Eating Plans to Lose Weight Fast

Weight loss can take a long time or it can be done fairly quickly, especially if you need to lose only a few pounds. A weight loss eating plan needs to eliminate "empty calorie" foods and emphasize highly nutritious, filling foods. In addition, to lose weight fast, you will need to exercise moderately most days to keep your metabolism burning calories.

Avoidance

There is a good chance that the excess weight you've accumulated is the result of poor eating choices. Foods that are deep fried, processed and refined are loaded with calories and fat and have very few nutrients. Some examples of these foods are cheese fries, pizza, hot wings, burgers, doughnuts, candy, cakes and pies. If you want to lose weight, this stuff needs to go.

Water

Beverages are another culprit when it comes to excess body weight. Even in liquid form, calories are still calories. A good eating plan for fast weight loss would include the elimination of all beverages that are either sweetened or have calories. This would include soda, sweetened teas and juices, alcohol and highly sugared coffee drinks. A 24-ounce vanilla bean frappuccino at Starbucks weighs in at about 600 calories. You might as well drink a milkshake. Eliminate all such drinks if you are looking for quick weight loss.

Water, on the other hand, keeps the cells of the body hydrated, flushes toxins from the system, aids in digestion and has zero calories. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women get 2.7 total liters of water a day and men get 3.7 liters a day.

Fiber

Fiber is a substance that cannot be broken down by the body. It goes into the digestive tract, collects some debris and then passes through the system as an escort for wastes. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating fiber can help reduce your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes. It also recommends that women get 21 to 25g a day of fiber and men get 30 to 38g a day. When you eat fiber, it makes you feel full, which can satisfy your appetite for a longer period and lead to fewer calories being consumed. Some examples of high-fiber foods are pears, peas, oat bran, raspberries, lentils and artichokes.

Metabolic Rate

Eating small, balanced meals is a way to increase metabolism. Every time a meal is eaten, the body has to burn calories to digest the food. This is called the thermic effect of food. If this takes place every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day, the body will adapt to this pace and become more efficient at burning calories, which can lead to weight loss. An example of a small meal would be celery sticks spread with peanut butter and raisins. This is a balance of protein, carbs and fats, and it has a fiber to hold you over until the next meal.

Caloric Restriction

Burning 3,500 calories burns 1 pound of fat. The usual safe amount of weight loss is about 1/2 to 1 pound a week. To lose weight a little faster, reduce your daily calorie intake by 500 calories. If you do this along with a workout plan that has you burning 500 calories a day, you can lose 2 pounds a week.

The Best Dog Foods for Dogs With Pancreatitis

Fastest Way to Lose Weight Naturally

When you have a few extra pounds to lose, most of us want to shed it fast. But it's important to lose weight healthily and naturally. Not doing so will simply provide you with short-term weight loss. Most of the crash and fad diets people turn to may help you drop the pounds quite quickly, but rarely allow them to keep them off. So what is the fastest way to lose weight and lose it naturally? It comes down to a few simple rules.

Start Counting

It may seem rather tedious, but the most natural and effective way to lose weight will be to start counting those calories. People have been doing this for years, and it does work. The idea behind counting calories is essentially keeping tabs on what you're putting into your body. If you don't expend the same amount of calories that you eat, you're going to gain weight. By counting them, you know exactly how much you're eating in a day. From there, you can adjust to either maintain or lose weight.

The Numbers

Though each person is different and will have varying caloric demands based on height, weight, age and activity level, there are a few numbers to keep in mind that are basically "rules of thumb" when it comes to calories. For an average woman to drop weight, she should reduce her calories to around 1,500 to 1,600. For an average man to drop weight, he should reduce his calories to between 1,800 and 2,000. These are rough estimates. As mentioned before, each person is different and will vary on personal factors.

Calculate

If you want to dig deeper into your caloric intake and not use the rough numbers to lose weight, you can start off by calculating your base metabolic rate. This will help you understand how many calories you would expend in a given day. All you'll need to know is your height, weight, age and activity level to do this.

Base Metabolic Rate for Women

For a woman, take your weight (in pounds) and multiply it by 4.3. Take your height (in inches) and multiply it by 4.7. Take your age (in years) and multiply it by 4.7. Now, add the first two numbers (from weight and height) together with 655, and then subtract the last number (from age) to calculate your BMR. The calculation would look something like this for a 40-year-old woman who is 5 feet tall and 140 pounds: (4.3 x 140 pounds) + (4.7 x 60 inches) + 655 -- (4.7 x 40) = 1351.

Base Metabolic Rate for Men

For a man, take your weight (in pounds) and multiply it by 6.23. Take your height (in inches) and multiply it by 12.7. Take your age (in years) and multiply it by 6.8. Now, add the first two numbers (from weight and height) together with 66 and then subtract the last number (from age) to calculate your BMR. The calculation would look something like this for a 40-year-old man who is 6 feet tall and 200 pounds: (6.23 x 200 pounds) + (12.7 x 72 inches) + 66 -- (6.8 x 40) = 1954.

Lifestyle

Now that you've arrived at the base metabolic rate, it's time to apply your activity level. This will give you a better idea of exactly how many calories you need to maintain your current weight. People who are basically sedentary should take their BMR number and multiply it by .2. Those who exercise 1 to 3 times a week will multiply it by .3. Those who exercise 4 to 6 times a week will multiply it by .4. Those who do vigorous exercise each day will multiply it by .5. This number is added back into the BMR. Let's take one of our two people from above to better understand how lifestyle will play a roll. If our 40-year-old woman exercises twice a week, she would need to take in around 1,750 calories to maintain her weight: 1,351 x .3 = 405; 405 + 1,351 = 1,756.

Adjust

Now that you know how many calories you need to maintain your weight, you can adjust in two different ways: reducing calories or increasing exercise. To lose around a pound a week, cut out 500 calories a day (no more than that). The same woman, if she started exercising four times a week, would need around 1,890 calories to maintain her weight. That's already 134 calories right there. This demonstrates how exercise can impact weight loss, just by adding a couple extra days in a week.

How Many Grams of Fat a Day Should a Person Eat?

Overview

Grams of Fat

The average adult, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, should consume 65 grams of fat per day, according to Netrition. Twenty grams of the daily recommended intake of 65 grams should come in the form of saturated fats.

Depends on Your Statistics

How much fat a person needs each day depends on a multitude of factors, such as weight, height and gender. In addition, people with certain conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, may require a special amount of fat as required by a doctor, according to the University of Maryland Medical System.

Bottom Line

A normal adult should consume no more than 65 grams of fat when going by the standard 2,000 calorie diet. On the other hand, most people should have at least 20 to 35 grams of fat per day, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Ideally, people should consult their doctor to determine the recommended daily allowance for fat based on their health history.

How to Lose Weight By Eating more Food

To lose weight, eating food really does help. People tend to limit the quantity of what they eat when they're on a diet. Foods to eat to lose weight are important to add to your diet. Diets should be done by yourself, if you want to truly lose weight. You basically need to replace what you eat, instead of just counting calories. If you eat more of the right foods, you'll lose weight. Instead of eating less, it comes down to replacing foods. Overeating can be a bad thing for anyone. I wouldn't suggest eating 24 hours a day. You don't need to eat less than normal, though. You need to eat food to lose weight. Food gives you energy to burn. If you're not eating much foods, there's not much energy to burn. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber is great, because it doesn't keep calories, it gets rid of them. Fiber provides natural energy as well. If you're trying to lose weight, it's important to add fiber to your diet. Eat a lot of whole grains. You'll find a large amount of fiber in whole grains. Foods like wheat, oats, and barley contain a high amount of fiber. Eat wheat bread, instead of white bread. Also, eat brown rice and legumes as well. These foods will contribute to weight loss.

2

Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has been linked to weight loss. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly made up of polyunsaturated fats, DHA and EPA fats. You'll find a great source of omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, salmon, trout, and fish. Strawberries, squash, cauliflower, spinach, legumes, flaxseeds contain a good source of omega-3 in them.

3

Replace the fats you eat. You can still eat your three meals and daily snacks. It's all about replacing the fats. For example, do you need to have snacks? That is okay, how about nuts. Macadamia nuts, peanuts, cashews, and walnuts can actually contribute to weight loss. Peanut butter sandwiches make great snacks, and they're extremely healthy. High in fats? They're made up of the goods fats. The good fats that you want to get more of into your diet would be polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats.

4

Go on the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet helps not only contribute to weight loss, but an overall healthier lifestyle. A lot of olive oil is found in the Mediterranean diet. It contains a rich source of monounsaturated fats that contributes to weight loss. A lot of fish, omega-3, and polyunsaturated fats are found in this diet. Go to mediterraneandiet.com to find out more about the Mediterranean diet.

5

Eat a good source of vegetables and especially fruit. Fruits specifically can contribute to weight loss. Eating fruits helps keep toxins out from the body. Bananas is a great source to lose weight, since it contains a good amount of potassium. Potassium contributes to losing weight. Berries are great, because they're rich in antioxidants. Also, red grapes is something you should eat every day. They contain a good source of resveratrol(also in red wine and peanuts) which is anti-aging and supports weight loss.

How to Bait a Redhorse Sucker Trap

The redhorse sucker population is small because of habitat destruction. Many of its subspecies are illegal to use as food or bait. It is therefore wise, if you are fishing for sport, to catch them with traps instead of lures so you can release them back into their habitat. Their diet includes snails, crustaceans, freshwater shellfish and insect larvae. Use these as bait to avoid harming or killing the fish.

Instructions

1

Place large, live aquatic snails in the main compartment of the trap. Make sure that the snails' shells are larger than the gaps in the sides of the trap.

2

Add freshwater shellfish to the trap. They do not need to be live, but they should be fresh.

3

Place the algae pellets into the trap close to the snails. This will keep the snails alive longer and keep them from trying to leave the trap for a while.

4

Tie one end of the rope to the top of the trap. Sink the trap in a still area of water where few motorized boats pass. Redhorse suckers cannot tolerate turbulent water. Tie the other end of the rope to a buoy.

5

Check the trap daily, refreshing the bait as needed. Never leave the fish in the trap any longer than necessary.

Cereal Nutrition Facts

Essential Fatty Acids for Children

To assure that their children grow up to be strong, healthy and disease-free, many parents give their children multivitamins and other nutritional supplements. These are given to prevent deficiencies as well as to fill in any gaps that their children's diets may have. One nutrient that's gaining attention with health-oriented parents is essential fatty acids (EFA). These polyunsaturated fatty acids, which come in 3's, 6's, 7's, and 9's (preceded by "omega"), are becoming more and more recognized for their vital roles in the development and functioning of the human body, especially in children.

The bare necessities

EFAs are essential to brain development.

Not only are EFAs beneficial, they're absolutely essential. Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through food sources and nutritional supplements. Of the essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper brain development in children, while others such as omega-6 fatty acids are essential to the inflammation process as well as other important bodily processes.

With benefits

DHA supplementation may improve vision.

According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in April 2007, supplementation with fish oil brought about improvement in immune function. According to another study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2000, supplementation with DHA (a specific omega-3 fatty acid) may improve vision. There are also studies that show essential fatty acids can improve mental functioning and decrease violent episodes.

Sources

There are numerous sources of EFAs.

There are numerous sources of EFAs. As for foods, a balanced spectrum of the nutrient (including omega-3 fatty acids) can be found in the fat of grass-fed or pastured meats, eggs and dairy products. As for supplements, the better-known ones include flax oil, fish oil, krill oil and cod liver oil. These are especially effective at suppling omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nonprofit organization that spreads the traditional nutritional wisdom documented by a curious Cleveland dentist in the mid-1900s, it's best to consume minimally processed fish liver oils (such as cod liver oil) over other supplemental oils because they provide fat-soluble vitamins in addition to the essential fatty acids, while other oils lack these vitamins and provide excessive polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can be harmful.

Effectiveness

Saturated fat helps conserve EFAs in the body.

A diet high in saturated fat allows the body to conserve essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. This results in a lower dosage necessary to achieve optimal levels. On the other hand, altered partially hydrogenated fats made from vegetable oils in the diet will block the body's ability to utilize essential fatty acids.

How to Heal Autoimmune Thyroid

If you have autoimmune thyroid disease you are probably on a synthetic hormone which you heard "destroys" thyroid gland as doctors told you. But down inside your soul you know that there is a cure, that body can and will restore needed balance and you are searching for every possible way to improve, if possible, heal your thyroid.

Instructions

1

First things first. Thyroid is not an easily defeated organ. It is a very powerful, active and strong gland that accomplishes many vital tasks to keep your body healthy and happy and it is very capable of healing and restoring. Take a chance to restore and heal thyroid naturally but continue with your thyroid medication until you feel the changes and you require thyroid medication adjustment or whatever your doctor may recommend.

2

Buy a Heavy Metal Cleanse Product. Even if you did not have mercury fillings in the past, there are dozens other ways your thyroid might have accumulated heavy metals. Start your autoimmune thyroid healing program by taking a heavy metal cleanse supplement now. Over time, heavy metals will leave your thyroid, enabling it to heal, work better and you will experience less hormone fluctuating which you still have by being on hormone replacement therapy. Heavy metal cleanse to be taken 3-4 hours after taking thyroid supplement.

3

Cleanse your liver by drinking milk thistle tea or capsules. This will help the liver to dispose of toxins, debris, excess hormones out of your body, and after a while our liver will be able to work optimally, to heal thyroid by restoring natural hormone balance.

4

To further speed up healing process you could visit an acupuncturist. Acupuncture will promote body's natural healing ability. Acupuncture has great results to heal autoimmune thyroid or improve thyroid functioning and it may enable your body to produce some hormone on its own.

5

Avoid coffee, black and green tea and other caffeine products. Green tea has a tremendous amount of fluoride in it that is toxic to thyroid. Instead, drink herbal teas that do not have caffeine.

6

Thyroid is located in throat chakra. Making sure that you use a creative outlet to express yourself and your desires is important to your thyroid balance. If you do not know how to express yourself, try singing, writing down your thoughts, ideas.

7

If you are having stress try listening to pleasant, relaxing music and drink chamomile tea before bed time. Deal with your stress but add to your life minutes of good time by learning to relax, using EFT or Tapping. Bring out good feelings by thinking of happy times, help your body to remember how it felt to feel happy, healthy.

8

Do not let your doctors telling you that you will never heal and take your hopes away from you. Add to your conventional medicine alternative methods of healing / acupuncture, Chinese herbs, etc /
Continue searching for answers. Your body is capable of healing, of getting better.

9

Use positive imagery and affirmations - self hypnosis. Such hypnosis could be effectively done by using a recording with your own voice and a professional script or by listening to a hypnotic CD to promote the desired changes in your health towards optimal. See links for reference.

How to Plant Grains for Quails

Upland hunting, or the taking of birds such as pheasant and quail with light-bored shotguns, has been a long-established variety of hunting. Many states have established upland hunting seasons that bring in many dollars both in license fees and tourist visits. Creating conditions that encourage quail to stay in the area and to reproduce is important to their management and ensuring a productive hunting season. Quail are primarily seed eaters, and giving them places where nutritious food is found in abundance encourages their breeding. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Search for the proper place to set a food plot. Quail are edge dwellers, living on the margin between open space and deeper woods. If the plot is more than 100 feet from their comfort zone, they will not use it. A good-sized plot is 2 to 5 acres. It is better to have multiple small plots spread over an area than one large plot.

2

Decide on what to plant. The best overall food for quail, according to Professor Greg Yarrow of Clemson University, is corn. Soybeans and other types of small grains are also good. A variety of seeds that ripen from summer through late fall ensures that the quail have a steady diet.

3

Test the soil for a proper pH balance for the crops you are planting. An addition of either lime or sulfur may be needed to bring the soil into proper balance. This is a minimal cost but can make the difference between a poor crop and a good one.

4

Disc or harrow the food plot into lanes with gaps between them. Only about 25 percent of the total open space needs to be cultivated. This allows the quail to move from one food source to another without breaking shelter. Disc or harrow the lane gaps between the crops every few years to prevent overgrowth.

5

Plant on a staggered time basis if you have the ability. Giving several weeks between one planting and another allows the crops to mature at different rates, giving the quail a longer feeding period.

High Fiber Foods for Picky Kids

Getting picky eaters to clean their plates can be a challenge, making it hard for parents to ensure that their children are getting enough fiber and other nutrients. Typical high fiber foods are in the legume family and include split peas, lentils, black beans and lima beans, which kids may dislike because they taste bland. There are other high fiber options that picky kids may like.

Raspberries

With 8 g to 1 cup serving size, raspberries contain a relatively high amount of fiber. Picky eaters who turn their noses up at legumes or high fiber vegetables, such as broccoli, may enjoy the sweetness of raspberries. Engage your child by showing him how to fill up raspberries with water, like little cups, before eating them for a juicy burst in his mouth. You can also add raspberries to his cereal or sprinkle a bit of sugar on them to convince him they're a dessert.

Artichokes

Kids who are open to new foods may love the interactive nature of eating an artichoke. Clean and cut the thorns off of each leaf and cook an artichoke before giving it to your child. Show him how to pull off the leaves and dip them in sauce. Give him several dip options, such as mayonnaise, melted butter, lemon juice and ranch dressing, so that he has some control in what he eats and can decide which he likes best.

Spaghetti

Whole wheat cooked spaghetti contains about 6 g of fiber per 1 cup serving, making it a high fiber option from the grains, cereal and pasta food group. Try cooking various pasta shapes and colors to interest your child, and serve with a variety of sauces. Some kids may not like the texture of cooked tomato chunks in marinara sauce, so try a creamier sauce or simply melted butter and Parmesan cheese. If he rejects tomato-based sauces, try serving macaroni and cheese.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal makes a nutritious high fiber breakfast food and can be served at other mealtimes as well. Kids may not like the taste of plain cooked rolled oats, so try adding a bit of sugar to sweeten it. You can also top oatmeal with a variety of foods and spices, such as brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, blueberries, banana slices, apple slices, graham crackers, chocolate chips, cherries, coconut, granola, yogurt and applesauce. Let your child try different topping combinations to find his favorite.

How Many Protein Shakes Should I Drink in a Day?

There are many people who try to increase their daily protein intake with the assistance of shakes. These are made with protein powder and water, milk or juice. There are specific reasons why they use protein shakes and in some cases, there is a specific amount of protein they are trying to get each day. When it comes to your daily intake of protein shakes, it usually depends on what you are looking to do.

Multiple Meals

One of the most common things people do to lose weight is eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This is done to increase metabolism. Whenever you eat a meal, your body needs to burn calories to break down the food, which is called the thermic effect. When you eat every two to three hours throughout the day, your body is always burning calories to break down the food and there is no excess to be stored as fat. In these situations, protein shakes are often times alternated with whole food meals in a five to six meals per day plan. By the end of the day, two or three protein shakes will have been consumed.

Morning Meal

It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day being that you are coming out of a long fast from sleeping. There are some people who do not have time to eat breakfast when they wake up because of their busy lifestyle, yet they know how important it is. For that reason, they often rely on a protein shake, because it is quick and easy to make. In this case, they drink just one shake then eat regular meals the rest of the day.

Snack

Some people use protein shakes as a snack in the middle of the afternoon or evening. In this case, the shake is used as a healthy substitute for something they might have eaten that was not good for them. Another thing they may do is, make the shake resemble that of a dessert. This is done to make it more satisfying and give them the feeling that they are not being deprived. In this case, the shake is made by putting the protein powder in a bowl, adding a little bit of water or milk, then mixing it to a pudding-like consistency with a spoon. In these cases, they generally consume one to two drinks/portions a day.

Weight Gain

Bodybuilders try to get extreme amounts of protein in their diets on a daily basis. It is not uncommon for them to aim for 200g or more a day. This is done to help rebuild the muscle tissue that was broken down during their strenuous workouts. With that being said, they generally go through three or more a day with the post-workout protein shake being the most important.

Another thing that they often do is make their protein shakes into smoothies by adding other ingredients and supplements. This acts as a one-stop shop for more caloric intake and a fast meal on the go. Some ingredients they would use for one of these would be protein powder, milk, yogurt, berries, bananas, peanut butter and honey.

Caution

The RDA recommended amount of protein per day by the U.S. government is .8g per kilogram of body weight. If you happen to have kidney problems, it is not advised to eat high amounts of protein on a daily basis. One scoop of protein powder can have anywhere from 15 to 22g of protein in it. In this case, it would be a good idea to stick with one to two shakes a day as long as you do not overdo your required daily amount.

Low-Sodium Cardiac Diet Menu

The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults limit their daily salt intake to no more than 2,300mg. Those who suffer with hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions should consume even less. The average American eats 3,600 to 4,800mg of salt daily, which far exceeds the amount needed in a healthy diet. Small changes add up to large health benefits and there are many ways to decrease salt intake without sacrificing flavor.

Read the Labels

Since most salt comes from our highly processed diets, learn to read food labels. Salt hides under many other names, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate. sodium citrate, and sodium nitrate/nitrite. Cured meats such as ham, bacon, and sausage are especially high in sodium.

Almost all boxed goods, such as cookies, cereal, chips, crackers, and frozen meals, are loaded with sodium. Canned goods such as soups and vegetables are another danger zone. Even if you can't taste the salt, it's still there.

The easiest way to compare foods for sodium content is by looking on the label where the percent of daily value is given. A box of frozen peas may have 125mg of sodium for a total of 5 percent of daily value. Compare that to the same peas in a can with 380mg of sodium, or 16 percent of daily value. The canned peas contain more than three times the amount of sodium.

DASH Diet

DASH to good health with the DASH diet. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet to keep sodium consumption in check. The DASH diet relies on sensible food choices such as fish, nuts, whole grains, and poultry with less red meat, sweets, and fatty foods. It also suggests making gradually changes instead of a drastic diet overhaul.

Gradual Change

Make small changes over time, as it takes your taste buds a while to adjust to less salt. Most foods will taste better over time, since the true flavors aren't hidden under a blanket of salt. Start by adding one healthy vegetable to lunch and dinner. As long as it's not fried and salted, the choice is yours. Find fresh fruit you like and add it to breakfast.

Spices, especially fresh ones, are a great alternative to salt. Try one new spice each week in a casserole or other dish you may have added salt to before. Use meat as an added ingredient, not the main course. Soups and pasta are good ways to cut back on high-sodium meats. Some popular seasonings are high in sodium, including soy sauce, steak sauce, cooking sherry, meat tenderizer and Worcestershire sauce.

Reading Lessons

Try low-salt or no-salt-added versions of canned vegetables, which tend to be very high in sodium. To get rid of even more sodium, rinse in a colander under running water before cooking. On packaged foods, look for words such as unsalted, very low sodium and less sodium. Manufacturers may not use these claims unless the food contains less sodium than the original.

Today's food nutrition labels are one of the greatest health helpers around. Learn to decode them and you will find it much easier to make wise food choices. Teach your kids how to read them, too. Kids tend to imitate adults, so teach them at an early age how to choose healthy foods.

Diabetes & Low Protein Diets

For people with diabetes, eating too much protein can be harmful. This is especially true in people with diabetes who have decreased kidney function. The medical community recommends that people with diabetes follow a moderate- to low-protein diet and work with a dietician to develop an eating plan that supports works with their disease and lifestyle needs.

Kidneys and Protein

When large amounts of proteins are consumed in the diet, extra work is placed on the kidneys to filter out and eliminate the waste products produced during protein breakdown. This can lead to the onset of kidney failure, because the kidneys are already being damaged by the diabetes. Eating a low-protein diet will reduce the workload on the kidneys.

Protein's Purpose

Protein is necessary in your diet because it is used to repair all parts of your body. Proteins are used in red blood cell and antibody production, they regulate fluid balance, and assist with blood clotting. Without protein in your diet, your body will begin to breakdown and digest its own muscle in order to obtain the protein it needs to function properly.

Daily Intake

The United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, recommends that a healthy adult consume between 40 and 60 grams of protein each day to maintain good health. For people with diabetes or kidney disease, the amount should be limited to 30 to 50 grams, depending upon the health of the individual.

Protein Sources

Animal products are the most common source of protein. Meat, fish, poultry and dairy products are considered high-protein foods. These types of protein foods may have to be limited in your diet because even a small serving of protein-rich foods may contain too many grams of protein for your body to safely utilize. Lower-protein foods from plant sources are recommended because a higher volume of food can be consumed to satisfy hunger and provide fulfillment. Care must be taken, however, because low protein plant sources also contain starches, which are broken down by the body into sugars, and this can exacerbate diabetes.

Stretching Protein

One way to make it seem as if you are getting more protein than you are is to use thin cuts of meat which gives the impression of a larger serving. Another way is to serve the meal in a way in which the vegetables become the main dish and the meat is a side dish. This can be done by serving larger portions of vegetables on the plate, and designing meals to complement the taste of the vegetables rather than the usual method of having the vegetables complement the meat. Salads can be served with chopped meats and nuts sprinkled on top, and soy-based dressings will add plant based proteins.

How to Set Up a Ramshorn Snail Habitat

Ramshorn snails are typically considered aquatic pests by many freshwater aquarium keepers for their destructive nature and ability to rapidly reproduce and tolerate a variety of water conditions. However, the snail's vast array of colors and hardiness make it quite a good pet for beginners as long as you're willing to give it its own aquarium. Setting up a habitat for a pet ramshorn snail is relatively easy to do and is an excellent starter project for the novice aquarium keeper.

Instructions

1

Place the tank in an area where it will not receive too much direct sunlight. Though the snails eat algae, which direct sunlight promotes, the algae may grow faster than the snails can eat it and take over your tank.

2

Rinse the gravel using a colander under a faucet to remove any dust, dirt, or other debris particles that would cloud your water. Layer the gravel at the bottom of the tank. A layer about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches high will suffice.

3

Fill the tank with fresh water and decorate it with various aquarium-safe decor. Do not use live plants or wood, as these will only be eaten by the snails. Use artificial plants and ceramic ornaments.

4

Install the hanging filter on the back of the aquarium. This filter hangs over the lip of the back of your aquarium using a downward curving ramp as a hook. It takes in water using an intake tube and expels clean water using the ramp-like spillway. These are very basic filters that can be purchased from virtually any pet shop.

5

Add some dechlorinator to the water. Dechlorinator usually comes as a liquid that removes harmful chemicals from your tap water. Look for the proper dosage on the packaging, as it varies according to the manufacturer.

6

Place the tight-fitting lid over the top of the tank. The lid should include a fluorescent light and a lid for easy access to the water. Cover up any openings in the lid, such as any small gaps around the open spot for the hanging filter, with duct tape. This will prevent any snails from escaping.

7

Wait 48 hours and then introduce your snails to the aquarium. Feed them a diet of cucumber slices, algae wafers, or lettuce. They can also eat fish flakes that sink to the bottom of the tank, but any food they don't eat may add harmful ammonia to the water or cloud the aquarium.

How to Fast to Lose Weight

The process of losing weight differs with each individual. Some people lose weight without even trying. Some require extensive exercise routines and a strict diet to shed the pounds. If you have trouble losing weight, you may need to fast. Fasting can be extremely helpful or a roadblock on your path to weight loss success. Learn how to fast properly in order to lose weight.

Instructions

1

Talk to your physician and get his or her opinion. You may even wish to visit a weight loss center or a dietitian. They can put together a detailed, individualized weight loss plan for you, recommending special foods and exercises to try.

2

Know your limits. If you have low blood sugar levels and tend to get dizzy without eating, it's best to fast wisely. Just because you've decided to fast, it doesn't mean you have to starve altogether. For example, you can fast after 3 p.m. each day.

3

Weigh yourself regularly. By weighing yourself on an accurate scale, you get to visually see the pounds dropping. This allows you to cut back on eating at certain times and to evaluate what is working for you.

4

Stay hydrated. If you're cutting out key food groups, at least drink enough water. It's important to stay hydrated in order to avoid dehydration.

5

Get enough vitamins and minerals. If this means taking a multivitamin and eating only fruit smoothies, then so be it. However, cutting out food altogether can be a dangerous weight loss plan.

6

Have self control. If you feel yourself slipping, remind yourself of why you're fasting. You either want to become healthier or look better physically. Both are important, and that hamburger is not worth your self esteem.

GMO-Free Foods

Genetically modified foods are created by artificially inserting bacteria, insect or animal genes into the DNA of food crops. As of early 2010, the United States and Canada do not require genetically modified foods to be labeled. Companies may choose, however, to label their products as "non-GMO" or "GMO free." Crops most likely to be genetically modified are corn, soy, cotton and rapeseed (canola oil). Other genetically modified foods include dairy products made with milk from cows treated with the growth hormones rBST and rBGH.

Organic Foods

If you want to be confident that a food is GMO free, buy organic. USDA regulations prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients in foods that are certified organic. This includes all dairy products.

Foods Labeled non-GMO

Many soy, corn and canola products are now labeled "non GMO." If you have a favorite product you're not sure about, contact the company by phone or by email. You can do this by clicking "contact us" on the company's website. Most companies reply to email within 1 week. Note also that corn, soy, canola oil and cottonseed oil are used as ingredients in a wide variety of foods, including cereals, snack foods, soup and salad dressing.

Vegetables

As of early 2010, most vegetables found in the produce aisle were not genetically engineered. Exceptions include a small percentage of zucchini, yellow squash and sweet corn, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology. If you're concerned about these items, buy from a local farm (where you can ask questions) or look for organic vegetables. The genetically engineered "flavor saver" tomato, marketed to consumers in the 1990s, was not profitable and is no longer produced.

Fruit

The only genetically modified fruit available as of early 2010 is the Hawaiian papaya. About half the Hawaiian papaya crop is genetically engineered, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology. Seedless melons and grapes are not GMO crops.

Dairy

Dairy products made with milk from cows injected with the growth hormones rBST or rBGH were the first genetically altered products on the market in the United States. To buy GMO-free milk or cheese, look for the rBST or rBGH-free label. You may also buy cheese imported from Europe. The European Union and Switzerland (not an EU member) have banned the use of rBST and rBGH.

Sugar

Beet sugar made from genetically modified sugar beets is now on the market. To avoid this product, buy foods sweetened with "100 percent cane sugar" or organic sweeteners.

Meat and Fish

There are no genetically modified meat or fish products on the market as of early 2010. Livestock, however, may be fed genetically modified foods.

Side Effects of GMO Food

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are plants and crops that scientists have altered for qualities which make them easier to produce or more marketable. These include being heartier, more resistant to pests, larger, more colorful, having longer storage or shelf life, greater temperature resistance, higher crop yields and shorter growing cycles.

The United States Food and Drug Administration--which is responsible for the safety of the food we consume--has ruled that GMO foods are "substantially equivalent" to non-modified crops and therefore do not need any special regulation by the FDA. However, other governments--including Brazil, Japan and India--have regulations regarding the growth and distribution of genetically modified foods. These governments, as well as many private groups and organizations, are concerned about the long-term impact the GMO products may have on consumers.

Allergic Reactions

Some modified foods may cause allergic reactions that unmodified foods do not. In 1996, The New England Journal of Medicine reported a common allergic reaction to soybeans which had been modified to include genes from Brazil nuts.

Gene Transfers

Modification of genes in crops has the potential to lead to genetic transfer to human cells or to bacteria in the human digestive tract. Some GMO crops may lead to antibiotic resistance, and therefore the World Health Organization discourages genetic modifications which may in any way foster this consequence.

Outcrossing

Some strains of GMO crops are developed specifically for animal feed and not for human consumption. The WHO confirms that there is a real risk that plants in the wild may cross-breed and the genetic modifications meant for animal feed may get into crops for human food supply.

Unknown Effects

Because GMO foods are relatively new and being developed in new forms all the time, there is not yet long-term study on how they may affect people over the course of decades or a lifetime. It is possible that conditions, health trends and disorders we see or may begin to see could eventually be traced to GMO foods. This is why there are many studies on GMO foods and their effects.

How to Quickly Lose Weight for Free

Losing weight may be just what you need to help get you started on the path to a healthy lifestyle. While many weight loss programs are available for a fee, you can bypass them and lose weight for free.

Instructions

1

Create and commit to a plan of action. Decide how much time you want to work on your goals. For example, set a three-month goal and losing 10 pounds. Decide on the physical activities you want to do, as well as dates and times. Develop an eating schedule that includes five small meals a day. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to keep hydrated. Exercise or participate in moderate to vigorous physical activities for 45 minutes, five days a week. Include 30 minutes of cardio such as walking, jogging, cycling and swimming, for endurance building.

2

Ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable to sticking to your goals.

3

Take and document weight and body measurements of your chest, waist, hips, upper right thigh, right calf, and right arm (bicep/tricep area) for progress checking.

4

Identify obstacles that could surface and impede your progress or plan. Think of workarounds for these obstacles so you know just what to do when faced with one.

5

Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, to allow your body to have adequate rest.

6

Document your progress on a weekly basis. Record your weight, measurements, possible obstacles and workarounds.

7

Adjust your plan every three to four weeks to keep it engaging and effective.

How to Stop Bone Loss in Teeth

Bone loss in teeth is caused by a depletion of calcium in the body. A number of medical conditions, such as osteoporosis and alopecia arreata, can cause this calcium deficiency. If you have weak, easily broken or damaged teeth, you may have a calcium deficiency. The best way to treat calcium loss is to prevent it. If the process has already started, there are medications that can be taken to help stop bone loss and even rebuild some of what was lost.

Instructions

1

Start by visiting your doctor to determine the nature of the bone loss if the cause is not already known. This is also an important step because your doctor will also need to determine whether or not you have any conditions that might prevent you from being treated a certain way. Your doctor may prescribe medicine that can reverse and repair bone loss.

2

Visit your dentist regularly and keep him well informed on what signs or symptoms you are experiencing. Teeth weakened by bone loss must be specially cared for and repaired by a dentist.

3

Take calcium and vitamin D supplements. These supplements work together to strengthen bones and teeth. Benefits from calcium and vitamin D decline as a person gets older or the disease process progresses, so calcium and vitamin D are best used as prophylactic treatments.

4

Adjust your diet with the help of your doctor or dentist. This may be a modification to increase the ingestion of certain vitamins and minerals or to prevent damage to weakened teeth.

Special Diet for Bleeding Ulcers

Stomach, or peptic, ulcers are small erosions in the gastrointestinal area that can easily become irritated by certain foods and beverages. An ulcer can be extremely uncomfortable when irritated and even more uncomfortable and serious if it begins to bleed. To prevent further irritation and eventual bleeding, it is important to know what foods and drinks to avoid and what is safe to consume.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods are known to aggravate a stomach ulcer. Avoid spicy seasonings such as black pepper, chili powder and hot peppers in your meals. High-fat and fried foods should also be avoided or eaten in moderation, depending on the severity of the ulcer. Tomato-based sauces and condiments (ketchup, salsa) and acid-heavy citrus fruits (oranges, limes) should also be eaten sparingly. Chocolate, since it contains caffeine, should be consumed in moderation.

Beverages to Avoid

It is best to avoid caffeinated beverages altogether (colas, coffee, tea) because caffeine stimulates acid secretion in the stomach, which irritates an existing ulcer. Avoid both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Citrus-based fruit juices, cocoa and especially alcohol are known to upset an existing ulcer as well. Again, these may be enjoyed in moderation depending on the severity of the ulcer.

Acceptable Foods and Drinks

Better food choices include grilled or broiled lean meats (chicken, fish) and bland vegetables and grains (potatoes, white rice). Use low-fat, non-spicy dressings and sauces and choose less-acidic fruits such as peaches, grapes and bananas. Many desserts can be eaten (angel food cake, sugar cookies), but remember to consume chocolate in moderation. Every ulcer is different, so what one person might eat without any problems may be another person's regret. Even the foods that are seemingly suitable to eat might aggravate an ulcer at some point, so the best thing to do is pay attention to your body and know the symptoms of an aggravated ulcer to avoid further irritation from your diet.

How to Keep Your Skeletal & Muscular System Healthy

Keeping your skeletal and muscular system healthy doesn't have to be difficult, however it may require a bit of a lifestyle change. Many of the steps listed are activities required for overall good health, which is a long-term goal. Exercise and a healthy diet can be extremely fun and rewarding, and are essential in building and maintaining strong, healthy bones and muscles.

Instructions

1

Eat a healthy diet full of whole grains, vegetables, fruit and lean protein, with a small amount of dairy products and healthy fats. Making sure you eat a balanced diet ensures your body is getting enough nutrients to keep your skeletal and muscular system healthy and prevent disease.

2

Take a multivitamin once a day to fill in nutritional gaps you might be missing from your diet. This makes sure you are getting all the required nutrients for optimum health for your skeletal and muscular system.

3

Do 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day. Such exercises include brisk walking, swimming, running, tennis, dancing, aerobics, etc. This type of exercise increases circulation, allowing more efficient delivery of nutrients; helps maintain a healthy weight with a good fat-to-muscle ratio; and helps keep bones strong.

4

Do weight-bearing exercises three to four times a week for strong bones and muscles. These are exercises that use your muscles to pull against gravity. Good weight-bearing exercises are running (especially up hills and stairs), weightlifting, rowing, aerobics, rock climbing, etc. Having strong muscles protects the body from injury and strengthens bones, which helps prevent osteoporosis.

5

Avoid smoking, drugs and excess alcohol--all of which damage overall health, bones and muscles.

Free Teenage Diet Plans

Teenager don't always makes healthy diet choices. Unfortunately, for those who make a habit of bad choices when it comes to food, weight gain can become an issue. Luckily, a number of free diet plans are aimed specifically at teenagers.

Overweight Teen Solutions

On the Overweight Teen Solutions website, teenage girls ages 13 to 19 can develop their own personal diet plan. The site also includes resources that cover basic weight loss strategies, offers advice about the development of a healthy diet and provides participants a variety of recipes. The site emphasizes the importance of exercise as part of an overall weight loss strategy, setting realistic goals and healthy body image.

SparkTeens.com

SparkTeens is an online diet community for ages 13 to 17. Adapted and modeled after the original website, SparkPeople, it offers teenagers a lifestyle planner, homepage, chat room and message board so they can develop a support network. The free program also offers a calorie counter, meal plans, customized fitness programs, exercise demonstrations and recipes.

SlimKids.com

SlimKids offers free advice for adolescents and teenagers who are struggling with their weight. Though the full program is being sold for $22.95, the site offers a free sample menu that gives a basic one-day, calorie-controlled diet and free weight analysis. The average teenager needs approximately 2,100 calories per day. This site outlines which foods fulfill caloric requirements and which foods should be avoided.

How to Eat a Diabetic Diet

Knowing how to eat a diabetic diet can save your life if you have diabetes. Diabetes can affect your entire body. Diabetics should eat healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Plan your meals ahead of time so that you are not tempted to snack on improper foods.

Instructions

1

PORTIONS - Plan each meal so that it is made up of 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% whole grains or starches, and 25% lean meat, low in saturated fat. This is called the plate method because you can easily glance at your plate and see if you have the proper portions.

2

SERVING SIZES - Learn appropriate serving sizes. Your clenched fist is about one cup. The palm of your hand is about the size of three ounces of meat, your thumb is about 2 tablespoons and your cupped hand will hold about one ounce of nuts or seeds.

3

CARBOHYDRATES - Check with your doctor to find out how many carbohydrates and calories you should eat in a day. Generally speaking men can eat 60-75 grams of carbohydrates per meal and women can eat 45-60 grams of carbohydrates per meal.

4

FOODS TO EAT - Eat healthy foods every day, such as 9 or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole grain bread and whole grain pasta. Lean meats such as turkey and fish. Yogurt, cottage cheese, and nuts are also excellent snacks for individuals with diabetes. You can learn to eat the right foods for your diabetic diet.

5

FOODS TO AVOID - Avoid foods that are high in sugars or carbohydrates that become sugar. Foods such as candy bars, alcohol, cereal, white rice and peanut butter should be avoided. Eat brown rice, vegetables and fruit and fish. Steam your vegetables with garlic to give them added flavor.

6

FIBER - Eat plenty of fiber each day. If you have diabetes it is recommended that you consume 25-30 grams of fiber each day. Get your fiber naturally by eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.

Now you know how to eat a diabetic diet.

Performance Supplements for Dogs

Health supplements augment the family pet's existing diet with valuable nutrients that will improve the animal's quality of life. No dog is too old to receive benefits from an improved diet and pet owners are urged to begin a healthier feeding regimen as soon as possible.

Antioxidant Rich Supplements

According to the Vet Info website, supplements rich in antioxidants work to resist the aging process in dogs, keeping them vital for longer while improving heart, eye and joint function. Ingredients and minerals such as grape seed extract, milk thistle extract, vitamin A and vitamin C are rich in antioxidants that help maintain dog performance levels well into old age. These elements also work to boost the dog's immune system by helping the body rid itself of built-up toxins known as free radicals.

Multivitamins

Owners might also consider a multivitamin as part of a dog's daily food regimen. A good multivitamin will contain high amounts of B vitamins, potassium, iron, vitamin A and folic acid. These vitamins and minerals will increase your dog's energy levels, maintain a shiny coat and keep the skin healthy, and increase endurance through improved muscled functioning. Multivitamins that are combined with a diet rich in protein, green vegetables and fruits can fill in the gaps in a dog's nutrient requirements, leading to a fuller and happier life.

Best Supplements

According to the Vet Info website, several performance supplements for dogs stand above the rest. Dr. Jane Leon of Cornell University has created the supplement Dog-Wa, which contains high amounts of nutrients and green leaf vegetables, including mint and parsley that help freshen the dog's breath. Life's Abundance, designed by Dr. Jane Bricks, takes a holistic approach to dog supplements, with minerals and vitamins derived directly from food sources such as fruit, animal protein and raw vegetables.

How to Lose 30 Pounds of Weight

Not only does losing weight help your physical health, weight loss also increases your self-esteem and self-image. A high-calorie diet and a sedentary lifestyle will increase your weight and reduce your stamina. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to lose the weight lowly. You want to eliminate 500 calories a day from your caloric intake through diet and exercise.

Instructions

Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs

1

Write down your height, weight and age.

2

Enter this information into the following equation to calculate your basal metabolic rate:

Women: BMR = 655 + (4.35 X weight in pounds) + (4.7 X height in inches) -- (4.7 -- age in years)

Men: BMR = 655 + (6.23 X weight in pounds) + (12.7 X height in inches) -- (6.8 -- age in years)

3

Subtract 500 from your daily calorie needs. This allows for the loss of 1 lb. per week.

Create a Weight Loss Plan

4

Modify your diet to eliminate unnecessary calories, such as carbonated beverages and juices. Drink more water. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet to lower your calorie intake without feeling hungry.

5

Get your heart pumping to burn calories. Go on daily walks, walk up and down stairs or join a gym.

6

Start a weight-lifting routine to build muscle, which burns calories faster than fat. Muscle also provides a leaner appearance and increases your strength.

Diet for Adrenal Glands

Located on the kidneys, the adrenal glands perform an important role in our body's ability to properly deal with stress. They stabilize blood sugar, normalize and maintain healthy blood-pressure levels, keep our immune system strong and healthy and help regulate inflammatory responses within the body. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue often experience lightheadedness, tiredness, migraines, nervousness or trembling, low blood pressure and a host of other unpleasant symptoms. Although stress is the No. 1 cause of depleting adrenal stores, a balanced and healthy diet will go far to help ensure your adrenal glands are properly supported.

Diet & Nutrition

Whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, lean organic meats, nuts, beans and foods high in fiber are an excellent support network for your adrenal glands. Look for gluten-free grains (especially sprouted whole-grain breads and cereals) that are free from chemicals and preservatives. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue should also avoid white flours, fruits and other sugary items, as these can adversely affect glucose levels.

Meals and snacks should be eaten regularly throughout the day instead of spread out between long gaps in time, as this will also help stabilize blood sugar and put less stress on your adrenals It is recommended to eat breakfast by 8 a.m. (or an hour after waking) to restore glucose levels and help support your body's natural rhythms. Lunch should follow between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., with nutritious snacking recommended for the 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. time slot. Dinner should be consumed early, by 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. if possible, and should also be the lightest meal you consume throughout the day.

Beverages

Drinks that help support the adrenal glands are herbal teas such as passionflower, valerian and chamomile, and vegetable juices with salt, such as V-8. Avoid beverages that are alcoholic or contain caffeine, in addition to carbonated beverages, even the diet ones.

Herbs & Supplements

There are a number of vital minerals that help relieve stress on the adrenals, such as magnesium, calcium and zinc. Often those with adrenal fatigue are depleted of these minerals, which can cause poor digestion and interfere with the body's ability to assimilate other nutrients. Other important vitamins are C, E, B6 and B-complex.

Pantothenic acid (100 mg a day) is an important supplement to include when trying to rebuild the adrenals, as a deficiency could cause adrenal atrophy. Iodine, potassium, selenium, chromium and iron may also help those suffering from adrenal fatigue.

The Best Way to Lose Weight Fast

Weight loss can be difficult, especially if you have more than 20 lb. to lose. There are many commercial programs that encourage people to lose weight, and some of those programs involve unhealthy and even dangerous methods, such as taking pills or fasting. Luckily, there is a simple strategy that can help you lose weight fast, the healthful way.

Start a Workout Plan

Exercising helps the body burn calories while increasing muscle strength. Once the muscle mass grows and becomes stronger, the body's metabolism increases, making it even easier to burn more calories. Start out slowly. Try to do an aerobic-style exercise at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Aerobic exercises will increase your heart rate to at least 60 to 70 percent of it's resting rate. These exercises include, but are not limited to, walking, swimming, biking or gardening. After about a month, increase your workouts to four to five days per week. Gradually, work up to exercising up to one hour every day.

Eat Whole Foods

Whole foods are as close to their natural state as possible, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (like oats or rice) and lean proteins. Processed foods that contain additives, artificial fats and preservatives are unhealthy for the body, and can cause you to gain weight if they make up the bulk of your diet. Replace unhealthy, packaged foods with fresh, whole foods as much as possible.

Drink Water

When the body is hydrated, your systems and organs function at optimal performance. Not only does staying hydrated help digestion and body function, it also helps speed up your metabolism, enabling your body to burn more calories. Drink at least eight glasses of water (8 oz.) each day. If you sweat heavily throughout the day, add a few extra cups of water. Carry a water bottle with you when you are at work or running errands to make sure you get your daily water intake.

Dieting With Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a food that can be part of a healthy diet designed for weight loss. However, when portions are not controlled, this healthy food can quickly become a source of excess calories preventing weight loss success. The key is to check labels carefully and include only a small portion of dried fruits with snacks or meals. Doing this will allow you to both diet and enjoy eating dried fruit.

Check Ingredients

It is important to check the ingredient list of the dried fruit you are purchasing. Many have added sugars that increase the calorie content in dried fruits, and more recently some companies have switched from sugar to high fructose corn syrup because it is less expensive. It is best to limit the consumption of both. Do your best to select dried fruits that state "no sugar added." This will ensure that you are benefiting from the nutritional value of the fruit itself, and empty calories from sugar won't be ruining your diet.

Control Portions

When fruit is dried, the water is removed and this water is what gives the fruit much of its volume. Therefore, for the same amount of calories, when you eat fresh fruit you are getting much more food than when you eat dried fruit. Most dried fruit still contains the nutrients specific to the fresh fruit, but the fact that the fruit is small may encourage you to eat more. As a general rule, a half cup of dried fruit has about the same amount of calories as a cup of fresh fruit. Check the labels to learn what a serving is for the fruit you are eating. Keep in mind the amount of calories you are consuming and pay attention to how that fits into your dieting plan.

How to Use It

The best thing about dried fruits is that they are convenient. There is no peeling or messy juices. In addition, even if they do not have added sugar, the concentrated nature of the fruit makes it a snack that can curb a craving for something sweet. Mix some dried berries with nuts for a snack that is balanced in carbohydrate, protein and fat. Sprinkle dried fruit on top of your salad, or snack on a few pieces of dried pineapple, apples or bananas.

Make Your Own

The healthiest dried fruit you can eat is the variety you make yourself. This process requires the use of a food dehydrator, which can be purchased at most stores that carry small kitchen appliances. With a food dehydrator you can be sure that you make naturally dried fruit with no added sugar. You can dry your own berries, grapes, apples, pears or bananas and store them to snack on when you need something nutritious and convenient. For most dehydrators, you will need to slice the fruit very thin and then dry the fruit at around 135 degrees F for several hours, or for some foods, several days.

Free Diet Plan Menus

In the age of the Internet, fortunately there are many diets you can research without going to the library or buying a book at the bookstore. At your finger tips is a plethora of diet information and menu plans from which to choose. While some diet plans cost money, there are many that are free, including personalized diets based on your size, gender and needs.

Cross Fit Journal Diet Plan

The Cross Fit Journal diet plan does not state specific meals to eat each day, although there are examples. Instead, it tells you how many proteins, carbohydrates and fats you should be eating. It is not in grams that you will be counting, but rather in "blocks," which are basically just serving sizes. You are allotted, based on your gender and size, a certain number of protein blocks, carbohydrate blocks and fat blocks to eat. For instance, a medium-size female would be allotted three blocks each of protein, carbohydrates and fats for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but only two blocks each for the two allowed snacks. There are several charts listing a variety of foods and how much one block is. For example, 1/3 c. of oatmeal is one block of carbohydrate, and five olives is one block of fat. The nice thing about this diet plan is it allows you to create your own meals and snacks without having to follow a specific meal plan.

Good Housekeeping

Good Houskeeping has a free meal plan that will help you lose 10 pounds in a month. The basic idea of this diet is to keep your caloric intake to about 1,300 calories a day. There is a specific one-week meal plan that you repeat three times. There is no exercise requirement, although exercise will boost your ability to lose weight and allow you to eat just a bit more, if desired. Examples of foods include spinach salad, sweet honey pork and an English muffin with melted cheese.

Dr. Gourmet

Dr. Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., also known as Dr. Gourmet, is a board-certified Internist with a passion for food. He has written a couple of books on healthy eating, made appearances on the Food Network channel and even hosted his own Emmy award winning show on public television. He now has an online resource that provides free diet menu plans for several popular diets. Registration is required, but it is free. You can then select which diet you are interested in: Mediterranean diet, Coumadin, GERD/Acid Reflux, low sodium, gluten sensitive, lactose intolerant or cholesterol lowering. You can search for recipes based on your diet of choice and create a meal plan just for you.

When Did General Motors Start Selling Stock?

General Motors has been a publicly traded company since 1916. GM has historically paid dividends on its stock but has only experienced very rare splits. For most of 2009, GM traded at a very low level because of concerns over bankruptcy.

IPO

General Motors first was listed on the New York Stock Exchange on December 20, 1916.

Index Listings

GM is a component of numerous indexes, most notably the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.

Splits and Adjustments

GM has had three stock splits since 1950, including a 2-for-1 split in October 1950, a 3-for-1 split in September 1955 and a 2-for-1 split in March 1989. The company has also adjusted its stock after spinning off subsidies such as Hughes and Delphi.

Historical Dividends

GM previously paid a dividend on its common stock. The last dividend was $0.25, paid out in May 2008. As of May 2009, GM does not pay a dividend on its stock.

Historical Performance

GM has performed poorly recently. As of May 2009, the stock has consistently been close to its 75-year low, split adjusted.

How to Lose Weight Without Exercising

After having a car accident and finding myself restricted from exercise, I wondered if there was a way for me to lose weight without exercising. I found a way, and so far, I have lost 10 lbs (gradually over one month) and I feel that I have a better idea of what makes me gain weight.

Instructions

1

View the Scale as a Tool, Not as your Enemy:
We come to dread the scale and what it has to say if our diet approach is unsuccessful, or if we've been unaware of what we've been putting in our mouths for days. However, using this approach, the scale will become our tool in finding the "path" to lose weight and will begin to offer positive reinforcement.

2

Familiarize Yourself with What You Eat For a Week:
Study your portion size, how you tend to prepare foods, and how many meals you tend to eat. This will be essential in the latter steps. If you need to, write down everything you eat and in how many sittings for a week. Do not weigh yourself during this week. Just study what and how you eat.

3

Beginning the 2nd week, weigh yourself when:
- You wake up
- After each meal
- Right before you go to bed
Keep track of what you weigh at these times and track what you are eating. Do this in conjunction with Step 4.

4

Beginning with that 2nd week, start to restrict your diet in one or more of the following ways without changing the quantity of food. (How you restrict your diet is up to you and will depend on your motivation level. If you think it might be difficult, start out with one of the below methods. But the best result will come with using the methods below simultaneously):
- Do not cook in any oils or fats.
If you tend to eat fried foods, eat the same foods but boiled, baked or broiled without using oil, butter, shortening, lard, etc.
Example: Instead of fried eggs, eat boiled. Or you can go for a peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread if you want something more filling.
- Cut down on extra sugar or eliminate sugar.
If you drink coffee, tea, or eat cereal and add sugar to it, decrease by 1/2 the amount of sugar you use, or if you're really motivated, eliminate that drink altogether, and switch to an alternative.
Example: Replace coffee or tea, with water or those fruit flavored waters, or dilute a little bit of orange juice with water. And most definitely, cut down on your consumption of soda by half, or replace soda altogether, with one of the substitutes above.

5

Avoid Fast Food and Try to Decrease Snacking (with the goal of eliminating if you can):
If you must eat a snack, pop fresh popcorn, buy rice cakes, or chunky peanut butter, or eat fruit or a handful of nuts (UNSALTED pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, etc) which are more filling.
Note: It's important to avoid salty snacks as salt will make you crave more.

6

Enhance the Above Method by Embracing Lean Meats or Fish That Are Prepared Without Oils and That Are Sliced or Diced.
Slice or dice meats. Serve yourself a portion visually similar to the meat as a block (before it was sliced/diced). You'll be eating less meat although visually it will look about the same.

7

Decrease Your Portion Sizes Gradually:
If you can decrease the sizes of your portions in conjunction with the above methods, you'll eventually feel less in need of eating bigger meals.

8

Take it up a Notch:
- Work in fresh veggies as part of your meals more and more, and especially as snacks.
- Explore the health food section of your grocery store. Morningstar makes great breakfast alternatives.
- Remember to try to eat smaller portions. Even if it's a 1/4 or a 1/3 smaller. You can work in baby steps if you must.

9

Most Importantly, Note How Much You Gain After Each Meal And What You Lose While You Sleep:
-You may gain 1/2 lb for a small meal and upwards to a lb and a half or more, for a larger meal.
-Become familiar with your body's rhythm with respect to digestion.
-By adjusting your intake, you'll see results.

How Many Grams of Sugar Per Day Can a Diabetic Have?

Blood-sugar levels must maintain an equilibrium daily in the life of a diabetic. A diabetic is not barred from eating any kind of sugar. He can eat small amounts. Large amounts day in and day out can throw his body off kilter, though. He must monitor his intake to prevent complications from diabetes.

Grams Per Day Vary

The most that doctors recommend for their patients is 300 grams of sugar per day . Still, each patient has an individual limit of how much sugar is beneficial to his body. Some diabetics only need 120 grams per day. Other people can survive with 180 grams to 200 grams of sugar per day. It all depends on the trial and error of the doctor working with his patient to get the right dosage of insulin and the right diet balanced together to promote a healthy eating lifestyle.

U.S. Standards and Low Blood Sugar

In the United States, the standard measurement for a normal blood sugar reading is 70 to 100 mg/dl (milliliters over deciliters). Anything below these measurements will have a diabetic feeling lousy and sluggish, prompting her to measure her blood-sugar level. Then, she will find something sweet to compensate for the amount that the reading gave her to balance out her blood sugar.

Canadian Standards & High Blood Sugar

In Canada, the standard measurement for a normal blood sugar reading is 4 to 7 mmol/L (millimoles over liters). Anything above will prompt a diabetic to take his blood sugar reading and put in the appropriate amounts of insulin to bring his blood sugar down. He might also consume foods, herbs and spices, such as cinnamon or lemon juice, to bring down his blood sugar. High blood sugar is better than low blood sugar because high blood sugar can be brought down, but a blood sugar too low can lead to diabetic coma and/or death.

Restaurants and Grocery Stores

When eating out, a diabetic person needs to watch the sugar grams she intakes. It is important to read the labeling on packages in the grocery store, as well. The sugar and carbohydrate content and daily serving is key to discern what type of food is acceptable on his diet.

Natural and Processed Sugar

A carton or bottle of juice with 23 grams of sugar may be too much sugar for a diabetic to drink. Ten to 12 grams of sugar may prompt him to buy the bottle or carton of juice. Fruit juices laden with high fructose corn syrup are not a staple on the diabetic diet. In fact, they must be avoided however possible. Fruit juices that only contain the natural sugar from the fruit itself are encouraged on the diabetic diet. These sugar grams may be equal in quantity to those obtained from high fructose corn syrup, but the body of a diabetic can process and convert the natural sugar better than it can the refine high fructose corn syrup.

Easy Way to Lose Weight Fast

Losing weight can sometimes prove to be a daunting task. However, by sticking to a somewhat strict diet for a few weeks, you'll notice results immediately. The important thing is not to constantly stress about the weight you need to lose. Instead be positive and picture your goal in your mind. Concentrate on what you need to eat and your workouts and you'll see results quickly.

Diet

The great thing about dieting to lose weight is that the foods you want are very simple to prepare. You'll want to begin your dieting buy purchasing lots of lean meats, such as chicken breasts and fish fillets. When cooking these, use minimum amounts of fat. If you cook the meat in broth it will add a delicious flavor, minus the fat caused by adding butter or oil. In addition, you'll want a wide array of leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale. Broccoli is also an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. Substitute fruits for desserts and stay away from alcohol and sodas if you want to lose weight quickly.

What to Do

Basically you want to take in fewer calories that you burn off, so if you're only burning off 1,500 calories a day, make sure to only eat 1,300 calories. If you burn off more, this will allow you more wiggle room to add certain foods to your diet while still losing weight. Also be aware of the types of calories you're taking in -- you want to limit calories from fat as much as possible. You will have to count calories, but it will give you the best gauge on how much weight you can lose and the results will be much quicker with less fluctuation.

Working out is extremely important to losing weight quickly and keeping it off. It's possible to significantly reduce your calorie intake and lose some weight, but if you're not working out at all, your body will practically cling to the fat you have in your body as a source of nourishment, making it very difficult to achieve the results you want. One key factor to losing weight quickly on top of dieting is to boost your metabolism and the best way to do this is with cardiovascular exercise. Whether you like to take a brisk walk after dinner, go for a run or jog in the mornings, or go to the gym for your favorite aerobics class, you'll raise that metabolic rate through the roof and the calories will come off much more quickly.

Low Protein Diets for Liver Disease

The liver is the processing plant of the body, responsible for the breakdown of most everything that passes through the digestive system. Thus, dysfunction of the liver affects your body in numerous ways, making it more difficult to cull nutrients from ingested foodstuffs and forcing the liver itself to work harder to perform tasks that would be routine to a liver in normal working order. One method of easing the strain on the liver is to adhere to a low-protein diet.

Liver and Low-Protein

The liver serves as the body's holding device for all ingested nutrients. After entering the digestive system, nutrients eventually end up in the liver, where they are further broken down and stored until sent back into the bloodstream as energy. When the liver is healthy, this process flows smoothly. As nutrients enter, they are broken down in a timely fashion and dispersed back into the body without much ado. If the liver is damaged, however, its efficiency decreases, and it is possible for nutrients to get "backlogged" without recourse as the liver falls behind in its work. This causes further damage to the liver, resulting in a degenerative cycle. Because protein is one of the most difficult macronutrients for the liver to process, limiting protein consumption is often suggested to ease the liver's daily workload, ensuring timely functioning.

Following a Low-Protein Diet

Note first of all that a low-protein diet is not to be confused with a no-protein diet. Your body needs protein to repair and rebuild damaged tissue, so do not think that if low protein is good, no protein must be better. Strive to consume at least 40 to 60 grams of protein daily on your low-protein diet so your body will not be stymied by your attempts to help the liver.

Four ounces of beef has 22 to 30 grams of protein. Four ounces of chicken contains a little more than 30 grams of protein. One cup of milk has eight grams of protein. Spread your protein intake evenly across all your meals. If you eat three main meals a day, aim for 15 to 20 grams of protein per meal. Usually this means eating no more than two ounces of meat in any particular meal, along with a cup of milk or the trace protein amounts found in other foods. For example, a serving of some veggies contains a gram or two of protein. Keep this protein content information in mind when planning your portions.

Second, know that you do not have to dramatically change your eating habits to maintain a low-protein diet. The best way to get yourself in a low-protein mind-set is to reconsider your daily menu, treating meat products as side dishes rather than the main course. This will naturally lower your daily protein intake without undue disruption of your ordinary diet.

Finally, in following a low-protein diet, remember that by cutting protein you also are cutting total daily calories. If you are trying to maintain weight, remember to replace those calories with calories from healthy carbohydrates and fats. Healthy carb choices include fruit, vegetables and limited whole grains. Healthy fat choices include natural fats (such as from avocados and coconuts) and an assortment of oils such as olive, flax, fish, coconut and macadamia nut. One tablespoon of olive oil has 120 calories, so it should not be difficult to replace the missing calories.

What Is GMO Foods?

GMO stands for "genetically modified organisms," and foods that contain ingredients with GMOs are considered GMO foods. GMOs are used in many crops, including soybeans, corn, potatoes and canola.

History

GMOs are created in the laboratory when scientists isolate genes that are responsible for certain traits in one plant and insert the gene into another plant, or add genes from non-plant organisms to a plant.

Types

One of the most common non-plant organisms that is inserted into plants is the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, or B.t. B.t. creates crystals that are toxic to insect larvae.

Function

Corn crops that have been modified by adding B.t. form pesticide within the plant to fight off pests such as the European corn borer.

Effects

Other GMOs work to improve drought tolerance, disease resistance, cold tolerance, increased nutrition, and even to grow vaccines inside vegetables.

Potential

The use of GMOs in food is very controversial, but many researchers believe that it is necessary to improve crops genetically in order to feed a growing world population. For example, improving the nutritional value of a crop like rice could help fight malnutrition in Third World countries.