Killer Fast Food

It is fairly common knowledge that eating fast food on a regular basis is unhealthy.  Although nearly all fast food restaurants post their ingredients and calories, we still can't seem to get enough of a quick and cheap food fix.  While eating fast food may be light on the wallet, it has just the opposite effect on health.  The problem is that most people don't realize that the dangerous effects are immediate even if you don't notice it right away.

The 2004 documentary film, Super Size Me, followed a healthy young man of normal weight as he lived on nothing but McDonald's for thirty days.  In less then two weeks, he gained more than 17 pounds.  In other words, he gained nearly a half-pound after eating every meal!  This means that if you eat just one fast food meal per week, you are gaining roughly 26 pounds from just one meal.  Not withstanding, the impact of having so much saturated fat accumulating in your arteries.  Aside from calories, it's the saturated fat that is the real killer. That's because saturated fat is a solid substance that lines the walls of your arteries.  Eventually, the accumulation clogs an artery and prevents blood from flowing through it causing a heart attack or stroke, depending where the blockage occurs. 

When you add it up, it is no wonder why thirty percent of kids are now overweight.  What's more is that children are getting diabetes and having heart problems before they get a chance to become adults. There is nothing wrong with eating at McDonald's or any other fast food place for that matter, once in a while.  To be fair, McDonald's has healthier alternatives. For example, they offer a very nice side salad on their dollar menu which is a great alternative to french fries.  Kids love their apple dippers which is also much better for them than fries.  For breakfast, their oatmeal with fruit and small yogurt parfaits are healthier options.

On the other end of the spectrum, Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle once weighed over 400 pounds.  He ate nothing but Subway and achieved dramatic weight loss.  As you can see, when you limit the calories and fat you can lose weight and live a healthier life.   It all comes down to making healthy choices for you and your family.

How To Get Flat Abs In Six Steps

Working out until your midsection burns but still not seeing enough results? If so, then you are not alone. What may surprise you is that exercise may not be the weak point in your routine. Instead, what you need is a more comprehensive flat abs diet plan. Here are the six steps to six pack abs:

Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #1 - Load up on fiber. Your daily goal for dietary fiber should be at least 25 grams. Fiber helps you feel more full so you end up eating less. It also helps digestion, allowing fat to move through your system faster. Good sources of fiber include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.

Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #2 - Go for high-quality carbohydrates. Not all carbs are created equal. Simple carbohydrates are digested too quickly and cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Sugar, refined flour, white bread and white rice are common examples of simple carbs. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are much better for you. These are found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You should still try to limit your carbs to no more than 65% of your total caloric intake.

Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #3 - Drink plenty of water. The idea that drinking 8 glasses of water per day will help you lose weight is mostly a myth. However, it's still a good idea to stay well hydrated. Your cells thrive on having enough water, and this includes muscle cells. 

Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #4 - Decrease sodium intake. While having plenty of water in your system is a good thing, water retention is not. Having too much sodium will cause you to feel puffy or bloated. Also, having too much can be a risk factor for developing high blood pressure. The current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend an upper limit of 2400 milligrams of sodium per day, but you can normally go much lower than that without risking your health.


Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #5 - Don't eat too late in the day. You need to give your body enough time to digest its food. Therefore, the sooner before bed you eat, the better. If at all possible, try not to eat anything 3 hours prior to retiring for the evening. If you must have something, then go for a light snack of 100 calories or less and perhaps a cup of tea.

Ultimate Flat Abs Diet Plan Step #6 - Reduce stress. That's right! Stress releases a hormone known as cortisol. The problem with cortisol is that it sends a signal to the brain to store fat (as a sort of survival mechanism). And guess where the brain tells the body to store that fat after receiving its signal? If you said around your abs, then you're correct.

There you go, six steps to six pack abs. Of course you still need to do your stomach exercises, but these tips will give you the edge in your efforts to look your best.

Unexplained Weight Gain? It May Be From An Under Active Thyroid

If you are having difficulty losing weight, it could be caused by an under active thyroid.  Obesity and weight gain are two major problems which usually afflict individuals who encounter an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism. On top of that, those with an abnormal thyroid may also experience fatigue, joint pains, and heart ailments. The good news is that weight loss can be achieved with natural weight loss supplements that support the thyroid gland. However, it is important that you consult with a health care professional first to find out if you can benefit from weight loss supplements with thyroid support, and to rule out any other health related issues.

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is found in your throat and generates T3 and T4 hormones. It functions with the pituitary gland. These thyroid hormones influence your metabolism and regulate the oxygen consumption of the primary internal organs of the body. Also, they manage skin cells and heart rate, along with other bodily functions.          

There are a number of natural treatments on the market which can boost the functionality of the thyroid gland. Selenium found in tuna, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, soybeans, and Brazil nuts, for example, can also help regulate the function of the thyroid gland.  Also, iodine increases the thyroid glands T4 production which can aid in preventing goiter.

The enzymes necessary for metabolic control and the development of T3 and T4 hormones are based mostly on selenium. This essential mineral also manages and delivers the precise quantity of hormones to different regions of the entire body. This is why poor selenium concentrations can contribute to weight gain; especially for individuals with hypothyroidism.

Lastly, there are a variety of natural weight loss supplements that feature thyroid support.  However, it is recommended that you check with your physician prior to commencing a weight loss program. 

Holistic Remedies That Can Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

      For some individuals, it is possible to lower blood pressure naturally without needing prescription medicine. The various methods to lower blood pressure will require a modification in your daily activities together with better eating habits.

Holistic cures have been around for centuries, but there are more people leading a sedentary lifestyle than in years past.  However, you can lower blood pressure by 8mmhg. if you are willing to become involved in a hearty workout for at least 20 minutes a day. Some of the activities that may be helpful include bike riding, walking on a treadmill and swimming. These physical activities will cause the heart to beat faster thereby making use of the oxygen more effectively when pumping blood.

Meditation is another ancient remedy that works well and is extremely easy for anyone to do. This incorporates a deep breathing technique which has been known to be helpful in lowering the blood pressure for many men and women. What you are supposed to do is to take a deep breath and hold your breath to a count of ten. Then, let it out slowly. This assists in releasing the stress that may have piled up in your mind and body. This tension can cause high blood pressure hence releasing it will work in lowering the blood pressure.

Naturally, nothing will work well unless you introduce a more heart-healthy nutritional diet.  Potassium is beneficial for the heart. That is due to the fact that potassium is deemed to help in lowering one's blood pressure. The recommended level that one should take on a daily basis is 2000-4000mg. You may either buy supplements or consume foods abundant with potassium including potato skins, dried apricots and kidney beans, to name a few.

In addition, dietary supplements which are plentiful in coenzyme10 are also beneficial and have been observed to lower blood pressure by nearly 17 mmhg. Although drinking alcohol in large amounts is very unhealthy, taking it in small amounts is perceived to be healthy for both men and women. Women should not have more than one drink a day while men should not consume more than two drinks each day. Amounts beyond that is a danger to heart health.

Another good idea is to cut down on caffeine and salt intake because they have been shown to lead to an increase in blood pressure. You could try hibiscus tea instead. This is because hibiscus is recognized to be strong in photochemical antioxidants that are known to be pretty effective in lowering blood pressure which contributes to a healthy heart.
   

Essential Fatty Acids Are Often Overlooked, Misunderstood

It is important that essential fatty acids be part of a health diet, but they are commonly overlooked.  They are important because of the ways that these good fats can help maintain your metabolism.  There are a lot of health conscious individuals in search of a healthier diet who may not realize the usefulness that these proteins have or how readily available they happen to be.

Since your body system is not able to manufacture omega-3, you can only get in what you eat or by taking supplements.  Also, there are a lot of great reasons for adding it to your diet.  For example, Omega 3 has been associated as a means to combat depression as well as a tool to reduce memory loss. There are loads of good stuff to eat such as some nuts which contain these good fats.  Tuna and a lot of other species of fish are abundant in omega 3 which might protect against the build-up of plaque in the arteries.  As a result, those with normal blood pressure are less likely to have heart problems.

An alternative omega 3 essential fatty acid that may be used to help regulate cholesterol is sacha inchi. A benefit of sacha inchi happens to be the vitamins and minerals correlated with this particular plant-based vegetable oil. Sacha inchi may actually aid those who are dealing with type two diabetes because it adjusts their blood sugar in a more effective way.  On top of that, it can benefit those with high blood pressure.

More people should take the time to get to know the advantages of sachi inchi and other omega 3 essential fatty acids. These plant-based herbal products are available in specialty stores for people that want to incorporate them in their meals and could experience renewed health results in the matter of heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure.

By enjoying the catch of the day you can maximize the amount of fish oil containing Omega-3 in your diet.  Also, whole grains contain the good fats that can benefit your rate of metabolism and help with control of your blood pressure.  As you can tell, there are a variety of choices out there when it comes to finding foods that are rich in essential fatty acids.

Holiday Eating Habits Can Affect Your Health All Year Long

Many people don't realize how their holiday eating habits can affect their health all year long.  It's not always easy to follow a healthy diet during the holiday season. Healthy meal plans can sometimes cost more, it can take extra time and it is hard to stick to during the holidays and other social gatherings. But just being aware of what a good diet is versus a bad diet is a big step in the right direction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Grandma's fruit cake may sound healthy, but fresh fruit slices is better. Fruits and vegetables provide many needed vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant properties. All fruits and veggies are good but if you stick to the most color-rich ones, you're giving an extra boost to your body. Berries are good examples of these. 

Get your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish contains a great deal of these which are good for your brain, your heart and your skin. Some good examples of oily fish are salmon, mackerel and tuna. Tuna does come with a little bit of extra warning because of its mercury content so you shouldn't eat it more than once per week (especially if you are pregnant).  If you're more of a landlubber, you can get omega-3 essential fatty acids from walnuts, soy, canola oil and flax seeds too.

You've probably heard about the important role of fiber in your diet. If you manage to get enough fiber, you are probably also eating fewer calories as fiber contains no calories at all. Another great benefit of eating fiber is that it makes you feel full longer. Good fiber sources include whole grain bread, pasta and cereal, green vegetables and legumes. It is recommended that women take in at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Men should get at least 38 grams.

This isn't exactly in the food category but water is also extremely important to a good diet. Cutting down or eliminating colas from your diet is one of the quickest ways to cut down on calories. Replace these drinks with calorie-free water.
  
Some people skip a meal to make room for a gut busting meal later on. This is a bad idea. Skipping a meal can actually lower your metabolism, thus preventing you from burning more calories during the day. Therefore, try to eat three well balanced meals each day supplemented with small healthy snacks (like fruit, cheese, nuts or yogurt) in between. 

Happy Holidays!

Helping Overweight Teens Lose Weight

We all know how tumultuous the teenage years can be.  They're not an adult yet, but no longer a child. This in between status along with all the new feelings and emotions can make this time in anyone's life stressful.  For  an overweight teenager that stress is multiplied.  The good news is that they don't have to be that way. I'm not saying it won't take time or that it will be easy, but if they really want it, they can lose the weight and have a less stressful and much healthier life...and you need to help.  

Here are some things that you can do to help a teen lose weight and start living a more healthy lifestyle:

1. First and foremost anyone who wants to lose weight will need to accurately determine how much weight they need to lose.  Very often, especially for teen girls, they have a very unrealistic idea of what 'fat' is.  Many times a teen girl will think she's fat when in fact she clearly isn't.

If they really are overweight it's important to talk to their pediatrician to find out what the proper weight should be for their age, gender, height, and build.  New guidelines now ask that pediatricians check cholesterol levels in children and teens to help prevent heart disease in later years.  From that point a proper diet and exercise plan can be tailored for their specific needs and goals.

2. One really nice thing that  a parent can do is to workout with their teen.  Whether it be bike riding, swimming in the pool, or tossing a ball back and forth, this will allow the both of you the time to get some exercise while spending quality time together time. 

3. If your teen needs to lose more than 10 pounds or so you may want to talk with their doctor for a specific diet plan.  This can help teach your teen what they should eat and how much.  This can lead not only to weight loss but a lifestyle change that will ensure that once your child has lost the weight, they will never gain it back again; the weight loss will be permanent because the lifestyle changes are permanent.

4. Don't buy junk food.  If your child can't drive yet, they are pretty much 'stuck' with whatever you  buy. If you don't have a lot of snacks and processed foods in the house your kid can't eat it.  Instead of buying junk food when you go grocery shopping start buying whole, non- processed foods. 

Buy plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.  Your teen will likely be resistant at first but you can remind them that the types of foods they like is a learned habit and they can change that habit.  If they stick with it they can get to the point where they don't even like the taste of the junk food anymore.

5. Invest in a good low fat cookbook.  It's usually pretty easy to make simple changes to not only the types of foods you cook, but also the way you cook them.  These changes can help you eliminate a lot of the fat in your diet.

If you have an obese teenager and you don't want their teenage years to be any more difficult then they have to be, you can help your child make better choices and get in the type of shape they can feel good about.  It won't be easy, and your teen will likely be resistant at first, but if you lead by example and stay consistent, more than likely your teen will come around.  This is a great opportunity for both of you to create a healthier lifestyle all while spending some fun times together, who could ask for more?

What You Can Do To Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

      Nowadays people are recognizing the need to have low levels of cholesterol. When your blood contains high cholesterol levels you could be on the road toward life altering ailments such as heart disease or stroke, as an example. That possibility alone should be scary enough to start working on a lower cholesterol level. There are a few things that one might do to reduce high cholesterol to become healthier.

Many factors for high cholesterol are easy to recognize like eating a poor diet, not getting proper exercise and even your family history. Often times even with a beneficial, nutritious diet and adequate exercise, you can possibly have trouble lowering your cholesterol simply because your genetic history is predisposed toward higher cholesterol amounts. When this is a possibility, your medical professional may prescribe medication to reduce the levels into an acceptable area. However, prescription medicines may cause a number of negative effects, so discuss with your health practitioner to find out how this may affect you.

Many men and women will be able to lower cholesterol by making basic changes in their normal life. You will find that flipping some of the dishes that you're currently enjoying for more nutritious choices is not that big of a deal to to do. Besides, it is less costly than maintaining prescription medicines every single day. High fat foods that most frequently are associated with fast food places and processed animal products are some of the primary contributors for high cholesterol. The best thing to do is have more healthy produce given that they not just reduce your bad cholesterol levels but improve your good cholesterol at the same time. Rather than saturated meats, choose to eat tasty seafood such as halibut and grouper.

Some very hazardous contributing factors towards high cholesterol include excessive caffeinated beverages, tobacco and liquor use. Despite the fact that smoking cigarettes causes a variety of other dreadful problems in the body, it also causes elevated cholesterol levels that starts a path to fatty deposits in the arterial blood vessels, thus making you a vital candidate for a heart attack.

There are heart health supplements in the marketplace to help to keep your heart working better, but it is not a replacement for keeping bad habits. You can accomplish lower cholesterol levels to become healthy by making rather simple lifestyle changes that can help improve the quality of your life.

  

Three Tips To Start Losing Fat

It is particularly common for people to be looking for the fastest way to burn belly fat. In spite of everything, the majority of people do not truly desire to be heavy for their entire lifetime. Having a big belly is only going to lead to joint pain and other incapacitating diseases that often make doing things you love extremely stressful.

The most important step to do is simply drink plenty of water. Water is an essential ingredient to invigorating the body and flushing out our system.  If you enjoy a glass of water prior to eating your meal, you will feel full much sooner. When you experience that fullness feeling, you are not going to want to eat as much food. In fact, water is actually nature's craving reducer.

The next thing is to make certain to partake plenty of produce and fiber rich low calorie dishes. Most people think that if they exercise they can eat whatever they desire. Yet, this couldn't be farther from the truth. There is practically nothing stopping you from eating a healthy diet involving savory dishes. After all, there are a cornucopia of options for sale in your neighborhood food store.

Lastly, to be able to lose belly fat quickly is to work out frequently. Most people have the perception that if they have a huge belly, they will need to do sit-ups in order to get rid of it. However, this is not true. It is important to exercise the total body to lose weight. It is nonsense to try losing weight in a single particular muscle. This is mainly why aerobics is a popular way to lose weight. Always consult with your health care professional before changing your diet or beginning an exercise program.

More Consumers Turning To Natural Supplements To Improve Health

More health conscious individuals are looking for health supplements in order to improve their health. While many economic sectors may be struggling, the market for health supplements has grown 10% in the past year.  Clinical research is beginning to realize that some natural health products are quite rich in ingredients and can improve the body and help protect it from, as well as other things, diseases.

Meanwhile, some are using natural health supplements to control a number of disorders like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, as an example. Vitamin supplements are being recommended for people that are more vulnerable to sicknesses given that it is known to build up the immunity of those that take them. Those people having stressful lives should also consider taking health supplements simply because it might help them in invigorating the mind and body.

Green tea extract ECGH is a well-known herbal remedy commonly used to aid the body to combat attacks in the chest and lungs as well as such involving the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it is noted for its for its potential to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure. In fact, a few clinical studies have shown that green tea in may help in preventing certain cancers.

Vitamin c is another supplement that many are taking on a daily basis. This is because the health supplements comprising of this vitamin helps the body to defend against the damaging effects of aging and also assists the body in boosting its resistance to destroy bacterial infections. Further, it is claimed to aid in protecting the eyes from developing macular degeneration, particularly with seniors. The vitamin is also advocated in the defense against the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.

CoQ10 is an enzyme that is part of the mitochondria which is present in all the cells throughout the human body. This serves a key purpose in wiping out the harmful radicals in the body. For those persons who suffer with migraines, people who take nutritional supplements with Co Q10 may experience milder headaches, they may have lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure also. Thus, the immune system will receive a boost and the person will feel energized.


Researchers are coming to the realization that taking certain herbal supplements combined with a healthy diet, may be beneficial in boosting health and wellness. In addition, the rising cost of healthcare will cause many people to try alternative remedies.

A Recipe For A Healthy Meal Plan

For years people have been trying to lose weight, but due to the lack of knowledge about nutrition, it has become so difficult for them. Some times people even feel that healthy foods are tasteless, but healthy eating can still taste good. However, in order to actually eat healthy, you must have a healthy meal plan.

Here are a few healthy recipes for you to enjoy.

Breakfast baked pancakes

Baked pancakes are probably the most healthiest things to have for breakfast, as it's under 300 calories. If you aren't a good cook, you can still make baked pancakes, as it's a easy to prepare. Ingredients for baked pancake 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup starch, a little bit of salt and nutmeg, and extra virgin olive oil. Preparation:  Pre-heat your oven to about 400f, then beat your two eggs with the milk and starch. Afterward, add the salt and nutmeg into the mixture, and keep on beating until there are absolutely no more lumps. Put some of the extra virgin olive oil on the pan, and put the pan inside of the oven. Lastly, carefully pore the pancake batter on the pan and wait until you see the pancake turns golden brown.

Lunch Tuna sandwich

A tuna sandwich is one of the best things to eat for lunch, as it is also less then 300 calories. Ingredients for tuna sandwich canned tuna fresh in water (avoid the tuna in oil), wheat bread, lettuce, tomatoes, low-fat cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Preperation toast two six inch wheat breads for about 5 minutes, and then drain the canned tuna. Cut some low-fat cheese and put it on the bread. Add a small amount of extra virgin olive oil on the sides of your bread, as it will replace mayonnaise. Put the tuna on the bread and toast it again for another 3 minutes. When it is done toasting add the lettuce, and tomatoes.

Dinner Chicken salad

Eating vegetables for dinner is probably the most nutritional things to eat for dinner. Ingredients: lettuce, tomatoes, mangos, cucumbers, grapes, carrots, and extra virgin olive oil. Preparation:  Just saute all of the vegetables and fruits with extra virgin olive oil for about 5 minutes, and then it is ready to eat!

 

Healthy Halloween Snacks For The Entire Family

Halloween is the time of year that parents await with anxiety as their little pumpkins go around the neighborhood collecting gallons of candy treats.  Here are a few sinful delights for family and friends that are easy to prepare and more nutritious than your typical Halloween treat.

Hand Dipped Chocolate Fruit
Melt 2-3.5 ounce  bars of 70% cacao chocolate in a double-boiler over medium heat. During the melting process add 2 tbsp butter and reduce heat to medium-low.  Continue stirring until smooth.  Pour the melted chocolate into 5 individual serving bowls and serve with fruit.  Slice up apples, bananas, cantaloupe or whatever fruits you enjoy.  Strawberries are especially great.  Everyone takes their fork and dips the fruit into their individual chocolate bowl to enjoy an amazing treat.  The natural sugars of the fruit actually sweetens the chocolate to perfection.  Another variation is to finely chop nuts or use unsweetened shredded coconut.  After dipping the fruit into the chocolate you then roll it in the nuts or coconut for a tasty variation.

Spiced Popcorn
Just about everyone likes popcorn and it makes a healthy snack.  However, when you add butter you eliminate all of the health benefits.  You can buy your own popcorn kernels and pop them on your stove yourself.  It's a lot cheaper than the pre-packed bags and you can control the amount of salt. Plus, its more fun too.  Add 2 tbsp oil into the center of a pot.  Place 1/2 cup popcorn kernels on the oil.  Add 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp salt.  Cover and heat on high until the kernels begins to pop.  Reduce heat to medium.  Be careful not to burn the popcorn.  When the popping sound gets 2 seconds apart remove from heat.  Keep your face away from the pot when removing the lid to avoid coming into contact with the steam.  Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy.

Remember, the best way to enjoy treats is in moderation. For more healthy recipe ideas consider these Easy Veggie Meal Plans.

Is There A Cure For Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which sugar is not properly absorbed by the body. Globally the incidence of diabetes is expected to exceed 250 million people by 2025 – resulting in 35 million heart attacks, 13 million strokes, 6 million episodes of renal failure, 8 million instances of blindness or eye surgery, 2 million amputations and 62 million deaths – that is a measure of the scale of the problem. While diabetes belongs at the top of the healthcare agenda, it has yet to be given that position.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 21 million diabetics in America; with another 54 million people having pre-diabetes (placing them at high risk for developing Type II diabetes). This equates to 75 million Americans having diabetes, or being at high risk.

With attention focused on blood sugar and insulin levels, however, the underlying cause of all the devastation has been overlooked. According to health advocate and best-selling author Matt Traverso, many doctors are failing to treat the real underlying cause of diabetes. Instead, they are treating the symptoms with chemicals and pharmaceutical medications that often leave the sufferers with side effects and a long term dependency on these drugs.

What some doctors may be failing to understand is that diabetes is not a disease, it is an outward reaction coming directly from the pancreas that results in the body no longer being able to produce normal amounts of insulin due to the pancreas being run down.

Matt Traverso's E-Book states, if the damage that is being done to the pancreas can be turned around, the organ will be given the chance to heal itself and then, gradually, it is possible for those who are dependent on insulin shots to be able to stop them all together. This means diabetes sufferers may no longer have to be dependant on the drugs and medications that are usually taken to treat the condition.

Top scientists such as Dr Robert O. Young, Dr Gabriel Cousens, Dr Fuhrman and many others (whose groundbreaking research forms the basis of this E-book) state that “diabetes is completely reversible”. This information sheds new light on how diabetes sufferers get the condition and how they can turn their illness around for good. The new finding on diabetes is being called The Diabetes-Reversing Breakthrough.

Preparing Healthy Meals For Your Family

Healthy cooking is often difficult as most of us do not want to spend time planning and preparing meals that our families refuse to eat. At the same time, we want our families to be healthy so we feel compelled to learn new and improved ways of preparing healthy foods for our family to enjoy.

With weight and nutrition being known as the culprit in so many health conditions it is impossible to ignore the importance of not only eating healthy ourselves, but also of teaching our children the importance of eating healthy. One way to ensure that your loved ones are eating healthy is to make sure that you are starting with healthy and nutritious foods for them. This does not mean that you cannot enjoy the occasional calorie splurge or even that you shouldn’t. The key to cooking healthy is learning to control portions and understanding the importance of moderation.


For those that are hoping to incorporate healthy cooking habits into their daily routines, try making simple modifications to your favorite dishes. For example, use ground turkey in recipes that call for ground beef.  Turkey is leaner, packs more protein and you will hardly notice the change.  Try adding it to your meat sauce for a healthier alternative.  Another interesting substitution is using cauliflower for mashed potatoes. When cauliflower is pureed, it has the same consistency of mashed potatoes, but is a healthier and tastier alternative. 


There are many that will argue that cooking healthy food costs more than cooking the prepackaged foods that pack on the calories and additives. The truth of the matter is that when you compare the costs with the medical bills of the future for failing to do so, they seem rather slight by comparison. Yes, good food costs more money. In many cases, that is a simple fact of life. However, by learning portion control and eating the proper portions you just may discover that you are actually spending less as you adjust to the proper amounts of food you should be consuming in order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cooking healthy isn’t an overnight change; it is a lifestyle change that should be implemented one step at a time. You do not have to go into your kitchen and through out every little thing that you deem ‘unhealthy’ only work to not buy more of these items once they’ve been used. Make wiser decisions when purchasing fats for food preparation and you will discover that you’ve made a vitally important step in the process of incorporating healthy cooking and eating habits in your home.

It’s those small steps you take towards your goal of cooking healthy foods for your family that will matter far more than any giant leap. Before you know it you will find that you all have more energy and a better sense of overall health than you would have imagined before changing your cooking habits. The healthier your meals, the more likely your whole family are to maintain a healthy body weight.

Is Motivation Preventing Weight Loss?

      Before you can begin to lose weight you need to be realistic and avoid making excuses.  Anyone can come up with a bunch of excuses for why you can't do this or that.  The bottom line is that excuses will only prevent you from losing weight.

The truth is, a real weight loss plan is a commitment.  There are going to be times when you may not feel like working out.  Or, you may rather grab a bag of chips instead of eating an apple.  But, if you stick with a weight loss plan and don't allow excuses to get in the way, you will begin to see the results in the mirror.

Nobody said that making a lifestyle change was going to be easy.  It's so much easier to not do anything and leave everything the same.  Then again, nothing will happen.  You see, there is a choice.  Either way it takes effort.  You can choose to spend your time being overweight or you can use the energy to your advantage and lose weight. 

The first step is to get rid of those unhealthy snacks that will only slow down your metabolism and replace them with deliciously nutritious food items.  Fruits and vegetables provide many needed vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant properties. All fruits and veggies are good for you, but apples are especially great. They give you an energy boost that can help jump start your metabolism. Berries is another excellent choice.  Also, water is also extremely important to a good diet because it helps to flush out the fat cells. This means that you will need to severely restrict sodas from your diet, including diet colas.  The chemicals in soft drinks will not assist you in losing weight or add any beneficial health advantages.

It is very important that you don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Skipping breakfast actually lowers your metabolism while if you eat breakfast, you burn more calories during the day. Skipping meals might seem like a good idea but eventually hunger will get the better of you and you'll end up eating more than you should and maybe more of the wrong kind of foods. Ideally, you should have smaller, more frequent meals.  You can supplement your meals with a healthy snack, like fruit.

Finally, start adding exercises to your daily routine will help you lose fat.  It can be something as simple as walking several times a week or going out for a bike ride.  It is not so important which exercise you choose, just do something and stick with it.  You will be rewarded with a longer, happier and healthy life. 
   

Low Carb Chicken Recipes That Are Easy To Prepare

If you love to eat poultry, you will be pleased to know that these low carb chicken recipes are very easy to prepare. When cooking chicken, remove the skin and bake or grill rather than fry. Don't cover it in breadcrumbs or sauces made with fats as this will increase the carbohydrate content quite dramatically.

Protein is a key part of a healthy eating plan. It provides essential amino acids required to build and maintain healthy tissues, organs and hair.  It also keeps us feeling fuller for longer so it is a good idea to add a little to every meal.  Good quality poultry is a great source of protein. If possible choose the free range variety as they are not injected with hormones. Don't have chicken every day though.  There are plenty of other sources of quality proteins including low fat dairy products, good quality red meat, beans and pulses and fish.

You don't want to be eating grilled chicken all the time so why not try something a little different.  Here are a couple of chicken recipes you may find useful:

If you like your sandwiches you can still eat them on a low carb diet.  The bread must be whole wheat not white.    To prepare a sandwich, simply take four slices of your bread and some cooked chopped chicken breast.  Add some shredded lettuce and a sliced tomato.  Top with low fat Swiss style cheese (the one with the holes!). You should avoid using butter on the bread. You can add a low fat salad dressing if you find the sandwich too dry.

You can also have chicken curry but make it at home.  Fast foods and store bought processed meals contain a lot of hidden sugars, salt and bad fats.  This will not only stop you losing pounds but will also increase your risk of heart disease and raise your insulin levels. Keeping insulin levels low is key to losing weight as the lower levels inhibits the formation of fat and encourages your body to covert the insulin to energy. 

When making curry at home, add extra chilies if you can as they help to speed up your metabolism so you burn fats faster.  Serve with brown rice and skip the nan bread and poppadoms.

If you must fry your chicken, use a spray vegetable oil and a non stick pan to reduce your fat intake. The poultry should take up a maximum 25% of your dinner.  50% of your meal should be vegetables with the remaining 25% brown rice or brown pasta.

All of your meals should contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.   You should try and vary the color and type of veg you eat to gain the most nutrients and minerals and to protect yourself against diseases such as cancer.

September Is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Just like adults that are overweight, overweight children are prone to the same health issues.  In fact, health problems that are normally associated with an aging adult are now prevalent in children.  Sadly, many of these children will become afflicted with diabetes and heart diseases that could be prevented.

Also, childhood obesity is a growing problem.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% of the adolescent U.S. population is considered obese. This means that nearly one out of every five children are considered overweight. We have not seen this level of childhood obesity in the United States before.

How do I know if my child is overweight?  This is an important question because many parents may not realize that their child has a weight issue. Obesity is loosely defined as having excess body weight.  However, your pediatrician will be able to determine your child's body mass by calculating their height, weight and other measurements.  That's why it is important for your child to have annual pediatric check-ups.

What are the leading causes of childhood obesity?  Today, many schools have cut down on physical fitness programs which resulted in less physical activity at school.  Also, some schools have reduced or eliminated subsidized school meals for underprivileged children.  Not being able to afford healthy foods is another reason why some kids are more prone to becoming overweight.

How do I get my child to exercise more?  Physical activity is very important. Try to have your child participate either in a school sponsored physical activity or an extracurricular activity after school.  The key is finding something they like and encouraging them to participate.  Not all kids are sports enthusiasts, but a lot of children love bowling.  Joining a bowling league is a great place to start.  Gymnastics and swimming are also great ways to get more exercise.

How do I get my child to eat better?  Well, you have to start shopping better.  Kids will only eat what you have in the house.  If your child wants a chocolate doughnut but can only find yogurt or fruit in the refrigerator, they will eat the healthy food if they are hungry.  That's why it is important to cut out the junk food.  This also means limiting your trips to the fast food places.  Finally, you need to budget time so you can prepare a healthy meal for your family.  That doesn't mean you have  to prepare a meal everyday.  You can make a few meals ahead of time and freeze them.  Then  all you need to do is heat and serve at the appropriate time.  You have to ask yourself, is my child's health important enough for me to find the time to make them a healthy meal? 

Your kids will normally copy what they see their parents and siblings doing.  If they see you exercising and eating better then they will too.  Together, you can come up with a childhood obesity solution that works for your family and accomplish great things while giving your kids a chance to grow into healthy adults.


   

How To Avoid The Negative Effects Of Losing Fat

 Huge numbers of people would like to improve the way they look and feel by losing fat. However, losing fat alone is a stretch, it is essential to make an allowance for your metabolic rate and muscle mass to stay healthy. You need to be prudent to resist overdoing it or you jeopardize muscle loss.  Whenever you reduce excessive amounts of muscle tissue you will probably lose your strength and might not have the ability continue. Your end result will be a strong body with well shaped muscles.

Low carbohydrate diets are among the most popular diets on the market today. What is a low carb diet? It is an eating plan consisting of mainly lean proteins with a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables. This type of diet may help you to lose fat, but if you do not maintain this strict plan you will gain back the fat and weight you worked so hard to lose.

Most notably, this creates a variety of negative effects. The most likely consequence being an inability to continue the diet. This will not be due to a lack of desire, but mainly because your body needs fuel to burn energy. Your ability to burn energy efficiently is dependent on the quality of fuel you take in.  Of course, fuel that is laden with fat is not going to help you lose fat. 

How much weight can you lose?  That depends, but being able to lose 1-2 pounds per day is not out of the realms of possibility.  Your body will adapt to the lifestyle change, and, over time it becomes easier to burn fat. Therefore, eating a healthy diet really helps in reducing fat and excess weight. As your metabolism increases, you will notice an increase in stamina.  However, it is important to keep in mind that it takes more energy to digest complex carbohydrates than for protein. Also, during the digestion process, your body will process the nutrient-rich foods and expel the excess fat while preventing a build up of additional fat deposits.

That brings us to the importance of exercising.  Both aerobic exercise and weight training are equally important when it comes to losing fat and toning muscles. By performing aerobic exercises on a regular basis, you will ensure your metabolism remains in check and efficiently burns calories. Meanwhile, weight training helps shape your new lean muscle mass. This, in turn, creates what I call your lean fat burning machine.

Most Unemployed Workers Are In Need Of Health Insurance

      Getting laid-off is often an overwhelming experience.  There are a lot of difficult decisions that need to be made in a very brief amount of time utilizing little financial options being offered.  Sorry to say, besides a modest unemployment insurance, there is little to no assistance obtainable by the government. 

The most important decisions that will need to be completed as soon as you initially end up being laid off is to resolve if you will continue your medical policy with COBRA.  The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 is a law enacted in Congress that obliges companies to maintain medical coverage.  The only problem with this law is that it enables your employer to substantially increase the monthly premium.  Presumably, this is the main fact that ninety percent of out of work Americans elect not to receive their COBRA benefits.  Subsequently, you and your dependents are on your own for searching for more economical medical benefits.

You will find that it is a great deal faster and easier to seek out inexpensive medical insurance these days than it was 25 years ago.  There are practically tons of medical options by a multitude of insurance carriers.  Additionally, there are Internet websites that can provide you with free online insurance quotes to compare prices which makes it easy for you to purchase medical coverage.  When searching for benefits you will want to evaluate your deductible with the amount of insurance you are able to spend.  If you're budget is modest and are typically in good shape then you might raise your deductible in order to lower your monthly cost.  But, if you become ill quite easily and require a prescription medication program, then you will need to modify your finances accordingly.  Usually, the bigger your deductible, the lesser the monthly premium is.  Be aware that insurance doesn't pay the claims until the annual deductible limit is reached.

People can also consider supplementing health benefits with their auto insurance or an accident insurance policy.  Many car insurance vendors provides medical coverage for a nominal charge that you can add to your auto policy.  This will cover any medical costs if you become wounded in a car accident without having to be concerned with the deductible on your health insurance policy.  You can also consider buying an accident insurance policy for a low monthly cost that provides coverage if you become harmed resulting from a covered accident.

Whichever health option you decide upon, be careful to examine the small print to have an understanding of the benefits, limitations and exclusions of the health plan.  The conclusion is that there are a number of choices available so there is no reason to walk around and take a chance because you do not have medical coverage.  There is nothing worse than coming down with an illness when you are unemployed without health insurance.
  

Are You Breaking These Dieting Rules?

Are you breaking the rules?  If you're having a hard time losing weight and keeping it off, you may be doing one of these dieting no-nos:

1.  Starving yourself.  While, it may seem sensible that if you eat like a rabbit, the fat will just melt away.  The fact is that your body needs fuel (food) in order to burn energy (calories).  Also, starvation diets rob your body of the nutrients it needs for normal cell production. It's really a balancing act.  Eating more healthy foods in moderation and less of the bad stuff.  

2.  Reducing your calories too quickly.  If you suddenly eliminate your calories, your body is going to react by slowing down your metabolism.  This is exactly the opposite effect that you want on a diet.  You need to gradually reduce your calories over a period of time so that your body gets used to less calories.  The healthy food choices that you replace in your diet will speed up your metabolism.     

3.  Not answering your cravings. Dieters often feel that they need to give up their favorite high fat foods in order to lose weight.  It's OK to cheat every now and then.  The key is setting aside a cheat day several times a month.  Have pizza or enjoy your favorite ice cream.  Whatever your heart desires.  Just don't eat all of your favorite dishes in one day.  Spread them out and you will not feel that you are missing out on anything.

The bottom line is that common sense and planning goes a long way towards a successful weight loss program.  

Three Easy Exercises To Lose Weight

      It's no secret.  You need to exercise if you really want to lose weight. The problem that most people have is deciding which exercises are best for their situation. The more weight that you need to lose, the more difficult it can be for maintaining a proper fitness routine.  Fortunately, most everyone can start with these three easy exercises to lose weight.

Naturally, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program.  Also, your health care professional should be able to provide you with some exercises for you to do. In addition, many overweight adults can benefit from an experienced personal fitness instructor. Now that we have our disclaimer out of the way, let's get started.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that you can do.  It helps increase your heart rate and gets your blood flowing throughout your body.  You are not going to lose weight overnight, but you will burn calories and help prevent sugars and carbs from turning to fat.  You can walk as much or as little as you want, but try to walk for at least twenty minutes per day.  A lot of people complain that they just don't have the time.  However, you can split it up by walking for a few minutes before and after work.  Also, when you drive around looking for a parking space  try parking a little farther away instead of hunting for the closest parking space.  If you invest in a small pedometer, you will be surprised how much walking you can do in a small amount of time.

Another easy and cheap exercise is stair climbing.  If your home has stairs then that is a great place to start.  Otherwise, you may find stairs at a nearby shopping mall, library or office park.  If you are not accustomed to climbing stairs, then try starting out with one flight of stairs three times per week.  Depending upon how you feel, you can increase the level until you are able to go up and down several flights of stairs five times per week.  Instead of stairs, you may live in an area with a hill which will give you a similar effect.  Whether you are walking up stairs or a hill, just make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes on a dry surface. Also, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

Do you know which form of exercise combines the benefits of both walking and stair climbing?  That's right, swimming!  Swimming is the best exercise to lose weight.  If you are able to swim for at least twenty minutes per day, five days per week, you will be surprised how quickly you will burn fat and tone your muscles.  That's because swimming requires you to use all of your muscles.  It's best to start slow and build up your stamina.  If you don't have your own swimming pool, chances are good that there is a public pool nearby.

Regardless of your weight loss goals, these simple exercises will help you burn fat and lose weight.  Keep in mind that this is a lifestyle change and it will not happen overnight.  That's why it is important for you to stay motivated and dedicated to your fitness routine.
  

The 5 Main Principles To Burn Fat

Principle #1 – You must keep your body and metabolism happy.

Dieting can do a number on your metabolism by screwing with important fat burning hormones like leptin, and rather quickly at that. The answer to overcoming these adaptations lies in strategic high-calorie Cheat Days.

As you recall, leptin is heavily mediated by your calorie intake. Decrease calories and leptin levels fall off, increase calories and leptin levels recover.

And while it takes roughly a week of moderate dieting for leptin levels to fall off significantly, it only takes one day of cheating, or overfeeding, for leptin to recover back to baseline.

By frequently resetting your metabolism throughout the course of your diet with strategic high-calorie Cheat Days, you can essentially have your cake and eat it too while watching your waistline continually shrink week after week.


Principle #2 – You must create a massive calorie deficit to lose fat rapidly.

There’s no way around it, a pound of fat is 3500 calories. If you’re going to lose a pound of fat, you’re going to have to create a 3500 calorie deficit (while keeping your body in “fat burning mode” at the same time). If you want to lose 10 lbs of pure fat, that’ll require a 35,000 calorie deficit.

SIDE NOTE: Please realize that 10 lbs of pure fat loss will probably equate to somewhere between 15 and 20 lbs of actual “weight loss” due to the simultaneous water loss that occurs any time you lose fat.

After a cheat day your body is uber primed for fat loss, and it's prime time to take advantage with a mega calorie deficit. On this day, we do two things:

1. Consume minimal calories along with strategic supplementation to offset muscle catabolism.

2. Ramp up activity to burn a ton of additional calories on this day.

With this type of strategic set-up, it’s actually possible to burn a pound of pure fat in one day (considering that a pound of fat loss a week is deemed a “very good” rate of fat loss by most standards, that’s pretty awesome).

Principle #3: You must tackle your fat loss goals synergistically through diet and exercise.

When you’re talking about the most strategic set-up and the most rapid fat loss, things get a little more complex than simply “do a lot of exercise”. In fact, the type of exercise you do is just as important to your rapid fat loss goals as the frequency, duration, and intensity are.

With the Xtreme Fat Loss diet, you’ll see that there is a specific type or style of workout that we’ve purposefully chosen for each type of day to optimize and accelerate the results of that day.

Here is just one example:

Lactic Acid Training, which are very metabolically demanding, calorie-burning workouts, are performed on Depletion Days.

Because lactic acid workouts have the potential to burn more calories than other styles of training (because…they’re hard), they are the clear choice for Depletion Days when we want to create the largest caloric deficit. Lactic acid training also depletes the body’s “energy reserve”, making them the ideal workout style for Depletion Days.

Principle #4: You must avoid ANY positive weight gain.

When I first started teaching Cheat Days it was understood that there may be some positive fat gain as a result of a Cheat Day in order to yield MORE fat loss the following week (leading to a great net weekly fat loss).

For example, without incorporating strategic Cheat Days, let’s say someone is able to lose a pound a week (with each week’s weight loss becoming progressively slower leading to the inevitable plateau).

With strategic cheating that same person is able to now lose 2 lbs each week (with no drop off in metabolism and no plateau). This is a result of a half pound gain in body fat from the Cheat Day and a subsequent 2.5 pound loss (net loss = 2 lbs).

Now, the latter scenario is obviously WAY better than sticking to the same boring, strict diet every day while achieving slower results, but it still leaves a half pound of fat gain resulting from the Cheat Day, which, if eliminated = faster results.

Within muscle tissue, energy is stored in the form of glycogen (carbohydrate energy) and triglycerides (fat energy). With strategic training (like the lactic acid training mentioned in principle #3), these energy stores can be depleted or exhausted.

Why would you want to do that?

To make “room” for an influx of calories, carbohydrate and fat (for example, a Cheat Day)!

When glycogen and triglyceride stores are full, a Cheat Day is like pouring more liquid into an already full glass. Some of that liquid is inevitably going to spill over and lead to a bit of a mess (in this case, fat storage). But, if you dump out the glass and then refill it, there’s no “overflow”.

This is exactly what we do by performing glycogen and triglyceride depleting lactic acid training (while limiting carbohydrate intake) on the day prior to a Cheat Day. We empty the cup making room for the following day’s influx of cals, carbs, and fat.

The result? You get the same hormone-boosting, metabolism stimulating effect from the Cheat Day without the fat gain. Instead, the excess calories and carbs simply go to refilling your body’s empty energy stores. That, my friends, is what I call strategy.

And by eliminating any Cheat Day fat gain, you can easily increase your rate of fat loss by 25%!

Principle #5—You must maintain muscle mass to maintain metabolism.

This ties back in to some of the information I shared in Principle #3, the strategic combination of diet & exercise for optimal results, along with something else I haven’t fully touched on yet.

When faced with long-term calorie restriction, the body will choose to utilize muscle tissue for energy over body fat, leading to significant muscle loss and decreased metabolism for most dieters. Simply put, fat is more valuable to your body than “extra muscle” when it comes to survival, and it prioritizes accordingly in the face of long-term calorie restriction.

But, when you understand how to combine strategic cheat days along with high volume training to spark muscle growth even while you’re dieting, then you’ll easily be able to maintain (if not gain a couple pounds) of lean muscle throughout the course of only a few weeks.

Muscle = metabolism. The more lean muscle you have on your frame, the higher your metabolism is going to be. Muscle burns calories just sitting there. Maintaining it as you lose fat is fundamentally important to continuing to lose fat at an optimal rate.

Another way this program helps you maintain muscle is via Principle #1 – keeping your body happy. When your body remains in a “normal” state (instead of a “red alert” state like with long-term calorie restriction) over the course of a diet, there is no reason for it to resort to muscle tissue for energy. By keeping leptin levels high week after week, you maintain your metabolism and program your body to continue to burn fat, not muscle.

Many Adults Finding It Difficult To Achieve Weight Loss

      It is not uncommon for adults to find it very difficult to to achieve weight loss and maintain a healthy weight.  Part of the difficulty is not having access to the right strategy.  Firstly, you need to find out what you're shooting for.  Secondly, you want to have a real program that has been successful for others so its possible to arrive at your targeted weight loss goal.  Conclusively, you should decide that you will follow the necessary steps to reach your target to lose weight in a month.

If you are 20 pounds or more overweight and have been trying without success to lose weight in a month or less then you need a laser targeted approach.  These sorts of solutions are helping thousands of other people and continue to do so.  Therefore, look for those programs with a proven track record that are helping others with weight loss every day.

These types of dramatic weight loss programs require them to be followed accurately in order to realize the expected end results.  Also, consider weight loss courses that allow you to have a meal of whatever you want at certain points during the program. This has been the true secret to weight loss attainment.

However, in order to acquire victory you have to adhere to the strategy.  This is where most people will not succeed.  These programs are quite different from what you may have experienced in the past.  It's not impossible, but they do require initiative from you.  There is no one size fits all solution. You can't decide to skip a day and hope to receive the best results.  There are no shortcuts. 

What if you could lose 25 pounds in 25 days? The ball is in your court. Success is virtually secured when you find the ideal plan to lose weight in less than a month.
 

The Super Foods That Can Help Fight Heart Disease

      Heart disease continues to be the primary cause of death in the United States, according to the C.D.C.  In addition to this, about 12% of the country has been diagnosed with some type of heart disease and more than 600,000 people will lose their lives this year alone from this mostly unnecessary disorder.

One main reason for heart disease is maintaining a high fat diet that clogs the arteries.  Dishes that are rich in saturated fats and have little to no nutrient benefit will only carry you so far. Eventually, the arteries get choked on plaque and your heart is not able to pump blood easily throughout your body. Plaque that builds up along the artery's walls is not simply brushed out like plaque on the teeth. 

A solution to stopping and possibly reversing heart disease is eating a diet that contains unsaturated fats, like essential fatty acids from fish oil, for example.  Plus, your diet ought to include dietary fiber which are available in green leafy vegetables.  This form of fare will support decreasing low density lipids as well.

An excellent way to get your recommended daily serving of vital antioxidants and essential fatty acids is to make a tossed salad by tossing a portion of chopped salmon with walnuts, bell pepper and diced orange segments over a bed of spinach.

Kidney beans is an especially adaptable source of fiber. You can get a day's worth of calcium, potassium and fiber with a small bowl of bean chili by adding a can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes, with a can of drained kidney beans, heat and serve. This dish is low in fat and low in cholesterol.

Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and you will certainly start your day off right.  Try adding in a handful of nuts and you can give your body an antioxidant boost and the power which will get you out of the house. You should stay away from the instant flavored oatmeal assortments as it has too much sugar and other additives. 

With a healthy, well balanced diet, you too can help fight heart disease and lower your cholesterol.
   

Your Lifestyle May Affect Your Ability To Maintain Healthy Cholesterols

      It is not uncommon for people to experience high levels of cholesterol in ones bloodstream. However, you do need to take corrective action.  Cholesterol management can help you to avoid many health problems associated with heart disease. The only problem is that many people  do not understand what steps are necessary in order to help reduce these levels. Not realizing there are alternative approaches to reducing cholesterol many people end up with prescription medication from their doctor.

Most of the doctors prescribe statin drugs to help correct the problem. However, these medications have various side effects like blockage of the production of CoQ10. They also have another major side effect referred to as rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition whereby cells burst releasing their contents into the bloodstream causing pain.  When the cellular debris is released into the bloodstream, it is the duty of the kidneys to clean it up. In extreme conditions where the kidneys are overwhelmed, can lead to kidney failure and even death. To avoid complications, most people try to avoid statin drugs and deal with high cholesterol.

Why are they still being prescribed? First, it is important to note that the drugs do reduce cholesterol levels. This can happen even without doing any exercises or changing ones diet. Also, most doctors are more comfortable prescribing medications and may not be as familiar with natural supplements to lower cholesterol. On the other hand, there are physicians that are able to accomplish the same result using natural remedies.

The other major question many ask is whether there is a better solution. Of course there are many methods to manage your cholesterol levels safely and without much cost. If you are already taking statin drugs, you can ask for alternatives or have your liver function monitored closely.

Aside from this, there are different natural foods and herbs you can take to manage your cholesterol. The first one is alfalfa herb which contains saponins in the seeds. This helps block atherosclerotic plaque formation which happens when there is accumulation of cholesterol. The seeds strike the low-density lipoprotein in the blood replacing it with high-density lipoprotein.

Another helpful produce is garlic. Many people know about its medicinal properties. It has been used in treating many diseases over the centuries. Garlic, just like many other vegetables contains a high concentration of organosulfur. It is actually four times that in most other vegetables. This sulfur is very helpful in cholesterol management because it helps increase HDL levels. It also reduces clotting in blood vessels hence one can enjoy good circulation. As you can see, there a number of ways to naturally reduce your cholesterol.  The important thing is to consult with your physician to determine the most effective course of treatment for you.

Millions Of Americans Are Avoiding The Dentist

Oral health and maintenance is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. Prevention and correction of dental problems is essential to stem the damage to one of the most important features of the human body. Many people are unable to effectively maintain their oral health due to a lack of dental coverage and end up avoiding the dentist. This is mainly due to loss of employment and downsizing by major businesses effecting employee dental benefits. People who are used to regular dental check-ups are looking at options for where they can get affordable dental benefits. One main question on their minds today is “What is the difference between Dental Insurance and a Discount Dental Plan?”

Managed care dental plans are restricted forms of dental insurance which aim at reducing costs and payouts. They tend to restrict the coverage by limiting the access to care by restrictions (by predefining dentist, specialist, hospital or treatments in form of lists) and restricting level, type and frequency of treatment (usually in form of clauses in the coverage policy). There is generally some paperwork involved and you simply make a small co-payment at time of service.  The dental insurance provider will reimburse the dentist for the claim of approved covered services and treatments. 

Despite these drawbacks, some companies offer dental benefits by group discount schemes. These are also called discount dental plans. These membership programs costs very little money monthly or annually and plan members can use dental services at a deeply discounted rate. The payment is made directly by the patient to the dentist, no paperwork or claims or future hassles.

The USDA Raises Recommended Portions Of Fruits And Vegetables

      I think that everyone is well aware by now that fruits and vegetables are the most wholesome food groups ever discovered. The problem that most people have is understanding how much to eat and which ones are the best antioxidant foods. A short time ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture refreshed its recommended dietary guidelines which now suggests that we consume five servings of a a range of of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.  The recommendations further spell out that the recommended portion size needs to be 3-4 ounces each. 

While there is truly no such thing as a bad fruit or vegetable, some offer more nutritious value than others.  As a matter of fact, citrus like tangerines and grapefruit are especially nutritious due to their superior antioxidant concentration of Vitamin C.  Cantaloupe melon is especially advantageous because it packs a substantial dose of vitamins 'A' and 'C' and Potassium. Interestingly,  one-quarter portion provides a little more than half the potassium as a banana with just half of the calorie consumption. On the subject of nutrients per calorie, strawberries are tough to match.  Eight strawberries incorporate thirty percent more Vitamin C than a half grapefruit with thirty percent fewer calories.

Vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers have the most Vitamin C containing good amounts of potassium. Additionally, both potatoes and tomatoes have the highest concentration of potassium.  Concerning nutrients per calorie, broccoli packs almost double the Vitamin C as an orange and as much potassium as a banana for a mere 45 calorie serving of just one medium stalk. You may be amazed to uncover that a three ounce serving of chopped red leaf lettuce has very high quantities of both Vitamin A and potassium.

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in our diet.  Don't forget, that for you to receive the maximum essential nutrients, they should be consumed without cooking to prevent a reduction in the amount of nutrients. Also, plenty of fruits and veggies that are in jars comprise added sugars and other additives to extend their storage life. Therefore, when buying canned produce, search for those that are either vacuum packaged or are stored in plain water.

Regrettably, as much as 75% of consumers are not consuming the recommended daily requirement of essential nutrients.  The fact of the matter is, nutritionists recommend that you purchase close to eight pounds of fruits and veggies per week so we can get our five daily amounts.  It would be surprising if households are eating even half of the advised quantities. That's why nutritional supplements have become so popular.  A large number of supplements have plenty of essential vitamins and minerals in a single tablet. It's a lot more convenient to take a capsule than to constantly dash out to the grocer. Also, natural supplements normally do not contain unnecessary carbs that are identified in a lot of produce, particularly those that are in jars. 

Regardless of how you dice it, we all will reap the rewards from eating  a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.  They not only make your taste buds happy, but they are great for you too. Remember, the more antioxidant-rich items you devour, the stronger you will be.  Besides, it will give you the strength you want to carry out your daily tasks.
   
   

DIY Interior Design On A Small Budget

  You can still design your dream home even if you have a limited budget.  However, before starting an interior design project you need to decide how much money that you are able to spend.  Otherwise, you will never be aware of the true cost of your project. Actually, most homeowners today are working with limited resources. When you figure out your budget, then you can plan your interior design for all rooms. You don't have to complete every room at the same time, it is sometimes both physically and mentally more beneficial to concentrate on one room at a time. 

Even though paint will be one of the biggest costs of an interior decorating project, there are some tactics that you can employ to dramatically decrease the cost. As an example, you can use two or three colors to mix into hundreds of other colors and shades.  If you want to paint rooms blue, green, white and teal, for instance.  You can mix blue and yellow to make green then add white to make teal without having to buy a pre-mixed paint color. 

Kitchens are another item that can get rapidly expensive real fast. Rather than spend thousands of dollars to replace your kitchen cabinets why not paint and reface them? You don't need to spend a lot of money to transform your kitchen into a modern accomplishment by painting your cabinets white and refacing them with glass doors. You will be amazed how efficiently you can have a new kitchen on a tight budget.

Instead of buying all new living room furniture, you can buy a few new high quality furniture pieces and re-upholster some of your existing items, like sofas and chairs.  This has the effect of buying brand new furniture at half the cost.  Another great way to complement your interior design project is to accessorize your living space with art work and other distinct items.  A few small items can go a long way in decorating your home in your own theme. With a small budget and focusing on one room at a time and being a little creative, you will be able to accomplish your interior design project on a limited budget.