Pros & Cons of Soda & Soft Drinks

Soda pop and soft drinks are a routine part of our lives, but debate has emerged regarding their benefits (or lack thereof). Soft drinks certainly aren't good for you, but they do provide certain benefits in addition to the drawbacks. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fattening

Most forms of soda have a great deal of sugar, and even diet sodas contain chemicals that may contribute to weight gain.

Tasty

Soda tastes good, and as an occasional treat, it's much less messy than other forms of sweets such as ice cream.

Caffeine

Many soft drinks are caffeinated, which provides benefits in added energy, but also raises blood sugar and increases the risk of heart disease.

Alcohol-Free

Soft drinks have no alcohol, making them an attractive alternative for nondrinkers who wish to enjoy a nightclub or bar with their friends.

Weak Bones

Soda weakens the bones and increases the possibility of breaks, especially in young people whose bones are still growing.

Vegan & Soy-Free Body Building Diet Plan

Bodybuilding requires more calories daily than a regular diet. If you are vegan and want to avoid soy foods, you still have plenty of choices. Focus on eating legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, sea vegetables and fruits. Take appropriate supplements, like B-12, to replace nutrients found in meat and make sure you get enough iodine-rich foods for your thyroid. Women might also consider a saliva or hair analysis test to make sure they have enough iron to ward off anemia from training.

What to eat to build

Contrary to popular wisdom, you don't have to eat red meat to be a bodybuilder. Vegan athletes must be more educated about their training table to be certain they are not overtraining and cannibalizing muscle to get needed protein.
It's important to eat a variety of proteins throughout the day. For example, eat peanut, soy or almond butter on whole grain toast and a protein drink make from hemp seed. Add fresh fruit to round out this meal.
Lunch and dinner can be cooked or raw vegetables, cooked legumes, pasta or whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, millet or wheat berries. You can eat sweet potatoes and trail mix for snacks to provide fuel for training.

Eat small meals and snacks

Rather than try to digest three large meals, divide your daily calories into five or even six mini-meals. Each meal may consist of 400 to 500 calories. For example, a bowl of vegan chili and a small stack of whole wheat toast drizzled with flax seed, olive or hemp seed oil is power food. Snack on nuts, seeds and raisins. Spice up hot air-popped popcorn by tossing it in a brown bag with olive oil and cayenne pepper. Grind flax seeds or shred nigari (seedweed) or sprinkle sesame seeds over popcorn for a nutrient-dense snack.

Consume supplements

Most vegans may lack vitamin B-12 if they don't eat seaweed, such as spirulina, or Japanese foods that use seaweed, such as sushi. Take a daily multivitamin with minerals to fill in any nutritional gaps you might have from your intense training schedule. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, selenium and zinc are good for muscle repair. If you do not like swallowing vitamins, find a good powder or liquid vitamin instead. Remember to use sea salt with iodine to feed the thyroid.
Use enzymes if you have trouble digesting all the fiber in this vegan diet.

What Is Kellogg's Brand Personality?

It is difficult to think of a breakfast cereal without thinking of Kellogg's. This is largely due to a highly successful marketing strategy since the company's launch in 1906. Every successful brand has a specific "personality" reflecting the desires and emotions of its target market.

What is a Brand Personality?

When creating a marketing strategy it is important to consider your niche and who your customers are. Focusing on one specific group like a direct laser beam with your marketing message is far more powerful and likely to get results than the scatter or disco ball approach to marketing where a weak message is sent to many. Consider who exactly will buy this product their gender, age and lifestyle. Also consider what those customers want out of life and the emotions associated with their desires. By incorporating the personality traits and ambitions of the target group into the products image, the brand will trigger key emotions, making those individuals more likely to be attracted to and buy the product.

For example, Marlboros personality reflects the masculine, outdoors type who craves freedom and adventure; Rimmel with their Get the London look slogan reflects femininity and glamour with the desire for sophistication and material possessions. Marketing strategies involve manipulating the emotions of the target groups by showing images of what they desire, giving the impression it can be found in the product.

Development of Kellogg's Brand

When the company began, they were faced with a difficult marketing challenge. Their product was completely new and they had to convince the nation to try a strange, unfamiliar food. By investing heavily in sales and giving away thousands of boxes of Corn Flakes they successfully launched their brand.

The company image has changed very little over the decades and every product still retains the Kelloggs signature logo as a seal of quality. This element of continuity in the marketing strategy reflects the unchanging objective to supply great-tasting nutritious, healthy and high quality products.

Kellogg's Brand Personality

The Kelloggs brand benefits from a duel marketing concept not only does it have a classic personality with universal appeal embodied in its original product, Corn Flakes, but also a wide range of niche products aimed at specific groups.

The Kelloggs brand is associated by many with childhood and evoking a sense of nostalgia helps to strengthen bonds with the wider market. The desire for a more simple, natural, family- and health-oriented lifestyle are all important to people in a world where most live in cities with hectic lives and rarely have the luxury of leisurely family breakfasts. This ideal is not only reflected in the personality of the Corn Flakes product, but is underscored throughout the product range.

Kellogg's Product Personalities

Kelloggs has a wide range of products on the market which vary from country to country, each with its own individual personality and target market. The overall brand personality is still embodied in the original Corn Flakes, while other products aim at specific groups. For example: Special K targets women desiring beauty and weight loss, All Bran aims at older adults concerned about improving their health; and Rice Krispies are aimed at children and incorporate an element of fun.

Good Foods to Lose Weight

Losing weight can be intimidating and challenging. Gradual weight gain may come from overeating, lack of exercise and pregnancy. According to the Obesity Society, obesity is classified as a disease and affects more than one-third of the adult American population, which is approximately 72 million Americans (2009). Avoid adult onset diabetes, heart disease and unhealthiness by selecting foods that will help you with weight loss.

The Benefits of Fruit

Fruits are an ideal food for losing weight. Adding a colorful array of fruits to your diet helps you obtain essential vitamins and minerals needed for overall health. According to The United Stated Department of Agriculture's website, mypyramid.gov/pyramid/fruits.html, one small apple, medium-sized banana or a medium mango counts as one cup of fruit. Fruit contains fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. Fruits are easily digested and low in calories.

Vegetables

Vegetables are another good food that is low in calories and helps you lose weight faster. Carrots, green beans, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus are just a few types of vegetables that can be steamed, sauted or eaten raw. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, vegetables and fruits lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancers and lower the risk of eye and digestive problems. Most people should aim for at least nine servings, which totals four and a half cups per day.

Lean Proteins

Small amounts of lean meats, poultry and seafood are an excellent source of protein. The trick is to bake, grill or pan sear with light oil. According to the food pyramid, an adult may consume five to six ounces of meat, chicken or fish per day. Remember to stay away from fatty meats and chicken skin.

Grains

Whole grain cereals, breads, and crackers made of bulgur, oatmeal, and whole wheat flour are good for digestion. Brown and wild rice, whole wheat cereal flakes, popcorn and oatmeal are all good selections. Modify your eating habits by avoiding butter on your popcorn and oatmeal. Try using low-fat milk in oatmeal and cereal.

Calcium and Protein

Dairy products provide calcium and protein to your diet. Consume low-fat yogurts, cheeses and milk. According to the American Heart Association, the average adult should consume two to three servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and older adults should have four servings.

Which Cold Cereals Can Diabetics Eat?

Diabetics are faced with a dilemma at breakfast because, just like everyone else, they are rushing to get to work or school and don't have time to cook the perfect meal for themselves. As blood sugars are often most sensitive to food after a night of fasting, it is important to have a well balanced breakfast. Therefore it is important that diabetics know which cold cereals they can safely eat for those mornings when time is of the essence.

Carbohydrates

Not all carbohydrates are created equal. When looking at the carbohydrate breakdown on a nutritional label you will see total carbohydrates, dietary fiber and sugar. Dietary fiber is a diabetic's friend, but sugar is not, so you want a cereal that is high in fiber and low in sugar. Bran and whole-grain cereals are good choices, but beware of ingredients such as honey, fructose and corn syrup, as these add to the sugar count in the product.

Serving Size

Also pay attention to the recommended serving size, as some cereals list a half cup, which is, in reality, a small serving. If you're going to invest your total carbohydrate and grain allowance in a bowl of cereal you want to make sure that you're not going to go hungry. So check serving sizes, and find the lowest total carbohydrates with the largest serving size.

Fruit, Beware!

Most diabetics are warned to stay away from consuming fruit in the morning because of their high doses of natural sugars. Beware of dried fruits, which are notoriously high in sugars.

Snacking

Diabetics are often encouraged to have a late evening or bedtime snack in order to help balance out their blood sugars overnight. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shows that cold cereal is good for maintaining blood sugar levels and can even encourage weight loss.

Warning

Diabetics are taught how to monitor and regulate their blood glucose levels through diet and testing. However, before beginning any new diet or food plan check with your doctor or nutritionist to ensure that your body is not reacting poorly to the new food. Also, always carefully monitor your blood sugars after incorporating a new food into your diet.

How to Prevent Fungal Infections

Fungi are microscopic plant organisms that are incapable of producing their own food. So they survive as parasites absorbing nutrients from their hosts (humans or animals). Fungal infection affects almost every body part there is--from the scalp down to the foot. These infectious organisms like to settle on warm and moist areas of the skin such as the gaps in between digits, neck area, the groin or other parts where there are skin folds. Symptoms include excessive itching and scaling on the affected area, which may lead to skin irritation if not properly treated. To protect yourself against fungi attack, follow the safety tips below.

Instructions

1

Observe proper hygiene. Taking a shower or washing your hands will do the trick.

2

Keep your skin dry at all times.

3

Avoid wearing overly tight clothing that may build up moisture on the area.

4

Change socks and underwear daily.

5

Wash or change towels as often as possible.

6

Be sure to wear sandals when you wash yourself on public showers.

7

Change your swimsuit or your damp clothes immediately after swimming.

8

Avoid sharing stuffs like towels, combs or shoes.

How to Lose Water Weight in 2 Days

You have probably seen countless advertisements and commercials for magic pills that claim to make you lose weight in just days. If you are a smart consumer, you know that most of these claims are false. It is not very likely that you can lose pounds of fat in just two days. However, if you are desperately trying to fit into that slinky little dress in a couple of days, it may be possible to lose a bit of water weight.

Instructions

Lose Water Weight

1

Keep eating. Some people mistakenly believe that if they starve themselves in the couple of days leading up to an event, they will lose weight. While it is true that healthily restricting your calories in the long run will lead to weight loss, this isn't possible to do in a couple of days. Rather than making you lose weight, your body will go into starvation mode and make you retain water. When you retain water you get bloated and may even see a higher number on the scale.

2

Drink more water. Though it may sound strange, drinking more water actually makes you retain less water. Keep hydrated by drinking eight or more glasses a day. Water will help flush fluids, salt and toxins out of your cells. A dehydrated body will try to preserve itself by retaining as much water as possible, in case it is even longer before a drink of water comes along.

3

Avoid eating salt and other sodium-containing foods. The obvious foods to avoid are things like chips, pizza and pretzels. However, there are many other high-sodium foods that you might not expect. Many processed and packaged foods contain much more salt than their fresh versions. Also, quick-rising breads like pancakes contain a lot of sodium as well.

4

Skip the sugar. Salt isn't the only food flavoring that can make you bloated. Eating foods that contain too much sugar can cause insulin levels to spike. This may cause your body to become less efficient at flushing out sodium. Skip sugary sodas, sweetened teas, cookies and candies for a couple of days in order to slim down. Watch out for any sauces, ketchup and barbecue sauces that contain excess sugar.

5

Beat the bloat by getting active. While it may not be possible to work off pounds of fat in two days at the gym, working out can do wonders for decreasing water weight. Exercising causes you to sweat, which lets a lot of sodium out of the body. Moving your body also helps the lymphatic system to drain. This is important because it drains excess fluid from your cells. Want an even better way to work out? Swimming is a great way to lose water weight because the water pressure pushes fluid out of the body.

6

Watch what you eat. Besides avoiding excess salt and sugar, there are also foods that you should eat. Some foods have a natural diuretic effect, which causes you to flush water out of your system more efficiently. Anything that is high in fiber can help flush fluids. Also try cabbage, cranberry juice and asparagus for their diuretic properties. Regular black tea and even herbal varieties like dandelion and ginger can help you shed water weight.

Good Cereals for a Diet

If you're trying to lose weight, the right choice of breakfast cereal as part of a calorie controlled diet can greatly improve your odds of success. Cereals that are low in sugar and fat are the best choice, as they deliver more nutrition with fewer calories. There are various diets that endorse the use of one particular brand of cereal, but variety, along with portion control, are key to maintaining a healthy diet for weight loss. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Bran Flakes

These are typically high in fiber and low in fat, but you should always check the packaging to make sure that there isn't an excess of sugar or sweetener. Bran flakes make an excellent base for a breakfast but they can get boring when eaten on their own. Add fruit and use low-fat milk to optimize the effects of consuming a high-quality cereal.

Oatmeal

Another high-fiber, low-fat option is oatmeal. Make it with water or 1 percent milk to reduce the fat content of the entire serving. Add banana or another fruit to turn a humble oatmeal dish in to a high-energy training meal.

Many competitive body builders favor oatmeal for the slow release pf energy it provides, which is beneficial when training. Oatmeal is a great choice if you are combining an exercise regimen with your weight loss diet. Eat a bowl of oatmeal and a banana about 90 minutes before exercise for the most benefit.

Corn Flakes

Kelloggs frequently promotes certain cereals as weight loss foods. They market the Special K diet for example, as a way of dropping a jeans size in a month. While this may be possible, eating the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day for a month will get boring quickly for most dieters. Corn flakes from any manufacturer are a healthy choice if eaten in a healthy portion of approximately 45 g and without sugar.

Muesli

The great thing about muesli is that you can make your own. This means you can add the fruits that you enjoy and leave out the things you don't want. Homemade muesli is a great choice if you want to control your calorific intake.

The basis of muesli is rolled oats. Use no more than a 2-cup serving of oats and add dried fruit, nuts and even a tablespoon of honey for a tasty, high-fiber, high-energy breakfast cereal that is also low in fat.

Lucky Charms

It may come as a surprise, but Lucky Charms is actually a decent cereal for dieters. A 1-cup serving contains just 120 calories. But be warned, the same sized portion also contains 13 g of sugar, which is over half of your recommended daily allowance. So provided that you don't take in a lot of sugar for the remainder of the day, Lucky Charms is a reasonable choice for those who need something sweet in the morning or wish to replace decadent desserts with healthier choices.

How to Lose 10 Pounds in 1 Month

You can lose 10 pounds in one month but it will take discipline, hard work, and a whole lot of determination.

You must stay focused and just follow your plan for 30 days.

A time tested adage states, "shoot for the moon and even if you miss you'll be amongst the stars." Well, shoot for 10 pounds, and even if you miss, you lose 7-8.

Instructions

1

You are going to need to decrease your caloric intake about 500 calories per day. In order to accomplish this you must decrease your food intake by 20 percent and sweat as much as you can from aerobic and cardio exercise. You can ride a stationary bike, use a treadmill, brisk walks around your sub-division (and I do mean brisk walks, not walking and talking with a neighbor or friend, because you need to be working up a sweat).

2

If you are going to a gym, you need to workout at least 3 times per week. Do about 30 minutes of lifting with LIGHT WEIGHTS, nothing heavy. Then you're going to do 30 minutes of cardio. You can use the treadmill or any of the other cardio machines. You can play racquetball or participate in an Aerobics class.

3

The most crucial element in being able to lose 10 pounds in one month is going to be your diet. You could workout like Arnold, Rocky, Rambo, Rachael McLish, Corey Everson (my favorite female bodybuilder of all time) combined and you'll make little progress if your diet is not right. So do not defeat the purpose.

For that 1 month period you have to keep your diet as lean as possible. Eat salads with low-cal salad dressing. Drink water and no other liquid during this timeframe. Eat baked fish or chicken without the skin. For breakfast eat oatmeal, no butter, and a glass of water.

How to Take the Special K Challenge

If you're looking for an easy-to-follow diet that requires minimal cooking, expense and counting of calories, the Special K Challenge may be right for you. The Challenge is designed for up to two weeks. It's helpful if you need to drop weight for a special event or kick-start a diet plan. You eat two Special K meals, two Special K snacks and one light meal of your choice per day. You can also eat unlimited fruits and vegetables.

Special K Meals

On the Special K Challenge, you replace two meals per day with a prepackaged Special K food item. Your options include a Special K protein shake, a Special K protein meal bar, or one serving of Special K cereal with skim milk. Special K offers 10 different cereals, including Red Berries, Chocolatey Delight, Cinnamon Pecan, Blueberry and Vanilla Almond. Because the cereals have different calorie counts, read and follow the suggested serving size on the side of the box you choose.

Special K Snacks

Dieting can be tough, but the Special K challenge helps prevent ravenous hunger by including snacks. You are allowed to eat two prepackaged Special K snacks per day at the times of your choosing. Select from Special K cereal bars, protein snack bars, Pastry Crisps, crackers, chips, snack mixes, or, if you're thirsty, protein water. Having a snack between breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner can help curb your appetite.

Dinner Suggestions

You are allowed a healthful, "normal" dinner on the Special K Challenge. If you're not sure what to eat, the Special K website offers an interactive "Start a Meal Plan" link. Just navigate to the Special K Challenge page and click on the "One Meal of Your Choice" button to customize your plan. Choose from a number of options, including convenience meals, "foodie" meals or vegetarian meals. The site also offers handy, approved, dinner recipes.

Considerations

Always consult your doctor before beginning any diet plan. Proceed with the Special K Challenge only after securing her approval. Do not continue on the plan for more than two weeks. Adding exercise to any diet program can increase your likelihood of weight loss. Regular exercise boosts metabolism, helping to burn more calories even when you're at rest. If you find that you're still hungry while on the Challenge, supplement your meals and snacks with all the fresh fruits and vegetables you like. Use lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or your favorite spices to add flavor without extra calories and fat.

United Healthcare Lap Band Requirements

United Healthcare has no set policy for Lap-Band surgery; coverage varies by plan, and approval for surgery is granted on a case-by-case basis. To find out what is required of your plan, contact a benefits specialist with your plan and ask about Lap-Band requirements. In some cases, a letter of medical necessity from your doctor may be sufficient. Other plans may require more extensive documentation covering up to five years worth of medical history.

Letter of Medical Necessity

Most plans will require a letter of medical necessity from your doctor. This letter should state your weight and weight history, body mass index, any obesity-related health conditions and a description of any weight-loss programs you have tried in the past. Your doctor should explain why weight loss is medically necessary for you and how it will benefit your health.

Body Mass Index

United Healthcare plans typically require a diagnosis of morbid obesity, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher. In some cases, an individual with a BMI of 35 or higher may be accepted for Lap-Band surgery if the patient has other serious health conditions related to the obesity, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension.

Weight History

Your United Healthcare plan may require up to five years worth of weight history, so it is important to keep records from any doctors appointments related to obesity. Be sure you understand your plans exact requirements related to weight history, as any gaps in weight history or incomplete records may result in a denial.

Psychological Evaluation

Some United Healthcare plans may require patients to undergo a psychological evaluation. The purpose of a psychological evaluation is to demonstrate that the patient is capable of understanding the risks and requirements of the surgery and is also able to deal with the stress that may be caused by the procedure.

Supervised Diet

In some cases, you may be required to go on a supervised diet for a period of six months to show that you are unable to lose weight through other methods.

Low-Calorie Brown Sugar Substitutes

Five active ingredients in low-calorie sweeteners include stevia, isomalt, saccharin, maltitol and sucralose. Calorie-free, super-sweet Stevioside is a natural sugar extracted from mashed leaves of the stevia bush. Isomalt, a sugar alcohol, maintains blood sugar because it is an undigested fiber that gets excreted. Benzoic sulfilimine, saccharin's active ingredient, has no nutrition and is much sweeter than table sugar, but has an unpleasant, metallic aftertaste. Maltitol, a sugar alcohol, is a carbohydrate that affects blood sugar 75 percent as much as table sugar, but is only 90 percent as sweet. Sucralose, 600 times sweeter than table sugar, is a calorie-free, undigested fiber that is eventually excreted.

Stevia Extract in the Raw

Stevia is newly marketed as Stevia Extract in the Raw. It is purported to taste better because of its high purity level without any piggyback sweeteners like erythritol. In its raw form, it has no calories and no licorice aftertaste. To make stevia into brown sugar, simply add a 15-calorie teaspoon of molasses to each teaspoon equivalent of stevia. Another alternative is to add a teaspoon of sugar-free maple syrup, which won't raise insulin levels at all. A teaspoon of Stevia Extract in the Raw contains only .5 g of carbohydrate and has no nutritional value or calories.

DiabeticSweet Brown Sugar Substitute

DiabeticSweet Brown Sugar Substitute is a marketed sugar substitute that contains isomalt. It has all the external features of brown sugar with the same taste, appearance and texture and has no aftertaste. When ingested, the body's blood glucose and insulin remains the same. DiabeticSweet Brown Sugar Substitute has about 4 g of carbohydrates per teaspoon with no nutritional value or calories. Its ingredients contain acesulfame-K that stimulates insulin and can aggravate low blood sugar attacks. As of early 2011, more research is needed to see whether acesulfame-K contains a lethal amount of carcinogens to take it off the American market.

Sugar Twin Granulated Brown

The saccharin sweetener, SugarTwin Granulated Brown, contains maltodextrin, sodium, saccharin and calcium chloride. Maltodextrin is a naturally sweet powder extracted from rice, corn or potato starch that is easily digested. It has 2 calories per g, and contains minuscule fiber, fat and protein. Saccharin is the world's oldest artificial sweetener. Johns Hopkins University scientists discovered saccharin in 1879, and today the FDA considers it safe for humans. Toxicologist Bernard Oser states, "No [food] chemical additive has been tested [as much] as saccharin." Saccharin is 300 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar and travels throughout the body in its original form.

Brown Sugar Maltitol

The sugar-free maltitol crystals are marketed as Brown Sugar Maltitol. It only has 2.1 calories per g, compared to table sugar's 4 calories per g, and is a bulk sweetener with a clean sweet taste resembling table sugar. It does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels because the human body slowly breaks it down and absorbs it. The slow absorption is important because some of the ingested maltitol travels to the large intestine where it metabolizes and yields fewer calories. Maltitol is a stable compound and maintains a uniform taste when combined with other low-calorie sweeteners.

Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

Splenda Brown Sugar Blend is sucralose mixed with molasses. It has 10 calories per teaspoon, 2 g of carbohydrate and no nutritional value. It is attractive to consumers because it only has half the calories of table sugar. It is a blend of both natural and laboratory-produced sweeteners because it uses multiple sugars like table sugar, molasses and sucralose to produce Splenda Brown, a brown sugar spin-off. The active ingredient sucralose is extracted from natural sugar by substituting three chlorine atoms for three hydrogen-oxygen atoms which changes the sweetness of the natural sugar molecule.

Whey Low Gold

Whey Low Gold is a blend of three natural sugars chosen for their low glycemic index numbers and calories. All three work together in the small intestine to hamper normal absorption of these sugars into the human blood. Fructose gets in the way of lactose, and lactose disturbs the normal absorption of sucrose. The absorption of fructose has no known sugar interference. When other sugars meddle with absorption, it changes how a body normally handles carbohydrates, blood glucose and calories. One teaspoon of Whey Low Gold only has 4 calories with no nutritional value.

How to Lose Weight Without Exercise and Dieting

Most of us wish we did not have those extra pounds of flesh at places that we do. While exercising and dieting certainly help in reducing the body weight and brining it back to shape, more often than not, we do not have the time to exercise or diet in our day to day busy lives. Here are few simple remedies to cope with this very common problem:

Instructions

1

Regulate your eating timetable. Set a fixed time to have breakfast,lunch and dinner.

2

Do not skip meals, simply add value to them. Include fresh fruits and vegetables more often. Do away with large chunks of meat. Try taking lean meat instead.

3

Add protein to your diet. Consume lots of pulses, lentils and beans.Proteins are the building blocks in a body and tighten and tone your stucture thus doing away with loose fat naturally.

4

Avoid aereated beverages at all costs. They only add calories to your diet without actually reducing the hunger. Get fresh fruit juices of plain water instead.

5

Ask your doctor about getting a trimming belt for you.These are worn around places like tummy, thighs and other parts that require slimming.They are usually worn for few hours in the morning or in the night and the fabric used to make these belts causes heat in the body thus 'melting' the body fat.

You can shop for slimming belts in medical shops or even online.

6

You may also consider buying some weight reduction pills to lose weight faster. You must however beware of the side effects they could produce and it is always safe to use these pills under a doctor's supervision.

How to Lose Weight in 30 Days

It is possible to lose weight in 30 days. You have to put in the effort and be willing to sacrifice. Losing weight will better your lifestyle and your self confidence.

Instructions

1

The first step to lose weight in 30 days is to not focus on a fad diet. Fad diets may make you lose weight fast but you will only put it back on shortly after you quit the diet. Most of these diets are designed to lose weight quickly but not keep the weight off.

2

To lose weight in 30 days you need to DRINK WATER. Don't count the water that you drink in coffee and soda either. I'm talking about pure H2O. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. The key to making water a useful tool is to drink a glass before any meal. The glass of water in your stomach will make you eat less at every meal.

3

Next, you need to eat a balanced meal. Try to eat the major food groups throughout the day. At a bare minimum, your meal should contain protein and carbohydrates. Carbohrydrates are our bodies main source of energy and proteins burn fat. This is the key to losing weight in 30 days.

4

Do not skip any meals. Skipping a meal is by far the worst thing you can do to your body. Our metabolism is like a clock. If you jump forward or backwards an hour or two then the clock is useless. Our metabolism needs to have a steady pace throughout the entire day. If you skip a meal then you body will think its starving. When you finally eat a meal it will store all of the fat in the meal to be used as energy. If you eat on a schedule your body will not do this and will not store the fat.

5

Last but not least, you have to exercise. No, you don't have to spend hours in the gym but you need to at least exercise 30 minutes a day. Exercising will help burn off calories and fat. Walking, jogging, swimming, and jumping rope are all easy exercises that we can fit in our day. You can even exercise sitting in your computer chair. Simply tighten your abs, hold for 5 seconds, and release. You will feel it the next day if you do it for 30 minutes!

How to Lose Weight in 10 Days

It's virtually impossible to lose real weight in only 10 days. However, you can lose a couple of pounds of water weight if you have a big event coming up that you want to look good for.

Instructions

1

Drink only water or unsweetened tea. Sodas and juices have a lot of calories, but they don't fill you up. Even diet soda has been known to trigger cravings for sweets. However, drinking water has been shown to speed up your metabolism.

2

Avoid salty foods. You should not eat anything that contains a lot of salt. You should even avoid putting salt on the foods that you do it. Salty foods cause your body to retain water, which makes you weight more and look bloated.

3

For 10 days, you should only eat fruits and vegetables, and occasionally lean meats (watch the salt content!). Do not eat any breads, pastas, dairy products, or fatty dressings. This will cause you to lose any water weight that you have been retaining, making you look and feel slimmer.

4

By exercising for at least 30 minutes every day, you can increase the amount of weight lost.

Home Treatment for Spondylosis

Spondylosis, a degenerative ailment of the spinal cord's cervical region, occurs when the space between the bones of the spine diminishes, compressing the nerves and leading to pain. Commonly seen in older men and women, especially after the age of 50, spondylosis can be fought with drugs to some extent. But the best healing for this ailment comes with exercise, cautionary measures and home remedies.

Topical Treatments

One of the main ingredients for spondylosis home remedy treatments is garlic. Place 1/2 cup of mustard, sesame or coconut oil in a frying pan and slowly cook 10 garlic cloves in it until they brown. Cool the garlic-oil mixture then apply it with firm rubbing movements on the area painful with spondylosis. Leave the oil on the area for not less than three hours after the massage. Follow with a warm bath. This should be done for no less than two weeks for effective results. According to another home remedy method, spondylosis pain can be reduced if the person suffering from it takes lemon juice with salt at least two times a day. Also consider a mild oil massage on the neck, hands and shoulders every day.

Herbal Remedies

Take 1 tsp. of triphala powder (available in Indian grocery stores) blended with one cup of hot milk and a spoonful of sugar, every day, which will help too. Hot packs may also help. Take a thick cotton scarf and place 1 pound of salt in it. Tie up the scarf and place the bundle on a frying pan for as long as it takes to become endurably hot, remove the bundle from the pan, and place it on the neck for about 10 minutes. Do this procedure two times a day, every day. Rest after using hot packs so you run a lower risk of injuring the affected area.

Diet

Vegetables that taste bitter, such as neem leaves and flowers, bitter gourd and drum sticks, all available in any Indian grocery store, have been known to provide relief from spondylosis. Avoid sour foods like unsweetened yogurt and pickles, sweets, fatty foods and beverages like tea and coffee. Raw vegetables like tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce, cauliflower, spinach and fresh fruits eaten over the course of four daily meals help in relieving spondylosis pain. Eat wheat rather than rice, and avoid refined wheat such as flour and semolina, which might lead to constipation and hinder recuperation.

Cautionary Measures

People with jobs requiring them to sit in one position for a long time should take hourly breaks and move around during the day. These movement breaks, along with regular walking, exercising, cycling and swimming, all done with the back held upright, will help provide nutritional elements to the discs or bones in the spinal cord. This helps block degeneration of the spine with age. Move your joints like knees, elbows, wrists and ankles, fold and unfold your fingers, sleep on firm mattresses and thin pillows, and avoid smoking.

Labeling GM Foods

GM stands for genetic modification, a process that artificially inserts foreign genes into the DNA of food crops and animals, with the intent to increase nutritional benefits or productivity. GM foods have been on the increase in America's food supply since 1996 and do not currently require FDA safety testing or labeling. This remains a controversial topic among consumers and producers.

Considerations

It is estimated that 85 percent of corn, 91 percent of soybeans, 80 to 85 percent of canola, 88 percent of cottonseed and 90 percent of sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. Processed foods can often have hidden GM ingredients in the form of additives, enzymes and flavorings. The average consumer could probably not identify the source of some of the most common ingredients listed on the box of their favorite crackers or cookies, but many of these things, such as lecithin, sorbitol and triglyceride, are likely to be derived from GM soy, corn, canola, cottonseed or sugar beets. GM foods have steadily entered the market, integrating themselves into the American diet. For some that just means there is more food for more people. For others, navigating the grocery store aisles has taken on a heightened sense of suspicion; if I don't trust GM products, how will I identify and avoid them?

Identification

While a large sector of the American food industry has used power, politics and money to skirt the issue of safety and the labeling of GM foods, there are also grass-roots efforts by those opposed and seeking to expose GM foods. A number of companies in the natural foods industry established the Non-GMO Project, which created an industry-wide consensus-based set of standards that involves a third-party verification process when testing for GMO content. "Non-GMO" seals are issued to companies who fully comply with the protocols of this projects. These voluntary labels assure consumers that the product contains no genetically modified organisms. Products labeled "100% organic," "organic" or "made with organic ingredients" are not allowed to be produced from GMOs as well. So while there is no currently established Non-GMO label, the conscious consumer can readily gain the information she needs to identify food products safe of GM ingredients.

Significance

GM foods have been banned by food manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere. Most American consumers say that they would not eat GM foods if they were labeled. Many feel that it was in the interest of the economy that GM foods were pushed onto the market so soon. Fears of dangerous side effects are high, because the current GM technology is based on antiquated ideas and theory.

Warning

GM foods have been linked to toxic and allergic reactions, creating damage to virtually all the organs of studied lab animals. GM foods have also been attributed to sick, sterile and dead livestock. Although results on humans are not being studied, opponents to GMOs theorize that they are directly related to an increase in food allergies and sickness.

Prevention/Solution

Because the FDA does not require safety studies, the makers of GM foods can claim that their products are safe and the agency will ask no further questions. It may be decades before the results of this now-human experiment are known, so many feel that it should be the consumers' immediate right to know what is in the products they are buying.

Alphabetical List of Ultra Low-Cal Foods

A low-calorie diet has long been considered a key to weight loss. Foods high in fiber and water content offer the most volume with the least amount of calories, a good way to fight hunger when following any diet plan. However, focusing on eating only low-calorie foods can rob a body of vital nutrients, such as fats and proteins, needed for proper function and weight loss.

Under 50 Calories

HealthAssist is an online resource for diet and nutrition featuring an easy-to-use chart for selecting a variety of foods based on low-calorie content per 100 gram serving. An alphabetical list of foods under 50 calories includes: alfalfa sprouts, butterhead lettuce, cabbage, clementines, Chinese waxgourd melon, bell peppers, celery, cucumber, eggplant, endive, green leaf lettuce, lemons, red tomatoes, oranges, pineapple, rhubarb, spinach, white icicle radishes, white mushrooms and yellow tomatoes. A large number of additional foods are listed under 50 calories that are good to eat alone, raw or as recipe ingredients.

50 to 100 Calories

The lowest calorie foods are typically found in the natural state as fruit or vegetables. Processed or manufactured foods will often have a higher calorie content. Multiple manufacturers produce cookies, crackers and other snacks in 100-calorie portion-size packs. Choosing natural foods can make the body feel fuller when on low-calorie diets. Foods with 50 to 100 calories per 100 gram serving include: apples, blueberries, cranberries, eggs, grapes, kale, kumquats, kiwi fruit, leeks, navy bean sprouts, oranges, pears, potatoes, raspberries, red sour cherries, tangerines and many more.

Hunger Satisfaction

Low-calorie and ultra-low calorie diets have shown connections to increased health and longevity. According to ConsumerAffairs.com, the typical American diet consists of 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day, while a low-calorie diet is between 1,400 and 2,000, depending on gender and activity levels. Maintaining health on an ultra low-calorie diet may be difficult without consuming nutrient rich foods. Nutrient dense foods will have higher calorie counts than those listed above, but contain greater amounts of sugars, proteins and essential fatty acids.

Apples are an example of an ultra low-calorie food with a higher sugar content. One small, raw apple with the skin has about 77 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates, that are mostly sugars. However, this sugar is fructose, a natural sugar the body metabolizes slowly for sustained energy, and when combined with the fiber content, apples maintain a feeling of fullness and hunger satisfaction. HealthDiaries.com notes that women who eat three apples per day lose more weight than women who do not eat fruit while dieting.

The next example on the alphabetical list is chia seeds. Like other nuts and seeds, chia has a higher fat content with Omega-3 oils that are necessary for brain function, a healthy heart and proper metabolism of calories. One ounce of chia seeds has 137 calories, but also contains nearly half of the USDA daily recommendation for fiber and four grams of amino acid loaded protein. The combination of protein, fats and fiber provides for sustained hunger satisfaction.

Pros & Cons of Genetically Modified Food

The term "genetically modified" or GM, refers to crops that have been modified in a laboratory to enhance their desired traits. The modification occurs through the plant's DNA. Unlike hybrid breeding, which is a natural way to enhance and strengthen a plant breed, genetic modifications can create altered plants quickly and accurately in the lab. Genetically modifying food is a contentious topic with a great deal of public concern since there have been unintended negative consequences on the environment as a result of bio-engineered crops.

Nutrition

One of the most common arguments in favor of genetically modified food is that it allows scientists to alter crops to increase the levels of nutrients in the plants. Adding additional nutritive values to crops offers a tremendous benefit to impoverished communities across the world. For instance, in some third world countries, many poor people subsist on rice as a main staple of their diet. By genetically modifying rice to increase the amount of beta-carotene and iron, scientists can potentially reduce the levels of malnutrition in these poverty-stricken areas.

Higher Crop Yields

Another potential benefit of genetically modified foods is that farmers can increase their crop yield. As the population continues to rise, ensuring that an adequate food supply is available will be a major concern for governments. Because crops can be genetically modified to resist cold temperatures and drought, previously unworkable land is made available to grow crops. Additionally, since the genetically modified crops are disease-resistent and pest resistent, more crops survive to harvest.

Environmental Concerns

A major criticism of planting genetically modified crops is that there can be unintended harm to the environment. For example, after crops of genetically modified corn were planted, there was a significant increase in the mortality rate of monarch butterflies. While the butterflies don't eat the corn plant, they feed on milkweed. Pollen from the corn plants blew in the wind and landed on neighboring milkweed plants. When the butterflies consumed the pollen, they died. There is currently no way of accurately predicting the environmental consequences of planting genetically modified crops.

Health Concerns

Environmentalists and health practitioners have expressed a growing concern that genetically modified crops could negatively impact human health. For instance, individuals with nut allergies might have a negative reaction to genetically modified crops in which a nut gene has been introduced. Additionally, genetically modified crops will eventually cross-pollinate with non-modified crops, making it impossible for humans to make the choice to avoid such crops. Until the long-term effects of consuming genetically modified crops have been studied, it will be difficult to discern whether the plants cause harm to humans.

How Is the Food Stamp Program Administered?

How the Food Stamp Program Works

The food stamp program, renamed SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP is not intended to cover a household's full grocery needs. The USDA assumes the applicant will devote 30 percent of his household income to food purchases. SNAP was created to help fill the gaps when income is not adequate.

Eligibility and Benefits

General eligibility guidelines and benefits are:
One-person household: maximum gross income, $1,127; monthly benefit, $200
Two-person household: maximum gross income, $1,517; monthly benefit, $367
Three-person household: maximum gross income, $1,907; monthly benefit, $526
Four-person household: maximum gross income, $2,297; monthly benefit, $668
Five-person household: maximum gross income, $2,687; monthly benefit, $793
Six-person household: maximum gross income, $3,077; monthly benefit, $952
Seven-person household: maximum gross income, $3,467; monthly benefit, $1,052
Eight-person household: maximum gross income $3857; monthly benefit, $1,202
The income requirement is less strict if an elderly or disabled person lives in the household. Visit SNAP's qualification website for more specific information (see Resources).

How to Apply

You can apply for food benefits in person or, in most states, online (see Resources). The toll-free number to find a SNAP office is 1-800-221-5689. Complete and submit the application and schedule an interview.

The Interview

Documents you will need for the interview are a driver's license or state identification card, pay stubs, birth certificate, letters from the federal government detailing any benefits you receive, rental or mortgage agreement that shows your address, utility bills and canceled checks for day care or child support payments. If you're older than 60 years of age or have a disability, you will also need your medical bills. At the interview, ask the SNAP worker to make copies so you can keep your originals. If you are unable to go to the interview, ask to do it over the phone or ask whether you can send someone to represent you.

If Approved

If approved, your grocery money will be loaded onto a card similar to an ATM or debit card. Your card will arrive within 30 days, but tell your SNAP worker whether you need it sooner. In emergencies, they can get help to you in one to two days. Your card can be used for breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and dairy.

If Not Approved

If you believe you meet the requirements, but were not approved, ask for the SNAP worker's boss or ask for a "fair hearing." This appeal is free, and you have the right to ask why you were not approved.

How Many Grams of Fat Should You Eat Every Day?

How much fat is enough?

Different fats

Fats are an essential fuel for both men and women on a daily basis. Each gram of fat provides about nine calories of fuel.

Total fat (fat from plant and other sources) should make up between 20% and 35% of your daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, your fat gram consumption should be between 44 and 79 grams per day.

Saturated fat (sources like meats, oils, eggs) should make up about 10% of your daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this should be no more than 22 grams per day.

Note: Recommendations refer to saturated and mono and polyunsaturated fats (not trans fats).

If you are unhealthy

Fat recommendations assume that you are healthy, have normal weight and are active. For those who have conditions like high cholesterol, or are obese or inactive, the recommendations for fat consumption are considerably lower. The American Heart Association recommends that unhealthy patients limit their consumption of fat to less than 7% of daily calories. For a 2,000-calorie diet, that's 15 grams of total fat per day.

Note: Pediatricians recommend that children under two years not be on a fat-restricted diet.

Bottom Line

Fat is one of three nutrients (aside from protein and carbohydrates) that are primary suppliers of calories to the body. Low fat diets generally provide a guide for getting more healthy fats like the kinds found in plants, legumes (beans, lentils, peas) and fish. Reading labels is the first way to control fat intake. It's best to shoot for the lower range of fat grams: total fat intake of 44 grams per day and saturated fat intake of 22 grams per day.

Eat Fat to Lose Weight

Many dieters make the mistake of cutting out certain food groups to lose weight. Not only is this a dangerous practice for overall health, but it's not effective in long-term weight loss. All of the food groups, including healthy fats, when consumed in moderation, are essential in managing weight and overall health.

Healthy Fats

Choose foods that contain healthy, unsaturated fats or Omega-3 fatty acids, which are better for overall cardiovascular health and promote manageable and logical weight loss. In addition, these types of fat aid in satiety and keep hunger cravings from creeping up throughout the day. Trans fats and saturated fats not only clog arteries and damage your heart, they rapidly convert to an excess of calories, which leads to extra pounds.

Dr. Meir Stampfer, associate director of the Channing Laboratory and a weight loss specialist, found the most significant weight loss resulted from low-carb or Mediterranean diets, which were significantly better than low-fat diet plans. The popular Mediterranean diet, mentioned in Stampfer's study, relies on the consumption of healthy fats, like olive oil, to promote absorption of other nutrients and vitamins, such as fat-soluble vitamins D, E, A and K as well as the powerful antioxidant lycopene. These vitamins and minerals are known to assist in weight loss and management.

A Balanced Diet

Foods rich in unsaturated fats and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids contain few calories and sugars. Healthy fruits, vegetables and legumes such as avocados, black beans, soybeans (and other soy-based foods such as tofu), peanuts, almonds, and olives work to fight hunger while delivering essential nutrients for a well-balanced diet. The best source of Omega-3 is fish, specifically fresh-water salmon, tuna, and a variety of whitefish including tilapia, grouper, cod, and halibut. Many food manufacturers have also taken notice of the research behind healthy fats and have started to add Omega-3s and unsaturated fat in place of the empty calories of saturated and trans fats. Read labels closely to decipher the fats.

An Active Lifestyle

As with any nutritional adjustment to your diet, to lose weight, you must modify your activity levels. Tosca Reno, author of the "The Eat-Clean Diet," recommends a consistent routine of cardiovascular exercise, like running or biking, at least three days a week for roughly 30 to 60 minutes (during which you should sustain an elevated heart rate) to reap the benefits of a modified diet. Lifting weights has also been connected with reducing fatty deposits in the body and overall toning. Adding weight training before or after a cardio workout will maximize fat-burning potential. Muscle development aids in the reduction of body fat by burning extra calories and sustaining a peaked metabolism.

A New Attitude

Healthy fats are moving up in the world of healthy eating. In fact, the standard food pyramid has recently been revised to include higher daily consumption of healthy fats. So don't be afraid to incorporate fat into your weight loss strategy and goals.

What to Eat After Taking the Cabbage Soup Diet

If you have just finished the Cabbage Soup Diet then you are probably wondering what to do next. Whether you plan to continue dieting for additional weight loss or you have achieved your goals and are looking to maintain them, there are a few tips about transitioning from the diet into a more workaday eating routine.

What to Do First

Eat light. It's important to remember that for at least three days you have allowed your digestive system a break. You are going to want to ease back into normal eating. Add some fresh fruits and cereal the first morning after the diet. For lunch you can add in a portion of protein, preferably chicken or fish, both of which are easier to digest than beef.

If you have any digestive discomforts you will want to go back to the fresh fruits and vegetables for dinner. Otherwise, continue to eat normally.

Continue to Diet

If you wish to continue to lose weight after the Cabbage Soup Diet, you are going to want to buy a calorie counter. If you dine out a lot make sure that it will provide you with the calorie counts of foods most often served at your favorite restaurants. Try to find one that is small enough to carry with you so you can check on the calorie counts while you are out.

It is safe to return to the Cabbage Soup Diet every two to three weeks to more closely approach and maintain your goal weight.

A Way of Life

Eat healthy. Whether you wish to lose more weight or maintain your weight loss, eating healthy is important. The difference between a weight-loss diet and a maintenance diet is only in the number of calories consumed. Read labels and pay particular attention to portion sizes of the foods you want to eat.

Water should be your drink of choice. Water keeps the body hydrated which keeps your metabolism functioning at optimal levels. Your goal should be eight to 10 glasses of water per day.

Breakfast should be a fairly large meal. The American Dietetic Association suggests that those who eat breakfast will consume fewer calories overall for the remainder of the day. A good breakfast can be as simple as a bowl of whole grain cereal, fresh fruit and skim milk. One way to conserve calories is to never drink your fruit. Instead of orange juice, eat an orange. Look up the calorie counts of both orange juice and an orange. Ounce for ounce, juice generally contains as many calories as soda.

Make lunch your largest meal of the day. Look at your plate and mentally divide it in half. Load half of the plate with fresh fruits and vegetables. Now you can fill the other half of the plate with a portion of protein and a carbohydrate.

Dinner should be your smallest meal of the day. Again, most of what you eat should come from fruits and vegetables. Start by consuming the lowest-calorie item on the plate and work your way to the higher-calorie foods.

How to Do Exercises to Lose Weight Quickly

Learn how to do exercises to lose weight quickly.

Losing weight quickly is at the top of the list for most people, (if you are over weight that is), with fast food becoming part of our normal routine in life, we are all looking for a quick solution to help shed a few pounds.

Exercises to lose weight quickly are hard to come across , however I have composed some top secret fat burning, tire shrinking must do exercises to help you shed the weight.

Instructions

1

Running - perhaps not the most appealing exercise to lose weight quickly, especially when you are overweight. However this fat pumping exercise helps to get the heart rate going, sweat pouring and more importantly it helps to burn calories.

2

Jumping Jacks - believe it or not, adding 50 jumping jacks a day to your daily exercise routine will push your fitness levels to new heights. It's one of the great exercises to lose weight quickly, that is simple, easy and can be done at home without having to go to the gym.

3

Jumping Rope - again jumping rope is an excellent exercise to lose weight quickly; I don't need to go into detail other than the fact that you will need a jump rope.

4

Swimming - swimming is not only one of the best exercises to lose weight quickly, but regular trips to the local pool will help you to tone up all that excess body fat. When you swim you use nearly every muscle that you have. You will fill the burn from your arms down to your buttocks and legs and you will start to see the effects in your body.

5

Squats - squats for those of you whom are not familiar with the term, are one of those magic exercises to lose weight quickly. To perform a squat you have to stand up straight and simply squat down. Keep your back straight with your arms crossed across your chest and bend your knees to a 90 degree angle.

At first your thighs will be aching from this exercise, but after a few days you will notice that your thigh area is more toned and you will start burning off some of that unsightly fat.

6

Another great exercise (if you can call it that) is to lie on the floor and while you are watching your favorite TV show squeeze your buttocks in. As absurd as this may sound, you will certainly notice your buttock area firming up quick.

Adding 100 bottom squeezes a day to your regimen to lose weight quickly will help to transform your butt. Think of Beyonce and JLo while you're doing this one, you're only a few buttock squeezes away to the perfect bottom.

7

Although doing exercises to lose weight is an important goal, it's also important to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you exercise the whole week in a last ditch attempt to squeeze into that party dress for next weeks date, you also need to make sure that you stick to a healthy diet.

Make sure to not only weigh yourself at the start of the week but also take measurements of those problem areas to keep track of your progress. That way you will know exactly how much weight and which are you have lost it in. A daily obsession with the scales will leave you paranoid. Just focus on the exercises to lose weight quickly.

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While you're here be sure to take a look around for more great tips on exercises to lose weight quickly.

Healthy Diet Plan to Lose Weight

Many diet plans will help you lose weight, but not all diet plans are healthful. Unless your diet plan includes daily doses of all the nutrients your body requires you run the risk of becoming ill or malnourished. It is possible to lose weight by managing your intake of healthful foods.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a good source of energy and should make up about 60 percent of your daily caloric intake, according to the website ShapeFit.com. Take in as many of your carbohydrates as possible in the form of whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Avoid overly refined carbohydrates (white flour, white rice, white sugar) or things made with refined ingredients.

Make substitutions and try to eat mostly colorful foods. For example, swap out a nutritionally deplete baked russet potato for a vitamin A-rich sweet potato.

Whole grains are digested more slowly so they can make you feel full longer and will release the carbohydrates over a longer period of time. This has a stabilizing effect on the blood sugar. Beans and legumes are a good source of carbohydrates and also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. Foods with a lot of fiber move through your digestive system and are eliminated more quickly, which can help you lose weight.

Proteins

Proteins are important because they help build and maintain muscle tissue. Meat is an excellent source of protein, gram for gram. Other sources of protein are beans, soy and dairy. While red meat is high in iron, it can also be high in fat. If you choose to red meat, select lean cuts. White meat has less fat and is a better choice, unless you eat the skin. Fish not only is a good source of protein, but it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are responsible for lowering levels of bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol values. Nuts are another nutritious protein source. About 30 percent of your healthy diet should be made up of proteins.

Fats

Cutting fat from the diet can help in losing weight because it takes more than twice as many calories to burn a gram of fat as it does to burn a gram of either protein or carbohydrate. Don't cut out fats entirely, however. In fact, in a healthy diet about 10 percent of calories should come from fat. The body needs some fats to maintain the metabolism. Saturated fats (those originating from animals) should be consumed in moderation because they can increase cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats (those from plant sources) are more healthful choices. Monounsaturated fats are found in foods like walnuts, fish and avocados and are good because they lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.

How to Diagnose a Vitamin B Deficiency

Fad diets and fast food can take a toll on nutrition. Our bodies need well balanced diets full of vitamins to ward off a variety of serious health problems. If you're not getting enough vitamin B in your diet your central nervous system, heart, skin and blood can be affected. Look for the following signs if you suspect you have a vitamin B deficiency. Then talk to your doctor about making some lifestyle changes.

Instructions

1

Take note of inflamed skin that blisters, weeps or splits. If the skin condition is accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite and frequent indigestion it could be a sign of a niacin deficiency.

2

Treat dermatitis with creams and lotions prescribed by your doctor. But if it won't go away and you also notice a sore mouth and tongue as well as abdominal pain and vomiting you could be suffering from a vitamin B-6 deficiency.

3

Check your lips for excessive cracking. If your tongue is also sore and your pallor is unusually pale it could mean a vitamin B-2 deficiency.

4

Watch for tingling or loss of sensation in the legs. Sudden mental changes, such as poor memory or psychosis, along with the tingling are primary symptoms of a vitamin B-1 deficiency known as beriberi.

5

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and request blood tests be run to check the vitamin B levels in your body if you suspect a problem.

How to Lose Weight While Training for a Triathlon

A triathlon is a competition that includes swimming, biking and running. Trying to lose weight while training for a triathlon can be easy, following a few simple guidelines. Remember that in order to lose weight in a healthy way, only a few pounds should be lost per week after the first week or two. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1

Fuel for workouts. The body can't burn stored fat like it can burn calories from food. Therefore, if an athlete tries to train for a triathlon without fueling, or eating the proper amount of calories to be burned, the body will not be able to function properly. By fueling properly before and during a workout, it allows the body to perform at it's best.

2

Eat healthy foods. The body works best when nutritional needs are met. Therefore, it is best to choose foods that meet needs the body has, and not junk food. This will keep the body in balance nutritionally and help an athlete lose weight.

3

Cut back excess calories from meals and snacks. This is where calories can be cut. Leave out junk food and desserts. Cut back on drinks with calories--remember that sports drinks have calories, too. Water is always the best choice for a drink, not only because it lacks calories, but because it helps the body function.

4

Be consistent. Working out five to six days a week to train is necessary for a triathlon. Skipping days frequently, eating irregularly and other lifestyle inconsistencies will do nothing but hold back weight loss goals.

5

Watch how much is consumed during tapering or slower training weeks. When the training is cut back, calories should be cut back also. Otherwise, weight gain will occur.

How to Cut Calories to Lose Weight

Cutting calories is the first thing many people think of when they're trying to lose weight. But do you know how many calories you should actually be consuming to get weight loss results? You can easily calculate how many calories your body requires and use that number to cut calories from your diet. Then you can turn your diet over to a calorie counter to easily tally your total caloric intake! Follow these steps to find out exactly how many calories you should eat daily in order to lose weight.

Instructions

1




In order to cut calories you first need to determine how many calories your body requires daily to function based on your activity level. You can easily get this number by using a "calorie need calculator." The simplest calorie calculators ask you to put in your height, weight, age, gender, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and your activity level. You can find an easy to use link in the Resources Section below.

2

The calorie requirements calculator will provide you with two numbers. The first is the number of calories your body would need to survive if you were doing nothing but laying in bed all day. This is called your basal metabolic rate or BMR. The second number is the amount of calories you need to consume to maintain your current weight.

3




In order to lose weight you'll need to eat fewer calories than this second number. But before you can do that you need to know how many calories you're actually consuming in one day. This will give you an idea of how many calories you'll need to cut out of your diet. An easy way to start cutting calories is to keep track of exactly what you're eating on a daily basis, in other words start counting calories. For more detailed information on keeping a food journal and how to count calories see the article on "How to Count Calories Accurately" in the Resources Section below. You can also find tons of free calorie counters online.

4




If your daily caloric intake (see step 2) should be 2400, for example, and you're actually consuming 2650 you should try to cut out 500 calories a day (-250 to get to your target calorie requirement and -250 to lose weight). Remember 3500 calories is equal to about one pound of body fat. That means if you cut out 250 calories a day you'll lose just over two pounds a month or half a pound a week.

5




Now go back to your food journal and see where you can start cutting calories. Are you eating whole milk with your cereal in the morning? Try substituting skim milk and measure your cereal to make sure you're only eating one serving. Eat two eggs instead of three and make them poached instead of fried. Grab an apple and low fat peanut butter with a large glass of water for a midmorning snack instead of a cup of coffee and cheese and crackers. For lunch have a turkey sandwich on wheat bread instead of a slice of pizza. Replace the Coke you have in the mid afternoon with a Coke Zero. Count the number of pretzels you eat for a snack so you only eat one serving and put them on a napkin. Never eat out of a large bag, this will prevent you from "grazing." Don't snack while you're preparing dinner and skip dessert. These are all relatively easy ways to cut out excess calories.

How to Plan a Meal Schedule

Planning a meal schedule is great for a variety of people. If you are dieting, knowing what you need to buy ahead of time to stick with your required goals is a must. For people that have to adhere to a tight grocery budget, planning is everything. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a meal schedule.

Instructions

1

Grab a calendar and plan ahead. Come up with enough meal ideas for the week and a couple of extra "fall back" meals too. Make a grocery list that has the ingredients for everything you will need. Do not forget to include things like spices or dressings.

2

Check over your initial list. Be sure that any special diet requirements are being met, like low fat options, low salt or cholesterol intake considerations. This is also a great time to make sure that there is variety and time to prepare the scheduled meals.

3

Consult the food pyramid. Check off each day as the recommended food requirements are being met. Most people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, so you will probably have to rethink your meals and revise your plan.

4

Do not forget the snacks. Planning for snacks and desserts is just as important as the main meals. Make sure that you have plenty of good healthy snacks to accompany your meals. Even if you do not plan to eat between meals, be reasonable and adjust for the fact that it will probably happen. Be prepared with smart options.

5

Plan for added liquid calories and carbohydrates. Many people have a great food schedule planned, but forget to include the liquids they consume. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages alike can pack in calories, carbs and sugars to your meal planning that you may over look initially.

Best Ways to Lose Weight in 2 Weeks

There are many reasons why people try to lose weight. They may be told to do it by their doctor for health reasons, they might be frustrated because they can't fit into certain clothes any more or they might have an event coming up where they want to look really good such as a wedding. When it comes to losing weight in two weeks, the stakes get turned up and there are several ways to accomplish this goal.

Caloric Adjustment

Whenever you are trying to lose weight, you must create a caloric deficit. This takes place when you burn more calories than you consume. One important way to do this is by cutting 250 to 500 calories out of your daily diet and eliminating foods that are high in fat and sugar such as deep fried foods, processed foods and refined foods. Eat nutrient dense foods like lean meats, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains.

Meals

Another way you can lose weight in two weeks is by increasing your metabolism. This can be done by eating five to six small meals throughout the course of the day instead of two to three big meals. When you eat small balanced meals, your body is getting a steady supply of energy and you can keep your hunger under control. Eat meals that are a balance of protein and carbs. An example of a meal would be a baked chicken breast with steamed broccoli and brown rice.

Water

Liquid calories still count as calories and if you want to lose weight in two weeks, then eliminate every high calorie beverage from your diet. This includes soda, fruit juices, sweetened teas, sugared coffee drinks and alcohol. Instead, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Water can help keep you hydrated, it can help flush toxins from your system and it also has no calories.

Cardio

Cardiovascular exercise is another way you can add to your caloric deficit. This type of training turns up your internal temperature causing you to sweat and burn calories. Perform cardio three days a week on alternating days for at least 45 minutes. Examples of exercises you can do include running, biking, swimming, stair stepping, rope jumping and rowing.

Weight Training

Weight training can help build muscle, which can also help increase your metabolism. Do exercises that target the chest, shoulders, back, triceps, biceps and legs. Examples of these include bench presses, military presses, back rows, tricep dips, bicep curls and lunges. Do these exercises three times a week in a circuit where you do one exercise right after the other with 30 seconds of rest in between. This can increase your caloric expenditure. Do 12 to 15 reps for each exercise and use moderate weights. Alternate weight training days with cardio days.

How to Make Raw Ice Cream

Raw and living foods are foods that contain live enzymes. A raw food diet is the consumption of unprocessed, plant-based, uncooked foods, preferably organic. Raw food desserts are virtually guilt-free. They are made with a variety of nuts, fresh fruits, dried fruits and avocados. Raw ice cream is a delicious, healthful dessert made from raw nuts and all-natural sweeteners. This dessert is easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

In a high-speed blender, process all ingredients except cashews and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and creamy.

2

Check for consistency and texture. Add water as needed to ensure that the mixture is processing in the blender.

3

Add cashews and blend until creamy and smooth.

4

Pour into a large bowl. Cover with plastic and freeze for 1 hour.

Vitamins to Take for Help With Diet

Making dietary changes to lose weight isn't easy. According to MedlinePlus, approximately 66 percent of Americans are struggling with weight loss. Losing weight, however, can reduce the risk of health issues such as diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Dietary supplements may help suppress your appetite and reduce water retention, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Multivitamins With Caffeine

According to the Mayo Clinic, caffeine is an appetite suppressant, which curbs your urge to eat. Caffeine also appears to stimulate thermogenesis, a process where the body generates energy from digesting food (which burns calories). Caffeine is also a diuretic, which reduces water retention.

There are multivitamins that contain caffeine. Ask your doctor if taking a multivitamin that contains caffeine is right for your situation. Also, since caffeine is a stimulant, you should be cautious about taking this supplement if you suffer from anxiety or insomnia.

Water-Retention Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements such as ginger, juniper and dandelion may reduce your water retention if you're dieting, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, before taking any dietary supplement, talk with your doctor. Dietary supplements can interact with prescription medications, which can cause health complications.

Hoodia Dietary Supplements

Hoodia is a dietary supplement that may suppress the appetite and control hunger cravings. The supplement was first used in Africa to reduce hunger during long hunting excursions. However, more research is needed on hoodia to verify its effectiveness for weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Vitamins to Avoid

Proponents of coconut oil claim it increases energy and promotes weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, consuming the vitamins present in coconut oil may contribute to weight gain. Another vitamin that doesn't appear to promote weight loss is B12.

Common Diets for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by a variety of symptoms that may be alleviated by making changes to the patient's daily diet.
Avoiding foods that will acerbate IBS, such as fatty foods, will go a long way in providing relief.

Low Fat, High Protein Diet

People with IBS often prefer to limit themselves to a diet that is high on protein and low in fat. High protein foods include chicken, beans, eggs, beef, and various nuts such as almonds and peanuts.

Dairy-Free Diet

Irritable bowel syndrome may have some of the same symptoms as lactose intolerance. People with IBS might find relief by removing all dairy products from their diets.

High Fiber Diet

A high fiber diet may help relieve IBS symptoms. High fiber foods include whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta, dried fruits (such as dates and apricots) and green vegetables (like broccoli and spinach).

The Small Meals Diet

Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can help alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The Anti High-Gas Foods Diet

If you suffer from bloating and gas, eliminating high-gas foods such as cabbage, soda beverages, cauliflower and salads may help alleviate symptoms.

Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet will not be easy to stick with. It eliminates anything containing wheat, rye or barley. Some foods to check before eating are processed meats, soups and chips.

Food Menu for Fluid Restricted Diet

If your doctor has asked that you start a fluid-restricted diet or a low-sodium diet, she is probably concerned about the amount of water that you are retaining in your body. Fluid retention can be caused by a number of factors, including kidney or liver disease or disorders involving the heart or lymphatic system. Whatever the underlying problem causing your fluid retention, you can help to reduce the amount of fluids your body retains by following a low-sodium diet.

About the Low-Sodium Diet Menu

Even though you are trying to reduce the amount of water your body retains, you need to be sure to drink at least six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day to help your body hydrate, which will allow it to release unwanted fluids. Eat smaller meals throughout the day--at least five light meals a day. Never allow yourself to get hungry. Eat plenty of citrus fruits and melons. These are natural diuretics and are rich in potassium, which will help your body maintain a healthy balance of fluids. Be sure to get at least six helpings of green, leafy vegetables each day. Eat several helpings of rice, potatoes or pasta each day, as the starches will help your body regulate its metabolism and water levels. For snacks, eat nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers. Try to get at least 1,300 mg of calcium a day, either from milk, yogurt or cheese products. Eat less red meat and more fish. The omega-3 fish oils are good regulators of the body's metabolism and fluids. Most importantly, avoid all salt. Use other seasonings to flavor your foods and purchase only fresh ingredients to avoid the extra sodium in canned and processed foods.

Breakfast

Eat 1/2 cup of fresh citrus fruit salad, topped with 2 tbsp. of low-fat yogurt. You may sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds or walnuts on top for added protein and flavor. Drink an 8-oz. glass of water or a cup of herbal tea.

Mid-Morning Snack

Eat a banana and 2 tbsp. of roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds. Drink a cup of iced herbal tea, flavored with honey or squeezed lemon juice.

Lunch

Add 3/4 cup of roasted or baked chicken breast to a plate of mixed greens, tomatoes, chick peas and sliced red and green bell peppers. Top the salad with olive oil and no-salt seasonings, such as basil, oregano and pepper. As a side dish, prepare 1/2 cup of brown rice with sesame seeds on top. Have half an avocado with lemon juice for dessert.

Snack

Eat 1/2 cup of seeds, dried fruit or nuts for an afternoon snack. Drink an 8-oz. glass of water or iced herbal tea.

Dinner

Prepare your favorite fish using olive oil and lemon juice for seasoning. Bake or broil the fish, and sprinkle it with fresh herbs just before serving. As a side dish, you may eat a fresh salad with olive oil or low-salt vinaigrette dressing and 1/2 cup of brown rice, sauteed vegetables in olive oil with fresh herbs and pepper, a glass of red wine and half a cantaloupe for dessert. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water flavored with lemon.

Midnight Snack

Eat 1/2 cup of frozen yogurt with strawberries. Drink a glass of water or hot herbal tea.

How to Calculate Daily Carbohydrate Intake for Weight Control

Calculating daily carbohydrate intake helps people lose weight quickly and helps people maintain weight effectively. Starting the day with a high-protein breakfast and counting carbohydrates throughout the day is one of the best ways to help people who have the hardest time with diets lose weight. If you want to figure out what your daily carbohydrate intake is for weight loss or just want to maintain a healthy weight, follow the steps below.

Instructions

1

If you want to lose weight, start out from 20 to 70 carbohydrates a day. At this level you should lose weight and not have cravings. As long as you feel well during the day, stay at this number of carbohydrates for a few weeks unless you reach your weight loss goal. If you're not losing weight and just maintaining weight, reduce daily carbohydrate intake by 10 each week until you start losing a one to two pounds of weight each week. Keep in mind that the average daily carbohydrate intake on the Atkins' diet begins at 20 carbohydrates per day during the induction phase.

2

If you want to maintain weight through daily carbohydrate intake, start at 100 carbohydrates a day. If you find that number works for you, that's great; however, most people will have to adjust their daily carbohydrate intake to find a number of carbohydrates that work well for them. Adjust your carbohydrate intake by 10 to 20 carbohydrates up or down each week respectively until you find a number that works well for you.

3

Calculate daily carbohydrate intake for weight control by adjusting number the number of carbohydrates according to your age, weight, and activity level. Use the online carbohydrate calculator by following the link in the resource section below. Daily carbohydrate intake will fluctuate depending on many factors like age, weight, and activity level. Once you find the number of carbohydrates you need to function and meet your weight goals, you will find this number fluctuates as you get older and your body changes. If you focus on your body's needs and watch your weight, it won't be long until you're sensitive to your body's daily carbohydrate intake requirement.

4

Weigh yourself every few days and measure your body fat. If you change your activity level, you many find that your body requires more or less carbohydrates per day respectively. When people exercise, they also burn carbohydrates in addition to calories. If you start to work out more, make sure to monitor your body's daily carbohydrate intake by watching your weight closely and making sure to weigh yourself every few days. As your body's muscle mass increases, your carbohydrate intake should increase as well since muscles burn more carbohydrates throughout the day than fat.

5

Familiarize yourself with carbohydrate counts for foods. Carbohydrates are always listed on package labels. For meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, use the carbohydrate counter in the resource section below. Since most people eat similar foods each day, it won't take long to be able to calculate daily carbohydrate intake for weight control without researching.