Food…we can’t live without it. Every few hours we all start to feel the rumble from our stomach begging us to eat something as quickly as possible.  This happens not once, not twice but several times throughout the day. So, since we can’t live without food many of us find ourselves in a constant battle to shed those extra pounds that mysteriously found their way onto or hips, thighs, and even buns.

We have all heard about those “too good to be true” diet plans, you know the ones…where you can eat anything you want and still lose weight.  There is the “cookie diet”, the “juice diet”, and the notorious “cabbage soup diet” along with countless  others.

REALLY?!?!

Isn’t eating whatever we want what puts that extra “padding” on us in the first place? Who wouldn’t lose weight only drinking juice and eating cabbage soup for days? Is your body getting the proper nutrition that it needs? If not, your body will resort to measures to make sure it does happen – such as eating muscle instead of fat to get the support it needs. That will make losing weight harder for you.

Also, thing about what will happen when you start adding back the foods into your diet that caused you to gain all the weight in the first place? That’s right, the weight starts coming right back.

We all know if it sounds too good to be true, then it is. So what does work? The answer to that question really is simple. “You are what you eat!” Look for a plan that simply works by giving your body the nutrition that it needs while keeping you focused on health. The Medifast Diet Plan has been clinically proven to work.

Losing weight isn’t about restriction, it’s about a way of life. It is about living healthier. It is putting good whole foods into our mouth when our stomach starts demanding that we feed it. The closer to how it is found in nature, the better.  Fruits and vegetables are a must, as well as lean cuts of meat. If you see a weight loss plan that doesn’t include an exercise plan…RUN, don’t walk away.  You have to exercise. Without out you have a greater chance to fail. Every day do something physical.

Don’t cruise the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot to the store. Park in the furthest one away and walk. Little changes add up to dig differences in how we look and more importantly how we feel.  So walk a little further, take the stairs, move more.  Make little changes in your life everyday, and before you know it those changes will be a part of who we are. Those changes will become permanent life changes and we will see permanent results that will last a lifetime. 

“Overweight” as typically defined by doctors is a condition where your weight is 10-20% higher then the normal person’s weight.  This
normal weight is defined on the standard height and weight charts.

Doctors define “obesity” as the condition where a person’s weight is 20% or greater than normal weight.

“Morbid obesity” is when a persons weight reaches 50-100% over what is considered normal weight.  It is also when a person reaches over 100 pounds above normal weight, such that your weight interferers with your health and/or normal daily functions. Close to one-third of all American adults and nearly one in five children are considered obese.  This equals 60 million people.  Doctors and specialist can preform several test to determine if you are overweight or obese.  Some of these tests are more accurate than the others.

 Here are the different fat measurement tests that are available:

Hydrostatic body fat test.  This test requires that you to be completely submerged in water and your underwater weight is measured and recorded.  This test seems to be the most accurate of all the tests.

Dual energy X-ray absorptioomentry(DEXA).  This test is another very accurate measurement of measuring body fat. This test requires the patient to lay flat for around 25 minutes while all parts of your body are X-rayed.

These are truly accurate procedures to measure body fat, but aren’t used on a regular basis.  Because of the inconvenience of these tests, doctors have developed easier ways to determine if a person is overweight or obese although less accurate.

Calipers.  A caliper measures the body fat in different spots of the body.  This method is commonly used in health clubs and weight loss centers.  It takes measurements by “pinching” and measuring the thickness of skinfolds.  Don’t worry, these pinches don’t hurt.  These result are accurate only if it is performed correctly.

Bioelectric Impedance(BIA).  This process uses a machine that transmits painless and harmless electric current through the person’s body which weighs the differ ent kinds of tissues in the body.  It measures not only weight, but the amount of muscle as well as other lean tissue and fat and water content in the body.  The more fat a person has the more resistance the electric signals faces.  BIA is very accurate.                                                 BIA scales and machines are available to purchase nationwide.

Height and weight charts.  Special standardized charts can be used to gage whether you are overweight or obese.  Find your height on the chart and decide if you are small, medium, or large framed.  Then find your ideal weight range.  Because of many variables, this is not a very accurate measurement.

Body Mass Index or BMI.  Today the BMI is the most commonly used tool to measure obesity levels.  It measures your weight relative to your height.  Ideally you want to be between 18.5-24.9.  If your BMI measurement  falls between 25-29.9 you are considered overweight and anything in the 30-39.9 is considered obese.  You are considered morbidly obese if your rate is 40 or above.  This method is flawed but can give you an indication where you fall.

If you want to lose weight quickly, easily and safely, Medifast can help.  Losing weight is one of the hardest mountains to cross.  With the proper tools and guidance the journey can be easier.  Medifast was created by physicians to help their own patients lose weight quickly and safely for surgery.  Medifast is proven effective and has helped thousands of people…just like you!  Don’t put your health off another day.  Grab our Medifast verified coupon code and save big on your first order.  Or use our coupon code for 5% savings off your Medifast orders for life.  Check our site often for up to date health news and weight loss tips.

As we age, we typically become less physically active.  When this happens we may put on a few extra pounds.  Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for people of all ages.  How do seniors loose weight safely?  Did you know that Medifast has a diet plan for seniors?  Well, they do!  The Medifast for Seniors Plan is very convenient and easy to follow.  The Medifast for Senior Plan focuses on portion controlled eating and regularly spaced meals though out your day.  Medifast is the plan that over 20,000 doctors have prescribed to their own patients of over 30 years now.  Can that many doctors be wrong?  If you are a senior and have weight to shed, take a look at this program that is designed specifically for you.

Pick Your Plan

Any of our plans can be easily followed with little planning.  Be sure to speak to your physician to help you pick the plan that is right for you.

 OPTION 1:  Medifast 4 & 2 & 1 Plan

• 4 Medifast Meals + 2 Lean & Green Meals + 1 Healthy Snack
• 1000-1200 calories per day
• 100 plus carbohydrate grams per day
• Your weight loss will be slow but steady
• You will not be in fat-burn state on this plan

OPTION 2: Medifast 5 & 2 & 2 Plan

• 5 Medifast Meals + 2 Lean & Green Meals + 2 Healthy Snacks
• 1300-1500 calories per day
• 130 plus carbohydrate grams per day
• Slower paced weight loss, but you will lose weight at a healthy pace
• You will not be in fat-burn state on this plan

 What Do the Numbers Mean?

      1.  Medifast Meals

The first number tells you how many Medifast Meals to eat each day.

The Medifast for Seniors Plan includes four or five Medifast Meals.  You choose from over 70 fabulous Medifast Meals which include: soups, shakes, stews, chili, oatmeal, fruit drinks, scrambled eggs, iced tea, hot beverages, puddings and bars.  Any combination of these Medifast meal may be used.  Remember that only one Medifast Maintenance Bar(in the green wrapper) may be used per day.

 2.   Lean & Green Meal

The second number refers to how many Lean & Green Meals you should eat each day.

The Medifast for Seniors Plan includes 2 Lean & Green Meals.  The Lean refers to your lean protein and the Green refers to vegetables.  You can have your Lean & Green Meals any time thorough out the day…you choose when these meals work best in your schedule.

3.  Healthy Snacks

The third number tells you how many healthy snacks you should consume each day.

The Medifast For Seniors Plan gives you either one or two Healthy Snacks depending on the plan you are following.  A Healthy Snack could be a piece of fruit, a grain or a serving of dairy.

If you want to get rid of those unwanted pounds try Medifast.  Medifast gives you all the variety you need and is quick and convenient for any lifestyle.  Get your Medifast verified coupon code on our site to save you big money on your order. Check back to our site often for health news and tips to keep you motivated and on the right track to healthy living.

How many of us reward ourselves with food?  Just the other day a friend of mine where trying to think of a reward for ourselves for finishing a goal we both had, and the one rule we had was that our reward could not be food.  As we were trying to think of something it hit me that rewarding myself with food was usually what I did.  It is a very hard habit to break.  But you can do it.

We tend to turn to food for comfort.  As we become aware of this practice, we can notice the patterns and work on breaking this unhealthy behavior that we all gravitate towards.

Comfort eating is very common, I bet you do it yourself. Just remember that comfort eating is mindless eating.  Without even thinking people turn to food.  We think that eating those chips or that bowl of ice cream is going to make us feel better…and guess what?  It will make us feel better for a short time.  It is instant gratification.  Comfort eating causes unwanted weight gain that is very difficult to take off.

Here’s what happens very soon after the instant relief hits.  Just about as soon as we finish the last bite we feel regret and guilty feelings start to take over.  Often we feel worse then we did before.

I can relate to this cycle because I have to fight the urge and often think about rewarding myself with food.  It is an easy way to respond to stress and down moments, but none of your problems can be solved by eating. In fact, eating for comfort causes more problems and stress when your health begins to suffer.  Eating will not provide long term stress relief.  What it will provide is an instant but short lived chemical change to the body and we do indeed  feel better, for the moment.  This euphoria quickly departs.  What we really want is long term “feeling better” and this will never come from eating.

So stop treating yourself like a dog that has just gone potty.  Stop rewarding yourself with food.  Here is a list of other ways you can reward yourself. The first thing you must do is recognize the problem.  If you don’t recognize the issue it is impossible to fix it.

YOU ARE A HUMAN. HUMANS REWARD THEMSELVES THIS WAY:

1. Go to a movie(no popcorn)
2. Get a new workout DVD
3. Treat yourself to a massage
4. Get a manicure/pedicure
5. Enjoy nature and take a walk
6. Buy a new outfit (my favorite)
7. Get a new book
8. Enjoy a magazine
9. Rent a movie
10. Enjoy a facial
11. Enjoy a night out with friends
12. Go to a dog park with your dog
13. Get some new workout shoes (and throw in the matching work out clothes too)
14. Go for a drive
15. Go fishing
16. Go on a hike
17. Rock climb
18. Be adventurous and do something you have been afraid to try
19. Mentor a kid
20. Volunteer
21. Have a game night with your family/friends
22. Visit someone you haven’t seen in a while
23. Go to the farmers market
24. Buy yourself some wildflowers
25. Buy yourself crafting supplies
26. Get some new makeup(and yet another fave)
27. Go to the beauty salon for a cut/color
28. Write in your journal
29. Go to a Yoga class
30. Go to a play or performance

You may have a protein deficiency and not even know it.  I was shocked to see that I had many of the symptoms of protein deficiency.

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you notice?  Do you see radiant, supple, blemish-free skin that glows? Or does your reflection show new fine lines and wrinkles and age spots?  What about your hair?  Is it lifeless, dull and damaged?  If your hair, skin and nails don’t seem as healthy as they should be, you may have a protein deficiency.

As we age we all see some of these signs creep in on us, but if we don’t eat the proper balance of protein in our diet we will start to see these unwanted signs of aging much sooner than we should.

Many of us place ourselves on harsh diets for extended periods of time.  Extreme diets, where eating protein is limited, are extremely harsh on the body and will, in time, cause you to lose your skin tone and wreck havoc on your hair.  You will start to see wrinkles and sagging way before what is normal for your chronological age.  Most women want to be slim but cutting protein comes at way too high a price.

Symptoms of Protein Deficiency

*Bags under your eyes, particularly in the morning

*Water retention.  A puffy face, eyes, ankles and hands may be signs you need more protein

*Ridges and deep lines in nails and nails that split and are thin 

*Nails that grow slowly

*Thinning and brittle hair that grows slowly and lacks luster

*Headaches

*Trouble sleeping

*Wounds and sores heal slowly

*Skin rashes and dry skin

Your skin is your largest organ and good skin care is important whether you are trying to lose weight or not.  And the best skincare starts from  the inside.  The proper diet is a must to maintain all over health and beauty.

Here are some important things to know about protein and what it does to and for your body.

When eaten, protein is broken down into amino acids.  These amino acids are carried, by the blood, throughout your body.  Your cells can then pick the amino acids that are needed to construct new body tissue, hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and blood cells.

Like fingerprints, the 22 amino acids have different characteristics and properties.  Eight of these 22 are considered essential and we cannot build muscle and tissue without these essential amino acids.  These essential amino acids have to be consumed as a part of your healthy diet because the body does not produce them on it’s own.

Proteins that are considered complete and contain the eight essential amino acids come from these food sources: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and dairy, as well as soy.  Nuts and legumes are considered incomplete proteins because they contain only a few of the essential amino acids.

Proteins repair tissues and are used to construct new tissue.  Proteins are a necessary part of the body.  Each and every cell needs protein to stay alive.  Protein is the main substance used to replace aging and dead cells.

Look at these facts:

-Most of the body’s white blood cells are regenerated every ten days.

-Blood platelets and gastrointestinal lining cells are regenerated every four days.

-Every 24 days your skin cells are replaced.

-Greater than 98% of your body’s molecules are completely replaced every year.

Look at all the parts of your body that are made of protein: hair, skin, nails, and eyes, liver, heart, nerves, kidneys, lungs, sex glands and the cells are too.  Need any more proof of how important protein is to the human body?

How Much Protein Do I Need?

Most people consume very low amounts of protein.  If you feel tired all the time you too may fall into the “too low” category.  Though experts differ on how much protein is needed by the human body each day, there are some guidelines to go by.  Here is a chart that will help you know if you are in the protein ball park or not.

Protein Requirements For Adults*

                        Ideal Weight/ Protein Needed/ Safety Margin 

    80 lbs                     40 grams                   60 grams

   112 lbs                      50 grams                   70 grams

   134 lbs                      60 grams                   80 grams

   155 lbs                      70 grams                   90 grams

     177 lbs                      80 grams                   100 grams

     200 lbs                      90 grams                   110 grams

     220 lbs                      100 grams                 120 grams

     245 lbs                      110 grams                  130 grams

 *This chart is just a guideline. Alway check with your physician before making big changes to your diet.

The amount of protein you require depends on your body’s make up.  Based on the amount of body fat you have, how active you are and your weight, you may need more or less protein.  If you are very active you will need more protein to help rebuild and repair.

Just remember that your lymph cells, white blood cells, antibodies and all parts of your body that fights infections are made up of protein.  So if you are susceptible to infections, pregnant or under stress you may need to up your protein intake to compensate for higher demands on your body. I feel your health will benefit if you stay to the high end of the above requirements.

How do I get enough protein each day?

Getting enough protein can be difficult.  If you are vegetarian it is an extremely difficult task. I eat meat but not much so I have to supplement my meals with protein powders and shakes.  For me, that is the easiest way to get the protein I need each day.  There are many food sources for protein.  Meat and almost all animal related products like milk, dairy and eggs.  Legumes, vegetables and grains also are great sources for protein.

One of my favorite protein sources are the various protein powders available today.  They are fast easy and generally taste good.  The thing I like the most is that I know exactly how much protein I am getting.

There are many different protein powders on the market today, the variety can get really confusing.  Protein powders can be used alone or combined with other powders and supplements and mixed in everything from smoothies, or pancakes or even your favorite soups.

Here are my picks for best protein powders and why.

 Whey Protein-Whey protein goes through a process that takes the concentrates and isolates and removes most of the carb content as well as the fat and lactose.  This ion exchange or filtering results in a pure protein.  This process also removes the majority of the milk sugar called lactose which makes this the protein of choice for those who are lactose intolerant.  Whey protein has higher biological values than soy, milk or eggs.

Casein or Milk Protein-Casein is the protein found in milk and dairy products. In an ingredient list it may be listed as calcium-caseinate, sodium-caseinate or potassium-caseinate.  This source of protein contains ALL the essential amino acids making it a great protein.  Even though this protein is found in milk, it is very low in lactose.  The properties of casein slow digestion, which keeps you feeling full for longer.  It forms a gel during digestion which seems to slow down digestion process.  Because of this, casein stays in the digestive tract for longer which may help increase absorption.

Egg Protein-Egg protein used to set the standard that all other proteins were measured by.  Then whey protein came on the scene and stole some thunder.  Egg protein is almost the perfect protein because it contains the entire line up of amino acids…all twenty-two.  It also has proper balance when it come to the essential eight essential amino-acids. The problem is the taste.  Compared to the creamy taste of whey protein, egg protein is a bit lackluster.  Many manufactures use egg white powder in their protein powder to boost the quality of their product.  Egg white powder is cholesterol free.

Soy Protein-Soy is a vegetable product and naturally has no cholesterol.  Soy protein is processed from soybean plants and most of the fat, carbs and fiber are extracted.  The amino acid showing in soy protein is not quite as impressive as the before mentioned proteins, but it is a staple for many people.  The isoflavones in soy are ideal for all ages of people; from children to the elderly.   Women who are worried about bone health, and women heading into menopause are especially good candidates for soy protein.  Soy protein may also reduce the risk of heart disease.  Studies show that when used in conjunction with a low fat and low cholesterol diet; 25 grams of soy protein can be beneficial to those most at risk for heart disease.

If you want to have optimal health; my suggestion is to consume protein from many different sources.  Medifast has a great line of protein rich products.  From pancakes to bars to shakes.  You can get all your protein needs met and lose your unwanted pounds at the same time.  Medifast is proven to help you lose weight when you thought all hope of ever being slim again was gone.  Medifast has been backed by over 20,000 doctors and helped countless numbers of people become healthy.  You can be one of those people.  Give Medifast a try and get healthy!  Be sure to click and get our BIG, money saving Medifast verified coupon code before you order.

I tell my kids all the time “You are what you eat!”  While doing research, I have found that those word that I myself have heard since my own childhood are more true than I ever realized.  There are foods that look like the body parts that that they provide the most health benefits for.  I was surprised by some of these and now my kids and I look at the food we eat a little differently than before.  Are these resemblances coincidence?  They may be.  These foods are good for all over health, but you this fun list also targets the body parts they resemble.

1. Carrot-Eye It is hard to deny that a carrot’s cross section looks like an eye.  If you look closely you will even notice that there is a pattern of lines that resemble the pupil and the iris.  The news that carrots are good for your eyes is not new to us, but I never noticed that carrots actually look like an eye.  They are packed full of beta-carotene, which the body then converts to vitamin A- a crucial nutrient for maintaining proper vision.  Lack of vitamin A can cause night blindness.  Extreme deficiencies can cause blindness.
2. Mushroom-Ear A mushroom sliced in half resembles the shape of the human ear.  Adding mushrooms to your dishes can improve your hearing.  Mushrooms are one of the few foods that contain vitamin D naturally.  Vitamin D is important for bone health and those tiny little bones in your ear that work to transmit sound to the brain will benefit from the vitamin D found in mushrooms.
3. Walnut-Brain The twisty wrinkles and folds as well as the round shape of a walnut looks like a miniature brain.  Rich in essential fatty acids, walnuts help supply the brain with what it needs to function properly and to stay healthy.
4. Tomato- Heart  When sliced in half, a tomato has many chambers similar to the human heart, which has four chambers.  Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a substance found in plants known to reduce the risk of heart disease as well as some cancers.  Studies prove time and time again that lycopene will help to reverse the adverse effects of unhealthy LDL cholesterol.
5. Kidney Beans- Kidneys

1. Sweet Potatoes-Pancreas  These pancreas shaped goodies are loaded with beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the lining of the pancreas.  This helps the pancreas produce insulin.
2. Celery-Bones  These bone shaped veggies target the bones to help strengthen them.  Bones and celery contain the same sodium percentage, which is 23% each.  Did you know that if your diet lacks sodium, our bodies will pull the sodium it needs from the bones, this will weaken our skeletal frame.
3. Ginger-Stomach
   Ginger is known to soothe even the most upset stomach.  I may not be coincidence that this root looks like the stomach.  Ginger helps naturally calm upset stomachs and helps ease nausea.  Keep this in mind next time you have tummy troubles.
4. Avocado-Uterus No one can deny that the avocado’s shape is ver similar to the female uterus.  Avovados are rich in folic acid, a known nutrient which is vital to female reproductive health.  The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well.10. Clams-Testicles
   Clams and testicles are shaped like each other.  The fact is that clams contain high amounts of folic acid and zinc.  Male diets rich in these substances significantly improve semen quality in men.

Are you trying to clean up your diet, lose weight or eat healthier?  No matter what your goal, there is one thing I know: drinking sugar laden drinks is not healthy.  Drinking sugary drinks will increase your risk of becoming or staying overweight which in turn increases your risk of developing such health problems as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Soda consumption contributes not only weight gain, but greatly increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.  Think switching to diet soda is the answer?  Think again!  The calorie free sweeteners used in diet and other no/low calorie drinks can actually create feelings of hunger, which can cause overeating making you more over weight then ever.  Studies show that people who regularly drink diet soda are 44% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who choose not to consume diet drinks.

If you want more evidence to make the switch to water; chemical analyses conducted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest(CSPI), a nonprofit nutrition watchdog group, found that cola drinks use high levels of 4-methylimidazole(4-MI).  4-MI is known as an animal carcinogen.  The CSPI estimates that 4-MI found in Coke and Pepsi causes around 15,000 cases of cancer in the US alone.

So you think switching to juice is a better choice?  Well, maybe, but not by much.  Juice is even higher in calories than soda.  Juice elevates your blood sugar levels more rapidly than by eating a piece of whole fruit.  Lately it has been reported that 10% of apple juice contains arsenic.  The amount of arsenic that was found in some apple juice is higher than the FDA allows in our drinking water.

As a whole we are consuming more than double the amount of sugary drinks that the American Heart Association recommends as acceptable.  This accounts for many extra added pounds and non-necessary weight gain.

It is my belief that if something is known to cause all of the health issues that we know sugary drinks cause, why drink them at all?

The best think we can drink is good ole’ water.  Water is good for your body in so many ways.  Water is a detoxify, and actually burns calories. Making the switch to water isn’t an easy one, so I have gathered some tips that should help you with this necessary change.

Here are some tips to help you make the transition to drinking water easier.

 1-Buy a water bottle that you can reuse.  Keep it clean and keep it full so you always have water with you. This will keep you from being tempted to buy a sugary drink when you feel thirsty and are dehydrated.

2-Stock up on a substitute.  It is difficult to stop drinking flavored drinks cold turkey.  A good idea to avoid the set up for failure from the start.  I find  flavored setzer to be a nice, no calorie or artificial sweeteners way to get that soda fix without the bad additives and chemicals.  I also like to add a splash of 100% fruit juice to my water.  This gives you a hint of flavor with very few calories.  Another great product I have found is HINT.  HINT is a bottled water with no artificial sweeteners and a splash of fruit juice.

3-Out of sight, out of mind.  If I am trying to quit a nasty little habit, I simply choose not to buy it.  If I don’t have it readily available, it isn’t easy to cheat.  This works wonders for anything that tempts you; chips, cookies, candy, smoking…if you don’t have handy, you won’t likely eat it or use it.

4-Be ready for the withdrawal.  You not only have to deal with the caffeine withdrawals that you might experience by limiting or cutting out soda; sugar withdrawals are very powerful and will hit and hit quickly.  You are likely to have headaches and other side effects for a week or more.  If you are accustomed to caffeine and sugar to get you through your day you will likely feel tired and sluggish.  Don’t give in, these feelings are temporary and will pass soon.

5-Try a tea bag.  Add an herbal tea bag to your refillable water bottle.  You do not need to heat, just fill with water.  This adds flavor to your water and no calories and no artificial sweeteners.

6-Take a walk.  If you find the urge to drink a soda or another sugary drink, get busy.  Distract yourself by taking a walk around the neighborhood or do something that will take your mind off the craving. Distracting yourself give the craving time to pass.

Before you know it you will not even think about drinking anything but water. You will actually start to crave it.  It is worth the effort it takes.  You will lose weight and you will feel and be healthier.

Are you a slave to sugar? Sugar cravings can bring out the wild beast in most of us. We just have to have something sweet…..and NOW!  Whether it be in the form of a cookie, brownie, a piece of chocolate or bread,  sugar can cause us to go to almost any length to get our “fix”.  Many of us have a sweet tooth and we fight it daily, but fight is what we must do.  Sugar to many experts in nutrition is a drug. But sugar is not just an ordinary drug…it is, for many of us, our drug of choice.

Sugar comes naturally in many healthy foods. Our brain needs some sugar to function properly.  Fruits and grains both have naturally occurring sugar and we all know these foods are good for us.  But added sugar is our enemy.  Added sugar comes in as common white table sugars and the sugar that is always a part of processed foods.

So if we NEED sugar than why is added sugar so bad for us?

Eating added sugars causes an accumulation of free radicals in our body.  Free radicals are the bad guys inside of us.  They cause such health issues as; pre-mature aging, heart issues and cancer.  We can’t keep all of the free radicals away, but it is a shame that we choose to harm our good health by what we put in our mouths.  If we choose the proper foods we can build a defense that can eliminate these free radicals.

Maybe this will help put the effects of sugar on the body in perspective.  Your body similar to a sports car; it is a fine tuned machine that is designed to run smoothly with the proper fuel.  What would happen if you put sugar in the tank?  Nothing good for sure.

If we provide our bodies with only the highest quality fuel it will preform and run as it should.

How many of you have Type 2 diabetes?  Type 2 diabetes is a horrible disease which causes many horrific side effects.  If you have diabetes, some of the side effect of the disease that you may have to look forward to could include: lost limbs, loss of vision as well as painful and dangerous sores.  Many of you are already taking daily medication and or shots. Boy,  those are fun!

Type 2 Diabetes is thought to be genetic.  While it is true that those who have a family history of  this disease are more likely to develop it.   Diabetes is almost guaranteed if these same people indulge in sugar filled foods and gain weight.  Eating sugar is a choice.  You can avoid sugar!  So to me it seems, if you want to be well you have to do differently than those before you.  STOP EATING JUNK! Be healthy.   This disease can be turned around. By feeding the body properly and moving daily you can be on your way to better health again.

Whether or not you have any of the health issues mentioned here one thing is certain…IF YOU EAT SUGAR YOU WILL GAIN WEIGHT!  Oh wait you say…my BMI number says that I’m a healthy weight.  Here is a news flash!  Sometimes your BMI lies! Your BMI number is not always accurate when it comes to how much fat you really have.  There are plenty of healthy looking people who are “skinny fat”.  These are people who look skinny in their clothes but are made up of 30% or more body fat.  Skinny fat people are still unhealthy.

So let’s look at what we have learned.  We now know that sugar doesn’t just affect how much body fat we have, sugar also affects your vital organs, to include your brain.  Like it or not, you feel like you NEED sugar because, SUGAR IS A DRUG!  If you don’t believe me think about these facts.

•  Cutting out or limiting sugar causes withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, nervousness and severe    cravings.
•  Sugar physically and mentally soothes, much like opiates.
•  Sugar has the same affect on the biochemical systems in your body as morphine and heroin.
•  Eating sweets, in private, is normal and something you might do when no one is around or looking, similar to drug addicts.

The ups and downs of the sugar roller coaster place your body in the fat storing mode. If you want to be in fat burn mode, stabilize your blood sugar and keep it steady all day long.  Get off the sugar roller coaster and get your physical and mental health back on track.

 Here’s how to get off the sugar coaster!

Read Food Labels!  If it contains more than 9 grams of sugars, STAY AWAY!  Keeping your sugar limit at 9 grams per meal will stabilize your blood sugar.  Not only will this keep you from mentally checking out throughout the day but will also keep the pounds off your hips, thighs and buns.

Go Light On The Fruit. Fruit in moderation is typically fine.  Fruit is low cal and high in vitamins and other essential nutrients.  The kicker is fruit has fructose, a fruit sugar.  Fruit as dessert is a great idea! Choose fruit instead of ice cream or cake.  So a good rule to follow; enjoy 2 servings a fruit a day and no more.

STAY AWAY From Drinks with Sugar.  DON’T DRINK THEM EVER!!!!!!  This includes milk, alcohol, juice, soda, fancy coffee drinks, or adding sugar to your coffee and tea.

Eat Protein or Fat With Your Fruit.  Eating a little fat or protein with fruit will keep your blood sugar stable and help you feel full for longer.  An apple with almond butter or string cheese, raspberries or blueberries with a few almonds are a couple of balanced examples.

Don’t Fall For the Health Food Trap.  Be careful when a food label says “all natural”.  It doesn’t matter what store you buy it in if the ingredients list includes sugar, honey, agave nectar, organic cane sugar or any kind of syrup keep this as a cheat food.

Are you stressed out?  According to the American Psychological Association you are not alone; 75% of American adults have experienced moderate to high levels of stress in the past month. WOW! That is almost all of us.

Stress impacts our health and our weight in so many ways.

 Stress can cause:

-sleepless nights

-fatigue

-irritability

-low motivation and lack of energy

-headaches

-feelings of sadness and depression 

-indigestion and upset stomach

-overeating and unhealthy food choices

-skipping meals

-weight gain

 Here are some of the negative ways the we tend to deal with stress:

we eat

we nap

we drink

we shop

we smoke

Taking the top spot for ways we endure our stress: mindless eating.  Reports show that 56% of women and 40% of men report comfort eating, eating too much and making poor food choices when stressed out.  This only adds to our overall stress levels.  When we overeat and make unwise and unhealthy food choices our health and well being is put at risk.  When we gain unwanted weight, we tend to be more depressed and more stressed because we are now unhappy and disappointed with ourselves.

So how do we deal with the stresses that we all have to endure as a part of life? 

How do we turn stress around? 

What things can you do to help keep from gaining weight during stressful times?

Try these tips to de-stress today! 

1. Move Everyday!  Regular exercise and physical activity works wonders for your soul.  Moving makes stress take a hike.  When you exercise you have an easier time letting stress go.  Exercise and movement is a natural mood lifter.
2. Grab some rays!   If your job requires you to be indoors your stress levels tend to be higher.  On breaks and at lunch try to step outside and get some sunshine.  Doing this will lift your spirits and revives you.  You are then ready to deal with whatever comes your way.  This is especially important in the winter.  After work try to spend some time outdoors.  Walk your dog, play with your kids or just eat dinner outside.
3. Write it all down.  Keep a journal everyday so that you can monitor what you eat, your physical activity level, and how you are feeling that day.  This is an excellent way to be aware of and stop what triggers your emotions.
4. Say “yes”!  Depriving yourself of the foods that you love will only cause bingeing.  Plan cheat treats or meals so that you never feel that the foods and treats you love are no no’s.  Eat half servings and you will never feel a void, eat slow and enjoy every bite.
5. Make some rules for yourself.  If eating is open season, you will never be able to stay in control. There have to be some rules. Set your rules and follow them.  Rules like drink 8 glasses of water a day, only eat while sitting, no seconds and so on, will help you stay focused and on track.
6. Get support.  With the help and support of others, dealing with stress will be much easier. Get a buddy or start a group at work that has the same health goals as you.  Online blogs and chat rooms can help you stay focused and help you learn how others deal with stress and stress eating.
7. Know your triggers.  Be aware of what causes you to be stressed and which ones make you want to eat.  We can’t always avoid these trigger, but if we know what they are we can manage in a better way.
8. Take 15.  Taking about 15 minutes of quiet time can put even the most stress filled days behind us.  Get away where it is quiet and there are no distractions.  You might want to take a hot shower or find a quiet room or spot in the house to regroup.
9. Get inspired.  Inspiration comes in all forms…for some it might be found in quotes and inspirational sayings.  I have seen these posted on mirrors in cars and on computers.  Just little reminders of what is really important…this can have a calming effect.  If you are trying to lose weight post a picture of the outfit you want to buy when you reach your goal.
10. Eat proper nutrition.  Eating foods that are good for you gives you a sense of well being, promotes health and builds a resistance to stress.

Stress is a part of life.  We can’t get rid of it all but we can sure fight it.  Don’t let stress be the cause of you being overweight and
unhealthy.  Make strides today to be different and to deal with stress differently.  Don’t let stress get the best of you.  Your life and your happiness are too important.

If you have extra weight that you want to lose try Medifast.  The Medifast plan works.  It is the plan that was created by a doctor for his own patients and has been prescribed and backed by over 20,000 doctors for over 30 years.  You WILL lose the weight you want with Medifast and you will do it quickly and safely…can 20,000 doctors be wrong?

Grab our big money saving verified Medifast coupon code and keep checking back to this site every month for a new code and new articles to help you succeed and have a healthy life and lifestyle.

Do you need to learn how to cope and conquer your cravings?  I think we all can use help with this.  When you start thinking at 9pm you want some rocky road ice cream, what plan do you have to turn that craving off?  Do you give in and then feel guilt for the rest of the night?

Here are some ideas to help you overcome your cravings. Create a list of alternative activities to distract you from the not so good for you goodies you want.  This list can be anything from reading to running…the sky is the limit.  If you are armed and ready you can fight off ANY craving that attacks.  If you can pinpoint why you are having the craving you will be more likely to defeat the temptation.  Try to distinguish whether your craving is psychological or physiological.  This is the first step to destroying the craving.

Psychological cravings tend to be situational.  These are the cravings that usually cause us to overindulge.  Comfort foods can fall into this category as well as the feeling that you NEED to have dessert after dinner, you always feel like having a hot dog at the baseball game or want to eat out of boredom.

Physiological cravings happen when you feel like your body needs a certain food.  You will know it is a physiological craving if you feel a lack of energy, you will feel hungry, even lightheaded or your thoughts will be focused on food that is good for you like vegetables or meat.  Even with this type of craving you must still be sensible.  These type of cravings can be signals of a vitamin deficiency, low blood sugar or the body’s need for fat.  Choosing the right food will take care of the craving and anything your body is lacking nutritionally.  If you are craving fat, try a healthy fat like avocado slices, or a handful of nuts instead of a bowl of your favorite ice cream.

Psychological cravings are the hardest cravings to resist.  When you are craving a doughnut or candy try this trick; drink a tall glass of cold water then wait for twenty minutes.  If it is psychological, drinking water will calm the craving, and water has no calories. If you need to, refer to your list of activities that you made to distract yourself from the craving.  Resisting cravings will help keep you from putting on unwanted weight and help keep you slim.

With the Medifast 5 & 1 plan you eat 6 meals a day and still lose weight.  That’s right 6.  With this plan there is no room for cravings.  You eat every 2-3 hours so your body is constantly being fed.  Medifast has been recommended and prescribed by over 20,000 doctors for over 30 years now as their number one choice for weight loss.  If you have weight to lose and this plan sounds good to you click on one of our Medifast verified coupon codes and save big money while you lose weight quickly.  Try Medifast, it works!