Considering trying a new diet that cuts down on carbohydrates or cuts them out completely? First of all, you need to ask yourself why you want to do this, and make sure you have a good answer.

Secondly, you need a course of action if you’re going to modify your diet to this extreme. And finally, you need to set a goal for yourself so you know what you’re working toward and why you’re working toward it. Here are answers to all of your pre-carb-free diet questions.

Why Do It?

The best way to answer the carb-free “why?” question is to learn and understand why carbohydrates can be bad for your body. Carbs are one of your body’s main sources of energy, but in order to pull the energy from the food, your body needs to break them down and convert them to the simple sugar glucose. The production of glucose also stimulates the production of insulin, which is a hormone that lets your body take the glucose that it’s made and distribute it everywhere.

If you consume too many carbs, your body will create too much insulin, which can lead to many potentially serious health problems, namely the raising of your blood sugar levels. When levels of insulin are too high in the body, your cells “fill up” on the hormone and don’t take anymore in, which means nutrients from foods consumed beyond those carbs won’t be taken in completely by your body. All of the extra glucose, fatty acids and cholesterol then build up in your blood stream and can lead to more serious problems. And with higher levels of insulin in the body, your organs lose some of their ability to break down fats into energy.

Not all carbs are bad, though, and that’s something that you need to understand before you start restricting carbs. Simple carbs are the bad guys. They’re mostly single molecules of sugar that lack fiber and nutrients but are high in calories, and they pass through your bloodstream very quickly, providing no benefit to your body. Table sugar, sweetened juices and sodas and candy fall under the simple carb category.

Complex carbs are made of several sugar molecules all strung together that digest slowly, keeping your blood sugar levels more sustained than a simple carb. They’re usually higher in vitamins, minerals and nutrients like fiber and can sustain your energy levels longer and help you feel more full than if you eat a simple carb. Complex carbs include whole grains, green vegetables, starchy vegetables and legumes, among other foods.

What To Do

Based on this information about the different kinds of carbohydrates that are out there and how they all affect your body, it’s probably the wisest choice to opt for a diet that simply restricts carbs instead of eliminating them entirely.

Many fad diets out there tell you to eat a low protein, low carb, high fat diet if you want to lose weight. While it may (quite miraculously) work for weight loss in some people, this diet will likely spike your cholesterol and threaten your arteries, causing more serious problems than being overweight.

By eating a high protein, regulated fat, low carb diet, the carbs that you’re consuming (hopefully you’ll choose complex carbs!) will be broken down and used by your body to turn the fats and proteins you consume into energy, without creating too much excess insulin. On this diet, you’ll find that you’ll feel more energized, making this a good option for anyone wishing to incorporate an exercise routine with their dieting, as well.

Do some research on the kinds of foods that are the best to consume on diets such as these, but in general, lean meats, lots of fresh fruits and veggies (the sugars in fruits are natural sugars and should not be considered simple carbs, but should be consumed in moderation), some whole grains (whole-wheat or whole-grain bread or pasta products – white flour is a terrible excuse for a complex carb) and lots of water. Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar and fat, and keep in mind that alcoholic beverages are usually very high in simple carbs, so consume them in strict moderation.

The Goal

Having a goal in mind will not only help motivate you to stick to your diet, but it will also directly help to keep you right on track. Stock your house with only foods that you’ll be allowed to eat on your new diet, and dispose of any foods high in fat, sugar or other simple carbs.

Find a friend who will start your diet with you for extra motivation. Plan out your meals in advance of making them so that you never lose track.

If you’re starting any kind of new diet plan, you obviously have some sort of weight loss or better health goal in mind, so take it one step further by planning ahead and knowing what the benefits will be from your new diet.

Amy Richards is a freelance writer who often contributes to many health and wellness publications. She is a mother of 2 and owns her own bakery that sells everything from gluten free gift baskets to decadent gourmet treats.

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It’s the holiday season, which means that it’s that time of year when our waistlines tend to expand. But there are things that everyone can do that will reduce the chances of horrible weight gain.

Keep up (as best you can) your workouts. You may slack on your diet (if you are on one), but it’s imperative that you try and keep up a regular workout schedule – keep those sneakers where you will be able to find them – and feel guilty if you don’t use them! You’re throwing so many more calories at your body during the holiday season, not keeping a regular exercise will very well make it worse.

Watch your alcohol intake. Beer and wine equal empty calories – keep count not just for your alcohol consumption, but remember that those are calories, too.

Eat slowly and don’t stand by the food. This seems like something straightforward and easy, but it’s amazing how much a difference it makes when the holiday season comes – a switch turns on, and for some reason people decide that they need to take a man and a van and pile all that food onto a plate and then put it in their body in two seconds flat. Don’t do that. Eat slowly, maybe slower than your normal rate, and allow your body the chance to recognize it is full. Those 20 minutes can make a huge difference. This way you won’t feel like a towing company has to come in and roll you out of the party.

I’ve done it before, too – we all have – and it is definitely not a fun experience.

Sleep! This is another thing that people forget to take into account – but with the holiday season comes long days (and nights) of travel. Make sure that you keep as similar a sleep schedule as you can – as with your workouts and your caloric intake, our bodies do not always adjust well to the change from new stresses – so one of the best things to do is to keep your body as regulated as you can.

Move! Don’t stay on one place: go walking, playing or traveling!

Overall, the best thing that you can do for your body is try and keep all your other routines as best you can – and eating a healthy meal before a party isn’t a bad idea, either – that way you’ll be less tempted to eat all the deliciously bad food before you.

Ashley Dean looks forward to the holiday season every year, and actually enjoys swapping out her Carolina boots and her man’s Dunham work boots for snow boots. She’s been writing for as long as she can remember, but only recently started doing so professionally.

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Suffering hunger, starvation, war, pestilence, people in the developing world live amid problems of epic proportions. Now, for the lack of proper eyecare, tens of millions also suffer unnecessary vision problems including blindness.

The infographic below reveals shocking statistics concerning this vision plague that casts so many into the shadows, if not total darkness. Helping some of the many organizations trying to combat this problem can give the gift of sight to another human being – other than the gift of life, what great help is there?


Infographic courtesy of Mezzmer Eyeglasses

80 percent of all the visually impaired can never have to suffer. This is a pretty big incentive to find out more about how we can all help those less fortunate than ourselves. For more information visit the Eyeglasses sponsor of this infographic, Mezzmer.

Are you someone who can’t find time to workout because of your busy schedule?  Do you know someone who is workaholic and starting to gain weight?  Are you looking for a meal plan which can help you maintain a healthy and fit body?  Continue reading because I have the best diet meal plan which soothes your super busy schedule!

Before anything else, you should always remember that this meal plan will not be very successful if you do not have self-control, discipline and a goal.  You will need these three key ingredients for the daily meal plan to be successful.

SELF CONTROL

You should be able to control yourself to follow and eat only what is in our daily diet meal plan to lose of maintain a healthy weight.  There are tons of temptations in our planet that is why being able to control yourself can lead you to good results!

DISCIPLINE

In the office, at home or in any place, food will be available.  There is nothing wrong if you’re in a party and you want to eat the foods which are not in our meal plan as long as you have discipline.  A little bite of cupcake won’t hurt as long as you know when to stop or how much you should be eating.

GOAL

You must have a goal – it’s either you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy body.  Without a goal or a purpose, you wouldn’t know where you are supposed to be heading or if you are failing.

Daily Diet Meal Plan

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Breakfast: [Half cup Cooked Oats, 175ml Yoghurt, 1 Green Apple] or [Half cup Low Fat Muesli, 1 cup Milk, 2 Plums]

Lunch: [1 Serving of Pasta Meal on Olive Oil, Salad] or [Chicken Fillet Sandwich, Fruits]

Snack: Any Fruit and 175ml Yoghurt

Dinner: Chicken (White Meat), Lean Meat, Salmon cooked in olive oil or roasted, Salad and a cup of mixed fruits

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Breakfast: Half cup Bran Flakes, Half cup Low Fat Milk, 1 Medium-sized Banana

Lunch: 1 Medium Pita Bread, 1 Tin Tuna in Brine, Salad, 2 tbsp Lite Mayo

Snack: Any Fruit and 175ml Yoghurt

Dinner: Chicken (White Meat), Lean Meat, Salmon cooked in olive oil or roasted, Salad and a cup of mixed fruits

SUNDAY could be your “cheat” day! Moreover, make sure that you drink more than 8 glasses of water every single day!

Brooke Thiebaud is a professional writer for Gap Coupons, a site dedicated toGAP and their clothing coupons. Brooke also writes for Ikea coupons, another great shopping site.

Medical knowledge has continued to proceed on an exponential path since the scientific method came into widespread use. Nowhere else has scientific research been focused so intensely as to the pursuit of human health.

As such, every year brings about newfound breakthroughs in the field of medicine. Here is a sampling of 2011’s most popular and interesting advances in medicine.

DRACOS (Double Stranded RNA Caspase Oligomerizer)

Just this year a team from MIT developed an entirely new approach to protection against human viral illnesses. The viruses which could be targeted with therapy based on this research include those that cause Dengue Fever and H1N1 influenza. In essence, viruses are bits of genetic material that exist to hijack a cell’s resources to replicate in order to itself. This new research highlights a unique aspect of many pathogenic human viruses, double-stranded RNA, a genetic molecule absent from human cells. By making molecules that recognize this foreign DNA and then trigger cell death, or apoptosis, the virus finds itself in a non-functioning cell and is unable to proliferate.

Glowing Tumors

A group of researchers in Munich have developed a promising method of detecting tumors in patients with ovarian cancer. Patients who are undergoing surgery for removal of ovarian cancer tumors are injected with a special dye blended with folic acid, which is known to bind with a protein molecule on the surface of ovarian tumor cells. Then, using special cameras to detect fluorescent spectrums, the surgeon can visualize where remaining cancerous cells are and remove them. The researchers are continuing to develop the technology so that it can be applied to other types of tumors and, in a broader sense, to be more adept at detecting the fluorescent spectrums.

Fungal Findings

A decent amount of research groups have undertaken studies on the effects of psilocybin — the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms” — on human beings. But a study released this year examined the effect on personality in the long term after a singular session. Based on a popularly used personality inventory, subjects indicated improved openness in their personality assessments, despite the fact that this trait tends to dwindle as people age. Inspired by these positive outcomes and other related research, the group plans to continue research to assess, among other things, if the profound psychological experience can be used to help terminally ill patients deal with diagnoses and the philosophical weight of death.

Rapid Results

One of the greatest breakthroughs of modern medicine was antibiotic therapy; one of the greatest challenges facing modern medicine is antibiotic resistance. Many factors play into the complex tale of antibiotic resistance, but, by far one of the biggest contributors is the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections. Often if a patient shows up symptomatic for an illness ranging from the common cold with cough, sore throat, sinus congestion and fever to diarrheal illness, it is not readily apparent if the pathogen is a virus or bacteria. Nonetheless, antibiotics are in some cases are handed out without substantial reason, often times to placate the patient. A new technology being tested is based on another technology used in crime scene investigations involving a chemical called luminol used for detecting traces of blood. When the blood comes in contact with the luminol, it glows. Researchers have found that when viruses and bacteria are exposed to luminol, they output different patterns of fluorescence, or glows, in a rather predictable manner. Hence, the potential for a quick diagnostic test that would allow for a drastic reduction in the prescription of unnecessary antibiotics, which don’t work for viral illnesses.

Tumor Police

Scientists have identified a compound present in a certain genus of plants called Colchicum, which can actively destroy cancerous cells. Colchicum can recognize an enzyme that cancer cells produce in order to induce the proliferation and colonization of other cells. Scientists found a way to leverage the compound they identified in Colchicum plants in a way that it would not emit toxicity until it encountered the unique enzyme responsible for tumor growth. Upon recognition of this troublesome enzyme, the compound can destroy the tumor’s ability to develop further sources of blood supply and growth to the tumor.

Kathy Stevenson blogs about medical technology and education in the medical field. Kathy has contributed several articles about medical assistant programs to student bloggers who run college focused blogs and websites.

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Most people dread going to the doctor and undergoing a physical check up. Most times, people prolong their agonies and only visit the doctor’s clinic when the symptoms worsen. However, when it comes to our health, one must be their own advocate.

It is important to pay attention to small warning signs that may indicate a bigger underlying health problem. And in any kind of illness, early intervention is important to a full recovery. Here are a few warning signs that might indicate that you may need a thorough medical check up with your physician.

Symptoms That Can Be Red Flags for Underlying Disease:

• A warning sign of an underlying health problem is unintentional weight loss. More often than not, unintentional weight loss may be an indication of onset of cancer, thus it is very important to pay attention to it, especially if one has lost more than 10 pounds in the last six months. On the other hand, unexplained weight gain may also be a warning sign of a health problem.

• Another warning sign is experiencing frequent abdominal pain or the feeling of being bloated or becoming full very quickly. It is important to take note of the frequency, location of the pain as well as the severity of the pain.

• Some people may have sudden craving for ice cubes or only wish to drink fluids and water, and often loses appetite. Additionally, if a person experiences change in his sense of taste, this might be an indication of a serious illness and the person should seek immediate medical attention.

• Additionally, if the person has unexplained bruises all over his body, this might also be a warning sign of illness such as leukaemia.

• Another warning sign is the feeling of always being tired or feeling faint. He may also feel low in energy, loss of motivation and inability to focus. If a person experiences frequent headaches even after waking up in the morning, this might be a warning sign of a serious health condition.

• If a person misses bowel movement, this might indicate a problem with his digestive system. Regular bowel movements should be daily.

• There are also other factors that might increase the susceptibility of a person to illnesses. If a person is a smoker or living with a smoker, this may increase the chance for him to develop lung cancer. If a person lives a sedentary lifestyle and exercises less than ninety minutes a week, this also increases his risk to illnesses such as hypertension and heart problems.

These are just basic warning signs but can be a good gauge of a person’s health. One must pay attention to small warning signs so that further tests and diagnostics can be done in order to identify health conditions every before they worsen. Dismissing these small symptoms can prove to be very costly once the illness has become too severe which may later on cost one’s life. Furthermore, it is important to have regular check ups with your physician to prevent such illnesses.

Dean Nason, a contributing writer for Hive Health Media, is a nutrition expert and fitness enthusiast.  Dean enjoys writing about articles ranging from natural arthritis remedies to weight loss topics such as adipotide.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by stevenharris

We’ve come a long way from the time when people used to believe that eating chocolate cause acne. There are still a few myths and misconceptions that surround the topic, but the picture has cleared up a little. We know more about acne than ever and there are numerous treatments options for you to try. But no matter which direction you go, it’s important not to accidentally make the situation worse yourself.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies when it comes to acne treatment. Whether it’s a lack of patience or general education, there are huge mistakes and bad habits that can increase the likelihood of breakouts. Here are some things you should be aware of so that you don’t limit your own possibilities for getting clear skin in the future.

Popping Zits – this is the most common solution that leads to temporary results and possible a long-term damage. It might seem like a good idea at the time, but you need to think carefully about what you’re doing. Breaking the surface of your skin and letting all of that pus out can potentially spread infection and aggravate your face at the same time. In short, don’t be surprised if this behavior leads to further breakouts and more complicated situations like acne scars.

Touching Your Face – it takes an incredible amount of self-restraint when dealing with anything related to acne. A lot of people touch their face anyways even if they don’t have blemishes on their skin. But touching your face can spread germs which is a number one contributor to acne formation, and even if you aren’t picking or popping your pimples, it’s best to leave them alone altogether. If you do have to set your face, make sure that your hands are clean.

Too Many Products – finding an answer for acne is not about going out and buying as many products as you can find. There are lots of people who make the mistake of loading up their face with different types of harsh treatments that can have potentially harmful side effects. There are no fast overnight answers which is why you need to be fully aware of the products you use, so make sure that you follow instructions and read the label. Too many products can do a lot more harm than good if you don’t use caution.

Washing too Much – another tactic that seemingly would benefit your skin can backfire if you go overboard. Careful washing is definitely a technique you should develop and a good cleanser is something you need to find. Don’t use overly medicated creams or things that are loaded with alcohol and perfume. There are gentle and natural cleansers on the market that will do the job just as well. Find a routine that works for you so that you can get rid of all the impurities that build up in the course of just one day.

Sun and Smoking – two of the most harmful habits for your face and body include excessive sun tanning and smoking. It’s best to avoid these activities altogether, and you’ll find great benefits for your skin if you do. Some people even believe that a nice tan will help to burn away acne, but all you’re doing is hiding it underneath. And when you’re tan fades, you’ll be left with dryer skin that is likely to be oilier and more prone to breakouts in the future.

Healthy Basics – figuring out how to get rid of acne isn’t just about products, you have to factor in healthy living and taking care of your body on the whole. Every element from your skin to your circular system is connected, and that means taking care of your body will benefit your face as well. Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated, stay active with a good amount of exercise, and try your best reduce stress levels. Get a good amount of sleep each night and take care of proper nutrition so that your body is well-versed and more prepared to deal with problems.

More advice on general skincare can be found at howtogetridofacnehelp.com, the place to go for tips on any problem ranging from blackheads to acne scars.

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The most inspired gifts take a lot of time and energy for shoppers to find. Between coordinating family schedules and visits, cooking and cleaning, and having kids home for the holidays, stress starts to mount. Give yourself inspired gifts for little or no cost with these five simple ways to relax during the holiday season.

Wash Away Stress

Soak your stresses away in the tub during the hectic holiday season. A relaxing bath or shower with scented candles and bath products soothes the soul. Treat yourself to bath inspired gifts such as fragrant shower gels or bath salts. Light scented candles while you unwind in the bathroom. Calming holiday scents include cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and lavender.

Meditation

Escape to a quiet room for a few minutes of meditation. Light holiday inspired gifts to yourself, such as incense or scented candles. Close your eyes; focus on a universal mantra such as “Ohm” and momentarily get away from the holiday hubbub. For a change of pace, try meditating outdoors on a warm day. Let the scent of pine trees and the sound of rustling leaves take you to a higher plane. Breathe in the natural fragrance of the world around you and feel the stress melt away.

Yoga

One of the most inspired gifts to yourself is a yoga mat. Check out a yoga class at your local library or community center. Visit a yoga center or buy a book showing the basic postures, formally referred to as asanas. 3After easing into the dog, cat, mountain and warrior, you’ll feel more relaxed when you return to the holiday duties at hand.

Flavor Savers

Have a comfort food or drink on hand to assuage those holiday blues. When the pace starts to exhaust you, sit down and feed your need. Herbal teas, flavored coffee and dark chocolate are examples of foods that put you in a positive mood. Include these inspired gifts in a basket just for you to tuck away and enjoy over the holiday season.

Go to the Spa

If you have the time and the dime, treat yourself to a spa excursion. Get a massage and feel the holiday stresses disappear. Have your nails and toes done to feel beautiful during the holiday season. Include inspired gifts such as reflexology or aromatherapy for completely relaxing experience.

Travel or Go Extreme

Changing something always helps to re-tune and relax. So go ahead! Go on a quick trip! Extreme sports like wakeboarding are awesome at helping you relax!

Most holiday inspired gifts to yourself do not have to be expensive or elaborate. Take time out for yourself so you can be at your best throughout the holiday season.

Maya Richards is a freelance writer working with The Life Divine who loves yoga and peaceful and inspired gifts (whatever form they may take). Her inspiration varies from day to day, but it’s usually the small kindnesses that strike her the most.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that any man or woman would much rather spend hours lounging in a hammock with a cool pina-colada in hand than slave away at the gym.

We all have our lazy side, and suffice it to say that it simply is more inviting to tap into that facet of our personas.

Even when it comes to weight loss, we can still manage to indulge our indolent side.  Believe it or not, there are effective ways to lose weight without breaking up a sweat.

Eat Fruit

This means you have to give up those quick drive thru trips just to satisfy your craving for a Burger King whopper.  Instead of popping a greasy burger into your pie hole, have a bite of a juicy apple.  Eating at least five pieces of fruit each day helps you reap the health benefits of any kind of fruit.

You lose weight when you consume huge amounts of fruit because fruit helps fill you up faster.  In effect, you tend to eat less high-calorie food because you feel your stomach can no longer take any more food.  Moreover, fruit has less sodium.  This means you won’t gain weight due to water retention.

Squeeze Your Abs

If you’re one who packs a little extra weight around the middle, you can still effectively trim your tummy even while lying down.  Lazy is the operative word here as you can do this simple abdominal exercise even with your eyes glued to the TV as you catch up on those missed Glee episodes.

Simply tighten your abs and squeeze them together with all your might. Hold it for as long as you can, then release.  Rest a few seconds, and then do it again.  Contracting your stomach muscles like this for 3-6 minutes a day does work wonders.

Drink Water

Thirty minutes before a meal, down one glass of water.  This should be enough to fill you up, so you won’t be able to finish that supersized plate of creamy pasta.

Share Your Food

More than losing weight, you strengthen friendship bonds.  Split a quarter pounder, or  share that huge plate of spaghetti with your BFF.

If you’re still fretting over ways to lose weight, you can stop worrying now.  Discipline has always been the key to solving weight loss problems.  If anything, that’s the most essential thing you’ll need to finally make your weight loss dreams real.

Annie is a fitness geek and stay-at-home blogger for Life Insurance Finder, the free tool for income protection insurance comparison.

cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by hillary the mammal

If you are on a diet, you will try to stay away from temptation so you will not torture yourself as you try to control your appetite when presented with a good meal. That is why for dieters, buffet is their biggest enemy

But what if you really can’t say no to dining out in a buffet restaurant like if there is a special occasion in your family or there is a special event to celebrate with your co-workers? Or you just purchased a voucher for a buffet dinner because the promo is so hard to resist with the discount coupon being offered at 50% off.

Don’t worry. Buffet doesn’t have to be a dieter’s archenemy. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy when in a buffet:

1. Eat before heading to the buffet. Try to eat something before leaving home like fruits or yogurt cup so you will not come starved. At least if you don’t feel hungry, you will more likely have the willpower to avoid temptation and not overeat.
2. Start on the salad bar. Start your meal by eating green leafy vegetables and fruits, which are rich in fiber and is good to help you feel full. With a full stomach, you will be able to lessen your calorie intake and will be able to skip foods rich in carbohydrates and calorie easily. Also remember to put the dressing on the side instead of mixing it with your fruits and vegetables, as the dressing is rich in calorie. You may also use olive oil and balsamic vinegar as this contains low calorie.
3. Fill up with soup. Another way to fill you up aside from salad is soup. Avoid cream-based soups though and choose those that are made from low calorie milk instead of full cream milk.
4. Go for lean protein. Lean protein like grilled or roasted chicken, or lean steak are low in calories so it is a good way to fill up your hunger without taking in too much carbo.
5. Try the choose-your-own stations. Some buffet offer stations where you can choose your own ingredient like the omelet station. With the power to choose the ingredients to be use for your meal, you will be able to make healthy choices by staying away from sugary, salty and fatty foods.
6. Stay away from fried foods. We all know that deep fried foods is a big no-no if you are on a diet so avoid as much as you can foods like French fries, pizza, and other creamy based pasta.
7. Choose desserts wisely. We all know how tempting dessert stations are in buffet restaurant. You will really be tempted to eat just by the looks of it. But you can still enjoy desserts by eating low-fats ones like yogurt. If you really can’t avoid the urge to have a bite of those tasty sweets, just divide your dessert in portions before starting to eat so you will be aware and conscious of how much sweets you have eaten.

Even if you have a bunch of delicious meals in front of you, you can still manage to eat healthy by following the tips mentioned above.

AbieL works as a content writer for the discount shopping site, You Love Coupons where she mostly writes articles on where to get discounts and coupons for shoebuy and ebags. From this site you can ebag promo code and shoebuy promotion code.