Josh Perez Fitness

Vitamins are organic components in food that are needed in very small amounts for growth and for maintaining good health. The vitamins include vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin K, or the fat-soluble vitamins, and folate (folic acid), vitamin B12, biotin, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin C (ascorbic acid), or the water-soluble vitamins. The energy components of nutrition are sugars, starches, fats, and oils, and these occur in relatively large amounts in nutrition.

Here are the essential vitamins and their vitamin duties:

• Vitamin A (Beta Carotene): Promotes growth and repair of body tissues; reduces susceptibility to infections; aids in bone and teeth formation; maintains smooth skin.
• Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin): Promotes growth and muscle tone; aids in the proper functioning of the muscles, heart, and nervous system; assists in digestion.
• Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin): Maintains good vision and healthy skin, hair, and nails; assists in formation of antibodies and red blood cells; aids in carbohydrate.
• Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide): Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood; maintains healthy skin, tongue, and digestive system; improves blood circulation.
• Vitamin B-5: Fortifies white blood cells; helps the body’s resistance to stress; builds cells.
• Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine): Aids in the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates; supports the central nervous system.
• Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin): Promotes growth in children; prevents anemia by regenerating red blood cells; aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, and fats.
• Biotin: Aids in the metabolism of proteins and fats; promotes healthy skin.
• Choline: Helps the liver eliminate toxins.
• Folic Acid (Folate, Folacin): Promotes the growth and reproduction of body cells; aids in the formation of red blood cells and bone marrow.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): One of the major antioxidants; essential for healthy teeth, gums, and bones; helps to heal wounds, fractures, and scar tissue.
• Vitamin D: Improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorous (essential in the formation of healthy bones and teeth) maintains nervous system.
• Vitamin E: A major antioxidant; supplies oxygen to blood; provides nourishment to cells; prevents blood clots; slows cellular aging.
• Vitamin K (Menadione): Prevents internal bleeding; reduces heavy menstrual flow.
• Vitamin B12: deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and, if severe enough, can result in irreversible nerve damage.
• Niacin: deficiency results in pellagra. Pellagra involves skin rashes and scabs, diarrhea, and mental depression.
• Thiamin: deficiency results in beriberi, a disease resulting in atrophy, weakness of the legs, nerve damage, and heart failure.
• Vitamin C: deficiency results in scurvy, a disease that involves bleeding.

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A balanced diet is an essential prescription for healthy and vibrant skin. The good news is that the foods that happen to be good for your skin are also good for your overall health. Many people find that the appearance of aging skin, wrinkles, thickening, discoloration, and decreased elasticity — is one of their biggest beauty concerns. While genetics largely determines when your skin starts to show these signs of aging, and the extent to which it shows them, environmental damage to your skin, as well as damage you cause yourself through lifestyle choices, can greatly accelerate this process.

Skin damage occurs as a result of oxidation, a chemical process in which unstable molecules called free radicals steal electrons from healthy cells. The most damaging oxidative stressors that we expose ourselves to are smoking and sunlight. You’re probably familiar with some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). Others, which you may be less familiar with, are collectively known as phytochemicals (there are hundreds of them), and they are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans.

To keep your skin looking youthful – well protected, and nourished focus on the foods that are good sources of the following nutrients and youthful skin antioxidants:

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen (which keeps skin firm) and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Scientific studies have found that when lab animals eat vitamin C — fortified food, their skin is better able to fight oxidative damage. It’s important, then, to replenish your skin’s vitamin C stores every day by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Good sources include bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), broccoli, cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, pineapple, snow peas, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelon. Best Vitamin C Supplement

Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes and guards your skin against damage from the sun’s UV radiation. Some research has suggested that vitamin E may work in combination with vitamin C to provide an extra degree of anti-aging skin protection. However, because recent studies have raised some questions about the safety of vitamin E supplements, this nutrient should come from your diet, not from high-dose pills. It’s best to stick with food sources like wheat germ, fortified whole-grain cereals, nuts and seeds, olive oil, Swiss chard, and spinach, as well as the small amount of vitamin E found in a multivitamin. Best Vitamin E Supplement

Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene, another antioxidant that’s critical for skin health, is converted to vitamin A in the body and is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues. It may also protect your skin against sun damage. In extremely high doses, however, pure vitamin A from supplements can be toxic, so be sure to avoid them unless a doctor has recommended them and is closely supervising you. Beta-carotene from foods like apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, red bell peppers, mangoes, pumpkin, and sweet potato is sufficient and entirely safe for your skin.
Best Beta – Carotene Supplement

Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that helps protect the skin from sun damage; it also helps the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Selenium obtained from food has been shown to reduce sun damage and even prevent some skin cancers in animals. Be sure to avoid selenium supplements, however. The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial found that people with a high risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers who took selenium supplements actually had a 25 percent increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas. The best food sources for selenium are Brazil nuts (no more than 1 or 2 nuts a day because the selenium is so concentrated), tuna (canned, light), crab, oysters, whole-wheat pasta, lean beef, shrimp, whole-wheat bread, turkey, wheat germ, chicken breast, mushrooms, and eggs.
Best Selenium Supplement

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Although not classified as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers — allowing water and nutrients in but keeping toxins out. These healthy fats also reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may translate into fewer skin breakouts. Omega-3s also seem to offer the skin protection against sun damage. In a study of skin cancer, people who ate diets rich in fish oils and other omega-3 fats had a 29 percent lower risk of squamous cell skin cancer than those who got very little omega-3 fats from food. Good food sources include wild salmon, herring, mackerel (but not king), sardines, anchovies, flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans.
Best Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplement

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If you’re serious about losing weight and getting fit, you need to be serious about making your home workouts count. No matter how small your apartment or home, designate a specific workout area. This will be the place you head to when it’s time for your scheduled workout. Clear the area of any clutter or distractions — including television and movies. You won’t be concentrating on your movements if you’re in the middle of watching your favorite movie or even watching your kid(s) play.

Kick Up The volume:
Music is the one distraction that can actually help you exercise better. It gets your blood pumping and boosts your enthusiasm for working out. Skip the elevator music and choose tunes with a moderate-to-fast beat to really get you moving. If the lyrics are motivating, that’s even better. In fact, create your own exercise music mix from your iTunes library.

Keep Track:
Even though you’ll be working out five days a week, it can be hard to remember exactly how much weight you used for each of the movements. So keep track by writing it down! Keeping a record of your workouts can also be quite motivating. Your Journal is a great tool to help you with this. You’ll be able to take a look back at your progress and see how much you’ve accomplished. Or perhaps if you didn’t lose the weight you wanted, it’s still fun to see how much strength you have gained.

Form Is Everything:
Pay close attention to the descriptions of the exercises and their accompanying photos. It’s okay to perform the movements slowly if you need to in order to get them right — it’s better than doing them inaccurately. Try not to use momentum or leverage to complete the moves — you’ll only be cheating yourself. If it helps you to see it on paper, remember that every exercise can be printed out.

Take A Few Seconds:
If you are feeling too wiped to complete an exercise set, take a break. Sit down on a ball and catch your breath for a few minutes, and then resume your workout where you left off. And if you have to, switch to a lighter weight to finish up the set. Be patient with yourself and allow your strength to increase gradually, and you’ll be pleased with the results you will see!

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Compare The Top 7 Diet Plans For 2010

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s report obesity is responsible for 300,000 adult deaths in the United States each year and are attributable to unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity. Therefore you need a specific plan of attack to understand what your body needs to eat. Your eating habits and proper percentages of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are unique as having your own “thumbprint.” That’s why online dieting is becoming the most effective and efficient method of getting introduced to a diet that works for you. I’ve reviewed all the major dieting sites targeted for the U.S. population. I welcome you to read all the reviews on this site and make your own decision. A great dieting service will not only give you a very comfortable and enjoyable experience, it will also increase your success in finding the results you need.

Below are the 7 of the best, reliable, and affordable diet plans ranked according to the number of people who sign up, customer service reviews, online features, and maximum weight loss in the shortest amount of time. Follow our links to visit the sites we recommend and read a more in-depth review of each diet site. Are you ready to have your body back?

1. 5 Factor Diet

   The 5 Factor Diet online provides a multitude of options and preparation for success. This plan is designed to give you results in five weeks! And it’s so easy and effective that you may naturally turn your five-week plan into a lifestyle and is proven successful by Hollywood stars. Harley Pasternak has worked with stars of song and stage for years, aiding them with weight loss and maintenance. Familiar clients include Jessica Simpson, Kanye West, John Mayer and Alicia Keys. If you’ve ever dreamed of having the well-cared-for bodies that they have, 5-Factor Diet is your chance. What’s included with the 5 Factor Diet program: Daily Meal Planner – Hundreds of Recipes – Personal Recipe Box – Shopping List Tool – Food Log – Cooking Shortcuts – Eating Out Guide – Custom Fitness Plan – Activity Calculator – Weight Tracker – Online Journal – Ideal Weight Calculator – Daily Inspiration Message Boards.
   Read my complete review of The 5 Factor Diet.
   Current Promotion: Start now with 5 free diet tips! See why celebrities love this plan. Easy & effective. Subscribe now!

   




2. Nutrisystem

   Live counseling, both online and via telephone, replaced the embarrassing traditional customer visits and now they can avoid the sales pitch process, and created a new and extremely private way for people to deal with difficult weight loss issues! Additionally, by way of online ordering, NutriSystem could now deliver its quality food and meal programs directly to consumer doorsteps, providing them with a convenient and streamlined way to learn more sensible eating habits and can concentrate on their weight loss. Clients just log-in, decide on a recommended meal plan, order their food, and once it arrives, they’re ready to eat. NutriSystem also offers vitamins and dietary supplements to clients, to ensure that their customers receive proper nutrition while concentrating on weight loss. What’s included with the Nutrisystem Diet: Mindset Makeover A 13-Week Interactive Strategy Tool – Weight & Measurement Log – Progress Tracker – Food Diary – Exercise Log.
   Read my complete review of The Nutrisystem Diet.
   Current Promotion: New! Free Bonus! JUMPSTART KIT featuring: NEW FlavorFulls fiber drinks, personal weight loss coaching, Quick Tips, and 24/7 hotline!

   




3. Duke Diet & Fitness

   The website is easy to navigate and very attractive. Many people have seen weight loss on this diet. The Duke Diet and Fitness team really breakdown your behavioral habits and realize what you are more to prone too with eating habits and exercise. The program is extremely precise on breaking down every single component that is necessary for you to get towards your weight loss goal. The Duke Diet and Fitness team make it as specific solution as possible for your own body, goal, and daily habits. I highly recommend this diet for anyone who wants to lose weight, or perhaps start a solid workout routine that works for your own body! The Duke Diet online program comes at a low cost at $4 per week! Get your customized online program now, which is based on your goals and body. Learn More.
   Read my complete review of the Duke Diet & Fitness program.
   Current Promotion: Get the Weight Off: Learn the 4 principles of proven weight loss. Free evaluation

   




4. Medifast Diet

   Medifast teaches you to eat well. I believe in the body’s natural ability to heal itself with proper nutrition and I believe in you and your ability to achieve real results with Medifast. Medifast offers you a choice rich menu of nutritionally complete products, support services and new opportunities to create a life of health, hope and happiness. Medifast is here to serve you, because you matter and the success of our clients truly inspires us to be your life-long and trusted partner in health. Medifast products are formulated with a High Fullness Index™ so you don’t get hungry. You lose weight quickly — up to 20 pounds a month — while learning how to eat healthier. Medifast Meals are formulated with low-fat protein and fiber, and fortified with vitamins and nutrients, so you lose pounds and inches without losing out on essential nutrition. The Meals’ low glycemic formula makes them perfect for people with type 2 diabetes. What’s included with the Medifast Diet: Message Boards – Order Form – Daily Success Tracker – Plateau Tips – BMI Calculator – Nutrition Details – Diabetic Guide.
   Read my complete review of The Medifast Diet.
   Current Promotion: Medifast – $50 off any purchase of $275 or more! Use Coupon Code: Jan31G good until 1-31-10

   




5. eDiets

   The eDiets Weight Loss Meal Plan and The Low Glycemic Impact Diet is our most popular meal plan because of its flexibility and convenience. It is a balanced approach to eating, providing 3 meals and 1 snack daily. Using familiar favorites, it never feels like a diet and is easy to follow. It helps teach lifelong eating habits based on portion sizes and moderation. Also, the Weight Loss Meal Plan is customized to your preferences. Based on the food pyramid, as well as recommendations from the American Heart Association, it provides 50-65% of your calories from carbohydrates, 20-25% of your calories from protein and less than 30% of your calories from fat. eDiets focuses on flexibility, convenience, and a healthy balance of your favorite foods. You will surely not get bored with this diet because your meals are adjusted weekly and designed with you in mind. The eDiets program follows a low calorie diet. If you are looking for a more specific kind of diet, just re-submit your eDiet free profile analysis. All of the Diets at eDiets include: Customized menus – recipes and convenience food options – A personalized fitness plan designed by trainers – live phone support from registered dieticians – plus 24/7 online member support – online community – motivating member challenges – eDiets Weight Loss Guarantee – if a customer’s weight loss goal isn’t reached in 6 months or less, eDiets will give them the next 6 months FREE!
   Read my complete review of The eDiets Program.
   Current Promotion: Save 25% at eDiets!

   




6. The Zone Diet

   The Zone Diet works by working the right ratio of carbohydrates to proteins and fats in order to control the insulin in the bloodstream. Too much of the hormone (insulin) can increase fat storage and inflammation in the body (conditions that are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease). Dr. Sears asserts that by using the Zone Diet you are actually optimising the body’s metabolic function. Through the regulation of blood sugar, you allow your body to burn excess body fat. Also, The Zone Diet is precisely in line with the dietary guidelines developed by the Joslin Diabetes Center and The Harvard Medical School for overweight and obese adults with Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes or at high risk for developing diabetes. What’s included with The Zone Diet: Zone Block & Body Fat Calculator – 7-Day Meal Planner – Quick Start Guide – Healthy Recipes – Dr. Sears blog – Fitness and Motivation blog.
   Read my complete review of The Zone Diet.
   Current Promotion: FREE 7 Day Meal Planner Kickstart Your Health & Wellness Regimen and SAVE 20%

   




7. South Beach Diet

   The South Beach Diet is not low-carb or low-fat. Instead, the South Beach Diet teaches you to change the balance of food you eat to emphasize health and weight-loss! You’ll do away with bad carbohydrates and bad fats, and start eating good fats and good carbohydrates. Once you sign up and start losing weight, they will customize your success plan and guide you through each of their three phases of weight loss. The South Beach Diet itself has some scientific flaws and many nutritionists and fitness professionals like myself would argue that its promise of losing 8-12 pounds in 14 days is a bit aggressive and may not be able to stand up against the test of time. While cutting out white flour, sugar, and processed foods from your diet is a great idea, the South Beach Diet is actually one of the most dangerous diets out there. I would use this diet for the protein rich healthy tasting recipes and as a crash diet! With the meals you should add in your own complex carbohydrates. By adding an additional 150-300 calories to each recommended meal, your are teaching yourself a healthy balanced way of eating. Whats included with The South Beach Diet: Meal Planner – Food preferences – Diet phase – Weight Tracker – Journal Tool.
   Read my complete review of The South Beach Diet.
   Current Promotion: Get exclusive access to recipes, advice, support. Free diet profile.

   

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This is a very tasty frozen berry yogurt recipe. Also it’s very healthy and great for a quick snack!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cup(s) berries, fresh, or frozen and partially thawed, (blackberries, or raspberries or a mixture of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries)
• 6 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup(s) yogurt, low-fat plain

DIRECTIONS

1. Prep Time: 10 mins
2. Combine berries, sugar and lemon juice in a food processor; process until smooth. Add yogurt and pulse until mixed in. If using fresh berries, transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
3. Transfer the berry mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. (Alternatively, freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan until solid, about 6 hours. Break into chunks and process in a food processor until smooth and creamy.)
4. Serve immediately or transfer to a storage container and let harden in the freezer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Serve in chilled dishes.

NUTRITIONAL INFO (Per serving):
Calories: 106
Saturated Fat: 0g
Sodium: 22mg
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Total Fat: 1g
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 6g

Servings: 1

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Thanks Mark for the article and thanks to Dr. Mao and his team for the research!

Soda, pop, cola, soft drink — whatever you call it, it is one of the worst beverages that you could be drinking for your health. As the debate for whether to put a tax on the sale of soft drinks continues, you should know how they affect your body so that you can make an informed choice on your own.

Soft drinks are hard on your health
Soft drinks contain little to no vitamins or other essential nutrients. However, it is what they do contain that is the problem: caffeine, carbonation, simple sugars — or worse, sugar substitutes — and often food additives such as artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives. A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Why the sugar in soft drinks isn’t so sweet
Most soft drinks contain a high amount of simple sugars. The USDA recommendation of sugar consumption for a 2,000-calorie diet is a daily allotment of 10 teaspoons of added sugars. Many soft drinks contain more than this amount!

Just why is too much sugar so unhealthy? Well, to start, let’s talk about what happens to you as sugar enters your body. When you drink sodas that are packed with simple sugars, the pancreas is called upon to produce and release insulin, a hormone that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. The result of overindulging in simple sugar is raised insulin levels. Raised blood insulin levels beyond the norm can lead to depression of the immune system, which in turn weakens your ability to fight disease.

Something else to consider is that most of the excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain and elevates risk for heart disease and cancer. One study found that when subjects were given refined sugar, their white blood cell count decreased significantly for several hours afterwards. Another study discovered that rats fed a high-sugar diet had a substantially elevated rate of breast cancer when compared to rats on a regular diet.

The health effects of diet soda
You may come to the conclusion that diet or sugar-free soda is a better choice. However, one study discovered that drinking one or more soft drinks a day — and it didn’t matter whether it was diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly. Diet soda is filled with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or saccharin. These artificial sweeteners pose a threat to your health. Saccharin, for instance, has been found to be carcinogenic, and studies have found that it produced bladder cancer in rats.

Aspartame, commonly known as nutrasweet, is a chemical that stimulates the brain to think the food is sweet. It breaks down into acpartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at a temperature of 86 degrees. (Remember, your stomach is somewhere around 98 degrees.) An article put out by the University of Texas found that aspartame has been linked to obesity. The process of stimulating the brain causes more cravings for sweets and leads to carbohydrate loading.

Carbonation depletes calcium
Beverages with bubbles contain phosphoric acid, which can severely deplete the blood calcium levels; calcium is a key component of the bone matrix. With less concentration of calcium over a long time, it can lower deposition rates so that bone mass and density suffer. This means that drinking sodas and carbonated water increases your risk of osteoporosis.

Add in the caffeine usually present in soft drinks, and you are in for even more trouble. Caffeine can deplete the body’s calcium, in addition to stimulating your central nervous system and contributing to stress, a racing mind, and insomnia.

Skip the soda and go for:

Fresh water
Water is a vital beverage for good health. Each and every cell needs water to perform its essential functions. Since studies show that tap water is filled with contaminants, antibiotics, and a number of other unhealthy substances, consider investing in a quality carbon-based filter for your tap water. To find out more about a high-performance filtration system, click here.

On the go? Try using a stainless steel thermos or glass bottle, filled with filtered water. Enhance the flavor of your water with a refreshing infusion of basil, mint leaves, and a drop of honey.

Fruit Juice
If you are a juice drinker, try watering down your juice to cut back on the sugar content. Buy a jar of organic 100% juice, especially cranberry, acai, pomegranate, and then dilute three parts filtered water to one part juice. You will get a subtle sweet taste and the benefit of antioxidants. After a couple of weeks, you will no longer miss the sweetness of sugary concentrated juices.

Tea

Tea gently lifts your energy and has numerous health benefits. Black, green, white, and oolong teas all contain antioxidant polyphenols. In fact, tea ranks as high or higher than many fruits and vegetables on the ORAC scale, the score that measures antioxidant potential of plant-based foods. Herbal tea does not have the same antioxidant properties, though it is still a great beverage choice with other health benefits, such as inducing calming and relaxing effects.

If tea doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, try adding cinnamon or a little honey, which has important health benefits that refined sugar lacks. For a selection of healthy teas that promote total body wellness, click here.

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At Yoga Accessories.com they understand that nothing that we sell can provide true happiness. YogaAccessories.com are dedicated to providing you with the best yoga, meditation, spiritual, wellness and holistic living supplies to support your well being and enrichment. YogaAccessories.com dedicated staff searches the globe to find craftspeople, manufacturers, vendors, designers and entrepreneurs that offer goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development. They have a knowledgeable team of web and retail professionals who all share a zeal for the practices of yoga and meditation.

Yoga Accessories.com understands that purchasing your yoga accessories over the internet can be confusing and impersonal. You have lots of choices, and the quality can vary considerably from company to company. At YogaAccessories.com, you will find a customer friendly environment where you can purchase high quality yoga accessories at some of the best prices on the internet.

Even if you are new to yoga or are just starting your own studio, Yoga Accessories.com will invest the time and use the experience that we have gained over the years to help you feel comfortable and confident about the choices that you are making. YogaAccessories.com have been selling high quality yoga accessories over the internet since 1997, longer than any of their competitors. During that time, not only have they serviced thousands of satisfied customers with the highest quality yoga supplies but also offer the best selection and most competitive prices available.

For more information about YogaAccessories please visit their website at YogaAccessories.com

Here are a few deals that YogaAccessories.com provides:

• Save 15% on retail orders over $50 at YogaAccessories.com. Use Code AFSAV15 at checkout. Expires 12.31.09.
• High Quality Yoga Accessories at Unbeatable Prices