Posts Tagged ‘food’

Nutrition and the Bible

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Many would have you believe that nutrition is something new and improved. Companies would have you believe that their controlled studies are the basis for how you should lose weight and live. If we were to actually believe that we would be making the same mistakes that have been made over centuries.

You are your best study and you are different than everyone else in the world.  Studies are just facts about the people that were in them and seeing how you were not in them they really do not apply to you unless you want them to.

Here is an example of from Daniel Chapter 1 of the bible:

King James Version:

3And the king spoke unto Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel and of the king’s seed and of the princes,
4youths in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat and of the wine which he drank, so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6Now among these of the children of Judah were: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
7unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank. Therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
9Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.
10And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink. For why should he see your faces sadder than the youths who are of your sort? Then shall ye make me endanger my head before the king.”
11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,
12“Test thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days, and let them give us pulse to eat and water to drink.
13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths who eat of the portion of the king’s meat. And as thou seest, deal with thy servants.”
14So he consented to them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the portion of the king’s meat.
16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

We can all take a lesson from this. Food is good for us and instead of reading some report or some fad diet, your test is simple. Do you feel better with your changes? Simple question really now, isn’t it. Diet is not a punishment for our bodies.  It is the ability to eat healthy, to maintain our life, energy, and mental focus, so we can enjoy more things.  A diet should be empowering and fulfilling, not restrictive and punishing.

Remember that vitamins are actually real food, and not supplements in real life. I remember someone telling me that herballife was for life, which I found quite honest in fact. If we choose to embrace a supplement or fad in order to maintain our health, then we are saying we need it for life? Just a thought here; if you do chose this type of health, then who really benefits; you or the company that provided you the belief in the end.

I hope you chose to embrace the belief that you can take control of your health by experimenting, and making choices that lead you to more happiness than restriction.  Don’t worry about the companies that are preying on the weak by niche marketing and pretending to be an authority on your health. You are the the real authority, and isn’t it time you admit it. Time to take charge again. We don’t need the rich foods of a King to be Kingly now do we.  Sometimes the appearance is just that; and it is what is inside that really matters.

Mystically yours,

Michael Holt

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Health, Weight Loss | No Comments »

The Effect of The Glycemic Index on The Body

Friday, October 8th, 2010

The Glycemic Index was discovered in 1981.  It determines the rates of how different carbohydrates effect the body.  The Glycemic Index is especially important to those who suffer from diabetes who need to watch their blood glucose.  Diabetes have a difficult time breaking down glucose found in many carbohydrates and digesting them normally.  This causes kidney and sometimes liver damage    The effect of the glycemic index on the body is that it allows people to know which carbohydrates are the ones that can cause the most damage and those that break down easily in the system.  The effect of the glycemic index on the body  is crucial to anyone who wants to monitor their blood glucose level.

For example, certain foods, such as vegetables and fruits, with the exception of the potato, can be good glycemic foods.  They are low on the glycemic index and tend to take a long time to break down in the body, giving the system plenty of time to absorb the sugars and eliminate them without causing too much damage to the body.  Other good glycemic foods include whole wheat pastas and certain types of rice.  There are many excellent whole wheat pastas on the market today that make a wonderful substitute for traditional pastas that are made from white flour.

By being aware of the glycemic ratings, the effect of the Glycemic Index on the body can also assist a person who wants to avoid those carbohydrates that absorb quickly into the system and are the most difficult to digest.  These include white breads, refined sugars, baked potatoes, rice, items made with white flour.  By understanding the ratings of these carbohydrates, a diabetic can be educated to know the effect of the glycemic index on the body.

Years ago, people with diabetes would simply be told to avoid carbohydrates.  It was not until 1981 when the medical community began rating different carbohydrates as to their impact on the system.  It became apparent to medical researches that certain carbohydrates absorbed quickly into the system and others absorbed more naturally and were more desirable alternatives to the high-rated carbohydrates.  By 1981,  the medical community was discovering he effect of the glycemic index on the body not only pertaining to diabetics, but to others as well.  The effect of the glycemic index on the body gave birth to some very popular low-carb diets such as The South Beach Diet and other diets that monitored carbohydrate ratings.

The effect of the glycemic index on the body can assist a person who is watching his or her carbohydrates, either due to diabetes or a diet, to determine which carbohydrates are more dangerous for their body than others.  A person who has been diagnosed with diabetes should familiarize him or her self with the Glycemic Index as soon as possible.

Diabetes can be controlled by a healthy diet.  By learning about the Glycemic Index, one can empower themselves to learn which foods should be avoided and which foods can be beneficial to their health.  All individuals can benefit from the Glycemic Index, but this information is particularly invaluable to someone with diabetes.

Mystically yours,

Michael Holt, Ph.D.

Make sure to take our FREE Assessment

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Weight Loss | No Comments »

High Glycemic Foods

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

In 1981, Dr. David Jenkins of the University of Toronto came up with a ranking system for carbohydrates based upon how long it takes them to break down into the system. Some carbohydrates break down very slowly and those release glucose gradually into the bloodstream and have a low glycemic index. For people who are diabetes, particularly those who are insulin dependent, a low glycemic index is preferable. These foods allow the insulin or medication to respond better to the blood glucose and allows for the sugars to break down more naturally.

Other foods are rated high on the Glycemic Index. These foods currently have high ratings and raise the blood glucose level quickly. High glycemic foods can be beneficial for people who are recovering from high exertion or those suffering from hypoglycemia. People with Type I or Type II Diabetes should avoid high glycemic foods as they can play havoc with the insulin or medication they are taking.

Some examples of foods that considered high glycemic foods include corn flakes, white rices such as jasmine rice, white breads and baked potatoes. People who have diabetes, either Type I or Type II, should avoid these foods as much as possible.

Other foods that are high glycemic foods include those with large amounts of white refined sugar or white flour. One thing a doctor will tell a patient on how to avoid high glycemic foods is to avoid anything white. This includes white bread, pasta made with white flour and even cakes or sweets made with refined white sugar or white flour.

High glycemic foods tend to take a long time to digest in the system of a diabetic. The glucose, or sugar, stays in the blood because the system of a diabetic is unable to process the refine sugars and flours. The glucose stays in the blood and in the urine causing the diabetic to frequently urinate, experience thirst and hunger more than the average person and sweat profusely.

After a while, this takes its toll on the system of a diabetic. The kidneys begin to hurt because they are not functioning properly. This is one symptom that diabetics often present with when seeking a physician. They also get blood in their urine and, in the worst case scenario, they faint or enter into an episode of semi-consciousness, confusion which can even lead to a diabetic coma. In some instances, a diabetic coma can prove fatal.

People who have Type I and Type II diabetes should be very mindful of which foods have a high glycemic index and avoid these foods in their diet. With proper diet, medication or insulin and monitoring of blood sugars, diabetics can lead a normal lifespan.

Diabetes is not a death sentence at all. It is simply a condition that many people possess that does not allow their body to break down sugars and starches through their system so that they digest normally. Diabetes is harmful to an individual who does not follow the advice of their physician, does not consume a proper diet and does not monitor their blood glucose levels. People who adhere to the medical guidelines concerning diabetes have just as much of a chance of living a normal life as anyone else.

Make sure to take our Free Assessment to receive your multi-page report that provides calorie consumption required and calorie burn estimates for your goal.

Mystically yours,

Michael Holt, Ph.D.
Magi Institute of Natural Medicine

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Health, Nutrition, Uncategorized, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Staying Healthy With Organic Food

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

One of the most important aspects of staying healthy is with the food that we eat. The food that we eat at each mealtime, or snack time determines the kind of nutrients that we would be getting. The certain amounts of these nutrients also matter as any excessive or insufficiency may lead to complications and eventually illness on the individual. Staying healthy with organic food has been frowned upon by a majority of the society as fast foods and processed food products are made available in the groceries and supermarkets. These processed foods are advertised with as much flavorings as budget to keep them in the diet of the people.

Organic food has been known to be superior in beneficial outcomes to the body than their artificial and processed counterparts. Better Bowel Movement Organic food, which usually come in the form of fresh vegetable and fruit produce, and organically fed animals contribute to a higher stability in bowel movement. For one, the fiber content of these fresh produce are still intact and almost undamaged. This high fiber content or quality is able to absorb the fluids in the intestines and form a solid fecal mass, good for excretion. Think if these fibers as a broom passed through our intestines. The higher quality of the bristles, the better efficiency there is in sweeping away old fecal deposits in the intestinal tract. This therefore allows better nutrient absorption on succeeding nutrient passes.

It Reduces Health Risks

With artificially prepared market produce such as vegetables, fruits, and meat, the individual ingesting them are subject to all the pesticides and artificial drug enhancers that were used. Some of these harmful chemicals embed in the produce and may not be properly cleansed until cooking.

Organically prepared meat and produce are grown without the chemicals, pesticides and the like which would have been created to kill pests thereby reducing the risk of unwanted illness. Common illnesses that occur with chemicals accidentally ingested are related to the gastrointestinal tract.

Contains Higher Nutrient Levels

Organic foods retain the natural amount of nutritive value that they should ideally be containing. As opposed to artificially processed foods, these organic foods have not yet been subjected to the different processing methods which transform the original food product into several forms. Changing its structure, and applying heat to these organic foods, as well as with simple slicing, would cause a part of the nutrient value to disintegrate and be lost in the whole process.

The biggest culprit in this manner is canned goods which have passed through countless processing bins, and artificial flavorings to produce the replica of a supposed food product. Furthermore, the main harmful ingredient of canned goods is preservatives. Simply put, preservatives are chemical agents used to lessen the normal process of deterioration of all organic products.

Better Environment

With the method of growing for organic food products, the environment is saved from chemical alteration by the chemicals and pesticides that should have been otherwise used. Ecological balance is helped maintained in this method and would result to a better living environment of the individual as well.

Patronizing the idea of staying healthy with organic food is a good way to maximize nutritive efficiency in a person’s body system and out of a person by the environment and its contribution to the individual’s well being.

Mystically your,

Michael Holt, Ph.D.
Magi Institute of Natural Medicine

Tags: , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Quick Weight Loss Diet Trend Disadvantage

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

If you wear a size 14 and you blow a bundle on designer size 8 dresses as motivation, you will probably end up feeling guilty, frustrated, and angry if you are not slinking around in it a month later.

In reality, you will do much better setting smaller, achievable targets for yourself. If you must try the new-clothes strategy, go down a size at a time, and do not buy anything you have to take out a second mortgage to pay for.

Because, if you continue to remorse on losing weight fast, you will end up incorporating fad diets or those that offer quick weight loss.

For most people who are not aware of this fact, there are no such things as quick weight loss diets and there is no nippy weight loss for people who want to be slimmer than what their body can provide.

The problem with most people is that they tend to opt for nippy fixes wherein fact these things are not effective at all.

What Does Not Work

Today, there are plenty of weight-loss strategies that are guaranteed to backfire. This is because these nippy fixes instilled on certain diet plans are, in reality, not efficient because it does not employ the right principle and the right attitude in losing weight.

These quick weight loss diet plans are known as fad diets because that is exactly what they are, just a fad. In time, when fashion is over and popularity wanes down, people will realize that the diet they have depended on is not reliable at all.

To know more about these fad diets that are selling like hotcakes in the market today, here is a list of some telltale signs that would tell you not to try it even once.

Here they are:

1. Skipping meals

Does your diet plan require you to skip meals? If it does, then, it is a fad diet.

Abstain from food completely is not a healthy habit. It may even cause some serious complications or problems especially for people who are sick with diabetes.

Skipping meals will only cause a hypoglycemia, or the condition wherein your blood sugar is really low, and will probably only be effective in making you eat twice as much at the next meal.

2. Dieting without exercise, or vice versa

Exercise is crucial to the human body. It is important in the proper blood circulation and other activities of the human body system.

Therefore, diet plans that do not require you to exercise are nuisances. People are born to move.

But then again, exercise alone is not sufficient. Hence, it would be better if diet and exercise will go hand-in-hand.

3. Continuous dawdling

There is no better time to start losing weight. If you want to really lose those excess fats, you have to lose weight now.

Delaying tactics will not get you anywhere and will only make the problem worse. So, if your diet plan suggests a certain timeframe for you start losing weight, chances are, you are following the trend of fad diets.

Boiled down, it is best to rely more on the way you feel than the tale of the tape. This means that if the weighing scale tells you that you are losing weight even if it is slower than you would like, but you are feeling energetic and positive about your weight-loss efforts, then, you are just doing fine.

As mentioned and is worth mentioning all over again, weight loss is not a quick process.

mystically yours,

Michael Holt, Ph.D.

http://docmagi.com

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »