Posts Tagged ‘food’

Raw Food Weight Loss Tips

It is true that a raw food weight loss diet, in general is one of the most effective ways to lose weight fast and for quick weight loss. However, there are a few myths and misconceptions I have run into regarding this subject. Here is one raw food weight loss misconception – As long as it is not cooked on a fire it is raw and therefore I can eat it and should expect weight loss. This is a bit incomplete. A soaked almond is technically a raw food. All the enzymes are activated by soaking it and it is live again. But it contains a low level of moisture. A tomato, cucumber or a head of lettuce for example, is raw but they contain a very high level of moisture. So raw food weight loss will occur based mainly on the moisture content of the food itself. Some people I have met who want to convert to raw food for weight loss, eat the foods that are so close to being cooked, it defeats the purpose. Another raw food weight loss misconception is eating raw foods with high sugar content. All sugar or foods that quickly converts to sugar will cause insulin to spike and if glucose in not used up, the insulin will convert this glucose to body fat. Another, aspect of this is when people juice. I meet people who begin juicing but they juice the sweetest foods! I have looked at people’s before and after diet diaries. And I found they consumed more sugar after juicing than before. Fruits like strawberries, guava, watermelon, orange and apple are used. These are the highest sugar content foods. Without changing their level or exertion, they will still be subject to the effects of insulin. Another misconception is that the only way to have raw food weight loss is to be completely raw. This is understandable but it is false. Dietary protein causes an increase in human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is a fat burning hormone and a very powerful one. You just don’t want to consume a lot of dense protein at one time because there will still be an insulin surge. A big salad of high moisture raw foods with some dense protein is a weight loss meal. There are some health imbalances that need this type of diet to lose weight. For example, if there is adrenal fatigue or excess cortisol, not eating dense protein can be counter-productive to weight loss. Raw foods are good for your health and the more you consume of it, the healthier your cells will be and when your body is healthy, it can lose weight. A healthy body can lose weight, and unhealthy body cannot lose weight. The last misconception I want to go over is that raw food is the sole cause for weight loss for those that have lost weight when using weight loss. I can tell you from the numerous clients I have had, that there are people that became raw foodists and still do not lose weight or are still overweight. For some, their goal is not weight loss, so they consume raw foods but still do other things that prevent weight loss. Things like not sleeping enough, going for long times of hunger, consuming high sugar raw foods all contribute to weight gain.  Also, there are health imbalances like subclinical hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue, where raw foods weight loss will not be enough. Also if adrenals are weak and a woman is going through menopause, she is very likely to gain weight in the midsection. Her adrenal glands are being worked harder to produce the hormones that used to be produced by her ovaries. Diet, exercise and lifestyle should be aligned enough to cause the body to start permanently using body fat for energy. The best thing someone can do to use raw food weight loss, is to have an experienced coach outline a step-by-step program for them so it is a smooth transition where they are winning all the way through on all levels. Not just weight loss. It should be enjoyable and enhance your life mentally, emotionally as well as physically. Every week you should feel you are at a new level of ability and a new level of health.

It is true that a raw food weight loss diet, in general is one of the most effective ways to lose weight fast and for quick weight loss.

However, there are a few myths and misconceptions I have run into regarding this subject.

Here is one raw food weight loss misconception – As long as it is not cooked on a fire it is raw and therefore I can eat it and should expect weight loss.

This is a bit incomplete. A soaked almond is technically a raw food. All the enzymes are activated by soaking it and it is live again. But it contains a low level of moisture. A tomato, cucumber or a head of lettuce for example, is raw but they contain a very high level of moisture.

So raw food weight loss will occur based mainly on the moisture content of the food itself.

Some people I have met who want to convert to raw food for weight loss, eat the foods that are so close to being cooked, it defeats the purpose.

Another raw food weight loss misconception is eating raw foods with high sugar content. All sugar or foods that quickly converts to sugar will cause insulin to spike and if glucose in not used up, the insulin will convert this glucose to body fat.

Another, aspect of this is when people juice. I meet people who begin juicing but they juice the sweetest foods! I have looked at people’s before and after diet diaries. And I found they consumed more sugar after juicing than before. Fruits like strawberries, guava, watermelon, orange and apple are used. These are the highest sugar content foods. Without changing their level or exertion, they will still be subject to the effects of insulin.

Another misconception is that the only way to have raw food weight loss is to be completely raw. This is understandable but it is false. Dietary protein causes an increase in human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is a fat burning hormone and a very powerful one. You just don’t want to consume a lot of dense protein at one time because there will still be an insulin surge. A big salad of high moisture raw foods with some dense protein is a weight loss meal.

There are some health imbalances that need this type of diet to lose weight. For example, if there is adrenal fatigue or excess cortisol, not eating dense protein can be counter-productive to weight loss.

Raw foods are good for your health and the more you consume of it, the healthier your cells will be and when your body is healthy, it can lose weight. A healthy body can lose weight, and unhealthy body cannot lose weight.

The last misconception I want to go over is that raw food is the sole cause for weight loss for those that have lost weight when using weight loss. I can tell you from the numerous clients I have had, that there are people that became raw foodists and still do not lose weight or are still overweight.

For some, their goal is not weight loss, so they consume raw foods but still do other things that prevent weight loss. Things like not sleeping enough, going for long times of hunger, consuming high sugar raw foods all contribute to weight gain. 

Also, there are health imbalances like subclinical hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue, where raw foods weight loss will not be enough. Also if adrenals are weak and a woman is going through menopause, she is very likely to gain weight in the midsection. Her adrenal glands are being worked harder to produce the hormones that used to be produced by her ovaries.

Diet, exercise and lifestyle should be aligned enough to cause the body to start permanently using body fat for energy.

The best thing someone can do to use raw food weight loss, is to have an experienced coach outline a step-by-step program for them so it is a smooth transition where they are winning all the way through on all levels. Not just weight loss. It should be enjoyable and enhance your life mentally, emotionally as well as physically. Every week you should feel you are at a new level of ability and a new level of health.

Using Health Food Supplements the Right Way

What is a food supplement? Food supplement is a complement, nutrition and not a substitute for food. Food supplements in general, including vitamins (eg vitamin C) and minerals, Botanical (eg herbs and plant products), and the substance or substances derived from natural sources (eg, milk whey and glucosamine).

Supplements are not drugs. Drugs are chemicals that are used to cure a disease and ease the pain inflicted. Drugs are substances that work hard enough for the body and often have side effects. Therefore, the uses of drugs usually have a doctor’s prescription. While most of the supplements work as nutritional supplements in addition to the food consumed daily. People consume food supplement in some health conditions. Consumption of multivitamin and multimineral dietary supplements useful for and prevent disease. For example Vitamin C is believed to prevent and relieve fever. Supplements are also a substance that helps optimize the body function and hormones.

Are health food supplements safe to consume?

Overall, health experts claim that dietary supplements are safe for consumption.  The reason is that the substances contained therein are natural substances. Moreover, some supplement manufacturers have been doing intensive research on the various products of their supplements.

However, even though dietary supplement proven safe and efficacious to prevent the disease does not mean you can avoid conventional medicine and only relying on regular food supplements. Always consult your doctor first, especially if you intend to combine food supplements along with medicines for your health care. For example, the consultation is very important for pregnant woman and breastfeeding mothers.

Examples of the use of food supplements, such as to strengthen the immune system used supplements of vitamins A, vitamin C. To eliminate toxins (detoxification) is used supplements beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and chlorophyll, overcoming inflammation of vitamin E supplement use and vitamin C.

Who needs food supplement?
Supplements needed by all ages, whether young or old. Older people tend to decrease production of hormones and body functions, so the need supplements to help the body function optimally and prevent disease.

As for the children supplements are usually given if the child’s diet daily menu incomplete. If the child has a good appetite and has a complete daily menu certainly does not need food supplement.  Children need food supplements if they are not getting adequate vitamin intake, for example picky eater.

Not all supplements are safe to consume excessive (megadosis). Group vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K are fat soluble should not be consumed excessively. In certain circumstances, consultation with a doctor about the appropriate use of supplements is very important.

Importance of quality

It is important for you to get the food supplements with high quality because the quality of each supplement is different. So many big and small companies who produce the food supplement. Buy health food supplements from companies with a good reputation is one alternative for the selection of quality supplements. It is important to check the contents and expiration date on the packaging. Even though as a complement, of course you better get the best food supplement.

Food Supplements for Your American Bulldog

What are Dog Food Supplements?

Food supplements are extra nutrients that you give to your dog, aside from the nutrients it receives from its meals. As in humans, food supplements can help keep the body healthy by providing it with the nutrients that are necessary but are not readily found in every meal. Most food supplements focus on the provision of vitamins and minerals that are harder to obtain through dog food. By completing the dog’s nutritional needs, food supplements can keep diseases away, keep your dog healthy, and give your dog a longer life.  

The Different Types of Food Supplements

There are many different types of food supplements. Before you give food supplements to your dog, you have to determine which supplement your pet needs the most. You should give your dog food supplements that answer deficiency in certain nutrients that can be manifest in diseases and illnesses. You can also check which vitamins and minerals are not present in your dog’s usual meal. Those vitamins and minerals should then be provided through food supplements. Another factor to consider when choosing the food supplement that is best for your pet is the breed, size, and weight of your dog. This is because the needs of large dogs differ from the needs of smaller dogs. Aside from that, there are certain food supplements that are geared towards helping heal specific health problems. There are food supplements made especially for obese dogs that can help them shed weight, and there are those that help with digestive problems. Food supplements can also help keep particular parts of the body healthy, such as the teeth or the skin. There may also be certain dog supplements for specific dog breeds. These supplements are given to certain dog breeds that have specific nutrient needs that other dog breeds do not. Special food supplements for puppies are also available, since a puppy’s needs are also different from an adult dog’s needs. Food supplements vary in kind. Aside from the common food supplements, there are also organic food supplements that contain all-natural nutrients. All these should be taken into consideration so you can find the best dog supplement for your dog.

When to Give Dog Food Supplements to Your pet

Dog food supplements are not really a must, but they are strongly recommended for the benefit of your pet. Some dogs may be in need of food supplements due to an ailment of a special nutrient need. Older dogs may also need dog food supplements more than young dogs do. However, some dogs may be healthy enough even without the support of dog food supplements.  Dog food supplements are also strongly recommended for dogs who are suffering from an illness. Older dogs, for example, may suffer from arthritis, which can be relieved by food supplements that contain the right vitamins and minerals to strengthen the older dog’s joints. Dogs who are in risk of heart diseases can take food supplements containing L-Carnitine for a healthier heart. Some dogs may have digestive problems, and may not be able to fully absorb the nutrients contained in their meals. Food supplements would help them take in nutrients in such cases.

The Secret of Whole Food Supplements

Basically, Food Supplements are kinds of nutritional supplements that are usually made from whole food concentrates. Remember that fact that the typical American diet usually lacks nutrients. In addition, there may be commercial dietary supplements; however, these are usually artificially synthesized or were extracted chemically. In this case, such commercial supplements may in fact still cause nutritional deficiency. In the meantime, Whole Food Supplements are actually made of whole food concentrates. Plus, the process involved in making Whole Food Supplements does not use heat, making it preserve vitamins and other nutrients better.

Nutritional Vitamin Supplements – Whole Food Supplements are the best choice for complete nutritional vitamin supplements. Vitamins are completely necessary for life but do not act in isolation. Shaklee Whole Food Supplements provide not only the vitamins necessary for nutritional support and healing but also provide a number of cofactors and phytonutrients. Coming from concentrated food sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and beans, Whole Food Supplements provide complete, balanced nutrition with the added benefits of alkaloids such as carotenoids and polyphenols along with plant based amino acids which are necessary for proper absorption and utilization of nutritional vitamin supplements. There are literally thousands of phytochemicals beneficial to the human body that are not found in traditional chemically prepared vitamins that are present in their natural state in Whole Food Supplements.

Whole Foods Supplements as Vitamin Supplements – The best choice for complete nutritional vitamin supplements is surely provided by Whole Food Supplements. Remember that vitamins are not acting in isolation, although they may be essential in our diets. The fact is, in addition to nutritional supplements, cofactors and phytonutrients are also provided by Shaklee Whole Food Supplements. The reason why Whole Food Supplements may provide you complete and balanced nutrition is because it actually comes from beans, nuts, vegetables, fruits and grains. In this case, you can enjoy the benefit of carotenoids and polyphenols, in addition to plant based amino acids. Such acids actually help in the absorption and utilization of nutritional vitamin supplements. Phytochemicals that surely benefit your health may be prepared chemically, but Whole Food Supplements actually keeps them in their natural condition.

Whole Food Supplements and Mineral Supplements – In addition, mineral supplements can also be provided by Whole Food Supplements. Take note that Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Copper are required by the body because it helps you to prevent deficiency diseases. In this case, mineral supplements that are commercially manufactured actually uses chemically prepared minerals which are actually insoluble to the body. The advantage of Shaklee Whole Food Supplements is that it gives you those mineral supplements in a preserved natural state, which is made from natural whole foods like vegetables, nuts and grains. Therefore, mineral support and deficiency disease prevention can better be obtained from quality and natural supplements by Shaklee.

With Regards to Herbal Supplements – Also, Whole Food Supplements can also act as herbal supplements. Most commercial herbal supplements use heat extraction process, which actually destroys active ingredients. In addition, it is also a fact that most commercial herbal supplements are only single herbal supplements. In this case, Shaklee herbal supplements retain the form of active ingredients, because they actually use natural whole food processes. Whole plants, flowers, roots and seeds are also used, which helps them give you additional cofactors and alkaloids, making you better in treatment of diseases and balance restoration. These photochemicals are present only in Whole Food Supplements, as compared to traditional supplements.

A Guide to Fast Food Nutrition, it is not a Myth

Fast food is convenient and tasty and is perfect for those us who work long hours, spend endless hours in traffic and sometimes even have to bring office work home. This leaves us little time for cooking a gourmet meal on a daily basis.

Fast Food Nutrition Facts

Most fast food is fried and contains trans fat, which, in turn, increases your weight, bad cholesterol and, thus, your risks to heart and other serious diseases. The normal daily calorie intake for an average adult female is approximately 2000 calories and for an average male 2500; one fast food meal contains generally much more than that, which in turn means that whatever you have consumed during the day besides the fast food meal will be excess calories.

Most fast food is deep fried or contains other side dishes such as fries, biscuits with butter (which has trans fat), starchy foods such as mash potatoes or any pupates, which will only serve your hunger from two to four hours after, which you will start craving food again.

Can Fast Food Be Healthy?

Fast food nutrition can be regulated by you if you choose to do so, for example, if you have a grilled chicken sandwich instead of the fried version and replace the fries with a salad or fruit instead.

All fast food restaurants are now required to carry fast food nutrition facts. All you have to do is ask. That way, you can better regulate what you’re taking into your body. So, yes, fast food can be as healthy as you make it for there are options now that allow us to look up the fast food facts and, thus, ensure we don’t eat what can be bad for our body and health.

Helpful Tip

Everybody loves fast food and restricting yourself from it will only make you crave it more in turn; you can instead try and follow the fast food nutrition facts and cut down on the portion sizes as well as choose the fast food that is healthy and tasty as well.