We found this perfect fall smoothie recipe and wanted to share:
Post-run pumpkin spice protein smoothie
Is a juice cleanse the answer? With the number of celebrity endorsers stating that they maintain their stick thin figures by using a combination of juice cleanses and fasting, the average person may feel like this is the answer to those extra pounds that never seem to come off. But is it?
Juice cleanses involve replacing solid food with juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables for a period of time. This form of detoxification diet is rapidly becoming more and more popular and is often touted as an easy fix.
People have been fasting and cleansing for as long as there have been civilizations, usually for religious regions. Hatha Yoga recommends a few days of fasting per month, where the yogi only consumes very little water while meditating and resting. Juice cleanses have been touted as the health solution due to a large intake of fruit and vegetables and their vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that the health benefits have not yet been proven.
The Pros
Juice cleanses can help kick start a weight loss plan and encourage healthy eating habits. It is a relatively easy diet because the suggested fruits and vegetables are easy to find, no matter where you live. They are available at the local supermarket.
Many cleanses advocate cutting down on food even before starting the diet and generally put an emphasis on healthy eating. They recommend cutting down on sugar, caffeine and animal products at least two weeks before the fast and gradually moving to a more vegetarian-style diet.
Combining fruits and vegetables ups your antioxidant intake. Since most cleanses recommend using organic fruit, this also reduces the amount of pesticides you consume. Juice cleanses also recommend drinking large amounts of water (6 glasses) per day. The combination of this can keep a person feeling full, which can prevent binging and craving.
The reduced caloric intake (cleanses recommend that you consume the juice gradually throughout the day in 2 to 4 ounce doses) will definitely help you shed pounds. If combined with colon cleanses, you may end up shedding 10 to 15 pounds a week.
The Cons
In some extreme cases, juice cleanses can be accompanied by enemas or colon cleanses to clear out the intestines. Extreme juice cleanses that last for long periods of time can lead to loss of muscle tone due to the lack of protein as well as a marked decrease in metabolic speed. Sudden weight loss can also lead to ketosis, a metabolic imbalance that can lead to fatigue and dizziness.
Individuals who may be trying a juice detox diet for the first time can experience dizziness and fatigue, headaches and sudden acid reflux, especially if too many citrus fruits are consumed during the course of the cleanse. Bad breath is surprisingly another common side effect. If you eat too much solid food too suddenly after a cleanse, the body may “rebound” and you will end up gaining back all those hard earned pounds.
People with health a condition like diabetes should avoid juice cleanses because of the large intake of fructose (simplified sugar). They may, however, reduce the amount of fruit and focus more on vegetables.
Conclusion
Before embarking on any diet, make sure to consult your physician about the type of action you want to take. Be wary of “fad” juice cleanses that tell you to invest your money in miracle juices. Done correctly, a juice fast may be beneficial but it is not for everyone.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7147676
It’s easy to overindulge and gain weight during the summer months. Avoid undoing all of your hard work spent getting your body ready for warmer weather by enjoying lighter versions of your favorite summertime snacks. These great-tasting alternatives are just as delicious, and will help maintain your waistline.
Enjoy This: Pop Chips
Not This: Stacy’s Pita Chips
Pop Chips: Serving Size: 23 chips, 120 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 18 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 190 milligrams of sodium
Stacy’s Pita Chips: Serving size: 14 chips, 130 calories, 5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 19 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 140 milligrams of sodium
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Enjoy This: Skinny Cow Fudge Bar
Not This: Häagen-Dazs Coffee Low Fat Frozen Yogurt
Skinny Cow: Serving Size: 1 bar, 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 22 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 45 milligrams of sodium
Häagen-Dazs: Serving Size: 1/2 cup, 200 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 31 grams of carbs, 0 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, 50 milligrams of sodium
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Enjoy This: Tostitos Salsa
Not This: Sabra Hummus
Tostitos Salsa: Serving Size: 2 tablespoons, 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of carbs. 0.5 grams of fiber, 0.5 grams of protein, 210 milligrams of sodium
Sabra Hummus: Serving Size: 2 tablespoons, 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 4 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 120 milligrams of sodium
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Enjoy This: F-Factor Banana Walnut Bar
Not This: Clif Bar Banana Nut Bread
F-Factor Banana Walnut Bar: Serving Size: 1 bar, 160 calories, 5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 26 grams of carbs, 12 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 25 milligrams of sodium
Clif Bar Banana Nut Bread: Serving Size: 1 bar, 240 calories, 6 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 42 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 9 grams of protein, 180 milligrams of sodium
Article Consulted http://magazine.foxnews.com/food-wellness/healthy-summer-snack-alternatives#ixzz2Xz9kixJw
One of the biggest benefits of eating healthy are that we will stay physically fit, feel better, and have fewer illnesses. By eating healthier it can lower your risk of illnesses like heart disease and diabetes along with many others. I know that a new years resolution for a lot of women is to lose weight, well it starts off by eating healthy! In this age of epidemic obesity, this is one of the simplest weight loss plans.
Now the real key is to teach these benefits to our children, and insure that the habit of eating healthy becomes a part of their daily lifestyle! If our children incorporated these habits into their lives we could see healthier, happier children, and teenage obesity could become a thing of the past.
Here are the 5 major benefits of eating healthy every day:
1. Eating healthy is probably the easiest and most important way in which you can keep active and shield yourself from the many diseases that are now common as we grow older, including heart disease and diabetes. By eating healthy you are boosting your energy levels, improving your bodily functions, and helping to improve your immune. By eating a healthy diet and combining this with exercise you could end up leading a longer and more vibrant life.
2. You will meet your daily nutritional needs. Your daily food intake should include some amounts of grain, fruit, vegetables, milk (or other dairy products), beans, oils, and protein. There are vitamins and minerals in healthy foods which can boost your immune system and shield you from many common illnesses. In some cases, by eating a healthy diet you can actually reduce the risks that are often linked with such serious diseases as cancer and diabetes.
3. You will enjoy life more and have more energy to face the tasks before you. Healthy eating can reduce your stress levels. Combine this with daily exercise and you will increase this effect even more.
4. You will sleep better and be more rested when you wake up.
5. If you are currently overweight, you will be able to lose that weight more easily – and maintain it long term! Most people who lose weight with fad diets gain it right back again when they go back to their normal eating patterns. With a healthy diet that you maintain for life, you will lose that weight once and maintain it long term.
Once you implement a healthy diet, you will be surprised at how fast you will start reaping these rewards. The benefits of eating healthy will continue to reward you for the rest of your life.
