Health and Fitness News

No sugar, no fat, no carbs – NO WAY!

Ever heard this one, “no carbs for me after 5”? Or how about, “I am on a no sugar diet”?   Or this one, “I’m on a no carbs, no fat, no sugar diet”?  While you may see an immediate drop in weight from fad diets such as those (because cutting anything from your caloric intake will usually result in weight loss) the long-term effects can include bingeing, malnutrition and additional weight gain.  So scrap those diets and see long-term, positive results from a well-balanced nutrition program.

A well-balanced nutrition program guarantees success as it incorporates the very important macronutrients - protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats, as well as micronutrients - vitamins and minerals, into every meal.  Proper nutrition normalizes eating behaviors and prevents weight re-gain.  Adding a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to your morning routine may also aid in healthy weight loss. Maintaining a balanced nutrition program will also insure that you do not become starved for certain nutrients and end up eating more of the same unhealthy foods to try to get the nutrients your body craves.

Studies have proven that consuming your recommended caloric intake over five meals a day will keep your hunger at bay and help you lose fat safely and consistently.  Be sure to choose fresh fruits, dark green and orange vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk, poultry, most fish, eggs, and natural foods.  When weight loss is your goal, set reasonable expectations and aim for a slow, steady weight loss of not more than two pounds per week.  You can achieve safe weight loss by maintaining adequate nutrient intake, staying hydrated, decreasing caloric intake and increasing physical activity.

Balanced nutrition immediately starts to improve your skin, hair, nails, teeth and gums, promotes regularity and improves your libido.  Some folks even boast a better memory!  Of course, more energy just comes with the territory when you are eating right and staying hydrated with at least 64 ounces of water daily.  Wow, look at all those benefits just from making good nutrition choices!

So throw on your shoes, grab your cash and head to the grocery to stock up on some healthy foods so you can make 2009 your best health ever.

Resveratrol Found to Improve Health, But Not Longevity in Aging Mice on Standard Diet
Scientists have found that the compound resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline of mice on a standard diet, but does not increase longevity when started at middle age. This study, conducted and supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, is a follow-up to 2006 findings that resveratrol improves health and longevity of overweight, aged mice. The report confirms previous results suggesting the compound, found naturally in foods like grapes and nuts, may mimic, in mice, some of the effects of dietary or calorie restriction, the most effective and reproducible way found to date to alleviate age-associated disease in mammals.                                                                         MORE >>>