Not So Healthy Alcohol

Enjoy Drinking? 

You have read about the benefits of wine and beer and know that everything in moderation will do your body, mind and soul some good. But there is another side – too much of anything is quite harmful, be it chocolate, soy, complex carbohydrates, or alcohol. Even your healthiest fruit and vegetables lose all their benefits once you eat too many! So, what’s the downside of alcohol? Here is a low-down.

Besides excess calories, alcohol doesn’t provide healthy energy. Calories in each gram of alcohol are higher than what you find in carbohydrates or protein. In fact, alcohol can be as fattening as fat! Specifically, each gram provides 7 calories (compared to 4 in a gram of protein or carbs and 9 in fat). Considering that every drink is absorbed and metabolized very quickly, your entire system changes in minutes.

First, it’s your brain chemistry with slowing response from all neurons. Wonder why drunk people talk or act funny? Well, they can’t see it, but a sober person can because the difference in responses to any mind stimulation is quite noticeable.

Then, its the digestive system. Alcohol doesn’t raise the blood sugar levels needed to produce the feeling of satiety you get after a meal. So, even though the calories are going down and around the waist line, the hunger remains.

What’s more, alcohol stimulates appetite and makes you hungrier than you felt even before sitting at the table – or standing at the bar, for that matter. Most likely, you end up eating everything in sight without taking responsibility and thinking – are you really that hungry or you simply eat the food because it’s there?

And down the tract, the digestive that is, you get some liver problems. Alcohol can only be metabolized and detoxified by the liver with the help of one special enzyme reserved for that purpose – Alcohol Dehydrogenase. Unless the mind-altering drink is there, no enzyme is released. The more you drink – the more enzymes are needed to be relesed by the liver. That means additional overload on the organ of this largest gland. And what kind of reward does this precious detoxifyer gets? Cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is a condition of severe damage to the liver that impairs its ability to function normally.The most common cause of liver cirrhosis is chronic alcoholism.

Liver cirrhosis may also result from chronic viral infection of the liver (hepatitis types B, C, and D) and a number of inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, and Wilson’s disease. If severe, liver cirrhosis may lead to liver failure and death. In the Western world, liver cirrhosis is the third leading cause of death in people aged 45 to 65 (after cardiovascular disease and cancer).

Liver cirrhosis may also cause a dangerous brain abnormality called portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), which may lead to coma. Another form of cirrhosis, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), damages the bile ducts connecting the liver and gallbladder, and occurs primarily in women over 35 years of age. The cause of PBC is not known.

So, think BEFORE you drink and always use moderation as your guide to healthy happiness. 

A Chocolate Bar A Day

Sweet Tooth?

Do you religiously strive for your “moment of ecstasy” by indulging in delicacy of chocolate? Do you know why this luscious, smooth, almost irreplaceable food make you feel sooooo good? You may find that chocolate is not as evil as we thought. Used throughout history as a tonic, it has a number of healthful compounds that might improve mood, fight fatigue, and even elevate your sex life.
Origins of chocolate can be traced back over one thousand years ago to the Mexican cacao tree Theobroma Cacao. The Mayans, who lived in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and Central America as long ago as 600 A.D., were the first humans to enjoy the wonders of cocoa beans.

They took pleasure in “food of the gods” by drinking mixture of roasted cocoa beans, water, and spices. Various preparations of cocoa were utilized by Incas, Aztecs, and Mayas throughout centuries. Aphrodisiac quality was considered not the only attribute of cocoa beans. Aztecs used beans as a form of currency as well.
But the present version of chocolate came out only in 1828, when a Dutch food chemist perfected the technique of mixing cocoa powder with cocoa butter so it would melt in your mouth. In 1878, the Swiss added milk to make our modern milk chocolate.

Statistics easily establish chocolate as one of the most craved foods in the United States. On average, each American consumes 11.7 pounds of chocolate per year, with more than 10 percent of this consumption occurring on Valentine’s Day. Americans will spend an estimated $800 million on 36 million boxes of chocolate this year.

Is there any connection between Valentine’s day and a box of chocolates? Why do we associate chocolate with feelings of love? Putting the cultural history aside, here is a scientific explanation.

The sugar in chocolate sparks the release of a nerve chemical called serotonin and might lower another nerve chemical called NPY; the end result is a sense of well-being. The sweet taste also releases endorphins in the brain, giving us an immediate euphoric rush. The fat in chocolate enhances flavor and aroma and satisfies another nerve chemical called galanin, thus curbing our cravings for fat.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds that work as an energy pick-me-up. Several amino acids (phenylethylamine, or PEA, tryptophan, tyrosine) stimulate the nervous system, increase blood pressure and heart rate, enhancing pleasurable “love” feelings. Chocolate also contains anandamide that mimics the effects of marijuana and boosts the pleasure you get when you eat chocolate. Add to the list the natural calming elements (valeric and glutamic acid) and you’re craving an incredibly delicious, mellow, non-jittery mood and energy boost.

So, does a chocolate bar a day keep a doctor away? Maybe not. As if you needed any reason to get your chocolate fix, here are a few facts to justify the melt in your mouth.

• ” Chocolate is a surprising source of copper which we need for healthy bone formation and wound healing.
• ” Chocolate contains magnesium, which helps with calcium absorption for good bone health and proper muscle function for normal heart rhythm.
• ” Chocolate decreases activation of platelets, which are linked to heart attacks and stroke.
• ” Chocolate has a decent amount of antioxidants. These natural chemicals help protect against free radicals which may contribute to cancer and heart disease.
• ” Chocolate has shown to increase levels of “good” (HDL) cholesterol.
• ” Chocolate’s main ingredient cocoa has an anti-inflammatory effect that lowers the risk of blood clots which can cause heart disease

Before you run out to stock up on chocolate bars, I have to remind you that everything is good in moderation. Chocolate is good, and it’s good for you, but it is not faultless. Chocolate can increase stomach acid reflux and irritable bowel symptoms and cause allergic reactions, skin outbreaks, weight gain, dental cavities, and migraine in some people.

Of course, exercise is still the best mood enhancer I know of, and you shouldn’t put chocolate at the bottom of your daily food pyramid. But consuming sensible amounts of this mouth-watering pleaser is not such a big deal after all. I hope you have a very happy Valentine’s Day filled with love and pleasure!

Nutrient Information of Milk Chocolate

Nutrient	Units	Value per 100 grams	1 bar (1.55oz) 44.00g
Energy	kcal	513.00	225.72
Energy	kj	2146.000	994.24
Protein	g	6.90	3.04
Total lipid (fat)	g	30.70	13.51
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	59.20	26.05
Fiber, total dietary	g	3.40	1.50
Sugars, total	g	51.50	22.660
Calcium, Ca	mg	191.00	84.04
Iron, Fe	mg	1.39	0.61
Magnesium, Mg	mg	60.00	26.40
Phosphorus, P	mg	216.00	95.04
Potassium, K	mg	385.00	169.40
Sodium, Na	mg	82.00	36.08
Zinc, Zn	mg	1.38	0.61
Copper, Cu	mg	0.39	0.17
Manganese,Mn	mg	0.30	26.4
Selenium, Se	mcg	3.90	1.72
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid	mg	0.40	0.18
Thiamin	mg	0.08	0.04
Riboflavin	mg	0.30	0.13
Niacin	mg	0.32	0.14
Panrothenic acid	mg	0.42	0.19
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.04	0.12
Folate	mcg	80	3.52
Vitamin B-12	mcg	0.39	0.17
Vitamin A, IU	IU	182.00	81.40
Vitamin A, RE	mcg_RE	55.00	24.20
Vitamin E	mg_ATE	1.24	0.55
Fatty acids, saturated	g	18.48	8.13
Fatty acids, monounsaturated	g	9.59	4.39
Fatty acids, polyunsaturated	g	1.06	0.47
Cholesterol	mg	22.00	9.68
Caffeine	mg	26.00	11.44
Theobromine	mg	169.00	74.36

USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13 (November 1999)

Caffeine Free Your Body

As part of our daily routine, caffeine is not losing its popularity with time. With a thorough knowledge about its effects on our systems, most of us are able to make an educated decision before making a choice between a cup of coffee or herbal tea. We all want to do what’s best for our bodies. But if having to choose the right beverage for you makes you anxious and you start feeling stress, then this article is for you. Don’t worry so much about what’s going to happen if you drink a cup of coffee – in moderation it can be very beneficial if you are not on a stress-fatigue roller-coaster. But if you are already on the edge, and a simple decision of ‘to drink or not to drink’ that cup’o'java causes perspiration and fidgeting, then stick to this report to find out… Caffeine has many pharmacologic actions in the body, including excitation of the nerves followed by a sort of paralysis or depression. The stomach and bladder are irritated by caffeine and there is widespread interference in various enzyme systems, damage to the chromosomes of the sex cells and other body cells, and many other unwanted actions.Caffeine has the potential to raise stress hormone levels in the blood, inhibits important enzyme systems having to do with house cleaning in the body, sensitizes nerve reception sites, and is associated with a sense of poor health, anxiety, and depression (2,3).

The first thing that a physician usually mentions to a peptic ulcer patient is that he must leave off caffeinated drinks. Not only peptic ulcer but several other kinds of digestive problems arise from the use of coffee.

Many people find that caffeine drinks cause them to suffer diarrhea followed by constipation. Headaches are common among caffeine users, and often clear up after only a short period of caffeine abstinence — a week or two. Headaches may occur as a caffeine withdrawal symptom; some people are so sensitive that they get a headache soon after drinking their last cup.

Damage to chromosomes by caffeine has been recognized for years. Those who want good babies and easy pregnancies should use absolutely no caffeine before, during or after pregnancy, since caffeine can damage the chromosomes of the ova and spermatozoa, as well as the chromosomes of the developing embryo during pregnancy.

Any substance that can damage chromosomes can also cause an increase in the rate of cancer. Bladder cancer in women is 2 1/2 times more likely to occur if a woman drinks only one cup of coffee per day (7). There are already several cancers that are known to be more common if one uses caffeine.

Since caffeine first stimulates the nerves than causes depression, presence of fatigue in those who use caffeinated drinks is common. It is a fact that the commonest complaint in physicians’ offices today is that of fatigue.

Yet, many people mistakenly believe that coffee helps them get through a difficult day. In addition to fatigue, mental confusion and depression also result from the use of caffeinated drinks. While caffeine drinks cause an immediate increase in the learning ability, the overall result is a decrease in learning; the physical fatigue resulting from pharinacologic depression of the nervous system produces emotional depression, leading to a reduction of interest in and retention of new material.

If caffeine is taken at night, it interferes with the mechanism the brain has of transferring freshly learned material from the short-term memory to the long-term memory.

References:

Greden, John F. M.D. et al. Anxiety and Depression Associated with Caffeinism Among Psychiatric Inpatients. American Journal of Psychiatry 133:8, Aug 1978.
Bellet, Samuel. Effects of Coffee Ingestion on Catecholamine Release.
Greden, John F. M.D. Anxiety of Caffeinism: A diagnostic dilemma. American Journal of Psychiatry 131:10, October, 1974.
Miscarriage and the Coffee Connection. Science News October 25, 1975 page 267.
The Medical Effects of Coffee. Medical World News January 26, 1976 page 63-73.

Beer For Health and Fitness

More Healthy Drinks

OK, today is a beer day for me. No wonder – the Australia Day Weekend. I see it everywhere, so I thought I better let you all know where my ‘healthy’ thoughts go when it comes to eating well.

What is interesting, is that studies all over the world prove that moderate consumption of beer and wine is an excellent contribution to your health. Reported in the most prestigious medical, evidence sugests that beer protects against colon cancer, atherosclerosis, cataracts and heart disease. On the other hand, as an alcohol, beer affects the body’s every system, linking it to several pathologies, including liver cirrhosis, ulcers, heart disease, diabetes, myopathy, bone disorders, and mental disorders. Alcohol dehydrates you, it interferes with the absorption of many nutrients and excessive consumption has been linked to health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, abnormal heart rhythms, cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus, decreased immune function, gout and hypoglycemia.

What a puzzle…

Here is your chance to figure it out for yourself.

Beer For Health

In the Middle Ages, beer was safer to consume than water. And until recently some countries gave pregnant women a half-pint of Stout a day because it was considered nutritious. Nowadays, the industry does a poor job of promoting the good side of beer due to the rising problems of alcoholism and obesity. But moderate consumption of beer on occasion can serve your muscles, health and soul a good purpose.

Sipping on a highly carbonated beer can settle a stomach just like Seven-Up or Sprite can. Plus, the alcohol helps buffer pain. The only time you have to be careful is if you have an ulcer or gastritis. Alcohol can inflame that.

A recent study done by the French National Institute of Health claims that moderate amounts of alcohol improve brain function. Older women who drank two or more glasses of beer or wine daily were 2.5 times more likely to score in the top 10 % on neuropsychological tests than non drinking women (it’s not the more you drink, the better you score).

Nutrition of Beer

Beer also contains liberal amounts of calcium for muscle contraction, phosphorus for metabolism of nutrients, magnesium for relaxation of muscles, and potassium for fluid balance and nerve transmission. In addition, iron and copper help blood production, zinc is necessary for production of insulin, and fluoride protects your teeth from cavities. Add to this list folic acid for protein synthesis and Niacin, and you have the perfect dietary supplement. Two beers a day provides 14 percent of dietary calories, 11 percent of amino acids, 12 percent of carbohydrates, 9 percent of dietary Phosphorus, 7 percent of dietary Riboflavin and 5 percent of Niacin. A pint of beer also contains between 10 percent and 30 percent of the recommended intake of soluble fiber.

Hops, used as a flavoring in beers, is a better source of antioxidants than red wine, green tea, citrus fruits, and soy products. Hops is also beneficial to the urinary tract, and has a cleansing effect on the human body. Beer is a source of soluble fiber which is derived from the cell walls of malted barley. A liter of beer contains an average of 20 to 60 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber. As well as aiding healthy bowel function, this has a further benefit by slowing down the digestion and absorption of food, contoling blood sugar, preventing insulin spikes, and keeping hunger at bay.

Beer is comparably a low-calorie drink. A twelve ounce glass of beer has about 130 calories; only mineral water, coffee and tea (without milk or sugar), skim and butter milk have fewer calories than beer. So, where do “beer bellies” come from? It’s the nachos dripping with cheese, chips, peanuts, chicken wings, and pizza often consumed with beer that add up all the extra “energy” stored for, hum, later use.

Beer also has an important property of optimizing metabolism through relaxation. When we’re stressed out, over-worked, and under-slept, we will have hormonal imbalances that increase the production of hormon cortisol — a powerful appetite stimulant that will cause us to overeat and store fat. In fact, cortisol is the hormone that counteracts the production of your Growth Hormone. This in turn will not only serve as an obstacle to building muscle mass, but will destroy existing muscle cells, reduce your strength and metabolizm, worsen mood, and make you restless and irratable. So, what’s the best medicine? That’s right, beer. Beer has a calming effect on exhausted nerves and relaxes your muscles due to presence of magnesim, phosphorus and B-vitamins found in beer. As Henry Lawson once said, “Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer”.

To Drink or Not To Drink

So, is there anything bad at all that will force you to obstain from beer? To begin with, beer is an alcoholic beverage. The shortcomings of any alcohol come in play when consumed in excessive amounts.

If you spend quite a bit of time in the gym, you might want to reconsider your friends’ invitation for getting wasted. Alcohol use inhibits muscular protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth and development. Alcohol adversely influences the anabolic properties of three principal growth promoting hormones, Insulin, Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). This will slow down your muscular development despite your hard training sessions and a good diet.

American College of Sports Medicine stated that drinking low amounts of alcohol can improve your balance and coordination, resulting in clearer movements. But with that, you will also get slower reaction time and decreased eye-hand coordination. And don’t just get ready to compete in a tennis match when you are drunk. Once you reach moderate consumption mark, alcohol will negatively affect all mentioned aspects of physical performance. Chronic dependence may even damage muscles and lead to permanent weakness.

So, you are on a diet? Drinking just one 12-ounce bottle of beer every day and without altering your diet or your exercise regime will make you gain about 7 kilos over the course of a year. The question is not whether or not beer makes us fat, but whether the amount of energy we consume with foods and drinks is greater than what we use through work and exercise. So, if you gulp beer calories on top of your maintenance allowance, you will gain weight. In case you are in the ‘gain’ phase of your training, a couple of beers now and then wouldn’t hurt. But for dieteres the task may be a little challenging – never substitute beer calories for nutritious vegetables, fruits and lean meats. You can count alcohol as your fat or carb intake, ‘eat well’ otherwise, and you will not add a centimeter to your waist.

The latest hype about low-carb diets is not letting your blood sugar to rise too high and preventing insulin spikes. Alcohol generally lowers your blood sugar and as a result you can actually gain weight. When you drink and your blood sugar goes down, your appetite is stimulated. This disrupts your ability to tell when you’ve had enough to eat causing you to consume too many unwanted calories. And finally, your hormone and energy levels will be disrupted creating fatigue.

When it comes to nutrients, beer is loaded with them. But orange juice actually supplies four times the potassium plus twice the carbohydrates found in the bubbly malt. And it would take 11 beers to obtain the B-vitamin recommended daily allowance, says the American College of Sports Medicine.

Beer and other alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed on occasion, but only in moderation – one or two drinks per day. Just pay attention to rehydrating your body. Beer is a diuretic and promotes dehydration. For every glass of beer consumed drink two cups of water. Always eat solid food when drinking – that will slow absorption and minimize intoxication. Take precaution if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have other health problems. And of course, do not drink and drive.

I work until beer o’clock. –Steven King

Everyone needs something to believe in…and I believe I’ll have another beer. — Steve Phelps

Chip-Chip Potato Heaven

More Yummy Treats

Potatoes have been the staple foods for many centuries. But times and diet trends have changed, and now so many weight-fighters abandon chips, mashed and baked potatoes seeing them as fattening – for fat and/or carb value. Rest your worries and shrink your cellulite by eating up your chips and baked potatoes. If you an active person trying to shape up – that is to lose fat and build muscle, then potatoes should be on top of your Diet Foods. And it’s not just because they represent the most natural least processed starches that should occupy the bulk of your diet. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, an excellent fuel for your brain and muscles.

 

Physical activity puts additional demands on your muscles, lungs, heart and all other internal organs changing your body biochemistry. After exercise the depleted muscles are especially ready to take up carbs to replenish used glycogen. Carbohydrates get absorbed and metabolized faster than any other nutrients raising your blood sugar levels quickly. This is supposed to follow with a rapid blood sugar crash making you even hungrier in no time, at least in theory. Here chips come to the rescue – fat is potent blood-sugar stabilizer!

 

Regardless of when you eat your potato, you will not have blood-sugar high’s and low’s if you consume moderate amounts (as with any foods) and add some protein, fat and fibre to the meal. Namely, you can stop caring about the Glycemic Index and eat up your breads, pasta, or rice in the most delicious palatable way. If you like pasta with creamy sauce, potato with sour cream, cheese or butter, or rice with seafood stir-fry, you are a weight-loss winner. The splendid carbs with all the additions have low GI due to the fat, protein and fibre you add for well-rounded satisfaction of your taste buds.

Baked potatoes are the best – they have all their natural nutrients preserved during the cooking process. Abundant in Potassium and Vitamin C, these have no fat or cholesterol. A large (10 oz when raw) restaurant-size whole-baked potato can fuel your muscles with only about 200 calories, which you will burn in just a few minutes of walking. But plain potato is boring and lacks protein and fibre you need for a complete meal. Give it a spark with cottage cheese, baked beans or chili, a spoon of shredded cheese and salsa. Or drizzle a little heart-healthy olive or flaxseed oil, basil, peas, broccoli and tomato. For a family favorite, make oven fries: slice raw potatoes into strips, spray with olive oil, sprinkle cajun spice and spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-35 minutes.

Is Ice Cream Nutritious?

Love ice-cream? But not while dieting. Wrongfully so. Adding variety and enjoyment to your diet, Ice-cream has more than ‘fun’ written on the list of ingredients. The silky-smooth delicacy offers a wonderful bouquet of nutrients that will actually help you lose weight.

The two feared nutrients that Ice-Cream is famous for are fat and sugar. However, an average half-cup serving has only a teaspoon of fat, a tablespoon of carbs, mostly from blood-sugar friendly milk sugar lactose. As sweet as it is, the frozen dessert has a Glycemic Index score of only 61, same as your healthy Hi-Bran Weet-Bix breakfast cereal.

Milky Ice-Cream presents you with Calcium, the newest mineral found to promote weight loss, strengthen bones and joints, control blood pressure, reduce the risk of colon cancer and kidney stones, and lessen PMS. Whether the amount of mineral in Ice-Cream is sufficient enough to make it a “good source” (10-19% of Daily Value) depends on the product you choose – most have about 8% of DV in half-cup serving. But who can stop at half cup, and why would you?

Every additional scoop doubles the nutritious benefits of your beloved dessert. On top of that, Ice-Cream also has essential amino acids Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Arginine,Histidine.

Add some fun to your diet and melt kilos on ice-cold indulgence. Half-cup serving has only 150 calories, 5g of protein, 5-10g of fat and 15-20g of carbohydrates, while going Light will cut it to 110 calories, 3g of protein, 3g of fat and 17g of total carbs. If you are are lactose-intolerant, you can always go for Frozen Yogurt. With the same rich silky texture and nutrient profile, yogurt has digestion-friendly good bacteria. From Vanilla and Rocky Road to Blueberry and Pineapple, there is no need to resist the abundance of flavours. Just pick a new one every time you feel like it.

Heat Up With Healthy Chili

Thick, rich, zesty and sweet, Chilli is not usually associated with diet foods. With smooth melting cheese, dull of fresh sour cream and guacamole on top, the alluring aroma of hearty meat and beans on a bed of crispy corn chips is hard to resist on a cool autumn evening. But think of all the calorie-laden fat dripping off your lips, and what hasn’t trickled will go down your stomach all the way through to your hips and thighs later on. Hours of aerobics needed to burn the Chilli fire may not ignite your appetite, but that is far from the real fact.

Chili is a great diet food – filling, satisfying and extremely healthy. With an array of wholesome ingredients, the hot Mexican favorite will heat up and burn your body fat while improving your health.

Kidney beans are a good source of folate, potassium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc, rich in soluble fiber which helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body. Low in fat and sodium, Kidney Beans are filled with potassium, excellent for lowering blood pressure. When combined with grains, beans fuel your body with high quality protein containing all the essential amino acids. Kidney beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells.

No Chilli is real without chilli pepper – a rich source of immune-boosting antioxidants shown to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, control insulin and cut fat and energy intake when added to the diet.

Complex slow-digestive carbs in corn chips are gluten-free and are easy on digestion even for coeliacs who cannot eat other grains, even oatmeal. With low Glycemic Index, corn teams up with beans for perfect amino acid profile giving you a vegetarian protein solution. With roughly around 250 calories per cup, Chili Con Carne gives you 20g of protein, 25g of carbs, a full 10g of fibre and only a spoon of fat, with just around 3g saturated. A serve of Corn Chips has 145 calories, 15g of sugar-free carbs, 5g of fibre and about the same amount of protein.

All the nutrient content depends on the brand and the ingredients you choose. Making your own hearty fiesta is easy – brown lean beef with sliced onions, add cooked red kidney and refried beans, capsicum, tomato sauce, spice it up with chili and cumin, bit of salt and lemon juice, cook for 20 minutes and serve with crunchy baked corn chips, dull of yogurt, some shredded cheese and guacamole for perfect completion. Yum!

Eat Up Your Meat

Red meat with its hidden fat and cholesterol is categorized as “a heart attack on a plate.” Not to mention the dreaded dripping steak “fat on the lips travels to your hips”. But this can be further away from truth than your weight-loss dream. Steak is probably one of the best choices you can make when writing up the list of allowed diet food.

Australian nutrition experts and the Department of Health nutrition guidelines contained in The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommend that we eat 3-4 serves of red meat per week, and for a very good reason. Filled with complete protein with all the essential amino acids, red meat is an outstanding source of Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B12, is naturally low in sodium, and is not a major source of cholesterol or fat. You will find same amounts or even more cholesterol in seafood, fish and chicken. As part of cell walls, all animal proteins contain a similar amount (85-95 mg cholesterol/four ounces; target intake <300 mg/day).

The fat in meat, not the meat itself, is the culprit when it comes to heart disease. Choose lean beef, pork and lamb for your heart-healthy sports diet. Buy organic, if desired.

Red meats offer two minerals that are important for athletes: iron (prevents anemia, needless fatigue) and zinc (helps heal injuries). While many protein supplements are fortified with iron and zinc, these minerals tend to be better absorbed from animal foods.

Cookies Are Healthy

Don’t you just love to crunch on a Chocolate Chip or Macadamia Nut cookie with a refreshing cuppa tea? Or would you rather go for moist and chewy Anzac Buiscuits with a refreshing cuppa tea? Whichever ones best suit your taste buds, chances are that you completely forgot their mouth-watering aroma since you went on a diet. But that was a silly thing to do – avoiding the cookies, that is.

Cookies and buiscuits fall into the category of starchy foods which comprise the foundation of healthy food pyramid. Most dieters think of starchy foods as fattening, but the delicious treats are actually a good source of energy for everyone who wants to lose weight and keep it off for long. All carbs are not fattening until the butter, hydrogenated oil and loads of sugar have all been added to your graham cracker. Starches (and proteins) provide only four calories per gram, while fat provides nine calories per gram. But with moderate amounts of toppings and addition, all of your previously abandoned tea yummies are excellent non-fattening diet foods. If you have followed the low-carb high-protein diet, give your body a break and will show the super-slimming effects of cookies.

But don’t stick to tasteless rice cakes without any fat, and any texture for that matter. Some fat from nuts, chocolate chips, or in its pure form added to batter helps to slow down the digestion so your satisfaction stays with you for longer. Additionally, that same fat you tried to avoid lowers the Glycemic Index of your gingersnap, éclair, Danish, tart or cake. Your best bets are the Oatmeal Cookies, Fig Bars, Graham Crackers, Rhy or Whole Wheat bakeries – with just around 100 calories per one-ounce serving, you get plenty of protein and fibre, both soluble and insoluble. If your goodie has nuts, you also get Essential Fatty Acids, or healthy fats that fight free radicals and help with fat metabolism. Sweet-toothed dieters will appreciate the filling power of raisins, dates, figs, apples, peaches, apricots, or any other fruit or berries – in the stomach, fruit fibre absorbs water filling you up with just a few bites and cleansing your digestive system. So, rejoice the slimming power of dessert and see you cellulite melt.

Looking for a reason beer adds to your “beer belly”? Some say it’s all the yeast, others say its hops. Then you hear that beer has a lot of calories, or maybe you drink too much of it. And probably lose track of everything you eat while enjoying that sixth or seventh pint (don’t remember, but who cares…). Needless to say, I think beer is one of the healthy beverages out there, and I can prove it scientifically: http://www.australianfitness.com/content/view/353/129/

In the meantime, here is a joke for you:

Recently scientists revealed that beer contains small traces of female hormones. To prove their theory, the scientists fed 100 men 12 pints of beer and observed that 100% of them gained weight, talked excessively without making sense, became emotional, and couldn’t drive. No further testing is planned.