A lot of vegans do not even know why they wanted to become vegans in the first place. Why are you a vegan? If you cannot answer this question in depth, then there's really no reason to become a vegan diet fan. You have to do some soul searching and find some answers from deep inside you. Find out exactly why you want to become a vegan. If you don't find any reasons behind your decision then it's just a phase you're going through.

So first of all, you have to educate yourself about being a vegan.

1. Know the facts of the vegan diet.
2. Know exactly what you're getting yourself into.
3. Know exactly why you are doing it.
4. Start reading books, newspapers, magazines about vegan diets.
5. Search the internet for articles or other information concerning vegan diets.

To sum up you have to know the pros and cons of becoming a vegan.

Here are some secret tips to get you started if you're really desperate about becoming e vegetarian.

1. Start the easy way.
Did you have any favorite dish before becoming a vegetarian? Maybe that dish was a vegetarian dish or could become one easily. So start with that favorite dish. You may not even know that some dishes are vegetarian.
For example you can start with vegetable pasta or lasagne or pasta primavera. There are thousands of choices.

2. Buy a Vegan Recipe CookBook
Being a vegetarian means that you have to learn to prepare your food sometimes. So why not follow some proven tips and recipes from a good vegetarian cookbook?

3. Don't Push Yourself
So you decide to switch to a vegan diet but you find yourself so tired and really hungry. Well, you may not be eating enough!
Don't pressure your body. Try to stay balanced and get enough calories and nutrients to keep you going. Don't just stick to only a few different types of food.

4. Get support from your friends
Make your friends understand the fact that you're vegetarian. Make them respect your choices. A good example would be to get them to try some of your food and taste what you eat.

5. Do not compare yourself with other vegetarians.
If you're reading vegan magazines or articles or talking to longtime vegetarians then you will notice that everyone has something to say. And they claim they have the best solution for you. Well, ignore them. Do not compare yourself and your body with anyone else's! You want to be a vegetarian for your own reasons. So find out what's right for you and be comfortable with your decisions.

6. Timing matters
Feel free to start on a vegan diet at any time of the year. But be wise. Remember that if you start during the summer you'll have the chance to try a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, people have the tendency to eat lighter during summer months. During the winter there's the advantage of eating soups or baked food.

Labels: Diet Food, Vegan Diet, Vegetarian

Weight training is of great importance in this context, which enables the body to absorb more nutrients from the food by increasing the amount of hormones your body receives and increasing the mass of the muscles.

You may have goals in mind of what you would like to achieve with a training routine. Most of the time, people who train hit plateaus because people rarely change their training variables over time. All people who train and work out will eventually hit a plateau, you need to work through this and keep training. Sometimes when working out you start to feel that it is not working anymore and you feel stale, well there is a way to start making progress on your workouts again, it is call unilateral training and it is the perfect way to help to build muscle and increase your workout training. No supplement will help you if you are not training and dieting correctly.

Weight training is of great importance in this context, which enables the body to absorb more nutrients from the food by increasing the amount of hormones your body receives and increasing the mass of the muscles. To gain weight just follow this simple formula, by eating more calories than you burn you will gain weight.

It is important that you use a training program that is designed to help you gain weight and build muscle. When lifting weights you want to build more muscle, the only way to do this is to move in the direction of lifting heavier weights.

Make sure that you eat enough protein. Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of muscle. The body then requires more protein in order to repair the damage. Instead of doing many reps to burn calories and create muscle with lighter weights, you should take time to tear the muscles which are made of fibers apart, which will then intern build more muscle when receiving protein and will increase your strength.

While it is definitely possible to both lose fat and gain muscle at the same time, in my experience, the best results comes from concentrating on one major goal at a time. Everyone who trains dreams of one thing and one thing only, the ability to lose as much fat as possible and to build as much muscle as possible in the shortest amount of time.

There are many exercises you can do without machines. One of the big factors that many talk about when searching for the correct ways to gain weight and build muscle is the type of exercises selected for each muscle group.

You train like crazy and never build muscle. Train no more than three times per week. Do 2-3 easy warm up sets to get the blood flowing. Resting four minutes between sets increases recycling ability to 90 percent. Warming up is very important when working out, just like a professional baseball pitcher needs to throw a ball around to warm up his arm before throwing the ball fast and hard, so before lifting do some reps with light weight before lifting the heavy weights.

One of the most important points is to be consistent in what every type of weight loss, training program you choose.

Labels: Diet Food, Dieting, Weight Lifting

A macrobiotic devotee believes that anything related to foods such as its quality is a major factor that affects one’s life and being, far more than what it implies. Foods are then thought to be affecting factors to a person’s wellness and happiness. Well, in a sense, this is actually true, isn’t it?

Because of this, macrobiotic practitioners stay clear themselves from any processed foods, and instead, they focused more on what are natural and traditional food preparation methods. They claimed that it is much better to select less processed and more natural foods. And they used and applied the same traditional means in serving their families at home.

Macrobiotics give more emphasis on organically and locally grown whole grain cereals, vegetables, legumes, fruits, soy products, and seaweed that are incorporated together in meals in accordance to the balance principle between yang and yin properties, instead of a more scientific guidelines on dieting. Generally, a macrobiotic diet follows the Yang and Yin idea of diet.

Fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, rice, and beans are the basic elements of a Yang and Yin diet, all of which are considered natural and neutrally well balanced. However, foods that are extremely Yang naturally, or excessively Yin by nature, are rarely eaten, or not at all. Overly Yin products examples are tropical fruit, coffee, dairy products, sugar, honey and alcohol, while, very Yang food products include meat, dairy products such as hard cheeses, eggs, and poultry.

Macrobiotic diets are those with highly natural and unprocessed foods, including vegetables and complex carbohydrates. It is comprised of low saturated fats, but at the same time, provides essential fats. The diet also believed in eating fresh and organically grown foods. Microwave is not an option in preparing the foods for this kind of diet. In cooking rice, pressure cooker must be used instead.

The manner of eating also matters in a macrobiotic diet. The foods should be chewed slowly and properly, in a relaxing way. A low fat and high fiber diet is also believed to provide significant benefits in some cancer type preventions. The macrobiotics’ importance on the less processed foods may be favorable for those with chemical sensitivities and food allergies.

Followers of this diet assert that harmony and balance of the diet towards lifestyle evoke the best health condition possible. They strongly believed in the diet’s abilities to yield numerous positive health benefits that include a wonderful and exhilarating sense of wellness. Some studies even provide statistics of some people following the diet to have a declined risk of heart diseases and reduced risks of cancer.

Labels: Diet Food, Macrobiotic Diet

There are some foods and drinks that headache and migraine sufferers should avoid. However the sad truth for people who suffer from severe headaches is that only around 20% see any benefit to a change in their diet.

There are some foods and drinks that headache and migraine sufferers should avoid. However the sad truth for people who suffer from severe headaches is that only around 20% see any benefit to a change in their diet.

The things that are best left alone are the six C’s:

* Coffee
* Cola
* Chocolate
* Cheese
* Citrus
* Congeners

Other foods that contain headache triggers are:

Nuts and cheeses that have been aged, such as parmesan, cheddar and brie. These all contain Tyramine, an amino acid which can trigger headaches.

Beer and red wine which both contain Histamines.

Hotdogs, luncheon meats, cured ham, sausages and other processed meats which all contain nitrates as preservatives.

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG which is in a lot of Chinese food.

The ‘vaso-active’ amines in some foods are what are believed to bring on a headache or migraine. These amines enlarge the blood vessels, which press on nerves and cause pain.

There is hope for chocolate lovers though. Although chocolate contains amines and was long thought to be a trigger, research is showing that it’s not necessarily so. Although it’s good news, we don’t suggest that you go off and have a massive chocolate binge. As with all of these foods, it really is a case of what works, or doesn’t, for you. Try them out one at a time, so that you know what your own personal triggers are.

So if I avoid these triggers I won’t get headaches?

It’s true that avoiding these will help. But other aspects of your diet can bring on headaches too. Dehydration is probably the most common reason for headaches but happily, the easiest to remedy. That sort of headache can be quickly relieved by just drinking. Children often come home from school complaining of a headache. For a start, they don’t have the time or opportunity to drink as much as they would at home. And it’s common for kids to limit their fluid intake at school as they embarrassed to ask to go to the bathroom. These headaches can easily be avoided by giving your child a small bottle of water to carry around so that they can have a drink between classes.

Whether you’re at home all day or go out to work, it’s often easy to get engrossed in what you’re doing and forget to drink enough. So plan regular breaks, or drink while you work. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes. Drinking a lot of water is good for your whole body and will help to give you clear, glowing skin. Need any more persuasion?

The afternoon slump

Low blood sugar can also bring on a nasty headache. A lunch of chips, sweet drinks and candy is high in sugar and carbohydrates that are refined and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. That is what gives you the high and makes this sort of meal so appealing. But then there is a sudden drop – leaving you feeling dopey and drowsy and often with a headache. Try to choose meals with complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest, like whole meal bread, cheese, turkey and fruit. This kind of diet will help to prevent headaches, give you longer-lasting energy and improve your digestive system. Can’t be bad!

Labels: Diet Food, Headache

Low fat diet will help us look Slimmer and Healthier. Healthy body needs Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins and Fat.

Low Fat Diet will help decrease the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and some types of cancer. It is necessary to lose unwanted excess fat. For this a Low Fat Diet would certainly help.

Fat level differs from person to person. Women need four times of fat in excess than men. As long as we keep the fat level in average we are on the safer side. Nowadays there are various ways to burn fat from our body. The predominant way to burn fat is to “Cut Down Calories Through Diet”.

Most of us will think that skipping breakfast or lunch will help to lose fat. But for proper functioning of our metabolism we should have our diet in time with vitamins and nutrients. This will make us healthy and will help to burn fat.

Fat

Fat is necessary for our body metabolism (proper functioning of our immune system and body hormones).

Body fat is of two types

1)Essential Fat
2)Storage Fat

If our body exceeds the average fat level then it risks our health. However, lower fat levels will also impair the health. Usually some amount of fat will be stored in our body that can be used in the time of need.

Essential Fat

Essential Fat is needed by our body’s hormone for proper functioning of our immune system. Essential fat will be stored in the heart, liver, lungs, bone marrow, kidney and other organs of the body. Essential fat is important for proper functioning of nevous system also.

Storage Fat

Storage Fat is used by our body in the time of need.

How to loose fat using Low Fat Diet?

You can try any or all of the following low fat diet ways.

Vitamin C’s Role in reducing Low Fat Diet.

To lower the intake of fat, we have to take vitamin C, Starchy and fiber food. Vitamin C will help to burn fat. Take Citrus fruits, lemon, oranges and Grapefruit. Some other foods that burn fat are Cabbage, Carrot, Broccoli, Watermelon, Apple, and Blueberries.

Low Fat Diet - Salads

While making salads use yogurt, lemon juice, tomato juice, spices, mint or coriander for dressing. Do not use Salad cream, which is high in fat. You can make salads using green leaves, lemon juice, tomato, vinegar, pepper, some mustard seeds, nuts such as almonds or walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dates and so on. This will contain only good fat needed for our body.

Low Fat Diet - Soup

You can take any kind of vegetable soup, which will supply the essential fat to our body. Do not boil the vegetables for longer time; this will destroy the nutrients in the food.

Low Fat Diet - Milk

Use only skimmed milk.

Low Fat Diet - Fish

We get Omega 2 and Omega 6 fat from fish, which is an essential fat. Try taking Salmon and Tuna.

Labels: Diet Food

With all low carb diets claiming success, it can be hard to pick the perfect low carb diet for you. Are all low carb diets the same? What is the difference among all low carb diets? It can be confusing with all low carb diets, products and plans you see out there. Luckily, thousands of people have been trying all low carb diets for years now, and almost all low carb diets have well known pluses and minuses

Atkins Diet

Of all low carb diets, Atkins is probably one of the most popular low carb diets there is. Watching your carb levels is all that's required, and the foods you are allowed to eat with Atkins (hamburgers, steaks, and cream) are often beloved. Negative comments, though, include the fact that you may feel overtired, stressed, even have a headache while your body is responding to the new diet. Research suggests that this diet lowers blood sugar, tryglicerides, cholesterol and saturated fat levels, helping heart health.

Dr. Atkins believed that nearly all obesity is caused by overactive insulin production and not by overeating. He believed that overeating could be caused by carbohydrate addiction and that most overweight people actually ate less than their slim counterparts. However, they crave and eat carbohydrate, which raises their insulin levels and suppresses fat burning. He also recommends the use of dietary supplements to help balance nutrition and the bodies systems.

The Induction diet is very strict as far as carb elimination (20 grams or less per day), but generous in the allowance of fat and protein. It should be noted that low starch vegetables are the recommended source of carbs. This phase of the diet lasts 14 days and is followed by the Ongoing Weight Loss diet (OWL).

South Beach Diet

Next to Atkins, of all low carb diets,this diet is a huge hit. Developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, The South Beach Diet teaches dieters to eat the right carbs and the right fats. The diet has three phases. In the first dieter's banish their bad carb cravings and induce rapid weight loss. In the second phase, some types of carbs are reintroduced and weight loss is slower. The final phase is the "Diet for Life".

Most report a good initial weight loss, and a pretty lasting weight reduction. Of all low carb diets, many feel that it is easy to follow. Probably the reason for this feeling about South Beach Diet, over all low carb diets is that there is no counting involved, just a list of foods you can and cannot eat. As with all low carb diets, there are also negatives. Some say that if you don't stick with the lists of foods your weight can come right back. Others did not like the use of aspartame, as perhaps dangerous in the long term.

The Zone Diet

This is a fairly popular one, of all low carb diets. Many people feel it is the most sensible of all low carb diets to follow. Most dieters report they are not hungry on this diet, and it is a fairly safe diet plan. Created by Dr. Barry Sears, The Zone encourages balanced carb and protein intake. Dr. Sears suggests that you divide your plate into three sections, one for protein and two for fruits and vegetables per meal. This works out to 30 percent protein, 40 percent carb, and 30 percent fat. For each meal, the protein portion should be roughly the size of your tightly closed fist. The carb portion should be the size of two loosely closed fists and the added fat portion should be about the volume of your thumb.

The Zone is all about food portion measurement and control. Another tool that dieters in the Zone can use to measure food is the "block". Every adult is allowed at least 11 blocks per day and the proper food serving size will affect how much food by volume a dieter actually consumes each day. This plan does not allow for unlimited protein portions or eating until satiated. Once your Zone meal portions are gone, your meal is done.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet

Husband and wife scientist team Drs. Rachael and Richard Heller introduced the term "Carbohydrate Addict" in their 1993 book The Carbohydrates Addict's Diet. The idea is that some people are addicted to carbohydrates just like alcoholics are addicted to alcohol and drug addicts are addicted to drugs. This addiction causes strong cravings, insulin resistance and weight gain.

One of the most important theories of this diet is that being overweight is not the fault of the obese person. Why? Because the person's biology and the addictive power of carbohydrates is working against them. The Heller's believe that carb addiction is treated over the long-term with good nutrition and proper diet, but it is never cured and carb addicts must be vigilant to prevent future weight gain and carb binges.

Hampton's Diet

Dr. Fred Pescatore, a former Associate Medical Director at the Atkins Institute, developed the Hampton's Diet. This diet is a mix of low carb dieting concepts and the healthiest concepts of the Mediterranean diet. He encourages the liberal consumption of monosaturated fats to aid weight loss and prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Because of Dr. Pescatore's affiliation with Dr. Atkins, his diet is heavily influenced by the Atkins diet. The main points of difference seem to be more of an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, the use of healthier fats like macadamia nut oil and the suggestion that skin and fat be trimmed from meat.

The Glycemic Index Diet

Written by Rick Gallop, a former President of The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, The Glycemic Index (GI) Diet claims, "if you can understand a traffic light, you'll understand this diet". Compared to all low carb diets, it is not as high protein, and encourages dieters to cut fats as well as carbs.

Gallop divides food into three groups based on their glycemic index, how fast they cause spikes in blood sugar levels. He separates food into green light, yellow light and red light foods. Glucose is set at a GI level of 100 and all other foods are compared against it. Red light foods should be avoided, yellow light foods are avoided during the initial weight loss phase and eaten occasionally during the ongoing maintenance phase and green light foods should form the basis of your diet throughout. Dieters lose one to two pounds per week.

NeanderThin

Ray Audette, the author of NeanderThin touts his diet as a way to "Eat like a caveman to achieve a lean, strong, healthy body". His research led him to adopt a "Paleolithic", hunter-gatherer diet, like that eaten by our human ancestors before they settled in agrarian societies. Within one week, his blood sugar levels were normal and after one month he had lost 25 pounds, his arthritic pain was relieved and he noticed improved muscle tone.

Do eat: meats and fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, berries
Don't eat: grains, beans, potatoes, dairy, and sugar

Protein Power

Drs. Michael and Mary Eades, co-authors of The Protein Power LifePlan believe that modern health problems are caused by our modern diet that is heavy on grains and processed food. They offer a food pyramid that is the USDA pyramid turned upside down so that proteins form the base, vegetables and fruit form the center and whole grains form the pyramids tip.

The diet is followed in phases allowing a quick transition to low carb and quick weight loss. The first phase is called Intervention and carb intake is limited to 7 to 10 grams per meal. The second phase is called the Transition level and should be adhered to for several months. At this level up to 15 net carb grams are allowed per meal. In the final maintenance phase, up to 30 grams of carb can be consumed with each meal.

Schwarzbein Principle

Dr. Diana Schwarzbein is the endocrinologist to the stars. The doctor of choice for Suzanne Somers, Larry Hagman and many others, Schwarzbein encourages extensive testing for hormonal imbalances and then suggests various diet and exercise programs and selective hormone replacement to treat any deficiencies.

Dr. Schwarzbein's diet principles are laid out in The Schwarzbein Principle, her 5-step plan to optimal health. These include healthy nutrition, stress management,No toxic chemicals, regular exercise, and even hormone replacement, when needed.

Somersizing

Suzanne Somers first introduced "Somersizing" in Suzanne Somers Eat Great, Lose Weight in 1992. Somersizing is a way of eating in which you cut sugar and "funky foods" and eat plenty of fats, proteins and good carbs like vegetables and fruit. Foods must be combined in certain ways so that the body easily digests them. Dieters Somersize in two steps, the first (Level One) to lose weight and induce "the melt" of fat and the second (Level Two) for ongoing maintenance of their ideal weight.

Sugar Busters!
On Sugar Busters! dieters cut sugar to trim fat. This diet was created by a group of doctors who realized that it is the sugar in foods that produces a negative insulin response and leads to weight gain. On this plan you eliminate potatoes, corn, white flour, white rice, bread from refined flour, most cold cereals, beets, carrots, refined sugar, corn syrup, molasses, honey, sugary colas and beer.
The diet begins with a 14-day diet plan and includes a meal planner. Dieters are encouraged to eat high fiber, low starch carbs that have a lower glycemic index. Encouraged is the consumption of lean, well-trimmed meats for protein. They estimate that you will consume about 30 percent protein, 40 percent carbs and 30 percent monosaturated oils and other fats.

So, as I said, all low carb diets make claims for success, and there is a lot of truth to this. If you are still getting confused with all low carb diets, products and plans you see out there, study what is really involved with all low carb diets to see which makes sense for you and your lifestyle.

Labels: Diet Food