February 25, 2010

The High Carbohydrate Diet: What It Can Do For You and Your Cholesterol

A recent study demonstrated that certain low-carbohydrate diets, while effective in weight loss, tend to raise cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a naturally occurring component within both animal and human cells, and is essential for the human body’s production of vitamin D as well as various hormones. An excess of cholesterol in the blood will increase risks of heart attack, stroke and vascular conditions, making it imperative to find a dietary solution that will not only help you lose weight, but additionally keep cholesterol levels low.

The Dietary Solution – The High Carbohydrate Diet

  • Eat Lots of Fruits and Veggies – Adjusting to a high carbohydrate diet is easy; simply incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Fruits and Vegetables are high in vitamin and mineral content, and won’t have adverse affects on your cholesterol.
  • Eat Whole Grains – Switching to a whole grain bread or pasta will help to decrease both your weight and cholesterol levels, as the minerals and vitamins that are found in whole grain products are excellent sources of beneficial carbohydrates.

The key to losing weight with a high carbohydrate diet is differentiating between the good and bad sources of carbohydrates. Good carbohydrate sources will often be low in sugar and added fats, and includes most fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Finding a method of weight loss that supports healthy cholesterol levels, may seem difficult, however, a few lifestyle changes can help you to not only becoming your desired weight, but also to lead a more healthy lifestyle. If you find that making dietary changes is not beneficial to your cholesterol levels, talk to your health care provider about other lifestyle changes or medications that might influence your cholesterol levels.

June 30, 2009

3 Reasons Why Chewing Slowly Is Better For You

Many Americans these days are cooking less often and instead, going out to get fast food. Why so many Americans eat at places like McDonalds isn’t known to me, but I would assume it is either due to a lack of cooking skill, or simply because it is convenient. Whatever the case may be, fast food has changed the way we eat quite significantly.

Many of us tend to eat our food while barely tasting it. This does not only take away from the enjoyment from eating the food, but it also has some negative health outcomes. Here are three reasons why chewing your food slowly is better for you.

Improves Digestion- Chewing slowly helps break down the food in your mouth, where digestion actually starts. The more the food is chewed the easier it is for your stomach to further breakdown the food. Also, taking that additional time to eat your food means that you’re not eating an entire meal in about 5 minutes and your stomach is able to handle the food now that there is not as much of it at one time.

You’ll enjoy your food– Many brand name foods are actually engineered to only taste good after a few bites. After about 3 bites the food begins to taste bland, leaving you wanting more. However, natural foods will continue to be appealing to your taste buds because they are not necessarily engineered. Additionally, you will begin to appreciate the food for not only the taste, but things like the texture of the food.

Lose Weight– That’s right, chewing slowly actually helps you lose weight. Why? Well when you eat food it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to send a message to tell you that you are full. By eating slowly it gives you time to register that you’ve eaten enough and should stop. This prevents you from over-eating and actually makes you eat less food, but you feel even fuller than if you would have stuffed yourself in 5 minutes. Also, you end up feeling full for longer.

Information provided on this website is for general purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of advice from your practitioner.

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