<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title> &#187; Obesity and Weight Loss</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/category/nutrition/obesity-and-weight-loss/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:03:53 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Annual Cost of the Obesity Epidemic</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3986/the-annual-cost-of-the-obesity-epidemic-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3986/the-annual-cost-of-the-obesity-epidemic-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:29:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3986</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Obesity is no longer something that hides in the fog, waiting to be discussed over quiet dinners in shadowy corners. More than 26 percent of Americans are obese, with an additional 40 percent considered overweight, and the numbers have yet to level off. The latest research, published in the journal Health Affairs and presented at [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Obesity is no longer something that hides in the fog, waiting to be discussed over quiet dinners in shadowy corners. More than 26 percent of Americans are obese, with an additional 40 percent considered overweight, and the numbers have yet to level off. The latest research, published in the journal Health Affairs and presented at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Weight of the Nation conference in Washington, reveal that the numbers are rising, and the costs are starting to take their toll in more ways than simply upon an individual&#8217;s longevity and health.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.lowdensitylifestyle.com/media/uploads/2009/11/Brum_hit_by_obesity_epidemic_399933639.jpg" alt="" width="465" height="300" /></p>
<p>In 1998, obesity-related conditions accounted for roughly 6.5 percent of all medical spending. In 2008 those numbers exceeded nine percent, demonstrating close to a three percent gain. Not only is obesity dangerous for health, but research is demonstrating its great expense. The research published in Health Affairs showed that obese individuals spend roughly $1,400 more each year on medical expenses than individuals who are of normal weight. The overall nationwide numbers are $147 billion, nearly double the rate 1998.</p>
<p>And here is the really disturbing part: of that $147 billion, the costs reflect only the costs necessary to care for diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments which plague individuals who are overweight and obese. The $147 billion figure does not factor in such procedures as tummy tucks, stomach stapling, liposuction, weight-loss pills and supplements and the hundreds of other ways individuals spend their money endeavoring to find ways to lose weight. The bottom line is that obesity is costing the nation more than just their health: it is costing them their life savings.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>The Study</strong></p>
<p>A recent study was performed by the non-profit research group called RTI International. Their lead economist Eric Finklestein had a very blunt statement to give lawmakers in regards to the health care system: “Unless you address obesity, you&#8217;re never going to address rising health care costs.”</p>
<p>Economists have been warning for years that obesity was a driving force behind rising health spending, but it has taken close to a decade for individuals to realize that the theories and warnings were true. And while diabetes, for example, costs $190 billion a year to treat, excess weight is the single greatest risk factor for developing diabetes. Not to mention that obese individuals suffering from diabetes are also the most difficult to treat, due to their higher risk of complications, such as foot ulcers and amputations.</p>
<p>30 percent – one third of the entire nation are obese. And this study did not even take into account individuals who are simply overweight, but not yet obese-this is adds another 40 percent to the already bleak picture.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>The Cause</strong></p>
<p>There are a wide variety of factors that contribute to the rising numbers in obesity across the nation. America has largely become a sedentary nation. Almost everyone has a car that they drive to work and/or sit at a desk for at least eight hours a day. With little time to prepare healthy meals, they subsist on a diet of quick snacks packed with preservatives and additives, such as meal bars and fast food.  It is estimated that over 60% of Americans are regularly active at a gym, but the problem is that they are compensating for the workout by treating themselves to a latte or a muffin.</p>
<p>Obesity is considered to be a preventable cause of death. It is estimated that only 6% of all obesity cases are a result of genetics. The other 94% of individuals suffering from obesity are obese simply because they have chosen to pursue a sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy food choices.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, the widespread availability of nutritional guidelines has done little to stem the tide of overheating and poor dietary choice. For example, from 1971 to 2000 the rates of obesity in the United States alone increased from 14.5 percent to 30.9 percent.</p>
<p>It is not completely a food issue, however. Sedentary lifestyles also play a significant role in the obesity epidemic, with a worldwide shift towards work that is less physically demanding than it was even half a century ago. Where children used to spend hours in physical activity, they are now sitting inside playing on their computers, their PlayStations, and their Wiis. Recreational sports requiring physical activity have dropped dramatically around the world as television and computer games have come to replace the physical activities of old.</p>
<p>Still, if you truly desire to be in good shape and not part of the problem that is contributing to the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on wasted healthcare, then taking the steps to become healthy is quite simple. Eat the right type of food, exercise regularly, and stop living your life focused upon the television and computer screen. Take control of your life, or you may find yourself winding up as a statistic.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3986/the-annual-cost-of-the-obesity-epidemic-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Weight Loss via Natural Cleansing</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3807/weight-loss-via-natural-cleansing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3807/weight-loss-via-natural-cleansing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 19:56:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural cleansing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weight loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3807</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Interest in weight loss has never been higher, and it is easy to understand why as America’s obesity epidemic has become front-page news.  But as story after story illustrates, individuals who “diet” rarely lose the weight permanently.  Too often their weight ends up on the so-called ‘yo-yo’ path, rising and falling as the new miracle [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Interest in weight loss has never been higher, and it is easy to understand why as America’s obesity epidemic has become front-page news.  But as story after story illustrates, individuals who “diet” rarely lose the weight permanently.  Too often their weight ends up on the so-called ‘yo-yo’ path, rising and falling as the new miracle diet or pill of the month is used than abandoned, in the search for the perfect simple solution. To make matters worse, doctors have discovered another hidden danger to this type of dieting: nutritional deprivation.</p>
<p><strong>An Alternative to Traditional Dieting</strong></p>
<p>Nutritional cleansing is one way to jump-start a healthy eating plan, while flooding the body with the crucial vitamins and nutrients to avoid a drop in metabolic rates.  A quality nutritional cleanse will provide fluids, vitamins and minerals to naturally enhance energy levels and eliminate toxins from the body. Individuals often report feeling brighter and more “alive” because the body is not taxed by the digestive process and it receives the necessary nutrients for maintenance and purification.</p>
<p>Nutritional cleansing which mandates significant quantities of water to be consumed, which aids both in maintaining metabolic rates and eliminating toxins and the layer of fat cells encapsulating same.  The more fluid consumed, the more efficiently the metabolic process operates, and hence the greater number of calories used.</p>
<p>Bodies work optimally, as would be expected, when they are not battling a host of impurities.  From chlorine and fluoride in our water, carbon monoxide and particulate matter in our air, chemicals and preservatives in the foods we consume, the burden of our modern environment places tremendous strains on our bodies, depleting our resources.  A nutritional cleanse is one way to eliminate those toxins, allowing the body to function as a well-tuned engine, provided that the individual embarks upon a largely unprocessed source of nutrition, a premium multivitamin/mineral complex, antioxidants and a consistent fitness regimen. If these steps are taken, and periodic purification through nutritional cleansing is undertaken, the risks of obesity, invading toxins and associated diseases may be significantly curtailed. While of course genetic factors may come into play, reducing the levels of toxins in the body is one very simple way to reduce the risks associated with disease and illness.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://bestcoloncleaning.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553eddd3788340120a89ec744970b-800wi" alt="" width="387" height="400" /></p>
<p><strong>Rest as Important as Exercise</strong></p>
<p>Nutritional cleansing requires rest to enable the body to maximize the benefits of the cleansing ritual. Rest has several important benefits for in any weight loss plan.  It allows the body to devote the necessary resources to eliminating toxins and impurities.  If one considers the unprecedented number of pollutants in today’s world, it is apparent that significant work is required of the body to eliminate such toxic build-up. Since it is impossible to avoid all forms of toxicity present in the modern environment, steps not required in the past are now a necessity in today’s world of pesticides, automobile emissions, contaminated water supplies, generically-enhanced foods, and hormone-injected meats.</p>
<p>Two natural hormones, leptin and ghrelin, have been shown to be a critical factor in one’s perception of hunger and these hormones are directly affected by the amount and quality of sleep. Give yourself the gift of sleep – for many reasons – but particularly during a deep nutritional cleanse. The results may well amaze you in their efficacy and speed.</p>
<p>When considering your weight loss goals and strategies, consider nutritional cleansing as a way to start yourself on the path to a leaner, stronger you.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3807/weight-loss-via-natural-cleansing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Health Conditions Associated With Obesity</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3805/health-conditions-associated-with-obesity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3805/health-conditions-associated-with-obesity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 19:49:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health conditions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[obesity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3805</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The success of the TV show “Biggest Loser” has brought the dangers of obesity to the American public.  The show follows overweight contestants who vie to lose the greatest amount of weight over a set period of time.  The show follows the participants through the trials and tribulations associated with the difficult task of weight [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The success of the TV show “Biggest Loser” has brought the dangers of obesity to the American public.  The show follows overweight contestants who vie to lose the greatest amount of weight over a set period of time.  The show follows the participants through the trials and tribulations associated with the difficult task of weight loss, while demonstrating healthy eating and exercise habits.  Although most individuals do not have the luxury of a personal trainer, or the ability to exercise as many hours per day as do the contestants, the healthy habits demonstrated do indeed highlight the significant benefits of a healthy diet and exercise regimen.</p>
<p><strong>The Dangers of Obesity</strong></p>
<p>Obesity is key risk factor for many dangers, not the least of which is an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.  Each pound of fat contains between 100 and 500 miles of capillaries, depending upon the estimate.  Even using the lower figure, the heart of an overweight individual might require blood to be pumped through an additional 5,000 miles of blood vessels!  The liver of an overweight or obese individual also quickly becomes impaired, usually resulting in non-alcoholic steatorrhoeic hepatosis, or fatty liver disease.  In this disease, healthy areas of the liver are replaced by adipose tissue, which does not serve the same function as healthy liver cells, namely that of cleansing waste from the body.  Once the liver becomes impaired by fat, the risk of developing numerous diseases rises, particularly autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://conservativehome.blogs.com/torydiary/images/2007/10/18/barrie_free2bme.gif" alt="" width="470" height="347" /></p>
<p>High cholesterol is also common amongst overweight and obese individuals, and the cholesterol-lowering drugs that many are prescribed place an additional burden upon an already impaired liver.  Women must exercise particular care, especially those planning to have children.  Obesity places women in a new risk category for pregnancy.  Obese women have a higher incidence of complications for both mother and fetus.  The mother may develop gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure condition that can be quite severe if left untreated.  Obese women are also at much higher risk for caesarian deliveries, with the attendant risks associated with anesthesia and surgical procedures.</p>
<p><strong>Lesser Known Heath Risks</strong></p>
<p>Another danger wrought by obesity is sleep apnea.  This condition causes an individual to stop breathing for short periods while sleeping.  Daytime fatigue is increased, further straining the body.  Fatigue stresses the immune system, so obese individuals typically suffer from a host of issues and illnesses.  One very common condition, though not necessarily related to sleep apnea, is osteoarthritis.  The excess weight an obese individual carries presses upon joints.  Osteoarthritis typically appears first in the knees, back, and hips, making movement difficult and painful.  Once movement becomes painful, the obese individual typically avoids exercise, further exacerbating the already difficult process of weight loss.</p>
<p>As mainstream doctors become more familiar with obesity and its effect upon all factors of daily life, the list of health dangers it poses lengthens.  From an increased risk of various types of cancers to sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, obesity threatens every aspect of health.  Losing extra weight – and subsequently regaining health – should be a goal for anyone who wants to look and feel better, much less to reduce the risk factors for many diseases and illnesses.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3805/health-conditions-associated-with-obesity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>OBESITY:  A KILLER DISEASE</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3803/obesity-a-killer-disease/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3803/obesity-a-killer-disease/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 19:45:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[obesity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weight loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3803</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The results are in, and there is no question: obesity is a killer disease.  Yes, disease.  In 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized obesity as a disease.  It is listed as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and a variety of other ailments, including joint problems due to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The results are in, and there is no question: obesity is a killer disease.  Yes, disease.  In 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized obesity as a disease.  It is listed as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and a variety of other ailments, including joint problems due to the excess weight obese individuals carry.  The overweight and obese die at younger ages, in general, than individuals of normal weight.  The importance of maintaining a healthy weight, as well as obtaining adequate rest and exercise, cannot be overstated, especially in today’s hectic world.</p>
<p><strong>A Modern Phenomenon</strong></p>
<p>One hundred and fifty years ago, obesity was exceedingly rare.  Where it did exist, it was typically found in those with high incomes, but even that segment of society was rarely overweight.  Few labor-saving devices had been invented, much less the automobile.  As a result, we usually walked where we needed to go.  Farming was the primary means of food production, and goods purchased in town were carried home by hand. Children walked to school, and women stayed at home as child-rearing and home-maintenance constituted a full-time job in and of itself.</p>
<p>Compare that to today’s world, where we drive or take mass transportation.  We may sit at a desk all day, and the longest walk we make is to the copier.  We take elevators rather than the stairs, and eat food processed convenience foods.  At the end of the day we sit in front of the television while our children stare at video games.  In both instances, we are likely “nibbling” on a high-carbohydrate, refined sugar snack.  It is no wonder that obesity rates have skyrocketed.</p>
<p>The situation compounds itself because as we gain weight, we are much less likely to exercise.  We weigh more, making movement difficult.  But even moderate weight gain makes us much more sedentary. Coupled with the over-abundance of processed, refined food that lines supermarket shelves and a recipe for disaster ensues.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://topnews.in/health/files/obese_0.jpg" alt="" width="416" height="300" /></p>
<p><strong>The Consequences of Obesity</strong></p>
<p>Heart disease is the number one killer in America today, and one of the largest risk factors for heart disease is weight.  The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, and many medical professionals correlate this disease directly with the increase in the number of overweight Americans.  Many individuals with type 2 diabetes who lose the extra weight also eliminate this potentially dangerous disease. This one disease alone can be self-managed and defeated, in many cases, resulting in far fewer early deaths each year.</p>
<p>Early onset arthritis and related joint conditions are also linked directly to obesity.  Our bodies were never designed to carry “excess baggage” to the point where joints are stressed beyond their capacity. The strain over months and years eventually wears down the joints, compressing cartilage and making movement painful.  Many of us at that point turn to drug therapy, but losing the weight may reduce or eliminate the need for such medications, and their attendant side efects.</p>
<p>From inconvenience to illness to early death, obesity touches every part of an individual’s life, making it one of the most dangerous killers in American society today.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3803/obesity-a-killer-disease/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>THE DANGERS OF OBESITY</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3801/the-dangers-of-obesity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3801/the-dangers-of-obesity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 19:40:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[obesity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3801</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and is a serious issue in most developed countries.  Starting with the Industrial Revolution, labor-saving inventions were welcomed into our homes and workplaces, making us far more productive, but also far more sedentary.  We no longer beat the rugs; we vacuum carpeting.  We do not chop [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Obesity has become an epidemic in the United States and is a serious issue in most developed countries.  Starting with the Industrial Revolution, labor-saving inventions were welcomed into our homes and workplaces, making us far more productive, but also far more sedentary.  We no longer beat the rugs; we vacuum carpeting.  We do not chop wood; we turn up the thermostat.  Rather than walk to town or ride a horse, we drive a car.  And we rarely cook foods from scratch, rather we are far more likely to buy packaged foods for convenience, or have a meal in a restaurant.</p>
<p><strong>The Silent Killer </strong></p>
<p>But hidden in the midst of such convenience exist some recently-discovered dangers.  Eating more and moving less has created millions of Americans who are overweight, and tens of thousands who have reached the level of obesity.  Obesity is defined by the National Institutes of Health as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.  For someone 5’10” tall, that would equate to weighing over 209 pounds.  “Overweight” according to the BMI index, would be between 174 and 208 pounds, or a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.</p>
<p>The most dangerous aspect to obesity is that, in essence, it is a nearly silent killer. Weight is usually gained slowly enough so that the body adjusts, and the effects are not felt for some time.  Additionally, many of the most dangerous effects of obesity are hidden inside the body: the strain on the heart, narrowed arteries, and increased blood flow are not easily recognizable symptoms, and hence are easily ignored.  But sooner or later, if left unchecked, these tiny cracks in the foundation of one’s health will result in devastating consequences.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.natyu.com/images/stories/86132042ya5.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="312" /></p>
<p>Obese individuals have a 50% to 100% greater chance of dying from a given cause than those of normal weight.  To make matters worse, extra poundage stresses the body, compromising the immune system, causing such individuals to more easily fatigue, and depressing the immune system.  Thus, when an obese individual catches a cold, the flu, or other illness, he or she has far fewer resources for fighting the disease.</p>
<p>Obesity stresses the lungs as well as the heart, resulting in more labored breathing. Reduced lung function may lead to an increase in colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia.  Being overweight and obese has also been shown by several studies to be linked to an increased risk of cancer.  Often the specific tie between the cause and effect has yet to be identified, but research indicates that factors such as decreased immune system functionality or increase in the amount of adipose tissue, (where cancer cells are often found) may well play a significant role.  Lack of exercise is also a proven risk factor, especially for breast cancer.  A study by the Women’s Health Initiative showed that even 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking may reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 18%.</p>
<p><strong>The Good News</strong></p>
<p>The good news is that weight is a situation individuals can control.  Changes in diet, increases in exercise, talks with a doctor, and evaluation of the many products available to assist in the quest for lower weight can all have a positive impact.  Taking control of your weight is the first step in reducing the dangers of obesity to your overall health.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3801/the-dangers-of-obesity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Meal Replacement Powders</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3799/meal-replacement-powders/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3799/meal-replacement-powders/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 19:37:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Individualized Nutritional Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meal Replacement Powders]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3799</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the incidence of obesity in the American public has reached epidemic proportions, more and more individuals have begun searching for a way to lose weight that fits within their hectic lifestyles.  With time for exercise often difficult to find, reducing our food intake is the next best option. Meal Replacement Powders The most significant [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the incidence of obesity in the American public has reached epidemic proportions, more and more individuals have begun searching for a way to lose weight that fits within their hectic lifestyles.  With time for exercise often difficult to find, reducing our food intake is the next best option.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Meal Replacement Powders</strong></p>
<p>The most significant barrier to weight loss is food consumption. Reducing portion size, eliminating comfort foods, and relinquishing long-held habits are difficult for most. Endeavoring to conduct one’s daily affairs while famished is not the answer. And this is precisely why meal replacement powders can assist dieters.  Meal replacement powders are high-protein; nutrient-dense, low-fat powders intended to be mixed with milk, fruit juice, or water to create a complete and filling balanced meal.  Rather than take the time to prepare a meal or, worse yet, consume highly processed foods, one can quickly and easily prepare a healthy meal replacement shake that will satisfy cravings and satiates appetites in a healthy manner which support the nutritional requirements of the body at a very low caloric expense.</p>
<p>Furthermore, quality meal replacement powders have a low to moderate amount of carbohydrates, which may aid individuals with risk factors for diabetes to moderate their blood sugar levels.  Of course, one of the greatest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and many who lose sufficient weight have seen their diabetes disappear as well.  Additionally, meal replacements are low in sugar and cholesterol, two components that nearly everyone, not simply diabetics, should endeavor to minimize in their diets. Premium meal replacement powders have vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, with no artificial additives and only high-quality ingredients. Thus while losing weight; one is nourishing the body with healthy nutrients to enable optimal cognitive and physiological functionality.</p>
<p><strong>The Numbers</strong></p>
<p>How many calories does the average meal replacement powder consist of?  Most meal replacement powders contain 250-350 calories per serving.  Compared with the average fast-food meal consisting of 800-1000 calories, the majority of which are composed of sugar and fat and the benefits of meal replacement powders are easily discerned.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.bactolac.com/img/products-powders.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="243" /></p>
<p>While fruits, nut butters and other ingredients can be added to the meal replacement drink for variety, it is advisable to monitor the calorie count. With this caveat, it is clear that meal replacement powders are one of the easiest ways to continue to move towards enhanced health.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3799/meal-replacement-powders/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Is Food Better Consumed in a Raw Versus Cooked State for Ultra Nutrition?</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3743/is-food-better-consumed-in-a-raw-versus-cooked-state-for-ultra-nutrition/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3743/is-food-better-consumed-in-a-raw-versus-cooked-state-for-ultra-nutrition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:01:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Individualized Nutritional Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raw food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ultra Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3743</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Raw foodism started out as a trend amongst vegetarians and health buffs, but over the years it has transformed into its own lifestyle that promotes the consumption of raw foods, or rather foods that are consumed in an un-cooked and un-processed form. The belief is that raw food contains a variety of enzymes that are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Raw foodism started out as a trend amongst vegetarians and health buffs, but over the years it has transformed into its own lifestyle that promotes the consumption of raw foods, or rather foods that are consumed in an un-cooked and un-processed form. The belief is that raw food contains a variety of enzymes that are destroyed during the cooking or processing of the food; enzymes that would contribute to a healthy lifestyle. There are quite a few varieties of raw food groups, ranging from raw veganism, where only raw plant foods are consumed, to those who consume raw animal products and raw meat. There are typically three types of raw foodists: raw vegans, raw omnivores, and raw carnivores.</p>
<p>This lifestyle or philosophy towards food goes beyond simply the beneficial enzymatic properties in the food itself. Studies have shown that carrots contain a chemical known as falcarinol, which has been linked to significant decreases in the risk of tumor development in laboratory rats, and when a carrot is peeled and chopped prior to consumption, this chemical is released from the carrot and is reduced by 25% or more.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://freetheanimal.com/images/2010/02/Junk-Food.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="348" /></p>
<p>Some of the earliest research into raw foodism was conducted by E.B. Forbes and Dr. Edward Howell, both of whom argue that cooked food not only weakens the strength of an individual&#8217;s teeth, but also more importantly destroys some of the natural enzymes, which are critical aspect of proper health, especially in the digestive process. However, there are also downsides that should also be reviewed. For instance, some types of plants or even animals contain poisonous aspects, which, if consumed in raw format could potentially be dangerous. Furthermore, studies have shown that cooked tomatoes contain a greater percentage of lycopenes (the component that provides tomatoes with their red color) as opposed their raw counterparts. Studies by Dr. Rui Hai Lui and colleagues at Cornell University demonstrated that trans-lycopene rose by 54%, 171% and 164% during cooking times of 2 minutes, 15 minutes or 30 minutes, respectively.  Similarly, cis-lycopene levels rose by 6%, 17% and 35% and antioxidants increased by 28%, 34% and 62%.</p>
<p>Furthermore, raw vegans who refuse to consume any type of animal by-products are generally found to present with lowered bone density and corresponding ailments, such as tooth decay and osteoarthritis as a result of a severe lack of calcium in their bodies. Other raw omnivorous diets have resulted in severe underweight issues, and still others have shown severe vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B-12, when certain types of food groups are eliminated.</p>
<p>If you are interested in pursuing a raw food lifestyle, it is vital to discuss it with your licensed medical practitioner in advance. While it is true that there are certain benefits from consuming raw food, it is also important that you understand the potential side effects of certain types of food or animal by-products which need to be cooked in some manner prior to consumption. Before embarking on a certain diet, ensure that you are informed as to potential risks, and determine whether your individual constitution would benefit or do poorly from such a regime.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3743/is-food-better-consumed-in-a-raw-versus-cooked-state-for-ultra-nutrition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ginger: The Super-Herb</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3710/ginger-the-super-herb/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3710/ginger-the-super-herb/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:17:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Individualized Nutritional Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ginger Ginger is actually derived from the tuber side of the organic world, along with potatoes, turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. People eat ginger both whole as a delicacy or ground up and used as a spice. Some use it for its medicinal properties, and while it initially was only popular in Asia it has since [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Ginger</strong></p>
<p>Ginger is actually derived from the tuber side of the organic world, along with potatoes, turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. People eat ginger both whole as a delicacy or ground up and used as a spice. Some use it for its medicinal properties, and while it initially was only popular in Asia it has since spread throughout the rest of the world and is now a spice commonly associated with India, West Africa, and the Caribbean.</p>
<p>The smell of ginger is actually a unique combination of oils in the plant which are scientifically proven to increase the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and include a variety of analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, and antibacterial properties. In addition, ginger oil has been proven to prevent skin cancer in mice, and the University of Michigan conducted a research study that showed how these same oils can kill ovarian cancer cells. But there is much, much more to this little tuber than meets the eye.</p>
<p>Ginger has been used for culinary purposes for years. The younger roots are juicy and fleshy and have a fairly mild flavor, with many countries actually pickling them in vinegar or sherry as a way to preserve them for snacks. In addition, they can be stewed in order to create ginger tea, which many people enjoy with a slice of lemon or orange and a dollop of honey. The more mature roots are fibrous and nearly dry, with the juice from these geriatric elders being extremely potent to the point that very little cooking time is required. The mature roots are often used as a spice in Chinese and Indian cuisine, but beyond its simple flavor it can actually be used as a preservative, and has been proven to kill salmonella. Ginger is also used for candy, or for flavoring in such things as gingerbread, cookies, crackers, cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer.</p>
<p>In India, ginger is one of the main spices used in creating curry dishes, along with the curry itself. It is also commonly used to create candies. Ginger is often used as a base for chicken and meat dishes along with onions and garlic in Bangladesh, while individuals in Burma use it as a main ingredient in traditional medicines and as one of the main cooking spices. Asian cuisine uses it for a wide variety of purposes, and in America it is most commonly used for ginger ale and gingerbread, while the Caribbean uses it as a primary cooking spice, although Jamaicans actually make a ginger beer, as do residents of Corfu.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.inhabitots.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/04022010_01_ginger.jpg" alt="" width="537" height="420" /></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>The Medical Beauty of Ginger</strong></p>
<p>Ginger has a wide variety of beneficial properties, and its medicinal history goes back literally thousands of years. The FDA recognizes it as a generally safe product when used in medicines. Ginger can be used for issues as mundane as decreasing pain from arthritis, but also shows links to cholesterol-lowering properties and can be used as a blood thinner, both of which make it potentially useful for treating heart disease.</p>
<p>Ginger is also known to have an active component that helps work against certain forms of diarrhea, and in a variety of case studies has been shown to have positive effects for treating nausea as a result of sea sickness, motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy. In traditional medicine, ginger has a wide variety of uses that have yet to be scientifically proven. For example, ginger tea is a folk remedy for the common cold, and three or four leaves of Tulsi along with a snap of ginger on an empty stomach is considered a cure for congestion and coughs. Ginger ale and ginger beer are both known to have stomach-settling properties, much like Pepto-Bismol, and ginger water has been used to avoid heat cramps. Traditionally, ginger has also been used to treat inflammation, and there is current research which suggests that ginger could be useful for treating diabetes.</p>
<p>There are a wide variety of other examples, with many countries selling powdered ginger root in capsule form. In Burma, for example, ginger is combined with palm tree juice and boiled to prevent the flu. In India ginger is applied as a paste the temples to relieve headaches, in the Philippines it is used as a traditional drink to soothe a sore throat, and the United States uses the pill form to prevent motion and morning sickness.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Above and Beyond the Folk Remedies</strong></p>
<p>Research is currently ongoing testing the validity of ginger as a treatment for a wide variety of symptoms. As mentioned earlier, the University of Michigan showed that ginger powder could induce death in ovarian cancer cells. The University of Minnesota performed a similar study and found that ginger slowed the growth of colorectal cancer cells, although the most common form of usage in the United States is for motion sickness and morning sickness. There is also research examining its purported benefits as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis, in addition to being used as a remedy for common heartburn, usually when drunk in the form of a tea. Research has also shown that ginger can provide migraine relief because of its ability to stop prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation of blood vessels, and since Chinese medicine also uses ginger tea with brown sugar as a treatment for menstrual cramps, research is being considered on that front as well.</p>
<p>With thousands of years behind its name as a traditional medicine around the world, ginger could be considered as important as green tea. Not only does it taste delicious, but it has a wide variety of potential medical benefits as well.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3710/ginger-the-super-herb/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Overcoming the Difficulties of Losing Weight</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3687/overcoming-the-difficulties-of-losing-weight/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3687/overcoming-the-difficulties-of-losing-weight/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:00:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=3687</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Emotional Obesity There are a wide variety of causes which certain individuals claim have contributed to their obesity issues, but a variety of medical studies have shown only about 10% of obese individuals can actually attribute their weight to thyroid imbalances, nutritional deficiencies due to food allergies, or genetic issues; in particular to those linked [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Emotional Obesity</strong></p>
<p>There are a wide variety of causes which certain individuals claim have contributed to their obesity issues, but a variety of medical studies have shown only about 10% of obese individuals can actually attribute their weight to thyroid imbalances, nutritional deficiencies due to food allergies, or genetic issues; in particular to those linked to low levels of leptin, which is a protein hormone principally responsible for energy intake and expenditure (i.e., appetite and metabolism). The other 90% of obese individuals have other reasons for their issues with body weight, primarily psychological in nature.</p>
<p>Emotional eating, binge eating, binge dieting, lack of portion control, and various other factors contribute to emotional obesity. Emotional obesity directly leads to physical obesity, because the individual is essentially allowing their emotions to control their eating habits, their exercise routines, and to some extent their life.  In truth, the only person coming between weight loss and you…is you.  If you truly want to manage your weight and remove the emotional drivers, it is necessary to virtually delete negative beliefs prior to instigating positive actions. Once you are in the driver&#8217;s seat you can begin dictating the terms of when, where, how much, and what type of food you are eating.</p>
<p><strong>The Fat Facts</strong></p>
<p>Some individuals have suggested that they have an issue with weight loss as a result of a hypothyroid dysfunction. Since the thyroid is part of the system which manages our metabolism, proponents of this theory suggest that any sort of imbalance may result in a slower metabolism, which not only directly results in a slower loss of weight but, because the food is digested at a slower pace, actually decreases the effectiveness of your digestive tract. When your food is digested improperly, it raises toxicity levels within your body as the food remains within the intestines. As a side result, your hormone levels rise, and your body start to produce higher levels of fat.</p>
<p>But there is also another issue, which is binge dieting, or over-dieting. Many people who are overweight or obese believe that the best way to lose weight is through severe restrictions in calories. However, the body requires daily nutrition in order to perform at its highest levels of efficiency, and the only way to fuel your body is through the consumption of food. By starving yourself, you literally put your body into what is known as “famine” mode, whereby the metabolism of the body slows so drastically that any food consumed is turned instantly into fat, which is the body&#8217;s way of protect against a perceived threat of famine. Thus, rather than being used for energy, one actually increases their weight, thus frustrating their goals and leading to a cycle of depression and overeating. The only exception to this inevitable cycle is nutritional cleansing, wherein the body is provided with the necessary nutrients even though the calorie count is low; provided that such cleanses are limited to 2 days in a row, and such cleanses are used solely to ‘kick-start’ a sensible diet regimen. To stimulate a healthy metabolism, for most individuals (although not all), one should eat five to six small meals a day. The amount consumed should be just enough for the body to fully digest the food for energy, promoting what is known as the “feast” mode, wherein the body processes the daily caloric intake directly into energy, rather than storing it as fat.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>What About Exercise?</strong></p>
<p>There is no doubt that a regular fitness routine has a wide variety of health benefits. For starters, it stimulates the metabolism to remain in a “feast” mode, wherein the body is turning daily nutrition directly into energy. Furthermore, a regular fitness routine promotes a healthy cardiovascular system, which means that more blood is being pumped throughout the body, as well as more oxygen being transported to various organs, muscles and tissues, which in turn help to maintain hormone levels at an optimum level for the body.</p>
<p>However, the first step to losing weight is moving beyond the emotional need to eat. A recommended first step is to seek therapy, alternative or traditional, to understand why food is equated to comfort or used as a means to assuage loneliness or for other reasons beyond simply fueling the body.  The goal is to eliminate these non-productive, harmful beliefs, and to instead establish that eating is simply a necessary part of life, to be enjoyed yes, but in moderation, commensurate with the caloric requirements to maintain optimal weight.</p>
<p>Once the appropriate psychological state is established, work with a nutritionist or other dietary specialist to establish a nutritional plan which is best suited for your biochemistry, physical activity level and preferences.</p>
<p>At the end of the day by controlling beliefs and emotions that affect your approach to food, you have essentially put yourself in the driver’s seat where you can sit back and enjoy the ride.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.weightlossarizona.com/art/front.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="162" /></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/3687/overcoming-the-difficulties-of-losing-weight/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>When Eating Vegetables is not Enough</title>
		<link>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/2487/when-eating-vegetables-is-not-enough/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/2487/when-eating-vegetables-is-not-enough/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:37:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ultra Fitness Dynamics</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obesity and Weight Loss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[obesity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vegetables]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weight loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/?p=2487</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Vitamins and vitamin supplements supply specific nutrients to the human body and are vital for excellent health. Vitamin supplements are intended to offer nutritional or dietary value to those individuals who consume them, either filling in nutritional gaps or providing extra nutrients to produce a particular effect or cure a certain ailment. Therefore, supplements are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2721" title="Woman_Eating_Vegetables" src="http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Woman_Eating_Vegetables-300x203.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="203" />Vitamins and vitamin supplements supply specific nutrients to the human body and are vital for excellent health. Vitamin supplements are intended to offer nutritional or dietary value to those individuals who consume them, either filling in nutritional gaps or providing extra nutrients to produce a particular effect or cure a certain ailment.  Therefore, supplements are usually taken to complement the daily intake of food to provide additional vitamins that the body will be able to use. Taking vitamin supplements provides an opportunity for individuals to optimize their health, especially if their diet is lacking in one or more substances.</p>
<p><strong>What Are Vitamins?</strong></p>
<p>Vitamins can be defined as nutrients or organic substances that the body needs to maintain normal metabolic functioning. These substances are required for appropriate functionality and ongoing health. With only a few exceptions, vitamins are not produced actively by the body; but must be ingested either through an extremely well-balanced natural diet or through supplementation. In some cases, alternative means exist for obtaining certain quantities of vitamins that can be absorbed by the body. For example, the body absorbs vitamin D from sunlight. Another example of obtaining vitamins from a source other than food is the ingestion of vitamin supplements.<br />
<strong><br />
What Types of Vitamins Are There?</strong></p>
<p>Two different types of vitamins exist – water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Typically, water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins are found in different types of foods. This is the main reason why it is important to eat a varied diet.</p>
<p>Fat-soluble vitamins can be obtained by eating fatty foods. They are found in liver, butter, dairy products, and certain types of fish. The body stores these fat-soluble substances within the liver until such time as it needs them. The four fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.</p>
<p>Water-soluble vitamins can be obtained by ingesting a variety of vegetables and fruits. Since they are not stored in the body but are used immediately, it is necessary to ingest these vitamins on a regular basis. Typically, any excess water-soluble vitamins are eliminated by the body after it absorbs what it requires. The list of water-soluble vitamins includes vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin or vitamin B2, and Thiamin or vitamin B1. Since water-soluble vitamins are easy to eliminate through bodily waste, individuals are less likely to overdose on them.</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin Supplements</strong></p>
<p>Avoiding a nutritional deficiency is almost impossible.  The sad reality is that the majority of individuals do not consume sufficient varieties of unprocessed foods to ensure adequate nutrition.  Vitamin supplements may be used to complement the daily diet in an effort to provide the body with essential nutrients. From healthy skin to strong teeth and bones, vitamins offer the body an opportunity to maintain health and well being.   High premium quality vitamin supplements are readily absorbed by the body and provide an added advantage as well.  They can be purchased in particular quantities designed to treat a particular condition and restore specific areas of a person’s health; and are often used to counter medical imbalances and disorders.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com/2487/when-eating-vegetables-is-not-enough/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

