Perhaps you have heard a lot of negative information on the subject of red meat over the years. Many health conscious individuals will usually say something to the effect that red meat is too high in calories and fat; is too difficult to digest; and is loaded with chemical additives. Even some of the proponents of red meat will say that it is fine as long as you only eat red meat once a week and even then only to eat high cuts of meat such as fillet mignon.

Is all this criticism overstated? Honestly, much of the red meat that people commonly purchase is not exactly easy on the body. It has long since contributed to obesity and heart disease. However, much of this is due to the way the meat is processed. Thanks in large part to the great increase in organic food stores, many people are looking towards free range red meat as a source of beef. And guess what? Free range red meat is definitely something you will want to add to your diet since it has so many enormous benefits for your health.

What is free range meat?

Free range meat (whether it is beef or poultry) centers on raising the animals outside of the confines of a cage. This greatly increases the quality of life and eliminates many of the negative effects that caged pens cause to the animals. Additionally, the cattle that is raised in a free range manner are not loaded with the antibiotics, growth hormones, and other common processed chemicals that are injected to the animals. Even the feed provided to free range cattle is of a higher quality. This leads to the development of a healthier harvesting of the cattle which, in turn, leads to healthier food sources for those humans that ingest it.

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If there was one thing many people found surprising, it would be the way in which weightlifting can significantly help someone burn fat. One reason this is surprising is because most people think of lifting weights as a means of packing on solid muscle. No one thinks of a weightlifting at 175lbs. Instead, they develop a visual image of the 240lb Mr. Olympia. However, there are different approaches one take stake towards weightlifting. So, you do not need to lift weights solely for the purpose of building mass. You can take part in a program that helps develop a leaner, more ripped physique instead.

First, it is important to understand that lean muscle must metabolize calories in order to maintain its size and shape. This means when you lift weights your body ends up burning a great deal of calories in order to grow the muscles. The more massive the muscles, the more calories will be burned. However, lean, defined muscles can easily burn a great deal of calories. That is why packing on bulk is not necessary and a lighter weightlifting routine can effectively change your physique to the better.

At the core of all weightlifting programs designed for reducing fat and developing a lean physique are two components: lower amounts of weight and higher levels of repetitions. When you want to pack on mass, you want a lot of weight and train to failure which would usually be between 6 – 10 reps. Lighter weights at 15 reps will definitely stress the muscles and spur them into growth. They will not lead to significant growth since the lower amount of weights does not force the muscle to grow to huge size to handle an excessive load. Of course, stressing the muscles with high reps will definitely lead to the muscles getting stronger which is why they develop a special look. 

Also, higher reps mean more motions and longer training sessions. This will definitely burn a lot of calories during the workout session which will aid in fat loss. That is why some like to use extremely long weights for hour long cross training exercises.

Of course, it is the rest period after the workouts that burn the most fat. The muscles need to repair themselves and grow stronger in order to respond the stress the workout session caused. Literally, you will burn fat while you sleep since this is when most of the muscle repair occurs. Over time, consistent workouts of this sort will definitely lead to the lean, ripped, unique physique that most people desire.

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A lean and defined physique is often the “trademark” of a healthy person. The only way you can develop such a look is through weightlifting. Those interested in developing such a body need to check out these five excellent weightlifting blogs:

Real Weight Training is a blog that has something to offer everyone regardless of their current experience level. Whether you are looking for tips of specific exercises, supplements, or instructional videos, you will find it on this blog where it will be described in a great deal of depth.

Life of a Student Workout Blog is one of the most unique and interesting blog published on weightlifting and fitness. What makes it so special? It is a blog that deals with getting the most out of a workout despite having to be weighted down (pardon the pun) with a busy school schedule. Even if you are not in school but do have a busy schedule, this particular blog will be of great interest to you.

In The Gym Blog is not only interesting due to its purposeful misspelling in its URL, it is interesting because it provides comprehensive information on all facets of weightlifting. One of the main problems with learning how to lift weights centers on the fact that most people assume that weight lifting is merely about, well, lifting weights. Actually, it is also about proper supplementation, rest, diet, and other components.

The Everyday Joe Weightlifting Blog derives its name from the pride it takes in covering a whole host of men’s topics and breaking the subjects down so that laymen new to the subject can learn a great deal about it. The topics covered in the weightlifting blog are somewhat varied and this means no matter what your particular interest in weightlifting may be, you will find great information on the subject on this blog. Such information will certainly help guide you towards making the most out of your sessions. While it is true that many of the blog entries are written with the beginner in mind, does this means that there is nothing offered for the experienced weightlifter? Actually, this blog is a true treasure trove of information even for those that have been lifting weights for years. So, consider this a blog well worth bookmarking!

The Busy Women’s Fitness Blog  is somewhat similar to the Life of a Student Blog with the main difference, of course, being that this particular blog is designed for working women that must dedicate much of their time to business and family pursuits. The tips and advice presented on this blog are among the most well written on the internet making it an invaluable resource.

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We are all concerned about our health. Unfortunately, many of us lack the knowledge on how to improve it. For those in need of such information, here are the top 15 health blogs on the net:

The Health Blog has a somewhat generic title and this is somewhat befitting as it covers any and all subjects related to health. This, in turn, makes it a “must bookmark” site.

The Healthy Fellow proclaims to be your natural health critic and that is a good thing. Natural methods to promote health and wellness are often overlooked. The Healthy Fellow is doing his part to shed some light on the subject.

Health Blog Romow has recently dedicated a number of posts to the subject of cancer. It is definitely enlightening reading.

Healia Blog is an excellent site for those looking for detailed, in depth information about a number of health and wellness related subjects. This site is produced by pros so you can rest assured the info is well researched.

The Think Healthy Blog details how it is not just what you do that counts. It is your personal outlook towards healthier living that counts for just as much.

The Female Fitness Blog is a blog that covers health related topics and issues that are of interest – and benefit – to women. Yes, there are other blogs on the internet that cover this subject but few do it as comprehensively as this one.

The Male Fitness Blog Yes, there is a male counterpart just as good as the one above.

The Former Fat Guy Blog  is pretty self-descriptive. It is also home to a great deal of personal success information others looking to drop weight will appreciate.

Hollie’s Weight Loss Blog is similar to the previous blog and it chronicles the inspirational story of how Hollie dropped (so far) 61 lbs!

The Natural Holistic Health Blog sheds a great deal of light on this sometimes misunderstood sphere of wellness.

The Critical Bench Blog is great for those that wish to pump iron to a healthier existence.

Organic Eating Daily offers tremendous info on organic diets. Seriously, if you want to improve your health, GO ORGANIC. This blog will tell you how.

A Runner’s Blog will definitely provide a lot of helpful information on the subject of running. If you want to get in ripped physical shape and develop an extremely strong heart, running is the way to do it.

The Pet Health Blog: Hey, who said only people need to stay healthy? This blog will certainly be appreciated by your four-legged family members!

The Health Blog Helper is a blog about writing a health blog! Sounds pretty unique, eh? Perhaps you want to share your own health knowledge on a blog of your own. If so, this blog can help steer you on the right track.

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1. Keep the three “hypers” under control

• hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
• hypertension (high blood pressure)
• hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids)

2. Foot problems (neuropathy)

Symptoms of foot problems may include -

• Pain
• Numbness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Sores that won’t heal

What to do to prevent foot problems -

• Wear shoes that fit well
• Don’t go barefoot
• Do a daily “foot check”
• Tell your health-care provider about any injury to your feet
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Have a foot exam every three months (take your shoes and socks off every time you see your health-care provider)
• Use skin lotion to prevent dryness (but not between your toes)
• Control blood pressure
• Manage blood glucose
• If you smoke, stop
• Manage blood lipids

3. Eye problems(retinopathy)

Symptoms of eye problems may include -

• Any change in eyesight
• Blurred vision
• Floaters

If you experience symptoms of eye problems -

• Tell your health-care provider right away about any changes in your vision
• See an eye care specialist every year for a dilated eye exam
• Control blood pressure
• Manage blood glucose

4.Kidney problems (nephropathy)

Signs of kidney problems may include -

• High blood pressure
• Protein in the urine

Ask your health-care provider to check for protein in your urine and check your serum creatinine level yearly.

What to do if you experience kidney problems

• Manage blood glucose
• Control blood pressure
• If you have kidney problems, your health-care provider may suggest that you limit protein in your diet
• If you smoke, stop!

5.Nerve problems (neuropathy)

Symptoms of nerve problems may include-

• Sexual problems such as impotence
• Numbness in hands or feet
• Tingling
• Burning
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

If you experience symptoms of nerve problems-

• Tell your healthcare provider about any of these problems
• Some medications can help
• Manage blood glucose

6.Heart problems (cardiovascular)

Kidney Symptoms of heart problems may include -

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen ankles

If you experience symptoms of heart problems -

• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms
• Control blood pressure
• Limit intake of salt
• Be active every day! (Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning or changing your exercise program.)
• Eat less saturated fat and avoid trans fat
• Manage blood glucose

7.Dental (tooth and gum) problems

Symptoms of dental problems may include -

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding

If you experience dental problems -

• Brush and floss after eating
• Visit the dentist at least twice per year
• Tell the dentist you have diabetes
• Manage your blood glucose

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mid-life weight gain

Fighting the Bulge

While time passes you will  get new lines on your face, a new  hair color and a new rounded  waistline.  The ever passing years are not at fault for all of the changes in your body. The eating habits, attitude and your approach to everyday experiences also play key roles in your body image.

As we age, our bodies nutritional needs change, we lose muscle and gain fat, especially if we do not exercise regularly. You won’t necessarily feel these changes on a daily basis. Your metabolism slows little by little, each decade after age 20. You won’t suddenly wake up 10 pounds heavier. It will creep up slowly. Fortunately, you can have some control over your changing body and your slowing metabolism. Here are some ideas to help you avoid midlife weight gain:

Cut Your Portion Sizes

To avoid weight gain it’s important that you eat enough high-quality protein such as lean meat, poultry and fish, but not in abundance. Also make sure you try to get your veggie and fruit intake. And most important, drink lots of water. Water will moisturize your skin and help it stay clear, smooth and younger looking, while also flushing out the body’s toxins.

Feed Your Brain

As you lighten your caloric intake, remember not to skip meals. Keep your brain sharp by consuming a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pick dark colored produce such as sweet potatoes, strawberries, blueberries, kale and beets. Although there are powerful antioxidants in some white foods, also, such as cauliflower, onions and garlic.

Balance Your Diet

Keep your blood sugar balanced by combining: almond butter with whole grain crackers; low-fat or part-skim cheese and whole grain bread; hummus and fresh veggies; or whole grain cereal and skim milk. A container of low-fat, low-sugar yogurt is a good protein-carb combination. These snacks will also control your appetite and help you lose weight.

Help Your Bones

At least 28 million mature Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. If you haven’t had your Vitamin D level checked, be sure to ask your doctor to take this simple blood test at your next visit.

The combination of vitamin D and calcium help strengthen your bones to prevent osteoporosis, so make sure to get 1,500 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D. The foods best for your bones  are low-or non-fat dairy products, canned salmon with bones, broccoli and fortified soy milk and orange juice. Pick products that have a high daily value (20 percent) for calcium. You can find calcium values on the nutrition facts panel of your food products.

A non-invasive bone density test is recommended for women aged 65 and older.

Get Plenty Of Rest

Heart attacks and strokes are more common during the early morning hours. This fact may be explained by the way sleep interacts with the blood vessels. Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Your heart will be healthier if you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.

If all else fails, consider a safe medication such as Xenical to help with the fight to cut weight loss.

How Antioxidants Work – Video

click on image to watch

blueberries are a great source of antioxidants

 

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