Are You Making These 3 Diet Mistakes?

Are You Making These 3 Diet Mistakes?

If you have tried one weight loss program after another without ever being successful for long, you are probably making some big diet mistakes. You can be given the best diet plan in the world, but it won't work if your attitude is wrong.

The following 3 major diet mistakes are responsible for hundreds or thousands of people going off plan and failing to achieve the weight loss that they deserve. Take the time to consider what effect they may be having on you.


1. Expecting Perfection

Nobody is perfect. We have all heard that statement countless times, but many of us still find it hard to apply it to ourselves and our diets. We take an all-or-nothing approach, thinking we have to stick to our diet plan 100% of the time, perfectly, or there's no point following it at all.

This puts huge pressure on us and makes us feel terrible if we slip up. It also means that after a slip-up we are likely to think, "I've messed up yet another diet, I just can't do this," or "This diet doesn't work," and abandon it. In short, perfection-related diet mistakes mean that we will use the smallest slip-up as an excuse for a massive binge.

This problem is worst for dieters who like to follow very restricted plans where no treats are allowed. Inevitably, life gets in the way and instead of planning how to cope with the challenge of a party or a wedding, they try to eat nothing all day and then cave in, abandoning the diet completely.

Your weight loss does not have to be a straight downward line. It's OK to have occasional diet mistakes, slips and gains along the way, as long as the overall trend is downward. And it's much better in the long term to lose weight slowly. It's much more likely to stay off that way.

2. The Band-Aid Attitude To Dieting

Many dieters see their weight loss plan as a temporary fix that they will use for a short time and then abandon as soon as they have reached their target weight. We call this the band-aid approach to dieting, and it's the second of our major diet mistakes.

People who see a diet as a temporary measure will often pick very restricted eating plans and then go back to their old eating habits after the diet ends. If you do that, all of the weight will go back on, in 99% of cases.

Unless you only have a few pounds to lose, it is much better to pick an eating plan that gives you flexibility. You need something that you can follow for weeks, months or even years. In fact, you need something that will allow you to live your life.

Instead of using a band-aid, you need a diet that will become like a new skin: a permanent way of eating that will enable to maintain your goal weight after you achieve it.

3. The Wrong Goals

That leads us to the third of our big diet mistakes: setting the wrong goals. In  anything that we do, goals should be clear, set out in steps and achievable. In terms of weight loss, this means that as well as having an idea of your ideal weight or clothes size, you should also set smaller goals along the way, and reward yourself for each one achieved (but not with food!).

Be flexible about your final goal: as you approach it, you may want to change it. That's OK. If you avoid these diet mistakes and have the right attitude toward dieting, you will be able to achieve a weight that you are happy with - and that is much more important than numbers.

10 Tips For Fast Weight Loss

10 Tips For Fast Weight Loss

Check out our 10 tips for fast weight loss if you want to lose a few pounds quickly. There's no need to starve yourself or go hungry. Simply be more aware of what you eat, reduce your intake of fat and sugar, and fill up with vegetables and fruit. Here's how:

1. Write down everything that you eat or drink that contains calories, even if it's just a splash of milk in your coffee. You don't need to count the calories. Simply writing everything down will help you to see when those sneaky high calorie foods are creeping in and sabotaging your fast weight loss.

2. Make your own meals instead of relying on TV dinners and other packaged foods. Food manufacturers add salt and sugar to almost everything to make us want more and more.


3. Include at least two servings of vegetables in every main meal (not counting potatoes), or add a large salad with low fat dressing. Aim to eat more green, leafy vegetables. Fresh vegetables will help you to feel full and satisfy your body's need for vitamins and minerals, reducing cravings.

4. Cut your fat intake in half. Since you're not eating packaged foods any more, it's easy to do this. Measure the oil that you use for cooking and only use half as much. Spread butter very thinly. Switch to low fat milk. Cut visible fat off meat before cooking, and don't eat the skin.

5. Have sweet treats containing sugar no more than three times a week. If you are a sugar addict you may find this difficult at first but you will soon have much more appreciation for the sweetness in fruits and vegetables, and fast weight loss may be your reward.

6. Indulge yourself with plenty of fresh fruit. Grapes, cherries, berries, apples, mangoes and bananas are delicious replacements for the unhealthy desserts that most of us eat. Try them chopped into low fat sugar-free yogurt.

7. Try grated carrot for a snack. Mix in a chopped apple if you want. Grated carrot takes longer to eat than a whole carrot and because of this, it's way more satisfying.

8. Choose food that you can chew, and eat it slowly, putting down your fork between bites. Go for brown rice instead of white, whole fruit instead of juice, chunks of whole foods in your soup. The added fiber will fill you up and help the body to eliminate waste, and the act of chewing will make you feel more satisfied with your meal.

9. Plan your meals and your shopping. Think ahead and make a list of what you will need, then stick to it. To make this easier, never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Or order your shopping online for delivery.

10. When you eat, just eat. Sit at the table, even if it's just for a snack. Don't eat while doing something else at the same time (watching TV, driving, reading, checking email). If you eat with others, of course you may talk, but try to avoid bringing up heavy or contentious subjects at meals. Arguments are not good for anybody's digestion and won't help your fast weight loss.

Negative Calorie Foods: Eat As Much As You Want

Negative Calorie Foods: Eat As Much As You Want

With negative calorie foods, you really can have "all you can eat" without worrying about the effects on your waistline! If only every buffet would offer these foods bare and whole, instead of making them swim in mayonnaise, sugar or sauces, none of us would have a problem with eating in restaurants! So let's look at those wonderful negative calorie foods and what they can do for our weight loss.

'Negative calorie' means that you use more calories in eating and digesting the food than it contains, keeping in mind that we burn calories all of the time by simply living, even when we sleep. In practice the term is used for a lot of low calorie foods.

One of the best known negative calorie foods is celery. It is very low in calories and takes a lot of time and energy to eat, as long as you eat it whole and chew on all of those stringy fibers. If you ate celery in this way all day you would be sure of not gaining weight, but it wouldn't be good for you. You would not be getting the nutrients that you needed and you might even starve.


Negative calorie foods are very popular with anorexics, which shows us that it's not healthy to eat nothing but these foods. However, they make great snacks. To get the best effect for weight loss, be sure to chew them thoroughly and do not make them into soup or juice.

Eat them raw when possible. This is easy with fruits like apples, berries, pineapple and grapefruit which are all low calorie, high fiber foods. Be careful with other fruits because most fruits that are not on this list are more calorie-dense.

Eating vegetables raw is more of a challenge, and not always necessary. However, many foods can be grated or chopped very small in a food processor. Take a look at this list of negative calorie vegetables and you will see that most of them could be prepared for raw eating:

- asparagus (break it into bite sized pieces and add to salad)
- beets (grated)
- broccoli (throw it in the food processor with a couple of tomatoes as dressing)
- carrot (grated or whole)
- cauliflower (like broccoli)
- cabbage (used raw in coleslaw, but don't add the mayo!)
- celery stalks
- celery root (grated)
- cucumber
- lettuce
- red onions (sliced thin)
- spinach
- tomato
- zucchini (grate or use a spiralizer to create long pasta-like strings)

A big salad made from 5-7 of those ingredients would give you a super low calorie snack that would keep you munching and feeling full for a long time. You might also want to consider doing a raw or negative calorie detox for a few days - in consultation with your doctor, of course.

However, you will need to use caution when eating a lot of negative calorie foods. First, it is important to vary your diet and not eat too much of any one particular food. Many foods contain substances that can be damaging if consumed in excess, such as the acid in pineapples and grapefruits. Other negative calorie foods can cause allergies or diarrhea if eaten in large quantities.

Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Winter weight gain is something that happens to many people who live in climates with cold winters. If you track your weight you may notice that it's harder to lose in the fall. It's not your fault and it's not a myth. Most people, even those of normal weight, gain a few pounds when the weather begins to turn cold. But it is possible to avoid winter weight gain.

To do this, we first need to understand what causes winter weight gain. There are two main factors. The first is a biological tendency that is carried in our genes and is there to help us survive in cold climates. Our bodies are simply programmed to store more fat as winter approaches. And we're not the only ones. Most animals do this too.


It's easy to see why when you think about it. More fat means more protection from the cold and more stored nutrients that the body can access if food is hard to find in the winter months. Our bodies don't know that we can walk into a store and buy polar level winter clothing and any food we need, no matter what the weather is like outside.

In primitive societies, there was always plenty of food in the fall, the time when nuts, fruits and grains are ripe. It makes sense that we would feel hungrier at this time and crave 'warming' high carbohydrate foods that can easily be converted to fat and stored ready for the late winter and spring when plant-based foods are hard to find.

Hormonal changes caused by the shortening days are a second factor that can cause winter weight gain. These changes affect our eating habits as winter approaches.

It is well known that having less natural light can cause depression and low energy (SAD or seasonally affected depression). Most people who are overweight tend to eat more when they feel low. We also turn to food (especially refined carbohydrate foods like chips, chocolate, cake or white bread) for a fast energy boost when we feel tired. These foods cause blood sugar swings that lead to more lows and cravings.

Understanding all of this makes it much easier to avoid winter weight gain. We have a natural tendency to eat more and to eat the wrong foods at this time of year. We cannot expect to hold out against a biological need but we can be careful what foods we choose.

It's fine to have high carbohydrate foods in the fall if that is what you crave (and as long as you are not on a low carb diet) but be sure to choose whole grains and starchy vegetables over sugar and refined carb foods. The fiber in brown rice, whole grain bread, pumpkin etc helps to slow down the absorption and keep our blood sugar stable.

At the same time, avoid winter weight gain by being careful not to take in any unnecessary fats. Don't slaver butter thickly all over that whole grain bread or pumpkin, or smother your whole grain pasta in a cheese sauce. Choose low fat dairy products and use them sparingly.

And of course, it's important to keep our exercise levels up. Primitive people would have gotten a lot less exercise in the cold winters, but we don't have to rely on outdoor activities for our fitness. We can go to the gym or keep a stationary bike in the basement. That way, even if we eat a little more, we don't have to let it settle on our waistlines. We can avoid that pesky winter weight gain easily.

What To Do If You Cant Lose Weight-Change It Up

What To Do If You Cant Lose Weight-Change It Up

It doesn't matter what you do, you can't seem to lose weight and keep it off. You have tried any number of diet and exercise programs, and maybe even shed a few pounds...only to gain them all back. What to do if you can't lose weight isn't an easy question to answer. The reason it's so difficult is that everybody is different, and what may work for one person won't work for another. That being said, there are some things you can do to increase your odds of success and finally be able to take off that extra weight and keep it off.



If you are currently on a diet program but can't seem to lose weight, then you need to take a closer look at the diet itself. See, the problem most likely isn't you at all, but rather that the diet isn't a good match for you and your goals. This is a more widespread problem than most people realize. Analyze the diet for the total number of calories you're taking in, what foods it allows and doesn't allow, and if what the exercise component is like (or if there even is one). All of these things should be considered before deciding if the diet itself is the problem. It's important to do this, as you don't want to make the wrong assumptions about something as important as your health.

Does that mean if the diet checks out as acceptable that the problem is you? Not necessarily. As mentioned earlier, everybody is unique, and we all have different metabolic rates and our bodies utilize the nutrients in our food differently as well. While the diet you're currently on may work wonders for the majority of people, there is always the possibility that you are one of the many exceptions.

But what to do if you can't lose weight and you know the diet is a good one for you? It's at this point that you need to take a look at yourself. Are you really following it to letter? A lot of diets require you to follow them precisely; otherwise they may not be nearly as effective. Do you "cheat" just "once in a while"? It's okay to have a treat from time to time, but those treats may be the reason why you're not losing weight on your diet.

The good news is that there is a basic solution to all of this. It may take some trial and error, but it will be worth it once you start seeing the results you want. What you need to do is find a diet that fits with who you are, instead of trying to make yourself fit in with the diet. For example, if you absolutely must have a piece of chocolate cake on occasion, then find a diet program that allows you to have chocolate cake. Now that you know what to do if you can't lose weight, you can finally get rid of those extra pounds and keep them off for good.

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Weight Loss Surgery- Going Under The Knife Choose Whats Right For You

Weight Loss Surgery- Going Under The Knife Choose Whats Right For You

If you are considering weight loss surgery there are three main types I would like to introduce to you.

The first one is an adjustable gastric band. The adjustable gastric band limits the amount of food you can take in at one time to about one-half cup. The adjustable gastric band wraps around the upper part of the stomach creating a small pouch, basically, while leaving the lower part of the stomach alone. The idea here is that you will eat a lot less and still be able to feel full sooner and stay fuller longer. The adjustable band allows the stomach to work normally in digestion and the absorption of vitamins and minerals.


The adjustable gastric band is easy to have put in with a minimally invasive procedure and is safe and effective in helping maintaining a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. So, this may be the way for you to go if you want to lose weight slowly, over time and lose approximately 40% of your excess fat in one year. For example if you weigh 260 pounds and had this procedure done, in one year you could stand to lose 104 pounds. That would put you down to a lovely 156 pounds.

Two other weight loss surgery is actual surgery performed and is fairly invasive. One is gastric bypass and the other one is called sleeve gastrectomy. Gastric bypass not only limits the amount of food you can take in, it also limits the absorption rate of vitamins and minerals. What happens during this surgery is the surgeon makes a little pouch that acts as your new stomach and attaches it to a portion of your small intestine and basically the same thing happens as with the adjustable gastric band. You eat less but feel full sooner and longer because of the small stomach area.

A sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure that also makes your stomach smaller but allows for normal absorption of nutrients. This procedure creates a banana shaped stomach by stapling the larger part of the stomach to then remove it from the body all together. The result is the same as the other two surgeries and you will be able to reduce the amount of food you take in and feel fuller sooner and stay full longer.

losing weight is a good idea if you also have other underlying medical problems. some of these problems can be resolved or at least made better by losing the weight. Some of these things are Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and most importantly, obstructive sleep apnea. You have got to be able to breathe when you sleep.

Do not use these surgeries as a jumping off point for losing weight. There are lots of healthy ways to lose weight and you should try them, changing your diet and adopting a daily exercise routine, before talking to anyone about weight lose surgery. There is risk involved with all surgery and if there really is no need to put yourself through the pain and recovery times, however short they may be, then why do it? You can do anything you put your mind to and that includes losing weight.

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Weight Loss Spas-Personalized Plans To Help With Weightloss

Weight Loss Spas-Personalized Plans To Help With Weightloss

Are you looking to lose weight? Have you considered going to a spa for help? Many weight loss spas help you focus on changing all your bad food habits and showing you how to incorporate a meal plan into your lifestyle that will work for you for the long haul.

When you enter the weight loss spas you will subjected to a medical assessment exam to help figure out if you are healthy enough to be at the spa. If you get a clean bill of health then a personalized program will be set up for you to follow while you are there. Possible physical activities include fitness training, yoga, swimming, and hiking. Other activities that are not so active may be classes on nutrition and changing the way you think about food.



Yoga will help you learn to relax and reduce the amount of stress in your life. Yoga is known to help burn an incredible amount of calories and also for improving your stamina for other activities. Yoga poses strengthen and tone muscles which aids in boosting your metabolism. Yoga produces long, lean muscles that others will find very attractive.

If you are lucky enough to find a spa that is on the beach, walking and exercising on the beach in the sand is a benefit I bet not too many people think about. walking and running in the sand uses more energy than walking or running on a hard surface like the road. You will burn more calories in the sand because you are working harder. If your feet and ankles can stand it then walk or run barefoot, otherwise keep your shoes on to minimize the strain on them.

All the activities are designed to help you get the maximum weight loss results from your spa experience and to send you home with the tools to maintain your success and not fall back into all your bad habits. No one wants to see that happen after all of your heard work and dedication.

At a spa worth it's salt, you should get the whole package. Dietitians and nutritionists to help you devise a meal plan that will work for you when you get home and help you understand how food works in the body. You will be eating the food they serve you at the spa so you will not have to worry about cooking for yourself just yet.

Use the time at the spa to enhance your knowledge and learn all you can. Remember what they say, "knowledge is power." The more you learn the better off you will be and the more likely you will be able to keep the weight off for the long haul.

Your time spent at the spa will help you make the changes that need to be made to your lifestyle. You need to remember that that is what this is all about. Changing your life from the inside out not the outside in. What is going on inside your head is probably the most important thing in your weight loss spas adventure.

Vegan Diet Pros And Cons-Make An Informed Diet Decision

Vegan Diet Pros And Cons-Make An Informed Diet Decision

There are Vegan diet pros and cons you must consider before you start. The difference you need to understand between veganism and being a  vegetarian is that vegetarians can eat other animal by products,they just don't eat meat. A vegan won't eat any animal by products at all. That means no meat, no dairy, nothing. It's an extreme lifestyle choices and it does have many advantages. If you can be dedicated you can get a lot of benefit from this type of diet.

Some people choose to become a vegan for environmental reason, raising beef, for example, takes a lot of resources. Lots of land, water and food for the animals. Others don't believe that animals should be mistreated on their way to becoming "food" so they stop eating any animal by products. And still others convert to veganism for a healthier lifestyle.



Whatever your reasons are, you should only do it if you've made an informed decision and you fully understand the Vegan diet pros and cons:

Pros

1. Most meats and animal by products have a lot of fat and cholesterol. If you are suffering form many diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, eating a meal with less fat and cholesterol may be able to help you lower your cholesterol levels. Of course, everyone is different, you need to talk to your doctor first. This is especially true if you already suffer from some health issues.

Never change your diet until you speak with your doctor.

2. You can help the planet and the creatures in it by not promoting cruel treatment of animals. There are some that say that one person can't make a difference, but there are others who say that it all starts with just one. If you feel strongly about this, do it your way.

3. The fewer people that eat meat and animals, the fewer that will need to be raised for food and that will lessen the impact on the planet.

Cons

1. The biggest "potential" con is that you must make sure you add plenty of zinc, protein and vitamin B-12 to your diet form other forms. If you aren't eating any meat, which is a big source of protein, you need to add soy products and other non animal products that are high in protein such as legumes.

While this isn't an insurmountable obstacle, it is important to be aware of the fact that you may need to take a supplement or add other types of food to your diet to balance out what you are no longer getting in your diet.

As with all things there are Vegan diet pros and cons. It's more of a lifestyle change and it will be up to  you to decide if it works best for you. There may be some drawbacks, but they can be overcome if that's what you want to do. Again, make sure you talk to your doctor before you do anything drastic so you know it's ok for you to do.

Weight Loss Pills-Do Your Homework For Safety

Weight Loss Pills-Do Your Homework For Safety

There are a lot of people out there who need to lose weight. If you are one of them you may want to try some weight loss pills to jump start your weight loss. This may be a good strategy but what do you really know about the pills you want to use? You need to make sure they are safe to use and good for you.

I know, you want to lose weight to look and feel good, I get that. But, if you go about doing it the wrong way then you will cause yourself more harm than good. My advice? Talk to your doctor about weight loss and safe ways to get it done. Your doctor can give you tips and advice about losing weight the healthy way and can also prescribe doctor recommended weight loss pills for you to try.


You need to start by revamping your diet. Now do not sit there thinking that you will never be able to ever eat anything that tastes good ever again. We are not going there. You will eat healthy and watch your portions but you will pretty much eat anything you want. It is all in the moderation of the good stuff. There are plenty of cookbooks out there that show you how to eat healthy. Pick one and stick to it. If you get bored with it then find another.

Start a healthy recipe file on your laptop, when you find a recipe you like then enter it into your recipe database so you will have it for the long haul. Next, make your meal plan for the week. Yup, pick some of those recipes and make out your grocery list from them so you are sure to have all the ingredients you need to make them on hand when the time comes to make them.

Then make sure you incorporate at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise each and every day of the week. If the weather is good, walk or ride your bike, go hit some tennis balls with some friends or go to the local ball field and smack a softball out to center then run get it. Exercise does not always mean running on a treadmill at the gym. Do something fun.

If your doctor says it is ok to start using diet pills then there are some things you should keep in mind. Like I said You need to stay safe. So, never, ever crush a diet pill or open the capsule to put in your food or drink. This will certainly be a bad idea. You will get too much of the active ingredient in the diet pill and probably make yourself sick.

Always take your pills with the recommended amount of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. diet pills act as a diuretic so get enough water to drink. Dehydration is no fun and can cause other problems.

Never, ever take more than the recommended dosage, you will increase your risk of experiencing the side effects of the drug.

Stop taking the pills if your heart rate increases to 100 beats per minute and does not come down in a reasonable amount of time.

Always follow doctors orders when taking weight loss pills so they work as they were intended.

Weight Loss Motivation-Comes From Within

Weight Loss Motivation-Comes From Within

How do you find and keep weight loss motivation? Motivation comes from within. No one else can motivate you. Someone else can inspire you or even push you but the motivation for weight loss has to come from inside you otherwise you will not succeed.

Weight loss motivation is a multi-tiered proposition. First, you need to get an exercise routine you can live with and even elaborate on should the need arise. The  stick to it, doing a little each day will give you the confidence and bolster the motivation needed to succeed.


Next, you need to plan out pretty much every single meal you will eat for at least a week, maybe longer. Doing this will make it easier to stick with your diet. If it is spelled out for you and you can make your shopping list every week by the meals you have planned then you will be that much ahead of the game.

Challenge yourself to do this and see how well it works. You may just surprise yourself. Being prepared with the meal planning will also increase your motivation, as well. Pretty so you will be wondering what was holding you back for so long. Even though you will want to do not kick yourself. Everything happens in it's own time. Remember that.

Other things you can do to keep the motivation in top form is to take before and after pictures, or before and along the way pictures. Document any and all progress you make and display it on the fridge or bathroom mirror. Any place you are comfortable with is good.

Keep things positive and talk to yourself everyday. Tell yourself you are well worth the trouble. Remind yourself daily that you are going to look better than you ever have in your life.

Some weight loss gurus say to visualize your success. If you were thin once upon a time then this will be the easiest for you to do. If you have always battled with your weight then maybe you will have trouble doing this. That should not stop you. Look in the mirror and see what you will look like. Block off some of your body with a solid object so you get a better feel for how you can and will look when you are all done.

Find a diet and exercise buddy. One of your friends may be interested in joining you on your daily walks or bike rides. Motivation does come from within but if there is someone who cares enough to be there for you then it helps in so many ways.

Make a contract with yourself, set the ground rules and the consequences if the rules are broken. Do not give yourself an out. Make the contract in front of a witness and sign it then let them keep a copy. If they are willing then let them also be the one to dole out the discipline should you mess up. In essence they will be your personal trainer. Talk about weight loss motivation!

Vegan Diet Example-More Natural Way Of Living

Vegan Diet Example-More Natural Way Of Living

A lot of people today are interested into getting back to a more natural way of living. They are sick and tired of all the chemicals and preservatives that are added to a lot of foods. I'm pretty sure that if you asked a food company executive he would tell you that those things aren't doing you any harm, but you have to wonder why the cancer rates for some types of cancers just seem to keep going up. If you are interested in learning more and would like a vegan diet example, keep reading.

It can be confusing keeping the terms vegetarian and vegan straight and knowing which means what. I would not know myself if it weren't for the fact my daughter has been a vegetarian for many years and recently became a vegan. A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat but they will still eat eggs, milk, cheese, etc. A vegan is someone who does not eat any products that come from animals, or the milk of animals, at all. They will totally cut all dairy and egg products from their diet, and that is one vegan diet example.




Every person has their own reasons for making such a profound change in their eating habits. My daughters main reason was because she is an animal lover. She has heard, and seen, of the abuse that animals that are raised solely for food go through. It was kind of like her "protest' She could not in all good conscience continue to eat meat when she knew there was such rampant abuse going on.

Others become a vegan or vegetarian for health reasons. Many people in our society today are suffering form a myriad of health issues, many of which are directly related to obesity and high cholesterol. Now, no one is saying that eating meat leads to high cholesterol or obesity but when these high fat high cholesterol foods are combined with a sedentary lifestyle that many of us live, it doesn't help.

If someone were to go on a vegan diet they would almost certainly lose a lot of weight very quickly. It's also pretty likely that they would see a reduction in their cholesterol levels too. Of course, I am not a doctor and I can not give you medical advice so if any of this sounds good to you you should visit your doctor and ask her what she thinks.

Even if you don't think you want to, or could, become an all out vegan or vegetarian, there is no reason whatsoever you can't at least add one or two non meat meals to your weekly meal plan. That alone might make a big difference on your weight and maybe even on your cholesterol levels. This could also help you work your way into a full on vegan lifestyle.

I hope that the vegan diet example I provided you with has helped. Talk to your doctor and make sure it's ok, then go for it.

Weight Loss Medicine-Alert Please Take Time To Investigate

Weight Loss Medicine-Alert Please Take Time To Investigate

Attempting to shed a few extra pounds is not an easy thing to do, yet there are a lot of products out there that promise to make it easy. Fad diets are the prime example of exaggerated claims that make losing weight seem like a picnic. Weight loss medicine also claims to make the whole process a snap. After all, what could be easier than popping a few pills and then watching those excess pounds melt away, right? Let's take a moment to see what the answer to that question is.
The first thing we need to do is differentiate between over-the-counter and prescription remedies for losing weight. You have probably seen products on the store shelves and television or internet ads that allege to be "effective as prescription medication" or "prescription strength". Do not buy these products without doing some investigation of your own! The truth is that most of these claims are meaningless because the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these products. To put it another way, there's no way of knowing how they really compare to a prescription weight loss medicine. That's not to say all of the claims are false, but rather that it's difficult to take any claims at face value.



One of the big problems with questionable weight loss medicine is that it can do more harm than good. Even those products that promise to make you feel full have caused ill effects in some people. Appetite suppressants and metabolism boosters have also caused some people to react in a negative way. People can handle discomfort, and some will gladly do so if it means they can lose weight, but the bigger issue is that some people have died after taking these dubious concoctions. The risk of losing your life is more important than the potential of losing weight. Again, not all products are bad, but you need to be careful.

Your safest bet when it comes to weight loss medicine is to only take that which is prescribed by a trusted and qualified health professional. They will be up to date on what the best medicines are, as well as any new studies that show what the side effects may be. The other benefit of talking to your doctor is that they will know the specifics of your current state of health, and if you would be at a higher risk from taking certain medications.

Some people are opposed to the idea of taking a prescription drug, for any reason. If you happen to be among that group, that's okay; you can still talk to your doctor about any specific over-the-counter weight loss medication you're thinking of trying.

Hopefully I haven't scared you. There are medications that work; both prescribed and over-the-counter. However, it's important that you educate yourself on any weight loss medicine before you start taking it. That way you can be confident in knowing you're staying healthy and losing weight at the same time.

Vegan Diet Enviroment-Three Reasons People Turn To Vegan DIet

Vegan Diet Enviroment-Three Reasons People Turn To Vegan DIet

There are many people today who are changing their diet in one way or another. There are a lot of reasons for these changes, and of course, everyone has their own motivation for making changes. A vegan is someone who does not eat any animal by products at all, not just meat. They won't eat cheese, milk, eggs, etc. A vegetarian won't eat meat but will still eat other types of animal by products like dairy and eggs. To start the vegan diet enviroment is often one of the motivating factors.




There are three coomon reasons why people turn to veganism:

1. They want to help protect animals. It's not a big secret that animals who are raised for food aren't treated very well. There are often horrible conditions and extreme overcrowding. Some people just hate the idea of those animals suffering and they feel like if they don't eat meat they won't be contributing to these conditions.

2. Health issues. Eating a strictly vegan diet can help you lower your cholesterol significantly. You do have to talk to your doctor first before making such a major lifestyle change. This is a necessity if you already have some health issues. Since animal products can have a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol, cutting them out of your diet can make a big impact in a pretty short period of time.

If you currently have some heart related problems and / or high cholesterol, you may want to have a nice long chat with your doctor. I personally can't see why he would have a problem with you becoming a vegan (though you will need to closely monitor your protein, zinc and B12 intake) you do need to talk to him and make sure. I'm not a doctor and I can't advise you one way or the other.

3. And last, but not least, vegan diet enviroment reasons. Some people just don't think that it makes sense to devote so much land and resources to grazing cattle. They feel like that land could be better used by planting crops. When you consider not just the pasture land that is taken up by cattle but also the amount of grains that are grown just to feed the cattle and the amount of water needed to water not just the cattle but to grow the grains, that's a lot of resources going out.

There can be a lot to think about when you listen to those types of arguments. If we planted crops on those thousands of acres of grazing cattle, could we do more to cut out world hunger? Of course, there are many people who think that there is enough food to go around right now, it's just not getting to the right places. They believe it's more of a supply line problem than a lack of enough food.

There are many valid reasons for choosing veganism. One of the most thought provoking and compelling is vegan diet environment concerns. You may not agree with those points, but it sure does make you think, doesn't it?

Weight Loss Drugs-Appealing But Not Always Your Best Result

Weight Loss Drugs-Appealing But Not Always Your Best Result

Let's face it, the promise of weight loss drugs is pretty appealing: you can pop a few pills, eat the way you always do, and still lose as much weight as you want. The truth is that some of these drugs have actually worked, while others had to be pulled from the market due to dangerous side effects. There are some that are available by prescription only, and others that can be purchased over-the-counter. All of them claim to work, though they may claim a different reason for why they work. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you try any weight loss drugs.



Over-the-counter weight loss pills are still classified as drugs, the only difference is that you don't need a prescription from a doctor to buy them. So, the fact that they can be bought in a store shouldn't automatically lead you to believe they are ineffective. If you look at the packaging, you should see a label that says what the active ingredients are, as well as dosing information and possible health warnings. This label has a particular look, and alerts you that you will be taking a drug or supplement of one kind or another. Regardless of what's inside, you should read the label carefully so you have a better idea of what you may be taking.

One thing the makers of over-the-counter weight loss drugs don't talk about too much is the included diet plan. Almost every one of them has a diet plan you should follow while taking their product. The reason they don't talk about the diet plan all that much is that they want people to believe that it's the drug itself that's doing all of the work. But is that case, or do you have to follow the diet plan to see any results at all?

There is no easy answer, as each product works a bit differently. Some claim to work by suppressing your appetite, some claim to boost your metabolism, and others promise to absorb fat. Because each one is different, it stands to reason that each one relies on the diet plan to a differing degree. That being said, you should always follow the included plan. The reason is that the active ingredients may not work well with foods that aren't a part of the plan. In other words, you should consider following the diet plan as part of following the dosing instructions.

Of course, whether or not the included diet plan is responsible for most of the weight loss isn't the most important aspect of weight loss drugs. After all, the only thing most people care about is whether or not they lose weight, and not how they are actually losing it. The most important thing is that you are well-informed before you buy anything to help you lose weight; whether it's over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. When you know the facts, you can feel better as those extra pounds start to come off.

Weight Loss Chat Rooms-Great Source Of Support For Your Weight loss

Weight Loss Chat Rooms-Great Source Of Support For Your Weight loss

Weight loss chat rooms can be a big help when trying to lose weight. Everyone needs support and encouragement when trying to do something difficult, even if it comes from total strangers. Sure you can make friends on chat rooms but do you really know who you are talking to? Not really.

But, trying to keep up with the motivation factor is hard when you just get started and this is where a good weight loss chat room can come in handy. You can talk to others who are in the same boat you are. This is a key factor in weight loss and even weight management when you have reached your weight loss goals.




No matter the type of diet you choose, you will be able to find a chat room to go with it. Or, you can find a generic one that caters to anyone on any kind of diet. They are all out there you just have to find one that you are comfortable with. The more comfortable you feel while in the chat room, the better off you will be and you will probably lose more weight because of it. Just having someone in your corner can make all the difference in the world.

Most chat rooms are free to join and are non-profit, they do ask for donations to keep them going or they try to sell ads to accomplish this. If they have helped you in any way then by all means give them something to help keep them afloat so they can continue the good work they do and maybe help someone else the way they helped you.

You can find motivation and inspiration in the stories of others that post on the chat room or even blog. some chat rooms sponsored by the big weight loss companies that sell food, too, usually require that you are a member receiving their services to join in their chat rooms.

You should be made aware of the fact that when you sign up to these weight loss chat rooms that your information is out there for the taking and you will immediately start getting a lot of unwanted emails in your inbox. If this does not bother you then fine, but if you are like me you do not like a lot of unsolicited emails and then you need to unsubscribe from all of them. Depending on the number of them you could be there for a while.

How does this happen? Well, once you fill out that little form they have you fill out to receive more information or to sign up for the newsletter, they have you. You get put on a mailing list of sorts and then those lists get sold to others trying to make money online.
Everybody will want you to buy their product. Usually this is called spamming, but, the way they get around this is to hang on to the fact that you willingly gave your information to the weight loss chat rooms.

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Starting Vegan Diet-Tips For Being Healthy With A Vegan Diet

Starting Vegan Diet-Tips For Being Healthy With A Vegan Diet

More and more people are contemplating a lifestyle change in terms of the foods they eat. It's no secret that in our fast food society many of us aren't eating as healthy as we should be. All foods that come from animals, not just meat, tend to be loaded with fat and cholesterol. This is one of the reasons why starting vegan diet can be good for your health.

There is a difference between vegan and vegetarian. Veganism is actually quite a bit more strict since you don't take in any animal by products. That means no eggs, cheese or dairy of any kind. Anything that is made from some part of an animal, even its' milk, is off limits if you are starting vegan diet.




Because the diet is so restrictive, it's very important that you make sure you get all the nutrients you need. You don't want to actually be eating more unhealthy than you were before.

Here are some tips that will make your transformation into veganism a little easier and a lot more successful:

1. Decide if you should jump into veganism with both feet or if you would like to gradually make changes in your diet. It really doesn't matter, the most important thing is that you pick the option you will be most likely to stick with. If you are the type of person who makes up their mind and then goes for it, you can probably just become a vegan with no transition time.

But, if you think you may need a little more time to wean yourself off of your current diet, you can do it that way too. Again, it's completely up to you. Just choose the path that you will be most likely to stick with to increase your chances of success.

2. Picking up a good vegan cookbook, or two, may be helpful too. Making sure you have enough variety not only for nutritional reasons but just to keep your taste buds from getting bored is a good idea and will increase your chances of success. Another thing that may help is to take into account many of the vegan meals you are already eating. If you like a lot of salads, for example, you may just be able to add more of them to your diet and it won't even require much of a change.

3. Adding a good multi- vitamin to your daily diet is a great idea too. It's not uncommon for vegans to be deficient in iron, protein, zinc and B-12 unless they are careful to add it back in to their diet. This can be done with supplements or by eating other forms of protein like soy, beans, seeds and nuts.

My daughter has been a vegetarian for many years and recently has decided she was going to go totally vegan. I admire her conviction and self discipline. It can make it a challenge to find places where we can go out for lunch, but she thinks it is the right decision for her. If you are thinking of starting vegan diet do all you can to increase your odds of a successful transformation. Also make sure you get all your nutritional needs met. It's not impossible if you are a vegan but it might take a little extra thought.

Weight Loss Camps-Great For Body And Soul

Weight Loss Camps-Great For Body And Soul

Weight loss camps is a great place for people to lose the unwanted pounds they are carrying around. The idea is to get you out of your normal setting to teach you new ways of dealing with food and stress and other everyday problems. These retreat-like programs concentrate on all aspects of weight loss and help you get over the problems you may have with food and give you the motivation or inspiration you need to succeed in your weight loss endeavor. Sometimes a little help is all someone needs to feel like they mean something and be successful.




Good weight loss camps have well-designed programs to assist you in reaching your weight loss goals and making your quality of life better than it has been in a long time. Though there a re several to choose from, you need information to find the one that fits you and your goals the best. Write down your goals first and refer to it when checking out the camps online to be sure to get a good fit.

There is an online directory of adult camps you can use called GrownUpCamps.com. You can enter the state you live in or even the state you want to go to for your retreat and find the camp that fits your needs. You are bound to find the one that will be your best fit.

Search for a camp that provides and holistic approach to losing weight. Holistic means, "whole". The entire body, mind, and spirit are involved and addressed when attending one of these camps. There are instructors that teach natural ways to manage stress and develop a positive body image by exploring your relationship with the food you eat. Many of these camps also encourage spiritual enrichment, as well.

Before making your final decision, ask the director to send you some references and get some testimonials of past attendees. Check the qualifications of the staff they have on hand. You do not want to subject yourself to people who do not really know what they are doing.

The staff should be well rounded out with dietitians, nutritionists, life-coaches, psychologists, and even physiologists or personal trainers. They should all be knowledgeable in how food and stress and exercise affects our everyday life and help you with any and all problem areas.

The camp you choose should give a good balance of personal and group attention and activities. Do not pick one where you will only be part of a group you will not get the satisfaction of seeing what you can accomplish by yourself if you are always a part of a group.

You should also consider weight loss camps that offer some sort of after care. counselors should be available to you after graduating from the camp for emergency support and even just a check up to see how you are doing six months down the road and then a year or even two years depending on how long they want to follow each class.

Kirstie Alley Weight Loss-Example Of What Not To Do

Kirstie Alley Weight Loss-Example Of What Not To Do

If you have seen her recently on Dancing with the Stars you have no doubt noticed that Kirstie Alley weight loss did not stick when she lost her excess pounds while on Jenny Craig.

All of the food plans work, but just like anything to do with weight loss, you have to want them to, you have to work at it and you have to let them work. Just because she did not keep the weight off does not mean you won't. It just means she allowed herself to gain the weight back, that's all. If she is comfortable with that then that is her perogative.



Kirstie alley weight loss was significant if I recall correctly, somewhere in the range of 40 to 70 pounds, I think. Other actresses have also lost weight by joining the various meal plan programs. A couple of the recent ones that I can remember are Marie Osmond for Nutrisystem and Valerie Bertinelli for Jenny Craig.

Marie lost 50 pounds and Valerie lost 40 pounds and both of them have kept the weight off for well over a year. I believe it has been several years now for Valerie. It very well maybe though, that these actresses and personalities have been approached by these meal plan organizations to promote their product. That does not detract from the fact that the actresses and personalities did actually participate in the program and did lose the weight.

You may be thinking that these meal plan programs are expensive and you would be right. They are several hundred dollars with the price of the food you have to buy. But the knowledge gained and the weight lost may just be what balances it all out. So, if you have the money then go for it. You definitely will not regret it.

You may also be thinking that these actresses and other personalities can hire anyone they want to help them work out and that just isn't fair. Well, it may not be but if you want that kind of financial freedom you could have been an actress as well. You didn't so suck it up and save your money to hire a personal trainer. If you want it badly enough you will make it happen.

Actresses also have to be on top of their game at all times. They always have to be ON. Ready to go at any minute. They work out for hours a day because they have to look good. Not only for the roles they take but just on a day to day basis. They always have to look good or we think they are lazy. How would you like to be under that much pressure every single day of your life. Not me, bucko! They do not get a day off. You can take one anytime you want.

Do not do the same as Kirstie Alley weight loss did. Although she was ultimately unsuccessful you do not have to be.

Weight Loss Before And After-Tips To Help Stay Motivated

Weight Loss Before And After-Tips To Help Stay Motivated

One of the best ways to measure your success if to take weight loss before and after pictures. You will be able to see the progress you have made by looking at and even displaying the pictures while you are still losing.

Stagger your before and after pictures. Do one at the beginning and then one after a month or two, and then six months. Keep them where you can see them so you stay motivated and inspired.



Other ways to stay motivated and inspired can very well come from other people's weight loss before and after stories. Some of these stories can be quite amazing and the amounts of weight some people have lost is absolutely unbelievable. losing one hundred pounds or more is not ever easy but it is considered quite the feat. Almost super-human actually. To lose as much weight as a normal person usually weighs is incredible.

Many people have followed the story of the world's heaviest man since 2006. Manuel Uribe once weighed 1320 pounds at his heaviest and could not walk. He was bedridden. Since starting the Zone Diet he has lost 592 pounds. He has only one goal and that is to walk again.

He married in 2008 is continuing to lose the weight. He is not completely bedridden anymore but still cannot walk and has had a vehicle outfitted so he can ride around town with his wife. He has plans to lose another 500 pounds before he is through. This is the most inspiring story I have ever read myself and have decided to do all I can to lose the little bit of weight I need to lose to be healthy.

Obviously, there are thousands, if not millions, of other before and after stories to be found on the internet. Whether they have lost the weight naturally or have had some type of weight loss surgery it doesn't matter the stories go on and on.

If you are struggling with your own weight then some of these stories will help you see that it is possible and maybe give you some inspiration to get going and have your own story to publish on the internet. Who knows, maybe there is someone out there waiting for your story to inspire them. Losing the weight and sharing your story can be so liberating. Your confidence will soar and so will the love you have for yourself and every other living thing on the planet. You will feel like you could accomplish anything.

If you have been battling your weight for a long time you may also want to get the help of a counselor to help you with any self-esteem issues you may have that cause you to overeat. To be successful with weight loss and then to be able to keep it off you may need to learn to change your relationship with food not just in the sort term but in the long run, as well. This will almost ensure you have the weight loss before and after you deserve.

Ellens Vegan Diet-Find The Foods You Enjoy

Ellens Vegan Diet-Find The Foods You Enjoy

It used to be that anyone who was a vegetarian or vegan was considered a little "weird" and I suppose there are still some parts of the country that would think that way (especially in cattle country, I would guess). But more and more people are making the switch to either a vegetarian or vegan diet. One of those people is Ellen DeGeneres and many people want to know more about Ellens vegan diet.



For those of  you who aren't sure what the difference between vegan and vegetarian is, it is this: vegetarians don't eat meat but they will eat animal products such as eggs, milk and cheese. Vegans, on the other hand, don't eat (or wear) any animal by products at all. No eggs, milk or cheese.

There are a lot of reasons people choose to become a vegan. Sometimes it is a health issues. Cutting meat out of your diet has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Since meat tends to have quite a bit of saturated fat and cholesterol, even cutting back on meat may make a fairly large and positive change in your weight and cholesterol levels.

Another reason many people opt for a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is for ethical reasons. They simply don't think it is right that animals are mistreated while they are being raised for food. In some cases they don't mind the idea that the animal will be someones dinner at some point, what they object to is the inhumane way it is treated during it's life. They just think there is no reason to mistreat the animals.

Whatever your view on the issues are, learning how to become a vegan may be a good choice for you. And learning more about Ellens vegan diet might give you a great place to start. When you first start out your vegan diet there are some points you need to be aware of:

1. For one thing, when you cut meat and all animal products out of your diet, you are greatly reducing the amount of protein you get into your diet. This is easy to overcome, just add a supplement daily and / or eat more nuts and beans. These are loaded with protein and if you eat the right amounts, they will more than compensate for the protein you no longer get from meat.

2. If you ever get hungry for a hamburger (or hotdog or sausage) there are many meat free vegan options on the market today that will replicate the taste and in some cases the texture of meat. This can be a good way to incorporate some variety into your daily food plan.

3. If you have any special health considerations make sure you talk to your doctor before you go on such a restrictive diet. I doubt she will have a problem with it especially if you assure them that you will still get enough protein (but I don't know you and I am not a doctor and cannot give advice on the matter... so ask your doctor).

If you want to become a vegan, don't worry too much about what Ellens vegan diet or anyone else's vegan diet is all about. Find the foods you enjoy.

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Vegan Weight Loss-Popular Life Style That Aids Weight Loss

Vegan Weight Loss-Popular Life Style That Aids Weight Loss

Vegan weight loss had become far more popular these days then I ever thought it would. Switching over to a vegan diet is easier than ever due to all the products on the market. Vegan products compare very well to the nutritional values of their meat and fish counterparts that you can lose a significant amount of weight in very short order.

Vegans, on average, weigh less and have a higher metabolism than those of us who eat meat and dairy products. there are studies that show this is true. Veganism is all about not eating meat, fish, eggs, or dairy foods. Veganism is completely plant based nutrition.



There are so many alternatives to milk from cows and they are really good, too. Soy milk, rice milk, almond milk and even milk made from hemp are all good alternatives. They are all fortified with vitamin D and Calcium. You can use them for everything you use regular milk for, too. Baking, cooking, and even your morning bowl of cereal.

Vegan weight loss can even include dessert. You can find dairy-free ice cream on most any freezer section you look in these days. Almost unheard of ten years ago they are prevalent now. If you pick a sorbet, read the label to make sure that it is totally dairy-free and only contains fruit, sugar and ice.

If you are a cheese lover then there are good soy-cheese choices. be aware though, that some soy-cheese brands cheat a little bit and add casein, which comes from dairy. Read your labels, this may be permitted if you are vegetarian but vegans will find it unacceptable. Soy cheese is cholesterol-free and has fewer calories than dairy cheese.

Vegan alternatives for meat are becoming more prevalent, too. Tofu is a good one, if you find that you do not like tofu as it is you could maybe add it to different dishes to see if you can find a way to use it. Tofu is loaded with protein and maybe you just need to find a favorite way of preparing it. Try baking, grilling and frying. Maybe with some good seasoning you will like it.

If not, then try some veggie patties. You can find them at you grocery store, probably even at your favorite restaurant. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives usually have their own section in the grocery store so search for it or just ask where it is. These veggie patties may cost a bit more but they are healthier than regular meat.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are very important for everyone but especially vegans. They can help you get necessary nutrients to ward off deficiencies in your diet that can cause severe problems with your health. When you are out to eat substitute steamed veggies for the potatoes and butter the meal comes with.

You have to be careful to balance your meals and make sure you are getting the correct amount of nutrients in your vegan weight loss diet. This may take a bit of careful planning.

Cost Of Vegan Diet-May Be Worth It No Matter What The Cost

Cost Of Vegan Diet-May Be Worth It No Matter What The Cost

If you are thinking of becoming a vegan, no matter what your reasons are, you will be happy to know that in addition to the potential health benefits you will get, you may also save some money. The cost of vegan diet will vary significantly depending on the types of foods you choose and if you buy more processed pre made food or you prefer to buy the raw food and cook your own meals from scratch.

There are a ton of meat substitutes you can incorporate into you daily diet. They have substitutes that taste like hamburger, hotdogs and breakfast sausage to name just a few. There are several brands available on the market today all you have to do is look around.



You can go to a smaller all organic store for your foods, which I can almost guarantee you will increase the cost of vegan diet, or you can go to some larger chain super markets and find a fairly large variety of organic and vegan options that may be a little lower priced than at the local organic store.

Again, it's up to you. If you choose to prepare most of your foods from scratch, you will probably save money when you become a vegan. When I go to the grocery store, I always find that the two groups of products that always seem to cost the most are cleaning supplies and meat. You will still need to get the cleaning supplies but by not buying meat you can significantly cut your grocery bill in a lot of cases (though if you are cutting out meat but adding the soy imitation meat products you may not see a cost savings, you may actually spend a little bit more).

You also need to be aware of some of the nutritional needs that may not being met with a vegan diet. Protein, zinc and vitamin B12 are some of the most common vitamins and minerals that you may not be getting enough of. This can easily be overcome by adding a quality full spectrum multi vitamin to your diet on a daily basis.

You can also eat more beans (pretty much any type you want but black beans are particularly high in protein) or nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios and pecans. Just a small handful of nuts for a snack every day may be all you need to do.

Of course, you will also want to check all the labels of the pre made food you buy. There you will get an idea of how much, if any, protein and other vitamins and minerals it contains. At first, this might be a little time consuming but as you get used to your new diet, you won't have to think twice, it will all come naturally.

The cost of vegan diet can vary quite a bit depending on where you get your food and how much processed food you buy in relation to raw food, but becoming a vegan might pay off in so many
other ways it may still be worth it even if it does cost a little more.

Vegan Diet Research-Results Have Shown Decrease In Heart Disease

Vegan Diet Research-Results Have Shown Decrease In Heart Disease

Vegan diet research has a long way to go. It's simply very difficult to quantify the results of what people eat and what effect, if any, it has on their overall health. There are just too many variables that can effect the outcome and alter the findings. Having said that though, there does seem to be some evidence that a vegan, or vegetarian diet can help reduce or eliminate high cholesterol and maybe even some heart disease.

Not everyone who decides to become a vegan or vegetarian does it for health reasons. There are many people who think that eating meat is wrong. They may think it's wrong because of the deplorable conditions the animals are raised in, or the inhumane way they are slaughtered. They may have a problem with the chemicals that are injected into the livestock and chickens to help them grow bigger.



Still others have a problem with what they see as the sheer waste of land and resources that go into caring for and raising some of these animals. Take cattle, for example, they require enormous amounts of land to graze on. They also are feed grains that must be grown on thousands of acres of land. Then there is the amount of water needed not only for the animals but to help grow the grain too. It's a lot of resources going into a relatively small amount of food.

And than there are those who choose to become a vegan or vegetarian due primarily for health reasons. They still may care about one or both of the above issues, but for many of them the driving force are their health concerns.

They might want to lose weight more quickly, or they might need to lower their cholesterol levels. Vegan diet research has shown that both of those things are possible with a vegan diet lifestyle. Some research has shown that vegans were less likely to develop heart disease, almost 50% less likely as a matter of fact.

Other studies have concluded that people who avoid a meat and dairy based diet are much less likely to become obese. Since meat tends to be higher in saturated fat and cholesterol, these findings are hardly unexpected.  Some recent studies seem to suggest that kids who do eat their vegetables on a regular basis will actually have higher IQ scores and might even be taller! Guess mom was right, eating your veggies is a good idea.

While I am not a doctor and I cannot vouch for the validity of any of this vegan diet research to me it just seems like common sense. If you eat foods with less saturated fat and cholesterol you are just less likely to have heart related diseases and high cholesterol. I personally don't see much harm in eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. At the minimum you may be cutting some fat and calories from your diet, what is the worst that will happen... you might even lose some weight!

Vegan Diet Menus-Great Ideas for Your New Diet Choice

Vegan Diet Menus-Great Ideas for Your New Diet Choice

Finding good vegan diet menus can be a little challenging since you don't eat any animal by products at all. That means no meat, fish, poultry, and no dairy products. With so many restrictions it can be a little challenging to get  variety as well as all the nutrients you need to get into your diet every day.

But for many, coming up with vegan diet menus is a small price to pay for to become what they believe is more ethically and environmental responsible. If you have any underlying health concerns, make sure you talk to your doctor before you change your diet in such a drastic way. cutting out the fat and cholesterol that is in a normal diet can do a lot of improve your health in many ways. Lowering cholesterol is just one of many possible health related benefits so it might be a good idea to try, after you have discussed it with your doctor.

Here are some ideas of menu ideas:


1. For breakfast you can have a bowl of whole grain oat cereal, with soy milk of course. you can add various fruits to your cereal to get more flavor and some fruit into your diet.  You can have toast, but no butter. Pancakes, just check the ingredients and make sure that they don't have anything in it that you shouldn't have. Of course, just having some fruit will work too. Or, you can combine one or more of these things and mix and match to get some variety.

2. For lunch you can have salad or non meat, non cream soups. Use only vinegar and oil for dressing (since you can't have any cream or dairy based products, stay away from creamy dressings). Make a tomato sandwich. Some people hate them, but I like them. It's simple, just cut up a fresh tomato and put the slices between two pieces of toast.

3. For your snack, you can have soy yogurt, with or without fruit, or some fruit. If you want a fruit cup make sure you get the type with no sugar added. That will cut the calories that you are taking in by a lot.

4. Dinner can be a combination of rice dishes and vegetables. Or, you can get a veggie burger and cook it on the grill. There are a whole line of soy based products that mimic the flavor, and texture in some cases, of hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, etc. Adding these to your diet can allow you more variety.

It's important to check the labels when you try new types of processed foods. It can be sometimes difficult to figure out what all is in your processed foods. Once you have a menu set up, things will get easier. You will learn what you can and can't have. It's also a good idea to get one or more vegan cookbooks for some ideas and inspiration.

Planning your vegan diet menus may take more time than your current menu planning, but once you get the hang of it it will become second nature. With the help of some good cookbooks, and possibly your doctor or dietician, you will be cooking meals that have no animal by products, and enjoying all the health benefits, in no time.