How to Lose Weight After Having a Baby

Having a baby is a wonderful time in your life, but the effects the pregnancy can leave on your body may be devastating. We all see how these celebrities lose all the weight and are wearing bikinis weeks after giving birth, and we think why can't that be me? Well, it takes a lot of work and dedication thats for sure!

Instructions

1

Each pregnancy is different and the amount of weight each person gains, and where she gains the weight vary from one to the next.

You want to make sure that you lose the weight a healthy and safe way. Otherwise you may gain it all right back. Crash dieting never works! You lose the weight and then it creeps back up on you, so beware of a quick fix! The best way to lose weight after a baby is the good old fashioned way...Diet and Exercise.

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Of course you lose weight right away when the baby is born, and a certain amount of weight will normally naturally shed off as well. Breast feeding is a great way to speed up your weight lose as well. It is proven that breastfeeding sends out certain hormones to your body for the first 12 months after giving birth that help your uterus go back to its pre-pregnancy shape.

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The average amount a woman gains during her pregnancy is between 25-35 pound. When she gives birth the normal amount that is often shed is 12 to 15 pounds. So that leaves the unwanted pounds to struggle with. Although this is just an estimated average for weight gain, that personally I was way over!

There are different programs that you can join for assistance such as Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, etc. These programs are helpful for moms that live a busy lifestyle and these days that pretty much includes us all!

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The best way to lose the weight after baby is to stay healthy throughout your pregnancy in an ideal world! Eat healthy and get in plenty of activities to keep you active. Walking and other exercise that are safe when your are expecting. If you don't gain to much weight throughout your pregnancy there wont be much to lose after baby is here.

Your diet plays an important role in weight lose and weight gain. So here are some helpful tips to help with losing weight and eating healthy....

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Here are some helpful tips to lose weight the safe way....

* Stop eating sugary foods. Just dropping the sugar from your diet can help you lose weight quickly. Make sure that you stay away from it all together if you want to lose weight quickly. This means no sugar in your coffee, on your cereals, or eating that candy bar!

* Cut the carbs from your diet. Carbohydrates turn into sugar inside our body's and makes you hold onto body weight and fat. Omitting carbs from your diet can help you drastically drop the unwanted pounds. These days there are many alternatives to diets without carbs that are tasty and nutritious.

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* Increase fiber into your diet.

* Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet.

* Make sure you eat your dairy items. You can choose to have low fat or even fat free milks and yogurt's.

* Watch your portion sizes! Many people have no concept of the amount of food that hey should be eating. Here are some helpful tips about portion sizes...
3 ounces of meat, fish, chicken, etc. is about the size of the palm of a womans hand or a deck of playing cards.
An ounce of cheese is about the size of your thumb.
A teaspoon of butter is the about the size of your thumb tip.
Learning the correct portions that you should consume can greatly improve your weight lose.

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* Stay aways from fried foods.

* Watch the calories. They count when you are trying to lose weight. Stick to a diet within a certain range of calories consumption ideal for you.

Of course you want to add exercise to your daily routine whenever possible. It may be difficult in the beginning since having a new baby is so much work, so take it easy and remember to not move it to fast. Listen to your doctors advice and do not overdo it! Take care of yourself and your baby and focus on the health of you guys before anything else!

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The first year is a big change for you and for your baby, so manage where you can. Take it easy and simply watch what you put into your mouth. Stick to a healthy diet and exercise when you can. Incorporate baby activities that you can do to bond with baby while being active.

Don't stress yourself out about a few pounds here and there. Look at your little baby and see the miracle that your body created. So give yourself a break! You created that little miracle and it was all worth it!

Sample Menu Plans for a Low Sodium Diet

High sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to heart disease, stroke or kidney disease. Although the recommended daily sodium intake ranges from 1,000 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams, you should aim for the middle or lower end of this range if you have high blood pressure or related problems. The sample menus below fall into the middle of that range.

Keeping Tabs on Your Sodium Intake

Your doctor can help you set a daily sodium intake that is tailor-fit for your specific health needs. Once you know what your daily limit should be, closely monitor the amount of salt you're consuming. Check the nutrition labels on all the canned, processed and frozen foods that you consume.

DASH Diet

Developed by the National Institutes of Health and widely advocated by other health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet makes reduction of daily sodium intake one of its primary goals. This diet sets good guidelines for anyone who wants to cut sodium intake sharply.

Meal and Snack Menus

Create daily menus that will fit into your low-sodium diet.
A typical breakfast might include a cup of coffee, two tablespoons of peanut butter on a whole-wheat bagel, a cup of skim milk and an orange. Lunch could consist of a cup of skim milk, 12 reduced-sodium wheat crackers, a spinach salad made with four cups of fresh spinach leaves torn into bite-size pieces, a quarter-cup of unsalted peanuts, a sliced pear, a half-cup of canned mandarin orange segments and two tablespoons of reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette. For a snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day, try a cup of light yogurt and four vanilla wafers. Your dinner entre could be a 3-ounce serving of herb-crusted baked cod, accompanied by one-third of a cup of brown rice pilaf, a half-cup of steamed green beans, a sourdough roll with a teaspoon of trans fat-free margarine, a cup of fresh berries with a sprig of mint and a glass of herbal iced tea. This sample diet contains 1,786 milligrams of sodium, putting it a bit over midway in the daily recommended range of 1,000 milligrams to 3,000 milligrams.
Another day could start with a cup of fresh mixed fruit, a bran muffin, a cup of skim milk and herbal tea. Lunch would be a curried chicken wrap, eight baby carrots, an ounce of dry roasted almonds, a nectarine and a cup of skim milk. For dinner, have baked macaroni, three cups of mixed greens, low-fat dressing, a whole wheat roll and a frozen fruit bar. For a snack, mix up some trail mix with raisins, unsalted pretzels and sunflower seeds.

What Are the Easiest Ways to Lose Weight?

Weight loss has become a major subject area in society and is discussed in magazines, cooking classes, television shows, and the marketplace. There is something for everyone. Finding the easiest way to accomplish this, however, will not be fast. They range from natural methods such as drinking certain beverages to the more expensive methods involving weight loss surgeries.

Drinking Water

Drinking more water throughout the day is one of the easiest ways to lose weight. For an even greater benefit, drink an 8-ounce glass of water 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. This will give you a sense of fullness and act as a natural appetite suppressant. Plus, water nourishes and hydrates your body.

Eating Fiber

Eating foods that are naturally high in fiber are natural appetite suppressants. As the fiber is absorbed into your system, it expands and causes you to feel full so that you crave less food. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains such as oats, barley, whole wheat, and quinoa; fresh fruits and vegetables; and seeds and nuts like flaxseed, walnuts, and almonds.

Portion Control

In many cases, portion sizes have gotten larger than anyone needs and are seen as the main reason for the obesity epidemic in our country. If you implement portion control -- eat smaller portions at every meal -- you will lose weight by decreasing your caloric intake.

Exercise

One of the easiest ways to lose weight is through exercise. Physical activity is another form of natural appetite suppressant; it also burns off calories. Any form of exercise that causes you to work up a sweat will aid your weight loss program, and in addition, your overall health will improve.

Surgery

One easy way to lose weight -- bypass surgery -- is not considered a natural alternative and is recommended for only severely obese individuals or those with life-threatening conditions (such as heart disease). Another popular weight-loss surgery is stomach stapling. As with any surgery, it is important to understand all the risks involved prior to undergoing these procedures.

Life's Fortune Liquid Vitamin Supplement Facts

Life's Fortune Liquid Multi-Vitamin and Mineral is one of many dietary supplements offered by the manufacturer, Life's Fortune. The company is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and as of November 2010, they made 12 supplement products. Multivitamins help make consumers feel better about their health. Vitamins and minerals are proven to prevent deficiency-related diseases, but experts at the Mayo Clinic say a balanced diet is better than taking excess supplements.

Composition

Life's Fortune Liquid Multi-Vitamin and Mineral is a dietary supplement sold in a 32-oz. bottle containing 32 one-ounce servings. Nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, vitamin B complex, magnesium, zinc, calcium, iodine, selenium, potassium, manganese and chromium. Additional ingredients include cranberry seed oil, para-aminobenzoic acid, boron, choline bitartrate, inositol, vanadium, herbal extracts in aloe vera, molybdenum, super greens and Life's Fortune proprietary blend.

Daily Values

Life's Fortune Liquid Multi-Vitamin far exceeds many of Daily Values in terms of nutrients delivered per serving. For example, a 1 ounce serving, about 2 tbsp, gives 3,333 percent of the daily value for thiamine (vitamin B-1), 2,941 percent for riboflavin (vitamin B-2), 2,500 percent for vitamin B-6 and 1,667 percent for vitamin B-12. The liquid multivitamin also gives more than 100 percent of the daily value for pantothenic acid; vitamins A, C and E; and manganese. However, one serving does give less than 100 percent of the daily value for biotin, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, copper, chromium and potassium.

Multivitamin Myths

Millions of adults take multivitamins to feel healthier, and ward off chronic and contagious diseases. However, according to the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health, there is not enough conclusive proof that multivitamins prevent chronic health problems. A more realistic solution is a nutritionally balanced diet coupled with multivitamins. Also, excess amounts of vitamins and minerals can be damaging to your health. For example, consuming too much vitamin A, or beta carotene, may actually increase your risk for lung cancer.

FDA

Life's Fortune Liquid Multi-Vitamin is classified as a dietary supplement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Essentially, it is meant to supplement a diet, and it is not intended to cure, treat or prevent disease. The FDA actually recommends that consumers purchase an inexpensive multivitamin that gives no more than 100 percent of the daily value for your basic nutrients.

How to Lose Weight in 2 Weeks Naturally

Many people are looking for a quick fix when it comes to losing weight, especially when the weight needs to come off fast. There are diet pills and extreme dieting tricks, but they are not for everyone. If you would rather lose weight in a natural way that makes you feel more comfortable, you can do that in just a couple of weeks.

Instructions

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Throw out any junk food you have in your house. This includes chips, cookies, ice cream or whatever else you feel may tempt you. Go food shopping and stock up on fresh vegetables, fruit, plain oatmeal, almonds, plain yogurt, fish, chicken and brown rice.

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Carry a water bottle with you all day. This will remind you drink water constantly. To add flavor to your water, add slices of lemon and ice. Cut out soda completely. If you drink more than one cup of coffee, cut back to only one cup in the morning (preferably black or with skim milk and a sugar substitute). If you crave a hot beverage later in the day, try a cup of green tea.

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Eat regular meals. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast. Everything should be portion controlled. Do not have second helpings. Balance your meals with vegetables and protein. Cut down on your carbohydrate intake. Avoid dressings, butter, salt, sugar and fried foods. Prepare the foods yourself as much as possible so you know exactly what you are eating.

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Munch on small snacks between your meals to avoid cravings. Eat snacks such as a handful of unsalted almonds that are rich in protein.

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Stop eating about two hours before bedtime. Get a good night's sleep.

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Work out. Whether you are going to the gym or for a walk or run around your neighborhood, incorporate cardio (and ideally some weight training as well) into your routine. Start off slow if you haven't worked out in a while, but gradually push yourself to do more and more.

How to Figure Your Allowed Fat Grams

We should include fats in our diet because they give us energy and help our bodies absorb certain vitamins. They are the source for essential fatty acids that the body needs for good health. According to The American Heart Association, we should limit our dietary fat to 30 percent of our total calories. If you are overweight or have high cholesterol, you should aim for an even lower amount. Saturated fats increase the risk for heart disease, so we should not include these in our diet; however, unsaturated fats are healthy fats and can be eaten in moderate amounts.

Instructions

1

According to the Women's Heart Foundation, you can determine the amount of fat grams allowed in your diet by first finding your ideal weight using this simple calculation. At five feet, men should weigh 106 pounds and women should weigh 100 pounds. (These are approximate weights and do not take into consideration body frame size or muscle weight.)

For every inch over five feet, men should add six pounds and women should add five pounds.

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Determine the daily calories you need to maintain your ideal weight based on your activity level.

If you get no daily exercise, you will need 11 calories per pound per day.

If you get moderate exercise, such as a brisk walk, two to three times a week, you will need 13 calories per pound per day.

If you get moderate exercise four to five times a week, you will need 15 calories per pound per day.

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Determine the amount of fat grams you are allowed based on your weight and activity level. The dietary fat is calculated at 30 percent of total calories.

If you consume 1,200 calories per day, your fat allotment would be 40 grams.

If you consume 1,500 calories per day, your fat allotment would be 50 grams.

If you consume 1,800 calories per day, your fat allotment would be 60 grams.

If you consume 2,000 calories per day, your fat allotment would be 67 grams.

If you consume 3,000 calories per day, your fat allotment would be 100 grams.

Only 10 percent of your total fat grams should come from saturated fats.

The Best Foods to Eat Before Running a 5K

Cause of Muscle Fatigue

When people work out and feel a sensation that thier muscles are tired, aching, or exhausted, or get to the point that they are working out so hard that they feel as though they can not move thier muscles for another minute, they're experiencing muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue limits the performance of the muscles and gives the muscles a sensation of exhaustion. Read on to find out more about the causes of muscle fatigue.

What is Muscle Fatigue?

Muscle fatigue is a complex muscle disorder that decrease the muscle's ability to function when a variety of sites within the muscle along with the central nervous system fail when the muscle is working. When this occurs, the muscle that is affected will not be able to function as it did at the beginning of a workout.

Misconceptions: Causes of Muscle Fatigue

According to Soft Pedia, it has been hypothesized by researchers for some time that muscle fatigue is caused by lactic acid that is leaked during exercise, which in turn prevents the muscles from producing contractile proteins and causes it to fatigue. However, new research has found that only a small amount of lactic acid is stored inside of muscle cells, and that this small amount helps with muscle endurance rather than tire it out.

Calcium as a Cause of Muscle Fatigue

New research conducted by a team of researchers at Columbia University have found that calcium channels that leak during exercise can be the cause of muscle fatigue. This occurs because when calcium releases in a muscle; it makes the muscle protein contract and fatigues the muscle.

Delaying Muscle Fatigue through Supplements and Beverages

Muscle fatigue can be delayed through diet, hydration, recovery and supplements. Drinking beverages that contain electrolytes and carbohydrates such as Gatorade and Powerade, help the body replace those that are lost during exercise. Caffeine can also help delay muscle fatigue because it causes free-fatty acids to release into the bloodstream, which helps the body burn fat and generate energy. Staying hydrated is essential, and a person who drinks 10 to 12 glasses of water every day can delay muscle fatigue substantially.

Helping Prevent Muscle Fatigue through Diet and Recovery

Maintaining a healthy diet and including an adequate amount of carbohydrates, fat and protein in a diet is extremely helpful in warding off muscle fatigue, according to realsolutionsmag.com. Athletes should make 40 to 60 percent of their diets carbs and about 30 to 35 percent of thier diets should be protein, since these help the body produce energy according to realsolutions.com. When the body has adequate amounts of these, it helps it sustain energy and hence delay muscle fatigue.

Healthy Foods to Lose Weight

Weight loss is a challenge for most people, but eating healthy foods can make it easier. Reducing calorie intake means every bite needs to count---for building muscle, providing your body with the proper nutrients, and taking off those unwanted pounds.

Significance

When trying to lose weight it's vital to pack as many nutrients into your diet as possible, while consuming fewer calories than normal. Eating poorly while losing weight can lead to loss of muscle along with fat, as well as to decreased energy.

Types

Fresh fruits and vegetables are important healthy foods for weight loss. Strawberries, citrus fruits, and vegetables like green peppers and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and low in calories. Avocadoes contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are high in fiber.

Size

When it comes to weight loss and healthy eating, size matters. Low-fat meats and healthy fish such as salmon should be eaten in portions about the size of a deck of cards. One to two cups of fresh, steamed green beans or broccoli make a healthy accompaniment, along with one slice of whole grain bread.

Considerations

Avoid white carbohydrates in favor of filling whole grains and proteins such as oatmeal, beans, and low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt. Weight loss happens more quickly when the body gets its energy in the form of high-quality protein and fats.

Expert Insight

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends writing down your food intake every few days to see whether you need more items from a particular food group. The AAFP also advocates reading labels before buying food; this allows you to weed out the healthy foods from those that are too processed or laden with fat and sugar.

How Women Lose Weight Fast

Weight loss is a simple matter of how much energy, in the form of calories, is taken in and how much of that energy is then expended by the body. There are also other factors to consider in fast weight loss, including foods that can create water retention and the woman's rate of metabolism.

For a rapid weight loss that will last a few days, avoid eating any sodium and eat high-fiber foods. Exercise until you sweat to lose still more fluids. This will keep you from retaining water and often results in the loss of several pounds in just a few days. Much of this loss is from the fluids that are normally retained in the tissues, and this weight will return once the woman's normal diet is eaten again.

For a weight loss that is sustainable for more than a few days, calculate how many calories you need in a day and eat less than that amount. The standard number of calories needed to maintain weight is about 15 calories for each pound of weight for a very active person. A very sedentary person needs 10 to 11 calories to maintain their weight. Most people will fall in between these numbers. Multiply the number that best represents your activity level, from 10 to 15, by your weight.

Armed with this number, you can eat fewer calories to lose weight. By cutting 1,000 calories each day from what you need to maintain your weight, you can lose about 2 lbs. per week. Add exercise to your regimen and you will raise your metabolism and speed up weight loss. Exercising for 30 minutes per day can raise the number of calories your body needs throughout the day to sustain itself, and it will burn off some of the calories that you take in during your meals.

Should I Eat When I Take a Vitamin D Supplement?

Vitamin D is the sunlight vitamin.

Eating With Your Vitamins Helps Absorption

Vitamins aren't meant to be taken in isolation. Two-hundred plus years ago we would have received all our nutrients from food we ate. They would have contained a number of other nutrients including other vitamins, minerals and co-factors which help both with the absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and requires some sort of oil or fat to transport it into the body.

It's Always Better to Take Your Vitamins

The body needs vitamins to be able to perform its functions properly. These functions include things like digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates, activation of the immune system and brain function. The most important thing is not when vitamins are taken, merely that they are supplied to the body. Also, vitamin D supplements are typically encapsulated with oil, giving them a transport into the body.

Bottom Line

If you can take your vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals with food you will get maximum absorption. However, if you don't have them when you eat your meal, it's better to have your vitamins on an empty stomach than not have them at all.

The Best Diet for Losing Weight Fast

Dieting is the key ingredient of any weight loss program. When mixed with exercise, dieting can do wonders. It is just as important to cut down on your calories as it is to get into exercise. But before getting into a diet plan, you will need to know the amount of calories you are taking and how much you need, and then you can plan your diet accordingly.

What to Eat

You should be eating a lot of things, but at this point, note this: You must eat less, but frequently. Eating small quantities four times a day is better than eating the overall same amount twice or three times a day. Skipping a meal lowers the metabolism. And keeping up this habit will kick in the "survival mode" of your body, which will start preserving fats. And if in case you think you are losing some weight, beware---that's the muscles you had and of course a lot of water. So let's look at a list of things that are really good for dieting:
Fruits, greens and grains: Unprocessed food is the least contributor to weight gain and helps a lot when you are losing. Switching to such foods will result in a lot of eating, but little weight gain, exactly what we need.
Fiber: Fiber fills the stomach, slowing digestion and making us feel full. That is the reason why a whole-grain bread fills us up sooner than a simple one. Fiber also accelerates the movement of fats through our digestive system, making sure as little of it is absorbed as possible. Processed foods usually have their fiber stripped away; for example, refined grains can turn into sugar just as fast as sugar itself. Hence, fiber also helps stabilize the blood-sugar level.

What Not to Eat

There a lot of things that we can control and one of those is the food we eat.

Fat: Every 10 kg of fat has to go through 29 kilometers of EXTRA blood vessels to be digested properly. Think about this. Your heart probably has to go through this every other week along with your joints, where fat accumulates and causes wear and tear. Not to mention the increased hypertension and cholesterol production in the liver that chock out arteries, contributing to heart attacks and strokes. And what's becoming increasingly clear is that not all fats are equal.

Sugar: Sugar is everywhere, and it gets consumed in a jiffy. And it's mostly in places where you are not looking, e.g. in your processed food, like bread or ketchup or even in salad dressings. And beware of fat-free products, too; sugar is often used to replace the fat that is taken out. Fat-free DOES NOT necessarily have to mean calorie-free. And remember, whatever you eat, and do not burn, gets stored as fat. And a quick dosage of sugar results in an insulin spike, followed immediately by an insulin drop that leaves us feeling tired and hungry and craving for more sugary foods.

Foods to Watch Out For

The key is really to read labels. While a package may advertise only so many calories, you need to read the label. For example, a Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie states that it only has 520 calories and 12 grams of saturated fat. This doesn't sound bad for a meal, until you read the label. A serving size is half of the pot pie. So while the box says 520 calories and 12 gm of fat, if you eat the entire pie you are getting more than a 1,000 calories and 24 grams of fat.

A popular favorite amongst people who are trying to make healthy food choices is popcorn. But microwave popcorn can completely sabotage your efforts to lose weight. Take a look at Pop Secret's Movie Theater Butter Popcorn Snack Size Bags. Each bag has 9 grams of bad fat, 6 of which are transfats.

Read the labels of what you are eating, pay attention to serving size of each product. Please see the resource box below for the "Know Your Food" link it is a table that will help you keep your food choices in check.

Vitamins & Minerals Essential to the Body

Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function properly. Without these nutrients, your mind would become muddled, your blood wouldn't clot properly and your skin would dry out. You would be susceptible to infection, your vision would deteriorate and your organs would fail.
While just about any vitamin and mineral is available through supplements, the best way to obtain these important nutrients is through natural foods.

Types

There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, while water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water.
Your body needs two types of minerals: macro minerals and trace minerals. The body requires larger quantities of macro minerals, such as calcium and potassium, than it does trace minerals, such as iron and zinc.

Function

Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin A is needed for growth and development. It also enhances your eyesight and your boosts your immune system. Vitamin D works with calcium to form bone density in children and maintain it as the body ages. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that improves blood circulation. Vitamin K works with vitamin E to improve blood circulation. They aid in preventing blood clots from forming and in allowing the blood to clot properly when you've been injured.
Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins are water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin C builds collagen, keeping your skin strong and supple. It also aids in mineral absorption and forming enzymes. B-complex vitamins include a host of nutrients. These aid in energy conversion, immune building, mineral absorption and regulating your nervous system.
Your body needs minerals for bone and muscle strength, to regulate your metabolism and your thyroid. Minerals work with vitamins to ensure your joints work, to move oxygen through your bloodstream and to regulate your digestive tract.

Diet

A balanced diet should provide you with the right balance of nutrients. If you eat properly and get enough exercise, your body will absorb all the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs and dispose of the rest through waste.
Some of the important foods to include in your diet are leafy greens, "bright" vegetables such as carrots and broccoli along with citrus fruits and berries. Whole grains, dairy, fish and lean meats also provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Supplements

Keep a food diary for two weeks. You may find you don't necessarily get a healthy portion from each food group each day. This is not uncommon, and it's one of the primary reasons people take supplements.
A multivitamin includes both vitamins and minerals. One tablet a day may help fill in the gaps caused by missed meals or days you rely on fast foods. Which multivitamin you choose is important. Avoid those that have a heavy dosage of one particular vitamin or mineral. Instead, choose a diversified multivitamin. Avoid those with sugar or artificial flavorings. Keep in mind, too, that if you experience nausea, diarrhea or skin rash after starting a daily dose of a multivitamin, stop taking it. You may be getting too much of a good thing.

Considerations

Every body operates the same way, yet each is unique in its needs. Just because your neighbor felt better after starting a regimen of regular doses of vitamin C doesn't mean you will. Perhaps you drink more fruit juice or eat more citrus than your neighbor. If you supplement with vitamin C, you may be getting too much, which can result in nausea and cramping.
Supplements may not be medication, but they do directly effect the body's operations, so they may interact with medications. An example of this is seen in those who suffer from thyroid disorders. Anyone taking a synthetic hormone to regulate thyroid function shouldn't take any supplement for four full hours after taking his medication. That's because the iron content in multivitamins interferes with absorption of the medication.
If you eat well-balanced meals consistently and exercise regularly, you probably don't need supplements. If you feel you need to take a multivitamin to ensure you get enough of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to stay healthy, consult with your pharmacist, physician or nutritionist first.

Low-Sodium Diet for Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) inovlves pain, discomfort or pressure in the pelvis, related to the bladder. Patients usually experience the persistent urge to go to the bathroom. Men, women and children can have IC, but women are the most commonly affected group. According to Interstitial Cystitis Association, three to eight million women in the United States may be living with the condition. Many people who have IC are forced to live with chronic, severe pain. They compare the pain to being stabbed or cut with razors. Diet modification is one of the best ways for sufferers to find relief.

Determining Acceptable Foods

The Simple Exclusion Diet allows you to figure out which foods are trigger foods. It works best if your body reacts to food quickly and obviously. Start by completely avoiding three foods, A, B and C, for at least a week. Three weeks should be the maximum amount of time. If your IC symptoms subside during that period, reintroduce the foods one at a time. Start eating small amounts of food A and if your symptoms don't worsen, eat normal amounts the rest of the week. If you notice the symptoms return or get worse, stop eating food A. The following week, go through the same process with food B and then food C. Write down the reactions you have to each food. This will allow you to make a definitive list of the foods you need to avoid.

The Empirical Elimination Diet is ideal if you suspect that food is causing you health problems but you're not sure which foods are the issue. Make a list of the foods that are known to pose problems to people with IC. Foods that commonly cause allergic problems include peanuts, eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, wheat and crustaceans. Citrus, melons, chocolate, soy beans and corn may also cause problems. People who have vulvodynia should also add high-oxalate foods such as green bell peppers, eggplant, wheat germ, black pepper and citrus peels to their list of foods to avoid. Likewise, IC patients with irritable bowel syndrome should add sorbitol, high fructose corn syrup, fructose and foods high in saturated fat to their food list. Stop eating all the food on the suspect list for a period of a week or so. Gradually start eating them again, monitoring your symptoms.

Low-Sodium Choices

Use nutrition labels when planning low-sodium meals. Many foods, especially prepackaged meals, contain much more sodium than you may expect. Foods with low sodium have less than 140 mg per serving. Foods with no sodium have less than 5 mg of sodium per serving. When on a low-sodium diet, keep track of how much you eat and consume less than 2,000 mg or 2 gm of sodium per day. Foods that contain higher amounts of sodium include ham, eggs, tuna, cottage cheese and American cheese. The Cleveland Clinic has a list of sample sodium amounts and guidelines.

Cooking

Cook with chicken broth or beef broth that contains smaller amounts of sodium and no monosodium glutamate (MSG). Most soups and broth do have MSG but some brands, including Health Valley, Hain and Campbell's Healthy Request, are MSG free. Broth can be used for much more than making soup. You can use it in stir fry, pasta mixes and when you saute meats and vegetables.

How Many Grams of Fat Are Needed to Lose Weight?

You want to lose weight by eliminating all foods containing fat. Your primary goal is to lose the weight, keep it off and look good forever. Many crash diets eliminate fat yet crash diets are often temporary. To lose weight, you do not need to eliminate all fats. Your body needs a certain amount of fat. Eliminating it completely from your diet will not lead to a healthy body. To lose weight while consuming fats, you need to know how much fat you can eat and which fats are healthiest.

Amounts

To lose weight, you may consume up to 75 grams of "good" fats per day. That's a guideline, so don't stress if you only consume 50 or 60. Besides fats, your new food plan should include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To satisfy your fat intake, you may consume small amounts of lean meats, poultry and fish as well as low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and some cheeses.

Fats

Know your "good" fats versus your "bad" fats. Bad fats include the obvious -- ice cream, cake and cookies, basically any food that has been commercially processed or roasted or injected with high-fat additives. "Good" fats include lean meats, poultry and dairy fats. Also strongly recommended are olives, unpasteurized butter and cream, peanuts and peanut butter, flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil, almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, macadamia, fatty fish like salmon.

Eating

Eat six small meals a day. Have a snack between lunch and dinner, late afternoon being a time when your body craves nutrients while it struggles to get through the second half of the day. By eating six small meals a day, you help your body adapt to a decrease in calories. Don't forget to treat yourself every once in a while by eating your favorite fatty dessert or snack. By doing this, you will satisfy your food cravings. Remember, consuming fats with a healthy eating plan is not a crash diet but a permanent lifestyle change. Combine this new healthy eating plan with exercise and you will lose weight the smart way.

Dietary Needs for Parkinson's Disease

As of now there is no diet known that will slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. However, eating a healthy, sensible diet can help to minimize the symptoms of Parkinson's. It is important to eat right, whether you have a medical problem or not. However, if you suffer from a debilitating disease such as Parkinson's, it becomes even more important.

Balanced Diet

Parkinson's patients should not have too much protein in their diet. Protein has a way of interfering with the absorption, as well as the effectiveness, of a popular Parkinson's drug called levodopa. Doctors recommend eating only small amounts of protein during the day. Protein intake can be slightly increased in the evening.

Whole-grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet. A balanced diet has many health benefits. They not only taste good, but they help to keep you strong, they give you more energy, as well as help prevent constipation. Fiber is also known to reduce the risks of constipation. A high-fiber diet is even more important for Parkinson's patients because it can promote the bioavailability of levodopa. Levodopa is a common medication for Parkinson's patients. High fiber may help with the level of concentration of Levadopa in PD patients.

While there is no research yet on the benefits of a vegetarian diet for people with PD, it has been thought that a vegetarian diet may be beneficial to patients with PD.

Vitamins

There a lot of choices when it comes to vitamins and mineral supplements today. However, there is little evidence that any of the vitamins sold today are capable of relieving symptoms of Parkinson's. There is an exception, however and it is Co-enzyme Q10. When Co-enzyme Q10 is taken in fairly high doses, it has been discovered that it may lessen the severity of many symptoms of Parkinson's in some patients.

Magnesium and vitamin K are important vitamins to the health of your bones. Because Parkinson's patients are prone to falls, they should get the proper vitamins in their daily diet to help prevent fractures and breaks. This would include magnesium, vitamin K, calcium and vitamin D.

Vegetarian Diet

As of now, there is no solid proof as to whether or not a vegetarian diet helps a patient with Parkinson's disease. However, eating a balanced diet that includes whole-grains, fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent for creating a balanced diet. Balanced diets are known to have excellent health benefits for anyone. They are known to help you stay strong, they give you energy, and they help prevent constipation, which can be a problem for any condition, including Parkinson's.

The Best Snack Crackers

A healthy diet can be sabotaged by an unhealthy snack. That is why it is important to make sure you keep healthy snacks in your kitchen, such as crackers. When selecting a type of cracker from the grocery store, there are factors to consider such as nutritional value and taste. If you are interested in healthier crackers, consider ones that are made from whole grains. If you are more concerned with taste, look for crackers that have herbs and spices mixed into the ingredients. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Special K Crackers

Special K makes several types of healthy crackers. One is the Multi-Grain Cracker and the other is the Savory Herb Cracker. Special K targets its products toward calorie watchers. Seventeen crackers amounts to 90 calories; however, a typical serving size is 24 crackers. Special K Crackers are a snack item that dieters can eat while on the Special K Challenge. If you are on the challenge, you can consume up to two servings of crackers a day.

Carr's Table Water Crackers

Carr's Table Water Crackers initially were only sold in Britain before becoming available in the United States. Carr's crackers are not well suited for those who are concerned about calories. A serving size only includes two crackers and amounts to 80 calories. Still, if you are mainly concerned with taste, you will have plenty of choices with Carr's. Crackers come in a variety of flavors including Poppy & Sesame, Rosemary, Roasted Garlic & Herbs, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Cracked Pepper, Whole Wheat and Original. A list of recipes that can be made using Carr's crackers is available on the company's website.

Graham Crackers

A graham cracker is an eating option for cracker lovers who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Though they are made with whole wheat, it is the honey that gives the crackers their distinctive taste. Invented by Sylvester Graham in the 1830s, the crackers were initially marketed as a health food. Graham crackers can be a satisfying snack alone, but can also be paired with other items to make a dessert. S'mores are classic camping treats that are made with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. The crackers can also be used to make pie crust.

Nutrition Drinks for Diabetics

People with Type 2 diabetes have some growing choices when it comes to nutrition drinks and shakes that can be purchased at grocery and drug retailers or on line. Some of the products are clinically studied for their effect on diabetics and have been specifically formulated to help maintain blood glucose levels. Others simply provide diabetics with a highly nutritious, diabetic-safe drink.

Boost Glucose

Nestl's Boost Glucose contains 14 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of fiber, 12 grams of fat and 190 calories in an eight-ounce serving. Clinically proven to produce a blood glucose spike that is within the American Diabetes Association range, the drink contains no gluten or lactose and has 26 vitamins and minerals. The drinks come in strawberry, chocolate or vanilla

Medifast PLUS

Medifast, the nutrition and weight loss meal program, offers Medifast PLUS for Diabetics. The nutrition shake is used as a meal replacement or snack and can be ordered separately. It comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry and contains 25 vitamins and minerals, 1g of fat, 5g of sugar, 14g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrate. People with type 2 diabetes can drink this to lose weight or increase energy.

Glucerna

Glucerna Shakes, in conjunction with a diabetes food regime, reduce spikes in blood sugar, which lowers A1C. The shakes have 27 minerals and vitamins, 10g of protein, 6g of sugar, 27g of carbohydrate, and 7g of fat and are free from lactose and gluten. Glucerna Shakes won the 2009 Chef's Best Taste award and are made with chromium picolinate which helps natural insulin perform better. Glucerna comes in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and butter pecan. Glucerna Snack Shakes are similarity formulated.

GlucoBurst

PBM Products, a nutrition company, specially formulated a diabetic shake that helps control glucose levels through docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also contains an acid that reduces inflammation. The shake is available in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, is free of fructose, lactose, gluten, and has 0g of trans fat and 24 vitamins and minerals. It also includes chromium and fiber.

ZOIC Nutrition Drink

Although not specifically labeled for diabetics, this nutrition drink got a high rating from The Diabetic Food Critic. It is 99 percent fat-free, contains no added sugars, 2g net carbs, 110 calories, 26 minerals and vitamins, 2 to 3g fiber, 21g of protein and is free of gluten and 99.6 percent lactose-free. The drink comes in chocolate and vanilla.

Expert Insight

According to the American Diabetes Association, proper diet is one of the most important factors in diabetes management. They encourage diabetics to pay special attention to nutrition. Nutritional shakes make eating right easier.

Warning

All products are recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes only. None of the products are considered replacements for any diabetic medicine prescribed by a doctor.

How to Lose Weight Fast in 10 Steps

Losing weight can be tricky at times. However, besides starving yourself, there are ways to lose weight fast. This article will share some simple steps you can take to lose those extra pounds fast.

Instructions

1

How much do you eat? Keep track of what you eat and how often. If you can, also keep track of how many calories you are taking in each day. Carrying a little notebook can be helpful so you don't forget anything you eat during the day. Do this for a full week if you can. If you know approximately how many calories for each item you eat, write that down too. If you don't know the calorie count, you can do that later.

2

Look at your diet and decide what you want to cut out. Also, think about a replacement for that particular food item. For example, salad dressing can be fattening. However, there are lite dressings that can be a substitute. Cutting down or reducing your intake on candies and sweets can also help you lose weight faster. If you drink soda, replace that with water or reduce your daily intake.

3




Think lean. Choose lean meats to eat. Chicken and pork is lean. Also, fish can also be beneficial for your diet and help you lose weight faster

4

Easy on the side dishes. The side dishes can be so yummy, but can also be high in calories. Instead of greasy French fries, choose a healthier salad or vegetables.

5

Begin you day with a healthy breakfast. Doughnuts, bacon, and eggs, can also be high in calories. Instead, choose healthier choices like fruit, high-fiber cereals, yogurts, or oatmeal.

6

Lower your portion sizes. American is all about huge. Don't feel like you have to finish your entire meal. You eyes are usually bigger than your stomach. This is especially true in most restaurants. One idea is to split a meal with a friend or partner.

7




Plan your daily meals. Doing this can be good so you are not tempted to keep buying fast food or snack on anything.

8

Exercise. This can boost your energy and help you lose weight faster. Do cardio to get your blood pumping and you'll start to burn those calories.

9

Drink enough water. Most people don't drink enough water each day. As you exercise, you will need to drink more water.

10




Don't give up. Stay motivated and confident. Be consistent with your exercise and food adjustments and you'll soon be losing weight fast.

How to Stop Using Food as a Reward

Using food as a reward is more common than you might think. Many people see certain foods as "taboo" and only eat them when a special occasion comes around or when they have done something important that merits recognition. Associations like these often develop in childhood. If you are ready to change these associations and behaviors, there are a few things you can do.

Instructions

1

Ask yourself why you use food as a reward. Determine if it has to do more with habit or family tradition. Once you understand why you overeat, you can take steps to change your behavior, either alone or with the help of a therapist.

2

Don't reward yourself with food when something goes well. Instead of celebrating a promotion or a winning bid with dinner or dessert, go shopping, visit a spa or sneak out for a movie matine. Do something nice for yourself that makes you feel great without adding weight.

3

Look for rewards that are long lasting. If you are using food as a reward, the good feelings will stop as soon as you finish the meal. Instead, buy yourself something nice that you can use for a long time and that will remind you of your success every time you see it.

4

Stop rewarding kids with food. Many of the attitudes we have towards food come from childhood. Many parents offer sweets to kids who stop crying or eat their vegetables. Instead, make these "reward" foods a common part of everyday life, so children don't see them as anything special. Just make sure to control the portion sizes.

5

Find fun places near you that aren't restaurants. Many adult social lives revolve almost entirely around eating and drinking. Make it a point to play mini golf, go bowling, take in a play, go to a movie, visit a comedy club or enjoy other types of entertainment that don't focus on food. Your friend s will appreciate being invited to unusual events like these.

6

Avoid situations in which food is made the center of the celebration as much as you can. If you have no choice, such as in the case of office parties or weddings, celebrate and reward yourself by interacting with the people around you or enjoying the music, rather than concentrating on the meal itself.

Flaxseed for Menopause

Hot flashes are an uncomfortable symptom for many women going through menopause. Regular use of flaxseed may provide relief from these episodes, although it may not have much effect on other symptoms of menopause.

Significance

Flaxseed, as the name implies, is the seed of the flax plant. It contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which are fibrous phytoestrogens. In the digestive tract, bacteria change lignans into hormone-like compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. During menopause, when estrogen levels are declining, replacing or augmenting estrogen with phytoestrogens can lessen symptoms such as hot flashes.

Treatment

Traditionally, hormone replacement therapy has been an oft-prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms, and in particular hot flashes. But with unwanted side effects such as increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer, many women want an alternative solution. Nonhormonal solutions such as chasteberry and wild yam, or black cohosh and soy are available but are not always effective.

Research

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study of 29 women who were having hot flashes at a rate of 14 per week but were not taking estrogen replacements. The women took 40 grams of ground flaxseed every day for six weeks. At the end of the study, they reported a 50 percent reduction in hot flashes. Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, who conducted the study, concluded that flaxseed looked promising as a treatment for this symptom.

Diet

To incorporate ground flaxseed into your diet, aim for the equivalent of 30 grams a day. Start by taking just 2 tablespoons per day, added to baked goods, yogurts, cereal and smoothies. After three weeks, increase the dosage to 2 tablespoons twice a day. For supplementation using the flaxseed capsules, take capsules to equal 1,300 milligrams per day.

Considerations

Side effects from flaxseed can include bloating and gas. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids with ground flaxseed supplementation as it can swell and possibly block the esophagus. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about adding flaxseed to your diet.

How to Reduce Colostomy Odor

A colostomy is a temporary or permanent surgical opening into the colon. The opening in the abdomen that leads to the colon is called a stoma. Stool drains from the stoma into a one- or two-piece removable pouch system. This pouch system is typically odor-proof when applied correctly, but some people still can notice an odor. Worry about a real or imagined odor can cause embarrassment for people with a colostomy, but certain steps can decrease or eliminate this concern.

Instructions

1

Eat a healthy diet, but limit foods with a strong odor or those that produce gas such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, fish, garlic and onions. Eating yogurt or parsley and drinking buttermilk might decrease odor.

2

Apply a new colostomy pouch or wafer securely without any gaps or skin wrinkles between the wafer and the skin.

3

Add a colostomy deodorant to the pouch that is specifically formulated for a colostomy device. These substances are available in different forms such as a liquid, gel or tablet. Other substances that can be used as a deodorant include about 10 drops of either vanilla oil or peppermint oil.

4

Add a colostomy lubricant that is designed for the inside of a colostomy pouch. A lubricant can prevent stool from sticking to the pouch after emptying. You can purchase the lubricant where you buy your ostomy supplies. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, you can also spray the inside of the pouch with a non-stick cooking oil.

5

Empty the pouch when it is about 1/3 to full. Stool and odor can leak from a pouch that is too full.

6

Wipe stool from the inside and the outside of the pouch tail with toilet paper after emptying the pouch. You can rinse the pouch after emptying to remove any leftover stool. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, adding a few granules of Dreft soap to the rinse water can lubricate the inside of the pouch and freshen the pouch.

7

Empty soiled disposable pouches into the toilet after changing to a new pouch and then dispose of the soiled pouch in the trash.

8

Wash your hands after changing or emptying your pouch.

9

Change your pouch or wafer when you notice any leakage.

How to Jog to Lose Weight

Exercise is important for health and wellness as well as for losing weight. Running or jogging is one of the simplest and most effective workouts for weight loss, as it involves the whole body, with particular focus on the large muscles of the legs. When you're jogging to lose weight, a little bit of effort goes a long way, and you can easily build up to a steady exercise regimen.

Instructions

1

Evaluate your physical condition and determine whether you'd be better off walking at first. Beginners, particularly those who are extremely overweight, should use caution when starting an exercise regimen. If you're only slightly overweight and in good shape otherwise, jogging to lose weight may work well for you.

2

Set a weight-loss goal. To lose 1 lb. per week, you need to burn 500 more calories each day than you consume. You can do this through exercise alone or through diet and exercise. Try reducing your caloric intake by 250 calories a day and burning at least 250 through exercise.

3

Learn how many calories you burn per minute of exercise. Joggers who weigh 127 to 137 lbs. burn 9.2 calories a minute, and 160- to 170-lb. joggers burn 11.5 calories a minute. If you weigh in between 180 and 200 lbs. you'll burn 12.7 calories a minute when jogging. Using 150 lbs. and 10 calories per minute as an average, simply add a zero to the number of minutes spent jogging and you'll have an estimate of calories burned; 250 for 25 minutes, 300 for 30 minutes.

4

Create a jogging schedule to follow throughout the week, varying your exercise routine for best results. Try jogging 15 minutes at a higher speed one day and 35 minutes at a slower pace the next. A few moderate 30-minute jog days in the mix will round out your schedule.

5

Buy good running shoes and hit the road. Map out a few routes, and start slowly if you need to, working up to a faster pace.

Are Vitamins Good for You?

Vitamins, like almost anything you consume, are good for you in moderation. They are best used as supplements to a well-balanced diet, intending to offer vitamins and minerals that your body might be lacking on a regular basis. Vitamins are safe as long as they are taken properly and should be used to complement a nutrient rich menu, not as a food substitute. Asses your needs and speak with your health care provider before taking any supplements habitually.

Essential Nutrients

Your body requires specific essential nutrients for normal growth, development, regular function and basic health. Most of these essential nutrients should be consumed daily through food-- carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water-- but you can also choose to take a supplement for any vitamins or minerals your diet might be lacking.

Vitamins and minerals are key to your body's health and growth; supporting healthy digestion, a strong immune system, fighting cardiovascular disease and cancer, creating skeletal tissue, and promoting healthy bones and teeth. It is important to listen to your body's needs and to adapt with your age, diet and lifestyle. Someone who is a vegetarian, pregnant, post-menopausal, an athlete or has a medical condition, for example, will have different supplement needs than you might require.

Types of Vitamins

Vitamins come in two types: fat soluble (A, D, E, K) and water soluble (B, C). Fat soluble vitamins are stored in fat tissue in the body and can build up high levels of toxins if not used. Water soluble vitamins are excreted by the body when not needed and should be consumed regularly. Minerals are inorganic substances that are necessary for body function, they must be consumed regularly, but mostly in small doses.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with natural vitamins and dietary minerals and should be your main source of nutrients. Super fruits-- like blackberries, blueberries, pomegranate, acai berries, cherries and cantaloupe-- are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, E, potassium, folate and fiber. Dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, beets and brussels sprouts are a few examples of nutrient rich vegetables. Make a habit of properly nourishing your body.

Daily Needs

A body's daily vitamin and mineral requirements will vary depending on sex, age, weight, diet, etc. A supplement is only necessary to complement small gaps in an already complete diet. For example, your body requires about 250 to 2000 mg of vitamin C daily to support your immune system, but you consume most of that daily requirement by eating fruits and vegetables.

Your body needs about 1000 mg of calcium daily for bone, teeth and muscle strength, but you fulfill this requirement by consuming dairy and dark greens. B vitamins are important for basic body development, heart and nervous system function, metabolism and much more, and are often missed from diets lacking fish, legumes or regular vegetables. Analyze your vitamin and mineral intake what you need and why before starting a habitual supplement.

Get Personal

Research which multi-vitamins or supplements will best fit your specific needs. Your body is designed to stay healthy and function properly if you follow a nutritional diet; complete with fruits and vegetables, water, whole grains, proteins and dairy. Assess which essential vitamins and minerals your diet might be lacking, compare different supplements and what they offer, understand what you are looking for and what you need. Always consult your primary care physician before starting a multi-vitamin regime and only to supplement what your body is lacking.

Misconceptions

Don't assume all vitamin supplements are safe because they offer nutrients and are available over the counter. Make sure you are aware of expiration dates, check daily dosage requirements so you are not feeding your body more than what it needs (vitamin and mineral overdose is easily achieved when mixing supplements), choose well known brands and research manufacturers so you know you are truly getting what the labels promote. Also, practice safe storage of multi-vitamins; keep away from heat and out of reach of children.

How to Lose Weight and Gain Confidence

One in every three American adults is considered obese by medical standards, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. TeensHealth states that body image and self-confidence are closely linked, especially in teenagers and young adults, which could explain why people care so much about how others view them. Regardless of whether you're seeking weight loss, a confidence boost or both, you must first believe in yourself.

Instructions

Lose Weight

1

Reduce your daily calorie intake. The best way to monitor your calorie intake is by establishing a calorie goal and writing down the calorie values of whatever you eat. According to the National institutes of Health, you could lose 20 to 24 lbs. in just three months by consuming 500 fewer calories a day and exercising thirty minutes daily.

2

Perform physical activity. Whether you're going for a jog or just doing active chores around the house like mowing the grass or vacuuming the carpet, thirty minutes of physical activity a day can burn off 300 to 400 calories a day, states ProHealth, a weight-loss management website.

3

Drink at least eight glasses of water each day, the equivalent of 64 oz. According to the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology," drinking water helps speed up your metabolism, reduces the amount of water weight your body retains and prevents unnecessary cravings.

Gain Confidence

4

Surround yourself around positive people. Spend time with people who are uplifting, encouraging and who accept you, regardless of your action. Such people will help you achieve a level of self-confidence. Attempting to mold yourself into someone whom you're not in order to gain acceptance in a group of colleagues or friends can damage your self-confidence and make you self-aware. Look for people who won't judge your character.

5

Join a professional club and set realistic goals. Having goals that are impossible to reach may cause discouragement and self-doubt. Clubs are a good way of aiming for a common goal and accomplishment as a whole instead of by yourself. Joining clubs that appeal to your talents and skills will allow you to break out of your shell as you bond with others who share the same passion as you.

6

Help others through service projects. Through volunteer and community service projects, you have the potential to build relationships and forge new friendships. According to Joanna Saisan, a HelpGuide.org specialist, servicing others make you feel better about yourself and creates a sense of self-worth and confidence. Start your own service project, join a club that specializes in helping the community, or find an organization online. Non-profit organizations are always looking for volunteers to help in their causes.

Castor Oil to Detox the Body

Castor oil is a vegetable oil made from the seed of the castor plant. It has numerous household, beauty, and medicinal uses. One of the most common uses of castor oil is for detoxification. Many people consume castor oil as a detoxification (cleansing the body of toxins) agent and laxative, and even to induce labor. If you are not comfortable with the oral consumption of castor oil, you can make a castor oil pack, which aids digestion and draws impurities through the skin to purify the body.

Castor Oil Detoxification Pack

A castor oil pack is the method of applying castor oil to the skin and heating it to activate detoxification. A castor oil pack will loosen build-up in the digestive tract and allow you to eliminate excess toxins. For the castor oil pack you will need a bottle of castor oil, plastic wrap, a towel, and a heating pad or hot water bottle. Complete the pack before you go to bed up to three times a week. Lie down on a bed or sofa. Pour some castor oil onto your stomach and spread it all over your abdomen covering where your digestive tract is. This can be a bit messy so it is a good idea to have some baby wipes on hand so you can clean your hands without getting up. Rip off a piece of plastic wrap that will cover the entire area and place it on your stomach. Lay a towel on top of the plastic wrap to keep the mess contained and to protect your stomach from the heating pad. Place a heating pad, or a hot water bottle, over the towel. Set it on medium or high depending on the thickness of the towel. If you might fall asleep put it on low or medium to avoid burning the skin. Relax with the pack on for about an hour. You may then wash the oil off using a wet towel or by taking a shower.

How to Survive Orthognathic Jaw Surgery (Maxillofacial Surgery)

Have you been told that jaw surgery is the only option to straighten your, or your child's, bite? If you're like us, the surgeon provides detailed instructions but leaves out a few useful tips. This eHow tries to fill in the gaps.

Instructions

1

Don't assume you'll have to pay out of pocket just because you don't have orthodontic insurance. In our case, the surgery came under our medical insurance, not dental or orthodontic.

2

When your orthodontist calls it "elective" surgery, don't assume that means "cosmetic" or "not covered by insurance". It just means, roughly, that the problems it will fix are not life-threatening or disabling.

3

Talk to all your providers -- orthodontist, surgeon, and dentist -- about the need for surgery. It was our dentist, the last one we talked to, who added the decisive bit of information: that our son had not only an overbite but an open bite. The open bite, where only the back teeth make contact top to bottom, made our son's decision much more straightforward because it meant there was a clearer health issue involved. Over his lifetime his teeth would probably have started cracking at the back because that was the only place they made contact with each other. You can see both the overbite and the open bite in the "Before" x-ray at the top of this page.

4

Before the day of surgery, find liquids for your patient to live on while their jaw is closed. We had our son preview one of every kind of protein-rich drink we could find, and there were two he liked. Once we knew what he liked, we stocked up, and he pretty much lived on those two for the first three weeks after surgery. Other people we've talked to found popsicles to be the most palatable, at least for the first few days.

5

Before the day of surgery, have crushed ice, Ziplocs, and paper towels ready for ice packs. Assembling several packs the day before surgery assures there will be no delay when your patient needs a new one.

6

Have the post-surgery pain medications in hand when you go in for surgery. We had the prescription medications with us, and the operating room nurse recommended that we buy liquid Tylenol while our son was in surgery. It was a valuable tip: he didn't need full doses of the narcotic pain medications -- he preferred a half dose of normal liquid Tylenol, and a half dose of Tylenol with codeine.

7

When they tell the patient to wear loose clothing, what they mean is the patient is going to have a huge ice pack around their head, and very tender flesh beneath the hard ice. Wear something with buttons or zippers, or that has a generous opening to slip over the patient's head. It needs to be big enough to pass a basketball through.

8

Make sure you have something to puke in on the way home!

9

Expect swelling and bruising. For our son, the most uncomfortable aspect of the swelling was cracked lips that were too tender for chapstick. We used Vaseline instead.

10

Have enough pillows to let the patient sleep with head propped up -- the swelling and drainage can make it difficult to breathe.

11

Expect some bleeding the first 24 hours -- use old bedding instead of that brand new snowy white dryclean-only duvet cover.

12

Don't skip the physical therapy exercises! After our first six weeks of healing, our surgeon assigned stretching exercises using squash and racquet balls that had been pierced to be more squishy. Our son put them between his teeth and let them push his jaws apart for five minutes at a time. The goal was a three-finger-width space between top and bottom teeth. He had only a two-finger opening when his follow-up visits ended. He has the full opening now, but it was harder to get that last finger's worth of range late in the healing/scarring process.

13




Be patient with the healing process. You're investing in a lifetime of a healthier jaw -- it'll be worth it.

How to Lose Weight Lifting Weight

To lose weight lifting weight can be confusing if you don't know anything about weight training. Many women believe that weight training puts weight on and that's it. This is why when you go into a gym that you see women primarily on cardio equipment and not in the weight room.

Instructions

1




To lose weight lifting weight you must be willing to learn how weight training works. It's simple, but you have to get rid of the thinking that lifting weight only causes you to gain weight. This is not true by any means. In fact, it can do the opposite.

Understand that when you want to lose weight lifting weight you need to use light to medium weight, do more sets and reps and consume fewer calories. Metabolism is also a factor, but we'll get to that later.

2




Know that weight training is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. This is true because of how much more fat and calories are burned by the muscle you gain. This is why more women need to get off the cardio machines and get into the weight room!

This is not to say that cardio isn't important, it is, but you can do cardio with weights, its called circuit weight training. It's also known in body building circles as super setting. Body builders use this technique to create intensity and get cuts or definition as well as up their metabolism.

3




To super set means no rest between sets. Beginners need to start easy and do two sets and rest, then three, then five and so forth. The goal is to intensify the work out and challenge the body. As a result, you begin to lose weight lifting weight, which after all, is the goal.

Be consistent, you will gain muscle and lose weight as long as you're consistent and keep calories in check. This means 2-3 days a week for at least 30 minutes. Work your way up to 60 minutes or longer. Keep in mind, muscles need 24-48 hours of rest to develop and grow. Without proper rest you can over train.

4




Give it time to work, fast weight loss isn't safe and usually comes right back. Safe weight loss when you lose weight lifting is about two pounds a week. Slow and steady wins the race!

Educate yourself on proper weight lifting form, warm ups and stretching. These are all very important factors and must be done correctly to achieve optimal results and avoid injury. For more information on routines and diet see resources below.

Special Diets for a Stomach Reduction

Stomach exercises are only a part of having a flat stomach. The main reason people fail at their goal of having a flat stomach is that they just exercise and neglect what they eat. A person's diet plays an important role in the size and appearance of the stomach.

High Fiber and High Protein Diet

A diet high in protein and fiber helps you stay full for longer and reduces indulging in junk food. Eating fried and high-carb food is one of the main factors causing fat deposition in and around the stomach area. Start off your day with an egg-white omelet for breakfast. Egg whites are a very good source of protein and will help you feel less hungry during the day. You could also have high fiber cereal or oatmeal with berries or apples. They are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Consider low-fat soup and a salad with low-fat dressing for lunch or dinner. The more varied and colorful your salad, the better it is for your stomach. The salad also contributes to a significant amount of fiber, vitamin and minerals. Snack on almonds or protein shake to get more fiber, protein and antioxidants.

Diet for Bloated Stomach

The body sometimes takes a while to get used to the high fiber, and this can cause stomach distension--a bloated and puffy stomach. There are certain foods that help to keep stomach bloat down, such as asparagus--a great low-calorie side dish that tastes great when steamed, boiled or grilled. Asparagus helps food move through the colon.
Papayas areloaded with antioxidants and contain a digestive enzyme called papain that helps with digestion. It is a great low-calorie fruit that can be used in salads, cereals, oatmeal and desserts.
Pineapple is another fruit that helps with digestion and prevents stomach bloat. Adding cup every day to your diet reduces stomach upsets and heartburn and it is only 50 calories. It is also a good way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Low-fat yogurt is a great low-calorie option that keeps your digestive system healthy. it istasty as it is or can make a good smoothie with your favorite fruit.

Foods to Avoid

A diet to reduce the stomach must not include saturated fat and should include less alcohol. Saturated fat is difficult to process and is easily stored as fat around the stomach. Butter, mayonnaise and margarine are some of the culprits.
Alcohol provides empty calories that have no energy benefit to your body. The body considers alcohol toxic, and as the liver works on it first to process it, this slows down your metabolism.

How to Lose Weight When You Have Hypothyroidism

If you have thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, you may find it more difficult to lose weight and feel energetic. You may also find that your weight tends to fluctuate no matter what you do. Sometimes you just start putting on weight when you haven't been overindulgent in your diet. However, being hypo thyroid does not mean you are doomed to being pudgy and out of shape. You just have to know what your body needs to help your thyroid function better.

Instructions

1

Make sure you are taking the correct amount of thyroid medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you find yourself feeling more sluggish and gaining weight, go get your thyroid levels checked to see if you need a stronger prescription. Make sure you are taking your medication regularly.

2

Exercise on a regular basis. In particularly, you should try to engage in activities like yoga as the inverted positions, like downward dog, encourage blood flow to your neck area. Your thyroid is located in the neck area, so bring the blood flow there will help stimulate your thyroid to function better while you get in shape at the same time. This is a double workout as you work out your body and your thyroid!
Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week, but 30 minutes a day would be ideal. Aside from doing some yoga, you can go walking, jogging, swimming or whatever feels comfortable for you and gets your heart rate elevated. If your lethargy keeps you from getting the motivation needed to exercise, then sign up for a fitness class. You will feel more accountable and motivated to show up and will have the support of an instructor telling you what to do rather than trying to force yourself to decide what to do.

3

Drink green tea. People with hypothyroidism tend to have slower metabolisms. Green tea helps to increase your metabolism therefore helping you to loose weight. Drinking Green tea will also increase your energy level, giving you the energy to exercise since hypothyroidism can make you feel so lethargic.

4

Supplement with Iodine. Take a Kelp supplement or buy some liquid iodine and make an iodine patch on your skin about the size of a quarter. Iodine helps improve thyroid function.

5

See my article How to Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally for more ways to naturally improve your thyroid function. (see resources).

Importance of Nutrition & Fitness

The importance of nutrition and physical fitness cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining good health. Nutrition and fitness together will help you achieve optimal health.

Nutrition defined

Supplements can fill dietary gaps

Nutrition is the process by which organisms take in and utilize food material. Nutrition optimally should come from the food you eat, but vitamin and mineral supplements can provide nutrients missing in your diet.

Exercise

Running is great exercise that you can do anywhere

Regular exercise keeps your body flexible and strong, helps maintain a healthy metabolism, increases energy and decreases stress. Exercise can help control chronic medical conditions such as insomnia, high cholesterol, depression and anxiety.

Food is fuel

Your skin is your largest organ

Even when you are not moving, your body is constantly working. Bodies require energy to keep our organs working properly, our cells regenerating, our immune systems functioning, and our skin, hair, teeth and bones strong.

Eating and exercise

Pasta and salmon pack the perfect protein-carbohydrate punch

What and when you eat before a workout is important. A small meal comprised of complex carbohydrates and protein, 1 to 2 hours before exercising, will help stabilize blood sugar and energy levels as well as discourage your body from breaking down muscle for fuel. Drink plenty of water and stay away from fat and sugar.

Fighting disease

A colorful diet is a healthy diet

Many foods have disease-fighting properties, such as lowering cholesterol (almonds), heart health (red grapes), cancer prevention (tea) and diabetes management (cinnamon). Others can help lower blood pressure (skim milk), aid digestion (yogurt) and protect against flu (mushrooms).

1966 GMC Color Codes

GMC had fourteen colors available for its car models. Each color has a GM code. Some colors have Chrysler codes and compatible codes for Ditzler PPG, Sherwin Williams, and Dupont.

Blues and Greens

Blue and green shades included dark green, light green, terrace blue, dark blue and light blue. Dark green had a color code of WE5101. Light green had a color code of WE5121. Terrace blue had a color code of WA5126. Dark blue's color code was WE5103. Light blue had a color code of WE5120.

Reds, Yellows and Oranges

Omaha orange, yellow, flame red and light red are included in this group. The color code for Omaha Orange was WE5108. Yellow had a color code of WE5110. WA 5127 was the color code for flame red. Palomino tan's color code was WA5128. Light red had a color code of WE5106.

Neutrals

Neutral colors available in this group are white, ebony black, ivory, and light gray. The color code for white was WE5111. Ebony black had a color code of WA0848. WE5119 was the color code for ivory. Light gray's color code was WE5716.

Compatible Color Codes

Please see References for a list of compatible color codes for these GMC 1966 colors.

More About the Special K Diet

Special K cereal is a lightly toasted cereal manufactured by Kellogg Company. Its main ingredients are rice and wheat. The product hit grocery stores shelves in 1956 and is promoted as a low-fat cereal. Over the years, the Special K brand has grown to include flavored cereals, snack bars, bite-size snacks, waffles, protein water and protein water mixes.

1. Design Your Plan

   • The Special K website (specialk.com) allows you to design your own diet plan by answering a few short, quick questions. The site will then display a 2-week plan to follow.

   Week One & Week Two

   • The 7-day plan outlines 2 meals and 2 snacks that all incorporate Special K products. The third meal, typically dinner, is based on the dieter's choice. A dieter can switch products and make new selections based on taste, needs or wants.

   Tips

   • The plan contains helpful hints, such as encouraging participants to drink enough water, to exercise and to stay motivated. The site is full of information, group sites and where to buy Special K products. It even allows a user to sign up for email communication.

   Sharing Goals

   • A dieter can email her diet plan to a friend, and they can share their progress and goals. A printer-friendly version is also available.

   Pros

   • The Special K diet plan does not involve calorie counting, and it is simple to follow. Breakfast is an important part of any diet and helps most people eat less and get essential minerals and vitamins. Starting the day with Special K helps many get on the right track.

   Cons

   • Lack of variety may cause some people to become bored. Hunger can also be problematic for some. Weight gain after the 2-week plan may occur.

Related Searches

References

• Products; Plans;
• Diet Basic; Pros; Cons

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Design Your Plan

The Special K website (specialk.com) allows you to design your own diet plan by answering a few short, quick questions. The site will then display a 2-week plan to follow.

Week One & Week Two

The 7-day plan outlines 2 meals and 2 snacks that all incorporate Special K products. The third meal, typically dinner, is based on the dieter's choice. A dieter can switch products and make new selections based on taste, needs or wants.

Tips

The plan contains helpful hints, such as encouraging participants to drink enough water, to exercise and to stay motivated. The site is full of information, group sites and where to buy Special K products. It even allows a user to sign up for email communication.

Sharing Goals

A dieter can email her diet plan to a friend, and they can share their progress and goals. A printer-friendly version is also available.

Pros

The Special K diet plan does not involve calorie counting, and it is simple to follow. Breakfast is an important part of any diet and helps most people eat less and get essential minerals and vitamins. Starting the day with Special K helps many get on the right track.

Cons

Lack of variety may cause some people to become bored. Hunger can also be problematic for some. Weight gain after the 2-week plan may occur.