5 foods to lose weight and gain muscle weight

If you are under your weight, you have been dealing with this for years. When other people find it hard to believe that you have trouble gaining weight. You've tried everything and the more complicated is the fat in a healthy way, without increasing the volume of the abdomen. But fat is not that difficult if you follow the necessary health and increase your muscle mass, but not fat. In this article, we'll help you get the much sought after weight gain and still feel good.

Not only do people who lose weight have the disadvantage of losing muscle mass, but thin people who are afraid to make physical activity and lose more muscle.To avoid this, you must make special arrangements, as in the case of an overweight person can help you lose fat and turn it into muscle. If this is what you need, do not forget to include these 5 foods to your diet.5 foods to lose weight and gain muscle massMilk: skim milk here is a food protein considered (but contains carbohydrates and a little fat). This food is ideal not only for drinking straight, but as a basis for protein shakes and smoothies to burn fat (which can help you lose weight and regain muscle).
Yogurt: The case is similar to yogurt milk. It even has the advantage of being easier to digest. It can serve as a basis for making smoothies, snacks ideals that help to suppress hunger without adding too many calories or fat.Chicken or turkey: Though all the meat you can eat to gain muscle mass.Chicken or turkey is great not only because it is low in fat, but because it can be used in different preparations. You can make smoothies, salads, grilled food, cooked or something (if it is not cooked with the skin and oil).Egg: In the egg white is pure protein. Therefore, we suggest that you take up to three eggs per week (to control cholesterol) and if you want, you can add the egg a day in your meals.Foods with a low glycemic index: Although this is a food group, it is essential that you know to achieve a more balanced diet (which provide fiber, vitamins and minerals), but keep their sugars are converted to fat.If you want to gain muscle and lose weight, these 5 foods are essential in your diet. These foods not only help you gain more muscle mass, but you will lose weight.

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The Top 10 Weight Loss Supplements

Summertime is a great time to shed excess weight. Unfortunately, as we age, it becomes harder to shed the pounds. It is easy to be envious of the beautiful 40+ stars like Sheryl Crow, Halle Berry, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Michelle Pfeiffer, Iman, Christie Brinkley and many more who are as slim and trim as their 20-something counterparts. My patients wonder how do they do it! Well, we know it is not because of a diet full of chilidogs and nachos. You have to work at it, exercise and make the right food choices.

A little help from our friends

But sometimes we need a little extra help, and here is where the right nutrients can make a difference. A young cell is characterized by its energy production, just like a young body. As we age, our physical output decreases. To this end, I have looked for methods to increase energy, naturally and safely, at the cellular level. This has led me to a number of nutrients that work in a special way to enhance the loss of body fat, preserve muscle mass and regulate levels of blood sugar and insulin -- key attributes of a healthy, young body, regardless of chronological age. They will also promote beautiful, healthy, youthful-looking skin. Here are ten of my favorites:

1. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)Alpha lipoic acid, often referred to as 'the universal antioxidant," is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory found naturally inside of the energy producing portion of the cell known as the mitochondria. Alpha lipoic acid enhances our ability to metabolize food into energy. ALA is a unique antioxidant because it is both fat and water soluble. This means it can go to all parts of the cell, including the lipid (fat) portions such as the cell plasma membrane, as well as the interior of the cell (known as the cytoplasm) where water soluble chemicals reside.

2. DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol)DMAE is a naturally occurring nutritional substance with powerful anti-inflammatory properties; it is found in fish including wild Alaskan salmon, anchovies and sardines. DMAE is important in the production of neurotransmitters, which are essential in the communication from one nerve to another and between nerves and muscles. Taking DMAE as a supplement will not only improve your cognitive function by improving memory and problem-solving ability, it will help increase skin firmness and muscle tone -- important for anyone on a weight loss or anti-aging program.

3. GlutamineGlutamine is the body's most abundant amino acid. It plays an important role in keeping the muscles functioning properly and helps reduce muscle deterioration. Glutamine literally drives muscle-building nitrogen into the muscle cell where it is synthesized for growth. It is also converted into glucose when the body needs more energy. When the body is in a highly inflammatory state, it breaks down our muscle tissue to get the extra glutamine needed, resulting in muscle mass loss.

4. CarnitineCarnitine and its derivative, acetyl L-carnitine, are two of the most important nutrients for weight loss. Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Carnitine transports the fatty acids from our blood into the cell for this energy production. Thus, for carnitine to have optimum effect, we must have adequate essential fatty acids, such as omega 3's, present in the diet.

5. Acetyl L-carnitineAcetyl L-carnitine acts as an antioxidant, a natural anti-inflammatory that enhances the affects of the other antioxidant systems within the body. These anti-inflammatory properties protect the cell plasma membrane (the cell's first line of defense) and prevent the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory chemicals. Although exercise will naturally increase our levels of acetyl L-carnitine, if we are obese, over thirty or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels, therefore supplementation is necessary.

6. Coenzyme Q - 10Coenzyme Q-10, also called ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory with many benefits for treating and preventing obesity. It acts similarly to acetyl L-carnitine in that it assists in energy production within the mitochondria. CoQ10 enhances the metabolism, giving us greater energy and endurance, a greater ability to lose body fat, preventing the energy decline seen in aging cells. CoQ10 also maximizes the burning of foods for fuel, helping to normalize fats in our blood.

7. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)Conjugated linoleic acid is a fatty acid found in many of the foods we eat. At one time, beef and lamb were exceptional sources; however when their diet was changed from grass to grain, levels of CLA dramatically decreased in the meat and dairy products. CLA has powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity. It decreases body fat, especially in the area of the abdomen and helps block the absorption of fat and sugar into fat cells (adipocytes). It also helps the insulin receptors remain intact, thus increasing insulin sensitivity.

8. ChromiumBecause Chromium is an essential nutrient for normal sugar and fat metabolism, it is critical in our effort to control and reduce excess body fat. Chromium supplementation effectively lowers blood sugar and insulin levels and can also increase levels of the 'good' HDL cholesterol. This lowers total cholesterol and triglycerides, thus playing a key role in regulating appetite, reducing sugar cravings, and lowering body fat.

9. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)Gamma linolenic acid is an important omega-6 essential fatty acid. The average American diet causes a deficiency of GLA because of the large amounts of trans fatty acids, sugar, red meats and dairy products. The body rapidly converts GLA into dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid, the precursor of prostaglandin E1, a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone-like compound that helps to regulate inflammation, blood pressure, and many other bodily processes.

10. Maitake Mushroom ExtractStudies show that maitake mushroom extract enhances insulin sensitivity for controlling blood sugar levels and may serve as a safe and reliable weight loss supplement -- even without additional behavior modifications, such as decreased caloric intake and increased exercise. It is established as a powerful tool in preventing a dangerous quartet of metabolic imbalances that increase our risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes called Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome consists of high blood pressure, elevated levels of insulin, excess weight (especially around the abdomen), and dyslipidemialow, or low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides.

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Omega 3 Fish Oil for Weight Loss

   The study by the University of South Australia took 75 overweight and obese people (with other cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels) and split them into four groups. At the first split, half were given doses of tuna fish oil while the others were given the same amount of sunflower oil which contains no omega 3. Both these groups were then split. Half taking no extra exercise
while the others completed three 45-minute runs, at 75% of their maximum heart rate, each week. The participants were encouraged not to otherwise change their diet.

Omega 3 and Weight Loss Benefits:

• Omega 3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) lower your insulin levels, so the extra calories you eat are burned off for energy, instead of being stored as body fat

• Omega 3 oils are anti-lipogenic (block fat storage in your body) and increase your metabolic rate, so you burn body fat faster

• Omega three fatty acids suppress the production of cortisol, a stress-related hormone that also causes you to store vs. burn off extra calories

• Omega 3 fatty acids were proven to improve the blood flow to muscles during exercising, thus increasing your body’s ability to burn more fat

• A diet rich in omega 3 oils improves the blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) so you have more energy (and drive) to workout

• Omega three fatty acids increase your body’s production of energy and the liver function - your fat-management organ

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Salmon Poached in Coconut Water with Dukkah

Salmon Poached in Coconut Water with Dukkah

Eating Oily Fish like salmon or ocean trout three times a week is not only great for a good weight loss food but it will also help boost your memory and can reduce risk of depression.

This recipe is alkalising and hydrating.  

Per serve: 40g protein

18g fat (4.5g saturated fat)

9g carb

7g dietary fibre

350 calories (1455kJ)

Recipe by Rosemary Stanton

Ingredients
2 cups (500ml) fresh coconut water 

1 teaspoon black peppercorns 

1 lime, thinly sliced

4 salmon fillets(approximately 170 grams each) [you could use ocean trout too

1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

400 grams asparagus, steamed (you could also use green beans)

Potatoes steamed (baby ones preferably)

Dukkah

50g (1/3 cup) slivered almonds

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/4 teaspoon sumac

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons organic coconut 

To make dukkah.  Heat a frying pan on medium heat.  Add almonds. Stir for 4-5 minutes or until starting to turn golden.  Add sesame seeds, coriander and cumin.  Stir for 1-2 minutes or until aromatic.  Transfer to a mortar and pound with a pestle until lightly crushed.  Transfer to a bowl.  Add sumac and paprika.  Place coconut in pan on low heat.  Stir for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.  Stir into almond mixture.

Heat coconut water, lime and peppercorns in a pan on medium.  Add fish.  Bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat to low.  Cook, spooning water over fish occasionally, for 3-5 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking.

Divide asparagus (or green beans) among plates.  Top with fish and sprinkle dukkah over.  Serve with baby potatoes.

Nutritional benefits are as follows by Lisa Guy:

Coconut water is rich in electrolytes to replenish, hydrate and alkalise the body.  It is also a good source of potassium, for a healthy heart, muscle and digestive function.

Lime is full of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fats for a healthy heart and immune system

Asparagus is a good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.

Green beans contain vitamin K for strong bones.

Almonds add extra protein, calcium and good fats.

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Top 6 Worst Breakfast Foods & Healthy Alternatives for Nutrition & Weight Loss

Top 6 Worst Breakfast Foods & Healthy Alternatives for Nutrition & Weight Loss

I found this video very informative about what we shouldn’t eat at breakfast.  After all breakfast is the most important meal in our day.

Enjoy!

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An Overview Of The Benefits Of Fulvic Acid Supplement

An Overview Of The Benefits Of Fulvic Acid Supplement

For millennia, human beings have enjoyed a constant supply of fulvic acid from edible plants. These essential acids are formed by the biodegradation of dead organic materials found in soils. Unfortunately, the farming techniques used today greatly discourage microbial activity. Agricultural practices that involve the application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, mineral depletion and soil erosion have led to the depletion of these minerals. For this reason, most people rely on fulvic acid supplement for these nutrients.

These supplements are consumed for a number of reasons. There are numerous toxins that exist in the body which have to be constantly eliminated. These supplements contain elements that facilitate detoxification in the body. They supply amino acids and other trace minerals to improve the functioning of body cells. The nutrients enter the cells and improve its absorption rate. The cells readily bind with unwanted materials and eliminate them from the body.

There exist a number of radioactive materials in nature. These substances are harmful when they accumulate in the body. Examples of popular materials are uranium and plutonium. These supplements are useful since they are able to react with the radioactive elements preventing them from causing any harm to the body. They are therefore taken for the purpose of annihilating potential radioactivity.

The biological terrain in our bodies is constantly changing. Body cells are able to function properly only under certain conditions. Fulvic acid transforms acidic mediums that are unhealthy to alkaline mediums that are suitable for cell functions and healthy for the human body. An alkaline medium prevents microbial growth, eliminates harmful bacteria and improves cell absorption.

A common causes of health related problems are viruses. These viruses thrive in the body by utilizing resources of host cells to perform their damage. They bind to the cells in order to replicate and fill the blood stream. They are specially designed with properties that interfere with the ability of viruses to fuse with the host cells in order to hinder their effect.

There are certain specific requirements that are used to establish the most suitable source for the supplement. Some of the requirements include the absence of pollutants, lack of radiation, purity, raw and a high degree of bioavailability. Extractors use appropriate methods that do not involve acids in order to enhance the purity of the substances for consumer safety.

Side effects that result from the consumption of the supplements are very few. High dosages of the supplement usually causes diarrhea during the first days but the condition subsides after several days. No extremely dangerous effects have been reported so far in animals or human beings. The benefits include higher stress tolerance, increased energy in the body, increased vitality and a strong immune system.

The health experts in the nutrition sector encourage people to consume a fulvic acid supplement on a daily basis to achieve a better lifestyle. Most people have problems related to mineral presence in their body without their knowledge. Some of the symptoms that are commonly seen are poor growth, concentration problems, diabetes, impaired memory, body fatigue, diabetes, infertility and others.

About the Author:

You can visit the website www.wujinsan.us for more helpful information about An Overview Of The Benefits Of Fulvic Acid Supplement

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Benefits of Soy Protein Shakes

Benefits of Soy Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are important to bodybuilders. Protein is extremely essential for professional bodybuilders and newcomers as it helps in building muscles. Several varieties of protein shakes are available in the market and purchased every day, all across the globe.

Protein shakes are being constantly being researched to help find the best source of protein that adds to lean muscles. There are several sources of proteins that are considered good but debates about the best one is still on. Soy protein shakes are extremely popular in the bodybuilding arena. Several bodybuilders from across the globe incorporate soy shakes in their daily diets.

There are several benefits of soy protein. Proteins are extremely important for building muscle mass. These are benefits of soy nutrition protein shakes:

- Soy protein reduces the chances of heart diseases. This is one of the major benefits of adding them to your diets. Several people in the world suffer and die from heart diseases every year. As a bodybuilder, it is very important to have a healthy heart. Studies have shown that protein cuts down the chances of heart ailments, and can help everyone enjoy a longer and healthier life.

- Soy nutrition are power packed with protein components. Soy tops the chart as an amino acid provider. There are several other important functions of soy protein shake. Including soy proteins in your diet will drastically help you boost the dietetic quotient of all other foodstuffs which you consume. This means, nutrients from other foodstuff are better absorbed in your body when you include soy protein nutrition shakes in your diet.

- Protein from soy beans is completely natural as it is extracted from plants. Several sources of protein are unacceptable for several people due to personal choices and food allergies. Chicken breasts, lean fish and other animal proteins are extremely rich sources of protein but not suitable for vegetarian. Soy protein shakes are excellent sources of protein that help vegetarians gain muscle mass.

- There are several other benefits of including this nutrition shakes in your regular diet. Soy shakes are also a good alternative for those who wish to avoid lactic proteins. Soy protein can be easily digested. Therefore they are suited for people with weak digestive systems. Some are difficult to digest; hence don't provide more benefits.

- These shakes come along with excellent antioxidant properties of soy. Your body faces a lot of internal wear and tear every day. Body needs to build enough resistance to keep diseases away and eject internally produced toxins regularly. Toxic oxidants are produced in the due to intense workout sessions. Soy protein shakes can be your ally while your body battles to get rid of these toxic oxidants. A healthy body will easily lose fat and gain lean muscle.

- Soy protein shakes are extremely helpful in boosting your immune system. They have been extremely beneficial for several body builders. Many of them have benefited by using it in combination along with other protein sources. There are several reliable protein supplements and drinks available in the market; soy can be used along with those for maximum benefits.

Soy protein shakes are a great when used in combination with other, good quality protein shakes and supplements. All you have to do is set some space for soy shakes along with your existing protein drink. Using this method, you will able to extract greatest benefits that soy shakes offer. Following a strict and healthy diet plan will help speed up muscle-building process. There are several people who have benefited from soy protein shakes, for years together.

Jane Tilden has been an athlete for 15 years, starting out with track and field in highschool (where she won gold medals for various meets), and moving on to playing professional women's volleyball in Asia for 5 years. After she returned to the US, she married her long-time boyfriend John and started coaching college volleyball in North Carolina. She is also training to be a professional bodybuilder. Check Out more information on:protein shakes | protein powder

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Foods That Accelerate Fat Burning

Foods That Accelerate Fat Burning

If weight loss is your goal, keep in mind that starving yourself is not the solution. When it comes to losing weight effectively, exercise and a proper diet are key. Moreover, not many people are aware that there are actually foods that accelerate fat burning that they would do well to incorporate into their diet. These foods are not only healthy; they also aid the process of losing weight and more importantly, keeping it off. Having said that, the popular quote "A moment on your lips, forever on your hips" does not always hold true! The following foods allow you to meet your nutritional needs while simultaneously helping you to burn fat:

Capsaicin-Rich Foods - Who would have thought that chilli peppers were useful for anything more than intensifying a culinary experience? But research has shown that chilli peppers possess a unique quality that increases a person's metabolic rate by 20 calories at the most. So the next time you're in search of foods that accelerate fat burning at the grocery store, make sure to throw in some chilli peppers in your cart.

Green Tea - Aside from boasting tons of antioxidants, green tea also carries a fat-burning substance that is even more effective at increasing a person's metabolic rate than capsaicin. Drinking green tea doesn't have to be a chore. One effective way to incorporate this healthy drink into your diet is by having a cup or two before going to bed or better yet, substituting your dessert for a pot of this fat-burning beverage.

Egg Whites - Egg whites are bursting with nutrition. Rich in vitamin B-12, this food makes it to the list of foods that accelerate fat burning because in addition to helping our nerves function optimally and aiding in the production of healthy blood cells, egg whites also contribute to the acceleration of burning fat in the body.

Lean Meat and Fish - For obvious reasons, it is advisable to consume the leaner parts of meat and fish as opposed to its fattier counterparts. Fish meat contains an abundance of omega-3, a heart-friendly acid that is helpful in bringing down the level of "bad fat" in your body. Lean meat on the other hand, is a very good source of protein and it also stays longer in the stomach. This means you won't feel the need to eat until hours after your meal.

Lastly, vegetable oils and butters are a great addition to your menu. Forget all the other types of cooking oil that you see at the store and stock up on canola, olive and sunflower oil. These heart-healthy oils are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids or "good fats" and help get rid of the "bad fats" in your system. Now that you're informed about foods that accelerate fat burning, there's no more excuse left! Get started on your journey to a healthier and more yummy lifestyle today.

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High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) has been blamed for the latest high figures in obesity in the United States of America. This, of course is hotly denied by experts in the Food and Drug industry.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn, and can be found in numerous foods and beverages on grocery store shelves in the United States. High fructose corn syrup is composed of either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, with the remaining sugars being primarily glucose and higher sugars.

Until the 1970s most of the sugar we ate came from sucrose derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. Then sugar from corn--corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, dextrine began to gain popularity as a sweetener because it was much less expensive to produce.

This manufactured sweetener has become a popular ingredient in many sodas, fruit-flavoured drinks and other processed foods, because it extends the shelf life of processed foods and is cheaper than sugar.

So Why is this being blames by so many Dieticians, for the population being over weight? They say their studies have shown an association in the increased consumption of processed foods and sweetened beverage, many of which contained high-fructose corn syrup, is the root cause of the general public weight gaint

However, research has produced some conflicting results about the effects HFCS being the cause of obesity. For example, the initial studies were based on the general increased consumption of food that contained this manufactured sweetener that often plays a key role in the integrity of food and beverage products that has little to do with sweetening.

In baked goods, for example, it gives a pleasing brown crust to breads and cakes, contributes fermentable sugars to yeast-raised products, reduces sugar crystallization during baking for soft-moist textures, and enhances flavors of fruit fillings.In yogurt, also fermentable sugars, enhances fruit and spice flavors, controls moisture to prevent separation, and regulates tartness.

But recent research - some of which is supported by the beverage industry - suggests that high-fructose corn syrup isn't intrinsically less healthy than other sweeteners, nor is it the root cause of weight gain.

In a recent statement on CBS News, Audrau Erickson. President, Corn Refiners Association stated "Consumers are being misled into thinking there is something uniquely different between a natural sweetener made from corn, high fructose corn syrup, and its close substitute, table sugar. There is no nutritional difference between the two. A sugar is a sugar whether it comes from cane, corn, or beets."

Obesity remains an important public health matter. As a result, many scientists, health professionals and regulators are actively searching for causes and solutions.

Journalists are also covering the subject, with varying levels of expertise. Unfortunately, some press reports oversimplify the issues by attempting to single out specific ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup, as the sole cause for the complex conditions of overweight and obesity.

For more honest and detailed reviews and nutrition tips, go to [http://www.weightloss-secrete.com]

When your there, why not subscribe to their news letter to get delicious recipes to complement any weight loss program.

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Calorie Shifting Diet - Is it the Latest Fad Diet?

Calorie Shifting Diet - Is it the Latest Fad Diet?

Calorie shifting, also known as calorie cycling, is it the latest among fad diets? It is rapidly increasing in popularity and there are not many scientists questioning it. But what is the calorie shifting diet? Is this diet really brand new or has it been around for ages? (I guess you know my answer to that).

What is the basics of this diet? We all know that in the good old days (millenniums ago) people often starved during dry seasons or whatever. People with a high metabolism had little chance of surviving these periods. Why? They lacked the ability to store fat for later usage. However, the people that had this ability survived the starvation period because their metabolism decreased to a minimum, using only exactly what the body needed. So they survived for a long period of time eating only 500 calories a day. This meant survival of the fittest (evolution according to Darwin), but as the world is today this heritage means death of the fattest.

Our body is slow at adjusting the basal functions, such as just metabolism.

So, what does this tell us about low calorie diets? Well, if you are really disciplined and persistent you will lose weight, but you'll have to go through a lot of pain and torment yourself. Meeting a person that is eating 500 calories a day makes me scared, they are angry and hungry and you are afraid of being eaten by them. Uhm, maybe not, but you get the picture.

We were supposed to talk about the calorie shifting diet, so back on track. Our metabolism is complex and it is working to what it think is in favor for your body. This means preparation for a starvation period. The metabolism calculates a mean of the last 2-4 days and it presume that you will eat pretty much the same foods the next coming days. This gives us our window of opportunity to manipulate it (the metabolism). If we ate a certain way the latest days, a way that increased the metabolism, we could keep this higher rate by fooling our body.

How?

We shift the type of calories, hence the name calorie shifting. The metabolism doesn't know what to expect so it will keep on burning fat for fuel. The uniqueness of this diet is that you lose fat fast, most other fast weight loss diets makes you lose water and muscle and, in fact, as you lose your lean muscle mass you also decrease your ability to burn fat.

I always recommend that you start exercising when you are on a diet, and although calorie shifting works without exercising, it works way better with exercise. As I wrote above, if you decrease your muscle mass so will the ability to burn fat. Why is that? Well, muscles, liver and brain are the main users of energy in our body. You are not likely to increase the size of your brain so it will use about a quarter pound of carbohydrates to work well. Oh yes, the brain wants glucose for fuel and it will only use fat if there are no glucose around. However, it will not run as smoothly on fat. That is a major setback with the Atkins diet. You wouldn't pour low grade petrol in your high-performance vehicle, would you?

The liver is a fantastic organ when it comes to burning fat. It actually can burn fat for nothing...yes, nothing at all. Certain diets target this ability well and the calorie shifting diet is no exception.

We want to lose fat! We target the metabolism and the liver for this, we want our muscles to stay and our fat to decrease.

In a lot of fast weight loss schemes you lose water weight, but not with the calorie shifting diet, you may lose some water due to the stabilized insulin level, but that is just healthy and you get the right amount of water in your body.

Jennifer Olsen was a master of failing at different diets. She understood that there were more to losing weight then just going on a diet. Today she has lost nearly 50 pounds with the calorie shifting diet and meanwhile she has finished reading 'Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle' and she is implementing what she learned into daily activities.

She made a mini-site that gives examples of diets, complete fast weight loss diets, samples of calorie shifting diets and reviews of books that helped her stop living the unhealthy life and turning around into a more healthy life-style.

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Fighting Depression With Nutrition

Fighting Depression With Nutrition

Did you know that over 120 million people around the world are affected by depression? I find this to be a very depressing statistic. Fortunately depression can be combated with proper dietary habits. So what is depression? Depression is one of the most common mental disorders presenting a depressed mood, loss in pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disrupted appetite or sleep, poor concentration, and low energy levels. Depression can become either a chronic or recurrent condition leading to substantial impairments in one's ability to care for his or her everyday tasks. Unfortunately, about 850,000 people die every year due to depression related circumstances.There are five major types of depression:

Major depression.

Major depression is all around us. When one has major depression they experience symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in particular activities that one may have once enjoyed, weight gain/loss, under/over sleeping, low self-esteem, and thoughts of death or possibly suicide.

Dysthymia.

People who are mildly depressed during most days of the week typically have dysthymia. This condition is closely related to major depression but more mild and not as severe.

Seasonal affective disorder.

Some individuals experience a less severe type of depression during certain seasons of the year. Most occurrences of this type of depression occur during the wintertime possibly do to the lack of sunlight, causing a vitamin D deficiency and other related issues.

Postpartum depression.

Many women experience this form of depression within the first few months of giving birth. The symptoms are eerily similar to those of major depression and often interfere with the mothers desire to take care of herself and the new child.

Bipolar disorder.

This type of depression is commonly used in films depicting someone who is happy one second and angry the next second. Such a view of bipolar is taken to it's furthest extreme. Having this condition may have subtle symptoms such as feeling depressed every other day.

So what causes depression? It is generally caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. These imbalances are caused by a number of underlying factors.

Fortunately, by providing one's body with proper nutrition, the symptoms of depression can be minimized. Any individual who wants to combat depression should include foods rich in tryptophan, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can also be obtained through dietary supplements from the local supplement store, pharmacy, or online. Here are the following nutrients needed to fight depression:

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D can be obtained from fish oil, cows milk, soy milk, orange juice, and mushrooms. These foods may also have anti-inflammatory properties increasing the flexibility of the cell membranes, and helping the brain's neurotransmitters work properly.

Tryptophan rich foods.

Sources of tryptophan include turkey, chicken, lamb, beef, dairy, spelt, nuts, soy, tuna, beans, and salmon. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can help produce good feelings and promote better sleep.

Omega-3 rich foods.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, flaxseed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil. Studies have shown that when people's diets are lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, they tend to have higher occurrences of mood disorders and schizophrenia.

Folate rich foods.

Sources of folate include beans, orange juice, hazelnuts, spinach, avocados, and wheat germ. Low levels of folate have also been associated with poor brain performance and depression.

Foods rich in zinc.

Sources of zinc include oysters, chicken, cheddar cheese, yogurt, beans, basil, beef, pumpkin seeds, and fortified grains. Research has shown depressive behavioral patterns associated with low zinc intake.

While the above are important to include in one's diet to prevent depression one must also avoid consuming trans fats, saturated fats, high glycemic foods, and alcohol. Also, one should avoid low-carb and high-protein diets, and skipping meals.

By following these nutritional suggestions you will be multiple steps closer to being depression free. Remember, nutrition is not the only method for fighting depression. You must use any and all methods at available to fight this sometimes chronic condition. Always tell your doctor before making significant changes to your diet.

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How to use ginger for better health

It is a well known fact that a majority of Indians prefer home remedies to OTC drugs. The use of ginger is numero uno when it comes to curing common cold and cough.

But there are other reasons why ginger is a remedial herb. Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop.com shares some top tips and methods to use ginger for various ailments. Read on to discover how you can use ginger for better health.

Why is ginger important?

Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee explains the importance of ginger, "Ginger is very popularly used in Ayurveda for its benefits in digestion and respiratory disorders. It is a wonderful carminative, ant flatulent, stimulant and expectorant." She adds, "Ginger has many useful minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and few others."

Ginger as an appetizer?

Our specialist also makes a unique point about the benefits ginger, "When used before meals, ginger improves appetite by igniting jatharagni (digestive fire) due to its hot potency. It also enhances digestion due to its pungent taste and alleviates ama (toxins of indigestion) from the body."

Besides cold, ginger is useful for...

"Fresh juice of ginger is used to cure symptoms of cough and cold. It helps stop watery discharge from nose and help cure headache and fever associated with common cold if taken in tea or as decoction with basil and honey," Dr. Jaishree continues to list hidden benefits of ginger.

How is ginger beneficial for travellers?

"Ginger regulates digestive enzymes and improves assimilation and transportation of nutrients to body tissues. When kept in mouth before travelling it helps combat motion sickness."

Did you know, ginger is good for joint pain?

The doctor let's you in on a secret, "Dried ginger or sounth has analgesic and anti inflammatory properties which is used therapeutically to alleviate joint pain and inflammation in arthritis. Other than these situations, ginger is an excellent spice that can be used daily."

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