Wednesday, 2 November 2011

What Is The Protein Shake Diet?


I am such a huge fan of protein shake diets. I absolutely love them for numerous reasons and I have been doing them for a very long time to get in shape right before summer and try to look my best. But first I want to talk about why protein shake diets are so awesome and then give you a great program to go by if this is something you want to use to lose belly fat fast.
One reason why protein shake diets are great because they are so easy to do. I mean think about it. You have nothing to cook, you don't have to worry about food, counting calories, going to the supermarket, packing your foods, and preparing your food every Sunday and Wednesday. With protein shake diets all you have to do is plan out your diet beforehand to see how many calories each scoop of protein powder has and that's it. It's simple, quick, easy and effective.
Another great thing about this type of diet is it changes your relationship with food on a mental basis. A lot of people have a love hate relationship with food. They also are addicted to certain foods without even knowing it. By going on a protein shake diet, you are essentially resetting all of those switches inside of your brain and how it relates to food. The funny thing that you will find is that you start craving healthy foods such as salads, vegetables and chicken. I swear to God this happens and I don't know why. I always experience it and it's pretty neat to notice and go through.
Also what I like about this diet is since you'll be getting a lot of your calories in a liquid form, you give your digestive system a needed break. The digestive system is always working and every time you eat, your body has to devote a tremendous amount of energy to break down all that food. And if you're eating the wrong types of foods and even supposedly health foods like wheat bread, you are doing a lot of harm to your insides. You can be causing a ton of inflammatory responses inside of your body that cause a cascade of events and health problems later down the line. You'll notice that you have more energy, you need less sleep, you wake up with a hop in your step, you're more alert throughout the day and just feel overall much "lighter" on your feet. This is because you body does not need to devote a ton of energy to digestion anymore.
However there are some drawbacks to this diet that you need to take care of. The first is that this diet is very bland nutrient wise. You won't be getting all of your daily vitamins and minerals because you'll just be drinking protein shakes all day. You need some healthy fats and greens. But don't worry because this is easily avoidable. Just go and purchase some form of greens powder and fish oil. I don't care what type of greens powder you get or what type of fish oil. However I would say that the lower quality the fish oil, the more you will have to take to get the most benefit. For example if you buy CVS brand, this is the brand that I have, you will need to take around 5-10 grams a day. Now if you go with a more expensive brand that has a higher concentration of DHA and EPA then you won't need to take as many capsules throughout the day. You might only need 1-3 depending on how much DHA and EPA there is in each serving.
Now with regards to what is the best protein powder for weight loss and this diet, I would stick with a casein protein powder or a blend of whey and casein. Both types of proteins are awesome, but they do certain things. For example whey protein digests really quickly. Depending on the purity it can be 15 minutes to 2 hours. Whey however will leave you feeling pretty hungry in a short amount of time. There isn't much substance to the stuff.
Now with casein protein powder, it digests between 4-8 hours and again that depends on the quality and the type that you buy. It's much thicker in consistency and will leave you feeling fuller for a longer period of time.
Here is a good breakdown to use for a protein shake diet to lose belly fat:
Meal 1: 1 scoop of protein blend with 2 capsules of fish oil, 1 tsp of greens and 1 tbs of flax seeds
Meal 2: 1 scoop of protein blend with 2 capsules of fish oil
Meal 3: 2 scoops of protein powder, 2 fish oil capsules, 1 tsp of greens and 1 tbs of flax seeds
Meal 4: 2 scoops of protein powder, 2 fish oil capsules
Meal 5: 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 tbs of organic peanut butter, 1 tbs of flax seeds
And there you have it. An easy to follow protein shake diet that is guaranteed to help your drop some belly fat in a short amount of time. Just remember to get your greens supplement and fish oil to help fill any holes nutrient wise in your diet. Also the organic peanut butter helps with the fatty acid profile of your diet and tastes like candy. Trust me after doing this diet, you have never had peanut butter that will taste this good ever before in your life.

Vegetarian Meal Plan - Healthy Vegetarian Eating Ideas


A vegetarian meal plan is very wholesome and nutritious in nature. While eating this you are only giving up meat, but there is still a very broad variety of things that are available to you. Unlike a vegan like diet change, vegetarianism offers more flexibility and lets you still enjoy some of the things that you are accustomed to eating.
Vegetarian meal planning by nature is going to be packed with fiber and many essential vitamins and nutrients. Aside from all these things, vegetarians naturally get all the recommended fruits and veggies that you are supposed to get and them some, which from a health perspective is a very good thing. Eating in this fashion also helps you get more of the water that your body needs which also works hand in hand with regulating blood sugar, and losing weight.
There is still plenty you can do with a full vegetarian menu. Vegetarianism can be put in three categories, all very similar in essence. Vegan is a form of vegetarianism that omits all meat, fish, and poultry and dairy products, and anything that contains any of these. There is also the Lacto-vegetarian that omits meat, poultry, fish and eggs. So anything with a form of meat of has any egg in them they do not eat. The standard vegetarian is the lacto-ovo. They exclude all meat forms, but will allow anything else which includes all dairy based products. They have also come up with a name for the person who is semi- vegetarian. This person may on a day to day basis eat vegetarian, but every now and then will have some meat, fish, or poultry on occasion. These individuals are called "flexitarians" respectively.
Vegetarian meal plans may consist of a fried egg over spinach, with some refried beans and a glass of orange juice. Even some steel cut oats, made with raisins, honey, and hemp milk, served with couple slices of soy bacon and a slice of whole grain toast. It may seem like a big sacrifice until you look at it as being just a few simple changes.
These vegetarian diet changes like many plant based theories can tackle many problems that can arise due to improper diets.
For dinner on might have an Asian style stir fry that would include green and red peppers, water chestnuts, bamboo chutes, broccoli, shredded carrots, habanero or jalapeno peppers, lentils, kale, and a whole grain organic low mein pasta. Stir fried in low sodium soy sauce and extra virgin olive oil. This type of vegetarian dish is loaded with everything that the body needs with a lower amount of carbs before late evening, before going to bed a short while after.
For dinner one may be winding down, but for those who need a boost of energy for lunch before a workout that will benefit from added protein and carbs.
FOr lunch before a workout one might have a double-decker veggie burger with honey mustard, tomatoes, spinach, bean sprouts, jalapenos, avocado slices(4), pickles, and organic cheddar cheese served on whole grain wheat bun. Some baked sweet potatoes fries, a banana, and a small chocolate soy protein powder shake. Blending the banana in the shake will give it a very nice texture. This meal has carbs, protein, good fats, potassium and the right vitamins and minerals to help you get the most out of your workout without running out of gas too early.
A good veggie diet if you are creative can have you losing weight, feeling great and still enjoying food to the utmost if not better than before. You should never compromise with your health with any poor diet and this type of eating will prevent that, and if we don't have to compromise taste....even better!

Mean Green Juice Recipe to Lose Weight Fast and Healthily


It's a myth that juices make you fat. Perhaps there may be some truth to that if you are consuming store-bought juice which has been heated and lost most of its goodness, but freshly squeezed juices, especially if you use them to replace a meal, will bring fast weight loss - naturally and healthily.
Most of us eat a highly processed diet which acidifies in the body, resulting in weight gain, illness and disease. If you make a point of eating 80% alkalizing food in your daily diet, you will lose weight automatically as the body begins to correct the pH balance.
Added to that, juice digests in the system really fast compared to a meal which may take 3 hours! This will contribute to fast weight loss that is not detrimental to your health. And if you really want to go all-out, going on a juice fast will result in exceptionally fast weight loss, although be prepared to experience detoxification symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, backache, diarrhoea, etc. I personally prefer a juice fast to having just water on a fast, especially if you still need to work while fasting. Having juice instead of just water on a fast will help make a fast a lot easier.
Here is my favourite juice recipe that's packed with nutrients and will help you lose weight fast. Although it contains herbs and veggies, the fruit makes it sweet. The parsley actually gives it a unique flavour that can almost be described as addictive!
The Mean Green Juice (makes 1 - 2 glasses):
Ingredients:
2 apples - keep the skins on but remove the pips and cut into wedges
1 pear - keep the skin on but remove the pips and cut into wedges
1 kiwi - keep the skin on and cut into wedges
Handful grapes - remove stalks
½ celery stick
3 spinach leaves
1 broccoli floret
¼ cucumber
½ handful parsley
¼ handful mint
Method:
Simply juice all together and enjoy. It can be refrigerated for a maximum period of 48 hours. Remember that light and heat destroy nutrients, so keep it cool and dark.
Another tip is that if you go on a juice fast, be sure to prepare your body by eating raw food for a minimum period of one day prior to fasting.
Also remember that before you go on a fast of any kind, it may be wise to consult with your doctor first, especially if you have a medical condition or take chronic medication.

Benefit From Whitening Your Smile


Teeth whitening is big business across the globe, with some estimates putting the US industry at over 10 billion dollars a year. In places like New Zealand, this business is growing exponentially, and the reason is that many people feel that having a white smile can benefit them enormously, both at work and in the home. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, either by using simple do-it-yourself kits or by going to a dentist and having your teeth whitened professionally. None of the processes which whiten teeth are easy, and often involve some discomfort, but people are prepared to put up with that because of the benefits of having whiter teeth.
Firstly, the biggest benefit is to your appearance. If you have a very white smile, then people will automatically think that you are good-looking. The human race is trained to notice things about the opposite sex, as a means of selecting a partner, and having a very bright smile will naturally attract people to you. This is why most actors and models choose to have their teeth whitened, because their public images are important to them. For those people who think that having a whiter smile will also enhance their appearance, a teeth whitening session is very desirable.
Secondly, having whiter teeth can also benefit your job prospects. The reason is much the same as before, in that people tend to think more of people with a white smile, whether they know it or not. A radiant smile full of white teeth tends to make people think that you are healthy, which is something potential employers are always keen on. It can also improve your impression as a neat and tidy person - whiter teeth suggesting the importance placed in self-care and hygiene, and give an overall impression of someone who cares about their appearance. All of this is likely to make a good impression on a current or potential employer.
Thirdly, people are always impressed by a white smile, since it makes them think that the person has a committed routine. If your teeth look a little too white, that simply means that you have been able to afford to whiten your teeth professionally, which means money. Whether it is right or wrong, human beings are likely to respect that, and are more likely to be won over to your side. Having your teeth whitened is a serious decision, but it can have many benefits, particularly in changing the opinions of the people around you.
Want whiter teeth and a beautiful, shiny smile? White Smile Parnell is your best professional teeth whitening solution. A bright, white smile can be yours in just 36 minutes.

Ayurveda for Dental Problems/Gingivitis

Ayurveda is an alternative health treatment that originates from India. The use of natural herbs for healthy gums and teeth is a long-standing practice and yields excellent results. The state of the gums, teeth, and the quality of your breath reflects the health of the bones in your body and your overall health. Medical research has now established some links between unhealthy gums and heart disease, peridontal disease and delayed pregnancy, pregnancy term, and outcome.
Healthy gums and teeth are also a source of attraction. Everybody loves a happy smile showing off beautiful teeth and gums.
Ayurvedic powders and gels are used for preventing and treating gum and teeth disorders. The gels and powders are composed of several herbs that work synergistically to restore healthy gums. Herbs like Neem and Turmeric are used in many formulations for their antiseptic and therapeutic properties.
My grandfather had healthy gums till he passed away.
Ayurvedic gum products can help resolve:
1) Bleeding, spongy and sore gums (gingivitis).
2) Prevent dental caries and plaque formation.
3) Reduce or eliminate Halitosis (bad breath).
4) Post scalinq reduction of dental pockets.
Some of the ayurvedic ingredients included in the formulations are ( Latin names):
Gum Tone Gel includes-Embelica ribes, Cinnamomum cassia, Piper cubeba, Mesua ferrea, Melia azadirachta, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Quercus infectoria, Myrica nagi, Vitex negundo, Emblica officnalis, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia chebula, Acacia catechu, Prunus prionitis, Mimusops elengi, Baeleria prionitis, Acacia Arabica, Camphora officinaru
The gel or powder should be applied to the gums and teeth with a soft hand (finger) or soft tooth brush and left in the mouth for 5-10 minutes. Do rinse with water thoroughly afterwards. This procedure should be done twice per day.
Other best practices for healthy gums are:
•Regular checkups and brushing of teeth twice every day
•Don't forget to floss.
•Reduce the intake of sugar. If you consume foods that are high in sugar, brush your teeth immediately afterwards.
•Quit smoking for good.
•Take supplements of folic acid, zinc, and calcium. Deficiencies in any of these can make you more susceptible to bacterial infections
•If you suffer from bleeding gums, take vitamin C. It promotes healing and reduces plaque growth.
•Aloe Vera gel can be applied directly over the inflamed gums. It helps soother the area.
•Clove oil is a temporary reliever of gum pain and inflammations.

Should You Try to Extract Your Own Teeth?

It may seem extreme and very painful, but some actually do attempt to pull out their own teeth. Toothache pain can be very frustrating and very distressing and if it lasts for a while it may cause some people to try almost anything to find some relief. If the pain is severe enough you may be willing to do whatever it takes. Sometimes abscesses and severe cavities may cause excruciating pain that never seems to stop regardless of what steps you may take to ease the pain.
Historically, teeth were extracted with the use of pliers because there were no dentists at the time. In an attempt to numb the pain, the person whose tooth was about to be pulled would drink generous amounts of alcohol prior to the extraction. It was not possible to numb the area where the tooth was to be pulled because anesthesia had not been invented. Today, local anesthesia is available to numb the area prior to extracting a tooth. Keep in mind, though, that regardless of what steps you take to numb the pain, if you attempt to extract your own tooth you will still be in pain.
There are, however, some circumstances in which you can extract your own teeth. For example, it is acceptable to remove baby teeth. It is advisable to determine the age at which the teeth should come out prior to pulling it, though. Also, it you are able to move the tooth back and forth easily, it may be loose enough for you to pull it out yourself without incident. Be advised that if the tooth you extract is abscessed, you will need to visit a dentist immediately as you could have complications such as an increased risk of infection. In this case, it may be best to have it extracted by a professional.
If you suffer from severe gum disease, it may be acceptable to extract your own teeth. Gum disease can destroy your teeth by decaying your jaw bone and gums. If the gum disease is very advanced, the tooth will be quite loose and you may be able to remove it without a problem. Sometimes, though, it can be too painful to even touch the tooth. If you do attempt to remove the offending tooth yourself, it is advisable to be very careful when doing so otherwise you may break part of the tooth off. If you break the tooth you will have to see a dentist to have the rest of the tooth removed.
Even if you have tooth that feels loose, it is not recommended to simply grab some pliers and pull it out. Teeth can be quite delicate and using tools to remove one can cause more harm than good if it is not done properly. Also, placing pliers in your mouth may lead to a serious infection which means you would have to visit a dentist to have the infection treated. If you have an abscess it is best to have it professionally treated. A dentist may extract it and give you antibiotics - an abscess is an infection of the root of the tooth so antibiotics are necessary to prevent further problems.
If you have a toothache or suspect a damaged tooth, it is probably best to see your dentist. Even if your tooth is causing you severe pain, it is not advisable to attempt to extract it yourself. Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and can determine which course of action is best for you. If an extraction is required, the dentist will numb the area first so you won't feel any pain while he extracts it. He/she will give you a prescription for antibiotics and a pain reliever as well.
I don't advocate extracting your own teeth as it may cause further problems and complications; inevitably requiring a dentist, so it is best to have it done professionally right from the start.

The Best Way to Find Your Dentist

When living in California, we know that you have a lot of different choices for a dentist. Let us tell you why a Dentist is the best choice for your dentistry needs. There are a lot of things that you need to look for in a dentist. You should not just pick any Dentist without doing your research.
Going to a Dentist is one of the most important things that you can do for your oral and overall health. Your oral heath is determined by a lot of different things, but mostly by genetics and how you take care of your teeth. You can take good care of your oral health by using good oral hygiene. Good oral health and hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. Even if you are taking excellent care of your teeth and your oral health, you still should be visiting your Dentist every six months for a checkup. The worst dental mistake that you can make, is assuming that you do not need to visit a Dentist, because you think that your teeth are healthy. You still need to visit a Dentist, to ensure the quality of your oral health.
Dentist services offer the best in the dental field. The best Dentist is a Dentist that, provides you with exceptional dental care. The most common type of dentists for a Dentist are a general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and surgery orthodontics. For your everyday dentistry needs, you should choose a general dentistry. A general dentistry can take care of all of your regular dental needs. At a Dentist for general dentistry, you get your teeth cleaned and checked, and they can take care of any cavities or problems that you might have.
The great thing about a Dentist, is that they are very professional and know how to take care of their patients. You can be sure that you are getting the best oral health and dental services. The dental offices for a Dentist are clean and welcoming, and the staff is always professional. You should feel comfortable in your dentist office, and it should be a place that makes you relaxed and not uptight. If you have little children, you might want to consider a pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentistry will especially make your children feel welcome in the Dentist office.
A great way to be reassured that a Dentist is best for you is to do some research online. Online, you can search for "Dentist" to find what people say about a Dentist in your area. You can read reviews and testimonials online from different patients and you can find the best dentist to suit your needs. You can also see if the dentist is approved by the American Dental Association.
Choosing a Dentist is very important for you and your family. Do not put off choosing a Dentist. A Dentist will guarantee you some of the best dental services around.