Middle Age Weight Gain and How to Avoid It!

Many women in their youth, teens, 20's and even 30's, will have no problem managing their weight or losing excess pounds when they make an effort to do so. It's around middle age when all of a sudden it seems that their old tactics for weight loss or weight management no longer work, and worse, they seem to be gaining weight faster than ever. In my coaching practice, this is when I most often here the phrase, "It all feels so out of control!!"

I have studied healthy weight management for 15 years and have counseled hundreds of women on healthy weight management. One thing I know for sure is in this industry, nothing stays the same and there are a lot of mixed messages.

Low fat, low carb, lifestyle change, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, margarine is good for you, margarine is bad for you, fitness is the key, set points, food points, blah, blah, blah.

I have followed it all, made my own conclusions that I have determined from my education and experience were the right conclusions, and that have worked for me personally to maintain my weight for 21 years.

Then I hit midlife. All of a sudden, my body started expanding! My clothes began to get tight and I went up a size. I was still doing all the same things I've always done, so what was happening to me?

I searched for answers. I part of me started to just accept the weight gain as a natural component of getting older, but another part of me resisted this kind of thinking. There had to be another explanation for why I was gaining weight, other than my changing middle age metabolism.

What I found from my search was shocking. All the time, in my 20's 30's and 40's, I followed what I thought was a healthy way of eating according to medical science, the American Heart Association and the the popular medical journals. I ate a diet that consisted of mostly carbs, fruits, vegetables, and grains, about 20-30% of the "good" fats, and about 20-30% lean proteins. I didn't deprive myself of my favorite foods, I just ate them in moderation. I also had a few bad habits, but felt my good habits out weighed them. I drank caffeinated coffee and had developed the habit of having a glass of wine or two with my dinner every evening.

What I learned is that exact diet has done a lot of damage to me physically over all those years of trying to be so "good"!! Even though it seemed to be working, damage was being done on a cellular level from my over consumption of carbs and stimulants (caffeine and alcohol) and it was only a matter time that this imbalance would make it self known with sudden weight gain and intense menopausal symptoms. So, actually, I can thank menopause for this discovery and the start of reversing the damage!

Here are some of the things I learned:

1. Eating a low fat diet can make you fat!

o Eating dietary fat is essential for the regeneration of healthy tissues, hormone production, a healthy immune system and for maintaining ideal body composition.

o A low fat diet, when combined with a high carbohydrate intake leads to insulin resistance and accelerated metabolic aging.

o Fats that you eat do not turn into fat on your body because fat cannot be stored without the presence of insulin because insulin is the key to opening up the doors to store fat in fat cells. No matter how much fat you eat, it does not stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin! Only too many refined carbs can do that!

o When you are constantly watching your fat intake, you naturally fill in with foods that contain carbohydrates. When you take in mostly carbs, you have high levels of blood sugar being delivered to your liver. All your liver knows is it needs to protect your brain from getting too much sugar, so when it is done distributing the sugar where it is needed for energy, the rest gets stored as fat.

2. You can eat as much as you want without worrying about weight gain.

o Your body can and will regulate the amounts of fat and protein you digest, but it cannot regulate the amount of carbs you consume. When you eat too much sugar (all carbs turn into sugar in the body), your body over produces insulin which leads to plaguing of the arteries, heart disease, and in diabetes.

3. Butter is good for you. Ha!

o Eating saturated fats like butter increases the proportion of HDL's in the bloodstream. This is good because HDL's take cholesterol back to the liver and keep your arteries clean.

o The cells of the body cannot recognize or metabolize "damaged" fats. Damaged fats include processed fats, polyunsaturated fats used for cooking, deep fried foods, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (margarines), and charred fats on meats.

4. Not all carbs are bad, but not all "whole grains" are good.

o Sounds confusing, but really it's not. Any carbs in excess raises insulin levels. The best carbs to eat are whole grains, legumes, starchy and non-starchy vegetables and fruit. Avoid man-made carbs, including whole wheat processed breads. Fresh baked bread is preferable because it contains no additives, (but not very convenient, so eat whole grain breads from the bakery.)

o Always eat any carbs along with fat or protein to slow down the digestion of the carbs into sugar and keep the levels of insulin balanced.

5. Balance is the key.

o This is not a high protein, low carb program. That way of eating causes excessive ketones in the blood. This is extremely dangerous because your body is breaking down healthy tissue and causing imbalances in the body.

o Fast and healthy are not synonymous when it comes to losing body fat. Losing body fat in a healthy way means your metabolism is working to use your stored fat as energy. To lose body fat, you need to heal your metabolism so it becomes more efficient at using fat for fuel.

o The fact is you must eat to become healthy and achieve your ideal body composition. And it takes time. Optimum health is not about losing weight. It's about balance and shifting your focus away from numbers on the scale or measuring foods to the things that really matter-improved mood, more energy, a healthier, more efficient metabolism and a lifetime of all the above!

o Eating a variety of foods, never skipping meals, and eating "real" foods, is the best way to achieve balance.

o Eat all the good fats, proteins, non-starchy vegetables your body needs and eat enough whole grain, non-processed carbs according to your current level of activity. More active people need more carbs.

Since making an effort to include more real fats, better carbs, and non-processed fresh and organic foods into my diet, I have noticed my energy and moods improve, my weight has stabilized and gone back down some, and I am feeling generally healthier and just better mentally knowing I am healing the damage done from years of eating the wrong "healthy" foods.

By Debra Betterly
Click Here to Know about Fat Burning Herbs
Read Obesity and Female Hair Loss

How to Get Rid of Psoriasis Naturally

You have been looking for alternative approach to treat your psoriasis symptom. This is because the creams and ointments you are using only works for your outer skin. They produce temporary relief, not long term healing. Here are 4 natural healing tips you can follow on how to treat psoriasis naturally.

1. Omega 3 Fish Oil. Best taken in capsule form, Omega 3 Fish Oils can help with joint pain, migraine, boost your immune system, optimize cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

2. Probiotic Enzyme. Probiotic Enzyme can help your food digestion and boost anti-inflammatory effect. It introduce helpful bacteria which is beneficial for your immune system. Regular intake of probiotic enzyme can help reduce psoriasis outbreaks.

3. Olive Leaf Extract. Olive Leaf Extract is a natural antibiotic and you can get them from local health store. It can help you improve your immune system, control bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites in your body, enhance your energy level, lower blood pressure, and reduce hypertension.

4. Eat superfoods. Superfoods are foods that are high in antioxidants, anthocyanins, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber. They can help boost your energy level, vitality, immune system and strength. Blueberries, Apples, Oranges, Kiwi, and Tomatoes are few examples of superfoods.

If you follow these 4 natural healing tips consistently, you will be making a positive shift on how to treat psoriasis naturally and not having to rely on prescribed medications anymore. Not only your mind and body will feel better, your skin will look better too.

Devin Garner

16 Indian ayurvedic Home remedies for Psoriasis

5 of the Best Weight Loss Tips For Long-Term Success

If you've decided that you need to lose weight, it is important to devise a plan that you will follow long-term. Long-term weight loss should not be a plan that you follow a few months, then you go back to eating the same way that got you overweight in the first place! It is important to your long-term success that you make permanent lifestyle changes in both your diet and daily exercise. Here are 5 of the best weight loss tips to help you achieve your goals:

1. Always eat breakfast.

How many times did your hear your mother say this is the most important meal of the day? She was right! By ensuring that you have a balanced and nutritious breakfast each morning you are helping to give your metabolism a kick start. Not only will you no longer be tempted by sugary snacks half way through the morning but the calories you consume will burn off a lot faster.

2. Don't skip meals.

As long as you eat your meals at regular intervals then your metabolism will improve even more. On top of that, you won't be as tempted to eat unhealthy snacks because you are hungry. Many health professionals now recommend eating 5-6 smaller meals a day. Eating every couple of hours will keep you from ever feeling hungry, will aid your digestion, and will keep your metabolism working at top speed.

3. Take your time.

Actually sit down for your meals, take your time, and savor each mouthful. Unlike our ancestors, most people in the Western world are eating far too much and eating it far too quickly. By slowing down the rate at which you eat your food you will give your body time to signal you that it is full. You will find that this often happens with smaller portions if you take the time to eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

4. Take control of your portion sizes.

It is important that with any meal the amount of food on your plate should be no larger than your two fists. So if you go out to a restaurant for a meal either order smaller portions, if possible, or take half your food home for another meal. Restaurants are notorious for serving portion sizes that are much too large for the average adult!

5. Get Active.
A great way of getting active without having to go to the gym each day is just by changing your daily routine. For example, if you go to work on the bus then get off a couple of stops earlier and walk the rest of the way. If you work in an office that has elevators, then why not use the stairs a few times a day? It is fairly simple to add more walking to your life, and the benefits are many.

These ideas are very simple, but they are some of the best weight loss tips you'll find. And you'll find them even easier to implement!

By Linda J Bruton

Check Ayurvedic Herbal Weight Loss Tea

BEST 5 VEGETABLES AND 5 FRUITS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Best 5 Vegetables for Anti Aging and Weight Loss:
Knotweed: Used to treat anti inflammatory diseases and high cholesterol levels, communities who consume this in their staple diet retain some of the highest number of centenarians in the world. The secret to Knotweed is that it contains Rezveratrol. That now famous polyphenol that scrubs your arteries.

Green Cabbage: A Harvard University study showed that cabbage has more nutrients that protect against cancer than any other vegetable.

Fresh cabbage juice is also shown to completely restore your gastrointestinal tract and according to Stanford University, heal ulcers within seven days.

Broccoli: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins B6, C and E, it helps decrease damage associated with diabetes and is argued to help protect against brain injuries.

Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, B, C, D and K it is argued to reduce the risk of cancer of the liver, ovaries, prostate and of the colon.

Cauliflower: Containing allicin, which helps reduce the risk of stroke and contributes to a healthy heart, it also helps detoxify the liver and the blood.

Best 5 Fruits for Anti Aging and Weight Loss:

Apples: One apple a day as they say keeps the doctor a way. An old folk tale but the USDA food pyramid chart along with many clinical studies show apples to be incredibly healthy. Always eat fresh and at least 2.5 inches in diameter.

Apples help balance blood sugar levels and in short, they benefit your mental clarity, fight of risks of prostate cancer, help with Crohn's disease, ward off cataracts and macular degeneration, control asthma, prevent gout attacks, prevent heart attacks and help heal heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disorder.

Pineapple: High in bromelain, an enzyme that promotes digestion, it helps prevent swelling after a trauma, promotes healthy joints, reduces arthritis, reduces angina and relieves sinusitis.

Oranges: Pectin in oranges is a natural appetite suppressant, where oranges also lower bad cholesterol levels, they help reduce the risk of certain cancers and help fight childhood leukemia.

Blueberries: Rich in the compounds that strengthens your collagen structure, these powerful antioxidants are so prevalent that they push this fruit right to the top of the antioxidant anti-aging food tree. One of the best sister plants from blueberries is Acai, which is an essential weight-loss supplement for any dieter.

Tomatoes: Packed with the antioxidant lycopene, preventing degenerative diseases and the reduction of the risk of certain cancers, a tomatoes also promotes the fight of inflammation, lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and esophageal whilst reducing prostate, colorectal, lung, stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Obviously eating too much of anything will contribute to weight gain, so an ample serving amount per day mixed up throughout the week of the fruits and vegetables listed above is a simple adequate guide to fulfilling your anti aging weight loss diet.

By Rob R Carmichael

Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Long term smoking, high alcohol consumption and the use of recreational drugs all contribute to developing E.D. Obesity and lack of regular exercise are also factors that can lead E.D. So if you think that you may have E.D the first thing is to cut out smoking and recreational drugs, cut down on alcohol consumption and start regular exercise. Anxiety and stress can also lead to men developing E.D.

Certain prescribed medications have side effects that can also cause E.D. There are also certain illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure that can cause E.D. If you have diabetes or are on prescribed medication, please contact your G.P to discuss the natural remedies that are safe for you to take. It is also important to have your cardiac system checked before taking any herbal remedies for E.D.

The following Herbal remedies can be taken for Erectile Dysfunction:

Damiana. This herbal remedy is native to Mexico and other parts of Central America. It has been associated with improved sexual function in both men and women. This remedy works by improving blood circulation and stimulating the nervous system. Damiana should be taken for a few weeks before its beneficial action is seen. This natural remedy is often combined with Muira Puama to improve the stability of erections during intercourse. Damiana is available as a tincture, tea, tablet or capsule. If you have diabetes, you should not take this herb as it can also lower blood sugar levels. A common side effect of Damiana is mild indigestion.

Muira Puama. This natural remedy originates from the Amazon rain forest. The herbal tincture is made from the tree, using the bark, root, flowers and fruit. Muira Puama has been used as an aphrodisiac historically. It is also used to treat nervous exhaustion and mild depression. Studies have found that this herb has helped to restore sex drive and erectile function. Muira Puama has also been included in certain formulations to treat male pattern baldness. There are currently no known drug interactions with Muiral Puama. It is usually available in the form of a tincture or capsule.

Catuaba is another herbal remedy that originates from the Brazilian rain forest. This natural herbal remedy has been found to strengthen erections. Catuaba is one of the most commonly used natural aphrodisiacs in Brazil. This herb has also been used as a tonic for the nervous system, to improve libido, and to improve memory. Catuaba is often combined with Muira Puama in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. It is available as a tincture or capsule. There are currently no known drug interactions with this herb, but it is important to check with your GP or pharmacist if you are taking any prescribed medication.

Epimedium. This herbal remedy is also known as Goat Wort and Horny Goat Weed and is a traditionally used Chinese herb for impotence. Epimedium works by dilating capillaries and other blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow to the sexual organs. It stimulates sexual activity in both men and women. In men, Epimedium improves bloodflow to the penis and relaxes the smooth muscle tissue. This natural remedy works by inhibiting the enzyme, Phosphodiesterases (PDE)- 5. This is also how the commonly used conventional medicines for E.D work. Epimedium is usually available as a tincture, powder, tablet or capsule. This herb should not be taken if you have high blood pressure. If you are taking prescribed medication, please consult with your G.P before taking this remedy.

The herbal remedy Tribulus Terrestris has recently been marked as a "mens" remedy by many well known health companies. This natural remedy has been marketed as a sport's supplement as well as improving sexual performance. It is believed that the active components of Tribulus work by increasing levels of testosterone, although these results have not been verified scientifically as yet. This remedy has been used successfully by many men for E.D and low libido. Tribulus is thought to increase the release of nitric oxide and increase blood flow to the penis.

Gingko Biloba is a commonly used herbal remedy. It generally works by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow throughout the body. Gingko stimulates circulation and stops blood clotting. Gingko is used to treat a variety of conditions, ranging from tinnitus, improving memory through to E.D. Gingko contains compounds that cause the blood vessels to relax, which in the case of E.D results in an increased blood flow to the penis.

This herbal remedy should be used with medical supervision if you are taking Aspirin or Warfarin. Gingko has been shown to be particularly helpful in men who suffer with E.D as a result of being on antidepressant medication. Several studies have found that Gingko helped to reverse E.D after four to six weeks in men who were talking antidepressants such as fluoxetine and sertraline. This herb is generally available as a tincture or in tablet form.

Ginseng is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for over 2,000 years. This is another natural herbal remedy that has multiple uses. For example, Ginseng is used as a support remedy for the adrenal glands, for menopausal symptoms and E.D. Ginseng is also commonly used to increase energy and enhance physical performance. It is also referred to as an adaptogen. This means that it can increase the body's ability to deal with both mentally and physically stressful situations. This remedy works by acting as an aphrodisiac. Ginseng has been found to stimulate the area of the brain that is responsible for stimulating growth and healing of the sex organs. Studies have also found that Ginseng increases blood flow to the penis. This herbal remedy is found in many vitamin and mineral supplements, but amounts are normally too small to be effective. Ginseng is available as a tea, tincture and in tablet / capsule form.

Yohimbine is a herb that is native to Cameroon, Congo and parts of Central Africa. This herbal remedy is in many popular products that are sold for E.D. It has been used as a natural aphrodisiac for both sexes traditionally. Yohimbine was traditionally taken as a herbal tea for stimulating the sexual organs. Studies have found that Yohimbine stimulates nerve cells that regulate the flow of blood to the penis. This natural remedy has also been found to relieve E.D as a result of antidepressant medication such as fluoxetine and sertraline. If you are taking any prescribed medication, please consult your G.P before taking this herbal remedy. Yohimbine is best taken as a tincture.

By Rahul M Shah