Posts Tagged ‘eating for energy’

Eat Fat to Lose Weight

Friday, September 5th, 2008

Research has found that by consuming particular fats you can decrease body fat and increase weight-loss more efficiently. It may seem a bit odd that you would eat fat to lose fat but studies show that a group of fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can do just that.

One of the richest sources of MCTs comes from coconut oil. Coconut oil has been getting a lot of attention over the last few years for its ability to help overweight people shed excess body fat by substituting it daily in replacement of other fats.

The benefits of this oil are truly amazing even compared to healthy fats such as olive oil or flaxseed oil. Coconut oil can inhibit and treat obesity more effectively because it contains fewer calories than other fats. It is also a source of fuel and energy for the body because it gets used immediately rather than circulating in the blood stream and getting stored in fat cells. This also means that you will actually experience a natural surge in energy that lasts much longer than a dose of caffeine would. Coconut oil increases metabolism so you burn a lot more calories by consuming it over any other fat. It is also more filling and keeps you satiated longer which means you consume fewer calories. Unlike typical bad fats that raise cholesterol, it can reduce bad cholesterol and raise the good.

Coconut oil is commonly found in drinks and healthy snack items because it gives athletes energy while helping them stay lean. It also helps those that are overweight and obese lose weight more rapidly. As an oil you can add it to salads and vegetables, as a spread you can replace butter or margarine, or for a more convenient way, you can take it in soft gel capsule form. Because weight-loss results are so astounding, it is encouraged to use it as frequently as you like as it will help achieve better results and better health.

Should You Eat Based on Your Blood Type?

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Your blood type may determine your predisposition to various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, allergies, or diabetes. There are 4 major blood types; O, A, B, and AB. Most people have type O blood while A and B are fairly common and AB is considered atypical. Eating particular foods based on blood type may relieve certain digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, gas, heartburn, and upset stomach. Ultimately proper digestion is important in providing the body with nutrients to sustain good health. There is enough evidence now that shows us if we eat specific foods according to blood type and refrain from those that are not recommended, we may be able to eliminate a variety of health problems and lose weight more effectively.

Type O blood is the most common blood group and the oldest blood group known to mankind. The basic diet of people with type O blood requires protein, vegetables, and fruit. However, people with this blood type do not digest carbohydrates well especially from white flour or wheat products because of the gluten intolerance. Dairy is also another food group that can be difficult to digest for this blood group. People who have type O blood generally produce higher amounts of hydrochloric acid and should refrain from things that have a high acidity levels such as coffee and alcohol as they can greatly increase the chances of a peptic ulcer. Healthy foods that assist in weight-loss for this group of people are various sources of lean red meat, fish, and leafy green vegetables. The best forms of exercise to engage in for this blood type are walking, jogging, aerobics, and light weight training.

Type A blood evolved after type O blood was first discovered. Individuals with this blood group are classic vegetarians because they do not digest most animal proteins and dairy well. They do much better eating foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and tofu. Type A blood groups tend to lack sufficient hydrochloric acid which makes digesting protein and dairy very difficult. It is very important that people with type A blood supplement vitamin B-12 as most sources of B-12 come from protein. It is also more common to face anemia issues if you are type A blood from the lack of B-12 in the diet. Foods that assist in weight-loss are vegetables, pineapple, flaxseed and olive oils, and spirulina which is a green algae that promotes thyroid function. The best exercises to engage are calming things such as yoga, pilates, or golfing.

Type B blood group has a tolerance for most foods with the exception of peanuts, legumes, and corn as these increase weight and can cause allergies. It is common for people with type B blood to have problems digesting gluten just as type O blood types do. Foods that encourage weight-loss for these individuals are lean red meats, various sources of fish, green leafy vegetables, and oils like flaxseed and olive oil. Most forms of exercise are ok for this blood group as well.

The last blood type is the rarest and the most recent, AB. For the most part these individuals produce a limited amount of hydrochloric acid and must limit their consumption of animal protein. AB blood types can eat various green vegetables, pineapple, and small amounts of protein. Foods that encourage weight-loss include seafood, green vegetables, sea kelp, spirulina, and pineapple. Most exercise is generally accepted for this blood group but anything overly intense or grueling is not recommended as this increases stress in the body.

Foods That Demolish Your Energy

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Do you ever feel as though you are running on fumes?  You eat three times a day and even snack in between meals but you still feel lethargic.  Shouldn’t you be able to function without falling asleep at your desk?  Not true!  When it comes to the human body we were designed to run on high octane fuel kind of like a luxury vehicle.  The better the quality of food you put into your system the longer lasting energy you experience.  For some of us this can make a world of difference and in the process it can clean up an unhealthy diet.  Here are some foods you should avoid and some healthy replacement ideas as well.

The first culprit worth mentioning is sugar.  It’s considered to be one of the largest addictions in this country aside from drug addiction.  When we consume anything with sugar such as candy, sweets, or refined white flour products a brain chemical is released similar to the one our brain releases when we abuse drugs such as heroin or morphine.  Ok now you understand that it’s a serious addiction right?  Sugar may give you sudden energy but because it is metabolized so rapidly you are left with that crash like feeling shortly after.   You then continue to repeat this vicious cycle through out the day just to keep your lids open.  A better choice would be a source of protein such as natural peanut butter and whole grain flax bread or crackers.  By putting a protein with a complex carbohydrate you are slowing the rate at which you digest the carbohydrate while adding a high-quality source of fiber to your diet.

Another obvious mistake most of us make when it comes to boosting energy is consuming caffeine.  The most common being coffee, tea, or high energy sports drinks.  While this buzz feels great, it usually doesn’t last long and again we experience exhaustion following our attempt to maintain stamina.  Instead keep a bottle of water with you and fill it when ever it’s empty.  Water is a great way to boost your energy, give you clarity, and keep you appropriately hydrated.  Since your body is about 70% water it is vital to maintain accurate hydration in order to keep bodily functions working correctly.  It not only boosts physical energy but it improves brain power too.

I think we’ve all done this at some point or another, we run to a local fast food joint on our lunch break because we are crunched for time and we order a combo meal from either Burger King or McDonalds.  Of course everything should be supersized since the option is there.  So not only are you getting a magnificently lacking nutritious meal, you are also consuming a large amount of fat that might give you a lovely stay in the cardiac unit of your local hospital.  What I’m getting at is a large amount of fat at mealtime is not only terrible for your health but it leaves you feeling exhausted because it’s so hard to digest.  Consuming low-fat items like organic yogurt with fresh fruit or a handful of unsalted raw almonds are good choices that are also low in fat and will help to keep you satiated.

 It’s also important to mention that skipping meals or not eating enough will wipe you out quickly.  If you don’t fuel your body properly how can you expect to achieve the energy you require?  Another downside to this awful habit is that you set yourself up for possible binge eating seeing as you become ravenous by the time you get home you then proceed to splurge on all the wrong things and then you’re stuck trying to digest a massive amount of food which leaves you feeling extremely bloated, drained and full.  Try eating smaller amounts of food frequently during the day to keep you going and you will find that this is less challenging on your digestive system.

 Learning how to provide your body with the energy it needs, can be a little complicated if you don’t take the time to properly care for yourself.  Eating healthy should be a way of life and not a trend.  Remember that what you put in your body affects you from the inside out.

 

 

 













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