How to Eat a Heart Patient Diet

Here, an exercise physiologist explains what a heart patient should eat and how much. Learn what foods a heart patient can enjoy and keep in their diets and which ones to limit. Figuring out what you can and can't have can be confusing and depressing but it doesn't have to be. Find out more here about what makes a healthy diet for a heart patient.

Instructions

1

Eat lots of vitamin C. When you have heart disease and get the flu, you have a higher risk of having a heart attack. Vitamin C can help your body's immune system fight the flu and prevent complications for a heart patient through diet. Don't just eat oranges and lemons. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin C, too.

2

Control your blood sugar. Whether you already have diabetes or you simply have high blood sugar, it's important to keep these levels in check. Eat small meals all day long this way: breakfast + snack + lunch + snack + dinner + snack. Skip white sugars and flours. Go for grains with "whole wheat flour" as the first ingredient on the label to keep your blood sugar under control.

3

Lower your cholesterol through diet, exercise, and drugs if prescribed by your doctor. The FDA has labeled foods with more than 6 grams of soy protein per serving as a good way to reduce cholesterol by up to 10%. If you don't like tofu, no problem. There are ways to eat soy in foods you already enjoy without tasting it. Try cereals fortified with soy, soy protein isolate (powder in a can), and miso stirred into your soups and sauces. A heart patient diet doesn't have to be a miserable one.

4

Cut total fat and eat more good fats. As a heart patient, your diet should have no more than 30% of the calories coming from fat. No more than 10% should come from saturated fat. You'll need to skip fats that are solid at room temperature or ones that come from animal products. If you can't go for fat free at first, try reduced fat and work your way down until you're used to the taste.

Seventh Day Adventist Church History

The Seventh Day Adventist Church has a rich history which extends over 100 years. It began as a mission and developed into a worldwide church opening schools and hospitals all over the globe in an effort to finish the work of the gospel.

Founders

The Seventh Day Adventist Church was founded in 1963 by a few reformers who were originally a part of the Millerite Movement. Ellen G. White one of the founding members has written several books which the church hold as sacred.

Beliefs

Seventh Day Adventist have 27 fundamental beliefs that they adhere to. Among their many beliefs are the seventh day sabbath, the spirit of prophecy and dietary laws as given in the Bible.

Medicine

Promoting alternative health methods, Seventh Day Adventist use all natural herbs to treat the sick.

Diet

Members are required to exclude pork, shell fish, coffee, teas and caffeine from their diets. Although it's not required many members have chosen to abstain from all meats and live as vegetarians.

Fun Fact

The church began with 3,500 members. Today there's 15,660,347 members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and 64,017 churches worldwide.

Benefits of a Wheat Free Diet

Starting a wheat-free, or gluten-free, diet is a great way to improve your health. Many people have a small allergic reaction to either wheat or gluten, which usually goes unchecked. Symptoms such as rashes, itchy skin, and hives may form, often without known causes. Starting a wheat-free diet has several positive side effects.

Allergy Relief

A wheat-free diet is a blessing for allergy sufferers. Dry, itchy skin which appears soon after meals with foods containing wheat will be a thing of the past. Also, flushing of the skin and the aforementioned hives will no longer be a problem with the absence of wheat and gluten products.

Digestive Help

A wheat-free diet will promote a healthier digestive tract by allowing for easier flow throughout the system. Wheat and gluten byproducts often hinder digestive procedures, clogging up the intestines and creating a number or health issues, short term and long term.

Prevents Weight Gain

A wheat-free diet helps in the maintaining--and possible loss of--weight. Excess wheat tends to stick around inside the body long after any nutrients are pulled and actually promotes weight gain. By eliminating wheat and gluten from the diet, the body's natural metabolism is able to work virtually unhindered.

Joint Health

A wheat-free/gluten-free diet may help in the relief of joint pains brought on by osteoporosis and arthritis. Gluten has been linked to inhibiting the body's natural defenses against joint pain and thought to be a leading factor in its origin (see link in Resources).

Brain Health

A wheat-free diet is also a great plan to follow when at risk for a number of brain-related illnesses. Seizures can be brought on by excessive intake of wheat and gluten, leading to permanent damage or death. Their omission is also recommended for those with Down's syndrome and Autism.

IBS Relief

A wheat-free diet may help in the dissipation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Although a doctor should be consulted in this matter, the omission of wheat and gluten from sufferers of IBS has been reported to help curb ongoing symptoms.

Blood Health

Some blood types do not appropriately absorb wheat and gluten, resulting in possible blood-related illnesses. A doctor should be consulted to find out if a certain blood type is at risk and, if so, a wheat-free diet is recommended.

How to Practice Hindu Kirtan

Hindu kirtan, also called bhajan, is to glorify God by singing mantras or devotional hymns. Kirtan is an important part of Hindu devotion (Bhakti).

Instructions

1




Chant mantras to the Deva (god) or Devi (goddess) whom you are worshiping. "Hare Krishna" is a well-known mantra or chant. Perform kirtan before an altar of the god. Adorn the altar with images of the god, flowers, water and fresh fruits.

2




Chant with love. Love of God, known as Bhakti, creates raising your voice in joyous devotion.

3




Gather to chant in satsang. In Satsang, devotees gather and discover their unity in love of God. Together they sing and dance out of love of God.

4




Chant mantras appropriate to the god you worship A popular chant to the God, Shiva is, "Om Namah Shivaya Shivaya namaha, Shivaya namah om Shivaya namaha, namaha Shivaya Shambhu Shankara namah Shivaya, Girija Shankara namah Shivaya." This essentially means that you call on the sound of the universe (OM), bow to Shiva and affirm that the god in you bows to the God, Shiva.

5




Read the Bhagavad Gita, which teaches about Bhakti, devotion to God.

How to Improve Asthma With an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Asthma causes inflammation in the airways, so consuming anti-inflammatory foods might be beneficial for sufferers. According to the American Medical Association, more than 30 million Americans live with asthma. While you should not stop your prescribed medications, you might be able to reduce the severity of your symptoms by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. The Lyon Diet Heart Study demonstrated the benefits of the Mediterranean diet (similar to an anti-inflammatory diet) on heart disease, also an inflammatory condition. Following an anti-inflammatory diet might be beneficial not just for your asthma but for your overall health as well.

Instructions

1




Brightly colored fruits and vegetables reduce inflammation.

Eat seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose from a colorful variety such as oranges, strawberries, blueberries, spinach and red cabbage. The brighter colors contain more phytochemicals, which will reduce the inflammation in your body.

2




Whole-grain foods are more nutritious and filling than food made from processed grains.

Eat whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and barley. These are grains with minimal or no processing. Whole grains provide disease-fighting antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron and fiber, which all contribute to reducing inflammation in the body. Avoid white flour, white rice and wheat that does not say "whole wheat," as these contain minimal nutrients and do not fill you up.

3




Grilled chicken breast is a good source of lean protein.

Eat healthy sources of protein like fish, chicken, nuts and beans. Do not eat red meat more than twice a week and be certain it has almost no visible fat as the excess fat can contribute to inflammation. Dairy products provide protein but can be high in fat so stick with nonfat milk, low-fat yogurt and low-fat cheese. Aim for two to four servings of protein daily.

4




Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat.

Consume two to three servings of healthy fats and/or plant oils daily. This includes avocados, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil and flax. Avoid coconut oil, palm oil, margarine, shortening, butter and anything that has "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list. These contain saturated fats, which are harmful to the body.

5




Fish oil capsules are an excellent source of omega 3.

Include at least one source of omega 3 in your diet every day. This includes wild salmon, flax oil, walnut oil, omega 3-enriched eggs and fish-oil supplements. The American Heart Association advises people who already have heart disease to take 1 gram a day. The anti-inflammatory effect of omega 3 is helpful for heart disease, asthma, diabetes and numerous other diseases.

6




Walking and running are good choices for exercise.

Exercise for 30 minutes per day at least five days per week. This can reduce stress, which triggers inflammation. Excess body weight can also cause inflammation in the body, so exercise and follow the food plan to stay lean.

Allergy Rotation Diet Plan

Allergy rotation diet plans are useful for people with multiple allergies in preventing new allergies and identifying hidden allergies in common foods. Rotation diets are sometimes used along with elimination diets to treat existing food allergies and prevent new ones from developing. Rotation diets involve eating biologically related foods on one day, and then avoiding those foods for a period of time.

Significance

An estimated 12 million people in the United States suffer from an allergy to one or more foods. When one of these foods is ingested, the body mistakes the food protein for a harmful invader. The resulting immune system reaction is what causes the symptoms of allergic reaction. Repeated exposure to potential allergens increases the risk of developing an allergy to those items.

Features

Rotation diets work by limiting exposure to potential allergens, and providing the body and immune system with a rest period following ingestion of high-risk foods. High-risk foods include all of the "big eight" allergens (egg, wheat, soy, cow's milk, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish), along with any suspected allergens. Typically, if a high-risk food is eaten one day, you must avoid that food for the following three to five days. Members of the same food family also must be avoided during that time. For example, if you eat yogurt on day one, you cannot eat any dairy products, or foods containing dairy, for the following several days.

Benefits

In addition to reducing the risk of developing new allergies, allergy rotation diet plans help uncover hidden causes of allergic symptoms. By strict adherence to the diet plan, it may be possible to identify mild allergic symptoms to foods that went unnoticed while on a regular diet. You are then able to remove these foods from your diet. By limiting exposure to potential allergens and high-risk foods, your immune system is less likely to respond defensively to those items. This makes it less likely you will develop a new allergy, and actually increases the number of foods you can tolerate. Health benefits are noticeable within a few weeks.

Drawbacks

For anyone not used to monitoring his diet, rotation diets can be difficult to implement. They can also be expensive to begin, as replacement foods must be purchased before beginning the diet. However, this increase in cost will eventually even out. It may also be extremely difficult for anyone who frequently has meals outside of the home to track every potential allergen ingested. This is because many common ingredients used in food preparation in restaurants contain potential allergens, such as milk, wheat, soy or egg.

Warning

Allergy rotation diet plans are not safe for everyone. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from any health conditions other than allergies, a rotation diet is not recommended. Young children should also not follow a rotation diet, as it may lead to nutritional deficiencies and impair growth and development. Allergy rotation diets should be developed with assistance from a doctor or a certified nutritionist.

How to Survive the Sacred Heart Diet

The Sacred Heart Diet is a fad diet which is similar to the cabbage soup diet and promises to help the dieter to lose ten or more pounds in seven days. It is unhealthy, unsustainable and difficult to stick to. It is guaranteed the weight will come back quickly. However, if you have a special event coming up quickly that you want to lose a few pounds for, it does work for the very short term.

Instructions

1

The diet mainly consists of a vegetable soup you must eat every day, as many times as you want. By the time the week is over, you will not want soup for a long time. Here is what goes in it: 1-2 cans of tomatoes, onion, 1 can of fat free beef broth, 1 package of Lipton chicken noodle soup mix, chopped celery, green beans, and 1 bag chopped carrots. You can season with hot sauce or soy sauce. Simply combine everything and boil until vegetables are soft. To make it less boring, add fresh herbs such as cilantro, rosemary or cumin.

2

Every day you eat the soup and you can drink black coffee, unsweetened tea and water. No soda. Here are the day by day instructions.

3

Day 1: Eat soup and any fruit except bananas. Nothing else.

4

Day 2: East soup and vegetables, no fruit and no starchy vegetables like corn. For dinner have a baked potato with butter.

5

Day 3: Eat soup, vegetables (raw or cooked) and fruit. No potatoes or other starch.

6

Day 4: Eat soup, bananas and skim milk. Nothing else. Eat at least 3 bananas, and have as much skim milk as you'd like. (You may never look at a banana again)

7

Day 5: Beef! Eat soup and up to 20 ounces of steak. Have as many tomatoes as you'd like.

8

Day 6: Beef and vegetables. Have soup, as much steak s you'd like, and leafy vegetables. No starch.

9

Day 7: (Almost there!) Eat soup, unsweetened fruit juice, brown rice and vegetables, no corn or potatoes.

Heart Healthy Detox Diet

Maybe you've been overindulging in heavy foods during the holiday season. Maybe you're getting older and your doctor says you need to start making changes to your diet. Or maybe you have a family history of heart disease and want to do everything you can to protect yourself. Whatever your reasons, deciding to eat better food to protect your cardivascular health can be a major lifestyle change. By adding some new types of food to your diet and removing the more troublesome kinds of junk food, you can detoxify your diet and improve the health of your heart.

Protein

Red meat tends to be high in saturated fat. Instead, opt for sources of protein that are lean, such as chicken, salmon or soy. Salmon, mackerel and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent blot clots. According to CNN, soy protein may help you lower your cholesterol. In recent years a number of very tasty soy meat substitutes have hit supermarket shelves, making cutting red meat from your diet a lot more enjoyable than it was in decades past. Be careful, however, to avoid soy products with a lot of added sodium, which can raise your blood pressure. Black beans are another great source of protein, and also are an excellent source of B vitamins, folate, omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber.

For a protein-filled, heart healthy snack, have a handful of almonds or walnuts. Both kinds of nuts contain a host of heart-healthy compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids, mono- and polyunsaturated fats and phytosterols.

Carbohydrates

Oats are one of the best whole grains you can add to your heart healthy diet. Whole grain oats are a great source of soluble fiber (which can help lower your cholesterol), as well as beta glucan. Oats can be found in breads, cookies, oatmilk and of course, oatmeal. For a new twist, try steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats. In general, replace all the refined flour-based products in your diet with whole grains. This includes pasta, bread and cereals.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of your heart healthy detox diet. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens like kale, which contains folate and helps to keep homocysteine levels low. According to the American Heart Association, studies have linked elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood to a higher risk of heart disease.

And believe it or not, the old adage that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" is completely true! Apples contain a phytochemical called quercetin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory that can help prevent blot clots. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid fruits packed in heavy syrup or vegetables covered in creamy or cheesy sauces.

Dairy

If you must drink milk, switch from whole to skim, or replace cow's milk with plant-derived milks made from soy, almond, hazelnut, hemp or oat. Avoid processed cheeses, and try to eat only reduced-fat cheeses.

Fats, Oils and Salt

Reducing salt intake is a crucial step for protecting your heart. Stop adding salt to your food and boost the flavor with herbs and spices instead. Avoid trans fats, and cook with olive oil instead of butter. Less than 7 percent of your total daily calories should come from saturated fat.

How to Lose 17 Pounds in a Week

How can you lose 17 lbs. in a week? Most would say it's impossible to lose that amount of weight by adhering to a healthy diet and exercise regime. That's true. However, if you are significantly overweight and want to be encouraged by significant weight loss in a short period of time, a modified fast can work, although this type of stringent regime is not recommended for more than 7 to 10 days.



According to calorielab.com, the Master Cleanse was originally developed in 1940 by health practitioner Stanley Burroughs as a stomach ulcer cure. Burroughs also promoted the diet for weight loss and the remedy for a host of diseases.

Instructions

1




Laxative herbal tea is an important part of this diet plan.

Drink a cup of laxative tea the night before you start the diet. The next morning, drink a salt water flush. Make the salt water flush by adding 2 tsp. of sea salt to 32 oz. of warm water. Drink the entire amount. This will stimulate several liquid bowel movements during the day. Drink the salt water flush every day while on the diet.

2




Lemons provide important nutrients in the Master Cleanse diet.

Squeeze enough lemon to make 2 tbs. of lemon juice (about half a lemon). Add the lemon juice to 10 oz. of distilled water

3

Add 1/10 tsp. of cayenne chili pepper and 2 tbs. of grade B maple syrup to the lemon juice. Drink 6 to 12 glasses per day. For maximum weight loss, drink only six glasses of the mixture.

Things for Teenagers to Do in Paris

Interesting Facts About Epilepsy

The average person may view epilepsy as a mysterious and scary condition when, in fact, it's simply a brain disorder that causes seizures of various types. A look at epilepsy reveals some fascinating facts, as well as a colorful history.

Blink and You Miss It

Some types of epileptic seizures are so brief, they go unnoticed. Absence ("petit mal") seizures can last only two to 15 seconds, during which time a person might stare blankly, blink or pick at his clothes. Then he'll resume his business, having no recollection of the seizure.

Hippocrates Sheds Some Light

Before 400 B.C., people believed epilepsy was a curse that afflicted people with the gift of prophecy. Then Hippocrates wrote the first book about epilepsy called "On the Sacred Disease," in which he classified it as a brain disorder.

Epilepsy & Eugenics

By 1914, 12 states had enacted Harry Laughlin's Model Eugenical Sterilization Law. It forbade people with seizure disorders, along with those who were "feeble-minded, insane, criminalistic, inebriate, diseased, blind, deaf, deformed and dependent," to marry or have children. The law also allowed people with epilepsy to be sterilized.

Treating by Eating

The ketogenic diet, created in the 1920s and still used today, is one of the oldest treatments for epilepsy. This diet simulates the effects of fasting, which decreases the frequency of some types of seizures.

The Writer's Disease

Many famous classical writers had epilepsy, including Sir Walter Scott, Edgar Allen Poe, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens--to name only a few.

Amaranth Benefits

Amaranth is one of the most important groups of plants to emerge from the Americas after the discovery of the New World in the 15th century. Most of the approximately 60 species share similar traits, and many are used worldwide as a nutritious food source for both people and domestic animals. Studies indicate that amaranth may have some medical benefits, as well.

Nutritional Benefits

The highly nutritious seeds and leaves are the two main parts of the plant used for food. The seeds can be ground into flour and used to make bread, cookies, crackers, cereals and other items that traditionally are made from wheat flour. Unlike wheat, though, amaranth seeds are gluten-free yet high in protein. They are also abundant in minerals such as iron, magnesium and phosphorus. The leaves are often used as a pot herb in Africa and the Caribbean and are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as calcium.

Medical Benefits

According to an article in the Jan. 5, 2007, issue of the medical journal "Lipids in Health and Disease," studies have shown that amaranth is similar to oats in its ability to lower cholesterol when included as a regular part of a dietary plan. Amaranth oil seems to not only benefit sufferers of hypertension and coronary heart disease but can also be used as a natural antioxidant supplement. Additionally, amaranth seeds are low in saturated fats, high in fiber, and rich in the amino acid lysine.

Other Benefits

Amaranth is sometimes utilized as a protein-rich forage for animals such as hogs, and some varieties are believed to be drought-tolerant, making it as versatile as sorghum in this respect for farmers. Many species of amaranth are used as ornamental plants. Love-lies-bleeding and prince's feather are two of the more well-known examples of decorative flora. Some species of amaranth also attract butterflies and moths, which may be of interest to avid gardeners.

How to Eat Healthy for your Heart

Eating heart healthy is a matter of eating those foods which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and limiting those foods which contribute to heart disease. Heart healthy eating is a plan that can be followed by every member of the family with the exception of children under the age of 2. Young children require more fat in their diets.

Instructions

1

Get your protein from low-fat sources. Eat lean meat, poultry, fish, egg whites, low fat or skim milk. Full fat meats and dairy products are high in saturated fat and calories. Fast food meals are also usually high in fats and calories.

2

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals, are rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. Be sure you don't add butter or other fats to your vegetables. Fruits and vegetables don't need to be organic to be good for your heart.

3

Lose the salt shaker. Eating large amounts of salt can contribute to high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease. Learn to read food labels and seek out lower sodium products.

4

Nutrients found in whole grains help regulate blood pressure and contribute to heart health. Choose whole grain breads, brown rice, high fiber breakfast cereals or oatmeal and whole grain pasta.

5

Learn about portion sizes and eat moderately. Try to keep your diet balanced and allow yourself a treat now and then.

Poisonous Foods for Parrots

Sometimes you may wish to feed your parrot something you are eating at meal times. If so, it is important for you to know what is safe for a parrot to eat and what is poisonous. Some plants or fruits should never be fed to your pet. If your bird gets ill, this is usually serious, and you should take it to a vet immediately. Remember to check with your vet in case you are unsure about the effect a certain substance will have on your parrot.

Unsafe Food

Anything with a high fat content is unsuitable, as is anything with high sugar or salt levels. Chocolate, for example, is toxic, as is alcohol or caffeine. Generally, large beans, like kidney, lima or soy, should never be fed raw to a parrot. Once thoroughly cooked, they are safe to use. Curry powder is to be avoided. Garlic is safe in small quantities. Onions in a large amount are toxic, but in small amounts are all right. Mushrooms as a type of fungus can eventually cause liver failure. Remove all green plant parts around the tomato before feeding your bird tomato. The vine and leaves are toxic to parrots.

Unsafe Fruits

Apricot seeds or peach can cause a reaction. This is because there are small amounts of cyanide in the seeds of the rose family, also consisting of apples, cherries and pears. Any part of the avocado -- flesh, skin or seeds -- is poisonous and can cause cardiac problems. Ingestion of mistletoe berries can cause diarrhea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, hallucinations and death. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, but the stalks are safe to eat.

Unsafe Plants

Castor beans from the castor oil plant can cause a decrease in blood pressure and blood glucose. A simultaneous increase in serum hepatic enzymes like AST, ALT and LDH can cause stomach upset with diarrhea, vomiting, trembling and sudden collapse with seizures. Agave in any form such as from the sap or leaves causes immediate burning on skin and oral mucosa irritation. Almond plants or seeds plus almond nuts can cause allergic reactions. Amaryllis, also known as belladonna, causes abdominal pain, drooling, depression and loss of appetite. Azaleas can cause heart failure and coma. Avoid begonia, bleeding heart, caladium and calla lily. Catnip has been shown to produce drowsiness, disorientation and odd behavior. Chinese sacred bamboo is to be avoided too. Chrysanthemum results in vomiting and diarrhea. Daffodil bulbs cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Avoid delphinium, dumb cane, English ivy, philodendron, holly and hydrangea, Jack-in-the-pulpit and jimson weed. Kalanchoe causes anorexia, excessive salivation, cardio-toxic effects and labored respiration. Lantana, milkweed, marijuana and morning glory are poisonous. Oleander can slow the heart rate. Pencil cactus plant is harmful and poisinettia can cause irritation to the stomach lining. Rubber plant produces a loss of coordination in birds, as does the umbrella tree. Shamrock, sweet pea, tulip, weeping fig, yew, yucca and zamioculcas are all to be avoided.

How to Tell if Your Parrot is Poisoned

Droppings that are yellow, brown or black can show internal bleeding. If they are extra runny or firm, this also signals health problems. Respiratory problems may be indicated by birds sitting with their feathers ruffled up. The cere of the bird just above the beak can be red or have discharge around it. Discharge from eyes or cloudy eyes can be a problem. Should you see any of these signs, take your bird to a vet immediately. Other signs can include weight loss, changes in your bird's voice, open-mouth breathing and tail bobbing.

Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan

The Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan claims that those following it will lose 10 pounds in three days. The diet includes such foods as hot dogs, eggs and ice cream. Also known as the Spokane Heart Diet, Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital Diet and the Cleveland Clinic Diet, this diet is not recommended by the American Heart Association, and so those considering it are advised to check with a doctor.

Foods

The foods to be eaten on the Miami Heart Institute Diet are very specific. The diet outlines what is to be eaten when, and in what quantity. Breakfasts selections include grapefruit, black coffee, toast, peanut butter, eggs, bananas, saltine crackers, apples and cheddar cheese. Lunch items include tuna, toast, coffee or tea, cottage cheese, saltine crackers, hard-boiled eggs and toast. Dinner items include green beans, lean meats, beets, hot dogs, broccoli, carrots, bananas, cauliflower, cantaloupe, apples and vanilla ice cream. Other variations of this diet include tomatoes, beef, onions, potatoes, soups, celery, brown rice and other fruits.

Warnings

Though it is sometimes falsely attributed to the American Heart Association, the Association does not recommend the Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan. The American Heart Association advises a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat; the Miami Heart Association Diet Plan includes both. The Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan is regarded as an unsustainable fad diet.

Results

Whether or not this diet will indeed result in a 10-pound weight loss in three days in up for debate. Experts seem to agree that there is not anything special about this combination of foods. If the Miami Heart Institute Diet Plan includes fewer calories than what you were eating before, you may lose weight. But because this is considered a fad diet, consult with a doctor before attempting it.

Sacred Heart Diet Tips

The Sacred Heart Diet, also known as the Miracle Soup Diet, requires dedication. With a limited intake of calories and few foods to choose from, this diet should only be followed for one week or two at most.

Diet Guideline

Each day, you can eat soup (see recipe in Resources) and just one food group.

Day 1: Eat just fruit and soup.
Day 2: Eat just vegetables and soup.
Day 3: Eat both fruits and vegetables with soup.
Day 4: Drink skim milk and eat three bananas and the soup.
Day 5: To get enough protein, you can eat unlimited quantities of meat and soup.
Day 6: Consume beef, vegetables and soup.
Day 7: Eat wild rice and soup.

Drinks permitted include coffee, skim milk, water and unsweetened juice.

Variety Is the Best Spice

Though you can have "just" fruit on Day 1, select an abundance of different fruits. Produce offers a wide selection of fruits and vegetables that range in taste. An avocado, tomato and peach taste completely different but all are fruits. Likewise, meat can come in the form of patties for hamburgers, steaks or chunks, and each can make a very different meal. Use the variety of each food group to keep meals each day interesting. Cooking techniques can also keep dishes fresh: Sauteing, steaming or boiling foods create very different tastes.

Stay Hydrated

The soup is high in sodium, so drink plenty of water to combat it. The Mayo Clinic warns that too much sodium causes fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Though fruits and vegetables on Day 1 to 3 are water-rich, on other days, particularly the last, drink plenty of fresh water. Always carry water with you as well.

Keep It Portable

Fresh fruits, vegetables and this particular type of soup will not be readily available at the office or restaurants. Planning ahead is important: Take a gallon of the soup with you to work and place it in the fridge. Keep your desk stocked with fruit. Dried fruit is especially portable.

Get Support

To avoid feeling left out when your family and friends go out to eat, ask one of them to join you on the diet. By dieting as a team, you can stay motivated and commiserate when others are unsympathetic toward your endeavor. Your friend might have great ideas for how to make tasty smoothies on the first day or how to make a rice stew on the seventh day.

How to Store Fresh Aloe

The aloe vera plant produces a gel that is used in home remedies for conditions that range from sunburns to cold sores. While snapping off a leaf and squeezing out the gel is handy for cuts or abrasions, it wastes a lot of the useful gel. Storing aloe vera gel is a straightforward task and can help you keep a ready supply of aloe vera gel on hand and prepared for use.

Instructions

1

Cut off one of the outermost leaves of your aloe vera plant using a sharp knife. Choose a leaf that is thick and green and cut it at a slight angle, relatively close to the base of the plant.

2

Stand the aloe leaf cut-end down in a cup for about 15 minutes. This lets the latex (sap) drip out of the plant. The latex of the aloe vera plant is a laxative and needs to be removed before storage. There may be no latex dripping out if the leaf is small.

3

Cut off the tip of the aloe vera leaf and slice off the serrated edges down the two sides.

4

Lay the aloe vera leaf flat on the cutting board.

5

Slice through the meaty part of the aloe vera leaf so that you can separate the front and the back of the leaf.

6

Lay the two parts of the leaf cut side up on the cutting board.

7

Use a spoon to scoop out the clear gel that is clinging to the inside of the leaf. Scrape it out lightly, but avoid pressing too hard, or you might get some latex as well.

8

Place the gel in a food-safe plastic container.

9

Add a drop of vitamin E oil and a drop of grapefruit seed oil to the gel to avoid discoloration.

10

Close the container and store it in the refrigerator until you need it. It will keep for about 3 weeks.

7-Day Mayo Clinic Diet

According to a study conducted at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 86 percent of Americans will be overweight or obese by the year 2030. Numerous diet plans have been proposed to combat the growing obesity problem in the United States. One such diet plan is the 7 day Mayo Clinic Diet.

History

Numerous versions of a "Mayo Clinic diet" have circulated around the Internet over the past few years. This has created confusion, as many people believe that the "Mayo Clinic diet" is associated with the not-for-profit medical practice known as the Mayo Clinic. This is not, however, the case. The Mayo Clinic has never endorsed or described a particular diet. Rather, the Mayo Clinic has discussed approaches to healthy eating and lifestyle changes that can result in healthy weight loss. This is discussed below.

7 Day Mayo Clinic Diet

According to Every Diet, an online database that lists various diets, the 7 day Mayo Clinic Diet requires that you adhere to the following schedule. On Monday, eat as much fruit and fruit juices as possible, except bananas. On Tuesday, eat all the vegetables desired. On Wednesday, eat both fruit and vegetables. On Thursday, eat 5 bananas and drink 5 glasses of whole milk. On Friday, eat 4 steaks (3 oz. each) with unlimited green vegetables. On Saturday, eat 4 steaks (3 oz. each). On Sunday, eat 4 steaks (3 oz. each) with unlimited green vegetables. It's worth repeating that the Mayo Clinic has gone out of its way to state that it does not endorse this diet. Moreover, it is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor or dietitian before beginning a diet such as this one.

The Actual Mayo Clinic Dietary Recommendations

The Mayo Clinic has created a Healthy Weight Pyramid that it recommends you use to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The Mayo Clinic points out that there should be no severe restrictions or extreme hunger involved in a diet. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic recommends that any diet should be coupled with exercise. The Mayo Clinic notes that by following the Healthy Weight Pyramid and remaining physically active every day, you can safely lose weight at a pace of 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Health Benefits of Fennel Tea

The herb fennel has a long and colorful history. In ancient times, it was considered to be a sacred herb capable of curing nine separate instances of illness. Fennel is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and, since the Middle Ages, has been grown near monasteries.

History

The United States is now one of the leading producers of fennel but it the herb got its start in in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Greeks called fennel "marathon." The herb grew in abundance in fields where a historic Grecian battle was fought. That battle was later dubbed "The Battle of Marathon."

Introduced to the United States in the 1800s, fennel is a hardy perennial.

Folklore

Legend has it that snakes ate fennel to promote the shedding of their skin and to hone their vision. It has long been thought that fennel also helps improve the vision of humans and has a restorative and rejuvenatory effect on humans. Fennel apparently contains properties that are akin to amphetamines (speed) that stimulate the human system. Puritans reportedly ate it because it suppressed their appetite during times of religious fasting and it also helped keep them awake. Legend also has it that tucking a sprig of fennel into a horse's harness will discourage flies.

In medieval times, fennel was thought to be a treasured herb that treated disease and that brought good fortune to those who had it in their possession. People would put fennel in their keyholes to ward off evil spirits.
Fennel was believed to cure many different medical problems including snakebites, toothaches, earaches and colic. The Romans, like the Puritans, consumed fennel to control their weight.

Fennel definitely plays a role in Greek mythology. This herb was cherished by the Greeks and Romans not only for it's culinary joys but its medicinal aspects as well as the powerful legend that "knowledge" was reportedly given to mankind by the gods in the form of a coal-filled fennel stalk.

What is Fennel, Exactly?

Fennel is an herb that is green and crunchy like celery and tastes like licorice and anise. According to WH Foods, fennel forms in a bulb from which long stalks shoot out. The stalks have feathery green leaves. The fennel seeds are produced from these leaves. All parts of the fennel plant are edible. Fennel has long been popular with Italian and Mediterranean cooks. Fennel is available from the late fall until the early spring.

Numerous Benefits

Current opinion is that fennel tea helps relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including gas and bloating, because it soothes the gastrointestinal tract; however, too much fennel may have the opposite effect and cause spasms, so be careful about how much you consume.

Fennel stimulates milk production (lactation) and has the same impact on the body as does estrogen. It can also be helpful in treating premenstrual and menopausal systems as well as jump-starting a shrinking libido. Many claim that drinking fennel tea is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis (eye infection).

If all of the claims about fennel are true, we should all be consuming it on a regular basis because fennel is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B. It is beneficial to the immune system and may reduce cholesterol levels, is an excellent source of fiber and may prevent colon cancer.

Anethole found in the fennel oil reduces inflammation, so it would be good for arthritics. Anethole is thought to reduce recurrence of cancer. Research has shown that the "tumor necrosis factor" in humans is actually shut down when anethole is consumed.

If you have bad breath, drink some fennel tea, which reportedly freshens your breath. Fennel is also considered a good remedy for colds and can be used as a diuretic if you are full of fluids.

Warnings

Pregnant women should avoid drinking fennel tea because it can act as an uterine stimulant. Do not apply fennel directly to your skin because it can irritate skin. Drinking copious amounts of fennel is not recommended because it can cause hallucinations and make your muscles spastic. Because fennel can disturb the nervous system if too much is consumed, discuss the consumption of fennel with your doctor or someone who is well-versed in herb usage.

How to Improve a Cabbage Soup Diet

The cabbage soup diet is a quick way to lose weight. It has strict rules though, so it's easy to go off track. The best way to stay on the cabbage soup diet is to change it around in order to suit you. Follow these tips to improve a cabbage soup diet.

Instructions

1

Drink at least 12-16 glasses of water every day. This will help to flush out the fat from your system and can even clear up your skin while keeping your body hydrated. Add lemon to your water to give it flavor.

2

Buy a good multivitamin to take during your diet. A diet like this lacks the daily vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

3

Vary the cabbage soup recipe according to your taste. Adding spices or herbs may help it taste better.

4

Take along plastic containers or a thermos for when you are away from home. You will be less likely to cheat if you have the cabbage soup around you at all times.

5

Exercise at least 30-40 minutes at least 3 times a week. This will help to keep up your metabolism. Vary your workout so you stay focused and motivated.

6

Make a big pot of cabbage soup and store it in containers so that you can grab and go. Making multiple servings and storing them in the refrigerator or freezer is less time consuming than making it daily.

How Can You Break a Sweat Walking?

Walking is a reliable exercise. Not only does it get the blood pumping and increase cardiovascular health, but it can also be a highly effective weight-loss aid. Moderate intensity exercise -- around 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate -- is often referred to as the "fat burning zone" because 85 percent of the calories burned during exercise at this intensity are calories from body fat. Breaking a sweat during a walk is a good indication that you're in "the zone." If you are having trouble breaking a sweat while walking, these techniques might help.

Instructions

1

Take a walk outside. Although treadmills in the gym are convenient and easy to use, walking outside is often more challenging because you're walking on uneven ground and your body has to compensate accordingly. If it's chilly outside, your heart rate also increases above normal to help keep you warm, burning additional calories.

2

Pump your arms. You will often notice fitness walkers pumping their arms in an exaggerated motion. This increases activity and boosts your target heart rate. It also helps keep your muscles and joints loose.

3

Increase speed. The easiest way to break a sweat walking is to simply walk faster. The average person walks comfortably around three miles per hour. Speeding up to four miles per hour -- a brisk pace -- will challenge your muscles and get your heart pumping even faster.

4

Climb a hill. Walking up a steep slope or hill puts more demand on your muscles and lungs and will help you break a sweat more easily. When planning your walking route, be sure to incorporate hills and slopes to add an extra challenge.

5

Carry some weights. A 5-lb. dumbbell in each hand or ankle or wrist weights will force your body to lug a bit more weight on its walk and your heart rate will spike to accommodate that extra effort.

6

Train using intervals. Try jogging for 30 or 60 seconds to get your heart pumping, then walk for the next five minutes. Like boiling a pot of water and then putting it on to simmer, you will need to exert less effort to maintain the same elevated heart rate once you've reached your fat burning "zone."

7

Mix things up. One of the biggest risks with moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise, like walking, is that your body will get used to it and you heart won't have to work as hard to keep you moving at the same pace. This is why you should constantly challenge your body with unexpected changes in your routine -- using weights one day, hills the next and upping your speed between the two.

Homemade Hearty Beef Soup

Homemade hearty beef soup is a great meal for the colder months of the year and offers a healthy but filling alternative to other meal options. Hundreds of beef soup recipes are at your disposal--many of which call for the same ingredients--but yours can stand out from the others based on the way you prepare it. If you cook the soup for two hours instead of five, your family or guests will notice. It is important to allow the ingredients enough time to come together and add flavors to the soup. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for cubed beef, beef broth, chopped onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, cubed peeled potatoes, canned tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, crushed rosemary, ground thyme, ground marjoram, frozen peas, and other ingredients you may wish to add. The amounts of each ingredient are up to you. Soup allows for creativity in that you can add various amounts of a wide variety of ingredients to suit your taste. You should, however, have an idea of what ingredients occupy more space in the soup before throwing your soup together.

Preparation

Preparation of this soup will be much easier if you have a food processor because there are so many ingredients. If you do not have a food processor, give yourself enough time to chop and dice the ingredients. In a crock pot--after ingredients are prepared as they should be--add meat, onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and beef broth, adding seasonings to taste. If, after all ingredients are added, the soup is too thick, add more beef broth; if it is too thin, add more beef and vegetables. Soup is a flexible meal to make, enabling you to tweak it as you go.

Cooking

In making vegetable beef soup, give yourself enough time. The best soup has time for its ingredients to simmer and mix. If you have to work, mix the ingredients in the morning and let the soup cook in the crock pot all day while at work. This is a popular way to prepare soup or stew. Turn the crock pot on medium-low in the morning and, by the time you get home five to eight hours later, it should be ready. Stir well at the end of the cooking process and serve.

Nutritional Concepts of the Diet Source

Nutritional Concepts is a manufacturer of diet and nutrition supplements and the maker of the Diet Source. The Diet Source is a vitamin and supplement kit aimed to promote weight loss and overall good health. The standard kit includes a 28-day diet menu, exercise program, resistance program recommendations and a month's worth of supplements. There are four different formulations in each month's supply. Each of the four formulations targets a different component of health and weight management: appetite control, digestive health, water balance and muscle building. The formulas are intended to be taken as directed daily.

Suppressing Appetite

Nutritional Concepts says "The Diet Source Is Different - Most generic diet formulas provide you with thermogenic ingredients to help you burn a few extra calories. Others may offer ingredients that work on your appetite. The Diet Source provides all of this and much more!" Their combination of products is designed to work together to address a dieter's main areas of concern.

Thermolean is designed to curb your appetite. It is also intended to boost metabolism. Thermolean is formulated with energy boosters to fuel workouts and keep you from crashing throughout the day.

Digestive Health

Cleanses have become a popular aspect of dieting. Proponents of cleanses claim that the colon is full of toxins and waste that are poisoning your system. Cleanses are designed to rid the body of these toxins, promote regularity, reduce bloating and give you more energy.

The makers of Diet Source encourage proper digestive health to optimize body sculpting. Bio Cleanse is the supplement designed to promote digestive health. Fiber from whole foods is incorporated into this formula to maintain regularity and cleanse the colon. Bio Cleanse is formulated using fiber from whole foods including fruits, vegetables and oats.

Water Balance

Hydrobalance with Potassium is designed to maintain water balance. Water balance is one of the keys to optimizing body function. Hydrobalance reduces water retention and helps you see weight loss results faster. Diet Source is formulated using "natural herbs not often found in the American diet." The formula has added electrolytes and potassium.

Building Lean Muscle

The final component of the Diet Source supplements emphasizes muscle development. Nutritional Concepts designed Omega Lean to work in conjunction with its resistance plan to help the dieter gain muscle while also losing fat. According to Nutritional Concepts, Omega Lean "helps address unwanted fat stores by providing ingredients to support lean muscle mass while helping you reduce these fat stores."

Cardiac Diet Menu Foods

When a doctor prescribes the cardiac diet for a patient, it's usually because he is at high risk for a heart attack, according to the Cardiac Diet website. The diet can benefit people who aren't at risk, though, as a preventive measure against heart disease. Rules for choosing cardiac diet menu foods include options with reduced fat, a large amount of fruit and vegetables, low-sodium products and foods prepared in healthy ways, like broiling, roasting, baking or steaming.

Meat, Poultry and Seafood

One of the main rules of the cardiac diet is to greatly reduce saturated fat, which increases the risk of heart disease and raises bad cholesterol. Though animal products produce the highest levels of saturated fat, this diet permits three ounces of lean cuts of meat three to four times per week. Trim visible pieces of fat on meat products before cooking or eating. Beef cuts, such as eye round and top sirloin, and pork tenderloin, represent good selections for the cardiac diet. Lean, white pieces of chicken are permissible in the diet if the skin is removed. Chicken thighs, drumsticks and breast meat contain the lowest percentage of saturated fats. Add fish, like salmon and mackerel, to the cardiac diet for variety and the additional benefit of protection they offer from heart disease with their omega-3 fatty acids.

Whole Grains

Whole grains provide a healthy variety in the cardiac diet. They still maintain the wheat and germ refined grains lose during processing, so they provide nutrients like fiber and protein. Eat whole grains in the form of wild and brown rice, wheat and nine-grain breads, unsweetened bran or whole wheat cereal while on the cardiac diet.

Fruit and Vegetables

Fruit and vegetables compose a large part of the cardiac diet. Attempt to consume five to nine servings per day, suggests Decatur Memorial Hospital. Fruits and vegetables offer a good source of antioxidants, nutrients that prevent free radical damage to the body as it uses oxygen, and help prevent heart disease. Good choices for a cardiac diet menu include broccoli, spinach and kale, which also provide beta-carotene and vitamin A. Fruit choices can include apricots, strawberries and kiwi.

Fats

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are heart-healthy options to use in the cardiac diet These fats lower bad cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats include olive, peanut, canola and sunflower oil. Polyunsaturated fats include most nuts and seeds, soybean oil, safflower oil and fatty fish like tuna and trout.

American Heart Assosiation Before Surgery Diet

While there are many "before surgery diets" that are purportedly recommended by the American Heart Association, the truth is that many of these diets are fraudulent. Although it is a good idea to lose a few excess pounds before you undergo any surgery, there are right and wrong ways to accomplish this goal. What follows are the true recommendations from the American Heart Association about dieting---whether you are scheduled for a surgery or not.

AMA and Fraud Diets

The Cabbage Soup Diet is one of the more popular AMA fraud diets, and it recommends you subsist on nothing more than cabbage soup for a seven-day period to drop weight prior to surgery. The AMA notes that this and other fad diets are ineffective at keeping off weight long-term and can compromise your health by depriving your body of required nutrients.

Real AMA Diet Recommendations

Reasonableness is the key to any successful diet, and the AMA understands that fact. The AMA prescribes a balanced diet consisting primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy to help you lose weight in a safe and effective manner. Eschewing the assertions of fad diets everywhere, the AMA states that the only way to lose weight for good is to eat less and exercise more.

Increase Consumption of Nutrient-Rich Foods

The AMA's recommendations revolve around two key principles---eat more foods that are nutrient dense while simultaneously removing foods from your diet that are nutrient poor (i.e. "junk" foods). Thus, eliminate consumption of empty-calorie items such as soft drinks, snack foods and desserts while increasing your consumption of lean meats, fruits, vegetables and fiber.

Increase Omega-3 Consumption

Recognizing the proven weight-loss power of omega-3 fats, the AMA recommends consumption of fish at least twice a week on your diet. In addition to obtaining your omega-3 fix from fish, consider also purchasing an over-the-counter fish oil supplement, taking 5 to 10 g daily. Fish oil has been shown to have fat-loss properties, in addition to helping guard against coronary heart disease.

Do Not Neglect Exercise

Although some diets suggest that you can lose weight without exercise, the AMA-recommended diet does not fall into that category. You should be aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity at least four days per week---but exercising every day certainly is optimal. This will help prepare your body for surgery, if applicable, as you will be in better physical condition and better able to make a rapid recovery.

How to Determine Ayurvedic Dosha

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means science of life. Rishis, or ancient seers in India helped codify this healing art and science about 900 B.C., by writing what they knew about nutritional guidelines for different body types and specific ways to treat disease and prevent illness. Colleges and universities in India still offer undergraduate to doctoral degrees in Ayurveda.Dosha refers to your mind and body type. Similar to the three body types in Western medicine of ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph, Ayurveda has Vata, Pitta and Kapha.To best determine your Ayurvedic dosha, you would consult a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner or physician. In lieu of that, you can still learn a great deal by noting your inherent physical, mental, emotional and psychological traits to help you determine your dosha.

Instructions

1

Start by noticing on a very gross physical level your body weight and bone structure. Vatas are generally slim, small-boned and slight. They express dryness and movement: dry hair, skin, nails and a tendency towards constipation. They are supreme multitaskers to almost a hazardous degree: talking on the phone while driving, and eating and using a GPS device to find that new bakery where she is running 15 minutes late? What? Who has time to notice the traffic light has turned yellowshe cannot be that late.

2

Observe if you are more of a medium build and athletic. You have a solid foundation of energy and love to run, bike, ski, swim, surf or garden, hike and walk your dog at a fast clip. Pittas can get hot under the collar and tend to be achievement-oriented.

3

Sleeping is the favorite pastime of mellow and big-hearted Kaphas. They move and talk slowly and deliberately. During earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Kaphas calmly remind people to put on their heavy shoes, find their wallets and move to the exits, while other people panic or scream. Heavyset and sometimes overweight, Kaphas have a legendary sweet tooth.

4

Assess your energy patterns. Vatas tend to be insomniacs with irregular eating and sleeping habits: they fly but later can crash and burn. Pittas steam ahead but also can bull doze over their co-workers in order to achieve a goal. Athletic and eager to meet challenges and surpass goals, Pittas in overdrive can result in stress headaches or hypertension if they are very Type A.Kaphas have stamina but do not like to exercise. If healthy, Kaphas can keep up with anyone but the point is that they are not interested in sprinting to the finish line. If unhealthy, Kaphas can become stagnant and sluggish.

5

Understand that learning about Ayurveda can provide you with tools for better self-care, not as a way to "categorize" you or judge yourself harshly. The goal of Ayurveda is to understand your natural instincts and to work with nature to improve your healthy.Be aware that you may be a Vata-Pitta or even a Vata-Pitta-Kapha. Your basic dosha profile will not change.

6

Learn more details by checking Sources below. Determining your dosha based on these broad categories of body type, body build, energy levels and personality traits is a starting point. As a complex subject (yourself), learning how Ayurveda can help you reduce your insomnia (Vatas), reduce your impatience (Pittas), or help prompt you out of stagnation (Kapha), you can read trade journals or take informal dosha quizzes that can help give you insight to yourself.Rather than hard and fast rules, consider Ayurveda as a way to consolidate information you already know ab

Nutrition in the Cabbage Soup Diet

The cabbage soup diet appears on many websites and blogs throughout the internet. While the recipe for the cabbage soup may vary slightly from one source to another, the basic concept of the diet remains the same. Dieters are encouraged to eat as much cabbage soup as they like during a seven-day period along with a strict selection of other foods to achieve fast weight loss. This diet is deficient in key nutrients such as fat, protein and carbohydrates and is not considered nutritious by the U.S. Department of Agriculture dietary guidelines.

The Facts

The cabbage soup diet claims to help dieters achieve dramatic weight loss. This is done by following a strict meal plan that allows unlimited servings of cabbage soup. The soup consumed during the cabbage soup diet usually contains green onions, green peppers, canned tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, celery, cabbage, packaged soup mix, bouillon cubes and vegetable juice such as V8.

Time Frame

The cabbage soup diet is a seven-day plan featuring unlimited amounts of cabbage soup along with specific foods which vary from day to day. Fruits, excluding bananas, are allowed along with the soup on the first day. The second day allows soup, vegetables and one baked potato. Day three consists of fruits and vegetables, excluding bananas and potatoes, and cabbage soup. Bananas are allowed on day four along with skim milk and more soup. On day five, dieters can consume up to 20 oz. of beef, up to six tomatoes and cabbage soup. Cabbage soup along with unlimited beef and vegetables make up day six. The last day of the diet allows brown rice, vegetables and unsweetened fruit juice in addition to the cabbage soup.

Features

The cabbage soup diet is simple and easy to follow, but results will vary dramatically from person to person. This diet does involve a specific amount of calories, and several days are severely lacking in protein, carbohydrates and especially fat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 20 percent of calories should come from fat to avoid negative changes to HDL cholesterol and inadequate vitamin E intake. Days one, two, three, four, and seven contain little-to-no fat.

Considerations

Due to the unlimited eating allowed on the cabbage soup diet and no concern for calories, a dieter could inadvertently consume more than his required daily caloric intake and gain weight. While this diet may be successful for some people, the cabbage soup diet is not a long-term solution to weight management because it does not encourage positive lifestyle and diet changes.

Warning

According to the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital, the cabbage soup diet is not considered healthy or safe. The cabbage soup diet has been attributed to the this medical center, but the organization refutes these claims.

How do I Cook Chicken Hearts?

While chicken hearts are more often used as side ingredients to flavor things like gravy, they can also be cooked into soups, stews or curries or served as the main course. If you are cooking chicken hearts to serve alone, marinating and grilling them produces a flavorful and delicious final product. You can find chicken hearts in the meat section of your grocery store, often packaged along with the liver and other chicken gizzards. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Grilled Chicken Hearts

1

Pour 2/3 of a cup each of soy sauce and sherry into a resealable plastic bag. Add a half tablespoon of bottled diced garlic and a teaspoon of both black pepper and ground ginger to the bag.

2

Add 2 1/2 pounds of chicken hearts and seal the bag with most but not all of the air out. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the mixture over the hearts and place the bag in the refrigerator for two hours.

3

Skewer the chicken hearts on kabob sticks and wrap the exposed ends with aluminum foil to prevent charring.

4

Place the skewers on a hot grill and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. The chicken hearts will be a deep golden color when they are done.

Chicken Hearts in Soups or Stews

5

Melt enough butter to coat the bottom of a hot pan. Sprinkle chicken hearts with salt and pepper.

6

Pour the chicken hearts evenly over the hot pan, and saute until golden brown.

7

Stir the sauteed chicken hearts into your preferred soup or stew.

Chinese Medicine for Breathing Problems

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an holistic approach to health that is practiced in a variety of ways. Acupuncture, herbal treatments with natural medicinal plants, massage, nutrition, meditation and certain forms of exercise are all methods used in TCM. What these methods have in common is a shared underlying Chinese theory of health, designed to strengthen, regulate and balance a person's life force, or qi (pronounced "chee"). TCM is helpful in the treatment of many health issues, including breathing problems. People of any age can benefit. What follows is a brief description of some of the modalities available.

Qigong

Think of qigong as breathing exercise. Most of us are in the habit of breathing in a rather shallow way. Qigong teaches one to breathe more deeply, from the abdomen, improving health by not only delivering oxygen to all the body's systems and organs, but by increasing energy and vitality, as well. Inhaling fresh air is equated to taking in qi, the life force.

In addition to promoting deeper breathing, qigong involves gentle movements, or sometimes no movement, just standing in place and focusing on the breath. It promotes a form of meditation that relaxes and calms, said to benefit the emotions and nervous system as well as the lungs and the entire body.

To read more about qigong, follow the link to The Qigong Research and Practice Center listed under Additional Resources below.

Acupuncture

In acupuncture and related practices like moxibustion and acupressure, points along the body's meridians, or energy channels, are stimulated. With acupuncture, this is accomplished with the use of very fine, thin needles inserted into the skin. Moxibustion uses an herb burned over the same points, and acupressure simply presses on them.

Tui na, or Chinese massage, is a another way to stimulate points on the meridians. (A link to an article on this subject, titled "TCM Health Info, Tui Na (tuina)--Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy," is included in Additional Resources, below.)
A visit to an acupuncturist about breathing problems will involve a whole-body diagnosis. The body can have many types and sorts of imbalances. The practitioner decides on a treatment course based on the specific pattern shown by the client.

Chinese Herbs

Herbal medicine is a powerful method of healing. With western drugs, the aim is typically to control symptoms. Herbologists seek to halt the disease process. Rather than using antibiotics to kill bacteria, for example, herbs can be used to strengthen a person's resistance to infection, thus preventing another sinus infection.
Another purpose for medicinal herbs is to nourish and balance the body, again with the concept of the interconnectness of various body systems in mind. The Chinese medical theories behind the use of herbs will always seek to treat the deep causes of a condition. This approach improves organ function and builds the immune system, in addition to treating the original complaint.

There are thousands of herbal remedies in the Chinese medicine formula. A practitioner should be consulted regarding their use.

Diet

In Chinese theory, different foods have different energy qualities that range from cold (celery) to hot (chili powder). Other specific qualities of foods relate to specific organs and bodily systems.

Depending on the needs of an individual, recommendations will vary as to the types of foods a person would do well to consume to promote good breathing, while extreme diets should be avoided.

Generally, white and light foods, like radishes, white meat and white mushrooms, are considered to be good for the lungs. Dairy products may cause phlegm if not tolerated well. Pungent foods like garlic and onions may help clear congestion caused by the common cold.

What is Treated?

The WHO (World Health Organization) lists hundreds of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. Some of the conditions that effect breathing are infections; colds and flu; bronchitis; asthma; eyes-ears-nose-throat; and sinus infection. Patients with lung cancer could find acupuncture useful to strengthen their immunity and reduce the side-effects of conventional medicine.
People who do not respond well to prescription drugs or conventional western medicine may find that the whole-body approach of TCM can bring relief to many hard-to-treat health issues. Seeking relief for a breathing problem with TCM could lead to better overall health.

TCM is best considered as being complementary to western medicine rather than as its replacement. Always also see a physician or other conventional health care provider. While TCM boosts the effects of modern health diagnosis and treatment, the best approach is to utilize both, especially for serious problems.

What Is Barley Grass Good for?

Barley grass was considered a sacred gift from the gods in ancient Greece and Egypt due to its highly potent nutritional powers. It was also the first grain cultivated for cereal, according to Prescription Desk. The grain offers a number of internal and external health benefits, and is a source of protein and fatty oils when added to foods. Does this Spark an idea?

Lowering Cholesterol and Reducing Heart Disease.

Taking barley grass reduces "bad" or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as it contains A-glucan, which is also found in oat bran. According to Web MD, 0.4 g of barley per day will lower LDL cholesterol by 14 percent; 3 or 6 g of barley grass will reduce cholesterol by 17 and 20 percent, respectively. Barley capsules also have the ability to lower blood pressure in high cholesterol patients. Barley can lower triglycerides as well, and increase healthy or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the body by 9 to 18 percent.

Reducing Heart Disease Risk

The FDA also asserts that any food product containing at least 0.75 g of barley per serving can reduce the risk of heart disease when included in a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats. The grain can be crushed into a powder and added to water or fruit juice, or included in hot or cold breakfast cereals or breads.

Cancer Prevention

Web MD asserts that barley grass can help to prevent cancer of the stomach. And, according to Drugs.com, barley shields tissue cells from carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. The method by which barley protects the body is not completely known; however, medical professionals believe it may have a lot to do with barley grass's high chlorophyll content and antioxidant abilities. Chlorophyll inactivates cancerous organisms in the body, and an antioxidant in green barley juice called superoxide dismutase defends the body against free radicals and radiation.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Cerophyl, a dehydrated form of cereal grains that includes barley, was deemed "accepted food" by the Council of Foods of the American Medical Association in 1939. Cerophyl contains essential vitamins like B12, along with B1, B2 and B6. Vitamin B12 is particularly crucial to vegetarians, as many people who don't eat meat are deficient. High concentrations of beta carotene are present in barley grass juice, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium. Digestive enzymes and amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, are abundant in barley grass as well.

Possible Uses

Barley grass may be an effective treatment for bronchitis, but insufficient evidence is available at this time, according to Web MD. Barley grass contains hordenine, an alkaloid that promotes peripheral blood circulation. Drugs.com states that barley grass can boost immunity and energy and may serve as treatment for HIV infection, although evidence to support this claim is lacking.

What Is the Life Span of a Shih Tzu Dog?

Shih Tzu dogs were originally bred as companion animals for Chinese royalty. The word itself means "lion," alluding to the lion-shaped face of this energetic, outgoing dog. The Shih Tzu breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969.

Features

Standing 8 to 11 inches tall and weighing under 20 pounds, the Shih Tzu is considered a toy breed.

Time Frame

A Shih Tzu has an average life span of 12 to 14 years, although this figure varies based on the individual health and characteristics of the dog.

Considerations

Shih Tzu dogs have a number of genetic problems, including but not limited to hypothyroidism, respiratory problems, intervertebral disk disease, renal cortical hypoplasia and Von Willebrand disease. These can significantly decrease the expected life span of a dog.

Solution

While there is no definitive way to determine how long your dog will live, a proper diet, an exercise routine and veterinary medical care contribute to canine longevity.

Fun Fact

In June 2009, a Shih Tzu from Florida by the name of Smokey was declared the oldest living dog, at the age of 23.

About the Rice Diet Program

The Rice Diet is acclaimed for its rapid weight loss benefits and is also used to treat diabetes, congestive heart failure and hypertension. It isn't a fad diet, as it has been around since 1939, and was developed by a medical researcher at Duke University. Today people pay thousands of dollars to spend a month or more at the Rice Diet Clinic in Durham, NC, but if you have neither the time nor the money to do so, you can always follow the basic Rice Diet plan on your own. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Facts

On the first day on this diet, you must follow the basic rice diet, eating 2 starches and 2 fruits for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the other 6 days you may eat 1 starch, 1 non-fat dairy item and 1 fruit for breakfast and 3 starches, 3 vegetables and 1 fruit for lunch and dinner. Each starch serving can consist of 1 slice of bread, 1/3 cup of cooked rice or beans or 1/2 cup of cooked pasta. Fruit servings can be 1 medium-sized fruit, half a banana, or 1 cup of sliced or chopped fruits, berries or grapes. Vegetable servings amount to 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup uncooked and dairy servings can be 1 cup of nonfat milk or yogurt or 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.

Fluid intake should be about 48 to 64 ounces of non-caffeinated beverages per day. It is permissible to drink wine on this diet, but 3 ounces of red wine could be exchanged for 2 fruit servings, so would reduce overall food consumption. Artificial sweeteners must be limited to about 2 packs of sweetener per day, or the equivalent.

On the Rice Diet, exercise is also an important component of the program, as it is with any sensible weight loss regime. At the Rice Diet clinics the preferred form of exercise is yoga, which is also accompanied by meditation and journaling for complete mind-body wellness experience.

Features

All foods consumed on this diet must be fat-free. The goal is for you to consume 5 grams or less of fat per day, with about 20 grams of protein. You'll also need to limit your sodium intake, as sodium can causes your body to swell up and retain water. Your daily limit of sodium is150 milligrams a day.

Time Frame

Patients at the Rice Diet Clinic are advised to spend from 4 to 6 weeks at the facility, where they adhere strictly to the Rice Diet regime as well as exercising daily and being counseled to support them in their weight loss goals. If you are following the program on your own you can set your own time goals, but you may wish to plan to spend no more than a month or so trying to follow the diet as it is a very strict plan.

Benefits

Patients on the Rice Diet report losing around 5 lbs. per week or 20 lbs. per month. The diet will also improve your health, as reducing the amount of fat in your diet will lower your cholesterol and reducing salt can lower your blood pressure. Lower weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels will reduce strain on your heart, making you look and feel much healthier.

Risk Factors

If you suffer from a chronic illness such as diabetes, you should definitely consult your doctor before beginning the program. Patients at the Rice Diet Clinic lose weight under medical supervision, a wise precaution for any serious dieter. In fact, if you have any type of chronic condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, you should make sure your doctor understands and approves of the diet and advises you of any modifications you may need to make or precautions you should take.
Consult your doctor, as well, if you are taking any types of medications, as this diet should not be followed by anyone taking diuretics of any type. Blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin may need to have their dosages adjusted, as may medications for hypertension and diabetes, particularly as you lose weight on the diet.

The diet can also be difficult for dieters to stick to. The food can be pretty bland, and takes time to prepare. It isn't very convenient for the busy dieter--the strict rules pretty much preclude your being able to eat out for the entire time you're on the diet. This diet is great for people with a lot of willpower, time, and a high tolerance for monotony, but if you are just looking to drop a few pounds in a relatively painless fashion you may need to look elsewhere.

Tomato Soup Diet

When it comes to weight loss, diet recommendations come from everywhere. Weeding through them takes considerable work. You must search out the truth, debunk the myths and choose a plan that works for you. The tomato soup diet is one alternative. Before you try it, though, you need to know what it is and what sort of results you can expect.

The Diet

The Tomato Soup Diet is a short-term diet plan based on the Souper Soup Diet, a diet plan introduced by author Lillie Ross. The diet is closely related to the cabbage soup diet and other soup-based diets.

The diet features unlimited quantities of tomato soup for most meals. The basic recipe calls for mixing equal parts canned tomato soup concentrate and water. Two cans of soup mixed with water produces six cups of soup. Homemade versions vary from one dieter to the next. Most of the homemade soups are based on combining ripe tomatoes with water and seasonings.

You are allowed to supplement the diet with other foods, like fruit, vegetables, chicken and beef, but the soup is the main component of most meals. A sample menu for the Souper Soup Diet--http://www.lillieross.com/soup/soupmenu.html--provides information on foods you can use to supplement your tomato soup diet.

The Results

The Tomato Soup Diet brings results. After all, tomato soup is low in calories and has nearly no fat content. Also, soup fills the stomach. The Mayo Clinic says foods that are dense make you feel full faster than less dense foods, even if the dense foods pack fewer calories.

In just one week, many dieters lose 10 to 15 pounds on the Tomato Soup Diet. The weight loss, though, is not tied to any unique properties of the soup. Instead, weight loss is a result of limited calorie consumption. Some dieters report regaining lost weight after stopping the diet. This sometimes results from binge eating following this highly restrictive diet.

While only a short-term option, the Tomato Soup Diet might be a viable option for someone seeking quick weight loss. For example, a boxer might try it as a means of making weight for a fight. You also might use it to help tame eating habits before beginning a long-term healthy diet.

Considerations

Based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommendations for daily eating, the Tomato Soup Diet lacks sufficient nutrients, such as protein and calcium, which are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. While it might work as a short-term solution, it does not represent a smart choice for prolonged dieting. Restricting nutrients can lead to the loss of muscle mass and bone density. The Tomato Soup Diet also can result in fatigue and has the potential to bring about health problems if dieters stay on the plan for more than a week or two.

The American Dietetic Association calls soup diets a fad. It says no diet based on a single food can reverse weight gain from inactivity or overeating. The association recommends consulting a dietitian for help with weight loss.

How to Do the Avocado Diet

Known by some as the alligator pear, the avocado has been shunned by dieters for all the wrong reasons. Even as it is true that the avocado is a fruit that contains more than 30 grams of fat and is rightfully considered laden with calories, it was recently vindicated. It came to light that the fat contained within the fruit was the good kind of fat that is associated with lowering cholesterol levels and not of the bad, artery-clogging variety! This is encouraging those following a heart-healthy diet to build an entire dietary regimen around this fruit. Follow these easy breakfast and dinner suggestions, and you will learn how to do the avocado diet yourself.

Instructions

The Avocado Diet for Breakfast

1

Collect the ingredients you need for this breakfast dish. You need slices of whole wheat bread, a small avocado, a couple of slices of lean turkey lunchmeat, a sliced tomato, a lettuce leaf, and some cubed melon. Augment this breakfast with a tall glass of low-fat or non-fat soymilk, or rice milk.

2

Toast the whole wheat bread slices in your toaster. When the bread is finished, set them aside.

3

Cut open the avocado and scoop out the meat with the spoon. Discard the seed and the outer shell.

4

Place the avocado meat into the bowl. Use the potato masher to gently mash the avocado until it is creamy. It is not necessary to add salt since the lunchmeat is usually salty, but this is up to you.

5

Wash and slice the tomato.

6

Spread the mashed avocado onto the bread slices, and top with the lettuce leaf, lunch meat and sliced tomato.

7

Cut a couple of slices of melon into cubes, and serve them alongside the sandwich. This is a satisfying sandwich, and by using avocado spread instead of butter or mayonnaise, you are not only saving calories and reducing the saturated fats that you usually consume in the morning, but you also increase your intake of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins.

The Avocado Diet for Dinner

8

Assemble the ingredients for this dinner. You need a small avocado (thinly sliced), a large carrot (thinly sliced), some fresh spinach and fresh kale, a hardboiled egg (sliced) and some walnut pieces. A salmon fillet or other piece of grilled or poached fish rounds out the repast. Since this dinner is rich in protein and fat, it will be a satisfying meal that prevents the late-night munchies.

9

Take your knife and carefully cut a small avocado in half on your cutting board. Spoon out the meat of the avocado, and remove the seed. Discard the seed and skin. Thinly slice the avocado. Place the slices in a bowl.

10

Wash and thinly slice a large carrot. You might find that it is easier to purchase pre-sliced, ready-to-eat carrots. Even as they are more expensive, they do cut down on the preparation time of your dinner salad. Place the sliced carrot in the bowl with the avocado slices.

11

Boil an egg in your pot for about 12 minutes. Rinse it under cold water and remove the shell. After it has a chance to cool, cut it into thin slices and add it to the bowl with the avocado and carrot.

12

Wash and rinse your fresh spinach and kale leaves. Since spinach is notorious for containing a lot of sand, make sure you wash it a couple of times to remove all of the debris completely. To make life a bit easier, you could opt for prewashed and prepackaged spinach, which can be found at your supermarket. Pat dry the spinach and the kale leaves, rip them into bite-sized pieces, and place them in the bowl.

13

Toss in the walnut pieces, and round out the salad with an olive oil spray or vinaigrette of your choosing. This salad is filling, and because of the avocados fat content, your body will absorb all of the fat soluble vitamins contained in the individual ingredients, namely vitamins A, D, E and K.

14

Poach a fillet of fish in the microwave, and serve it alongside the salad.