by David Smidev
Some studies have looked at diet mainly in the prevention of lung cancer. Highlights of these studies that looked at certain foods include:
* A high fat diet raised the risk of the disease.
* Diets high in fruit are linked with a lower risk of cancer of lung, and in fact, the National Cancer Institute has predicted that foods high in flavenoids, like apples, can lower the risk of the disease by 50%.
* In women, the intake of dairy products and vegetables has been connected with a lower risk of the cancer in smokers, and black tea with a lower risk in non-smokers.
* Foods high in lutein, for example collard greens, spinach, broccoli, and orange juice, are linked with a lower risk of the cancer.
* Foods high in lycopene, for example tomatoes and particularly tomato sauces, are connected with a lower risk of lung cancer.
Factors of dietary are predicted to account for about 30% of cancers in western countries, making diet second simply to tobacco as a preventable cause of cancer. This amount is considered to be approximately 20% in developing countries and is projected to develop.
As developing countries become urbanised, patterns of cancer, mainly individuals most strongly linked with diet and physical activity, have a tendency to shift towards the patterns of economically developed countries. Cancer rates also alter as populations move between countries and take on different dietary patterns.
Tobacco smoke is the biggest carcinogen, responsible for 85% of all lung cancers in the United States. Risk rises with the number of tobacco used, and the number of time it has been used.
The best way of prevention is to never begin smoking or making use of chewing tobacco, or to discontinue using tobacco products. A healthy diet is an significant part of prevention.
In current years, considerable evidence has pointed to the connection from overweight and obesity, to a lot of types of cancer like oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. The composition of the diet is also significant because fruit and vegetables might have a protective effect by lessening the risk for a number of cancer types.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Your Perfect Diet Plan to Lose Weight
by Victoria Gemini
A body healthy is a body beautiful. An unhealthy physique that is overweight can never be charming. Losing weight has been considered the most cumbersome process and those striving to shed those pounds are ready for anything to get that beautiful figure. A body which carries out functions perfectly does not need any make-up to look pretty. Feeling of well being should be created from within which gives confidence and vitality.
In the changing scenario of our eating habits the time is ripe for a good look at the food we eat and the kind of nutrition needed for maintain proper weight and of course reducing the extra fat. If you intend to lose weight in very short duration, know-how about nutrition is a good starting point.
A perfect health plan is one which embraces healthy cooking tips and meal planning ideas. It's very important to take note of a few important things before you start charting out your diet plan. The major misconception among those who dream of losing weight is that, eating less food is a great method. Many also believe that skipping meals or giving long gaps between meals cause no harm to health. Read on to know what the truth is.
o It is always advisable to eat 3 or four short meals per day than eating at a stretch. Have a control on what type of food you eat; and most important eat when you are hungry.
o "Dieting helps in weight loss" is another myth among the obese people; and this only worsens the situation than providing a remedy. Though you might find temporary results, it is sure to affect you big time in the long run. Crash diets simply don't do any good for your health.
o A perfect diet, apart from shedding the pounds and expelling the fat out of the body, should contribute to overall health and well-being. However, binge eating habit often deprives the body of the essential nutrients and is a sign of wrong dietary plan for weight loss.
o Include foods that are easy on your stomach and those which are a good source of natural enzymes. The overall fitness plan to lose weight and stay healthy must be taken up gradually and slowly. This way the body would get accustomed to the changes without pressure and making the process of losing weight a joyous and healthy one.
A body healthy is a body beautiful. An unhealthy physique that is overweight can never be charming. Losing weight has been considered the most cumbersome process and those striving to shed those pounds are ready for anything to get that beautiful figure. A body which carries out functions perfectly does not need any make-up to look pretty. Feeling of well being should be created from within which gives confidence and vitality.
In the changing scenario of our eating habits the time is ripe for a good look at the food we eat and the kind of nutrition needed for maintain proper weight and of course reducing the extra fat. If you intend to lose weight in very short duration, know-how about nutrition is a good starting point.
A perfect health plan is one which embraces healthy cooking tips and meal planning ideas. It's very important to take note of a few important things before you start charting out your diet plan. The major misconception among those who dream of losing weight is that, eating less food is a great method. Many also believe that skipping meals or giving long gaps between meals cause no harm to health. Read on to know what the truth is.
o It is always advisable to eat 3 or four short meals per day than eating at a stretch. Have a control on what type of food you eat; and most important eat when you are hungry.
o "Dieting helps in weight loss" is another myth among the obese people; and this only worsens the situation than providing a remedy. Though you might find temporary results, it is sure to affect you big time in the long run. Crash diets simply don't do any good for your health.
o A perfect diet, apart from shedding the pounds and expelling the fat out of the body, should contribute to overall health and well-being. However, binge eating habit often deprives the body of the essential nutrients and is a sign of wrong dietary plan for weight loss.
o Include foods that are easy on your stomach and those which are a good source of natural enzymes. The overall fitness plan to lose weight and stay healthy must be taken up gradually and slowly. This way the body would get accustomed to the changes without pressure and making the process of losing weight a joyous and healthy one.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Diet Without Exercise is Useless
by Michael Derad
The funny thing is while most people will not find it difficult to try every latest fad diet out there or willingly try even the most unproven diet supplement, but getting them to commit to any kind of structured exercise program is a whole other story.
Nobody disputes the fact that a proper workout regime simply has to be an integral part of any die program period. The reason most fail miserably in that department is the fact that, while not difficult to understand, it does require some discipline and consistency.
The typical path most people are taking is that they start an exercise program with all their new found enthusiasm and vigor. But instead of slowly easing in to their new lifestyle the workout routines are probably way to intense and strenuous. So a couple of days later the soreness and potential injuries are just too much to take.
A better way, especially if you gave never exercised or it has been a really long time, is to simply start wit some 20 minutes walk every day. Quicker than you think you can be up to a fitness level that will allow you to do more vigorous exercise. In any case don't forget to also incorporate a daily stretching routine before doing any kind of workout.
Make a commitment to regular workouts; and enlist the help of a friend or buddy to give you the "social stimulus" that we all need. You can do your workouts either at home or at the gym. If you prefer the gym don't be afraid to ask for help from the staff.
One of the best things you can do in order to lose weight is to incorporate some cardiovascular exercises into your routine. The treadmill comes to mind, but if you don't have access to one a brisk walk or a ride on the bicycle will do just. While these exercises will elevate your general fitness level and burn calories, in order to tone your muscles and give you that fir appearance you have to add some weight training as well.
You can start with some light weighs and do simple exercises like curls and squats; coupled with before mentioned aerobic exercise you'll be into the serious workout category in no time.
The funny thing is while most people will not find it difficult to try every latest fad diet out there or willingly try even the most unproven diet supplement, but getting them to commit to any kind of structured exercise program is a whole other story.
Nobody disputes the fact that a proper workout regime simply has to be an integral part of any die program period. The reason most fail miserably in that department is the fact that, while not difficult to understand, it does require some discipline and consistency.
The typical path most people are taking is that they start an exercise program with all their new found enthusiasm and vigor. But instead of slowly easing in to their new lifestyle the workout routines are probably way to intense and strenuous. So a couple of days later the soreness and potential injuries are just too much to take.
A better way, especially if you gave never exercised or it has been a really long time, is to simply start wit some 20 minutes walk every day. Quicker than you think you can be up to a fitness level that will allow you to do more vigorous exercise. In any case don't forget to also incorporate a daily stretching routine before doing any kind of workout.
Make a commitment to regular workouts; and enlist the help of a friend or buddy to give you the "social stimulus" that we all need. You can do your workouts either at home or at the gym. If you prefer the gym don't be afraid to ask for help from the staff.
One of the best things you can do in order to lose weight is to incorporate some cardiovascular exercises into your routine. The treadmill comes to mind, but if you don't have access to one a brisk walk or a ride on the bicycle will do just. While these exercises will elevate your general fitness level and burn calories, in order to tone your muscles and give you that fir appearance you have to add some weight training as well.
You can start with some light weighs and do simple exercises like curls and squats; coupled with before mentioned aerobic exercise you'll be into the serious workout category in no time.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Going on a Gallstones Diet
by Demitris Sideris
The food you eat plays an important part in your health and well-being. When harmful food and drinks are consumed excessively, this often results in illness or diseases which can be fatal or deadly.
In the past decades, more and more people have developed gallstones because of poor diet and bad habits. The cure for gallstones is costly surgery, but it can be prevented by an effective gallstones diet regimen.
Gallstones form when minerals accumulate inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an important digestive organ which stores bile from the liver, an alkaline liquid used in digestion.
A gallstones diet is recommended if you are diagnosed to be suffering from a gallstones ailment. By following the gallstones diet regularly, you will save yourself from expensive gallbladder surgery.
Consume lots of fiber
A diet rich in dietary fiber is one of the best ways to treat or prevent gallstones. Fiber helps your digestive system function in an efficient manner. Foods rich in fiber are whole grain breads, whole wheat cereals, bran flakes, muffins, bagels, corn bran cereals, whole grain pastas and brown rice.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in water-soluble fiber. Fruits that are good for gallstones sufferers are grapes and fresh grape juice, apples, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, guavas, figs, oranges, lemons, currants, pears, avocados and dried fruits such as raisins, dates and prunes.
Vegetables to include in a gallstones diet are broccoli, green beans, kidney beans, lima beans, dried peas and artichokes. You can also drink fresh vegetable juices such as cucumbers and beets, but avoid the cabbages.
Drink plenty of water
Be sure to drink plenty of water and fluids. Water keeps your digestive system in tiptop shape and helps your kidneys and gallbladder to flush wastes consistently.
Avoid foods that can cause a gallbladder attack
Some foods are not good for gallbladder sufferers and should be avoided as much as possible. These foods include pork, eggs, poultry, onions, beans (not green beans), nuts and all kinds of fried and fatty foods. Beverages to avoid are milk, coffee and alcoholic drinks. Also stay away from salty foods and processed foods rich in sugar.
A gallstones diet is an inexpensive, healthy way to prevent gallstones and gallbladder diseases. Make it a point to consult your physician if you suspect that you have gallstones. A gallbladder disease can be deadly, but you can avoid it by embarking on a gallstones diet.
The food you eat plays an important part in your health and well-being. When harmful food and drinks are consumed excessively, this often results in illness or diseases which can be fatal or deadly.
In the past decades, more and more people have developed gallstones because of poor diet and bad habits. The cure for gallstones is costly surgery, but it can be prevented by an effective gallstones diet regimen.
Gallstones form when minerals accumulate inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an important digestive organ which stores bile from the liver, an alkaline liquid used in digestion.
A gallstones diet is recommended if you are diagnosed to be suffering from a gallstones ailment. By following the gallstones diet regularly, you will save yourself from expensive gallbladder surgery.
Consume lots of fiber
A diet rich in dietary fiber is one of the best ways to treat or prevent gallstones. Fiber helps your digestive system function in an efficient manner. Foods rich in fiber are whole grain breads, whole wheat cereals, bran flakes, muffins, bagels, corn bran cereals, whole grain pastas and brown rice.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in water-soluble fiber. Fruits that are good for gallstones sufferers are grapes and fresh grape juice, apples, apricots, strawberries, raspberries, guavas, figs, oranges, lemons, currants, pears, avocados and dried fruits such as raisins, dates and prunes.
Vegetables to include in a gallstones diet are broccoli, green beans, kidney beans, lima beans, dried peas and artichokes. You can also drink fresh vegetable juices such as cucumbers and beets, but avoid the cabbages.
Drink plenty of water
Be sure to drink plenty of water and fluids. Water keeps your digestive system in tiptop shape and helps your kidneys and gallbladder to flush wastes consistently.
Avoid foods that can cause a gallbladder attack
Some foods are not good for gallbladder sufferers and should be avoided as much as possible. These foods include pork, eggs, poultry, onions, beans (not green beans), nuts and all kinds of fried and fatty foods. Beverages to avoid are milk, coffee and alcoholic drinks. Also stay away from salty foods and processed foods rich in sugar.
A gallstones diet is an inexpensive, healthy way to prevent gallstones and gallbladder diseases. Make it a point to consult your physician if you suspect that you have gallstones. A gallbladder disease can be deadly, but you can avoid it by embarking on a gallstones diet.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Diet Pills - Security First Before Anything Else
by Allison Manalang Ayson
We all are afraid of being obese; obese is an overweight individual who does not have discipline on eating different kind of foods. There are many disadvantage on being an obese, your movement are limited because you will likely easily get tired. There are also basic daily activities that you can not perform without being dependent with other people.
You movement are limited in accordance to the weight of your body and as you go bigger and fatter, there are many daily activities that you can not do for your self and you will be needing help from your loved ones which is sometimes very awkward.
As early as today, if you think that you movement were limited because of your size, you should then start thinking of taking good care of your health by looking for ways on how to lose those extra pounds and how to be fit and healthy at all times.
Losing weight is not an easy tasks, it usually requires discipline and determination to attain the ideal weight that you should have. You can not hurriedly say to yourself to limit your food intakes and choose only food that can help you to lose weight. You must at leas follow some programs that are proven effective to help you attain a sexy body you dreamed of.
On the program, it includes daily and regular exercise, limiting yourself in eating a lot. Choose foods that are nutritious and those only that are right for your body. Fruits and vegetables are very effective method on starting your lose weight program. Take some step at a time, again do not hurry up things, there is no such instant result in losing weight.
Exercising and eating nutritious food is a good example on losing weight and if you really want to lose weight in a quicker manner, takes some diet pills while doing your health program in losing weight. There are many different diet pills that can be made available any time on many stores, but one should be very careful and be aware with the results after taking some pills,
If you feel something bad happens after drinking diet pills, you have to consult your doctor to safety your health. Diet pills are made with different ingredient that can make you lose some weight, but it will be a lot easier if you follow programs on to lose weight and follow instructions in taking diet pills.
We all are afraid of being obese; obese is an overweight individual who does not have discipline on eating different kind of foods. There are many disadvantage on being an obese, your movement are limited because you will likely easily get tired. There are also basic daily activities that you can not perform without being dependent with other people.
You movement are limited in accordance to the weight of your body and as you go bigger and fatter, there are many daily activities that you can not do for your self and you will be needing help from your loved ones which is sometimes very awkward.
As early as today, if you think that you movement were limited because of your size, you should then start thinking of taking good care of your health by looking for ways on how to lose those extra pounds and how to be fit and healthy at all times.
Losing weight is not an easy tasks, it usually requires discipline and determination to attain the ideal weight that you should have. You can not hurriedly say to yourself to limit your food intakes and choose only food that can help you to lose weight. You must at leas follow some programs that are proven effective to help you attain a sexy body you dreamed of.
On the program, it includes daily and regular exercise, limiting yourself in eating a lot. Choose foods that are nutritious and those only that are right for your body. Fruits and vegetables are very effective method on starting your lose weight program. Take some step at a time, again do not hurry up things, there is no such instant result in losing weight.
Exercising and eating nutritious food is a good example on losing weight and if you really want to lose weight in a quicker manner, takes some diet pills while doing your health program in losing weight. There are many different diet pills that can be made available any time on many stores, but one should be very careful and be aware with the results after taking some pills,
If you feel something bad happens after drinking diet pills, you have to consult your doctor to safety your health. Diet pills are made with different ingredient that can make you lose some weight, but it will be a lot easier if you follow programs on to lose weight and follow instructions in taking diet pills.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Popular Weight Loss Review - How Diet Pills Affect Your Body
by Stewart C
With a multi-billion dollar industry behind it, the commerce of marketing weight loss solution in diet pills and food supplements has never been more lucrative. The FDA can only dismiss many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements as ineffective and often unsafe with a list of banned and tainted diet pills on its website.
But as soon as any drug gets banned, you have a couple more appearing in the dieting market landscape. There's always something new and improved in the formulation of weight loss supplements riding on the ever-popular "organically grown and all-natural" product claim in their ingredients.
Is There Truth To Claims Of Efficacy?
Unfortunately not all claims and promises behind diet pills and supplements are completely true. Some may have a measure of efficacy but none of them truly live up to these claims. If they did, the problem of obesity and overweight afflicting more than 60% of the US population would have been solved and you'd see the statistical percentages dwindling every year. The fact is that by 2015, this figure is expected to grow to 75%. So what efficacy are they talking about?
Among the weight loss solutions out there, only the FDA approved drugs can truly claim to any level of efficacy as they are "effective and safe when taken as directed." Unfortunately these are your prescriptive diet pills you cannot obtain without a valid doctor's prescription. For the rest of them, anything goes.
Altering Your Body Processes
Diet pills work in various ways depending on their active ingredients. But in general, they work by altering or interfering with your natural body processes.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants are the most common slimming solutions in the market. They often contain 5 HTP enzymes that stimulate the production of certain chemicals in the brain like serotonin and catecholamine to trick you into thinking you are full and thus suppress hunger. Some have GLP-1 hormonal action that delays gastric juice secretion so you feel satiated and have no desire to eat. Whether natural or not, these diet pills can cause cardiovascular diseases and interfere with various prescriptive medication you may be taking to treat other body ailments. Other ingredients that do the same like Yerba are known to cause nausea, dizziness and frequent urination.
Metabolism Boosters
Metabolism boosters are likewise common and they have natural ingredients like Guarana that have more caffeine content than coffee to boost your stamina and burn-off fat along the way. But its stimulant effect can cause heart palpitations and insomnia similar to taking inordinate amounts of coffee. L-Carnitine is another common ingredient that is naturally produced in liver and kidneys to break down fat into energy but could cause health problems if you have existing vascular diseases, liver or kidney ailments.
Fad or fashionable diet pill ingredients like Acai Berry or Hoodia are ending up in a growing list of weight loss products mainly because of the media attention showered on them when a celebrity speaks how he or she got slim with one. Acai Berry is widely advertised as a weight loss miracle due to its anti-oxidative properties but there are no scientific studies to confirm this and users have reported side effects like diarrhea.
With a multi-billion dollar industry behind it, the commerce of marketing weight loss solution in diet pills and food supplements has never been more lucrative. The FDA can only dismiss many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements as ineffective and often unsafe with a list of banned and tainted diet pills on its website.
But as soon as any drug gets banned, you have a couple more appearing in the dieting market landscape. There's always something new and improved in the formulation of weight loss supplements riding on the ever-popular "organically grown and all-natural" product claim in their ingredients.
Is There Truth To Claims Of Efficacy?
Unfortunately not all claims and promises behind diet pills and supplements are completely true. Some may have a measure of efficacy but none of them truly live up to these claims. If they did, the problem of obesity and overweight afflicting more than 60% of the US population would have been solved and you'd see the statistical percentages dwindling every year. The fact is that by 2015, this figure is expected to grow to 75%. So what efficacy are they talking about?
Among the weight loss solutions out there, only the FDA approved drugs can truly claim to any level of efficacy as they are "effective and safe when taken as directed." Unfortunately these are your prescriptive diet pills you cannot obtain without a valid doctor's prescription. For the rest of them, anything goes.
Altering Your Body Processes
Diet pills work in various ways depending on their active ingredients. But in general, they work by altering or interfering with your natural body processes.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants are the most common slimming solutions in the market. They often contain 5 HTP enzymes that stimulate the production of certain chemicals in the brain like serotonin and catecholamine to trick you into thinking you are full and thus suppress hunger. Some have GLP-1 hormonal action that delays gastric juice secretion so you feel satiated and have no desire to eat. Whether natural or not, these diet pills can cause cardiovascular diseases and interfere with various prescriptive medication you may be taking to treat other body ailments. Other ingredients that do the same like Yerba are known to cause nausea, dizziness and frequent urination.
Metabolism Boosters
Metabolism boosters are likewise common and they have natural ingredients like Guarana that have more caffeine content than coffee to boost your stamina and burn-off fat along the way. But its stimulant effect can cause heart palpitations and insomnia similar to taking inordinate amounts of coffee. L-Carnitine is another common ingredient that is naturally produced in liver and kidneys to break down fat into energy but could cause health problems if you have existing vascular diseases, liver or kidney ailments.
Fad or fashionable diet pill ingredients like Acai Berry or Hoodia are ending up in a growing list of weight loss products mainly because of the media attention showered on them when a celebrity speaks how he or she got slim with one. Acai Berry is widely advertised as a weight loss miracle due to its anti-oxidative properties but there are no scientific studies to confirm this and users have reported side effects like diarrhea.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
5 Common Weight Loss Myths Exposed
by Mark Hall
A diet can command a fan following for the wrong reasons. People can sometimes get caught up with all the hype and hoopla surrounding a diet plan that some of the most important aspects can be given a complete go-by. One of the first things you should do before beginning your journey to a slimmer and healthier future is understand dietary myths and realities.
Carbohydrates Are Not Bad
There are several popular diets that proclaim that carbohydrates are bad for your weight loss mission. Wrong. Carbohydrates are a critical class of nutrients that help you through your day. Commonly, this myth is prevalent among promoters of low-carb or no-carb diets. Even the popular Atkins diet promotes this notion.
The balance sheet comparison of energy burned versus energy consumed has always been a controversial topic. Excessive intake of carbohydrates can very well cause weight increase. However, this does not mean you need to totally eliminate it from your diet. A healthy and moderate balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates is the formula to a wholesome weight loss program.
Exercise is for all, overweight and under.
Exercise is often taken for granted. It is a common assumption that exercise is needed only for people suffering from obesity or overweight. This leads to neglect of basic body requirements in all but the most bothered. You should remember that in addition to helping you lose weight, exercise helps you maintain your body weight too. The fat-muscle mass ratio is a useful number that indicates how much of excess you fat you carry. The leaner, the wiser – only to a healthy point, of course.
Regular workouts and exercise routines are absolutely essential to prevent medical conditions related to limbs, bones and joints. Even a mild routine such as a half-hour jog every morning can play a large part in maintaining your weight. The primary reason for heart complications happens to be the accumulation of fat – an eminently avoidable problem if only people understood the purpose of exercise.
Eating habits & exercise go hand-in-hand
Another major lack of understanding is betrayed in the belief that eating habits and exercise are two entirely separate issues. Even if your exercise routine is adequately planned and executed, you can negate all benefits simply by eating indiscriminately. Exercise and eating habits must work together in a consistent manner. You will end up wearing yourself out from all the exercise and yet not be able to keep your body fit if you don't care about your diet. Remember that the food you eat is the biggest determinant of how effective exercise will finally turn out to be.
Maintaining Weight is Hard
A common notion in popular circulation is that you need to work out to your limits to keep yourself from gaining the extra pounds you worked so hard to lose in the first place. You are well advised not to buy into this argument.
After you have successfully reached your goals in terms of weight loss, all you need to do is follow a regular, healthy workout regimen in order to maintain the fruits of your hard work and dedication. For instance, you can cut down your gym time to just an hour thrice a week, instead of your usual daily three hour session. This leaves you with more free time to attend to other important tasks during your day.
You can also choose a lightweight cardio routine such as an hour-long brisk walk or a half-hour treadmill session instead of an intensive aerobic exercise. Being clear about the truth behind weight loss and maintenance is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.
A diet can command a fan following for the wrong reasons. People can sometimes get caught up with all the hype and hoopla surrounding a diet plan that some of the most important aspects can be given a complete go-by. One of the first things you should do before beginning your journey to a slimmer and healthier future is understand dietary myths and realities.
Carbohydrates Are Not Bad
There are several popular diets that proclaim that carbohydrates are bad for your weight loss mission. Wrong. Carbohydrates are a critical class of nutrients that help you through your day. Commonly, this myth is prevalent among promoters of low-carb or no-carb diets. Even the popular Atkins diet promotes this notion.
The balance sheet comparison of energy burned versus energy consumed has always been a controversial topic. Excessive intake of carbohydrates can very well cause weight increase. However, this does not mean you need to totally eliminate it from your diet. A healthy and moderate balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates is the formula to a wholesome weight loss program.
Exercise is for all, overweight and under.
Exercise is often taken for granted. It is a common assumption that exercise is needed only for people suffering from obesity or overweight. This leads to neglect of basic body requirements in all but the most bothered. You should remember that in addition to helping you lose weight, exercise helps you maintain your body weight too. The fat-muscle mass ratio is a useful number that indicates how much of excess you fat you carry. The leaner, the wiser – only to a healthy point, of course.
Regular workouts and exercise routines are absolutely essential to prevent medical conditions related to limbs, bones and joints. Even a mild routine such as a half-hour jog every morning can play a large part in maintaining your weight. The primary reason for heart complications happens to be the accumulation of fat – an eminently avoidable problem if only people understood the purpose of exercise.
Eating habits & exercise go hand-in-hand
Another major lack of understanding is betrayed in the belief that eating habits and exercise are two entirely separate issues. Even if your exercise routine is adequately planned and executed, you can negate all benefits simply by eating indiscriminately. Exercise and eating habits must work together in a consistent manner. You will end up wearing yourself out from all the exercise and yet not be able to keep your body fit if you don't care about your diet. Remember that the food you eat is the biggest determinant of how effective exercise will finally turn out to be.
Maintaining Weight is Hard
A common notion in popular circulation is that you need to work out to your limits to keep yourself from gaining the extra pounds you worked so hard to lose in the first place. You are well advised not to buy into this argument.
After you have successfully reached your goals in terms of weight loss, all you need to do is follow a regular, healthy workout regimen in order to maintain the fruits of your hard work and dedication. For instance, you can cut down your gym time to just an hour thrice a week, instead of your usual daily three hour session. This leaves you with more free time to attend to other important tasks during your day.
You can also choose a lightweight cardio routine such as an hour-long brisk walk or a half-hour treadmill session instead of an intensive aerobic exercise. Being clear about the truth behind weight loss and maintenance is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Special K Cereal: The Miracle Diet Food
If you mention diet and cereal together, the first thought you’ll probably have is Special K. The reason why is obvious… Special K is the only cereal that practically markets itself as a weight loss and diet product. Case in point:
I just saw a commercial for Special K. It took quite a while for me to realize they were behind the commercial because honestly, it could have been for a weight loss pill or ab machine by the way it sounded.
I don’t remember it word-for-word. If I did I’d recite the entire thing back to you so you too can experience this marketing miracle. I can however sum up the two messages this commercial was supposed to get across.
1. You’re more likely to lose weight if you eat breakfast.
2. You’re more likely to lose weight if that breakfast is Special K cereal.
First of all, you’re more likely to lose weight if you consume less calories, burn more calories, or do a combination of both. That’s it. End of discussion. (Full details are here: How To Lose Weight)
Second of all, Special K cereal does not cause weight loss in any way whatsoever. It’s just calories. There are no weight loss vitamins, minerals, ingredients or magic fairy dust in it that makes it any different than any other calories. Sure, it’s low fat, and that’s always nice. Sure, it’s low in calories too, but so is everything else that’s low in fat. It is calories and nothing more.
Do you know what that means? It means that if someone is going to claim Special K makes you lose weight, or even just slightly helps you lose weight, you can equally claim that it makes you gain weight. Why? BECAUSE IT’S CALORIES. They control what your weight does, not specific foods. Eat too much Special K and you’ll gain weight no different than if you ate too many potato chips.
They market it as this miracle diet food because, compared to eating a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast, it makes a much better choice. But, so does oatmeal, or fruit, or egg whites, or whole wheat bread, or another cereal like Cheerios. As long as you eat the same number of calories worth, they will all have an equal effect on your weight loss.
As a cereal, Special K is one of the good guys. It’s a much better choice than the other sugar-loaded junk cereals, and it actually tastes pretty good. But, as a diet food, it’s no different than any of the other garbage people try to sell you under the guise of a miracle product.
“Buy this product and you’ll be more likely to lose weight” actually means “We’re kind of lying here, or at least just not telling you the whole truth. We do this because we want you to buy OUR product. We like making money.” every single time.
So sure, if you are currently eating 750 calories worth of junk for breakfast every day, and you replace it with 250 calories worth of Special K cereal, you’ll end up losing weight. But just know that the Special K had nothing to do with it. It was the 500 calorie reduction to your diet that made this happen. You could have eaten 250 calories worth of any cereal you wanted (even the junky sugary ones) and it still would have caused weight loss.
I just saw a commercial for Special K. It took quite a while for me to realize they were behind the commercial because honestly, it could have been for a weight loss pill or ab machine by the way it sounded.
I don’t remember it word-for-word. If I did I’d recite the entire thing back to you so you too can experience this marketing miracle. I can however sum up the two messages this commercial was supposed to get across.
1. You’re more likely to lose weight if you eat breakfast.
2. You’re more likely to lose weight if that breakfast is Special K cereal.
First of all, you’re more likely to lose weight if you consume less calories, burn more calories, or do a combination of both. That’s it. End of discussion. (Full details are here: How To Lose Weight)
Second of all, Special K cereal does not cause weight loss in any way whatsoever. It’s just calories. There are no weight loss vitamins, minerals, ingredients or magic fairy dust in it that makes it any different than any other calories. Sure, it’s low fat, and that’s always nice. Sure, it’s low in calories too, but so is everything else that’s low in fat. It is calories and nothing more.
Do you know what that means? It means that if someone is going to claim Special K makes you lose weight, or even just slightly helps you lose weight, you can equally claim that it makes you gain weight. Why? BECAUSE IT’S CALORIES. They control what your weight does, not specific foods. Eat too much Special K and you’ll gain weight no different than if you ate too many potato chips.
They market it as this miracle diet food because, compared to eating a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich for breakfast, it makes a much better choice. But, so does oatmeal, or fruit, or egg whites, or whole wheat bread, or another cereal like Cheerios. As long as you eat the same number of calories worth, they will all have an equal effect on your weight loss.
As a cereal, Special K is one of the good guys. It’s a much better choice than the other sugar-loaded junk cereals, and it actually tastes pretty good. But, as a diet food, it’s no different than any of the other garbage people try to sell you under the guise of a miracle product.
“Buy this product and you’ll be more likely to lose weight” actually means “We’re kind of lying here, or at least just not telling you the whole truth. We do this because we want you to buy OUR product. We like making money.” every single time.
So sure, if you are currently eating 750 calories worth of junk for breakfast every day, and you replace it with 250 calories worth of Special K cereal, you’ll end up losing weight. But just know that the Special K had nothing to do with it. It was the 500 calorie reduction to your diet that made this happen. You could have eaten 250 calories worth of any cereal you wanted (even the junky sugary ones) and it still would have caused weight loss.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The easiest way to lose weight
Hello there.. I’m not exactly sure if “easy” is the perfect word to use to describe what I’m about to say, but then again, if there really was a way to lose weight without changing what you eat (I’m being completely serious this time), then maybe it should be described as the easiest way to lose weight?
When most people think about weight loss, or really just their diet in general, they think food and eating. When they think about calories, or more specifically, a calorie reduction, they once again think food and how much less of it they’ll have to eat. While food does make up the majority of your diet and therefore the majority of your daily calorie intake, there is another aspect of your diet that’s being neglected by this thought process.
Drinks.
I’m talking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices, beer, and every other liquid that is drinkable besides water.
All of the above contain calories. Water doesn’t. And these liquid calories are a lot quicker and easier and less filling to consume than solid food calories. You can probably drink 500 calories worth of some liquid before you’d even have the time to prepare 500 calories worth of solid food.
So, while you should DEFINITELY get the food part of your diet in order, there are a surprisingly large number of people out there that could lose weight solely by changing what they drink, without even touching what they eat. See, I told you I was serious before.
What type of drink change should you make exactly? I can answer that question for you in just 4 words: Replace everything with water.
Soda is completely useless and should be avoided by everyone whether they are trying to lose weight or not. It’s just empty, useless calories. In a somewhat similar way, the same could be said about beer.
Sports drinks (such as Gatorade) can have their place, but a lot of the people drinking them are doing so in situations where there is absolutely no need for a sports drink. If you are playing basketball for an hour, fine. If you are running a marathon, go for it. If you are sitting around in your living room watching TV… do I even have to finish this sentence?
And about fruit juices.I know. “Fruit is healthy!!! You can’t tell people not to drink fruit juice!” Actually, yes I can. If you want the really good stuff (ya know, vitamins) that is in fruit. EAT FRUIT. If you want something to drink, DRINK WATER.
In Phase 1 of The Lose Weight Diet, you learn the ideal calorie reduction for weight loss to take place is about 500 calories. When most people hear that, they think food. While a lot of people will only be able to create this calorie deficit by eating less food, there are actually quite a few people out there that can accomplish this by doing something as simple and easy as drinking water instead of soda.
If you happen to be one of these people… then what in the hell are you waiting for?
(and just to reemphasize what I said before, even if you can lose weight just by changing what you drink, you should still make the effort to improve what you eat. Got that? Good).
When most people think about weight loss, or really just their diet in general, they think food and eating. When they think about calories, or more specifically, a calorie reduction, they once again think food and how much less of it they’ll have to eat. While food does make up the majority of your diet and therefore the majority of your daily calorie intake, there is another aspect of your diet that’s being neglected by this thought process.
Drinks.
I’m talking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices, beer, and every other liquid that is drinkable besides water.
All of the above contain calories. Water doesn’t. And these liquid calories are a lot quicker and easier and less filling to consume than solid food calories. You can probably drink 500 calories worth of some liquid before you’d even have the time to prepare 500 calories worth of solid food.
So, while you should DEFINITELY get the food part of your diet in order, there are a surprisingly large number of people out there that could lose weight solely by changing what they drink, without even touching what they eat. See, I told you I was serious before.
What type of drink change should you make exactly? I can answer that question for you in just 4 words: Replace everything with water.
Soda is completely useless and should be avoided by everyone whether they are trying to lose weight or not. It’s just empty, useless calories. In a somewhat similar way, the same could be said about beer.
Sports drinks (such as Gatorade) can have their place, but a lot of the people drinking them are doing so in situations where there is absolutely no need for a sports drink. If you are playing basketball for an hour, fine. If you are running a marathon, go for it. If you are sitting around in your living room watching TV… do I even have to finish this sentence?
And about fruit juices.I know. “Fruit is healthy!!! You can’t tell people not to drink fruit juice!” Actually, yes I can. If you want the really good stuff (ya know, vitamins) that is in fruit. EAT FRUIT. If you want something to drink, DRINK WATER.
In Phase 1 of The Lose Weight Diet, you learn the ideal calorie reduction for weight loss to take place is about 500 calories. When most people hear that, they think food. While a lot of people will only be able to create this calorie deficit by eating less food, there are actually quite a few people out there that can accomplish this by doing something as simple and easy as drinking water instead of soda.
If you happen to be one of these people… then what in the hell are you waiting for?
(and just to reemphasize what I said before, even if you can lose weight just by changing what you drink, you should still make the effort to improve what you eat. Got that? Good).
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Diet Plans And Weight Loss Programs Compared
Typically when diet plans and weight loss programs are compared, it's done to show you things like differences in price, foods you can and can not eat, and which ones are easier to follow. It's safe to say that this comparison is going to be a little bit different. Let me explain...
In the fad diets article, I described what I feel makes a diet a fad diet. I explained that weight loss happens when you take in fewer calories than your body needs to maintain it's current weight. I mentioned that this is a fact. I then said that I feel every diet plan and weight loss program that revolves around doing anything besides this fact, is a fad diet.
I even came up with a nickname for what these diets instead make you do. I called them "unnecessary diet tasks." Something that a diet requires you to do that isn't actually necessary for weight loss to happen. In certain cases, this unnecessary task can also be dangerous.
To help show what I mean, I've decided to give a brief review of a few of the most popular diet plans around today followed by a similar review of The Lose Weight Diet for comparison purposes. Each "review" will cover just two aspects of the diet; what makes it unnecessary, and why that diet is not an ideal healthy diet.
In the fad diets article, I described what I feel makes a diet a fad diet. I explained that weight loss happens when you take in fewer calories than your body needs to maintain it's current weight. I mentioned that this is a fact. I then said that I feel every diet plan and weight loss program that revolves around doing anything besides this fact, is a fad diet.
I even came up with a nickname for what these diets instead make you do. I called them "unnecessary diet tasks." Something that a diet requires you to do that isn't actually necessary for weight loss to happen. In certain cases, this unnecessary task can also be dangerous.
To help show what I mean, I've decided to give a brief review of a few of the most popular diet plans around today followed by a similar review of The Lose Weight Diet for comparison purposes. Each "review" will cover just two aspects of the diet; what makes it unnecessary, and why that diet is not an ideal healthy diet.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Think all dietary fat is the same? Guess again
By Colette Bouchez
If you ask folks what food group they should avoid, most will probably answer "fats." While it's true that, in large amounts, some types of fat are bad for your health (not to mention your waistline), there are some we simply can't live without.
Among them are the omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods including walnuts, some fruits and vegetables, and coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, sturgeon, and anchovies.
"It not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats," says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
The benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments. Some research has even shown that omega-3s can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer's disease.
Just how do omega-3s perform so many health "miracles" in people? One way, experts say, is by encouraging the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation -- in the joints, the bloodstream, and the tissues.
But even as important is their ability to reduce the negative impact of yet another essential type of fatty acid known as omega-6s. Found in foods such as eggs, poultry, cereals, vegetable oils, baked goods, and margarine, omega-6s are also considered essential. They support skin health, lower cholesterol, and help make our blood "sticky" so it is able to clot. But when omega-6s aren't balanced with sufficient amounts of omega-3s, problems can ensue.
"When blood is too 'sticky,' it promotes clot formation, and this can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke," says nutritionist Lona Sandon, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. But once you add omega-3s to the mix, the risk of heart problems goes down, she tells WebMD.
The latest research shows that the most promising health effects of essential fatty acids are achieved through a proper balance between omega-3s and omega-6s. The ratio to shoot for, experts say, is roughly 4 parts omega-3s to 1 part omega-6s.
Most of us, they say, come up dangerously short.
"The typical American diet has a ratio of around 20 to 1 -- 20 omega-6's to 1 omega-3 -- and that spells trouble," says Sandon, an assistant professor of nutrition at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. While reducing your intake of omega-6s can help, getting more omega-3s from food is an even better way to go.
If you ask folks what food group they should avoid, most will probably answer "fats." While it's true that, in large amounts, some types of fat are bad for your health (not to mention your waistline), there are some we simply can't live without.
Among them are the omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods including walnuts, some fruits and vegetables, and coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, sturgeon, and anchovies.
"It not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats," says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
The benefits of omega-3s include reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), joint pain and other rheumatoid problems, as well as certain skin ailments. Some research has even shown that omega-3s can boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer's disease.
Just how do omega-3s perform so many health "miracles" in people? One way, experts say, is by encouraging the production of body chemicals that help control inflammation -- in the joints, the bloodstream, and the tissues.
But even as important is their ability to reduce the negative impact of yet another essential type of fatty acid known as omega-6s. Found in foods such as eggs, poultry, cereals, vegetable oils, baked goods, and margarine, omega-6s are also considered essential. They support skin health, lower cholesterol, and help make our blood "sticky" so it is able to clot. But when omega-6s aren't balanced with sufficient amounts of omega-3s, problems can ensue.
"When blood is too 'sticky,' it promotes clot formation, and this can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke," says nutritionist Lona Sandon, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. But once you add omega-3s to the mix, the risk of heart problems goes down, she tells WebMD.
The latest research shows that the most promising health effects of essential fatty acids are achieved through a proper balance between omega-3s and omega-6s. The ratio to shoot for, experts say, is roughly 4 parts omega-3s to 1 part omega-6s.
Most of us, they say, come up dangerously short.
"The typical American diet has a ratio of around 20 to 1 -- 20 omega-6's to 1 omega-3 -- and that spells trouble," says Sandon, an assistant professor of nutrition at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. While reducing your intake of omega-6s can help, getting more omega-3s from food is an even better way to go.
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