Protein: How Much Do You Need?

How much protein do we need? Is it possible to eat too much protein? These are important questions for people following a low carb way of eating, who usually are replacing part of their carbohydrate intake with protein.

Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the human body, making up about 16 percent of our total body weight. Our bodies cannot produce these proteins so it is important for us to include enough protein in our diet. The question is, how much? Getting enough protein helps your body meet the demands of daily living. And studies show, you probably need more if you are working to build muscle, if you're dieting and as you age. When protein intake is out of whack, it undermines energy, exercise performance and overall health. New research has even found that a protein-rich diet helps to maximize fat loss while minimizing loss of lean body mass.

An easy way to estimate your daily protein needs is to divide your current weight in half. The number you get is the amount of protein (in grams) that you should be eating daily. For instance, if you weigh 110 pounds, you should be eating 55 grams of protein each day. If you weigh 200 pounds, then 100 grams per day is sufficient.

Is it OK to eat a lot more protein than the minimum recommendations?



This is the crucial question for people on diets that are higher in protein than usual, as low-carb diets tend to be. In a review of the research, the National Academy of Sciences reported that the only known danger from high-protein diets is for individuals with kidney disease. After careful study, they recommend that 10 percent to 35 percent of daily calories come from protein. They point out that increased protein could be helpful in treating obesity. There is also accumulating evidence that extra protein may help prevent osteoporosis.


Extra protein can be broken down into glucose in a process called gluconeogenesis. On low carb diets, this happens continually. One benefit of obtaining glucose from protein is that it is absorbed into the bloodstream very slowly, so it doesn’t cause a rapid blood sugar increase.



What foods have the most protein?


Of course when watching calories, it is important to make sure we eat lean proteins. Foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, legumes, and nuts all have substantial amounts of protein. Herbal Protein powders in the form of shakes are also a great source of low-fat protein.

For Herbal Nutritional Products containing healthy proteins, visit: http://www.yourhealth2.com/ or   http://www.carols-herbalife.com/

Obesity: Losing Weight May Add Years to Your Life

Wellness Report on Obesity: Losing Weight May Add Years to Your Life
The first step to achieving good health is getting your weight under control—especially because new studies confirm that obesity is on the rise, bringing with it a greater risk of diabetes and a lower life expectancy.

Obesity is linked with premature death

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study that found that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5’10”, weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of his obesity. While this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight Americans with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts.

Turn to Herbalife for long-term health

Herbalife has helped millions of Americans take control of their eating. Our products can help just about anyone who is overweight lower their calorie intake and improve their nutrition. In addition, Herbalife’s Distributor force provides the day-to-day support that people need to change their eating habits, incorporate Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix into their daily routine and develop the confidence they need to lose weight and enjoy total wellness. We have the programs people need to reverse the overweight trend–and to help them gain control in the “battle of the bulge.” Without it, we are losing years off our lives.

For more information on the Herbalife Weight Loss Program, visit: http://www.herbalifewlc.com/
For product information visit: http://www.carol's-herbalife.com/,  http://www.yourhealth2.com/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Top Six Natural Herbal Cold Remedies

Oh No!  Feel that cold coming on? Here is a list of six essential natural Herbal Cold Remedies that are beneficial to assisting our bodies in fighting off that cold.

1) Echinacea is one of the best known and widely available herbal cold remedies. The herb contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral characteristics as well as vitamins A, E, and C and minerals including copper, potassium and iodine. As a result, Echinacea has the competency to encounter any type of microbial infection. Echinacea is widely used as a medication for treating respiratory weaknesses and is mostly used as a form of herbal remedies. The continuance of common cold, coughs and flu can be reduced by using this herbal remedy.

2) Goldenseal is used predominantly to boost the body’s immune system, aiding and helping to keep off infection. It is thought to increase the capacity of the possibility of fighting off germs, bacteria and viruses and is often taken along with echinacea as a herbal cold remedy.

3) Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it's thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. Vitamin C is a must as an herbal cold remedy.

4) Nasal Rinsing is one of the most effective treatments for nasal and sinus problems and is also the simplest, safest, and cheapest: a saltwater nose rinse. Squirting salt water into the nose works much better at relieving symptoms than commercial saline nose sprays, new research says.

5) Zinc is an important mineral that play a vital role for the regulation of the cells production in the immune system of the human body. Studies show that those who take Zinc supplements when they have a cold recover faster then without, showing that it too is an excellent herbal cold remedy.

6) Ginseng: Although this Asian herb is taken mainly to boost energy, stamina, and overall health, researchers have begun to examine its efficacy in fighting the common cold.

For more information on herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, visit:  http://www.yourhealth2.com/

For more direct links to herbal cold remedies, visit these: Health and Herbs, MotherNature, Vitamin Menu, Vitamin World, eVitamins

Diet Danger Zones (Dr. Oz)

For those Dr. Oz fans out there, and I'm sure there are many, I thought this one was worth mentioning again. Many of us are struggling with managing our weight whether we are maintaining (barely) or trying to lose weight. We don't like hearing the word "diet". Temptation is always one of our worst enemies and as usually, its always the things that are right out there in front of us and always soooo goooooood! They call this the Danger Zone. I think Dr. Oz has some of the best tips to follow that are so easy.
1) Danger Zone: Breakfast pastries in the break room at work. Solution: Eat breakfast at home and make sure its a good healthy balanced meal with protein and carbs that will fill you up. Also, instead of heading towards the breakroom, why not go for a walk. I'll bet you can get others to join you too. Stairs are a great too form of exercise. This will make it easier to lose weight.
2) Danger Zone: Lunchtime Client Meeting. Solution: Find out where you're going and see if you can prescreen the menu ahead of time. Make wise choices ahead of time, not when you're rushed. They are likely to be healthier ones more condusive to our diet. Also, why not just eat half and take the other half home.
3) Danger Zone: Early Evening Dinner Prep. Solution: Eat a healthy afternoon snack. If we are starving by the time dinner is approaching, we are likely to nibble and next thing you know, you may have consumed a few hundred calories. And again, this is a great time to take another walk. It burns calories and you are not likely to be so hungry when preparing dinner.
4) Danger Zone: Nighttime Channel Surfing. Solution: Deem the kitchen off limits at this time. You should not eat 3 hours before bedtime. And have you ever noticed that most of the food commercials seem to be on at this time. So how about turning off the TV entirely and spending time with the family or so other activity that gets you up and away from those tempting food commercials.

For more information on healthly tips for weight loss and other related articles, visit

http://www.yourhealth2.com/

Keeping Active During the Winter

Winter months can be quite challenging for many of us. It's cold! It's dark! Many of us just want to hybernate. Exercising can become even more of a challenge especially if we live in cold climates. But there are great ways to stay active both indoors and out with winter activities.

When exercising outdoors it's important to remember these essential things.

1) Dress in layers. It is better to use synthetic or wool materials as they keep moisture away from our skin and preventing the chills. Hats, gloves, even warm socks will make us more confortable. Stay convered up if there is a wind chill. Keep warm, that's the key.

2) Wear sensible shoes. In areas where there is snow or ice, be sure to wear shoes that are skid-proof. In rainy areas, shoes should be water-tight. Soggy shoes are no fun. Again, warm socks are essential to keeping your feet comfortable.

3)Warm up muscles. While indoor, light exercise to warm up those muscles will prevent pulls and other injuries and are more likely to occur in colder weather. This goes for any outdoor winter activities.

4) Drink plenty of fluids. Even thought you may not feel as thirsty, it's still important to drink fluids to keep your body properly hydrated. Daily supplements are important too.

And for those who just don't want to exercise outdoors, here are some great suggestions.

1) Join a gym. They are a great place to workout. The climate is always steady no matter what it's like outside. Swimming pools are great too.

2) If you can't get to a gym, make one in your own home. Balance balls, weights, jumprope, exercise videos are all great ways to keep in shape while working out indoors.

3) Stairs. If you have stairs in your home, great. If not, many malls and other public places have stairs and who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone else.

4) Cleaning your house. Why not get your spring cleaning done in the winter. This is the best time to re-arrange the house, get into all those nooks and crannies. You'd be surprised at how many calories you can burn by doing household chores.

So come on! Get off that couch! Get out of that bed and let's keep active throughtout the winter. Imagine how great you'll look in the spring.

For more information on healthy tips and other related articles, visit

http://www.yourhealth2.com/

Dr Oz's 10 Commandments for Weight Loss

I'm sure that most of you know who Dr. Oz is. He has a television program that is aired in the mornings and evenings and covers a wide variety of health issues. This one is one of my favorites because its easy and it makes sense. So here are those 10 commandments.

#1 "Thou shall not wear pants that stretch". If you wear clothes that stretch you will not be able to tell if you are gaining or loosing weight...they stretch with you. If you wear clothes that "fit" you will know that if they are getting a bit tight, well...we know why.

#2 "Thou shall not keep "fat clothes" in your closet". This is obvious...you'll have something to fall back on if you gain the weight back or slip a little.

#3 "Thou shall not eat meat that walks on four legs more than one time a week". There is less saturated fats on two legged (poultry) and no-legged (fish) animals and there are more health benefits to them as well.

#4 "Thou shall not graze or browse in search of prey". Plan your meals before you enter the kitchen. How many times do we go to the fridge, open the door and look around for something good to eat. We end up grabbing things that are easy, and likely not healthy for us. The tendency to overeat is stronging when we forage.

#5 "Thou shall not eat after 7:30 pm". We need time for our food to digest before we go to bed. Also, if we eat later, its usually fattier snack stuff and we have overeat. We do not need the calories to sleep.

#6 "Thou shall not pile on food on a plate more than 1 inch high and 2 inched to the edge of the plate". Smaller portions, less calories, larger portions, more calories...do the math.

#7 "Thou shall not chew less than 20 bites". Its a brain thing. Chewing starts the process between the brain and the stomach in digesting food. You are apt to eat slower and eat less in order to be fullfilled.
#8 "Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's plate". Snacking off of someone else's plate can contribute to overeating. You won't know how much you have actually eaten.

#9 "Thou shall not carry small bills". Its called vending machines. You are less likely to put a $20 bill in a vending machine, they usually don't take them. Vending macines carry mostly junk food which definitely should be avoided. And of course snacking...we've covered that one.

#10 "Thou shall not eat standing up or in a car". Eating a planned meal while sitting down causes less distractions and you will pay more attention to what you are eating and how much.

Dr. Oz - Author of the 10 Commandments

For more information and assistance in weight loss, go to http://www.yourhealth2.com/ under diet/weightloss

Just $4 Bucks a Week for Healthy Weight Loss

There are many weight loss programs out there ranging from taking supplements, meal plans, fitness programs, and any combination thereof. But these all cost money...often times more than we can afford. They may tell you that your health is important (and it is!) and that money should be no object when it comes to getting fit and healthy. There are alternatives though and here is one of them. Ellie Krieger (the creator of this program) is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health communications. She's the host of the Food Network's Healthy Appetite and author of the popular Small Changes, Big Results and The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life, which peaked at number two on the New York Times bestseller list. Here's what she can offer you.

For just $4 dollars a week, you can have a customized weight loss program designed to help you reach your goals to loss weight and maintain it. This program is loaded with information, counseling, daily monitoring and group support. It creates a profile that's just for you and designs a plan to help you reach your goals. There are meal plans that are flexible, delicious meals you prepare yourself. There are over 500 delicious recipes you can access and keep as favorites. So for those who only wnat to lose a few pounds to those who want to lose a considerable amount, this may be for you.

What are the advantages? Have you ever lost weight by taking expensive supplements or "Diet Pills", only to gain it all back after you stop taking them? Or maybe your plan included healthy nutritious meals that was sent to your home and all you had to do was eat what they gave you. How long could you keep that up? This program teaches you how to live a healthy lifestyle so that when you do reach your optimal weight, you will be able to maintain it for life. So give this a try....you have nothing to lose but weight.



For other Weight Loss/Management Information and Product Links, visit us at http://yourhealth2.com/page/399478078