Josh Perez Fitness

Did you know that your digestive tract contains more than 400 types of “friendly” bacteria? This bacteria, commonly referred to as probiotics (which means “pro-life”), help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Probiotics are live bacteria with clinically-documented health benefits. It appears that when the digestive system is kept healthy, other body systems greatly benefit as well.

Health Benefits:

• Protect against infection
• Enhance and boost the immune system
• Promote and improve digestive health
• Promote urinary and genital health
• Assist in the management of inflammation
• Alleviate diarrhea caused by antibiotic treatments
• Help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance
• Improve some types of eczema in infants and children
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Decrease the risk of certain cancers

It is important to note that each type of friendly bacteria has a specific health benefit to the body. With over 400 different types of probiotics identified, researchers are just starting to uncover the health roles and benefits of each.

Food Sources

• Yogurt
• Drinkable, squeezable yogurts
• Fermented milk such as sweet acidophilus milk
• Kefir
• Fluid milk with added probiotics

Through fermentation, probiotics enhance the flavor and texture of these particular dairy products. Dairy foods actually buffer your stomach acid and bile, thereby protecting the probiotics from the stomach acid so that they can reach the intestines.

Raw (unpasteurized) yogurt is loaded with bacteria. Most yogurts today are pasteurized and these bacteria are killed. However, some friendly bacteria are added back. Look for a yogurt that contains the “live and active culture” sign on the label. Pay close attention to the expiration date because these live bacterial cultures can diminish with time.

Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements are available in a variety of forms, such as freeze dried powder, capsules, wafers, and liquids. Remember to exercise caution before using a probiotic supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements in the same way as it regulates medication. Legally, manufacturers can sell supplements, even with little or no research on how well it works or how safe it is. Supplement and medication reactions can occur, therefore seek the guidance of your health care provider before using any probiotic supplement.

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Compare The Top 7 Online Diets For 2009

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 online diet sites 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: Get two weeks of free food with NutriSystem! and Introducing NutriSystem Flex™, the program that gives you weekends off while still losing weight for $7 a day

   




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: APR30C good until 4-30-09

   




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: Use Promo Code SAVE25 to 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.

   

For hundreds of thousands of years, people have been using healthy aphrodisiacs (a drug or other agent that stimulates sexual desire) from herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, insects, and animal organs to enhance their sexual love lives. How effective are these healthy food aphrodisiac stimulants? According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not very effective at all. In fact, in 1989 the FDA asserted that there was no scientific evidence that aphrodisiacs have any effect on libido whatsoever. Still, many people claim that certain foods put them in the mood. Here’s a list of 8 legendary healthy aphrodisiacs that are safe for you and your partner to use!

1. Oysters

Some people say it’s because they’re high in zinc, while others say it’s because they resemble a woman’s vulva — either way, oysters are among the world’s oldest reputed aphrodisiacs. Try some fresh oysters on the half shell with a squirt of lemon juice and some hot sauce. Or make it more interesting and try some oyster shooters with your partner.



2. Strawberries

These delicious summer berries are considered erotic because of their likeness to nipples. They’re also a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, and water. Eat them on their own, or add them to your favorite salad, smoothie, or dessert. If you want to multiply the berries’ “aphrodisiac” powers, dip them in warm chocolate or hot fudge!



3. Ginseng

Many aphrodisiacs gain their reputation because of their resemblance to sexual organs. This is true for ginseng, an Asian herb used to boost immune function, whose name means “man root.” According to the FDA, “Ginseng has been looked on as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina, and India.” Studies have shown that ginseng may sexually stimulate animals, but there is no conclusive evidence that it has any effect on a human’s sexual response.



4. Chili Peppers

Chilies contain capsaicin, a compound that makes the peppers spicy. Which is also a natural diuretic. Capsaicin will also raise your heartbeat, cause you to perspire, and release endorphins that may trigger feelings similar to those experienced during sexual arousal. Chili peppers are good for you too — they contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and double the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits.



5. Avocado

The avocado has long been considered an aphrodisiac. Its ancient Aztec name, ahuacatl, actually means “testicle,” and the fruit was associated with fertility. Avocados are also considered to be a super food because they are high in antioxidants, fiber, and monounsaturated fat. This “good” fat has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Remember, you need positive fat to burn fat!



6. Asparagus

Known in the world of erotic foods for its phallic form, asparagus is also rich in vitamins and minerals and high in fiber. There are many ways you can take advantage of this tasty veggie — steam it, grill it, roast it, or throw it in some pasta or a stir-fry. After 15 minutes or so after you consume this vegetable your urine develops a strange odor — it’s just a natural chemical reaction that will go away once the asparagus has been fully digested.



7. Honey

Ancient customs encouraged newlyweds to drink mead, a fermented drink made with honey, to increase fertility and add sweetness to the marriage. But you don’t need mead to sweeten your relationship — enjoy honey on its own, dissolved in tea, or in place of sugar. Honey is also known for its cancer-fighting antioxidants and wound-healing powers.



8. Chocolate

Lastly we have chocolate! Full of disease-fighting antioxidants, chocolate is now considered a super food with potential health benefits. But through the ages, it’s been linked to love and romance thanks to its effect on neurotransmitters and endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals) in the brain. When indulging, try to choose dark chocolate with at least 60 percent cacao — the more cacao the better, since this is probably the source of chocolate’s health benefits. Don’t overdo it, though, because this sweet treat is still high in calories! You can enjoy another post of mine titled the “7 Misconceptions Of Chocolate.“

Refer to my Fitness Products – Deals and Fitness Products – Store for your savings on all major fitness brands.

Choosing to have weight loss surgery is an important and complicated decision. You will need to have detailed discussions with the physicians involved in your care in addition to doing your own research! Print out this checklist I provided to take with you on your next doctor’s appointment to cover some preliminary questions about your potential weight loss surgery.

• What types of weight-loss surgery are available, and how do they differ?
• Have I explored other weight-loss options to the extent that I should?
• Are my expectations of weight loss after surgery realistic?
• Do I have weight-related conditions that could be aided by surgery, such as heart or
  lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obstructive sleep apnea?
• Do I have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or over, or a BMI of 35 with an obesity-related condition?
• If I elect to have surgery, what can I expect during recovery? What type of diet and exercise plan will I need to follow after surgery?
• Is there a reputable surgeon in my area who can perform this surgery?
• Does my insurance cover any costs for weight-loss surgery? How much does surgery cost?
• What other costs can I expect to incur?
• How many patients typically have some type of follow-up cosmetic surgery? What does that usually cost?
• Am I fully aware of what this surgery means for me?
• What should I tell my family and friends to make sure they are supportive of me if I choose to have this surgery?
• What are the risks of this surgery? How will I handle potential problems of surgery, such as excess skin or returning to old eating habits?

Honestly, choosing to have weight loss surgery should be the absolute last resort. I always recommend consulting a personal trainer on a lifestyle change first as opposed to the miracle pill! The cost – benefit ratio will save you quite a bit. Remember, the personal trainer will supply you with a lifetime of education to maintain and keep a healthy lifestyle.

Refer to my Fitness Products – Deals and Fitness Products – Store for your savings on all major fitness brands.

Up to 80 percent of those with diabetes go on to develop heart and blood-vessel diseases. Because of this strong link with heart disease, it’s important for those with diabetes to take extra steps to protect their health. If you already have diabetes, you can delay the progression of the disease.

You can prevent or slow the development of heart, blood vessel, and other complications by following a heart-healthy lifestyle and by knowing what type of foods to consume, in particular, the correct percentages of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. I recommend the eDiets Living with Diabetes Meal Plan program which is offering a get one FREE week of meals with your first eDiets order. Here is the following list of diabetes-specific steps to take:

1. Check with your doctor about physical activities that are best for you.
2. Eat your meals and snacks at around the same times each day.
3. Take your diabetes medicine at the same times each day.
4. Check your blood sugar every day. Each time you check your blood sugar, write the number in your record book.
5. Call your doctor is your numbers are too high or too low for 2 to 3 days.
6. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
7. Take any prescribed medication for other conditions, such as coronary heart disease.
8. Check with your doctor about taking aspirin each day if you have heart disease.
9. Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day.

In order to promote the awareness of diabetes, the America’s Diabetes Superstore.com is offering a free glucose monitor. Click here to receive a Free Glucose Monitor.. Also, you can recieve a Free Diabetes Self Management Subscription from American Diabetes Wholesale, to help promote the awareness of this disease.