Tag Archives: healthy body

Weight loss diet for man and women

7 Hot-Body tips

Leave a comment

The NEW Dancer’s Body You’re Going to Want
The performers of Quixotic share their secrets to a strong, healthy body

A few weeks ago, I had the lucky opportunity to attend the mega yoga festival/conference Wanderlust, in Squaw Valley, Calif. It was four fantastic days full of asanas, sun, and refreshing mountain air. (If you’re a yogi, I highly recommend checking out the next festival) When fellow attendees weren’t in class, they were often overheard dishing about what they loved (or didn’t love) about their classes and workshops, many of which were led by the industry’s top instructors, including Baron Baptiste and Seane Corn, to name a few.  Another name that kept crossing lips: Quixotic [sounds like “quick-zotic”], the aerial/dance troupe at the festival that infuses performances with everything from silks and trapeze to ballet, hula hoop, and contemporary dance. A common phrase I heard more than once:  “Did you see the Quixotic girls yet? Their bodies are amazing.”

When I finally caught a glimpse of the troupe in action, I had to agree. Their long, lean, powerfully beautiful bodies are hard to miss. Curious to discover their secrets, I gave them a ring at their Kansas City headquarters. While you (nor I) can log 2 hours a day hanging from silks and trapeze or blasting calories in a dance studio as do many of the performers, here are 7 simple ways to achieve a Quixotic-like body at home. Continue reading 7 Hot-Body tips →

Ask and Answer

What types of food should I eat if I dont exercise and I want a healthy body?

Leave a comment

Ask:

Im a type 1 diabetic and I’ve been having issues controlling my diabetes because of my weight and my diet. What should I do if I want a healthy diabetic life but also keep my body in tip top shape?

Answers (2):

Answer 1:

i dont know what kinds of food diabetics can eat but,,,here’s a list of the foods i practically survive on, i dont stray too much from this list:
egg whites
veggies (lettuce,cucumber, tomato, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, occasionally a baked potato..eat salsa with it instead of dressing.. spinache, corn, green beans, etc etc etc, you get the idea
fruits (strawberries, pears, apples, pineapples, peaches, plums, oranges, apples, bananas, mango, grapes, cherries, blueberries,cantalope, watermelon, honeydew etc)
chicken breast (baked or grilled..never fried)
turkey breast
fish
shrimp
crab
lobster
tofu and soy bean products are great, and TASTY!
veggie burgers!
eat turkey burgers instead of hamburgers.
limited amounts of brown rice (never white), whole wheat bread(never white), whole wheat pasta(never the regular spaghetti noodle kind)
fiber one cereal is great to flush you out.
cherries is low calorie (be sure to get the whole grain kind though)
plain oatmeal is great
non fat yogurt (dannon is the least calorie, and greek yogurts are the healthiest)
i drink only water (i eat cereal plain, but if you use milk, use non fat)
no sodas, or sugary drinks)
green tea is good though
if you want other drinks, crystal lite is very low calorie and tastes great
nuts are good, sparingly, because they are high in calorie, but very healthy
peanut butter is filling, healthy, and full of protein, but use sparingly because its high in calorie
if you use jam, use smuckers sugar free (same taste, but 1/5 the calories)
use mustard instead of mayo or ketchup
avacodoes are good on occasion..but limit them because theyre high in calories
dont eat too much bread, rice, pasta, because its high calories, but use wheat when you do
instead of ice cream, eat sugar free frozen yogurt
if you want dessert, eat a fiber one bar..under 150 calories, tons of fiber, and taste like a candy bar!! (the chocolate mocha is my favorite, but peanut butter, and apple struesel are close behind!)
salsa is a good low calorie food, i love it on pototoes, eggs, etc.

i also run cross country. running is great, so is biking, swimming, etc. be active!!

i hope this has helped, i have alot more advice, and good recipes if you want,so if you need any, just email me.
good luck leading a healthy lifestyle, it feels great!!!

Answer 2:

Only eat brocoli and tofu. and on Saturdays eat whatever you want.
you can have low cal. cracker snacks, diet soda (not too much though.), and low cal. energy drink. But drink like 5 servings of water everyday first.
My dad and i tried this and he lost about 30 pounds in a few weeks, and i lost 10. Because i’m pretty young and he has work.

Ask and Answer

How much does a vegan diet benifit you and your body?

Leave a comment

Ask:

I’ve recently gone on a vegan diet and its been 4 days. I havent lost any weight, and I dont feel that much more energetic though my skin looks healthier. Have you been on a vegan diet? If yes then please tell me all about what you went through and how much difference it made. If you havent been on a vegan diet but know something about it, then do share.

Answers (2)

Answer 1:

“The word ‘veganism’ denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to end the idea of animals as property and exclude all forms of intentional exploitation of, use of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, research or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, including people and the environment.
In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

Veganism is not a diet, that wouldn’t make sense, you don’t eat circuses or wool plus it is a life time commitment to the animals. Also veganism is not about health, you happen to be healthier as a vegan just simply because products taken from animals are not healthy for us but that is not the reason for veganism.

As far as your pure vegetarian diet things don’t change magically you have to wait a while for your body to adjust and change and if you are looking to be healthy you have to eat healthier and exercise and eventually you will see results. There is no magic bullet to good health it is something that takes time and effort. Strict/pure vegetarianism doesn’t magically turn you healthy as soon as you start especially not within a week and you shouldn’t expect that.

This should give you the info to help start off veganism a lot easier:

Here is a list of animal ingredients to avoid:
http://www.happycow.net/health-animal-in…

More things to avoid:

Animals as clothes:
Leather, skins, furs, wool, silk, down, feathers…

Animals as entertainment:
Circuses, rodeos, zoos, aquariums, animal fights, animal races, hunting…

Companies that DO NOT test on animals(however CHECK INGREDIENTS they only verify testing not ingredients):
http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

Vegan products:
http://www.veganstore.com/ (I know them well and they aren’t doing as well in this economy but they are a great source for awesome hard to find stuff and they are very friendly and giving even if they really don’t have much if anything to give)
http://gentleworld.org/vegan-evolution/p…

Vegan recipes:
http://vegweb.com/

More info on veganism:
http://animal-rights.com/
http://www.vegetus.org/honey/honey.htm (I get the honey question a lot)
http://www.youcanhelpstopthis.com/

Answer 2:

Being vegan is a philosophy, way of living and set of beliefs which opposes commodification of animals in every way, including for food, clothing, products, testing and for entertainment. No animal produces anything for the benefit of human consumption and animals are not property.

It is not a weight loss diet.

Within 2 months of not eating animals, all my allergies went away. As an omnivore, I was allergic to cats, dogs, birds, horses, dust, perfume, pollen, grass, every animal I went near made my eyes, nose and throat itch. All allergies went away when I stopped eating animals. Although my weight might fluctuate slightly depending on my eating habits and level of activity, I’ve never had a weight problem but after not eating animal products my total percentage of body fat dropped while retaining lean muscle in my arms, legs and abs.

But the best part about being vegan has been the joy and inner peace I enjoy from knowing that no animal dies for the benefit of my nourishment.

Not eating animals is healther for humans and reduces risk of diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, cancers, stroke, diabetes and obesity.

Raising animals for food is the single biggest cause of depletion of the planet’s natural resources at a faster rate than ever predicted.

Killing animals for food is cruel and unnecessary. There is a connection between killing animals and killing people.

Ask and Answer

Is it possible to lose weight without exercise?

Leave a comment

Ask:

Is it possible to lose weight without exercise? I have recently injured my legs and arms and im gaining weight and im wondering if I can go on a diet that would lower my weight. If so what should i eat/drink alot? Can someone plan out a diet for me?

Answer (1)

yes you always can. I’m not sure how many of us realize that intensive cardio exercise such as jogging and gym will NOT BURN FAT.

The Reason is Intense Aerobics and Exercise only burn mainly carbohydrates for energy,
not fat tissue.

If you over-exert yourself and your breathing and heart rate become too elevated
then your body will burn mainly carbohydrates.

However, your goal is NOT To burn Carbohydrate Calories, your goal is to burn stored
BodyFat and Lose 10lbs in A Week.

All you need now is to be on diet and to Lose 10 lbs is always possible.

You need to consume a balance diet plan foods which are made up of:

i. Lean proteins,
ii. Fruit and vegetables, and
iii. Sources of fat come from whole foods (such as cottage cheese or eggs).
iv. Starchy carbohydrates (such as oats and pasta).

Divide your meals into 4 and that should be eaten at a minimum of 2 1/2 hours apart.

There is no calorie or carb counting, no limit on portion size, so eat until you feel your stomach is OK.

You can lose 10 lbs within a week with this diet plans, which consists of 2 type:-

1. Online Diet Generator – If you want to lose weight MORE QUICKLY. It generates your menu in just seconds.

2. 10 Weight Loss Rules- If you would rather lose weight more “casually” (without having to follow a specific diet) then the second weight loss program which is a collection of which you can use to lose weight in a much more “casual” way.

To lose weight you need to manipulate which types of calories enter your body at each meal.

The first thing you must do is learn the 3 types of calories, and which calories are in each type of food that you eat.

Some of sample foods made of Protein and Carbs (Carbohydrates) are :-

PROTEIN FOODS

* Lean Roast Beef

* Cottage Cheese (low fat)

CARBS(Carbohydrates) FOODS

* Mixed Salad (only lettuce, tomatoes, and
veggies allowed)

* Dressing should be Low Cal dressing. Use sparingly,
you should not smother the salad with too much
dressing.
* Bread (should be “oat” or “bran” type bread
only)

All you need is just rotate this Protein and Carbohydrate meals for One week and you will lose 10 lbs within that.

You need to maintain your diet and eat for rest of your life the food you like. To maintain your new slim body you will have the list of some general “rules”. These rules are meant to be “general” and “simple” because you can easily maintain your new body by just using a the simple and general rules.

For example, the rule about breaking up your daily food intake into 4 meals may “seem” simple, but it can control how slim you stay in the future.

You will be also presented with rules about what to avoid when grocery shopping, how to order food at restaurants, and how to order at fast food establishments.

The late night eating habit and other non-healthy eating habits also been tackled.

These rules are “”simple sounding”” but they are enough to maintain your new body for the rest of your life.

See the sample rotation of the meals and get more info on the diet plans at http://www.squidoo.com/Lose-10lbs-AWeek

I hope this will help you to lose weight and the most important without any harmful diet pills.

Health Care

9 ways to keep it healthy when eating out

Leave a comment

Eating out can be such a pleasure: Someone else chops the veggies, cooks the entree and brings it steaming hot to your table, while you enjoy time with friends or family.

But when we eat out, we tend to overdo it. While an occasional splurge is OK, if we’re not smart about our menu choices, we may be hunting for a larger wardrobe.

On average, Americans eat out about five times a week, according to the National Restaurant Association. Because those meals are generally higher in calories and fat than what we make at home, they can create a recipe for weight gain.

Every meal away from home increases an adult’s average daily calorie count by about 135 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If we eat out five times a week, we stand to gain up to 10 pounds a year.

Business traveler Tish Davis frequently meets with clients over meals, and she’s seen her weight climb by about 20 pounds in the past few years. Registered dietitian Marisa Moore gave Davis some advice on how to eat healthy while on the road.

Davis knows she has some weaknesses. “I love things that are fried, like bacon, a burger, chicken tenders. I like crunchy,” she says.

Moore offered Davis some tips — and gave her some homework to help with her eating habits.

Order first

Davis says she goes into the meal intending to eat healthy, but by the time she hears what others are ordering, she’s lost her resolve. Moore suggests that Davis order first.

“There is an interesting study that shows that women tend to mirror each other when we go out to eat,” Moore says. “If you order your meal first, before everybody else starts to order, then you might actually set the tone for the table to order healthier options.”

And, if possible, try to choose the restaurant where you’ll meet friends or business associates. Look for places that have healthy options on the menu so you’ll have better choices.

Red flags

When you sit down to order, scrutinize the menu for red flags that indicate foods are high in calories: descriptions of creamy, crispy, fried, breaded or smothered.

“Instead, you want to opt for foods that are grilled, steamed or broiled. That generally is going to be a healthier cooking method,” Moore says.

Tailor the meal

Don’t be afraid to ask the server to make changes to the menu. Replace unhealthy sides such as french fries for steamed vegetables. If you know a sauce is going to be loaded with calories, ask that it be brought on the side. You tend to eat less that way.

And always order your salad dressing on the side, Moore says. Though dressing can be healthy, restaurants tend to give us two to three times the amount we need, and those calories can add up.

If you’re ordering pizza, ask the chef to go light on the cheese.

Box it up

A restaurant serving can usually feed two, so at the beginning of the meal, ask the server for a to-go box. Put half of the meal away and take it home with you — if food is in front of us, we tend to eat it, even when we’re full.

Soup and salad

Another way to keep from overeating is to order a salad or broth-based soup as your first course, Moore says. “There is some evidence to show that people who eat a broth-based soup or a veggie salad before their meal tend to eat fewer calories for the entire meal.”

Portion control

On average, Americans need about 2,000 calories a day, and knowing how to judge a portion size can help us stick to that target. If you’re ordering pasta, a good rule of thumb is to eat a portion that looks to be about the size of your fist. With meat, try not to eat more than would fit in the palm of your hand.

To help Davis with portion control, Moore suggests she order an appetizer in place of an entree.

Slow down

We’ve heard it before, but when we eat too fast, we often eat too much.

“It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to realize that your body is full,” Moore says. So slow down. Enjoy the company of those you’re with, and try putting your fork down between bites. It might take a little practice, but it does make for a more leisurely meal.

Rethink the drink

It’s easy to forget about the calories from the drink we order, whether it’s an alcoholic beverage or a glass of tea. One serving of sweetened tea, for instance, can have 200 to 250 calories.

“A glass of wine is only about 150 calories, but some of your mixed drinks can be well over 300 or 350 calories,” Moore says.

She encourages Davis to drink water with her meals and with her occasional glass of wine. Water helps fill us up, so we tend to consume less alcohol.

One day at a time

“I’m actually going to try some things … when I’m on the road,” Davis says. “I’m going to just pay more attention to the menu and go for the broiled, not the fried, and start with a salad.”

But she knows she’s going to struggle with her biggest challenge. “My lack of willpower in peer settings — that’s my biggest downfall,” Davis says.

It’s all about choices, Moore says. “We have to be prepared to face those obstacles, those temptations and decide when you’re going to splurge and when you’re going to make sure that you stick to a healthy diet.”

Ask and Answer

How grape Fruit Diet is useful in weight loss?

Leave a comment

Ask:

I have heard that like various modern diets this grape Fruit Diet is useful in weight loss. Is it true?

Answers (2)

Answer 1:

Every one says that for losing weight one must burn more calories then one eats.

All focus on either eating less or burning more. Strangely enough when u eat less ur body heats up initially. After some time there is no energy in the body. So people says eating less is not the final solution. One must eat less but do more exercises. When a person exerts more than he is used to in recent past he gets tired. The result he will rest more or eat more.

So what is the solution. Those who have seen titanic, would remember that man woman body in touch produces lot of heat. That means it burns lot of calories. A cold a person burns more calories.

Then u have some people who say that sex act burns lot of calories. But that tires out a person. There is a limit to that as well. Physically as well as emotionally.

Now start thinking – is it just the sex act that produces hear. I do not think so. Even body contact produces lot of heat. That is not tiring physically of emotionally.

It could be emotionally. But I wonder whether it has to be body touch by other sex or could be even contact with the person of same sex.

May be the heat is generated even when ur own body touches other parts of the body.

I think that is true.

So to burn more calories one may try sleeping without putting on clothes. Wearing pants or shirts may cause the body parts not touching other body part.

By when u are not wearing anything but are safe under suitable mattresses or quilts ur body parts are in touch. When u are sleeping u can burn more calories.

That will teach u to master ur body better over a period of time.

U can eat what u feel like and burn those excess calories without tiring urself. May be u are fresh and more energetic in the morning when u get up to burn more calories.

Answer 2:

You lose water. Same as drinking 1 pound of water and weigh 1 pound heavier, doesn’t mean you got fat, you just gained water weight. Doing fad diets will do the same result, you’ll lose 1 pound of water and see a drop on the scale cause of water weight, but nothing in terms of fat.

For fat loss, 1600 calories a day, 30-45 min exercise 3-5 days a week, 100 grams of protein a day, drink water, and weigh yourself once a week after waking up.

Ask and Answer

What are the chances my newborn son will have diabetes if my husband is type 2?

Leave a comment

Ask:

My husband is 31 years old. He got type 2 diabetes 4 years ago. We now have a newborn and I’m nervous he will get diabetes in his life as well. Anyone know the risks? Thank you!

PS – I am not diabetic and did not have gestational diabetes either. My son was born full term and of healthy weight and size.

Answer(2):

Answer 1:

It depends. It’s not hereditary, it’s brought on by lifestyle. You just need to make sure you teach your son healthy eating habits. Part of that will be your husband eating healthily, since a lot of what they learn is by example.

ETA: You can pass on a genetic predisposition, but that’s different than being hereditary. It just means it has to be all that much more important for a proper diet and exercise.

http://diabetesplanner.com/articles_non_…

Now that I have diabetes, will my children get it too?

You may have heard diabetes is genetic but genes are not the only risk factor for diabetes.

Lifestyle factors including obesity and physical inactivity leads to Type 2 diabetes. These risks coupled with a genetic predisposition are the unpleasant recipe for Type 2 diabetes.

Children as young as 4 years of age are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. If a child is obese and physically inactive, he or she may in fact be heading for diabetes. Talk with your doctor or diabetes educator about a plan that is a healthy lifestyle for your entire family. The best successes for weight loss and diabetes control occurs when an entire family begins eating healthy, focusing on weight loss, and exercising.

A recent study examined prevention of diabetes among those with glucose intolerance (those with elevated blood sugars but blood sugars are not high enough to meet the diabetes diagnosis criteria). The study found risk for diabetes was reduced by 58% by those who did the following:

exercised 30 minutes daily, 5 days per week
lost of 5-7% total body weight if overweight (an example of this might be a 200 lb male losing 5% of his body weight = 10 pound weight loss)
followed a healthy meal plan.
There are many ways to decrease risk even if you are genetically predisposed for diabetes. If your child is overweight or inactive, contact their doctor. Ask about how to help your child reach a healthy body weight. Reduce risk of diabetes for your entire family.

Answer 2:

Type 2 diabetes tends to be fairly hereditary in contrast to type 1 diabetes. Approximately 38% of siblings and one-third of children of people with type 2 diabetes will develop diabetes or abnormal glucose metabolism at some point. The degree of obesity also seems to be a factor, with a larger percentage of diabetes developing in those who are more obese. Studies with identical twins showed that 90-100% of the time when diabetes developed in one it would also develop in the other compared with 50% in type 1 diabetes.Development of type 2 diabetes seems to be multi-factorial; that is, there are a number of issues to blame. Genetic predisposition seems to be the strongest factor. Obesity and high caloric intake seem to be another. Twenty percent of people with this type 2 diabetes have antibodies to their islet cells which are detectable in their blood resulting in the expected low levels of insulin, suggesting the possibility of incomplete islet cell destruction. These patients often tend to respond early to oral drugs to lower blood sugar but may need insulin at some point. Usually develops in middle age or later. This tendency to develop later in life has given rise to the term “adult onset diabetes,” although the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in younger people is rising, making this term somewhat inaccurate and outdated.

The typical type 2 diabetes patient is overweight ,although there are exceptions. In contrast to type 1 diabetes, symptoms often have a more gradual onset. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance rather than the lack of insulin, as seen in type 1 diabetes. This often is obtained as a hereditary tendency from one’s parents. Insulin levels in these patients are usually normal or higher than average but the body’s cells are rather sluggish to respond to it. This lack of insulin activity results in higher than normal blood glucose levels. i would consult your pediatrician at some point for testing….

Ask and Answer

How can I get a Victorias Secret model’s body before summer time?

Leave a comment

Ask:

I’ve been consistently losing weight for the past six month but have only lost 25 pounds. I’m 5’5 and weigh 175. I want to weigh 125. How can I get to my goal quickly? What workouts should I do to get the models body?

Answers (2)

Answer 1:

I am glad you hear you are losing weight! If you want weight loss that lasts and to avoid loose skin and stretch marks you should keep it about 2 lbs a week.

I recommend looking up Jennifer Nicole Lee on youtube she is a fitness model and has fun workouts that combine cardio and weight-training.
These are 2 other sites that can give you fresh exercises to add to your routine
http://www.athleanx.com/
(scroll down to video gallery the exercises on this site are very effective but remember as a female to do more reps with a lower weight to avoid bulk)
Running slow long distances is also better to avoid bulk.
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workout…
Keep your routines varied and choose exercises that are fun that way you will stick to it
I have these workout videos when I can’t get to the gym (Insanity, P90X, and Jillian Micheal 30-day shred). I recommend getting some bands and looking up weight-baring exercises using just your body weight for when you travel that way you can still work out. Do weight-training 2-3 times a week and since you want streamline do about 45 minutes of low weight, high reps.

Here’s a site with lots of healthy recipe ideas you want to keep your diet varied. You diet should also taste good or else how will you stick to it long term? Definitely learn to cook and be adventurous try different cuisines, unfamiliar foods, vegetarian, raw, and vegan meals occasionally too.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/recip…

Tips
Divide plate 1/2 fruit and veg, 1/4 lean protein (that’s about 2-3 oz per meal), 1/4 fiber rich carbs (you need carbs they give you energy, aid in digestion, and in that way increase metabolism) Aim for about 25 grams of fiber a day (if you don’t eat much fiber now gradually increase that number to avoid stomach cramps and messed up periods)

Shoot for b/w 1500-1800 calories a day do not starve yourself and don’t skip meals period if possible 4-6 small meals is preferable if not at least 3 meals with snacks

Don’t eat after 7 pm try to make breakfast the biggest meal and dinner the lightest meal since we tend to be less active in the evenings and you will have more chance to burn off breakfast. If you will eat snacks sometimes eat them earlier. It takes about 3 bites to satisfy a craving. Dark chocolate is great for that.

Eat till you are 80% full don’t stuff yourself

Drop soda and avoid high fructose corn syrup as much as possible

Grapefruit reduces cellulite.

Fat aim for 30 grams and try get mostly Monounsaturated fats (avocados, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, olives and olive oil, plain nuts and seeds). Get under 14 grams of saturated fat

Reduce sodium intake it will reduce bloating

Look up your favorite restaurants online and check the nutritional info so you can make healthy choices dining out. I recommend ordering side dishes instead b/c then you get the right amount of protein and carbs and you can always order 2 sides of veg.

Pack healthy bentos and picnics for roadtrips so you avoid gas stations and greasy diners

Dancing is fabulous

Answer 2:

(i know im a guy but) the thing that works for me is jogging, last year i weighed about 140, and i started jogging (like 3.5 klicks on the beginning, but after a couple of weeks 7) and in a couple months i weighed like 128, i know that its still winter but its never to early, to go jogging, but remember to stretch before you go jogging.

Health Care

What You Think You Know (but Don’t) About Wise Eating

Leave a comment

Let’s start the new year on scientifically sound footing by addressing some nutritional falsehoods that circulate widely in cyberspace, locker rooms, supermarkets and health food stores. As a result, millions of people are squandering hard-earned dollars on questionable, even hazardous foods and supplements.

For starters, when did “chemical” become a dirty word? That’s a question raised by one of Canada’s brightest scientific minds: Joe Schwarcz, director of the Office for Science and Society at McGill University in Montreal. Dr. Schwarcz, who has received high honors from Canadian and American scientific societies, is the author of several best-selling books that attempt to set the record straight on a host of issues that commonly concern health-conscious people.

I’ve read two of his books, “Science, Sense and Nonsense” (published in 2009) and “The Right Chemistry” (2012), and recently attended a symposium on the science of food that Dr. Schwarcz organized at McGill.

What follows are tips from his books and the symposium that can help you make wiser choices about what does, and does not, pass your lips in 2013.

CURED MEATS Many health-conscious people avoid cured meats like hot dogs and bacon because the nitrites with which they are preserved can react with naturally occurring amines to form nitrosamines. Nitrosamines have produced mutations in cells cultured in the laboratory and cancer in animals treated with very high doses.

As an alternative, sandwich lovers often buy organic versions of processed meats or products without added nitrites. Without preservatives, these foods may not be protected from bacterial contamination. And despite their labels, they may contain nitrites. According to Dr. Schwarcz, organic processed meats labeled “uncured” may be preserved with highly concentrated, nitrate-rich celery juice treated with a bacterial culture that produces nitrites.

If you’re really concerned about your health, you’d be wise to steer clear of processed meats — organic, nitrite-free or otherwise. High saturated fat and salt content place them low on the nutritional totem pole.

MEAT GLUE Never heard of it? You may have eaten it, especially if you dine out often. At WD-50 in New York, the chef, Wylie Dufresne, makes his famous shrimp noodles with the enzyme transglutaminase, a k a meat glue. It binds protein molecules, gluing together small pieces of fish, meat or poultry.

The Japanese use meat glue to create artificial crab meat from pollock. Others use it to combine lamb and scallops, or to make sausages that hold together without casings.

Sound frightening? It shouldn’t. The enzyme is classified by the Food and Drug Administration as “generally recognized as safe,” and there is no reason to think otherwise. Our bodies produce it to help blood clot, Dr. Schwarcz points out. When consumed, it breaks down like any protein into its component amino acids in our digestive tracts.

There is, however, one possible indirect hazard: If glued-together animal protein is not thoroughly cooked, dangerous bacteria that originally contaminated the meat could remain viable within the fused product.

TRANS FATS The removal of heart-damaging trans fats from processed foods is a much-ballyhooed boon to health. But “not all trans fats are fiends,” Dr. Schwarcz notes. Certain ones can legally, and healthfully, be added to dairy products, meal-replacement bars, soy milk and fruit juice.

The word “trans” refers to the arrangement of hydrogen and carbon atoms in a fatty acid. The trans formation linked to heart disease is formed when vegetable oils are hardened to prolong shelf life in a manufacturing process called hydrogenation. Natural trans fats, like those in meat and dairy products, take a slightly different form, resulting in an entirely different effect on health.

The most widely consumed “good” trans fat is conjugated linoleic acid, which research has shown can help weight-conscious people lose fat and gain muscle. Various studies have suggested that C.L.A., now widely sold as a supplement, also can enhance immune function and reduce atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and inflammation.

ORGANIC OR NOT? Wherever I shop for food these days, I find an ever-widening array of food products labeled “organic” and “natural.” But are consumers getting the health benefits they pay a premium for?

Until the 20th century, Dr. Schwarcz wrote, all farming was “organic,” with manure and compost used as fertilizer and “natural” compounds of arsenic, mercury and lead used as pesticides.

Might manure used today on organic farms contain disease-causing micro-organisms? Might organic produce unprotected by insecticides harbor cancer-causing molds? It’s a possibility, Dr. Schwarcz said. But consumers aren’t looking beyond the organic sales pitch.

Also questionable is whether organic foods, which are certainly kinder to the environment, are more nutritious. Though some may contain slightly higher levels of essential micronutrients, like vitamin C, the difference between them and conventionally grown crops may depend more on where they are produced than how.

A further concern: Organic producers disavow genetic modification, which can be used to improve a crop’s nutritional content, enhance resistance to pests and diminish its need for water. A genetically modified tomato developed at the University of Exeter, for example, contains nearly 80 times the antioxidants of conventional tomatoes. Healthier, yes — but it can’t be called organic.

FARMED SALMON Most of the salmon consumed nowadays is farmed. Even if we all could afford the wild variety, there’s simply not enough of it to satisfy the current demand for this heart-healthy fish.

There may be legitimate concerns about possible pollutants in farmed salmon, but one concern that is a nonissue involves that “salmon” color, produced by adding astaxanthin to fish feed. This commercially made pigment is an antioxidant found naturally in algae, and it is carried up the food chain to give wild salmon its color, too.

NUTS Growing up, I was often warned to avoid nuts because they’re “fattening.” Now I know better. Research has shown that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butters in normal amounts weigh less, on average, than nut avoiders.

The fat in nuts is unsaturated and heart-healthy. Nuts are also good sources of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, and can help keep between-meal hunger at bay. The same is true of avocados — just don’t go overboard.

Ask and Answer

What kind of diet is the best for keeping a super healthy body?

Leave a comment

Ask:

what is to avoid?
what is to get besides fruits and vegetables?
what are good mixes?

remember when i say diet , i dont mean to lose weight , but to keep a healthy body…

Oh and if you have unbiased , proven website links post them please!

Answers (2):

Answer 1:

Well, I think a natural diet would be best.

Just eat all organic foods, they will be free of chemicals and preservatives that are man made and added to food.

Some of which can affect the bodies hormones ect.

Try to avoid to many sugary treats but of course allow yourself something nice every once in a while.

Fish is a extremely good food providing oils which are good for your skin, hair and brain 😀

Red meat is good in moderation but remember the human body isn’t designed to digest large amounts so try to stick to only eating it once or twice a week at max.
Try to stick to white meats like poultrey and fish mostly.

Try to avoid to much milk because the human body isn’t designed to digest that either but it isn’t completely off limits, as odd as it may sound full fat is safest it has less sugar added to it.

Stick to natural drinks, such as water, teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices without preservatives all these will help clean out your body and keep it’s toxin levels down and are full of nutrients.

Snack on things like nuts (the unroasted and unsalted variety) and baby vegetables, but avoid dried fruits because they can have things added to them.

Natural yogurt (if you like it) goes great in a fruit salad.

Don’t peel vegetables because their skin is a great source of fibre which will help you maintain a healthy bowel.

So just snack lightly or graze on vegetables between meals if you get to hungry this will keep your metabolism boosted throughout the day and you won’t be grazing on tempting things.

Try to avoid rich foods such as starchy potatoes, pastas, rice if your going to be eating a lot of meat because the two don’t mix well with each other in a sense that it can be a recipe for a heart attack.

However a little wholegrain rice pasta ect is not a crime just eat in moderation also a great source of fiber.

Answer 2:

Well, everybody needs different things, but in general you want to avoid lots of cholesterol, trans-fat, refined sugar, and refined or artificial anything.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, with a little meat, if you want, but eat lots of fish! Fish is great for your heart and your brain, as it is high on Omega-3 fatty acids (good fats).
Real butter! Do not use margarine! If you had the choice of having a real ipod that’s a little dirty or a cardboard one that looks perfect on the outside which one would you want? Real butter from healthy cows only, though, but never margarine. Even if it doesn’t have trans fat (or claims to not), it is FAKE FOOD – why would you want to eat something that is manufactured out of who knows what? (sorry I’m having fun – I love nutrition)
Eat lots of whole grains instead of refined white flours, and try to get some different grains instead of just wheat (rice, oats, spelt, etc.)

Also, talk to a nutritionist to find out what YOU need, because everyone needs different things.