfast at 7 a.m. and don't grab lunch until 12:30 p.m., your blood sugar levels will drop, and you will start to feel sluggish and have a hard time concentrating later in the morning. A banana is a nutritional powerhouse snack. It packs 110 calories with B vitamins, iron and fiber. It has 1 g of protein.

Lunch

Add zest to peanut butter and jelly. Add 2 tbsp. of almond honey spread (180 calories, 3 g of protein) to two slices of whole-wheat bread (140 calories, 8 g of protein). Throw on a 1/2 cup of strawberries (25 calories, trace protein) and 2 tbsp. of honey (128 calories, 0 protein) and then grill it over a low temperature for a delicious, nutritional sandwich that also packs essential vitamins and fiber. So far, you are at 747 calories for the day and 28 g of protein.

Afternoon Snack

Because your meals are high in protein, don't worry about your snacks having a lot of protein. Include vegetables for fiber, potassium and vitamin C in one of your snack breaks. One cup of sliced red peppers (30 calories, 1 g protein) can be dipped in 3 tbsp. of plain hummus (90 calories, 1 g protein). This brings your daily totals to 867 calories and 30 g of protein.

Dinner

A high-protein, low-calorie dinner would most likely include fish or chicken, vegetables and a small bit of carbohydrates and fat. A 4 oz. piece of baked halibut packs a whopping 30 g of protein in 160 calories. A 1/2 cup of instant brown rice for your carbohydrate quotient adds another 150 calories and 3 g of protein. Round out the meal with 1 cup of vibrant steamed broccoli and yellow zucchini for another 27 calories and trace amounts of protein. On this meal plan, you will have met your requirements for high protein and 1,200 calories in your food. Your grand total amounts to 1,204 calories and 63 g of protein.

The Effects of Special K

Ketamine hydrochloride, also known as Special K, is employed as a general anesthetic in veterinary medicine and for children or people with health issues. Distributed in liquid form in pharmaceutical bottles, ketamine is a Schedule III substance, like nitrous oxide and PCP. This controlled substance can cause a dissociative experience, in which perception and sensation split.

Low Doses

Clubgoers typically snort ketamine to achieve a soothing, dreamy state. As a low-level stimulant, ketamine will boost heart rate and blood pressure. Once the drug hits the blood stream, users notice the effects quickly. Users report the feeling of floating outside of their bodies, according to the Points of Health Project website. They also experience numbness in their arms and legs.

High Doses

Users that take high doses of ketamine experience the effects of a potent psychedelic drug, resembling a mix of marijuana, cocaine, nitrous oxide, opium and alcohol. A 100 mg dose of ketamine is enough to cause visual hallucinations, such as falling or flying, in which the mind disassociates from the body, says the Points of Health Project website. Referred to as the "K-hole," tripping on ketamine has been described as comparable to a near death experience and is paralyzing. Users typically stay seated or prone. While some users may enter a trance state, others may settle into strange bodily positions. A ketamine-induced trip lasts anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.

Side Effects

After taking ketamine, users may feel nauseous or even vomit. Some users feel drowsy, tired and achy, as if they have just come out from under a general anesthetic. Others feel vibrant and want to stretch or move their bodies. If the user has endured a potent ketamine experience, he may feel unbalanced and may not be able to recall the hallucinations from the trip.

Frequent Use

According to the BBC News, a team at the University College London conducted a spectrum of psychological and memory tests on 120 subjects. Habitual users of ketamine failed to recall conversations, names and patterns. Ketamine also impacts the liver via metabolism. If users combine protease inhibitors, which are prescribed for anti-HIV treatment, with ketamine, the mix can inflame the liver and lead to jaundice. Frequent use of ketamine can lead to addiction and cause various neuroses.

How Does a Jump Start Diet Work?

What is a Jump-Start Diet?

A jump-start diet isn't one particular diet plan: It's more like a pre-diet that is attached to a diet plan to speed the process and prepare the body for weight loss. The term "jump-start diet" usually refers to any special practice or preparation to lose weight that is done in the week before the diet actually begins.

Example of a Jump-Start Diet

Every jump-start diet progresses differently. The Flat Belly Diet, for example, is preceded by a 4-day jump start. Participants eat 400 calories less than they will on the actual diet; they eat special foods to reduce bloating; and they stay away from gas-inducing foods. After the 4 days are up, the dieters are less restricted. This is typical of jump-start diets.

Common Aspects

Most jump-start diets require you to consume very few calories, eat fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water for around a week's time.

Why Jump Start Diets Are Used

Any drastic cut in calories will lead to quick and dramatic weight loss. The theory behind a jump-start diet is that it sets you off at a quick pace, giving you the confidence to keep going with the diet.

The problem is that cutting calories so drastically confuses your metabolism. Instead of continuing to lose weight, your body decides you are starving and tries to save every pound. This is why many diets don't work.

Obesity Exercise Plan

Obesity is a leading cause of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and strokes. A healthy weight can be achieved with the appropriate combination of proper eating and exercise. Before beginning any exercise plan, it is imperative that you check with your doctor. She will perform tests and ask questions to determine your fitness level and activities you can perform. Remember that losing weight will not occur overnight. Following one, or several, exercise regimens daily will help you lose weight and maintain the loss.

Aerobic Exercise

This form of exercise burns calories and body fat, which is essential to weight loss. However, if you are severely obese (more than 100 pounds overweight), you may want to start with a low-impact aerobic program. As you begin to lose weight, your energy level will increase and you can begin more vigorous aerobic exercises.

Walking

Walking is probably the least expensive exercise you can do in order to lose weight. You need a good pair of socks, walking shoes and regular street clothes to start this exercise regimen. Start with as little as 15 minutes daily and add time as you build up your strength. Set a time for your walking and stick to it every day, rain or shine. Eventually you might even begin running and, with proper training, take part in a marathon in the future.

Resistance Training

Weight training provides the benefit of an increase in muscle mass. As your body builds muscle, you will burn more calories. Some women do not attempt weight or resistance training because they fear having large, bulging muscles. There are many weight training programs that provide a minor outward buildup of muscles but give the benefit of increasing your upper body strength. And women are not physiologically able to "bulk up" as men do, so unless you spend hours in the gym this shouldn't be a big concern.

Bicycling

Bicycling is a good exercise for those who do not like the impact of walking. Because you are in a sitting position, your feet will not hit the pavement. Measure correctly for a bicycle. Sit on the seat with the pedals in their lowest position. Your leg should extend almost completely. Be sure to purchase, and wear, a bicycle helmet.

Group or Individual

A group exercise program may be great for one person, yet embarrassing for another. It is important to find the style that you will continue to do for the rest of your life. As you lose weight, you might enjoy the added benefit of a group.

How to Lose Weight After Surgery

Losing weight after surgery can be very difficult. It is hard to lose weight when there is not the ability to be as active as you typically are.

Instructions

1

One way to make sure that you are losing weight is to closely monitor what you are eating and how you are being active. Being as active as possible without the possibility of being injured is always a good idea as there is no reason to become injured after surgery.

2

A good note is that any movement or activity that causes pain in the area or the area directly surrounding where you had surgery is not a good sign and should be discontinued. Just eat green leafy vegetables everyday if you find it hard to exercise or move around in the house.

3

Another good thing to do is to watch your intake and calorie consumption.

4

It is important to really watch what you are eating and to monitor that you are eating the right types of food for being less active. This typically means higher levels of fiber and less starches.

Special Diet for GERD

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and it is known by its primary symptom, which is heartburn. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle relaxes, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus. According to the National Institute for Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Disorders, this can lead to esophageal damage and esophagitis. Help reduce the symptoms of GERD by making a few dietary changes.

What To Avoid

A special diet for GERD is more about what to leave out than what to put in. As mentioned above, acid will enter the esophagus through the LES when it is relaxed, so one of the first dietary measures is to avoid foods that will have a relaxation effect on the muscle. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology in Pennsylvania, LES-irritating foods include certain fruits and fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, pineapple and tomato. Coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks, including soft drinks, can also irritate the lower esophagus.

McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois explains that there are also certain foods that can cause the LES to relax and lose pressure, which allows acid to back up and slows the emptying of the stomach. These foods to avoid are fatty foods, fried foods, garlic and onions, spicy foods, alcohol, peppermint and tomato products such as sauces.

Chocolate contains a compound called methylxanthine, which MHC explains relaxes smooth muscles, which makes it have the ability to reduce the pressure of the LES. Chocolate should also be avoided.

One interesting fact is a study published in the August 2006 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Sciences" that found that following a low-carb diet relieved GERD and its symptoms. Try lowering your intake of breads, pastas and other carbs to see if it helps relieve symptoms for you as well.

How to Lose Weight by Counting Calories

The upward trend of weight and obesity is becoming increasingly alarming in society. With people consuming more calories and living increasingly sedentary lifestyles, waistlines are expanding and weight-related health concerns are reaching epidemic proportions. Despite the countless fad diets that crop up, counting calories remains the most efficient way of safely losing weight, and is also the most sustainable in the long term. A healthy goal to aim for is 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week. Combining your calorie counting with exercise will result in the most effective weight lose regime.

Instructions

1

Decide how many calories you are going to consume for the day. This will depend on several factors, such as how quickly you would like to lose weight and how many calories you are burning through physical activity. In general, women should not consume fewer than 1200 calories per day and men should not consume fewer than 1800 calories per day.

2

Write out your meal plan for the next week. You can always tweak it later if necessary, however, it's good to have a basic plan to start with. Plan to have at least three meals and two snacks. Feeling deprived of food will make losing weight much more difficult. Make sure you are getting enough of each food group, especially fat and protein, which will help to keep you feeling full and satiated.

3

Use a journal, spreadsheet or other planner of your choice to track your daily intake. Remember to keep track of any extra snacks and beverages, including sodas and juice.

4

Write down the portion size you consume at each meal and snack. Measure or weigh your food when possible to get an exact calorie count. For packaged items, refer to the food's nutrition label. You may also consider investing in a calorie counting manual for caloric information.

5

Calculate your total caloric intake at the end of each day. Try to space your caloric consumption evenly throughout the day.

Diets to Lose Weight Fast for Men

Where weight loss is coupled with a deadline, there is no time for taking a haphazard or otherwise unproven approach to your dieting efforts. Whether there is money on the line or it is just a case of pride, only consider weight loss plans that have documented scientific proof of their effectiveness when looking to drop weight in a hurry. Although low-carb diets were rather slow to catch on with the scientific community, the most recent studies have determined that a low-carb approach is the fastest way to lock in guaranteed weight loss for men.

Low-Carb Approach

Consume a diet containing less than 30 grams of net carbs per day to lose weight in a hurry. This carb total is low enough to place your body into ketosis, which is a state in which your body will look to stored body fat as its primary energy source (as opposed to the blood sugar typically produced through carb intake). To further accelerate your dieting efforts, be sure to spread your carb total evenly across your daily meals. In other words, if you are eating six small meals a day, consume no more than five grams of carbs per meal to keep your blood sugar balanced throughout. Consume a majority of your carbs from leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce, as these items can help to keep your stomach feeling full even while you are in a massive caloric deficit. Round out your diet with plenty of lean protein and sources of natural fat such as nuts, seeds, oils and some animal fats as well.

Low-Carb Proof

Two separate studies both validate the low-carb approach for the fastest possible weight loss. The first of these studies was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (published in the May 2003 issue of the "New England Journal of Medicine"), while the second occurred at Christiana Care Health Services (published in the November 2003 issue of the "Mayo Clinic Proceedings"). These studies found that a low-carb approach resulted in faster weight loss than a low-fat diet while improving cholesterol markers to a more significant extent. An article published in April 2005 on the website ScienceDaily indicates that the likely answer the rapid low-carb weight loss is that individuals on a low-carb diet naturally regulate their intake, rarely overeating even when not asked to expressly count calories.

What Symptoms Does Advair Help?

Advair is a prescription drug that combines fluticasone and salmeterol. Advair is inhaled through a special device. Fluticasone is a steroid that helps control inflammation. Salmeterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles.

Inflammation

According to Drugs.com, Advair can help to prevent inflamed airways in the lungs that occur in many asthma patients.

Shortness of Breath

The prescribed use of Advair can improve breathing function in asthma patients who experience shortness of breath.

Asthma Attacks

Advair can prevent asthma attacks from occurring by improving the condition of the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Quick relief medications should be used at the time of an asthma attack; Advair should not be used during an attack.

COPD Flare-ups

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder patients can use Advair to prevent flare-ups of their underlying emphysema or bronchitis conditions.

Precautions

Patients with high blood pressure, heart disease or epilepsy may need special monitoring or dosage modifications if they use Advair. The growth rate of children can be affected by Advair.

Low Carb Diet Plan for Vegetarians

The secret to formulating a successful low carb diet plan for vegetarians is to focus on the cornucopia of foods available to build meals. There is no time to pine over what you cannot eat when there is a colorful array of tasty menu options awaiting your selection.

Stick to salads and you will miss some of the most pleasing and nutritious ingredients out there. Think of a diet change as the chance to grow, to expand your horizons and move into a new realm of culinary possibilities.

Protein

Focus on the abundant sources of low carb protein available to vegetarians. Most vegetarian low carb choices are also lower in calories than animal products.

Do not despair if you are vegan. You still have numerous protein options. Tofu and soy products in particular are good low carb choices and pair nicely with the acceptable (low carb) vegetables and spices. Nuts, nut butters and seeds are filling and provide healthy fats. Seaweed and wheat gluten are not as widely used, but lend variety.

Vegetables

Try adding an additional vegetable to every meal. For lighter fare, select green leafy spinach, kale, cress and lettuce. Spice up your meal with peppers and onions. Return to childhood staples like broccoli, green beans, cauliflower or turnip. Experiment with exotic bamboo and Chinese cabbage. Zucchini, squash, and asparagus are inexpensive when in season and avocados are an indulgent treat.

Reset your habits. One of the benefits of eating low carb is that you are forced to focus on filling in the gaps in your meal (where once heavily processed, calorie dense items ruled) with healthier choices. Going cold turkey from processed foods allows your mind and body to adjust to the flavors of these new options. With no way to retreat to the chips or cookies, you will gradually become used to, even anticipate these nutritious items.

Fruits

Maximize your fruit intake. Choose raw fruits for their fiber and you will get your juice naturally, with no added sugar. Blend and freeze strawberries, pears, or honeydew melon for a cool treat. Tart cranberries and chewy raw figs make good snacks. Tomatoes are versatile--cook them, eat them whole, or cut them into a nice salad.

Aim for raw fruits as they are generally lower in carbs. Savor citrus, oranges, grapefruit or go with traditional, easy to transport apples or grapes.

Fungi

Consider mushrooms. Fungi are low carb choices. For vegetarians, they can create the illusion of meat when prepared properly.

Quorn is made from fungi and is useful for those who need to avoid soy. Quorn is used as a meat substitute, made into vegetarian burgers, chicken, sausage.

Herbs

Dive into piles of herbs. They have a negligible number of carbs. Herbs add flavor, texture and variety to your meals, dressing up the same old ingredients and turning them into culinary delights. Garlic, chiles and onion pair nicely with many herbs.

Keep it simple. Some of the best dishes use only a couple of items and the right blend of spices.

How to Lose Weight Quick for Free

Most methods you could use to lose weight quick cost a lot of money. However, it is possible to lose weight quickly without spending more than you normally spend on food and exercise. These free and quick weight loss methods require some creativity and ingenuity, but they're not difficult to implement. The trick to losing weight fast and free is to find free opportunities to cut back on calories and get extra exercise throughout the day.

Instructions

1

Cut back on sugar and fat in your diet. These ingredients consipire to make foods higher in calories and can also cause you to eat more than you need. To lose weight quick for free, find substitutes for foods high in sugar and fat. Replace sugary foods such as soda with sugar-free counterparts. Replace high-fat foods such as potato chips and sour cream with low-fat foods like carrots, celery and nonfat yogurt. If you avoid fast food, you'll probably save money while you lose weight.

2

Limit your starch intake. Eating excessive amounts of starches such as bread, rice, pasta and crackers can cause weight gain and prevent weight loss. Eating large quantities of starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, peas and winter squash can also cause problems with losing weight. You can lose weight quick for free if you just keep your starch intake to one 100 to 150 calorie serving per meal. Never eat multiple servings of starch at a single meal or snack. Add non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet peppers, asparagus and water chestnuts to every meal.

3

Count calories. Always read the nutrition facts on the packages of foods you eat to find the ingredients, serving size and calories per serving. To lose weight even quicker, keep a food journal. Write down the foods you eat, along with the amount and the total number of calories. To keep your journal free, recycle an old spiral notebook or diary that you've only written in a few times.

4

Hit the pavement. See if one of your local parks has a track you can walk or jog on for free. Alternatively, you could walk or jog around the block. If you already have a bicycle, consider riding it to places near your home instead of taking your car. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park at the end of the parking lot instead of close to the store. The more calories you burn, the quicker you'll lose weight, so sneak in some free exercise whenever you have the chance.

5

Find free free online weight loss resources like free calorie counters, diet plans, exercise videos, low calorie recipes and weight loss guides. There are also forums online where you can chat for free with other people who are trying to lose weight. Check out a free site such as Meetup.com for people in your area who meet to work on losing weight together. See the "Resources" section for links to these online weight loss resources.

How to Calculate Body Fat Percentage Loss

While a typical scale provides an overview of your body weight, it doesn't measure the specific elements that make up your body composition. Your weight changes due to varying levels of water, fat and muscle mass. When trying to lose fat, an accurate and inexpensive way to keep track is to measure inches, not pounds.

Instructions

Girth Measurement for Men

1

Draw four columns on a sheet of paper. Label them Upper Arm (U), Abdomen (A), Forearm (F) and Buttocks (B).

2

Pull the measuring tape snugly around each of the four body areas, positioning your tape around the region with the largest girth. The tension of the tape should not be so loose as to leave gaps, nor should it be so tight as to produce a skin indentation. Record each measurement.

3

Men ages 18 to 26 should use this formula: U + A - F - 10.2 = body fat percentage. Men between the ages of 27 and 50 should use B + A - F - 15.0 = body fat percentage.

4

Continue to retest as weight is lost, and track your results.

Girth Measurement for Women

5

After drawing your four columns, label them Abdomen (A), Thigh (T), Calf (C) and Forearm (F).

6

Measure each of the four body areas, positioning your tape around the region with the largest girth. The tension of the tape should not be neither loose-fitting and gapping nor tight and leaving indentations. After recording your measurements, remeasure to ensure your result is accurate to within 0.2mm.

7

Women ages 18 to 26 should use the formula A + T - F - 19.6 = body fat percentage. Women 27 to 50 should use A + T - C - 19.6 = body fat percentage.

8

Continue to retest as weight is lost, and track your results.

Protein Restricted Diet for a Diabetic

According to information from the medical website Medline Plus, diabetes occurs when the body can no longer produce or utilize insulin, a storage hormone that is responsible for managing blood sugar levels. This necessitates a twofold approach to diabetes management: dietary restrictions (limiting the quantity and quality of carbs consumed) and prescription medications to increase insulin sensitivity. When diabetes is combined with another condition such as renal failure, a low-protein diabetic diet might be the recommended approach.

Protein-Restricted Diabetic Diet

Consume a low-protein, carb-controlled diet to cope with your condition. According to information from Medline Plus, the body requires a minimal level of protein consumption to ensure normal functioning, so you should make it a point to provide it with around 40 to 60 grams per day (0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight), ideally spread out evenly across all of your meals. Buttress this with consumption of only slow-digesting complex carbohydrates and healthy fat sources. Examples of permitted carbs on this dietary approach include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Examples of healthy fat items include nuts, avocados, coconuts, cooking oils (fish, flax, olive, etc.) and seeds.

Protein-Restricted Tips

Keep a food log detailing the number of grams of protein you consume each day to ensure that you remain under your protein ceiling. Remember that many foods contain trace amounts (several grams) of protein per serving, even fruits and vegetables. Therefore, check nutritional information either on the package or online to ensure that you are not accidentally straying above your protein limit. To accomplish your low-protein goal quickly and easily, change your thinking; whereas you would normally consider meat and other high-protein foods as a main course, relegate them to the status of a side dish. A healthy meal while on a low-protein diabetic diet might include a large spinach and tomato salad with olive oil dressing and a small amount of diced grilled chicken--a meal based around complex carbs and healthy fats but containing a nominal amount of protein to help fulfill your body's daily requirements.

How to Feed Eclectus Parrots

Eclectus parrots are a very popular species due to their gentle disposition, excellent talking ability and unusual appearance. However, they can be more challenging to feed than other parrots. Because their digestive system is lengthy and accustomed to fibrous fruits with a high water content, they are unusually prone to health conditions caused by a poor diet. These conditions include toe-tapping, wing flipping, oily feathers and fatty liver disease.

Instructions

1

Feed your eclectus parrot a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In general, a good mix includes two orange fruits or vegetables, two dark green vegetables and two other high-nutrient fruits and vegetables. Excellent choices include papaya, cantaloupe, kale, turnip greens, poblano pepper, red bell peppers and berries. Choose different varieties each time you go shopping. Feed 1/2 to 2/3 of a cup of fresh produce to your eclectus twice a day.

2

Sprouted seeds should make up about 25% of your eclectus parrot's diet. This should be about 1/8th of a cup before sprouting, or a little less than half a cup after sprouting. Sprouts can be left in your bird's dish for about eight hours, and then any leftovers must be removed and discarded.

3

Feed about 1/2 cup of cooked bean and rice mixture each day. This can be purchased in a convenient, ready to cook formula for birds, or you can make your own using recipes available on the internet. The cooked mixture can be frozen and reheated in single portion sizes for convenience. Leftovers should be removed and discarded after no more than two hours to prevent spoilage.

4

A small amount of natural or organic pellets can help fill in any nutritional gaps in your eclectus parrot's diet. Five or six large pellets or a tablespoon of small pellets each day is sufficient.

How to Avoid Foods That Trigger Eczema

Studies show that 5 percent of children and adults suffer from eczema, which typically appears first in infancy. It is common for eczema affects people that have a family history of allergies, although the cause is unknown. Food is one of the many things that can trigger eczema outbreaks. Avoid these foods to reduce the severity and frequency.

Instructions

1

Keep a diary for about six weeks or more and record all meals and snacks eaten and your reactions to these foods. This will give you valuable information to help your doctor and dietitian determine if you do in fact have food allergies related to eczema.

2

Note all possible food related symptoms. If itching and scratching worsens within two to three hours after eating, record the information in your diary and watch for the same reaction to this food next time you eat it. If your reaction is the same or similar mark this as a trigger food.

3

Know that common reactions to trigger foods are itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing vomiting and swelling, irritation and redness around the mouth.

4

Be aware that delayed food sensitivity occurs in some of these people within a 24-hour period. Delayed symptoms are the same but they do include diarrhea.

5

Pay special attention to milk, eggs, wheat, fish, peanuts, seafood, fruit with seeds and soy products. These are some of the more common food triggers.

6

Confirm your food sensitivity diagnosis with your doctor or a dietitian. Eliminating these foods does not cure this disease but it will cut down on the severity of the eczema outbreaks.

How to Use Boiled Chicken in Recipes

Boiled chicken can be used as a meat substitute for just about any dish. Boiled chicken works well in enchiladas, soups, salads, and just about anything else. If the chicken was boiled too long, there is a chance that the flavor has been boiled out of it. Add a can of chicken stock when you boil the chicken, or to a soup afterward to help give the chicken its flavors back. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Chicken Salad

1

Mix the chicken, olives (black and green), apple and romaine lettuce in a large bowl.

2

Combine the mayonnaise, honey and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well. This is your dressing.

3

Add the ingredients of the small bowl to the large bowl. Mix well and serve.

Garlic Chicken and Cabbage Soup

4

Combine all of the ingredients in a pan.

5

Place pan on high heat and bring to a boil.

6

Cook until cabbage is done, about 15 minutes.

7

Remove from heat and serve.

Foods With GMO Ingredients

Genetically modified, or GMO, foods come from seeds whose DNA have been altered to introduce traits that manufacturers deem desirable into species where they would not ordinarily appear. It's hard for consumers to avoid GMO foods, which have been introduced into the food supply without extensive research as to their long-term effects on humans. Manufacturers are adamant in their resistance to labeling GMO foods as such because they believe that such labeling would create an unfair bias against their products.

Corn

More than 60 percent of the corn grown in the United States comes from genetically modified seed stocks. In other words, there is a good chance that a product you buy containing non-organic corn will contain GMO's. Organic foods, by definition, do not contain GMO's. In addition to corn on the cob, canned corn, frozen corn and products such as corn meal, corn tortillas and corn chips, GMO corn may also be present in some form in processed foods. Vegetable oil is usually corn oil, high fructose corn syrup is the main sweetener in most soft drinks, and MSG--a seasoning common in processed foods--is made from corn as well.

Soy

Like corn, soy is a widely grown crop that tends to come from genetically modified seeds, unless it is organically grown. According to the USDA, in 2009 approximately 90 percent of the soy acreage in the United States was planted with genetically modified seeds. In addition to tofu, miso, soy sauce and soy-based energy bars, which obviously come from soy beans, soy is a common ingredient in processed foods. Lecithin, a widely used ingredient in baked goods, comes from soybeans, as does hydrolyzed vegetable protein, texturized vegetable protein and vegetable gum.

Canola

Canola, or rapeseed, is largely grown from genetically modified seeds in the United States and Canada. Because it contains monounsaturated fats, health and diet experts, such as Dr. Andrew Weil, have listed canola oil as a healthy oil, along with olive oil. Canola oil is considerably less expensive than olive oil, so processed food companies include it in a wide range of products, from snack foods to frozen dinners. Check ingredients labels for canola oil if you are trying to avoid GMO foods. Unless it is organic, it is probably genetically modified.

How to Lose Weight by Fasting

Many people try fasting over short periods to help kick-start a diet or new health regimen. Others try fasting to lose a set amount of weight quickly. In most cases, fasting involves going without food entirely; but some forms of fasting require only that certain foods be restricted. A conservative fasting program under the supervision of a qualified health care professional may be an effective solution to losing weight. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Find Out If Fasting Is Right for You

1

Learn more about the various forms of fasting, like water fasting, juice fasting and fasts that only require the elimination of meat and dairy products. Visit Web sites like the one run by Dr. Ben Kim (see Resources below) for the details.

2

Experiment with several shorter fasts before beginning a long period of fasting to see how your body reacts to the process.

3

Consider doing a colon cleanse before fasting in order to reduce the gastric discomfort that can otherwise occur. Many colon cleansing supplements can be quite inexpensive, depending upon how long you'll be taking them.

4

Think about the practical side of fasting. Decide if your daily routine will be disrupted by a fast. Ask the people around you if they will be supportive and sensitive to your needs if you do go on a fast.

Fast to Lose Weight

5

Drink at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., of distilled or purified water every day of your fast--even if you're just on a juice fast or are otherwise restricting your diet. Fasting proponents often advise against drinking tap water. They argue that it can reintroduce toxins and chemicals into your system and undermine the fasting process.

6

Alternate between fasting periods and eating periods. Many people find that they can lose more weight by fasting if they do it for 2 or 3 days at a time, instead of fasting for a long period.

7

Use caution when breaking a fast by not having a large first meal. Try a smaller meal first. Wait a few hours to make sure you body reacts well to the food, and then eat normally after that.

How to Become a Vegetarian Chef

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can be a healthy and safe alternative to a traditional omnivorous diet. Learning to cook vegetarian meals is certainly different from cooking with meat, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Meat can be replaced with similar-tasting meat substitutes, soy products, or tofu, or you can learn to cook recipes that don't require any of these. Becoming familiar with new foods, vegetarian diet needs, cooking materials and your local health food store will help you to cook tasty, fun and healthy vegetarian meals. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Decide what kind of vegetarian cooking you prefer. Vegans eat no animal products, including eggs, dairy products, and honey (and some choose not to eat yeast or Jell-O either). Lacto-vegetarians include milk products in their diet. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians include milk products and eggs in their diet. Pesco-vegetarians eat fish products, and pollo-vegetarians eat poultry (including chicken, duck, and turkey).

2

Familiarize yourself with your meat-alternative options. Soy milk, rice milk, and almond milk can replace cow's milk. Olive oil, water, vegetable oil, fat-free cooking spray, and canola oil will work in place of butter. Soy cheese or yeast flakes can be used to replace cheese. You can replace eggs with a commercial egg replacer or by combining 1/4 cup whipped tofu with 3 tablespoons of water.

3

Know the foods that help fill in the gaps left by removing meat from the diet. Whole grains are an important part of carbohydrate intake. Nuts, oils, and avocado provide healthy fats. Nuts and nut products, soy products, beans, and lentils are good sources of protein. Iron can be found in fortified cereals and spinach, and calcium can be found in milk products (if you choose to consume them) and many calcium-fortified products. Vitamins B12 and D must be found in fortified foods or supplemented with a daily vitamin.

4

Learn the vegetarian "lingo." Tofu is a concentrated soy food. Soybean is a vegetable that contains complete proteins. Tempeh is a soy food with a smoky or nutty flavor that can be used as a meat substitute. Miso is a fermented soybean paste. Tamari is a soy-sauce replacement without wheat products. Gomasio is a condiment made by combining sesame seeds and sea salt. Seitan is a meat substitute made from wheat flour. Agar is made from a sea vegetable is a tasteless replacement for gelatin. Wakame is a sea vegetable that is high in protein.

5

Visit your local health food store. Practice your new vocabulary knowledge by trying to find some of the products listed in step 4. Ask questions of the store associates about anything that confuses you. Learn where things are located.

6

Find some recipes to try out. Start simple. You can find recipes in a vegetarian cookbook at your local bookstore, or you can find them online by typing "simple vegetarian recipes" into a search engine. Practice makes perfect!

What Is General Diet?

According to E-Health-Fitness.com, a general diet is the food and beverages that you consume each day. Diet does not have to mean a special way of eating, such as to lose weight, though it is often represented as such.

Components

The components of your diet are the types of food you should consume. These are grains, fruits and vegetables, and protein sources. They also include oils and milk products or their equivalents, soy and rice milk.

Number of Servings

The general guidelines for the number of daily servings everyone should consume for a proper diet include two to three servings from both the dairy and protein groups. You should consume two to four servings of vegetables and three to five of fruits. Grains require the largest number of servings, from six to 11, and other foods should be eaten in moderation.

Serving Sizes

What a serving size is depends on different factors. Age and sex are two such factors, as is the activity level of each individual. A small child does not need the same size of servings in her diet as her mother, and a teenage girl does not have to consume as much as her father.

What Foods Are High in Sulfur?

Sulfur is an essential mineral that provides the body with many fundamental building blocks. It is important for healthy skin, hair and nails, among other benefits. You can obtain adequate sulfur from many foods that you probably already eat.

Identification

The letter S on the periodic table represents sulfur. It has the atomic number 16. Sulfur is a pale yellow nonmetallic element that is found in nature. Sulfur is third after calcium and phosphorus in abundance. Sulfur is the most important nutrient for the body. It is more important to the body's health than magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, sodium and iodine. Without sulfur the body will die; indeed, sulfur carries many benefits for a healthy body.

Benefits

Sulfur is found in every living cell. Molecules of sulfur form the amino acids methionine, cysteine and taurine. These amino acids or proteins are the building blocks for health. Sulfur is the driving force for energy to cells. It plays a major role in forming skin (holding skin and organs together), hair, nails and the cartilage that shapes the nose and cushions joints. It helps out in the digestion and absorption of fat, as it is needed to make bile acids. It is a constituent of bones, teeth and collagen (the protein in connective tissue). As a component of insulin, there is a need for sulfur in the regulation of blood sugar.

High Proten, High Sulfur

Foods that are high in protein are high in sulfur. Red meats, eggs and legumes (including carob) fall into the category of high sulfur foods that also are high in protein. Chicken, duck, nuts and seeds also are high in sulfur content.

Vegetables High in Sulfur

Knowing that many vegetables pack high sulfur content may motivate a newfound love for eating them. Vegetables that contain high amounts of sulfur include broccoli, cabbages, bok choy, mustard, watercress, asparagus, parsley, garlic, onions, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, chives, collard greens, green beans, kale, sweet potato, spinach, split peas, leeks, tomatoes, peas, shallots, jicama, avocados and turnips.

Other High-Sulfur Foods

Take a look in the kitchen and add these other high-sulfur foods into your healthy diet. High sulfur fruits include coconut, papaya, pineapple, banana and watermelon. Cheeses, tea and coffee, whey proteins, grains, peanuts, chocolate, cream, horseradish, sour cream, soy milk, soy cheese and tofu also have high sulfur content.

How to Identify GM Food

Genetically modified food, or GM food, contains ingredients that are genetically modified and do not naturally grow. While there have been no conclusive studies, there are many people who believe genetically modified food adversely affects the health of people and advise everyone to avoid GM food in retail stores. It's not easy to identify GM food, due to there being no law that states manufacturers must state whether food contains GM ingredients or not. There are a few known red flags of GM food, however.

Instructions

1

Look at the price lookup code, or PLU code, on produce. The PLU code is the string of numbers on the sticker of produce. The PLU code for conventional grown produce starts with a "4" and is a string of four numbers. The PLU code for genetically modified produce starts with an "8" and is almost always a string of five numbers, while the PLU code for organic produce starts with a "9" and is always a string of five numbers. Avoid any produce PLU codes that begin with an eight.

2

Examine the nutrition label for "Corn," "Canola oil," "Soy," and "Cottonseed" in the "Ingredients" section. These four ingredients are almost always genetically modified.

3

Look for "GM Free" or "100% Organic" labels on food. Nearly 75 percent of processed food contains genetically modified ingredients. Manufacturer's know this and will want to make you aware if their food does not contain genetically modified ingredients by placing a label on their products.

How to Do Lose Weight Fast Exercises

Lose weight fast exercises can wear you out rather quickly. This is due to the pace at which you need to do them. There is no easy and fast way to lose weight it is hard work. Naturally, you can choose to lose weight at a slower pace, but if you want to do exercise that helps you lose weight faster the intensity is a major factor.

Instructions

1

Exercises that are lose weight fast exercises use large heavy muscles such as the butt and upper legs. Moving these muscles burns more calories than smaller muscle groups. Naturally, the intensity is a major factor as well as frequency of the workout.

Prepare the body for a tough workout. To get the most out of a high intensity workout and stay injury free always do a warm up. Warm up consists of 5-10 minutes of cardio and 5-10 minutes of stretches.

2

Use step aerobics for a lose weight fast exercise at home. As you can imagine the muscles mentioned above are the ones primarily used. To increase intensity add weight by adding weight. A weight vest is the best choice since it distributes weight at the body's core. Hand weights are okay, but do not use leg weights for step aerobics.

Beginners need to focus on increasing intensity by using a faster pace at first then add weight later. Push it, but don't overdo. A little soreness is good, but excessive soreness will make you want to quit.

3

Do cross country skiing as a lose weight fast exercise. Either do the real thing or use a ski simulator. Cross country skiing will burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. Increase difficulty and pace to really crank up the intensity.

Stair climbing is an excellent exercise for fast weight loss. A stair climbing machine would be nice; however, you can use stairs anywhere. If you only have a few stairs at home go up and down the ones you have. Use a weighted vest to burn more calories at a faster pace.

4

Jump rope is a high intensity workout that qualifies as a lose weight fast exercise. Boxers have been doing it for years to keep a lean body and strengthen legs. If it seems like it's hard it is! Jumping rope takes coordination as well as agility. It is also cheap and portable take it with you wherever you go.

Alternate other exercises between jump rope sets to keep the heart rate up and rest the legs. For example, abdominal exercises and push ups are excellent alternates that will enable you to keep intensity at a high level.

5

Finally, jogging and running sprints are good old stand by's that are considered lose weight fast exercises. To keep things going invest in a treadmill for bad weather times or join a gym. Once you lose weight you need to keep it off, so your workout needs to be on going. In other words, make it a lifestyle change.

How to Properly Take Vitamins

Vitamins are micro nutrients needed by the body in small quantities to improve immunity and supplement nutrients that are not gotten from the food eaten. They come in form of pills or liquids and have to be taken properly in other to be effective to the body. Vitamins have been shown to reduce the risk of deficiency diseases if taken properly however, some vitamins cannot be absorbed by the body, if taken without eating or if they are not taken according to the instructions.

Instructions

1

Consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking any vitamins. Some vitamins can have serious side effects if taken when certain health conditions exist or if taken with other medications. It is important to inform your physician about the vitamins you are taking to avoid adverse effects.

2

Carefully follow the directions and warnings on the package of the vitamins to avoid taking more than required. It is advisable to take the smallest effective dose required to avoid taking an overdose, however, in case of an overdose, contact a medical or poison control center immediately. If you have an adverse or allergic reaction to any vitamins, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor.

3

Eat properly while taking vitamins because most vitamins need food to be effective. Vitamins do not replace healthy food, but supplement for some nutrients lacking in certain foods. Consult your doctor before taking vitamins because few vitamins are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Also, some vitamins cannot be combined together. Iron should not be combined with other vitamins or with calcium. Do not take iron with milk or cheese based foods which contain calcium but iron can be taken with a glass of orange juice, which contains vitamin C that helps in absorption of iron.

4

Be consistent when taking vitamins. It is advisable to have specific time or periods for taking the vitamins and avoid skipping days. If you are normally very busy, you can set a reminder for specific times to take the vitamins so that you won't forget to take it. If you are not consistent, the vitamins won't be properly absorbed by the body and won't be effective.

Special Diet for Children With ADD

Prescription drugs, usually Ridilin, are the common course of treatment Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). There is a controversy, however, over this kind of medication in children. Not only do some people not buy the ADD diagnosis, many others don't believe medication is the answer. Often times, just changing the child's diet can help the child's brain and body function properly, and thereby help eliminate and/or minimize the side effects associated with ADD.

Things to Avoid

One of the first things a child with ADD should avoid in his diet is sugar. Most children with ADD do not maintain normal blood sugar levels, which may contribute to the cause or increase of some ADD symptoms. Sugary foods and drinks to avoid include Kool-Aid, soda (even caffeine-free varieties), cereals and junk food. Similarly, your child should stay away from simple starches, which rapidly turn into sugar and enter the child's blood stream quickly. These include white bread, things made from potatoes and white rice. Also, your child should avoid fruit juices. Thought by most to be healthy, but in reality, they contain a lot of sugar, albeit natural sugar, but it's still sugar.

Second, a child with ADD should not eat dairy products. Not only may your child be unknowingly allergic to milk, it may be slowing the absorption of magnesium. Lack of magnesium can cause symptoms similar to ADD.

Eliminate MSG, caffeine, food colorings, preservatives and Nutrasweet. Fried foods should be avoided as well. Of course, there will be times when your child will eat some of these foods, but limited exposure should be the goal.

Things to Eat

Eat whole grains, especially for breads, which are a staple in most children's diets. Look for 100 percent whole grain, not 100 percent whole wheat, which may still contain high-fructose corn syrup. Eat brown rice. Choose sweet potatoes over white potatoes.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Raw are best, but cooked will do if your child will eat them. For breakfast, skip the cereal and pancakes and eat eggs, whole grain toast or even a little bit of breakfast meat. At fast-food restaurants, go for the grilled chicken. Bring your own whole grain bun if you can, but if not, get out the knife and fork, and toss out the roll. Your child can get a salad, if she will eat it. Go for the blue cheese or Italian salad dressings.

Have your child with ADD eat lots of protein, like lean meats, chicken and eggs. And finally, have him drink lots of water. It may take some getting used to, but many children will happily drink plain water if that is there only option.

How to Cook Overripe Peaches

Fruit is perishable, and peaches are no exception. People often over-purchase peaches during the height of the season or have an abundance from a peach tree that they do not get around to eating. Once peaches over-ripen, they can still be saved and used for baking, marinades, jams or canning. This often means cooking them or using them immediately. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Cut away any severely rotting portions of the peaches. Any areas that are showing mold should be removed. Gently wash peaches and set aside.

2

Remove skin by blanching. Drop each peach into boiling water for one minute and then plunge into ice water for one minute. Although peach skin is edible, it gets tough when cooked. Peal off skin. Break open each peach carefully and remove the pit. Take care not to damage the flesh, as over-riped peaches tend to be very soft.

3

Dip each peach half into acidic juice (pineapple or orange), to prevent the flesh from darkening. Dilute the juice if you are concerned about the citrus adding to the taste. Cook or use peaches immediately after the skin is removed, as the flesh of the fruit will oxidize quickly as soon as it hits air.

4




There is no need to cook peaches beyond blanching if you plan to bake them in a dessert.

Decide what you would like to do with the peaches. To make jam, place peach halves back into a pot and mix with equal amounts (per pound) of sugar. Bring to a boil. Stir, mash and boil for about 45 minutes until mixture is thick. Do not let the mixture stick to the bottom of the pot. Cool and place in jars for fresh jam. Refrigerate after jars have cooled completely.

5

Chop a cup of peaches and cook down with a 1/4 cup of chicken stock and an 1/8 cup of balsamic vinegar for 20 minutes over medium heat for a chicken glaze. Leave peaches poached and do not cook any further if you plan to use them in recipes. Cut up into smaller pieces to add to a cobbler, pie or other dessert.

Foods That Are Low in Vitamin K

There are many foods that are low in vitamin K. According to NutritionData.com, there are over 1000 foods that have no vitamin K in them at all. All food groups offer foods that are low in vitamin K, including grains, fruits and vegetables and meats. A low vitamin K diet can be important for those taking anti-clotting medications because vitamin K is partially responsible for blood clotting.

Significance

According to Medline Plus, the body needs vitamin K because it is necessary in blood clotting, which ensures that we do not lose too much blood when we cut or injure ourselves. However, vitamin K came under controversy when a BMJ study showed that synthetic forms of it issued to babies to prevent vitamin K deficiency can be toxic and potentially cause childhood leukemia.

Breakfast Cereals

According to NutritionData.com, many breakfast cereals do not have vitamin K. Some of these cereals include Malt-O-Meal's Corn Flakes, Crispy Rice, Corn Bursts; Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Cocoa Krispies, Rice Krispies, Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes, and Special K; Quaker's Puffed Rice, Honey Crunch Wheat Germ, Corn Grits and Honey Graham Oh!s; General Mills' Total Corn Flakes, Cap'n Crunch; and Post's Honey Bunches of Oats. Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice and Nestum also have no vitamin K. Of course, this list is not exhaustive of all the breakfast cereals that don't have vitamin K.

Ethnic Foods

According to NutritionData.com, there are 30 ethnic foods that have no vitamin K. Apache acorn stew, Navajo Chilchen, caribou and salmon with the skin has no vitamin K. Halibut with the skin also has no vitamin K, and neither does shellfish, Apache frybread and mush. Bearded seal, beluga whale and spotted seal oils have no vitamin K. Blue, white, and yellow cornmeal has no vitamin K. In general, many ethnic foods that aren't leafy green vegetables are low in vitamin K.

Recommendations

According to Medline Plus, children 1-3 years old require 30 micrograms of vitamin K each day. For children 4-8 years old, the recommended level of vitamin K each day is 55 micrograms. For children 9-18 years old, the recommended level of vitamin K each day is 60-75 micrograms. The AI of vitamin K for male adults age 19+ years old is 120 micrograms and for women that age, the recommended amount is 90 micrograms per day.

Sources

Natural forms of vitamin K (vitamin K1 and vitamin K2) cannot be toxic. The synthetic forms, specifically vitamin K3, can be toxic. The natural form of vitamin K is found in many different foods, primarily in leafy green vegetables and fruits. According to NutritionData.com, raw amaranth leaves, parsley and Swiss chard have the most vitamin K per 200 calorie serving. Kale, watercress, spinach, basil and greens are also very high in vitamin K. High vitamin K fruits include kiwis, blackberries, blueberries and plums.

Fruit and vegetable sources without vitamin K include corn, mushrooms, palm hearts and most citrus fruits,

How Many Grams of Protein Should a Fifty Year Old Woman Eat in a Day?

Protein is an essential nutrient.

Typical Needs

According to the Vegetarian Society, the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for a typical 50-year-old woman is approximately 45.6 grams of protein per day. The RNI is the amount of a specific nutrient that is appropriate for at least 97 percent of the population.

Protein can be found not only in animal products, but also in many vegetables, beans, legumes and grains.

Other Factors

Protein needs can vary greatly by person. Weight and activity levels can affect how much protein a person needs. A heavier person needs more protein than a lighter one, and a person who exercises often or is under a lot of stress needs more protein to sustain that lifestyle than a more sedentary person.

Bottom Line

While the ideal daily protein intake can vary, a 50-year-old woman's typical daily protein needs is about 46.5 grams. However, check with a doctor or nutritionist before changing your diet significantly.

How to Reduce Calories to Lose Weight

There are many fad diets and pills claiming to assist people in losing a significant amount of weight in a very short period. However, to lose weight and maintain the weight loss, it is necessary to reduce your calorie intake and increase your exercise on a consistent basis. Learn about a few time-tested methods to reduce calories to lose weight.

Instructions

1

Make a list of all of your food intake for a typical week and the number of calories in each food/drink that you consume. See Resources for how to calculate the number of calories in foods.

2

Decide on a realistic goal. According to "How to lose weight the healthy way," reviewed by John Pillinger, GP, as a general rule, eating 300 to 500 fewer calories each day should result in a 1 to 2 lb. weight loss per week. If you are heavier or have a very high-calorie diet, you may want to consider further lowering your calorie intake, but make sure to eat at least 1,500 calories a day.

3

Cut down on your food intake in small and manageable increments by taking actions, such as reducing the size and number of the snacks you eat, not taking seconds and leaving part of your meal portions on your plate.

4

Replace high-calorie foods with lower-calorie foods that you still find tasty, such as vegetables, cottage cheese, poached white fish and lentils. See Resources for a more complete list of low-calorie foods.

5

Cook at home and only eat out on special occasions. In general, restaurants serve larger portions that have far more calories than you would cook for yourself.

6

Stop drinking your calories. Soda, juice, beer, alcohol and even smoothies all contain a high number of calories. By replacing high-calorie drinks with water, you will lose weight.

7

Keep track of your food intake and weight by keeping a food journal and weighing yourself weekly so that you know how much weight you have lost and gain knowledge about the food you are eating.

Pregnancy & the South Beach Diet

Dieting and pregnancy work towards seemingly contradictory goals--while pregnancy attempts to feed and nurture the life growing within, dieting attempts to deprive your body of calories to lose weight. Though extreme weight loss is never a desirable course of action while pregnant, there are nevertheless both safe and unsafe ways to balance your desires for a lean physique against the child's desires for proper nutrition. What follows are some suggestions for helping you to follow a South Beach lifestyle while carrying.

The South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was invented by Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist practicing in Miami's South Beach area. The diet revolves around a carb-restricted approach without being as limited as other low-carb diets such as Atkins. Divided into three phases, the diet is designed to help "reprogram" your eating habits to comply with the standards of healthy eating.

Pregnancy and Ketones

Research is unclear on whether a ketogenic state can result in problems during pregnancy, which makes the South Beach Diet a questionable choice for expectant mothers, as the induction phase of the diet can result in your body transitioning into ketosis. Fortunately, the author of the plan preempted these concerns with the following recommendations.

South Beach and Pregnancy

For pregnant women, it is recommended that you begin in phase two of the plan. During phase two, you should base your diet around lean protein sources such as seafood, turkey and chicken, but you may also have some healthier carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Keeping these carbs in your diet will prevent your body from going into ketosis, guarding against potential risks.

Additional Considerations

The possibility of constipation is a shared complication of both the South Beach Diet and pregnancy, thus you should also work to reduce the likelihood of its occurrence. To minimize your chances of becoming constipated while on the plan, be sure to consume at least 10 to 15 gm of fiber per day along with drinking a minimum of six eight-ounce glasses of water.

Considerations

If the above recommendations are followed, the South Beach Diet can be used safely during pregnancy. However, remember that your goal in following the South Beach Diet during this time should not be "dieting" per se, but an attempt to follow the healthiest possible nutritional plan to ensure the proper development of your child. Thus, do not limit yourself calorically, but strive to maximize healthy food choices while minimizing "cheat" foods during this time.