How to Create a Weight Loss Plan That Works for You

Do you always slip up when trying to get rid of extra poundage? Is it difficult for you to stay on track when trying to lose weight? Many people have this problem due to lack of motivation and pure laziness. No worries, there is a way to keep on track, if not push you even further. Read this wiki to learn how.

1 

Go to your doctor to find out exactly how much you should be aiming to lose, if any. Your doctor can also help you determine whether you're physically capable to do strenuous exercises and workouts. They can also give you some basic tips on calorie counting and decide what will work best for you. I understand many people don't like the stress of going to the doctor with the possibility of being diagnosed with something critical, but just get over it and go. It's not going to hurt you. In fact, it will do the exact opposite. It's better to know now when it's early than later in bed at three in the morning.

 

2

Go to the local supermarket and stock up on fresh, healthy food. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's healthy and non-healthy so don't stress over this too much. The key here is that you're going to be doing a lot of snacking throughout the day so try to buy [a lot] of snacks. No, I don't mean Lays Potato Chips and Doritos. I mean berries, melons, assorted nuts (except cashews), Nature Valley granola bars, apples... you get the picture. Oh yeah, pick up a couple of sticks of sugarless gum (Orbit is best, in my opinion). They're very helpful when dealing with snack cravings.

3

Buy or make your own calendar. This will be the number-one most important thing here. If you're feeling artistic, you can make your own calendar using a computer software program and design to your heart's desire. Just make sure you have enough months in your calendar (EX: If you're aiming to lose 30 pounds, have at least 4 months. If you're aiming to lose 100 pounds, have 12 months. If you need to lose more than 100 pounds, I'd recommend asking a doctor how long it should take you).

4

Pick a day where you don't have much planned (preferably within the week) and circle it with a Sharpie marker. This will be your starting point. Go to the back of your calendar and circle an appropriate day in which you will finish. This way, you'll have a specific deadline to meet which will give you a path to follow. Now it's time to get logical and a little creative. Take three Sharpie markers of different colors (let's use blue, pink, and gray in this case). Using three forms of exercise (strength training, walking, and cardio in my case), assign a color to each.

• Strength Training = Blue
• Walking = Pink
• Cardio = Gray
• Mark on your calendar which days to do each specific workout.
• It's better to assign your tasks randomly so that a) you won't get sick of the same routine and b) so that you can "shock" your body into losing weight.

 

5

Post your calendar in a spot where you'll always see it and don't forget to do what it says. If it says you have to do cardio, do it. If you're a little sore, don't make it so intense; jump rope if your muscles are sore.

6

Assign yourself a reward at the end of every other week if you manage to keep on track. For reward week, make the reward worth more. Here are some examples:

• After 2 weeks - day of relaxation
• After 4 weeks - manicure at the salon (yes, guys can get manicures, too; have those nails buffed!)
• After 6 weeks - dinner at an exquisite restaurant
• After 8 weeks - haircut and dye
• After 10 weeks - bowling night with your friends/family
• After 12 weeks - buy three new outfits at your favorite store
• After 14 weeks - facial and massage at the spa
• After 16 weeks - shopping spree!

 

7

Remember the age-old saying, "Don't give up!" It's true, do NOT give up. The hardest part about losing weight is getting started, so the earlier you start, the more you'll be inclined to finish. If it helps, think about your next reward week. Imagine yourself cutting into a tender piece of steak in a dimly-lit restaurant wearing a cherry red dress or showing off your bowling skills to your buddies down at the local alley.

•   Try not to think about the facial massage or shopping spree when you're only at week two because you'll get discouraged if you don't lose the amount of weight you hoped you would lose. If you're on week 3, only think about that manicure! 

Tips

• If you're having trouble counting calories, here's an idea: pile your plate with portion sizes you would usually have. Then, using a fork or knife, cut everything in half -- every main dish, every side dish, and even your drink (except water or milk). Put the other half on a dish and cover it with tinfoil and stick it in the fridge. Voila! Now, tomorrow night, you won't have to cook dinner! It will just be every other night.
• Never work yourself too hard. it's bad for your health and wears your body down.
• Drink filtered water only. No bottled water -- most water companies water comes from wells underground and are not filtered properly (like Aquafina). Instead, purchase a light-weight metal water bottle and fill it with filtered Brita or Pur water. By doing this, you'll save tons of money and keep those plastic bottles out of landfills.
• Don't drink diet soda of any kind. This might be the #1 rule of any weight loss regimen, but it's true. Diet soda might not contain any calories or carbs, but they contain chemicals such as aspartame which actually increase appetite. If that doesn't convince you, think of it this way: if you're not drinking calories or sugar or carbohydrates, what are you drinking?
• Some people don't like the taste of water. If you don't, try adding a lemon or lime slice to it to give it some zest. The vitamin C is also a bonus, too.
• It can help to eliminate salt (which retains water) and sugar from your food completely, or just cut down drastically.
• When grocery shopping, take a second look at everything you're putting in your cart and ask yourself, "Will this help me lose weight?" If the answer is no, put it back on the shelf and walk away as fast as you can.
• If you're in school, it's best if you do this plan during the summer, starting as early as possible. That way, you can come back to school next year slimmer and healthier. Try to start on June 1st to get a head start.
• When lifting weights, increase the amount of weights instead of the amount of reps.
• If you're too busy to workout, sneak them into your appointments and activities. If you need to go grocery shopping, try walking to the nearest deli instead and only get what you really need. If you have to drive to a meeting across town, go a little earlier than you planned: park a couple of blocks away, take the stairs, "get lost" (wander the building for a while to burn off extra calories).

 

Warnings

• If you're losing weight with other family members or friends, try not to get too competitive in losing weight. A little competition can be very motivating, but don't try to become as competitive as contestants on The Biggest Loser or you'll seriously hurt yourself.
• Don't get discouraged if you've been dropping like a stone and suddenly come to a plateau. That just means your body is getting used to your new body. This is also a chance to challenge yourself and change up your routine.
• Your results may vary.
• Don't weigh yourself every day. Your body's weight is supposed to fluctuate about two pounds every day. Instead, weigh yourself every other week.
• When exercising, only do as much as you can. Yes, try to push yourself, but if you're feeling dizzy or dehydrated, take a break for a while.
• Consult your doctor for more nutrition information as I am not a doctor.

 Written at http://bit.ly/1hwGIOd

Tips for a Healthy Valentine's Day

From intimate meals to decadent desserts, couples across the globe will be celebrating romance this February 14th. Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day remains one of the biggest restaurant nights of the year - one that often involves heavy dinners. But with a few tips and some planning, you can get through the big night without adding inches to your waistline.

Step away from the bread basket. If you'd like a roll, grab one then move it outside of your reaching distance. The same goes for chips, should you be at a Mexican restaurant. Grab a small handful and then stay away from them the rest of the night.

Meal modifications are key. Feel free to make special requests. Ask the waiter if they can put the sauce on the side - or to substitute veggies for the french fries. Find out if your meal can be made without butter, oil or salt...anything that could help cut down on calories. And remember: in terms of calories, grilled is usually better than fried and baked is better than braised.

Start out healthy. Consider ordering a light salad or soup to kick things off. This will help to fill you up before you dive into the big meal. You also might want to split an entrée with your significant other.

Practice portion control. Remember that restaurant sizes are often larger than normal. Consider eating half of your meal and putting the rest in a doggie bag.

Avoid all the bells and whistles. Don't add a bunch of extras to your meal. When it comes to a salad, avoid topping it off with buttery croutons, grated cheese, bacon and dollops of high-fat dressing. The same goes with a burger, baked potato and other entrees.

Think red. Red bell peppers, radicchio, cherries, strawberries, red beans, red onions and tomatoes, for example, are all packed with vitamins, cancer-fighting antioxidants or cholesterol-busting fiber and protein. In addition, a daily glass of red wine is believed to help reduce the risk of blood clots and keep the cardiovascular system in shape. So forgo that cocktail, which can be loaded with sugar, and have a glass of red wine instead (and ask if they serve a light version).

Don't always give the gift of chocolate. If you and your significant other are trying to lose or maintain weight, consider purchasing a fruit basket instead of a box of chocolate, or baking a low-calorie dessert. It's also important to remember that a number of sugar-free candies and chocolate brands are available and can be found at your local grocery store or the candy section of an area pharmacy. A bouquet of flowers, healthy cookbook, personal training sessions or a day spa gift certificate could also prove worthy gift substitutes.

Do not completely deprive yourself. Valentine's Day is a time for laughter, fun and food. Having a small slice of cake or a couple truffles will not lead to weight gain. Moderation is key. And if you do pop the lid off that box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, don't feel guilty. Research indicates chocolate is chock-full of healthy compounds and may actually help prevent heart disease, enhance immune systems and give us a feeling of well-being.

Consider dining in this year. A great way to save calories, money and avoid crowds. Find an easy reduced calorie meal that you can cook with or for your significant other at home. Rent some romantic movies and make a healthy dessert, like strawberry shortcake sprinkled with your favorite low-calorie sweetener, and enjoy!

Written at http://www.caloriecontrol.org/articles-and-video/feature-articles/a-heart-healthy-valentines-day

Myths, Facts And Green Smoothie Benefits For Your Health

Unless you have been hiding in a cave, we are sure you have heard of the astounding health benefits of your green smoothie. But are green smoothies as nutritionally impressive as they seem?
Keep in mind when making delicious green smoothies, you should add healthy fats to your greens. Since vegetable nutrients are better absorbed when ingested with fats.
Try adding full-fat coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut cream, Greek yogurt, or nut butters to increase vitamin absorption. Find out if green smoothies are the best way to get your nutrients in this great article from One Green Planet.

Green Smoothie Benefits

by: One Green Planet
Green smoothies have attracted massive fans from the health community for decades…celebrated for their impressive nutrient content, convenience, and ease of consumption. There are even full books dedicated solely to green smoothie recipes, like Victoria Boutenko’s Green Smoothie Revolution and the recent Bo Rinaldi’s The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Smoothies. In fact, I advocate their benefits everywhere I speak, included recipes for green smoothies in both of my books, and even demonstrate them on shows like Reluctantly Healthy and The Dr.Oz Show.
However, there are some allegations floating about, accusing green smoothies of being harmful. They include:

• Raise blood glucose levels
• Enable the consumption of too many calories at one meal
• Damage endothelial cells, cause metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver, etc. due to the high levels of fructose
• Can lead to kidney stones since leafy greens have high oxalate content

Let’s break these down…

Blood Glucose Levels

Overall, there is no science that I am aware of directly implicating green smoothies as suspect in any of these accusations. There is, however, evidence supporting similar issues that people are hypothesizing that apply to green smoothies, too. For instance, we know that fruit juice typically raises insulin levels quicker than the whole fruit because the fiber is removed.
However, with green smoothies, the fiber remains, only it is broken down and may go through the digestive tract quicker than in its whole form. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, or are concerned about this, you can slow down the glycemic response (and accompanying insulin release) to a green smoothie by:

• Adding some fat or protein to the smoothie via seeds or almond milk, for instance
• Using more leafy greens and other vegetables (celery, carrots, or avocado) and less fruits
• Choosing higher-fiber fruits like berries, mango, and pears over lower-fiber fruits like bananas and grapes
• If you have diabetes and notice an elevated blood glucose response after trying these adjustments, perhaps you are sensitive and should avoid them.

Calories

When it comes to calories, most vegetable and fruit smoothies can contain anywhere between 200-500 calories per glass. My enormous It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie from The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition provides 460 calories for a whopping 36 ounces (equal to 4.5 cups)!
It is so filling, I dare you to finish it! Thus, you can easily control for the calories simply by making a smaller smoothie, using it as a meal replacement, or compensating with the rest of your meal to fit your caloric requirements.

The Fructose Controversy

There is indeed evidence that high intake of fructose may lead to metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and even kidney disease (here and here, for example).
But what is fructose? Fructose is a simple sugar, a monosaccharide. For centuries, fructose was primarily consumed from natural sources like fruits and honey.
In the last few decades, a main source for fructose became sugar, a.k.a. “sucrose,” a disaccharide with equal parts fructose and glucose. Additionally, man created high-fructose corn syrup in the 1970s, offering up an opportunity for food manufacturers to save money, utilize the excess corn supply, and sweeten processed foods.
Fructose consumption skyrocketed from approximately 4 percent of total calories before the year 1900 to an estimated 12 percent of calories now.
But just because fructose may be up to no good doesn’t mean that the naturally-occurring fructose in fruits and vegetables have the same impact as the sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup.
This study and this one differentiate and note that not all fructose is the same, pointing out that fructose in fruit comes packaged along with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that may outweigh any potential risk.
In this letter to the editor from the Journal of The American Dietetic Association, it is postulated that the evidence pointing to fructose alone as cause for these chronic conditions may not consider excessive calorie intake as a possible confounding variable. It also suggests we need good human trials before we make conclusions on the metabolic effects of fructose.
By the way, the only research on endothelial cell injury that I found was this study that used pure fructose and was performed on rats.

Kidney Stones and Oxalates

Only about 10 percent of the population experience kidney stones in their lifetime. The most common types of calcium stones are listed in this table from the Canadian Medical Association; of which the hyperoxaluric one is associated with excessive consumption of leafy greens and other veggies.
Concerns over green smoothies and kidney stones are in relation to the hyperoxaluria type. Oxalates are salts of oxalic acid, an organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables. They are normally formed into soluble salts and excreted in the urine. However, excess levels may lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.
This condition is very rare, usually genetically-based or may be due to dietary causes, like low calcium intake. In fact, increased intake of dietary calcium is recommended to reverse hyperoxaluria and prevent stone formation. Dehydration can also be a factor contributing to these types of kidney stones.
For the rare circumstances where there are kidney stones from hyperoxaluria, restricting oxalates may be warranted. There is also evidence suggesting that higher dietary intake of calcium may be protective against kidney stones, a mineral also abundant in leafy greens.
Because of the extreme rarity of kidney stones due to oxalate intake and the fact that most people don’t even come close to overconsuming these foods, avoiding them is unwarranted. There are far too many benefits from their consumption to risk foregoing them.

Speaking of Green Smoothie Benefits…

Here are just some of the myriad reasons to bring back the love of green smoothies:
It’s a very convenient and efficient method of consuming adequate servings of fruits and vegetables.Only between 9.5 and 14 percent of the U.S. population takes in the minimum recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables…and that number includes fries and ketchup!
Fruit and vegetable pureed drinks significantly increase “dietary and plasma phytochemical concentrations with a trend towards increased endothelium-dependent vasodilation.” (George, et al, 2012) This, in turn, decreases one’s risk for most chronic diseases.
So many of us have a tough time remembering to chew our food well enough. Nutrients in plants are trapped within their cell walls. Humans are not designed to break down cellulose (plant fiber). Thus, blending the plants breaks down the cell walls for you, releasing the nutrients, and enabling adequate absorption of nutrients…

Read more: http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2277/myths-facts-and-green-smoothie-benefits-for-your-health/#ixzz2qz8TYNI5

How to Lose 10 Pounds in One Month (or 30 Days)

It is absolutely possible to lose ten pounds over the next month. It will take dedication, determination and a positive mental attitude. The following are not only the six steps for losing weight in the next thirty days, but they are also necessary to laying down the foundation that will turn into lasting results.

Step One - Set a Goal and Move Immediately into Action

In this moment, take time to set your ten pound goal. Write it out on a piece of paper and date it for 30 days from now. Writing it out is important when starting out. Keep it in your pocket at all times and read it at every chance you get. The most important part of this task is that if you always read over your goal - you will always have it in mind. Your statement should look something like the following:

"I will lose 10 pounds by Dec.25/2013"

Step Two - Prepare and Execute a Diet Transformation

From a realistic point of view, we should understand that it is not so much a diet that we will be getting into as it will be an overall lifestyle change.

The reason is simple; if we change our diet for the next month and choose to go back to what we consumed prior to the change, our bodies will go back to the way it was.

A simple and yet very effective daily diet would be; assorted fruits for breakfast and assorted vegetables for both lunch and dinner. If you want that extra protein kick in animal form, keep it to a minimum and only allow three to four ounces of freshly cooked fish. You can also snack on nuts and fruit when feeling a bit hungry in between meal times. Limit the portions of each snack to a handful only.

Your new way of eating should not consist of processed foods (including fast food, preserved foods, and other man packaged products), sugar, saturated and Trans fats, and all cooking oil. Also eliminate soft drinks and concentrated fruit juices completely and drink only water.

Step Three - Get Physical Daily

Make time to go for a 45 to 60 minute walk daily without "days off" in between. You can also fit in a natural weight resistance program prior to walking to step it up a notch. The best combination of physical activity for weight loss is a cardiovascular routine (walking, brisk walking, jogging) and a weight resistance routine (push ups, chins, crunches).

There are also other ways you can keep physically active on a daily basis that requires no extra time out of your pocket. When you go for groceries or to the mall, you can park at the far end of parking lot and walk. You can put more effort in cleaning the house on a daily basis. You could also find yard work around the home is you have your own residence. There are so many ways to be naturally active. All we have to do is open our mind to the opportunities.

Step Four - Get Proper Rest

Sleep is a very important time for everyone. Sleep helps rejuvenate the soul, repairs damaged body tissue, and lowers stress levels. It's important to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Another source of rest can be doing something you enjoy doing. It could be a hobby like reading a good book or even meditation if you enjoy that. When we engage in something that is relaxing and joyful it also helps eliminate stress.

Step Five - Clean Your Insides

Okay, so it does not sound like an appetizing job, but this step is also important to help aid weight loss. By keeping your intestinal tract clean, it enables your body to extract the essential nutrients that you need. It will also help keep constipation out of the way!

To do this you can add fiber rich foods in your daily diet. Foods that are high in fiber and packed full of nutrients are; apples, oranges, berries, beans, dark leafy greens. Mother Nature provides the best variety of natural foods and we should absolutely accept them.

Step Six - Eliminate Bad Habits

If you smoke to the point where it's difficult to go for a walk, then it's time to cut back or quit. Smoking should not get in the way of your health. If you spot any other bad habit that you believe is getting in your way of a healthy success - eliminate it. You can do this by replacing the bad habit with a good habit.

We are all habitual beings and no one is an exception. We have the ability to choose and mold a new habit at any given time. When we create new habits by reinforcing the new habit over and over again - we can keep it for life. Once a new habit is fully formed it is set on autopilot, meaning we don't have to attend to that specific habit anymore and we can reap better results daily.

Written by Russ Nagamori at: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Lose-10-Pounds-in-One-Month-(or-30-Days)&id=8142239

Proven Methods to Avoid Overeating

If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know how difficult it is to stay clear of the foods that caused you to gain weight in the first place. Once you start a diet, how many times do you search for reasons to tell your self, it's ok, have a piece of cake or slice of pizza? If you're like me, fairly frequently. The problem is, once I have a "forbidden food", I tell myself I might as well go ahead and eat want I want the rest of the day and then start fresh tomorrow. Tomorrow comes then I tell myself, I will wait and get a fresh start on Monday. If you are a career dieter, you know exactly what I am talking about.
There are several situations that cause me to repeat this cycle over and over again.
I will share four of these situations and what I do to overcome the temptation.

Situation # 1 - Parties and Social Events

 Christmas parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, etc. What they all have in common is an abundance of food. When you pass on that piece of pie or cheese dip, other guest encourage you to try just a little. They tell you one piece won't hurt; besides it's a special occasion. Soon you have a nibble then another and so on. Before you know it, you are stuffed and feeling guilty.

How I avoid it:
Just before leaving, I will enjoy a large healthy meal so I am full for the next couple of hours. If I do get hungry, and I typically do, the first thing I will go for is the veggie tray. Often times, veggies may not be available so a little food knowledge will come in handy. Search the table for other healthy alternatives. If there are sandwiches on whole grain bread, you are in good shape. If not, toss the bread and enjoy a piece of ham or turkey. Just stay away from the chicken wings, chips and dips. If you are asked to bring a dish, make sure it is healthy choice so you are sure to have a healthy snack. Many times I will bring the veggie tray and/or flavored rice cakes. If you have no other choice, choose the healthiest food and eat a small portion.

Situation #2 - Spouse or Significant Other Sabotage

It's difficult to eat healthy if your spouse or significant other does not necessarily eat the same way. Not that they would try to sabotage your diet, it's just not food choices they currently want to make.

How I avoid it:
My wife does not always eat the same things I do, but that's ok. We normally make enough chicken or fish to last a couple of days. That way I always have a good choice for a lunch, snack or dinner. If my wife decides she wants pasta and garlic bread, I boil broccoli, heat a piece of chicken and we are both happy. If she insists on Chinese, I will make the healthiest choice off the menu and eat in moderation. I just make sure it is the exception and not the rule.

Situation # 3 - When Looking in the Mirror, you don't see yourself as Overweight

How I avoid it.
Many times I look in the mirror and say to myself, "self, you don't look that over weight". When I see a picture with me in it, my response changes, it's more like, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe how fat I look. So grab your worst fat picture and keep it with you. Next time you decide you want a piece of pizza, look at the picture.

Situation # 4 - All or Nothing Attitude

This situation is my worst enemy. A cold Friday night, my wife and I snuggle up and watch a movie. She decides she wants pizza so I think about situation # 2 and say ok, I will have just a piece or two. Well the pizza gets there and I have a piece or two. Next thing I know, I am telling myself, "well, you already blew it, might as well eat all you want and start fresh tomorrow.

How I avoid it.
This is the most difficult situation for me. I find often times I just can't avoid it so we compromise. Normally, we decide I am too weak. She understands and supports my efforts to be healthy. We will opt instead to make our own pizza. You would be surprised how good a whole grain tortilla, grilled chicken, fat free cheese, tomato sauce, onion and turkey bacon taste oven baked!. There are times she will order a pizza but she will either get a personal size or the next smallest. That way, if I do fall to temptation, there will not be too much to eat.

Written byMike Conley at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Proven-Methods-to-Avoid-Overeating&id=340641

Raw Food Benefits - Uncommon Tips for the Uncommon Eater

If you eat raw, you're most likely idealist like me. You want the energy to do the things you want. You want to look good in your body and feel good in your mind. And you want to avoid the ailments of modern society. Experience and study have shown that these guidelines help bring about that favorable lifestyle.

Optimal Digestion: Chewing and Liquids

Digestion doesn't begin after you swallow. 80% of the enzymes that break down fats, sugars and proteins dwell in your mouth.

Cooked food doesn't usually require much chewing so most people aren't keen on using the old jaw bone. But simply chewing more makes meals more nutritious! More of the food becomes usable to the body. It goes toward building muscle and energizing you instead of being stored as fat. 

• Chew your food until its warm and sweet.

Warmth means proteins and fats are being broken down. Sweetness indicated that sugars are burning.

People usually have a beverage with their meals. But liquids swish digestive enzymes out of the mouth. It takes at least 20 minutes for the mouth the gain its normal digestive power after drinking.

• Enjoy drinks about half an hour before meals

Having green juices 30 minutes before eating solid food actually boosts digestion. The vegetable juices stimulate enzyme activity.

Food Combining: Melons are good.. ALONE

The common melon digests in about 20 minutes. Other foods take 2 hours or more. Throw a melon in with slower digesting foods and it will ferment. This doesn't exactly feel the most pleasant and might leave you gassy.

• Melons go in alone

You really shouldn't eat unsoaked nuts and seeds at all. Every one of them (except hemp) contains enzyme inhibitors that stop your digestive enzymes from properly breaking down food.

But if you do decide to eat some unsprouted almonds or some dried sunflower seeds, don't combine them with others foods. Their slow digesting proteins take the longest to digest. Other foods will be over digested, causing bloating and nausea.

• Combine only soaked nuts and seeds with other foods

Usually sweet and acid fruits (example: pears and sour apples) don't mix well. They call for two different digestion responses. A confused stomach expends a lot of valuable energy and leaves you drained.

Don't mix sweet and sour fruits.

• 
  

There is one exception. Lemons have proven themselves very versatile! They promote digestion when combined with just about anything.

We went (or are going) raw because we want to look and feel our best. Simple tips like these make all the difference. Little distinctions help you get the results you want and keep moving forward. Why try to figure it all out on your own? Experienced raw fooders want to give you their wisdom so you don't have to suffer the trial and error. So take advantage of this Free Raw Food Diet Presentation and discover the proven raw food diet strategies of thriving raw fooders.

Written by Angela R Parker at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Raw-Food-Benefits---Uncommon-Tips-for-the-Uncommon-Eater&id=6328136

Juice Weight Loss Recipes - A Sweet Way Towards a Perfect Body

Today, losing weight can now be done in a very juicy way. Unlike other weight loss methods, juice weight loss recipes do not oblige you to eat boring food and to indulge in tiring exercises. Before, the perfect juice for losing weight is a glass of water with a splash of lemon. However, there are a lot of other more exciting juice recipes that can help men and women to be perfectly fit today.
What is good about these juice recipes is that they give natural vitamins to your body that are of no question great for your health. Fruit and vegetable juices can make the stomach feel full considering the fact that it actually is not a full meal. This is actually fine since weight loss juices can give you the nutrients you can get from a full meal.
Diet juices can be made in a lot of variations, from a single fruit to a combination of two or more. It can also be a mix of a fruit and a vegetable. Whatever you wish to combine, that is fine as long as you get to enjoy it. Here are some juice weight loss recipes that can become your exciting weight loss buddy daily:

• Flying Orange Juice. This is made out of two pears, three grapefruits plus one sweet potato. Indeed, this is a sweet and refreshing drink, without any hangover.
• Papaya Passion. To have this, you must prepare a combination of one medium-sized papaya, one red apple, and five pitted dates on it.
• Strawberry Delight. This includes a refreshing blend of around four to eight strawberries, one to two bananas, and about eight to 10 dates.
• Potassium Drink. This juice differs in any other weight loss juice recipes because it is richer in vitamins and it contains potassium. This is a blend of one celery stalk, a handful of spinach, a handful of parsley, four carrots, and half a lemon.
• Joggers' Paradise.  This is another healthy juice made from a combination of one small yam, three oranges, and two pears. This juice is commonly known as muscle-blasting and power-pushing juice drink.
• Calcium Drink. A glass of calcium drink can be accomplished with a combination of three carrots, an apple, half a cup of broccoli, a handful of parsley, and half a lemon.

Moreover, these combinations of fruits and vegetables are helpful keys in detoxifying your body and are proven to be useful in internal cleansing. They also increase the vitamin intake of the body. Basically, a glass of juice done in a combination of fruits and vegetables also provides a package of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and photochemical that is helpful for the health of your body.
So if you no longer want to suffer from your tiring exercise workouts and from your boring food diet, you can take a glass of juice and get the same results. For sure, if you have a regular intake of any of these juice weight loss recipes, you will never have to lose with your weight problem. One sip of a refreshing and sweet juice can definitely give you a sweet result.

Written by Ronald Yip at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Juice-Weight-Loss-Recipes---A-Sweet-Way-Towards-a-Perfect-Body&id=3113840

The top 25 healthy fruits: Blueberries, apples, cherries, bananas and 21 more healthy picks

Take your pick of the 25 most nutritious, fibre-filled, disease-fighting healthy fruits for sale at your local supermarket. And they're delicious too!

This story was originally titled "A Glossary of Healthy Fruits," in the March 2008 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Few things compare to the sweetness of fresh-picked strawberries or the luscious first bite of watermelon that leaves juice dripping down your chin.

Fruits are not only delicious but healthful too. Rich in vitamins A and C, plus folate and other essential nutrients, they may help prevent heart disease and stroke, control blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent some types of cancer and guard against vision loss. They're so good for you that Health Canada recommends that most women get seven or eight servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

If it's the vitamins that promote good health, you may wonder if you can just pop supplements. Nope. Sun-drenched peaches and vine-ripened grapes contain more than just vitamins; they're a complex combination of fibre, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals – as well as the vitamins – that work in combination to provide protective benefits. You can't get all that from a pill.

All fruits offer health benefits, but the following 25 stand out as nutrient-dense powerhouses with the most disease-fighting potential. (Note: Only the best sources of each vitamin, mineral and antioxidant are listed in the "nutritional value" section.)

Apple 
• Nutritional value (1 medium): 75 calories, 3 g fibre
• Disease-fighting factor: Apples contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which may help lower the chance of developing diabetes and asthma. Apples are also a natural mouth freshener and clean your teeth with each crunchy bite.
• Did you know? An apple's flavour and aroma comes from fragrance cells in apple skin, so for maximum flavour, don't peel your apple. Plus, the vitamins lie just beneath the skin.

Avocado
• Nutritional value ( ½ avocado): 114 calories, 4.5 g fibre, source of vitamin E and folate
• Disease-fighting factor: Avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower cholesterol levels when eaten instead of harmful saturated fats. For a heart-healthy boost, replace butter with avocado on your favourite sandwich.  
• Did you know? Babies love avocados. Their soft, creamy texture makes them easy to eat, and their high fat content helps with normal infant growth and development.

Banana
• Nutritional value (1 medium): 105 calories, 3 g fibre, source of vitamin B6, potassium and folate
• Disease-fighting factor: With 422 milligrams of potassium per banana, these sweet delights have more potassium than most fruit and may help lower blood pressure levels.
• Did you know? People with rubber latex allergies may also be allergic to bananas since the two come from similar trees and share a common protein.

Blackberry
• Nutritional value (1/2 cup/125 mL): 31 calories, 4 g fibre, rich in antioxidants
• Disease-fighting factor: Blackberries get their deep purple colour from the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin, which may help reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. Studies show that blackberry extract may help stop the growth of lung cancer cells.
• Did you know? The ancient Greeks called blackberries "gout-berries" and used them to treat gout-related symptoms.

To read more about this article by Cara Rosenbloom, go to:  http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/top_25_healthy_fruits_blueberries_apples_cherries_bananas_and_21_more_healthy_picks.php

Dieting on the Holidays, Tips For Christmas

If you have been on a diet or maintaining your weight and you don't want to blow it during the holidays, here are some healthy holiday tips.

Can one meal of eating whatever you want really hurt you? The answer is yes. It does a couple of things. After you eat the big meal, it could make you feel sluggish, which will get you a little depressed, because you knew you should not have eaten that much. Then you could see a couple pound weight gain.

You should enjoy some of your favorite foods in moderation. You only live once, and the holidays are important. Don't try to totally diet, it could backfire and make you feel more stressed on the holidays. Treat yourself to good food, less fat, and moderation. Don't use January 1st as a date for watching you weight again. Watch you weight the day after the big holiday meal. Here are some tips for the holidays.

Don't bring home leftovers from the relatives house. That will not be a good idea. If you have leftovers, save just a little bit for your house. Give the rest to your company.

You can substitute some of your foods with less fat ingredients, or less fat items.

Instead of making a turkey, and using heavy stuffing, make Cornish Hens. They are like little chickens with a mild taste. Stuff it with Lipton-Knorr Chicken Rice - Rice Sides, a package rice you prepare. When preparing only cook on stove so it is still pretty moist, when you stuff it in the hens, it will cook more in oven. When hens are almost done drizzle on top Ocean Spray can fruit, Crushed Fruit, it is in a container in the fruit isle that looks like a soft margarine plastic tub.

Instead of Green Bean Casserole, just make some of the steamable whole green bean variety bag and sprinkle 2% Parmesan cheese on top. Squash or yams baked with a little light margarine and cinnamon is also good. If you must have rolls, eat only one. Pillsbury make a reduced fat crescent rolls, that you bake.

Here are some kid friendly low fat desert ideas. Make Rice Krispie gift package treats. Make Rice Krispie Treats as indicated on back of cereal box. I only use 2 1/2 tbl of margarine not 3. Cut into small squares, take the peeling kind of red licorice, the string kind, and wrap around each side of treat and tie in a bow. Take a round plate and layer them around, put another set of treats , going in a little. Keep adding layers until only one will fit on top, and it should look like a tree.

Take fancy beverage glasses, and make Jell-o Parfaits, with sugar free Jell-o and lite Cool Whip. Use red and green Jell-o. Refer to Mykoodles.com for recipe.

If you are making cookies on the holidays, give some away as gifts. Only keep a few days worth in your house. Oatmeal raisin cookies are healthy, if you don't eat a lot. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, but is high in fat.

Written by Lauren Jones at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dieting-on-the-Holidays,-Tips-For-Christmas&id=1754814