Fasting To Lose Weight » Health

Healthy Eating Guidelines

admin — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 10:27:43 +0000

Delmondo Sorell asked:

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Healthy eating is an opportunity to expand your range of choices by trying foods – especially vegetables, whole grains, or fruits – that you don’t normally eat. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are important in managing your type 2 diabetes because they can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as help control your weight. Healthy snacks between meals may help you reduce hunger and prevent low blood sugar. It is wise selection of anti-aging health foods and it protects against and can assist in the treatment of many illnesses and medical conditions. Eating nourishes your body and gives it the proper fuel so you can function optimally. Eating a variety of healthy foods is the best way to improve your overall health and provide your body with the energy it needs.

Healthy eating is about more than foods that are good for you. It is also enjoying food and feeling good about your self. It is about balance and moderation. It is a way of balancing the food you eat to keep your body strong, energized, and well nourished. Healthy eating is a great way to have energy all day long, get the vitamins and minerals your body needs, stay strong for sports or other activities, reach your maximum height (if you are still growing) Maintain a healthy weight Prevent unhealthy eating habits, like skipping meals and feeling overly hungry at the next meal. Healthy eating programs can be a great first step. Healthy eating means eating a wide variety of nutritious foods from all of the food groups. It means choosing nutritious foods whether you are at home or eating out and it doesn’t mean you can’t make use of convenience foods. Healthy eating means choosing a variety of foods from the basic food groups: meat and meat substitutes, dairy, fruits and vegetables, grains, such as breads and pasta, and a limited amount of fats and sweets.

Healthy eating can actually help you lower your risk for disease and it should enable you to increase your energy level more than usual. Healthy eating habits play a key role in preventing obesity, a serious issue that will affect more than 1/3 of all babies born in 2004. Healthy barbecue choices are: more chicken, peppers, aubergines, fish, bananas, less of the high-fat sausages and burgers. Eating healthy food will help you to: feel great and have lots of energy so you can enjoy life more have a strong immune system so you stay well, even when everyone else is getting sick maintain a healthy weight and look slim and trim and physically fit and active. It prevents certain diseases known to be a related to diet and nutrition, particularly cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.

It is a core activity and pattern of behaviour that contributes to your general well being, and there are a number of relevant online resources available to start or continue healthy eating. Healthy eating and good nutrition start by making nutrient-rich, healthy food choices-foods with large amounts of vitamins and minerals in fewer calories. Healthy foods contain the energy, minerals, vitamins or fibre you need to grow.

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The Benefits Of Organic Food

admin — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:00:29 +0000

There is much discussion today about the pros and cons of organic food. People want to know whether organic food is better than non-organic food. They wonder whether the term “organic” is nothing more than the latest money-making marketing term being thrown about. They question the regulatory oversight bodies that determine whether the food that’s labeled organic really meets all of the criteria. These are difficult questions to answer with certainty especially since the answers often depend on who is asked. Regardless, there are several very real benefits of consuming organic food. Here is an overview of the most common.

Organic Food Tastes Better

The people who eat organic food claim that organic food is more flavorful and studies have actually been conducted that confirm this belief. The chemicals that are used in the production of non-organic food definitely affect flavor.

Organic Food is Better for the Body

The United States Environmental Protection Agency now lists many of the chemicals used in the production of pesticides and fungicides as potential cancer-causing components. It makes sense then, that when non-organic foods are consumed, so too are these cancer-causing ingredients. Since these types of chemicals cannot be used to grow organic foods, they simply are not present and therefore, they cannot be ingested. Eating organic foods won’t unfortunately prevent cancer because there are plenty of genetic and environmental factors that can cause it to develop. However eating organic food greatly reduces the chance that certain cancers will develop.

In addition, organically-grown produce contains up to 50% more of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants the body needs to stay healthy and perform at optimum capacity. If you’re trying to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet, you can double the benefits by eating organic ones.

You Can Feel Good about What You Eat

When you eat organic food, you know what you’re not getting. You know you’re not eating food that’s been genetically altered or shot up with growth hormones and antibodies. You know that the skins of your fruits and vegetables aren’t a thick covering of chemicals and other harmful ingredients. The bottom line: You know that you are fueling your body with healthy fuel. Centuries ago, people did not have as many health-related issues as they do in these more modern times. Plenty of people feel it is our food that is killing us.

You Help Protect Environment

When pesticides and fertilizers are applied to plants, there is no way to keep the chemicals used in their production from covering the ground. Rain and irrigation cause these chemicals to be absorbed into the ground. As they absorb into the ground, they percolate down to the underground water tables. Ultimately, the chemicals leach into nearby water bodies. The soil as well as the water begins to be contaminated. Over time the birds, fish and other animals living in these environments become affected. Since organic foods are grown without using these dangerous chemicals, their growth will never impact the environment in this manner.

The Many Health Benefits Of Oatmeal

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:45:20 +0000

People nowadays are being conscious about their health and are beginning to incorporate exercise and different kinds of food programs into their daily routines. In the 21st century where the high protein diet and other food fads have ruled, less attention is given to the health benefits of oatmeal. Oatmeal is one the most nutritious and and quickest meals that can be prepared and packed with necessary nutrients. It is a healthy and versatile food because it can served with fruit, chopped nuts, apple sauce, and many more. In addition, this kind of brain is recommended to individuals who want to lose weight, maintain their weight, and live an active lifestyle. Individuals who wish to maintain an active lifestyle and improved health should include oatmeal in their daily food routines.

Oatmeal is rich in complex, energy-giving carbohydrates, low in fat, and high in water soluble fiber. Soluble fiber may reduce the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the bad cholesterol. Studies show that five to 10 grams of soluble fiber may decrease the LDL levels by about five percent. Eating one and a half cups of oatmeal significantly reduces one’s cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol levels may then significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This is because high cholesterol is linked with the development of plaques in the blood vessels. If these plaques grow too large, they may block the blood vessels and cause heart attack, stroke, and blood clots in the body. Aside from lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, oatmeal also contains selenium. This element works with vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant. Because of this factor, the selenium that oatmeal contains can aid in decreasing asthma symptoms, reduce the risk of colon cancer, prevent cell damage, and aid arthritis.

Other benefits of oatmeal may include the following:

Oatmeal is a good source of many vital nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and protein
It is fortified with B Vitamins which are known to reduce stress
It is a great source of carbohydrate for diabetics because it raises the blood sugar very slowly by staying in the stomach longer.
It contains beta-glucan which boosts the immune system and increase its response to fight certain infections.
It is high in calcium

There are many ill effects that may develop if complex carbohydrates like oatmeal are not consumed. Individuals who neglect these food may suffer from low energy levels and gain unwanted weight and lead to obesity. Studies show that obesity is becoming an alarming health condition because of the fact that obese people have heightened risk of developing heart disease, sleep apnea, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

Despite the health benefits of oatmeal consumption, this food should also be taken properly because too much oatmeal consumption may cause more harm than good. Some health studies show that high consumptions of oatmeal may cause unwanted build-up and cause unwanted digestive problems. Individuals who wish to engage in healthy diets should consult nutritionists and other health professionals before making drastic adjustments in their eating routines. They may develop an eating program that consists of the right amounts of vitamins and minerals that are necessary to promote overall health.

Don’t Take Shortcuts to Your Health And Weight Loss

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:25:07 +0000

Best Way To Lose Weight

For some, losing weight is a never-ending battle that entails personal and social consequences. Being overweight is now a health problem for about two-thirds of the current U.S. population. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some forms of cancer, and other diseases. As a social problem, being obese or overweight makes a person more susceptible to ridicule and name calling. In fact, it is now common to hear friends and relatives greet each other by saying, “Oh! You gained weight!” The more complimentary form is when people greet others by saying, “Wow! You look like you’ve lost a lot of weight!” Either way, the subliminal message of these greetings point to society’s obsession with physical beauty. No wonder, many overweight and obese individuals struggle with maintaining their confidence and self-esteem in the face of society’s aesthetic demands.

Best Way To Lose Weight

Due to these health risks and social consequences, more and more people are now becoming more conscious about their figure and lifestyle. Fitness and health industries are now experiencing a business boom due to the sheer number of people who want to shed excess weight. Somehow, even the busiest executives and hardworking employees are finding time to break some sweat. A lot of people have also become more conscious about their eating habits to the point that they now count every calorie in every meal they have.

Still, not all can afford the expensive gym memberships, much less have time to run on a treadmill or lift weights. Majority of people who need to lose weight struggle with having to cut down on food intake or in staying away from calorie-rich foods. Lack of time, discipline, and will to shed off those excess pounds has led many weight watchers to a “quick fix” method — using so-called ““miracle diets.” While a lot of diet plans offer “guaranteed” results, many do not have the focus to stay with their eating plan. The effectiveness of the trendiest and most popular diet fad ultimately depends on a person’s ability and willingness to choose the right food and amount to eat. It’s really not about the recipe…but about the person’s desire to cut down on food.

Best Way To Lose Weight

Now, for some, there is an even better “quick fix” method of going on a diet. Instead of going to the gym and missing out on one’s favorite delicacies, some people take weight loss pills. These weight loss pills work by helping reduce the absorption of fat in food that we eat; or act as an appetite suppressant.
There are a number of weight-loss pills available at the local drugstore, supermarket, and health food store. There are even weight loss pills that can be bought online. However, the safety and efficacy of these pills have not been adequately substantiated or proven. Some fake weight loss pills are downright dangerous.

Best Way To Lose Weight

Most people have heard of contemporary herbal weight loss pills, such as the ephedra (ma huang) pills or Hoodia Gordonii which are very popular today. In the last few years, hoodia has been heavily marketed as the latest in a long list of “miracle herbal products” that promote weight loss and over-all health. The ban on certain weight loss diet pills such as ephedra has opened up a new market for Hoodia. The said drug is now sold in health shops and in the Internet in various forms: capsulated, powder, liquid, or as tea. Despite its popularity, there is no published research or random controlled trial in humans to show that Hoodia is safe or effective in pill form. Many of the Hoodia products being sold today are difficult to analyze in terms of purity or freshness.

To provide the public a safer and tested product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a reduced-strength, over-the-counter version of weight loss ingredient called Orlistat. It is a prescription weight-loss medication for adults aged 18 and older. Orlistat, otherwise known as Alli, helps promote weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines. The capsules are taken with meals, up to three times a day. This ingredient or pill is among the list of very popular weight loss diet pills. Still, Orlistat is intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet, and regular exercise.

Best Way To Lose Weight

Losing weight is important to maintain one’s health and to sustain a person’s sense of comfort and confidence in social settings. People who are still in search for the best weight loss diet pill should make sure that the products they use are safe and FDA-approved. Losing weight should also be done in a very gradual manner. Starving one’s self is a no-no. Indeed, losing weight should ultimately be about regaining one’s health and not just to attain physical perfection — if there is such a thing. Losing weight and reaching the ideal number of pounds takes time. There are no shortcuts to weight loss and to achieving optimum health.

Natural Liver Cleansing Products

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:46 +0000

The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:

• Have a history of a Fatty Liver
• Consume Alcohol
• Consume Tobacco Products
• Have been taking Medications/Drugs
• Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
• Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems

Dandelion
Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion’s hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.

Benefits Of Multivitamins

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:59:38 +0000

Many people nowadays take a multivitamin than any other health supplement. It is very uncommon to encounter someone who is not taking a multivitamin. Multivitamins are combinations of vitamins that are come in capsule, tablet, liquid, and injection form. These health supplements are used to treat vitamin deficiency in the body that can develop because of illness, pregnancy, poor diet, and other circumstances. Insufficient vitamins may lead to many lead to many health ailments like weakness, poor resistance to infection, shaky movements, confusion, and numbness. Taking multivitamins can reverse illness caused by vitamin deficiency. Although most people do not suffer from serious malnutrition, these people might be slightly lacking some nutrients.

Consuming a multivitamin is an easy and safe way to achieve several health benefits from many nutrients without having to take several pills everyday. In addition, the human body vitamins to function properly. Essential vitamins (A, C, D, E,K, B12 and the seven B-complex vitamins) provide the important components for proper bodily functions.

People of all ages can benefit from taking a multivitamin. Growing children need nourishment for their organs and healthy bones. Elderly people need multivitamins because their bodies become less efficient in absorbing vitamins and minerals from food because of age. Pregnant women have special nutritional needs so their children might be born healthy. There are many formulas for different kinds of people and aid in the promotion of good health.

Another benefit of taking multivitamins is it helps eliminate stress. There are many stress formulations that can lead to improved mental health. Many health studies claim that taking a multivitamin everyday can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

The best source of vitamins and minerals is from food. Although there is nothing wrong with taking a multivitamin, if individuals eat well, taking a basic multivitamin will not be necessary. In addition, some synthetic vitamin components can cause toxic build up in the human body and cause several health problems. Vitamin overdose have been linked to liver problems, weakened bones, and premature mortality. Individuals who decide to take multivitamin supplements should be wary in purchasing the right multivitamin or dietary supplement. Several health claims promoted by many health companies are doubtful and baseless. Many of multivitamins out in the market contain lycopene, a substance that is thought to prevent certain kinds of cancer. But many cancer specialists oppose this claim.

Subsequent studies conducted by the Food and Drug Administration show that the potentially protective role of lycopene might be contradictory of inconclusive. There are no solid evidence that exists that tomatoes prevent lung, breast cancer, cervical or uterine cancer. While there are very limited evidence that lycopene can reduce the risk of prostate, gastric, and ovarian cancer. The FDA study adds that it’s possible that tomatoes and lycopene could be helpful in preventing more advanced stage cancer, but may have no effect on the earlier-stage.

Despite many health warnings, the quest for the right multivitamin still uncontrollable. Individuals who decide to take multivitamins should consult doctors to know the right amounts of vitamins and minerals that should be consumed. Side effects and drug interactions that may occur while taking medical supplementation should also be known. Understanding the health benefits and possible adverse effects of multivitamins can lead to improved overall health.

Food Based Multi-Vitamin Womens

Multiple vitamins help to bridge the nutrient gap in our daily diets. In today’s world of processed foods and fast-paced lifestyles, many of us do not get the daily recommended allowance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Multiple vitamins can help fill in the areas lacking in our diets, and are formulated to provide a broad range of nutrition in a synergistic manner. Multiple vitamin-mineral (MVM) supplements contain a variable number of essential and/or non-essential nutrients. Their primary purpose is to provide a convenient way to take a variety of supplemental nutrients from a single product, in order to prevent vitamin or mineral deficiencies, as well as to achieve higher intakes of nutrients believed to be of benefit above typical dietary levels. -