Posts Tagged “Fruits And Vegetables”

The Mediterranean Diet is named after the traditional diet of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It traditionally focuses on including a large amount of fruits and vegetables, and healthy, unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil. The diet rounds itself out with small portions of nuts and regular servings of oily fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. It avoids red meat and other sources of saturated fat, such as butter.

Just understand that the menu at your local Italian restaurant is not the true Mediterranean diet. The diet is recommended by nutritionists to lower cholesterol, and it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which lower "bad cholesterol". In addition, it promotes a healthier lifestyle overall, especially considering that the fresher the produce and fish, the better.

An apparent contradiction in the diet is that it can lower your weight, but the diet itself is high in fat. The reason is that it matters greatly what kind of fat you have. Saturated fats and dietary cholesterol tend to increase your blood’s cholesterol, whereas the polyunsaturated vegetable oils and fish oils that constitute much of the Mediterranean Diet tend to lower cholesterol. And finally, extra virgin olive oil is a monounsaturated oil. That makes it "neutral" in terms of cholesterol.

Oppose this with the typical American diet of red meat, starch, and deep-fried fats. Corn oil and corn products are about the most fattening forms of oils we can find on the planet. You need only consider that corn is used as a feed because it fattens livestock. If corn can put 1000 pounds on a cow, imagine what it can do for you! In addition, most of the American meats are beef, pork, and chicken, all of which are also the most saturated fatty meats.

Remember, much has to do with portions. The Mediterranean people often serve up many plates of healthy foods and recipes but rarely are they large in comparison to a western plate of food. Pasta is often on the side of the plate and served with other vegetables or salad depending on which traditional recipe; not piled up and smothered in sauce as we see today in some restaurants.

It wasn’t that long ago that no one knew of the the Mediterranean diet but now it is winning more converts every day, as more people discover that it’s a diet easy to stick to, since it tastes better than any other diet out there!

Ray Darken is the author and he can provide more information from his down-loadable weight loss, nutrition and health guide on the Mediterranean diet or if you think you would like more information first, you can read about how to lose weight safely with a Mediterranean diet.

Article Source: Weight Loss and the Mediterranean Diet

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Teen-agers are always plagued by many health problems triggered by many factors. One of the basic issues during this stage is the peer pressure to maintain normal weight, and in much desired sense, every teen-ager prefers the anorexic-look.

Easy free weight loss for teens is not suppose to be an issue if only the word "discipline" is properly established in one’s daily living. What can you expect of teens? They will do the worse by escaping meals, only to feel tired and haggard with the struggle of keeping a trim body.

The ways to do effective teen weight loss starts at home. Usually if the environment has erratic schedules, chances are the lifestyle is chaotic too, and in some way this can affect the management of food served. While teens are outgoing, they end up taking dinner at fast food chains or they keep busy in front of TVs nibbling crackers.

Keeping a sensible book on calorie list is better than not knowing the count of each food indiscriminately taken. A teen can keep this somewhere while keeping track of each food consumption. Usually, unnecessary beverages also add a scale in the calorie list. If one is not aware, alcohols have high calorie content, yet it does not give potential benefit for the body.

Ice cream is also one culprit in adding any excess weight to a complete daily diet. Imagine an approximate 450 calories per serving of ice cream, which already comprise almost the third of an average person’s complete meal. Being aware of every calorie count does serve as reminder of what could be taken constantly. In consistent use, one could even memorize the tabulation with ease.

Fruits and vegetables are important part of diet with lesser amount of calories yet vital in daily processes. Teens must not forget to take these food groups in larger quantities to help them with an efficient diet rather than fantasize on a big serving of french fries during outdoor activities. Cakes and fancy pastries are rich on oil, yet they can’t fully satisfy the pang of hunger. A good serving of natural cereals for breakfast is a good start for the day.

Easy and free teen weight loss program should be the focus in getting trim. Advertisements are sometimes the culprit on why teens plunge with different systems of weight loss, which are not necessary for such a tender age.

Usually, product lines of diet pills and tablets may sound encouraging because of the promise of instant effect and false scripted testimonials that go along with ads. A chubby teen would find it tempting to try any methods just to look sexy on a prom night.

It is quite funny to see and hear several varying stories on gaining and losing weight from people of all walks of life. Each is unique, however, it will really tickle your thoughts on why there are dozens of ineffective methods? People come and go, thin, and fat sharing their side of experiences. You will realize, there is no perfect universal diet regimen for everyone. There is only one universal truth about staying trim the cheapest way, and that is taking a close study on what you eat.

It means, the only key to permanent weight loss is still the motivation to limit the amount of food taken, plus knowing the right energy (calorie) each food contains for consumption. One must really digest this idea and sit down to think over or reflect on how stubborn most people are in terms of eating habits.

Want a PROVEN weight loss formula? Click Here to find out more!

Article Source: Weight Loss Is Free And Easy – If Taken Seriously

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A lot of people are eating healthier nowadays, as empty processed diets are being restored to more wholesome foods, causing a more conscious society to be emerging. It is important now more than ever to understand how natural foods can help us to lose weight and create a better life. Spirulina is a small spiral-coiled organism that is one of the oldest living things on earth. Spirulina also called blue-green algae is a nutritional powerhouse and supplies numerous benefits. For centuries it has been nourishing people and is becoming an increasingly popular option among dieters and health seekers.

Spirulina thrives in hot climates where it grows in ponds and lakes, producing twenty times more protein than soybeans that grow on an equal-sized amount of land. It actually has the richest known protein content at 60 to 70 percent. This vegetable is easy to digest and allows dieters to meet their needs for this nutrient while fighting off the craving for meat, unwanted fat, and cholesterol. The concentrated protein found in spirulina can encourage natural body weight by eliminating the highs and lows in blood sugar that come along with a high-carbohydrate diet. This effect of stabilizing blood sugar helps people with hypoglycemia.

Spirulina was originally used for food by African villagers before the Aztecs recorded consuming spirulina in what is now Mexico over five centuries ago. In India, small amounts of spirulina were used to help improve the general well-being, by enabling vegetarian villagers to maintain a healthy weight without eating meat. Spirulina was rated a better food than most other protein sources by researchers at the Toronto’s McGill University when studying severely malnourished children. If you aren’t consuming the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, just one spirulina serving can give you ten times more beta carotene than carrots.

In a study at McGill University, spirulina was given to thirty men with mild hypertension and high cholesterol; results were shown to reduce cholesterol levels in all participants. The total cholesterol levels dropped significantly, but returned to baseline when the spirulina was stopped. Spirulina contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is the same nutrient that is found in mother’s milk. When it is taken in large quantities, GLA has been shown to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and hormone regulation.

Scientists at UC Davis School of Medicine found that spirulina increases the production of cytokines, which provide a major defense against viruses and cancer cells. Cytokines are good for the body because they stimulate the cells that target cells which target certain pathogens. The more of these cells that you have available, the more attack forces you have to fight the cells.

The chlorophyll which is found in spirulina makes it a natural cleanser, as well as a natural appetite suppressant; making it favorable for dieters. This is extremely useful for people who are trying to lose weight or are fasting. Because spirulina is so rich in vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium, it is great for men, women, children, and vegetarians who are prone to deficiencies in these nutrients.

In conclusion, today’s spirulina is grown using modern methods and available in tablets, capsules, and powders. Spirulina is a great addition to one’s diet whether they are trying to boost overall health or manage weight. Stop in to your local health food store and ask about spirulina and how it can help boost your health.

More information on Spirulina for Weight loss is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Article Source: The Colors of Weight Loss Start With Blue and Green

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What if I told you that one of the keys to successful weight loss is…eating?

So many people that I talk with who are trying to lose weight typically start by eliminating meals altogether from their diets hoping to quickly lose weight.

The primary consensus is that if they don’t eat, they will lose weight.

Well let me tell you that this practice can actually have the opposite effect.

It’s true that if you don’t eat anything at all, eventually you will lose weight, but not until your body is actually convinced that it is in a starvation mode. The reason for this is that your body is a finely tuned and very smart "machine". It has been carefully programmed over thousands of years of evolution to conserve your body fat in the unlikely event that you can’t eat. It is a primal survival mechanism that is intended to prevent starvation.

The key to losing weight is keeping your metabolism fired up. Your metabolism is your internal "engine" that controls the rate at which you burn calories.

When you skip meals or stop eating all together your body automatically begins to conserve calories. Therefore, it’s important that you eat continually throughout the day. Every 2 hours to be more specific. This doesn’t mean you want to go off on some kind of a binge. To the contrary, what foods you should eat and when is critical. This ensures you always keep your body guessing and your metabolism
working at the highest rate. That, in turn, ensures that you continue to burn fat and lose weight.

The key is to eat smaller portions of the right foods throughout the day. What do I mean by the "right" foods? By right foods I mean those foods that contain good proteins and carbohydrates that are easily burned and converted to energy instead of fat. A few examples of this are certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Certain fruits and vegetables contain beneficial vitamins and enzymes and are converted to quick energy. The best foods for you are Organic foods, that do not contain pesticides or chemicals.

Try fixing yourself some cut up vegetables like celery, carrots and broccoli and eating them between breakfast and lunch and as a mid afternoon snack. Or have a cut-up apple, melon or some pineapple. You can also eat a handful of plain almonds instead.

Focus on eating smaller portions of the right foods, 5 times a day and eating healthy snacks in between meals. And try not to eat after 7:30 PM. Start with the fruits, vegetables and almonds. And mix them up.

One more thing, there are several bad carbohydrates, most of them contain refined sugar or flour of some type. Stay away from these foods! And don’t eat after 8 PM.

Stick to the good carbohydrates and proteins, eating them at the right times throughout the day, and you will be on your way to losing unwanted pounds and improving your overall health.

Do you want to discover the simple secrets for fast weight loss? Download this: FREE Simple Secrets to Quick Weight Loss Robert Bauer is a nutrition and weight loss expert who teaches people how to lose weight.

Article Source: How to Lose Weight By Eating More

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I want to lose 55 pounds, so if i swim everyday for an hour a day and eat a healthy diet will i lose theweight?
i am eating a healthy diet of only whole grain carbs (and special k cereal) protein and many fruits and vegetables. i am also swimming for an hour a day doing 80 laps freestyle. is this an effective way of losing 55 pounds?? do you guys have any tips to help me?

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Copyright (c) 2010 George Plaza

If you’ve got an underactive thyroid, you know that constant fatigue and weight gain are your constant companions, or least something you worry about. You feel drained of energy and life, unable to do the activities you once loved. You may be too overweight to the activities you once enjoyed, too, or you’re just too tired to get out and do them. Can an underactive thyroid diet help you regain the energy and lose the weight, so that you can get back to living?

The answer is pretty complicated, because an underactive thyroid diet can never actually "cure" you of hypothyroidism. However, if you follow a well balanced diet and have proper nutrition, including nutrients that can increase your energy and help you lose weight, you can absolutely take back at least some control.

When you feel better, you can also be more active, and when you exercise more, you can say goodbye to exhaustion and start feeling even better. Your ultimate objective should be to do 45 minutes to an hour of physical activity and exercise a day, and you don’t have to exceed your abilities to it. Simply start slow, such as taking a walk every day, and then do more as you feel like it.

The underactive thyroid diet isn’t difficult to follow, either. Really, it’s just a healthy diet that you put together yourself; it’s comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables, new proteins like skinless chicken or ground turkey, and some healthy fats such as olive oil. You should also include some low-fat dairy.

A supplement called Active Fiber can complete your diet and help you retain good health, as can soy protein drinks.

Carbohydrates should be used sparingly in an underactive thyroid diet, with most of them coming from fruits and vegetables. For example, leafy green vegetables such as spinach are a good carbohydrate source. Whole grains, too, should be included, things like brown rice and oatmeal. Don’t make even complex carbohydrates a mainstay of your diet, though. Instead, eat them moderately; extra fiber is important especially if you suffer from constipation due to your hypothyroidism.

If you’re vegetarian, you can also follow an underactive thyroid diet, but you have to pay special attention to getting enough protein. Protein can come from good sources like peanut butter and other nut butters, or from nuts directly. You can also utilize meat replacement products and vegetables, which also contain protein. Soy protein is an especially good protein source, since it contains the 20 essential amino acids. A naturally based good-quality protein drink can give you the recommended amounts of what you need every day.

Be careful if you’re following an underactive thyroid diet to avoid foods that have a lot of preservatives. Although preservatives do indeed extend packaged foods’ shelf life, your body doesn’t find them healthy at all. Most of them also have an abundance of chemicals like synthetic flavors and colors, so use natural alternatives instead.

An underactive thyroid diet isn’t really special — it’s just a healthy, well-balanced meal plan that delivers the nutrition you need for health, energy, and well being.

George Plaza has been a Gourmet Chef for over 15 years and has written a very useful course to lose weight and improve your health while eating delicious meals. Get tips about http://www.howincreasemetabolism.com/underactive-thyroid-die t . For a limited period you can get it free. How to Increase Metabolism mini-course from an ex-overweight Chef, Fitness coach. http://www.HowIncreaseMetabolism.com

Article Source: The Underactive Thyroid Diet Can Help You Regain Energy and Lose Weight, Too

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Summer weight loss is a very popular topic and every year it seems like many people go into a panic when summer finally arrives. Bathing suites, shorts, tank tops leave little to the imagination and you get to show more skin than during the colder months.

It’s not like we all don’t know it’s coming, it’s just easier to put it off till the last second. But never fear, there are some easy and fast ways to lose weight quickly. And summer even offers a few advantages over the other colder months.

For those us that like a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverages, stay away from the sweet drinks. Check out the calories in some of these popular summer drinks.

Mai Tai – 225 calories

Banana Daiquiri – 230 calories

Long Island Iced Tea – 275 calories

Pina Colada – 280 calories

Zombie – 325 calories

Wow, three Zombies and besides not being able to walk, you just consumed almost 1000 calories with no food content. Even a basic mixed drink has about 65-75 calories, a glass of red wine can be 80-100 calories, and a beer can be 100. Some experts say these calories don’t convert to fat, others say they can. A good way to still have a glass of wine is to add soda or plain water, that cuts down the intake of alcohol. Or pick one of the new low caloric beers, there are several.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are readily available in both grocery stores and local farmer’s markets in the summer. Many of these are both fiber rich and have minimal calories to boot. So it’s easy to put together some great low cal meals summer style. Summer weight loss can be easy and effective including fiber rich fruits and vegetables.

I’ve been searching for the right diet plan for the past year and have found some great tips for easy, fast, and effective summer weight loss. Obviously these meals will work at any time of year but they really shine when you add fresh vegetables and outdoor grilling to the mix.

Foods high in fiber are you’re best choice for at least two meals every day. Fiber can help reduce cholesterol and glucose in the blood. Most nutritionists recommend that women should get around 25 grams per day and men around 35. Avoid fried foods, bread, any kind of sodas, and creamy sauces. Make sure you drink enough water; it’s easy to get dehydrated in the summer heat.

Here’s a short list of fruits and vegetables with fiber content (always leave the skin on when possible – that’s where a lot of the fiber comes from):

Fruits
Apples – medium, 1, 5 grams
Apricots – medium, 3-4, 1 gram
Avocado – medium, 1, 12 grams
Banana – medium, 1, 4 grams
Blueberries – cup, 1, 4 grams
Cantaloupe – cup, 1, 1.2 grams
Figs – medium, 3, 5.5 grams
Grapefruit – medium, half, 6 grams
Orange – medium, 1, 3.5 grams
Peach – medium, 1, 2 grams
Pear – medium, 1 5 grams
Plum – medium, 1, 1 gram
Raisins – oz, 3, 3 grams
Raspberries – cup, 1, 8 grams
Strawberries – cup, 1, 4 grams

Vegetables
Beets – cup, 1, 3 grams
Beet Greens – cup, 1, 4 grams
Broccoli – cup, 1, 2 grams
Brussels Sprouts – cup, 1, 3 grams
Cabbage – cup, 1, 4 grams
Carrot – medium, 1, 2 grams
Cauliflower – cup, 1, 4 grams
Corn, Sweet – cup, 1, 4.5 grams
Green Beans – cup, 1, 4 grams
Celery – stalk, 1, 1 gram
Onions – cup, 1, 3 grams
Peas – cup, 1, 9 grams
Peppers, Sweet – cup, 1, 2.5 grams
Potato, Baked – medium, 1, 5 grams
Spinach – cup, 1, 4 grams
Summer Squash – cup, 1, 3 grams
Sweet Potato – cup, 1, 6 grams
Tomato – medium, 1, 1 gram
Squash – cup, 1 5.5 grams
Zucchini – cup, 1, 2.5 grams

And you can add in the many possible beans and grains and it’s easy to hit that 25 or 35 grams of fiber per day. We need to throw in some protein too, maybe lean meat, fish, eggs, even peanut butter. There’s little agreement on how much protein you need and what kind. Some experts say as little as 47 grams (think of two eggs), some say around 10% of your daily caloric intake.

But keep in mind that most vegetables have protein (potato = 7 grams) so if you stay with small amounts of high protein foods like lean meat and fish you’ll get enough protein. 5-6 ounces of fish or lean meat per meal is fine.

There is no need to torture yourself in your desire for summer weight loss. If you really want a piece of bread to go with that meal, do it. Or if you feel like having something fried, go ahead; just keep the portion down to reasonable amount. Don’t super-size anything.

Which brings us to another area of concern when trying to lose a little weight. Snacks! We all want them, especially when we lower our caloric intake. The best way to deal with that urge is to have something that feeds the need. Want something sweet? Go with ripe fruit, something crunchy, go with pumpkin seeds.

So a good daily meal schedule with lots of fiber and protein, and fewer calories would look like this:

Morning – Breakfast

Bran cereal with a cup of raspberries and low fat or 2% milk.

(Change out the type of bran and type of fruit every day)

Mid-day – Lunch

Peanut Butter Sandwich (use whole grain bread) with 2 cups of raw vegetables.

(Substitute the peanut butter with 5-6 ounces of grilled fish, lean hamburger. Swap out vegetables with fruit, or 3 bean salad.)

Evening – Dinner

One vegetable cold soup, 5-6 ounces of lean meat or fish, vegetables garnished with vinegar, oil, and seasoning on a kabob.

(Swap out the meats, vegetables. Use lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar. Stir fry instead of grill. You can use olive oil in very small quantities – remember – no torture necessary)

The flexibility is endless, keep the portions reasonable, and if you use any sauces or oil make sure you use just enough to flavor or properly coat for light grilling or frying. The key is moderation, both in size of servings and types of garnish or sauces.

Many experts have different opinions on daily calorie amounts, some say 1600, some around 2000. I chose the 1600 to base my daily intake since I don’t always get to exercise as much as I’d like.

Speaking of exercise, there are many opportunities to work some light exercise into your daily summer routine. Taking the dog for a walk during the early or late hours during the cooler times is good for you and the dog. Walking to the neighborhood pool with the kids is a good too. Park farther from the store, take the stairs, go window shopping, or go to some outdoor activity like art or craft shows.

Always take some water; the summer heat can dehydrate you quicker than you think. Pick the cooler times of day when possible, early in the morning or late in the evening. Don’t over do it, consider your foot wear, and start slow if you haven’t walked far in a long time. Slowly work up your distance to what you have the time for and slowly pick up the pace.

Summer weight loss can be easy, fun, and keep you healthy. Just be a little creative in your activities and take advantage of the fresh produce to eat healthier.

If you’d like to see how I figured out the easy way to lose weight and change my eating habits too, click on this link to learn more: Diet Plans

Article Source: Summer Weight Loss – Easy, Fast, And Effective Tips

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Imagine looking in a mirror 10 years from now. What will you see, how will you feel? Will you have the mental and physical where with all to take pleasure in you your family and friends?

You know and understand how important it is to eat healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You have heard over and over the importance of getting regular, energetic exercise. Of course you may already be eating the proper foods and getting some exercise – but is it really enough?

There are a number of reasons to get into shape. However, continuing to have the incentive and enthusiasm to lose the weight over an extended period of time can be extremely difficult. Being aware of the reality will increase your incentive to lose weight every day. Keep in mind the following 5 incentives to lose weight:

Incentive to lose weight Tip #1 – Longer Life

The truth has been found out. People have longer lives when they are in shape. This is fantastic news, particularly for those that are having a difficult time getting rid of every little bit unwelcome weight. It’s the inactive way of life hurts you more than anything.

It doesn’t matter if you are in shape, not in shape or even extremely overweight, even the slightest of changes can make a difference. Simply adding foods that are healthier and more physical activity such as a short walk after dinner can change your life.

Incentive to lose weight Tip #2 – Keep Your Mind in Shape

Believe it or not it is possible that physical activity is the key to keeping your mind young. Truth be told, how quick witted you continue to be as you age is related to your level of activity.

In the 1932 Scottish Mental Survey, 460 women and men were tested both mentally and physically at the age 11 and then again at 79. The ones that tested with the higher fitness scores were more probable to score likewise on the mental skills test at both ages. Basically, the better physical shape they were in old age, the better their mental sharpness.

Being physically fit is a significant part of your mental development at any age.

Incentive to lose weight Tip #3 – Push Depression out the Door

Have you ever thought about why depression is regarded as a medical condition? It is not only feelings of extreme sadness. Depression is the product of having a chemical imbalance in brain so the signals aren’t delivered correctly between the nerve cells. This makes a person feel sad.

Doctors are also aware that there is link connecting depression and obesity. So if you have one there is a good chance that you have the other.

You can fight the imbalanced chemicals by remaining active. By having a active lifestyle, working out, walking, bike riding etc, your body produces "feel-good" chemicals called such as endorphins and serotonin.

Getting into shape is a fantastic way to get rid of the sadness naturally.

Incentive to lose weight Tip #4 – Stress Relief

When you have tough times and worried stress is the way your body naturally combats in order to protect itself. Your body produces chemicals that will get you ready to fight or run when you are experiencing a stressful situation.

Some stress is essential. However if you do not let your body rid itself of the excess chemicals then stress can cause damage over extended periods of time.

Your body reaction to stress is to slow down the digestion process. This causes a chain reaction where there is more sugar and fat released into your blood stream for fuel then other chemicals are released to help your blood to clot, raise your heart rate, increased breathing, perspiring and then your muscles tense up.

When you work out you are helping your body to relax and recover from that adrenaline rush.

Incentive to lose weight Tip #5 – Increase Energy

If you purchased a new auto, and the dealer told you to only use premium gasoline because it would make the car run better and many years would you do it? Probably so.

So why is it you don’t take care of your body like this?

Your body needs fuel, so you feed it and get exercise because that is what it needs to operate. Your physician tells you that in order to avoid problems you need to get in shape and eat healthier. So if you are abusing your body today hoping that it will be fine in the future, then you may be running on unleaded fuel.

Then before you know it our body is wearing out. You find it hard to do simple things, such as walk up a set of stairs or pick up your grandchildren.

You need to reach for the premium fuel now! It is true that it cost you more financially, however there is an even higher cost when you realize how well you’ll be able to perform in the years to come.

Being able to have a long and healthy life with your family and friends is invaluable. They’re worth it – so are you!

These are 5 life-altering reasons to get into shape.

Are you sitting in your favorite chair only thinking about it? Keep in mind that being in shape is a lifetime commitment and it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Think about adding some incentives to lose weight books and takes to your arsenal. Alter your way of thinking and you can achieve your goals.

Incentive and losing weight can work together to save a life – Yours!

Here is a quote that will help with your incentive to lose weight.

"Instead of giving myself reasons why I can’t, I give myself reasons why I can." – Author Unknown

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development.

Article Source: Incentives To Lose Weight – 5 Life-Altering Reasons To Get Into Shape

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One of the easiest ways of getting tons of nutrition while helping your chances of losing weight is through a liquid diet. Now I’m not talking about packaged protein shakes or low calorie drinks but rather whole food smoothies and juices that pack tons of fruits and vegetables into a single glass.

The recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables is 5-10 servings yet less than 20% of North Americans meet that requirement. The reasons are many but a very simple way to remedy this issue is to get a number of those servings by way of a single smoothie or juice.

This way not only will you get an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but you also lessen the burden on your digestive system. I’m sure you can understand that anything liquid takes far less time to digest than a solid food. It just makes sense since the ingredients have already been “predigested” by the blending or juicing process.

This applies to weight loss in the following manner. When you eat foods, they are digested, broken down, and absorbed into the blood to go to their final destination. Much of the time, though, the meals many people eat are so heavy that it takes them hours to digest.

As a result, the body is required to divert huge amounts of energy to the digestion process. Fatigue and lethargy are usually the first signs that this is taking place. I’m sure you’ve experienced this after a big Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Since most people have underactive digestive systems many of these solid meals don’t get properly digested. They place heavy demands on the stomach and digestive organs and ultimately don’t nourish the body as it needs to be. If foods come into your body and are not properly broken down they are more easily stored as fat (since they can’t be utilized) and have a tendency to clog up the intestinal tract, impeding proper elimination.

More foods being stored as fat (especially if they’re cooked foods) and an impaired ability to eliminate them can only mean that weight is being added (not lost) to your body. Food comes in but doesn’t go out – it’s got to go somewhere.

THE LIQUID SOLUTION

So if you want to lose weight and you can identify with the above scenarios, why not try a different approach?

Try incorporating more smoothies and fresh-pressed juices into your diet. Most of the smoothies and juices I make take no more than 5 minutes to prepare yet pack in about 4-8 servings of fruits and vegetables, and other superfoods!

This means that with just 2 smoothies or juices per day I can get more than my needed intake of fruits and vegetables. This has pretty obvious health benefits. It is also immensely beneficial for weight loss seekers.

Liquid meals reduce the load on your digestive system. It’s almost as if the nutrients bypass the entire process of digestion and get absorbed right to where they need to be.

The benefits to juicing and making your own smoothies are numerous, but needless to say you have to give them a shot to truly feel their full power.

Here are 2 recipes from Eating for Energy to get you started:

Spinach Pear Smoothie
Serves 1 to 2

3 cups spinach
1 pear
¼ cup parsley
1 cup celery juice
Juice of half a lemon

* Blend all ingredients into a blender until smooth.

Grape-Celery Cooler
Serves 1 to 2

1 cup sweet red grapes
3-4 celery stalks
Mint for garnish (optional)

* In a juicer, juice all ingredients and garnish with mint if desired.

Nutrition Expert, Yuri Elkaim and his groundbreaking book, Eating for Energy, have helped thousands of people in over 80 countries regain control of their health and weight. Watch his new You Tube Video and discover a delicious GREEN smoothie recipe that will keep you energized and nourished. For more on his revolutionary healthy eating book visit http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca.

Nutrition Expert, Yuri Elkaim and his groundbreaking book, Eating for Energy, have helped thousands of people in over 80 countries regain control of their health and weight. Watch his new You Tube Video and discover a delicious GREEN smoothie recipe that will keep you energized and nourished. For more on his revolutionary healthy eating book visit http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca

Article Source: A Liquid Diet to Lose Weight

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15 Christa's Colon Cleansing Cucumber Salad
Image by jasonlam via Flickr

Did you ever wonder why people are constantly bothered by their weight? Have you ever tried finding out why obesity or being overweight has become a prevalent health problem? This is quite understandable.

Most of us do not have time to eat adequate servings of fruits and vegetables yet prefers to eat greasy fast food items and takeouts. And instead of gulping them down with plain water, some would go extra mile to have them flushed by soda or sweetened drinks. When people get bored, they would rather munch on potato chips, candies and salted pretzels than reaching an apple.

The thing is that weight could be an issue of genetics, poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle. Either way, more and more people are becoming overweight. The problem is that they tend to look for fast and on-time weight-loss solutions to remedy the situation.

The key to enjoying healthy and effective weight-loss is restoring good health with clean digestive system. If you like to eat greasy, salty and processed foods that don’t easily get digested, you promote clogs and blockage to your colon.

Particles of undigested foods and their toxic matter accumulate in the digestive tract. Together, they create a layer of toxins in the colon, which incidentally creates a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mucous plaque. Even if you maintain regular bowel movement, this toxic layer will remain as you continue to eat the wrong kinds of food. The fact about mucous plaque build-up is that it increases the risk of obesity and causes gas problems and bloating.

In this light, colon cleansing is seen as a healthy and effective weight-loss solution. Cleaning and clearing up the digestive tract will result to more efficient digestive system, which incidentally helps maintain peak energy levels and normal weight.

An efficient digestion function improves metabolism, fully extracting the nutritive benefits of the food you eat and effectively converting them to usable energy. This way, food is more efficiently processed, leaving much more less room for toxic build-up. Usually, colon cleansing requires a healthy high-fiber diet to restore health and optimise its weight-loss benefits.

There are an abundance of artificial weight-loss pills, formulas, and products, as well as medical procedures to lose weight. However, those who want to undergo a natural, safe and healthy weight-loss program, undergoing a colon cleanse program is recommended. A colon cleanse program does not promise quick results.

It is not a quick one-time solution to lose weight naturally. But while other weight-loss solutions promise faster results, it purges weight-loss at the expense of your health. With colon cleanse, you get to lose excess fat and weight by ensuring efficient digestive functions, which enables the body to properly absorb and process food nutrients. As a result, you get to feel energized and look more youthful with your smooth skin and slimmer body.

One can only do so much to lose excess weight. As a rule of thumb, do not get easily lulled by products that offer instant and too-good-to-be-true results. Colon cleansing is a weight-loss solution that goes well with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

A thorough colon cleanses routine or program can help a person lose from 2 to 5 pounds. And while it uses gentle herbs to break up and flush out your toxic build-up, it can deliver more healthful benefits that will ensure lasting weight-loss results.

T S Gill is a researcher. His main object is to help people in solving their health problems. If you wish to know more how to lose weight naturally please visit: http://www.cleansecolonweightloss.com

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