You know that eating a vegetarian diet can decrease the incidence of heart disease and certain types of cancers. You also know that it can make you leaner and healthier. But so many of the health studies are done on men? What about women and the impact of a vegetarian diet on their health as they age?

Diets that are high in protein, especially animal protein, tend to cause the body to excrete more calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. These three substances are the main components of urinary tract stones. British researchers have advised that persons with a tendency to form kidney stones should follow a vegetarian diet. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that high animal protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United States and other developed countries and recommends protein restriction for the prevention of recurrent kidney stones.

For many of the same reasons, vegetarians are at a lower risk for osteoporosis. Since animal products force calcium out of the body, eating meat can promote bone loss. In nations with mainly vegetable diets (and without dairy product consumption), osteoporosis is less common than in the U.S., even when calcium intake is also less than in the U.S. Calcium is important, but there is no need to get calcium from dairy products.

We continue to consume meat, while at the same time downing calcium supplements and prescription drugs to prevent osteoporosis, that often have drastic side effects. And most experts agree that calcium supplements are inferior to calcium derived from natural food sources. Doesn’t it make more sense (and cents) to get your calcium from eating a healthier diet?

What are some good vegetarian sources of calcium? Orange juice, for one. Dry beans, such as black-eyed peas, kidney beans and black beans are another good source, as are dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale. Tofu is also a good source of calcium.

Tags: American Academy Of Family Physicians, Animal Protein, Atkins, Calcium Intake, Calcium Oxalate, Calcium Supplements, Eating Habits, Fruits And Vegetables, Good Source Of Calcium, Healthy Diet, Kidney Beans, Kidney Stones, Leafy Vegetables, Natural Food Sources, Other Developed Countries, Product Consumption, Protein Intake, Protein Restriction, Risk For Osteoporosis, Sources Of Calcium, Types Of Cancers, Urinary Tract Stones, Vegetarian Diet, Vegetarian Sources —

Starting off your with a healthy well balanced diet is the best thing you do for yourself and your baby. This way, you’ll only need to make a few adjustments during your pregnancy.

Your first trimester

If you find it tough to maintain a balanced diet during your first trimester, you can rest assured that your not alone. Due to queasiness, some women will eat all of the time and gain a lot of weight in the process. Other women have trouble getting food down and subsequently lose weight.

Preventing malnutrition and dehydration are your most important factors during first trimester.

Calories

When you are pregnant, you need to consume around 300 calories more than usual every day. The best way to go about doing this is listening to your body when you are hungry. You should try to eat as many foods as possible from the bottom of the food pyramid.

If you gain weight too slow, try eating small meals and slightly increase the fat in your diet. You should always eat when you are hungry, as you are now eating for 2 instead of one.

Calcium

By the second trimester, you’ll need around 1,500 milligrams of calcium each day for your bones and your baby’, which is more than a quart of milk. Calcium is something that’s missing from many diets. Along with milk, other great sources for calcium include dairy products, calcium fortified juices, and even calcium tablets.

Fiber

Fiber can help to prevent constipation, which is a common pregnancy problem. You can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, and even vegetables. Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel are safe to take during pregnancy.

Protein

Unless you happen to be a strict vegetarian, your protein intake is not normally a problem for women who eat a healthy diet.

Iron

A lot of women will start their pregnancy off with a bit of iron deficiency. Good sources of iron include dark leafy green vegetables and meats. Iron supplements should be avoided, as they can cause internal symptoms such as cramping, constipation, or diarrhea.

Vitamins

Seeing as how you get a majority of the vitamins you need in your diet, you may want to discuss prenatal vitamins with your doctor. Folate is one of the most important, and if you are getting enough of it, you may be able to avoid vitamins all together – just ask your doctor to make sure.

Tags: Calcium Tablets, Calories, Citrucel, Eating Habits, Fiber Supplements, First Trimester, food pyramid;, Fruits And Vegetables, Getting Food, Good Sources Of Iron, Healthy Diet, Iron Deficiency, Iron Supplements, Leafy Green Vegetables, Losing Weight, Metamucil, Milk Calcium, Pregnancy Problem, Protein Intake, Queasiness, Second Trimester, Sources Of Iron, Vitamins And Minerals, Well Balanced Diet, Whole Grains —

Time and again, it has been said that weight loss is not just about dieting, rigorous exercise, or drastic cosmetic surgeries. But peoplebeing stubborn and not content beings they arenever listens. They continue to live the lifestyles that put their health to risk by trying out different means of losing weight without proper guidance from their healthcare providers.

LOW CARB DIET 101

Indeed, a lot has been said about various diets and how these work for some people. There s the Atkins Diet, the South Beach, the After-Six Diet plan and so on goes on the list of diet crazes that swept the western world and even Asian regions. Among all these, one type of diet has become popular than the othersits called the Low Carb Diet.

Basically, low carb diet actually emphasizes cutting down on from a persons daily food intake. This diet allows the dieter to take in all foods except those that have carbohydrates. Although there are many testimonies that prove that low carb diet really works, you must be very knowledgeable first about its pros and cons before deciding to go with the hype.

People who have tried low carb diets say that its advantages include:

1. Faster and quicker weight loss compared to fasting.

2. The diet may result to higher protein intake and absorption.

3. It stabilizes blood sugar levels and is extremely beneficial to those who suffer from diabetics.

Experts say that the disadvantages of low carb diets may include:

– High cholesterol levels due to the lack of protein-rich and fatty foods that has saturated fats.
– Increased blood pressure due to elimination of whole grains products that help lower blood pressure.
– It can lead to osteoporosis because there will be no enough supply of calcium.
– In some cases, this diet can lead to diarrhea, constipation, and severe headaches.
– Low carb diets increase the possibility of lower mental acuity.
– Instead of losing weight, this diet can lead to weight gain.
If you are planning on taking low carb diet, here are some helpful tips to keep you in track:

1. Make sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.

2. Consider taking in more fiber and vitamin supplements.

3. Cease from consuming products that has sugar.

4. Cut down on taking in products that contain caffeine.

5. Monitor your daily carbohydrate intake.

6. Dont mind calories, they are allowed in this diet.

7. Acquire a carbohydrate counter to keep you updated.

8. Do regular physical activities and exercise to reach ketosis easily.

9. Brace yourself for diarrhea that may last for a couple of days.

10. If possible, avoid eating foods that have saturated fats.

Tags: Asian Regions, Atkins Diet, Blood Sugar Levels, constipation;, Cosmetic Surgeries, Crazes, Daily Food Intake, dehydration;, diarrhea;, Diet Plan, Fatty Foods, food intake;, grains products, Healthcare Providers, High Cholesterol, High Cholesterol Levels, ketosis;, Low Carb Diet, Low Carb Diets, Lower Blood Pressure, Mental Acuity, osteoporosis;, Proper Guidance, Protein Intake, Rigorous Exercise, Saturated Fats, Severe Headaches, South Beach, Whole Grains —

Do you want to undergo LapBand surgery? If so, a consultation appointment with a surgeon will determine if you are an eligible candidate. If so, your surgeon will begin to discuss expectations. Not will he or she outline what you can expect from surgery, but they will outline what is expected from you. In terms of the LapBand system, that is diet restrictions.

Diet restrictions are important to the success of the LapBand surgery. The LapBand surgery involves inserting an adjustable gastric band around the stomach pouch. The stomach is reduced in size. This assists in weight loss, but to maximize results and minimize complications, patients must restrict their diet. Diet restrictions are necessary in the pre and post-surgery stages.

If you are severely obese and seeking help from the LapBand, this likely isnt your first time attempting to lose weight. In fact, you may have already tried healthy eating and diet restrictions. If your attempts where unsuccessful, you may be concerned about the LapBand surgery. After all, if you couldnt restrict your diet before, what would be different now? Drive and determination. If you are serious about undergoing weight loss surgery, you do not have any other options. In most instances, surgeons will not perform the LapBand procedure if you cannot restrict your diet.

So, how can you make the transition to healthy eating before surgery?

Get started early. The moment you decide to undergo LapBand surgery is the moment you should start restricting your diet. Not only will you get a healthier body with a reduced fat content around the stomach, but you lower your risk of surgical complications. Two to three weeks before surgery, you will need to eat healthy and increase protein intake. Why not get started now?

Try different foods. As previously stated, two to three weeks before surgery, patients are asked to restrict their diets to healthy foods and protein supplements. These foods may include lean means, eggs, yogurt, vegetables, and fruits. Before your doctor advises you to restrict your diet, you are provided with some forms of freedom. Experiment with healthy foods to find the foods that best curb your cravings. As long as they are healthy, these are foods you can later consume post-surgery.

Start in small steps. As previously stated, diet restrictions are difficult for those suffering from obesity. This is because many have poor eating habits. Many eat too much and opt for junk food. It is virtually impossible for most to stop these bad eating habits overnight. So, start the transition early and do so in small steps. Do you have cookies for snack three times a day? If so, eliminate one of those snacks and opt for a healthier option, such as an apple. Over time, eliminate cookies from your diet.

Plan your meals in advance. Those who suffer from obesity and eating problems are known to eat food whenever it is available. This means that meals and snacks are often last minute decisions. Instead, plan your meals each week. Use your meal list as your grocery shopping list. Reduce temptations by not buying junk food.

Remember your goal. Whether you start to curb your eating habits three months or three weeks before your LapBand surgery, you will have trouble. Those who rely on food for taste or emotional comfort can experience withdrawal and cravings. You may want to give up, but dont. Remember, your surgeon may refuse to perform the surgery if you do not show a true commitment to the procedure, which involves diet restriction.

Meet with a nutrition expert. Nutrition experts come in a number of different formats. There are those who specialize in healthy eating and weight loss. Appointments are available for free or for an affordable fee. Seek help from a professional. That professional can not only give you healthy eating ideas, but recipes and detailed meal plans.

Finally, track your progress. Have a notebook handy and record what you ate each day. At the end of the week, reward yourself. Remember no sweets, but opt for something fulfilling in a different aspect, such as a new book, watching a movie, or a new shirt from your favorite store.

PPPPP

Word Count 696

Tags: Adjustable Gastric Band, Assists, Consultation Appointment, Diet Diet, Diet Restrictions, Diets, Different Foods, Eligible Candidate, Fat Content, Fat Stomach, food;, Healthier Body, Healthy Diet, Healthy Eating, Healthy Foods, Junk food;, Lapband Procedure, Lapband Surgery, obesity;, Protein Intake, Protein Supplements, Stomach Pouch, surgeon, surgery, Surgery Patients, Weight Loss Surgery —