Today more than ever, children are being fed all kinds of foods that are deficient in nutrients to support their growing body and good health. Here’s more from Science Daily –

Can diseases such as Alzheimer’s, obesity and diabetes be prevented before birth? According to Jonathan D. Gitlin, M.D., the Helene B. Roberson Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Genetics at the Washington University School of Medicine, researching whether diseases that strike adults are already genetically encoded in individuals while still in the womb, may enable physicians to one day address and prevent diseases in infancy.

In a talk entitled “Child Health Research in the 21st Century: Obstacles and Opportunities,” Dr. Gitlin, who is also scientific director of the Children’s Discovery Institute, will address why, despite substantial investments in both the academic and private sectors, the health status of our nation remains dismal — particularly the health and wellness of our children.

“Children’s health has been pushed aside,” states Dr. Gitlin. “The amount of money currently dedicated to research that could identify key factors leading to diseases both in childhood and later in their adult lives is very small compared to the funding for adult onset diseases such as heart disease or cancer.” Dr. Gitlin says scientists need to redirect their thinking to find a way to identify and ultimately offset diseases in children that may affect them later in life, such as obesity, depression or even drug and alcohol addiction. read more…

Comment: A healthy diet is important for development in children and will determine their future health.

Note: If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

While weight loss in itself is a goal that most people strive for, it is not and should not be the focus of a healthy lifestyle – one that includes a healthy weight. Think of it this way: if you want to lose weight and you set out on a diet plan, then when you reach your goal you will feel as though you’ve completed what you set out to do. However, if you focus on a healthy lifestyle then your goal no longer has an end, only an ongoing effort to strive for optimal health. So long as the ‘ticker’ is ‘ticking’, you are in the game of health. And the decisions you make each day will determine whether or not you’re ‘winning’ the game, or losing it to sickness and disease. (While some conditions may not be preventable altogether, you do give yourself the best chance for longevity without a health problem when you stack the “health chips” in your favor!).

Anyone who tells you that your diet won’t make a difference in your health either has been living in a cave their whole life or… well, who knows. The fact is that with so much evidence pointing to the importance of a healthy diet in the prevention of sickness and disease, it is clear that most of our health problems stem from poor nutrition. While diet can’t provide all the protection from sickness and disease – certainly genetics and environmental conditions can be contributing factors that we may not have too much control over – there is no debating the importance of consuming healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. This advice wouldn’t mean much if it didn’t come with the ever-growing important point of avoiding, completely, all processed and fatty foods. In particular, reference should be made to those offered by fast food restaurants where soft drinks are commonly purchased with those items – another no-no.

Medifast does offer the plan for adopting a healthy lifestyle via weight loss. If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

Asking what’s in your lunch may be a bit presumptive that you even have a lunch to look into, as if you’ve brought one.  Most people we find not bringing their own lunch to work, but instead buying.  In my experience, not only is buying more expensive to you and adds up quickly if you’re on a budget, but it’s most often compromising to your health, especially when you can better control what you’re going to eat when you make your own at home. You can get what you need at the supermarket, prepare it exactly how you like it, and be sure that the fruit and or vegetable that you want is included. And believe me, all of this is going to be cheaper than going somewhere and having someone prepare your sandwich. And if it’s not more expensive, then be assured that it is certainly “garbage” that you’re eating (i.e. fast food?).

Here’s more about someone who has a very clear opinion on the subject of food -

According to Michael Pollan, most of what Americans consume isn’t food. He calls it “edible foodlike substances.” He also says that the way we consume it is not really eating. It’s something we do pretty unconsciously as we work or drive or watch TV.  We all know about the U.S. epidemic of obesity and diabetes over the past 25 years, on top of the steady rise of chronic diseases over the past hundred. Paradoxically, this happens just as Americans and the food industry are ever more aware of nutrition. What’s going on here?  Pollan claims that in the Western diet, good old food has been replaced by nutrients, mom’s good advice by nutritional experts, common sense by confusion, and for most, a relatively good diet by a bad and dangerous one. The book in which he makes all these claims and advises us simply to “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants,” has topped the New York Times bestseller list. (from AlterNet.org)

Comments: Bottom line, most of what is offered at supermarkets, sporting events, bowling alleys, quick shops, fast food restaurants, and everywhere that has a shelf with a food item on it, is just not the best nutrition for our health. Start with those items that come from the garden, or the orchard.
Note: If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

While you may hear about World Health Day and the focus on such debatable claims like ‘global warming’ and the challenges faced with a rise in the Earth’s temperature, but there are bigger issues at stake. For starters, the health of mankind needs to be mentioned from a diet and fitness level. Although this may sound much less important than trying to eradicate deadly diseases like AIDS or malaria, the fact is that many more diseases will be present and many more lives at stake in years to come, without a focus on a quality food supply. Just because mankind can be fed, doesn’t mean that mankind is going to be healthy, only perhaps survive another day. Without wholesome foods grown on good quality soil full of nutrients and trace minerals and the like, the immune systems of all living things could be compromised to the point of making a common cold a common risk of death. Sounds extreme but even HIV positive patients see a great benefit to a very strict diet that enhances their immune system and leaves out processed foods that can deplete its strength.

How is it that food could be the basis for good health for all? Is it the hundreds of nutrients present in whole foods that we don’t hear about or aren’t talked about? Maybe these healthy sources of nutrition are overshadowed by marketing efforts of the big burger places and soft drink makers. It’s not unrealistic to think that society will lose many of the nutrients that are very important to supporting good health and preventing disease much the same way that certain species are now extinct. Afterall, genetically modified seeds have made their way into the food system in a BIG way.  What effect is this having? Will we know anytime soon?

A healthy diet and lifestyle should be the focus of World Health Day, instead of what citizens are doing that may be raising the temperature of the Earth.  Sure we need to make diseases like Malaria and Small Pox obsolete. Anything that we have vaccines for should be practically non-existent with a concerted effort. But the big problem that supercedes these is the foundation of health – diet. What you decide to eat will determine whether or not we, together, the farmers that provide fruits and vegetables will still be in existence in years to come. They won’t be needed if they have a product that no one wants. Make the choice to eat more fruits and vegetables. Increase the demand, while decreasing the demand for hamburgers, soft drinks, potato chips, or any other processed foods. The collective choices of the citizens of the planet is what ultimately will decide where the future of the World lies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was (apparently) founded on this day, and I suppose that’s the reason for this day as World Health Day.  Maybe a healthy diet day should be started to help increase awareness of what a healthy diet really is. Is it french fries, hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks, cereal (and I don’t mean Oatmeal here!), and pastries? Most of the foods offered that have been pre-packaged – that is, already made and can be eaten out of the box or heated – are missing hundreds of important nutrients for supporting your health. There isn’t one food or soft drink manufacturer or fast food restaurant that would be behind a World Healthy Diet Day as described. They would lose hundreds of millions of dollars just in one day.

With a healthy diet you can expect weight loss if you need it; you can expect more energy if you seek it; you can expect your IQ to go up if you want it. You may see your income go up, your relationships improve (oh yeah? you don’t think your sex life is better with more energy and a slimmer body?), your creative thoughts and productivity as a person may improve. These are all things, and more, that have been noticed by individuals who make the effort to improve their health by changing what they eat. A healthy diet plan is just the beginning to a healthy lifestyle.

If you really want to make World Health Day something to talk about, then give up the top contributors to the overweight and obesity epidemic – soft drinks, fast foods, and any other packaged foods that aren’t made with the intent to IMPROVE and SUPPORT your health.

If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

This may be a bit more science than you are used to reading, but it helps us understand the real power behind the properties and content that exists within fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits to consuming a healthier diet than what we completely understand, but the underlying truth is that there is no better form for supporting good health than that which is found in the whole fruits and/or vegetables. Here’s more:

Glyconutrients Defined –
Glyconutrients are healthy plant nutrients. They are found at the cellular level of edible plants in the form of polysaccharides or plant sugars. Glyconutrients come from a variety of sources but most notably from the succulent and highly nutritious aloe vera plant. Glyconutrients work naturally to help support many necessary functions in the body.

Select Monosaccharides Effective In Stimulating Immune System–
The effect of selected monosaccharides on the random migration of normal adult rabbit alveolar macrophages (AM) was investigated by researchers. Findings showed that the three monosaccharides, L-fucose, L-galactose, and L-mannose, enhanced rabbit macrophage migration enhancement activity. A macrophage is a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. The immune system stimulation seen by the three monosaccharides tested hold promise for humans but human studies are needed to be sure. For more information on this study go to the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, Volume 41, March 1987. Click here for more information.

Proanthocyanidins are a Specific Class of Phytonutrients with Numerous Health Giving Properties–
This class of flavonoids earned their primary reputation as being powerful antioxidants or free radical scavengers. Free radicals are damaging unstable oxygen molecules that get into the body as a result of over-exercise, stress, being exposed to dirty air and other environmental pollutants. Proanthocyanidins also help in the stabilization of collagen and elastin. These are two critical fibrous proteins found in the connective tissues that support organs, joints, blood vessels and muscle. Proanthocyanidins can be found in numerous plant and food sources.

Comment: So while these big terms and explanations may go beyond the traditional explanations of how a plant-based diet is beneficial to health, a further understanding and education of the power behind these foods may make the difference when you decide to get a hamburger and fries, and instead choose something from Mother Nature!

For weight loss and a healthier diet, one suggestion is starting with Medifast. If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

The stigma behind most diets is that they are a unique way of eating that isn’t typical of an average diet. The real reason a “diet” should exist is to allow an individual an easier plan to follow that is healthier than the way they eat now. In other words, a choice of healthy meals and items that are not so unique that the dieter can’t wait to complete their goal and finish the diet. Unfortunately for most of those who seek weight loss, this mindset does not bring about lasting change. This is why a true diet plan should be appealing now and in the future. It may not be the exact way of eating that will be followed for years to come, but it should provide a foundation for healthy eating, and establish not only healthy habits but a knowledge and desire to continue choosing healthy items. When you start to believe in the lifestyle, you no longer will have to seek out a diet.  These same thoughts are shared by Review.com –

Shifting the focus towards being healthy is the key to an education campaign encouraging women to forgo fad diets and focus on simple, lifelong changes. The “Campaign for Healthy Weight,” created by a partnership between America On The Move, Curves and the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), has a simple rallying cry – small, specific changes in physical activity and calorie intake can make a significant difference. It all starts with taking a pledge for a new, healthy approach.

“We need to get past the era of extreme dieting,” agreed renowned obesity expert James O. Hill, Ph.D., co-founder of America On The Move. “Health management needs to be a bigger part of weight management.”

A new report called “Weighing in on the American Diet,” found that although dieting is at an all-time low, “feeling healthier” is the primary motivator for those beginning a diet. The new study, conducted by The NPD Group in collaboration with Milk Processor Education Program, looked at the who, what, how and why of dieting in this country – providing one of the most comprehensive snapshots of weight management practices in America. read on…

Final Word: If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed. While Medifast can help you get on track, it is the mindset of a healthy lifestyle and the empowerment that it brings that you should seek to achieve.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

While traditional methods of weight loss usually involve a bit of education about the type of meals to be prepared, the reason that certain foods are superior to others, and the time and frequency with which they are to be consumed, there is an easier way to get a meal plan. Medifast offers a meal plan that is not unlike conventional diets. With just a few adjustments from your normal meal selection, coupled with higher nutritional content, lower calorie content, and higher protein, Medifast is sure to provide not only great tasting foods that are healthy, but a cost effective and timely manner with which you can get started on your weight loss plan. While not only diets are alike, their focus is still on helping you achieve your weight loss goal. The foods that you eat are definitely the biggest contributing factor to your weight. The difficulty most Americans run into is not having some guidance as to what they should eat, and instead grab or drive thru what is nearest to satisfy a sudden hunger urge.

While the focus of a healthy lifestyle should not be on food, having a healthy meal plan in place will provide two immediate benefits. First, you can rest assured that the meals you are getting are going to satisfy your hunger. And second, you can be confident that by following the meal plan provided you won’t have to fuss with unnecessary and unhealthy choices that permeate the marketplace – i.e. fast foods.  The added bonus is that once your plan is in place, you just follow it. There may be some refining to get the foods that you find satisfying to the taste, but by and large the selections available are nothing short of satisfying even the most particular palette.

Medifast is not the final answer to the obesity solution, but one very helpful tool to get you moving in the direction of better health and therefore a healthier weight. A diet may serve the purpose of weight loss, but a diet plan should be about fulfilling a need to develp a healthy lifestyle. In the end, the choices you make will determine your weight and your level of health.

If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed.

While we are so easily conditioned to modify or adopt new beliefs because of the millions of dollars spent on advertising, there are some important truths that tend to get lost amidst cloudy promotional campaigns. For decades, the suggestion that cholesterol is bad and the source for clogged arteries and heart attacks has been literally shoved in our face. Sure we hear about high levels of cholesterol, but does anyone remember that there is a positive use of cholesterol? In fact, it’s not cholesterol that’s bad, but the lipoprotein that is the problem, specifically of the low density variety.

While high cholesterol has had war waged on it all for the sake of profits for Big Pharma, there are some interesting studies that concluded there was actually no advantage to taking these drugs – statins in particular – over a “normal diet and enough exercise”. With the dangerous side effects of statins, there seems to be more harm done than any possible benefit from their consumption. This report is offered on NaturalNews.com –

In an 8-year long heart study, researchers observed 10,000 people with high cholesterol levels. Half of them received a best-selling statin drug. The other half were simply told to eat a normal diet and get enough exercise. The results stunned the researchers. Although the statin drug did indeed lower serum cholesterol, this had no impact whatsoever on death rate, non-fatal heart attacks and fatal arterial disease. In other words, the statin-users had zero advantage over those who received no treatment at all. However, they had just spent eight years taking a costly drug with hideous side effects – risking liver failure, muscle wasting, even sudden death. Lowering cholesterol either through drugs or low fat diets does not lower the risk of developing heart disease. Read more…

The bottom line is that cholesterol is needed by the body and is an important part of the body’s overall function and self-maintenance. A diet that is lacking in proper nutrition – fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based sources – is one that will increase the possibility of health problems. Same goes for lack of physical activity. Being overweight is the first and most obvious sign that potential health problems may be around the corner. So getting your diet and your fitness under control is crucial to your good health.

If you are interested in a meal plan to assist with your weight loss and health, Medifast provides a diet that makes it easy to plan the foods and meals you will eat. Click here – Medifast – to try the Medifast diet meal plan to help you get started losing weight. Medifast is physician-developed

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.