Wine Enthusiast

Are you looking to burn fat? Would you believe it if we told you that the big secret can be found sitting in the foods you eat? Who would have ever thought that we could burn fat simply by eating food? Wait, you can’t consume just any food, you need to make sure it is fat burning foods. By eating the right type of foods, you will be able to burn that fat, even if you are sitting on the couch. Along with a good exercise routine, nutrition is another way to determine how fast you will lose that fat and how much you will lose.

Right now, we would like to give you a list of foods that will help you burn fat. Get ready to shed some pounds, because the list is right below this paragraph:

1. Chicken: Do you like chicken? It is a great protein source and very lean meat. It is good for eating, no matter what time of the day it is.

2. Salmon: This is a great choice. It has healthy fats known as Omega-6 Fatty acids. It is a great food to consume if you are trying to lose weight. There are other health benefits that come along with it.

3. Tuna: If you are in the mood for lean fish, then this is perfect. It is a good source of protein and will help with burning fat. Of course, it has Omega-6 in it.

4. Turkey: This is lean meat, a good way to burn fat and is a good source of protein. You should definitely add this to your list.

5. Broccoli: Of course, you need some dark green vegetables on that list. It will help curb that appetite. Broccoli will make a good snack or side to go along with your dinner.

6. Green beans: If you had broccoli yesterday, then you may opt for green beans today. They will also help curb the appetite. Apart from this, there are many other added benefits.

Those are six fat burning foods that you should eat. There are many others, such as salad, asparagus, Tilapia and Yogurt.

Protein contains Amino Acids and Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) which are the building blocks for muscle. Without sufficient amino acids the body cannot repair and build muscle and so recovery from muscle damage done through training can be slow or nonexistent. The body can be in a catabolic state, using more protein (muscle) than it is rebuilding. Different proteins contain different amounts and types of amino acids as well as offering different absorption and digestion properties so benefits can be gained from using combinations of proteins depending on training and dietary requirements.

Good protein is obtained from whole food protein sources like turkey breast, tuna, chicken breast, lean red meat, cottage cheese and milk, and from protein supplements, popular today due to convenience, ease of use, and economy.

Whey Protein
By far the most popular protein supplement available today is whey protein. Whey is one of the two major proteins found in milk (casein is the other) and is isolated from milk as a by product in the production of cheese and casein. Pure whey contains a large amount of the milk sugar lactose, as well as a variety of proteins, fat and cholesterol.

Whey traditionally used to be considered a waste product and dumped on fields and into the nearest lake. Fortunately whey was discovered to contain high quality proteins and so methods have been developed to remove as much of the undesirable lactose, fat and cholesterol as possible from the protein. Original methods developed included acid treatment and high temperature drying. This unfortunately destroyed much of the protein and ruined the quality of the protein extracted.

New methods have been developed that can extract the protein from the whey while maintaining its quality. The most common methods today include ultra-filtration, micro-filtration, ion-exchange and cross flow micro-filtration. Ultra-filtration and micro-filtration use a low temperature process where the proteins are physically separated by filters. The ion-exchange process removes the protein through an ion-exchange column that takes advantage of the specific electronic charges of the protein, fat and lactose contained in the whey and uses opposite charges to extract each individual component. Crossflow micro-filtration uses natural, nonchemical ceramic membranes to separate the undenatured whey protein from the fat and denatured protein.

All of these processes result in a high quality whey protein, low in fat and lactose. Always be sure to check the label for which method or methods have been used, as some of the cheaper proteins may use whey proteins that have been processed by cheaper acid treatment or high temperatures and contain high levels of undenatured proteins. Undenatured proteins are unusable by the body and result in the whey having a bitter taste when consumed. A good quality protein powder will always list in the ingredients panel or on the label whether it is microfilltered, ultrafiltered or ion-exchange. If it simply lists whey protein concentrate or isolate you can only assume that it contains a cheaper form of protein.

To build muscle you have to train hard, sleep well, and eat your protein. Pretty simple really. But with so many different protein sources available many people are confused about what their personal requirements are and so are not eating enough and are eating the wrong types of foods. When doing any form of training, whether for strength and muscle gains in the gym, endurance work including running, cycling and swimming or for team or individual sports, protein is crucial for aiding in recovery and helping rebuild damaged muscle tissue.

Benefits of Whey Protein
There are several benefits to choosing whey protein over other protein sources. Whey protein has an extremely high biological value (BV) afforded to it (Whey Protein BV = 104 with Whey Peptides having a BV between 110-159). The BV of a protein is essentially a measure of how well it is utilized by the body, and takes into account the amino acid profile, solubility and digestibility of the protein. Whey protein is an ideal source of protein post workout as it is absorbed extremely quickly to help rebuild damaged muscle.

Whey protein contains the highest percentage of BCAA’s of any protein source as well as high levels of essential amino acids. BCAA’s protect muscle from protein breakdown and help to stimulate protein synthesis or muscle growth. Whey protein also contains protein fractions. These are the active components that high quality whey proteins should contain. These include Alpha-Lactalbumin, Immunoglobulins, Glycomacro-peptides and Lactoferrin. These components possess properties that support the immune system, act as antioxidants and can help with cell growth and repair in the body.

Essential amino acids are important as the body cannot manufacture these itself and relies on getting them from the diet.

Whey protein may also suitable for some lactose intolerant individuals as it is extremely low in lactose with some whey protein isolates being virtually lactose free.

High quality whey proteins tend to be relatively expensive, with whey protein isolates being the most expensive source of protein available. Many companies produce several different sizes with the larger containers being more economical. Whey protein is also low in the essential amino acid phenylalanine as well as glutamine when compared to other protein powders. Many brands add these two components to help increase the BV of the protein and improve its effectiveness.

With so many protein powders on the market you could be excused for not worrying too much about what sort of protein you use. Many people probably don’t care about whether the protein they are using is instantised, partially hydrolysed, ultrafiltered, ion exchange whey protein isolate with low molecular weight whey peptides, featuring full spectrum whey protein fractions, including Glycomacropeptides, Beta Lactoglobulin and Lactoperoxidase. If you understood all of that then you probably don’t need any help. But if you’re like the majority of people who base their decision on whatever they find tastes best or which one your favorite bodybuilder used to pack on twenty kilo’s of solid muscle, then you may find some of the following information useful.

While it may not be necessary to know exactly what all these terms mean, if you want to be able to make an informed choice and get the most from your training, it can be of benefit to know a few of the basics.

Whey Protein Basics
Lets start out with the two major types of Whey Protein – Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), and Whey Protein Isolate (WPI). As stated earlier Whey protein is a by-product of cheese and casein production. Pure whey contains a large amount of the milk sugar lactose, as well as a variety of proteins, fat and cholesterol. To remove the undesirable components and produce a more pure protein, different filtration techniques can be employed. The most common are ultrafiltration and microfiltration, all of which are low temperature methods and so avoid denaturing the protein.

Denaturing of protein, which occurs through the use of cheaper extraction methods using high temperatures and acid treatment, destroys the important protein fractions, lowering the biological activity or effectiveness of the protein. Denaturing can also occur after manufacture due to high temperatures. Never expose whey protein to high temperatures and direct sunlight for extended periods. Avoid leaving protein in a hot car, next to the oven in the kitchen or any other source of heat. Also avoid using whey protein in recipes that use high heat – muffins, pancakes etc, as this may denature the protein as well.

WPC & WPI
High quality WPC’s are typically 70-85% protein, and are reasonably low in fat and lactose.

WPI’s however are typically greater than 85% protein, with some being over 90% protein. The most common extraction methods used to produce WPI’s are Ion-exchange (IE), Cross flow Microfiltration (CFM) and Ultrafiltration (UF). Because of the extra cost involved in the production of CFM and ultrafiltered whey isolate the majority of supplement companies use ion-exchange whey.

The Ion-exchanged (IE) process produces the most pure protein, gram for gram (around 95% protein), when compared to microfiltration and removes the protein through an ion-exchange column. This takes advantage of the specific electronic charges of the protein, fat and lactose contained in the whey and uses opposite charges to extract each individual component. Unfortunately this process uses chemical reagents to control the electrical charges. This can change the pH level and denature the whey by destroying some of the biologically active protein fractions.

Crossflow Microfiltered (CFM) Whey Isolate is produced by passing the whey protein concentrate through natural, nonchemical ceramic membranes to remove the fat and denatured protein and is typically around 91% protein. Since chemicals aren’t used in this process, very little of the protein is denatured so the protein retains the important protein fractions.

Protein fractions
Protein fractions are the active components of whey that have their own unique effects on health and can help enhance immune function and improve recovery from training.

These include:
Beta-Lactoglobulin – This is present in the greatest amounts but unfortunately is considered an allergenic fraction in whey. Good whey proteins should be less than 50% Beta-lactoglobulin, however, the ion exchange process isolates this particular fraction easily and so Ionised WPI’s will be quite high in this. To avoid any allergies from this, avoid whey proteins with higher than 70-80% of Beta-lactoglobulin. The higher the percentage of Beta-Lactoglobulin, the lower the percentages of the higher biological value fractions.

Alpha-Lactalbumin – This nutritious fraction is found in the second highest levels at around 15-20% and can also be found in mother’s milk.

Immunoglobulins (IgG) – This fraction helps to stimulate the immune system with IgG’s having important antibody activity within the body, helping support the immune system and preventing disease.

Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) – This fraction is a precursor to glutathione. Glutathione is an essential water-soluble antioxidant in the body that protects cells and serves as a primary detoxifier of harmful compounds such as peroxides, heavy metals, carcinogens and many more. Betalactoglobulin and IgG fractions are also important sources of glutathione.

Glycomacropeptides (GMP) – GMP is a powerful stimulator of cholecystokinin, which plays many essential roles relating to gastrointestinal function, including the regulation of food intake. In addition to being a regulator of food intake, cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates gall bladder contraction and bowel motility, regulates gastric emptying, and stimulates the release of enzymes from the pancreas. The pancreatic enzymes are critical for the complete digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and therefore the full nutritional realization of food. Also, CCK has the effect of slowing the overall digestive process by slowing intestinal contractions, thus giving the digestive enzymes more time to work on their respective substrates resulting in more complete absorption. In animals, a rise in cholecystokinin is followed by a large reduction in food intake, as by slowing digestion, one perceives the “full” feeling longer following a meal.

Lactoferrin (LF) – This is quite an important fraction for its immune enhancing effects. Lactoferrin (LF) is found in tiny amounts in the body, yet appears to be a first-line immune-system defence. LF is a powerful antioxidant and strongly inhibits iron-dependant free radical reactions by directly binding iron. This iron binding effect results in the inhibition of iron dependant bacteria growth, and can block the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and yeast. Its antimicrobial action may also improve antibiotics. In the digestive tract, LF may help by stimulating intestinal cell growth and enhancing the growth of “good” intestinal microflora.

Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, Growth Factors – These are very minor fractions yet are reported to be the most biologically active. Lactoperoxidase (LP) has a high antimicrobial activity, and inactivates or kills a wide spectrum of microorganisms.

Lysozyme, present in only very small amounts in cow’s milk, possesses antibacterial activity against a number of bacteria and works synergistically with lactoferrin against bacteria such as the Salmonella species. Lysozyme is found in saliva, tears, and other body fluids, where it acts as a natural antibiotic.

Growth Factors include IGF-1 and IGF-2. IGF-1, or Insulin-like Growth Factor, is the hormone released during growth hormone metabolism, the amount produced which determines the extent of growth in children and the building of muscle and lean body mass in adults. Studies have shown that IGF-1 rises in direct proportion to the quality and quantity of protein in the diet.

Hydrolysing (predigesting) whey to make di-, tri-, and oligo-peptides (short & long chain amino acids), increases the bioavailability (BV) of the whey, further increasing the release of IGF-1.

As you can see, the greatest differences between the two types of WPI lies in the immunological and digestive implications of the proteins, with IE WPI missing three significant protein fractions, Lactoferrin (LF), lactoperoxidase (LP) and Glycomacropeptides (GMP).

Hydrolysates & Peptides
Hydrolysates are essentially smaller proteins. These are produced by subjecting proteins to digestive enzymes, which breakdown the large protein molecule into many smaller proteins. These proteins can be broken down into peptides (chains of two amino’s) or polypeptides (chains of three or more aminos), and are broken down until they are the right size for absorption.

This process occurs naturally during digestion but can take some time, up to several hours for whole foods. So it is possible to buy whey proteins with added peptides or “predigested” hydrolysates. Predigested hydrolysates are when the proteins are exposed to natural enzymes from plant or animal sources. Protein hydrolysates are of benefit as they more easily and more quickly absorbed.

These can be most beneficial after training when there is an increased need for amino acids. The aminos are required to prevent protein (muscle tissue) breakdown, so the faster they can be absorbed the better. Another factor effecting absorption rates is the molecular weight of the formula. The lower the molecular weight of the protein the faster the absorption. Whey proteins with added whey peptides will often state the weight in Daltons (D) of the protein: i.e. MW 500D (very low molecular weight), MW 80,000D (high molecular weight).

What To Choose?
Choosing which protein to use depends on what you are looking for. Using Whey Isolates, Hydrolysed proteins and Whey proteins with added peptides will offer increased recovery when used straight after training due to their quick absorption. However during the course of the day when absorption rates aren’t quite as important, the use of the more basic proteins such as whey concentrate, casein and whole food protein sources may be more economical. Many of the whey proteins available today use a blend of two or more different wheys with some having added amino peptides. These are of benefit as they offer rapid absorption yet are more economical than some of the more pure whey protein isolates.

Some popular whey proteins compositions are:
Pure Whey Protein Concentrates
Pharmasports 100 % Instantised Whey – Ultrafiltered WPC. Approx 77% protein.
Reactiv Defining Whey – Ultrafiltered WPC. Approx 77% protein.
Leppin Ultimate Whey – Ultrafiltered WPC. Approx 77% protein.

Whey Protein Concentrate/Isolate Blends
Balance 100% Whey – IE WPI, UF WPC, Hydrolysed WPC, added L-glutamine, L-arginine. Approx 80% protein.
EAS 100% Whey – WPC, WPI. Approx 77% protein.
Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey – MF WPI, IE WPI, UF WPC, Hydrolysed Whey Peptides approx 79-82% protein

Pure Whey Protein Isolates
Balance Ion Exchange Whey – IE WPI. Approx 88% protein (flavoured)
Balance Ion Exchange Whey Unflavoured Approx 92% protein
Horleys ICE Whey – Cation Exchange WPI, approx 90% protein.

Expeller pressed coconut oil is extracted mechanically from dried coconut (copra) using a special press.

This method of extraction has been used for hundreds of years. It doesn’t involve the use of chemicals or solvents. But not all of the oil can be extracted in this fashion – only about 3/4. The nutritious leftovers are often fed to animals, or used in cooking by the community close to the place of manufacture.

Oil made in this way, ideally from organically grown coconuts by a reputable company, can be a very healthful addition to your diet. The oil is steam treated after pressing to remove remaining moisture, eliminate off tastes from the dried coconut, and produce a stable product. The steaming doesn’t alter the main health properties of the oil. Coconut oil is very heat stable and is therefore safe to use in frying, and it can last for years without going rancid.

Quality coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids which are converted to antimicrobial and antiviral substances in the body. Coconut oil may be particularly helpful for people who suffer from immune disorders, like AIDS, for this reason. Medium chain fatty acids seem to be important for good human health overall. They are abundant in human breast milk and a vital part of infant nutrition.

The bland taste of expeller pressed coconut oil makes it an excellent all purpose cooking fat. If a coconut taste is desired, then it’s best to seek out a quality ‘virgin’ coconut oil that has been wet milled (extracted from fresh coconut) instead.

In contrast the ‘modern’ way of producing oil is by chemical extraction using solvent extracts. The chemicals allow the manufacturer to get the most oil out of the coconut. The oil is then bleached and sometimes hydrogenated. Hydrogenated oils have been found to be harmful to health. Several European countries have either banned hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils or have set future dates for elimination of their use in foods. The dangers of trans fats were actually known decades ago, long before they were in the food supply in significant number, so this has been a long time in coming.

Expeller pressed coconut oil from a reputable company is a great all purpose, heat stable cooking oil that replaces hydrogenated vegetable oil shortenings like Crisco. Add it to your diet and you will likely be surprised by how versatile and health giving it can be.

To have good health, we must have a healthy digestive system. Our bodies need good digestion to extract nutrients from our food and eliminate waste that could become toxic in our bodies. Unfortunately, our culture does not promote a lifestyle that encourages choices that lead to good digestive health. Making a few changes in our choices can make a huge difference in our digestive health.

A healthy digestive system requires adequate amounts of dietary fiber and beneficial microflora to operate correctly. When these requirements are not met we can become bloated and gassy. Eating right, exercising, and maintaining the right amount of microflora can be challenging depending on our age and nutrition level.

The first change we should make is in our diet. It’s important to have plenty of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. The typical “Western” diet is high in simple carbohydrates, fat, and animal protein – but low in fiber. Fiber helps to slow digestion and allow more nutrients to be absorbed into our bodies. It also keeps the colon cleansed and prevents a build up of toxins within our bodies. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are healthy sources of the fiber our bodies need daily.

Increased exercise is a second change that can improve digestive health. Exercise helps with good circulation, muscle tone, and calorie consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight and strong heart is important for all systems of our bodies to function properly, including the digestive system.

Maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial intestinal microflora is the third change that can improve digestive health. Many things can upset the natural balance of microflora, such as aging, a poor diet, or taking antibiotics – especially in children. Keeping a high number of beneficial microflora in the digestive tract is important for enhanced immune function and detoxification of the colon.

The two primary microflora that benefit the digestive system are lactobacilli, found mainly in the small intestine, and bifidobacteria, found mainly in the colon. These good bacteria control the bad bacteria and keep the digestive system healthy. Having a high number of the good microflora is essential to good digestive health and difficult to achieve with the typical diet. Therefore, supplementation with probiotics is a healthy and natural way to maintain optimal levels of beneficial microflora in our bodies.

Making a few changes to our lifestyle can go a long way toward improving our digestive health. Adding fiber, exercise, and a good probiotic supplement can benefit the function of the digestive system and improve our overall health. These changes can even pay for themselves with the boost we receive to the immune system that could cut both short-term and long-term medical expenses. These are changes that are well worth the effort.

Holidays are not only a time for family and friends, but one of the times where food plays a big role in the celebrations, with special holiday food and drink that we all like to have. Delicious dinners, rich appetizers and all those yummy deserts are just as much a part of the holidays as the decorations and gifts. And at this time of year we’re all (even those of us who usually eat healthy) in the mood for a little indulgence.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most of us will gain about a pound between Thanksgiving dinner and the New Year’s celebrations.

Sure that doesn’t sound like a lot, but the research also finds that this extra weight never comes back off.

So to help you keep your calorie intake under control, we’ve pulled together eight healthier options to the traditional holiday treats we all enjoy.

1) Cheese straws are made from a block of cheddar cheese combined with flour and as much as a full cup of butter. You’re better off snacking on pretzels, popcorn or some whole grain chips and salsa.

2) Swedish meatballs are a delicious appetizer but with a whopping 300 calories (just under half from fat) and include white bread, butter, heavy cream and salt laden beef broth. Choose a handful of mixed nuts of shrimp cocktail, or use some of the lighter recipes available.

3) Eggnog has not one redeeming nutritional aspect, and it’s easy to see why with things like sugar, eggs, whipping cream and bourbon. Instead choose beverages like hot chocolate or spiced cider. You might also try lighter versions of this holiday favorite if you simply must indulge, and remember to watch those potion sizes.

4) Stuffed potatoes while rich in vitamin C and fiber, when laden with cheese, sour cream and butter take a good thing to a bad place. To make them healthier use low fat dairy products, add good for you onions or spinach, and try turkey bacon or herbs for added flavor.

5) Creamed spinach is another case where holidays take a healthy veggie and add cream, butter and cheese to create a dish with more than 75% of your saturated fat for the day. Use low fat milk and light cream cheese instead of the cream when making this dish to save on calories.

6) Pot roast a popular and delicious part of the holidays, but even lean versions of this meat contain 7 grams of saturated fat. Add to that the calories from the gravy and you can see how the trouble starts. Consider lean beef tenderloin or the white meat of a turkey as healthier options.

7) Fruitcake does indeed have fruit, but it also includes plenty of butter, sugar and corn syrup, so that you’d actually be better off having a slice of pumpkin pie (about 250 calories/slice) instead. If this is your favorite, consider some lighter recipes and watch your portion sizes.

Pecan pie is centered around pecans which are a high calorie nut on their own, and then add sugar, butter and corn syrup to create a dessert where a single slice will deliver more than 500 calories, 20 grams of fat and 30 grams of sugar. Try lighter pies instead – apple, sweet potato or pear-cranberry versions.

And if you can’t resist calorie-laden holiday food and drink favorite, try and control the size of your portion. A single piece of pecan pie or half a loaded baked potato are ways to enjoy a rich taste, without all the calories, and pounds that won’t come off easily afterward.

Much of the American diet focuses upon grains, particularly wheat, with dishes such as pasta, breadbaskets and cereal. Healthy eating plans can be full of flavor, nutrition and zest without wheat. Modern wheat products are often devoid of all of those, and can actually cause you to gain weight.

Start with Produce

Any good food plan should start with a plethora of organic fruits and vegetables. They should be in their natural state, and as many as you can manage should be eaten raw. Cooking changes foods, reducing their nutritional content and altering the way the body digests.

Carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocados all chopped together make a terrific salsa that you can eat with homemade spelt chips. They can also be tossed onto a bed of organic baby greens for a terrific salad, which when accompanied by some organic hard-boiled eggs or a grilled chicken breast, make a great lunch.

Add Some Healthy Meats

Now, many supposedly healthy diet plans will tell you to avoid all red meat. There is just no need to do that. Yes, meats do contain some saturated fats, but if your diet is healthy, there is no worry.

Grass fed beef, lamb or goat are all healthy and tasty. Organic chickens, wild caught fish and organic eggs will provide essential nutrients that not only help develop muscle but also slow down the digestion of your healthy carbohydrates, thereby eliminating blood sugar highs and lows.

Eliminate the Junk

When we speak about junk food, we aren’t necessarily talking about fast food and cookies, although those certainly fit into the category. Anything that has been processed should be eliminated from your diet. Pasteurized, homogenized, chemical laden milk products should be a thing of the past. Artificial sweeteners and sugar of all sorts that are added to just about everything under the sun – get rid of them.

What You should Eat

If you are wondering what you should be eating if you want to have a healthy life style, lose weight and turn your body into a fat burning machine, the answer is simple.

• Create meals that contain large amounts of raw nuts, fruits, vegetables, raw dairy products in moderation, and all-natural meats, fishes and poultry.
• Use stevia when you feel a need for a sweet boost.
• Learn to make food from a variety of whole grains like brown rice, millet, quinoa and spelt. You don’t need wheat in your diet to feel satisfied and good.

When You should Eat

One of the most common mistakes people make when they start thinking about weight loss is that they cut out meals and snacks. Unfortunately, this just doesn’t work. Yes, in the short run, decreasing your caloric input this way will produce results, but it just isn’t sustainable.

Good healthy eating plans will teach you how to create filling, fulfilling meals that you will enjoy. They will also explain why it is important to eat three good meals and at least one healthy snack each day. By eliminating the sugar-rush roller coaster and increasing fiber rich foods in your diet, you will feel less hungry, less irritable and more in control of your eating. Learn how to live your life right, and fat loss will be a natural consequence.

I didn’t buy that little bit about sugar being bad for you. It’s quite natural compared to some of the other things we eat. I liked chocolate and ice cream. A couple of health food people who used to argue against it were so unpleasant that is seemed a great idea to go any way they didn’t like. (Foggy logic?)

So if there was chocolate or ice cream on sale, I’d get my exercise carrying a bunch of it home. Yes!

I have a problem with a joint that was usually sore. I noticed that during the times between those sales, the joint would get better. It took about the fourth time before I thought it might be a good idea to cut back on sugar.

It was just a small change at first, but it led to more. Soon oatmeal with milk seemed sweet. Fruit was spectacular. I would have preferred a chocolate bar or ice cream to fruit for years. Now it was obvious that fruit was better.

Just getting taste buds tuned to something besides sweets changed my understanding of quality. It was obviously entirely for the better.

More little things fell into place. With chocolate, the amount I could put away was massive. Won’t tell you how much, but it would probably make some jaws drop.

One of my little jokes was “I’ll have a quart of ice cream with chocolate chips on top and a glass of maple syrup on the side.” That wasn’t the honest truth, but I won’t say if I was over or under exaggerating.

With the more natural things you just don’t have the urge to keep eating and packing them away. There is a point when you are full and that’s enough. I am a long way from being a vegan who only wears organic hemp sandals and natural source cotton, but my diet is sure swinging toward more natural.

There was another benefit. A large bunion started to shrink. Since it is a joint problem too, I mentioned it to doc with the thought that maybe cutting back on sugar did that too. He said “Less sugar, less inflammation.” That was news to me.

So I’ve finally concluded it’s not good for you. But don’t take my word for it, check with your doc.:)

Eating the right foods makes all the difference in the world when trying to lose weight. Forget all these diets that still have you eating deserts and pasta. These diets are a sham and don’t work. The only thing they do is reduce the fat you intake by a little. Which is good but doesn’t really give you the best results.

Are you completely lost when it comes to weight loss? Do you not know what path to go down. Well here is what helped me lose 20 pounds in under 3 months and cut my body fat from 25 percent to 15.

Great Weight Loss foods

First thing is to get rid of Fat and Sugar intake as much as you can. This means reading labels and finding foods with little or no Saturated and Total Fat. Also if your going to get certain items that usually have higher amounts of sugar see if there is a sugar free option. If not just don’ get it.

Start eating lean meats. This is a great way to eat something solid with little or no fat. These lean meats I’m talking about include Chicken, Turkey, and Tuna. If your going to do steaks do it in smaller portions or try to cut off the majority of the fat. Lean meats are great for their high amounts of Protein and low amounts of fat.

Find time for your fruits a vegetables. Most people know they need this but still neglect it. If you feel like a snack munch on some carrots or celery. If you are not a big fan of vegetables raw or by them self find something healthy to dip them in such as Peanut Butter. Great for Protein and Omega 3 fats. Fruits are a great way to get in your daily vitamins. If you have a sweet tooth steer away from candy bars or ice cream. Grab a sweet fruit. This will usually take care of that sweet tooth.

100% percent whole grain is something that is a must. If you usually buy white breads or rice, STOP. These are complex Carbs and just turn into sugar within a few minutes of being digested. Switching to whole grains is a great way to get your daily amounts of fiber in.

The liver is a hardworking organ of the body. It can be likened to a strainer that filters unwanted substances from being absorbed. It is also the organ responsible for processing blood cholesterol.

Knowing that the liver is very important, one must be aware that it has limitations. There are substances it cannot handle. It also needs dietary and lifestyle support so that it can function well continuously.

Avoid Unnecessary Medicines

Avoid using antacids if possible. They weaken the acid at the stomach, which results into partial digestion. The liver finds it hard to filter undigested food.

Also, check if your medicines are liver-safe. Some medicines and antibiotics can cause the disintegration of liver tissues. As much as possible, it is best to resort to natural medicines.

Watch Your Fluid Intake

Nothing beats fresh and clean water for drinking. Drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday. Hydration is very important for the liver and the digestive system to work properly.

Remember that liver cells work double time in filtering “hard” fluids. Lower your intake of coffee, tea, soda and alcohol. Caffeine and carbonated drinks can cause stress to your liver. Continuous alcohol intake also increases the risks of liver cancer.

Go for Antioxidants and B-Vitamin Foods

Antioxidants are natural chemicals that fight organ disintegration. They will help the liver regenerate and work more efficiently. Fleshy fruits and green vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Berries are exceptional sources. Add a glass of strawberry or cranberry juice to your meals.

Liver failure can also be rooted to nutrient deficiency. Of course, it needs vitamins to work. Increase intake of seeds, beans, soya, olives and nuts. They are rich in liver-friendly B-vitamins.

Researchers from University of Toronto recruited 57 college students for volunteers, they were asked to see six common signs of fast food restaurants on the screen such as the McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy. Researchers believed that even the volunteer did not need to instantly identify the names of these restaurants, but they should be affected subconsciously. The researchers found that after watching the signs, the speed of reading the articles significantly faster.

In addition, they tend to choose products that can save time such as triple skin care products, rather than a set of bottles and jars. The researchers also gave a multiple-choice question for volunteers: are you willing to get a small amount of money immediately or wait a week to get more money? The responses of volunteers proved once again their guess: most people like to choose immediate interest.

Daily Mail have quoted the words of the researchers that people now lived in the environment filled with fast food, which would affect the subconscious mind and make people rush. They concluded: “The results show that fast food contains the unconscious goal of saving time, which often makes people lose patience mentality. The mind full of fast food can make people increase preferences awareness of saving time product, more surprising, we found that only the signs of fast-food restaurants contain the aspirations of saving, so they want immediate interests rather than on long-term gains, which would cause them economic damage.” Researchers Sanford Des from University of Toronto said: “You will often see fast-food ads periodically exposed every day, which will generate long-term impact on you. When I sat in a fast food shop, I found even if nothing else to do, I will still swallow Hamburg at hand with incredible speed.”

Another researcher said the fast food represents a saving-time culture and immediate satisfaction. The question is, whether the time is a problem, people will be active by time saving goal under exposure to the fast food environment. A friend called Bob leaved a message on the Daily Mail website that every time I queue up to buy hamburger, I’m always impatient.