• Dip wads of cotton in a chilled mixture of cucumber and potato juice. Keep this on your eyelids for 15 to 20 minutes and gently wash it off. Apply a little baby oil.

• For long eyelashes..,  apply a thin coat of castor oil every night. It strengthens lashes and cools your eyes.
• Massage a few drops of coconut oil around the eyes to get rid off dark circles.

• To reduce puffiness of your eyes, grate a potato; tie in a cloth and place the cloth over your eyes for about 15 minutes.

• Add a small pinch of salt in  water and wash for bright and sparkling eyes.

• Mix tomato juice and lemon juice in equal quantity and apply around the eyes. After 30 minutes wash it off with cold and hot water alternatively.

• Make a paste of sandal wood and nutmeg. Apply the paste around the eyes before sleeping and wash it off in the morning.

• Crush a cucumber and take the juice. Add a little rose water and apply around the eyes and wash it after 30 minutes.

• Place cotton wool swabs dipped in cold milk on closed eyes for removing dark circles.

1.Eat a healthy diet which should include lot of fruits, vegetables in the form of salads and fresh juices. Use honey instead of sugar for juices.

2.Avoid eating junk food which is not only bad for your skin but also for  your health. Do not eat fried foods.  Avoid maida and white bread instead take brown bread, whole grains and oat bran.

3.Drink 3-4 glasses of warm water the first thing in the morning which will prevent constipation and therefore will have an effect on your skin. You can also take a glass of  warm water mixed with honey and lemon juice.

4. Wash your face whenever you go out and come back, to remove the dirt accumulated on your skin. Also wash it after you get up and before going to sleep .Instead of using soap frequently, you can also use flour of gram pulse.

5. Use an umbrella (preferably a colored one), wear sunglasses while going out in the sun. It protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

6. Have bath twice a day to keep your skin clean. It also helps to keep yourself cool.

7.Powder of orange peels (available in the market) mixed with rose water can be used to exfoliate your skin.

7.Powder of orange peels (available in the market) mixed with rose water can be used to exfoliate your skin.

8.Steam your face once in a week to remove dirt from your face. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or neem leaves to the water, then splash cold water on your face and pat dry.  This is an effective remedy for blackheads also.

 9.Steaming with juice of one lemon added to the water is also effective for blackheads and whiteheads.  Beat an egg white well .Take a little egg white and mix it with a little honey and apply it on the face and wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes .This cures blackheads.

10. Mixture of rose water, sandalwood paste and fuller’s earth ( a form of clay)  can be used as a face pack for oily skin. Rose water cleanses and tones the skin .Sandalwood paste has cooling properties and fuller’s earth removes the dirt and excess oil from the skin.

11.Mashed papaya applied on the face clears marks on your skin and the skin will look bright.

12.Avoid taking tea or coffee, instead replace it with green tea or buttermilk. Green tea is available in the market .

13.Keep your hair clean from dandruff .If you have dandruff then you will get pimples.

14.Use water based cosmetics for oily skin.

15.Carrots, oranges, beetroots does wonders to your skin.

16.Cucumbers work as astringents and cools the skin. It also lightens  the skin. You can add a little cucumber juice to your face pack. It is  also an anti tan pack. It lightens freckles, smoothes wrinkles and is a natural bleach.

17.Yoghurt (plain) is a wonderful skin cleanser.

18. Honey is good for dry skin. However persons with oily skin should avoid using honey in face packs.

19.Get a bunch of fenugreek leaves and make a paste and apply it on your face .Wash it off with warm water and see you face glow, glow and glow. This natural remedy is also useful in case of blackheads.

20 Fenugreek tea taken internally does wonders  for the skin.

21.Almonds have a high content of vitamin E, so they nourish you from inside .Almond powder can also be used in face mask to nourish dry, dull skin .

22.Soak 4-5 dry grapes in  half a cup of water overnight and drink that water in the morning. It prevents constipation and gives a glow to your skin.

23.Tea tree oil has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is good for boils and rashes.

24.Lavender oil is good for sunburn.

25.Always bath in cool water or lukewarm water as hot water draws out natural oil from the skin and will dry your skin.

26.Before going to bed, see to it that you remove all traces of make-up. Do not apply anything, let your skin breathe.

27.Exercise at least four days a week and avoid stress. 

I am sure that if you follow at least some of these tips, you will have a soft and velvety skin. Each skin type is different, so you can find out what best suits your skin and follow it. All the best and have a wonderful skin.

17.Yoghurt (plain) is a wonderful skin cleanser.

A patient suffering from major depression may also present symptoms such as recurring episodes of debilitating depression, uncontrollable mania, hypomania, or a mixed state (a manic and depressive episode) which is clinically diagnosed as bipolar disorder . Some biochemical abnormalities in people with bipolar disorder include oversensitivity to acetylcholine, excess vanadium, vitamin B deficiencies, a taurine deficiency, anemia, omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies, and vitamin C deficiency.

Bipolar patients tend to have excess acetylcholine receptors, which is a major cause of depression and mania . Bipolar patients also produce elevated levels of vanadium, which causes mania, depression, and melancholy. However, vitamin C has been shown to protect the body from the damage caused by excess vanadium. A double-blind, placebo controlled study that involved controlling elevated vanadium levels showed that a single 3 g dose of vitamin C decreases manic symptoms in comparison to placebo.

Taurine is an amino acid made in the liver from cysteine that is known to play a role in the brain by eliciting a calming effect. A deficiency of this amino acid may increase a bipolar patient’s manic episodes. In addition, eighty percent of bipolar sufferers have some vitamin B deficiencies (often accompanied by anemia) . The combination of essential vitamin supplements with the body’s natural supply of lithium reduces depressive and manic symptoms of patients suffering from bipolar disorder .

Another well-known factor for mental disorders is that cells within the brain require omega-3 oils in order to be able to transmit signals that enable proper thinking, moods, and emotions. However, omega-3 oils are often present at very low levels in most Americans and bipolar sufferers . Numerous clinical trials, including double-blind, placebo controlled studies have been performed which show that 1 to 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of EPA added to one’s daily intake decreases manic/depressive symptoms better than placebo .

Prescription lithium is in the form of lithium carbonate, and doses can be as high as 180 mg. It is these high doses that are responsible for most of lithium’s adverse side effects. Some of the more common side effects include a dulled personality, reduced emotions, memory loss, tremors, or weight gain . Another form of lithium called lithium orotate, is preferred because the orotate ion crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than the carbonate ion of lithium carbonate. Therefore, lithium orotate can be used in much lower doses (e.g. 5 mg) with remarkable results and no side effects. Clinical trials involving 150 mg daily doses of lithium orotate administered 4 to 5 times a week, showed a reduction of manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar patients. In addition, lithium orotate is available without a prescription, unlike lithium carbonate, which is considered a prescription drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies have also shown that the amino acid-derivative, taurine, as an alternative to lithium, blocks the effects of excess acetylcholine that contributes to bipolar disorder .

Numerous studies for bipolar disorder have been published that list specific lifestyle changes as well as amounts of dietary supplements that can be used to treat this disorder.

Health and physical fitness tips including information on men’s and women’s health and wellness including advanced nutritional products for the immune system, joint health, weight loss and general health. All five components of fitness and health: strength training, weight management, cardiovascular exercise, nutrition, and flexibility training are discussed in the Online Muscle Fitness section of the site.

Here are nine specific Health and Physical Fitness Tips:

Don’t Smoke - One of the main reasons why people decide not to give up smoking, and sadly, the reason why some people take it up is the effect smoking supposedly has on weight gain or loss.  It is true that smoking has been associated with an increase in metabolism it is a drug!! However it is a dangerous, addictive drug and surely the tiny effect it has on your metabolism is outweighed by the huge risk of dying from lung cancer.

Drink More Water - You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without fluid, just think 3 days and its all over, one could suggest that water is fairly important!  Your body is anywhere between 60 and 70 percent fluid. The fluid in your body is responsible for helping to keep every system of your body in good working order, including all of your metabolic processes.  De-hydrate and everything slows down. The fluid in your body will also ensure that you can move well and be active.  If you start to dehydrate, your body’s ability to do basic activities will slow down and your ability to exercise effectively or even enjoy exercise will be reduced. You will feel tired, lethargic and will probably get a headache

Eat A Variety Of Foods - For protection from the majority of illnesses such as heart disease and cancer you need a variety of foods that deliver that mix of nutrients and minerals.  Aim to eat different colored fruits and vegetables. Try to eat a different food each month. Eat an apple a day as the apple pectin cleanses the body’s digestive system by removing toxins and therefore preventing degenerative health problems such as cancer.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day - Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, Breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils breathing deeply into your abdomen. Say HAM as you inhale and SA as you exhale. These suggestions are charged with positive energy and will help you control your emotions. Try once a day for fantastic results.

Floss Every Day - Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart. Gum disease, which is left untreated, can lead to inflammatory reactions in the body that can trigger heart disease and stroke.

Drink More Tea - Try drinking more tea instead of coffee to help protect your body from damaging effects of free radicals. Tea is a rich source of antioxidants that play a big role in protecting against some cancers and cardiovascular disease.

Get Active - Aerobic activity not only burns calories but also increases your metabolism and can keep it elevated for several hours after a workout. You don’t need to spend hours each day on the treadmill or bike to reap the benefits.  Exercising aerobically for as little as 20 minutes, three to five days a week will make a big difference. Extra movement throughout the day is also essential, take the stairs instead of the lift, lose the remote and move at every opportunity you can.

Get More Sleep - Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep = slower metabolism. Studies have revealed that deep sleep causes cell repair and cell growth, which will speed up the metabolism and burn calories. So aim to get at least eight hours sleep a night.

Eat More Protein - Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert, try chicken or tuna salads for lunch. Go for complex carbohydrates rather than white flour and sugar, as they will provide a sustained energy source as opposed to a quick hit. Another reason to leave simple carbohydrate out of the diet is that they have a negative effect on your skin and how it ages.  The more sugar that is in the body the more you force a chemical reaction causing sugars to attach to proteins and this is very detrimental to your skin.

*********************************

The term Anger management commonly refers to a system of psychological therapeutic techniques and exercises by which someone with excessive or uncontrollable anger can control or reduce the triggers, degrees, and effects of an angered emotional state.

Some techniques for controlling anger are finding agreement with another person rather than a conflict. In some countries, courses in anger management may be mandated by their legal system.

The use of deep breathing and meditation can be used as a means of relaxation. Other interventions include learning empathy, stress management skills, forgiveness, changing how you speak about yourself or others and improving optimism. As the issue of anger varies from person to person, the treatments are designed to be personal to the individual.

Anger in modern society

In modern society, anger is viewed as an immature or uncivilized response to frustration, threat, violation, or loss. Conversely, keeping calm, coolheaded, or turning the other cheek is considered more socially acceptable. This conditioning can cause inappropriate expressions of anger such as uncontrolled violent outbursts, misdirected anger or repressing all feelings of anger when it would be an appropriate response to the situation. Also, anger that is constantly “bottled up” can lead to persistent violent thoughts or actions^[1], nightmares and even physical symptoms^[2]. Anger can also aggravate an already present mental health problem such as clinical depression.

Many people believe that depression is in fact anger turned inwards. This is because many depressed people react to stress by turning their anger inward as a response to physical or mental abuse or neglect from parents or others. One secondary effect of the depression sufferer’s denial of anger is that their interpersonal relationships are often unhappy and unhealthy.

Another side-effect of anger is that it can fuel obsessions, phobias, addictions and manic tendencies. Many people who are not able to express their anger will let it out in some sort of furious activity which can result in clinical depression or even bipolar disorder. Anger can also fan the flames of paranoia and prejudice, even in normal, everyday situations. People tend to express their anger either passively or aggressively through the fight-or-flight response. The passive “flight” response is repression and denial of anger for safety. However, aggressive behavior is associated with the “fight” response and the use of the verbal and physical power of anger to abuse and hurt others.

Symptoms of anger

Anger can be of one of two main types: Passive anger and Aggressive anger. These two types of anger have some characteristic symptoms:

Passive anger

Passive anger can be expressed in the following ways:

• Secretive behavior, such as stockpiling resentments that are expressed behind people’s backs, giving the silent treatment or under the breath mutterings, avoiding eye contact, putting people down, gossiping, anonymous complaints, poison pen letters, stealing, and conning.
• Manipulation, such as provoking people to aggression and then patronizing them, forgiveness, provoking aggression but staying on the sidelines, emotional blackmail, false tearfulness, feigning illness, sabotaging relationships, using sexual provocation, using a third party to convey negative feelings, withholding money or resources.
• Self-blame, such as apologizing too often, being overly critical, inviting criticism.
• Self-sacrifice, such as being overly helpful, making do with second best, quietly making long suffering signs but refusing help, or lapping up gratefulness.
• Ineffectualness, such as setting yourself and others up for failure, choosing unreliable people to depend on, being accident prone, underachieving, sexual impotence, expressing frustration at insignificant things but ignoring serious ones.
• Dispassion, such as giving the cold shoulder or phony smiles, looking cool, sitting on the fence while others sort things out, dampening feelings with substance abuse, overeating, oversleeping, not responding to another’s anger, frigidity, indulging in sexual practices that depress spontaneity and make objects of participants, giving inordinate amounts of time to machines, objects or intellectual pursuits, talking of frustrations but showing no feeling.
• Obsessive behavior, such as needing to be clean and tidy, making a habit of constantly checking things, over-dieting or overeating, demanding that all jobs be done perfectly.
• Evasiveness, such as turning your back in a crisis, avoiding conflict, not arguing back, becoming phobic.

Aggressive anger

The symptoms of aggressive anger are:

• Threats, such as frightening people by saying how you could harm them, their property or their prospects, finger pointing, fist shaking, wearing clothes or symbols associated with violent behaviour, tailgating, excessively blowing a car horn, slamming doors.
• Hurtfulness, such as physical violence, verbal abuse, biased or vulgar jokes, breaking a confidence, using foul language, ignoring people’s feelings, willfully discriminating, blaming, punishing people for unwarranted deeds, labeling others.
• Destructiveness, such as destroying objects, harming animals, destroying a relationship between two people, reckless driving, substance abuse.
• Bullying, such as threatening people directly, persecuting, pushing or shoving, using power to oppress, shouting, using a car to force someone off the road, playing on people’s weaknesses.
• Unjust blaming, such as accusing other people for your own mistakes, blaming people for your own feelings, making general accusations.
• Manic behavior, such as speaking too fast, walking too fast, working too much and expecting others to fit in, driving too fast, reckless spending.
• Grandiosity, such as showing off, expressing mistrust, not delegating, being a sore loser, wanting center stage all the time, not listening, talking over people’s heads, expecting kiss and make-up sessions to solve problems.
• Selfishness, such as ignoring other’s needs, not responding to requests for help, queue jumping.
• Vengeance, such as being over-punitive, refusing to forgive and forget, bringing up hurtful memories from the past.
• Unpredictability, such as explosive rages over minor frustrations, attacking indiscriminately, dispensing unjust punishment, inflicting harm on others for the sake of it, using alcohol and drugs^[3], illogical arguments.

It should be stated that anyone displaying any of these behaviours does not always have an anger management problem.

Anger is natural, but it can be destructive when expressed inappropriately. Gauge your anger level and identify your unhealthy expressions of anger.

Do you slam down the phone when faced with endless computerized voice prompts? Have you gotten into a shouting match with a stranger over a parking space at the mall? Ever put your fist through the wall after an argument with your spouse?

This is not anger management at its finest. Although anger is a natural emotion, it may be getting the best of you. Instead of expressing your anger in a healthy and assertive way, you may be expressing it in a hostile, aggressive manner — a manner that could lead to violence and a slew of personal and professional consequences.

Here are some points to consider when assessing whether you express your anger in a healthy or unhealthy manner, and how to get a better grasp of anger management.

Understand your anger

Anger itself isn’t bad. Expressed appropriately, anger can be healthy. It can help protect you from dangerous situations, energize you to resolve problems or lead to sociocultural reforms, for instance.

Sure, everyday frustrations, impatience and resentment can all cause your temper to flare. For many people, these are fleeting moments. They’re able to take these situations in stride and quickly return to a sense of calm without exploding.

But if your blood boils after minor irritations — such as losing that coveted parking space — or if you’re constantly seething, you may need to improve how you’re managing anger. Anger that’s out of control can be destructive, leading to problems in your relationships, at work, in your enjoyment of life and with your health. You could even be arrested or face other legal problems.

Examine your anger patterns

Why do you tend to fly off the handle more than others seem to? Anger responses can become habitual. That is, you may respond automatically to a situation that makes you angry, with little pause to think about your reactions. The intensity of your anger may even catch you by surprise.

How do you express your anger? Consider these questions to assess your anger responses:

• Do you express anger in a way that overwhelms you and others?
• Do you get angry more often than most people you know?
• Do you get angrier than is necessary?
• Do you use threatening language or gestures?
• Do you get angry enough to hit, throw or kick things, people or animals?
• Do you seethe for hours?
• Do you hide angry feelings from others or try to suppress your feelings?
• Do you use alcohol or drugs to calm your rage?
• Do you experience physical reactions such as muscle tension or a racing heart when you get angry?
• Does expressing your anger usually leave you feeling better about yourself and the person who angered you?

Identify the ways you express anger to help you determine if you need to change how you respond to upsetting situations. You may react too aggressively or even too passively. In either case, you can learn new methods to replace old, unhealthy habits. If your level of anger is high or you tend to express anger in an unhealthy way, make plans to deal with your anger.

Aim for constructive expressions of your anger

Anger management is not about stopping you from expressing your anger entirely. It’s OK to feel angry. In fact, trying to suppress or deny your anger can lead to a host of physical complaints, such as headaches, depression, stress, and sleeping or eating difficulties. It can also lead you to erupt into violent behavior if your anger has been simmering without an outlet.

The key, though, is to express your anger in an assertive, controlled way. Managing anger effectively can benefit you and those around you. Your health may improve, you’ll feel better about yourself, and strained relationships may heal when you control your anger.

Determine your anger level

Know the main reason that has made you angry. Is it inside you or someone affecting you? If its someone affecting you making you angry than cool down as you dont have to live a life given to you by others….i.e in this condition the other person have your remote control and whenever he wants he changes your mood to what he likes….. Are you still gonna be angry coz of other??? Think about it….

Now if its something within you than you need to take a step according to what is it and if you dont find anything than you are simply spoiling your health….:-(

Keeping Off The Weight Once It Is Lost

So how do you keep off weight once it has been lost? When you lose weight as part of a weight loss plan or diet, you want to ensure that weight stays off for good. Unfortunately although people lose weight, most tend to put back on within a couple of months. Repeating these behaviours over a long period results in a permanent “yo-yo” dieting, weight constantly being lost then put back on again.

The secret is to break up that behavioural pattern of “yo yo” dieting and replace it with a new pattern which will allow you to lose and then maintain your weight.

Following the 5 steps below willgive you a clear direction to being able to maintain any weight you have lost.

Step 1 Stick to a routine:

It is very important to keep that routine in your life, which made you lose weight in the first place. The problem starts when you lose weight, achieve the weight loss target and just relax. The main purpose of the diet and fitness routine was designed to allow you to lose weight in the first place. Try to stick to your diet / weight loss plan but occasionally eat in between, enjoy parties go to restaurants from time to time. However keep a sensible limit to it. Do the same for your physical activities. But now you can reduce the time and duration. For example if you used to have exercises 5 times a week, now you can do it three times a week.

Step 2: Check your weight on a regular basis:

Make sure you have a weight scale, keeping it in a place where you can see it on a regular basis, for example the bathroom ,bedroom or even your workplace. Also weigh yourself everyday where possible. Try to do this in the evening or before going to bed. This is because that is the time when you weigh your maximum. In the mornings your weight is always reduced, this would then give you a false impression that you’ve lost weight and consequently you would eat more that day. Doing this checking of weight on a regular basis keeps your body in shape. So if you need lose weight it only tends to be a few pounds you need to lose.

Step 3. Have routine medical check ups:

Make sure you get your routine medical checkups, and when you get your check up, make sure you get checked for those things that tend to increase weight. These include thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, water retention and stress. With women Pregnancy and Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) can have a dramatic increase in weight. All these factors must taken into consideration when trying to maintain your weight.

Step 4. Stick to your size:

Make sure you do your best to keep the same clothes size. Whether you are size 10, 12 or 14 , stick to it like glue. If you buy a dress or suit in your size and you think it is too tight or uncomfortable . Don’t alter your clothes, what you need to do is to alter yourself. Trim your body and lose some pounds. This will stop you getting into the habit of altering your clothes to disguise your weight.

Step 5. Ask your partner or friends to help you:

Having a support group of friends and family to lose pounds and maintain weight is an effective way to encourage you, and increase your chances of succeeding. Your friends and your family will appreciate you for you trying to improve your life for the better. Friends and family will be reluctant to offer you something to eat that is not healthy for you. If you want a honest opinion about your weight you are more likely to get it from friends and family than complete strangers.

I hope these 5 key steps to maintain lost weight will help you through the rest of your life.

Good luck for maintaining that lost weight.

With the All Diet Source Free Weight Loss Diet Plan you will be able to lose weight consistently every week without falling into a dreaded plateau. Your daily calorie intake will jump around every day to speed your metabolism up so that is never slows down.

The reason why most weight loss programs fail is because after a few days or weeks of cutting calories your metabolism slows down. When your metabolism slows down you can cut calories all you want, but your weight loss will slow down or most times even stop. This becomes incredibly frustrating to a person dieting and many times they will get off the diet thinking it no longer is working for them. With the All Diet Source Free Weight Loss Program your calorie intake will never be the same two days in a row.

We trick your metabolism into not knowing your are dieting and your weight loss stays continuous.

All Diet Source will show you exactly how to lose weight constantly until you have reached your goal weight. Once you have reached your goal weight we will show you how to maintain your goal weight for a lifetime. And this Weight Loss Program is completely free. I will never ask you for any money.

Step 1: Establish your Low and High Weight.

Your low weight will be your goal weight or the weight you are now coming off of your weight loss plan.

Start weighing yourself every morning before you eat or drink anything. Note your weight on a daily basis.

Begin eating more normally. Don’t go crazy with high calories and fat, but enjoy yourself. In a few days you wil notice a weight gain…….. probably around 3 to 5 pounds….Don’t panic… this is normal. This weight will be your high weight. Make a note of your high weight.

Step 2: Don’t Go Above your High Weight.

When you hit your high weight it is time to watch your calorie intake. Go back to 1200 calories until you reach your low weight again. It will probably only take a couple of days to reach your low weight again. Make sure you do not drop to 1200 calories for longer than 72 hours as you will slow down your metabolism and maintenance will be more difficult for you.

Step 3: Go Back to Step 1 and Do it Again.

Once you are back to your low weight go back to Step 1 and start eating normally again until you reach your high weight again. You will note everything on the All Diet Source Weight Maintenance Chart everyday, so you know how you are doing. Remember to weigh yourself every morning and note it on the Weight Maintenance Chart.

You will notice at first that you might be going through this whole process a handful of times a month. But, shortly you will see that your low calorie days get less and less throughout the month. Over time you might only have to do this whole process one or twice a month. The reason for this is your metabolism speeds up making your maintenance very easy.

This is the maintenance plan that worked for me and it can be a lifetime way of maintaining your weight loss. It is easy to do and it works flawlessly as long as you weigh yourself every day and note it on the Weight Maintenance Chart.

Congrats again for losing your weight… enjoy this maintenance plan!!

Food List For South Beach Diet: Working Your Way Through The Program

The South Beach Diet is one of the favorite diet programs for people who would like to lose weight. Dr. Arthur Agatston, a cardiologist, has formulated it. It is claimed that the food list for South Beach diet can help you lose weight from 8 to 13 pounds in the span of two weeks. This two-week span is just for the first phase of the program.

Principles of South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet is a diet that focuses on the intake of carbohydrates and fats. The diet has three stages. Each stage is called a phase. The first two phases introduces the gradual changes in your diet while the third phase is the diet that you will use for maintenance after going through the first two phases.

The South Beach Diet is a program where you are allowed to eat three meals a day with two snacks in between the meals. It aims to transform your eating habits from eating bad carbohydrates to eating good carbohydrates.

Phases of the South Beach Diet

As previously mentioned, the South Beach Diet has three phases.

Phase 1 is the start of the program. The Phase 1 stage will run for two weeks. During this span of time, you are allowed to eat three times a day with regular servings. Your food will not be measured at all. But in this phase, all forms of carbohydrate are not allowed. There will be a total absence of carbohydrates for a span of two weeks.

The food list for this phase includes meat like chicken and turkey - ensure that these meats are skinless. All meat should be lean meat like tenderloin and sirloin. Peanuts and pistachios nuts are also acceptable. Fishes, any type of it, are also acceptable.

Eggs and cheese plus oils like canola and olive oils are also allowed in the Phase 1 diet. Green vegetables like salads, cucumbers and broccoli are permitted. In addition to these, make sure that you drink lots of water to help in the metabolism of fats.

On the other hand, the following are excluded from the food list for this phase: red meat like rib steaks or honey-baked ham; dairy products other than low fat cheeses - examples are yogurt, ice cream, whole milk, low-fat milk and soy milk; vegetables with pure carbohydrates, such as potatoes, corn and carrots. All types of fruits, alcohol, starchy foods and sweets should also be avoided. Starchy food includes all pasta, rice, oatmeal and bread. Sweets, on the other hand, include candies, ice cream, cakes and cookies.

Phase 2 Food List for South Beach Diet

Phase 2 stage is a breather as compared with Phase 1. Under Phase 2, the goal of the program is to reintroduce carbohydrates. This time, you are only allowed to eat good carbohydrates. There are some people who stay longer than two weeks in Phase 1 but it is not recommended.

Phase 2 of the South Beach diet has a slower rate of weight reduction. It will only take off 1 to 2 pounds per week. There is no definite span of time for this phase. You can stay in this phase for as long as it takes to reach your ideal weight.

The foods that are allowed on this phase are the same with the foods that are allowed in Phase 1, plus some that are added. The additional Phase 2 food list for South Beach diet includes: fruits and milk, which are fat-free, like non-fat milk and soymilk. In Phase 2, you are allowed to eat whole grain starches and barley. A little alcohol is allowed, in the form of red wine.

Others carbohydrate-rich foods are also allowed but should be taken moderately. These are potatoes, carrots, beets and refined wheat baked goods. Fruits like bananas, watermelon and pineapple can be eaten sparingly.

Phase 3 Food List for South Beach Diet

This phase is for weight maintenance. This phase can last for a lifetime if you wish. Once you have achieved the weight that you desire, you will now just continue your current diet program.

For this phase, all food categories are allowed, but make sure that you only eat foods with good carbohydrates and with low glycemic index. Refrain from eating processed foods that contain lots of bad carbs and bad fats.

The food list for South Beach Diet is not that difficult to implement and this diet program is one of the most feasible among the many diet plans out there. You will just have to adhere and follow the restrictions to be able to maintain the weight that you have been dreaming of.