Fitness and Exercise for Women

Images Courtesy of Dreamstime | Aziza Design Publishers 2008 - 2009

Types of Diets

For Email Marketing you can trust

Diets - Atkins, South Beach, The Zone, Sugar Busters, The Ketogenic Diet

Popular Diet Programs

Atkins, The Zone, Sugar Busters, The Sonoma Diet…and the list goes on. These are some of the most popular low carbohydrate diets. These diets generally manage the intake of “good” carbohydrates, decrease the intake of “bad” carbohydrates and increase the intake of healthy fats.

For over two decades, low fat diets were the “thing.” We were told to eat eggs whites and throw away the yolk; eat white meat, not dark; eat baked foods, not fried. While this is not bad or unhealthy advice, it gave many of us the license to send our caloric and thus sugar intake into overdrive.

For many years, I also followed the low fat regime. I would eat my baked chicken breast, egg white omelets, and my salads with the oil-based dressings. That worked out well, except I found myself still hungry most of the time. To satisfy my hunger, I fell into the trap of consuming potato chips, cookies, cakes – but they all said “low fat” on the packaging, so what was the problem? The problem was that over time I began to gain weight because I was taking in more calories than I was expending. I could eat an entire bag of low-fat baked potato chips in one sitting because I thought I was safe from weight gain.

What are glucose levels?

The glucose level is the amount of glucose or sugar in your blood. Why is this important? Having your glucose level checked is the best way to know if you are at risk of developing Type II diabetes or monitoring your diabetes (Type I and II) if you have it. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the body.

The normal glucose level is between 70 - 150 grams. We obtain glucose when we consume foods that are rich in carbohydrates. The glucose or sugar then travels through our bloodstream.

To learn more about glucose and how to check your glucose level, visit The American Diabetes Association's web site.

In fact, according to the American Heart Association, the incidence of Type II Diabetes had doubled over the past 30 years. Many believe part of this can be attributed to the increase of sugar intake from the low carb diet craze. Caloric intake was largely ignored because we believed that “fat made you fat” and if you took in less fat, you could indulge. And of course if your calories intake is increased without increased physical activity, you will gain weight.

I have tried low fat and low carb diets over the years and based on my experience, managing my carbohydrate intake has proven to work best for me. Carbohydrates are sugar and if you manage your sugar intake, I believe that you will dramatically improve your health. I notice that when I allow my carbs intake to get out of control, my stomach becomes bloated. After a few days of lowering my carbs, my stomach returns to normal size. Do you experience this? I consume more vegetables than I ever have before and I actually enjoy them. I eat seafood, poultry and even beef occasionally. I either bake or saute in olive oil, which is low in saturated fat.

The late Dr. Robert Atkins, founder of the Atkins Diet, could be called the “Father of the Low Carb Diet.” He took a lot of heat when based on his research, he claimed that restricting your carbohydrates would not only lead to sustained weight loss but also overall improved health. Critics say that this diet is too restrictive – that it eliminates carbs almost completely. This is not accurate. The Atkins Diet has four phases and it is only the first phase, or the 2-week Induction phase that restricts your carb intake to 20 grams or less. This is done to jumpstart your system into burning stored fat. The subsequent phases gradually increase your carb intake to a manageable level that enables you to maintain your desired weight.

I am not suggesting that any one diet be followed. I am a firm believer that if you eat healthy foods, try to keep sugar intake to a minimum and exercise regularly that you will reach a level of health that will not be a detriment to you. I think many of the programs offer valuable information that can be useful in developing a healthier lifestyle.

There are many books available on these diets. Check them out…

For the past twenty years, Miriam Nelson, a physical activity and nutrition scientist at Tufts University, has been conducting research on the benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition for improving women's lives.

In StrongWomen - Weight Loss, Dr. Nelson shares the alarming trends in weight gain and obesity during the past two decades, explains the three main reasons women gain, and demystifies why diets fail. Changing behavior can be challenging, but with the support of this DVD and Dr. Nelson's supportive, gentle, positive approach, you will be on your way to taking charge of your weight! its never too late! Order your DVD today!

For Your Information..

The South Beach Diet is NOT a low-carb diet but is often mistaken for one. Founded in 1995 by Arthur Agatston, M.D., to improve the heart health of his patients, the South Beach Diet focuses on the consumption of good carbs, good fats, lean protein and fiber for achieving overall health.