Food isn’t just used to satisfy hunger, it is also a common part of social interactions and a means of comfort and stress relief. How we eat is also partially dictated by how we were raised – “clean your plate – there’s children starving in Africa” – and how the people around us eat. If your friends and relatives start packing on the pounds, you are more likely to do so as well.
It is natural to like sweets. And it is okay to enjoy them as an occasional treat But it is vital to keep consumption to a minimum. Refined sugar is one of the bad carbs mentioned above. Not only does it cause problems with our blood sugar level, but it also uses up stored resources within our body (such as minerals and enzymes) in order to process the sugar. In addition there are many negative health effects that sugar contributes to including: hypoglycemia, suppression of the immune system, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, headaches, and depression.
Choose sweet treats that are home made or have naturally occurring sugar, such as fruits. Try making your favorite dessert with half or one-third less sugar than usual. Make dessert a special event once a week. Many foods have naturally occurring sugars, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. Incorporate naturally sweet foods into your diet to help crowd out unhealthy sweets. Strawberries, apples, sweet potatoes or winter squash are all great options.
We live in a fast paced world where eating has become secondary. Counter this by paying attention to what you eat, savoring each bite, and choosing foods that are both nourishing and enjoyable. This also helps you achieve healthy weight loss and maintenance. Plus, when our minds are tuned out during mealtime, the digestive process may be 30% to 40% less effective. This can contribute to digestive distress, such as gas, bloating and bowel irregularities
Pay attention while you are eating. Be aware of your environment, eat slowly, enjoy each bite – savor the smells and textures of your food. If your mind wanders, just gently remind yourself to return to focusing on your food and how it tastes and feels in your mouth.
A 10 year study of over 500,000 people age 50 – 71 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-AARP showed a substantially higher risk (ranging from 20% to 60%) for certain types of cancers (esophageal, colorectal, liver and lung) among those people with a diet higher in red and processed meats as compared to people who ate less red and processed meats.
* Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb.
* Processed meats include hot dogs, bologna, bacon, sausage, packaged ham, packaged sandwich meats, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals.
Figuring out healthier options at your favorite fast food burger chain can be tricky. A typical meal at a burger joint consists of a “sandwich”, some fries and a drink, which can quickly come in at over 1700 calories for something like Burger King’s Triple Whopper with a large fries and a 16 oz. soda. A better option would be a regular single patty burger, small fries, and water, which is about 500 calories. Alternatively you may enjoy a veggie burger smothered in grilled onion and mushrooms. Or if you want a large beef burger, then skip the fries and soda and have a side salad and water instead.
Egg Diet has become increasingly popular due to reports that some well-known people and celebrities have successfully lost weight by eating only eggs.
There are several versions of the Egg Diet that are circulating on the Internet. The most popular version of the diet does not actually consist of eating only eggs but it does involve getting the majority of your protein from egg.
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