Foods, diet, and weight loss

[Kiltferone]

Well, I am also on the diet thing. I think it has finally sunk in that I NEED to lose weight. I would like to see my kids grow up. My doctor has put me on a BP medicine, but says I don't have a bp problem, I have a weight problem. Lose weight and you won't need the medicine anymore. I started after that visit on June 28th and I am down 31 pounds! A good friend of mine put it very simply "eat less, burn more" (he lost 85 pounds 3 years ago and still has it off)

[ardchoille]

A good friend of mine put it very simply "eat less, burn more" (he lost 85 pounds 3 years ago and still has it off)

'tis the best, and most cost-effective, way to lose weight. Glad to hear you have lost some

[MysticMead]

one thing though... spicy foods... don't cut back on those...they're GOOD for you..

Cholesterol is found almost exclusively in foods from animals (meats, eggs, oils), and is constantly made in the body, mostly in the liver and kidneys. While some cholesterol is essential in the formation of hormones and cell membranes, too much is dangerous. Many people process excess cholesterol naturally and never encounter any problems.

However, there are others who accumulate cholesterol in the blood, resulting in high serum cholesterol counts that lead to atherosclerosis, which is plaque deposits of cholesterol, fats, and other remains in the walls of medium-sized and large arteries. This condition causes the affected vessel to narrow as its walls become thick and hardened, which reduces circulation to organs and other parts of the body. These conditions are the major causes of heart attack, heart disease, chest pain, and other circulatory disorders.

Chile in the diet can enhance the means by which cholesterol and fats are processed. Studies have found that capsaicin works in two ways to reduce cholesterol levels: it decreases cholesterol absorption by the body so that more is excreted in the feces; and it increases the enzymes responsible for fat metabolism in the liver, so that more triglycerides, the hard insoluble fat, are secreted by the liver rather than accumulated in the body.

Studies have found that dihydrocapsaicin, a constituent of capsaicin, can lower blood levels of low *density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), which contributes to atherosclerosis, and raise high *density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), which retards atherosclerosis. A study in India found that rats eating a high *fat diet that included chile and adequate protein experienced less weight gain and exhibited lower serum and liver triglyceride levels. Additionally, they found that capsaicin, when added to an established high *fat diet, actually reduced triglyceride levels in the blood.

for more on health and fiery foods...

[Hamish]

I have a very guilty feeling that this thread has been aimed at me, following a posting I made a day or two ago. Your very detailed comments and explanations are so very much appreciated. However, as in so many aspects of life, these things are much more easily achieved if you are able to share them, or are able to be challenged by someone else in the process. Living alone, as I do, makes this very difficult, but I have printed off your post and will try to motivate myself more effectively by following your advice. Thank you.

[ardchoille]

I have a very guilty feeling that this thread has been aimed at me, following a posting I made a day or two ago. Your very detailed comments and explanations are so very much appreciated. However, as in so many aspects of life, these things are much more easily achieved if you are able to share them, or are able to be challenged by someone else in the process. Living alone, as I do, makes this very difficult, but I have printed off your post and will try to motivate myself more effectively by following your advice. Thank you.

It was actually aimed at no one. My advice has helped several of my friends lose weight and keep it off, and I have lost over 100 pounds by this method as well. But, I'm glad you are motivated to better yourself

Yes, living alone can be a drawback, but you can find some friends or maybe join a "walker" group in your area - this is what I have done and I find it quite beneficial. Perhaps Meet Up can help with that?

[Mael Coluim]

I have a very guilty feeling that this thread has been aimed at me, following a posting I made a day or two ago. Your very detailed comments and explanations are so very much appreciated. However, as in so many aspects of life, these things are much more easily achieved if you are able to share them, or are able to be challenged by someone else in the process. Living alone, as I do, makes this very difficult, but I have printed off your post and will try to motivate myself more effectively by following your advice. Thank you.

Whew!
I thought the thread was aimed at me for my post yesterday.