Thursday, May 7, 2009
New P90X + Promo Video
New P90X+ Promo Video!!! - More amazing videos are a click away
If you're one of the thousands of P90X® (http://www.p90x.com/) fanatics out there, you have a high level of expectation. You expect the best quality in your fitness programs. You want MORE P90X and Tony has created it...5 brand new P90X+ workouts
Burn Your Fat in Hell, The Devils Workout
Burn Your Fat In HELL! The Devils Workout!!! - For more funny videos, click here
www.rippedabsfast.com brings you one of the most effective home workouts for weight and fat loss ever!! This is one of the workouts I used during my own body transformations to lose over 100lbs in just 6 months!If you are looking for a powerful and affective full body weight loss workout then this is it! It will not just get your ripped but also provide you with all the other health benefits of getting fit fast! Its for males or females who wants to get fit and ripped fast! Peter Carvell www.rippedabsfast.com
Best Fat Burning Exercises for Women
Best Fat Burning Exercises for Women - Click here for more home videos
Before you go on another quick-fix diet, before you buy another bottle of over-priced, over-hyped diet pills, before you start doing long, mind-numbing cardio workouts, read this life-changing letter Finally, You Can Fit Back Into Your Skinny Jeans and Wear Tiny Ts without the Fear of Jiggly Arms, Thunder Thighs, Unsightly Cellulite, or a Muffin Top Bulging Out from Beneath. Discover the Secret Method Busy Moms Are Using to Burn the Lingering Baby Fat and Get Their Body Back with Fun, Fast Workouts You Can Do Right at Home The Fit Yummy Mummy program is phenomenal.
What are the Best Fat Burning Exercises for You?
Do you want to burn fat and lose weight? Then you will need to know what the best fat burning exercises are for you. All exercises will aid in burning and losing excess body fat. But if you are looking for maximum fat burning then you need to understand how each type of exercise aids in burning body fat.
Many experts will tell you the low to moderate aerobic exercises are best for burning fat. Others will tell you it is the high impact aerobics that are most effective at getting rid of your body fat. And of course we cannot forget about the experts that say strength training is the ultimate exercise for burning fat.
With so many different experts with different opinions it’s difficult to determine what your ultimate fat burning exercises are. As I stated earlier, all exercises are effective at helping you burn fat. Aerobic exercises are the best for burning calories and fat while performing the exercise and strength training exercises are best for continuous calorie and fat burn.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises are those exercises that challenge your muscles through resistance. The higher the resistance the more challenge the exercise will be. Although strength training itself is not a high calorie or fat burning exercise, it does help tone and strengthen your muscles and increases your lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass you have the more calories you burn due to an increased metabolic rate.
When you increase your muscle mass you increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is the rate at which you burn calories during the day performing everyday non exercise activities including sleeping. Your BMR is responsible for 60% to 70% of the total calories you burn in a day.
There are many types of strength training exercises. These include weight lifting, resistance band exercises, dumbbell exercises and bodyweight exercises. Most experts agree that weight lifting is the most effective at building lean muscles. This is because you can easily adjust the weight and therefore continuously increase the challenge to your muscles. However not everyone has access to weight lifting equipment nor do they necessarily need to perform weight lifting to increase their muscle mass.
Resistance band exercises and dumbbell exercises are a great alternative to weight lifting. Both offer means of increasing or decreasing the resistance to provide more or less challenge to your muscles. They are a fairly inexpensive alternative to weight lifting and are small and easy to storage. Resistance bands are also light weight and can go with you even while on the road.
You can also do body weight exercises. With bodyweight exercises you are simply using your own body weight and gravity to provide the resistance. There are many types of strength training exercises you can do by simply using your own body.
The bottom line is that any strength training exercise that helps you build lean muscles will help you burn fat.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobics are a bit more challenging to determine the best fat burning exercises that are right for you. Aerobics are those types of exercises that get your heart pumping and will give you the higher overall calorie and fat burn while doing the exercise.
Many experts will tell you the low to moderate intense aerobic workouts are the most effective for burning fat. This is widely believed because your body uses approximately 60% of fat for fuel during a low to moderate aerobic workout. However, the low to moderate level aerobics also burn fewer calories overall as compared to high impact aerobics.
While high impact aerobics give you a higher calorie burn it is also only using approximately 35% of fat for fuel during the exercise routine. So you can see why there is much debate and conflicting answers to the best fat burning aerobic exercises. Basically it all boils down to intensity level and duration that will determine total calories burned and ultimately determine how many fat calories are burned.
To really understand how low to moderate aerobics versus high impact aerobics effect the total calories and total fat calories burned let’s take a look at an example. In these examples we will use a man weighing 180 pounds. Only gender and weight are needed to calculate total calories burned during exercises.
If this man did a low to moderate impact aerobic workout for 30 minutes, let’s say a brisk walk at 4 mph, he would have burned a total of 216 calories. If 60% of this was from fat then the total fat burned would be 130 fat calories.
Now if this man did a high impact aerobic workout like running at 6 mph for 30 minutes, his total calorie burn would be 432 calories and at 35% of this from fat, he would have burned 151 fat calories. So you can see the higher impact aerobics gave him both a higher total calorie burn as well as a higher fat calorie burn.
The trick to finding your best fat burning exercises is all about finding the intensity level that is right for you and the duration for which you can last for the that level. For instance, if you are just starting out a low to moderate aerobic exercise may be the most effective for fat burn as a start. Then as you become more comfortable and able, kick it up a notch for a higher calorie and fat burn.
The fat burning exercises that are right for you will depend on what level of aerobic intensity you are at as well as how much resistance you are using for your strength training exercises. The key is to incorporate both aerobics and strength training to your weekly exercise routine and to constantly increase the challenge of the exercise.
Many experts will tell you the low to moderate aerobic exercises are best for burning fat. Others will tell you it is the high impact aerobics that are most effective at getting rid of your body fat. And of course we cannot forget about the experts that say strength training is the ultimate exercise for burning fat.
With so many different experts with different opinions it’s difficult to determine what your ultimate fat burning exercises are. As I stated earlier, all exercises are effective at helping you burn fat. Aerobic exercises are the best for burning calories and fat while performing the exercise and strength training exercises are best for continuous calorie and fat burn.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises are those exercises that challenge your muscles through resistance. The higher the resistance the more challenge the exercise will be. Although strength training itself is not a high calorie or fat burning exercise, it does help tone and strengthen your muscles and increases your lean muscle mass. The more lean muscle mass you have the more calories you burn due to an increased metabolic rate.
When you increase your muscle mass you increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is the rate at which you burn calories during the day performing everyday non exercise activities including sleeping. Your BMR is responsible for 60% to 70% of the total calories you burn in a day.
There are many types of strength training exercises. These include weight lifting, resistance band exercises, dumbbell exercises and bodyweight exercises. Most experts agree that weight lifting is the most effective at building lean muscles. This is because you can easily adjust the weight and therefore continuously increase the challenge to your muscles. However not everyone has access to weight lifting equipment nor do they necessarily need to perform weight lifting to increase their muscle mass.
Resistance band exercises and dumbbell exercises are a great alternative to weight lifting. Both offer means of increasing or decreasing the resistance to provide more or less challenge to your muscles. They are a fairly inexpensive alternative to weight lifting and are small and easy to storage. Resistance bands are also light weight and can go with you even while on the road.
You can also do body weight exercises. With bodyweight exercises you are simply using your own body weight and gravity to provide the resistance. There are many types of strength training exercises you can do by simply using your own body.
The bottom line is that any strength training exercise that helps you build lean muscles will help you burn fat.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobics are a bit more challenging to determine the best fat burning exercises that are right for you. Aerobics are those types of exercises that get your heart pumping and will give you the higher overall calorie and fat burn while doing the exercise.
Many experts will tell you the low to moderate intense aerobic workouts are the most effective for burning fat. This is widely believed because your body uses approximately 60% of fat for fuel during a low to moderate aerobic workout. However, the low to moderate level aerobics also burn fewer calories overall as compared to high impact aerobics.
While high impact aerobics give you a higher calorie burn it is also only using approximately 35% of fat for fuel during the exercise routine. So you can see why there is much debate and conflicting answers to the best fat burning aerobic exercises. Basically it all boils down to intensity level and duration that will determine total calories burned and ultimately determine how many fat calories are burned.
To really understand how low to moderate aerobics versus high impact aerobics effect the total calories and total fat calories burned let’s take a look at an example. In these examples we will use a man weighing 180 pounds. Only gender and weight are needed to calculate total calories burned during exercises.
If this man did a low to moderate impact aerobic workout for 30 minutes, let’s say a brisk walk at 4 mph, he would have burned a total of 216 calories. If 60% of this was from fat then the total fat burned would be 130 fat calories.
Now if this man did a high impact aerobic workout like running at 6 mph for 30 minutes, his total calorie burn would be 432 calories and at 35% of this from fat, he would have burned 151 fat calories. So you can see the higher impact aerobics gave him both a higher total calorie burn as well as a higher fat calorie burn.
The trick to finding your best fat burning exercises is all about finding the intensity level that is right for you and the duration for which you can last for the that level. For instance, if you are just starting out a low to moderate aerobic exercise may be the most effective for fat burn as a start. Then as you become more comfortable and able, kick it up a notch for a higher calorie and fat burn.
The fat burning exercises that are right for you will depend on what level of aerobic intensity you are at as well as how much resistance you are using for your strength training exercises. The key is to incorporate both aerobics and strength training to your weekly exercise routine and to constantly increase the challenge of the exercise.
Busting the Great Myths of Fat Burning
Your body burns either fat or carbs depending on the intensity of your activity. But when it comes to losing weight, calories are calories. You burn fat even when you're in couch-potato mode. Yet, a lot of misunderstanding prevails.
Get ready to break down some of the myths people have about burning fat:
* Myth: The body completely shuts off one fuel source when it turns on the other.
The Truth: What has often been misunderstood by both exercisers and exercise instructors alike is that the body relies on both fat and carbs for energy all the time, albeit in different ratios. In fact, as you sit here reading, you may be burning about 50-60 percent fat and 50-40 percent carbohydrates. You're not using much of either, however, because the amount of calories you need probably amounts to about one or two calories a minute. If you were to get up and start jogging in place, your body would need to supply you with some quick energy to do so, so the metabolism ratio might shift to drawing upon more carbohydrates, say 70 percent, and less fat, say 30 percent. If you were to continue jogging, then, in order to preserve the carbs (which can run out since you have limited stores in the body), your body would gradually shift its metabolism ratio again to say, 60 percent fat and 40 percent carbohydrates. From an energy efficiency point of view, it pays to be fit. The endurance athlete would be able to make the shift sooner, and his fat-burning percentage might be 65-75 percent.
However, in practical terms this is purely technotalk, and these ratios don't make a big difference when it comes to losing weight and decreasing your body fat. For the most part, athletes are often leaner not because they might rely on slightly more fat for fuel, but because they practice their sport two to three, or more, hours a day — this burns a lot of calories. If you had the time, energy, and fitness level to work out three hours a day, being overweight would probably not be an issue. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than your body consumes and uses everyday. Exercise is one main way to burn a lot of calories. But when it comes to weight loss, what matters is how many calories you burn, not so much whether they are fat or carbohydrate calories.
* Myth: Exercise done at a low intensity, such as walking, is better at fat burning than other high-intensity activities, like running or cardio activities where you push yourself very hard.
The Truth: In a strict scientific sense, these claims are true because working at a lower intensity requires less quick energy and a higher percentage of fat is burned. But you'll also burn fewer calories than you would if, for the same amount of time, you work out at a harder intensity (running versus walking). If you're trying to lose weight, even though a higher percentage of fat is being used, a lower total amount of fat is lost.
Whether increased fat burning will result in actual weight loss is dependent upon several variables, including the total calories burned (which include both fat and carbohydrate calories) and the total fat calories burned. If you do work at a low intensity, you need to increase the time spent exercising to burn more calories. What matters most is the total number of calories burned. If you burned 250 calories every day from a short, fast jog, you'd see a bigger difference in weight and fat loss than if you walked everyday for the same amount of time. The number of fat calories you burn isn't that important, because even if you burn a lot of carb calories, these need to be replaced both by the carbs you eat in your diet and also within your body. Your fat stores will be broken down and transformed into carbohydrates when you need fuel. Even if you're burning lots of carb calories and less fat calories through exercise, your fat still inevitably gets used.
It boils — not burns — down to this: During the same amount of time you don't use more calories at lower exercise intensities. If you're trying to lose weight and you have only 30 minutes to work out, you would burn fewer calories walking at a moderate pace compared to walking at a fast pace. Working out at higher intensities may cause you to burn a lower percentage of fat, but since you burn more total calories, you still use more fat calories.
Low- to moderate-intensity exercise can burn a significant number of calories over a period of time. If you aren't fit enough to push yourself to work at a high intensity, or you have a physical weakness that prevents you from doing so, you can still burn a lot of calories by doing low-intensity workouts for a longer period of time.
* Myth: Running, cycling, or other cardio activities are more fat burning once you've been doing them for more than 15 or 20 minutes.
The Truth: Technically, once you've been exercising for 15 or 20 minutes, your body has made the shift to using a higher percentage of fat for fuel. But again, if you're trying to lose weight, it's about the total number of calories burned, not necessarily the fuel source.
For example, say that at rest you burn up to 60 percent fat. When you enter the initial phases of intense exercise, the ratio changes. You may now burn only 30 percent fat because your body is using quick-energy carbohydrates. Once the exercise is sustained, the body switches back to using a higher percentage of fat to fuel the movement (up to 75 percent fat). In this aerobic phase of exercise, a higher percentage of fat is being used for energy. But if you aren't working out for a very long period, you may still burn more total calories and, therefore, more fat calories working out harder. Put another way, if burning as many calories as you can is the best way to lose weight, even a dummy can figure out which activity of the following is going to give the best results (answer: jogging and sprinting), even though their fat-burning quota is on the low end of the ratio.
Get ready to break down some of the myths people have about burning fat:
* Myth: The body completely shuts off one fuel source when it turns on the other.
The Truth: What has often been misunderstood by both exercisers and exercise instructors alike is that the body relies on both fat and carbs for energy all the time, albeit in different ratios. In fact, as you sit here reading, you may be burning about 50-60 percent fat and 50-40 percent carbohydrates. You're not using much of either, however, because the amount of calories you need probably amounts to about one or two calories a minute. If you were to get up and start jogging in place, your body would need to supply you with some quick energy to do so, so the metabolism ratio might shift to drawing upon more carbohydrates, say 70 percent, and less fat, say 30 percent. If you were to continue jogging, then, in order to preserve the carbs (which can run out since you have limited stores in the body), your body would gradually shift its metabolism ratio again to say, 60 percent fat and 40 percent carbohydrates. From an energy efficiency point of view, it pays to be fit. The endurance athlete would be able to make the shift sooner, and his fat-burning percentage might be 65-75 percent.
However, in practical terms this is purely technotalk, and these ratios don't make a big difference when it comes to losing weight and decreasing your body fat. For the most part, athletes are often leaner not because they might rely on slightly more fat for fuel, but because they practice their sport two to three, or more, hours a day — this burns a lot of calories. If you had the time, energy, and fitness level to work out three hours a day, being overweight would probably not be an issue. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than your body consumes and uses everyday. Exercise is one main way to burn a lot of calories. But when it comes to weight loss, what matters is how many calories you burn, not so much whether they are fat or carbohydrate calories.
* Myth: Exercise done at a low intensity, such as walking, is better at fat burning than other high-intensity activities, like running or cardio activities where you push yourself very hard.
The Truth: In a strict scientific sense, these claims are true because working at a lower intensity requires less quick energy and a higher percentage of fat is burned. But you'll also burn fewer calories than you would if, for the same amount of time, you work out at a harder intensity (running versus walking). If you're trying to lose weight, even though a higher percentage of fat is being used, a lower total amount of fat is lost.
Whether increased fat burning will result in actual weight loss is dependent upon several variables, including the total calories burned (which include both fat and carbohydrate calories) and the total fat calories burned. If you do work at a low intensity, you need to increase the time spent exercising to burn more calories. What matters most is the total number of calories burned. If you burned 250 calories every day from a short, fast jog, you'd see a bigger difference in weight and fat loss than if you walked everyday for the same amount of time. The number of fat calories you burn isn't that important, because even if you burn a lot of carb calories, these need to be replaced both by the carbs you eat in your diet and also within your body. Your fat stores will be broken down and transformed into carbohydrates when you need fuel. Even if you're burning lots of carb calories and less fat calories through exercise, your fat still inevitably gets used.
It boils — not burns — down to this: During the same amount of time you don't use more calories at lower exercise intensities. If you're trying to lose weight and you have only 30 minutes to work out, you would burn fewer calories walking at a moderate pace compared to walking at a fast pace. Working out at higher intensities may cause you to burn a lower percentage of fat, but since you burn more total calories, you still use more fat calories.
Low- to moderate-intensity exercise can burn a significant number of calories over a period of time. If you aren't fit enough to push yourself to work at a high intensity, or you have a physical weakness that prevents you from doing so, you can still burn a lot of calories by doing low-intensity workouts for a longer period of time.
* Myth: Running, cycling, or other cardio activities are more fat burning once you've been doing them for more than 15 or 20 minutes.
The Truth: Technically, once you've been exercising for 15 or 20 minutes, your body has made the shift to using a higher percentage of fat for fuel. But again, if you're trying to lose weight, it's about the total number of calories burned, not necessarily the fuel source.
For example, say that at rest you burn up to 60 percent fat. When you enter the initial phases of intense exercise, the ratio changes. You may now burn only 30 percent fat because your body is using quick-energy carbohydrates. Once the exercise is sustained, the body switches back to using a higher percentage of fat to fuel the movement (up to 75 percent fat). In this aerobic phase of exercise, a higher percentage of fat is being used for energy. But if you aren't working out for a very long period, you may still burn more total calories and, therefore, more fat calories working out harder. Put another way, if burning as many calories as you can is the best way to lose weight, even a dummy can figure out which activity of the following is going to give the best results (answer: jogging and sprinting), even though their fat-burning quota is on the low end of the ratio.
Top 10 Cellulite Scams
It is estimated that women spend over $3 billion dollars a year in search of a cellulite cure. These so called anti-cellulite products have a cost which range from a few dollars to surgical procedures which can cost thousands of dollars and yield no results.
Below is what are consider the top 10 cellulite scams:
1. Liposuction: This is the most common and misleading scam used by physicians who perform this procedure. Liposuction has never been indicated for cellulite, it can and will worsen the appearance of cellulite. Unethical Plastic Surgeons lead desperate women to believe Liposuction is the cure. Paul Lorenc, MD author of A Little Work: Behind the Doors of a Park Avenue Plastic Surgeon clearly states if a Plastic Surgeon suggests Liposuction for cellulite run out the door without looking back.
2. Manual Massage: There are massage therapist who recommend massage for cellulite. If this worked, there would be no need for any innovation to treat cellulite as massage therapists would the masters of cellulite.
3. Anti-Cellulite Sneakers: Anti-cellulite sneakers have what is know as a “rocker-bottom sole” which allows the foot to roll while walking. There are many senior citizens who wear these soles for decades to alleviate foot pain and facilitate walking. I have yet to see a senior who has worn these shoes free of cellulite.
4. Anti-Cellulite Clothing: This is not treatment. There is no such thing as anti-cellulite clothing once you have cellulite. Pantyhoses and uniform compression thigh garments will help prevent cellulite, but not cure cellulite.
5. Creams & Lotions: There are many of these products on the market for cellulite. The active ingredient in many of these products contains caffeine and niacin. These two products can produce a redness and tingling giving the user a sense that the product is working.
6. Nivea Cellulite Cream: Last summer we were introduced to Nivea’s anti-cellulite cream by teenage girls frolicking around a water fountain as though they were in nirvana. The active ingredient in this product is L-carnitine, the most abundant amino acid in the body. It does not break down fat. L-Carnitine is available in any health food store.
7. Body Wraps: Wraps tend to dehydrate the skin and within a few hours the skin and the underlying tissue is rehydrated and before you know it the thigh girth and cellulite returns.
8. Tanning: This is on the verge or ridiculous to bogus, yet so called experts recommend tanning as a means to get rid of cellulite.
9. No Needle Mesotherapy: This is truly an oxymoron, since one cannot perform Mesotherapy without injections. This procedure utilizes a technology known as iontophoresis which was used in physical therapy with very little success. It is now essentially repackaged with a new name for cellulite.
10. Aromatherapy: Another ridiculous claim! You cannot sniff your way to perfect legs.
If you have cellulite, it is important to spend time researching the products, procedures and the qualifications of the experts. Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeon are not experts in cellulite, so don’t seek help based on their recommendations. You need to do your own research to find the best treatment for your legs.
Below is what are consider the top 10 cellulite scams:
1. Liposuction: This is the most common and misleading scam used by physicians who perform this procedure. Liposuction has never been indicated for cellulite, it can and will worsen the appearance of cellulite. Unethical Plastic Surgeons lead desperate women to believe Liposuction is the cure. Paul Lorenc, MD author of A Little Work: Behind the Doors of a Park Avenue Plastic Surgeon clearly states if a Plastic Surgeon suggests Liposuction for cellulite run out the door without looking back.
2. Manual Massage: There are massage therapist who recommend massage for cellulite. If this worked, there would be no need for any innovation to treat cellulite as massage therapists would the masters of cellulite.
3. Anti-Cellulite Sneakers: Anti-cellulite sneakers have what is know as a “rocker-bottom sole” which allows the foot to roll while walking. There are many senior citizens who wear these soles for decades to alleviate foot pain and facilitate walking. I have yet to see a senior who has worn these shoes free of cellulite.
4. Anti-Cellulite Clothing: This is not treatment. There is no such thing as anti-cellulite clothing once you have cellulite. Pantyhoses and uniform compression thigh garments will help prevent cellulite, but not cure cellulite.
5. Creams & Lotions: There are many of these products on the market for cellulite. The active ingredient in many of these products contains caffeine and niacin. These two products can produce a redness and tingling giving the user a sense that the product is working.
6. Nivea Cellulite Cream: Last summer we were introduced to Nivea’s anti-cellulite cream by teenage girls frolicking around a water fountain as though they were in nirvana. The active ingredient in this product is L-carnitine, the most abundant amino acid in the body. It does not break down fat. L-Carnitine is available in any health food store.
7. Body Wraps: Wraps tend to dehydrate the skin and within a few hours the skin and the underlying tissue is rehydrated and before you know it the thigh girth and cellulite returns.
8. Tanning: This is on the verge or ridiculous to bogus, yet so called experts recommend tanning as a means to get rid of cellulite.
9. No Needle Mesotherapy: This is truly an oxymoron, since one cannot perform Mesotherapy without injections. This procedure utilizes a technology known as iontophoresis which was used in physical therapy with very little success. It is now essentially repackaged with a new name for cellulite.
10. Aromatherapy: Another ridiculous claim! You cannot sniff your way to perfect legs.
If you have cellulite, it is important to spend time researching the products, procedures and the qualifications of the experts. Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeon are not experts in cellulite, so don’t seek help based on their recommendations. You need to do your own research to find the best treatment for your legs.
The Cabbage Soup Diet
We all know someone who has tried the Cabbage Soup Diet. I admit it... for one misguided week back in the ‘90s, I was a cabbage soup slurper. Before tiring of the soup’s taste – and the pungent aroma that wafted from my opened fridge where the soup cauldron lurked– I did manage to lose a few pounds quickly.
But just like with other fad or trendy diets, my lost pounds found their way back not long after a return to my “normal diet.”
According to research I found on WebMD.com, “The Cabbage Soup Diet is essentially a modified fast, containing so few calories that dieters will lose weight rapidly during the weeklong regimen. There is nothing magical about cabbage or cabbage soup that fosters weight loss. It's the low-calorie nature of the diet plan that does the trick.
“The diet makes no scientific claims on how it works. While several versions exist, common to all is the premise that if you eat lots of cabbage soup when you're hungry, it will keep you satisfied enough to sustain this very low-calorie diet for a week.
“Dieters may very well lose the promised 10-15 pounds, but the problem is that most of the weight lost will be primarily from fluids, not fat, and will return once the dieter resumes eating normally.”
More bad news
The yo-yo dieting effect is the least of your worries. If you’re filling up on a soup that consists mainly of cabbage and veggies, you’ll most likely fail to take in a healthy amount of calories and nutrients.
Eating fewer than 1,200 calories per day is just not safe. The only time you should subsist on that few calories is when you’re a) under a doctor’s care or b) trapped miles from civilization with Survivorman.
The Cabbage Soup Diet is arguably the first short-term diet to become extremely popular in the 1980s. According to a write-up on Wikipedia.com, “the cabbage soup diet has had many names, usually linking the diet to a mainstream institution, including the Sacred Heart Diet, Military Cabbage Soup, TJ Miracle Soup Diet, and Russian Peasant Diet. All of the institutions named have denied a link with the diet.”
Critics, like fans, are many.
But if you choose to give it a whirl (and we’re offering the recipe for one version below), be aware that you could feel weak and lightheaded during the “diet.” You very well may also experience flatulence (Beano anyone?) and nausea (have you ever inhaled the scent of cooked cabbage for 7 days straight?).
On the positive side: The soup makes a good low-calorie filler meal. Newer versions of the Cabbage Soup Diet even add protein to the diet plan while decreasing sodium.
Ready to get cookin’?
Cabbage Soup Recipe
6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes (diced or whole)
3 carrots
1 container (10 oz. or so) mushrooms
1 bunch of celery
Half a head of cabbage
1 package Lipton soup mix
1 or 2 cubes of bouillon (optional)
1 48oz. can V8 juice (optional)
Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley, curry, garlic powder, etc.
Directions: Slice green onions, put in a pot and start to saute with cooking spray. Cut green pepper stem end off and cut in half, take the seeds and membrane out. Cut the green pepper into bite size pieces and add to pot. Take the outer leaf layers off the cabbage, cut into bite size pieces, add to pot. Clean carrots, cut into bite-size pieces, and add to pot. Slice mushrooms into thick slices, add to pot. If you would like a spicy soup, add a small amount of curry or cayenne pepper now.
NOTE: You can use beef or chicken bouillon cubes for seasonings. These have all the salt and flavors you will need (and more sodium than a healthy eater should ingest).
Use about 12 cups of water (or 8 cups and the V8 juice), cover and put heat on low. Let soup cook for a minimum of two hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
But just like with other fad or trendy diets, my lost pounds found their way back not long after a return to my “normal diet.”
According to research I found on WebMD.com, “The Cabbage Soup Diet is essentially a modified fast, containing so few calories that dieters will lose weight rapidly during the weeklong regimen. There is nothing magical about cabbage or cabbage soup that fosters weight loss. It's the low-calorie nature of the diet plan that does the trick.
“The diet makes no scientific claims on how it works. While several versions exist, common to all is the premise that if you eat lots of cabbage soup when you're hungry, it will keep you satisfied enough to sustain this very low-calorie diet for a week.
“Dieters may very well lose the promised 10-15 pounds, but the problem is that most of the weight lost will be primarily from fluids, not fat, and will return once the dieter resumes eating normally.”
More bad news
The yo-yo dieting effect is the least of your worries. If you’re filling up on a soup that consists mainly of cabbage and veggies, you’ll most likely fail to take in a healthy amount of calories and nutrients.
Eating fewer than 1,200 calories per day is just not safe. The only time you should subsist on that few calories is when you’re a) under a doctor’s care or b) trapped miles from civilization with Survivorman.
The Cabbage Soup Diet is arguably the first short-term diet to become extremely popular in the 1980s. According to a write-up on Wikipedia.com, “the cabbage soup diet has had many names, usually linking the diet to a mainstream institution, including the Sacred Heart Diet, Military Cabbage Soup, TJ Miracle Soup Diet, and Russian Peasant Diet. All of the institutions named have denied a link with the diet.”
Critics, like fans, are many.
But if you choose to give it a whirl (and we’re offering the recipe for one version below), be aware that you could feel weak and lightheaded during the “diet.” You very well may also experience flatulence (Beano anyone?) and nausea (have you ever inhaled the scent of cooked cabbage for 7 days straight?).
On the positive side: The soup makes a good low-calorie filler meal. Newer versions of the Cabbage Soup Diet even add protein to the diet plan while decreasing sodium.
Ready to get cookin’?
Cabbage Soup Recipe
6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 or 2 cans of tomatoes (diced or whole)
3 carrots
1 container (10 oz. or so) mushrooms
1 bunch of celery
Half a head of cabbage
1 package Lipton soup mix
1 or 2 cubes of bouillon (optional)
1 48oz. can V8 juice (optional)
Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley, curry, garlic powder, etc.
Directions: Slice green onions, put in a pot and start to saute with cooking spray. Cut green pepper stem end off and cut in half, take the seeds and membrane out. Cut the green pepper into bite size pieces and add to pot. Take the outer leaf layers off the cabbage, cut into bite size pieces, add to pot. Clean carrots, cut into bite-size pieces, and add to pot. Slice mushrooms into thick slices, add to pot. If you would like a spicy soup, add a small amount of curry or cayenne pepper now.
NOTE: You can use beef or chicken bouillon cubes for seasonings. These have all the salt and flavors you will need (and more sodium than a healthy eater should ingest).
Use about 12 cups of water (or 8 cups and the V8 juice), cover and put heat on low. Let soup cook for a minimum of two hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Atkins Diet
Like some sort of creature from a horror flick, the Atkins Nutritional Approach refuses to die. Not even a STEAK to the heart (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun) can lay it low for long. The search term "Atkins" continues to register impressive clicks.
I hopped on the Atkins bandwagon a decade or so ago and I must say it was one of the most fulfilling diets I have ever undertaken. While pigging out and filling up on steak, pork chops, chicken – even bacon! – I dropped a cool 26 pounds.
Until my lust for bread, rolls and pizza kicked in, I was lovin’ life. I rarely felt hungry... and my extra pounds melted off me like a pat of butter in a hot frying pan.
By the way, the principles behind the Atkins plan DO NOT call for cutting all carbs from your diet. What happens is that you start with no more than 20 grams of carbs a day (two slices of bread can do you in quick) and then you add more into your diet until you discover your “tipping point” – the point where any more carbs will lead to weight gain.
There are Four Phases but I never got past the initial Induction phase of 20 grams of carbs or less per day. After my initial success (I lost 10 pounds in the first week), I developed a fear that any extra carbs would do me in. This isn’t good for your mind or your body.
More on the plan
According to Wikipedia.com, “The Atkins Nutritional Approach, popularly known as the Atkins Diet or just Atkins, is the most marketed and well-known low-carbohydrate diet. It was adapted by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1960s from a diet he read about in the Journal of the American Medical Association and utilized to resolve his own overweight condition following medical school and graduate medical training.
“After successfully treating over 10,000 patients, he popularized the Atkins diet in a series of books, starting with Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution in 1972. In his revised book, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Atkins updated some of his ideas, but remained faithful to the original concepts.”
If you do the plan right, you leave Induction and head into Ongoing Weight Loss. That is followed by the Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance phases. I know a lot of people who lost weight with Atkins; I don’t know anybody who stuck with it as a long-term lifestyle.
A common misconception
It is a common misconception that meat with high fat is a typical meal in the Atkins diet. The actual goal of Atkins dieters is to avoid high-glycemic index foods such as soft drinks, fruit juice and potatoes. Atkins dieters supposedly can still eat a variety of food such as salads, cheese, and lean meats.
There’s no denying the plan will take off weight. Whether it’s healthy weight loss has long been debated.
According to WebMD.com, “By restricting carbohydrates drastically to a mere fraction of that found in the typical American diet, the body goes into a state of ketosis, which means it burns its own fat for fuel. A person in ketosis is getting energy from ketones, little carbon fragments that are the fuel created by the breakdown of fat stores.
"When the body is in ketosis, you tend to feel less hungry, and thus you're likely to eat less than you might otherwise. However, ketosis can also cause a variety of unpleasant effects (such as unusual breath odor and constipation) in a small number of people.
“As a result, your body changes from a carbohydrate-burning engine into a fat-burning engine. So instead of relying on the carbohydrate-rich items you might typically consume for energy, and leaving your fat stores just where they were before (alas, the hips, belly, and thunder thighs are popular fat-gathering spots), your fat stores become a primary energy source. The purported result: weight loss.”
The American Dietetic Association notes, “Arguably one of the most famous fad diets, the Atkins Diet program restricts carbohydrates and focuses on eating mostly protein with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. According to the program, this will alter a body’s metabolism so it will burn stored fat while building muscle mass.
“The ‘new’ Atkins Diet is the same diet with a more liberal maintenance plan. With the new Atkins diet, some of the sensationalism is gone, and there is heavy promoting of low-carb bars and food products. But, the bottom line is still the same. Carbs are demonized and there are major restrictions on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy foods that contradict everything we know about health promotion and disease prevention.”
If you’re hungering for more info, try www.Atkins.com.
I hopped on the Atkins bandwagon a decade or so ago and I must say it was one of the most fulfilling diets I have ever undertaken. While pigging out and filling up on steak, pork chops, chicken – even bacon! – I dropped a cool 26 pounds.
Until my lust for bread, rolls and pizza kicked in, I was lovin’ life. I rarely felt hungry... and my extra pounds melted off me like a pat of butter in a hot frying pan.
By the way, the principles behind the Atkins plan DO NOT call for cutting all carbs from your diet. What happens is that you start with no more than 20 grams of carbs a day (two slices of bread can do you in quick) and then you add more into your diet until you discover your “tipping point” – the point where any more carbs will lead to weight gain.
There are Four Phases but I never got past the initial Induction phase of 20 grams of carbs or less per day. After my initial success (I lost 10 pounds in the first week), I developed a fear that any extra carbs would do me in. This isn’t good for your mind or your body.
More on the plan
According to Wikipedia.com, “The Atkins Nutritional Approach, popularly known as the Atkins Diet or just Atkins, is the most marketed and well-known low-carbohydrate diet. It was adapted by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1960s from a diet he read about in the Journal of the American Medical Association and utilized to resolve his own overweight condition following medical school and graduate medical training.
“After successfully treating over 10,000 patients, he popularized the Atkins diet in a series of books, starting with Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution in 1972. In his revised book, Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, Atkins updated some of his ideas, but remained faithful to the original concepts.”
If you do the plan right, you leave Induction and head into Ongoing Weight Loss. That is followed by the Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance phases. I know a lot of people who lost weight with Atkins; I don’t know anybody who stuck with it as a long-term lifestyle.
A common misconception
It is a common misconception that meat with high fat is a typical meal in the Atkins diet. The actual goal of Atkins dieters is to avoid high-glycemic index foods such as soft drinks, fruit juice and potatoes. Atkins dieters supposedly can still eat a variety of food such as salads, cheese, and lean meats.
There’s no denying the plan will take off weight. Whether it’s healthy weight loss has long been debated.
According to WebMD.com, “By restricting carbohydrates drastically to a mere fraction of that found in the typical American diet, the body goes into a state of ketosis, which means it burns its own fat for fuel. A person in ketosis is getting energy from ketones, little carbon fragments that are the fuel created by the breakdown of fat stores.
"When the body is in ketosis, you tend to feel less hungry, and thus you're likely to eat less than you might otherwise. However, ketosis can also cause a variety of unpleasant effects (such as unusual breath odor and constipation) in a small number of people.
“As a result, your body changes from a carbohydrate-burning engine into a fat-burning engine. So instead of relying on the carbohydrate-rich items you might typically consume for energy, and leaving your fat stores just where they were before (alas, the hips, belly, and thunder thighs are popular fat-gathering spots), your fat stores become a primary energy source. The purported result: weight loss.”
The American Dietetic Association notes, “Arguably one of the most famous fad diets, the Atkins Diet program restricts carbohydrates and focuses on eating mostly protein with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. According to the program, this will alter a body’s metabolism so it will burn stored fat while building muscle mass.
“The ‘new’ Atkins Diet is the same diet with a more liberal maintenance plan. With the new Atkins diet, some of the sensationalism is gone, and there is heavy promoting of low-carb bars and food products. But, the bottom line is still the same. Carbs are demonized and there are major restrictions on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy foods that contradict everything we know about health promotion and disease prevention.”
If you’re hungering for more info, try www.Atkins.com.
Fad Diets Exposed
The definition of a fad diet is very subjective. Many people use the term to deride what they consider is a poor weight loss diet. However a fad diet is simply a weight loss diet that becomes very popular (often quickly) and then may fall out of favor (sometimes just as quickly).
A list of fad diets can vary depending on the author. Just because a diet is called a "fad" does not necessarily mean the diet is a failure.
List of Fad Diets
Acai Berry Diet The acai berry has gained extreme popularity since being promoted on the Oprah Show.
Atkins Although written in the 1970s, Atkins Diet Revolution became a huge phenomenon only in the last few years.
Cabbage Soup Diet This diet is not sustainable but continues to fall in and out favor.
Negative Calorie Diet Based on a concept with little science to back it up.
Low Fat diet Very popular during the 1980s and 1990s.
Low Carb diet Experienced a huge surge in popularity during 2003-2004 - but interest began to decline towards the end of 2004.
3 Day diet There are many incarnations of 3 day diet floating around. These kind of diet are popular due to the promise of instant gratification. There is never any long term success with such a diet.
Zone Diet Many consider the Zone diet to be a fad diet - however this diet continues to remain popular with many.
South Beach Diet The South Beach continues to be one of the biggest selling diet books of all time. Enthusiasm for the diet has not yet faded, and it maybe unfair to call this a fad.
Other Fad Diet Contenders
Grapefruit diet, Hollywood diet, Beverly Hills Diet, (New) Beverly Hills Diet, FatLoss4Idiots, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet.
Other Definitions of a Fad Diet
Some nutritionists define a fad diet by a series of questions rather than assessing popularity:
* Recommendations that promise a quick fix
* Dire warnings of dangers from a single product or regimen
* Claims that sound too good to be true
* Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study
* Recommendations based on a single study
* Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations
* Lists of "good" and "bad" foods
* Recommendations made to help sell a product
* Recommendations based on studies published without review by other researchers
* Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals/groups
* Eliminated one or more of the five food groups
A list of fad diets can vary depending on the author. Just because a diet is called a "fad" does not necessarily mean the diet is a failure.
List of Fad Diets
Acai Berry Diet The acai berry has gained extreme popularity since being promoted on the Oprah Show.
Atkins Although written in the 1970s, Atkins Diet Revolution became a huge phenomenon only in the last few years.
Cabbage Soup Diet This diet is not sustainable but continues to fall in and out favor.
Negative Calorie Diet Based on a concept with little science to back it up.
Low Fat diet Very popular during the 1980s and 1990s.
Low Carb diet Experienced a huge surge in popularity during 2003-2004 - but interest began to decline towards the end of 2004.
3 Day diet There are many incarnations of 3 day diet floating around. These kind of diet are popular due to the promise of instant gratification. There is never any long term success with such a diet.
Zone Diet Many consider the Zone diet to be a fad diet - however this diet continues to remain popular with many.
South Beach Diet The South Beach continues to be one of the biggest selling diet books of all time. Enthusiasm for the diet has not yet faded, and it maybe unfair to call this a fad.
Other Fad Diet Contenders
Grapefruit diet, Hollywood diet, Beverly Hills Diet, (New) Beverly Hills Diet, FatLoss4Idiots, Apple Cider Vinegar Diet.
Other Definitions of a Fad Diet
Some nutritionists define a fad diet by a series of questions rather than assessing popularity:
* Recommendations that promise a quick fix
* Dire warnings of dangers from a single product or regimen
* Claims that sound too good to be true
* Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study
* Recommendations based on a single study
* Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations
* Lists of "good" and "bad" foods
* Recommendations made to help sell a product
* Recommendations based on studies published without review by other researchers
* Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals/groups
* Eliminated one or more of the five food groups
Hydroxycut Banned, Recall And Lawsuits
Weight loss pill are not magical pill and despite its popularity are harmful and can killed.
U.S Government health officials are announcing the recall of popular over-the-counter weight loss pill Hydroxycut, after reports of liver damage and other health problems.
Food and Drug Administration officials said Friday, Iovate Health Sciences, Inc the manufacturer of Hydroxycut has launched a nationwide recall of the dietary supplement, used by people trying to shed pounds and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.
Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. It accounts for about 90 percent of the market for weight loss supplements, with sales of about 1 million bottles a year.
Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need FDA approval ahead of time before marketing their products.
Popular over-the-counter dietary supplements marketed as Hydroxycut have been linked to serious side effects like liver damage, liver failure and death. A Hydroxycut recall was issued on May 1, 2009, and potential lawsuits are being pursued for individuals who have experienced problems caused by the weight-loss products.
U.S Government health officials are announcing the recall of popular over-the-counter weight loss pill Hydroxycut, after reports of liver damage and other health problems.
Food and Drug Administration officials said Friday, Iovate Health Sciences, Inc the manufacturer of Hydroxycut has launched a nationwide recall of the dietary supplement, used by people trying to shed pounds and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.
Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. It accounts for about 90 percent of the market for weight loss supplements, with sales of about 1 million bottles a year.
Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need FDA approval ahead of time before marketing their products.
Popular over-the-counter dietary supplements marketed as Hydroxycut have been linked to serious side effects like liver damage, liver failure and death. A Hydroxycut recall was issued on May 1, 2009, and potential lawsuits are being pursued for individuals who have experienced problems caused by the weight-loss products.
List of Recalled Hydroxycut Products
Fourteen Hydroxycut products, marketed as fat burners, low-cost diet aids, and energy enhancers, are being recalled voluntarily by the manufacturer after the FDA received 23 reports of serious liver injuries ranging from jaundice to death.
The recalled products include:
* Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
* Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
* Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
* Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
* Hydroxycut 24
* Hydroxycut Carb Control
* Hydroxycut Natural
The recalled products include:
* Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
* Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
* Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
* Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
* Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
* Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
* Hydroxycut 24
* Hydroxycut Carb Control
* Hydroxycut Natural
Hydroxycut Recall Health Risks
Hydroxycut recall: FDA warns consumers to stop use of diet pill immediately.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. government health officials warned dieters and body builders Friday to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold Canadian-made supplement linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.
The Food and Drug Administration said the maker of the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products. Available in grocery stores and pharmacies, Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. At least 9 million packages were sold last year, the FDA said.
Dr. Linda Katz of the FDA's food and nutrition division said the agency has received 23 reports of liver problems, including the death of a 19-year-old boy living in the Southwest. The teenager died in 2007, and the death was reported to the FDA this March.
Other patients experienced symptoms ranging from jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, to liver failure. One received a transplant and another was placed on a list to await a new liver.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. distributor of the diet pill, Iovate Health Sciences, headquartered near Buffalo, New York. Hydroxycut is used by people trying to shed pounds and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.
Dietary supplements aren't as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need to prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can sell them to consumers. But regulators monitor aftermarket reports for signs of trouble, and in recent years companies have been put under stricter requirements to alert the FDA when they learn of problems.
Katz said it has taken so long to get a handle on the Hydroxycut problem because the cases of liver damage were rare and the FDA has no authority to review supplements before they're marketed. "Part of the problem is that the FDA looks at dietary supplements from a post-market perspective, and an isolated incident is often difficult to follow," she said.
The FDA relies on voluntary reports to detect such problems, and many cases are never reported, officials acknowledge.
Health officials said they have been unable to determine which Hydroxycut ingredients are potentially toxic, partially because the formulation of the products has changed several times. A medical journal report last month raised questions about one ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, derived from a tropical fruit. The article said it could potentially damage the liver.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. government health officials warned dieters and body builders Friday to immediately stop using Hydroxycut, a widely sold Canadian-made supplement linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.
The Food and Drug Administration said the maker of the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products. Available in grocery stores and pharmacies, Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. At least 9 million packages were sold last year, the FDA said.
Dr. Linda Katz of the FDA's food and nutrition division said the agency has received 23 reports of liver problems, including the death of a 19-year-old boy living in the Southwest. The teenager died in 2007, and the death was reported to the FDA this March.
Other patients experienced symptoms ranging from jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, to liver failure. One received a transplant and another was placed on a list to await a new liver.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. distributor of the diet pill, Iovate Health Sciences, headquartered near Buffalo, New York. Hydroxycut is used by people trying to shed pounds and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.
Dietary supplements aren't as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need to prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective before they can sell them to consumers. But regulators monitor aftermarket reports for signs of trouble, and in recent years companies have been put under stricter requirements to alert the FDA when they learn of problems.
Katz said it has taken so long to get a handle on the Hydroxycut problem because the cases of liver damage were rare and the FDA has no authority to review supplements before they're marketed. "Part of the problem is that the FDA looks at dietary supplements from a post-market perspective, and an isolated incident is often difficult to follow," she said.
The FDA relies on voluntary reports to detect such problems, and many cases are never reported, officials acknowledge.
Health officials said they have been unable to determine which Hydroxycut ingredients are potentially toxic, partially because the formulation of the products has changed several times. A medical journal report last month raised questions about one ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, derived from a tropical fruit. The article said it could potentially damage the liver.
Juice Diet Claims To Cut 21 Pounds
The cartoon character Popeye was known for ingesting a can of spinach and instantaneously gaining strength.
James Hester compares Popeye's results to what he feels after following the Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox.
"You think better, you feel better, you look better," said Hester, co-author of "21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox." Roni DeLuz, co-author and naturopathic doctor and registered nurse, developed the diet, which she said allows the digestive system to rest and repair itself because there is not any chewing of food involved.
Hester said the plan is designed to rid the body and bloodstream of toxins, which leads to better health, such as greater mental clarity, a reduction in cellulite, fewer headaches and backaches, less arthritis, joint pain, fewer symptoms of PMS and a stronger immune system. The diet will also lead to weight loss.
Enzyme Drinks, Teas Allowed
The meals on the detoxification program consist of enzyme-rich drinks, herbal teas, aloe vera, vegetable purees, "live" juices, homemade soups and plenty of water. "Live" juices are juices made using a juicer.
Salt, sugar, milk, eggs, butter and alcoholic beverages, including wine, are excluded while following the detox.
The detox also recommends enemas; kidney, gallbladder and liver flushes; lymphatic drainage massages; sauna treatments; detoxifying baths; cellulite treatments and walking at a leisurely pace or using a Chi machine. It also suggests brushing dry skin before showers.
The detox can also be performed for seven days and two days, but a 21-pound weight loss will not be achieved. There are other benefits, the authors said.
"The weekend detox helps you improve your appearance and energy level quickly. Your eyes and skin will brighten; your thoughts will be clearer; you'll feel less stressed out, frustrated and angry," the book says.
In addition to the physical health benefits, there are also emotional health benefits.
In fact, the book describes how depression is often relieved after detoxing. People feel calmer, happier and more optimistic, the authors say.
"Do the detox for health reasons not vanity reasons, and you'll lose the 21 pounds," said Hester who follows the program several times a year.
Cleansing The Colon
Tsila Trager, a certified colon hydrotherapist, believes that it is important to rid the body of toxins and waste to achieve optimal health.
While colonics help, she cautions that the results on the diet vary.
However, she believes that enemas help people feel better and lose weight.
She added that there is about "10 to 15 pounds of fecal matter just sitting there," because many people consume food without drinking enough water to help with bowel movements.
Where's The Protein?
Many health care professionals have criticized the detox diet because of the lack of protein, fat and fiber, as well as the speedy weight loss.
Kathlee Zelman, a WebMD expert, reviewed the diet. She wrote that "while the plan may sound like a scientific approach to weight loss, it lacks the fundamentals that dietitians, doctors, and health authorities know are essential for good health."
Hester believes that critics lack discipline and have likely not tried the diet.
"I don't think you should criticize something until you do it," he said. "After doing it, you can make an intelligent decision about whether it is good for you."
Hester added that if someone fears the lack of protein in their diet, protein shakes can be added. This will allow the body to detox without the 21-pound weight loss, however.
Other health professionals criticize the Detox Diet because they believe that followers may lose muscle mass.
"You have to burn off the fat before you start burning muscle and most people I know have to burn a lot of fat before getting to the muscle," Hester said.
Do You Maintain Weight?
After the 21st day, there is a maintenance diet that should be followed. It includes slowly reintroducing food groups to your diet. The maintenance diet includes steamed vegetables, chicken and other organic foods, and several ounces of water.
Hester said that DeLuz's philosophy is if you do 75 percent what she says and eat 25 percent recreational food, you will maintain the weight loss.
A person's attitude will determine the success of the detoxifying program, he said.
"You have to ask yourself if you are out of control (with eating and drinking)," Hester said. "Some people don't want to change."
Suggested Diet
A suggested schedule on the 21-Day Detox Diet would include:
# 8:30 a.m. Antioxidant berry drink -- the detox recommends a brand that contains a variety of berries and a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity value.
# Herbal cleansing formula
# Cup of herbal tea
# 8 ounces of water
# 10:30 a.m. 8 ounces of water with high-density green drink that contains a variety of different vegetables, not just wheatgrass or spirulina.
# 8-ounce glass of hot or iced herbal tea
# 12:30 p.m. 1 cup of fresh vegetable juice
# 1 enzyme capsule
# Herbal cleansing formula
# 8-ounce bottle of water
# 2:30 p.m. High-density antioxidant or berry drink
# 6 p.m. 1 cup of homemade cleansing soup -- the book provides several recipes
# 1 cup of broth from cleansing soup mix
# 1 cup of herbal tea
# 1 enzyme capsule
# Herbal cleansing formula
# 8-ounce bottle of water
# 7:30 p.m. 8-ounce cup of hot or iced herbal tea or water
Bedtime
#Aloe vera
James Hester compares Popeye's results to what he feels after following the Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox.
"You think better, you feel better, you look better," said Hester, co-author of "21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha's Vineyard Diet Detox." Roni DeLuz, co-author and naturopathic doctor and registered nurse, developed the diet, which she said allows the digestive system to rest and repair itself because there is not any chewing of food involved.
Hester said the plan is designed to rid the body and bloodstream of toxins, which leads to better health, such as greater mental clarity, a reduction in cellulite, fewer headaches and backaches, less arthritis, joint pain, fewer symptoms of PMS and a stronger immune system. The diet will also lead to weight loss.
Enzyme Drinks, Teas Allowed
The meals on the detoxification program consist of enzyme-rich drinks, herbal teas, aloe vera, vegetable purees, "live" juices, homemade soups and plenty of water. "Live" juices are juices made using a juicer.
Salt, sugar, milk, eggs, butter and alcoholic beverages, including wine, are excluded while following the detox.
The detox also recommends enemas; kidney, gallbladder and liver flushes; lymphatic drainage massages; sauna treatments; detoxifying baths; cellulite treatments and walking at a leisurely pace or using a Chi machine. It also suggests brushing dry skin before showers.
The detox can also be performed for seven days and two days, but a 21-pound weight loss will not be achieved. There are other benefits, the authors said.
"The weekend detox helps you improve your appearance and energy level quickly. Your eyes and skin will brighten; your thoughts will be clearer; you'll feel less stressed out, frustrated and angry," the book says.
In addition to the physical health benefits, there are also emotional health benefits.
In fact, the book describes how depression is often relieved after detoxing. People feel calmer, happier and more optimistic, the authors say.
"Do the detox for health reasons not vanity reasons, and you'll lose the 21 pounds," said Hester who follows the program several times a year.
Cleansing The Colon
Tsila Trager, a certified colon hydrotherapist, believes that it is important to rid the body of toxins and waste to achieve optimal health.
While colonics help, she cautions that the results on the diet vary.
However, she believes that enemas help people feel better and lose weight.
She added that there is about "10 to 15 pounds of fecal matter just sitting there," because many people consume food without drinking enough water to help with bowel movements.
Where's The Protein?
Many health care professionals have criticized the detox diet because of the lack of protein, fat and fiber, as well as the speedy weight loss.
Kathlee Zelman, a WebMD expert, reviewed the diet. She wrote that "while the plan may sound like a scientific approach to weight loss, it lacks the fundamentals that dietitians, doctors, and health authorities know are essential for good health."
Hester believes that critics lack discipline and have likely not tried the diet.
"I don't think you should criticize something until you do it," he said. "After doing it, you can make an intelligent decision about whether it is good for you."
Hester added that if someone fears the lack of protein in their diet, protein shakes can be added. This will allow the body to detox without the 21-pound weight loss, however.
Other health professionals criticize the Detox Diet because they believe that followers may lose muscle mass.
"You have to burn off the fat before you start burning muscle and most people I know have to burn a lot of fat before getting to the muscle," Hester said.
Do You Maintain Weight?
After the 21st day, there is a maintenance diet that should be followed. It includes slowly reintroducing food groups to your diet. The maintenance diet includes steamed vegetables, chicken and other organic foods, and several ounces of water.
Hester said that DeLuz's philosophy is if you do 75 percent what she says and eat 25 percent recreational food, you will maintain the weight loss.
A person's attitude will determine the success of the detoxifying program, he said.
"You have to ask yourself if you are out of control (with eating and drinking)," Hester said. "Some people don't want to change."
Suggested Diet
A suggested schedule on the 21-Day Detox Diet would include:
# 8:30 a.m. Antioxidant berry drink -- the detox recommends a brand that contains a variety of berries and a high oxygen radical absorbance capacity value.
# Herbal cleansing formula
# Cup of herbal tea
# 8 ounces of water
# 10:30 a.m. 8 ounces of water with high-density green drink that contains a variety of different vegetables, not just wheatgrass or spirulina.
# 8-ounce glass of hot or iced herbal tea
# 12:30 p.m. 1 cup of fresh vegetable juice
# 1 enzyme capsule
# Herbal cleansing formula
# 8-ounce bottle of water
# 2:30 p.m. High-density antioxidant or berry drink
# 6 p.m. 1 cup of homemade cleansing soup -- the book provides several recipes
# 1 cup of broth from cleansing soup mix
# 1 cup of herbal tea
# 1 enzyme capsule
# Herbal cleansing formula
# 8-ounce bottle of water
# 7:30 p.m. 8-ounce cup of hot or iced herbal tea or water
Bedtime
#Aloe vera
Grapefruit Juice Diet
The Promise:
In 2 1/2 months you should lose 52 pounds.
The Rules:
* You must drink eight 8oz. glasses of water daily (64 oz. total per day).
* At any meal you may eat until you are full.
* You must eat the minimum listed at each meal. (yep, this diet list the minimum you should eat).
* You cannot eliminate anything from the diet. Especially the bacon at breakfast and the salads. You must eat the bacon and salads. These combinations of food burn the fat, omitting one part of the combination will cause the whole thing not to work.
* The grapefruit juice is important because it acts as a catalyst that starts the burning process. Don't add or reduce the amount of juice.
* Cut down on coffee, it affects the insulin balance that hinders the burning process. Try to limit to 1 cup at meal time.
* Don't eat between meals. If you eat the suggested foods you will not get hungry.
* You can fry food in butter and use butter generously on vegetables.
* Do not eat desserts, breads, and white vegetables or sweet potatoes.
* You may double or triple helpings of meat, salad or vegetables.
* Eat until you are stuffed. The more you eat the more weight you will lose.
* Stay on the diet 12 days, then stop the diet for 2 days and repeat.
Diet Plan:
Breakfast:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* 2 eggs any style
* 2 slices of bacon
Lunch:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* Salad with any dressing
* Meat any style and any amount.
Dinner:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* Salad with any dressing OR a red or green vegetable cooked in butter or spices.
* Meat or even Fish any style cooked any way.
* Coffee or Tea (1 cup)
Bedtime Snack:
* 8oz. glass of tomato juice or 8 oz cup of skim milk.
In 2 1/2 months you should lose 52 pounds.
The Rules:
* You must drink eight 8oz. glasses of water daily (64 oz. total per day).
* At any meal you may eat until you are full.
* You must eat the minimum listed at each meal. (yep, this diet list the minimum you should eat).
* You cannot eliminate anything from the diet. Especially the bacon at breakfast and the salads. You must eat the bacon and salads. These combinations of food burn the fat, omitting one part of the combination will cause the whole thing not to work.
* The grapefruit juice is important because it acts as a catalyst that starts the burning process. Don't add or reduce the amount of juice.
* Cut down on coffee, it affects the insulin balance that hinders the burning process. Try to limit to 1 cup at meal time.
* Don't eat between meals. If you eat the suggested foods you will not get hungry.
* You can fry food in butter and use butter generously on vegetables.
* Do not eat desserts, breads, and white vegetables or sweet potatoes.
* You may double or triple helpings of meat, salad or vegetables.
* Eat until you are stuffed. The more you eat the more weight you will lose.
* Stay on the diet 12 days, then stop the diet for 2 days and repeat.
Diet Plan:
Breakfast:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* 2 eggs any style
* 2 slices of bacon
Lunch:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* Salad with any dressing
* Meat any style and any amount.
Dinner:
* 8 oz. juice (unsweetened)
* Salad with any dressing OR a red or green vegetable cooked in butter or spices.
* Meat or even Fish any style cooked any way.
* Coffee or Tea (1 cup)
Bedtime Snack:
* 8oz. glass of tomato juice or 8 oz cup of skim milk.
Healthy Sex Life Truth and Tips
Truth and Tips about Sex
Research has shown that people with an active, healthy sexual relationship live longer than those in poor sexual relationships, and those not having any sexual relationship at all. It’s not just about HAVING sex, but about having healthysex for a longer, happier life.
Knowing and trusting your sexual partner is imperative to having a healthy sex life. The knowledge that your partner has been tested and won’t be exposing you to a sexually-transmitted disease permits you to have full enjoyment of the sexual experiences you have with your partner. The security of the trust that is shared between the both of you creates an atmosphere for enhanced-pleasure of the sexual experience for both partners!
Sex is a mental exercise, the opportunity for you and your partner to share a closeness that exists only between the two of you: but there’s no getting around the fact that sex is largely physical. The more physically fit you are, the more stamina and enthusiasm you have to sustain yourself and also to give to your partner during sex, for a better sexual experience for the both of you.
For even more pleasure out of your sexual experiences strengthen the muscles that are responsible for sexual arousal and the receiving of the pleasurable sensations of good sex. The pelvic and genital muscles receive the sensations created by sexual activity and relay, "feels-so-good" messages to your brain, which responds with the permission your body needs to orgasm.
One good exercise designed to help you strengthen those all important sexual muscles are known as Kegels, in which the flow of urine is suddenly stopped several times during urination. This will strengthen the muscles you use for sex while going about the business of going to the bathroom. How’s that for multi-tasking! You can also do a variation on this exercise by tightening and then releasing the muscles in your pelvis and genital area as often as you can to build the strength of those muscles.
Communication is Key! Your partner can't read your mind. Chances are what they've been doing lately hasn't been satisfying you and you've been backing off. This isn't going to get you anywhere. Instead, try talking about sex at other times, when the pressure is off, and tell your partner you'd like to try something different. Communication during sex is important too, so don't be afraid to guide your partner or tell him or her what you like to be done to you. Don't forget to encourage your partner during sex when he or she is doing something you are enjoying. This will help them understand how to bond with you more effectively.
Do a little Dance! You read it right. Now I do have some expertise in this area. I was an exotic dancer for over 5 years and so I am gonna give you some pointers to assist with this great way to keep your sex life active and healthy. First off, I realize that alot of women are uncomfortable with the idea of dancing around the bedroom for their spouse. The problem is that most women have a tendency to get the feeling that they look stupid or that they are doing it wrong. You can solve this problem by practicing in front of a mirror. If you have ever been to a Strip Club, and payed attention, you will notice that there are mirrors everywhere. Trust me they are not for decoration, Exotic Dancers use the mirrors to see how they are moving and what it looks like so they can give their best performance possible. Now most patrons do not realize they are doing this, but it does take practice. See how you move, what the outfit you have chosen looks like on you and if it compliments you. Another trick is while you are doing your dance for your spouse, do not let him touch you. This heightens the excitement when the time comes. "Good things come to those who wait.".
Masturbation, yes you read me right again! This one is tough. Now the truth of the matter is that we all have tried it. I realize that it may be an uncomfortable situation if you are self conscious in the bedroom but it can really add to your sexual pleasure. For instance, it has been clinically proven that masturbation strengthens the pelvic muscles and enhances orgasms during partner-sex. Remember your level of comfort to new ideas says alot about the comfort level you have with your partner. Whether you choose to do so in private or in the bedroom, its your choice and your comfort zone. You may also ask your partner to masturbate for you. It may not sound exciting but if your open to it you may find another way of turning each other on.
Next think about Positions. If you've been doing it in the missionary position for the last 6 months then we're hardly surprised you're bored. Again, this is a matter of using your imagination to find new positions which satisfy and excite both of you. Almost all Good Sex Manuals have a number of sex positions which you could try, or, better still, mix and match a number of positions and try them all at once! The possibilities are endless. A good rule of thumb to keep it going great, dont use the same position twice in one week. For those who have less active sex lives this should be easy, for those with more active sex lives this allows you to use your imagination!
Now that you have a few tips to a Healthy Sex life, try to empliment them. Only you stand in the way of a Healthy Sex Life for you and your partner. You never know until you try and the benefits are unlimited. Better Communication, Stronger Bond, Happier Marriage, and so much more. You take the extra steps to do a great job at the Workplace, remember it takes just as much work and effort in the bedroom!
Research has shown that people with an active, healthy sexual relationship live longer than those in poor sexual relationships, and those not having any sexual relationship at all. It’s not just about HAVING sex, but about having healthysex for a longer, happier life.
Knowing and trusting your sexual partner is imperative to having a healthy sex life. The knowledge that your partner has been tested and won’t be exposing you to a sexually-transmitted disease permits you to have full enjoyment of the sexual experiences you have with your partner. The security of the trust that is shared between the both of you creates an atmosphere for enhanced-pleasure of the sexual experience for both partners!
Sex is a mental exercise, the opportunity for you and your partner to share a closeness that exists only between the two of you: but there’s no getting around the fact that sex is largely physical. The more physically fit you are, the more stamina and enthusiasm you have to sustain yourself and also to give to your partner during sex, for a better sexual experience for the both of you.
For even more pleasure out of your sexual experiences strengthen the muscles that are responsible for sexual arousal and the receiving of the pleasurable sensations of good sex. The pelvic and genital muscles receive the sensations created by sexual activity and relay, "feels-so-good" messages to your brain, which responds with the permission your body needs to orgasm.
One good exercise designed to help you strengthen those all important sexual muscles are known as Kegels, in which the flow of urine is suddenly stopped several times during urination. This will strengthen the muscles you use for sex while going about the business of going to the bathroom. How’s that for multi-tasking! You can also do a variation on this exercise by tightening and then releasing the muscles in your pelvis and genital area as often as you can to build the strength of those muscles.
Communication is Key! Your partner can't read your mind. Chances are what they've been doing lately hasn't been satisfying you and you've been backing off. This isn't going to get you anywhere. Instead, try talking about sex at other times, when the pressure is off, and tell your partner you'd like to try something different. Communication during sex is important too, so don't be afraid to guide your partner or tell him or her what you like to be done to you. Don't forget to encourage your partner during sex when he or she is doing something you are enjoying. This will help them understand how to bond with you more effectively.
Do a little Dance! You read it right. Now I do have some expertise in this area. I was an exotic dancer for over 5 years and so I am gonna give you some pointers to assist with this great way to keep your sex life active and healthy. First off, I realize that alot of women are uncomfortable with the idea of dancing around the bedroom for their spouse. The problem is that most women have a tendency to get the feeling that they look stupid or that they are doing it wrong. You can solve this problem by practicing in front of a mirror. If you have ever been to a Strip Club, and payed attention, you will notice that there are mirrors everywhere. Trust me they are not for decoration, Exotic Dancers use the mirrors to see how they are moving and what it looks like so they can give their best performance possible. Now most patrons do not realize they are doing this, but it does take practice. See how you move, what the outfit you have chosen looks like on you and if it compliments you. Another trick is while you are doing your dance for your spouse, do not let him touch you. This heightens the excitement when the time comes. "Good things come to those who wait.".
Masturbation, yes you read me right again! This one is tough. Now the truth of the matter is that we all have tried it. I realize that it may be an uncomfortable situation if you are self conscious in the bedroom but it can really add to your sexual pleasure. For instance, it has been clinically proven that masturbation strengthens the pelvic muscles and enhances orgasms during partner-sex. Remember your level of comfort to new ideas says alot about the comfort level you have with your partner. Whether you choose to do so in private or in the bedroom, its your choice and your comfort zone. You may also ask your partner to masturbate for you. It may not sound exciting but if your open to it you may find another way of turning each other on.
Next think about Positions. If you've been doing it in the missionary position for the last 6 months then we're hardly surprised you're bored. Again, this is a matter of using your imagination to find new positions which satisfy and excite both of you. Almost all Good Sex Manuals have a number of sex positions which you could try, or, better still, mix and match a number of positions and try them all at once! The possibilities are endless. A good rule of thumb to keep it going great, dont use the same position twice in one week. For those who have less active sex lives this should be easy, for those with more active sex lives this allows you to use your imagination!
Now that you have a few tips to a Healthy Sex life, try to empliment them. Only you stand in the way of a Healthy Sex Life for you and your partner. You never know until you try and the benefits are unlimited. Better Communication, Stronger Bond, Happier Marriage, and so much more. You take the extra steps to do a great job at the Workplace, remember it takes just as much work and effort in the bedroom!
The Skinny on HGH
What is HGH (Human Growth Hormone)?
By definitions: A peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. HGH enhances tissue growth by stimulating protein formation. A recombinant (genetically engineered) HGH, called Serostim, has been approved by FDA as a treatment for AIDS wasting syndrome.
HGH is Human Growth Hormone, a natural hormone produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. HGH is considered "the key" hormone because it controls so many functions. It's responsible for youth, vitality, energy and all of the health benefits we associate with youth. Dr. Daniel Rudman's study in the New England Journal Of Medicine demonstrated the remarkable ability to reverse the effects of aging upon the human body with the employment of HGH - Human Growth Hormone! Due in part to his efforts, Dr. Rudmans's study saw the effects of HGH upon overweight men between the ages of 61 and 80 years of age.
HGH reduces body fat The men did not alter their personal habits of eating, smoking, or exercise, yet with the consumption of HGH, they lost an average of 14% of their body fat, while gaining an average of 8.8% lean muscle mass. Their skin became firmer and they experienced a localized increase in bone density. Over all, HgH appeared to reverse the effects of aging by 10-20 years!!! HGH is prescribed and administered by a doctor in the form of injections. But a nonprescription form is also available over the counter and through mail order.
HGH promotes growth in children and plays an important role in adult metabolism. The body secretes the hormone, in decreasing amounts, throughout our lifetimes. The amount of hormone in the body can be measured by levels of IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor). Growth hormone has a profound effect on all the cells of the body, more than any other hormone because it is the cell generator.
HGH is the "master hormone" controlling many organs and body functions and is directly responsible for stimulating tissue repair, cell replacement, brain functions, and enzyme function! It’s human growth hormone that grows the cells, bones, muscles, and organs, and it is the decreasing level of human growth hormone after age 30 that slowly robs us of our "youth."
Benefits of HGH
HGH Benefits observed clinically from individuals who were hormone deficient are the following. The lower the level of your growth hormone, the more dramatic the symptoms may be, conversly the more dramatic the anti-aging health benefits from HGH.
* SKIN. Skin loses elasticity. Becomes thinner, sags, and wrinkles.
* ENERGY. Loss of vigor and stamina.
* BONE .Bones loses strength. Tendency toward osteoporosis.
* SEXUAL POWER. Loss of sexual powers and libido.
* MUSCLE. Muscles lose strength and mass.
* FAT. Fat tissue increases and accumulates.
* MEMORY. Memory begins to fade.
* HEART. Heart muscle loses strength.
* KIDNEY. Decreased kidney function.
* IMMUNE SYSTEM. Decreased immunity and increased healing time.
* HAIR. Hair becomes thinner and loses color.
* CHOLESTEROL. Increased cholesterol level.
While every individual is different here are the HGH benefits that the studies of prescription human growth hormone replacement show for a typical growth hormone user.
* Weight Loss - 82% improvement
* Wrinkle Reduction - 61% improvement
* Energy Level - 84% improvement
* Muscle Strength - 88% improvement with daily exercise program
* Sexual Potency - 75% improvement
* Emotional Stability - 67% improvement
Possible Side Effects of HGH Injections
Injecting ones self with synthetic human growth hormone can cause side effects, and that is why the injections should only be taken as a last resort and should only be used on the advice and management of a qualified physician.
One possible side effect of taking the HGH injections is the patient's pituitary gland becoming lazy. The injections provide the body with a full dose of human growth hormone so the pituitary gland will not need to release as much of its own real HGH.
Other side effects include:
acromegaly,
fluid retention,
carpal tunnel syndrome,
painful joints,
gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males),
liver damage
Acromegaly is a dangerous disease with increased incidence of heart attack and death. Other side effects such as fluid retention and carpal tunnel syndrome have also been seen when large doses of the injections were taken. In Dr. Rudman's study the anti-aging and health and fitness benefits were extensive, but there were also side effects due to the large doses he used. Those who pump themselves with massive doses of the injections risk this same fate.
Concerns About Cancer
There are also concerns that HGH injections may increase the risk of cancer, since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with certain other synthetic hormones has been found to increase the risk of cancer in some studies.
Taking homeopathic human growth hormone and supplements to help the pituitary gland release more of its own human growth hormone has not been shown to increase the risk of cancer. In fact, it is believed that the real HGH made by the body actually provides a defense against cancer by increasing the cancer fighting cells and strengthening the immune system.
By definitions: A peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. HGH enhances tissue growth by stimulating protein formation. A recombinant (genetically engineered) HGH, called Serostim, has been approved by FDA as a treatment for AIDS wasting syndrome.
HGH is Human Growth Hormone, a natural hormone produced in the pituitary gland of the brain. HGH is considered "the key" hormone because it controls so many functions. It's responsible for youth, vitality, energy and all of the health benefits we associate with youth. Dr. Daniel Rudman's study in the New England Journal Of Medicine demonstrated the remarkable ability to reverse the effects of aging upon the human body with the employment of HGH - Human Growth Hormone! Due in part to his efforts, Dr. Rudmans's study saw the effects of HGH upon overweight men between the ages of 61 and 80 years of age.
HGH reduces body fat The men did not alter their personal habits of eating, smoking, or exercise, yet with the consumption of HGH, they lost an average of 14% of their body fat, while gaining an average of 8.8% lean muscle mass. Their skin became firmer and they experienced a localized increase in bone density. Over all, HgH appeared to reverse the effects of aging by 10-20 years!!! HGH is prescribed and administered by a doctor in the form of injections. But a nonprescription form is also available over the counter and through mail order.
HGH promotes growth in children and plays an important role in adult metabolism. The body secretes the hormone, in decreasing amounts, throughout our lifetimes. The amount of hormone in the body can be measured by levels of IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor). Growth hormone has a profound effect on all the cells of the body, more than any other hormone because it is the cell generator.
HGH is the "master hormone" controlling many organs and body functions and is directly responsible for stimulating tissue repair, cell replacement, brain functions, and enzyme function! It’s human growth hormone that grows the cells, bones, muscles, and organs, and it is the decreasing level of human growth hormone after age 30 that slowly robs us of our "youth."
Benefits of HGH
HGH Benefits observed clinically from individuals who were hormone deficient are the following. The lower the level of your growth hormone, the more dramatic the symptoms may be, conversly the more dramatic the anti-aging health benefits from HGH.
* SKIN. Skin loses elasticity. Becomes thinner, sags, and wrinkles.
* ENERGY. Loss of vigor and stamina.
* BONE .Bones loses strength. Tendency toward osteoporosis.
* SEXUAL POWER. Loss of sexual powers and libido.
* MUSCLE. Muscles lose strength and mass.
* FAT. Fat tissue increases and accumulates.
* MEMORY. Memory begins to fade.
* HEART. Heart muscle loses strength.
* KIDNEY. Decreased kidney function.
* IMMUNE SYSTEM. Decreased immunity and increased healing time.
* HAIR. Hair becomes thinner and loses color.
* CHOLESTEROL. Increased cholesterol level.
While every individual is different here are the HGH benefits that the studies of prescription human growth hormone replacement show for a typical growth hormone user.
* Weight Loss - 82% improvement
* Wrinkle Reduction - 61% improvement
* Energy Level - 84% improvement
* Muscle Strength - 88% improvement with daily exercise program
* Sexual Potency - 75% improvement
* Emotional Stability - 67% improvement
Possible Side Effects of HGH Injections
Injecting ones self with synthetic human growth hormone can cause side effects, and that is why the injections should only be taken as a last resort and should only be used on the advice and management of a qualified physician.
One possible side effect of taking the HGH injections is the patient's pituitary gland becoming lazy. The injections provide the body with a full dose of human growth hormone so the pituitary gland will not need to release as much of its own real HGH.
Other side effects include:
acromegaly,
fluid retention,
carpal tunnel syndrome,
painful joints,
gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males),
liver damage
Acromegaly is a dangerous disease with increased incidence of heart attack and death. Other side effects such as fluid retention and carpal tunnel syndrome have also been seen when large doses of the injections were taken. In Dr. Rudman's study the anti-aging and health and fitness benefits were extensive, but there were also side effects due to the large doses he used. Those who pump themselves with massive doses of the injections risk this same fate.
Concerns About Cancer
There are also concerns that HGH injections may increase the risk of cancer, since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with certain other synthetic hormones has been found to increase the risk of cancer in some studies.
Taking homeopathic human growth hormone and supplements to help the pituitary gland release more of its own human growth hormone has not been shown to increase the risk of cancer. In fact, it is believed that the real HGH made by the body actually provides a defense against cancer by increasing the cancer fighting cells and strengthening the immune system.
Weight Loss: The Skinny to Help You Succeed!
Set Yourself Free From Fat!
For the last two decades the number of overweight people has grown to the point that seems to be now the norm rather than the exception. Some people have looked at it as a chance and an opportunity to turn others weight problem (efforts in weight loss) to their financial advantage.
There is such a large list of dieting and weight loss programs out there today that it is really hard to determine what works and what doesn’t. All but a few of the programs being offered up are flash in the pan strategies that just do not work. The anticipated results almost never turn up and people are baffled and let down.
You should be more selective on dieting and your weight loss program and forget all those that have been cleverly and intentionally fashioned just to take your hard earned money. Surprisingly there are effective ways and tips to assist you in losing weight… The following are not only effective best weight loss tips but also free how to lose weight tips. All it really takes is to realize and accept that; unless you take action no change will ever take place.
Research tells us that sleep has a great deal to do with weight loss help. Studies have determined that lack of sleep slows down your metabolic process. Individuals that sleep as little as 4 hours each night within sort time their metabolism becomes slower than an individual sleeping 6 to 8 hours each night. So try to sleep for 6 to 8 hours each night. Having a good night sleep is a good start in losing weight.
Additionally, studies tell us that our metabolism is slower in late afternoon and in the evening. If you find your self sitting around watching TV and snacking, it is time to take some action. Drag yourself out of your chair and do a bit of physical exercise or go for an evening walk. Exercise will help not just in loosing weight but most importantly in fat loss.
Choose a weight loss diet that promotes eating four or five small but well-balanced meals every day, instead of three large meals or high caloric restrictions. This is essential in controlling your weight. Leaving out a meal won’t assist you in losing weight; it could in reality hamper your attempts. Consume some more protein meals. It will help stabilize insulin in your blood stream with advantageous effects to the body.
Put some emphasis on meals prepared with skinless chicken breast or fish and avoid all fried foods if possible. For those between meals snacks eat some fresh fruit instead of a chocolate bar or crackers; drink some water before your meal and again between each meal instead of cola or other carbonated drinks.
As long as you are physically healthy, moderate exercise is highly advocated by the medical community for weight loss. Exercise promotes your fitness and it is a great weight loss tip. When you gain lean muscle mass it help greatly in increasing the rate of your metabolism. Elevating your metabolism will greatly increase your chances of dropping off those extra kilos.
Rather than jumping in to your car to go to the corner shop take a walk. Walking is a good way to burn off some surplus calories in order to control or lose weight. If you regularly leave a few minutes earlier in the morning you can park your car a city bloc away from your work place and walk the rest of the distance.
Take the stairway instead of the lift. This is a small but effective deposit towards your personal weight loss campaign.
Work in the yard or garden for a couple of hours on the weekends instead of watching TV is a good and effective fast weight loss tip.
Losing weight it takes time and some effort to get results. It could some time happen to put your weight loss program on hold. If it happens neither bang your head against the wall nor quit. Just carry on from wherever you left off with your diet and follow your weight loss tips.
For the last two decades the number of overweight people has grown to the point that seems to be now the norm rather than the exception. Some people have looked at it as a chance and an opportunity to turn others weight problem (efforts in weight loss) to their financial advantage.
There is such a large list of dieting and weight loss programs out there today that it is really hard to determine what works and what doesn’t. All but a few of the programs being offered up are flash in the pan strategies that just do not work. The anticipated results almost never turn up and people are baffled and let down.
You should be more selective on dieting and your weight loss program and forget all those that have been cleverly and intentionally fashioned just to take your hard earned money. Surprisingly there are effective ways and tips to assist you in losing weight… The following are not only effective best weight loss tips but also free how to lose weight tips. All it really takes is to realize and accept that; unless you take action no change will ever take place.
Research tells us that sleep has a great deal to do with weight loss help. Studies have determined that lack of sleep slows down your metabolic process. Individuals that sleep as little as 4 hours each night within sort time their metabolism becomes slower than an individual sleeping 6 to 8 hours each night. So try to sleep for 6 to 8 hours each night. Having a good night sleep is a good start in losing weight.
Additionally, studies tell us that our metabolism is slower in late afternoon and in the evening. If you find your self sitting around watching TV and snacking, it is time to take some action. Drag yourself out of your chair and do a bit of physical exercise or go for an evening walk. Exercise will help not just in loosing weight but most importantly in fat loss.
Choose a weight loss diet that promotes eating four or five small but well-balanced meals every day, instead of three large meals or high caloric restrictions. This is essential in controlling your weight. Leaving out a meal won’t assist you in losing weight; it could in reality hamper your attempts. Consume some more protein meals. It will help stabilize insulin in your blood stream with advantageous effects to the body.
Put some emphasis on meals prepared with skinless chicken breast or fish and avoid all fried foods if possible. For those between meals snacks eat some fresh fruit instead of a chocolate bar or crackers; drink some water before your meal and again between each meal instead of cola or other carbonated drinks.
As long as you are physically healthy, moderate exercise is highly advocated by the medical community for weight loss. Exercise promotes your fitness and it is a great weight loss tip. When you gain lean muscle mass it help greatly in increasing the rate of your metabolism. Elevating your metabolism will greatly increase your chances of dropping off those extra kilos.
Rather than jumping in to your car to go to the corner shop take a walk. Walking is a good way to burn off some surplus calories in order to control or lose weight. If you regularly leave a few minutes earlier in the morning you can park your car a city bloc away from your work place and walk the rest of the distance.
Take the stairway instead of the lift. This is a small but effective deposit towards your personal weight loss campaign.
Work in the yard or garden for a couple of hours on the weekends instead of watching TV is a good and effective fast weight loss tip.
Losing weight it takes time and some effort to get results. It could some time happen to put your weight loss program on hold. If it happens neither bang your head against the wall nor quit. Just carry on from wherever you left off with your diet and follow your weight loss tips.
Grapefruit Juice and Weight Loss
I Promised and Here it is!
Okay so in a previous hub I was talking about the benefits of Grapefruit Juice and dieting. Now, let me first say that I hate the horrid stuff. I have never injested anything so bitter in all my life and it amazes me that there are those who actually like Grapefruits. This of course is beyond me to say why, but as a personal preference, YUCK. However since I have found the benefits of the juice I do drink or should I say CHUG 8 oz a day of the juice. Now on to the information I promised concerning the benefits of the juice. First off........
Grapefruit juice is the sour juice of, well, grapefruits. In fact, pure grapefruit juice is very, very sour. Sometimes bitter. But once you acquire (or get past) its taste, you will find that it's a unique, refreshing beverage with lots of uses in promoting one's health.
Nutritional Information
Grapefruit juice, like other citrus juices, is chock-full of Vitamin C and potassium. But that's not all. A cup of fresh, pink grapefruit juice contains:
* 96 calories
* 1 gram of protein
* 22 grams of carbohydrates
* 22 mg of calcium
* 30 mg of magnesium
* a mere 2 mg of sodium
* 400 mg of potassium
* 94 mg of Vitamin C
* 24 micrograms of folate
* 24 micrograms of lutein
* 1087 IUs of Vitamin A
* a negligible amount of fat and no cholesterol
Fresh white grapefruit juice has less Vitamin A due to it having less beta-carotene; white juice has only 81 IUs of the vitamin. Canned unsweetened juice has fewer vitamins all the way around, and sweetened juice cocktails can have quite a lot more calories and quite a lot fewer nutrients, so 100% unsweetened juice is best if you're interested in its healthy attributes.
Weight Loss
Anyone who was alive during the 70s remembers the fad grapefruit diet; as it turns out, it was not as goofy an idea as we might have thought.
Researchers at Dr. Ken Fujioka's laboratory at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego recently did a study on 100 obese patients. Participants who ate half a grapefruit at each meal lost an average of nearly 4 pounds during the 12-week study; those who drank a glass of grapefruit juice lost on average 3.3 pounds. Some people in the study lost a good deal more weight.
An as-yet-unidentified compound in grapefruit juice appears to reduce and regulate insulin levels in the blood; reduced insulin levels in turn affect hunger and blood sugar levels and improve the body's metabolism. The compound may prove useful for diabetics as well.
Grapefruit Juice and Yeast Infections
Many women are plagued by maddening, uncomfortable yeast infections. For some, drinking a glass of grapefruit juice every day staves off the infections, either by acidifying the woman's system or due to an unknown botanical compound that helps the body fight off fungal infection.
Grapefruit juice is cheaper and less toxic than the antifungal drugs used to treat yeast infections. However, women who want to give the juice a try should watch out for drug interactions and should also avoid sweetened juices and juice cocktails. Sweetened juices are loaded with sugar, and a high-sugar diet is commonly believed to make a person more vulnerable to a yeast infection.
Now since I have given you the same information I have, to each his own. Personally I figure if the ghastly stuff will keep me healthy, promote weight loss and keep me from getting a horrible yeast infection than I am all for it! Also as promised there are also benefits to cranberry juice as well and I will get the information together and give you the skinny on this in another hub.
Okay so in a previous hub I was talking about the benefits of Grapefruit Juice and dieting. Now, let me first say that I hate the horrid stuff. I have never injested anything so bitter in all my life and it amazes me that there are those who actually like Grapefruits. This of course is beyond me to say why, but as a personal preference, YUCK. However since I have found the benefits of the juice I do drink or should I say CHUG 8 oz a day of the juice. Now on to the information I promised concerning the benefits of the juice. First off........
Grapefruit juice is the sour juice of, well, grapefruits. In fact, pure grapefruit juice is very, very sour. Sometimes bitter. But once you acquire (or get past) its taste, you will find that it's a unique, refreshing beverage with lots of uses in promoting one's health.
Nutritional Information
Grapefruit juice, like other citrus juices, is chock-full of Vitamin C and potassium. But that's not all. A cup of fresh, pink grapefruit juice contains:
* 96 calories
* 1 gram of protein
* 22 grams of carbohydrates
* 22 mg of calcium
* 30 mg of magnesium
* a mere 2 mg of sodium
* 400 mg of potassium
* 94 mg of Vitamin C
* 24 micrograms of folate
* 24 micrograms of lutein
* 1087 IUs of Vitamin A
* a negligible amount of fat and no cholesterol
Fresh white grapefruit juice has less Vitamin A due to it having less beta-carotene; white juice has only 81 IUs of the vitamin. Canned unsweetened juice has fewer vitamins all the way around, and sweetened juice cocktails can have quite a lot more calories and quite a lot fewer nutrients, so 100% unsweetened juice is best if you're interested in its healthy attributes.
Weight Loss
Anyone who was alive during the 70s remembers the fad grapefruit diet; as it turns out, it was not as goofy an idea as we might have thought.
Researchers at Dr. Ken Fujioka's laboratory at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego recently did a study on 100 obese patients. Participants who ate half a grapefruit at each meal lost an average of nearly 4 pounds during the 12-week study; those who drank a glass of grapefruit juice lost on average 3.3 pounds. Some people in the study lost a good deal more weight.
An as-yet-unidentified compound in grapefruit juice appears to reduce and regulate insulin levels in the blood; reduced insulin levels in turn affect hunger and blood sugar levels and improve the body's metabolism. The compound may prove useful for diabetics as well.
Grapefruit Juice and Yeast Infections
Many women are plagued by maddening, uncomfortable yeast infections. For some, drinking a glass of grapefruit juice every day staves off the infections, either by acidifying the woman's system or due to an unknown botanical compound that helps the body fight off fungal infection.
Grapefruit juice is cheaper and less toxic than the antifungal drugs used to treat yeast infections. However, women who want to give the juice a try should watch out for drug interactions and should also avoid sweetened juices and juice cocktails. Sweetened juices are loaded with sugar, and a high-sugar diet is commonly believed to make a person more vulnerable to a yeast infection.
Now since I have given you the same information I have, to each his own. Personally I figure if the ghastly stuff will keep me healthy, promote weight loss and keep me from getting a horrible yeast infection than I am all for it! Also as promised there are also benefits to cranberry juice as well and I will get the information together and give you the skinny on this in another hub.
Cranberries and Weight Loss
Again as promised. I mentioned the health and weight loss benefits of cranberry juice in a previous hub. As promised I did this hub with information on the juice and what is so great about it. So I compiled the information so that others like myself can enjoy the benefits of this amazing little berry. Fortunately, I love cranberries so its nothing for me to drink the juice or eat the berries, however it is an acquired taste, so some of you may be thinking Yuck! Now lets begin!
Cranberries health benefits start with their big help in losing weight: fresh cranberries are a powerful detoxifier, diuretic, and one of the best cellulite remedies. But cranberries health benefits go way beyond their weight loss value.
Thanks to the health benefits of cranberries, including their help in losing weight, they are commonly available in many forms in the marketplace: fresh, dried, juice concentrates and cocktails, dried powdered capsules, extracts, and herbal teas.
The fresh cranberries juice (unpasteurized) is successfully used in:
* stress relief and depression
* the prevention of influenza and common colds
* kidney and bladder problems
* urinary tract infections - especially in conjunction with flushing out kidney stones
* boosting the immune system
* the treatment of gingivitis and of various skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, burns, and wounds
And not only that! The health benefits of these little red berries are widely recognized beyond alternative medicine.
Also fresh cranberry juice increases the levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in the blood and reduce the oxidation of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), making it less likely to enter artery walls.
If you want to use cranberries for weight loss purposes, drink 1-2 glasses of fresh, sugar-free, 100% pure cranberry juice daily, or 3-4 glasses if you dilute it with water in equal parts. You'll be amazed at how much easier you'll drop the pounds!
Cranberries health benefits start with their big help in losing weight: fresh cranberries are a powerful detoxifier, diuretic, and one of the best cellulite remedies. But cranberries health benefits go way beyond their weight loss value.
Thanks to the health benefits of cranberries, including their help in losing weight, they are commonly available in many forms in the marketplace: fresh, dried, juice concentrates and cocktails, dried powdered capsules, extracts, and herbal teas.
The fresh cranberries juice (unpasteurized) is successfully used in:
* stress relief and depression
* the prevention of influenza and common colds
* kidney and bladder problems
* urinary tract infections - especially in conjunction with flushing out kidney stones
* boosting the immune system
* the treatment of gingivitis and of various skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, burns, and wounds
And not only that! The health benefits of these little red berries are widely recognized beyond alternative medicine.
Also fresh cranberry juice increases the levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in the blood and reduce the oxidation of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), making it less likely to enter artery walls.
If you want to use cranberries for weight loss purposes, drink 1-2 glasses of fresh, sugar-free, 100% pure cranberry juice daily, or 3-4 glasses if you dilute it with water in equal parts. You'll be amazed at how much easier you'll drop the pounds!
Keep Your Kids Safe On the Internet
The facts: Most teens are creating content online
* 64% of online teens engage in some type of content creation, like blogging
* Nearly 3 out of 4 parents of kids 9 and up who use the Internet at home say they know "a lot" about what their kids are doing online
* Over 40% of preteens and teens surveyed said they've recently come across nudity and pornography on the Internet
* 43% of teens say they've been cyberbullied.
Tips for keeping your child safe online
1 Tell your kids:
* Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses
* Never send pictures to strangers
* Keep passwords private (except to parents)
2 Visit age-appropriate sites. Find sites that promote learning, creativity, and that deepen your kids’ interests. Also check out popular Web sites before your kids visit them. Social networks like MySpace or Facebook are not meant for middle school kids.
3 Minimize chatting with strangers. Tell your kids that people aren’t always who they say they are on the Internet. Anyone can pose as a “buddy of a buddy.” If kids are playing online games, they should be careful not to disclose anything personal.
4 Help kids think critically about what they find online. They need to know everything they see isn’t true. Also use safe search settings for young kids or filtering software. Check browser histories to see where they’ve been.
5 If they wouldn’t do it in real life, they shouldn’t do it online. Don’t say mean things, and no cheating in games or at school.
6 Have some rules about time and place. Set limits on the amount of time kids spend online. Don’t let them Instant Message during homework. Restrict time and sites for online gaming.
7 Agree on downloads. What music is okay? Which video sites? Don’t give your kids your credit card information. If they need to buy something, you should be involved.
8 Talk about privacy. Show kids where privacy settings are on their favorite sites and make sure they use them. Remind kids that when they post something online, they lose control of it. It can be cut and pasted and sent around the Web.
9 Make sure kids know to tell someone – it doesn’t have to be you – if anything suspicious, cruel, or scary happens. They need to know they won’t get in trouble.
10 Be involved and view your own habits carefully. Parents are their role models for safe and smart use. Enjoy the good stuff together!
* 64% of online teens engage in some type of content creation, like blogging
* Nearly 3 out of 4 parents of kids 9 and up who use the Internet at home say they know "a lot" about what their kids are doing online
* Over 40% of preteens and teens surveyed said they've recently come across nudity and pornography on the Internet
* 43% of teens say they've been cyberbullied.
Tips for keeping your child safe online
1 Tell your kids:
* Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers, or addresses
* Never send pictures to strangers
* Keep passwords private (except to parents)
2 Visit age-appropriate sites. Find sites that promote learning, creativity, and that deepen your kids’ interests. Also check out popular Web sites before your kids visit them. Social networks like MySpace or Facebook are not meant for middle school kids.
3 Minimize chatting with strangers. Tell your kids that people aren’t always who they say they are on the Internet. Anyone can pose as a “buddy of a buddy.” If kids are playing online games, they should be careful not to disclose anything personal.
4 Help kids think critically about what they find online. They need to know everything they see isn’t true. Also use safe search settings for young kids or filtering software. Check browser histories to see where they’ve been.
5 If they wouldn’t do it in real life, they shouldn’t do it online. Don’t say mean things, and no cheating in games or at school.
6 Have some rules about time and place. Set limits on the amount of time kids spend online. Don’t let them Instant Message during homework. Restrict time and sites for online gaming.
7 Agree on downloads. What music is okay? Which video sites? Don’t give your kids your credit card information. If they need to buy something, you should be involved.
8 Talk about privacy. Show kids where privacy settings are on their favorite sites and make sure they use them. Remind kids that when they post something online, they lose control of it. It can be cut and pasted and sent around the Web.
9 Make sure kids know to tell someone – it doesn’t have to be you – if anything suspicious, cruel, or scary happens. They need to know they won’t get in trouble.
10 Be involved and view your own habits carefully. Parents are their role models for safe and smart use. Enjoy the good stuff together!
Walk A Mile In My Shoes: Hysterectomy
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
As we all known when it comes to the female body there are so many different types of disorders and diseases associated with it. Through the years I have found myself giving advice to other women concerning these topics due to my history with many female issues. I felt it was important to continue to help others like myself and maybe offer them information that they may not be aware of. So lets begin, I started having female troubles in my early teens and the end result was a hysterectomy at the age of 22. Now I know some of you many be thinking that 22 is an extremely young age for such a drastic step, but unfortunately that was the only thing offered to me at that point. Basically I was told that was the only thing they could do to help me so I consented.
Now lets go back to the beginning. At the age of 15 I began to have severe stomach cramps (pains) which would double me over into fetal position and in tears. After several months the doctors still had no answer as to what the problem was. Unfortunately I found myself in the emergency room with a doctor who was convinced that the problem was my appendix and ready to cut me open. Fortunately the tests all came back clear, and he put the surgery on hold pending more tests. So after an overnight stay in the hospital and several tests later, the problem was finally found. I had, what was known at that time, as Polycystic Ovarian Disease AKA Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Info on this Disease:
Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. With PCOS, women typically have:
* high levels of androgens (AN-druh-junz). These are sometimes called male hormones, although females also make them.
* missed or irregular periods
* many small cysts (sists) in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
The cause of PCOS is unknown. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in developing PCOS. Genes are thought to be one factor. Women with PCOS tend to have a mother or sister with PCOS.
Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating
* increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)
* ovarian cysts
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* pelvic pain
* anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
* sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep
Now that you have an idea of what this is, we can continue. The PCOS was found by an ultrasound and I remember the photos of my ovaries resembling Swiss Cheese with all the holey areas. The appearance of the "holes" were cysts all over my ovaries. The only treatment for this was to give me Birth Control, which was changed often to higher levels making my emotional state impossible to deal with. I was also told at the time that I would be unable to bear children due to this disease. Fortunately I was blessed with 2 children later, the doctors said it was impossible and I proved them wrong.
After the birth of my second child my problems began to get worse. I was still suffering with the PCOS and couldn't believe that things were getting worse. At this time in my life I struggled to function on a day to day basis due to the swelling and pain in my abdominal area. The doctors did numerous tests on me, and a few weeks later I was called in for the results. I was told that I had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease AKA PID, now at this time little was known about this Disease. They did not know how it was contracted and even still all STD tests came back Negative so I had not been exposed to anything that would have caused this. Now let me give you some information on this before I continue.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs (the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). Normally, the cervix (opening to the womb) prevents bacteria in the vagina from spreading up into these organs.
PID causes different symptoms in different women. These may include the following:
* A dull pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
* Vaginal discharge that is usually yellow or green and may have an unpleasant smell.
* Irregular menstrual periods, such as extra long periods, spotting or cramps throughout the month.
* Chills, high fever, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
* Pain during sex.
* Low back pain.
* Painful urination.
There are several ways women can get PID. The most common way is by having sex with a person who has gonorrhea or chlamydia. These diseases are carried in the semen and other body fluids of infected people. During sexual contact, the germs spread to the woman's cervix. The germs can also infect the glands at the opening of the vagina, the urethra (passageway for urine) or the anus.
Sometimes women get PID without being exposed to gonorrhea or chlamydia. In these cases, doctors aren't sure why the bacteria in the vagina spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID.
Rarely, PID can also occur if bacteria infect your internal organs as a result of giving birth, or having a miscarriage, an abortion or a procedure to take a sample from the inside of the womb for laboratory testing. Sometimes PID can occur after the cervix is treated because of an abnormal Pap smear or after the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). However, this is not common.
Now as I stated before, the doctors had no clue how I got PID and really didn't have any clear cut ways of treating me. I went through months of going back and forth to the doctor trying to basically get the pain to go away. And yes you guessed it, things began to get worse. At the age of 20 I had gotten use to being in pain and dealing with the problems with my female organs, however I did not anticipate what came next. I found my self in more pain, still doubling over and my menstrual cycle was about 2 1/2 weeks out of the month, also 3 times the normal flow. I stayed tired and flush never feeling like a real person. Finally I made another appointment with my doctor and a biopsy was performed to check for Endometrial Cancer. Unfortunatley the tests came back positive. Now to give you the rundown on Endometrial Cancer.
Definition of endometrial cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a baby grows). Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Estimated new cases and deaths from endometrial (uterine corpus) cancer in the United States in 2008:
New cases: 40,100
Deaths: 7,470
Endometrial cancer, one of the most common cancers in American women, begins in the cells of the endometrium, the lining of your uterus — a hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer, but there are other cells in the uterus that can become cancerous — such as muscle or myometrial cells. These form much less common cancers called sarcomas.
Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus surgically often eliminates all of the cancer.
Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:
* Any bleeding after menopause
* Prolonged periods or bleeding between periods
* An abnormal, nonbloody discharge from your vagina
* Pelvic pain
* Pain during intercourse
* Unintended weight loss
Now that you have an idea of what this is, I can continue. During this time the doctors again tried using Birth Control to help with the symptoms. This did not do any good and basically as I see it a waste of time and money on my part. So the doctor decided to try a new method of treatment known as Lupron Injections, which were expensive. This medication is a synthetic hormone. When it is used, the body stops producing testosterone hormones in males and estrogen hormones in females. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels return to normal. Unfortunately after several injections which are given on a schedule, I believe mine was once a month, I still had no relief.
So in 2002 at the age of 22 the doctors had no other alternative other than a hysterectomy. I was devastated that there was no other recourse other than this dangerous and life changing surgery. Basically a hysterectomy entails the removal of all female organs. Again the following is information for my readers so they know the full extent of what I am discussing.
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus (womb). The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are removed. These organs are located in a woman’s lower abdomen (see image below). The cervix is the lower end of the uterus. The ovaries are organs that produce eggs and hormones. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. ( I had what is known as a complete hysterectomy)
Hysterectomy is used to treat:
* Fibroids. More hysterectomies are done because of fibroids than any other problem of the uterus. For many women with fibroids, symptoms are minimal and require no treatment. Also, the fibroids often shrink after menopause. But fibroids can cause heavy bleeding or pain in some women.
* Endometriosis. This happens when the tissue lining the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs. When medication and surgery do not cure endometriosis, a hysterectomy often is performed.
* Uterine prolapse. This is when the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina. This can lead to urinary problems, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements.
* Cancer. If you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovary a hysterectomy may be part of the treatment your doctor recommends.
* Persistent vaginal bleeding. If your periods are heavy, not regular, or last for many days each cycle and nonsurgical methods have not helped to control bleeding, a hysterectomy may bring relief.
* Chronic pelvic pain. Surgery is a last resort for women who have chronic pelvic pain that clearly comes from the uterus. However, many forms of pelvic pain aren't cured by a hysterectomy, and so this approach can be a permanent mistake.
Now, at this time the doctors assumed that this would be the end of my problems, besides recovering from the giant incision on my abdomen. Unfortunately that was not the case, my body was having adverse reactions to the hormones the doctors were giving me. I was having severe mood swings, bouts with depression, I was happy one minute and screaming at everyone the next. My hormones have been changed over 30 times with no help in site. I have gone for over 2 years now with no hormones at all. I realize there are many physicians who do not recommend this but after time went on I started to feel more like my old self again. I also realized when I needed to sign a waiver at my doctors office, not to sue if I got Breast Cancer, for him to give me the prescription for hormones. This was not something else I wanted to worry about.
The truth is after all the pain and years I would do things alot different. I never would have consented for a hysterectomy, I will never be the same again. It seems like the best solution at the time, but looking back I believe more could have been done. I wouldn't wish what I have been through on anyone, but I beg you to look into alternatives. Discuss everything with your doctor, find alternatives,and facts before taking the path I did. Medicine has accomplished so much since 2002, alternatives are out there as long as you take control of your medical health instead of putting your health soley in your doctors hands.
As we all known when it comes to the female body there are so many different types of disorders and diseases associated with it. Through the years I have found myself giving advice to other women concerning these topics due to my history with many female issues. I felt it was important to continue to help others like myself and maybe offer them information that they may not be aware of. So lets begin, I started having female troubles in my early teens and the end result was a hysterectomy at the age of 22. Now I know some of you many be thinking that 22 is an extremely young age for such a drastic step, but unfortunately that was the only thing offered to me at that point. Basically I was told that was the only thing they could do to help me so I consented.
Now lets go back to the beginning. At the age of 15 I began to have severe stomach cramps (pains) which would double me over into fetal position and in tears. After several months the doctors still had no answer as to what the problem was. Unfortunately I found myself in the emergency room with a doctor who was convinced that the problem was my appendix and ready to cut me open. Fortunately the tests all came back clear, and he put the surgery on hold pending more tests. So after an overnight stay in the hospital and several tests later, the problem was finally found. I had, what was known at that time, as Polycystic Ovarian Disease AKA Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Info on this Disease:
Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. With PCOS, women typically have:
* high levels of androgens (AN-druh-junz). These are sometimes called male hormones, although females also make them.
* missed or irregular periods
* many small cysts (sists) in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
The cause of PCOS is unknown. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in developing PCOS. Genes are thought to be one factor. Women with PCOS tend to have a mother or sister with PCOS.
Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
* infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
* infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating
* increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um)
* ovarian cysts
* acne, oily skin, or dandruff
* weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
* insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure
* male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
* patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
* skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
* pelvic pain
* anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
* sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep
Now that you have an idea of what this is, we can continue. The PCOS was found by an ultrasound and I remember the photos of my ovaries resembling Swiss Cheese with all the holey areas. The appearance of the "holes" were cysts all over my ovaries. The only treatment for this was to give me Birth Control, which was changed often to higher levels making my emotional state impossible to deal with. I was also told at the time that I would be unable to bear children due to this disease. Fortunately I was blessed with 2 children later, the doctors said it was impossible and I proved them wrong.
After the birth of my second child my problems began to get worse. I was still suffering with the PCOS and couldn't believe that things were getting worse. At this time in my life I struggled to function on a day to day basis due to the swelling and pain in my abdominal area. The doctors did numerous tests on me, and a few weeks later I was called in for the results. I was told that I had Pelvic Inflammatory Disease AKA PID, now at this time little was known about this Disease. They did not know how it was contracted and even still all STD tests came back Negative so I had not been exposed to anything that would have caused this. Now let me give you some information on this before I continue.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs (the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries). Normally, the cervix (opening to the womb) prevents bacteria in the vagina from spreading up into these organs.
PID causes different symptoms in different women. These may include the following:
* A dull pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen.
* Vaginal discharge that is usually yellow or green and may have an unpleasant smell.
* Irregular menstrual periods, such as extra long periods, spotting or cramps throughout the month.
* Chills, high fever, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
* Pain during sex.
* Low back pain.
* Painful urination.
There are several ways women can get PID. The most common way is by having sex with a person who has gonorrhea or chlamydia. These diseases are carried in the semen and other body fluids of infected people. During sexual contact, the germs spread to the woman's cervix. The germs can also infect the glands at the opening of the vagina, the urethra (passageway for urine) or the anus.
Sometimes women get PID without being exposed to gonorrhea or chlamydia. In these cases, doctors aren't sure why the bacteria in the vagina spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID.
Rarely, PID can also occur if bacteria infect your internal organs as a result of giving birth, or having a miscarriage, an abortion or a procedure to take a sample from the inside of the womb for laboratory testing. Sometimes PID can occur after the cervix is treated because of an abnormal Pap smear or after the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). However, this is not common.
Now as I stated before, the doctors had no clue how I got PID and really didn't have any clear cut ways of treating me. I went through months of going back and forth to the doctor trying to basically get the pain to go away. And yes you guessed it, things began to get worse. At the age of 20 I had gotten use to being in pain and dealing with the problems with my female organs, however I did not anticipate what came next. I found my self in more pain, still doubling over and my menstrual cycle was about 2 1/2 weeks out of the month, also 3 times the normal flow. I stayed tired and flush never feeling like a real person. Finally I made another appointment with my doctor and a biopsy was performed to check for Endometrial Cancer. Unfortunatley the tests came back positive. Now to give you the rundown on Endometrial Cancer.
Definition of endometrial cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a baby grows). Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids).
Estimated new cases and deaths from endometrial (uterine corpus) cancer in the United States in 2008:
New cases: 40,100
Deaths: 7,470
Endometrial cancer, one of the most common cancers in American women, begins in the cells of the endometrium, the lining of your uterus — a hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ where fetal development occurs. Endometrial cancer is sometimes called uterine cancer, but there are other cells in the uterus that can become cancerous — such as muscle or myometrial cells. These form much less common cancers called sarcomas.
Endometrial cancer is often detected at an early stage because it frequently produces vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, removing the uterus surgically often eliminates all of the cancer.
Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer may include:
* Any bleeding after menopause
* Prolonged periods or bleeding between periods
* An abnormal, nonbloody discharge from your vagina
* Pelvic pain
* Pain during intercourse
* Unintended weight loss
Now that you have an idea of what this is, I can continue. During this time the doctors again tried using Birth Control to help with the symptoms. This did not do any good and basically as I see it a waste of time and money on my part. So the doctor decided to try a new method of treatment known as Lupron Injections, which were expensive. This medication is a synthetic hormone. When it is used, the body stops producing testosterone hormones in males and estrogen hormones in females. When the medication is stopped, hormone levels return to normal. Unfortunately after several injections which are given on a schedule, I believe mine was once a month, I still had no relief.
So in 2002 at the age of 22 the doctors had no other alternative other than a hysterectomy. I was devastated that there was no other recourse other than this dangerous and life changing surgery. Basically a hysterectomy entails the removal of all female organs. Again the following is information for my readers so they know the full extent of what I am discussing.
A hysterectomy is an operation to remove a woman's uterus (womb). The uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are removed. These organs are located in a woman’s lower abdomen (see image below). The cervix is the lower end of the uterus. The ovaries are organs that produce eggs and hormones. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. ( I had what is known as a complete hysterectomy)
Hysterectomy is used to treat:
* Fibroids. More hysterectomies are done because of fibroids than any other problem of the uterus. For many women with fibroids, symptoms are minimal and require no treatment. Also, the fibroids often shrink after menopause. But fibroids can cause heavy bleeding or pain in some women.
* Endometriosis. This happens when the tissue lining the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic or abdominal organs. When medication and surgery do not cure endometriosis, a hysterectomy often is performed.
* Uterine prolapse. This is when the uterus moves from its usual place down into the vagina. This can lead to urinary problems, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements.
* Cancer. If you have cancer of the uterus, cervix, or ovary a hysterectomy may be part of the treatment your doctor recommends.
* Persistent vaginal bleeding. If your periods are heavy, not regular, or last for many days each cycle and nonsurgical methods have not helped to control bleeding, a hysterectomy may bring relief.
* Chronic pelvic pain. Surgery is a last resort for women who have chronic pelvic pain that clearly comes from the uterus. However, many forms of pelvic pain aren't cured by a hysterectomy, and so this approach can be a permanent mistake.
Now, at this time the doctors assumed that this would be the end of my problems, besides recovering from the giant incision on my abdomen. Unfortunately that was not the case, my body was having adverse reactions to the hormones the doctors were giving me. I was having severe mood swings, bouts with depression, I was happy one minute and screaming at everyone the next. My hormones have been changed over 30 times with no help in site. I have gone for over 2 years now with no hormones at all. I realize there are many physicians who do not recommend this but after time went on I started to feel more like my old self again. I also realized when I needed to sign a waiver at my doctors office, not to sue if I got Breast Cancer, for him to give me the prescription for hormones. This was not something else I wanted to worry about.
The truth is after all the pain and years I would do things alot different. I never would have consented for a hysterectomy, I will never be the same again. It seems like the best solution at the time, but looking back I believe more could have been done. I wouldn't wish what I have been through on anyone, but I beg you to look into alternatives. Discuss everything with your doctor, find alternatives,and facts before taking the path I did. Medicine has accomplished so much since 2002, alternatives are out there as long as you take control of your medical health instead of putting your health soley in your doctors hands.
Paranormal Shows Reviewed
Who's Doing It Right?
These days we are bombarded with different types of TV shows relating to different topics. Recently Reality TV has taken over the air waves with topics from Surviving Islands, Marrying Strangers, Road Trips, and the best Paranormal Investigation. I personally have a great intrest in Paranormal Investigation and I have viewed about every show on the subject. I have seen shows that are Fantastic in every way, and those that make me laugh wondering what were they thinking.
Just a quick plug, close to me in TX is the Baker Hotel, if your into the Paranormal that is a good one to check out. I have been there and the place is enormous, you see it well before you get there. This was one of the first places I visited when I moved here, and had heard the stories before we moved here. Unfortunately you cannot go inside.
Now back to the review. I am going to give you my interpretation of the Paranormal Shows that I have viewed, I watch several Seasons of these shows before giving my imput. This is mostly because some start out weak but then get better as the seasons go on. Okay so lets begin with the most well known Paranormal Investigation show there is, at least in my opinion.
Ghost Hunters- Team: Jason, Grant, Steve, Amy, Dave and Kris. I have watched every season of this Reality Show. At first I wasn't too sure but as time went on they have gotten Bigger and Better! I am really fascinated with the evidence that they have collected and the locations that they have been able to investigate. Some of the best Episodes include the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Stanley Hotel, and the Lighthouse in Florida. The lighthouse being my absolute favorite, in this one you can literally hear a woman talking like she was there in her physical body. It was insane! Loved it! The only thing that I don't like is the constant chatter. In almost every episode they have picked up something on Digital Recorder that they cannot make out because the investigators are carrying on varied conversations instead of investigating. Other than that they have been to some of the most fascinating locations and have very compelling evidence. I give them 4.5 Stars losing 0.5 Stars for the endless chatter!
Paranormal State- Again I wasn't too sure about this show. The first few episodes were nothing particularly exciting but as time went on they got better. I like the fact that the investigators from Penn. State use outside sources such as Mediums, Psychics, and Touch Knows to assist in the investigations. They also have Loraine Warren come in on several cases for her input. Chip one of the most used Mediums is extremely good at what he does. I wasn't too sure at first, but after several episodes I realized he is very accurate with information not known to him. The problem I have with this particular show is the fact that they do not show much of the documentation. For instance video or EVP's they only allow the viewers to have the opportunity to watch or listen to the evidence on occasion. This is really annoying, if you have the evidence, SHARE. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Loss of Stars due to NOT SHARING.
A Haunting- Discovery Channels-A Haunting is a series that recreates paranormal events experienced by others. Unlike the other shows mentioned above, you are not following the investigations but enjoying the bone chilling recreations of individuals from start to finish. Each one-hour episode dramatizes some of the scariest stories in America, revealing a world in which tragedy, suicide and murder have left psychic impressions so potent that innocent people become forced to deal with them decades later. Using first-person accounts, the mystery and origin of each haunting is powerfully unraveled. I love this series! Some of the stories are so compelling that it caused even my hair to stand up. I do not scare easily but some of the episodes draw you in so well, you can help but to have some fear. I have to give this one 5 stars for sheer entertainment value.
Most Haunted- Now this is a Paranormal Investigation Show from overseas. I have to say I am not intrigued with this show. The only thing about this show is the investigators are so scared half the time that they take off running before getting any evidence of the paranormal. The purpose is to investigate not run away. Now does this make for entertaining TV? Yes, its hilarious watching people running like a crazy person at the slightest bump or bang. I have more activity then that in my home and I don't run! They do, however, investigate some interesting locations with some definite activity. Again its hard to figure out what is going on most of the time because by the time something happens they start screaming and run away. Tip #1: When investigating pitch black, old castles, don't go running off by yourself just because you hear something! FYI, Your alone now! This show also uses a Medium and I must say I really don't like him. He acts as if he is trying to get a rise out of them, as to whether he is having true visions I don't know but I do believe he OVERACTS.Anyway as far as ratings go, I would give this one 3 Stars just because it is funny to watch them run around like crazy people scared to death half the time.
Ghost Hunters1- This one is not to be confused with the Newer Ghost Hunters. Apparently there was another show entitled Ghost Hunters before the NEW one. After watching a couple episodes I could see why it no longer existed. There was no actual investigations, just boring stories. Nothing impressive, which stands to reason why the original didn't make it in the first place. I would not recommend this at all, and be careful if you are ordering for the Newer Ghost Hunters to make sure you are not getting the older one. FYI- Netflix has the older and newer version, pay attention to which you chose. I'm not even going to rate this one but I'm sure you can guess what it would be.
So there you have it. A run through for the latest paranormal shows out there. For fellow paranormal enthusiasts hope you enjoy, and for skeptics take a look at some of these shows you may change your mind!
These days we are bombarded with different types of TV shows relating to different topics. Recently Reality TV has taken over the air waves with topics from Surviving Islands, Marrying Strangers, Road Trips, and the best Paranormal Investigation. I personally have a great intrest in Paranormal Investigation and I have viewed about every show on the subject. I have seen shows that are Fantastic in every way, and those that make me laugh wondering what were they thinking.
Just a quick plug, close to me in TX is the Baker Hotel, if your into the Paranormal that is a good one to check out. I have been there and the place is enormous, you see it well before you get there. This was one of the first places I visited when I moved here, and had heard the stories before we moved here. Unfortunately you cannot go inside.
Now back to the review. I am going to give you my interpretation of the Paranormal Shows that I have viewed, I watch several Seasons of these shows before giving my imput. This is mostly because some start out weak but then get better as the seasons go on. Okay so lets begin with the most well known Paranormal Investigation show there is, at least in my opinion.
Ghost Hunters- Team: Jason, Grant, Steve, Amy, Dave and Kris. I have watched every season of this Reality Show. At first I wasn't too sure but as time went on they have gotten Bigger and Better! I am really fascinated with the evidence that they have collected and the locations that they have been able to investigate. Some of the best Episodes include the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Stanley Hotel, and the Lighthouse in Florida. The lighthouse being my absolute favorite, in this one you can literally hear a woman talking like she was there in her physical body. It was insane! Loved it! The only thing that I don't like is the constant chatter. In almost every episode they have picked up something on Digital Recorder that they cannot make out because the investigators are carrying on varied conversations instead of investigating. Other than that they have been to some of the most fascinating locations and have very compelling evidence. I give them 4.5 Stars losing 0.5 Stars for the endless chatter!
Paranormal State- Again I wasn't too sure about this show. The first few episodes were nothing particularly exciting but as time went on they got better. I like the fact that the investigators from Penn. State use outside sources such as Mediums, Psychics, and Touch Knows to assist in the investigations. They also have Loraine Warren come in on several cases for her input. Chip one of the most used Mediums is extremely good at what he does. I wasn't too sure at first, but after several episodes I realized he is very accurate with information not known to him. The problem I have with this particular show is the fact that they do not show much of the documentation. For instance video or EVP's they only allow the viewers to have the opportunity to watch or listen to the evidence on occasion. This is really annoying, if you have the evidence, SHARE. I give this one 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Loss of Stars due to NOT SHARING.
A Haunting- Discovery Channels-A Haunting is a series that recreates paranormal events experienced by others. Unlike the other shows mentioned above, you are not following the investigations but enjoying the bone chilling recreations of individuals from start to finish. Each one-hour episode dramatizes some of the scariest stories in America, revealing a world in which tragedy, suicide and murder have left psychic impressions so potent that innocent people become forced to deal with them decades later. Using first-person accounts, the mystery and origin of each haunting is powerfully unraveled. I love this series! Some of the stories are so compelling that it caused even my hair to stand up. I do not scare easily but some of the episodes draw you in so well, you can help but to have some fear. I have to give this one 5 stars for sheer entertainment value.
Most Haunted- Now this is a Paranormal Investigation Show from overseas. I have to say I am not intrigued with this show. The only thing about this show is the investigators are so scared half the time that they take off running before getting any evidence of the paranormal. The purpose is to investigate not run away. Now does this make for entertaining TV? Yes, its hilarious watching people running like a crazy person at the slightest bump or bang. I have more activity then that in my home and I don't run! They do, however, investigate some interesting locations with some definite activity. Again its hard to figure out what is going on most of the time because by the time something happens they start screaming and run away. Tip #1: When investigating pitch black, old castles, don't go running off by yourself just because you hear something! FYI, Your alone now! This show also uses a Medium and I must say I really don't like him. He acts as if he is trying to get a rise out of them, as to whether he is having true visions I don't know but I do believe he OVERACTS.Anyway as far as ratings go, I would give this one 3 Stars just because it is funny to watch them run around like crazy people scared to death half the time.
Ghost Hunters1- This one is not to be confused with the Newer Ghost Hunters. Apparently there was another show entitled Ghost Hunters before the NEW one. After watching a couple episodes I could see why it no longer existed. There was no actual investigations, just boring stories. Nothing impressive, which stands to reason why the original didn't make it in the first place. I would not recommend this at all, and be careful if you are ordering for the Newer Ghost Hunters to make sure you are not getting the older one. FYI- Netflix has the older and newer version, pay attention to which you chose. I'm not even going to rate this one but I'm sure you can guess what it would be.
So there you have it. A run through for the latest paranormal shows out there. For fellow paranormal enthusiasts hope you enjoy, and for skeptics take a look at some of these shows you may change your mind!
Food For Thought Weight Loss
Dont Let Food Weigh You Down
What is the fastest way to lose weight? Lose weight fast, no exercise needed! Take this pill and you will be 10lbs lighter by the weekend! We have all heard these advertisements claiming that there is a miracle cure for obesity and that we can lose weight without any effort whatsoever. Well as I am sure you are all aware, this is not the case. I believe the majority of the problem when it comes to weight loss is food. Individuals seeking to lose weight feel as if they are losing out on something because they restrict themselves so badly on the foods they eat or don't eat. It is believed that the minimal calories and extreme workout is the answer when in fact they may be hampering their weight loss.
The truth of the matter is you need the food so your body has the energy to do the exercises needed for successful weight loss. If it doesn't have the calories to burn, you may begin to feel run down and tired. Food is actually the staple to your weight loss goals, dont let it hamper you, allow it to empower you! I am going to discuss and open new ideas when it comes to food and weight loss. Some you may be aware of and others you may not have thought of as an alternative.
Lets begin with Water, we all know its important to drink plenty of water when your dieting, but as many I am sure have found sometimes you need something more! I hate water, I drink the 8 glasses a day and act like a big baby when doing it. Instead of picking up the soda (even diet is bad), I looked for great and healthy alternatives so that I still had variety for my beverages and wasn't tied down to water all the time. Try Juice, any kind of juice as long as its 100% Juice without all of the added gunk. Some of the juices you can try include:
V8, V8 Splash, Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Fuze, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Grape Juice, Blended Juices, or Fresh Juice.
You can make your own juices at home. This allows you to mix and match the ingredients to your taste. The combinations of flavors are endless and healthy for your mind and body without all of the gunk in them. Go crazy and enjoy.
When it comes to Snacks, I am a snacker! I always have something on hand to satisfy my hunger and generally is was the regular thing Potato Chips, Candy, Debbie Cakes, and all the high calorie, fatty snacks. Now it does take some work to find things to suit your particular tastes but it is possible to have great snacks with little to no fat, and very few calories. You just need to look outside the box! Take for instance some of the snacks I keep on hand at all times.
Little cups of Applesauce, easily accessible and I can take them anywhere. Of course Fresh Fruits and Veggies. If you like Chocolate why give it up! Fat Free Pudding Snack cups (60 calories, 0 Fat) are really good! Baked Lays, I love whoever came up with the Lays Baked line, they are fantastic and I can have my chips occasionally. V8, for a snack, yep you can have it for a snack and it is filling. The best snack that frequents my table is Popcorn, light microwave or air-popped, very low in calories and little to no fat! Soup, yes soup for a snack! I eat Campbells Chicken Noodle all the time for a snack! Really Satisfying!
Now lets get down to Meals. I know a lot of individuals including myself have felt limited to a meat and a salad. This is not the case, remember think outside the box! Here is when a Crock Pot can become your best friend. With the meat cooking slowly in a Crock Pot a majority of the fat is cooked out of the meat, making it very healthy. Instead of Grilled Chicken, try Chicken in the Crock Pot with some Chicken Broth, add some Egg Noodles if you like! You may also take the chicken cooked in the crock pot and tear it up, add some BBQ Sauce and Bake it. See 2 meals from 1 simple meat, however the possibilities are endless. Imagination is key when it comes to healthy eating. Try a Turkey and Veggie Stir Fry with a little bit of rice. You may also like Hot Dogs with the Chili, Ketchup and Mustard, use Turkey Dogs, they are just as good but healthier.
The problem is we get our minds into a rut only looking at what we cannot have and don't spend enough time on what we can have. There are great foods with endless combination's that are very healthy, you just have to take the time to consider the possibilities! Think of the foods you love and a healthy substitute, its easy! If you like Tacos, use ground turkey, in place of ground beef, you cannot tell the difference its the seasoning you taste. You can still have your hamburger, just use a higher grade of meat and squish all the fatty juices out of it, add some lettuce and tomato and you will not notice the juice because the tomato adds some juice in your mouth. Butter can be replace with I Cant Believe Its Not Butter, tastes the same but healthier, cook with Olive Oil (the healthy oil) instead of Vegetable Oil. See its not so hard, just remember not to think of yourself as limited, you have unlimited possibilities.
What is the fastest way to lose weight? Lose weight fast, no exercise needed! Take this pill and you will be 10lbs lighter by the weekend! We have all heard these advertisements claiming that there is a miracle cure for obesity and that we can lose weight without any effort whatsoever. Well as I am sure you are all aware, this is not the case. I believe the majority of the problem when it comes to weight loss is food. Individuals seeking to lose weight feel as if they are losing out on something because they restrict themselves so badly on the foods they eat or don't eat. It is believed that the minimal calories and extreme workout is the answer when in fact they may be hampering their weight loss.
The truth of the matter is you need the food so your body has the energy to do the exercises needed for successful weight loss. If it doesn't have the calories to burn, you may begin to feel run down and tired. Food is actually the staple to your weight loss goals, dont let it hamper you, allow it to empower you! I am going to discuss and open new ideas when it comes to food and weight loss. Some you may be aware of and others you may not have thought of as an alternative.
Lets begin with Water, we all know its important to drink plenty of water when your dieting, but as many I am sure have found sometimes you need something more! I hate water, I drink the 8 glasses a day and act like a big baby when doing it. Instead of picking up the soda (even diet is bad), I looked for great and healthy alternatives so that I still had variety for my beverages and wasn't tied down to water all the time. Try Juice, any kind of juice as long as its 100% Juice without all of the added gunk. Some of the juices you can try include:
V8, V8 Splash, Cranberry Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Fuze, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, Grape Juice, Blended Juices, or Fresh Juice.
You can make your own juices at home. This allows you to mix and match the ingredients to your taste. The combinations of flavors are endless and healthy for your mind and body without all of the gunk in them. Go crazy and enjoy.
When it comes to Snacks, I am a snacker! I always have something on hand to satisfy my hunger and generally is was the regular thing Potato Chips, Candy, Debbie Cakes, and all the high calorie, fatty snacks. Now it does take some work to find things to suit your particular tastes but it is possible to have great snacks with little to no fat, and very few calories. You just need to look outside the box! Take for instance some of the snacks I keep on hand at all times.
Little cups of Applesauce, easily accessible and I can take them anywhere. Of course Fresh Fruits and Veggies. If you like Chocolate why give it up! Fat Free Pudding Snack cups (60 calories, 0 Fat) are really good! Baked Lays, I love whoever came up with the Lays Baked line, they are fantastic and I can have my chips occasionally. V8, for a snack, yep you can have it for a snack and it is filling. The best snack that frequents my table is Popcorn, light microwave or air-popped, very low in calories and little to no fat! Soup, yes soup for a snack! I eat Campbells Chicken Noodle all the time for a snack! Really Satisfying!
Now lets get down to Meals. I know a lot of individuals including myself have felt limited to a meat and a salad. This is not the case, remember think outside the box! Here is when a Crock Pot can become your best friend. With the meat cooking slowly in a Crock Pot a majority of the fat is cooked out of the meat, making it very healthy. Instead of Grilled Chicken, try Chicken in the Crock Pot with some Chicken Broth, add some Egg Noodles if you like! You may also take the chicken cooked in the crock pot and tear it up, add some BBQ Sauce and Bake it. See 2 meals from 1 simple meat, however the possibilities are endless. Imagination is key when it comes to healthy eating. Try a Turkey and Veggie Stir Fry with a little bit of rice. You may also like Hot Dogs with the Chili, Ketchup and Mustard, use Turkey Dogs, they are just as good but healthier.
The problem is we get our minds into a rut only looking at what we cannot have and don't spend enough time on what we can have. There are great foods with endless combination's that are very healthy, you just have to take the time to consider the possibilities! Think of the foods you love and a healthy substitute, its easy! If you like Tacos, use ground turkey, in place of ground beef, you cannot tell the difference its the seasoning you taste. You can still have your hamburger, just use a higher grade of meat and squish all the fatty juices out of it, add some lettuce and tomato and you will not notice the juice because the tomato adds some juice in your mouth. Butter can be replace with I Cant Believe Its Not Butter, tastes the same but healthier, cook with Olive Oil (the healthy oil) instead of Vegetable Oil. See its not so hard, just remember not to think of yourself as limited, you have unlimited possibilities.
Parents Talk to Your Teens
I remember what is was like to be a teen. I often found myself in bad situations and felt like I had no one to turn to. I remember that sex was not discussed, I was never really asked about my friends or what we did when we went out. I also remember the day I found out I was pregnant at the age of 16 and fearful of telling my parents and weighing the alternatives. Being a teen is one of the hardest times in a persons life and its important that your teen feels they have you to speak to when they need advice or support. So why are there so many teens getting into bad situations? I believe that many teens find themselves in the same situation I was in, no one to talk to openly about their lives.
It is our job as parents to be involved in our children's lives with all of the questions. Where have you been? Who have you been with? What have you been doing? Is there adult supervision? It seems though that these questions are not being asked. I was watching the Maury show and asked myself between the, "You Are The Father" and "You Are Not The Father", where are the parents while all of this is going on?? They also talk about the out of control teens who are having sex with several different partners, drinking, doing drugs and again, where are the parents while this is going on?! A young girl is having sex with various people in the park, but where are the parents at midnight? A young boy is fighting and involved with gang violence, again where are the parents?
It truly amazes me that parents seem to have every exuse in the book rather than talking with their own child. I do believe that you need to start early talking with your children about everything. This sets the foundation for them to trust coming to you for advice or someone to listen to them. Everyone needs someone to listen to them, and a majority of the times teens confide in the friends who may be a part of the problem in the first place. What happens then? They get more bad advice from the "friend" and it all goes down hill from there. There is no exuse for being to busy for your kids. You should know everything going on in your child's life, if you don't then you need to make it a point to know. Parents who let their children run wild act so surprised when they find out their kids are having sex, fighting, prostituting, doing drugs, getting drunk, and then they want to act surprised! Please! Give me a break! If you payed attention you would have seen all of this coming and had the opportunity to prevent it.
More often than not you hear teens saying they feel alone and they have no one to talk to. The problem is they should be able to go to their parents. I don't feel like their are bad teens, just teens who feel ignored and alone. There is no feeling in the world worse than feeling like its you vs. the world all by yourself with no one to turn to. Parents talk to your children! Take the time to begin the lines of communication early, don't wait until they are older and then turn on you thinking your being nosey due to your sudden interest. Now this dosen't mean that teens will not get into trouble. Teens try drugs and alcohol, its just part of the growing process. There are so many of us who I am sure tried alcohol or drugs when we were younger and that is an experience we can be open with our kids about. Why hide the truth from them? You never know your experience may help them make the right decision in their lives.
A few things that I do with my own children is ask them daily how school was, what happened, is anything going on that is bothering them, are they having trouble with teachers or students. I have also had the sex talk with my children. Now my mother thought I had lost my mind discussing these issues with a 9 and 11 year old, but there are 11 and 12 year old girls having sex and getting pregnant. There are also 11 and 12 year old boys having sex with these young girls, so YES talk to your children early. This helps them to know that you are open to discuss any subject with them. Remind them every so often about these issues, discuss the pros and cons, and the reasons why you look at matters a certain way. It is also important to listen to their questions and answer them honestly.
The worst thing a parent can do is dodge a question, ignore it, or give an in-honest answer to the question. This makes the child feel that you are not open to talk to them or that certain subjects are off limits. No subject should ever be off limits when it comes to your children. There are so many teen girls finding themselves pregnant and making bad choices that cause harm to themselves and the children they are carrying. Putting themselves into danger. They need to know that they can talk to you when push comes to shove. The last thing any parent wants is a phone call telling them something has happened to them that endangers their well being or even their life.
Remember it is our job as parents to listen to our children. You may not like the subject matter of the conversation but obviously if your child is asking it is important to them. Every parent needs to keep in mind that it is up to us to keep our children safe, and just because they are older and more independent doesnt mean that our job stops. If more parents took the time and cared about what was going on with their children maybe we wouldn't have the teen fighting, pregnancy, STD's on the rise, and overall discord with our teens. Keep this in mind the next time your child gets ready to walk out the door, Get Involved!
It is our job as parents to be involved in our children's lives with all of the questions. Where have you been? Who have you been with? What have you been doing? Is there adult supervision? It seems though that these questions are not being asked. I was watching the Maury show and asked myself between the, "You Are The Father" and "You Are Not The Father", where are the parents while all of this is going on?? They also talk about the out of control teens who are having sex with several different partners, drinking, doing drugs and again, where are the parents while this is going on?! A young girl is having sex with various people in the park, but where are the parents at midnight? A young boy is fighting and involved with gang violence, again where are the parents?
It truly amazes me that parents seem to have every exuse in the book rather than talking with their own child. I do believe that you need to start early talking with your children about everything. This sets the foundation for them to trust coming to you for advice or someone to listen to them. Everyone needs someone to listen to them, and a majority of the times teens confide in the friends who may be a part of the problem in the first place. What happens then? They get more bad advice from the "friend" and it all goes down hill from there. There is no exuse for being to busy for your kids. You should know everything going on in your child's life, if you don't then you need to make it a point to know. Parents who let their children run wild act so surprised when they find out their kids are having sex, fighting, prostituting, doing drugs, getting drunk, and then they want to act surprised! Please! Give me a break! If you payed attention you would have seen all of this coming and had the opportunity to prevent it.
More often than not you hear teens saying they feel alone and they have no one to talk to. The problem is they should be able to go to their parents. I don't feel like their are bad teens, just teens who feel ignored and alone. There is no feeling in the world worse than feeling like its you vs. the world all by yourself with no one to turn to. Parents talk to your children! Take the time to begin the lines of communication early, don't wait until they are older and then turn on you thinking your being nosey due to your sudden interest. Now this dosen't mean that teens will not get into trouble. Teens try drugs and alcohol, its just part of the growing process. There are so many of us who I am sure tried alcohol or drugs when we were younger and that is an experience we can be open with our kids about. Why hide the truth from them? You never know your experience may help them make the right decision in their lives.
A few things that I do with my own children is ask them daily how school was, what happened, is anything going on that is bothering them, are they having trouble with teachers or students. I have also had the sex talk with my children. Now my mother thought I had lost my mind discussing these issues with a 9 and 11 year old, but there are 11 and 12 year old girls having sex and getting pregnant. There are also 11 and 12 year old boys having sex with these young girls, so YES talk to your children early. This helps them to know that you are open to discuss any subject with them. Remind them every so often about these issues, discuss the pros and cons, and the reasons why you look at matters a certain way. It is also important to listen to their questions and answer them honestly.
The worst thing a parent can do is dodge a question, ignore it, or give an in-honest answer to the question. This makes the child feel that you are not open to talk to them or that certain subjects are off limits. No subject should ever be off limits when it comes to your children. There are so many teen girls finding themselves pregnant and making bad choices that cause harm to themselves and the children they are carrying. Putting themselves into danger. They need to know that they can talk to you when push comes to shove. The last thing any parent wants is a phone call telling them something has happened to them that endangers their well being or even their life.
Remember it is our job as parents to listen to our children. You may not like the subject matter of the conversation but obviously if your child is asking it is important to them. Every parent needs to keep in mind that it is up to us to keep our children safe, and just because they are older and more independent doesnt mean that our job stops. If more parents took the time and cared about what was going on with their children maybe we wouldn't have the teen fighting, pregnancy, STD's on the rise, and overall discord with our teens. Keep this in mind the next time your child gets ready to walk out the door, Get Involved!
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