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November 24, 2005
How to get in shape for Xmas?
With the holidays right around the corner, people are gearing up for one last battle of the bulge before “goodie season” settles in. But fasting, living on lettuce leaves, or excluding entire food groups won't cut it in the long run, because it's just too hard. And the slowed metabolism, bingeing, and self-recrimination that follow can make a weight problem even worse. Losing weight and shaping up for good depends on making some serious (but not unpleasant!) lifestyle changes:
1. Eat a nutritious diet - First and foremost, the daily food plan should provide all the nutrients the body needs to thrive, including plenty of protein, at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, 25-30 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water.
2. Spread out daily food intake - Eating 3 meals and 2-3 snacks each day is key, as skipping meals or waiting too long before eating can slow the metabolism, lower blood sugar levels, and increase the risk of bingeing.
3. Make sure each meal or snack contains protein - Eating protein with every meal or snack helps slow the rise and fall of blood sugar and reduce hunger cravings. Soy protein is an excellent choice because it's a high-quality protein that's low in fat and calories. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it won't trigger a sharp increase and decrease of blood sugar. Recent studies have also shown that soy protein helps reduce hunger and extend the period of feeling “full.” And, the FDA states that 25 grams of soy protein per day, with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Eat more soy and soy isoflavones - To receive the full benefits of soy isoflavones, a health expert panel advocates 160 mg a day, which is approximately the amount contained in 6 glasses of soy milk or 6 servings of tofu. But that's a lot to swallow, and may add an extra 24 grams of fat to the diet! Taking isoflavone pills may sound like a good idea, but they don't work as well as natural isoflavones combined with soy protein and may interfere with mineral absorption.
5. Trim the fat - Since fat is the most concentrated source of calories, eating too many fatty foods is a fast-track to weight gain. Easy ways to cut back on fat include using non-fat dairy products, fat-free salad dressing and margarine and lean meats whenever possible. Poultry, meats and fish should be skinned and trimmed of all visible fat before cooking. And of course fried foods, cream sauces, butter, gravy, full-fat cheese or dairy products and rich desserts should be cut back or eaten only occasionally.
6. Practice enjoyable eating - Those who feel deprived won't stay with an eating plan for long, and completely cutting out favourite foods can backfire. A more flexible approach is needed. Most foods can be eaten sparingly and less often, or enjoyed in lower-fat, healthier versions. The overall goal is to eat foods that play a dual role: good for the taste buds and good for the body.
7. Watch portion size - Just adding an extra 1/2 cup of cereal, tablespoon of butter, extra ounce of meat and slice of bread to the daily diet can add up to about 320 extra calories. If done consistently, this could produce another pound of fat every 11 days! Using measuring cups and spoons and a small scale can help keep portions under control.
8. Exercise - No shape-up plan is complete without a good exercise component. Exercise helps boost the metabolism, tone the body and speed weight loss. It's also an effective anxiety buster, relieving muscle tension, burning up stress hormones and stimulating the release of endorphins. A brisk walk for 45 minutes a day can add up to another pound lost every 17 days.
9. Drink plenty of water - The body needs at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day to wash away toxins, replenish lost fluids, prevent constipation, and reduce water retention or bloating. For best results, water should be sipped a little at a time throughout the day.
10. Come prepared - One of the biggest reasons for diet crash-and-burn is the failure to plan for the unexpected. Keeping healthy snacks on hand, like a Revival® Soy bar or soy chips, can keep blood sugar even and energy high, helping to stave off hunger, snacking on high calorie foods and late-night binges. Drinking a Revival® Soy shake before a potentially diet-busting dinner, party or holiday celebration may save hundreds of calories. A little advance planning may make all the difference between a failed diet and the successful loss of many unwanted pounds.
Tips for getting in shape this Xmas
Posted by dietsblog at 5:38 PM
November 8, 2005
Is Diet Coke Bad for You?
Recent studies have shown that diet beverages can actually lead to weight increase instead of the hoped-for weight loss. In short, diet drinks are not a very good addition to your diet. You may be thinking that you are cutting your sugar intake, which can lead to rotten teeth and a rotten physique, however, recent nutritionists have suggested that the diet-coke craze is getting out of control and that people are confusing the beverages with actual dieting. The hollow calories consumed in them are tricking our bodies into thinking they are getting full, and the body does not like to be tricked.
One common misconception about diet soda is the idea that drinking one gives you the green light to eat a bunch of junk. Just because you have a diet soda does not mean that you can scarf down a Big Mac. Drinking a diet cola does not substitute for actual dieting. It simply reduces some sugar and caloric intake during a meal. The amount of calories in a diet soda compared to a regular drink, zero rather than 150, is not big enough to allow you to pig out on a mountain of other junk food instead. People are ridiculous when it comes to "making up" the calories they have saved by drinking diet coke. It is absurd to walk into a fast-food joint, order a large cheeseburger, fries, a milkshake and then decide to add a little variety to the meal with a small Diet Coke. Does anyone see the problem with this? Americans need to get it through their heads that diet soda does not equal diet solved
A good way to avoid the diet soda problem is to completely rule out diet soda as a food group. There have been many studies that have explained the dangers of certain chemicals in diet soda, such as aspartame. Aspartame is the main type of artificial sweetener that goes into diet drinks and makes them taste so sweet. There have been battles over the safety of aspartame for years. There is no conclusive evidence on either side that aspartame should or should not be used in diet drinks or other diet substances. However, aside from aspartame, there are other problems with diet soda.
People believe that drinking diet soda gives them a viable reason to eat unhealthy food. Many Americans believe that drinking diet soda with any meal is in some way virtuous. The opposite is true. Diet soda is now being linked to obesity because people are eating more unhealthy food and topping it off with a diet soda to equal out the calories. This link between diet soda and obesity is not chemical; it is psychological.
Another reason for the link between diet soda and obesity is the attempted manipulation of satiation in our stomachs. Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, have been researching the link between diet soda and obesity. In a recent article on WebMD Medical News, Fowler commented on this subject.
"What didn't surprise us was that total soft drink use was linked to overweight and obesity. What was surprising was that when we looked at people only drinking diet soft drinks, their risk of obesity was even higher." This information is surprising and disturbing. All along we thought that drinking diet soda could help shed pounds, but what Fowler found is that diet soda is a poundage-packer.
Many of you might be confused by this evidence. It seems ironic, right? Fowler explains the reasoning behind this data: "If you offer your body something that tastes like a lot of calories, but it isn't there, your body is alerted to the possibility that there is something there and it will search for the calories promised but not delivered. People think they can just fool the body. But maybe the body isn't fooled. If you are not giving your body those calories you promised it, maybe your body will retaliate by wanting more calories. Some soft drink studies do suggest that diet drinks stimulate appetite." Uh-oh! And here I thought that filling my stomach with liquid would trick it into thinking it was full.
There really is no good reason to drink diet soda because in the end you are going to wind up hungry or overweight. Try substituting water with soda whenever you get the urge to fill your stomach without filling up on calories. Water is better for you and has an infinite number of positive benefits for your body. If you can't rid yourself of diet soda cold turkey, at least try to cut out one can a day. Your body will thank you later.
Posted by dietsblog at 1:32 PM | Comments (0)
November 3, 2005
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the large intestine (colon). It is characterized by a group of symptoms — crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
IBS itself is not a disease. As its name indicates, it is a syndrome — a combination of signs and symptoms. But IBS has not been shown to lead to any serious, organic diseases, including cancer. Through the years, IBS has been called by many names, among them colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, or spastic bowel. However, no link has been established between IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
One in five Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it usually begins around age 20. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to intestinal bleeding or to any serious disease such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and medications prescribed by their physician. But for some people, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, go to social events, or travel even short distances.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel dysfunction is the main symptom. Symptoms may vary from person to person. Some people have constipation (hard, difficult-to-pass, or infrequent bowel movements); others have diarrhea (frequent loose stools, often with an urgent need to move the bowels); and still others experience alternating constipation and diarrhea. Some people experience bloating, which is gas building up in the intestines and causing the feeling of pressure inside the abdomen.
IBS affects the movement of stool and gas through the colon and how fluids are absorbed. When stool remains in the colon for a long time, too much water is absorbed from it. Then it becomes hard and difficult to pass. Spasms push the stool through the colon too fast for the fluid to be absorbed, resulting in diarrhea. In addition, with spasms, gas may get trapped in one area or stool may collect in one place, temporarily unable to move forward.
Sometimes people with IBS have a crampy urge to move their bowels but cannot do so or pass mucus with their bowel movements.
Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain are not symptoms of IBS and may indicate other problems such as inflammation or rarely cancer.
What causes Iirritable Bowel Syndrome?
No one really knows what causes one person to have IBS and not another. Symptoms cannot be traced to a single organic cause. Research suggests that people with IBS seem to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a variety of things, including certain foods and stress. Some evidence indicates that the immune system, which fights infection, is also involved.
In people with IBS, stress and emotions can strongly affect the colon. It has many nerves that connect it to the brain. Like the heart and the lungs, the colon is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which has been proven to respond to stress. For example, when you are frightened, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure may go up, or you may gasp. The colon responds to stress also. It may contract too much or too little. It may absorb too much water or too little.
Also associated with a worsening of IBS symptoms are: large meals, bloating from gas in the colon, medicines, wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol, drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas, stress, conflict, or emotional upsets.
Researchers have also found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can exacerbate IBS problems.
What Are The Criteria for IBS Diagnosis?
Abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 12 weeks out of the previous 12 months. These 12 weeks do not have to be consecutive.
The abdominal pain or discomfort has two of the following three features: (1) It is relieved by having a bowel movement. (2) When it starts, there is a change in how often you have a bowel movement. (3) When it starts, there is a change in the form of the stool or the way it looks.
What is the treatment for IBS?
No cure has been found for IBS, but many options are available to treat the symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatments available for your particular symptoms and encourage you to manage stress and make changes to your diet.
Medications are an important part of relieving symptoms. Your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or occasional laxatives for constipation, as well as medicines to decrease diarrhea, tranquilizers to calm you, or drugs that control colon muscle spasms to reduce abdominal pain. Antidepressants may also relieve some symptoms. Medications available to treat IBS specifically are:
Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) has been re-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.
Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm) has been approved by the FDA for the short-term treatment (usually 4 weeks) of women with IBS whose primary symptom is constipation.
How does stress affect IBS?
Stress — feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed — stimulates colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress also makes the mind more tuned to the sensations that arise in the colon and makes the stressed person perceive these sensations as unpleasant. Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is also affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS.
Can changes in diet help IBS?
In many cases, dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms, particularly constipation. However, it may not help pain or diarrhea. Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms. Some forms of fiber also keep water in the stool, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. Doctors usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but these symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. Drinking six to eight glasses of plain water a day is important, especially if you have diarrhea.
Also, large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller meals more often or eating smaller portions should help IBS symptoms. It may also help if your meals are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals (unless you have celiac disease), fruits, and vegetables.
HerbaCall Irritable Bowel Syndrome Testimonials
Christine Saxton says "since starting the Herbalife Ultimate Program and Herbal Aloe Concentrate, her IBS has virtually disappeared!"
Nelly Gbla writes that IBS made her daily life a misery since childhood. When she started the Herbalife products she noticed the difference within a couple of days. She was so excited and could hardly believe the huge improvement!
Etrecia Els tells HerbaCall "I have suffered for almost 5-7 years with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. After only five days on Herbalife I feel the difference and I am now using only Herbalife products and I don't need my chronic medicine any more."
Want more information and more Herbalife testimonials?
Visit the HerbaCall Resource Centers for more detailed information on many health conditions, news, and research links. HerbaCall has many testimonials on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other conditions. Herbalife products can help calm your digestive system!
HerbaCall Resource Centers
Posted by dietsblog at 10:34 AM | Comments (1)
Beach Volleyball Tour
Volleyball Australia and Herbalife Ltd.(through its Australian subsidiary Herbalife Australasia Pty Ltd) jointly announce a sponsorship agreement that makes Herbalife the Official Nutrition Sponsor of the 2005/6 Vodafone Beach Volleyball Tour, Australia's premier beach volleyball series.
As part of the agreement, Herbalife will occupy a prime center court presence at each event in the five-city tournament, along with branding on player uniforms and tour materials.
This tour attracts the best athletes from around Australia and overseas. Matches begin November 25, 2005, and are scheduled to be played in Sydney, followed by Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide, with finals played in Surfers Paradise February 17-19, 2006. Games will be televised on the Ten Network and Fox Sport nationally.
In addition to the company's sponsorship of the event, Herbalife has also signed four athletes, Joshua Slack and Andrew Schacht, the top-ranked Australian men's team in the world; and Kylie Gerlic and Stacey Kloeden, one of the top women's teams going into the 2005 summer tour in Australia.
"Beach volleyball represents the essence of the Australian culture -- active, healthy lifestyles -- and it is a perfect fit for Herbalife," said Tim Sanson, general manager, Herbalife Australasia.
"Beach volleyball in Australia is fast becoming a must-do activity for all Australians. It embodies a healthy lifestyle and is a natural partner for Herbalife," says Andrew Scotford, general manager, Volleyball Australia. "This partnership will allow the sport and Herbalife to further grow its profile in Australia."
Beach volleyball has become one of Australia's fastest growing sports since Australia made its mark on the international scene at the 2000 Sydney Olympics winning the gold medal in the women's event, and later the bronze medal in Atlanta. Continued success of Australian athletes on the world scene has grown the profile of beach volleyball in Australia, continually attracting record crowds and TV audiences.
Herbalife has been operating in Australia since 1983.
Herbalife is also the Official Health and Wellness Partner as well as the Official Nutritional Advisor of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour through the 2007 season in the U.S., in addition to sponsoring 2004 Olympic bronze medalists Elaine Youngs and Rachel Wacholder, 2004 Olympian Stein Metzger, and rising star Jason Ring. Additionally, the company is the official nutrition sponsor of the Michelob UTLRA London Triathlon, Nautica Malibu Triathlon in the U.S., Thai Airways Laguna Phuket Triathlon, and sponsors UK triathlete Olly Freeman and U.S. amateur triathlete Erika Aklufi.
About Herbalife
About Volleyball Australia
Volleyball Australia is the peak sporting organization for Volleyball & Beach Volleyball in Australia and shares as its vision the desire to promote sport as a human endeavor. With National programs in partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport, Volleyball Australia enjoys a unique standing in the Australian Sporting Industry.
Posted by dietsblog at 2:01 AM | Comments (0)
Neptune Krill Oil
Herbalife Ltd. announces the launch of a comprehensive heart health product portfolio based on clinically-studied ingredients shown to support overall heart health.(a)
A key ingredient is Neptune Krill Oil (NKO(R)), harvested from krill, a tiny shrimp-like crustacean in the Antarctic, that contains a combination of Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids and antioxidants. A recent clinical study published in the "Alternative Medicine Review" (12/2004) found that NKO(R) helps support healthy cholesterol levels. Other heart-healthy ingredients in the line include plant sterols, which have been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol; Omega-3 fatty acids; and amino acids to boost the production of nitric oxide in the body.(a)
The line was developed to support all key areas of cardiovascular health for young and older adults - cholesterol and triglycerides, blood pressure, homocysteine levels and circulation.(a)
"Herbalife has battled obesity, a major cause of heart disease, for 25 years. Now we have extra ammunition with these new scientifically-advanced ingredients to target additional risk factors like cholesterol," said Herbalife Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Johnson. "The line was developed with Nobel Prize(R) winner Dr. Lou Ignarro, a member of our prestigious Scientific Advisory Board."
New products in the Herbalife Heart Health product line include:
Core Complex Pack: Targets four key indicators of heart health: cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and oxidant stress. Daily packettes of six softgels include:
-- Plant sterols - found in soybeans, have been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol.(a)
-- Mixed tocopherols and quercetin to provide antioxidant protection which supports circulation and strengthens blood vessels.(a)
-- Alpha lipoic acid to assist in cellular energy production.(a)
-- B vitamins to help maintain healthy homocysteine levels already within the normal range.(a)
-- Benefits of Tri-Shield(TM) softgels with Neptune Krill Oil and Herbalifeline(R) fish oils.
Tri-Shield(TM) Softgels: A proprietary formula with 300 mg. of 100% pure NKO(R) that provides three significant groups of heart healthy compounds: high potency Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids and antioxidants.
-- Maintains cholesterol and triglyceride levels already within the normal range.(a)
-- Supports the heart muscle.(a)
-- Protects the cell membrane.(a)
In addition to the new Core Complex and Tri-Shield(TM), the heart health line includes
Niteworks(R) Powder Mix: Helps the body produce more nitric oxide, supporting energy, circulatory, and vascular health.(a)
-- Keeps blood vessels toned, flexible, and youthful for improved circulation.(a)
-- Enhances blood flow, supporting function of the heart, brain and other organs.(a)
-- Helps support healthy blood pressure levels already within a normal range.(a)
-- Supports energy levels.(a)
Herbalifeline(R) Softgels: Ensures an adequate intake of healthy EPA and DHA from Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular and joint health.(b)
-- Maintains cholesterol and triglyceride levels already within the normal range.(a)
-- Contains clove, peppermint and thyme oils to minimize aftertaste and improve digestibility.
Mega Garlic Plus Tablets: A high-quality garlic supplement for cardiovascular health.(a) Each tablet contains the equivalent of one clove of garlic.
-- Helps support healthy circulation.(a)
-- Enteric-coated tablets release active ingredients after the tablet has passed through the stomach for full absorption.
-- Helps provide antioxidant protection the body needs.
All Herbalife products are available through a Herbalife independent distributor or by calling 1-888-4HERBAL.
(a) These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
(1) R. Bunea M.D., K. El Farrah M.D. M.Sc., L. Deutsch M.D., "Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Clinical Course of Hyperlipidemia," Alternative Medicine Review, December 2004.
(b) Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One daily serving of three Herbalifeline softgels provides over 1 gram of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. (See nutrition information for total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol content.)
NKO(R) is a registered trademark of Neptune Technologies & Bioressources, Inc.
The Nobel Prize(R) is a registered trademark of the Nobel Foundation.
Posted by dietsblog at 1:53 AM | Comments (0)