Life has a way of getting the best of us some days. Whether it’s working too many hours, shuffling your kids all over town for their activities, taking care of your household, or dealing with personal or family matters, stress can take its toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But there are simple steps you can take to combat stress, starting with the foods you eat.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good start when life’s particularly stressful. Stimulants and depressants like these can both zap your energy and rob you of the fuel you need to successfully cope with tension. Sugary foods should also be avoided as well, as they cause your blood sugar levels to spike then dip rapidly, which can in turn make your energy levels spike and dip at the same rate.
However, there are several superfoods out there that provide you with the energy and nutrition your body needs to keep stress in check
Asparagus, which is high in folic acid, can help level out your moods. Folic acid and vitamin B are key players in producing serotonin, a chemical that gets you into a good mood.
And though we may hear negative things regarding red meat, it’s actually a wise dinner option for a stressed-out family. Beef’s high levels of iron, zinc and B vitamins not only help get you into a good mood, but help you stay there as well. Your local butcher can help you select lean cuts for the healthiest options
Milk really does a body good. Chock full of calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins B2 and B12, it helps strengthen bones and promotes healthy cell regeneration. Paired with a healthy whole-grain cereal choice in the morning, low-fat milk is a great way to start your day and arm yourself to do battle with the stressors that await you. Cottage cheese is also another great dairy choice, and when coupled with a fruit that’s high in vitamin C, it helps the body battle free radicals that run rampant during your most stressed periods.
Almonds are also an awesome choice when it comes to arming yourself against stress. They’re high in magnesium, zinc, as well as vitamins B2, C, and E and unsaturated fats, all which are great warriors against free radicals, which have been shown to cause cancers and heart disease.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Super Foods for Super Weight Loss
Experts say there are two basic categories of foods that can be considered "keeping it off superfoods" because they fill your tummy without piling on the calories: fruits and vegetables. And the nutrient that gives fruits and vegetables that ‘staying power?’ Fiber. So, if fruits and vegetables are the "keeping-it-off superfood groups," fiber may well be the "keeping-it-off super-nutrient." Protein is another super-nutrient. It's becoming more scientifically accepted that protein may help to curb appetite. Protein also offers staying power, and can slightly boost your metabolism in the process. But it’s imperative that you choose your proteins wisely, because like all other foods, if you’re eating more than your body needs, it’ll show up on the scale as a gain, instead of a loss.
The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts:
Green Tea - Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.
Broth- or tomato-based soup – Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.
Low-calorie green salads - Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressings, and cheese - as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.
Yogurt – Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a light yogurt may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.
Beans – A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meal appetite.
Water – Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it through your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even in your cucumber. In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.
High-Fiber, Whole-Grain Cereal - Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your daily diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack.
The following superfoods are smart, low-calorie choices that will benefit your weight loss efforts:
Green Tea - Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a hot cup or a nice tall iced glass of green tea.
Broth- or tomato-based soup – Soups can help reduce hunger before meals and increase your feeling of fullness.
Low-calorie green salads - Having a low-calorie salad – which is not defined as one that’s loaded with croutons, high fat dressings, and cheese - as a first course can help you feel full, thereby reducing how much you eat with your main course. Wisely choose your ingredients, and its high fiber content can be the key to helping you fight cravings later in the day.
Yogurt – Including dairy products as part of your healthy diet may promote your weight loss efforts. Choosing a light yogurt may help you fight off hunger pangs due to its combination of protein and carbohydrate.
Beans – A great combination of fiber and protein, beans help you feel full longer, which means they may work to curb your between-meal appetite.
Water – Water is your body’s lifeblood, and you should be drinking it through your day. It’s a great no-calorie beverage, and you can get it by drinking unsweetened tea, flavored unsweetened mineral water, regular water with lime or lemon, or even in your cucumber. In addition to helping flush toxins from the body, it can also help you feel full. So when those hunger pangs strike, try drinking a glass of water before grabbing that snack.
High-Fiber, Whole-Grain Cereal - Whole grains in general help boost fiber and the nutritional value of your meal. One of the easiest ways to give your daily diet a whole-grain boost is to have a bowl of higher-fiber whole-grain cereal as breakfast or a snack.
Overcoming The Setbacks
It has been a nightmare these last few months. Just one thing after another.
Natural disasters are one thing, but the man-made crap after a storm is really frustrating. We continue to fight our insurance company which wants our premiums, but refuses to be fair in our time of need. There are now 8 law firms representing hundreds of people joining in on the fight.
On top of this, new storms have caused more damage and more time is spent cleaning up and making what repairs we can.
Well, let's just put that in the back of our minds and get back to what this blog is all about. Later today, we will begin a new series of posts on "superfoods" that will put you on the right track for improving your health naturally. See you then.
Natural disasters are one thing, but the man-made crap after a storm is really frustrating. We continue to fight our insurance company which wants our premiums, but refuses to be fair in our time of need. There are now 8 law firms representing hundreds of people joining in on the fight.
On top of this, new storms have caused more damage and more time is spent cleaning up and making what repairs we can.
Well, let's just put that in the back of our minds and get back to what this blog is all about. Later today, we will begin a new series of posts on "superfoods" that will put you on the right track for improving your health naturally. See you then.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hurricanes, Sand, and Frustration
What is going on and why haven't we posted to this blog in 5 months?
Well first, this little thing called Hurricane Ike came along and turned our life upside down. We live on the west end of Galveston Island where the storm surge was 8 feet. By the time the surge got by the row of beach houses in front of us and across the state road we live on, the surge was "only" 4 feet but very strong. The result was heavy damage to our garage and store room. Speaking of the store room, even though we had most of our "stuff" above the 4 foot waterline, what was on the floor was literally tossed everywhere and knocked many things off the shelves we had most things on. What a tangled mess!
Secondly, Sand was everywhere. The beach we love was now in our yard, in the garage, in the storeroom, and every nook and craney. Our house, sitting on pillings 12 feet high, had damage to the deck and roof, as well as our screened in porches, and some interior damage due to wind driven rain (105 mph). The net result was 2 feet of sand in the garage and storeroom and 1 to 2 feet in the yard. Try driving in that.
Now the frustration. Since roads had to be cleared of sand and debris, no one was allowed on the west end of Galveston Island until 12 days after the storm, we were unable to return to see or assess the damage immediately which resulted in fighing mold first. Also, since electic, water, and sewer had to be restored, we were unable to live in our house and were "stuck" in a hotel 90 miles away. 5 weeks after the storm, we moved back home and began the physical work required to "dig out" and start the repairs.
The frustration continues with "fighting" with adjusters, insurance companies, and restrictions of what you can do and not do without the money you need to do it all. The endless hours on the phone trying to get insurance companies off their posteriors is mind boggling.
We thought we would take a break and finally make this post to let out some frustration and to let all of you know why we haven't been posting. We'll be back soon telling about our hurricane experience and picking up where we left off about diets.
Well first, this little thing called Hurricane Ike came along and turned our life upside down. We live on the west end of Galveston Island where the storm surge was 8 feet. By the time the surge got by the row of beach houses in front of us and across the state road we live on, the surge was "only" 4 feet but very strong. The result was heavy damage to our garage and store room. Speaking of the store room, even though we had most of our "stuff" above the 4 foot waterline, what was on the floor was literally tossed everywhere and knocked many things off the shelves we had most things on. What a tangled mess!
Secondly, Sand was everywhere. The beach we love was now in our yard, in the garage, in the storeroom, and every nook and craney. Our house, sitting on pillings 12 feet high, had damage to the deck and roof, as well as our screened in porches, and some interior damage due to wind driven rain (105 mph). The net result was 2 feet of sand in the garage and storeroom and 1 to 2 feet in the yard. Try driving in that.
Now the frustration. Since roads had to be cleared of sand and debris, no one was allowed on the west end of Galveston Island until 12 days after the storm, we were unable to return to see or assess the damage immediately which resulted in fighing mold first. Also, since electic, water, and sewer had to be restored, we were unable to live in our house and were "stuck" in a hotel 90 miles away. 5 weeks after the storm, we moved back home and began the physical work required to "dig out" and start the repairs.
The frustration continues with "fighting" with adjusters, insurance companies, and restrictions of what you can do and not do without the money you need to do it all. The endless hours on the phone trying to get insurance companies off their posteriors is mind boggling.
We thought we would take a break and finally make this post to let out some frustration and to let all of you know why we haven't been posting. We'll be back soon telling about our hurricane experience and picking up where we left off about diets.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 5, 2008
# 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.
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.
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