Diabetes Management and Team Approach

Diabetes Management and Team Approach

Diabetes management and team approach, when combined, go a long way in providing the best possible care for the patients. So when I read the latest news on the early team approach being the best medicine, I dove right into it. I am not a stranger to this concept as I have always used this in my practice.

Integrating a team of specialists including a diabetes educator, a dietitian, cardiologist, nephrologist and endocrinologist is the way to go to lower the risk of complications. It can also lower the cost for the health care system. So does an online survey of physicians found out.

About 44% of the physicians reported that 50% of their patients developed one of the complications including nerve pain, cardiovascular disease, stroke, limb amputation, blindness and kidney disease. They said that most patients are not aware of these complications, especially the kidney disease.

What is not realized is that most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes already have some form of impairment in the kidney. In order for the patients to know of this complication is to require yearly testing for those at the earliest stage of type 2 diabetes including a microalbumin urine test.

Those on the latter stage of type 2 diabetes should have blood testing of the kidney function. Knowing the impairment can lead to interventions to prevent further damage to the kidney and other serious type 2 complications like heart disease.

The physicians revealed in the survey that patients do not adhere to lifestyle modifications as well as following the prescription. In this case, the intervention of nutritionist or dietitians can help patients get back on track. About 63% of the participants agreed the members of the team can help them.

The physicians surveyed, 93% of them in fact, believe that some are not using the team approach to prevent complications although 71% believe it can be done. Diabetes management and the team approach will reduce the burden on the health care system and the patients.

The goal of diabetes management is to achieve glycemic control through lifestyle modification, insulin or oral therapy. This requires monitoring and careful follow-up and support and so there is a need for a core group of professionals with different roles and functions.

This interdisciplinary team approach is not a new concept in the treatment of chronic illnesses but is relatively new to diabetes. There is a need for the diabetes care providers to view their roles and relationships with their patients and with the professionals in other disciplines.

Recognizing the diabetes treatment as complex led both the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Educators to endorse diabetes management and team approach as the ideal model for the delivery of diabetes care.

The diabetes treatment team includes, physicians, dietitians, nurses and behavioral scientists that have training in diabetes management. This team will look after the basic requirements of medication, nutrition, self-management and self-monitoring. This can extend to podiatrists, ophthalmologists, pharmacists, exercise physiologists and even maternal-child care and gerontology specialists depending on specific needs.

This diabetes care team will insure that standards of care are met. The diabetes care should be based on research and focused on the desired outcomes. The team members will support and encourage each other in promoting the care that is centered on the patients and directed to the goal of providing the best care possible. And this can better be accomplished with diabetes management and team approach.

Diabetes experts agree that it is important to control the blood sugar level. This require a better approach to the treatment. The multidisciplinary team approach to diabetes care is essential to meet this goal. This will result to fewer complications so we cannot delay this any longer. We must therefore adopt the diabetes management and team approach.

What Are the Most Popular Diets in Hollywood? - What Do These Diets Consist Of?

What Are the Most Popular Diets in Hollywood? - What Do These Diets Consist Of?

Our friends the celebrities, well we feel like they are. They are so much a part of lives we can hardly make it through the day without seeing one of them in a magazine, on TV, or on the internet. We look and wonder what it would be like to be them. What it would be like to have their money, clothes, car, and jewelry. But most often we wonder what it would be like to have their looks and their bodies. At least one time we all have said "If I looked like...than I would be rich and famous". Come on, you haven't... really. You are probably thinking it right now! So we go searching for the most Popular Diets in Hollywood to find out which diet our celebrity used to get fit and trim.

In one of my previous articles title "What are the Most Popular Celebrity Diets?" I discussed and gave an opinion on The Zone Diet, The Atkins Diet, and the Sugar Busters Diet. In this article I will discuss and give an opinion on more of the Popular Diets in Hollywood and why I think you should look to an alternative program that will not force you to guess how to do the program and not cost you nearly as much.

Here are some of the Popular Diets in Hollywood:

• The South Beach Diet- Great Diet program you can get customized diets, recipes and food guides, weight tracker tools, and news letters. This diets works by utilizing "3 phases" in the first phase you will have to completely cut out carbohydrates. That's 2 weeks without bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, or baked goods. No fruit, even. You also won't eat candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, or sugar for two weeks. Also, no beer or alcohol. Yikes! I don't know about you but that's seems pretty rough to me. On top of this in order to keep receiving support from the website you need to pay for a membership. You will need to pay 5 dollars per week in order to have access to the tools you'll need to stay on track. After 2 months you will have paid $40 after one year you will have spent $260 in membership fees. I know gyms that are cheaper than that.
• The GI Diet- Developed by Dr. David Jenkins who is a professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto. The GI (glycemic index) measures the speed at which foods are broken down by the body to form glucose, the body's source of energy. High G.I. foods break down quickly and leave you looking for the next food fix. Low G.I. foods break down more slowly and leave you feeling fuller, longer. It is these low G.I. foods that form the core of the diet. Foods are categorized by 3 colors red, yellow, and green. After you purchase the series of 3 books for $40 you will be able to understand how to categorize each food according to its color. By eating the appropriate colored foods in the correct proportion you will lose weight.

I've found one product that is easy to implement and if you can cook some simple recipes you will be well on your way to losing weight like the Popular Diets in Hollywood and it won't cost you nearly as much. In fact you will probably be saving money in the long run, because some of the expensive foods you buy like potato chips and ice cream will be out of the equation.

Strip That Fat is a premier weight loss software. Strip That Fat will leave all of the Popular Diets in Hollywood in the back of the aisles. This software is easy to use, you can select your favorite foods and you will get a customized 14 day meal plan using the foods you like to eat. It will also print you a shopping list so there is no more guessing. Pretty soon you will look like you've been on one of the Popular Diets in Hollywood and you'll be happy knowing that it did not cost you nearly as much.

Bad Diet Pills - Do Not Risk Your Health and Your Life!

Bad Diet Pills - Do Not Risk Your Health and Your Life!

Admit it. At one point or another in your life, you have been dreading to lose those extra pounds. However, it is either you are too tired to go to the gym or you do not have time to go to the gym. Another problem that might arise when you want to go to the gym is having to pay those expensive annual and monthly memberships. This is why many individuals would simply choose to take diet pills instead because they think that it is the easier way out. The truth is it is very hard to actually risk your health, even your life to these bad diet pills.

Sure, you want to lose weight by using pills for diet because you think they are safe and effective since they have been in the market for such a long time. Actually, not all of these diet pills are approved by the Food and Drug industry. Some companies who make these diet pills are not even legitimate and licensed to do such drugs.

Pills for diet do not help you lose your weight, per se. Diet pills only makes your body lose your appetite so that you can decrease your food intake. This is the exact same reason why they are bad diet pills. How long have you been hearing that the best diet is not starving yourself? The reason why experts all agree on this is because the moment you lower your food intake, your metabolism slows down and your energy decreases. These pills for diet that can cause you your health or your life is mostly composed of ephedrine and phentermine. These two ingredients commonly found in diet pills can cause either of these health problems:

o seizures
o blurred vision
o nausea
o heart attacks
o dry mouth
o vomiting
o nervousness
o sleeplessness
o chest pain
o fever
o depression
o heart damage
o hair loss
o impotence

So, after reading these side effects, do you really want to risk your health because you want to lose weight? It is not bad to want to lose weight but losing weight can be done in other safe and legit ways. Truth of the matter is that you cannot really shortcut your way into losing weight. If you really want to lose those extra pounds, you have to really go back to the old tradition of eating healthy foods and exercising.

If you say that you really do not have enough time and money to spend on the gym, you do not have to go to the gym. You can simply jog at the park near you or your neighborhood. You can walk your dogs on weekends. You can also buy DVDs and work out at the premises of your own home.

If you cannot really stay away from food, take your time. Do not starve yourself but at the same time, try not to overeat. Take food in moderation and choose the food that you eat. In these simple ways, you do not have to suffer the effects of bad diet pills that will just risk your health and your life.

What is an Easy Diet Plan to Lose Weight?

What is an Easy Diet Plan to Lose Weight?

People are asking all the time for an easy diet plan to lose weight. The problem is losing weight isn't as easy as that. If you really want to look and feel sexy you need to be determined to shed the pounds and stick to your chosen diet for it to be effective in any way.

My preferred method will always be the healthy way, and I imagine this option would suit you better than anything else too. So unless you are really willing to put the work in to lose any weight there is no easy diet to lose weight. On the other hand with drive and determination it can be as easy as you want it to be.

In fact do you find walking and eating tasty foods difficult? I know I don't. Essentially this is all you need to lose weight. So a good diet plan will involve teaching you what foods are healthy, tasty and nutritious at the same time as helping you to lose weight. Combined with regular exercise, even just walking the dog, you will see the weight simply drop off.

I spent a very long time searching for an easy diet plan, until I realized that I really had no easy way out. If I wanted to lose all my unwanted fat I had to work hard at it and stick to a regular and balanced diet. When I finally knuckled down with my chosen diet plan and exercise routine I was extremely happy with the results. I finally felt like I was sexy.

Help! My Dog Has Diarrhea - How to Prevent and Treat Dog Diarrhea

Help! My Dog Has Diarrhea - How to Prevent and Treat Dog Diarrhea

Dogs actually have a well functioning digestive system and dog diarrhea is, thankfully, not a common experience. But I know that when my dog has diarrhea, I can usually attribute it to something that could be avoided. Some of the common causes of diarrhea in dogs are:

1. Sudden change in diet. If you change your dogs food suddenly, it could cause diarrhea. Makes sense, doesn't it? Your dog is used to eating 1 thing and then all of a sudden a totally different food is in his bowl. His digestive system might need a few days to switch tracks and get used to the new food. Of course, you can avoid this by gradually changing the food - mixing the two together, using less and less of the old food and more and more of the new. This is particularly important with puppies whose digestive systems are very delicate.

2. Worms. Worm can cause diarrhea and is a common cause of it in puppies. If this diarrhea is frothy this usually indicates internal parasites. Get treatment for this at your local Vet.

3. Stress. Stress and mental upset - a long trip or change in daily routine could cause dog diarrhea.

4. Illness. In some cases your dog might just have a virus or illness. Although this doesn't happen in dogs as often as people, you should have your Vet check him out if you suspect this is the case so you can get him the appropriate treatment.

5. Bad food. Spoiled meat can cause diarrhea in a dog just like it can in humans. Please be as picky about what you feed your pet as you are about what you feed your family.

I know when my dog has diarrhea, the most important thing on my mind is how to make it go away. Not only is it uncomfortable for the dog, but it makes a big mess too! While I recommend you get your dog to a vet right away if he has diarrhea, here are some things you could try at home:

1. If the problem is caused by bad food, you might try a bit of caster oil. Sometimes a more drastic effort is requited and you might have to put your pet on a diet of plain rice.

2. You might also try milk thickened with arrowroot.

3. Don't be to quick to put your dog back on his regular food. Continue the rice and milk diet for a couple of days to give his intestines a change to recover.

4. Gradually work your way back towards normal food by including boiled hamburg or white fish boiled in milk in with the rice. If you notice the diarrhea starting up again, go back to the previous level.

When my dog has diarrhea, my first concern is for her health so I always call the Vet right away and you should too. You might have to drag your dog in there for an exam, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Your vet will only be able to recommend a course of action and give out medications after she has seen your dog.

Hollywood Cookie Diet Reviews - Pros and Cons of the Cookie Diet

Hollywood Cookie Diet Reviews - Pros and Cons of the Cookie Diet

The Hollywood Cookie Diet became famous after it was reported as the weapon of choice in the battle against fat of a number of celebrities. The simplicity of the diet, the publicity it got, as well as the catchy name, have all contributed to the diet's vast popularity.

The diet, as its name implied, is based on eating special cookies that replace your breakfast and lunch every day until you reach your target weight. Each day, you get to eat 4 cookies that are supposed to replace your breakfast and lunch. This way, you "force" yourself to create a big calorie deficit that's supposed to get you to shed weight fast.

This is a low calorie diet which is totally based on calorie restriction. There is no exercise involved and indeed, it may be unhealthy to workout as you get a low calorie intake.

There are mixed reviews on the Hollywood Cookie Diet. Some people report excellent weight loss results. Others claim that it is a short term solution at best because you're not really changing any habits that may have caused you to gain weight in the first plan. The price of the cookies, approximately $19 for a box of 12 cookies, is also a factor that you should know about.

Let's see what are the pros and cons of the Hollywood Cookie Diet

Pros:

• Simple and easy to follow.
• The cookies contain over 13 vitamins and minerals to help you get a more balanced diet.
• You can lose weight very quickly at the early stages of the diet.
• Can be ordered online and in various stores in the United States.

Cons:

• May be too low in calories for active people.
• Some claim that it may cause metabolic slowdown and not be good for long term weight loss.
• Can become expensive to buy the special cookies.

It's very clear that the Hollywood Cookie Diet has its advantages and disadvantages. You need to decide whether this kind of plan is for you.

Are Low Calorie Diets Bad?

Are Low Calorie Diets Bad?

In this article, I would like to talk about the ever so popular low calorie diets. Are they bad? Can you really lose weight with a low calorie diet? Read on to find out the truth.

Question: Are low calorie diets good for you? Answer: NO!!!

Low calorie diets (or forced starvation) will not cause you to lose weight. You have to get the appropriate amount of calories your body needs daily. This is probably the biggest problem with dieter's nowadays. The simple thought of eating less will cause weight loss is very common.

When you eat less calories than your body needs based off of your height, current weight, and age, you will slow down your metabolism. Your metabolism will start to store calories which will then later on turn to fat. Your metabolism does this as protection for your body because it is receiving a signal of starvation. Don't confuse your metabolism, eat the appropriate amount of calories your body needs daily.

Yes, you can lose weight even if you eat the amount of calories you are supposed to get daily. How? First off, you're not slowing down your metabolism. Secondly, if you eat several small meals daily to add up to your daily calorie intake, you can boost up your metabolism even more. Also, and this should really be a no brainer, make sure that those calories you take in daily are from sensible food choices. Those food choices would be fruits and vegetables, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and other foods rich in vitamins and minerals. And finally, to make sure those pounds come off, you must do cardio and weight training exercising. Exercising is how you decrease calories by burning them off...never decrease calories by reducing the amount of calories you take in.

A Diet Pill That Finally Works For Men and Women - Do Not Trust a Fat Or Carb Blocker!

A Diet Pill That Finally Works For Men and Women - Do Not Trust a Fat Or Carb Blocker!

If you are looking for a diet pill that works your probably more than familiar with the fat blocker Alli, which is a watered down version of the weight loss prescription pill Xenical.

The only F.D.A approved product sold over the counter in the U.S and now the U.K, Alli works by restricting the breakdown of enzymes in your intestine, reducing the amount of fat absorbed - Alli claim - by up to 24%. 

Whilst Alli does indeed limit the amount of fat you ingest, if your diet is not high in fat then it obviously delivers minor results.

If you are indeed on a high fat diet then Alli will have some impact, but due to the amount fat you end up blocking, treatment effects are inevitable resulting in bloating and diarrhea.

Due the fact that you are also blocking essential fatty vitamins and minerals Alli strongly advise assisting your diet plan with multi-vits, so whilst you are paying additional costs and experiencing side effects why not just lower your fat intake and save on the original cost of the slimming pills!

If it's a high carb diet your on doctors do believe that the chances of these slimming pills working are thin. These supplement pills derive their carb blocking capabilities from the ingredient (phaseolamin) found in the white kidney bean. However, your gastric system contains far too many starch enzymes for one pill to block and the treatment effects are similar to eating a bowl of beans, essentially you will feel bloated.

So whilst the idea of having the ability to block 2 of the 3 most important macro-nutrients in order for you to shred weight quicker sounds promising - the reality is they will have a limited effect.

More importantly though, dieting in a safe way should not be at the expense of the carbs and fat in your system, as balanced carb, fat and protein levels are essential for healthier dieting.

The alternative to a fat and carb blocker however is a fat burner, and fat burners whilst letting you consume your 3 macro-nutrients safely will also deliver treatment effects due to their high concentration of caffeine levels.

However, there are now 100% natural fat burners available due to the advancement of natural science which will increase your metabolic rate, thus burning body fat that much faster for men and women, just without the jittery side-effects!

A Muscle Building Diet Plan

A Muscle Building Diet Plan

If you want to build strong lean muscle you need more than just exercise; eating the right kinds of foods is also important. A quality muscle building diet is very often neglected when one begins muscle building training. Most people have a lot of mistaken beliefs about the type of diet needed to help build muscle mass.

Some people believe that a body building diet should be made up solely of proteins, and vitamins, and that fats and carbohydrates, should be eliminated. When building muscle mass, you have to increase your carbohydrate intake to give you the needed energy to do your work outs and lifting routines.

When you lower the carbohydrates in your diet, your body has to compensate by finding energy elsewhere. The body does this by decreasing your metabolism. When your metabolism is low, the extra calories you eat build up as fat instead of being broken down into energy.

Your body also must have fat in the diet. The organ systems of the body will be forced to rely on low fat products or fat free food to fill the necessary fat requirements of your body this can cause problems. It also can lead to a decrease in your body's metabolism, especially the way your body matabolizes fat. Instead of bulking you up you can reverse the process.

Foods you should include in your diet are; lean red meat as it is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients that promote muscle growth. Eggs are an excellent food if you are trying to build muscle mass. They are high in protein and easily digested and used in your body. Fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the body. Chicken breast is full of proteins and is one of the top foods that can help you grow muscles. Milk gives you with the minerals, vitamins and calcium that your body needs.. Cottage cheese is very slow to digest and this makes it a popular food for body-building. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate which provides your body with a steady rate of energy and promotes muscle growth. Fruits such as apples, citrus fruits, and berries can give your body the needed potassium, iron, fiber, zinc, and minerals.Vegetables like spinach, carats, and tomatoes should also be included in your diet. Nuts are an excellent source of unsaturated fats.

How to Treat Diarrhea in a Silky Terrier

How to Treat Diarrhea in a Silky Terrier

If you're like me and the hundreds of other people who are lucky enough to have a silky terrier as a pet, you are undoubtedly going to have times when you canine pal goes through a bout of diarrhea. You know it's a mess and you feel for your pet, but if you're like most of us, you just want her to get over it so you aren't constantly cleaning up after her. How good would it be if for both of you if you could hurry the process along?

Diarrhea in silky terriers is usually just a natural response to something they have eaten that has upset their bowels and will generally go away after 24 hours. Recurring or continuous diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious condition. As you read this article you'll learn what to look for, what to do to give your pet some comfort, and when to make the trip to the veterinarian if required.

If your dog's stool is runny but clear, no mucus or blood present, the best thing to do is just take her off her feed for 24 hours and let her get rid of the offending substance naturally. Put up her food bowl but make sure she has plenty of water available. The biggest health concern with regular diarrhea is dehydration. If you're concerned that she isn't drinking enough, add unflavored children's pedialyte to her drinking water to help restore electrolyte levels. In essence you have just made her a doggie version of GatorAid.

After 24 hours you can start her back on a bland diet. Cooked chicken and boiled rice are good choices but don't be surprised when she becomes hooked on this diet. If her stool is still runny, you can firm it up using a teaspoon of children's Immodium, or a more natural cure, a half tablespoon of canned pumpkin. Make sure it is 100% pumpkin and not just the pumpkin pie filling.

Pretty easy stuff so far right?

Are you beginning to love your dog again?

I thought you might.

If the diarrhea continues after 24 hours there maybe some other issues in question. If there is blood or mucus in the stool, your pal may have colitis or an inflammation of the large bowel. When this occurs water is not absorbed in the bowel causing a runny stool. The blood is a result of the inflammation.

Usually this condition comes from eating something that they shouldn't have and the fix is the same as regular diarrhea although they may have to be on the bland diet longer.

However, there are other possible causes that can be a significantly bigger risk to your silky's health. Including parasites like giardia, coccidia, intestinal worms and even salmonella. If the diarrhea continues for more than 4 days you should take a stool sample and see a vet for analysis. If you pal becomes less alert or lethargic, or stops barking at everything like all silkies do, then take her to the vet right away as something more than diarrhea is bothering her.

So that's how you treat the little long haired critter for the runs. I'm sure you already know this, but being able to identify and care for your silky's health issues only tightens the bond between the two of you and that's a pretty good thing. Right?

How Can I Stop Acid Reflux Pain?

How Can I Stop Acid Reflux Pain?

Have you ever felt yourself saying Help stop the acid reflux pain! Are you tired of the pain and discomfort that comes with this illness? Many people are affected with this condition and the sad fact is that not many understand the some of the techniques you can use to help relieve the pain and discomfort. This article is going to provide you tips on how you can stop the acid reflux pain and begin enjoying your life pain free again.

1. Weight: Have you noticed that maybe you have put on some extra pounds during the winter months? It could be as something as small as gaining some extra weight that can be causing this condition. Having extra pounds will apply extra pressure on the stomach and more acid will creep up. When this happens during the night; it can lead to disturbances and make you cough, snore or other symptoms. You should begin watching what you eat and begin an exercise routine to help you shed some of that extra weight.

2. Diet: What you consume plays a huge role in this condition; after all it deals with your digestive system. If you can learn what to eat what to avoid; chances are you will be able to stop the acid reflux pain. There are many foods that you want to avoid if you already have this condition like; spicy, fatty, onions, high in citrus, and etc. All these foods can be causing you the discomfort that you are experiencing if you are unsure of which foods you are eating that are causing you pain; you need to educate yourself and find out what foods you need to avoid. You can also visit a dietitian and they will be able to tell you what kind of diet you should be eating.

There are several foods that are known to be good for people who suffer with acid reflux like:

• apples
• pineapple juice
• cabbage
• broccoli
• carrots
• peas
• green beans
• carrots
• skinless chicken breast
• egg white
• low fat cheese
• low fat salad dressing
• bran
• oatmeal
• pastas

The pastas and breads are great for soaking up the acid in your stomach; however you should consume them in small amounts as they can cause you to gain weight which will cause more acid to reflux. When you sit down to eat take a moment to breath or meditate before each meal which will help you slow down and chew your food completely. Eating too fast can also be another factor of this condition. When your feel full and your stomach feels full; push the plate away and stop eating. Many people feel obligated to finish all the food on their plate; however over eating will cause more pain and discomfort later on.

Your present diet is the main thing you must fix to help stop acid reflux pain. If you can learn what to eat and the right portions; chances are you can get relief from this illness. If you are tired of living with the discomfort and want kiss your antacids and other medications goodbye; visit our website below it is packed with new reflux remedies that will stop the acid without using drugs!

Daily Diets For Hypoglycemia

Daily Diets For Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a medical term for a situation where the blood sugar levels are in a very low level, sometimes dangerously low. Now you probably already knew that, but did you know that what kind of a diet is best for a person suffering from hypoglycemia? There are a few diets to treat these unfortunate condition that have had some very good results, but only if they are followed every day, that's the only way to get the best possible outcome.

The goal of an every day diet for hypoglycemia is to not only help people with their condition, but to also make sure that the body gets all the nutrition that it needs. There are foods and drinks that should definitely be avoided in daily diet for anybody with hypoglycemia. On the other hand, it is extremely important that certain foods are consumed every day to make sure you get the best results.

One of these important foods, or better a food group, are the complex carbohydrates. These sort of carbohydrates have found to help with hypoglycemia significantly in many patients. The thing with complex carbohydrates is that they take longer to break, which is a good thing. Pasta and potatoes are both good sources for complex carbohydrates and fortunately they also taste good for the most people. In every diet for hypoglycemia there should also be some high fiber foods, fruits for example are good for this purpose.

Now like you probably already know there are some foods that you should definitely avoid if you ever wish to get rid of hypoglycemia. The fats that you get in your diet should be limited to a certain level. You don't have to cut them all out, and you shouldn't, but you also can't eat them any way you just like to. Especially fats like those in whole milk, cheese, and meats should be limited in diets designed for hypoglycemia patients.

When it comes to drinking, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. I know that this is nearly impossible task for many people and you may not have to stop them all together but rather use common sense with them. Alcohol in excess is capable of causing hypoglycemia all by itself, so you definitely want to be careful. A few glasses of wine may be fine but like I said, take it easy.

As you can probably tell by now, it does take some work to get your diet working. However, the results for many patients have been good so it is definitely worth a try.

Do Diet Pills Really Work Or Do They Offer Only False Hope?

Do Diet Pills Really Work Or Do They Offer Only False Hope?

Taking diet pills for weight management has become a growing trend in our society today. These pills are very tempting, especially for people who have tried other diets with little or no success. The idea of a tablet that can cause weight loss is certainly attractive. Not to mention marketers who tend to make fantastic claims in order to make their products sell.

However, are all these pills really as effective and safe as they claim to be? Do they achieve the results that they claim are possible?

Today's market is completely saturated with products that claim to make you lose weight in record time with no effort whatsoever. Such fantastic statements are off course nonsense, to put it mildly. There is no such thing as a magic pill. You can not expect to just pop a few pills and transform your body.

A pill that fixes everything sounds wonderful, no doubt about it, but people forget how did they get to the unhealthy state they are in. The fact is - every overweight person on the planet knows exactly how to lose weight. It's a matter of willpower and discipline.

The bottom line is - diet pills alone can not help you, especially not in the long term.

But not everything is so negative. Although tablets are not the easy answer to losing weight they can still be very useful. They can be effective, if chosen wisely and used properly.

In conjunction with healthy diet and exercise they can definitely help. This is especially recommended for people who are not satisfied with the results of their ongoing weight loss efforts. The inclusion of diet pills can make the difference.

But with so many products out there it has become very difficult to determine which ones are actually effective.

Here is the thing to remember - when choosing a diet pill, always go for clinically proven. This is very important, so I will repeat it - clinically proven. Everything else is based on hype and can be useless, dangerous, or both.

Be advised that products which are not medically endorsed have a great potential for danger including side effects such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, dizziness, blurred vision, nervousness, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, gas, diarrhea, uncontrollable bowel movements and so on.

If you are in the market for an effective weight loss solution, it's important to learn the facts and be aware of possibly dangerous supplements that are touted all over the internet.

Do your research and you will find that safe and effective solutions are available.

Comprehensive Diet Plan - A Safe Bet Fat Loss

Comprehensive Diet Plan - A Safe Bet Fat Loss

Do you starve yourself in an effort that hourglass figure? And do you worry about your meals being larger than they ideally should be?

It's a relatively new diet plan doing the rounds in the US and is all about eating food that is low in calorie (energy) density. Low-calorie density food --- which can found in fruits, vegetables, soup lean meat and low fat dairy products --- are in water content and low in fat and content fewer calories per bite.

Fundamentally, for any weight loss diet, it's the number of calories one consumes that really matter. Low-calorie diet restricts food intake to between 800 and 1,500 calories per day.

The key to this plan is figuring out how energy-dense (it means amount of energy stored in a given amount of food) certain foods are. Energy density can be calculated by dividing the number calories (contained in a particular food) by the number of grams. With a proper diet plan, you are not meddling with your nutrients by cutting out on the fat completely or eating a high-protein diet. Nor will you need to give up your favorite foods like chocolate, bread or cheese.

So what are these low-density foods? Typically, those include foods which are rich in fibre and high in water content. So you can safely go for a huge bowl of assorted fruits rich in fibre. High energy-dense foods meanwhile consist of sweets, ice-cream and chocolate.

You can choose a very scientific diet plan which lays great emphasis on high-water content and low-density foods like apples, pears, strawberries, plums, orange and green leafy vegetables. A diet rich in fibres helps in better digestion and weight loss.

Calorie shifting is a fat loss approach designed to combat the natural slowdown that occurs in your metabolism whenever you are restricting your calorie intake. One of the reasons we strike plateaus in our diets, unable to lose pounds on end that is because your body is designed to preserve its fat stores and anytime those fat stores are threatened, your metabolism slows down in order to recompense.

Sugar Glider Diet

Sugar Glider Diet

Since they are omnivorous, they are fond of many different types of food including meat. Some of the foods that Sugar Gliders, in general seem to enjoy, are as follows, but NOT limited to:

Apples, applesauce (baby Food Formula Only), apricots, bananas, berries, bread, cantaloupe, carrots, cherries, corn, dates, dried fruit, eggs, fig, grapes, honey, honeydew, insects, lettuce (Romaine or leaf only, Head or Iceberg can cause diarrhea), meal worms, meats (low fat turkey, boiled, skinless chicken & feeder mice), melons, nuts (assorted, unsalted and raw), oranges, papaya, peaches (not the pits, they are toxic), peanut butter, pears, pineapple, plums, pure fruit juices, raisins, strawberries, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes.

I do not suggest broccoli cauliflower, or cabbage due to the gas producing properties once ingested, no one likes to have gas, even Sugar Gliders.

One of the things that might work well for you is to have a few different containers and chop up different fruits and vegetables in each until they are full. Then all you have to do each night is to open the container(s) that you wish to feed from and pull cut a few of the pieces you wish to feed. I would like to add here that I consider it cruel not to feed some type of insect (at least) during the week. In the wild, they will eat fruits and animals and they should not be denied that while in captivity. It does not have to be done every day, but should be done often.

Sugar Gliders can gain weight more easily in captivity due to lack of movement that they would experience in the wild. Babies born to overweight parents can sometimes be born blind or with impaired vision caused by fatty deposits in their eyes. This can be corrected by a controlled diet and measuring weight with a small scale. One of the things that help cause this condition is by feeding to many nuts, which are high in protein and fat. To reduce their weight you need to reduce their fat and protein and try to increase their exercise. It may take a few weeks to bring down their weight.

Do not get frustrated when trying to feed your pet. They are peculiar with their feeding since they may willingly accept a food for a few days and then not take the same thing after a week and then eat it the following week. The bottom line is that they each have their own personality and tastes, and it will take time to find out what they like. You may find it easier to go to your local grocery store and buy a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and use these along with fresh fruit. You also need to make sure that your Sugar Glider has fresh water every day. Keep in mind that tap water may not be best since it is usually treated with chemicals to clean the water.

A couple of suggestions that I will make concerning any type of feed bowls would be that you should at least have a bowl that will not tip or spill easily. Most Sugar Gliders will tend to climb up on the bowl and set on the edge of the bowl. If the bowl is not heavy enough to support their weight, it will tip over and the food will spill either causing a mess or creating a situation where the food falls through the bottom of the age and the Sugar Glider will not be able to eat. Another suggestion that has worked well for me is to have a type of feed holder that hangs on the side of the cage. I have done this because as the Sugar Glider climbs around the cage, they will excrete and droppings fall to the bottom of the cage hitting whatever is in its way, including the food bowl. My feeders are located at the top of the cage with enough room for a Sugar Glider to sit up, on the edge, without being uncomfortable while eating. This keeps them from climbing above the food (most of the time) and lessens the chance that they will soil in their food.

A sample Glider formula that works well and is as follows:

Adult formula:

• 4-8 ounces Applesauce
• 1/2 cup Gerber dry cereal (for protein)
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 ounces plain non-fat yogurt
• 4 ounces isomil or ensure plus
• Apple or Orange juice to make soupy

Puree in blender until liquid form and put in ice cube trays and freeze and feed 1-2 times a week. Pull one out for an AM feeding and one for PM feedings. Discard after 5 hours. It is still a good idea to offer some type of solid foods for them too as this will help keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Some people suggest feeding once a day at dusk, while others will feed twice a day. Which method you choose should be dependent upon your Sugar Gliders. Are they still hungry in the morning? Feed them a small amount in the morning or give them a little more in the evening. If I give too much food to mine, they tend to make a mess in their cage, so I do feed less at each meal, but fed twice a day. Try mixing up a few things that your Sugar Glider enjoys and are good for them and blending it together and freezing it. You can get a couple of ice cube trays fairly inexpensively and use those for freezing.

Diabetes Treatment - Diet Therapy

Diabetes Treatment - Diet Therapy

A lot of people are suffering from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes and their number is constantly increasing. There is strong need to understand the role diet plays in the treatment of diabetes. If one properly manages the diet he eats he can easily overcome the major diabetes complications.

Dietary treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

1. Integrate and synchronize meals (that is, the metabolic load) with the time(s) of action of the insulin treatment to minimize high peaks of blood glucose as well as episodes of hypoglycemia. It is recommended that the individual's usual food intake is used as a basis for integrating insulin therapy into the eating and exercise patterns. Patients on insulin therapy should eat at consistent times synchronized with the time-action of the insulin preparation used.

2. Reduce saturated fat to 10% of total energy or less. People with diabetes have an increased risk of coronary heart disease and this dietary change may reduce it.

3. Keep salt intake low, because people with diabetes have an increased risk of hypertension.

4. Avoid or take moderate quantity of alcohol. Large intakes carry the risk of hypoglycemia; irregular drinking can disturb glycemic control.

5. In children and adolescents should make sure intakes of essential nutrients are adequate.

Dietary treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Dietary change has a greater potential to improve type 2 diabetes as most of them are obese diet plays a major role in controlling type 2 diabetes.

1. Reduce body weight by eating fewer calories and taking regular exercise, and keep at it! Even modest weight loss improves metabolic control. About three-quarters of type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese, and weight reduction is the first line of dietary management. To help patients lose weight and keep it off is a challenge for the physician and dietitian. Diabetics have a stronger incentive to lose weight because this improves their disease as well as their figure, but sulphonylureas or insulin (not metformin) tends to stimulate appetite. Some who succeed in losing weight may be able to go off medications or even go off insulin.

2. Reduce saturated fat. Increased LDL-cholesterol may be more pathogenic in type 2 diabetes than non-diabetic people.

3. Emphasize low glycemic index foods

4. Increase intake of vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grain cereals (which increase fiber intake and mostly have low glycemic indices).

5. Keep salt intake low and increase potassium intake.

6. Avoid excess alcohol but 1-2 drinks per day with meals are acceptable.

7. Forget carbohydrate exchanges

8. There is no need to be obsessed about reducing sucrose. The glycemic effect of sucrose is about the same as that of most starchy foods.

By simply following dietary principles we diabetics can have better control on the disease and live a happy and healthy life just like non diabetics.

The Best Celebrity Diets

The Best Celebrity Diets

Celebrities have a tough role to play. They are constantly in the public eye and when they get fat, everybody knows it and really juicy rumours start. When celebrities lose weight, everybody also knows about this and many have made some interesting money by selling their diet programs and products. I mean, it worked for them.... some of the best celebrity diets however, do work. You will want to be careful though as there is a big difference between dieting for 2 weeks, and modifying your lifestyle so that you never have to diet again.

This is a big issue - the one that many people can relate to as they try diet after diet only to find that as soon as they stop the diet they gain the weight right back again. For many people, in order for a diet to work over the long term, a lifestyle change is required. So, best celebrity diets as voted on by thousands of people on Oprah may mean that you can finally lose that extra weight, but if it doesn't have the two basic components of a healthy diet, and a moderate amount of exercise, you may not be any further ahead in the long run.

What needs to happen for you to lose weight, whether you are following a celebrity diet or not, is that you need to ingest less calories than you burn. For fast weight loss to occur in most people, this usually means depriving yourself of your favourite high calorie foods or perhaps using a supplemental diet product. You will want to make sure that the supplemental product is made of natural ingredients however as many are not. You will also want to make sure that your body is getting enough nutrients or else you will feel very tired and dragged out. It may also be difficult for you to stay on one of the best celebrity diets if the food choices are very limited and boring.

Another thing that you will want to consider is that even with the best celebrity diets, you are probably going to have to change your activity level. Most celebrities have time on their hands as well as money to join fitness clubs and personal trainers. For ordinary people, this is not necessary and more importantly not affordable. You can however do moderate exercise and increase the amount of calories you are burning by doing simple things such as walking the dog every night after dinner, or perhaps taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. Celebrity or not, you can lose weight too. People will notice it and this way you can become popular.

The Energizer Energy Pills for Weight Loss

The Energizer Energy Pills for Weight Loss

Energy Pills are very similar to those fat burning tablets we see on the market today. Both work to speed up your metabolism by providing chemical stimulants, some of which are naturally made in the human body. What separates the fat burner from the stay alert energy pill is that there's an addition of fat burning chemicals which raise your energy levels to the point of burning fat.

Most of the ingredients in energy pills are converted into caffeine or ephedrine in the body which speeds up your metabolism and gives you more energy. Caffeine works in the body by blocking adenosine from binding with adenosine nerve cell receptors. Adenosine is part of what makes you feel drowsy. Caffeine stops this by binding with the adenosine receptors instead. Also, the pituitary gland will notice that your nerve receptors aren't binding with Adenosine and slowing down so it thinks that something is wrong and initiates your 'fight or flight' response by releasing epinephrine into the blood. This makes you feel excited and raring to go.

The properties that make Ephedrine effective in keeping you alert aren't well understood. It's structurally related to amphetamines which themselves add to the natural abilities of the neurotransmitters of norephinephrine and epinephrine. Ephedrine has been shown to stimulate blood pressure and increase heart rate.

Most energy pills contain Kola Nut, Guaruana extract, Bitter Orange Extract, Gotu Kola, Ma Huang (Ephedra Plant) and Ginseng root. Kola Nut contains caffeine and interestingly is one of the original ingredients of the first 'Cola' drinks. Guaruana contains an agent called guaranine, which is identical to caffeine. Bitter orange contains many chemicals called amines which stimulate the body's metabolism. Gotu Kola contains three chemicals, triterpene glycoside, brahmoside/brahminoside and madecassoside. It's been shown to aid the circulatory system. Ma Huang contains ephedrine.

Diet Plan on How to Lose Inches Fast

Diet Plan on How to Lose Inches Fast

Need a diet plan on how to lose inches fast? Read on to find out the best fat burning foods to lose the inches off your waist fast -

Diet Plan On How to Lose Inches Fast

1. Plan your own meals in advance. Set one day each week, say a Sunday to plan out your meals, shop for the foods and cook your meals. Then stock them in the freezer - ready to go for work and to eat at home for the days ahead.

2. Aim to eat 6 small meals or snacks per day at regular intervals. Eating this way and eating in controlled portions by sticking to a 1 plate serve rule, you will maintain energy levels, prevent hunger and avoid fat storage;

3. Fill half your plate with fiber - veggies, legumes, beans; 1 quarter with protein like wild salmon, skinless chicken; and the rest with complex carbs - brown rice, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread and other grains;

4. Further to point 3 - eat FRESH, and eat as many natural, wholesome foods as possible. The next time you're at the grocery, plan to shop for FRESH foods;

5. Get 2 serves of fruits daily;

6. Drink LESS alcohol, sugary drinks and juice. Drink in moderation, better still drink more water! It's simply the best -and it's calorie free;

7. Cut down on your favorite treats to say, once a week;

8. Good alternative snacks are - any kind of nuts (but snacking on just a handful), apples, low fat yogurt, bananas, tuna and crackers, and so on.

9. Don't stock your pantry full of snack options. The less the better.

10. When eating out - go 'Low Fat' like eating wholemeal breads, skip the fries, skip the entree - and for mains, choose skinless chicken or fish.

11. With the above tips, just take one step at a time to improve the way eat. Making drastic changes overnight will lead to failure. Just look at constantly improving your diet over time!

Dog Care - When Your Dog's Eyes Appear Different, An Infection May Be Present

Dog Care - When Your Dog's Eyes Appear Different, An Infection May Be Present

The dog's eyes are his most attractive feature. They are the "tie that binds" him to mankind. The expression of the normal dog is bright, intelligent, knowing. A dog's healthy eyes are clear, clean, lustrous; naturally and adequately moistened by tears. The moment the eyes appear at all different, there is the possibility that something is wrong, or an infection present.

A discharge from the eyes indicates an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and, in modified form, covering the visible part of the eye.

Conjunctivitis

From personal experience, we all know that conjunctivitis leads to 'watering' of the eyes. Also, it often causes the eyelids or their edges to be reddened and swollen. Sometimes, it leads to a sticky and thicker discharge, and the eyes become tender and swollen, and you find the dog reluctant to keep the eyes open in a bright light.

A lot of factors cause conjunctivitis, some of which are local infections with viruses, mycoplasmas, bacteria, fungi; exposure to draughts (like when the dog looks out of the window of a moving car); exposure to dust, lime or smoke. In some dogs, a hyper-sensitivity to inhaled pollen or to other particles of foreign protein gives rise to atopic disease (hay fever) with conjunctivitis. The latter can also be a symptom of some generalized illness such as canine distemper, and of canine herpes virus infection.

Severe inflammation and 'watering' of one eye may also occur if there is a blocked tear duct, or a grass seed or piece of grit present. As a result of pain and irritation, the dog may paw the face or rub it along the ground.

You can flush out this piece of grit by using a piece of cotton wool soaked in warm saline and held close to the eye so that a few drops fall on to its surface. You can also use an eye-dropper intended for human use, but be careful so as not to allow the end of the dropper come into violent contact with the eye if the dog jerks his head. If the grit has been moved by the liquid and becomes visible, it can often been removed by a piece of moistened cotton wool.

More difficult to remove is a grass seed or awn. Usually, a local anesthetic is indicated and then removal by a veterinary surgeon. But as a first-aid measure, you can apply a drop of castor or olive oil to reduce friction and discomfort.

Keratitis

This is an inflammation of the cornea (which could be referred to as window of the eye, which admits light through the pupil of the retina). Keratitis often follows conjunctivitis, especially if there is a severe infection present. Keratitis may also occur as a result of injury to the dog's eyes caused by a whip lash or a cat's claw; or to a thorn, a small piece of glass, or some irritant chemical. It may also be sequel to canine viral hepatitis.

Symptoms of keratitis include the profuse watering seen with conjunctivitis and a tendency to keep the eye closed, but then there follows an opacity which at first may be only pin-head in size. This pin-head size opacity may be a clue to the presence of a thorn embedded in the eye. It must be removed by a veterinary surgeon under anesthesia.

Pannus

This is a complication of keratitis, and the term implies the appearance of very small blood vessel which grows out from the margins of the cornea, stopping at the edges of an ulcer - if one is present.

Ulceration

It is another sequel to keratitis and is always potentially dangerous, since penetration may occur, leading sometimes to a hernia of the iris, sometimes to infection of the anterior chamber and permanent blindness.

Trichiasis and Entropion

These refer to the turning in of the eyelashes and eyelids respectively, and they are sometimes the result of a chronic inflammation, but they are far more often inherited defects which appear during puppyhood. The eyelashes irritate the cornea and, if not treated, keratitis with opacity will follow. A minor surgical operation is needed to correct the defect and prevents further trouble.

Ectropion

This means the turning outward of the eyelids - a condition virtually normal in Bloodhounds and St. Bernards, but which usually needs correcting in order breeds by means of a minor operation.

Blue Eye

This is another quite usual condition of the dog's eye, and may set in with distemper, a lack of riboflavin, continual weeping or injury. The cornea changes from its original color to an opaque blue. This causes the dog to be temporarily blind in the affected eye, and unable to see. After several days, the blue gradually fades from the edges inward until only a tiny spot remains. Several months may pass before this scar disappears; possibly it will never disappear. Modern ointments are excellent in preventing infection of the cornea, but it is advisable to see your veterinary surgeon before the sight is permanently damaged.

Cataract

Cataract is a cloudy appearance of the lens and it may also form in the elderly or diabetic dog, impairing vision. Cataracts are often bilateral. An inherited predisposition to cataract is said to exist within some breed. There is no effective treatment for cataract other than surgical removal of the lens.

Other conditions of the dog's eyes may include:

Dislocation of the Lens

This is seen mainly in wire-haired Fox Terriers, Sealyhams, or terriers with similar ancestry, and this condition is often hereditary.

The eyeball becomes swollen and bulgy; but first the pupil is larger than normal, and the white of the eye shows some redness. If observed carefully, the lens may be seen to wobble, if it is still attached to some of its supporting fibers and not yet completely dislocated. A veterinary surgeon who specializes in ophthalmic work can carry out an operation for the removal of the dislocated lens.

Glaucoma

This is the swelling of the eyeball due to intra-ocular pressure. It may follow the lens dislocation mentioned above, and also atrophy of the retina.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (P.R.A.)

The P.R.A. is an inherited condition which develops in certain breeds, in which the dog suffers from 'night blindness', being unable to see properly in conditions of poor light. The pupil dilates widely, even in daylight, and the dog appears to stare. The useful advice is not to breed from a dog or bitch with P.R.A.

Detachment of the Retina

This condition also has a hereditary basis. It is one feature of the so-called 'collie eye anomaly'. Bleeding within the eyeball and/or detachment of the retina may occur. If the latter is extensive, the dog is likely to be partially or totally blind.

Filarial Worms

This may infest the interior of the eye, and they can rarely be seen moving in the anterior chamber. There have been cases of filarial worms been removed surgically.

Blindness

Blindness in dogs could be either a symptom or a sequel to other conditions. A tumor or brain disease of some kind may cause blindness; while some poisons, such as metaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and quinine (to which the dog is very susceptible) cause temporary blindness. In old age, vision is apt to become impaired, and a few old dogs do go blind.

There are many abnormal eye conditions, some due to hereditary factor; some diet (like lack of Vitamin A); some to infections such as distemper (involving the retina and optic nerve), toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and various fungal infections.

Overview of Eating Disorder Treatments

Overview of Eating Disorder Treatments

An eating disorder is a serious health condition involving extremely unhealthy dietary habits. There are a number of accepted eating disorder treatments that depend on the symptoms and severity of the illness. The most effective treatments involve both psychological as well as physical issues with the ultimate goal being a healthy dietary lifestyle. The team approach to treatment involves professionals with experience in this field that usually includes a medical provider, mental health workers, registered dietitians and case managers. These individuals work together in hopes of avoiding a life threatening situation.

Psychotherapy or psychological counseling is an integral part of comprehensive eating disorder treatments. With a trained counselor, the patient can develop ways to cope with the issues that led to the disorder. This is especially important in anorexia nervosa treatments because of the overwhelming fear of becoming overweight. Hopefully a psychotherapist can get to the root of these fears and develop effective measures to take for recovery. Anorexia is considered to be a lifelong illness, and counseling may continue indefinitely. There are no medicines for anorexia, but antidepressants are often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.

Nutritional counseling with the help of a registered dietitian is essential in all relevant treatments. Binge eating treatments focus on meeting nutritional needs by ensuring the correct vitamins and minerals are included in the diet, for example. The dietitian can help adjust the foods consumed to meet changing health needs. Binge eating may be caused by certain biological factors such as a malfunctioning hypothalamus, low serotonin levels and genetic mutation. There are several medications on the market that may help with binge eating, and these should be prescribed by a doctor.

Support groups can be a valuable addition to eating disorder treatments. These groups of people with similar eating disorders make the patient feel less alone, and they receive advice and encouragement. Bulimia nervosa treatments typically involve group therapy for education about the condition as well as strategies to beat it. Antidepressants are often prescribed to help treat bulimia in addition to the other facets of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven effective for those with bulimia, and is often considered the treatment of choice.

Healthy Westie Diets

Healthy Westie Diets

Westies or West Highland White Terriers are a breed of dog that originated from Scotland. Westies are characterized by their distinct white coat, pointed ears and dark, deep-set almond-shaped eyes. Typically small, male Westies weight between 15 and 20 pounds (6.8 and 9.1 kg); while females weigh between 13 and 16 pounds (5.9 and 7.3 kg). Their average height is 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) at the withers. Westies are also known for their strong-willed personality and boundless energy.

Westies are also prone to skin allergies and conditions. Fortunately, these skin problems can be treated (or avoided) by simply changing their diet to a healthier one. Include natural ingredients in their diet and avoid those that are commonly found in dry dog food including beef, corn, wheat, brewer's yeast, soy, meat by-products, poultry by-products, meat meal, artificial colors or flavors, and preservatives.

Below are some healthy diet ideas for your Westie. Since all dogs are different, you might want to try several combinations of the following recipes:

Westie Diet Number 1

Morning Feeding:
1/3-1/2 cup dry kibble (choose one that has natural ingredients)
1 tbsp. Highlander Hash
1 Vitamin E gel cap, pricked
1 squirt salmon oil
1/8 tsp. Vitamin C (X-tra C)

PM feeding:
1/3-1/2 cup dry kibble
1 tbsp. Highlander Hash

Westie Diet Number 2

Morning and PM feeding:
1/3-1/2 cup dry kibble
1-2 tbsp. wet formula (should include salmon or potatoes)

Westie Diet Number 3

Create your own recipe for your Westie that includes chicken.
AM and PM feeding:
½ cup dry kibble
¼ cup cooked chicken breast (chopped)
¼ cup brown rice
1 tsp. chicken broth

Healthy Snacks For Your Westie

Some vegetables make great snacks for your pet Westie.

Some fruits and vegetables can serve as great snacks for your Westie. These include cooked squash, green beans and carrots. You may also include dried chicken strips and low-fat cottage cheese in your snack recipes.

It will always be great to give your Westies the best kind of diet that they need so that they will remain strong and healthy. Purchasing the right kind of products that will give the best kind of health of your pet dogs will determine the love that you give to them, hence Westies will be in their best health with the use of the right kind of product that they take in.

Slimage - What is Slimage Diet Pill?

Slimage - What is Slimage Diet Pill?

The Slimage Diet Pill is a pill that claims to do it all, and it very well may. This pill, available on many websites on the Internet, can reduce your weight by boosting your metabolism, which then helps the weight drop off fast, as well as defying the signs of aging because of the rich antioxidants in the pill that encourage the cells on the surface of the skin to regenerate.

The Slimage Diet Pill has also been endorsed for its weight-loss and age-defying ability by Dr. Lawrence Baker. Using a European formula, the pill is now available in the United States, and the makers encourage that the pill be used in conjunction with healthy eating habits and exercise to get the full effects.

Slimage has shown itself to make people feel younger, and help them lose weight, thanks to the pill and the diet and activity suggestions in a booklet that comes with every order. Using all of this in conjunction will assist in making a positive change in one's life to a healthy lifestyle.

Called the first diet pill to deliver rapid weight loss, this pill fights the visible signs of aging and smoothes the face to get rid of the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Through a proper diet and taking the Slimage Diet Pill, users of the pill have found that it can help reduce their diet, make them look better and make them feel better about themselves. While most diet pills offer nothing in the way of healthy living suggestions, this pill does that and more, making the people who take the pill feel better about themselves.

As with any diet pill, if you are thinking of taking the Slimage Diet Pill, be sure to contact your doctor beforehand to make sure you will not be affected by any side effects of the pill.

High Protein Low Carb Diet Plan - Is It Good For You?

High Protein Low Carb Diet Plan - Is It Good For You?

There are many different ways to lose weight. Those who are overweight desperately looking to lose weight will spend an entire week straining themselves too much on extreme workouts in the hope that they will lose pounds. Those who don't like the idea of working out will go to the nearest clinic or hospital to undergo high volume liposuction which will not only be very expensive but can also very risky procedure. Others would just stick to their diet which can be effective but will surely take time. However, among all, diet is often considered as great alternative to lose weight.

One of the many diet plans ever introduced and still gaining popularity despite its high cost is the "Ideal Protein Diet". This is actually a low carb diet plan which has been developed under the theory of cutting the carbohydrate in the diet so that the body will use the stored fats and convert them to energy. These results in fat reduction, muscle tone enhancement and reduces cellulite. The sole idea of losing weight through this diet plan can be great however, it is just wise to learn more about its pros and cons before you actually get yourself into it.

Ideal Protein Diet Review - Considering A Low Carb Diet Because Of A High Protein Diet Plan

There are certain considerations about a low carb diet that you should at least know before considering a such a diet plan.

1. A low carb diet diminishes healthy glycogen in muscles and liver which can result in dehydration and weight loss but not definitely fat loss.
2. Diminished muscle glycogen from a low card diet will result in tiredness and fatigue.
3. A low carb diet runs the risk of metabolic acidosis state also known as ketosis. Induced ketosis results in headaches, irritability, bad breath, and many other health problems.

These are just few of the known side effects of a low carb diet when you will consider a high protein diet for losing weight. A balanced and healthy nutrition is very much important for our system. You can actually lose weight with balanced nutrition coupled with discipline and a regular exercise instead of spending too much on expensive diet programs. Remember, when starting or trying out any type of diet it is always best to talk and to consult with your doctor first - especially when it comes to some crazy fad diet telling you only to each one or two things.

Human Parasites - How Bad Are They?

Human Parasites - How Bad Are They?

A human parasite is a living organism that lives inside the human body. Human parasites gain nutrients for themselves while causing harm to the organs inside us.

There are over 100 different types of human parasitic worms that live in human bodies. Some can been seen to the naked eye, while many are microscopic. Human parasites are very common and can be found everywhere such as the food we eat, the water we drink, and even in the air we breathe.

How do parasites harm humans? Human parasites can cause constipation, stomach bloating, diarrhea, and bad breath, just to name a few. They infect our food and air and lead to many diseases and digestive disorders. Other symptoms of human parasites include asthma, fatigue, anemia, nervousness, and skin rash. It's difficult for humans to face the truth that parasitic worms live inside us and cause this much harm to our precious bodies.

The concept of human parasites life is that they require a host to live off of, which is the human body. Human Parasites can invade the body in many different ways - through food & water intake, through the skin or nose, sexually, and even through transmitting agents like mosquitoes. Once the parasite is inside, they eat the same foods you eat or they eat you. Human parasites can vary in size from one-thousandth of an inch to tapeworms over one hundred feet long!

As a result of consuming too much junk foods, fatty foods, chemicals, and sweets, the human colon can stop working effectively. When this happens, the perfect environment is presented for human parasites. They love the build up of fecal matter along colon walls. That is where they excrete toxins and poisons in the body while at the same time stealing valuable nutrients from it. When this happens, it is usually the start of disease.

Do you ever wonder why you have sweet or salty cravings? The parasites inside you may like those foods and may be the ones causing those cravings.

Possibly the worst thing about human parasites is that they lay eggs and many of them at a time. They can lay anywhere between 3000 to 200,000 eggs per day! It is amazing at how fast human parasites can reproduce themselves exponentially. If you start out with just one human parasite, imagine how many more will be inside the human body destroying it in just one week?

How do we get rid of human parasites? This question is more easily asked than answered. It is an ambiguous process to remove parasites from our bodies because there are so many different types of them. Doctors may not be able to identify which ones are inside the body because they are not trained to do so. Many doctors are quick to prescribe medicine to cure a disease without closely examining the cause of it.

There are certain herbal mixtures and detoxification processes that kill and remove these uninvited visitors from our bodies. However, self education is the most important aspect of understanding and removing human parasites and curing parasitic infections from your body.

Breakfast on the Run - Smoothies Can Start Your Morning Off Right

Breakfast on the Run - Smoothies Can Start Your Morning Off Right

If your house is like mine, it's a bit hectic in the morning. Working moms may be more concerned with getting breakfast into their kids than they are getting something nutritious for themselves.

You may know that breakfast literally means "break the fast". After a night's sleep (or fast) our bodies need to be fueled to face the busy day. Eating or drinking something nutritious is important, but it doesn't have to be a full meal. If you have time for a bowl of high fiber cereal with sliced fruit and low fat milk, great, but if not, you do want to at least drink something nutritious.

Whether you work from home or work out of the home, these quick breakfast drinks can get you out the door on time, or into your home office chair with an alert brain. Get the blender out onto the counter and instead of pouring coffee into your travel mug, try one of these yummy recipes:

Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie

2 c Yogurt, plain (or use 1 cup plain and 1 cup blueberry yogurt and omit berries)

1/2 c Orange juice freshly squeezed

1 c Blueberries, fresh; rinsed

1 Banana; very ripe

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until
smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses and serve.

Orange Smoothie

6 oz Orange juice concentrate, frozen

1 c low fat or non fat Milk

1 c Water

2 TB Sugar

1/2 tsp Vanilla

10 Ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth.
Serve immediately.

Peanut Butter Banana Milk Shake

1 1/4 c Milk

1/2 c Quaker Oats, uncooked (quick or old-fashioned)

1 Ripe banana, cut into chunks

2 TB Peanut butter

1 tsp Honey

1/4 tsp Vanilla

3 Ice cubes

Combine milk, oats, banana, peanut butter, honey and vanilla in
blender container. Cover; blend 1 minute on medium speed or until
smooth and creamy. Add ice cubes; cover. Blend 1 minute on high
speed or until frothy.

How To Lose Weight In A Week - Complete Free Diets

How To Lose Weight In A Week - Complete Free Diets

Losing weight in a short period of time means a couple of things. If you want to lose 4 pounds or more you might as well prepare yourself to gain the weight again. Weight lost in a short time consists of mostly water and muscle but when you put that weight back on it is not as muscle but water and most important fat! And it is the fat you want to get rid of, right?

Don't worry, I will show you several diets that helps you lose up to 10 pounds in a week. In return I ask that you consider a 'real' weight loss that means that you lose fat and not lean muscle and water weight.

At the present there are many forms of diets, many of them is based upon on excluding a certain group of food like fat, carbohydrates and so on, other diets like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers comes with pre-packaged foods that not only costs a fortune but they are also very processed and that means that the ingridients have lost a lot of their natural nutrients and that there are added chemicals.

A long time ago, before processed foods, people ate a lot more of what is considered unhealthy today like meats with fat and so on. Still, people had a lot more strength, they worked physically all day long. The ate breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, snacks. The meals contained a lot more of natural nutrients from every food group.

In today's busy life we often by precooked food like hamburgers, deep-frozen vegetables that only need a minute in the micro-wave and so on. The major difference is that back in the good ol'days they ate fresh foods. The longer a vegetable is stored the more it loses its nutritional value.

A diet that few have ever heard of is called the calorie-shifting diet. This means that you shift type of calorie intake every day. One day your calorie intake consists of fat and the next carbohydrates and so on. If you use this diet with the proper type of exercise you will lose weight and lose it for good.

A Factual Review on Herbal Diet Pills Versus Modern Weight Loss Methods

A Factual Review on Herbal Diet Pills Versus Modern Weight Loss Methods

There are two types of weight loss solutions available today -- alternative herbal diet pills made from natural ingredients from plants; and synthetic diet methods through the use of drugs and medications, as well as invasive techniques, like surgery and liposuction. Both has its own advantages and disadvantages, but its up to us to decide which ones would fits well with our goal to achieve a healthy and leaner body.

Modern Medical Methods

The gist of modern weight loss methods can be defined in two words "fast" and "easy". Our body has the function to get rid of unwanted fats and to keep itself healthy according to the food we eat, as well as the exercise program we take every day. Modern method, however, speeds up the process by going directly to the source -- tackling the source of the problem and getting rid of it.

A lot of people today are making use of this strategy to achieve a leaner figure. Cosmetic surgery makes it easy to get you the perfect body by physically manipulating certain areas of your body. Liposuction is also a favorite, getting rid of the fat that makes up most of your weight. Despite being a "quick" and "easy" method in achieving the perfect body, there are certain risks involved that must be noted before taking the option.

For starters, modern medical methods can be very expensive -- synthetic fat burners along costs hundreds of dollars, and thousands more if you opt for invasive procedures. The risk to your health is also great as well since not everyone has the tolerance to endure it. Infection and complication is common in surgery, and maintenance meds to keep you clean and healthy, as well as make most of the discomfort disappear is costly.

Herbal Diet Pills - Alternative Solution

An alternative solution to weight loss, as well as gaining popularity among the masses, is through the use of herbal diet pills. This method incorporates the use of natural substances found in plants and animals to address your need to lose your excess fat, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Medical studies show that certain plants and animal extracts have the capability to boost the body's normal function to shed unwanted fat -- carefully formulated to follow a human's biochemistry to promote weight loss without the side-effects and health risks. Though there are those who suffer from allergic reactions to its use, survey shows that these are rare cases to happen to 1 out of 100.

It is advisable for an individual to seek the help of their health care provider to determine whether a specific herbal diet pill is safe for them to use or not. Physical examination, as well as common lab tests will be able to determine if your body will react to its ingredients or not. Proper dosage is also the key to achieve good results, as well as pairing it up with a healthy diet and exercise program.

This method takes time before you will see some effects on your body; but we can never deny the fact that it is a lot cheaper compared to modern medical methods, as well as the advantage of not putting our bodies at risk while striving to keep it perfectly healthy.

5 Things The Most Effective Diet And Exercise Plans Share

5 Things The Most Effective Diet And Exercise Plans Share

One of the benefits of evaluating and reviewing diet and exercise plans is that I get to see the common elements that all effective programs contain. That's lead me to create my own rating system which allows me to look at popular diets on the market and have a common baseline for how to judge them. Many people choose diets simply because they are referred to us by friends or family. There is nothing wrong with that, we all trust recommendations from people we know. However simply because a diet program works for one person doesn't mean it will work for you. Here are five things the most effective diet and exercise plans have in common from the research and analysis I have done:

1. Moderate Weight Loss Over Time - This is probably the most important element in successful weight loss. First of all, it's the most healthy for you. Be wary of both results and the impacts to your long term health from quick weight loss programs. 2 to 3 pounds per week is a sufficient rate of loss that is considered healthy.
2. Achievable Exercise Goals - Several of the most popular diet and exercise plans promote the building of muscle to increase your metabolic rate. The theory is that by increasing muscle mass you burn calories more quickly. They also typically shy away from aerobic activity as a primary means of exercise. While it is true that sheer aerobic activity (running, swimming, etc...) probably is less effective for overall weight loss, simply trying to build muscle doesn't necessarily equate to good overall health. Look for programs where the exercise component is achievable and enjoyable for you over the long term.
3. Active Food Preparation - This is one of the most important elements in being to lose weight effectively. The act of preparing your own food as much as possible serves two primary purposes in effective diet and exercise plans. First, by understanding what food you are preparing to eat you will automatically spend time looking at more natural ingredients that are unprocessed. That pays important health dividends. Second, when you prepare you own food you learn about the number of calories in what you are eating, what a proper portion should be, as well as the fat, sugar and sodium content in the food. Understanding what you are preparing focuses you on proper nutrition.
4. Lifestyle Change - I have found this to be a critical component of effective diet and exercise plans, simply because if you can't make a lifestyle change through better eating and exercising your results won't be maintained. Finding a program that promotes these areas lets you see the effects of dropping pounds which builds excitement and momentum makes the lifestyle change more permanent.
5. Program Support - Not a lot of attention is paid to this, but it is important. Some type of support, through forums, local meetings or subscribing to an online diet program that provides email communications is very helpful. Look for this type of support as you assess a particular program.

The most effective diet and exercise plans I have reviewed contain several or all of the elements described here, so make sure to validate that whatever plan you are considering contains them.

Heartworms In Cats - What You Can Do To Protect Your Cat

Heartworms In Cats - What You Can Do To Protect Your Cat

Heartworms kills cats!! With dogs, it is usually treated
with medication. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes that
have bitten a dog or other infected animal and then bites your kitten.
A single worm can grow to as much as 8 inches. Cats do
not usually pass heartworms on to another cat. Even indoor cats
can get heartworms since those pesky mosquitoes seem to find their way indoors.

Most of the time a cats immunological response kills the larvae
before it can develop. If it does not then the larvae will go to the
heart where it will develop in to a mature heartworm. An adult
heartworm in a cat can live up to 2 years. Cats can handle a few
adult heartworms for several months. But as the heartworms grow
in size and multiply, a cat is considered to have heatworm disease.

Killing the adult heartworm is not always good for a cat.
When an adult heartworm dies and begins to deteriorate, pieces of
it can clog the arteries and lungs resulting in the cats death.
Since a cat's arteries are so small, it doesn't take much to
completely block them.

Sometimes you can put your cat on a heartworm preventive drug
to prevent the development of more heartworms and wait for the adult
heartworms to die of old age. You still run the risk of pulmonary
artery obstruction or an acute reaction to the death of the worms.
The mortality rate of this type of treatment has been reported to
be 20 To 30 percent.

There is the possibility of surgery to remove the heartworms
but it is very costly plus the surgeon must get all of the worms
plus any little pieces . If even a tiny piece of one is left in
the cat, it can still cause the death of the cat.

There are tests your vet can run to see if your cat has the
worms. In cats the diagnosis maybe difficult. The Antigen test
requires at least 4 female worms to be present. Since cats rarely
have that many, they can test negative but still have males or immature worms.

Another test is to look for Microfilariae in the blood.
These small larvae don't remain in a cats blood for long, so they
may test negative also. Another test checks for a rise in white
blood calls indicating a possible parasitic infection.

The very best treatment is PREVENTION. Merck now has HEARTGARD
available through your vet or pet store. It kills heartworm larvae.
It wont kill the adults but will keep the cat from becoming reinfected.
Killing the adult heartworm has proven not to be best for cats.
Heartgard is 100% effective. It is a meat-based chewable or can
be mixed up in their food. It It also removes and controls adult
and immature hookworms. It is recommended for kittens 6 weeks and older.

Some of the symptoms are: respiratory distress,diminished appetite,
coughing, listlessness and weight loss. If your cat shows any of
these symptoms, please see your vet immediately.

Link Between Childhood Diabetes And Obesity

Link Between Childhood Diabetes And Obesity

Twenty years ago it was quite unusual for children to contract type 2 diabetes or adult onset diabetes as it used to be known. It was more common for them to contract type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes. The names of the diseases tended to suggest the age of the person that contracted the disease but this is no longer valid, hence the change in names. Children are just as likely to become type 2 diabetics as they are type 1 so what has changed over the last 20 years ?

The argument that seems to have resonated with people most to explain this situation is the sedentary lifestyles that children now lead. This has been validated by the fact that type 2 diabetes in children seems to be a predominantly first world phenomenon. The argument goes that children do not play as children of yesteryear used to and thus do not get the required exercise. They spend much of their free time watching television, playing video games or on the computer. Couple this with diets that include fast food and ready meals that can be high in fat and calories but low in nutrition and you can see that there are more overweight children. The increase in type 2 diabetes seems to have coincided with this increase in overweight children hence the connection.

Type 2 Diabetes, that is normally associated with overweight adults, is being seen more and more often in today's overweight children. This type of Diabetes, which normally occurs later on in life, is sometimes known as late-onset Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. The best treatment for it is simply a planned diet and regular exercise. Insulin replacement therapy, whereby the person injects insulin into the body depending on blood sugar levels, is not always needed.

As research continues into Type 2 Diabetes in children it is believed that more complications can occur in children with this form of the disease than type 1.

Early stages of Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance means that the body still produces insulin but that the insulin is either ineffective in reducing blood sugar levels or the body can't produce enough insulin to support the body's needs.

Insulin is the hormone that controls the level of sugar in the blood. Insulin is used to convert glucose in the blood into energy that the body needs to function. A by-product of this process is that the glucose in the blood is reduced. If this level can't be reduced, as in types 1 and 2 diabetes then the child is at risk to immediate complications such as ketoacidosis or hypersmolar syndrome and in later life, complications like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, limb amputation and blindness.

Treatments such as regular exercise and diabetic diet plans can greatly reduce the risk of health complications at a later date. Whilst an exercise plan should be done in conjunction with a healthy diet, it is essential for children with Type 2 diabetes that a diet is followed.

This should be a well balanced diet, which is low in saturated fat, sugar and salt and high in fiber, vegetables and fruit. Foods such as pasta, bread and cereals which are high in carbohydrates, and foods like biscuits and fruit, should be spread out during the day to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

The two primary aims of a diet and exercise plan are to control the level of sugar in the blood and to lose weight. If the plan can be followed diligently then both of these goals can be met. As little as half an hour per day of exercise is recommended. A diet should be worked out with a health professional or dietitian. Drugs that control the production of glucose or improve the effectiveness of insulin can also be used to help control the disease.

Studies have shown the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of childhood obesity. With simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise program, Type 2 Diabetes can be delayed or prevented.

This is Why Most Diets Suck For Some People

This is Why Most Diets Suck For Some People

One of the worst things about dieting is the food that you have to eat. You are no longer able to eat fatty foods or food that is high in sugar. You have to stick with the diet that usually leaves you hungry and wanting more. The key to making this work is to not change your diet drastically and to work toward a healthier you.

If your goal is to lose 13 pounds in the next three weeks, you can break this down into losing about four pounds every week. This is a realistic goal but it can only be achieved if you change a few things. One of the things you need to change is your habit of not moving around.

Statistics have shown that most overweight people are not very mobile. Even if they just did a little bit of walking on a regular basis, and then gradually moved toward a slow jog and then a run, they could lose weight every day without thinking about it and without altering their diet.

Another reason that people do not like diet is because it takes up so much of their time. Most of this time spent working out. They feel that they could be doing something else with their time such as watching television or perhaps taking another nap.

The key to any diet working, or anything working for that matter, is the motivation to succeed. If you have no desire to move forward with your life, and to change the person that you are, you will never ever lose the weight. And losing the weight begins with the first step. In this first step could be an aerobic exercise or simply walking around the block.

Make sure to go into your refrigerator and throw out anything that is junk food. This could be ice cream, cupcakes, anything that has raw refined sugar. Even throw out the white bread that you have not eaten. Make sure that everything that you have is as healthy as possible.

By maintaining a healthy diet and doing regular exercise, the diet that you are on right now will not suck. You will actually enjoy doing it and in the end you will become the person that you wanted to be.

Best Weight Loss Pills

Best Weight Loss Pills

There is no great secret about how to lose weight. The two most important factors are
changing your dietary habits and incorporating some sort of exercise regimen into your
daily activities. However, more and more of us are looking for a natural, safe and effective
method to kick start our diet program.

Large numbers of women, and some men, are showing an increased interest in using diet
pills to assist them to lose weight. The problem with this is that modern, pharmacuetical diet
pills produce many unpleasant, and sometimes serious side effects.

Recently, the market has introduced natural herbal diet supplements that consist entirely of
herbs and are 100% natural. Some of these products are completely safe and very effective.
If you are searching for an all natural way to lose unwanted weight, this is the way to proceed.

In their simplest form these weight loss methods have existed for generations. Modern science
now make these very same herbs available in capsule form. The Chinese have used ingredients
such as Lotus Leaf, Chinese Yam, Hawthorn Fruit, Bush Cherry Seed and Poria for safe and healthy
weight loss for hundreds of years. What is even more interesting is that these herbal products
can be used for substantial periods of time without any serious side effects.

The best weight loss pills are extremely effective. Within the first month one can expect to lose
between 5 to 10 pounds. For many people this can be accomplished even without dieting. One
can expect to see even better results by implementing healthy diet changes and a regular exercise
routine.

Side effects with these products are relatively rare. When they do happen they are very mild. Some
of the side effects associated with natural herbs are sweating, constipation or some problem with
sleeping. The solution to these problems is to simply cut the recommended dosage in half.

Here are some things to consider when shopping for herbal dietary supplements:

1- Make certain that the ingredients are all natural.

2- Read the testimonials.

3- Make sure that the company providing the product has both a refund policy
and contact information.

When you do start using these product, just like any pills, it is important that you do not exceed
the recommended dosage. Also, even though these are just herbs, check with your doctor first if
you have a medical condition or are under a physician's care.

At the moment there are two well know natural weight loss products available. Probably the most
famous is Hoodia. Hoodia can be very useful if the product has not been adulterated.

The second famous product, endorsed by Oprah, is Chinese green tea. I am not exactly sure how
this came about. The truth is that there is nothing in Chinese tea that is an effective weight loss
agent.

A third product, though not as well known, is 999 Fitness Essence. For the longest time this
product was available only through Chinese acupuncturists. Feedback shows that almost everyone
who uses this product reports positive results.

Here is something that you may wish to consider. You can lose weight without dieting by using
these herbal weight loss products. Think of how much better you can do if you actually improve your
diet and exercise.

Sign up for our free ecourse: 10 Steps To Lose Weight Without Dieting

Using the BMI Scale to Help You Stay on Your Diet Plan

Using the BMI Scale to Help You Stay on Your Diet Plan

Trying to lose weight can be a difficult process. Since burning off the fat takes time, it can sometimes be difficult to stick to a diet and workout plan. Therefore, in order to give yourself the best chance of successfully losing weight, you might want to implement a few weight loss motivation techniques that will help you continue with your plan and enjoy better health.

Maintaining a Journal

One of the best weight loss motivation techniques you can implement is maintaining a weight loss journal. Before you start your program, document all of your vital body statistics. For example, calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) as well as your current weight while also taking measurements of your waist, thighs, arms and more. This way, you can more easily see the progress you have made with your diet. Although you may not have lost many pounds, when you calculate BMI and compare BMI over time, you may find that your body is getting healthier. When you take a look at the BMI scale, you just might be surprised by the progress you have made!

In addition to documenting your body changes within your journal, you should also document the exercise routine you are following. If you start off running a mile in 9 minutes and then work the time down to 7 minutes, you can take pride in your improved athletic performance and health.

Finding a Partner

Finding someone to diet with you and to workout with you is another great way to help improve your weight loss motivation. Remember, you are not competing with each other. Rather, you are dieting and working out together so you can help keep each other motivated. On those days that you don't feel like working out, your partner can encourage you to head to the gym. Similarly, by having a partner that is dependent upon you for support, you will be more likely to continue with your program.

Rewarding Yourself

Another key to weight loss motivation is to is to reward yourself when you reach certain milestones. If you make a move on the BMI scale, for example, treat yourself to something special. For example, if you have been wanting to purchase a new television, you can reward yourself with the television you have been eying once you reach a certain goal. You should also set small goals with smaller rewards in order to maintain your motivation and keep you moving forwards with your health goals.

What Do Hedgehogs Eat?

What Do Hedgehogs Eat?

Thinking about getting a hedgehog! That's great news! Before you bring your new spiky friend home, be sure you have a good selection of food on hand.

Insects!

The basis of a healthy hedgehog diet must be insects and other invertebrates. In the wild, hedgehogs would have feasted wildly on an assortment of tasty bugs, beetles, and worms! Feeling squeamish? Don't be. You do not need to go outside and dig in the dirt for bugs. This could actually be very harmful for your hedgie's health as many bugs in the natural world have been extensively exposed to toxic pesticides. Hedgehogs have actually been known to die after eating contaminated bugs.

The best source for nutritious insects is your local pet store or online vendor. Look for beetles, crickets, and meal worms. Dislike bugs? No problem. Place your container of insects into the freezer. This will kill the insects yet keep them fresh and preserved. Just be sure to let them thaw before serving.

Each meal should include six insects.

Protein!

In addition to bugs, you will want to feed your hedgehog a variety of lean proteins. For this reason you will actually want to avoid commercial hedgehog food and lower quality cat food as both products tend to be very high in fat and additives. You can easily provide your hedgehog will excellent sources of protein by providing cooked shrimp, skinless chicken breast, or turkey breast cut into small pieces. Just make sure whatever meat you serve is cooked, not raw.

If you wish to feed your hedgehog prepared foods, look for high quality wet and dry cat foods. How can you determine quality? Read the labels! Look for foods that are familiar such as "chicken breast." Do not settle for vague terms such as "poultry" as this implies a lower food grade. Also avoid any food with lots of chemicals, added sugar, or fats.

Fresh Foods!

Hedgehogs enjoy fruit and vegetables cut into small pieces. Good foods include Apples, asparagus, bananas, carrots, greens, sweet peppers. Foods to avoid include peas and corn as they contain too much sugar and phosphorus. Finally, these foods must be avoided completely as they are not safe for hedgehogs!

• Avocados
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins - Will cause organ failure.
• Milk and Dairy Products - Hedgehogs cannot digest these foods. Stomach problems and diarrhea will follow.
• Nuts and Seeds - Many hedgehogs will get nuts and seeds stuck in the roof of their mouths. Some have also been known to accidentally gouge their own eyes out trying to get a nut or seed out of their shells.