Juicing

Juicing can be a great way to get the most nutrients out of your food. Most of us a familiar with Jack Lalanne, he looks half his age and has more energy than I do! He really believes in juicing and for someone who is in his 90's he's made a believer out of me. The rapid absorption of the nutrients is something you can feel when you juice. I don't do it as often as I should, a couple times a week is about all I can make it. You can look for recipes on the Internet. I keep it simple. This morning I juiced a cucumber and put in one radish to give it a little kick. I juice carrots once a week or so, and occasionally I juice romaine lettuce. If I expanded my juicing palate a little I could probably fit in more times a week but rather than get burnt out for right now 2-3 times a week keeps me feeling like I am making progress.

One thing to keep in mind is this is probably one of the more important times to make sure you are juicing organic vegetables and fruits.

Many people juice fruit. I really do not. I am not saying that you shouldn't, I just prefer to eat my fruit. Depending on your juicer the skin may not juice as well as the rest of the fruit and I like knowing that I got the fiber in the skin of my fruit to balance the natural sugars.

If you haven't tried juicing, give it a try. You don't have to be as dedicated as Jack Lalanne to get some benefits from this great way to consume raw foods.

Probiotics

I have taken probiotics in the past and I have felt much different when I take the probiotics and made an effort to eat well. I started taking them again a few days ago and I already notice a large difference in cravings. I take the PB8 and have been satisfied because I do feel a positive difference despite the low cost. Would the $50 ones work better? I don't know. I have only tried two brands and they seemed to be comparable. The types of bacteria and number of live bacteria is what I look at.

I am not a big believer in altering our bodies chemistry with the latest and greatest vitamin cure. I think that we can throw our bodies out of balance with natural things just as well as prescriptions. There are definitely times that we need a boost and vitamins can help. I just think that when we do take them, we need to know why.

Which brings me to why probiotics? Probiotics are good bacteria. Why would anyone need good bacteria added you might be wondering. If we take an antibiotic it kills the infection that we have. It also kills the good bacteria though. This leaves an imbalance in our digestive system with too much yeast. If we were raised in a home where our parents had this issue we could bring it on just from the types of food we were fed. The yeast need to be fed and they eat the bread and sugar. I have the opinion that any craving of bread or sugar is yeast related.  When you see someone who seems to be a slave to the breads and sugars it is not their fault. They think that they like those types of foods, but the reality is they are a slave to the yeast.

Good bacteria eat and thrive on completely different foods than yeast. If your diet is junk you probably have an imbalance of bacteria. Taking probiotics and eating better for a couple of weeks will completely change what you want to eat.

How can you know if this is a problem you struggle with besides my suggestion and without expensive testing? If you google on the Internet saliva test yeast it will lead you to websites that explain that you can spit in a glass first thing in the morning and tell from the saliva if it is an issue for you. Yeast is a very difficult thing to deal with once it makes it's way into your life. Starting with any good probiotic is the first step. I really think you will be amazed at this difference this makes.

Abdominals and Nutrition

When it comes to the list of foods that the is recommended that we avoid, many times it is based on studies. Then 10 years later they say oops we're sorry it looks like product X is okay after all. I think everyone should take a common sense approach. If you can grow it or kill it it probably isn't so bad. If man got a hold of it and processed it, well as usual, we messed it up!

When it comes to getting the nice flat abs we need the good fats. Good fats are those found in nuts, avocados and I especially like krill oil. We also need to ensure that we are getting enough protein as I've harped on before! We can't eat processed junk each day and expect flat abdominal muscles.

The information about what is good nutrition for our abs can be confusing. One source says something is good for us and another says it's bad. Soy is a good example. It is good for you from the field but once processed not so much. I wouldn't freak out about eating it, but then even if I thought it was good for me I wouldn't over consume it. Variety will keep you much healthier when you aren't sure. Our bodies are designed to eliminate what we shouldn't have if it isn't in excess. For a more in depth explanation of nutrition and exercise for our abs click here.

Using Cold to Burn Fat

I read an article today about using cold to burn fat. I did a hub on it HERE. Interesting concept that does make sense, though it is a theory at the moment. It of course should not replace diet and exercise.

The concept is that we have white fat cells and brown fat cells and that cold stimulates the brown fat cells causes thermogenises leading to fat burning.

If anyone has used this method please comment! As always do not start a new weight loss plan without consulting your doctor to ensure it is safe for you.

The Add In Method

I have always liked the add in method. I don't really care to have things taken away from me. If I feel as though I am being deprived that just doesn't work out well for me. If for instance I need to cut out soda, I find that I have more success not even considering how much soda I have drank, but rather to add in the water I want to add. I add to it until I am where I want to be, for example, I will drink 1 glass of water the first day and no matter what maintain that. When I am comfortable that I won't go backwards, a day or two later, I add another glass and maintain that. It works with everything. Nutritionally to cut sweets I find focusing more on what I do want to be more effective. Adding that serving of veggies or fruit and laddering up can be more effective. I also think that if you are craving something your body has a need that needs to be addressed. You can muscle your way to do anything but to be successful long term it probably won't work if it is a constant struggle.

http://hubpages.com/_14ui8ixh14l9k/hub/P90X-Nutrition-Tips-Indulge-in-Healthy-Eating

I found the hub above today that has some good nutrition tips. There is so much noise about what is good for you. I think you have to really use common sense and how you feel as a guide.

A Good Day!

A beautiful day, sun was shining and not so hot. Much better on the food front. I woke up and had to leave immediately. I didn't eat breakfast. I was obligated to help a friend for awhile. I didn't really eat lunch, grabbed some carrots to carry me through. I seem to struggle with getting the protein in during the day that I know I need. I would welcome any suggestions on that front. I keep chia seeds and sunflower seeds around and munch on them some plain. For supper I had a couple slices of a grilled tenderloin, brussel sprouts and grean beans. Good stuff!

I did go to the store and pick up some black quinoa. I thought it would make a better side dish choice than what I normally pick. I'll have to google up some recipes soon and give it a try. I'll let you know if it's any good.

Struggling to Get it Right!

I would love to start this blog telling you that I eat right everyday and always think of the effect of what I eat. I am about 5'9" and weight 180, so odviously that is not the case. I am down 50 pounds from my heaviest and I made very minor changes to come that far. I eat more salsa now, much less fast food, and struggle greatly with adding water. I know that the water is key, yet soda calls my name! Today I had to be out of town so I am just going to call today a failed food day. I had a pasta dish, and while it was very good I know it was a no-no. Yesterday I had a grilled chicken breast with steamed veggies made at home so I don't feel so badly about it.

I saw a really interesting news piece last night on the news. It cited a study showing that people who struggle with weight and eating issues have different bacteria in their GI tract. I have said that for years but nobody I talked to seemed to agree. I also haven't done what I know I should to confirm my theory. Maybe now is the time.

Everyone who has any issue, nutrition, smoking or drinking is just wrote off as a weak willed person or someone with emotional issues. And that is usually from people in professions that are suppose to be helping you!!!!!!! Brilliant I tell ya.

Anyway, I will shoot for a better food day tomorrow!