Your Best Key To A Healthy Diet: Variety

It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and that is certainly true when trying to eat a healthy diet. No one likes to eat the same thing day after day, and boredom is the enemy of a healthy diet.

Fortunately for those trying to follow a healthy diet, there is plenty of variety to be had in healthy foods. In addition to the hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables available at the average grocery store, there is a wide variety of beans, lentils, nuts, meat, dairy products, fish and poultry. There is no need for boredom to set in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle.’

The key to enjoying a variety of foods while eating healthy is to plan meals carefully and be sure to use the many varieties of foods that are available. Using a combination of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats and whole grains, it is possible to create a fresh, exciting and healthful meal every day of the week.

Nutritionists often stress the importance of a varied diet, both for nutritional and psychological reasons. A varied diet is essential for good health, since different types of foods contain different types of nutrients. And following a varied diet is important to your psychological well being as well, since feeling deprived of your favorite foods can lead you to give up your healthy lifestyle.

It is much better to continue eating the foods you like, but to eat them in moderation. Instead of giving up that juicy bacon, for instance, have it as an occasional treat, perhaps pairing it with an egg white omelet instead of a plateful of scrambled eggs. As with everything else in life, good nutrition is a tradeoff.

It is important for everyone to eat foods from the five major food groups each and every day. The five food groups identified by the USDA include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy and meat and beans. Each of these food groups contains specific nutrients, so it is important to eat a combination of these foods to ensure proper levels of nutrition.

Of course simply choosing foods from the five food groups is not enough. After all a meal from the five food groups could include cake, candied yams, avocados, ice cream and bacon. Although all five food groups are represented, no one would try to argue that this is a healthy day’s menu. Choosing the best foods from within each group, and eating the less healthy foods in moderation, is the best way to ensure a healthy and varied diet.

For instance, choosing healthy, lean meats is a great way to get the protein you need without consuming unnecessary fat and calories. And removing fat and skin from chicken is a great way to eliminate extra fat and calories.

When choosing breads and cereals, it is usually best to choose those that carry the whole grain designation. Whole grains, those that have not been overly refined, contain greater nutritional qualities and fewer sugars.

In addition, many grains and cereals are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. While this vitamin fortification is important, it should be seen as a bonus, not as a substitute for a proper diet. Many foods are supplemented with important nutrients such as calcium (essential for strong bones and teeth) and folic acid (important in preventing birth defects).

Substituting healthier foods for less healthy ones is a cornerstone of a healthy diet. For instance, substituting lean cuts of meat for fattier ones, and substituting skinless chicken or turkey breast for less healthy drumsticks, is a great way to maximize nutrition without sacrificing good taste.

No matter what your reason for following a healthy diet, or what your ultimate fitness goals may be, you will find that a good understanding of nutrition will form the basis of your healthy diet. Understanding how the various food groups work together to form a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you meet your ultimate fitness goals. Whether your goal is to run a marathon, lose ten pounds or just feel better, knowledge is power, and nutritional knowledge will power your diet for the rest of your life.

What you should know about glycemic index

Applying GI to real-life diets is complex, weigh all information before relying on glycemic index.

If you check different sources on the GI of foods, the numbers don't always match.

The glycemic index takes into account only the type of carbohydrate, not the amount of carbohydrate, in a usual serving. Some foods are more concentrated sources of carbohydrates than others. For example, chocolate cake has 52 grams of carbohydrate in a usual serving, while carrots deliver only 6 grams of carbohydrate in a serving. So even though the glycemic index of carrots is higher (47, vs. 38 for cake) chocolate cake is going to have a much greater total effect on blood sugar, because it takes 81 servings of carrots to equal the carbohydrate in a serving of cake.

The GI in a given food can vary, depending on where it is grown and how it is processed and cooked. Australian potatoes have a higher GI than American potatoes. In general, the more processed the food, the higher the GI.

Even cooking pasta for a longer time can raise the GI.

Generally, whole grains have a lower GI than refined grains. But glycemic index rankings are often confusing:

Bran flakes and Cheerios have a GI of 74. Shredded wheat is 75, and Fruit Loops, 69.

Long-grain white rice averaged 56 in 10 studies (it ranges between 41 and 64), while brown rice averaged 55 (50-66).

The average GI of white bread in six studies was 70 and of whole grain bread was 71.

And, ironically, sugars have a lower GI than starches, because starches are made up totally of glucose molecules, and sugars are not. So Coca-Cola has a lower GI than Grape-nuts flakes.

Studies that establish the GI of foods measure the response to a food consumed all by itself. But most of us don't eat like that. What's important is predicting the effect of the food as part of a meal.

Experts disagree on the value of the glycemic index.

The American Diabetes Association says that "the relationship between glycemic index and glycemic load and the development of type 2 diabetes remains unclear at this time."

The Canadian and Australian Diabetes Associations have endorsed GI as a tool for improved blood glucose control. Some dietitians who work with people with diabetes recommend that their clients address other diet issues first, such as total carbohydrate and meal spacing, then try the GI concept to see if that improves blood sugars further.

There's no doubt that different foods produce different glucose responses,but the total carbohydrate has much more of an effect than the GI.

If you have hard time using GI diets, a better approach is to eat close to the farm. Avoid highly refined foods and focus on lean meats, beans and legumes, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vital Nutrition Tips To Improve Your Health (2)

Nutrition is a general term that refers to the process by which animals and plants take in and utilize essential elements found in food. Sadly, much of the food consumed today is low on the essential compounds needed for healthy bodies and minds. The following tips can help to to avoid making wrong food choices, and to raise your nutrient intake.

Eat seafood, particularly in the summer when the catch is fresh. Seafood, like salmon, tuna or lobster, gives your body the protein it needs for very few calories. It makes a healthy lunch or dinner, so make an effort to increase the amount of seafood in your diet as soon as possible.

Make sure that you are still eating healthy while you are pregnant. Just because you have cravings for unhealthy foods does not mean that you have to cave in to them, or that you can't find healthier alternatives. Make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals as suggested by your doctor.

Great, nutritious fruit snack choices that you and your whole family will enjoy include, sliced apples with peanut butter, grapes that have been rinsed, allowed to dry and then frozen, fresh fruit and yogurt. Always try to use fresh fruit instead of canned, but remember that even canned fruit is more nutritious than processed snack cakes and other poor snacking choices.

Beets can make a good addition to your diet, as long as we are discussing fresh beets and not canned ones. Fresh beets have lots of fiber and some good minerals, but canned beets often have lots of added salt. Try quickly steaming some beet greens and adding beetroot to your salads.

Eat a healthy mix of different foods in your diet. If you are trying to bulk up or lose weight, you might be focusing on certain foods to complement your workout routine, but don't forget to eat in a healthy way that incorporates foods from all food groups. This will help keep your body full of the nutrients you need to function.

Always try and choose a whole wheat option with your food. Whole wheat can reduce heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases. Don't bye white bread, it has none of these benefits, and will increase your waist line. Try purchasing rye bread, or whole wheat instead. Also try a brown rice instead of white.

Not all carbs are created equal. A fascination with low-carb diets has a lot of people eliminating all carbs from their diets. This is a mistake, a key to good nutrition is carbohydrate intake. Your brain and body needs carbohydrates every day in order to function at a maximum level. Complex carbohydrates, especially those rich in fiber and whole grain, keep you full longer and help you to avoid snacking.

Those are sensible suggestions right? You probably agree. The hard part is actually following through on the advice. It's probably not realistic to think that you can suddenly bring to bear all of these suggestions; but why not resolve now that you will diligently apply at least one or two of the tips?

Whats Important In A Healthy Eating Program

To develop a healthy eating program to maintain a healthy weight, it’s a good idea to do some research on health and nutrition. If you’re not trying to lose weight but just want to eat well for good health, then it’s important to understand how your body uses food. This makes it easier for you to choose healthy food and not be tricked when less-than healthy foods call themselves natural and healthy.

A healthy eating program should offer you much more than just a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. But if that balance isn’t in place to start with, the plan probably isn’t all that healthy. Any plan that keeps fat at about 30% or less of the diet and stresses good fats over saturated fats probably has a healthy fat balance. There should be plenty of sources of protein other than meat, like lots of fish, healthy dairy sources like yogurt, and beans.

And carbohydrates should be mostly whole grain sources like whole grain bread and oatmeal. Whole grain pastas are better than regular pastas, and basmati rice is better than regular white rice. A healthy eating program that stresses these smart choices over things like instant white rice and instant pre-packaged sweetened and flavored oatmeal is better than one that includes too many convenience items.

A healthy eating program should follow the government food pyramid pretty closely. Whole grain carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, lean meat and dairy products can all be part of a very healthy diet. But there are other things to look at, no matter what kind of diet you choose to follow.

You want to make sure your healthy eating program has enough diversity so that you don’t get bored, and you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Baked chicken breasts, broccoli and a whole grain roll might be a healthy lunch, but no one wants to eat that several times a week. Your plan needs to include a variety of vegetables, not just one or two. There are more lean meats than chicken breasts, and many different ways to prepare these and other dishes.

You’ll also want to make sure that unhealthy things aren’t creeping into your meals. Some diets stress that you use margarine instead of butter, for instance, because it’s lower fat and not full of saturated fat like butter. But margarine is mostly trans fat, a fat that even the government now agrees is worse for you than saturated fat. It’s a fat that should be eliminated, or at the very least severely restricted, from our diets. A healthy eating program that allows certain commercially packaged low-fat cookies and treats might not take into account the amount of trans fats and sugar in those foods, either.

You have to be the detective and examine all the parts of the diet you want to follow. Yes, the balance of foods and nutrition is important, but don’t forget to look at all the other parts of your healthy eating program.

Information You Need To Know About Nutrition (2)

If you're one of the many people who think that eating healthy is expensive and doesn't taste very good, think again! Eating a healthy diet can be very simple and easy, as well as delicious! Read on for some easy tips on eating delicious food that's good for your body.

Bread isn't the only food with a healthier whole grain counterpart; pastas like elbow macaroni, spaghetti, angel hair, and linguine are best consumed when made from whole grains instead of refined pastas. The difference in taste and texture between refined and whole wheat pastas is negligible, and even the pickiest eater would be hard-pressed to tell them apart.

Great, nutritious fruit snack choices that you and your whole family will enjoy include, sliced apples with peanut butter, grapes that have been rinsed, allowed to dry and then frozen, fresh fruit and yogurt. Always try to use fresh fruit instead of canned, but remember that even canned fruit is more nutritious than processed snack cakes and other poor snacking choices.

To increase the effectiveness of vitamin supplements, include plenty of manganese in your diet. Manganese has been shown to help your body absorb a variety of vitamins and minerals. Foods rich in manganese include pineapple, soybeans, and brown rice. Consuming these foods about an hour before you take any vitamins w,ill help your body take full advantage of them.

Use a list when grocery shopping. People who go to the grocery store unprepared tend to spend more and buy less healthy food than those who go armed with a list of healthy foods they have decided to eat. Sit down and make a plan of meals to make that week. Next, make a corresponding list of ingredients you will need to prepare them as well as healthy snacks.

Stick to the outer aisle! If you are looking for nutritious foods, do most of your grocery shopping around the outer aisles of the store. Unhealthy processed foods are usually kept in the inner aisles. The perimeter of the store is devoted to whole foods such as produce, dairy products, eggs and meat. In general, by sticking to the outer aisles, you can make healthier food choices.

To design the most nutritious diet possible, try to only put things into your body that your body can actually use. Fresh fruits, vegetables and meats are best for your body because they are comprised entirely of nutrients that your body can break down and use. Meanwhile, some processed foods and drinks may have low calories or fat, but they also have low nutritional value.

Regularly consuming lean meats to significantly increase your muscle growth. By eating four to eight servings of lean beef, fish, turkey, and chicken, you should experience greater muscle mass than someone who follows a similar workout program but does not regularly eat a diet in which meat is present.

Eating healthy, as you now know, does not have to be a chore. Many healthy foods are also very delicious, and making healthy eating decisions can make you healthier and give you more energy. Make sure to apply these tips to your eating habits so that you can experience the joys of a healthy diet.

Understanding Quick Weight Loss Diets

In today’s world emerges different kind of ways to stay perfectly pretty and sexy. Craved by all the women, is a perfect living. From different places emerges different kind of diets made and discovered by different people. In this article states numerous diet, and take note the most popular and effective amongst all.

LOW-CARB DIETS. This diet is all about cutting out the carbohydrates from breads, pastas to cakes. This diet is used for weight control and to avoid obesity, all you have to do is to abstain from eating carbohydrates and opt to eat higher protein and fat content foods such as meat, eggs, cheese and nuts. You can eat carbohydrates but in its lowest form those found on fruits and vegetables for instance.

GLYCEMIC-INDEX DIETS. This is the general term for weight-loss diet. It is coined as glycemic-index diet because it uses basic sugar levels as basis. Your glycemic-index is used to guide you in making your meal plan. By using glycemix-index you are able to see which foods you have taken for a week or so are high in carbohydrates. It’s not a typical low- carb or even low-fat diet, but it only makes you see which carbohydrate foods should be avoided. This diet is most favorable for the diabetic. Glycemic-diet is followed by eating breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran, whole-grain bread. Avoid eating lots of potatoes. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

CABBAGE SOUP DIETS. This is a seven-day eating plan with at least two weeks in between. It follows a certain strict food eating for the period. DAY1: Eat all the fruits you want except bananas with the soup. For beverages, you can drink cranberry juice, unsweetened teas and water. DAY2: Eat vegetables whether it is raw or cooked just stay away with dry beans, peas and corn. You are able to eat all the vegetables you want together with the soup. Do not eat fruits at this day. You can have baked potatoes for dinner. DAY3: Mix days one and two along with your soup but with no baked potatoes. DAY 4: Eat as much as 8 bananas and drink many glasses of skim milk along with your soup. DAY5: have around 8ounces of beef up to 6 fresh tomatoes. Eat your soup at least once this day and have 6-8 glasses of water. DAY6: eat your heart out with beef and vegetables and eat your soup at least once. DAY7: Brown rice, unsweetened fruits and vegetables.

LEMON-CLEANSE DIET. Also known as master-cleanse diet or maple soup diet, this weight loss diet has existed for 50 years. It came to great popularity however when Beyonce announced she has lost 20 pounds with lemon cleansing. It is used to eliminate toxins and internal wastes. Exercise is not part of the diet prescription. Solid foods are restricted, nor any supplements. The master elixir is consumed to keep you hydrated. Drink 6 or more glasses of lemonade per day. A single serving of master elixir comprises of 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons grade-B organic maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 10 ounces filtered water.

BABY FOOD DIET. Who said only infants and babies can eat their food? Now we have baby diet which incorporates what these wee ones eat into your diet! You simply add baby food with your meal plan or exchange a meal by eating jars of baby food.

These are just some of the most popular weight loss diets. But the most important keys to achieving that goal are determination, discipline and motivation – with the right program, of course. With these joined you can achieve a physically fit body.

Using Detoxification Diets Successfully

If you are serious about starting to detoxify your body then there are plenty of ways to get started. First, health food stores are certain to have detoxification diet packages so that individuals can take them home and use them while they are going through major internal changes. Second, there are vital ingredients that individuals can actually buy at any store which will help them in cleansing their body. However, in order to accomplish the goals successfully there are some things that one must realize about the food and ingredients that they're consuming. The main principle, though, is that ingredients like spinach, kale, and herbs like garlic will definitely help in all your goals.

Start the Detoxification Gradually

Granted, there are thousands of individuals who are successful in their body detoxification cleansing goals because they have been doing it for so long. However, no matter who you are if you have just started learning about detoxification then it is important to realize that one should start out gradually while cleansing their body. For example, instead of going on a heavy detoxification diet all at once what should be done is to consume these types of diets over the face of 1 week. There are still many benefits that one can experience by a detoxification diet that is spread over one week instead of being ingested in one full day.

Another reason that individuals should not shock their bodies into a detoxification system is so that they don't discourage themselves from cleansing their bodies entirely. In other words, starting gradually is the best way to realize the full benefits of detoxification.

Making True Lifestyle Changes

Before you complete the detoxification plan, whether it's over the spread of 1 week or 1 day, the whole detoxification diet should help you make changes for the better all around in your life. For example, sticking to a regimen filled with detoxification diet foods takes great discipline to do, yet there are many benefits that can be experienced. On the other hand, if one is to truly have a cleaner body and system then there needs to be lifestyle changes for the better instead of simply going through detoxification plans once per month. For example, fast food restaurant is not at all conducive to a healthy diet and one fast food burger can destroy all the positive effects on the body that one detoxification cleansing weekend has. In other words, if one is to continue the healthy lifestyle of the detoxification diet then he or she must make certain changes, like the avoidance of fast food restaurant, if he or she is to have a healthy body at all times.

Starting out on the detoxification diets does not have to be difficult, but it does take hard work, dedication, and discipline to stick with the regimen and diets of the detoxification systems. However, if one actually is serious about the commitment that he or she makes by using one of the detoxification diets then chances are that his or her body will be more well off than it was before. Not only will they experience a cleaner system, but that person will be healthier overall, too!

Whats Important In A Healthy Eating Program

To develop a healthy eating program to maintain a healthy weight, it’s a good idea to do some research on health and nutrition. If you’re not trying to lose weight but just want to eat well for good health, then it’s important to understand how your body uses food. This makes it easier for you to choose healthy food and not be tricked when less-than healthy foods call themselves natural and healthy.

A healthy eating program should offer you much more than just a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. But if that balance isn’t in place to start with, the plan probably isn’t all that healthy. Any plan that keeps fat at about 30% or less of the diet and stresses good fats over saturated fats probably has a healthy fat balance. There should be plenty of sources of protein other than meat, like lots of fish, healthy dairy sources like yogurt, and beans.

And carbohydrates should be mostly whole grain sources like whole grain bread and oatmeal. Whole grain pastas are better than regular pastas, and basmati rice is better than regular white rice. A healthy eating program that stresses these smart choices over things like instant white rice and instant pre-packaged sweetened and flavored oatmeal is better than one that includes too many convenience items.

A healthy eating program should follow the government food pyramid pretty closely. Whole grain carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, lean meat and dairy products can all be part of a very healthy diet. But there are other things to look at, no matter what kind of diet you choose to follow.

You want to make sure your healthy eating program has enough diversity so that you don’t get bored, and you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Baked chicken breasts, broccoli and a whole grain roll might be a healthy lunch, but no one wants to eat that several times a week. Your plan needs to include a variety of vegetables, not just one or two. There are more lean meats than chicken breasts, and many different ways to prepare these and other dishes.

You’ll also want to make sure that unhealthy things aren’t creeping into your meals. Some diets stress that you use margarine instead of butter, for instance, because it’s lower fat and not full of saturated fat like butter. But margarine is mostly trans fat, a fat that even the government now agrees is worse for you than saturated fat. It’s a fat that should be eliminated, or at the very least severely restricted, from our diets. A healthy eating program that allows certain commercially packaged low-fat cookies and treats might not take into account the amount of trans fats and sugar in those foods, either.

You have to be the detective and examine all the parts of the diet you want to follow. Yes, the balance of foods and nutrition is important, but don’t forget to look at all the other parts of your healthy eating program.

Potential Diet Killer! Food High In Carbohydrates

When it comes to maximizing your energy levels, carbohydrates are the best "go" food around. Think of carbohydrates as gas in your fuel tank. If you don't provide yourself with carbohydrates throughout the day, you simply won't have the energy to function. Now this would be a shame for new moms who definitely don't have much of an energy reserve and who have one or more little kids relying on them for just about everything.

Everything we eat is made up of some combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Simple sugars, like table sugar, starches, like pasta, and fibre, like oat bran, are types of dietary carbohydrates. All carbohydrates deliver four calories per gram. Something to digest: All carbohydrates are not bad! Carbohydrates are vital because they provide the body with the energy it needs to support daily activities-from breathing and digestion to thinking and exercise. Consuming whole grain and high fibre carbohydrates, including fruits, veggies, dried beans, and whole grain cereals, breads and crackers will make you feel satisfied for longer periods of time than foods high in refined sugar and low in fibre (i.e. cakes, cookies, sugary candy, etc.). Foods high in fibre expand in your digestive tract making you feel full. To visualize how fibre can expand, put a piece of whole grain or bran cereal in a bowl with a little water then watch it swell to two to three times its original size. This makes it very clear how fibre can help make us feel fuller.

Why do people count carbs? In general, carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly while fat and protein cause blood sugar to rise more slowly. In response to a rise in blood sugar, the body releases insulin, the hormone required to bring blood sugar into cells or fat tissue. If one eats excessive amounts of carbohydrates, the insulin cycle can become imbalanced, resulting in continually raised insulin levels. High insulin levels have been associated with obesity as well as increased risk for heart disease and blood sugar imbalances. Controlled carb diets may promote a gradual rise and fall of insulin and are therefore more satiating. In high protein/controlled carb diets, it is thought that weight loss occurs through consumption of fewer calories resulting from increased satiety. Weight loss also occurs because very low carb intake triggers a condition called ketosis, which forces the body to burn fat stores, but ketosis can be unhealthy if continued for a long period of time.

The glycemic index measures how quickly a carbohydrate digests, enters the bloodstream, and raises blood sugar levels. High glycemic index foods, such as refined flours and high sugar beverages, are quickly digested, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Such effects have been linked to diabetes, overeating, and obesity. Low glycemic index foods, in general, foods high in fibre and protein, contribute to a steadier blood sugar level and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. Many controlled carb diets recommend eating low glycemic index foods, such as beans, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Keep in mind that the glycemic index of a food may be balanced in the context of a meal where several foods of varying glycemic levels are consumed.

Remember, many theories exist about what constitutes a "perfect" diet. We believe a good foundation for any diet consists of a mix of fresh, minimally processed foods from all food groups, including: lean proteins; fresh fruits and vegetables; whole grain-based breads, cereals, and pastas; and heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocado. And, just as important, a good diet contains delicious foods you enjoy and is one that you can maintain as an ongoing lifestyle choice

Nothing Like A Vegetarian Diet

These days you will find many people looking for options for making their diet rich in nutrients. One of the important driving forces behind a completely healthy diet is the food pyramid. The food pyramid is like a tool that will ensure that you have a healthy diet. There are different ways of illustrating a healthy diet plan but the most accepted way is in the shape of the pyramid. Food pyramids have been used by dieticians and even doctors for outlining different food groups as well as food choices, which will lay the foundation for a healthy intake of food if taken in right proportion.

The food pyramid

The food pyramid is in a triangular shape that highlights what all you need to focus on when you are selecting your food. At the base of the pyramid is the food that you need to take in bigger amounts and the food at the top of the pyramid should be consumed in lesser quantities. Today there are several types of food pyramids available and this might confuse you as you might not know which ones to choose. But the good thing is that the basic principles of different food pyramids are same and focus on the following:

1. Eat as much fruits as possible with fresh vegetables and whole grains

2. Reduce the intake of trans fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol as much as possible

3. Limit the intake of salt and sweets

4. Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation

5. Control the total number of calories consumed by you on a daily basis

6. Physical activity is a must

Foods mentioned in a food pyramid are always defined under different categories like meat, poultry and dairy products. This is meant to help you in making the right food choice. You have to remember that there is no single food that can replace everything else but vegetable definitely provide the maximum nutrients that is required by the human body.

One of the best ways to take care of your nutritional needs is through a well-planned vegetarian diet. If you change to a vegetarian diet then it will consist of mostly fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, seeds and nuts. Since meat is not a part of a vegetarian diet hence, they will contain less of cholesterol and fat and will be high on fibers.

There are four main categories of vegetarians and they are:

i. Flexitarians: These people are also known as semi-vegetarians and they follow a plant-based diet normally and sometimes consume smaller quantities of poultry, meat, and fish.

ii. Vegans: Vegans are pure vegetarian who will consume only plant-based foods. They will not consume any animal-derived food like eggs, cheese, meat, milk, and fish.

iii. Lacto-ovo vegetarians: This comprises of people who consume milk, eggs, and any milk products like yogurt and cheese apart from plant-based foods. Lacto-ovo vegetarians don’t consume fish and red meat.

iv. Lacto-vegetarians: Lacto-vegetarians consume only milk and milk based products apart from plant-based foods. They don’t consume fish, eggs, meat, and other poultry products.

A healthy diet is generally restrictive in nature and most often than not it will require you to avoid meat, fish and poultry products, which are high in fat and low on nutrients. Hence, a healthy diet includes mostly fibrous food, which is in the form of fresh vegetables and fruits. Some of the important nutrients available through non-meat sources include:

i. Protein: The human body requires a lot of protein for maintain healthy bones, skin, muscles and other organs. Some of the food products that are high in proteins include legumes, soy products, lentils, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.

ii. Vitamin B-12: The human body requires vitamin B-12 for producing red blood cells and to prevent anemia. Vitamin B-12 is found in some of the enriched cereals, or fortified soy products.

iii. Calcium: Calcium is required mostly for strengthening the bones and to make the teeth stronger. You can find calcium in most of the green vegetables like turnip, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and kale.

iv. Iron: Iron is a crucial nutrient that is required for red blood cells. You can consume iron by eating peas, dry beans, lentils, whole-grain products, fruits like bananas, dark leafy green vegetables, enriched cereals, and even dry fruit. You can also consume foods, which are rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage.

v. Zinc: This is an important nutrient that builds enzymes in the human body for enhancing the process of cell division and also helps in the formation of proteins. Some of the best food sources for zinc include soy products, whole grains, nuts and wheat germ.

If you consume these fibrous fruits then it will ensure a healthy life for you.

Vital Nutrition Tips To Improve Your Health (2)

Nutrition is a general term that refers to the process by which animals and plants take in and utilize essential elements found in food. Sadly, much of the food consumed today is low on the essential compounds needed for healthy bodies and minds. The following tips can help to to avoid making wrong food choices, and to raise your nutrient intake.

Eat seafood, particularly in the summer when the catch is fresh. Seafood, like salmon, tuna or lobster, gives your body the protein it needs for very few calories. It makes a healthy lunch or dinner, so make an effort to increase the amount of seafood in your diet as soon as possible.

Make sure that you are still eating healthy while you are pregnant. Just because you have cravings for unhealthy foods does not mean that you have to cave in to them, or that you can't find healthier alternatives. Make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals as suggested by your doctor.

Great, nutritious fruit snack choices that you and your whole family will enjoy include, sliced apples with peanut butter, grapes that have been rinsed, allowed to dry and then frozen, fresh fruit and yogurt. Always try to use fresh fruit instead of canned, but remember that even canned fruit is more nutritious than processed snack cakes and other poor snacking choices.

Beets can make a good addition to your diet, as long as we are discussing fresh beets and not canned ones. Fresh beets have lots of fiber and some good minerals, but canned beets often have lots of added salt. Try quickly steaming some beet greens and adding beetroot to your salads.

Eat a healthy mix of different foods in your diet. If you are trying to bulk up or lose weight, you might be focusing on certain foods to complement your workout routine, but don't forget to eat in a healthy way that incorporates foods from all food groups. This will help keep your body full of the nutrients you need to function.

Always try and choose a whole wheat option with your food. Whole wheat can reduce heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases. Don't bye white bread, it has none of these benefits, and will increase your waist line. Try purchasing rye bread, or whole wheat instead. Also try a brown rice instead of white.

Not all carbs are created equal. A fascination with low-carb diets has a lot of people eliminating all carbs from their diets. This is a mistake, a key to good nutrition is carbohydrate intake. Your brain and body needs carbohydrates every day in order to function at a maximum level. Complex carbohydrates, especially those rich in fiber and whole grain, keep you full longer and help you to avoid snacking.

Those are sensible suggestions right? You probably agree. The hard part is actually following through on the advice. It's probably not realistic to think that you can suddenly bring to bear all of these suggestions; but why not resolve now that you will diligently apply at least one or two of the tips?

Building up your own food pyramid

All of us need to plan our food pyramid. This article can help you with some useful suggestion on building up your own food pyramid. You also need to do daily exercises and undertake proper weight control measures. A proper food pyramid is the best way as to how you can maintain a balanced healthy diet.

1) Whole Grains Foods: Whole grain foods are healthy foods. Experts have revealed that a person must consume around six servings of whole grain foods per day. Whole grains are considered to be the best source of carbohydrates for our body. Milling removes most nutrition part of the grain.

2) Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and Vegetables contain the greatest amount of nutrients per calorie of any food. Every person needs to consume different types of fruits and vegetables in order to stay healthy. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables prevents dreadful diseases like cancer, heart diseases, blood pressure, intestinal ailments and so on.

3) Fiber: Fiber helps to reduce the risk of certain type of cancer diseases and also lowers the level of cholesterol. Fiber controls the amount of calorie intake and also helps to reduce the weight of a person.

4) Eggs and Fish: Eggs and fish contain large amounts of proteins, Vitamin B, lecithin and choline. Regular consumption of egg improves the health of a person. Eggs are said to be high in cholesterol but low in fats. Fish helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases in a person.

5) Strawberries: They have lots of fiber and vitamins C. Their flavonoids play an important role in strengthening blood vessels and acts as strong antioxidants.

6) Alcohol: Alcohol also acts as healthy food if it is consumed in small quantities. Low volume of alcohol reduces the chances of heart diseases. It also helps to reduce the level of cholesterol by its flavonoids. It is very important to have moderate quantity of alcohol as it has both risk as well as benefits.

7) Nuts and Legumes: Nuts and Legumes contain large amounts of proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

If You Are Feeling Sluggish-Try These Easy Nutrition Ideas.

Having good nutrition can improve your health, your mood, and even your appearance. However, creating a diet that provides you with optimal nutrition can be difficult, especially in this modern world surrounded by processed treats and fast food. Read this article for some advice to help you maintain good nutrition despite the challenges.

A great nutrition tip is to make eating fun for your child. If you want your child to learn to appreciate healthy food, you're going to have to present the food in an interesting way. You can do this by arranging food on the plate in a fun and unique way.

Stick to the outer aisle! If you are looking for nutritious foods, do most of your grocery shopping around the outer aisles of the store. Unhealthy processed foods are usually kept in the inner aisles. The perimeter of the store is devoted to whole foods such as produce, dairy products, eggs and meat. In general, by sticking to the outer aisles, you can make healthier food choices.

Consume whole grains as a regular part of your diet. Whole grains have been proven to reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. They have the ability to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Avoid over-processed white bread products and instead, choose whole grains.

Eat a Mediterranean-style diet to help prevent heart disease. This includes lots of healthy fats like olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, beans and seafood. Eating these foods keep your weight and blood pressure down, while supplying your body with fiber and other nutrients it needs to be healthy.

Make simple meals that your family will love. By keeping simple foods that you know your family enjoys on hand, you can be certain they will eat well. Remember, the most nutritious food in the world is not nutritious at all if nobody eats it.

By taking time to make healthy and popular choices in advance, you can help your family eat nutritious food all the time.

Even when you are on the go twenty four seven, you need to take the time to prepare your children's lunches with healthy snacks and meals for when they are at school or participating in after school activities. The food you put into their bodies will affect their performance in the classroom and outside of the classroom.

When possible, choose wild salmon over farmed salmon. Both types offer nutritional benefits, but wild salmon has higher nutritional value. Farmed salmon may be overexposed to antibiotics and pesticides that farmers add to the water. Some farmed salmon may even have artificial coloring injected into the meat to give it a more attractive orange hue. With wild salmon, you do not have these risks.

As mentioned above, providing your body with the nutrients it needs can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Having read this article, you now have more information about the ways to improve your diet. Use this information wisely, and you will likely see an improvement in your health and your life in general.

Not That Low-Carb Diet!

Just before you think that low-carbohydrates diet would save you from getting fat, better think again and weigh things up for your self. There is indeed a misconception in the arena of dieting that one must get rid of the carbohydrates-rich food group. We just do not realize that these food included in carbohydrates' circle are the major source of energy that we need to keep up with the hard work we do every day.

Did you now that this type of diet is only good for temporary purposes? On the other these low- carb diets even have long-term risks. They are so alarming but one need not panic- all you have to do is to start healthier this time around.

There is a risk of osteoporosis. Diets which are very high in protein like animal protein from meat heightens the risk for osteoporosis for women because the body takes calcium from the bone to neutralize the acids that build up in the blood as a result of digesting large amounts of protein.

In addition, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, any low-carb diet which is low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains but high in animal foods increases the risk of acquiring kinds of cancers.

Low carb diets your body to take high fats. An international studies show that countries low rate of breast cancer, are countries that have high fat intakes while those with a high fat consumption have high rates. Diets which use high-fiber food are better and they would help to gradually overcome the risks of breast cancer.

The most alarming id the risk of heart diseases, yes it is. Over-consumption of saturated fat is a known risk factor for raised LDL cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.

This common misconception must be alternated by a new fact that for one to determine how to slim down or lose weight, metabolism affects how much a person could lose weight and not merely rely on the idea that ignoring rice, and all the nutrients they provide.

Dietary Therapy: High Fiber Diets

Can high-fiber diets really do all they claim to do? Studies have looked at the relationship between high-fiber diets and many diseases, including colon cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Proven benefits of a high-fiber diet include prevention and treatment of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis. In addition, certain types of fiber help decrease blood cholesterol levels.

Dietary fiber comes from the portion of plants that is not digested by enzymes in the intestinal tract. Part of it, however, may be metabolized by bacteria in the lower gut. Different types of plants have varying amounts and kinds of fiber, including pectin, gum, mucilage, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

Pectin and gum are water-soluble fibers found inside plant cells. They slow the passage of food through the intestines but do nothing to increase fecal bulk. Beans, oat bran, fruit and vegetables contain soluble fiber.

In contrast, fibers in cell walls are water insoluble. These include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Such fibers increase fecal bulk and speed up the passage of food through the digestive tract.

Wheat bran and whole grains contain the most insoluble fiber, but vegetables and beans also are good sources.Sometimes there is confusion as to the difference between crude fiber and dietary fiber. Both are determined by a laboratory analysis, but crude fiber is only one-seventh to one-half of total dietary fiber.

Insoluble fiber binds water, making stools softer and bulkier. Therefore, fiber, especially that found in whole grain products, is helpful in the treatment and prevention of constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulosis.

Diverticula are pouches of the intestinal wall that can become inflamed and painful.It is now known that a high-fiber diet gives better results once the inflammation has subsided.

Some types of fiber, however, appear to have a greater effect than others. The fiber found in rolled oats is more effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels than the fiber found in wheat. Pectin has a similar effect in that it, too, can lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

High-fiber diets may be useful for people who wish to lose weight. Fiber itself has no calories, yet provides a “full” feeling because of its water-absorbing ability. For example, an apple is more filling than a half cup of apple juice that contains about the same calories.

Foods high in fiber often require more chewing, so a person is unable to eat a large number of calories in a short amount of time. Dietary fiber is found only in plant foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Meat, milk and eggs do not contain fiber.

The form of food may or may not affect its fiber content. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as much fiber as raw ones. Other types of processing, though, may reduce fiber content. Drying and crushing, for example, destroy the water-holding qualities of fiber.

The removal of seeds, peels or hulls also reduces fiber content. Whole tomatoes have more fiber than peeled tomatoes, which have more than tomato juice. Likewise, whole wheat bread contains more fiber than white bread.

Fiber supplements are sold in a variety of forms from bran tablets to purified cellulose. Many laxatives sold as stool softeners actually are fiber supplements. Fiber’s role in the diet is still being investigated.

It appears that the various types of fiber have different roles in the body. For these reasons, avoid fiber supplements. Instead, eat a variety of fiber-rich foods.

This is the best way to receive the maximum benefits from each type of fiber present in foods, and obtain necessary nutrients.

A Pleasuarble Dieting And Weightloss Experience

Tired of the same old do's and don't when it comes to dieting and weight loss? If you're one of the many women trekking the hard path to weight loss, you've probably come across programs that tell you to avoid certain kinds of food. There are those that recommend vigorous exercises to rev up your metabolism but only allows you to eat a third of your usual intake. Chances are, you feel deprived. And this deprivation will probably cause you to binge later or have mood swings. It could even affect your work and family life. But did you know that you could diet and lose weight without sacrificing the things you want? This is the game plan for the slow and conscious eating diet.

Recent studies concluded that diets which are low-fat or low-calorie can only do so much to your body. Dieting and weight loss through this may not event prevent heart diseases. Moreover, another research show that our bodies utilize and absorb more nutrients from foods that we like. This means that scarfing down plate after plate of brussels sprouts or brocolli won't do you much good than you expect if you don't like veggies. This is because if we are presented with something that we like, say, roasted chicken with lemon butter sauce, our brain, upon recognizing the smells and sight will send signals to the stomach to release more digestive juice. The result? A better metabolized and digested protein than servings of tofu that will just go to waste simply because our brain protested against it. But don't binge yet, certain precautions must be considered to avoid going into a pleasure eating overdrive.

First, the food must have nutritional content. This means that chips and chocolate diets are out. Vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains are preferred. Smother them in sauce and prepare them the way you like. Fry, steam, grill, or bake, it's up to you. The key to this method of dieting and weight loss is proper nutrition and yummy food. Second, assess why you need to eat. Are you really hungry? Is it just for socializing? Or is the desire to eat an emotional thing? In short, have the right attitude when it comes to food. Eat substantial portions are enough for sustenance, a small amount if you're just in for the chat, and control your indulgence when eating for emotional needs. This brings us to our third consideration, the method of eating or your eating habits. You may have to tweak your eating habits a few times to control eating for pleasure. Make like the French and chew your food slowly. Savor every flavor and texture. It is important to prolong delight in eating your meal. Without realizing it, you'll feel fuller and more satiated sooner with smaller portions. The result? Easy dieting and weight loss with minimal effort on your part.

Low Glycemic Diets

Introduction: low glycemic diets are good for everyone but the people who need these diets most are Diabetics and those trying to lose weight. Foods are measured by GI glycemic indexing.

What is glycemic indexing (GI)? The glycemic index ranks from 1 to 100.This is the method by which foods are measured and shows the amount a food will raise blood sugar and insulin levels. The rate at which your blood sugar rises is very important in managing diabetes and weight maintenance. High glycemic foods are those that are quickly digested and turned into sugar. They will cause a considerable rise in high blood sugar. Foods ranking 70 or greater on the GI scale are considered high glycemic foods. Examples of these foods are:

Foods high in sugar or glucose

* Baked or mashed potatoes

* White Rice

* White (not whole grain) bread

* Cookies, cakes, muffins, doughnuts-made with refined white flour

* Junk foods

Low glycemic foods include some fruits and vegetables they are 55 or less on the GI scale. Examples of these are:

* Most fruits (apples, pears, oranges, berries, etc.)

* High fiber grains (bran, whole grain wheat’s)

* Pastas

* Whole milk

* Low-fat yogurt

* Lentils

* Whole grain cereals

Why use a low Glycemic Diets: High glycemic foods can cause weight gain and are dangerous for those suffering from Diabetes. High glycemic foods increase your appetite, and cause your body to increase triglycerides. They can also lead to weight gain. Cutting carbohydrates is not enough. You need to be aware of how all the food you eat measures up to the GI index.

Protein foods such as cheese, vegetables, eggs and fresh meat are not included in the GI index because they do not include large amounts of carbohydrates. Therefore these foods can be eaten when you are on a low glycemic diet.

Diabetes is a life threatening disease when not taken care of and it is very important to be aware of the glycemic index of the foods you eat. One of the first methods of treatment is to put these patients on a low glycemic diet. This will help them to lower their blood sugar levels and maintain a normal blood sugar level.

Obesity: A low glycemic diet will also help you lose weight. Eating more protein foods and low glycemic foods will help you drop those pounds and when you maintain a low glycemic diet will help you sustain your weight.

Eating in a healthier manner is just a matter of understanding the different foods and paying attention to what you eat. Educate yourself a little on which foods are high in protein and low in glycemic levels and you will be able to improve your health and have more energy to do the things that are really important to you.

Shopping For Health

Like many teens, my sons read the cereal box panels at breakfast. A few weeks ago, they noticed the health claims on our Whole Grain Total cereal box and asked me what they meant. You may be wondering the same thing.

Health claims on food packages help people shop for foods that are linked with prevention of certain diseases. "Several approved health claims pertaining to the health benefits of whole grains will help consumers make wise food choices," says Kathleen Zelman, M.P.H., R.D., director of nutrition for WebMD Health.

• Grain products, fruits, and vegetables may lower cancer risk when they are included in a low-fat diet. A diet that is high in fat increases risk of developing certain types of cancer.

• Diets that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain some types of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats are a good grain source of soluble fiber.

• Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. This health claim specifies that benefits come from eating whole grain foods rather than all grain foods.

Ms. Zelman points out that while a health claim about foods with calcium and bone health does not mention grains, "a breakfast of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit is an ideal way to start the day because fortified cereal and milk provide calcium, along with protein and a whole host of vitamins, minerals and fiber to meet your nutritional needs and keep you feeling full all morning."

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid food guidance system emphasize the importance of eating whole grain foods. They recommend including at least three servings a day of whole grains in place of processed grain foods. Health claims can help you find all-important whole grain foods.

Mindy Hermann

Note to Editors: This is Series V-17 of 26.