Recommended Programs
Archive for February 2010
Doctor, When Should Muscle Relaxants be Used For Arthritis?
Nathan Wei asked:
One question that comes up repeatedly is, “Where do muscle relaxants fall into the treatment approach for different musculoskeletal conditions”?
Patients will sometimes ask about them and physicians who see these patients sometimes wonder if these drugs should be considered.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are the most widely prescribed drug class in the United States for non-specific low back pain.
In addition, this class of drugs is used for neck pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain.
Goals for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions include relief of muscle pain and improvement in function and therefore, a return to normal activities of daily living.
The two primary categories of skeletal muscle relaxants are anti-spastic agents (eg, baclofen [Kemstro and Lioresal] or dantrolene [Dantrium]) for diseases like cerebral palsy, spastic torticollis, and multiple sclerosis and anti-spasmodic agents for muscle-related conditions.
Anti-spastic agents are rarely used for musculoskeletal conditions; however, some rheumatologists report success in treating fibromyalgia using baclofen. Since this is an “off-label” use, caution should be exerted and the lowest possible doses should be prescribed… and then only by specialists who have much experience. Patients should be informed as to the potential side effects.
Antispasmodic agents are much more widely used for musculoskeletal conditions.
The most often prescribed antispasmodic agents are carisoprodol [Soma}, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), metaxalone (Skelaxin), and methocarbamol (Robaxin). In terms of effectiveness, there appears to be no one muscle relaxant that is superior to another. Often, physicians will prescribe the muscle relaxant they are most familiar with. Another reason one is selected over another is that a physician may have samples in his closet that he can give to a patient to try before giving the patient a prescription.
The most widely studied and used agent is cyclobenzaprine. This has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions but causes drowsiness, as does tizanidine [Zanaflex]. As a result, patients with insomnia caused by muscle spasms, may find tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine to be useful. Cyclobenzaprine is particularly helpful for many patients with fibromyalgia.
All skeletal muscle relaxants have adverse effects which include most commonly dizziness, drowsiness, and dryness of the mouth.
Methocarbamol and metaxalone may be are less sedating than tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine. However, they may also be more habituating in some cases.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are generally not considered first-line therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Most physicians will start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) first. Many clinical trials have supported the notion that NSAIDS are superior to muscle relaxants in patients suffering from acute low back pain. However, it is also known from the data that muscle relaxants are superior to placebo.
For acute low back pain syndromes, skeletal muscle relaxants may be used as additional therapy to NSAIDS.
For acute low back pain, muscle relaxants should be used short term (2 weeks). Some patients with chronic back conditions as well as patients with fibromyalgia may require chronic long-term use of muscle relaxants.
Muscle relaxants should be avoided in frail elderly patients because of the danger related to sedation and falling.
The Fat Loss Secret
One question that comes up repeatedly is, “Where do muscle relaxants fall into the treatment approach for different musculoskeletal conditions”?
Patients will sometimes ask about them and physicians who see these patients sometimes wonder if these drugs should be considered.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are the most widely prescribed drug class in the United States for non-specific low back pain.
In addition, this class of drugs is used for neck pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain.
Goals for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions include relief of muscle pain and improvement in function and therefore, a return to normal activities of daily living.
The two primary categories of skeletal muscle relaxants are anti-spastic agents (eg, baclofen [Kemstro and Lioresal] or dantrolene [Dantrium]) for diseases like cerebral palsy, spastic torticollis, and multiple sclerosis and anti-spasmodic agents for muscle-related conditions.
Anti-spastic agents are rarely used for musculoskeletal conditions; however, some rheumatologists report success in treating fibromyalgia using baclofen. Since this is an “off-label” use, caution should be exerted and the lowest possible doses should be prescribed… and then only by specialists who have much experience. Patients should be informed as to the potential side effects.
Antispasmodic agents are much more widely used for musculoskeletal conditions.
The most often prescribed antispasmodic agents are carisoprodol [Soma}, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), metaxalone (Skelaxin), and methocarbamol (Robaxin). In terms of effectiveness, there appears to be no one muscle relaxant that is superior to another. Often, physicians will prescribe the muscle relaxant they are most familiar with. Another reason one is selected over another is that a physician may have samples in his closet that he can give to a patient to try before giving the patient a prescription.
The most widely studied and used agent is cyclobenzaprine. This has been shown to be effective for various musculoskeletal conditions but causes drowsiness, as does tizanidine [Zanaflex]. As a result, patients with insomnia caused by muscle spasms, may find tizanidine or cyclobenzaprine to be useful. Cyclobenzaprine is particularly helpful for many patients with fibromyalgia.
All skeletal muscle relaxants have adverse effects which include most commonly dizziness, drowsiness, and dryness of the mouth.
Methocarbamol and metaxalone may be are less sedating than tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine. However, they may also be more habituating in some cases.
Skeletal muscle relaxants are generally not considered first-line therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Most physicians will start with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) first. Many clinical trials have supported the notion that NSAIDS are superior to muscle relaxants in patients suffering from acute low back pain. However, it is also known from the data that muscle relaxants are superior to placebo.
For acute low back pain syndromes, skeletal muscle relaxants may be used as additional therapy to NSAIDS.
For acute low back pain, muscle relaxants should be used short term (2 weeks). Some patients with chronic back conditions as well as patients with fibromyalgia may require chronic long-term use of muscle relaxants.
Muscle relaxants should be avoided in frail elderly patients because of the danger related to sedation and falling.
The Fat Loss Secret
Top Tips for Relaxing During Pregnancy
marneta Viegas asked:
Breathing
Developing your breath awareness will benefit you and the baby during pregnancy and help you during the birth. Practice breathing deeply and rhythmically. This can ease muscle tension, lower your heart rate, and help you fall asleep faster. Take in a deep breath and breathe out as slow as you can. Repeat this exercise a few times.
Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to relieve stress and muscle tiredness during pregnancy. Gentle massage techniques can reduce the pain and increase your mobility. Ask your partner or a friend to give you a foot, hand or neck massage before bed. Or treat yourself to a professional massage, making sure the masseuse is a pregnancy specialist.
Yoga and stretching
Yoga & stretching are great ways to give the body a relaxing treat, whilst keeping you toned and flexible. Many gyms and health clubs offer yoga and stretch classes and some are designed specifically for pregnant women. You may like to create your own stretching routine with simple moves for your neck and shoulders, back, waist, and legs. Do what feels good, as any simple stretch will bring relaxation to the muscles.
15 minutes deep relaxation a day
Give yourself 15 minutes everyday, where you turn off the TV and telephone and rest completely. This is a great way to re-charge and bring rest, yet energy to the whole body. Lie down on the floor or bed and allow yourself to relax. Starting with your feet, tense and relax your toes tightly and then relax them. Squeeze your legs tightly and then let them go completely. Tense your arms against your body and then allow them to relax completely. Squeeze your shoulders up to your ears and relax them deeply. Tense the muscles in your face and then relax. Stay there still and allow your whole body to relax deeply.
Classical Music
Relaxing to classical music such as Mozart is the perfect way to help you and your baby relax. Classical music can activate the alpha brainwaves, which help get you into a state of deep inner calm and contentment. Sit or lie down and as you listen to the music, feel as if your whole body is relaxing and sinking into the bed or chair.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to help lift your mood during pregnancy. Not all essential oils are safe during pregnancy. Rose oil is a great relaxant, whilst lavender, neroli and nutmeg are deeply calming. Geranium is great to boost your circulation. Use a few drops in almond oil. Oils may be used in the bath, shower, a diffuser or with a massage. Sprinkling a couple of drops of lavender on your pillow may help you get to sleep.
Visualisation
Visualisation is a great way to help you relax. When you have a few moments spare, picture yourself in a quiet, relaxing scene. This might be lying on a warm sandy beach or walking through a rain forest or sitting under a shady tree or by a quiet river bed. Allow your imagination to go into the detail of the scene and include the sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This may take some practice, but keep trying. Once you master this technique you can use your imagination to calm your anxious or restless mind. You might like to try listening to Relax Kids Nature CD and imagine you are in beautiful nature settings. It is great for adults as well as children and a great way to start your baby relaxing.
No Nonsense Muscle Building
Breathing
Developing your breath awareness will benefit you and the baby during pregnancy and help you during the birth. Practice breathing deeply and rhythmically. This can ease muscle tension, lower your heart rate, and help you fall asleep faster. Take in a deep breath and breathe out as slow as you can. Repeat this exercise a few times.
Massage
Massage is a wonderful way to relieve stress and muscle tiredness during pregnancy. Gentle massage techniques can reduce the pain and increase your mobility. Ask your partner or a friend to give you a foot, hand or neck massage before bed. Or treat yourself to a professional massage, making sure the masseuse is a pregnancy specialist.
Yoga and stretching
Yoga & stretching are great ways to give the body a relaxing treat, whilst keeping you toned and flexible. Many gyms and health clubs offer yoga and stretch classes and some are designed specifically for pregnant women. You may like to create your own stretching routine with simple moves for your neck and shoulders, back, waist, and legs. Do what feels good, as any simple stretch will bring relaxation to the muscles.
15 minutes deep relaxation a day
Give yourself 15 minutes everyday, where you turn off the TV and telephone and rest completely. This is a great way to re-charge and bring rest, yet energy to the whole body. Lie down on the floor or bed and allow yourself to relax. Starting with your feet, tense and relax your toes tightly and then relax them. Squeeze your legs tightly and then let them go completely. Tense your arms against your body and then allow them to relax completely. Squeeze your shoulders up to your ears and relax them deeply. Tense the muscles in your face and then relax. Stay there still and allow your whole body to relax deeply.
Classical Music
Relaxing to classical music such as Mozart is the perfect way to help you and your baby relax. Classical music can activate the alpha brainwaves, which help get you into a state of deep inner calm and contentment. Sit or lie down and as you listen to the music, feel as if your whole body is relaxing and sinking into the bed or chair.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to help lift your mood during pregnancy. Not all essential oils are safe during pregnancy. Rose oil is a great relaxant, whilst lavender, neroli and nutmeg are deeply calming. Geranium is great to boost your circulation. Use a few drops in almond oil. Oils may be used in the bath, shower, a diffuser or with a massage. Sprinkling a couple of drops of lavender on your pillow may help you get to sleep.
Visualisation
Visualisation is a great way to help you relax. When you have a few moments spare, picture yourself in a quiet, relaxing scene. This might be lying on a warm sandy beach or walking through a rain forest or sitting under a shady tree or by a quiet river bed. Allow your imagination to go into the detail of the scene and include the sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This may take some practice, but keep trying. Once you master this technique you can use your imagination to calm your anxious or restless mind. You might like to try listening to Relax Kids Nature CD and imagine you are in beautiful nature settings. It is great for adults as well as children and a great way to start your baby relaxing.
No Nonsense Muscle Building
Fastest Way to Build Muscles- Powerful Muscle Building Tips
Tony Smith asked:
Building muscles fast require that you do a few things properly. And it’s essential that you incorporate effective muscle building strategies if you are serious about building quality muscle. So, what I’m going to do is share with you the fastest way to build muscles.
The first thing you need to focus on is your training. You should train at least 3 times a week. Make sure you add compound lifts to your workouts. Compound lifts consist of squats, bench press, military press, and deadlifts.
Also, be sure to change up your workouts every 4 weeks. Changing your workouts will force your muscles to continue to grow. If you keep doing the same workout and same exercises over and over again, your muscles will get use to it and stop growing.
Another thing you should focus on when trying to build your muscles fast is nutrition. Make sure you eat alot of protein and carbs. You should eat at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight and 1.5 grams of carbs per pound of bodyweight.
An example would be if you weighed 180 pounds, you would intake 180 grams of protein and 270 grams of carbs.
Also, be sure to add these proteins to your meal plan: eggs, steak, beef, chicken, salmon, and cottage cheese. And for carbs, add these to your meal plan: pasta, brown rice, apples, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
The fastest way to build muscles also includes one more thing. It requires that you take supplements. The supplements you should consume are whey protein, creatine monohydrate, bcaa (branch chain amino acids), and vitamins. All of these supplements are safe and won’t cause you any harm.
To get the best results from the supplements, drink your whey protein with complex carbs (apple, oatmeal, or banana) about 1 hour before your workout. And drink another whey protein shake with simple carbs (gatorade, honey, a few pieces of white bread with jelly, or baked potato) immediately after your workout.
Also, after your workout, take your creatine and bcaa with your whey protein shake.
These muscle building tips are the fastest way to build muscles. Follow these tips and you’re guaranteed to notice a difference in your muscle mass.
End Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Building muscles fast require that you do a few things properly. And it’s essential that you incorporate effective muscle building strategies if you are serious about building quality muscle. So, what I’m going to do is share with you the fastest way to build muscles.
The first thing you need to focus on is your training. You should train at least 3 times a week. Make sure you add compound lifts to your workouts. Compound lifts consist of squats, bench press, military press, and deadlifts.
Also, be sure to change up your workouts every 4 weeks. Changing your workouts will force your muscles to continue to grow. If you keep doing the same workout and same exercises over and over again, your muscles will get use to it and stop growing.
Another thing you should focus on when trying to build your muscles fast is nutrition. Make sure you eat alot of protein and carbs. You should eat at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight and 1.5 grams of carbs per pound of bodyweight.
An example would be if you weighed 180 pounds, you would intake 180 grams of protein and 270 grams of carbs.
Also, be sure to add these proteins to your meal plan: eggs, steak, beef, chicken, salmon, and cottage cheese. And for carbs, add these to your meal plan: pasta, brown rice, apples, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread.
The fastest way to build muscles also includes one more thing. It requires that you take supplements. The supplements you should consume are whey protein, creatine monohydrate, bcaa (branch chain amino acids), and vitamins. All of these supplements are safe and won’t cause you any harm.
To get the best results from the supplements, drink your whey protein with complex carbs (apple, oatmeal, or banana) about 1 hour before your workout. And drink another whey protein shake with simple carbs (gatorade, honey, a few pieces of white bread with jelly, or baked potato) immediately after your workout.
Also, after your workout, take your creatine and bcaa with your whey protein shake.
These muscle building tips are the fastest way to build muscles. Follow these tips and you’re guaranteed to notice a difference in your muscle mass.
End Anxiety And Panic Attacks
How to Keep Building Muscle
Steve Robbins asked:
Many factors go into whether or not you are actually building muscle or not. Things like rep count, workout frequency, routine type, nutrition, supplements amount of rest and so forth. Everyone is different but the right combination of the variables exists for everybody. But only ONE thing and one thing only keeps everybody building muscle once they find their way.
Since we are all unique, what works for some will not necessarily work for someone else. The way that I have managed to build mass over the years took many years for me to discover and may not work for you. I tried what I thought was all the text book ways of lifting for upwards of 5 years before I found the right “mix” for me. For the record, it turns out that low rep (4-6), very heavy weight, 90 seconds rest between sets, 5 pyramided sets, 2 body parts per workout, training 5 days a week was the way I finally started adding mass. Not to mention very little cardio work and heavy protein and creatine supplementation. I have many friends that have tried following my routine and it doesn’t work for them, but they eventually found their way. But the same thing keeps everybody growing once they start.
Set a Personal Best ONCE in every workout.
Fine. How do I do that? Here’s how and why it works.
Let’s say today’s chest day and you do 6 different exercises for your chest. If you are like most people you probably do the six lifts in the same order each workout and chart your progress. Hence the term “chest routine”. Once you start getting stronger you will grow but eventually plateau. Frustration sets in, you change your routine and maybe progress continues for a while. But when you go back to the original routine, you might actually be weaker, because you haven’t done these moves in a while. A common occurrence.
What works is this: Keep doing the same six moves in your original routine (they were working, right?), but change the order. You will obviously be strongest on either the first or second exercise because you are freshest at this point in your workout. So make that lift a different lift each session and during one of the sets of this exercise set a personal best for either most weight or more reps at your previous high weight. The trick is that you must perform at that level every workout thereafter. So now when you do this exercise next time, you are trying to match what was a personal best at a point in your workout when you are not at your freshest and strongest, as well as setting a new PB on a different exercise when you are, and so on and on and on.
If you do six exercises with 3 sets for each one, and follow this pattern, at the end of 18 chest workouts, every single set will be at weights higher than when you started 18 workouts ago. Which means if you hit your chest twice a week, in 2 months every set you do would be one that 9 weeks ago you couldn’t. So, how big do you want to be?
The Truth About Abs
Many factors go into whether or not you are actually building muscle or not. Things like rep count, workout frequency, routine type, nutrition, supplements amount of rest and so forth. Everyone is different but the right combination of the variables exists for everybody. But only ONE thing and one thing only keeps everybody building muscle once they find their way.
Since we are all unique, what works for some will not necessarily work for someone else. The way that I have managed to build mass over the years took many years for me to discover and may not work for you. I tried what I thought was all the text book ways of lifting for upwards of 5 years before I found the right “mix” for me. For the record, it turns out that low rep (4-6), very heavy weight, 90 seconds rest between sets, 5 pyramided sets, 2 body parts per workout, training 5 days a week was the way I finally started adding mass. Not to mention very little cardio work and heavy protein and creatine supplementation. I have many friends that have tried following my routine and it doesn’t work for them, but they eventually found their way. But the same thing keeps everybody growing once they start.
Set a Personal Best ONCE in every workout.
Fine. How do I do that? Here’s how and why it works.
Let’s say today’s chest day and you do 6 different exercises for your chest. If you are like most people you probably do the six lifts in the same order each workout and chart your progress. Hence the term “chest routine”. Once you start getting stronger you will grow but eventually plateau. Frustration sets in, you change your routine and maybe progress continues for a while. But when you go back to the original routine, you might actually be weaker, because you haven’t done these moves in a while. A common occurrence.
What works is this: Keep doing the same six moves in your original routine (they were working, right?), but change the order. You will obviously be strongest on either the first or second exercise because you are freshest at this point in your workout. So make that lift a different lift each session and during one of the sets of this exercise set a personal best for either most weight or more reps at your previous high weight. The trick is that you must perform at that level every workout thereafter. So now when you do this exercise next time, you are trying to match what was a personal best at a point in your workout when you are not at your freshest and strongest, as well as setting a new PB on a different exercise when you are, and so on and on and on.
If you do six exercises with 3 sets for each one, and follow this pattern, at the end of 18 chest workouts, every single set will be at weights higher than when you started 18 workouts ago. Which means if you hit your chest twice a week, in 2 months every set you do would be one that 9 weeks ago you couldn’t. So, how big do you want to be?
The Truth About Abs
Top 9 Healthy Foods That Accelerate a Healthy Weight Loss!
William Winch asked:
In today’s world of highly advertised fad diets, it is very difficult for us to know which foods are actually healthy and which foods are not. This program says not to eat an apple, while this other program tells us it keeps the doctor away. Once and for all, we need to know which foods are nutritious so we can all jump off the weight loss roller coaster.
Before I get into the details, it is important to stress that weight loss without proper nutrition is not the road you want to take. No magic pill will ever give you the benefits of eating properly. Stop looking for short cuts and get serious about your health. It is the only way to live a lifestyle that is free of the threats of disease, poor health and obesity.
Healthy Foods Tip #1: Green Vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are very significant in maintaining a healthy body. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. How do they help accelerate weight loss? They are water-rich, which means you are actually filling yourself up with liquids instead of fatty calories.
Healthy Foods Tip #2: Fatty Fish
Did you read that right? Yes, it says fatty! Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines have omega-3 fats. Despite all the hoopla surrounding the fat-free weight loss craze, your body does in fact need good fat for optimal weight loss performance. Omega-3 fats also takes care of our heart. It prevents stroke and lowers bad cholesterol in our body.
Healthy Foods Tip #3: Green Tea
Anti-oxidants rid our bodies of free radials that can cause damage to our cells and slow the process of healthy weight loss. Green tea offers such a powerful supply of anti-oxidants and vitamins that it has been known to accelerate metabolism by drinking only one cup per day. Tomatoes, red grapes and blueberries are also beneficial for the same reasons, but on a smaller scale.
Healthy Foods Tip #4: Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits are all high in Vitamin C. That helps to prevents colds, asthma and arthritis. What happens when your body is functioning without illness? It performs better! When your body gets the right nutrition, it can perform its own miracles…like giving you more energy and burning off extra weight.
Healthy Foods Tip #5: Carrots
Have you ever heard someone say carrots were unhealthy? I guess they would be if you ate tons of them every day, just like anything else that is abused. The reality is that carrots are good source of Vitamin A and promotes better eyesight. It only takes a half cup worth to work like magic to accelerate healthy weight loss.
Healthy Foods Tip #6. Bananas
This fruit is so nutrition that even monkeys know it is good for them. It can help cure ulcers, diarrhea and stomach cramps because it is high in potassium. If you sweat a lot and need energy, grab a banana. Many athletes consume bananas for energy and alertness. Have you ever seen an overweight monkey or athlete?
Healthy Foods Tip #7: Soy
The soybean is as close to a magic weight loss pill as you will ever find. No, you can not pop them into your mouth and watch the pounds melt away, but when you add soy into your daily diet, you will be amazed to see how quickly your health and weight loss improve at the same time. Soy-based protein smoothies helped me to lose 70 pounds in 4 months 15 years ago. And yes, I still have the weight off!
Healthy Foods Tip #8 Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It has vitamin C and pectin that flushes out toxins in our body. Toxins are probably the number one reason why people can not lose weight quickly when they eat healthy foods. Apples only work to your advantage when they are eaten raw, so dipping them into caramel sauce or cooking them into a pie will not keep the doctor away.
Healthy Foods Tip #9. Water
It may not be food but it is the most important part of your daily diet. Your body can not function properly if it is dehydrated, and most people do not drink as much as they should. Water also makes you feel full without any calories. Many times people reach for a snack when all they really need is a glass of water.
Along with a daily diet of the foods listed above, you need discipline and a willingness to reach your healthy weight loss goals. Most people get discouraged with losing weight when they fail to grasp the concept of living a healthy lifestyle. Once you develop this mindset, eating healthy will be part of your daily routine…and battling weight gain will be a thing of the past.
Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
In today’s world of highly advertised fad diets, it is very difficult for us to know which foods are actually healthy and which foods are not. This program says not to eat an apple, while this other program tells us it keeps the doctor away. Once and for all, we need to know which foods are nutritious so we can all jump off the weight loss roller coaster.
Before I get into the details, it is important to stress that weight loss without proper nutrition is not the road you want to take. No magic pill will ever give you the benefits of eating properly. Stop looking for short cuts and get serious about your health. It is the only way to live a lifestyle that is free of the threats of disease, poor health and obesity.
Healthy Foods Tip #1: Green Vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach and cabbage are very significant in maintaining a healthy body. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. How do they help accelerate weight loss? They are water-rich, which means you are actually filling yourself up with liquids instead of fatty calories.
Healthy Foods Tip #2: Fatty Fish
Did you read that right? Yes, it says fatty! Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines have omega-3 fats. Despite all the hoopla surrounding the fat-free weight loss craze, your body does in fact need good fat for optimal weight loss performance. Omega-3 fats also takes care of our heart. It prevents stroke and lowers bad cholesterol in our body.
Healthy Foods Tip #3: Green Tea
Anti-oxidants rid our bodies of free radials that can cause damage to our cells and slow the process of healthy weight loss. Green tea offers such a powerful supply of anti-oxidants and vitamins that it has been known to accelerate metabolism by drinking only one cup per day. Tomatoes, red grapes and blueberries are also beneficial for the same reasons, but on a smaller scale.
Healthy Foods Tip #4: Citrus fruits
Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits are all high in Vitamin C. That helps to prevents colds, asthma and arthritis. What happens when your body is functioning without illness? It performs better! When your body gets the right nutrition, it can perform its own miracles…like giving you more energy and burning off extra weight.
Healthy Foods Tip #5: Carrots
Have you ever heard someone say carrots were unhealthy? I guess they would be if you ate tons of them every day, just like anything else that is abused. The reality is that carrots are good source of Vitamin A and promotes better eyesight. It only takes a half cup worth to work like magic to accelerate healthy weight loss.
Healthy Foods Tip #6. Bananas
This fruit is so nutrition that even monkeys know it is good for them. It can help cure ulcers, diarrhea and stomach cramps because it is high in potassium. If you sweat a lot and need energy, grab a banana. Many athletes consume bananas for energy and alertness. Have you ever seen an overweight monkey or athlete?
Healthy Foods Tip #7: Soy
The soybean is as close to a magic weight loss pill as you will ever find. No, you can not pop them into your mouth and watch the pounds melt away, but when you add soy into your daily diet, you will be amazed to see how quickly your health and weight loss improve at the same time. Soy-based protein smoothies helped me to lose 70 pounds in 4 months 15 years ago. And yes, I still have the weight off!
Healthy Foods Tip #8 Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It has vitamin C and pectin that flushes out toxins in our body. Toxins are probably the number one reason why people can not lose weight quickly when they eat healthy foods. Apples only work to your advantage when they are eaten raw, so dipping them into caramel sauce or cooking them into a pie will not keep the doctor away.
Healthy Foods Tip #9. Water
It may not be food but it is the most important part of your daily diet. Your body can not function properly if it is dehydrated, and most people do not drink as much as they should. Water also makes you feel full without any calories. Many times people reach for a snack when all they really need is a glass of water.
Along with a daily diet of the foods listed above, you need discipline and a willingness to reach your healthy weight loss goals. Most people get discouraged with losing weight when they fail to grasp the concept of living a healthy lifestyle. Once you develop this mindset, eating healthy will be part of your daily routine…and battling weight gain will be a thing of the past.
Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle
Favorite Diet Solution
