ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of commercial weight loss programmes on macronutrient composition and micronutrient adequacy over a 2 month period. DesignAdults were randomly allocated to follow the Slim Fast Plan, Weight Watchers Pure Points Programme, Dr Atkins’ New reducing your calorie intake Revolution, or Rosemary Conley’s "Eat Yourself Slim" reducing your calorie intake & Fitness Plan.
Setting: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial.
Subjects: 293 adults, mean age 40.3 years and a mean BMI 31.7 (range 27-38) were allocated to follow one of the four reducing your calorie intakes or control group. Subjects completed a 7-day nourishment and activity diary at baseline (prior to randomisation) and after 2 months. reducing your calorie intake records were analysed for nutrient composition using Winreducing your calorie intakes (research version).
Results:
A significant shift in the macronutrient composition of the reducing your calorie intake with concurrent alteration of the micronutrient profile was apparent with all reducing your calorie intakes. There was no evidence to suggest micronutrient deficiency in subjects on any of the reducing your calorie intakeary regimens. However, those sub-groups with higher needs for specific micronutrients, such as folate, iron or calcium may benefit from tailored reducing your calorie intakeary advice.
Conclusions:
The reducing your calorie intakes tested all resulted in considerable macronutrient change and resulted in an energy deficit indicating reducing your calorie intakeary compliance. Health professionals and those working in community and public health should be reassured of the nutritional adequacy of the reducing your calorie intakes tested.

Modernization is wonderful, but there are also other factors in the modern life we live in that may subject our bodies to harm. Understanding what can harm us and what will help us will be our best defense.

Free radicals, our body’s natural enemy subject our body to more than 10,000 hits during a normal day. If our body is not able to combat the harmful effect of free radicals, then it may give us disease and pre-maturely age our body including our skin.

The pristine valleys of Tibet and Mongolia have a solution to this problem.

What do you think is their secret?

Introducing goji juice, made from goji berries grown in the remote and unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. Experts who want to save the people who live in this modern society studied what must be wonderful about these Himalayan diets and why do they live so long and free from diseases. Their studies prove that their diet perpetually include goji berries.

Further studies on goji berries prove that they are nutritious and contain vital nutrients necessary to combat free radicals.

Goji juice contains potent vitamins, and minerals like no other berry.

Goji juice also contains 18 amino acids, 8 of which are essential for our bodies, but having all 18 adds to the beneficial characteristic of this wonderful red juice.

Based on studies by numerous health professionals including Dr. Earl Mindell, the author of The Vitamin Bible, goji juice made from goji berries can give your body all the nutrients it needs to help keep a healthy and happy life.

Goji juice aside from the 18 amino acids also has 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. All of these can help give you healthy and active life.

Some of the beneficial effects of drinking goji juice are:

Energy and Strength – goji juice is considered as an adaptogen. It increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. Goji juice may also enhance the recovery of ill patients.

Cholesterol level balance – goji juice may also help manage your cholesterol level because it contains beta-sitosterol, which can help in your cholesterol level balance. It will also help avoid cholesterol deposit in the blood vessels, thus heart problems may be eliminated.

Normal Kidney Function – your kidney is the vital organ that may possibly control the brain and other organs in the body. It is thus essential for better health that you keep your kidneys functioning properly. Goji juice is believed to be helpful in keeping this essential organ functioning properly.

Supports General Health – as mentioned earlier, free radicals harm our body in many ways. Thus, eliminating this natural enemy will help keep our body strong and avoid illnesses. Goji juice is a potent antioxidant that may keep our body healthy.

Other beneficial factors which may come from goji juice are enhanced sexual function, blood sugar level balance and vision problems.

This is because goji juice contains more beta-carotene even compared to a carrot. The vitamin C contents of goji juice, which is 500 times more in weight than orange, will help keep the immune system functioning properly to avoid illness.

These are only a few of the helpful and beneficial functions of goji juice and because goji juice is safe even for children.

If drinking this sweet and tasty juice excites you well enough, you can also eat goji berries with your food. You can eat them fresh or the dried goji berries are also available. You may use your imagination as to how you can enjoy these wonderful and amazing berries.

The author Kirk Bachelder manages a business offering Goji Berries, Goji Berry Juice and Goji Seeds for sale at http://www.gojiberries.us

Goji Juice
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirk_G_Bachelder

Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of the ways to support your vision. As early as in our 30′s, our eyes and vision can begin to deteriorate. Wind, dust, chlorine fumes, automobile fumes, smoking, freezing temperatures and physical injury are examples of threats to healthy eyes and good vision. Long hours spent at a computer screen and the vibration from driving have a cumulative negative impact on eye health over time.

Healthy vision is related to the health of the individual parts of the eye – the cornea, iris, macula, lens, optic nerve, pupil, retina and the vitreous humor. And making good ocular nutrition and eye health food choices are one of the ways that good vision can be supported. Information provided by the U.S. National Eye Institute and the results of other ocular nutrition and eye health studies have shown that using nutrition to improve and support eye health definitely happens.

Here are foods that are known to support and improve eye health:

Collard greens, kale and spinach – studies on ocular nutrition and eye health show that eating foods rich in carotenoids is associated with reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Foods rich in carotenoids are leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale. Macular eye nutrition becomes increasingly important as we get older.

Green vegetables and corn – another study on ocular nutrition and eye health has shown a reduced risk of developing cataracts for persons having diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods high in these two carotenoids include broccoli, collard greens, corn, green peas, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens and zucchini. Lutein is also found in egg yolks. Persons with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin were also less likely to need cataract surgery. In another study done on persons ages 40-59, those with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin experienced a reduced risk of developing adult macular degeneration.

Apricots, bilberries and blueberries – apricots are rich in beta carotene and lycopene that help promote good vision. Beta carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A as needed, an important antioxidant that resists oxidative stress damage to cells and tissues including the eye lenses. Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular degeneration. Eating blueberries has been associated with the reduction of eye fatigue.

Blueberries are related to cranberries, and both also help the body resist urinary tract infections. Bilberries are a form of wild blueberry that grow on small bushes. Bilberries were used by British pilots to improve their night vision during World War 2. Fresh bilberries and bilberry jams would be sources of this ocular nutrition and eye health food. Bilberry seems to improve eye health by increasing the blood supply to the eyes.

Our eyes are considered to be the most important of the senses. By knowing which ocular nutrition and eye health food choices support the eyes, you can include more of these foods in daily meal planning.

Olinda Rola is President of Infosearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com a website of natural solutions for a variety of health problems. Visit Ocular Nutrition to read more on additional ways to obtain essential nutrients for eye health and vision support.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Olinda_Rola

Looking good will definitely make you feel good, and from there, life will be easier to deal with because most people will react to you more optimistically. People will tend to deal with you better because of the poise and contentment shown in your total outlook.

It has long been accepted that beauty is not just the physical appearance that seen from the outside; but is a conglomeration of spirit, mind, and body. In fact, complementing these three aspects of an individual is the very first step in enhancing your appearance. It is made possible through a series of makeovers that are specifically designed to enhance your appearance.

Here are some tips that would definitely help you bring out the best in you:

1. Be wary on the clothes that you wear:

Most people, especially those who have less confidence, tend to hide beneath their clothes. Plump women will most likely wear oversized clothing to hide their bulges. What they do not understand is that wearing comfortable clothing that appropriately corresponds to their body size and shape will make them appear slimmer.

People who are obese should try to avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly. These clothes will only accentuate the bulges. This does not necessarily mean that they should wear loose-fitting clothing which will only make the matter worse; because loose clothing will create an impression of being large.

2. Color your world

Colors can really make a difference. Nearly 95% of fashion designers contend that choosing the best color for your dress can enhance the color of your skin, eyes, and hair.

It is a well-known fact that colors can brighten the skin tone, add oomph to the eyes, and lighten the overall look of the face so it is important that you choose colors that will enhance your overall appearance. What are the secrets celebrities are using to shed pounds after pounds? Secrets revealed at http://www.diets-weightloss.info

3. Your crowning glory

The adage, “The hair is the crowning glory of every woman,” cannot simply be overrated. Most women will look younger or older depending on the type of hairstyle and hair color that they choose.

It is important to have a haircut that will enhance the shape of your face: there are different haircuts that are suitable for every shape of the face.

Correct hair color can enhance your skin tone as well as the color of your eyes. Since the 1950s, we have been concerned about major areas of body alteration and enhancement. Find out more about fat workouts that keeps you in good, healthy shape.

The bottom line is that makeovers can bring out the best in you.

Also Check Out: Dealing with obesity

Many people find it difficult to look in the mirror and accept the reality that the person they see is obese or overweight. It hurts even more when those around make fun of the individual.

This may occur because an individual eats too much and doesn’t burn the calories in the food that has been consumed or it may be caused by genetics. Regardless of the reason, there is still hope.

A person may have to work hard to achieve an ideal weight and desired appearance which may be accomplished by living a healthier lifestyle. A good solution will be to make some dietary changes.

A dietitian can design a program for a person to follow. Making some dietary changes does not mean giving up many of their favorite foods; it simply means eating smaller quantities and including food from all of the food groups.

The body needs energy to get through the day. When a person engages in an activity, the first source of energy tapped is always carbohydrates. These include oats, rice, pasta, bread, cereals and potatoes: yet fruits and vegetables still provide the greatest amount of carbohydrates because they are natural foods that contain enzymes, phyto-chemicals and other nutrients that artificial foods cannot provide. When you are in good health and take care of yourself on the inside, it’s bound to radiate to the outside! Find out more about fat workouts that keeps you in good, healthy shape.

Reducing the amount of fat in the diet is essential. These fats usually come from mono and poly-saturated sources as well as animal fat. Fat should be eaten in small quantities because too much or too little can cause problems with the dietary program.

A good example is milk. Those who drink should switch from whole milk to low fat. Soy milk is also ideal for those who require calcium to strengthen their bones. The intake of liquids is very important for those dieting. There are many calories in sodas (pop) and juices; even diet sodas are not good because they only make an individual want to eat more. The best thing to drink during each meal is still water. What are the secrets celebrities are using to shed pounds after pounds? Secrets revealed at http://www.diets-weightloss.info

By eating smart, a person will feel good and be able to see the difference in their appearance. People who once laughed will be envious. Even after the desired weight and appearance has been achieved, it is important that it is maintained. If not, those extra pounds will come back and a person will have to start over again.

Also Check Out: Dieting

While Alli (Orlistat) continues to grow in popularity in the slimming world, with many predicting a worldwide surge in demand, many potential users are beginning to ask detailed questions such as how often the weight loss pills should be taken, etc. There are a number of issues which should be clarified, prior to a person beginning the treatment. These include :-

Age Limit

The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) have approved Alli for use by people 18 years and older, and is targeted at the obese / overweight market. Under no circumstances should the pills be administered to people under 18 years of age.

Dosage

While Alli is in effect a reduced level dosage of the successful prescription weight loss pill Orlistat, it is essential that users stick to the recommended measurements. Sold in 60 mg capsules, it is advised that one capsule be taken 3 times a day with meals containing a fat content. The specificed dosage figures should not be abused.

Dietary Requirements

It is essential that Alli is not used in conjunction with a non-fat diet, as their will be no benefit to the user, and should instead be used in tandem with a reduced fat diet. The drug is essentially used to reduce the fatty acid intake of the body, by controlling the production of enzymes in the intestine.

Side Effects

While there may be some side effects to Alli, where users persist in continuing with a high fat diet, these effects are easy to control. The drug is shown to reduce fat intake by some 25%, although due to the fact that some of the fatty content is not processed and remains untreated in the body, it will be excreted by the user.

In low or reduced fat diets this is not a major concern, however if a high fat diet is followed then the increased “wastage” fatty content may cause irregular bowel movement, and unusual stools – all harmless, but potentially uncomfortable. It is recommended that users reduce their dietary fatty content to no more that 15 grams per meal.

Vitamin Deficiency

While Alli has been specially formulated to only act against fat related dietary elements, there are some fatty based vitamins which may not be absorbed by the body due to restricted enzyme production. These vitamins are still essential to any balanced diet, and it is recommend that a daily intake of vitamins is followed in conjunction with the Alli pills.

Additional Assistance To Alli

Even though the Alli weight loss pills are structured in such a way as to ensure that weight loss is effective from day one, it is also recommended that users also take on board a more active exercise regime, as well as a more appropriate diet. It is not worth taking the drug for a period of time, not changing your dietary habits, and increasing in weight after finishing the drug.

While there is no strict time limit for use of Alli, any treatment for similar situations is not a long term fix, and requires a change of lifestyle to ensure long term success. Alli is more than capable of inducing a dramatic weight loss, and while it is a major part, it is only one part of a long term dietary goal.

Conclusion

Alli is very easy to use, and the dosage, advice, etc are all clearly marked on the container. Even though the drug is not under prescription, it is essential that users adhere to the guidelines and advice, to ensure the best results.

Also Check Out: Diet Pills

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). This article discusses the diagnosis and management of this common problem.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common causes of knee pain in people over the age of 30. The cause is progressive wearing away of the cartilage cushion that covers the ends of the long bones that make up the knee joint. The inflammation that accompanies this process leads to swelling and pain.

Risk factors include family history of osteoarthritis, trauma, misalignment of the knee (leg not being straight), and obesity. Initially the discomfort is described as stiffness in the knees after lying down or sitting. Going up and down stairs as well as getting into and out of a car may be difficult.

OA of the knee can also cause locking, clicking, and a “give-way” sensation in the knee.

Pain at night is also a sign of OA.

The diagnosis is established by careful history and physical examination. Physical findings include tenderness along the joint line, misalignment of the knee (either bow-legs or knock knees), and the presence of joint swelling. The hip should also be examined because hip arthritis can also cause knee pain.

Laboratory blood tests will often be ordered to rule out other causes of arthritis. In addition, the physician will often draw fluid off the knee to analyze it.

While x-rays may be ordered to determine the extent of cartilage wear, they may be normal early on in OA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a much more sensitive method for detecting OA of the knee but is expensive.

Treatment of OA of the knee depends on the extent of symptoms. For mild pain, analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be sufficient. Stronger analgesics such as tramadol (Ultram) or propoxyphene (Darvon) may be more effective.

However, for those people who do not respond to acetaminophen or tramadol, the next option is low doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these drugs include ibuprofen (Advil), ketoprofen (Orudis) and naproxen (Aleve). These drugs may be purchased over the counter. More severe or persistent pain may require a prescription NSAID such as etodolac (Lodine), nabumetone (Relafen), dicloflenac (Voltaren), meloxicam (Mobic), and celecoxib (Celebrex). A note of caution: all NSAIDS have been associated with a slight increase in risk as far as cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) are concerned. They should be used with caution in patients who have a history of underlying heart disease. Also because of other reasons, they should be used with great caution in patients who have a history of ulcers or significant liver and kidney disease.

At the same time as medicines are introduced, a patient should be started on ice (ice packs) applied to the knee for 20 minutes twice a day. They should also start quadriceps setting (thigh muscle strengthening) exercises. These are exercises designed to strengthen the quadriceps muscles. The stronger these muscles are, the less pain a patient will experience.

Dietary supplements such as good quality forms of glucosamine and chondroitin may be helpful.

Injections of glucocorticoids (steroids) into the knee can be quite useful for symptomatic patients. Another type of injection- hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan, Supartz, Euflexxa, Orthovisc, Synvisc) may be indicated. Hyaluronic acid mimics the effects of the normal synovial fluid produced by the healthy knee. These injections reduce pain, provide lubrication, and may slow down the rate of cartilage deterioration.

Inserts in shoes may help with knee alignment issues and therefore can lead to pain relief.

Weight loss for patients who are obese is important. Low impact aerobic exercise (swimming, a stationary cycle, walking) accompanied by thigh strengthening and stretching are also effective for reducing pain.

Finally, braces and sleeves worn over the knee can also reduce pain that occurs with weight-bearing. Special types of braces that “unload” the part of the knee that is narrowed from arthritis can relieve symptoms in many patients.

Arthroscopy, which is a procedure where a small telescope is inserted into the knee and used to remove damaged or diseased tissue, is another potential option. Finally, patients who have pain that is associated with severe loss of cartilage from the knee may be candidates for knee replacement.

Also Check Out: Healthy Diets

However, the reality is that it is a rage among diet aficionados. Thus there are many critics who have pointed the existence of serious flaws with the South Beach diet. A good and balanced diet should possess the capability of controlling cholesterol.

 Agatston, the founder of South Beach diet himself has admitted taking statin drugs for controlling his cholesterol. Dr. This is another criticism levelled against South Beach. South beach diet also fails to improve the cholesterol level and halt the intake of statin drugs. Most of the experts are of the opinion that exercise should form an integral part of any diet plan as it helps to improve the metabolism of the body and aids in proper digestion.

 The critic are of the opinion that the South Beach diet does not stresses on the importance of exercise and also does not give much weight to exercise in its diet plan. For obese or over-weight people, 20 minutes will not suffice. Critics are of the opinion that 20 minutes of exercise is appropriate for a person whose weight falls under the recommended level. Agatston states that only 20 minutes of exercise is sufficient.

 However, Dr. Exercise is an important component is any weight loss program. Critics also argue that the South beach diet does not lay enough stress on exercise. The consumption of commercial pasteurized milk will only worsen the case for many.

 Many people are allergic to pasteurized casein and the worse thing is that the awareness level is low. Critics also argue that the emphasis laid on the consumption of commercial pasteurized milk is another minus point with South Beach diet. He also feels that the addition of animal proteins is another minus point of the diet. Fuhrman disapproves of not substituting the carbohydrates with legumes, fruits etc. But at the same time Dr.

 On one hand it aptly seeks to reduce the quantity of white flour and sugar that is so commonly found in the dietary pattern of the common American. Joel Fuhrman, author of Eat to Live, states that the South Beach Diet is like a yo-yo diet. Dr. In the absence of fibre, many will be forced to take dietary laxatives.

 Fibre plays an important role in the formation of stools and also promotes healthy bowel movements. The South beach diet stresses on having food items that are very low in fibre and much importance is put on having meat, which is again rich in proteins but low in fibre. The first criticism is that it disrupts regular bowl movements. But even South Beach diet has had its share of criticism.

 The diet is based on the thinking that the right kind of carbohydrates and fats can help people to control weight and appetite. This translates into staying away from potatoes, rice, pasta etc. But those following the South Beach should allow only the good carbohydrates and stay away from bad carbohydrates. It is based upon the principle that the body should get its share of carbohydrates.

 Cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Cardiac Prevention Center in Miami Beach is the founder of the South Beach diet. Among the many diets, that have gained popularity is the South Beach diet. Everybody is following the latest diet pattern to shed those extra kilos.  Wellness and fitness is the new age mantra that has got everyone under its grip.

Also Check Out: weight management

If you are reading this because you are frustrated about not being able to keep your weight off, rest assured you are not alone. You are only one of millions in the United States who feel just as frustrated as you are, and wonder what to do.

First of all, when you consider weight loss programs, you have to remember that they can work for you. However, there is no substitute for exercise and balanced dieting no matter which diet plan you follow.

If you are looking for a healthy diet plan to follow in order to help you keep your weight off for good, you have to first examine the purpose of a few well-known diets. If the purpose of the diet you have interest in trying promotes gradual weight loss and offers balanced meal plans then you know that it is most likely a good diet to follow.

If the diet that you are considering makes claims of drastic changes of weight in an extremely short period of time such as lose 50 pounds in less than a month or similar, then you know the diet is most possibly either a hoax or one that could cause harm to your body, mind, and emotions.

Another example of a diet that could possibly either not be effective long term or do not provide all of the nutrients your body needs are various three-day to seven-day diets. These are the type of diets in which you only eat a certain type of one or a few types of foods. Some foods that are used for these shot term diets are the grapefruit, hot dogs, read meats, and so forth. Usually this one food and a variety of other foods along with it are supposed to make up a diet that will help you lose weight.

Those who try the above mentioned temporary diets sometimes referred to as crash diets may lose at least a little bit of weight. However, if they have no long term diet plan after the first few days they are likely to gain all that weight they lost back. In order for a diet to be effective there needs to be a long-term diet plan.

One aspect not mentioned in this article yet about healthy dieting is that of exercise. Most healthy dieting plans also include provision for exercise, and encourage participants to plan an effective exercise programs. The purpose of exercise is to keep work your heart and muscles and to help burn fat. Exercise helps keep your body in ideal shape, or it helps it reach the ideal healthy state.

If you have heard of a diet plan that offers a remedy in which you can lose weight without exercise, you are usually advised by health professionals and personal fitness trainers to beware of these types of diets. Many people will recognize these diets as an easy solution to your problems; however the long-term effect is usually unknown or very unpredictable. Many people who use diet plans in which exercise is said to not be needed have a tendency to gain weight back of they are not careful.

Some examples of healthy weight loss diets are the food pyramid diet, which offers meal and nutrition plans from all the food groups. The food groups of this pyramid are generally fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, grains, and fats. The USDA offers guidelines for daily food allowances and even promotes personalized food pyramid dieting.

Both the USDA website and Mayo Clinic have ways that you can calculate how much of eat type of food you should eat daily. Not only that but they have a calorie guide as well. It is easy to plan this type of diet, especially if you already are in good health overall and just need to lose a few pounds, or even 15 to 20 pounds.

For those who are chronically obese, greater measures may be sought than just simply following a food pyramid. Chronically obese usually refers to an individual who is usually about 50 pounds or more overweight and has not had very much success with dieting leading to permanent weight loss.

Those who are chronically obese will often try a low carb diet in which they temporary reduce to almost nothing the amount of carbs that they consume. Then, they gradually add more carbs to their diet the further along they are in it. During this time they will find out how many carbs they can eat without gaining weight, and how they can continue to lose weight at a slow, steady rate.

If the above diets are still not enough for a person who really wants to keep the weight off, that person may qualify for one of various medical treatments. For example, some people will undergo stomach reduction surgery or liposuction. Others have even taken part in a clinical study on the gastric pacemaker for appetite reduction.

There are quite a few options out there for those who want to lose weight and keep it off. If you want to find out for yourself which one would be most effective for you remember you can call your doctor or a dietician to help you find the right plan for you. That doctor will suggest both a diet and fitness program to help improve the quality of your life.

Author: Jason Cox – online product reviewer

Also Check Out: Dealing with obesity

Weight seems to be a big issue these days with many news articles stating that most of the people in the US are obese, or overweight. Kids these days are also more overweight than kids the same age decades ago. What’s my view on the cause of all this, bad diet and no excercise. I know I mentioned that I was able to lose weight without any special diets or extreme workouts but what I did can be just viewed as a normal diet and minimal workout routine.

Also Check Out: Dealing with obesity