Monday, April 25, 2011

800 Calorie Diet Menu and Meal Plan

One successful way to get rid of the excess pounds is to reduce your calorie intake. When the calorie count that you consume is lesser than the average, normal calorie intake it will lead to weight loss. A number of diet plans are available to help us consume fewer calories than we usually do. The 800 calorie diet menu and meal plan is one such diet plans which limit the calorie intake of a person to 800 calories per day. This diet plan falls under the category of Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) and should never be practiced without the approval and monitoring of your doctor. This diet plan is only recommended for people who are dangerously overweight and for people whose obesity may lead to life threatening situations. Doctors recommend this diet for people whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 30. People who take this diet usually lose 3-5 pounds per week and a total of around 50 pounds in twelve weeks.
This diet should not be tried by anyone at home. Getting a doctor's recommendation is mandatory with this diet plan, as the calorie intake per day is dangerously low and taking this diet without medical supervision can lead to many medical complications. Never ever follow this diet without your doctor's approval.
How is the 800 calorie diet menu formulated?
The 800 calorie diet menu and meal plan is generically formulated by replacing most of the regular food with meal replacement supplements and liquid diets. The exact diet formulation will be designed by your physician depending on a lot of factors like your weight, age, medical conditions etc. He will give all the details about what to eat and when and will also ask to see you every two weeks or so when you are taking the diet. You will be completely monitored during this period by your doctor. Because of the drastic calorie reduction, your blood pressure, pulse, changes in weight are closely followed and recorded by the physician. Moreover blood tests are also taken every two weeks to make sure that you are alright. The doctor will also recommend behavioral therapy and physical training exercises as a part of the diet plan. So you can understand how dangerous and foolish it would be to take these diets by our own without the support of a doctor.
800 calorie diet menus:
Furnished below are a few well known 800 calorie diets.
  • Medifast: This diet plan is endorsed by John Hopkins University and the calorie intake when following this plan is limited to 800-1000 calories per day. Therefore this is strictly not a VLCD.
  • Optifast: This difficult to follow diet plan is widely practiced in a lot of clinics in the US and Canada.
  • The Cambridge diet: This diet has a very low calorie level of around 400-600 calories and is used in the UK.
Medifast:
The Medifast meal plan is made of up to five meal replacements a day. Meals can be substituted with bars, soups, shakes and oat meals. Besides this, the meal plan also recommends one meal per day that constitutes of lean meat and two cups of vegetable salad. A minimum of 64oz of fluids should be consumed in a day and it is better to consume some fluid every two to three hours.
Optifast:
This program followed in clinics comprises of the following: 
  • Initial medical analysis before the diet is launched and continuous monitoring when the diet is being followed.
  • Counseling on behavior, lifestyle and nutrition that need to be followed to maintain the weight.
  • A predominantly liquid diet.
  • Regular physical activity.
This program is offered as a 26 week plan during which care is taken to ensure that the person taking the diet properly transitions to the regular meals.
The Cambridge Diet:
The Cambridge diet is a very low calorie diet and should not be tried without medical supervision. In this diet plan, regular meals are replaced with precise amounts of vitamins, calories and nutrients that are available as bars or in sachets. Copious amounts of water should be consumed to keep the metabolism balanced and to avoid constipation.
Side effects:
Following the 800 calorie diet will have a lot of side effects as there is a steep reduction in the calorie intake. People following the 800 calorie diet plan usually complain of fatigue, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. There is also a possibility of serious complications like gall-bladder stones if the weight loss process is too quick. So it is very critical to follow this diet plan along with medical supervision. Be aware that this diet plan is a risky endeavor and so never ever try to do this all by ourselves and put your health at jeopardy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Kern 

What's On the Dukan Diet Menu?

Let's see what we have on the menu at various phases of the Dukan Diet:
Attack Phase:
Eat reduced fat protein only. Drink plenty of water, tea and coffee (unsweetened) and zero calorie/diet soda. The protein can be attained in the form of meat (low-fat beef, chicken, turkey, fish), but additionally, there are dairy options (e.g. zero-fat yogurt and cottage cheese, etc) and vegetarian/vegan alternatives (e.g. eggs and tofu). You may season your protein with anything that is zero fat and zero carbs, like salt, vinegar, onions, mustard, normal spices (oregano, basil, pepper, etc.) and so forth. You also add some oat bran (1.5 tablespoons each day) to the mix. In the attack phase, the only thing that may cross your lips is the protein, the oat bran and the water.
Cruise Phase:
Let's identify what's on the menu in this phase:
You persist with the oat bran (2 tablespoons daily), the water and the walking (which increases to 30 minutes per day, energetically). In phase 2, the vegetables permitted are restricted because some vegetables contain a lot of carbohydrates. Vegetables like carrots, peas, corn and potatoes are out, as a result, green is in. So what you might normally find in a salad is alright, including: Lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Also permitted are vegetables like green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus and celery. You are able to eat them raw, or steam them, or boil them. Your menu could include soups or stews that combine protein and vegetables. The menu is sure to include salads.
Consolidation Phase:
Its time to maintain weight so let's see what we can eat now:
The consolidation phase adds a small amount of fruit, bread and cheese to the mix, in addition to one "celebration meal" per week. A Normal menu for the week looks like this:
1) Proceed taking in protein as well as vegetables to your heart's desire. They are always on the menu.
2) You receive one fruit every day, but you are in search of the watery fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, etc.
3) You will get two slices of whole-grain bread. In the event you must have butter, make it low-fat. Be stingy with the butter.
4) You will enjoy one helping of carbs each week. This could be pasta or rice.
5) Your menu expands to add in one "celebration meal" every week, where anything goes. But really, if you are dropping a significant amount of weight, it's been 6 or 8 months since you've eaten real food. Do you really want to mess it up now? Perhaps when you travel, this meal will allow you to eat one ordinary restaurant meal a week. As you proceed to the second part of Phase 3, you get two of these "celebration meals" every week.
Stabilization Phase:
The program might be a ambiguous here. It says, "Go back to eating anything you like, but continue using the fundamental rules of the Consolidation Phase as a safety platform (eat unlimited protein and vegetables, one portion of fruit every day, two slices of whole meal bread, a portion of cheese, two starchy foods and two celebration meals each week)." There's a big difference between "consuming anything you like" and consuming the Phase 3 diet. So let's review: Follow a phase 3 diet, except on Thursday. On Thursday you eat nothing-but-protein. You continue walking everyday.
Some tasty recipes to make your diet worth it:
Chicken with Mustard and Thyme
This is a simple but yummy and valuable recipe.
Coat skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks with Dijon mustard and thyme with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Encase the chicken pieces loosely in a foil package and bake in a medium oven until cooked completely.
Chicken Meatloaf
Mix a couple of cups full of cooked chicken with some fresh herbs, a couple of tablespoons of fat free cottage cheese, 1 egg and pepper and salt to taste.
Spoon mixture into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees, for about 15 - 20 minutes.
Chill and serve.
Zucchini Soup - Serves 4
Ingredients:
Zucchini, large, 4 pieces
Carrots, peeled, 1 piece
Onion, large, 1 piece
Turnip, 1 piece
Vegetable bouillon cube, 1 piece
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Dice all the vegetables after washing and peeling them. Place them in a pan with water and the vegetable bouillon cube. Permit them to cook for approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Once tender, puree the vegetables to produce a smooth soup. Enjoy steaming hot.

Affordable Diet Pills That Work

Quality weight loss pills are not hard to find. Nor are they as expensive as they may seem. You can find affordable diet pills that work for you. You can find the right diet pills for the right price. There are several weight loss pills on the market that are available to meet specific needs. Shopping on-line for your diet pills may be the best route to go.
Take the time to research the diet pills which will best suit your needs. After you do this, decide how much you are wiling pay for the weight loss pills you want. Most product carriers will offer a higher and lower price amount for the brands they are selling. Consider the quantity or size of the bottle for the amount you will be paying. Make sure what you order suits the need you have and accommodates your supply and demand.
Find out how much quantity comes in each bottle or package that you order. Also, find out how long each supply will last before you will have to order some more. Most companies offer automatic shipping of the items they have until you stop the order. When you place your original order, it may be a good idea to ask all the questions you need before finalizing your purchase.
There are affordable diet pills that work in a variety of forms to suit the individual need of the person. You can find the best on the market without breaking your savings account. There are weight loss pills on the market for water reduction, burning fat, increasing metabolism, building muscle, suppressing appetite, regaining momentum and energy, rapid weight reduction, and detoxing the body of impurities.
While you do not want to blow your budget, you should not have to sacrifice quality for price. Going with the cheapest brand may not be in your best interest. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. You also want to be careful not purchase weight loss pills that do not come with a guarantee, trial period, or a 30-day risk free offer. Going too cheap on weight loss pills could put you at risk of facing higher side effects or not getting the results you want.
When choosing affordable diet pills that work best for you, be careful not to sacrifice quality for quantity. Make sure the product you select is the most effective for the needs you have. If your focus is to have diet pills that burn fat and increase muscle simultaneously, than you will want to avoid the weight loss pills that solely work on rapid weight loss. Make sure you are getting the right diet pills for the price you are paying.
In summary, finding affordable diet pills that work may take a little research, but they are not hard to find. Consider the price you are willing to pay for weight loss pills you need. Purchase according to the supply and demand you will have. Do not sacrifice quality for quantity. Remember, going too cheap could be matter of putting your health on the line. This is not simply a choice to lose weight. It is an investment you are making in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_Kenny 

EODD Diet Vs Traditional Diets

The EODD diet, which stands for The Every Other Day Diet is a fresh approach to dieting it utilizes calorie cycling in a way that is unique and fun but how does it stack up against traditional dieting? If you are serious about losing weight read this comparison and find out.
The Every Other Day Diet
Advantages:
  • No Plateauing
  • Feed days where you can eat most any thing you want including pizza, burgers and fries
  • Three different plans so you can lose at three different speeds
  • 60 day money back guarantee
  • Easy to follow
  • Easy to stick with
  • Does not rely on will power
  • Great Health Education
  • Free gifts upon signing up
The last item, free gifts, is really amazing.  These gifts are not cheap trinkets.  The include:
  • Perfect Posture in 30 Days! by Vince Delmonte, CPT
  • Cholesterol LIES! The Truth about Cholesterol And Your Health That Doctors Do Not Want You To Know! by Dr. Duane Graveline MD
  • Hormones 101! What You Really Need to Know About Natural Hormone Health by Dr. Holly Lucille, with Jon Benson
  • Your FREE Online Virtual Exercise Demonstrator! by Vince Delmonte, CPT
  • Skinny Mini Meals 80 Super-Fast Recipes That Anyone Can Prepare For A Leaner Waistline...At Any Age! by "The Body Sculptress" Angela Ursprung
  • Female Power! How Any Woman Can Attain a Feminine, Firm and Fit Body by Kelli Calabrese(with Scott Colby, CSCS)
  • The Fitness Primer Hypnotic Audio: Preparing You For A Fitter Future! by Rick Beneteau
  • The No-Struggle Plan! Getting Things Handled Once And For All by Mathes Jones
  • Lifetime Free Updates of The Every Other Day Diet!

Disadvantages:There are three things that you need to bring to the table in order to be successful with The Every Other Day Diet.  Here they are as quoted from the Every Other Day Diet:
1) You must be dedicated: Anytime you wish to implement changes into your life, you need to be dedicated. The less extreme the change, the less dedication is required. Nonetheless, you need to be serious about making a change if you wish to be successful with the EODD.
 
2) You must be willing to do some form of exercise. Sorry, but there's no other way. While you don't have to do anything extreme, you must do something.3) You must be reasonable: As our intrepid authors point out, you didn't get into "this shape" in a couple of weeks or months, so how can you expect to lose it all within that time frame.
Traditional diets
Traditional Diets are diets that rely on simply lowering you caloric intake below the level of your caloric output.  An example of this kind of diet is Strip That Fat diet guide.  The advantages of this type of dieting are:
  • You control the diet
  • You chose the foods you want to eat--not the amount
  • You create your own menus
  • 60 day money back guarantee
  • Proven Track Record
  • Great Health Education
  • Free lifetime updates and access to menu generator

Disadvantages:
  • Your success depends on your will power
  • Plateauing
  • Only 1 to 2 pounds of fat per week
  • No "feed days"
  • Your metabolism slows as you reduce your caloric intake.

One last wordI have tried both diets and for me, The Every Other Day Diet was the clear winner because I could have feed days which allowed me to go out with friends to restaurants and enjoy the holidays with out being the one in the corner with the "special" plate of food.  This factor alone makes this "The Easiest Diet In The World."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_Walker 

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Microbiotic Diet - A Low Fat Way of Dieting

There are many diets to consider when you wish to change your eating habits, lifestyle, health, and weight.
George Ohsawa, who promoted that a simple lifestyle produced positive health benefits, created the microbiotic diet. The diet was comprised of ten restrictive steps, forcing the dieter to exhibit a great deal of self-control.
For example, the last stage of the microbiotic diet involves the dieter consuming only brown rice and water. Diet planners, due to its excessive restriction no longer suggest this first version of the microbiotic diet.
Well Being
The microbiotic diet appeals to some because it not only focuses on the physical well being of a dieter, but also deals with the spiritual and planetary aspects of health.
The microbiotic way of dieting is low in fat, as well as high in fibre. Vegetarians could easily follow this diet because the diet places emphasis on vegetables and whole grains.
The microbiotic diet calls for low amounts of sugar, dairy items, and meat.
Soy products
Soy products are also an integral part of the diet because they contain phytoestrogens, thought to have positive effects on cholesterol levels, menopause, as well as some types of cancers. This is why patients who are suffering from cancer or other chronic diseases have followed this strict regimen.
The phytoestrogens may also prove beneficial in the prevention of estrogen-related cancers like breast cancer. It is important not to confuse this healthy way of eating with a cure for serious medical conditions and diseases.
Whole Grains
When following the microbiotic diet, 50-60% of each meal will consist of whole grains, including brown rice, barley, millet, rye, corn and buckwheat. This diet allows an occasional meal with rolled oats, noodles, pasta, bread or baked products.
Soup
Each day, 1 to 2 bowls or cups of soup are required. It is suggested that a dieter choose shoyu or miso, which contains fermented soybeans.
Vegetables
Vegetables make up 25-30% of the daily food intake, where 1/3 of the vegetables should be eaten in their raw state. Boiling, steaming, baking or sautéing should prepare any other vegetable portions.
Beans
10% of the daily food intake should consist of cooked beans. Bean products such as tofu or tempeh can also be eaten.
Cooking Oil
The most common cooking oil used when preparing meals is dark sesame oil. Additional oils to consider include light sesame oil, corn oil, as well as mustard seed oil.
Flavourings
Natural sea salt, shoyu, brown rice vinegar, grated ginger root, fermented pickles, roasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions are some of the seasonings that can be used when adding flavor to foods.
When it comes to animal by-products while on the microbiotic diet, small amounts of fish or seafood are acceptable each week.
Dieters should stay away from eggs, dairy, meat, and poultry.
When eating fish or seafood, microbiotic dieters should consume horseradish, wasabi, ginger, or mustard in order to aid in the detoxification process against the effects of the seafood.
Other foods allowed while on the microbiotic diet include the moderate consumption of seeds or nuts, as well as desserts such as apples and dried food.
Dieters should not consume sugar, honey, molasses, chocolate, or carob.
Fruit
Several times a week, the diet permits fruit such as pears, peaches, apricots, grapes, berries, and melons. Avoid tropical fruits, such as pineapples and mangoes.
The microbiotic diet can be tailored to fit individuals depending on their age, gender, health concerns, as well as climate and seasonal factors.
Side Effects
There are a few side effects associated with this diet. Certain nutrients are not absorbed into the body through this diet, such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, and calcium. This can affect a dieter by lowering their energy levels, as well as lead to health complications.
Some nutritionists frown upon this diet because they feel it is too restrictive.

Alkaline Diet and Cancer - Cancer Cells Cannot Live In An Alkaline Environment

Ever wondered why the heart never gets a cancer. The heart might get affected eventually by cancer of any other part of the body but we never hear of cancer of the heart. This is because the heart never gets cancer. Alkaline diet is perhaps the only permanent way to prevent and rid oneself of cancer.
Let us understand what causes cancer and how an alkaline diet can prevent it. Each cell in our body takes in oxygen, nutrients and glucose while throws out toxins. These cells are protected by the immune system. But as the body gets acidic the immune system gets overpowered by the toxins and the cell looses its capacity to take in oxygen and thus ferments. This cell gets cancer affected and is lost. The next question is can cancer be prevented and cured by consuming a diet with less acid and more alkaline. Cancer cells lie dormant in a ph of 7.4 but as the body gets alkalized higher and the ph level reaches 8.4 these malignant cells die off. So the answer to cancer lies in an extremely alkaline diet. With the right consumption leading to a high alkaline body ph the cancer cells cannot live in that environment and die off.
Cancer cells being anaerobic cannot live in oxygen. They can only thrive in very low oxygen conditions. When the ph of the body is maintained by consuming an alkaline diet the immune system of the body stays strong. This leads to the cells getting enough oxygen and discarding their toxin waste. Cancer will neither thrive nor take birth under such circumstances.
How does an alkaline diet prevent cancer? Such a diet leads to a high alkaline body ph. This high alkaline body ph results in alkaline tissues in the body. Alkaline tissues hold 20 times more oxygen than acidic tissues. Cancer cannot live in an oxygenated atmosphere. If the cells are oxygen rich they will prevent cancer. Therefore while an acidic tissue will be an ideal ground for cancer to develop as well as spread, an alkaline tissue will destroy a cancer cell. Having a lot of green vegetables and fruits along with alkaline water can save you from cancer. To give your body the best alkaline/acidic balance requires one to eat foods that are highly alkalizing while avoiding the acidifying foods.
An alkaline diet is very beneficial in fighting many diseases apart from cancer. Alkaline supplements are good ways to include alkaline food in your diet. Over cooking of vegetables leads to their nutrients being destroyed. Alkaline supplements make sure one gets enough alkalizing foods in a day. Also alkaline water is a good alternative to ordinary water. So if you want your body to be cancer free as well as healthy and energetic adopt an alkaline diet and make it your way of life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Johnson 

3 Day Tuna Fish Diet - Menu and Diet Plan

If you've put on a little weight recently and need to drop off some of the excess, you might like to consider this plan which is a 3 day tuna fish diet and aims to reduce your weight quickly by up to 10 lbs. It is one of the most popular diets to be found online, requiring only foodstuffs readily available in your local supermarket, as well as being simple and easy to prepare.
The tuna fish diet has been attributed to a number of sources, including a hospital in Alabama, and is known by a number of names, such as the 3 Day Cardiac Diet and the Alabama Diet. The plan works on the principle of chemical breakdown, so when using it try to avoid substituting other foods.
Keep in mind that the 3 day tuna fish diet is intended to be followed for only 3 days at a time to achieve a quick weight loss and is not meant to be a sustainable food plan for a longer period. After 3 days, return to a healthy plan that offers continuing benefits.
DIET PLAN
Use only salt and pepper as seasonings. Drink plenty of water. Eight cups a day is recommended.
First Day:
Breakfast - A slice of toast with two teaspoons of peanut butter, 1/2 a grapefruit and a cup of black tea or coffee.
Lunch - A slice of toast with two teaspoons of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of tuna and a cup of black tea or coffee.
Dinner - A small apple, one cup of ice cream (low fat), one cup of green beans, one cup of beets, one serving of chicken breast without the skin.
Second Day
Breakfast - A slice of toast, one boiled or poached egg, half a banana, and a cup of black tea or coffee.
Lunch - A cup of black tea or coffee, six saltine crackers, one cup of tuna.
Dinner - One cup of broccoli, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of ice cream, 1/2 cup of carrots. 2 hot dogs.
Third Day
Breakfast - A cup of black tea or coffee, five saltine crackers, one apple and a slice of cheddar cheese.
Lunch - A boiled or poached egg and a slice of toast
Dinner - One cup of beets and a cup of cauliflower, one cup of tuna, 1/2 cup of ice cream and 1/2 a cantaloupe.
Do not snack between meals. This is a diet that is restricted in calories (about 1,000) and nutrients so also take a multi vitamin tablet each day. Although the diet plan is easily followed, after three days you may start to feel hungry and you should return to a normal healthy diet. For sustained weight loss, consider a plan that involves a change in eating habits that will provide long term benefits. A very good one involves calorie shifting and balanced nutrients and takes into account your own food preferences so that you will be able to persist with the program over a longer period for lasting benefits.
The 3 day tuna fish diet offers a lot of convenience, is free, and is readily available. However, the restricted calories and nutrients mean that it is not suitable as a program for maintaining good health and sustained weight loss. If you wish to develop a slimmer, more attractive shape that you can retain, consider a weight reduction plan that does not require you to fight hunger pangs and produces fat loss as well as early water loss.