The actual cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although
both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity appear
to play major roles. Diabetes can cause serious health
complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney
failure, and lower-extremity amputations. According to the
Center for Disease Control, diabetes is the sixth leading cause
of death in the United States. As of 2002, 18.2 million people
in the U.S.–6.3 percent of the population–had diabetes, with
1.3 million new cases being diagnosed each year. The National
Institutes of Health also estimate that an additional 5.2
million people have diabetes without actually being aware of it.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which was
previously called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset
diabetes, accounts for about 10% of all diagnosed cases of
diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which was called
non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, accounts for the
remaining 90%. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that
only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems
for both the baby and the mother. Gestational diabetes develops
in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies, but usually disappears when the
pregnancy is over.

Diabetes is a serious disease and phrases such as “a touch of
diabetes” or “your blood sugar is a little high” tend to dismiss
the fact that diabetes is a major killer of Americans. In
addition to the lives that are lost, diabetes has a tremendous
economic impact in the United States. The National Diabetes
Education Program estimates the cost of diabetes in 2002 was
$132 billion. Of this amount, $92 billion was due to direct
medical costs and $40 billion due to indirect costs such as lost
workdays, restricted activity, and disability due to diabetes.
The average medical expenditure for a person with diabetes was
$13,243, or 5.2 times greater than the cost for a person without
diabetes. In addition, 11 percent of national health care
expenditures went to diabetes care.

In response to this growing health burden of diabetes, the
diabetes community has three choices: prevent diabetes; cure
diabetes; and improve the quality of care of people with
diabetes to prevent devastating complications. All three
approaches are being actively pursued by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Many government agencies, at all
levels, are involved in educational campaigns in an attempt to
prevent diabetes, especially type 2. Several approaches to
“cure” diabetes are also being pursued: pancreas
transplantation, islet cell transplantation (islet cells in the
pancreas produce insulin), the development of an artificial
pancreas, and genetic manipulation where fat or muscle cells
that do not normally make insulin have a human insulin gene
inserted and are then transplanted into people with type 1
diabetes.

While there is yet no cure for diabetes, healthy eating,
physical activity, and insulin injections are the basic
therapies for type 1 diabetes. For those with type 2 diabetes,
treatment includes healthy eating, physical activity, and blood
glucose testing. Many people with type 2 may require oral
medication to control their glucose levels. People with diabetes
must take personal responsibility for their day-to-day care, and
keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high. The
key to living a long and healthy life with diabetes is to learn
about the disease, exercise daily, follow a diabetes food plan
(right portions of healthy foods, less salt and fat), stop
smoking, take prescribed medications, get routine medical care,
brush your teeth and floss every day, monitor your blood glucose
the way the doctor tells you to and remain positive. Using the
correct routines, thousands of people with diabetes have lived
long, happy and productive lives.

About the author:
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years
at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice
President of Elfin Enterprises of Montana, Inc. an Internet
business dedicated to providing information and resources on a
variety of topics. For more info on diabetes visit http://www.DiabetesAide.com

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Carbohydrates: Fourty percent of your calorie intake should come
from carbs. A good portion of the carbs you take in should be
low glycemic and dietary fiber rich. Low glycemic carbs take
longer to digest and fill you up quicker. Good sources of these
types of carbs are fruits such as mangos, grapefruits and pears.
Whole grains breads, rice and pasta, veggies and popcorn
(without butter) are all excellent sources of dietary fiber as
well. Eating carbs rich in dietary fiber help prevent many
cancers, decrease cholesterol in the bloodstream and decrease
the chance of diabetes, which is increasing within the
population.

Protein: Thirty percent of your calorie intake should come from
protein. You should take in no more than 2 grams per 2.2lbs of
body weight to avoid kidney damage although this takes a long
time to develop (15 years of high protein intake). Animal
proteins are the most complete form of protein. Good animal
sources are chicken, turkey and lean cuts of beef. Plant
proteins are incomplete sources and a variety of them must be
consumed to get a complete protein. Vegetarians run into this
problem and depending on the type of vegetarian, a protein or
amino acid supplement may be needed.

Fats: Thirty percent of your calorie intake should come from
fats and less than 10% should come from saturated and trans fats
(the bad and evil fats). The rest should come from essential
fats. I know, this sounds like a lot of fat in a diet but hear
me out. The big thing is to decrease saturated and trans fats
and eat the essential ones. But what are sources of essential
fats? Good sources are cold-water fish, peanuts, walnuts,
avocados and sunflower seeds. Also, using olive or canola oils
for cooking will increase essential fats in the diet. The most
important thing to do is to stay away from foods cooked in
shortening, processed foods, deep-fried foods and fatty cuts of
meat.

Now the next question, how many calories should I eat a day to
have a healthy lifestyle? Well that depends, is your weight
ideal right now? To maintain your current weight, there is a
certain amount of calories you must take in. To figure out your
maintenance level, multiply your weight in kg’s (lbs/2.2) by 24
+ 200 for males and 23 + 200 for females. Dieting is very
simple. To lose weight, take in fewer calories. About 500 less
than your maintenance level is a safe start. To gain weight, eat
more than your maintenance level. It’s as simple as that!

For more information on health and to view our products go to
www.gearforhealth.com

About the author:
Dr. Jeff Hand was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario,Canada, where he
attended Lakehead University for his Bachelor of Science degree.
He then attended Northwestern College of Chiropractic in
Minneapolis, MN for his doctor of Chiropractic degree. Dr. Hand
now practices in Baxter, MN at Family Chiropractic Clinic.

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Overview of Diabetes New to diabetes? Learn the basics – check
with your local diabetes clinic or research it on the internet.
A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise
program. Its never too late to start – see below. Sticking to
dietary goals while eating out also can be very challenging –
see comments below. 20 million Americans and Canadians have
diabetes. Nearly 7 million don’t know it. Type 2 diabetes
usually develops slowly, and the symptoms often go unnoticed.
Our son developed a puffiness to his face which we noticed right
away because we saw him only a couple of times a year. He and
his wife put it down to simple weight gain. After 2½ years they
finally snapped to there being something wrong and when he was
finally checked out his diabetes was “off the charts”.
Fortunately, they caught it in time, but it should have been
caught over a year earlier. Nearly 90 to 95% of all people with
diabetes have type 2. Who gets it? Just about any body. Fat,
skinny, regular build, it makes no difference; just about
everyone can develop diabetes. Most at risk are people
regardless of body build who live on a high intake of “junk
food”. Least at risk are people who eat a regular balanced diet.

What you may not know about diabetes – the truth about insulin
resistance. 92% of people with type 2 diabetes have insulin
resistance. Get the facts – go to your local diabetes agency or
research it on the internet.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Obesity is not a
guarantee you will develop diabetes and many obese persons never
develop it, but persons who are obese

Diabetic meals can be healthy and savory.

A key to diabetes management is maintaining a regular exercise
program. Its never too late to start and you can do it with a
simple walking program. Just walk 1 kilometer a day and over a
period of a month build it up to two miles (3 kilometers) a day.

Sticking to dietary goals while eating out can be very
challenging. Many, even most, restaurants cater to people with
special dietary needs – just ask. And learn those restaurants
which do not and avoid them.

When it comes to diabetic nutrition, not sure what to believe?
There are many stories out there, some believable, others not.
Research what you need to know from trusted resources – your
local diabetes support center, the internet, friends who have
diabetes.

The help of friends and family can make all the difference to
someone with diabetes.

Help for Diabetes, Gout and Other Disorders

Check out these products, Native’s Gift, Desert Promise, Bio88+,
and see if there is something here for you. They are all “Native
and Natural” products, manufactured under strict quality
control. In the case of Bio88+, a Greens product, it is
manufactured in a government controlled University laboratory.

On the testimonials page below I am L. Windblad and my wife is
J.D. Windblad. I have long-term gout (since 1977), damage from
gout including numbness and pain in the feet, a prostate which
had ceased functioning for the past 2 years, and in Jan 2004 I
was diagnosed with a lazy thyroid. By the end of January my
thyroid was functioning normally, by April I was noticing an
improvement in prostate functioning and by mid-May it was
definitely clear that not only was the pain gone but feeling was
coming back into my feet. This is written in June 2004 and its
all still getting better.

Check out these product testimonials and see what you think
about what these products have accomplished in many other lives.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and contact the people who gave
these testimonials.

There are other stories of “miracles” with these products and
they will be posted as soon as they can be collected. What these
products actually do is work to make your body function the way
it is supposed to function, and they accomplish this at least in
part by restoring your natural Ph balances.

Make sure to go to the product testimonials page above, scroll
to the bottom, and click on the email contact for any of the
people given, and receive their confirmation and personal full
testimonial. Disclaimer: This article in no way should be taken
as “medical advice” on any product, condition or course of
action, nor does it constitute in any way “medical advice”
endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any
possible cure for any condition or problem. This article is
meant as a source of information upon which you may base your
decision as to whether or not you should begin using any
vitamin, mineral and/or herbal supplement for better health, or
begin using a “greens” product as a dietary supplement.

If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your
physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a
possible different opinion. The author does not bear any
responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your
actions based upon those decisions.

About the author:
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than
40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.

This article is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us,
http://www.organicgreens.ca and Loring Windblad. This article
may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is
copied complete with all links and text, including the Authors
Resource Box, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements.

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1. Fats

2. Proteins

3. Carbohydrates

All three can be converted to blood glucose. However, while fats
and proteins are converted slowly, carbohydrates are converted
quickly causing quick spikes in the body’s blood sugar levels.
These spikes in blood sugar levels cause the pancreas to create
and release insulin until the blood sugar level returns to
normal.

Meanwhile, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that
lowers our blood’s glucose levels is released into the blood as
soon as the body detects that blood sugar levels have risen
above its optimal level.

Insulin is a very efficient hormone that runs the body’s fuel
storage systems. If there is excess sugar or fat in the blood
insulin will signal the body to store it in the body’s fat
cells. Insulin also tells these cells not to release their
stored fat, making that fat unavailable for use by the body as
energy.

Since this stored fat cannot be released for use as energy,
insulin very effectively prevents weight loss. The higher the
body’s insulin levels, the more effectively it prevents fat
cells from releasing their stores, and the harder it becomes to
lose weight. According to many authorities, over the long term,
high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and cause
serious health problems like the ones listed below:

1. Raised insulin levels and insulin resistance

2. Lower metabolism leading to weight gain

3. An increase in fatty tissue and reduction in muscle tissue

4. Accelerated aging

5. Increased food allergies and intolerances

6. Overworked immune system

7. Increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like sugar and starch,
are quickly turned into sucrose by the body entering the blood
stream quicker thereby causing the release of large amounts of
insulin. The fewer carbs are eaten, the less insulin is produced
by the body, and the fewer calories are stored as fat. Less fat
storage equals less weight gain and fewer carbs eaten equals
less insulin in the blood and the body using its fat stores for
fuel.

The premise behind every low-carb diet plan is that a body that
produces less insulin burns more fat than a body that produces
lots of insulin. Some plans encourage a period of extremely low
carbohydrate intake so that the body will enter a state of
ketosis and more quickly burn fat stores – These are usually
called induction periods.

About the author:
Beverley Brooke, Editor of Health & Finesse – Free health, diet
and fitness articles and weekly newsletter
http://www.healthandfinesse.com

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Today’s children make up the digital generation. They’ve been
surrounded by computers their entire life and are not as
physically active as children of past generations were. Instead
of going outside and playing, they tend to hang out indoors,
watching TV and playing computer and video games. Along with
lack of physical activity comes the convenience of fast food.
There are fast food restaurants virtually around every corner,
and they have easy access to snack foods full of saturated fats
and sugars. In addition, obese parents are more likely to have
obese children. The reason for this is two-fold. First, obese
parents probably pass down their poor habits to their children.
Second, genetics plays a role in obesity.

It’s important for parents to be role models to their children
and emphasize the importance of physical activity and healthy
eating. Parents can create healthy environments for their
children by doing regular physical activities, such as biking,
swimming, or walking together. They should encourage their
children to participate in sports, dance, martial arts, and
etcetera. This allows children to develop an appreciation of
physical activity and enjoy exercising.

When it comes to eating, parents need to implement diets rich in
fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. They can make eating
enjoyable and healthy by preparing food together and eating
together as a family. Fast-food should be limited and reserved
for special occasions. Way too often, we reward ourselves for a
job well done with food. Look for other ways to reward your
children for doing a great job, such as a special shopping trip
or a day with just mom or dad.

About the author:
Article by Beverley Brooke Visit http://www.healthandfinesse.com
for on chi
ldhood obesity

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Studies have been able to link certain conditions such as heart
disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure with high levels of
body fat. The key is to ensure your body has enough fat to
function properly but not too much, whereby disease could become
a problem. The best way for a person to determine the level of
body fat is by measuring it on a consistent basis with a simple
tool called a caliper. In a matter of minutes, you will know
exactly how much body fat you are carrying around with you. With
this information, you will then be able to adjust your diet,
cardio exercises, and weight training to bring the fat-to-muscle
ratio in line.

Keep in mind that there are several options, one being a body
fat analyzer. Additionally, there is the skin fold test whereby
waist to hip ratio measurements will be taken, circumference
measurements, hydrostatic weight, near infrared analysis,
bioelectrical impedance, total body potassium determination, and
a test recently offered called the plethysmographic measurement,
which is based on the principle of air displacement. All of
these tests are good indicators of your current fat-to-muscle
ratio.

Now, if you want to go through a professional to determine your
true body fat level, you have two excellent options, both being
accurate. The first is the Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
(DEXA) and the second, Hydrostatic Weighing. With DEXA, a full
body scanner is used that reads and differentiates between bone
mass and soft tissue mass. This type of scan can be completed in
about 20 minutes and is painless, providing accuracy within a 2%
error margin. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of
DEXA but if not, you can have the scan performed for around $100.

With Hydrostatic Weighing, the body is weighed underwater. The
test consists of sitting on a scale underneath water while
blowing out as much air from your lungs as possible. Then when
dunked below the water’s surface, you would blow out even more
air. Because fat does not weigh as much as water, the more fat a
person’s body has, the more they will float. Therefore,
Hydrostatic Weighing works by measuring underwater weight so
that body density can be determined.

On the other hand, if you want to have the option of determining
your fat-to-muscle ratio on your own and every day if you like,
you can simply purchase a caliper from drug stores, health
equipment stores, and even on the internet. Just remember that
if you are interested in losing weight, instead of depending on
the bathroom scale, it is important that you worry more about
the excess fat being carried. While a standard scale will tell
you if you are losing weight from diet and exercise, a scale
will not tell if you are losing the body’s muscle or fat.

Understanding how to measure and monitor your body fat gives you
a level of control to your future. The problem is that the
majority of people know very little about their bodies. To
become and stay healthy, you need to understand your body – how
it works and what your body composition is so you can make
choices that will be best for your overall health and wellness.
Again, the best way to achieve this is to incorporate good diet,
cardio exercise, and moderate weight training into your daily
routine, along with measuring your fat-to-muscle ratio with a
caliper.

While there are many different websites that provide you with
valuable information and guidance, one of the best is
Composition Tracker. With more than 25 different body fat
formulas from which to choose, you will feel confident knowing
you can and will succeed with losing unwanted fat. Composition
Tracker offers tremendous benefit to all types of people,
whether you are a man, woman, teenager, or elderly person. To
gain more information and to get started today, simply visit
http://www.comptracker.com

About the author:
Fitness Consultant Anthony Ellis has helped thousands of
individuals lose fat and build more muscle. To read more about
his fat loss recommendations please check out his site at
http://www.fatlosstips.com

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Daily Food Suggestions Fruit 2-3 serves, Vegetables 5-7 serves,
Protein 3-6 serves, Whole grains 2-3 serves, Dairy 2-3 serves

Antioxidant Super Foods Antioxidants help prevent cellular
damage. Eat plenty of foods rich in antioxidants such as
almonds, berries, citrus, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and bell
peppers. 1. Top your cereal with almonds or berries; add
tomatoes to sandwiches, soups or stews; layer your whole grain
bread sandwich with slices of peppers and fresh spinach. 2. Pack
a snack bag of nuts, baby carrots, grape tomatoes, and bell
pepper slices for a nutritious pick-me-up between meals. 3.
Protein snack bars carry easily for quick energy and a tasty
treat.

Calcium Calcium is the super nutrient that keeps bones and teeth
strong. Now research shows that low-fat dairy also helps people
lose weight! The best sources of calcium come from the cow. 1.
Start your day with a protein rich breakfast. Add a bowl of
whole grain cereal topped with skim milk and fresh fruit for a
breakfast of champions. 2. Snack on low-fat yogurt or cheese
between meals for an energizing treat. 3. Calcium-fortified
juices and cereals are excellent alternatives to meet your
three-a-day requirement.

Fibre Fibre does wonderful things for the body, from lowering
cholesterol levels, keeping you regular, and perhaps preventing
certain cancers. Grandma called it roughage and we need plenty
of it each day. 1. Read food labels to find whole grain breads
and cereals that provide three or more grams of fibre per
serving. A bowl full of bran or high-fibre cereal is a great
start to meeting your daily needs. 2. Eat whole fruits and
veggies for a healthy dose of fibre. Aim for five to nine
servings a day. Juices don’t contain as much fibre as whole
fruit. 3. Dried beans and lentils are loaded with fibre and
protein, so add them to soups, stews, salads, eggs, and salsas.

Soy Soy is a super nutrient and excellent source of protein. It
can lower cholesterol, which can help prevent cardiovascular
disease. 1. Tofu takes on the flavour of foods that it is cooked
with. Try a stir-fry of colourful veggies and cubed tofu with a
light Asian sauce for a quick meal. You can also find cereals at
the store loaded with both soy and fibre. Serve with skim milk
and you’ll get three super nutrients for breakfast. 2. Take a
soy protein bar for a quick snack or lunch during the day. Soy
nuts are another great portable snack option.

Water Most of us don’t get enough of this precious stuff. As a
result, we may look peaked and feel fatigued. Our bodies are
composed of more fluid than anything else, so water is a vital
nutrient for our well-being. 1. Fill up a 2 litre water bottle
each morning and keep it with you for quick and refreshing
drinks throughout the day. 2. Don’t rely on thirst; this
sensation diminishes with age. Drink often and choose from
nutritious liquids, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices,
skim or low fat milk, broths, water, and herbal teas.

Never skip meals. It is important for your metabolism t eat 3
meals a day plus 2 snacks.

By following a healthy eating plan you will maintain your body
in optimal fitness. You will decrease your risk of developing
life style diseases. Your body will reward you by being in peak
condition.

About the author:
Cheryl Haining is a skin care, body shape and nutrition coach.
She has her own successful business. Contact Cheryl at
www.uloseweight.net To create an income stream throgh work from
home visit www.keybusinesstips.info

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Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 60 million
people in the United States, and women are especially affected.
Over o­ne-third of women between the ages of 20 and 74 are
obese, the majority of them being African American or Mexican
American. With more and more pre-packaged food and less and less
activity, the number of obese people in America has steadily
increased since the 1960’s.

But what is obesity? Many people think obesity means that a
person is overweight, but that’s not exactly true. An overweight
person has a surplus amount of weight that includes muscle,
bone, fat, and water. An obese person has a surplus of body fat.
Most health professionals concur that a man is obese if he has
over 25 percent body fat, and a woman is obese if she has over
30 percent. Women physiologically have more body fat than men,
so that why there’s a difference in percentage.

It is difficult to determine the exact percentage of body fat a
person has, but estimates can be made in a number of ways.
First, using a tweezer-like tool called a caliper, you can
measure the thickness of skin folds o­n different points of your
body and compare the results with standardized numbers. You can
also use a small device that sends a harmless electrical current
through your body and measures your body fat percentage. The
most commonly used method to determine if a person is obese is
to look at his/her Body Mass Index (BMI). A person with a BMI
over 30 is considered to be obese, and a BMI over 40 is
considered to be severely obese. It’s important to remember
though that BMI could be misleading in pregnant or lactating
women and in muscular individuals.

With obesity, comes the increased risk of diseases such as high
blood pressure, Type II Diabetes, heart disease, and breast,
colon, and prostate cancer. In addition, obesity has been linked
to mental health conditions such as depression or feelings of
shame and low self-esteem. Health experts say that even losing
10 to 15 percent of your body weight can dramatically decrease
the risk of developing these serious conditions. In addition,
many obese people are discriminated against and targets of
insults and other verbal abuse.

A number of factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical
activity, genetics, and certain medical disorders, cause
obesity, but it can be conquered. The following information
seeks to educate about obesity and the methods used to treat it.
It does not take the place of a physician.

Obesity and its Relationship to: Anorexia, Bulimia, and Other
Special Eating Disorders

Obesity itself is not an eating disorder, but people who are
obese or who fear becoming obese may develop o­ne. Let’s take a
look at obesity and its relationship to special eating disorders.

Binge Eating Disorder – The most common eating disorder is binge
eating disorder. Approximately 4 million Americans have this
disorder. Binge eating disorder is more than just occasionally
overeating. It is characterized by eating uncontrollably,
quickly eating an unusually large amount of food at o­ne
sitting, even when the person is not hungry, and eating in
secret because the person is embarrassed about the amount of
food he/she eats.

More women than men have binge eating disorder, and most of the
people who have it are overweight or obese. Binge eaters eat
mostly sugar and fat, and as a result, they may be lacking
certain vitamins and nutrients. Many of them are also depressed.
Treatments for this disorder include therapy and medications
such as antidepressants.

Bulimia Nervosa – Binge eating is also present in another eating
disorder, bulimia nervosa. It is estimated that 1.1 to 4.2
percent of females will have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime.
Bulimics are caught in a binge/purge cycle. They binge eat,
usually in secret, then purge to get rid of the calories just
eaten. Purging may involve either self-induced vomiting after
eating or using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. People with
bulimia may also exercise intensely for long periods of time in
attempt to burn off the extra calories taken in during binge
eating, or they may go for long periods of time without eating.
Many bulimics do a combination or all of these things.

Bulimia affects more women than men and more young women in
their teens and twenties than older women. These women are
usually obsessed with their weight and truly believe that they
are overweight even though most have a normal body weight. It
can cause a number of serious health effects, including anemia,
dehydration, heart problems, ruptured esophagus, stomach ulcers,
and even death. Like binge eating disorder, bulimia is treated
with therapy and medications.

Anorexia Nervosa – o­n the opposite side of binge eating is
anorexia nervosa. It affects around 1 to 2 percent of the female
population. Anorexia is characterized by self-starvation and
obsession with food, weight, and appearance, weight loss of 15%
or more below the normal body weight, and an intense fear of
being fat. Many of them look emaciated, but they’re convinced
they are fat.

Because anorexics literally starve themselves, their bodies are
severely depleted of nutrients. As a result, they develop
muscular atrophy, dehydration, low blood pressure, and brain and
organ damage to name a few. As many as 10 percent of anorexics
die. Most anorexics deny they have a problem until the problem
gets so bad that they have to be hospitalized. Because anorexia
is so life-threatening, the first stage of treatment is getting
body weight back to normal. o­nce this is o­n track, therapy and
medications are used.

Eating disorders are serious disorders and should not be taken
lightly. If you suspect you have o­ne or think someone you love
does, please seek help. It could be a matter of life and death.

About the author:
Mahesh Bhat is Web Master of http://info-diet.com a Wellness
Community site that provides information on Diet
Pills Visit the site to learn all about obesity &
free weight loss tips!

This article may be freely distrinuted electronically or in
print as long as the Author bio is unchanged.

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About the author:
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than
40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.

This article is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us,
http://www.organicgreens.ca and Loring Windblad. This article
may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is
copied complete with all links and text, including the Authors
Resource Box, intact and unchanged except for minor
improvements.

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According to the National Institutes of Health(NIH), in 1999,
almost 108 million adults in the United States were overweight
or obese–55 percent of the adult population. Being obese or
overweight substantially increases the risk of morbidity from
hypertension; type 2 diabetes; coronary heart disease; stroke;
gallbladder disease; osteoarthritis; sleep apnea; and breast,
prostate and colon cancers. In addition to the thousands of
lives that are cut short by obesity, the economic cost is
staggering. The total costs attributable to obesity-related
disease approaches $100 billion annually (NIH).

There are lots or reasons to lose weight. To be healthier. To
feel better. To look better. To have more energy. No matter what
the reason, successful weight loss and healthy weight management
depend on sensible goals and expectations. In fact, losing even
five to 10 percent of your present weight is the kind of goal
that can help improve your health. Experts suggest aiming for a
loss of 10 to 20 pounds which is very realistic and quite
doable. Did you know that 20 pounds equals 9,072 paper clips, or
1,599 quarters, 480 slices of uncooked bacon or 2.5 bowling
balls?

What you weigh is the result of several factors: how much and
what kind of food you eat; whether your lifestyle includes
regular physical activity; whether you use food to respond to
stress or loneliness; your psychological and genetic make-up;
your age and health status.

Successful weight loss and weight management programs should
address all of these factors. That’s the reason to ignore
products or plans that promise quick and easy, permanent results
without permanent changes in your lifestyle. When it comes to
evaluating claims for weight loss products, the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) recommends a healthy portion of skepticism.
Before you spend money on programs or products that promise fast
and easy results, weigh the claims carefully. They probably will
not work, and the use of some products may not be safe.

Food specific diets rely on the myth that some foods have
special properties that can cause weight loss or gain. However,
no single food can. Many of the fad diets–like the infamous
Cabbage Soup Diet–can undermine your health, cause physical
discomfort (gas) and lead to disappointment when you regain the
weight soon after you lose it. There are no “superfoods.” That’s
why you should eat moderate amounts from all food groups, not
large amounts of a few special foods.

Doctors, dieticians, and other health experts agree that the
best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and increase
physical activity so you burn more energy. A reasonable goal is
to lose about a pound a week. For most people that means cutting
about 500 calories a day and exercising regularly.

Taking charge of your eating habits is one of the best ways to
stay healthy. Staying motivated is a large part of your success,
because most diets work–if you stick to them for the long term.
Most successful dieters tell researchers that they lost weight
and kept it off by doing their own thing. They devised a
personal plan of eating and exercise which they could stick
with. And you can do it too!

About the author:
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years
at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently Vice
President of Elfin Enterprises of Montana, Inc. a business
dedicated to providing information and resources on a variety of
topics. For more diet tips visit http://www.DietDoor.com

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