Healthy Diets, Healthy Living

5 Fat Loss Myths: Why Long, Slow Boring Cardio is not the Best Fat Loss

2008-03-20T01:52:00.002-05:00

By Craig Ballantyne, Men’s Health Magazine Expert, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and Author of Turbulence Training

Myth #1 - You Have to Do Cardio in the Morning on an Empty Stomach in order to Burn Fat

There is no fat loss magic to doing cardio on an empty stomach. In fact, most trainers “in-the-know” are using intervals instead of slow, boring cardio to help their clients burn fat fast. Plus, who wants to be doing boring cardio at 6am while their stomach is rumbling? If you could find a better way to burn fat, wouldn’t you do that instead?

Myth #2 - You Have to Do Cardio in the Fat Burning Zone

By exercising in the fat burning “Zone”, as some folks like to call it, you only burn a few extra calories than if you weren’t doing any exercise at all! Slow, boring cardio workouts are not the best way to lose belly fat. If you truly want to change your body, you need to use short, burst exercise workouts.

Myth #3 - You Have to Do Cardio 7 Days Per Week

You don’t need to workout everyday. The truth is, you only need to do 3 short workouts per week of 45 minutes.

Myth #4 You Have to Do Cardio for at Least 20 Minutes Before You Start Burning Fat

We’re burning fat all the time, even while you sit here and read this message. Sure, exercise increases our fat burning, but it’s not as though the first 20 minutes of any workout don’t burn fat. That makes no sense at all! I’ll show you how the short, burst exercise system helps you achieve more fat loss in less than half the time of a regular cardio workout.

Myth #5 – You Can’t Gain Muscle & Burn Fat at the Same Time

Scientific research and my experience says, “Yes, you can!” A recent study found that men and women can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time if they use a component of my Turbulence Training system.

If you are ready to learn all about the short, burst exercise system that will help you boost your metabolism, increase your fat loss, and burn belly fat, then make your choice below…

Click here For More info

5 Facts You MUST Understand if You Are Ever Going to Lose Your Belly Fat & Get Six Pack Abs

2008-03-20T01:43:00.001-05:00

by Mike Geary - Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

1. Many so-called "health foods" are actually cleverly disguised junk foods that can actually stimulate you to gain more belly fat... yet the diet food marketing industry continues to lie to you so they can maximize their profits.

2. Ab exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and ab machines are actually the LEAST effective method of getting flat six pack abs. We'll explore what types of exercises REALLY work in a minute.

3. Boring repetitive cardio exercise routines are NOT the best way to lose body fat and uncover those six pack abs. I'll tell you the exact types of unique workouts that produce 10x better results below.

4. You DON'T need to waste your money on expensive "extreme fat burner" pills or other bogus supplements. I'll show you how to use the power of natural foods in more detail below.

5. Ab belts, ab-rockers, ab-loungers, and other infomercial ab-gimmicks... they're all a complete waste of your time and money. Despite the misleading infomercials, the perfectly chiseled fitness models in the commercials did NOT get their perfect body by using that "ab contraption"... they got their perfect body through REAL workouts and REAL nutrition strategies. Again, you'll learn some of their secrets and what really works below.

Click Here to find out more

Burn Fat feed Muscle

2007-07-15T08:59:00.000-05:00

This manual will reveal to you all the secrets of permanent fat loss. It is written by a man who has discovered these secrets the hard way - through long years of trial and error. Using the information in this manual will allow you master the art and science of losing body fat by a shorter and less costly route; by "modeling" those who have gone before you and learning from an expert. The primary goals of this manual are to help you lose fat permanently without drugs, supplements or gimmicks and to educate you in the process of losing fat. In other words, my goal is to turn you into a "fat loss expert"… to teach you the reasons why and help you to understand the process…and to do so without bias or ulterior motive.

Contact dottye789@earthlink.net for more info on how to get this book at a special low price.

Tired of being fat?

2007-06-27T08:41:00.001-05:00

I got tired of being morbidly obese- not being able to move right, struggling to breathe, snoring at night. I looked at myself in a full-length mirror and faced reality- I JUST LOOKED GROSS! Worse if I did not make a change soon to lose 100 pounds, I would be dead of a heart attack in a few years. Following this great system. I have lost 14 pounds my first week. Keep in mind that I am morbidly obese, and your results may be different from mine. Curious?
Head on over !!

Imagine yourself thin...

2007-06-22T15:52:00.001-05:00

Imagine if You could then use Your mind to manifest these decisions - without wavering - because it's crystal clear where you need to be and what you need to do.

Imagine if You could Create this Life of Your Dreams.

Imagine thousands of lives benefiting from your new creation - whether it's a book, a work of art, or a business.

Imagine creating jobs, changing lives, creating products that benefit humanity.

Imagine being a shining light - a bringer of wisdom and enlightenment to your community.

Follow this link to get started.

Need to lose weight?

2007-06-20T10:13:00.001-05:00

Boy, I sure did! My weight was threatening my very life! I got tired of being morbidly obese- not being able to move right, struggling to breathe, snoring at night. I looked at myself in a full-length mirror and faced reality- I JUST LOOKED GROSS! Worse if I did not make a change soon to lose 100 pounds, I would be dead of a heart attack in a few years. Following this great system. I have lost 14 pounds my first week. Keep in mind that I am morbidly obese, and your results may be different from mine. Curious?
Head on over here

Sugar alcohols

2007-06-12T17:54:00.000-05:00

"Polyols" or sugar alcohols are a number of different carbohydrates that are neither sugars nor alcohols--and are commonly used as artificial sweeteners in a range of products, from ice cream to chewing gum.

While these tasty sweeteners appear to be the perfect solution for both low-carb dieters and low-carb food producers, recent studies of sugar alcohols have painted a somewhat different picture.

To begin with, sugar alcohols are not entirely carb-free. Most studies have indicated that sugar alcohols contain approximately 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of calories as sugar--and in the form of carbohydrates.

In addition, studies have shown that sugar alcohols are absorbed by the small intestine, but the process is slower and fractured. This affects a rise in blood sugar, but again is smaller and more gradual than with sugar--and the rise tends to vary from person to person.

Sugar alcohols also have a laxative effect on some consumers. Find out more at Easy Weight Loss Health and Fitness

How Exercise Can Improve Your Sex Life

2007-06-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

How Exercise Can Improve Your Sex Life

For women, a good exercise program could have a positive effect on their sex loves with increase enthusiasm, cardio, and muscular endurance as well. Females may find that they are able to hold positions for longer periods of time and enjoy longer lasting sex and greater comfort. Greater comfort during sex and increased endurance has the possibility of better ability to achieve orgasms for women who have a problem achieving satisfying orgasms. Conditioning of the body and its muscle groups allow for greater flexibility, making the sexual activity more enjoyable as you are able to try new things that might not have been possible before. I’ll let you use your imagination for this one.

Find out more at Easy Health and Fitness

Portable Life-Saving Emergency Medical Record Flash Drives

2007-06-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Today, over 3,000,000 medical mistakes occur because patients, under pressure or frightened, can not remember if they are allergic to a medication, forget what medications they are taking, or simply can not answer the question the doctor, nurse or medical technician is asking.

Can it happen to you.... Y E S! Because none of us know exactly how we will react under stress.

Provide all medical personnel with instant access to life-saving information to ensure appropriate and timely patient care.
This Program can hold your entire medical record and even save your life!

Eating Disorders

2007-06-01T22:31:00.001-05:00

You can’t seem to make up your mind, you eat and eat and then you hide a purge or you starve yourself for weeks until you are at the lowest weight that you have ever been in your life. Anorexia and bulimia used to be considered the health problems of some confused young girls with troubled lives real or perceived. Lately doctors have found that more and more women are being diagnosed with an eating disorder of some kind. Other misconceptions about eating disorders are that people think that they are psychological problems that can be treated with medication easily and then the person is cured for life. Neither is true. In fact, this disorder is not easily treated and the person is left to deal with it affects throughout their lives. Doctor’s believe that hormonal variations occurring near the menopause of a woman may be the reason the eating disorder developed such late in life.
Read more HERE!

Diet is Important

2007-05-28T14:05:00.001-05:00

We all know by now that all foods are not created equally. The best of food sources is fruits and vegetables free from toxic by products and other negatives like saturated fats, high sodium, and nitrates. Years of research has repeatedly shown that grains, fruits and vegetables are the body’s preferred food sources for optimum performance. Full of nutrients that the body needs to heal itself and operate properly the top of the food pyramid will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to essential nutrients.

Reasons to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables include, helping to supply our bodies with much needed energy, improving immunity to diseases, and overall mind health. Read on to find out how to take advantage of a great diet.

Rip the Roof off?

2007-05-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

One of the most annoying things is Snoring. But, snoring is just not a mere joking matter. Snoring is due to many underlying health concerns, some of which can become quite serious. Take a look at this web site that is filled with information about snoring called Easy Way to Stop Snoring.

While not a substitute for your health care provider's advice, this site gives lots of information on the causes, prevention, and possible solutions to the problem of snoring. Take a look!

Losing weight has never been so easy!

2007-05-23T09:32:00.000-05:00

This is by far the easiest way I've ever found to lose weight. Even my girlfriends lazy daughter has managed to drop over 40 pounds in a short time. For her weight loss was always difficult, she had no ambition and spent most of her life watching the food network on TV. That isn't a good combination if you want to lose weight.

You're about to discover what might be the most powerful fat loss system ever developed. It's the same diet program fitness models and bodybuilders use to reach single digit body fat levels and achieve rock-hard muscle definition that makes them look like walking anatomy charts.

The man that made this all possible is Tom Venuto and over the past 14 years, through a long and painstaking process of trial, error and experimentation, he has developed a sure-fire, 100% guaranteed system for losing body fat based on the little-known nutrition secrets of competitive natural bodybuilders and fitness models.

If you would like to learn how to lose body fat permanently... even in your mushiest spots... without drugs, without supplements and without screwing up your metabolism, then this will be the most important web page you will ever read. He guarantees it and has the results to prove it!

If you want to learn more about this revolutionary weight lose system and see the proof then this is the place you need to check out Burn The Fat! I know you'll love it.

low carb salads

2007-05-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

Blue Cheese Salad Dressing 1CarbsPerServing:1g total
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon sour cream 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons heavy cream1 tablespoon blue cheese 1 teaspoon powdered
ranch dressing mix.
How to Prepare:
Mix all together and chill before serving.
NOTES : Counts for ranch dressing mix not included in totals.
BLT Salad CarbsPerServing:7g total
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
7 slices bacon – cooked crisp,drained and crumbled
1 cup chopped lettuce 1/8 cup chopped onion1/2 medium tomato –
chopped 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
How to Prepare:
Stir mayo into lettuce,onion and tomato until evenly coated. Toss in bacon.
Beef Salad UnknownCarbsPerServing:no counts provided
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
Cold Roast beef – shredded or
coarsely chopped boiled eggs
Chopped onion ( I use green onions)Chopped dill pickle
Sliced celery Mayo
How to Prepare:
Mix in desired amounts keeping track of the carbs you add. Let chill. Yummy
on Wasa or maybe even with pork rinds for dipping!
Bacon & Egg Salad CarbsPerServing:23g total
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
8 eggs 1 cup mayonnaise
½ pound bacon 1 cup hot pepper cheese3 tablespoons chives –
4 thin radishes – sliced thin 1 head lettuce – torn fine for
salad 1 avocado – cubed
How to Prepare:
Boil the eggs, until hard and dice them. Fry the bacon and crumble it. Mix all
ingredients in a bowl.
NOTES:
Carbs for avocado based on 14.85 for 1 3/8 cup – adjust accordingly. Carbs
for lettuce base on 2 for 1 cup – adjust accordingly Carbs for hot pepper
cheese not included in above total – adjust accordingly
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad CarbsPerServing:7g total
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
3 ounces lean ground beef crumbled,cooked and
drained
4 slices bacon – cooked crisp,drained and crumbled
1 cup chopped lettuce
1/8 cup chopped onion1/2 medium tomato – chopped
1 tablespoon mayonnaise ¼ cup cheddar cheese – (or 1 once)
How to Prepare:
Stir mayo into lettuce,onion and tomato until evenly coated. Toss in beef,bacon
and cheese.
Basics: Meat, Egg or CarbsPerServing:7g total
Effort:Easy
Ingredients:
½ pound chicken, beef, or ham – cooked and cut according to preference
OR
12 ounces tofu, firm drained very well
OR
6 large eggs 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
¼ cup chopped onion ¼ cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons capers –
drained 3 tablespoons dill pickle – chopped
How to Prepare:
Note: chop meats to desired chunkiness after cooking. Leftovers work
great! In a large bowl, mix desired main ingredient with remaining ingredients.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. I like to add a little horseradish sauce to
the ham or roast beef salad for some zip.
For egg salad: Mix everything but the eggs well. Chop eggs to desired
chunkiness and fold into mixed ingredients. Add a few drops of tabasco sauce
if desired. A squeeze of lemon also goes well.
For eggless salad: Mix everything but the tofu Squish tofu with your hands
or with a fork until it breaks apart. Fold in with remaining ingredients.
Eggless salad should sit for at least an hour, refrigerated, before serving.
Lemon or a few drops soy sauce work great in tofu based salads.
**personal note*** Process meats find in a food processor for more of a
‘spread’ consistency. Don’t process with the remaining ingredients until you get the
meat broken down almost to the size you want. The spreads work very well on
lettuce leaves for roll-ups The chunky version works great over lettuce for a
salad meal.
NOTES : Counts for tofu and eggs not included in totals… tofu is 10 carbs,
eggs 3.6.

Losing weight

2007-05-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

mostlyhealth.com:

You Can't lose weight using low fat diets. Low fat foods have been popular for more than 15 years, but yet our society is getting more overweight as each year passes. This fact alone should tell you that eating a purely low fat menu is not the answer to losing weight.

Low Calorie Diets DON'T WORK.'You won't lose weight using a Low Calorie Dieting Plan either. In fact, eating low calories is the worst thing that you can do to your body.

Low carb Diets don't work either they're to restrictive and difficult to follow.

Weight wachers, and Jenny Craig plans slower results over a longer period and they involve special meals to buy.
What's the answer, to me it seems exercise, eating healthier foods in smaller portions and more time a day, drink plenty of water. works best for me
mostlyhealth.com:

Fat Loss - Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle - Diet Program

2007-04-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

Fat Loss - Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle - Diet Program: "Outlaw Bodybuilder Thumbs Nose At Weight
Loss 'Experts' Who Earn Fortunes On The
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Even if You Have Less-than Average Genetics... Even If You've Never Succeeded at Losing Weight Before... Even If You Have Stubborn Fat Deposits That Don't Seem To Budge... Right Here on This Web Page You've Found The Fat Loss Success System You've Been Looking For!"

Simple changes

2007-04-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

I've made some simple changes in our eating habits at home. We have gotten away from having a rich sweet dessert like ice cream or pie at the end of every meal. For awhile, I was eating ice cream every day- sometimes on the same day that I would have pie or cake. Now, our dessert is fresh fruit. A nice juicy sweet red apple is a wonderful thing served ice cold on a hot Florida day.

In cooking, I have made a conscious effort to cook with more fresh vegetables, instead of relying on a meat-based diet. I made a wonderful chicken stir-fry by adapting a dish I saw on Rachael Ray's show on hosting sweet 16 parties. It was a lettuce wrap dish, but I put in fresh shredded cabbage, and made a larger portion. That pot of food fed my husband and myself for days!!

The efforts are paying off- my stomach is flatter and I feel more energized. I don't fall alseep in front of the TV any more.

BETA-CAROTENE

2007-04-09T20:51:00.001-05:00

Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family and has over 500 relatives. Carotenoids are yellow-to-red pigments found in all green plant tissues and in some species of algae. So far 21 different carotenoids have been found in human blood. The most abundant ones are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. A molecule of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, or cryptoxanthin can be split into two molecules of vitamin A in the body but the conversion of beta-carotene is by far the most effective. The six carotenoids are all antioxidants. They are very effective in neutralizing a highly reactive for of oxygen called singlet oxygen but also, to some extent, act to break up the chain reactions involved in lipid peroxidation.

Numerous studies have shown that people who consume a diet rich in dark yellow orange vegetables (carrots) and dark green vegetables (broccoli) are much less likely to develop cancer and heart disease. It has also been established that people with low levels of beta-carotene in their blood have a higher incidence of heart disease and cancer, particularly lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute endorsed a study which found that women who consume lots of beta-carotene rich fruits and vegetables have a lower chance of getting cancer, including breast cancer. The Institution says that regularly eating lots of fruits and vegetables plays a key roll in cancer prevention, but whether the preventative action comes from beta-carotene or other nutrients in the produce has yet to be determined.

For people who don't like eating their fruits and vegetables, a beta-carotene supplement pill was introduced into the market. Millions of vegetable hating Americans hoped that by taking a pill instead of eating vegetables, they could get the same rewards as their counterparts who enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables. But officials at the National Cancer Institute released the results of two large studies designed to put the benefits of beta-carotene supplements to the test. One followed 22,071 doctors who for 12 years smokers had to be stopped prematurely because it seemed to me making the rate of death from cancer and heart disease worse. Taking a simple chemical supplement is not the same as eating a vegetable. Scientists suspect there are other natural ingredients that work with vitamins to promote health.

Healthy Dieting

2007-04-05T13:45:00.001-05:00

Healthy Dieting

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

See how much you can learn about Dieting when you take a little time to read a well-researched article? Don't miss out on the rest of this great information.

There are many balanced diets and you can choose whichever one you want.

What is great about a balanced diet is in the title it’s balanced and can give you everything you need, so you are healthy and lose weight as well.

In my research I have put some tips on balanced diets and how they will help you lose weight. The advantage with these diets is you do lose weight and become healthier at the same time

Most nutrition experts agree that balanced diets are based on three basic concepts

1. Balance

Most health professionals recommend a diet consisting of a balance as follows:

• Carbohydrate intake : 55-65%

• Protein intake 10-20%

• Fats Up to 15 - 25%

2. Moderation

Many dieting programs are successful simply because they are very good at helping people learn to plan portion size

Generally the accepted wisdom is that meals should be eaten 3 - 5 times a day and this will have the affect of decreasing hunger pangs and the desire to over eat.

You can eat the meals at anytime of day and one rule is always eat breakfast it’s the most important meal of the day.

3. Variation

All healthy diets involve the inclusion of several food-types.

The primary reason for this is by including variety in your diet, you increase your chances of obtaining the required amounts of essential nutrients you need

Vitamin and mineral composition is food-specific, so you need to eat a wide variety of foods to get all the essential nutrients for overall health.

So here are some tips on helping you start a healthy diet. And believe me it does work.

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on Dieting. Compare what you\'ve learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of Dieting.

The Master Cleanse

2007-04-01T15:59:00.001-05:00

The Master Cleanse is a way of bringing your body back to health by cleansing it of internal waste. These wastes build up in the colon, liver, gall bladder (if you still have one) and elsewhere. If they are not removed, toxins enter your blood stream, and make/keep you ill. Read what an expert has to say about this:

"The heavy mucus coating in the colon thickens and becomes a host of putrefaction. The blood capillaries to the colon begin to pick up the toxins, poisons and noxious debris as it seeps through the bowel wall. All tissues and organs of the body are now taking on toxic substances. Here is the beginning of true autointoxication on a physiological level."

~ Dr Bernard Jensen, DC, ND, Ph.D.

Yet, most people who try the Master Cleanse do not last ONE DAY!! Why? Because they feel so horrible!!!
Food cravings, blood-sugar shakes, hives, sweating, headaches are only a part of the symptoms most people feel when they try to detoxify their systems.

So what's the answer? How to detoxify and cleanse yourself without making yourself SICKER? Visit-
http://tinyurl.com/2va979

Healthy diet and an exercise program

2007-03-25T14:54:00.000-05:00

Getting on a healthy diet and an exercise program is the most important thing you can do for yourself and family. Get the whole group working together and support each other .

Having a healthy weight for your height is important. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, breathing problems, arthritis, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea (breathing problems while sleeping), osteoarthritis, and some cancers.

Having a healthy diet is easier said than done. There are so many good foods available to entice you. You have to have will power and be able so say no to those snacks, cookies, cakes and ice cream. It becomes easier the more you do it

American Diet can cause Hair Loss?

2007-03-16T12:33:00.001-05:00

Another unfavorable condition caused by the typical American diet is hair loss. American's high fat high-animal protein and high-salt diet damages the kidneys and creates acidic blood, thereby leading to hair loss. It is also low in vitamins, which then leads to vitamin deficiency which also causes hair loss.

If you eat healthy then you need to use the process of elimination to determine why your hair loss. Maybe you die your hair or treat it with other chemicals . This is a big reason why the hair loss. There could be even more than one issue that needs to be addressed.

Pregnancy, menopause, or birth control are 3 big reasons in female hair loss, but hormone imbalance is arguably the most common. " Pregnancy, menopause and sometimes birth control pills can create hormone shifts, according to The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies for Women. In fact, according to Dr. Neal Barnard's Eat Right, Live Longer, "Childbirth almost always causes some degree of temporary hair loss, sometimes occurring after a delay of a few months"

If your hair loss is cause by something you are doing such as chemical hair die then stop. Also vitamin supplements,

Nutritious Eating is More Difficult Today than Ever Before

2007-01-13T23:32:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, stay-at-home mothers had the time and the focus to create three balanced meals a day, including nutritious side dishes. But in today's world, there are many more single-parent homes and families where both parents work.

Meanwhile, children are also busier than ever before, with more homework, more after-school activities, more rushing from here to there. In today's hectic world, who has time to cook, especially when it is far easier to fall into the trap of picking up a quick meal at a fast-food restaurant or pizza joint on the way home.

"Healthy Eating for Kids" was written with the busy family in mind. Most recipes can be prepared in 15 minutes or less, which is less time than you might spend waiting in line for a hamburger and fries.

The recipes in "Healthy Eating" also come in kid-sized portions. If your child is a picky eater and refuses to eat the dinner that you are preparing for the rest of the family, you will be able to whip up a healthy alternative in minutes. On the other hand, if you would like to make a "Healthy Eating" recipe for the whole family, it is simple to do, since it is far easier to multiply the recipe than it is to sort out the portions for just one person.

CHECK IT OUT!!! CLICK HERE!!

New low-carb cookbook almost ready

2007-01-02T16:18:00.001-05:00

A new low-carb cookbook with almost 500 pages of delicious recipes will be launched this weekend.

Stay tuned!!!

What happens when you stop smoking?

2007-01-02T16:03:00.001-05:00

This timeline shows when the benefits of stopping smoking will come through after your final cigarette.

20 minutes after giving up

Your blood pressure and your pulse rate return to normal.

What this means
Raised blood pressure and high pulse rate both put strain on your heart, increasing your risk of a heart attack. The minute you stop your risk is reduced.

8 hours after giving up

The carbon monoxide levels in your blood are halved.

What this means
Carbon monoxide from smoking can also produce distortions of time perception, psychomotor and visual impairment and negative effects on cognitive skill. Reducing the level of carbon monoxide in your blood will reduce these problems. Carbon monoxide reduces the uptake of oxygen from the lungs - the higher the levels of carbon monoxide, the lower the levels of oxygen.³ Oxygen is vital for the functioning of all energy systems in the body; so as soon as you cut carbon monoxide levels, you will experience enhanced energy levels.

24 hours after giving up

Carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body.

What this means
Look forward to better sports performance, with stronger endurance, lower levels of fatigue, improved recovery after exercise and a lower heart rate for each level of exercise.

48 hours after giving up

Nicotine is eliminated from the body.

What this means
As well as being highly addictive⁴, nicotine has a number of unpleasant side-effects on the body. It can act as an emetic (cause vomiting) and it can produce stomach upsets. It raises blood pressure, and increases the likelihood of hypothermia and seizures. Get rid of the nicotine and you will get rid of these symptoms.

2-21 weeks after giving up

Circulation improves.

What does this mean
Bad circulation causes numerous problems, ranging from persistently cold feet, slow skin healing, Raynaud's disease and ⁵ peripheral vascular disease (PVT) which can even lead to limb amputation. Giving up smoking will reduce your risk of most circulation problems.

After 1 year

Your risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

What this means
Each year, tobacco smoking accounts for around 26,000 deaths from coronary heart disease in the UK - approximately 17 percent of all heart disease deaths. The UK has one of the highest heart disease deaths in the world.⁶ Luckily, giving up will quickly start to reduce your risk.

After 10 years

Your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker

What this means
In 1999, 22 percent of all cancer deaths were due to lung cancer, making it the most common form of cancer death. Over 80 percent of all lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.⁷ Giving up is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk.

After 15 years

Your risk of a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked.

What this means
A better chance of a long, healthy life!

References:

Godfrey, C et al. The smoking epidemic - a prescription for change. Health Education Authority, 1993.
The benefits of smoking timescale used in this report is based on 1990 The Health Benefits of Smoking Cessation
A Report of the Surgeon General Source: Office on Smoking and Health
Royal College of Physicians. Smoking or Health. London, Pitman, 1977.
Nicotine Addiction in Britain. A report of the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians, February 2000.
Cole, CW et al Cigarette smoking and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Surgery 1993; 114: 753-757
The UK Smoking Epidemic: Deaths in 1995. Health Education Authority, 1998
CRC CancerStats: Mortality - UK. Cancer Research Campaign, June 2001

New Product that helps you Lose Weight!!!

2006-12-30T05:22:00.000-05:00

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Discover the Revolutionary New Point-and-Click Software that puts an end to the dieting game once and for all, keeps you motivated to stay on track, and will have you losing weight faster (and keeping it off) the very first day you use it!
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Energy Healing 101: Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki

2006-12-26T20:23:00.001-05:00

You have probably come across exotic-sounding terms such as “chakra”, “prana”, “aura”, and “tantra” in your course of reading books on spirituality, sex, and healing in the New Age literature section of the bookstore. But what’s the real scoop behind these exotic vocabularies?

Are All Energy Healings the Same?

Chakra or energy center is a term used in Pranic healing, an ancient Hindu system of energy healing. “Prana” means life energy. “Aura” is another terminology traced to Pranic healing. Aura is a non-physical body that consists of energy, which exists along with our physical body. The aura that covers our body is said to have seven layers pertaining to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual as manifested by energy. Studying the color and thickness of auras give ideas on the state of health of individuals. Six colors are associated with aura and interpreted into six personalities. These colors are all present in an individual but one or two are more pronounced.
Green – ambitious achiever
Blue – spiritual peacemaker
White – unconventional chameleon
Red – activist
Orange – creative communicator
Violet - psychic

Although Tantra is popularly associated with the peculiar practice of sex and spirituality, it is another method of energy healing. It comes from the word “tan” which means to spread or expand. The concept of connectedness is a recurring theme in Tantric writings on sex and spirituality. As a method of healing, spirituality and sex figure prominently. It is presupposed that the union of man and woman can reach spiritual levels during orgasm, which removes the body and mind off collected impurities. These impurities being negative energies can in turn manifest as physical illnesses.

Unlike Pranic and Tantric healings, which have Hindu origins, Reiki originated from Japan. It is relatively younger than Pranic and Tantric healings having been rediscovered in the early 1900’s. Reiki stands for universal energy, an energy brought forth by higher intelligence. Students of Reiki are taught how to tap this energy to heal physical, emotional, and mental illnesses.

Although Pranic, Tantra, and Reiki are all systems of energy healing, they differ in the type of energy tapped for healing: life energy, sexual energy, and universal energy respectively.

The concepts of the connectedness of mind, body, and spirit; the connection of individuals to all living and nonliving things around them and to the universe; and how energy impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are some of the salient similarities of these three healing methods.

Why Do People Turn to Energy Healing?

Pranic, Tantric, and Reiki are considered alternative methods of healing. In spite of the availability and relative accessibility of modern medicine, how come more and more people are being drawned to them? Here are some possible reasons:

· Energy healing worked where modern medicine failed.

For several reasons both explainable and unexplainable, modern medical treatment failed to heal ailments and conditions in several if not many persons. Research or data may not be able to support this statement. But for the families of the dying as well as for the dying patient, they would take the risk of using alternative methods ranging from herbals and organics, faith healers, witch doctors, and New Age healing techniques just to be get well.

· People perceive modern medicine to be isolating.

Medical treatments are oftentimes focused on the disease and its causative agent, which can make a patient feel isolated and treated like a mere host of the disease. Although recent developments in hospital practice are gradually promoting the holistic treatment of a patient, the perception still persists. Unlike in energy healing, since energy and spirituality are intimately linked, the patient feels that all aspects of his health are being attended to.

· Energy healing is non-obtrusive and natural thus it is safer.

Repeated surgical procedures are physically and emotionally traumatic for most patients. It is but a logical and attractive option to both patient and families to look for less stressful health interventions. Moreover, with the rising popularity of New Age religions, going natural is the way to go.

· Energy healing is a good way of relieving stress.

Meditation is part and parcel of energy healing methods and this is an added come-on for highly stressed people. Moreover, sophisticated equipment is not required thus it becomes all the more convenient for students and future students of energy healing.

The battle between alternative healing and mainstream medicine continues as both present the benefits of their approach. But in the final analysis, what matters is the restoration of good health.

BIOGRAPHY - DEAN MARTENS, C.H.

2006-12-26T19:45:00.001-05:00

Nearly 15 years ago, Dean Martens was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, spinal bone spurs, arrhythmia, systemic candida, ulcers, and colitis. His doctors said that the first two dis-eases were scientifically incurable and that traditional medicine offered no optimistic outlook. Dean decided to study "Health" instead of how to alleviate the symptoms of his dis-eases. His research and studies focused on the nature of health and the communication that the body gives during dis-ease. His studies incorporated the teachings of Hippocrates, Kellogg, Graham, Tilden, Shelton, Jensen, Lad, Brennan, Moore, and Wigmore. By changing his lifestyle (which created the dis-eases) and cleansing through natural means, he was able to rid himself of all dis-eases and their manifestations. The outcome of this applied research was that he completely regained abundant health. This newfound truth becam his passion of sharing with others how, they too, can Take Responsibility for their Health.

Dean found through experience that, "regaining lost health is simple, it's the discipline that's tough." In his quest for further knowledge, Dean travelled throughout the western hemisphere. His travels through Central, South and North America, and the Bahamas guided him in the direction of herbal medicines. His journey led to Michael Moore at the SW School of Botanical Medicine where he received his certification as a Clinical Herbalist. Dean discovered that with the assistance of herbal supplements, he could cut healing time by more than half. The herbal supplements however, must have all of their micro-nutrients and constituents available to maintain their balance. This is similar to when the plant was thriving in the Earth. The only missing piece to the puzzle was how to restore the energy the plant lost when pulled out of Mother Earth. Reading Hands of Light led Dean to study with the author, Barbara Brennan, at her Long Island Institute. (Ms. Brennan had previously been a physicist with NASA in the area of Bio-energetics.) Utilizing such energetic techniques as QI Gong, vortex pouring and "live" energized water, Dean found the ability to re- establish the energies that were lost. Now, he realized, one can have the true synergy available from botanical plants.

Most scientists and some herbalists believe that if we have more of a plant's individual active constituent, we have a better "medicine." Dean Martens knows this is not true. It does however, produce a more concentrated effect. This is similar to a pharmaceutical. The residue then adds to the body's toxic load. For an herbal supplement to be of utmost assistance, it must be in balance, i.e., that it must have the synergy of it's original vital force as well as its original chemistry which it had within Mother Earth. This is vital in order for it not to act as an imbalanced pharmaceutical. It is now well known within physics that nature's synergy produces balance.

In 1992, Dean Martens founded Herbs of Light, Inc. as a vehicle to assist people in regaining their health. He lectures throughout the country on "Taking Responsibility", which examines the lifestyles that bring back and maintain health and the role of herbs within that process.

Dean believes that true medicine "does not hurt the patient". It assists in truly bringing health back and pre-dates recorded history. Hippocrates knew this well. Please read the first statement of the Hippocratic Oath!

Education:

In Process	Homeopathic Physician Certification International College of Homeopathy	Tampa, FL
1992-1993	Bio-Energetic Studies Barbara Brennan's School of Healing	Long Island, NY
1992	Certified Clinical Herbalist SW School of Botanical Medicine	Albuquerque, NM
1992	Ayurvedic Studies Dr. Vasant Lad (at the Ayurvedic Institute)	Albuquerque, NM
1986	Colon & Bowel Management Studies Dr. Bernard Jensen	Escondido, CA
1980	Holistic Health Studies Ann Wigmore at the Hippocrates Health Institute	Boston, MA
1975	Iridology Studies Dr. Jane Donnegan	Miami, FL

Professional Affiliations:

American Herbalist Guild
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
American Natural Hygiene Society (ANHS)
Chiropractic Academy of Homeopathy (CAH)
National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA)

Highlights:

Founder and President of Herbs of Light, Inc.
Healed himself of scientifically incurable diseases
(Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spinal Bone Spurs along with Candidiasis,
Colitis and Ulcers)
Featured on ABC Action News Prime Time
"Herbal Medicine in America"
Respected columnist, lecturer and invited guest on syndicated Radio and T.V.
Presented first health lecture to U.S. Marine Corps
(Camp LeJune, NC in 1993)
Past V.P., American Natural Hygiene Societh of South Florida
(described in Fit For Life Book)
Producer and supplier of the Heritage Store's (Edgar Cayce Products)
herbal extract line

It's time to start a Healthy life

2006-12-25T21:42:00.001-05:00

How many times have you gone to sleep at night, swearing you'll go to the gym in the morning, and then changing your mind just eight hours later because when you get up, you don't feel like exercising?

While this can happen to the best of us, it doesn't mean you should drop the ball altogether when it comes to staying fit. What people need to realize is that staying active and eating right are critical for long-term health and wellness -- and that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more you know about how your body responds to your lifestyle choices, the better you can customize a nutrition and exercise plan that is right for you. When you eat well, increase your level of physical activity, and exercise at the proper intensity, you are informing your body that you want to burn a substantial amount of fuel. This translates to burning fat more efficiently for energy.
In other words, proper eating habits plus exercise equals fast metabolism, which, in turn gives you more energy throughout the day and allows you to do more physical work with less effort.

The true purpose of exercise is to send a repetitive message to the body asking for improvement in metabolism, strength, aerobic capacity and overall fitness and health. Each time you exercise, your body responds by upgrading its capabilities to burn fat throughout the day and night, Exercise doesn't have to be intense to work for you, but it does need to be consistent.

I recommend engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise four times per week for 20 to 30 minutes per session, and resistance training four times per week for 20 to 25 minutes per session. This balanced approach provides a one-two punch, incorporating aerobic exercise to burn fat and deliver more oxygen, and resistance training to increase lean body mass and burn more calories around the block.

Here's a sample exercise program that may work for you:

* Warm Up -- seven to eight minutes of light aerobic activity intended to increase blood flow and lubricate and warm-up your tendons and joints.

* Resistance Training -- Train all major muscle groups. One to two sets of each exercise. Rest 45 seconds between sets.

* Aerobic Exercise -- Pick two favorite activities, they could be jogging, rowing, biking or cross-country skiing, whatever fits your lifestyle. Perform 12 to 15 minutes of the first activity and continue with 10 minutes of the second activity. Cool down during the last five minutes.

* Stretching -- Wrap up your exercise session by stretching, breathing deeply, relaxing and meditating.

When starting an exercise program, it is important to have realistic expectations. Depending on your initial fitness level, you should expect the following changes early on.

* From one to eight weeks -- Feel better and have more energy.

* From two to six months -- Lose size and inches while becoming leaner. Clothes begin to fit more loosely. You are gaining muscle and losing fat.

* After six months -- Start losing weight quite rapidly.

Once you make the commitment to exercise several times a week, don't stop there. You should also change your diet and/or eating habits,' says Zwiefel. Counting calories or calculating grams and percentages for certain nutrients is impractical. Instead, I suggest these easy-to-follow guidelines:

* Eat several small meals (optimally four) and a couple of small snacks throughout the day
* Make sure every meal is balanced -- incorporate palm-sized proteins like lean meats, fish, egg whites and dairy products, fist-sized portions of complex carbohydrates like whole-wheat bread and pasta, wild rice, multigrain cereal and potatoes, and fist-sized portions of vegetable and fruits
* Limit your fat intake to only what's necessary for adequate flavor
* Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water throughout the day
* I also recommend that you take a multi-vitamin each day to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Enjoy life, we all deserve it.

BLACK HAW

2006-12-25T21:12:00.001-05:00

(Viburnum prunifolium, Wildcrafted root bark)


*Affects:*	Nerves.
*Uses:*	Powerful relaxant of the uterus. Reduces blood pressure by relaxing peripheral blood vessels.

GYMNEMA

2006-12-25T21:09:00.001-05:00

GYMNEMA
(Gymnema sylvestris, Wildcrafted leaf)

Affects:

Tongue and intestines.

Uses:

Reduces appetite for sweet food. Reduces absorption of sugars by the intestines.

Tobacco and Cancer

2006-12-16T15:31:00.001-05:00

Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, is linked to at least 10 different cancers, and accounts for some 30% of all cancer deaths. And it costs billions of dollars each year. Yet one in four Americans still light up.

Free Holiday E-Book

2006-12-10T12:47:00.001-05:00

I have a nice ebook about holiday traditions that I would like to give to you absolutely FREE of charge. Please email me dottye789@earthlink.net to get your copy.

Must read: EPA poised to "regulate" colloidal silver off the market

2006-12-08T18:59:00.001-05:00

The powers that be have been trying for years to ban colloidal silver
and remove it from the marketplace. Why? Because it's the perfect
natural antibiotic, and it makes virtually all drug-company
manufactured antibiotics obsolete. (Shhh! It's an underground health
secret. Don't tell anybody...)

Bacteria have no resistance to colloidal silver like they do with
standard antibiotics, and colloidal silver is dirt cheap and
incredibly safe compared to drugs (I've been saved from viral
infections more than once by drinking an entire 2 oz. bottle of
colloidal silver).

Now, the EPA has found a clever way to potentially regulate colloidal
silver out of the market: they've announced they will classify the
substance as a "nanotechnology pesticide" and force colloidal silver
companies to prove it's safe if they want to keep selling it.

But where is the EPA's scrutiny of all other nanotech particles in
foods, skin care products and drugs? Nowhere to be found, of course.
The EPA seems to be exclusively targeting colloidal silver as the only
nanotech threat to U.S. consumers, and if they pull off this stunt,
they will have finally achieved the government's longstanding goal of
eliminating the competition to lucrative antibiotic drugs.

(The government protects corporations, not the public, didn't you
know?)

NewsTarget's exclusive feature story on colloidal silver is based on
interviews with one of the top health freedom attorneys in the country
-- a man who helped defend companies against the FDA's attempts to
outlaw the substance a few years ago.

Handy Tips For Healthy Permanent Weight Loss

2006-12-07T20:33:00.000-05:00

The key to successful healthy weight loss is to make some permanent, realistic eating and lifestyle changes.

Don’t starve yourself.

Eating small healthy meals throughout the day lessens the chance that you’ll start snacking on candy or fat-laden fillers. Try to eat five small meals per day, instead of three large ones. That way you avoid becoming too hungry and there’s less danger of you reaching for something sweet when your blood sugar levels are lower.

Anorexic

2006-12-07T20:24:00.001-05:00

There are many ways of which to obtain weight loss and some of these techniques are excessive exercise, intake of laxatives and not eating. Some people submit themselves to starving – this is what you call anorexia. These are the people who believe that they would be happier and most successful if they were thin. Anorexia is an eating disorder that usually begins in young people around the onset of puberty, mostly for teenage girls, but it can also appear to teenage boys and adult men and women. Typically, anorexic have extreme weight loss which is usually 15% below the person’s normal body weight. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight.

Eating Red Meat Raises Breast Cancer Risk?

2006-12-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

There seems to be so much controversy with this subject. Every week, a new article comes out that contradicts the one from the week before.

According to Harvard researchers, regular consumption of red meat raises the risk of one type of breast cancer. The study was based on data from a sample of more than 90,000 women who were monitored over the course of nearly 15 years. At the conclusion of the study period, women with diets high in red meat were twice as likely to have been diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, even when other risk factors such as family history were taken into account. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is a particularly growing problem among middle-aged women.

What This Means for You
Researchers defined "high" red meat consumption as one and a half servings or more a day. For beef lovers, the study's authors recommended reducing red meat consumption to three servings a week or less.

Osteoporosis: A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated.

2006-12-05T08:51:00.000-05:00

First, let me say that I am not a Doctor. This article is based on research and watching my mother suffer with this debilitating disease. If you think you are suffering from Osteoporosis, please see a Doctor.

An estimated 10 million Americans have osteoporosis. The disease is not gender specific and can effect both men and women, although, women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease. So of the 10 million estimated to have the disease, 8 million are women and 2 million are men. 55 percent of the people were age 50 years or older. Osteoporosis is often thought of as an older person’s disease, don’t let it fool you…it can strike any age.

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become fragile and more likely to break. These breaks are referred to as fractures. They often effect the spine, hip or wrist but any bone can be effected. The fractures of the spine or hip can require hospitalization and major surgery. It can happen at any time from something as benign at lifting a laundry basket.

My mother has fractured her spine twice in a four-month period of time, while this is not typical, it can happen. To help ensure that this does not happen again, she has been told that she can not lift anything over 1 pound, ever. She is at the point where she is afraid to do anything and that is not a way to live. The doctor has also started her on Fortéo®. This medication stimulates new bone formation and significantly increases bone mineral density. Fortéo® is self-administered as a daily injection for up to 24 months. Sounds awful, but there is nothing to it. It is a tiny needle and you hardly feel a thing. Side effects can include nausea, leg cramps and dizziness. This medication is usually used for those who are at high risk for fractures. There are several medications that are now being used now to treat Osteoporosis. Again, check with your doctor for an option that is right for you.

Some of the risk factors that will determine who will develop Osteoporosis are:

Age – the older you are the higher the risk will be. The older you are the weaker and less dense your bones will be. But, keep in mind that it can strike at any age.

Gender- Remember that women are 4 times more likely to develop the disease.

Family History - Susceptibility to fracture may be, in part, hereditary. Young women whose mothers have a history of vertebral fractures also seem to have reduced bone mass.

Bone Structure and Body Weight – Small bone structure and thin women are at a greater risk.

Lifestyle - Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or consuming an inadequate amount of calcium.

These are just a few. To see the entire list please visit: www.nof.org

Calcium alone cannot prevent or cure osteoporosis, but it is an important part of an overall prevention or treatment program. We get calcium from a variety of things we eat every day. (One I didn’t realize was Broccoli.) Then of course, is fish, cheese, milk, or by adding nonfat powdered dry milk to your recipes. Be sure to start taking a calcium supplement. Since there are several different types of calcium and a variety of supplements available, you should discuss the choice of calcium with your doctor. Getting enough calcium, whether through diet or supplements, is essential to maintaining bone strength and can play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis-related fractures. Speak to a doctor or dietician about how you can get the proper amount of calcium.

If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, take heart, while taking prescribed medications is very expensive, especially for those who do not have insurance to help defray the costs, using them is vital to your health. There are very few options available for those who are retired for obtaining these types of drugs without cost, but they are out there. For more information, read my article on Affordable Heath Care.

Take action now to prevent suffering with this debilitating disease. And if you are suffering with Osteoporosis, there is treatment. Check with your doctor and make a plan of action.

FREE Groceries!!!

2006-12-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

Did you know that most of the major grocery store chains have a policy in place that will allow you to take home free groceries? Do you know the four ways of getting free groceries? I KNOW! AND YOU SHOULD!!!

For the past few years, I have been aggressively fighting the battle against high grocery shopping bills.... and I'm winning the fight! I have found numerous techniques that save me, on average, anywhere from 30% to 50% on every grocery shopping trip, sometimes more! I have discovered ways of getting free groceries and how to capitalize on coupons. Discover what I know and download this money saving book now.

Click Here

Obesity

2006-11-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

Medication, exercise, healthy diet, none of these things will effectively cause

permanent weight loss until a person is ready to be happy with their body and their overall self.

You cannot successfully lose weight if you think your life is suddenly going to get better after the

weight is gone. You have to want to do it because you love yourself and you want a healthier

body. I think this is the most important thing I have finally learned about life and about myself. I hope

that in the future there will be a time when people are not judged by their appearance, therefore

those that think a different body will make them happy, will finally be able to be believe their

worth is based on who they are and not what they look like.

Weight Loss for Women

2006-11-29T19:40:00.000-05:00

Carrying around extra pounds influences your health and wellness in many more ways than you might imagine. Extra weight increases risk for everything from heart disease to gallstones and may have a negative impact on your sex life! I suffered with gallstones and gall bladder disease for years, until my gall bladder had turned to leather (according to the surgeon) and was removed during emergency surgery.

Do you need to lose 10, 15, 25 pounds or more? If carrying even the smaller amounts of 10 or 15 extra pounds may not seem like much, think again. Try lugging around with you an equivalent weight all day. How about a 10-pound sack of potatoes? See how you feel at the end of the day and imagine the impact this extra weight has on your body day after day.

Click Here for a Better Body!

Some helpful hints to finding the best pets for kids

2006-11-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

You probably remember some of your very first pets. Maybe it was a goldfish, like me, or possibly, it was a dog or cat. For others a gerbil was their first memory of a pet. In most cases, there are difficulties to picking out the best pets for kids. This article should help make the decision a little easier.

Think about your child first-What type of children do you have? Are they more active? Do they have a tendency to lose interest in things quickly?

These are just a few thoughts to get you thinking about children and what the best pets for kids are. In most cases, it is a great way to start laying the groundwork for showing your kids how to be responsible. In addition, you can have the kids save their allowance for part of the costs to feed and house their pets.

So what are some of the best pets for kids? A lot of times it all boils down to practical things such as how much room you have and if the kids will lose interest or not in the pet.

For example, some people may actually have the room for horses, while other it may be a goldfish or cat. If it is a goldfish or gerbil, the kids might lose interest in the animal after awhile, once the novelty of having a pet has worn off.

Think carefully about what the best pet is for kids in your house before going out and bringing one home. It is an unfortunate reality that often, pets are brought into a home without much thought in regards to the commitment of having the animal. Then after a few short months of living in bliss, the human forces this animal out to a shelter due to the lack of forethought.

By figuring out the best pet for kids, and knowing which animal suits your children the most, you will ensure a happy home for the new addition to the family.

Healthy alternatives with Echinacea

2006-11-27T15:43:00.000-05:00

You have probably heard of the herbal supplement called Echinacea, but do you know what it really can do for you? Echiacea was once an herbal supplement that one could only find in the most obscure of healthy foods stores. These days it is quite common to find in most supermarkets.

Echinacea is most often taken to ward off the cold and flu symptoms that arise in the spring and fall. While not FDA approved it has been on the market for several years as a great way to help boost the immune system and make one less vulnerable to the germs that are floating around.

Most people consider taking Echinacea during the worst of the cold and flu season or whenever they are starting to feel a bit of a cold coming on.

Here are a few things you should know about taking Echinacea.

Only take it for a few weeks at a time. Studies have shown that taking Echinacea year round seems to stagnate the effects of this herbal supplement in the body. Echinacea can lose its potency over time; therefore, you should not buy it in large quantities.

Taking Echinacea after already having the cold or flu will not usually help alleviate any symptoms. The primary time to use Echinacea is before the onset of any symptoms, as the primary use of this herbal supplement is to prevent germs from taking hold in the body.

Keep these things in mind while shopping for and taking Echinacea and hopefully it will help you get through the cold and flu season without a hitch.

The fiber rich diet

2006-11-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

Many people know that they should have more fiber in their diet. Usually the thinking behind this is not focused on dieting, but more of a bathroom issue. However, new research has shown that diets that are high in fiber are also beneficial to losing weight and keeping the weight off. This article will explain, simply, how this works.

Most diets people try are fads. These diets want you to restrict your intake of certain food group and varying ingredients. Often it is a restrictive diet, such as a no carb diet, that works in the short term. The problem with these sorts of diets is that it requires the person to forego some basic nutritional needs that the body yearns for.

So how does a fiber rich diet play into all of this? Let me explain. First, a diet rich in fiber is going to help you stay regular. In addition, the fiber that aide in this function will also help clean out the intestines and colon.

Second, a fiber rich bread is more filling than a white bread sandwich and therefore will keep you feeling full, longer. This is the major key to a fiber rich diet. What you need to eat is the foods that are nutritious and that will fill you up longer. By eating fiber rich foods, you are eating some of the most beneficial foods that your body needs and will keep you feeling full longer.

Try adding more fiber to your diet, see how it helps you feel more alive, and has you munching less during the day.

Do you know how to conduct a weight management program?

2006-11-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

Many people want to lose weight. They think about it all the time, especially after a large, calorie dense meal. This is the most common time individuals will swear off the sweets and proclaim themselves on a diet-at least until the munchies come around later that night. So what can you do to help yourself? Create a weight management program.

A weight management program is a way to track all of the foods that you eat during the course of a week. Often physicians and physical trainings will start off with a person doing this sort of self evaluation in order to determine eating habits. This is a great way to figure out what sort of foods you are eating, and where you can make some changes.

It’s not hard to create a weight management program. In fact, all you really need is a piece of paper and something to write with. Keep your weight management chart with you at all times. You never know when you might be hungry and looking for something to eat. If you have the weight management chart with you, it makes it easier to keep track of the foods that you are eating. If you leave the chart at home, it becomes more of an obstacle and is more likely not to be done.

Once you have written everything down for the week in your weight management chart look to see what foods you are eating. Do you notice a trend in the types of food? Are you eating mainly calorie dense, fatty foods? If you are, you now know exactly what you are eating and can start making some adjustments.

Another helpful hint with the weight management chart is to track the time when you eat. This is another helpful weight management trick that will show you when you are eating through the week and when you shouldn’t be eating.

Keeping a weight management chart is an essential part of the beginning of a diet. Consider it the data that you will lean on for the rest of your dieting process.

What most people don’t know about weight loss

2006-11-22T10:57:00.001-05:00

You probably already know that a great many Americans are obese or are at least somewhat overweight. With the lifestyle of Americans geared to being as productive as possible and doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done-it’s no wonder that healthy eating is one of the areas that is neglected.

Did you know that weight loss could be a relatively easy thing to do?

What do you think of when you think about weight loss? You probably envision time taken away from work and family to go sweat for an hour a night at the gym. For some this is the perfect avenue to weight loss and a great stress reliever. Maybe working out on the Stairmaster fills you with dread because you hate to work out. Don’t sweat it. Here are a few tips to help your weight loss program, which are especially helpful during the holiday season.

First, don’t eat several large meals in one day. This will pack in the calories and may make it hard to burn throughout the day unless you are very active.

Second, try to eat about six smaller meals through the day. Space them out about two to three hours away from each other. By doing this you will have more fuel through the day constantly feeding your tank, and you will not feel sluggish after eating three large meals.

Third, try working out with weights three to four times a week. You need about twenty minutes at each session to make a huge difference in your weight loss program. The thinking behind this is that weight lifting continues to burn more calories after you have worked out than doing something like walking, where you stop burning calories the minute you stop walking.

Try these few tips for your weight loss program and you will see the inches starting to melt off faster than most diets you have tried.

Tips for a Great Low Fat Thanksgiving Feast

2006-11-15T13:41:00.000-05:00

With the holidays right around the corner many of us start thinking about our waistlines. For some of us just the thought of that Thanksgiving feast leaves you worried about eating too much fatty foods or overeating. Not to mention what all that fat can do to your heart and arteries. So here are some tips to help you enjoy Thanksgiving without the worry of expanding your waistline, while maintaining your health.

Most of the traditional foods served during the holidays are actually very healthy. But what we do to them is another story. We tend to add in a lot of extra fat sugars and calories ourselves.

When you look at the basic foods we eat during the holidays you will find that turkey has very little fat and is full of protein and is a great source of B vitamins. Turkey breast has the least amount of fat, but be sure to remove the skin first. A three-ounce serving of skinless turkey breast has about 120 calories and 1 gram of fat. But the dark meat has about 160 calories and six grams of fat – two of the grams of fat are saturated fats.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and fiber. But many of us tend to add butter and excess sugar or marshmallows. This changes a healthy food into something very fattening and bad for our hearts and circulation. Try using orange juice and a sprinkling of brown sugar for flavor instead and limit your portion size to no more than half a cup.

Regular potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. When making mashed potatoes try using low sodium, fat free chicken broth or fat free milk and sour cream instead. Many of us use butter and heavy cream in our mashed potatoes and of course they are loaded with fat. Try flavoring with garlic, fresh herbs and ground black pepper, once again keep your portion size small.

Vegetables should be steamed or roasted for the best nutritional value. Don’t load them up with cheesy sauces or butter that just makes them more fattening.

Gravy and stuffing can be sources of fat and calories. You can make a lower fat gravy by straining the fat from the drippings using a fat separator. Also use cornstarch or a sprinkling of flour to thicken rather than a butter and flour. You can also add extra flavor to your gravy by using fresh herbs and wine.

You can make a low fat stuffing by leaving the butter out and using fat-free broth and lean turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. Or better yet, leave the sausage out if you like, and use meaty mushrooms and extra vegetables instead.

As for appetizers, have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream and yogurt for dips. Delicious low-fat dips can include Spinach Dip or some salsas, including Mango Black Bean Salsa. Have homemade baked pita chips or tortilla chips to go with them. Nuts and dried fruits make great snacks, too.

Most importantly, don’t starve yourself beforehand. You will most likely eat more if you’re very hungry. Many times we tend to skip breakfast on the holidays because we are too busy and know there will be a big feast later. Don’t make the mistake of “saving yourself for the feast” This just causes us to eat way more then we should. Try some whole-grain crackers, fruit and raw vegetables while waiting for the big feast, and as always drink plenty of water. When the time comes to sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, you will be ready to enjoy it without overdoing it.

Welcome to Healthy Diets, Healthy Living!

2006-11-10T00:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome friends,

Healthy Diets, Healthy Living is being created to collect information on living a longer, healthier life. As I collect information on diets and health I will add them to this site for further study. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. If you feel you might need advice on health or diets please seek a qualified doctor in your area.

Of course there are many areas of health to discuss, but this site is dedicated to healthy living through proper diet and nutrition.