Nutritional planning involves balancing macronutrients, understanding calorie formulas, and identifying the functional properties of whole foods to manage weight and chronic conditions effectively.
Even if you're of normal weight, a wide middle can be a serious health concern. This belly fat -- particularly visceral fat, which surrounds abdominal organs -- secretes inflammatory hormones into the body and puts you at a greater risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
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Traditional pesto sauce, with its combination of olive oil, pine nuts, fresh basil, garlic and Parmesan cheese, is a healthy addition to any diet. While it is rather high in calories and fat, pesto offers a wealth of nutrients and a punch of flavor that many other sauces lack.
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Because carbohydrates can play a role in balancing hormones, losing weight, exercise recovery, thyroid support and energy maintenance, a woman's need for this nutrient may differ from a man's.
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Although many sweets and sugary treats are too high in carbs to fit into a low-carb eating plan, you don't always have to abstain from dessert. Simply choose ones made with low-carb ingredients and sweetened with no- or low-calorie sweeteners.
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Bell peppers provide more than just color and crunch to dishes. These vibrant vegetables are a source of valuable nutrients, fiber and antioxidants. Available year-round, bell peppers are at their peak in August and September.
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Peaches, with their soft skin and sweet flesh, are a summertime staple. One of the largest fruit crops grown in the United States, peaches provide a great deal of nutrients with few calories and no fat. Peaches are a healthy way to fit in one of your daily servings of fruit.
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Spider veins, which are essentially mini varicose veins, usually appear on the legs as small red or blue lines close to the surface of the skin. Often resembling spider webs or tree branches, they weave in and out and may also develop on the face.
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Jalapeno peppers provide more than a kick of flavor to your nachos and tacos. These small, fiery green peppers provide multiple vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support a healthy body. Jalapenos may also help you manage your weight.
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All of your cells contain protein, but that doesn't mean they can store extra protein at will. Your body breaks down protein foods to obtain specific amino acids that support multiple functions, including growth, tissue repair and enzyme production.
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A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away lymph tissue at the back of the throat. Although a common procedure and usually done on an out-patient basis, a tonsillectomy will likely result in significant pain. Immediately following the surgery, doctors usually recommend cold, clear liquids.
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A low-carb diet, whether it's Atkins, ketogenic or a Paleo plan, promises weight loss and vitality. Not everyone thrives on such a diet, however. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel -- too few can mean your energy levels plummet.
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Taco fillings such as ground beef, cheese, sour cream and shredded lettuce are low-carb dieting staples, but the shell raises the carb count of this tasty treat. You could always go sans shell to save carbohydrates, but then your taco is just a salad.
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Consuming quick-digesting carbohydrates following an intense strength-training workout helps your body build muscle faster and more effectively. These carbohydrates stimulate a quick and strong release of the hormone insulin, which acts as a super shuttle for nutrients your muscles need to grow and recover optimally.
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With well-planned meals, vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy, and vegans who stay away from all animal products, can enjoy a nutritionally balanced diet. Many vegetarians rely on grains, particularly wheat, for energy, B vitamins and protein.
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Sugar cravings can be the downfall of the most diligent dieter. A clean-eating day filled with lean proteins, vegetables and healthy fats can easily be negated by an evening spent bingeing on ice cream and brownies.
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Soccer players train hard both on and off the field for their 90 minutes of play. In addition to perfecting plays building stamina and honing ball-handling skills, professional players' training also involves attention to their nutrition.
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Saltine, or soda, crackers are traditionally made with a dough of white flour, yeast, shortening, baking soda and salt. These ingredients offer little in the way of vitamins and minerals. Saltines are mostly refined carbohydrates, which makes them good for soaking up soup, but not so good for a healthy diet.
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Carrots, along with other orange and red vegetables are a source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is actually a group of compounds that support a number of important body functions, including immunity, eye sight and reproduction. One cup of carrots provides ample amounts of vitamin A, far exceeding the daily value.
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How many calories you consume at each meal depends on your eating habits and calorie needs for the day. Certain diet plans advocate eating multiple mini meals with a low number of calories to keep your metabolism burning, while others have you eating small meals to be followed up with one very large meal.
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The DASH diet, dietary approaches to stop hypertension, is a way of eating that helps you control your sodium intake and manage your blood pressure. The diet features familiar foods and emphasizes plain produce, modest portions of lean meats, low- or nonfat milk, nuts and legumes and whole grains.
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