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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Extreme Rapid Weight Loss Diets

Many people use extreme rapid weight loss diets to lose weight. Some people do it so they can lose weight for a special event in their life. Others lose weight because they feel that they are overweight. Some diets were invented to help people lose weight rapidly. These diets are meant to raise the body's metabolism, reduce calories and decrease a person's appetite very quickly. There are many extreme rapid weight loss diets.

Meal Replacement

    One of the ways to lose weight quickly is the meal replacement diet. This is where an individual replaces a meal with a diet product. Slim Fast and Mediafast are examples of this type of diet. Usually shakes and bars are the kinds of things expected to replace daily meals on this type of diet.

Fruit and Vegetable Diets

    The Lemonade Diet, Grapefruit Diet, Watermelon Diet and Cabbage Soup Diet are fruit and vegetable weight loss diets. The fruit or vegetable is the main primary food in this weight loss diet. On these weight loss diets, dieters eat large amounts of the primary food in order to lose weight.

Liquid Diet

    This is a drink weight loss diet. The Hollywood Diet and Scarsdale Diet are examples of a liquid diet. An individual may only have liquids in their body on the Hollywood Diet, and no solids are allowed. The Hollywood Diet is comprised of a liquid the dieter must drink within 24 or 48 hours depending on the amount given. It is meant to lose weight quickly in that amount of time. It also is supposed to cleanse and detoxify the body.

Diet Pills

    Some extreme rapid weight loss diets require a person to take diet pills. These pills are usually known as fat burners. They also are supposed to raise people's metabolic rates and decrease their appetites. Diet pills are usually advised to be taken with food and not to be used to replace meals.

Pros and Cons

    The best pro for extreme rapid weight loss diets is the claim that an individual can lose weight quickly. Some people think this is a pro for people who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Although it can be true that some weight loss diets above can help a person lose weight quickly, there are some cons, too. One is that most people regain all the weight back after stopping the weight loss diet. Plus, it has been shown that they often gain back even more weight than they originally started with. An individual has a danger of constipation, because there is a lack of fiber in their diet. People can also have malnutrition, dehydration and other health problems. For example, some people on these types of diets have trouble with their gallstones. Always consult your doctor before trying any sort of weight loss program.

Dangers of Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Dangers of Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass (also known as Roue en Y, or RNY) is a procedure in which part of your stomach and upper intestine is surgically removed, providing for malabsorption of calories and reduced stomach capacity. It results in a massive and virtually immediate weight loss, but the severe weight loss combined with later weight gain can be a dangerous combination.

Weight Gain Possible

    During the initial weight loss, most patients drop to about 15 to 30 pounds less than their plateau weight. Most people do not gain back anywhere near the amount they lost, but they do gain back some weight.

Stretching the Stomach

    Despite the fact that the stomach has been surgically reduced, overeating over time can stretch the stomach out. The stomach can even return to its original size over time with continued overeating, which virtually reverses the surgery.

Diabetes

    Because insulin is very sensitive to weight, diabetes can disappear with weight loss but can also return very quickly with weight gain because the existing insulin production is no longer sufficient for the weight.

High Blood Pressure

    High blood pressure, like diabetes, can quickly return with weight gain because it is a symptom of an overwhelmed system.

Heart Disease

    Weight gain, rapid weight loss and then additional weight gain can put a person seriously at risk for heart disease because it compromises the strength of blood vessels and muscles, and adds to the stress that the surgical anesthesia already placed on the heart and surrounding tissues.

Home Remedy for Water Weight Gain

Edema, the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, results in water weight gain. Edema symptoms include swollen ankles, feet, knees and legs. Other symptoms include general bloating and a swollen face. Causes of water weight gain include alcohol, pregnancy, salty foods, sedentary lifestyle and underlying health conditions. An effective home remedy for water weight gain combines an increased fluid intake, dietary changes, exercise and massage.

Fluids and Diet

    An effective home remedy for water weight gain begins with an increase in daily water intake. Drinking water increases kidney functions and signals the body to let go of water it is retaining. The human body often retains water as self-preservation when too much salt is present in the body. Urine also contains salt, and this naturally occurring salt triggers water retention. Increase water intake to dilute the salts and flush them out of the bladder. Refrain from eating salty foods and adding extra salt to food. A popular home remedy for water weight gain is to add 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar to water twice a day. Add honey to taste to make the apple cider vinegar water more palatable.

Exercise

    Exercise is a home remedy for water weight gain. The human body expels water and diluted salts through respiration. Sweating aids in the relief from water retention and the resulting water weight. Sweat carries excess water and salts out of the body through the skin. If required to sit for long periods, get up and move around as often as possible. Movement increases blood circulation. Blood circulation carries waste to the excretory system. Prop legs up above heart level while reclining to force fluids that have pooled in the legs towards the torso. The circulatory system transports the excess fluids to the kidneys and bladder for elimination.

Massage

    Massage limbs affected by edema toward the heart to force the excess fluid into the circulatory system. Massage affected limbs with warm mustard oil. If no mustard oil is available, soak 2 tsp. of mustard seeds in hot water until the water cools to a comfortable temperature. Use the mustard seed water to massage swollen areas, or soak cloths in the water and lay them over swollen areas. Soak cloths in apple cider vinegar and place the cloths over swollen areas as another home remedy for eliminating water weight gain. Wear compression stockings to prevent fluids from pooling in the legs and to help fight fluid retention.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

How to Make Milkshakes to Gain Weight

How to Make Milkshakes to Gain Weight

It is often cheaper and healthier to make milkshakes to gain weight rather than purchase a pre-made shake mix. A tasty bulk-up shake can be made by using a protein, a carbohydrate, and a dietary fat. For this recipe, the protein is skim milk powder, oats are the carbohydrate, and peanut butter is the dietary fat. This recipe makes one serving, which contains approximately 685 calories. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

    1

    Remove the lid from the blender and add one cup of skim milk. Whole, 1%, 2%, and soy milk can be substituted, if necessary or desired.

    2

    Add four tablespoons of skim milk powder to the blender. Add cup of raw oats, and replace the lid on the blender. Blend for fifteen to twenty seconds on medium speed.

    3

    Peel both bananas and slice them into small circular pieces. Remove the lid from the blender, and add them to the shake, along with three tablespoons of peanut butter.

    4

    Blend the mixture, starting on the lowest speed and gradually working up to the highest. Several seconds should be spent on each speed setting. Blend for at least 45 to 50 seconds in total.

    5

    Ensure the blender is turned off before removing the lid. Pour the shake directly into a large glass and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate to drink later.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Low-Fat Diet Food List

Low-Fat Diet Food List

An important element of dieting to lose weight is eating foods with a low fat content. When choosing foods to eat as part of a low-fat diet, many fatty foods can often be replaced with lower-fat alternatives. However, low-fat diets need not eliminate all fats, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. While "bad" fats such as saturated and trans fats should be avoided, "good" fats like polysaturated and monosaturated fats can be consumed as part of a healthy diet.

Low-Fat Dairy Foods

    Dairy is a main source of saturated fat in the American diet, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The website of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's National Institutes of Health suggests some healthy low-fat alternatives to replace traditional higher fat foods as part of a low-fat diet. Regarding dairy foods, NHLBI recommends that higher-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, ice cream, yogurt and cheese, be replaced with foods like skim milk, fat-free frozen yogurt, low-fat yogurt, and fat-free cheese. NHLBI suggests that such replacements can be made in steps; for example, you can start by replacing whole milk with two-percent fat milk, then gradually switch to one-percent or skim milk.

Low-Fat Meat Products

    According to the NHLBI, many meat products are high in fat, but low-fat equivalents exist for just about any type of meat. Examples of low-fat alternatives to high-fat meat products include: low-fat hot dogs, low-fat cold cuts, extra-lean ground beef, skinless poultry, water-packed tuna, and vegetarian meat products like veggie sausage made from tofu. When choosing low-fat meats, it is especially important to find healthier alternatives to red meat, which is very high in saturated fat, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Harvard recommends replacing red meat, whenever possible, with meats low in saturated fat such as poultry and fish.

Low-Fat Snacks

    Most trans fats, or "bad" vegetable fats which act as saturated fats, in the American diet come from processed foods like commercially-prepared baked goods and other packaged snack foods, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Low-fat alternatives to baked goods and snack foods suggested by the NHLBI include fat-free muffins, reduced-fat cookies like ginger snaps or graham crackers, light popcorn, fruits and vegetables. Consumption of fast food snacks like french fries is particularly harmful to health due their high trans-fat content, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Regarding fried foods, Harvard recommends, rather than frying food in a saturated fat like butter or a trans fat like margarine, sautee foods in a liquid vegetable oil that is low in "bad" fats.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

The Effects of Hypothyroidism on Vertigo

The Effects of Hypothyroidism on Vertigo

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can occur at any age, but older adults are more affected by it. Approximately 10 million Americans have it, according to Endocrine Web. After age 65, 10 percent of women and 6 percent of men get it, according to Merck. It can potentially be the cause of, or contribute to, vertigo.

Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism is when the body has a deficiency in hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It is the result of an autoimmune disease (such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or can be caused by iodine therapy or thyroid removal. Symptoms include unexplained coldness, forgetfulness, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.

Vertigo

    Vertigo is a feeling of movement when motion is not happening. It can occur all the time or only when the body is in certain positions. Some of the causes include migraines, brain trauma, stress, central nervous system problems, multiple sclerosis, dehydration, cardiovascular disease and neck injuries. The Neurology Channel claims that thyroid disorders can cause vertigo. The Merck Manual of Health & Aging also says that dizziness is associated with an underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism and Hearing Loss

    Hypothyroidism is also associated with loss of hearing, according to eHealthMD. The loss of hearing may cause vertigo sensations. About 3 percent of those with Meniere's syndrome (a collection of symptoms including vertigo) also have hypothyroidism, according to The Merck Manual of Health & Aging. With treatment, both can be improved.

Hypothyroidism's Effect on Vertigo

    While hypothyroidism can cause sensations of dizziness or vertigo, it may also contribute to conditions like hearing loss or elevated triglycerides, which can be associated with vertigo too. Hypothyroidism can not only cause vertigo, but can worsen the symptoms of vertigo.

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Treatment

    Doctors typically perform a blood test to determine hypothyroidism. In those with the condition, blood tests will reveal that T4 (the main thyroid hormone) is low and TSH (a thyroid stimulating hormone) is high in an attempt to compensate for low T4. To correct the imbalance, doctors usually prescribe hormone replacement medication. Those who are diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism may need to be hospitalized until their condition improves.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Fungal Ear Infections

Fungal Ear Infections

The medical term for a fungal infection of the outer ear canal is otomycosis. Although the condition is not serious, it does produce irritating symptoms. In addition, once you experience a fungal infection of the ear, it will likely become chronic. Several different types of fungus can infect the ear, and proper diagnosis and treatment are the key to keeping your ears healthy.

Types of Fungus

    To determine the specific fungus that is causing the infection, your doctor can swab a sample and then swipe the sample onto Sabouraud dextrose agar (a specific growth medium) and allow it to incubate at 30C. Four species of fungus typically found in a fungal ear infection.: Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

Symptoms

    Symptoms of a fungus infection of the outer ear canal include inflammation, scaly skin, pruritus (itching sensation) and severe discomfort. A chronic and untreated infection can result in severe inflammation, visible masses of debris containing the fungal hyphae (which are protruding filaments allowing the fungus to grow), suppuration (which is the production of pus) and pain. The debris can cause blockage of the ear and result in tinnitus (ringing of the ear) or hearing impairment.

Diagnosis

    Initial diagnosis is based on the doctor's assessment of symptoms. The doctor will then collect a sample of the visible debris using sterile swabs, sterile forceps or a syringe filled with saline. Examination of the sample under a microscope will reveal the presence of fungal elements like hyphae or spores. This provides the clinical diagnosis of a fungal infection, but to determine the exact species, the sample must be allowed to grow as described above.

    Note: It is best to visit an ear specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms of a fungal ear infection can be similar to a bacterial ear infection. The ear is a delicate environment containing a balance of both bacteria and fungus and if antibiotics are administered in the absence of a bacterial infection, the good bacteria are killed, allowing the fungus to thrive.

Treatments

    The first step to treatment is to remove the debris that may be causing blockage but also helps to keep the environment moist, promoting further growth. The best way to remove the debris is to aspirate it out. This should be performed by a doctor who can use an otoscope to make sure it is completely removed. Once the debris is removed, the ear canal can be treated with a topical anti-fungal medication prescribed by your doctor.

    Never flush your ear to remove the debris. This only adds more moisture, allowing the fungus to thrive.

Additional Facts

    Fungi like to grow in areas that are humid and warm, therefore the ear canal is a perfect environment. Fungal infections are more likely found in men than in women. This is attributed to the fact that in general, men spend more time outdoors and are therefore exposed to fungal spores which live in dirt and decaying organic material. Outdoor laborers are often infected. Those living in dusty environments with high humidity and heat are especially prone to fungal infections in the ears.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

How to Understand Hyperthyroid & Hypothyroid Numbers

The thyroid is a tiny gland that plays a tremendous role in our metabolism. When it is not functioning properly, we can see consequences in everything from blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to sexual and digestive health and overall energy levels. Common lab tests to evaluate thyroid function measure both the levels of actual thyroid hormones -- T3 and T4 -- present in the blood, and also the level of TSH, or Thyroid Support Hormone, which the pituitary gland secretes when it believes that the thyroid is not doing its job. In addition, thyroid blood tests sometimes measure levels of thyroid antibodies, which can be indicators of auto-immune disorders that compromise thyroid function.

Instructions

How to Understand Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Numbers

    1

    Check the measure of TSH hormone on your lab test results. If this number is less than 0.3, then you may suffer from hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. If it is higher than 3.3, then you may suffer from hypothyroidism, or a sluggish thyroid, although some doctors consider anything lower than 5.5 to be in the normal range. A high or low TSH number in itself may not be a conclusive indicator of thyroid concerns because the pituitary gland secretes this hormone in response to its measurement of thyroid function. Abnormal TSH levels may offer a clue to your pituitary health.

    2

    Check the T4 level on your thyroid lab test results. This number reflects the amount of thyroxine in your blood, which is a combination of the natural hormone that your thyroid produces and any synthetic hormones that you may be taking to supplement low natural levels. High levels of T4 can indicate hyperthyroidism, especially in conjunction with low TSH levels, and low levels of T4 can indicate hypothyroidism, especially in conjunction with high TSH levels.

    3

    Check the T3 level on your thyroid lab test results. This number reflects your levels of another thyroid hormone called triiodothyronine, which is also produced by the thyroid but in significantly smaller quantities than thyroxine. High levels of T3 can indicate hyperthyroidism, especially in conjunction with low TSH levels, and low levels of T3 can indicate hypothyroidism, especially in conjunction with high TSH levels.

    4

    Check the level of thyroid antibodies on your thyroid lab test results. High levels indicate that whatever thyroid condition you are experiencing could likely be caused by an auto-immune condition.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Liquid Diet Weight Loss Tips

One of the quickest tracks to weight loss is a liquid diet. While results may be rapid, improper ingredients or infrequent intake can ruin your efforts. Getting information on what works well for your goals and how to maximize efforts is always a smart choice. You can lose weight and get great results on a liquid diet with a few tips.

Choose a Self-Sustaining Liquid Solution

    An incorrect assumption about liquid diets is that they must be low-calorie. This is unhealthy and will not sustain the body. Often low-calorie liquid diets lead to fatigue, collapse and unhealthy eating in the future. Choose meal-replacement liquids with the antioxidants and nutrients needed, the ones found in vegetables and fruits.

Do Not Combine With Exercise

    Once your diet consists of liquids, your body if fueled correctly will sustain itself through everyday activity. But the energy exerted during exercise is exhausting on a liquid diet. Exercise periods of over 30 minutes are ill advised for those on meal replacement shakes. During liquid dieting, weight loss is rapid and unless you are dangerously overweight exercise isn't always necessary. A doctor should monitor progress if you are exercising on a low-calorie liquid diet.

Keep Up a Decent Caloric Intake

    Calories are the last thing a dieter wants to ingest, but the body needs a sensible amount to function properly. Juice fasting is not recommended for long-term dieting as it has few of the calories the human body needs to live. Liquid diet solutions should carry 500 or more calories to sustain the body. Liquid diet meals under 420 calories each are dangerous and can lead to anemia, fatigue and muscle loss. The average human being needs at least 1200 calories daily to function and still be able to lose weight. Therefore, if you have three liquid meals a day, each meal should add up to be at least 400 calories.

Take a Break and Eat Solids

    Liquid diets are not designed for long-term use. You should never plan a staple diet around liquid meals. There are nutrients your body needs from solid foods that don't transfer well into liquid. Liquid diets should not be followed longer than three months. Lean meats and vegetables are good break foods to add energy and strength.

Liquid Diet to Lose Weight Fast

Although it was conceived decades ago, the liquid diet has seen a resurgence in popularity owing to its simplicity and effectiveness in stimulating weight loss. Liquid diets are ideal for dieters who are either uneducated in proper nutritional strategy or too busy to prepare regular healthy meals on their own. When used properly, liquid diets can have a dramatic effect on body composition. One of the most effective liquid diets on the market for rapid weight loss is the Velocity Diet.

About the Velocity Diet

    Invented by Chris Shugart, the Velocity Diet was originally created out of desperation. Shugart spent years modifying his own eating habits, yet remained unable to lose those last few pounds. After going on a protein-shake fast for 28 days, he accomplished his goal, and the Velocity Diet (V-Diet) was born. Since its initial incarnation, the V-Diet has gone through several changes in methodology, and is now in its third iteration. The V-Diet 3.0 combines liquid nutrition with weekly solid meals to help you lose weight while shedding poor eating habits.

Following the V-Diet

    Most liquid diets (and most solid diets, in fact) are harsh deprivation diets where you are asked to subsist on meager amounts of limited foods for prolonged periods. Not so with the V-Diet. On non-training days, the V-Diet allows the dieter five liquid meals. On training days, that number is bumped up to six. Daily caloric consumption for a 200-pound man is in the range of 1,600 to 2,000 calories, making the V-Diet an exercise in moderation instead of torture by deprivation. The V-Diet also prescribes fiber supplementation along with doses of healthy fats in the form of oils, which helps meet the body's nutritional needs. Additionally, one healthy solid meal (HSM) is scheduled weekly. Shugart claims that over the course of the diet, your food tastes will actually be permanently altered, leaving you better prepared to carry on eating healthily after the diet has ended. Average reported weight loss for those on the V-Diet is between 10 to 25 pounds in one month, making this a good alternative to either jumpstart your weight loss efforts or complete your journey toward leanness.

Considerations

    Of course, one must remember that liquid diets are not permanent solutions. Liquid diets are often harsh on the body, as man-made nutrition never compares with that found in nature. Thus, choosing to undergo the V-Diet must be seen as the first step toward healthy living, not a fully encapsulated solution in itself. To that end, it is vital to pay special consideration to educating yourself about nutrition and tuning your HSMs so you are prepared to be self-sufficient and able to control your weight upon coming off the V-Diet. But for those who are prepared to take control of their weight issues, the V-Diet can certainly be the first step in the right direction.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

How Lose Weight in Thighs & Legs Fast

How Lose Weight in Thighs & Legs Fast

If you consume more calories than you burn each day, your body converts the extra into fat and stores it for later use. Your body will store this excess fat in your problem zones, such as the thighs and legs. Unfortunately, save for invasive surgery, there is no way to spot-reduce fat from your body. However, you can lose fat from your entire body, resulting in weight reduction from your problem zones. To lose excess fat from your legs and thighs quickly, you must modify your diet and engage in regular physical activity.

Instructions

    1

    Subtract 800 calories from your daily diet. According to the American Council on Exercise, one pound of fat is comprised of 3,500 calories. Cutting 800 calories a day will result in over one and a half pounds of weight loss per week. Record the amount of calories you eat daily for one week. Add the resulting numbers and divide by seven to find your average. Subtract 800 calories a day to find your daily limit. Note that 1,200 calories is the minimum a person should consume daily. If your result is less than this, adopt 1,200 as your daily limit.

    2

    Perform 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise that targets the legs, three to five days a week. Cardiovascular exercise increases the rate at which your body burns fat during and after the workout. Additionally, targeting the muscles of your legs will create definition beneath the fat, making them appear slimmer. Examples of cardiovascular exercise that targets your legs include jogging, skipping rope, cycling, hiking and stair climbing. Vary your workouts between different forms of cardiovascular exercise to target different muscle groups continually.

    3

    Increase the amount of physical activity you perform on a daily basis. Small changes will cause you to burn more calories each day, resulting in faster weight loss. Begin parking your car at the furthest parking spot when you go to work or the store and take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. Additionally, on the days when you are not exercising, take a 20 to 40 minute walk to keep your muscles moving and burning fat.

How to Compare Facial Exercise Machines

People all over the world struggle to combat the effects of aging on their skin. They purchase expensive creams and lotions, undergo expensive operations and maintain rigorous fitness and diet programs, all to stave off the wrinkles for another year. But what a lot of people don't realize is that wrinkles are caused by a loss of elasticity in the skin and this can be improved or prevented by regular exercise of the facial muscles. The more toned the underlying muscles are, the better the skin will appear. So, how on earth can you find the right exercise machine for you to tone those sagging facial muscles? Below we've outlined a few steps you can take to compare and contrast machines to ensure you choose the right machine for your exercise needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

    1

    Classify what areas of your face require the most work. Do you want to decrease the depth of wrinkles on your forehead or work on your crow's feet? Would you like to diminish your smile lines or take the slack out of your neck? Knowing what areas of your face you'd like to work on will make selecting products to compare much easier.

    2

    Figure out your budget. Before you can compare facial exercisers, you need to know how much you're willing to spend on one. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and eliminate those that are just too pricey to consider.

    3

    Choose three products to investigate further. These three machines should fit within your budget and perform the types of exercises you need to firm up your face. Most facial exercisers are actually electronic muscle stimulators and include a cleanser, facial pads and an after-treatment lotion, but you may find others on the market that are manual rather than electronic.

    4

    Compare features. Does one facial exerciser include an extra set of pads for placing at strategic points on the face while another offers a wider range of controls? Weigh the pros and cons of each device before proceeding.

    5

    Read product reviews. This is one of the best ways to find out if a product is worth its weight in salt. Check sites like NexTag.com or BizRate.com to see what other people say about each device. This way, you can learn about each product from the first hand experiences of others.

    6

    Read customer service reviews. It's not enough to know that a product has been well-received. Rather, you must also consider how well a store performs. If you're buying from a trusted site like Amazon.com, you can skip this step, but if you're dealing with an online boutique, try to find reviews of people's experiences with the store itself. The last thing you want to have to deal with is being ripped off.

    7

    Decide on your purchase. Here is where all of your previous efforts are realized. After weighing all of your options and considering the pros and cons of each of the facial muscle exercisers on your shortlist, you can finally come to a decision. Once purchased and with proper and diligent use, your skin will likely appear more taut and firm, restoring a youthful look.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

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.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

How to Getting Rid Of Belly Fat - Foods That Make You Lose Weight

How to Getting Rid Of Belly Fat - Foods That Make You Lose Weight

Although men and women usually gain fat in different areas, one common place that the pounds pile on is the stomach. Getting rid of belly fat isn't difficult if you incorporate the following foods into your daily diet. You don't have to go on a starvation diet to melt abdominal fat, it's very easy to lose weight safely. In fact, if you eat more of these foods you might not even know you're dieting, but as the weeks and months pass by you should have a flatter stomach.

Instructions

    1
    Beans can help you lose weight fast
    Beans can help you lose weight fast

    Cook up a pot of beans on the weekend and add them to your meals throughout the week. Whether you choose black beans, pintos, kidney beans or any other type, they're loaded with fiber and protein which can help you burn belly fat. Add the cooked beans to salads, broth-based soups, chili, or make a healthy bean dip and have it with baked tortilla chips or raw veggies.

    2
    Eggs are great for stomach weight loss
    Eggs are great for stomach weight loss

    Eat eggs freely since they're loaded with protein, B-12 and amino acids. They're also filling, cheap and versatile. Scramble them with your favorite vegetables and top with low-fat cheese, boil them and slice one over a salad, poach an egg or two and have with whole wheat toast. Eggs can help you get rid of lower belly fat, but, if you're worried about the calories substitute two eggs whites for every whole egg.

    3
    Whole grains can help you lose weight around the stomach
    Whole grains can help you lose weight around the stomach

    Pour yourself a bowl of whole grain cereal in the morning and top with low-fat milk or soy milk to help your weight loss efforts. Enjoy steel cut oats topped with berries and your favorite yogurt, or make your sandwiches with 100% whole grain bread and substitute brown rice for white rice. You'll feel full longer, will increase your fiber intake and lose abdominal fat.

    4
    Choose lean protein for fast weight loss
    Choose lean protein for fast weight loss

    Choose lean cuts of beef, turkey and chicken breast. Loaded with B vitamins, iron, and amino acids, these meats can kick your metabolism up a few notches and have you burning more calories. By adding protein to each of your meals you'll balance your blood sugar levels and you should feel full longer.

Friday, April 18, 2014

How to Diet and Lose 10 Pounds in a Week

How to Diet and Lose 10 Pounds in a Week

Loosing 10 pounds in one week takes a lot of willpower and determination. Even though losing so much weight that fast is not recommended, it is entirely possible. Sticking to a strict diet can help you succeed in losing the weight. The diet will help you shed excess fat quickly without using any risky diet pills or supplements. Loosing 10 pounds in a week is equal to burning 35,000 calories in a week or 5,000 calories in a day. Therefore, it is very important to stick to your diet to achieve your ideal weight.

Instructions

    1

    Drink a liquid diet. A lemonade diet, which is made up purely of liquid, will help you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time. Purchase your ingredients at any local grocery store. Gather one quart of spring water, four large lemons, a half a cup of maple syrup and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Squeeze the lemon juice into the spring water and add the maple syrup and cayenne pepper and mix thoroughly. Adjust the taste of the mix according to your personal taste. Place the liquid mix in the refrigerator to cool. Drink whenever you feel hungry and carry it wherever you go, to avoid cheating on your diet.

    2

    Eat fresh vegetables, lean meats, and other high protein foods. If you cannot do a liquid diet, then go on a strict vegetable diet. Eat vegetables including green beans, broccoli, snow peas, leafy greens, chicken, fish, lean beef, and opt for wheat gluten flour for baking purposes. If you feel like eating other vegetables such as corn, carrots, or even fruits, you can eat them but no more than one serving per day. Also increase fiber in your diet. Incorporate fiber gradually as too much fiber at one time may lead to bloating, cramps, and gas. Make sure to drink plenty of water as it helps your body digest the fiber more efficiently. Drink approximately 16 ounces of water prior to each meal. Drinking water will help you eat less but still keep you full.

    3

    Make some overall changes to your diet. Do not eat any sugary snacks as they will be stored as fat in your body. Foods to avoid include foods high in carbohydrates, such as sodas, noodles, breads, rice and food made from white flour. In addition to foods to avoid, make sure to avoid large meals. Eat fix to six small meals per day and make sure that each meal is no more than 400 calories. Each meal should preferably have a serving of protein, vegetable, and grain.

How to Make Basic Fat Burning Diet Soup

The Basic Fat Burning Soup Diet (also called the Cabbage Soup Diet) is a cleansing diet that consists of eating unlimited amounts of a vegetable soup to produce rapid weight loss. It is generally part of a seven day plan that calls for small amounts of fruits, other vegetables and protein. The soup also can be incorporated into other diets as a low-calorie snack or side dish.

Instructions

    1

    Chop cabbage, onions, celery and peppers into bite size pieces. Spray soup pot with cooking spray and add the vegetables.

    2

    Cook the vegetables for five minutes on "Medium High" heat. Add the tomatoes and onion soup mix, and stir.

    3

    Pour 8 cups of water into the pot, thoroughly covering the vegetables. Set the heat to "High," and bring the soup to a boil.

    4

    Reduce heat to "Low," and place a lid on the pot. Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes or as long as two hours, for a stronger flavor.

    5

    Add a pinch each of salt and pepper before serving, then taste the soup and season to your liking. Add two drops of hot sauce or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for more flavor.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

How to Lose Weight Using Banana Diet Tips and Warnings

How to Lose Weight Using Banana Diet Tips and Warnings

Many people are finding that the banana diet is allowing them to lose weight and keep it off. You need to know the tips and warnings before you get started with this diet plan. Making mistakes can cause you to be unsuccessful this diet.

Instructions

    1

    First you must know that the bananas are not supposed to be your main meal because you need to have protein as well. Using the bananas along with a healthy meal plan is the best way to take off weight and maintain a healthy diet.

    2

    Next you need to decide when you want to eat your bananas because there are several choices. You can eat 2 bananas 3 times a day and you can eat them with your meals or you can use them as a snack. You can also mix it up and have one banana with each of your meals and then one as a snack in between your meals you can choose what works well for you.

    3

    Finally the main thing that the bananas do is they help to digest your food which will increase your weight loss. The bananas have great enzymes that work well with the food you eat. Remember that losing weight is not hard to do you just have to find a plan that works for you.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Best Diets for Thyroid Problems

The Best Diets for Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems, both hyperactive and hypoactive, affect the health of many people. A 2006 article on The Diet Channel states that over 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women suffer from some kind of thyroid problem. Since the thyroid gland controls the body's hormone levels and metabolism, people with underactive thyroids may have a difficult time metabolizing their food, while people with overactive thyroids must deal with foods metabolizing too quickly. The right meal plan can help people with thyroid problems maintain a balanced diet.

Low-Iodine Diets

    Hyperthyroidism cannot be reversed by foods or nutrients; however, eating a diet that is low in iodine may have a positive impact on your health. According to Dr. Mario Skugar, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, the more iodine a person with hyperthyroidism has in their system, the more their thyroid will produce hormones, thereby worsening their symptoms. The solution, then, is to remove foods from the diet that are high in iodine. Salts, seafood, eggs, dairy products and some produce are typical high-iodine culprits, so these foods should be eliminated.

High-Nutrient Diets

    According to The Diet Channel, vitamins and minerals have a positive effect on the thyroid. Specifically, supplements that encourage proper thyroid functioning are vitamins A and D, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. Incorporating these nutrients into your everyday meal plan is easy. Green leafy vegetables, salmon, cauliflower and beans are a few food options for maintaining a high-nutrient diet to protect your thyroid.

Dietary Changes

    People with hypothyroidism find it difficult to lose weight, which is attributed to the fact that their thyroid gland becomes underactive and is no longer able to effectively regulate the metabolism. Consequently, foods--even healthy ones--can cause weight gain. One way to control weight gain from hypothyroidism is to be careful with your diet. Foods that are high in fats, calories or sugars should be replaced with low-fat, low-sugar alternatives. For example, substitute a scoop of ice cream for a handful of berries.

How to Lose Weight on HCG Drops

How to Lose Weight on HCG Drops

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is a hormone found in pregnant women. A.T.W. Simeon, in his essay "Pounds and Inches" claimed taking HCG drops while undergoing a low-calorie diet can produce dramatic weight loss results in short amount of time by suppressing the appetite and encouraging the body to burn fat for energy. Losing weight with HCG drops should be done under supervised care.

Instructions

    1

    Consult your doctor. HCG is a powerful hormone and while it might have shown weight loss results for some people, it might not produce the same effect on you. In fact, it might cause more harm than good. According to the Mayo Clinic, the effects of HCG on weight loss haven't been proven, at the time of publication, and the FDA hasn't recognized it as a viable treatment for obesity.

    2

    Take your HCG drops exactly as directed -- there are several HCG drop products on the market, and each one is different. Administer the drops under the tongue and hold them there for 10 to 15 seconds before swallowing. In most cases, the drops should be taken once a day in the morning. Choose a time-frame -- depending on the type of drop, you can take HCG anywhere from 15 to 40 days. The longer you take the drops, the more weight you'll lose.

    3

    Begin the first phase of the diet with fatty foods. It might seem contradictory to everything you know about diets, but the HCG diet hinges on storing fat during the first phase to use during the second phase when you'll only be eating meat and vegetables. Usually during the first phase, the HCG drops aren't taken -- follow the instructions for your particular brand of HCG drop.

    4

    Plan your meals carefully. In the second phase of the HCG diet, very few calories are allowed per day, and only meat and vegetables can be consumed. Prepare shrimp or baked chicken to have on hand. When you're ravenous, cooking will seem like an insurmountable task. Anything that requires preparation -- chopping vegetables or cooking meat -- should be done ahead of meal times.

    5

    Drink plenty of fluids. Water flushes the fat out of the system, and this is crucial to achieving your weight-loss goals.

    6

    Keep yourself occupied. Start a really engrossing novel or go to the movies. Start a new craft project or take a continuing education class. Enlist the help of friends to keep you busy. The less free time you have, the less likely you are to let your mind wander to the kitchen.

How to Reduce Feet Swelling with Oral Vitamins

How to Reduce Feet Swelling with Oral Vitamins

Swelling of the feet can occur for many reasons. This can happen when a person has diabetes, is pregnant, has a poor diet or is on drugs. Water begins to build up around the feet causing the swelling. It is important that any individual suffering from this symptom get treatment for the underlying cause from a doctor. In the meantime, there are some vitamins that can be taken orally to help with the symptom.

Instructions

    1

    Take 800 IUs of vitamin E each day. This improves circulation to your feet and helps reduce the swelling. You must have approval from your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, as vitamin E can thin your blood.

    2

    Take a B complex vitamin. You can buy a bottle of B-50 or B-100. Take one dose of B-50 in the morning and one at night. Take half a dose of B-100 in the morning and another half at night. You will want to take it with food. This will not only help reduce the swelling, but it will also get rid of any itching or burning you feel as a result of the swelling.

    3

    Use 500 mg of L-carnitine per day. L-carnitine helps protect your liver and kidneys by helping them get rid of toxins. It also works like an antioxident. The more toxins your body fights off, the less swelling you will have in your feet.

    4

    Take 100 mg of Ginkgo per day. Ginkgo improves a person's circulation and also reduces how much water he retains in his body, which makes it perfect to take if you suffer from swollen feet.

Monday, April 14, 2014

How to Lose Belly Fat

How to Lose Belly Fat

Discover how to lose belly fat with these simple steps.

If you've been struggling to get your waistline under control, don't worry you're not alone. Many people all over don't understand why they are fat or what they can do about it.

For those of you that are ready then follow these 7 simple steps on how to lose belly fat.

Instructions

    1
    how to lose belly fat

    First thing you need to understand is that abs are made in the kitchen not the gym. Stop fooling yourself into believing that if you just do more sit-ups or crunches that you will somehow get a flat stomach and 6 pack abs.

    If you want to lose the belly fat, you have to change your habits. There is no such thing as spot reducing fat, well except for liposuction.

    2
    flat stomach

    Diet, diet, diet. Did you get that? No I don't mean go join weight watchers or try the atkins' diet. It's how, what, and when you eat that will get rid of that fat belly. Fad diets and miracle diet pills won't give you a flat stomach but learning to eat right will.

    3
    lose stomach fat

    Junk food. We all eat it, even me, the difference is that people who have flat stomachs know that there is a time in your diet for those indulgences. That means no more late night desserts, no high sugar/high fat snacks, and no more McDonalds. Do you want a fat belly or a nice waist line?

    Pick one day a week that you treat yourself with your favorite food and don't go overboard. Find some alternatives that will help keep away those cravings. Try some sugar free pudding or no added sugar apple sauce. If you want to lose belly fat you need to give up the things that keep it there.

    4
    weight loss

    Eat 5-6 meals a day. Did I say eat more food? No, you need to eat more frequently. No more skipping breakfast, no more going all day without eating, no more starving yourself. All of these things keep your belly fat. The only way you will lose that fat belly is by speeding up your metabolism and burn more calories than you consume.

    5
    lose belly fat

    Start eating healthier. Do you want to have a heart attack at 47? Then treat your body right. Remember the saying we are what we eat. So if you want to be skinny like a carrot...well you get it.

    Eat balanced meals with low glycemic carbs (no sugar and starches). Increase how much fiber you eat and healthy fats (omega 3s) in your diet. Your last meal of the day should be light. Eat a leafy salad with a low calorie vinaigrette and some lean meat. Contrary to what you've been told it's OK to eat at night. Problem is most people are starving and over eat. Over eating late at night is why so many people have a problem with belly fat.

    6
    how to lose belly fat

    Stop drinking sugar water. You ever stop to think about what soda is? It's chemically treated sugar water. Sounds delicious when I put it that way right? Lose the soda. If you can't live without soda then at least switch to the chemically treated water minus the sugar. Again all that sugar just leads to a fat belly.

    You especially need to start drinking more water before you eat to help fill you up. Start drinking green tea, its fat burning properties are well known, so drink up.

    7
    lose fat stomach

    Get that blood flowing. Do you honestly think that watching the biggest loser will some how get rid of that fat belly? Must be some new high tech HDTV osmosis thing. If you really want to know how to lose belly fat then you need to get your butt off the couch and burn some calories. That fat belly won't get lost by itself so go lose it somewhere.

    8
    abdominal fat

    While you are here please take a moment to check out the resources area below for more tips and information. For other how to tips don't forget to check my profile and to take a look at other articles on ehow.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Low-Fat & Low-Calorie Diet Menu

Low-Fat & Low-Calorie Diet Menu

Establishing a diet low in fat and calories, if approached safely, can be effective in achieving overall health and might lead to a longer life. A sensible low-calorie diet is also often low in fat, as fatty foods tend to be caloric. If you plan to put yourself on a low-calorie or low-fat diet, it's advisable to talk to a nutritionist or a physician who can determine how many calories you require given your current weight and activity level. In the meantime, you should understand the basics.

Base Meal on Protein

    Though you may not eat meat, basing meals upon lean protein minimizes the number of calories needed to sustain you for longer periods of time. Solid examples of lean protein, which are low in fat and in calories, include chicken breast (baked or broiled), fish, turkey or--for the vegetarian--chickpeas or soybeans. Fresh lemon juice and olive oil are healthy options for flavoring and preparing these types of protein-based products.

Maximize Natural Produce

    Building fresh fruits and vegetables into your low-calorie, low-fat diet plan maximizes your intake of necessary vitamins and minerals. Uncooked or even lightly cooked fruits and vegetables are almost always low in fat and calories. They are also easy to digest, as your body takes less energy to metabolize these foods. One exception to natural low-fat foods is avocado, which contains a higher level of fat than other fruits and vegetables. Eat fresh avocado sparingly. Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli can--and should--be eaten in generous amounts.

Whole Grains

    Whole-grain foods like wheat breads, pastas and natural cereals are often low in fat and high in fiber, which--like lean protein--allows you to feel satisfied for longer periods of time, decreasing your overall calorie intake. Consider the importance of breakfast, as eating healthy meals early in the day helps you burn calories longer. Morning meals, for example, can involve a high-protein, high-fiber oatmeal mixed with fresh fruit. Select cereals that contain wheat-flour bases and that list (on their boxes) at least 7 grams each of protein and fiber.

Minimize Sugar and Sodium

    To train yourself into a lifestyle of low-fat and low-calorie eating, learn to read the ingredients on labels of food products. Aim to keep your daily sodium levels below 2,000 mg. Look for foods that have next to no saturated fat, and avoid foods that are boxed or highly processed. Buy cereals that list natural products like soy or whole-wheat flour well before sugar. Foods that are high in sugar and sodium are typically also higher in fat or calories, or both.

Friday, April 11, 2014

How to Treat a Baby With a Yeast Infection

How to Treat a Baby With a Yeast Infection

Candida albicans, a fungus that is normally present in the intestinal tract, is usually kept in check by the friendly flora in the gut. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of candida albicans in the baby's intestinal tract. Unlike a regular diaper rash, a yeast infection in the diaper area is marked by a bright red rash with raised borders. Little red pinhead sized bumps often radiate from the main rash site. Unfortunately, a yeast infection is often confused with a diaper rash, but because the treatments are not the same, the yeast infection continues to grow and remain untreated.

Instructions

    1

    Identify that the infection is truly a yeast infection. Look for a well-defined, bright red rash. The rash is often centered on one area, with pin-sized raised bumps that can sporadically move away from the center. The skin may also look scaly. The rash also looks like it hurts.

    2

    Purchase a topical, over-the-counter antifungal or anti-yeast cream and use as directed on the package. Any antifungal cream containing the active ingredient miconazole should clear up a yeast infection within a few days.

    3

    If the rash does not clear up in a few days, call your child's pediatrician. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength anti-fungal cream like nystatin. If your child has a fever or if the rash oozes, your child may have a bacterial infection and need proper treatment.

    4

    Let your baby's bottom air out. Change your baby often and don't fasten diapers too tight; let air circulate around your baby's bottom. Let your baby go bare bottomed for awhile to air out the rash area.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Liquid Diets for Rapid Weight Loss

Liquid diets usually involve replacing meals with liquid that might include shakes, fruit drinks or soups in order to experience rapid weight loss. Liquid diets are often used after gastric surgery due to the inability of the stomach to absorb the nutrients from solid foods. They are usually used for short-term weight loss, and can result in rapid weight loss that may or may not be sustainable over the long term.

Slim-Fast

    The Slim-Fast diet has been around for about 25 years and uses shakes to encourage weight loss among dieters. It purports to help dieters lose up to 2 pounds per week using its product line, which includes shakes, meals, snacks and meal bars. Slim-Fast recommends replacing two meals and one snack with shakes, and eating a dinner that is low in fat, to reduce and control calorie consumption. The products can be purchased at grocery stores for $12 to $15 for a 12-pack of pre-mixed diet drinks. It is also available in powder form that should be mixed with milk for best results.

Optifast

    Optifast says that its shakes help dieters maintain nutritional levels while dropping excess pounds by consuming its drinks and shakes as a meal replacement. The drinks use calorie and portion control to encourage weight loss. The Optifast company offers support and counseling at clinics and on its website to clients as well. It offers pre-mixed and powder drinks, shakes, soups and nutrition bars. The company recommends replacing up to two meals per day using its products in order to lose weight. Optifast can also be used after bariatric surgery as a meal replacement. According to tristarmedical.com, the website of a medical clinic in Los Angeles, drinking five servings of the Optifast drink provides 100 percent of recommended daily nutrients. Optifast can be purchased at clinical centers or from medical providers. The Optifast program can run anywhere from $8 to $12 per day, or up to $400 per month.

Medifast

    Medifast liquid diets consist of shakes that contain protein, vitamins and minerals in order to meet overall nutritional needs. The products are low in lactose and soy-based, and purport that they are heart-healthy. There are different packages for different weight-loss goals, and products can be purchased online through the Medifast website, doctors' offices and other online sources. The Medifast liquid diet includes soups, shakes and fruit drinks to help you to lose weight fast. The diet induces weight loss through calorie restriction. The Medifast website also has food that can be purchased, including vegetarian fare. Medifast claims that program participants can lose up to 5 pounds per week on its programs. The program has different requirements for men and women, with men's shakes generally having a higher protein content. The Medifast program costs about $11 per day or $300 per month.

Advantages

    Liquid diets have some advantages when you are trying to lose weight rapidly. In order to lose 1 pound of fat, you have to eliminate or burn 3,500 calories. Liquid diets work by restricting calorie intake and will generally cause you to lose weight faster than a normal, nutritionally balanced diet. For instance, on the Slim-Fast diet plan, you might average 1,200 calories per day, which is 800 to 1,800 less than the recommended daily calorie intake for moderately active to active women and men according to the Food and Drug Administration. A diet this restrictive might help you to lose up to 5 pounds per week.

Disadvantages

    Losing weight too quickly might result in the loss of muscle as well as fat. Calorie-restrictive and liquid diets might also result in nutritional imbalances and illness. According to dietspotlight.com, a website that reviews different diets, liquid diets can also cause dizziness, anemia, constipation, cramps, and in more severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia. Hanging, loose skin is also a side effect of losing weight too quickly. In addition, calorie restriction is hard to maintain and weight might be regained quickly when regular eating resumes.

How to Prevent Cortisol and Weight Gain

Cortisol levels are elevated in response to stress, with large amounts released into the blood stream when you are under stress. Since stress can cause us to act out and consume an excess of high calorie foods, weight gain follows. Excess cortisol also can cause your metabolism to slow down. So even if you are not over eating, you still can gain weight, with cortisol storing the most fat in the abdomen. Women who eat high-fat diets have been shown to have both increased cortisol reactivity and greater preference for sweet foods, according to researchers at the University of California at San Francisco. The important thing to do to prevent excess cortisol and weight gain is to reduce or even eliminate stress. There are a few ways to do this.

Instructions

    1

    Join a support group or talk to a close friend or relative. Talking to others about your stress can help alleviate it.

    2

    Stop over-eating foods high in calories and get rid of your poor diet. Talk to your doctor to set up a diet plan. Eating the right foods can help reduce stress. Eating the wrong foods can actually help raise the levels of cortisol in your body, causing weight gain.

    3

    Exercise your body regularly. Exercise will help you lose weight and reduce stress. Cardio is one of the best ways to lose weight fast. Walking, running, swimming or biking are a few forms of cardio. Doing this for at least 20 minutes a day can be great for your body, getting rid of stress, boosting your metabolism, high cortisol levels and excess weight. Exercise increases mood-stimulating neurotransmitters in your brain and reduces high levels of cortisol.

    4

    Get a good amount of sleep. Exercising also can help you sleep better. Oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D., states that sleep deprivation can be a major stressor. This is not good for your cortisol levels. The National Sleep Foundation found that healthy adults require seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

    5

    Meditate. If you are not familiar with meditation, you can attend classes that will teach you. Relaxing your mind and body will reduce stress, thus reducing cortisol levels.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

How Much Weight Will You Lose Eating 1000 Calories?

Low-calorie diets are an important key to winning the battle of the bulge. Armed with a solid understanding of metabolism and calorie-counting, anyone can safely shed pounds and improve overall health.

Weight-Loss Principles

    The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in. Diet selection and exercise patterns play a part, but weight loss and weight gain are a simple function of the body having too few or too many calories to sustain its normal daily activities.

    According to the Mayo Clinic, to lose one pound of body weight, a person must burn 3,500 more calories than she consumes. To lose one pound per week, just burn 500 more calories per day than you take in. The calorie deficit can come from a change in diet, or from exercise, or both.

Safe Calorie Limits

    Mayo Clinic experts recommend eating no fewer than 1,200 to 1,400 calories per day under a normal low-calorie diet, and aiming to lose no more than two pounds per week. Very-low-calorie diets, with daily consumption of 1,000 or fewer calories, can be very effective for rapid weight loss but should be undertaken under a doctor's close supervision.

How Many Calories Do I Need?

    The first step in figuring out an appropriate calorie-management strategy is to determine your basic calorie needs. The Mayo Clinic provides a free calorie calculator at www.mayoclinic.com/health/calorie-calculator/NU00598.

    For example, a 30-year-old male who is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, and who engages in light physical activity on an average day, needs 2,700 calories to remain at 200 pounds. A 40-year-old female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 140 pounds, and who gets moderate physical activity, needs 2,000 calories to maintain her weight.

Metabolic Math

    How much weight can a person lose eating 1,000 calories per day?

    If the 30-year-old man started a 1,000-calorie diet, he would have a daily deficit of 1,700 calories (2,700 needed minus 1,000 eaten). In one week, he would lose 3.4 pounds, and more than 13 pounds in a month. The 40-year-old woman would have a daily deficit of 1,000 calories; she would lose two pounds in a week and eight pounds in a month.

    Of course, as a person loses weight, his body has less mass to maintain, so the required daily calories also decreases.

Warning

    Low-calorie diets can be risky if followed for extended periods and should only be started under a doctor's supervision. A doctor will work with you to ensure you get the right mix of nutrients to protect your health. Very-low-calorie diets mixed with vigorous aerobic exercise can put extra stress on the heart and lungs and lead to injury or illness.

The Best Diet for Hyperthyroid

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive. When too much thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland, it is toxic, therefore, this condition is also known as thyrotoxicosis. Hyperthyroidism is best treated with anti-thyroid drug.

Thyroid Hormones

    Thyroid hormones control the rate at which the cells burn fat and metabolize. Excessive thyroid hormones can cause weight loss. Other symptoms include increased heart rate, hyperactivity and frequent bowel movements, which can cause further weight loss.

Hyperthyroidism and Diet

    Your diet doesn't have much of an effect on hyperthyroidism. However, it can help with the common symptom of weight loss that people with hyperthyroidism experience. Try increasing the amount of calories you consume daily until you reach a healthy weight. This can include a lot of lean meats, carbohydrates, and healthy fats such as nuts, cheese, and dark chocolate.

    A part of your diet that can lead to hyperthyroidism is excessive iodine intake. This is usually only an issue in people who are prone to thyroid gland imbalance. Large quantities of table salt or shellfish contain excessive iodine. The heart disease medication, Cordarone, also contains a lot of iodine.

    If you have hyperthyroidism avoid including table salt, seafood, eggs, dairy, and iodine-rich plants in your diet.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

    Excessive iodine intake is only one possible cause of hyperthyroidism. Grave's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to make antibodies. The antibodies attach themselves to the thyroid gland, causing it to release excess thyroid hormones. Other causes, such as inflammation of the thyroid gland or a nodule of it are possible, but not as common as Grave's disease.

What Causes Rapid Weight Gain in Women?

What Causes Rapid Weight Gain in Women?

According to traditional belief, reasons for weight gain are lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits. These factors are undoubtedly responsible for weight gain, but there can be more to it, especially when it comes to rapid weight gain in women. It is frustrating when you are unaware of the cause of weight gain and are unable to fix it. Many medical conditions can be responsible for unreasonable weight gain in women and can lead to diseases such as diabetes, fertility issues and other problems.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Polycystic ovary syndrome can be one of the possible reasons of rapid and unexplainable weight gain in women. It usually starts building up around puberty, and the weight gain goes on for years as women are unaware of their condition. In this syndrome, ovaries or other adrenal glands excrete too much of a male hormone. Some of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include thinning of hair, excessive facial hair, acne problem and irregular periods. The cause of this syndrome is unknown and is thought to be genetic.

Menopause

    Menopause causes a number of changes in the body, one of which is redistribution of weight in the body. This period in a woman's life brings about drastic hormonal changes in the body, which leads to a number of problems such as greater appetite, lack of sleep and depression. These hormonal changes are permanent and make it very hard to maintain body weight during the start of the menopause years. Rapid weight gain from menopause can be controlled at some level by eating right and regular exercise.

Cushing Syndrome

    Cushing syndrome in women is caused by a tumor in pituitary glands that results in hormonal imbalance. This syndrome is due to the rise in the level of the hormone cortisol in the body that is also released when a person is stressed. The body reacts to this hormonal disturbance by storing energy and increasing weight. It is a rare metabolic disorder that can go undiagnosed over the years and result in rapid weight gain in women.

Drugs and Medications

    Birth control pills are one of the major reasons of uncontrolled rapid weight gain in women today. The increase in weight because of these pills is not excessive but is rapid. Other drugs and medications that may be a reason of rapid weight gain in women include antidepressants, diabetic medications, migraine relievers, anti-psychotic and anti-inflammatory medicines. The weight gain from the use of medications can be taken care of through tough exercise routines and a healthy diet plan.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

30 Day Weight Loss Diets

There are numerous diets that can help you lose weight in 30 days without requiring you to starve yourself -- or even feel all that hungry. Some can even be maintained for the long term, allowing you to keep the weight off while increasing your energy and allowing you to eat foods you enjoy.

More Small Meals

    Believe it or not, the best plan to lose weight consists of eating often -- as in five or six smaller meals per day. This keeps hunger at bay. The key is to make healthy choices at each meal. For instance, breakfast may consist of a serving of low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit, or oatmeal and fruit. Have another piece of fruit, fresh vegetables or low-cal protein shake a few hours later, followed by a lunch of salad and light tuna. A banana or grapefruit would make a nice between-meal snack, with a dinner of broiled chicken or salmon, another salad, and yogurt.

Low-Carb Plan

    Low-carb, high-protein diets have been shown to take weight off quickly without surrendering taste -- or, in many instances, even calories. These diets press the body to burn stored fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy. Someone on a low-carb diet might have a cheese omelet for breakfast. For lunch, you could have a tuna burger, minus the bun, and a salad of romaine lettuce, mushrooms and cucumber. Dinner could consist of a grilled cheeseburger (again, no bun) with mayonnaise and mustard, and a cup of spinach. Have a protein shake or two as snacks between meals.

Vegetarian Plan

    Eating nothing but fruits and vegetables for 30 days is another fine way to lose weight -- especially since you can just about eat as much as you want. The best way to follow a vegetarian plan is to "graze" throughout the day, as opposed to just eating three or four meals. When following this plan, it's also important to choose fresh fruits and vegetables, not frozen or canned. You may want to incorporate beans, an egg substitute product (such as Egg Beaters) and tofu to make sure you are getting enough protein.

Low-Cal Plan

    The simplest way to lose weight is just to not eat as much. And this does indeed work. The problem is that some of the weight lost will be muscle rather than fat, and the pounds often come back on as soon as you begin to eat regularly again. Regardless, if losing weight quickly is your only goal, then choosing low-fat and low-calorie foods, and eating only three or four small meals a day, will do the trick.

Helpful Hints

    No matter which 30-day diet plan you choose, regular exercise and drinking lots of water will go a long way in aiding your cause. That means no less than 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, and no less than six 8-oz. glasses of water each day.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Vegetarian High Protein Quick Weight Loss Diet

It is possible to lose weight quickly through a vegetarian high-protein diet. However, simply eating vegetarian foods high in protein is not enough to lose weight (see Reference 1). Moreover, losing weight this way may be dangerous and only temporary (see Reference 1). Before planning a vegetarian high-protein diet, it is important to consider some key information.

The Facts

    According to the Mayo Clinic, research has shown that, on average, people who switch to a vegetarian diet eat fewer calories and less fat than non-vegetarians (see Reference 1). Moreover, vegetarians have a lower body weight relative to their height than non-vegetarians (see Reference 1). Of course, simply becoming a vegetarian will not automatically result in weight loss. Moreover, the protein that you no longer get through eating meat must be replaced. Protein is critical to your health because your body uses it to create muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs (see Reference 2). Moreover, protein is used to replace and form new tissue, transport oxygen and nutrients in your blood and cells, and make antibodies (see Reference 2).

Specific Foods

    Many vegetarian foods are high in protein. These include tempeh (41g), soybeans (29g), lentils (18g), veggie burger (13g), tofu (11g), and chick peas (13g) (see Reference 3). Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, suggests that vegetarians get their protein from foods low in fat and calories, such as dried beans, low-fat cheese, reduced-fat peanut butter and soy products, as opposed to foods like full-fat cheese and peanut butter (see Reference 1).

Warning

    According to Monique Gilbert, health advocate, certified personal trainer, and author, high-protein diets can be extremely dangerous (see Reference 2). The American Heart Association states that 50 to 60g of protein is enough for most adults (see Reference 2). However, according to Gilbert, many people on high-protein diets consume as much as four times that amount.(see Reference 2). This excessive protein consumption can result in heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones (see Reference 2).

    Moreover, one of the reasons high-protein diets help you lose weight is that the amount of protein consumed raises levels of uric acid and urea in the blood (see Reference 2). This causes the body to eliminate this uric acid and urea by pumping lots of water into the kidneys and urinary tract (see Reference 2). In turn, this results in the loss of essential minerals from the body, including calcium (see Reference 2). Before beginning a high-protein vegetarian diet, consider consulting with a dietitian.

Balanced Diet for Weight Loss

The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat a healthy, balanced diet for life. Consume the right kinds and portion sizes of food and drinks to provide energy and maintain the health of body cells, tissues and organs. Lose weight by incorporating whole grains instead of refined flour, fresh vegetables, lean meat and low fat dairy. Remove sugar and processed foods for weight loss success.

Balanced Diet Basics

    Eating a balanced diet means that you provide enough nutrients to satisfy your body's needs. Eat a variety of foods from each food group and eat fewer calories, but make smarter food choices. The USDA recommends a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sugars, salt and alcohol.

    Encourage weight loss by burning extra calories through exercise. Gradually decrease the number of calories you eat instead of drastically cutting calories.

    Consume two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables every day for an average 2,000-calorie daily diet. Eat three ounces of whole grain foods and have three cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy every day.

    Lose weight by eating less than 10 percent of your calories from saturated fats and completely avoid foods with trans fatty acids. This includes most fast food, processed, refined flour products and sugary baked goods.

    Restrict your fat intake to less than 35 percent of your calories per day and limit cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams per day. Select good fats over bad. Choose fish, nuts, lean meats, poultry, beans and low-fat dairy.

Temptations of Crash Dieting

    Crash dieting is a tempting way to lose weight. Dieters see weight come off more quickly than those who follow a balanced diet plan. However, the majority of the weight loss is from water retention, and most crash dieters regain the weight just as quickly as they lost it when they return to their normal eating patterns.

    Other drawbacks to following a crash or fad diet include interruption in brain and nervous system functions and body tissue development, problems with bone and muscular development and the inability to learn how to eat a healthy diet.

Tips to Maintain a Balanced Diet

    Eating a balanced diet to lose weight may be one of the easiest diets to maintain, but any diet or weight loss plan is challenging.

    Lose more weight by not rushing through meals. You tend to eat more food when you rush, so chew slowly and enjoy your meal. Avoid eating when you are stressed or distracted. Mindless eating or eating while stressed can pack on the pounds because you are unaware of how much or even what you are consuming.

    Determine if you are hungry, thirsty or just bored. It's easy to confuse hunger pains with the need to hydrate, so drink a glass of water when you feel hungry to see if that satisfies your hunger urge. Choose a hobby or play with your children instead of eating out of boredom.

    Maintain blood sugar levels and keep cravings away by eating small, healthy meals throughout the day. Jump-start your metabolism in the morning with a healthy breakfast, then graze on foods such as fresh vegetables, fruit, low-fat dairy and lean meat throughout the day.