How to Make Apple Pie Shots

Apple pie's sweet and spicy flavor can be easily combined into a tasty shot to serve at your next party. Experiment with different ingredients by replacing vodka with rum or adding nutmeg and other spices to create a customized version. Or you can simply sprinkle a little cinnamon on your guest's tongue, serve them the shot -- then squirt some aerosol whipped cream in their mouth. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Combine an ounce of vodka and an ounce of apple juice or cider in a shot glass.

2

Top the mixture with whipped cream.

3

Garnish the drink with a dash of cinnamon and serve.

What Is a Healthy Blood Glucose Level?

Understanding healthy blood glucose levels can reduce your risk of diabetes or its complications. Armed with a blood glucose meter, you can find out if your own blood glucose is in the healthy range. Because blood glucose levels can change greatly, it is important to time the use of the blood glucose meter properly.

Healthy Glucose Levels

According to the American Diabetes Association, a healthy blood glucose level is from 70 mg/dl to 99 mg/dl.

Fasting Glucose Test

Take one glucose meter reading in the morning before breakfast when you have already fasted during the night. Eating and drinking as well as consuming some medications can cause quick changes in blood glucose levels. This reading should be within normal glucose levels.

Post-Prandial Test

Take another glucose meter reading two hours after eating. This test result will show how well your pancreas is performing its job of producing enough insulin so that your blood sugar will be normal after eating. In healthy people, your blood glucose level should have already returned to normal by the two-hour mark.

Timing

If you take a glucose meter reading less than two hours after eating, drinking or taking some medications, the results are not reliable, since the body needs time to produce insulin and lower blood glucose levels to normal. At all other times of the day, the readings should always be normal for non-diabetics.

Warning

Only a physician can properly diagnose diabetes. If you suspect you have diabetes, consult with your doctor right away.

How to Do the Eat-Clean Diet

The Eat-Clean Diet emphasizes eating unprocessed whole foods and avoiding foods laden with sugar and fat. The idea is to shun the diet mentality and instead seek a lifelong change in eating that moves toward complex carbohydrates, clean protein sources and produce. Tosca Reno, a fitness model and contributor to "Oxygen Magazine," created the diet after her remarkable 70-pound weight loss at the age of 40. Reno, previously more than 200 pounds, transformed her life by abolishing processed carbs and junk food and creating a way of eating that she labeled clean eating. The Eat-Clean Diet involves specific strategies to minimize hunger and replace less than healthy food choices with natural whole meals. Although this eating plan provides healthy recommendations, it may be challenging to follow at all times.

Instructions

1

Eat small meals frequently. Ideally people who are eating clean will eat five to six small meals (200-300 calories each) per day. These meals should be spaced every two to three hours. The frequency of meals helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and minimize hunger.

2

Prepare meals with a mixture of complex carbs and lean protein. Complex carbohydrates are those that take longer to digest and generally contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals. A few examples of complex carbs are whole-grain bread, vegetables and lentils. Protein choices should be low in fat and high in protein; for instance, chicken breast, egg whites and salmon.

3

Do not skip meals. It is very important to eat each meal throughout the day. This is especially important for breakfast. According to WebMD, 90 percent of people in the National Weight Registry (which means they have lost and maintained a 30-pound loss or more) eat breakfast most days of the week.

4

Do not eat overprocessed foods, including white flour and sugar. White flour and sugar are examples of simple carbohydrates, which spike insulin levels and may lead to increased cravings and binges. Many processed grocery items will contain these items, including but not limited to, white bread, cookies, chips, crackers, juice, soda, ice cream and most things considered junk food.

5

Eat healthy fats, but avoid saturated and trans fats. Healthy fats include monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids. Examples of foods with these fats include avocados, flaxseed oil, olives and a variety of other vegetable oils, nuts and some fish. Saturated and trans fats can lower good cholesterol (known as HDL) and increase bad cholesterol (known as LDL).

6

Consume proper portion sizes. Small portion sizes are imperative to eating clean. Generally a single portion of a starch is a cup and a single portion of a protein is 2 oz. It is important to become familiar with the approximate amount of calories in a portion of food. In the beginning of the eat clean diet, measuring portions and watching calories may be a good idea. This is especially important when consuming fats, which have very high calories for very small portions.

Isagenix Diet

The Isagenix diet is a nine-day regimen designed to help a person lose five to 15 pounds. Based on a combination of shakes, supplements, snacks and energy bars, the diet is also designed to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins.

How It Works

The makers of Isagenix products claim that their plan boosts energy, reduces cravings, helps firm muscle tone and balances the digestive system. Although it is a nine-day plan, 32-day regimens are available. Further, the plan is one of the few that vegetarians can follow.
Isagenix products contain ingredients including green tea to accelerate metabolism and provide essential anti-oxidants; apple cider vinegar and cayenne pepper, both of which act as cleansing agents; and fiber, which detoxifies and reduces hunger. The combination of ingredients rid the body of impurities while helping it absorb nutrients and burn fat, according to Isagenix.
Isagenix is good for jump-starting a diet but not for long-term weight loss. It should be noted, too, that as with all weight-loss products, it works differently for each person. You may lose weight quickly, while someone else may lose more slowly and feel disgruntled.
The product line has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The ingredients in the products, however, have been approved by the FDA.
Before starting the plan, talk with your physician.

How to Eat While Training for a Marathon

To support the rigors of marathon training, you need to eat well, and scientifically. But don't forget a dose of good, sound common sense.

Instructions

1

Choose a carbohydrate-rich diet every day as the foundation for every meal. A 60 to 70 percent diet of foods such as whole-grain breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables is the best fuel for the muscles.

2

Eat 200 to 400 calories of carbohydrates (for example, potatoes or rice) within 2 hours of hard exercise to optimize recovery, then repeat this 2 hours later. If exercise kills your appetite, drink the carbohydrates while quenching your thirst.

3

Remember fluids. Make sure to drink plenty before, during and after training. Go for water, sports drinks or juice, but avoid alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect.

4

Practice trying sports foods and fluids while training. Especially if you intend to consume them during the race, try a sports drink, sports gel or other performance-enhancing food in training.

5

Go easy on fats. Marathon training requires consuming extra food, but watch fat consumption. For example, instead of having one roll with butter, have two plain rolls, and eat pasta with tomato or other low-fat sauces rather than cheese-based sauces.

6

Learn how much food you can eat and still run comfortably.

7

Be consistent. Eat familiar foods, and foods that you like. Don't change your diet for the sake of some magic formula.

8

Eat moderately. While making sure to get enough, don't stuff yourself.

Detox With Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is found in all green plants, vegetables, blue-green algae such as spirulina and chlorella. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a recent study to show chlorophyll has anti-cancer protective qualities in 140 rainbow trout that were induced with cancer. Those who were fed chlorophyll did not die.
People who want similar protective effects and also to detox, can consider taking wheat grass juice "shots", consuming spirulina or chlorella, both of which offer chlorophyll.

Cancer-protective

According to the NIH, chlorophyll has anti-carcinogenic properties. This is because it has chlorophyllin (CHL),a "food-grade, water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll that exhibits strong anti-mutagenic activity against a variety of carcinogens." In a 2007 study, 140 trout induced with liver and stomach cancer were fed 2,000 ppm of CHL and it protected them from liver and stomach cancer.

Chlorophyll-rich Foods and Supplements

For people, eating green vegetables is cancer-protective. You could also supplement with blue green algae such as spirulina and chlorella. The dosages differ according to the manufacturer. Consuming wheat grass is another way to ingest chlorophyll. Anyone who has ever tried wheat grass understands the powerful impact it has. Wheat grass does taste like fresh-cut grass and can feel like it "burns" a path down your throat. Dedicated fans use it by dabbing it on their skin or even placing it into their eyes as a detoxifying agent: be forewarned that it not necessarily appropriate for everyone.

Chlorophyll Detox

To undergo a targeted detox with chlorophyll, chose to either conduct a fresh juice fast and include wheat grass juice (about one ounce per serving) three times daily. Drink herbal teas such as dandelion, juniper berry and red clover to further assist in detoxification of the internal organs. Stick with this juice fast, chlorophyll detox for about three days if you are a healthy adult. If you decide to extend it longer, get medical clearance.

You could also eat a detox diet of whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains and vegetable oils. Add the chlorophyll in the form of spirulina flakes sprinkled over foods and consuming chlorella. This blue-green algae excels in detoxifying: follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations as each product will differ. People report clearer skin and increased bowel movements while taking some form of concentrated chlorophyll during a detox program.

The Best Weight Losing Detox

There are many detox diet plans on the market offering quick ways to drop excess weight. While weight lost on a detox is often only temporary, fasts or cleanses are a beneficial way to reduce waste buildup in the body while renewing energy and concentration levels.

Detox diets help to reduce the presence in the body of cancer-causing free radicals and toxins, which accumulate as a result of poor diet and exposure to pollution.

Fruit

Fruit is a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidants for those on a detox diet. Strawberries and cherries are high in antioxidants that counteract harmful free radicals, and they also boost energy and concentration levels. Grapes are beneficial to the heart since they contain flavinols, which help the blood pump through the body more efficiently and help the arteries to remain strong.

Citrus fruits such as oranges contain high levels of Vitamin C, which work to detox the liver. Cranberries are popular in detox diets because they contain proanthocyanidin antioxidants that help cleanse the kidneys.

Eating many servings of fruits on a detox diet will ensure you are getting vitamins and antioxidants for nutrition while you also lose weight.

Water

Drinking water is vital to everyday life. During a detox, not only will it help to flush the system of toxins but it can also reduce hunger. Drink at least two liters of ice water each day, so that the body must increase its metabolism to heat the water internally. Adding 1 tablespoon of pure lemon juice will also help cleanse the liver.

Water also helps reduce fat in the body by assisting the kidneys in flushing out excess waste. Without water, the kidney needs the liver to help it flush the system, making both organs slow down and decreasing their fat-burning energy.

Fiber

Fiber is one of the most important features of any detox diet. It helps to cleanse the colon and bowels of buildup, leaving you feeling lighter and with better digestion. Be sure to get at least 25 grams of fiber each day through a variety of foods such as brown rice, quinoa, apples and potatoes.

You may also take a fiber supplement if you do not get enough through your food. A natural option is psyllium husk. It works as a laxative, providing bulk to push out waste from the intestines and colon. Take one serving three times daily for the course of the detox for best results. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking any kind of fiber to prevent constipation.

Diet for Larger Breasts

The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the doctor, location, the anesthetics used, and a number of other factors. On average, the total ranges from $4,000 to 10,000. As with any invasive surgical procedure, there are risks, including complications that can cause pain, deformity of the breast, loss of sensation, infection, and bleeding and hematomas. To avoid these financial and health costs, some women turn to diet to increase breast size.

Breast Augmenting Foods

Products that contain plant estrogens, such as phytoestrogens, are reputed to stimulate the growth of body tissue and naturally enhance the breast by causing a woman's body to produce prostaglandin. Saw palmetto, fenugreek, and Mexican wild yam contain the highest levels of these natural estrogens.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a berry that can be found in several forms: ground, dried, and ripe. It is also available as a liquid extract, tablet, capsule, and as an infusion or a tea. Mild side effects, such as stomach upset and breast tenderness, have been reported.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is considered the world's oldest medicinal herb. Fenugreek seeds are ground and roasted and used to flavor curry. Ground seeds are often used to impart a maple flavor to sweets and candies. The seeds can also be used to make tea, although the tea is believed less potent than the pills, and the tea comes with a bitter taste that can be hard to stomach. Fenugreek's leaves, which are high in iron, are used in salads. Taken internally, fenugreek is used to treat bronchitis, coughs, respiratory problems, and sinus conditions, and to increase milk supply. However, the herb has aggravated asthma symptoms in some women and has lowered blood glucose levels in some women with diabetes.

Mexican wild yam

Wild yam may offer some benefits. It is believed that wild yam can stimulate the ovaries to produce a balance of progesterone and estrogen, making it a popular alternative to synthetic hormones for women. Though wild yams do contain diosgenin, a precursor to progesterone that can be used to synthesize the hormone in a laboratory, there is some doubt about the body's ability to make the conversion to progesterone naturally. Wild yam is available in tablets, capsules, tinctures, and teas. Pills and tinctures should be taken with food to reduce the risk of stomach irritation and nausea. Since wild yam contains a potentially toxic substance known as dioscorin and can interact with prescription hormones such as estrodiol, consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider before using products that contain wild yam.

Animal Hormones

Avoid breast enhancing products that contain animal hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. While they do stimulate cell growth, they can also cause abnormal cell growth in the breast. That could lead to breast cancer.

Extreme Diets to Lose Weight Fast

It is common knowledge that America is one of the most overweight nations in the world. Everyone knows someone trying to lose weight for as many reasons as there are diet options. In addition, the variety and quantity of diets designed for fast weight loss serve as primary examples of the American obsession with quick fixes. These extreme diets are generally considered safe for healthy adults, but a doctor should be consulted prior to beginning. If you decide to try one, use it as an opportunity to examine your eating habits and establish a starting point for a healthy lifestyle.

The Lemonade Master Cleanse Diet

The Master Cleanse diet, a detoxification diet once endorsed by high-profile celebrity dieter Beyonc Knowles, hit its peak in 2007-08. Originally developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941, the diet was revived by Peter Glickman in his book "Lose Weight, Have More Energy and Be Happier in 10 Days." The Lemonade Master Cleanse is basically a 10-day water fast that relies on extreme calorie restriction for weight loss. The diet consists of drinking "lemonade" concocted from water, lemon or lime juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Since you are not consuming any solid food or fiber for the duration of the diet, you must take some type of "natural laxative" each morning and evening. Although you can expect to lose 10-15 pounds during your 10 days on the diet, expect to lose muscle and accumulate fat due to the lack of nutrition and balanced food intake.

The Grapefruit Diet

The Grapefruit Diet, based loosely on the metabolic-enhancing properties of grapefruit, is also known as the Hollywood or Mayo Diet. The underlying notion of this diet is that eating grapefruit in combination with protein triggers the fat-burning properties of the grapefruit. The 12-day high-fat, high-protein diet works on calorie restriction, promising to help you shed 10 pounds. The diet entails consuming four meals a day that each include grapefruit and total 800-1,000 calories per day. Aside from not including sufficient calories to be healthy for the long-term, it is not a particularly harmful diet, except for the monotony of eating grapefruit with each meal.

The Three-Day Diet

The Three-Day Diet consists of a very low-calorie three-day diet plan that claims to help you lose 10 pounds in three days. While very calorie restrictive, the diet does retain a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Due to the low amount of calories, you will experience hunger often, putting you at risk for reaching for junk food. There are no snacks built in to the meal plans, so expect to experience extremely high and extremely low energy levels. Staying on this plan for longer than three days is extremely dangerous as your body will enter starvation mode, beginning a cycle of yo-yo dieting as you likely will not keep the weight off long-term.

How to Do Exercises to Lose Weight Quickly

Learn how to do exercises to lose weight quickly.

Losing weight quickly is at the top of the list for most people, (if you are over weight that is), with fast food becoming part of our normal routine in life, we are all looking for a quick solution to help shed a few pounds.

Exercises to lose weight quickly are hard to come across , however I have composed some top secret fat burning, tire shrinking must do exercises to help you shed the weight.

Instructions

1

Running - perhaps not the most appealing exercise to lose weight quickly, especially when you are overweight. However this fat pumping exercise helps to get the heart rate going, sweat pouring and more importantly it helps to burn calories.

2

Jumping Jacks - believe it or not, adding 50 jumping jacks a day to your daily exercise routine will push your fitness levels to new heights. It's one of the great exercises to lose weight quickly, that is simple, easy and can be done at home without having to go to the gym.

3

Jumping Rope - again jumping rope is an excellent exercise to lose weight quickly; I don't need to go into detail other than the fact that you will need a jump rope.

4

Swimming - swimming is not only one of the best exercises to lose weight quickly, but regular trips to the local pool will help you to tone up all that excess body fat. When you swim you use nearly every muscle that you have. You will fill the burn from your arms down to your buttocks and legs and you will start to see the effects in your body.

5

Squats - squats for those of you whom are not familiar with the term, are one of those magic exercises to lose weight quickly. To perform a squat you have to stand up straight and simply squat down. Keep your back straight with your arms crossed across your chest and bend your knees to a 90 degree angle.

At first your thighs will be aching from this exercise, but after a few days you will notice that your thigh area is more toned and you will start burning off some of that unsightly fat.

6

Another great exercise (if you can call it that) is to lie on the floor and while you are watching your favorite TV show squeeze your buttocks in. As absurd as this may sound, you will certainly notice your buttock area firming up quick.

Adding 100 bottom squeezes a day to your regimen to lose weight quickly will help to transform your butt. Think of Beyonce and JLo while you're doing this one, you're only a few buttock squeezes away to the perfect bottom.

7

Although doing exercises to lose weight is an important goal, it's also important to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you exercise the whole week in a last ditch attempt to squeeze into that party dress for next weeks date, you also need to make sure that you stick to a healthy diet.

Make sure to not only weigh yourself at the start of the week but also take measurements of those problem areas to keep track of your progress. That way you will know exactly how much weight and which are you have lost it in. A daily obsession with the scales will leave you paranoid. Just focus on the exercises to lose weight quickly.

8

While you're here be sure to take a look around for more great tips on exercises to lose weight quickly.

Activities to Teach Food Groups to Kids

Food group activities allow children to learn how to pick the most healthful foods for their growing bodies. These activities include hands-on projects, crafts and field trips. Tailor lesson plans around the age group of the children you're teaching. Preschool or kindergarten children may prefer more basic crafts, while older kids enjoy elaborate, detailed lessons about food.

Name that Group

First, teach the children a lesson about food groups. Construct apples, carrots, cucumbers, meat and other foods out of construction paper and cut out the different foods. Hold up each food and ask the kids which group the food goes into. Allow the kids to raise their hands and make a guess. Keep track of who gets the most right answers and give this child a prize.

Food Group Book

Teach the children in your class about different food groups by making custom books. Use card stock, construction paper or poster board paper to construct a book. Use a hole puncher to punch holes on the side binding of the book and tie yarn through each hole. Cut out pictures of different foods such as grapes, apples and bananas from magazines and ask the kids to make a page for each food group. The food groups also include fats and oils, meats and even treats. The kids can simply make a picture book, write about the nutrients in different foods and why they like certain foods.

Custom Food Group Pyramids

Show the children examples of different food group pyramids including the standard USDA pyramid, the Mediterranean pyramid or other types of pyramids. Give the kids poster board paper and markers and ask them to craft their own food pyramid according to the foods they eat on a continual basis. Then ask the kids to write down goals about how they can change their diet and eat more healthy foods. This activity can help kids see if they are actually following a healthy eating plan.

Food Group Taste Test

Teach children about the value of nutrition by allowing them to sample nutrient-dense selections from all of the healthy food groups. However, get permission slips from parents before doing this activity to ensure that none of the children have nut allergies or any other types of food allergies.Nut allergies can be life threatening.

Group fruits in one large bowl and place vegetables, grains and other food groups in other bowls. Healthy fats and oils such as olive oil and nuts go in one group as well. Give the kids spoons to sample the olive oil or simply keep the bottle on display. The children may want to eat almonds, sunflower seeds or other nuts instead of sampling different oils. Ask the kids to try something from one or more food groups. You can place samples in small bowls or allow the children to eat whole fruits and vegetables.

What Foods Are Included in a Medically Prescribed Soft Diet?

A soft diet is made up of various foods that are literally soft and therefore easy to chew and swallow. A doctor typically prescribes a soft diet for people who have had any type of head or stomach surgery, or people who have orthodontic or other dental issues. A soft diet avoids foods difficult to chew. For those placed on a soft diet for any type of stomach surgery or experiencing digestive issues, soft food diets also eliminate spicy and gas-producing foods.

Breads and Cereals

Although soft diets eliminate most bread, you can still enjoy softer breads. Cut off the crust and soften in milk, if necessary. You can also enjoy cooked cereal and oatmeal, and cereals softened in milk, as long as they do not contain any nuts.

Fruits and Vegetables

Enjoy bananas and any canned fruit, or puree berries with fruit juice. A soft diet eliminates raw vegetables but you can certainly cook them. Mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes are also included in a soft diet.

Meats and Other Protein

While tough meats are eliminated in a soft diet, you can have ground meat. Get your protein as well from soft scrambled eggs and cooked beans.

Dairy

Soft cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese are permissible in soft diets. You can also enjoy creamy yogurt as long as it is without fruit or granola. Eat treats such as custards, gelatins and ice cream (without nuts).

Soup

A soft diet includes soups, such as broths, but you can also have creamy soups, if you want to indulge a little more.

Healthy Diet Plan for Teen Girls

Maintaining a healthy diet during the teen years is an important early step toward a healthy life--especially for teen girls, who are under enormous pressure to be model-thin. Whether you're looking to lose weight or simply feel better by eating right, a healthy diet plan will help keep you in shape and keep you from starvation diets that leave you weak and hungry.

Forget the Pills

Avoid diet pills. They are dangerous, and they don't work. Many are simply very powerful stimulants, or drugs that make your body burn more calories by speeding up your heart and other functions. People who take diet pills gain back the weight they lost very quickly.

Also, do not take Ritalin or Adderall as a way to lose weight. You may be taking these with a prescription to treat ADHD, but using these drugs as a weight-loss method is dangerous.

Eat Breakfast

Eating a healthy breakfast will actually help you lose weight by getting your body working. Fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges are a great start; eggs are high in protein and low in calories (if you cook them in olive-oil spray); and a bowl of whole-grain cereal or oatmeal will keep you from feeling hungry. If cereal and oatmeal are boring for you, dress them up with cinnamon (but not cinnamon sugar), blueberries, bananas or strawberries.

Many teenagers drink soda for a caffeine kick in the morning. Soda is full of sugar, so steer clear of that. If you need a morning pick-me-up, try a cup of tea instead.

Eat A Snack

If you're at school, you may not be allowed to eat in class, but you probably can stash a healthy snack in your locker and eat it between classes. Fruit is best (but make sure to eat it on the same day you brought it.) Granola-type bars can be OK, but make sure they're low in sugar and don't have the word "hydrogenated" in the ingredients. Hydrogenated products are heavily processed and are terrible for your heart.

Snacks to stay away from include chips (even the ones that look healthy), cookies and candy bars. They pack a ton of calories and still leave you feeling hungry.

Eat Lunch

Make yourself a killer sandwich with whole-grain bread and lean meat such as chicken, turkey or tuna. (If you're having tuna, go with a mix that has very little mayonnaise.) Dress it with all the vegetables you can find--lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, olives--and top it off with mustard or hummus. Another piece of fruit, some raisins or almonds, or a low-fat yogurt all make for a great dessert.

Foods to avoid at lunch, especially if you're eating at a cafeteria, include french fries, pizza, chicken nuggets and nachos. These foods are OK once in a while, but eating them every day will make you gain weight and feel sluggish.

If you're headed off-campus for lunch, stay away from the burger chains and opt for a sandwich shop instead.

Eat Another Snack

Between lunch and dinner, eat another snack, such as a bag of carrots or light popcorn. Eating small meals throughout the day is much better for you than starving yourself and eating once or twice a day. It helps your body burn calories at a healthy rate (this process is called metabolism.)

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is a big part of a healthy diet, especially if you play sports. But even if you don't, you'll find that drinking water can keep you from feeling hungry. The human body often mistakes hunger for thirst, so if you stay hydrated, some of your hunger pangs may go away. Also, drinking water regularly helps you keep your metabolism healthy.

It is possible, though, to drink too much water. A good goal is to drink so that you never feel thirsty. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.

Stay Busy

Keep yourself entertained. People overeat not because they're hungry, but because they're bored. For teenagers, life can get pretty boring--especially after school. Playing sports not only gives you the exercise you need, it also keeps you busy. If you don't like sports, play an instrument, join a club or find some other healthy way to engage in things that interest you.

Do Not Fear Food

Remember through all of this that eating does not make you fat--eating too much bad food makes you fat. Food is good for you, and it's something you should enjoy. As long as you eat lots of fruits and vegetables, cut back on sugar, and lay off on fried foods, fatty foods, and things like cookies, pizza and chips, you're good to go.

If You're a Vegetarian

Many girls choose during their teenage years not to eat meat. It is possible to have a healthy vegetarian diet, but you need to be careful that you're getting enough protein. Good sources of protein include eggs (especially egg whites), edamame (a cool Japanese vegetable that you pop out of pods) and tofu (which can take on the flavor of anything you cook with it.)

No Drinking

There are lots of reasons teenage girls should not drink--it's illegal and can lead to a whole lot of other trouble. But if you need more motivation than that, keep this in mind: Drinking kills every diet. Alcohol is full of calories (especially the sweet drinks that many girls like), and here's the worst part: When you drink, your body stops burning fat until it goes through all the calories from the alcohol.

What Foods Are on a Clear Liquid Diet?

Sometimes you need to follow a clear liquid diet for a short period of time. Your doctor may have scheduled a gastrointestinal exam, like a colonoscopy, which requires your intestinal system to be as empty as possible. You may have had surgery, and your system needs clear liquids for a day or so. Or you may be experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and your doctor believes a clear liquid diet may help.

About

A clear liquid diet allows no solid food and no liquids that cannot be seen through. Any "foods" are foods that would be liquid at room temperature (like a popsicle). This diet must provide you with enough liquid to keep you properly hydrated, as well as sufficient electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, nutrients and calories for energy. A clear liquid diet is not the same as a full liquid diet, which allows food options that would be inappropriate for someone on a clear liquid diet.

Beverages

Liquids permitted on a clear liquid diet include: water, clear juices such as white grape juice, cranberry and apple juice, seltzer, clear soft drinks such as ginger-ale, weak tea and herbal teas such as chamomile. You should drink water, in addition to other liquids, with every meal. Never drink alcohol.

Foods

You can eat any clear food that becomes liquid at room temperature. This includes chicken broth, bouillon or consomme, plain or flavored gelatin, and shaved ice or ice popsicles that don't contain fruit particles. If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy, your doctor may tell you not to have cherry, raspberry or strawberry gelatin, as the red dye used in these products can affect the readings.

Timing

When you eat is important on a clear liquid diet. Rather than the usual three meals a day, you should have small meals or snacks throughout the day so that you remain adequately hydrated and receive enough nutrients. Drink water throughout your day.

Example

Breakfast can include water; one cup of a clear juice, such as apple juice or white grape juice; one cup of clear broth; and a cup of gelatin. A mid-morning snack can be a cup of clear tea or juice and a popsicle. Lunch, like breakfast, can be water, juice, broth and gelatin. You should try to vary flavors.

Have another snack in the afternoon. For variation, you can flavor some seltzer with a little clear juice, like cranberry or apple-juice. You can have a popsicle or gelatin. Dinner, like breakfast and lunch, should be water, juice, broth and gelatin or a popsicle. You can have another snack of tea and a cup of gelatin or a popsicle later in the evening.

Duration

Stay on the diet until your doctor says you may return to full liquids, soft foods or a regular diet. A clear liquid diet is always under a doctor's supervision and should not be followed for more than a few days, as it does not provide you with adequate nutrients, vitamins, minerals and calories.

Safe Diet Plans

Safe diet plans should include items from every food group and provide at least 1,200 calories per day. Diets that forbid entire sections of the food pyramid or suggest very low calorie intake are dangerous and unhealthy, and will not help with long-term weight loss. Avoid any diet plan that makes miraculous claims about fast results, or that includes diet pills or meal replacements. The safest diets include real, healthy foods and focus on portion control and healthy calorie intake.

Keep Total Calories Low

According to a study done by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, low-calorie heart-healthy diets can help you lose weight and maintain weight loss, regardless of the proportion of calories that come from fat, carbohydrates or protein. This means you don't have to eliminate carbs or fat to eat a healthy diet, as long as you choose heart-healthy options and keep your total calories low. If you love pasta or beef, don't deprive yourself of your favorite foods. Instead, choose whole grain pastas and small portions of lean beef like tenderloin. Use heart-healthy fats like olive oil to prepare your food, and balance any high-calorie items with low-calorie side dishes.

Focus on Fruits and Vegetables

Instead of focusing your meal on a large steak or heaping serving of pasta, incorporate foods like vegetables, which provide a lot of food for a few calories. Fruits and vegetables have high water and fiber content, which means they fill you up for fewer calories and they keep you feeling full for longer. Fill at least one-third of your plate with fruit or vegetables at every meal, and choose oranges or green peppers for mid-afternoon snacks instead of processed snack foods.

Practice Portion Control

The key to keeping calories in check is portion control. Until you are familiar with proper portion sizes, use measuring cups or specific dishes to help gauge your portions. The USDA defines one serving of pasta as cup, or about one handful. A serving of meat is three oz., or about the size of a deck of cards. Most Americans consume three to four servings of meat and pasta without even realizing it, and those calories add up. Stick to one or two servings of protein and carbohydrates per meal, and fill the rest of your plate with steamed, grilled or fresh veggies.

Think Variety

The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of dietary variety for both nutritional benefit and to keep your diet interesting. Include foods from every food group, and vary the items you choose. Include proteins like fish, chicken, beef, beans and lentils on a rotating basis, and include carbohydrates like pasta, potatoes, brown rice and quinoa. Eat fresh produce when it is ripe and in season, and try new fruits and vegetables; you may discover new healthy foods you didn't even know about.

What Are Healthy Glucose Levels?

Blood glucose levels are the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. You can check your glucose levels with a glucometer, a glucose meter. You can test your blood sugar level at the doctor's office with a fasting test or an A1C test. The A1C test is a 3-month average of glucose levels. The fasting test is the glucose level after 14 hours without food. Each test indicates whether you have healthy glucose levels.

Fasting Levels

A healthy glucose level after fasting for 14 hours is between 70 and 100 mg/dL, or milligrams per deciliter.

A1C Levels

A healthy level is 4 to 6 percent (80 to 120 mg/dL). The target level for a person with diabetes is 7 percent or less (150 mg/dL or less).

Random Testing

Testing with a glucometer is random testing. Before breakfast, a normal range is 80 to 120 mg/dL. Normal ranges after eating are 140 and below.

Lows

Blood sugars below 70 are low. A blood sugar level of 40 for women is serious, and a blood sugar level of 50 for men is serious.

Sugar Spikes

Illness, stress and high-sugar-content foods can cause sugar spikes for people who are not diabetic. The true test for diabetes is the fasting test and the A1C test.

Low-Fiber Diet

According to HealthCastle.com, a low-fiber diet is often prescribed for treating certain gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's and colitis, as well as allowing for recovery from certain surgical procedures involves the colon. A low-fiber diet simply refers to the heavy restriction of both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet, requiring that you avoid certain foods while making substitutions to lower the net amount of fiber that you are consuming per day.

Low-Fiber Advice

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should strive to limit consumption of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains to no more than one or two servings per day. Foods to avoid include difficult to digest, fibrous items such as brown rice, dried fruits, beans, chunky peanut butter, nuts, seeds, popcorn and coconuts. Instead of these items, focus the majority of your diet around consumption of low-fiber substitutes such as refined (white) flour items--breads, pastas, rolls, noodles and cereals. Some fruit is perfectly acceptable to consume as long as it does not have skin on it or seeds. Dairy products are another staple item of a low-fiber diet, along with meats of all kind, eggs and white rice.

Low-Fiber Meal Planning

Note that complying with a low-fiber diet does not mean you should neglect the goal of balanced nutrition. Regardless of your current dietary restrictions, you should still aim to consume as nutritious a diet as possible. To accomplish this, ensure that every meal you eat contains a source of lean protein (all types of meat), healthy fat (this will usually consist of oils, as many other sources of healthy fat are restricted by the nature of a low-fiber diet) and some type of fruit or vegetable--because you are allowed one to two servings per day, you can have a half serving with every meal to provide your body with some additional vitamins and nutrients. Finally, include the white flour item substitutes listed above, but try not to overeat--aim to restrict your servings of white flour items to no more than two per meal to prevent weight gain while on a low-fiber diet.

An All-Salad Diet to Lose Weight Fast

Even if you love eating meat, don't let that be a reason to avoid picking up a fork full of leafy greens. In fact, incorporating salad into your diet is one of the best things you can do for your health. Eating a great big bowl of lettuce, fruit and other veggies for lunch or dinner will make you feel 100 times better than you do after binging on protein or carbohydrates. A salad contains more nutrients, which your body can digest swiftly, along with dietary fiber. Lose weight by eating an all-salad diet.

Buy or Collect Your Salad's Vegetables

To start your all-salad diet, either visit the grocery store or your garden to collect your favorite vegetables, fruit and nuts. Steer clear from eggs and cheese, which may add on even more pounds while you're trying to lose them. Add peppers, tomatoes, celery, carrots, spinach, onions, avocados, fruits such as mandarin oranges or blackberries, or whatever you like. Throw in a few walnuts or almonds---just remember to stretch them out, as they have large amounts of protein and some fat (although it's the good kind), which can also pack on the pounds.

Avoid Temptation

If you do not want to eat salad for breakfast and do not have time to prepare it for a snack, eat a piece of fruit or some nuts. Carry an orange, banana or apples with you to avoid the temptation to stop at a fast-food restaurant. Although an orange clearly doesn't constitute a salad, it is an ingredient.

Convert Others

Get other people you live with to participate in your all-salad diet, even if they only do it for a week or two. (Try it for two weeks or a month yourself, depending on how much you love leafy greens. As long as you get enough nutrients and include enough vegetables, you will reap the benefits.) When other people in your household eat well, you will find it easier to keep up with your own routine. Sometimes, just giving them a bite of your salad can convert them.

Hormone Changes That Cause Tremors

Definition

Hormone changes in your body can cause many different symptoms, one of them being tremors. A tremor is defined as a tremble, shake or quiver. Tremors can affect any part of your body, but most often they affect your hands. When your body produces too much of certain hormones, the reaction accelerates body functions like metabolism and heart rate. This acceleration causes nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping and fatigue, all of which can lead to tremors.

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditions are brought on by the over- or underproduction of hormones. Two common thyroid conditions cause tremors.

The most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, affects woman seven times more than men. Graves' disease occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake. The result of Graves' disease is an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. According to the Mayo Clinic, this higher level of thyroxine increases your body's metabolic rate, which affects you mentally and physically---including having tremors in your hands and fingers. Other symptoms of Graves' disease include anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, excess perspiration, weight loss, change in bowel movements and menstruation, sensitivity to heat and dry brittle hair. Tremors in your hands and fingers are one of the most serious symptoms of Graves' disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see your doctor if you develop a tremor.

Hyperthyroidism, similar to Graves' disease, is caused by the overproduction of the hormone thyroxine. When your pituitary gland overstimulates your thyroid, causing the overproduction of hormones, you can develop hyperthyroidism or Graves' disease. Hyperthyroidism has the same symptoms as Graves' disease, including tremors in your hands and fingers. Only your doctor can determine the exact cause of hormone-induced tremors.

Hormonal & Chemical Inbalances

Conversion disorder is a psychological condition where your body reacts to stress, mood or hormone imbalance. Typically appearing suddenly, conversion disorder is thought to begin after a stressful event. According to the Mayo Clinic, episodes of conversion disorder could be triggered by emotional conflicts or mental health disorders, such as depression. During an episode of conversion disorder you may experience tremors, seizures or convulsions involving any part of your body. Mental health is closely related to hormone production and your brain's reaction to hormones. Low hormone levels can trigger depression, and depression could itself trigger conversion disorder.

How to Lose Weight with the Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet

The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Cleanse and Lemonade Diet, is a nutritional cleanse that aims to detoxify the body. One of the perks that attracts many people to The Master Cleanse is the side benefit of natural weight loss.

Instructions

1

Prepare for The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet by following the "Ease-In Diet" for three days before you start The Master Cleanse. This part can be skipped if you want to go straight to the cleanse.

2

Do not eat while you are doing The Master Cleanse. Drink as much water as you need along with the lemonade.

3

Do a salt water flush each morning on an empty stomache to cleanse and detoxify your body naturally. Add two teaspoons of sea salt (non-iodized) to one liter of water and drink it all.

4

Drink The Master Cleanse lemonade concoction 6-12 times each day. The lemonade is a combination of 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Grade B maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 8 ounces of water. Prepare the drink when you are ready to drink it, rather than making up several glasses ahead of time.

5

Consume an herbal laxative tea each night before bed to facilitate the cleansing process.

6

Follow this routine for 4-14 days. The length of time you choose to do the Lemonade Diet depends of you. Some people just do it one day and some do it for 30+ days. Most people follow The Master Cleanse diet for 10-14 days and lose 5-15 pounds.

7

Transition back to a healthy diet by following the "Ease-Out Diet" for three days after you finish The Master Cleanse. The Ease-Out Diet consists of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and should not be skipped.

The Best Workout to Tone and Lose Weight

Working out provides many benefits. Exercising consistently increases lean muscle tissue, promotes fat loss and tones our entire bodies. When choosing a workout method to lose weight and shape the body, consider the benefits of training with weights. Weight training increases lean muscle mass, which helps your body to burn fat, even at rest.

Weight Training

Weight training helps rid the body of unwanted fat and excess body weight. Our muscles begin to deteriorate as we age. Dieting and excessive amounts of cardiovascular exercise cause muscle loss. Training with weights at least three times per week helps build lean muscle mass, boosts our metabolism and helps us regain lost muscle tissue. According to Bodybuilding.com, muscle mass is the driving force behind the function of our metabolism. In other words, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories your body burns, even while at rest.

Weight Training Workouts

Perform a weight training workout that incorporates exercises for the three large muscle groups in the body for fat burning and weight loss. Metabolism will be increased when you incorporate strength training using these muscle groups. The legs contain the largest muscles in our bodies, and working them will provide an effective weight loss workout. Squats are an exercise staple because they work. Perform 3 sets of 12 repetitions with a barbell or with dumbbells for weight. Another good leg exercise is the lunge. Perform lunges with dumbbells for resistance and complete three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for maximum benefit. The chest is another large muscle group that can cause a shift in your metabolism when you work your pectoral muscles. Use big movements with weights such as decline dumbbell flyes. Decline dumbbell flyes are done while lying on a decline bench. Grasp dumbbells in an appropriate weight and start with the dumbbells in front of your chest, close to your body. Press the dumbbells out to the sides of your body, or until you feel a good stretch in the chest muscles, then return to the starting position. Cable cross-overs on the cable pulley machine also work the chest. Three sets of 10 repetitions is effective for most people. The back is home to another number of large muscles that have fat burning potential. Perform back exercises with weights to maximize fat burning. The lat pulldown is a good exercise to perform to build the muscles in the back. Upright rows use the muscles in the back and are a good choice for increasing muscle density. Start with three sets of 10 repetitions and increase to 15 repetitions as you become stronger. Strong back muscles burn fat and reduce body weight.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular exercise is an important part of any fitness routine. It is this portion of the workout that keeps our heart healthy and burns unwanted calories and fat. Choose a type of cardiovascular exercise to perform at the end of each weight lifting session, or at least three times per week. It is important to vary the type of cardio you perform, so your body does not become too used to the same type of exercise. On Monday you could use the elliptical trainer, on Wednesday the treadmill and on Friday the stair-stepper could be used. By switching for each workout, your body has to work hard each time to achieve results. Using the same piece of cardio equipment each workout allows your body to accommodate to the exercise. Try performing your cardio HIIT style. This is high intensity interval training and it is the most effective way to lose weight and body fat through cardiovascular exercise. To perform HIIT, choose your cardio equipment, such as the treadmill. Run at a moderate pace for 10 minutes and increase the intensity to a sprint for one minute. After one minute, reduce the speed and walk for one to two minutes to recover. Alternate running and walking every one to two minutes until you have completed 20 to 30 minutes.

How to Cure a Cold With Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

Bragg apple cider vinegar is made from organic apples and is unfiltered. It contains the "mother of vinegar"--strands of protein molecules and enzymes. For this reason, it is considered to be an all-natural and healthy addition to the diet. It is believed that apple cider vinegar can alleviate many of the symptoms of the common cold and cough.

Instructions

1

Mix 1/4 cup of Bragg apple cider vinegar with several tablespoons of honey, to taste.

2

Heat gently on stove until honey dissolves.

3

Take 1 tbsp. up to eight times per day.

4

Add approximately 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to your vaporizer for relief of a chest cold or sinus infection.

5

Mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and water with 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 4 tsp. of honey.

6

Take 1 tbsp. when your cough is bad, and 1 tbsp. at bedtime.

Foods That Reduce Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and designed for body-system regulation. In today's world of chronic stress, this "stress hormone" can suddenly flood the body with too much for healthy use. Large amounts of cortisol act upon the system to increase blood pressure and blood sugar and reduce the immune system to dangerous levels if not controlled. Making a few simple dietary changes can reduce stress and control cortisol release.

Whole Grains

Unprocessed whole-grains are an excellent method for leveling food intake and curbing the release of cortisol in the body. Whole grains contain fiber and nutrients that help keep the body's blood sugar levels steady; they should be considered a mainstay of any healthy diet. Processed and refined flours are not only less nutritious compared to richer whole grains, they are empty carbohydrates that decrease blood sugar and cause cortisol to spike.

Protein and Fats

Along with whole grains, an equal portion of protein is required to balance the system and keep cortisol production at normal levels. Eating moderate doses of protein, such eggs, meat, poultry and fish slows down carbohydrate absorption, reduces sugar levels and balances cortisol in the blood. Unsaturated fats from olive oil or nuts also slow carbohydrate digestion, aid the body in feeling full and work with the proteins to cut cortisol production.

Vegetables

Consuming fresh, nutrient rich vegetables is another positive step for reducing cortisol. Many vegetables, especially the green leafy variety, balance blood sugar levels and regulate metabolic rates. Since cortisol is released at stress-filled moments when blood sugar is high or the metabolism is sent into overdrive through adrenaline release, the benefits of vegetables in the diet to curb cortisol is clear.

Snacks

Skipping a meal is never a good idea. Besides causing a decrease in the body's metabolic rate, cortisol levels rise when nothing is eaten within five hours of the last meal or snack. Healthy snacks such as granola, raisins, almonds or dried cranberries are good for avoiding cravings for sweets and lowering cortisol.

Conclusion

Some cortisol is necessary for the body, but proper dietary management will regulate it and keep it from swinging wildly out of control. By eating the right types and amounts of certain foods, cortisol will be forced to return to its original function of moderating the body.

Recipes for the Blood Type B Diet

The blood type diet is both unusual and controversial. While it is frequently used for weight loss, promoting overall health is its primary goal. Based on the work of Peter D'Adamo, and his book "Eat Right 4 Your Type," the blood type diet deals primarily with restricting certain kinds of foods rather than portion control. According to D'Adamo, Type B first evolved in the Himalayan highlands. It is characteristic of the herder, whose diet is a balance of meat and cultured dairy products. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ingredients to Embrace

"Balance" is the watchword for Type B. An omnivorous diet that incorporates foods selectively from each food group is essential for Type B to thrive. Of all the blood types, Type B can most easily digest dairy, especially soft cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella and goat cheese (but excepting highly-processed cheeses, like American cheese or string cheese products). Rice, puffed rice and oatmeal are beneficial grains. All green leafy vegetables are beneficial to Type B, and the best fruits are pineapple, banana, cranberry, grapes, papaya and plums. The ideal sources of protein are eggs, goat, lamb, mutton, rabbit and venison.

Ingredients to Avoid

There are several ingredients Type B should avoid or omit from recipes if possible. Corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds slow down the metabolic process of Type B, lowering blood sugar and creating fatigue. Chicken and pork should also be avoided, according to D'Adamo, because of an agglutinating lectin in the meat that Type B blood interprets as an antigen. Most nuts and seeds should also be avoided, especially cashews, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds, because they interfere with Type B insulin production.

Spices

When it comes to flavoring food, Type B does best with warming herbs. Indicative of this category are ginger, horseradish, curry and cayenne pepper--all traditionally associated with "spicy" foods. Peppermint and ginseng are also beneficial, and are delicious in teas and other beverages. Seasonings Type B should avoid are pepper (both white and black) as well as the sweet herbs and artificial sweeteners, particularly cinnamon, corn syrup and almond extract.

What Is the Best Way to Lose Weight on Your Upper Arms

Losing arm fat requires changing the way you eat and how you exercise. It's impossible to only lose weight in your upper arms. But it's achievable to burn fat throughout your body, which includes your arms. The way to do this is to eat a healthy, balanced diet and perform regular exercise that encourages fat loss.

Instructions

1

Engage in regular strength-based resistance training. Lift weights heavy enough that you can only do between four and six repetitions. Focus on compound exercises such as squats, bench presses, overhead presses and deadlifts. Even though some of these exercises don't work your arms specifically, they will speed up your overall metabolism and force your body to burn fat for energy.

2

Develop a meal plan that is 40 percent carbohydrates, 40 percent protein and 20 percent fat. Do this by avoiding white sources of carbs such as white bread and rice and instead focus on whole-grains and vegetables. Avoid animal and trans fats and eat fish, olive oil, peanuts and other natural sources of fat. Finally, avoid fatty sources of protein such as bacon and instead consume skinless chicken breasts, beans and other low-fat sources.

3

Perform regular cardiovascular exercise -- but never for more than 30 minutes. The reason for this is because after 30 minutes your body will start burning muscle rather than fat -- and you will lose muscle tone on your arms without losing fat. The most efficient fat burning cardio exercise is interval training, where you work as hard as you can for a short time and then relax for a short time and repeat. Your intervals should be no less than 30 seconds and no more than two minutes. Your rests can be as long as your intervals, twice as long as your intervals, or somewhere in between, depending on your fitness level.

4

Speak to a personal trainer about a resistance training program that uses compound exercises. These exercises work your entire body and make it more efficient at burning calories. This will help you burn fat off your arms and tone the muscle underneath them.

5

Focus on your upper arms through tricep exercises. One example is a kickback, where you put one knee on a bench and the other on the floor with a dumbbell in one hand. Move your elbow and push the dumbbell straight backward, then slowly bring it back. Repeat for 8 to 12 repetitions.

How to lose weight on the oatmeal diet

So you have been to the doctor for the annual physical and your cholestrol is high or considered borderline and you want to lower it without medication. Or maybe, you find that you suddenly have "love handles" that you just don't love. Whatever your reason here is your chance to lower your cholestrol, lose weight, feel satisfied and look and feel great!

Instructions

1

Oatmeal can be such a warm cozy comfort food. Spruce it up with some berries, raisins or even a little cinnamon. Oatmeal removes cholestrol from the body and is filling and satisfying. Try to stay away from flavored oatmeal as it is higher in sugar. Opt for a lower sodium or plain variety. If cooked with milk use fat free milk.

Have oatmeal plus fruit for any 2 meals of the day.

2

Snack on raw vegetables and fruit. Try to stay away from sweeter fruits such as bananas and mangos for example.

3




Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. This is mandatory as the water "flushes" the fat out of the body and helps to keep the body hydrated.

In addition to water you may drink sparingly caffeine free beverages such as coffee, tea, seltzer and club soda.

4




Eat one well balanced meal a day. This should include 4-6oz. of protein such as poultry, and or lean cuts of meat from the loin or calf of the animal. At least 2 servings of leafy and/or green vegetables. Whole grains such as brown rice or a complex carbohydrate such as a yam which is a complex carbohydrate which is a good carbohydrate. Stay away from white potatoes and starchy vegetables such as corn.

Be sure to only BAKE, BOIL OR BROIL. Follow the 3 B's when cooking.

5




"The first step to motivation is activation" as quoted from a Weight Watchers meeting. (More truthful words were never spoken). The more active you are the more motivated you will become and the easier this will become.

Take 3 thirty minute walks a week. As you do this and this becomes less challenging pick up the pace to power walking. By next year at this time you might even be jogging. Set workout goals for yourself and stick to them.

6

Snacks. You are allowed 3 snacks a day. Choose from Sugar Free, Fat Free jello and puddings, fruit & vegetables.

Diet for People With Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is characterized by infected and inflamed diverticula, the small bulging pouches in the digestive tract. If you have diverticulitis, you need to monitor your diet to allow your intestines to heal. While a high-fiber diet can help prevent attacks, it can aggravate an active one. It is important to note the diet is not the treatment. You need medication to ease the inflammation and clear the infection. If your case is mild, you will not need hospitalization and you can do treatment at home.

About Diverticulitis

The most common symptoms of diverticulitis include acute, severe pain in the lower left section of your abdomen, a change in bowel habits, tenderness in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Rarely, you might experience bloating and bleeding from the rectum. The medical community is still not sure of the exact cause. Common risk factors include lack of exercise, a low-fiber diet, obesity and age; you are more likely to experience this condition if you are over 40.

Mild cases can be treated at home with oral antibiotics, pain medication (if needed) and an active attack diet. More serious cases require hospitalization to administer intravenous antibiotics. In the most severe cases, you might need surgery to remove the damaged part of your colon.

Diet for an Active Attack

During an attack, your doctor will probably recommend a liquid diet for two to three days to give your intestines a break. Acceptable items include broth, clear sodas, pulp-free juices, ice chips, ice pops, plain gelatin, water and tea or coffee with no cream. This diet is not recommended beyond a few days since it is low in calories and nutrients and can cause weakness and other problems. If you feel you can't transition to solid foods after this time, let your doctor know so he can determine if additional treatment or hospitalization is required.

Diet as Symptoms Ease

Once your condition starts improving, start adding low-fiber foods back into your diet. These include canned fruits, eggs, white breads, rice and pasta, low-fiber cereals, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and cooked vegetables. Stay on this low-fiber diet until you are completely healed.

Post-Attack Diet

Increase your fiber intake once your condition has healed. High-fiber intake helps prevent diverticulitis by softening stool and making it easier to pass through the intestines. This decreases pressure in the digestive tract, which reduces the risk of inflamed diverticula. A woman should consume at least 25g a day; a man 38g.

High-fiber foods include brown rice, fruits, lentils, beans, whole-grain breads and cereals and vegetables. If you find it difficult to meet your fiber requirements through diet, consider supplements like Metamucil or Cirtucel. Drink plenty of water. Fiber absorbs water from the intestines, which helps give stool its bulk. Too much fiber and too little water can lead to constipation.

Foods to Avoid on a Pancreatitis Diet

The pancreas functions to activate enzymes for digestion and produce hormones for processing glucose. Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which prevents normal digestion. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when acute pancreatitis does not heal, or it can occur suddenly on its own. Special dietary changes are essential to promote healing and to prevent further inflammation. Find out what you can eat on a pancreatitis diet to encourage digestive health.

Pancreatitis

During normal digestion, the pancreatic enzymes become activated and move to the small intestine to break down fat, protein and carbohydrates. However, in pancreatitis when the enzymes become activated they stay in the pancreas and cause inflammation. Foods that are high in fat or have refined flour are especially difficult for the pancreas to break down. Symptoms of pancreatitis consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. These symptoms can be spurned immediately after eating and drinking. Acute pancreatitis may be treated by avoiding fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine; however, chronic pancreatitis can not be resolved just by diet alone.

Fatty Foods

Foods high in fat can aggravate symptoms of pancreatitis. The National Institutes of Health at www.nlm.nih.gov recommends a low-fat diet for people with pancreatitis. Instead of eating a diet full of saturated and hydrogenated fats, eat monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. You can find these beneficial fats in olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil and sunflower oil. Avoid eating saturated fat like butter, dairy products, sausage, fatty cuts of meat, bacon and lard. Coconut oil is a saturated fat that can be found in nondairy creamers. Hydrogenated fats or trans fatty acids are in fried foods, baked goods, crackers, potato chips and margarine. Experiment with cooking methods that use little or no fat like grilling, poaching, baking, broiling, boiling and steaming. Use cooking sprays for frying. Choose proteins that have little fat such as fish, tofu, skinless chicken and turkey.

Refined Food

The University of Maryland Medical Center at www.umm.edu recommends eliminating refined foods from your diet. These include sugar and white flour. Sugar suppresses the immune system, which makes healing difficult for the body. Flour has little nutritional qualities and can easily be replaced with food that is loaded with fiber and vitamin B. Vitamin B aids in healing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Sugar is in a plethora of food products even those you would not suspect, like ketchup and marinara sauce. Refined flour can be found in pastas, breads, pastries and tortillas. Incorporate more white flour alternatives like whole wheat pasta, wheat breads and soy flour. You can find whole grain products in most grocery stores or make your own.

Uses for Fennel

Fennel is a slightly sweet and crunchy vegetable with an anise seed-type flavor. The bulb, stalk, leaves and seeds of the robust green and white onion-shaped plant are edible and used in cooking, for medicinal purposes and cleaning. Popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, the vegetable is available at farmer's markets and grocery stores from fall through early spring.

Vegetable

As part of the umbellifereae family of vegetables, fennel is a close relative of carrots, parsley, coriander and dill. Since fennel is a robust source of vitamin C, foliate, fiber and potassium it is a healthy and crunchy addition to salads and soups. The stalk can be eaten raw in long shoots or sliced. The pale green bulb portion of the plant can be sliced, or cut into chunks and eaten raw or cooked. The vegetable has a texture similar to celery.

Herb

You can use the leaves of the fennel plant as an herb, and add to soups, stews or dips. Try adding fennel leaves to cold cheese spreads or to decorate a relish tray. Grilled salmon and fennel complement each other. Fennel leaves can be dried and stored for use when fresh fennel is not readily available.

Seeds

Adding fennel seeds to your meal aids in digestion, according to Annie's Remedies. When eating a meal with foods that are difficult to digest, such as cabbage or beans, sprinkle a few fennel seeds on top to add flavor and extra digestion power.

Medicinal

The leaves and stems of the fennel plant can be ground into a paste and applied to the skin to relieve the breast swelling of nursing mothers, according to author Carol Leifer at www.gardensablaze.com. Other medicinal uses for fennel include fennel tea made of hot water and ground fennel leaves. This mixture helps quiet hiccups, breaks up kidney stones and treats jaundice. Fennel has been used with infants to relieve colic and flatulence.

Cleaning

Fennel is a natural flea repellent and can be placed near doorways or in the stuffing of dog beds to repel the pests. A steeping hot pan of water and fennel leaves also can be used for a facial. The fragrant licorice-scented plant helps open pores for a deep cleansing.

How to Bake Low Carb Brownies

Low carb diets usually require dieters to forgo sweets and bread permanently in order to maintain their weight-loss. However, as the diets have increased in popularity, more and more low carb recipes are available so that you can indulge in the occasional tasty treat without ruining all your hard work. Here's how to bake low carb brownies. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2

Spray the brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will allow you to easily remove your brownies from the pan when they are done.

3




Combine the almond meal, cocoa, baking powder and sea salt in a small mixing bowl. Stir these ingredients together with a spoon.

4




Mix the cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. They should make a smooth, creamy batter.

5

Add the melted chocolate and sugar substitute. The batter may appear slightly grainy, but should still be even in color and relatively smooth.

6

Beat in the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time and make sure that all of the egg is scraped off the side of the mixing bowl before adding another.

7

Add the vanilla and chocolate extracts. Continue mixing at a medium speed as you do so.

8

Mix in the dry ingredients. Do not add the entire bowl at once or the dry ingredients will fly everywhere.

9




Pour the batter into the brownie pan. Use a spatula to make sure that you get all of the batter out of the bowl.

10




Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. When the top of the brownies is firm to the touch, they are done. One brownie has 2.4 carbohydrates.

The Vinegar & Honey Diet

One of the more popular recent weight-loss fads is the honey and apple cider vinegar diet. Many people avoid it because it sounds unappetizing, but the combination of apple cider vinegar and honey can be tasty if mixed correctly. The taste can be changed by using different kinds of honey: Regular clover honey is the most popular type, but orange blossom honey and apple blossom honey make excellent substitutions since they add even more depth of flavor.

History

The concept of using vinegar and honey to aid in weight loss was introduced by Dr. D.C. Jarvis in the late 1950s. Jarvis, who went to the University of Vermont Medical College, published several books on alternative remedies for serious medical conditions and ailments, including the popular "Folk Medicine" in 1958.

Identification

The plan is simple: Mix one tablespoon of both apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water. Drink one glass at least twice a day before meals for at least two weeks.

The strength of a vinegar is measured in its percentage of acid--the higher the percentage, the stronger and more harsh it will be. Apple cider vinegar has an acid content between 5 and 6 percent, while regular white vinegar contains 4 to 5 percent. So, apple cider vinegar is stronger and contains more of the beneficial ingredients than normal white vinegar, but it also must be diluted more heavily than white vinegar.

Function of Vinegar

The acids in vinegar help neutralize harmful bacteria that may be causing weight gain or water retention. Vinegar in this diet is considered an appetite suppressant, and while there is no definitive evidence showing that vinegar causes weight loss, it has been shown to have other benefits. Arizona State University nutritionist Carol S. Johnston performed a study that showed that taking 2 tablespoons of vinegar immediately before a meal helps lower bloody sugar spikes that many diabetics suffer after meals. Many people believe that taking apple cider vinegar is beneficial because it may lead to lower cholesterol and a decreased chance of becoming diabetic. Apple cider vinegar can be taken in liquid or pill form.

Function of Honey

While there are beneficial properties to honey, including smoother skin and healthier hair, the reason honey was added to this diet plan was to aid in the digestion of vinegar. Few people have the stomach to consume a spoonful of vinegar, even if it's diluted in a glass of water. The honey makes the taste less harsh and may even coat the stomach to prevent stomach aches when taking vinegar on a regular basis.

Warning

Apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic, and even in pill form has been known to burn the throat when taken by itself. That, along with the taste, are the primary reasons that apple cider vinegar is often mixed with honey or juice. Diluting the vinegar in water or other liquids effectively limits the amount of acid that hits the soft membrane of the throat, thus reducing acid burns. Honey coats the throat, further reducing the damage.

How to Lose weight by drinking cold water( The Cold Water Diet Plan)

Losing weight by drinking cold water is super easy and the cheapest diet plan out there. Your body will work really hard at trying to keep you warm. This will work off all those excess calories. How EASY is that?!!! Just call it the Cold Water DIET plan!

Instructions

1

Just how do you lose weight by drinking cold water? By drinking enough cold water your body will work to stay warm. This means you are burning off calories as your body works really hard to turn up the heat. Your inner thermostat will be trying to adjust and get rid of excess weight.

2

Drink a lot of cold water every day for a week or two and you will lose unwanted weight. You will be peeing a lot, but the pounds just melt off.

3

Drinking numerous glasses of water every day for several weeks can be major boredom! Spice it up by adding some lemon or lime to the water. Don't add sugar because then you ill be adding more calories and defeating your DIET.

4

Think of it this way---You will be losing weight by running back and forth to the bathroom all day. You'll be getting a great healthy workout, when adding running up and down the stairs to get to the bathroom.

5

Keep eating healthy foods during the cold water DIET. You will lose weight faster by not eating. But then you may pass out behind the wheel of your vehicle due to a lack of food. Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and low calorie, non-sugar containing cereal for an added boost.

6

The lemon in the cold water will add to your weight loss. Enough lemon and it will act as a diuretic to clear out excess fluid from your body.

1500 Calorie Diet Plan for Diabetics

Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes or are pre-diabetic, adhering to a strict diet limiting the number of calories and amount of sugar and carbohydrates is essential. You should work with your doctor and a dietician or nutritionist to determine the optimal number of daily calories for you, which can depend upon a variety of factors. For many diabetes patients, 1,500 calories is a good standard. The American Diabetes Association has provided guidelines for food plans and exchanges that help in planning your 1,500-calorie daily diet.

Facts to Consider

Carbohydrates (which include sugars) should make up approximately 50 percent of your diet each day (within the 40 to 60 percent range is generally considered acceptable), with a rule of no more than 45 to 60 grams of carbs each meal. However, it's best if these carbs come in the complex form (for example, fruit), as opposed to the simple form (pure sugar). Lean protein should comprise 15 to 20 percent of your calories and fat should be 20 to 35 percent of your calories. You should also aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day.

You will need to learn how much sugar and carbohydrates are contained in various foods so that you can calculate your meal and daily totals. The American Diabetes Association has a free tool called MyFoodAdvisor that can help (go to www.diabetes.org and click on "nutrition").

Where to Start

You should plan your meals in advance as much as possible and try to have your meals at the same time each day with the same amount of foods at each meal, in order to regulate blood sugar levels. Meals should include breakfast (don't skip), lunch, dinner and two snacks. There are two basic ways you can get started with your diet plan, using either exchange lists or something called the "plate method."

Exchange Lists

With food exchange lists, all foods are grouped into categories like starches, fruits, dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, sweets, meats, fats and "free" foods. Your dietitian/nutritionist should give you the number from each exchange group you can have each day at each meal. Then, you simply look at the exchange lists, using the number for that item you are allowed and select an item for that particular meal (for example, two starch exchanges equals two flour or corn tortillas or half a large baked potato), and plan out your meal, choosing items from each exchange list. You can enjoy "free" foods (bouillon, diet soda, mustard, hot pepper sauce, salad greens) as often as you like. You can use the ADA site or the Mayo Clinic Food Exchanges link below for these lists.

The "Plate Method"

With the "plate method," you don't need any special tools or to count calories or exchanges. You will instead focus on filling your plate with non-starchy vegetables and small portions of meats and starches. Use six steps: draw a line down your plate, then cut one of the halves in half again, for three total sections; fill the largest section with non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, green beans, spinach, etc.); fill one small section with a starchy food (brown rice, black beans) and the other small section with a lean protein (tuna, chicken, egg, cottage cheese). Add an 8-ounce glass of non-fat or low-fat milk or a 6-oz yogurt and a piece of fruit or 1/2 cup canned or frozen fruit (no sugar added). This, along with two small snacks, will approximate 1,500 calories a day.

If You're in a Hurry

There are many websites that have meal plans for diabetics, such as 1500caloriemenus.com, which will send a week's worth of menus at a time for a relatively small fee, around $100 per year.

Chronic Gastritis Diet

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that is caused by stress, smoking, viral infections, medications and excessive alcohol consumption. There are two types of gastritis: chronic and acute. Symptoms of chronic gastritis include bloating, slight stomach pain, mild indigestion and nausea. Those suffering from chronic gastritis can only be treated if they remove the cause from their diet, including spicy foods or foods that are hard for the stomach to digest. For relief, antacids are recommended to provide comfort after a heavy meal.

Healing Foods

For those suffering from chronic gastritis, aside from avoiding trigger foods, there are a few items that can help with healing and offer relief from symptoms. Milk has long been known to soothe and heal the stomach lining. During times of discomfort with gastritis, milk should be consumed instead of coffee or tea. Banana is also a food that heals ulcers and gastritis symptoms, especially when eaten as a snack between small meals every three hours. By eating little meals or snacks every three hours, the acid in the stomach will not cause heartburn or stomach pain.

Basic Foods

During chronic gastritis flareups, eating rice, wheat bran and barley are all ideal to provide comfort and healing to the stomach. Eat plenty of vegetables, especially the leafy variety and those high in water content such as cucumber, celery, sprouts and pumpkin. Replace vegetable or corn oils with rice bran or olive oil and eat as many fruits as desired, staying away from the acidic ones.

Foods to Avoid

If you suffer from chronic gastritis, it is important to avoid trigger foods. While these foods differ from person to person, common irritants include spicy foods, coffee, tea, caffeinated colas, fried foods and food that is oily or pickled.

Gallbladder Removal & Diet

The gallbladder stores bile, which is a digestive liquid, and releases it after eating, but when it's not working correctly it sometimes must be removed. Gallbladder surgery can be performed with open or laparoscopic techniques. In an open technique, a large incision is made in the abdomen and the gallbladder is removed. In a laparoscopic procedure, a small incision is made so a miniature camera and instruments can be inserted so that gallbladder removal leaves an almost undetectable scar.

Pre-Operative Diet

It is common for a physician to recommend dietary restrictions prior to surgery. Typically, patients are asked to refrain from eating solid food or liquids other than water beginning 12 hours before surgery.

Post-Operative Diet

After the gallbladder has been removed, a patient's diet may be restricted to liquids for a day or two before he can proceed to consuming a low-fat diet.

Long-Term Diet

It is common for a physician to recommend that her patient continue with a low-fat diet before easing back into a a regular eating routine, though some doctors prescribe staying with the leaner regimen indefinitely.

Diarrhea and Constipation

Diarrhea or constipation may occur after gallbladder removal. Over-the-counter remedies can provide a short-term solution, but your physician should be consulted if the problem persists.

Activity

A patient typically can resume some physical activity within about four days of surgery and begin doing weightlifting exercises about two weeks later.

Flax Seed Facts

Flax seeds, also known as flax or linseed, come from the flax plant. For centuries, flax has been used to make paper, medications, fabric and dyes. Flax seed is also a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Origins

Flax seed is believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent, between India and the Mediterranean.

Replacement

Flax seed is a great replacement for eggs in baked goods--1 tbsp. mixed with 3 tbsp. water will act as a binder and replace one egg.

Forms

Flax seed can be purchased whole, ground or as an oil.

Lignans

Flax seed contains lignans, which are believed to be beneficial for the heart and prevent some cancers.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Flax seed is also a great plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to benefit cardiovascular health, prevent cancer, and have positive effects on the brain and immune system.

Fiber

Flax seed is full of fiber and aids the digestive process, but if too much flax seed is consumed, it might have a laxative effect.