Within the next few years, it may be possible for overweight individuals to fight fat and lose weight with the help of electricity. Yes, you heard me right, electricity.
Research is being conducted on a pacemaker-like device that will work to influence the key nerve, in the body, that controls all food related actions… even feelings of hunger. ZAP!!
It is disturbing to note that close to over 1/3 of all Americans, over the age of 20, are overweight enough to be considered obese. Because of this frightening fact, it is vital that new weight loss options be explored and approved for public use.
Currently, there is more than one company, looking into the manufacture of this device. One of the greatest things about it is that it is less invasive than gastric bypass.
One such company, based in St. Paul, MN, EnteroMedics Inc., is testing their own device they have named the Maestro. So far, there have only been limited studies on the unit. But these studies have been very promising and indicate the possibility of significant weight loss success.
A larger-scale, 12 month, study is slated for later this year. If all goes well the Maestro could be available as soon as 2010.
The goal of the initial device is to reduce body weight by 25%. Although the surgery will not result in a weight loss equal to that of a gastric bypass, there are hopes that actual percentage of loss will be somewhere between the limits of drug therapy and the bypass, itself.
The surgery to implant the Maestro is much safer than a gastric bypass procedure.
Right now, individuals who have had the experimental surgery and are participating in this study are required to wear a belt that transmits programming and power to the unit. This means the success of these trials is dependant on the fact that recipients wear the belts, as required.
EnteroMedics Inc. is still working to develop a fully implantable device.
Popularity: 6% [?]
You have probably heard the old saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. As it turns out, that statement may very well be true…. well almost.
Apples are very nutritious. There are more health benefits packed into each and every one of them than you can imagine. There have been numerous studies done which prove that apples contain cancer fighting agents, of sorts.
One such study indicates that individuals who eat apples, which are rich in flavonoids, have less chance of getting cancer than those who don’t. Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidant effects.
Because of these antioxidant effects, apples are known as brain food. Yet, another study tells us that apples actually significantly reduce age-related deterioration of our mental processes.
Apples are known to help in lowering your cholesterol. This is due to the high level of pectin, contained in each. There are other fruits and vegetables, which contain pectin, but apples are an excellent choice because they contain as much as .78 grams of pectin per 100 grams of fruit.
Wrinkles. Can an apple a day keep wrinkles away? It’s certainly a possibility. In 2001, a worldwide study was conducted on elderly individuals in Sweden, Greece and Australia. Results clearly show that those who consumed high amounts of apples, legumes, olive oil and a variety of vegetables experienced less skin damage… including wrinkles.
Apples can help regulate your blood sugar, as well. If you find yourself feeling lightheaded or queasy between meals, snacking on an apple can help to rectify the situation.
There have even been cases, with doctor consent, of people who suffer from diabetes that have been able to reduce of eliminate their medication.
So, whether or not you are currently dieting remember this… apples are an excellent snack food choice.
For a quick and yummy snack, peel and core an apple. Sprinkle with a bit or sugar or sugar substitute and cinnamon. Microwave on high, just until the apple is tender. Eat and enjoy!
Popularity: 6% [?]
The 5-Factor Diet, created by Harley Pasternak, is quickly becoming the new ‘diet of the stars’. He is a Hollywood trainer, highly sought after by more than a few well-known Tinsel Town celebrities.
Harley knows his stuff, when it comes to losing weight and living healthy. He holds more than one degree in the fitness field. His book, The 5-Factor Diet, quickly rose to the top of the NY Times Bestseller list in 2006.
He has made several guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Oprah, The Today Show, The Tyra Banks Show, America’s Next Top Model and many others.
One of the greatest things about this diet is that you are actually allowed to eat 5 TIMES A DAY… which almost makes it seem like it’s an un-diet. This certainly decreases the chance that you’ll feel hungry, during the day. You can even still enjoy most of your favorite foods.
Another great thing about this diet is the fact that you are provided with hundreds of 5 ingredient recipes, which only take 5 minutes to prepare. What an ingenious idea! Less time in the kitchen means more time to do something you really enjoy.
The 5 Factor Diet also allows you one cheat day, each week. Let’s face it; no one wants to feel like they are in a diet prison, right? As part of the plan Harley believes that controlled cheating can actually help you to achieve your weight loss goals.
Workouts are an essential part of this diet, but don’t worry, they are not long and strenuous. Exercising 25 minutes, at a time, several times a week is all that is required. You won’t be spending long hours, at the gym.
Studies have shown that, as a rule, dieters who are making use of an online diet system lose a greater amount of weight than those who don’t. Why? It’s usually always easier to improve your health or anything else for that matter, if you don’t go it alone.
Popularity: 4% [?]
The Healthy Soy Diet Plan is one of the 24 plans featured on eDiets.com. In case you are unaware, soy is VERY good for you.
Currently, the American Heart Association recommends that you should consume 25 grams of soy protein, on a daily basis… unless you are pregnant, have breast cancer or come from a family with a high risk of the disease.
Soy contains large amounts of protein and amino acids. It is a wonderful source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B, iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and phosphorus.
(Protein, lots of it, is essential to your good health. It builds and repairs body tissues and is imperative for healthy red blood cells and immune system.)
There are many benefits of adding soy to your diet. They include a healthier heart and bones, a lower cancer risk and a reduction of menopausal symptoms.
In addition to soy milk and tofu, soy protein can also be found in yogurt, cheeses, puddings and other dairy substitutes. It is also an ingredient in products such as energy bars, vegetable burgers, soy nuts, fortified cereals and oatmeal.
The Healthy Soy Diet Plan will teach you to eat less animal-based protein, which is a big no-no. It will also reduce your risk of heart disease and increase your intake of antioxidants, which is a big yes-yes.
If you make the decision to start this healthy diet regimen you will receive personalized weekly menus and easy to print out shopping lists.
If you decide to add soy to your menu plan, without starting this diet, there are many ways you can easily do so.
Soy beans. Soy beans, when cooked, are basically bland and quite tasteless. But, on a happy note, they pretty much take on the taste of whatever they are cooked with… somewhat like eggplant.
Because of this healthy diet plan and the shining recommendation from the American Heart Association, tofu just isn’t just for hippies, anymore!
Popularity: 4% [?]
If you have never taken the time to explore eDiets.com, there is no better time than the present. The site offers so much information; you may want to grab a cup of coffee or a refreshing bottle of water, before you begin your investigation.
eDiets.com has been providing online diet programs since 1997. So, they are by no means the new kid on the block. In fact, as of June 2006 their membership numbers had reached 2 million people.
This site is a great place to visit if you’re not sure which diet is best for you. Currently, there are 24 separate diet plans for you to choose from. Some of the most well-known are Atkins, Slim-Fast Optima, Fall’s Best Diet and eDiets alternative to Jenny Craig.
The site offers a wealth of diet and nutrition information, recipes, health information, meal delivery options, community forums, success stories, a shopping area, hot topics and a whole lot more.
eDiets.com offers what seems to be an unlimited number of informational articles on almost every diet related topic you can think of. You could literally spend hours reading up on the latest health related news and trends.
The site recently implemented a meal delivery service. Although it’s not cheap, it’s very convenient for those who are able to fit it into their budget. (Just think… less frequent trips to the grocery store and less time slaving over a hot stove, how cool is that?)
What’s even better is the fact that this is REAL food. It’s not powdered or frozen, like so much of what you are told to eat on other diet plans.
You will receive freshly prepared meals, right to your door, once a week. Not only a yummy breakfast, lunch and dinner but a snack, as well. There are over 50 meal and dessert combinations, you can choose from. (Yes, you even get to customize your weekly menu.)
Popularity: 5% [?]
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