Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

The Mediterranean Diet – What Is It, Really?



One of the most popular, yet often misunderstood diet plans on the market today is the Mediterranean Diet. While everyone reading this can safely assume that the Mediterranean Diet is, in fact, derived from the style of eating implemented by the people of that particular region, there are many specifics that are simply not known.

I have heard this diet being compared to the South Beach Diet on numerous occasions, and this is certainly a fair comparison. It is an eating plan which is primarily made up of lean meats and fresh vegetables, but again, the specifics of the Mediterranean Diet are really what set it apart from the rest.

For example, red meats, eggs, and dairy are very seldom used on this eating plan. Individuals residing in the countries and territories surrounding the Mediterranean most often consume fish as their source of animal protein. Another key distinction is the fact that this animal protein is one of the last priorities on the diet.

In fact, fresh vegetables and fruits rule the land! Olive oil and whole grains take second place, followed by wild fish and small amounts of red wine.

The key is healthy fats, primarily Omega-3 fatty acid, which is absolutely wonderful for raising the good cholesterol while lowering the bad. And because this high level of unsaturated fat is super clean burning, it actually trains your body to use fat as fuel… including your much hated body fat!

One reason so many people have turned to the Mediterranean Diet as their weight loss plan of choice is the incredible health-enhancing benefits they believe it to include. Common sense will tell you that these people are not off-base in this belief. In fact, when is the last time you heard that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, keen on whole grains and Omega fatty acids, and rich in antioxidants was bad for you? Most likely, never.

The antioxidant properties of this diet have been shown to be beneficial in combatting heart disease (hello, the number one killer in the Western World!) and certain forms of cancer (not too far behind)… this is a diet that anyone who values their health, and not just quick weight loss, can get behind.

Not only is this eating plan safe, effective, healthy, and logical… but it’s not weird! What do I mean? The ingredients are very basic and are available in any grocery store. This provides a kind of convenience that many diet plans can’t seem to provide.

Since I first heard of the Mediterranean Diet (maybe 10 years ago), I have yet to hear one bad word uttered against it. It’s practically the poster child for what common sense would tell you is a healthy, responsible diet. Crisp, fresh produce, unaltered grains, fresh wild fish, and lots of healthy cold-pressed olive oil. Hey, is anyone else getting hungry?

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Animal Protein
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Diet Pills – Do They Work and Are They Safe?



What is the first image that pops into your mind when you think of diet pills? I’m sure it varies for all of us, but for me, it’s the late Anna Nicole Smith. I think a secondary image might be a young man or woman running around the house, grinding their teeth, sweating and breathing heavily, and talking way too much (not to mention too fast) for their own good. Maybe that’s just me.

Of course, there are many formulations out there, and if you’re lucky enough to find one that helps you achieve the results you want without a bunch of freakish side effects, then good for you. The problem is, these can be kind of hard to find if you don’t know where to look.

And while the chemicals found in some of the industry’s hardcore formulas can cause heart palpitations, blood poisoning, extreme nausea, incredible anxiety, and a whole host of other unpleasant symptoms, other diet pills have truly proven themselves to work wonders for some of their users.

The majority (if not all) of diet pills that can be deemed both safe and effective will be all natural formulations with strong antioxidant properties. These are great because they help you lose weight the right way. Instead of trying to fuel up your metabolism with a bunch of weird chemicals, antioxidants actually remove toxins from your body.

And guess what your body’s greatest defense against toxins is… storing fat! Extra fat blocks dangerous toxins from damaging your organs, tissues, and blood vessels. Essentially, your body holds onto more and more fat in order to save your life! So if you get rid of the toxins, your body no longer has a reason to store extra fat, and off it comes. Pretty cool, right?

These antioxidant-rich diet pills will usually contain large amounts of green tea extract. Other popular antioxidants used in diet pills include resveratrol, acai, maqui, and goji.

Other natural diet pills that are used to assist in the weight loss process would fall into the category of “detoxification pills,” and would include such things as colon cleansers, liver cleansers, blood cleansers, and total body cleansers. Often, these types of diet pills will create a sense of healthy renewal and well-being within the individual who takes them… quite the opposite of the effects experienced by people who go the chemical route.

In truth, diet pills are simply not enough to give you the results you’re after. There is not a single diet pill on the planet that I would recommend over a natural, healthy way of eating and an activity plan that works your body and puts a smile on your face at the same time.

Diet pills are supplements, and as such are intended to be used to supplement a responsible, healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle always comes first. Remember that and live by it, and you will be much more effective in reaching your health and weight loss goals.

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Anna Nicole Smith
  • Related Blogs on Antioxidant Properties