Many people have a problem reaching goals they have in their diet and exercise program simply because they are not knowledgeable about basic nutrition. If you are trying to lose weight you should know that reaching your weight goal is simply a matter of burning more calories than you take in.

You should also be concerned with improvement in your overall health at the same time, which is why having good nutritional skills are so important. Poor nutrition can lead to higher risks for of a variety of health problems including heart disease and cancer. You need to eat a balance of healthy foods and watch your caloric intake at the same time. A proper diet reduces cholesterol, blood pressure, and aids in weight loss.

For optimal body function you must eat the right combination of nutrients. One of the most important of these, contrary to some popular diets, is carbohydrates. They are used to create glucose which can be used right away or stored to use later. An over abundance of carbohydrates will cause your body to store the extra glucose as fat. Carbohydrates are broken into two categories, simple and complex. Sugars fall into the simple category, while starches and fibers are complex carbohydrates.

Protein is another crucial nutrient for your body; they help your body build and repair muscle and other tissues. They also function in the creation of hormones. Do not fall into the trap of eating excessive amounts of protein, like carbohydrates, excess protein is stored as fat. The two main protein sources are animal and vegetable. You need to avoid a high consumption of animal protein because too much of it can cause high cholesterol due to the high levels of saturated fat.

Your body must also have a certain level of fat intake. Fats are classified in two categories, saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fat is the bad kind and puts you at risk of health problems. Unsaturated fat is healthier, but if it is refined, it can become saturated fat.

Vitamins of course are also on the list of required nutrients. All vitamins perform different jobs within the body and work with your body’s metabolism to increase energy levels. Many studies have proven that certain vitamins can also prevent disease such as vitamins A, C, and E, also called antioxidants, which assist with the prevention of coronary artery disease by helping to prevent plaque build up on artery walls.

Your body also needs minerals and trace elements which are used in many different body processes. Chlorine is essential for digestion, calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong bones and healthy teeth. Your body also needs salt, but not more than 2400 milligrams per day, as it can increase your blood pressure.

Make sure that you eat food as close to their natural state as possible and avoid excessive amounts of animal protein. Eat at least two cups of fruits and two cups of vegetables daily and drink a gallon of water spread out over your day.

Vegetables and fruits are rich in nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber. Diets high in vegetables and fruits meet vitamin, mineral and fiber needs without adding a lot of calories. Diets rich in vegetables and fruits have been shown to lower blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The American Heart Association continues to recommend the following to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

Consume an overall healthy diet
Aim for a healthy body weight
Aim for recommended levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides
Aim for a normal blood pressure and blood glucose level
Be physically active
Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products
Drink alcohol in moderation

A healthy diet includes:

Eating a variety of whole (fresh, frozen, or canned) vegetables and fruits
Eat more deeply colored vegetables and fruit such as spinach, carrots, peaches and berries (they tend to contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than others such as potatoes and corn)
Choose whole fruits over juice most often (whole fruit contains more fiber)
At least half of your grain intake should come from whole-grain foods
Reduce intake of beverages and foods with added sugars (primarily to lower total calorie intake and to get enough of the nutrients your body needs)

Recommended servings per day for a healthy person needing 2,000 calories each day includes:

6 to 8 servings of grains (at least half of the servings should be whole-grain foods)
8 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits (about cup counts as a serving)

Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body, however, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. Typically the body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so people do not need to consume extra to get enough.

Some of the excess dietary cholesterol is removed from the body through the liver. The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. If you have heart disease, they recommend limiting your daily intake to less than 200 milligrams. Everyone should remember that by watching how much cholesterol they take in each day can help significantly lower total dietary cholesterol intake. Especially watch foods high in saturated fat.

Regular physical activity is helpful in increasing HDL cholesterol in some people. Higher HDL cholesterol is related to a lower risk of heart disease. Physical activity also helps control weight, diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Tobacco smoke is among the six major risk factors of heart disease. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the tendency for blood to clot.

Source: American Heart Association

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine

During pregnancy the mother must increase energy intake. During lactation, energy intake is also increased. A steady balanced diet is essential, in the right quantities, throughout life, to maintain healthy growth and development. The first part of this two part article looks at the background to nutrition and the digestive process. Part two will conclude with the role of diet from pre-conception to old age.

Even before pregnancy, diet plays an essential role in preparing the female body for a normal and healthy birth. Vitamin D deficiency could cause pelvic deformation, where normal delivery of child would be difficult. Vitamin B12 deficiency could cause infertility and a history of dieting would deplete any nutrient reserves in the body, giving rise to infertility and reduction of nutrients for the foetus.
A diet consists of nutrients. Nutrients are classed as macro, required in large quantities and micro, required in small quantities. Macro nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (fats). Micro nutrients include vitamins and minerals. Another product essential for a diet is water. Water is required in large quantities to aid metabolism, which occurs in an aqueous environment.
Bread, cereals and potatoes contain carbohydrates, non-starch polysaccharides (nsp), water, vitamins and minerals.

It is important to have an appropriate amount in the diet for the following reasons:
Carbohydrates provide energy, which is essential for all metabolic processes within the body, including mechanical movement, respiration, growth, repair, cell metabolism, DNA replication, vision, transport within the body and maintaining homeostasis (constant internal body equilibrium such as constant blood pressure, body temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate).
Glucose (broken down from carbohydrates) is also required for brain cells and the central nervous system.

NSP’s (fibre) are particularly important in a diet because they act as roughage or bulk. The nsp’s are not digestible and therefore pass straight through the digestive system. However, because of the increase in the bulk of food, it passes through the system more quickly than if nsp’s were not digested. NSP’s ensure food is not left in contact with the gut lining for prolonged periods of time, which could have serious health effects, including cancer.
Meat, fish, pulses contain protein, water, minerals and vitamins, nsp’s (in pulses) and lipids.

Proteins exist in two states, fibrous and globular.
Fibrous proteins have a structural role, eg tendons, ligaments, hair, growth and structure. Globular proteins function as enzymes which allows cell metabolism to occur, help in our immune system by producing antibodies to fight diseases and aid transport, both intra and extra cellular. They also work as hormones, and for growth and repair of body tissues and in blood clotting. Too much protein in our diet is removed as waste material; too little protein in our diet could result in muscle wasting and such diseases as marasmus and kwashiorkor.
Protein constitutes 12-18% of the body’s mass.

Milk and dairy products contain protein, lipids, water, vitamins and minerals.
Fat and sugar contain carbohydrates, water, lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Lipids are broken down into glycerol (a further source of glucose) and fatty acid, including essential fatty acids.

The essential fatty acids are components of the body’s cells, especially in the formation of cell membranes. Lack of fatty acids can affect blood pressure, blood clotting and homeostasis. Excess fat, however, can be stored in the body in adipose tissues and possibly result in obesity and related health problems. Although, much obesity is the result of certain gene deficiency, which will be discussed in more detail in a further article.

I introduce a lot of clients to juicing and smoothie making as a fun way to ensure their diet is rich in what is loosely called macro nutrients. Delving into the science world we find a lot of naturally occurring substances are named and labelled with their resulting effects documented. But like the sea and the surface of the moon, there is plenty to be explored yet!

What I feel exists in living natural foods is an abundance of living nutrients yet to be fully explained, but I am sure these are active compounds with significant healing capabilities and are essential to beaming good health. Most clients that start juicing on a regular basis instantly notice a change for the better, stronger nails, whiter teeth, weight loss and more energy. All positive results I am sure you would agree and results that no vitamin pill or other health improving product will achieve. Why? Well although when you look on the side of a pill or potion the list of ingredients will look impressive, but its debateable if the nutrients are bio available, that is useable by your body and more to the point a processed, man made substance will not contain the life force of living fresh fruits and vegetables!

So in conclusion dont look for a product to improve your health levels, look to nature and in particular quality fruits and vegetables. Also be aware that cooking will lessen the levels of life force or macro nutrition in your fruits and vegetables so try juicing and smoothie making as a way of introducing raw nutrition into your diet. If you do I am sure the benefits will be instant and hopefully the habit will be lasting.

For more reading research the Gerson therapy technique of treating cellular disease with raw living juices, the very success of this therapy relies on the active life force of vegetables in quantity to arrest and reverse cellular disease.

For this treatment a slow speed juicer is used to deliver the vital macro nutrients in an easy to digest format, juice!

Snacking is the word we use to describe eating between meals and should not be taken lightly. Eating snacks is a favorite past-time in America today. There are many reasons why we snack and as along as you snack healthy then it will not matter how often.

Snacks should be a combination of whole foods to give the best source of nutrition. Taking the time to understand why you should be snacking and what to snack on then you will be headed toward a healthy lifestyle.

You should do whatever necessary to learn more about which foods carry the most sugar. The beginning of cutting out sugar is the worst part but you will be glad you did it. To over come sugary foods will be an accomplishment to be proud of.

Be careful as to not add excess sugar to you or your children snacks. Snacking is not only for children but it is a great way to raise your children to get used to eating though out the day. Snacking is fine and is one of the joys of life.

Healthy snacks does not only mean munching on a vegetable or a piece of fruit. There are an unlimited number of types of snacks to enjoy but you will want to choose the healthiest ones. You can mix it up several different ways.

Whole food snacks have sugar but this is a natural sugar and should still be limited. If you eat sugar that is processed you will get energy from it but it is a short lived energy.

Fruit is also sweet and comes from nature in a proper balance of fruit sugar, fiber, and vitamins. Watermelon has been shown to actually lower the body temperature and is therefore a great addition to your summer snacks. Oranges are great in the winter and help many people to avoid colds and flues since they are high in vitamins A and C.

Nuts and cheese are great ways to get other nutrients that can add a great taste to your meals. Cottage cheese is great for vitamin D and nuts have great sources of protein.

Do not give in to the temptation of eating sugary foods because this provides no nutritional value for your body. If you are worried about your health snacks that have refined sugar tend to add empty calories to your diet.

Practice eating healthy snacks and mixing it up with a variety of whole foods. There is much to learn about making better choices for snacks. It is always better if you can do whatever you can to increase your health so that you can enjoy your life for many years.

It is not always easy to change your snack habits over night. You even may forget at the grocery store and purchase items that will only tempt you. Make the conscious effort to stay away from these sugary snacks as much as possible.

People tend to talk about chocolate and its nutritional facets and in the end, people tend to conclude that because of its many ingredients that are not considered healthy, chocolate then is also not nutritious. However, this popular notion may not be entirely true.

Chocolate, according to some, contains certain nutrients. These nutrients are good for the body provided that they are eaten in small amounts only. After all, anything taken excessively is not always ideal. Excessive amounts of chocolate in your system can be harmful to your health and can even cause the build up of cholesterol and fats and this, as we all know, cause weight gain. Bear in mind, that if you must eat large amounts of chocolate, you have to “balance it out” with other food.

Chocolate contains stearic acid, a type of saturated fat that is commonly found in cocoa butter. Of course, saturated fat is not healthy. However, compared to other types of fat, stearic acid does not increase your blood cholesterol as rapidly. In fact, stearic acid may even help your heart.

The protein in chocolate is another reason as to why this sweet stuff can be healthy for a person. Generally, chocolate bars contain three to four grams of protein and we know that protein is helpful to the human body.

The antioxidants found in chocolates (flavanoids) are also found to prevent cancer as well as thwart age-related diseases. Flavanoids can also accordingly lower blood cholesterol levels and help keep the blood levels at normal rates.

Did you know chocolates also have copper, calcium and magnesium? Most, if not all, people probably do not know that chocolate has these ingredients!

One has to familiarize him or herself with the various types of chocolates, to know what’s good and what’s not. Compared to other types of chocolate that have too much saturated fat, dark chocolate is popularly known to contain the “ideal ingredients”.

Given these facts, people’s outlook on chocolates has changed. Instead of labeling it as purely junk food, chocolate may now be considered as health food. This is because of the ingredients of chocolate that actually carry good results for the human body. These ingredients can help with heart problems, blood pressure and other health-related concerns.

Hence, to partake of chocolates is not bad after all! Health junkies need not stay away from them and people with that sweet tooth need not give them up. Chocolates can be healthy. Just remember to eat them in moderation.

Here is a brief look at the ongoing research of arthritis and nutrition. There has been a lot of research that identifies the relationship between arthritis and nutrition. I just realized I have a whole lot to say about arthritis and nutrition, so here you go: There two main kinds of arthritis, osteo- and rheumatoid, but both are inextricably linked with nutrition. Although progress in the field of arthritis and nutrition is slow, we fully expect to see further justification of these theories as medical science progresses.

Arthritis means inflammation of a joint or joints. Arthritis is usually caused by what people eat and drink and is becoming very common in people of all ages which will probably affect 90% of people by the age of 60. Arthritis is a poorly understood condition but some scientists believe that rheumatoid arthritis is the result of a micro-organism or other foreign substance in the body. Arthritis is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases and becomes more prevalent as we age. Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions today, affecting as many as 100 million people worldwide. Can the foods you eat cause or affect your arthritis? Diet is a major role player in the onset of arthritis. There are some scientific reasons to think that the foods you eat could affect certain kinds of arthritis.

Studies have shown that excessive weight and your diet are definitely factors in certain types of arthritis. Research has shown several connections between food, nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids) and certain forms of arthritis or related conditions, such as gout, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, and reactive arthritis. Healthcare professionals strongly recommend that people with arthritis follow a diet based on variety, balance and moderation. The treatment for arthritis usually focuses on medications that reduce inflammation, which decreases pain and increases mobility.

Nutritional advancements have shown to be extremely effective in both preventing and managing many forms of arthritis by all natural nutritional supplements. Nutrition and exercise are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in additional to medical therapy. A person has to eat and drink the necessary foods required for proper nutrition. It is almost impossible to get a daily balanced diet so the logical answer is to allocate a portion of your food budget to include a nutritional supplement product that supplies the recommended daily minimums. It is best for overall health when that can be attained through improved nutrition instead of toxic drugs. But then again, a lack of evidence doesn’t rule out the power of good nutrition–researchers could find no explicit link between red meat and RA either. But if nothing else, an emphasis on good nutrition is especially meaningful in the sense of choice and control it can give to those with arthritis. While conventional medicine often helps to ease the symptoms, nutritional supplements can also have powerful effect in assisting keeping this debilitating condition in check.

It seems like we hear conflicting news about what we should and shouldn’t eat at every turn, but experts have pinpointed specific foods and supplements that can actually decrease the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis when combined with regular exercise. Other supplements that have been in the news a lot lately – glucosamine and chondriton – help the body repair damaged tissue, slow down joint degeneration and improve joint function and mobility. Give some of our suggestions a try: Exercise at least 3 times a week and watch your weight. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains and adhere to a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet. Moderate your sugar intake, consider using sugar substitutes if you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation and avoid tobacco use. Take recommended supplements with your doctor’s approval. This well known set of facts exists, drink eight glasses of water per day and get 8 hours of sleep each night.In addition, changes to diet and the use of certain nutritional supplements may also help to relieve symptoms. Liquid dietary supplements have several advantages over tablets and capsules. Liquid vitamins and mineral supplements have a greater absorption rate than any other form of supplementation. The effective use of nutritional supplements and natural diet saves money, pain and lives.

The first step is to insure you get the basic nutrition through proper diet and exercise. Just as it is for people without arthritis, maintaining a balance in the foods you choose is important. While exercise is important for overall health, for people with stiff joints and decreased mobility, it can really help offset the consequences of this condition. Joint pain may discourage you from beginning an exercise program, but the important thing to remember is to start slow. Too much exercise, especially jogging, or anything that is hard on the joints, is not helpful and can cause traumatic arthritis. However, some mild daily exercise such as walking is generally best and does not stress the joints as does any vigorous exercise.

Studies have shown a connection between foods, vitamin supplementation, and fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids) can only help certain types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Oily fish such as wild Alaskan salmon, walnuts, freshly ground flaxseed or a good omega-3 supplement may help reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis. Research also suggests that a diet rich in Omega 3 EPA may help reduce the pain of inflammation associated with some forms of joint pain. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids from plant foods such as flaxseed and oil, nuts and seeds, avocados, olive and canola oils (just to name a few) is renown for preventing and even reversing osteoarthritis.

Eating a low carbohydrate diet can be great for weight loss but make sure you are also eating smart for your health. You need to think about weight loss for short term and long term success. The tips below have helped many of my clients lose weight and keep it off and if they do not work, then you simply are not overeating carbohydrates and need to take a different approach.

To make these tips more useful I would suggest writing down everything you ate yesterday so that you can make notes as you read through the suggestions.

The first carbohydrate to assess is the sweets. This includes any desserts and also beverages with added sugar. Do not count diet or sugar free foods or beverages. Circle or highlight all of those sweets you had yesterday. Then try to reduce that intake down to one serving daily. Examples of a serving could be one small to medium cake or brownie, 2 cookies, 1 regular 12oz soda, or 1 regular size candy bar.

Carbohydrate cravings are a common problem, especially chocolate cravings. Try planning one serving into your day instead of cutting them out completely and you will tend to feel less deprived. If you find you are eating large amounts of sweets try gradually cutting down the amount more gradually. For example if you are eating 10 servings daily try first reducing to 6 servings and gradually work your way down.

Next, look at your starch intake. Sweets and refined starch carbohydrates are generally low in nutrients and fiber, and often do not satisfy our hunger for long. Check to see if any of your starch foods are whole grain. Look at some of the starch foods in your kitchen such as the breads, pasta, crackers, and cereals. Check the ingredients list below the Nutrition Facts label for whole grains. The word whole needs to be in the first few ingredients. Examples would be whole wheat, whole oats, or whole grain.

Why is whole grain important? Whole grains still have all 3 parts of the grain (bran, endosperm, and germ) after milling. This keeps all the natural nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants intact rather than being lost in processing. Now – practice substituting whole grains for your refined starches over the next several weeks and try to make at least half of your starches/grains whole grains.

Don’t cut your fruit intake. In fact, you really want to increase your intake of fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables because you will get more fiber and nutrients for very little calories – and they help satisfy hunger and often that sweet craving.

You can also continue drinking milk even though it has natural carbohydrate. It is still a calcium source – just keep the portion to about 8 ounces.

Make sure your overall carbohydrate intake is not too restrictive. If you are feeling weak with no energy for exercise then you have cut back too much. Some fad diets will suggest you completely eliminate carbohydrates for a while but this is not necessary and definitely not a healthy long term solution.

One last tip – try to also spread out your carbohydrate intake over the day and not load up at any one meal. Small snacks are often necessary for hunger control. These tips should help you jump start your weight loss and I wish you well on your healthy carb-controlled eating

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition
The Cucurbita maxima is a botanical name of pumpkins. Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition benefits make this vegetable significant to the diet. They increase in all shapes, colors & sizes. Pumpkins have received a

subcategory of the own when utilizing them traditionally for Thanksgiving & Halloween. Carving these Halloween pumpkins can be amusing make sure to put aside the seeds for growing in the spring seasons.

The Cucurbita family has many relatives that include cucumber, squash & baby marrow.
Pumpkin seeds Nutritional advantages
Pumpkins provide excellent nourishment especially Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition which contains necessary fatty acids, vitamin B proteins, & zinc. The actual fleshy tissue of the pumpkin includes Vitamin A & C,

Calcium, Thiamine, and Phosphorous & Potassium. Pumpkin keeps the whole body healthy through building your immunity. Consumption of pumpkins helps to stay the skin & eyes healthy, and there is much

dietary fiber in the Pumpkin seeds.
Tips on Harvesting & Cooking Pumpkin
The loveliness of Pumpkin is which you can store that over a long era of time. Pumpkins increase their beautiful tendrils while they grow, which stand edible leaves & flowers & finally succulent fruit that can be

utilized in many techniques. You can take pumpkin leaves & flowers & add to them onto a salad, or else cook them as spinach. Pumpkin could be baked, roasted, fried & boiled or else eaten raw or else made

like soups, breads & fritter. Ice cream of Pumpkin & pumpkin jam are delicious treats. Uncooked pumpkin seeds are more nutritional one than roasted ones. Dry pumpkin seeds are too great to nibble while

hungry. Pumpkin seeds could also be mixed along with sunflower seeds, dried fruit, nuts & sesame are a beneficial fit snack.
Pumpkin leaf & flower recipe
Cut up one onion.
Wash the leaves & flowers with chill water.
Harvest young leaves & flowers as of the pumpkin vine.
Narrow piece the leaves of backs.
Serve with coups rice or else with fresh bread.
Fry the onion flippantly.
Add the cut flowers & remove as of the heat.
Sprinkle along with soy sauce, pepper & salt.
Add the leaves & fry till tender.

How to improve Pumpkins
The pumpkins rip shaped seeds are grown in a heap in the garden.
Adjoin lots of dung to the mound.
4 to 6 pumpkin seeds could be planted in every mound.
Allow three-four meters amid the mounds.
This pumpkin trails & spreads itself away.
Pumpkins make an extremely good ground wrap.
You can utilize a trellis to cultivate pumpkins in a city environment.

What to cultivate in the Garden with Pumpkins
The Pumpkins will take pleasure in the group of Nasturtiums, Radish, and Mint & Beans.
Pumpkins love to develop beneath corn. Potato is not good as fellow near for Pumpkin. The
Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition Benefits are more important than their awkwardness & heaviness so do not be shy to utilize it in the place of cooking.

A new puppy in a new home will be wanting lots of affection from you, his new owner, and will be worrying where his next meal is coming from. Dog nutrition is an important issue for pets and their owners. A healthy eating programme at the puppy stage of a dog’s life is the springboard to strong bones and muscles to help him grow into a strong adult dog.

Nutrition in the form of a pet diet for a new puppy helps to avoid unwanted health issues later on in life. A puppy food product that has ingredients and quality proteins, the right carbohydrates, plenty of minerals and vitamins, lowers the worry for pet owners who want the best for their pet.

At Hill’s Pet UK we are proud of our range of puppy, adult and dog food, each one catering for essential health requirements, according to the size and breed of dog. While loving you for his yummy dog food your pet will also crave for your attention, but more than that he will be craving for that special bond between owner and pet.

Sometimes dog owners tend to confuse their pet with their commands and actions. If you have a problem with your dog jumping up at you when you come home from work, or if you are sat down and having ignored him for a while, he jumps up on to your lap, that is him seeking attention.

When your pet jumps over you and you command him to �get down’ and he does not respond, your next action, is you decide to remove his paws off your lap, pop him on to the ground, pat him on the head, at the same time saying �good boy’. The result is your dog thinks you are telling him he is a good boy for jumping up on your lap and he can do it again, see it from his point of view.