Food Articles

Nobody enjoys being sick. If you do not want to be sick, the best thing that you can do is to stay healthy. The problem is that nobody really knows what he or she can do to stay healthy. Eating the right type of diet and exercising are a big part of staying healthy, but there are other things that you need to do to stay healthy. One thing that you need to focus on to stay healthy is your emotionally health, if you are not emotionally healthy your body is going to be more likely to be run down from stress, which means you are at an increased risk for getting sick.

"What you can do to stay healthy" »

Posted by K at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weight Watchers is one of the oldest diet plans out there, which means it is also one of the best diet plans out there. The cost for Weight Watchers is about $20 to join; this can vary though if specials are being offered. During certain times of the year, beginning of the year is a big one, Weight Watchers offers a discount on the initial membership fee just to get people to join, and they even waive the fee at times. Once you have become a member you are going to pay an additional $9 a week just to stay in the program, plus the cost of food. If you join their online program, you will have a start up fee of $29.95, which can also vary depending on the time of year. The online program is going to cost $16.95 a month, unless you sign up for a different billing plan.

"Weight Watchers" »

Posted by K at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When we work outside of the home, we are exposed to more germs than inside our own home. The main reason for this is that we work with numerous people, so we are exposed to a lot more germs then we are at home. Another reason that we are exposed to more germs at work than we are at home is because of the different practices of our co-workers. Not everybody is as health conscious as everybody else, so there are more germs lurking bout our offices than our home. For example, two out of three co-workers might wash their hands or use hand sanitizer directly after sneezing. The one person who does not clean their hands after sneezing is passing those germs along through everything that they touch.

"Ways to stay healthy at work" »

Posted by K at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Medifast diet is the quickest weight loss diet plan that you will come across. The cost to join this program is $275 a month, but that cost also includes all of the food. Looking at the cost of the program, even though it includes food many people think that is a lot of money to pay for a weight loss program. If you take the time to do some research on other popular diet plans you will find that others costs the same, if not more to join. You will also find that some cost far less to join.

"Medifast" »

Posted by K at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As a parent, you want what is best for your kid. One of the best things that you can provide for your kid is guidance on living a healthy lifestyle. In today's society, it is all too easy to simply let things slide and takes the easy way out. The bad thing about taking the easy way out is it usually leads to unhealthy choices, which makes an unhealthy lifestyle. As a parent, you need to set an example for your kids by making healthy choices and helping your children make healthy choices.

"Good health habits for kids" »

Posted by K at 09:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the most popular diets that you will find toady is the Biggest Loser Diet, which is based on the popular television show. The Biggest Loser Diet can only be found online, but it comes with a variety of weight loss tools including a weight tracker, weekly newsletter, and message boards for you to access for peer discussions. With this diet plan, you will receive a customized diet plan that was specifically created for you based on your personal goals and health needs. In addition to the diet, you will also be able to interact with Bob and Jillian, which are the same physical fitness trainers that are on the television program. The best thing about this specific diet plan is that it online costs you $5 a week.

"Biggest Loser Diet" »

Posted by K at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Atkins diet, which was created by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D., was created to provide people with a series of dietary phases that they must pass through in order to successfully achieve weight loss. The program costs $4 a week, but you also have to pay for your own food. One of the unique things about the Atkins diet is in addition to the main diet there are other diets you can follow. These separate diets were created for people who found that they could not follow through with the main diet because of certain food intolerances or a high metabolic resistance.

"Atkins diet" »

Posted by K at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In today's busy world sometimes we have no choice but to pick up a quick meal at a fast food restaurant. Most of us are aware that fast food is higher in calories, sodium and fat, and often lacking in important vitamins and minerals. Even sit-down dining usually includes foods with too much fat, salt, and sugar in addition to having huge portion sizes.

If you are tired of hearing people call french fries a vegetable and want to do something about being able to make nutritious choices at your favorite fast food restaurants consider these suggestions:

"What to order at your favorite fast food restaurants to stay nutritious" »

Posted by K at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Children learn about the world around them by observing. Children will imitate what they see and become accustomed to mimicking actions that they see most often. The same concept applies to eating nutritious foods. A child who grows up watching mom and dad practice healthy eating habits is more likely to do the same. On the other hand if your child sees you sneaking handfuls of potato chips and guzzling down chocolate milk, of course they are going to want to do the same thing. If you want your children to eat more nutritious food the first thing that you need to do is to make sure that you are providing them with a good example of how to do so.

Sometimes getting yourself and your children to eat more nutritious foods is hard. This is especially so when your parents were the ones who taught you the bad habits that you are now trying to break free of. The most important thing that you will need in your quest to eat more nutritious foods is to be committed to making a change. This change will not happen over night. As you gain more knowledge of easy things that you can do to alter your eating habits your children will not be far behind you. Below are some simple suggestions of things that you can do to get yourself and your children to eat more nutritious foods.

"Tips for getting your children to eat more nutritious foods" »

Posted by K at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Long has been the debate about what type of meat is better for you, red meat or poultry. The answer is that both meats have both dietary advantages and disadvantages. The key is to make sure that you are eating the best possible red meat and poultry types in moderation. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of both red meat and poultry. By making wise meat choices you can enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of both kinds of meat.

Advantages and disadvantages of red meat:

Lean red meat, (this includes beef, veal, and pork) is rich in nutrients such as vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6. Beef, veal, and pork are also excellent sources of high-quality protein, iron and zinc.

"Red meat versus poultry, which is better for you?" »

Posted by K at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Many times it is difficult to get excited about eating more healthy foods. What is even more challenging is convincing your children to do the same. Making healthy food fun is an excellent way to make living a healthy lifestyle something that the whole family can enjoy.

One of the most effective and easiest things that you can do to make eating healthy food fun is to start at a young age and to be an example to your children. We all develop a taste for the things that we eat most often. As a parent you are responsible for introducing healthy foods to your children. If they grow up eating fruits and vegetables it will be a lot easier for them to eat healthy into adulthood. Children also learn by example. You cannot expect to be a chocolate or potato chip lover and have your children not take note of your habits.

"Making healthy food fun" »

Posted by K at 08:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Making tasty and nutritious meals does not have to be difficult. Many of the most nutritious foods that you eat are also the most hassle free foods to prepare. With some basic knowledge of cooking and knowing your way around a kitchen, you can easily make fast meals that you would be proud to serve to your family.

Many times when we decide to make a change in the way that we are going to eat, we set ourselves up for failure because we won't accept anything less than perfection. You don't have to be perfect! Trying new recipes is very much a process of trial and error. When you cook with ingredients that you have never used before, of course it is going to take some time to figure out what flavors taste best together or how long you need to cook something before it is warm all the way through.

"How to make tasty, nutritious meals fast" »

Posted by K at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever since you were a little kid, you can remember your mother, grandmother, and teachers haranguing you about eating your vegetables. Mother wouldn't let you leave the table until you ate all your vegetables. The lunch lady wouldn't let you throw your lunch out until you finished that celery stick. Maybe you enjoy eating vegetables today more than you did when you were a child. But there's a good chance you're still not getting enough veggies to fulfill the recommended daily serving. True, it can be tough to incorporate so many veggies into just three meals a day. Less than 15% of American adults meet the government's minimum guidelines for fruits and vegetables. It's not that you don't want to eat them. It's that you don't know how to incorporate them into your diet. So here are a few suggestions on how you can increase the amount of vegetables you eat.

Start young. Raising your kids to be veggie lovers may be one of the best ways to ensure that they'll grow up to be healthy and strong. If you're an expecting mother, you should definitely pay attention to this: a fetus can experience a variety of tastes in the amniotic fluid. So if you're pregnant and you eat lots of vegetables, your baby is much more likely to enjoy veggies when s/he grows up.

"How to increase the amount of vegetables you eat" »

Posted by K at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever since you were a little kid, you can remember all the adults in your life pestering you to eat your vegetables: "You won't grow up to be big and strong if you don't eat your vegetables;" "You want grow big muscles if you don't eat your vegetables;" "You can't go out and play until you've finished your vegetables;" "Jimmy, you're grounded the next time I see you feeding the dog your vegetables!" Today, maybe things are different. Maybe you enjoy eating veggies more than you did when you were a kid. But there's a good chance you're still not getting enough veggies to fulfill the recommended daily serving. True, it can be tough to incorporate so many veggies into just three meals a day. Less than 15% of American adults meet the government's minimum guidelines for fruits and vegetables. So here are a few suggestions on how you can increase the amount of veggies you eat each day.

"How to increase how many veggies you eat each day" »

Posted by K at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Most people hear of taking folic acid during pregnancy and most don't think of it as a much needed supplement that everyone needs. Folic acid has received increased research over the past decade because there is a new perception that it can benefit more than just pregnant women. Let's take a closer look at what folic acid does for your body.

What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid, or folate is found in the vitamin B (B9) group. You can take it through a vitamin supplement but it can also be found in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. It can also be found in orange juice and enriched grains. Studies have also found that women who take folic acid before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk that their baby will be born with a serious neural tube defect. Scientists have found that folic acid is crucial to the development of DNA and can play a large role in cell growth and development.

"What folic acid does for your body" »

Posted by K at 09:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the United States we see high occurrences of degenerative diseases such as Cancer. Almost everyone either knows someone personally or knows of someone who suffers from a degenerative disease or poor health. While poor health is due to more than just diet and nutrition, what you put into your body does play a significant role in how your body functions. The increase in poor health, and thus health costs is something many people are concerned about, but are not sure what to do. By looking at the food and consumption trends in the United States, we can see how changes in diet have lead to changes in health. By making this correlation we can also better see how improving our diets can help us get on the path to healthier life.

It is an undeniable fact that as a whole, our population has higher rates of obesity and over-weight people than they once did. So how have food trends changed, or in other words, what is contributing to this change in weight?

"Food trends that lead to poor health" »

Posted by K at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are way too many people out there that think snacking is a bad thing. The truth is that it's not snacking that's the bad part, it's what you eat while you're snacking that can be bad for you. It's true that most snacks found in vending machines will not be good for your body, and thus the bad rap for snacking. If thought out however, health snacking done right can be extremely beneficial fuel for a long day of work. Here are some tips for healthy snacking at home or on the go.

Tip #1: Don't snack unless you're hungry
One of the reasons that snacking gets a bad rap is because some people believe you should snack whenever you want. The purpose of a snack is to tie you over until it's time for lunch or dinner, or whatever your next meal will be. Don't snack because something just looks good, or because you're bored. Only snack when you're hungry.

"Healthy snacking done right" »

Posted by K at 09:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pregnancy is hard on the body, and often leads to illness in addition to the aches and pains of pregnancy because women take less care of their bodies. A balanced diet is key to having a healthy pregnancy. There are a number of items to avoid eating when pregnant, and you will hear all sorts of things about what you can and can't do and eat when pregnant, but let's not focus on what you can't eat, rather on what you can, and most importantly, what you should be eating.

When you are pregnant the fetus is going to need many of the vitamins you intake in order to be healthy. They will need iron to help their blood, and they will need calcium for strong healthy bones. So, in order to help your baby get these things you either need to be taking prenatal vitamins, which you can get through your health care provider. They will usually provide you with a sample, and you can try several different varieties and find the one that works best for you, then ask for a prescription for it.

"Healthy pregnancy diet" »

Posted by K at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everyday more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a health condition in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high in your bloodstream. Glucose comes from the foods you eat and this is why good snacks are important to anyone who happens to have diabetes. Just because you or even someone you love has diabetes that does not mean that they have to give up eating snacks. There are many articles about meals that are appropriate for people with diabetes but here we will take a look at the snacks.

"How to snack when you have diabetes" »

Posted by K at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You want to know how to get your essential nutrients when you live a hectic life. When you live a hectic life, you many times want the fastest or most efficient way to accomplish tasks. This will include getting your essential nutrients, so here are some ways that you can do this.

"How to get your essential nutrients when you live a hectic life" »

Posted by K at 07:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you been having a problem staying hydrated, because you are not a big drinker? There are some foods that can help you to stay hydrated if you are not a big drinker. These foods are mostly found in the grocery store. If you want to get exotic, you may have to go to specialty stores to find the foods you want to help you stay hydrated if you are not a big drinker.

"Foods that help you stay hydrated if you are not a big drinker" »

Posted by K at 07:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Living a healthy lifestyle is hard enough when you have the time to cook well balanced meals at home; but put into the equation the fact you actually live a busy life and are not home to do so makes it even more difficult. Overeating and obesity is increasing among the American population, and is becoming more evident among children. It's truly becoming extremely difficult to eat healthy. If you find yourself agreeing with every word I am saying but want to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle then keep reading. Here are some tips for healthy eating on the go.

Tip #1: Learn to practice eating smaller portions
It doesn't matter where you are eating, everyone can take a lesson in portion sizes. The average American person today consumes three times more than the normal portion size. It's no wonder that obesity is on the rise. If you are on the go most of the day and have to eat out then learn to control your portion sizes. Just because you are given a huge helping of food, doesn't mean you have to eat it all in one sitting. You could probably save more than half of your meal and eat it on another day with the portion sizes they give you in restaurants. It is actually better for you to eat small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Even though you may feel like you should get your money's worth try getting it in separate sittings.

"Tips for healthy eating on the go" »

Posted by K at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Strong bones are vitally important to most people. How to ensure you have strong bones will require some though about what you eat and do. Strong bones allow activity in the early stages of life as well as latter in life. When a person has strong bones they are less likely to get broken bones, osteoporosis, and they can be active. So if you want to ensure you have strong bones, there are two major things to do, take calcium and exercise.

Calcium builds bones better than any other food or vitamin. Strong bones will limit the chance of osteoporosis. The strengthening of strong bones will need to start at an early age to ensure strong bones later on. For the human body, bone mass (how thick and sturdy the bones are) develops quickly between 10 and 20 years. This bone mass peaks at age 30. Continual consumption of calcium will ensure the strength of the bones. After the age of 35 a person will loose 1% of bone mass every year. With calcium and exercise a person can restore bone mass that will be lost.

"Strong bones, how to ensure you have them?" »

Posted by K at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you ever wondered if breakfast is really the most important meal of he day? Well eating breakfast can help a body be healthy. It is important to start the day off right by eating breakfast. Breakfast being the most important meal of the day depends on whom you talk to. Someone who doesn't like breakfast will say no, but research has shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

There are four main reasons breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 1. It will break the fast from the night. 2 Breakfast will help weight control or loss. 3. Breakfast not only feeds the body, but the mind as well.

Many will still wonder if breakfast really is the most important meal of the day even after they have fasted all night and are hungry. Breakfast is so important because it breaks the fast from the nights rest. It is not good for a body to eat 24 hours a day, so not eating at night makes sense. When breakfast is not eaten then the effects of fasting are evident in the countenance of the person. This means that a person will be short tempered, tired, and slow to attain information.

"Breakfast-is it really the most important meal of the day?" »

Posted by K at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What are some fast, fun, tasty snacks that are good for you? With the busy paced world we live in, it is no wonder that we turn to the snacks that are pre-made, with preservatives, and tons of salt, sugars and fats. However, if there is a way to get a fast, fun, tasty snack that is good for you in just about the same amount of time, then why not do it.

Snacks are something that should be able to be creative, healthy, fun and of course fast. So what are some options that you and your family can try? Check out these ideas and see what you find out.

"Fast, fun and tasty snacks, that are good for you too" »

Posted by DF at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Making wise diet decision will affect you for the rest of your life. If you choose to eat poorly, you will suffer the consequences of it. If you eat wisely, your body will run better and last longer. The fact is that diet is extremely closely related to health, and the overall health of your body is dependant on how you eat and what you eat.

The following are some tips for making wise diet decisions:

"Making wise diet decisions" »

Posted by DF at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

These days it seems like our lives are a lot busier than ever before. We all need to keep our bodies healthy and one of the best ways to do this is to eat well. If we are all honest, most of us would say that we want to be eating better but finding the time to make fresh fruits and vegetables a part of our daily diet is sometimes a difficult thing. Hopefully, some of these tips will help to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet in a quick and easy way.

Ready to eat

It is always easier to grab a snack or a meal in a ready-to-eat fashion. We are all pretty busy these days with work and family and the many other commitments that are so demanding of our time. We all want to eat healthier and make sure that we are getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables. The best way to help motivate ourselves to do this is to take a few minutes to prepare these items in a more ready to eat form.

You can already buy carrots ready to eat these days but a great way to eat plenty of your other fresh vegetables and fruit is to take a little bit of time to make them ready to eat too! Cut up broccoli, celery, cauliflower, cucumbers, zucchini and any other fresh vegetables that you like to eat raw and package them into single serving sealable bags, or air tight containers. Most of these vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for quite some time in water to keep them fresh and crunchy.

You can also purchase small cups of single serving dressing to dip your vegetables in if you wish to. This can also be done for fresh fruit of all kinds. Grab one of these items from your fridge on your way out the door to take the kids to school, head to the gym or off to work.

"Tips for getting more fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet." »

Posted by DF at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Take a look at the title, it says reducing fats, not eliminating fats in your diet. Fats play a big part in your overall health, and eliminating them is not the answer.

Think of your fat intake like a bank account. You need to have a budget for your money to be taken care of the right way, your fat works the same way. You need to budget the fat that you eat.

"Reducing your intake of fats" »

Posted by DF at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are many things that as a diabetic you have to watch, most that others don't have to. Your blood sugar is very important to your health and you should be doing all you can to make sure you maintain your blood sugar levels.

There are several things that you can incorporate into your daily routine that will help you to have a healthy blood sugar and keep yourself out of harms way.

"Maintaining the appropriate blood sugar levels as a diabetic" »

Posted by DF at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Choosing and preparing poultry carefully is important when trying to lower cholesterol. A main contributor to high cholesterol levels is the saturated fats found in food, particularly poultry with skin, fatty meats, whole milk, butter, lard, and cheese. When the amount of saturated fats being consumed is lowered, the total fat amount is lowered as well. It is important to choose and prepare poultry in a way that will minimize how much saturated fat and total fat that is being eaten. The different poultry and the ways to choose and prepare the poultry contribute to whether your cholesterol level will be affected positively or negatively.

• Poultry is right in the middle of nutritious meats. It's better than eating beef for lowering cholesterol levels, but it is not as good as seafood is. Beef usually has high levels of saturated fat and total fat (depending on the cut of meat), while fish and other seafood are often pretty low.

"Choosing and Preparing Poultry to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For the cholesterol minded, choosing and preparing fruits and vegetables should be number one on your menu. The daily consumption of fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables can help keep you healthy in many ways, including cardiovascular benefits.

Fruits and vegetables are full of essential nutrients, especially fiber, that your body needs. They are particularly good for you when you are trying to lower your cholesterol. It is recommended that at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables is consumed.

A high cholesterol level is often an effect of a diet high in saturated fat, which can lead to many health problems, including a risk for hearts disease and stroke. When unsaturated fats (good fats) replace saturated fats, this will help lower your cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol, found in animal-derived foods, can also affect and raise your cholesterol level. Foods that are plant derived, such as fruits, vegetables, grain, nuts, and seeds, contain no cholesterol and very little bad fat.

"Choosing and Preparing Fruits and Vegetables to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Soy protein, whey protein, and pea protein are all important compounds that can make a drastic difference when it comes to your general health and your skin care. While all three proteins-soy, whey, and pea-are great for nutritional supplements and skin care supplements, there are differences between the three proteins.

1. Soy protein

"Differences between soy, whey, and pea protein" »

Posted by DF at 07:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fresh foods have truly extraordinary healing power. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that everyone receive at least a significant amount of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables each day. Fresh foods are simply bursting with anti-oxidants that are truly only available to their full extent in fresh food, though you can still get an incredible amount of anti-oxidant power in cooked fresh foods.

Dietary experts say that every person should eat at the very least five servings of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables and each and every day. Eating fresh fruits and fresh vegetables can help you lose weight, can help you improve your physical fitness, can help you feel better emotionally, and can also increase the power of your immune system, helping you fight off diseases from the common cold to several different types of cancers.

"The healing power of fresh foods" »

Posted by DF at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pros and cons of protein shakes

Protein supplements in the form of protein shakes have become more and more popular over the last few years. Protein shakes have been rising in popularity for everyone from professional body builders to frat boys to female celebrities to essentially anyone else. But are protein shakes really all that good for you? Do protein shakes really help you out in terms of fitness and nutrition? Do protein shakes help you get more in shape more easily? Here are some of the pros and cons of using protein shakes as a dietary supplement to help you get more in shape and healthier. Review these pros and cons in order to determine whether or not protein shakes and protein supplements are the right thing for you.

"Pros and cons of protein shakes" »

Posted by DF at 07:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you want to lose weight, one of the most important decisions that you need to make is choosing the right diet for your needs and for your lifestyle. Here are some tips and advice that will help you choose the perfect diet to achieve your weight loss goals, your needs, and your lifestyle.

The technical definition of a diet, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (also known as the NIDDK) is what a particular person eats and/or drinks throughout a day. There are so many different diets out there that it is sometimes really difficult to tell each diet apart. How can you know if you should go for the Atkins diet, as opposed to the Zone diet, as opposed to the South Beach diet? What about the cabbage diet or the soup diet? Should you be cutting out carbs or cutting out all possible fats or cutting out sugar or cutting out protein? Should you go for all meat or all vegetables?

"How to choose the right diet for your needs and lifestyle" »

Posted by DF at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Choosing and preparing fish and other seafood is important when trying to lower cholesterol. Fish can be fatty or lean but is still a great choice in any healthy diet as it is low in saturated fat, a main contributor to high cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. With careful selection and preparation, your cholesterol level will improve with the regular consumption of fish and other seafood.

• Fish is the best of the meats when it comes to being low in saturated fat. It is better than poultry on the low fat scale and beats beef by far, which is a huge plus when trying to lower cholesterol.

"Choosing and Preparing Fish to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When you take a cholesterol test, several things are going on. It is important that you understand each of the components being considered in a cholesterol test. Increased understanding will lead to a better way of dealing with unhealthy cholesterol levels.

First, when taking a cholesterol test, your levels of LDL are being looked at. LDL is the bad cholesterol that's in your body. LDL comes through eating too much of certain kinds of food. Usually, animal products are the main cause of high LDL levels in people. If you take a cholesterol test, and your LDL levels are too high, it means you have been eating too much meat, butter, cheese, milk, and cream, too many eggs, too many fried and greasy foods, and too many processed foods such as crackers and cookies and doughnuts. This is the first thing to understand about a cholesterol test.

High LDL levels can mean terrible things for your body. Aside from depression, obesity, lack of energy, lack of focus, lack of sleep, and so on, high HDL levels can also mean stroke, heart attack, paralysis, and death.

"How to understand your cholesterol test" »

Posted by DF at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are two places that we get cholesterol from, the first is from the foods that we eat. All foods of an animal origin contains cholesterol this includes eggs, red meat, and shrimp. As you eat cholesterol from the food is absorbed and makes its way into your liver and circulates through your body in the bloodstream. The second source of cholesterol your body. Your body produces cholesterol naturally. The liver makes cholesterol, once it is produced in can also make its way into your bloodstream. So, the cholesterol that your body makes naturally and the cholesterol that you get from food easily builds up in your bloodstream and how the overall level of cholesterol can increase.

So what does a low carbohydrate/high fat diet mean to your cholesterol levels? Well first we must look at what a low carb/high fat diet is:

"LOW-CARBOHYDRATE/ HIGH FAT DIETS AND CHOLESTEROL" »

Posted by DF at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oats and dietary fiber are a good way to combat high cholesterol levels in your body. High cholesterol is an increasing problem for people as they become more and more addicted to greasy fast food and processed foods like cookies and crackers and white bread. One of the leading causes of high cholesterol is fat that comes from animal products. These include meat, cheese, and whole milk.

High cholesterol levels commonly occur in people who are overweight, or who simply eat too much of the bad foods listed above. In general, the best foods to eat when worried about high cholesterol are natural foods. Natural foods are foods that come from the earth, the fresher the better.

"Oats and dietary fiber and cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Reducing cholesterol becomes ever more important as instances of heart disease, stroke, and death from inattention to this problem rise higher and higher. What we eat is a major factor in how high the cholesterol levels are in our bodies. Fried food, ice cream, chocolate, and other goodies are well-known and obvious causes of high cholesterol. Let's look at the positive side of the fight - what we should be eating and drinking in order to live a happy, healthy life, and a long one.

• The foods that will reduce cholesterol are many. Fruits and vegetables are a major one. At least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day will have a serious impact on cholesterol. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of what is known as soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is easily broken down when we eat it, and becomes a sort of vehicle in our system that grabs and holds onto bad cholesterol and takes it away from us.

"What foods reduce cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A common question that's asked is, "Why should I worry about how my diet affects my blood cholesterol?" To name a few reasons:

"How diet affects blood cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Choosing and preparing sweets and snacks carefully in order to help lower cholesterol can seem like a difficult and demanding task. After all, these comfort foods are your favorites for a reason! They taste delicious, especially after a stressful day. But don't forget the harm that could be going on inside your body. One main negative effect is high cholesterol. A high cholesterol level is an initiator of many health problems, one of the more dangerous ones being heart disease. By being aware of what you're putting into your mouth, it is possible to maintain healthy cholesterol levels with occasional sweets and snacks.

Saturated fats and trans-fatty acids are the main dietary culprits when it comes to high cholesterol levels. The regular consumption of these fats is extremely unhealthy, although they are found in many different foods, especially in our fun snacks and tasty treats. In order to lower cholesterol levels, you must choose and prepare foods that have as little of these fats as possible or none at all.

"Choosing and Preparing Sweets and Snacks to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is important to choose and prepare your eggs carefully if you are trying to lower your cholesterol. Cholesterol is affected largely by the consumption of saturated fats, which are found in animal-derived foods, such as eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products. Eating too much of any food that is high in saturated fat will raise blood cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.

Consumption of Eggs

The yolk of the egg is where the saturated fat, fat, and cholesterol are found. In one large egg, the yolk contains 5 grams of total fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 213 milligrams of dietary cholesterol, and 60 calories. Egg whites have no cholesterol, saturated or total fat, and have only 15 calories. In order to lower cholesterol, it is recommend that the average person each no more than four egg yolks a week, including what is used in baked goods and other dishes. Be sure that when you do foods with whole eggs, balance out your fat and cholesterol intake by choosing other foods to complement your meal

"Choosing and Preparing Eggs to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lycopene is found in red fruits and vegetables and is a great way to fight against prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer, intestinal and lung cancer, in addition to heart and lung disease. It is proven that roughly 75% of the United States population does not eat the recommended five servings of vegetables and fruits daily. Or, if they are eating fruits and vegetable, they are not eating a variation that will provide the nutrients and vitamins to produce a healthy body.

Lycopene can be taken in the form of a pill, however it is tastier and better if you eat the red fruits and vegetables that are a natural source of lycopene. These would be:

"How to get more lycopene in your diet" »

Posted by DF at 07:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is important to choose and prepare dairy products carefully in order to lower cholesterol. One of the main contributors to unhealthy cholesterol levels is the saturated fat found in foods derived from animals, particularly dairy products such as whole milk, butter, lard, cheese, and ice cream. Although less than 7% of a day's total calories should come from saturated fat, it's possible to still enjoy these delicious products without the unhealthy effects.

"Choosing and Preparing Dairy Products to Lower Cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With high cholesterol a mounting problem all over the world, people are looking for ways to counter it. The best way to counter high cholesterol, the most proven, effective way, is a combination of diet and exercise. Some like to add supplements, such as fish oil and garlic, to their diet, as a means of countering high cholesterol.

First, let us look at the causes of high cholesterol.

"Garlic and cholesterol" »

Posted by DF at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Perhaps you're one of those people so many love to hate - you can eat whatever you want, from a dozen cookies to giant hamburgers and fries to extra helpings of dessert, without ever putting on a pound. You may say to yourself, "Why should I eat healthy now if I feel fine?" but this many not be a good idea. While you may feel that healthy eating is unnecessary and undesirable if you feel fine and look good, it can actually be dangerous.

The dangers of unhealthy eating

"Why eat healthy now, if you feel fine?" »

Posted by DF at 07:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It happens to many people-they spend their entire lives eating high-calorie, high fat foods and don't appear to suffer any negative side effects whatsoever, not even weight gain. Then, they hit their late twenties and early thirties and slowly the weight begins to pile on. All the hamburgers and French fries catch up, and they find they can no longer eat whatever they want.

There are a couple of reasons for this. The most common is the result of metabolism, which slows with age. In a nutshell, metabolism is the amount of calories your body burns to maintain itself. Metabolism ensures that you are burning calories while you're eating, sleeping, walking, or anything else. A high metabolism in turn will burn many calories, whereas a slower metabolism burns fewer calories. For this reason, younger, more active people can get away with eating fattening foods because their metabolism is higher. As people get older, it begins to slow down. This is in part due to the muscle loss that results as we age.

"When do all the hamburgers and French fries catch up?" »

Posted by DF at 07:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If protein shakes are a regular part of your diet, you already know you're receiving a number of health benefits. Many people are turning to protein shakes to help them achieve their fitness goals and to get the required amount of protein each day.

Most people who drink protein shakes are doing so because they're trying to achieve some sort of muscle growth. Protein is perhaps the most important ingredient you can consume for effective muscle growth. Protein requirements vary from person to person and depend on weight, gender, and body fat percentage, among other things. As a general rule, one gram of protein per pound of body weight is the minimum amount someone who is weight training should eat. So, a 200-pound man who is weight training for bulk would need about 200 grams of protein each day.

"How to make protein shakes taste better" »

Posted by DF at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What is lypocene?

Lypocene is one of the most commonly-found carotenoids in the human body and is an antioxidant that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. Foods that have particularly high concentrations of lypocene include tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, and rosehip.

Lypocene is considered to be one of the most powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants block the actions of oxygen molecules, which can damage cells. Lypocene is considered a superior antioxidant because unlike most, it is not converted to Vitamin A after it is digested, which in turn weakens the antioxidant properties.

"Lycopene, how to get more" »

Posted by DF at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are a number of diets out there today, and each one does something different. Whether you want to lose weight, gain weight, lower cholesterol, or anything in between, there are plenty of diet and eating guides to help you reach your goal.

If your goal is to build muscle, your approach to eating should be a little different. When it comes to building muscle, your diet is just as important as your form and the amount of weight you lift. Muscles need fuel to grow and repair themselves, but the wrong fuel can quickly turn to fat instead of muscle. The following tips will help you eat properly for muscle growth.

"Eating to help muscle growth" »

Posted by DF at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When it comes to health and fitness, there are a number of things that should be in your diet for optimal health and performance. Many people are turning to protein shakes to help them achieve their fitness goals and to get the required amount of protein each day.

Most people who drink protein shakes are doing so because they're trying to achieve some sort of muscle growth. Protein is perhaps the most important ingredient you can consume for effective muscle growth. Protein requirements vary from person to person and depend on weight, gender, and body fat percentage, among other things. As a general rule, 1gram of protein per pound of body weight is the minimum amount someone who is weight training should eat. So, a 180-pound man would need about 180 grams each day.

"Are protein shakes good for you?" »

Posted by DF at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1. Develop and implement specific stress management strategies in your life to lessen the impact of the stress that change often brings: Watch what you eat and drink. Get the sleep you need in order to feel rested. Exercise regularly.
2. Develop and stick to a regular fitness routine. The better you feel, the more readily you will be able to deal with the stress of work change.
3. Take time to eat breakfast. Breakfast gives your body the fuel it needs to work effectively.
4. Determine what foods you need to eliminate, reduce, or add to your diet in order to lessen your stress response.

"4 Steps to Manage Your Nutrition and Fitness Needs" »

Posted by K at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's just simple math. You consume more calories than you expend in your daily activities. You have an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure.

But what about that friend that eats like a horse, never exercises and still stays slim? (We all have one!) It could be a combination of factors, but most likely it's heredity.

"Why Are You Overweight?" »

Posted by S at 10:57 AM | Permalink

Fire is the element of summer so how can this help to put more of YOU in summer? The more you use EnergyRich Seasonal Foods (rather than associational season foods a-hem like, maybe, ice-cream?), the more energy you have available for fun!

Fire Foods to Keep You Cool

1. Grains:

• Quinoa - might be considered a super-grain-- has an incredible amount of protein and contains the amino acid lysine, so the protein is more complete. The quality of protein in quinoa is at least equivalent to that in milk. Quinoa also has a high level of iron, potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin, and thiamin. A real strength builder for summer heat, but also has a light, delicate taste perfect for a cool, summer grain salad.

"REAL Summer Foods" »

Posted by Angie at 09:51 PM | Permalink

Dietitians just plain don't like low-carb or high-protein
diets.

Whether it's The Atkins Diet, The Stillman Diet, The
Scarsdale Diet or Eat Yourself Thin Like I Did by Nancy
Moshier, a popular, new book that recommends a low-carb
regimen, medical experts say these diets are not part of
long-term weight maintenance.

"All of these diets, they are warmed-over versions of The
Atkins Diet," says Heather Holden, RD, LDN, clinical
dietitian at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in
Nashville. "Low-carb, high-protein, it doesn't matter what
you call them, they don't work in the long run."

But some aspects of Eat Yourself Thin are useful, says
Holden. In particular, the book's focus on calorie counting
can be useful.

"Weight Loss: Carbs? Or No Carbs?" »

Posted by S at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but one of the healthiest for those of us in the colder climates is more fresh food. The growing season has started and is shifting into full gear. Keep your eyes open for these foods to help your summer be absolutely luscious.

Glorious Greens

Most of my clients who have worked with me individually have experienced learning how to use greens for the benefit of their individual body. Green vegetables are the food most missing in modern diets. Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium (120 -190 mg per cup!) They're also high in magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and they are a power house for Vitamin A, C, E and K. Believe it or not, they are also crammed high with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micro-nutrients and phyto-chemicals you just can't get any better than this. For summer, however, here are two to really take advantage of:

1) Lovage according to KEogh, an 18th century Irish herbalist, this strong scented herb, expels flatulence; clears the sight; removes spots, freckles and redness; provokes urination and menstruation; and aids digestion and is aptly used in love potions. Sounds like the makings for fabulous salad fixins' to me!

"Glorious Summer Greens" »

Posted by Angie at 03:00 PM | Permalink

On average 30% of foods in our daily diet are processed foods. These are foods that come in a box or a can and have many ingredients that are hard to pronounce, containing food starches, gums, preservatives, and colorings. Many processed foods have to be enriched, adding inorganic minerals and vitamins to compensate for the nutrition lost in the processing of the food. Some people believe enriched foods are good enough, and we will be able to absorb their nutrients sufficiently to benefit from them. But what about the great increase in type II diabetes in the past few years, seen especially now in children? What about the increase in Attention Deficit Disorder and behavioral problems in schools? Adults are now getting symptoms of Alzheimer's more quickly than before, and are suffering from chronic diseases earlier in life.

The first suggestion I tell parents who are struggling with a hyperactive child is to stay away from any food colorings, especially the added colorings in juices, cereals, snacks, and vitamin supplements. These food colorings affect the functioning of the nervous system. Our liver cannot break down these chemicals and they affect our neurotransmitters, and eventually our thinking ability. It is amazing the amount of food coloring found in processed foods. Significant increases in hyperactivity occur after getting 20 mg. of food coloring per day, which is much less than the amount found in many processed foods today.

"Food Additives Affect Behavior" »

Posted by Angie at 11:24 PM | Permalink

Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our mood

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food, wrote the eminent Greek physician Hippocrates during the dawn of western medicine. We took his advice. Thousands of years later we use chicken soup to nourish our bodies, yet we question whether the right food choices can heal our mind. Some people are sure.

Inspired by personal experience, Amanda Geary founded the UK's Food and Mood Project in 1998. I started the Food and Mood Project following from my own experience of recovery from depression where I noticed that what I was eating was having an effect on my emotional and mental health, says Geary. In 1998 I won an award from Mind, the UK's leading mental health charity, to start the Project and help others to explore the links between what we eat and how we feel.

The Food and Mood Project is extensive. Geary's fascination with the relationship between nutrition and mind has prompted a website, www.foodandmood.org, online support group, handbook, posters and large-scale survey. This recruited 200 individuals between the ages of 26 and 55 who lived in London or SE England. The results were substantial. Says Geary: From the Food and Mood Survey results, those using this form of self-help found that cutting down or avoiding potential food stressors like sugar (80%), caffeine (79%), alcohol (55%) and chocolate (53%) and having more food supporters like water (80%), vegetables (78%), fruit (72%) and oil rich fish (52%) had the most beneficial effects on mental health.

"How Food Affects Mood" »

Posted by Angie at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This has got to be the biggest controversy in modern bodybuilding. Bodybuilders will say you've got to consume loads of protein to pack on quality muscle mass and increase strength. Nutrition experts say that you must eat a high carbohydrate diet, particularly complex carbs, to improve strength and size, and say that a high protein is of no benefit.

Who is right? You could say both are right. Only a few studies have been carried out looking into high protein intake and improvements in strength and muscle size. The results are inconclusive. Study design was poor, often only having very few subjects, who may be over-training or under-training. Other aspects of diet were often overlooked and most were only carried out on novice weight trainers who may not know how to train correctly. Also, the topic of anabolic steroids is avoided which does increase demand for protein.

Protein

Muscle consists mainly of two proteins, actin and myosin. The turnover rate of amino acids in these proteins is high, and increases upon stimulation such as exercise. If the muscle is worked to maximum effort like during a correctly executed bodybuilding workout, turnover is extremely high. Hence, there is a large demand from the body's pool of amino acids. High carb fans say this demand can be met by only a moderately higher than normal protein intake. High protein fans argue very high levels of protein are needed to meet demand. Bodybuilders who have plateaued in their gains for long periods, have dramatically increased their protein intake and started making gains. Also anabolic steroids increase the rate of protein synthesis within muscle cells, further increasing demand for protein.

"Protein or Carbohydrates?" »

Posted by Angie at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As early as in our 30's, our eyes and vision can begin to deteriorate. Wind, dust, chlorine fumes, automobile fumes, smoking, freezing temperatures and physical injury are examples of threats to healthy eyes and good vision. Long hours spent at a computer screen and the vibration from driving have a cumulative negative impact on eye health over time.

Healthy vision is related to the health of the individual parts of the eye the cornea, iris, macula, lens, optic nerve, pupil, retina and the vitreous humor. And what we eat or ocular nutrition is one of the ways that eye health and good vision can be supported. Information provided by the U.S. National Eye Institute and the results of other ocular nutrition studies have shown that using nutrition to improve and support eye health definitely happens.

Here are foods that are known to improve eye health:

Collard greens, kale and spinach - studies show that eating foods rich in carotenoids is associated with reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Foods rich in carotenoids are leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale. Macular eye nutrition becomes increasingly important as we get older.

Green vegetables and corn - a study on ocular nutrition has shown a reduced risk of developing cataracts for persons having diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods high in these two carotenoids include broccoli, collard greens, corn, green peas, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens and zucchini. Lutein is also found in egg yolks. Persons with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin were also less likely to need cataract surgery. In another study done on persons ages 40-59, those with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin experienced a reduced risk of developing adult macular degeneration.

"Ocular Nutrition - Eating for Your Eyes" »

Posted by Angie at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Can a child thrive on a vegan diet? The answer is yes! Far more studies show that a typical 'Western Diet' has deleterious effects on health compared to the risks of a vegan diet. In fact, vegetarian diets are associated with disease resistance and even higher I.Q.'s in children. (1-5)

With proper planning and a bit of self-education, parents should feel confident in giving their child a diet free of animal products.

Healthy food choices include the following:

Protein dense foods: beans, soy, whole grains, nuts, etc.

Calcium sources: beans, leafy greens, figs, blackstrap molasses, fortified beverages, etc.

Iron sources: grains, dried fruit, coconut milk, blackstrap molasses, soybeans, beans, etc.

Zinc sources: nuts, seeds, grains, chickpeas, soybeans, etc.

Avoid wheat and nuts until after one year of age, to avoid possible food sensitivities.

"Can a Child Thrive on a Vegan Diet? YES!" »

Posted by Angie at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For some of us, food is warmth and love. We associate it with home and childhood: tempting smells that greeted us after school on a cold December afternoon. The kitchen served as the center of the house under the kindly direction of the Captain in the apron. If we were good, we might be allowed to stir the pot. If we were very good, we got to clean out the mixing bowl.

As we grew up, we found wonders elsewhere: the coffee shops and diners where adolescents gathered and food was only a platform for the real business of talking, bonding, and flirting. We drank cola and root beer and discovered sundaes, pizza and french fries. But real food was what we ate at home.

Later, we moved on to the pale imitation of food represented by college cafeterias and underground cafes that were heavy on music and political rebellion and light on the menu. We returned home for the holidays and again ate real food, as good as we remembered. Some of us moved on to the non-food of C rations and swore we'd never enjoy eating again.

We moved into the world of work: automats and deli lunches or expense-account steak and martinis where even the most exquisite fare took a back seat to table discussions. We married, moved into new homes, rediscovered the warmth and intimacy of a family kitchen and embraced the delights of gourmet cooking, homemade bread, and nouvelle cuisine.

At the same time, just below our level of awareness, the fast food industry started to blossom into the billion dollar gorilla it is today.

At first, it was small hamburgers and hot dogs with french fries and a drink. At first, it was an occasional visit to "get mom out of the kitchen." At first, it was just something fast that avoided interruptions in our race to the top.

"Supersizing America" »

Posted by Angie at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There's no doubt carbohydrates have taken center stage in public discourse about dietary practices. You can't turn on the TV, open a newspaper or walk past the office water cooler these days without hearing a debate about this nutrient du jour. Recently, however, increasing attention is being given to an all but forgotten part of our diet. Move over, carbohydrates: fat is making a comeback in the headlines. More specifically, trans fat.

Of the four types of dietary fat (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, saturated and trans), the focus recently has been on trans fat. Abundant in margarine, shortening, packaged baked goods and French fries to name a few, trans fat is a widely used ingredient for food manufacturers because it is cheap and contributes to increased shelf life. It is listed as "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" and "vegetable shortening" on product ingredient lists.

Hydrogenation is the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fat's density is increased, and food manufacturers use it frequently because it gives products a richer butter flavor. Saturated butter is much more expensive to use, so manufacturers reduce costs by using partially hydrogenated oils.

"Focus on Trans Fat" »

Posted by Angie at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our body requires, making it a complete protein. Soy foods do not have any cholesterol, and most are high in fiber. Soy also has many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds (like isoflavones) that work together to create numerous health benefits.

Research shows that a daily intake of at least 25 grams of soy protein and 30-50 milligrams of isoflavones can improve and safeguard your health. This is the equivalent of 1-2 servings of soy foods a day. Here is a list of soy's properties and how they can positively affect you.

1. Soy's protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Soy's protein and isoflavones provide antioxidants, reduce artery clogging plaque, improve blood pressure and promote healthy blood vessels, which protects the body from free radical damage, boosts the immune system, and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

"Six Ways Soy Benefits Your Health" »

Posted by Angie at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Women on diets need more calcium than normal to avoid bone loss, say Rutgers University researchers.

Studies showed a weight loss diet of 1.5 pounds a week for 6 weeks cuts absorption of calcium. In 57 postmenopausal dieters it was discovered that those women who took 1,800 mg of calcium a day absorbed 78 percent more calcium than those who took only 1,000 mg a day. To prevent bone loss, women dieting after menopause should get 1,700 mg of calcium a day, the experts say.

For people on low-fat, high fiber diets calcium requirements are also higher. Studies show that 19 percent less calcium is absorbed. It is theorized that the healthier diet moves food faster through the gastrointestinal tract.

While it is common knowledge that calcium is necessary for bone-growth research shows that calcium also fights fat absorption. Studies reveal that calcium blocks fat storage in fat cells. A minimum of 1,000 mg. of calcium daily improves total cholesterol and good HDL, but lowers bad LDL.

Despite the publicity of the importance of calcium for healthy bones research shows that consumption has gone down over the past 30 years.

Experts recommend 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily for people under 50, and 1,500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D for those over 50. The safe upper limit for calcium intake has been set at 2,500 mg a day. Experts think going above that on a daily basis may invite kidney stone formation.

"Dieters Need More Calcium" »

Posted by Angie at 01:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Food addiction isn't a problem. Pretending like you can't live without eating however, IS the problem. If you're stranded on a desert island without food, what would you do? Your body can survive well over 24 hours without food if you're drinking water.

How about if someone offered you 50 million dollars to not eat? How addicted would you be then?

Personally, I'll be forthright and tell you that I think that it's utter nonsense to believe that food is addictive. Food is fuel for the body and that's it. There is no such thing as an "addiction fairy" sprinking his magic dust on a Big Mac so you're forced to eat it.

In today's society, doctors have made it easier for people to indulge in self-destructive behaviors by saying they are "addicted" to it.

Personally, I think the people who diagnose these addictions are addicted to "ease of ignorance and influence". Saying that you're addicted to lots of food is like Osama Bin Ladin saying he's addicted to spelunking.

When it comes to eating too much and you feel that you're gaining weight, remember this:

IT'S ONLY FOOD!!

"Don't Allow Your Food To Control You" »

Posted by Angie at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

WHY CAN'T YOU GAIN WEIGHT?

Though there may be many reasons why you may be thin, the most apparent reason is because of your genetics. If your parents are naturally thin or have a small body frame, then you will most likely have the same small body type.

To some degree, your size can also be controlled by your metabolism. If you have a difficult time gaining weight of any kind (fat or muscle) then you most likely have a fast metabolism. That simply means that your body burns calories at a faster than normal rate. You must take this into account whenever you are considering a particular diet or training program. Is it geared towards someone with your metabolism and goal?

Now as you know, there are many ways to train. Hundreds, thousands even. Some work and some do not, but for the specific goal of gaining weight, there are a few UNIVERSAL things that all skinny guys must do.

Though much of the information I cover here is not as "magical" as you may like, I consider these rules to be the basics with regard to weight gain. These are not all of the answers, but they are definite elements that MUST be addressed in any successful weight gain program.

You should be able to easily integrate these rules into your current program to make it more suitable for your particular body and goals.

"15 Muscle Building Rules for Skinny Guys and Gals!" »

Posted by Angie at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I want to tell you about the most healthful and most delicious tropical fruit that you'd ever want to taste. It's called the mangosteen, and the reason you've probably never heard of it is because you can't buy it in the United States. However, you can buy the juice of the fruit and I'll tell you how you can do that at the end of this article.

The Mystique The mangosteen is a lovely tropical fruit that grows well in SE Asia. It cannot be imported into the U.S. because of laws that prohibit the importation of untreated plants that might harbor agricultural pests. The good news is that Hawaii is starting to grow and harvest the mangosteen, so there is hope that one day we will be able to buy the fruit at local markets.

The mangosteen has been nicknamed the Queen of Fruits. It received its nickname because Queen Victoria of England loved the fruit and declared it to be her favorite fruit. As the story goes she offered a knighthood to anyone who could bring her some.

The taste of the mangosteen has been described in glowing terms. The July, 2003, issue of Gourmet magazine featured an article about the fruit. The author, David Karp, declared the flavor was almost unbearably exquisite.Further, he states that many people consider mangosteen the finest fruit in the world. Needless to say, the fruit is sweet and delicious. I'll tell you further on how you can taste the juice, which is legally available.

"Ever Hear of This Fruit?" »

Posted by Angie at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is a well-established fact that calories control everyone's bodyweight. No matter how many meals a day you have, it is the calorie balance in the end of the day that matters. If you eat fewer calories than you are burning, you will lose weight. It won't matter if these calories come from chocolate, bagels, meat, eggs, fruit or whatever else.

Calories control bodyweight.

What about body composition? The two major components of body composition are lean body mass and fat mass. Suppose you just lost 10 pounds of bodyweight. Does it matter how many of those 10 pounds were fat and how many muscle? Sure, it DOES matter. While calorie balance controls bodyweight, other important factors influence the proportions of fat and muscle that you gain or lose! These factors may improve or make worse the way you look naked.

One of those factors is calorie distribution (or calorie fragmentation). Bodybuilders, as the group of people most concerned with their body composition, have been spreading their calorie intake into smaller and more frequent meals for decades. Originally they believed that doing so "raises one's metabolism". Science has never proved this belief. Recent findings reveal that there is no metabolic advantage of eating smaller and more frequent meals.

"How Does Proper Calorie Fragmentation Improves Body Composition?" »

Posted by Angie at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

know you've heard this many times - "Drink more water!". Yet, 99% of the people don't heed this advice. Maybe if water was more expensive, people would pay more attention to consume enough of it on a daily basis. We are living in a dehydrated world of carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol.

I bet you don't know how important is water for your health, figure and well-being. I didn't know it until I found a book that literally opened my eyes. The book is titled "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" by Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj.

Reason 1: Water can cure many modern diseases

According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, a long list of modern diseases can be practically eliminated by just drinking more water. The list includes and is not limited to: asthma, hypertension, back and joint pain, arthritis, constipation, allergies, ulcers and the list goes on and on.

I know it sounds crazy. I have heard many weird health theories in my life, but what interests me is the "results of following this or that advice". The "drink more water cure" has worked for so many of my friends and myself that I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.

"Five Reasons You Should Drink More Water" »

Posted by Angie at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the world. From good health to sufficient energy in your daily life. Eating healthy is one of the easiest ways to ensure both your mood and physical wellbeing remain at their positive peek.

Uplift Your Mood

If you have an attack of the blues, try drinking some tea made from walnut. Walnuts are plentiful with the mood boosting chemical serotonin. Brew this wonderful little food in hot water (easier for the body to acquire the serotonin) and drink away much of your blues. The recipe is simple, use half a shell walnut for each cup of hot water and steep for 3 minutes and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

Apart from uplifting your mood, walnuts also protects your heart from coronary disease, lowers cholesterol, boost your memory, fights cancer, enhance blood flow and of course lifts your mood.

Best Salad Dressing

Researchers recommend using salad dressing with full fats in salads to gain the full benefits of carotenoids. Their research showed that people that ate low fat dressing, absorbed very little of the carontenoids, people that ate none fat dressing, absorbed almost zero of the nutrients, but those who ate full fat dressing, absorbed the most of these little wonders. It should be noted that eating cheese, nuts and avocado do allow you to absorb as much carontenoids as possible according to researchers.

"Vegetarian Lifestyle" »

Posted by Angie at 05:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits that inhabit our planet, drinking them is equally nourishing and satisfying. Juicing vegetables and fruits can also create a dynamic taste treat, causing your taste buds to dance with undiscovered delight. If you're new to juicing, I recommend only juicing vegetables and fruits that you enjoy eating. As time goes on, you can try out other foods as well as increased amounts of those foods.

Concentrated Nutrients

As a dedicated vegetarian, you are well aware of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables daily. What you may not have known, is that by actually juicing these delicious foods, you are consuming the maximum concentrated benefits of their nutrients. How? Simple, when you cook food, you loose up to 97% of their nutrients. That's quite a loss huh? There are certain precautions and methods towards picking, storing and cooking food, that will minimize the loss of nutrients, but that's another article. Suffice to say, juicing your foods will retain almost a 100% if not all depending on certain circumstances. When you juice, you take raw vegetables and fruits to do the job. Because juicing produces no heat or any other method that causes nutritional loss, you consume high levels of nutrients.

"Juice Sensibility" »

Posted by Angie at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With the popularity of low carb diets such as Atkins, The Zone, and South Beach, more and more people are becoming aware of the bad effects to the body of too much carbohydrate consumption. As people try to cut down on their carb intake, it should be noted that not all carbs are created equal.

In a nutshell, there are two kinds of carbohydrates, simple and complex. Some refer to them as bad and good carbs, fast and slow digestion carbs and other possibly confusing lingo. Here's the scoop.

SIMPLE CARBS are those carbohydrates that are most often have low nutrient content and have high glycemic index such as white bread, cookies, pastries, candies, and sodas. They are quick to digest and can cause blood sugar to soar then fall dramatically within a short span of time. In order to keep the body running more healthy and stable, health advisors recommend that these types of foods be limited.

COMPLEX CARBS are those that contain many nutrients and have a low to moderate glycemic index. Higher fiber content in these foods means slower digestion, which is healthier for the body. And these foods are considered good choices by health advisors. Examples of these complex carbs are whole grains, most fruits and vegetables. Legumes, plants of the pea or bean family, are also in this category.

"The Best Carbs For Low Carbers" »

Posted by Angie at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you want to lose weight, there is one thing you ought to eliminate from your diet sugar.

Sugar is a villain in your quest to lose weight. You are probably thinking, Of course, everyone knows that sugar is fattening. Well, there's more to it than meets the eye. It's important that you understand exactly why you ought to avoid sugar.

First, let's define sugar. Sugar takes many more forms than the white table sugar with which you are familiar. Sugar includes corn syrup, maltose, lactose, fructose, sucrose, brown sugar, honey, molasses.

When you ingest cakes, cookies, chocolate, cereal, etc.in other words, simple carbohydrates you flood your bloodstream with sugar. (You need to begin to read ingredients labeling to determine if there is sugar in the food. You'll be surprised at just how many foods contain sugar in one form or another.) The pancreas then produces insulin, a hormone designed to pull sugar out of your bloodstream and deposit it in your cells and your liver.

Because the pancreas does such a good job, your blood sugar rapidly drops lower than it should. (That explains your swings in your energy level.) Your brain then gets the message that your body requires more sugar to return the level to normal. As a result you feel a need to eat more sugar. And the cycle begins again.

"Eliminate Sugar and Lose Weight" »

Posted by Angie at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

BASIC MEAL & MENU PLANNING

As a basis for meals and menu planning, refer to the pyramid information mentioned earlier to make sure you have the basic food requirements met for all family members. Then cross check and plan by looking over basic food categories to target healthy foods to fit the lifestyles and health of everyone. For example, if someone has depression, add some foods mentioned above to his or her dietary plans that aid in the healing and prevention of depression.

Meal planning also depends upon several factors like the number of people eating, meal times, special dietary concerns, budget, available foods, and recipes on hand and likes and dislikes of everyone who will be eating. Begin by choosing foods and recipes that you like and know how to prepare well and that fit into everyone's dietary plans. If one or more people have special needs, like diabetics, plan ahead for substitutions either in the food preparation or food substitution for that individual or for those individuals.

Add variety to your meal planning. Have other family members jump in and prepare meals some nights and on weekends. Kids enjoy making macaroni and cheese, so host mac-n-cheese night on Wednesdays, for example. Then alternate different vegetable combinations, colors and textures to vary the menu on a weekly basis (no need to let boredom take over on Wednesdays with the same routine!)

"Dieting, The Basic of Meal Planning" »

Posted by Angie at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If your diet is making you a humbug this season, there's some good news. Turns out dark chocolate, that decadent confection, may actually be good for you!

Yes, recently conducted studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition have shown that a dose of dark chocolate will heed all sorts of healthy results. And with holiday-time upon us, this news couldn't have come at a better time.

So just for fun, I thought I'd conduct a mini-research project of my own and get the skinny on our friend dark chocolate. Here's some of the interesting factoids I came up with:

* Cocoa the precursor to chocolate--has been around a long time. A few thousand years, in fact. It has been thought that cocoa beans were brought to Europe in the 1500's by Christopher Columbus.

* Cocoa, later made into chocolate, was given to American Soldiers in WWII. According to historical data, each solider was given a three chocolate bar per day ration, due to it being such a great source of high-energy.

"Holiday Dieting: A Sweet Way To Cheat" »

Posted by Angie at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"I'm glad it is over," say many people after Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.

If you are the food preparer, you are most likely shopping, mincing, dicing, and sauting, days possibly weeks before the event. The good china, crystal, flatware, and serving pieces are brought out of storage. They are washed, polished, and used once more before they are stored away for the next special event.

If you are the attendee, you may be feeling guilty that the food preparer did all the work, so you may be thinking of eating a second portion of everything to show appreciation to the preparer.

An enormous amount of food is put on the table(s). People come. They eat. They leave over an enormous amount of food. This brings us to Holiday Leftovers.

Holiday leftovers are not to be confused with the tunafish left on a platter after your family has had their share at lunch yesterday. I'm talking about vast quantities of many dishes. Leftovers are not left over if they are eaten.

"Holyday Eating Strategy Sheet" »

Posted by Angie at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you ever considered the importance of water?

Did you know that water accounts for over 70% of your body? We are comprised mostly of water. And further more, our blood mineral content is strikingly similar to salt water.

A healthy water intake can help us in many ways.

- You can think better. A fully hydrated brain actually works better.

- You'd be amazed at how much more energy you can have when you drink adequate amounts of water.

"The Importance of Clean Water" »

Posted by Angie at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)