Diet Smart - Twin Essential Steps to Diet Smart and Guarantee Success

By Celia Westberry

Examine your belief system about food.

You might think that to diet smart all you have to do is find the right pill or process. This is naive diet thinking. The truth is in order to accomplish the transformation you desire; you will have to discard some deep seated beliefs about food. This is the hard stuff. It is difficult simply because what you now do is rooted in your belief system. You believe it to be good for you and at the same time you are not aware of why you do so. This stifles lasting change. So you will find yourself going back to the same old unhealthy habits and not know why!

The Christian church and most religions are experts at rooting belief systems. Just like your house plant, you can't see the roots, but you are aware by the blooms that the roots are working just fine. That is why some religions have members who would rather die than change. The tenets of the religion become second nature and indispensable. For instance when I was a kid I went to an Anglican primary school. Everyday for 3 years we had to recite the Nicene Creed - One of the lines I repeated was - I believe in one baptism for the remission of sins. Many years later as young adult in college a student ask me to join her church, and in explaining the tenets of her religion, she said to me - You will have to get baptized. I immediately stopped her, and explained that this religion would not work for me because I believe in one baptism... I was even shocked when I heard myself saying this ...I had memorized that creed and pulled it into my belief system without thought or reason. Lack of awareness of beliefs can cause naive diet thinking.

So what are your true beliefs about food? What did you hear your mother say or do every day? Did you have a well cooked dinner every night; or did your family eat on the run? Did your mother cook fresh food or did you have fast commercial food? Did your parents talk about meat in terms of protein or poison or were they clueless? Did you get to choose to diet smart? Did you have a hot breakfast most days? Were you offered water as a drink or was it always soda pop or some sugary drink? Your food experiences as a child help to cement your food beliefs and will determine how you react to and manage diet smart success. It is essential that you examine every food habit that you are targeting for change. At least you will know why you are struggling or what a big accomplishment you made when you succeed.

Find a mind body exercise that you can do anywhere, any place, such as affirmations and breath work.

Affirmations are the quickest, easiest way to facilitate change. Most of our mental chatter is haphazard. Affirmations are planned statements you silently make to keep you focused on your desire. It helps you resist doubt. I like to start an affirmation with, "I am. For instance, "I am fully capable of learning all I need to diet smart", leaves no doubt or maybes about your intention. This can be extended to, "I am happy, healthy and successful with my diet goals".
Affirmations are a way to train your mind to by pass your old creeds and accomplish your intentions. For instance, "Every day I am getting a keener understanding about how to diet smart" keeps you in the present and away from uncertainty and unwelcome beliefs. It controls negative mental chatter.

The power of the breath was discovered centuries ago by Chinese and Hindus. It is practiced in yoga where you use conscious breath control as you do various movements. This creates an unconsciously link between body and mind. The premise is that when you regulate your breath, your mind becomes quiet, and leaves space for awareness, a spiritual quality. This quality helps you to tap into your subconscious and retrieve some inner wisdom. Inner wisdom helps you find the energy for transformation and to create new personal creeds for success.

Celia Westberry, M.S. is a wellness lifestyle coach who has been helping clients to reach success with their goals to diet smart for 20 years. She is the Author of Eat Yourself Younger Effortlessly - the easy way to slow aging feel great and look good. Click Here to get her FREE eBook on Healthy Eating and start to diet smart. To find out about wellness coaching click Here.

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Diet Plans For Muscle Building

By Peter Tremayne

Diet plans for muscle building are crucial to your success. Exercise and weight training can only do so much for you. If you are not implementing the right diet into your muscle building journey, you are essentially not doing yourself much good at all. Knowing what to eat and how to eat are critical elements in it.

Remember when you were younger, your parents told you that every growing child has to eat the right foods to become big and strong? Well, the same applies now, even as an adult. In order to grow, you have to eat, but in order to grow in the desired way, you have to eat right. Eating the wrong foods will lead to fat. In body building, there is nothing worse than fat.

There are many different types of diet plans for muscle building. These include protein, anabolic, and low carb diets. The protein diet is one diet that many body builders use and maintain. It is a known fact in the world of bodybuilding that protein is necessary to gain the muscle mass you are looking for. There are many ways you can get your protein, but with a protein diet, it consists of animal meats and other such forms of protein.

Another one of the many diet plans for it is the anabolic diet. This diet is not as popular because it takes more discipline and careful planning. In this diet, all you eat is protein, that is it - nothing more. Carbs are kept to a minimum during the week. When the weekend comes, carbs are allowed and you try to eat as many as you possibly can. However, this really takes some discipline.

If you are not careful and watchful, the anabolic diet can actually increase your body fat instead of your muscles. It is important to stick to the diet during the weekdays, in order to refrain from gaining the fat.

The low carb diet is another of the diet plans for muscle building. Again, in this diet, you are limiting the amount of carbs you are eating. However, as with the anabolic diet, it is not the preferred diet for bodybuilders. It is difficult to stick with and tends to wear out the bodybuilder quickly, increasing fatigue and weakness.

The reason for this is that your body loves carbs. It turns the carbs into fuel for the body.
However, with this diet, the body is tricked into using fat for its fuel instead of carbs. Depending on who you talk to, this diet may also cause you to lose muscles as well.

For more articles like this and to download an awesome FREE Report - '8 Things You MUST Do To Build Maximum Muscle' visit my website -

http://www.BodyBuildersGuide.com/Diet-Plans-For-Muscle-Building

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Liposuction - An Alternative to Diet and Exercise?

By A Aaronson

When liposuction first came onto the market in the 1980's many people would joke that they could now eat what they wanted, never exercise again, and simply have their fat removed from their body when it built-up.

However, nothing is further from the truth; in reality, liposuction is never an alternative for proper diet and exercise. Liposuction is a medical procedure, with some risks, which should only be performed after healthy diet and regular exercise have failed to achieve the desired results.
Liposuction is wonderful for removing stubborn pockets of fatty tissue which have not responded to weight loss and targeted exercise. Some areas which are common trouble spots are the chin area, the cheek area, the abdominal area, the back, the buttocks, the knees, and the thighs.

For many people, even though they are at an ideal weight, and exercise regularly, they still have some fat in these areas which they are unable to do anything about getting rid of. In this case, liposuction can be used to remove the fat, permanently, and greatly improve the look of the area.

While liposuction can be great for those troubled areas mentioned above, it is not for everyone. People who are diabetic or have other ongoing medical issues are not good candidates for liposuction.

In addition, people who are overweight or who do not have firm and elastic skin are not good candidates either. Plastic surgeons always advise overweight patients to lose weight and exercise regularly and then return to their office to be re-evaluated for candidacy for liposuction surgery. Without attempts at weight loss and exercise, a reputable plastic surgeon will not perform liposuction.

Prior to considering liposuction you should make sure to eat as healthily as possible. This means that your diet should contain as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible. You should also stick to lean cuts of meat and restrict your intake of fats.

The easiest way to eat a healthy diet is to focus on eating more whole foods and less of those which have been processed and put into a box or can.

In addition, anyone who may undergo any surgical procedure is advised to quit smoking well in advance of their surgery date. The reason for this is because smokers tend to heal more slowly because their blood flow is restricted and this restriction keeps blood from flowing freely to the surgical area.

Besides eating a healthy diet, prior to liposuction surgery you should also take the time to exercise your body on a regular basis. Whether you choose to go at it alone or workout in a gym with other people, the addition of a personal trainer can help you to work on the specific problem areas which you are considering for liposuction.

By helping you to learn the exercises which can be used on your target areas, you may negate the need for plastic surgery all together. And, if this is not the case, you can at least increase your chances of being a good candidate for liposuction.

While liposuction is wonderful to remove unwanted fatty deposits from the body, it is never an alternative to healthy eating and regular exercise.

For men and women in Atlanta, liposuction from a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon is an absolute must. The board certified plastic surgeons at Swan Center for Plastic Surgery offer information and before and after pictures to help you make your decision. http://www.swancenteratlanta.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson

10 Reasons Diets Fail

By Pat Barone

For every 100 dieters, one will maintain their weight loss after 5 years, which is the marker determining permanent weight loss to the medical community. Research indicates diets actually add pounds in the long run.

Why are diets so destructive to our weight and health? Here are some of the reasons.

1. Severe food restriction causes real hunger.

It's a fact that most diets last less than 72 hours. Hunger is a basic human urge. Man continues to survive (and has for thousands of years) because of the ability to cope with famine and scarcity of food. Hunger has been the powerful motivator for that survival.

2. A diet is an artificial plan which is different from your lifestyle.

Your new diet book has pages and pages of special recipes but you don't like to cook. Your diet says you must prepare all your food, but your job requires you to entertain clients. Only you can set the boundaries around eating and make them work within your lifestyle.

3. A diet is a temporary solution to a permanent problem.

The diet industry makes billions (yes! over $42 billion a year) by convincing people to follow a diet for a few weeks or months to solve lifelong problems of emotional eating, eating for the wrong reasons or eating food that is nutrition-less. Once a diet ends, the weight comes back because the problems and behaviors are still there. Maybe you squeezed yourself into the bridesmaid's dress in time for the wedding, but you still have the rest of your life ahead of you.

A first step toward success is to accept that there is no free ride. If you lose weight on a strict diet, you will always pay for it later.

4. A diet doesn't take into account your likes and dislikes.

If your diet prescribes cabbage soup and you don't like cabbage, you are in real trouble. Or perhaps it limits you to high protein foods but your body doesn't digest protein easily. Should you really eat in an artificial way that causes you pain and suffering?

No.
Look at the big picture and make the choices that support your goals. Following someone else's rules can also put you at risk for new health problems that you don't need.

5. A one-size-fits-all diet cannot possibly be useful to everyone.
You are unique. Different people need different amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat to feel and perform at their best. No diet can guarantee that you will feel good while following it; no dietician or nutritionist can figure out what makes you feel energetic and balanced. Only you can determine what pattern of food intake keeps you feeling great.

6. Cravings are real.

The body produces cravings for a reason. There are real, productive cravings for things your body needs (like water), and there are self-defeating cravings that come from psychological causes. It's not hard to train yourself to recognize the differences and act accordingly. A little moderation goes a long way.

7. Diets set up feelings of deprivation and punishment.

The psychological aspects of dieting can be devastating. Diets are often used as self-torture, to "validate" deep-rooted negative feelings or chip away at your sense of worth. Remember, it's the diet that fails, not you.

8. Dieting puts the emphasis only on food.

A 1995 Baylor University study followed three groups of participants who wanted to lose weight over a two-year period: (1) the Diet Only group; (2) the Diet/Exercise group; and 3) the Exercise Only group. After 3 months, the Diet Only and Diet/Exercise groups had lost more than the Exercise Only group. The Exercise Only group showed a smaller loss of 4-8 pounds.

At the 12-month mark, the Diet Alone and Diet/Exercise groups again had lost more total weight than the Exercise Only group BUT they had gained back some weight from their 3-month mark. (In simple terms, they lost all the weight they were going to lose very quickly, in 3 months, and were now regaining the lost weight weight.)

At the 2-year mark, the Diet Only and Diet/Exercise groups were back at their original weight or MORE. The Exercise Only group was still losing weight. It's a variation on the Tortoise and the Hare. A good question might be, "Where do I want to be in two years?"

Putting the emphasis on food allows us to believe food is the issue and that, if we change food, we'll achieve permanent weight loss. This simply isn't true. Changing our behaviors with food is the key.

9. Dieting promotes weight loss, not fat loss.

The number on your scale may be going down with a severely restricted eating plan, but it is only a temporary change of the non-fat elements of your body (water, muscle, interstitial and organ tissue, and even blood volume). The real issue: Do you want lower the number on the scale or permanently burn fat?

Long-term health lies in fat loss, which can only occur at 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. This is why quick weight loss is always followed by quick weight gain.

10. Dieting leads to new problems or compounds old ones.

If you are concerned with your weight and health, you don't need new problems. Many popular diets cause fatigue, low energy, loss of sleep, depression, stress and erratic mood swings. Who needs that, especially when the dieting effort doesn't solve the weight issue in a permanent way?

Your best indicator that you are eating well is how you feel. Your best approach to weight loss is an individual one that takes your preferences, lifestyle, needs and attitudes into consideration.

Be kind to your body. It's the only one you'll ever have. Give it the fuel and exercise it needs on a consistent basis -- and it will stabilize at a comfortable, reasonable weight.

Pat Barone earned her title "America's Weight Loss Catalyst" by coaching thousands of clients toward permanent weight loss. Her status as an expert is heightened by her own personal weight loss success. Receive her free newsletter "The Catalyst" by visiting http://www.patbarone.com

3 Crohn's Disease Diet Options

By Lisa Maria

Dealing with Crohn’s disease can be a frustrating process. You can use medication to alleviate symptoms and even opt for surgery. However, many Crohn’s disease sufferers find that engaging in a specific Crohn’s disease diet is beneficial to their condition as well as overall health. Plus, they have complete control when they modify their diet.

Before we talk about a specific Crohn’s disease diet let’s get a few facts out on the table. First of all, this diet may not work the same for each person. This means that you will need to try different diets and foods to find out which foods aggravate or lessen your Crohn’s disease symptoms. Therefore, this Crohn’s disease diet is a suggestion or roadmap to set you on the path to a healthier life.

Secondly, make sure that you consult a dietician before you modify and tweak your diet. You want to make sure that you are getting enough of the appropriate nutrients. A dietician can work with you to understand your health needs as well as your food preferences.

Now let’s take a look at a few diets that may benefit someone dealing with Crohn’s disease. We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of each diet.

Crohn’s disease diet option #1: Dairy-free diet. Milk and various dairy products tend to worsen Crohn’s disease symptoms. The culprit is often the lactose found in milk. It can be difficult to digest lactose which means that the person is lactose intolerant. If you are lactose intolerant and drink milk then you can suffer extreme bloating and gas. You can steer clear of milk, take lactase pills, or drink lactose free milk such as Lactaid.

Other dairy products can irritate your digestive tract leading to increased inflammation. This inflammation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Therefore, eliminating dairy from your diet can help alleviate your Crohn’s disease symptoms.

Crohn’s disease diet option #2: Clear liquid diet. This is a temporary diet lasting just a few days.
You shouldn’t stay on this diet any longer because it will not give your body the nutrients it desperately needs. You can have broth, gelatin, clear juices (apple or white grape), and popsicles. An advantage of a clear liquid diet is that it enables your bowel to have a break from solid food for a few days. If you are having a colonoscopy it will clear your colon prior to your surgery.

Crohn’s disease diet option #3: Elimination diet. In this diet you eliminate specific foods to see how your body responds. You can determine which foods you are sensitive to and cause your Crohn’s disease to become worse. Many people eliminate common trigger foods such as chocolate, dairy, gluten, spices, nightshade vegetables, and processed sugar. You eliminate the food for two weeks or as long as it takes your symptoms to lessen or even clear. Then you add back in one new food every two to three days to see how your body responds. If your body reacts negatively to the reintroduced food then you will recognize your sensitivity to that food.

Are you wanting to discover exactly what is crohn's disease? Or maybe you have a child with Crohn's, and you want to learn about crohn's disease in children?

You can find useful articles, tips and guidance about Crohn's Disease at:
http://www.crohnsdiseasefree.com/