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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Are You Unwittingly Sabotaging Your Diet?

It is a picture of a fridge full of energy dri...

Energy Drinks

Did you know that calorie counting is the most common weight-loss strategy used by dieters? Think about it. It’s a weight-loss strategy that doesn’t require fancy gym equipment, doesn’t require a nutritionist, and doesn’t require much thought about which foods to eat. It’s fairly straight forward and simple, especially when you compare it to the fancy diets and extreme fitness regimes that populate the web today.

However, despite its simplicity, despite the sheer number of dieters that practice this strategy, the most common complaint that dieters make is the inability to lose weight! Some even complain about weight gain: putting on nearly double the weight that they started at. Read More »

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cleanse Diets: Medicine or Myth

Weightloss pyramid.

Image via Wikipedia

Cleanse diets (also known as fasts, flushes or detox diets) have been around for at least 50 years. Intended to rid the body of toxins and internal wastes caused by diet, exercise and stress, these diets are often touted as a way to lose weight quickly. These programs typically last from anywhere between a weekend and a month and are usually built around drinking a juice concoction. Most detox programs also avoid alcohol, caffeine, processed foods and many supplements. Cleanse & Detox programs also encourage you to reduce stress and examine the areas of your life that cause tension.

Yes, you will lose weight on a cleanse, but at what cost? During a fast, you can expect to experience:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Mood Swings
• Nausea
• Sluggishness

Often, when a person goes on a cleanse diet, an extreme binge occurs after the fast because of the huge calorie deficit that is created. Also, fasting can rob your intestines of healthy bacteria that aid digestion and boost immunity; and the lack of protein during a fast can lead to a loss of lean muscle tissue. This lack of lean muscle slows the metabolism, which can lead to rapid weight gain once you resume eating normally. Experts also point out that fasts do not provide enough calories to fuel the body to perform its natural processes.

Fasting or cleansing plans are not recommended for anyone. There is currently no evidence that purging your body of “toxins” in this extreme manner is beneficial. Instead, focus on healthy, long-term weight management solutions, rather than a “quick fix.” However, if you do choose to try a fast, be sure to only do it for a few days and definitely consult your doctor beforehand.

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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Numerous Health Benefits of Flaxseeds

Flax Seeds, A Very Healthy Food

Flax Seeds, A Very Healthy Food

Flaxseeds can be extremely beneficial the fight against obesity and to your general health. They come in two varieties, yellow & brown and are larger and harder than sesame seeds. Flaxseeds also have a nutty, earthy flavor.

The health benefits of flaxseeds are remarkable because they can help improve your digestive health and lower your cholesterol. Flaxseeds also contain a high number of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, folate, copper, phosphorous, and vitamin B6. Flaxseeds are extremely high in omega 3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Read More »

Friday, June 3, 2011

ChooseMyPlate.gov For Planning a Healthy Diet

Need help planning your meals and keeping a healthy balanced diet? Well, the United States Department of Agriculture has a new website that aims to do just that, ChooseMyPlate.gov, which was recently unveiled by First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

A proper diet is important if you want to lose some pounds or maintain a healthy body weight, but it’s also important for simply living a long life. Poor diets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health concerns.choosemyplate

ChooseMyPlate.gov provides information about the valuable nutrients contained in food, suggests which types of food you should have more or less of and what categories each food falls into. Read More »

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Motion-Sensor Gaming and Fitness

Getting to the gym regularly can be a struggle for many people, but now you can get some activity while playing video games. Motion-sensor gaming is creating new fitness options for a variety of people.

First off, people should not substitute Xbox Kinect, Nintendo Wii, or Playstation Move for regular workouts. They can, however, be a nice supplement to a traditional exercise schedule or an alternative for days you can’t make it to the gym.

Motion-sensor gaming is a term applied to all video games in which players use live movements to control characters or objects in the game. The concept began with the Nintendo Wii which enabled players to control the game with its motion-sensitive nun chuck controllers. The PlayStation Move followed offering wands, complete with light up ping pong ball on its end, for users. Finally, Xbox Kinect was released featuring its revolutionary camera. It is the first system that captures individuals’ movements completely without the use of a controller. Read More »