Don't roll your eyes! The potion for losing that excess body fat is all around you. It covers two thirds of the planet. If you eat right and exercise at the intensity, frequency and duration proper for you, but still can't get rid of a little paunch here and there, you're probably just not drinking enough water.
No need to get defensive. You're actually quite normal. Most people don't drink enough water. Most people are also carrying around a few more pounds than they would be if they did drink enough water. If you can't seem to get that weight off, try drowning your sorrows in nature's magical weight-loss mineral. It works, and here's why:
"What on Earth is 'metabolism', anyway?" People use the term all the time, but ask them what it means and you'll get all kinds of answers. Merriam Webster defines it as, "The process by which a substance is handled in the body." A little vague, but that's really all it means.
There are many forms of metabolism going on in your body right now, but the one everyone is talking about it the metabolism of fat. This is actually something that the liver does when it converts stored fat to energy. The liver has other functions, but this is one of its main jobs.
Unfortunately, another of the liver's duties is to pick up the slack for the kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can't metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight. If you allow this to happen, not only are you being unfair to your liver, but you're also setting yourself up to store fat.
"I've tried it and I couldn't stand it!" The problem is that, though many decide to increase their water intake, very few stick with it. It's understandable. During the first few days of drinking more water than your body is accustomed to, you're running to the bathroom constantly. This can be very discouraging, and it can certainly interfere with an otherwise normal day at work. It seems that the water is coming out just as fast as it's going in, and many people decide that their new hydration habit is fruitless.
Do take heed , though. What is really happening is that your body is flushing itself of the water it has been storing throughout all those years of "survival mode". It takes a while, but this is a beautiful thing happening to you. As you continue to give your body all the water it could ask for, it gets rid of what it doesn't need. It gets rid of the water it was holding onto in your ankles and your hips and thighs, maybe even around your belly. You are excreting much more than you realize. Your body figures it doesn't need to save these stores anymore; it's trusting that the water will keep coming, and if it does, eventually, the flushing (of both the body and the potty) will cease, allowing the human to return to a normal life. It's true. This is called the "breakthrough point."
One recent finding, as irresponsible as it may be, that caffeine increases the body's fat-burning potential has many people loading up on coffee before going to the gym. This finding may hold some degree of truth in it, but caffeine is, in essence, a diuretic, and diuretics dehydrate. Caffeine may increase the heart rate, causing a few more calories to be burned, but this is at the expense of the muscles, which need water to function properly. This isn't doing your heart any favors, either. It's already working hard enough during your workout. Never mix caffeine and exercise. In fact, your best bet is to stay away from caffeine all together. It's a big bully that pushes your friend water out of your system.
Water is the best beauty treatment. You've heard this since high school, and it's true. Water will do wonders for your looks! It flushes out impurities in your skin, leaving you with a clear, glowing complexion. It also makes your skin look younger. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated.
In addition, it improves muscle tone. You can lift weights until you're blue in the face, but if your muscles are suffering from a drought, you won't notice a pleasant difference in your appearance. Muscles that have all the water they need contract more easily, making your workout more effective, and you'll look much nicer than if you had flabby muscles under sagging skin.
"Eight glasses a day? Are you kidding?!" It's really not that much. Eight 8-ounce glasses amount to about two quarts of water. This is okay for the average person, but if you're overweight, you should drink another eight ounces for every 25 pounds of excess weight you carry. You should also up this if you live in a hot climate or exercise very intensely.
This water consumption should be spread out throughout the day. It's not healthy at all to drink too much water at one time. Try to pick three or four times a day when you can have a big glass of water, and then sip in between. Don't let yourself get thirsty. If you feel thirsty, you're already becoming dehydrated. Drink when you're not thirsty yet.
Do you think water is yucky? Drinking other fluids will certainly help hydrate your body, but the extra calories, sugar, additives and whatever else aren't what you need. Try a slice of lemon or lime in the glass, or if you really think you hate water, try a flavored water. Just make sure you read the labels. Remember that you're going to be consuming a lot of this fluid.
It's probably a good idea to stop drinking water a good three hours before you go to bed. You know why.
"How cold should it be?" This is debatable. Most experts lean toward cold water, because the stomach absorbs it more quickly. There is also some evidence that cold water might enhance fat burning.
On the other hand, warmer water is easier to drink in large quantities, and you might drink more of it without even realizing it. Do whatever suits you, here. Just drink it!
When you drink all the water you need, you will very quickly notice a decrease in your appetite, possibly even on the first day! If you're serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking water is an absolute must. If you're doing everything else right and still not seeing results, this might just be what's missing.
By Maia Appleby
Showing posts with label 14 Super Foods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 14 Super Foods. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
WHY SHOULD WE HAVE HEALTHY FOOD OR AVOID JUNK FOOD?
The question a lot of people ask with regarding eating Healthy Diet and food is, “why do it”? That answer has many replies and even more good points that many people should really think about.
First of all, the main reason why people want to do it is because it will make you thin. If you ate nothing but healthy food, you would and will get naturally thinner . No questions asked. However, the other reason, which should be the real main reason, is because your body requires healthy food. Treat your body as a temple as they say.
Your body really does require healthy food for optimum performance. The reason why people get fat is because of all the junk food, the body not only absorbs all the saturated fats, but because it is starving of nutrients it absorbs absolutely everything.
Other reasons would include the fact that you will generally feel better that you would whilst consuming all the bad foods. The bad foods include all the pre processed including boxed, manufactured et cetera that have low nutrients and thus low fuel.
A lot of people complain about always being tired, sleepy, and sluggish and have the general attitude of not being bothered to do anything, this is because they don’t have the energy and the stomach in digesting all the garbage they are consuming is using any energy they do have.
To mention some of the benefits of eating healthy would include loss of body fat, a higher level of energy, a more satisfying sleep, more stamina, better skin condition such as smoother skin, less acne, lower risk of heart diseases & strokes, fewer visits to the doctor, lower cholesterol, lower risk of cancer, better mental ability and work performance and a general overall better you.
That is only some of the reasons I can think of, but it is enough to make me want to eat healthy and take more pride in myself.
Simple changes in your diet will make all the difference. You can even eat food that is high on nutritious content. Eat a lot of healthy vegetables which will give you the necessary protein to increase your energy levels and make you want to get more involved in energetic and athletic activities. You will notice a difference as you will naturally be more social and doing the everyday general exercise activates required without even realizing it.
Knowing that in healthy food actually has more of a variety than junk food. Little bit of spices are a great way to add additional flavour to your food. Consider growing your own! Herbs add great flavour as well as many associated health benefits, which again, a lot of people don’t realize. Instead of the usual junky fat food snacks, try Healthy Food, salads and fruit. You will feel like a fresher you.
First of all, the main reason why people want to do it is because it will make you thin. If you ate nothing but healthy food, you would and will get naturally thinner . No questions asked. However, the other reason, which should be the real main reason, is because your body requires healthy food. Treat your body as a temple as they say.
Your body really does require healthy food for optimum performance. The reason why people get fat is because of all the junk food, the body not only absorbs all the saturated fats, but because it is starving of nutrients it absorbs absolutely everything.
Other reasons would include the fact that you will generally feel better that you would whilst consuming all the bad foods. The bad foods include all the pre processed including boxed, manufactured et cetera that have low nutrients and thus low fuel.
A lot of people complain about always being tired, sleepy, and sluggish and have the general attitude of not being bothered to do anything, this is because they don’t have the energy and the stomach in digesting all the garbage they are consuming is using any energy they do have.
To mention some of the benefits of eating healthy would include loss of body fat, a higher level of energy, a more satisfying sleep, more stamina, better skin condition such as smoother skin, less acne, lower risk of heart diseases & strokes, fewer visits to the doctor, lower cholesterol, lower risk of cancer, better mental ability and work performance and a general overall better you.
That is only some of the reasons I can think of, but it is enough to make me want to eat healthy and take more pride in myself.
Simple changes in your diet will make all the difference. You can even eat food that is high on nutritious content. Eat a lot of healthy vegetables which will give you the necessary protein to increase your energy levels and make you want to get more involved in energetic and athletic activities. You will notice a difference as you will naturally be more social and doing the everyday general exercise activates required without even realizing it.
Knowing that in healthy food actually has more of a variety than junk food. Little bit of spices are a great way to add additional flavour to your food. Consider growing your own! Herbs add great flavour as well as many associated health benefits, which again, a lot of people don’t realize. Instead of the usual junky fat food snacks, try Healthy Food, salads and fruit. You will feel like a fresher you.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Water of Life (Coconut Water)
The Tree of Life
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
Coconut In Traditional Medicine
People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.
Coconut In Modern Medicine
Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:
Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."
The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.
Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.
Coconut In Traditional Medicine
People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.
In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.
Coconut In Modern Medicine
Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:
Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
Helps protect against osteoporosis.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
Improves digestion and bowel function.
Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Reduces inflammation.
Supports tissue healing and repair.
Supports and aids immune system function.
Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Functions as a protective antioxidant.
Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
Reduces epileptic seizures.
Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
Dissolves kidney stones.
Helps prevent liver disease.
Is lower in calories than all other fats.
Supports thyroid function.
Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
Helps control dandruff.
Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
Is completely non-toxic to humans.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Fabulous Fourteen - 14 Super Foods
SuperFoods Rx is based on a very simple concept: Some foods are better than others for your health. We can all guess that an apple is better for you than a potato chip. But what about choosing between a couple of pretzels and a few walnuts? Did you know that eating a handful of nuts a few times a week can reduce your risk of getting a heart attack by at least 15% and perhaps as much as 51%? Even if you smoke, are overweight and never exercise. That’s how powerful certain foods are.
SuperFoods Rx presents the 14-known nutritional powerhouse foods that can help you extend your health span -- the extent of time that you have to be healthy, vigorous and vital -- as well as, perhaps, your life span. These are foods that have proved to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known scourges of aging, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and even dementia.
Many super foods may already be part of your diet, as most people already routinely enjoy broccoli, oranges and even spinach. Blueberries could possibly be everyone’s favorite super food, but most people only eat them as a treat when they’re in season. When you learn about the awesome power of this berry, and some other berries, to promote health I’m sure that, like me, you’ll try to eat berries every day. Other super foods, like pumpkin and turkey, only make occasional appearances in the average diet; you’ll soon see that they should be eaten more frequently. Some other super foods may be brand-new to you, like soy or perhaps yogurt, and I’ll show you how to enjoy them if you think you don’t like them.
Walnuts are the surprising super food. Surprising, because most people think nuts belong in the “avoid” category due to their fatty content. But the power of nuts is almost stunning. I try never to go a day without eating some nuts and seeds. Some super foods are less of a surprise; perhaps you’ve read about wild salmon recently. Wild salmon has so many health benefits that it seems foolish not to eat it regularly.
Learn more super foods and their benefits. Some super foods are so easy to incorporate into your diet that you’ll be able to begin your overall improvement in the time it takes to boil water for a cup of tea. Others will take a little more planning. Some super foods, such as pumpkin (or one of its sidekicks, like orange bell pepper), should be eaten a few times a week, while others, like yogurt, should be eaten more frequently, even if in small amounts. A couple of super foods cover a category -- for example, beans, which you may rarely think about -- but when you realize the power of humble pea or garbanzo to improve your health, you’ll make a point of eating them frequently. And when you discover the power of tomatoes, even in the form of ketchup or sauce, you’ll find yourself choosing pizza before other fast foods.
You may be surprised to learn from super-food shopping tips that dramatic improvement in your nutrition can be a simple matter of learning to read a label. For example, most of us eat bread every day and we serve it to our families. Unfortunately, many of us think that we’re eating whole-grain bread and would be surprised to learn that we’re not. Did you know that by checking the nutrition label on a loaf of bread and making sure it has at least 3 grams of fiber.
SuperFoods Rx presents the 14-known nutritional powerhouse foods that can help you extend your health span -- the extent of time that you have to be healthy, vigorous and vital -- as well as, perhaps, your life span. These are foods that have proved to help prevent and, in some cases, reverse the well-known scourges of aging, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and even dementia.
Many super foods may already be part of your diet, as most people already routinely enjoy broccoli, oranges and even spinach. Blueberries could possibly be everyone’s favorite super food, but most people only eat them as a treat when they’re in season. When you learn about the awesome power of this berry, and some other berries, to promote health I’m sure that, like me, you’ll try to eat berries every day. Other super foods, like pumpkin and turkey, only make occasional appearances in the average diet; you’ll soon see that they should be eaten more frequently. Some other super foods may be brand-new to you, like soy or perhaps yogurt, and I’ll show you how to enjoy them if you think you don’t like them.
Walnuts are the surprising super food. Surprising, because most people think nuts belong in the “avoid” category due to their fatty content. But the power of nuts is almost stunning. I try never to go a day without eating some nuts and seeds. Some super foods are less of a surprise; perhaps you’ve read about wild salmon recently. Wild salmon has so many health benefits that it seems foolish not to eat it regularly.
Learn more super foods and their benefits. Some super foods are so easy to incorporate into your diet that you’ll be able to begin your overall improvement in the time it takes to boil water for a cup of tea. Others will take a little more planning. Some super foods, such as pumpkin (or one of its sidekicks, like orange bell pepper), should be eaten a few times a week, while others, like yogurt, should be eaten more frequently, even if in small amounts. A couple of super foods cover a category -- for example, beans, which you may rarely think about -- but when you realize the power of humble pea or garbanzo to improve your health, you’ll make a point of eating them frequently. And when you discover the power of tomatoes, even in the form of ketchup or sauce, you’ll find yourself choosing pizza before other fast foods.
You may be surprised to learn from super-food shopping tips that dramatic improvement in your nutrition can be a simple matter of learning to read a label. For example, most of us eat bread every day and we serve it to our families. Unfortunately, many of us think that we’re eating whole-grain bread and would be surprised to learn that we’re not. Did you know that by checking the nutrition label on a loaf of bread and making sure it has at least 3 grams of fiber.
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