If you think a vegan diet automatically equals a healthy diet, think again!

True it can be packed with veggies, but if youve ever met the vegan with a Diet Coke in one hand and a chocolate brownie (sans the eggs and butter, of course) in the other, you know it can be a thoroughly unhealthy diet.

A vegan diet, by definition, excludes all animal products. No animal flesh. No milk from cows, goats, sheep or other mammals. No eggs. Not even honey. Whats left can vary tremendously from one vegan to the next.

Often people do choose to adhere to a vegan diet for health reasons, but others want to eat lower on the food chain out of respect for animals or to minimize their carbon footprint and help protect the environment.(1)

Thanks to the Seventh Day Adventists and the epidemiologists who studied them, we now have compelling evidence that a vegan diet can be healthier than one that includes meat and fish. Many Seventh Day Adventists follow their churchs doctrine that recommends a vegetarian diet. The researchers found that, compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians (including vegans and lacto-ovovegetarians) were much less likely to get colon cancer or prostatecancer, or to die from cardiovascular disease or breast cancer.

Among men,lacto-ovo vegetarians (they eat dairy and eggs) were 15% less likely to die from any cause compared with non-vegetarians, and there seemed to be some added benefit to being vegan, as this group was 18% less likely to die from any cause versus the non-vegetarians.(2)

Other studies have looked at the gut microbiota (ie, the bacteria in our stool) in people with different diets and have found that the microbiome in those who eat meat differs from vegetarians, and further differs from that in vegans. Research indicates that the vegan gut has fewer inflammatory bacteria, and more species that protect against inflammation, obesity and type 2 diabetes.(3)

A number of smaller studies reveal additional benefits of the vegan diet, such as one where sedentary people on a raw vegan diet appear to be as heart healthy as the non-vegetarian endurance runners(4). Another research study found that a vegan diet along with support groups and lifestyle changes helped men with prostate cancer control the disease.(5)

But there is such variety in the vegan diets studied and associated interventions that it is hard to make generalizations.

There are strong theoretical reasons to think that there is value in consuming a vegan diet.

For example, the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 fatty acids is ideally no higher than 4:1, but a review article found that, on average, the ratio was 7.65:1 for grain-fed beef and 1.53:1 for grass-fed beef.(6) A study of chickens fed cereal-based feed also had lower omega-3 fatty acid levels compared with the birds given access to pasture.(7)

Diets high in animal protein have been associated with numerous chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and possibly osteoporosis, cancer and overall mortality.(8-12)

Ninety percent of human ingestion of dioxins occurs through animal food. These contaminants increase risk for cancer and developmental, immunologic, and endocrine toxicity.(13) Mercury, another toxin prevalent in our oceans, accumulates in many fish, and can be harmful to our nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys.(14)

One benefit of animal protein is that unlike plant-based protein, animal protein is a complete protein, meaning you get adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own when you eat it.

Vegans have to work harder to consume adequate amounts of complete protein because plant-based proteins are almost all low in one to three essential amino acids. However, any combination of two types of vegan protein in a day (eg, legumes and seeds, or legumes and whole grains, or nuts and seeds, or whole grains and nuts) provides the necessary combination of essential amino acids.(15)

One pitfall to look out for is vegan protein powders. Most powders are not optimized with branch-chain amino acids, and therefore are not highly bioavailable and not a great source of protein. This is why Parsley Healths professional-grade pea-and-rice based Rebuild protein powder is superior to most powders it has been optimized with the addition of the amino acids like leucine required to make it a complete protein.

Another common argument for consuming animal products particularly dairy is calcium. However, on review of studies of dairy and bone strength, the totality of evidence does not point to dairy as necessary. Vegans can get plenty of calcium from their diet without supplements by consuming dark green vegetables and nuts or seeds daily.

Especially good foods are collard greens, kale, almonds and sunflower seeds. Not only that, but they dont need as much calcium as meat-eaters. Thats because animal flesh is acidic, forcing calcium stored in the body (eg, in bones) to be drawn into the bloodstream to buffer the acid.

There are a few nutrients that you do need to pay attention to if you want to try a vegan diet safely.

The first one is vitamin B12. Unless you are eating some really buggy lettuce (which one might argue would make you less than vegan), there is no way to get sufficient B12 as a vegan and it is important to take a supplement, such as our vegan Rebuild protein powder which contains a complete multivitamin.

Iron is also worth consideration, in particular for menstruating women. Although there are many plant-based sources of iron, it is harder for the body to absorb vegan-sources of iron than animal-based sources, so supplementation might be needed.

Next, Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in certain plant-based foods, like flax, walnuts, chia and hemp seeds. However, our bodies are only able to convert small amounts of plant-based omega-3s into the most beneficial forms our bodies need DHA and EPA. Incomparison, it is much easier to absorb DHA and EPA directly from fish and pasture-raised eggs and meat.

Finally, there is almost no vitamin D in a vegan diet, and most of us (vegan or not) are Vitamin D deficient as we dont get a lot of sun exposure. The better supplemental form of vitamin D is D3, rather than D2. Though D3 frequently comes from animal sources (eg, lanolin from sheeps wool or fish oil) there is a plant-derived D3 from lichen.We recommend routine testing for all vegans and vegetarians to ensure they are getting adequate nutritional support.

On countless occasions I have identified B12, iron and Vitamin D deficiency in my vegan patients which we were easily able to correct with the right supplements, allowing them to safely stay with their vegan diet.

Diets impact more than our bodies, they can impact our mental health powerfully. For example, I had a 52-year-old patient who started a vegan diet high in veggies and without refined grains or sugar. As a result, her bipolar disorder was the best controlled it had ever been, allowing her to finally feel well, mentally and physically, on her medication.

I had another 62-year-old patient who had a cardiac stent placed for a clogged artery and chest pain. Despite the stent and no evidence of any more clogged vessels, the chest pain persisted, but a few months after he started a vegan diet, his chest pain resolved. Dean Ornish, MD, did pioneer work in this area, showing that a vegetarian diet (low-fat, no sugar in this study), along with exercise, stress management, and psychosocial support could successfully reduce angina symptoms and reverse the accumulation of plaque in peoples arteries.(16)

In her book, Radical Remission, Kelly Turner, PhD, wrote about people with cancer who used only alternative means to recover from cancer, and for some, this involved adhering to a plant-based diet high in vegetables and no sugar, meat, dairy and refined foods.(17)

People are unique in terms of what makes them feel well and their comfort with different dietary plans. If you are interested in seeing what effect a vegan diet has on you, do it with the guidance of someone who has experience finding vegan foods that are healthy, satisfying and filled with a sufficient variety of nutrients.

Notice how you feel after 3 weeks on it. Check immune markers such as your white blood cell count and high sensitivity c-reactive protein, as well as cholesterol, to see what impact it has on these markers for some people the positive effects are astounding.

The ideal vegan diet consists of whole foods, lots of vegetables, and nearly zero refined grains and sweets. If you want to try it, just be sure to plan ahead before making this transition, so you dont end up reaching for that vegan chocolate brownie instead of a handful of walnuts when youre hankering for a snack, and keep in mind which nutrients you might need to supplement.

If done this way it can potentially decrease your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and some cancers.

Need to get started with a few delicious vegan recipes? Start your day off by making our Pumpkin Pie Smoothie,check out our Simple Plant-Powered Meals for lunch and dinner ideas or whip up a batch of ourPeanut Butter Energy Balls for the perfect snack!

References:

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The Vegan Diet Done Safely - Parsley Health

Food ForThought QuizFood and Your Bones Osteoporosis Nutrition Guidelines

The food that you eat can affect your bones. Learning about the foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that are important for your bone health and overall health will help you make healthier food choices every day. Use the chart below for examples of the different types of food you should be eating every day.

If you eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables, you should get enough of the nutrients you need every day, but if youre not getting the recommended amount from food alone, you may need to complement your diet by taking multivitamins or supplements.

Leafy greens and other nutrient-rich foods are good for your bones.

Recent research has found that olive oil, soy beans, blueberries and foods rich in omega-3s, like fish oil and flaxseed oil may also have bone boosting benefits. While additional research is needed before the link between these foods and bone health can definitively be made, the many overall health benefits of these foods make them excellent choices to add to your diet. Studies have also shown that a moderate intake of certain alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like wine, beer and tea may also be good for your bones. More research is also needed to better help us to better understand the relationship between these drinks and bone health.

While beans contain calcium, beans contain magnesium, fiber and other nutrients, they are also high in substances called phytates. Phytates interfere with your bodys ability to absorb the calcium that is contained in beans. You can reduce the phytate level by soaking beans in water for several hours and then cooking them in fresh water.

Its important to get enough, but not too much protein for bone health and overall health. Many older adults do not get enough protein in their diets and this may be harmful to bones. However, special high protein diets that contain multiple servings of meat and protein with each meal can also cause the body to lose calcium. You can make up for this loss by getting enough calcium for your bodys needs. For example dairy products, although high in protein, also contain calcium that is important for healthy bones.

Eating foods that have a lot of salt (sodium) causes your body to lose calcium and can lead to bone loss. Try to limit the amount of processed foods, canned foods and salt added to the foods you eat each day. To learn if a food is high in sodium, look at the Nutrition Facts label. if it lists 20% or more for the % Daily Value, it is high in sodium. Aim to get no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

Your body doesnt absorb calcium well from foods that are high in oxalates (oxalic acid) such as spinach. Other foods with oxalates are rhubarb, beet greens and certain beans. These foods contain other healthy nutrients, but they just shouldnt be counted as sources of calcium.

Like beans, wheat bran contains high levels of phytates which can prevent your body from absorbing calcium. However, unlike beans 100% wheat bran is the only food that appears to reduce the absorption of calcium in other foods eaten at the same time. For example, when you have milk and 100% wheat bran cereal together, your body can absorb some, but not all, of the calcium from the milk. The wheat bran in other foods like breads is much less concentrated and not likely to have a noticeable impact on calcium absorption. If you take calcium supplements, you may want to take them two or more hours before or after eating 100% wheat bran.

Drinking heavily can lead to bone loss. Limit alcohol to no more than 2 3 drinks per day.

Coffee, tea and soft drinks (sodas) contain caffeine, which may decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss. Choose these drinks in moderation.

Drinking more than three cups of coffee every day may interfere with calcium absorption and cause bone loss.

Some studies suggest that colas, but not other soft drinks, are associated with bone loss. While more research will help us to better understand the link between soft drinks and bone health, here is what we know:

To learn more about other foods that may be good for your bones, visit PubMed.gov, an online service of the US National Library of Medicine, to find research studies on nutrition and bone health.

View original post here:
Osteoporosis Diet & Nutrition: Foods for Bone Health

2. Calcium & Vitamin D

Strive for three servings of calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods a day. These nutrients often occur together in foods, especially dairy.

Calcium and vitamin D work together in your body, primarily to strengthen your bones. But if the latest research is any indication, both of these nutrients may flex some muscle in your weight loss success. Dairy foods are the prime source of calcium and vitamin D in the diet. In a study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, college students who came closest to meeting the three-a-day dairy requirement while eating an otherwise healthy diet weighed less, gained less, and actually lost belly fat, compared with students who consumed little or no dairy.

Moreover, vitamin D by itself may play a role in weight control. Extra body fat holds on to vitamin D so that the body cant use it. This perceived deficiency interferes with the action of the hormone leptin, whose job is to tell your brain that youre full. And if you cant recognize when youre satiated, youre more likely to overeat.

You may also want to consider a vitamin D supplement. The latest research suggests that this nutrient may be a factor in protecting you from everything from heart disease to memory loss and even chronic pain. Evidence is mounting that we need more than the current recommended intakes, especially as we age, because older skin produces less vitamin D (and sunscreens block the bodys ability to use sunlight to produce this vitamin). Thats why the leading experts in vitamin D research are now recommending a daily supplement of 1,000 IU of vitamin Dthe kind most readily used by the body.

Daily Recommended Calcium IntakeMen and women ages 19-50: 1,000 milligramsMen and women age 51+: 1,200 milligrams

Daily Recommended Vitamin D IntakeMen and women ages 19-50: 200 IUMen and women ages 51-70: 400 IUMen and women age 71+: 600 IU

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6 Eating Rules For Faster Weight Loss - prevention.com

The Pritikin Eating Plan uses the latest scientific research to provide dietary guidelines that will help you avoid and often reverse diseases that can rob you of the good health you need to enjoy a good life.

Below is a quick summary of the Pritikin Diet. For all the details, scroll down to the section entitled Food Choices For a Lifetime Of Good Health.

The Pritikin Diet focuses on a wide variety of whole (unprocessed) or minimally processed foods. Click on the GO tab for these foods.

CAUTION and STOP foods on the Pritikin Diet are those that have been proven to increase the risk of obesity and/or multiple health concerns, including high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.

Go FoodsCaution FoodsStop Foods

The Pritikin Diet focuses on a wide variety of whole (unprocessed) or minimally processed foods.

CAUTION foods on the Pritikin Diet are those that have been proven to increase the risk of obesity and/or multiple health concerns, including high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.

STOP foods on the Pritikin Diet are those that have been proven to substantially increase the risk of obesity and/or multiple health concerns, including high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers.

5 or more servings daily of whole grains (such as whole wheat, oats, rye, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and millet); starchy vegetables (like potatoes, yams, and winter squashes); chestnuts; and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils). A serving is 1/2 cup cooked. For whole-grain bread products (like breads, bagels, and crackers), a serving is 1 ounce, which is generally half a common portion.

Limit refined grains (like white bread, white rice, and white pasta) as much as possible. But keep in mind that white does not necessarily mean unhealthy. There are many healthy foods that are white, such as cauliflower, white potatoes, jicama, and nonfat yogurt.

5 (preferably more) servings daily. A serving is 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked. Enjoy a variety of colors, like dark green, yellow, red, and orange vegetables. The more vegetables and other low-calorie-dense foods you eat, the less need there is for counting calories. Youll just naturally eat fewer calories, and shed excess weight.

4 or more servings of whole fruits daily. For most fruits, a serving fits in your hand. Examples include all fresh and raw fruits, and frozen and canned fruits without added sugar. Enjoy whole fruit, not fruit juices. And dont believe silly science that says fruit is fattening. To the contrary! People have shed 100 pounds and more with Pritikins fruit-rich diet.

2 servings daily of dairy foods and/or dairy substitutes.

For dairy foods, choose from nonfat milk (1 cup), nonfat yogurt (3/4 cup), and nonfat varieties of ricotta and cottage cheese (1/2 cup). Choose plain nonfat milk, not flavored varieties like chocolate. Nonfat Lactaid is also acceptable.

For dairy milk substitutes, choose those that closely match the nutritional richness of nonfat cows milk for calcium, vitamins D and B-12, and protein. Optimal choices tend to be fortified soymilks (original or unsweetened). Almond and rice milks usually score well for calcium, D, and B-12, but poorly for protein. So if you drink a cup of almond or rice milk, add to your daily diet a lean, protein-rich food like 1/2 cup cooked legumes (beans) or 2 egg whites. Steer clear of coconut milk because it contains saturated fat.

For all dairy milk substitutes, make sure they contain very little or no added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat.

Note: Many plant foods are rich sources of calcium, such as leafy greens like collard greens, turnip greens and kale, as well as tofu and tempeh.

Pritikin, one of the healthiest diets on earth, includes protein from both animal and plant sources.

No more than 1 serving per day. A serving is about 3 to 4 ounces cooked (the size of a deck of cards).

Below are fish/poultry/meat choices rated from Best to Poor:

For optimal heart-health results, limit Satisfactory choices to no more than 1 serving per week and Poor choices to no more than 1 serving per month.

Up to 2 daily. If you prefer egg whites instead of other land-based animal foods like white poultry and lean meat, you may eat more. About 7 egg whites is the protein equivalent of 1 serving of poultry or meat. Steer clear of egg yolks and their high dietary cholesterol.

For maximum cholesterol reduction and giving yourself the best chance at reversing atherosclerosis (heart disease), choose on most days protein-rich plant foods like beans instead of land-based animal foods like poultry and meat. And yes, you can get plenty of protein with a plant-based diet.

Have the Pritikin Meal Plan delivered to your home or office. Choose from a variety of meal packages, spices, sauces, books, gifts and more. Pritikin Online Market

GO | Miscellaneous FoodsPlus Weight-Loss Tips

The healthiest diets on earth often include a bounty of fresh herbs in addition to whole, fiber-rich foods.

Water (plain, bottled, low-sodium, mineral); hot grain beverages (coffee substitutes); non-medicinal herbal teas (such as peppermint, rosehips, and chamomile); and cocoa up to 2 tablespoons per day (use non-alkali processed cocoa). You do not have to drink large amounts of water daily. Simply drink when thirsty.

If you choose to drink caffeinated beverages, we recommend green or black tea over coffee because of teas many health benefits. We also recommend moderation: no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily (the amount in about 4 eight-ounce cups of coffee or 8 eight-ounce cups of tea).

Coffee, both regular and decaf, does contain chemicals (diterpenes) that may modestly raise LDL cholesterol. However, by brewing with paper filters like paper cones or capsule filters like Keurig, the diterpenes are largely eliminated.

Use in moderation or not at all. For women, up to 4 drinks per week, with no more than 1/2 to 1 drink per day. For men, up to 7 drinks per week, with no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. A drink is approximately 5 oz of wine, 12 oz of beer, or 1 oz of 80 proof liquor. Choose red wine over white wine, wine over beer, and either over liquor.

Culinary herbs are rich sources of many beneficial phytonutrients, and are a good way to add flavor without extra calories, fat, or salt. Include at least 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs or 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs each day.

While artificial sweeteners have not been proven to aid weight loss, they may be of benefit to people with diabetes, elevated triglycerides, and those following the Pritikin Eating Plan to lose weight. Limit intake to no more than 10 to 12 packets per day. Sucralose (Splenda) and stevia (brand names include SweetLeaf and Truvia) appear to be the safest choices.

Go wild on vegetables. The more vegetables, including dark green, yellow, red, or orange vegetables, the better! Theyre among the best foods for weight loss.

Limit calorie-dense foods such as dried grains (breads, crackers, cold cereals), dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Avoid refined or concentrated sweeteners. They all pack a lot of calories into very small amounts of food. Youll find it much easier to feel full and satisfied and curb hunger if you focus instead on high-water, high-fiber foods like cooked grains (such as oatmeal and brown rice), vegetables, and whole fruits. These foods arelow in calorie density. Youll eat more and weigh less.

Steer clear of fruit and vegetable juices because they provide less satiety than whole fruits and vegetables.

Celebrate! Eat as many whole grains, vegetables, legumes (such as beans and peas), and fruits as you want. Enjoy more calorie-dense foods such as avocados and nuts, but limit them to keep your weight under control. Limit avocado intake to no more than 2 ounces per day. Limit walnuts, flaxseeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, pistachios, sunflower seeds, filberts (hazelnuts), peanuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts to no more than 1 ounce per day.

CAUTION | The Less the Better

While Caution foods are not recommended, this list provides direction when food choices are limited.

Limit the consumption of ALL oils to no more than 1 teaspoon per 1000 calories consumed, especially if youre trying to lose weight, because oils have the highest calorie density of any food or ingredient.

For healthy individuals who choose to use sweeteners, a suggested rule of thumb is a maximum of 2 tablespoons of fruit juice concentrate or 1 tablespoon of other refined sweeteners (such as barley malt, corn syrup, rice syrup) per 1000 calories consumed. None is optimal. Avoid fructose and high fructose corn syrup.

Avoid added salt, and highly salted, pickled, and smoked foods. Limit foods that have more than 1 mg of sodium per calorie so as not to exceed 1200 to 1500 mg of sodium per day, depending on age. Its one of the most important things you can do to lower blood pressure.

Limit as much as possible foods containing refined grains (such as white pasta, white bread, and white rice).

STOP | Think About It First

When faced with foods in the Stop category, search for choices in the Go, and, if necessary, Caution foods. Stop foods, due to their high content of saturated fat, hydrogenated fat, cholesterol, and/or sodium, may significantly compromise your personal health goals. Be wary of headline-grabbing media storiesthat suggest otherwise. Unfortunately, thetypical American diet is largely made up of Caution and Stop foods.

Limit the following choices to less than once per month. None is optimal.

The typical American Diet is full of fatty meats, unhealthy oils, egg yokes and deep fried foods. Diseases like obesity, type-2 diabetes, hypertension, high-cholesterol and heart disease are the result of this unhealthy diet.

Such as butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, lard, chicken fat, palm oil, cocoa butter, chocolate, margarine, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and shortenings.

Such as fatty meats, organ meats, and processed meats (hot dogs, bacon, and bologna).

All cheese, cream, cream cheese, half-and-half, ice cream, milk, sour cream, and yogurt, unless fat-free and low in sodium.

Coconuts.

Potassium chloride. Learn more about salt substitutes.

Egg yolks, deep-fried foods, non-dairy whipped toppings, rich desserts and pastries, and salty snack foods.

Five bountiful meals and snacks are served daily at the Pritikin Longevity Center. The Pritikin Diet works in part because you arent losing your mind while youre losing weight, notes comedian and actress Caroline Rhea, first host of The Biggest Loser. Theres no calorie counting, no deprivation, and no hunger.

Instead, the focus is a lot of good food that is low in calorie density, naturally high in nutrients, and delicious. The food tastes great, and thats saying something from a steakhouse guy like me, says John Timothy Gannon, cofounder of Outback Steakhouse Restaurants.

Each day, wellness education workshops and cooking classes led by Pritikins nutritionists and award-winning chefs teach all the basics for healthy Pritikin living at home. Topics include:

Healthy does not have to mean blah! The award-winning chefs at Pritikin are masters at showing people how delicious healthy eating can be. Get a taste of Pritikin deliciousness with this Carrot and Pineapple Salad. Its a favorite among guests at the Pritikin health resort.

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Pritikin Diet | Healthiest Diet on Earth - Science Based ...

Ketogenic Diet 7-Day Meal Plan

A lot of people have been asking me what a goodketo diet menu would look like. I'm happy to share this 7-Day Ketosis menu with you. If you'd like to find more Keto Recipes to custom your own, take a look at myKetogenic Dietrecipesdatabase.

Also for more information about what are the best foods to eat on a Ketogenic Diet Plan, have a look at myKetogenic Diet Food List.

Fore more information about what you need to know before you start this diet plan and how to avoid side effects, take a look at myKetogenic Diet Guide(you'll get detailedinformation about what is Ketosis and what it does to your body).

Keep in mind that everybody has different needs, you'll also have to adjust your plan as you lose weight since your needs will change.

To find out how many calories you need daily use this tool : Daily Calorie Intake Calculator.

This will give you the amount of calories you need to maintain your weight, lose 1-2 pounds per week or gain 1-2 pounds per week.

Female in good shape :

For me (female), to use the Daily Calorie Intake Calculator,I would enter 120 pounds, then since I'm 5'6" I would enter 66 inches (5 feet x 12 inches / feet + 6 inches = 60 + 6 = 66), then I would enter 29 years oldfemaleand exercise 3-5x per week.

This gives me 2085 Calories a day.

Male in good shape :

For my boyfriend, to use the Daily Calorie Intake Calculator,I would enter175 pounds, then since he's 5'9" I would enter69 inches(5 feet x 12 inches / feet + 6 inches = 60+ 9 = 69), then I would enter36 years old maleandexercise 6-7x per week.

This would give him 4425 Calories a day.

You can skip this step my just usingtheDaily Calorie Intake Calculator.Ok so here's how it works.

To burn 1 pound of fat you need to burn 3500 calories.

Me and my boyfriend both want to lose 2 pounds a week at this point.

Female (29 years old, 120 pounds, active) :

2775 Calories a day (maintenance) - 1000 calories (deficit) = 1775 calories a day.

Male (36 years old, 175 pounds, very active) :

4425 Calories a day (maintenance) - 1000 calories (deficit) = 3425 calories a day.

Keep in mind that this doesn't work for everyone, it's just a guide line, not an exact science.

Weight your self at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week. If you lost more than 2 pounds, add 10% to your calories for the next week. If you lost less than 2 pounds, reduce your calories by 10%.

I found that 1500 calories works better for me. My boyfriend is fine with 3400 calories.

Getting the right amount of proteins is key to the Ketogenic diet!

Eating too much protein can throw you off Ketosis as eating to much carbs would!

Since it is recommended to have between 10% and 35% of proteins in your diet, I like to aim for the middle at 22.5%. Having more proteins on a diet will reduce muscle loss. On the other hand, having too much proteins will throw you out of ketosis since it will turn into glucose.

So to have an idea of how many proteins you need, use theKeto Calculator.

Myriam : (120 pounds, 66 inches, 29 years old, female, active) = 117 grams of proteins daily

Dan : (175 pounds, 69 inches, 36 years old, male, very active) = 173 grams of proteins daily

As stated in my Ketogenic Diet Introduction Guide, it is best to keep your carbohydrates around 5% but this is not easy to achieve.

1 gram of carbohydrate is 4 calories

For me, 5% of 1500 calories is 75 calories for carbs. 75 calories / 4 calories per gram of carb = 18.75 grams of carbs daily.

I don't obsess over it, I round it up to 20 grams of carbs daily.

These are really net carbs. This means you can deduce 1 gram of carb per gram of fiber that you eat.

Raspberries for example contains the most fibers you can find in fruits, so they're a good choice.

For my boyfriend, 5% of 3400 calories is 170 calories for carbs. 170 / 4 = 42.5 grams of carbs daily.

He rounds it up to 40 grams.

To do so, you can use my Keto Calculator :

These macros are based on the book "The Ketogenic Diet - A Complete Guide For The Dieter And The Practitioner".

Once you know how much carbs and proteins you need, you can deduce the amount of fat you need.

calories total - calories from carbs - calories from proteins = calories from fat

grams of fat = calories from fat devided by 9.

Example of a 1500 calorie plan :

Example of a 3400 calorie plan :

As a rule of thumb you can keep your macros around : 75% Fats, 25% Protein, and 5% Carbs. If you are active, you can bear with upping the carbs a bit, but when you are doing a strictly low carb diet, you might now be able to push yourself to exercise as hard depending on how your react to it.

If you want some tips and tools to help you easily count your calories during the day, use my guide :

How do I count my calories to burn fat?

The macros are provided in all these recipes. Some of them have more carbs than others so just and match them to get to your daily needs

Also, take a look at my Ketogenic Diet Food Listis color coded to help you make your own menu! It also links to detailed nutritional value of all ingredients.

If I'm going to have carbs during the day, I try to have them for breakfast. Note that the smoothies are a bit higher in carbs. Don't eat the fruits with your omelet if they don't fit your macros but raspberries are loaded with fibers so they will bring your net carbs down.

For lunch, I like to keep everything fast and easy. Most of the time I'll go with a spinach salad as spinach have more fibers than lettuce and you need your greens. It also won't get soggy like lettuce would in your lunch.

For dinner I like good spices to make things a bit more exotics and tasty. I also like to keep my carbs low.

Check these5 Ketogenic Diet Snacks!

Keto Deviled Eggs

I like to insert bacon slices between meals to fill the fat needs if needed. It makes it easy!

Check out Ketogenic Diet Recipes database :

There is something on the market callKeto Sticks, you will have to urinate on it in order to find out the amount ofKetones(fat fragments) that's in you. Yes, that means that you're peeingfat!

Let me know what is you favorite Keto Recipe in the comments below!

More here:
Ketogenic Diet Meal Plan - 7-Day Menu - My Dream Shape!

The Hcg Diet Plan is a doctor-supervised, medical weight loss program that combines hormone therapy with whole food eating. Menu options are heavy in vegetables and lean proteins, as well as fruit options and limited grains. Allowed calories on the protocol, range from 500 to 1600 calories, depending on the specific protocol followed.

The very specific food list can teach healthy eating, portion control and establish healthy relationships with food. While the protocol was initially outlined by Dr. Simeons, modern day variations have become increasingly popular. This guide, focuses on the original protocol, with modern adaptations noted by the editor.

Dr. Albert Simeons was a world-renowned endocrinologist recognized for his pioneering work in tropical diseases. He was awarded the Red Cross Order of Merit for his advancement in the research and treatment of Malaria and honored for a number of research-breakthroughs. While working with severely malnourished women in India, Dr. Simeons discovered a link between the Hcg hormone, and its ability to utilize stored fat to nourish and deliver healthy children. After years of research, he was able to develop a protocol that utilized this effect of Hcg, to treat obesity, and published the groundbreaking manuscript, Pounds and Inches.

Here are a few basics for those who are ready to jump right in and start with the plan immediately. With these simple articles, you can easily get started today. Take note however, that anyone new to the plan, should read through this guide thoroughly, and NEVER proceed with the protocol without consulting a physician (FDA approved telemedicine Hcg programs are listed below.)

The Hcg Diet is a medical weight loss plan, and should ONLY be prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical doctor. While it can be challenging to find a local physician that specializes in Hcg hormone therapy, there are a few options available online, through FDA-approved telemedicine companies in the USA. These sources provide complete prescription Hcg kits for injections, drops and tablets/pills/pellets, and provide expert guidance throughout the duration of treatment.

Preparing for the plan, is absolutely essential and should not be skipped. Much like building a house, you want a solid foundation and to be prepared for the steps and challenges that come along with the protocol. In fact, most challenges can be avoided completely by reading the following articles before getting started.

These tools can be beneficial for those starting out on the plan for the first time. They are all free to download. We will be adding more here, so please check back often.

The Hcg protocol consists of 3 phases, with a newer 4th phase that has been added to the original protocol, being coined as P4, longterm maintenance. Each phase is extremely important and should not be skipped. The Loading Phase (P1) is 2 (in some cases, 3 days,) while Phase 2, the weight loss phase, can vary in length depending on your protocols specifics. For example, one Hcg sources protocol can differ from another such as 26 days or 29 days. Phase 3, the Transition Phase, lasts 3 weeks and is an expansion of increased calories and foods that do not include any sugars or starches. The 4th phase refers to life after the diets first 3 phases and includes a lifestyle of healthy choices learned while on the protocol. This includes exercise, portion control, clean eating and healthy living in general.

The HCG Diet Protocol consists of separate phases. Together, they are referred to as a round. Dieters typically lose 18 to 25 lbs per round (approximately 1 month.) If more weight is needed to be lost, there is a 3 week break after the final phase, and thenanother round is started. Rinse and repeat until goal weight is reached.

HCG Diet protocols include the following4 phases. Note on protocol variations: Some protocols actually include 3 and 4 as the same Maintenance phase and have only 3 phases total. Other protocols, including Dr. Simeons Original protocol, do not include phase 1, loading phase. This can be a personal preference, however we will say that the following phase example, has shown great results from our readers, and has certainly appeared to be the most successful.

Phase 1 is the loading phase. Also known as the preparation phase. This phase is not on all HCG Diet protocols but it is on most and is very popular. During this two day phase, the dieter eats as much healthy fats as possible in preparation for starting the next phase. They are also welcome to eat as many cheat foods as they would like, with the intention of satisfying cravings prior to beginning the next phase where these foods will not be allowed. Read more

Phase 2 of the HCG Diet is the weight loss phase. This begins on day 3 of taking HCG where the dieter adheres toa specifiedcalorie intake and carefully selected food list. For most dieters, this is the most challenging phase of the plan because there is very little room for error. Read more:

Phase 3 of the HCG Dietis at the end of HCG is discontinued and the same foods from phase 2 are still eaten, but increased slowly. In this stage, this is areintroduction period where calories and foods are slowly adjusted to maintain weight loss. Read more:

Phase 4 of the HCG Diet is the phase of continuing weight maintenance for life-long health and fitness.This is an essential part of the HCG diet and it actually begins during Phase 2. This is where you will begin to build the skills necessary for lifetime weight maintenance and healthy living. For example; reading labels as a habit (this will become 2nd nature and shouldntstop once you reach your weight loss goals. Also, portion control and learning to listen to your body. Read more about these skills and implement them starting NOW:

The absolute best (&Free!) HCG Diet tips for reaching your weight loss goals safe and fast!

Hcg weight loss foods and recipes are the backbone of the Hcg weight loss program. Not only do the allowed foods help you to lose weight, but they also help get our body into a healthy state.

It is important to understand that while the Hcg hormone does NOT make you lose weight, it does changehowyour body loses weight, and creates a reaction in your body that allows for the rapid weight loss. It is the carefully selected Hcg Diet food list that is responsible for your weight loss; the Hcg just allows your body to continue to burn fat when it would normally go into starvation mode under the calorie restricted diet.

This is good news! This means the Hcg weight loss plan can be surprisingly versatile with the right recipes, and can work with any number of menus, foods sensitivities. The allowed foods are clear of processed and prepared foods and carefully measured for portion control. Instead of processed foods, the food list focuses on clean eating, and consists mostly of vegetables and healthy portions of lean protein, along with some, but limited, carbohydrates. To be clear, this is NOT a ketosis diet when done correctly, and in fact the amount of vegetables and fruit permitted, do not allow the body to go into ketosis. Compared to ketosis diets, this particular approach has been shown to average much higher weight loss rates that range from .5 to 1.5 pounds per day.

In a nutshell: The Hcg Diet allowed foods and guidelines focus on portion control, increased vegetables and proteins, and a food list that is comprised of clean, unprocessed foods.

The Original HCG Diet is known for its restrictive and unforgiving500 calorie VLCD (very low calorie diet.) Some versions of the diet have evolved to allowfor an HCG Diet expanded food list.

Learn what to eat on the HCG Diet and how to eat: Portion sizes, HCG Diet-friendly recipes for all phases, foods lists, plus HCG Diet cooking and shopping tips.

Learning to cook on the diet, can be a struggle for some patients, however, it is also an excellent opportunity to learn how to cook new foods that are clean, nutritious and healthy. Since the protocol does not allow foods that are processed or prepared (bye bye alcohol, fast food and frozen dinners) this can be an excellent path to learning how to prepare meals that will nourish your body, and make long term weight maintenance easy.

Take a look at our recipe section, and discover amazing Hcg Diet Recipes that include Southwestern chicken, strawberry cupcakes, garlic baked shrimp, mouth-watering grilled asparagus, and chai beverages. While it may be intimidating to look at the allowed foods list and feel limited, it wont take long before you realize just how versatile and delishous it can be.

We have also included a list of our best recipe and cooking articles that cover everything from how to cook on the protocol, spices to use to increase your metabolism, tips for dining out and tips for eating during special occasions.

Sample menus and menu tips for the HCG Diet.

Hcg Diet Info has put together a complete guide to buying Hcg Kits and Programs online: How to Buy Hcg injections online (Drops and Pellets too.)

In the last few years, the FDA-approved telemedicine industry has grown and allowed doctors to prescribe and care for individuals wanting to follow the protocol. You can now safely buy Hcg kits online, that come with a complete program overseen by a medical doctor and Hcg weight loss experts and nutritionists. This has grown to be one of the most beneficial medical weight loss programs in the world now.

Tips for buying Hcg and Hcg weight loss programs: One of the first things to take into consideration when buying Hcg, is which form of Hcg you feel comfortable with, how soon you would like to start your diet, and the level of support you will need. The latter tends to be the biggest difference between various Hcg sources with some companies offering minimal support (better for veterans and pros that want to buy a bare bones Hcg kit to save money) and other companies offering extensive diet support, while yet another offering custom dosage and protocol support, and complete medical doctor hand-holding, along with a year of nutritionist services (even after the diet is completed.) These may seem like small differences but they can add up to be an extreme value for your money, as well as offer peace of mind.

The sources recommended in Hcg Diet Infooffer each of the acceptable choices that can be used with the original Hcg weight loss protocol: Hcg injections, Hcg Diet Drops (Prescription or Homeopathic), and Prescription Hcg Pellets. The Hcg Buy Guide also offers answers to dozens of frequently asked questions about buying Hcg Kits and Hcg weight loss programs online. Please note: Over the counter hormone free diet drops should NOT be used with the original protocol and can be dangerous if combined with the VLCD (very low calorie menu.) These over the counter drops have been addressed and dismissed largely by the FDA for good reason- they are NOT safe with the original protocol. Read: How to know if my Hcg Drops are Real, for more information.

Exercise is an important part of healthy living, even without wanting to lose weight. While the original protocol insistedexercise was not necessary, most of the evolvedprotocols include and encourage a consistent exercise routine simply because it is a healthy lifestyle option and the benefits are many.

For those currently active, in most cases, it is ok to continue as usual, although some may find it useful to lighten their workout for the first week of being on the protocol. For those who are new to working out, a low impact daily workout of at least 20 minutes a day is recommended to start. Recommended activities include: walking (brisk), swimming, yoga (no hot yoga practices yet), and pilates. Level of activity is extremely light the first week of phase 2 on the HCG Diet and increases as the individual feels ready. It is highly advised that the chosen workouts are something enjoyable, and not something you dread doing every day.

The HCG Diet can be complicated and so specific,you are almost certain to experiencechallenges along the way. While it might not seem welcome, It is a large part of the learning process for long term managementsuccess. There will be temptation to stray from your planned diet, and there may even be times when you stray by accident. Yes, it can happen: Aunt Sally forgot to tell you she adds sugar toher famous holiday vinaigrettedressing, or the restaurant neglected to tell you theres bread crumb mixed right into the hamburger patty which you so carefully ordered without a bun. Of course theres the good old oops, I assumed that hot sauce was just hot sauce and didnt realize it had 9 grams of sugar. Theres your first lesson; always double-check ingredientsand dont eat it unless youre sure. A better lesson if you cant see all ingredients, dont eat it! The less processed foods you eat, the better. See, its all part of the big picture and building the skillsto be fit and thin for life.

Dr. Simeons manuscript, Pounds and Inches is the original book that outlines every detail of the Hcg weight loss protocol. Dr. Simeons has been very specific in his words, outlining all aspects of the diet. This includes the original 500 calorie menu, the effects of hCG on the body, hCG dosage, how to inject hCG, how to handle stalls and plateaus, and a solid overview transitioning from phase 2 to phase 3, which many dieters can find challenging.

Regardless of which version of the protocol the patient is following, it can still be helpful to read the manuscript. Not only does this allow the Hcg dieter to understand the intention of the diet, but it can also help establish a solid foundation of preparation, and help avoid challenges by answering many of the most frequently asked questions.

Our editor has taken the time to separate the original manuscript by chapter, making it easy to navigate and locate individual topics. We also offer an MP3 audio version (audiobook) of the Pounds and Inches manuscript, as well as a PDF version. These will be automatically sent to those who sign up for our newsletter but they can also be found here:

We realize this diet can bring a lot of questions, so please feel free to visit our two pages that cover the most frequently asked questions about the diet in general, and the more specific protocol-based questions. Questions and answers include topics on dosage amounts, weight loss averages, how to inject hCG, the differences between Hcg injections, drops and pellets, and so much more. After reading these pages, feel free to take your questions to the forums, where our expert moderators and coaches, as well as the countless veterans, will be more than happy to offer their support.

Most commonly asked questions:

Have questions about the plan and protocol? Need a little support, or just want to find a friendly face to share the experience? Join ourHCG Diet Forums, the largest HCG community on the web with over 100 thousand inspired members and growing. Join our monthly coaching and support groups, get answers to all your questions from expert coaches, or find a buddy to share your Hcg weight loss journey! The HDI forums are the best place to mingle with your fellow HCG Dieters and get answers in one place. There are also over 2 million pages of priceless information and resources in these forums, easily searchable and readily at your fingertips.

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HCG Diet Plan: Get to Know the *REAL* Hcg Diet - HCG Diet ...

Carbs: What Exactly Are They?

Carbohydrates (carbs) are a macronutrient found in things like starches, grains and foods high in sugar. This includes, but isnt limited to, bread, flour, rice, pasta, beans, potatoes, sugar, syrup, cereals, fruits, bagels and soda.

Carbs are broken down into glucose (a type of sugar) in our bodies for energy. Eating any kinds of carbs spikes blood sugar levels. The spike may happen faster or slower depending on the type of carb (simple or complex), but the spike will still happen.

Blood sugar spikes cause strong insulin releases to combat the spikes. Constant insulin releases result in fat storage and insulin resistance. After many years, this cycle commonly leads to prediabetes, metabolic syndrome and even type 2 diabetes9.

In a world full of sugar, cereal, pasta, burgers, French fries and large sodas, you can see how carbs can easily be overconsumed.

According to the 2014 report by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. (86 million people) have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose is always high and commonly leads to type 2 diabetes and many other medical problems10.

Today, almost 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes compared to almost 1 in 40 in 1980. Fat has been blamed as the bad guy and companies have been creating low-fat and fat-free, chemically-laden alternatives of nearly every type of food in existence, yet obesity, diabetes and heart disease rates are still increasing.

Nearly 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. has type 2 diabetes, almost 4 times more than 30 years ago.

Were starting to understand that carbs in large quantities are much more harmful than previously thought, while most fats are healthy and essential.

The nutritional landscape is changing. Ketogenic diet and low carb diet groups, as well as similar dietary groups like paleo, are growing and a nutritional revolution is beginning. We are starting to realize the detrimental effects of our relationship with excess sugar and carbs.

Read the original post:
Ketogenic Diet: The Complete Beginner's Guide