Six Pack Abs Diet for Women

A flat tummy is a big turn on in a woman. And when you see a woman flaunting a six pack, you know she's gone into the man's world and done something that not many women do. And for some, that's extremely appealing. Now if you're one of them who wants to get into the six pack mode, then you must (of course) know that exercises alone do not suffice, you need a well-planned diet as well. This article deals with that factor - the six pack abs diet for women. So take notes about how you should go about planning for that special six pack diet, and flaunt that pack in good time.

Dieting for Six Pack Abs

People have come to realize recently what fitness freaks have known for a long time. It is not possible to get into shape without concentrating on both exercising and dieting equally. While packing on abs needs using certain specialized abdominal exercises, it also needs a special diet.

Clear Your System
You need to take a decision for yourself. If you have to get a six pack, you need to be diligent with your efforts. Six packs are one of the hardest things to achieve so you need to keep at it. First of all, you need to clear your system and stop consuming processed foods. That right there is the number one reason that will keep you from your goal. Because junk foods don't provide any nutrients and they don't help in either building muscles or losing excess fat.

Losing Fat
If you're already lean, then your efforts to get a six pack will be made easier. But if you have a few extra pounds packed away, then you will need to work harder for that pack. So if you concentrate on one, you will automatically achieve the other. Carry out some special weight loss exercises and the start off and then smooth into the abs exercises.

Small Meals
Small meals is really the key. Our stomachs are approximately the size of both our fists put together and that is the amount of food it can digest effectively at one time. But what we do instead is, we load on the amount in the form of three huge meals, three times a day. Doesn't help. Not only do you end up feeling full all the time, but the stomach cannot cope well with the digestion process and therefore, will end up storing the excess food in the form of fats. What you need to do instead is plan 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each, not exceeding the size of the fist. This is how it should be: Breakfast. Snack. Lunch. Snack. Dinner. Snack.

Types of Foods
Try eating whole grains, whole foods instead of processed foods, nuts, seeds, milk, eggs, meats and leafy vegetables and fruits. Include a balanced diet containing all food groups, especially lean proteins with each meal and limit the consumption of carbs to include only what is necessary instead of hoarding them on. As is the case with fats.

Cooking Style
Switch your cooking style to make it more healthy and less taxing for the body. Foods that can be had raw and fresh do your body the greatest good, instead of having them frozen and then thawed and eaten. So also, foods which are cut and then stored for later makes them lose their nutrients. Switching to grilled and roasted instead of fried will help immensely. Using oils like olive oil is a much healthier choice you can make.

Drinking Water
More than anything else, it is important to consume a lot of water as a part of this diet. Water helps to keep the body hydrated, prevents the formation of an acidic environment and flushes out the toxins in the body. Thereby helping to create an environment which makes it possible to get that six pack.

These are merely guidelines on how you should start planning for your diet. If you want to get into more detail, contact a nutritionist for a specialized plan that she will draw out for you. But all in all, this is the way a six pack abs diet should be planned.

Stomach Ulcer Diet

Stomach ulcers, which are also called peptic ulcers, can occur along any part of the digestive tract. These could develop in the esophagus, stomach, or the intestine. The size of an ulcer can range from 1/8 of an inch to 3/4 parts of an inch.

Causes

Stomach ulcers can be caused due to a wide range of reasons. Some of the common contributory factors are given below.

• Smoking and Alcohol Abuse: Smoking and alcohol consumption are the most common reasons behind the development of peptic ulcers. Actually, nicotine from cigarettes and alcohol tend to erode the stomach lining and increase the levels and concentration of stomach acids. Both alcohol and nicotine can thus be said to be pretty strong causative factors behind a peptic ulcer, if not at least aggravating an existing one.
• Overuse of painkillers: Excessive use of NSAIDs (Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) can damage the lining of the small intestine. If taken on a regular basis, these intensify the risk of an ulcer. It is best to check with your health care provider before taking pain relievers containing substances like ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Stress: Stress is not the direct cause of the peptic ulcer but it obviously is the biggest contributing factor. Stress, due to a hectic lifestyle, physical trauma, and mental as well as emotional disturbance actually aggravates the risk of a peptic ulcer and also lowers the effectiveness of any remedies that you may be following.
• Infections: Growth of a certain type of bacterium called the Helicobacter pylori is one of the main reasons behind more than 60% cases.

A proper diet is the key to lowering the secretion of gastric acids and improving gastric health. Healthy eating habits can be the key to avoid the initial risk of getting an ulcer in the first place.

Diet for Stomach Ulcer

The diet can vary according to the tolerance level of the person. There are several food items that may work wonders for one patient but might not really work for others. Nevertheless, here is a list of food products that you need to incorporate in your diet to cure the ulcer.

• Grains: The diet for stomach ulcers must be rich in food items made up of whole grain and cereals. They include rice, barley, tortillas, pita breads, bagels, French toast, low fat pancakes, crackers, English muffins, and waffles.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh vegetables should be consumed in a large amount on a regular basis. Almost all fresh as well as raw vegetables can be included in this diet with the exception of tomatoes, tomato products and food items that may be acidic in nature. Fruits with low citrus levels are allowed in your diet.
• Meat and Dairy Products: Non-fat and at least low-fat milk and other dairy products, plain mild cheese, low fat cottage cheese, and low fat yogurt can be included in the daily diet. All lean meats too can be included. Lean meats like pork, ham, beef, veal, lamb, poultry, all fresh fish, eggs, meat stock (mildly seasoned) are all good for you because it will help you get your energy back and will hasten the recovery process.

What to Avoid

All food products that are high in fat must be strictly avoided in the diet program.

• Grains: Food products like croissant rolls, cereals like granola and bran, dry fruits, nuts, breads and crackers with seeds on the top are a no-no because their abrasive nature can do more harm to the ulcer.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Corn, gas forming vegetables and tomato-based products should be avoided. Fruits like lemon, orange, grapefruits, pineapples, tangerines, figs and all types of berries and fruits containing a high citric acid level must not be consumed.
• Meat and Dairy Products: Meat, fish and poultry items that are highly seasoned, corned beef, frankfurter sausages, anchovies, and sardines must be avoided. High fat milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, strong flavored cheese, dairy products made up using whole milk, whole milk cream etc. must be avoided.

Advice to Follow

The aforementioned guidelines will certainly help in hastening the recovery process, and will also lower the risk of peptic ulcers in future. Following this diet will also help one to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Rather than having three full meals, try planning an even distribution of your daily nutrition intake into three meals and three snacks which will automatically avoid the periods of overeating as well as hunger. While eating, always eat slowly, chew the food well and be relaxed and tension free.
• Sit up while eating, and don't lie down or slouch for an hour after having the meal. Have your dinner at least three hours before you tuck into bed for the night.
• Have a low-fat and low-carb diet and introduce a protein rich diet, avoid food products containing caffeine like coffee, tea, soft drinks etc. It would be in your interest to quit smoking and indulging in excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Stomach ulcers can be treated with drug therapy, dietary modification and other lifestyle-related changes. Follow the aforementioned tips for the diet along with your regular treatment. Lead a healthy life and try to cut down on alcohol and smoking. The condition is completely treatable, however, you have to make sure that you make a conscious effort to lead a healthy lifestyle for quick recovery.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

Six Pack Diet and Exercise

You may have numerous claims about six pack plans that work, but the truth is that six pack abs are extremely difficult to achieve. You cannot expect to waltz into the gym and perform some exercises that you saw on the TV the night before, and expect to get washboard abs in a week, or a month or whatever time span that they mentioned. Getting six pack abs is something that takes years of hard work and exercise, and not to mention the rigid control on your diet and the kind of food that you eat.

Almost everyone amongst us wants six pack abs, but this is something that is out of reach for a majority of the people. Only trained athletes who have been putting their bodies through years of rigorous exercise can expect to achieve the perfect six pack abs. Our lifestyles play no small role in this, and there are many drastic changes that we will need to make before we can actually expect to gain these six pack abs.

The biggest mistake that we make is to fall for various gimmicks and advertisements. The makers of these gimmicks know that this is something that is going to get people's attention very easily, and this is something that they take great advantage of. Do not fall for such gimmicks under any circumstances, especially when they ask you for money.

The Path to Six Pack Abs

You may be well aware of all the things that you need to do in order to get these abs by now. You have to burn off a lot of fat to achieve this, and your first aim should be weight loss. Many of us believe that by performing several crunches in a day we can get awesome six pack abs, but the truth is that you have to get rid of the flab first, and this is something that can only be achieved by performing cardiovascular exercises on a regular basis. Here are some of the commonly heard pointers for a six pack workout plan.

• Control and watch what you eat. Consult an experienced dietitian to make a diet plan for you.
• Get enough exercise on a regular basis. This should consist of cardio exercises as well as abdominal exercises that work.
• Get enough sleep during the day and also ensure that you drink sufficient amounts of water.
• Do not overwork your body by performing too many exercises in a day.
• Stay away from harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco and other products.
• Live a stress free life and learn to enjoy yourself along the way.

If you follow these guidelines, you will get your six packs sooner, rather than later. But these are all generic guidelines and for more specific instructions, you must devise a proper exercise regime with a qualified physical instructor. He/she will give you enough information that will put you on the right path. Needless to say, you must stick to this plan of six pack abs diet and workout with complete sincerity.

Stay away from high calorie meals, and try and divide your consumption into 6-7 smaller meals during the course of one day. Get enough proteins and carbohydrates in your diet, and this will ensure that the muscles in your body (and specially your abs) get developed and strengthened faster. There are numerous different types of best exercises to get six pack abs that will help you achieve what you strongly desire. These exercises should be enough for you to get started.

Try to stay away from marketing gimmicks and products as much as possible. A diet and exercise plan is something you should make for yourself after consulting an expert, and then you should have the willpower to stick to it.

Power Foods Diet for Abs

Wondering, how to form the abs diet? To form a six pack abs diet plan, you need to eat more frequent and small meals. Eating frequent and small meals will boost your metabolism and help in weight loss. Also, by breaking down your meals, you can include different power foods and thus, include all the nutrients essential for body building and good health.

Nuts
Nuts are storehouses of energy, and are loaded with healthy calories. Almonds and cashew nuts are good sources of energy, and you can even carry them as snacks easily.

Raspberries
Berries, in general, are great abs diet foods for women and men. Berries are rich in antioxidants and help in weight loss and detox. Here is one quick abs diet power recipes for breakfast. In a blender, throw in some berries, peanut butter, yogurt and some whey powder, blend the mix to make a healthy smoothie.

Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal, the unsweetened and unflavored variety is really good addition to the abs diet plan. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which means it attracts fluids and stays longer in your stomach as compared to insoluble fibers found in vegetables.

Lean Meats
Turkey and lean meats are great source of protein. Proteins make the most important portion of the abs diet for women and men. Make sure every meal you take, has some form of protein present in it.

Water
Drink around 8-10 glasses of water everyday. It will keep you hydrated and help to flush toxins from your system. You can also include drinks like green tea, and other herbal teas and have them without sugar. This way instead of having plain water to quench your thirst, you will be drinking teas which are rich in antioxidants.

Beans & Legumes
Beans and legumes are great for building muscle, weight loss and to maintain good digestive health. Soybeans, chickpeas, lima beans, kidney beans, navy beans and pinto beans are good source of fiber, protein, iron and folate.

Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin A and B12. Also, you can find omega-3 eggs, which have better health benefits. You can make any meal using eggs, and they are cheap and easily available.

Yogurt
Yogurt is great as a low calorie snack. You can mix fresh fruits, whey powder, berries, dry fruits, etc., in it to make low calorie abs diet recipes. It is loaded with nutrition and help to regulate digestion.

Olive Oil
Cook all the foods in olive oil, as olive oil contains good fats, which are good for maintaining heart health. Also, instead of using mayonnaise or other heavy dressings, stick to olive oil and lemon juice dressings.

Whey Protein Powder
Whey protein powder is one of the most powerful abs diet food. You can add it to different recipes, and increase their nutrition value. So, what is whey protein? It is a type of animal protein which makes bodybuilding easier. It helps to burn fat and contains essential amino acids which help to build muscle.

Dairy Products
Many dairy products like fat free milk, cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt make excellent abs diet foods. They contain calcium, vitamins and other nutrients. Milk is a good source of calcium, and you can have a glass of it every morning, after the workout. Also, cheese with red grapes is a good snack for nighttime.

These were the foods that can help you get rid of belly fat and built abs. So, include the above foods in your abs diet, and follow a proper workout and achieve those envious looking six pack abs.

6 Pack Abs Diet

6 pack abs! In the modern world, where lean body is the order of the day, 6 pack abs are more coveted than large and well toned muscles! No wonder, you can see teenagers, youngsters, middle aged and (sometimes even elderly!) trying hard to get 6 pack abs. Well, but as the very old and rightly said proverb says, no pain, no gain... It applies to our discussion on 6 pack abs diet as well. I never said that, getting 6 pack abs is easy. In fact, it is quite a big challenge. As reducing your tummy dimensions and then modifying it into beautiful 6 pack abs, is not a child's play. However, with a proper six pack abs diet, your journey would become a bit easier and also you could achieve this feat in a short period of time.

Diet for Six Pack Abs

The following are some tips to help you get going with the six pack abs diet. The most important pre-requisites in your endeavors to get 6 pack abs are, punctuality, obedience, sincerity and determination. With these you can achieve anything, what big deal is 6 pack abs then?

Is Planning Necessary?
Of course! How would you be able to move ahead without planning. Planning is actually deciding the timeline. Determine the time you'll be requiring to achieve the milestone. Consider your daily routine, likes and dislikes, availability of time, etc. while planning for 6 pack abs. Do not set up stringent timelines. In the initial days, your body will take some time to adjust to the changes that you've made in your diet. Further, you would see positive changes in yourself.

What to Include in the Diet?
Now, this is the most important question of our discussion. Well, your best diet for 6 pack abs, should consist mainly low fat and low calorie foods. You should prefer being on a low carb diet and also include a lot of high protein foods in your diet. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut off red meat from your diet. Eating it, is not at all favorable to achieve 6 pack abs. Eat egg whites and prefer eating brown bread instead of white bread. See that you include foods that are good sources of all the essential nutrients in your diet. For a proper six pack abs diet plan, you can contact your dietitian and get a proper diet plan prescribed from him. Discuss your needs, allergies, tastes and also the right amounts of food suiting your body type.

How Many Meals Should be Included?
Sacrifice your habits of eating 2-3 large meals. Well, I know it's quite difficult! But, can't help, you need to do it! Prefer eating 5- 6 small meals in the entire day and let the food portions be fixed. One more important thing that merits special mention is starving. I have seen many people starving themselves by eating less than what their body needs! That is not at all a correct technique of losing weight or gaining 6 pack abs. Starving will definitely help you lose weight, but in an unhealthy way! This is certainly not the thing, we are trying to target, when we speak of 6 pack abs.

Some Other Important Tips
How can I forget water, when I'm speaking of 6 pack abs? Drink a lot of water. Water will keep you hydrated, which will maintain the speed of your metabolic process. This will in turn help you lose a lot of tummy fat and further help in gaining 6 pack abs. Also do not forget to exercise! Abdominal exercises are equally important to get those ripped abs.

You need to avoid some things as well! Keep away addictions such as alcoholism, smoking and tobacco. These would neither help you in your diet, nor for the rest of your life.

Gout Treatment Diet

Gout, one of the most painful types of arthritis, is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). This condition leads to the accumulation of uric acid crystals on the joints, tendons and surrounding tissues, resulting in painful arthritis attacks. These crystals can also form masses, called 'tophi', on the joints. It has been observed that almost 90% of the gout patients are men and the most commonly affected part is the big toe. But it can also affect joints, like fingers, elbows, wrists, ankles, heel, instep, knees, or the spine. A gout attack is accompanied with stiffness and inflammation of the joint, redness, sudden pain, with or without mild fever. During the initial stages, the condition may disappear without treatment and may not recur for a long time. But repeated attacks, over a long time, can affect the mobility of the patient.

Gout Treatment

Gout is caused by the regular intake of food items with high purine content or due to the body's inability to excrete uric acid. It can also be an inherited abnormality. Some cases of gout develop due to medical conditions, like metabolic syndrome, leukemia, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, renal failure and hemolytic anemia. The treatment for gout is aimed at reducing the level of uric acid in the blood, preventing gout attacks, providing relief for the symptoms and preventing complications like kidney stones, formation of tophi and joint destruction.

Most gout cases are treated successfully, but if the patient has other medical conditions, or he is not complying to the treatment plan, it is difficult to cure the condition. Apart from alleviating pain and other related symptoms, medications are administered to bring down the serum uric acid. As far as prevention of gout is concerned, the contributory factors are studied carefully and relevant medications are prescribed along with lifestyle changes, which include dietary changes too.

Gout Treatment Diet

The main goal of dietary changes is to reduce the level of uric acid, which is formed by the breakdown of purines. Purines are found naturally in the body tissues and are also provided to the body through certain foods. According to some studies, patients who have adopted a gout treatment diet have been successful in reducing the symptoms of the disease. The most important part of this diet is the exclusion or reduction of foods that can cause gout as they are high in purine. They are meat, seafood, protein-rich foods and sweetened drinks. Foods which have very high purine content, like meat, liver, kidney, brain and sweetbreads, should be avoided.

Some types of seafood like anchovies, sardines, mussels, herring and mackerel also have high levels of purine. The intake of protein-rich food items, like meat products, eggs, poultry, fish and beans, should be limited. This loss can be compensated by including tofu and dairy products in your diet. Alcohol and sweetened sodas, which hamper the body's ability to flush out uric acid, should not be consumed, but drink lots of water to help the body in getting rid of uric acid through urine. Avoid brewers yeast (in beer) and baker's yeast (used in baked products), sugar, refined and junk food and caffeine. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, controlling obesity and timely food consumption, are also advised.

Gout is a disease which can be easily controlled by adhering to the treatment plan, including the medication, lifestyle changes and a proper gout treatment diet. There are also many natural gout remedies, which can provide relief from the symptoms. Gout home treatment includes the consumption of bananas, sweet or sour cherries, vegetable juice mixture (carrot, beetroot and cucumber), apple cider vinegar with honey, garlic, apple and lime juice with water. Proper exercises can also provide some relief to gout patients. But you have to seek advice from a qualified fitness trainer regarding exercises, which are best suited for your condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.

Low Purine Foods

Purine is a substance that is found in the majority of foods that we consume and when purines are broken down by the body it produces uric acid. Uric acid is a waste by-product that is filtered out by the kidneys before being eliminated from the body. However some people are not able to flush out the uric acid from the body which can lead to gout.

Gout is a condition where there is a buildup of uric acid in the body which leads to the formation of urate crystals. These crystals which forms generally in the joints cause swelling and inflammation accompanied with severe pain. Although a gout attack can be treated with medicines, making dietary changes can help to prevent an attack. Limiting the amount of purine by consuming low purine foods is the best way to manage gout. Let us make a list of these low purine food items which will aid in drawing up a low purine diet.

Low Purine Foods Lists

Food Name	Total Purines in mg
Apple	14
Broccoli	81
Strawberry	21
Potato	16
Orange	19
Dried Fig	64
Cucumber	7.3
Kale	48
Lettuce	13
Grape	27
Watercress	28
Cheddar Cheese	6
Green Pepper	55
Oyster Mushroom	50
Marinated Green Olives	29
Peanuts	79
Leek	74
Cantaloupe	33
Kiwi fruit	19
Cauliflower	51
Brussels Sprouts	69
Carrot	17
Aubergine	21
Banana	57
Soya beans	80
Cabbage	22
Cherry	7.1
Hazelnuts	37
Green Peas	84
Pineapple	19
Peach	21
Rhubarb	12
Chicory	12
Vienna Sausage	78
Spinach	57
Tofu	68
Yogurt	8.1
Tomato	11

High Purine Foods List

If you are suffering from gout then you need to avoid eating foods that are high in purine. Here is a list of foods that are high in purine.

• Anchovies
• Sweetbread
• Consomme
• Gravy
• Sardines
• Goose
• Mincemeat
• Mackerel
• Mushrooms
• Caviar
• Tuna fish in Oil
• Mussels
• Sardines
• Scallops
• Bouillon
• Red meat
• Fish Roe
• Foie Gras

It is best to avoid these food items. In addition to these dietary changes, a person suffering from gout should also take care of the following things.

• Limit the amount of fat and increase the water intake. Drinking adequate amounts of liquid will keep the body hydrated and will help in flushing out the extra uric acid.
• You also need to go easy on alcohol and should avoid drinking beer, whiskey, rum and gin as they contain very high amounts of purine.
• If you are overweight you have a greater tendency of having a gout attack. It is best to lose the extra flab by opting for moderate exercise regularly. Do not indulge in any fad diets or quick weight loss schemes as you will end up harming your body.
• Maintain an ideal body weight and follow a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in protein.
• Switch to brown rice and whole wheat bread and eat dairy products that are low-fat like skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and organic yogurt.
• When you dine out or attend a party do not go overboard with the food and stick to healthy options like a clear soup instead of a cream based soup.
• If you are having a salad, order a low-fat vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy dressings smothered in mayonnaise.
• People suffering from gout should have no more than two to three eggs a week.
• Avoid eating tofu and red meat altogether and have freshwater fish which is low in purine.
• You also need to avoid organ meat like liver, brain, kidneys and heart of chicken, turkey or lamb.

So, this was all about low purine foods and how it should be incorporated in your diet to avoid a gout attack. Following a diet of low purine food for gout has been proved quite successful to decrease gout attack.

The Abs Diet for Women

Flat abs. Everybody wants them. From celebs to the girl next door. When you think of the term abs, up pops Jennifer Anniston's washboard flat ones, Jessica Biel's, toned, yet feminine ones, Uma Thurman's rippling ones ... Phrases like six-pack abs, washboard flat abs, ripped abs ... bounce off your mental imagery. Tight abs, you think with green-eyed cynicism, belong on magazine covers, on athletic fields, on genetic aberrations, on those desperately lipectomized souls, and on people who treat a bowl of macrobiotic assortment of shredded leaves and grated veggies as ambrosia.

And just as you look down at that unconditioned, droopy belly of yours, with a sigh of resignation, there comes along another diet plan, promising you those washboard flat abs you've been secretly hankering for - The Abs Diet for Women - devised by David Zinczenko, the Editor of Men's Health, which is a follow-up of The Abs Diet.

According to Mr. Zinczenko, belly fat has the potential to kill you. Most of us have a tendency for storing fat in our bellies, and that is the region where the health problems of excessive weight usually start. While some people store the fat under the belt line, others have it above it. At any rate, abdominal fat doesn't simply hang around there on the belly, doing nothing. Functioning like a distinct organ, it releases harmful substances in the body. Abdominal fat is responsible for many of the health problems that strike us because it lies in the vicinity of vital organs like the liver and the heart, putting pressure on them.

The abs diet for Women is a weight loss plan that lasts for six weeks, specifically geared for women. It not only promises to help women to lose pounds, but also to flatten the abdominals, along with firming up the body. The primary component of the diet is the principles of eating, making particularly sure that the person following it has meals often enough so that her metabolism is kept revved up and ensuring that the correct, fat burning diet powerfoods are eaten, so that the dieter feels satiated all day. Deviating from its predecessor, This diet provides guidelines for counting calories, grappling with hormonal problems which hamper weight loss, and following a vegetarian diet.

So, what are the rules of the diet? To eat six small meals a day, which are evenly spaced, and to base the meals on the groups of food that are given below, which form an acronym spelling ABS DIET POWER:

A = Almonds and other nuts
B = Beans
S = Spinach and other green vegetables

D = Dairy, low-fat
I = Instant oatmeal
E = Eggs
T = Turkey and other lean meats

P = Peanut butter, all-natural
O = Olive oil
W = Whole grains
E = Extra protein, whey
R = Raspberries and other berries

According to the diet plan, by centering the meals around these Powerfoods, the body will be fueled with the required nutrients - good carbs, protein, fiber, good fat - paying particular attention to protein, because this is what builds that lean muscle which will help in burning fat faster.

This theory of the consumption of fiber-rich food and muscle-building protein at frequent intervals which is supposed to burn belly fat and rev up the metabolism is based on innumerable scientific studies cited by the author which show that more food plus more muscle is equal to less flab.

According to some medical experts, it is a sound diet overall. It could even motivate some women to make healthy lifestyle changes, since the women's abs diet also incorporates an exercise regimen which has to be followed along with the diet. Not only is the diet a balanced plan incorporating wholesome and healthy food, but also, the intake of calories, which is about 1,400-1,600 cals per day, is quite reasonable.

However, experts also caution against believing the claim made by the diet plan of getting flat abs within six weeks. Even if the diet is adhered to stringently, flat abs can never be guaranteed, because it is dependent on many other factors such as a person's body shape, activity level, as well as genetics. Although eating more meals when on a diet may sound like a great idea, some people find the idea of eating six meals a day too daunting a task. And another factor that the abs diet for Women does not seem to address directly is one of the well-known diet breakers many women dieters succumb to, the craving for sweets.

However, if you think the abs diet seems to resonate with you, and feel that eating more meals in order to weigh less makes sense, perhaps this plan may work for you. As in all diet plans, it's always a good idea to consult medical opinion before starting on one.

Peptic Ulcer Diet

Microbial infection and long term usage of certain medication causes the formation of open sores or abrasions on the lining of small intestine or stomach. Such a condition is known as peptic ulcer. A patient of peptic ulcer has to suffer from a lot of discomfort and maladies. The most common symptom is abdominal pain with a burning sensation, which often aggravates after eating. Pain is felt even in empty stomach, probably due to the presence of gastric juice, which can be brought down with the intake of antacids and milk. Other signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer are heartburn, belching, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and loss of appetite and weight.

Many people suffering from peptic ulcers, can eat everything with no significant discomfort. However, there are some who develop excessive acid production, heartburn and irritation after eating certain foods. If you happen to be among such unfortunate peptic ulcer patients, you need to know about the foods that are safe for you.

Peptic Ulcer Diet: Dos and Don'ts
Following are some peptic ulcer diet 'do and don't' guidelines.

• Do not eat foods in bulk. They add an extra workload on your digestive system. Try to eat 5-6 times a day and keep the amount of food small. This will avoid the periods of hunger and will also curb overeating.
• Rest and relax, both before and after every meal. Try to eat slowly and chew the food well. This will ease their digestion.
• Include a rich source of protein at each meal. Such foodstuffs can be milk, eggs, meat and cheese.
• Do not eat anything at least three hours before bedtime.
• Avoid foods that are fried and spicy. Also, decrease the intake amount of caffeine containing drinks, like coffee and tea.
• Do not take carbonated drinks, chocolate and tomato based products, as they work towards increasing acidity.
• Quit smoking and cut down on the consumption of alcohol.
• Take the antacids as recommended by the doctor. Generally, they are taken 1-3 hours after every meal and prior to bedtime.
• Avoid magnesium containing antacids as they may cause diarrhea.

Peptic Ulcer Diet: Foods

Cereals
Whole grain cereals are mostly safe to eat with peptic ulcer. Generally, whole-grain, seedless breads, tortillas, bagels, English muffins and hot dog buns form a part of the diet for peptic ulcer. You may also take enriched rice, noodles, pastas and spaghetti macaroni without any discomfort. You may have French toasts, pancakes, muffins and waffles with low fat content once a while. Their increased amount may cause some uneasiness. Very coarse cereals such as bran, wild rice, breads with seeds and bread products with nuts and dried fruits are not meant to be included in the diet for peptic ulcer disease.

Fruits
2-3 daily servings of fresh, frozen and canned fruits are tolerated to some extent. Fruits like papaya, watermelon and apples can be eaten on a regular basis. Citrus fruits such as grapes, pineapples, oranges and tangerines are not advisable for patients with peptic ulcer, as they increase acidity and thus further worsen the condition.

Vegetables
3-4 daily servings of fresh, canned and frozen vegetables except tomato, can be taken without much concern. If you feel some discomfort with the intake of a particular vegetable, omit that from you peptic ulcer diet. Some vegetables are gas forming in nature. Hence, they are not included in this diet. A few examples of such vegetables are cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onion, cauliflower, cucumber and sauerkraut.

Dairy Products
Milk causes a neutralization effect during the initial hours of its intake. Therefore, it is good for patients with peptic ulcers. Various dairy products like plain mild cheese, low fat cottage cheese and no fat yogurt are recommended for intake. Certain flavors of milk and its products are a big no-no, in diet for peptic ulcer. These are chocolate milk, buttermilk, evaporated whole milk and cream and strong flavored cheese.

Meat and its Substitutes
All lean, tender pork, beef, lamb and poultry without the skin can be taken safely. Even fresh, canned and frozen fish packed in water are considered safe for consumption. 3-5 egg yolks can be taken a week. Highly seasoned and heavily marbled meat, poultry and fish are not meant to be included in peptic ulcer diet.

The above given peptic ulcer dietary approach has helped a number of patients to recover from both acute and chronic ulcers. Therefore, construct your daily meals from the foodstuff suggested above, to help your body treat peptic ulcer. Make sure that whatever you eat, you take approximately 80 grams of proteins, 250 grams of carbohydrates and 65 grams of fat, with about 3245 mg of sodium and 3000 mg of potassium. Your daily calorie intake should not exceed 2000 calories. Follow this peptic ulcer diet strictly, to fasten the recovery process of peptic ulcer.

Gout Diet Restrictions

As we all know, gout is a painful form of arthritis. People suffer from gout because there's a rise in the uric acid levels in the blood of the body. This rise in uric acid levels leads to the formation of uric acid crystals which get deposited in tendons, joints and surrounding tissues. These crystals of uric acid become more painful specially when they get deposited deep in the joint. The affected areas becomes sensitive, red and also suffers from swelling. People generally feel this pain in the joints after regular intervals and the best way to avoid these pains is to opt for a gout diet. A typical gout diet contains foods which are low on purine content.

Now it's pretty clear that foods play an important part in the formation of gout, and many people try to understand this situation clearly by making lists of the foods to eat and foods to avoid for gout. Yes, these lists help and do minimize the pain of gout attacks but they are not a final solution. It's very hard for people to just stopping eating foods which they have been eating from a long time. The best way to approach the situation is to impose some gout diet restrictions on yourself. For instance; following a balanced diet and drinking lots of fluids. Also obesity is a potential cause for gout, so make sure you start working out too. Avoiding purine rich foods is also very necessary as you don't want a rise in the purine levels in your body. It's necessary that you follow these restrictions very seriously if you want to get rid of this disorder.

Foods to Avoid in Gout Diet

It's very important to know which are the foods to be avoided when you suffer from gout. Your body breaks down purines and forms uric acid. Normally, this uric acid exists from the body through urine but when you suffer from gout uric levels in the body rises as body stops getting rid of acid. In such cases, it's harmful to eat foods which are rich in purines.

Foods High in Purine
Fish like roe, herring, mackerel, scallops, mussels have purine in high contents. Meats of goose, ducks and partridge also have high level of purines. People should also refrain from eating brains, livers, hearts and kidneys of animals. Also avoid mincemeat, consomme, bouillon, gravy and baker's yeast.

Foods Low in Purine
Red meats and poultry meat can be eaten but very rarely. Green vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower and green peas have less levels of purine in them. People should also limit the consumption of grains such as oats, oatmeal, wheat germ, bran, whole grain breads and cereals. Don't eat too much of eggs, nuts, peanut butter, dairy products and sugar syrups. Until your condition calms down, don't touch alcohol or fried foods. Alcohol can prevent the elimination of uric acid and raise purine levels in blood.

Gout is treatable and with proper medical care. Taking prescribed medications from time to time also plays a big part in treating chronic gout conditions. People who are taking Aspirin should stop it immediately as Aspirin slows down the elimination of uric acid and makes your condition even worse. The most important point that gout patients should remember is to control the consumption of high purine foods and give alcohol a rest till your condition is stable.

Gout Diet Recipes

Gout is a very painful disease, it is actually one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Earlier, it was believed that gout pain increases with the consumption of specific foodstuffs like seafood, meat and alcohol. Due to this belief, a person suffering from gout would be refrained from eating many foods. However now when the cause and nature of gout is known, the restrictions have lessened. Gout is a condition wherein high levels of uric acid forms crystals that get accumulated around a joint. In a gout diet, efforts are made to control the production of uric acid. A compound called purine breaks down to produce uric acid. Purine is present in the body naturally, however it is also present in certain foods like herring, mushrooms, anchovies, asparagus and organ meats. So a gout diet menu should include low purine foods. Besides that, it should also contain complex carbohydrates, plenty of fluids and plant-based proteins. The vegetables that you can safely include in your diet are; spinach, cauliflower, peas and beans. Fruits like cherries, berries, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, oranges, etc. can be eaten. Any low-fat dairy product can be eaten, but obviously in small amounts. The following are some gout diet recipes for you, which are completely healthy and safe for you.

Low Purine Diet Recipes

Cherry Smoothie

Ingredients

• Yogurt cherry, cup
• Banana,
• Pitted cherries, 1 cup
• Milk (soy, 2% or low fat), cup

Process

Take all the ingredients in a bowl, put them in a blender and blend until smooth, for about 1 - 2 minutes, on high speed. If the smoothie seems to thicken, you can add a couple of ice cubes to it. But do not add too many, as the smoothie can lose its taste if it becomes too watery. To make your cherry smoothie more attractive, add a drop of red food coloring.

Taco Salad:

Ingredients

• Tomatoes with green chillies, 1 can
• Chicken breast - boil, then shred with fork, 4
• Olive Oil, 2 tbs
• Cumin chili powder
• Low fat sour cream or guacamole (optional)
• Large yellow onion - diced, 1
• Iceberg lettuce, (head), 1
• Black olives, 1 can
• Shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Process

This is one of the easiest gout diet recipes. To make taco salad, pour 2 tbs olive oil on a large skillet, and saute of the onions in it, on high heat. When the onions turn golden, add shredded chicken, chili powder, tomatoes and cumin powder. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, shred lettuce in small bowls, and add it to the chicken mixture, cover with lots of cheese, low fat sour cream, olives and remaining onions. Add homemade salsa to it. You can make salsa by combining cilantro, onion garlic salt and one can add peeled tomatoes.

Gazpacho

Ingredients

• Plum tomatoes, 4
• Red onion, 1
• White wine vinegar, cup
• Hothouse cucumber, halved and seeded, but not peeled, 1
• Red bell peppers, cored and seeded, 2
• Freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp
• Garlic cloves, minced, 3
• Tomato juice, 23 ounces (3 cups)
• Kosher salt, tbs
• Good olive oil, cup

Process

To make gazpacho, cut the tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers and red onions into 1-inch cubes. Now blend each ingredient, separately, until it is coarsely chopped, use a food processor which has been fitted with a steel blade. Do not form a paste. Take a large bowl and combine all the chopped ingredients along with tomato juice, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well and chill until serving. Remember, the longer gazpacho chills, the more the flavor will develop.

All these recipes are made using low purine foods. You can make changes in any of the above gout diet recipes, however make sure that the ingredient you are adding, is beneficial for gout.

Atkins Diet Menu

It was in the 1970s that Dr. Atkins, an American heart specialist, came up with the Atkins Diet Plan. This diet involved a multi-phased program for losing weight, maintaining the weight loss, disease prevention and good health. Based on solid nutritional and medical fundamentals, this diet plan, which comprised high protein, high fat, and low carb meals, is said to be very effective. This is because, when high protein foods are eaten, it results in stabilizing the blood sugar levels. It also keeps one more satiated, and hence, less likely to binge on sweets or high carb foods. The diet basically recommends eating more protein and fat like meat, fish, eggs and cheese, while restricting the consumption of foods that are high carb, especially refined or processed carbs like pasta, bread, cereal, and starchy vegetables, as well as fruits that are very sweet. The diet restricts high carb foods because Dr. Atkins believed that the more you eat of them, the faster you get hungry.

Devising a diet menu plan involves more than simply checking out the food list in the Atkins Diet. Of course, the food list helps in being a source of information about what should or should not be eaten, however, it doesn't help in creating a diet plan that is varied and interesting enough to help you to stick with it over the long haul. Given below are the diet plans for each of the four phases of the diet, as well as some additional plans which will give you a better idea about the diet.

The Four Phases
There are four phases in the Atkins Diet, with each phase being slightly different. As progression is made through each phase, there is an increase in the carbohydrate allowance, although they comprise mainly high fiber carbs, like leafy vegetables. The first two phases are the ones that are the most restrictive as far as carbs are concerned. This is when the body has to get into the fat-burning mode, which is why it is so restrictive initially. The four phases are as follows:

Induction Phase

The induction phase is the first phase of the diet, and is typically followed over a period of two weeks. This is considered to be the most restrictive phase of this diet. It allows the dieter no more than 20 net grams of carbs each day. The dieter is allowed foods like green salads, fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, meat, butter, olive and vegetable oils. But it completely restricts the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. When combined with daily exercise, the induction phase shows highest weight loss. Here's the diet plan for this phase:

Breakfast

• 4 bacon slices
• 8 ounces decaf coffee
• 2 scrambled eggs

Lunch

• A bacon burger (2 slices) filled with cheese
• 1 ounce American cheese
• Tossed salad without the dressing
• 6 ounces ground beef patty
• Seltzer water

Dinner

• 1 cup clear consomm
• 6 ounces T-bone steak
• 3 ounces of shrimp cocktail with 1 tbsp. mustard and 1 tbsp. mayonnaise
• A tossed salad with Russian dressing
• A cup of sugar-free Jell-O with 1 tbsp. whipped cream

Ongoing Phase

The ongoing weight loss phase (also known as the OWL phase) is when the dieter increases the intake of carbohydrates. Hereafter, the carb intake increases by 5 grams each week. The main objective of this phase is to find one's Carbohydrate Level for Losing (CLL) i.e. to find how many carbs you can consume while continuing to lose weight. The OWL phase is followed until you are within 10 pounds of your desired weight. The dieter adds vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower and avocado during the first week. With the onset of the second week, the dieter starts following the carbohydrate ladder and adds dairy to his diet. The foods should be added in the following order:

• Vegetables like asparagus, salad, cauliflower
• Cheese
• Nuts and seeds
• Berries
• Alcohol
• Legumes
• Other fruits
• Starchy vegetables
• Whole grains

You can skip a particular food group if you do not wish to add it to your permanent diet, for example, alcohol.

Breakfast

• A Western omelet made using 2 eggs, 2 ounces cheddar cheese, 1 tbsp. bell papers, 1/10th cup ham bits, 1 tbsp. butter, 1 tbsp. onion and 3 ounces tomato juice
• slice crisp bread
• 8 ounces decaf coffee

Lunch

• Chef's salad that has egg, cheese and ham (No dressing)
• 8 ounces of herbal iced tea

Dinner

• cup boiled cabbage
• 6 ounces poached salmon
• 1 cup strawberries with 4 tbsp. cream

Pre-Maintenance Phase

In this phase, the daily intake of carbs is increased by 10 grams every week. The objective of this phase is to find the 'Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance'. This is, again, the maximum number of carbs you can eat each day without gaining weight. Later in this phase, you can add some of the restricted carbs back to your diet, limiting them to only once a week, thereby preparing your body for the last phase - Maintenance Phase. The phase can last until you find your Critical Carbohydrate Level.

Breakfast

• An omelet made with 2 eggs, 1 cup spinach (cooked), 2 ounces Gruyre cheese and 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 slice of crisp bread
• 8 ounces decaf coffee

Lunch

• cup of steamed broccoli
• 6 ounces roast chicken
• Green salad with a creamy garlic dressing
• Club soda

Dinner

• 1 cup French onion soup
• Salad made using 1 tomato, 1 onion and 1 carrot with oil and vinegar dressing
• 1 small potato (baked) with 2 tbsp. sour cream and chives
• 1 serving of veal chops
• 1 bountiful cup of fruit compote
• 16 ounces of wine spritzer

Lifetime Maintenance Phase

This is the last phase of the diet where the dieter commits to following the habits learned by him/her in the previous phases, for a lifetime. It restricts the dieters from returning to their previous eating habits. They continue to implement fat and protein in their daily diet. Though they can make an exception on a rare event, trigger foods like chocolate, potato chips, and ice cream are a big no-no. The dieter also has to keep in mind not to gain more than 5 pounds above the target weight.

Some More Diet Plans

Plan 1

Breakfast

• 2 scrambled eggs
• 1 slice of bread substitute that is protein-rich
• 3 slices of bacon

Lunch

• A spicy burger filled with cheese
• A tossed salad

Dinner

• Veal chops grilled with butter and shredded sage
• 1 tomato
• 1 yellow squash
• A green salad

Plan 2

Breakfast

• An omelet made with 2 eggs with ham or bacon, some onions, and 2 wedges of tomato

Lunch

• Tuna salad which includes an oil dressing, tomatoes and celery

Dinner

• Baked halibut or salmon
• Steamed broccoli garnished with shredded cheese and pepper

Plan 3

Breakfast

• 2 slices of nut bread with zucchini and 2 ounces of cream cheese

Lunch

• Grilled cheeseburger
• A green salad with 2 slices of tomato

Dinner

• Pork chops made in Cajun style with stir-fried kale and crushed garlic

Plan 4

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs made with 2 eggs and 2 pork sausages

Lunch

• A Greek salad which includes Romaine lettuce, olives, feta cheese, 2 wedges of tomato, a small can of tuna, along with a dill vinaigrette

Dinner

• Chicken cutlets with a sauce made of green peppercorn
• Sauted spinach
• A gelatin dessert using sucralose, with a whipped cream topping

Plan 5

Breakfast

• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, melted, with 2 bran crackers

Lunch

• A vegetable broth with shredded radish
• A shrimp salad on greens

Dinner

• Veal burgers
• Creamy coleslaw made with red cabbage
• Broiled mushrooms sprinkled with sesame oil

Associated Risks
The Atkins Diet, being a high protein, low carb diet, restricts you from having carbohydrates, which are extremely essential for the body. Without carbs, you tend to feel very drowsy and lethargic. Lack of carbs in the daily diet also causes mood swings, insomnia, constipation and weakness. High intake of animal protein increases the cholesterol levels of the body, thereby increasing the person's risk of suffering from a cardiovascular disease. Following a high protein diet also increases water loss in the form of urine. This increases the pressure on the kidneys, which may cause their impairment. Moreover, the Atkins Diet recommends the dieters to eat meat on a daily basis, which increases the person's chances of suffering from colon cancer.

Who Should Not Follow This Diet

• Anyone with a severe kidney disease
• Diabetics
• People who have gout
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Whether following the Atkins Diet Plan is safe or no, has always been a debatable issue. While its critics claim the lost weight to be just water loss, followers absolutely swear by it. With different sources giving different views and opinions, it ultimately becomes the dieter's decision as to what to choose. So it is best to consult a dietitian who can come up with an even better and personalized diet plan for you.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is solely for informative purposes and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject. Always consult a dietitian/nutritionist before starting out on any restrictive diet.

Low Purine Diet Gout Recipes

Gout is caused due to over secretion of uric acid, resulted from the breakdown of purines. Purines are naturally occurring substances that are present in the body cells as well as in some foods. If purine intake is reduced, there will be less production of uric acid, thus helping in alleviating the condition. Hence, low purine diet is recommended for the gout patients in order to relieve the painful symptoms.

Foods to Avoid

Seafood, red meat, and meat derived from organs such as liver and kidney should be avoided, as they are rich source of purines. Some people ask whether tomato is good for gout or not. Well, fresh tomato and other veggies are good for the anti gout diet, but not the processed tomato juice, soup, and sauce. The concern is about the processing of foods. So, as far as the vegetables and fruits are in their natural state, they are healthy for gout patients. Of course, there are some food items that should be eliminated from the low purine diet. Examples of the same are asparagus, cauliflower, beans, lentils, and mushrooms.

Recipes for Gout Patients

Foods that contain low amounts of purine include green vegetables (except some), fruits, and fruit juices. All types of berries (especially those dark-colored ones), milk, and milk products can be incorporated in the gout diet. In fact, dark berries are used for relieving gout pain in the natural way. Take a note of the high purine foods and exclude them from the diet. In case of confusion, one should consult a qualified physician about the ingredients that are beneficial for the treatment of gout. Following are some of the easy-to-cook and delicious low purine recipes that a gout patient can try out at home for serving a healthy meal.

Rice and Vermicelli Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup rice (wash and rinsed)
cup vermicelli (broken into pieces)
2 cups boiling water
4 tablespoons butter
teaspoon ground black pepper
teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt as per taste

Procedure

This recipe is best for serving with vegetable dishes. For preparation, preheat a frying pan and melt the butter. Once butter is melted completely, saut the vermicelli over medium heat. Stir often and fry till they turn golden brown. Add the rinsed rice, stir well and add salt, pepper, and boiling water. Bring the mixture to a boil temperature and cook for about 15 minutes in medium heat. Turn off the heat and leave the mixture with its lid on for further 20 minutes. Doing so will allow to cook the rice and vermicelli well. Transfer it on platters, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve with a vegetable dish.

Cheese Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups cooked pasta
4 tablespoons butter
pound cheddar cheese (thinly sliced)
1 large-sized onion (finely chopped)
1 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

In a frying pan, melt butter and saut onion in medium flame. Add the remaining ingredients, macaroni, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well the mixture and transfer it to a lightly greased casserole. Sprinkle the sliced cheese evenly on top of the mixture. Bake the casserole without covering its lid for about 35 - 40 minutes at 375 F. Remove the casserole when the mixture is cooked properly. Transfer into platter and serve hot.

Macaroni and Tomato Salad

Ingredients

4 medium-sized tomatoes (cut into inch cubes)
3 cups cooked macaroni
2 cloves garlic (minced)
cup finely chopped basil leaves
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
Salt and pepper as per taste

Procedure

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, tomato pieces, and chopped basil leaves. Take another salad bowl and mix the remaining ingredients, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well all the ingredients to mix thoroughly. Then stir in macaroni and tomato mixture in the salad bowl. Toss the mixture well, keep in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, and serve.

These are some of the low purine diet gout recipes that are healthy for gout patients. You can alter the ingredients or substitute with low purine foods and try your culinary skills to try a different recipe. As for the items to be avoided in the gout diet, majority of the protein containing foods are also rich in purines. And besides adopting a low purine diet, drinking adequate amounts of water is suggested to get rid of uric acid crystals. So, try to adopt these simple dietary modifications for effective management of gout symptoms.

Liquid Diets to Lose Weight Fast

Liquid diets are gaining popularity for weight loss. Liquid diet is especially suggested by the health care providers if there are medical conditions like any surgery or conditions related to jaw or gastrointestinal tract. Liquid diets have become the newest rage for losing weight fast. In spite of the benefits of the liquid diets, there are two other reasons for this craze for liquid diets to lose weight fast. One is, of course, to lose weight fast and the other one is to imitate the famous Hollywood personalities. There are several Hollywood personalities who opted for various liquid diets and lost weight, successfully. There is nothing wrong in it, provided the diet doesn't cause any side effects on the health of the dieter.

Liquid Diet Plan

There are two basic liquid diets that are opted for the cause of weight loss. One is the regular liquid diet and the other is the clear liquid diet. Liquid diets are very convenient to use and they do not over-stress the dieter either. There are many variations that a person can do with the liquid diets. There are two more sub-categories as low calorie liquid diet plans and commercial liquid diet plans. Both these are actually meal replacement diets that are used to lose weight. The later one comes with pre-packaged liquid diet products that can be combined with low calorie and high fiber diets. The low calorie liquid diet plan, on the other hand, consists of medically observed liquid diets that allow only 500 to 800 calories a day and the solid foods are increased after a few days. This sort of liquid diet is for those who really want to lose weight fast and for long term.

Liquid Diets to Lose Weight

The low calorie liquid diet plan helps a person to lose weight within a week. If strictly followed, a person can lose more than 3 to 4 lbs. These diets are needed to be followed for at least 12 weeks with only 480 to 800 calorie consumption a day. A smart liquid diet is really very important to lose weight fast, otherwise chances are there for it to turn into a boomerang. In liquid diets, that are taken to lose weight quickly, easily digestible foods are given more preference. These foods are those containing proteins, minerals and important vitamins. This means it avoids fats and any other thing that cannot be easily digested by the system.

Low calorie liquid diet programs also include daily 30 minutes of rigorous exercise. Exercise and liquid diets boost the metabolism levels and in this way, they help in fat loss, by burning the unwanted body fats. Liquid diets for weight loss are best to be followed under a watchful supervisor. There are just too many liquid diets for losing weight, and some of them can also be called fad diets that are more popular due to the promotional propaganda and advertisements by several really slim and popular models.

There are just too many 'diet inventors' that are proud about their own product and how their 'lose weight fast' formula is superior than all the others. Several liquid diets also come under the category called 'fad diets'.

Master Cleanse Diet
Master cleanse diet has suddenly gained popularity in the past few years as it is a good way of liquid diet weight loss. Master cleanse lemonade diet is a liquid diet that consist of water, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and honey. A dieter has to follow this diet for 10 days. Master cleanse diet increases detoxification and metabolism and by this, it promotes weight loss. The cost of this diet is very less and this makes it one of the best liquid diets that can be undertaken. The only problem with this diet is that people cannot withstand without food completely (as the master cleanse diet demands) and they tend to leave dieting sooner or later. This is the same liquid crash diet that Beyonc Knowles made famous!

Liquid Medi-Fast Diet
Liquid medi-fast diet is a diet plan that consists of fluids that the dieter has to consume 5 times a day and a meal that the person is allowed to have only once a day. This meal must be a low fat and low calorie food that is high on protein and fresh vegetables. This liquid diet allows only 800 to 1000 calories a day and hence, it helps in losing weight.

Liquid Opti-Fast Diet
Liquid opti-fast diet must strictly be followed under physician's or dietitian's supervision. These are liquid diets that are specially designed meal replacement powders or fluids that help a person to lose weight fast. These are protein shakes and several other juices for weight loss. This sort of liquid diet to lose weight fast must be accompanied by strict exercise routine and weekly monitoring by the dietitian.

The Hollywood Liquid Diet
This diet claims weight loss in '24 to 48 hours'. There are many other shakes and juices that come with various flavors like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and so on, the Hollywood liquid diet plan consists of fruit juices that help and increase natural detoxification of the body impurities. This diet is also called detox diet that can be a great way of losing weight. As they say, this diet helps the person to lose all the excessive water weight and soon after, the person starts to gain his/her normal eating pattern.

Cabbage Soup Diet
There is a lot of rage about this diet plan as well. It is called the '7 days cabbage soup diet', that one of course has to follow for a week. This is also an inexpensive diet plan that is worth giving a try for quick weight loss. There are many soup recipes that one can try with cabbage and variety of vegetables, to make this diet a lot more exiting. It is supposed that cabbage soup diet helps the person to lose 10 pounds in one week.

Many people also talk a lot about the clear liquid diets, but to be frank, clear liquid diets are not for weight loss. A person will surely lose weight but he will also lose on the important nutrients at the same time. Fad diets and 'liquid diet plan lose weight fast' only give temporary results. Sometimes, it happens that, once a person stops consuming certain meal replacement shakes like the good old protein shakes, he/she starts to put on weight, faster than ever.

So, in my view, liquid diets are really a great thing to lose weight fast but for a long term effect, one strictly needs to follow a balanced weight loss diet, suitable exercise and healthy habits. A good combination of all these things will always keep a person to be tension free and happy.

Anxiety and Menopause

Menopause is a phase in a woman's life that is characterized by physiological and emotional upheaval. As this stage signifies the end of a woman's reproductive ability, it has lasting effects on a woman's psyche. Menopause is a gradual process, which goes on for several years. The first signs of menopause begin to develop in later thirties or early forties (also called perimenopausal age). On an average, a woman attains menopause by the age of 51. A few years before menopause and a couple of years after that are especially demanding for a woman. Amongst the various symptoms of menopause, anxiety and depression can be difficult to deal with.

Anxiety and Menopause

As mentioned above, menopause symbolizes the end of fertility for a woman. Although, a woman has had children in her life and has no intentions of procreation on her mind, this fact can still be very difficult for her to accept. Women perceive this as a loss of their femininity, womanhood. She may think that she is now undesirable to her spouse. A woman feels anxious all the time regarding acceptance by her spouse. If she does not get spousal support at this stage, it may send her into depression. Another factor that leads to anxiety and depression is response of children. Children at this stage are capable of taking control of their lives. Thus, they become less and less dependent on their mothers. This again may cause a feeling of worthlessness in women. Although, hormonal fluctuation is often cited as a reason for menopausal symptoms like this one, one should understand that hormonal imbalance is only a trigger. The origin of anxiety lies deeper into the psyche of a woman. An event of physiological distress may ignite a fear of same event happening again and thus makes the woman anxious.

Symptoms

Anxiety is often characterized by the fear of unknown; a fear that something bad is going to happen to yourself or your loved ones. Panic attack is the most common anxiety symptom in women during menopausal period. The woman may experience shortness of breath, sweating, hot flashes, heaviness in chest etc. amongst other symptoms. If the woman has several responsibilities she may get stressed out, eventually leading to adrenal fatigue. Fear of death may also cause trembling along with bouts of depression.

Treatment

As anxiety is a psychosomatic problem, it can be treated only by improving the psyche of the woman. In that regard, anxiety is easier to treat as it is only a mental ailment. A few psychotherapy sessions may help a woman to come to terms with this stage in a better way. Along with the woman, her family, especially her spouse can also be imparted some counseling, so that they help her cope with menopausal anxiety. Similarly, the woman herself can make efforts to improve her condition. She must devote some time during the day to do some activity of her choice. It has been found that women who have high self esteem and self-confidence hardly face any difficulty in coping with this situation. Hence, women must take special efforts to work on their self worth.

Apart from this, certain changes at dietary level also bring about positive changes in a woman's life. Eating complex carbohydrates also has a calming effect on the woman's mind as it increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Similarly, avoiding refined junk food and incorporating more healthy food in diet can also help relieve anxiety.

Thus, anxiety during menopause can be controlled with the help of treatment. This is indeed a difficult phase of your life, but a positive attitude can make it a lot easier to deal with.

Long Term Effects of Testosterone Injections

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone which is also known as 'an androgen'. In women also, it plays an important role in conception and maintaining the energy level and weight. In males, testosterone is produced in the testes. The normal levels of testosterone in men are higher than in females. In males, it plays an important role in the development of the reproductive system and in the development of the secondary male sex characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, muscle strength, etc.

Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

There exist several causes of low testosterone. Testosterone levels vary according to the age, physiology, diet, medical history and lifestyle. After forty years of age, at the beginning of the andropause, testosterone levels start decreasing. The levels are at their peak at the onset of puberty. Hypogonadism, pituitary gland problems, certain diseases like diabetes, drug abuse can affect testosterone production. Here follows the list of signs of low testosterone:

• Excessive fatigue, Lethargy
• Severe mood changes
• Increased irritability
• Erectile dysfunction or poor erectile functions
• Anemia
• Depleted muscle strength
• Osteoporosis
• Lack of sexual desire
• Problem concentrating
• Undesired weight loss

Testosterone therapy is recommended to those who exhibit the above symptoms of low testosterone levels. The injections are taken by both men and women to improve testosterone levels. The dosage for men and women can be different.

Adverse Effects of Testosterone Injections

Those opting for the injections may experience allergic reaction and may suffer from nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, acne, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair and worsening of sleep apnea. Some of these effects like headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and increased thirst can be temporary and as the body gets adjusted to the doses, the symptoms may go away. Doctors may prescribe some medications to lower the symptoms. Many patients never think about the long term effects of testosterone injections and when they come to know about them, they are shocked. The short term as well as long term side effects of the injections may vary according to the age, gender, dosage and overall health of the person. Since these injections help build muscles and increase muscle size, youngsters interested in bodybuilding opt for the injections. Athletes also take these injections for improvement in performance. Long term effects of these injections are often noticed in those who take the injections over an extended period.

• Growth of facial and body hair in women
• Male-pattern baldness in women. (women with thin hair should avoid taking these injections.)
• Deepening of voice
• Clitoral engorgement in women
• A change in mood or personality, depression, aggression, severe mood swings may result in violence
• Liver dysfunction, jaundice, may lead to liver cancer
• Baldness in men
• Growth of the Adam's apple
• Numbness, tingling sensation, joint pain and breast enlargement in men (Gynecomastia)
• Decreased sperm count or lack of sperms
• Prolonged, painful erections known as priapism
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Fluid retention and heart failure
• Tremors, renal failure
• Cognitive and behavioral changes, sudden change in energy levels, confusion, mood swings, memory loss and loss of concentration
• Adverse change in blood cholesterol levels leading to narrowing of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis and other health complications.
• Acne or other skin diseases.
• In women, positive effects of the hormone-replacement therapy can be canceled by testosterone injections, leading to damaged cardiovascular system.
• Testosterone may interact negatively with routine drugs canceling their effects and creating several health problems. For example, diabetic medicines, blood clot medicines, propranolol, etc.
• Enlargement of prostate (may lead to urethral obstruction), painful symptoms in the scrotum and associated areas. Patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer should consult their physician before taking these injections.

You should consult a physician before opting for testosterone injections. You should describe your health condition and provide information about your routine medicines to the physician to avoid health complications. You may raise the level of testosterone in your blood naturally by following a balanced diet and by performing exercises. Changes in the lifestyle such as limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking help maintain hormone levels in the body.

Flat Abs Diet

I had a friend who toiled in the gym for hours everyday trying to get a flat tummy but in vain, and I would always wonder why he never got results. One day in the evening I saw the same guy downing burgers and beers, as if there was no tomorrow. It was then evident to me that if I wanted a flat tummy I would need to incorporate a flat abs diet in my exercise program. They say you are what you eat and I firmly believe that, because I know from personal experience that If I eat indiscriminately it would show in my physical appearance, no matter how much time I spent in the gym. Another important thing I learned was that only eating right isn't enough, I also needed to do the right kind of exercises to get six pack abs.

One of the most important things that I discovered is that, If I ate small meals at regular intervals it helped me in my goal of achieving a flat stomach. To my dismay, I also learned that deep-fried chicken is not a part of flat abs diet. Staying off soda pops is also very important, if you are looking to reduce the flab around your stomach and waist regions.

Dairy
Include dairy products in your diet to see some wonderful results, have 2 - 3 servings of dairy everyday. If you are looking for some weight loss try fat-free milk, yogurt and little cheese as these will help you. Studies have shown that dairy products are calcium rich and that could be the main reason behind fat loss. Some studies have also indicated that having a glass of milk will give you a feeling of fullness and will stop you from taking more calories.

Fruits
They are the best resource of low-calorie food, they also have just enough sugar content to satiate your craving for food. Fruits also have antioxidant that are good for your immune system, and they are the easiest way to boost your energy without adding to your fat content. The fiber content of fruits makes them a great addition to your six pack abs diet plan. Have fruits like apple and oranges to keep your energy level up, fruits are also a great source of vitamins. Fruits like mango, orange, and papaya have a good vitamin C content and are also great for the digestive system.

Meat
One of the most important addition for your diet plans is to have meats like beef and chicken on your menu, just make sure you follow healthy recipes. White meat of the fish is the best way to keep your calorie intake in check. Eating fish also supplies your body with omega 3 essential fatty acids which are good for your heart as they keep the cholesterol levels under control. Chicken breasts are also good for you, just make sure whatever you eat is grilled and not fried. Smoked beef in small portions is a good inclusion in the six pack abs diet for men, as it is a good resource of proteins and iron.

Vegetables
Most vegetable are negative calories, which means you burn more calories digesting them, than you gain by eating them. Vegetables also act like diuretics and help you to keep you weight in control. Fiber content in the vegetables is very high and they also contain nutrients that boost energy levels. Including protein rich vegetables in the diet will help men achieve the target faster.

Include all these four food groups in your diet and see the results, just be a little patient, you did not put on the weight in one day, so do not expect results in one day. Along with your diet, regular exercise will also helps you to lose weight faster.