Feel Healthy Today
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Health News
  • Fitness News
  • Weight Loss
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Weight Loss

Can a salt water flush help you lose weight?

4/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Can a salt water flush help you lose weight?

https://ift.tt/2vYBSHh

Some believe that a salt water flush can relieve constipation, reduce bloating, or cleanse the colon. Salt water flushes are becoming more popular, but reviews are mixed, and this home remedy may pose health risks.

According to some sources, a salt water flush may help with weight loss, release of fluid retention, or an improvement in digestion. On the other hand, the body is able to cleanse itself without help from flushes or washes.

Before starting any detoxification method, it is important to speak with a doctor to see if a salt water flush is appropriate. Salt water flushes can be dangerous for people with existing medical conditions.

What is a salt water flush and why do it?

Salt for a salt water flush <br>Image credit: Poyraz 72, 2015</br>Side effects of a salt water flush may include nausea and vomiting.
Image credit: Poyraz 72, 2015

Salt water flushes are used to treat constipation, bloating, and to detoxify the colon during a juice fast or similar cleansing program.

Proponents claim that during detox programs, such as juicing, toxins are pulled into the colon and require removal, which can be done with a salt water flush.

Supporters of colon cleansing link chronic medical problems with colon toxins and, therefore, they recommend colon cleanses to increase immune function and energy levels.

The salt water flush itself supposedly aids the colon in purging old fecal material and toxins from the body, and it is thought to be safe overall.

Nevertheless, there are some in the medical community who warn against the practice.

Risks

There are some side effects that can be serious despite the fact that many proponents of salt water flushes report that there are minimal risks.

Common side effects include symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

The potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may lead to symptoms that can be serious, including:

  • muscle spasms
  • weakness
  • twitching
  • numbness
  • confusion
  • feeling lethargic
  • convulsions
  • seizures
  • heart problems, including changes in blood pressure and heartbeat

Salt water flushes are not a good option for everyone, and speaking to a doctor before starting a salt water flush is essential. Again, it is worth remembering that the body can cleanse and flush itself without additional help.

It may be recommended that those with high blood pressure, digestive issues, kidney or heart disease, or other serious medical conditions should avoid saline flushes and colon cleanses.

Salt water cleanses are not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or children.

Research

There is limited if any scientific evidence to support the use of saline flushes.

However, there are many personal experiences that are noted on the internet, discussing practices with this cleanser. But further research is needed in this area to determine the efficacy and safety of colon cleansing.

How to do a salt water flush

A common salt water flush recipe involves mixing non-iodized salt with water by:

  • adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of non-ionized salt, preferably sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt, to 1 liter of water, and stirring until dissolved
  • drinking the mixture over a period of 5 or so minutes

A salt water flush is often done on an empty stomach, for instance, first thing in the morning, to produce several bowel movements throughout the day.

If a person tries this remedy, they should make sure that there is a bathroom nearby for most of the day.

Alternatives

whole grains and cereals are a good source of fiberA high-fiber diet is an alternative to a salt water cleanse.

Care should be taken when considering colon cleansing with laxatives, pills, teas, and other herbal supplements. These are typically not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and do not have substantial research to support their use.

Some may, in fact, interfere with certain medications or have possible serious side effects in some people.

Alternatives to a salt water cleanse to maintain colon, kidney, and liver health may include:

  • eating a high-fiber diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes
  • taking fiber supplements to decrease constipation
  • avoiding dehydration by drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • stopping smoking
  • exercising regularly
  • keeping a healthy body weight for your body type

Outlook

Salt water flushes are gaining popularity to relieve symptoms of constipation, bloating, or what some describe as 'toxic' physical symptoms. However, it is crucial to remember that more research is needed in this area to determine the safety, efficacy, and effect on the body.

It appears that, in most cases, salt water flushes are relatively safe, but this is not true for everyone. Those with high blood pressure, digestive issues, kidney or heart disease, should avoid saline flushes and colon cleanses.

Before trying any colon cleanse, people should have a discussion with their doctor to check on the safety in each case.





Weight Loss

via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc

April 30, 2018 at 02:51PM
0 Comments

These five habits will lengthen your lifespan

4/30/2018

0 Comments

 
These five habits will lengthen your lifespan

https://ift.tt/2vZpo2i

Exercising regularly, adopting a healthful diet, not smoking, not becoming overweight, and drinking only moderate amounts of alcohol could all lengthen life at age 50 for women by 14 years and for men by 12 years.
older woman stretching by seaRegular exercise is one of five things that you can do to lengthen your lifespan.

This was the conclusion of the first study to thoroughly analyze the relationship between "low-risk lifestyle factors" and life expectancy in the United States.

A paper on the research, which was led by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, is shortly to be published in the journal Circulation.

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the U.S. is a long way down the list when it comes to life expectancy — in 2015, it ranked 31st.

This might seem startling for a country that spends more on health than any other — that is, until it becomes clear, suggest the new study authors, that most of the money goes on developing drugs and treating disease rather than preventing it.

And yet, many of the most common and costly diseases to treat — such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions — "are largely preventable," they note.

To what extent could a focus on prevention help to raise life expectancy in the U.S., which finds itself averaging 79.3 years, compared with Japan's 83.7?

Lifestyle 'behind 60 percent of early deaths'

Senior study author Frank B. Hu — who is a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School — and colleagues set out to find some answers by investigating the effect of modifiable health factors.

These are lifestyle behaviors that impact health that individuals can do something about.

They chose to focus on "smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diet, and obesity," because an analysis of 15 studies covering more than half a million people in 17 nations had concluded that these "unhealthy lifestyle factors" could account for around 60 percent of premature deaths.

The data for the new research came from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Both ongoing studies are following thousands of men and women and are collecting information about their diet, lifestyle, medical conditions, and deaths.

The new study used data from 78,865 women over 34 years and from 44,354 men over 27 years.

Five low-risk factors

First, the researchers calculated the extent to which early death in these two cohorts was linked to the following five "lifestyle-related low-risk factors":

  • not smoking
  • moderate alcohol intake — that is, in the region of up to one 5-ounce glass of wine per day for women, or two for men
  • regular exercise, or half an hour or more per day of moderate to vigorous activity
  • healthful diet, or being in the top 40 percent of a recognized healthful eating index
  • normal weight, or having a body mass index (BMI) under 25

Then, from the 2013–2014 results of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the team estimated the distribution of the five lifestyle factors across the U.S. population and married it to U.S. death rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Life expectancy rises with each extra factor

Bringing all the results together, the researchers produced nationally representative estimates of longer life expectancy linked to each low-risk lifestyle factor, and to all of them combined.

They found that women who did not follow any of the five low-risk factors had a life expectancy of 29 years at age 50, compared with 43.1 years for those who adopted all five.

There was a similar pattern for men, with those who did not adopt any of the five factors having a life expectancy of 25.5 years at age 50, compared with 37.6 years for those who adopted all of them.

So, women who stuck to all five low-risk health habits lived an average of 14 years longer than women who followed none of them, and for men, this gain was 12 years.

The team also found a direct relationship between number of low-risk factors followed and reduced risk of early death, with the highest protection coming from sticking to all five.

Life expectancy at the time of birth in the U.S. rose from 63 years in 1940 to 79 years in 2014. The researchers suggest that without widespread obesity, this increase could have been much larger.

Prof. Hu says that in the U.S., "adherence to healthy lifestyle habits is very low," and that public policy should do more to create "healthy food, built, and social environments to support and promote healthy diet and lifestyles."

"This study underscores the importance of following healthy lifestyle habits for improving longevity in the U.S. population."

Prof. Frank B. Hu





Weight Loss

via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc

April 30, 2018 at 10:50AM
0 Comments

Diaphoresis: What causes excessive sweating?

4/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Diaphoresis: What causes excessive sweating?

https://ift.tt/2JDhn4N

Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating for no apparent reason. Often, an underlying medical condition or a natural life event, such as menopause, cause this type of sweating.

Sweat is the body's natural way to control its temperature. A person usually sweats due to physical exertion, raised body temperature, or exposure to heat. The sweat acts as a coolant, reducing the temperature inside the body.

In other cases, a person may sweat in their armpits or on the palms of their hands because of emotional or mental stress.

Diaphoresis usually resolves once the underlying cause is known. In this article, we look at the possible causes and treatment option.

What is diaphoresis?

Man sweating due to diaphoresisDiaphoresis is not due to exercise or external heat.
Image credit: Lance Cpl. Reece E. Lodder, 2010

When a person experiences excessive sweating, it is called diaphoresis. In diaphoresis, the sweating cannot be explained by external heat or exercise. Instead, it is often the result of an underlying medical condition or someone's medication.

It is essential for someone to see a doctor if they experience frequent diaphoresis. Often, the underlying condition can be treated and future diaphoresis prevented.

In some cases, the excessive sweating is caused by a condition that may have serious complications.

Causes

A range of conditions can cause diaphoresis, including the following:

1. Menopause

Menopause is a common cause of excessive sweating in women. This type of sweating often occurs at night.

Estrogen and other hormones are in a state of flux during and just before menopause. The hormones can send messages to the brain that the body is overheating even when it is not, which triggers a sweat response.

2. Hyperthyroidism

When a person has hyperthyroidism, their thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine. Thyroxine helps regulate the body's metabolism. Too much thyroxine can increase the speed of someone's metabolism, causing excessive sweating.

A person may also experience:

  • racing pulse or heartbeat
  • anxiety
  • nervousness
  • weight loss
  • trouble sleeping
  • shaky hands

A person should seek medical attention if they suspect they have hyperthyroidism, as there are treatments available.

3. Diabetes

For someone who has diabetes, profuse sweating can signal hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. In these situations, a person needs to bring their blood sugar levels back up. Hypoglycemia can cause severe complications and be life-threatening if not treated urgently.

Some additional signs of hypoglycemia include:

  • shakiness
  • dizziness
  • loss of vision
  • anxiety
  • slurring words

4. Pregnancy

pregnant woman no faceWeight gain and fluctuations in hormones can cause sweating during pregnancy.

Many women sweat more during pregnancy than at other times in their lives. Sweating during pregnancy can occur because of:

  • weight gain
  • hormone fluctuations
  • increased metabolism

Most pregnancy-related sweating is normal, but a woman should see a doctor if she experiences excess sweating combined with fever, chills, or vomiting. These symptoms could be signs of other conditions or an infection.

5. Obesity

Carrying extra weight can make a person more prone to sweating. This can be due to increased exertion from carrying more weight or holding on to heat.

6. Withdrawal

When a person stops using alcohol or drugs for recreational purposes, they may go through withdrawal. Profuse sweating is a common symptom of withdrawal, but there are many others, some of which may be life-threatening.

It is often a good idea for a person quitting drugs or alcohol to seek medical attention, as a doctor can help monitor withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal can include:

  • anxiety
  • tremors
  • agitation
  • changing blood pressure levels
  • vomiting or nausea
  • seizures
  • racing pulse

7. Medications

Diaphoresis is a potential side effect of many medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs that may cause excessive sweating include:

If a person suspects they are sweating due to a medication they are taking, they should speak to their doctor. It is possible they may recommend a change in medication.

8. Heart attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency. In addition to severe sweating, a person may experience:

  • chest pain
  • vomiting or nausea
  • faintness
  • pale face
  • shortness of breath
  • pain in the back, neck, jaw, or one or both arms

9. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. In addition to sweating, a person may experience:

  • sudden decrease in blood pressure
  • itchy skin
  • hives
  • narrowing airways and difficulty breathing
  • loss of consciousness

A person should seek immediate medical help if experiencing anaphylaxis. Anyone who witnesses someone experiencing the symptoms of anaphylaxis should call emergency services straight away and use the person's epinephrine injector (EpiPen) if available.

10. Certain cancers

Rarely, some cancers can cause a person to sweat profusely. These cancers include:

Treatment

Treatment for diaphoresis varies depending on the cause. In many cases, treating the underlying condition will clear up any excessive sweating.

When medication is the cause, a doctor may prescribe different medications. If this is not possible, they may be able to recommend ways to manage the sweating.

For example, for underarm sweat, a person can try stronger underarm antiperspirants. Some people may also experience short-term relief with the use of onabotulinumtoxina injections, commonly known as Botox.

Iontophoresis uses a small electrical shock to help reduce and prevent sweating from the feet and hands. Similar to injections, this provides only temporary relief and may require several sessions.

Lastly, a doctor may prescribe an oral anticholinergic medication. Oxybutynin or glycopyrrolate are two potential medications that help reduce sweating.

Prevention

mature woman with brown discharge after menopause running outsideMaintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly may help reduce diaphoresis.

Prevention is not always possible, but there are some steps a person can take to reduce diaphoresis. These steps include:

  • managing diabetes
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • eating a balanced diet and avoiding spicy or hot foods
  • exercising regularly
  • wearing loose clothing during warm weather
  • drinking more water
  • avoiding hot weather
  • applying a clinical-strength antiperspirant

When to see a doctor

Anyone experiencing excessive sweating with no apparent cause should speak to their doctor, especially if it is affecting their everyday life or occurs with additional symptoms.

A person should also talk to their doctor if sweating causes a rash that lasts longer than a few days. This may indicate a skin infection.

If sweating occurs only on one side of the body, a person may be experiencing a neurologic condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Other reasons to visit a doctor, as soon as possible, include excessive sweating accompanied by:

  • chest pain
  • unconsciousness
  • seizures
  • difficulty breathing
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • pale or cold and clammy skin
  • heart palpitations

Takeaway

Diaphoresis is not always a cause for concern and treating the underlying cause will often clear up the condition.

A person should be aware of other symptoms that may signal more serious underlying causes. If in doubt, they should seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.





Weight Loss

via Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness News From Medical News Today https://ift.tt/O45xlc

April 30, 2018 at 06:57AM
0 Comments

Kitchen For Weight Loss: Smart Hacks To Ensure You Lose More Than You Pile

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Kitchen For Weight Loss: Smart Hacks To Ensure You Lose More Than You Pile

https://ift.tt/2I1nvEw

Kitchen For Weight Loss: Smart Hacks To Ensure You Lose More Than You Pile

Highlights

  • Weight loss in no cake walk, it is a result of a mix of various factors
  • Your kitchen and what you do in it, plays a very crucial role
  • Here are some kitchen hacks that would help in healthy weight loss
Weight loss in no cake walk, it is a result of a mix of various factors and immense hard work. From the perfect diet to regular workout, much has been said about the ways to lose pounds sustainable and effectively. Crash diets and starving would only do more harm than good in the big run. It is very important to create a perfect environment for weight loss. Your kitchen and what you do in it, naturally then becomes very crucial to shed those extra inches. For effective weight loss, you have to start by detoxing your kitchen. Toss away the fattening foods, chocolates, sauces, dressings etc. and fill your shelves with fresh and healthy items. You may start by replacing all the refined carbs with whole grain varieties. If your fridge is occupied with more healthy food, certainly you would cook healthy and eat healthy. Cut all your fruits and veggies in air-tight container and keep it in your reach, so that you keep munching on them. Keep a container of nuts closer than the jar of chips and namkeen. Add healthy veggies, juices, soups, curries and stews to your daily diet. You can even use veggies as substitutes to a variety of your unhealthy refined food. For instance, the pasta sheet for lasagne could easily be replaced with weight loss friendly zucchini sheet. Use healthier modes of cooking such as steaming and grilling, instead of frying. Having said that, here are some kitchen hacks that would help your way in healthy weight loss:

1. Use Oil Spray While Cooking

Use cooking sprays instead of oil dispensers. This would ensure that the oil intake is bare minimum. You will find oil sprays in any major mart or supermarket. 

2. Use Weight-Loss Friendly Cookware

One of the biggest culprits in turning even some of our most healthy foods into unhealthy is the amount of saturated fats it is cooked in. Use non-stick cookware with lids to reduce amount of oil for cooking. Air fryers are also considered to be a healthy option to fry your food, though there are many who would debate about it. 

(Also Read: Will Re-Using Leftover Cooking Oil Harm Your Family? Read This​)

pan

Cooking on nonstick cookwares make for a healthy bet


 3. Pack Crisp Salads Ahead 

The trend of mason jars has taken over the health and nutrition circuit by storm and how. The internet is brimming with beautiful pictures of artfully stacked jars that can easily pack your favourite delight for a quick on-the-go meal. Assemble your all the ingredients in layers and carry your favourite salad, oatmeal and granola with you. For an ideal on-the go salad, it's important to add the dressing first, to ensure that the salad ingredients don't get soggy or limp. Next, add your go-to grain or a form of protein like quinoa. Finally, add nuts, seeds and raisins. Throw in the leafy greens at last, so if you empty the mason jar into a bowl, the greens make the salad bed. 

(Also Read: Mason Jar Ideas: 8 Creative Ways to Use It​)


4. Freeze Your Greens, Veggies 

Don't you just hate it when you have to toss away a bunch of greens that have gone bad? Don't worry as this trick is just for you. Needless to say, greens and veggies play a huge role in effective weight loss. Greens like spinach and kale are full of fibres. Fibre improves digestion and induces satiety. When you are full, you tend to eat les fattening food. The best way to consume your veggies is to puree them. Take an ice cube tray and pour into them the blended puree and freeze them. You can use these frozen cubes, throw it in the blender and prepare your own weight loss smoothies. You can freeze pureed veggies like green beans and carrots and add them to soups and sauces, too. 


 5. Make 100 Calorie Snack Packs

For effective weight loss, it is very essential to keep a track of your calories. Ditch the fattening snacks from the stores. Make your own 100 calorie snack packs. Some of the low-calorie snacks you can pack are: 13 almonds, 1 banana, 45 to 50 raisins, 40 grams of grilled chicken or fish, half cup of oatmeal. All of these foods range below 100 calories. 

 

trail mix

You can incorporate different seeds in your diet by creating your own trail mix


These simple and effective techniques would help you shed weight effectively. If you have more such tips to share, do write to us in the comments section 


Weight Loss



via NDTV Food https://food.ndtv.com

April 29, 2018 at 01:42AM
0 Comments

Can Walking Help You Lose Weight?

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Can Walking Help You Lose Weight?

https://ift.tt/2HxL76y

If you're starting a weight-loss plan from scratch, meaning you've never regularly exercised or you've been on hiatus for a good while, the thought of starting a new fitness routine can be more than a little daunting. But rest assured that you don't need to commit to running a marathon or even a 5K to achieve your weight-loss goals — you can start by just walking.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the average person needs about four hours in total of moderately intense aerobic exercise per week, to lose weight. However, there are some important factors to keep in mind if you want a walking regimen to prove effective for weight-loss results.

"Walking is one of the safest and most effective methods you can use to lose weight," said A'Tondra Vinchealle, a certified personal trainer and owner of A'StrongerU Fitness in Houston. "As far as intensity is concerned, it is important that you understand exactly what 'moderately intense' means for you as an individual, because this will not be the same for each person."

In order for walking to be an effective method of weight loss, you need to ensure that when you are walking, you are slightly out of breath, Vinchealle said. This means that you would need to move from the more leisurely stroll you normally do when not actively exercising to more of a "power walk." Power walking is great for aerobic and anaerobic exercise, because it engages multiple muscle groups at one time. However, it is important to understand that without consistent resistance training (whether it be training with weights or by using your own body weight), it will take you much longer to see the results you are looking for.

"When you are slightly out of breath, this is when you will know you have hit the 'starting point' of effectiveness for your walk," she said.

"Now, if you are new to working out or if you are coming back after a long hiatus of not working out, you will probably see fast results in the beginning, but after about six weeks or so, you will experience a plateau," she said. "While there is absolutely nothing wrong with using power walking as your only method of physical activity for your weight loss, you need to be realistic about the kinds of results you are looking for and the time it will take you to get there."

Vinchealle also stressed the importance on focusing on one's nutrition when walking for weight loss.

"It's very important to make healthier dietary choices to go along with your power walk if you are looking to lose weight. If you are not addressing your nutrition habits, then no amount of any type of exercise will produce sustainable weight-loss results," she said. "This doesn't have to be complicated, either — you can take those first steps by simply adding an extra serving of green vegetables to all of your meals or beginning each meal with a warm glass of lemon water. Both of these habits will help to curb overeating and get you closer to reaching your weight loss goals."



Weight Loss



via POPSUGAR Fitness https://ift.tt/1ETCp6e

April 29, 2018 at 01:41AM
0 Comments

Take Protein Supplements With Meals to Aid Weight Loss

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Take Protein Supplements With Meals to Aid Weight Loss

https://ift.tt/2Fo3SU0

Editor’s Note: This article is a part of an Op-Ed series, “Second Opinion,” where patient experts share their take on current research, news, and trends in health and medicine. The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinions or views of HealthCentral.com.

As a nutritionist, I’ve seen every type of diet. In recent years I’ve encountered people who believe their diet is full of “healthy” processed foods, and consumers who only eat processed foods for ease and especially for taste. They can be vegetarian or health food nuts, junk-a-holics, or people who eat these foods for convenience. Quite often, the people who come to me because they are struggling with weight issues are compounding those weight struggles by their so-called healthy food choices. In a 2018 FoodNavigator interview, Dr. Robert Lustig, professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of California San Francisco, asserted that processed foods are killing us.

One of the biggest debates in health and nutrition is whether a “calorie is a calorie.” In other words, do calories from different sources – proteins, fats, carbohydrates (grains, fruits, vegetables), processed and junk food – all behave the same way when they are consumed and digested by the body? I have always said “no” and Dr. Lustig would appear to strongly agree with me.

If you eat a high fiber food, for example, your body will expend extra energy in order to digest that food, and that translates into overall less calories being absorbed. Hence, if you’re trying to lose weight, eating sensible portions sizes of high fiber foods will help you to burn extra calories and to absorb or hold onto fewer calories. Processed foods rarely offer this edge.

Dr. Lustig has been strongly outspoken about the evils of our high sugar diets suggesting that sugar instigates metabolic dysfunction, which he believes then fuels obesity. He has argued that when processed foods were originally introduced, their purpose was to help with occasional convenience – when mom couldn’t get a home-cooked dinner on the table one night a week, you could turn to these new frozen prepared meals. Or if you forgot your apple, or suddenly found yourself hungry, mid-afternoon, you could grab a granola bar.

We all have unfortunately let these foods permeate out diets and our kid’s diets as the major source of calories. And that means we are eating a less nutrient dense diet, filled with processed ingredients that don’t offer health benefits and that mess with our metabolic function. All calories are not created equal.

Even among basic macronutrients – carbohydrates, fats, and proteins - there’s a differential. Our bodies work a bit harder and expend more energy to process and digest protein compared to carbohydrates like grains. Those excess calories from grains (often times gargantuan and frequent servings), are being transported to and stored in fat cells and they are largely driving obesity.

In fact, a 2018 study has suggested that a low carb diet versus a low fat diet yields pretty much similar weight loss results. The missing descriptive term in that statement is “healthy.” These two prototype diets in the study were healthy carbohydrate and healthy low fat diets, filled with whole foods, largely unprocessed. The two groups ate what Dr. Lustig would refer to as “real foods” and yes, they both lost weight.

Dr. Lustig’s central message was that “food companies need to start selling real food. Processed foods are an experiment that (has) failed. Food manufacturers are getting rich while they are essentially killing us.” We are eating too many servings of largely refined food products that no longer resemble real food.

Nutrition bar manufacturers try to create a perfect snack or meal replacement, using whey or soy protein or more recently pea protein, and a host of other ingredients to make the bar nutritionally sound while also tasting good. They often limit sugar by using sugar substitutes and sugar alcohol. These portable highly processed foods are convenient and frankly their taste profile can be quite addictive.

But you should be choosing a nutrition bar occasionally and regularly eat an egg, piece of fruit and handful of nuts as your meal – same calories but real food. Don’t get me started on cereals.

There’s a premise in nutrition that the best diet is the one that you will stick with. Experts like Dr. Lustig would caution that the diet you choose should also be filled with wholesome foods in their mostly natural state.

For example, a 2018 study has suggested a banana is the equivalent of a sports drink when it comes to recovery foods after significant exercise exertion. I would certainly suggest there are many additional nutrient benefits from that banana compared to the common sports drink.

What did you eat or feed your kids today? How much of it was recognizable food and how much of it was manufactured (high fat, high sugar, high sodium)? Consider starting to swap in fruits, vegetables with healthy dips like hummus, seeds and nuts, eggs, poultry and fish cooked simply, and Greek yogurt, in lieu of the processed and refined choices you are eating.

If necessary, take baby steps, but if you choose whole real foods slowly over time, you will nourish your body, help to restore your gut microbiome, and possibly nudge some weight loss too.

See more helpful articles:

Daily Bread: Inspire Parents, Kids, Everyone to Change

Food Trends of 2018: How They Sync With Your Health

Is There a Final Word on Saturated Fat and Heart Health?

Known as The HealthGal, expert contributor Amy Hendel is a popular medical and lifestyle reporter, nutrition and fitness expert, columnist, and brand ambassador, as well as a health coach. Trained as a physician assistant, she maintains a health coach private practice in New York and Los Angeles. Author of The Four Habits of Healthy Families, you can find her on Twitter @HealthGal1103 and on Facebook at TheHealthGal. Her personal mantra is “Fix it first with food, fitness, and lifestyle.”

Published On: April 9, 2018



Weight Loss



via www.healthcentral.com https://ift.tt/2tKaHO2

April 29, 2018 at 01:40AM
0 Comments

Shelly Horton shares her five top weight loss tips

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Shelly Horton shares her five top weight loss tips

https://ift.tt/2jgSDnQ

Have you ever had trouble kicking off your weight-loss journey? 

It can be daunting and overwhelming, especially if you have had failures in the past. It takes determination and a huge amount of persistence. But it doesn't have to be  as scary as you think. 

I came up with a few tips on how to make it a little easier. 

1. Where do you start?

Find a program that works for you.  Look at where you’ve had success and failures before and learn from them. 

I joined SuperFastDiet – and found intermittent fasting really works for me. I lost 13 kilos and I’ve kept it off for nearly a year. I know a 7-day restricted diet makes me miserable. So, I do two fast days a week of just 500 calories. Then I can have chocolate and wine on the other days.  Stunt dieting works for me.

(Supplied)

If you’re really busy and live alone then maybe a home delivery diet food service would suit you more. 

Or if you love to cook you could follow an online program and cook your own meals for you and your family.

It’s horses for courses.

RELATED: Shelly Horton delivers some real talk in gorgeous swimsuit post

2. Don't rush losing the weight

Not many people put on 20 kilos in 20 weeks so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to lose it in a tight timeframe. 

Some people have a deadline of a wedding or a school reunion and while that can be motivating it can also make you crumble under the pressure.  Second, the stress of the date may work against you. Having a deadline may only put extra pressure on you and cause your stress hormones to actually start working against you and your weight-loss goal.

(Supplied)

Or if you don’t lose a chunk in the first couple of weeks you might give up. It’s about being consistent.

I set myself the goal of 20 kilos and I lost 13 but then life got busy and I haven’t been sticking to SuperFastDiet perfectly. I was really upset with myself but then I had a medical check-up and found out I’d reversed my Type 2 diabetes and although the scales hadn’t moved in a while I had lost 18 cm off my waist. Now that’s impressive! So, I decided 13 kilos was excellent and I’ll give myself more time to reach that 20-kilo mark.

RELATED: 'The body secret I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone'

3. It's not all abut the food

Even nutritionists and dieticians agree it's not all about the food. Although you're focused and eating "perfectly" other lifestyle factors may be working against you. Sleep and stress are two major factors when it comes to weight loss. So, get to bed earlier and work on ways to reduce your stress.

4. Avoid getting overwhelmed

Psychologists suggest you work on one change at a time. Think about a less than ideal habit you have, that you do daily. Is it adding sugar to your coffee? Going for afternoon chocolate as a pick me up? Whatever it is, change it up with a new healthier alternative.

(Supplied)

Since it is only one change, it won't be so overwhelming to adjust, and since it is something you do daily, that one improvement may have a huge impact.

Also look for support. I rely on online Facebook groups, friends and family for encouragement and ideas to stay motivated. Even chatting to colleagues with similar goals helps you stay on track.

5. Don't compare yourself with others

Don’t compare and despair. It’s easy to think everyone on Instagram is doing better than you are. Remember social media is a highlights reel.  Be kind to yourself.

(Supplied)

Don't berate yourself if you opt for a not-so-healthy meal choice or skip a day of exercise. Adopt a caring, compassionate and understanding approach to the way you talk to yourself when you fall off the wagon – this is key to the longevity of your weight loss journey. Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend.

LISTEN: We spend our lives striving to hit life’s jackpot but while we’re on this relentless treadmill, are we missing out on what’s in front of us?
Join journalist Emmy Kubainski and clinical psychologist, Kirstin Bouse, as they work out what it means to be present on 9Honey Life Bites. (Post continues.)

Don’t let weight loss take over your life. Psychologist Dr Tim Sharp got me to write out three non-weight related qualities and stick them on my bathroom mirror.  Reminding myself that I am loyal, smart and kind is a great way to not get obsessed with the scales.

Remember you can’t weigh happiness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with body image issues please contact the Butterfly Foundationon 1800 33 4673.



Weight Loss



via honey.nine.com.au https://ift.tt/2JyirHq

April 29, 2018 at 01:40AM
0 Comments

Sam Woods 8 tips for long term weight loss

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Sam Wood’s 8 tips for long term weight loss

https://ift.tt/2jcREFo

ALL TOO often I've had clients come to me and say "Sam, I eat well and exercise but I'm gaining weight". Once I've had a good look at whether they really are doing the right training and following a proper eating plan, my next step is to get the microscope out to find out where they could be going wrong.

Here are eight little every day habits that could be the culprits holding you back from achieving your weight loss goals.

1. Snacking

Do you often find yourself subconsciously reaching for that 3pm snack even when you're still full from lunch? We are undeniably creatures of habit but it is so important to listen to your body and only eat when you feel hungry. This will ensure you aren't adding unnecessary calories to your daily intake or getting into a habit of eating for the sake of it.

2. Eating while cooking

I know the feeling - you're prepping dinner and the ingredients look so fresh and delicious that you can't help but snack on bits and pieces as you cook.

Try and avoid eating while cooking.

Try and avoid eating while cooking.

The problem is you might find that by the time your meal is ready, you're barely hungry. This habit is a real trap for mums, particularly when cooking an early dinner for the kids and a later meal with their partner.

3. Hidden calories

Sauces can be a great way to add flavour but they are often jam-packed full of sugar and hidden calories. Sauces and dressings can undo all the good work you have put into making a healthy meal without you even noticing. Making your own dressing is the best way to make sure you eliminate those hidden nasties and know exactly what is going into your food. Don't forget to experiment with spices too, which help add flavour to a home cooked meal.

4. Too much of a good thing

Avocado, nuts, and fruit - they're all good for you, right? Absolutely, but try not to go overboard with your favourite ingredients.

Yes, there is such thing as too much avocado.

Yes, there is such thing as too much avocado.

Don't forget that moderation and variety is key and too much of one thing is never good for you.

5. Sitting all day

If you work in an office, chances are you're sitting down at your desk for most of the day. I always tell my clients to keep moving throughout the day to incorporate some incidental exercise into your routine. Why not ditch the car and start walking to work, or even try working from a stand-up desk?

6. Portion sizes

So often, our eyes are way too big for our belly and this means we can load up our plates and feel the need to eat until it's all gone. It's important to make sure your portions are a sensible size and not too out of hand, and remember, don't be afraid to leave food on your plate.

7. Liquid calories

While a bottled juice, can of soft drink or that extra addition of sugar or milk in your coffee might satisfy your sweet cravings, remember that it does nothing to fill you up and might mean you still reach for another snack on top.

Watch those liquid calories. Not all drinks are healthy, and some can contain a lot of sugars.

Watch those liquid calories. Not all drinks are healthy, and some can contain a lot of sugars.

If you're hungry, why not opt for a more filling snack like a protein ball to smash those sugar cravings?

8. Supermarket shopping on an empty stomach

I'll be the first to admit that everything looks all the more enticing when you're shopping with hungry eyes and an empty stomach, (that box of mac n' cheese would really hit the spot!). But this is definitely when silly decisions are made, so do yourself a favour and make sure you avoid shopping when you're starving.

Try to focus on eliminating these old everyday habits in favour of a healthier routine and I guarantee you'll start to see a difference.

This article originally appeared on Body & Soul and has been republished with permission.



Weight Loss



via Ipswich Advertiser https://ift.tt/2JCrXZM

April 29, 2018 at 01:39AM
0 Comments

Kim Kardashian West Weight Loss Cleanse - Detox - Spa - DailyBeauty - The Beauty Authority

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Kim Kardashian West Weight Loss Cleanse - Detox - Spa - DailyBeauty - The Beauty Authority

https://ift.tt/2vQny3s


Kim Kardashian West wears many hats: Reality star, social media expert and cosmetics business mogul happen to be just a few of her more prominent identities. However, after Kardashian West’s most recent Twitter proclamation, we’re officially adding one more role to her list of specialty trades: diet guinea pig.

It’s no secret that Kardashian West is very open when it comes to her experience with various trendy diets, and her latest Tweet reveals she’s currently trying yet another popular diet on the market right now, happily providing fans with her unfiltered review. Via her app, Kardashian West disclosed:  

"Right now, I'm on the third day of my 10-day Sunfare Optimal Cleanse! I'm SO excited to do this, you guys, but I definitely need to mentally prepare, lol. I have the Met Gala coming up and I've worked so hard working out, but I started eating a lot of sweets and I wanted to just change my food patterns to eat healthier and cut sugar out of my life as much as I can. We always have sweets around and it's really hard when there are temptations everywhere."

You May Also Like: Jenna Dewan Reveals the Exact Workout She Uses to Get Such Incredible Legs

E! News reports that Kardashian West’s diet plan is essentially composed of nutrient-filled shakes (chocolate-flavored ones included!) and herbal teas on days four to six, while the other days permit two to four solid meals in addition to the shakes. A few examples of the allowed solid meals are guacamole and veggie chips, salmon, and various soups.  

Today is day 4 of the cleanse and I am 5 lbs down. I didn’t see any weight difference until today so that’s motivation I needed today. I am only 5’3 so this makes a big difference and for the next 3 days it’s all liquids. Pray for me please ?

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) April 20, 2018

The cleanse—which costs $650 and claims benefits such as weight loss, increased energy and lowered cholesterol—apparently helped Kardashian West to lose five pounds in just four days. However, is this diet a good idea for others? According to Keri Glassman, founder of Nutritious Life, the answer isn't super clear cut.

"The whole food meals they provide appear to be great healthy meals that would be good to work into your normal lifestyle and eating habits even if not on a 'cleanse'," explains Glassman. "As far as cleansing goes, I'm all about using it as a reset and a way to learn healthier habits for when the cleanse is over. Of course it needs to be all about eating real, whole foods, which this one mostly fits the bill for." However, Glassman also adds that Sunfare doesn't provide information about the contents of the shakes that fill up most of the diet plan, and if those smoothies aren't made from real, whole foods (the website doesn't disclose their ingredients), they may not be worth the hype.

Ultimately, it’s always advised to stick to a long-term healthy eating plan and exercise routine rather than partaking in a liquid-focused diet for weight loss. However, if you’re looking to shed a few pounds before a big event, this option is certainly a lot more doable than your run-of-the-mill juice cleanse (hey, including solid food makes a major difference in diets), so don’t write this one off completely. 



Weight Loss



via NewBeauty https://ift.tt/1RphW29

April 29, 2018 at 01:39AM
0 Comments

Lifestyle changes are key to healthy weight loss: expert

4/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Lifestyle changes are key to healthy weight loss: expert

https://ift.tt/2I0yOiC


Dr Monica Skarulis, director of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) National Obesity Treatment Centre, says the key to healthy weight loss is making and maintaining lifestyle changes. She noted that a major function of the centre is educating patients and helping them balance calorie intake with activity levels.
“The food choices we make have an important impact on our health. Qatar and other developed countries suffer from the easy availability of high-calorie delicious foods. In most cases, people who suffer from obesity are looking at the effects of a mismatch between the actual energy needed to fuel their body and the energy they consume from food on a daily basis,” explained Dr Skarulis.
Opened six months ago, the centre was established to provide a comprehensive weight management programme for patients seeking to lose weight, specifically those most at risk of weight-related diseases. Since opening, thousands of patients with a body mass index above 30 have been referred to the centre. 
Dr Skarulis says while genetics and pre-existing health conditions may play a role in obesity, poor diet and a lack of physical activity are the major contributing factors. She says nutrition labels are part of the problem, noting they can be confusing. 
“There is an abundance of energy-dense foods for consumers to choose from and many of these pre-packaged, convenience foods have confusing labels. It is hard for most people to look at a food and know the energy content,” stated Dr Skarulis.
She says the availability of discount foods and quick-service restaurants are also major contributing factors. Super-sized portions have distorted what the average person considers to be a normal serving.
“With restaurants offering enormous plates of food and litre cups of beverages, and many convenience foods sold in king-sized packages, it can be hard to know how much to eat. Another complication associated with prepared foods is that it’s difficult to know exactly what, and how much of it, you are consuming. Since we can’t really gauge, it is easy to eat more than your body needs,” described Dr Skarulis.
“An average man needs around 2,500 calories a day to maintain a healthy body weight and an average woman around 2,000 calories a day. We need much less food than most of us think and when we eat and drink more calories than we expend, our bodies store the excess as body fat. We used to speak of the average 70kg man, in Qatar it is more like the average 85kg man,” pointed out Dr Skarulis.
Demonstrating the scale of the problem, she says a modestly active 40-year-old man who weighs 70kg and is 172cm tall requires approximately 2,400 calories a day to maintain his weight but some restaurant-prepared foods can contain close to that quantity of calories in a single meal.






Weight Loss

1 Weight Loss Google News Feed

via weight loss - Google News https://ift.tt/2HelBzU

April 27, 2018 at 09:47PM
0 Comments
<<Previous

    The Flat Belly Detox Drink Fix

     

    The Flat Belly Fix

    This is the only 21-day rapid weight loss system that allows you to easily lose an average of 1 lb a day for 21 days without feeling hungry or deprived. The unique and brand new techniques used in this System are proven SAFE. And they do not cause the rebound weight gain common to all the other rapid weight loss systems that are not backed by the latest science. The Flat Belly Fix System takes advantage of a recent scientific discovery that proves the effective weight loss power of an ancient spice. Combined with other cutting-edge ingredients in the patent-pending Flat Belly Fix Tea™ — that you can make right in your own kitchen in minutes — this System is the quickest, easiest and most enjoyable way to quickly get the body you desire and deserve. Click Here

    Archives

    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Health News
  • Fitness News
  • Weight Loss
  • Contact
  • Subscribe