Archive for December, 2009

Quick Weight Loss Diets

December 28th, 2009 admin

Are you in a terrible hurry to lose weight because you have some important event coming up? You perhaps have to attend a high school reunion or a wedding and the thought of carrying a few extra pounds of weight fills you with despair. It is very tempting to use drastic measures because there are so many quick weight loss diets available, all tempting you with the possibility of losing weight rapidly.

A majority of these quick weight loss diets are usually very effective in the short term. You do lose weight very fast when your intake of calories comes down quickly. The problem is that there may be a heavy price to pay in the long term, quite literally. Your body does not react well to sudden shortages of food and may start to create stores of fat.

The other problem with this method of weight loss is that it leaves you with very little energy to exercise. This can prove to be a big mistake because exercise not only burns calories but also makes your body healthy by increasing your metabolic rate. If you exercise well, you will have a radiant healthy look whereas if you go on crash diets you will merely look gaunt.

You will also become irritable and off mood if your body is constantly craving food.

This does not mean that all quick weight loss diets are bad. Take care to select one that does not promise you extremely quick results. It should also be reasonably well balanced. For example, you could probably do to reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat but you certainly should never attempt to cut them out entirely from your diet. In the same way, you should increase the amount of proteins you eat, but make sure that you eat extra fruits and vegetables as well. You can safely reduce the amount of fats and sugars you eat, bringing them down to almost zero, because your other foods will contain small amounts of them in any case.

In the final analysis, you could certainly do strict diets, but only if you still manage to get the nutrition you require in order keeping your body functioning properly. Use them up to a point, to get started or to look great for a particular event, and then focus on eating healthy and exercising well. You cannot fail to lose weight if you do this.

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The Importance of Protein Powder for Us

December 24th, 2009 admin

Protein is essential for all of us; there’s no question about it. We find several foods and sources that are loaded with protein. While some have fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates, some sources and foods do not. One that does not is protein powder, which can be found in vanilla and chocolate flavors. You can find several things to do with this powder from making a shake or making a healthy drink. Below are two recipes that involve using protein powder and they’re high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Strawberry Supreme

6-8 medium-large frozen or fresh strawberries
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
1 ½ cup of skim milk
* Other forms of berries can be used, but strawberries have better binding properties. Strawberries also blend in with milk much better
** 2-4 ice cubes can be used if using fresh strawberries
In a blender blend all the ingredients together. Top it off with a sprig of mint or a dollop of low fat ice cream or whip cream.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pizza

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
2 cups of skim milk
4 ounces of peanut butter (smooth does better)
2 tsp of cocoa powder
*Extra peanuts can be added, but not required

Blend all the ingredients together. No ice or water should be added because it does not blend well with peanut butter.

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Protein Needs of the Older Adult

December 15th, 2009 admin

Starting at the age of twenty, the total calories that are needed to maintain weight starts to decline every year for a total of roughly 5-10% for each decade of life (Source: The New A to Z of Women’s Health, Christine Ammer). By the time that a woman reaches the age of menopause, she will only need about 2/3 the number of calories that she needed before.

Despite the reduced calories, the woman will still need to get the right amount of calcium, vitamin D and B vitamins. Liquid protein supplements like Profect from Protica can be beneficial, not only for supplying the right amount of protein but for supplying about 10% of the daily needs for the entire B complex vitamins and all of the need for vitamin C. Good nutrition for the older adult is vital to maintain health and to prevent some of the diseases that have long been thought of as inevitable. It is not true that you are resigned to being wrinkled, hunched over and wheelchair bound. With the right care and the proper nutrition it is possible to remain active and energetic until the end of life. Good nutrition is important for every aspect and organ of the body from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. Eye health is one of the most important aspects, but other organs are influenced as well.

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Some Tips on ADHD Parenting Techniques

December 10th, 2009 admin

It can be very frustrating at times trying to figure out ADHD parenting techniques. The first step is building self confidence in your child as well as yourself and this is done with communication skills. Lack of attention and comprehension can lead to misunderstandings with your child if your communication skills are not fine tuned to the circumstances of a child with ADHD.

The top ADHD parenting tips are;

–Your must be very specific in asking your child what it is that you are expecting of them.

–Consistency with your instructions is very important. Repeat often, use praise and pay attention to their thoughts and ideas. Really listen to them.

–Make sure they get plenty of sleep; at least 10 hours minimum. Children tire more easily especially the younger ones so try and plan a slower paced day of activities. Make sure they have healthy snacks avoiding sodas and candy. Do not skip any meals and try to have them at the same times each day. If an ADHD child knows what to expect with a structured routine there is less likelihood of an outburst or behavioral problem.

–Have a quiet time the both of you can share every day and which they will look forward to like a warm bath and story at the end of the day or a quiet time together before the afternoon nap.

Making the child feel secure along with a steady, reliable ADHD parenting schedule can help ease the frustration of behavioral problems. If a child feels secure they will become more self confident. And when a child, especially one with ADHD is self confident they will thrive, feel calmer and want to please your more with acceptable behavior.

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