Age Spots

Age Spots

If you are of a certain age and noticing dark patches on sunexposed skin you may be developing age spots. Age spots also called liver spots appear on some peoples faces hands legs feet and other sunexposed skin as they get older They are brown or black patches of skin with sharply defined borders Theyre small and flat with a rounded shape and look similar to large freckles

They tend to occur more often in people who spend a lot of time in the sun People whose close relatives have them are also more likely to develop age spots They can occur in people as young as their 20s but they appear more often around age 50 or 60

Changes in the Skin

Age spots are actually collections of the cells that give skin its color For reasons not fully understood as people get older these cells have a tendency to grow in clusters The clusters form between the top two layers of skin the epidermis and the dermis With all those cells producing pigment in the same place at the same time a dark spot appears

Not a Sign of Disease

Some people think that liver spots are a sign that something is wrong with the liver Thats not true The spots are just a normal part of aging

Some people also worry that age spots are cancerous or that they could turn into cancer Again not true However because they appear on sunexposed skin and because sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer its possible to have both age spots and cancer at the same time If you have a spot that changes color has irregular edges has a rough surface bleeds or crusts over and wont heal or that shows other signs of skin cancer see your doctor

Bleaching and Lightening

The smooth clear skin you have when youre young naturally thins and becomes less elastic and more delicate giving a clue to your age But liver spots can make you feel especially old If youd like to get rid of them bleaching and skinlightening treatments may help

Bleaching creams Bleaching creams work slowly to decrease the amount of pigmentation color in the spots They are available at the drugstore or can be prescribed by a doctor

Freezing A doctor applies a very cold substance directly to the spot freezing and destroying it As the area heals new skin should form without the discoloration

Tretinoin This prescription cream is a form of vitamin A Used regularly it can help lighten the spots

Chemical peels The skin is treated with a chemical which makes it blister and peel Newer smoother skin takes its place

Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion A roughsurfaced tool is used almost like sandpaper to remove the damaged layer of skin Microdermabrasion is gentler and has less risk of scarring

Laser therapy Laser light is used to destroy the top layer of skin and encourage growth of fresh new skin from underneath

Home Remedies

Women and men have tried all kinds of home remedies to get rid of liver spots Most of these havent been studied so its not known if they really work Here with no promises are some suggestions from books and web sites dedicated to natural remedies

Lemon juice The acid in lemon juice is thought to work like fancier creams to remove the top layer of skin Try rubbing it on the spots twice a day for several weeks

Red onion Red onions acids may work the same way

Castor oil Castor oil applied twice a day may smooth roughlooking spots Roughlooking spots should always be checked by a doctor first to rule out cancer

Prevention

The best way to prevent age spots is to stay out of the sun Use sunscreen wear hats and protective clothing and stay indoors during the middle part of the day when the sun is strongest If you already have some dark spots sun protection will help prevent further damage

Thread Face Lift

Thread Face Lift

A thread face lift can be an affordable and convenient solution for those looking to improve their appearance Read on to learn all about this modernday time rewinder and how it can work for you. Known as the official alternative to traditional face lifts a thread lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure considered to be much less invasive Geared toward those aware of the early signs of aging appearing on their skin a thread lift can help to relieve these symptoms especially facial sagging on the jawline and cheeks. Able to be performed in just a couple of hours many patients go through a thread lift without the need for any anesthesia and can even return to work immediately following the procedure During surgery the surgeon injects very thin threads into the facial tissue through small incisions that have been made in the area to be affected The threads attach themselves and the cosmetic surgeon then lifts and pulls them back causing them to smooth out the face Many patients notice immediate results and look younger and more vibrant than they did presurgery. Fortunately for many women who cannot afford to miss much time out of their real lives in the name of beauty there are very few side effects to a thread lift As mentioned above these procedures even allow people to return to the office that very same day This is how the slang term lunch hour face lift was coined in reference to thread lifts The main side effect of such a procedure is a soreness and tight feeling in the face either in the affected areas or throughout During the procedure patients can choose to have an anesthetic though many doctors have found it to be unnecessary in many cases You will be conscious during the surgery and are often encouraged to critique the doctors work in progress and be an active voice in what you do or do not like about your altered skin One thing people getting a thread lift should NOT expect is an extreme alteration If you have been battling signs of aging for quite some time this operation may not work well for you It is not designed to reverse years of skin damage but rather be a cosmetic enhancer for those just beginning to experience fine lines wrinkles and facial sagging A consultation with your cosmetic surgeon should tell you what your options are and whether or not you are a good thread lift candidate

You should also expect not to pay a fortune for this procedure The noninvasiveness and outpatient aspect of a thread means you save not only time but expense as well In fact this is considered one of the most costeffective treatments available making it appealing to those still in their younger years who are drawn to its benefits As a general rule the best prospects for a thread face are those between the ages of 30 and 60 who do not have many cosmetic issues on the face Just the beginning signs of loose skin should be visible and if you have experienced a large amount of drooping in your face or neck then you will probably need a more aggressive cosmetic procedure Many seek out a thread lift due to its low cost and convenience however you are still out time and money if it was never designed to work for you in the first place You may have heard the term contour in regards to this type of lift Put simply a contour thread lift is a thread face lift that uses the patented Contour Threads These are manufactured out of clear polypropylene which means the threads do not absorb into the skin and are capable of reaching the target area much more easily with only one incision They are inserted above the hairline and can work to make long term improvements to your aging skin This procedure can be ideal for many people so if you have found youre becoming uneasy about the condition and or appearance of your skin consider visiting a cosmetic surgeon for a preop consultation today

Following a simple anti aging skin care regimen can keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful for years to come

Keeping your body well hydrated is a basic tenet of anti aging skin care Studies indicate that Americans are dehydrated over 75% of the time. Since your body is made up of over 75% water a lack of this substance can have a negative effect on skin cell function When your cells function at optimal level your body sheds dead skin more quickly This gives your skin a healthy glow Lack of water coupled with rising caffeine consumption produces a diuretic effect that can result in serious health problems and negative cosmetic results

Eating right is another way to keep the wrinkles at bay Eating a wholesome diet with plenty of fruits vegetables and whole grains is a sure recipe for beautiful skin

Think of your body as a finelytuned machine for which you want to provide the best fuel Your skin in particular needs certain vitamins and minerals to look its best For example vitamin A reduces sebum production to prevent blemishes vitamin B contributes to even skin tone and vitamin E reduces acne scarring

Avoid the Sun

A certain amount of sun exposure is necessary to create vitamin D which regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood However excessive exposure can lead to long term damage premature aging age spots and even skin cancer

There are two types of light generated by the sun UVB rays and UVA rays UVB rays are what cause your skin to burn UVA rays penetrate deep into the second layer of the skin causing elasticin and collagen fibers to break down This is how skin can acquire a tough leathery appearance

Wearing sunscreen is a very important part of anti aging skin care Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher If you are active take care to reapply the lotion every few hours Remember that sunscreen is not just for the beach but also for everyday use Direct exposure to midday sunlight especially for fair skin can lead to cumulative skin damage

Exfoliation and Moisturization

Exfoliating dead skin cells is a very important part of an anti aging skin care regimen The older you are the more often you need to exfoliate On average your skin cells renew themselves approximately every three weeks As you get older the natural aging process can slow this renewal down To accelerate the turnover of dead dull skin you need to exfoliate or remove the uppermost layer of your epidermis

Be sure not to choose a product that is too rough or harsh on your skin Also take your skin type into consideration Individuals with dry sensitive skin should only exfoliate once or twice a week However people with oily skin should exfoliate daily

After you exfoliate take care to apply a quality moisturizer formulated for your skin type The moisturizer will be absorbed more readily by the newer fresher skin cells

Anti Wrinkle Cream

Anti Wrinkle Cream

The concept of anti wrinkle cream is actually quite controversial Wrinkles develop over time deep below the skin Since wrinkle creams only impact the top layer their benefits are mostly short term and superficial. The surface of your body is a reflection of how you have lived your life Skin is exposed to destruction from the inside and out

The skin is made up of three main layers the outer skin the fat layer and the muscle As we live our life the repeated movement of these muscles causes the creases we know as wrinkles Smiling and frowning are common sources but activities like smoking also create pucker lines around the mouth. The skin of the face is usually hit the hardest by the sands of time The main reason for this difference is the sun Facial skin is not weaker than other skin simply more exposed Comparing your face to places on your body like under your arms or behind your knees clearly demonstrates the effects of longterm exposure to the sun Little wrinkles on the surface of the skin are like scars from the sun. Youthful skin is actually not determined by the surface of the skin itself Wrinkles develop deeper within the muscle layer of the organ of the skin This is why concentrated wrinkles cannot be cured by anti wrinkle cream but actually need a more significant treatment like botox or a face lift. In general anti wrinkle creams gradually smooth the appearance of your skin Be wary of any manufacturer who claims to actually remove the wrinkles from your body Only surgical treatment can provide that service.The brand is not as important as the ingredients when selecting an anti wrinkle cream If the concentrations of the anti aging chemicals are too low they will not produce the necessary effect If they are too high they will cause irritation. These products naturally exfoliate the skin adding a nice glow to hide imperfectionsAntioxidants fight the progression of age conditions on the skin Alpha and Beta Hydroxyl acid relieve dry skin Exfoliation and antioxidant reactions reduce fine lines and age spots Look for a 510% preferred concentration of the acid ingredients Retinol or Vitamin A Based One of the best anti wrinkle cream ingredients if applied regularly Prescription strength is the most effective at smoothing the appearance of fine lines

You must avoid the sun when using The product can cause severe irritation so follow directions exactly

Vitamin C Ester The percentage of Vitamin C must be quite high to be effective This antioxidant is also an antiinflammatory which helps the skin to relax the creases of wrinkles The product stimulates cells that produce collagen naturally in the skin Vitamin C is the best type of anti wrinkle cream for sundamaged skin that is sagging and has lost firmness Antioxidant Based Vitamin C Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoid Acid are the three most common antioxidants found in anti wrinkle creams These compounds naturally breakdown and loose their effectiveness quickly

Its a good cream for smaller lines under eye bags and enlarged pores Collagen or Elastin

While collagen is a major component of skin youth it cannot actually absorb back into the skin Anti wrinkle creams that highlight this ingredient are basically worthless.

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne Scar Treatment

From old wives tales to internet legends home remedies for acne abound Theyre easy enough to find but do they work Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules about home remedies for acne Some people have in fact had excellent results using common household ingredients Others however havent had the same luck Since there are no real studies done on home remedies it is difficult to measure their success Still certain ingredients are recognized as having acnefighting properties Menthol found in peppermint and spearmint has cooling and soothing properties It is also known for its ability to kill germs and is a common ingredient in mouthwash It can also be found in many cleansers and toners including Murads Clarifying Cleanser Witchhazel is a shrub that blooms in cooler months It also has highly effective astringent qualities Witch Hazel extract is available in bottle form at any drugstore This common ingredient is found in many toners including the one made by Proactiv Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes feature several ingredients that make them effective in the fight against acne Vitamin C a natural antioxidant is essential in the formation of collagen Citric acid is also an effective astringent and antioxidant In addition citrus fruits are a good source of flavonoids yet another naturally ocurring antioxidant Although not widely recognized for its uses beyond spicing and seasoning food cinnamon actually has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties This could explain the spices presence in many home remedies for acneDue to its natural sugar content honey acts as an antibacterial and antimicrobial It also reacts with body fluids creating a form of hydrogen peroxide Even doctors have recognized the antiseptic qualities of honey using it to treat wounds and burns Since many common kitchen ingredients do have medicinal qualities perhaps some people will have success using home remedies to treat acne Keep in mind though that overthecounter and prescription strength acne treatments feature only small amounts of the natural ingredients Most have long and complicated lists of ingredients that have been formulated through years of scientific research Still as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingredients you have nothing to lose by trying Here is a partial list of recommended home remedies for acne

Honey and Cinnamon Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder Apply the paste to the face each night at bedtime

Toothpaste Simply apply a dab of mint toothpaste over existing pimples and allow to dry overnight Do not use gel

Orange Peel Mix pounded orange peel with water and rub the mixture directly on the acne

Lemon Juice Lemon juice can be applied directly on the blemishes

Lemon and Rose Water Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water and rub the mixture directly on the skin

Mint Rub mint juice over the skin

Witch Hazel Mix witch hazel with water Apply mixture with a cloth or cotton ball over the entire face

Cinnamon and Lemon Mix equal parts cinnamon powder and lemon juice Apply the mixture directly on pimples

Cinnamon and Milk Mix cinnamon powder with milk and rub on affected areas

Garlic Peel garlic cloves and rub over the skin

Aloe Vera Rub aloe vera juice directly over affected skin

Cucumber Grind cucumber to a paste and apply over entire face Rinse after 30 minutes

Acne is a problem that affects many people but fortunately there are a variety of acne treatment products and methods available to help

Mild acne can often be treated with overthecounter remedies Home Acne Treatment

For many people with mild acne or those who suffer from periodic breakouts or blemishes home remedies for acne can be very effective Everyday products such as lemon juice mint and cinnamon can be applied to blemishes to help diminish and dry them Aloe Vera and cloves of garlic may be able to help blemishes the composition of these plants promotes healing

Other home treatments include dabbing toothpaste on blemishes overnight or applying witch hazel over the affected areas As with any treatment the results of home solutions vary If your acne doesnt improve with home treatment you may want to try a stronger natural or overthecounter product

If you prefer natural skin care you may want to try one of the many products available today that are based on natural substances or a natural method of treating your acne

Tea Tree Oil

One popular acne treatment is derived from tea tree oil Found in both a concentrated form as well as in many acne facial washes and other products tea tree oil promotes healing and has natural antiseptic properties that have proven effective for a variety of individuals

Buying Natural Acne Remedies

Many skin care lines market and distribute natural acne remedies including the following

Arbonne

Burts Bees

ZenMed

Desert Essence

Treating Acne Through Diet

Although the claims that foods such as pizza and chocolate cause acne have been deemed as myths in recent times most skin care experts agree that a healthy diet rich in whole grains fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein sources is beneficial to those with acneprone skin

Drinking at least 810 glasses of water per day is also recommended to help flush impurities from your body this may have a direct effect on acne as well. For people with moderate acne overthecounter acne treatment can often clear their skin Drug store acne remedies are sold in creams gels sticks washes masks and other forms but typically contain one or more of the following ingredients

Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is considered a very effective acne agent It is an antiseptic agent that has a drying effect which is beneficial for getting rid of blemishes but may not work for those with sensitive skin Overthecounter concentrations are typically found in 10 percent strength or less

Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid unclogs pores and breaks down the cycle of bacterial growth that causes pimples

Sulfur Sulfur is used in acne masks spot treatments and other products to heal and prevent acne without overdrying the skin

Neutrogena is an overthecounter brand that is recommended by dermatologists

For acne that is severe or persistent and certain conditions such as cystic acne medical treatments may fare better than overthecounter products Physicians can prescribe benzoyl peroxide in higher concentrations which may provide the effectiveness some acne sufferers need

Other medical acne treatment includes antibiotic creams or pills tretinoin brand name RetinA and isotretinoin brand name Accutane Be sure to discuss the side effects of any acne treatment with your doctor first Accutane in particular has a severe side effect it has the potential to cause birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while on the medication

Acne scar treatment is available to those who are plagued from unsightly marks from past breakouts The treatment you need will depend on the severity of scarring For light scars simply applying a concealer or using a noncomedogenic overthe counter scar treatment may be all you need

SkincareSince over 80% of the population suffers from acne there are many acne skin care options available to those in search of a clearer complexion Whether youre troubled by occasional breakouts or coping with a longterm skin condition there are skin care products available to help you look your very best

Acne is caused by dead skin cells and excess sebum clogging the pores in your skin The condition is thought to be hereditary If your parents suffered from acne youre more likely to be bothered by reoccurring blemishes than someone without this family history

While acne is most often associated with teenagers many adults suffer from this embarrassing condition In fact adults typically have a more difficult time treating their acne because they are more likely to have skin that is easily irritated by the harsh ingredients in some acne skin care products

Contrary to popular belief chocolate pizza French fries and ice cream do not cause acne However eating a wellbalanced diet rich in lean protein whole grains and fresh produce may help improve the look of your skin by reducing sebum production enhancing tissue growth and improving circulation

While a tan may temporarily minimize the appearance of acne the sun does not cure acne Sun exposure ultimately does more harm than good by leading to wrinkles and premature aging In addition some acne medications can make you more likely to sunburn in a short period of time

Since acne is not caused by dirt merely scrubbing your face will not improve your complexion In fact excessively rubbing squeezing or picking at your skin will only make your acne worse

Treating acne often requires a skin care regimen consisting of several different products For example you may use a cleanser to remove dead skin cells and an antiacne gel to control excess sebum production while fighting bacteria There are also acne treatment masks that can be used on a semiregular basis to open pores and clear debris

When youre shopping for acne treatment products look for medications that have been dermatologist approved These products are less likely to cause irritation flakiness or redness in your problem skin

Patience is a key component of acne skin care Generally it takes at least two weeks to see results from an acne treatment product In most cases a significant improvement requires several months of regular use Dont give up your acne skin care regimen until youve given the products a chance to work

Common Acne Treatment Options

Did you know that Americans spend more than $100 million each year on overthecounter acne skin care medications Clearly acne sufferers have a wide array of choices to treat their condition However there are two just common ingredients found in most nonprescription acne skin care products Benzyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide works by killing acnecausing bacteria However it often causes irritation and dryness in people with sensitive skin

Salicylic Acid helps remove the debris that clogs pores while destroying the bacteria that causes acne It also helps improve collagen production and skin thickness

Hair Vitamins

Hair Vitamins

In addition to special shampoos conditioners and treatments you can now buy hair vitamins The makers of these pills and tablets claim that they will make your hair grow faster look healthier and resist breakage better than before Whats in these products Where can you find them And whats the science behind the claims
Most vitamins simply offer healthier hair while some are targeted at specific hair problems You can find products for

General hair health
Hair loss
Greying hair
Slowgrowing hair
Some preparations are simply multivitamin tablets Others are essentially herbal supplements Some include a secret ingredient usually a scientificsounding formula that the company does not specifically define

There are many different products available on the internet Your hair stylist may also have suggestions

Its hard to say if hair vitamins really do any good Certainly the manufacturers advertising material is full of testimonials from satisfied customers But theres no way to tell how many people tried the product without success or even if the testimonials are real

There is good medical evidence supporting the idea that protein deficiency can damage hair but Americans particularly those who can afford luxuries like hair vitamins rarely experience the severe malnutrition that would lead to problems Vitamin deficiencies can also cause brittle unhealthylooking hair or even hair loss These effects have mostly been studied in people with severe deficiencies related to illness or poor nutrition not in healthy people who eat a balanced diet

On the other hand there is very little scientific evidence concerning slight vitamin deficiencies and the appearance of hair People who dont eat properly may well benefit from supplements So might vegetarians and vegans because some nutrients are obtained more efficiently from animal products than from plants We know that BVitamins including Biotin and Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Copper Zinc and other nutrients are important to the development and growth of hair Will taking extra doses of these vitamins and minerals help your hair It might Theres no good evidence either way

Some pharmaceutical companies claim that anemia causes hair loss Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells often related to iron deficiency Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body delivering it to tissues including your scalp and hair follicles

There may be something to the vitamin manufacturers claim Several scientific studies have linked hair loss and iron deficiency The evidence isnt perfect however other studies failed to find a connection But its strong enough that many doctors check patients iron levels when evaluating hair loss

How does iron deficiency cause hair problems Some hair vitamin companies claim that lack of iron actually suffocates your scalp that when youre anemic your blood cant deliver enough oxygen to keep your hair healthy Other researchers think low iron may interfere with DNA production Hair follicle cells reproduce very quickly and they use iron in the process If theres not enough iron the cells may not be able to make healthy hair

Check with your doctor before starting supplements containing iron to find out if you really need them and if theyre safe for you

Some hair supplements contain exoticsounding herbs often with Asian names He Shou Wu derived from the plant polygonum multiflorum is traditionally thought to reverse graying hair and promote hair growth In fact the herb does have some antioxidant properties as do some of the more familiar vitamins Whether it really makes hair healthier isnt known He Shou Wu has been known to cause liver inflammation so people with liver problems probably shouldnt take this herb and others should be cautious

Saw Palmetto is another popular ingredient primarily in products that offer to reverse hair loss in men Saw palmetto is known to block the action of a certain male hormone which contributes to male pattern baldness The idea makes sense but as with most supplements the results arent proven Side effects of saw palmetto may include upset stomach and decreased sexual desire

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein Because protein is important for healthy hair some hair vitamins contain amino acids However the typical American diet provides all the protein we need Its doubtful that the extra amino acids in the vitamin pills will make a difference On the other hand there arent any scientific studies looking at amino acid supplements and the health of hair so its really up to the consumer whether to give them a try

The safety of each product depends on whats in it and how its used as well as on the medical history and general health of the person taking it Its possible to overdose on some vitamins and minerals Supplements may also interact with other medications youre taking Its always smart to check with your health care provider before starting any supplement

SLIMMING

SLIMMING

For millions of dieters the roller coaster of different diet plans and miracle weight loss solutions isnt successful but the simple meal substitutions and coordinated programs of SlimFast is an effective weight management technique With its easy to use products and encouraging atmosphere the company has become one of the most wellknown diet plans in the world First launched in 1977 this line of weight management products has spread to worldwide success with dozens of options for all types of dietary needs There are four basic keys to success with the program Diet Controlled portions and healthy meals help form nutritional eating habits
Activity Exercise is a necessary component to a healthy lifestyle at any weight Tools To successfully manage weight individuals need to be aware of their bodys proportions and what goals are best to work toward
Support Without a supportive community of friends and family to encourage healthy habits and a positive selfimage dieters may revert to overeating and emotional eating For more than 25 years Slim Fast has emphasized the concepts of weight management and progress rather than perfection or unattainable ideals Contrary to its name the company does not encourage rapid loss but instead encourages individuals to move forward at a pace that suits their body and lifestyle to reach healthy goals and lifetime habits

The maxim a shake for breakfast a shake for lunch and a sensible dinner is the companys trademark though the company has progressed far beyond the powdered shake mixes that were its trademark for so many years Today there is a wide range of products including readytodrink shakes snack bars meal replacement bars lowcarb options highprotein products for active lifestyles and easily digestible products for individuals who may be sensitive to gluten or lactose While these technical names are not particularly appetizing the available flavors are decadent enough to set any mouth watering Many snack and meal bars are either chocolate or yogurt coated for additional deliciousness yet even with such luxuriant flavors each product is formulated to offer onethird of most daily recommended vitamins and nutrients onesixth for snack bars to help users achieve a nutritional and healthy diet Many people initially question the idea of snack bars after all isnt the point of a diet or weight management plan to eliminate snacking On the contrary the company recognizes the importance of snacking both psychologically and to keep the bodys metabolism and blood sugar levels in optimum ranges Healthy snacks including fruits and vegetables are encouraged throughout the day Slim Fast products are widely available at grocery and discount stores and they are typically shelved with diet and weight management products near vitamins and other supplements Costs vary with shakes selling for $12 each in packs of 4 or 6 snack bars averaging $3 50 for six and meal bars averaging $7 for six The products are also available online through the companys official site www slimfast com
The best successes on the SlimFast program are attributed to more than just food The final key to success support is critical for individuals to be able to maintain their healthy habits and support from certified dietitians is available online twentyfour hours a day Individuals can also read inspiring success stories create personalized meal plans and view recipes for their sensible dinners and obtain free guides about healthy weight loss and other fitness topics A free online support group is also available for both novice and experienced dieters to join together for additional encouragement

The key to any diet and weight management plan including SlimFast is to be committed to the program Because this company emphasizes life management rather than rapid solutions it is a longterm commitment that can lead to superb results as dieters adjust their lives to healthier habits

The Raw Food Diet basically follows the strictest form of the vegan diet no meat fish milk dairy products eggs or cooked foods Only raw minimally processed foods are permitted in this way of eating Some followers do eat meat Carol Alt among them but most avoid it

Sometimes raw foodists will fast or go on a special detoxifying diet such as The Lemonade Diet These types of diets address the individuals specific health concerns or cleanse their systems further from the pollutants and toxins so prevalent in highly developed societies

The purpose of eating a raw food diet is not only to help a person lose weight and feel better but also to slow the aging process by helping a person look and feel younger In their several books Carol Alt Tonya Zavasta and the Boutenko family each tell their stories of health problems cured and youthfulness achieved after following the raw food lifestyle

Raw fooding is all about enzymes Enzymes are present in all raw foods but most are either completely destroyed or are rendered inactive by cooking Hence the premise of a raw food diet lifestyle is that it is far more healthful to feed the human body foods in which the enzymes are present and active

Because heat destroys enzymes raw foodists are careful when purchasing juicers and dehydrators to ensure that the food will not be heated excessively Studies have indicated that enzyme action is destroyed at temperatures of 118 degrees or greater In Your Right to Be Beautiful 1 Tonya Zavasta recommends buying a lowwattage dehydrator that can be set at 95 degrees or lower as most raw food recipes do not call for temperatures above 110 degrees

DietIf youre looking for the perfect 1400 calorie diabetic diet there are certainly handy sample plans to try but remember each person is an individual and because of this a specific diet may work better for one person than another You can try any 1400 sample plan but personalized adjustments may be necessary

If you have diabetes and your doctor recommends that you try a 1400 calorie diet plan it could be for a number of reasons. A diet plan with 1400 calories offers enough calories to meet nutritional needs when planned in a wellbalanced manner and still is low enough in calories to assist an individual who needs to lose weight Even with minimal exercising effort its likely that someone eating 1400 calories will lose weight
If your current diet is not working you may be on the path of needing medication to help control your diabetes A much easier plan is that you control your diabetes with diet and exercise if possible Many doctors suggest that a patient who is not in dire need of medication attempt to control their diabetes with diet and exercise before moving on the medications

The first place to find plans for a good 1400 calorie diabetic diet plan will be with your doctor Better yet you are also working with a nutrition specialist If not have your doctor refer your to one The importance of personalized support and planning for your experience with diabetes cannot be understated People with superior support plans and a team of helpers to back them up succeed at managing their diabetes far better than someone trying to plan their diet and care on their own That said its highly suggested that you work closely with your support team to plan a diet thats right for you However if you are already working with a team and need fresh ideas for your 1400 calorie diabetic diet then these resources may help. First youll want to do some preplanning and this handy guide from the Mayo Clinic Diabetes diet Create your healthyeating plan can help This will direct you as to what parts of your diet to concentrate on such as carbohydrate counting and also offers ideas on the the diabetic exchange system consistency and diet variationThe National Diabetes Education Program offers a wealth of diet planning support including a sample diabetic diet planmeals for a day nutrition information some handy thoughts about the diabetic food pyramid and more.Many of the healthier online 1400 calorie diet plans are not specifically related to a diabetic plan That doesnt mean they wont work for you though The following plans offer ideas about what to eat to add up to 1400 calories Free dieting 1400 plan Weight loss resources 1400 calorie plan in the UK and one more 1400 calorie diet variation Once you have a good idea of what belongs on a 1400 calorie diet plan skip back over to the Mayo Clinic for some amazing recipes The clinics healthy diabetic recipe section not only offers seriously delicious food choices but a complete calorie carbohydrate protein and more breakdown of the recipe so you can be sure youre getting the right amount of calories and nutrients If that doesnt convince you listen to some of these recipes southwestern potato skins blackberry iced tea with cinnamon and ginger cookies and cream milkshake barbecue chicken pizza and many more A diabetic diet can be fun or at least tastier than you thoughtYou also may be interested in diabetic cookbooks diabetic food list and learning about the basics of the diabetic dietDont forget to always run any sort of diet plan or diet changes past your health care provider before you start

SALADS

Diabetic Recipes Salads

Salads have come a long way from their reputation as the traditional diet food Depending on their ingredients salads are considered a healthy and satisfying main entree especially for a diabetic Building a meal around vegetables and protein can help people with diabetes control their blood sugars. However you use salads as an appetizer main course or snack remember to keep portion size in mind especially if the salad contains pasta or other starches Use dressings wisely Regular fat dressings can contain up to 17 grams of fat per tablespoon whereas lowfat or fat free dressings may contain more sugar and sodium the flavor has to come from something Read the label and ingredient list to make sure youre choosing a low carbohydrate low fat dressing Or make your own dressing as described in the Chicken Spinach and Fruit Salad recipe below Enhance these salads by adding a serving of nuts 6 almonds cashews or mixed nuts or 10 peanuts which counts as a fat exchange or 3oz of tuna or cubed chicken or turkey for more protein which counts as 3 very lean meat exchanges

Diabetic Recipes Appetizers

When enjoying a meal it is important for a diabetic not to spend a lot of carbohydrates on appetizers Keep portion size in mind as even a few pieces of the garlic bread listed below can easily become a meal of two or three carbohydrates Bring your own appetizers to a party so you know exactly what youre eating If you cant resist the appetizer table reach for nonstarchy vegetables such as broccoli carrots cauliflower tomato and cucumber

The recipes below contain zero to one carbohydrate exchange per serving

Herbed Garlic Bread

Ingredients

4 slices crusty Italian bread cut ½ thick

2 garlic cloves peeled and halved

Olive oil cooking spray

Basil chopped fresh

Oregano chopped fresh

Pepper freshly ground

Directions

Lightly brown both sides of bread slices using grill or toaster oven Remove from heat and lightly coat both sides with cooking spray Rub with the cut garlic then top with pepper and chopped herbs Spray again with cooking spray Cut in half and serve warm

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 4 servings

Per serving 77 calories 3g protein 1g total fat 0 2g saturated fat 14g carbohydrate 1g dietary fiber 0mg cholesterol 166mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 Carbohydrate 1 Bread Starch


Dill and Onion Dip

Ingredients

2 cups plain lowfat yogurt drained

16oz carton lowfat cottage cheese

½ cup chopped fresh dill

1 Tbsp onion grated

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Combine cottage cheese yogurt dill and onion in a large bowl Season with pepper Cover and chill until ready to serve

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes about 1 quart

Per 2 Tbsp serving 20 calories 3g protein trace total fat 0 2g saturated fat 2g carbohydrate 0 dietary fiber 2mg cholesterol 68mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving Free

Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

9oz package frozen nosaltadded artichoke hearts thawed drained

4oz fat free or lowfat cream cheese room temperature

1 2 cup plain nonfat or lowfat yogurt

¼ cup thinly sliced green onions green part only

1 1 2 tsp cream sherry

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning saltfree

1 8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Blot artichokes with paper towels and chop into small pieces In medium bowl whisk together remaining ingredients blending well Stir in artichokes Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend Stir before serving Serve with fresh sliced vegetables

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 14 servings Per 2 Tbsp serving 20 calories 2g protein 79mg sodium 3g carbohydrate

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 2 Lowfat Meat

Adapted from The New American Heart Association Cookbook


Fruit and Chicken Salad

Ingredients

1 2 cup plain nonfat yogurt

1 2 to 1 tsp lemonpepper seasoning

1 2 tsp dry mustard

1 4 tsp garlic salt

1 4 tsp poppy seed

4 packets artificial sweetener

1 to 2 Tbsp orange juice

4 cups torn spinach leaves

8 oz thinly sliced cooked chicken breast

2 cups sliced strawberries

1 cup halved seedless green grapes

1 1 2 cups thinly sliced yellow summer squash

2 medium oranges peeled and sectioned

1 2 cup toasted pecan pieces optional

Directions

Combine yogurt mustard garlic salt poppy seed lemonpepper seasoning and sweetener in small bowl Add enough orange juice until salad dressing consistency set aside Line platter with spinach Arrange chicken grapes squash strawberries and orange sections over spinach Drizzle salad with dressing Sprinkle with pecans if desired

Serving and Nutrition Information

Makes 4 servings

Per serving 202 calories 21g protein 20g carbohydrate 5g fat 51mg cholesterol 380mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges per serving 1 2 Vegetable 1 Fruit 2 1 2 Meat

Diabetic Cookies

For diabetics cookies can be an option By looking for sugarfree cookies on grocery market shelves or by cooking up a batch of your favorite finds you can enjoy delicious cookies without fear of blood sugar spikes.Like most things diabetic cookies are readily available online For example Fenwicks offers gourmet cookies made with Splenda in place of sugar Diabetic Drugstore sells an assortment of diabetic cookies and other goodies

Make Your Own Diabetic Cookie Recipes
There are several sugar substitutes available to replace the traditional white and brown sugar used in recipes Each one will react differently to the baking process depending on the chemical composition of the artificial sweetener being used It is best to test your recipes in small batches using alternant sweeteners to ensure proper baking Most substitutes require less quantity as well since their sweetness is often highly concentrated In this case consider using half of regular sugar and half of substitute to be sure the batter gets the bulk it needs You can use white or brown sugar but half the amount in the original recipe first The two best sugar substitutes for baking are Acesulfame K and sucralose Dried fruit and spices are great additions for added flavor without all the sugar

Spicy Cornmeal Cookies
Ingredients

¼ cup butter or margarine

¾ cup unbleached allpurpose flour

¼ cup yellow cornmeal

¼ cup sugar

1 egg white

½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoon finely minced almonds

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In large bowl beat butter or margarine on medium speed for 30 seconds Add half the flour the cornmeal sugar egg white lemon zest vanilla cinnamon and nutmeg Beat until thoroughly combined Stir in remaining flour and almonds Mix well

Place dough by large tablespoonful on ungreased baking sheet Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden Let cool on wire rack

Servings and Nutrition Information

Makes 24 cookies

48 Calories 2 g Total Fat 0 g Saturated Fat 6 g Carbohydrate 1 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 36 mg Sodium

Crunchy Chocolate Biscotti

Ingredients

¼ cup butter or margarine

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup egg substitute

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup unbleached allpurpose flour

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray

In medium bowl beat butter or margarine on medium speed for 30 seconds Add sugar baking powder and baking soda beat until thoroughly combined Beat in egg substitute and vanilla

In small bowl stir together flours and cocoa powder Gradually beat small amounts of dry mix into butter mixture and stir in remaining dry mixture by hand if necessary Dough will be thick

In wax paper shape dough into two 12 logs and place logs on prepared cookie sheet Flatten slightly to about 1 ½ width Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until firm in center and toothpick inserted in center comes out dry Cool on cookie sheet for 1 full hour

Cut each log into ½ slices Arrange slices with cut side down on cookie sheet Bake slices at 325 degrees for 5 minutes turn slices over and bake for additional 5 minutes or until crisp

Servings and Nutritional Information

Makes 40 cookies

45 Calories 1 g Total Fat 0 g Saturated Fat 8 g Carbohydrate 1 g Fiber 1 g Protein 0 mg Cholesterol 35 mg Sodium

Variation Add 1 3 cup finely chopped dried fruit such as apricots mangos cherries or figs for a fruity flavor