Benefits of a High-protein, Low-carbohydrate Diet

Made popular by the Atkins Diet, a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet has been proven to have many health and nutritional benefits, one of which is weight loss. Though this diet may sound like an easy way to eat all the meat and dairy you want without having to supplement them with fruits and vegetables, it is not that simple. Nutritionists urge that the right proteins and carbs must be eaten in order to reap the true benefits from this type of diet. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Benefits

High-protein, low-carb diets are known to cause weight loss, which is the most popular benefit of this type of diet. The idea behind it is that the body will metabolize, or burn off, more protein than it will carbs, allowing the body to burn more energy and store less fat.

Demographics

People who are obese, suffer from Type 2 diabetes or have a high serum triacylglycerol, which can cause heart disease and atherosclerosis, benefit the most from this type of diet, as it helps these types of people to burn fat, intake more vitamins and make better nutrition choices when it comes to picking which proteins and carbs they choose to eat.

Ingredients

Following a high-protein, low-carb diet is not as simple as it sounds. There are many proteins that nutritionists view as less than favorable and many carbohydrates that they recommend. For proteins, lean meats, such as chicken, fish, turkey, eggs and non-fat dairy products, such as eggs, are recommended. For carbohydrates, whole grains and fruits and vegetables are well preferred over sugary carbs. Brown rice, wheat bread, wheat pasta, beans, broccoli and spinach are all recommended, as is anything else high in fiber but low in fat and sugar.

Results

Following a nutritious diet such as this will produce visible weight loss for the average person who was previously not on a diet. Making this diet a lifestyle will also result in a participant feeling full for longer periods of time since proteins take longer to digest and, therefore longer to leave the stomach. This diet can also regulate the blood sugar level of people experiencing Type 2 diabetes.

Risks

A high-protein, low-carb diet is not right for everyone. In fact, many doctors believe that it is not healthy for anyone over a long period of time. According to WebMD, kidney failure, osteoporosis, ketosis, cancer and high cholesterol, which can result in heart disease and stroke, have all been linked to this type of diet.

Plant Rich Diets

A plant-rich diet comes from whole sources of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans. Foods from these plant sources have excellent internal and external benefits for your overall health and well- being. A diet rich in plant foods is an essential component of a healthy diet and a proactive way to improve and maintain a healthy you.

Plant-Rich Diet Components

A plant-rich diet is based on a fiber-dense and nutrient-rich diet. The variety and balance of healthy nutrients found in a plant-based diet is potent. Foods from plant sources provide the body with the nutrients needed to be healthy and function properly without any of the bad fats, carbohydrates and sugars that many other food sources contain. A plant-rich diet is packed full of vital nutrients the body thrives on, such as water, vitamins and minerals, fiber, essential fat (good fats) healthy protein (non-animal source) whole-food carbohydrates (good carbs), enzymes, phytochemicals and antioxidants. According to the United States Department of Agriculture a plant-rich diet is void of refined foods popular in the Western diet and composed primarily of whole foods derived from natural sources.

Benefits of a Plant-Rich Diet

Antioxidants and phytochemicals are two powerful benefits that a plant-rich diet offers. Antioxidants are abundant in plant-based foods and are known for neutralizing and preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals. According to the Mayo Clinic antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamins C and E, lycopene, selenium and lutein are better consumed from food sources opposed to supplement form and can be valuable in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. Phytochemicals also have powerful antioxidant properties and cellular protection. In addition phytochemicals stimulate enzyme production and reduce inflammation. According to Futurity, phytochemicals also can be beneficial in preventing "oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease." A diet rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals can benefit heart and cellular health as well as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and reducing the risk of diabetes and promote weight loss and maintenance.

Plant-Rich Foods

According to the Mayo Clinic, berries are an excellent plant-rich food. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries are among the highest choices. Other fruits such as apples (with peel) raisins, plums, avocados pomegranates, oranges red grapes and cherries are also good choices. Raw nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds and sesame seeds and whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, whole wheat and barley are fiber-packed and nutritiously dense choices. Beans, lentils and peas in addition to green leafy vegetables and dark red and yellow vegetables are all a part of a plant- rich diet and supports good health and well-being.

Go Organic

Choosing plant-rich foods from organic sources is the optimum way to get the most nutrient-rich whole foods to nourish and protect your body at the cellular level. Going organic eliminates the chemicals, pesticides waxes and additives that non-organic plant-based foods can contain. Organic plant-rich foods are a cleaner, healthier choice to obtain all of the healthful benefits that a plant-rich diet contains.

Low Protein Kidney Diet

There are a number of advantages to eating a moderate or high protein diet, but for individuals who have pre-existing kidney conditions, all those advantages must take a backseat when compared against the health of their vital organs. While a healthy kidney has little to no difficulty in processing any amount of protein thrown at it, a damaged kidney cannot. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from kidney disease, consider placing them on a low-protein diet for kidney health.

About the Kidneys

The kidneys are responsible for a number of vital functions for your body. They eliminate waste products, filter the blood, and are partly responsible for controlling blood pressure. The kidneys also act to preserve water balance in the body, keeping you well-hydrated throughout the day.

Protein and Kidneys

When the kidneys are damaged through disease or accident, the most crucial step to ensure their continued function is to reduce overall stress on the system. As protein digestion and metabolism places more stress upon the kidneys than other primary macronutrients do, it makes sense to lower protein to alleviate some of the kidneys' workload.

Low Protein Plan

To begin a low-protein kidney diet, understand that you do not have to dramatically change your lifestyle or eating habits. The most basic strategy for lowering protein intake is to begin treating meat as a side dish instead of as a main course. Thus, where you would ordinarily plan your meal around the consumption of meat, instead plan your meal around the consumption of grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats--leave meat as an afterthought.

How Low is Low-Protein?

Remember that low-protein does not mean a negligible amount. Your body needs protein to build and repair tissue, so do not deprive it of this vital resource. You must strike a balance between fueling your body and protecting your kidneys. Generally speaking, consumption of at least 40 to 60 grams of protein per day is sufficient for the needs of most.

Remember to Replace Calories

In cutting back on the consumption of protein, remember that you will also be cutting back on total daily calories. Unless you intend to cut calories in this way, be sure to replace the lost calories with extra food containing either carbohydrates or healthy fats. Good carb sources include fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Healthy fat sources include some animal fats, natural fats (like the fat found in an avocado), and oils (fish, flax, and olive oil are three healthy alternatives).

What Fruits Do Pet Skunks Eat?

Having a skunk as a pet is not as strange as you might think. These small, intelligent animals can provide companionship just as well as a cat or dog. The musk or scent glands in pet skunks are removed surgically at an early age so odor will not be an issue, and they should also be vaccinated against common dog and cat diseases. To help maintain good health, you pet should eat a healthy mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fruits.

Berries

Since very little is known about what a domestic skunk's nutritional requirements are, most veterinarians will recommend following as natural a diet as possible. Skunks that live in the wild will eat a variety of berries and your pet skunk can also enjoy this type of fruit. Items such as black berries, strawberries.blueberries and raspberries can all be purchased at your local grocery story or at fruit stands. Always use fresh or frozen fruit and nothing processed. It is recommended that adult skunks eat two meals a day which consist of a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and tuna or chicken.

Apples

Apples can also be found growing wild and although a skunk cannot climb a tree, it can eat any of the fruit that falls on the ground. You can purchase applies for your pet at orchards and at grocery stores. Slice them up into bite-size pieces the same way you would for a small child.

Grapes

Grapes are an excellent choice of fruit for your pet skunk as they are small and easy for the animal to manage. Green, black and red grapes as well as seedless are all good choices. Skunks have a ferocious appetite and will sometimes eat until they make themselves sick, so it is important to watch their portion size of their meals. Feeding fruits such as grapes for snacks will help to maintain a healthy weight.

Melons

A slice of melon is a perfect addition to your skunk's diet. This can be watermelon, cantaloupe, crenshaw, casaba, Persian and honeydew. Skunks will also eat the melon rind.

Other Fruits

Other fruits such as bananas, cherries, pears, mulberries and cranberries can also be added to your pet skunk's diet.

Feline Food & Behavior

While dogs may be man's best friend, many find that cats are more to their liking. Cats exhibit different behavior than dogs, and many believe that cats have a different "character." Personalities and food preferences can vary greatly from cat to cat.

Feline Diet

The most important part of a cat's diet is protein, which must be obtained from animal sources. Carbohydrates should only make up a small portion of a cat's diet. In addition, cats need to consume vitamins A, B1, D, E and trace amounts of B12.

Feline Behavior

Just as humans have personalities, so do felines. Some felines can be very stand-offish and aloof, while others are affectionate and even demanding of attention. Some behaviors that illustrate love are a cat kneading you with its paws, as a kitten does its mother, or rubbing its head against you to mark you with scent glands. To express displeasure, cats may bite, hiss, scratch furniture or claw the area near the litter box.

Funny Feline Food Behaviors

Often, cats will drop toys in food or water dishes, but this is because the cat identifies this as a safe location, and wants to hide its property. Some cats will refuse to drink out of bowls, preferring running water because of the sound and the cleanliness of it. If a cat which regularly drinks out of a bowl suddenly refuses, clean the bowl and replace the water--often your cat is telling you that there is dirt or bacteria in the water that he can smell but you cannot see.

The Best Diabetic Diet - High Fat & High Protein

According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes is a disease which mandates effective methodologies for personal control of blood sugar, as a diabetic's body has become unable to effectively manage blood sugar on its own. This is most often accomplished through restriction on carbohydrates--both in quantity and quality--to provide the body with only slow-digesting sources of carbs. However, a potentially superior method of dieting for diabetes is a high-fat, high-protein, low-carb diet, removing blood sugar from the equation entirely.

Low Carb Diet

Consume a diet that contains no more than 20 to 30 grams of carbs per day to control your diabetes with a high fat, high protein diet. While carbs are restricted, fat and protein are not--the bulk of your diet should come from these two macronutrients, consumed in roughly equal proportion. When making your calculations, remember that one gram of fat contains twice as many calories as a gram of protein, so you will need to consume two grams of protein for every gram of fat in order to keep things relatively balanced. Regarding carbohydrate intake, all of your carbs should be split across your daily meals to avoid excess carb consumption at any one meal. Furthermore, aim to consume the vast majority (if not all) of your carbs from leafy green and fibrous vegetables, as these provide the most bang for your buck--maximal fiber content and nutritional value with minimal total carbs.

Low-Carb Research

A study published in the online journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that low-carb diets are quite effective at managing the symptoms of diabetes. In the study, individuals on the low-carb diet lost more weight and managed their disease better by following a dietary approach similar to the one listed above. A low carb diet provides a cascading "snowball" effect whereby blood sugar is initially lowered by subtraction of carbs, then is subsequently and continually lowered by the resultant weight loss. While adhering to a prolonged low-carb diet is hardly easy, the results shown thus far are quite encouraging as it seems to be a universal solution to diabetes management.

Pros of Animal Food vs. Plant Food

While some vegetarians, known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians, do eat dairy products, others, known as vegans, are even more extreme, consuming only plant foods. Although many people think a vegetarian diet is healthier than diets that include meat, a plant food diet can be lacking in some nutrients. Before embarking on a plant-based diet, seek medical advice, because including animal food in a diet does offer advantages over vegan diets. Does this Spark an idea?

More Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Because vegetarians don't eat meat, they can be lacking in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the odds for medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, says Colorado State University. They improve vision and cognitive function, besides serving as an anti-inflammatory in the body. The best sources of omega-3 acids are organ meats, fish and eggs enriched with omega-3s.

Better Iron Absorption

Although iron is found in both animal and plant foods, the body absorbs the iron in animal foods easier than iron that's contained in plant foods. Plants have less available iron for the body because of their higher fiber content, which isn't absorbed into the human body. Fiber can also tie up other minerals besides iron, preventing them from being absorbed. As a result, people who eat only plant-based foods have a higher chance for having an iron deficiency. Women require more iron than men do, so they particularly need to be cautious about their daily iron intake, especially when eating only plant foods.

More Phosphorus

Animal foods contain more phosphorus than plant foods. The body can absorb phosphorus considerably easier than plant foods. Phosphorus is important to healthy bones, teeth and cell membranes. It's a co-factor for several enzymes and DNA and RNA, in addition to increasing endurance, says Healthy Vitamin Choice. Although foods including cereals and legumes have phytic acid, it must be processed before it's absorbed into the body, while meat can absorb phosphorus directly, notes the website Ayushveda.

More Vitamin B-12

It can be harder for people who eat only plant-based food to receive enough vitamin B-12, so they should take supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B-12. This vitamin is found only in animal foods. Vitamin B-12 is essential for the formation of normal blood cells and cellular repair. A diet lacking in B-12, over a period of time, can cause lightheadedness, anemia or some form of neuropathy, notes the Lab Tests Onine website.

Seven-Day High Protein Diet

Seven-day high protein diets are usually used by those looking to gain muscle and decrease body fat. Dieters who are trying to lose weight also can find acceptable results from these types of diets as well. A healthy diet for weight loss should be well balanced and contain the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to remain healthy and reach a healthy weight.

Benefits of Seven-Day High Protein Diets

The high protein diet has become the latest craze in weight loss and muscle building in recent years. The health benefits of eating a diet that is high in lean protein are many. Protein is the fuel that the body uses to build muscle. Bodybuilders often increase the amount of protein in their diet so that they can gain more muscle mass. For someone who is looking to lose weight, more muscle means less fat on his body. The digestion of protein also requires the body to use more energy. This phenomenon is referred to as a thermic affect and it means that the body is burning calories just to digest your meals.
Dieters also point out that protein diets are easier to maintain. Lean meats and other sources of protein allow the body to feel satiated and less hungry between meals. This allows dieters to stay on their weight loss diet longer to achieve the ideal goal.
To lose a significant amount of weight, a seven-day diet can be the start of an even longer diet that is high in protein and low in fats and overprocessed foods.

Risks of High Protein Diets

Nutritionists warn of a diet that is too high in protein because of the stress that is created on the kidneys. Some even have pointed to kidney failure as the result of a diet that is too high in protein. There has not been any evidence of this fact but those who are suffering from kidney problems should avoid a high protein diet.
A seven-day high protein diet is not likely to cause any significant health problems but you should always consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program. A full checkup will assure you that you are in good health to continue with your weight loss plans.
Use caution when embarking on a high protein diet that will extend beyond seven days. Balance protein with fruits and vegetables along with healthy fats and whole grains.

Importance of a Balanced Diet

While a seven-day high protein diet can be a catalyst to a healthier lifestyle and get you off the ground running on a new weight loss plan, a well-balanced diet should be the ideal goal. Eliminate highly processed foods, sugars and bad fats such as saturated fats found in dairy, meat and animal products. Although certain fats are allowed in this diet, trans fats are a different type of unhealthy fat that should be cut out of your diet.
A diet that contains six ounces of protein a day, along with fiber, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables and grains is a diet that will contribute to overall good health and a healthy weight loss.

How to Make High-Protein Dog Food

With recalls of commercial dog food products in the past decade, many pet owners are considering switching to homemade dog food. Some dogs need more protein than others, and simple ingredients can boost the protein levels in raw and cooked dog food. Making your own dog food is simple and cost effective, as you can make large batches at one time and store the food for future use. It's important to choose quality ingredients for homemade dog food and to add it into your dog's diet slowly.

Instructions

1

Buy fresh, human-grade foods. Protein-rich ingredients include red meat, chicken and turkey. When you're shopping for these items, choose quality ingredients, whether fresh or frozen. Other nutritional items to include in a homemade dog food diet are rice, carrots and green vegetables.

2

Choose a raw or cooked diet for your dog, and stick to it. Be aware that raw meats and poultry can contain salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Cooked diets are often the safer option, and preparing them doesnt need to be a hassle.

3

Follow the instructions for your slow cooker to roast the meat. Add vegetables and chicken broth or water to make a thick, stew-like meal. Cook rice on its own, using whatever method you normally use.

4

Combine the stew and rice, and serve the meal to your pet. In the beginning, add small amounts of your homemade food to your dogs commercial dry food, and slowly phase out the commercial food. This will help your dog adjust to the new diet slowly so it won't upset his stomach.

5

Store homemade dog food as you would store food for yourself or your family: place meal-size portions in freezer-ready containers, and label them with the date you made the food. The food should keep in the freezer for about a month and in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Healthy High Carbohydrate Meals

Carbohydrates are necessary for good health and provide energy for the body as well as the brain and central nervous system. Carbohydrates are found in breads, pasta, fruit, vegetables and processed foods containing sugar. According to the USDA, carbohydrates should make up between 45 and 65 percent of your total daily calories. Choosing healthy carbohydrates can reduce the risk of health problems and unwanted weight gain.

Whole Grains

Healthy carbohydrate meals should contain whole-grain varieties of bread and pasta rather than those made with white flour. Whole-grain products contain bran and fiber which aid in digestion and may help prevent serious health issues such as heart attacks, heart disease or type 2 diabetes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a Nurses' Health Study suggested that women who consumed two to three servings of whole-grain foods reduced their risk of heart attack or heart disease by 30 percent when compared to women who consumed less than one serving of whole grains each week.

Vegetables

Root vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates. These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, beets and squash. Vegetables are a healthy addition to any meal, and these high-carb vegetables can be used in place of bread or pasta or served alongside whole-grain foods. Green leafy vegetables should also be included in a healthy high-carbohydrate meal as they are good sources of dietary fiber and other important vitamins and nutrients.

Fruits

Fruits provide carbohydrates in the form of fructose. Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar responsible for the sweet taste of fruit. Eating fruits as part of a healthy meal is preferable to drinking fruit juice, as the whole fruit contains fiber.

Fiber

Dietary fiber is a nondigestible type of carbohydrate. Fiber aids in digestion and can prevent constipation. According to the USDA, 14 g of fiber are recommended for every 1,000 calories consumed. That would mean an adult requiring 2,500 calories should try to consume 35 g of fiber each day. Fiber can be found in whole-grain breads and pastas as well as fruits and vegetables.

Example

A simple healthy high-carbohydrate meal can be enjoyed by preparing whole-wheat pasta according to the package directions. Top the pasta with canned marinara sauce and serve with a fresh salad and sliced fresh or canned fruit. The pasta, salad vegetables and fruit are all healthy sources of carbohydrates.

Older Dogs and High-Protein Foods

As dogs age, their dietary requirements change. It was long held that older dogs need less protein in their diet but that is not now believed to be the case. It is calorific value that needs to be reduced; protein levels should be maintained to conserve muscle mass.

Diet and Kidney Health

High-protein values were traditionally thought to contribute to kidney failure but that is not current thinking. The ASPCA reports that studies have confirmed that higher levels of protein is not a primary cause of renal failure.

Body Score Condition

Body score condition relates to the proportion of fat to muscle on a dog and is used as an indicator of general health. Protein makes an important contribution to maintaining muscle mass, helping senior dogs to remain active.

Calories and Protein

Although older dogs require fewer calories, particularly if they are already overweight, they may benefit from foods with an increased level of protein. Rather than generalizing, each dog should be assessed to determine its optimum diet.

Senior Diets with Low Protein

Some manufacturers still produce foods specifically for mature dogs and advertise that they contain lower protein, despite the current view being that protein levels should be maintained through a dog's life. These foods should be used with caution, given the current views on protein for older dogs.

How Much Protein?

Commercial high-protein dog foods for senior dogs have about 18% protein content. This is higher than regular dog food, at 12% to 14%, and is designed to provide part of a balanced diet specifically for the older dog.

A List of Storable Foods

In case of emergency, it is helpful to have a backup of storable foods to tide you over for a period when you can't access fresh supplies. This is especially important if you live in region prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, snow storms or floods. There are a few types of foods that store well. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned fruits and vegetables are packaged in airtight aluminum containers to keep out unwanted germs or pests. The food can be freeze dried or simply pressurized to keep it fresh. Common stored fruits and vegetables include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, corn, green beans and mushrooms. The food can also be dehydrated to be kept fresh for long-term storage needs.

Cooking Essentials

For the basics of cooking and preparing foods, there are an array of items that can be stored, including brown and white sugar, baking soda, cornstarch and iodized salt. Keep vegetarian broth on hand to add flavor to any cooking. This needs to be stored in a sealed container.

Freeze Dried Meat

Freeze dried meat can add a little spice and variety to the supplies and break up the monotony of bland food items. The meat is frozen when it is fresh, then the moisture is removed by vacuum from an airtight container, locking in the taste. There is freeze dried ground beef, freeze dried roast beef, freeze dried white chicken and freeze dried Italian meatballs, among other varieties.

Seed Storage

Seeds can also be easily stored. They do not need to be freeze dried or dehydrated because nature naturally provides a protective coating. Seeds can be eaten alone or planted for long-term food supplies. Common vegetable seeds include corn, cabbage, green beans, lettuce and squash.

3 Day Liquid Detox

Staying healthy in today's world of canned food, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup can be a challenge. Temptations arise, and toxins and impurities will invariably build up in your body. A three-day liquid detox program can go a long way toward removing these impurities, increasing cell renewal and improving your immune system. With the right preparation, detox agents and an eye for nutrition and health, you will be feeling better than you can remember.

Preparation

Be sure you are ready for a liquid detox. You must be physically fit and have no serious health problems. A liquid detox can put stress on your body, especially if you are underweight or have chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney or liver disease, ulcerative colitis, iron-deficiency or anemia.

Invest in a container and keep it stocked with a liquid nutrient (such as juice or a protein shake) and with you at all times. When cravings hit, turn to the container.

Detox Agents

Drink one cup of warm water with lemon juice when you wake. This will stimulate your gastric juices and help with digestion. Take two doses of a kidney and liver tonic over the three-day period. These can include chamomile or fennel tea, pure vegetable juice such as carrot or beetroot, or parsley or yellow tea. Be sure to drink eight 8 oz. servings of water every day. Drink a cup of herbal tea before bed.

Nutrition

Drink protein shakes, health shakes and commercial liquid meal substitutes to get your daily dose of protein (not to mention many other nutrients). Other good protein sources include non-fat milk and meat broth. You can also take solid vitamin supplements, which break up quickly and will not interfere with a liquid detox program. Fruit juice is high is nutrients, but make sure you are consuming kinds with low amounts of sugar and other additives. You can also try liquid (or powder that dissolves in liquid) fiber supplements.

Vegan Sources of Vitamin D

Vegans have limited resources for adding vitamin D to their diets, but it's not impossible. Found naturally in cow's milk and other dairy products, vitamin D is only available in a few vegan foods. It is important for vegans to continually add vitamin D to their diets because plant-based sources of this vitamin do not stay in the body as long as animal-based sources. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to high blood pressure, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, and various forms of cancer.

Sunshine

The best source of vitamin D comes from nature itself. A Boston University study indicates that 10 to 15 minutes of midday sun three times a week causes to body to manufacture its own vitamin D and reduces the risk of hypertension. Dark-skinned individuals should stay in the sun for at least 20 minutes, and senior citizens 30 minutes.

Supplements

Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter, either as individual tablets or as part of a multivitamin. Look for pills containing 1,000 IU (international units), which is the equivalent of an 8-oz glass of cow's milk. People with a vitamin D deficiency may want to take a higher dose for one or two months to build up depleted reservoirs.

Fortified Foods

Drink rice milk or soymilk fortified with vitamin D. Many name brands contain the same amount of calcium and vitamin D as cow's milk. These plant-based milks can be added to other products, including pudding, flan, and mashed potatoes, to make them rich in vitamin D, too. Fortified cereals are common, sometimes containing as much as 15 percent of the daily recommended total of vitamin D before adding soy or rice milk. Surprisingly, some generic brands contain more vitamin D than their better known counterparts, so be sure to read the labels.

Some concentrated orange juices contain added vitamin D, and for hearty, interesting meals, entire entrees can be built around fortified tofu.

Plant Sources

Canned or raw white mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D, with four percent of that found in cow's milk, though certain vegetables are high in calcium, which is important for bone strength and density. Try collard greens, sesame seeds, navy beans, kale, and tahini. Broccoli and almonds, while low in calcium, still contain roughly one-sixth the amount found in cow's milk.

Blackstrap molasses has approximately two-thirds the amount of calcium as a serving of dairy products, but if added to desserts instead of sugar, can make them a sweet source of this important nutrient. Adding it to gingerbread or cake recipes can be a good way for vegan children to get calcium.

Infants

Many baby formulas are fortified with vitamin D. If you use powdered formulas, simply mix it with soy milk to have the same effect.

Heart-Wise Diet

The heart-wise diet is a balanced way of eating that improves heart health. When executed properly, the diet can help to control blood pressure, improve lipid levels, and promote safe weight loss.

Fat and Cholesterol

The heart-wise diet emphasizes healthy unsaturated fats over saturated fats. Unsaturated fats are found in oils, nuts, seeds, fish, and avocado. Foods that are high in saturated fats also contain high amounts of cholesterol; examples include red meat, the fat and skin on chicken and turkey, and full-fat dairy products. Trans fats are also avoided and are found artificially in baked and fried foods and naturally in foods high in saturated fat.

Sodium

Sodium is found in table salt but is also hidden in much of our food supply. A heart-wise diet reduces sodium by avoiding added salt and high-salt foods like frozen and processed foods, canned goods, and condiments. The American Heart Association recommends a sodium intake of no more than 1,500 mg per day.

Fiber

Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains are all major sources of fiber. Increasing your intake from these food groups may improve cholesterol levels. Aim for a variety of colors when selecting fruits and vegetables. Choose whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal in place of their refined counterparts.

List of Water-Rich Foods

The human body is composed of 50 to 60 percent water. As such, dehydration can lead to a whole host of medical problems, including weight gain and organ failure. But many people find it difficult to fit in six to 10 glasses of drinking water each day. Eating a number of water-rich foods can be an adequate alternative and stave off hunger longer than dense, dry foods.

Fruit

Fruit is your best bet for significantly upping the amount of water in your diet. The amount of liquid expelled when cutting or squeezing a piece of fruit is a good indication of just how much water it contains.

Tomatoes, peaches, pineapple, strawberries and oranges contain some of the highest percentage of water, according to The Fruit Pages, an informational website that lists nutritional information about fruit. Many people mistake dried fruit and fruit juices as being just as heart healthy and weight friendly, but removing the water-rich aspects of fruit increases the calorie density and makes it more difficult for the body to process. For example, dietitians recommend grapes, but not raisins, for clients trying to shed a few pounds.

Vegetables

Also high on the list of water density are vegetables. While they may not seem as moist as many fruits, looks can be deceiving. A potato is roughly 80 percent water and only 20 percent solid mass. Cucumbers, carrots, squash and bell peppers are favorites among nutritionists. Many dietitians recommend adding these vegetables to existing meals, such as pastas and meats, to reduce calorie concentration and make you feel fuller faster.

Other Liquids

Drinking water isn't the only liquid capable of hydrating and sating the appetite. Doctors often recommend broth soups for ailing patients to help stave off dehydration, with the added benefit of sodium to balance electrolytes.

Home-brewed lemonades and decaffeinated iced teas are also useful as supplements to straight drinking water. Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes the body to leach both water and calcium. Carbonated beverages have a more severe influence on the body, stealing calcium from your bones and eating away at your tooth enamel.

Natural Colon Cleanse Recipes

The colon is in charge of cleansing and eliminating waste from the body. When it doesn't work efficiently, waste can putrefy in the intestines and toxins are reabsorbed back into the body. This can cause all sorts of diseases and health problems. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, stomach aches, constipation and diarrhea, poor immunity and skin problems. Cleansing the colon can enhance health and improve energy and vitality.

Cleansing

The lemon honey cleanse fast has a strong cleansing effect on the colon. It involves combining a teaspoon of honey with the juice of half a lemon and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The combination is added to a cup of purified water and then twelve cups of the combination are consumed daily. This fast can last anywhere from three to ten days.

Psyllium husk and flax seeds form a gel like substance in the colon and as it is evacuated from the colon, is sweeps all toxins and debris out with it. Both psyllium husk and flax seeds absorbs water and need water for healthy evacuation so it is important to drink a lot of water when consuming either of these. They can be purchased in powdered form from supermarkets and added to cereals, juices, shakes, smoothies or water.

Vegetables and fruits have a powerful cleansing effect on the body. One way to clear the colon is to do a fruit and vegetable fast. This can also involve drinking juice and soup too. A fast like this can be done for anywhere between three to ten days and longer for those who have the consent and supervision of a doctor. Twelve cups of fluids, whether water or juice, must be consumed each day of the fast. Always speak to your doctor first, before undergoing any fast.

Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that line the intestinal walls, also known as intestinal flora. It is recommended that after you have completed a fast, you replenish the lining of the intestines with probiotics. These can be found in yogurt containing live cultures or they can be bought from health food stores and drug stores in a high dose capsule or tablet form.

Herbs

Detoxifying teas are a common way to keep the colon healthy. These can be taken with your regular diet and assist with digestion. Marshmallow root, fennel and licorice root are all herbs that assist with cleansing and aiding the intestines. Add one teaspoon of any of the herbs to a cup of boiled water. Allow it to steep for three to five minutes and then strain and drink. One to three cups can be taken daily to aid in cleansing the colon.

Miry Clay & Physical Healing

The term "miry clay" is most often used in conjunction with being trapped and needing rescue. Clay's properties include its viscosity and ability to absorb and adsorb (attract and hold things to it). Because of these properties, clay has been used through the ages for healing where there is a need to draw something out of the body. You can use clay as an all around tonic for detoxification and health.

Why Use Clay?

You can use clay therapy in conjunction with a detoxification program, such as an organic whole foods diet. To help your liver process all the food additives, chlorine, mercury and other pollutants that bombard your body every day, you can take a clay supplement. The clay itself cannot be absorbed by the body, so there is virtually no risk for negative side effects. The key minerals that reside in the clay, however, are released in the digestive tract for you to use. At the same time, heavy metals, pollutants and toxins are absorbed in or adsorbed to the clay and it passes from your system.

Mix clay into a thick paste and apply externally to quickly clear up acne, boils and other skin conditions. Cut down on processed foods, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and drink lots of water so your body can get the best benefit from the clay.

You can find different types of clay online and at your local whole-foods store. Clay is generally sold in powder form. Add it to filtered water and drink it as part of your daily routine.

Common Types of Healing Clay

Bentonite is mined mainly in and around, Benton, Wyo. It is gray clay, usually taken in water for purification purposes. It has been shown through in vitro studies to kill bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus (Dr. Howard Lind, Lind Laboratories, Brookline, Mass., 1961).

Pyrophyllite is white clay found near Crater Lake, Ore. The early Native Americans in the area called it Ee Wah Kee, or sacred clay. Another type of clay commonly used to promote health is French green clay. Mined from deposits in France and in Indonesia, this clay has been used in Europe for centuries.

Warnings

Since clay is so absorbent, it may interfere with any medications or supplements you are taking. If you use it daily, be sure to leave plenty of time between taking the clay and taking your other supplements or your medicine to minimize this interaction. As always, consult your health practitioner before beginning any new regimen.

Liver Cleanse for Weight Loss

A liver cleanse involves ingesting certain supplements that improve the function of the liver. While there are several different kinds of liver cleanses, many involve the use of oils, juices, salts and digestive supplements. A liver cleanse promotes proper digestive health, urinary function, bowel movement, and helps rid the body of unnecessary weight.

Effects

A liver cleanse is used by individuals desiring to lose weight or who have suffered damage to their liver. Excessive weight is usually the result of overeating, which causes the body to store ingested foods in the form of fats. Damage to the liver can cause inadequate urination, sluggish bowels, gallbladder obstruction and constipation--symptoms that can cause the accumulation of unnecessary toxic materials within the body.

By utilizing a liver cleanse, you may be able to encourage the removal of these unnecessary materials and fats from your body. Supplements ingested during a liver cleanse aid the liver in its role in thermogenesis (metabolism). The higher and more functional your metabolism is, the greater your chances of losing weight.

Liver Cleanse

There are several different recipes for a liver cleanse. For example, take a 16-ounce bottle of either extra virgin olive oil or walnut oil and run it under hot water. Next, mix 4 ounces of the oil with an equal or slightly greater amount of organic apple juice. Drink the resulting mixture and follow it with 4 ounces of freshly-squeezed organic lemon juice. Repeat this process until all the oil has been consumed. Take the herbal remedy digestorum or paracelsus elixir for two weeks to one month following the liver cleanse. These herbal remedies help promote liver, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas function.

This recipe will increase bowel movement and help rid your liver and gallbladder of unnecessary materials. Do not engage in rigorous activity or lean forward immediately after drinking the recipe as this can often result in nausea that may cause vomiting.

Warning

While a liver cleanse is often an effective means to losing unnecessary weight, it should not be relied upon solely for weight loss. Talk with a doctor or other medical professional before utilizing a liver cleanse. A medical professional will be able to provide you with further insight concerning which liver cleanse ingredients would be most beneficial to your body.

A liver cleanse cannot cure chronic liver complications or diseases. If you are diagnosed with a complication of the liver, seek medical attention immediately, as liver disease can be fatal.

Best Natural Sources of Amino Acids

Amino acids are crucial to health and the proper functioning of our bodies. There are many natural sources of amino acids that can be included in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets with little effort and little, if any, extra cost to the household budget. Most sources can be found at any local grocery store.

Function

The human body uses 20 different amino acids to make proteins needed to maintain proper body function and balance.

Types

The body makes some amino acids on its own. These are called "nonessential amino acids." Others, called "essential amino acids," must be supplied to the body through food. The most common sources of amino acids are meat and dairy products.

Effects

Amino acids help maintain chemical balance in the body, transport nutrients, and help keep joints, tissues and organs healthy by repairing damage caused by aging, illness, injury and exercise.

Considerations

For those who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are plant-based sources of amino acids. Beans, legumes (such as peas and lentils), nuts and seeds provide partial sources of amino acids. In order to have a diet complete in amino acids and proteins, these plant-based sources must be eaten in combination with whole grains. For example, eating peanut butter on whole wheat bread would provide a more complete source of amino acids than eating only peanuts or only bread.

Fruit Sources

Some fruits also contain amino acids. These include star fruit, papaya, grapefruit, apricots, pears, apples and figs. Eaten in combination with legumes or whole grains, these foods also combine to provide good sources of amino acids.

Warning

Those with special health needs, such as diabetics, should always check with their physician before changing their diet in any way.

How to Make Raw Food Chili

A raw food diet is a plant-based diet that promotes uncooked and unprocessed foods, such as organic fruits, vegetables and nuts. Made from living foods and prepared without heat, raw food chili is one of the many delicious meals that can be enjoyed on a raw food diet. This tasty meatless chili recipe is cost effective, exceptionally nutritious and easy to prepare. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Rinse all vegetables thoroughly. Place mushrooms, celery, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.

2

Place selected nut (almond or pecans) and carrots in food processor fitted with an S-blade and process until the mixture is of a chunky consistency. Stop occasionally to scrap the sides of the bowl with the spatula. Add the mixture to the bowl with mushrooms, celery, onions and bell peppers.

3

Blend remaining ingredients until smooth. Add to bowl and mix all ingredients until smooth and well blended.

4

Store in refrigerator and serve at room temperature or warm in oven. Do not heat above 117 degrees. Raw food chili will keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to five days. This recipe serves six.

How to Make the Body Alkaline

When your body burns energy it creates acidic toxins as a result. Many scientists have concluded that build up of large amounts of acid wastes can be a primary cause of being overweight as well as premature aging. You can make your body more alkaline (the opposite of acidic) by re-balancing your body's acid/alkaline or pH levels.

Instructions

1

Exercise moderately at least four to five days per week. When you exercise, you perspire and breath harder causing your body to release toxins. However, over exercising can cause a build up of lactic acid which can't be released. Some doctors believe that acid waste in the body is the number one cause for weight gain. This theory is outlined by Dr. Robert Young in his book "The pH Miracle For Weight Loss." Walking, swimming, yoga and weight training are all health building activities that reduce stress and lower stomach acidity, according to Dr. Young. Saunas also help the body eliminate toxic waste.

2

Change your diet immediately if you're not currently eating to balance your body's pH level. Eat more foods that negate acidity in your body. These foods include greens, fruits and omega 3 rich fats such as fatty fish and avocado. Stop eating acid producing foods such as red meat, dairy, alcohol, pasta and sugar.

3

Drink alkaline water as opposed to tap or commercial spring water. According to Dr. Susan Lark in her book "Chemistry of Success," you should drink four to six glasses of alkaline water each day. Dr. Lark says that this will neutralize unhealthy acidity in the body. Start drinking alkaline water and within a few weeks it will begin to act as an anti-oxidant due to its abundance of free electrons. It's particularly important to drink alkaline water after you've had an illness such as the flu.

4

Do research on alkaline water ionizers. Companies that provide water ionizers for the home include Jupiter Water, Life Water, Tyent and Ion Ways. Alkaline water is widely believed to provide your cells with important anti-oxidants and minerals.

The Vegetable Soup Diet

The vegetable soup diet was developed for those who have trouble following other weight-loss plans. On this plan participants are allowed to eat vegetable soup as much as they'd like. The soup makes a decent low-calorie filler, but the plan itself is not substantial enough to be followed long term without potential health risks. It is, however, an effective diet for those seeking to drop a few pounds before beginning a long-lasting healthy eating plan.

The Plan

The vegetable soup diet is a weight-loss plan that has been designed for short-term use. The weeklong diet is based on portion-controlled, low-fat meals and a nourishing vegetable soup. Soup portions are not measured or restricted, so dieters can keep their hunger at bay by eating as much of it as they like. A large pot of the basic soup is prepared the evening before the start of the diet. Each day, the basic soup is modified in some way to keep dieters from becoming bored. Each meal contains 300 to 400 calories, for a daily total of 1200 calories on average. As a bonus for good behavior, twice a week dieters are encouraged to choose a 100 calorie snack of their choice. Additionally, dieters are allowed to have celery sticks, strips of bell pepper, cucumber wedges or carrot sticks any time they feel the urge.

The Soup

The original soup recipe makes 28 cups of basic vegetable soup. Begin by coating a large stock pot or soup kettle with nonstick cooking spray. Add 1 pound of sliced carrots, four peeled and chopped onions, five sliced stalks of celery, 1 pound of sliced mushrooms, three chopped bell peppers, and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes. Then add 48 ounces of undrained canned diced tomatoes, 1 pound of shredded green cabbage, 1 pound of fresh green beans, 64 ounces of chicken broth, and 2 quarts of water. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the soup. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, then add 12 ounces of baby spinach leaves and 1 pound of sliced zucchini. Cover and simmer 10 minutes more. Customize the vegetables in the recipe, leaving out anything you don't care for and adding those you'd prefer, except potatoes, beans, corn, avocado or peas.

Variations

Once the soup has been made, it can be kept in the refrigerator for the remainder of the week. To alter the basic recipe, measure 2 cups into a medium saucepan, then stir in up to 1 cup of any of the following: cup cannellini beans, cup black beans, cup kidney beans, cup cooked pasta, 3 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breast, cup corn, 4 ounces of skinless fish fillets, cup salsa, 4 ounces of ground turkey breast or 2 ounces of turkey kielbasa. Top with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, or reduced-fat sour cream and season with basil, chili powder, cilantro, dill, paprika or any of your favorite herbs. For example, the make a Southwestern style soup, you might combine ground turkey that has been browned and drained with black beans, crumbled tortilla chips, chopped cilantro and a dash of cumin.

Body Cleanse Rapid Weight Loss

Body-cleanse programs detoxify the system of harmful substances in preparation for a new health regimen or a diet. Weight loss can be significant, but it's usually temporary unless you are determined and disciplined.

Types of Cleanses

Body cleanses include the colon cleanse, master cleanse and parasite, liver and kidney cleanses. Each cleanse uses specific herbs, juices or foods to achieve the desired purifying result.

Water Weight

Most cleanse programs restrict diet to a few foods, usually raw vegetables. Others, such as the master cleanse, prohibit the consumption of any foods and limit the dieter to a beverage of lemon juice, water and maple syrup for the duration of the cleanse. The dietary rules in detox programs severely restrict calories, and foods often are chosen for their diuretic effect. Initial weight loss is rapid, but it's mostly water weight.

Colon Cleanse

Over time, constipation or infrequent bowel movements allow waste to build up in the colon, resulting in a heavy, bloated sensation. Colon cleanses might help expel impacted fecal matter; sometimes several pounds can accumulate in the colon.

Temporary Weight Loss

Many detox programs include a maintenance period, when different foods are slowly reintroduced over several days. However, once you begin consuming a wider variety of solid foods, most of the weight quickly returns.

Safety

Body cleanses are neither safe nor effective tools for weight loss, and they should not be extended beyond their recommended durations or repeated excessively.

About the 1200 Calorie High Protein Diet

The amount of protein an individual needs is based on her weight. To calculate this number, divide your weight by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. Then multiply that number by .8 to arrive at the grams of protein you need each day. For this exercise, a 150 lb. woman needs at least 55 g of protein per day. If she's following a 1,200-calorie plan, then she is planning to lose weight by minimizing her intake of carbohydrates and fat.

Breakfast

If you aim to consume only 1,200 calories throughout the day, choose foods that are nutritionally dense. Breakfast is a must because it provides the fuel to start your day. Choose a cereal with a high-protein content and a serving of milk. One cup of Kashi Go Lean cereal (140 calories) provides 13 g of protein along with fiber and vitamins. A 1/2 cup of skim milk adds 3 g of protein and 34 calories.

Mid-Morning Snack

Snacks are important because you need to continually fuel your body throughout the day. If you eat breakfast at 7 a.m. and don't grab lunch until 12:30 p.m., your blood sugar levels will drop, and you will start to feel sluggish and have a hard time concentrating later in the morning. A banana is a nutritional powerhouse snack. It packs 110 calories with B vitamins, iron and fiber. It has 1 g of protein.

Lunch

Add zest to peanut butter and jelly. Add 2 tbsp. of almond honey spread (180 calories, 3 g of protein) to two slices of whole-wheat bread (140 calories, 8 g of protein). Throw on a 1/2 cup of strawberries (25 calories, trace protein) and 2 tbsp. of honey (128 calories, 0 protein) and then grill it over a low temperature for a delicious, nutritional sandwich that also packs essential vitamins and fiber. So far, you are at 747 calories for the day and 28 g of protein.

Afternoon Snack

Because your meals are high in protein, don't worry about your snacks having a lot of protein. Include vegetables for fiber, potassium and vitamin C in one of your snack breaks. One cup of sliced red peppers (30 calories, 1 g protein) can be dipped in 3 tbsp. of plain hummus (90 calories, 1 g protein). This brings your daily totals to 867 calories and 30 g of protein.

Dinner

A high-protein, low-calorie dinner would most likely include fish or chicken, vegetables and a small bit of carbohydrates and fat. A 4 oz. piece of baked halibut packs a whopping 30 g of protein in 160 calories. A 1/2 cup of instant brown rice for your carbohydrate quotient adds another 150 calories and 3 g of protein. Round out the meal with 1 cup of vibrant steamed broccoli and yellow zucchini for another 27 calories and trace amounts of protein. On this meal plan, you will have met your requirements for high protein and 1,200 calories in your food. Your grand total amounts to 1,204 calories and 63 g of protein.

7-Day Diet Plan for Heart Surgery Patients

Following a heart-healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is crucial for patients who will be undergoing heart surgery in the near future. Following a seven-day diet plan that includes heart-healthy choices can help patients enter surgery in the best possible health, which may reduce complications during and after the procedure. Always follow your doctor's instructions and advice related to your diet and other lifestyle choices.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Make healthy food choices when following a seven-day diet plan prior to heart surgery. The best diet for most heart surgery patients is one that is low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association. The University of Southern California suggests a diet with less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day for heart surgery patients. Patients with other medical conditions, such as diabetes, may need to modify their diet plans further to include foods low in sugar.

Choose fresh, canned or frozen fruits that do not contain added sugar. Fresh and frozen vegetables are heart-healthy options as well. Canned vegetables often contain added salt, so always check the labels. Avoid fatty cuts of meat. Choose fresh or frozen fish, poultry without the skin and lean cuts of pork and beef. Unsalted peanut butter, tofu, dried beans and unsalted nuts are excellent sources of protein for patients who choose to avoid meat.

Limit caffeinated beverages and drink fruit juices without added sugar, low-sodium vegetable juices, lemonade and soy milk instead. Avoid high-fat dairy products and cooking oils. Try low-fat yogurt and cheeses, such as skim mozzarella, for calcium. Choose low-fat salad dressings and unsalted margarine instead of fatty dressings and sauces and butter. Use natural herbs to flavor cooking instead of dressings and sauces with high sodium and fat content.

Mediterranean Diet

According to the Mayo Clinic, a 2007 study found that people who consumed a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish reduced their risk of death from heart disease and cancer. Some heart surgery patients may benefit greatly from adapting a Mediterranean diet prior to their surgery dates.

The Mediterranean diet includes about nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day and little to no red meat. The diet consists of a lot of fish, high in omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower cholesterol. Avoid fried fish and choose grilled instead. Choose olive oil over canola oil or vegetable oil for cooking when following a Mediterranean diet. Use fresh herbs for flavor instead of salt. Choose whole-wheat versions of bread and pasta. The Mediterranean diet often includes a glass of red wine every day for its antioxidant properties and its ability to help reduce the blood's ability to clot. Check with your doctor before including wine in your seven-day program, as he may want you to avoid alcohol prior to surgery.

How to Do a Total Body Cleanse

A total body cleanse is designed to eliminate toxins and waste products from the digestive tracts as well s the blood. While the feelings of detox can be quite uncomfortable, the result is a lighter more energetic body and boosted health. While there are a number of cleansing products on the market, a cleanse is simple and inexpensive to perform on your own.

Instructions

1

Help your body detox more gently and without the emotional and physical stress by eliminating packaged, processed foods, fatty foods and sugars at least a week before you begin. It is also a good idea to stop eating red meat and dairy at least 7 days before starting, which often build up in the intestinal tract. These measures will improve the effects of your total body cleanse and make the experience better for you.

2

Take psyllium husk capsule throughout your cleanse, a form of safe an effective soluble fiber which gently cleanses the intestinal tract. Psyllium does not cause diarrhea or constipation, rather it helps to soothe for bowel regularity. Because capsule size varies, always follow the label for dosage information.

3

Begin to take psyllium capsules on the first day of your cleanse and continue until you have completed the total body cleanse and returned to normal eating. During the first two days, eat only fresh, organic fruits and vegetables; however, you can steam your foods if you like. Feel free to season food with lemon juice, olive oil, spices and even nutritional yeast, but avoid salt as much as possible.

4

Continue your total body cleanse by beginning a purely raw food diet on day three. Choose fresh organic fruits and vegetables, as the goal is to eliminate the build up of toxins found in our foods and environment. Eat as much as you like and get creative with your meals, searching the internet for raw food recipe ideas. Just make sure that everything you put into your body is 100 percent raw, as the live enzymes and rich vitamin and mineral content is the key to your cleanse.

5

Eat purely raw foods from day three to nine, completing one full week. On day ten, begin a short and simple juice fast, again, using purely fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Drink as much juice as you like for 3 days, making sure that you drink the juice as soon after making it as possible. A quality juicer will remove all of the pulp, however, you can use a mesh strainer as well.

6

Return to raw foods on day thirteen, eating slowly and carefully after coming off of your juice fast to prevent a shock to your digestive system. During the first few days following your juice fast, it is better to eat multiple smaller meals, chewing your food well and drinking lots of water. Continue with raw foods for 5 days.

7

Add steamed fruits and vegetables back into your diet on day eighteen, not returning to regular eating habits until day 22 to complete the full 3 weeks of your total body cleanse.

The Best Shake for Weight Loss

Shakes are a phenomenon that is taking over the workout world. According to MayoClinic.com, the average adult needs between 46 and 56 grams of protein per day, depending on weight, health and activity levels. Protein make you feel full longer, therefore protein shakes can help curb your appetite if used in place of a meal or as a snack. Many fitness centers now offer recovery shakes for people to re-energize after a workout. While some fitness lovers consume shakes in order to bulk up their muscles, others drink shakes in order to cut calories and lose weight.

What to Look For

Everyone has a different idea of what shake is best. The best shake for you depends on individual factors, such as your weight, your weight-loss goals, your health and your activity level. If you're looking to replace a meal with a shake, you need to find a shake with a high amount of protein and maybe even some fat. These ingredients will allow you to remain full and satisfied until your next meal. If you're looking for a shake to re-energize after a tough workout, while maintaining your metabolism, choose a shake with higher levels of carbohydrates. For a healthy snack filled with protein and nutrients, choose a shake with low levels of carbohydrates and middle levels of protein. Always choose a shake with low levels of sugar, which will later turn into fat and could cause weight gain.

Best Pre-made Shakes

While the shake you choose should depend on your individual factors and goals, here are some of the best recommended shakes. Runners World recommends the Balanced Diet pre-made shakes available, which are a great way to start the day with fiber, soy, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, while saving you 60 calories and up to 6 grams of fat that you'd consume in other drinks or breakfast choices. BellaOnline recommends Ensure Lite and Zone Perfect for those trying to stay full and satisfied longer, Myoplex and Atkins for those just looking for a snack and who are watching carbohydrate intakes, and Metrix for highly active people looking to re-energize or to skip a meal.

Best Homemade Shakes

The best way to consume the right amount of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates and sugar for you is to make your own shakes and control what goes into them. Methodsofhealing.com recommends blending a mixture of fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt and ice cubes. For a natural sweetener, use a spoonful of honey or a few drops of vanilla extract. For extra protein, easy-weightloss-tips.com recommends using bananas or peanut butter, or purchasing protein powder from a local health store. For a meal replacement, use as many fruits and vegetables as possible. For 70 different shake recipes, visit www.projectswole.com/diet/70-protein-shake-recipes/.

Tips on the Master Cleanse Diet

The master cleanse diet, also called the "lemonade diet," is perhaps one of the most famous fad diets of the 21st century. Pop star Beyonc Knowles gave props to the diet for helping her lose a quick 20 pounds before she began shooting the movie "Dreamgirls." Soon other celebrities followed suit, such as Robin Quivers, David Blaine, Denzel Washington and Jared Leto. Nutritionists and doctors agree that losing weight on the master cleanse diet is possible, it just won't be healthy.

Stanley Burroughs, the Master Cleanser

Before embarking on the master cleanser, it behooves dieters to know something about its creator. Stanley Burroughs, a self-professed holistic healer, developed the diet in the 1940s and applied it to numerous patients who sought his treatment. Burroughs claimed that his "lemonade" could cure everything from impotency to alcohol addiction to cancer. In 1960, Burroughs received his first felony conviction in the state of California for practicing medicine without a license. Then in 1984, he was again charged with the same offense, in addition to second-degree murder for the death of a leukemia patient who put credence in Burrough's lemonade concoction, as well as other unconventional healing techniques, which included casting colored light on the patient using stage gels and a common table lamp. The young patient died in excruciating pain after 30 days of drinking nothing but Burrough's "lemonade."

Ignorant of Burrough's exposure as a charlatan in the legal arena, fad diet afficionados clung to his master cleanse diet, which was chronicled in his booklet "The Master Cleanser." After Burrough's death in 1991, author Peter Glickman wrote his own book based on the diet called "The Master Cleanse: Lose Weight, Have More Energy & Be Happier in 10 Days." To this date, Glickman, as well as other people who pitch the diet, continue to successfully hawk their own version of the master cleanse by selling books, e-books and "diet kits" on the Internet.

Doing the Master Cleanse

The master cleanse is a liquid diet that essentially involves ingesting copious amounts of purified water with minute quantities of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. The only calories dieters get from the master cleanse come from its sugar content, which prevents dieters from frank starvation. According to physician Ed Zimley, who has blogged extensively about the master cleanse, maple syrup was probably used to give the diet a more exotic "holistic" appeal, as refined sugar or corn syrup achieve the same purpose. Lemon juice, which Burroughs claims "detoxifies" the body, is a very weak acid compared to the stomach's natural acids, and cayenne pepper irritates the bowels, simulating the effects of an over-the-counter laxative.

If this sounds unpleasant, the master cleanser isn't done with you yet. There's a second step to this diet: drinking large quantities of salt water, which soon has mini-master cleaners thundering to the bathroom to repeatedly "detoxify." In addition to weakness, mental fuzziness and extreme hunger, the unfortunate side-effect of the master cleanse is uncontrollable diarrhea and anal leakage following episodes of gas. Dieters who decide to give the master cleanse a try may want to stick close to home--or at least make sure their workplace accommodates several toilet stalls.

Does the Master Cleanse Work?

Experts, including Zimney and nutritionists, agree that the master cleanse will result in weight loss. But weight loss is achieved through near-starvation. The master cleanse allows dieters a meager 600 calories a day; the recommended average daily caloric intake for 1600 for women and 2400 for men. As for the diet's claims of detoxification, experts point to the placebo effect--dieters feel healthier simply through the power of suggestion. Contrary to Burrough's assertions, the body detoxifies itself of impurities on a daily basis, through the kidneys, liver and other vital organs. It is these very organs that the master cleanse diet can permanently damage, if dieters starve themselves too long. According to Samuel Klein, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the medical school of Washington University in St. Louis, fasting depletes muscle tissue in the heart and reduces the ability of the kidneys and liver to function.

Most dieters who try the master cleanse diet gain back all the weight they loss--and even more. After days of near-starvation, there is a tendency to overeat. Even the master cleanse's most staunch critics agree with going without food for seven days won't kill you, although it's dangerous to take the master cleanse past this point. However, if you choose to try the master cleanse, there's no need to make a trip to Whole Foods. Simple water from your tap and a teaspoon from your sugar bowl achieve the same affects as Burrough's infamous "lemonade."

Cardiac Diabetic Diet

Patients with diabetes often have other conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that put them at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Being diabetic makes eating a healthy diet for your heart and for effective blood glucose control an important part of your overall treatment. Maintain a healthy weight, eat less saturated fat and keep your blood sugar under control for cardiac health.

Fats

If you are a diabetic cardiac patient, eat a diet low in saturated fats such as butter and lard. Eat lean meats such as chicken, turkey, trimmed pork and sirloin. Eat smaller portions of meat and load your plate with vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products like skim milk and low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.

Check labels when you buy food for nutrition information. Trans fats raise blood cholesterol levels, putting you at higher risk for blocked arteries, heart attack and stroke. Avoid foods that have trans fats or hydrogenated oils listed. Skip the french fries and other fried foods. Look for margarine and spreads that do not contain trans fats.

Sodium

Limit sodium to decrease hypertension (high blood pressure). Season your food with herbs and spices in the kitchen instead of salt. Do not salt your food at the table. Cook fresh and frozen vegetables instead of canned, and avoid canned soups and processed entrees. Instead, cook your own soups using fresh vegetables and lean meat. Refrigerate leftovers and heat them up in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch. Check labels to avoid hidden sodium.

Carbohydrates

Diabetics should limit carbohydrates to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels, but fiber and nutrition from whole-grain carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables comprise a necessary part of a heart-healthy diet. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, green beans, asparagus and cabbage for most of your meals. Instead of white rice and pasta, eat the whole-grain varieties that are much higher in fiber. Avoid sugary foods and sweets and get your allowed carbohydrates instead from fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain carbohydrate sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet help lower cholesterol. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fresh fish prepared on a grill, steamed, or broiled. Soy products and walnuts offer plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Try sprinkling foods such as pasta dishes or hot cereal with flax seed or incorporate flaxseed oil into your cooking.

Detox Diets for Weight Loss

The health benefits and weight loss claims associated with the fasting requirements of detox diets are being question by the medical community due to associated health risks. Listed below are some of the positives and negatives attributed to detox diet plans (see Resources).

Weight Loss

The original goal of detox diets was to purify the body by facilitating the removal of toxins. They were not developed for the purpose of weight loss other than the natural loss of water weight occurring in the initial stages of fasting.

Calorie Restriction

Weight loss attributed to detox diets is the result of restricted calorie consumption. Lengthy periods of extreme caloric restriction, however, can lead to diet failure, rebound weight gain, and the possibility of jeopardizing health.

Positives and Negatives of Detox Diets

On the positive side, periodic detox diets lasting no more than a few days offer renewed energy and a feeling of wellbeing. Lengthy detox diets, however, can be harmful to your health, with side effects including headache, lethargy, dehydration and cramps.

Detox Diets Can Work

Detox diets that do not involve severe calorie restriction, include a variety of fresh, high-fiber fruits and vegetables and a protein source, can be used for healthy weight loss.

Where's the Proof?

To date, there is no reliable medical research available to substantiate claims of the beneficial effects touted by promoters of detox diet plans. Before making any dietary changes, obtaining medical approval is advisable.

Healthy Christmas Food Gifts

Give friends and family members the gift of health with an edible Christmas present. During a season full of sugary and high-fat holiday desserts and meals, a healthy food gift will be appreciated by recipients. Make your own food gifts, so you know exactly what is going into them. When you create your own treats, you can also customize the ingredients to meet friends' and loved ones' dietary needs and restrictions. Does this Spark an idea?

Bean Soup-in-a-Jar

Bean soup is as flavorful as it is healthy. Create a bean soup-in-a-jar Christmas gift that a recipient can enjoy on a chilly winter evening. Fill a glass mason jar with individual layers of dried split peas, white navy beans, pinto beans and kidney beans. Include pre-measured layers of barley, beef or vegetable bouillon granules, dried onion flakes and seasonings such as celery seed, dried parsley and bay leaves. Place the jar on the lid, and wrap it with a decorative red and green ribbon bow or a piece of fabric. Include a handwritten recipe card with the gift.

Gourmet Fruit Basket

Treat a fruit lover to a basket filled with juicy and ripe winter produce. Buy in-season fruit to ensure the highest quality and best flavor. Put the gift together yourself, or have a fruit basket professionally arranged and sent to the recipient to save time. Line a woven basket with a decorative, red and green cloth napkin or tissue paper. Fill the basket with top-quality citrus fruits, such as Valencia and navel oranges, Ruby Red grapefruit, honey tangerines, Honeybell tangelos and Meyer lemons. Round out the gift with a selection of homemade or gourmet marmalades and jams. You can also include packages of roasted nuts, such as almonds, cashews and pistachios.

Snack Stocking

Fill a Christmas stocking with a variety of healthy snacks as a delicious Christmas food gift. Personalize a basic felt stocking using a glitter glue pen, fabric paint or sewn-on patches. Place snack items in individual red and green cellophane bags; tie the bags with gold ribbons as a decorative touch. Fill the bags with an assortment of healthy snacks including dried apricots, cranberries, pineapple rings, blueberries and mango pieces. For bold flavor without any guilt, include a bag of spicy Cajun-flavored cashews or chili lemon pistachios. Round out the gift with homemade carrot raisin mini-muffins or oatmeal cookies and a few herbal tea bags.

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One Week Diet Plan

There are numerous diet plans available for quick weight loss, including weight loss that can be accomplished in as little as one week. Although all constitute a considerable change in dieting habits, none require dieters to starve themselves.

Keep Calories in Check

One strategy to lose weight in a week's time is simply to cut 500 calories a day for seven days. That's a total of 3,500 calories and can mean up to two or three pounds of weight loss. This might require you to keep track of your calories the week before dieting, just so you get an idea of what types of foods need to be eliminated.

Go For Protein

High-protein, low-carb and low-fat diets can help dieters lose weight in as little as five days. This means eating smaller meals throughout the day that consist of things such as fish, turkey, chicken and other lean meats and avoiding processed, starchy foods such as bagels and potatoes. Snacks can consist of protein shakes or low-calorie protein bars. To lose weight quicker, each serving of meat should be no larger than the size of your fist.

Fruits & Veggies Only

A diet consisting solely of fruits and vegetables can result in quick, noticeable weight loss. This diet eliminates meats of any kind and avoids high-fat, high-calorie items such as cheese or pastry. The nice thing about this diet is you can typically eat as many fruits and vegetables as you like and still lose weight, provided the fruits and vegetables are raw and not canned or frozen.

Liquify

Liquid diets are a form of "crash" dieting that tend to result in extreme hunger. But done right, healthy ones can give dieters an increased amount of energy and take off weight quickly. The best type of liquid diet involves "juicing" raw fruits and vegetables and drinking them throughout the day. In order for this to be possible, dieters will need to own a juicer (typically in the $60 to $300 range). This is also a diet in which you can drink freely and still lose weight--again, provided the fruits and vegetables are raw.

Shake It Up

Protein-shake programs such as those offered by Slim-Fast are a safe, effective way to lose weight within a week. This involves replacing two meals per day with a "replacement shake," then eating a light meal for dinner. You can also have a few snacks each day around your shakes and still lose weight, provided the snacks are low in calories.