Recommend: Banta Diet 2005 :: Negative Calorie Rotation ::  Very Low Calorie Diet :: Fat-Fast Boot Camp ::
Popular:  :: Atkins :: Bob Greene :: Cholesterol :: Mediterranean :: Eating for Life :: Healthy Soy :: Heart Smart :: Diabetes :: Vegetarian :: High Fiber :: Low Sugar :: Glycemic Impact :: Jenny Craig.eDietsSoy diet


What Will You Eat?

When you follow The Maker’s Diet, you’ll be adhering to God’s original eating plan! Unhealthy eating habits will be stripped away, but the rich flavors you love won’t! You will eat an amazing variety of organic meats and fruits and vegetables.

You’ll introduce new food combinations into your diet and continue to eat some of your old favorites. Wondering what a typical dinner on The Maker’s Diet might be?


On the Diet: Grilled Steak and Onions

Your Meal Planner will recommend amazing, flavorful dishes like:

  • French-Style London Broil
  • Mexican-Style Red Snapper With Black Beans
  • Mediterranean Lamb Kabobs With Grilled Vegetables
  • Cilantro-Lime Chicken Cacciatore
  • Wild Alaskan Salmon With Pecan Pesto
  • Spicy Stuffed Peppers
  • Hearty Beef Chili
  • Grilled Steak and Onions
  • And many more!

In today’s seemingly health-obsessed world, there’s no shortage of information (most of it conflicting) on which diet is best for you. So how do you decide for yourself?

The good news is that we’ve taken the guesswork out of eating right. When you join The Maker’s Diet Online, you’ll be given meal plans and shopping lists for every day of the week!

Join The Maker’s Diet online and get 14 online tools, support from other members, answers from Jordan Rubin, and RESULTS. Free Profile.



Face Up To The Perricone Challenge

@ 12:51 pm Редактирай

By Glenn Mueller eDiets Senior Writer

Click here to learn more…

Mirror, mirror, on the wall: who has the fairest skin of them all? If you enter The Perricone Challenge, the answer could very well be you. Whether you are trying to look younger, lose weight or both, The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift provides the ideal way to reach your goals. And, with a $2,500 prize awarded to a Grand Prize winner in each region, there has never been a better time to sign up for this plan.

“Although we cannot stop the progression of the years,” says Dr. Nicholas Perricone, “we can stop the skin from wrinkling, sagging and dulling, and keep the body toned with the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift customized just for you by eeDiets.”

Dr. Perricone is a prominent dermatologist and author of the New York Times best-seller The Perricone Prescription (HarperCollins), which was just released in paperback. Drawn from more than 15 years of research, his groundbreaking diet and exercise program helps you reduce signs of aging, take off excess pounds and increase your energy levels.

If you have been considering The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift, it is time to take the challenge. All you need to do to enter the challenge is…

* Register to enter The Perricone Challenge Contest at <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/e1100uoxuowBDGJEKHHBDCGCIIGE" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.ediets.com/';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">eDiets</a><img src="http://www.afcyhf.com/pi105wquiom79CFAGDD798C8EECA" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>

* Submit a full-body "before" picture of yourself along with a brief bio about yourself.

* Write a brief essay (200 words or less) that describes your personal struggles with weight and/or the look of your skin, and explains what you would like to accomplish with the 28-day Perricone Challenge.

* Follow the Perricone Plan for 28 days (start seeing results in as early as 3 days) using the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift online plan on eDiets.com or using the book The Perricone Prescription.

Five finalists will be chosen from each region/time zone of the United States. All finalists will be selected by staff members of N.V. Perricone M.D., Ltd. Photos of all finalists will appear on eDiets, and winners — those achieving the greatest transformation — will be voted on by consumers.

The truth is that everyone who follows the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift is already a winner. This program is a comprehensive plan to help you manage your weight, look younger, energize you and clear your mind. Best of all, you will see remarkable results with your own eyes after just 28 days.

In just four weeks, you’ll completely rebuild and rejuvenate your body and skin from the inside out. Dr. Perricone has already used this program on thousands of his own patients with success. If you follow this plan closely, you will get results.

Dr. Perricone has always believed that what you put in your mouth is as important as what you put on your skin when it comes to looking healthy and vibrant. On The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift, enjoy a wide range of healthy foods, including fish (the doctor’s favorites are salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, snapper, trout and bass), chicken breast, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and healthy oils. You’ll also set aside at least 20 minutes every day for exercise.

What other plan helps you lose your wrinkles and excess weight at the same time? If you thought there was no fountain of youth, you obviously haven’t tried the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift. If you don’t like what you see in the mirror, there is something you can do about it. Face up to the challenge!

Start with your free Perricone profile - click here - and choose the Perricone Nutritional Face Lift Plan

• • •

January 3, 2006

The Best Time To Start A Diet

@ 5:13 pm Редактирай

by Julia Griggs Havey, eDiets Master Motivator

The best time of the entire year to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey is right NOW… this very second!

Why? Because the next eight weeks are filled with tremendous challenges for those desiring a lean and tone body. Therefore the next eight weeks provide more opportunities than any other time of the year to strengthen your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and your desire to make healthy choices. Challenges that we face and overcome are the things that empower us! This time of year provides more chances to overcome challenges than any other time.

Sound impossible? Do you get anxious just thinking about the company holiday party or Grandma�s special pecan pie?

Well, think of it this way: what was the office party like last year? How much did you eat last Thanksgiving? How many notches did you have to loosen on your belt? How many times were you disappointed that you didn�t lose weight?

The time to make amends for last year’s disappointments is right now. You have a chance now to remedy the mistakes that you have made in the past. You have the opportunity to greet this holiday season with confidence, strength and determination.

When you go to a party or family gathering this holiday season I want you to arrive prepared. It would be very wise if you ate a healthy meal during the day before the event. I realize this breaks with the custom of starving all day so that you can eat what is offered and not feel as guilty. You and I both know what that really serves to do. It provides you with a license to eat ALL that you want. After all, you haven’t eaten anything all day! All that leads to is overeating and regret after the fact. More –>

• • •

Need a change, low-carbers? Think vegetarian!

@ 2:24 pm Редактирай

By Sheri Strykowski
Special For
eDiets

About Vegetarian Diet

When you first started your low-carb diet, the idea of a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon dripping with cheese made your mouth water, but after a few months of eggs in the mornin’, the afterglow is fading. If you’re ready for a change, try incorporating low-carb vegetarian meals and snacks into your daily menu.

Low-carb does not mean just meat and eggs. “It’s a fallacy that you can’t eat veggies on a low-carb diet,” says Margo DeMello, author of Low-Carb Vegetarian (Book Publishing, 2004).

All of the popular low-carb diet plans emphasize “good” carbs and discourage eating “bad” or empty carbs, those that are made with refined white flour, white sugar, and trans fats. The avowed vegetarian was inspired to revamp her eating regimen after reading The Soy Zone (a soy version of The Zone diet), which introduced the low-carb concept to vegetarians.

There are lots of healthy, low-carb vegetarian choices, says DeMello, who lost 45 pounds doing her own version of a low-carb diet. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are nutrient-dense, fiber-rich carbohydrate foods that fit into the low-carb mix.

If you’ve never tasted veggie burgers, veggie bacon strips, or veggie dogs made with soy protein or textured vegetable protein, the author suggests you give them a try. These vegetarian mainstays are high in protein, low in saturated fat, and now come in low-carb versions that range from 1–to-5 net carbs per serving.

Ounce for ounce, veggies — the greener the better — weigh in as the low-carb vegetarian superstars. Low in carbs and packed with fiber and phytonutrients, veggies are smart carb choices.

In addition to the tried-and-true romaine lettuce, try mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, green beans, parsley, bok choy, snow peas, bell peppers, celery, chives, cucumber, artichoke, asparagus, scallions, bamboo shoots, collard greens, eggplant, bean sprouts, and spinach — all budget “buys” at less than 7 net carbs per serving.

To soothe your sweet cravings, two of the best low-carb fruit choices are berries and melons. At less than 5 grams of carbs per quarter cup, you can enjoy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, honeydew melon and cantaloupe — and still meet your carb quota with room to spare.

High-fiber crisp breads are generally the lowest-carb grain choices, not counting the wide array of low-carb bread, muffin, and cake mixes; other specially prepared low-carb whole grain snacks and treats are now available as well.

So, if you can’t face another egg for breakfast — or you just want to cut down on saturated fat and boost your fiber intake, here are some suggestions to zip up your food plan with a vegetarian twist:

1. To take the edge off an appetite or add a little taste to a salad or veggies, try a 2 Tbs serving of nutritious and tasty nuts or seeds: pumpkin seeds (2.4 g), macadamia nuts (.9 g), almonds (1.4 g), pecans (.6 g), chopped walnuts (1.1 g) — all under 3 net carbs.

2. Make an easy guacamole by mashing 1/2 medium avocado (3 g), season with a touch of salt, 1 Tbs tomato salsa (1 g) and a sprinkle of lemon juice (0 g). Have with raw veggies or a few low-carb tortilla chips. This fiber-rich snack is also high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat = 4 g net carbs (just the guacamole).

3. Top 1 1/2 cups lightly steamed broccoli (5.8 g) with 1 Tbs grated parmesan cheese (0 carbs and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat) = 5.8 g net carbs.

4. Enjoy a 1 oz. serving of roasted soy nuts (6 g), which contains 13 grams of protein and 7 grams of mostly heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat — and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat. This on-the-go snack comes in flavors such as ranch, barbeque, and chocolate-covered = 6 g net carbs.

5. Treat yourself to a stuffed artichoke (6.9 g). Just trim artichoke stems and snap off the tough leaves to make a flat base. Place the artichoke snugly in a sauce pan and fill pan with enough water to come halfway up the artichoke. Sprinkle with sea salt, 1 Tbs parmesan cheese (0 g), and a splash of lemon juice (0 g). Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer about 40 minutes. Pull the leaves off one at a time and dip them and the delectable heart of the ‘choke in a bit of melted butter (0 g) = 6.9 g net carbs.

6. Make a veggie bacon BLT by placing 4 veggie bacon strips (4 g), 1 leaf of romaine lettuce (.1 g), and 2 slices tomato (1.3 g) on 1 slice high-fiber low-carb bread (3 g). Spread with 1 Tbs soy mayo (0 g) = 8.4 g net carbs.

7. Sauté 1 cup green beans (5.8 g) in 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil (0 g) with one clove chopped garlic (1.0 g), and 2 Tbs chopped onion (1.8 g) = 8.6 g net carbs.

8. Whip up a double berry tofu shake for breakfast: blend 1/2 cup blueberries (8.2 g) and 1/2 cup strawberries (3.6 g) with 6 oz. soft tofu (4.7 g), 2 ice cubes, and 1 tsp vanilla extract (0 g). Sweeten with 1 tsp Splenda (0 g) = 16.5 net carbs.

9. Spread 2 Tbs peanut butter (4.3 g) and 2 Tbs sugar-free apricot jam (3.2 g) on 2 slices of crisp bread (10 g) = 17.5g net carbs.

10. For a light snack, enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruit: 1 cup raspberries (6 g), 1/2 cup honeydew melon (7.2 g), 1/2 cup pineapple (8.6 g), 1 cup watermelon (10.4), 1 cup papaya (11.2 g), 1/2 cup mango (12.6 g), 1 medium orange (12.9 g), 1 cup cherries. (16.8 g), 1 medium apple (17.3 g), 1 cup green grapes (26.8 g).

Tip: A half cup portion of soft tofu contains 3.1 g net carbs, 5.4 g protein, and 37.5 mg isoflavones, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Try replacing all or part of the cream in cream soups with soft tofu. You can also substitute puréed tofu for part of the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese called for in salad dressings, dips, and spreads.

Note: All carb counts are listed in net carbs: total carbohydrates less fiber, glycerine, sugar alcohol, and polydextrose.

All carb counts are taken from Atkins Carbohydrate Counter, The Complete Book of Food Counts by Corinne T. Netzer, or from the nutrition label on packaged foods.

Join Online Vegetarian Diet!

Sheri Strykowski is a freelance journalist who specializes in health, fitness and lifestyle. Her articles have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Lerner newspapers and National Safety Council publications. She is also a content expert who has built over 40 websites for a Fortune 100 company.




• • •

December 29, 2005

Top 10 Low Carb Breafasts

@ 5:28 pm Редактирай

On the Atkins Nutritional Approach, the first Phase — Induction — is fairly restrictive in terms of carbohydrates. During those first two weeks, you’re going to eat a minimum of carbs, but you’ll be eating more protein and fat. As you lose weight, you move up the carb ladder, and add healthy carbs into your menu and more variety from fruits and whole grains, nuts and cereals. For some, this is the perfect weight loss program… protein and fat provide satiety, and you’re less apt to succumb to cravings.

Here are some very low-carb breakfasts, for the Induction Phase on Atkins, and some low-carb breakfasts, perfect for the later phases of Atkins, and other lower-carb programs. –>> More

• • •

The Real Mayo Clinic Plan: Why It Works

@ 2:46 pm Редактирай

By Kim Droze eDiets Managing Editor

Real Mayo Clinic Diet

Every year about this time, there’s tremendous buzz about a hot, new diet that promises fast, permanent weight loss. Those fly-by-night fads come and go, but your weight remains the same. You’d like a program that simplifies taking off the pounds and actually makes it happen… for once and for all.

The solution to your dieting desires is finally here. The experts at the renowned Mayo Clinic have created an effective approach to weight loss that’s sensible, enjoyable and doctor-approved. You’ll not only manage your weight, but also your overall health. Did we mention The Mayo Clinic Plan also can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic illnesses?

In this exciting eDiets exclusive, Dr. Donald Hensrud provides an in-depth look at The Mayo Clinic Plan. As Chair of the Division of Preventive and Occupational Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Hensrud specializes in internal medicine, preventive medicine and nutrition. He’s one of the leading authorities behind The Mayo Clinic Plan, and he’s seen his share of weight-loss tactics that don’t work.

Dr. Hensrud wants to set the record straight about the infamous “Mayo Diets” that have been alluded to and shared for decades by desperate dieters everywhere. The odds are that you, too, have heard about — or even tried — one of these bogus Mayo diets. Those restrictive diets that feature grapefruit, cabbage or bacon-and-eggs couldn’t be further from the real deal.

“The so-called Mayo Clinic diets have been haunting us for years,” Dr. Hensrud notes. “None of those previous plans have ever been developed or endorsed by Mayo Clinic. For those people looking for the real Mayo Clinic diet, the closest thing they’ll find is in The Mayo Clinic Plan, which is more than a diet — it’s a lifestyle.”

This weight-management way of life isn’t a quick fix. Dr. Hensrud says the doctor-designed plan is built for the long haul. In a nutshell, the program encourages generous consumption of low-energy-dense foods, such as vegetables and fruits, that help achieve a feeling of fullness with a lower calorie intake.

The Mayo Clinic has gone so far as to create its own Healthy Weight Pyramid, consisting of vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, protein/dairy, fats and sweets.

There are four key factors that set this guide apart from other popular pyramids. The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid takes both weight management and health into consideration. Fruits and vegetables comprise the wide bottom of the pyramid and can be eaten in virtually unlimited amounts.

Each food group recommends healthy choices for optimum results. Daily physical activity is at the center of the pyramid because of its positive effects on weight management and overall health.

Choose to follow The Mayo Clinic Plan and you’ll find yourself eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, beans, fish, low-fat dairy, whole-grain carbohydrates and unsaturated fats, particularly nuts, olive oil and canola oil.

“The Mayo Clinic Plan does involve dietary change,” Dr. Hensrud notes. “However, when many people think of changing their diet, what immediately comes to mind is something that’s negative and restrictive, therefore temporary. This is not that type of diet.

“It involves enjoyable lifestyle changes in the way people eat. It’s not overly restrictive, although certainly you can eat some things more than others. The Mayo Clinic Plan is based on healthful foods that are deliciously rich in flavor and make it easier to adopt a lifestyle change.”

The “eat healthfully, exercise-more” philosophy is a common-sense approach to better weight management. However, Dr. Hensrud says that people struggling to lose weight also need practical and accurate information detailing how to apply this philosophy to their everyday life.

That’s exactly what the Mayo Clinic provides. Drawing on medical literature, scientific studies and clinical experience, the Mayo Clinic Plan establishes guidelines that make weight management and healthy living sustainable.

No foods are off limits. And that’s an element that helps you stick with the program. While restrictive diets may be effective for a period of time, they are not manageable in the long term.

“By not eliminating foods, it makes the program more sustainable as a lifestyle change,” Dr. Hensrud explains. “For example, if you really enjoy chocolate but realize that it’s contributing to your weight problem, you may pledge to never eat chocolate again.

“That’s not realistic for a long period of time. Eventually, you may come back to the point of eating chocolate, and if you’ve restricted it too much, you might binge. Then you’re back where you started from.

“On the other hand if you’re enjoying your diet and filling up on health-supporting foods, then it’s easier to find the best piece of high-quality chocolate, enjoy a small amount, and be satisfied. This is more sustainable.” Men and women following The Mayo Clinic Plan enjoy foods rich in flavor and health-enhancing properties. There’s no more living a frustrating life of deprivation. Among the savory dishes you’ll enjoy on the program are seared scallops with new potatoes and fried greens, grilled flank steak salad with roasted corn vinaigrette, three-bean chili, chicken stir-fry with eggplant and basil, and salmon with cilantro-cucumber salsa.

eDiets now offers the personalized Mayo Clinic Plan, which includes customized menus, gourmet recipes, shopping lists and 24/7 support. Once you join the program, you can expect to lose one to two pounds per week. Click here to improve your weight and finally take off those extra pounds. Take advantage of the health and weight management expertise of the medical professionals at the world-famous Mayo Clinic.

– start with your free diet profile! free diet profile!

• • •

Top 10 Low-Fat, Fat Free Foods

@ 2:26 pm Редактирай

From Low-Fat eDiets plan

The good news is a lot of today’s products have greatly improved on tantalizing the taste buds and they can help reduce the amount of fat and calories in our diet, as long as they are eaten as part of a healthy diet.

We went in search of the best of the best sweet and savory low-fat and fat-free products, so you don’t waste one precious calorie experimenting. Replace some of the full-fat versions in your diet with these — and it could make a big difference in your weight loss.

  • Fat-free milk
  • Low-fat cheeses
  • Low-fat chips
  • Low-fat mayo
  • Fat-free cooking spray
  • Healthy Choice reduced-fat ice cream
  • Fat-free pudding snacks
  • Fat-free cocoa
  • Low-fat cookies
  • Kellogg’s Low-fat granola

    (Excerpt from Top 10 Low-Fat, Fat Free Foods article by eDiets)





  • Face Up To The Perricone Challenge

    @ 12:51 pm Редактирай

    By Glenn Mueller eDiets Senior Writer

    Click here to learn more…

    Mirror, mirror, on the wall: who has the fairest skin of them all? If you enter The Perricone Challenge, the answer could very well be you. Whether you are trying to look younger, lose weight or both, The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift provides the ideal way to reach your goals. And, with a $2,500 prize awarded to a Grand Prize winner in each region, there has never been a better time to sign up for this plan.

    “Although we cannot stop the progression of the years,” says Dr. Nicholas Perricone, “we can stop the skin from wrinkling, sagging and dulling, and keep the body toned with the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift customized just for you by eeDiets.”

    Dr. Perricone is a prominent dermatologist and author of the New York Times best-seller The Perricone Prescription (HarperCollins), which was just released in paperback. Drawn from more than 15 years of research, his groundbreaking diet and exercise program helps you reduce signs of aging, take off excess pounds and increase your energy levels.

    If you have been considering The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift, it is time to take the challenge. All you need to do to enter the challenge is…

    * Register to enter The Perricone Challenge Contest at <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/e1100uoxuowBDGJEKHHBDCGCIIGE" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.ediets.com/';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">eDiets</a><img src="http://www.afcyhf.com/pi105wquiom79CFAGDD798C8EECA" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>

    * Submit a full-body "before" picture of yourself along with a brief bio about yourself.

    * Write a brief essay (200 words or less) that describes your personal struggles with weight and/or the look of your skin, and explains what you would like to accomplish with the 28-day Perricone Challenge.

    * Follow the Perricone Plan for 28 days (start seeing results in as early as 3 days) using the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift online plan on eDiets.com or using the book The Perricone Prescription.

    Five finalists will be chosen from each region/time zone of the United States. All finalists will be selected by staff members of N.V. Perricone M.D., Ltd. Photos of all finalists will appear on eDiets, and winners — those achieving the greatest transformation — will be voted on by consumers.

    The truth is that everyone who follows the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift is already a winner. This program is a comprehensive plan to help you manage your weight, look younger, energize you and clear your mind. Best of all, you will see remarkable results with your own eyes after just 28 days.

    In just four weeks, you’ll completely rebuild and rejuvenate your body and skin from the inside out. Dr. Perricone has already used this program on thousands of his own patients with success. If you follow this plan closely, you will get results.

    Dr. Perricone has always believed that what you put in your mouth is as important as what you put on your skin when it comes to looking healthy and vibrant. On The Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift, enjoy a wide range of healthy foods, including fish (the doctor’s favorites are salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, snapper, trout and bass), chicken breast, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and healthy oils. You’ll also set aside at least 20 minutes every day for exercise.

    What other plan helps you lose your wrinkles and excess weight at the same time? If you thought there was no fountain of youth, you obviously haven’t tried the Perricone Nutritional Face-Lift. If you don’t like what you see in the mirror, there is something you can do about it. Face up to the challenge!

    Start with your free Perricone profile - click here - and choose the Perricone Nutritional Face Lift Plan

    • • •

    January 3, 2006

    The Best Time To Start A Diet

    @ 5:13 pm Редактирай

    by Julia Griggs Havey, eDiets Master Motivator

    The best time of the entire year to get started on your healthy lifestyle journey is right NOW… this very second!

    Why? Because the next eight weeks are filled with tremendous challenges for those desiring a lean and tone body. Therefore the next eight weeks provide more opportunities than any other time of the year to strengthen your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and your desire to make healthy choices. Challenges that we face and overcome are the things that empower us! This time of year provides more chances to overcome challenges than any other time.

    Sound impossible? Do you get anxious just thinking about the company holiday party or Grandma�s special pecan pie?

    Well, think of it this way: what was the office party like last year? How much did you eat last Thanksgiving? How many notches did you have to loosen on your belt? How many times were you disappointed that you didn�t lose weight?

    The time to make amends for last year’s disappointments is right now. You have a chance now to remedy the mistakes that you have made in the past. You have the opportunity to greet this holiday season with confidence, strength and determination.

    When you go to a party or family gathering this holiday season I want you to arrive prepared. It would be very wise if you ate a healthy meal during the day before the event. I realize this breaks with the custom of starving all day so that you can eat what is offered and not feel as guilty. You and I both know what that really serves to do. It provides you with a license to eat ALL that you want. After all, you haven’t eaten anything all day! All that leads to is overeating and regret after the fact. More –>

    • • •

    Need a change, low-carbers? Think vegetarian!

    @ 2:24 pm Редактирай

    By Sheri Strykowski
    Special For
    eDiets

    About Vegetarian Diet

    When you first started your low-carb diet, the idea of a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon dripping with cheese made your mouth water, but after a few months of eggs in the mornin’, the afterglow is fading. If you’re ready for a change, try incorporating low-carb vegetarian meals and snacks into your daily menu.

    Low-carb does not mean just meat and eggs. “It’s a fallacy that you can’t eat veggies on a low-carb diet,” says Margo DeMello, author of Low-Carb Vegetarian (Book Publishing, 2004).

    All of the popular low-carb diet plans emphasize “good” carbs and discourage eating “bad” or empty carbs, those that are made with refined white flour, white sugar, and trans fats. The avowed vegetarian was inspired to revamp her eating regimen after reading The Soy Zone (a soy version of The Zone diet), which introduced the low-carb concept to vegetarians.

    There are lots of healthy, low-carb vegetarian choices, says DeMello, who lost 45 pounds doing her own version of a low-carb diet. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and whole grains are nutrient-dense, fiber-rich carbohydrate foods that fit into the low-carb mix.

    If you’ve never tasted veggie burgers, veggie bacon strips, or veggie dogs made with soy protein or textured vegetable protein, the author suggests you give them a try. These vegetarian mainstays are high in protein, low in saturated fat, and now come in low-carb versions that range from 1–to-5 net carbs per serving.

    Ounce for ounce, veggies — the greener the better — weigh in as the low-carb vegetarian superstars. Low in carbs and packed with fiber and phytonutrients, veggies are smart carb choices.

    In addition to the tried-and-true romaine lettuce, try mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, green beans, parsley, bok choy, snow peas, bell peppers, celery, chives, cucumber, artichoke, asparagus, scallions, bamboo shoots, collard greens, eggplant, bean sprouts, and spinach — all budget “buys” at less than 7 net carbs per serving.

    To soothe your sweet cravings, two of the best low-carb fruit choices are berries and melons. At less than 5 grams of carbs per quarter cup, you can enjoy strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, honeydew melon and cantaloupe — and still meet your carb quota with room to spare.

    High-fiber crisp breads are generally the lowest-carb grain choices, not counting the wide array of low-carb bread, muffin, and cake mixes; other specially prepared low-carb whole grain snacks and treats are now available as well.

    So, if you can’t face another egg for breakfast — or you just want to cut down on saturated fat and boost your fiber intake, here are some suggestions to zip up your food plan with a vegetarian twist:

    1. To take the edge off an appetite or add a little taste to a salad or veggies, try a 2 Tbs serving of nutritious and tasty nuts or seeds: pumpkin seeds (2.4 g), macadamia nuts (.9 g), almonds (1.4 g), pecans (.6 g), chopped walnuts (1.1 g) — all under 3 net carbs.

    2. Make an easy guacamole by mashing 1/2 medium avocado (3 g), season with a touch of salt, 1 Tbs tomato salsa (1 g) and a sprinkle of lemon juice (0 g). Have with raw veggies or a few low-carb tortilla chips. This fiber-rich snack is also high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat = 4 g net carbs (just the guacamole).

    3. Top 1 1/2 cups lightly steamed broccoli (5.8 g) with 1 Tbs grated parmesan cheese (0 carbs and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat) = 5.8 g net carbs.

    4. Enjoy a 1 oz. serving of roasted soy nuts (6 g), which contains 13 grams of protein and 7 grams of mostly heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat — and only 1.5 grams of saturated fat. This on-the-go snack comes in flavors such as ranch, barbeque, and chocolate-covered = 6 g net carbs.

    5. Treat yourself to a stuffed artichoke (6.9 g). Just trim artichoke stems and snap off the tough leaves to make a flat base. Place the artichoke snugly in a sauce pan and fill pan with enough water to come halfway up the artichoke. Sprinkle with sea salt, 1 Tbs parmesan cheese (0 g), and a splash of lemon juice (0 g). Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer about 40 minutes. Pull the leaves off one at a time and dip them and the delectable heart of the ‘choke in a bit of melted butter (0 g) = 6.9 g net carbs.

    6. Make a veggie bacon BLT by placing 4 veggie bacon strips (4 g), 1 leaf of romaine lettuce (.1 g), and 2 slices tomato (1.3 g) on 1 slice high-fiber low-carb bread (3 g). Spread with 1 Tbs soy mayo (0 g) = 8.4 g net carbs.

    7. Sauté 1 cup green beans (5.8 g) in 1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil (0 g) with one clove chopped garlic (1.0 g), and 2 Tbs chopped onion (1.8 g) = 8.6 g net carbs.

    8. Whip up a double berry tofu shake for breakfast: blend 1/2 cup blueberries (8.2 g) and 1/2 cup strawberries (3.6 g) with 6 oz. soft tofu (4.7 g), 2 ice cubes, and 1 tsp vanilla extract (0 g). Sweeten with 1 tsp Splenda (0 g) = 16.5 net carbs.

    9. Spread 2 Tbs peanut butter (4.3 g) and 2 Tbs sugar-free apricot jam (3.2 g) on 2 slices of crisp bread (10 g) = 17.5g net carbs.

    10. For a light snack, enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruit: 1 cup raspberries (6 g), 1/2 cup honeydew melon (7.2 g), 1/2 cup pineapple (8.6 g), 1 cup watermelon (10.4), 1 cup papaya (11.2 g), 1/2 cup mango (12.6 g), 1 medium orange (12.9 g), 1 cup cherries. (16.8 g), 1 medium apple (17.3 g), 1 cup green grapes (26.8 g).

    Tip: A half cup portion of soft tofu contains 3.1 g net carbs, 5.4 g protein, and 37.5 mg isoflavones, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Try replacing all or part of the cream in cream soups with soft tofu. You can also substitute puréed tofu for part of the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese called for in salad dressings, dips, and spreads.

    Note: All carb counts are listed in net carbs: total carbohydrates less fiber, glycerine, sugar alcohol, and polydextrose.

    All carb counts are taken from Atkins Carbohydrate Counter, The Complete Book of Food Counts by Corinne T. Netzer, or from the nutrition label on packaged foods.

    Join Online Vegetarian Diet!

    Sheri Strykowski is a freelance journalist who specializes in health, fitness and lifestyle. Her articles have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Lerner newspapers and National Safety Council publications. She is also a content expert who has built over 40 websites for a Fortune 100 company.




    • • •

    December 29, 2005

    Top 10 Low Carb Breafasts

    @ 5:28 pm Редактирай

    On the Atkins Nutritional Approach, the first Phase — Induction — is fairly restrictive in terms of carbohydrates. During those first two weeks, you’re going to eat a minimum of carbs, but you’ll be eating more protein and fat. As you lose weight, you move up the carb ladder, and add healthy carbs into your menu and more variety from fruits and whole grains, nuts and cereals. For some, this is the perfect weight loss program… protein and fat provide satiety, and you’re less apt to succumb to cravings.

    Here are some very low-carb breakfasts, for the Induction Phase on Atkins, and some low-carb breakfasts, perfect for the later phases of Atkins, and other lower-carb programs. –>> More

    • • •

    The Real Mayo Clinic Plan: Why It Works

    @ 2:46 pm Редактирай

    By Kim Droze eDiets Managing Editor

    Real Mayo Clinic Diet

    Every year about this time, there’s tremendous buzz about a hot, new diet that promises fast, permanent weight loss. Those fly-by-night fads come and go, but your weight remains the same. You’d like a program that simplifies taking off the pounds and actually makes it happen… for once and for all.

    The solution to your dieting desires is finally here. The experts at the renowned Mayo Clinic have created an effective approach to weight loss that’s sensible, enjoyable and doctor-approved. You’ll not only manage your weight, but also your overall health. Did we mention The Mayo Clinic Plan also can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic illnesses?

    In this exciting eDiets exclusive, Dr. Donald Hensrud provides an in-depth look at The Mayo Clinic Plan. As Chair of the Division of Preventive and Occupational Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Hensrud specializes in internal medicine, preventive medicine and nutrition. He’s one of the leading authorities behind The Mayo Clinic Plan, and he’s seen his share of weight-loss tactics that don’t work.

    Dr. Hensrud wants to set the record straight about the infamous “Mayo Diets” that have been alluded to and shared for decades by desperate dieters everywhere. The odds are that you, too, have heard about — or even tried — one of these bogus Mayo diets. Those restrictive diets that feature grapefruit, cabbage or bacon-and-eggs couldn’t be further from the real deal.

    “The so-called Mayo Clinic diets have been haunting us for years,” Dr. Hensrud notes. “None of those previous plans have ever been developed or endorsed by Mayo Clinic. For those people looking for the real Mayo Clinic diet, the closest thing they’ll find is in The Mayo Clinic Plan, which is more than a diet — it’s a lifestyle.”

    This weight-management way of life isn’t a quick fix. Dr. Hensrud says the doctor-designed plan is built for the long haul. In a nutshell, the program encourages generous consumption of low-energy-dense foods, such as vegetables and fruits, that help achieve a feeling of fullness with a lower calorie intake.

    The Mayo Clinic has gone so far as to create its own Healthy Weight Pyramid, consisting of vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, protein/dairy, fats and sweets.

    There are four key factors that set this guide apart from other popular pyramids. The Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid takes both weight management and health into consideration. Fruits and vegetables comprise the wide bottom of the pyramid and can be eaten in virtually unlimited amounts.

    Each food group recommends healthy choices for optimum results. Daily physical activity is at the center of the pyramid because of its positive effects on weight management and overall health.

    Choose to follow The Mayo Clinic Plan and you’ll find yourself eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, beans, fish, low-fat dairy, whole-grain carbohydrates and unsaturated fats, particularly nuts, olive oil and canola oil.

    “The Mayo Clinic Plan does involve dietary change,” Dr. Hensrud notes. “However, when many people think of changing their diet, what immediately comes to mind is something that’s negative and restrictive, therefore temporary. This is not that type of diet.

    “It involves enjoyable lifestyle changes in the way people eat. It’s not overly restrictive, although certainly you can eat some things more than others. The Mayo Clinic Plan is based on healthful foods that are deliciously rich in flavor and make it easier to adopt a lifestyle change.”

    The “eat healthfully, exercise-more” philosophy is a common-sense approach to better weight management. However, Dr. Hensrud says that people struggling to lose weight also need practical and accurate information detailing how to apply this philosophy to their everyday life.

    That’s exactly what the Mayo Clinic provides. Drawing on medical literature, scientific studies and clinical experience, the Mayo Clinic Plan establishes guidelines that make weight management and healthy living sustainable.

    No foods are off limits. And that’s an element that helps you stick with the program. While restrictive diets may be effective for a period of time, they are not manageable in the long term.

    “By not eliminating foods, it makes the program more sustainable as a lifestyle change,” Dr. Hensrud explains. “For example, if you really enjoy chocolate but realize that it’s contributing to your weight problem, you may pledge to never eat chocolate again.

    “That’s not realistic for a long period of time. Eventually, you may come back to the point of eating chocolate, and if you’ve restricted it too much, you might binge. Then you’re back where you started from.

    “On the other hand if you’re enjoying your diet and filling up on health-supporting foods, then it’s easier to find the best piece of high-quality chocolate, enjoy a small amount, and be satisfied. This is more sustainable.” Men and women following The Mayo Clinic Plan enjoy foods rich in flavor and health-enhancing properties. There’s no more living a frustrating life of deprivation. Among the savory dishes you’ll enjoy on the program are seared scallops with new potatoes and fried greens, grilled flank steak salad with roasted corn vinaigrette, three-bean chili, chicken stir-fry with eggplant and basil, and salmon with cilantro-cucumber salsa.

    eDiets now offers the personalized Mayo Clinic Plan, which includes customized menus, gourmet recipes, shopping lists and 24/7 support. Once you join the program, you can expect to lose one to two pounds per week. Click here to improve your weight and finally take off those extra pounds. Take advantage of the health and weight management expertise of the medical professionals at the world-famous Mayo Clinic.

    – start with your free diet profile! free diet profile!

    • • •

    Top 10 Low-Fat, Fat Free Foods

    @ 2:26 pm Редактирай

    From Low-Fat eDiets plan

    The good news is a lot of today’s products have greatly improved on tantalizing the taste buds and they can help reduce the amount of fat and calories in our diet, as long as they are eaten as part of a healthy diet.

    We went in search of the best of the best sweet and savory low-fat and fat-free products, so you don’t waste one precious calorie experimenting. Replace some of the full-fat versions in your diet with these — and it could make a big difference in your weight loss.

  • Fat-free milk
  • Low-fat cheeses
  • Low-fat chips
  • Low-fat mayo
  • Fat-free cooking spray
  • Healthy Choice reduced-fat ice cream
  • Fat-free pudding snacks
  • Fat-free cocoa
  • Low-fat cookies
  • Kellogg’s Low-fat granola

    (Excerpt from Top 10 Low-Fat, Fat Free Foods article by eDiets)