The Zone Diet

The Zone diet is a high-protein, higher-fat, lower-carbohydrate eating plan. It is not as restrictive as other high-protein diets. It allows for a broad range of foods to be consumed. A small amount of protein is combined with twice the amount of "favorable" carbohydrates, including fruits and vegetables. If choosing "less desirable" carbohydrates, the portion size is smaller. Sears' Zone Diet is based on the theory that the human body is genetically programmed to reach peak efficiency when all meals, including snacks, consist of a set caloric ratio of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The diet recommends 40% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 30% from fats (40-30-30). When this ratio is achieved, the body is working within the "zone." The body will have maximum energy and weight loss.

Disadvantages:

The medical and nutrition community have mixed feelings about the Zone Diet. There are no long-term randomized scientific studies to support the theory the human body is genetically designed to reach maximum efficiency with a 40-30-30 caloric ratio. The zone diet ultimately is a low-calorie diet. It is difficult to consume essential daily vitamins and minerals naturally from foods on low-calorie diets. Following the Zone Diet over the long term may be difficult.

Advantages:

Weight loss may occur with this diet. It encourages eating balanced meals that include high-fiber fruits, vegetables and beans and grains. The eating plan is easy to follow.

Summary:

While there are many more diets available, these are the ones that seem to generate the most interest and the most questions. We will not even begin to address fad diets such as the " cabbage soup diet" or the " Hollywood diet" etc. There is simply no role for the use of get-skinny-quick fads. They are nutritionally devoid, and frankly dangerous. The bottom line is just like you learned in physics way back in high school:

IN=OUT


If you take less in and put more out, you will lose weight. The key is to do it in a safe and effective manner which provides you motivation to maintain with lifestyle change, encourages adequate and appropriate nutritional intake and keeps your calories from going too low. If weight loss seems impossible and a true effort has been made to reduce caloric intake and expend more energy with exercise, there may be an underlying medical problem that needs addressing (insulin resistance, dysmetabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, and others). Just remember to consult with a physician before starting on any weight loss plan, and consider the support of a dietician for education and long term behavioral change.

Diet Advice
A balanced diet coupled with regular exercise is still the best way to lose weight and reduce fat. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet is an excellent plan with lots of practical advice about dieting, exercise, diet-motivation and long term weight control.

The Carbohydrate's Addict's Diet

The Carbohydrates Addict's diet is a low-carbohydrate eating plan. The diet recommends eating low-carbohydrate meals and one "reward meal" daily. The reward meal combines carbohydrates, protein and vegetables. It must be eaten within an hour from start to finish. The Hellers' diet is based on the theory that many overweight people are carbohydrate addicts; they suffer from a biological condition caused by a hormonal imbalance. Excess insulin is produced after eating carbohydrates, resulting in all-day food cravings and a willingness in the body to store fat. The plan holds that converting to this low-carbohydrate plan reverses such biological conditions, reducing appetite and body fat storage. The body will convert to burning fat for energy versus burning glucose from carbohydrate digestion. In general, although the finer points may differ, this can be viewed as a modified Atkins plan.

Disadvantages:

There are no long-term randomized studies to support the theory of carbohydrate addiction. Enjoying carbohydrate foods is not enough for an addiction diagnosis. Also, there are no long-term randomized studies to support the safety of this diet. Eating a low-carbohydrate diet leads to consuming larger amounts of fat and protein. Although debated by the medical community, long-term low-carbohydrate diets are believed to increase risk for colon cancer and osteoporosis. High-fat and high-protein diets could cause kidney function loss, elevate cholesterol levels and increase risk of heart disease. Following this diet long term will be a challenge for many.

Advantages:

Weight loss may occur with this diet. It provides a comprehensive list of foods to consume. It encourages drinking plenty of water daily. It is less restrictive than the Atkins' diet.

Diet Advice
A balanced diet coupled with regular exercise is still the best way to lose weight and reduce fat. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet is an excellent plan with lots of practical advice about dieting, exercise, diet-motivation and long term weight control.

Secrets on How to Make the Healthiest Pasta on the Planet

If you want to make a thoroughly healthy, tasty and simple pasta for all the family, then try this one below. Always a success with every age!

1. Buy certified organic spelt pasta.

Freshly made is best, but alternatively, nothing beats the flavors of certified organic pasta.

2. Slowly simmer 3 cups in filtered water with a pinch of Celtic sea salt.

I usually simmer for about 10 minutes, have a taste, then continue.

3. When soft enough, strain it in cold, filtered water.

This separates the strands of pasta without any tearing.

4. Separately, mix handfuls of organic fresh basil, 1 thinly sliced organic carrot, 1 sliced organic red capsicum, 2 cloves of organic chopped garlic, 1/2 cup of organic cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of
organic black olives and 1/2 cup of chopped organic or biodynamic fetta or cheddar cheese.

5. Add approximately 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed, organic olive oil. Or, you may use old-pressed hemp oil or flaxseed oil.

6. Mix well.

7. Add the strained pasta.

8. Sprinkle with Celtic sea salt (to your taste).

9. Mix well.

10. Taste.

11. Serve and enjoy.

How Healthy Is This Meal?

Basil: Contains powerful anti-bacterial properties.

Carrot: The combination of Vitamin A and C and the mineral silicon, promote good eyesight. It's also a good vegetable source of Vitamin E , which is the muscle vitamin. Excellent for prevention of colds and viruses and for helping to cure teenage acne

Red Capsicum: One of the best vegetable sources of Vitamin C. It also contains Vitamin P which is essential for increasing the strength of the capillaries and helping to prevent varicose veins.

Garlic: Promotes elimination of acid-mucus poisons from the lymphatic system and entire body. It is also effective in clearing up the respiratory system.

Tomato: An excellent source of Vitamins A and C, both required to protect the body against infection and to promote healthy skin. It also contains sulfur, which has a cleansing and antiseptic effect on the digestive system, bloodstream and skin.

Black Olives: An excellent source of antioxidants. Olives contain polyphenols, that are believed to help prevent cancer. One of the polyphenols found in olives is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory.

Hemp: A whole protein, rich in essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and has 22 grams of protein per serving. Excellent for vegan athletes and growing kids.

Flaxseed: Rich in essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and most importantly fiber. As an excellent source of dietary fiber, it has the following health benefits: it can strengthen a diseased heart, reduce cholesterol, prevent many different kinds of cancer and bind carcinogens, lessen the risk of diabetes and improve already diagnosed diabetes. The list goes on...

Celtic Sea Salt: Full of essential minerals from the ocean. It stimulates salivation, helps to balance and replenish all of the body's electrolytes, provides renewed energy, resistance to infections and bacterial diseases, balances alkaline/acid levels and promotes good digestion. Containing natural iodine, it can protect against radiation. It can also help relieve allergies and skin diseases.

To learn more, download my FREE REPORT 'Secrets Of Healing With Natural Living' at http://www.NaturalLivingSecrets.com

Diet Advice
A balanced diet coupled with regular exercise is still the best way to lose weight and reduce fat. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet is an excellent plan with lots of practical advice about dieting, exercise, diet-motivation and long term weight control. 

Weight Loss - What Helps Better - Dieting Or Colon Cleansing?

In the western countries, more than 50% of people are overweight. Many try to lose weight by staying on the diet. However, diet market is more confusing now than ever before. There are many ways to lose weight. You can lose weight counting the calories. However, there are experts who think that getting not enough calories contributes to the weight gain. Calories are the energy for the cells. If your body does not receive enough of them you feel tired and hungry all the time. Another way to lose weight is to dramatically reduce the amount of fat in your food. But you should never overdo it. You also might chose to go with low carb diet. Actually, it is hard to decide which diet is the best as we all are different. We have different genetics, glycemic index, insulin secretion, hormonal balance, etc. But, there is one thing that is common. Most of the overweight people have slow metabolism.

Slow metabolism is when food doesn't get broken down and absorbed properly. It just turns into fat. When the metabolism is slow, digestive organs do not function correctly. This happens, when digestive system has accumulated waste and toxins from food in the small pockets of the colon. These toxins and waste disturb digestion of nutrients and elimination of the waste. When this problem occurs other organs in the body get affected. For example, most overweight people's pancreas produces insufficient number of digestive enzymes. This is why food can not be converted into energy and instead it turns into fat.

There are 5 things that can help make your metabolism work faster:

First is the exercising with the weights. Muscles burn fat even when you are relaxing on the couch.

Second is drinking plenty of water. Tea, coffee and juices are not counted as they need to be broken down and then digested.

Third is to add fiber to your daily food. You can try to get enough fiber from the food, but there is also possibility to supplement. One of the best fiber supplements is flax, as it is 50% insoluble fiber and 50% soluble. Insoluble fiber brushes the colon and soluble fiber soaks up the toxins.

Fourth thing is proper food combining. What does it mean? It means that you should forget about the fruit salads. It is better for the digestion to eat just one fruit at a time. Sour fruits are especially beneficial when eaten 30 minutes prior breakfast or lunch. Another rule is not to combine dense proteins (nuts, avocado, meat, fish, and dairy products) with dense starches (potatoes, beans, grains, peas, artichokes, corn). It is recommended to eat one or another with the vegetables.

Fifth is the colon cleansing. Colon cleansing can jump start your metabolism in 30 days. It will remove food residue, toxic build up, parasites, and harmful bacteria. Without colon cleansing, weight loss can be difficult. Colon cleanse kits are easy to use. Good kit should include powerful herbs to provide cleansing and support liver, kidneys, lymph and blood. Naturopaths and herbalists recommend to continue colon cleanse for about 90 days. After that, the body will be cleaner and metabolism faster. This is why cleansing, when comparing to dieting, helps not only to lose weight, but also keep the result for a long time.

To learn more about the colon cleanse and other types of cleansing, visit the website of Mary Waltraut MyCleansingProgram.com. I also recommend that you get my Step-by-Step Body Cleansing Program. In the program, you will see which cleansing products I have used to improve my metabolism and cleanse my body of toxins and waste. By using my personal cleansing program you will be able to put together your own cleansing routine.

Diet Advice
A balanced diet coupled with regular exercise is still the best way to lose weight and reduce fat. Fat Loss 4 Idiots Diet is an excellent plan with lots of practical advice about dieting, exercise, diet-motivation and long term weight control.

Some Health Risks For Being Overweight

Being overweight may cause a variety of illnesses. Some of the health risks for being overweight are life threatening, while other illnesses can be reversed after losing weight.

Cancer

If you are overweight you are at a high risk of getting many different types of cancer. Actually just gaining weight, regardless if you put on a lot of extra pounds, increases your cancer risk. You should aim to get to your ideal weight and maintain the weight as you age by eating healthy foods, using portion control and getting some form of exercise every day. Thirty minutes of exercise is good, more is better. Some types of cancer that you could be at risk for, if you are overweight are, liver, colon, kidney, esophageal, uterine and postmenopausal breast cancer.

Sleep Apnea

When a person is overweight they have more fat around the neck which in turn makes the airway smaller. Smaller airways make breathing more difficult. Overweight people tend to snore and sleep apnea is when they stop breathing. Stored fat in the body causes inflammation and if you have inflammation in the neck, you are at a higher risk for having sleep apnea. This is one of the many health risks for being overweight. Sleep apnea is life threatening so you either need to lose weight or see your physician to discuss a breathing machine to use when you sleep.

Type 2 Diabetes

Being overweight can cause a disease called type 2 diabetes which causes the blood sugar level to be above the normal range. This is a major cause for heart disease. It can also cause a stroke, kidney disease, becoming blind and amputation. With type 2 diabetes your cells that produce insulin have to work harder to keep your blood sugar at a normal level and that may cause your cells to eventually fail.

Gallbladder Disease

More health risks for being overweight would include gallbladder disease which is inflammation and possibly an infection of the gallbladder, with gallstones. Gallstones are made of cholesterol and if you are overweight most likely you will have an enlarged gallbladder that doesn't work as it should.

Some Health Risks For Being Overweight can be prevented by losing weight and having a healthy lifestyle. For resources to help you lose the weight, please visit Diet Plans and learn how you can lose weight without having to starve yourself or exercise to exhaustion.