Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Carrie Carmichael: The Famous Bodybuilding Trainer

By Allen Wilson

Carrie Carmichael has been a body building trainer for several years. She is one of the most accomplished trainers in Texas and offers her services to those training for bodybuilding competitions. If someone is considering entering a bodybuilding competition, then Carrie Carmichael is the person to see.

Carrie Carmichael offers a variety of programs to her bodybuilding clients. This includes personal training as well as in home training. She will also work thoroughly on a diet plan as well as meal preparation. In addition, she also works with each individual on supplements. Carrie will work with those in preparation for competition or those who are looking to simply get fit. Not only does she work on preparing people, she is also capable of working with people who need rehabilitation. Carrie Carmichael covers every aspect of bodybuilding with her services.

What Makes Carrie Carmichael a Bodybuilding Specialist?

Prior to becoming a personal trainer, Carrie Carmichael competed in bodybuilding herself. She won several titles in 2002 and 2003. She has certifications and training as a sports nutritionist as well as a Texas Peace Officer. Carrie Carmichael became a well-known name in the bodybuilding world and comes highly regarded in her line of work.

Carrie Carmichael has used bodybuilding to build her own business, Transformations by Carrie. She has also written books on the topic. Carrie Carmichael can still be seen in bodybuilding competition. She lives the lifestyle as well as trains other people to lead the same lifestyle. She works as an inspiration as well as a personal bodybuilding trainer.

Carrie Carmichael not only works to train for bodybuilding, but as a personal trainer as well. This means that anyone can seek out her services in order to become more fit. Along with her own services, she has a team of trainers working for her. These trainers are just as qualified as Carrie Carmichael in the bodybuilding field. Her business has become the place to go for personal training in Texas.

Carrie Carmichael is one of the foremost trainers in bodybuilding. She has been able to use her personal experience in order train other people to become fit and even compete in bodybuilding themselves. Carrie Carmichael is still going strong in the bodybuilding world and will only continue to expand her business. If someone is lucky enough to live in the San Antonio area, then Carrie Carmichael is the person to see for personal training and bodybuilding preparation. - 17273

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Getting Good Fats in Your Diet

By Beth Hoover

Diet food fat is vitally important to your well-being. Most nutritional authorities counsel that 25% to thirty percent of the total daily calories consumed by adults be food fat.

But the difficulty is that not all fats are made equal. Some fats are good for you and some are bad for you. Some fats can heal and other fats can kill. That's why you need to have a fat list handy at all times. Knowing the difference between good fats and bad fats is vital for good health.

Let's first have a look at the bad fats fat list. Essentially, there are two bad fats. They are saturated fat and trans fat.

Saturated fat is present in animal products such as red beef and whole milk dairy products - butter, cheese, ice cream, for example. Saturated fat adds to the flavor of food, but too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol, clog up your arteries and seriously contribute to the onset of heart problems.

Saturated fat intake should be kept to less than ten percent of your total daily calories. Avoid bad saturated fats by eating lean meats, skinless poultry and low fat or skim milk dairy goods. Also, stay away from highly saturated tropical palm and coconut oils.

Trans fat is the most hazardous fat and should be eliminated from your diet. It has no nutritive value, but has been found to seriously increase the risk of coronary heart disease by raising artery blocking bad LDL cholesterol while lowering good LDL cholesterol.

Trans fat is created when plant oils are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. It is present in about all commercially processed foods like crackers, cookies, cake, candy vegetable shortening, margarine, salad dressing, fried food and snack food.

The fat list of good fats are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega 3 fish oil trans-acids.

Monounsaturated fat lowers bad LDL cholesterol and raises good HDL cholesterol, additional virgin olive oil is the number one source. Monounsaturated fats are also found in canola oil, peanut oil, avocados, almonds, pecans and pumpkin and sesame seeds.

Polyunsaturated oils are not as highly regarded now as they once were. The reason is too many people were getting far too much polyunsaturated omega six fat from highly refined plant oils and not enough polyunsaturated omega three oils, especially the healthy EPA and DHA fatty acids from fish.

That's the reason why most nutritive authorities today recommend everyone eat fatty fish loaded in EPA and DHA omega three oils at least three times every week. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and sardines are all excellent sources of omega 3 EPA and DHA. The experts also counsel people use monounsaturated olive oil for cooking and salads and get their essential omega 6 oils from one hundred pc whole grain wheat, rye and oats, soybeans, walnuts and sunflower seeds. - 17273

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How the Acai Berry Came To Be

By Brittany Koxlauger

Both the acai palm and the acai berry are native to the swamps and floodplains that grow in the regions of Central and South America. The acai fruit fits its translation absolutely and means "fruit that cries or expels water". In the indigenous tribes of Brazil, the acai berry formed a considerable chunk of the eating habits. However, the latest surge in worldwide need for this berry have also led to the promotion of the palm which was not so prevalent previously.

The acai berry is either dark purple or green in color, depending on the species as well as ripeness of the fruit and suspend in bunches of 500 to 900 fruit. Each berry is pretty tiny in magnitude - approx. 25 mm in diameter and has a strong likeness to grapes, but with a great deal a lesser amount of pulp. There is a very thin layer of pulp which covers the seed of the berry. The seed itself takes up 80% of the capacity of the fruit. Depending on individual preferences, the acai berry is taken salty or sweet and is considered a food by itself. The pulp and juice obtained from it are served in a assortment of ways all across Brazil, Peru, Belize and other countries in the region; with granola, mixed with ice cream, in liqueur, etc. Because of these pioneering uses, the acai berry has grown in demand. This growth is also due in part to the recent advertising promotion as a dietary supplement.

There have been no independent scientific studies to ascertain that the acai berry which has a high fiber content, is capable of producing improved libido, heart health, skin appearance, enhanced digestion, heightened energy levels, or reducing cholesterol. A lot of individuals have complained to authorities of utter scams perpetrated by acai berry product manufacturers as well as retailers and of not getting any refunds for rejecting the product at some stage in the free trial period. If you are a potential consumer, it would be shrewd to consider your options cautiously before making a ultimate conclusion about purchasing this product or not. Taken altogether, the acai berry is strictly ordinary as compared to other fruit in terms of nutritional content, anti - oxidant levels, vital vitamin content, etc.

Whatever little scientific studies have been conducted has revealed the berry in some of the forms mentioned in the preceding paragraph works well as a contrast agent in MRI scans. It is also a stable natural coloring agent and tests have revealed that its use may bring about a reduction in the proliferation of experimental leukemia cells in the laboratory.

In an endeavor to restore damaged or destroyed trees, ample quantities of seeds are being kept aside. The seeds are frequently ground up to make food for sheep and encompass part of organic soil used during planting. - 17273

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The Acai Berry: Super Fruit or Super Hype?

By Joan Jameson

A few decades ago, the Acai berry was little more than obscure fruit consumed in the rain forests of Brazil. But today, it is one of the most sought after and expensive fruits on the market. How did Acai achieve celebrity status seemingly overnight?

The Acai berry was presented to the American public by way of the television. Oprah Winfrey had experts on her show in 2007 that were there to report that the berry was not only useful for losing weight but that it also aided in hindering the aging process.

What is true about the Acai Berry Today

A simple Google search on Acai berries will yield hundreds and thousands of results and introduce you to countless products, all of which claim that Acai is a super, miracle food. Some people even posit that the little berry can cure cancer.

The berry itself is dark purple in color and looks a lot like a red grape, only a bit smaller. Native Brazilian tribes have been consuming the berries for hundreds of years since the Acai berry originates from their region of the world. Nearly 50 percent of the diet of the native Brazilian tribes is comprised of the Acai berry since the berry is so abundant in that part of the world. These tribes also harvest the berry to sell them to local fruit companies.

Coming to America

The Acai berry was the highlight of an Oprah show causing a stampede of desire for the berry. All around the country food stores were getting overwhelmed by the demands for this berry. The reputation for the berry hit the roof in a very short time span forcing the market to establishing many different products from the Acai. Currently, the most popular product is Acai berry juice, which can be found in most supermarkets and health food stores. Many people are surfing the internet to find Acai berry products and have had great success.

Fact and fiction need to be separated regarding the Acai berry. We will attempt to distinguish these in the next few paragraphs. We will start with the Acai berry consumers and their most prevalent claims.

The Claims

One of the most common claims of sellers and consumers alike is that Acai can actually rev up your metabolism and cause your body to burn more calories. Since America is known to put a good deal of emphasis on diets and calorie burning techniques, the Acai berry and its related products are being snapped up wherever these products can be found.

Furthermore, it is being said that this fruit can help with sleep disorders and can also increase sexual desire therefore working as an aphrodisiac. Like Ginkgo Balboa, people are suggesting that the berry can improve mental clarity.

This is what we know

There is no question that Acai is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on the face of the earth. This is important because antioxidants help the body fight off free radicals that can cause damage to the DNA and can also clog arteries. It has not been substantiated that large amounts of antioxidants are able to alter, cease or diminish the aging process regardless of what many eager users report.

What we do know is that antioxidants increase the good cholesterol, LDL, while decreasing the bad cholesterol, HDL. Researchers have detected in lab tests that the Acai berry has ten times more antioxidants than grapes and two times the antioxidants of blueberries.

The fruit is also said to be the perfect blend of antioxidants, essential fatty acids and amino acids. The instant success of the berry is largely in part to the intense interest in the berry by athletes and health-conscious individuals. Isn't it obvious why professional South American soccer players would snack on the Acai berries before any and all big games.

The question now is, how do they taste? There are numerous consumers that acknowledge that the Acai reminds them of a strangely different and yet fascinating array of berries and chocolate. It is possible that that is the reason why the fruit is used in so many applications such as flavoring cocktails, making smoothies and as a topping for ice cream in Brazil.

The Hype Mechanism

With an effective product it is common that consumers tend to get carried away. The Acai berry is by far one of healthiest fruits in the world and it offers people who use the berry a wide variety of fantastic health advantages. There is simply no evidence available that the berry is able to cure cancer or alter the effects of aging. It is simply all just wishful thinking. - 17273

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Increase Your Metabolism Instantly: 9 Foods For Overdrive

By Mitch Graves

You may wonder why you need to increase your metabolism if you want to gain weight and build muscle.

Here's your answer.

A slow metabolism will destroy muscle and store fat. Starving your body or inactivity will tell your body not to build muscle because it takes too much energy to maintain.

Building muscle requires a lot of energy because of the high demands you're putting on your body such as lifting weights and intense cardio.

Rebuilding muscles require a lot of energy and so does maintaining those muscles. The best way to do this is to eat more. But eating more with the same activity level will make you fat.

If you want to minimize the fat you gain while eating so much, you must increase your metabolism. This will feed your muscle and starve the fat. Lifting weight and intense cardio alone will increase your metabolism.

But here are some added touches to your diet that will boost it even further. As an added bonus, these foods will assist in building muscle.

1. Fish - for the omega-3 (O3)

* Mackerel - 2.5g O3 per 3.5 oz of fish
* Bluefin Tuna - 1.6g O3 per 3.5 oz of fish
* Salmon - 1.5g O3 per 3.5 oz of fish

The Omega-3 protein can increase your metabolism by up to 400 calories per day.

Of course you can take an Omega 3 vitamin, but eating fish gives you the benefit of a lot more nutrients.

2. Veggies High in Fiber

* Avocado
* Beans
* Broccoli

The carbohydrate of fiber isn't digestible, but your body will try, and burn tons of energy in the process.

3. High Protein Meat

* Venison - 34g per 100 grams of meat
* Chicken - 25g per 100 grams of meat
* Lean beef - 25g per 100 grams of meat

Protein takes twice as much energy to burn as carbs. This will increase your metabolism right away.

Include these foods in your diet and you'll benefit from a higher metabolism, even in your sleep.

Thanks to webmd for some of the information. - 17273

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Your Weight Loss Can Stay Lost

By Dr. Jason Fowler

America's weight problems are now so well-known they're even fair game for jokes at the Oscars. "Americans really know how to fill up a seat," jibed Ellen DeGeneres, host of the 2007 Academy Awards.

The statistics are alarming. Sixty-five percent of Americans - 130 million in 2001 - are overweight. Fifteen percent of American children are overweight (up from four percent only 20 years ago). Health care costs related to overweight Americans has ballooned to $117 billion (that's billion) in 2003. And the numbers keep going up. The scales don't lie.

And yet, diet and weight-loss books fill our nation's bookstores. Low-carb diets. High-protein diets. The cabbage soup diet. The grapefruit diet. The raw foods diet. Most people we know have tried one or more of these. The new diet works for a while, then we can not take the deprivation any longer and break the diet. Then, horrifyingly, all the weight we lost comes right back, and we're right back where we started. Or possibly even a few pounds heavier. The very good news is that a real, long-lasting solution exists. The basics of this healthy approach to long-term weight loss have been known for decades. This solution is not a diet. It doesn't have a catchy name. There are, though, a few "magic" secrets to this food plan that works.

"Secret" Number 1 - eat six small meals throughout each day, separated by 2.5 to 3 hours "Secret" Number 2 - combine protein and carbohydrates in each meal "Secret" Number 3 - drink plenty of water (eight to ten glasses) throughout the day "Secret" Number 4 - eat two portions of vegetables each day "Secret" Number 5 - take one day off each week (a "free" day) and eat whatever you want, whenever you want Why combine protein and carbohydrate at each meal? This critical combination feeds our muscles by providing the amino acids (from protein) necessary to build and maintain muscle tissue, and the carbohydrate needed to shuttle the amino acids into the cells. If the carbs aren't there the protein does not get used. There's also a human performance benefit - eating balanced meals enables better cognitive/mental function. So we're not only getting healthier on this food plan, we're getting smarter!1

Why eat six times a day? Studies have shown this approach results in a faster metabolic rate, a lower percentage of body fat, and reduced "bad" cholesterol levels, all while maintaining lean muscle mass.2,3 Each meal contains approximately 300 calories (proteins and carbohydrates in each meal are in "portion" sizes). That's it! This sensible, easy approach to food allows you to eat everything, there are no restrictions. And, on your free day you can indulge, or not, letting your natural instincts guide you.

1Fischer K, et al: "Carbohydrate to protein ratio in food and cognitive performance in the morning." Physiol Behav 75(3):411-423, 2002 2Jenkins JD, et al: "Nibbling vs. gorging: metabolic advantages of increased meal frequency." NEJM 321(14):929-934, 1989 3Verboeket WP, et al: "Influence of feeding frequency on nutrient utilization in man: consequences for energy metabolism." Eur J Clin Nutr 43(3):161-169, 1991 - 17273

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How to Travel Safely

By Dr. Jason Fowler

Here come the holidays - Thanksgiving, Channukah, Christmas, and New Year's. And the travel, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest travel days and the day before Christmas is just as busy.

If you are flying, you know what to expect - long lines, delays, crowded flights. But knowing what's to come doesn't necessarily provide reassurance. Traveling - particularly traveling by plane - makes many people crazy. Sitting in the terminal, waiting for your boarding call, you can see the deep lines of care, worry, and anxiety etched into peoples' faces.

However, whereas air travel may not be the funnest thing in the world, there are many action steps individuals and families can take to de-stress the experience. Traveling doesn't have to mean losing your mind and getting all wound up with tension and mental and physical strain.1,2

Here's a Top Eight List of things to do in the days before you fly and then during your flight - Before the flight -

Start packing early Organize your healthy snacks Organize activities for the kids Light exercises and stretches See your chiropractor During the flight - Walk around Wake up your muscles by doing gentle torso stretches while in your seat Breathe! Starting your packing early will make a huge difference in how you feel on the day of the flight. Imagine what it would be like if you didn't have to dash all over your house minutes before you are supposed to leave for the airport, searching for that critical thing you must bring with you.

Make a list and make a plan. Promise yourself you're going to have everything packed, including the kids' backpacks, by the time you go to sleep on the night before you travel. You will be amazed at how relaxed everyone is on the actual travel day, in sharp contrast to the usual mayhem and fighting.

A good supply of healthy snacks will keep everyone's energy level up, and minimize in-flight crankiness due to hunger and low blood sugar levels. 3 Most airlines don't even serve food anymore, and even if they did, you do not want it. Bring your own low-fat protein energy bars; little plastic cups filled with peanut butter; low-calorie muffins; trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate; string cheese; low-fat crackers; and plenty of water.

Be sure to do light exercise and stretches the week of your flight. You're going to be lugging heavy baggage, and want to be ready for some awkward schlepping, dragging, and lifting.

Seeing your chiropractor before your trip will help ensure your body is in peak condition for any unexpected jars and jolts. And even when you're well-prepared, travel still has its stressful moments. Chiropractic treatment helps ensure that your nervous system will be flexible and adaptable, adjusting to whatever surprises are in store during your trip.

1Waterhouse J, et al: The stress of travel. J Sports Sci 22(10):946-965, 2004 2Reilly T, et al: Jet lag and air travel: implications for performance. Clin Sports Med 24(2):367-380, 2005 3Waterhouse J, et al: Factors associated with food intake in passengers on long-haul flights. Chronobiol Int 23(5):985-1007, 2006 - 17273

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What Your High Protein Vegetarian Diet Can Change For Your Future

By Alexis Martin

These days being vegetarian is becoming more and more popular. People are beginning to realize there are many health benefits associated with consuming a low carb vegetarian diet. There are also more vegetarian options available in supermarkets and in restaurants these days, so being a vegetarian does not mean sacrificing flavor and taste.

First and foremost, ditching meat and becoming a vegetarian brings several important health benefits. Since most vegetarian diets are much lower in saturated fats, vegetarians rarely have problems with obesity or develop type II diabetes. It is estimated that vegetarians consume around 25 percent less fat in their diets than meat eaters.

Vegetarians generally have healthier diets and the low levels of animal fats that are consumed means low levels of blood cholesterol. Over time cholesterol can build up in the arteries and stop blood from flowing and circulating effectively. This places pressure on the heart that can lead to heart disease, stroke, angina, heart attack and more.

There is a lot of evidence and studies that have proven undeniably that vegetarians tend to have a much lower incidence of some cancers. Some estimates place the cancer reduction at least 50 percent less than meat eaters. Consuming a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, introduces many antioxidants to your body that are able to fight off free radicals that can cause cancer.

Eating a low carb vegetarian diet can improve your digestive system and make it work more efficiently. Animal products are more difficult for the body to break down and digest. After a time the digestive system can have trouble eliminating waste properly, which can cause colon, intestinal or stomach cancer. If you are a vegetarian however, the foods you eat can be broken down much more easily and you will be more regular.

As well as being much better for your own personal health, eating vegetarian is much less damaging to the environment. Large parts of the Amazon Jungle are being decimated to make space for cattle stations and this is happening elsewhere in the world too. If you reject red meat, then you can do your bit to help prevent some forms of land degradation.

Research done into the environmental impact of meat production indicates that it is one of the most damaging industries. It is responsible for a lot of habitat loss, water and air pollution and the extinction of different species. Among meat production, beef and pork are considered to have the worst environmental impact. This is a very important reason to significantly reduce your meat consumption and move towards becoming a vegetarian. - 17273

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