« Older Entries

Deciding The Best Weight Loss Avenue For You

Obesity seems to run rampant throughout a world that has witnessed a variety of different weight loss alternatives that have been introduced to the public. Moderately obese people can generally manage their weight through diet and exercise, however when drastic weight loss is necessary, doctors recommend Lap-Band and Gastric By Pass surgery who need to lose in excess of 100 lbs. A candidate for these types of procedures have obesity related illnesses and a BMI ranging from 35 up. It is estimated that 37 million Americans will qualify for this surgery, however many health insurance companies have different guidelines to go by regarding who qualifies for these types of treatments. Too often they will only consider individuals who are severely obese regardless of who the doctors are recommending.

The weight loss for an individual can be very critical and absolutely necessary for their health, but some would question if these surgeries are safe and effective as long term answers. Al Roker’s amazing transformation is a testimony to how well these procedures work in some cases where the person doesn’t have to deal with some of the serious side effects these procedures have been known to have. Medical professionals contend that the benefits vastly outweigh the risks, citing the fact that if allow to continue, the individual could die from the complications of being obese.

As effectively as these surgeries are in weight loss, they will only be temporary, unless the individual practices discipline and recommended diet changes for the rest of their lives. Many other doctors conclude that the surgeries are only a temporary fix until permanent changes are made to the individuals choices and disciplines that led to the life threatening situation in the first place.

Since the Lap-Band actually requires a much lesser surgery this is usually the procedure that the doctors prefer over the Gastric Bypass surgery simply because there is less risk to the patient, however the lap band has been known to break which means an additional surgery to address this issue. Both of these surgeries essentially close off a portion of the stomach and only allow food into a small portion which means essentially that the person has no choice but to lose weight. The stomach is elastic however and if these individuals don’t continue to monitor their eating they can once again expand their stomach once again which can result in additional weight gain or possibly even death.

It is standard advise that every patient be encouraged to try other weight loss programs before considering these procedures. If however, the other methods produce little or no results, these surgeries might be the only way to restore the body’s health after obesity. Keep in mind that you will need to check with both your doctor and insurance company about your eligibility for the procedure before proceeding with plans.

Tags:

Is Paleo diet a meat diet?

The paleo diet is a regime that helps us eat the freshest, healthiest and nutrient-filled food there is. The paleo diet is based on a balanced diet. The typical Paleo recipes includes

meat of grass-fed cows,
Poultry, seafood, and meat,
Fresh and organic vegetables and fruits of all colors,
Complex carbohydrates coming from tubers and fruits such as sweet potato (potato / sweet potato), potato and banana
Healthy fats such as coconut oil, avocado, olive oil and animal fat.
Based not only on what our ancestors ate that suffered from fewer chronic diseases than we, despite having no access to modern medicine,

Many people see the list of foods removed from the paleo diet and remove them from the diet without adding new things. When they remove processed foods and cereals from their diets, often only meat, eggs, and bacon remain. But just as important as eliminated foods (processed foods, sugar, cereals and in some cases dairy and vegetables) are the foods we add to our diets.

A typical paleo diet recipes is half veggies (carrot, broccoli, zucchini, and spinach) and a quarter of protein (often meat or seafood) and a quarter of carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes. A “paleo recipes” diet can be balanced or not, depending on what you put on your plate – just like any other diet. It is essential to note that every person has different body needs.

In the paleo recipes diet, there is also an emphasis on the quality of the food consumed – we try to avoid genetically modified organisms, eat organic vegetables when possible and meat/poultry/seafood that was fed properly, without hormones or inadequate food for their species. We try to eat “all the animal products” because we know that there are essential nutrients and amino acids in the parts of the animal that we cannot find in the most common cuts. Eating “booze” such as liver, paws, cola, bone broth, and any other part of the animal helps to maintain a balanced diet.

The paleo diet recipes does not restrict the consumption of fat or cholesterol. Contrary to what we have been taught, fat does not make us fat (consumed in moderation). Fat is essential to assimilate some vitamins (A, D, E, and K) that are necessary for the functioning of our body. Without fat, those vitamins cannot enter our body to do their job. Every cell in our body needs fat to function.

An old article in Time Magazine admits that consumption of saturated fat has no proven link to increased risk of heart problems, and high consumption of sugar and carbohydrates did. In fact, our use of cholesterol in food has nominal influence on the level of cholesterol in our blood. There is no reason to be afraid of eating fat. A paleo diet recipes with enough protein and fat often helps people to lose weight because they are foods that make us feel satiated and as a consequence, we eat less. In fact, if your goal is to lose weight, a paleo diet can be the key to your progress.

Tags:

Maximizing Gains: The Strategic Use of Discount Bodybuilding Supplements

Understanding the Role of Supplements in Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding supplements are designed to complement a rigorous training regimen and a balanced diet. They are not standalone solutions but can significantly aid in muscle recovery, growth, and overall performance enhancement.

Protein Supplements: The Building Blocks of Muscle
Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. During intense workouts, muscle fibers suffer micro-tears that, when repaired, lead to muscle growth. Protein supplements, especially whey protein, are favored for their rapid absorption rates. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, whey protein not only supports muscle recovery but also helps in reducing body fat when combined with resistance training.

Natural Testosterone Boosters: Hormonal Support for Muscle Gain
Natural testosterone supplements, often derived from herbs and fortified with vitamins and minerals, can also play a crucial role in muscle building. These supplements help maintain optimal testosterone levels, which is essential for muscle growth, improved strength, and recovery. However, it’s important to choose products that are safe and verified, as the FDA regulates some testosterone boosters due to potential health risks.

Thermogenic Fat Burners: Accelerating Fat Loss
Thermogenic supplements are known for their ability to increase metabolic rate, thereby enhancing fat loss. These supplements contain ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract, which have been shown to support fat oxidation. A study from the International Journal of Obesity highlights that green tea extract can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation when used in conjunction with exercise.

Choosing the Right Supplements
When selecting bodybuilding supplements, consider the following tips to ensure safety and effectiveness:

Research the Ingredients: Understand what each supplement contains and how these ingredients contribute to muscle growth and recovery.
Check for Certifications: Look for products that have been certified by third-party organizations like NSF International or the US Pharmacopeia.
Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Legal and Safe Supplementation

While the allure of quick gains might tempt some to turn to steroids, the long-term health risks associated with illegal substances are significant. Legal supplements, when used correctly, offer a safer alternative to enhance bodybuilding efforts without the adverse effects associated with prohibited drugs.

Conclusion: Supplements as Part of a Holistic Approach
Supplements can be highly effective in achieving bodybuilding goals when used as part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, rigorous training, and adequate rest. By choosing the right products and using them responsibly, bodybuilders can enhance their performance and achieve their fitness goals more effectively.

Tags: