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Saturday, August 31, 2013

Side Effects of a Lemon Cleanse

People use the lemon cleanse, or Master Cleanse, to help jump-start weight loss routines, reignite a healthy lifestyle or just clean out the body's digestive system. A lemon cleanse, consisting of a mixture of fresh lemon juice, purified or distilled water, maple syrup and red pepper, should be completed in at least 10 days. During the course of those days, however, many people experience temporary side effects of a lemon cleanse.

Headaches

    One of the common side effects of a lemon cleanse is headaches, especially among people who drink large amounts of caffeine. This side effect usually disappears after three or four days.

Cravings

    "Detox Guide" states that people using a lemon cleanse may crave certain foods, such as hamburgers or French fries, which can be enhanced by their aromas. A food craving is a psychological desire for certain foods.

Hunger

    Unlike cravings, many people feel physical hunger when they decide to embark on a lemon cleanse. People experiencing hunger should drink another glass of the lemon beverage to decrease feelings of hunger.

Lethargy

    "Detox Guide" says that one side effect of a lemon cleanse includes lethargy; however, this side effect decreases after a few days, and people actually become more energetic.

Bowel Movements and Urination

    One of the side effects of a lemon cleanse, as with many other detox programs, is frequent bowl movements and urination, because the body is getting rid of all its accumulated waste products.

Sore Teeth

    Sore teeth are a common side effect of a lemon cleanse for people with sensitive teeth. The acid in the lemons causes pain for them; therefore, they should rinse their mouths after drinking the beverage.

Worst Foods to Eat When Trying to Lose Weight

Worst Foods to Eat When Trying to Lose Weight

When you're trying to lose weight, what you eat is just as important as what you don't eat. We all know to avoid fast food and sweet treats when we're trying to shed a few pounds, but sometimes diet-busting foods aren't obvious. Making informed decisions about what you eat is necessary to achieve maximum weight loss.

Carbonated beverages

    While soda isn't exactly a "food," you should avoid drinking it if you're trying to lose weight. On average, soda contains about 155 calories per can. To burn off one can of soda you would need to walk vigorously for about 23 minutes. If you're going to drink away your daily calorie limit, try having something nutritious like a glass of milk or a low-fat smoothie.

French Fries and Chips

    French fries and chips are both foods you should avoid if you're trying to lose weight because they are usually high in calories and low in nutritional value. Both chips and fries are fried at high temperatures, which creates a known carcinogen called acrylamide. Chips and fries are also high in trans-fats, which can increase the chances of heart disease.

Canned Soup

    When you think of the "must avoid" foods when dieting, canned soup probably isn't at the top of the list. Because of their extremely high salt content, however, canned soups should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. Some canned soups contain MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is harmful in general. Instead of filling up on canned soups, try your hand at making homemade soups---they taste better and are much better for you!

Alcohol

    Alcohol should also be avoided to achieve weight loss. Alcohol itself does not contain a lot of calories, but the beverages we mix it with do. Some frozen cocktails like margaritas can contain up to 800 calories! Three pina coladas later and you've reached your daily caloric intake. Alcohol also inhibits our ability to stick with a diet plan. While you might not be tempted to chow down on poutine, you might be more likely to do so after a few drinks.

Pasta and Bread

    Pasta and bread contain large amounts of carbohydrates, both of which are difficult to burn off with exercise. Before the body can burn off fat, it must first burn off carbs. If you're going to have bread and pasta, try to choose a whole grain variety that has not been stripped of its nutritional value. Avoid white bread and buns, as they tend to be high on the glycemic index and, in terms of nutrition, are almost as bad for the body as sugar.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Magnesium Colon Detox

Magnesium Colon Detox

A magnesium colon detox has been resurrected in the alternative health community as an effect means in which to rid the body of toxins. Magnesium hydroxide, magnesium citrate and magnesium sulfate are three of the most common magnesiums used for colon detoxification. Magnesium hydroxide is better known as milk of magnesia and magnesium sulfate is better known as Epsom salt. Magnesium citrate is more commonly known under the brand name Citromag or Citroma.

Magnesium hydroxide is considered to be the most gentle colon cleanser

    Magnesium hydroxide is not really considered for a colon detox. Magnesium hydroxide is more for irregular bowel movements or constipation. Most magnesium hydroxide supplements come in pill form and liquid form. If purchased over the counter such as Milk of Magnesia follow the package directions for constipation.

Magnesium citrate cleanses out the colon thoroughly

    Magnesium citrate is normally used prior to surgery or other medical procedures. Magnesium is found under the brand names of Citrate Of Magnesia, Dulcolax Bowel Cleansing Kit, Fleet Prep Kit LS. Follow the directions on the package or follow your doctors prescription if using prior to a surgery preparation. Before starting on the colon cleanse eat very light or not at all. Also read the warnings and side effects on the product label. Magnesium citrate is a very effective colon detox and works quite fast. Allow ample time to thoroughly evacuate before leaving home. If this colon detoxification is being done on your own, do not continue with it for more than a week.

Magnesium sulfate is the most effective for a colon detox

    Magnesium sulfate more commonly known as Epsom Salt is the most effective for doing a thorough colon detoxification. It is also the most dangerous.

    Indigestible magnesium sulfate taken orally remains unabsorbed in the intestine. The magnesium absorbs the water in the intestines loosening the fecal matter that is lining the colon and creating a diarrhea condition. The detox solution is quite simple. You only need to add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom Salt in 4 ounces of warm water. Drink the solution right away. You can repeat this drink every 4 hours for two days until your bowls are an almost clear consistency. This means that your colon has been cleansed. You can also make an enema with magnesium sulfate. An enema is much friendlier to your stomach, as some people cannot tolerate the magnesium in their stomach. To do this, just mix 4 tablespoons of Epsom salts in one-liter warm water.

    Magnesium is an important mineral in aiding in a healthy body. However, the amount of magnesium required in a colon detox is much higher than the daily requirement recommended by the FDA. Extreme or prolonged use of this type of detox can result in serious illness or even death. It is always recommended that you consult a physician first and become aware of how high magnesium contents can react with prescription drugs. A magnesium colon detox is very effective, but common sense must be used.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Homemade Detox Drink Recipes

Detox drinks can be used as a body cleanse for many conditions. Detox drinks may be taken to flush the body of fat or just as a general body cleanse. These drinks can be made as a fruit juice or a smoothie. Whip up some homemade detox drinks using simple ingredients and easy recipes.

The Basics

    Believe it or not, plain water is a detox drink. It cleanses the body by flushing toxins. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day for general health.

    Boil leaves of nettle tea with water. Let steep for a couple of minutes. Add honey to taste. This is also a general body cleanse.

    Ginger tea with turmeric, orange or lemon and maple syrup is a healing detox drink. Prepare ginger tea as directed and add 1 tsp. turmeric powder, juice from one orange or lemon and 1 tbsp. maple syrup.

    Drink green tea as a basic body cleanse and ward off general illnesses.

Total Body Detox Drinks

    Gather half a pineapple, fresh mint leaves and 1cm of ginger. Place ingredients in a juice extractor. Filter juice and stir. Serve immediately. Add sugar to taste if desired. Sugar is not recommended, but if the drink is just too bitter, a bit of sugar is fine.

    Take three kiwis and two grapefruits. Add to 60mL of water to fruit. Blend all ingredients together and pour into glass.

    Get 10cm of orange-rind strips and two sticks of cinnamon. Place ingredients in a saucepan with 1L of water. Bring mixture to boil and boil for a few minutes. Reduce the heat and boil with the saucepan uncovered. Cool and filter. Serve immediately.

    Use this recipe as a liver and kidney cleanse. Mix warm water, 2 tbsp. juice from lemon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp. maple syrup. Drink.

Papaya Drink

    Blend a small green papaya with other fruits of choice and water. Drink this in the morning and throughout the day. Eat alkaline-forming foods with this detox drink to aid the cleansing process. Alkaline foods include cabbage, lettuce, spinach, garlic, avocado, lemon, lime, tomato, watermelon, grapefruit, vegetable juice, herbal tea, unsweetened soy milk and almond milk, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Sprouts, olive oil and coconut are also alkaline-forming foods.

Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss

Cayenne Pepper for Weight Loss

In a push to lose weight, many dieters have tried everything from grapefruit to cheeseburgers without bread. The newest trend in dieting actually might be the oldest. Cayenne pepper has been used in the West Indies, Central and South America for thousands of years to flavor food. But some proponents of the pepper claim that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper can help you with weight loss.

Capsaicin

    The ingredient in cayenne pepper that most traditional doctors, herbalists and proponents of alternative medicine agree is the most beneficial to health Is capsaicin. Capsaicin is the oil found in the stems, seeds and veins of peppers that give it its heat. Studies have shown capsaicin is useful in blocking arthritis pain, and traditional medical physicians prescribe topical creams with capsaicin in them for pain relief. However, herbalists and proponents of alternative medicine believe that the capsaicin found in cayenne pepper is useful for a wide range of medical conditions, including weight loss.

The Lemonade Diet

    Cayenne pepper is a primary ingredient in The Master Cleanse, a popular diet and cleanse that was created in 1941 by Stanley Burroughs. In his book "The Master Cleanser," Burroughs recommends cayenne pepper to break up mucous and plaque in the gastrointestinal tract and detoxify the body. Some weight loss occurs from the loss of the plaque buildup in the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism

    Other proponents of cayenne pepper say that the pepper alone won't cause you to lose weight. However, weight loss does come when cayenne is used to complement a healthful diet and lifestyle. According to alternative health proponents, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper will increase the body's metabolism, which, in combination with a healthful diet and exercise program, will result in weight loss. For increased metabolism, some alternative health advocates recommend imbibing one-quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a glass of water daily.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

How to Make Lemonade Using Meyer Lemons

Meyer lemons were first brought to the United States from China in 1908 and are thought to be a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges. Unlike true lemons, Meyer lemons have a thin edible peel with a floral scent and flavor. The juice of the Meyer lemon is sweeter and less acidic than a regular lemon but still quite tart. Meyer lemonade requires less sugar to make and has a subtler flavor than regular lemonade. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Simple Meyer Lemonade

    1

    Dissolve 3/4 cup sugar in 1 cup of boiling water and pour into a pitcher or large glass jar. If you're using a plastic pitcher, allow the sugar mixture to cool first.

    2

    Juice the Meyer lemons by cutting them in half and squeezing the juice into the pitcher. Meyer lemons are softer than regular lemons and are easily juiced by hand. Use a slotted spoon to remove any stray seeds from the lemonade.

    3

    Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir thoroughly. Refrigerate until chilled, add ice and enjoy.

Gourmet Meyer Lemonade

    4

    Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to trim several 1/2 inch wide strips of zest from each Meyer lemon. Set the zest aside and halve the lemons.

    5

    Juice the Meyer lemons into a glass pitcher or large jar, and scoop out any stray seeds with a slotted spoon.

    6

    Bring 5 cups of water and 3/4 cup of honey to a boil.

    7

    Put the lemon zest into a strainer and place it on top of the pitcher. Pour the boiling water and honey mixture over the zest, through the strainer and into the pitcher.

    8

    Add a sprig of mint, a few thin slices of cucumber or a few whole cloves, if desired. Refrigerate until chilled, add ice and enjoy.

Juice Recipes for Detox & Health

Juice Recipes for Detox & Health

As home juicing machines and blenders have become more available, more people have been enjoying the refreshing taste and health benefits of fruit and vegetable juice. You may use juice as a way to detox your body and restore health.

Drink to your health

    The best thing about a home juicer is the opportunity to mix up whatever you like. You can experiment with your favorites and see what makes you feel your best. Experiment with adding protein powder, vegetables you dont normally eat, or vitamin supplements. Fruit has a lot of natural sugar so you don't need to add sweeteners.

As seen on Oprah

    Oprah Winfrey touted Dr. Mehmet Ozs green drink recipe as the way to start your day. Full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other nutritious ingredients, it blends familiar ingredients into a sippable powerhouse.

    Wash and rinse one bunch of celery, two cucumbers, two apples and two cups fresh spinach. Add a fresh peeled piece of ginger, the juice of one lime, and the juice of half a lemon. Blend all the ingredients until smooth. This recipe makes about two servings.

Berry delicious

    Berries are delicious, sweet and usually require no extra sweeteners. For a refreshing berry juice, blend a cup each of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries in a blender. Add a cup of ice if you wish, to chill the mixture. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or muslin and serve over ice.

AAA juice

    Living Foods is an online community dedicated to helping people learn more about the detox properties of juice. AAA juice is one of their recipes. It is full of beta carotene, vitamins A and C, antioxidants and potassium, among other things. Wash all ingredients thoroughly before you begin.

    Juice together six carrots, one apple, two celery stalks, half a handful of wheatgrass, half a handful of parsley and one half of a beet, peeled.

Talk to your doctor

    Talk to your doctor before making changes in your diet. Even "natural" ingredients like fruits and vegetables can interfere with your normal routine. For example, fruits are high in sugar, so if you have diabetes, a juice detox may not be a wise idea for you. Ask your doctor what you should be careful of before starting a juice fast or incorporating more juice into your diet.

Diet Foods That Taste Good

Diet Foods That Taste Good

The hardest part of sticking to a diet is being unable to satisfy your cravings for tasty foods. Diet foods traditionally look unappealing and lack flavor, making it nearly impossible to stick to your good intentions. Thankfully, those days are over; now there are several healthy, appetizing, visually stimulating foods that will tantalize your taste buds without ruining all your hard work. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fruits

    Don't underestimate the power of fruit, a healthy snack that can satisfy your sweet tooth. Apples are high in fiber, which makes you feel fuller longer; and paired with peanut butter it becomes a delicious treat that provides a nice energy boost. Grapes are nice to munch on throughout the day; eat them right out of the bag or frozen. Bananas and strawberries are tasty, easy to pack and provide a heaping helping of heart-healthy potassium. Cherries are high in antioxidants; eat them to keep free radical cells at bay. Don't forget about melons: watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew can be sliced and stored at work or school; these fruits are so juicy they satiate thirs as well as hunger. And don't forget about fruit salad---combine all these fruits in one bowl for an appetizing shot of flavor.

Vegetables

    Gone are the days when you had to force your broccoli down before your mom would consider letting you have dessert; vegetables are now prepared in such tasty and innovative ways that you'll eat them without being prompted. Sweet potatoes make delicious healthy french fries; simply slice them, place them in an aluminum pan, spread a bit of cooking oil, salt and pepper over the vegetable, and pop them in the oven for 45 minutes at 375 degrees. You'll enjoy healthy, tasty, crunchy sweet potato fries in no time. Broccoli provides calcium; if you don't like to eat it plain, cover the stalk with a warm, low fat cheese sauce. Garlic has several health benefits, including antibiotic properties, and adds tons of flavor to any dish. Tomatoes contain several vitamins and minerals and are also a delicious meal addition; the cool thing about tomatoes is that they retain all their nutritional properties through cooking, storing and processing, even ketchup.

Whole Grains

    Whole grains are a tasty and nutritious diet food; they are packed with fiber and vitamins, and are lower in fat than their white bread counterpart. Several foods are available with whole grain, including breakfast cereal, bread loaves, crackers, bagels, muffins, pasta, hamburger buns and hot dog buns. Whole grain bread crumbs are also available for cooking.

Lean Protein

    Grill, bake or stir-fry tasty meats that are low in fat and high in protein, such as lean ground beef and turkey, chicken, fish and seafood.

Low-Fat Dairy

    Low-fat cheese and yogurt provide a tasty snack for those who want to lose weight without sacrificing flavor.

Frozen Smoothies

    Frozen smoothies are a cool, healthy treat that tastes great. Blend fruit, ice, low-fat frozen yogurt and sweet vegetables such as carrots or celery for a delightful diet food.

Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss

Generally speaking, to lose weight you must cut down on consumption of fat and calories. For healthy weigh loss, however, you also need to eat larger amounts of nutritious foods. To do this, you need to find healthful recipes to cook as well as know how to adapt recipes to replace unhealthful ingredients with lower-fat, lower-calorie, nutritionally rich foods. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Recipe Substitutions

    Having a goal of healthful weight loss does not mean you have to stop making your favorite recipes. Instead, you can identify the unhealthful elements in recipes--ingredients that are high in saturated fat and calories--and replace them with more healthful alternatives. For example, recipes that call for ground beef, like hamburgers, meatloaf and spaghetti sauce, can be made with ground turkey, chicken or pork instead. These meats are leaner than beef and lower in calories. If you crave sweets, instead of making a milkshake, blend fruit with low-fat milk or fruit juice to make a smoothie.

Cooking Methods

    The way you cook food can make a big difference in terms of nutrition. An easy way to aid healthful weight loss is to simply change the way you cook your meals. Obviously, deep frying and shallow frying methods add unneeded fat to foods, while broiling, baking and grilling methods usually do not.

    Even very simple adjustments in your cooking methods can have a positive and cumulative effect. Try using half the amount of oil that you usually would; broil or bake meat and poultry on a rack so that fat will drip down; trim visible fat and remove skin from meat and poultry. To get the maximum nutritional value from vegetables, steam rather than boil them so that the vitamins remain in the vegetables, not in the water.

Portions and Proportions

    Healthful weight loss does not necessarily mean eliminating all "bad" ingredients and replacing them with "good" ones. If you adjust the proportions of the more and less healthful elements in a recipe and control your portion sizes, you can still eat your favorites and lose weight.

    For example, if you are cooking a stir-fry with vegetables and meat or poultry, without changing the basic recipe, cook more vegetables and less meat or poultry per serving. The taste will be the same but the bulk of the meal will be low-fat, nutritious vegetables. Starchy ingredients like beans and pulses are high in protein while very low in fat and will fill you up so that you can eat smaller portions. You may feel hungry enough to eat several tacos or a whole plate of nachos, but if you add black beans you will feel satisfied and full much sooner.

How to Diet With Sprite Zero

Sprite Zero can be used with a healthy diet and not stand in the way of weight loss. The drink contains artificial sweeteners, no caffeine and a bit of lemon flavor. There are zero calories and carbohydrates and no fat in the beverage, making it a good choice for anyone on a diet. Sprite Zero can be used in place of other soft drinks, snacks or even fattening desserts.

Instructions

    1

    Eat five to six small, healthy meals each day. Meals should consist of a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

    2

    Drink mostly water. Try to drink eight cups a day to keep yourself hydrated and aid in food digestion.

    3

    Replace treats or desserts with Sprite Zero to enjoy a sweet, calorie-free treat that helps ease sugar cravings. Sprite Zero contains artificial sweeteners in the place of sugar, making it a calorie free, carbohydrate free and fat free choice.

    4

    Drink Sprite Zero instead of regular soft drinks to consume less total calories in a day. By replacing regular Sprite with Sprite Zero, you would save 100 calories and 26 grams of carbohydrates per drink.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Water Lemon Ginger Diet

Water Lemon Ginger Diet

Lemon's refreshing qualities and ginger's warming effect make a good natural diet drink. Using lemon to improve the taste of water helps some people drink more water while dieting. Ginger works as a metabolism booster and makes a tasty, palatable diet beverage: a cross between lemonade and strong ginger ale. Use the lemon-ginger water as a natural beverage to assist in healthy weight loss.

Ingredients

    Water with lemon juice may assist in detoxification and is considered a liver tonic. Ginger provides thermogenic properties, meaning that it boosts metabolism to burn calories faster. Ginger also combats nausea and fights bloat. Use filtered or distilled water to assist in detoxification.

Program

    Take the water-ginger-lemon drink first thing in the morning to flush the liver and reduce the appetite. Drink it as many times a day as desired. Eight full glasses of water a day help to keep the body hydrated. This practice can help jump-start a diet by reducing the appetite and creating a reminder throughout the day to focus on detoxification and healthy whole food choices (unprocessed foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains).

    Refrain from excessive calorie restriction. Consult with your medical professional before attempting this or any other diet. Follow an exercise program for the best results in weight loss. Drastic diet measures, such as fasting and starvation diets, damage health and metabolism and contribute to the yo-yo effect, which causes increased weight gain following weight loss. Exercise helps to preserve lean muscle, which helps the body burn more fat even at rest. Dieting without exercise may cause a breakdown in muscle tissue, which will lead to the body gaining fat more quickly after the diet ends.

Beverage Choices

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise those who desire to lose weight to cut calories in their beverages in addition to watching what they eat. Sodas, lattes, juices, cocktails, wine, beer and other beverages are often loaded with sugar, and some coffee and frozen beverages are fat bombs as well. Using the water-ginger-lemon beverage to replace high-calorie and empty-calorie beverages could help in weight loss when accompanied by portion control and exercise.

What Do You Eat on the Fat Smash Diet?

The Fat Smash Diet is the brainchild of Dr. Ian K. Smith, the host of the popular cable television program, "Celebrity Fit Club." Smith instituted the plan to help celebrities lose weight but has also made it available to the general public in a book. The plan emphasizes healthy choices and sensible portions, providing lists of foods to enjoy and others to avoid.

Basics

    The Fat Smash Diet lasts 90 days and is divided into four phases. In his book, Smith stresses the need for dieters to change their relationship with food but says that counting calories is not necessary. He writes that dieting "should not be painful, complicated or unrealistic" and that making wise choices and increasing exercise can be simple with some guidance. The plan consists of four or five meals per day with lots of water (between six and eight 8-ounce glasses per day), and skipping meals is not allowed.

Phase 1

    Phase 1 of The Fat Smash Diet lasts nine days and is known as the Detox plan, which is intended to rid your body of toxins and prepare it for the upcoming stages. All foods consumed during the first phase must be raw, grilled or steamed, with only three tablespoons of fat allowed per day. But your menu is limited during this phase, consisting of unlimited fruits and vegetables, tofu and brown rice, a few egg whites, low-fat or skim milk, oatmeal and yogurt.

Phase 2

    The second phase of the Fat Smash plan is called the Foundation phase. It lasts three weeks and follows many of the same guidelines as the first phase, particularly with regards to how food is eaten and prepared. In addition to all the foods allowed in the first phase, limited amounts of lean meats, seafood, whole eggs and cheese are permitted. Beverages such as coffee and diet soda are also allowed, but not in place of water.

Phase 3

    The third phase of Fat Smash is known as the Construction phase, in which dieters implement more foods around which their lifelong menu will be built. This phase lasts four weeks and permits consumption of breads and pasta for the first time, as well as one dessert per day from a list provided by Smith.

Phase 4

    The final step in Smith's plan is called the Temple phase and is expected to last a lifetime. It combines the first three phases and permits the addition of potatoes and limited amounts of alcohol and pizza. Like the first three phases, this stage stresses the need to eat four or five meals a day and drink plenty of water.

Conclusion

    Along with making healthy food choices, The Fat Smash Diet should be accompanied with regular exercise. If followed properly, it has been proven to assist in rapid weight loss and keep followers from feeling deprived or hungry.

Recipe for Master Cleanser

The Master Cleanse is a detox diet made popular by Stanley Burroughs' self-published book, "The Master Cleanser," which he began distributing in the 1950s. The diet involves a simple detox that centers on drinking a lemonade-like beverage purported to cleanse your liver, colon and bloodstream of toxins while also allowing for rapid weight loss. As always, consult your physician before starting any type of cleanse or fast.

The Ingredients

    The ingredients of the Master Cleanse detox are simple. To make the detox drink, mix together 1 tbsp. each of fresh lemon juice and Grade B maple syrup into 8 oz. of water, then add a dash or two of cayenne pepper. You can add more or less pepper to taste, but the more cayenne, the better. Buy organic maple syrup, which can be found online or in most health-food stores.

    Drink the beverage---the staple of the cleanse---six to eight times per day. No other food is allowed on the Master Cleanse detox diet, but you are encouraged to drink as much additional water as possible to flush toxins out of your system. You'll find it easiest to mix up an entire day's worth of the Master Cleanse recipe in the morning, adding the cayenne to each glass just before drinking.

Salt Water Flush

    The Master Cleanse also includes a salt water flush, which is the equivalent of an enema, upon awakening every day during the detox. Add 2 tsp. of non-iodized sea salt to 1 qt. of water, and shake well. Drink the mixture in one sitting. This is a natural laxative that within an hour or so should help clear out the debris and toxins that have accumulated in your body.

Duration

    For optimal results, the Master Cleanse should be performed for 14 consecutive days. However, many people, particularly those who are new to fasting, will not be able to do the whole two weeks. If that's the case, try the detox and salt water flush for seven days.

Additional Information

    You may drink laxative teas during the day to help eliminate the sluggish toxins from your colon. Do not add any sweeteners or milk, and make sure that the teas are caffeine-free. Some people finish off their detox with an enema to clean out their colon as efficiently as possible. Exercise---including walking and yoga---is also helpful during the detox.

Weight Loss for the Apple Shape

People that have an apple shape tend to carry most of their weight around their waist and midsection of the body. According to Dr. Laurence Sperling of Preventive Cardiology at the Emory Clinic in Atlanta, this type of body shape can put your heart at great risk. There are steps that can be taken to lose weight if you are an apple shape so that you can reduce the associated health risks.

What Causes the Apple Shape

    According to Nancy Snyderman, M.D., high levels of testosterone in the body lead to body fat being stored in and around the abdominal area. Since testosterone is the cause, this is why so many men have beer bellies. Women can also suffer from high levels of testosterone in the body, which causes their apple shape also. The fat also gets stored around the kidneys, liver, heart and intestines.

Health Risks of the Apple Shape

    Due to the way that fat is stored in an apple-shaped body, the functions of vital organs are compromised. According to Snyderman, this can lead to several different health complications. These health risks include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and some cancers. To check if you are at risk, measure the circumference of your waist. If the measurement around your waist in inches is less than half of your height in inches then you are not at risk. Measurements should be checked periodically to assess risk.

Weight Loss Plan

    According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, senior researcher David Ludwig discovered that a low-glycemic diet is the most beneficial in helping apple-shaped people lose weight. An example of a low-glycemic diet is the Mediterranean diet. A low-glycemic diet focuses on fewer carbs and more healthy oils, seeds and nuts. This type of diet consists of healthy oils, like olive oil, lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and beans. Things like white rice, white bread, prepared cereals, cookies, crackers and sugar-filled foods are not part of a low-glycemic diet. In Ludwigs study, apple-shaped dieters averaged a 13-pound loss in six months on a low-glycemic diet.

    Bella Online (see Resources) has a glycemic index list of foods. The list is based on the research of two consultants to the Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, Arianna Carughi, Ph.D., C.N.S. and Gene Spiller, Ph.D., C.N.S. The list is broken down into "Go" and "No" columns, with the "Go" column containing foods have have a low-glycemic index. The "Go" column is the one you should eat from if you want to be on a low-glycemic diet for apple shaped weight loss.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

How to Lose Weight Drinking Coffee

How to Lose Weight Drinking Coffee

Drinking coffee can actually help you to lose weight. Caffeine is a stimulant, which causes your body to release catecholamines. Fat cells are then targeted by the catecholamines. The body fat that is stored in the fact cells is then used for fuel. Hence, by drinking coffee you experience weight loss. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

    1

    Do not add sugar or creamer to your coffee. Creamer contains sugar, and sugar contains insulin, which is a fat-storing hormone. The sugar will counteract the fat-burning potential of the caffeine. Avoid all carbohydrates when you are consuming your coffee because carbohydrates cause your insulin levels to rise. Catecholamines only burn more fat when there is no insulin present in your system.

    2

    Do drink your coffee an hour before your workout. The caffeine helps you focus and blunts muscle pain. These two effects of caffeine allow you to workout at a higher intensity with increased muscle strength and endurance.

    3

    Your pre-workout coffee should contain 200 to 400 mg of caffeine. You can also drink espresso for a more concentrated caffeine beverage.

    4

    If you would rather not drink coffee, but still want the weight loss benefits, try a caffeine supplement in pill form.

The Best Way to Lower Cholesterol

There is a wide misconception that all cholesterol is detrimental to the body, but cholesterol actually plays an integral role in our health. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. According to WebMD.com, LDL is the bad cholesterol that clogs arteries, while HDL, the good cholesterol, helps circulate blood.

The bad cholesterol comes mainly from eating fatty, oily foods, which can also cause health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. There are several ways to lower bad cholesterol. A healthy diet, exercise, weight loss and even some medications aid in decreasing LDL.

Proper Diet

    Uphold a daily nutritious diet to lower your cholesterol. Vegetables, fruits, lean meats and protein are good for the heart. This does not mean you can gorge on these foods; eat in moderation.

    Avoid eating foods like cookies, cakes, high-fat dairy products and potato chips. Buy snacks that are healthy: peanuts, crackers, yogurt and protein bars. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages that contain a lot of sugar. It is okay to have sweets and desserts sometimes, but do not make fattening foods a part of your daily cuisine.

Exercise

    Maintain a consistent workout regimen that will help your heart rate. Aim to work out at least twice a week. Find a gym with a wide array of equipment and amenities. Consult a trainer if you feel you need guidance. Engage more in physical activities that you like. Swimming, basketball, running and baseball are all fun activities to perform that will help you burn calories. As long as you are working up a sweat in your activity you should be okay. It is a good idea to purchase a pedometer that will record the number of steps you take daily. This way you can note your progress.

Medications

    Consult your doctor before taking any medications to assist you in lowering your cholesterol. More than likely, if you have a combination of high cholesterol and heart disease or diabetes your doctor will prescribe medication. Statins, Ezetimibe, niacin, bile acid resins and fibrates are common cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins are the typically the first choice. This medicine blocks enzymes that aid in creating bad cholesterol.

What Is the Watermelon Diet?

A watermelon diet is exactly what the name suggests. It is a diet that entails eating watermelon. Many people like to go on a watermelon diet to lose weight. Some people eat watermelon as part of their eating diet along with other food. Other people eat it solely for a couple weeks to lose weight. It is really unhealthy to eat only watermelon and nothing else. So talk to your doctor before starting any weight loss routine, and make sure that the watermelon diet is a good fit for you. Does this Spark an idea?

History

    Watermelon is a native of South Africa. Watermelon's scientific name is Citrullis lanatus. It is part of the melon family, and it is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is hard to tell when its existence first appeared, but many believe it was in the B.C. time period. There are more than 1,000 different types of watermelon.

Features

    Watermelon is usually oblong and round in shape. It has a green and yellow rind. It normally has a red center. Some watermelons have seeds and some do not. It is a flowering plant that is on a vine. It tastes very sweet and juicy if it is ripe.

Benefits

    Watermelon is a natural diuretic which is why many people like to eat watermelon to help them lose weight. It quenches thirst. Watermelon tastes naturally sweet, and is a good alternative to high calorie deserts since it is very low in calories. It has vitamins and minerals in it like Vitamin C, A, B1, B6, magnesium and potassium. It also has antioxidants in it like lycopene. It is also believed that it helps inflammation of the body.

Going on a Watermelon Diet

    There are many different ways to eat watermelon on a watermelon diet. A person can eat it cut up, have it frozen, or even make it into a smoothie. It is important to keep lots of watermelon in the refrigerator. Also, a person may want to cut the watermelon into chunks for easier eating. Watermelon is made up of about 92 percent water so a person does not have to worry about getting dehydrated on a watermelon diet.

Warning

    Do not eat only watermelon on your watermelon diet, as it can be dangerous to the body. Have as much watermelon on your watermelon diet that you want to, but make sure you also add other nutritious healthy food, too. Make sure that your watermelon rind is ripe enough to eat. The watermelon rind should be mostly green in color.

Weight Loss With Shots

Weight Loss With Shots

Several types of injections can be prescribed for weight loss, although not all of them are as effective as advertised. These injections are referred to as lipotropics, which means that they promote the breakdown of fat throughout the body, increasing metabolism. The two most common injections marketed as lipotropics are human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which a doctor must administer, and vitamin B12 injections, which are available in non-prescription form.

Learning More About Shots

    According to registered dietician Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic, there is little compelling evidence that hCG actually causes weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administraiton has not approved hCG for weight loss, since hCG is most commonly used as a fertility treatment. Vitamin B12 shots have been shown to have many beneficial effects, particularly on individuals who were suffering from a deficiency beforehand, but have not been shown by studies to directly promote weight loss.

Supplement Good Habits

    Shots alone are not sufficient to stimulate weight loss. Lipotropic injections should be used alongside proper diet and exercise in order to be effective. As the link between these injections and actual weight loss has yet to be scientifically shown, if there is an effect, it is relatively minor. Such injections should not be expected to be effective in treating severe obesity. Anyone seeking to lose weight should consult with a physician first for guidance.

Beware Wild Promises

    Many of the marketing materials for weight-loss injections are highly misleading. One prominent advocate of hCG injections, Kevin Trudeau, was charged by the Federal Trade Commission with deceptive advertising in 2007 for promising massive weight loss by using a special diet and the shots. Severe calorie restriction diets, such as the one Trudeau advocated, can lead to dangerous nutritional deficiencies.

Inject B12 Responsibly

    Vitamin B12 injections should be supervised by a physician, as it can be relatively simple to overdose on the vitamin, even though it can be acquired and administered without a prescription. The vitamin can be helpful for vegans because they often do not receive nearly as much of it in their diet as others with a less restricted diet. Many who take B12 report elevated mood and energy, which makes them less likely to overeat and gain weight. In this manner, it can be an effective weight-loss aid.

Consult Before Taking B12

    B12 injections are usually not necessary for people with normal diets, as they get all of their requirements from the food they eat every day. The substance is non-toxic and not dangerous even in large quantities. Even so, the test for B12-deficiency is simple and inexpensive and should be taken before beginning a program of injections. Study promises of weight loss using the injection carefully, as the loss may be because of changes in diet and exercise rather than the introduction of B12.

Crystal Light Brunch Punch Ideas

Crystal Light Brunch Punch Ideas

Whether it's for a morning baby shower or a simple family get-together, brunch almost always calls for a fruity punch drink. With so many people watching their calories, you may be tempted to skip this brunch classic. You don't have to do this if you use Crystal Light or other calorie-free drink mixes as a base for your punch. Your guests will appreciate the lower calorie count while still enjoying a refreshing fruit beverage. Does this Spark an idea?

Classic Raspberry Fruit Punch

    This fruity punch has a cool finish with the sorbet floating prettily in the cups. First, diet ginger ale and raspberry-flavored Crystal Light drink mix powder are combined. This mixture can be stored in the refrigerator overnight, or until you are ready to serve it. Scoops of raspberry sherbet or sorbet are added, which will float on the top of the punch, decorating the punch bowl while adding flavor to the drink.

Sparkling Cranberry Raspberry Punch

    This fizzy cranberry-raspberry drink is refreshing on hot afternoons. Beginning with Crystal Light cranberry ice drink, more cranberry flavor is added with light cranberry juice cocktail and frozen cranberries, and the drink is finished with frozen raspberries for a fruity addition.

Citrus Brunch Punch

    For lemonade and other citrus lovers, this refreshing drink may become a new favorite. Crystal Light lemonade is mixed with orange juice for a bright citrus flavor. Seltzer water can be added for fizzy pop. The punch bowl is decorated by floating thin orange and lemon slices in the drink, and they can be added to each cup as you serve.

Single Serving Pineapple Fruit Punch

    Mix up a personal fizzy punch cocktail to enjoy on relaxing hot summer nights. Make Crystal Light fruit punch fizzy with club soda instead of regular water. Pineapple bits add a punch flair and vodka or rum will finish the drink with a subtle kick.

The Lemonade Cleansing Diet

The lemonade cleansing diet is also called the Master Cleanse. Some believe this diet will purge the body of toxins, help dieters lose weight and improve the function of the kidneys, nerves, arteries, blood vessels, digestive system and liver. Many health professionals, though, advise against this diet, which they claim can be ineffective and harmful, causing nutrition deficiencies and exacerbating serious conditions such as diabetes and depression.

Duration

    Proponents of the lemonade cleansing diet claim the diet has has to be followed for a minimum of 10 days and can be continued for up to 40 days, several times a year. Consult a health professional before attempting any diet for any length of time.

Lemonade

    The lemonade used in this diet is unique. It is made with 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne or red pepper, 2 tablespoons of genuine maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of lemon or lime juice and 10 ounces of hot spring or purified water. Artificially flavored pancake syrup should not be used. Organic lemons and limes are recommended. According to lemonade cleansing diet enthusiasts, the lemon or lime juice acts as a laxative and detoxifying agent. The cayenne pepper breaks up mucus in the body. While on the lemonade cleansing diet, this lemonade mixture is the only food or drink you can consume. Drink six to twelve glasses every day, whenever you get hungry. Do not supplement this diet with vitamins. Those in favor of the lemonade cleansing diet maintain that all nutrients and vitamins needed are in this mixture, and that because solid food becomes liquid during the digestive process, an all-liquid diet is not unhealthy.

Breaking the Diet

    You must gradually end the lemonade cleansing diet. On your first day off the diet, slowly drink several 8 ounce glasses of fresh orange juice. Do not incorporate other foods. On the second day off the diet, vegetarians are allotted orange juice in the morning, raw fruit for lunch and fruit or raw vegetable salad at night. A meat-eater's second day consists of several glasses of orange juice and a homemade soup made up of legumes, potatoes, celery, carrots, green vegetable tops, onions, brown rice, okra or okra powder, chili, curry, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini. Do not include bread or crackers. Vegetarians can eat normally on the third day off the lemonade cleansing diet, but carnivores must continue to follow a restrictive plan. On the third day, those who eat meat should drink orange juice in the morning, have more soup for lunch and eat a dinner consisting of vegetables, salads or fruit. Meat, fish, eggs, bread, pastries, tea, coffee and milk are not to be included yet. Normal eating can resume on the fourth day.

Laxative Herb Tea and Salt Water Flushes

    To help maintain regularity during the lemonade cleansing diet, a laxative herb tea can be ingested in the morning and evening. This is recommended to aid in the cleansing process and prevent digestive discomfort. Another important part of this diet is the saltwater flush. Mix between 2 teaspoons and a tablespoon of sea salt and one liter of room-temperature water. Drink this all at once. Some choose to drink it in the bathroom, as its laxative effects are apparently dramatic and immediate. This is to be repeated every day while on the cleanse. A laxative herb tea and the saltwater flush are the only drinks that can be used to supplement the lemonade.

Side Effects

    Hunger, fatigue, aches and pains, irritability and nausea can all occur while on the lemonade cleansing diet. Easing into the diet by eating only fruits and vegetables for a few days before might lessen these side effects but not eliminate them entirely.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Drinks With Cranberry Vodka

Drinks With Cranberry Vodka

Whether vodka lovers make vodka infused with cranberries at home or buy it ready-made, this flavored spirit can be used as a base for many cocktails and tall drinks. Cranberry vodka is often more drinkable straight than pure vodka. There are many flavored vodkas on the market and leading spirit companies have produced vodka combinations with fruit flavors, including cranberry, apple, citrus and peach. Cranberry vodka typically has a clear color or a pinkish hue, with a distinctive cranberry scent. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Cranberry Splice

    This is a tipple that uses the flavor of cranberry to make a fruity and punchy vodka drink. Make an effective vessel for the drink by covering the rim of a martini glass with spiced sugar. In a cocktail shaker mix up the juice from a wedge of a fresh orange, ice, one shot cranberry vodka, a splash of Cointreau, 1/2 shot fresh lemon juice and 1/2 shot of syrup. Strain the mixed liquid into the martini glass and decorate with fresh or frozen cranberries.

Mistletoe Kiss

    Cranberries have been a festive favorite for many years and this creamy cocktail can be served up at Christmas time. Place one shot of cranberry flavored vodka, one shot pineapple juice, one shot coconut cream into a cocktail shaker and mix well with ice. Strain the drink into a martini glass and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Long Drink

    Make a tall, refreshing drink from cranberry vodka by mixing it with soda water. Crush up a slice of lime and three teaspoons of sugar into the bottom of a tall glass. Add two shots of cranberry vodka and top off with soda water and cubes of ice. Stir the drink well with a spoon and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Colorful Cocktail

    Mix up a colorful, fruity cocktail by combining cranberry vodka with any fruit flavored liqueur. Place all the main ingredients, one shot cranberry vodka, two shots Melon liqueur, one shot Blue Curacao liqueur, three shots sweet and sour mix and two shots of lemonade into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the drink into a tall glass half filled with crushed ice and decorate with a maraschino cherry and a straw.

Lipoden or Myoden Injections for Weight Loss

Lypoden is a lipotropic cocktail. Lipotropics aids weight loss by directly affecting the body's metabolism. Lypoden contains the drug myoden which contains adenosine. Adenosine naturally occurs in the body and increases energy. It has been used to treat chronic fatigue as well as having positive effects on weight loss. Lypoden injections are recommended for obese patients or those who experience weight loss plateau.

Side Effects

    Possible side effects of lipotropics are nausea, vomiting, fishy odor, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and uncontrollable urination. If you experience any of these side effects consult your doctor.

Considerations

    Do not take more than the recommended dose. Doses are customized to the individual. Always take with plenty of liquids.

Other Uses

    Lipotropics have been used to treat liver disease and fat metabolism diseases. Other unlabeled uses include treatment of Tourette syndrome, eyelid spasms and Alzheimer's disease.

Warning

    The maximum weight loss is 3 pounds per week. Your weight loss should not exceed this amount by more than 2 pounds, if you begin to experience rapid weight loss consult your doctor, this can be an indicator of adverse effects of lipoden.

Who Prescribes Lipoden?

    Only a licensed bariatrician prescribes lipoden. Bariatricians are board licensed medical doctors. Consult your doctor for a referral.

Colon Cleanse Diet Recipes

Colon cleanses help the body reduce toxins that build up over time. Many feel that fecal matter impacts itself in the creases and turns of the colon and a colon cleanse will help to dislodge this matter and flush it out of the body. The result is the body can absorb nutrients more effectively and digest food more efficiently eliminated waste properly.

Preparing Drinks

    Use purified water for everything. Drink about 3 liters daily and use purified water to dilute fruit juices. Mix one part fresh squeeze orange or lemon juice with two parts water. Adding a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper will help the body retain ideal electrolyte levels while helping release mucus. Using a juicer, you can create fruit and vegetable mixtures that include high vitamin C foods with easily digested vegetables such as citrus fruits, plums, guavas, carrots and spinach.

Fiber Foods

    Raw food diets are often referred to when talking about cleansing. The reason is that the process of cooking reduces the vitamin and mineral content of food. Additionally, processed foods are more difficult to metabolize and create more toxic waste in the process. Soaking dried fruit overnight and placing it in an oatmeal breakfast is a great high-fiber meal that helps the body clean itself. When preparing fresh fruits and vegetable, remove pits and seeds as well as skin as they can be difficult to digest. Brown rice with lightly steamed plain spinach is also a good cleanse meal.

Cleanse Preparation

    Depending on how little food a person will be consuming during a cleanse, it may be important to prepare the body for the cleanse. This includes several days of eating foods not derived or prepared with animal products including eggs, dairy and meats. Limiting the amount of spices, artificial flavors and preservatives will also prepare the body. Eliminate caffeinated soft drinks, chocolate and cigarettes when preparing for the cleanse and through the duration of the cleanse. Resume this preparation after the cleanse is done to help the body regain its metabolic functions without becoming constipated or sick.

How to Create a Vegetable Detox Diet

While there are a number of detox diets out there, some tend to be grueling, time consuming and tiring. The vegetable detox diet is a fantastic alternative to other forms of detox, as you are ensured all of the vitamins, minerals and calories your body needs while at the same time cleansing the organs and shedding pounds. Best of all, the diet is simple and easy for every lifestyle.

Instructions

    1

    Decide how many days you will perform your vegetable detox diet before beginning. It is best to perform your detox for a minimum of three days to fully cleanse the colon, the perfect way to start off. On your next detox diet, you might go up to five days or a week; however, do not exceed 10 days without discussing the detox with your doctor.

    2

    Plan ahead, as detox is not always the most comfortable experience. During the first few days of your vegetable detox, you may experience headaches, body odor, fatigue and multiple bowel movements. Never fear, these are all normal symptoms of detox and will pass; however, you may find the experience more comfortable by taking a few days off of work and clearing your busy schedule.

    3

    Ease slowly into detox by cutting heavy foods such as red meat, fats, fried foods, pastas and soda about a week before beginning. Additionally, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and caffeine and restricting sugar will help you to avoid some of the heavier symptoms of detox. Just as you should ease into your diet, take it easy after your detox as well, avoiding the same items to prevent upset stomach and general malaise.

    4

    Get familiar with the basic rules of your vegetable detox diet in order to reap the greatest benefits. It is important that you chew your food slowly and thoroughly, as the better you chew, the easier it is for your body to digest the foods you eat. Take a few minutes to relax before and after eating and eat in a comfortable position to ease stress on your body and promote digestion. Finally, in addition to plenty of vegetables, enjoy as much herbal caffeine-free tea as you like.

    5

    Choose plenty of fresh, organic vegetables for your detox diet. While you can eat any vegetable you like, beets, cauliflower, broccoli and broccoli sprouts, garlic, onions as well as red and green vegetables are particularly helpful in detox. Finally, whenever possible, leave the peel on your vegetables, as many of the nutrients are concentrated near the surface.

    6

    Eat as many fresh, raw, organic vegetables as you like during your detox diet. You can use a bit of lemon juice, sea salt and/or apple cider vinegar to season salad; however, no dressings or oil. While you might enjoy a soup in the evening, try to eat vegetables raw as often as possible as they contain important enzymes that will help your detox. If making soup, be sure to eat all of the liquid, as many important vitamins and minerals leach into the water.

Ideas for Liquid Diet Foods

Ideas for Liquid Diet Foods

A liquid diet, or diet that consists completely of foods in liquid form, is a great idea for very short term weight loss or for cleansing out the digestive tract. Whether you've got a big event coming up, you want to get a jump start on a more traditional diet, or you just want to drop a couple of pounds fast, by using a liquid diet at the right time, with the right foods and attention to nutrition and health issues that might occur, you can be on your way to a slimmer, sleeker body.

When to Use

    While liquid diets are mainly used before and after surgeries, some may find them useful as extremely short term (3 to 4 days) weight loss measures. In this brief time period, you can expect to lose from 3 to 7 pounds, but keep in mind that it is easy to put the weight back on with this type of diet if you're not diligent afterwards. It's a good idea to talk to a doctor when thinking about going on a liquid diet, and if you are about to undergo a surgery that typically calls for a liquid diet your doctor may bring it up anyway.

    Bariatric surgeries are the most common that call for a liquid diet, but people undergoing procedures such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy can benefit from a liquid diet.

    In some cases, extreme obesity can be treated with an all liquid diet.

Foods

    An all liquid diet can have a somewhat limited menu. Here are some liquid foods that are acceptable on a full liquid diet: all fruit juices and nectars, vegetable juice, fruit punch, honey, jelly, syrup, yogurt (plain and frozen), plain soups, milkshakes, pasteurized eggnog, cornstarch pudding, gelatin desserts, strained cooked cereal, smooth ice cream, lemonade, and fruit purees.

    Most forms of soup are acceptable, just make sure there are no vegetables, meat chunks, or other solids in the soup. And of course, drink plenty of water.

Nutrition and Health

    All liquid diets are not without their drawbacks, one of which being the difficulty you can run into trying to meet your daily health requirements on an all liquid diet. Protein and other health shakes are a good way to get the nutrients you'll need, as are vitamin supplements. Fruit juice is great for energy and nutrition, just make sure that it isn't "enhanced" with extra sugar or calories. Liquid broth can provide a source of protein, as is non-fat milk.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

How to Make Homemade Lemonade

How to Make Homemade Lemonade? Summertime is a great time to hang out in the sun and relax. There is nothing better the enjoying a nice hot day while sipping down a cold glass of homemade lemonade. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

    1

    Pure your water into the Juice Pitcher.

    2

    Add the squeezed lemon or pure lemon juice. Take small taste ass you add the lemon. Keep adding until the water is real lemony and bitter.

    3

    Now add the sugar a little at a time. Taste the juice as you are adding the sugar so that you do not add too much.

    4

    Go back and forth between lemon and sugar until you get the perfect batch of homemade lemonade.

How to Properly Do the Master Cleanse Diet

The Master Cleanse Diet is formulated to rid the dieter's body of the pounds of toxins that stay in the intestines at any given time. It is a liquid diet that intends to cleanse the colon of these toxins in order to help the dieter lose weight and have fewer health problems that can be created by those toxins. Also called the Lemonade Diet, it relies on a special lemon drink as the only nourishment.

Instructions

    1

    Eat less for the 3 days before you start the Master Cleanse Diet. This can shrink your stomach slightly and prepare you for going without food while on the diet. Try one meal a day for 3 days or eat smaller meals than you are accustomed to.

    2

    Mix 60 oz. of water with 12 tbsp. each of maple syrup and lemon juice. Add in about a 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper. Stir these ingredients together to make a 1-day supply of the drink. This will be the only nourishment you are allowed each day for at least 10 days.

    3

    Take a laxative pill or drink a herbal laxative tea. Both of these are allowed on the Master Cleanse diet. Because the lemon drink doesn't have any fiber, constipation can be a problem if you don't take steps to move your bowels, and constipation defeats the cleansing purpose of the diet.

    4

    Stay on this diet for at least 10 days. The diet can be continued for as long as 40 days, but many dieters find it difficult to go that long on the Master Cleanse Diet without feeling fatigue.

    5

    Ease slowly into eating solid food again. Eating a large meal as soon as you finish the Master Cleanse Diet can give you a stomach ache at best and painful cramping and vomiting at worst. Eat small meals for a day or two as your stomach stretches to accommodate meals again.

How to Start Mobile Juice Bar

Busy Americans looking for a way to increase their fruit and vegetable count are turning to nutrient-packed juices and smoothies to supplement their diet. This is great news for an entrepreneur looking to jump on this increasingly popular trend. Starting a mobile juice bar could prove to be extremely lucrative, due to its low overhead and start-up fees.

Instructions

    1

    Find a prime location for your mobile juice bar. Shoot for high visibility and convenient access. Prime locations for a cart or kiosk include malls, offices, hospitals, hotels, colleges, athletic clubs, government buildings, airports, grocery stores and large department stores. You may set up a juice van outside of community centers, tourist attractions, beaches or shopping centers. Write up a business plan identifying how much traffic you expect to bring in. Present this to owners and property managers when selling your mobile juice cart idea. Get clearance from your zoning office

    2

    Create a clever name for your juice bar. Then register your business at your county clerk's office. In addition, you will need a sales tax permit, federal tax ID, liability insurance, food handler's permit, and mobile food service license. Your van will also need to meet health regulations and be inspected. Along with your application and fee, you will need to submit a packet that may include your menu and operating procedures, drawings of cart and a list of your equipment. Contact your health department for details.

    3

    Familiarize yourself with popular supplements, antioxidants, and popular fruits and vegetables. Research which combinations of fruits can provide appealing health benefits such as anti-aging or memory enhancement. Experiment at home making juices and smoothies and have friends and family try them out.

    4

    Purchase your van or cart and supplies (see Resources). Visit local farmers to purchase organic or all-natural fruits. Purchase juicers, blenders, refrigeration, sinks, jugs, branded cups and napkins, a menu board and signage for your cart or van. Get your cash register, receipt paper and accounting tools by signing up for a merchant account (see Resources), which will allow you to accept credit and debit cards.

    5

    Advertise your mobile juice bar at health clubs and colleges. Join your Chamber of Commerce and network with other businesses, such as hotels.

How to Create a Detailed Master Page

How to Create a Detailed Master Page

ASP.NET master pages are template pages that allow developers to create webpages without duplicating common code. For example, a developer might want to use a navigation bar that is common to all pages on a site. Instead of placing the bar on every webpage, developers put it in a detailed master page and let content pages reference the master page. Master pages also reduce maintenance costs by reducing the time required to make site-wide code changes.

Instructions

    1

    Open Microsoft Visual Studio and select "File > New Web Site." A list of installed templates will appear.

    2

    Click "ASP.NET Web Site" and enter "TestProject" (without quotes) for the name of your website. Click "OK" to close the template window.

    3

    Right-click "TestProject" in the Solution Explorer. The Solution Explorer is located in a panel on the right of the screen.

    4

    Choose "Add New Item" from the drop-down context menu to open the "Add New Item" window. Double-click "Master Page." The window will close and a file named "masterPage.master" will appear in the Solution Explorer.

    5

    Double-click "masterPage.master" to display its code in the code editor.

    6

    Add the following code below the opening "

    " tag:

    This is a heading

    This will add a heading to the top of the master page.

    7

    Add this code before the closing "

    " tag:

    This is a footer

    This will add a footer to the bottom of the master page.

    8

    Right-click "masterPage.master" and select "Add Content Page" from the context menu. Visual Studio will add a content page named "Default2.aspx" to the Solution Explorer and open the code in the code editor. This ".aspx" page will display the page elements defined in the master page.

    9

    Add this HTML code before the second "" closing tag:

    This paragraph is in the content page

    10

    Press "F5." Visual Studio will open the browser and display the following text on the webpage:

    This is a heading
    This is paragraph is in the content page
    This is a footer

How to Eliminate Salt in the Body With Potassium

Salt contains sodium in the form of sodium chloride. Sodium and potassium naturally balance each other in the body. An excess of one will diminish the other. To eliminate too much salt in the body, eat foods rich in potassium or acquire potassium tablets from your doctor. High blood pressure is one result of too much salt in the body. Too much salt in the diet or eating too little potassium-rich foods creates several types of health problems.

Instructions

    1

    Ask your doctor to review your need for potassium tablets if your blood pressure is extremely high. High blood pressure exacerbated by too much blood sodium can cause a stroke, heart attack or damage to the kidneys and eyes. Don't rely solely on potassium-rich foods to correct any problems. Use prescription potassium pills instead.

    2

    Ingest more natural potassium to help eliminate sodium through the kidneys. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, melons, fruits and berries contain potassium. Broccoli, cabbage, cottage cheese, milk and beans are rich in potassium. Adopting these foods into your diet should help maintain a sodium-potassium balance.

    3

    Drink two quarts of water daily to eliminate excessive salt in the blood. Merely drinking water will not restore a healthy potassium balance. You will need to ingest potassium-rich foods on a continual basis as well. Magnesium also plays a role in balancing potassium and sodium.

    4

    Use salt substitute products if your sodium levels are high. Potassium chloride is usually the main ingredient of salt substitute products. Many of these products derive their tangy taste from citrus fruit derivatives. This helps curb the craving for table salt.

How to Avoid Complications While Fasting

How to Avoid Complications While Fasting

Many alternative health experts recommend occasional fasting, whether it's a water-only fast, a juice fast, a Master Cleanse ('lemonade fast') or a fast where certain foods are restricted. Fasting can be an effective way to cleanse your body of toxins. It's an attractive remedy for people with joint pain, insomnia or excessive weight. However, it's important to know your own body's limitations. By taking a few precautions and consulting with your doctor, you can make sure that you will avoid complications while fasting. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Find Out If Fasting Is Right for You

    1

    Consult with your doctor before beginning any fast. Some medical conditions like diabetes and hypoglycemia can create complications while fasting.

    2

    Experiment by taking several short fasts before embarking on a longer one to see if your body reacts accordingly. A short fast would last 24 hours. A long fast will generally extend for more than 10 days.

    3

    Read more about proper fasting methods from Web sites like Dr. Ben Kim's (see Resources below).

Avoid Complications While Fasting

    4

    Exercise consistently while fasting. The activity will help circulate your blood. Remember to never overexert yourself.

    5

    Drink at least 7 to 10 glasses, each 8 oz., of water per day. Your body's need for water will increase without food.

    6

    Consider whether or not you should take a multi-vitamin while fasting. Keep in mind that some multi-vitamins can actually increase hunger pangs, dizziness and nausea.

    7

    Rest whenever you feel tired or run-down. Nap if and when you need to.

    8

    Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine during your fast. The body can absorb energy and vitamins from sunlight and the environment. Remember to wear your sunscreen!

End Your Fast the Correct Way

    9

    Avoid having a large feast for your first meal after a fast. The foods during your first meal should have a laxative effect to remove all of the mucus and toxins that have accumulated during the fast. Many people recommend drinking only watered down fruit juices and thin vegetable broth in the days after a fast is concluded.

    10

    Wait for a few hours after your first meal to see if you experience any discomfort before eating more food.

Easy & Cheap Healthy Diet Foods

With the abundance of fast food chains lining the streets of the United States, it is easy to get caught up with unhealthy dollar menu items. However, you might be surprised at the quick and inexpensive meals that sit right within your pantry or grocery store. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Polenta

    Very popular in Italian cuisine, polenta is a quick and easy grain that can be prepared in so many interesting ways. This form of corn meal can come raw or in precooked wrapping. Because it can be produced in abundance, this ingredient is one of the cheapest--and filling--items on the store shelf.

    Once it is made, the flavoring is up to you. It can be used as a base for sauces and is an alternative to pasta. If you purchase the precooked product, all you need to do is slice it up and bake it until crispy.

    Polenta can be substituted for bread for a lower calorie and carb option.

Frozen Wonders

    Most people think that frozen foods are high in preservatives and fat. However, there are many options in your grocer's freezer that may surprise you.

    Frozen vegetables, such as peas, artichokes and asparagus, can provide your daily dose of vitamins. They are also substantially cheaper than fresh vegetables and have a much longer shelf life.

    You can add these ingredients to whole wheat pasta for a filling and low carb meal or just serve them as a side dish along with grilled chicken.

Beans, Beans, Beans

    Canned beans are one of the pantry staples you cannot live without. They are such a versatile cooking item that can be used in so many dishes.

    Beans are loaded with fiber and nutrients and they are quite filling when added to a dish. The cans can be found at any grocery store and usually cost between $1 and $1.50 per can.

    To make beans a healthy part of your meal, add them to whole grain rice and ground beef. They are also an alternative to meat products if you are on a vegetarian diet.

How to make Sassy Water

How to make Sassy Water

This is a refreshing change from drinking regular lemon water. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

    1

    This is a water that is mixed with several ingredients. It is from the prevention.com website. It is part of the fat belly diet. This water can be drunk whether you are on the diet or not.

    2

    Fill up a container with 2 quarts of water.

    3

    Take the mint leave stems and break off 12 mint leaves and place inside the water.

    4

    Wash you lemon on the outside good and slice very thin and add to water.

    5

    Take your cucumber and peel off the outside with a pealer or knife. After slice really thin.

    6

    Take the ginger root and grate it on the fine section of your grater. Add to the water.

    7

    Put the water in the refrigerator and let it get cold. Overnight is recommended on the Prevention web sites directions. I will add this resource to the bottom of the page.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Detox Protocol

A detox cleanse is a holistic health practice that alters your diet temporarily in order to remove stored toxins in your body. The goal is to help your body restore its natural metabolic rate. While detox cleanse programs are highly touted by a variety of natural diet advocates, doctors warn that there is little research to back any of the claims of these programs with serious medical risks. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new diet program.

Preparation

    If you are doing a fasting detox, a diet where you only consume liquids, you will need to prepare your body. The week leading up to a fasting cleanse should consist of eating only raw foods, to reduce the amount of work your digestive system is doing. Raw foods include fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods. The days just before should include only fruits and vegetables. By doing this, you will lower your caloric intake and your body will begin to slow down the digestive system, according to the Master Cleanse website. Your metabolism will still slow down during the detox, but it won't be as extreme and you will curb a lot of hunger pangs by not abruptly stopping eating. The fiber in fruits and vegetables will also stimulate your colon to push waste through to start the detox process.

During a Detox

    When on a detox, it is important to drink adequate amounts of water. These are recommended by programs such as the Master Cleanser and the Fruit Juice diet. This helps to keep you hydrated and flush out any toxins that may be released into your system. Use herbal teas and salt-water solutions to help stimulate bowel movements during this period. The lack of food may lead to constipation.
    If you are using herbal supplement for your cleanse instead of a fasting cleanse, you should take these after eating. Many herbal supplements such as milk thistle aid the liver and help digestion.

Care and Concerns

    When you are on a detox cleanse you can expect certain side effects. The most common are headaches, lethargy and moodiness. These side effects are attributed to the toxins being released into your bloodstream. You should feel better once they are flushed out. Moodiness may also be a attributed to the lack of calories. It is advised to lighten your schedule when on a fasting cleanse to allow your body to work through this.
    More serious medical concerns cited by Michael Picco, MD, of the Mayo Clinic, include anemia, low blood sugar and irregular heart beats. Should you experience dizziness while on a detox, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Acupuncture & Weight Loss

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical theory in which extremely fine needles are inserted into specified locations on the body. Acupuncture is used for pain management and therapeutic applications. Acupuncture treatments, combined with diet and exercise, can produce desired weight loss results. In a 2003 study from The Journal of Medical Acupuncture, patients who participated in acupuncture lost three times the weight of those who did not.

Time Frame

    Licensed Acupuncturist Joyce Marley explains that acupuncture patients are usually scheduled for treatments twice per week until the desired weight loss has been obtained. Each session takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Acupuncturists will spend more time on the first treatment, Marley says, to identify the specific body imbalances of the patient and determine which acupuncture points to use. The frequency and number of treatments will vary depending on the amount of weight the patient wants to lose.

Method

    Depending on the symptoms of the patient, acupuncturists use different acupuncture points. For example, the desire to overeat, water retention and impulsive eating will be treated in different areas on the body. Problems such as sugar or hormonal imbalances are also addressed. During the acupuncture session, small and flexible needles will be inserted into points determined by the needs of the patient. According to Acupuncture-Services.com, most patients do not report experiencing any pain.

Dietary Changes

    According to Acufinder.com, combining healthy eating and diet supplementation with acupuncture treatments improves weight loss results. Patients are advised to consume more bitter and sour foods and avoid sweet, salty and greasy foods to aid in weight loss. Suggested herbs are shan zha, shen qu, lai fu zi, ban xia and lian qiao. These herbs are available as a tea for easier consumption.

Abdominal Massage

    Traditional Chinese medicine suggests combining abdominal massages with acupuncture treatments to improve the digestion and absorption of food, reports Acufinder.com. This can be done by the patient to stimulate the stomach, kidneys and spleen, to aid weight loss. An acupuncturist will review this method with the patient and advise the frequency at which it should be performed as part of the treatment.

Risks

    Laws cited on accupuncture.com state that because acupuncture is considered an invasive procedure, the needles are required to be sterilized before use. Some practices may choose to disregard this law, and could risk transmitting infectious diseases to the patient. Other injuries could occur, such as nerve damage, lung puncturing or kidney damage. Pregnant women should avoid acupuncture on certain points, says Acufinder.com, because of the risk of premature labor.

How to Make a Homemade Detox Drink

Detoxification is the process of eliminating and stabilizing toxins in the body. Toxins are derived from foods, medications, beverages and even the air we breathe. By detoxifying the body, you can rid your digestive tract, respiratory system, colon, and skin of these damaging toxins. You can detoxify your body in several ways--capsules, a fruit and vegetable diet, and beverages. Detoxification beverages are among the most common way to rid the body of toxins, and can be made in the convenience of your own home.

Instructions

The Power of Cranberries

    1

    Measure 1 cup of spring water, and 2 tbsp. of unsweetened cranberry juice into a glass. Cranberry juice cleanses the urinary tract, flushes toxins from the body and assists in the elimination of store fat cells.

    2

    Measure 1 tsp. of barley green powder into the cranberry juice and water. Stir ingredients for about two minutes. Barley green powder is gentle on the digestive tract and allows essential vitamins and nutrients to be absorbed by the body.

    3

    Consume beverage two times daily--morning and night--for best results.

Sweet Apple Cider Detoxification

    4

    Boil 2 cups of water in a pot on the stove. Once it comes to a boil, remove the pot from the burner, and let cool for five minutes.

    5

    Pour the hot water into a glass. Measure 2 tbsp. honey and add it to the glass of water. Stir honey and water for three minutes.

    6

    Measure 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and pour it into the glass containing the water and honey. Stir once more to blend all of the ingredients. Apple cider vinegar contains vitamins, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, that are necessary to rid the body of harmful toxins and chemicals. Apple cider can dissolve harmful toxins, such as uric acid, which is chronically associated with muscle and join pain.

    7

    Consume this apple cider detoxification beverage twice daily--morning and night.

Vanilla Blueberry Yogurt Cleansing

    8

    Measure 2 1/2 cups of vanilla yogurt and 1 cup of milk into a blender. If you prefer plain yogurt, you can use that instead.

    9

    Measure 1/2 cup of blueberries and add them to ingredients in blender. Blueberries are a natural antioxidant that can help fight free radicals. Free radicals damage cell membranes and are associated with the aging process.

    10

    Place the lid on the blender and blend the milk, yogurt and blueberries on a low speed for 15 seconds. This will help blend the ingredients and allow room inside blender to add the ice cubes.

    11

    Add six to eight ice cubes and blend all of the ingredients on a high setting until the ice is crushed.

    12

    Consume beverage as often as desired.

Monday, August 19, 2013

How to Lose Fat Using Ketosis

How to Lose Fat Using Ketosis

You can lose stored body fat using ketosis. Ketosis is a state your body is in when it is using your stored body fat for fuel. This is your bodys natural way of fighting off starvation. Ketosis also releases toxins stored in your body fat, helping you to reduce or eliminate cellulite. Many celebrities and models use ketosis to lose body fat, while being able to keep muscle tone. For healthy adults, this is a safe way to lose a vast amount of body fat in a short amount of time.Follow these steps to lose Fat Using ketosis.

Instructions

How to Lose Fat Using Ketosis

    1

    Determine how much body fat you need to lose. Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measurement of how much body fat you have in proportion to your weight and height. Take your weight in pounds and divide it by your squared height in inches, multiplying that number by 703. For example, if your weight is 165 and your height is 56, your formula to calculate your BMI is [165 (66)2] x 703 = 26.62. Set your goals to achieve a BMI in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9.

    2

    Use a carbohydrate counter and plan your meals. Download the acceptable foods list using the resource box, or use a pocket carbohydrate counter to measure the amount of carbohydrates that each particular food contains. Avoid sugar and starch and eat plenty of meat and cheese. Plan your meals accordingly.

    3

    Start the two-week induction phase of ketosis consuming less than 20 grams of carbohydrates a day. The two-week induction period typically lasts for two weeks, but you may stay in this stage until you are within 20 pounds of your goal weight. You may experience headaches and other symptoms, which are normal.

    4

    Drink plenty of water and eliminate caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine stimulates insulin production, which is something you dont want for ketosis, while alcohol contains high carbohydrates, pushing you out of the state of fat-burning. Drink a glass of water before each meal to deal with the hunger pangs that may occur during the first few days.

    5

    Increase you daily intake of carbohydrates by five grams each week. For example, during the third week of ketosis eat only 25 grams of carbs each day, and the fourth week eating only 30 grams of carbs each day. Continue adding five grams of carbs each day every week until you have stopped losing weight, ending the state of ketosis.

    6

    Use the ketosis experience to change your eating habits on a permanent basis. Once your body leaves ketosis, you will know the daily carbohydrate intake your body needs. Plan your meals or food choices as a lifestyle, rather than a diet so your weight loss will be permanent and reevaluate your daily intake needs as your metabolism changes or you increase your fitness levels.