Does Alcohol Have a Place In a Healthy Diet?
Does Alcohol Have a Place In a Healthy Diet?
Ronnie Bussey
A number of recent news stories have reported that drinking alcoholic beverages has health benefits–some even imply that one or two drinks a day is a government-endorsed route to better health. Other stories say that alcohol abuse is related to many of the major causes of death in America.
The 1995 Dietary Guidelines advise: If You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, Do So In Moderation. This is virtually the same advice that has been given since 1980. The 1995 Dietary Guidelines added the comment that many individuals throughout the ages have drunk alcoholic beverages in moderation to enhance the enjoyment of meals. The Guidelines also note that there is some recent scientific evidence that for some individuals moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, alcohol also has undisputed drug effects, which can be harmful under many circumstances. Some people, in particular, should not drink at all. Alcohol carries with it the risk of dependency and excess consumption, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, the Dietary Guidelines recommend only that those who do drink alcoholic beverages do so in moderation. They do not recommend that those who do not consume alcohol begin drinking.
SoWhat’s the Bottom Line?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans present information on the pros and cons of alcohol consumption. While there may be some health benefits with moderate alcohol consumption, the Dietary Guidelines clearly emphasize that dependency and excess can cause serious health problems. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some effects that reduce the risk of heart disease, there are other ways of achieving reduction in risk.
There are many factors that reduce the risk of heart disease, including a healthy diet, moderate exercise, avoidance of smoking, and maintenance of a healthy weight. These behavior changes carry less potential for negative consequences. As one person put it, ”people don’t get addicted to fruits and vegetables and don’t get into accidents after eating too many apples.” Thus, the correct interpretation of the Dietary Guideline on alcohol is, if you don’t drink, this guideline is not a reason to start; however, if you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation, with meals, and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.
About the Author
Ronnie is a content writer for http://www.1st In Weight Loss Tips.com
Your Free Source for Weight Loss, Dieting, Health and Fitness Tips!
Promoting Health Living In Today’s Fast Paced Society.
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Free weight loss program for teenagers
Losing weight is in vogue right now. What with celebrities and teen stars all losing pounds, it is not surprising that the vast majority of teeners in America are also obsessed with weight loss programs. Everyone wants to stay slim as the models that they see strutting in the catwalks.
Everyone wants to be able to dress like their idols Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Hillary Duff.
Weight loss programs, however, can be really expensive. And no amount of saving your monthly allowance will be able to make you afford one. Unless of course you have a trust fund like that of the Hilton sisters!
Losing weight however need not be expensive. In fact, you can lose those additional weight and pounds without even having to shell out a lot of money. This is especially true if you do not really need to lose much. You can actually do it for free. You dont believe me? Read on below and find some tips on how to achieve weight loss for free.
Determine how much to lose
The process of losing weight is different for different people. This is because people need to lose different amounts of weight. A weight loss program that has worked for someone who needs to lose a little over 20 pounds may not work for someone who needs to lose more than 50 pounds. The same goes with people who have the time to work out in a gym and those who opt for home exercise.
Before you determine the right program for losing weight, you have to first know just how much pounds you have to lose. To do this, consult the body mass index to know the ideal weight for your age and your height. After doing this, you will be able to plan your own weight program.
Combine diet and exercise
One of the most costly mistakes both financially and health-wise that teenagers make is to concentrate on just one aspect of dieting. This may not be good for the dieter as concentrating on just one will not balance out the weight loss.
If you diet too much, your body may suffer from the loss of nutrients and exercising too much may lead to muscle pains and body aches. It is important that you combine both of these things to achieve maximum weight loss. What is more, when both of these are combined, weight loss is more permanent and more lasting.
Slowly but surely
Crash diets often do not work in the long run. Oh, it can make you lose weight fast but because of what your body has gone through, you will gain the lost pounds just as fast. In addition, crash diets will only put your body and health in jeopardy. It is important that you give yourself enough time to lose those unwanted pounds slowly but surely. This way, you can be sure that your weigh loss will be for keeps.
Check your commitment meter
One important ingredient in a weight loss program is the hunger for weight loss. You can enroll in the most expensive weight loss program but without the determination to lose weight, your money will just go down the drain. If you have full commitment in the program, even if it is something that you have only planned yourself, you can succeed.
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