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	<title> &#187; General Nutrition</title>
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		<title>Girl Scout Cookies &#8211; The Truth They Don&#8217;t Want You To Know</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/25/girl-scout-cookies-the-truth-they-dont-want-you-to-know/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/25/girl-scout-cookies-the-truth-they-dont-want-you-to-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:55:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3616</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s that time of year again &#8211; the Girl Scouts are peddling their cookies and we&#8217;re buying them up. But what is it about these cookies that the Girl Scouts don&#8217;t want you to know? When it comes to health, it doesn&#8217;t take a rocket scientist to know that eating a cookie isn&#8217;t good for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>It&#8217;s that time of year again &#8211; the Girl Scouts are peddling their cookies and we&#8217;re buying them up. But what is it about these cookies that the Girl Scouts don&#8217;t want you to know?<div id="attachment_3617" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 200px">
	<a href="http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/59021335.jpg"><img src="http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/59021335-200x300.jpg" alt="Girl Scout Cookies" title="CT  ct-cookies-0126 red" width="200" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-3617" /></a>
	<p class="wp-caption-text">Girl Scout Cookies - What They Don&#039;t Want You To Know</p>
</div></p>
<p>When it comes to health, it doesn&#8217;t take a rocket scientist to know that eating a cookie isn&#8217;t good for you, but let&#8217;s face it, having a treat every once in awhile makes life worth living. And as a nutritionalist, I have no problem with that. I tell my clients all the time, you have to live your life and having a treat once in awhile is okay, as long as the treat isn&#8217;t loaded with garbage.</p>
<p>What the Girl Scouts don&#8217;t want you to know is their cookies are loaded with garbage &#8230; a lot of garbage.</p>
<p>My issue is the Girl Scout cookies don&#8217;t have to be filled with garbage. When additives are put into the cookies for the shear reason of causing addiction and cheapening production at the health risk of those who consume, well, I have a MAJOR problem with that.</p>
<p>And you should too.</p>
<p>First, let&#8217;s cover the use of <a href="http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/03/09/myths-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup/" title="High Fructose Corn Syrup">High Fructose Corn Syrup</a> which is found in Girl Scout cookies. This is an extremely dangerous ingredient to use in ANY food. What was shocking to me is the Girl Scout organization officially commented <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/cookie_faqs.asp#cornsyrup" title="Why Girl Scout Cookies Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup">why they use High Fructose Corn Syrup</a> in their cookies:</p>
<blockquote><p>Our licensed vendors use a variety of ingredients in the production of Girl Scout Cookies, including, in some cookies, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). Our bakers have indicated that HCFS is a specifically helpful ingredient in the browning process, and helps cookies retain freshness. For those cookies where HFCS is used, our bakers indicate that it is a key ingredient in ensuring the quality of the cookie.</p></blockquote>
<p>Seriously, they are going to try and get you to believe that they use HFCS because it is helpful &#8220;in the browning process&#8221;? Really? You wouldn&#8217;t hear as much B.S. in the Republican debates! The real reason they use it? It is cheaper and more addictive than real sugar.</p>
<p>Corporations who sell food products know they can make more money two ways: make their product with cheaper ingredients or get people to consume more of them. HFCS allows them to do both.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s shameful.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s worse? You think you are supporting your local Girl Scout troop, but they only receive between 10-20% of the sales. That&#8217;s it. Why not just go door-to-door and ask for donations instead of selling a product that is detrimental to one&#8217;s health?</p>
<p>I will be straight up with you, as delicious as these cookies are, they are poison to your body, and they don&#8217;t need to be. If they would accept less profit and actually use natural ingredients, Girl Scout cookies could be much healthier. Using the cheapest ingredients to maximize profits and contributing to the sharp rise in obesity and diabetes &#8230; especially among juveniles, is morally wrong.</p>
<p>Stand up for what is right and pass on the Girl Scout cookies. Send a message that no matter how addicting of a product they try to make, the public is smart enough to pass.</p>
<p>If you need a healthy snack that will also satisfy your sweet tooth and also give your body the nutrition it is craving, turn to our <a href="http://www.medifasthealth.org/medifast-meals/medifast-for-snacks.php" title="Medifast Snacks">snack items to lose weight</a> and feel better. We never use high fructose corn syrup as our meals are designed with your health in mind. After all, our diet has been recommended by more than 20,000 since 1980, that&#8217;s over 30 years. There is a reason why Medifast is the last diet people try because it works and it can for you too.</p>
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		<title>Blending Smoothies to Lose Weight and for Better Health!</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/20/blending-smoothies-to-lose-weight-and-for-better-health/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/20/blending-smoothies-to-lose-weight-and-for-better-health/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:50:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Diet Foods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3614</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You want to be healthier. The fastest way to better health and skinnier waistlines is by changing your diet. You already know this as it isn&#8217;t breaking news. It is difficult to always eat the “required” fruits and vegetables you need a day&#8230;five plus servings a day. If you are one who has a hard [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>You want to be healthier. The fastest way to better health and skinnier waistlines is by changing your diet. You already know this as it isn&#8217;t breaking news. It is difficult to always eat the “required” fruits and vegetables you need a day&#8230;five plus servings a day. If you are one who has a hard time eating and enjoying all the fruits and veggies you should eat in a 24 hour period then smoothies might be just what the doctor ordered.</p>
<p>Smoothies are fruit based drinks that are typically blended with either yogurt or milk until smooth. The combinations of smoothies are endless.  These super fast meal replacements are packed full of goodness that will give you plenty of energy to power you through your day. If you choose just the right ingredients for your smoothie, it can keep your blood sugar in check, beat fatigue, help keep you regular and help keep your mind focused and sharp. </p>
<p>When searching for smoothie recipes it is sometimes difficult to find recipes that are really good for you. If they call for ingredients like syrup or frozen yogurt or even tons of sugar then your smoothie will no longer be the healthy meal that you really want. Bodies crave nutrients and when man made ingredients are used you will find that you will be “craving” something else to nibble shortly after your smoothie is gone.</p>
<p><strong>Smoothie How To’s</strong><br />
The main elements to a smoothie are base, liquid and fruit.</p>
<p><strong>Base</strong></p>
<p>The base to your smoothie can be so many different ingredients. It is important that the base of your smoothie makes your smoothie creamy in texture and taste. The base is what helps give your smoothie body. Without the proper base your fruit would quickly rise to the top. The base helps to thicken your smoothie.  </p>
<p>For a creamy base use:</p>
<p>Bananas &#8211; Bananas are a great base. The overripe bananas are especially sweet and creamy. One to two bananas work great. Bananas can be peeled and cut into chunks and then frozen to use later.  </p>
<p>Pears &#8211; Many people just don’t like bananas, pears can be used instead and give the same qualities to your smoothie as the banana. Pears, just like bananas, need to be a little overripe to have the best results. One pear per smoothie is usually just enough.</p>
<p>Avocados &#8211; Avocados are super creamy. You may not like them alone, but mixed with other foods you may be surprising. Avocados are full of good for you, healthy fats, but don’t overload on these. Both because of the fat and the fact that too much will overpower your smoothie’s flavor. Use only one quarter to one half of an avocado per smoothie.</p>
<p>Nuts &#8211; Nut smoothies can be delicious! They give a fantastic creaminess. Do use nuts in moderation, however. If used as a base try a quarter cup per smoothie. Blended nuts are great to use in place of milk. It is best to blend the nuts with your liquid of choice first to get them smooth. Then you can add the fruit of choice and ice.</p>
<p>Dairy &#8211; It is easy to find recipes for yogurt smoothies, but for those of you who are allergic to dairy so try one of the other alternatives. You can also try coconut milk. The best choice is plain yogurt with probiotics and no sugar. Cottage cheese can also be used. One third to 1 cup of either yogurt or cottage cheese is just right.</p>
<p><strong>Liquid</strong></p>
<p>You must be careful with the liquid part of your smoothie. If too much is added, your smoothie will be thin and “watery”. The liquid you choose will influence your smoothie’s overall flavor. Normally you only need a cup or two of liquid.</p>
<p><strong>Fruit</strong></p>
<p>When adding in your fruit there are numberless combination options. You will have to experiment some to see what you like, but there are some combinations of fruit that just seem to go together. For instance mangos just seem to work with pineapple, but also taste great with other fruit as well. Bananas and berries also seem to just go together.  </p>
<p>Smoothies are a way to incorporate many good things to your diet. Kids love smoothies too so get your whole family involved. At first it will probably be a good idea to follow a recipe and as you gain confidence make and name your own. </p>
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		<title>Is There Hidden Chemicals (BPA) in Your Food?</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/19/is-there-hidden-chemicals-bpa-in-your-food/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2012/01/19/is-there-hidden-chemicals-bpa-in-your-food/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:49:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3601</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You already know that there are tons of damaging and dangerous things such as pesticides, carcinogenic additives, chemical dyes and fillers made from unappetizing ingredients such as wood, yes wood, found in packaged and processed foods. But the real hidden danger is what the food is shipped in and stored in. New research has found [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>You already know that there are tons of damaging and dangerous things such as pesticides, carcinogenic additives, chemical dyes and fillers made from unappetizing ingredients such as wood, yes wood, found in packaged and processed foods. But the real hidden danger is what the food is shipped in and stored in. New research has found that by simply getting rid of these packages as quickly as you can, you can bring yourself and your family nearly immediate health benefits.</p>
<p>Are you aware of the dangers linked to use of the toxic chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), found in polycarbonate plastic food containers? These also include bottled water and takeout food containers. How bad is BPA in packaging? It is linked to breast and prostate cancer and even early puberty. </p>
<p>The question you may be asking is since you have been exposed to BPA all your life are you doomed to get cancer? The Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute (both San Francisco-based organizations focused on environmental causes of breast cancer) conducted a study to measure how dangerous these packages are, specifically zeroing in on how quickly and meaningfully the BPA levels in the body decline when people stop eating or drinking foods packaged in BPA containers.</p>
<p>As part of their study, the Breast Cancer Fund and Silent Spring Institute enrolled five families, each consisting of two parents and two children, who had regularly consumed prepackaged, processed foods and drinks in cans, frozen dinners, bottled water and foods designed to be microwaved in their own containers. Then, for three days, these families were presented with fresh, organic food cooked by the research team and stored only in glass or stainless steel containers. To measure the direct and immediate impact of the change, researchers collected urine samples from all participants before, during and after the diet.</p>
<p>The Results</p>
<p>After just three days, everyone’s BPA level fell, with an average drop of two-thirds. BPA has a half-life of six hours in your body, notes Connie Engel, PhD, program coordinator at The Breast Cancer Fund. This means that six hours following exposure, half of what you’ve taken in is eliminated. When the families resumed their normal diets, their BPA levels returned to pre-intervention levels by the next urine sample.</p>
<p>These findings were published in March in the online journal Environmental Health Perspectives.</p>
<p>Make the Right Choice to Be Healthy Now</p>
<p>As part of your &#8220;Lean and Green Meal&#8221; and your maintenance plan with Medifast, make the smart choices on how you consume food, store your food and heat your food. It isn&#8217;t enough to eat the right foods, you also have to be mindful how it is shipped, stored and heated too. This study demonstrates that we all can quickly lower our own BPA levels by making basic changes in what we eat and drink. Such as:</p>
<p>- Buy whole foods and carry them home in paper bags.<br />
- Do not microwave in plastic, even if it is labeled &#8220;microwave-safe&#8221;! Heat raises BPA levels in plastic, upping the health hazards. Instead, microwave food in glass or ceramic containers.<br />
-Consider switching to a French press coffeemaker. Typical coffeemakers may contain traces of BPA and other toxins in the bin that holds the coffee filter and coffee. These grow more concentrated when heated.<br />
- Kick the cans. Avoid canned foods except those that are in BPA-free cans, such as from Eden Foods, Vital Choice, Oregon’s Choice and Trident Seafoods.<br />
- Watch out for the kids. Developing children are at even greater risk for harm from BPA. Use glass baby bottles or BPA-free plastic bottles. For older children, get stainless steel lunch boxes instead of plastic.</p>
<p>Be proactive, greatly reduced the levels of BPA in your foods and containers and you should notice an increase in your health.</p>
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		<title>Don’t Be Fooled By Good Food Impostors!</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/23/don%e2%80%99t-be-fooled-by-good-food-impostors/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/23/don%e2%80%99t-be-fooled-by-good-food-impostors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:28:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Diet Foods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Losing Weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3549</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The following article is based on that you are currently in &#8220;Maintenance Mode&#8221; with your Medifast Diet and are no longer on the 5&#38;1 Plan&#8230; This is about making smart food choices each and every day. Food companies are smart. They understand how to package their products to fool you into thinking they are good [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>The following article is based on that you are currently in &#8220;Maintenance Mode&#8221; with your Medifast Diet and are no longer on the 5&amp;1 Plan&#8230;</p>
<p>This is about making smart food choices each and every day.</p>
<p>Food companies are smart. They understand how to package their products to fool you into thinking they are good for you. I actually saw a frozen ice cream cake at the market the other day that had &#8220;Good For You&#8221; plastered on the box. Really?</p>
<p>What are food impostors? Simply put, it is bad food for your body. Bad for you foods like cookies and chips are easy to spot and avoid. Those are no brainers. However, many bad foods are getting tricky to spot and actually seem healthy. Packaging can say &#8220;whole grain&#8221;, &#8220;real fruit&#8221; and &#8220;natural protein&#8221;, but is it really? You are seeing packaging evolve today in the grocery stores but don&#8217;t be fooled. In fact, my advice is to ignore everything you see on the front of the package. Instead, turn it around and you still have to read labels and the ingredients. Don&#8217;t slack off here!! Here is a quick cheat sheet for you:</p>
<p><strong>Seems healthy: FRUIT SMOOTHIE                                                                                       </strong></p>
<p><strong>But it’s like: A MILKSHAKE</strong></p>
<p>Did you know that often there isn’t any fruit at all in these frosty drinks? True story. Instead they are full of fruit flavored syrups and sugar filled juices and full fat ice-cream. Often, they are worse for you thank a milkshake. You have to keep telling yourself that your biggest enemy in losing weight isn&#8217;t fat, it is sugar. And one of these fruit smoothies you buy can completely ruin all your work for the week. Avoid them.</p>
<p><strong>Better: </strong>Ask for whole fruit and low-fat yogurt and no juice or syrup, or better yet, make your own at home so you are in control of what goes into it.</p>
<p><strong>Seems healthy: VEGGIE CHIPS</strong></p>
<p><strong>But it’s like: POTATO CHIPS</strong></p>
<p>The similar fat and calories in veggie chips outweighs the benefit gained from the tiny amount of vitamins. Skip them altogether. There is a new &#8220;Guilt Free&#8221; brand of chips at your local health food store which will give you the crunch you are looking for without ruining what you have done with your Medifast Diet.</p>
<p><strong>Better choice: </strong>Stir a packet of French onion soup mix into Greek yogurt. Then enjoy with your favorite raw veggies. This not only satisfies your salt cravings but also has the crunch as well.</p>
<p><strong>Seems healthy: FORTIFIED FLAVORED WATER</strong></p>
<p><strong>But it’s like: FRUIT JUICE OR SODA</strong></p>
<p>Sugar is sugar no matter what it is put around it. If you are concerned about not getting enough vitamins take a multi vitamin. There is no reason to drink these whatsoever. They damage your body the same way soda does. Avoid.</p>
<p><strong>Better choice: </strong>Plain water is always a better choice. If you want some flavor add lemons, limes or a splash of juice such as orange juice to a glass of water or sparkling water.</p>
<p><strong>Seems healthy: SPINICH WRAP</strong></p>
<p><strong>But it’s like: THREE SLICES OF BREAD</strong></p>
<p><strong>Better choice: </strong>Pick a 7-8 inch whole-wheat tortilla, but make sure whole wheat flour is the top ingredient.  This saves you 100 calories. Also look for those that are gluten-free.</p>
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		<title>Five Reasons Why You Aren&#8217;t Losing Weight</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/14/five-reasons-why-you-arent-losing-weight/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/14/five-reasons-why-you-arent-losing-weight/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:17:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Losing Weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3545</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[5 Reasons Why You Aren’t Losing Weight Have you tried every diet on earth and no matter what you do you just can’t lose the weight?  It is frustrating to say the least.  You may feel like giving up, after all, why try again just to be disappointed?  Well, I have great news!  I came [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><strong>5 Reasons Why You Aren’t Losing Weight</strong></p>
<p>Have you tried every diet on earth and no matter what you do you just can’t lose the weight?  It is frustrating to say the least.  You may feel like giving up, after all, why try again just to be disappointed?  Well, I have great news!  I came across some tips that may help you understand why you aren’t losing weight. Tips that can help steer you in on the right track and will hopefully answer the question why.</p>
<p>5- <strong>Not eating ENOUGH calories</strong>- That’s right! Did you know that you can eat too few calories and you may not be eating often enough?  Both of these will cause your body to hang on to fat and that’s not what any of us want.  We want to burn it and get rid of fat.  Your body thinks it is starving.   Your body thinks these meals won’t come around again for a while so it goes into hibernation.  We must eat enough and on a regular schedule. The key is eating enough protein.</p>
<p>4-<strong>You just can’t turn away junk food</strong>- Did you know that when you take a bite of a cookie that your brain tricks you.  It tells you that you are hungry even when you really aren’t hungry at all.   Refined sugars and simple carbs wreck your diet.  Steer clear of these diet derailers and try a healthier alternative. Even drinking a glass of water is an alternative.</p>
<p>3-<strong>No Strength training</strong>- When it comes to losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, strength training is very important, just as important as cardio.  Muscle building is a great help because it speeds up your metabolism.  Your body burns an extra 50 calories per day for every pound of muscle you build. So pump that iron!</p>
<p>2-<strong>Not pushing your cardio workout hard enough</strong>-Have you been doing the same cardio workout on the elliptical machine or treadmill for weeks on end? The time has come to switch it up! It is essential to hit your target heart rate each workout for it to be effective for weight loss and to improve your cardio health.  If you aren’t hitting your “zone” you may need to step it up and or switch it up.  Your body adjusts to the routine and burns less then when you first started.</p>
<p>1-<strong>Too many calories</strong>-For many, potions are confusing and you may just simply not be aware or how much of a certain thing you should actually eat.  Some companies have been cited for misleading consumers on portion sizes on their boxes.  To avoid the confusion, measure your food with a scale until you know what a real portion of pasta looks like on your plate or how much trail mix you should actually be eating.  You could also eat an apple which nature has already packaged in a perfect portion size.</p>
<p>Try some of these tricks to see if it can jumpstart you into the fat burn mode.  And if you need that extra kick to get you going try the Medifast diet.  Medifast is the most effective diet plan out and is backed and recommended by over 20,000 doctors nationwide.  Your meals are already in single serving portions so there is no guess work.  All you have to do is decide which meal or snack you will eat and with so much variety you will never get bored.  Check out our coupon page to save big money and get started today!</p>
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		<title>Case Study for Women: Live Longer with Vitamin D</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/09/case-study-for-women-live-longer-with-vitamin-d/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/09/case-study-for-women-live-longer-with-vitamin-d/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:45:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3539</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WOMEN LIVE LONGER WITH VITAMIN D Popping pills is as American as apple pie &#8211; as we are now a society clearly on the &#8220;I want this fixed now&#8221; mentality when it comes to our health. Whether it is a problem in the bedroom, our waistline, high cholesterol, whatever, a pill seems to hold all [...]]]></description>
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<div><strong>WOMEN LIVE LONGER WITH VITAMIN D</strong></div>
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<div>Popping pills is as American as apple pie &#8211; as we are now a society clearly on the &#8220;I want this fixed now&#8221; mentality when it comes to our health. Whether it is a problem in the bedroom, our waistline, high cholesterol, whatever, a pill seems to hold all the magic.</div>
<div>What if living longer really were as simple as popping a pill? Researcher Christian Gluud, MD, a department head at the Centre for Clinical Intervention Research at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, reports that although researchers still aren’t sure why, in a group of nearly 75,000 elderly women evaluated in 32 randomized clinical trials, those who took supplements of vitamin D-3 (<em>cholecalciferol</em>) were 6% less likely to die over a two-year period than their peers who weren’t taking the vitamin.</div>
<div>That is a clear result from just taking a supplement!</div>
<div>It is well known that having enough vitamin D confers great health benefits, it has been associated with the prevention of certain cancers as well as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders and infections, and it seems to cut elderly adults’ risk for falls and fractures. Even so, proof that taking vitamin D lengthens life was lacking &#8212; until now. In the present review of previous randomized trials, vitamin D-3 doses of up to 800 IU/day were shown to have just this benefit.</div>
<div>From the sound of it, we’d all be justified to go immediately to the store for D-3 supplements, right? A scientific advisory panel to the US government, called the Institute of Medicine (IOM), recommended in 2010 that most people get 600 IU of vitamin D daily and that those older than 70 get 800 IU. Many physicians recommend even more. While it’s difficult to reach these amounts consistently without supplementation, some good food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, and fortified dairy products and cereals. Dr. Gluud recommends that anyone adding a new supplement or increasing a dose speak with a physician first and points out that taking vitamin D-3 plus calcium can result in kidney stones for an unlucky few.</div>
<div>
Take it from me who has suffered through dozens of kidney stones &#8211; you don&#8217;t want them.</div>
<div>Along with a supplement, get outside and expose as much of your skin as you can for 10-15 minutes a day. Your body can naturally produce Vitamin D from sunlight and it has other benefits too, such as decreased rates of depression.</div>
<div>I highly recommend increasing your intake of Vitamin D along with your progress in the Medifast Diet Plan.</div>
<div>Source(s):</p>
<p>Christian Gluud, MD, researcher, department head, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.</p></div>
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		<title>Weight Loss Tricks That Actually Work!</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/07/weight-loss-tricks-that-actually-work/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/07/weight-loss-tricks-that-actually-work/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:41:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Belly Fat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Losing Weight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3537</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Uncanny Weight-Loss Tricks We have heard all the tried and true weight loss ideas, most fail. We know that if we eat less and eat right we will lose weight. But there are some unusual and downright bizarre tricks out there that can help you shed those unwanted pounds. Remember normal is boring so why [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><strong>Uncanny Weight-Loss Tricks</strong></p>
<p>We have heard all the tried and true weight loss ideas, most fail. We know that if we eat less and eat right we will lose weight. But there are some unusual and downright bizarre tricks out there that can help you shed those unwanted pounds. Remember normal is boring so why not shake it up a little and give a few of these not so mainstream tricks a try.</p>
<p><strong>Go Blue</strong></p>
<p>The color blue is where it’s at when it comes to food. According to studies, you will eat less if you will eat in a blue room. True story. Blue serves as an appetite suppressant. If you want the full blue effect, eat on blue plates, wear blue to dinner and use a blue tablecloth. Studies show that by surrounding yourself with blue you will eat less. Colors that can actually cause you to eat more include red, yellow and orange. If you notice restaurants use these colors because the more you order the more money they make.</p>
<p><strong>Become a Super Sniffer</strong></p>
<p>It is said that sniffing food will trick your brain into thinking you have actually eaten that banana or piece of chocolate cake. People who smell foods regularly will lose more pounds, on average 30 pounds more. So breathe deeply and often. While I know it sounds &#8220;out there&#8221; it actually really works. Try it!</p>
<p><strong>Mirror Mirror on the Wall</strong></p>
<p>Placing a mirror opposite your table can decrease the amount of food you eat by about a third. Having to look yourself in the eye as you take every single bite will help you be more mindful of your food choices. It also helps remind you of your weight loss goals. Remember that the looking glass tells no lies. While a little creepy, if you have run out of options, this might help you.</p>
<p>Freeze Frame<br />
Instead of the traditional food journal, take photos of the food you eat. You can save them on your phone or PC and organize them by date. By doing this you will have a visual reminder of what you ate and can help you see if your portions were right on or a little too grand and helps you adjust accordingly.</p>
<p><strong>Two Shots a Day</strong></p>
<p>Some experts say that two shots of apple cider vinegar a day helps keep the weight off. It is thought that drinking vinegar works by flushing fats out of the colon and improves digestion as well as curbing your appetite. So bottoms up.</p>
<p><strong>You’re Getting Very Sleeeeeepy</strong></p>
<p>Get hypnotized to lose weight. Hypnosis evokes a state of deep relaxation; this relaxing state aides in cortisol levels, a stress related hormone which cues the body to add pounds around your middle. Why not give it a try, at the very least you will feel a bit mellow.</p>
<p><strong>Tied in Knots</strong></p>
<p>French women are said to tie a ribbon around their waist underneath their clothes to let them know when they have eaten enough. When the belly starts to expand the ribbon gets tighter, this lets you know that just one more slice of pizza might not be a very bright idea.</p>
<p><strong>What REALLY works &#8230;</strong></p>
<p>While these tips are fun and interesting, why not give a go at the diet that has been CLINICALLY proven to work and one that is backed by more than 20,000 doctors since 1980? That&#8217;s 31 years! The Medifast Diet just works and it is based on changing your cooking habits, the way you eat and the number of times per day you eat. Think about it, if you give your body all the nutrition it needs, keeping a steady flow of food coming in so you didn&#8217;t feel hungry, and making every calorie you consume count, you&#8217;ll not just lose weight, you will lose inches of fat &#8230; which means you will start looking great quickly. And that&#8217;s where it counts. You want to look healthy and feel healthy and that&#8217;s where Medifast comes in.</p>
<p>Start today!!</p>
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		<title>The Best Supplement for Your Body</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/06/the-best-supplement-for-your-body/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/06/the-best-supplement-for-your-body/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:51:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Diet Foods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3533</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WHAT IS THE ONLY SUPPLEMENT THAT MATTERS? In an age of hundreds and even thousands of supplements on the market, people always ask which supplements are right for them? Every person is different and there isn&#8217;t a &#8220;one size fits all&#8221; approach to supplements &#8211; except for one&#8230; The answer? Fish oil. Why? Because of [...]]]></description>
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<div><strong>WHAT IS THE ONLY SUPPLEMENT THAT MATTERS?</strong></div>
<div>
<div>In an age of hundreds and even thousands of supplements on the market, people always ask which supplements are right for them? Every person is different and there isn&#8217;t a &#8220;one size fits all&#8221; approach to supplements &#8211; except for one&#8230;</div>
<div>The answer? Fish oil. Why? Because of its unique ability to boosting brain power to preventing heart attacks to migraine headaches and so much more. What about people who can’t digest it easily, or who are vegans, or who hate the very idea of taking fish oil? The taste is awful and people complain that when they burp, they can taste it and it makes their breath often unbearable by their significant other. What about them?</div>
<div>One simple tip that helps so many people is freezing the capsules. What occurs is, the heavier weight forces the capsules to the bottom of your stomach, and since they are frozen, instead of releasing in the stomach, they release later, thus not giving the after taste so many people complain about. And since they are at the bottom of the stomach where there is less acid issues, digestion becomes easier too.</div>
<div><strong>WHO REALLY NEEDS FISH OIL?</strong></div>
<div>Fish oil is packed with <em>omega-3 essential fatty acids</em>, which are essential nutrients that our bodies cannot manufacture on their own. Thus, we <em>must</em> get them from food or supplements. These nutrients are especially important for people who suffer from an inflammation-related disease (including practically all chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and depression) or an autoimmune disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or ulcerative colitis), because they are likely to have an omega-3 deficiency and would benefit from supplementation.</div>
<div>Other signs that you may be omega-3 deficient are&#8230;</div>
<ul>
<li>Dry skin</li>
<li>Chicken skin (tiny rough bumps, usually on the back of arms)</li>
<li>Dry hair and dandruff</li>
<li>Excessive earwax</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>In women, menstrual cramps and/or premenstrual breast tenderness.</li>
</ul>
<div><strong>MAKING FISH OIL EASIER TO SWALLOW&#8230;</strong></div>
<div>Fish oil is the single richest source of <em>eicosapentaenoic acid</em> (EPA) and<em>docosahexaenoic acid</em> (DHA), the long-form chains of omega-3 fatty acids that are easiest for our bodies to use. But besides not tasting good (even if it comes from good-tasting fish!), fish oil can sometimes bring other unpleasant consequences &#8212; specifically, diarrhea and fish burps. To get around these problems besides freezing the capsules, try these:</div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Experiment with fish oil.</strong> Take it at different times of the day and see how you feel. <em>To prevent diarrhea:</em> Don’t take all the pills at once. Instead, spread them out during the day. <em>To avoid the fishy taste and fishy burp: </em>Take fish oil with a full glass of water one hour before meals. This way it moves quickly out of your stomach before you introduce food. Also, as previously stated, freeze pills briefly before you take them. <em>Note:</em> Fish oil capsules don’t need refrigeration, but liquid fish oil should be kept refrigerated after opening.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Take delayed-release fish oil.</strong> Enteric-coated delayed-release fish oil is released in the intestine rather than the stomach, which lowers your risk for fishy breath, fishy burps and gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Never buy bargain brands of fish oil.</strong> There are many types manufactured by reputable companies, so don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish, you can’t be certain of the purity of unknown brands. One brand this is trusted as a solid source of high quality fish oil is from Medifast, which is available through doctors, health coaches and online. Some people prefer to have fish oil flavored with lemon or orange, but the flavoring won’t diminish the GI side effects.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Eat more wild fish instead.</strong> If the supplements bother you, an obvious solution is to get omega-3 from food. The most reliable food source of omega-3s is wild salmon (never farmed, farmed fish can contain high levels of toxins). Other choices include wild mackerel, trout, herring or tuna (but don’t have tuna more than once a week). To get the proper amount of omega-3s, you need to eat six to eight ounces of wild fatty fish three times a week. You may not know this but if you eat grass fed beef (found at your local health food store) it can contain more omega-3s than wild salmon.</li>
</ul>
<div><strong>PLANT SOURCES CAN WORK TOO</strong></div>
<div>For vegans and/or anyone who really doesn’t want to go anywhere near fish, plant sources such as walnuts and flaxseed, canola oil and soybean oil offer a<em>partial</em> solution, in that these contain a different, shorter-chain form of omega-3 fatty acid, <em>alpha-linolenic acid</em> (ALA). ALA provides some protection against heart attacks but does not help prevent sudden cardiac arrest (the two are different), only fish oil has been shown to have that benefit. Your body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but the extent to which it does so varies a great deal from person to person. <em>Recommendations:</em></div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Flaxseed oil.</strong> Take one teaspoon to one tablespoon daily of cold-pressed flaxseed oil (about 2.3 grams of ALA). <em>Important:</em> Do not cook with flaxseed oil as heat damages it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Flaxseed.</strong> Take one tablespoon of freshly ground flaxseed daily (about 1.6 grams of ALA). Sprinkle it over your cereal or salad.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Walnuts.</strong> Eat about 12 walnuts daily.</li>
</ul>
<div><strong>ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE: SEA VEGETABLES</strong></div>
<div>DHA is found primarily in fish and fish oil, but another alternative for vegetarians or for those who simply don’t like fish oil is to get your DHA from sea vegetables. DHA supplements derived from natural marine algae are widely available online and at health-food stores in capsule form.</div>
<div><em>There’s a catch:</em> Sea vegetables don’t contain EPA. EPA and DHA have different protective effects in the body, DHA enhances cardiovascular and brain tissue health, but unlike EPA is not helpful for depression.</div>
<div><strong>REDUCE YOUR NEED FOR OMEGA 3</strong></div>
<div>Yet another option is to decrease your need for omega-3 fatty acids by lowering your intake of <em>omega-6</em> fatty acids.</div>
<div>Research demonstrates that the typical American diet has a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which promotes inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. To change your own ratio, you must severely cut back on (and ideally eliminate) red meat (corn fed), egg yolks (unless the chickens laying the eggs are fed flaxseed or some other source of omega-3s), poultry and vegetable oils (except olive). While such a dietary change may be too radical for most people to stick with, any reduction is at least a step in the right direction.</div>
<div>In short, you have plenty of healthful omega-3 alternatives to choose from. Play around with different strategies, products and combinations, and work with your health-care provider to find the formula that works best for you, but do be sure that you are paying attention to your body’s need for this vital nutrient.</div>
</div>
<div>Source(s):</p>
<p>Leo Galland, MD, internist, author and internationally recognized leader in integrated medicine based in New York City. Dr. Galland is the director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine (<a href="http://edhn.bottomlinesecrets.com/a/hBNY176B74VNIB8ZNRFNGl-Bf$E/dhn3" target="_blank">www.MDHeal.org</a>). For more information about supplements and drugs and free access to Dr. Galland’s Web application visit <a href="http://edhn.bottomlinesecrets.com/a/hBNY176B74VNIB8ZNRFNGl-Bf$E/dhn4" target="_blank">www.PillAdvised.com</a>).</div>
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		<title>Say &#8220;Bye! Bye!&#8221; to Your Bad Carb Addition Forever!</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/05/say-bye-bye-to-your-bad-carb-addition-forever/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/05/say-bye-bye-to-your-bad-carb-addition-forever/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:38:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Diet Foods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Losing Weight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medifast Diet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3530</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Say Bye Bye to Your Bad Carb Addiction Forever! Before you start on your Medifast Diet, you have to be smart. You can&#8217;t just start something without making the right choices. For example, you can&#8217;t quit smoking and have a year&#8217;s supply of cigarettes in the closet, can you? Of course not. Let&#8217;s be honest, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><strong>Say Bye Bye to Your Bad Carb Addiction Forever!</strong></p>
<p>Before you start on your Medifast Diet, you have to be smart. You can&#8217;t just start something without making the right choices. For example, you can&#8217;t quit smoking and have a year&#8217;s supply of cigarettes in the closet, can you? Of course not.</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s be honest, everyone enjoys rolls, cakes, chips, cookies, pasta and pizza.  What we don’t enjoy is what is does to our waistline.  And that is why you are here &#8211; starting the Medifast Diet, so you can make a positive change not just in your waistline, but also to your health. In order to be healthy, and I mean really healthy, you have to eat better day every day; but how? It isn&#8217;t about eliminating carbs, it is eliminating the BAD carbs. There is a difference and you will learn these differences while you are on the Medifast Plan. I know, those white flour carbs just seem to beckon you….”Eat me, eat me!”  So how do we control those cravings?</p>
<p>Typically it takes 28 days to cycle off an addictive substance, and yes, bad carbs are addictive.  It will be hard going off them, you need to know that going in. But if you stick with it, you will feel better than you have in years. It&#8217;s worth it, trust me! I used to be addicted to bad carbs and the difference is unreal. I want you to feel the same. It is liberating!</p>
<p>Okay, let&#8217;s get back to our issue &#8230; refined carbs are like toxins to our bodies.  Foods such as chips, pretzels, breads and pastas when made with refined white flour contributes to your visceral fat, you know that fat we get around our midsection.  The worst possible fat!! But the main problem is, this is the most dangerous fat for your health.  It can suppress your body’s ability to produce insulin and also puts you at higher risk for heart disease and cancer as well as diabetes.  And you don&#8217;t want any of those.</p>
<p>This week-by-week plan shows you how to kick your bad carb addiction for good, so you won&#8217;t have distractions while you are on the Medifast Diet Plan.</p>
<p><strong>Week 1 &#8211; The Cleanse</strong></p>
<p>The very first step you must take on this journey is to remove all temptation.  Yes, all of it. That’s right-fill up that trash can with all those unhealthy carbs in your cupboards. Don&#8217;t give away the food because it is like poison, and you don&#8217;t want to give someone poison, do you? Why are you doing this? Simple. If they aren’t available you can’t eat them.</p>
<p>What to do instead? Replace them with healthy fats.  Before you freak out over taking in fat there is something that you should know. Same with carbs, there are Good Fats and there are Bad Fats. Did you know that when America switched to a low-fat diet obesity rates went UP? That&#8217;s right, they went up, not down. Fats can be good for you. Fats like olive oil, nuts, avocados, fatty fish and flax seed.  Do not count calories; that is a waste of time. This week is about getting rid of your cravings by detoxing your body while giving it healthy nutrition from your Medifast Plan.</p>
<p>Why are fats good? Fats satisfy your hunger and helps control your cravings. Do limit your sugar intake this week to the sugar present in the Medifast meals. Do not have any sugar with your Lean and Green meal. Sugar is completely off limits as an additive for you. You will go through some withdrawals too as sugar is as addictive as heroin.</p>
<p><strong>Week 2- Go Brown</strong></p>
<p>Why brown?</p>
<p>Whole grains serve you well in many ways; they are packed with fiber, minerals, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Whole grains help in regulating blood sugar and keep your tummy full longer.  Diets rich in whole grains prove good for your health by keeping blood pressure lower as well as cholesterol levels.  Whole grains also lower our risks of obesity and diabetes.  Fill your shopping cart with such goodies as, oatmeal, whole wheat breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and quinoa. A suggestion is to avoid Gluten when possible.</p>
<p><strong>Week 3-Let’s Talk Portions</strong></p>
<p>Till now we have been focusing on changing what you eat. You have cleaned out your surroundings…the bad is gone and the good stuff is in.  This week you will focus on how much you eat.  No need to waste your money on scales and fancy measuring cups, you were created with all the measuring devices you need already attached.</p>
<p><strong>Carbs </strong>- The perfect serving of good carbs is no bigger than your own fist.</p>
<p><strong>Protein </strong>- Meats to include fish and fowl should be palm sized, or 4-6 ounces at most. Make sure it is a lean cut per &#8220;Lean and Green&#8221; meal.</p>
<p><strong>Fats </strong>- Use your own thumb to guide you on how much fat is the right amount. Concentrate on healthy fats instead of the bad ones. Always avoid trans fats like the plague.</p>
<p><strong>Fruits and Veggies </strong>- The rule is as much as you can grab is the perfect amount. Especially green veggies. Eat as much as you want, but no added sugar or salt!!</p>
<p><strong>Week 4 &#8211; You Little Cheater You!</strong></p>
<p>That’s right! By week 4 you have earned your weekly cheat day.  Once a week you can enjoy whatever white flour food you desire, whether it be pizza or bread, it is your choice.  If you pair it with something fiber rich like veggies your body will metabolize the sugar better which helps control your weight.</p>
<p>Be careful with your cheat day, don&#8217;t go overboard or you may damage everything that you worked hard to overcome. The cheat day worked for me because, well, I&#8217;m human and I need a treat every once in awhile, but unlike years ago when I would eat the entire tray of brownies, now I just have a bite or two and I&#8217;m satisfied. It feels great.</p>
<p>Good luck on your Medifast Diet! This will be a great journey for you and you can do it!</p>
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		<title>How American&#8217;s Have Changed Eating Food</title>
		<link>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/02/how-americans-have-changed-eating-food/</link>
		<comments>http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/2011/12/02/how-americans-have-changed-eating-food/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ashley Staker</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.medifasthealth.org/blog/?p=3525</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[American’s Food Consumption Changes…Good or Bad? Over the past few decades there have been fundamental changes in our food consumption and our overall lifestyles. Do you eat differently today than when you were a kid?  Most would say yes. Do you eat out more and less at the family table than in the past?  Most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><strong>American’s Food Consumption Changes…Good or Bad?</strong></p>
<p>Over the past few decades there have been fundamental changes in our food consumption and our overall lifestyles. Do you eat differently today than when you were a kid?  Most would say yes. Do you eat out more and less at the family table than in the past?  Most would agree that &#8220;together time&#8221; at the dinner table is a rare event these days. Do you eat more convenience foods? With our seemingly busy lives, we turn more towards convenience because, well, it&#8217;s there.</p>
<p>It is interesting to see how America’s food consumption patterns have changed over time.  Are these changes for the good? Hardly. Read some of these staggering statistics and you can decide for yourself.</p>
<p>How Things Have Changed:</p>
<p><strong>EGGS</strong> &#8211; In 1909 each person in the U.S., on average, ate 300 eggs per year. In 2010 that number has dropped to 247, and the rise in &#8220;processed eggs&#8221; should get you to sit up and take notice.  We have all heard the campaign about eggs and cholesterol, while this may be true, how about the really good things about eggs?   Eggs are one of the few foods that are a naturally good source of vitamin D.  This plays a vital part in calcium absorption, helping to form and maintain strong bones.  Eggs also pack a whopping 6 grams of protein accompanied with only 80 calories. What do we typically eat for breakfast now? Carb laden foods have been swapped for the so called “bad egg”.</p>
<p><strong>MILK</strong> &#8211; In 1945 milk topped the list of beverage choices at 45 gallons consumed per person for the year. As other drinks gained popularity milk started slipping in the ranks. By 1998, milk consumption hit an all-time low down to only 22 gallons per year/person. That is HALF of what it was in the 40s. While milk’s arch nemesis, SODA, rose from 10 gallons/person that year soaring up to nearly 60 gallons in more recent years! Now you tell me, is this a good change?</p>
<p><strong>GRAINS</strong> &#8211; Grains are an essential part of our diet.  According to the food pyramid, we should consume more whole grains than anything else. In 1909 individuals ate, on average, 300 pounds of grain per year, but that number has plummeted by over 100 pounds per person by 1998 while our waistlines have expanded.</p>
<p><strong>SUGAR</strong> &#8211; Added sugar is a drug and horrible for your body! We know that. Still, the amount of added sugar has risen from 82lbs in 1909 to a whopping 156 lbs. today.  Do you know how much sugar that is? That is 31, 5 lbs. bags for each one of us. Yes, it tastes really good, but this is what sugar can do to your health; promotes skin aging, causes cancer, contributes to obesity,  weakens eyesight and this list goes on and on!  In 2003 both the United Nations and World Health Organization released a new guideline that sugar should only account for 10% of daily calorie intake that’s just 200 calories based on a 2000 calorie per day diet. The American diet far exceeds those levels.</p>
<p><strong>CALORIES</strong> &#8211; In 1909 the average calories consumed averaged 2,220 per person. Today that number has jumped to 2,700! That adds up to a lot of extra pounds at the end of the year. Why this increase? For one, Americans eat more cheese than ever before. In 1909 4 lbs. of cheese was average, and today 32lbs. WOW! We sure do eat a lot of pizza! We also consume more fruit juice than ever before, which adds to the sugar increase. And our carb intake has jumped from 389 grams to 490 grams per day.  With almost every number going up the only way for our scales to go is up! This is why our teen obesity rate has increased from 5% to 17%.  And even more alarming, one in every three adults is now obese.</p>
<p>So now, what do you think? Are these changes for the good?  I think not!  We all need to look at these statistics and decide, what role do I want to play in our future? We all need to look at our own consumption habits and what we are teaching our children. We need to worry about what we eat and how it impacts our life not only today but tomorrow as well. If these numbers keep rising where will we be in the decades ahead?</p>
<p>If you need help controlling your waist line and getting healthy again, turn to Medifast. There is a reason why more than 20,000 doctors have recommended the diet since 1980. It gives your body the nutrition that it needs, training your body to eat more often with smaller meals and learning how to cook healthy with your Lean and Green Meal. Make the right choice. Choose Medifast.</p>
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