Casey Mcphee asked:

One sure way to lose weight is to go on an eating plan where you have to cut down on your carbohydrates.

All experts including doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, and fitness experts agree that reducing our carbohydrate intake can result to significant weight loss. However, in order to do this, we need to know what are the good foods for Low Carb Diet. In this article, we will show how you can pick out these foods and junk the others.

We are aware that carbohydrates are one of the main sources of our weight gain. In fact, many different kinds of weight loss programs focused and emphasized limiting our carbohydrate intake to achieve optimum health. Nonetheless, some give contradicting information, especially when listing down the good foods for Low Carb Diet. To avoid this confusion, we came up with a general and authentic list of these things that you can follow regardless of what program you are doing.

Below is the list of the good foods for Low Carb Diet:

1. Berries – Even though some experts disqualify these fruits because of their sugar content, for this particular type of diet you can have berries because they can satisfy your cravings for sweets, and they are rich in antioxidants. You can have some acai berries, black berries, blue berries, and strawberries if you like.

2. Asparagus – We highly recommend this vegetable not only because of its low carbohydrate content, but also because of its rich Vitamin A.

3. Beef or chicken broth – This can serve as soup or appetizer in your meals. It does not have high carbohydrate and calories, and it can make you feel full faster.

4. Meat – There is no specific preference to the meat that you can have under this program. You can have any meats you want though it is better to have turkey, chicken, salmon, tuna, and other fish because they contain lower fats than beef and pork meat.

Corwin Brown asked:


An important aspect to healthy skin care is a diet containing the right food for healthy skin. What is the meaning of “the right food”? The right food refers to the type of foods that contain the key nutrients that benefit the skin the most.

In a well-balanced diet, the body is able to get enough nutrients for good skin health and for the body to function well as a whole. However, in today’s society a well-balanced diet does not exist in too many households. Often diets lack the vitamins, minerals, and other essential components for healthy skin and healthy bodies.

The proteins are needed for repair of body tissues. The skin and hair need enough protein and the deficiency causes dull and dry skin and scalp. Vegetarians specially need to plan their diets carefully to include protein rich foods such as soya beans, sprouts, cheese, milk, grains, peas & beans. Freshly made cheese from toned milk is an excellent source of protein for the vegetarians.

To get the maximum effect, eat products made from cooked tomatoes, especially tomato paste, as the process of cooking makes it easier for your body to absorb the lycopene. You need around 10mg a day. It will take around 2–3 weeks before your body starts feeling the benefits. Other foods rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, like oranges, strawberries, broccoli and cabbage. Vitamin C is also essential for your body to produce collagen, the material that keeps your skin firm and wrinkle-free.

Vitamin A is very important for the health of your skin and eyes. The richest sources of this vitamin are cod-liver oil, liver, carrots, spinach, milk and egg-yolk. If the diet is lacking in this vitamin, the skin becomes excessively dry and develops pimples. Vision at night becomes defective.But remember, neither should you overdose yourself with Vitamin A, because this can cause dryness and roughness of the skin, falling of the hair and soreness of lips.Cracking and soreness of lips also develop in vitamin B deficiencies.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It has been proven to reduce the damage of sunburns and overexposure to ultraviolet light, which in turn reduces the risk of skin cancer. Green tea is also high in polyphenols — compounds that eliminate cancer-causing free radicals.

Two per cent of men (and eight per cent of women) are anaemic. Even more have low-iron stores, which can leave you feeling tired and weak. But another little-known symptom of low-iron stores, caused by not enough in your diet, is itchy skin.

This combination will improve the texture of your skin. Used regularly it will help reduce signs of aging such as liver spots and wrinkles. Carrot is high in beta-carotene and anti-oxidant vitamins, while avocado is a rich source of vitamin E. The thicker the consistency of the mask, the more intense the action on the skin.

Carrots are a good food for skin because they are a high source of beta-carotene. The body coverts beta-carotene to vitamin A for use within the body. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that mops up free radicals, such as those produced by overexposure to the sun, that lead to the premature aging of skin. It also aids in skin collagen formation. Collagen helps skin look young and plump.

Vitanet® Health Foods asked:


Get ready to experience a volume of information of the healthiest foods in the world. Here is a list of the top ten super foods that most health experts agree on. You should tell everyone you know about these foods and enjoy them at your next meal. From fruits and vegetables, to whole grains, nuts, beans and legumes, this power-packed nutritional inventory will take you into the best years of your life and beyond.

Fruits



Cantaloupe

Only a quarter of cantaloupe provides almost all the vitamin A needed in one day. Since the beta-carotene in a cantaloupe converts to vitamin A, you get both nutrients at once. These vision-strengthening nutrients may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Like an orange, cantaloupe is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps our immune system. It is also is a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, folate, niacin, and potassium, which helps maintain good blood sugar levels and metabolism. This pale orange power fruit may help reduce our risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.



Blueberries

These mildly sweet (and sometimes tangy) berries offer a high capacity to destroy free radicals that can cause cancer. Low in calories, they offer antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, which enhance the effects of vitamin C. These antioxidants may help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer.



Vegetables

3: Tomatoes

Tomatoes help us fight against heart disease and cancers such as colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and cancer of the pancreas. Tomatoes are also good sources of vitamin C, A, and K. In a 2004 study, it was found that tomato juice alone can help reduce blood clotting.

Fresh, organic tomatoes deliver three times as much of the cancer-fighting carotenoid lycopene. Even organic ketchup is better for you than regular ketchup! Look for tomato pastes and sauces that contain the whole tomato (including peels) because you will absorb 75% more lycopene and almost two times the amount of beta-carotene.

4: Sweet Potatoes

As an excellent source of vitamin A, C, and manganese, sweet potatoes are also a good source of copper, dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron. Those who are smokers or prone to second-hand smoke may benefit greatly from this root vegetable that helps protect us against emphysema.

For a unique dessert, cube a cooked sweet potato and slice a banana. Then lightly pour maple syrup over the top and add a dash or two of cinnamon. Add chopped walnuts for an even healthier kick.

5: Spinach and Kale

A cancer-fighter and cardio-helper, spinach and kale top the list as far as green leafy vegetables are concerned. Much like broccoli, they provide an excellent source of vitamin A and C. Kale is a surprisingly good source of calcium at 25% per cup, boiled. Vitamin K is abundantly found in spinach as well, with almost 200% of the Daily Value available, to help reduce bone loss.

Whole Grains

6: Whole Grain Bread, Pasta and Brown Rice

Whether it’s bread or pasta, the first thing to check for when purchasing whole grain bread and pasta is to make sure it is 100% whole grain. Remember to check the list of ingredients on the package. For example, look for the exact phrase “whole wheat flour” as one of the first ingredients listed in whole wheat bread. If it’s not listed as such, then it’s not whole grain. Wheat bran is a cancer-fighting grain that also helps us regulate our bowel movements.

Brown rice is also a better choice than refined grain (white rice) for the same reason as choosing whole wheat bread. Whole wheat flour or brown rice that turns into white flour or white rice actually destroys between 50-90% of vitamin B3, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese, phosphorus, iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids we need. Even when processed white flour or white rice is “enriched,” it is not in the same form as the original unprocessed kind. In fact, 11 nutrients are actually lost and are not replaced during the “enrichment” process!

Nuts

7: Walnuts

These nuts are packed with omega-3 fats, which is one of the “good” fats. A quarter cup of walnuts would take care of about 90% of the omega-3s needed in one day. Walnuts provide many health benefits including cardiovascular protection, better cognitive function, anti-inflammatory advantages relating to asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis. They can even help against cancer and also support the immune system.

Beans and Legumes

8: Black Beans and Lentils

While black beans are a good source of fiber that can lower cholesterol, so are lentils. The high fiber content in both black beans and lentils helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Also a fat-free, high quality protein with additional minerals and B-vitamins, black beans and lentils fill you up and don’t expand your waistline.

A complete, one-stop source of using a variety of beans and lentils comes easy when you can find a bag of 15-bean mix (includes black beans, lentils, navy, pinto, red, kidney, etc.) at the grocery store. Consider making a delicious soup with the addition of tomatoes, onions, garlic and your favorite spices with this bean mixture.

Dairy

9: Skim Milk and Yogurt

Skim milk (or low-fat) helps to promote strong bones, offering an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K. These nutrients help protect colon cells from cancer-causing chemicals, bone loss, migraine headaches, premenstrual symptoms, and childhood obesity. Recent studies also show that overweight adults lose weight, especially around the midsection, when consuming low-fat dairy such as skim milk and yogurt.

Yogurt also includes the essential nutrients such as phosphorous and vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, zinc, potassium, and protein.

Yogurt’s live bacterial cultures also provide a wealth of health benefits that may help us live longer and strengthen our immune system.

Seafood

10: Salmon

Salmon is high in protein, low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fats (the essential fatty acids that are also found in those walnuts mentioned earlier). Salmon is a heart-healthy food and is recommended to eat at least twice a week. When choosing salmon, it’s best to stay away from farm raised and select wild instead. Research studies show that farmed salmon may cause cancer because it may carry high levels of carcinogenic chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Other

Green Tea and “Power” Water

Although not food per say, the health benefits of these beverages are worthy of mentioning.

Green tea has beneficial phytonutrients and lower levels of caffeine than all other teas. The more research studying green tea, the more health benefits are found. A cancer fighter as well, green tea has antioxidant effects that lower risks of bacterial or viral infections to cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis.

Water packed with vitamins and/or naturally sweetened fruit are also the newest trend. Some offer a full day’s supply of vitamin C while others promise no artificial sweeteners with a full, fruity taste.

As you can see, the top ten super foods are worth every bite (or sip). Now that you know which foods can help save your life, what’s more important than investing in your health?

Lynn Jaffee asked:


Diet is an important component of staying healthy and aging well. As an acupuncturist, I have studied food and dietary therapy from the standpoint of Chinese medicine. The Chinese view food as medicine that we eat three (and sometimes more!) times a day. Beyond good digestion and eating certain foods for specific conditions, a number of my patients have asked us what makes up a “good” diet.

My first answer is always to eat for your specific body type or health condition.

For example, if you have digestive problems, it is important to eat cooked, easily digestable foods such a soups, stews, and stir fried dishes. If you tend to feel hot much of the time, eating foods that are energetically cooling, such as bananas, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint are appropriate. If you are chronically cold, warming foods, such as lamb, ginger, and cinnemon can be helpful. Eating for your particular condition is best done with the consultation of a practitioner of acupuncture or Chinese medicine.

 A general guideline for eating according to Chinese medicine, is to incorporate the following into your diet:

 -Lots of dark-colored cooked vegetables

-Whole grains

-A little fruit

-Small amounts of protein

-A wide variety of local foods

-Avoid ice cold foods and drinks, concentrated juices, saturated fats, sugar, and sweeteners

Eating according to the principles of Chinese food therapy is just one way to better health, however. There are a number of theories as to what makes up the optimal diet.

Some current research on diet points to the Mediterranean Diet as another optimal way to eat to maintain good health. The Mediterranean Diet incorporates foods from the countries around the Mediterranean, and its benefits include increased cardiovascular health, weight maintenance, a decreased risk of some cancers, reduced inflammation and decreased cognitive decline. The good news is that very modest lifestyle changes, like incorporating only one or two components of the diet, or starting changes later in life can still produce significant health benefits.

So what is the Mediterranean Diet? While there are a number of versions, the key components include:

 -Olives and olive oil products along with lots of fruits and vegetables

-Red wine (up to three glasses a day!)

-Deep sea fish

-Whole grains

-Legumes (beans), nuts, and seeds

-Fermented low fat dairy products (yogurt, kefir, etc.)

-Limited red meat, sweets, and full fat dairy products

While it’s always better to incorporate changes early in life, the take away message here is diet does matter, and regardless of when you start, small changes can impact your health.

 Bon Appetite!

 

Leo D Pierson, Jr. asked:


y studies prove Illness is a consequence of wrong diet, and nervous and mental tensions caused by selfishness, pride and ever-spreading materialism; whereas vegetarianism is the solution to the world’s serious hunger problems. When Latin American countries – like Argentina – realise this, they will grow wheat, barley, millet and other cereals and soya in their vast territories not yet under cultivation.

In the United States , vegetarianism is usually synonymous with ovo-lacto vegetarianism; and will sometimes be assumed to tolerate some meat, for instance, chicken (or “at least” fish).

Vegetarianism is a major dietary therapy in the alternative treatment of cancer. Other conditions treated with a dietary therapy of vegetarianism include obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, allergies, asthma, environmental illness, hypertension, gout, gallstones, hemorrhoids, kidney stones , ulcers, colitis, premenstrual syndrome , anxiety, and depression.

Even stricter form of vegetarianism is fruitarianism. Fruitarianism excludes all food but the fallen botanic fruits of plants.

Vegetarianism is a good idea for anyone, whether young or old, healthy or sick. Reasons supporting vegetarianism are inarguable since becoming a vegetarian is scientifically proven to improve one’s lifestyle in several different ways. And there are interpretations of religious scriptures which support this, saying that vegetarianism is a very high ideal. Most of us have a pretty good idea of what vegetarianism is-no meat with or without also eschewing animal derivatives such as eggs or dairy products. Beyond this simple definition, vegetarianism is mostly a self-identified appellation that varies from person to person.

Current recommendations are that vegetarians eat a wide variety of foods during the course of a day. Eggs and dairy products are good sources of protein, but also try nuts, peanut butter, tofu, beans, seeds, soy milk, grains, cereals, and vegetables to get all the protein your body needs. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians will eat eggs and dairy products; lacto-vegetarians will eat dairy products but not eggs; and pesco-vegetarians will eat fish as well as dairy products. Vegans abstain from all foods of animal origin. In contrast, we believe that studies relating to the dietary patterns of vegetarian populations who enjoy optimal health are valuable and valid sources of information, and can be used in developing a model of healthful eating.

Although it is much disputed and not always popular, vegetarianism is a very positive and productive dietary plan. Eating vegetarian is considered by many to be very healthy.

Some studies, along with anecdotal evidence that has been gathered, indicate that a mostly raw food vegetarian diet is helpful in breaking the cycle of suffering of several maladies.

On the other hand, plant-based vegetarian diets can deliver excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, another class of essential fatty acids found in vegetable oils made from corn, soybeans and grape seeds, whole-grain breads and cereals. Omega-3′s and omega-6′s are both “good” fats but a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio promotes inflammation and other imbalances that can lead to disease. People who follow vegetarian diets can get all the nutrients they need. However, they must be careful to eat a wide variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs.

Studies conclude that a vegetarian diet contains sufficient protein and is high in carbs and low in fat, making it ideal for athletic performance. One of the top considerations for any athlete that starts a vegetarian lifestyle is to be cognizant of vitamins and minerals, especially B12.

The most common types of vegetarian diets are vegan, lacto, ovo, and lacto-ovo. The vegan, the strictest type of vegetarian, does not eat any animal products. Obesity On average, people who follow vegetarian diets are leaner than meat eaters, and people who switch to a vegetarian diet commonly lose weight. Only 15 percent of vegetarian Seventh-day Adventists are overweight, as against 30 to 40 percent of meat-eating Adventists and 40 percent of the average American population. The influences of these aspects of vegetarian diets are the subject of the new field of nutritional ecology that is concerned with sustainable life styles and human development.

Vegetarian diets are also high in fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains not broken down by your body. Vegetarian diets are lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and animal protein. They’re also high in folate, anti-oxidant vitamins like C and E, carotenoids, and phytochemicals. Although vegetarian diets are higher in total iron content than nonvegetarian diets, iron stores are lower in vegetarians because the iron from plant foods is more poorly absorbed. The clinical importance of this, if any, is unclear because iron deficiency anemia rates are similar in vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

Semi-vegetarian diets are diets that primarily consist of vegetarian foods, but make exceptions for some non-vegetarian foods. These diets may be followed by those who choose to reduce the amount of animal flesh consumed, or sometimes as a way of transitioning to a vegetarian diet. Vegetarian diets are classified in various ways: The LACTO-OVO-VEGETARIAN avoids meat, poultry and fish. The lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products can be nutritionally adequate by following . Researchers have also suggested that the health benefits of vegetarian diets are due, at least in part, to other healthy lifestyle choices that often accompany vegatarianism, such as increased physical activity and not smoking.

If the lactovegetarian and the ovo-lactovegetarian diets are planned well, they will contain all the vitamins and minerals the body needs for good health. Vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in the vegan diet are vitamin B-12, vitamin D, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and iron. On the other hand, vegetarian diets are much richer in vitamins C and E, both important antioxidants. They are also much richer in important minerals like magnesium and manganese, which are often lacking in Western diets. Persons consuming vegetarian and semivegetarian diets are found to have lower rates of chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

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Joni Bell asked:


One excellent source of vitamin D is cod liver oil. But first lets discuss exactly where vitamin D comes from, besides cod liver oil.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone precursor that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Strictly speaking, it is not a vitamin since human skin can manufacture it, but it is referred to as one for historical reasons. It is often known as calciferol One cup of vitamin D fortified milk supplies about one-fourth of the RDA (Required Daily Allowance).

Twenty minutes of fully body exposure to sunlight equals about 20,000 IU (international units)

As we age we need even more vitamin D. Here is the daily chart

* Ages 19-50 – 200 IU

* Ages 51-69 – 400 IU

* Ages 70 and above – 600 IU

One tablespoon is about 1,400 IU of vitamin D, therefore one teaspoon is 450 IU (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon)

Most cod liver oil comes from Norway and the other Scandinavian countries; where it has been part of the diet for decades. The immune-boosting benefits of the oil may be only now coming to light in this country, but they’ve been common knowledge in those countries. You’ll still find that most moms and grandmothers keep a jar of cod liver oil in their cupboard. If you take or decide to use cod liver oil to get your vitamin D, which l think is an excellent option, keep a few things in mind.

First, if you sunbathe 20 minues a day, 3 times a week, you may not need to supplement with cod liver oil.

If you do not sunbathe a lot, I would suggest having your doctor check your vitamin D levels before you take cod liver oil; you may need to add vitamin D as a supplement. Second, not all cod liver oil is the same. In fact, most products are worthless, either because they’re rancid or because of the way they’re produced. Also, much like olive oil, cod liver oil is marketed in a couple of different grades. Regular cod liver oil from the top of the barrel is a lighter oil containing less in the way of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Obviously therefore this means that the oil at the bottom of the barrell is a higher quality.

Keep in mind that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. If you have difficulty digesting fats (or have had your gallbladder removed and aren’t taking bile salts), you will have a more difficult t!me using vitamin D from cod liver oil. Cod liver oil has also been shown to work better when there is an adequate amount of saturated fats in the diet as well. A high-quality butter works well in this respect.

Aysha Khan asked:


ACNE RELATED GOOD AND BAD DIETS

One of the oldest popular believes about acne is its link with diet. The role of diet in acne was a proven fact in old ages. However with modern advancements in scientific researches the accountability of diet has become controversial. There are certain dermatologists how totally liberate diet from this blame while most believe that diet does have a role at least in acne flare ups, if not in formation of new lesions. There are two aspects of diet in this regard;

1. Some bad foods that cause or exacerbate acne.

2. Some good foods that prevent or help to clear acne.

Acne Related Bad Foods:

As long as acne flare ups are concerned, the notorious of all foods are chocolates, soft drinks, potato chips, spicy foods, shell fish and so forth. As acne is predominantly a disease of teenagers, (although women in 20s or 30s may also be affected) the age when such foods are the favorites. While parents usually hate to see kids filling their stomachs with such junk foods mainly because these diets are glaringly deficient in several vital minerals and vitamins. Consequently it is the desire of parents for a dermatologist to declare such sugary and oily foods to be the main culprit. Beside junk foods there are some acne sufferers who found that spicy foods or beef are the ones that worsen their pimples. In contrast to above you may come across few researchers that claim milk to be the main cause in some people. Eggs are another infamous food for acne. Similarly there are many other believes regarding the link of food and acne. Above all there are different effects of same food on different people.

Quite opposite to the strong traditional belief that wrong diets cause or worsen acne, Scientists have not found any connection between specific foods and acne. The Journal of the American Medical Association recognized, “Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patients…even large amounts of certain foods have not clinically exacerbated acne.” There has been found no direct influence of food to the cause of acne. Still we will recommend unhealthy junk and spicy foods to be avoided at least during the course of treatment because they will drop off the intake of healthy foods that promote rapid healing.

Acne Related Good Foods:

Even though certain foods do not cause acne or aggravate existing acne lesions, a good healthy diet does have a role in clearing skin. A healthy food promotes an overall good health, and as skin is the reflection of one’s wellbeing, a good health will reflect a fresh glowing complexion with clear skin. There are certain Vitamins and minerals that are very essential for a healthy skin. The most important of all are;



Vitamin A; major sources are liver, fish oil, carrots, apricot, parsley, spinach, tomatoes, milk, cheese and whole eggs.

Vitamin E; major sources are nuts like almonds and peanuts, whole grain, vegetable oils, avocado, green leafy vegetables especially kale.

Zinc; Major sources are Lean meat, skinless chicken, Shellfish, Nuts,Seeds, whole grain Cereals, Yoghurt, skim milk, eggs, whole grains, mushroom.

Vitamin B and Chromium have also been found useful in clearing skin and getting a glowing complexion.



The important factor for getting a clear acne free face is to avoid bad foods as much as possible, to add good foods to your diet and drink plenty of water. Though the part of water for clearing acne was well known in the near past, yet new researches have made this controversial too. Still its role in maintaining body’s well being is incredible and as already mentioned a good health means good skin.

Nick Mutt asked:


Let see the essential nutrients and their natural sources, for the healthy growth of body and mind. Protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats are the essential nutrients for good health. They strengthen our immunity system, help fight against diseases, and keep us healthy, fit and strong.

Protein – Protein are essential for the growth, maintenance and regeneration of the body. The main sources of proteins are pulses, milk, eggs, meat etc. Many nutritionists believe that animal proteins are superior and indeed complete food proteins whereas vegetable proteins are inferior and incomplete food proteins. They insist on vegetarians taking plenty of milk so that they can get sufficient amounts of complete food proteins and the body can be maintained at its best.

A non-vegetarian diet provides excessive amounts of proteins to the body. And excess of proteins may result in many diseases. This is because ingestion of excessive amounts of proteins results in the formation of uric acid, which is harmful to health.

Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamins and minerals perform various important functions in the body. Vitamins are needed for the proper digestion and absorption of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and the development of the ability of the body to protect itself against diseases. Minerals are needed for the formation and functioning of the cells. These vital substances are necessary for the maintenance of health.

Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates provides heat and energy to the body.

The major sources of carbohydrates are cereals, tubers, roots, pulses, milk, etc. One should prefer the use of natural carbohydrates in their natural forms in place of processed carbohydrates. Processing removes the fibers and roughage from the food that results in insufficient elimination of wastes. Toxic substances consequently accumulate in the blood. De-branned flour, polished rice, white flour, refined sugars, canned and bottled fruit juices, tomato ketchup, jams, jellies, bread, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, sweets etc. are instances of such processed foods.

Fats – Fats, too like carbohydrates, perform the function of supplying heat and energy to the body. The main sources of fats for vegetarians are ghee (clarified butter) and oils. There are two types of fats – saturated and unsaturated. Prolonged used of saturated fats causes constriction and hardening of arteries, which may result in hypertension, heart attack and other related ailments. It is therefore necessary to minimize the intake of saturated fats and replacing them by unsaturated fats.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Judy Sharp asked:


We all know that the food we eat makes a big difference in the amount of weight we lose.

It’s simply a matter of making choices – low fat chicken rather than fatty meat, water and fresh juice rather than soda, baked potato rather than fries. It’s the choice we make when we purchase our food for the week, or go to the drink machine at work. Soda or water? Water!

When you substitute the healthy weight loss foods you lose weight faster and have more energy.

The top healthy foods you can eat to lose weight:

1. Vegetables. Eat as much as you like! It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as it’s fresh. Avocados have fat, but it’s fat that will help you lose weight – and fill you up! Potatoes are starchy, but they won’t put on the weight, especially if you’re eating a lot of other vegies as well.

Eat them raw or cooked, it doesn’t matter. The main thing is to have more vegies on your plate than anything else.

No butter or sauces, of course. You’ll be amazed at the subtle and delicious tastes of vegetables! A good soy sauce will add flavoring if you like.

Buy organic if you can – you’ll reap the benefits in healthy energy. If not, wash all vegetables well.

Vegetables are alkaline and balance the body’s chemistry. They’re full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants and low in calories. Try to get a mixture of colors in your diet – green, orange, red, yellow and white.

2. Fresh fruit will also help you lose weight because it’s full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, just like vegetables. Yes, it has fruit sugars, but they are the complex kind that takes time to digest, and so do not end up as fat cells.

And it will REALLY speed up your weight loss if you use fruit as a replacement for candy and puddings.

3. Eat plenty of whole grain. In order to lose weight it MUST be whole grain. Substitute brown rice for white, wholegrain pasta for regular, and try some of the other wonderful grains available, such as buckwheat, quinoa and spelt. Eat traditional rolled oats for breakfast or a wholegrain cereal, preferably without sugar. If you eat bread, make sure it’s made of a good whole grain. Don’t choose the kind called “multigrain” when it’s mostly white bread with some seeds scattered in it.

4. Beans. Substitute all or several meat portions a month with beans. You can cook them from scratch – or to save time, buy them canned. If you buy them canned, put them in a colander and rinse well with running water. Full of protein and fiber, beans are an excellent low-fat way to get your protein.

5. Water. Drink water, water, water. Soda puts on weight very quickly. And don’t be fooled by diet sodas. Sugar substitutes still add weight – something you rarely hear the truth about.

You can also drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice. Drink it as soon as it’s made for that zinging, full feeling and lots of weight burning.

Dane Fletcher asked:


A full body detox is great for overall health and longevity purposes once or twice per year. I’ll get into how to do that later. Right now lets talk about a basic cleanse that is gentle enough to use every day yet strong enough to work. Here is this simple recipe:

1.2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar I’ve heard that “Braggs” ACV is the best brand. Honestly, I’ve had wonderful results and have only used a generic supermarket brand which is about a dollar and change for about a liter.

2. 1/8-1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda (This will neutralize the vinegar so you don’t harm the enamel on your teeth, it neutralizes in your stomach anyway so you are still getting all the benefits of the ACV. It is actually easier for your body to absorb what it needs to from the ACV if you neutralize it first. By taking out that step, you saved your body that work (read: work = energy) and now it can use all of its energy to absorb what it needs. You want to get it to about a 7% alkaline level. The ACV you buy in a grocery store is about 5%. The more that acid bothers you (GERD, acid reflux etc) the more Baking soda you should use. Start with 1/8 of a teaspoon and assess your tolerance. I have found ¼ teaspoon to be the magic number for me. Remember Baking Soda is sodium based, you may find yourself retaining a good amount of water for the first couple of days until your body becomes accustomed to the additional salt. I am extremely salt sensitive and couldn’t get my feet in my heels the first night. Then again, you know me and my Jersey girl 6 inch stilettos!

3. ¼-1/2 fresh lemon juice

4. 1 Tablespoon Organic Honeyb

Add about 4-6 oz of water and drink 2-4x/day. If you can get it down once on an empty stomach, you’re doing better than most people out there.

I warm my water and make it into a tea. I find it to be a lot tastier when I throw in the additional (less palate pleasing) ingredients listed below.

ADDITIONAL INGRIDENTS – OPTIONAL:

1. 20 drops Ginger Extract. Ginger/Gingerol has TONS of benefits. Check out www.superhumanradio.com and tune in to the show on Ginger –The Uber Herb. Carl Lenor explains all the benefits of Ginger better than I ever could!!! (Gotta plug your boy, Carl, he let NY/NJ speed talker rant on his show for an hour, sweetiepie…u know me, I NEVER forget anyone who has helped me in my career!!).

2. 1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, if you can stand it. Go slow with this to assess your tolerance. I LOVE spicy food so the first day, brass guts over here decided to throw an entire teaspoon right into the mix. I thought my throat was going to close. Me and my daring (read: dumb) Rosanneisms! Heehee. Cayenne pepper heals and rebuilds tissue of the digestive system, increases the effectiveness of other foods and herbs when used with them, and is also linked to healing the heart and cardiac tissue. Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks. Contrary to popular belief, it does not cause ulcers, it actually heals them. That’s if you can deal with the burn if you have one. Enough facts, lets get down the nitty-gritty of why everyone is reading this….cayenne is a natural thermogenic which has been proven to raise body temperature, boots metabolism and ultimately aid and speed fat loss. Just think increased circulation = increased lymph flow ( that means decreased cellulite ladies) = detox = ULTIMATE HEALTH, FATLOSS AND BODY WEIGHT MAINTENANCE (we’ll get into that another time).

3. I’ve also been adding 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder. It’s an extremely acquired taste. To be perfectly frank, this stuff is icky…and I can stomach most everything “nasty.” It helps restore flora in the intestinal track. Turmeric has also been proven to clear the skin of those who suffer from acne and blemishes, help eliminate facial hair growth in females (not sure that this is proven internally, but I found a lot of stuff on using it topically). CAREFUL w/ this stuff, however….it STAINS!! After all, one of its main old time uses was as a dye in India, where it originates. I learned this the hard way. It stains EVERYTHING! And I mean everything from bed sheets, clothing, towels, down to the skin on my face. Its a nasty orange color but stains a fluorescent yellow color…think the color of a yellow highlighter exploding all over you!

OTHER HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO AID IN DETOX:

1. Milk thistle – The liver is the most important organ of detox in our bodies. Milk thistle helps support liver detoxification and healthy liver function.

2. DHEA – Caffeine addicts, fat burner fanatics, diet pill poppers….they don’t work for you anymore for a reason. Most people just say, your body gets “used to them” which is medically known as “Adrenal Fatigue.” Your adrenals are little glands located on top of each kidney. They are the major players when it comes to hormone secretion. Too much stress, not enough sleep, too many stimulants are all a big cause of adrenal overload. When they get overloaded, they do not function properly. DHEA helps “clean them out”. If you can get your hands on Rx DHEA, I’m jealous. Seriously, if you go that route, please be carefully monitored by your physician. If you can’t, regular drugstore DHEA is fine. Also, the only way to fully clean them out is to eliminate your stimulant intake (I know, I just went through my caffeine withdrawls last week…no fun but soooo worth it), eliminate the stress in your life and get your sleep.

3. ALOE VERA – Aloe Vera gel is one of the best digestive cleanses out there. I’ve been using it for a week both internally and on my skin and have noticed major differences. It is sold as a ‘Detox’ in most heath food and vitamin shops and also at your local grocery store as juice. You probably want to mask the taste, the plain juice tastes like dirty shower water.

4. Caster Oil – NOT TO USE OFTEN…stimulates spasm of your upper intestines, not just the lower intestine (like most other herbal or chemical laxatives) therefore, will clean out your entire intestinal tract. It will typically be effective w/ in 5 hours of taking and is so effective you may not pass your bowels for 3 or so days afterwards b/c you are so “cleaned out” (SORRY graphic I know but detoxing can be nasty!)

5. Psyllium Husk and other fiber supps – We want to eliminate everything in your digestive tract. Fiber helps this moves everything along more quickly.

6. Digestive Enzymes – You can get at your local vitamin store.

7. Papaya is the best natural digestive enzyme out there and its only a couple dollars at the grocery store. A delicious Brazilian shake, compliments of my sister in law: 1/2 papaya, 1/2 pineapple, Ice and water. Blend to desired consistency. DELICIOUS!

8. 1 serving of Greens Supplement (I’ve tried many, evidentially Greens Plus is the best but I’ve gotta say Greens First is much better as far as taste. There are tons of brands out there and I’m not too sure if it really makes too much of a difference which you use). Mix your greens w/ 2 tablespoons of ground flax (either grind your flax seeds in a grinder, I use an espresso grinder or just buy “Flax-o-meal” at your local grocery store. STORE IN THE FRIDGE. Add to a large glass of water. This will naturally flush your system more quickly than anything I’ve tried thus far.

9. Fish Oils – Cod liver oil is awesome for detox but anything w/ EPA and DHA (is that right, don’t have a bottle in front of me and don’t have time to look it up as I am typing this out quickly to you.)

KEY ELEMENTS TO REMEMBER WHEN DETOXING:

1. Drink TONS of water, obviously we are trying to flush your system

2. Limit sugar, sweetener, caffeine etc. Anything toxic to your system needs to be omitted or at least used very sparingly.

3. Exclude or limit dairy intake, it does not work well with cleansing. I didn’t research this further, I will eventually, I just read it multiple times during my research and figured it to be a valuable point.

4. Limit intake of meats…ok very quickly, meat isn’t digested and literally rots in your belly….ok, I’ll stop there…u get my point!

5. Fiber, fiber, fiber. While you’re detoxing the free radicals and toxins from your liver, kidneys and lymph will be released into your blood stream/lymph system and you want them OUT. The addition of a herbal laxative or fiber supplement is quite common in most detox programs.

6. Dry brush your stomach in a circular motion (15 times clockwise/15x counter clockwise) upon first waking to stimulate your bowels. Again, more on dry brushing later. It is very useful but too long to go into detail in this email.

7. The more RAW foods you can eat over cooked, the better. Raw fruit and veggies are all game. Don’t worry about the sugar in fruit, you will not gain fat from eating fruit doing this. The best line from a weight watchers meeting one time….a girl said she was afraid of the sugar in fruit and a 300 pound lifer turned to her and said, “Honey look at me, do u think I got like this by eating too much fruit!” Raw nuts, beans, sprouts and fish are great protein sources. I am a physique competitor and wasn’t worried about my 5 meals when I did my 2 week cleanse, but I did include whey protein because I wanted to keep protein intake slightly higher than carb intake. Remember whey protein will have sweeteners in there unless you use the unflavored kind so use it use it sparingly.

CLEANSING TECHNIQUES AND REMEDIES:

1. Taking tea tree oil baths or using mint oil extract body soaps will oxygenate the blood. The more oxygen in blood, the more circulation, more lymph flow…detox, anti cellulite, yadda yadda yadda!

2. Coconut oil or milk body lotion…same as above

3. Dry brushing and Contrast Shower Technique – I swear I was floored when I read the contrast shower thing because obviously you know where I heard of it first. Its all about stimulating lymph flow, detox and even anti-cancer benefits (especially breast cancer which is associated w/ lymph flow and drainage).

Source: http://www.steroidstoday.com/?p=395