We’ve all been told that cutting calories will help us lose weight; however, where your calories come from matters almost as much as how many you get. While low fat has always been toted as the best way to go, there are many other types of food that are helpful in losing weight as well.
Fresh, unprocessed foods
If you think about it, our bodies were designed to eat natural foods. Our digestive systems have evolved over many years; preservatives and artificial chemicals have existed for a comparatively short amount of time. The foods our bodies digest and use most efficiently are natural and unprocessed. This is why you should try eating fresh foods as much possible. It is also recommended that many of these foods be eaten raw because it preserves the healthy active enzymes in fruits and vegetables.
Dairy
Incorporating low fat dairy products into your diet helps you lose weight faster than just cutting calories. A good way to get enough dairy is through yogurt. Not only do they usually come in portioned controlled cups; yogurt also contains good bacteria that helps improve your overall health.
Low sugar
When you eat sugar, your body’s response is to immediately release insulin to lower your blood sugar levels. With high-sugar foods, your body can overreact to glucose levels and produce too much insulin. This lowers your blood sugar; making you hungry again much sooner than low sugar foods. Instead of sugary snacks, choose foods higher in protein and fiber. These foods absorb more slowly, making you feel full longer.
Spicy foods
When we eat foods that are really spicy, we tend to eat less. Some studies suggest that appetite suppression is due to capsaicin, a chemical found in many spicy foods. Others attribute this effect to strong flavor of these foods being less palatable.
While cutting calories and getting appropriate amounts of exercise are both important, incorporating some of these foods into your diet may just give you the boost you need to finally shed those extra pounds.
Filed under Health Talk, Weight Loss by on Dec 11th, 2006. 
Throughout time, there’s been a persistent myth about the fountain of youth. Sure, we all know there’s no spring in Florida that will keep us young forever, but we still chase after pills, crèmes and anything else that will magically make us feel younger or live longer. Nothing can help us live forever or be ten years younger, but there are things you can do to help turn back the clock.
Stay on your diet. You may be on a diet to lose weight, but it has other benefits too. While carrying around extra pounds causes extra wear and tear on your system, a healthy diet also makes all your systems work right. If your organs are properly nourished, they’ll operate more efficiently and won’t get worn out as fast. It’s also a good idea to take a daily multivitamin. You might find other supplements beneficial; just be sure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients and not too much of the wrong ones.
Don’t forget your skin. An important part of feeling young is keeping your organs healthy. Well, your skin is the largest organ of your body. Having healthy skin can make you look younger, which in turn can make you feel younger. In addition to using anti-aging skin care products, be sure to eat a diet that helps improve skin quality. Good choices are fresh fruits and vegetables and foods rich in protein. Keep your skin (and the rest of your body) hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Get Exercise. Everyone’s heard the old adage “if you don’t use it you lose it”. Well, you’ve probably heard it so much because it’s true. Regular exercise keeps your body working properly. It can also strengthen your heart and help you lose excess pounds that are weighing you down. And remember, exercising your mind is just as important for staying young as exercising your body.
Feel good about getting old. It may seem silly, but people who have a positive view about getting older tend to live longer. Instead of worrying about how hard it will be to get around or do normal things, concentrate on the fun of retirement or other benefits to getting older.
Sure, there’s no fountain of youth, but taking small steps to stay healthy and keep yourself going will go a long way in helping you feel younger and live longer.
Filed under Anti-Aging, Health Talk, Women by on Dec 10th, 2006.