Detox diets

Popular diet plans assessed

With a wide choice of diets out there to help with weight loss, choosing the right diet plan is not an easy task. Here we put detox diets under the microscope so you can decide whether it is the right diet to aid your weight loss.

The theory behind detox diets

Detox diets are based on the theory that our bodies are continually subjected to toxins such as pesticides, food additives, high-fat foods and alcohol. Detoxification takes these toxins out of the body. The length of the diet can vary, but the main food groups included are organic fruit, vegetables, juices, herbal teas, rice and drinking lots and lots of water.

Our opinion on detox diets — marked out of 10 (10 stars being the highest)

Satisfying hunger
Good for health
Ease to follow
Expense
Overall rating

Overall verdict on detox diets

Detox diets generally rely on the fact that they are very low in calories. Whole food groups are often cut out which obviously leads to imbalance. These diets are very restrictive. There are better ways of achieving long-term success at weight loss that are more nutritionally-balanced and easier to follow.

Pros about detox diets

• Rapid weight loss.
• May help to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet.

Cons about detox diets

• Wind may be a problem as detox diets often recommend very high-fiber foods.
• There is not any advice on how to change eating habits for the long term.
• Rigid structure means it is hard to fit in with everyday living.
• Only a short-term, quick fix.

Alcohol — not allowed.
Suitable for vegetarians — yes.
Suitable for vegans — yes.
Suitable for coeliacs — yes.
Need to buy specialist foods — yes, as some of the foods recommended may be unfamiliar to you.
Restaurant friendly — no, many restaurants use sugar, salt, additives and canned and packaged food — all of these are banned in detox diets.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/detox-diets/

Fat-burning commandments you must abide by

Working out on a regular basis is just one part of losing weight - but there are plenty of other ways which can help you blast that unwanted fat. Follow these tricks and watch your waistline disappear...

  

 

Keep cool, calm and collected

Stress can wreak havoc with your hormones, which will not only affect sleep patterns but can also promote fat stores.

Stress can also be a major trigger when it comes to visceral fat - body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and is therefore stored around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.

This is the fat associated with increased risks of a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

Taking time out to relax will help shift this fat while a good night’s sleep is also essential.

Grab an early night

If we don’t get enough shuteye then our metabolism slows down to conserve energy.

The slowdown then triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite and ultimately increases your calorie intake.

A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that in each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

Make time in the morning

We are always told breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is when you are trying to get fit and stay fit.  Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and the heartier the meal the better.

Research shows that people who skip breakfast are four and a half times more likely to be obese.

A further study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that volunteers who consumed 22 to 55 per cent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds on average over 4 years. Those who consumed zero to 11 per cent gained nearly 3 pounds.

Grab that coffee

Caffeine not only wakes us up, it also acts a stimulant to the metabolism, boosting it by 5 to 8 per cent which can equate to burning between 98 and 174 calories.

But when we say coffee, we’re not talking about a calorie laden special from your local coffee shop; we’re talking a black or white single shot.

Go organic

Researchers say eating organic foods can not only make you healthier but also live longer.

Fruit and artificial fertilisers have been shown to have significantly more key nutrients, including vitamin C, which can extend average lifespans typically by 25 days for men and 17 days for women.

Organic produce also has higher levels of compounds, which encourage the body to burn fat.

Canadian researchers found that dieters who ate regular fruit and vegetables had more pollutants from pesticides (organochlorines), which are stored in fat cells.

When they then dieted they experienced a greater-than-normal dip in their metabolism, making it harder to lose pounds.

Swap your three balanced meals for six smaller ones

By opting for six smaller meals instead of three main meals your body will be constantly supplied with all the nutrients it needs to look after itself and burn fat.

This means your resting metabolic rate increases and your body will be prevented from kicking into "starvation" mode. This is where your body starts burning muscle for energy, increasing your body-fat stores and slowing down your metabolism.

Stand up to fat

Periods of inactivity, of four hours or more, can cause a near shut- down of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism, according to Missouri University researchers.

So make sure you keep active, even while you work. It’s easy to get carried away working at your desk so set your alarm for regular intervals and even if you just walk around the office, or stand up and walk on the spot while talking on the phone, this will stop you going into standby mode.

Spice things up

Capsicum, the compound that gives chillies their heat, is great for firing up your metabolism, so make sure you keep a pack or even a jar of ready chopped chilli to hand so you can add to just about everything you cook.

Don’t get stuck in a rut

It’s easy to get stuck in a food routine, especially when dieting. You are so focussed on calorie intake that your body can start interfering too.

If you stick to the same number of calories on a daily basis your body will adjust by lowering its metabolic rate to prevent you from burning off too much body fat.

By varying your calorie intake every few days you will keep the starvation mechanism in check and continue to burn fat.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/fat-burning-commandments-abide-090000575.html

Fat-burning commandments you must abide by

Working out on a regular basis is just one part of losing weight - but there are plenty of other ways which can help you blast that unwanted fat. Follow these tricks and watch your waistline disappear...

  

 

Keep cool, calm and collected

Stress can wreak havoc with your hormones, which will not only affect sleep patterns but can also promote fat stores.

Stress can also be a major trigger when it comes to visceral fat - body fat that is stored within the abdominal cavity and is therefore stored around a number of important internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.

This is the fat associated with increased risks of a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

Taking time out to relax will help shift this fat while a good night’s sleep is also essential.

Grab an early night

If we don’t get enough shuteye then our metabolism slows down to conserve energy.

The slowdown then triggers the release of the hormone cortisol, which increases appetite and ultimately increases your calorie intake.

A study in Finland looked at sets of identical twins and discovered that in each set of siblings, the twin who slept less and was under more stress had more visceral fat.

Make time in the morning

We are always told breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is when you are trying to get fit and stay fit.  Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism and the heartier the meal the better.

Research shows that people who skip breakfast are four and a half times more likely to be obese.

A further study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that volunteers who consumed 22 to 55 per cent of their total calories at breakfast gained only 1.7 pounds on average over 4 years. Those who consumed zero to 11 per cent gained nearly 3 pounds.

Grab that coffee

Caffeine not only wakes us up, it also acts a stimulant to the metabolism, boosting it by 5 to 8 per cent which can equate to burning between 98 and 174 calories.

But when we say coffee, we’re not talking about a calorie laden special from your local coffee shop; we’re talking a black or white single shot.

Go organic

Researchers say eating organic foods can not only make you healthier but also live longer.

Fruit and artificial fertilisers have been shown to have significantly more key nutrients, including vitamin C, which can extend average lifespans typically by 25 days for men and 17 days for women.

Organic produce also has higher levels of compounds, which encourage the body to burn fat.

Canadian researchers found that dieters who ate regular fruit and vegetables had more pollutants from pesticides (organochlorines), which are stored in fat cells.

When they then dieted they experienced a greater-than-normal dip in their metabolism, making it harder to lose pounds.

Swap your three balanced meals for six smaller ones

By opting for six smaller meals instead of three main meals your body will be constantly supplied with all the nutrients it needs to look after itself and burn fat.

This means your resting metabolic rate increases and your body will be prevented from kicking into "starvation" mode. This is where your body starts burning muscle for energy, increasing your body-fat stores and slowing down your metabolism.

Stand up to fat

Periods of inactivity, of four hours or more, can cause a near shut- down of an enzyme that controls fat and cholesterol metabolism, according to Missouri University researchers.

So make sure you keep active, even while you work. It’s easy to get carried away working at your desk so set your alarm for regular intervals and even if you just walk around the office, or stand up and walk on the spot while talking on the phone, this will stop you going into standby mode.

Spice things up

Capsicum, the compound that gives chillies their heat, is great for firing up your metabolism, so make sure you keep a pack or even a jar of ready chopped chilli to hand so you can add to just about everything you cook.

Don’t get stuck in a rut

It’s easy to get stuck in a food routine, especially when dieting. You are so focussed on calorie intake that your body can start interfering too.

If you stick to the same number of calories on a daily basis your body will adjust by lowering its metabolic rate to prevent you from burning off too much body fat.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/fat-burning-commandments-abide-090000575.html

What Is A Vegan? Definition Of 'Vegan' And General Information

What is a vegan? What is the definition of 'vegan?' What does the word 'vegan' mean? Many people have heard a little bit about "vegans", or perhaps have an acquaintance who is a vegan, and they are curious about what this word really means. The following article will provide you with answers and will also inform you about various aspects of veganism such as food consumed, health benefits and related terminology.

Definition of vegan: A vegan is a person who excludes all animal-based products from their diet. This means a total elimination of red meat, chicken, duck and turkey, fish and seafood, honey, cheese, eggs, butter, cream and any other product that is of animal origin.

A vegan is similar to a vegetarian in the respect that both persons exclude meat from their diet. The diet of a vegan however not only excludes meat but also excludes all animal-based products (ex: dairy products and eggs)

Also known as: Plant-based diet; animal-free diet; meat and dairy-free diet; animal-friendly diet.

Terminology:
Veganism - refers to the lifestyle of a vegan and the set of beliefs that they adopt. This is the belief that they should not consume any animal-based foods for personal reasons and beliefs.

Diet of a vegan: A vegan can eat anything that does not contain (or is processed by means of) meat, dairy or other animal based products. Their diet will by based on fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, whole-grains, tofu, "mock" meat and dairy products (or meat and dairy 'clones'), dairy-free treats such as cakes or brownies, and vegan chocolate.

Contrary to popular belief, foods on this lifestyle have the capability to be flavorsome and satisfying (rather than dull and boring). There are many amazing vegan recipes available nowadays to create 'clones' of your favorite meals, desserts and snacks. It has often been said that vegan foods and meals are tastier and more enjoyable than their standard counterparts!

Why people choose to become vegan:

A person will generally become a vegan for one of the following reasons:
· Detoxification of a sick, lethargic body
· Increased energy
· Health benefits (weight loss, skin, allergies, etc.)
· To prevent, treat or reverse chronic disease (diabetes, cancers, arthritis, high-cholesterol, high-blood pressure etc.)
· Longevity
· To look younger (a vegan lifestyle has been known to make a person look younger, make their hair and nails healthier, make their skin softer and their eyes whiter)
· Animal rights
· Environmental issues
· Vegan food tastes great



http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-A-Vegan?-Definition-Of-Vegan-And-General-Information&id=8265739

25 ways to improve your health

Healthy living tips

There are many ways you can improve your health and just a few small changes can give big results. Here's a list of 25 straightforward ways to improve your lifestyle and well-being.

Reduce your fat intake

The effect of fat on our arteries and general health are pretty well known, so you should try to reduce your fat intake by changing your cooking methods. Try grilling, baking, steaming or poaching, rather than frying.

Improve your sleep

If you’re having trouble sleeping, try cutting out alcohol or caffeine and other such stimulants, as this can help you to nod off and get a good night’s sleep. Also, adding a few drops of lavender oil onto your pillow at night has been shown to have relaxing effects.

Cut down on your salt intake

To reduce the impact of salt on your blood pressure, cut down on your salt intake. We suggest using herbs and spices such as oregano, nutmeg and paprika to season your food, rather than always adding salt. You may eventually find that you don’t need to add salt at all!

Enjoy a glass of wine

Drinking just one or two glasses of wine a day is thought to cut your risk of heart disease by up to a third. Make sure you go for red or rosé variety, as they contain much higher levels of antioxidants than your average glass of white wine.

Be good to your bones

A diet high in calcium and vitamin D will lead to strong bones and healthy nerves and muscles. Good sources of calcium and vitamin D include egg yolk, broccoli, oily fish and direct sunlight.

Eat a high fiber diet

Fibre aids the digestive system by helping to speed up the passage of waste material through the body — thereby ensuring that cancer-causing substances do not stay long enough in the bowels to have any damaging effects.

Have a good laugh

Laughing can help to boost blood flow by more than 20 per cent, and researchers say it may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Laughing can also help to fight infections, relieve hay fever, ease pain and control diabetes.

Fruits for immunity and blood pressure

Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are a great source of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system. Also, citrus fruits and bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure.

Eat more garlic

Garlic is a powerful cleanser of the body. Regular consumption of garlic (either in natural form or odourless capsules) promotes a healthy heart and good circulation by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol — and it also helps to fight infection and boost the body’s immunity.

Drink more water

The general recommendation is that we should drink around eight glasses of water a day. Taking in this amount of water will greatly enhance your digestion‚ nutrient absorption‚ skin hydration‚ and detoxification — as well as many other aspects of your health.

Drink more tea

There is general agreement that tea — both black and green — may contribute positively to your health. Tea contains antioxidants that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, support dental health, increase bone density and strengthen cardiovascular health.

Keep your brain active

Doing a mentally challenging activity — such as reading a book or completing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle — will help to keep your brain functioning at a high level. People who do less mentally challenging activities generally show more brain degeneration earlier on in life — so get testing your brainpower!

Eat more wholegrain foods

Eating wholegrain foods such as bread, cereals and rice can reduce your cholesterol levels and greatly reduce your risk of getting heart disease. Make sure you take a look at the packaging on foods that are labeled as ‘wholegrain’ — especially cereals — to see which of them are actually the best sources of wholegrain.

Increase sexual activity

Sex may be the only real physical activity that many people get, and is a great CV workout! Having sex with your partner three to four times a week is thought to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke by half! Sex can reduce stress and leads to greater contentment and better sleep.

Introduce olive oil to your diet

Olive oil is a monosaturated form of fat and helps to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. You can use it as an alternative for frying foods, or use it in its uncooked form as a dressing on salads.

Improve your posture

Good posture is thought to help the flow of energy in the body — and so standing tall or sitting up straight is thought to help improve your energy levels. Slouching is a definite no-no!

Eat chillis

Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which helps to stimulate blood circulation and therefore reduces the risk of clots. Spicy peppers also contain antioxidants, which can help to prevent cell damage.

Exercise in water

Exercising in water is a great way of getting a good workout without stressing the body too much. The water offers resistance, and so can help you to build your muscles and stamina — plus being in the water will prevent some of the impact on the joints that other land-based exercises would bring.

Eat oily fish

Eating more so-called ‘oily’ fish — such as herring, kippers, mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna — will provide you with large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fatty acids can reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood — thereby reducing the risk of stroke.

Build stronger bones

Weight-bearing activities such as running or dancing are great for increasing your bone health. You could also introduce some bone-building herbs like parsley into your diet in order to gain maximum benefits.

Eat carrots to help your vision

Eating carrots will help to improve your eyesight. The beta-carotene in carrots converts to vitamin A in the body, which helps to improve vision. The vitamin A forms a purple pigment called rhodopsin — which the eyes need in order to see in dim light.

Always eat breakfast

Your body needs good quality fuel to wake up your metabolism — so always eat a good breakfast! If you eat a hearty breakfast you will subsequently burn more calories throughout the day. Eating a good amount at breakfast will also prevent you from getting that lull in the morning when your body is running on empty.

Dance your way to fitnessOLI

Avoid yo-yo dieting

The majority of crash dieters regain the weight they have shed and then maintain a continuous cycle of weight loss and gain. The answer is to avoid crash diets and develop sustainable diet habits — while avoiding high-fat products.

Think positively

Having an optimistic outlook on life can actually help you to live longer. Researchers have found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50 per cent compared to those who were pessimistic. Thinking positively lessens your chances of worrying, and therefore reduces stress — thereby lessening your chances of getting a physical and mental illness.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/25-ways-to-improve-your-health/

Successful Diets - Is Your Diet Successful or Not?

But before I tell you the secret to safe, rapid weight loss, you need to understand why you've never been able to lose those excess pounds. It's because your body is a lot smarter than you are.

If you are like most Americans, for decades you have bombarded your body with genetically modified, processed foods. You may have thought you have been eating in a healthy manner because you have been shopping the perimeter of the supermarket, sticking to "natural" foods and produce. But the reality is that, unless all of the food you've purchased has been organic, you have been ingesting fruits and vegetables washed in toxic pesticides, meat injected with deadly hormones, fish laden with mercury and produce grown with genetically modified seeds. And to make matters worse, under the cover of darkness, your government has recently enacted law that bars you and organic farmers from ever being able to hold accountable the primary producer of your poisonous food supply. The Monsanto Protection Act, spending bill HR 933, signed by the President on March 26, 2013, effectively bars federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified or genetically engineered seeds, no matter what health issues may arise concerning genetically modified organisms in the future. Even if severe adverse health effects related to the consumption of genetically modified foods occurs, the courts have no ability to stop the spread of the seeds and the crops they bear.

Of course, the lesson here is that you cannot rely upon the government to protect you from a poisonous food supply. Only you, or your smart body, can do that.

If you refuse to accept responsibility for this task and, instead, leave it up to your body, it will protect you the only way it knows how: by holding on to every ounce of fat it can, storing the toxins you ingest within the layers of that fat, thus impeding the poisons from reaching your vital organs where they would kill you.

So, what is the secret that, finally, will allow you to shed those unwanted pounds and keep them off?

First, you must cleanse yourself of the toxic material, safely and effectively. Once you do this, your "smart body" will allow you to release the fat. Next, you must nourish your body with the right vitamins and minerals. Without the minerals, your body will not retain the vitamins; and without the vitamins, it will crave food, forcing you to eat in the hope that you will give it what it needs. Finally, you must change your eating habits by abandoning all processed foods and nourishing your body with strictly organic produce, dairy and poultry, grass fed meat, and wild fish. By doing this, you easily can create daily meal plans, of 1500 calories or less, that will leave you both satisfied and nourished.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Successful-Diets---Is-Your-Diet-Successful-or-Not?&id=8781251

This Is Why Losing Weight on a High to Full Raw Vegan Diet Is So Easy and Fast!

If you've ever tried going on a raw vegan diet, even for a week, you must have noticed how easy it was to drop pounds. I've had clients lose 40 lbs in one month of just juicing. As well as people who would have an enormously difficult time losing weight, even with caloric restriction and lots of exercise, lose 15 lbs in one month. I'm not saying its easy to be high or full raw, but it gets easier and the benefits are well worth it. There are many reasons why eating a high or full raw vegan diet helps you drop pounds so quickly.
First off, raw foods were designed for your body, so your body knows what to do with them. Your body uses them for energy and nutrition and they are in and out of the body in a short amount of time. All calories are not created equal! Even if you ate the same amount of calories from a raw vegan diet, you would be at an ideal weight, much leaner, and not to mention younger, hotter, more energetic. The old model of calories in vs calories out is outdated and does not take in to account the quality of foods, metabolism, allergies etc.
When you eat foods that are not made in a factory and not designed for the human body, the body often stores these toxins in the body so they don't cause further damage. They are often stored in the midsection and hips (love handles). This is why this trouble spot is so hard to get rid of. Your body stubbornly holds on to these areas for safety reasons. Until the diet changes, all the ab workouts in the world won't help you much.
When you eat a high to full raw vegan diet, you have more energy and due to all the fiber you tend to not overeat. The fiber in nutrients that your body is starving for, help keep your body full. But even if you ate the same amount of calories as your previous diet, you would still lose weight. This is because the food gets used for energy and nutrients instead of stored as fat. I bet you, that you can't think of one person who has been on a raw vegan diet who is overweight or has too much fat on their body. This is because it is simply not possible.

Another reason eating a high to full raw vegan diet helps you lose weight so quickly is that your body starts shedding the toxins stored in the body via detoxification. Detoxification is the body's way of cleaning itself out. The symptoms may not be fun, but it's well worth it. When you start eliminating these toxins stored in the fat and muscle tissues, you will also lose weight.
Not to mention, a raw vegan diet rich in fruits and veggies is high in water content. Most people are dehydrated which actually leads to water retention and bloat. If you stay hydrated you will lose that bloat and those unnecessary pounds.
So there are many reasons why a raw vegan diet helps you drop pounds so quickly. I've seen amazing weight loss stories from all types of people from all different backgrounds and age groups. It's just one of the many benefits of eating high to full raw vegan. For me, it's just a side bonus compared to all the other ones.
http://ezinearticles.com/?This-Is-Why-Losing-Weight-on-a-High-to-Full-Raw-Vegan-Diet-Is-So-Easy-and-Fast!&id=8775419