Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Truth is Beauty: Beauty is Truth
"We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them." KAHLIL GIBRAN
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thomas Edison
The doctor of the future will give no medicines, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the causes of disease"
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Love it!!
Man is what he eats" is one view while an opposite view is that "it is not what one eats that kills him but, it is what eats him (negative thoughts) that kills him." Both have some wisdom in them.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Vegetarian Diet
Whether the reason involves personal, health or religious preferences, a vegetarian diet restricts the intake of meats and other animal flesh. When following a strict vegetarian diet, which is also known as a vegan diet, the dieter will only consume fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains also forgoing animal by-products such as dairy foods or leather. If you are interested in leading a vegetarian lifestyle, you should know that there are many different versions of this type of diet.
A lactovegetarian will add milk and other dairy products to the vegan diet, where an ovo-lactovegetarian eats both eggs and milk products. There are also partial or semivegetarians, who choose to include some animal foods into their diet, but will not consume red meats. When a dieter wishes to cut down on the amount of fat they consume, as well as increase fiber in their diet, a vegetarian diet is a good way to satisfy both desires. The vegetarian diet is also filled with healthy amounts of protein, calories, minerals and vitamins.
The amount of protein that a person needs to function is sometimes created by the body, while the rest must come from what you eat. Essential amino acids are found in food items, such as eggs, fish, cheese and milk, but all of these are not allowed when following a vegetarian diet. Fruits and vegetables can provide proteins to the body, but there is no one plant that contains all of the necessary amino acids. Therefore, a vegetarian diet calls for the eating of a variety of food items, including whole-grain cereals, fruits, beans, seeds, vegetables and nuts.
When preparing a meal for breakfast while following a vegetarian diet, you may want to start the day off with ½ cup of orange juice, 1 cup of oatmeal, as well as two slices of whole-wheat toast. For lunch, two slices of whole-wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of preserves, accompanied with a banana, fruit ice, celery sticks with two tablespoons of peanut butter. A dinner meal can consist of 1 cup of vegetarian chili, a medium baked potato, ½ cup of green beans, an apple, as well as a tossed salad with oil/vinegar dressing.
Tips for Following a Vegetarian Diet
1) The calories and energy that a body needs when following a vegetarian diet can be found when eating whole grains and legumes.
2) Whole grain cereals will add iron, riboflavin and vitamin B complex to a diet.
3) Consuming soybeans, soy bean milk and dark green leafy vegetables offer substantial amounts of calcium and iron.
4) Vitamin B-12 cannot be found within plants, so those following a vegetarian diet will have to find other ways to satisfy this requirement. There are sections within the grocery or health food store that offer prepared foods or meat substitutes that contain vitamin B-12. There are also supplements containing this vitamin that can be selected.
5) For protein, avocados provide a healthy dose of proteins, but the drawback is the amount of fats this option contains. When choosing an avocado, there are two different kinds, hailing from California and Florida. The larger avocado comes from Florida and contains half the calories and fat that the California version possesses.
6) When preparing a salad, dark green leafy vegetables are a better selection. For example, romaine lettuce offers more beta-carotene and vitamin C than iceberg lettuce.
7) When eating vegetables, it is good to include as many raw vegetables as possible. Numerous vegetables react differently. For example, when cooked, a carrot will yield 30% more beta carotene, but some vitamin C will be lost. Sometimes the higher amount of vitamin decrease in vegetables can be seen when boiling.
Advantages of a Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarians tend to have a lower occurence of hypertension than nonvegetarians. This effect appears to be independent of both body weight and sodium intake.
Type 2 diabetes is much less likely to be a cause of death in vegetarians than non-vegetarians, perhaps because of their higher intake of complex carbohydrates and lower body mass index.
All types of cancer occur less in vegetarians than their meat-eating counterparts.
Vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease.
It is also suspected that meat-eaters are prime candidates for degenerative diseases, such as gout and arthritis. Meat is probably major cause of internal pollution. When an animal is slaughtered, uneliminated waste products remain in the tissue of the animal.Uric acid and adrenaline are toxins which are secreted into the bloodstream and muscles of animals about to be slaughtered. The fear and struggle to escape death stimulates the secretion of hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine and steroids. No edible plant product has similar toxicity. The human body has to work many many times harder to get rid of that poison, some toxins will always remain and in turn toxicate all cells of a human's body.
Heavy cream, whole milk, fried eggs, bacon, pork rinds, beef, cheese, and butter -- all these contribute to long-term obesity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, reproductive cancers, prostate enlargement, auto-immune diseases, and other diseases.
Losing Weight on a Vegetarian Diet
A person who becomes vegan will lose on average one pound a week. This is WITHOUT adding exercise or avoiding high carb foods such as spaghetti, rice or bread.
However, if you are not ready to convert to veganism, converting to Vegetarianism will not guarantee you will lose weight- as many new converts tend to eat more carbohydrates than in their pre-vegetarian days.
However do not let this put you off as the health benefits far outweigh this small setback- it is very possible to lose weight on a vegetarian diet, simply follow the tips for cutting out carbs below.
1). Add a protein powder to your diet. They are generally soy-based and can be added to many foods to make them more filling without piling on the carbs.
2). If you are in the US use Morning Star and Boca products. They can normally be found in the freezer section of your local supermarket, and are vegetarian friendly and low in carbs.
3). Stock up on tofu, tempeh, seitan and soya products from your local health shop or supermarket.
A lactovegetarian will add milk and other dairy products to the vegan diet, where an ovo-lactovegetarian eats both eggs and milk products. There are also partial or semivegetarians, who choose to include some animal foods into their diet, but will not consume red meats. When a dieter wishes to cut down on the amount of fat they consume, as well as increase fiber in their diet, a vegetarian diet is a good way to satisfy both desires. The vegetarian diet is also filled with healthy amounts of protein, calories, minerals and vitamins.
The amount of protein that a person needs to function is sometimes created by the body, while the rest must come from what you eat. Essential amino acids are found in food items, such as eggs, fish, cheese and milk, but all of these are not allowed when following a vegetarian diet. Fruits and vegetables can provide proteins to the body, but there is no one plant that contains all of the necessary amino acids. Therefore, a vegetarian diet calls for the eating of a variety of food items, including whole-grain cereals, fruits, beans, seeds, vegetables and nuts.
When preparing a meal for breakfast while following a vegetarian diet, you may want to start the day off with ½ cup of orange juice, 1 cup of oatmeal, as well as two slices of whole-wheat toast. For lunch, two slices of whole-wheat toast with 1 tablespoon of preserves, accompanied with a banana, fruit ice, celery sticks with two tablespoons of peanut butter. A dinner meal can consist of 1 cup of vegetarian chili, a medium baked potato, ½ cup of green beans, an apple, as well as a tossed salad with oil/vinegar dressing.
Tips for Following a Vegetarian Diet
1) The calories and energy that a body needs when following a vegetarian diet can be found when eating whole grains and legumes.
2) Whole grain cereals will add iron, riboflavin and vitamin B complex to a diet.
3) Consuming soybeans, soy bean milk and dark green leafy vegetables offer substantial amounts of calcium and iron.
4) Vitamin B-12 cannot be found within plants, so those following a vegetarian diet will have to find other ways to satisfy this requirement. There are sections within the grocery or health food store that offer prepared foods or meat substitutes that contain vitamin B-12. There are also supplements containing this vitamin that can be selected.
5) For protein, avocados provide a healthy dose of proteins, but the drawback is the amount of fats this option contains. When choosing an avocado, there are two different kinds, hailing from California and Florida. The larger avocado comes from Florida and contains half the calories and fat that the California version possesses.
6) When preparing a salad, dark green leafy vegetables are a better selection. For example, romaine lettuce offers more beta-carotene and vitamin C than iceberg lettuce.
7) When eating vegetables, it is good to include as many raw vegetables as possible. Numerous vegetables react differently. For example, when cooked, a carrot will yield 30% more beta carotene, but some vitamin C will be lost. Sometimes the higher amount of vitamin decrease in vegetables can be seen when boiling.
Advantages of a Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarians tend to have a lower occurence of hypertension than nonvegetarians. This effect appears to be independent of both body weight and sodium intake.
Type 2 diabetes is much less likely to be a cause of death in vegetarians than non-vegetarians, perhaps because of their higher intake of complex carbohydrates and lower body mass index.
All types of cancer occur less in vegetarians than their meat-eating counterparts.
Vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease.
It is also suspected that meat-eaters are prime candidates for degenerative diseases, such as gout and arthritis. Meat is probably major cause of internal pollution. When an animal is slaughtered, uneliminated waste products remain in the tissue of the animal.Uric acid and adrenaline are toxins which are secreted into the bloodstream and muscles of animals about to be slaughtered. The fear and struggle to escape death stimulates the secretion of hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine and steroids. No edible plant product has similar toxicity. The human body has to work many many times harder to get rid of that poison, some toxins will always remain and in turn toxicate all cells of a human's body.
Heavy cream, whole milk, fried eggs, bacon, pork rinds, beef, cheese, and butter -- all these contribute to long-term obesity, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, reproductive cancers, prostate enlargement, auto-immune diseases, and other diseases.
Losing Weight on a Vegetarian Diet
A person who becomes vegan will lose on average one pound a week. This is WITHOUT adding exercise or avoiding high carb foods such as spaghetti, rice or bread.
However, if you are not ready to convert to veganism, converting to Vegetarianism will not guarantee you will lose weight- as many new converts tend to eat more carbohydrates than in their pre-vegetarian days.
However do not let this put you off as the health benefits far outweigh this small setback- it is very possible to lose weight on a vegetarian diet, simply follow the tips for cutting out carbs below.
1). Add a protein powder to your diet. They are generally soy-based and can be added to many foods to make them more filling without piling on the carbs.
2). If you are in the US use Morning Star and Boca products. They can normally be found in the freezer section of your local supermarket, and are vegetarian friendly and low in carbs.
3). Stock up on tofu, tempeh, seitan and soya products from your local health shop or supermarket.
Abs Diet
The Abs Diet has been compared to another method of weight loss called the Body For Life program, which uses most of the same steps. The Abs Diet aims for fat loss by offering techniques that are easy-to-follow, as well as make sense to the dieter. The main idea of the diet is not new, but actually renewed for the evolving dieting habits of today. It is a diet that is based upon strength training, adhering to good nutrition practices, as well as exercise. When reading the book, you will also receive a wide-range of effective nutritional guidance.
Six Pack Abs are attractive for both men and women
The diet promotes the transformation of fat into muscle, as well as steps to sculpt the rest of the body, promising an improved sex life and increased energy throughout the day. By calling this approach, the Abs Diet, a new market of dieters and exercisers will be attracted, primarily the male gender, who in today’s society, associate a good body image with having abdominal muscles that are visible. The diet plan claims to achieve this goal by achieving a low level of fat, which is not an easy task to accomplish.
The Meal Plan
The meal plan associated with the Abs Diet consists of a 7-day plan, filled with what the author calls “power foods.” There are twelve power foods listed in his book, which are accompanied by recipes. The author even anticipates the occasional diet “fall-off-the-wagon” moment and includes one meal per week that is considered a “cheat” meal, where the dieter may eat anything they wish. The diet suggests that foods, such as fat-filled meats, processed and refined carbohydrates, as well as foods high in sugar, should be avoided.
The Power Foods
The foods below are referred to as the “Power 12,” and play an important role when following the Abs Diet.
1. Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc. These should be eaten with the skin still in place. 2. Beans and other Legumes 3. Green Vegetables: spinach, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, etc. 4. Dairy: This includes fat-free milk, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, as well as cottage cheese 5. Instant Oatmeal: When eating this food, no sweeteners should be added and it should also be unflavored. 6. Eggs 7. Turkey and other lean meats: This includes lean steak, chicken, as well as fish 8. Peanut Butter: This selection should be all natural and contain no sugar. 9. Olive Oil 10. Bread and Cereals: These items should consist of whole grains. 11. Extra Protein Whey Powder 12. Berries: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Exercise
As for exercise, followers of the Abs Diet will focus on strength and interval training. This is needed to build the muscle that is needed to increase the body’s metabolism. An increased metabolism will result in a higher amount of fat being burned. Also with the Abs Diet, you will implement a circuit-training workout, which is explained in the book. Numerous publications and Internet sites also offer such a workout.
Six Pack Abs are attractive for both men and women
The diet promotes the transformation of fat into muscle, as well as steps to sculpt the rest of the body, promising an improved sex life and increased energy throughout the day. By calling this approach, the Abs Diet, a new market of dieters and exercisers will be attracted, primarily the male gender, who in today’s society, associate a good body image with having abdominal muscles that are visible. The diet plan claims to achieve this goal by achieving a low level of fat, which is not an easy task to accomplish.
The Meal Plan
The meal plan associated with the Abs Diet consists of a 7-day plan, filled with what the author calls “power foods.” There are twelve power foods listed in his book, which are accompanied by recipes. The author even anticipates the occasional diet “fall-off-the-wagon” moment and includes one meal per week that is considered a “cheat” meal, where the dieter may eat anything they wish. The diet suggests that foods, such as fat-filled meats, processed and refined carbohydrates, as well as foods high in sugar, should be avoided.
The Power Foods
The foods below are referred to as the “Power 12,” and play an important role when following the Abs Diet.
1. Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc. These should be eaten with the skin still in place. 2. Beans and other Legumes 3. Green Vegetables: spinach, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, etc. 4. Dairy: This includes fat-free milk, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, as well as cottage cheese 5. Instant Oatmeal: When eating this food, no sweeteners should be added and it should also be unflavored. 6. Eggs 7. Turkey and other lean meats: This includes lean steak, chicken, as well as fish 8. Peanut Butter: This selection should be all natural and contain no sugar. 9. Olive Oil 10. Bread and Cereals: These items should consist of whole grains. 11. Extra Protein Whey Powder 12. Berries: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
Exercise
As for exercise, followers of the Abs Diet will focus on strength and interval training. This is needed to build the muscle that is needed to increase the body’s metabolism. An increased metabolism will result in a higher amount of fat being burned. Also with the Abs Diet, you will implement a circuit-training workout, which is explained in the book. Numerous publications and Internet sites also offer such a workout.
Diet Sonoma
Considered one of the most balanced diets to hit the market, the Diet Sonoma created by Connie Guttersen does not focus on the restriction of food items or calorie counting. The meals that you will be consuming while on this diet deal with cuisine from the Mediterranean. The name of the diet comes from a region located in California, which is filled with vineyards. Connie has spent a lot of time studying wine and olive production and coupled with her knowledge on nutrition, she was able to write a book that focused on weight loss through a balanced and healthy eating plan.
Most diets require the counting of calories or restrict food items and food groups, but the Diet Sonoma allows participants to eat the foods that they enjoy. The diet presents the concept referred to as “Plate and Bowl,” where each meal is measured by a designated plate size. Directions on how to measure the contents of your meal are also included. This allows you to eat some of your favorite foods, while exercising portion control techniques.
The Diet Sonoma is broken down into three phases, also referred to as “waves.”
Wave 1 will last for 10 days, where the dieter will follow an approach that is supposed to lessen the desire for foods that you normally crave. Straying from most diets, this method does not restrict the intake of carbohydrates. A dieter will be allowed to eat whole grain cereals, as well as breads, but fruits are not allowed at this time because of its association with sugar. Various vegetables, lean meats, some dairy, seafood, black coffee, tea and a small amount of nuts will dominate the meal plan.
The main weight loss phase can be found within Wave 2. Dieters will add fruit, a wider variety of vegetable, fat-free yogurt, some sugar-free sweets, as well as the occasional treat, such as dark chocolate, honey or some wine. This phase is meant to last until the dieter has reached their desired weight. Wave 3 takes over once you have reached your ideal weight. This phase will take you into the maintenance part of the program, which should develop life-long healthy habits.
In the Diet Sonoma book, you will find 300 recipes that can be followed while on the diet. When using the online program, an additional 500 recipes can be added to your repertoire. Basically, the diet utilizes ten foods that are called “power foods.” These foods are: almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, whole grains and tomatoes.
From the beginning of the program, you will be able to eat cereals and whole grain breads, which is usually not allowed in other weight loss plans. Some restricted foods on this diet plan are those that contain saturated fat, sugar, as well as refined white flour.
To get an idea of some of the meals you will be able to eat while following the Diet Sonoma, you may start off your day with a Broccoli-Pepper Frittata, Buckwheat and Pear Pancakes, Mushroom Omelet, as well as Scrambled Eggs with Feta and Dill. When looking for a lunch meal, you may choose to prepare a Greek Pizza, Chicken-Veggie Pita Sandwich, Chile-Mint Burgers or Tangy Black Bean Soup. Dinner ideas include Marinated Flank Steak, Roasted Vegetable Medley, Grilled Bass with Strawberry Salsa, as well as Bistro Chicken and Garlic. When you are interested in dessert, recipes for Peachy Berry Cobbler, Apple-Blueberry Tart and Tropical Fruit Pops.
Most diets require the counting of calories or restrict food items and food groups, but the Diet Sonoma allows participants to eat the foods that they enjoy. The diet presents the concept referred to as “Plate and Bowl,” where each meal is measured by a designated plate size. Directions on how to measure the contents of your meal are also included. This allows you to eat some of your favorite foods, while exercising portion control techniques.
The Diet Sonoma is broken down into three phases, also referred to as “waves.”
Wave 1 will last for 10 days, where the dieter will follow an approach that is supposed to lessen the desire for foods that you normally crave. Straying from most diets, this method does not restrict the intake of carbohydrates. A dieter will be allowed to eat whole grain cereals, as well as breads, but fruits are not allowed at this time because of its association with sugar. Various vegetables, lean meats, some dairy, seafood, black coffee, tea and a small amount of nuts will dominate the meal plan.
The main weight loss phase can be found within Wave 2. Dieters will add fruit, a wider variety of vegetable, fat-free yogurt, some sugar-free sweets, as well as the occasional treat, such as dark chocolate, honey or some wine. This phase is meant to last until the dieter has reached their desired weight. Wave 3 takes over once you have reached your ideal weight. This phase will take you into the maintenance part of the program, which should develop life-long healthy habits.
In the Diet Sonoma book, you will find 300 recipes that can be followed while on the diet. When using the online program, an additional 500 recipes can be added to your repertoire. Basically, the diet utilizes ten foods that are called “power foods.” These foods are: almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, whole grains and tomatoes.
From the beginning of the program, you will be able to eat cereals and whole grain breads, which is usually not allowed in other weight loss plans. Some restricted foods on this diet plan are those that contain saturated fat, sugar, as well as refined white flour.
To get an idea of some of the meals you will be able to eat while following the Diet Sonoma, you may start off your day with a Broccoli-Pepper Frittata, Buckwheat and Pear Pancakes, Mushroom Omelet, as well as Scrambled Eggs with Feta and Dill. When looking for a lunch meal, you may choose to prepare a Greek Pizza, Chicken-Veggie Pita Sandwich, Chile-Mint Burgers or Tangy Black Bean Soup. Dinner ideas include Marinated Flank Steak, Roasted Vegetable Medley, Grilled Bass with Strawberry Salsa, as well as Bistro Chicken and Garlic. When you are interested in dessert, recipes for Peachy Berry Cobbler, Apple-Blueberry Tart and Tropical Fruit Pops.
Dash Diet
If you’ve ever wondered what the Dash diet is all about, you should know that it stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The diet consists of working towards increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, as well as low-fat dairy products. A decrease in the consumption of meat, fish and poultry is also part of the Dash diet. Additional limitations that the diet presents include foods that are high in fat, sugar and sodium. These are all factors that can affect a dieter’s blood pressure.
Individuals considering the Dash diet should know that this approach strives to achieve a longer life, as well as sustain healthy eating patterns. Numerous health benefits can be enjoyed when following this dieting method.
How the Dash Diet Works
A dieter will increase their intake of fruits and vegetables by 8-10 servings per day, resulting in a higher concentration of phytochemicals and antioxidants within the body. For those who are not familiar with the term of phytochemical, it is a natural plant substance filled with nutrients and necessary dietary fiber. This helps to protect against an array of diseases that may plague the body. The nutrients that aid the body in blocking the toxins that can break down the body are called antioxidants.
Even though The Dash Diet was established to control blood pressure levels, this approach can be used to lose unwanted pounds. Some dieters enjoy this diet because they can eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which naturally provide low doses of fat and calories. When using this diet to lose weight instead of controlling blood pressure, you may decrease serving sizes, as well as use salt if you wish.
When choosing the Dash diet, one should gradually ease into this new lifestyle change. First, the dieter must increase the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten to eight per day. Serving sizes for these food items include ½ cup of juice or ½ cup of cooked vegetables. Another diet change is the increase of more low-fat dairy products. A dieter should avoid processed foods because often, fat, sodium and cholesterol are hidden throughout the food item. When considering fats, the dieter’s intake should be cut in half. This affects butter, margarine, as well as condiments. The amount of meat that is eaten should be cut in half, as well. Finally, when one is craving dessert, they should turn to a piece of fruit to ease this urge.
For Dash diet menu ideas, you will find a few suggestions:
Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bagel
2 Tablespoons of Fat-Free Cream Cheese
8 Ounces of Skim Milk
½ Cup of Applesauce
8 Ounces of Lowfat Yogurt
Lunch
2 Ounces of Sliced Roast Beef
1 Ounce of Swiss Cheese
2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
1 Teaspoon of Mustard
½ Cup of Grape Tomatoes
1 Apple
6 Ounces of Grape Juice
Dinner
3 Ounces of Grilled Chicken
1 Cup of Pasta
2 Tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese
1 Cup of Steamed Asparagus
1 Cup of Green Salad with Tomatoes and Carrots
Reduced Fat Dressing of Choice
8 Ounces of Skim Milk
Snacks
4 Carrot Sticks or Celery Sticks, accompanied with 2 Tablespoons of Reduced Fat Ranch Dressing
Smoothie Consisting of Berries and Bananas
¼ Cup of Unsalted Nuts and Raisins
Individuals considering the Dash diet should know that this approach strives to achieve a longer life, as well as sustain healthy eating patterns. Numerous health benefits can be enjoyed when following this dieting method.
How the Dash Diet Works
A dieter will increase their intake of fruits and vegetables by 8-10 servings per day, resulting in a higher concentration of phytochemicals and antioxidants within the body. For those who are not familiar with the term of phytochemical, it is a natural plant substance filled with nutrients and necessary dietary fiber. This helps to protect against an array of diseases that may plague the body. The nutrients that aid the body in blocking the toxins that can break down the body are called antioxidants.
Even though The Dash Diet was established to control blood pressure levels, this approach can be used to lose unwanted pounds. Some dieters enjoy this diet because they can eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which naturally provide low doses of fat and calories. When using this diet to lose weight instead of controlling blood pressure, you may decrease serving sizes, as well as use salt if you wish.
When choosing the Dash diet, one should gradually ease into this new lifestyle change. First, the dieter must increase the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten to eight per day. Serving sizes for these food items include ½ cup of juice or ½ cup of cooked vegetables. Another diet change is the increase of more low-fat dairy products. A dieter should avoid processed foods because often, fat, sodium and cholesterol are hidden throughout the food item. When considering fats, the dieter’s intake should be cut in half. This affects butter, margarine, as well as condiments. The amount of meat that is eaten should be cut in half, as well. Finally, when one is craving dessert, they should turn to a piece of fruit to ease this urge.
For Dash diet menu ideas, you will find a few suggestions:
Breakfast
Whole Wheat Bagel
2 Tablespoons of Fat-Free Cream Cheese
8 Ounces of Skim Milk
½ Cup of Applesauce
8 Ounces of Lowfat Yogurt
Lunch
2 Ounces of Sliced Roast Beef
1 Ounce of Swiss Cheese
2 Slices of Whole Wheat Bread
1 Teaspoon of Mustard
½ Cup of Grape Tomatoes
1 Apple
6 Ounces of Grape Juice
Dinner
3 Ounces of Grilled Chicken
1 Cup of Pasta
2 Tablespoons of Parmesan Cheese
1 Cup of Steamed Asparagus
1 Cup of Green Salad with Tomatoes and Carrots
Reduced Fat Dressing of Choice
8 Ounces of Skim Milk
Snacks
4 Carrot Sticks or Celery Sticks, accompanied with 2 Tablespoons of Reduced Fat Ranch Dressing
Smoothie Consisting of Berries and Bananas
¼ Cup of Unsalted Nuts and Raisins
The Perricone Diet
While the term “diet” usually brings thoughts of weight loss to mind, the Perricone diet is one of the few marketed diet programs that does not concentrate on losing weight as the main goal. This diet, which was created by a dermatologist by the name of Nicholas Perricone, uses diet, supplements and lotions to achieve results in looking younger and living longer. Additional benefits that Perricone promotes includes: improved metabolism, better mood, deceased chances of heart disease and cancer, improved bone density, skin repair, stronger immune system, as well as possible weight loss.
Perricone has written several books dealing with weight maintenance and acquiring a more youthful appearance. In his book, The Perricone Prescription, which was published in 2002, a program was introduced centered on diet, exercise and skincare. The results were meant to improve the appearance of the dieter, as well as increase their energy level. He also claimed that major health concerns could be avoided when following this program, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
In the Perricone Promise, published in 2004, the doctor focused on aging theories dealing with neuropeptides and offered diet tips concerning these beliefs. The diet aims to aid in weight loss, wrinkle reduction, mood improvement, as well as a slowing down of the aging process. Published in 2005, the Perricone Weight-Loss Diet introduced to the public a “face-lift diet” that focuses on weight loss and body tone. This newer diet promotes salmon consumption.
To follow the Perricone diets, one must be ready to pay for the costly products that accompany the program. For example, a serum containing neuropeptides will set you back close to $570 per bottle. This supply will only last you three months. Although this is one of the pricier products, many of the supplements and lotions are priced higher than most dieters are used to. The least expensive moisturizer can be found costing $50 for 2 ounces of product.
The Perricone diet uses techniques in blood sugar level regulation, such as eating foods that do not cause a rapid increase. For this reason, most breads and fruit juices are avoided on this program. It is also important to remember that if you are only interested in losing weight, then this diet may not be for you. The main focus of the Perricone diet is not to lose weight, but to create improved skin and increased protection against illness and disease.
The Perricone diet follows a program dealing with low-fat, low-carbohydrate and moderate protein food items and recipes. While on the diet, an individual should drink a minimum of eight glasses of water, which also promotes healthy skin. When it comes to the foods that are allowed on the diet, foods filled with antioxidants are recommended, such as fish, cantaloupe, as well as dark green leafy vegetables. Food choices, such as pasta and pancakes, as well as those containing sugar, should be avoided.
The diet focuses on eating a lot of wild salmon, as well as ten other food items that are referred to as being a “superfood.” A total of 1,450 calories should be consumed throughout the day. The Perricone diet also deals with the eating of whole foods, which contain a high amount of antioxidants. When choosing a fruit or vegetable to eat, the deeper the color, the more antioxidants it will contain. As for the “superfoods,” you will be consuming a lot of garlic, onions, barley, cereal grasses, buckwheat, hot peppers, nuts, sprouts, yogurt, as well as a tropical fruit called acai, which is usually available in the frozen food section of most health food stores.
Perricone has written several books dealing with weight maintenance and acquiring a more youthful appearance. In his book, The Perricone Prescription, which was published in 2002, a program was introduced centered on diet, exercise and skincare. The results were meant to improve the appearance of the dieter, as well as increase their energy level. He also claimed that major health concerns could be avoided when following this program, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
In the Perricone Promise, published in 2004, the doctor focused on aging theories dealing with neuropeptides and offered diet tips concerning these beliefs. The diet aims to aid in weight loss, wrinkle reduction, mood improvement, as well as a slowing down of the aging process. Published in 2005, the Perricone Weight-Loss Diet introduced to the public a “face-lift diet” that focuses on weight loss and body tone. This newer diet promotes salmon consumption.
To follow the Perricone diets, one must be ready to pay for the costly products that accompany the program. For example, a serum containing neuropeptides will set you back close to $570 per bottle. This supply will only last you three months. Although this is one of the pricier products, many of the supplements and lotions are priced higher than most dieters are used to. The least expensive moisturizer can be found costing $50 for 2 ounces of product.
The Perricone diet uses techniques in blood sugar level regulation, such as eating foods that do not cause a rapid increase. For this reason, most breads and fruit juices are avoided on this program. It is also important to remember that if you are only interested in losing weight, then this diet may not be for you. The main focus of the Perricone diet is not to lose weight, but to create improved skin and increased protection against illness and disease.
The Perricone diet follows a program dealing with low-fat, low-carbohydrate and moderate protein food items and recipes. While on the diet, an individual should drink a minimum of eight glasses of water, which also promotes healthy skin. When it comes to the foods that are allowed on the diet, foods filled with antioxidants are recommended, such as fish, cantaloupe, as well as dark green leafy vegetables. Food choices, such as pasta and pancakes, as well as those containing sugar, should be avoided.
The diet focuses on eating a lot of wild salmon, as well as ten other food items that are referred to as being a “superfood.” A total of 1,450 calories should be consumed throughout the day. The Perricone diet also deals with the eating of whole foods, which contain a high amount of antioxidants. When choosing a fruit or vegetable to eat, the deeper the color, the more antioxidants it will contain. As for the “superfoods,” you will be consuming a lot of garlic, onions, barley, cereal grasses, buckwheat, hot peppers, nuts, sprouts, yogurt, as well as a tropical fruit called acai, which is usually available in the frozen food section of most health food stores.
Gout Diet
When you have been diagnosed with gout, it is important to make changes to your diet. The gout diet will ensure you lead a healthy and less painful life. Gout is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that causes painful inflammation when sharp crystallized pieces of uric acid gather between joints. Foods that contain purines are broken down into uric acid through a process within the body. Normally, this chemical is flushed out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. When the body has collected a high level of purines, gout arises. Foods, such as beans and vegetables possess a high level of purines. Proteins also deliver a high dose of the chemical.
Cherries or cherry juice taken on an empty stomach will go a long way to curing gout
Most of the foods that cause gout also contain a high amount of fat, such as dairy products and meat. When you are to follow a gout diet, certain kinds of fish should also be avoided. A dieter should refrain from consuming food items, such as mackerel, mussels, sardines, oysters, as well as scallops. Both red and white meat, such as pork and beef, can also cause a collection of uric acid. When suffering from gout, meats that come from organs should not be eaten. This includes kidneys, hearts and liver. A gout sufferer should also be sure to avoid food choices that may produce high levels of uric acid, including caviar, bouillon, as well as beef or chicken broth.
If suffering from gout, you should stay away from dairy products that are high in fat. Whole milk, ice cream, cheese and butter are items that should be crossed off of a grocery list. When dairy is needed, an individual should opt for low-fat options. Soy replacements are also acceptable. When shopping for vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas and asparagus possess a high concentration of purines. On a gout diet, you should avoid yeast and lentil beans, which has been proven to increase the effects of this condition. Gout flare-ups may also arise when drinking beer or alcohol because of the yeast and grains presented.
The symptoms of gout can be eased when adhering to a gout diet that a physician may recommend. Sometimes a diet filled with complex carbohydrates, including a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help. When deciding what foods are acceptable when following the gout diet, you should know that purines can be located within all foods considered a protein, but this does not mean that all proteins should be eliminated from the gout diet. There are some foods that contain a rather high purine concentration, which may not add to the effects of gout. These foods include: whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans.
Foods that should be eaten on the gout diet include fruit, such as bananas, fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other berries that are red or blue in color. Vegetables, such as celery, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, parsley, as well as other green-leafy vegetables are acceptable. Pineapple and other foods high in bromelain are good for someone on the gout diet. Foods that contain a high amount of vitamin C should be included, such as red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, oranges and potatoes. Additional foods to consider while on the gout diet include chocolate, tuna, salmon, flaxseed, nuts and seeds. When you are looking for something to drink, you should turn to cocoa, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, to satisfy your thirst.
Cherries or cherry juice taken on an empty stomach will go a long way to curing gout
Most of the foods that cause gout also contain a high amount of fat, such as dairy products and meat. When you are to follow a gout diet, certain kinds of fish should also be avoided. A dieter should refrain from consuming food items, such as mackerel, mussels, sardines, oysters, as well as scallops. Both red and white meat, such as pork and beef, can also cause a collection of uric acid. When suffering from gout, meats that come from organs should not be eaten. This includes kidneys, hearts and liver. A gout sufferer should also be sure to avoid food choices that may produce high levels of uric acid, including caviar, bouillon, as well as beef or chicken broth.
If suffering from gout, you should stay away from dairy products that are high in fat. Whole milk, ice cream, cheese and butter are items that should be crossed off of a grocery list. When dairy is needed, an individual should opt for low-fat options. Soy replacements are also acceptable. When shopping for vegetables, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, peas and asparagus possess a high concentration of purines. On a gout diet, you should avoid yeast and lentil beans, which has been proven to increase the effects of this condition. Gout flare-ups may also arise when drinking beer or alcohol because of the yeast and grains presented.
The symptoms of gout can be eased when adhering to a gout diet that a physician may recommend. Sometimes a diet filled with complex carbohydrates, including a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help. When deciding what foods are acceptable when following the gout diet, you should know that purines can be located within all foods considered a protein, but this does not mean that all proteins should be eliminated from the gout diet. There are some foods that contain a rather high purine concentration, which may not add to the effects of gout. These foods include: whole grain breads and cereals, chicken, duck, ham, turkey, kidney and lima beans.
Foods that should be eaten on the gout diet include fruit, such as bananas, fresh cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and other berries that are red or blue in color. Vegetables, such as celery, tomatoes, kale, cabbage, parsley, as well as other green-leafy vegetables are acceptable. Pineapple and other foods high in bromelain are good for someone on the gout diet. Foods that contain a high amount of vitamin C should be included, such as red cabbage, red bell peppers, tangerines, oranges and potatoes. Additional foods to consider while on the gout diet include chocolate, tuna, salmon, flaxseed, nuts and seeds. When you are looking for something to drink, you should turn to cocoa, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, to satisfy your thirst.
The Smash Diet
For those who have never hear of the Smash Diet, here is a brief explanation. For the past couple of years, there has been an addicting show that dieters and celebrity fanatics can’t help but to tune into every once in awhile. On VH1, “Celebrity Fit Club” has taken celebrities, such as Kelly LaBrock, Chasity Bono, Gary Busey and Wendy Kaufman (the Snapple Lady) through an intense exercise and dieting program. If you ever wondered what diet the celebrities were following, it is called the Smash diet.
Dr. Ian Smith, who has served as a medical consultant for the nationally syndicated “The View” and a medical columnist for Men’s Health magazine, created the Smash diet. His Smash diet has gained acclaim as the way the celebrities have turned their eating habits into fat loss results. The Fat Smash Diet is the fourth book written by Dr. Smith. When you are interested in following this diet, you can order the book from the official website: http://www.fatsmashdiet.com/, which also provides testimonials from individuals who have experienced the diet program.
The Smash diet is not promoted for dieters with short-term goals. It is intended to aid dieters in achieving successful results through a few lifestyle changes. The Smash diet strives for permanent weight loss, which is broken into four different phases. With Phase 1, dieters begin with a natural detox, which is supposed to cleanse the body of impurities that may be clogging the body’s system. When following the diet, after the completion of Phase 1, a dieter may experience a 9-day weight loss result of 5-8 pounds.
After Phase 1, the other phases begin to take over where you combine everyday foods that are available at both the household and restaurants. The Smash diet takes into consideration the different eating habits of dieters, such as those who are vegan or vegetarian.
With the Smash diet, counting calories are a thing of the past because Dr. Smith has created a list of allowable foods so that the obsession with calories is transferred to a focus on healthy eating. Dieters who have been on the Smash diet have reported to feel as if they were not on a restrictive regimen because the diet allows you to eat smaller portions of normal foods. The book offers a variety of easy-to-follow recipes that make deciding what to eat on the diet even easier. The Smash diet is meant to take 90 days to complete, creating dieting habits that will change food interaction and the When following the Smash diet, below you will find a few sample recipes for when you have reached Phase 2 of the diet:
Chicken and Summer Vegetable Broth (171 Calories)
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 Quarts chicken stock
1/2 Eggplant, diced
1 Zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup lentils
1 Bay leaf, whole
Salt and pepper to taste
1 TB fresh basil, chopped
1 TS fresh parsley, chopped
1 TS fresh thyme, chopped
Directions
1. Simmer lentils and bay leaf in chicken stock for 40 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients.
3. Simmer ingredients for 15 minutes.
4. Add herbs and serve at once.
Kidney Beans with Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus (438 Calories)
Ingredients
3 cups Kidney Beans, cooked and drained
12 oz. Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 TB Olive Oil
2 TB White Wine
2 cups Asparagus, steamed and chopped
2 cups Vegetable Stock
1 TB each Fresh Basil and Thyme, chopped
To taste Salt and Pepper
Marinade for Shrimp
Ingredients
2 TB Fresh Lemon Juice
2 TS Fresh thyme, chopped
4 TB Basil
1 clove Garlic
1 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
To taste Salt and Pepper
Directions
1. Combine marinade ingredients.
2. Add shrimp and put into the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
3. Drain marinade.
4. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat.
5. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side.
6. Add garlic and toss for a couple of minutes.
7. Add kidney beans ad white wine.
8. Cook for 1 minute over high heat.
9. Add stock and bring to a simmer, then add the asparagus.
10. Heat all of the ingredients until they are hot and the shrimp is white and clear in color.
11. Remove from the heat and add the fresh herbs.
12. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Dr. Ian Smith, who has served as a medical consultant for the nationally syndicated “The View” and a medical columnist for Men’s Health magazine, created the Smash diet. His Smash diet has gained acclaim as the way the celebrities have turned their eating habits into fat loss results. The Fat Smash Diet is the fourth book written by Dr. Smith. When you are interested in following this diet, you can order the book from the official website: http://www.fatsmashdiet.com/, which also provides testimonials from individuals who have experienced the diet program.
The Smash diet is not promoted for dieters with short-term goals. It is intended to aid dieters in achieving successful results through a few lifestyle changes. The Smash diet strives for permanent weight loss, which is broken into four different phases. With Phase 1, dieters begin with a natural detox, which is supposed to cleanse the body of impurities that may be clogging the body’s system. When following the diet, after the completion of Phase 1, a dieter may experience a 9-day weight loss result of 5-8 pounds.
After Phase 1, the other phases begin to take over where you combine everyday foods that are available at both the household and restaurants. The Smash diet takes into consideration the different eating habits of dieters, such as those who are vegan or vegetarian.
With the Smash diet, counting calories are a thing of the past because Dr. Smith has created a list of allowable foods so that the obsession with calories is transferred to a focus on healthy eating. Dieters who have been on the Smash diet have reported to feel as if they were not on a restrictive regimen because the diet allows you to eat smaller portions of normal foods. The book offers a variety of easy-to-follow recipes that make deciding what to eat on the diet even easier. The Smash diet is meant to take 90 days to complete, creating dieting habits that will change food interaction and the When following the Smash diet, below you will find a few sample recipes for when you have reached Phase 2 of the diet:
Chicken and Summer Vegetable Broth (171 Calories)
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 Quarts chicken stock
1/2 Eggplant, diced
1 Zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup lentils
1 Bay leaf, whole
Salt and pepper to taste
1 TB fresh basil, chopped
1 TS fresh parsley, chopped
1 TS fresh thyme, chopped
Directions
1. Simmer lentils and bay leaf in chicken stock for 40 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients.
3. Simmer ingredients for 15 minutes.
4. Add herbs and serve at once.
Kidney Beans with Sautéed Shrimp and Asparagus (438 Calories)
Ingredients
3 cups Kidney Beans, cooked and drained
12 oz. Raw Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 TB Olive Oil
2 TB White Wine
2 cups Asparagus, steamed and chopped
2 cups Vegetable Stock
1 TB each Fresh Basil and Thyme, chopped
To taste Salt and Pepper
Marinade for Shrimp
Ingredients
2 TB Fresh Lemon Juice
2 TS Fresh thyme, chopped
4 TB Basil
1 clove Garlic
1 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
To taste Salt and Pepper
Directions
1. Combine marinade ingredients.
2. Add shrimp and put into the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
3. Drain marinade.
4. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat.
5. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on each side.
6. Add garlic and toss for a couple of minutes.
7. Add kidney beans ad white wine.
8. Cook for 1 minute over high heat.
9. Add stock and bring to a simmer, then add the asparagus.
10. Heat all of the ingredients until they are hot and the shrimp is white and clear in color.
11. Remove from the heat and add the fresh herbs.
12. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
The Metabolism Diet
This is another low calorie diet, which covers essential vitamins and gives your metabolism a serious boost. It is similar to The Scarsdale Diet. I found it easy to follow and lost about three pounds during the four days I followed it making it number ten of my Top Ten Fad Diets.
The Caveman Diet
The Caveman Diet, or Paleolithic Diet, as it is also known, is fast becoming one of the more popular fad diets. The diet suggests we return to the eating habits of the days when humans lived in caves and lived of the produce of the land. The days when there wasn't a MacDonalds in sight. The thinking behind this diet is obviously sound, and one can stick to the diet for longer periods of time without feeling too deprived. This makes it my seventh favorite diet on my Top Ten Fad Diets list.
The Mono Food Diet
The Mono Food Diet involves eating only one food at each meal. If we eat a starchy food, such as rice or potatoes, our stomach requires alkaline digestive juices in order to break the food down correctly. However, if we eat a high protein food such as fish or meat, acidic juices are needed.
To lose weight it is vital we digest our food correctly. Hence if we mix food types at the same meal, what happens? All hell breaks lose! The food is not broken down correctly, and a small host of other health problems may occur.
The Mono Diet requires we eat only one food type at any given meal time. Although this may sound dull, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Food is exceedingly easy to prepare, and apart from weight loss, you will experience an immediate sense of well being which earns it the number four position on My Top Ten Fad Diet list.
Click on the link above to learn more about The Mono Diet.
To lose weight it is vital we digest our food correctly. Hence if we mix food types at the same meal, what happens? All hell breaks lose! The food is not broken down correctly, and a small host of other health problems may occur.
The Mono Diet requires we eat only one food type at any given meal time. Although this may sound dull, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Food is exceedingly easy to prepare, and apart from weight loss, you will experience an immediate sense of well being which earns it the number four position on My Top Ten Fad Diet list.
Click on the link above to learn more about The Mono Diet.
The Grape Diet
The grape Diet is a very strict regime that demands that you only eat grapes and drink water. It is not to be undertaken lightly, but if you have any other ailments it is an excellent diet, as it has been known to cure many illnesses including such diseases as cancer and diabeties. Although the diet is not easy to follow, I have made it number three in My Top Ten Fad Diet list, thanks to the added health benefits you will see if you follow it for a period of time.
The Negative Calorie Diet
Another winner in my book. The Negative Calorie Diet consists of eating foods that burn more calories to digest than you will consume. Although I do not believe any food has negative calories, one can achieve astounding results following this diet.
It is not unlike The Raw Food Diet, the foods are basically the same, but you will not attain the exceptional results you see with The Raw Food Diet, because the foods are mainly cooked, therefore destroying valuable nutrients and vitamins. However as a weight loss diet, the results are significant, I have high regard for this diet, providing you are planning on following it for a short period of time only.
I followed it for four days, and lost four pounds earning it the number two position in My Top Ten Fad Diet list.
It is not unlike The Raw Food Diet, the foods are basically the same, but you will not attain the exceptional results you see with The Raw Food Diet, because the foods are mainly cooked, therefore destroying valuable nutrients and vitamins. However as a weight loss diet, the results are significant, I have high regard for this diet, providing you are planning on following it for a short period of time only.
I followed it for four days, and lost four pounds earning it the number two position in My Top Ten Fad Diet list.
The Raw Food Diet
The Raw Food Diet is now listed in the top seven most practised diets in the world. Although the raw food diet is NOT a fad diet, I have included it here as when I began it, I believed it was, and planned only to stick to the diet for one week. It is definately the most beneficial of all the diets I have tried, and therefore ranks as number one on my Top Ten Fad Diets list. It advocates only the use of raw or preferably 'live' foods.
Foods eaten on The Raw Food Diet should be eaten in their most natural state, the only processing that is permited is to juice or blend the vegetables or fruit.
When we cook food, we destroy approximately 50% of the vitamins and nutrients it contains. We also destroy valuable enzymes which are vital for good health and well being.
I rejected the raw food diet initially, it is completely vegan, and consists of eating only raw fruit, nuts and vegetables. I did not think I would be able to stick to this diet for any length of time. However when I did decide to try it, I wished I had not waited so long! I followed the diet for a week, and was amazed to find it was not anywhere near as restricting as I had imagined. There are numerous recipes to be found which contain only raw foods. At the end of the week my skin was clear, my eyes were bright, I was full of energy and looked five years younger! As an added bonus I lost 7lbs and it really showed. The compliments that I received after following this diet were fantastic.
Foods eaten on The Raw Food Diet should be eaten in their most natural state, the only processing that is permited is to juice or blend the vegetables or fruit.
When we cook food, we destroy approximately 50% of the vitamins and nutrients it contains. We also destroy valuable enzymes which are vital for good health and well being.
I rejected the raw food diet initially, it is completely vegan, and consists of eating only raw fruit, nuts and vegetables. I did not think I would be able to stick to this diet for any length of time. However when I did decide to try it, I wished I had not waited so long! I followed the diet for a week, and was amazed to find it was not anywhere near as restricting as I had imagined. There are numerous recipes to be found which contain only raw foods. At the end of the week my skin was clear, my eyes were bright, I was full of energy and looked five years younger! As an added bonus I lost 7lbs and it really showed. The compliments that I received after following this diet were fantastic.
The Cabbage Soup Diet
The Cabbage Soup Diet has become famous due to the fat burning properties of cabbage soup. It is rumoured to be used in hospitals for overweight patients who need to lose weight quickly for operations.
It is not the easiest diet to follow, however, if you can stick to it for a week, you should lose between 7 and 14 pounds. I followed the diet at the beginning of my weight loss and lost 6 pounds in 7 days, but I did cheat a little!
It is not the easiest diet to follow, however, if you can stick to it for a week, you should lose between 7 and 14 pounds. I followed the diet at the beginning of my weight loss and lost 6 pounds in 7 days, but I did cheat a little!
The 3 Day Detox Diet
There are many 3 day detox diets out there, the most obvious being the 3 day water fast. However if you are anything like me you would not last three minutes on a water fast, so that is out of the question.
I have listed below two far more simple options.
Easy Option
Day 1
Clear the system
On the first day of this 3 detox drink plenty of water or fresh fruit juice to substitute alcohol, and cut out tea and coffee. Eat a very light breakfast, have pasta with a veggie sauce for lunch and for dinner a light salad with tuna or other fish in the early evening.
Then, put on your trainers and go for a long brisk walk - for at least two hours.
Day 2
Rebuild your body
Cut out the fruit juice and have as much water as you can today - still no alcohol and no tea or coffee. Fresh fruit for breakfast, green salad for lunch with an oil-free dressing and steamed fish with vegetables for dinner.
Day 3
Back to full fitness
Nearly there! Just drink water and eat fruit all day - for that one last blitz. You may feel hungry so try not to do anything too energetic.
Not So Easy Option
If you can stick to it, you will be delighted at the results you can achieve with this 3 day detox. Simply drink water, and fruit or vegetable juice which should be freshly juiced just before you drink it, which excludes shop bought juice in cartons. If you can use organic fruit, even better.
I only managed two days on this detox, but I was not really hungry, just bored, so try to keep yourself busy!
I have listed below two far more simple options.
Easy Option
Day 1
Clear the system
On the first day of this 3 detox drink plenty of water or fresh fruit juice to substitute alcohol, and cut out tea and coffee. Eat a very light breakfast, have pasta with a veggie sauce for lunch and for dinner a light salad with tuna or other fish in the early evening.
Then, put on your trainers and go for a long brisk walk - for at least two hours.
Day 2
Rebuild your body
Cut out the fruit juice and have as much water as you can today - still no alcohol and no tea or coffee. Fresh fruit for breakfast, green salad for lunch with an oil-free dressing and steamed fish with vegetables for dinner.
Day 3
Back to full fitness
Nearly there! Just drink water and eat fruit all day - for that one last blitz. You may feel hungry so try not to do anything too energetic.
Not So Easy Option
If you can stick to it, you will be delighted at the results you can achieve with this 3 day detox. Simply drink water, and fruit or vegetable juice which should be freshly juiced just before you drink it, which excludes shop bought juice in cartons. If you can use organic fruit, even better.
I only managed two days on this detox, but I was not really hungry, just bored, so try to keep yourself busy!
The 3 Day Diet
WHAT It Is
Surprisingly surviving the test of time, the 3 Day Diet is another fad diet, dating back to 1985. Copies of the "3 Day Diet" continue to float around cyberspace, promising quick weight loss, cleansing, lower cholesterol, and increased energy. However, no diet book exists to substantiate the science behind the "unique metabolic reaction."
Often mistakenly called The Cleveland Clinic Diet, the 3 Day Diet is a regimented plan that must be followed exactly for three days at a time, followed by normal eating for four or five days before opting to resume the plan again.
Followers of the 3 Day Diet are promised up to a 10 pound weight loss in three days, although realistically, most of that weight is likely due to fluid loss and not the more desirable fat loss. To achieve the proposed loss, exercise is not mentioned in the plan.
What You Can Eat
The 3 Day Diet is a very specific food plan that must be followed precisely. Portions must be eaten exactly as specified and dieters are warned not to overeat -- otherwise the promised 10 pound weight loss may not be achieved. Likewise, dieters should not under-eat, even if they are not hungry. The detailed plan does not mention or recommend any exercise.
The 3 Day Diet meal plan:
Day 1
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1/2 grapefruit or juice
1 piece toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Lunch
1/2 cup tuna
1 piece toast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
Dinner
3 ounces any lean meat or chicken
1 cup green beans
1 cup carrots
1 apple
1 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Day 2
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1 egg
1/2 banana
1 piece toast
Lunch
1 cup cottage cheese or tuna
8 regular saltine crackers
Dinner
2 beef franks
1 cup broccoli or cabbage
1/2 cup carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Day 3
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
5 regular saltine crackers
1 ounce cheddar cheese
1 apple
Lunch
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1 boiled egg
1 piece toast
Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup carrots
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup melon
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
In addition to its strict daily food prescription, dieters drink 4 cups of water or noncaloric drinks daily.
How It Works
By some unspecified magical force, the combination of the suggested foods included in this plan is supposed to create a unique metabolic reaction and boost fat burning.
Without an author or book, there is no documentation or explanation of how the 3 Day Diet food combinations burn fat, increase energy, cleanse the body, or lower cholesterol.
As the name suggests, the 3 Day Diet lasts only three days, though it's said that it can be repeated indefinitely, as long as you alternate with 4-5 days of undefined "normal eating." The purpose of returning to your usual eating style is to keep your metabolism from slowing, reverting to fat-storing, starvation mode.
What the Experts Say
Make no mistake: the 3 Day Diet is not associated with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. "There is no such thing as a Cleveland Clinic diet," says Cindy Moore, director of nutrition therapy at The Cleveland Clinic. "It is an urban legend that is not nutritionally sound, and the only reason it causes weight loss is because it is so low in calories, not because of any food combinations or metabolic reactions."
Following a plan with fewer than 1,000 calories a day concerns Moore. "The plan yields about 1,000 calories a day which has the ability to lower metabolism so when you revert back to normal eating, you regain weight even quicker."
Moore adds that the diet "sets up a vicious cycle of being hungry during the restrictive three days and most likely overeating on the off days."
And the diet is so monotonous, dieters gladly return to their old eating habits. "What good is it to go back to the old habits that caused the weight gain, without resolving weight issues?" asks Moore. "Hands down, the 3 Day Diet is not conducive to changing habits or encouraging a healthier lifestyle, which are fundamental to weight control," she says.
Because the 3 Day Diet is so low in carbohydrates, it's likely the initial weight loss is primarily water weight, as carbohydrate encourages your body to retain water. As soon as the dieter goes back to consuming a normal amount of carbohydrate, the water weight comes back.
Food for Thought
Experts worry that when dieters can't follow restrictive plans like the 3 Day Diet, they blame themselves and think they've failed.
But "fad diets are not sustainable for any period of time, and it is the reason so many people throw in the towel, feeling frustrated that diets don't work, when in reality it is the diet, not the dieter," Moore says.
Weight loss is possible on the 3 Day Diet, but only because it is very low in calories. Going back to so-called normal eating does little to promote a healthier lifestyle, instead the pattern promotes undesirable yo-yo dieting or an on-again off-again approach to weight management that is not successful long term.
Bottom line: keep looking for a well-balanced weight loss plan that controls calories every day, includes exercise, and allows a wide variety of healthy foods. To lose weight, it is simply not enough to eat a prescribed diet for three days without addressing eating habits that cause weight gain.
Surprisingly surviving the test of time, the 3 Day Diet is another fad diet, dating back to 1985. Copies of the "3 Day Diet" continue to float around cyberspace, promising quick weight loss, cleansing, lower cholesterol, and increased energy. However, no diet book exists to substantiate the science behind the "unique metabolic reaction."
Often mistakenly called The Cleveland Clinic Diet, the 3 Day Diet is a regimented plan that must be followed exactly for three days at a time, followed by normal eating for four or five days before opting to resume the plan again.
Followers of the 3 Day Diet are promised up to a 10 pound weight loss in three days, although realistically, most of that weight is likely due to fluid loss and not the more desirable fat loss. To achieve the proposed loss, exercise is not mentioned in the plan.
What You Can Eat
The 3 Day Diet is a very specific food plan that must be followed precisely. Portions must be eaten exactly as specified and dieters are warned not to overeat -- otherwise the promised 10 pound weight loss may not be achieved. Likewise, dieters should not under-eat, even if they are not hungry. The detailed plan does not mention or recommend any exercise.
The 3 Day Diet meal plan:
Day 1
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1/2 grapefruit or juice
1 piece toast with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Lunch
1/2 cup tuna
1 piece toast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
Dinner
3 ounces any lean meat or chicken
1 cup green beans
1 cup carrots
1 apple
1 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Day 2
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1 egg
1/2 banana
1 piece toast
Lunch
1 cup cottage cheese or tuna
8 regular saltine crackers
Dinner
2 beef franks
1 cup broccoli or cabbage
1/2 cup carrots
1/2 banana
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Day 3
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
5 regular saltine crackers
1 ounce cheddar cheese
1 apple
Lunch
Black coffee or tea, with 1-2 packets Sweet & Low or Equal
1 boiled egg
1 piece toast
Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup carrots
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup melon
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
In addition to its strict daily food prescription, dieters drink 4 cups of water or noncaloric drinks daily.
How It Works
By some unspecified magical force, the combination of the suggested foods included in this plan is supposed to create a unique metabolic reaction and boost fat burning.
Without an author or book, there is no documentation or explanation of how the 3 Day Diet food combinations burn fat, increase energy, cleanse the body, or lower cholesterol.
As the name suggests, the 3 Day Diet lasts only three days, though it's said that it can be repeated indefinitely, as long as you alternate with 4-5 days of undefined "normal eating." The purpose of returning to your usual eating style is to keep your metabolism from slowing, reverting to fat-storing, starvation mode.
What the Experts Say
Make no mistake: the 3 Day Diet is not associated with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. "There is no such thing as a Cleveland Clinic diet," says Cindy Moore, director of nutrition therapy at The Cleveland Clinic. "It is an urban legend that is not nutritionally sound, and the only reason it causes weight loss is because it is so low in calories, not because of any food combinations or metabolic reactions."
Following a plan with fewer than 1,000 calories a day concerns Moore. "The plan yields about 1,000 calories a day which has the ability to lower metabolism so when you revert back to normal eating, you regain weight even quicker."
Moore adds that the diet "sets up a vicious cycle of being hungry during the restrictive three days and most likely overeating on the off days."
And the diet is so monotonous, dieters gladly return to their old eating habits. "What good is it to go back to the old habits that caused the weight gain, without resolving weight issues?" asks Moore. "Hands down, the 3 Day Diet is not conducive to changing habits or encouraging a healthier lifestyle, which are fundamental to weight control," she says.
Because the 3 Day Diet is so low in carbohydrates, it's likely the initial weight loss is primarily water weight, as carbohydrate encourages your body to retain water. As soon as the dieter goes back to consuming a normal amount of carbohydrate, the water weight comes back.
Food for Thought
Experts worry that when dieters can't follow restrictive plans like the 3 Day Diet, they blame themselves and think they've failed.
But "fad diets are not sustainable for any period of time, and it is the reason so many people throw in the towel, feeling frustrated that diets don't work, when in reality it is the diet, not the dieter," Moore says.
Weight loss is possible on the 3 Day Diet, but only because it is very low in calories. Going back to so-called normal eating does little to promote a healthier lifestyle, instead the pattern promotes undesirable yo-yo dieting or an on-again off-again approach to weight management that is not successful long term.
Bottom line: keep looking for a well-balanced weight loss plan that controls calories every day, includes exercise, and allows a wide variety of healthy foods. To lose weight, it is simply not enough to eat a prescribed diet for three days without addressing eating habits that cause weight gain.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
3 Day Diet
Day Diet Plan is used for 3 days at a time. This diet normally used by doctors and military. These diet uses all natural products, no pills or nasty shaky. If you follow the diet correctly you can lose up to 10 lbs. in 3 days and 40 pounds in a month. The 3 day diet focuses on mixing certain types of foods that create a reaction in your digestive system. The chemicals are supposed to boost your metabolism and help you burn fat at a higher rate than usual. After 3 days of dieting, resume eating normally for three to four days, do not overeat. You can start your 3 day diet back anytime if you like.
It is a calorie diet, your weight will be reduced fast as long as you eat the same amount of calories in any type of food. If you feel bored with the food, do replace them with the food with the same calorie value anytime you like. This is to ensure that 3 Days Diet will forever be interesting to us.
The Diet does not provide medical information and if you are at any medical risk in undertaking a diet such as this, please check with your doctor before undertaking it.
Instructions:
Drink 4 glasses of water or diet soda per day. For additional flavoring you can add herbs, soy sauce, lemon, salt and pepper, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and ketchup to your foods.
3 Day Diet Menu Plan
First Day of "3 Day Diet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
1 banana
1 slice toast with 1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
Lunch
1/2 Cup of Tuna
1 slice toast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
2 beef franks or hot dogs
1/2 cup carrots
1 banana
1 cup broccoli or cabbage
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Second Day of "3DayDiet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
1 egg (any style)
1/2 Grapefruit or juice
1 slice of toast
Lunch
1 hard boiled egg
1 slice toast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
3 oz. any lean meat
1 cup green beans
1 cup carrots
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 medium apple
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Third Day of "3 Day Diet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
5 regular saltine crackers
1 oz. (slice) cheddar cheese
1 apple
Lunch
1 cup cottage cheese or tuna
5 saltine crackers
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup carrots
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup melon
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Expected Benefits derive from 3daysdiet plan:
1. Increased energy
2. Weight loss
3. Healthy skin
4. Enhanced sexual drive
5. Reduced allergies
It is a calorie diet, your weight will be reduced fast as long as you eat the same amount of calories in any type of food. If you feel bored with the food, do replace them with the food with the same calorie value anytime you like. This is to ensure that 3 Days Diet will forever be interesting to us.
The Diet does not provide medical information and if you are at any medical risk in undertaking a diet such as this, please check with your doctor before undertaking it.
Instructions:
Drink 4 glasses of water or diet soda per day. For additional flavoring you can add herbs, soy sauce, lemon, salt and pepper, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and ketchup to your foods.
3 Day Diet Menu Plan
First Day of "3 Day Diet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
1 banana
1 slice toast with 1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
Lunch
1/2 Cup of Tuna
1 slice toast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
2 beef franks or hot dogs
1/2 cup carrots
1 banana
1 cup broccoli or cabbage
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Second Day of "3DayDiet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
1 egg (any style)
1/2 Grapefruit or juice
1 slice of toast
Lunch
1 hard boiled egg
1 slice toast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
3 oz. any lean meat
1 cup green beans
1 cup carrots
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 medium apple
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Third Day of "3 Day Diet"
Breakfast
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
5 regular saltine crackers
1 oz. (slice) cheddar cheese
1 apple
Lunch
1 cup cottage cheese or tuna
5 saltine crackers
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Dinner
1 cup tuna
1 cup carrots
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup melon
1/2 cup regular vanilla ice cream
Black coffee or tea (Sweet & Low or Equal) or water
Expected Benefits derive from 3daysdiet plan:
1. Increased energy
2. Weight loss
3. Healthy skin
4. Enhanced sexual drive
5. Reduced allergies
Friday, April 17, 2009
Should obese passengers pay for 2 seats on airplanes?
April 16, 2009
Posted: 04:53 PM ET
FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:
Obese passengers might soon have to buy two tickets to fly on United Airlines. The company says “for the comfort and well-being” of all their customers, they have a new policy for passengers who:
- Can’t fit into a single seat
- Can’t properly buckle the seat belt using an extender
- Can’t put the seat’s armrests down when seated
If there are extra seats available, the passenger will be moved next to an empty seat at no charge. But if the flight is full, they either have to buy an upgrade to business or first class where the seats are bigger or change to another flight and buy a second seat.
United says they decided to adopt the policy after getting more than 700 complaints last year from passengers who didn’t have a comfortable flight because the person next to them quote “infringed on their seat.”
Some wonder how the airline can enforce such measures fairly. The spokesman for the Obesity Action Coalition says the policy “perpetuates that negative stigma that’s already associated with obesity” and that airline seats already “could use a few extra inches of room on all sides.”
But United isn’t the first to charge extra for overweight passengers… in fact, now they’re on the same page as the other five biggest U.S. carriers. This is something that presumably could affect millions of people when you consider that about one-third of Americans are obese — that’s double the rate from 30 years ago.
Here’s my question to you: Should obese passengers have to pay for two seats when they fly?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Rebecca from South Carolina writes:
They should pay for the space they occupy. If a person is so large that he spills over beyond a single seat, he should not expect the non-obese person beside him to give up a part of the seat he has paid for. Occupying another person’s seat is a kind of theft.
Jack from Lancaster, Ohio writes:
Jack, The real cost of flying should be based on weight anyway. For years, I thought those who trundled to the counter with a ton of bags were really pushing the limit. Eventually there were additional charges for extra baggage. We should fly by the pound.
Randy writes:
As an obese person, I agree with this policy. My doctor just told me to lose weight. This is a great incentive to lay off that extra portion. It is literally something I can live with.
James writes:
Twice as big = twice the fare. It’s very fair.
Peter writes:
Sitting next to an over-sized passenger who overflows his or her seat space into the space you’ve paid for is wrong. Buying an airline ticket is like renting an apartment: You pay for the right to use that space and the services that come with it for a period of time, just as your neighbors have. When you rent an apartment, it doesn’t matter if you have a family of eight and the neighbor is a single guy, you don’t get to move into your neighbor’s living room.
Stephanie writes:
It’s a matter of physics and economics, not fat. If I have paid for a seat on an airline or bus, that square footage has been sold and is not available for the duration of travel - and I’m not obligated to share or donate.
McCarlson writes:
If I can fit me and my wife in just one seat, can we get 50% off?
Filed under: Airlines • Obesity
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
Keywords: linseed, laxative, cholesterol, alpha-linolenic acid, hot flashes, heart disease, osteoporosis
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about flaxseed and flaxseed oil—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.
Common Names—flaxseed, linseed
Latin Names—Linum usitatissimum
What It Is Used For
Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
How It Is Used
Whole or crushed flaxseed can be mixed with water or juice and taken by mouth. Flaxseed is also available in powder form. Flaxseed oil is available in liquid and capsule form. Flaxseed contains lignans (phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens), while flaxseed oil preparations lack lignans.
What the Science Says
Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and is an effective laxative.
Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results.
Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies have looked at the effects of flaxseed on high cholesterol levels, as well as its possible role in preventing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Side Effects and Cautions
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage.
The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES!!
”Bad habits are like a comfortable bed. Easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”
”The difficulties we experience always illuminate the lessons we need most.”
“If you want a place in the sun, you have to expect some blisters.”
What your fingernails can tell you
Unless you're a manicure junkie, you may not give your nails much thought, beyond the occasional clip-and-file. They click across a keyboard, scratch an itchy back, get trimmed short or worn long and adorned. At their root, though, nails serve a few purposes: to protect and support the fingers and toes, to help us pick up and grip objects, and to assist in sensing fine touch. Our nails can also be like little windows to our health, revealing underlying conditions or temporary traumas and infections.
Healthy nails are appealing to the eye. Changes to the surface or shape of your nail can mean different things. Some changes are harmless, while others indicate something more serious:
Brittleness: It's rare that brittle, breakable nails can be blamed on anything internal like a vitamin deficiency. No, the biggest reason why nails split, peel, and break easily is too little or too much moisture. Soft, brittle nails may get too much moisture, perhaps from lotions, nail polish removers, or cleaning fluids. Dry, brittle nails don't get enough moisture, like during the low-humidity months of winter or if you wash and dry your hands very often.
Pits, ridges and lines: A dented, pitted surface can indicate a problem like the skin condition psoriasis or a fungal infection. Vertical ridges across the nail surface are common as we age, but deep, horizontal grooves (known as Beau's lines) may develop. Usually due to trauma or some interruption of the nail growth cycle, the lines will eventually disappear as the nail grows.
Spooned tips: Someone with an iron deficiency may have nails shaped more like spoons - concave and scooped up at the tips.
Nails in the pink of health will have an even, consistent colour and smooth surface. Nails may change colour when you take certain medications, but like changes to the surface, shifts in nail colour can point to potential problems:
White: Most people will have white spots and marks on their nails at one time or another. Not to worry: White spots are usually just signs of minor trauma or injury to the nail. If there are many spots and you have no recollection of injuring the nails, check with a dermatologist, since this may suggest infection. White can occasionally be a sign of something much more serious: Horizontal white lines can appear in severe arsenic poisoning, fully white nails are linked to cirrhosis of the liver, and nails that are half-white and half-pink may indicate kidney failure.
Yellow: Notice your nails looking a bit yellow? Have you recently painted your nails with dark nail polish? Ingredients in many nail polishes can temporarily stain the nails yellow. If this is the case, simply stop using the polish and the discoloured portion of your nail should soon grow out and disappear. Otherwise, yellow nails can be blamed on aging, some types of bacterial infection, lung disease, build-up of lymphatic fluid in tissues, psoriasis, or diabetes.
Brown or black: Slam your fingertips in a drawer hard enough, and you'll likely see a bruise form beneath the nail. Hematomas, those brown or black spots that pop up after an injury, are nothing to worry about. As your nail grows out, the hematoma will grow away with it. On the other hand, if you notice that a dark spot does not grow out with the nail, this could be a tumour beneath the nail. The nails of dark-skinned people may bear brown-black lines extending from the base of the nail to the tip. If the same things appear in someone with lighter skin, they should get it checked out by a doctor - it can be caused by moles or, possibly, skin cancer.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Feast your eyes on this
You've hopefully chosen to eat healthier for better cardiovascular health, improved mood and concentration, or to cut your cancer risk, but your eyes require certain nutrients to properly function, just like any other part of your body. Like the rest of your body, your eyes age and can be affected by your lifestyle choices and behaviours.
Your eyes are no stranger to the wear-and-tear of the normal aging process. In fact, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in older people. As a part of the eye called the macula (the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details) deteriorates over time, the vision can blur and become less clear.
Other eye conditions that are more likely to occur as you get older include cataracts (a clouding over the lens of the eye) and glaucoma (increased eye pressure that damages the nerves in the eye). People with diabetes may develop diabetic retinopathy, which involves changes in the blood vessels that deprive the retina of oxygen.
You may have heard that carrots are good for your eyes, but are there other foods you can add to your diet to support healthy vision?
Foods packed with antioxidants help to protect your eyes from oxidative damage. By eating green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, turnip and collard greens, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, you'll feed your eyes hearty helpings of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two eye-friendly antioxidants have been linked to a decreased risk of cataracts.
Greens supply potent antioxidants and are a healthy addition to any diet, but they're not the only tasty lutein source. In one study, the lutein in lutein-enriched eggs was found to be more available for the body to use than the lutein in spinach. If you're egg-shy because of cholesterol concerns, talk to your doctor first before increasing your egg diet.
Eating 3 or more servings of fruits per day may protect you from a more serious form of macular degeneration. Neovascular AMD, also known as "wet" macular degeneration, often progresses rapidly and leads to greater vision loss than the "dry" form of the disorder.
Get into the swim and go nuts because the specific types of fat in fish and nuts have proven to be protective against the progression of age-related eye problems. High intake of dark meat (high in omega-3 fats) fish, like salmon, sardines, or mackerel, was especially helpful against cataract formation and AMD.
When it comes to carbohydrates and eye health, it's what you don't eat that matters. Some kinds of carbs break down very quickly after you eat them and are distributed through your body as glucose. These quick-release carbs are high on what's called the glycemic index and include foods like white bread, baked potatoes, popcorn, pure sugar, and watermelon. By reducing your intake of these kinds of carbs, you may also reduce your risk of AMD.
And what about carrots? Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a nutrient our bodies convert to vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy vision. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and is the leading cause of blindness in children worldwide. If you eat plenty of colourful fruits and veggies, you should get all the beta-carotene you need. And eating tons of carrots won't improve your vision if you're already eating a healthy diet with sufficient vitamin A - it would just eventually turn your skin a yellowish orange!
Keep an eye on your total health. Strive to eat a nutritious and varied diet to avoid cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other risks that might threaten the health of your eyes.
Exceptional eggs
Much has been written about eggs that has cast doubt on their nutritional value. As a result, most people are not aware of what is true and what is not. Misconceptions abound: are they healthy? How many daily servings are recommended? Who should avoid eating them? And probably the most common: will eating them increase my blood cholesterol levels?
While it is proven that eggs do contain a significant amount of dietary cholesterol, there also still remains a plethora of misinformation regarding eggs' true nutritional value, which has prevented many from enjoying them as part of a healthy diet.
Is there a limit to how many eggs I can eat a week?
Health Canada does not have a specific daily limit on dietary cholesterol. It recommends that you consume as little as possible while still maintaining your daily nutritional intake. Considering that one egg yolk contains around 215 mg of cholesterol, a two-egg omelette would contribute a significant amount of cholesterol to your day's consumption. But before you do away with omelettes, soufflés, and the like, consider that only a small amount of cholesterol in food will actually work its way into the bloodstream.
Studies show that saturated and trans fats are the real culprits behind elevated levels of blood LDL (bad) cholesterol. In fact, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada stresses the importance of limiting foods containing trans and saturated fats, over limiting dietary cholesterol, since foods containing trans and saturated fat raises your blood cholesterol the most. Worth noting, eggs contain little saturated fats and no trans fats, and the cholesterol that comes from eggs is from the egg yolk; egg whites have no cholesterol.
What is the link between eggs and heart disease?
While it is true that elevated LDL blood cholesterol levels do cause the hardening of arteries, a factor associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), studies have consistently shown that there is no definite linkage between egg intake and CHD in healthy people. One study from 1999 looked at the egg consumption of 117,000 nurses and health professionals over a 14-year period and found that eating up to one egg a day did not increase the risk for CHD.
A more recent study, published in this month's issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, followed 21,327 male physicians over a 20-year period and found that consuming eggs, even up to 6 a week, was not linked with a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
It is important to note that the same research does draw a link between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease risk for men who have diabetes. Those who ate 7 or more eggs a week had double the risk for death (most likely from heart disease) than those who consumed less than one egg a week.
What are the nutritional values of eggs?
Eggs are a good source of 11 nutrients that include folate, riboflavin, selenium, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. Eggs are also an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that is necessary for nerve and brain development. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding require increased intake of choline.
Eggs are one of the few whole foods that contain vitamin D, a nutrient that is important in maintaining optimal bone health. Eggs are also rich in lutein, an antioxidant that can protect against the development of age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.
Additionally, studies have shown that lutein intake may actually reduce the risk for CHD by minimizing the formation of plaque on the artery walls. Moreover, research has demonstrated that eggs enriched with omega-3 from fish oil helps lower triglyceride levels - fats found in the bloodstream that is linked to CHD.
Eggs are also an excellent source of high-quality protein. They contain all the essential amino acids needed by the body to build valuable proteins. Eggs also provide a greater amount of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA), the amino acids that regulate muscle growth and control the release of insulin. Leucine, a BCAA, was found to help to reduce loss of muscle tissue, promote loss of body fat, and stabilize blood glucose levels. Researchers explain that eating high-quality protein, especially at breakfast, seems to be the key to long-term weight loss and maintenance.
When looked at as a whole food and not merely as a source of dietary cholesterol, the positive benefits associated with eggs being a part of a healthy diet are overwhelming. As research attributing egg consumption to CHD is lacking, one whole egg a day seems safe and beneficial.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor or dietitian about your concerns of eating eggs. If you are still worried about the amount of dietary cholesterol in eggs or the role it may play in increasing levels of blood cholesterol, consider enjoying your eggs without the yolk.
Calcium quick facts
What is it?
Calcium is a mineral found in food that is essential for building strong bones and teeth.
Why do we need it?
Not only does calcium maintain bone and teeth integrity, it also helps to protect the brain, heart and lungs, maintain the function of muscles and nerves, and is essential during locomotion and blood clotting.
Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to eat foods high in calcium to avoid low calcium levels. Do not take calcium supplements without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as some medications and calcium should not be mixed. Your health care professional may recommend that you take a vitamin D supplement as well.
How much do we need?
The recommended daily allowance for both males and females 19 to 50 years old is 1000 mg.
Where is it found?
Foods high in calcium (75-200 mg per serving) include:
Fruit
½ cup fortified orange juice
Vegetables
½ cup cooked spinach
½ cup bok choy
½ cup cooked kale
Dairy
½ cup nonfat milk
¼ cup nonfat yogurt
½ oz nonfat cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup pudding
1 cup frozen yogurt
½ cup light ice cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Bread & grains
1 cup fortified cereal
Meat & meat alternatives
1 cup black beans
1 cup navy beans
3 oz canned salmon with bones
3 oz oysters
4 medium sardines
Other
2 oz almonds
Get to know fennel
What is it? Fennel is a tall, hardy plant with stocky bulbs, hollow stems, and feathered, lacy fronds. It originated along the shores of the Mediterranean and belongs to the same botanical family as parsley, carrots, dill, and coriander. Fennel also has something in common with the more powerfully flavoured anise and star anise: all contain anethole, the compound that lends each plant a distinctive licorice-like flavour. You can generally find it in the market near the celery, often with the feathered fronds lopped off.
What is it good for? One cup of fennel provides good portions of your recommended daily intake of fibre, folate, and potassium.Fennel contains nearly 20% of the vitamin C you need each day, too. In laboratory studies, the compound that gives fennel its licorice taste also gave it the potential to fight inflammation and the formation of cancer cells.
What does it taste like? As mentioned above, fennel tastes like a cross between celery and black licorice. But don't wince! It's actually much mellower than it sounds. And considering the whole fennel plant is edible, it's a versatile vegetable to keep around throughout its peak seasons (autumn to early spring). You can chop the heavy, white bulb and add it raw to a salad for a slightly sweet crunch. Or you can braise it, sauté it, grill it, or roast it. No matter which way you cook the bulb, its crispy texture will soften and its flavour will mellow. To slice the bulbs, stand the vegetable on end and cut vertically. Treat the crisp, hollow stalks the same way you would celery, adding them to soups and stews or enjoying them raw with veggie dip. And the wispy fennel fronds can be chopped up like a herb and added as a garnish. It's a little harder to find fennel seeds, since they're usually not included with the type of bulb fennel you find in markets. If you do find some, toss the aromatic, anise-flavoured seeds into tomato sauces or use them as a seasoning for meat or fish.
How do I decide what food choices are healthy?
Grocery stores are great because they contain everything you need in one convenient location, are set up as long aisles for easy maneuvering, and even have speedy checkout.
But with so many food choices at the grocery store, how do we know which ones are good ones? The key to making great choices involves planning and knowing what to look for when you are planning for meal times. There are some easy ways to make sure you are picking out foods that provide the best nutritional value for you and your loved ones.
You can never go wrong heading to the produce area - fresh fruits and vegetables are always good for you.
Always buy breads and pasta that contain whole grain or whole wheat blends instead of enriched or bleached flour mixtures.
Avoid soft drinks and replace them with water, milk, low-sugar juices, and herbal teas.
Choose low-fat dressings and condiments. These contain a lot of sugar and additives that are unhealthy.
Some cooking oils are better than others. Walnut, canola, and olive oil are very good alternatives to vegetable and fat oils.
Avoid processed foods and meats that contain high fat and preservatives. Canned meats, spaghetti, and ravioli products have high sodium, fat, and other additives that are unhealthy.
Avoid frozen pizzas, frozen dinners, and other frozen entrees.
High protein diets - are they safe?
There are many diets that are now in the popular mainstream again as diet alternatives. These include low-carbohydrate and high-protein diets such as the Zone, Dr Atkins, Dr Stillman, and more.
These diets are controversial in nature, as many health studies question their effectiveness and the health risks that are involved. The American Heart Association (AHA) has completed extensive research on the effects of adhering to these types of diets.
While a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may be okay for body building and endurance training, the AHA reported that most Americans already consume more than enough protein that the body requires.
Some of the health risks that have been found in the studies are as follows:
High protein foods increase uric acid levels and cause gout, a form of arthritis.
Increased risk of diabetes and sometimes cancer often spread in progression as the kidneys must work too hard to work off the high protein amounts, which could lead to kidney failure.
Saturated fat consumed in the diet and limiting the amount of carbohydrates may also be linked to raised blood pressure levels.
Vitamin, minerals, and fibre deficiencies can lead to adverse health effects if they are not consumed in the body.
Some of the side effects caused by partaking in this type of diet are nausea, bad breath, and lightheadedness.
Healthy complex carbohydrates that protect against diseases such as heart disease and cancers are not consumed as part of the diet, which makes people more susceptible and at risk.
Gluten allergy - no bread, no beer!
Confession time, folks: I am now, and I've always been, a celiac, and for those who just muttered, "I knew he was a weirdo," I must tell you that although my family agrees with you, a celiac is not always a weirdo. Rather, it's someone allergic to gluten, a protein found in certain grains including, unfortunately, wheat, rye, and barley. (There's controversy about oats and buckwheat, so I've always avoided those grains, too.)
Many of you will instantly realize that to avoid gluten-containing grains, you must not eat bread, pastry, pasta, and cookies (unless they're made of flour from "safe" grains, such as rice, corn, or (uk!) soy). But what you may not realize until a sad but wise celiac tells you is that other foods that often contain gluten include beer (in Canada, beer is a food!), soy sauce, ice cream, sauces, soups, luncheon meats, and many others, because wheat flour is often used as a "filler" - the industry spin word is "extender" - in such products.
Happily, most celiacs get away with eating "glutenous" foods occasionally (although some are so sensitive that even a bit of cheating leads to problems). But what should keep all celiacs toeing the line as much as possible is this: symptoms (usually related to the gut - diarrhea, cramps, and so on) can recur at any time and be severe; the gut can be so stripped of its lining in response to a continued gluten assault that the celiac doesn't absorb nutrients and thus becomes anemic or even more sick; and, (the one that really keeps me in line) untreated celiac disease is related to a higher risk of small bowel cancers (lymphomas) that have a poor prognosis.
And here's the real kicker today: a study found that one in 150 North Americans is a celiac. Further, because symptoms can be quite vague - fatigue, failure to grow, and so on - and because many doctors don't often think of celiac disease, celiacs often have the condition for (gulp!) 12 to 14 years before it's diagnosed. So if you have symptoms that have defied analysis, it's worth mentioning this possibility to your MD.
By the way, I wasn't diagnosed until my mid-twenties, and I've long been sure that if my parents had had me diagnosed earlier, I'd now be 6' 10' instead of 5' 6", although I must say that my 5' 2" dad and 5' 1" mom never agreed with me.
Give me five...heartburn triggers to avoid
Leery of being visited by that old flame, heartburn? Meet the fiery five - lifestyle and diet factors to avoid if you don't want to get burned.
Super-sized meals
We're not just talking about the mega-meals from fast food restaurants (though those don't help heartburn either). When you gobble down too much food at one sitting, you overwork your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the gate between your gullet and your gut. An overworked LES is like a gate with broken hinges, and it has a tough time keeping out what shouldn't come back up into your esophagus - namely, stomach acid.
Post-meal naps
Sprawling out in a post-meal food coma does your digestive system no favours. But gravity does. Gravity is your friend. It keeps food moving down in the direction of your stomach and your intestines. Sit up for a while after chowing down. To keep the burn from getting into bed with you, elevate the head of your bed about 10 cm.
Trigger foods and drinks
Among the foods most likely to set the heartburn fires a-burning are the terrible ten: high-fat foods, spicy foods, garlic, French fries, onions, mint, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and chocolate. Some of the most fun food around, right? If you can't completely cut out the triggers, at least aim for moderation.
Cigarette smoking
As if you needed another reason to quit smoking! Just like when you eat too quickly or too much at once, cigarette smoking damages the LES. Also, smoking can cause dry mouth, depriving you of a powerful acid fighter - saliva.
Alcohol
Alcohol wreaks all sorts of havoc on the LES and on the rest of the digestive system. Relaxing the LES, churning up stomach acids, disrupting the normal rhythm of swallowing, alcohol is a literal cocktail of heartburn triggers.
Cancer risk and your taste buds
How do we taste things?
Is it possible that the sensitivity of your taste buds may determine how likely you are to get cancer? Although it sounds too strange to be true, this is exactly what some researchers are finding.
It used to be thought that taste perception could be mapped on your tongue: sweet was perceived at the tip, sour at either side, bitter at the back, and salty in the middle. Recent research, however, has indicated that this is incorrect. By cutting the taste nerves that go to the front of the tongue, one would expect a loss in the ability to taste sweet foods. But this doesn't happen. The reason is because taste nerves "talk" to each other. When one is stimulated, it shuts the others down. In other words, cutting a nerve no longer inhibits the other taste nerves, so taste experiences continue.
Supertasters avoid bitter foods that may reduce cancer risk
Our ability to taste, particularly bitter foods, seems to be genetically determined. About 25% of the population (more women than men) are supertasters. Supertasters have 4 times as many tastebuds as nontasters. In these people, the taste nerves (papillae) are densely packed on the tongue, and they are very sensitive to bitter tastes. This means that supertasters don't like to eat bitter-tasting foods like dark breads, some fats, tart citrus fruit, coffee, and certain vegetables.
However, it turns out that bitter-tasting foods like cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruits tend to contain ingredients that may reduce the risk of cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables belong to the cabbage family and include:
broccoli
cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Swiss chard
watercress
radishes
kohlrabi
rutabagas
turnips
bok choy
arugula
collards
mustard greens
kale
They contain cancer-fighting antioxidants like vitamin C, as well as phytochemicals, which often act like antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial because they "mop up" harmful free radicals that can cause cell or genetic damage that can eventually lead to cancer.
Cruciferous foods also contain plenty of fibre, which can keep foods moving efficiently through the intestines, giving cancer-causing substances less time to cause damage.
So, how do supertasters deal with bitter-tasting foods? Often, they try to mask the bitter taste, perhaps by putting a rich cheese sauce on broccoli, or cream and sugar in coffee. This means they could be eating a lot more fat which, in turn, may increase their cancer risk.
Nontasters like bitter foods and alcohol
At the other end of the taste spectrum are the nontasters, who comprise about 25% of the population. These people have very weak tastebuds, so they like foods with strong flavours - either really sweet or really bitter. However, even though nontasters may enjoy the taste of bitter foods like the cruciferous vegetables, they tend to have problems with alcoholism. Alcohol can be bitter, even irritating to the tongue, a sensation that nontasters don't mind.
Research on supertasters and nontasters may eventually result in some different nutrition recommendations for reducing the risk of disease. Currently, nutrition recommendations for reducing the risk of cancer include eating plenty of fibre, eating less fat, choosing a wide variety of foods, and including plenty of fruits and vegetables. One day, recommendations may include determining if you are a supertaster or a nontaster, and developing specific eating tips for each group.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has generated a great deal of discussion and ensuing research in recent years due to its presumed ability to act as a natural home remedy to a long list of ailments.
How it all started
ACV is produced when apple juice is fermented first to alcohol (making wine) and then to acetic acid (making vinegar). And ever since the Babylonians first converted wine into vinegar in 5,000 BCE, many have revered vinegar for its presumed healing qualities. Even today's avid supporters claim that ACV can cure arthritis, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent cancer, and assist in digestion and weight management.
Although first documented for its medicinal purposes by Hippocrates, vinegar did not receive considerable focus from the medical community until the publication of a book entitled Folk Medicine in 1958 by a notable Vermont doctor, DC Jarvis. While his claims that Vermonters used ACV to treat migraine headaches, diabetes, chronic fatigue, arthritis, and a variety of other ailments drew some applause, most within the scientific community were skeptical and cautious about Dr. Jarvis' claims.
Dr. Jarvis' supporters claim that ACV contains minerals and trace amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine. They also suggest that ACV can attribute its healing qualities to its vitamin content of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and the provitamin beta-carotene.
These claims cannot be further from the truth. In fact, a nutritional analysis of one tablespoon reveals that ACV contains minuscule amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus, a mere 15 mg of potassium, and absolutely no fibre or vitamins.
ACV supporters rebut this analysis with claims that ACV loses its nutritional value when it is pasteurized. They suggest consuming only the organic and unpasteurized version, in which no chemicals or preservatives have been added and, as such, maintains what is called the "mother" - the cobweb-like floating substance that contains all the nutritional health value.
Apart from these initial nutritional analyses, a limited number of crucial studies have been more recently published that focused specifically on the efficacy of ACV as a healing agent. And what has acquired the most attention with the most promising results are studies on ACV and the role it may play in regulating blood glucose levels and limiting weight gain.
Does it lower cholesterol?
Results from a 2006 study conducted using rat models showed that vinegar may potentially lower cholesterol levels. This reduction in "bad" cholesterol is thought to be attributed to the way in which the soluble fibre, pectin, found in ACV, binds cholesterol and removes it from the body as it passes through the digestion system. It is yet to be proven that these reductions are also seen in humans.
Does it regulate blood glucose levels?
Several studies have shown that taking vinegar before a meal may help lower post-meal glucose levels by delaying gastric emptying. Specifically, two 2007 studies concluded that two tablespoons of AVC supplementation can lower blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes.
These results, although showing potential, have raised some concerns that ACV supplementation may prove to be disadvantageous to people with diabetes because they may have less control over their blood sugar levels. Where the advantage of ACV supplementation may be realized is in healthy individuals who are looking to control their weight.
Does it limit weight gain?
Results of a 2005 study may provide the first scientific evidence to substantiate the thousand-years-old belief that ACV may be an effective weight loss supplement. The 12-person study found that the participants who consumed vinegar diluted in water with a piece of white bread containing 50 g of available carbohydrate had a "significantly lowered" blood glucose response, and these participants felt fuller and more satisfied than those who ate the bread alone.
Beyond touting the potential benefits of ACV, it is necessary to mention possible side effects associated with using ACV as a supplement. Due to its acidity, ACV can be caustic and may even burn the esophagus if not properly diluted, and long-term risks may include decreased potassium levels or diminished bone mineral density.
With its recent comeback in popularity, ACV is once again the focus of both natural health practitioners and clinical researchers. At this point, however, there is little scientific evidence to support its medicinal qualities, and further studies are needed to support claims of its therapeutic benefits.
Until there is conclusive evidence about the health benefits of ACV, it is better to stick with proven treatment methods for your medical conditions.
Study: Obesity and ADHD linked
Obese adults who find themselves on the losing side of the battle of the bulge could also be suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to a new Canadian study.
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto set out to determine whether the condition plays a role in why some obese people have such a hard time sticking to weight loss programs.
"A substantial number of obese clients exhibited consistent difficulty keeping an accurate diet record, planning and preparing meals, eating regularly, and maintaining an exercise schedule. While there are numerous explanations for such behaviour, we began to consider the possibility that perhaps, for some, it might be related to an underlying neurological condition; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder," speculated researchers J.P. Fleming and colleagues in a study published in the journal Eating and Weight Disorders.
In order to test the theory, the researchers administered a series of standardized ADHD tests to 75 women who had been referred to an obesity clinic. The women had an average age of about 40 and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of about 43, which is considered severely obese. The tests included a rating of current ADHD symptoms as well as a retrospective self-report of symptoms experienced during childhood.
When comparing the results to those of the general population, the researchers found that 26.6% of the obese subjects could be classified as having ADHD. Among the general population, 3% to 5% of adults are considered to have the condition, which is characterized by an inability to focus or concentrate on tasks, impulsive behaviour, difficulty with social relationships, disorganization, fluctuating mood, and poor work performance. In children, the condition is often coupled with hyperactivity, though this is less common when ADHD occurs in adults.
"While the current study does not allow us to ascertain the cause of the deficit, it is striking that a very high percentage of this sample of severely obese women report very substantial problems with the set of symptoms that we classify as reflecting ADHD," wrote the researchers.
Noting that their research was limited by the lack of a control group and by the fact that the diagnosis of ADHD was established using self reports, the researchers said further research needs to be done to explore the link between obesity and ADHD.
"It is well established that both adults and children with ADHD have very high rates of comorbid disorders including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and substance abuse. … It is possible that in the same way that ADHD undermines the regulation of emotions, sleep, and moderate alcohol use, it may disrupt dietary regulation."
The authors also speculated that the high rates of symptoms related to ADHD could also be caused by other factors, such as depression or a sleep disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder vs. addiction
I have a bit of a problem with the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder or ADHD. No doubt, this is a serious condition afflicting some children, adolescents, and adults, making their life hell. For this carefully diagnosed group of people, treatment of their ADHD using behavioural therapy with or without medications allows them to participate in school, social, and work activities they might otherwise be denied.
But there seems to be a growing group of newly-labeled ADHDs, treated by well-meaning, but either overzealous or undertrained therapists, for a condition they don't have, some with potentially dangerous medication they don't need. These misdiagnosed people might instead have addictions, mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, stress-related conditions, or they could just be at the edge of normal.
Working many years in the field of addiction medicine has, no doubt, caused me to become biased. Almost every patient I assess for addictions has traits of ADHD. Not only has alcohol or other drug use caused these symptoms through toxic effects on the nervous system, but also the people most prone to addictive disorders often demonstrate many symptoms of ADHD prior to their use of addictive drugs. In Alcoholics Anonymous, they describe themselves as "restless, irritable, and discontented," and that's while sober. They are unable to comfort themselves. The reason drugs (or sex, gambling, compulsive eating) are so rewarding is because they work - at least for a while. These drugs and activities stimulate the reward centre of the brain to release dopamine, bringing temporary relief. But then, eventually, the chemical solution becomes an even bigger problem. Most people with substance use disorders and other addictions do not have ADHD. They have addiction. Treatment is not Ritalin®* or speed (although many of my patients certainly used and abused these drugs). Treatment consists of learning how to live better without chemistry.
People with addictions pass on to their offspring, through poorly understood but well documented genetic transmission, the vulnerability or susceptibility to substance-use disorders. Their kids behave in ways one would expect of a person with a central nervous system at increased risk of addiction: reduced hedonic tone, increased irritability, and restlessness. It is more difficult for them to comfort themselves. Do these people need assessment? Yes. Do they need treatment for ADHD? No. For them, effective treatment consists of learning effective ways to comfort themselves and to handle stressful situations without turning to the drugs that caused serious problems.
To further confuse things, current research findings are being held up to support completely opposite conclusions. Dr. Joseph Biederman, a Harvard professor claims that treatment of childhood ADHD with stimulants provides protection from later drug addictions. Yet Dr. Nadine Lambert, a Berkeley professor uses her 20-year longitudinal study following 500 children into adulthood to show that those treated with stimulants were more likely to smoke cigarettes and become addicted to stimulants such as cocaine.
Diagnosis of ADHD
Read the following list of the criteria from the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association and see if you share my concerns. If you are a parent of small children, you will probably recognize in the following a description of at least one of your kids:
Attention: (6 symptoms needed)
often fails to pay close attention, makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other work
often has difficulty sustaining attention
often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties
often has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as homework)
often loses things
is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity (6 symptoms needed)
often fidgets or squirms
often leaves seat in classroom or other place where remaining seated is expected
often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
often talks excessively
Impulsivity
often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
often has difficulty awaiting turn
often interrupts or intrudes on others
In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, training and experience in a wide variety of behavioural, emotional, and psychiatric disorders is required. Virtually all of the criteria are demonstrated to some extent in virtually all kids. Clinical expertise is needed to determine when the patient has a significant disorder in need of therapeutic intervention or whether they lie within the continuum of normalcy requiring more effective methods of parenting and teaching.
Again, for those truly disabled with this disorder, there is help. I refer you to the ADHD articles by psychiatrist Margaret Weiss. But there are a growing number of unhappy and mislabeled folks whose inclusion under this diagnosis at best trivializes a serious condition and at worst exposes them to ineffective therapies and potentially dangerous medications while keeping them from the treatment they need.
So, what's the take home message here?
If you or your child are unhappy, restless, distracted, have trouble finishing tasks, or have a short attention span, by all means get a good assessment. If you go to a clinician or counsellor who has limited training but "specializes" in this particular disorder, you will probably get labeled with this currently popular diagnosis. So choose a recognized mental health professional who will perform a thorough assessment for ADHD but will also rule out mental illness such as mood disorders, substance-use disorders, and stress-related problems. They can then suggest the most effective treatment for the diagnosed condition. Or they might reassure you about symptoms that are simply on one end of the range of normal.
But there seems to be a growing group of newly-labeled ADHDs, treated by well-meaning, but either overzealous or undertrained therapists, for a condition they don't have, some with potentially dangerous medication they don't need. These misdiagnosed people might instead have addictions, mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder, stress-related conditions, or they could just be at the edge of normal.
Working many years in the field of addiction medicine has, no doubt, caused me to become biased. Almost every patient I assess for addictions has traits of ADHD. Not only has alcohol or other drug use caused these symptoms through toxic effects on the nervous system, but also the people most prone to addictive disorders often demonstrate many symptoms of ADHD prior to their use of addictive drugs. In Alcoholics Anonymous, they describe themselves as "restless, irritable, and discontented," and that's while sober. They are unable to comfort themselves. The reason drugs (or sex, gambling, compulsive eating) are so rewarding is because they work - at least for a while. These drugs and activities stimulate the reward centre of the brain to release dopamine, bringing temporary relief. But then, eventually, the chemical solution becomes an even bigger problem. Most people with substance use disorders and other addictions do not have ADHD. They have addiction. Treatment is not Ritalin®* or speed (although many of my patients certainly used and abused these drugs). Treatment consists of learning how to live better without chemistry.
People with addictions pass on to their offspring, through poorly understood but well documented genetic transmission, the vulnerability or susceptibility to substance-use disorders. Their kids behave in ways one would expect of a person with a central nervous system at increased risk of addiction: reduced hedonic tone, increased irritability, and restlessness. It is more difficult for them to comfort themselves. Do these people need assessment? Yes. Do they need treatment for ADHD? No. For them, effective treatment consists of learning effective ways to comfort themselves and to handle stressful situations without turning to the drugs that caused serious problems.
To further confuse things, current research findings are being held up to support completely opposite conclusions. Dr. Joseph Biederman, a Harvard professor claims that treatment of childhood ADHD with stimulants provides protection from later drug addictions. Yet Dr. Nadine Lambert, a Berkeley professor uses her 20-year longitudinal study following 500 children into adulthood to show that those treated with stimulants were more likely to smoke cigarettes and become addicted to stimulants such as cocaine.
Diagnosis of ADHD
Read the following list of the criteria from the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association and see if you share my concerns. If you are a parent of small children, you will probably recognize in the following a description of at least one of your kids:
Attention: (6 symptoms needed)
often fails to pay close attention, makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other work
often has difficulty sustaining attention
often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties
often has difficulty organizing tasks or activities
often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as homework)
often loses things
is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity (6 symptoms needed)
often fidgets or squirms
often leaves seat in classroom or other place where remaining seated is expected
often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
often talks excessively
Impulsivity
often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
often has difficulty awaiting turn
often interrupts or intrudes on others
In order to accurately diagnose ADHD, training and experience in a wide variety of behavioural, emotional, and psychiatric disorders is required. Virtually all of the criteria are demonstrated to some extent in virtually all kids. Clinical expertise is needed to determine when the patient has a significant disorder in need of therapeutic intervention or whether they lie within the continuum of normalcy requiring more effective methods of parenting and teaching.
Again, for those truly disabled with this disorder, there is help. I refer you to the ADHD articles by psychiatrist Margaret Weiss. But there are a growing number of unhappy and mislabeled folks whose inclusion under this diagnosis at best trivializes a serious condition and at worst exposes them to ineffective therapies and potentially dangerous medications while keeping them from the treatment they need.
So, what's the take home message here?
If you or your child are unhappy, restless, distracted, have trouble finishing tasks, or have a short attention span, by all means get a good assessment. If you go to a clinician or counsellor who has limited training but "specializes" in this particular disorder, you will probably get labeled with this currently popular diagnosis. So choose a recognized mental health professional who will perform a thorough assessment for ADHD but will also rule out mental illness such as mood disorders, substance-use disorders, and stress-related problems. They can then suggest the most effective treatment for the diagnosed condition. Or they might reassure you about symptoms that are simply on one end of the range of normal.
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