New Treatments

In laboratory tests, scientists found that a banana ingredient called BanLec was as potent as two existing anti-HIV drugs.

They believe cheap therapies based on BanLec have the potential to save millions of lives.

The ingredient is a lectin, a naturally occurring chemical in plants which fights infection.

Researchers in the US found that the lectin found in bananas can inhibit HIV infection by blocking the virus’s entry into the body. BanLec acts on the protein “envelope” that encloses HIV’s genetic material.

Lead author Michael Swanson, from the University of Michigan, said: “The problem with some HIV drugs is that the virus can mutate and become resistant, but that’s much harder to do in the presence of lectins.

“Lectins can bind to the sugars found on different spots of the HIV-1 envelope, and presumably it will take multiple mutations for the virus to get around them.”

The research is reported in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Extracted from http://www.pressassociation.com/

Cucumber Facts

This information was in The New York Times several weeks ago as part of
their “Spotlight on the Home” series that  highlighted creative and
fanciful ways to solve common problems.

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one
cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2,  Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5,
Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus,
Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and
pick up a cucumber.  Cucumbers are a good  source of B Vitamins and
Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for
hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower?  Try
rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will  eliminate the fog
and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds?  Place a few slices
in a small pie tin and your garden will be  free of pests all season
long.  The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off
a scent  undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make
them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out
or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or two  of cucumbers along your
problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause
the collagen in  your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and
reducing the visibility of cellulite.  Works great on wrinkles  too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache?  Eat a few cucumber
slices before going to bed and wake up  refreshed and headache free.
Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential  nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium,
avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge?
Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often  used by European
trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you
don’t have enough time to polish your shoes?
Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a
quick and durable shine that not only looks  great but also repels
water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge?  Take a cucumber slice
and rub it along the problematic hinge, and  voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to
the spa?  Cut up an entire cucumber and place  it in a boiling pot of
water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the
boiling water and be  released in the steam, creating a soothing,
relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and
college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or
mints?
Take a slice of cucumber and press it to  the roof of your mouth with
your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials
will kill the  bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad
breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless
steel?  Take a slice of cucumber and rub it  on the surface you want to
clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the
shine, but is won’t  leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or
fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake?  Take the outside of the cucumber
and slowly use it to erase the pen writing,  also works great on crayons
and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Celebration Food

In many instances especially during festivals celebrations around the world, people tend to binge on celebration food and indulge in high calorie food and lots of sugary festive sweets and desserts. Here are some do’s and don’t during festivals celebrations.

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Fasting and Feasting
1)Fasting is a great way to detox but can deplete your body’s nutritional resources as well.
Top-up with low-fat, nutrient-high food such as grilled fish or chicken, clear soup and fruits.

2) Low liquid intake during fasting period can effect digestion and cause constipation.
Increase intake of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, guava, carrots, beans, spinach and tomatoes. Include yoghurt to boost you digestive health. Also decrease diuretics such as tea and coffee and rehydrate with sports drinks.

3) Go slow on family favourites such as rice or coconut based milk curry – your stomach muscles need time to get oriented to your pre-fasting state.
Eat smaller portions each time so that you can get to taste a bit of everything.

Festival of Light
1)High-fat, oil-rich curries increase calorie levels and may send blood pressure and glucose levels soaring.
Substitute santan (coconut milk) with low-fat milk and go slow on the oils when cooking or dining.

2) Sugary festive sweets and desserts give you an instant high but leave you lethargic and tired later.
Split each sweet snack and share it with a loved one! To keep energy levels high, try sweating it out and don’t forget your multi-vitamins and mineral supplements.

3) Over-cooking beans, lentils and vegetables strip them of natural nutrients.
Supplement your family’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes and carrots that don’t require cooking.

Christmas and New Year Seasons
1)Year-end parties are great fun but remember not to go overboard with the calorie-high food and alcoholic drinks.
Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink each time, just for starters. Never go with an empty stomach as it makes you drink more. Have a snack and a cup of herbal tea or milk when you get home to prevent a hangover the next day should you have too much of alcoholic drinks.

2) Calorie and sugar-laden Christmas and fruit cakes and send glucose levels spiraling upwards.
Try baking your own cakes and deserts with less sugar or sweeteners. For decorations, cut down o the icing and replace with dried fruits such as raisins, apples, pineapples or mango.

3) The year end holidays are often used for relaxing, pampering and enjoying festival foods, right up to the New Year.
Stay active mind, body and soul! Take this opportunity to exercise, reflect on past achievements and draft new goals or resolutions for the next coming year!

In Summary
DO –
1) Go slow on the fats, sugar and salt in your cooking during festival seasons.
2) Drink lots of water to stay hydrated – festive seasons are when people tend to fall sick more often
3) Take smaller portions of each food for more variety.
4) Opt for fresh foods over processed foods.

DON’T –
1) Forget to take your multi-vitamins mineral with probiotics supplements – more festive seasons do not mean more nutrients.
2) Take more food than you can finish. Stop when your body says stop.
3) Eat like there’s no tomorrow. There’s always the next festival to look forward to!
4) Turn the celebrations into food fests – make it a meaningful time for sharing and caring.

The above is extracted from a circulating email.

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Remember then at the next festivals celebrations around the world how you can take in celebration food, yet not go overboard with the many high calorie food available.

annona muricata

Here is an article that is extracted from a circulating email by Health Sciences Institute regarding the miraculous graviola tree, also known as soursop or angmoh durian.  Its scientific name is Annona muricata and the fruit is slightly acidic when ripe. The Spanish call it guanabana, the Portuguese call it graviola, the Filipinos know it as guyabano, the Indonesians know it as sirsak, the Dutch call it zuur zak and in Malaysia, it is known as durian belanda.

As research shows that the graviola extract is possible to protect the immune system and attack cancer, graviola supplements are fast becoming more popular with their many uses and benefits.

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annona muricata

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar
drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it’s the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to…

* Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
* Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
* Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
* Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life

The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America ’s largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970’s! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing… Extracts from the tree were shown to:

* Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer.
* The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
* What’s more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectively hunts down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells!

The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched–so why haven’t you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be–why doesn’t every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health–and for many, our very lives(!)–are controlled by money and power.

Graviola–the plant that worked too well

One of America ’s biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree–including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds–have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree’s anti-cancerous properties–and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

But that’s where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree–it’s completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There’s no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree’s most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they’d be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits–or even make back the millions it poured into research.

As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn’t let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that’s dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed

When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola–and its shocking cover-up–came in fast and furious…

…The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola’s “leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.” Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public…

…Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials–the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment’s value–were ever initiated…

…A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent stud! y conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at “10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin…”

…The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

…A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers…

Seven years of silence broken–it’s finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available in America . The full Graviola story–including where you can get it and how to use it–is included in Beyond Chemotherapy: New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother’s Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.
This crucial report (along with five more FREE reports) is yours ABSOLUTELY FREE with a new membership to the Health Sciences Institute. It’s just one example of how absolutely vital each report from the Institute can be to your life and those of your loved ones.

From breakthrough cancer and heart research and revolutionary Amazon Rainforest herbology to world-leading anti-aging research and nutritional medicine, every monthly Health Sciences Institute Member’s Alert puts in your h! ands today cures the rest of America –including your own doctor(!)–is likely to find out only ten years from now.

You need the Health Sciences Institute in your life because you and your loved ones deserve to know–and you deserve to know it NOW!!

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Now that we know more about the graviola tree and its effect on cancer, graviola is the next best thing you can plant in your garden.  Imagine if you have the annona muricata in your garden - a natural cancer killer - 10,000 times stronger than chemo and more…  Thanks to the Health Sciences Institute for sharing this with us.

Nutrition On The Go

With the current hectic lifestyle today, there are many who skip breakfast, most important meal of the day. This is definitely not advisable and here we go through an article that touches on nutrition on the go as well as eating on the go. It is always best to aim for a high fiber breakfast where possible.

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Urbanities lead hectic, busy lives. How often do you find yourself skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day? For time-starved Singaporeans, fret not. This article will teach you how to eat better by picking nutritious items on the go. Whether it is at Cheers convenience stores or any petrol marts, you can pick foods good for you by making healthier selections.

To enjoy good health, we need the right balance of nutrients in our diet. Nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates are found in bread, rice, noodles and biscuits, while foods like milk, dairy products, soybeans milk, meat seafood and poultry are rich in protein.

According to the healthy diet pyramid provided by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), the bulk of our food intake should comprise carbohydrates, followed by slightly less fiber (fruits and vegetables) and protein. Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar should be taken in small amounts.

Convenient breakfast ideas include dairy products, wholegrain or high-fiber breads, cereals, canned food such as tuna, ready-to-eat foods such as buns, pao (Chinese buns) and sandwiches. Selected stores such as FairPrice Xpress sell fresh fruits and vegetables so do complement your breakfast with an apple or a bunch of grapes.

The wide range of milk, yoghurt and soybean milk you can find at most convenient stores makes great breakfast drinks as they are rich in protein and calcium. Always opt for the low-fat choices as often indicated on product labels. Select fruit juices that are 100% pure juice. Instead of sugar-laden cakes, choose cereals or bread with jam or butter.

Another alternative is to make your own sandwich. Choose wholemeal or white breads that are enriched with fiber. Canned foods are a convenient choice of sandwich filling. You can make a healthier choice with those that are low in salt. Instead of foods that are canned in brine, choose those that are labeled low in salt or canned in spring water.

- By Lyvia Lai (Food & Nutrition Specialists Pte Ltd)

Are there really IBS remedies that work in the treatment for IBS? According to studies, there are various methods for the treatment of IBS including changing your diet for IBS, medication, supplements, alternative therapies as well as stress management.

IBS sufferers should watch their diet as it is a well established fact that foods which are high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine and carbonated drinks act as irritants and tend to aggravate the IBS symptom. This is key to most IBS sufferers.

Soluble fiber has been known to prevent as well as relieve both diarrhoea and constipation. Thus it is one of the best dietary aids for IBS sufferers and help greatly in preventing the IBS symptom.

IBS medicine includes certain prescription drugs such as Lotronex and Zelnorm. However, these do not necessarily help each and every IBS sufferer.

Studies have shown that supplements help in the management and treatment for IBS. Supplements such as soluble fiber, probiotics, calcium and magnesium have been known to help in the treatment for IBS as they have beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Some IBS sufferers swear that peppermint helps with the bloating. Yet others deal with their IBS by eating runny plain oatmeal. Regular green tea has also been known to sooth irritated stomachs. As you can see, there is no one way for the treatment for IBS. It all depends on the individual.

Alternative therapies have slowly but surely emerged as one of the ways of effective IBS treatment. These include hypnotherapy, emotional freedom technique as well as acupuncture.

Hypnotherapy has been proven quite successful in the treatment of IBS by helping to reduce and even eliminate IBS symptom. You can either go to a certified hypnotherapist to treat your IBS or learn self hypnosis for the treatment of your IBS. Either way, the success rates have been quite impressive.

A revolutionary technique, the emotional freedom technique or EFT as it is commonly known as, has been found to be incredibly fast, effective and useful in all situations including the treatment for IBS. EFT is the tapping of certain acupressure points to free pent up emotion and allow you to enjoy life and feel great again.

Another alternative therapy is the ancient Chinese acupuncture. This is the stimulation of certain acupoints by inserting and manipulating fine needles for the treatment of IBS symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain as well as stress reduction.

Stress management is another key treatment for IBS sufferers. Studies have shown that there is a direct link between stress and IBS and this resulted in lack of sleep which leads to fatigue and lower tolerance of stress level.

For the successful treatment for IBS, there must be proper management of IBS as well as comprehensive multiple strategies. IBS sufferers should check out the various methods available and not just rely on IBS medicine as there are a variety of IBS remedies available in the market including diet for IBS, stress management, alternative therapies as well as supplement for the relief of IBS symptom.

What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?  Are there any IBS remedies and what IBS syndrome can you expect?  Is there a common IBS symptom and any special diet for IBS sufferers?

* What is IBS?

IBS is a common functional disorder of the gut. As its very name “Syndrome” suggests,

it refers to a varied combination of symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating constipation or diarrhoea. Burping, flatulence and the feeling of incomplete bowel movements could also irk you.

IBS patients often experience symptoms not related directly to their bowels like poor sleep and fatigue. They also tend to suffer frequent headaches, backaches and muscle aches. Female IBS patients often have painful menses.

Dr. Wong Heng Yu, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital emphasises the need to pay attention to non-bowel symptoms as they are disruptive and the prescribed medications may exacerbate IBS.

* It’s More Common Than You Think

In a national survey conducted by Dr. Gwee Kok Ann, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital in 2004, it was found that about 10% of people in Singapore have symptoms of IBS.

IBS is particularly common in women aged 20- 40 years old. Dr. Gwee reports that many women with IBS mistakenly blame the bloating and cramps they experience on cysts in the ovary and fibroids in the womb. Patients who suffer post-surgery pain attribute the cause to the procedure without realising that IBS is the real culprit.

Even more alarming, Dr. Wong shares that a study conducted in the United States reveals that IBS patients were more likely to have had surgery on their appendix or gallbladder which were wrongly assumed to be the source of their pain.

* Your Lifestyle Could Make It Worse

The cause of IBS is still unclear. There are many theories but none have been conclusive so far. However, Dr. Wong comments that IBS symptoms can be worsened by factors like stress, poor sleep and certain type of food.

Some patients don’t realise that their symptoms are stress-induced. The more stressed they are, the worse their condition. Learning to unwind can help manage their IBS symptoms.

Alcohol, coffee and high-fiber, dairy and fatty foods have also been shown to induce and even worsen IBS symptoms.

According to Dr. Wong, a high-fiber diet could aggravate bloating in some IBS patients.

Hence he recommends, “Keeping a food diary will help patients to monitor how their bodies react to certain foods in order to discover a diet that’s bowel-friendly.

* The ABCs Of IBS Diagnosis

There is no magic bullet for IBS diagnosis, as it largely depends on a complete medical history and physical examination.

As there is a similarity between symptoms of IBS and serious conditions such as inflammation, infections and cancers, the latter conditions should be reasonably excluded before a diagnosis is made.

This is especially important in individuals who are 50 years or older and in those with family history of colon cancer. That’s because the risk of colon cancer is high in these patients and IBS symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from symptoms of colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is highly useful test that can predominantly diagnose patients with colon cancer or irritable bowel disease. It is performed under sedation and involves the thorough examination of the large intestine. If pre-cancerous growth such as polyps are detected, they can be removed during the colonoscopy.

* Know Your IBS Type

IBS are divided into two main types: diarrhoea-predominant and constipation-predominant. The kind of investigation required depends on the type of symptoms.

Dr. Gwee feels that it is important that patients who experience diarrhoea are carefully assessed as they may have other underlying conditions requiring specific treatment.

For example, it is important to exclude microscopic colitis (inflammation in the colon) for elderly men with diarrhoea because an effective treatment exists. Some patients with diarrheoa and bloating may be suffering from gluten intolerance.

On the other hand, Dr. Gwee says that young women with constipation usually do not require much probability of finding a physical abnormality.

* Wait. That’s Hope

While the cause of IBS is not known, it is treatable. The treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms, as there is no cure for IBS. This may involve diet changes, stress relief and medication.

As Dr. Wong defines it, the term ‘IBS’ encompasses a wide range of patients with different symptoms. In order for treatment to be effective, doctors must thoroughly analyse the symptoms and tailor the treatment to suit each individual.

However, both Dr. Gwee and Dr. Wong observe that IBS tends to be under-treated. Dr. Gwee laments that this is unfortunate, because as many as 85% of IBS patients can end their ordeal over a period of six weeks to six months, if they get the right diagnosis early and learn proper IBS management.

Though IBS does not increase an individual’s risk of cancer or death, Dr. Wong states that IBS can have a profound effect on an individual’s work and social life.

To illustrate, IBS may affect your ability to concentrate at work or may result in an increase in the number of days for sick leave. Your social life can be negatively impacted too. You may choose to be homebound as you may fear the difficulty of finding a toilet in unfamiliar surroundings.

- Straits Times, Mind Your Body, Parkway Health Section

Most IBS sufferers find it very frustrating to have to live with the condition.  Many do not realize that the key treatment and the greatest IBS remedies include a change in their individual diet and that what may work for certain individuals may not work for others.  Thus it is a matter of trial and testing to see what works for you and what does not.

Eat Yourself Happy

Weightloss Tips

In a bid to fight off the spare tire around the waistline, many have been looking at healthy diet foods.  There are thousands of weightloss diets in the market.  As I have not tried most of the weightloss diets, I am not able to give a first-hand account.  However, to me, weightloss diets should include healthy diet foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean meat. 

Below is an article extracted from  Lifestyle, My Paper March 3, 2009. 

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Do you know a new study has found that eating heart healthy, low calorie foods and exercising are the key to losing weight, regardless of levels of protein, fat or even carbohydrates.

The research, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of Health (NIH), seems to argue against blanket use of diets that do not necessarily limit calories but call eating certain foods such as vegetables or proteins, at the expense of others. 

The NIH study of 811 volunteers, 38 per cent of them men and 62 per cent women, aged 30-70 and either overweight or obese, looked at diets that have been popular in the United States in recent years, even as the number of obese Americans soared. 

The “Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (Pounds Lost) study found similar weight loss after six months and two years among participants assigned to four diets that differed in their proportions of these three major nutrients”, said researchers. 

“The diets were low or high in total fat (20 or 40 per cent of calories) with average or high protein (15 or 25 per cent of calories). Carbohydrate content ranged from 35 to 65 per cent of calories.” 

“The diets all share the same calorie-reduction goals and were heart-healthy, low in saturated fat and cholesterol while high in dietary fibre,” said researchers, whose study will be published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Participants lost an average 5.9kg at six months and maintained a 4 kg loss at two years.  

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In a bid to fight off the spare tire around the waistline, many have been looking at healthy diet foods.  There are thousands of weightloss diets in the market.  As I have not tried most of the weightloss diets, I am not able to give a first-hand account.  However, to me, weightloss diets should include healthy diet foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean meat.
   

Personally, I am going through a diet program in order to reduce some weight and body fats. 

This program which I am going through requires at least once a week of an hour exercise with proper diet daily. But of cause the more you exercise a week the faster you can see the result. 

For me, I would like to see how well this program work with the minimum exercise therefore am working out only once a week in the gym and following maybe 60% of the diet program. And since I started about 6 weeks ago, I managed to have reduced about 2kg. 

  Low Carbo Food Pyramid

The diet is as follows:

Morning Breakfast:     2 eggs or small piece of meat 

                              10 nuts of any kind (except ground nut)

                              3 fish oil

Mid morning:            1/2 can Tuna

                              10 nuts

                              Any green veggies

                              fish oil

Lunch:                     Chicken salad 

                              fish oil

Mid afternoon:           1/2 Can Tuna

                              Nuts

                              Any green veggies

                              fish oil

Dinner:                     Meat (beef, fish, chicken, etc)

                              Any green veggies

                              fish oil

Before bed time:        10 nuts

                              Protein shake or 2 eggs

Notes:

- Meats and eggs are interchangeble. Meat = 1 palm size = 2 eggs

- Any cooking style is ok except deep fried. Grill / boil / roast / steam / pan fry with butter are all fine.

- Green veggies are unlimited

- Corn, carrots, peas (starchy veggies) are NOT green veggies. Good examples of green veggies are broccoli, cucumber, lettuce, cabbage, green chinese veggies.

- Nuts can be any kind, almond, cashew, brazil nuts, etc try to restrict peanuts.

- A post training meal can be larger.

- STAY AWAY from CARBOHYDRATES (rice, noodles, pasta, bread, cakes, cookies) 

  Fruit Calories  

Fruits make up a part of my diet as well.  As fresh fruit calories are much less than dried fruit calories, go for fresh or frozen fruits since it is a much lower-calorie option.  Dried fruit is calorie-dense as it is the fresh fruit minus the water but including all the fruit-sugar, thus adding up the fruit calories.

Christmas

As you spend valuable time with loved ones during festival seasons, here are some top tips that will help keep you in the pink of health even after the celebrations are over whilst watching your food calorie nutrition!

1) Keep Meals Regular

Going for a party? Take a little less intake of food during the day but don’t ever skip a meal or even starve. It will make you head for the high fat snack immediately. (Trust me cos I was one who did that most of the time)

2) Use Smaller Plate

You tend to take more to fill up empty spaces on your plate. Go small for the chance to taste a bit of every yummy festival goodies.

cookies for the festive season

3) Pile On The Freshies

Limit high fat, deep fried and processed foods and nuts with high cholesterol levels. Consider opting for probiotics acidophilus-rich fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.

4) Listen To Your Body

Simply just stop eating when you feel that you are full. DO NOT OVER EAT just because you do not want the food to go to waste.

5) Watch Your Drinks

Swap calorie-rich soft drinks and alcohol with fruit juices or punch. Then you won’t have the problem with finding a driver for the night or a ticket for drunk driving.

6) Stay Active

Getting together doesn’t have to resolve only around food! Bring the family for a swim or a walk in the park together to get rid of the excessive festive calories.

7) Don’t Forget Your Vitamins and Minerals

More food doesn’t always translate into more nutrients, especially with delicious but low-nutrients, high-fat festival foods. Watch your intake of calorie/nutrition. You’ll still need the energy booster from your regular repertoire of vitamins and minerals supplements.

Mooncake festival

‘8) Forget About Dieting

It’s the season for friends and family to be together - and what you eat during the few days of festivity is not as important as what you eat for the rest of the year. So enjoy yourself - but remember the more you pile on, the harder it’ll be to lose them sooner or later!

Watch your food calorie nutrition and you will be able to watch your waistline.

Source:- from a circulating email