Showing posts with label Health Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Tips. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2008

"Raw Foods Diet" by Tarun Patel


Are your clothes getting tight again and you're a few pounds above the weight you'd like to be? This seems to happen to many people in life, and often it takes some dieting and exercise to get those extra pounds off. If you happen to be looking for a new diet to lose those extra pounds, one you may not have heard of is the Raw Foods diet. While there are mixed opinions about this diet, there are many people who have truly found it to be an effective way to lose weight. Of course before you try it yourself, you may want to learn a bit more about it, so let's take a look at those the diet works for best, pros and cons, what you can eat, and how the medical community weighs in.




Overview of the Raw Foods Diet




Basically the raw foods diet is exactly what it sounds like. It is a diet that consists of mainly raw foods. It is based on uncooked and unprocessed plant foods, including seeds, beans, vegetables, fresh fruits, seaweed, nuts, sprouts, and dried fruit. The basic principle of the diet focuses on the idea that heating up food too much, above 116 F, actually gets rid of important enzymes in foods that help with the absorption and digestion of food. Also, cooking the food is thought to get rid of the nutritional value of the food as well. So, this diet usually consists of a minimum of 75% raw or living foods.




Who This Diet Works for Best




This is a diet that is definitely a great choice for those who already lean towards the vegetarian lifestyle. The raw foods diet is a diet that takes quite a bit of time as well to stay on this diet, so it's not necessarily a great choice for those who have a busy life. People who have anemia or women who are pregnant should not go on this diet, and it's not a great choice for children either.




Pros and Cons to Consider




Just like any diet, you'll find that there are both pros and cons to consider before you decide this diet is for you. So, here are a few pros and cons to consider that will help you make your decision.




- Pro #1 - More Energy - One of the main benefits of the raw foods diet is that most people who go on it find that the experience more energy than ever before. Since they are eating raw foods that are not full of preservatives or processed sugars, they don't deal with the sluggish feelings that come along with those foods.




- Pro #2 - Weight Loss - Weight loss is another pro to consider when considering this diet. It really does work for aiding people with weight loss. If people truly stick to the diet plan, they will see a reduction in weight.




- Pro #3 - Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases - The raw foods diet is high in folate, magnesium, fiber, and phytochemcials. These nutrients are all known to help reduce the risk of a variety of different diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and even diabetes.






- Con #1 - Some Ingredients are Difficult to Find - One of the cons of the raw foods diet is that some of the ingredients that are needed for the diet are quite hard to find. The diet calls for things like Celtic sea salt, Rejuvelac, date sugar, carob powder, sprouted flour, and even young coconut milk, and all of these ingredients are very difficult to find.




- Con #2 - Takes a Lot of Time and Commitment - This diet also takes a lot of time and commitment if you are truly going to follow it the right way. Not only will you spend time looking for the foods that you need, but many of the foods that have to be made take quite a bit of your time as well. It's definitely not the best choice for people who have extremely busy lives.




- Con #3 - Certain Nutritional Deficiencies Can Occur - There are several nutritional deficiencies that can occur as well when you go on the raw foods diet. It is possible to become deficient in iron, calcium, protein, B12, and protein, to name a few.




Do's and Don'ts of Food




When you are on the raw foods diet, the eating plan is quite strict. You are only allowed to eat foods that are organic and unprocessed when you're on this diet. Also, most of the food eaten should not be cooked. Some of the foods that are allowed include organic foods, dried fruits, beans, nuts, legumes, seaweed, young coconut milk, fresh veggies, fresh fruits, grains, juiced vegetables and fruits, and purified water. Some people do add some quality poultry and fish to their diet as well, and of course you are allowed to cook these meats.




The Medical Community Gives Their Opinion




While there are several benefits of the Raw Foods diet, some professionals in the medical community are still a bit skeptical of this diet. Some medical professionals argue that cooking certain foods actually helps to aid with the absorption of some important nutrients as well. Doctors also find themselves concerned about the deficiencies that can occur. Studies have even shown that this diet can make things worse for people who are already at risk for osteoporosis, since calcium deficiencies can occur, and they can end up with lower bone mass.

"Weight Watchers" by Tarun Patel


Today there are many popular diets out there, but probably one of the most popular ones ever is the Weight Watchers diet. This is a diet that many people, especially women have tried. If you are looking for a good diet plan to start, this may be one that you are considering. So, let's take a look at the diet, all it includes, and the pros and cons of the diet as well so you can make a good decision on whether this is the right diet for you.




Overview of Weight Watchers




The Weight Watches program got it's start back in the 60's by some friends who started to get together each week to discuss their weight loss struggles and victories. Over time the discussions grew and soon it became popular around the entire world. This diet program focuses on losing weight long term and it also focuses on keep the weight off as well. There are no harsh restrictions on what you can or can't eat, but it teaches people to learn how to make the healthy choices in what they eat so they can lose weight and then keep the weight off for the years to come. Of course exercise is also encouraged, although it is not the main focus of the entire program.




Who Does Weight Watchers Work for Best?




This is a program that really works well for people who need some support when they are losing weight. It is also great for those who want to be eat anything that they want. There are not many limitations, which makes this a great diet plan for just about anyone today.




A Few Pros and Cons




Weight Watchers comes with quite a list of pros and cons that you should be aware of. It is important that you are aware of these pros and cons before you get started in the plan. So, here are some of the pros and cons that you should know about first.




- Pro #1 - Great for Long Term Weight Loss Goals - First of all, one of the main pros is that you'll find Weight Watchers to be a great program for long term weight loss goals. It is actually a diet that you can stick to, so you'll be able to reach the goals you are striving for.




- Pro #2 - Plenty of Support to Help - You'll also find that you get plenty of support with this diet as well. There are weekly meetings that you go to where you get support and education that will help you as you work on losing weight. For many people, this is one of the most important parts of the diet that they love.




- Pro #3 - You Have Variety in Food Choices - While there are so many diets out there that really restrict the foods that you can eat, you'll find that with Weight Watchers you can eat just about anything. There is great variety in food choice, so you'll be less likely to get bored or tired of the diet and quit.




- Pro #4 - The Points Make it Easy - You'll also find that the great point system that is used with this diet really makes it easy to keep track of what you are eating. Most people even find that it is a lot easier than having to keep track of calories.






- Con #1 - You Can't Really Count Points Forever - However, on the con side, you'll probably find that you can't go on counting points for the rest of your life. This is only temporary for you and you'll have to survive eventually without looking up the points in your little manual.




- Con #2 - You Have to Go to Meetings - While the meetings can be great for some, other people find that going to the meetings is actually a problem for them. They have to fit in these meetings into their busy schedule. Also, people who really are very sensitive about their weight may find this embarrassing as well.




- Con #3 - It Can Be Expensive - Probably one of the main cons to this diet is that it can be really expensive. It costs about $10-15 for each class and you also have to pay to join as well. So, over time this can really cost you quite a bit of money to get involved in it.




Food Do's and Don'ts




When it comes to do's and don'ts of food, there really are none. You have to focus on the points that you are allowed to have each day, and make sure that you count the points for every single thing that you eat. However, you can pretty much eat about anything, as long as you remember that you have to count those points and you don't go over your total points for the entire day.




Medical Community Opinions of the Diet




The Weight Watchers diet is one weight loss program that is really well respected in the medical community today. It is one of the best plans according to medical experts, since it offers a well balanced and healthy way for people to lose weight and totally helps people to learn how to eat healthy and have a healthy lifestyle.

"The Zone Diet" by Tarun Patel


If you're out looking for a good diet, one diet you may come across while you are looking is the Zone Diet. This is a diet that has been around for a few years, although it was not originally to be a weight loss diet. No doubt you are interested to find out more about this diet and whether or not it really does work. So, let's take a close look at the diet, the main goals, the pros and cons, and what health professionals seem to think about it. This way you can make an intelligent decision on whether it is a good diet for you to try.




Zone Diet Overview




The Zone Diet is a diet that was developed by Dr. Barry Sears; however, it was not really developed originally to be a diet that was for losing weight. It was actually made to be a change in lifestyle that would manipulate the body in such as way that it would promote health, energy, and a lean body as well. In this diet, food is treated like a drug, and it focuses on treating food like hormones, not as calories. It is also a diet that is quite restrictive as well, focusing on making sure that the diet includes 30% fats, 30% proteins, and 40% carbs. This diet became popular because of the book Sears wrote, called The Zone. You'll find that the diet is based on the idea that high levels of insulin can make you fat, and it focuses on making sure that your insulin level is kept in a specific "zone" which is done by eating a combination of fat, protein, and carbs.




People it Works For Best




This is a diet that works best for people who have the time to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Also, it was first developed for people who had heart disease and diabetes, so it works well for them as well. Those who love the idea of eating for taste and the experience may not find this diet to be the right one for them, since food is looked at as merely a drug.




Pros and Cons of the Zone Diet




You will find that there are many pros and cons to consider when you are trying to decide if the Zone diet is the right diet for your needs. It is important that you take a look at the following pros and cons and decide whether you can live with the cons because of the pros. If you are able to live without some of your favorite carbs, then this diet may be for you.






- Pro #1 - Neat Eating - Neat eating, which is eating small meals various times each day, is promoted in this diet, which is a definite pro. It is a great way to keep yourself feeling satisfied without overeating. Many people have found that diets that offer small portions several times a day can be very effective.




- Pro #2 - Fruits and Vegetables are Encouraged - Another pro of this diet is that it really does encourage you to eat vegetables and fruits as well. So, you at least get some of the important nutrients that your body needs so badly.




- Pro #3 - Low in Saturated fat - The diet is also low in saturated fat, which is a pro as well. Saturated fats can be very bad for your body, so a diet that does not contain much of them is important and helpful to your health.




- Pro #4 - Encourages the Drinking of Water - This diet also really pushes that you should drink plenty of water while you are on the diet as well. Water is very important and some diets overlook this. So, this is yet another pro of the Zone Diet.






- Con #1 - Never Really Been Tested - One of the main cons of the Zone Diet is that it really has never been tested. This means that there is no real independent research that shows that this diet really does work. So, you may be trying a diet that doesn't work at all.




- Con #2 - Limits Foods that Have Important Vitamins and Minerals in Them - Another problem with the Zone Diet is that it limits some of the foods that have very important vitamins and minerals in them. Some of the minerals and vitamins that you may miss out on include Vitamin D, iron, folic acid, calcium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A.




- Con #3 - Can Make Eating a Bit Boring - Since this diet actually wants you to treat food like a drug you have to take, it can become a bit boring to eat, and some people may find that this mindset is almost traumatizing to them. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, but this diet takes a lot of the pleasure away from eating.




What You Can and Can't Eat on this Diet




You are allowed to eat proteins, carbs, and fats as well, but they must be done in the correct ration. Every time you eat, you have to make sure that you include fat, carbs, and protein, even if it is just a snack that you are eating. Also, you have to eat about every five hours as well. While you are allowed to have some alcohol on this diet, it is limited. You are not allowed to eat very much bread or pasta at all. Also, other bad carbs according to this diet include peas, bananas, and even watermelon. Dairy products and butter is not allowed in the diet either.




The Opinion of the Medical Community




Those in the medical field think that the calorie amounts that are part of the Zone Diet plan are on the low side. However, the snacks do make an impression with medical professionals, since they do help out. There is no real science that shows that this ration of foods is going to really make you lose weight, so some in the medical community are understandably dubious about whether or not this diet will really work.

"The Pritikin Principle" by Tarun Patel


With so many diets out there today, the search for the right one can be frustrating. For this reason, doing some research on diets before you get involved is an excellent idea. Why? Well, because you can learn all the basics, as well as the pros and cons, before you even start on the diet. One diet out there that many people have heard of and tried is the Pritikin Principle diet. Not sure whether or not this could be the right diet for you? Well, let's take a closer look at the diet to figure out whether or not it will really work well for you.




Overview of the Pritikin Principle




The Pritikin Principle Diet is one that was developed by Nathan Pritikin and it has been around for more than 30 years now. This is a diet that is very low fat, and while is mostly based on eating vegetables, fruits, and grains, it is not totally a vegetarian diet. Only 10% of this diet is fat. Nathan's son, Robert, has now taken over this concept and has added to it and tweaked it just a bit. He stresses that you should choose foods that have low calories for their density and then you should fill up on them, since you'll feel really full but won't be consuming as many calories.




People It Works For Best




This diet is one that is a great fit for those who want to change their entire eating habits to lose some weight over time slowly. Also those who want to start using vegetarian principles in their diet will find that this is a great diet to check out as well. Instead of just being a diet, it focuses on becoming an entire lifestyle, so it is great for people who want an entire change of life. However, those who love their meats and sweets from time to time may not find this diet to be the right fit.




Pros and Cons to Consider




As with any diet, the Pritkin Principle Diet has both pros and cons that you should take into consideration. Here are a few of the most common pros and cons that you may want to think about before you decide this is the right diet for you.




- Pro #1 - Focuses on Healthy Eating - One of the key pros of the Pritkin Principle Diet is that it really focuses on healthy eating. The foods allowed in the diet are foods that are full of great vitamins and minerals, so you really get the important nutrients that help to keep your body healthy. Also, the foods that you eat make you feel full as well, which means you don't constantly have to deal with cravings.




- Pro #2 - Allows a Variety of Foods - There are a variety of different foods that you are allowed to eat as well. This makes it a better diet than some diets that are extremely restrictive. When you have a variety of foods to eat, you are less likely to get bored.




- Pro #3 - Starch is Allowed in Moderation - While there are some diets that totally get rid of carbs, this diet allows you to have some carbs as long as it is done in moderation. This is a healthier choice than just totally getting rid of the carbohydrates in your diet.




- Pro #4 - Doesn't Go Crazy with Excessive Calorie Counting - You really don't have to stress about excessively having to count the calories that you eat. It can be a pain to count every calorie, but with this diet you'll know that the foods you are eating are low calorie.






- Con #1 - Large Amounts of High Fiber Foods - One of the main cons to this diet is that you eat many foods that are high in fiber, since it helps to make you feel full and improve the way the digestive system works. However, over time this can cause swelling and bloating and you may not be able to eat enough in one meal to feel satisfied.




- Con #2 - No Cheat Days Available - Many people find that the fact there are no cheat days to this diet to be a huge con. So, some people may find that this diet is really hard to stick to all the time, since they don't get some of their favorite foods.




- Con #3 - Not Enough Healthy Fats - This is a diet that is low in fat, and it can be a con since you may not be getting the healthy fats that your body really does need to be healthy.




Food Do's and Don'ts




The foods that are supposed to be eaten on the Pritikin Principle Diet include foods that have very few calories per pound. So, you are to avoid foods that have high calorie content and stick to grains, fruits, and vegetables that allow you to eat large quantities for relatively few calories. Doing this allows you to fill your stomach so you won't feel hungry and consume high calorie foods. Some of the foods that are really preferred in the diet include oats, brown rice, apples, squash, onions, millet, potatoes, barley, bananas, pears, beans, dark green lettuces, and strawberries.




Opinions from the Medical Community




While the medical community tends to be quite happy about all the nutrients that you'll be getting from the Pritikin Principle Diet, the one problem that they have is that the fat in the diet is extremely low and may be a problem for your health. Fat soluble vitamins are also limited in this diet as well. This means that you may have problems with skin health, proper growth, and normal cell functions because you are not getting enough fat in the diet.

"The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet" by Tarun Patel


If you're looking for a diet that will truly help you lose weight, there are many out there to choose from. If you don't know much about the diets available you may make a choice that is totally wrong for your body. This is why it is important to learn as much as you can about a diet before you decide to try it. So, if the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet is one that you are considering, you'll want to learn a bit more. Here is some helpful information on this diet that will help you decide whether or not it is the diet for you.




Carbohydrate Addict's Diet Overview




The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet is a diet that was developed by Richard Heller, MD along with his wife, Rachael Meller, MD. It was first brought to light in the early 90's and the basic theory behind it is that many people who are dealing with weight problems are addicted to carbs. Many times this can lead to insulin levels that are very high, which can make them crave even more carbs throughout the day. This diet works to help people get away from their addiction to carbs while not totally taking them out of the diet.




People it Works Best For




The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, or CAD, is a great diet for those who have not found the Atkins Diet to be successful for them. If people feel that Atkins deprived them, they may find that this diet is more effective for them, since they have the ability to eat whatever they want once each day. The reward meal is definitely one of the enticing factors, which makes it a great choice for people who really have certain foods that they enjoy eating each day. The main group that this diet was developed for though, is for people who have an imbalance in the body that is known as carbohydrate addiction.




Pros and Cons




When you take a look at the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, you will find that there are pros and cons to the diet. You need to take a close look at them to figure out whether or not the pros outweigh the cons or if the opposite is true. Here are a few of the pros and cons of this diet to consider.




- Pro #1 - Easier than Atkins - One of the pros is that this diet is a much easier one to follow than the Atkins diet. It is not quite as extreme, which makes it easier for people to follow, which usually leads to more success.




- Pro #2 - Gets Rid of Carb Cravings - Another pro of the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet is that it helps people to get rid of their carb cravings. This is done by the careful portions and choice of foods that are eaten each day.




- Pro #3 - Keeps Blood Sugar on a Constant Level - Since you are not eating so many carbs all the time, this diet helps you to keep your blood sugar levels on a more constant level, instead of constantly having a sugar level that goes up and down throughout the day.






- Con #1 - You May Miss Nutrients - When it comes to cons, one of the big ones is that you may miss out on some of the most important nutrients that your body really needs. Often it is hard to get the fiber and calcium that your body needs when you are on this diet.




- Con #2 - Bad for Those with High Cholesterol - Many times doctors will actually advise against this diet for people who have high cholesterol. The foods that are eaten in this diet are high in fats that are saturated, which can elevate cholesterol, so this is another con of this diet.




- Con #3 - Many People Experience Plateaus in Weight Loss - After a certain time, while people usually lose weight right away during the diet, many people end up hitting a plateau eventually and then they stop losing weight. This can also be one of the big cons to consider before you try this diet.






Foods You Can and Can't Eat




While you are on the diet, there are foods that you can and cannot eat. During the first couple weeks of the program, two of your daily meals must be their special meals that have about 3-4 ounces of meat, 2 ounces of some type of cheese, and about two cups of salad or some type of veggies. Then, for your third meal of the day you are allowed to eat whatever you want and as much as you want, and this is called the Reward Meal. The only restriction on the Reward Meal is that you have to eat everything for the meal within one hours' time.




Once the first two weeks are up, there are a few different plans that you can choose, depending on the weight you plan on losing after this. Some have plans that allow special snacks during the day, and the snacks are limited as well. Also, the diet requires that you drink a lot of water each day as well, which is very important.




What the Medical Community Says




When it comes to the medical community and their opinions, for the most part the Carbohydrate Addict Diet is not really a favorite with them. While obese people often show insulin resistance and high levels of insulin, usually doctors feel that obesity actually causes this. Also, most people in the medical field feel that it can be a bad diet choice because you miss out on some of the best nutrition that your body really does need if you are to lead a healthy life.

"Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food" by Tarun Patel


If you are trying to lose weight, you may be trying to find a great diet that will really help you out. However, it can be really hard to decide on the diet that will really work for you, with so many out there for you to choose from. There are a variety of great books out there on weight loss as well that have been turned into diet plans, and one of those was Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food diet. Not sure that this is a great book or a great diet plan? Well, let's do a bit more research and find out all about this diet and whether or not it is a great choice for you and your weight loss needs.




Overview of the Diet




Basically this is a book and a diet that was written and developed by Suzanne Somers and it is developed around the premise that you can actually eat anything and lose the weight you want to. However, it does stress that you have to eat in certain combinations if you want to lose weight. The author points out that she thinks that it is certain combinations of food that make people fat, so she shows how to combine foods in certain ways that are to help you lose weight.




Who Does it Work Best For?




For people who have no will power at all and those who really want to eat all the foods they love, this is a diet that they may want to try. If you don't want to be left hungry all the time feeling deprived because you can only eat protein or vegetables, this is the diet that offers something different.




A Few Pros and Cons




- Pro #1 - Eat Just About What You Want - The main pro that most people find with this diet is that they can finally eat the foods that they want to eat instead of dealing with diets that totally limit them in foods.




- Pro #2 - Recipes Included - Another pro of this diet and book is that there are quite a few recipes that are included in the book, so you do have an idea where to start. However, once you go through the recipes, you may find yourself a bit lost.




- Pro #3 - Don't Count Points or Calories - You'll also find that you will never have to count any points or any calories when you are on this diet. All you have to do is make sure that you eat certain foods together and that you avoid eating foods together tha may cause you problems.






- Con #1 - The Author Has No Nutrition Credits - One of the main cons of this diet plan is that the creator, Suzanne Somers really does not have any nutrition credits as well. The only thing she has done in the past is appear in an infomercial for a special exerciser for thighs. So, all that she offers in her book is not based on great nutrition credentials.




- Con #2 - Silly Claims - Another con of this diet and book is that some of the claims are just silly. The author advises people not to drink any water with their meal, stating that the digestive juices get diluted and you won't be able to lose weight as you should. There is absolutely no merit found for this idea, so it appears to be a bit off the wall and silly.




- Con #3 - Food Combining is Needed - You'll also find that to follow this diet you'll have to combine foods in certain ways in order to be allowed to eat them. This is not always fun and it's not always easy to get the right combination at the right time as well. Her method of food combining is called Somerizing, but it can be difficult to actually incorporate this into your life.




Foods You Can Eat and Some You Can't




When it comes to eating foods on this diet, you can just about eat anything; however, it is how you eat it that is so important to this diet. When you eat fruits, you are only supposed to eat them by themselves. Proteins and fats are supposed to be eaten with vegetables and when you eat carbs, you're allowed to eat them with vegetables, but not with fats. Fats and proteins are never to be eaten along with carbs. Also, if you want to change the type of meal you're eating, you have to wait at least three hours.




What the Medical Community Has to Say




When it comes to what the medical community has to say about the Get Skinny on Fabulous Food, most of the things they have to say are not really complimentary. You see, most people in the medical field really feel like much of what the author says in the books is not true and that there is not scientific premise for it, such as the idea that drinking water with your meal is bad. So, for the most part, this is not a diet that has impressed the medical field in any manner.

"Protein Power Lifeplan" by Tarun Patel


So many diets, so little time, but which one is right for you? This can be a hard question to answer with all the different diets that are out there today. One diet out there that you may have never heard of is the Protein Power Lifeplan diet. This is one of many diets out there, and before you decide to start it yourself, you should take some time to learn more about the diet, how it works, who it works for, and the pros and cons of the diet as well. So, here is some helpful information that will give you the knowledge to decide whether the Protein Power Lifeplan is a good fit for you.




An Overview of the Protein Power Lifeplan




This diet, the Protein Power Lifeplan, which is also the title of their book, was developed by husband and wife, Michael Eades, and Mary Dan Eades, both whom are doctors. Basically the main principle in this diet is that you should limit your carbs and makes sure that you get plenty of protein in your diet. However, the book does offer you various options for how to do it. While this type of a diet can become very complex, the authors let you know that it is fine to take a simpler route. While this diet may not be as restrictive as some low carb diets, it definitely is quite restrictive.




Who it Works for Best




This is a diet that is especially great for people who like it to be simple. People who just want someone to tell them exactly the things that they should be eating will find this diet to be a good one for them because it does tell them exactly what to eat and there is very little variation available.




Pros and Cons of the Diet




Just about any diet is going to have some pros and cons, so you need to figure out what they are so you can weight them and decide whether or not the pros really outweigh the cons of the diet. In some cases the pros do outweigh them, but this is not always the case. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons that you'll find in the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet.




- Pro #1 - It Really is Simple - One pro of this diet is that it really is quite simple. For people who want someone to tell them exactly what to eat, this is a good diet to follow. Once you learn all of the rules, they don't really change much, so it is quite simple for those who don't want to deal with things that are constantly changing.




- Pro #2 - Nutrition is Emphasized - Another pro of the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet is that it really does emphasize nutrition. It works on making sure that people do get the nutrition that they need and it also teaches people to make the most out of their carbs so they are sure to get the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that their body really needs to have.






- Con #1 - You Have to Count Carbs in Everything - Of course there are some negative sides to this diet as well. One of the main cons is that you always have to be counting the carbs in every single thing that you eat, which can definitely get old after time. So, if you don't want to spend your time constantly counting the carbs in your meal, this may not be the right diet for you.




- Con #2 - Can Have Too Few Carbs - As with many other low carb diets, there is a danger of having too few carbs in your diet as well. It may be difficult to stick to and you may also end up dealing with a carb crash from so drastically limiting the amount of carbohydrates that the body can take in.




- Con #3 - Little Variation is Offered - While it is nice to have a simple diet, this one can get boring because there is so little variation for you to enjoy. There are not many ways that you can adjust this diet, which means it may get old for you very quickly.




Do's and Don'ts of Food




When you are on the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet, you'll find that carbs of any kind of very restricted. Every meal or snack that you have can only contain between 7-10 grams of carbs. Also, you are to use your allotment of carbs to make sure that you get the best nutrition possible with it. Of course you are supposed to eat high amounts of protein as well when you are on this diet.




The Medical Community's Opinion




When it comes to the opinion of the medical community, there are a few concerns about the Protein Power Lifeplan diet program.. One main concern is the low amount of carbs that you get, which can restrict the nutrients that you get in your diet. Also, there is a lot of protein encouraged as well, which is not a great thing according to many people in the medical field. Sure, protein is great, but too much can cause problems in your body.

"Avoiding High Cholesterol" by Tarun Patel


Living in a society where fast paced living means fast paced eating as well, one has to sit and wonder "where does all this junk go"? The sad fact is that it all gets stored in your body, including the blood stream. High cholesterol can effect all of your body. There are many foods that you can eat to avoid high cholesterol.




Just getting off work? On your way to your folk's house to pick the kids up, you decide to stop by your local fast food joint to pick up a cheeseburger or tow and a large french fry. How often do you do that? One, two, three or four times a week? Well like a ticking time bomb the cholesterol is rapidly counting down on your health.




Foods with a lot of saturated fats should be avoided as much as posible. There needs to be balance in your diet. If you have no choice but to make these foods the primary source, you need to also eat high fiber foods and foods that are full of vitamin C, such as oranges and grapefruit.




Other types of foods to avoid are foods that you probably thought that were okay for you, but internally they are really unhealthy and full of cholesterol. Yes, eating red meats is good if done in moderation. However, if you continue to eat them and do it on a more then moderate basis, it can lead to high cholesterol. Pork is high in cholesterol. Many people love to fry meats in lard. That is extremely high in cholesterol.




There are other foods that you need to avoid that are high in cholesterol. Going to your local grocery store you may find all kinds of yummy looking snacks such as greasy potato chips or that big bucket of ice cream. Eating a lot of these will surely increase your cholesterol level and add some pounds.




Still skinny eating all of this? Well I have news for you, just because you are skinny and thin on the outside, doesn't mean that you are healthy on the inside. There are many things that you need to watch out for. Clogged arteries, high blood pressure, stored unwanted fat and the list goes on. High metabolism doesn't mean you are not high cholesterol. And if you do have high levels, you should take steps now, while you can, to reduce theelevated cholesterol levels - your health depends on it.

"Cholesterol Laden Foods" by Tarun Patel


There are many foods that you need to be aware of that are laden with cholesterol. It is important that you are aware of the many types of foods for the sake of your family's health.




A List of Cholesterol Laden Foods




Interesting enough, a sheep or beef brain is on the top of the list for the most cholesterol in foods. Makes you wanna run out and buy a couple, eh? Well, rest assured I won't be anytime soon!! That is for sure.




Next on the list is fish oil. While there are many good attributes for it, there are also precautions that you must know about. Fish oil has a lot of cholesterol.




Chicken liver anyone? - Well, coming in as number three on the list is tasty chicken liver. I think that I will pass on this one as well. I am sure that many of us will.




Raw eggs (especially the yolk) - I am sure that there are many people out there who love the incredible edible egg, right? Yeah, I do but it doesn't like us so we need to eat them in moderation.




Beef bi-products - Liver or tongues anyone? Nah, I didn't think so. There are many people who like to fry up a batch now and again. If the grease isn't bad enough, then eat some bi-products to add more to your already high cholesterol.




Canned crustaceans? - Uhm you mean as in shrimp and fish? I don't think so. There are many that you think in your mind are very good for you. So since they are 'good' for you, you decide to go ahead and fry them; making them better? I sincerely doubt it. They are still high in cholesterol.




Fast foods - Well, this is definitely a no-brainer (to say the least). Uhm, maybe or maybe not, who knows. Maybe you didn't know that those morning biscuits and sausage were loaded with all the fattening grease? Perhaps you don't think about it while driving down the road on your way to work? Who knows, but now you do.




Pork anyone? - Did you know that pork is high in fat and cholesterol already. They are some of the nastiest animals and eat just about anything. They are full of cholesterol and sadly enough, many people fry them in grease.




There are many types of food that are loaded with cholesterol. We can choose to be knowledgeable in what we do or we can continue feeding our bodies junk. The choice is yours: continue eating foods that are bad for you, or take an active part in reducing the high cholesterol Makes a sobering thought, doesn't it?

"Get Rid of Cholesterol Naturally" by Tarun Patel


Do you ever sit there staring at that hamburger meal with fries and a slathering of grease and wondering "why oh why must I eat something so full of junk"? Okay surely that is not what is going through your mind. However, your body is screaming inside knowing that you are about to corrupt it with pure grease. The stuff that won't allow your arteries to breathe. The junk that won't allow your blood to flow freely. Yeah that junk!!




There are natural ways that we can get rid of those things that we find in our blood stream. There are fruits like citrus that does help eliminate these out of our system.




There are other things that we can do to help eliminate bad cholesterol levels naturally. There are natural detox diets that we can partake in to help reduce our cholesterol.




Along with these ideas that can reduce your total cholesterol, you can prevent high cholesterol by simply cutting back on all these foods as well. There are many ways to cut back. When in a hurry to eat, why not chose a salad verses that fast food cheeseburger?




Of course there are foods that will also reduce your risk of high cholesterol as well. These foods may include those that are rich in fiber such as cereals and whole grains. Then there are many types of fruits as well.




Yes, there is a way to go without all the medications a supplements. There is a way that you can reduce your cholesterol intake by eating healthy whole grains and citrus fruits and vegetables as well.




To do something about high cholesterol just add a little green to your life; like adding balance as well. Enjoy foods but don't over consume yourself with those that are laden with cholesterol.

"Diet Tips To Cut Cholesterol" by Tarun Patel


As you walk out of the doctor's office, your mind is spinning because you have just been diagnosed with high cholesterol and there isn't much that you can do besides take pills. Did you know that there is a more natural alternative than taking medications?




There are diets that you can go on that will reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood. First of all, you can reduce the cholesterol in your blood by detoxifying your body. Detoxifying your body means to cleanse it throughout. You can do it naturally with supplements or you can do it with a lemon detox.




A lemon detox is a diet that you can go on for 3-7 days. All you will need is distilled water, cayenne peppers, lemon, natural molasses. You can mix about a tablespoon of molasses in the water and then add a pinch of molasses and lemon as well. This is the only thing that you can consume during the diet. It will naturally cleanse your body and help reduce a lot of the cholesterol in your blood stream.




There are ways that you can reduce your cholesterol through other liquid diets if you don't like the little lemon concoction. Then of course, there is an all exclusive liquid diet as well.




High fiber diets are also diets that are good for your total well being. Eating foods that are rich in fiber and other enriched foods are more than good for reducing cholesterol. Whole wheat breads and all grain foods are really the best for eliminating cholesterol from your diet.




Go on a lactose free diet. Eliminate some of the dairy products from your diet. Drink lactose free milk. Cut back on cheeses and other dairy product. There are many ways to eliminate the cholesterol by going on diets that eliminate the fats and cholesterol from your diet.




With all of the ways to reduce your cholesterol, there are more ways than one to just cut back on all of the cholesterol laden foods as well. So if you are afraid of what the ole' doc has diagnosed, you can eliminate some of it by cutting back on the cholesterol. High cholesterol don't have to be impossible to manage.

"High Cholesterol in Children" by Tarun Patel


In this fast paced world of McDonald's and Burger King, it sometimes seems hard to raise children on salads and greens. There needs to be balance because, face it, you cannot go through life just eating fast food. Fast food for a fast life is not healthy but that is what we as American's rely on. There are many things that you can do in life to reduce cholesterol in our children. I want to share some tips with you.




First of all know that you can cook quick and easy foods that the family loves. There are many recipes that you can go by that be tasty to both you and your family. There are things that you can do to eliminate the cholesterol in your body as well as your children.




Obesity is on the rise in our children more now then ever. Don't just blame it on the high cholesterol that is found in fatty fast foods.




Your five year old is having a hard time getting away from the Playstation game? Yep, well it is really hard to pry him, but it has to be done. There must be moderation in playing video games.




Children now and days are deprived of outdoor activities and who's fault is it? Surely it isn't theirs. Parents need to be more aware of their child's activities by being a part of them. Why not go out and pass the ball a few times? If we were more active with our children, then they would be happier and want to play outside more often. Wouldn't you think.




It seems we are always so wrapped up in our own little world that there is no time for the kids anymore so let the Playstation babysit? There needs to be a stop to it. There are so many other things that you can do to entertain your children and watching what they eat is more important.




In a hurry all the time?




Well there are ways that you can enjoy a meal without worrying about all of the elevated cholesterol levels. How about making a good wholesome quick and easy crock pot meal? You can make it as you are heading out the door. The family will love a good pot roast as well as carrots and potatoes. Time of preparation: oh, approximately 15 minutes. Not bad for a quick meal and healthy one as well. Not to mention it takes that long to stand in line and wait on that Burger King meal. It is your family's health. Feed them a balanced diet!

"High Cholesterol Symptoms" by Tarun Patel


So why is your cholesterol level so high? What is there to look for? I mean, you look fine. You're not gaining weight or anything like that right?




This is one of the big problems with high cholesterol levels: there isn't usually anything visible that tells you there is a problem.




There is really no symptom to pin point high cholesterol but it can very well be there. Look for symptoms like heavy breathing or lack of breath. That is one sign. There is another sure sign that you have high cholesterol and that is determined by a blood test that you undergo at the doctor's office.




There are more ways that you can definitely see whether or not that you have high cholesterol just by knowing what you consume on a daily basis. If you are feeding your family a lot of fat ladened foods then you are definitely risking high cholesterol and that is something that you need to be aware of.




Gaining weight is another sure sign of the possibility of high cholesterol. On its own, weight gain is only an indicator, so it doesn't definitely mean you have higher cholesterol. It may or may not.




However you need to know so that you are made aware of the risks that are involved.




There are ways to determine and to know for sure whether or not your blood is full of cholesterol or not. Simply avoiding foods that are full of grease is one way to know for sure. There aren't many symptoms that will determine whether or not you have high cholesterol or not. Try as much as possible to avoid a lot of fast foods in your diet.

"Think You Have High Cholesterol?" by Tarun Patel


Do you think that you may have high cholesterol? We will have a look at some of the symptoms to make sure that you don't fall victim to high cholesterol and also make sure that, if you think that you already do, you can get help to reduce it and better your health as well.




First of all, did you know that there is no real symptom of high cholesterol. There is not one true sign that actually points to having cholesterol. However, a routine blood test can tell all. There are things that you can go by that may tell you that you may have high cholesterol.




Are you obese? Do you eat an abundance of fatty foods? Do you feel bloated all of the time? These are things that can tell you that there is a possibility that you may be a sufferer of high cholesterol.




There are ways that you can also see whether or not that you have high cholesterol. You can have underlying conditions such as diabetes that can point at the possibility of high cholesterol. The fact remains that there is no definite proof that there is high cholesterol in your body without having a blood test done to determine it.




You can make a regular check up appointment at your doctor's office where he will then draw a sample of blood and then test it for cholesterol. It is important to get a regular check up because high cholesterol causes high blood pressure. Then there is heart disease and the number one cause of death and that is heart disease.




Remember, you don't have to let high cholesterol beat you. Be good to your heart and eat smart!!

"Ways to Reduce High Cholesterol" by Tarun Patel


There are several ways that you can reduce your high cholesterol. First of all, being aware of your cholesterol intake is very important. Some want to make themselves aware and then there are those who really don't care and they continue to eat whatever.




If you are one of those who have the desire to lower your cholesterol, you may do so by modifying your diet as the first resort. There are things that you can do to reduce your cholesterol and one of them is to cut back on the dairy products. This is a sure way to keep your body staying fit and the cholesterol down.




How does a bowl of oatmeal sound? There are wholegrains that are not only essential for you but may also help keep your cholesterol level lowered.




Like to fry a lot of foods. There are also ways that you can reduce your cholesterol level by cooking with oils such as canola oil and also olive oil. They may be a little more expensive but it is definitely the way to fry those foods that you like to fry so much.






You may also consider exercising as another way to reduce the cholesterol in your diet. There are cardio exercises that you may do that will reduce the cholesterol in your blood as well. Brisk walking and jogging are considered to be good cardio exercises. There are many other exercises that you may consider as well.




Of course, there is medication. You can choose to take medication and you can choose not to. It is all up to you. There are natural alternatives as well. There are foods that you can eat that will reduce your cholesterol level. There are ways that you can reduce your cholesterol levels by eating good healthy foods.




With all of the ways to lower your cholesterol level, there are more then one ways to do it. It is all in what you eat and what you decide to do as far as exercising and reducing the cholesterol in your blood.

"What Foods are High in Cholesterol? " by Tarun Patel


Want to know what to avoid while you are going on a diet to lower cholesterol? Perhaps you want to just reduce your cholesterol intake. There are many foods that you can avoid to reduce the risk of high cholesterol in your body.




Some foods you may not even realize the risks in eating them on a regular basis and the fact that they must be avoided as much as possible. These foods are unhealthy and can cause serious heart and blood problems.




What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Do they have alternate foods besides greasy hamburgers or those lard soaked chicken sandwiches. How about a nice salad every now and again.




You take your weekly trip to the grocery store. Tonight you want something quick and easy to make. You make your way to the frozen food section where there are all sorts of family favorites that you just pop in the nuker and away you go. Simple and easy but full of cholesterol.




Those Pizza Pockets and TV dinners are not healthy to eat on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, I love them on occasion. However, they don't love me and won't show mercy on my body either.




You have decided to go with sandwiches for dinner tonight but you take an awkward turn towards the junk food isle. Who can eat a sandwich without those potato chips, right? There are certain kinds to avoid, like the potato chips that have been fried. Then there are the baked chips that are not so bad. You can always check the labels to make sure that they are healthy for you. There are some that are fat free and better for you. Those are really the best type to get.




Next time you want that quick dinner for those nights of running around, think about preparing a crock pot meal ahead of time. You can save money as well as your family's health when you do this. There are several crock pot meal recipes that you can find. Good wholesome meals are really the best kind that you can feed your family.




If you want a diet to reduce high cholesterol simple changes are a good way to start. It's easier to start small and ramp up as you get used to the changes. What are you waiting for?

"What in the World Causes High Cholesterol?" by Tarun Patel


So you are sitting there wondering what causes high cholesterol? What causes your blood stream to suffocate? What is it that makes it hard for your blood to flow freely?




Okay, I know you love all of those fattening greasy hamburgers and things of that nature. There are other things that you love and may or may not be aware of whether or not they are causing your cholesterol to sky rocket, but they are, that is for sure.




There are so many foods that you can avoid and in doing so can help reduce your cholesterol intake. For instance, you can eliminate the cholesterol in your body by slowing down on all of those McDonald Big Macs and Burger King Whoopers. Yep, take it from me, these can and will quickly add to your body unwanted cholesterol.




You make your way down the yummy food isle. There are several different types of fattening cookies, chips and a variety of other greasy favorites that you may choose from. Did you know eating too many of these items are really bad for your health?




Indeed they are and of course, there is balance in everything. You can have balance in everything. With such a fast paced life, there are many things that we tend to do without thinking about it. Eat out too much? Yes, we do that all too often. There are so many things that we need to look out for as well. Off to Baskin Robbins? How often? When is too much too much?




Slim down on those dairy products that are so high in cholesterol and can add to the cholesterol in your body. There are several foods that you can avoid to help reduce the cholesterol in your body.




When you fry liver and chicken or anything like that you are also using grease to do it. That too will add to the cholesterol in your body. So with foods that are already high in cholesterol it is better to have oils that aren't high in cholesterol such as fish oil and olive oil. That way, you can help to avoid the problems associated with high cholesterol level

"Feel Under Stress? Top 10 Easy Relaxation Tips" by Tarun Patel


Are you feeling under stress most days? Suffering from tension headaches and poor concentration? Try these ten easy relaxation tips to feel more relaxed and in control.




1. Take a short break and leave a stressful situation. If you are at work, offer to run an errand or go for a short walk. A few minutes away can help you think clearly and the walk will get rid of some of the tension in your body.

2. Take a break from the activity you are working on and do something different. Sometimes it helps to come back to a stressful task later when you feel more relaxed instead of persevering. If you are at home with small children it is often better to stop when they, and you, become frustrated and take some time out to do something else so everyone can calm down.

3. Listen to relaxing music while you work. Listening to classical or nature music has been shown to lower heart rate and slow breathing. People often report feeling calmer after listening to calming music. Develop the habit of playing music in the background while you work for easy relaxation.

4. Take regular breaks during the day. Spend 5-10 minutes to read something uplifting or humorous, or chat with a friend. Small breaks help to prevent your mind and body from becoming fatigued, a major source of stress.

5. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully aware of the present moment. It is a skill that helps to reduce stress and depression. Learning relaxation techniques is a good way to start learning mindfulness. As you gradually become more aware of your body and subtle changes that occur with relaxation your ability to notice small changes will improve. Start by spending 5 minutes a day just sitting in the quite noticing the sights, sounds and bodily sensations you are having. You can also learn mindfulness through meditation techniques.

6. Change your focus. As people feel more stressed their attention becomes focused on what they believe to be the cause of their stress and they ignore other information. Write down the things that were good about the day. Keep a gratitude journal.

7. Have a hot bath or shower. This will help to get rid of the tension in your muscles which is a normal result of stress.

8. Write down the things that are worrying you. If you are worried it is very difficult to relax easily. Once you have written them down then see how much control you have over them. Can you take any action to solve the problem or are you worrying about things that are out of your control. Worry is a habit that can be helped by learning effective relaxation techniques.

9. Keep things in perspective. Ask yourself ‘how important is it?’ ‘How important will it be in a year’s time?’ Many of the things that cause stress are not important when we look at the big picture.

10. Slow your breathing and purposefully relax your body for quick results. This will be easier if you have learned easy relaxation methods that you can use when you need them.