Whole Foods Diet: The Best Weight Loss Plan

By Becki Andrus

If you have ever searched the internet for dieting techniques before, you have probably been bombarded with ads for crash dieting. There are many diets out there that are excellent for losing weight quickly, but are not useful for long term weight loss goals. If you are interested in losing weight and keeping it off, continue reading this article. Throughout the article we will discuss why crash diets don't work, as well as the reasons behind why a whole foods diet is the best weight loss plan.

Let's begin our discussion by learning why crash diets are not good for long term weight loss solutions. When an individual crash diets, they limit their food intake. By doing so, the body goes into starvation mode. When this happens it makes it more difficult for you to lose weight for two reasons. Firstly, it reduces your metabolic rate. When your metabolism is low, the calories in your body burn at a slower pace than they regularly would, causing you to gain weight. Secondly, when your body is in starvation mode it begins to hold food in your fat cells. Why? Your body is smarter than you think! It holds food in your fat cells, just in case there should ever be another famine. So, even if you lose weight initially, the second you start eating again, your body will react and you will gain weight!

A better alternative? Whole foods dieting! What does a whole foods diet consist of? Like most diets, a whole foods diet consists of eating certain foods and limiting others. If you want to lose weight, you will want to stick to a diet plan that is full of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These foods contain everything that you need to keep your body healthy and functioning properly. At the same time, they are low in calories, carbohydrates, and fats, allowing you to eat large portions without gaining weight!

As said previously, a whole foods diet plan not only consists of eating the right things, but avoiding the wrong things. Animal products (milk, meats), sugars, processed foods, and fast foods all contain a variety of preservatives and chemicals which are harmful to your body and your weight. While it is okay to eat very small portions of these, it is generally recommended that you avoid them as much as possible in order to control your health and weight.

If you want to lose weight - and keep it off, avoid a crash dieting program. Instead, focus on changing your eating habits. Maintaining a whole food diet plan that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, will help you to stay healthy and fit! Begin searching for more information on whole foods today. There are many resources out there that can explain exactly how whole foods are beneficial to weight loss, as well as provide you with a full whole foods diet plan. Learn more about whole foods eating today and eat your way to a healthier body!

Detox and Lose Weight: Eliminate These 3 Foods for Faster Weight Loss

By Beth Winter

When it comes to successfully detoxifying and losing weight, you need to know the dangers of these three foods: sugar, artificial sweeteners and processed foods. In other words, these foods could be the main reasons why you are struggling to lose weight.

When you eliminate these foods from your diet you will quickly get rid of the accumulation of fat and toxins--and lose weight faster.

1 - Sugar

Did you know the average person consumes 1/2 a pound of sugar per day! When you think about it, sugar is in almost everything, which means you could be eating tons of sugar without even realizing it.

And I'm sure you know the damage sugar can do to your health. Sugar contains nothing but empty calories. When you eat large portions of sugar (or foods that contain sugar), it gets stored in your body as fat. Too much sugar in your diet makes you look and feel tired and fatigued--and makes you gain weight. Sugar can also depress your metabolism and raise your risk of diabetes.

So it's important to reduce the "sugar highs." This is where a good detox regimen comes in. By detoxifying your system, you can reduce the sugar in your body faster, get rid of the accumulation of fat and start losing weight.

2 - Artificial "Low Calorie" Sweeteners

But before you run out and buy those zero-calorie diet drinks, you should know this: Artificial sweeteners used in those diet drinks and low-calorie products are toxic chemicals. They are unnaturally manufactured in a lab and are not good for you. It's vital for you to detoxify your body and stay away from artificial sweeteners as quickly as possible.

And if you think you're going to lose weight faster by using artificial sweeteners, think again. Artificial sweeteners actually stimulate your appetite and make you eat more food.

It's been shown that chemical sweeteners actually cause excessive appetite and cravings for more food, as well as problems with your metabolism and hormones. In fact, some chronic illnesses and conditions (such as depression, anxiety, migraines, mood changes and slow metabolism) can be directly related to how these artificial sweeteners interact with the normal process of your body. These artificial sweeteners can actually cause the digestive, metabolic and hormonal problems, you may be experiencing and which contribute to carrying around that excess weight.

3 - Processed Foods

As you know, processed foods are usually cheap, convenient and easy to prepare. But unfortunately, these foods are very bad for you. Of course, food manufacturers aren't going to give you a rundown of the unhealthy ingredients they use to prepare the processed foods, so I'll do it for you.

First, many processed foods contain huge amounts of trans fat. Trans fats make it difficult to lose weight and contributes to weight gain. Trans fat is one ingredient you want to get away from as fast as possible.

Second, some of your favorite processed foods are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup has been getting a lot of press lately because it is believed to be a major player in the rising epidemic of obesity. Experts agree high fructose corn syrup may be partially to blame for causing problems with your metabolism, which increases the likelihood of gaining weight. Cut down on processed foods and you will increase the likelihood of losing weight.

Third, manufacturers use chemicals in processed foods. These toxic chemicals contribute to sluggish digestion and metabolic imbalances that make it hard for you to lose weight. So you see the importance of doing a detox to cleanse these chemicals from your body as quickly as you can.

The Paleo Diet Rocks!

By Justina Elumeze

For decades I have always believed that cavemen had the best diet as refined carbs such as bread, rice and pasta were not around at that time and therefore they were able to eat a lot more healthily and as nature intended.

I had no idea that anybody else agreed with my belief, let alone that there was actually a name for such a diet (what with being brought up in a Nigerian household in South London, with such foods as rice and yam being part of the staple diet. My dear mother would often take offence when I would decline her jollof rice or pounded yam in favour of a steak and salad by retorting that if this caveman diet that I believed to be so healthy was any good, then why did they all die out... ?) so it was absolutely amazing to find out some years later whilst training to be a personal trainer that such a diet actually existed today.

What I was thinking for so many years about a caveman diet did make sense!

The Paleolithic - or Paleo for short - diet is the caveman diet. It consists of all that you can imagine cavemen basically ate when they were running around, catching dinosaurs to eat. (Which coincidently must have been a workout in itself. Those guys must have looked fit!)

So what does this caveman diet consist of? We're talking nuts, berries, fruit, vegetables, fish and, of course, meat. Nature's food and nothing else. Nothing added, processed or refined.

Sounds perfect to me. Why anyone would think that tampering with this healthy diet by adding refined carbohydrates to the formula would be a good idea is truly beyond me as it has long been proven that this is far from the case.

It is now widely acknowledged that those who consume high levels of carbohydrates within their diets are more likely to suffer from high cholesterol and sugar levels, as well as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. All problematic symptoms that were non existent prior to mankind's introduction to, and unfortunate interest in, refined carbs.

This is an absolute fact that I am in no doubt of. Just as I firmly believe that microwaves should be banned from the face of the earth and are a contributory cause of such major illnesses such as cancer... but that's another blog topic for another day - which I will definitely elaborate on - as how anyone can feel safe about eating anything that has supposedly cooked through from frozen in less time than it takes to put on false eyelashes, all through the power of radiation, is totally off their heads and needs to be educated and saved. Especially if they are also 'nuking' a meal in a microwave that basically consists of nothing more than refined carbohydrates.

Realise that refined carbs have not been around for that long in the bigger perspective of how long mankind has been on this earth. The increase in the intake of carbohydrates has only really happened since the introduction of agriculture and even more recently, it's only been within the past century that refined carbohydrates have become more and more prevalent within the Western world's diet. This correlates highly with the increase in the modern diseases previously mentioned and it would be foolish to ignore.

The Best Diet For Hypothyroidism Supplies Your Body With Needed Nutrients

By Roberta Barrow

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is functioning minimally. It is manifested through various symptoms including depression, lethargy and also weight gain. Fortunately, you can find relief by following the best diet for hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is similar with other body cells in a way that it also needs to be supplied with mineral and vitamins in order to function well. Thus, the best diet for your condition is one that contains these essential nutrients. Below are some of the most crucial nutrients you need to promote proper thyroid functioning.

Iodine

There are thyroid hormones that are disseminated through our bodies: T3 and T4. There are the only hormones in humans that contain iodine. It is known that women in their childbearing years have the lowest levels of iodine in their bodies. If you lack this nutrient, your thyroid will not be able to produce its key hormones and thus, negatively impact all the other tissues in your body. Primary food sources of this mineral are sea vegetables and sea foods. You could also get it from eggs, lima beans, asparagus, mushroom, garlic and squash.

Selenium

There are various enzymes and proteins containing selenium that help the body in several ways. They could regulate the synthesis of thyroid hormone, make T4 hormone more accessible as T3 hormone, maintain correct amounts of hormones in the tissues and blood, etc. These enzymes with selenium also serve as a protective detoxifying element that preserves the gland when we are exposed to different sources of stress. With proper amounts of selenium, the body could effectively recycle its iodine preserves, which is very crucial as we advance in age. You could get this nutrient from mushrooms, beef, halibut, sunflower seeds and soybeans.

Zinc

When your body lacks in Zinc, the thyroid could become underactive or hyperactive, thus result to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Insufficient Zinc results to low TSH, T4 and T3. Sources of this mineral are sardines, fresh oysters, soybeans, turkey, beef, peas, pecans, whole grains, walnuts, maple syrup and ginger root.

Iron

It is also believed that low thyroid function and iron deficiency are linked with each other. Sources of iron include pumpkin seeds, soybeans, organ meats, oysters, clams, spinach, lentils, blackstrap molasses and white beans.

Copper

Aside from Zinc and Iron, another trace mineral is crucial in proper functioning of the gland. It is required in producing TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and T4. T4 assists in the synthesis of cholesterol. Thus, people with hypothyroidism are also more susceptible to complications like heart and cholesterol problems. You could obtain copper from lobsters, oysters, crab, beef, mushrooms, dark chocolate, barley, beans, nuts and sunflower seeds.

Vitamins And Antioxidants. Oxidative stress is believed to be a major contributor in different malfunctions in the body. Fighting this stress could be done by consuming foods containing antioxidants. Vitamin A, C and E are the common vitamins with antioxidant properties. Vitamin A can be obtained from carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and cantaloupe. Vitamin C is from citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables; while vitamin E is from almonds, whole grains, liver and asparagus.

B-vitamins are also crucial because they are needed to produce T4. Vitamin B2 is from organ meats, egg yolks, wild rice and wheat germ. Vitamin B3 is from white poultry meat, rice bran, brewer's yeast and peanuts. Vitamin B6 is from beans, liver, brown rice, bananas and fish.

The Natural Thyroid Diet will show how to regulate thyroid hormones in order to lose weight. Eat Weight Off is another plan on losing weight by eating foods that will restore the thyroid.

Discover a Diet for Hypothyroidism

By Marley Carley

People with thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism need to modify their diets to ensure that they are getting the right nutrition on a daily basis. One of the most crucial tasks of a thyroid patient is to determine what kinds of food will help normalize his body, and which types of food will be detrimental to his condition and to his health in general. Today's discussion will center on both sides of the coin, so you will be well-informed by the time you are ready to make the necessary changes to your diet.

1. The first thing you have to do if you want to implement an effective diet for hypothyroidism is to weed out the secret "thyroid killers" in your current diet. Thyroid killers are food items that cause havoc with your body's natural hormone balance.

Processed foods are at the very top of the list of foods that you should not touch at all. 99% of all processed foods contain common preservatives that have dire side effects over the long term.

Thyroid patients tend to experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance more quickly than people who don't have thyroid disorders, so it is best to steer clear of these food items altogether. You should also pay attention to fruits and vegetables that are goitrogenic.

Examples of these whole foods are cruciferous vegetables, and leafy vegetables like spinach. Goitrogenic foods contain chemical compounds that also disturb the natural hormone balance of the body and thus, their consumption should also be limited.

2. Avoid food items that are high in refined sugar (or any type of commercial sugar) and syrups. HFCS or high fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener used in many food products, from cookies to soft drinks. People who have hypothyroidism can't afford to gain more weight, because the extra pounds are more difficult to shed off due to their low BMR, or basal metabolic rate. Sugary items also cause spikes in a person's blood glucose levels. Opt for natural sweeteners, like stevia and honey, instead. If you are hankering for chocolate, mix yourself of a batch of warm chocolate from cocoa powder sweetened with stevia or honey. Limit your intake of candy, because it is so easy to go over single servings when you are munching on a familiar treat.

3. If you want a good source of usable protein, iron, selenium, iodine, and zinc, opt for free-range poultry and grass-fed beef. Organic meats are still the best source of protein, according to established medical research. As long as you stick to the right servings, meat should bring more benefits than disadvantages.

4. In order to speed up your metabolism, you need to split your meals into five to six smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day. Don't skip meals, and definitely avoid starving yourself, because the wider the gap between meals, the slower your metabolism gets. This is the one diet secret that many people still don't know. Eating less frequently will not help you lose weight. Eating small, frequent meals will!

Healthy Foods to Lose Weight - Some Examples to Follow

By Vincent Pham

Diet and nutrition plays a critical role when it comes to weight loss but many people are not aware of this fact. It is not easy to lose weight and that is why you need to pay some attention on the type of food you eat. Physical exercise alone cannot help you to lose weight but it must be accompanied with a healthy diet.

This article will highlight some examples of healthy foods to lose weight. There are some foods that can actually help you lose a lot of pounds within a very short period of time. It is always advisable to have a good breakfast if you want to boost your chances of losing weight. The following are good healthy foods that can help you lose weight.

1. Balanced Diet Shake

This is a good nutritional drink for breakfast that contains vitamins, natural minerals and some complex carbohydrates. The diet shake should include 10 grams of soy and if possible 5 grams of dietary fiber for every serving. A balanced diet shake provides 180 calories per serving.

2. Toasted Plain Bagel with Natural Jam

This is a good meal for lunch because it is a good source of energy and can help you save up to 360 calories. Cream cheese has a lot of fat and that is why natural jam should be used in this case. You can use a toasted frozen bagel is if you do not have a fresh one.

3. Scrambled Whites with Greens

This meal provides 255 calories and has very low cholesterol levels. Fat-free pam is used to scramble white eggs that are normally blended with a cup of mushroom and a cup of spinach. This meal is very rich in dietary protein. Normal scrambled eggs have a lot of fat and this is actually the best alternative because one can save up to 100 milligrams of cholesterol.

4. Spaghetti Squash

This is almost similar to the usual spaghetti but has some dietary toppings and sauces. This type of spaghetti is very rich in fluids, vitamin B, Vitamin fiber, potassium and carbohydrates. Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie meal that helps you save up to 200 calories. It is important to be light on the sauces when you are you are preparing spaghetti squash. Those who may want to resupply their body muscles after workouts can combine spaghetti squash with traditional pasta.

5. Frozen Fruits

Fruits should always be part of your diet if you want to lose weight. Fruits are very nutritious, satisfying and refreshing. They are rich in iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and nutritious fiber. Fruits have low calorie levels and are known to have important antioxidants. You can eat fruits as a dessert and the fact that they are sweet means that they can alert you when you are eating excessively. Examples of healthy fruits that you can include in your diet include mango, dried papaya, bananas, blueberries and frozen grapes.

6. Potato Pasta

This meal is free from gluten and wheat and is known for its high fiber and complex carbohydrate. Organic potatoes are used to prepare healthy potato pasta because they contain important nutrients such as iron, calcium and Vitamin C. Potato pasta has low cholesterol level and that is why it is good when it comes to weight loss.

Others

There are many healthy foods to lose weight and those that have been highlighted in this article can really help you in your efforts to lose weight. Other healthy foods include chocolate dreams cookies, mashed potatoes, pure-lentil bean pasta, low-fat soy crisps and tossed salad.