Best Japanese Diet Tips And Tricks: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

How to Treat Hypoglycemia With Natural Remedies

Hypoglycemia refers to a condition that is prevalent when blood sugar drops too low, normally beneath a threshold of 70 milligrams per deciliter. Often afflicting diabetics, insufficient glucose can result from improper nutrition, too much physical activity or an overabundance of insulin. Diabetes medications prescribed to regulate blood sugar can also be a factor in hypoglycemic episodes. Affecting mental capacity, vision and heart rate, hypoglycemia can sometimes lead to fainting, seizures or even a coma.

Although non-diabetics can experience hypoglycemia, this malady is most frequent among those with unstable blood sugar. Keeping glucose levels within normal range is therefore central to minimizing the number of hypoglycemic incidents. Ways of achieving this need not require drugs. Eschewing sugar, sweets and refined carbohydrates, for example, prevents extreme spikes and subsequent dips in glucose presence. Emphasizing lean protein sources and green vegetables likewise inhibits blood sugar volatility. Also important are eating enough and not letting too many hours elapse between meals, particularly when glucose-inhibiting medicine is prescribed. Maintaining a regular schedule of nutritional intake is a primary tool in keeping hypoglycemia at bay.

Paradoxically, staving off low blood sugar is best achieved by limiting blood sugar escalation. Many nutritional supplements can be successfully utilized for this purpose. Fish oil and psyllium seed husks are among the natural substances that help to control the tempo of glucose entry into the bloodstream. Others include green tea, aloe vera, cinnamon, ginger and kudzu. Each of these natural supplements is known for lowering blood sugar and regulating insulin. In fact, when used improperly, these herbs can actually induce hypoglycemia. Nevertheless, their value in preventing hypoglycemia lies in their powers to keep the glucose-to-blood ratio in optimal balance.

Those seeking natural and non-pharmaceutical means of heading off hypoglycemia would do well to examine their exercise regimen. A physical evaluation by a physician is essential prior to beginning any exercise program. Not only do heart, lungs, muscles and bones have limits, but blood sugar can drop precipitously when the intensity or duration of activity exceeds the capacity to replenish it. Staying within prescribed parameters of a doctor and physical trainer is an easy and non-invasive way to avoid a hypoglycemic episode.

These holistic approaches can effectively make hypoglycemic events less likely. If the sugar level does plummet dangerously, however, there are practical measures available to restore it to normal. Natural and simple sugars that enter the bloodstream quickly are effective remedies for countering hypoglycemia. Honey, maple syrup and undiluted fruit juices preferably apple, orange or grape can all raise blood glucose levels to normal range with sufficient speed. A tablespoon of the condiments and a half cup of the juice are the quantities recommended to achieve this end.

How to Check Your Blood Sugar Count

Do you need to check your blood sugar count regularly? If you are hypoglycemic or diabetic, you will need to check regularly to make sure that you stay within a normal range. If you have either of these conditions in your family history, are over sixty years old, or are overweight, you will want to occasionally check your blood sugar count to make sure that you stay within normal levels. You can ask your doctor to check for you if you are in on a routine visit, but it is also very possible to check it at home with the proper equipment.

Instructions

Purchase the necessary equipment. You will need a blood glucose monitor, test strips, a lancet device, and lancets in order to check your blood sugar count. This is all available over the Internet and at your local pharmacy.

Wash your hands very thoroughly. This is done for two reasons. It is done so that the area is completely clean so as to not skew the blood sugar count reported. There can occasionally be residue on your fingertip that can alter the results one way or another. It is also done in order to stimulate circulation so as to ensure that you get enough blood to take an accurate reading.

Use the lancet to puncture your fingertip. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but most lancet devices work in a similar manner. There is a numbered dial on them to set the depth of needle penetration. The higher the number, the deeper the cut and more blood you are likely to draw. Higher numbers are used if you have poor blood circulation or if you have thick skin.

Place the collection end of the test strip against the drop of blood at your fingertip. It is designed to be very absorbent, so all you will have to do is touch the test area against the blood drop and it will draw it in. You will need a large drop of blood in order to get an accurate blood sugar count.

Insert the interface end of the test strip into the monitor. It will take a few seconds to calculate the results. When it is finished, it will display your blood sugar count on the display. Some models will give you the option of saving your result. Depending on your specific plan and needs, you may want to save it for future reference.

Extreme 7-Day Diets

People of all shapes and sizes feel the need to try out extreme 7-day diets to lose weight quickly for vacations, dances, weddings or other social functions. These programs aren't supervised by medical professionals, since they encourage short-term weight loss, but not healthy or nutritious eating habits. Tread carefully when looking into 7-day diet plans.

Consume low amounts of calories and lots of soup, fruits and vegetables for seven days. A sample menu might include cabbage soup and vegetables on day 1, soup and fruits on day 2, a combination of both on days 3 and 4, and meat in addition to the other foods on days 5-7. This diet shouldn't be carried on beyond seven days. It's easy to follow and counting calories isn't necessary. On the other hand, the taste of cabbage gets old quickly; it's very limiting; and side effects can include gas, constipation, heartburn and weakness.

The low-calorie detoxification diet will help with rapid weight loss, but not encourage lasting results. The meal plan is specific. Day 1 should include fruits and fruit juices. Day 2 is vegetables and vegetable soup. Day 3 is a combination of the previous days. Day 4 is five glasses of milk and five bananas. Days 5-7 are four 3-ounce servings of any meat and green vegetables. The diet is really low in calories and not a nutritionally balanced plan. It can cause dizziness in people with low blood sugar.

Reset fat-burning triggers and shut off your body's dependence on sugar so it will burn fat instead by following a carbohydrate depletion cycle for seven days that includes no starches and 20 grams or under of carbs a day. Eat foods such as free-range eggs, whey protein powder, full-fat cheese and cottage cheese, chicken and roasted turkey breasts, locally farmed lean red meat and salmon, tuna fish, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, onions, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.

These diets probably shouldn't be done for seven hours, let alone seven days. Don't actually try these at home. You might die.

Five Bites: Eat five bites of anything three times a day. This exercise in portion control will make you want to punch yourself in the face.

Ear-stapling: Stapling a certain portion of ear cartilage has been said to resist cravings...by crazy people.

Cotton ball diet: Eat cotton balls plain or soaked in gelatin to resist craving other food. Have fun dying of starvation.

Tapeworm diet: Consume a tapeworm, which sits in the stomach and consumes much of the food. Disgusting and dangerous. Complications are digestive tract blockage, organ damage and death.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

How to Clean Arteries With Alternative Remedies

Arteriosclerosis and atheroscleosis are both chronic diseases characterized by the buildup of plaque in walls of the arteries. This can cause hardening of the arteries, which leads to high blood pressure, circulatory problems and a host of other symptoms that can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke. Contributing factors to these conditions are heredity, smoking, obesity, age, poor nutritional habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms of clogged arteries include chest pain, shortness of breath, blood clots, and pain in the legs. If you are diagnosed with Arteriosclerosis or atheroscleosis, your doctor will probably want to put you on prescription medications to help deal with the symptoms of your disease. In more serious cases, surgery may be recommended. If you want to clean your arteries without having to resort to conventional medicine, there are alternative remedies that may be able to help you.

Instructions

Lose the pounds. Excess weight is a major cause of clogged arteries. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Avoid sugar, junk food, processed foods, snack foods, fried foods, fatty foods, white flour and saturated fats. Switch to a healthier diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean poultry, beans, wheat germ and nuts. Adding regular exercise into the mix is another way to help you lose the weight and can only be beneficial to your health. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Take lecithin supplements daily. Lecithin is a water-soluble compound or phospholipid that contains choline, phosphatidyl choline and inositol, which aid in lowering blood pressure and getting rid of plaque in the arteries. You can get it in granule form and sprinkle it on your food or you can take it in capsule form, as directed by the individual product you are using. Taking over 3,500 milligrams of lecithin each day is usually safe, but, in some instances, side effects could occur, such as abdominal cramps, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and fainting. Side effects are usually rare and there are currently no drug interactions.

Arjuna or terminalia arjuna is a herb, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat heart disease. It comes from the bark of a plant that grows in India. Arjuna helps to lower your blood pressure, improves circulation and unclogs your arteries. You can take one 500 milligram capsule twice per day or at the dosage indicated by the product you are using. There have been no side-effects or adverse drug interactions associated with the use of arjuna, but you should speak to your doctor, if you have liver or kidney problems or are pregnant or breastfeeding, before taking arjuna.

Try taking cayenne pepper. Cayenne comes from a commonly grown South American plant famed for its use in ethnic dishes and for medicinal uses. Cayenne can aid in improving heart health and can help to clean out your arteries. While some people may add cayenne pepper to hot water and drink it down once or twice a day, the taste isn't always palatable to everyone, so look for capsules and follow the recommended dosage. If you are taking ACE inhibitors, you should speak to your doctor before you take cayenne.

Get chelation therapy. Chelation therapy involves having EDTA, an amino acid that is man-made, administered intravenously. The EDTA helps to rid your body of heavy metal toxins, which often contribute to many chronic health conditions. Chelation therapy is a much more preferable way of getting rid of dangerous plaque in your arteries, as well as treating other symptoms related to heart disease. 30 treatments is the general number needed to be effective and, once these are completed, you should get maintenance treatments every two months. Some individuals have experienced side-effects with chelation therapy, such as joint pain, fever, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, skin problems, cramps and dizziness. Your practitioner may recommend that you take certain supplements to help offset these side-effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you cannot take chelation therapy. If you have a serious illness or are taking prescription medications, you should speak with your doctor before doing chelation therapy.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Fruit Juice Diet for Weight Loss

A short-term fruit juice diet might kick-start a new diet, but to lose weight permanently, eating a well-rounded diet that includes whole vegetables, fruits, low-fat protein, whole grains and non-saturated fats is best.

Some well-known diets have a beginning phase of eating only certain low-sugar fruits. This is believed to increase weight loss. By consuming only fruit juice, you cleanse and detox, losing water weight. Fruit juice does not provide fiber, protein and other nutrients needed for long-term health.

If you're going to juice to lose weight, it is best to juice fresh whole fruits. Avoid canned, frozen, or processed juices: they lack the vitamins and enzymes found in freshly extracted juice.

If you have no serious health issues, you could try a short juice diet by consuming five to six 8-oz. glasses of fruit juice and another six 8-oz. glasses of filtered water for two to four days. Consume at least 1200 to 1500 calories per day. To move your bowels, use Epsom salts (two tsp. in water, once only).

If you feel dizzy or weak, or are unable to function normally at work or at home, discontinue the juice-only diet and gradually add steamed vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins.

Following a fresh-fruit juice diet for a few days should be okay, but do not undergo heavy physical exercise that would be counterproductive. If you consume less than 1,000 calories per day, for example, your metabolism--the rate at which your body burns calories--slows down.

If you eat too few calories, your body begins to metabolize its own muscle tissue. This is counterproductive to long-term health and permanent weight loss. To lose weight, build and preserve lean muscle tissue.

To do that requires eating lean protein and a balanced diet that does not eliminate any food groups: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, low-fat dairy, low-fat proteins and non-saturated fats.

Fruit juicing for three to four days is generally safe for most people but once you return to eating solid food, the danger is overeating and gaining back more weight than where you started.

There are no safe, quick fixes to weight loss: it is a lifestyle change. Only under direct medical supervision is it safe to follow a fruit juice diet for more than four or five days.

Instead, consult reputable sources such as My Food Pyramid designed by a team of nutritionists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They emphasize getting no more than 30 percent of your calories from fat and no more than 10 percent of that from saturated fats (fats that are solid at room temperature). They also have food pyramids for vegans, vegetarians, women in menopause and people over 55.

Fruit juicing for three to four days is generally safe for most people but, once you return to eating solid food, there is a danger of overeating and gaining back more weight than you lost.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Simple Diets to Lose 10 Pounds in a Week

Low-carbohydrate, low -calorie diets are effective for losing weight quickly. You will probably gain this weight back immediately after stopping the diet, as most of what you will lose is water weight. But if you've been feeling overweight, or you'd like to drop a few pounds for a special occasion, there are several diet options where you can safely lose 10 pounds in a week without resorting to fasting completely.

The "Lemonade Diet," also known as the "Master Cleanse Diet," takes willpower. You are allowed to drink as much as you want of a lemonade drink, which is 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of grade B genuine maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne powder and 2 quarts of water. You must drink at least six servings of this mixture per day. You are not permitted to eat anything else during the time you are on the diet, which is recommended for one week.

The "Cabbage Soup Diet," also known as the "Dolly Parton Diet," allows for a little more variety in your meals. The first day of the diet, make a week's supply of soup. Combine one head of chopped cabbage, two large chopped onions, 28 ounces of chopped canned tomatoes, two green peppers, four celery stalks, two packages of onion soup mix, black pepper, chopped herbs like basil and oregano, six sliced carrots and 1/2 pound of green beans. Simmer this soup until all the vegetables are soft. Eat the soup hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can eat as much of the cabbage soup as you want throughout the diet, but must also eat other diet supplements. On the first day, eat all fruits, except bananas. The second day, eat all steamed or raw vegetables. The third day, eat all fruits or vegetables, except for potatoes or bananas. The fourth day, eat up to eight bananas and up to eight glasses of skim milk. The fifth day, eat up to 20 ounces of beef, fish or skinless chicken. The sixth day, eat 20 ounces total of beef, fish or skinless chicken, as well as any raw or steamed vegetables you want. The seventh day, you can eat as much as you want of brown rice, vegetables and unsweetened fruit juice. Remember to drink eight glasses of water in addition to the rest of the items on the diet for best results.

The cottage cheese diet can get boring, but it is a way to lose weight quickly. Your main food source is low-fat cottage cheese, throughout the seven days. You can eat fruit and vegetables in your cottage cheese, such as strawberries, grapes, lettuce and celery. Otherwise, the cottage cheese is your only protein source. Drink eight glasses of water throughout the diet for best results.

28 Day Detox Diet

To help flush toxins away, you might consider a detoxification diet plan. This plan includes changing your eating habits, taking herbs and supplements, starting an exercise program, and making other simple changes in your lifestyle. In the end, a detox diet can help increase energy and stamina, improve the digestive system, promote clearer skin, decrease allergies, enhance concentration and mental clarity, and, simply put, make you feel better than new.

On average, 28 days is the perfect length of time for a detox diet plan. This way, you go through the process at a slower pace and not shock or overwhelm your body.

Start with your surroundings. Check your furnace filters to make sure they are clean and free of dust and other debris. Make sure your carpets are cleaned and there is no mold buildup. You might want to invest in an air purifier.

The 28 Day Detox Plan includes drinking lots and lots of water. Make sure your kitchen faucet has a water filter and always drink and store your water in clean, glass containers.

Exercise is key. Develop and start an exercise routine that you can easily follow and stick to such as walking, aerobics, swimming or whatever you feel comfortable with.

Plan your menu for the next 28 days. This will help you stick to your diet and make the process easier to follow.

During your detox diet program, what you eat is the most important ingredient to success.

Fresh is best. Your meals should include one to two servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. Organically grown foods are recommended, but a little more expensive.

High fiber. Fiber absorbs or binds with harmful toxins in the digestive tract, and helps carry them out of the body. So, eat plenty of leafy, green vegetables!

Healthy Eating. There are many foods you can eat during your detox diet. These include fruits, vegetables, fish, rice, and herbal tea.

Eliminate the enemy. You should avoid caffeine, sugar, alcohol, white flour, dairy products, and refined starches. Also, avoid foods made with chemical additives, artificial flavors and anything that his high in fat.

Less red meat. Include more fish and chicken in your diet plan.

Lemon is our aid. Keep your liver clean by drinking fresh lemon juice first thing every morning when the stomach is empty.

There are several commercial detox cleansing products on the market. Most are available at your local health food store. These aid in the total detox process and enhance the overall results. Usually, your store-bought detox cleansing kit comes in a four-step process. Step one cleanses the colon of toxic buildup. Step two replenishes friendly bacteria in the intestines. Step three detoxifies the body, including the liver, kidneys, and blood. Step four replenishes antioxidants and essential nutrients lost due to body pollution.

One of the most common side effects is headache within the first few days of the program. This is due to the sudden elimination of caffeine. Gradually decreasing the amount of caffeine prior to starting your detox diet program is recommended to help lessen--or avoid headaches.

Other common side effects include a bout with diarrhea. This is due to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. With any major change in a person's lifestyle there is obviously going to be a period of irritability. Just maintain focused and try visualizing how good you will feel--and look--when the program is successfully completed.

Make sure you consult a doctor or medical professional before starting any type of diet. Women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn't go on a detox diet. Also people with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and other chronic conditions shouldn't try a detox diet unless authorized by their doctor. If you are on necessary medications, you should continue using them as prescribed throughout your 28-day program.

How to Eat Six Meals a Day for Maximum Weight Loss

The theory that eating many small meals throughout the day helps weight loss is not scientifically proven. It is true that doing so increases metabolism, keeps blood sugar levels steady and, thus, helps you avoid cravings by keeping you feeling full longer. However, the old rule of "calories in = calories out" holds true. Whether you eat six small meals a day, or three, if your total calorie intake remains the same, it won't matter if you chose one eating plan over the other. For maximum weight loss with six small meals, the key is to burn more calories and eat fewer calories at the end of the day.

Instructions

Split your meals in half. This is an excellent way to begin as you are starting with your original full meal, so you will not be prone to overeat. Have one half of your meal half an hour earlier than your regular mealtime, and the other half two to three hours later.

Snack healthy. Reduce portion sizes of breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then add a healthy snack, such a nuts, fruits or protein shakes between meals.

Drink plenty of water between meals. Water is not only good for health in general, it will temporarily fill you up and help you avoid food cravings.

Consume foods high in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates. Fiber is the indigestible portion of plant foods. High fiber foods, especially ones with high insoluble fiber content---whole grains and vegetables such as green beans, zucchini and cauliflower---have bulking action that keeps you full longer. Complex carbohydrates are high-fiber, low sugar foods that have the same effect. Consuming protein is also known to improve satiety.

Avoid overeating. Eat when you're hungry and not just slightly hungry. Wait 20 minutes to see if what you're feeling is real hunger. If the last time you ate is less than three hours ago, lay your hands on a small healthy snack to keep you going until your next meal.

Exercise. The only way to consistently increase your basal metabolic rate, which influences how fast your body burns calories, is through exercise. Embrace an eating pattern with fewer calories at every meal and make sure to exercise regularly.

Friday, July 26, 2013

How to Control High Blood Sugar With Diet

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a very serious health risk. Individuals dealing with high blood sugar are susceptible to kidney problems, heart disease and other illnesses. High blood sugar can be controlled by making changes to your daily diet. These changes will help to prevent your blood sugar from skyrocketing out of control. Your new diet can also improve your overall health. Here are some ways to control high blood sugar with diet.

Instructions

Substitute water for juice, soda, and other beverages that are high in sugar. Doing this will limit your sugar intake throughout the day. Drinking more water can also help you manage your weight, which is another way that you can control high blood sugar with diet. Remember that you should drink eight glasses of water every day.

Learn portion control. One reason your blood sugar may be too high is that you eat too much food during the day. Avoid going for seconds during dinner, and eat smaller, healthy snacks (such as fruits and vegetables) in between meals. Since your blood sugar situation may be different than what somebody else is going through, speak with your doctor or a nutritionist about how much food you should consume in 1 day.

Add foods that are high in fiber to your diet. Whole grain cereal and bread as well as vegetables are all high in fiber. These foods can keep your blood sugar from getting too high and can make you feel full quickly, which can help you control your portions.

Eat healthy carbohydrates during the day. Many individuals with high blood sugar believe that they need to avoid carbs altogether. Doing so may lead to your blood sugar dropping too low, which could cause you to pass out. Healthy carbohydrates, such as whole wheat pastas and fruits, are good choices for somebody trying to control his or her blood sugar. How many carbohydrates you ingest during the day can be determined by your doctor or nutritionist.

Limit fats in your diet. Foods high in fats and calories can increase your blood sugar level and increase your chances for heart disease. While nuts, olive oil and other unsaturated fats are healthier options, eat all fatty foods in moderation.

Choose foods that are low in cholesterol. Just as foods that are high in fat, foods high in cholesterol can lead to high blood sugar and heart problems. Eat low-fat meats (such as turkey and chicken breast), and drink skim milk instead of whole or even 2-percent milk.

How to Develop a Workout & Diet Plan

Exercise Routine for Women to Lose Weight Fast in a Gym

Doing your workouts in a gym can be an effective way to lose weight--you never have to worry about inclement weather affecting your workout. However, you want to go in with a specific plan in order to make the most of your time there. To lose weight fast with a gym workout, you should be sure to incorporate both cardiovascular exercise and a strength training program.

When you don't have a lot of time to workout, high intensity interval training, or HIIT, is the way to go. To do this type of workout, you should exercise at a high intensity level for a short period of time, then recover for a slightly longer period.

For example, you can start with a short warm up on the treadmill at 3 mph for five minutes. Then, increase the speed to 6 mph for 30 seconds for the high intensity part. Recover at 4 mph for 2 minutes. Work at your own pace, though--if 6 mph is too fast for you, slow down; if you can go faster, increase the speed. You can also increase the intensity of a treadmill workout by increasing the incline. On other exercise machines, such as the elliptical or the stationary bicycle, you can increase the resistance or go faster.

When doing HIIT, the important thing is that you are really working yourself during the intense part. You should only be able to do this type of workout for about 30 minutes.

An exercise routine for women to lose weight fast in a gym should include a weight training program. Building muscle helps you to lose weight, because muscle burns additional calories. Don't be intimidated by the weight machines. Schedule gym time to focus on muscle building exercises.

If you aren't sure how to use the machines, you may want to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions to teach you how to use the machines. A trainer can also give you an exercise routine that will work for you.

Occasionally, you'll find that your weight loss stalls, even though you're doing the same things that you've been doing all along. This is actually the problem. As you do one type of exercise repeatedly, your body becomes more effective at doing it, thus burning fewer calories during each workout.

To prevent this from happening, change your workouts periodically. For example, you may want to do one type of exercise for 6 weeks, then switch to a different type. Alternatively, you can simply do different exercises every day of the week.

Weight Loss Juicer Recipes

Many people are finding that juices are an easy, tasty way to get more servings of fruits and vegetables into their diet. Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat can also contribute to weight loss, and thus some useful suggestions for creating weight loss juicer recipes are outlined below.

The principles of safe weight loss are the same whether you are eating your fruits and vegetables whole or drinking them as juice. Fruits and vegetables are chock full of nutrients, which means that your body is getting more of the good stuff it needs with way less calories. So, not only are you cutting calories by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, you are actually giving your body's natural fat-burning systems a boost and bringing your metabolism back to a healthier state. Additionally, because your body is getting the things it needs to be healthy, you are more likely to feel more satisfied hunger-wise even though you're only drinking juice. However, adequate amounts of fiber are necessary for good digestion, and to help you feel fuller and thus control portions, so you may want to consider a fiber supplement if you choose to drink all of your fruits and vegetables.

Green vegetables are one of the best ways to speed up weight loss, including broccoli, spinach, collard greens, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. While these may not sound appetizing as juice, mixing them with carrots or tomatoes can help mask their flavors and make the juice a bit sweeter.

Berries are also an excellent weight loss booster as they are packed with antioxidants that help regulate metabolism. Berries mixed with bananas, apples, oranges, lemons, or any other fruits produce a sweet and refreshing juice. Often, it is best to keep vegetables together and fruits together for flavor's sake, rather than mixing veggies and fruits.

Sample mixtures include:

Carrots and spinach
Tomatoes, broccoli, and celery
Beets, spinach, and broccoli
Zucchini and carrots
Strawberries and bananas
Oranges and raspberries
Raspberries, grapes, and apples
Pears and blueberries

Keep trying different combinations to find those that you like best, and remember the basic principle that when it comes to fruits and vegetables you cannot have too much of a good thing.

There are also a lot of other good things you can add to your fruit and vegetable juices to help you lose weight safely and promote good health. Lowfat milk mixes well with fruit juices to create smoothies, and ensures that you get enough calcium to support your bone and muscle health. Sprouts are an excellent source of B vitamins, and wheat germ and flax seed have omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain functioning.

Some things that you can add to your juices will help to detoxify your body by promoting better liver and kidney functioning, which can assist in weight loss. Cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and herbs like burdock, milk thistle, marshmallow root, and licorice root all support detoxification of the body. Other herbs, like ginseng, stinging nettle, and guarana, actually work directly to energize your metabolism and increase your body's ability to burn fat.

Sample recipes incorporating these elements include:

Tomatoes, spinach, celery, and a dash of cayenne pepper
Apples, grapes, and licorice root
Oranges, bananas, and guarana
Bananas, strawberries, milk, and wheat germ
Carrots, broccoli, and sprouts

The amount of each ingredient that you use is largely dependent upon personal taste, but remember that a little bit of herbs, cayenne, or apple cider vinegar goes a long way, and so you don't need large amounts of these additional ingredients.

Blender Diet Recipes

The humble blenders is an invaluable tool for making quick, low-calories recipes. A delicious, nutritious meal shake can be made in minutes with a blender and a few simple ingredients. Keep healthy ingredients on hand so that you are always ready to make a shake or smoothie, adjusting them to suit the calorie or protein requirements of your specific diet.

Freeze fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sliced bananas and peach slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once frozen, place them in a plastic bag. These frozen fruits make great additions to blender diet shakes.

Sugar-free syrups come in many flavors---including almond, mint, cinnamon, raspberry and vanilla---and can boost the tastiness of a shake or smoothie.

Protein powders come in many flavors and brands. Select one or several in flavors that you like and use them in combination with fruits and sugar-free syrups for diet blender shakes. Powders that are marked as low carbohydrate will usually have the lowest calorie content. The calorie count and protein content varies among brands, so read the labels to find one that is appropriate for your diet needs.

Use milk or yogurt for a protein source in recipes that do not call for protein powder. These dairy products can also be substituted for the water in recipes that do include protein powder.

Make protein shakes to ensure that you eat adequate levels of protein. Eating protein while dieting will help prevent muscle loss, which can slow down the metabolism.

Combine one frozen banana, two scoops of protein powder, 1 cup of water and 1 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add 1 tbsp. of almond-flavored sugar-free syrup for a tasty variation.

You can also place one scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 cup of Crystal Light peach tea, six frozen peach slices and five ice cubes into a blender. Blend until the ice is crushed for a peach smoothie diet shake.

For another variation, blend two scoops of chocolate protein powder, 1 cup of cold water, 1 cup of ice and 1 tbsp. of mint sugar-free syrup for a chocolate-mint shake.

Mix one 6 oz. container of fat-free key lime yogurt, one frozen banana, 1/2 cup of fat-free milk, 1 tbsp. of lime juice, 1/2 tsp. of sugar-free lemon lime-drink crystals and 1/2 cup of ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy a key lime-banana shake.

To create a melon-mint diet shake, seed and cube 1 1/2 cups of watermelon and 1 1/2 cups of honeydew melon. Place in a blender with 1 cup of ice, 6 oz. of vanilla non-fat yogurt, the juice of 1 lime and 1 tbsp. of mint sugar-free syrup. Blend until smooth.

These recipes should provide you with the inspiration to create your own blender diet recipes, using whatever yogurts and fresh or frozen fruits you have on hand. There are countless combinations, so start your engine.

What Are the Ingredients in the Cabbage Soup Diet?

The cabbage soup diet has been around for many years and it is a popular method to loose up to 10 pounds in a relatively short time. There are many varieties of the diet and you can experiment to see which works best for you. Stock up ahead of time and plan your meals in advance to ensure successful completion of this diet plan.

The most important component to this diet is the soup. The basic ingredients include green onions, peppers, canned tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, celery, cabbage, soup mix or bouillon, V8 or other vegetable juice and spices to season. You can alter this recipe in a way that is appealing to you by adding vegetables (except potatoes) or omitting anything you don't like, such as mushrooms. You will need to eat quite a lot of cabbage soup for a week, and many people make a few different batches with different ingredients.

Fruits and vegetable are heavily consumed during the first few days of the diet. Stock up on a variety of produce to prevent boredom. The first day of the diet allows only fruit and the soup. Get enough to sustain you through the day. Calories are not counted as part of this diet and that should not be a consideration when choosing fruits. You will eat only vegetables and the soup on the second day. Include both leafy and root vegetables on this day. You may also eat a baked potato on the second day. Day three is a combination of day one and two, but excludes the potato.

Skim milk and bananas are consumed on the fourth day of the cabbage Soup diet. You can have as many bananas as you like on that day along with the soup. You are not allowed to eat any other fruits or vegetables, except the ones already in your soup. If you need more variety of flavors on this day, you may have unsweetened regular or herbal tea.

Beef and tomatoes should be consumed on the fifth day of following this diet. You can have up to 20 oz. of meat throughout the day as well as your soup. Skinless chicken can be substituted, but beef is preferred. It is also important to drink at least eight glasses of water this day. The next day, you may add all vegetables, excluding potatoes. Fish is also allowed on one of these days, but not both.

The final day of the cabbage soup diet allows you to have brown rice. You may also eat any vegetables and unsweetened fruit juice on this day. It is important to have the soup during one of your meals. This diet is complete after you have completed the seventh day. You may eat whatever you like afterward, so be sure to have other foods stocked in your kitchen.

This diet severely limits your food choices for a week. Therefore, it is advisable to take a multivitamin. It would also be potentially dangerous to anyone with serious health issues such as diabetes. Talk to your doctor before you begin this or any other diet.

How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee?

Decaffeinated coffee (commonly referred to as "decaf") is coffee that has the majority of its caffeine removed. A common misconception is that decaf coffee has no caffeine whatsoever--this is false. The caffeine has been mostly removed from the coffee beans and various other substances used to brew coffee during the manufacturing process. It is not possible to completely remove the caffeine from these products as it is a naturally occurring element. Federal regulations in the United States only require a manufacturer to remove 97.5 percent of the caffeine in coffee products in order to legally call them decaffeinated. This means that a standard cup of decaf coffee could have as much as 2.5 percent of the amount of caffeine as a regular cup. There is currently no law that states that in order to be labeled "decaffeinated" a cup of coffee must have no caffeine in it.

Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., director of the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, stated that drinking between five and ten cups of decaf coffee will see a person take in as much caffeine as they would if they were to drink one to two cups of regular coffee. This is why people who have been advised to cut down on their caffeine are cautioned against drinking any kind of coffee product whatsoever. Even this little amount of caffeine consumed on a daily basis could agitate pre-existing conditions, like kidney problems and anxiety troubles.

Researchers at the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine purchased ten different decaf coffee drinks, all 16-oz. sizes. Next, they separated the caffeine from the drinks and weighed them in their gaseous forms using a process called chromatography. Each of the ten decaf coffee drinks had between 8 and 14 mg of caffeine inside them. To compare, a regular cup of coffee that is 8 oz. would have an average of 85 mg inside it. This would correlate with the earlier research that states that for every ten or so cups of decaf coffee, a person ingests as much caffeine as they would with one cup of regular coffee.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

How to Treat Osteoarthritis Pain through Diet

A simple way to treat Osteoarthritis pain is through diet. Osteoarthritis is one of the more commong forms of arthritis, and is commonly known for it's pain. There are actually several ways to alter your lifestyle and diet not only help relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis, but also to help prevent osteoarthritis pain in the future.

Instructions

Be cautious with anything containing caffeine. And not just the basics like coffee and soda, also be cautious with products like chocolate. Try to keep anything with caffeine as a special occasion only treat.

Be careful with over the counter drugs. Some over the counter drugs can actually increase osteoarthritis pain. Before taking anything, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Cut back on the dairy. A diet high in dairy can lead to an increase in pain. Try to limit your dairy for a week to see if it makes a difference, then adjust accordingly.

Cut back on citrus fruits. Citrus fruits can lead to more pain, try to limit your intake of citrus fruits long enough to see if it makes a difference.

Limit the wheat in your diet, be especially careful with white flour.

Diabetic Colonoscopy Diet

A colonoscopy is a procedure designed to detect ulcers, inflamed tissue and abnormalities such as polyps and tumors inside the colon and rectum. A flexible camera is inserted into the rectum to search for these types of irregularities. Any polyps found in the colon can be removed at the same time. Diabetic patients need to follow special pre-procedure instructions to reduce the risk of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia before and during this procedure.

On the day before the procedure, stick with a low fiber, high protein and carbohydrate diet. Take your diabetes medications as prescribed. Eat a light breakfast consisting of eggs and white bread or yogurt. Do not consume any meat, oatmeal, cereal or fruit. Before 2 p.m., eat a light lunch consisting of carbohydrates and lean protein such as skinless chicken or fish, seedless vegetables and fruit, and white bread or pasta. Push clear liquids all day. These include water, tea and coffee without cream, Italian ices, sherbet, Gatorade, Jell-O, Popsicles, apple juice and broths. It is important not to drink anything with red, blue or purple coloring added. These additives may skew your test results.

Any procedure that requires you to change your scheduled meal plans will affect the management of your blood sugar levels. Try to schedule your appointments for early in the day so that you may eat and take your diabetes medications as close to their scheduled time as possible. Until after the procedure, it will be important to stringently monitor your blood sugar levels every two hours. Take your blood glucose monitor and strips with you to the procedures. Let the technician know if you suspect that you are having an adverse low blood sugar reaction during the test. Take an immediate source of sugar to the procedure in case you need to treat a low blood sugar event.

Take your diabetes medications with you to the procedure. As soon as it ends, take your medications and eat your usual meal to avoid a low blood sugar incident. Follow the specific instructions that are provided before leaving the colonoscopy area. Let the staff know if you experience any nausea or stomach discomfort as a result of the colonoscopy medications. Wait until the nausea passes or ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter antacid to alleviate these symptoms. Most patients may resume normal activities the day after the procedure.

How Can I Lose Weight Fast in 3 Days?

Weight-loss is a national obsession in the U.S., where obesity has reached epidemic proportions. As a result, new diet plans are marketed with regularity. However, they tend to focus on long-term weight loss, at a rate of 1 to 3 pounds a week. Losing weight fast, such as to get ready for a wedding or other special occasion, requires another approach. One proven plan is known as the Alabama 3-Day Diet and it results in the loss of up to 10 pounds in three days, according to diet review resource My Lifestyle Diet, where 82 percent of readers say they liked its results. But, cautions My Lifestyle Diet, the weight lost is water weight and long-term use of the diet can carry health risks.

Instructions

Eat 1/2 grapefruit or drink a glass of grapefruit juice for breakfast on the first day. In addition, eat one slice of toast with one tablespoon of peanut butter. Drink black coffee or tea. For lunch, eat 1/2 cup of tuna with a slice of toast and black coffee or tea. For dinner, eat 3 ounces of any meat with 1 cup of string beans, 1 cup of carrots or beets, 1 small apple and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream.

Eat 1 hard-boiled egg and 1 slice of toast for breakfast on the second day, along with 1/2 banana and black coffee or tea. For lunch, eat 1 cup of cottage cheese or 1/2 cup of tuna, along with 5 Saltine crackers. For dinner, eat 2 hot dogs with 1 cup of cabbage or broccoli, 1/2 cup carrots or turnip greens, 1/2 banana and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream.

Eat 1 hard-boiled egg and 1 slice of toast for breakfast on the third day, along with black coffee or tea. For lunch, eat 1 slice of cheddar cheese, 5 Saltine crackers, 1 small apple and black coffee or tea. For dinner, eat 1 cup of tuna with 1 cup of carrots or beets, 1 cup of green beans or cauliflower, 1 cup of cantaloupe or 1 small apple, and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream.

Drink some water during the day, but not a lot. Experts say the diet succeeds because it helps you shed water weight quickly. Therefore, drinking too much water will undermine your results. However, not drinking any water could lead to dehydration.

Be aware of the diet's restrictions. Do not use it for more than 3 days at a time. After that, return to your normal diet, but manage your calories carefully to keep off the weight you have lost. If you want to continue to lose weight, limit yourself to 1,500 calories a day for four days, then return to the Alabama 3-Day Diet for another cycle. Then repeat the full cycle two more times. By doing that, if you are obese, you can lose up to 40 pounds in a month. Normal, healthy people who are overweight can typically lose about 20 pounds in a month on the plan.

How to Do a Body Detox With a Juice, Fruit and Vegetable Diet

A juice detox is a popular purification method you can use to cleanse the body of toxins, renew the spirit and even lose a few pounds. It differs from a juice fast in which you consume only fresh juices. If you're doing a body detox with juice, you can also add small amounts of raw vegetables and fruits to your diet.

Instructions

Prepare your body for the detox experience by eliminating alcohol, nicotine, sugar and caffeine for at least seven days before you begin. Get plenty of water and rest daily.

Gather the fruits and vegetables. Organic carrots and tomatoes are popular paired with celery, spinach, kale or cucumber; try seasoning them with garlic or onions. Apple, cranberry and pineapple juices work well, but avoid the highly acidic orange juice.

Drink up to 64 ounces of fruit or vegetable juice every day. In addition, drink at least six glasses of lukewarm water daily.

Consume only juices and water for the first day. Add in a few solid fruits and vegetables for the second and third days. On ending the detox period, slowly return to solid foods.

The Best Herbs & Foods to Lower Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat manufactured by the body from unused calories. They are also released from stored fat reserves and attach to lipoproteins produced by the liver to transport cholesterol into the bloodstream. According to the American Heart Association, high levels of triglycerides increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If youre concerned about your heart health, there are certain herbs and foods that may help to lower triglycerides naturally.

Green tea contains flavonoid compounds collectively known as catechins. Of particular interest to researchers are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), theraflavin and thearubigin. According to William Davis, M.D., medical director of Milwaukee Heart Scan, the catechins found in green tea can lower triglycerides up to 20 percent. However, because the therapeutic dose of catechins represents the consumption of 6 to 12 cups of green tea per day, you might want to consider taking green tea supplements instead.

Guggul, which is obtained from the commiphora mukul tree native to northern India, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as one of the best herbs to lower triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. Researchers suspect that the cholesterol-reducing effect may be due to the compounds guggulsterone and guggulipid and their ability to suppress hormone receptors that become stimulated by increased bile secretion. This action was noted in a review published by the College of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island, which described guggulsterone specifically as an antagonist to farnesoid x receptor (FXR).

Phosphatidylcholine, more commonly referred to as lecithin, occurs naturally in corn, soy and egg yolks. According to Dr. Davis, supplementing with 2,700 to 3,000 mg per day can lower triglycerides by 10 to 30 percent.

In contrast to foods that contain high levels of white flour, refined sugar and other processed carbohydrates, foods made from whole grains are better choices to help to lower triglycerides. The Cleveland Clinic Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute recommends selecting breads and cereals that list a whole grain as the first ingredient, such as wheat, barley, oats, corn or rice. The institute also recommends choosing whole-wheat pasta and brown rice over their refined counterparts.

The Cleveland Clinic Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute further recommends eating foods that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to lower triglycerides. This nutrient is found in high concentration in fatty fish, including tuna, tilapia, salmon and sardines. However, if eating fish doesnt appeal to you, other natural sources include walnuts, soy and flaxseed. In addition, omega-3 is available in supplement form.

How to Make Lemonade From Reconstituted Lemon Juice

Cutting and juicing fresh lemons is time consuming and messy. As a result, some manufacturers sell bottled lemon juice that has already been squeezed and processed. The companies first concentrate the juice, which is then sent off to different manufacturing plants. Once shipped, water is added to the lemon juice concentrate as well as some preservatives to keep the juice from going sour. Using reconstituted lemon juice for lemonade is a common practice among juice producers. Save yourself time and money by using the right amount of reconstituted lemon juice for your homemade lemonade. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Pour 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 8 cups of water into a pot. Stir the mixture while you heat the pot until it is boiling.

Stir in and 2 cups of reconstituted lemon juice. You can add a little more or a little less depending on your personal taste preference and the strength of the reconstituted lemon juice. Stir until the pot is boiling again, then remove it from the stove and allow it to cool.

Pour the lemonade into a heat-safe container and leave it in the refrigerator for an hour.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Without Diabetes

Blood sugar levels can be altered by eating too much or too little sugar and carbohydrates. Low blood sugar is one of the common effects seen with diabetics because the pancreas does not release insulin properly. However, people without the condition can suffer symptoms of low blood sugar as well.

When carbohydrates are eaten, they are converted to glucose by the body and either used for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. If a high amount of carbohydrates or sugar is eaten in one sitting, this can cause a sharp spike in blood sugars and then a fast plummet in blood sugar.

One of the most common symptoms of low blood sugar is poor brain function. You can have a hard time concentrating.

When blood sugar is low, energy goes with it. This can cause a feeling of fatigue.

Another symptom of low blood sugar is irritability. You can become agitated easily and lose your patience with simple things.

When your blood sugar spikes and then comes back down and gets low, you can become hungry. This happens when you eat a meal that has a lot of carbs such as pizza.

A few other symptoms that can possibly be seen with low blood sugar are paleness, sweating and shaking.

Hyperglycemia Vs. Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are diseases of the body's blood sugar levels. However, they have the opposite issues. In hyperglycemia, an individual's blood sugar levels are far too high. Hypoglycemia is the opposite problem and involves blood sugar levels that are too low to be healthy. The causes, symptoms and manifestations of both of these diseases are different and unique to each.

This disease of high blood glucose levels can generally be handled by taking medication and engaging in adequate exercise. However, when the blood glucose levels get too high it can lead to more dangerous conditions such as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar coma. Hyperglycemia generally results from a lack of insulin or consuming too much food or alcohol.

Hypoglycemia involves the blood sugar levels being far too low (below 70 milligrams). This condition is usually caused by excessive diabetic medication or a sudden increase in exercise or physical activity without an increase in caloric intake. People can also become hypoglycemic due to tumors in the liver or pancreas that can lead to releases of insulin.

Some common symptoms of hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, weakness, fatigue, confusion, convulsions, seizure and coma. Some other symptoms of this disorder include feeling nauseated and throwing up. The medication for hyperglycemia is insulin.

Some common symptoms of hypoglycemia include extreme fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, discomfort all over the body, headache, irritability, fast heart rate, increased appetite and breaking out into cold sweats. Symptoms that might occur later on in hypoglycemia are more serious generally and include blurred or double vision, seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion and more. Treatment for hypoglycemia is usually increased carbohydrate intake in the diet.

What hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia both have in common is that they both can cause serious complications that can affect your health in major ways. That's why it's a good idea for individuals to regularly test their blood glucose levels, which will help them know their treatment options (in case they have low or high blood sugar levels) and avoid further health problems.

How to Diet when Hypoglycemic

3 Day Cleansing Diet Recipe

Frustrated with your weight loss regime? Feeling sluggish and tired? Jump-start your weight loss program or simply enhance your health with a 3-day cleanse that will put you on the fast track to feeling your best. Utilize this simple and effective cleansing recipe three to four times a year to detoxify and rejuvenate your body.

Gather the following ingredients for this 3-day cleansing regimen:

100 percent whole leaf aloe vera juice
Prune juice (not from concentrate)
Apple juice (not from concentrate)
Fresh lemons
Flax seed oil
Fresh ginger
Distilled water
Raw apples (optional)
Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula (optional)
Senna tea (optional)
Psyllium husk powder (optional)

First thing in the morning, drink 14 to 16 oz. of prune juice to stimulate the intestinal tract and draw toxic waste out of your body to be eliminated. When possible, choose organic juice, and avoid any juice that has been reconstituted or artificially sweetened. Only 100 percent juice is beneficial for a cleanse.

Drink your morning juice slowly, swishing each sip in your mouth for a few seconds in order to facilitate better digestion.

Throughout the day, alternate 8-oz. glasses of apple juice and lemon ginger water (distilled water with fresh squeezed lemon and grated fresh ginger, as palatable).

Do not drink the liquids too quickly. Doing so may cause nausea or disrupt the electrolyte balance of your body. Pace yourself. By the end of the day, you should consume approximately 64 oz. of apple juice, and the same portion in lemon ginger water. This amount may vary according to your body weight and size.

During the day, consume 2 additional oz. of Aloe Vera juice for a total of 4 oz. per day. Aloe Vera supports bowel and intestinal health by preventing constipation and encouraging healthy digestion.

Taking 1 tbsp. of flax oil twice daily will help to lubricate the bile ducts and facilitate the elimination of toxins.

If you are hungry throughout the day, you may eat fresh apples as often as desired. No other foods are advised during the course of the cleanse.

Consult your doctor to determine whether a cleanse diet is appropriate for you.

Cleansing symptoms may include diarrhea, constipation, headache, nausea and fatigue. Remember to always follow your body's cues, and consult a medical expert if you experience anything that concerns you during the course of your cleanse.

If constipation arises during your cleanse, you may find additional support by taking a bowel remedy (such as Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula), or by consuming senna tea or psyllium husk powder, as directed on the packaging.

Consider a visit to a colon hydrotherapist when you have finished your 3-day cleanse to magnify your results.

Monday, July 22, 2013

What Does Turmeric Curcumin Do for Health?

A staple of Indian cuisine, turmeric is a yellow spice with a deep, earthy taste and some surprising health benefits. The active phytochemical in turmeric is curcumin, which provides the spice with its distinctive color and many of its healing properties.

Turmeric has been shown to have beneficial effects on breast, colon, prostate, and skin cancers. It's believed the turmeric has a direct effect on cancer cells due to its antioxidant activity and its ability to prevent blood flow to the cells.

For hundreds of years, turmeric has been used to treat stomach ailments in Indian culture. It can have soothing benefits for peptic ulcers, heartburn and general nausea.

Turmeric has natural antiseptic properties and can be used to treat cuts, scrapes and burns.

A proven liver detoxifier, turmeric stimulates bile production and prevents the formation of gallstones.

Turmeric is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It can ease the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric helps remove amyloid plaque from the brain, which may prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

1,200 Calorie Diet Meal Plan

Forget the pills and the "get-slim-quick" advertisements; the key to losing weight and staying in shape is a healthy diet and exercise. The recommended minimum amount of calories a person should consume on a weight-loss diet is 1,200. This amount of calories gives the body what it needs to sustain itself, but is low enough to promote weight loss. Sticking to a 1,200 calorie diet is a matter of choosing and preparing the right foods.

Plan on eating four to six small meals per day on this diet. To begin, start with a light breakfast. One cup of 100 percent fruit juice, half of a cup of oatmeal, one cup of low-fat yogurt and a small cup of coffee is a great way to start the day. Switch this up with a breakfast of a plain bagel, a cup of skim milk and a piece of fruit (such as an apple or a banana). Peanut butter makes a nice dipping sauce for the bagel and the fruit.

Try to work in a small morning snack before lunch. Drink a fruit smoothie, eat another piece of fruit, or snack on some wheat crackers with low-fat cheese. Eat just enough to stave off the hunger until lunch. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Tuna sandwiches are a great lunch item, and they can be surprisingly versatile. Prepare the sandwich on wheat bread. Eat the tuna as is or mix in your favorite condiment. You can use one teaspoon of low-fat mayonnaise. Try the tuna with mustard or soy sauce. If you prefer chicken, prepare a three-ounce chicken breast in the oven or on a grill.

Eat a small salad with your lunch. Or, instead of chicken or tuna, make a large salad and add fruit and cheese. Keep the salad simple: lettuce, a few cut vegetables, croutons and a light dressing. Try to avoid the temptation to smother the salad in dressing or to load the salad with cheese--these items are high in calories and will set you back slightly.

Finish lunch with a small diet soda or a glass of sparkling water with lemon.

For dinner, think along the same lines as lunch but increase the portion sizes slightly. You can enjoy a nice chicken breast or a healthy filet of fresh fish (avoid fried food). Fish ideas include salmon or tuna steaks. Steak lovers can enjoy a 3 1/2 ounce steak. If you are not into meat, eat a healthy serving of tofu and rice with steamed vegetables or a medium baked potato. Finish your meal with a fresh piece of fruit, such as a peach, instead of a high-calorie dessert.

Remember: the goal is to lose weight; not to starve yourself. The trick to sticking with this diet is to keep your meals interesting. Buy wholesome foods and you will not notice as many pangs of hunger or cravings during the day. Make your meals interesting by trying new foods and new ways of preparing them. Buy a healthy-food cookbook and pick some new recipes. You are what you eat; think thin and eat healthy.

Diet for Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis is the most common form of intestinal ischemia, and accounts for 1 in 1,000 hospitalizations. The disease commonly occurs after age 50, and is characterized by symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal inflammation, low grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. People suffering from ischemic colitis need an individually tailored diet that promotes digestive health and heals inflamed tissue.

Small meals evenly spaced throughout the day keep calories up and minimize abdominal pain. Try small portions of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat bread, as tolerated. Bread containing gluten may cause abdominal cramps.

Inlcude watermelon in your diet, because it is a rich in citrulline, an amino acid that promotes better circulation. Fried and fast foods trigger abdominal symptoms and should be avoided. Probiotic, or "friendly bacteria," found in plain yogurt helps restore intestinal balance, and is easily digested.

Repeated bouts of diarrhea may result in dehydration and loss of electrolytes, so adequate fluid intake is essential. Drink eigth to ten 8-oz. glasses of water a day. Avoid beverages with caffeine such as coffee, tea, or soft drinks, as they can stimulate diarrhea.

Wheatgrass juice is beneficial for colon health. Purchase wheatgrass juice at health food stores and juice bars. You can also grow your own wheatgrass at home and make your own juice.

Lactose is a sugar in dairy products. It can cause digestive problems such as gas, cramps, and diarrhea if your small bowel cannot break down the enzyme lactase. Read labels carefully when grocery shopping, as lactose is an ingredient in some baking mixes, cereals, soups, breads, margarine, baked goods, and salad dressings. If you see whey, curds, dry milk products, or nonfat dry milk in the list of ingredients, the product contains lactose.

Kefir, which tastes like a tart yogurt drink, has beneficial yeast and probiotic bacteria that promote digestive health. The abundant supply of probiotic bacteria and yeast almost totally absorbs any remaining lactose.

When pain and inflammation flare up, a low-residue/low-fiber diet can provide relief. Eat small portions of tender meat or fish, cooked cereals, and any white bread; limit cheese to 2 oz. a day. Soft fruits like bananas and applesauce are usually well tolerated, and fresh or canned vegetables that you eat should contain no seeds.

Avoid dried and citrus fruits, raw vegetables, berries, and prune juice. Soft desserts like gelatin, ice cream, and sherbet are soothing and easy to digest.

Fast Weight Loss With Juice

To lose weight fast, juicing is a great option. Fresh juice provides the needed vitamins and minerals to keep your body working well and supported. Purchasing the right juicer will make the switch to a temporary juice fast or adding daily juices to your diet much easier. Juicing both fruits and vegetables keeps a diet balanced. Trying different combinations keeps a diet from getting boring.

Knowing why you want to start juicing before you start helps keep you focused and dedicated. Write down your goals and post them somewhere you can easily read it. Being able to see what you have committed to will help on the days when it gets tough. Decide if a complete juice fast is in order or if just adding juicing to your diet is sufficient for you. A juice fast helps the body detoxify and lose weight much quicker than simply adding juicing to a diet.

Compare juicers by reading reviews and checking warranties. Avoid purchasing the cheapest juicer you find. Commit to adding juicing to your lifestyle and watch the pounds melt away both quickly and for good. Changing your diet long-term is the best and most efficient way to see pounds melt away. Find a juicer that allows you to juice whole without removing parts of the fruit or vegetable. Benefits abound in the skins and seeds.

Fast weight loss from juicing happens for those who commit to a regimen. Make sure to add both fruits and vegetables to your juice diet. Find out which vegetables you like. Carrots and beets provide wonderful sweetness to a drink that might otherwise be bitter or bland. Try kale and celery for super benefits not found in many other vegetables. Fruits remain the easiest and tastiest option. Be sure to remove the rinds of citrus fruits before juicing.

Try combining any variety of fruits and vegetables and see what you come up with. Try to do small batches at first when experimenting to avoid wasting money and time. Blend a banana in a blender and add it to a drink for a change. Bananas do not juice and clog juicers or cause them to break.

Anticipate great results from juicing, but especially from juice fasting. As many as 3 or 4 pounds per day might drop in the first week if a strict juice only diet is followed. Expect an average of 1 pound a day of weight loss as the body's levels normalize. Results vary dependent on the person and his level of health at the beginning of the fast. Commonly, a person loses 20 to 30 pounds when completing a 21-to-30-day juice fast. For adding juice only to a diet (not a complete fast), expect 1 pound a week initially with less weight dropping after the second week.

How to Extract Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe, a member of the lily family that more closely resembles a cactus in appearance and habitat, has been used in natural medicine for thousands of years. Today, we value it chiefly for its "aloe vera," a gel scraped from the inside of its fleshy spiked leaves, that can be used as a salve to relieve burned or irritated skin. There is more to this ancient plant, however, than the mucilaginous gel that is used to soothe skin. Many people maintain that the use of aloe "juice" has digestive benefits, too.

Instructions

Grow your plants outside in sandy soil. This "lily of the desert" loves hot weather and doesn't mind dry conditions but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Indoor plants do not produce gel of the same potency. Every spring, your plants will produce offsets that can be planted to make new plants. If you separate and start each of these "babies" in its own space or pot each spring, you'll have a steady supply of aloe plants.

Choose plants that are two to three years old to use for your aloe vera juice. Mature plants have been producing the enzymes and proteins that make up the interior of the leaves for some time. Also, mature plants can stand to lose some leaves with little damage to the plant. Harvest ten to twelve leaves from the bottoms of mature plants three to four hours after watering. Wash the leaves with warm water or water and vinegar.

With a sharp knife, slice the spiny sides off each leaf. Work quickly with the leaves once you've cut them to conserve the liquid that will drain out as you work. Cut or scrape one side of the leaf off and cut the exposed gel into sections and cut away from the remaining leaf surface, being careful not to take any of the lining of the tough green leaf away with the colorless gel. The gel should be tasteless, not bitter.

Put your gel in a juicer or a cheesecloth-lined colander in a bowl. Process the gel in the juicer or crush it through the strainer into the bowl to get your ale juice. Add up to a gallon of water or fruit juice to thin for drinking. Refrigerate immediately. Don't make too much at a time--aloe potency fades quickly, so the juice must be consumed within a few days.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Chemical Diet

The Chemical Diet, Chemical Breakdown Diet, Chemical Reaction Diet and Three-Day Chemical Diet all go by the principle of pairing foods that work together to cause a chemical reaction to increase metabolism and create a fat burning effect. All of the above-mentioned chemical diets are fad diets and can cause serious health problems if used for long periods of time.

Food combining diets have little or no scientific evidence to offer to a dieter. A notable exception can be grapefruit. According to a study at the Scripps Clinic, participants who ate grapefruit before meals had considerably lower levels of insulin in their blood. Insulin promotes hunger, so lowering levels of insulin can help dieters control their hunger. The study further notes that a natural compound found in grapefruit may also be responsible for the weight loss.

All of the chemical diets are very similar in what an individual can eat on the diet plan. Since they are based theoretically on chemical balancing of food there is no substituting on these diets. If one does not like a particular food it is best to avoid these types of diets. If certain foods are to be consumed on these very strict menus then it must be eaten, like it or not, or you can do without. Due to the restrictions of the menus and low calorie count, chemical diets are very hard for most people to follow. If one can follow the diet, weight will undoubtedly be lost, not due to the combining of food but the low calorie intake.

On the various above-mentioned chemical diets the calorie count per day is very low, usually ranging from 850 to 1,000 calories per day. Low-calorie diets are only used by physicians when a patient is severely obese. Chemical diets will tell the dieter to follow the diet for three to four days then eat a normal healthy diet for three to four days, then go back to the diet menu and keep repeating the cycle until the ideal weight loss is achieved.

A healthy adult could follow a chemical diet and probably not have any serious health complications if the diet is just followed very short term, but this is not recommended. Consult with a physician and discuss diet goals with him before starting any diet.

Breakfast:
1 cup black coffee or tea
One half grapefruit
1 slice toast
1 tbs. peanut butter

Lunch:
3 oz. tuna in water
1 slice toast
1 cup black coffee or tea

Dinner:
3 oz. lean meat of your choice
1 cup of green beans
1 cup of carrots
1 apple
1 cup of vanilla ice cream

This is day one of the Three-Day Chemical Diet, but many different variations of the diet plan can be found. All of the chemical diets are very closely related with minor differences. What they all have in common is lack of nutritional value and not enough calories to sustain good health in most adults.

7-day Low-carb Diet Plan

There are many low-carb diets available, full of claims for quick weight loss. Planning menus ahead for a week can take decisions or temptation out of each meal. The Dr. Atkins diet is perhaps one of the most popular of the very low-carb diets, and the diet has been currently modified to include healthy carbs. A very low-carb diet is one that has less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day.

There are benefits to be gained from a low-carb diet. Initially weight often comes off quickly for many people, giving them a good and positive start to seeing great results. When you eat a diet rich in protein, especially animal protein, it is very satisfying and hunger takes a long time to return. .

Breakfast is probably the most challenging meal to fix for an ongoing low-carb diet.
Here are seven potential breakfast meals to keep you in line:
1. 1/2-water and 1/2-berry juice, scrambled egg whites with spinach and cheese
2. A slice of ham and of cheese, 1/2-cup of blue berries and 1/2-slice of whole grain toast with butter
3. Poached eggs with slice of cheddar cheese, 3 strawberries, coffee with milk or cream
4. Small salmon filet, 1/4-bagel with cream cheese, 1/2-peach, coffee or tea
5. Scrambled eggs with ham, 1/2 of small cantaloupe, coffee or tea
6. Omelet with onions, chicken and cheese, 1/2-cup blue berries, coffee or tea
7. Scrambled egg whites with a slice of pepper jack cheese, 1/2-cup grapes, tea or coffee

Lunches are versatile, and you can plan ahead, especially important if you work. You can have a variety of low-fat protein and low-carb vegetables, such as cucumbers, celery, zucchini, green onions and mushrooms.
1. One 6-ounce can of tuna with low-fat mayonnaise and sesame seeds, celery sticks and a 1/2-peach
2. Turkey sandwich on 1 slice of whole grain bread with mustard and lettuce, sliced cucumbers, 1/2-cup of blue berries
3. Salmon steak with lemon, lettuce salad with olive oil, 1/2-cup of green beans
4. Chef salad with turkey, cheese, walnuts and black olives and romaine
5. Spinach salad with chopped almonds, feta cheese, 1/2-cup of pineapple
6. 2 hard boiled eggs, 1/2-grapefruit, sliced tomatoes
7. 3 slices of roast beef, one slice of cheddar cheese, dill pickles, celery, black olives

Take some time to be creative at dinner and plan some interesting and delicious low-carb dinners. You can always add potatoes or rice for the rest of the family.
1. 8-ounce steak, caesar salad, 1/2-cup of cooked broccoli, 1/2-cup fresh strawberries
2 Whole chicken breast, cabbage salad with blue cheese, 1 cup walnuts and strawberries with sour cream and sweetened with stevia.
3. Pork chops with peppers and onions, cucumber salad in vinegar, black olives, 1/2-cup of cantaloupe
4. Turkey breast roasted with havarti cheese, dill pickles, black olives, hot peppers, green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing
5. Hamburger patty with two strips of bacon and cheese, sliced tomatoes, onion slices and 1/2-peach for dessert
6. Bratwurst with sauerkraut and hot mustard, cucumber salad, non-fat yogurt with 1/2-cup of strawberries and sweetened with stevia
7. Loin lamb shops with rosemary and mushrooms, 1/2-cup of green beans and celery, 1 cup of grapes.

21-Day Grapefruit Diet

The grapefruit diet has been circulating in one form or another since the 1930s when it was first introduced by Kelly D. Brownell, PhD. Based on the fat-burning benefits of the enzymes in grapefruit, the 21-day grapefruit diet claims to help you achieve weight loss without starvation. According to Grapefruit-Diet.org, the plan can be followed for as few as seven days or as many as 21. DietsIndex.com, calling it a fad diet, says there is "no hard evidence" of "the fat-burning properties of grapefruit."

The21-day grapefruit diet calls for the consumption of grapefruit at every meal. You can also eat leafy spinach, broccoli, corn, jam, jelly, cereal, corn chips, pasta, red onions, starchy vegetables, radishes, pretzels, sweet pickles and low-fat or diet salad dressing.

Avoid eating cabbage, chili, bread, green onions, coleslaw, lettuce, hot dogs, carrots, potato chips, peas, mayonnaise, green beans, white onions and regular salad dressing.

According to Grapefruit-Diet.org, before beginning your diet, it is important to avoid foods that are either extremely hot or extremely cold. Avoid cooking in aluminum pans, and space your meals about 4 hours apart.

Aim for three to four daily servings of carbohydrates (whole grain bagels, bran muffins, pasta, corn flakes, whole-grain bread and rice) and four to six daily servings of fruits (bananas, oranges, plums, papaya, melon, strawberries, pears, apples and grapefruit). Strive for two to four daily servings of vegetables (including broccoli, spinach, corn and asparagus) and one to two daily servings of dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk, and cottage cheese). Be sure to include two daily servings of lean proteins such as tuna, crab, skinless chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs and lentils.

A typical day's meals will look something like this:

Breakfast: two hard boiled eggs, two slices of bacon and either half a grapefruit or 8 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice.
Lunch: Any amount of the meat of your choice, salad and either half a grapefruit or 8 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice.
Dinner: Any protein (cooked however you like), salad or a vegetable cooked in butter, a cup of coffee or tea and either half a grapefruit or 8 ounces of unsweetened grapefruit juice.
Bedtime Snack: One 8 ounce glass of skim milk or tomato juice.

According to the recommendations of Grapefruit-Diet.org, drink eight glasses of water each day and eat until you are full at each meal, but avoid eating between meals. You can use butter to cook with or top your vegetables, but you should avoid any dessert foods, bread and white vegetables. Since this fad diet restricts your calorie intake significantly, avoid exercising while on the 21-day grapefruit diet. If you are on any medications (like certain statin drugs for cholesterol), check with your doctor before beginning this diet to avoid a potential complication.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Hypoglycemic Diet Recipes

Low blood sugar caused by hypoglycemia must be regulated through diet. Symptoms of anxiety, rapid heart beat, headaches, dizziness and intense hunger can occur a few hours after a meal. By incorporating nutritious meals and snacks into your diet, you can prevent your blood sugar from fluctuating.

A diet filled with simple carbohydrates and refined sugar can trigger hypoglycemic symptoms. By starting your day on a good foot, you give yourself the opportunity to maintain a normal carbohydrate metabolism. Meals like omelets bursting with vegetables and low-fat cheese, low-fat yogurt with nuts, and cantaloupe filled with cottage cheese give you the proper nutrition. Stay away from processed foods like muffins, sausage, French toast and hash browns. Watch your condiment choice. Ketchup, soy sauce, jelly and chutney are high in sugar. A great breakfast recipe with a Mexican twist includes two eggs, black beans and a generous serving of salsa. For those on the go, toast a whole wheat English muffin and make a sandwich with egg and low-fat cheese. Never miss breakfast. If in a rush, have enough snacks in the car to constitute as a breakfast.

It is recommended by most nutritionists and physicians to eat six to eight small meals a day. A good rule of thumb is to eat every two hours. Diets high in fiber will keep you full longer and slow hypoglycemic reaction. Broccoli, nuts, seeds, carrots, apples, bananas and grapefruits make fantastic snacks. Mix up your own trail mix using your favorite nuts and fruits. Do not use nuts that have sugar, honey or salt. Dried fruit and pumpkin seeds can be thrown in. Lunches are difficult meals for those who do not plan ahead. Bacon, deli meat, most dairy products and fruit juices should not be consumed. Instead, enjoy a meal of skinless turkey or chicken tossed into a salad. Make a sandwich by using avocado, sprouts, hummus and onions. Follow up your lunch a couple of hours later with a snack of popcorn.

Dinner meals should be no larger than the meals you eat during the day. If you are excessively hungry from stress or exercise, eat additional amounts of vegetables. A simple Italian dish can be prepared with spaghetti squash or whole wheat pasta. Top with a sauce that does not contain sugar. Indian food is particularly beneficial for hypoglycemics because of its wide array of vegetarian entrees. Choose an entree that is made from legumes or beans but does not have a cream sauce. Soups can be made in advance. Lentil, black bean, chicken noodle, pea and tomato soup are perfect for a well-rounded meal. Before your bedtime, eat one more snack. Refrain from alcohol and sugary foods that cause swings in blood sugar. If you miss a snack, either eat one as soon as possible or have your meal earlier. Take a good multivitamin and vitamin B daily. Hypoglycemia can put a huge damper on you energy level and mood. While you are sure to indulge occasionally, keep a proper diet to avoid further symptoms.

Coconut Milk & Hair Growth

Coconut Milk is a beneficial liquid extract which yields from the coconut. It is high in protein, essential fats, iron and manganese, which are elements all valuable in growth and maintenance of healthy hair, as well as preventing hair loss. Does this Spark an idea?

Manganese, Iron and protein are a few elements which help maintain healthy hair and are in coconut milk.

A protein rich diet is the building block to healthy hair. Non-animal fats in the diet also help. Manganese keeps the hair shaft strong. Adequate iron intake prevents hair loss.

Drinking coconut milk nourishes the body and, in turn, the hair.

Coconut milk is nutritious and provides overall health help as a drink, which in turn, nourishes and strengthens the hair.

Hair becomes softer and loss is ceased with coconut milk treatments.

When applied topically to the hair, coconut milk provides quick external positive results with treatment. Hair is noticeably softer and hair loss diminished immediately.

For more severe hair loss cases, treat hair once weekly.

For more severe hair loss issues, a coconut milk treatment should be placed on the hair once weekly until loss is resolved.

Coconut milk is extracted by grinding the interior of the coconut.

Grate the interior of a coconut and collect the milk from the grounds. Apply one to two cups of milk to hair, leave on for two hours, rinse with water then shampoo 24 hours later.

Aloe Vera can be used as a supplementary ingredient in a coconut milk hair treatment.

For further advantages, Aloe Vera and Tulsi Leaves can be added to a coconut milk treatment to strengthen hair.

Friday, July 19, 2013

No Carb Diet Meal Plan

The Atkins Diet is what most people think of when they think of a low- or no-carb diet, but these types of diets have been around for a long time. Many people, however, don't know how to properly follow one of these diets. By doing it the right way, you can drop serious body fat.

Meat (steak, turkey, fish, chicken)
Dairy
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
Fish oil (cod liver with vitamin D is preferable)
Vegetables
Fiber supplement

The biggest problem when you are on a low- or no-carb diet is not eating enough. Do not simply cut out your carbs and replace them with nothing. This will only lower your metabolism, and ensure the weight comes back. You need to replace your carbs with meat, lots of meat. Do not concern yourself with calories; meet these requirements, and reap the benefits.

Consume 1.5-2g of protein per pound of bodyweight (protein, not meat). For example this means that a 200 lb person should consume between 300-400 g of protein per day, from natural sources. Keep protein shakes down to 1 per day, preferably after a workout. This is a lot of meat to consume in a day (at least you won't be hungry), try to get as close as possible, the more the better. No eggs on this plan, sorry.

Fish oil every morning with your first meal. The fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and is great for loosing weight (among other things). Consume 1g of fish oil for every percent bodyfat. So if you are 33% bodyfat (obese) then you need 33g of fish oil per day.

Carbs are to be kept at a bare minimum, except for fiber. Therefore you are limited to 50g of carbohydrates per day, not including fiber. Some cooked or raw vegetables are a great source of fibrous veggies, and won't spike your blood sugar. Count your carbs all day long, and keep them under 50g. Most things have at least a couple carbs so watch even the foods listed above.

Fiber is essential to keep you from getting constipated on this diet. Make sure to consume a minimum of 20g of Carbs per day, preferably 30-40g. This will be hard to do, so make sure to have at least 1-2 servings of nuts or seeds per day, and it would be a good idea to supplement with a fiber powder of some kind at night before bed. Remember, fiber is a carb, but doesn't count toward your 50g, so subtract your grams of fiber from your total carbs, and keep that number under 50g.

Eat constantly. Eat at least 5-6 meals per day with plenty of protein at every one.

It is always recommended to get your doctor's approval before starting a new diet or exercise routine. Exercise on this routine in order to see maximum benefits. Even walking will do. Do not do this diet for more than about two weeks because chronic carbohydrate depletion can be bad for the body. On this diet, you may not lose much weight, but you will lose fat and build some muscle. This diet will keep the fat off longer and help you lose more fat in the long run.

Pages

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Addressing Hypoglycemia With Diet

Addressing Hypoglycemia With Supplements

Addressing Hypoglycemia With Exercise

Countering Hypoglycemia When It Occurs

Instructions

Cabbage Soup

Detoxification Diet

Carb Depletion Week

The Extremist of Extreme Diets

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Instructions

Monday, July 29, 2013

Short-term Fruit Juice Diet

Health Hazards of Crash Dieting

What Can I Eat to Lose Weight Quickly?

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Lemonade Diet

Cabbage Soup Diet

Cottage Cheese Diet

Getting Started

What's on the Menu

Add a Detox Cleansing Program in the Plan

Know the Side Effects of Detox Diets

Take Care on Your Detox Diet

Instructions

Friday, July 26, 2013

Instructions

High Intensity Interval Training

Weight Training

Changing Workouts to Prevent Plateauing

Why Juices Work for Weight Loss

Best Fruits & Vegetables to Promote Weight Loss

Adding Other Stuff

Ingredients

Protein Shakes

Other Diet Shakes

The Soup

Fruits and Vegetables

Milk and Bananas

Meat and Vegetables

Rice and Vegetables

Considerations

The Basics

Statistics

Ounces

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Instructions

Pre-Colonoscopy Diet

Pre-Colonoscopy Considerations

Post-Colonoscopy Considerations

Instructions

Instructions

Green Tea

Guggul

Dine on Phosphatidylcholine

Increase Whole Grains

Omega-3 Rich Foods

Instructions

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Hypoglycemia

Brain Function

Sleepiness

Temper

Hunger

Other Symptoms

Hyperglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia Symptoms

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Warning

3-Day Cleanse Ingredients

Procedure

Considerations

Monday, July 22, 2013

Cancer

Stomach

Antiseptic

Liver