Sunday, November 25, 2007

Do Low Fat, Low Carb, or Low Calorie Diets Work?

Do (Fill in the blank) diets work?

Strange title.

But I believe that you could insert any popular or fad diet into the above statement and be able to truthfully answer the question.

For the short term yes, for the long-term maybe, but probably not.

Think about it.

Do Low Fat diets work?

If they really did, we would be a nation of puny 98 pound weaklings. Everything is low fat, problem is when they remove the fat, something that most of us really like, they replace it with high carbs. Low fat coffee cake, come on. Beside that our body needs fat to operate, maybe not the fat we give it, but we do need fat.

Do Low Calorie diets work?

Our genetic makeup won't let our bodies starve. When we were hunters and gathers and had some lean times, when food was scarce, our bodies started to slow the metabolism down to preserve us. As you start to reduce your caloric intake you body compensates for it and starts to go into a survival mode. Oh sure you will lose weight initially but that will stop and you will be upset most of the time because you are hungry.

Do Low Carb diets work?

I will admit that it was easy for me to follow the Atkins Diet. But it was not easy for my wife to follow it. Still it was a pain in the --- not eating some of the fruits I really enjoy. I truly do believe that a modified form of this diet is the best one for most people. Not as harsh as Atkins but maybe more in the line of South Beach. You kick-start your system with the low carb diet and then transition into a sensible eating plan.

Do the Purchase our food diets work?

If you get on some of the plans, it will cost you $300 to $600 a month for the privilege of eating their food. I am not sure about you, but that is some serious change to eat. Oh, I'm sorry, with most of these plans you still need to purchase some food to supplement their food. Give me a break!

I have found some of the frozen dinners do a good job of portion control, along with following the Weight Watchers guidelines. They are reasonably priced and very convenient. I am doing this right now. Although some of these brands do leave something to be desired in the taste category, but that is something you will need to find out for yourself if you choose this plan.

So the question remains Do (Fill in the blank) diets work? For the short term yes, for the long-term maybe, but probably not.

But think about this. We did mention that we were genetically made to burn fuel efficiently.

What would happen if we changed what we eat and when we eat it and kept our body burning fuel in that highly efficient manner. Instead of a low calorie diet, we gave it the food it needed and then changed what we gave it for a few days so it started burning our stored body fat.

Then before the metabolism starts to slow down, we give it the food it needs again. We we just keep changing our food pattern and food intake to keep our furnace burning hot. But that is for another article, another day.

Ross Gallo writes on health care information topics. If your passion is health care and you want more amazing anti-aging, health and weight loss information, you can read more of his work at http://www.healthcareinformationonline.com/blog/

Funky Yoga Mats

Plumbing

Are clogged pipes, leaky faucets, broken fixtures and other plumbing problems an issue for you? Knowing the basics of plumbing installation and the ABC's of how to tackle plumbing problems will go a long way in avoiding the same. However, we know that most of you do not have the time or skill to handle common plumbing problems, which is why we believe having a directory of plumbing and heating contractors who will reach your doorstep quickly, is the answer.

Most of the material used for plumbing systems has changed and improved from clay, lead or stone to materials like brass, steel, copper, brass, plastic, or other nontoxic material. Your plumbing lines should operate smoothly without problems. If you are having any of these common problems then you need a great plumber as soon as possible.

Common scenarios when plumbers are required:

  • faulty faucets
  • clogged drains
  • broken toilets
  • water heaters running out of hot water
  • noisy pipes
  • broken shower heads
  • kitchen drain blockage
  • sink sprays
  • frozen pipes
  • preparing your plumbing system for cold weather
  • low water pressure from tub faucets, shower heads or kitchen faucets
  • blocked drains
  • blocked showers
  • leaky pipes
  • plumbing emergencies

  • Hire only skilled plumbing and heating contractors who will fix your problems while also ensuring you do not have recurring problems. Preventing plumbing problems can save you a lot of money in the long run. A plumbing line inspection can help prevent problems that may cost you a large sum of money.

    Simple tips for common plumbing problems:

  • For frozen pipes in winter: Using hot water bottles or a blow dryer is the best way to thaw frozen pipes.
  • Buy a water hammer from your nearby hardware shop to avoid noisy after flushing sounds.
  • Periodically lower the pressure of the water pipes' stop-cock.
  • If your faucet's water stream is running zigzag it means your aerator needs to be cleaned.
  • Clean your shower-heads every month to avoid build-up of lime scale which will make your shower flow weaker.
  • Use water-saving showerheads. This way you will save on the water bill, save energy and still enjoy a luxurious shower.
  • Use PVC washers with PVC nuts. Do not mix PVC nuts with metal washers and vice-versa.

  • Some tools that will make your job easier are:

  • Wrench: There are many options. From a basic wrench, adjustable wrench, socket wrench, pipe wrench, and a basin wrench. These are all available at you local hardware store.
  • Pliers: Tongue pliers and groove pliers are most commonly used and are very helpful plumbing tools.
  • Pipe vises: These are used to cut, thread etc. Common ones like Yoke Pipes and Chain Vises are a good buy.
  • You may not be a plumber or have great plumbing skills, but these simple, vital tools can come in handy for simple repairs. As with everything else, remember that good-maintenance is a priority but if all else fails and you are unsure of what the next step should be, call the experts. Do not fret over costs, call recommended and skilled plumbing and heating contractors who will fix your problems while also ensuring you do not have recurring plumbing problems. Preventing plumbing problems can save you a lot of money in the long run. A plumbing line inspection can help prevent problems that may cost you a large sum of money.

    This article is written by Craig Van Laningham from http://www.craigscontractors.com Craigs Contractors. Craigs Contractors is a free referral service that provides a comprehensive directory of plumbing and heating contractors in your vicinity whose names have been selected after a stringent process that we call the 10 Points of Qualification (Uniformed with company Ids, Up Front Pricing, customer references etc).

    Yoga Books 1970 1974