March 5, 2008

Healthy Weight Loss Is Smart







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Losing weight is all about healthy eating, not starving yourself. Most people are confused about eating healthy and dieting when it comes to weight loss. For those struggling to lose excess pounds, studies have shown a direct correlation between healthy eating and weight loss.

Most nutritionists agree that the best path to healthy eating is to eat all the different food groups in moderation.

Healthy weight loss is more difficult than simply binging and indulging yourself in fat, high sugar and high carbohydrate treats all the time. Of course, nutrition and healthy weight loss go hand in hand.

Vitamins and minerals are required and it is also important to get the right amounts of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fat.

Tip: Plan ahead if you know you tend to get hungry in the afternoon or know you will be unable to pick up a healthy snack for an extended period of time. Bring along a few healthy eating snacks; nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or easily tote-able vegetables with hummus or another nutritious dip.

Look for ways of healthy weight loss that will work as a lifestyle change by allowing you to lose the weight and keep it off, in addition to gaining a better sense of your overall health.

And of course, always check with your doctor before begging any weight loss program.


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Choosing The Correct Heart Rate Monitor







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Heart rate monitors are gadgets that are a very wonderful tool to have for both those who have heart related problems and those who are looking to improve their workouts. They are used to monitor your heart rate at all times during the day.

If you are exercising to lose weight, your goal should be to maintain your heart rate in the ideal ‘zone’ for fat burning. However, too much of a good thing is not good either. The heart rate monitor allows for accurate measurement of ones heart during exercise so that the recommended levels for your age/fitness level are not exceeded.

Choosing a heart rate monitor can be tricky. The following is a review of some:

The Polar F11: This heart rate monitor is a great version. You can use the program “Keeps U Fit Workout Program” to meet your personal goals. OwnZone is another feature that allows one to monitor the heart and it tells you how many calories you are burning. It uses a coded transmitter to find your heart rate and you will not have interference from other monitors.

Polar A3: This model is less expensive. It works like a personal trainer in its ability to allow you to track the previous workouts. It’s easy to use and very accurate.

Garmin Forerunner 301. This heart rate monitor uses GPS to help you throughout your journey through health fitness. Runners can use this monitor to track how far they have gone what the heart rate is during that time. When your heart rate improves this monitor will adjust your target zone to keep pushing you to the next level.

Acumen Eon Basix ES: This is for the beginner. It’s easy to use and has the beginning functions. It has a target zone function that you can program.

Of course, always ask your doctor for his recommendation on heart monitors for your specific needs.


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Can You Prevent Arteriosclerosis With Over The Counter Treatment

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Arteriosclerosis is a disease that affects the arterial blood vessel. Arteriosclerosis may be one of the most easily preventable diseases of modern times in the 40 to 70 age group.

Coronary Arteriosclerosis is the blockage and narrowing of the blood vessels and is commonly referred to as hardening of the arties. The loss of elastically and narrowing of the arties can lead to high blood pressure and if left untreated, increases the chance of a stroke and heart attack.

Research is showing that lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in ones blood will lower the chance of coronary arteriosclerosis. Over the counter treatment is usually the first method of treatment, such as stopping smoking and regular exercise.

As well, Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure.

Vitamin E has been shown to help circulation and promote normal blood clotting. Vitamin E is also known to help the red blood cells to live longer and keep them from breaking down too soon.

Pantothenic Acid is a form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in metabolism and use of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment for Arteriosclerosis. It corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin helps to block the release of fatty acids from fat cells.

Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. Policosanol promotes normal cholesterol levels in the human body.

Natural antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, grapes and spinach,. Anti-oxidants also aid in the reduction of Arteriosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis is also increasingly being treated with low-dose aspirin.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.


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The Exotic Flavor Of Shitake Mushrooms


Portabella, shitake, enoki, oyster and chanterelle are just some of the varieties of wild mushrooms. Some of us may only be familiar with the white, button variety which can be bought in cans – but there is an entire, flavorful world of wild mushrooms out there.

Shitake mushroom is a particular variant which brings about a lot of benefits to one’s health. In Asia, this type of wild mushroom represents longevity, which is why they have become an instant hit when they entered the American market.

Iron, vitamin C, protein and dietary fibers are the nutrients which can be found in shitake mushrooms. A compound in these flavorful fungi called Lentinan – which is actually an approved drug in Japan – helps boost the immune system. Similarly, shitake mushrooms have the ability to produce Interferon which helps lower the blood cholesterol level, produce antiviral effects and boost the metabolism. These and other compounds which are found in this type of wild mushrooms are also a potent antioxidant, help prevent certain cancers and provide a dose of health benefits to the heart.

To cap it all off, shitake mushrooms have a wonderful, exotic flavor which makes them perfect as pizza toppings, as an ingredient in stir-fried vegetables, as a component in soups and is also great as a side dish.


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