Why Weight Loss Shakes Can Be a Great Part of Your Diet Plan

Weight loss milkshakes are nothing new, but once you’ve tried every other tip and trick in the book, you find your eye wandering to the diet shakes on the shelves. However, before you stock up on a three-month supply of diet shake mixes, you need to first consider what they might do to your wellness. The attractive advertisements might lure you in with promises of Instant Weight Loss, but, even if that’s true, Instant Weight Loss rarely means Permanent Weight Loss, right? While weight loss shakes are healthy and tasty, a diet solely made up of these shakes can be more harmful than beneficial to your wellbeing. Still, there are several good reasons why weight loss shakes are popular amongst dieters, so let’s weigh up the good against the bad.

 

Pro – Weight loss shakes are healthy: You can make a weight loss shake at home easily, and include only your favourite ingredients. Using fruits and vegetables enables you to get the nutrition of wholesome vitamins and minerals bundled in to a glass within no time.

 

Pro – The ingredients are easily available: The packaged weight loss shake powders don’t always taste that great, so why not make your own weight loss shake at home? This provides the perfect alternative, enabling you to consume your favourite flavours that you can easily find in your local supermarket. Some of the common ingredients that you can add to these weight loss shakes include fruits (to help you get rid of toxins in your body) yoghurt or low-fat milk (for your dose of vitamin D and calcium) and protein powder (which helps build lean muscle mass and keeps digestion going smooth).

 

Pro – Other people have done it: As weight loss shakes are nothing new, other people have spend time and effort perfecting their recipes, and, thanks to the internet, are passing their knowledge onto you! You can find various delicious recipes on any weight loss forums that will allow you to make your own glassful of health at home.

 

Con – You can’t drink weight loss shakes alone: The problem with weight loss shake diets is that people ONLY consume weight loss shakes, which is completely foolish. As you can see from this list, the pros of weight loss shakes far outweigh the cons, but that’s only if you consume them as part of a balanced diet. Even if ruling out all other foods causes you to drop weight fast, you’ll only put it back on – and then some – when you return to your regular eating habits. Therefore, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, you should drink weight loss shakes as one of your smaller meals, and not rely solely on them to help you achieve your goal weight.

 

Weight loss shakes, then, are a helpful addition to your overall diet plan, as long as you do it right. Relying on simple-to-make weight loss shakes as a meal replacement for your pre-workout and post-workout nutrition is an especially great idea – just make sure you don’t try to substitute it for a proper, balanced diet. Now we’ve got that cleared up, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

 

For this super-easy and healthy weight loss shake, you will need…

• ½ a cup of skimmed milk or ½ a cup of plain, fat-free yoghurt


• One scoop of low-calorie protein powder (optional)


• ½ a banana


• One cup of fresh or frozen berries


• Crushed ice (optional)

 

Take a blender, and throw in all of your ingredients apart from the crushed ice. Blend them together and, if you’re not using crushed ice, stop here and enjoy your gorgeously thick shake. However, if you’re after a smoother consistency, add in your crushed ice and drink away that weight!

Categories: balanced diet, crushed ice, drink weight, instant weight, loss shake, loss shakes, nbsp pro, Pros and Cons, protein powder, recipe, Weight Loss, weight loss shakes

Why Saturated Fat is Giving All Fats a Bad Name

Man, fat has got a bad reputation, hasn’t it? You blame it for everything that’s wrong with your wellness; from clogging your arteries and raising your cholesterol to causing your waist to expand. But is fat really responsible for all that damage to your wellbeing? Or could including fat in your diet actually be beneficial to your health?

 

According to Dr Sarah Berry, a lecturer in dietary fat and cardiovascular disease at King’s College, London, ‘Fat has been demonised and become the villain of our diets when in reality it is an essential component. People thought low-fat was good, so no-fat must be better, but that’s not true.’ Recently an independent group of experts, carried out a survey that suggested the same misconception; of the 1,000 people who responded to the survey, one in 10 people didn’t realise they need fat in their diets, and one in five thought saturated fat (the worst kind) was a healthy option.

 

The truth is that it’s unfair to tar all fat with the same brush. In fact, the right kinds of fat are good for you, and can add flavour and texture to your food. Dietician Sian Porter explains, ‘Fat in the right amount is a key part of a healthy balanced diet. It provides essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), which our bodies can’t make themselves; helps us to absorb the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K; and generally plays a part in maintaining healthy tissue, skin and immune function.’ So there’s nothing wrong with the occasional meal that’s high in fat, as long as you balance it with healthier options and know exactly what you’re eating. Dr Berry comments, ‘In a balanced diet, it’s the type of fat we’re eating that we need to think about, not the total amount.’

 

Let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of fats:

 

Unsaturated fats: Whether you go for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, these are the good guys for your wellness. The way to tell the difference between these and the black sheep of the fat family, saturated fat, is that unsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature. These fats don’t raise your cholesterol levels and actually benefit your heart and circulation. Your ideal sources of unsaturated fats are plants; seeds, nuts, vegetables such as olives and avocados, and the oils and spreads made from them. You can also get plenty of good-for-you-fat from oily fish, but there is a small amount of saturated fats found in fish too, so be aware.

 

Saturated fats: These are the naughty kids that give all other fats a bad name. Saturated fat, which is firm at room temperature, can raise your levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol which, in turn, bumps up your risk for heart disease. You’ll mostly find saturated fats in food from animals, such as lard, fatty or processed meat, and dairy products such as butter, cream and cheese. However, these nasty fats also lurk in coconut and palm oil, confectionery, cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, takeaways and ready meals. Dr Berry urges, ‘We are consuming too much saturated fat and not enough unsaturated. And it’s this balance that’s vital.’

 

Trans fats: These chemically altered vegetable oils increase the shelf life of your food, such as sweets, biscuits and ready meals, but they have been linked to high cholesterol. While the NHS has called for trans fats to be banned from the public diet altogether, some experts believe they’re no longer a concern. Dr Berry notes, ‘Food companies have been voluntarily removing them and they’re no longer a noteworthy health issue in the UK.’

Categories: balanced diet, dr berry, fats, ready meals, room temperature, saturated, saturated fat, saturated fats, Trans Fat, trans fats, unsaturated fat, unsaturated fats

Three Simple, Natural Remedies to Rid Your Dog of Fleas

When your dog has fleas, you can find yourself bulking up on ointments and collars to get rid of the pesky little pests. However, these anti-flea products are laden with chemicals – they’re designed to kill fleas, after all – and your pup’s wellbeing could be at risk. According to The Humane Society, 1,600 pet deaths in the last five years have been attributed to flea treatments. Moreover, family wellness could also be threatened by these treatments, as many of the ingredients in flea medications are known carcinogens. Then there are poisonings and allergic reactions to consider, the signs of which include salivating, pupil dilation, tremors, vomiting, hiding, shivering and skin irritation. Still, why let it get to that point, when you can use natural and effective flea remedies instead?

 

1. Homemade spray: Although this spray won’t kill fleas or eggs once they arrive, you can prevent them from appearing in the first place. The spray contains citrus oil and lavender oil, both of which are harmless to dogs but you might find your pooch is more relaxed, as lavender has a calming effect. This herb can be unsafe for cats, however, so avoid using lavender on them. For your homemade spray, slice six lemons into thin round slices with the skin intact, and add them to a pan filled with water. Bring the water to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it sit overnight. Then, strain the liquid into a spray bottle and add 50 drops of lavender essential oil. You should use this spray whenever your dog goes outdoors or has a bath. Alternately, soak his collar in the mixture to make a flea collar of your own. You can also spray your rugs, carpeting, furniture and garden to prevent fleas from settling in.

 

2. A healthy, balanced diet: Much as it is with your wellness, your furry little friend can benefit no-end from a healthy, balanced diet, especially with regards to fleas. You may find that the right amount of nutrients can give your dog all he needs to properly combat all the toxins he is exposed to daily, and fight off pests naturally. Flaxseed oil, probiotics and digestive enzymes can help to boost his immune system and help him resist pests on his own, while small pinches of garlic can keep fleas at bay and support your pet’s liver and kidneys. Too much garlic can be toxic to dogs, but a small amount will be emanated through his skin (you won’t notice it, but the fleas will – think of them as vampires). Apple cider vinegar is also a beneficial addition to a doggie diet, as it makes the skin more acidic and, as a result, less appealing to fleas.

 

3. Topical remedies: Essential oils, such as peppermint, lemongrass, cedar and pennyroyal, can help fend off fleas, just make sure you dilute them and put them in places your dog cannot easily lick, as large doses are dangerous to pets. Simply mix a few drops into a teaspoon of olive oil and rub on the top of your pooch’s neck or base of the tail. You can also steep rosemary in two cups of boiling water, let it cool, and add it to up to a gallon of warm water which you can then pour over your dog. Finally, try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your dog’s food or skin, or on your carpet (as long as you remember to vacuum it up later). This is basically ground-up algae, but it kills parasites internally. Just make sure to purchase a food-grade version of DE or it could cause breathing problems and other serious side effects for both your dog and you.

Categories: balanced diet, Dogs, flea, Fleas, healthy balanced, homemade spray, natural remedies, skin, spray, Water

Why Are Supplements So Necessary For Our Health?

Society has become increasingly health conscious in recent years, and thanks to the internet we are more knowledgeable than ever about what our bodies need. This increasing desire to be healthy and live stronger lives has resulted in people seeking out new ways to combat the obesity crisis – whilst awareness of an issue is one thing, knowing how to solve it is something quite different. Whether you’re a pro athlete or a regular citizen, a healthy diet requires discipline and determination. Supplements are a popular way to achieve this, as they give your body all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and work properly. While they are no replacement for a healthy diet, they can do wonders for filling in the gaps – particularly if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. On a basic level, supplements can balance your diet and help your body to benefit from the nutrients it needs most. For people who live on a specific diet that’s lacking in a food group, they can be a great way of ensuring that you stay healthy and on top form. As long as you maintain a balanced diet in the first instance, supplements will fill in the gap and improve your wellbeing.

 

Blood sugar levels are a concern for many people now, contributing towards obesity, diabetes and other health complaints. There are supplements that can help you manage this issue and  assist the metabolic, mental and cardiovascular health. If you lead a very active lifestyle and use a lot of energy, it’s vital that you give your body the energy it needs to function. Carbs are ideal for this, but you may also need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals – if your diet is falling short here, supplements can help. Vitamin supplements are especially necessary, as they speed up the metabolism of carbohydrates to ensure that your body has a good supply of energy. Whether you’re managing a busy work and life balance, or lead an active lifestyle as an athlete, you will need to focus on this for a healthy body.

Your immune system fights off disease and keeps your body fighting fit against the threat of disease. A strong immune system is crucial for long term health and keeping active for as long as you can, and supplements can be useful in achieving this. If you’re more susceptible to illnesses, you may benefit from a vitamin supplement. As previously stated, supplements are no match for the health benefits gained from a balanced diet in the first place. You should attempt to boost your diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as ensuring that you eat a varied diet that incorporates all of the main food groups – this means opting for lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and whole grains, and dairy to build a strong body that can lead an active lifestyle with ease. But supplements can do a wonderful job of filling in the gaps and topping up your nutrient levels so that you stay healthy and fend off disease effectively. If you’re unsure what nutrients you are lacking, or need some advice on the best supplements to be taking, speak to your GP who can advise you on the best course of action. As with any addition to your diet, seek medical advice before taking supplements in case they aren’t good for your health – your GP will be able to go through your medical history with you to ensure this is the case.

Categories: active lifestyle, balanced diet, body, diet, health, Healthy, healthy diet, nutrients, stay healthy, Supplements

Female-Targeted Supplements to Boost Women’s Health

With so many supplements on the market, it can be difficult knowing where to begin in finding one that suits your body and needs. A new range of female-targeted supplements known as femMED have been released that take the confusion out of these dietary additions and to deal with specific problems that women encounter every day. Using the highest quality ingredients possible and 100% natural, these supplements are backed by a wealth of research and clinical trials to ensure that they’re not only safe but also effective. Shawna Page, who created the line of supplements, says that she was inspired by natural health remedies but found that the range of supplements already on the market didn’t target the areas of her body that she wanted to improve. She wanted to create supplements for women at every stage of their lives, from teens to the elderly. Our health changes as we age, so it’s important that we reflect that with the supplements we take. FemMED has taken this into account and created a range that reflects how different women are at these stages of life.

 

Shawna claims that it’s important to take supplements in order to boost your health in areas that your diet is lacking. If everyone ate a balanced diet of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, dairy and whole grains every day, there would be no need for supplements. However, in today’s age of fast food and quick meals, most people are lacking in vitamins and minerals that will eventually lead to health problems, from dry skin and hair to more serious conditions. Supplements are a quick and easy way of preventing chronic disease, improving your wellbeing and filling in the gaps that your diet has left. While they are no replacement for a balanced diet, they certainly ensure that you remain healthy. FemMED is a line of 13 products which are specifically for women and take the worry out of choosing a supplement for your needs. Addressing the most common health problems that women face, these supplements are far more appealing that choosing from an extensive range of complex formulas. Not only that, but every product in the range can be combined to target multiple health concerns and they use vegetarian caps. The range was created with a selection of health professionals, from herbalists to gynaecologists and obstetricians, so that every health concern was considered. Research has been extensive so that Shawna could ensure they were safe and effective.

The philosophy behind the range was to allow women to take control of their health and wellness – education, Shawna believes, is the key to having the confidence to challenge suggestions and empower women to take control of their diets. Traditional allopathic doctors won’t necessarily lead to a completely fantastic diet, and they won’t have all the answers to your dietary questions. For example, it’s not always necessary to use medication for your condition if a supplement can do the same job. Your health plan for improved wellbeing should include a healthy and balanced diet, regular physical activity, no smoking and limited alcohol intake, plenty of sleep, well managed stress and nutritional supplements. Of course, if something doesn’t feel right or you’re worried about your health,  you should speak to your GP who can check for any serious conditions. It’s best to be aware of your body so that you can make a note of changes in your health and catch any potential health problems early before they develop.

Categories: balanced diet, diet, female targeted, health, health problems, New Solution, range, Supplements, targeted supplements, Women, women's health

Can Health Beverages Ever Replace a Balanced Meal?

Categories: balanced diet, balanced meal, based beverages, Fruit Juices, health, health beverages, health drink, health drinks, healthy balanced, milk based, Milk-based beverages

More than Food: Have You Tried the Holistic Diet?

A holistic diet is so much more than the food you have on your plate. This approach looks at you as a total person and gives you a healthy lifestyle in a package. Not only do you need to nourish your body, prevent chronic health concerns and increase your levels of energy, but these things can help you to create an overall sense of wellbeing. So how do you adopt a holistic diet?

Firstly, make sure your diet has a healthy balance of macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats. According to Neda Smith, the Co-Editor of Holistic Nutrition, not all carbohydrates are bad and you shouldn’t eliminate them from your diet. However, it is important to eat natural food in a holistic diet and to avoid processed foods. This means opting for fish, whole grains, vegetables, meats, fresh juices, herbal teas and coffee substitutes.

You also need to balance the macronutrients in your diet with the micronutrients, such as fibre, minerals and vitamins. This will help you to keep you body in optimising energy so that you reach high levels of physical and emotional wellness. The fibre will help you to digest your food, which is a vital component in the holistic diet. Experts in this complementary approach advise against cold foods and beverages – which are slow to digest – and instead recommend foods that contain probiotics or friendly bacteria, and chewing well before swallowing.

Emotional health is extremely important in a holistic approach to wellbeing. Sandra Caton, Editor for the American Holistic Health Association, explains that you need to be consciously aware of your thoughts, behaviour and feelings towards your family, friends and the people you interact with. You also should build up your respect for the planet in which you live. Go green and participate in community and neighbourhood “clean up” projects.

However, it’s not just your nutritional, emotional and environmental wellness that the holistic diet encourages; it’s your mental and spiritual health too. You can achieve spiritual wellness through various modes of attaining mental peace, such as yoga, simple meditation and relaxing recreational activities like reading or listening to music. If you incorporate all these things, you’’’ wake up with enough enthusiasm for the day ahead.

Categories: balanced diet, digestive, yoga

How to Maintain a Balanced Diet While Dieting

Every year, many people turn to dieting as a way to achieve or maintain their ideal shape. The idea of dieting can invoke feelings of dread and images of self-starvation and eating the same flavorless foods day after day. However, it is important for dieters to remember a few key tips in the interest of maintaining their weight in a way that is healthy and also to increase the likelihood of successfully following their diet of choice.

 

Variety

Dieters who find themselves getting bored while on a diet plan may be relieved to know that variety is an important key to remaining healthy. Foods come in a broad spectrum of colors. These colors correspond to certain nutrients. For example, brightly colored fruits and vegetables are often high in Vitamins A and C. Incorporating foods of a variety of colors every day is an effective way to include diversity in a diet plan and, more importantly, to consume a variety of essential nutrients. Meal replacements such as those by Ideal Shape can also help for those that don’t have time to cook every meal.

 

Spices

One key to maintaining health and lower body weight is to avoid ingredients that add flavor to food along with other unhealthy elements. Sodium, excessive butter consumption, and shortening are examples. These additives can often be substituted with healthy spices and oils. For example, olive oil is a rich source of heart healthy fats and adds flavor to salads. Many fragrant herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil can be grown at home and offer health benefits when added to food. Dieters should explore the many herbs and spices that are in everyday grocery stores and possibly even their pantries. Finding the right combination of herbs and spices can totally eliminate the urge to add salt, sugar, or butter to a meal.

 

Water

Staying hydrated is important for everyone. Nevertheless, dehydration can play a significant role in weight loss as people often mistake the body’s thirst signals for hunger. Dieters should ensure they are consuming at least eight ounces of fluid each day along with their diet. By avoiding dehydration, dieters may find they are less tempted to snack unnecessarily throughout the day.

Looking good and feeling healthy are two of the most obvious benefits of dieting. By remembering to diversify their nutrient intake, drink enough water, and spice things up when it comes to seasoning their foods, dieters can greatly enhance their ability to remain on their diet program and ensure their bodies are getting what is needed for it to be healthy.

Categories: balanced diet, diet, dieters, foods, Healthy, ideal shape, meal nbsp, nutrition, spices

What a Diet for Healthy Hair Looks Like

Just like the other parts of your body, your hair’s cells need the proper nourishment in order for them to maintain a healthy and fortified appearance. Other factors such as smoking, lack of sleep, stress, and hormonal changes can also affect your hair’s appearance. Eating a well-balanced diet can contribute to the condition of both your scalp and hair follicles. The following is a list of nutrients and healthy practices that help ensure that hair receives the proper care it deserves.

 

Fatty Acids and Proteins

 

If you’re looking for shiny and manageable hair, your diet needs to consist of fatty acids and proteins. Good sources can include salmon, walnuts, most meats, and eggs. A diet rich in legumes such as chick peas, lentils, cheese, and green peas can also be beneficial to the growth and health of your hair.

 

Vitamin A

 

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, and your body is unable to function properly without it. It can also produce the oils that are necessary to promote a healthy and hydrated scalp. Individuals who are lacking in this nutrient may experience itching and dandruff. Other options loaded with vitamin A can include pumpkin, apricots, carrots, mangoes, and cantaloupe.

 

Vitamin C for Circulation

 

Hair breakage and damage to the scalp can be caused by a lack of vitamin C. In order to achieve healthy and hydrated hair, you need to nourish the blood vessels that lead to the follicles. Vitamin C enriched foods can include blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes.

 

Herbs

 

Dry and damaged hair can be brittle and snap when you brush it. A cup of herbal tea can help strengthen and nourish your hair. You can find herbs rich in collagen at your local health food store. Others include additional beneficial herbs such as horse tail and stinging nettle. Place the herbs into a cup and let them steep for five to ten minutes.

 

Meal Planning

 

In addition to consuming a healthy diet, you may also want to plan your meals throughout the day for better hair health. Try to include protein in each of your meals, as it can be beneficial to the growth and condition of your hair. You can also add supplements of the protein keratin to the scalp by using products like Kera Fiber.

 

A diet high in fruits and vegetables can also aid those who have lackluster hair, and it should make up at least one-third of your daily eating plan. To prevent a flaky scalp and itchiness, you may want to cut back on sugar, fats and products with caffeine.

 

Other Important Factors

 

The typical hair growth rate per month is one-half inch, but it can decrease as you age. Eating a balanced diet can’t speed up your hair growth beyond the normal monthly range, but it can encourage the health and condition of your hair and scalp. Other factors that can change your hair include pregnancy, menopause, stress and medication.

 

A healthy head of shiny and thick hair can benefit your overall appearance, but it needs a blend of the best nutrients to do so. If you’re not consuming the right foods, personalized salon products won’t aid your cause unless you learn how to follow a healthy eating regimen.

 

Savannah Bobo is a freelance writer and blog contributor from Atlanta, GA who enjoys writing about health, fitness, and nutrition. Many health issues have all-natural solutions—hair loss and hair thinning included. Proteins like keratin, for example, can be added to the scalp with Kera Fiber. Since food is the body’s main source of fuel, changing one’s diet can drastically alter things like skin condition and hair growth.

Categories: balanced diet, diet, fatty acids, hair, hair growth, Healthy, kera fiber, nbsp, nbsp vitamin, What a Diet for Healthy Hair Looks Like