Thursday, February 14, 2008

Age Spots

Age Spots

If you are of a certain age and noticing dark patches on sunexposed skin you may be developing age spots. Age spots also called liver spots appear on some peoples faces hands legs feet and other sunexposed skin as they get older They are brown or black patches of skin with sharply defined borders Theyre small and flat with a rounded shape and look similar to large freckles

They tend to occur more often in people who spend a lot of time in the sun People whose close relatives have them are also more likely to develop age spots They can occur in people as young as their 20s but they appear more often around age 50 or 60
Changes in the Skin

Age spots are actually collections of the cells that give skin its color For reasons not fully understood as people get older these cells have a tendency to grow in clusters The clusters form between the top two layers of skin the epidermis and the dermis With all those cells producing pigment in the same place at the same time a dark spot appears

Not a Sign of Disease
Some people think that liver spots are a sign that something is wrong with the liver Thats not true The spots are just a normal part of aging

Some people also worry that age spots are cancerous or that they could turn into cancer Again not true However because they appear on sunexposed skin and because sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer its possible to have both age spots and cancer at the same time If you have a spot that changes color has irregular edges has a rough surface bleeds or crusts over and wont heal or that shows other signs of skin cancer see your doctor

Bleaching and Lightening
The smooth clear skin you have when youre young naturally thins and becomes less elastic and more delicate giving a clue to your age But liver spots can make you feel especially old If youd like to get rid of them bleaching and skinlightening treatments may help

Bleaching creams Bleaching creams work slowly to decrease the amount of pigmentation color in the spots They are available at the drugstore or can be prescribed by a doctor
Freezing A doctor applies a very cold substance directly to the spot freezing and destroying it As the area heals new skin should form without the discoloration
Tretinoin This prescription cream is a form of vitamin A Used regularly it can help lighten the spots
Chemical peels The skin is treated with a chemical which makes it blister and peel Newer smoother skin takes its place
Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion A roughsurfaced tool is used almost like sandpaper to remove the damaged layer of skin Microdermabrasion is gentler and has less risk of scarring
Laser therapy Laser light is used to destroy the top layer of skin and encourage growth of fresh new skin from underneath
Home Remedies
Women and men have tried all kinds of home remedies to get rid of liver spots Most of these havent been studied so its not known if they really work Here with no promises are some suggestions from books and web sites dedicated to natural remedies

Lemon juice The acid in lemon juice is thought to work like fancier creams to remove the top layer of skin Try rubbing it on the spots twice a day for several weeks
Red onion Red onions acids may work the same way
Castor oil Castor oil applied twice a day may smooth roughlooking spots Roughlooking spots should always be checked by a doctor first to rule out cancer
Prevention
The best way to prevent age spots is to stay out of the sun Use sunscreen wear hats and protective clothing and stay indoors during the middle part of the day when the sun is strongest If you already have some dark spots sun protection will help prevent further damage

Thread Face Lift

Thread Face Lift

A thread face lift can be an affordable and convenient solution for those looking to improve their appearance Read on to learn all about this modernday time rewinder and how it can work for you. Known as the official alternative to traditional face lifts a thread lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure considered to be much less invasive Geared toward those aware of the early signs of aging appearing on their skin a thread lift can help to relieve these symptoms especially facial sagging on the jawline and cheeks. Able to be performed in just a couple of hours many patients go through a thread lift without the need for any anesthesia and can even return to work immediately following the procedure During surgery the surgeon injects very thin threads into the facial tissue through small incisions that have been made in the area to be affected The threads attach themselves and the cosmetic surgeon then lifts and pulls them back causing them to smooth out the face Many patients notice immediate results and look younger and more vibrant than they did presurgery. Fortunately for many women who cannot afford to miss much time out of their real lives in the name of beauty there are very few side effects to a thread lift As mentioned above these procedures even allow people to return to the office that very same day This is how the slang term lunch hour face lift was coined in reference to thread lifts The main side effect of such a procedure is a soreness and tight feeling in the face either in the affected areas or throughout During the procedure patients can choose to have an anesthetic though many doctors have found it to be unnecessary in many cases You will be conscious during the surgery and are often encouraged to critique the doctors work in progress and be an active voice in what you do or do not like about your altered skin One thing people getting a thread lift should NOT expect is an extreme alteration If you have been battling signs of aging for quite some time this operation may not work well for you It is not designed to reverse years of skin damage but rather be a cosmetic enhancer for those just beginning to experience fine lines wrinkles and facial sagging A consultation with your cosmetic surgeon should tell you what your options are and whether or not you are a good thread lift candidate

You should also expect not to pay a fortune for this procedure The noninvasiveness and outpatient aspect of a thread means you save not only time but expense as well In fact this is considered one of the most costeffective treatments available making it appealing to those still in their younger years who are drawn to its benefits As a general rule the best prospects for a thread face are those between the ages of 30 and 60 who do not have many cosmetic issues on the face Just the beginning signs of loose skin should be visible and if you have experienced a large amount of drooping in your face or neck then you will probably need a more aggressive cosmetic procedure Many seek out a thread lift due to its low cost and convenience however you are still out time and money if it was never designed to work for you in the first place You may have heard the term contour in regards to this type of lift Put simply a contour thread lift is a thread face lift that uses the patented Contour Threads These are manufactured out of clear polypropylene which means the threads do not absorb into the skin and are capable of reaching the target area much more easily with only one incision They are inserted above the hairline and can work to make long term improvements to your aging skin This procedure can be ideal for many people so if you have found youre becoming uneasy about the condition and or appearance of your skin consider visiting a cosmetic surgeon for a preop consultation today

Following a simple anti aging skin care regimen can keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful for years to come

Keeping your body well hydrated is a basic tenet of anti aging skin care Studies indicate that Americans are dehydrated over 75% of the time. Since your body is made up of over 75% water a lack of this substance can have a negative effect on skin cell function When your cells function at optimal level your body sheds dead skin more quickly This gives your skin a healthy glow Lack of water coupled with rising caffeine consumption produces a diuretic effect that can result in serious health problems and negative cosmetic results

Eating right is another way to keep the wrinkles at bay Eating a wholesome diet with plenty of fruits vegetables and whole grains is a sure recipe for beautiful skin

Think of your body as a finelytuned machine for which you want to provide the best fuel Your skin in particular needs certain vitamins and minerals to look its best For example vitamin A reduces sebum production to prevent blemishes vitamin B contributes to even skin tone and vitamin E reduces acne scarring

Avoid the Sun
A certain amount of sun exposure is necessary to create vitamin D which regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood However excessive exposure can lead to long term damage premature aging age spots and even skin cancer

There are two types of light generated by the sun UVB rays and UVA rays UVB rays are what cause your skin to burn UVA rays penetrate deep into the second layer of the skin causing elasticin and collagen fibers to break down This is how skin can acquire a tough leathery appearance

Wearing sunscreen is a very important part of anti aging skin care Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher If you are active take care to reapply the lotion every few hours Remember that sunscreen is not just for the beach but also for everyday use Direct exposure to midday sunlight especially for fair skin can lead to cumulative skin damage

Exfoliation and Moisturization
Exfoliating dead skin cells is a very important part of an anti aging skin care regimen The older you are the more often you need to exfoliate On average your skin cells renew themselves approximately every three weeks As you get older the natural aging process can slow this renewal down To accelerate the turnover of dead dull skin you need to exfoliate or remove the uppermost layer of your epidermis

Be sure not to choose a product that is too rough or harsh on your skin Also take your skin type into consideration Individuals with dry sensitive skin should only exfoliate once or twice a week However people with oily skin should exfoliate daily
After you exfoliate take care to apply a quality moisturizer formulated for your skin type The moisturizer will be absorbed more readily by the newer fresher skin cells

Anti Wrinkle Cream

Anti Wrinkle Cream

The concept of anti wrinkle cream is actually quite controversial Wrinkles develop over time deep below the skin Since wrinkle creams only impact the top layer their benefits are mostly short term and superficial. The surface of your body is a reflection of how you have lived your life Skin is exposed to destruction from the inside and out
The skin is made up of three main layers the outer skin the fat layer and the muscle As we live our life the repeated movement of these muscles causes the creases we know as wrinkles Smiling and frowning are common sources but activities like smoking also create pucker lines around the mouth. The skin of the face is usually hit the hardest by the sands of time The main reason for this difference is the sun Facial skin is not weaker than other skin simply more exposed Comparing your face to places on your body like under your arms or behind your knees clearly demonstrates the effects of longterm exposure to the sun Little wrinkles on the surface of the skin are like scars from the sun. Youthful skin is actually not determined by the surface of the skin itself Wrinkles develop deeper within the muscle layer of the organ of the skin This is why concentrated wrinkles cannot be cured by anti wrinkle cream but actually need a more significant treatment like botox or a face lift. In general anti wrinkle creams gradually smooth the appearance of your skin Be wary of any manufacturer who claims to actually remove the wrinkles from your body Only surgical treatment can provide that service.The brand is not as important as the ingredients when selecting an anti wrinkle cream If the concentrations of the anti aging chemicals are too low they will not produce the necessary effect If they are too high they will cause irritation. These products naturally exfoliate the skin adding a nice glow to hide imperfectionsAntioxidants fight the progression of age conditions on the skin Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl acid relieve dry skin Exfoliation and antioxidant reactions reduce fine lines and age spots Look for a 510% preferred concentration of the acid ingredients Retinol or Vitamin A Based One of the best anti wrinkle cream ingredients if applied regularly Prescription strength is the most effective at smoothing the appearance of fine lines
You must avoid the sun when using The product can cause severe irritation so follow directions exactly
Vitamin C Ester The percentage of Vitamin C must be quite high to be effective This antioxidant is also an antiinflammatory which helps the skin to relax the creases of wrinkles The product stimulates cells that produce collagen naturally in the skin Vitamin C is the best type of anti wrinkle cream for sundamaged skin that is sagging and has lost firmness Antioxidant Based Vitamin C Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoid Acid are the three most common antioxidants found in anti wrinkle creams These compounds naturally breakdown and loose their effectiveness quickly
Its a good cream for smaller lines under eye bags and enlarged pores Collagen or Elastin
While collagen is a major component of skin youth it cannot actually absorb back into the skin Anti wrinkle creams that highlight this ingredient are basically worthless.

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne Scar Treatment

From old wives tales to internet legends home remedies for acne abound Theyre easy enough to find but do they work Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules about home remedies for acne Some people have in fact had excellent results using common household ingredients Others however havent had the same luck Since there are no real studies done on home remedies it is difficult to measure their success Still certain ingredients are recognized as having acnefighting properties Menthol found in peppermint and spearmint has cooling and soothing properties It is also known for its ability to kill germs and is a common ingredient in mouthwash It can also be found in many cleansers and toners including Murads Clarifying Cleanser Witchhazel is a shrub that blooms in cooler months It also has highly effective astringent qualities Witch Hazel extract is available in bottle form at any drugstore This common ingredient is found in many toners including the one made by Proactiv Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes feature several ingredients that make them effective in the fight against acne Vitamin C a natural antioxidant is essential in the formation of collagen Citric acid is also an effective astringent and antioxidant In addition citrus fruits are a good source of flavonoids yet another naturally ocurring antioxidant Although not widely recognized for its uses beyond spicing and seasoning food cinnamon actually has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties This could explain the spices presence in many home remedies for acneDue to its natural sugar content honey acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial It also reacts with body fluids creating a form of hydrogen peroxide Even doctors have recognized the antiseptic qualities of honey using it to treat wounds and burns Since many common kitchen ingredients do have medicinal qualities perhaps some people will have success using home remedies to treat acne Keep in mind though that overthecounter and prescription strength acne treatments feature only small amounts of the natural ingredients Most have long and complicated lists of ingredients that have been formulated through years of scientific research Still as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients you have nothing to lose by trying Here is a partial list of recommended home remedies for acne

Honey and Cinnamon Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder Apply the paste to the face each night at bedtime
Toothpaste Simply apply a dab of mint toothpaste over existing pimples and allow to dry overnight Do not use gel
Orange Peel Mix pounded orange peel with water and rub the mixture directly on the acne
Lemon Juice Lemon juice can be applied directly on the blemishes
Lemon and Rose Water Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water and rub the mixture directly on the skin
Mint Rub mint juice over the skin
Witch Hazel Mix witch hazel with water Apply mixture with a cloth or cotton ball over the entire face
Cinnamon and Lemon Mix equal parts cinnamon powder and lemon juice Apply the mixture directly on pimples
Cinnamon and Milk Mix cinnamon powder with milk and rub on affected areas
Garlic Peel garlic cloves and rub over the skin
Aloe Vera Rub aloe vera juice directly over affected skin
Cucumber Grind cucumber to a paste and apply over entire face Rinse after 30 minutes
Acne is a problem that affects many people but fortunately there are a variety of acne treatment products and methods available to help

Mild acne can often be treated with overthecounter remedies Home Acne Treatment
For many people with mild acne or those who suffer from periodic breakouts or blemishes home remedies for acne can be very effective Everyday products such as lemon juice mint and cinnamon can be applied to blemishes to help diminish and dry them Aloe Vera and cloves of garlic may be able to help blemishes the composition of these plants promotes healing

Other home treatments include dabbing toothpaste on blemishes overnight or applying witch hazel over the affected areas As with any treatment the results of home solutions vary If your acne doesnt improve with home treatment you may want to try a stronger natural or overthecounter product

If you prefer natural skin care you may want to try one of the many products available today that are based on natural substances or a natural method of treating your acne

Tea Tree Oil
One popular acne treatment is derived from tea tree oil Found in both a concentrated form as well as in many acne facial washes and other products tea tree oil promotes healing and has natural antiseptic properties that have proven effective for a variety of individuals

Buying Natural Acne Remedies
Many skin care lines market and distribute natural acne remedies including the following

Arbonne
Burts Bees
ZenMed
Desert Essence
Treating Acne Through Diet

Although the claims that foods such as pizza and chocolate cause acne have been deemed as myths in recent times most skin care experts agree that a healthy diet rich in whole grains fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein sources is beneficial to those with acneprone skin

Drinking at least 810 glasses of water per day is also recommended to help flush impurities from your body this may have a direct effect on acne as well. For people with moderate acne overthecounter acne treatment can often clear their skin Drug store acne remedies are sold in creams gels sticks washes masks and other forms but typically contain one or more of the following ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is considered a very effective acne agent It is an antiseptic agent that has a drying effect which is beneficial for getting rid of blemishes but may not work for those with sensitive skin Overthecounter concentrations are typically found in 10 percent strength or less
Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid unclogs pores and breaks down the cycle of bacterial growth that causes pimples
Sulfur Sulfur is used in acne masks spot treatments and other products to heal and prevent acne without overdrying the skin
Neutrogena is an overthecounter brand that is recommended by dermatologists

For acne that is severe or persistent and certain conditions such as cystic acne medical treatments may fare better than overthecounter products Physicians can prescribe benzoyl peroxide in higher concentrations which may provide the effectiveness some acne sufferers need

Other medical acne treatment includes antibiotic creams or pills tretinoin brand name RetinA and isotretinoin brand name Accutane Be sure to discuss the side effects of any acne treatment with your doctor first Accutane in particular has a severe side effect it has the potential to cause birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while on the medication

Acne scar treatment is available to those who are plagued from unsightly marks from past breakouts The treatment you need will depend on the severity of scarring For light scars simply applying a concealer or using a noncomedogenic overthe counter scar treatment may be all you need

SkincareSince over 80% of the population suffers from acne there are many acne skin care options available to those in search of a clearer complexion Whether youre troubled by occasional breakouts or coping with a longterm skin condition there are skin care products available to help you look your very best

Acne is caused by dead skin cells and excess sebum clogging the pores in your skin The condition is thought to be hereditary If your parents suffered from acne youre more likely to be bothered by reoccurring blemishes than someone without this family history

While acne is most often associated with teenagers many adults suffer from this embarrassing condition In fact adults typically have a more difficult time treating their acne because they are more likely to have skin that is easily irritated by the harsh ingredients in some acne skin care products

Contrary to popular belief chocolate pizza French fries and ice cream do not cause acne However eating a wellbalanced diet rich in lean protein whole grains and fresh produce may help improve the look of your skin by reducing sebum production enhancing tissue growth and improving circulation

While a tan may temporarily minimize the appearance of acne the sun does not cure acne Sun exposure ultimately does more harm than good by leading to wrinkles and premature aging In addition some acne medications can make you more likely to sunburn in a short period of time

Since acne is not caused by dirt merely scrubbing your face will not improve your complexion In fact excessively rubbing squeezing or picking at your skin will only make your acne worse

Treating acne often requires a skin care regimen consisting of several different products For example you may use a cleanser to remove dead skin cells and an antiacne gel to control excess sebum production while fighting bacteria There are also acne treatment masks that can be used on a semiregular basis to open pores and clear debris

When youre shopping for acne treatment products look for medications that have been dermatologist approved These products are less likely to cause irritation flakiness or redness in your problem skin

Patience is a key component of acne skin care Generally it takes at least two weeks to see results from an acne treatment product In most cases a significant improvement requires several months of regular use Dont give up your acne skin care regimen until youve given the products a chance to work

Common Acne Treatment Options
Did you know that Americans spend more than $100 million each year on overthecounter acne skin care medications Clearly acne sufferers have a wide array of choices to treat their condition However there are two just common ingredients found in most nonprescription acne skin care products Benzyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing acnecausing bacteria However it often causes irritation and dryness in people with sensitive skin
Salicylic Acid helps remove the debris that clogs pores while destroying the bacteria that causes acne It also helps improve collagen production and skin thickness

SLIMMING

SLIMMING

For millions of dieters the roller coaster of different diet plans and miracle weight loss solutions isnt successful but the simple meal substitutions and coordinated programs of SlimFast is an effective weight management technique With its easy to use products and encouraging atmosphere the company has become one of the most wellknown diet plans in the world First launched in 1977 this line of weight management products has spread to worldwide success with dozens of options for all types of dietary needs There are four basic keys to success with the program Diet Controlled portions and healthy meals help form nutritional eating habits
Activity Exercise is a necessary component to a healthy lifestyle at any weight Tools To successfully manage weight individuals need to be aware of their bodys proportions and what goals are best to work toward
Support Without a supportive community of friends and family to encourage healthy habits and a positive selfimage dieters may revert to overeating and emotional eating For more than 25 years Slim Fast has emphasized the concepts of weight management and progress rather than perfection or unattainable ideals Contrary to its name the company does not encourage rapid loss but instead encourages individuals to move forward at a pace that suits their body and lifestyle to reach healthy goals and lifetime habits

The maxim a shake for breakfast a shake for lunch and a sensible dinner is the companys trademark though the company has progressed far beyond the powdered shake mixes that were its trademark for so many years Today there is a wide range of products including readytodrink shakes snack bars meal replacement bars lowcarb options highprotein products for active lifestyles and easily digestible products for individuals who may be sensitive to gluten or lactose While these technical names are not particularly appetizing the available flavors are decadent enough to set any mouth watering Many snack and meal bars are either chocolate or yogurt coated for additional deliciousness yet even with such luxuriant flavors each product is formulated to offer onethird of most daily recommended vitamins and nutrients onesixth for snack bars to help users achieve a nutritional and healthy diet Many people initially question the idea of snack bars after all isnt the point of a diet or weight management plan to eliminate snacking On the contrary the company recognizes the importance of snacking both psychologically and to keep the bodys metabolism and blood sugar levels in optimum ranges Healthy snacks including fruits and vegetables are encouraged throughout the day Slim Fast products are widely available at grocery and discount stores and they are typically shelved with diet and weight management products near vitamins and other supplements Costs vary with shakes selling for $12 each in packs of 4 or 6 snack bars averaging $3 50 for six and meal bars averaging $7 for six The products are also available online through the companys official site www slimfast com
The best successes on the SlimFast program are attributed to more than just food The final key to success support is critical for individuals to be able to maintain their healthy habits and support from certified dietitians is available online twentyfour hours a day Individuals can also read inspiring success stories create personalized meal plans and view recipes for their sensible dinners and obtain free guides about healthy weight loss and other fitness topics A free online support group is also available for both novice and experienced dieters to join together for additional encouragement

The key to any diet and weight management plan including SlimFast is to be committed to the program Because this company emphasizes life management rather than rapid solutions it is a longterm commitment that can lead to superb results as dieters adjust their lives to healthier habits

The Raw Food Diet basically follows the strictest form of the vegan diet no meat fish milk dairy products eggs or cooked foods Only raw minimally processed foods are permitted in this way of eating Some followers do eat meat Carol Alt among them but most avoid it

Sometimes raw foodists will fast or go on a special detoxifying diet such as The Lemonade Diet These types of diets address the individuals specific health concerns or cleanse their systems further from the pollutants and toxins so prevalent in highly developed societies

The purpose of eating a raw food diet is not only to help a person lose weight and feel better but also to slow the aging process by helping a person look and feel younger In their several books Carol Alt Tonya Zavasta and the Boutenko family each tell their stories of health problems cured and youthfulness achieved after following the raw food lifestyle

Raw fooding is all about enzymes Enzymes are present in all raw foods but most are either completely destroyed or are rendered inactive by cooking Hence the premise of a raw food diet lifestyle is that it is far more healthful to feed the human body foods in which the enzymes are present and active

Because heat destroys enzymes raw foodists are careful when purchasing juicers and dehydrators to ensure that the food will not be heated excessively Studies have indicated that enzyme action is destroyed at temperatures of 118 degrees or greater In Your Right to Be Beautiful 1 Tonya Zavasta recommends buying a lowwattage dehydrator that can be set at 95 degrees or lower as most raw food recipes do not call for temperatures above 110 degrees

DietIf youre looking for the perfect 1400 calorie diabetic diet there are certainly handy sample plans to try but remember each person is an individual and because of this a specific diet may work better for one person than another You can try any 1400 sample plan but personalized adjustments may be necessary

If you have diabetes and your doctor recommends that you try a 1400 calorie diet plan it could be for a number of reasons. A diet plan with 1400 calories offers enough calories to meet nutritional needs when planned in a wellbalanced manner and still is low enough in calories to assist an individual who needs to lose weight Even with minimal exercising effort its likely that someone eating 1400 calories will lose weight
If your current diet is not working you may be on the path of needing medication to help control your diabetes A much easier plan is that you control your diabetes with diet and exercise if possible Many doctors suggest that a patient who is not in dire need of medication attempt to control their diabetes with diet and exercise before moving on the medications

The first place to find plans for a good 1400 calorie diabetic diet plan will be with your doctor Better yet you are also working with a nutrition specialist If not have your doctor refer your to one The importance of personalized support and planning for your experience with diabetes cannot be understated People with superior support plans and a team of helpers to back them up succeed at managing their diabetes far better than someone trying to plan their diet and care on their own That said its highly suggested that you work closely with your support team to plan a diet thats right for you However if you are already working with a team and need fresh ideas for your 1400 calorie diabetic diet then these resources may help. First youll want to do some preplanning and this handy guide from the Mayo Clinic Diabetes diet Create your healthyeating plan can help This will direct you as to what parts of your diet to concentrate on such as carbohydrate counting and also offers ideas on the the diabetic exchange system consistency and diet variationThe National Diabetes Education Program offers a wealth of diet planning support including a sample diabetic diet planmeals for a day nutrition information some handy thoughts about the diabetic food pyramid and more.Many of the healthier online 1400 calorie diet plans are not specifically related to a diabetic plan That doesnt mean they wont work for you though The following plans offer ideas about what to eat to add up to 1400 calories Free dieting 1400 plan Weight loss resources 1400 calorie plan in the UK and one more 1400 calorie diet variation Once you have a good idea of what belongs on a 1400 calorie diet plan skip back over to the Mayo Clinic for some amazing recipes The clinics healthy diabetic recipe section not only offers seriously delicious food choices but a complete calorie carbohydrate protein and more breakdown of the recipe so you can be sure youre getting the right amount of calories and nutrients If that doesnt convince you listen to some of these recipes southwestern potato skins blackberry iced tea with cinnamon and ginger cookies and cream milkshake barbecue chicken pizza and many more A diabetic diet can be fun or at least tastier than you thoughtYou also may be interested in diabetic cookbooks diabetic food list and learning about the basics of the diabetic dietDont forget to always run any sort of diet plan or diet changes past your health care provider before you start

SALADS

Diabetic Recipes Salads

Salads have come a long way from their reputation as the traditional diet food Depending on their ingredients salads are considered a healthy and satisfying main entree especially for a diabetic Building a meal around vegetables and protein can help people with diabetes control their blood sugars. However you use salads as an appetizer main course or snack remember to keep portion size in mind especially if the salad contains pasta or other starches Use dressings wisely Regular fat dressings can contain up to 17 grams of fat per tablespoon whereas lowfat or fat free dressings may contain more sugar and sodium the flavor has to come from something Read the label and ingredient list to make sure youre choosing a low carbohydrate low fat dressing Or make your own dressing as described in the Chicken Spinach and Fruit Salad recipe below Enhance these salads by adding a serving of nuts 6 almonds cashews or mixed nuts or 10 peanuts which counts as a fat exchange or 3oz of tuna or cubed chicken or turkey for more protein which counts as 3 very lean meat exchanges

Diabetic Recipes Appetizers

When enjoying a meal it is important for a diabetic not to spend a lot of carbohydrates on appetizers Keep portion size in mind as even a few pieces of the garlic bread listed below can easily become a meal of two or three carbohydrates Bring your own appetizers to a party so you know exactly what youre eating If you cant resist the appetizer table reach for nonstarchy vegetables such as broccoli carrots cauliflower tomato and cucumber

The recipes below contain zero to one carbohydrate exchange per serving

Herbed Garlic Bread

Ingredients

4 slices crusty Italian bread cut ½ thick

2 garlic cloves peeled and halved

Olive oil cooking spray

Basil chopped fresh

Oregano chopped fresh

Pepper freshly ground

Directions

Lightly brown both sides of bread slices using grill or toaster oven Remove from heat and lightly coat both sides with cooking spray Rub with the cut garlic then top with pepper and chopped herbs Spray again with cooking spray Cut in half and serve warm

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 4 servings

Per serving 77 calories 3g protein 1g total fat 0 2g saturated fat 14g carbohydrate 1g dietary fiber 0mg cholesterol 166mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 Carbohydrate 1 Bread Starch


Dill and Onion Dip

Ingredients

2 cups plain lowfat yogurt drained

16oz carton lowfat cottage cheese

½ cup chopped fresh dill

1 Tbsp onion grated

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Combine cottage cheese yogurt dill and onion in a large bowl Season with pepper Cover and chill until ready to serve

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes about 1 quart

Per 2 Tbsp serving 20 calories 3g protein trace total fat 0 2g saturated fat 2g carbohydrate 0 dietary fiber 2mg cholesterol 68mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving Free

Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

9oz package frozen nosaltadded artichoke hearts thawed drained

4oz fat free or lowfat cream cheese room temperature

1 2 cup plain nonfat or lowfat yogurt

¼ cup thinly sliced green onions green part only

1 1 2 tsp cream sherry

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning saltfree

1 8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Blot artichokes with paper towels and chop into small pieces In medium bowl whisk together remaining ingredients blending well Stir in artichokes Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend Stir before serving Serve with fresh sliced vegetables

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 14 servings Per 2 Tbsp serving 20 calories 2g protein 79mg sodium 3g carbohydrate

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 2 Lowfat Meat

Adapted from The New American Heart Association Cookbook


Fruit and Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1 2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1 2 to 1 tsp lemonpepper seasoning

1 2 tsp dry mustard

1 4 tsp garlic salt

1 4 tsp poppy seed

4 packets artificial sweetener

1 to 2 Tbsp orange juice

4 cups torn spinach leaves

8 oz thinly sliced cooked chicken breast

2 cups sliced strawberries

1 cup halved seedless green grapes

1 1 2 cups thinly sliced yellow summer squash

2 medium oranges peeled and sectioned

1 2 cup toasted pecan pieces optional

Directions

Combine yogurt mustard garlic salt poppy seed lemonpepper seasoning and sweetener in small bowl Add enough orange juice until salad dressing consistency set aside Line platter with spinach Arrange chicken grapes squash strawberries and orange sections over spinach Drizzle salad with dressing Sprinkle with pecans if desired

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 4 servings

Per serving 202 calories 21g protein 20g carbohydrate 5g fat 51mg cholesterol 380mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 2 Vegetable 1 Fruit 2 1 2 Meat

Diabetic Cookies

For diabetics cookies can be an option By looking for sugarfree cookies on grocery market shelves or by cooking up a batch of your favorite finds you can enjoy delicious cookies without fear of blood sugar spikes.Like most things diabetic cookies are readily available online For example Fenwicks offers gourmet cookies made with Splenda in place of sugar Diabetic Drugstore sells an assortment of diabetic cookies and other goodies

Make Your Own Diabetic Cookie Recipes
There are several sugar substitutes available to replace the traditional white and brown sugar used in recipes Each one will react differently to the baking process depending on the chemical composition of the artificial sweetener being used It is best to test your recipes in small batches using alternant sweeteners to ensure proper baking Most substitutes require less quantity as well since their sweetness is often highly concentrated In this case consider using half of regular sugar and half of substitute to be sure the batter gets the bulk it needs You can use white or brown sugar but half the amount in the original recipe first The two best sugar substitutes for baking are Acesulfame K and sucralose Dried fruit and spices are great additions for added flavor without all the sugar

Spicy Cornmeal Cookies
Ingredients

¼ cup butter or margarine

¾ cup unbleached allpurpose flour

¼ cup yellow cornmeal

¼ cup sugar

1 egg white

½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoon finely minced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In large bowl beat butter or margarine on medium speed for 30 seconds Add half the flour the cornmeal sugar egg white lemon zest vanilla cinnamon and nutmeg Beat until thoroughly combined Stir in remaining flour and almonds Mix well

Place dough by large tablespoonful on ungreased baking sheet Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden Let cool on wire rack

Servings and Nutrition Information

Makes 24 cookies

48 Calories 2 g Total Fat 0 g Saturated Fat 6 g Carbohydrate 1 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 36 mg Sodium

Crunchy Chocolate Biscotti

Ingredients

¼ cup butter or margarine

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup egg substitute

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup unbleached allpurpose flour

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray

In medium bowl beat butter or margarine on medium speed for 30 seconds Add sugar baking powder and baking soda beat until thoroughly combined Beat in egg substitute and vanilla

In small bowl stir together flours and cocoa powder Gradually beat small amounts of dry mix into butter mixture and stir in remaining dry mixture by hand if necessary Dough will be thick

In wax paper shape dough into two 12 logs and place logs on prepared cookie sheet Flatten slightly to about 1 ½ width Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until firm in center and toothpick inserted in center comes out dry Cool on cookie sheet for 1 full hour

Cut each log into ½ slices Arrange slices with cut side down on cookie sheet Bake slices at 325 degrees for 5 minutes turn slices over and bake for additional 5 minutes or until crisp

Servings and Nutritional Information

Makes 40 cookies

45 Calories 1 g Total Fat 0 g Saturated Fat 8 g Carbohydrate 1 g Fiber 1 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 35 mg Sodium

Variation Add 1 3 cup finely chopped dried fruit such as apricots mangos cherries or figs for a fruity flavor

Insulin Resistance Diet

Insulin Resistance Diet

Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas gland specifically by the cells called the islets of Langerhans The level of sugar or glucose flowing in your bloodstream determines the amount of insulin to be made The rate of speed at which sugar hits your bloodstream also determines the rate of speed insulin is made and dumped into the bloodstream Once it is gallivanting around in the blood its sole purpose is to hook up with the glucose molecules and carry them off to the various cells of the body for energy To best understand the components of an insulin resistance diet it is helpful to understand the mechanics of insulin itself The following information will provide you with both so you can decide for yourself if a dietary change is a necessary step for managing your health

As you may see from the brief explanation above insulin plays a critical role in energy production It is also extremely important for the removal of sugar from the blood Too much sugar running wild in the blood also known as hyperglycemia is damaging for many organs and functions of those organs including the heart and kidneys Insulin resistance often referred to as prediabetes occurs when the hormone itself is not performing its jobs efficiently While there are many reasons for malfunction insulin resistance is specifically a condition where the body is unable to use the insulin it produces In other words it has nothing to do with the lack of insulin as sometimes the condition causes overproduction but rather an immunity to it


A diet to help individuals with insulin resistance is similar to a diabetic diet Maintaining an appropriate blood glucose level is the primary goal when diet intervention is part of a treatment plan for insulin resistance Since simple sugars and carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream into glucose a comprehensive plan related to the number of grams of sugars and carbohydrates is imperative In addition meal combining to ensure an adequate quantity of protein fat and fiber is important to slow down digestion and halt an immediate rise in blood sugar The exchange system is often followed when using an insulin resistant diet

This system of counting the various grams of food items entails starches fruits mild products vegetables meat and other protein sources and fats For starches one exchange equals 15 grams of carbohydrate 3 grams of protein 01 gram of fat and 80 calories Similarly a fruit exchange equals 15 grams of carbohydrates and 60 calories Meal plans are based on caloric needs given a persons weight height gender age and activity level
The number of exchanges will vary from person to person Consulting with a nutritionist is beneficial for developing a diet for insulin resistance You can view a complete exchange list by visiting The National Institute of Health website

Fiber is a key component for an insulin resistance diet as it is for everyone Soluble fiber takes a long time to be broken down digestively while insoluble fiber is not digestible whatsoever but acts as a regulatory tool by slowing digestion of other foods It is recommended that all individuals attempt to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day This may seem like a hefty amount but consider that an apple or pear with its skin has 4 grams each Likewise a handful of almonds will supply you with grams while one cup of lentils will offer you grams. While it is unknown what exactly causes insulin resistance and diabetes it appears that genetic factors play a part as well as environmental Since the former is unchangeable it is critical to take a good hard look at the latter your environment By specifically and critically looking at what you are surrounding yourself with in terms of healthy practices you will be better equipped to change what is needed There is no doubt that diet and physical activity play a role in the management of insulin resistance In fact this prediabetic state is reversible Discussing your options with your medical team is the best place to start If weight loss is necessary it is wellstudies that losing just 10% of your weight can greatly enhance your insulin performance energy levels and the way your pants feel There is also an informative book available dedicated to the this type of diet called The InsulinResistance Diet

Anti Aging

Anti Aging

We all age with the passing of time It is an inescapable part of life However with an effective antiaging diet plan we can halt the aging process for a life of wellness and longevity.Although we grow wiser with age our bodys natural process is to begin slowing itself down After a certain age or age range we do not require as much energy as we did when our bodies were still developing and growing One example for the reason behind this decreased energy need is our bones decreased ability to deposit calcium into our bones at or around 35 years old There are literally hundreds of cellular processes that require energy during our first half but not as much thereafter The aging process also involves the generation of unstable molecules known as free radicals at a cellular level in our bodies Free radicals as you may have heard are the culprit for a multitude of health conditions due to their ability to interrupt the normal cell process Common results of free radical activity include wrinkling of the skin degenerative eye diseases and cancer

It would make sense that if free radicals are the enemies then we need a weapon of defense to stop the fight better known as aging Fortunately scientific research has uncovered the eversopowerful effects of antioxidants Even better antioxidants have been found in a number of foods Vitamin A C E and the mineral selenium known as the ACES have been found to be the answer to destroying free radical activity Betacarotene lycopene and lutein have been singled out as extremely potent antioxidants A short list of foods rich in antioxidants include

Oranges
Carrots
Pomegranates
Blueberries
Strawberries
Soy
Almonds
Avocados
Sweet potatoes
Apricots
Wheat germ
Tomatoes
Spinach
Pink grapefruit
Broccoli

A word about selenium Although selenium is not actually an antioxidant compound but rather a mineral it remains a beneficial component to the antiaging diet It differs from the other compounds because it is strictly found in the soil It finds its way into our food supply in two ways either from the direct contact with the produce we eat or through the meat of the poultry and beef we eat that are raised on seleniumrich soils where the feed is grown

A major piece to the antiaging diet puzzle is the nutrition equation of calories in vs calories out As mentioned earlier the human body needs fewer calories as metabolic functioning winds down to second or third gear Hence in order to maintain a healthy body weight as we grow older we need to eat less to keep the unused calories from landing into storage space of hips thighs belly and such The importance of this calorie reduction cannot be understated since a healthy weight is vital to the prevention of several ageprovoked diseases Examples include diabetes cardiovascular disease arthritis and some cancers Here are a few ways besides eating less to keep metabolic activity as high as possible
Eat 4 5 small meals per day
Include nutrientdense foods instead of empty calorie foods since you need the same amount of nutrients but fewer calories

Engage in weightbearing exercise on a daily basis muscle mass burns calories at a higher rate than fat mass
Measure food servings to ensure proper portions and adjust amounts accordingly See the food guide pyramid for appropriate serving sizes

Drink at least 8 12 cups of water per day

Other Important AntiAging Nutrients

There are specific areas of the body that need our special attention as the years sail on by Bones eyes heart and joints are highly vulnerable to the effects of aging For this reason the following tips will help promote optimal function throughout the years

Calcium To prevent bone loss and fractures
Vitamin A To prevent macular degeneration of the eyes
Phytonutrients To prevent certain cancers
Fiber To prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol and to prevent colorectal cancer
Vitamin B6 To prevent insomnia to lower homocysteine levels shown to increase risk of stroke
Unsaturated fats Omega3 To prevent heart disease arthritic ailments and certain cancers
Water To prevent dehydration and keep organ systems working properly as well as ridding the body of toxins Water also keeps the skin looking healthy by providing the hydration it needs to minimize fine lines and wrinkles

BELLY FAT LOSS

BELLY FAT LOSS

If you are battling the bulge at your midsection you may be searching for that miracle belly fat workout to give you that lean defined look In reality no secret workout sequence exists to give you perfect abs overnight It takes dedication and a little sweat However if you make the commitment to do what it takes your tummy will be in showoff shape very soon Whether youve had issues with weight settling at your abdomen for a long time or this is something new youre experiencing either way experts conclude that belly fat is not healthy Extra weight at the stomach has been linked to the development of diabetes and heart disease Doctors urge patients to lose this weight to decrease chances of developing further health problems While watching daytime TV youre apt to see various ads for a number of miracle workouts that promise to firm up your tummy and give you a great body These workouts are marketed to be quick easy and the solution to all of your problems. What is the perfect workout for belly fat reduction There is no specific recipe for success except for hard work and consistency

Doctors and fitness experts encourage those with spare tires to do a combination of exercises in order to lose belly fat Aerobic exercise is recommended because it helps burn calories and is good for your heart This includes walking jogging running using the stair climber or any other exercise that uses most of your body and increases your heart rate In addition to aerobic exercise professionals in the fitness industry are seeing the best effects with clients who include an element of strength training in their workout regime Its common knowledge that muscle burns more calories than fat So when your body has more muscle it burns calories more efficiently By adding strength training or weight lifting to your workout you build muscle and sculpt your body for when that belly fat comes off It is recommended to alternate your workouts between aerobic and weight training For instance if you workout four days a week the first and the third day should be aerobic exercises The second and fourth day should be weight lifting
Fitness experts agree that exercises targeting your midsection wont help peel off that belly fat They are good for you but doing situps without any other exercises isnt going to get you a flat tummy This is because there is a layer of fat on top of your abdominal muscles Even if you get your abs firmed up theres still a layer of fat covering them Other exercises must be performed in order to get rid of this fat

Exercise alone wont fix your problem either Along with exercise you must begin to watch your diet more closely and cut calories in order to lose weight You need to use more calories than you consume Additionally foods lowfat should be added to your diet and foods high in fat should be eliminated all together The old saying You are what you eat is very true If you consistently eat fatty foods youre more likely to have a higher body fat percentage Another thing to eliminate from your diet is alcohol Experts have indicated that weight gained from drinking alcoholic beverages goes directly to your middle If you are serious about losing the belly fat lose the alcohol or limit it to only special occasions Nobody is going to tell you that trimming your tummy is going to be an easy task Its hard But its worth it Youll be decreasing your chances of developing diabetes or heart disease and another nice perk is that youll have a toned tummy to show off The benefits are definitely worthwhile

Exercise

Exercise

Exercise or be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes a day You can break this up into 15 minute blocks if you need to However you need to be moving or doing some fat burning exercise and burning calories Walking aerobics bike riding jogging jump roping walking up stairs or even playing with your Dance Dance Revolution counts as exercise

Once you decide to lose weight you need to set goals Losing 30 pounds in a month is highly unlikely for anyone Anyone who advertises quick weight loss is trying to con you Instead focus on small achievable goals Start small One to two pounds a week is a great starter goal Another easy weight loss tip is to share your goal with others and ask them to hold you accountable Find a friend or family member to share your progress with Register at one of the many message boards dedicated to helping you lose weight Having a buddy will help you stay on track

It will not do you any good to lose 15 pounds just to gain it all back Often we work so hard taking off the pounds that once we get there we forget to work on maintaining our health If you go back to your old eating and exercise or lack of habits as soon as you hit your goal you will need to start all over again So while picking your diet program make sure it is something you feel comfortable continuing for the rest of your life No matter how much weight you need to lose it will not happen overnight It involves creating good habits that will take time to develop

Easy Weight Loss

Easy Weight Loss

The calories needed to lose weight can vary dramatically depending on how much weight you need to lose Losing weight is all about energy expenditure coupled with the amount of calories consumed so if you increase activity as well as make smarter food choices you can actually get away with eating more

When trying to lose weight you need to eat fewer calories than your body is using through daily activity and metabolic function Some people find success dieting just by cutting calories but other people find that both cutting calories and increasing physical activity make it easier to lose weight quickly

When it comes to figuring out calories needed to lose weight you have to factor in your current calorie and energy levels how much weight you want to lose how quickly and how much more energy you might expend through working out

All of this presents a rather delicate balance that can make it difficult to determine exactly how much you need to cut calories While some people do quite well on a 1 200 calorie diet others who work out more may need something like a 1 600 diet to have enough energy to get through the day

While it might be a little tricky to determine personal calories needed to lose weight on your own there are many online resources that can help Here are a few to get you started

Calorie Count has an easytouse calorie counter that factors in your age height current weight goal weight and activity level to determine how many calories you can consume daily You can also either enter a date by which you would like to lose the weight or allow the calculator to project when you will have lost the weight if you follow the plan
The Calorie Control Council has a calculator that tells you how many calories you need to maintain your current weight If youd like to lose weight know that a pound of fat is about 3 500 calories so you need to consume 3 500 fewer calories or expend 3 500 more calories to lose a pound a week
Anne Collins has a quick estimate to determine your caloric needs Women should multiply their weight in pounds by 12 men by 14 Thats how many calories you need to maintain weight To lose weight drop 500 calories a day from that to lose one pound a week You will note that most of these calculators suggest losing about a pound of weight a week While it is certainly possible to lose more weight in a week if you really worked at it this is a healthy pace and easy for most people to accomplish either through eating less or moving more

If you think about this last statistic that cutting 500 calories a day can help you lose a pound a week you can see that it doesnt have to be difficult to lose weight especially if you are working out more in addition to eating less

If you burned just 300 more calories a day exercising youll only need to cut about 250 calories from your daily diet in order to lose a pound a week If you combine cutting calories and exercising more you could lose two pounds a week instead of just one and meet your weight loss goals even faster

The main trouble with calorie counting as a means to lose weight is that we tend to underestimate how much we are eating or we may not know the calorie counts of food we eat out Keeping a food diary can help track exactly what youre eating or you can just replace highcalorie foods with more fruit and vegetables and youll be well on your way to losing weight

Low Carbohydrate Diet
There seems to be an abundance of low carbohydrate diet plans in the media today Each plan has its differences but a few things remain the same All low carb diets eliminate sugars white flour and white rice All of them recommend eating whole foods instead of processed foods They all also offer a balance of nutritious foods Contrary to popular belief low carbohydrate diets are not no carbohydrate diets Vegetables and fruits are always recommended in generous amounts along with lean sources of protein The following article will give you more information on low carb diets

While they do have their critics low carb diets also known as low glycemic diets have numerous benefits Here are just a few

Reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels
Increases HDL cholesterol the good kind
Reduces blood glucose levels
Reduces blood insulin levels
Lowers blood pressure
One study even said that a low carbohydrate diet is a patientempowering way to ameliorate hyperglycemia without pharmacological intervention In plain English that means that a patient can improve his blood glucose levels without medications by following this type of diet Of course you will always want a doctors supervision before starting any diet especially if you have health problems However the evidence is very encouraging

There really are numerous plans that advocate following a low carb way of eating More about each diet in detail can be found by reading related articles and by visiting the websites that endorse each diet Listed here are a few that you have probably heard of

The Atkins DietOne of the first low carb diet plans the Atkins Diet was first introduced in 1972 Dr Atkins taught a philosophy on nutrition that includes restricting processed foods and includes nutrientrich whole foods and nutritional supplements
Protein Power This diet first came out in 1995 and restricts all refined carbohydrates These types of carbohydrates are processed just as sugar is by the body therefore causing an imbalance of blood sugar Health issues like diabetes high blood pressure and obesity can be triggered by this imbalance
Sugar BustersThis plan also came out in 1995 It teaches that by balancing blood sugar levels you can lose weight and be healthy This is done by consuming high fiber vegetables lean meats and unsaturated fats
The ZonePopular since 1996 this plan is different that Atkins in that it has you follow an eating ratio of 40 percent carbohydrates 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat
Insulin Resistance Diet This plan made its debut in 2001 and is based on the belief that carbohydrates are addictive and cause your body to produce too much insulin This diet helps you to control your insulin to lose weight

If you are interested in learning more about these plans the best thing to do is read the book A great deal of information can be found online but to understand all the details of each plan you really need to read the book first All of these books can be found at Amazon com but if you are not ready to commit just yet try your local library Even a used book store or yard sale may yield good results If you are ready to buy the books just follow these links

The Atkins Diet
Protein Power
Sugar Busters
The Zone
The Insulin Resistance Diet
The South Beach Diet
Remember these diets all endorse eating plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables These are not high fat meat only diets Some plans may have restrictive phases in which your choice of foods is very limited but these phases are brief with some plans considering them optional phases Use common sense when starting a new diet to be sure that it is based on healthy balanced eating instead of some fad diet and you will find success

Though there is no such thing as easy weight loss there are many diets and tips you can incorporate into your life that will help you shed those pounds Losing weight should not be a painful experience but an enjoyable one that will help you feel healthier and build your selfesteem Keep in mind no matter what diet you choose you need to make two lifestyle changes diet and exercise It takes time and dedication to get to your target weight
Diet has a huge impact on you losing those pounds You can begin an effective weight loss plan by eating healthier and eliminating most of the junk food from your diet You need to change both how and what you eat For example if you love to have mayonnaise and cheese on your white bread sandwich simply cutting back on the mayo and cheese and changing your bread choice to whole wheat is a step in the right direction This step needs to be included in all the food choices for your whole diet Pay attention to what you are eating and ask yourself if it is a good healthy choice
Fruits and vegetables are highly recommended to help you lose weight They are packed with fiber antioxidants vitamins and minerals Not only will they fill up your stomach and make you feel full they are low in calories
By making just a few switches in the types of food you eat can greatly help you lose weight As mentioned replacing white bread with whole wheat bread is an easy weight loss tip for the extra fiber you will be adding to your diet Fiber helps keep you fuller longer hence fewer calories being consumed over the course of the day Also by trading in whole milk for nonfat or lowfat milk and replacing juice and soda with water you can bet you will be shaving off calories and experiencing some rather easy weight loss Another tip is instead of eating french fries consider a baked potato lowfat yogurt or a salad with lowfat dressing

One tip for easy weight loss is to avoid certain foods Soda pop is a great example as it can easily add up to 360 or more extra calories a day Of course beer is another drink to avoid or limit while losing weight You also want to avoid fast food grease and other junk food like chips and candy bars

When losing weight cutting back on calories is essential One way you can do this is by eating smaller portions Another way is to avoid snacking or change what you nibble on If you do need a snack reach for apples and carrot sticks instead of chips and candy

One of the best easy weight loss tips you will receive is to drink water. Water is a critical part of your diet no matter what your weight However it is something most dieters overlook You should drink a minimum of eight ounces a day Drinking water will help your diet because it Suppresses your appetite and helps you feel full so you will eat less
Helps your metabolism run at its optimal rate
Helps reduce fat deposits in your body
Flushes out waste products as your fat cells are shrinking

Keeping some treats in your diet may not seem like a tip for easy weight loss but your sanity is important Though junk food sweets and soda are not the best choices for you you are only human The best way to avoid ruining your diet is by rewarding yourself in moderation Allow yourself to eat something you really want that is unhealthy but not on a daily basis If you need a pop have one on Friday evenings with dinner as a way to end the week Keep those goodies in your life just enough so you will not feel like you are suffering These little indulgences will help you stick to your otherwise healthy diet