A Dream Diet That Works - Wake Up!
By Matthew Scott

"Dream" diets - to think or hope that there's such a thing, let alone a dream diet that works for all is... dreaming. There are so many variables when it comes to food and people, and this is why most of the diets you read and hear about are just fads.

Each of us is unique, physically, mentally and emotionally; we therefore have unique needs, particularly where food is concerned. Chinese doctors have known this for at least 2500 years - that's how long they've been analysing food and its effects on the body. What has developed in China throughout this time is a complete system of food classification, cooking methods and food cures known as Traditional Chinese Dietary Therapy (TCDT). According to TCDT, the food that's best for each individual is governed by such factors as his/her constitutional body type, current state of health, age, the seasons, and the weather.

There's no such thing as a dream diet that works for all!

So, how do you know which foods and drinks are right, or not right, for you? To know exactly, you need to consult a trained practitioner of TCDT. Practitioners of traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine also dispense traditional Chinese dietary advice.

In the meantime, though, there are some general, time-tested Chinese dietary guidelines you can follow to greatly improve your health and vitality. For example:

1. In the heat of summer consume less heating, stimulating foods and drinks like meat, fried foods, spices, alcohol and coffee, and consume more light, cooling foods like fruits and vegetables (steamed or lightly stir-fried is best).

2. Vice-versa in winter, i.e. consume more warming, nourishing foods and drinks like meats, soups, stews, a little alcohol perhaps, and less cooling foods.

3. Don't consume very cold drinks, especially during meals, as they interfere with digestion. Instead have a cup of green tea to facilitate digestion, especially of meat and greasy foods.

In TCDT the emphasis is on balance and moderation. Too much, or too little, of a food or drink or of one flavor can, over time, lead to disharmony, ill health and disease. Forget about the concept of a dream diet that works for all - instead understand that as a unique individual you need a unique blend of foods and liquids in order to function optimally, and that your dietary needs change according to your state of health, the seasons and the other factors mentioned above.

It's called ==> A Controversial Study

Make sure to check it out.

All of the "gurus" only tell you enough to keep you coming back for more.  Or, they tell you one thing and then switch to something else because "the research" says otherwise.

What do you think? 

You see, because of the state of obesity in the United States especially, many leaders just want people to do SOMETHING.  Therefore, they tell people that you can get in shape and improve your health by increasing your activity level while doing mundane tasks.

But let's be serious, do we really think that walking up the stairs everyday instead of taking the elevator will improve our fitness level THAT much.  Really, you might take the stairs two times per day for a grand total of 5 minutes walking the stairs.

And, most people would be laboring up the stairs anyway all the while, telling themselves that they are taking the stairs instead of the elevator and their fitness levels are improving because of it.

Do you really think that?

From what the research tells us, most people need to raise their metabolism in order to lose fat without crash dieting.

Two ways to increase your metabolism:  weight training... interval training

Everything in life that is worthwhile takes a little W-O-R-K... including health and fitness.  Don't shortchange yourself by thinking otherwise.

Check it out.

I'll post the link then.

Lots of great energy flux info is being covered.

Make sure to return tomorrow for the next installment of the "energy flux" breakdown

So what IS this topic about...

Let's just say that it's the anti-diet.

Seriously, the whole basis behind it is pushing as many total calories through your body as possible and not gaining weight.  Seems impossible right.

Well not only is it possible, but if your whole idea of fitness is getting absolutely RIPPED (and it should be), this should be the only protocol you should follow.

So, the mantra for right now is "Eat More, Move More, Lose More"

There are a few studies that have to do with energy flux and I'll share one with you tomorrow.  

All I ask is that you hold your feelings about this controversial subject until a few days from now.  I am about to show you how to get in better shape and in less time per day than you have ever thought possible.

Oh, and I'm not talking about the whole "make sure to take the stairs instead of the elevator deal"

You know what, before I get started on energy flux tomorrow, I'll tell you why everyone tells you to "find ways to exercise" (like the stairs thing).

It'll blow your mind...  

http://blog.myspace.com/mindoverbodymatter

Be prepared for tomorrow...

More energy flux and a few explanations start just for you 

Now, while that's great in theory, think about one thing before you decide to run down the 'speed' isle:

Your skin is only SO elastic... and... as you get older... it gets less and less elastic.

Remember, loose skin looks worse than body fat.

Take your time and do it right.

Now, more than ever, becoming fit for life should be your mantra. Obesity is becoming more and more a problem. According to the F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America (2005) report, about 119 million Americans, or 64.5% of adult Americans are either overweight or obese. Consequently, a rise in obesity-related diseases such as type II diabetes, breast and colon cancer, gall bladder surgery and cardiovascular diseases has been seen. So do you really want to be come an obesity statistic or would you rather take that step now to be fit for life?

Fit for Life - It Starts with Small Steps

The simple truth is this - you are overweight because you consume more food /energy than you burn off. However, instead of thinking of how difficult it will be to lose ALL those pounds, start with small, realistic steps. You lose the first pound and the rest will follow.

• Do SOMETHING, ANYTHING, it will always be better than NOTHING. It would be great if you can find a fitness buddy but if not, fine; don't be afraid to go on your own. After all, it is your body that will stand to benefit anyway.

• If you started walking and started seeing the first pounds melt away, change your routine. Boredom has killed many a fitness enthusiast so although you may be elated at the first pounds lost, doing the same thing over and over again will kill your enthusiasm soon enough.

• Challenge yourself a little bit - for 3 days a week at 30 minutes a day, do some weight training exercises. Start light; just use a set of dumbbells (even filled up water bottles will do!)

• Now you are ready to cross-train! Mix and match your fitness routine. Walk, run, jog, skip, whatever keeps you going.

Of course, all this activity is for nothing if you come home panting and then start grabbing a bag of chips. Remember, being fit for life is also a lifetime commitment to opting to eat healthy food!

• Do not deprive yourself of anything. It is human nature folks. If you tell yourself you can never have chocolate cake again... yes, you'll end up wanting chocolate cake... NOW.

• Start taking a look at what you put on your food or what you are eating with it. Sure cauliflower and broccoli are healthy but you are dipping them in cheese sauce, you are just sabotaging your own diet. Start going back to basics. Think of it this way - nude food is good!

• You know what? You really are, what you eat. If you are too busy to cook and grab a bag of chips and chug it down with cola, don't ask other people why you feel 'heavy' and 'down'.

• Drink people, drink! It is said that by the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Of course, don't gulp down soft drinks go for flavored water instead if 8 to 10 glasses of 'plain' water is too much for you.

Copyright 2006, Brad Howard

Have you ever wondered what "The Secret" to weight loss is? Let me assure you, it's not what you think. Brad Howard knows, and he's willing to tell you...for a price. Of course, it's not what you think here either. There's really only one way to find out... http://www.mindoverbodymatter.com