Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Digestion - Simple Tips to Increase Energy & Avoid Illness

Digestion - Simple Tips to Increase Energy & Avoid Illness

Are you so busy that you rush your food and snatch meals when you can?

Are you rushing your eating so much that it simply is not enjoyable?

Well if you do you will have poor digestion and this can be the cause of low energy levels and more seriously can cause a number of illnesses including:

Abdominal pain, inflammation, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections and allergies can then occur.

So if you want to avoid illness and get more energy take a look at your digestion and improve it with these simple tips.

1. Chew Your Food

Try and take smaller bites when you eat and chew slowly.

Thoroughly chew your food which allows amylase, the digestive enzyme present in saliva, to breakdown and digest the food properly.

2. Get More Fiber

Fiber is essential for healthy digestion and to cleanse the gut by keeping food moving through it; however most people simply don't get enough of it.

Aim for 25 - 30 grams per day (the average for most adults is just 8grams) fiber rich foods include strawberries, apples, brown rice, chick peas, potatoes (with skins) figs, dates and prunes.

As a bonus eating fibre is a great way to lose weight as it fills you up and curbs hunger pangs.

3. Beans and legumes

If you don't have time to cook dried beans, buy canned, but make sure you rinse them before cooking.

Lentils and split peas are less gas-forming than other legumes and are a great choice.

Ground flaxseeds are a gentle laxative. They are very useful for chronic constipation, damage to the intestine wall from laxative use, irritable bowels, and to soothe inflammation.

Sprinkle ground flaxseeds on any of your meals to make sure you get enough.

3. Good Gut Bacteria

There are over 400 different kinds of bacteria and yeasts in your digestive system.
Of these, the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum are considered good.

"probiotic" bacteria because the help to maintain overall intestinal health.

Although good bacteria can be found in some yogurt, there is a wide variation in quality, so play it safe and look for good quality organic yogurt

Supplements containing acidophilus and bifidobacteria can be found in most health food stores.

They are especially helpful for the following conditions:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Diarrhea

Bloating, flatulence and gas

Vaginal yeast infections

4. Supplement to Restore Digestive Health

Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and bloating and you can take it naturally or simply buying it as a supplement.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzyme supplements are believed to support the body's own digestive enzymes to aid digestion and help with other problems stemming from poor digestion.

Vitmain B12

Stomach acid naturally declines with age.

Too little acid can cause low vitamin B12 and folic acid levels you may want to consider a B12 supplement
to help restore balance. .

5. Drink plenty of water

We can't live without water!

We need it to live and you need to get plenty of it.

Drink 2 3 liters a day for hydration and to flush out impurities from the body.

Take care of ypur digestive system and

It will take care of you!

If you want to avoid illness, have more energy and have better looking skin, follow the above tips.

There simple and easy to do, so look after your digestion today.

Differences Between Vegetarian and Raw Food Diets

Differences Between Vegetarian and Raw Food Diets

There are a few distinct differences between vegetarian and raw food diets. Basically, a vegetarian is someone who is committed to not eat meat, fish, poultry or any animal products, but only consumes vegetables, pasta, and rice. On the other hand, a raw foodist is a vegetarian, but one who eats unprocessed, uncooked, organic, whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts seeds, legumes, dried fruits, seaweeds, etc. It denotes a diet that is at least 75% uncooked! Raw foodist cooks very little and definitely doesn’t cook or process fruits and vegetables. Raw foodist simply eats them raw.

Raw foodist, vegans and frutarians are some of the different categories of vegetarians. Yes, raw foodist is a category of vegetarianism as mentioned earlier. However, to be a raw food purist, you should eat raw vegetables like raw broccoli, not steamed. To a vegetarian, who doesn’t eat meat or fish or any animal products, steamed vegetables are just as good, though every person would concur that steaming can take out nutrients from foods and turn them into less nutritious. A vegetarian might consume dairy or egg products but a vegan will not consume any animal products at all. The raw foodist then is a vegan who consumes only uncooked, unprocessed raw foods.

Enzymes are the life force of a food and that every food has its own perfect combination as believed by raw food diet advocates. These enzymes help us digest foods completely, without relying on our body to produce its own cocktail of digestive enzymes.

The cooking process is thought to destroy food enzymes. It can take so much of the basic nutritional value away. Other than that, cooked foods not only take any longer to digest, but they also let the partially digested fats, proteins and carbohydrates to block our gut and arteries.

Below are some health benefits cited by the raw diet followers:

• Improved digestion
• Increased energy levels
• Reduced risk of heart diseased
• Improved appearance of skin
• Weight loss

Diet Tips – to Increase your Brain Power

Diet Tips – to Increase your Brain Power

Did you know that poor diet does more than make you fat? It also makes you stupid!

According to Dr. Alan Logan, in his new book “The Brain Diet”, he finds the people in the United Sates and Canada eat foods that do not contribute to healthy brain function.

In other words, eating well can make you smart, and opposite is also true, eating poorly can make you stupid.

Dr. Logan concluded that the overall diet in the US and Canada is based on an excess of nutritionally poor calories, and a lack of consumption of the proper foods that protect brain cells.

In other words, the foods that make us fat also make us stupid; and not only, also he found these foods contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

Doctors and books have been reminding us for decades now how a proper diet can help protect our bodies from cardiovascular disease and cancer, but now the link to mental and neurological health needs also to be stressed.

Dr.Logan is a naturopathic physician and professor at Harvard University’s Mind-Body Medical Institute.

He pointed out in his book that it appears to have overlooked how many nutrients are directly linked with alternation in both psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Quite interestingly, he concluded that although we have our genetic predispositions, they can be somehow influenced by the way and what we eat. Also to blame is that doctors are not taught this fact in medical school.

Can an incorrect diet lead to Alzheimer’s?

According to Dr. Logan, yes.

Things like eating packaged candy when one is tired in the afternoon, can certainly increase the diabetes and heart disease, but he pointed out that the increased insulin secretions associated with a sugary diet increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and depression.

It seems the most harm is done by eating the combination of the wrong types of fat with too much sugar in the same diet.

This diet produces a fat that becomes part of brain cells surrounding membranes. Brain cells are normally flexible.

However, a diet that includes an excess of trans fat, Omega-6 fatty acids, and saturated fats, can cause the brain cells to be inflexible. What does this do? It disrupts brain cell communication and affects our cognitive abilities.

Dr. Logan sited one study where animals that consumed an excess of trans fats had a much greater risk of getting Alzheimer’s and had a much decreased cognitive ability. He mentioned that a poor diet sets the stage from anything like ADHD to schizophrenia.

Dr. Logan’s Brain Diet.

There is a very good brain diet cited, but of utmost importance, if nothing else is done, is to increase one’s intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

These will help not only one’s cardiovascular system, but also protect a person from neurological disorders.

Dr. Logan also states that increasing your Omega-3 fatty acids can have a good effect on your mental abilities, mood and act as an anti-depressant.

Citing recent studies, Dr.Logan concluded that nutrition can have both positive effects (if correct) and very negative ones (if incorrect) on your cognitive abilities.

Examine what you eat. Are you foods full of trans fats?

Are you eating only processed and packaged foods with over-doses of sugars, wrong fats, and chemicals? T

hese could not just be making you stupid, but could be setting the stage for early mental decline and even an untimely death.

Diet Choice

Diet Choice

The following paragraphs summarize the work of diet experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of diet. Heed their advice to avoid any diet surprises.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

One of the most revolutionary diet ideas to come along is something called the Zone, which was originated by Barry Sears, Ph.D. The Zone is based on the idea that we should return to the diets of ancient peoples—diets which stress fruits, vegetables, and meat. The diet does not deny people carbohydrates, but simply limits their use. Dieters are encouraged to sharply curtail their intake of pasta and potatoes. The Zone works according to a formula of 40/30/30, meaning 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent protein.
There is a physiological basis to the Zone. Dr. Sears developed the diet in an effort to limit the amount of insulin in the body. This is because a large amount of insulin can lead to a build up of fat, causing obesity and other medical problems. People on the diet are encouraged to obtain their carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables and their fat from olive oil and other monounsaturated fats.
The biggest advantage to the Zone diet is that it can lead to significant weight loss. It is also healthier than some diets, since it eliminates non-nutritious carbohydrates and emphasizes fruits and vegetables. The diet encourages people to eat often—at least every five hours. It is also a low-calorie diet; the typical female dieter will consume only about 1300 calories at most following the Zone. Another positive aspect of the Zone is that it discourages consumption of junk food, which may be the basis of much weight gain.
Some dieticians heartily endorse the Zone, while others dismiss it as being too difficult to follow. The diet can also be costly, because of its heavy reliance on protein products. In addition, some critics see the Zone as being too complex, forcing dieters to spend too much time trying to do various calculations.
But perhaps the biggest disadvantage of the Zone is its high protein content. Such a diet has been linked to heart disease and is actually condemned by the American Heart Association. In addition, the Heart Association questions whether the Zone is actually effective in enabling an individual to lose weight over the long term.
It has been said that the Zone diet is the polar opposite of a vegetarian diet. This is curious, considering that vegetarians are generally healthy and are less likely to suffer from heart disease. The fact that vegetarians tend to be slim also seems to poke a hole through Dr. Sears' theory that starchy vegetables can lead to weight gain.
People tend to gravitate to the Zone because it offers them the opportunity to indulge in foods that would be restricted on other diets. Also, the diet can be more filling than other weight loss plans. The problem, however, is that a number of the claims made about the Zone are unproven. As a result, despite Dr. Sears' research, the diet has been dismissed as a fad in some quarters.
Dr. Sears contends that people are overweight because of insulin resistance; however, it is difficult to verify his claims. It would appear that people are fat for all sorts of reasons—because of family history of obesity, eating patterns, emotional eating, and lack of nutritional knowledge. As a result, it might be said that Dr. Sears' diet is based upon a false assumption.
The Zone benefits from a number of celebrity endorsements. Actresses in Hollywood credit the Zone with helping them to lose weight. On average, a dieter can expect to lose five pounds during the initial two weeks and one pound a week after that introductory period.
Still, some critics charge that the Zone takes the fun out of eating. Whether this is true or not depends upon the opinion of the individual dieter. However, one thing is clear: the Zone is a diet phenomenon. Love it or hate it, it's one of the hottest diet trends on the market today. And it appears that, despite some negative publicity, the Zone is here to stay. As always, you should check with your physician before starting any weight loss regimen. He or she will closely monitor your progress and can determine whether you are suffering any ill effects as a result of your diet.

That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest news.

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Neuropathy plays a major role in the development of foot ulcers, which cause an enormous burden on quality of life for the patient (especially if amputation becomes necessary).Motor, sensory, and autonomic fibres may all be affected by diabetic neuropathy.
The peripheral complications associated with diabetic neuropathy like pain, disability, vascular disease, and nerve degeneration are considered progressive and irreversible. The prognosis is generally progression of the disease, ongoing pain, amputation of digits or limbs, and increased disability. Improvement is considered unlikely.

At the microscopic level, it is thought that neuropathy causes segmental demyelination of the peripheral nerve fibers. This means that the protective nerve covering called myelin is somehow broken down and stripped off the nerve fibers in a segmental fashion. Spirally folded Schwann cells form the myelin sheath and it is thought that the metabolism of the Schwann cell is somehow interfered with during the process of diabetic neuropathy. (Continued)
Autonomic neuropathies affect the nerves that regulate involuntary vital functions, including the heart muscle, smooth muscles and glands. Low blood pressure, diarrhea, constipation, sexual impotence, and other symptoms can be caused by autonomic neuropathies.

symptoms

Numbness.
Tingling
Diarrhea
Constipation
Loss of bladder control
Impotence
Facial drooping
Drooping eyelid
Drooping mouth
Vision changes
Dizziness
Weakness
Swallowing difficulty
Speech impairment

these are the some of the symptom of neuropathy.get herbal treat by herbal and natural prodcut.by expert Dr..
We DO NOT use any product of any branded company but after learning about your health need we blend dietary supplement using the extracts from the precious range of proven, rare exotic organic herbs, and other natural sources from all over the world to suit your health needs particularly. It will contain oral supplements to cleanse and rejuvenate your body and skin to make it fit and energetic; all this will enhance your confidence in life with several folds. The results are excellent as the herbs are not restricted to one country but are a combination of best possible herbs from all over the world. Be assured that your problems will be relieved with our supplements. We have helped a lot of people with similar kind of problems. In many cases we use Yoga and meditation to enhance the effects. To consult about this disease

Diabetic Diet Plan Guide

Diabetic Diet Plan Guide

Having been diagnosed as diabetic, you feel that it’s the end of the road for your taste buds; bland food would be the norm from now on. If you really think so, then you are truly mistaken, for a proper diabetic diet plan would ensure that you also get to satisfy your tasty food cravings.

A diabetic diet plan for the start has to be well balanced. That effectively means that you can have most things but in a very regulated manner. Obviously, the emphasis would be more on fibrous diet and less on a diet that’s rich in carbohydrates and fats.

As you constantly have to keep track of your blood sugar levels, any irresponsible behavior (eating loads of junk food) can be disastrous. After all, your health is your prerogative.

The easiest way to keep your blood sugar levels at optimum levels would be by breaking up the three big meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) into 5-6 smaller meals. This way you would ensure that the blood sugar levels are well within the permissible limits all through the day. Even the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends the small meal plan, the other important recommendation of ADA relates to the class of food products that are best for the diabetics. As per the ADA foods that have high starch content are best suited for the diabetics and they are starchy vegetables, black beans, corn etc.

Another important criteria while deciding on a diet plan - your life style. If you were the lazy bones type then the regimen would be stricter for you as compared to people who lead a very active life style. The little bit more leverage in diet plan offered by an active lifestyle can help you take that special second helping of your favorite dishes.

Diabetics is surely not unconquerable, all that you need is some amount of self-control and a very active lifestyle. And, for your taste buds, rely on great cookery books dedicated to diabetic diet plan recipes. They surely are Yummy!

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

To illustrate how important the quality of the food you ingest on a daily basis is, just imagine your body as a perfect engine (Which it is!) food is the fuel you feed it to enable it to achieve peak performance. The cleaner and purer the fuel, the better and smoother the engine's performance. Makes sense, doesn't it?

In the same way that some foods slow our body engine down, creating deposits which interfere with the smooth running of the various parts. Other foods we eat can actually act as "engine cleaners and boosters" these are the ones we call detox foods. Fortunately, they are abundantly available in nature, and anyone can have access to them.

New discoveries are being made every day on previously unknown properties and benefits some of our common foods possess. However, the ones we're listing in this article have undeniably proven their positive role in cleansing our engine and boosting its power.

Why detox?

Toxin build-up has become more of a concern in the twenty first century than ever before. Industrial and technological progress has resulted in many new and stronger chemicals, air and water pollution, radiation and nuclear contamination. Due to medical advancement we are using more drugs that promise to rid us of our various day-to-day ailments. We eat a higher percentage of refined foods, and stress is leading us to abuse our bodies with stimulants or sedatives.

Two of the main toxicity diseases are cancer and cardiovascular disease and they are happening to an alarmingly higher percentage of the population today. Others include arthritis, allergies, obesity, and many skin problems. Many common symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, muscular pain, cough, gastrointestinal problems and immune system weakness, can all be attributed to toxic overload.

Accumulated toxins in the body range from undigested organic matter, to metallic deposits such as lead, mercury, copper and aluminium we ingest through food and air. Environmental toxins, as well as those emitted by household furnishings accumulate in our body. Free radicals are also considered biochemical toxins and stress causes great toxicity in the body.

One thing is certain we are all in contact with toxins on a daily basis.

Fortunately, nature seems to have an answer to this problem, it comes in the form of food.

Detox foods

Garlic

Garlic has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. It is a blood cleanser, a natural antibiotic it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure.

To avoid the lingering smell when you eat raw garlic, simply peel the garlic clove, cut it lengthways and remove the heart (which is sometimes green). If you prefer to avoid the smell of garlic altogether, there is a multitude of garlic supplements in the health food shops to choose from.

Coriander (Cilantro)

Some studies have shown that the leaves of the coriander plant can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminium from the body.

This delicious herb, when added to food, can greatly contribute in the detox process. It is available all year round. You can use it instead of basil to make a delicious coriander pesto.

Mix fresh coriander leaves (about 25 stems) with 1/2 a cup of pine nuts, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon and 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a blender until you get a smooth paste (you can make the paste less lumpy by adding hot water). It's very tasty with pasta or as an accompaniment to vegetables or fish.

Other detoxifying roots and herbs include:

Echinacea: A lymphatic cleanser

Dandelion root: A tonic, a liver and blood cleanser, diuretic and filters toxins

Cayenne pepper: Purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination and encourages sweating

Ginger root: Stimulates blood circulation and sweating

Liquorice root: Is a potent detoxifier it also balances biochemical functions and acts as a mild laxative

Parsley leaf: A diuretic it flushes the kidneys

Red clover blossoms: A blood cleanser that's very useful during convalescence and recovery.

Fresh Vegetables

Great detox vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts and onions. Artichokes are well known for their liver detoxifying properties. Also recommended are beetroot and red and green vegetables.

Fresh Fruits

All fresh fruit is good for detox provided it is eaten on its own, not before, with, or after food. A fresh fruit or fruit
juice fasting is often recommended for a short (3-day) fast to cleanse and detoxify.

Fruit can be fresh, frozen or dried. It includes apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, melons, sultanas nectarines and peaches.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Diabetic Diet

Diabetic Diet

For the person who suffers from diabetes, their diet and eating habits can tend to become very restricted. Just how restricted depends entirely on how strong your diabetes is. If you've only got the mild type of diabetes, then your diet should only need to be controlled mildly. For the person who suffers from a very high blood sugar level though, and has a stronger type of diabetes, they will need to go on a strictly controlled diabetic diet.

This isn't really fun, especially in the beginning when you're first having to let go of all those foods that you've loved and adored for most of your life. If you're a known chocoholic then you're in for desperately hard times since you definitely won't be allowed to have that much chocolate ever again. Don't despair though, there are some diabetic diets in which you can have some small amounts of chocolate, just not in the quantities for which you're used to.

What can you really have in a normal diabetic diet though? What foods are restricted entirely, and what foods can you consume in small quantities? You should ideally include at least between 4050% of carbohydrates in your diet. The diet itself is based on many things like your age, weight, sex, and type of diabetes. There will also be a set amount of calories that you can eat for your recommended daily diabetic diet, and most times this is less than the recommended daily allowance for non-diabetic people. All of these need to be calculated and weighed in first, so there is no set calorie value that all diabetics can use.

It's also true that you can have some sugar in your diabetic diet but this should only be taken alongside some good healthy foods. There are also some "free" foods that you can take without it detracting any from your diabetic diet. These include reasonable amounts of coffee or tea, sugar-free tonic water, broth, water, diet soft drinks, and sugar-free gum. A nutritionist or doctor will be able to give you a better list of these "free" foods.

And the best thing that you could do would be to go and talk with your doctor or nutritionist as to what type of diabetic diet would best suit you. From there it's just an easy step for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that you can better help in the control of your diabetes. Diet alone might not be the answer to your diabetes, and you might need to couple your diabetic diet with regular exercise and shots of insulin. Don't guess at what you might be needing, and go see your doctor or nutritionist as soon as possible. Who knows you might actually be able to have a slightly richer diabetic diet than you thought you could.

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

To illustrate how important the quality of the food you ingest on a daily basis is, just imagine your body as a perfect engine (Which it is!) food is the fuel you feed it to enable it to achieve peak performance. The cleaner and purer the fuel, the better and smoother the engine's performance. Makes sense, doesn't it?

In the same way that some foods slow our body engine down, creating deposits which interfere with the smooth running of the various parts. Other foods we eat can actually act as "engine cleaners and boosters" these are the ones we call detox foods. Fortunately, they are abundantly available in nature, and anyone can have access to them.

New discoveries are being made every day on previously unknown properties and benefits some of our common foods possess. However, the ones we're listing in this article have undeniably proven their positive role in cleansing our engine and boosting its power.

Why detox?

Toxin build-up has become more of a concern in the twenty first century than ever before. Industrial and technological progress has resulted in many new and stronger chemicals, air and water pollution, radiation and nuclear contamination. Due to medical advancement we are using more drugs that promise to rid us of our various day-to-day ailments. We eat a higher percentage of refined foods, and stress is leading us to abuse our bodies with stimulants or sedatives.

Two of the main toxicity diseases are cancer and cardiovascular disease and they are happening to an alarmingly higher percentage of the population today. Others include arthritis, allergies, obesity, and many skin problems. Many common symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, muscular pain, cough, gastrointestinal problems and immune system weakness, can all be attributed to toxic overload.

Accumulated toxins in the body range from undigested organic matter, to metallic deposits such as lead, mercury, copper and aluminium we ingest through food and air. Environmental toxins, as well as those emitted by household furnishings accumulate in our body. Free radicals are also considered biochemical toxins and stress causes great toxicity in the body.

One thing is certain we are all in contact with toxins on a daily basis.

Fortunately, nature seems to have an answer to this problem, it comes in the form of food.

Detox foods

Garlic

Garlic has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. It is a blood cleanser, a natural antibiotic it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure.

To avoid the lingering smell when you eat raw garlic, simply peel the garlic clove, cut it lengthways and remove the heart (which is sometimes green). If you prefer to avoid the smell of garlic altogether, there is a multitude of garlic supplements in the health food shops to choose from.

Coriander (Cilantro)

Some studies have shown that the leaves of the coriander plant can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminium from the body.

This delicious herb, when added to food, can greatly contribute in the detox process. It is available all year round. You can use it instead of basil to make a delicious coriander pesto.

Mix fresh coriander leaves (about 25 stems) with 1/2 a cup of pine nuts, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon and 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a blender until you get a smooth paste (you can make the paste less lumpy by adding hot water). It's very tasty with pasta or as an accompaniment to vegetables or fish.

Other detoxifying roots and herbs include:

Echinacea: A lymphatic cleanser

Dandelion root: A tonic, a liver and blood cleanser, diuretic and filters toxins

Cayenne pepper: Purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination and encourages sweating

Ginger root: Stimulates blood circulation and sweating

Liquorice root: Is a potent detoxifier it also balances biochemical functions and acts as a mild laxative

Parsley leaf: A diuretic it flushes the kidneys

Red clover blossoms: A blood cleanser that's very useful during convalescence and recovery.

Fresh Vegetables

Great detox vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts and onions. Artichokes are well known for their liver detoxifying properties. Also recommended are beetroot and red and green vegetables.

Fresh Fruits

All fresh fruit is good for detox provided it is eaten on its own, not before, with, or after food. A fresh fruit or fruit
juice fasting is often recommended for a short (3-day) fast to cleanse and detoxify.

Fruit can be fresh, frozen or dried. It includes apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, melons, sultanas nectarines and peaches.

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

Detox foods Eat to detoxify naturally

To illustrate how important the quality of the food you ingest on a daily basis is, just imagine your body as a perfect engine (Which it is!) food is the fuel you feed it to enable it to achieve peak performance. The cleaner and purer the fuel, the better and smoother the engine's performance. Makes sense, doesn't it?

In the same way that some foods slow our body engine down, creating deposits which interfere with the smooth running of the various parts. Other foods we eat can actually act as "engine cleaners and boosters" these are the ones we call detox foods. Fortunately, they are abundantly available in nature, and anyone can have access to them.

New discoveries are being made every day on previously unknown properties and benefits some of our common foods possess. However, the ones we're listing in this article have undeniably proven their positive role in cleansing our engine and boosting its power.

Why detox?

Toxin build-up has become more of a concern in the twenty first century than ever before. Industrial and technological progress has resulted in many new and stronger chemicals, air and water pollution, radiation and nuclear contamination. Due to medical advancement we are using more drugs that promise to rid us of our various day-to-day ailments. We eat a higher percentage of refined foods, and stress is leading us to abuse our bodies with stimulants or sedatives.

Two of the main toxicity diseases are cancer and cardiovascular disease and they are happening to an alarmingly higher percentage of the population today. Others include arthritis, allergies, obesity, and many skin problems. Many common symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, muscular pain, cough, gastrointestinal problems and immune system weakness, can all be attributed to toxic overload.

Accumulated toxins in the body range from undigested organic matter, to metallic deposits such as lead, mercury, copper and aluminium we ingest through food and air. Environmental toxins, as well as those emitted by household furnishings accumulate in our body. Free radicals are also considered biochemical toxins and stress causes great toxicity in the body.

One thing is certain we are all in contact with toxins on a daily basis.

Fortunately, nature seems to have an answer to this problem, it comes in the form of food.

Detox foods

Garlic

Garlic has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. It is a blood cleanser, a natural antibiotic it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure.

To avoid the lingering smell when you eat raw garlic, simply peel the garlic clove, cut it lengthways and remove the heart (which is sometimes green). If you prefer to avoid the smell of garlic altogether, there is a multitude of garlic supplements in the health food shops to choose from.

Coriander (Cilantro)

Some studies have shown that the leaves of the coriander plant can accelerate the excretion of mercury, lead and aluminium from the body.

This delicious herb, when added to food, can greatly contribute in the detox process. It is available all year round. You can use it instead of basil to make a delicious coriander pesto.

Mix fresh coriander leaves (about 25 stems) with 1/2 a cup of pine nuts, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon and 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a blender until you get a smooth paste (you can make the paste less lumpy by adding hot water). It's very tasty with pasta or as an accompaniment to vegetables or fish.

Other detoxifying roots and herbs include:

Echinacea: A lymphatic cleanser

Dandelion root: A tonic, a liver and blood cleanser, diuretic and filters toxins

Cayenne pepper: Purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination and encourages sweating

Ginger root: Stimulates blood circulation and sweating

Liquorice root: Is a potent detoxifier it also balances biochemical functions and acts as a mild laxative

Parsley leaf: A diuretic it flushes the kidneys

Red clover blossoms: A blood cleanser that's very useful during convalescence and recovery.

Fresh Vegetables

Great detox vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli sprouts and onions. Artichokes are well known for their liver detoxifying properties. Also recommended are beetroot and red and green vegetables.

Fresh Fruits

All fresh fruit is good for detox provided it is eaten on its own, not before, with, or after food. A fresh fruit or fruit
juice fasting is often recommended for a short (3-day) fast to cleanse and detoxify.

Fruit can be fresh, frozen or dried. It includes apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, bananas, raisins, pineapple, mango, kiwi fruit, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, melons, sultanas nectarines and peaches.

Detox Diets - the 24 Hour Detox Revitalization Diet

Detox Diets - the 24 Hour Detox Revitalization Diet

Much has been written and said about diets and detox, but here we are going to present a simple 24 detox diet to cleanse your system, make you feel better and revitalise you with energy, its simple and very effective.

This 24 hour detox diet can be used after a period of over-indulgence, or when you awake feeling poorly and will revitalize you quickly.

This detox diet should not to be used everyday.

24 Hour Detox Diet Basics

The basis for this detox diet is 4 glasses of ‘fresh' pomegranate juice, slow-cooked brown rice, a high-power vegetable salad, and 200 grams of raw almonds.

The combination will give you all the vitamins and minerals you need for your day, clear your body of toxins and oxidants, and give you plenty of energy to face the world. You will also lose a minimum of 600 grams to 1 kilo depending on your height and body weight.

Detoxing to cleanse your body

The pomegranate is a very powerful (the most powerful) anti-oxidant we know of in any food.

It has been shown to reverse and even prevent some cancers and heart disease.

The almonds will supply all the calories, oils, and proteins you need, without feeling hungry.

The salads are for bulk and all the vitamins and minerals that are gained from the eating of salads and vegetables.

The brown rice is also a wonderful antioxidant, and source of many vitamins and minerals that can be readily absorbed by the body.

The rules of this detox diet are simple:

1. No coffee or tea, or any soft drink. The ONLY liquids that are allowed are the 4 glasses of pomegranate juice and much water as you can drink.

2. If you are a smoker, try to stop for the 24 hours, or if you cannot, limit the cigarettes to as few as possible, and try not to inhale, but smoke the cigarette as you would a cigar.

3. Take a hot shower or bath both in the morning and in the evening, scrubbing the skin with a brush, loofa, or special skin cloth that will stimulate good blood circulation. Also going to a sauna is a wonderful idea. Spend as much time there as possible, taking your food with you.

4. Do not cheat; follow the diet plan. Eat ONLY when you are hungry, not by the clock.

5. Exercise by any means (walking may be the best) for at least 45 minutes during the day. This is very important.

Detox diet Morning Meal

One glass of pomegranate juice, with a handful of the raw almonds. Do not overfill your stomach; when you are about 50% satisfied, stop.

Detox diet Mid-morning Snack

One bowl of the brown rice, with some natural soya sauce, and some tofu if you feel you need protein. One glass of water.

Detox diet Lunch

One glass of pomegranate juice and a mixed green salad, as much as you wish. A dressing of virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, and salt may be used.

Detox diet Mid-Day Snack

One glass of pomegranate juice, with a handful of the raw almonds. Do not overfill your stomach; when you are about 50% satisfied, stop.

Detox diet Diner

The last glass of pomegranate juice and a large bowl of brown rice.

No more food should be consumed with this detox diet.

You will have taken over 1200 calories, and a host of wholesome and healthful nutrients with this detox diet if followed exactly.

Moreover, you body will have had 24 hours to rid itself of the toxins absorbed by over-indulgence, or simply daily city life (stress, pollution and processed food products).

During the day When using this detox diet feel fantastic and alert.

We advise to not follow this detox diet more than one day weekly, as it is not effective as a general everyday diet. It is however highly effective as a quick pick me up and cleansing diet.

Dangers of South Beach Diet

Dangers of South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet is considered to be a healthy diet, which is concerned on the right carbohydrates and the right fats for a healthy body. As such, many people were drawn to it believing that the South Beach Diet is really the best diet for them.

However, out of this good reputation that the South Beach Diet maintained, still there are some attacks and bad comments about the diet. Well, we don't need to be surprised about this, for this is how the world is set.

What then is the importance of the principle of "yin and yang" if there is only one side for everything? There could be biases, prejudices, and imbalances, right?

So, even though there is really no noted "big" South Beach Diet danger, still there are certain resources which hold that the South Beach Diet danger surface when the improper application of the diet is made.
Lack of Information and Understanding

Numerous resources have noted that part of the South Beach Diet is the lack of information or understanding about the diet. From the word "lack" alone, a sort of South Beach Diet danger is then viewed.

According to many studies, the South Beach Diet danger surfaced for the reason that the South Beach Diet is very demanding for those that are accustomed to carbohydrate-rich diets.
Lapsing Into the Old Eating Habits

In line with such view for the South Beach Diet danger, it is also noted that one of the largest South Beach Diet dangers surface when there is a lapsing into the old eating habits.

This was considered to be a South Beach Diet danger for the reason that this lapsing will result in speedy weight gain. Along with that, this part of the South Beach Diet danger may then be a new way of life.
Lack of Willpower

In relation to such fact, another support states that a great South Beach Diet danger will also surface when there is a lack of willpower exerted for the diet, especially from the carbohydrates lovers.

In fact, it is a common view that there is always the South Beach Diet danger of lapsing back into old eating habits and increasing the carbohydrate consumption without even realizing it.
Steps To Overcome These South Beach Diet Dangers

So to battle this one of the common South Beach Diet dangers, Dr. Arthur Agatston himself recommends that the dieters who do lapse and end up on placing some of the weight back on should then be immediately switch back to the first phase of the South Beach Diet for a short while.

This recommendation is given not only to battle such South Beach Diet danger but also to prevent from the occurrence of several South Beach Diet dangers. It is also interesting to know that if this South Beach Diet danger is not prevented earlier, this will lead to an excess in weight gain.

With such mentioned possible South Beach Diet dangers, the South Beach Diet then received mixed reviews from most dieters. Despite the South Beach Diet dangers, many people still consider the South Beach Diet as an updated version of the Atkins diet that is a far more balanced diet.

Only one thing that this diet plan does do is really to educate the dieters in eating the correct food to reduce heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and other South Beach Diet dangers.

Dangers of South Beach Diet

Dangers of South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet is considered to be a healthy diet, which is concerned on the right carbohydrates and the right fats for a healthy body. As such, many people were drawn to it believing that the South Beach Diet is really the best diet for them.

However, out of this good reputation that the South Beach Diet maintained, still there are some attacks and bad comments about the diet. Well, we don't need to be surprised about this, for this is how the world is set.

What then is the importance of the principle of "yin and yang" if there is only one side for everything? There could be biases, prejudices, and imbalances, right?

So, even though there is really no noted "big" South Beach Diet danger, still there are certain resources which hold that the South Beach Diet danger surface when the improper application of the diet is made.
Lack of Information and Understanding

Numerous resources have noted that part of the South Beach Diet is the lack of information or understanding about the diet. From the word "lack" alone, a sort of South Beach Diet danger is then viewed.

According to many studies, the South Beach Diet danger surfaced for the reason that the South Beach Diet is very demanding for those that are accustomed to carbohydrate-rich diets.
Lapsing Into the Old Eating Habits

In line with such view for the South Beach Diet danger, it is also noted that one of the largest South Beach Diet dangers surface when there is a lapsing into the old eating habits.

This was considered to be a South Beach Diet danger for the reason that this lapsing will result in speedy weight gain. Along with that, this part of the South Beach Diet danger may then be a new way of life.
Lack of Willpower

In relation to such fact, another support states that a great South Beach Diet danger will also surface when there is a lack of willpower exerted for the diet, especially from the carbohydrates lovers.

In fact, it is a common view that there is always the South Beach Diet danger of lapsing back into old eating habits and increasing the carbohydrate consumption without even realizing it.
Steps To Overcome These South Beach Diet Dangers

So to battle this one of the common South Beach Diet dangers, Dr. Arthur Agatston himself recommends that the dieters who do lapse and end up on placing some of the weight back on should then be immediately switch back to the first phase of the South Beach Diet for a short while.

This recommendation is given not only to battle such South Beach Diet danger but also to prevent from the occurrence of several South Beach Diet dangers. It is also interesting to know that if this South Beach Diet danger is not prevented earlier, this will lead to an excess in weight gain.

With such mentioned possible South Beach Diet dangers, the South Beach Diet then received mixed reviews from most dieters. Despite the South Beach Diet dangers, many people still consider the South Beach Diet as an updated version of the Atkins diet that is a far more balanced diet.

Only one thing that this diet plan does do is really to educate the dieters in eating the correct food to reduce heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and other South Beach Diet dangers.

Daily Luncheon Nyc to Whet your Appetite

Daily Luncheon Nyc to Whet your Appetite

How often do you skip lunch? Well if it is often then this is not a good sign for your health. Nutritionists say that it is one of the most important meals of the day after breakfast. Mostly it is suggested that having a heavy meal is good for your health then having a heavy dinner. Eating a heavy dinner must be avoided at all costs as the body actually has very little time to digest the food as mostly people go to sleep after dinner. Daily luncheon in NYC can be eaten at any place cafeteria, restaurant or a steakhouse as you want. Just find out the place where you will get the best lunch to eat and savor.

Luncheon food is different in different parts of the world. Mostly lunch consists of a hot meal containing two or more food items. For many people who skip breakfast regularly lunch is the primary meal of the day. For such people most of the times dinner is also a small affair, and as such lunch becomes the most important meal of the day. Make sure to eat lunch properly at the proper time to have a healthy body and mind.

Luncheon can be either formal or informal. If you are having lunch in the cafeteria of your office this will be a casual affair, but you can also have an official luncheon in NYC sometimes. Any formal gathering involves certain rules and regulations and formal Daily luncheon in NYC are no exception to this. Official luncheon is mostly followed by a formal meeting in the office and there is some etiquette that must be maintained. Make sure that you are properly aware of all the etiquettes you will have to follow for the luncheon meeting.

Other than being one of the most essential diets of a day, daily luncheon can also be a source of entertainment and fun. During weekends you can organize a luncheon and have an enjoyable time with your friends and family. You can organize such luncheon gathering for your loved ones wither at your house, a restaurant or a steakhouse. If your friends love eating steak, then arranging the luncheon in a steakhouse is a really good idea.

There are many good steakhouses in NYC that specializes in arranging luncheon or dinner parities for customers. To host the party perfectly make coordination with the people in the steakhouse. Tell them in advance the menu you want to serve your guests. Tell them the exact number of people who will be attending the luncheon and make sure you ask the people in the steakhouse organizing the party for you to make provisions for any extra guest that may land up in your party.

Try to find out what type of foods your friends like to have and accordingly decide on the menu. They will be delighted if you include their favorite foods in the menu. There is nothing as enjoyable as eating a daily luncheon in NYC with your family and loves ones.

Cysteine Benefits and Its Functions

Cysteine Benefits and Its Functions

Cysteine: Cysteine is amino-mercaptorpropionic acid and cystine is dithio-aminopropionic acid. Metabolism of cystine is through the degradation of cysteine. Cysteine takes part in formation of pyruvic acid hydrogen sulphide and ammonia, formation of glutamic acid, and formation of taurine. It takes part in detoxication of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Cysteine is essential for the proper alignment and attachment of the peptide chains forming the triple helix of tropocollagen.

While cystine itself is not an essential amino acid, but is formed from essential methionine and nonessential serine. The methionine is first converted to homocysteine and then to cysteine. The serine forms homoserine.

In this conversion sulphur of cysteine derives from methionine by transsulfuration, and the carbon skeleton is provided by serine. Homocysteine is a normal building block for protein, and too much can damage your arteries. Vitamin B-6, B-12 and Folate can lower it.

Like nitrogen and carbon, sulphur is constinuously recycled through the biosphere by means of the combined metabolic activities, leading to inorganic sulphur compounds. The urinary sulphur is derived principally from cysteine. The cysteine is converted to cysteine, catalysed by cystein reductase. The cysteine is converted to pyruvate involving intitial oxidative reaction.

An inherited metabolic disease, cystinuria, has urinary excretion of cysteine 20-30 times the normal. The excretion of lysine, arginine, and ornithine is also highly increased, indicating a renal disorder. Because of 4 amino acids involved, this disease is better known as cystine-lysinuria. The cystine being partially soluble may precipitate in the kidney, but the disulphide of homocystein and cysteine being more soluble, reduces the tendency of formation of cystine crystals, and calculi.

Another inherited disease Cystinosis, the cystine crystals are deposited in many tissues and organs, with aminoaciduria, impaired renal functions, bringing early death. A condition of Homocystinurias, though very rare, with high momocystine excretion in urine, and raised serum methionine levels involve at least 4 metabolic defects. It manifests in thrombosis, osteoporosis, dislocated eye lenses, and mental retardation. It could be vitamin B-6 responsive or monreponsive. A diet low in methionine and high in cystine may help in early stage.

Sources of Cysteine: The main dietary sources to get cystine are wheat, varagu, bajra, horse gram, soyabean, drumstick leaves, agathi, colocasia, beetroot, jack, French beans, gingelly seeds, linseed, banana, persimmon, egg, and milk.

Read complete and updated information on amino acid, essential amino acid, amino acid supplement, 20 amino acid, amino acid structure, amino acid chain, amino acid protein, and amino acid food.

Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!

Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!

The following is an excerpt from the book Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!
by Kathryn Hawkins
Published by Good Books; May 2006;$15.95US; 1-56148-520-9
Copyright © 2006 Kathryn Hawkins

Lemon and sultana buttermilk pancakes

Zesty

These pancakes are also good served cold with butter.

Serves 4

1 cup (125g) plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp extra-fine sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
Finely grated rind of 1 small lemon
S cup (60g) sultanas or golden raisins
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter

To serve:
Plain yogurt
Maple syrup

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sugar into a bowl. Make a well in the center. Add the egg yolks, pour in the buttermilk and gradually whisk into the flour. Beat until thick and smooth but don't over-mix.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff and, using a large metal spoon, carefully fold into the batter together with the lemon rind and sultanas.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan until bubbling, tilting the pan to coat the sides. Ladle 4 Tbsp batter into the pan to form a thick pancake about 4in (10 cm) in diameter. Cook over low-to-moderate heat for about 2½ minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. Slide a palette knife under the pancake and flip. Brown the underside of the pancake for 2½ minutes. The pancake should puff up and thicken.

Turn the pancake out onto a wire rack lined with a clean tea towel and baking parchment. Fold the paper and towel over the pancake. Repeat to make eight pancakes. Re-butter the pan as necessary and stack the cooked pancakes between sheets of parchment. Serve with yogurt and maple syrup.
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Spicy crab salad crepes
Light and airy

The egg-white batter used in this recipe works very well with sweet and savory fillings. Cook gently so that you maintain as much of the batter's "whiteness" as possible.

Serves 4

4 spring onions, chopped
12 oz (350g) crabmeat
1 dash tabasco sauce
4 Tbsp low-fat plain yogurt
2 tsp light soy sauce
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
4 Tbsp cornstarch
8 tsp vegetable stock or water
1 pinch salt
1 tsp vegetable oil
Few bok choy leaves, shredded
1 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
Smoked paprika to dust (optional)

In a bowl, gently mix together the chopped spring onions, crabmeat, tabasco sauce, yogurt and soy sauce. Cover and chill until required.

Put the egg whites and cornstarch in a batter bowl and stir in the stock or water, mixing well to form a smooth paste. Season lightly. Brush a non-stick crepe pan—6in (15cm) base diameter—with a little oil and heat until hot. Pour in a quarter of the batter, tilting the pan to cover the base. Cook over low-to-moderate heat for a few seconds until just set. Flip the crepe over and cook for a few more seconds, taking care not to brown the crepe. Drain on paper towel, layer with baking parchment and keep warm while you make the remaining three crepes. Stir the batter each time it is used.

Lay the crepes on warm plates and fill with the bok choy, pepper and crab salad. Fold the crepes over the filling and serve dusted with paprika if using.
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Wild rice pancakes with chicken
Indulgent

Wild rice has a good texture and a mildly nutty flavor.

Serves 4

1 cup (125g) rice flour
2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
¾ cup (125g) cooked, cold wild rice
2 medium eggs, separated
1 cup (250ml) milk
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter
1 large, ripe avocado
1 Tbsp lemon juice
12 oz (350g) smoked chicken, cut into strips
4 Tbsp mayonnaise
4 strips cooked, crispy bacon, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

Sift the flour, baking powder and soda into a bowl and make a well in the center. Add parsley, wild rice and egg yolks, and pour in the milk. Gradually work into the flour using a whisk and then beat until thick and smooth, but don't over-mix.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the batter using a metal spoon.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan until bubbling, tilting the pan to coat the sides. Ladle 4 Tbsp batter to form a thick pancake about 4in (10cm) in diameter. Cook over a low-to-moderate heat for about 2½ minutes. Turn over and cook for a further 2½ minutes until golden. Make seven further pancakes and cover to keep moist until ready to serve.

Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Remove the skin and slice thinly. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Serve pancakes warm, topped with chicken, avocado and a spoonful of mayonnaise and sprinkle with bacon, black pepper and parsley.
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Lemon meringue waffles
Tangy

One of my favorite puddings is lemon meringue pie—I love the contrast between the sharp lemon filling and the sweet marshmallow-like topping. Here I have combined the classic flavors and textures of the pie to make a waffle dessert.

Serves 6

½ quantity Basic waffle batter, sweetened
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
6 Tbsp Greek, or whole-milk, yogurt
6 Tbsp lemon curd
6 small meringues, lightly crushed
Mint leaves, to decorate

Prepare the half quantity of waffle batter, adding the lemon rind to the batter. Cook the waffles and keep warm until you are ready to serve.

To serve, gently swirl the yogurt and lemon curd together and spoon on top of the waffles. Sprinkle with crushed meringue and decorate with mint leaves.

Basic waffle batter
This batter contains the raising agent baking soda, so use the batter as soon as possible to ensure that the airy, spongy texture is retained. Add the extra-fine sugar if serving with a sweet topping.

Makes 12 waffles

2 cups (250g) plain flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp (30g) extra-fine sugar (optional)
1 egg, separated
1¼ cups (100ml) milk
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter, melted

Prepare and preheat the waffle irons or waffle machine as directed. Combine the flour with the baking soda, salt and sugar, if using, in a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolk and milk, and gradually work into the flour using a whisk. Beat gently until smooth. Carefully stir in the melted butter.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff and carefully fold into the batter using a large metal spoon.
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Sausage and bacon popovers
Savory

A simple idea that is extremely tasty and reminds me of my childhood. These are little hollow quick breads; they are a perfect snacking size and excellent canapés. Try using vegetarian sausages or chopped vegetables for a veggie version.

Makes 12

1¼ cups (150g) plain flour
½ tsp salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
6 strips bacon, halved lengthways
24 cocktail sausages
3 Tbsp vegetable oil

To serve:
Mustard
Tomato ketchup

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, milk and herbs and whisk into the dry ingredients to form a smooth, thin batter. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Cut the bacon strips in half through the middle to create short lengths. Carefully wrap a piece of bacon around each sausage. Cover and chill until you are ready to cook.

Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Spoon ½ tsp oil into each hole of a 12-hole, deep muffin tin and place in the oven for 1 minute until hot. Place 2 sausages side by side in each hole and pour over sufficient batter to come three quarters of the way up each hole. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, until risen, golden and crisp. Best served warm, with mustard and tomato ketchup on the side.

Reprinted from Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!: Over 100 Recipes for Hearty Meals, Light Snacks, and Delicious Desserts. Copyright by Good Books ( www.goodbks.com). Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cooking Trend

Cooking Trend

The trend of cooking and food has changed lot in recent past. In late past people liked the food for taste but these days people are health consious they want to eat that is healthy.There fore the cooking trend also changed in same way.

We all like Chicken , each has a different way of cooking it.

In this whole world foods and recipies are made differently in every kitchen. The taste of recipes from different cooks and chef. Taste used to be primary thing for recipies in past but these days peoples are health conscious , they need hygienic and healthy food in their meal. Most of people like to take their breakfast, lunch and dinner according to diet chart to maintain calories and fats in control.

Cooking is an art and somebody said, "All are not cooks who carry long knives."
For making good recipes you don't need only vegetable, oil, salt, meat or other cooking stuffs only but also you need talent and good knowledge of recepies world.

Other wise you can get comment like "Yo mamma is such a bad cook that even the cockroaches throw up!"

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.

home made recipes are more prefered than restaurent recipes.

About 85% of women are responsible for cooking the family dinner, and 84% wish they didn't have to.

Just a joke.

Eat Healthy Think Better.

Cooking May Be Hazardous to your Health

Cooking May Be Hazardous to your Health

Did you know that cooking your food could cause serious damage to your health?

Changes take place, as food is cooked above 117 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes or longer. Damage becomes progressively worse at higher temperatures over longer periods of time.

* 30% to 50% of vitamins, minerals and amino acids are destroyed. The degree of depletion, destruction, and alteration is simply a matter of temperature, cooking method, and time.

* 100% of enzymes are damaged and the body is depleted of the energy it needs to maintain and repair tissue and organ systems, which will shorten our lives. Eating enzyme-dead food places a burden on the pancreas and other organs and overworks them, which eventually exhausts these organs and rendering them ineffective.
* After eating a cooked meal, there is a rush of white blood cells towards the digestive tract, leaving the rest of the body less protected by the immune system. The immune system "thinks" the body is being invaded by a foreign (toxic) substance when cooked food is eaten.

* Much needed natural fibers break down and the body needs 20-30 grams of fiber daily to have the ability to remove the toxins that accumulate at a rapid rate.

* There is malnutrition at the cellular level. Cooked foods are lower in nutrients and they contain wastes and toxins. For this reason the individual cells don't receive enough of the nutrients they need to combat the daily onslaught of excess free radicals that build up within the cells. Eventually many of the cells in our body become overworked and unable to handle the continuous attacks. The result is serious disease and illness. A prime example is cancer, which kills an estimated 30% of Americans.

Gee, we thought we were eating a healthy home cooked meal! Now because of all the changes that took place in the food when it was cooked, we have actually caused premature aging in our bodies. We may have even contributed to the attack of a serious illness.

What can be done to counteract all the damage done by cooking? It is virtually impossible to eat nothing but raw food. The good news is that we can live long healthy lives if we know what to do.

1. Eat lots of fresh fruit daily (certified organic when possible)

2. Eat lots of raw vegetables. Choose from romaine or leafy green lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, red sweet peppers, pea pods, etc. They are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients.

3. When cooking, steam your vegetables and serve on the crisp side.

4. Drink plenty of pure filtered water.

5. Take high quality nutritional supplements including antioxidants, colostrum, phytonutrients and glyconutrients.
In summary, with today's high stress, fast paced society we have to be proactive about protecting our health and the health of our loved ones. Finding new tips and secrets on good health is one way of the best ways to guard against illness. For more information, I can be reached at 715-484-2225 or email me at VitalCarbs4You@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you.

Contemplating Breast Enhancement

Contemplating Breast Enhancement

Anyone contemplating breast enhancement should meet with the plastic surgeon beforehand. Selecting a plastic surgeon might not be an easy task or a task that should be taken lightly. Like all surgery, there are risks associated with breast enhancement surgery and this should be investigated.

It might be a good idea to first ask any family members or friends who had had their breasts enlarged, about their opinion on the surgeon that handled their case. In this way, you will be able to find out all the positive and negative information about a plastic surgeon.

After you have decided on a plastic surgeon for your breast enlargement surgery, the next step will be to meet with the surgeon. During this time you will be able to ask the surgeon about how many of these procedures they have done, or if they are certified. Almost all surgeons will have a portfolio showing a breast enhancement photo of any previous patients they have completed.

While the before and after breast enhancement photo should not be the sole reason for choosing a plastic surgeon to enlarge your breasts, this photo can be used as a way to determine if the surgeon is able to do the results you are looking for. Looking at a before and after breast enhancement photo can also help to give you an idea on how you would like your own breasts to look, if you are not sure about what size to go up to.

Other than the breast enhancement photo, it is wise to judge a potential new plastic surgeon on their manner on which they relate and listen to you. Your plastic surgeon should be able to answer your questions intelligently and give you reassurance that they are skilled enough to complete the procedure.

Pueraplus is a premuim grade Thai traditional herbal formula derived mainly from White Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) which contains Phytoestrogens (Natural Plant Estrogen). After many years of research from Thailand, the studies indicated that this herb shows estrogenic and rejuvenate effects to the female body especially at the breast, hip, facial skin, body skin, hair and vaginal epithelium. Thus elevate the appearance of the female secondary sexual characteristics and also the skin beauty.

ALL Natural Dietary Supplement
Hight Phytoestrogen (especially isoflavonet):
* Increases sensitivity and vitality
* Promotes silky shiny hair
* Enhances breast and skin appearance
* Serves as a anti-wrinkle agent
* Enhances physical and mental ability
* Serves as a fountain of youth

Consoling a Crying Baby

Consoling a Crying Baby

You probably already know that crying is your baby’s way of communicating with you, but what do you do when your precious little one starts “communicating” and won’t stop? You’ll have to learn how to interpret or “read” your baby’s various cries in order to respond appropriately. Once you’ve determined that your baby is not sick, tired, hungry or in pain, you can use various comforting and soothing strategies to help Baby calm down.

Some reasons your baby will cry are: hunger, fatigue, boredom, discomfort, frustration, pain, illness, loneliness, colic and irritability. As a general rule, make sure Baby’s physical needs are taken care of first. In other words, make sure your baby is well-fed, check his or her diaper, see if he or she needs to burp etc. If you’re sure that your baby doesn’t have a physical problem that needs to be met right away, then use one or more of the following techniques to soothe Baby and calm him or her down:

1. Carrying your baby for several hours throughout the day will very likely decrease crying overall and will have a very calming influence.

2. Use repetitive rhythmic movements to satisfy Baby’s needs for security, safety and predictability. Try a baby swing, rocking chair or dancing while holding baby close.

3. Swaddle the baby in a lightweight blanket to temporarily restore to Baby the snug, closed in feeling that he or she had while in the womb.

4. Turn on some background noise such as the washing machine or vacuum cleaner or soothing sounds such as ocean or waterfall sounds. These rhythmic, repetitive sounds can be very comforting to the baby.

5. Give Baby a pacifier up to six months of age as babies have a strong sucking urge that is not related to their desire for food.

6. Take your baby for a ride in the car to distract and lull him or her to sleep.

7. Gently pat, stroke or massage your baby. Stroking Baby’s skin sends messages to the brain to increase levels of beneficial chemicals and hormones that help Baby to bear pain and regulate levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

8. Allowing your baby to cuddle with a soft object can help soothe him or her.

If none of these techniques work, then consider the possibility that your little one may just need to cry it out until he or she has released all of the pent up feelings inside. Also consider your own mental and emotional well-being as you don’t want to act out any feelings of tension, resentment, frustration or hostility. It’s ok to recognize when you’re close to your breaking point and ask for help! You and your baby will be glad that you did!

Children's Diet - Simple Diet Tips to Prevent Obesity & Illness

Children's Diet - Simple Diet Tips to Prevent Obesity & Illness

Today, more children than ever are overweight. In many instances not only are children increasingly overweight many become obese and even die from over eating.

Here we are going to enclose some simple tips on children's diet, to encourage good eating habits so they are healthy and happy.

Here are your children's diet tips for health and happiness:

The responsibility is yours

If you are a parent you are responsible for what your child eats.

You need to train them in good habits from an early age to prevent problems as they grow up.

The choices you make are vital as they can, save your child from obesity, illness and in extreme cases a premature death.

1. Eat Breakfast

As far as children's diet is concerned this is the most important meal of the day.

Make sure they eat porridge or sugar free cereals and yogurt to set them up for the day

2. Discourage eating between meals

Training a child when they should eat is a must.

Don't feed them when there happy or stressed as this will confuse a child about proper times to eat.

3. Don't use food as reward

This leads on from the above if your child does something good don't reward them with food.

Not only will they feel they should eat it, it also undermines in their head what food is actually for. Do this and they won't eat just for the sake of it.

4. Food and boredom

It's very easy when you are out with your children and there is a delay for the train or bus to keep them quite by simply giving them food to keep them quite. This is counter productive; divert their attention in other ways.

5. Treats and healthy meals

Of course, all children deserve a treat and should enjoy it, but that's exactly what it should be a treat and not a regular item they get all the time.

When making meals for children it is important to take into account their likes and dislikes, but make sure that you give food that is as natural and healthy as possible.

Fried foods, crisps and any foods with high sugar content need to be given in moderation.

In packed lunches rather than a chocolate bar everyday, do it once a week.

Use fruit as the sweet part of the meal on the other days:

Grapes apples and strawberries are a great sweet that most children will enjoy.

Kids don't need processed food!

Many parents believe that children will not enjoy natural healthy foods but this is all down to conditioning.

From an early age if you teach children healthy habits they will stay with them for life and the converse is true, teach them bad habits with food and they will become unhealthy.

Children cannot and should not, be responsible for or dictate to you, what they should eat.

You know best, so get them healthy and happy with a proper diet, regular meals and of course, occasional treats.

Children's Diet - Simple Diet Tips to Prevent Obesity & Illness

Children's Diet - Simple Diet Tips to Prevent Obesity & Illness

Today, more children than ever are overweight. In many instances not only are children increasingly overweight many become obese and even die from over eating.

Here we are going to enclose some simple tips on children's diet, to encourage good eating habits so they are healthy and happy.

Here are your children's diet tips for health and happiness:

The responsibility is yours

If you are a parent you are responsible for what your child eats.

You need to train them in good habits from an early age to prevent problems as they grow up.

The choices you make are vital as they can, save your child from obesity, illness and in extreme cases a premature death.

1. Eat Breakfast

As far as children's diet is concerned this is the most important meal of the day.

Make sure they eat porridge or sugar free cereals and yogurt to set them up for the day

2. Discourage eating between meals

Training a child when they should eat is a must.

Don't feed them when there happy or stressed as this will confuse a child about proper times to eat.

3. Don't use food as reward

This leads on from the above if your child does something good don't reward them with food.

Not only will they feel they should eat it, it also undermines in their head what food is actually for. Do this and they won't eat just for the sake of it.

4. Food and boredom

It's very easy when you are out with your children and there is a delay for the train or bus to keep them quite by simply giving them food to keep them quite. This is counter productive; divert their attention in other ways.

5. Treats and healthy meals

Of course, all children deserve a treat and should enjoy it, but that's exactly what it should be a treat and not a regular item they get all the time.

When making meals for children it is important to take into account their likes and dislikes, but make sure that you give food that is as natural and healthy as possible.

Fried foods, crisps and any foods with high sugar content need to be given in moderation.

In packed lunches rather than a chocolate bar everyday, do it once a week.

Use fruit as the sweet part of the meal on the other days:

Grapes apples and strawberries are a great sweet that most children will enjoy.

Kids don't need processed food!

Many parents believe that children will not enjoy natural healthy foods but this is all down to conditioning.

From an early age if you teach children healthy habits they will stay with them for life and the converse is true, teach them bad habits with food and they will become unhealthy.

Children cannot and should not, be responsible for or dictate to you, what they should eat.

You know best, so get them healthy and happy with a proper diet, regular meals and of course, occasional treats.

Cayenne - High Source of Vitamins a and C, & Complete B Complexes

Cayenne - High Source of Vitamins a and C, & Complete B Complexes

High Source Of Vitamins A and C, & Complete B Complexes

Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) and also known as hot pepper. Cayenne is a
medicinal and nutritional herb. Cayenne is now grown largely in India, East
Africa, Mexico and the United States. Cayenne is the most useful and valuable
herb in the herb kingdom, not only for the entire digestive system, but also for
the heart and circulatory system. Cayenne acts as a catalyst and increases the
effectiveness of other herbs when used with them. Cayenne Pepper is a very high
source of Vitamins A and C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in
organic calcium and potassium, which is one of the reasons it is good for the
heart.

Cayenne Pepper is the greatest herbal aid to circulation and can be used on a
regular basis. The main medicinal properties of cayenne are derived from a
chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is the ingredient which gives peppers their
HEAT. A pepper''s capsaicin content ranges from 0-1.5%. Peppers are deliberate
according to heat units. The scale of heat determines the peppers'' treatment
and value. In addition to adding heat to the pepper, capsaicin acts to reduce
platelet stickiness and relieve pain.

Cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions. Cayenne is a
blood-red warming herb that has an invigorating effect on several body systems.
Cayenne has the ability to clear the blood of matter and gasses that cause
digestive problems and to help people who suffer from cold hands or feet.
Cayenne alleviates inflammation and can break up the deposits that contribute to
the pain of arthritis. Cayenne clears sinus congestion, conjunctivitis, and
spongy, bleeding gums. Because it also has astringent qualities, it can stop
bleeding and prevent swelling. A source of Vitamin C, it rejuvenates the entire
body when energy is depleted and is such a powerful stimulant that just a few
sips of cayenne water or a few grains of cayenne on the lips may help prevent
shock or depression in times of physical or emotional trauma.

Cayenne Advantages:

* Pain from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)

* Post-surgical pain

* Reducing discomfort of minor digestion (oral use)

* Muscle pain due to fibromyalgia

* Nerve pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)

* Osteoarthritis pain

* Rheumatoid arthritis pain



Cayenne Precautions:

* Do not use Cayenne cream medicinally for children under two years old

* Cayenne is spicy and can therefore cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and
stomach

* Do not apply cayenne cream to broken or irritated skin, or mucous membranes.

* Cayenne is considered safe for use during pregnancy, check with your healthcare
provider if you intend to use them medicinally during pregnancy or
breastfeeding.

Carb CyclingThe Smart Alternative To Low Carb Diets

Carb CyclingThe Smart Alternative To Low Carb Diets

As a sports medicine nutritionist, I am concerned about the lack of awareness and confusion people have over the best way to lose weight. In the 1990's, we were erroneously told that all fat was bad for us. Now, carbs are being blamed for America's increasing waistline. Even some athletes have fallen into the low-carb trap. I urge you not to make this same mistake. If you want to lose weight, build muscle, have tons of energy, and even improve your skin and sex drive - you need to eat carbs. It's true - carbs are good for you! You just need to know when and how to eat them.

First, let's dispel some myths about low carb diets like the Atkins diet. It is estimated that nearly 60 million Americans have tried to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, pasta and cereal. Even Burger King is cashing in on this trend by selling a bunless burger! Still, the average person's weight in this country continues to increase.

What is going wrong? Low-carb diets do not work long-term because they contain too many calories. They also require you to avoid carbohydrates for the rest of your life, which quickly leaves most people feeling deprived and unsatisfied. Eating should be pleasurable, not stressful. Even worse, low carb diets can wreck your metabolism and damage your health. Traditional low carb diets ban fruits and certain vegetables. It just doesn't make sense to deny your body these foods, which protect against cancer, hypertension and heart disease. Getting healthy is not just about losing weight, it is about gaining health.

For years I helped members of the Russian National Athletic Team drop fat, build muscle, and improve their performances by alternating between days of eating a normal amount of carbs and days of limited carb consumption. This method produced amazing results because it was based on real science, not marketing hype by the diet industry.

When I moved to America, I started seeing clients who dieted and exercised regularly but still could not lose weight. They didn't realize that a slowed metabolism was derailing their efforts. That's when I decided to create a plan that could be as effective as the program I developed for the Russian athletes but simple enough for anyone to use. The Carb Cycling Diet was born.

The key to carb cycling is learning how to exploit the two important bodily processes that determine how you look and feel - anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is the process by which your body builds muscle. Catabolism is the process by which your body burns fat. Low carb diets focus only on changing your catabolism - they do not help you build muscle. By alternating between low carb and higher carb days, my clients have been able to get the lean, strong bodies they have always wanted. They also enjoy the luxury of eating the foods they love, as long as they eat them at the right time. It takes a little discipline at first, but it is far easier and healthier than restriction diets like Atkins.

During normal carb days, I recommend eating between 350 to 400 grams of carbohydrates. That's about what you probably are already eating. Keep in mind that you should focus on eating unrefined carbs from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limited refined carbs from sugar and processed white flour. On limited carb days, do not eat any foods containing sugar or white flour. Try to keep your carbs under 300 grams a day. You should never starve yourself or feel hungry, even on limited carb days. Sound tricky? It's not! Counting carbs is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Plus, the small extra effort will bring you a huge payoff. If you combine carb cycling with exercise, you will protect yourself from age-related illnesses, such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even form of cancer. You'll also look and feel great.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Can you Don a Bikini and Hit the Beach Using the South Beach Diet

Can you Don a Bikini and Hit the Beach Using the South Beach Diet

Diet books and fad diets are nothing new. It seems every few months there's a new weight loss program being touted by the so-called experts as the "new miracle diet". We, as consumers, are bombarded by before and after pictures and testimonials from people who have successfully lost weight with some fabulous new program.

Two years ago, another new diet book hit the shelves. It was called "The South Beach Diet", written by Dr. Arthur Agatston. Since its release in 2003, The South Beach Diet has been listed on the New York Times' bestseller list for an impressive 103 weeks. Dr. Agatston has released companion books, started a fee-based website, and is working with Kraft Foods to create a line of pre-packaged South Beach menu items. How is this diet any different from the others, and more importantly, does it work?

The main idea behind South Beach is to eat three meals a day along with snacks and even dessert, while avoiding highly processed foods. Dr. Agatston says that South Beach is not low carb or low fat, but rather good carb and good fat. The diet is broken down into three phases: phase one is very restrictive and lasts about two weeks, phase two is much more open with food choices and lasts until you reach your goal weight, and phase three is called 'maintenance', which should guide your food choices for the rest of your life.

During phase one, you can eat until you are full (not stuffed full, just no longer hungry) from a list of approved foods. The list consists of mainly vegetables and lean meat, including seafood, as well as low fat or fat-free dairy products and legumes. You can have sugar-free Jell-o or popsicles as treats; up to 75 calories worth per day. Nuts and natural peanut butter are also on the list, but with limits. You're basically giving up bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, and sugar in all of its forms. The South Beach Diet book claims that you can lose 8-13 pounds in just two weeks on phase one, and that you will lose belly fat first.

Phase two widens your menu quite a bit. You can now eat whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, select fruits, and (my personal favourite) sugar-free Jell-o pudding. Still no sugar though, except for the occasional bite of dark chocolate. Good carbs in the form of whole grains and legumes, and good fats in the form of unsaturated, non-hydrogenated things like I Can't Believe it's Not Butter spray and olive oil are all approved.

Once you've reached your goal weight, you're pretty much on your own. Phase three lets you eat within the phase two guidelines, adding occasional treats and 'white' food, but omitting the snacks you've come to depend on. There isn't much guidance here, since by now you should know what your body is able to handle. Dr. Agatston recommends that you return to phase two if you find yourself gaining weight again.

Sounds simple enough, doesn't it? The book even claims that you don't need to exercise to lose weight with this plan (although it does recommend that you add physical activity as part of your weight loss effort). While the eating plan is certainly healthy, there are some drawbacks to this diet - or at least with the way it is presented.

Phase one is very restrictive. Sure, you're only on it for two weeks, and the potential weight loss is very encouraging. Many people, however, do not lose the 'guaranteed' 8-13 pounds in phase one and get discouraged. Not only that, but suddenly dropping all sugar and refined carbs from your diet can cause dizziness, light-headedness, an inability to focus or concentrate, and constipation (believe it or not). This rapid weight loss phase is designed to control your cravings, but sometimes the side effects just aren't worth it. If you think you can manage your cravings, head straight for phase two.

South Beach also recommends that you use sugar substitutes, specifically Splenda. Some people have trouble digesting aspartame, while others prefer to avoid one unhealthy substance and substitute it with a chemically processed alternative. Explore your options in this case - there are other ways to sweeten foods without sugar or chemicals.

While you're on phase two, your weight loss should slow down to one or two pounds a week, according to the book. This is reasonable, and slow weight loss is definitely healthier than dropping pounds rapidly. It is a balanced diet and has great effects on your health, with the added benefit of losing unwanted pounds. What is confusing as far as the book is concerned though is that there are ingredients in the recipes that aren't found on the recommended "Foods to Enjoy" list. Also, Dr. Agatston asks that you add grains and fruit back to your diet slowly; only one serving a day to start, and gradually increase your servings until you find your weight loss slowing down. If you follow the daily menu plans in the book though, there are several fruit and grain servings for each day.

For anyone who needs a structured plan based on numbers, The South Beach Diet is not the way to go. But if you like the freedom of not having to count anything and using common sense to lose weight, then South Beach is more of a strategic eating plan than a rigid diet and would work very well for you. Keep in mind that all diets revolve around the same principal: take in fewer calories than you burn off. Burn more calories than you consume, and the weight will come off. Eating well and enjoying healthy food is integral to this process, and that's where The South Beach Diet shines.

Brown Sea Vegetation - Not as Bad as You Might Think

Brown Sea Vegetation - Not as Bad as You Might Think

Out of the three sea plant categories, the red sea plants, the green sea plants, and the brown sea plants, brown sea plants are the most commonly known around the world.

Brown sea plants are found in the many kelp beds around the world, and are usually the ones we have to deal with when swimming in the coast. Brown sea plants are good for your body because of what all they can do.

They contain alginic acid which combines with the toxins that are in your intestines and it makes it to where they can not be digested, and then it carries them out of your body.

The vitamins and minerals most commonly found in brown sea plants can include iodine, calcium, copper, Vitamin E, zinc, silicon, chlorophyll, and more. All of these vitamins and minerals are needed in your body every day. The food pyramid that you learned back in elementary school, is based on the intake of these vitamins and minerals.

This means that, where as the pyramid calls for eight servings of something per day just to get the right fill, you could replace that with a type of brown sea vegetation instead.

There is one type of brown plant, the Fucus Gardener, which is used for heart burn control. Brown sea vegetation has a high amount of alginic acid in it, which is only found in sea grown plants.

Some scientists even believe that eating some types of brown sea vegetation can help lower the risks for neurological problems such as schizophrenia. Brown sea plants also don't taste as bad as they may look.

Brown sea vegetation in all is actually one of the few types of plant that can give you more of what you need without the plant having to be put through all different types of processes. There are no factories needed for these plants, and no risky pesticide either.

Green Sea Vegetation

While Green sea vegetation does not offer as much as the other two do, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with what It can do. Green sea plants can be found in both salt and fresh water, can be either really small or really large, and has the biggest amount of chlorophyll in the plant world.

Unlike the other sea plant types, green sea plants depend almost entirely on the sun, and are more commonly found in shallow waters. The benefits of eating green sea plants in a diet is that they help boost your immune system, can be used for stomach pains and problems, and can also fight allergic reactions.

Green sea plants can also help make your liver healthier, controls blood clotting, fights free radicals, lowers cholesterol levels, enhances skin, decreases high blood pressure, and stabilizes blood sugar in the body.

The studies that have been done on some green sea plants has come up with some really good findings. The plants showed the ability to reduce fat cells, kill cells that cause diseases, and all together clean the body of toxins.

The things that green sea plants can do are simply amazing, they have been shown to kill some cancerous cells in the human body, have been used for years to stop infections, lower inflammations and help maintain healthy cells in the nerves of our body.

They also have a high number of iron in them, more then that found in an egg yolk. Due to this, green sea plants are also used to help with problems caused by having low iron in the body. Arthritis is also some what cured with these plants and they can be used to help with osteoporosis as well.

With everything that this small group can do, it's a wonder why we have not been eating and using sea plants in our lives to help with so many of the problems we have. Just this small group can do more for us then what land plants can.

Stey Tuned for Article on Red Sea Vegation

Breastfeeding Nutrition

Breastfeeding Nutrition

So you’ve decided to breastfeed your baby! You’ll want to make sure that both you and your little one are getting all of the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nursing mothers need to eat about 300 calories more each day than they normally would and at least 1500 calories every day. Your daily food consumption should consist of a variety of healthy foods with extra protein, calcium-rich foods and plenty of water. In addition to these general guidelines, you should also:

1. Pay attention to feelings of hunger. Eat until you’re satisfied and consume plenty of nutrient dense foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

2. Monitor your baby’s reactions. If you notice that he or she is consistently colicky or develops gas after you eat certain foods, then you may want to decrease your intake of those foods or eliminate them entirely while breastfeeding.

3. Expect that you may be especially thirsty during the first few days after delivery as your body sheds excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Increase your consumption of fluid that isn’t filled with empty calories in order to prevent dehydration.

4. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages as they may make your baby jittery or irritable and even make it difficult for him or her to get to sleep. Consider drinking caffeinated beverages right after you nurse in order to minimize negative effects on the baby.

5. Continue taking your prenatal vitamins unless otherwise directed by your physician.

6. Make sure to eat foods that are rich in zinc as it enhances a baby’s ability to produce antibodies. Some food sources of zinc are hamburger, chicken breast and whole wheat bread.

7. Limit your consumption of wine to 2 or fewer glasses per week.

8. Be aware of food sensitivities that can result from common allergens such as cow’s milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, nuts and peanuts. Some signs of food sensitivity are diaper rash, skin rashes, chronic runny nose, diarrhea and excessive fussiness.

Unless you are severely malnourished, your milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs, so if there is something lacking in your diet it will most likely be you and not Baby that suffers. For your own well-being, do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. That’s the best way to ensure that you have the stamina and strength you’ll need to be the best mom you can be!

Book Review - Ultrametabolism The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss

Book Review - Ultrametabolism The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss

"No wonder it's so hard to lose weight- our bodies are designed to keep weight on at all costs; it's a matter of survival. It's embedded in our DNA." In essence, we are designed to gain weight, expounds Mark Hyman, M.D. in his new bestselling book Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss. This books follows on the heels of his previous bestseller, UltraPrevention: The 6-Week Plan that Will Make You Healthy for Life that he coauthored and proves to be every bit as informative. Dr. Hyman, who has a passion for the cutting-edge science of Western medicine and alternative health for over 20 years, maintains that Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss is not just another of many weight loss books on the market. Rather, the book is your body's owner's manual for overall health. He distills his knowledge into a healthy lifestyle, which reduces the factors of a number of epidemic health problems and degenerative diseases currently plaguing us, while at the same time we also gain the positive side-effect of weight loss.

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss dives in by turning much of what we believe as conventional wisdom concerning weight loss on its head. Much of what we think we know about weight loss actually has been making us gain weight. As evidence, the book points to the fact that despite the $50 billion we spend on weight loss every year in America, whether it's diet pills, programs or exercise routines, they all have a dismal success record. In fact, for every diet we go on, we end up gaining five pounds on average in the long run. Obesity is now overtaking smoking as the number one cause of preventable deaths with almost 70 percent of the adult population and one third of our children now overweight. Compounding the problem are the profitable foods the food industry pushes, entrenched pharmaceutical companies and our own government's recommendations, especially when it comes to the "food pyramid" or low fat in our diets.

In part I, Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss exposes seven hoary myths that make us unhealthy, gain weight and keep it on. First there is the Starvation Myth: Eating less and exercising more does not equal weight loss. Next is the Calorie Myth: All calories are created equal. Third is the Fat Myth. Eating fat makes you fat. Fourth is the Carb Myth. Eating a low carb or no carb diet will make you thin. Fifth is the Sumo Wrestler Myth: Skipping meals helps you lose weight. Sixth is the French Paradox Myth: The French are thin because they drink wine and eat butter, and last but not least is the Protector Myth: Government food policies and food industry regulations protect our health. Moreover, the book points out that the introduced man-made substances such as "trans-fats", which are found in nearly every processed and packaged food because they never spoil, are adding to our overall exploding health and weight problems over the past 30 years. This consumable plastic disrupts our metabolism by actually turning on a gene in your DNA, which slows metabolism causing you to gain weight. The book also discusses another danger to our health: the man-made supersugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup, which is used to sweeten almost everything these days including soft drinks. These supersugars quickly enter your bloodstream and trigger hormonal and chemical changes which induces insulin surges that tell your brain to eat more and your fat cells to store more fat.

If there are substances and foods that we eat that can trigger negative results, then surly there are ways to make us healthy and loose weight. Part II of Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss gives us the keys to turn on our metabolism and fat burning genes, turn off your weight gain genes, and program your body to lose weight automatically. The book takes this even further in part III by providing menus and recipes, along with exercise and lifestyle treatments designed to create healthy metabolism and overall health. This section of the book is designed so it can be customized to meet your unique genetic needs to optimally awaken your fat-burning DNA.

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss provides a vivid road map to navigate our way back to health and fitness. And in so doing we will be successful in our quest for long-term weight loss without counting calories, fat grams or carbs. We don't have to starve ourselves; we simply need to eat in harmony with our genes.