General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program

Have you ever heard of General Motors Weight Loss Diet Program?

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol 
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments

Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.

You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :

   1. Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
   2. Club Soda is OK.
   3. Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
   4. Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
   5. Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works

Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.

Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.

Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.

Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.

Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.

Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.

Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

Of all weight loss programs, which one do you prefer?

Learn a Secret Celebrity Weight Loss Trick to Try at Home

Weight loss by walking alone? 

Ever notice those celebrities with the tight derrieres, sleek profiles, and great posture and wish you knew their secrets?  Here's one of the best, and you can even do it within your own happy home: walk! 

You probably have seen photos in gossip magazines of celebrities walking briskly in Beverly Hills, striding along a beach, or hiking in Aspen.  They know that fast walking is one of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off. 
 

Walking is great for your health, easy to fit into the busiest day...and it's free!
 

Celebrity fitness pro Leslie Sansone has created an easy-to-follow, energizing video designed to guide you through a brisk five-mile walk in your living room. A free preview is available on the Exercise TV site
 

An ExerciseTV trainer, Leslie developed her In-Home Walking programs as a way to give everyone (not just celebrities!) a method for getting fit, losing and managing weight, and becoming healthier.
 

After all, not all of us live in an area that's safe for walking.  In addition, concerns such as bad weather or a sick child can tamper with even the best intentions for an outside walking program.  That's where the idea of walking at home comes into play.  And it literally feels like play, thanks to Leslie's cheerful spirit and variety on the video.
 

"Staying fit shouldn't be intimidating or expensive." That's Leslie Sansone's philosophy and I believe in her!

Source: Joanne Eglash

Atkins diet blamed for one man's chest pain and artery blockage

Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) -- doctors and laypersons working together for compassionate and effective medical practice, research, and health promotion -- report this case study:
 

Case Study Shows Risks with Atkins Diet
In an article published in today’s Journal of the American Dietetic Association, PCRM researchers present a case study of a previously healthy 51-year-old man who developed high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and erectile dysfunction after going on the Atkins Diet, which avoids carbohydrate and emphasizes fatty foods. Within one month, his LDL (“bad”) cholesterol had risen from 85 mg/dl to 154 mg/dl. Eventually, he ended up in an emergency room with chest pain caused by a near total blockage of a coronary artery. Two months after discontinuing the low-carbohydrate diet, his health problems were resolved. The case is remarkable because the individual had a heart scan showing no cardiac disease shortly before beginning the diet.
 

Barnett TD, Barnard ND, Radak TL. Development of symptomatic cardiovascular disease after self-reported adherence to the Atkins Diet. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109:1263-1265.

Is it not logical that fat that goes into to mouth has the extreme likelihood of winding up as fat in the arteries? How much data will we need to wipe the Atkins diet books off the book store and library shelves?
 

We need to take into consideration the above article, remember preventive is better than cure.

Source: Peggy Kraus

Ground Breaking New Doctor Designed Weight Loss Plan Unveiled

This article has been contributed by an Alternative Health Journal community member. It reflects the views of the author and only the author. The Alternative Health Journal makes no claims to the accuracy of the information contained within.

Internationally acclaimed diet doctor, Dr. John Salerno, and award winning cookbook author, Linda West Eckhardt, introduce The Silver Cloud Diet  e-book, a 180 page guide to a diet made up of wholesome, whole unprocessed foods with plenty of saturated fats that will reduce your weight, improve your cholestrol levels and lower your blood sugars. 


Building on the good work of Dr. Robert Atkins,  proves you can lose weight, feel better, and live longer without "diet" food or starvation. Dr. Salerno's many patients in New York, Florida, Japan, and Brazil prove that the old ways are the best ways.  Eat Real Food. That's the mantra of the Silver Cloud.
 

THE TOP TEN QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SILVER CLOUD DIET
 

Excerpt from The Silver Cloud Diet e-book, available at www.silverclouddiet.com
 

1. How is this diet different from Atkins?
When Dr. Atkins developed his protocols some 30 years ago, the food supply was less degraded than it is now.
 

Unfortunately, due to the increase in processed foods, junk foods, and our degraded farm land, the Atkins protocols just won’t work any more. 
You have to take a more proactive stand to preserve your health and weight.  I find with my patients, that their body needs a period of rest from the assaults of the Western Diet and so a short period,  say 2 weeks, of complete relief from carbohydrates of all types will make it possible to change your life, reset your body clock, and put you on the road to health and long life.
 

2. What can I eat in a restaurant?
This is the good news.  Even in the Detox phase of the diet, you can eat out.  Take the burger out of the bread, skip the vegetables and enjoy it.  Eat grilled fish, roast chicken, pot roast, tenderloin of pork, shrimp, scallops, pates, any of these work fine in a restaurant at any phase of the diet.
 

3. Road food office food, eating on the run?
Plan ahead.  Hard boil eggs and keep them on hand for car trips, office snacks,  lunches on the run.  Lay in a supply of jerky, canned salmon,  nuts of any kind, string cheese.  Any of these nutrient dense foods will keep you satisfied and on track.
 

4. I’m worried about not eating vegetables in the detox phase.
The notion that we have to eat vegetables every day is new.  Even as recently as a hundred years ago, mankind only had vegetables during the growing season.  To go for a short period with no vegetables is natural and healthy and actually rests your body. 
 

5. Where can I find appropriate food?
Man has been on this earth for thousands of years.  We’ve only eaten the same foods 12 months a year for about 100.  Don’t worry. Give your body a rest.  The Detox will take 5 to 15 pounds off, reduce your waist size, and more importantly rest your body.
 

6. Will I ever be able to eat a piece of cake?
We recommend buying food as “close to the ground” as possible.  In the grocery store, choose organic produce, eggs, and dairy.  At the farmer’s market, ask the vendors how they grow their crops.  Find a local provider for meats and fish if possible. As your health becomes more vigorous, and you lose eight, and increase your activities, beginning with your 10,000 steps a day, yes, you will be able to eat more carbohydrates.
 

7. I don’t want to prepare a separate meal for myself.  What about my partner?  My children?
Please don’t prepare a special meal for yourself.  Everyone in the family should be eating a broad and varied diet of unprocessed foods.  Your partner and children may kick about it, but if you retain a positive attitude, they will come on board and every one of you will be healthier.
 

8. How much weight can I expect to lose?
I have patients who are thrilled to lose 20 pounds.  I have patients who have lost upwards of 200 pounds with no pills and no pain, just learning to love a broad and varied diet of unprocessed foods.
 

9. When do I go off the diet?
You are making decisions to take care of your body by eating great food for the rest of your life.  And if you ever feel your weight creeping back up, give yourself a week of the Silver Cloud Detox Full Fat Fast and you’ll reset your clock and be back on target in no time. And remember that saturated fat is the most nutrient dense food there is.  It is the lubricant of your joints, and the element that makes your brain work best.  It keeps your hair shiny and your skin unwrinkled. 
 

10. Why should I eat saturated fat?
Once you remove the unhealthy processed carbohydrates from your diet, you don’t need to worry about saturated fat. And perhaps the best part of eating plenty of saturated fat is that it is nature’s appetite suppressant. Pay attention to your body and your body will take care of you. Cutting edge science by Mary Enig, PhD. And Sally Fallon reveals the hard facts about saturated fats and their health benefits.  Turn to the back of the book and read their ground-breaking study. We heartily recommend their book, Nourishing Traditions, a veritable encyclopedia of great food and food information. 

Thought for today: Love a broad and varied diet of unprocessed foods and pay attention to your body and your body will take care of you!
 

About the authors:
•    Dr. John Salerno, Chief Medical Officer, Board Certified Family Practic, Complementary Medicine
•    Linda Eckhardt, James Beard Award winning Cookbook Author

Dr. Salerno is an internationally renowned complementary medicine practitioner with satellite practices in Florida, Japan, Brazil, and Dubai.  He graduated summa cum laude from NY School of Osteopathic Medicine, then served a three year proctorship at Yale School of Medicine. Following, he was affiliated with Dr. Robert Atkins, and upon his death, inherited Dr. Atkins patients, many of whom remain his patients, well up into their nineties.
 

Linda West Eckhardt, James Beard and Julia Child award winning author of more than 20 cookbooks, 250 magazine pieces, and columns in newspapers and magazines.  Ms. Eckhardt holds a B.A. Foods and Nutrition, U. Texas, and an MA in Creative Writing, San Francisco State.  Graduated with honors.

Top 10 diet and exercise myths

Here is a list of explanations and solutions to help debunk and uncover the reality of some of the most common diet and exercise myths that have recently emerged.

10) Sweating means you’re losing weight

People think, “I’m sweating, therefore I'm burning a ton of calories.” Sweating means losing water, or water weight. Although a spin class followed by the sauna may shed a few pounds immediately, those pounds are not real body weight, or fat, and will come back on as soon as water or food is consumed. This is not an excuse to not drink water and/or not eat after a workout. Water should be consumed shortly after or during aerobic activity to regenerate water balance in the body. However, when sweating, the body is releasing toxins and mal substances from the body, which does help to improve the metabolism, and eventually to lose weight.

Instead of judging intensity by how much you sweat, use a heart-rate monitor or a pedometer. Monitor your heart rate during spinning, cardio, or yoga classes, or whatever activity you’re using for exercise. You might be surprised to find out that you're not working as hard as you thought you were, because you were sweating so much, and therefore not burning as many calories as you thought. You should maintain a heart rate of 60-75 percent of your maximum, with bursts up to 85 percent, depending on your goals and fitness level. To find your body’s ideal heart rate for burning calories and losing weight, checkout heartzones.com. 145-pound woman in a typical 40-minute Spinning class burns about 300-460 calories.

9) Eating late night will make you gain weight

There are no magic hours to eat or not to eat. We associate late-night eating with weight gain because we usually consume more calories at night, and shortly after, go to bed and are sedentary for up to 8 hours. We do this because we usually deprive our bodies of adequate calories the first half of the day, and naturally are hungry later at night, and tend to continue eating throughout the evening.

To curb large dinner portions and late night snacking, start the day out with a decent sized breakfast that includes protein, carbohydrates, and a small amount of fat. (2 eggs and a piece of toast with 1tbsp peanut butter and a banana) Eat every 3-4 hours throughout the day. Keep lunch the same size as dinner, and you will be less likely to over-indulge at night, yet you can enjoy a small late-night snack without the fear of it sticking to your middle while you’re dreaming.

8) Smoothies are good for you

Although the combination of fruit, yogurt, milk, nuts, etc. can be a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, calcium and nutrients, it can also pack as many calories as a full meal, and sometimes more. This would be okay if the drinks were used as a meal replacement, but in most cases, a smoothie is a mid afternoon snack, or used as a drink to accompany a meal. For example, a 24oz Razzmatazz smoothie from Jamba Juice packs 440 calories, a 16oz (small) Peanut Butter Moo’d Smoothie has 530 calories and a 16oz small Acai Cup (supposedly the wonder fruit) contains 620 calories, which is definitely more than enough for a meal. When ordering at a chain juice store, always look for the options that include the word “light,” which usually means they are in the 100-200 calorie range, which is much better for a quick, energizing snack.

Also, making them at home, and knowing exactly what’s in them is even better. For a quick and tasty smoothie, combine 1 banana, ½ cup blueberries, ½ cup raspberries, about 5 strawberries, 1 tbsp non fat yogurt any flavor, a half cup (eye ball it) of almond, soy, or non fat cow’s milk, with a tbsp of peanut butter and ice. This will give you an antioxidant, calcium and protein packed treat, for under 200 calories.

7) You have to eat animal protein to develop and maintain muscle

Of the three major nutrients, protein, carbohydrate and fat, protein is the least efficient energy source. Carbohydrates are the best source of muscle energy followed by fat. The body tries to spare protein for tissue maintenance and repair functions.

Building muscle mass involves two things: Using enough weight to challenge muscles beyond their normal levels of resistance and eating more calories than you burn. With all the hype about high protein diets lately, it's easy to believe that protein is the best fuel for building muscle and burning fat, but, according to the American Dietetic Association, muscles work on calories, so you need all three types of nutrients - carbohydrates, protein and fat.

If you consume too much protein, you run the risk of creating a nutrient imbalance, kidney strain, or dehydration. Plus, excess protein results in extra calories that are either burned or stored. (A.K.A eating a large amount of protein without working out to compensate for it will result in weight gain) For muscle mass, you should incorporate a healthy eating plan, as well as a workout that combines cardio exercise as well as consistent weight training.

6) Gaining weight with age is inevitable

This excuse is too easy and used too often. Yes, growing older does mean weakening of body systems, tissues and muscles, but it does not mean the body quits working all together just because it’s aging. Scientific research has shown that with exercise, especially aerobic exercise, weight training and a low-fat diet, you can increase lean body mass and decrease fat mass, no matter what stage of life you’re in. Even at age 90, people can experience renewed strength, increased mobility, stronger bones and greater flexibility just by exercising and avoiding McDonalds.

5) I can eat anything I want, as much as I want, as long as I work out

Even if you exercise regularly, you should still keep track of calories, portions and the types of foods you’re eating. A typical hour long workout burns about 300-500 calories, which is usually replaced right after or soon after that workout. Add this to the other meals of the day, plus drinks and other snacks that you’re consuming because you’re hungrier from your workout. Eating 3,000 calories in one day seems hard to do, but when portions and food choices are not considered, it’s easier than you think, and that 500 calories you burned earlier in the day is being counter acted.

Regular exercise and good nutritional habits go hand-in-hand. Without one, the other has a limited effect.

4) As long as I eat healthy foods, I can eat as much as I want

A calorie is a calorie. Although oatmeal is healthy, if you eat four cups of oatmeal, the calories add up. Healthy or otherwise, you still must be aware of portion sizes. Losing weight is a simple equation that has been so blurred by fad diets, diet pills, teas, “miracle foods”, cleansing products, and ridiculous treatments and surgeries, all because people want an easy way out. Losing weight is simply burning more calories than consumed. That’s it, and the only miracle that will help you to do this, is you.

3) If you don’t eat carbohydrates you’ll lose weight

This is the same concept discussed before. Whenever you eat more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight. Whenever you eat less calories than you burn, you’ll lose weight. Yes, bread, pasta, cereal, rice etc. are heavier in calories (again, portion sizes), but so are bacon, steak, beef, and cheese, which according to the Atkins style diets, are your way to a thinner, healthy you, only with a few clogged arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver damage, and sky rocketing sodium levels.

Carbohydrates eaten carelessly will absolutely add on pounds (just because the whole bag of pretzels has no fat, doesn’t mean that eating the whole bag of pretzels will not make you fat), but eating complex carbohydrates, like brown rice, whole wheat bread and pasta, couscous, quinoa, and fruit, provides essential vitamins, nutrients and the right amount of carbohydrates to keep you energized and feeling good.

What differentiates complex (good) carbohydrates from simple (bad) carbohydrates that make them better for us? Complex carbohydrates are simply sugars bonded together to form a chain. Digestive enzymes have to work much harder to access the bonds to break the chain into individual sugars for absorption through the intestines. Digestion of complex carbohydrates takes longer. The slow absorption of sugars provides us with a steady supply of energy and limits the amount of sugar converted into fat and stored.

2) All fat is bad

Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of “good fats” out there that are essential for good health and aid in disease prevention. They are the ones that occur naturally in foods like avocados, nuts, olives, and fish, as opposed to those that are manufactured. Including small amounts of these foods at meal times and snacks can help you to feel full longer and therefore eat less.

1) I bought it at Whole Foods, so it must be healthy

Whole Foods is great. Organic and natural products are great. They taste great, and in most cases are an amazing and healthy alternative to processed, manufactured or chemically altered or tainted food. Yet, a calorie is still a calorie, and Whole Foods, Safeway, or home made, chemicals or not, an 800 calorie slice of cherry pie is still an 800 calorie slice of cherry pie.

Ready set go! Eat healthy foods and combine it with good regular exercise!

Source: Lindsey Bowman (examiner.com )

 

Weight loss: Secrets to success

“Calories consumed” must be less than “calories burned”, this is the simple equation that is essential to reach your weight loss goals.  Oftentimes, the simple concepts (like this one) are the ones we struggle with the most.  Your trainer or the fitness guru on TV makes it seem so simple “just stop eating the junk food”, “get to the gym”, “make the commitment”.  Oh, if it could be so easy……


The fact is that weight loss is hard because there are a variety of different variables that often stand in our way.  One of the major causes for our demise is our environment and how we respond to it.

1. Our surroundings…. On every corner chances are that there is a fast food joint or tasty restaurant that is calling your name.  This restaurant will often carry your favorite guilty pleasure (i.e. french fries, cakes, cookies and the list goes on). So when you’re hungry for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack before you go home your primal urges kick in (especially if you haven’t eaten in the past 4-5 hours).

Solution: Keep yourself stocked with tasty (and healthy snacks) and eat small meals every 2 hours.  This way you can control those primal urges since you would’ve already had your fill of nutritious foods.

2. Our relationships…. Most would agree that when your “love boat” starts to sink, ice cream and chocolate are great flotation devices.  Drowning a broken heart in chocolate and cookies seems like a good idea at the time but what sense does it make to lose your man and lose your waistline at the same time?

Solution: Don’t sulk in the kitchen, go out and enjoy yourself.  Burn off the stress with a night of dancing on the town!

3. Our expectations…. When we make the decision to change our lifestyle we don’t consider “the spectrum”.  The spectrum of eating healthy consists of eating super clean (think physique competitor/fitness model) and eating really bad (think “junk food junkie”). As a result, we try to eat perfectly and end up falling off the wagon.

Solution: We must cut ourselves some slack and not expect to make a “180” in 2 days. Small steps result in large gains, because small steps are feasible building blocks that lead to long-term changes that last.

Always take note that weight loss’ secret to success: Calories consumed must be less than calories burned!

By: Ozzie Jacobs
LA Personal Training Examiner

THE NASH DIET

I am late with the latest craze in “Nash Diet”!

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is a common, often “silent” liver disease. But wait I am not referring to this NASH, what I mean to say is Steve NASH’s Diet. 
 

Let me introduce him first  - Stephen John Nash,  is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nash, who was born in South Africa but grew up in Canada, enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara University. In his four seasons with the Broncos, the team made three NCAA Tournament appearances, and Nash was twice named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year.

Steve Nash posted below in his Facebook dated 14 April 2009 at 12:28.
Apparently my diet has gotten some attention recently since Shaq told the world he is on the 'Nash' diet. Some of my teammates including Shaq have asked me what I eat and it's turned into a big point of conversation in the locker room, on the team bus and on the plane. It's now to the point that guys are policing each other's caloric intake and food choices. Jared Dudley, the most interested player who has lost over 10lbs, initially asked Grant Hill and I what our diets were like to keep in shape after all these years (a backhanded complement but we let it slide because of his genuine interest.).

I never thought of what I eat as a particular diet or thought to name it like most diets today. It's really just a natural evolution of my interest in being the best athlete I can be and being a healthful person who prevents injury and illness and can perform at my highest level. I realized sometime in college that I couldn't eat everything I wanted anymore and stay skinny. Not that I had terrible habits but the liberation of an all you can eat buffet known as a college cafeteria was a big step backwards and a learning experience from the thoughtful home cooked meal plan my Mom had me on for the 18 years prior to college. My Mom always made sure we had balanced meals or at least a balance week of meals and almost always had the house free of cookies, cakes, donuts and sodas. We'd have ice cream after dinner but even when there were cookies in the house they'd usually be hidden. This was probably also driven by financial reasons. Why buy a bunch of crap that's not good for you when we really can't afford it anyways?

Since I was a junior in college I started to watch what I eat more carefully and listen and learn what I could from the world around me. What I knew then is much different that what I know now and hopefully I'll continue to learn more about diet and nutrition for the rest of my life. I feel there are two areas of life that are greatly overlooked, misunderstood or not credited with their importance in our ability to reach our optimal levels of performance and also our greatest quality of everyday life. Diet and sleep. Maybe some other time I'll write about sleep.

Fortunately, for me I've always loved fruits and vegetables. Actually, I've always liked everything and could at least cut out the bad stuff and resort to things I loved: fruits, vegetables and grilled fish and chicken. I used to eat Lots of pasta and rice but now I only eat brown rice or pasta made from a natural food source on occasion. Basically what I've tried to do is cut out all the bad sugars, fats and processed foods from my diet.

Just to make my life more difficult, my wife urged me to see her naturopath and have a blood test to find my food sensitivities. Unfortunately, I'm sensitive to wheat, gluten, dairy and even two of my favorite vegetables - tomatoes and onions (there goes salsa, one of my favorites and maybe the healthiest part of my beloved Mexican food.). Our naturopath will also give me regular IV's of vitamins and trace minerals that may be low due to training, competing, traveling and stress.

I believe that eating six smaller meals a day is more healthful than eating three larger meals a day but that can be difficult with our schedule. So much of our time is spent training, playing, traveling and sleeping that I just do what I can. It always helps to plan ahead especially when you're traveling and eating out all the time. I generally eat three good-sized meals a day and supplement them with good snack foods. When we're traveling the snack foods can be extremely important to take with because you often will get stuck at a restaurant or hotel without good options.

Here's how my day usually looks.

Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day.... along with lunch and dinner. I feel if your diet is consistent and well balanced (think long term rather than short term) it isn't so important what you eat right before you play or the night before because your energy levels and recovery will be on target from the quality of your previous three to seven days of meals.

-Gluten and wheat free cereal, sliced almonds and almond or rice milk. (If you don't have the sensitivities I have look for a high fiber cereal. At least 4 grams of fiber.)
I will also have a whole fruit smoothie or an apple, banana or orange.
Green tea.

Lunch. A salad with grilled chicken or fish, vegetables, raw nuts and dried fruit.
I will also have fruit afterwards.

Dinner. Grilled or baked fish or chicken with vegetables. Sometimes I'll have brown rice.

Again, plan ahead. If you get hungry between meals have a plan as to what foods you'll turn to and make sure you have plenty of them so your only options aren't will power or ice cream. My snack foods are, dried fruit, whole almonds or whole cashews. All natural, raw foods energy bars. Raw vegetables like carrots and celery. Whole fruit or whole fruit smoothies. It goes without saying drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. If you feel like you need electrolytes coconut water has the highest concentration of electrolytes but if your diet is good you should have plenty of electrolytes.

If this diet sounds boring it can be if you don't like fruits, vegetables and grilled, steamed or baked chicken or fish. On the other hand there's so many healthful ways to prepare your food and there's tons of fruits and vegetables that offer you slightly different nutritional values and tastes. It may take a lot of discipline and time to train yourself to eat well but it's incredibly worthwhile for your short term and long term goals.

Bottom line, well follow a balance healthy diet and always see to it to have a good and complete sleep.

Vegan diets build healthy bones

Vegans and bone health: It’s a controversy that isn’t going to go away any time soon. Studies on the topic have been conflicting and the sample sizes have been small, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

So, to get a better idea about the effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on bone health, researchers from Vietnam and Australia combined the results from existing studies into a meta-analysis. (A meta-analysis is kind of like a big statistical study of all the individual studies, and is stronger than a simple review.)

They found that vegans had slightly lower bone density than meat-eaters. How much lower? Well, not enough to matter according the researchers. While news outlets reported that “vegetarian diets weaken bones,” that’s not at all what the researchers said.

 

What the research really showed

First, all of the studies included in the analysis were observational—the type of study that shows which factors occur together, but doesn’t show cause and effect. In fact, the researchers noted that “no cause-and-effect relation between vegetarian diets and bone mineral density can be drawn from the findings.”

Second, they concluded that the magnitude of the difference was too small to have clinical relevance. That is, vegans were no more likely to experience bone fractures than anyone else. Overall, the press was a whole lot more excited about these findings than the researchers themselves were!

Vegans and calcium

Other studies have found that when bone density among vegans is lower, it is simply due to lower calcium intake. That means that some vegans don’t pay enough attention to good calcium choices. It doesn’t mean that vegans can’t get enough calcium. Boosting calcium intake on a vegan diet is easy. And plant sources of calcium have some additional benefits for bone health.

Based on the available evidence, there is no reason to believe that vegans who eat a well-balanced diet are at greater risk for osteoporosis than anyone else.

To all our Vegans, you can have the best fruit and vegetable sources of calcium such as follows:

• Cooked collards contain 168 mg per 1/2 cup
• Cooked kale contains 103 mg per 1/2 cup
• Cooked spinach contains 84 mg per 1/2 cup
• Cooked broccoli contains 68 mg per 1/2 cup
• 1 medium raw carrot contains 27 mg
• 1 medium orange contains 60 mg
• 1/2 cup of chopped dates contains 26 mg
• 1/2 cup of raisins contains 22 mg

Another tip orange is a great source of calcium, and so with raisins!

Source: Virginia Messina, MPH, RD

 

Credit crunch 'ruining diets

News24.com

Geneva - The head of the World Health Organisation, Margaret Chan, said Monday that the global economic crisis was causing people to ditch healthy foods and that this would lead to health problems.

"When money is tight, the first thing that drop out of the diets are the healthy foods," said Chan, adding that these are "almost always more expensive" than processed items.

This was particularly true in the developing world, where chronic diet related diseases were on the rise, she noted.

Chan also warned about the welfare of the world's poorest who were most vulnerable to the slightest shifts in the global economy.

"One billion are living on the margins of survival - it does not take much to push them over the brink," she said.

The swine flu pandemic which is spreading around the world could also have a "devastating impact" on the poorer economies, where health care systems are weaker.

She called for "fairness" in restructured global financial and economic systems. Furthermore, government budgets should put a greater focus on developing their health systems.

"The price of failure keeps getting bigger and bigger," she said about the lack of development for medical infrastructure and services.

Truly, it’s difficult to have a good weight loss diet plan if you don’t have enough funds for it, but you can use an alternative method by eating the right healthy foods which are not expensive combined with a good regular exercise.

New York Weight Loss Experts Launch ZERONA™ Non-Surgical, Painless Laser Liposuction at Amari Medical Weight Loss & Body Sculpting Clinic

Amari Medical Weight Loss & Body Sculpting Clinic launches ZERONA™ in Westchester County, New York. ZERONA offers the fastest growing fat reduction program that rivals liposuction without the surgery, incisions, pain or recovery.

Scarsdale, NY, (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 7, 2009 – Dr. J. Shah, weight loss expert and Medical Director at Amari Medical Weight Loss & Body Sculpting Clinic announced today that they are launching the Zerona program, a new body-sculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery.
 
ZERONA, unlike other procedures, allows the patient to continue their daily activities without interruptions from surgery, pain, or wounds. ZERONA works by utilizing the Erchonia LipoLASER (FDA market cleared for laser assisted liposuction) to emulsify adipose tissue which then releases into the interstitial space. The excess fat is passed through the body during its normal course of detoxification.
 
The ZERONA procedure was proven through a double blind, randomized, multi-site, and placebo controlled study in which patients averaged a loss of 3.5 inches, and some lost up to as much as 9 inches compared to the placebo group that lost only half an inch. “The excellent thing about Zerona is that it is completely noninvasive,” states Dr. Shah, “Our patients have been falling asleep during this 40 minute cold laser treatment. And because Zerona dissolves those stubborn areas of fat that diet and exercise can’t; this makes it a perfect complement to our very successful Medically Supervised Weight Loss program.”
 
My dear weight loss followers, this one is an excellent and fast remedy!! But then how much money do we need to save for this one?

Amari will be holding a free ZERONA informational seminar on Tuesday, August 4th at 6 pm. Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about the ZERONA body contouring treatment, see a live demonstration and participate in a Q & A session with Dr.Shah. To RSVP call (914) 722-3000; seating is limited to 25. Call for more information or visit: www.amariclinic.com
 
About Amari Medical Weight Loss & Body Sculpting Clinic
Amari specializes in proven non-surgical Physician Supervised Weight Loss and Body Contouring treatments for both males and females. With over 30 years of expertise in world class medicine and patient care, Medical Director and Board Certified Bariatric Physician, J. Shah, M.D., supervises an experienced medical staff and aesthetic technicians.

Low Fat Eating – A Lifelong Diet Plan

It seems as though every few years, a modern diet trend comes along. The low fat approach was admired last decade, only to give way to a kind of diet that is almost its totally opposite – the ‘low carb’,  Atkins or Zone approach. It’s easy to forget that it was only about a decade ago when pasta was considered healthy – actually, athletes were told to ‘load up’ on carbohydrates for example pasta before a big race or sporting event!

That sort of guidance would be ridiculed at present, and maybe that’s logical. But the low fat approach to eating and weight loss deserves a second look. After all, there are so many harmful types of fat out there. Nowadays, most of us comprehend that we should avoid the ‘trans fats’ that are in lots of snack foods, and we try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat or cholesterol. There is solid medical confirmation that shows us that eating low fat is better for heart health.

Susan Powter, a popular fitness authority, lost more than a hundred pounds using a low fat approach to eating coupled with a lot of exercise. She claims to eat about 3000 calories a day – way more than you would consume on any diet plan, and about a third more than is recommended for a woman – but she maintains her slim, fit physique. Her secret? She eats no foods that deliver more than 30% of their calories in the form of fat. As a matter of fact, she tries to keep that fat percentage down as low as achievable – around 10 – 15%, with 30% being the maximum allowable. Powter claims, in her no-nonsense manner, that ‘fat makes you fat. That’s why they call it fat’. Does she have a point?

It is a bit contentious, for the reason that according to her plan, you could eat plates of bread and pasta all day long on the basis that they don’t have much fat. Previously, everyone knows that that wouldn’t be the best thought, especially if you’re eating bread or pasta that’s made from white rather than whole wheat flour. For one thing, these foods fill you up without giving you much nutritional value, which is a serious trouble in and of itself.

Moreover, simple carbohydrates raise your body’s glycemic level, which provokes an insulin response and has been proven to lead to weight gain, particularly around the stomach, where it puts you at risk for diabetes and heart disease.

The secret, then, is to limit fat but to make wiser carbohydrate choices as well. Whole grains, for example, are on top of the food chart as the kind of food most recommended by many nutritionists. If you replace your white bread, rice and pasta with whole grain versions, that might be the best thought of all. The fiber in these foods will aid you feel fuller, and you will get all the advantage of a tasty, low-fat diet with added nutrition.

The jury is out on whether one can really eat 3000 calories worth of low fat food and still lose weight. Except you’re exceptionally active, it seems uncertain – that’s a lot of calories. But if you want to stick to the low fat approach to eating, you can definitely eat enough to stop you from feeling hungry. You can have all your preferred foods, but the low fat version of them. For example, you’re welcome to have popcorn, but don’t slather it in butter. Instead, you can add great taste by sprinkling a little soy sauce on your popcorn, and that makes it less dry too. You won’t even miss the butter. And you can have pizza, but make it yourself, and put about half the cheese on it than you would otherwise have done. Make use of strong, good quality parmesan, for instance. You won’t even notice that there’s less cheese if the cheese you do use has a lot of flavor.

Fruits and vegetables also figure importantly on this eating plan. Chances are, if you are eating many whole grains, fruits and vegetables, you won’t even miss the higher fat foods you used to love. In truth, there may be no reason to mix them, for the reason that the supermarket shelves are full of lower fat alternatives!

Always remember good diet plan and exercise will get you a long long way to your weight loss program.
 

Source: http://doctor-clinic.net

Burn Fat Naturally

By: FitNRG.net

There are plenty of ways to lose weight – depending on what “kind of weight” you want to lose. You can use a fat burner or diet pill to help you burn fat, follow any variety of diets to lose weight, go on a fast and cleanse your colon to get rid of waste build up in the colon, or simply flush out water weight from your body. These are all “weight loss”, if you want to call it that. After all, any one of these methods should help you lose some weight.

However, real fat loss is another story. It’s not easy, and it’s not quick, but you can burn fat naturally, and work to keep that fat off for good through forming good diet and nutrition habits, combined with a good workout program that involves weight lifting, and cardio training. To burn body fat naturally, first start off by evaluating your current diet. Do you know if you’re having a caloric surplus, deficit, or just enough to maintain? To lose weight and burn body fat naturally, you will need to create a calorie deficit, where you burn more calories than you consume.

Do you have an active lifestyle that would help you burn fat, or are you sedentary, and rarely engage in any physical activity? To burn fat naturally, you need to exercise regularly. While cardio exercises work great to help you burn extra calories, and help burn fat, the best way to burn body fat is through weight lifting. By gaining lean muscle mass, you will naturally burn more fat, making weight loss easier.

For cardio, if you are able, do it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, when you body glycogen stores are low, and any exercise will quickly deplete the remaining glycogen stores. Once the glycogen stores are depleted, your body will begin to mobilize fat. Another benefit of performing cardio first thing in the morning is that it will increase your metabolism for hours after you’re done.

You should also weight train several times each week. Building lean muscle mass helps burn extra calories, helping you burn fat naturally. The more lean muscle mass you have, the easier it is for you to burn body fat. Your goal should be to focus on multi joint exercises such as squats and dead lifts which involve multiple muscle groups. These are the most demanding exercises that also work to burn the amount of calories. These are great starting points to consider if you want to burn away body fat.

Check it out and let me know if it works for you.

Have you ever heard of BED - Binge eating disorder?

Have you ever heard of BED - Binge eating disorder? What is the relevance of this Binge eating disorder to our diet fads?

 
Well by the way Binge eating disorder (BED), is a psychiatric disorder which shows the following symptoms:

1. Periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food.
2. Eats an unusually large amount of food at one time -- more than a normal person would eat in the same amount of time.
3. Eats much more quickly during binge episodes than during normal eating episodes.
4. Eats until physically uncomfortable and physically feels like they're on the verge of throwing up due to the outrageous amount of food just consumed.
5. Eats when depressed, sad, or bored.
6. Eats large amounts of food even when not really hungry.
7. Usually eats alone during binge eating episodes, in order to avoid discovery of the disorder.
8. Often eats alone during periods of normal eating, owing to feelings of embarrassment about food.
9. Feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty after binge eating.

Most people with this problem are either overweight or obese, but take note anybody of normal weight can also have this disorder. Binge eating disorder is twice as common among women as among men. The disorder is found in all ethno-cultural and racial populations.
 

The trigger point can be emotion such as happiness, anger, sadness or boredom. Impulsive behavior and certain other emotional problems can be more common in people with binge eating disorder. However, many people also claim that bingeing occurs regardless of their mood.
 

It is also unclear whether dieting and binge eating are related. Some studies show that about half of all people with binge eating disorder had binge episodes before they started to diet.
 

Researchers also say that binge eating disorder is more common among competitive athletes such as swimmers or gymnasts whose body form is regularly on public display. Affected athletes in these sports tend to compare their own bodies in a negative way with those of their teammates.
 

Researchers also are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism affect binge eating disorder, but this study is in its early stages.
 

Binge eating is associated with perfectionism.
 

People who are not overweight should avoid dieting because it sometimes makes their binge eating worse. Dieting here means skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food, such as carbohydrates or fats. Many people with binge eating disorder are obese and have health problems because of their weight. People with binge eating disorder who are obese may find it harder to stay in a weight-loss program. 

These people may also loose less weight than other people, and may regain weight more quickly due to a slowing of the metabolism. (This can be worse when they also have problems like depression, trouble controlling their behavior, and problems dealing with other people.) These people may need treatment for binge eating disorder before they try to lose weight. Dieting is usually not successful for those with BED, as they will usually gain back all of the weight lost, and sometimes more. Those with BED have more difficulty adhering to traditional weight-loss treatment.

 
People with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, should get help from health professionals including physicians, nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers or by attending 12-step Overeaters Anonymous meetings. Even those who are not overweight are usually upset by their binge eating, and treatment can help them.

 
There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It also teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas. Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people.
 

Researchers are still trying to find the treatment that is the most helpful in controlling binge eating disorder. The methods mentioned here seem to be equally helpful. For people who are overweight, a weight-loss program that also offers treatment for eating disorders might be the best choice.

But always remember that self discipline is always a good factor to help you attain your goal in your weight loss program. 

NOXO Anti-Appetite Balm From Adoodle Improves Weight Loss And Weight Maintenance

Wynnewood, PA, Jul 02, 2009 (WORLD STOCK WIRE via COMTEX) -- ADDE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Adoodle, Inc, (OTC Pink Sheets: ADDE | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) announced today that NOXO Anti-Appetite balm will be available in September at a price of $ 1 per dose at retail stores and the Internet.

The new NOXO Anti-Appetite balm, when applied topically, under the nostrils helps deliver scent molecules into the brain's olfactory nerves and then the limbic system, which is our emotional center. The limbic lobe activates the hypothalamus, which controls our drives and instincts and our ability to feel full. Smelling food can trigger instinctive or mindless behavior and we therefore put food in our mouth. An emotional state could also trigger a desire for food. NOXO Anti-Appetite replaces these triggers and gives us control, NOXO Anti-Appetite balm helps control appetite and all those irrational responses we have to food. NOXO Anti-Appetite balm used consciously gives us control of cravings where our own will power might fail. 

NOXO Anti-Appetite balm, a proprietary product formulation of 14 unique all natural ingredients, which are soy-based, is absorbed into the skin and is not visible after application. Based on olfactory perception altering technology, the NOXO line of products is focused on modifying behavior, via the olfactory senses and the limbic system.
 

About Adoodle
Adoodle's NOXO division is focused to develop a variety of products that can modify behavior, via olfactory senses, such as smoking cessation, autism, or weight control, as examples. The company's first product to reach commercialization is called NOXO Anti-Odor, which has the ability to alter the brains ability to smell horrific odors. The odor is still there and it's not masked. The brain does not however, register its normal reaction to it. The uniquely formulated NOXO is based on advanced olfactory perception altering technology and is proprietary to Adoodle, Inc,

Wow this NOXO Anti-Appetite Balm is a great help to our weight loss fans out there.

6 easy weight loss tips

By: Cheryl M Brown -Philadelphia Weight Loss Examiner

Most weight loss efforts focus on eliminating, reducing, and depriving the body of high calorie tasty foods. No wonder weight losses are evidentially replaced by even more weight gains. It is just not part of human nature to deprive the body. Diets don't work for that simple reason, but a lifestyle change pertaining to overall healthy food choices, not only changes waist sizes, but bad eating habits, as well.

Eat more breakfast. It means to eat a healthy breakfast consisting of whole grains, fruits/vegetables and lean protein. Breakfast means just that -- break fast--and that can only be done with a good morning meal that stays with you through out the morning.

The article suggested an egg white omelet made with veggies, low-fat yogurt with nuts and fresh berries, or a whole-grain cereal with nuts and fresh fruit. We've all heard it before, but studies show that skipping breakfast backfires and results in weight gain.

Use more spice. Cheese, butter and deep-frying aren’t the only way to make foods tasty. Spice, which has been used by Eastern cultures for centuries, is a delicious and healthy way to add flavor to food. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity, cited that people, who ate food seasoned with red pepper, ate less and felt fuller than those that didn't. Researchers give credit to a compound called capsaicin for appetite suppression. It's found in red pepper, chili peppers and chili powder.

Eat more protein. Not just any protein will do. Lean protein provides the most benefits. The body uses more calories to digest protein, which increases the metabolism. Protein promotes that "full feeling" much longer than meals high in carbs and fat. Recommended lean proteins are: fish, beans, skinless chicken and turkey, egg whites, soybeans, beans, lentils and low fat dairy products.

Eat more volume-rich foods. If 3 ounces of chicken and a half a cup pasta, just aren't cutting it, try eating more volume-rich foods, meaning they are loaded with fiber or water and fill you up faster. For about 150 calories, you can eat foods like 94 percent fat-free microwave popcorn. You can have 4 cups. Try it. It's like eating a meal. You won't be hungry for hours. An average sized baked potato and 20 gummy bears are also around 150 calories. One and a half cups of fresh grapes and one-quarter cup of raisins will be about 130 calories. So, if you like large portions, fill up on more volume-rich foods.

Get more sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to hormone shifts that increase hunger and appetite, especially for high carb, high fat foods. A 15-year study found that people, on average, who got five hours of sleep a night had 16 percent lower levels of the hormone leptin, which is linked to obesity, than the group that averaged 8 hours of sleep.

Get more satisfaction from eating. In other words, eat slowly, savor each bite and enjoy the meal. Americans eat fast, multitask and eat on the run. When they do sit down to eat, too often it is in front of the TV, while they are working, and even worse, in the car. Food is ingested too quickly resulting in eating too much and feeling less satisfied later.

European countries know how to get maximum satisfaction from eating. They sit, take their time and make meal time an enjoyable leisure and social event. Americans generally would probably be less obese, if we would follow their lead.

Eating breakfast and having at least 8 hours sleep is another key factor to consider in our weight loss program.

Diets Tips

Before starting any diet, get a checkup at your doctor’s office. The checkup is a good tool to determine if you have any pre-existing health conditions. It is also a good time to talk with your doctor about a healthy weight loss program that will fit your individual needs.



Try to abstain from sodas. You will save a lot of calories by avoiding soft drinks.



Drink at least eight cups of water every day. Try to drink one cup of water each morning before breakfast. Water helps to flush the body of impurities and it also gives you a full feeling.



Switch from whole milk to skim milk. If you do not like skim milk, try 2 percent milk.



Look for ways to move your body. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car at the far end of the parking lot at the mall. Take a walk with your children or partner after dinner.



Try to exercise at least four times a week for 20-30 minutes. You can walk on a treadmill, jump rope, bicycle or swim.



Keep an eye on your portion size. It is better to take small samples of everything than huge portions of one or two foods.



Be mindful of when you have the urge to eat. Many times food is used for comfort, or as a stress reliever. Find other ways to deal with your emotions, such as journal writing, taking a bubble bath or reading.



Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets. Throw away the junk food. Replace junk food with fruits, vegetables, dips, granola, nuts and whole wheat crackers.



Never skip breakfast.



Drive out of your way to avoid favorite fast food restaurants or donut shops.



Do not buy prepackaged foods or diet pills.



Do not succumb to fad diets.



Do not keep yourself from eating a favorite food. If you do, the chances that you will give in and eat a large quantity of it increases. It is acceptable to eat a cookie, or a slice of pie every once in a while.



Try to find a friend or family member who wants to team up with you and diet. You can keep each other motivated. 

As I've always said, self discipline is a key factor on weight loss.