One of the most widely recognized berries, certainly among the gyms and sports clubs in Brazil, is the Acai berry.  Well known as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, the Acai berry is utilized for increased strength and energy.

Containing concentrated forms of anthocyanins, which are the actual antioxidant components, it should be noted that a glass of red wine contains less anthocyanin than an Acai berry.  Moreover, the Acai berry has also been linked to an improvement in eyesight.

While it is a well-known fact that cholesterol levels can be lowered with antioxidants, the Acai berry plays a major role. The Acai berry contains large amounts of the fatty acids and omega oils needed to lower cholesterol levels.  It is also touted for promoting good cardiovascular health.  The Acai berry can also boost the immune system in the body and ward off damage to free radicals.

The Acai berry has been known to prevent premature aging.  It also contains unsaturated lipids and is rich in carbs, which improves energy and strength, especially for those who work out.

Studies have also revealed that because each Acai berry has two grams of dietary fiber, it promotes a healthy digestive system.  Research has suggested that soluble fibers may lower cholesterol levels and also reduce the risk of developing specific types of cancer.

In addition, the Acai berry’s fatty acid ratio is akin to that of olive oil, and we all know how important olive oil is in providing those all-important omega oils in our system which reduce incidents of cardiovascular disease. It is also interesting to note that the Acai berry contains more antioxidant vitamins than the grape or blueberry.

Today, as we become more conscious about the foods we consume, it seems clear that certain berries which are high in antioxidants are able to sustain lower cholesterol levels, which is vital to our cardiovascular health.  They are also becoming increasingly popular for those who seek a more holistic and natural approach to good health and well-being.

The Acai berry is no exception in this regard.  Let’s face it; a healthy heart allows a person to engage in all kinds of activities such as exercise programs to strengthen the body, as well as having the energy to sustain such activity.
It’s no wonder then that Acai berry juice is available in the gyms and sports clubs in Brazil.  The good news is that today you can find Acai berry juice in most health food stores.  
 

As more and more people are adopting a healthier lifestyle, there is still a majority of individuals who have not changed those habits that can become major concerns in their later years.  Here are common factors that often lead to unhealthy lifestyles later in life:

* Smoking.  There is a concerted effort by many states to discourage smoking and it has been made clear that smoking can cause stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and many other diseases.  Yet many people still engage in this dangerous activity and pay the price later on.

* Diet.  Obesity is a pandemic in our society.  While there are a variety of diets available, proper nutrition such as fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, and other important food groups are often left out of one’s daily menu.  The lack of proper nutrition can lead not only to obesity but also to cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, vitamin deficiency which can result in eye diseases, and a host of other ailments - all of which can reduce the quality of life for those affected.

* Exercise.  While we are advancing the need to engage in exercise programs to maintain a healthy lifestyle, many individuals have not even begun to realize the impact a lack of exercise will have on them later in life.  Living a sedentary lifestyle invites a host of diseases which can decrease one’s longevity and increase the chances of developing serious conditions.

* Stress.  Stress is probably the most insidious condition of all.  High blood pressure, heart attacks, and other related diseases are caused by stress.  It is analogous to a train going 200 miles per hour when suddenly the brakes fail and there is a major collision.  That collision causes the breakdown of the body and the nervous system.  Its impact reverberates for years to come.

We live in a fast-paced society.  Multi-tasking is the norm, and we tend to turn a blind eye to the messages our bodies are sending us.  The lack of proper nutrition and exercise makes us more vulnerable to injury and disease.  Our bodies are like that train.  Unless we maintain it, it can run away from us.

A recent study found that out of over 150,000 individuals surveyed, only 3% actually maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Those who have lived a vicarious life with all of its indulgences may well eventually find that illness will befall them.  And they would have to spend their hard-earned money on medications, may find little enjoyment in the things they love to do, and have a shorter lifespan.

The Body for Life Diet plan was created by Bill Phillips, who is the founder of EAS, makers of nutritional supplements.  What is the Body for Life Diet plan?

It is a 12-week program utilizing diet and exercise as vehicles to lose weight and sculpt the body.  Consisting of a high protein diet and regular exercise, those who have participated in this plan have lost one to two pounds per week while losing body fat and gaining muscle.

The Body for Life Diet is exactly that: a change in one’s lifestyle.  While on this diet, you are expected to consume six meals a day.  Each meal contains one portion of protein and one portion of carbohydrates.  Adding a vegetable to two of the meals is also required.  This diet is more about portion control than calorie intake.

It seems obvious that consuming six meals a day will prevent hunger pains, but the bottom line is that because the consumption of vegetables and fruits are not incorporated in this plan as in other diet plans, it is necessary to supplement this diet with vitamins.

The second component in the Body for Life Diet plan is an exercise regimen.  You will be required to engage in a vigorous cardio exercise three times a week, twenty minutes per session.  Strength training is also incorporated into the exercise program, which includes lifting weights three days a week for 45 minutes per session.

Let’s take a look at the first day’s meal plan on the Body for Life Diet:

Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito, Glass of water, Coffee
Snack: Myoplex® nutrition bar, Glass of water
Lunch: Turkey sandwich, 1 apple, Glass of water
Snack: Myoplex® shake, Glass of water
Dinner: Grilled Steak, 1 portion steamed mixed vegetables, 1 small sweet potato, Glass of water
Snack: Rice pudding, Glass of water

On the seventh day, you can eat whatever you desire.

The Body for Life website is comprehensive in nature and easy to peruse.  It also gives you the opportunity to print out the first week’s daily menus to start you off.  In addition, it offers the exercise program including training tools, videos, exercises, and overall information on how to effectively exercise using this plan.

The information available for the diet itself includes ten nutritional guidelines, the Body for Life food list, create a meal, nutrition articles, recipe finder, champion meal plans, the sample meal plan for six days, the first week's shopping list, and nutrition questions and answers.

If you are interested in the Body for Life Diet plan, check it out and read all of the information to ascertain if it fits in with your lifestyle. 
 

Although the 5 Factor Diet is all the craze in Hollywood, the question is: is it right for you?  The jury is still out on the effects of this diet.  Let’s take a look at its origin and its method.

Conceived by Harley Pasternak who is a trainer for Hollywood celebrities, the 5 Factor Diet is comprised of the following “fives”:

A five-week plan consisting of five meals a day, five ingredients per meal, five-minute exercises for five days, and five cheat days in five weeks.  Sounds easy, right?  Let’s take a closer look at the diet itself.

According to one review of the 5 Factor Diet, a nutritionist asserts that it is “a healthy plan that incorporates all the necessary food groups in appropriate proportions.  The exercise program is also a combination of cardio and strength training as well.”

Other experts take a different stance on this diet.  They assert that, "although staying on the plan for the recommended five weeks can help you lose weight, portion control and consuming fewer calories during your lifetime is more effective.”

As for the diet itself, those who have tried this diet find it difficult to eat five times a day.  In addition, these same people contend that it is hard to find the snacks and meals the plan recommends, especially for those who work.  Others say that it takes a bit of ingenuity to come up with the ingredients, but that it can be accomplished.

Here is a sample of five meals in one day on the 5 Factor Diet plan:  Protein Berry Shake, Mushroom-Barley Risotto, Antipasto, French toast with Ricotta, and Indian Style Chicken with Curried Yogurt and Brown Rice.  Or you may choose among other meals such as: Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas, Salmon with Cucumber-Dill Salad, Sea Scallops with Orange Sauce, and Egg and Turkey Bacon Sandwich.  This menu list is a sample of over 100 recipes included in the program.

Realistically, however, other than the egg and turkey bacon sandwich or the protein berry shake, one can understand why some would find it difficult to find the ingredients for these meals, let alone preparing them.  But one would have to agree that these meals can be prepared at home and taken to work.

Also included in the program are the 5 Factor weight loss tools which include: daily meal planner, recipes, personal recipe box, shopping list tool, food log, cooking shortcuts, eating out guide, custom fitness plan, activity calculator, weight tracker, online journal, ideal weight calculator, daily inspiration, and message boards.

Quite honestly, the 5 Factor Diet plan may be the diet plan for you.  Check it out to determine the viability of this plan and how it would fit into your lifestyle.

According to research, studies have shown that there is a 25% rate of success for people who undergo hypnosis as a method to quit smoking.  Does hypnosis really help smokers quit?  According to studies, the answer is yes.

What is hypnosis and how does it work?  Hypnosis allows your subconscious mind to become open to suggestion under a relaxed state.  The subconscious mind then becomes more receptive to the directives given by the hypnotherapist. 

Does hypnosis really work?  According to several hypnotherapists, it can if it is done the proper way.  The success rate falls within the range of 66% to 95%, based on several sessions of hypnosis and the willingness of the individual to want to quit smoking.

The myth surrounding hypnosis is that an individual under hypnosis becomes unconscious or prone to act out commands directed by the hypnotist.  And it is just that, a myth.  This scenario is more theatrical and can be seen on TV shows and in nightclub acts.  Real hypnosis allows the individual to become fully conscious but in a relaxed state. The subconscious is then receptive to the directions given by the hypnotherapist.

In other words, if you are committed to quit smoking, that is half the battle.  Once the hypnotist reaches the subconscious, keywords are used to suggest that, for example, quitting smoking will be easy, your desire to smoke is dissipating, and you do not wish to smoke any longer.

In addition, hypnotherapists maintain that anyone can be hypnotized successfully.  This is a safe and effective method wherein you can end a session at any given moment.  You are not asleep, as some may think, but fully aware of everything the hypnotist is telling you.

The bottom line is that if you really and truly wish to quit smoking, then hypnosis can work for you.  Your subconscious will be open to the suggestions given by the hypnotist over several sessions, and eventually your desire to smoke will decrease.  Finally, you will find cigarettes an abhorrent and disgusting habit.  

Are there instances wherein someone who is hypnotized reverts back to smoking?  In some cases, yes, there are.  But there are hypnotherapists who offer lifetime assistance to those who fall into this category.  

If the desire to quit is there, and the subconscious is open to suggestions to quit smoking, hypnosis can be an alternative to gums, patches, and medications.  The key is to find a hypnotherapist who has a proven track record, is highly qualified, and will work with you to achieve this goal.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause serious conditions among men and women.  Coronary disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis and other life-threatening diseases can occur.  Another important factor is that the effects of high blood pressure on your eyes are just as damaging.

The clinical term is called hypertensive retinopathy.  Basically this means that high blood pressure causes damage to the retina.  The blood vessels in our eyes are just as vulnerable to hypertension as the rest of our body.

Retinopathy can cause leakage in the blood vessels of the eyes and can lead to swelling, blurred vision and in some cases, entire loss of vision. 

Diabetics are at an even higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.  According to medical sources, “Nearly half of the people with known diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy.  The longer you have diabetes, the more likely it is you'll develop diabetic retinopathy.  Initially, most people with diabetic retinopathy experience only mild vision problems.  But the condition can worsen and threaten your vision.” 

A frequent check-up for diabetics is recommended since early detection and treatment greatly reduces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.  In addition, keeping a check on your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol also decreases the chances of you being at risk from this disease.

When your blood pressure is high, the incidents of damage to the blood vessels in the eyes are great.  According to ophthalmologists, examination of the blood vessels can detect if there is leakage from the blood vessels.  The doctor can also determine the degree to which the retina is damaged.  The damage is assessed by grade.

For example, a grade one finding means there are no apparent symptoms.  A grade four finding is the point at which retinopathy is present; the doctor can make this diagnosis based upon the swelling of the macula as well as the optic nerve.  It is the swelling that causes a decrease in vision.

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer.  Exercise, proper nutrition, and frequent check-ups to determine the status of your health are important not only to your mind and body, but to your eyes as well.

We live in a fast-paced world that requires us to do multiple tasks at one time.  The stress caused by having to handle so many things simultaneously contributes to high blood pressure and the health problems it can eventually cause. 

It is important to become fully aware of any variation in your vision, and to gain as much knowledge as you can with regard to the complications that could arise from high blood pressure and its effect on all of the organs in the body.

What is the Cabbage Soup diet and is it healthy?  Let’s take a look at the diet itself and then explain why it isn’t seen as a healthy way to lose weight.

To begin with, this diet should only be utilized for seven days.  It involves eating cabbage soup along with a variety of fruits, potatoes, bananas, skimmed milk, tomatoes, beef, vegetables, brown rice and unsweetened fruit juice.  That’s the basis of the seven day diet.

The problem with this diet is twofold.  One, you are literally starving on this diet because while the soup may suppress your need to eat, your body is burning muscle instead of fat.  What you do lose during the seven days on this diet is water.

According to nutritionists, you are not receiving the necessary RDA of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients when on the Cabbage Soup diet.  They also assert that this diet is not a balanced one and lacks the protein, calcium, and vitamins you need on a daily basis. 

This diet is clearly not a healthy one, and experts advise that anyone who commits to this diet for more than seven days could suffer from weakness and become disoriented due to an insufficient caloric intake.  In addition, the Cabbage Soup diet can cause gastrointestinal conditions. 

Experts from the American Dietetic Association state that because this diet is low in calories, it is depriving the body of the necessary nutrients to lead and sustain a healthy life.

So why are people still turning to this diet?  Some believe it is because they have been unsuccessful with other diets and so that are looking for the quickest way to lose weight.  But expediency does not outweigh safety.

Realistically, you cannot lose the pronounced ten pounds in seven days, since the weight loss most likely comes from water and lean muscle tissue instead.  Thus, the recommendation by nutrition experts is not to consider the Cabbage Soup diet under any conditions.

However, if you are still considering this diet, ensure that you are in good health.  Diabetics and others who have dietary needs that require special foods should not go on this diet.

While the Cabbage Soup diet is still popular, it is well worth the effort to research the drawbacks before you decide to try it.  You may agree with just about every nutritional expert that it isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

Your health comes first in any diet plan you choose. 

The basic foundation of Gestalt therapy lies in three areas: humanistic, existentialism, and phenomenological components.  How holistic approaches and Gestalt therapy fit together is based on working with an individual as a whole; that is, his or her physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, historical, and cultural experience. 

All of these areas cannot be separated as they are part of the individual’s life experience, and utilizing Gestalt therapy in this way will lead to more awareness, responsibility, and fulfillment in the life of the individual undergoing this therapy.

Let’s take a look at the components of Gestalt therapy in order to understand their meaning and why they are so effective when used in combination with a holistic approach.

The humanistic component allows for a dialogue with the therapist that is meaningful and proactive.  The existentialist component allows for focus on the here and now - that the individual is solely responsible for his or her own fate.  The phenomenological component is used to focus on the individual’s perceived view of reality.  It allows for increased awareness of self and the relationship with others.

The holistic approach is a combination of the individual, family, and culture.  Thus, it is the whole, not specific parts of the individual, which is explored within the present, past, and future.  Finding new ways to become more aware through learning and experimentation is the key to successful Gestalt therapy.

Indeed, the holistic approach is the embodiment of Gestalt therapy.  It is based on the assertion that the whole is more important that the sum of the individual parts, and all parts are related to each other.  It is this principal approach that is explored: the individual’s need to understand the many complexities that arise from one’s background, religion, feelings, emotions, family, and physical and psychological complexities. 

In an excerpt from the book Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality, “Gestalt outlook is the original, undistorted, natural approach to life, to man’s and woman’s thinking, acting, feeling with the criteria of therapeutic progress being measured against the patient’s own awareness of heightened vitality and more effective functioning.”

Thus, holistic approaches and Gestalt therapy fit together perfectly.  This form of therapy is not viewed as a cure-all, but offers an individual the tools to encounter any situation and deal with it successfully. 

Finally, what separates the holistic approach and Gestalt therapy from other forms of psychotherapy is that each individual is seen as unique.  An honest and open dialogue that reflects the v