Nutritional Approach for Alzheimer's disease

In today's Boston Globe their is an article www.boston.com/dailydose entitled "Is Alzheimer's Disease akin to type 3 Diabetes?"  This article discusses research that has found that persuasive evidence linking diet to the development of Alzheimer's disease.  Guess what- The researchers discovered that eating a diet in whole foods, low glycemic carbohydrates (low sugar, low processed foods, and little pasta, rice, potatoes, breads,  baked goods, and other starchy foods), limiting excess fat, and limiting nitrates (cured meats such as hot dogs, salami, and sausages), and exercising, has shown to help reduce the incidence of alzheimer's.  Could it be that eating the way ZonePerfect Cooking Made Easy, by Gloria Bakst suggests will help you reduce not only diabetes, heart disease and obesity but also help with reducing the incidence of Alzheimer's disease.  If you want to preview some great low glycemic recipes that are tasty and flavorful go to http://www.chefgloriab.com/healthy-recipes.html.  If you need help preparing meals Chef Gloria B will help.  Contact her at Gloria@ChefGloriab.com or visit http://www.chefgloriab.com/personal-chef-service.html

Quit Smoking: A Nutritional Guide

Quit Smoking:  A Nutritional Guide

There are plenty of studies linking cigarettes to various diseases and health problems, and many people have surely witnessed disturbing ads on TV, which illustrate the dangers of cigarettes by featuring former smokers who use tracheotomy devices to speak or bear scars from removal of a diseased lung.  It’s clear that smoking is bad for our health.  This increased awareness hopefully sparks more people to quit the habit, but the process is no doubt a test of determination and willpower.  Focusing on a holistic plan that emphasizes nutritious foods and exercise can help ease the process of kicking cigarettes to the curb—for good.

Many smokers fear that quitting will cause weight gain.  Smoking cigarettes burns an extra 200-250 calories per day, depending on the number of cigarettes and the smoker.  This can slightly elevate their metabolism.  Nicotine also acts an appetite suppressant, so smokers tend to eat less.  Quitting smoking can easily pack on the pounds for smokers who grab a cigarette because they're stressed or want to feel calm.  They may replace smoking with food, and since starchy and sweet foods that are high in carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, just like nicotine, quitters-in-progress can make the mistake of turning to unhealthy foods to get a similar fix.

In 2007, Duke University Medical Center conducted a study that showed dairy products, vegetables and fruits can help break the smoking habit.  Nineteen percent of participants reported that dairy products worsened the taste of cigarettes, 14 percent had a similar effect with non-caffeinated beverages, and 16 percent reported the effect with vegetables and fruits.  However, alcohol, caffeinated beverages and even meat, enhanced the flavor of cigarettes. 

With the average person gaining four to 10 pounds after quitting smoking, choosing low-glycemic foods that are filling and help regulate blood sugar levels can help control weight.  Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, along with lean, protein-rich sources such as beans, fish and egg whites, can result in a satisfying meal that’s low in bad fats and high cholesterol.  Providing the body with proper nutrition from natural foods boosts antioxidants, aiding the immune system that might have been damaged by smoking.

Smoking is both physically and emotionally addictive, which only increases the difficulty of quitting.  However, a smoker can choose from several options to help gain support in their journey.  Consulting a doctor on a regular basis to help with exercise and nutrition plans or joining a support group can aid in recovery.  Choosing to participate in a holistic drug rehab program is also beneficial, as these programs emphasize a detoxification process through proper nutrition, exercise, and spiritual exploration to help understand emotions and deal with stress.  By discovering what led the person to smoke in the first place, they might be less likely to relapse and start again.

It’s important to remember that quitting is a process—smokers who are trying to quite should be patient with their body and allow it to detoxify the natural way with proper nutrition. They should avoid crash diets and give their body time to restore its balance so it can provide for them in the future, smoke-free.

Written By: Alex Kerwin is a creative writer from Florida who has a passion for health and wellness.  In addition to guest posting, he writes for Best Drug Rehabilitation, to spread awareness on the benefits of drug rehab to those in need.

If you are interested in learning how to cook or have someone prepare foods that will help you quit smoking email me at Gloria@ChefGloriaB.com or visit my website www.ChefGloriaB.com

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome & Type 2 Diabetes, Treatment

Do you or anyone you know have PCOS, otherwise known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?  Or do you have or know anyone who has Type 2 diabetes?  You maybe surprised to learn that the treatments for both diseases are remarkably similar.  Both can be managed with lifestyle changes.  Both have the similar drug    treatments recommended.  If you or someone you know has this drugs aren't necessary,  if they make significant changes in their lifestyles through diet and exercise.

Getting 5 days of exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes is very important. The exercise needs to raise your heart rate to get maximum benefit.  Walking, biking, running, swimming, dancing, single's tennis, rowing, kayaking are some of the vigorous exercises that will help with changing your conditions.

The diet part is the other big piece of the picture.  Eating a balance of lean protein (fish, soy, eggs, or egg whites, low fat diary products, white meat chicken & turkey, bison, or very lean cuts of beef) (approximately palm size and thickness), low glycemic, high fiber carbohydrates, and some monounsaturated fats at each meal will help change your conditions.  Staying away from sugar and sweetened drinks will help you reach your health goals.

For a list of the top high fiber foods with recipes, go to http://www.chefgloriab.com/high-fiber-foods.html
If your looking to improve your health and confused about how to get healthy see www.balancednutritionallifestyles.com  We can help make it easy, simple, and delicious.  Try some of our free recipes to help you get started with your new lifestyle. We can teach you how to make them or do it for you with our personal chef services.