Category Archives: Diet And Food

So youve made the resolution that THIS is the year youre going to lose weight and get in the best shape of your life. Youre not going to settle for second best youre going to achieve that dream body youve always wanted.

Great news this is actually the best time to make that commitment. Why? Because you can take advantage of the powerful momentum and energy a New Year brings to achieve your weight loss dreams.

But theres nothing worse than committing to lose weight, only to get lost among the 5 gazillion diets out there. It can get confusing you may end up wasting a lot of money and effort. You may end up wondering which diet is really the BEST diet for you.

In order to have rapid weight loss success, you have to find the best diet for you (a.k.a. the diet that will speed you towards your dream body at lightning pace). There are millions of diets but only a few that are best for you and your lifestyle.

The best diet for you will have the 3 key features listed below. Choose your diet with these 3 key features in mind and youre already halfway to your weight loss dreams.

#1 Proven Success Rate

Are there before and after pictures of people who have lost weight with that particular diet? Are there customer testimonials? Have there been independent studies done on the diets success rate?

The diet you choose doesnt have to have all three of these but try to find at least some kind of proven success rate before choosing that particular program.

Finding a diet with a proven success rate not only lets you know that the diet works but it also helps give you the confidence that the diet will work FOR YOU.

Confidence is one of the most underrated factors in a successful weight loss program. If youve tried and failed with diets before you especially need that extra boost of confidence to carry you through the more difficult times in the diet. By reminding yourself that this diet has been proven to work youll be able to keep going and reach your weight loss goals.

A related feature that gets extra points is if the diet has been recommended by an expert or a physician. Again this boosts your confidence that the diet is safe and effective.

#2 Affordable.

Losing weight should not cost you thousands of dollars (unless were talking about surgery here and thats an entirely different article). The best diet will be affordable for the average person.

If the diet costs too much, be very suspicious and look elsewhere. There are too many shady diets out there and as a consumer, it pays to be cautious.

Ill give you an example of what I mean:

A close friend of mine went to a well-known weight loss clinic in our area and was told she had to pay the yearly fees up front (around $ 1000 NOT including food). They also told her she had to buy their food in bulk (like $ 500 for a years worth of chocolate). When the chocolate gave her heart palpitations and she had to take it back, they told her it was non-refundable. She was out the money for the chocolate. Plus, she feels she cant leave the program because shes paid the yearly fees (which, you guessed it, are also non-refundable).

She unfortunately made the mistake of ignoring her instincts and paying way too much money for a diet program. If you notice youre being asked for hefty fees right out of the gate, warning lights should be flashing in your mind.

Now on the other hand, the best diet WILL cost you something. It actually is better if you put some cash on the table for your diet program. Why? Because when we invest in something were more likely to stick with it. When we invest in something we are more likely to follow through and get the results we want.

For example I did a liver detox several months ago. Im not really into liver detoxing but I read an article and figured Id try it.

The detox kit cost me a whopping $ 50 and when I opened the instructions they told me I had to give up junk food for two weeks. In any other universe I would have laughed and simply forgotten about detoxing my liver. But because Id shelled out $ 50, I was invested I decided that I hopefully wouldnt starve from lack of junk food over two weeks and suffered through it.

If Id gotten the detox kit for free theres no way I would have followed those instructions. But because I was invested, I followed through and now have a healthier liver thanking me for it.

So when searching for the best diet, putting out some money on yourself and your dreams of a better body is actually a healthy thing. Just keep in mind that you shouldnt have to spend thousands of dollars on it.

#3 Compatible with Your Tastes and Lifestyle

This is THE most crucial step however its the one where most people go wrong. When choosing a diet, they simply pick one and go, without considering if it is compatible with their tastes and lifestyle.

For example, if you hate feeling deprived or empty you might want to choose a program that lets you eat many times during the day so you dont feel hungry. If you get bored easily you want a diet program that gives you tremendous variety and flexibility. If you dont do a lot of cooking or food preparation, youll want to look at a program where the food is pre-made for you.

Diets are like cars there are hundreds of different models out there, each with their own unique features. And they can get you where you want to go. But your personality might fit better with certain features than others.

Dieting is hard enough. Dont make it harder on yourself by choosing a diet not compatible with who you are. Setting yourself up for success will also guarantee that youll stick it out until you reach your goal.

And one other thing, the best diet will be one that you can get excited about. Choose a diet that you enjoy, that you believe in, that may actually be gulp fun.

Emotional excitement will fade in time, yes. But it can give you enough of an emotional push to get you over the initial hump. By that time your first few pounds will have come off and will serve as your continuing motivation.

So those are 3 key considerations when looking for the best diet. Keep them in mind and you will progress in leaps and bounds towards your dream body. Remember, planning now may seem boring but its the key to your future weight loss success.

For the latest reviews & articles visit http://www.FreeToBeThin.com/Articles.html

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"Since January, I lost 20 pounds," Ayesha Curry told me after she stepped off the BottleRock culinary stage this weekend. "Once my daughter was 1 and a half, I was like, 'I don't have a baby anymore. I need to step it up. I don't have an excuse.'" If you follow Ayesha's Instagram Stories, she has posted herself working out in spite of her busy work and travel schedule. If she's not boxing, she's tossing around a kettlebell, planking like a badass, or hitting a SoulCycle class.

"I've been working my butt off, but I'm not a dieter," Ayesha told me. "I'm not a nutritionist, but I don't think people should go on diets and alter their lifestyle. It's about balance and not depriving yourself of the things you love." Ayesha held up the cocktail she had in her hand, "I'm here drinking these today, but it's about portion control. My trainer taught me it's about densely nutritious food. I eat a lot of beans, smoked fish, light proteins, and avocados. I'm eating a lot, but I'm not eating bad foods. I do enjoy an occasional butter cake when I'm craving it. I think the key to a happy, healthy lifestyle is being happy and healthy in your mind."

Ayesha did share that she's had one big setback, but she's not letting it stop her from staying on track. "I just pulled a hamstring," she lamented. "It was so devastating. It's almost Summer. It's like prom night, and you find a zit on your face. I was like, 'No! Not the hamstring!' But I've been doing a lot of ab work."

Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Alaska Airlines for the purpose of writing this story.

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Nowadays, online shopping has become more common. People buy all sorts of products online and diet pills are no exception to this. If you want to lose weight quickly and easily, you can buy diet pills online. However, you should be careful while buying online. Following some tips can help you buy diet pills safely and conveniently online.

* Always Buy Diet Pills From Reputable Companies

Before buying diet pills, ensure that you know about them well. Phentermine is the most popular diet pill recommended for weight loss. However, you cannot buy it without prescription, so you can look for diet pills that are made similar to Phentermine. It is advisable to order diet pills in a reliable website that takes steps to protect the online security of its customers. They offer the best diet pills at reasonable prices.

* Check the Ingredients

Make sure whether the diet pills contain high quality ingredients that offer appetite suppression, metabolism boost and increased energy levels. Such diet pills can help you lose pounds and still stay energetic.

* Compare Prescription and Over the Counter Diet Pills

If you want to buy the best alternative to prescription diet pills, it is important to compare the ingredients and the way of working of prescription and over the counter diet pills. Non prescription pills like FenFast 375 help you shed unwanted pounds by working like prescription diet pills.

* Ensure Whether The Diet Pills are Free From Side Effects

Many people who want to lose weight by taking diet pills hesitate to buy them, because of the side effects associated with them. Even prescription diet drugs can cause some side effects like dizziness and sleeplessness. If you want to buy diet pills online, always go for the one that is free from side effects.

Nowadays, online shopping has become more common. People buy all sorts of products online and diet pills are no exception to this. If you want to lose weight quickly and easily, you can buy diet pills online. However, you should be careful while buying online. Following some tips can help you buy diet pills safely and conveniently online.

* Always Buy Diet Pills From Reputable Companies

Before buying diet pills, ensure that you know about them well. Phentermine is the most popular diet pill recommended for weight loss. However, you cannot buy it without prescription, so you can look for diet pills that are made similar to Phentermine. It is advisable to order diet pills in a reliable website that takes steps to protect the online security of its customers. They offer the best diet pills at reasonable prices.

* Check the Ingredients

Make sure whether the diet pills contain high quality ingredients that offer appetite suppression, metabolism boost and increased energy levels. Such diet pills can help you lose pounds and still stay energetic.

* Compare Prescription and Over the Counter Diet Pills

If you want to buy the best alternative to prescription diet pills, it is important to compare the ingredients and the way of working of prescription and over the counter diet pills. Non prescription pills like FenFast 375 help you shed unwanted pounds by working like prescription diet pills.

* Ensure Whether The Diet Pills are Free From Side Effects

Many people who want to lose weight by taking diet pills hesitate to buy them, because of the side effects associated with them. Even prescription diet drugs can cause some side effects like dizziness and sleeplessness. If you want to buy diet pills online, always go for the one that is free from side effects.

Buy diet pills online without prescription at dietpillsbuy.com. All the most popular diet pills like Phentermine, phentermine 37.5, order diet pills, buy diet pills, adipex, tenuate, bontril, phendimetrazine and victoza are available.

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Recent research has suggested that higher levels of protein in your dogs diet could result in kidney failure. Do you know if what you are giving your dog is safe? Are you harming the health of your furry friend by giving too much protein in your dogs diet?

The studies that showed a link to high protein levels and kidney failure that started the fears about protein levels in a dogs diets was not researched the right way. The research was executed on rats, not dogs. Rats primarily eat plants as their regular diet. Consequently a rats biological makeup would mean it would have trouble digesting a diet containing high levels of protein. Rats have difficulty passing protein due to their regular dietary requirements, not because the high protein diet causes kidney failure.

Thus, where do we stand on protein in your dogs diet? Dogs are naturally omnivorous. In the wild, dogs would hunt or scavenge for food. Your dogs diet would normally be of both animals and plants. Naturally dogs are meat eaters too. Because of this, a dog can easily manage with a diet consisting of 30% protein or more.

When protein intake is reduced in a dogs diet, renal function does not improve. Renal lesions are not less likely to form when a dog is fed with a low-protein diet. It is not until a blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, test indicates a level of 75, that a reduction in protein intake be considered for your dogs diet.

If you have concerns about the amount of protein in your dogs diet, schedule an appointment to speak with a professional on the subject. Your trusted veterinary can advise you on the specifics in regards to your dogs diet.

It is not correct that dogs can not ordinarily digest high levels of protein. Kidney problems do not result from having high levels of protein in your dogs diet. Large amounts of protein are digested safely in your dogs diet, specially when they mainly come from animal origins.

Ten amino acids must be supplied in your dogs diet through protein. Only twelve of 22 amino acids can be manufactured in your dogs liver. For this reason, meat such as heart, spleen, and meat by-products all have a place in your dogs diet.

If you buy high-quality dog food it should contain meat as the main ingredient. This will supply the right amount of protein in your dogs diet. If you think about a dog in its natural environment, would you see a wild dog grazing in a cornfield at mealtime?

Aging dogs should not be put on lower protein diets just because of age. In point of fact, some aging pets want a dogs diet that is higher in protein than when they were at a younger adult stage. Unless your vet advises not to, you should always provide your pet the advantage of quality protein in your dogs diet.

Feeding your dog protein should not cause you concern. We all want what is best for our dogs and nature tells us that protein will assist your dog to live a healthy life. If you have questions about protein and kidney failure in your pet, then you should speak to your vet about your dogs diet.

This article was written by G D Williams, an up and coming authority on dog food. Did you find these tips on Dogs Diets helpful? To find out a lot more Free information about Wellness Brand Dog Food be sure to visit German Shepherd Dog Food.

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Protein And Kidney Failure from Your Dogs Diet Is It A Myth? - Good Herald

They say we are what we eat. This applies to your pet as much as it applies to yourself. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills. But how much thought have you given to what your cat should be eating to maintain optimum health? Ask yourself the following questions.

1) How many times a day do you feed your cat?

Since cats cannot be exercised like dogs can, the only way you can influence your cats weight is by controlling the amount and type of food he or she eats. If the cat is being fed individual meals several times daily, there is often a tendency by the owner to offer the daily supply of food on several occasions rather than divide up the daily feed into several meals. This can also occur with cats fed dry food ad lib. Cats usually regulate their food intake, but continual exposure to large quantities of food may lead to over-eating and subsequent obesity if too many calories are consumed. In short, both several individual meals a day and ad lib feeding are fine, it is the total amount offered per 24 hour period which is the important figure.

Kittens should be fed small meals at regular intervals due to their tiny stomachs. Four or five meals are recommended at eight weeks of age, decreasing to two at six months of age.

2) Is your cats diet manufactured specifically for cats or do you give human food?

Some cat owners like to spoil their cat by feeding them human food as the bulk of their diet. Others have tried feeding their cat regular catfood, but find their fussy cat will not touch it, and prefers to wait for the inevitable human food offering, which soon becomes the staple diet.

Is it really unhealthy to feed cats human food though? Of course it depends what food. Remember that cats are carnivores, and require a high proportion of meat in their diet. They simply cannot adapt to a low protein diet, and will lose bodyweight if deprived of it. In fact, as a species they are relatively unique a deficiency of the amino acid, arginine, in a single meal can lead to symptoms of lethargy, hypersalivation and vocalisation. Arginine is required by the cat to produce urea, a waste product resulting from the breakdown of protein.

Another essential nutrient for the cat is the amino acid, taurine, which the cat cannot manufacture sufficiently by itself to meet its needs. The cats diet must therefore contain taurine in sufficient quantities. If a deficiency develops there is a high risk of serious and irreversible damage to major organs such as the heart and the eye. Taurine is found almost entirely in meat, confirming the fact that the cat is a compulsory carnivore.

Another disease of nutritional origin is that caused by cats eating raw liver regularly, who can suffer from a condition called hypervitaminosis A. Cats suffering from this can present with signs of lethargy, unthriftiness, a stiff neck and other skeletal problems. To play it safe, do not feed your cat liver more than once a week.

Reputable cat foods are formulated after extensive trials by pet food companies to provide the mixture of protein, carbohydrate and fat that suits feline physiology best. It is easier, cheaper and possibly more healthy for your cat to be fed a reputable cat food diet, with occasional treats if desired (tuna, liver etc).

3) Which is better out of dry cat food or wet cat food?

Most vets recommend complete dry biscuit based cat food. This is because studies have shown that cats on dry food diets are less likely to suffer from dental disease than those on wet food from a tin or pouch. The physical motion of biting these biscuits helps prevent tartar from adhering to the surface of the tooth. However, even cats with no teeth can eat biscuit based food without a problem, as they just scoop up the biscuits with their tongue and swallow them whole. Another advantage of dry food is that it does not spoil as quickly which is useful for cats that are fed ad lib.

There are occasionally reasons why a wet food is preferable, as a method to increase the water consumption in a cat with a urinary problem such as cystitis.

4) Which is the best cat food to choose?

There are so many different brands of cat food on the market, the best one is basically a matter of opinion. Certainly palatability is a factor, there is no point in purchasing a particular food if your cat cannot stand it, although this is occasionally a necessity in cats requiring prescription diets. Rather than recommending you a specific brand, we suggest that you choose one which adheres to the criteria below.

Cat foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are now two separate nutrient profiles for cats one for growth (kittens) and one for maintenance (adults). Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time because of the concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today. The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content of foods. If you are prepared to get technical, you should choose a food that comes closest to AAFCO recommendations.

In summary, consider the following points:

Choose a food that suits your cats age. Most big pet food companies will have different foods for kittens vs adults. Cats with medical conditions may be recommended special prescription diets.

Choose a food that come closest to AAFCO recommendations.

The ingredients contains the truth about a particular food. Everything else is there only for marketing purposes.

There are no legal and scientific definitions for the terms premium, super premium, quality, or natural.

Use dry matter numbers to evaluate and compare foods.

The source of ingredients (e.g. animal vs vegetable) does not matter, except in the case of food allergies.

Avoid supplementation. All commercial cat foods have more than enough protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding your cat a good food incorrectly can lead to significant problems.

5) My cat is overweight, but no matter how hard I try I cannot get him to lose weight. What can I do?

Your cat is almost certainly being fed too much. Below some common mistakes are listed. Have a good look at these and make sure none of them could apply to your cat.

Not following the guidelines on the packet when measuring a portion. Most cat foods will have a table on the packaging suggesting daily portions for cats of different weights. The weight of food suggested is per 24 hrs, not per portion! Use your kitchen weighing scales to measure out the portion until you are sure of the correct amount.

Using a complete dry diet as a replacement for regular biscuits, and mixing it with wet cat food. If it says complete, you should not mix it with anything or you will overfeed.

Offering inappropriate food that is high in fat, or cream/full fat milk to drink.

Several members of the household feeding the cat at different times, whenever the cat is meows for food.

Giving the cat regular treats in addition to its main meal.

The cat is getting fed by neighbors, who think they are being kind by feeding it and enjoy the attention it gives them.

The cat is scavenging food from outside sources, such as other peoples bins.

The cat is part of a multi-cat household and is stealing food from the other cat(s), or even the dog. Keep an open mind. If there is a possibility that any of the above scenarios might be the case with your cat, investigate it. If you are still at a loss, consider starting a prescription diet (see below).

6) I have heard you can get special light diets, or prescription diets for fat cats. Do they really work?

Yes they do, if used properly. These types of cat food are available in complete wet (tinned or pouches) form or dry (biscuit) form, and are growing in popularity amongst conscientious pet owners. They are low in calories and high in fibre, and often contain high levels of L-carnitine. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species and recent scientific work indicates that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs and cats. The real benefit of these low calorie diets though is that because of its low calories, cats can still eat reasonable sized portions and therefore feel full. This means they are more content and less likely to beg and look for extra food. These diets are perfectly healthy for normal sized cats to eat too, so if you have a multi cat household and it is unfeasible to separate the cats during feeding time, you can safely feed all of the cats the prescription diet together.

7) Where can I buy this low calorie food from?

Many of the big pet food companies are waking up to the problem of pet obesity, and adding light versions to their range. However, they are unlikely to be as effective as the traditional prescription diets that are on the market.

They are known as prescription diets, because they are a specialist food normally prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you do not need a prescription to buy the food as it is a general sales list product. These foods are rarely available in supermarkets as many supermarkets are keen to sell their own brand, or have deals with the big pet food manufacturers. Many owners but their prescription diet from their veterinary clinic for convenience, whilst others prefer to shop around to get the best price. Many online pharmacies and pet stores are now offering these prescription foods, but whilst they may appear cheaper online, watch out for delivery charges added on top.

Dr Matthew Homfray is one of the veterinary pet experts at http://www.WhyDoesMyPet.com. Our dedicated community of caring pet experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.

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You are what you eat. Its one of those little phrases that crops up all the time to remind you that food can play a big part in your well being. In other words, if you change your diet, you can change your life. Not convinced?

Take people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is an anxiety disorder that leads to certain types of repetitive behavior, thoughts, or compulsions that are beyond the sufferers control. This tends to manifest in psychological tics such as repeating gestures or rituals which help provide relief from anxiety that mounts when those actions are not completed. Ironically, by being a bit obsessive about what food they eat, OCD sufferers can actually reduce their symptoms.

OCD is a complex disorder that can be triggered by a number of factors. For that reason, there is no simple solution to reducing its effects. But, by thinking about the nutrients and vitamins in food and how these affect the body and mental health, a big difference can be made. Below are several such examples:

Tryptophan

Youve likely heard about tryptophan as the thing in turkey that makes you feel sleepy. Though this is actually a bit of a myth, there is some truth to the calming effects of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which once ingested, is first converted into another amino acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, and then into serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps to regulate essential bodily activities like sleep, mood, pain, appetite, and yes, you guessed it, anxiety. As such, OCD sufferers often have a serotonin deficiency.

There are a number of foods apart from turkey that contain serotonin-producing tryptophan. These include fellow protein-rich foods like chicken, milk, eggs and cheese. Another key source of tryptophan can be found in whole grain foods such as brown rice, quinoa, beans, legumes, pumpkin, sunflower sesame seeds, and even nuts. The Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy, further recommends that when eating whole grain foods such as bread, pasta and cereal, make sure that whole grains are listed as one of the main ingredients to ensure you enjoy the full effects.

Ideal meal: a whole grain cereal covered in low-fat milk or yogurt, and topped with granola.

Fruits and Vegetables

There are many causes, known and unknown, for how the OCD condition can develop. One theory suggests the behavior can be triggered by an excessive secretion of adrenalin which in turn leads to hypoglycemia, more commonly known as low blood sugar.

Clinical nutritionist Jurriaan Plesman of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia, explains that this is due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance takes place when your body is unable to stabilize its blood sugar levels, which leads to an increase in the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and in turn leads to an increase in anxiety. The solution, Plesman suggests, is a hypoglycemic diet that can help normalize blood sugar levels and prevent the excessive secretion of the stress hormones, which in turn may reduce or prevent symptoms of OCD.

Key to such a diet, and really any healthy eating scheme, are fruits and vegetables. Along with helping to normalize blood sugar levels, fruit and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants (such as beta-carotene and vitamin C) which can greatly help to reduce anxiety.

Ideal, nutrient-rich examples: berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, brussels sprouts and squash.

Fish, Walnuts and Flaxseed

Youve heard fish referred to as brain food before, right? Well theres good reason for that. For one, fish are often rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which greatly help with brain function and as some research suggests, benefits for people suffering from nervous disorders. A study published last year for instance directly attributes eating fish to a reduced risk of Alzheimers disorder. Flaxseed and walnuts are also prime sources for omega-3 fatty acids.

Ideal fish: coldwater fish such as salmon, herring, lake trout, halibut and mackerel.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12

Dr. Ray Sahelian, a nutrition export and author of "MindBoosters has some advice in his book for people suffering from OCD. Dr. Sahelian suggests that OCD sufferers eat foods rich in folic acid and vitamin B12. Folic acid foods include broccoli, bananas, potatoes and soy products. B12 can be found in liver and dairy products, or found in supplements such as 5HTP.

Just as important as eating the right food of course, is avoiding food and certain eating patterns that can add to anxiety, which in turn contributes toward OCD. WebMD suggests the following helpful tips for keeping you on the road to a healthier body and mind.

1. Avoid or limit caffeine intake.

Caffeine can heighten stress-induced anxiety, especially if consumed in high quantities. That said, if you already have a lot of caffeine in your diet, its important to slowly cut down to avoid sending your body into shock. Apart from coffee, and tea, remember that caffeine can also be found in soft drinks and chocolate.

2. Moderate alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol to deal with stress often ends up worsening the problem. Instead, if you do want a drink, try limit yourself to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women to keep a healthy balance.

3. Maintain consistent mealtimes.

Skipping meals can cause your blood sugar to drop, WebMD explains, which will make other stress-related symptoms worse, such as headaches or stomach tension.

4. Dont use food to deal with stress.

Its important that the food you eat is healthy and helps to reduce stress, but dont turn to it as a crutch. Comfort eating generally leads to overeating. Instead of turning to food to help with anxiety, rather seek out other forms of relaxation such as exercise, playing with a pet, or taking a bath, suggests WebMD.

In my current life, I am healthier that I have ever been, wrote Gianna Marinelli in a blog post explaining how her change in diet affected her life. I am OCD and anxiety free, for the first time in 10 years, and I owe it to how I am eating. All the residual OCD symptoms are gone, and they only arise when I deviate from eating good foods.

Marinelli stands as a testament to the benefits of better eating. That said, its important to note that OCD is a complex disorder that requires attention on multiple fronts. If you feel like you may suffer from OCD, the first step is to reach out to your physician for a referral to a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. From there, you can begin the holistic process toward recovery, beginning with the food you chose to eat.

Robin Scher is a freelance writer from South Africa currently based in New York. He tweets infrequently @RobScherHimself.

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Got OCD? Changing Your Diet Might Help - AlterNet

A year and three months ago, Traci Kehm decided she was ready to make a change. On a friends advice, she decided to try a low-carb, ketogenic diet and has lost over 100 pounds to date.

The ketogenic diet Traci had tried other diets before, including counting calories and going on Weight Watchers. But the ketogenic diet which eschews carbs like bread, pasta, and sugar , and emphasizes healthy proteins and fats like eggs, meat, and avocados was finally the one that stuck.

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A typical day Traci used an optimal keto living chart that told her about how many grams of protein, carbs, and fat she should aim for in her diet. Based on her height, weight, and gender, Traci aims to eat under about 20 grams of carbs per day.

A typical day of eating for her might include black coffee and a couple of eggs at breakfast, tuna fish salad with mayonnaise at lunch, and vegetables like broccoli along with a cut of meat at dinner. When she snacks, she usually reaches for almonds or a cheese stick, and limits all sugar and alcohol.

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What the doctors say Kathryn Boling, MD, a primary care provider at Mercy Personal Physicians in Lutherville, Maryland, follows a ketogenic diet herself. If you take certain precautions to ensure you dont become dehydrated and dont eat excessive amounts of proteins, the diet can be a great way to lose weight, Boling said. Not only will higher amounts of healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil keep you satiated for longer, but you wont have to starve yourself to keep under a certain number of calories a day. Rather, you just have to watch your carb intake.

However, not all physicians are on board with the diet. Some express concern about the higher levels of saturated fat, like those in meats and cheeses, that dieters may be consuming. And, Ashlee Wright, a dietitian from Orlando Health, told Fox News, we dont yet have many studies on the long-term safety of this type of diet.

Moreover, the ketogenic diet is not a magic bullet for weight loss, fitness trainer Dani Singer told Fox News. Its still all about a caloric deficit if you burn more calories than you take in on any diet, youll lose weight.

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Tracis motivation But for Traci, the diet has been effective and sustainable. When shes faced with temptation, she told Fox News, she simply thinks about her young son, whom she parents alone after her sons father passed away before he was born.

It makes me feel proud of myself and that Im showing my son that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it, Traci said.

And, a year and three months later, Traci still has never had a cheat day.

Tracis advice to other dieters After losing 100 pounds, Traci has more energy and feels great. Her advice to other dieters? Just keep going, Traci said. If you fail, you just get back up and get back on the horse. Nothing is going to change unless you make it change.

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'I lost 100 pounds on a fad no-carb diet' - Fox News

The Beatrice Inn is one of his favorites. Photo: Melissa Hom

Fashion designer Christian Siriano became a household name after winning Project Runway, and hes gone on to build a successful eponymous label earning recognition for creating dresses for women of varying ages, sizes, and statures. He also just collaborated on a wine with Ecco Domani: I work on clothes all the time, he says. I like projects that are about designing something else. Siriano spent Memorial Day weekend at his country house, drinking his own wine (of course) and grilling burgers and corn. Back in the city, he ate sushi and sandwiches in between celebrity fittings and prep for his upcoming Resort collection. Read all about it in this weeks Grub Street Diet.

Thursday, May 25 I wake up at 7 a.m. Its a bit cold and dreary in New York for this time of year, and with so much going on, it doesnt feel like a long weekend is coming up. I start the day with some steel-cut oats and a chopped banana mixed in, and a cup of hot tea. Im not a coffee person. I drink water throughout the day, and if I need a caffeine boost, Ill have an occasional Diet Coke.

Head to the office. The day is full of preparation for my upcoming Resort collection, which Im shooting next week. Im so busy, I almost forget to eat lunch. I love trying new restaurants, but my office becomes hectic when Im working on a collection. At around 2:30 p.m., I go for the tuna sandwich and cucumbers I brought from home, and its just enough to power me through the rest of the day.

Resort collection is done! Around 7 p.m., things seem to be winding down, and I make plans to meet my husband, Brad, for dinner at Momoya, a sushi restaurant near our apartment. I said I would make an effort to scale back on the carbs, but hunger gets the best of me, and I cheat a little with some crispy rice and a tuna tortilla. I pair it with a green salad that balances it out, right?

Friday, May 26 Another 7 a.m. wake-up call, but at least the sun is shining! For breakfast, I make some scrambled eggs and avocado, with a cup of hot tea. Itll be another busy day in the studio before everyone heads out for the holiday weekend.

For lunch, the team orders in from Sushi Star near the office. Clearly, last nights dinner wasnt enough. I order a tuna-poke bowl, but opt for zucchini noodles instead of rice. I head out shortly after lunch to get home and pack for the weekend Brad and I are going to our country house in Connecticut for some (hopefully) sun and (definitely) R&R before a crazy week ahead.

But first, around 6 p.m., before we hit the road, we stop by one of our favorite restaurants in the city for an early, quick bite: the Beatrice Inn. Brad gets the burger, I get the lobster, and we share. Brads driving, so he sticks to water. I sip on a Pimms Cup.

Off to Connecticut! We get there around 10:30, and pass out as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

Saturday, May 27 I love waking up in our country house its just such a fun, different vibe than the energy of the city. I sleep a bit later, until around 9 a.m., and then get up and take our pups out for a morning walk.

Back in the kitchen by 9:30 a.m., and its time for breakfast. I make some whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, and sit down with a hot cup of tea and a newspaper. Whenever we come out to Connecticut, we like to do a lot of casual hanging around, since were always on the go in the city.

By 1 p.m., Im already hungry for lunch, so Brad and I (mainly Brad ) whip up some brown-rice bowls with assorted veggies. The weather isnt great, but we eat outside by the pool and feel like were on vacation. Brad and I cooked a ton early on, when we first started dating. Now, we dont cook as much as we would like to, but hes so good at it. Every holiday, he loves cooking for 20 people. Whereas for me, it feels like a chore. Im just hungry! I just want to eat.

At 4 p.m., Brad and I run out to Doms Garden Center in Danbury and pick up a few new arrangements for our garden, and for dinner! We have a few friends coming over to eat and catch up, and fresh florals are always a must-have.

Im definitely not someone who is great in the kitchen beyond making my breakfasts so I leave the gourmet cooking to Brad. Pasta is among his specialties, and tonight hes making some penne tossed with a homemade sauce of fresh tomato, basil, and olive oil. We pair it with some grilled leftover veggies from lunch.

My limited-edition label design for Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio is finally coming out next week, so we open one of the bottles and have a fun, casual dinner party. Its a light, fruity wine, and it goes well with the flavors of Brads pastas. The design was inspired by Palm Springs and between the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere, were starting to feel like weve been transported there a bit. Im definitely more involved in the packaging I didnt create the wine! but I was excited to create something that was beautiful and feminine and romantic.

Our friends leave around 11 p.m., Brad and I clean up and crash.

Sunday, May 28 Wake up at 9 a.m. Take the dogs for their walk. When I come back, Brads making scrambled eggs, avocado, and sauted veggies. I pair all that with my tea and a tall glass of water.

Another day of lounging around. Around noon, Brad and I head out to check out a yard sale in the neighborhood. I love finding little trinkets and treasures in places like that yard sales, antique shops. Spoiler: We find nothing and head back home.

A late lunch around 3 p.m. Brad grills some chicken, and we have it along with brown rice and hummus. Brad has a little leftover pasta, too.

The yard-sale trip took a bit out of us, and we settle down for a nap. We wake up around 7 p.m. and decide we want to get Mexican for dinner really hitting on all the cuisines this weekend. We head to Las Maanitas, a local place not too far from our country house, but we keep it light, since were still a little full from lunch. We split chips and guacamole, and an order of chicken enchiladas.

Monday, May 29 Our last morning in Connecticut! We wake up early, around 7 a.m., walk the dogs, and make breakfast. Im back to my steel-cut oats with banana. And, you guessed it, a hot tea.

Our office is closed for the holiday, but the work doesnt stop! I answer a few emails and remind my staff to try not to work today. But its a busy week my Resort collection is getting shot; I have a few celebrity fittings.

Around noon, we pull together a homemade Greek salad, minus the Feta. Brads got all the fixings for a barbecue for dinner, so we dont want to have a heavy lunch.

Around 4 p.m., Brad fires up the grill hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, and other vegetables. Its the perfect end to Memorial Day weekend.

Its getting close to 8 p.m., and Im getting ready to head back to the city. I hope Ive stuck it out long enough to not be caught in traffic. Brad stays in Connecticut one more night.

Back by 10 p.m.! Not bad at all, but the driving was exhausting, and knowing I have a busy week ahead, I head to bed right away.

Tuesday, May 30 Back to work! I wake up a bit earlier than usual, around 6:30 a.m., and make myself some whole-wheat toast with peanut butter.

Im in the studio at 9 a.m., and do a few fittings before heading back to the Beatrice Inn at 11 to do my photo shoot for this article! A few quick snaps, and Im rushing back to the studio for more fittings. We have the CFDAs on Monday, and the Tony Awards a week later. Im excited. My hint for the CFDAs is that Im taking a 90s icon. I cant say more. Whats great about the Tonys is, were making some custom pieces for theater legends and for some young stars attending their first show.

For lunch, around 1 p.m., I order in from Balade Your Way, which is just a couple of blocks away. I get grilled chicken, brown rice, hummus, and cucumbers. The rest of the day flies by, with fittings and prep for our Resort collection photo shoot tomorrow. I cant wait for everyone to see it.

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Christian Siriano Pairs Lobster With a Pimm's Cup - Grub Street

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over the age of 60. It occurs when a small portion of the back of the eye (on the retina), called the macula, deteriorates, causing loss of central vision. Although complete blindness seldom occurs with the condition, it can be quite debilitating.

A recent study done at Tufts University showed that AMD can be slowed down based on what crosses your lips. It seems that, in this study on mice, changing from a high glycemic diet to a low glycemic diet changed the retinal damage the mice experienced.

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High glycemic foods such as white bread and other common carbohydrates found in your SAD eating (Standard American Diet), caused damage to the back of the eye over a six-month period, whereas a low glycemic diet did not demonstrate these features.

Even more interesting was the discovery that moving these mice from a high glycemic diet to a low glycemic diet stopped the retinal damage. Although it could be argued that a mouses eye and a humans eye have differences we cannot account for, this is yet another example of how our food can affect our health.

We are all very familiar with food-related diabetes, cancer, and obesity, but more and more often the medical literature is demonstrating that there are a number of organs and systems that are also affected by the quality of our diet, something you should certainly look into.

Read more here:
High glycemic diet and retinal issues - Idaho State Journal