Beauty-Full Spa’s Dieting Tips & Understanding why somethings work and other things do not.

Remember your family physician knows you best, so always consult with them if you have any questions regarding the content of this web site.

The following dieting tips are a collection of interesting facts and articles that will assist you in your quest to become a fully functioning healthy human and most importantly, understand that the human brain is hard wired to be stoned all the time. Two notions in life: we don’t like what we don’t know and we only accept what we understand. You need to empower yourself to become a healthy person taking the tips that pertain to your body type and your particular situation.

At Beauty-Full Spa we never use the phrase “Common Sense” as if it were truly common why would it have to be stated. Discussions are based on logic or are illogical. Only with education and understanding will you be placed in a position to manage your own health. So enjoy the postings on this site and if you find something that interests you, make sure you ask the librarian (Google) for more information and yes, always get three similar opinions. Next, always consult with your family pharmacist or family physician before ingesting what you have been informed is a wonderful product, a cure-all for the ages. If one substance would cure all, we would not have cancer or any of the other early human causes of death. All of our bodies are different and therefore no single catch-all exists, however, some roads are best traveled then others.

Great Short Video – Understanding Diabetes
If you are interesting in learning the basics about diabetes, the following link will take you to one of the best animated videos to assist you in understanding Diabetes. This video was produced by Diabetes UK Charity, a leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by diabetes. Very informative! Click on this link.

Don’t get sucked in by the best diet pitchman on TV today – DR. OZ!

It is important not to become “Dr. Ozed”, which is a term meaning that with so many magic pills and potions introduced daily on his television show, we should all be beacons of excellent health, and bankrupt of both money and time. We do credit Dr. Oz for doing an excellent job at getting information into the public arena. The problem is that people look to him for the knowledge they so badly need to fix all their problems. After all he is not just any doctor, he is a heart surgeon.

The producers of the Dr. Oz television show have to come up with 40-42 minutes of new content every single day.  As a result of this effort the show has become both a positive and negative force on the weight loss industry in both Canada and the United States.  In fact, his reversalbe opinion have created massive confusion and people are unfortunately turning him off! It seems that every other day he has a new idea that triumphs his previous best idea presented just 24-48 hours earlier. The real problem with the new phenomenon we have coined as, “Dr. Ozed,” is his indifference towards what other substances the television viewer may already be consuming and how what he is pitching may create bad body chemistry for the viewer who rushes out and starts consuming what was just pitched on his show. For example, let’s look at the very popular herb St. John’s. This particular herb has a side effect to increases the skin’s sensitivity to heat, thus should not be taken within a week before you do a laser hair removal session or travel to a warm climate to go sun bathing. Why? There is a very high risk of you getting a severe sun burn! Let’s face it everything is chemical so do not be mislead that because it is a herb (chemicals in their natural state) that is cannot hurt you. My suggestion is that before, your purchase any of the “herbs” or “natural products” featured on The Dr. Oz TV show that you speak to your local pharmacist and make sure that whatever you are considering to add to your newly discovered health regime is in fact going to help you not hurt you. Also take some time to look these suggestions up on the Internet and see what is good and what is bad about them.

Magic or “BS” for Rasperry Ketones, as featured on Dr. Oz?

Did you see the Dr. Oz show were he introduced the Miracle Fat Burner in a Bottle and use the dry ice and balloons to show how Raspberry Ketones would shrink the fat cells. He even had two women who claim to have lost significant weight over six months using this product. The following paragraph was taken from his web site:

“Research has shown that raspberry ketone can help in your weight-loss efforts, especially when paired with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet of healthy and whole foods. Raspberry ketone is the primary aroma compound of red raspberries. This compound regulates adiponectin, a protein used by the body to regulate metabolism. Raspberry ketone causes the fat within your cells to get broken up more effectively, helping your body burn fat faster. The recommended dose is 100mg per day. To get the same benefit from the whole fruit, you’d have to consume 90 pounds of raspberries. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/miracle-fat-burner-bottle”

Now if you went to the web site you would see a link to get more scientific evidence, however, this information is rarely tapped as people just watch the television show: Click here to learn what current scientific research has to say about raspberry ketones and how it works.

So let’s get to the truth about Raspberry Ketones, the information not presented on his television segment/episode.

Unfortunately, diet aids like this are not instant products as Dr. Oz makes it sound, but is an adjunct to your diet and exercise regimen as taking more will not automatically make you lose more weight, nor is it a product that many people are looking for where they can take it while sitting on the couch and expect to lose several pounds every week. While the Raspberry Ketones may help to regulate Adiponectin and have an impact on metabolism, it does not boost the metabolism as much as people may hope for or as Dr. Oz may have implied, but it can help.

A couple big problems that people have experienced are that different people respond differently to different nutrients and that all of the studies Dr. Oz were referring to on the Raspberry Ketones were preliminary rat studies, not human studies. There have been many people who have found results from this, but the “real world results” that Dr. Oz was talking about were not universal as there were people who did not see significant weight loss over their normal loss.

Since no human studies have been completed (especially when it comes to higher doses), we really do recommend sticking with recommendation doses on the bottle unless your personal doctor (who can do appropriate tests on your body to see what is optimal as opposed to a doctor on TV who can make general statements about most people) says that you should be taking a different dose.

As far as the weight of the fruit, it’s one isolated nutrient from the fruit, not the whole fruit. It’s similar to how a 500 mg Vitamin C pill has about the same amount of Vitamin C as a five pound bag of oranges, but not the fiber, juice, bioflavonoids, or other nutrients that make up the bulk of that five pounds of oranges. Taking several of these pills a day is only giving you 1 gram of content per day, not 90 pounds worth of Raspberries, so you shouldn’t be gaining any significant amount of weight from these.

Raspberry Ketones are Raspberry Ketones just like Vitamin C is Vitamin C. It does not matter which company makes them as long as they have excellence in their manufacturing systems. Giving credit to Dr. Oz as he made a specific point to not advertise for any specific brand so it would not be seen as a conflict of interest. Numerous companies are advertising their products on line as “As Seen On Dr. Oz” as a marketing ploy to sell their product. Generally all Raspberry Ketones brands should yield the same result assuming the brands has not adulterated with any other ingredients as many on the market have been for fads like these.

The author, me Paul Avis, took Raspberry Ketones for two months varying the dose starting at 100 mg to 2,000 mg per day and saw ZERO changes. I think that Raspberry Ketones may have positive aspects but are by no way the instant fat burner as featured in the segment of Dr. Oz’s television episode. I was impressed with the balloon illustration, and HECK it was Dr. Oz so it must work.

This is why I coined the term being “Dr. Ozed.” Dr. Ozed is the indifference between what he is suggesting on his TV show and what the viewer is already taking, as it the chemistry may clash and the viewer could get hurt. In my opinion the competing network should have a show called, “The Pharmacist” and this person would follow up shows done by Dr. Oz and explain the downsides to what the good Dr. is suggesting. We have to assume at this point that Dr. Oz is not in control of every information aspect presented on his show. The problem is simple economics that being the producers who have to fill 40-42 minutes of television time have to keep the viewer engaged, as in do not switch the channel during commercial breaks. An engaged viewer is good for selling the show on a syndicated basis, resulting in big money to the doctor and the show’s producers. And that my friend is the unfortunate bottom line! So unless you are a RAT, I would suggest saving your money and buying more raw vegetables and stop looking for the instant pill in the bottle, as for Raspberry Ketones as featured on Dr. Oz it falls into the BS category, well that is for humans!

Ideal Protein’s Soy Puffs, Excellent Aid for Diabetics

In addition to being a sweet, crunchy and delicious treat, our soy puffs (chocolate, peanut, apple-cinnamon, and lemon) may come in very handy in the early weeks of the Weight Loss Method for certain clients. People who tend to be “carb-addicts” or dieters who are taking oral medications for diabetes (Type 2) or injecting insulin itself MAY experience episodes of hypoglycaemia during weeks 1-3 on the Regular Protocol. When prescribed these medications, the patient is usually told to either drink orange juice, soft drinks, or have some sort of candy or glucose tablets in order to correct the hypoglycaemia. This is not the only alternative and Ideal Protein has a better solution! These recommendations will cause a large insulin spike and usually will result in another hypoglycaemic episode an hour or so later. Here’s where Ideal Protein’s Soy Puffs can help. When a dieter starts to experience hypoglycaemia or shows one of these symptoms:

• Extreme Hunger
• Cold, Clammy or wet skin
• Sweating (not caused by exercise)
• Nausea
• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Nervousness, or a jittery feeling
• Numbness, tingling of lips or fingertips
• Trembling

Have them take a handful or two of the puffs. This will usually provide enough carbs (glucose) to bring them out of that uncomfortable state, but NOT cause an excessive amount of insulin to be secreted. This works very well and they are handy to carry in a purse, keep in your desk at work, etc. If you are starting the Ideal Protein Diet and are prone to hypoglycaemic episodes for the reasons mentioned above, it would be a good idea to make sure you have a couple of extra bags of soy puffs, in addition to your other food for that week.

Why is diet soda discouraged during the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method?

All diet drinks (i.e. sugar-free, carb-free) are NOT contraindicated on the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method. The problem that can arise is imbalances in acid / base regulation. Our protocol is very alkaline and this is why we do not see complications common to other “protein type diets”, namely kidney stones, gout, bone spurs, etc.

Some diet drinks (Crystal Light for example) are mixed with water and these are acceptable. Many others (flavoured Aqua-fina, Dasani, etc.) contain a lot of phosphoric acid. This is a very strong acid and will play havoc with the body’s bicarbonate buffering system. The same goes for diet sodas…particularly the “brown ones”: Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, root beer, etc.). Flavoured seltzers are usually OK, just read the label and make sure it is carb-free and contains no phosphoric acid.

Carbonated beverages contain CO2 which, when dissolved in water becomes a weak acid known as carbonic acid (unlike phosphoric). To have a glass occasionally would not be a problem, but consuming large amounts (like in place of the 2 litres of water per day) would not be a good idea.

The pH of Perrier is about 5.7, weakly acidic. The Ideal Protein protocol provides so many health benefits besides weight loss; it would be a shame to compromise some of the benefits by consuming these products. Acid / base balance plays a major role in physiology, particularly in such conditions as osteoporosis, gout, “hardening of the arteries”; and a more acidic blood does not carry oxygen as well. Using sugar-free, carb-free drinks and diet sodas will not compromise the dieter’s weight loss (providing you drink extra water if these drinks contain caffeine, remember an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee they drink, same thing here). The dieter, who chooses to use these products a lot, will not receive all of the wonderful benefits of the Ideal Protein Diet.

3,500 Calories in a pound of body fat is INCORRECT!

It was widely believed that there are 3,500 calories in a pound of body fat. What is known for certain is that there are 9 calories in a gram of body fat, thus 453.6 grams in a pound. For years no one did the math, well until 2010, which simply states 453.6 grams in a pound x 9 Calories in each of those grams = 4082 Calories in 1 pound, thus rounding it off the correct answer is 4,000 calories per pound of body fat. Great news for all dieters!! Burn baby burn!

What happens when you are in the state of Ketosis?

When in Ketosis you will be burning your body fat as your only source of energy provided you are taking protein from a source other than your body. During ketosis, the body produces what is known as ketones, which come from fat stored in the body. There are three types of ketones, two which boost energy levels and stimulate the brain by providing a gentle feeling of euphoria, and the third acts as a powerful and natural appetite suppressant. The third stimulates a precise point in the brain, called the “satiety centre” and in so doing, complete curves hunger pains. All this while the liver is turning the fat into fuel for your muscles!

What is the difference between a Hypo-Caloric Diet & the Ideal Protein Diet?

When an individual is on a Hypo-Caloric diet, the person eats less. When you eat half of your carbohydrates, lipids (fats) and especially protein/vitamins, you are going to loose both fat and muscle mass. In addition on a Hypo-Caloric diet, muscles are eaten for their protein, mood changes are frequent, energy level are affected and loss of hair is common. When weight is regained it is going to be predominantly fat. If you want to maintain your present muscle mass, you must eat PROTEIN. This is why we call this method a “Protein Diet.” It is the Protein Diet and not a hyper-protein diet; it is not because we drink a glass of wine that we become alcoholics. As we are not a hyper-protein diet, neither the kidneys nor liver are over-worked.

To avoid gaining weight over time, you should aim to burn up as many calories through basic metabolic function and physical activity as you take in. To know whether you’re on track, you need to be able to estimate how many calories you need based on your age, gender, and level of physical activity.

The calorie ranges shown in this table allow for the needs of people of different ages within an age group. Adults need fewer calories at older ages. For example, an active 31-year-old man needs about 3,000 daily calories, but an active 50-year-old man needs only about 2,800 calories.

¹ Sedentary means you have a lifestyle that includes only the light physical activity associated with typical day-to-day life.

² Moderate active means you have a lifestyle that includes physical activity equivalent to walking about 1.5 to 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the light physical activity associated with typical day-to-day life.

³ Active means your lifestyle includes physical activity equivalent to walking more than 3 miles per day at 3 to 4 miles per hour, in addition to the light physical activity associated with typical day-to-day life.

What’s with all the extra water during a weight loss program?

Many people ask why they have to drink so much water during a weight loss program. The answer is very simple. If you lack water in your body you become dehydrated and dehydration slows down the metabolism as the body tries to conserve water to perform all the functions that require water. So the next question, being how much water I should drink. The general rule is 8 – 8 oz glasses of water for women and 12 for men or if you want the simplest formula 1 Litre of water per 50 pounds of body weight. Even if you are not on a weight loss program you should always be consuming sufficient fluids to keep your body working at optimum capacity, exception – if in a desert climate increase your water consumption!
(Approved for republication by Top Form Fitness, Toronto ON Canada)

Good sleep is one of the cornerstones of good health. While 6 to 8 hours is widely accepted as the optimal amount of sleep for most adults, getting too little or even too much sleep can negatively affect your health.

Sleep deprivation has become so common that many people may not even realize they are suffering from it. Some of the serious problems that a sleep deficit can cause include:

• A weakened immune system
• Poor memory
• Poor concentration and mental performance
• Poor physical performance
• Stress related disorders such as heart disease, ulcers, and depression
• Reduced growth hormone produced (accelerating the aging process)
• Hunger and weight gain

Lost sleep can never be made up. The sleep you miss during the week is lost forever and can’t be made up for by sleeping in on the weekend. Persistent lack of sleep has a cumulative effect when it comes to disrupting your health and can make your life miserable, as you may already know.

Conversely, getting enough good quality sleep can improve fat metabolism, increase GH production, support muscle building, improve physical and mental performance, and boost your immune system.

Here are 12 Tips for improving your overall sleep health:

Sleep in complete darkness, or as close to it as possible. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room can disrupt your internal clock and your pineal gland’s production of melatonin and serotonin. Even a tiny glow from your clock radio could be interfering with your sleep. Close your bedroom door, get rid of night-lights, cover your clock radio, wear an eye mask, use blackout shades on your windows, and refrain from turning on any lights during the night (even to go to the bathroom… if you can!). Modern day electrical lighting has significantly disrupted your natural circadian rhythms. Light signals your brain that it’s time to wake up and prepare for ACTION.

Sleep in a cool environment. Many people keep their homes far too warm. Studies show that the optimal room temperature for sleep is quite cool, between 60 to 68 degrees. I suggest keeping your bedroom temperature no higher than 70 degrees F. Any cooler or hotter can lead to restless sleep. Your body’s temperature naturally drops when you sleep, and a cooler bedroom is more conductive to a deep, restful sleep.

Avoid using loud alarm clocks. It is very stressful on your body to be suddenly jolted awake. If you are regularly getting enough sleep, an alarm may even be unnecessary. Choose an alarm clock with a less “startling” alarm, preferably one that gradually increases in volume.

Reserve your bed for sleeping. If you are used to watching TV or doing work in bed, you may find it harder to relax and drift off to sleep, so avoid doing these activities in bed.

Get to bed as early as possible. Your body (particularly your adrenal system) does a majority of its recharging between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Before the widespread use of electricity, people would go to bed shortly after sundown, as most animals do, and which nature intended for humans as well. When you get to sleep before midnight the quality of the sleep you get will be much more productive.

Keep the same bedtime. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on the weekends. This will help your body to get into a sleep rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep and get up in the morning.

Go to the bathroom right before bed. To minimize the chances that you’ll wake up to go in the middle of the night, go to the bathroom before hitting the sack, and avoid drinking too much right before sleep.

Eat a high-protein snack several hours before bed. This can provide the L-tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production.

Avoid carbohydrate snacks right before bed. These will raise your blood sugar, delay sleep, and interfere with GH production. Later, when blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia), you may wake up and be unable to fall back asleep.

Establish a bedtime routine. Establish a bedtime routine that could include meditation, deep breathing, relaxation exercises/CD’s, or listening to calming classical music before bed. Also avoid watching TV right before sleep and get the TV out of the bedroom (or even better, right out of the house!). Put away your work and any stressful activities at least an hour before bed to give your mind a chance to unwind. Journaling before sleep is also an effective way to “unload” your mind onto paper and stop it from racing when your head hits the pillow. I’ve been doing this for years and I find it really helps me unwind and relax.

Reduce or avoid the use of drugs as much as possible. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and negatively affect the quality of your sleep. Many drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, may adversely affect sleep.

Exercise regularly. Exercising for at least 30 minutes per day can improve your sleep. If you find that exercising too close to bedtime is keeping you awake, try to start your day with a quick workout instead. Studies show exercising in the morning is the best if you can manage it.

Try to implement these suggestions for improving your sleep and you will notice an improvement in your body composition and your overall health. Sleep is so important to the quality of your life in so many ways; anything you can do to support better sleep will carry over to so many other aspects of your health and well-being.
by Josh Hewitt