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

The Wonders of the Dead Sea

For thousands of years, millions of people have traveled from all parts of the world to experience the healing powers of the Dead Sea. Even Cleopatra was so captivated by this oasis, she declared it her own personal oasis. Why are so many fascinated with region?
The Dead Sea is located along the west border of the Mediterranean Sea, lying between Israel and Jordon. It is the lowest (elevation) on earth. What draws so many people is its mysterious, life-giving waters? The natural ingredients formulated in this ancient, mineral-rich basin is renowned for its magical curative powers. Far from reflecting its name, the Dead Sea thrives with life-enhancing ingredients with proven regenerative properties. It provides one of the world’s highest concentrations of minerals suitable for skin-related healthcare. Using the natural ingredients indigenous to the Dead Sea are a combination of minerals, salts, mud, water and measured exposure to the sun, as well as the region’s unique atmospheric conditions. Scientifically proven to be remarkably effective in curing people of all ages with various conditions, these treatments are administered successfully with virtually no side effects.
Okay...so most of us are not able to make that long, lengthy, and costly trip to bathe in the regenerating waters of the Dead Sea. AHAVA can take care of that for you. Their skin care products are made from the actual minerals havested from the Dead Sea so now you can experience that same healing effects as if you were there. Come visit us here at AHAVA and see for yourself.

For more information and product links for healthy living, www.yourhealth2.com

How to Combat that "Bad" Cholesterol.

Cholesterol. We hear our doctors mention it, be concerned with it if it high, and even prescribe medication if it becomes a health risk. But do you actually know what it is? Many of us do not understand the basics of cholesterol or what we can be done to help manage it. We may ask, what are the symptoms of high cholesterol and how can I lower my own it its too high?. Unfortunately, there are no outward signs if you are having a cholesterol problem, making it even more important to get the facts.

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that cannot be dissolved in your blood stream. It must be transported out. Cholesterol moves through your blood stream through certain proteins called lipoproteins. Too much of the "bad" cholesterol (LDL), can lead to clogging of our arteries, while "good" cholesterol or (HDL), carries cholesterol away from your arteries to keep you healthy. As you can see, you want less of the bad stuff — LDL — and more of the good stuff — HDL.

Where does Cholesterol come from? There are two sources of cholesterol. Our bodies create it naturally in as a protective agent to combat the bad cholesterol. The other source is from what you eat. Meats, whole milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and convenience foods inject additional amounts of cholesterol into your diet, which is why it's recommended you limit your consumption of these foods. The problem for most is that we all live such busy lifestyles we often don't have time to eat a good nutritous meal. We find ourselves at a drive-thru window for some fast-food restaurant or snacking on junk food from the local quicky mart. These are the very foods that contribute to the "bad" cholesterol. So...how can we combat it?

There are three main ways to higher the "good" cholesterol and lower the "bad". 1) Eating foods such as oatmeal, whole grain foods, nuts, fish and other Omega-3 fatty acids, lean meats, fruit, and vegetables. 2) Regular exercise, daily if possible, 30 minutes at a time. 3) Natural nutrients such as garlic, enzymes, green tea, hawthorn berry, and policosanol (occurs in rice and bran).

For more information, visit us at http://yourhealth2.com/page/399264102

So what's the big deal about Genetically Modified Foods?

First of all, what is Genetically Modified Food, otherwise know as GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)? It is defined as any food that has specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering. It involves the insertion or deletion of genes into the food source with the objective of enhancing the food trait. The alteration was suppose to improve on the existing nature of the food product. For instamce, the tomato was one of the first to be genetically altered and the result was a tomato that had a softer skin for easy slicing, and juicer. The main idea was to produce food that was more resistant to diseases, healthier, more water resistant and easier to assimulate.

Economically - Would raising GMO crops save money? This has been a conflicting issue between environmentists and economists for over a decade now. It is fact that to genetically alter foods is quite costly. Laboratory expenses are now involved and these companies are surely out to make a profit. Therefore we could assume that it is more expensive to produce GMOs. But if they were to actually produce a crop that could save money because it requires less water, less pesticides, and a larger quantity, then that would balance out the cost of producing the crop. Experts say that GMOs would solve the worlds hunger problem, but would it? Maybe time will tell.

Health Benefits? - Since the governments have minimal policies to regulate GMOs, it raises the question, what exactly are we getting? The idea of introducing foreign genes into foods has unknown effects on our health. One study claimed that there were appreciable differences in the intestines of rats fed GM potatoes and rats fed unmodified potatoes. The possiblilities of increase allergic reations to GMOs has also been studied. The long term effects are vertually unknown. Hence could we say there are safe? Perhaps with more research and better regulation we could be assured of what the health benefits could be in the future.

Effects on the Environment - It is true that certain GMOs have had no profound impact on the environment but it should be noted that there has been some issues raised with GMOs in certain areas and the impact it has in that area. For instance, one study showed an increase in pollen by a GMO. That may sound like a good thing but they later found that too much pollen was actually killing off certain species of insects including the Monarch Butterfly. Plants in general defend themselves with their own natural pest control. By genetically altering foods, we may be destroying their own natural defense system. Some GMOs may actually need more pesticides than before. Again, there are studies that support both sides of the issue. Only time will tell.

Nature has always been able to take care of itself. So should we intervene with that? Can mankind actually make a better product that nature itself? That's up to each one of us to decide.

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Superfoods - The Way to Optimal Health

With the hustle and bustle of the world today, many of us find ourselves living an unhealthy lifestyle, especially in the way we eat. We are in such a hurry all the time we end up in the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant or ordering take-out. And then we wonder what happened when we find ourselves in the doctor's office with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. How do I get out of this you may ask. Have you ever considered Superfoods? What are they and how can I benefit from them? How can I incorporate them into my busy lifestyle?

What is a Superfood?
A Superfood is any food that has a high concentrate of nutrients that our bodies needs such as anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Generally these foods (with the exception of meat) are raw and unprocessed so that all the nutrients contained in the food are unaltered. Our bodies can gain the most benefit from these foods because it can absorb these nutrients. According to WebMD, the most common Superfoods are beans, berries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkins, salmon, soy, spinach, tea, (green), tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

How can I benefit from them?
There are many benefits to eating a diet including Superfoods. They can help you maintain a proper and healthy weight. Its pretty tough to gain weight while eating berries, broccoli and turkey. Superfoods help keep the body strong so it can ward off diseases by strengthening the immune system. They give us energy, help us sleep better, and aid in our thinking process.

One doesn’t easily recognize the negative effects of an unhealthy diet. It is only when the severe symptoms come out when people get to notice their unhealthy eating habits. Raw food diet reverses these negative effects. Due to the fast-paced lifestyle that every person has these days, it is common for them to grab processed foods as they are easy to prepare. What they don’t know is that their additives deprive the body of the required nutrients. Thus, the body lacks the energy to perform its tasks well. One should always make sure that some type of Superfood snack is always available.

For more information about Superfoods and other health-related articles and products, visit us at http://www.yourhealth2.com/

Natural Pain Relievers

27 million American suffer from joint pain. Several natural remedies may help relieve ailing joints. AOL Health talked to experts to get their picks for natural pain relief. Here are a few suggestions.

Sulfer-Rich Foods: Foods containing high quantities of sulfur may help to reduce arthritis pain by decreasing joint inflammation. These foods include avocados, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, coconut, soy beans and garlic. "...eating foods with sulfur in it helps the body rebuild the cartilage", says Casey Adams, Ph.D., doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of “Arthritis: The Botanical Solution.”
Anti-Inflammatory Herbs: It may seem old-school, but experts say ingredients in specific herbs provide pain relief in the joints. Herbs such as tumeric, oregano, dandelion, grapple plant, myrrh and juniper have a history of relieving aches and pains by interrupting the inflammation process and helping to increase the circulation in the joints.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Antioxident-Rich Foods: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils, flaxseed oils, green leafy vegetables and eggs. Our bodies take these omega-3 fatty acids and convert them into certain anti-inflammatory hormones that help to relieve arthritis pain. A diet high in antioxidents (think blueberries, cherries and artichokes), will help to reduce arthritis pain by reducing inflammation and neutralizing those free radicals that damage our body cells.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: "It's one of the building blocks of cartilage," notes "Dr. Theo." It is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage. Chondroitin originally hails from the cartilage of fish or animals that's purified and sold as a dietary supplement, and Dr. Theo notes that it may be utilized for arthritic pain relief. It helps slow the breakdown of cartilage and is used as a supplement.

Article supplied by AOL Health in association with Health International.

Go to http://www.yourhealth2.com/ for great deals on these supplements .

It's still winter and that means it's still cold and flu season. Here are four ways you can boost your immune system starting today.

1- Balance your diet and exercise regularly. Regular moderate physical activity is beneficial; evidence shows that exercise has important modulatory effects on immune cell dynamics and immune function.

2- Protect and nourish your skin. Your skin is your body's first line of defense against outside intruders. By supplying your body with a variety of amino acids and vitamins, you can provide nutritional support for healthy skin and strong connective tissue.

3- Take good care of your gastrointestinal tract. Scientific studies show that over 50% of our immune system is in our intestines. A healthy, well functioning gastrointestinal tract is vital to overall good health.

4- Enhance your diet with nutritional and herbal supplements. Lack of adequate macronutrients or selected micronutrients can lead to clinically significant immune deficiency and infections.

by Lucy Nurek, Ph.D.

The Price of Poor Nutrition

Initially, the body hints of a nutrient shortfall with any of a hodgepodge of minor symptoms: fatigue, weakness, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, depression, poor concentration, memory loss, aches and pains, recurrent infections, allergies, circulatory problems, and just not feeling good. These are the vague symptoms that drive patients to doctors, and drive doctors up a diagnostic tree. Because most conventionally trained physicians have little education or experience in nutrition, they're unable to make the connection between a patient's complaints and a nutrient deficiency. Then when the test results come back normal (as they usually do in such cases), the symptoms tend to be dismissed as "all in your head"--or, even worse, as "a natural part of aging."
If doctors do prescribe treatment, they usually bypass nutritional supplements in favor of drugs such as anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and the like. These not only mask symptoms but also deplete nutrient stores even further. This accelerates the degenerative process, which is the forerunner of disease and aging.
Chronic nutrient deficiencies invariably lead to serious health problems. Data collected from large populations show that as the availability of nutrients declines, the frequency of illness increases. Unfortunately, when heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, or some other serious deficiency-driven condition develops, neither doctor nor patient is likely to realize that the symptoms had begun years before.
See article: Why Supplements are Necessary. - House of Nutrition

Benefits to eating living foods.

The benefits of going raw-vegan are boundless. Rawfoods are easy to digest, and they provide the maximum amount of energy with minimal bodily effort. Studies have shown that living foods have healing powers that can alleviate many illnesses such as low energy, allergies, digestive disorders, weak immune system, high cholesterol, candida, obesity and weight problems (weight normalization), etc.. Research and real life experiences have also shown that a person can prevent the body's healthy cells from turning into malignant cancerous cells by consuming mostly a raw food diet that includes whole organic foods!
Organic farmers, in general, are more interested than conventional farmers in growing mineral-rich produce. The famous Rutgers study demonstrated that organic food was superior in the following minerals: phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, boron, manganese, iron, copper, and cobalt. It all starts with mineral-rich soil. When more minerals are available to the plant, the plant's vitamin, polysaccharide, and enzyme content, as well as overall immune system are improved. When we eat mineral-rich food we absorb the nutrients that made the plant healthy. We also enjoy more conscious choices and freedom as the cells throughout our body become healthier and more vital. Organic agriculture is non-toxic (it leaves no permanent toxicity). The pesticide and artificial fertilizer industries are toxic and not sustainable. These industries have covered the entire planet with dangerous chemicals. For more info and products, go here.