vendredi 26 octobre 2018

Fundamentals of Intermittent Fasting US

Fundamentals of Intermittent Fasting US

Intermittent Fasting US

First, intermittent fasting us or IF is not a calorie-restrictive diet. The focus of intermittent fasting us (IF) is on when you can eat, rather than what you eat. The rule is simple: eat as much as you want for a certain period, this is the eating window. Then you stop eating for a certain period which is the fasting period. The main purpose of the fasting period is to get the body to use stored fat as energy. Fat stored in the body is used more easily when you are not eating. This is the period when the body enters the ketogenic state. The body burns fat stores to create ketones, which will serve as energy for many cellular processes.
Is fasting difficult? Fasting is not a new concept. Your body enters the fasting period when you are asleep. If you eat right before bedtime and sleep for 8 hours, then you immediately eat breakfast upon waking up, you have fasted for 8 hours. Hence the name break-fast, or breakfast.
IF recommends extending that fasting period to lose weight. This may seem difficult at first, but it is doable. You may not have realized it, but you may have unintentionally fasted for 12 hours or more by skipping meals. Only with IF, you follow a specific schedule for fasting to get the results you are looking for.

 Sample illustration:
 Dinner 7:00 pm
 Bedtime: 12
Waking time: 6:00 am
 Breakfast: 7:00 am

If you ate nothing between dinner and bedtime, you were without food for 5 hours. Then, you slept from midnight to 6:00 am, that's another 6 hours, add the 1 hour before breakfast and you fasted for a total of 12 hours.
Supposing you skipped breakfast, and your first meal was at noon, then you would have a total of 17 hours. Intermittent Fasting us is doable, it just involves careful planning and strict implementation. The program allows you to go on for hours without food, then tells you to eat anything you want after the fast.

How does that even make you lose weight? 


It works because there is a window for fasting and for eating. You decide on what works for you. For instance, you choose the 16/8 window hours. That's 16 hours of fasting, and 8 hours when can eat anything you want. You can drink water and other no-calorie drinks during the fasting window. If you opt for coffee, don't add creamer or milk. 
Eating window The next major element of intermittent fasting is the eating window. This is a period allotted for eating anything. How long it lasts depends on you. 
Some people like to take it easy and go for a 16/8 IF. That means fasting for 16 hours, including time spent sleeping. The remaining 8 hours is the eating window. The eating window does not mean you continuously eat for 8 hours. You are allowed to eat whenever you are hungry during the eating window, beyond that you stop eating. Going back to the 16/8. Fast for 16 hours by skipping breakfast then spend 8 hours in the eating window time. The first meal of the day is at noon. You can eat anything between noon to 8 pm. After 8 pm, you will not consume food until noon the next day. This is the simplest intermittent fasting schedule. There are different variations to follow. The program is flexible and accommodates changes in schedules or what is most convenient for you. 

jeudi 25 octobre 2018

WHY A DIET MINDSET NEEDS A MAKEOVER

 WHY A DIET MINDSET NEEDS A MAKEOVER 

dieting us

I am so thrilled you've taken such a pivotal step toward rchairing your relationship with food . If you're reading this, you most likely have been 'around the diet block' a few times. Whether you dieted to lose weight, to prevent gaining weight, to improve your general health, or to improve your athletic performance, somewhere along the way you started to pay attention to what you were eating. That is a wonderful thing! Valuing your health and taking steps to take care of your body by feeding it well is something to be deeply proud of. Bringing a level of awareness and mindfulness to our eating is a powerful way to promote health. I just want to be sure that a critical point is brought front and center from the beginning: There is a difference between healthy eating and dieting us.

Dieting Versus Healthy Eating

 Dieting us is typically done to lose weight. Of course, you can follow a specific diet for other reasons, like a medically restricted diet, or one which excludes allergens that could kill you. But by and large, most people start diets to lose weight or prevent gaining it. Dieting is a method to manipulate and control weight, regardless ofyour actual beaah. Healthy eating, on the other hand, is something completely separate from the scale. It's a broader, more all-encompassing goal of wellness. It's about nourishing your body and caring for yourself, no matter what you weigh or how your food affects your weight. There are many benefits to improving your way of eating, besides the potential to lose excess weight. Focusing on healthy eating means we focus on all those health benefits, rather than on a scale number. For most of us, diets were our introduction to changing our eating patterns. But most diets have some negative side effects: 
• They reduce eating down into calories, macros (percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and fat), and points, essentially turning it into a math equation.
 • They give you rules to follow, foods that are good or bad, allowed or forbidden.
 • They cause you to worry about all the things that are bad for you and how everything you've done before has been 'wrong.'
 • They make your weight the sole determination of progress. 
• They call anything you do outside of the diet a 'cheat' or a 
failure. 
There is so much mental anguish that comes along for the ride when we diet, and it ends up ruining our relationship with food. 
Constantly dieting us also keeps you in a perpetual state of working on your weight, rather than actually living life. It becomes all-consuming. Every food choice we make gets overanalyzed in terms of how it impacts your body or your compliance with the diet. There is no wiggle room, no flexibility for the fluidity that is real life. There is just rigidity. And rules. And fear-mongering. And guilt. And constantly starting over again and again. It's a vicious cycle. The people selling us diets don't have our best interests (like our health) in mind. They just want to sell more diet shakes, protein bars, and restrictive meal plans. It's an entire industry built around making us feel bad about ourselves and our health so they can keep raking in billions of dollars in our perpetual pursuit of thinness. They know that most diets fail and that theirs eventually will too. But they keep pushing it, because they know well continue getting frustrated and keep coming back to try again and again. They know that once we start dieting us, we'll end up stuck in a diet cycle of being constantly on-again and off-again with diets. 
The Diet Cycle Affects Us and Our Kids When we have kids, the mental anguish and damaged food relationship we've built up over the years manifests into how we feed them. As parents, we want the best for our kids in pretty much every way. That, of course, includes doing our best to feed them well. We try to do so in a way that nourishes them, helps them to grow up healthy and strong, and fuels their nonstop activity level, all while making sure that we do what we can to prevent them from becoming overweight 
We are truly afraid of raising an overweight child. And that makes sense. Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed. Health issues that were once considered adult-only problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes are now presenting in younger and younger children. We want to spare our kids these health problems. But it's not just that. If we have ever been overweight ourselves, we know first-hand how cruel other people can be about weight. We know the comments and judgments that are given freely by others. We know how hard being large in a society that values thinness can be. For many of us, it's why we went on our own first diet in the first place! 

Having gone through the diet cycle ourselves, we want to do everything in our power to prevent our kids from ever having (or wanting) to diet We want to help them grow up with healthy habits and already having a healthy and happy relationship with food. We want them to enjoy eating like we used to, and not have to worry about their size or shape. 

The Goal of This Makeover

 In essence, we want for our kids what we didn't have. Somewhere along the way, we started to dislike our bodies and feel some level of shame for our size or shape. We decided we wanted to change ourselves, and that we were okay putting ourselves through miserable rules in the name of eating better. We figured it made sense to micro-manage our food and take the joy out of eating. 






mardi 23 octobre 2018

Advantages of Keto Diet US

Advantages of Keto Diet US 

Advantages of Keto Diet

The advantages of keto diet us are almost similar to other diets based on low carb intakq the only difference is that the keto diet us is more powerful and efficient in its benefits. In simpler words, the keto diet is a low carb diet plan with super-charged powers compared to its competitors and has maximum benefits to offer for the users. A few of its major benefits are as follows:

Weight Loss:

 The fact that the body uses fats as an energy source logically explain how the keto diet us is beneficial in weight loss. Fat loss is stimulated as the insulin levels are dropped low. This situation provides an ideal situation for drastic fat loss, resulting in weight loss effectively without hunger. It is to note that, above 20 modem types of research has verified that the keto diet us is more effective than other similar diet plans in its weight loss factor.

 Controlled Appetite: 

The keto diet us lets you control your appetite. This is due to the fact that, when fats are burned drastically, the body has access to surplus energy from them and results in a reduction of hunger.

The lower urge to eat food or controlled appetite also helps a lot to avoid sugar and food addiction alongside eating disorders like bulimia etc. The feeling of satisfaction is an integral part of the solution. Food becomes a friend and a fueling source instead of an enemy with the ketogenic diet plan. 

Surplus Energy and Mental Boosting: 

The process of ketosis provides a steady flow of energy in the form of ketones to the brain resulting in avoiding blood sugar swings. This results in improvement in mental focus and concentration and also clear away brain fog too. The main reason for the popularity of the keto diet is tits benefits regarding mental health and focus. These benefits can be easily experienced while being in ketosis. During ketosis, the human brain is provided with surplus energy round the clock in the form of ketones instead of carbs which is the reason for the improved mental performance of the human body. Reversing Type-2 Diabetes & Controlling Blood Sugar:
 Although ketogenic diet us is not scientifically acknowledged as a long-term solution to type 2 diabetes, it is credited to the fact that keto diet lowers down blood sugar levels in the body and also lowers the negative role of higher insulin levels. The fact that keto diet is very efficient in reversing type-2 diabetes also suggests that it is very helpful in avoiding it in the first place apart from reversing pre-diabetic conditions. 

Improvement in Health Markers:

 Lower carb intake results in improvement in critical health markers like blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels (triglycerides and HDL) and in blood pressure. These health markers are associated with metabolic syndrome, weight improvements, reversal of type-2 diabetes and waist circumference etc. 

Stomach Improvement: 

Keto diet us has many efficiency improvements in stomach health. It lowers cramps and pains alongside less or entirely no gas at all in the stomach. It an be experienced within the initial 2-3 days of following the ketogenic diet us plan. FODMAP contains a high amount of carbs and they start fermentation in the small intestine which leads to bloating and gas. The gut walls are unable to absorb them properly and cause the fluid stuck in the intestine thus resulting in diarrhea. The keto diet is a much low 

Overview of the Ketogenic Diet us for Beginners

Overview of the Ketogenic Diet us for Beginners


Ketogenic Diet for Beginners
The ketogenic diet us is based on utilizing carbs as an energy source which uses fats as the main energy source for the working of the body. The kern vegetarian diet comprises on specifically plant-based foods which are rich in carbs and can be used as the main energy source for the effective and healthy working of the body. The diet has numerous health benefits which include enhanced efficiency of the body, healthy metabolism, and the most important one i.e. weight loss. This book is going to cover every aspect regarding the kern vegetarian diet and the entire process of ketosis for better understanding of beginners for following this diet plan. Thus, a wide range of options for nutritious, yet delicious recipes on the cheap will also be introduced to vegetarians who are about to embark on ketogenic diet us.

What does "keto" means? 

The body starts using ketones instead of glucose as an energy medium for its working after shifting on a ketogenic diet us. The ketones are responsible or the word 'keto' in the diet plan are utilized in the minimum presence of blood sugar in the body. Ketones are produced by eating a low carb diet and a mild protein supply. The main production source of ketones are fats and they are produced in the liver. They are used for the working of the body including the brain. Alteration to ketones from glucose results in excessive fat burning while lowering insulin levels in the body. This has a very impulsive effect on losing weight apart from various other health benefits. The effective method to achieve ketones i.e. production of ketones is to fast. But as fasting can't be done for a longer time, keto diet is an alternative approach to fasting, having the same benefits like fasting but without actually fasting at all. 

Who Shouldn't Go for the Ketogenic Diet ? 

In general cases the keno diet is perfect but people with falling under the following categories are to consult their doctors before going on this diet, these include:
• Diabetic Patients
 • Blood Pressure related Patients 
• Breastfeeding Mothers

 Advice for Breastfeeding Mothers and Diabetics: 

It is very dangerous to eat a strict low-carb diet while breastfeeding, a safer low-carb diet would be having 50g carbs/day. You can achieve this by adding 3-4 large fruits to your strict plan, in case of any abnormality or complication, immediately visit a doctor. It is also advised to drink an adequate supply of water to lower the risk of dehydration for better milk production. Enhance your fiber, fats and veggie intake for maintaining your energy levels. For breastfeeding, it is preferred to consider a slightly moderate keto plan instead of a strict one.

 At first, it's not recommended for diabetics to go for the keto diet, in case you want to be on the diet plan, strictly check your blood sugar levels on daily basis to keep them under the normal levels. You also have to keep a check on ketone levels in your body to avoid the risk of DICA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) or in rare cases coma. It is recommended by the ADA (American Diabetes Association) to test your ketones if your blood sugar surpasses 240 mg/dL. It is also advisable for those with type 2 diabetes to stick to the ketogenic diet as a phase, not as long-term treatment of the disease. 


lundi 22 octobre 2018

Essentials of Ketogenic Diet US

Essentials of Ketogenic Diet us


 The ketogenic diet us plays an essential role in the field of medicine, as it is used to treat epilepsy in children. High carbs intake leads to the production of glucose and insulin. The carbohydrates have the function of being converted into glucose, which is translocated around the body and fuels the brain-function. High carbs compel the body to use glucose as the central form of energy due to which the fats are stored in the body. In case, the diet has very little carbohydrate, fat is converted into fatty acids and ketone bodies by the liver. The ketone bodies serve the function of passing into brain and substituting glucose as an energy source. When the level of ketone bodies is increased in the blood, the state is known as ketosis which reduces the occurrence of epileptic seizures.
When the food intake is low, the process of ketosis is naturally initiated by the body to help us survive. The major goal of the keto diet is to bring your body into such a metabolic state that the body starts burning fats. Starvation of carbohydrates, rather than the starvation of calories is required. Whatever you put into your body, your body becomes highly adaptive to it. On snatching the carbohydrates and overloading with the fats, the ketones will be burned as primary energy source by the body. Many weight loss, health, mental and physical performance benefits can be attributed to the optimal ketone levels.

Benefits of Ketogenic Diet US 

The ketogenic diet us is full of benefits, from the small ones to the large ones. Some of the benefits are enlisted below.

 i. Helps in Weight Loss

 As the body fats are utilized in the ketogenic diet, so an obvious weight loss is observed. The ketogenic diet us leads to the lowering of the insulin levels which then forbid the body to store fat.

 2. Increases Mental Focus 

It has been seen that mental performance is greatly increased by the ketogenic diet us. One of the greatest fuels for the brain is ketones. On lowering Garbs intake, the blood sugar is lowered and ketones are in action. These hvo factors collectively enhance the mental focus and concentration by improving the brain function.

3. Treats Epilepsy

 The ketogenic diet us has played a major role in reducing the epileptic seizures. The epilepsy was previously treated in the children by the keto diet, but now the adults are also being treated by this diet.


dimanche 21 octobre 2018

INFLAMMATION AND THE CAUSES OF BACK PAIN US


INFLAMMATION AND THE CAUSES OF BACK PAIN US


Before I elaborate on the causes of back pain us, I would like readers to understand the ways in which the parts of the body are interconnected. Specifically, it's important to see just how inflammation affects the back. Inflammation, or swelling, as well as redness and pain, are normally part of a healthy immune response. When an injury occurs, inflammation is initiated to help your body protect that injured part. The body also produces elevated levels of corti-sol, a hormone that maintains the body's connective tissue and begins the healing process following an injury. However, when your cortisol levels have been elevated for a prolonged period of time, you develop chronic inflammation, which actually de-stroys healthy tissue and has been found to cause or be a factor in cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease, stroke, and Alz-heimer's disease. To this list of ailments, I would add back pain us, as well as tension in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and discs. It is chronic inflammation that makes our backs susceptible to "going out" after we make simple movements.

There are three causes of chronic inflammation resulting in back pain us: 

1. Structural Inflammation.

 This is the swelling found in muscles, bones, discs, nerves, and posture, and it is the most obvious and easy-to-understand culprit During the day, our bodies undergo an almost endless list of physical stressors—whether it be from lugging bags, commuting, sitting all day in uncomfortable chairs in an office, walking in unsupportive footwear. All of these things cause irritation and inflammation. Those in the medical field currently spend the large majority of their resources on diagnosing and treating back pain us for structural causes alone. Unfortunately, based on back pain statistics, the treatment results are quite unsuc-cessful, proving that our laser-focus on just structural inflammation is an incomplete approach to treatment. 

2. Emotional Inflammation.

 In a landmark study, re-searchers at Stanford University discovered that stress combined with emotional outlook was the number one factor for back pain us. When our bodies are under pro-longed periods of stress, our levels of cortisol, known as our stress hormone, spike, triggering the inflammatory response and causing our mind and back to become uptight. Our society has ever so slowly acknowledged the role our emotional tension is having on our backs. Therapeutic practices such as mindfulness and medita-tion are becoming more and more commonplace, and therapy is viewed as a helpful treatment for back pain us

3. Nutritional or Digestive Inflammation.

 This area is most lacking in medical research. It is also the area least understood or acknowledged by back pain suffer-ers—and is consequently the impetus for The Back Pain Relief Diet. The remainder of this chapter will deal spe-cifically with nurturing a better understanding of the role of digestive inflammation in our daily lives and the extent to which it can harm your body. 

THE DEAL WITH DIGESTION 

The world of digestive upsets is not a welcoming one. You may be aware that you have a sensitive stomach, but you may not realize how far-reaching the chemical effects are on the rest of your body. Our bodies react to what we eat or drink with a viscerosomatic response. Viscero means "organ"; somatic refers to the body—in this case, the musculoskeletal system. Some of what we consume is soothing to the body; some irritates it and causes pain. This viscerosomatic response to what we eat can range from being alert after morning coffee, to feeling sleepy from the tryptophan in turkey; to getting an upset stomach from something acidic, to developing back pain us. Have you ever been hung over? You proba-bly remember the headache, as well as the upset stomach. But try to recall: how did your muscles feel? Loose and limber or tight and achy? You probably didn't feel like exercising nor would you have a good workout if you tried. This was a viscerosomatic reaction to alcohol and is an example of what happens to your body over time with foods that create inflammation. Because there isn't usually an immediate reaction to the wrong foods unless you have a food allergy—such as lactose intolerance, for instance—the connection isn't often made. In fact, the most overlooked cause of back pain is diet While there are thousands of studies on how nutrition im-pacts muscular function, very few health professionals have con-nected the dots between digestive function and nutrition to back pain us. Chronic pain, particularly in the back can be tied to body inflammation. This is not the kind of inflammation or swelling you see with an acute injury, but instead chronic inflammation can occur internally throughout the body in response to a poor diet that results in low digestive function. 

POOR DIETS AND OTHER PROBLEMS 

Studies confirm that there is an association between back pain us and being overweight or obese. The correlation seems obvious: the more you weigh, the more your bones—especially the spine—must bear. Interestingly, some studies also suggest that the asso-ciation may not be only musculoskeletal, but that obesity-related stomach inflammation caused by the toxicity of unhealthy eat-ing may also play a role in low back pain us. Therefore, recommen-dations for a healthful diet to help treat back pain for anyone who is overweight or obese are warranted. In a 1995 report published in The Lancet, researchers in Fin-land corroborated this perspective when they conducted autop-sies on people who died from non-related back issues but who were on record as having suffered from back pain. What they discovered was that people who had suffered from back pain us had many more blocked arteries to the spine than people who never had back pain troubles. This was proof that poor diet choices can and do clog arteries! 




samedi 20 octobre 2018

The Basics of the Ketogenic Diet US

The Basics of the Ketogenic Diet US


The Ketogenic Diet us is not just a diet, but a large part of an entire change to your overall lifestyle. There are millions of people that have taken the Keto Diet seriously and experienced amazing results. Whether you believe it or not, I know you have the power within you to make this healthy change, too! 

Instead of using excuses and placing roadblocks in your way, you do have what it takes to look great as you devour delicious and natural foods that will benefit both your mental and physical health and give you the energy to take life by the horns! 

Of course, to be successful on any diet, you will need to understand the basics of how the human body functions and how diets effect your physical wellbeing. 

There is an array of low-calorie, gluten-free, and low-fat diets out there. I have no doubt that you have heard of South Beach, Weight Watches, Atkins, and the hundreds of other similar diet fads. What do all these diets have in common? They make you starve yourself as you try to stomach bland foods and push through phases of induction. 
It is not rocket science; these diets are not all nutritionally sound and can make you feel worse than you were when you were hitting the drive-thru every day. These are not sustainable and cannot become a part of your long-term lifestyle. 
So, what do the better and more successful diets that people talk about have in common? Simple, a reduction of foods that are high in carbohydrates. It has been scientifically proven that low-carb diets help reduce weight with the consumption of fewer calories than that of low-fat diets. These dieters also have improved insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as triglyceride numbers. 
If have purchased this book with not one due as to what the Ketogenic Diet is, there is no need to fret. We will discuss the details about the crucial aspects as to what has made this diet so popular. 

What is the Ketogenic Diet us?

 Before we dive in, you can rest assured that this diet, in particular, does not shackle you with the task of counting calories. It simply is centered around the consumption of devouring a diet this is low in carbohydrates and high in fat. 
`What? High in fat? Isn't eating too much fat terrible for your body?' 
You would naturally think this because that is what we have been taught to believe since we were wee tots! But the ketogenic diet us stems directly from the natural process known as 'ketosis' that gives our bodies the opportunity to thrive when our intake of food is lowered. The phrase 'ketogenic' is stemmed from the natural process of 'ketosis', which allows our bodies to thrive when the intake of food might be low. Ketones are produced during this process as fats in our livers break down. The entire goal of the ketogenic diet is to force our bodies to stay within this state of high metabolism. 
No, it is not about starving yourself and keeping yourself from consuming food, but rather the starvation of consuming carbohydrates. Humans have not changed in the fad that we can adapt to our environments at drastic speeds. When you pack your body with bad edibles, it will start to burn those precious ketones that are partially responsible for weight loss and optimum mental and physical performance. 

How the Keto Came to Be

 Weirdly enough, the ketogenic diet has been around for quite a few decades. It was developed by a guy named Dr. Russell Wilder back in the year 1924. It was quite the concoction that treated epilepsy but unfortunately fell through due to the creation of anti-seizure medications that came about during the 1940's. It didn't make much of an appearance until the mid-1990's, when the Abraham family began the Charlie Foundation for their son, Charlie. Charlie's body did not handle all of that anti-seizure pill-popping very well. He began following the means of the ketogenic diet us as a toddler and stuck to it for a time period of five years. He is now a successful college student and is still to this day seizure-free. 
The bottom line is that the ketogenic diet us is made up of extremely low-carb and high-fat intakes. This diet is quite like that of the Atkins and other low-carb diets. While you are reducing your intake of carbohydrates by such drastic amounts, you are replacing it with foods high in fat. 
The absence of carbs creates a highly metabolic state within your body, known as ketosis (as mentioned above.) In Layman's terms, our body becomes an incredibly powered working machine, burning off fat for energy instead of ketones. It warps our metabolisms so that it no longer bums precious substances utilized to keep our bodies in the best shape they can be. 
This diet has been shown to reduce blood sugars and insulin levels, which makes it a diet that is loaded with quite a few health benefits. You will read about some of these benefits later in this chapter. 

The Fundamentals of Ketosis

 When your body is in a ketosis state, your liver creates ketones which then are your body's main source of energy. The core of the ketogenic diet is based on the idea that our bodies were made to run better as a fat burner rather than a burner of sugar and carbs for energy. The ketogenic diet reverses the way in which your body functions in a positive manner. This means it has the power to totally change your perspective of healthy nutrition! 
The primary goal of maintaining ketosis on the ketogenic diet is to force your body to a metabolic state. You do not want to do this through starvation, but rather through the starvation of carbohydrates. Our bodies are very adaptable, so when you switch your diet by loading it with fats instead of carbs, your 





jeudi 18 octobre 2018

The Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet us

The Benefits of the Ketogenic Diet US


While fad diets come and go, often leading to weight gain after the initial weight loss, the ketogenic diet us has been around proving its abilities for nearly a century. The ketogenic diet works when so many diets fail because it is not about restricting your nutrients or overly restricting calories. On the contrary, the ketogenic diet includes an abundance of healthy nutrients that lead to long-term success. In this chapter, we will explore the history, science, and many health benefits of the ketogenic diet us.

The History of the Ketogenic Diet US 

While the ketogenic diet us would not be created until years later, the groundwork for it began with the first modern study on fasting and its effects on epilepsy treatment and seizure control, which took place in France in the year 1911. Around the same time, there were other studies ongoing in the United States. The most prominent study was conducted by Hugh Conklin, who placed his patients on a twenty-five day fast, which was believed to rid the body of excess toxins. 
Dr. Conklin experienced the most success in his adolescent patients, which had a ninety percent rate of success. While only fifty percent of his adult patients experienced improvements, this study led the way in finding answers on how to manage and treat epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures through diet. Before, long fasting became a mainstream treatment option frequently used by neurologists. Later on, in the year 1916, a well-known and respected endocrinologist from New York Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. H. Rawle Geyelin, recreated Dr. Conklin's study on his own thirty-six patients. The results were successful and reported to the American Medical Association, which led to similar studies in the future. 
After this success, in the early 192os, the parents of one of the successfully treated children from Dr. Conklin's study approached his brother, who was a professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He wished to further the research that successfully helped his child, so he gave his brother and the hospital $5,000 in order to continue studies on dietary treatment for epilepsy. 
Then in the year 1921, a major discovery was made, not just in the treatment of epilepsy, but for the treatment of many illnesses. This discovery was made by endocrinologist Dr. Rollin Woodyatt, who discovered ketones. These are a water-soluble compound more specifically known as 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, and acetoacetate. These ketones are produced by the liver whenever the body is fasting, experiencing starvation, 



mardi 16 octobre 2018

what is Atkins diet us ?

what is Atkins diet us?


The Atkins diet is a popular low-carb diet plan that was developed by cardiologist Robert C. Atkins in late 1960's. The Atkins diet us limits intake of carbohydrates while laying emphasis on fats and proteins. The Atkins Diet defines different phases of weight loss and management, beginning with a very low carb eating plan. Also regarded as the Atkins Nutritional Approach, this healthy diet plan has received mention in a number of weight-loss books and is often credited with initiating the low-carb diet trend.

What is the purpose of the Atkins diet?

 The main objective of the Atkins diet us is to deliberately alter your eating habits and assist you in your weight loss goals. What's more? The Atkins diet us also promotes a healthy way of life and is an excellent choice if you want to lose weight, enhance energy levels or improve health problems, such as metabolic syndrome or high blood pressure. 

Why you might want to follow the Atkins Diet? 

You might want to follow the Atkins diet because of the following reasons: 
• You're looking for a diet plan that limits certain carbs so you can lose weight easily 
• You want to improve your overall eating habits 
• You've medical conditions that you want to improve 
You are fond of Atkins meals, shakes and bars 
We strongly recommend you to check with your doctor or health care provider before you choose to start a weight-loss diet, particularly if you have any health concerns, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. 

The main nutritional focus of the Atkins Diet us is to supply the body with the right combination of carbs, fats and proteins for optimal health and weight loss. In fact, the diet regards diabetes, obesity and heart disease as the detrimental result of a high-carb and low-fat American diet. According to the Atkins diet, one doesn't need to trim off fatty cuts of meat or avoid excess fat. Rather, it's the management of carbs that is more important. Eating too many carbohydrates — especially white flour, sugar, and additional refined carbs leads to excess weight gain, cardiovascular problems and blood sugar imbalances. That's where the Atkins Diet comes to your rescue by restricting excess carbs, encouraging the consumption of more fats and proteins. 

Just like any other diet plan, the Atkins Diet us also continues to evolve. Today, it accommodates both vegan and vegetarian needs, and encourages folks to eat high-fiber vegetables and addresses any health conditions that one may encounter when beginning a low-carb diet. 

Keeping a close Eye on Carb-intake

 While the Atkins Diet us does require you to track your carb intake, it doesn't necessarily require portion control or calorie counting. What's more? It employs a special mechanism known as Net Carbs, which is the total carb content of an item subtracted by its fiber content. For instance, a 4 oz. or half-cup of raw broccoli has about 2.5 grams of total carbs whereas it has about 1.5 grams of fiber which puts its net carb value at exactly 1 gram. 
According to the Atkins diet, its unique approach to limit the carb content not only burns off your body's excess fat but also regulates your blood sugar to help you lose weight, while making sure you don't feel food-deprived or hungry. 

Exercise 

While the Atkins diet doesn't regard exercise to be vital for weight loss, it does not undermine the benefits of exercise to your health and its contribution to weight loss. 

WHAT TO EAT ON ATKINS DIET 

The Atkins diet is regarded as the mother of all low-carbohydrate diets. In fact, the contemporary version of the diet features 4 phases that give you the leverage to be fairly fluid according to your needs. However, there are a few basic rules that one needs to follow throughout the diet: 
Foods to be avoided on Atkins Diet: 
• Whole grains: This food group includes bread, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas, cereals, cakes, donuts and ice cream. 
• Trans-fats: This group of food items includes `unhealthy' fats that have undergone a hydrogenation process. Trans-fats are commonly found in processed foods such as cookies, cakes, pastries, margarine, fried foods, tacos, popcorns and chips. 
• Sugar: Eatables that are rich in sugar content including sweets, chocolates, cakes, and candies, soft and fizzy drinks. • Vegetable Oils: This food group primarily comprises of processed oils that are carved out of seeds i.e. corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil. 
• Products with low-fat: They are generally high in sugar and do not go well with the Atkins eating regimen. 

Foods to eat on Atkins diet: 

• Eggs and Dairy products: Yogurt, Full fat butter, cheese and cream
 • Shellfish
• Fish 
• Meats
 • Nuts and Seeds
 • Healthy Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados and avocado oil. 


Benefits of the Keto Diet us



Benefits of the Keto Diet us

 

The keto diet us is one of the most popular diets these days and rightly so. The ketogenic diet us is o high fot and a low curb diet The idea of this diet is to shift your body into a state of ketosis and hence the name of this diet The primary source of fuel for the human body is glucose. The body produces glucose when you consume curbs. With the keto diet there is a drastic reduction in the production of glucose and the primary source of energy is fats. During ketosis, the body starts to burn fats instead of glucose to provide power. In this section, you will learn about the different benefits of the ketogenic diet us .

Reduces the appetite

 The most difficult side effect that you need to overcome when you start o new diet is hunger. It also happens to be the main reoson why a lot of people give up on their diets. An advantage of a low-corb and high-fat diet is that it reduces your appetite. When you increase the intake of fatty foods and reduce the consumption of carbs, you will feel fuller for longer. Not just that your overall calorie intake will decrease os welt

Weight loss 

The easiest way to shed all those extra pounds is to eliminate carbs from your diet. Keto diet us prescribes low or no carbs. Therefore, this diet is more effective when it comes to weight loss than any other diet One of the main reasons for the weight loss is the loss of excess water from the body. Once the insulin levels in the body reduce, the kidneys start to expel excess sodium and this lends to the loss of water weight in the body

Loss of fat from abdominal regions

 Dia you know mat an me fat that's present in your body isn't the some? The health risk that fats pose depends on the location and the concentration of the fatty cells Most of the fat accumulates either under the skin or in the abdominal region. The fat present in the abdominal cavity is known os visceral fat and it is quite harmful. A high-level of visceral fat obstructs the movement of insulin and causes inflammation too. These conditions lead to metabolic dysfunction. The keto diet helps in the removal of this harmful visceral fat from the body. 

Reduces the levels of triglycerides

 Triglycerides are a set of fat molecules present in the body. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk of several heart diseases Consumption of carbohydrates lends to on increase in the number of triglyceride molecules present in the body and the keto diet helps reduce this level. 

Increases the level of good cholesterol 

High-Density Lipoprotein or I-IDL refers to good cholesterol in the body. Technically, it isn't correct to call HDL os cholesterol. HDL is a lipoprotein that helps transport cholesterol molecules in the blood. There is no such thing as bad or good cholesterol per se. All particles of cholesterol have the some composition LDL and HDL help to transport cholesterol in the body. HDL carries cholesterol molecules away from the body. A high level of HDL indicates o high risk of cardiovascular diseases. An effective way in which you can increase the level of HDL in the body is to consume foods rich in healthy fats. 

Reduces the level of insulin and blood sugar 

All the carts that you consume are broken down into simple sugars in the body. When these simple sugars enter the bloodstream, it increases the level of blood sugar in your body. A high-level of blood sugar is not only toxic for your body, but it also increases the level of insulin in the body. Insulin helps process these simple sugars into glucose and then it transports the same to different cells in the body. The cells then use glucose to produce energy. An increase in the level of insulin causes diabetes. When you reduce the consumption of curbs and other sugary treats, the levels of insulin and blood sugor decreose automatically. 

Reduces blood pressure

 An elevated level of blood pressure in the body results in hypertension. Hypertension affects all major organs in the body and, in severe cases, it causes numerous cardiovascular diseases and may even result in kidney failure. The ketogenic diet helps regulote the levels of blood pressure in the body. 

Reduces the level of LDL

 LDL refers to Low-Density Lipoprotein and it is commonly known as "bad cholesterol:* LDL helps transport the cholesterol molecules in the body. A high level of LDL signifies a susceptibility to heart disease. If there is a reduction in the level of this lipoprotein, you can improve the overall health of your heart. 




lundi 15 octobre 2018

A Closer Look at the Ketogenic Diet us



A Closer Look at the Ketogenic Diet us


 A ketogenic diet us is not only one of the popular diets that you've heard of, but it is also considered one of the easiest diets to stick to and helps boost the way you feel. The diet consists of high fat, medium protein, and low carbohydrates. It is the way to make your body burn fat instead of carbohydrates. This causes it to have more fuel to burn throughout the day, so you're able to have more energy than before. This diet is also one of the best ways to shed the fat and lase the pounds. The fat in the body is converted into fatty acids that are used within the liver. They are then passed through the body as ketones that can be used as glucose sugar, instead of artificial sugars. This helps the body grow and repair itself easily. It is also something that provides the body with enough calories to burn throughout the day without having excess calories. One of the most important things that you have to understand about this diet is how ketosis works. Ketosis is the essence of the diet. When the body is in a ketotic state, it means that the body is going to break down the body's stored fat in order to provide it with the energy that it needs. It also means that the body is providing itself with a way to use the fats that you eat in your food source, instead of the carbohydrates that are normally found in the food. What exactly is the ketogenic diet us? Originally developed in the early 1920s to treat epileptic seizures, the diet fell out of favor in the medical establishment once antiseizure medications became available. More than seventy years later, it was rediscovered as an effective alternative to pharmaceuticals. Since then, it has grown in popularity and has received increasing media attention for the variety of maladies that it can treat.

The Basic Principles

As you learn more about keto-friendly foods and get used to ketogenic living, it'll be easier for you to understand what and how much you should be eating. Here's a crash course in what your daily macronutrients—carbs, protein, and fat—should look like.
✓ Carbohydrates (s% to to%) Each person's cub tolerance is different. Your challenge is to find your -wear cart intake. As you begin your keto diet. start with a low level of net carbs to ensure you quickly enter ketosis—the state in which your body produces ketone bodies. A good goal would be about 20 grams of net carbs per day. You can purchase a blood ketone meter (or urine ketone strips, which are less accurate) that will allow you to measure your ketones after about two or three days of sticking to your new low-carb lifestyle. Start adding net carbs (about 5 grams each week) until you can detect only a very low level of ketones or none at all. This is usually the quickest, most reliable way to discover your net carbs limit. You can find blood ketone meters and urine ketone strips via online retailers, such as Amazon.
✓ Protein (is% to so%) The amount of dietary protein you need can be determined by your body weight and activity level. People who are physically active have higher protein requirements than those with sedentary lifestyles. A more accurate estimate, especially for people with high body fat, can be found by calculating protein intake from lean mass, which is determined as total body weight minus body fat. Consuming enough protein is good for preserving and building muscle mass, but eating excessive amounts of protein are likely to put you out of ketosis because your body will convert excessive protein into glycogen.

✓ How Many Grams of Protein per Day? If your weight is in pounds, then multiply it by o.6 to get the minimum amount of protein in grams you should eat each day. For the maximum amount, multiply your body weight by I (i.e., the same numeral as that of your weight but in grams). If your weight is in kilograms, then just multiply it by 1.3 or 2.2 to get the same range. Although this rule applies to the majority of people, protein requirements for athletes are higher. Make sure you eat at least the minimum amount of protein to prevent loss of muscle tissue during the diet. In general, the more active you are, the closer you should be to eating at your upper limit. 
✓ Fat (6o% to 7594) Your daily fat intake should make up your remaining energy needs: it acts as -filler for your energy requirements. Ideal fat intake varies for each individual and depends on your personal goal. In fact, you won't need to count fat intake or calories on a ketogenic diet us, as you'll be unlikely to overeat: eating foods naturally low in carbs, moderate in protein, and high in fat will keep you satisfied longer. Studies have shown that protein and fats are the most satiating nutrients, while carbohydrates are the least satiating. Fat provides a supply of energy with no insulin spikes. That's why you won't suffer any cravings or energy and mood swings as you would on a calorie-restricted low-fat diet. 

What Exactly Is the Alkaline Diet us?


The Alkaline Diet us has developed quite a following today and boasts a lot of claims, ranging from weight loss to preventing cancer. What is really amazing is that all of these claims do hold some merit so it's no surprise that the alkaline diet has started to gain mainstream attention. The real question that you are probably asking yourself is, "Does it work?' Let's dive deeper into this subject.


What Exactly Is the Alkaline Diet us?

 The Alkaline Diet us is based on the underlying concept that your body has a pH level that can be manipulated by the foods you eat. When we metabolize food, we are creating either an alkaline or acidic balance. Foods that cause our levels to shift to overly acidic are making us work harder to rebalance this highly regulated area. Basically, the body must always be in balance, so it's going to do whatever it takes to maintain that balance.
By constantly eating highly acidic foods, we are becoming more susceptible to weight gain and disease. Therefore, the overall goal of the alkaline diet is to consume foods that are alkaline-based rather than overloading our bodies with highly acidic foods.
Most food groups can be classified as either alkaline or acidic. However, sometimes these lists are not as straightforward as you might think. We tend to label foods on this list by their acidic and alkaline properties, rather than the way they taste. For example, you might see a lemon as an acidic food, but it actually forms Into alkaline once It Is consumed. It can be a bit confusing. What Does Science Say? In order to better understand this diet, we should take a closer look at the pH scale. Just in case you weren't paying attention in high school, all substances under the sun are registered on the pH scale—scoring between 0 and 14. The closer the substance Is to 0, the more acidic It is. The closer to 14 a substance is, the more alkaline it is. Seven is neutral.
In short, all foods register between 0 and 14 on the pH scale. The level for a healthy human is anywhere between 7.35 and 7.45. The body is going to do everything it can to ensure that your blood pH levels fall In that range. foods that we eat are not going to alter our blood pH levels. If our blood levels were to fall out of balance, then we would die. So anyone who claims that a diet can affect your blood pH levels is not being honest with you because your body Is always going to ensure your blood is regulated. The goal of the alkaline diet is to make it easier for our body to regulate our blood pH levels. The question remains whether or not the alkaline diet can actually lead to weight Ion and help us prevent cancer. Cancer is still a mystery to us so there is no proof of any link between the alkaline diet and cancer prevention. It's still just a theory but a perfectly logical one. One thing that we do know about cancer is that it thrives in an acidic environment. However, newer studies are starting to show that cancer itself can create its own acidic environment that Is not affected by the foods we eat. But living healthier can help prevent cancer, which is why I find the alkaline diet to be so useful. In that sense, it can be seen as one of many tools at your disposal to help prevent cancer. That's the argument I would make. 
Another Important fact to note Is that when we are overly acidic, our body will pull essential nutrients from our bones in order to maintain a healthy pH balance. That's why it's Important that we regulate the foods we eat. By helping the body maintain this balance, we keep it from having to pull nutrients from vital areas. 
Add to that the increased health benefits of alkaline foods, and you are going to start living a healthier life. Think about it. Foods that are high in alkaline are going to be healthier because they are plant-based. we know that those foods contain more nutrients. Making smarter choices is the cornerstone of living a healthier life, and the alkaline diet will help you do just that! So whether or not you believe the hype, you can rest assured that the choices you will make are going to be far healthier. 

How Much Alkaline Do You Need to Eat?

 Believe it or not, you can actually create an imbalance In your body by eating too much alkaline. But the chances of creating an alkaline imbalance are quite low. The standard Western diet is highly acidic. We're just going to be adding more fruits and vegetables Into the mix. One of the main advantages of the alkaline diet is that we are not going to create restrictive lists of foods that you can and cannot eat. Instead, we are going to focus on adding more plant-based foods onto our plates. fifty to seventy-five percentof your plate should be filled with leafy greens and other veggies. The rest should be a mix of protein and carbohydrates. In most cases, it doesn't really matter what protein and verbs you choose because the veggies will create the desired pH balance, but I am going to give you a few tips that will help you create an even healthier diet. Still, if you follow this simple formula, then you're going to find yourself living a much healthier life. 

Benefits of the Alkaline Diet us

 If you have ever struggled with acne, skin rashes, hair loss, and even seen the toll of aging on your skin, then you are probably overly acidic. Sure, you can slather on layer after layer of those treatments, but it's going to do you little good when your pH levels are out of balance. You need to get down to the true cause behind those issues if you want to rid yourself of them Once and for all! 
Luckily, there is a much better way to deal with these issues than to keep applying those expensive lotions. The secret is to fix the problem inside of your body. By swapping over to an alkaline diet, you can help your body maintain its glow. But that's not the only benefit. Let's look at some of the top benefits of swapping over to this amazing diet. 
One of my favorite aspects of the alkaline diet is that it promotes foods that are nourishing for both the Inside and outside of your body. You'll feel better and look better by making smarter choices. But the health benefits go far beyond just making you look better. 
Before moving on, let's dive deeper into the benefits that are associated with the alkaline diet us. Since the standard Western diet is loaded with acidic foods, alkalizing your body will slow down the effects of premature aging. 

It Makes Your Skin Glow 

There are a lot of skin disorders that can be associated with an overly acidic diet including acne, rosacea, and prematurely wrinkled skin. In fact, the majority of skin issues are caused by acid! 
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, so it's important that it be allowed to detoxify itself. There are four major pathways that the body will use to remove toxins-urination, defecation, respiration, and perspiration. So when your skin starts to suffer, it's a sign that your body Is trying its best to remove all of that excess acid from your system. It releases those acids through perspiration, thus causing your skin to break out. 

Skin disorders are one of the biggest signs that it's time to alkalize your diet! Manifestations on your skin almost always come from the foods you are eating, with sugars and grains being the biggest contributing factor. For instance, if you have a problem with acne, then try removing all sugar and grain from your diet for a couple of weeks. You will be amazed at the result! 
The alkaline diet will help clear up your skin by eliminating many of the toxins that are being pulled from your body and dumped onto your skin. 

Significantly More Energy

 The amount of energy you have at any given time is a great indicator as to how happy you are. If you are tired, then the first thing that should be on your mind is water. Did you know that Just a 5 percent drop In your hydration levels can lower your energy by 30 percent? Next time you are feeling fatigued at work, try hydrating, and see how much better that makes you feel. 
Alkaline dieting promotes drinking more water in order to stay hydrated. Ideally, you want to start your day with an alkaline boost, so I encourage you to add a lemon slice to a large glass of water. Drink that glass of water first thing in the morning since we all wake up dehydrated. Not only will It hydrate you, but It also provides you with a boost of alkaline. 



dimanche 14 octobre 2018

what foods are encouraged?


what foods are encouraged?



Some of the best-tasting, most fulfilling foods are part of this plan, including lean meats like beef and chicken; healthy sources of protein and high-quality fats like eggs, butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and
avocado. Also, delicious, leafy, green vegetables like kale, chard, and spinach, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
These foods can be combined with seeds, nuts, sprouts, and a wide range of other amazing foods that lead to incredible health benefits that give your body the protein, healthy fats, and nutrients it needs while providing metabolism-boosting meals for easy cooking at home or on the go.

WHAT FOODS SHOULD BE LIMITED? 

On a ketogenic diet us plan, the main foods to avoid are those high in carbohydrates, sugars, and the wrong types of fats. These foods can be toxic to the body and create excess glucose levels that the body turns into stored fat. These foods increase the levels of insulin and blood sugar in the body, and will prevent fat loss even if you are putting a lot of energy into exercise. To avoid these foods, limit your intake of grains, processed foods, vegetable oils fcanola, corn, soybean, etc.), milk, margarine, and other high-carbohydrate, high-sugar foods.


what is the keto Diet us ?

what is the keto Diet us ?


The Keto diet us involves going long spells on extremely low (no higher than 30g per day) to almost zero grams per day of carbs and increasing your fats to a really high level (to the point where they may make up as much as 65% of your daily macronutrients intake). The idea behind this is to get your body into a state of ketosis. In this state of ketosis, the body is supposed to be more inclined to use fat for energy-and research says it does just this. Depleting your carbohydrate/glycogen liver stores and then moving onto fat for fuel means you should end up being shredded. 
Calculate your required maintenance level of daily calories... 
(if you are looking to drop quickly, then use 13- I would not advise this, if you want a more level drop in body fat use 15, and if you are going to actually attempt to maintain or possibly put on some lean muscle mass, then use 17) 
Body weight in pounds x 15= a 

Bx4=c (c= number of calories allotted to your daily protein allowance) 
a-c= d (d= amount of calories to be allotted to fat intake) D/9= grams per day of fat to be consumed. The end calculation should leave you with a very high number for your fat intake. 
Now, for those of you wondering about energy levels... Especially for training because there are no carbs, with there being such a high amount of fat in the diet you will feel quite full and the fat is a very good fuel source for your body (one adaptation that I have made is to actually have a nice fish fillet about an hour before I train and I find it gives me enough energy to get through my workout). 
I am aware of the arguments made to not have fats 2-3 hrs otherwise of training. While I won't have fats 2-3 hrs after training as I want quick absorption and blood flow, then I see no issue with slowing everything down before training so my body has access to a slow-digesting energy source. 
Continuing with general guidelines... 

There are some that say to have a 30g carb intake immediately after training- just enough to fill liver glycogen levels. And then there are those that say that having even as much as that may push you out of ketosis- the state you are trying to maintain. 
During my carb up period- for the sake of those who would like to know if you can get in shape and still eat the things you want (in moderation)- for the first six weeks, I will be relaxed about what I eat in this period but then the following six weeks I only eat clean carbs. 
I also like to make sure that the first workout of the week- as in a Monday morning workout- is a nice, long full hour of work so I start cutting into the liver glycogen already. 
Plan menus and snacks at least a week ahead of time, so you aren't caught with only high-carb meal choices. Research keto recipes online; there are quite a few good ones to choose from. Immerse yourself in the keto lifestyle, find your favorite recipes, and stick with them. 
There are a few items that are staples of a keto diet. Be sure to have these on hand: 
• Eggs - Used in omelets, quiches (yes, heavy cream is legal on keto!), hard-boiled as a snack, low carb pizza crust, and more; if you like eggs, you have a great chance of success on this diet 
• Bacon - Do I need a reason? Breakfast, salad garnish, burger topper, BLT's (no bread of course; try a BLT in a bowl, tossed in mayo) 
• Cream cheese - Dozens of recipes, pizza crusts, main dishes, desserts 
• Shredded cheese - Sprinkle over taco meat in a bowl, made into tortilla chips in the microwave, salad toppers, low-carb pizza and enchiladas 
• Lots of romaine and spinach - Fill up on the green veggies; have plenty on hand for a quick salad when hunger pangs hit 
• EZ-Sweetz liquid sweetener - Use a couple of drops in place of sugar; this artificial sweetener is the most natural and easiest to use that I've found 
• Cauliflower - Fresh or frozen bags; you can eat this low-carb veggie by itself, tossed in olive oil and baked, mashed in fake potatoes, chopped/shredded and used in place of rice under main dishes, in low-carb and keto pizza crusts, and much more 
• Frozen chicken tenders - Have a large bag on hand; 

thaw quickly and grill, saute, mix with veggies and top with garlic sauce in a low•carb flatbread, use in chicken plccata, chicken alfredo, tacos, enchiladas, Indian Butter chicken, and more 
• Ground beef - Make a big burger and top with all sorts of things from cheese, to sauteed mushrooms, to grilled onions... or crumble and cook with taco seasoning and use in provolone cheese taco shells; throw in a dish with lettuce, avocado, cheese, sour cream for a tortilla-less taco salad 
• Almonds (plain or flavored) - These are a tasty and healthy snack; however, be sure to count them as you eat, because the verbs DO add up. Flavors include habanero, coconut, salt and vinegar, and more. 
The keto plan is a versatile and interesting way to lose weight, with lots of delicious food choices. Keep these 10 items stocked in your fridge, freezer, and larder, and you'll be ready to throw together some delicious keto meals and snacks at a moment's notice 


samedi 13 octobre 2018

solution to nutrition for athletes

What's the Solution ? 


Yes, fortunately, there is one. The answer to our diet problems is remarkably simple, and it's the common thread that explains why so many wildly different diets work. Let's rake a look at a few popular diets to see whether you can identify what that common element is.

THE PALEO DIET 

The Paleo diet us is based on the same evolutionary arguments we've talked about here. The apparent goal of the Paleo diet is to replicate what we ate during most of our evolution, but given that certain Paleo foods are extinct or significantly different than they were during most of our evolutionary history, some 
sacrifices have to be made. (For example, selective agriculture has made many of the fruits we eat now much juicier and less fibrous than they were previously.) Paleo focuses on high-protein and low-carbohydrate foods. Approved foods include meat from wild animals, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and tubers. No grains or dairy are allowed because those came about relatively late in our existence. 

And it works for athletes, at least in the short run, as evidenced by the popularity of Paleo among competitive athletes, most notably the CrossFit crowd. 

THE RAW AND FRUITARIAN DIETS

 Then there's raw foodism. Here, the idea is that cooking our food is a recent enough technological advance that our bodies haven't yet had a chance to adapt to the change. Therefore, our bodies are designed to eat foods in their natural, raw state. Certain enzymes that help with digestion, along with other nutrients, are denatured during the cooking process, rendering them ineffective at their jobs. Some raw food-ists include raw dairy and meat products in their diet. Raw's cousin, fruitarianism (similar to the 30 Bananas a Day or 80/10/10 diets, which center on eating primarily simple carbohydrates and low amounts of protein and fat), focuses more on fruit than vegetables. The diet is composed of about 80 percent carbohydrates, includes no animal products whatsoever, and is entirely raw in its purest form. And Michael Arnstein, the most visible leader of the movement, has won the Vermont 100-miler and placed highly in the Leadville 100, one of the most famous ultramarathons in the world. 


THE PLANT-BASED DIET


 And of course, there's veganism, which I usually call "plant-based,"  But even within the realm of veganism, there are differing versions. Ultramarathon great Scott Jurek eats a traditionally balanced vegan diet (even if he consumes many more calories than the average vegan to fuel his 100-plus mile races). Then there's Brendan Brazier, Thrice author and former pro Ironman triathlete, who also eats plant-based foods, but focuses more on raw foods. The diets of both of these athletes include a relatively large amount of calories from fat, probably in the range of 25 percent. But there's another version of the vegan diet that has gained a ton of traction, thanks largely to the 2011 runaway hit documentary Forks Over Knives. The docu-mentary is based on the work of T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of The China Study, and Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., which links consumption of meat and dairy products to cancer and heart disease and advocates a "plant-based, whole foods diet". The diet is exactly what it sounds like—no animal products and no processed foods. Campbell and Esselstyn do not consider oils to be whole foods, for example, because in nature they only exist as parts of other foods, and so they advocate cooking with vegetable broth instead of even the olive oil that so many of us have considered healthy for so long. 

THE COMMON THREAD

 Clearly, the diets we've looked at are strikingly different on the surface, especially when you consider the wide variation in the ratios of protein, carbohydrate, and fat to which the different diets adhere. But have you noticed the fundamental element that they all share? What they have in common is that each one of them focuses on whole foods, while avoiding processed foods and dairy. If you took those few steps and made no other changes to your current diet, you'd almost certainly experience major im-provements in your health, as long as your food sources are varied to ensure you get a good mix of vitamins and nutrients. Yes, making your diet healthy is really that simple. 

plant based nutrition for athletes


FOOD AND NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY (WHEN DID EATING BECOME SO COMPLICATED?)



Visit any supermarket today and you'll see shelves lined with hundreds of items that just a few decades ago would have scarcely been recognized as food. 


• Yogurt in a tube
 • lunchables 
• Pasteurized processed cheese food
 • Cheese in a CO2 can
 • Pepsi Max Cease Fire. designed—no joke—to put out the fire in your mouth caused by spicy Doritos Degree Burn 

A lot of this—actually, all of it—is junk. Yet, what about all the "health food" we now have because of modern technology? Certainly, we're better off because of that, right? You don't even have CO visit a specialty health store to find most of the following: 


• Margarine fortified with omega-3 fatty acids

 • Breads and milk pumped full of extra vitamins and minerals
 • Soda that tastes sweet but has zero calories 
• Multivitamins that provide us with ten times the amount of the vitamins and minerals we need each day
 • Lab-designed meal replacement shakes for any diet you happen to be on 
Much of the food people buy these days is so loaded with preservatives that it will never even rot! With all of this high-tech food available, it seems like we should be healthier than ever. You can walk into the health section of any bookstore and find hundreds of options promising to solve all your problems with the latest and greatest diet approach. And yet rates of obesity in adults and children continue to grow, raising the risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. It's said that our generation might be the first that fails to outlive its parents. 


What Happened? 


Food used to be simple. Tens of thousands of years ago, before the development of agriculture, our ancestors hunted and gathered. Nuts, legumes, roots, fruits, veg-etables, meat when it was available, and little else. There were no artificial preserva-tives, and most ways of preserving food had not been discovered. We ace what we acquired quickly, before it could rot or be stolen by another human being or animal, because the next meal was rarely a sure thing. We didn't know what protein, fats, or carbohydrates were, much less antioxidants and free radicals. But with all these seeming disadvantages compared to what we have at our disposal today, there was one huge factor our ancestors had going for them that we no longer have: Back then, ifa food tasted good, it was almost certainly good for you. In fact, that's precisely why it tasted good. If you've never thought much about evolution, it's worth taking a second to understand how beautifully elegant the process is.