Thursday, October 30, 2008

Is A High Protein Diet for You?

The Goal Is Weight Loss
High-protein diets take a page from the low-carb craze. The goal is to lose weight by eating more protein-packed foods, which often means consuming fewer carbohydrates. The portion of total calories derived from protein is what defines a high-protein diet. In a typical diet 10%-15% of daily calories come from protein. In a high-protein diet, this number can be as high as 30%-50%.
Curbing Appetite Plays One Role
Besides curbing appetites, high-protein diets may also change a person’s metabolism. When carbohydrates are severely restricted, the body begins burning its own fat for fuel – a state called ketosis. Ketosis may shed weight, but it’s also associated with headaches, irritability, nausea, kidney trouble, and heart palpitations.

Starting a High-Protein Diet
High-protein diets come in many forms, and not all are created equal. The most nutritious high-protein plans are low in fat and moderate in carbohydrates, rather than high in fat and low in carbohydrates. The following slides present a variety of foods that fit the high-protein diet bill

Say Hello to High-Protein Steak
Nothing says protein like a nice juicy steak. And if you’re careful to choose a lean cut, you can get all of the protein with far less fat. In fact, a lean cut of beef has barely more saturated fat than a similar size of skinless chicken breast.

Think White Meat
Chicken and poultry pack plenty of punch in a high-protein diet, and if you enjoy the white meat you’ll be eating a lot less fat than if you choose dark. To slim your meal down even further, remove the skin, which is bursting with saturated fat.

Look for Pork Tenderloin
It may surprise you to learn that pork tenderloin is a white meat. What’s more, the cuts available today are 31% leaner than they were 20 years ago. If you’re interested in a high-protein diet, you may want to plan on pork.

Lots of Protein, Healthy Fats
Fish is a no-brainer -- it’s loaded with protein and almost always low in fat. Even the types that have more fat, such as salmon, are a good choice. That’s because the fat in fish is generally the heart-healthy kind known as omega-3 fatty acid -- and most diets don’t contain enough of this good-for-you fat.

Eggs: Affordable, Convenient, & Tasty
Eggs are perhaps the most classic and certainly least expensive form of protein. The American Heart Association says an egg a day is safe for healthy adults, so you may want to get cracking with eggs when you’re on a high-protein diet.

Soy: It’s High in Protein, Too
Soy products, such as tofu, soy burgers, and other soy-based foods, can offer a high-protein diet a nutritious plant-based source of protein. An added bonus: Consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily may also help lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease.

Beans: Packed With Fiber, Too
Beans pack a powerful one-two punch – they are loaded with protein and also full of fiber. Along with protein, fiber helps you feel full longer and also helps lower cholesterol. As for the protein content, a half-cup of beans is the equivalent of 3 ounces of broiled steak.

Low-Fat Milk Products
If you want to give your high-protein diet a tasty boost, don’t overlook dairy products as a protein source. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are not only protein-rich, they also provide calcium for strong bones and a healthy heart. Strive for 2-4 servings of low-fat or nonfat milk products daily.

Cereal and Energy Bars
Pressed for time? You can turn to high-protein cereal or energy bars to give your high-protein diet a fast boost. Just make sure the bars you choose have at least 6 grams of protein and not too much sugar or fat.

Go Whole Grains, Go Fiber
Most high-protein diets limit grains to a couple servings a day, so you want to make sure the grains you do eat are pulling their weight. That means staying clear of white breads and pastas, which have little to offer nutrient-wise, when compared with their whole-grain cousins. Whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas, on the other hand, are rich in fiber, which might otherwise be in short supply for people on a high-protein diet.

Keep Fruits & Veggies on the Table
No matter the emphasis on protein, make sure you leave room for fruits and vegetables in a high-protein diet. These nutrient gold mines contain powerful antioxidants that aren't found in most other foods, and research suggests that people who eat plenty of fruits and veggies may lower their risk of cancer.

A Diet Aimed at Dieters
High-protein diets may help people lose weight -- at least in the short term -- because dieters tend to feel full longer when they eat more protein. This alone can cut down on snacking and lead to fairly rapid weight loss. Combine speedy weight loss with the satisfaction of feeling full, and it’s easy to understand why high-protein diets are popular. Unfortunately, many people gain back the weight once the diet ends.

More Protein, More Risks?
The medical community has raised many concerns about high-protein diets. These diets often boost protein intake at the expense of fruits and vegetables, so dieters miss out on disease-fighting nutrients -- which may raise their risk of cancer. Other potential health risks include high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

More Saturated Fat, Less Fiber
Many high-protein diets are high in saturated fat and low in fiber. This combination can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association does not recommend high-protein diets for weight loss.

Losing Calcium
People on high-protein diets excrete more calcium through their urine than do those not on a high-protein diet. If a person sticks to a high-protein diet long-term, the loss of calcium could raise their risk of developing osteoporosis.

Protein May Affect Kidney Function
People with kidney disease should consult a doctor before starting a high-protein diet. Research suggests people with impaired kidneys lose kidney function more rapidly if they eat excessive amounts of protein – especially animal protein.

High-Protein Diets: Still Questions
There are no long-term studies of high-protein diets, so their ultimate health impact is unknown. But the experts are sure of one thing: the formula for permanent weight loss is a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating nutritious, low-calorie foods and participating in regular physical activity. Note: Check with your health care provider before making major dietary changes.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Weight Loss Tips /reposting

Healthy Living
Sunday, October 19, 2008

5 things I learned from Jillian Michaels

by Margarita Bertsos, Margarita Shapes Up, Glamour, on Wed Oct 8, 2008 8:39am PDT
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I met Jillian Michaels yesterday; she's one of the trainers on The Biggest Loser--and my new favorite person.
Here's what she had to say.

1.) DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR SELF-PRESERVATION.I told Jillian that some of my habits--flushing rice down the toilet so I won't eat it, bringing my own high-fiber bread to brunch--stirred some controversy on the blog. "Why?" she asked. "Why should we apologize for the practices that help us manage the symptoms while we deal with the real reasons we eat? I pour candle wax on my food at restaurants," Jillian admitted. "Not wanting to 'waste food' is a poor excuse for ending up far worse off later on, dealing with all the health problems that come with obesity." (Here are a few restaurant do's and dont's to help you maintain your healthy eating goals while dining out.)

2.) RUN.I asked Jillian if running really is the best form of cardio for weight loss. "Absolutely," she said. "There are lots of great ways to get your heart rate up, but if you want to see the pounds melt off, running is the fastest way. But I get that not everyone is built for it--knee problems, tight IT bands, heel spurs; I get it." Whatever you do, she said, "Don't forget the weights! The more muscle you build, the faster your metabolism will run."(What's better running outdoors or on a treadmill?)

3.) THE BIGGEST LOSER IS NOT REALITY."You don't watch the Olympics and think, Hmm, I should swim for 6 hours a day like Michael Phelps, do you? But you might think about joining a pool and swimming a few times a week," she said. That's what Jillian wants people watching TBL to think, too: "If these people can lose ten pounds in two weeks, maybe I can lose ten pounds in a couple of months." She adds: "I want people to realize their own potential; I meet people all the time who never thought of themselves as athletic, but now? They truly are athletes."

4.) FORGET WILLPOWER."Losing weight is not about willpower--it's about moments of bravado, like the moment when you ask your waiter to take the bread away from the table right away."

5.) JUST SAY THANK YOU.When I told Jillian how much weight I've lost, she congratulated me. And then (as I always do), I added, "But I still have a long way to go." "Stop," she said. "What does that do," she said, "apart from negate everything you've already accomplished? You're being self-deprecating and disempowering, and that doesn't serve anyone-and especially not you. Be proud of what you've done for yourself."
Got it, Jillian. Thank you! :- )

What do you guys think--is weight loss about willpower? I happen to agree with Jillian and think it's NOT. It's not about gritting your teeth and finding the strength "deep within you"--I think that's B.S. and will leave many people feeling really bad that they can't find it. They key, I think, is to set up your environment and make decisions so that you can succeed even when willpower is nowhere to be found.by Margarita Bertsos

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Worst Healthy drinks.

Staying hydrated can be great for your body. Drink enough of the right liquids and your mood will improve, your focus will sharpen, your heart will beat stronger, and you’ll be less likely to suffer from headaches and fatigue. All that, plus if you pick the right potions, you’ll receive beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and protein as a chaser.

Bottoms up, right? Not so fast. Some bottles are better than others, as you’re about to learn. Too many Americans are problem drinkers — and I’m not talking about bourbon for breakfast. As a nation, we love high-sugar, high-calorie drinks like sodas and smoothies; a whopping 21 percent of American’s calorie intake comes from drinks, and that’s an increase of 150 calories since 1977. The big-bottom line: Half of that caloric payload comes from sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit punch, and other sweet drinks.

The sad part is: Nobody actually needs any of those calories. Water — by the glass and in the foods you eat — should be plenty to top your tank. But if you find it kind of bland, we hear you. That’s why we’re slapping warning labels on the big-calorie guzzlers, and pointing you toward the thirst-quenchers that won’t make you fat.

Iced Coffee Drink This Dunkin’ Donuts Caramel Crème Iced Latte (16 oz)260 calories9 g fat40 g sugars Not That Starbucks 2% Iced Dulce de Leche Latte (16 oz)420 calories16 g fat 52 g sugars In the hierarchy of espresso drinks, lattes sit squarely at the bottom. That's because they're more milk than java, and are susceptible to huge pumps of sugar syrup from eager-to-please baristas. A macchiato gives the same caffeine kick for a tiny fraction of the caloric cost by swapping out the excess steamed milk for a crown of frothed milk. It's a simple but meaningful switch for caffeine junkies looking for a healthier fix. For other easy foods swaps for effortless weight loss — without ever having to diet again — try these fabulous fifteen.Protein Shakes Drink This Slim Fast High Protein Extra Creamy Strawberry (11.5 oz can)190 calories5g fat13 g sugars Not That! Boost Plus High Protein Strawberry (8 oz bottle) 240 calories6 g fat16 g sugars Besides having fewer calories and sugar than the smaller Boost shake, the Slim Fast drink also has more protein and five extra grams of fiber, which means it will work harder at keeping your belly full in the hours after you sip it. Yogurt Smoothie Drink This Dannon Light & Fit Strawberry Banana Smoothie 70 calories12 g sugars Not That!Stonyfield Farm Organic Wild Berry Smoothie 150 calories25 g sugars The Stonyfield smoothie is smaller but more than doubles up on the calories and sugar in the Dannon Light. Don't be fooled by the "organic" name — this yogurt smoothie is thick with added sugars, which spikes your blood sugar and tells your body to start storing fat — not the best way to start your day.

The Dannon Light shake jump starts your morning metabolism with a nice protein kick, but spares you the sickly Stonyfield sweetness. Watch out wherever, whenever for added sugars by avoiding this great list of the most sugar-packed foods in America!
Functional Beverage Drink This Dasani Plus Orange Tangerine Vitamin Enhanced Water (20-oz bottle)0 calories0 g sugars Not That!Snapple Agave Melon Antioxidant Water (20-oz bottle)140 calories33 g sugars If you were fooled by the words “agave” and “antioxidant,” don’t be embarrassed — for a product that’s supposedly water, it’s totally shocking how many calories and grams of sugar are packed into this fraudulent “health” beverage. But that doesn’t mean you should run the other way when you see an enhanced water; in fact, adding a little flavor (such as the orange tangerine in the Dasani water) can make staying hydrated easier and more pleasant — without adding calories or sugar. Bottled Beverage Drink This Sobe Lean Blackberry Currant (20-oz bottle)15 calories2 g sugars Not That!Sobe Lizard Lava (20-oz bottle)310 calories77 g sugars To glance at these two mysterious containers, you might think they contained exactly the same liquid — they’re both pink, they both come in a chunky glass bottle, they’ve both got some kind of creature on the label — but once you take a closer look at the nutrition facts, an entirely different story becomes clear. The Lizard Lava bottle contains about half a meal’s worth of calories and as much sugar as 11 popsicles.

That doesn’t exactly spell refreshment, does it? Instead try the other pink bottle, with Sobe’s Lean Blackberry Currant. With only 15 calories and 2 grams of sugar in a bottle, it just goes to show you that you can’t judge a drink by its bottle. In fact, make sure you’re always on the lookout for things like these sneaky "health" foods that aren’t! You’ll be shocked.

Energy Drink this Monster, Lo-Ball Java Monster Coffee + Energy (16-oz can)100 calories8 g sugars Not That!Rockstar Original (16-oz can)280 calories62 g sugars I’ll put it all out on the table here: I’m not a big fan of energy drinks. It’s much healthier to boost energy by exercising, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep. But let’s face it — sometimes you’re desperate for a pick-me-up, and it’s easy to reach for one of those shiny cans of liquid fuel.

However, if you guzzle down a can of Rockstar Original, I’m pretty sure you’re just going to end up with a jittery buzz instead of the boost you’re seeking — with 62 grams of sugars, you’re looking at a major sugar crash not too far down the road. Better to stick with a low-sugar, low-calorie option like Java Monster Coffee + Energy. Juice Imposter Drink This Fuze Slenderize Strawberry Melon (18.5-oz bottle)23 calories4.5 g sugars Not That!Arizona Kiwi Strawberry (23.5-oz can)360 calories84 g sugars Unfortunately, most of the drinks that come in flashy containers and purport themselves to be juice quite simply aren’t. That goes for both our “Drink This” and our “Not That” option here — even the healthier Fuze drink is only about 5 percent juice. That said, it’s also a low-carb, low-sugar drink that provides nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins, so it’s not all bad — unlike Arizona’s “juice.” Bottom line: These days, if you want juice, you probably need to squeeze it yourself.

Kids' Juice Drink This Minute Maid Kids Multi-Vitamin Orange Juice120 calories24 g sugars Not That!Welch's Grape Juice170 calories40 g sugars Kids love grape juice for one reason: It's loaded with sugar. That also means it's loaded with calories. Grape just ain’t so great. On the other extreme, Minute Maid’s enhanced orange juice is mother nature's multi-vitamin, providing your kids with monster doses of calcium and vitamin D for bone growth and protection, plus a host of powerful antioxidants. To make the best choices for your kids when eating out, check out this great comprehensive listing of the Best and Worst Restaurants for Kids!

Kids’ Drink this Capri Sun Tropical Fruit Roarin’ Waters (6.8-oz pouch)35 calories9 g sugars Not That!Sunny D with Calcium (8-oz serving)140 calories31 g sugars If you believe the commercials, stocking your fridge with Sunny D will make you the coolest mom (or dad) in the neighborhood, and your kids will be smiling and thanking you, and you’ll be wearing a cashmere sweater, and your whole house will be bathed in soft, buttery sunlight. Right. Well, believe it or not, if you’re interested in giving your kids a fun drink that’s actually reasonably healthy, hand them one of those silver Capri Sun pouches — OK, so they’re not exactly a health drink, but they’re better than Sunny D — cashmere or no cashmere. For other belt-busting beverages, don’t miss these other drinkable disasters. And for other incredible tips to keep the weight off for good, take this eye-opening quiz to learn how much you can eat for just 100 calories.

What is, Phenylpropanolamine?

Here is a story, that may save your life it was passed down to me, so I can't say for sure that this true, nor can I say its not true, my basic blief is that we all have to be careful about what we put into our bodies. After all if its not's part of the basic foods groups, or the name of the product is so big, and we probably couldnt spell it off the top of our head, can it really be that safe?
....... remember KISS......... Keep It Simple, (and in this case) Safe........

Phenylpropanolamine, what is it?


I received this information from a friend whose mother recently passed away. Apparently, this was caused by a medication that is deadly. Here are the details, and I suggest you pass it on to your loved ones and others .

I would like to thank those of you who expressed condolences on the recent passing of my mother. She suffered a hemorrhagic stroke while she was driving home from my house on July 30th and passed away on August 3rd. My mother's stroke and passing was an enormous shock to my family, because she did not have any symptoms or risk factors for a stroke. Just the week before she had gone to her doctor for a check up and received a clean bill of health.She did, however, develop a cold while she was visiting me and had taken Alka Seltzer Cold Plus for 3 days.

Since her passing, we have learned that Alka Seltzer is one of the many cold medicines that contains Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which can cause hemorrhagic stokes or cerebral bleeding, even with the first use. I am forwarding a list of other medications that currently usePPA.. These medicines are supposedly being recalled but my mother just purchased this medication less than two weeks ago. Pharmaceutical com panies have known about this danger for years, we unfortunately, did not.I urge you to review the list of medicines with PPA and avoid these medications. All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are dangerous. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of the medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine. The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine/
1. Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
2. Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
3 Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
4. Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
5. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (Cherry or Orange )
6. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
7. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
8. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
9. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
10. Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
11. BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
12. BC Sinus Cold Powder
13. Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
14. Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
15. Contac 12 Hour Caplets
16. Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
17. Dexatrim Caffeine Free
18. Dexatrim Extended Duration
19. Dexatrim Gelcaps
20. Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
21. Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
22. Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
23. Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
24. Dimetapp Elixir
25. Dimetapp 4-Hour Liquid Gels
26. Dimetapp 4-Hour Tablets
27. Dimetapp 12-Hour Extentabs Tablets
28. Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
29. Permathene Mega-16
30. Robitussin CF & nbsp;
31. Tavist-D 12-Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
32. Triaminic DM Cough Relief
33. Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
34. Triaminic Syrup Co ld & ; Amp; Amp Allergy
35. Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the followingmedicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes andseizures in children:
1. Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
2. 3D Cold & Cough Berry
3. 3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant.

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. ; THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!