Alcohol as a Key Ingredient to a Healthy Diet
Dr. John Rumberger

Evidence suggesting that alcohol is “cardio-protective” first appeared in the literature about 30 years ago. The Framingham Heart Study [the longest running population study of heart disease which began in 1948] provided the first solid evidence of this association. The relationship has now been confirmed by dozens of large population [“epidemiological”] studies. However, physicians have been reluctant to recommend alcohol consumption to patients because of the well-known health consequences of excessive drinking [hypertension, liver disease, increased rates of cancer, violent or accidental death] and the horrors that are associated with “drinking and driving”.
Moderation is the key. Many large studies have found that men and women who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol per day live longer than those who abstain completely. The Physicians’ Health Study involved long term follow-up of 89,300 men. The study found that men who drank five or six alcoholic drinks per week had a 20% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who drank no alcohol. On the other hand, the same study showed that men who had more than two alcoholic drinks per day had a higher risk of death than nondrinkers. That means that, when drinking moderately, it appears to be quite beneficial; however, higher alcohol intake increases the risks of cancer and motor vehicle accidents so much as to overwhelm any cardiovascular benefits.
How does alcohol protect the heart? A large portion of the benefit may be attributable to increased levels of HDL [“good] cholesterol. Alcohol also has “antiplatelet” effects [making these natural blood elements less sticky and then less likely to clog arteries during plaque rupture] in much the same way as aspirin.
Moderate alcohol consumption may also help improve insulin resistance, which is just about one step below true diabetes and recognized as another independent predictor for cardiac risk. The Physicians’ Health Study also showed that in subjects who consumed alcohol daily, the risk for heart disease was reduced by 60% in diabetic patients, compared to a 40% decrease in persons who did not have diabetes. Moderate alcohol intake also decreases blood values for CRP [C-reactive protein], a metabolic marker for inflammation (elevated when you are in an increased state of oxidative stress).
The jury is still out as to whether or not wine provides a better protective effect compared to other forms of alcohol. Red wine is rich in flavonoids, which slow down oxidation of LDL [“bad”] cholesterol [which is one of the last steps before it is deposited in your artery wall]. One recent study suggested that light drinkers who avoided wine reduce their risk of all-cause mortality by 10%, while light drinkers who preferred wine had more than a 30% decrease in this risk. However, other studies have found that all forms of alcohol [beer, whiskey, etc.] were equally protective.
It is important to emphasize that alcohol [of ANY kind!] should be limited to one drink daily for women and at most two drinks daily for men [this is based merely on general body size and nothing else]. One drink is defined as 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (such as whisky, gin, and vodka), 5 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer. Patients who have liver disease, who have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, or who cannot limit their intake in a responsible manner should NOT start! However, since “all things in moderation” is a good adage for much of life, others can enjoy a daily alcoholic drink as part of a generally healthy diet.
Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

About the Author

Dr. John Rumberger is the Author of The WAY Diet, The complete lifestyle plan to live longer, reduce stress, and lose weight the healthy way. To purchase The Way Diet simply go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?path=
ASIN/0974993387&link_code=as2&camp=1789&tag=icobweb-20&creative=9325 or go to Empty Canoe Publishing http://www.emptycanoe.com and order your copy of The Way.

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Well, you may be thinking Here we are again. Where can I find out how to lose belly fat? My friend you are not alone. The CDC reported that in 2007-2008 about 1/3 of US citizens are obese and that number has increased 1.1% since 2007.

It is a fact; obesity is steadily becoming a world wide epidemic. In 2007-2008 over 72 billion citizens, world wide, were obese and again that number is climbing.

Overweight individuals are more prone to serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression etc Health problems, that are a direct result of overweight, cost billions and billions of dollars each year. Need I mention the emotional damage and social stigmatization that is a result of overweight? I think not.

So, back to our original question, How to lose belly fat. It doesnt take rocket science to figure out that you have to cut back on your eating. It is essential that the calories taken in are less than the calories burned. If not, then you guessed it, weight gain!

Reducing the amount of calories you consume is essential. All pre-packaged food comes with a nutritional label. Take note of the calories, fat grams, carbohydrates etc in everything you eat. Also pay close attention to serving size.

Another tip on how to lose belly fat or any fat, for that matter; cut out the alcohol! Beer is loaded with calories that have no nutritional value. Not to mention the other detrimental effects alcohol has on your body. Alcohol causes liver damage; it causes inflammation of the pancreas. So, beware!

Sugar is not your friend. Be aware of the carbohydrate content in food or drinks. Look at how much sugar is in soda. Just cutting out soda alone will save you quite a bit of calories. If you take in too much sugar and dont burn it then weight gain ensues.

Weight loss is more than physical work. It involves mental and emotional dedication as well. You must make a commitment to attaining better health. It is also helpful to have a support system. After all you will be in this for the long haul.

Daily exercise is key to losing weight. After all, muscle burns fat and in order to build muscle you must use it! A high cardiovascular workout is a big help in losing weight. Examples of high cardio workouts are using the treadmill, circuit training, stair climbing, etc.

Cardiovascular exercise helps to speed up the metabolism. But is you really want to whittle down your belly, add strength training to your routine. You will be amazed at the results.

I wont lie to you; it is a long hard road. But your hard work will pay off. You will feel better physically and emotionally. And there is nothing more important than your health. So, what are you waiting for? Lose the tummy fat!

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It’s true! The Perricone 3 day diet has become insanely popular because of its ability to give you an instant facelift. The diet was developed by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a world famous dermatologist who specializes in keeping people looking young and healthy. He laid out the diet on the Oprah Winfrey program, leading to the routine popularity of the Perricone 3 day diet.

The purpose of the Perricone 3 day diet is to minimize inflammation. Mostly, were used to seeing inflammation when we twist and ankle or get a sunburn, its that burning swollen sensation that is our bodys reaction to injury. This is acute inflammation, and its a vital part of the curing process.

What we need to be concerned with, and what the Perricone 3 day diet deal with, is chronic inflammation. This is the amicable of inflammation that occurs without visual symptoms, and is responsible for most of the effects associated with aging.

Most chronic inflammation is the execution of what we eat, so the foods on the Perricone 3 day diet are selected to prevent this kind of inflammation. The diet also limits your insulin, which is another concept that can drastically age people. A pleasant side effect of the Perricone 3 day diet is weight loss, although thats not the primary intent.

The diet has to be followed exactly as prescribed to get the positive effects that were looking for, so no leaving anything out of adding any thing to it.

Perricone 3 day diet:

On waking:

8 to 12 ounces spring water

Breakfast

3 egg whites and 1 whole egg and / or a 4 – to 6 – ounce piece of broiled salmon
1 / 2 cup cooked oatmeal ( not instant )
4 oz cantaloupe + 1 / 4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, ( more if desired )

Lunch:

4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon or tuna packed in spring water
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to quickness
4 oz cantaloupe + 1 / 4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, ( more if desired )

Snack:

2 ounces low – salt, sliced chicken breast
4 raw, unsalted hazelnuts
1 green apple
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, ( more if desired )

Riot:

4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon
2 cups romaine ( not iceberg ) lettuce
1 tablespoon olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice as a salad dressing
1 cup steamed asparagus, broccoli, or spinach dressed with a little olive oil
4 oz cantaloupe + 1 / 4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces show up water minimum, ( more if desired )
Before Going to Bed
2 ounces low – fat low – salt turkey or chicken breast
1 / 2 pear or green apple
3 or 4 almonds or olives
8 to 12 ounces of spring water

What youll find from following the Perricone 3 day diet for the time prescribed is that youll probably have absent a few pounds, your skin will be clearer and youre going to look younger right away. Remember that this particular diet is unrivaled intended for three days; to maintain the results; you need to follow an anti inflammatory diet that has a greater variety of foods.

24 Hour Fitness
http://www.www.24-hr-fitness.com

Tags: Acute Inflammation, anti inflammatory diet, Broiled Salmon, Cantaloupe, Chronic Inflammation, Dermatologist, Dr Nicholas, Egg Whites, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grilled Salmon, inflammation, injury, Instant Facelift, Insulin, Lemon Juice, Lettuce, little olive oil, Nicholas Perricone, Oatmeal, Oprah Winfrey, Quickness, Romaine, Spring Water, Sunburn, tablespoon olive oil, virgin olive oil; —

It’s true! The Perricone 3 day diet has become insanely popular because of its ability to give you an instant facelift. The diet was developed by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a world famous dermatologist who specializes in keeping people looking young and healthy. He laid out the diet on the Oprah Winfrey program, leading to the current popularity of the Perricone 3 day diet.

The purpose of the Perricone 3 day diet is to minimize inflammation. Mostly, were used to seeing inflammation when we twist and ankle or get a sunburn, its that burning swollen sensation that is our bodys reaction to injury. This is acute inflammation, and its a vital part of the healing process.

What we need to be concerned with, and what the Perricone 3 day diet deal with, is chronic inflammation. This is the kind of inflammation that occurs without visual symptoms, and is responsible for most of the effects associated with aging.

Most chronic inflammation is the result of what we eat, so the foods on the Perricone 3 day diet are selected to prevent this kind of inflammation. The diet also limits your insulin, which is another thing that can drastically age people. A pleasant side effect of the Perricone 3 day diet is weight loss, although thats not the primary intent.

The diet has to be followed exactly as prescribed to get the positive effects that were looking for, so no leaving anything out of adding any thing to it.

Perricone 3 day diet:

On waking:

8 to 12 ounces spring water

Breakfast

3 egg whites and 1 whole egg and/or a 4- to 6-ounce piece of broiled salmon
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (not instant)
4 oz cantaloupe + 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Lunch:

4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon or tuna packed in spring water
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
4 oz cantaloupe + 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Snack:

2 ounces low-salt, sliced chicken breast
4 raw, unsalted hazelnuts
1 green apple
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)

Dinner:

4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon
2 cups romaine (not iceberg) lettuce
1 tablespoon olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice as a salad dressing
1 cup steamed asparagus, broccoli, or spinach dressed with a little olive oil
4 oz cantaloupe + 1/4 cup fresh berries
8 to 12 ounces spring water minimum, (more if desired)
Before Going to Bed
2 ounces low-fat low-salt turkey or chicken breast
1/2 pear or green apple
3 or 4 almonds or olives
8 to 12 ounces of spring water

What youll find from following the Perricone 3 day diet for the time prescribed is that youll probably have lost a few pounds, your skin will be clearer and youre going to look younger right away. Remember that this particular diet is only intended for three days; to maintain the results; you need to follow an anti inflammatory diet that has a greater variety of foods.

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