Posts Tagged ‘obesity’

Using Pillows And Positional Therapy To Counteract Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a chronic disease that seldom goes away once you have developed it. Acid reflux occurs after eating. After a non-sufferer of acid reflux eats, the food passes down the throat and esophagus and through a one-way trap-door into the stomach where acids start the process of breaking down the food before letting it flow on into the intestines for further processing.

However, after a sufferer of acid reflux eats, the food goes through that trap-door, mixes with the acids and then somehow pushes against the trap-door which gives way, allowing the food and acid to re-enter the esophagus. Now, since these acids are intended to attack and dissolve tissue, this is very bad news for the sufferer as his esophagus will be attacked as well.

This acid reflux (or flow of acid) into the esophagus can cause inflammation and discomfort, heartburn, and regurgitation. Unfortunately, once the hinges on that trap-door have been broken and have started to allow the door to open both ways, there is not much chance that they will repair themselves naturally. In fact, the likelihood are that they will just get worse.

In truth, everyone gets a little reflux from time to time, but the acid in the sufferer is more powerful and the mixture remains in the esophagus longer, which is what causes the situation to become a difficulty.

The body has developed a natural way of countering the mild acid reflux in healthy people and it is known as saliva. Saliva is alkaline, so while you swallow hundreds of times a day, your saliva counteracts the acid. Most people experience reflux after eating, which is obviously normally done during the day when we are usually in an upright position. Swallowing saliva also happens usually in the daytime.

I am sure that you can see a pattern here: reflux is in the daytime when we can swallow saliva to neutralize it and when the force of gravity will impede the acid rising up from the stomach.

Most sufferers of acid reflux get difficulties at night, whilst gravity cannot help and the swallowing of saliva is at a minimum. Therefore, the acid, untreated by alkaline saliva, stays in the esophagus burning and irritating it.

The pregnant and the obese are most at risk of experiencing acid reflux because of the extra abdominal bulk.

So, how do you treat this chronic condition? Well, you should naturally consult your doctor, who may recommend alkaline tablets, but if you want to help yourself too, you could lose weight if you are obese; not eat late at night or even late evening; reduce the fat you consume and sleep with more pillows to raise your head and torso. You will need to experiment with these home remedies to find out what suits you.

You might find that not eating after eight is OK for you, or it might be six o’ clock. You might find that not eating meat or cheese after lunch will do it for you and you may find that lifting your head six or eight inches on extra pillows at night will help too.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on a variety of subjects, but is now involved with Marriott bedding. If you want to know more, please visit our website at Modern Throw Pillows For Sale.

Heavy Duty Bariatric Shower Bench Chair – 3 Points To Search For When Getting A Shower Chair

Are you in search of the perfect heavy duty bariatric shower bench chair? In this article we will speak about 3 points to search for when you’re getting a shower chair for a person that’s heavy.

Are you unable to or sick and tired of standing by yourself in the shower. You are not on your own. There are numerous different individuals which are trying to discover an ideal heavy duty bariatric shower bench chair. No matter if you are getting elderly, have hurt yourself or if there is something else keeping you from being in a position to get around good you may find a place to sit down in the shower or the bath useful. Let’s now go on to talk about 3 things to look for when you are obtaining a shower chair for a person which is large.

Number 1 – High Weight Limit

Regardless of if you think that you could get by with a reduced weight limit or not I recommend that you acquire a heavy duty bariatric shower bench chair which has the weight limit of at least 500 pounds. If you get anything under this and you end up attaining a little weight you’ll have to get another chair and spend even more cash.

Number 2 – Excellent Construction

You have to make sure that you get a chair that has handles on the side so that you ensure that you can hold on so that you can rinse your lower legs and feet. Ensure that you get a seat that’s wide enough and that it is made from material that doesn’t rust.

Number 3 – Variable Height

If there’s more than one individual utilizing the stool it is very beneficial to have a seat which is adjustable. In case you do not then it is possible to find oneself not comfortable or having problems which you did not expect.

Excited To Be Safe At A Great Price Click the link: heavy duty bariatric shower bench chair review

Importance Of Support Groups For Weight Loss Surgery Recovery

Obtaining bariatric surgery support is critical to letting you effectively navigating your own journey following weight loss surgery. The doctor’s medical office is the best place to find locate advice for essential inquiries regarding the procedure nevertheless, you will want a place to ask other people the small daily questions. Bariatric surgery support communities really are a setting to talk about your current achievements and also locate support to help you get over the difficult parts of the recovery. Nothing is just like having exhortation of somebody who has undoubtedly been through what you are in the days following surgery. The following is how to get bariatric surgery help through weight loss surgery support groups.

Support organizations usually help pre-operative patients gain knowledge from the viewpoints of post-operative weight loss treatment patients. The brand new weight loss surgery patients provide an outstanding opportunity to connect with other people, seek advice, as well as discuss their own expectations and problems. Usually you can find that the weight loss surgeon will certainly visit from time to time to accept challenging healthcare concerns coming from the group and will normally defer the rest of the meeting to the support group overseer.

Throughout the period that individuals proceed through the help process, particularly in the initial year following surgical treatment, educational services and the human touch is necessary. Many are not really ready for the challenges that the changes may bring to their way of life, and it can help to lean on others who have already been down that road. The surgery has a way of attracting individuals to other people who are going through the exact same process. It is more widespread now for treatment centers to offer a one-stop shop for all the fat burning needs of the patient. There are frequently personnel available like dieticians, physical trainers, psychologists, as well as beauty or style professionals. The reasoning is to breed success by means of holistic support. Patient support is definitely the key component to being successful.

The world wide web a great place to discover weight loss surgery assistance. There are plenty of individuals battling and wanting to reach out and get encouragement from other people at almost all times of the day. The web is really a place where this really is practical. There are tons of bariatric surgery community forums as well as chat websites that can certainly help post-surgery weight loss surgery patients get the assistance needed.

The entire strategy is much easier to follow when you know that there are friends who’ll help reinforce you in the days that are really hard. Plenty of weight loss patients think they can address everything without anyone else’s help.

If you are battling, you shouldn’t be too ashamed to go to wls support meetings. Patients who are suffering alone in shame are doing it unnecessarily. Realize that, as a medical patient, you have support available. Individuals that do not recognize this are stuck on a likely path of failure. Other patients will supply you with the most sage advice in how to cope with the everyday struggles. Go to meetings and listen to the group. Connecting with various other weight loss surgery patients will help you look ahead to the upcoming meeting and allow you to to continue your focus on the nutritional & physical fitness strategies.

It is very beneficial for you to investigate the possibilities of what sometimes happens after bariatric surgery by talking to others who have recently been through it. There’s a wealth of information that people will give you in a group environment. Support groups often lead to mentorship of group participants. The encouragement and information can be an invaluable asset to anybody recovering from obesity by means of medical intervention. Mentors can be a lifesaver in moments when you do not appear to really want to proceed further on your journey to losing weight. It gives you strength to understand that somebody is there with you as you go along.

Get off your high horse and understand that you are able to learn from other people’s problems. Everyone makes mistakes, and if you will be able to discuss it with other people, you will discover that you can cope and adjust to your special situation. To be successful, it is essential to have someone with whom you can giggle or cry when you need somebody to speak to. In these kinds of group meetings, you will make wonderful friendships. Don’t go with a mentor, it will just hurt you ultimately. Why would you want to be on your own? The strength of the overall group will bolster you as an individual.

Weight loss surgery support groups are more than just about airing your challenges. You will discover that they are pretty entertaining social events also. Before you have your surgery, attend at least one meeting to find out more about what it’s like to have bariatric surgery. It will be life-changing and enlightening. Find out from others what it truly is like. Mingle with others who have experienced the surgery. It is important that once you decide you’re going have the medical treatment that you continue to attend the group meetings and remain in contact with successful patients. You will find that it will bring you to a place of recovery. Individuals should realize that bariatric surgery isn’t a one-stop-shop, but a process that must be lived out from now on. Meetings are a safe place to congregate with others and talk about the stories of your recovery from obesity. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and join a wls meeting and experiencing new way of living!

Read more about Cost Weight loss surgery and online weight loss support

The Atkins Diet Part Two).

Some people have to try to make your life miserable, if you let them. It was obvious to everyone that I looked and felt better, but some people just have to try to spoil it. I was told: lots of people have died of kidney or liver failure after being on Atkins I read it in the newspaper; you will have a heart attack, it’s not natural; your cholesterol will climb sky high and you will need your toes amputated or you will have a stroke; it will affect your eyesight. All sorts of rubbish. So, I went to see my GP, who admitted that he did not know anything about the Atkins diet, but he also added that he had heard nothing bad about it either. He sent me for a series of tests at the hospital and the results were all satisfactory. He was happy that I’d lost 18 lbs and so was I. Six weeks later, I went for another cholesterol check-up, because of the high fat levels in the diet and, although my cholesterol level was up very slightly, the doctor said there was no cause for concern at all.

The Atkins diet book warns that you might develop bad breath (halitosis). I don’t know whether I did or not – no-one said anything, but I started brushing my teeth four-five times a day just in case. I guess that’s another benefit of following the Atkins diet: increased oral hygiene. It also warns of constipation. I didn’t get that either, although I didn’t give up black coffee, which has always had a laxative effect on me. But surely you can’t suffer from constipation if you’re allowed to eat well over 1lb of greens a day? I hadn’t been eating that well before the diet! So my two main concerns were nebulous.

After a couple of weeks I was getting bored not going out so much. Not with the diet, but because I’m single and am used to going to the pub (and drinking beer). So, I decided to treat this scientifically. One day, after work, I had three pints of Guinness and felt merry. Before the diet, I would have drunk five or six pints to feel the same. To my delight, the next morning the ketone stick told me that I was still ‘on the diet’. Over the following weeks, I really enjoyed finding out what would ‘work’ and what would not. I discovered that cider had to be avoided at all costs; some beers and some lagers were all right; red and white wine were OK. Consuming alcohol does not knock you off the diet, but it slows down your rate of progress. However, even slow progress is progress, I say. Better than giving up the diet or giving up going out.

Be very wary of people encouraging you to ‘just try a little bit’. They don’t understand or don’t want to understand the trouble they’re causing you. Your body can hold two days worth of carbohydrates. One chocolate, one slice of bread, a bowl of cornflakes or one sugar in your coffee will cost you TWO days to put right. Don’t let them do it to you. This is not a diet for the weekends, in fact I think that it probably could be dangerous to keep ‘falling off the wagon’, because of the high fat content of the diet, which is not dangerous if you stick to it, because you body devours fat and cholesterol in the absence of carbohydrates.

The story ends at this point, with me having got down to under 16 stone and keeping it there, until very recently when I moved to the Far East to live. Once I get used to the food and have my own house and own kitchen, I will get down to 15 stone, I’m sure I will ” with very little effort.

Anyway, thanks to you, Mr. Blackwell, wherever you are these days, you changed my life and my understanding of food with that book and thank you, Mr. Atkins too.

Do you want to know more about the Atkins Diet? Visit our site on Atkins dieting at: Atkins Dieting

The Low Down On Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery is a medical treatment for major weight loss. This treatment is ordinarily for patients who are morbidly obese or have a exceptionally sluggish metabolism. It is recommended for men who are 100 pounds and women are eighty pounds overweight. This operation is furthermore a choice for people who have diabetic issues, cardiovascular complications or sleep apnea.

The treatment for weight loss surgery usually reduces the capacity of the stomach to decrease food consumption or modify digestion so that food is poorly digested and therefore eliminated in the bowel movement. One such procedure is gastric bypass surgery, one of the most frequently performed bariatric surgery in the US. Surgeries like gastric banding is also preferred to help morbidly obese teenagers control their morbid obesity. Over the years, healthcare specialists have polished the procedures for gastric bypass surgery in order to better the effects and minimize the potential health risks of the medical operation.

Just how productive is bariatric surgery?

A successful weight reduction surgical treatment is determined if the patient is able to get rid of over fifty percent of his body mass and sustain it for the following 5 years. Most individuals quickly accomplish major weight loss right after gastric bypass and will continue doing so 24 months after the operation. Up to 50-60% of excess weight may be dropped off even until 10-14 years after surgery.. Weight Loss surgery been specifically found to boost and solve many obesity-related health problems such as upper back pain, sleep apnea, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and depression.

If you’re contemplating weight loss operation or bariatric surgery for major weight loss, it is important to acquire more info by contacting a seasoned and knowledgeable doctor who knows the ins and outs of the procedure. You might also want to consult other health professionals such as your psychiatrist and dietitian regarding a number of psychological roadblocks in terms of interfering with long-term objectives after the surgery. Make sure that you strictly stick to their requirements both before and following the medical procedure to ensure the success of the procedure and the condition of your overall health is secure from any problem.

More information on Gastric Band Surgery and Bypass Bariatric

Weight Control Via Lap Band Surgery

In Keyhole Stomach Band operations, or Lap-Band operations, a ring is placed surrounding to create a little stomach pouch. This minimizes the inclination to graze during the day between meals.

One of the major benefits of Lap-Band surgery over different forms of bariatric surgeries is that it is inconspicuous and revertible method. Lap Band surgery is gave using general anesthesia and can be provided laparoscopically, meaning no giant cuts need to be performed.

Everything can be performed by means of a small opening or opening. The banding is pulled into a opening made near the top of the stomach and fastened around the stomach; no actual incisions are made on the stomach itself. When the banding is in place and fitted properly, the opening is closed together with a a small number of biodegradable stitches. The lap band can be effortlessly removed during the same method at a later time to undo the surgical treatment, or a band of a different size can be tried for a while by the patient to see if there is more success. It is all very flexible.

Like anything else, there are good things and bad things with Lap Band surgical treatment versus other types of morbid bariatric surgical treatment similar to gastric bypass surgery. The positives of lap band operations can be that it’s a simpler procedure, recovery is commonly accelerated and it can be reversed as opposed to other obesity surgical procedures. The problems of Lap Banding procedures can include lower fat loss and the ultimate potential of re-gaining all your fat back over the years.

A powerful attribute of the inflatable gastric band is that the inside lining of the band can be adjusted to satisfy your individual needs. Adjustments to the band, which are done during easy outpatient check-ups, are determinedby the patient’s weight reduction, the amount of food that can be happily eaten, the work out program, and other problems surrounding the person’s well being, as well as the amount of fluid already in the person’s band. Typically, patients lost one to two lbs each week.

The LAP-BAND Approach is a surgically implanted device utilized to help a individual lose fat. It is strategically placed laparoscopically and allows adjustment of the degree of gastric restriction. The System consists of a hollow silicone band, tubing, and an access port. In the operation itself, the band is positioned surrounding the higher section of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a small quantity of food. The narrowed aperture between the stomach pouch and the remainder of the stomach controls how quickly food passes from the new stomach pouch to the lower portion of the stomach. The doctor does this by adding or removing the fluid through a diminutive button-like component referred to as the the access port. This access port is positioned beneath the skin in a muscle in the chest wall. The access port is linked to the band by the tubing.

Lap band surgery are providing a lot of individuals a new outlook on life. This surgery is permitting many individuals that suffer from obesity the capacity to come to a beneficial weight

Get the latest aboutLaparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Band Surgery.

categories: Lap band,Lap band surgery,weight loss surgery,bariatric,bariatric surgery,weight loss,lose weight,medical,surgery,health,fitness,obesity,weight,general

The Atkins Diet and the Desire for Food

One of the most common, and astonishing effects of ‘doing’ the Atkins diet is the suppression of appetite. A lot of the followers of the plan state that the between meal hunger pangs they used to have just fade away and quite rapidly too. This fact makes it a lot easier to remain on the diet and continue losing weight. While other diets have their followers hungry between meals, the Atkins dieters receive relief from continuous hunger. The Atkins diet, with its specific recommendation of foods and ingredients, has powerful appetite suppressing qualities.

The first key component is the quantity of protein in the Atkins diet. Protein, a lot so than carbohydrates, has the capability to satiate hunger pangs. If you have ever eaten a carbohydrate dense meal and then felt hungry again shortly afterwards, you already know that carbohydrates do not have much lasting effect as a hunger satisfier. Protein, on the other hand, when it is combined with a small amount of healthy fats, can keep you feeling satisfied for long periods of time.

One of the most sustained appetite suppressing foods on the Atkins diet are eggs. Eggs are a great sort of quick and easy protein. A recent study showed that eating eggs for breakfast would actually keep hunger pangs at bay throughout the rest of the day. The research concerned two groups of women. One group ate eggs for breakfast and the other had a breakfast of buns and cream cheese.

The calorie count for both breakfasts was precisely the same. The participants kept track of what they ate the rest of the day and answered questions about their levels of hunger and satisfaction throughout the day. The results of the study showed that the women who ate the eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied throughout the entire day and they ate less at each meal than the women who were in the bread group.

Eggs contain about 6 grammes of protein each, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and produces a feeling of satisfaction. Both of these factors help to control cravings. Egg yolks also contain lutein and xenazanthin. These nutrients have been shown to have incredible effects on eye health. Therefore, it is important to consume the whole egg, and not just the white. Eggs contain choline which is important for maintaining brain function and memory. These nutrients are just an added benefit to the appetite suppressing qualities.

Broccoli and cauliflower, two of the most suitable vegetables on the Atkins programme, also have appetite-suppressant effects. These vegetables are very bulky and they help make your stomach feel full. When your stomach feels full, it will actually create a chemical response in your brain. Your body will reduce its call for food because it believes that your stomach is full of high calorie foods. This will happen regardless of what is in your stomach. You can achieve the same results with water and psyllium husk fiber. Both broccoli and cauliflower provide bulk in your diet and are essential vegetables on the Atkins plan.

The Atkins diet focuses on eating small, protein balanced meals a few times a day. This will help maintain your blood sugar in a stabilized state and avoid carbohydrate-induced cravings. With high carbohydrate diets, you are riding the wave of carbohydrate highs. After you have eaten, you feel great and full. Then a few hours later, you come crashing down and are hungrier than you were prior to eating the carbohydrates. This cycle continues and, over time, you will eat more and put on weight.

The protein, fat and vegetable meals of the Atkins plan put your blood sugar back in balance. They give you just enough of each type of food, with the correct amount of carbohydrates (from the vegetables). The vegetables provide quick carbohydrate energy, and the protein gives the meal its sustainability. This combination suppresses your appetite effectively throughout the day.

The Atkins diet is really a craving control plan that helps suppress your appetite – your desire for food or calories. If you’ve had a problem with carbohydrate cravings before, this new way of eating ie dieting will help regulate those cravings. The more you eat on the plan, the better your cravings will be controlled and the easier it will be to follow the diet – the more you practice the diet the easier it gets, because you won’t want to eat carbohydrates all the time.

If you want to read a personal experience of the Atkins diet, just go along to Appetite Suppression of if you want to read a lot more about the The Atkins Diet click the blue link.

The Atkins Diet and the Desire for Food

One of the most common, and surprising results of following the Atkins diet is appetite suppression. Many followers of the plan report that the between meal hunger pangs they used to experience just fade away and very quickly too. This factor makes it easier to stay on the diet and keep losing weight. While other diets leave their followers hungry between meals, the Atkins diet offers relief from continuous hunger. The Atkins diet, with its specific recommendation of foods and ingredients, has powerful appetite suppressing effects.

The first key component is the quantity of protein in the Atkins diet. Protein, a lot so than carbohydrates, has the power to satiate hunger pangs. If you have ever eaten a carbohydrate dense meal and then felt hungry again shortly afterwards, you already know that carbohydrates do not have much staying power as a hunger satisfier. Protein, on the other hand, when it is combined with a small amount of healthy fats, can keep you feeling satisfied for much longer periods of time.

One of the most powerful appetite suppressant foods on the Atkins diet is the simple egg. Eggs are a marvellous sort of quick and easy protein. A recent study showed that having eggs for breakfast would actually keep hunger pangs at bay throughout the rest of the day. The research concerned two groups of women. One group ate only eggs for breakfast and the other had a breakfast of bread and cream cheese.

The calorie count for both breakfasts was exactly the same. The participants kept track of what they ate the rest of the day and answered questions about their levels of hunger and satisfaction throughout the day. The results of the study showed that the women who ate the eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied throughout the entire day and they ate less at each meal than the women who were in the buns group.

Eggs contain about 6 grammes of protein each, which helps to even out blood sugar and produces a feeling of satisfaction. Both of these factors help to curb cravings. Egg yolks also contain lutein and xenazanthin. These nutrients have been shown to have amazing effects on eye health. So it’s important to eat the whole egg, and not just the white. Eggs contain choline which is important for maintaining brain function and memory. These nutrients are just an added benefit to the appetite suppressant qualities.

Broccoli and cauliflower, two of the most suitable vegetables on the Atkins programme, also have appetite-suppressing effects. These vegetables are very bulky and they help make your stomach feel full. When your stomach feels full, it will actually create a chemical signal in your brain. Your body will reduce its call for food because it assumes that your stomach is full of high calorie foods. This occurs regardless of what is actually in your stomach. You can get the same results with water and psyllium husk fibre. Both broccoli and cauliflower provide bulk in your diet and are essential vegetables for the Atkins diet.

The Atkins diet focuses on eating small, protein balanced meals a few times per day. This will help maintain your blood sugar level in a stabilized state and avoid carbohydrate-induced cravings. With high carbohydrate diets, you are riding a roller-coaster of carbohydrate highs. After you have eaten, you feel great and full. Then after a few hours, you come crashing down and are hungrier than you were previous to eating the carbohydrates. This cycle continues ad infinitum and, over time, you will eat more and more and eventually gain weight.

The protein, fat and vegetable meals provided by the Atkins plan put your blood sugar back in balance. They provide just enough of each sort of food, with the correct amount of carbohydrates (from the vegetables). The vegetables provide quick carbohydrate energy, and the protein gives the meal its sustainability. This combination suppresses your appetite effectively throughout the day.

The Atkins diet is actually a craving control diet that helps suppress your appetite. If you’ve had a problem with carbohydrate cravings before, this new way of eating will help control those cravings. The more you eat on the plan, the better your cravings will be controlled and the easier it will be to follow the diet. Really, the longer you follow the plan, the more it works and the easier following the diet gets.

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The Atkins Diet and Appetite Suppression

A very common, and astonishing results of ‘doing’ the Atkins diet is appetite suppression. Many advocates of the regimen state that the inter meal hunger pangs they used to experience just fade away and very quickly too. This factor makes it a lot easier to stay on the diet and continue to lose weight. While other diets have their followers hungry between meals, the Atkins dieters obtain relief from constant hunger. The Atkins diet, with its specific recommendation of foods and ingredients, has powerful appetite suppressing qualities.

The first key component is the amount of protein in the Atkins diet. Protein, more so than carbohydrates, has the power to satiate hunger. If you’ve ever eaten a carbohydrate heavy meal and then felt hungry a few hours later, you know that carbohydrates don’t have much staying power as a satisfier. Protein, on the other hand, when combined with a small amount of healthy fats, can keep you feeling full for much longer periods of time.

One of the most powerful appetite suppressing foods in the Atkins diet are eggs. Eggs are a marvellous form of quick and easy protein. A recent report revealed that eating eggs for breakfast would actually keep hunger pangs at bay throughout the rest of the day. The study concerned two groups of women. One group ate eggs for breakfast and the other had a breakfast of bagels and cream cheese.

The calorie count for both breakfasts was exactly the same. The subjects noted down what they ate for the rest of the day and answered questions about their hunger levels and satisfaction levels throughout the day. The results of the study showed that the women who ate the eggs for breakfast felt more satisfied throughout the entire day and they ate less at each meal than those women who were in the buns group.

Eggs contain about 6 grams of protein each, which helps to even out blood sugar and produces a feeling of satisfaction. Both of these factors help to curb cravings. Egg yolks also contain lutein and xenazanthin. These nutrients have been shown to have amazing effects on eye health. So it’s important to eat the whole egg, and not just the white. Eggs contain choline which is important for maintaining brain function and memory. These nutrients are just an added benefit to the appetite suppressant qualities.

Broccoli and cauliflower, two of the most recommended vegetables on the Atkins programme, also have appetite-suppressing effects. These vegetables are very bulky and they help make your stomach feel full. When your stomach feels full, it will actually create a chemical signal in your body. Your body will reduce its call for food because it assumes that your stomach is full of high calorie foods. This occurs regardless of what is actually in your stomach. You can get the same results with water and psyllium husk fibre. Both broccoli and cauliflower provide bulk in your diet and are essential vegetables for the Atkins diet.

The Atkins plan focuses on eating small, protein balanced meals a few times per day. This will help maintain your blood sugar level in a stabilized state and avoid carbohydrate-induced cravings. With high carbohydrate diets, you are riding a roller-coaster of carbohydrate highs. After you have eaten, you feel fantastic and full. Then after a few hours, you come crashing down and are hungrier than you were before eating the carbohydrates. This cycle continues ad infinitum and, over time, you will eat more and more and eventually put on weight.

The protein, fat and vegetable meals of the Atkins plan put your blood sugar back in balance. They give you just enough of each sort of food, with a proper amount of carbohydrates (from the vegetables). The vegetables provide quick carbohydrate energy, and the protein gives the meal its staying power. This combination helps suppress your appetite throughout the day.

The Atkins diet is actually a craving control plan that suppresses your appetite. If you’ve had a problem with carbohydrate cravings before, this new way of eating will help control those cravings. The more you eat on the plan, the better your cravings will be controlled and the easier it will be to follow the diet – the more you practice the diet the easier it gets.

About the Author:

The Atkins Diet (part two).

You know how some people just have to try to make your life miserable? It was obvious to everyone that I looked and felt healthier, but some people just had to try to spoil it. I was told that ‘lots of people have died of kidney or liver failure’ after being on Atkins I read it in a magazine; you will have a heart attack because it’s not natural; your cholesterol will go through the roof and you will need your toes amputated or you will have a stroke; it will affect your eyesight. All sorts of exaggerations. So, I went to see my local doctor, who admitted that he had no knowledge of the Atkins diet, but he also said that he had heard nothing bad about it either. He sent me for a series of tests at the hospital and the results were all OK. He was happy that I’d lost 18 lbs and so was I. Six weeks later, I went for another cholesterol check-up, because of the high fat levels inherent in the diet and, although my cholesterol level was up very slightly, they said there was no cause for concern.

The Atkins diet warns that you might develop halitosis (bad breath). I don’t know whether I did or not – no-one said anything, but I started brushing my teeth four-five times a day just in case. I suppose that that’s another benefit of ‘doing Atkins’ – increased oral hygiene. It also warns of constipation. I didn’t get that either, although I didn’t give up black coffee, which has always been a laxative for me. But surely you can’t suffer from constipation if you eat about a 1lb of greens a day? I hadn’t been eating that amount of roughage before starting the Atkins diet! So my two main concerns did not exist.

After a couple of weeks I was getting bored not going out so much. Not with the diet, but because I’m single and am used to going to the pub (and drinking beer). So, I decided to treat this scientifically. One day, after work, I had three pints of Guinness and felt merry. Before the diet, I would have drunk five or six pints to feel the same. To my delight, the next morning the ketone stick told me that I was still ‘on the diet’. Over the following weeks, I really enjoyed finding out what would ‘work’ and what would not. I discovered that cider had to be avoided at all costs; some beers and some lagers were all right; red and white wine were OK. Consuming alcohol does not knock you off the diet, but it slows down your rate of progress. However, even slow progress is progress, I say. Better than giving up the diet or giving up going out.

Don’t let people encourage you to ‘just have a little bit’. They don’t understand or don’t want to understand the trouble they’re causing you. One’s body can hold two days worth of carbohydrates: one square of chocolate, one slice of bread, a bowl of cornflakes or one sugar in your coffee will cost you TWO days to clear out of your system. Don’t let people do it to you. This is not a diet that you can stop and start when you like, in fact I think that it probably could be dangerous to keep allowing your ketone and other levels to fluctuate wildly. There are also the high fat levels in the content of the Atkins diet, which is not dangerous if you keep to it, because you body devours fat and cholesterol in the absence of carbohydrates.

That is the story so far, with me having got down to under 16 stone and keeping it there until very recently when I moved to the Far East to live. The food is so different here, but once I get used to the food and have my own house and own kitchen, I will get down to 15 stone, I’m sure I will ” without any real effort.

Anyway, thanks to you, Mr. Blackwell, wherever you are these days, you changed my life and my understanding of food with that book and thank you, Mr. Atkins too.

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