Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
How to Really Make Your Diet Work For You
First of all, you need to understand, that your body needs a proper Balanced Nutrition Diet, with a proper daily amount of: vitamins, proteins, minerals and carbohydrates.
Get into a habit of eating exactly 3 Meals a day.
1. Eat breakfast within one hour of rising.
Breakfast provides at least 30 percent of the total energy and nutrition needed to sustain the human body during the whole day. And therefore it is very important to have a proper breakfast and not to skip it.
2. Have a healthy low-fat lunch snack.
Have a healthy snack in your lunch time, low fat yogurt for example, to keep your energy running.
3. Have your dinner three hours before your bedtime.
Have a Proper dinner three hours before your bedtime; never go to bed on a full stomach.
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. 2 liters of water a day would help your body to burn calories more effectively and to get rid of toxins.
Exercising is a KEY.
By exercising, your body gets an advantage of many physiological benefits such as:
- Weight Control by elevating your metabolism so that you burn more calories daily.
- The Boost in your energy level
- Strengthening of your heart and lungs
- Improvement in your self-image and self-confidence.
So, don't forget to exercise at least 10 minutes a day.
Try to avoid using fats. Try to keep the fat level in your cooking as low as possible.
Make Calcium your friend. Include as much calcium as you can in your daily diet by eating:
. Oranges
. Broccoli
. Soybeans
. Tofu
. Sunflower Seeds
. Papaya
And other sources of calcium. Calcium is a crucial element for bone metabolism. Calcium deficiency is very common. The "Average" American diet does not even come close to meeting the normal calcium requirements:
425 mg. a day for Men
450 mg. a day for Women
So, to sum it up:
1. Have exactly 3 meals a day
2. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day
3. Exercise at least 10 minutes a day
4. Avoid fats
5. Make calcium your friend
By following these 5 simple rules, you will be losing weight in no time.
Author Bio
WellnessWorx.net markets quality, weight-management, nutrition and personal health care products created by WellnessPro leading industry experts. Weight-loss can be a pleasure! http://wellnessworx.net WellnessWorx.net
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
Reduce Belly Fat, Rid Yourself Today
Belly fat rid strategies are all over the place. You can't stay away from all the magazine covers, commercials and internet ads. All those people with great looking stomachs and butts. Trust me, they did not get them from just doing sit ups.
To lose belly fat you must adjust your daily calorie intake. You must do some form of aerobic exercise. All of it amounts to a certain amount of life style change. That is just a fact of life. When you adjust your daily routine, you will get a different result. This goes for negative changes also.
That, my friends is why it is so hard for so many to lose those love handles and such. It really is all in the mind. If you can discipline yourself to make one small change in your life just for a couple weeks, you will see and feel results.
I am not talking dramatic change. If you did that you would go back to your old routine in no time. Don't start out by reducing your calories in half and jogging three miles a day. That is what I mean by dramatic. That is what they do in Marine boot camp. They can stick to it though because they have some really hard core drill instructors over seeing every little move.
We do not have that luxury, so we have to do baby steps so we mentally adjust.
The first thing you want to do is pick a time of the day that you can set aside forty minutes. Every day at this exact time put your coat on, go outside and walk for forty minutes....Anywhere. Personally I prefer the park. When it is winter, I walk/jog on back streets of neighborhoods. Do This every day, no exceptions.
The second thing you have to do is reduce your food intake. This is harder than the first set of rules. I am not much into calorie counting. It is boring and who has the time. Breakfast, lunch and supper......fix your plate and then take off one quarter of it and put it back.
If you drink beer, take your average per night and do not drink one quarter of them.
You see, all you are doing here is modifying your life style a little. If you do exactly what I told you here, you will be very happy with the results in a couple weeks. A little hint on the exercise. If you do this in the evening, it reduces the urge to snack and drink.
Good luck and get Going...it is all mental!!
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:
My name is Tom Lauer. If you found this article helpful, then Click Here for great tips.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Why Your Diet May Not Be As Rich In Iodine As You Assume
The trace mineral iodine is well known for its crucial role in enabling the body's manufacture of vital thyroid hormones, but it is also important for the health of the immune system and for optimal brain function. It is widely believed by many authorities that iodine deficiency should never be seen in the affluent West, although this problem affects millions throughout the developed world.
Some nutritionists argue, however, that this conventional view is too optimistic, because the content of all minerals in foods is heavily dependent on the mineral content of the soil from which those foods are derived. The assumption must therefore be that the continuing de-mineralisation of farm soils has led to a reduction in the amount of dietary iodine commonly consumed.
Fish and other seafood, however, remain a relatively rich source because these ocean creatures concentrate the sea's iodine in their flesh. Though not commonly eaten in the West, seaweed, or kelp, is also an excellent source of iodine for this reason, and is readily available in the form of a dietary supplements. Dairy products and certain meats may also be a good source, particularly where iodine is routinely added to farm animal feed. But in countries, including most of Western Europe, where animals are grazing fields growing on iodine depleted soils, levels are likely to be much lower.
So even in the West, those not including fish or seafood in their diets, and not using iodised or sea salt, may be at real risk of deficiency. In an effort to compensate for low levels of dietary iodine, the mineral has been routinely added to ordinary table salt in the US for many years. But the practice is not as common in the UK and other European countries, where specially iodised or natural "sea-salt" has been marketed more as a luxury alternative. The problem of insufficient dietary iodine has been compounded on both sides of the Atlantic, however, by increasing concern about the possible adverse health consequences, particularly high blood pressure, of excessive salt intake. Many nutritionists, however, regard these fears as exaggerated, and believe that any such potential problems are far less serious than the consequences of an insufficiency of iodine, and may be easily resolved by the use of the low sodium salt alternatives available.
Iodine, however, cannot in any case be regarded as a luxury. Its essential function lies in the production of the vital thyroid hormones; thyroxine, sometimes known as T4, and tri-iodothyronine, or T3. And as is well known, these hormones are crucially important in ensuring a healthy metabolic rate and the release of energy from food; so an underactive thyroid gland is commonly the villain in cases of excessive weight gain, particularly where this of sudden onset, and in cases of difficulty in losing weight even when following a sensible reducing programme. A healthy thyroid gland is also crucial for the optimal functioning of the immune system.
But perhaps even more importantly, iodine deficiency is also known as a major cause of avoidable brain damage; a problem which the World Health Organisation has estimated to affect an astonishing 50 million people worldwide. Sadly, many of these cases occur in children whose mothers were iodine deficient in pregnancy, resulting in a condition of severely retarded brain development known as congenital hypothyroidism, or "cretinism". Even where such catastrophic consequences are avoided, iodine deficiency in childhood may also have serious effects on the developing brain, leading to low energy and motivation for learning, and measurable impairment of IQ scores.
Since 2001 the Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine (FNB) has prescribed a Recommended Dietary Allowance for iodine of 150 mcg for all individuals over 14, rising to 220 mcg for pregnant women and 290 mcg for those breastfeeding. Somewhat confusingly, however, an excessive consumption of iodine is also associated with a malfunctioning or enlargement of the thyroid gland, as well as mouth ulcers, headaches and gastric upsets, and the FNB therefore advises an upper safe limit for daily iodine consumption of 1,100 mcg for adults. Most people eating a conventional Western diet are unlikely to exceed this level.
With the possible exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women, people in the West who use liberal quantities of iodised salt as a regular seasoning are unlikely to need further supplements. But many commercial multi-mineral preparations contain iodine in reasonable quantities, usually in the form of potassium iodide, and whilst not perhaps strictly necessary, such supplementary doses will do no harm and may be regarded as a useful insurance policy given that, like all minerals needed by the body, iodine functions best in the presence of adequate supplies of all the others. And it should be particularly noted in this context that the effects of any deficiency of iodine may be intensified by any deficiency of selenium, iron or vitamin A.
About The Author
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter and journalist with a particular interest in health and wellness.
Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Iodine.htm
Friday, May 23, 2008
Fishing for Better Health: The Benefits of Fish and Other Food Sources High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
by: Susan du Plessis
Spring is well under way and summer is fast approaching. It's time for kids to take out their roller blades for carefree treks down boardwalks and sidewalks. Dads will rummage through closets for dormant baseball caps and to see if last year's uniform still fits. If not playing ball he'll watch from the sidelines, or from the comfort of his favorite chair. Moms, time to don old jeans, stock up on sunscreen, and get out the fishing poles. You heard me, ladies. Fishing poles! It's time to fight back!
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stroke is the third leading cause of death in women. Every year an estimated 97,000 American women will die as a result of stroke. Statistically, every 53 seconds stroke will victimize someone in America. Of an estimated 600,000 stroke victims each year about 160,000 die as a result. There is, however, an easy way to drastically reduce these statistics.
Findings in a 14-year-long study of nearly 80,000 American women indicate that eating a 3.5 ounce serving of fish, two to four times a week, lowers stroke risk by 27 percent. The more fish consumed, the more impressive the percentages. Although few large-scale studies have examined this particular issue in men, experts say there is no biological reason results of such studies would differ.
The American Medical Association (AMA) published the study results in their January journal, 2001. There is conclusive evidence that consumption of fish high in omega 3 fatty acids hold significant health benefits, including reduced thrombotic infarction -- a type of stroke where a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, resulting in destroyed brain tissue. (Blood clots are responsible for more than 80 percent of all strokes.)
Fish are a high source of omega 3 fatty acids, nutrients that help prevent the formation of clots, or platelet clumping. They do this by making blood less sticky. As a result, risk of thrombotic stroke is lessened, as well as risk of embolic stroke, where the clot forms elsewhere in the body before traveling to the brain.
Conducted at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, the study revealed that women who ate fish once a week reduced stoke risk by 22 percent; two to four times a week by 27 percent, and five or more times a week by 52 percent. Unfortunately, the average American woman only consumes about 1.3 servings of any type seafood weekly, at an average of 3.5 ounces per serving. Women are not eating enough fish!
Penny Kris Etherton, Ph.D., a heart disease researcher at the State University in Pennsylvania, has long extolled the virtues of eating fish for health purposes. I clearly tell people to eat fish and shellfish regularly to lower the risk of heart disease.
National Fisheries Institute (NFI) President, Richard E. Gutting, Jr., agrees. “The benefits of eating fish continue to mount as more studies are conducted, he noted. Gutting also said that women of all ages should enjoy the variety and great taste of fish and seafood on a regular basis.
How the fish is prepared is important, as omega 3 fatty acids can be destroyed by heat, air, and light. NFI recommends not overcooking the meat and the use of low fat cooking methods: baking, broiling, poaching, steaming, stir-frying, grilling, or sauteing. Cook just until the point of doneness for maximum benefit. Avoid deep-frying, as it not only destroys more omega 3, but also adds to the total fat content.
If eating fish isn't your cup of tea, you might try fish oil supplements. Most experts do not advise the routine use of fish oil supplements, however, for two reasons: 1.) possible side effects -- fishy breath, gastrointestinal upset, and easy bruising. 2.) a false sense of security derived from taking fish oil for heath purposes, when the diet itself may be unhealthy.
Besides fish and fish oil supplements, other good omega 3 fatty acid sources include canola oil, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, certain nuts and vegetables, and tofu. However, one would have to eat at least several times the normal amount of any of these other sources to gain the same benefit from one regular size serving of fish.
Institute of Food Technologist, Joyce Nettleton, D. Sc., R.D. suggests that because eating fish alone won't compensate for unhealthy eating habits, fish and other shellfish should be eaten as part of a low fat diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Besides boasting stroke resistant benefits, the fatty acids of omega 3 act as health heroes against hypertension, breast cancer, and depression. Other benefits include: less chance of developing heart disease, lower risk of heart attack even where heart disease does exist, lower blood pressure, possible improvement of kidney function in severe diabetes, and possible improvement of certain inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and kidney disease.
In addition, nutrients found in healthy, uncontaminated fish help to insure proper development of fetal brain, eye, and nervous tissue during pregnancy. But, caution should be taken.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a recent consumer advisory, pregnant women should not consume shark, swordfish, or king mackerel or should limit consumption to not more than once a month.
These large predator fish could contain higher levels of methyl mercury than the FDA limit for safe human consumption -- 1 part per million (1ppm). Over consumption risks damage to the fetal nervous system. Even fresh water predator species such as pike and walleye have been found to have methyl mercury levels in the 1ppm range.
While it's true nearly all fish contain trace elements of mercury, larger, older and predator fish accumulate the highest levels and pose the greatest threat, while younger fish caught after only one season in polluted water have less. Even so, a variety of fish and other seafood that offer a naturally low fat source of protein can be an important part of a balanced diet for mothers-to-be.
According to one FDA advisor, pregnant women can consume up to 12 ounces of cooked fish each week: shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish or farm raised fish. Farm raised rainbow trout are most likely fed high protein foods containing a combination of soy and fish meal which make them an even better source of omega 3 fatty acid. Seven ounces of canned tuna can be safely consumed each week by pregnant women and nursing mothers if no other fish containing mercury is eaten.
Despite FDA warnings for pregnant women, the results of the survey hold wonderful news, and women should be greatly encouraged. We now have scientific proof that there is a positive step available toward reducing the risk of stroke. Even if you don't like fish, consuming just one 3.5 ounce serving one or two times a month can reduce risk of stroke by 7 percent.
Certain kinds of fish are more beneficial than others. For instance, because Alaska is relatively unpopulated there is little industry to pollute the streams and ocean. Lack of pollution combined with the earth's water and air circulation patterns make Alaska's pristine waters, and consequently its seafood among the cleanest in the world.
Numerous studies support this assertion. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did a survey of seafood from the waters of Cook Inlet, located near Anchorage, Alaska. Results indicate that fin fish and shellfish caught in Cook Inlet were cleaner than any the EPA had ever tested. In addition, plentiful Alaska Salmon, one of the richest natural sources of omega 3 fatty acid available, are not among the publicized endangered varieties of salmon.
Although light meat fish such as perch, flounder, and whiting have only about 0.5 grams of omega 3 fatty acid per 4 ounce serving, fish varieties with dark meat such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and bluefish contain roughly three times the amount of protective stroke reducing omega 3 fatty acid. Fresh tuna, striped bass, and rainbow smelt are also rich sources. So if you're going to limit fish intake, a dark meat fish is your best choice.
Whether for purposes of hobby or health, fishing is relaxing and something the whole family can enjoy together. This fun sport has the potential to enhance your health and your marriage.
So, go ahead! Get a fishing license, grab a pole, and hit the shoreline. Eat the fruits of your labor five times a week to reduce stroke risk by as much as 52 percent. Then brag about the big one that got away!
Visit Susan's website A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness for more information on health, nutrition, longevity, beauty, fashion and fitness.
*** This article can be freely used as long as a link to "A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness" (http://health.learninginfo.org) is provided.
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Do Not Make These Mistakes About Cholesterol 101 - Discover Worthwhile Suggestions
It's difficult to believe that your system actually needs it when cholesterol gets so much bad press. There are two categories of cholesterol in your system, bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol and good cholesterol also known as HDL cholesterol. Cholesterol in your body is needed to make hormones, vitamin D and bile salts.
The bad cholesterol on the other hand may cause you lots of problems. The main worry with LDL cholesterol is that it could deposit cholesterol onto artery walls that will produce plaque. The plaque in turn will make the arteries to narrow and then block. This might cause blood flow to be blocked, which is not good news for your heart.
There are a lot of confusing terms being said when it comes to cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is one of those terms. You could believe that every dietary cholesterol is bad, but actually, dietary cholesterol doesn't raise blood cholesterol as much as you may believe. The two bad guys here are trans fatty acids and saturated fats.
So what you want to do when you think of cholesterol problems is to lower your levels of bad cholesterol. A very good way to do this is through dietary changes. In addition to reducing foods with bad cholesterol such as meat, eggs, dairy and seafood, you could also eat different foods that could lower LDL levels.
Trans fatty acids are found in a lot of packaged food. Microwave popcorn, hard stick margarine and a number of French fries from some fast food chains are all responsible. You can cut down your consumption of trans fatty acids that will all contribute to the level of bad cholesterol in your body, by eliminating these foods or finding better substitutes.
You can augment the quantity of good cholesterol in your system at the same time as decreasing the bad cholesterol. This is because the existing of good cholesterol in your body means that surplus of cholesterol will return to the liver so it can be expulsed out of your system. This indicates you want plenty of good cholesterol since high levels of good cholesterol can reduce risk of heart disease.
Lifestyle modifications like eating foods that have soluble fiber and monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats will assist to augment good cholesterol levels. You could also increase the amount of physical activity in your every day life to lower cholesterol levels. Another good idea is to limit alcohol intake to one glass a day for women and two a day for men.
Author Resource:- This well known editor is also an Internet researcher and undoubtedly enjoys sharing his latest passion with you. Discover more now about Cholesterol and Cholesterol Review at his website. .(-> Come receive the free ebook of the month )
