The Youth Fountain Blog – Health, Beauty, Wellness, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Anti Aging
6Nov/090

Does Milk and Weight Loss Go Together?

Copyright (c) 2008 Phyllis Ekleberry
Do milk and weight loss go together? We have all seen the commercial where someone is drinking a glass of milk and then says '"It does a body good". After that statement, the commercial goes on to say that by including milk in your every day weight loss program promotes better weight loss particularly around the waist line.
Milk and Weight Loss in the News
The Natural News had this to say about milk and weight loss, '"There is no evidence that dairy consumption helps people lose weight, according to a study conducted by researchers published in the journal Nutrition Review."
Researchers Reviews On Milk and Weight Loss
The researchers reviewed the results of 49 different clinical trials that examined the connection between either dairy or calcium supplement consumption and the changes that occur when you do consume dairy products or take calcium supplements. The results were over-whelming. Out of the studies the following was recorded:
- 41 studies showed no weight
- 5 showed a correlation with weight loss
- 2 showed an actual weight gain
- 1 study found no impact on weight but a decrease in the accumulation of body fat.
This is verifiable testing that shows milk and weight loss do not necessarily go hand in hand. When you partake of dairy products, researchers have found out that you also consume more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. With these great choices, you will lose weight faster and easier. All of these things have complex carbohydrates instead of the over-processed carbohydrates that are found in white breads and bleached white grains and white rice. It also shows that women who have a higher dairy consumption or calcium intake are much less likely to drink or smoke. Those same women are also more likely to exercise and take vitamin supplements.
The Direction of a Good Weight Loss Program
This research goes a long way to point you in the direction of a good solid weight loss program instead of just picking what you think will work and hope for the best--like milk and weight loss . Instead of listening to the dairy industry, which has a vested interest in touting the supposed weight-loss benefits of milk and weight loss, you need to choose a weight loss plan that encompasses good eating habits along with exercise.
Many health experts advise that rather than expecting a single product to function as a miracle food, those wishing to lose weight should instead focus on a balanced, healthy diet with consistency.
You and Your Weight Loss Program
So what should your weight loss program possess? You should choose a weight loss program that fits your lifestyle and combines a good variety of foods. If you choose a weight loss program that has limited menu choices, then you will quickly tire of those choices and ultimately lose the battle. Generally speaking, if you can retrain your brain to eat healthy meals, stop the munching all day and eat when you are hungry instead of eating when you are bored, stressed, depressed, lonely or sad, then you will succeed!
Steps of Healthy Weight Loss Program
Following these simple steps to your weight loss program will catapult your weight loss into the double digits!
1.) Find a program that fits your lifestyle.
If you are not fond of cooking, a diet plan that requires you to cook will not work! Don't choose a weight loss program or diet plan that requires you to eat something you can't stand or do something you are not willing to do, this is self defeating.
Hint: this does not excuse you from exercise or improving your eating habits because without these two elements in your weight loss program, you are not going to get where you want to be very fast.
2.) Decide the "why" - you have to have a motivating reason why you want to lose weight. If your reason is not motivating enough to stop food in mid air - find another one! There will be times that your reason why will be the only thing that motivates you to exercise, eat less and eat healthy - Get a good one!
3.) Make sure you are healthy enough to go on the program you have chosen!
Please take the time to check with your doctor before you go on a weight loss program to see if there are any under lying problems that could limit your success.
4.) Choose a diet that makes sense. One that is healthy and has plenty of options If you are contemplating taking weight loss supplements - either in the form of a weight loss pill or weight loss patch.- Please take the time to check them out. Some companies have tested their products in a double blind test - look at the test results before using their products. Don't trust the companies that have not gone through this process. The good ones have tested their products to insure their safety as well as their results.
5.Above all - carry through. You must continue along the weight loss path to succeed.
This is the hardest things to do - to carry through with your plans. How many times have you decided to do something and then dropped it like a hot potato because it did not work fast enough or it was not fun enough. Buckle down - just do it. It has to be done for your health's sake so just do it!
6.) Enlist a support person, group or friend. With the right support you can move mountains!
7.Give yourself some praise. You are taking one of life's hardest journeys - the weight loss journey. Losing weight just takes some time and committed dedication. You are worth it - you are worth every calorie you don't put in your mouth - you are worth every moment you exercise. After all, if you do not take care of yourself - who is?

4Oct/090

Health Benefits of Whole Grain Brown Rice




The health benefits of brown rice are immeasurable. Brown rice is a whole grain meaning it contains a large amount of fiber. This is due to the fact that the whole grain contains all three components: bran, germ, and endosperm. Conversely, when grain is processed, all that is left is the endosperm. Why is this significant?

When the endosperm is left intact, it generates all of the proteins; the bran contains approximately 80% of the minerals; and the germ contains vitamin E, minerals, unsaturated fats, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which are chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and other types of plant food. In addition, it has been ascertained that the antioxidant levels in whole grains are higher than in white rice, for example, and serve to prevent against the onset of cell damage. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant

Moreover, all three contain vitamin B. Thus, when all these components are present and unprocessed in grain, it is then considered “whole” grain which offers the most nutrients and fends off such disorders as cancer, heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes.

Studies have shown that consuming a daily caloric intake of complex carbohydrates such as brown rice is significant in that whole grains are not only low in fat, but their high fiber content contribute to maintaining a healthy diet.

Whole grain food, specifically brown rice, also helps in reducing high levels of cholesterol and reduces the chances of the onset of type 2 diabetes. It controls the sugar levels by delaying the absorption of certain nutrients thus reducing the increase of insulin.

Most products you find in your supermarket are increasing their fiber content utilizing whole grains which not only lower cholesterol, but contain less sugar as well.

Most diets today consist of low fat, high fiber diets. A high fiber diet would primarily consist of whole grains such as brown rice. Consuming brown rice three times a day will alleviate the hunger and leave you fully sated thus avoiding sweets and other foods which add to weight gain.

Studies indicate that certain cancers can be reduced by consuming brown rice, specifically, colon and prostate cancers. In addition, by including three servings of brown rice in a diet regimen, the risk of heart disease and stroke is limited. Research indicates that brown rice can lower cardiovascular disease by 21%, and doctors are encouraging patients to consume more whole grain foods than ever before. The health benefits of brown rice are not only significant, but have proven to be effective in warding off disease and other conditions which can become chronic and, in some cases, life threatening.

20Aug/090

Skin Care the Natural Way




As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” However, in terms of natural skin care diet is a great place to start, but by no means does good skin care stop there. When it comes to natural skin care it is not only about what you eat but also how you care for yourself. Healthy, glowing skin is a visible indication of good physical health and a balanced diet. Conversely, problem skin is often an outward indication of an inner imbalance or poor nutritional habits. If you are looking to improve your skin’s tone and appearance try the following tips to help you look and feel your best.

Adopt a can-do attitude

Your attitude shapes your experience. If you move through the world constantly fraught with worry and anxiety your health and appearance will be negatively impacted with time. Make a concerted effort to avoid frowning, and smile often. Studies show that simply smiling can help turn a sour mood around.

Care for your skin from the inside out

Small changes such as ingesting the recommended daily allowance of fiber and water can help to keep your skin fresh and supple. You can be assured of getting the proper amount of fiber in your diet by including at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. One serving is comprised of a medium apple, a half-cup of spinach or a cup of tomato juice. You can also get your servings in by including lettuce and tomato on sandwiches, substituting or adding carrot sticks to your lunch, or switching to brown instead of white rice. Flaxseed, nuts and beans are all excellent sources of fiber and can be easily incorporated into any diet. It is also a good idea to avoid nicotine, excessive sugar, alcohol, fried and processed foods as these contribute to problem skin. Keep a bottle or glass of water on hand at all times and aim to drink at least half your weight in ounces each day. For example, if you weigh 120lbs, try to take in at least 60 ounces of water each day. There are a number of foods, such as lettuce and certain fruits, with high water content that you can use to help boost your water intake. Water baths your cells and helps to eliminate toxins; it also keeps you hydrated from the inside. The result; beautiful, healthy skin.

Exfoliate and move

Your skin is a living organ; in fact, it is the largest elimination organ of the body. You can help facilitate this process with exfoliation and exercise. With exfoliation, dry, rough and dead skin cells are eliminated from the top layer of your skin revealing the glowing skin underneath. Exfoliation becomes more important with aging as the process of generating new skin cells slows, thus causing a dull complexion. There are a number of commercially available products that exfoliate. These include various scrubs with microbeads, sugar, salt and crushed walnut shells. You might also try using cloths specially designed for this purpose, or making your own preparation. Be careful to test any products for sensitivity before applying to the skin. Also, be sure to avoid using these products in sensitive areas such as around the eyes.

Exercise is also an important component of natural skin care. In addition to cardiovascular and respiratory benefits, both important for skin health, exercise helps the body release toxins through the skin with perspiration. Aim to get at least thirty minutes of exercise at least three times each week. Whatever activity you choose should take you within 50-70% of your target heart rate for best results.

Moisturize and protect against the elements

Just as it is important to care for skin from the inside out it is also important to employ some skin care tips from the outside in. Most importantly, keep your face clean and dry. Wash your face with a mild, non-irritating cleanser at least twice daily and after exercise. Avoid using water that is too hot as it can dry your skin, robbing it of its healthy glow. Apply a toner with light, upward strokes. Finally, apply a moisturizer that includes sunscreen in summer and winter when the rays of the sun can also be damaging. For best results apply moisturizer to still damp skin to create the most effective moisture barrier. In addition to sunscreen, you may want to consider a hat if you have particularly sensitive or fair skin.

Rest well

The average adult needs 7-9 hours sleep each evening; however, most get significantly less. You can improve your skin’s health and appearance simply by getting a good night’s sleep. If worries keep you awake try creating a to-do list or a journal to ease your mind. You should also avoid upsetting activities, such as drinking alcohol, heavy exercise or watching the news, within several hours of bedtime as these can disturb restful sleep.

We all want to look and feel our best and good skin care is a significant contributing factor. Maintain your skin with a sensible diet, exercise, rest and a can-do attitude.

20May/090

Gain Weight, Lose Weight Cycle – The Real Deal on Carbs




Why Are Carbs The Enemy?

Carbs are the enemy in the same way that fat is the enemy. There are good carbs and bad carbs just like there are good fats and bad fats. The reason that carbs get thrown under the bus is because people want simple solutions to the Weight Gain, Lose Weight Cycle that so many people are caught in. So people say "throw out all carbs" because some of them are bad, when the real answer is "use your brain and limit the bad ones and increase the good." One gives instant gratification and is nonsense while the other is actually good advice.

So What Are Good Carbs and Bad Carbs?

Refined and processed carbohydrates like those found in white bread and white rice are the culprits. They go through a process that strips out the beneficial fiber from them. Fiber is important, among many reasons, because it causes the carbs to get absorbed slower in our bodies thus creating less spikes in blood sugar.

In September 2002, the National Academies Institute of Medicine recommended that people focus on getting more good carbs with fiber into their diet. The following statements are based on information given in the report:

To meet the body's daily nutritional needs while minimizing risk for chronic disease, adults should get 45% to 65% of their calories from carbohydrates, 20% to 35% from fat, and 10% to 35% from protein.

There is only one way to get fiber. Eat Plant Foods. Plants such as fruits and vegetables are quality carbohydrates that are loaded with fiber. Studies show an increased risk for heart disease with low-fiber diets. There is also some evidence to suggest that fiber in the diet may also help to prevent colon cancer and promote weight control.

So Carbs Can Be Good If They Are Fiber Rich, And That In Turn Can Help Break The Weight Gain, Lose Weight Cycle?

   

Powered by WP Robot

SEO Powered by Platinum SEO from Techblissonline