What is South Beach diet?

Among the most popular forms of dieting is the South Beach diet, developed by cardiologist Arthur Agatston of Miami, Florida.The South Beach diet is always confused with Atkins Diet, which is a low-carbohydrate diet. The South Beach diet highlights the consumption of “good carbohydrates” (high in fiber) and low in glycemic index. The South Beach diet was developed for patients with heart problems to lose weight without risking ketosis. The weight loss was a side effect which turned out to be beneficial and this encouraged many people to try South Beach diet.According to the South Beach diet theory, highly processed carbohydrates are quickly digested which makes insulin level to shoot up. Once the carbohydrates are all used up, your high insulin level makes you crave more for carb-filled foods.The South Beach diet is based on the observation that Americans are carb crazy, which is also the reason for the induction phase. In the first two weeks, dieters attempt to eliminate bad carb such as grains or fruits. After this phase, grain-based foods and fruits are returned to the diet with the concentration on foods with low glycemic index.The South Beach diet also emphasizes the difference between good and bad carbohydrates, and good and bad fats. Good carbohydrates have low glycemic index which means that they are slowly digested and absorbed. The South Beach diet bans unhealthy fats such as saturated fat.Finally, the South Beach diet stresses a permanent change in one’s way of eating. The South Beach diet suggests whole grains along with large amounts of vegetables, with sufficient amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, plus Omega-3 oils. The South Beach diet discourages eating of overly refined foods such as flour and sugar.According to experts, the South Beach diet met the criteria of healthy diet which is a good thing. The bad thing is the induction phase wherein dieters lose weight due to loss of water. Losing a large amount of water can disturb one’s electrolyte so if you’re following the South Beach diet, it would be better if you work closely with a doctor.According to Dr. Agatston, South Beach diet is neither a low carb nor low fat diet but the restrictions placed in the induction phase cut big time the carbohydrate and fat intake of dieters. The good thing about the South Beach diet is that it teaches people on the right foods to eat to cut the risk of heart problems and high cholesterol as well as help them lose weight. The South Beach diet is a long, tedious journey towards perhaps a drop dead gorgeous body. But more than phases of losing weight, the South Beach diet is a way of life. About the author:Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about weight loss, please go to: http://weight-loss.besthealthlink.net/or for updated links and information on all health related topics,

Yoga How to recover our wellness

Wellness
In yoga, breath awareness forms the key of good practice. Breathing exercises, known as pranayama, are used to cleanse and strengthen the body. The breath, known as prana or life-force is the link between the mind and the body.
As you practice your breathing exercises, you will notice your mind feels calmer, steadier and you are more able to focus.
If you are new to yoga, it is essential you learn how to breathe correctly. To help you gain a better understanding of your breath, try the following breathing exercises.
Four Essential Yoga Breathing Exercises
1. Abdominal Breathing Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs apart. Close your eyes. Have your feet about 2 feet apart, ankles falling to the side, have your arms about 6 - 12 inches from the body, palms facing upwards, keep your lower back flat on the floor, tuck the chin in slightly, so your neck is nice and long, relax the jaw. Become aware of your breath, allow your breath to be slow and steady. As you inhale, feel the abdomen rise slowly. As you exhale, feel the abdomen sink down.
2. Full Yogic Breathing To check you are breathing correctly, sit in a cross-legged position. Place your right hand on your upper chest and your left hand on your abdomen. Inhale deep into your abdomen, feel your left hand rise up. Keep breathing in into your lower chest and then upper chest, feeling your right hand rise as he ribs expand. Reverse the process as you breathe out, releasing air from the upper chest first, then the lower chest, then the abdomen. Repeat this cycle for 3- 5 rounds.
3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma)
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, spine straight, body relaxed. Turn your attention to your right hand, bend the index and middle finger into the palm. The thumb, ring and little finger are up (this position is known as Vishnu Mudra. The thumb is used to close the right nostril, the ring and little finger the left nostril. Close the right nostril with your thumb, and inhale through the left nostril to a count of four. Close both nostrils and hold the breathe to a count of 16. Release your thumb and exhale through the right nostril to a count of eight Inhale through the right nostril to a count of four.
Close both nostrils and hold breath to a count of 16. Release your fingers and exhale through the left nostril to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle 5 - 10 rounds daily.
4. Yogic Cleansing Breath
Sitting comfortable, spine straight. Gently close your eyes. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of three. Slowly breathe out, through your nose for a count of 6 Repeat this pattern for 3 - 7 more times. Relax
Once you have experienced the therapeutic benefits of doing these breathing exercises, you will feel so much clearer and fitter. Try and make them a regular part of your daily yoga practice to help you cleanse and strengthen your body.
Ntathu Allen, Yoga and Meditation Teacher works with women who want a richer, more fulfilling life for themselves and their families. She teaches you easy yoga postures, meditation practices and relaxation techniques to help you live a healthier, wealthier and happier stress-free life. To find out more go to:> http://www.yogainspires.co.uk and sign up for your copy of Ntathu's free monthly yoga Inspires enewsletter. The newsletter contains a goldmine of tips, techniques and strategies you can use to become healthier, wealthier and happier.