Diet Plans Review - The 10th In A Series

A real winner at last. At least health wise. There our other drawbacks when you check out the cons of the plan. Today, we're looking at:

Weight Watchers

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

Overview of Weight Watchers

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

Who Does Weight Watchers Work for Best?

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

A Few Pros and Cons

Weight Watchers comes with quite a list of pros and cons that you should be aware of. It is important that you are aware of these pros and cons before you get started in the plan. So, here are some of the pros and cons that you should know about first.
- Pro #1 - Great for Long Term Weight Loss Goals - First of all, one of the main pros is that you'll find Weight Watchers to be a great program for long term weight loss goals. It is actually a diet that you can stick to, so you'll be able to reach the goals you are striving for.
- Pro #2 - Plenty of Support to Help - You'll also find that you get plenty of support with this diet as well. There are weekly meetings that you go to where you get support and education that will help you as you work on losing weight. For many people, this is one of the most important parts of the diet that they love.
- Pro #3 - You Have Variety in Food Choices - While there are so many diets out there that really restrict the foods that you can eat, you'll find that with Weight Watchers you can eat just about anything. There is great variety in food choice, so you'll be less likely to get bored or tired of the diet and quit.
- Pro #4 - The Points Make it Easy - You'll also find that the great point system that is used with this diet really makes it easy to keep track of what you are eating. Most people even find that it is a lot easier than having to keep track of calories.
- Con #1 - You Can't Really Count Points Forever - However, on the con side, you'll probably find that you can't go on counting points for the rest of your life. This is only temporary for you and you'll have to survive eventually without looking up the points in your little manual.
- Con #2 - You Have to Go to Meetings - While the meetings can be great for some, other people find that going to the meetings is actually a problem for them. They have to fit in these meetings into their busy schedule. Also, people who really are very sensitive about their weight may find this embarrassing as well.
- Con #3 - It Can Be Expensive - Probably one of the main cons to this diet is that it can be really expensive. It costs about $10-15 for each class and you also have to pay to join as well. So, over time this can really cost you quite a bit of money to get involved in it.

Food Do's and Don'ts

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

Medical Community Opinions of the Diet

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

As you can see, health wise, this plan works. But, cost and time may be 2 factors that could easily defeat this plan.

Diet Plan Review Number 9

Well, we have shown you 8 plans already. Today's plan is the ninth and could be very good if modified by a nutritionist. Let's look at:

The Zone Diet

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

Zone Diet Overview

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

People it Works For Best

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

Pros and Cons of the Zone Diet

You will find that there are many pros and cons to consider when you are trying to decide if the Zone diet is the right diet for your needs. It is important that you take a look at the following pros and cons and decide whether you can live with the cons because of the pros. If you are able to live without some of your favorite carbs, then this diet may be for you.
- Pro #1 - Neat Eating - Neat eating, which is eating small meals various times each day, is promoted in this diet, which is a definite pro. It is a great way to keep yourself feeling satisfied without overeating. Many people have found that diets that offer small portions several times a day can be very effective.
- Pro #2 - Fruits and Vegetables are Encouraged - Another pro of this diet is that it really does encourage you to eat vegetables and fruits as well. So, you at least get some of the important nutrients that your body needs so badly.
- Pro #3 - Low in Saturated fat - The diet is also low in saturated fat, which is a pro as well. Saturated fats can be very bad for your body, so a diet that does not contain much of them is important and helpful to your health.
- Pro #4 - Encourages the Drinking of Water - This diet also really pushes that you should drink plenty of water while you are on the diet as well. Water is very important and some diets overlook this. So, this is yet another pro of the Zone Diet.
- Con #1 - Never Really Been Tested - One of the main cons of the Zone Diet is that it really has never been tested. This means that there is no real independent research that shows that this diet really does work. So, you may be trying a diet that doesn't work at all.
- Con #2 - Limits Foods that Have Important Vitamins and Minerals in Them - Another problem with the Zone Diet is that it limits some of the foods that have very important vitamins and minerals in them. Some of the minerals and vitamins that you may miss out on include Vitamin D, iron, folic acid, calcium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A.
- Con #3 - Can Make Eating a Bit Boring - Since this diet actually wants you to treat food like a drug you have to take, it can become a bit boring to eat, and some people may find that this mindset is almost traumatizing to them. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, but this diet takes a lot of the pleasure away from eating.

What You Can and Can't Eat on this Diet

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

The Opinion of the Medical Community

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

OK, maybe we should reserve our opinion that this is a great diet. However, working with a nutritionist or a doctor could improve this plan and make it a winner.

# 8 in our Review of Diet Plans

At last, we think the plan we are reviewing today is pretty good with a little modiification. Let's review:

The Pritikin Principle

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

Overview of the Pritikin Principle

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

People It Works For Best

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

Pros and Cons to Consider

As with any diet, the Pritkin Principle Diet has both pros and cons that you should take into consideration. Here are a few of the most common pros and cons that you may want to think about before you decide this is the right diet for you.
- Pro #1 - Focuses on Healthy Eating - One of the key pros of the Pritkin Principle Diet is that it really focuses on healthy eating. The foods allowed in the diet are foods that are full of great vitamins and minerals, so you really get the important nutrients that help to keep your body healthy. Also, the foods that you eat make you feel full as well, which means you don't constantly have to deal with cravings.
- Pro #2 - Allows a Variety of Foods - There are a variety of different foods that you are allowed to eat as well. This makes it a better diet than some diets that are extremely restrictive. When you have a variety of foods to eat, you are less likely to get bored.
- Pro #3 - Starch is Allowed in Moderation - While there are some diets that totally get rid of carbs, this diet allows you to have some carbs as long as it is done in moderation. This is a healthier choice than just totally getting rid of the carbohydrates in your diet.
- Pro #4 - Doesn't Go Crazy with Excessive Calorie Counting - You really don't have to stress about excessively having to count the calories that you eat. It can be a pain to count every calorie, but with this diet you'll know that the foods you are eating are low calorie.
- Con #1 - Large Amounts of High Fiber Foods - One of the main cons to this diet is that you eat many foods that are high in fiber, since it helps to make you feel full and improve the way the digestive system works. However, over time this can cause swelling and bloating and you may not be able to eat enough in one meal to feel satisfied.
- Con #2 - No Cheat Days Available - Many people find that the fact there are no cheat days to this diet to be a huge con. So, some people may find that this diet is really hard to stick to all the time, since they don't get some of their favorite foods.
- Con #3 - Not Enough Healthy Fats - This is a diet that is low in fat, and it can be a con since you may not be getting the healthy fats that your body really does need to be healthy.

Food Do's and Don'ts

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

Opinions from the Medical Community

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

So, if you get with a qualified nutritionist, it's very possible that the piet can be improved upon and the drawbacks eliminated.

Diet Plan Reviews ( We've made it to # 7)

When we started our research for this series on diet plans, we were confident that we would find numerous plans that would be good for just about anyone. It hasn't turned out that way. Let's look at our next plan:

The Carbohydrate Addict's Diet

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

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet Overview

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

People it Works Best For

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

Pros and Cons

When you take a look at the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet, you will find that there are pros and cons to the diet. You need to take a close look at them to figure out whether or not the pros outweigh the cons or if the opposite is true. Here are a few of the pros and cons of this diet to consider.
- Pro #1 - Easier than Atkins - One of the pros is that this diet is a much easier one to follow than the Atkins diet. It is not quite as extreme, which makes it easier for people to follow, which usually leads to more success.
- Pro #2 - Gets Rid of Carb Cravings - Another pro of the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet is that it helps people to get rid of their carb cravings. This is done by the careful portions and choice of foods that are eaten each day.
- Pro #3 - Keeps Blood Sugar on a Constant Level - Since you are not eating so many carbs all the time, this diet helps you to keep your blood sugar levels on a more constant level, instead of constantly having a sugar level that goes up and down throughout the day.
- Con #1 - You May Miss Nutrients - When it comes to cons, one of the big ones is that you may miss out on some of the most important nutrients that your body really needs. Often it is hard to get the fiber and calcium that your body needs when you are on this diet.
- Con #2 - Bad for Those with High Cholesterol - Many times doctors will actually advise against this diet for people who have high cholesterol. The foods that are eaten in this diet are high in fats that are saturated, which can elevate cholesterol, so this is another con of this diet.
- Con #3 - Many People Experience Plateaus in Weight Loss - After a certain time, while people usually lose weight right away during the diet, many people end up hitting a plateau eventually and then they stop losing weight. This can also be one of the big cons to consider before you try this diet.

Foods You Can and Can't Eat

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

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

What the Medical Community Says

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

Guess we struck out again.

Here is the 6th diet plan for review

After looking at 5 diet plans, we really don't see much in any of them except that the originator is getting fame and fortune. Maybe today's review will suit us more which is:

The Atkins Diet

Today there are many diets out there to choose from, and if you want to lose weight, it can be a bit difficult to figure out which diet is for you. However, one of the top diet choices out there today is the Atkins Diet. Of course before you start any diet you probably want to know a bit more about it and how it works. So, let's take a look at how the Atkins Diet got started, how it works, who it works best for, and more so you can make the right choice.

Overview of the Atkins Diet

The Atkins Diet is a popular diet that was developed by Dr. Atkins. The entire diet is based on the theory of this doctor is that the main problem for people who are overweight is that they eat too many carbohydrates and their body is extra sensitive to them. His idea is that the body and how it processes the carbs you take in each day is what makes you gain more weight. Basically Dr. Atkins feels that many people eat too many carbohydrates, which leads to insulin resistance. In order to remedy this problem, the diet is one that restricts the intake of carbs and focuses on eating a diet that is high in protein. You end up reducing the amount of carbs that you eat each day to make your body start burning off the fat on the body as its fuel.

People the Diet Works Best For

While this diet has been shown to be effective for many people, it seems to work the best for people who really do have an insulin resistance build up in their body. Also, people who are hypoglycemic can really benefit from this diet as well if they are trying to lose weight.

Pros and Cons

You will find that just like any other diet, there are definitely both pros and cons. Let's take a look at a few of the pros and cons you'll find if you try this diet.
- Pro #1 - It's a Simple Diet - One of the main pros that so many people love is that it is a very simple diet to follow. Once you learn what foods you are supposed to be eating, those you should avoid, and learn to count carbs, it really is a diet that is easy to follow.
- Pro #2 - Finding Your Own Level of Carbs - Another great pro is that the diet does focus on finding the level of carbs that works best for you. Some people may be able to eat a bit more than others, but the focus is to figure out what works for you.
- Pro #3 - A Popular Diet - The Atkins Diet is a popular diet as well. This is a pro because it means that you can easily find information on the diet and support as you are trying to follow it as well.
- Con #1 - You Miss Out on Cancer Fighting Fruits and Vegetables - One of the main cons of this diet is that because of the big restriction on carbs, you actually miss out on some of the most important cancer fighting fruits and vegetables that you need. Add to this that you're eating more red meat, which too much of can cause cancer, and you may create a dangerous situation.
- Con #2 - You Always Have to Count Carbs - Many people don't like the fact that they are always having to keep track of the carbs they eat. This means that every single thing that goes in their mouth must be counted, which can get old after awhile.
- Con #3 - Miss Out on Necessary Nutrients - Probably one of big cons to this diet is the fact that you miss out on many necessary nutrients that your body needs, since you cannot eat many foods. While some minerals and vitamins can be taken in a supplement, some of the important phytonutrients that you need cannot be replaced by taking a supplement.

Foods You Can and Can't Eat

There are several different phases of the Atkins diet and each phase affects the food that you can and cannot eat as well. When you are going through the first two weeks of the Atkins plan, you are only allowed to have 20 grams of carbs each day, and the carbs that you can eat include vegetables that are low in carbohydrates, such as tomatoes, lettuce, and broccoli. During this time you can't even eat fruits, potatoes, breads, or yogurt, since they have too many carbs. You can't take in caffeine or alcohol during this time either.

As you go into the second stage of this diet you are allowed to go up to 25 grams of carbs each day. After you get to the weight you want to be, then you can slowly introduce some good carbs into your diet once again, but you have to make sure that you don't gain back the weight that you have lost. Some of the things that you can add to your diet include plenty of proteins, such as various meats, like red meat, bacon, and you can even add eggs.

The Opinion of the Medical Community

So, you may be wondering what the opinion of the medical community happens to be. Well, the medical community often criticizes the Atkins Diet Plan, feeling that there are many dangers to going on a diet that is so low on carbs and so high on protein. Since you cannot eat many fruits and vegetables, doctors fear that people don't get the nutrients that their body really needs to be healthy. Also, all the fat that is taken in on this diet can be very dangerous. The American Heart Association definitely is concerned with the diet because of the high fat, and the American Dietetic Association is also concerned about it because of the lack of nutrition the diet offers.

Certainly, some people could benefit from this plan, but if they are not within the small area as noted above, it could be very dangerous.

Diet Plan Review Number 5

So far in our reviews, we have seen that each of the the diet plans have both good and bad points. It's no different with today's review which is:

Suzanne Somers' Get Skinny on Fabulous Food

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

Overview of the Diet

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

Who Does it Work Best For?

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

A Few Pros and Cons

- Pro #1 - Eat Just About What You Want - The main pro that most people find with this diet is that they can finally eat the foods that they want to eat instead of dealing with diets that totally limit them in foods.
- Pro #2 - Recipes Included - Another pro of this diet and book is that there are quite a few recipes that are included in the book, so you do have an idea where to start. However, once you go through the recipes, you may find yourself a bit lost.
- Pro #3 - Don't Count Points or Calories - You'll also find that you will never have to count any points or any calories when you are on this diet. All you have to do is make sure that you eat certain foods together and that you avoid eating foods together tha may cause you problems.
- Con #1 - The Author Has No Nutrition Credits - One of the main cons of this diet plan is that the creator, Suzanne Somers really does not have any nutrition credits as well. The only thing she has done in the past is appear in an infomercial for a special exerciser for thighs. So, all that she offers in her book is not based on great nutrition credentials.
- Con #2 - Silly Claims - Another con of this diet and book is that some of the claims are just silly. The author advises people not to drink any water with their meal, stating that the digestive juices get diluted and you won't be able to lose weight as you should. There is absolutely no merit found for this idea, so it appears to be a bit off the wall and silly.
- Con #3 - Food Combining is Needed - You'll also find that to follow this diet you'll have to combine foods in certain ways in order to be allowed to eat them. This is not always fun and it's not always easy to get the right combination at the right time as well. Her method of food combining is called Somerizing, but it can be difficult to actually incorporate this into your life.

Foods You Can Eat and Some You Can't

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

What the Medical Community Has to Say

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

Our conclusion is that the plan does not merit our consideration for losing weight.

Diet Plan Reviews (Number 4)

If you have been following along, you may note that we have been as objective as possible in our reviews. This is so you can make a quality decision when it comes to what you wish to do. Today, we are going to look at the following diet plan:

Sugar Busters

Looking for the right diet for your needs? Well, this is not always so easy, especially with the many diets out there to consider. From the Atkins Diet to the Sugar Busters diet, there are so many diets out there; however, today we want to take a closer look at the Sugar Busters Diet and all it has to offer. If you are considering this diet, keep reading to find out how the diet works, the people it does the best for, and all the pros and cons of using this diet in your own life.
Sugar Busters Overview

The Sugar Busters Diet and books has been developed by four different authors, including Samuel Andrews, MD, H. Leighton Steward, Luis Balart, MD, and Morrison Bethea, MD. They published this book themselves and all of them are from the city of New Orleans. Basically the diet focuses on getting rid of anything that has too much sugar content in it, since it can cause problems with the biochemical system in the body. The authors also promise that you will get more energy, lower your cholesterol levels, you'll feel better, and treat a variety of different diseases with this diet.

People Who It Works for Best

Those who do the best with this diet is those who really do need to cut sugar out of their lives, such as those dealing with diabetes. People who need to lower their cholesterol can also find some great results with this diet as well. However, this diet may not be for everyone, since it really is quite restrictive, just like many other diets out there today.

Pros and Cons of Sugar Busters

When it comes to the Sugar Busters diet, there are many different pros and cons that come along with this diet. If you are not sure it is for you, you should take a look at the pros and the cons of this diet and figure out if it really is going to be a great choice for you when you go on a diet. Here are some of the pros and cons of this diet that you need to consider for yourself.
- Pro #1 - Very Simple to Use - Probably one of the biggest pros about this Sugar Busters diet is that it is simple for everyone to use. You don't have to worry about counting carbs, you don't have to measure out foods, and there are no different phases of the diet to worry about. You can easily follow this very basic diet, and while it may not be an easy diet, it definitely is a simple one to follow.
- Pro #2 - Plenty of Fiber - Another pro to this diet is that there is plenty of fiber in the diet, which is definitely important. Also, you get plenty of fruits, veggies, and grains, which means you'll get the phytonutrients that you need as well. So, you'll be getting all the nutrients needed to keep your body health.
- Pro #3 - Low Amount of Saturated Fat - The fact that this diet is low in saturated fat is a big pro as well. While it really doesn't emphasize this much, the foods that you eat are low in the saturated fats, which is important if you want to keep your body healthy.
- Con #1 - No Individual Variation for the Diet - There are cons to this diet as well, and one of them is that there is really no variation in the diet for individuals. This can be an issue since many people have different glucose tolerances. So, if you are looking for a diet that can be changed to your body, this is not the one for you.
- Con #2 - The Book is Not easy to Understand - The book on the Sugar Busters diet is not so easy to understand, which is a big con. It can be really hard to figure out this diet by reading the book and it doesn't really explain to readers how to incorporate the diet into their life.
- Con #3 - Relies Too Much on the Glycemic Index - Many people feel that this diet relies to heavily on the glycemic index, which can be a problem. Also, the diet is not consistent when using the glycemic index either, which can definitely be confusing.

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

When you are on the Sugar Busters Diet, you are allowed to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. You can eat many meats as well, like fish, red meats, and poultry too. Dairy products, nuts, and olive oil is allowed. In small portions you are allowed to eat breads that are whole grain as well as whole grain pastas. However, the simple carbs, such as white rice, potatoes, pasta, white bread, and most sugars are not allowed in this diet.

The Medical Community Weighs In

Most people in the medical community are not fond of the Sugar Busters Diet Plan at all. In fact, some people seem to think that this diet contains far too much protein in it. Also, there can be several different side effects with this diet, such as fatigue, irritability, liver damage, weakness, and even kidney damage.

We think caution should be used with this plan.

Diet Plans Review - The Third In A Series

And the beat goes on. No, No. Wrong theme. We need to get serious and look at the third diet plan in our current review series:

Raw Foods Diet

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

Overview of the Raw Foods Diet

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

Who This Diet Works for Best

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

Just like any diet, you'll find that there are both pros and cons to consider before you decide this diet is for you. So, here are a few pros and cons to consider that will help you make your decision.
- Pro #1 - More Energy - One of the main benefits of the raw foods diet is that most people who go on it find that the experience more energy than ever before. Since they are eating raw foods that are not full of preservatives or processed sugars, they don't deal with the sluggish feelings that come along with those foods.
- Pro #2 - Weight Loss - Weight loss is another pro to consider when considering this diet. It really does work for aiding people with weight loss. If people truly stick to the diet plan, they will see a reduction in weight.
- Pro #3 - Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases - The raw foods diet is high in folate, magnesium, fiber, and phytochemcials. These nutrients are all known to help reduce the risk of a variety of different diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and even diabetes.
- Con #1 - Some Ingredients are Difficult to Find - One of the cons of the raw foods diet is that some of the ingredients that are needed for the diet are quite hard to find. The diet calls for things like Celtic sea salt, Rejuvelac, date sugar, carob powder, sprouted flour, and even young coconut milk, and all of these ingredients are very difficult to find.
- Con #2 - Takes a Lot of Time and Commitment - This diet also takes a lot of time and commitment if you are truly going to follow it the right way. Not only will you spend time looking for the foods that you need, but many of the foods that have to be made take quite a bit of your time as well. It's definitely not the best choice for people who have extremely busy lives.
- Con #3 - Certain Nutritional Deficiencies Can Occur - There are several nutritional deficiencies that can occur as well when you go on the raw foods diet. It is possible to become deficient in iron, calcium, protein, B12, and protein, to name a few.

Do's and Don'ts of Food

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

The Medical Community Gives Their Opinion

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

This plan has been promoted quite a bit lately. Perhaps your participation in this plan is not wise if you have calcium concerns. Maybe this could be used as a snack portion of another plan.

Let's Take A Look At Another Diet Plan

As we mentioned in our previous post, we are going to look at several of the popular diet plans now promoted in various circles. This is the second plan we are going to look at:

Protein Power Lifeplan

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

An Overview of the Protein Power Lifeplan

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

Who it Works for Best

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

Pros and Cons of the Diet

Just about any diet is going to have some pros and cons, so you need to figure out what they are so you can weight them and decide whether or not the pros really outweigh the cons of the diet. In some cases the pros do outweigh them, but this is not always the case. Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons that you'll find in the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet.
- Pro #1 - It Really is Simple - One pro of this diet is that it really is quite simple. For people who want someone to tell them exactly what to eat, this is a good diet to follow. Once you learn all of the rules, they don't really change much, so it is quite simple for those who don't want to deal with things that are constantly changing.
- Pro #2 - Nutrition is Emphasized - Another pro of the Protein Power Lifeplan Diet is that it really does emphasize nutrition. It works on making sure that people do get the nutrition that they need and it also teaches people to make the most out of their carbs so they are sure to get the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that their body really needs to have.
- Con #1 - You Have to Count Carbs in Everything - Of course there are some negative sides to this diet as well. One of the main cons is that you always have to be counting the carbs in every single thing that you eat, which can definitely get old after time. So, if you don't want to spend your time constantly counting the carbs in your meal, this may not be the right diet for you.
- Con #2 - Can Have Too Few Carbs - As with many other low carb diets, there is a danger of having too few carbs in your diet as well. It may be difficult to stick to and you may also end up dealing with a carb crash from so drastically limiting the amount of carbohydrates that the body can take in.
- Con #3 - Little Variation is Offered - While it is nice to have a simple diet, this one can get boring because there is so little variation for you to enjoy. There are not many ways that you can adjust this diet, which means it may get old for you very quickly.

Do's and Don'ts of Food

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

The Medical Community's Opinion

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

We hope you have noticed the last section of this and the previous post which gives an opinion from the medical side which we feel is most important. Look for our review of anther plan in a couple of days.

Dieting And Diet Plans

We have been a little lax in posting. But, it has been a little busy in our neck of the woods with helping out the grandkids get ready for the school year. With one starting college, it has been a very new experience.

What extra time we've had has been spent researching the subject of DIETS. We have questioned the need for all these "fad diets" we see available since we have our own beliefs and conclusions derived from our research. To begin with, we are going to look at some of these "diets" in our next several posts begining with:

Jenny Craig

When it comes to popular diet programs on the market today, one of the most well known is Jenny Craig, especially since it has been made popular by so many celebrities. However, you may be wondering if it is a diet that works on more than just celebrities today. Well, let's take a look at this diet, who it works best for, all the pros and cons, the foods you get to eat, and how it is viewed by the medical community. Then you'll be better equipped to make a good decision on whether this is the right diet choice for you needs.

Jenny Craig Overview

The Jenny Craig diet has been around for some time and it started out in the early 1980's in the country of Australia. It wasn't until 1985 that it finally came to the United States. There are various levels of this system. The first one teaches you how to eat small portions of the food that you want, then later you learn how to increase your energy levels. Last of all, you learn to balance out the nutrition in your life to make sure that you lose the weight and keep it off. Different types of support are offered, including telephone support or you can even go for online support, or visit the offices for support in person.

Who it Works For

This is a diet program that works for people who like the ease of not having to cook for themselves. It also is excellent for those who need a bit of extra support to lose the weight. However, people who are not a fan of meals that are pre-packaged will probably not be a huge fan of this weight loss program.

Pros and Cons

Jenny Craig comes with various pros and cons just like any other diet. However, you have to take a look at them to decide if you are happy with the list of pros and cons that you find. Here are some of the pros and cons of using this diet to try to lose weight.
- Pro #1 - Food is Already Prepared - One great pro of going on Jenny Craig is that the food you are going to eat is already prepared. The foods are delivered right to your door, so you don't even have to prepare your food anymore. Many people love this because it takes the hassle out of trying to cook healthy foods.
- Pro #2 - The Plan is Easy to Follow - Another pro is that the Jenny Craig plan is really easy to follow as well. There are no points to remember and you won't have to worry about counting carbs or calories either, which makes it easy for you when you are trying to lose weight.
- Pro #3 - The Diet is Balanced - The diet is a fairly well balanced one as well, which is another pro. You get fruits, meats, vegetables, and more, so you won't feel like you are always being deprived.
- Pro #4 - You Get Personal Coaching - Personal coaching is what many people really love about this diet plan. You have a coach that works with you to help you reach the weight loss goals that you have set for yourself. This can be very helpful and help to keep you motivated and on track as you work on losing weight.
- Con #1 - It Can Really Get Expensive - Of course there are some cons to this diet as well, and one of the main ones is the expense. Since you have to buy the foods from Jenny Craig, it can get very expensive fast. You have to buy all your meals and even your snacks from the company, and they are not so cheap.
- Con #2 - Eating Out is Difficult - Eating out can get difficult as well when you are on this diet. You are not allowed to eat out and you definitely won't want to cart along your little Jenny Craig meal and ask someone at the restaurant to heat it up for you.
- Con #3 - Refined Carbs are High in this Diet - Another con is that the refined carbs in the Jenny Craig diet are quite high, which is really not great if you are trying to keep the pounds off.

Foods to Eat

When you are on the Jenny Craig diet, you only get to eat the meals that you purchase from Jenny Craig. While the meals usually have a nice variety, you may get tired of eating these prepared meals all of the time. It can get boring constantly eating out of a box, so many people are not thrilled with this option.

Opinions from the Medical Community

While people in the medical community feel that the portion sizes of Jenny Craig are great and that learning portion control is great, many wonder if it will last once people are no longer eating the meals that are not prepackaged for them. Also, people feel that people don't get the enjoyment they should out of eating, which means that this diet can be hard to stick to. Once people go back to eating normally, it can be difficult to keep eating the right way.

There you have it. Our next post will be about another of the "popular" diets for you to draw your own conclusions.

Stress and traveling

Traveling to and from work can be stressful. Traveling with children can be stressful. Traveling out of the country or on an airplane can also be stressful. To lessen your stress while you are traveling you need to prepare yourself for the trip, for where you are traveling too and you need to keep your stress levels down so you enjoy your trip for the entire time you are out traveling.

To reduce stress while traveling too and from work, leave yourself plenty of time. In allowing yourself an added fifteen minutes, you can easily reduce the stress you feel in traveling to work everyday. Reduce stress you feel so you are not in a hurry all the time. Waking up early or at least on time all the time is going to help you reduce the stress your feel daily. Reduce your stress while traveling to work by turning the radio on, and listening to some soft music, or at least music of your choice. Soothing noised music you love, is going to help you turn that stress away.

Reduce stress while traveling with children. To reduce your stress, you need to travel at night, when the children are sleeping, or bring along activities that are going to keep the children occupied while you are traveling. Videos, DVD’s, board games, music and such as all great way of keeping your children occupied while you are traveling so they don’t stress you out. Children can easily become bored and cranky. Make sure you are traveling in the shortest routes possible, and during the times when children are not hungry or will want to get out and move around in the sun. Traveling is easiest first thing in the morning and late in the evening.

Stress while traveling is going to be less involved, less noticed if you are to remain calm and cool while you are standing in line, standing waiting to eat, waiting to cross a bridge, waiting to get through the tunnels, even while you are waiting to check into your hotel. Be patient. Remember, you have all the time in the world; you don’t have to be any where at any particular time. You are on vacation and waiting, in slow lines is all about part of being on vacation and while traveling. Take a deep breath and read your book, listen to your music, talk to your family and think about all the good things that are bound to come yet. Leave stress behind by preparing yourself mentally to wait and to be more patient.

Stress and being in debt

Money is a source of stress, no matter how much you have, or don’t have. Stress is brought about by worrying what you are going to do with your money, where you are going to get money, and how you are going to pay the bills next. To lessen the stress in your life, you are going to have to make your money work for you, and your budget. Being on a budget, and sticking to that budget is going to lessen the stress in your life.

If you have too much stress in your life because of stress, you first need to sit down and think about what you have. You have money coming into the home for work, or from any other source. The money you have coming in usually is not going to change. Now you have to seriously think about where you spend your money. If you are spending much of your money on eating out, on going to the movies and not paying the bills, you have some serious thinking to do. You need to list all the expenses for the home.

It can be stressful thinking about how many bills you have, but in the end, you are going to shorten the stressful times in your life as you take control of your bills and expenses. In reviewing where you are spending your money and how you are spending your money, you will have to make a few decisions. Decide where you are going to find an extra $100 per month. This could mean you don’t eat lunch out, that you don’t go to the bar everyday, or perhaps that you are not going to stop at the store every day after work but just one day a week. You need to cut bills, and cut the stress about money in your life so you can feel better about your finances every day.

To cut stress about money, you should also put a plan into effect that will help you create a savings account. A savings account can be started with just five dollars a week. As small as that may be, when you really have an emergency you don’t have to stress out about money because you will have a few bucks in the savings account that will get you through that emergency time. Learn to cut on expenses, and save money, both are great methods of cutting the stress in your life when it all comes down to money!

Stress can cause problems in a relationship

If a person is dealing with a lot of stress for a long period, it may start to affect their personal relationships. There are many reasons why people will not be able to function because of their stress that they are under either at home or at work. They can cause a gap in any relationship and may end up being the factor that destroys it.

Sexual and reproductive disturbances can happen for some people that are dealing with stress. They can have decreased sexual desire and this can end up causing serious problems in their relationships. They may not have the ability to perform because they have too much on their mind dealing with the stress. Stress hormones have an impact on the hypothalamus gland, which will make the reproductive hormones. This can make it hard for the person to have children.

When stress happens, it is important to recognize it and deal with it right away. They need to learn to handle the stress so that they do not end up ruining their love life and their family relationships. The stress needs to be addressed with a professional so that they can continue to have great lasting relationships with their loved ones and so they can have a good support system.

Money is a big part of stress in relationships. If a married couple is having financial problems, they are more likely to have stress on their relationship. They may feel pressured and worried all the time that they start to take out their emotions on their spouse. It is important to find a way to deal with the money issues so that the couple can function better together.

Stress can also be a problem for parents. You need to realize when you are taking things out on your children for no reason. Learn to manage stress so that you are not taking it out on your kids. They are not the problem but if you continue to place your stress on them, it can lead to further problems in the family.

Take the time to figure out a plan for stress and how to make things better. When you are willing to try and make things right, you will find that the stress can be relieved and the relationships can be saved. It is worth the time and the effort to make things right with your loved ones.

Stress - Smooth It

Many people have everyday things that bother them. It may be someone at work, a money issue, and the traffic on your ride home or a loved one. No matter what the reason is, you need to deal with it and find a way to smooth your stressful situation. There are some things that you can do to help make the stress disappear and make your life fun and happy again.

Smoothing stress can be anything that you like to do. If you enjoy long evening walks alone or with a loved one, this is a great way to relieve your stress. You can enjoy this time to talk about your feelings and things that are causing stress in your life.

You can also take long rides in the country. Getting out of the house and getting some, fresh air may be what you need for a nice pick ‘me up’. This is a great opportunity to take in the sights and the different atmosphere that surrounds you. You can take the drive alone or with someone special to make it wonderful romantic getaway. Plan a romantic picnic lunch for you and your special someone as well.

Taking a hot bath is something that works to smooth out any kind of stressful situation. You can take the time to fill the tub with hot water and lots of bubbles and this will give you the safe haven that you are looking for to ease out all of your stress. Light some candles for the aromatherapy that your mind needs to get it relaxed and feeling free. This will help to take away the stress and the problems that take over our body and mind.

Drink a cup of your favorite tea. You can sit back and relax with your favorite brew and enjoy a good book or watch the stars in the sky. This is a great method of relaxation that your mind and body needs to relieve the stress. You will be able to appreciate the time that you have to yourself and let your mind wander freely.

When you know how to calm your stress and your body, you will find that you can deal with more situations and the stress is not taking over your body. You will be able to break away from the cycle that stress can cause and this will bring you back to place that you want to be.

Stress - Has It Been Long Term

If a person is dealing with stress on a regular basis and doing nothing about it, it will be considered long term stress. Long-term stress can lead to physical or psychological damage to the body. Stress can cause the body the following problem in their life. Physical disorder can be a cause of chronic stress.

Stress can develop into serious problems, like anxiety or depression, which can be even more serious to your health. Both of these problems can be very dangerous for most people. They can cause a person to distance themselves from their loved ones or their career. This will cause the person to feel sad and dysfunctional at the same time. Heart disease is another problem that can come from long-term stress.

Mental and physical stress is a trigger for an unstable angina. This chest pain is caused by lack of oxygen reaching the heart. There is a higher risk for serious heart events like heart attacks. A person can even die from this problem and sudden stress can cause the heart arteries to block. They can stop the flow of blood to the heart.

Stress can also cause the body to have high blood pressure. This problem can harm a person for lot of reason. This can cause a person to have to go on medication to help them lower their blood pressure and it may eventually lead them to have a stroke if it is not taken care of in the proper way.

Long-term stress can cause the immune system to become less effective. This leaves a person vulnerable to colds and other immune problems for their body. Digestive problems can be a cause of prolonged stress. This will irritate the large intestines. A person can be forced to face diarrhea, constipation and bloating.

A person that has been dealing with long-term stress may have diet problems. They may find themselves getting an eating disorder. They may become anorexic or even obese because of the disorder. They may find that food is either the enemy or the comfort when they are dealing with stress. Diabetes is a problem that chronic stress can develop. It can also lead to arthritis for some people and the ability to control these problems may be clouded by the stress.

Many people may also have to deal with sleep disorders when they are dealing with stress. They can find that they are tired and anxious all the time and they will be missing out on the sleep that is so important for them to get. They may turn to sleeping pills and other methods to get the rest that they are longing for. However, this can cause more problems later down the road.

Stress - You Can Help Others

If you know someone that is dealing with a lot of stress, you may want to help him or her deal with it. You can do some things in order to get them through their difficult periods and continue to see them through the entire dilemma that stress can bring to someone’s life. It is important for you to be a good method of support for them and to let them know that you are always going to be there for them.

If you are trying to help someone with stress, you need to be a good support for him or her. Call them as often as you can. Ask how they are doing and if they need anything. Be there for the person when they want to talk and open up about things. This can be one of the best ways to help someone that is dealing with stress and needs to find help.

If a person is alone, you can call them up and ask to dinner. Invite them over to the house to watch a movie or play board games. Do anything that you can in order to involve them in some form of physical activity. If they are depressed from stress, being alone may only add to their problems and may even create more in the end.

Being a true friend means being there to lend a hand and help when necessary. When a person is suffering from stress, they may not ask for help that they want. It is important that you are looking for the signs and know when you need to intervene with some help. You can make a difference to them just by being their friend. This is the most that you can do for them to help them in a bad situation.

Watch for the warning signs of stress and the depression that it can cause. Look for signs of distress like not eating, staying at home all the time, pushing away friends and loved ones, not going to work and if their appearance suddenly changes. These are all signs that there may be a problem in their life and they may need to have a little extra attention from their friends and other method of support.

Just be a friend and help them get through the tough times. Offer you hand and tell them that it will be all right. This is the most effective way that you can help someone when they are dealing with stress.

Stress - Take Control And Make A List

It's time to take control of stress.

If you are trying to figure out what is causing all of the stress in your body, you may want to do some research. This is something that you can do on your own to find a way to pin point the problems and to get started with the treatments of them. You should sit down and think about the problems that you are having in your life and what you can do to change the situation.

Make a well thought out list of all the problems that you are facing in your life. Think about these problems and what you are worried about. When you are thinking about what is disrupting your life, you may find the answers to the questions of what is causing all of your problems and your stress.

Think of all the people that are adding to your stress. This will include all relationships both at home and at work. Figure out what the problems are with these people and if you need to have them in your life or if they are someone that you should distance yourself from. There is nothing wrong with ending a relationship that is in turmoil. You should be prepared to do this if it is relevant to your health and well-being.

Think of things that you can do to improve your lifestyle. If you are eating the right things, taking the time to exercise and get the proper nutrients for your body. Are you talking about your feelings with others? Do you need to find a different career path? These are examples that you need to think about when you are trying to define your life and what is causing you the most problems with stress.

Do not forget about the humor and entertainment in your life. You have to include these things into your life so that you are taking a break from the stress that can build up. You should jot down the things that you like to do and what makes you happy. Make sure that you are applying these things to your life so that you can become a better and well-rounded person.

Make sure that you are going over your lists on a regular basis. Make the necessary changes where they are needed and take the time to enjoy things. You need to stop and smell the roses once in a while to maintain a healthy outlook on life. You will find that once you apply this list, you will watch your stress disappear for good.

Stress - Some Thoughts And An Introduction

Some years ago, Warren had a heart attack. The reason ("the straw that broke the camel's back") was stress. Of course the stage was set by a few other factors such as being over weight, not eating healthy, being a workaholic, the job, just to mention a few things that also contributed. But ultimately, stress built up and was not handled.

Considering that our world today is fast paced, and many factors lead up to stress being an every day participant in our lives, we feel that this is a subject we should examine and provide some insights into what you can do to reduce or relieve stress in your or a love one's life.

With this in mind, we will begin a series of posts about stress, it's many aspects, and ways you can handle or reduce it. Naturally, we will probably need to touch (maybe heavy handed in some cases) on other factors that may very well open the door to the serious consequences of stress. To be blunt, allowing yourself to "fail" in several other areas sets the stage for stress related problems including disease, mental disorders, and even death.

Stay tuned for this new series. It starts tomorrow. See you then.

A Healthy Diet while Traveling

(This the third of 3 posts about healthy eating.)

Sticking to a healthy diet while traveling can be one of the most difficult things to do in your life. However, if you learn how to make smart choices, a healthy diet is really not that difficult. This is probably not the best time in which to start a healthy diet, but if you are currently making healthy choices in your foods already, modifying your diet slightly to accommodate travel is not as it first may seem.

If you are traveling by airplane, a healthy diet may have to include airplane food, which can often be poor for your health, depending on the selection. When you book your flight, ask about your food options ask if a vegetarian dish is available. Vegatarian dishes are sometimes more nutritional in this case, but it really depends on what they will be serving. If you can, eat a larger meal before your flight so that you don't have to eat the entire meal that is served to feel full.

When driving or taking a bus, you may be tempted to stop at fast food restaurants and eat the foods found there. Avoid this whenever possible! If you're on vacation, you may wish to splurge a tiny bit, but having fast food more than once during a week can really be bad for your health. If you must, choose the healthiest options available, like chicken breasts and diet soda.

Also, remember that you can take your own food when traveling. Carrying a loaf of whole-wheat bread or pita wraps, some lean lunchmeat, and low-fat cheese in a cooler is a great way to avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol junk food meals. These are much better choices and you'll save a lot of money as well. Call ahead to ask if there will be a refrigerator in your hotel room.

Lastly, make smart choices when you eat out. If you choose salads or pasta get the dressing on the side and ask about low-carb options. In fact, many places print these dieting options directly in the menu for the health-conscious people. Control your portions by ordering lunch menu sizes or splitting the meal in half and getting a doggie bag, and you'll be well on your way to healthy eating, even away from home.

Yes, eating healthy foods when you travel can be a challenge. However, your health is worth it. When you eat good foods, you will also fight illnesses that you are likely to encounter when traveling and be more alert so that you can enjoy your trip.

Healthy Eating at a Restaurant: Is it Possible?

(This is the second of 3 posts about healthy eating)

If you and your family love to eat at restaurants, you may think that this lifestyle is not good for a healthy diet. In many cases, you would be correct. However, you can still enjoy restaurants occasionally and maintain your healthy diet. Its all about making good food choices, which starts with learning about the nutrition you need to stay happy, physically healthy, mentally stable, and active.

When you pick up the menu, start by skipping over the drink section. Although you may be tempted to enjoy a beer or mixed beverage with your dinner, these usually have many empty calories, which is not good for your body. The exception to this rule when it comes to alcohol is wine, especially red wine, which can be fine if you have a single glass and can actually help prevent heart disease for some patients.

Also skip over the appetizer menu, unless it's to over a side salad. The appetizers at restaurants are usually high-fat foods that are not meant to fill you up and can in fact make you crave even more high fat foods. Examples of these are mozzarella sticks, potato skins, and wings. Instead, simply focus on your main course or, if you must indulge, share a single serving with the entire table of people.

When choosing your main dish, it is of course important that you look at the ingredients of the dish. Anything with cream sauces or high-fat meats should be avoided, and pass up the potatoes or onion rings. Instead over side dishes like vegetables or ask for jus the main course when possible.

Remember too that portion is everything. Order off of the lunch menu whenever you can, and ask for a doggie bag right away. Split your meal in half from the start so that you are not tempted to eat the entire thing, which is usually enough for two or three portions.

At the end of your meal, skip over the desert menu, just like you did with the appetizers. Again, you can share a single desert with the entire table if you feel compelled to order something, or split your portion in half. Many fancy desserts in restaurants have more calories than your entire meal, so keep this in mind before you flag down the waitress to put in an order! Of course, on special occasions, it's alright to cheat a little, but overall healthy eating requires lots of resisting temptation around you.

Just Say No: Healthy Eating and Peer Pressure

(This is the first of 3 posts about healthy eating.)

If you are on a diet or simply enjoying a healthy lifestyle, than you probably know that peer pressure to eat foods that are not good for you is a major part of your life. If you are worried about the food that goes into your mouth, don't worry-there are ways to overcome peer pressure. It simply takes a little know-how to get people off your back!

Parties are a major source of peer pressure, especially with alcohol. However, remember that alcohol contains hundreds of empties calories in just one drink. When you go to a party, people might be pressuring you to have a drink and relax, and it can be difficult to say no when they are constantly trying to convince you. Instead, offer to drive to a bar instead. This way, you re the designated driver, so people won't want you to drink and, in fact, they will probably be purchasing you water and maybe even helping to pay for your gas. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

Another time when you may feel pressured to eat is at work when the boss orders lunch for everyone at a meeting or when you have to visit a client. Instead of giving in to temptation, simply politely decline the food by letting your boss know in advance or order a meal that is healthy and split the portion in half so you have a meal for tomorrow's lunch as well.

Baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and other special events can also wreak havoc on your diet, even if you are good at resisting temptation on your own. When someone hands you a piece of cake and won't take no for an answer, it can be difficult to know what to say! Here, little white lies might be appropriate. For instance, saying that your stomach was upset earlier in the day will convince a person that you don't want to eat at the moment or pretending to have a chocolate allergy will get people to allow you to enjoy the party without a hassle surrounding food.

Remember, however, that while refusing bad foods is fine, you should be eating good foods. If you do not, dangerous eating habits and disorders can develop, which will give you, your friends, and your doctor a real reason to worry. It's ok to say no to peer pressure, but don't say no to food in general!

GREEN TIPS TO SAVE YOU BUCKS

"Your Energy Diet" explains the why and how to "Go Green". You can get this free report by visiting our newsletter "For Your Wellbeing". While you are there, you can look over what we have to offer which we feel is very beneficial. And, it's free also.

Couch Potato Tip: For those of you with satellite or cable, may we suggest you check out theDiscovery Home Channel (now called The Green Channel). It's got several shows on "going green" which are informative and entertaining. AND it will help you join us in saving our world.

Gas Tip: The best time to buy gas for your car is as early as you can in the morning. During the night, the gas in the tanks at the gas station cools. This means that the gas volume will retract and you will get more actual gas than during the heat of the day when the gas expands. Its not a great difference; but at $4 bucks a gallon, we'll take any savings we can get.

Driving Tip: Remember the old axiom "you can drive 5 mph over the speed limit and the police won't bother you." Well, forget the police! TRY 5 MPH UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT! IT'S YOUR GAS TANK THAT COUNTS! With gas prices going up, you won't find us doing 70 mph these days. Matter of fact, we checked our car, and our miles per gallon start going down when we go over 59 mph. So if you are in SE Texas near Galveston, that slow moving red car in front of you doing 59 mph just might be us.

1955 Revisited. Change The Prices And It's Today!

We thought you would appreciate some of the comments made back in 1955. If you change the prices, you have TODAY! You see, we repeat, as a society, the same things. Wonder when we will wake up and do something rather than just make comments. By the way, these comments were made just 53 years ago. Read on and enjoy.


"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00."

"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one."

"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous."

"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?"

"If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."

"When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."

"Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."

"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying DAMN in GONE WITH THE WIND, it seems every new movie has either HELL of DAMN in it."

"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas ."

"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President."

"I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."

"It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet."

"It won't be long before young couples are going to have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."

"Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat."

"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."

"Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to congress."

"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."

"There is no sense going to Lincoln or Omaha anymore for a weekend, it costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel."

"No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood." "If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it."

Know any friends who would get a kick out of these, pass this on! Be sure and send it to your kids and grandkids too!

No trees were harmed in the sending of this message, however, a significant number of electrons were.

Think First At The Beach

We are seeing more people at the beach this year since we are so close to Houston and more and more people are vacationing at the nearest beach. Vacation rental properties are making money and not just on weekends. But there are safeguards you need to take when at the beach.

Not every beach is safe when you consider the currents. Don't pick a spot near where streams and rivers empty into the ocean or lake. Don't disobey warning signs about currents.

Avoid (both in the water and on the shore) jelly fish, man of wars, and don't go in the water if you see red in the water. It could be "red tide". Also, be on the look out for sharks if you are in ocean waters.

Use lots of high rated sunscreen. Not only when you arrive, but also when you come out of the water. Women and girls need to cover all exposed skin especially when you are wearing bikinis. Most forget the thighs and feet. Beach wraps or long t-shirts are much better protection when not swimming.

Men and boys need to apply sunscreen to cover every portion of their bodies not covered by their sissy pants (you know, the current fashion of almost capri pants that are called swimwear). Make sure your back and feet are covered by sunscreen. Better yet, put on a t-shirt when not in the water.

Make sure you keep a watchful eye on the kids. Little tykes get involved with "strange" things at the beach which you may have missed or overlooked. This is not your back yard - don't trust them!

A little safety knowledge will certainly help you avoid the pitfalls of a beach vacation.

Crashing - Its Worse Than Being Hacked

WE CRASHED! Yup, the computer died and we were blacked out.

We thought that being hacked back in late January was bad. And, to a degree it was. But, we just went through a worse experience. Our computer crashing. That was unbelievable.

First, it's disbelief.

Then, it's WHAT DO WE DO?

Well, you then sit down, determine your options, make a plan, and take action.

We repaired, readjusted, revamped, and, finally, we are back up.

It has taken some time to put everything back together, and that has been a long, costly affair, but we are up again and are moving forward.

A word to the wise: back up your files on a regular basis and save the backups to disks or floppys that are off your computer. It just might be your cat that does the damage.

We'll be adding new posts soon.

Retirement Planning And Preparing For The Golden Years

As we have said in a previous post, when you retire is up tp you. Many people are not waiting for that magic government age, but are picking their own date. If you have the means, you can do so at any time if you have done your homework.

Planning for your retirement is obviously a good idea. The phrase "the earlier, the better" describes what your policy should be for handling your transition from a harried work life to your relaxed golden years. At best, take twenty four to eighteen months to prepare for this significant change in your life.

* Cleaning Up - Try to pay off any outstanding debts or fiscal responsibilities before moving on, especially those that are hedged against your retirement plan. If you don't, you'll probably be paying them out of your pension/savings and that is an incredibly bad idea for a retired individual.

* Doing the Paperwork - A year before you retire would be a good time for you to start doing the necessary paperwork for your retirement. Birth certificates, passports and other identity papers should help smooth your transition to a senior citizen.

* Health Care - Always check with the employee benefits department six months to a year before retirement. Ask them how your health insurance will change once you're not a member of the company. Depending on the answer, you may have to look around for new or additional insurance for yourself. Also, take into consideration any continuing ailments that you may have. Covering them with health insurance is a good idea, since they may take out a significant part of your retirement income.

* Budgeting For Yourself - Check what your income sources will be after retirement. This can be from your employer - with the company's own pension plan, Social Security and your own personal savings. After that, make a budget that would fit your approaching financial situation. You really need to do this well in advance, so that you may be able to change it for any required adjustments such as paying for new medical insurance and other expenses that may pop up. A year should give you a large enough margin to prepare. If you're having trouble balancing it all, a financial advisor is a good investment. Try to find one that has a good solid reputation so as to avoid any problems.

* Making a New Tax Payment Plan - Switching from your salary to your retirement income is a big change but you still have to pay taxes for that change. After retiring, contact your tax advisor on what forms you'll have to submit and how to set up a good payment plan so that you'll be able to maximize what you can out of your payout from retiring.

These points we have mentioned are just a snapshot of what you need to consider. We will pursue "retirement" in much more detail in the future, however, not necessarily in this blog. We would suggest that you start thinking about retirement and start setting up your plan regardless of your age.

Should You Consider Early Retirement?

As we have stated several times, we chose early retirement. This is, in it's self, a very personal decision. Sometimes, the job you have done for many years is, for one or more reasons, not what it used to be to you. Then, also, maybe you have a need to do something else. Or, there are family needs.

For many reasons, more and more people are opting to retire at an early age. The growing trend for the retirement is based on the fact that people are enticed to retire early than continue working and wait until they reach their retirement age of 65.

In fact, most of the surveys conducted in the United States asserted that 60% of the respondents would love to retire at an early age.

In reality, there are many benefits that people can derive when they retire early. However, there are also many consequences that result from early retirement. What they do not know is that early retirement has the potential of bringing more problems than reaping in benefits and advantages.

Here is a list of some of the reasons why retiring early can be a pretty risky activity.

1. Not in accordance with the regulations of Social Security

When people retire at an early age, there is a great possibility that they cannot immediately obtain their Social Security benefits. This is because according to the rules and regulations of Social Security, anyone who is born after 1938 will have to wait longer than their retirement age of 65 before they can get their benefits.

Hence, early retirement may only contribute to a negative upshot if the older people’s finances where not managed properly and the only thing they expect to help them are the Social Security benefits they can get.

2. If people who took early retirement get sick, they cannot acquire some Medicare benefits.

This is because the age when people can get their Medicare benefits is when they already turn 65. Hence, if they are hospitalized and they have already filed for their early retirement, they have to obtain the necessary amount of money in order to cover the expenses in the hospital without Medicare.

3. Penalty charges apply to those who retired early and had withdrawn their IRAs early.

For people who would like to retire at an early age and wish to obtain their IRAs, they have to face a hefty 10% penalty charge.

Moreover, experts contend that the nest egg of people who wish to retire early is only 80% of what they should be getting when they retire at the age of 65.

The bottom line is that early retirement is, indeed, a personal choice and preference of an individual but one must consider the factors that may affect their life in the end.

What we have presented in this post is just the first thing you need to consider when planning for your retirement. If your job or postion is not a problem; or, if you have no other determining factors that cry out for early retirement, then you should start planning for regular retirement. It's never too early and we'll give you some more thoughts in our next post.

Retirement Activities

Spring Break is over, hooray! Normally we wouldn't say that, but going from our nice 70 degree weather to a very cold Boston (27 to 40 degrees) is not the smartest move. Yet we are retired and we have always taken at least 2 of our grandchildren somewhere during spring break. So it's a normal retirement activity.

Retirement doesn’t mean the end of an active lifestyle. Quite the contrary, it opens up new opportunities for many new activities. Some retirees substitute voluntary community work for their former work. This gives definition or meaning to their roles after retirement.

Household work, volunteer work, family roles and community service actually increase after retirement. The familial roles of grandparents increase because of the expanded time available for travel.

The skills and knowledge acquired before retirement have value in the life of a retiree. Even if learning something new, education and training affects the ability to do various activities at retirement. Lack of skill and a low literacy tends to limit the leisure activities of retirees.

A very difficult task to prepare for later on in life is the ability to cope with losses that increase as people get older. Productivity is the first loss in retirement but adjustment usually is short. Loss of a spouse generally has the biggest impact, and in general is the hardest to anticipate unless a terminal illness is diagnosed before death. The best preparation for a loss of your spouse is to work on a sense of independence and self-reliance.

The two biggest concerns for retirement living are security of finances and health coverage. This is according to the GSA (Gerontological Society of America). Another great concern identified was isolation or lack of social support for well-being and loneliness or lack of support for emotional well being.

Planning for retirement must have preparation for financial well-being, a social support network, a set of meaningful activities and health care coverage. All of these concerns actually relate to each other. When a retiring person has a sound financial plan, the person can buy adequate housing and health care coverage. Retirement lifestyle is a continuation of the person’s middle-age life.

A sound lifestyle can last a long while. Friendship and family can provide the support network later on in life. Retirement planning which includes developing economic and social skills cannot anticipate everything but provides a good foundation for enjoyment of life later on.

A successful retirement living includes the creation of a network of groups, family members and friends. Few people choose to be alone from the rest even if approximately forty four percent of women and roughly 18 percent of men aged 65 or older lived without relatives. Fifty percent of women above 65 were widows.

Retirement has it's ups and downs just like your life yesterday and today. But if you anticipate what retirement will be and what may or may not happen, it can be very enjoyable. We'll look at some ways to plan for retirement in our next post.

Keeping Busy After Retiring Isn't Hard

"What do you mean I should retire? If I don't work, I'll have nothing to do." Have you heard that before? Or have you said it or thought it? Relax. Retirement is what you make of it.

Retirement is not just for the old anymore. Many younger people, from 30 on up, are now retiring from the normal "rat race" and doing very well. Some begin their own business; while others, after proper financial planning, go off to do things that just plain interest them.

Sherry and I both took early retirement and have never looked back since we have more to do now than ever before. Consider that we are now replacing our carpet in our home with parquet flooring (DIY). And next week, Spring Break, we're off to Boston to visit my brother and Sherry's cousin. We're taking 2 of our grandchildren along.

We are always working on research for Focusing On Health and our other internet sub-sites. Just our newsletter takes 4 to 5 days to do it right. And, a 30+ page ebook can take a month to do. These are just a few things we do. It sure beats being a couch potato.

What we wish to pass on to you is that you should not look at retirement as a dead end. We found it to be a very rewarding time in our lives. By the way, it took us less than a week after retirement to be "deep" into all kinds interesting things to do. 5 active grandchildren also help make our life very busy. Once we get back from Boston, we're going to do a few posts on retirement. See you then.

What Are Your Health Interests?

As you can probably tell by our blog title, we are very much into health and the subject is of sincere interest to us. (What an understatement.) OK, you might say we are "fanatics". But, why not since your and our health is more important than almost anything else.

Both of us were hit with serious health problems some yours ago. By staying on top of pertinent information and using it in our discussions with our doctors, we survived. This sparked our research and what we learned, we decided to pass on to others. Thus, Focusing On Health was born.

We watched over the last couple of years as 50 yards of our beach "disappeared" with rising ocean waters. Then we realized that 20 miles to the east, north, and west were large refineries kicking out polutants into the air. Our health was threatened. This gave birth to GO GREEN.

From our research, and from the media, we realized that others had major health problems that ran the gamut of "health interests" such as disease, mental and emotional problems, and cultural stress. We responded with our LIBRARY, our NEWSLETTER, and this blog.

All of this is from our interest in health. BUT, what are your health interests? We hope that what we have supplied begins your understanding of whatever health subject you are interested in. We are not a substitute for professional advise nor do we want to be. We only wish to give you information that will begin your own "search" for answers to what troubles you.

Let us know if there is a subject you are interested in which we have not covered on any of our sites. You can leave a comment here or email us at sherryandwarren@gmail.com. Remember, we are only guides and that proper professional advice should always be sought out.

Is Daylight Savings Time Worth Anything?

We have never been real "high" on daylight savings time (DST). Now, a study has been done that indicates that it's a money waster and not a money saver.

If the morning is rather cool when you get up, do you "jack up" the heat? When you get home after work and the house is very warm, do you turn up the A/C? The new study says that you do. And, with daylight savings time, by the fact there is more light in the PM and you are rising "earlier" in the AM, your brain says "DO IT".

When we were kids (for us, that was a long time ago), DST was for the benefit of farmers. Then, as big business took over farming, the reasoning for DST was changed to "benefiting kids and families". Why? Summer school vacations are only 3 months long. So what happens the other 5 months of DST? Homework still has to be done. And, kids are not taught to appreciate being outdoors anymore. TV and computers have taken over keeping them indoors. Also, many people work longer hours now.

Bottom line, this is another "dog and pony show" instituted by Congress to "make you feel good". We have little regard for this. Nothing Congress does these days is with good reasoning. Most is done with "see what we have done for you" while taking away a little more control of your life.

If you really want to save money on energy costs and save your environment, you must restrain yourself from adjusting your house temperatures. You might also inform your congressman that they need to use common sense and to stop intervening in the natural process. Yes, this is hard to do, but what will your kids do in 30 years when oil is depleted and the coast line is vastly changed by rising seas? The ball is in your court.