Medifast Shake Nutrition Information - Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Vitamins Minerals

I get a lot of questions about the Medifast shakes. I believe that this is because, without a doubt, these are the most popular and well known component of (and food on) the diet. They are tasty, easy to prepare, actually good for you, and pretty filling. But, people often want to know exactly what are the ingredients in (and nutritional value of) them. I'll go over many of these issues in the following article.

Information About The Most Popular Medifast Shake First: The 55: I would venture to say that the 55 shake is the most widely used in the Medifast diet. These shakes come with the women's basic plan / package and they are in my opinion the most tasty and versatile on the plan. They come in a variety of flavors, but the nutrition is for the most part the same no matter whether you chose one of the chocolate and vanilla varieties or the fruit flavors. Generally, these contain around 90 - 100 calories, have around 11 - 13 grams of carbs, about 11- 15 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of sugars, and at least five grams of fiber. This combination helps all of the foods put your body in fat burning mode because the carb to protein ratio is quite friendly.

In general, all of the Medifast shakes are low in lactose, are relatively gluten free, are kosher, and are vegetarian. These options are generally very nutritionally sound. For example, the 55 shakes contain anywhere from 15 - 60% of the daily requirements for vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B, C, and D, iron, magnesium, folate, zinc, copper, selenium, and biotin, to name only a few.

The 75 shakes are very similar to the 55, but they contain more protein and are generally recommended for men or for very active folks or women who are athletes or are serious about building muscle.

Other than the 55, the momentum line is probably the next popular. These items are meant to boost your metabolism and to that end they contain additional caffeine and the active ingredient in green tea. Other than that, the rest of the nutritional information is mostly the same. There are three different shake options on the momentum line.

Nutritional Information About The Medifast Ready To Drink Shakes: All of the options that I have previously discussed have required that you mix them. You can either use the little shaker cup that comes with them or a blender. (I have better results with a blender.) So, some people really like having the option of using a shake that doesn't require any preparation and that's why many really like the ready to drink. This option comes in a box with a straw. All you have to worry about doing is opening and then drinking it.

In general, the caloric and nutritional content is very similar on these. They run around 90 calories and have 12 grams of carbs and protein. They are a little light on the fiber at only 3 grams, but they are full of all the vitamins and minerals, providing 40 percent of your daily calcium needs as one example.

Specialty Shakes: In addition to the items I mentioned above, this plan does offer some specialty shakes. Examples are diabetic, heart health, joint health, antioxidant fortified, and hormonal health options. In general, these are basically the 55 with some supplementation added in. For example, omega 3s are added to the heart health meals and herbs meant to deal with menopause are added into the hormonal health.

Autor: Lindsey Price

Want more information on all of the diet's shakes or other foods? Lindsey's Medifast Review Website features recipes, a list of all of the foods (including all of the shake varieties and choices), videos, tips, coupons ($50 off or two weeks free),information and products related to success on this diet. She also offers a free ebook ("Getting The Most Out Of Medifast") to help you get started. You can visit her at http://easiest-diet.com/medifast

Added: June 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Natural Cure For Yeast Infection With Diets That Help to Get Rid of Vaginal Thrush

Did you know the best natural cure for yeast infection is the diet you have? Many women do not realize that it is the intake to the body that can help in controlling most ailments. Actually the etching and the burning sensation can drive you crazy and you may rush for drugs and medicines. But most of these medicines give you temporary relief. The problem reoccurs in most of the cases.

The best way to handle this problem is to go for a natural cure for yeast infection. These natural solutions are mild and suit the human body very well. They do not cost you a lot of money and you can easily implement them in the comfort of your home.

However before you start a nature cure it is important to visit a doctor and get a confirmation about yeast infection. There are many other problems that can cause itching and pain in the vagina. It is always better to get the correct medical opinion.

Here are some simple remedies to get rid of vaginal thrush at home:

1) One of the reasons for yeast infection is the imbalance in the pH level in the vagina. Acidic foods allow the candida organism to multiply faster. Foods that are alkaline in nature are good. Foods that have magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium are alkaline in nature. Green vegetables, almonds and green juices are good for controlling candida organism.

2) Yogurt is one of the best natural cures for yeast infection. However avoid having processed yogurt. Go for organic homemade yogurt made from goat milk. Processed yogurt has preservatives and other chemicals that may not be effective.

3) Foods that contain beta-carotene have been found to be good to get rid of vaginal thrush. Carrots, broccoli, apricots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and mangoes are considered to have high amount of beta-carotene.

4) Avoid foods that have refined sugar and carbohydrates. This includes processed honey, white rice, white flour etc.

5) Also avoid foods that have yeast in any form. This includes vinegar, canned vegetables, pickles having vinegar and any other food that uses vinegar as a preservative.

Natural cure for yeast infection is the best way to handle this problem effectively. Trying some of the above recommendations is surely going to help you.

Autor: Pamela Arthur

Here are some secrets that you don't know yet - If you are suffering from yeast infection, there is an excellent natural remedy for vaginal infection available, which can be implemented easily without any side effects. This natural remedy will free you from this problem permanently. Discover the excellent insider secrets by clicking - Get Rid of yeast infection.

Added: June 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

So What's Really in a Men's Multi-Vitamin? Do You Need to Take Them? Well Yes!

Getting healthy can often seem like hard work, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle even harder. Unfortunately, even with the healthiest lifestyle it can still be a struggle to obtain optimal levels of nutrients for health. So what can we do to help ourselves and give our bodies a boost? Take a multi-vitamin of course!

So you head to your local health food store or pharmacy, stand there confused by all the different brands, wondering what the exotic sounding ingredients do and which multi-vitamin is best for you? Well let me try and help you out by explaining what's inside a men's multi-vitamin.

Good quality men's multi-vitamins have been scientifically formulated to provide key nutrients important for maintaining men's health and overall well-being. The multi-vitamin is specifically formulated to support energy production, maintain healthy cognitive function and optimal protein metabolism. The standard multi-vitamin will contain B-vitamins, anti-oxidants, and increasingly medicinal herbs such as St.Mary's Thistle, Globe Artichoke, Damiana, Ginseng and Tribulus. They should also contain minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium and boron. Male multi-vitamins are usually free of iron as men generally don't need extra iron.

So what does this all 'Men's multi' stuff mean?

Let me break it down for you:

• B-vitamins support energy production, healthy cognitive function, and assist the liver in detoxification, protein and fat metabolism. They also aid in the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, and healthy skin, hair and eyes. Folate and B12 help normal blood and cardiovascular functioning. They're pretty impressive those B-vitamins!
• Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, (along with vitamin D) help to form and maintain strong bones. Zinc is beneficial for keeping a healthy immune system, assists in wound healing, and is needed for DNA synthesis, which is beneficial for increasing a low sperm count, fertility, low sex drive and testosterone - pretty essential if you're planning on conceiving. Chromium is an excellent mineral used for controlling your blood sugar levels to help maximise energy production.
• Antioxidants are substances such as vitamin E, C, CoQ10, as well as certain herbs such as Tumeric and Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed extract). Antioxidants help to prevent cellular oxidation, which leads to a breaking down of cells, premature cellular death and may result in diseases such as cancer!
• Medicinal herbs such as St.Mary's Thistle, Globe Artichoke and Dandelion Root are liver protecting, regenerative and restorative. These are very important in supporting your liver detoxifying toxins such as the ones contained in alcohol, pollution, pesticides, herbicides in food, and cigarettes. Yes, red wine has anti-oxidant effects but your liver still takes a beating from it! Did you know the liver plays an important role in energy production by releasing glycogen when it's needed for energy production, as well as regulating the amount of glucose present in the blood, critical to health (known as blood sugar level)?
• Damiana, Tribulus, Panax, Siberian Ginseng and Saw Palmetto are fantastic herbs specifically for men's health. Damiana, Tribulus, Panax and Siberian Ginseng are fantastic for increasing stamina and energy, helping the body deal with stress hormones. Saw Palmetto has shown to have positive results with men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), reduces unwanted frequent urination, improves urinary outflow, and reduces volume of residual urine.

So do you really need to take one?

Sadly yes! The 21st Century is a tough place to be healthy in many ways. Food we eat today contains fewer nutrients than the food available 20 years ago because:

• Our soils are becoming depleted and lower in nutrient levels
• Foods are often picked before they are ripe and then cold stored
• Many food processing techniques destroy or remove nutrients and cooking methods further destroy nutrients.

This is compounded by the fact that we have an increased need for nutrients due to:

• Pollution levels being higher and wider spread
• Our busy and stressful lifestyles.

When we don't absorb enough vitamins and minerals we're more likely to feel tired. We may struggle to cope with stress and become more susceptible to infection and disease. For these reasons it is worth taking a bit of extra 'health insurance' by taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement everyday. In fact renowned clinicians Robert H. Fletcher and Kathleen M. Fairfield from the Harvard School of Medicine wrote in their comprehensive study 'Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults', that "we recommend the daily use of multivitamin and mineral supplement for all adults."

As with everything however, you tend to get what you pay for. Cheap vitamin formulas tend to contain cheaper ingredients in an imbalanced ratio. While on the surface they may appear easier on the hip pocket, in the long run, they prove quite uneconomical. You may need to take up to four tablets of a cheaper multi to get the same benefits as one of superior quality, and taking a higher number increases your risk of unwelcome side-effects such as niacin (B6) flushing. This happens when niacin causes your capillaries to increase in size. It is this increase in size, partly, which causes your skin to get red. When this happens your body will sometimes release histamine into the blood, which can also cause a slight itching of the skin. This is not harmful to the body but can be annoying. It is always advised to take your multi with food as they can sometimes cause nausea. Luckily most of the vitamins in your multi are water soluble, so if your body can't absorb it, it will be excreted.

Finally, multi-vitamins are very good for every day general support. If a multi-vitamin is not giving you as much of a boost as you need, you may be suffering from a health issue a bit more involved, and it would be a good idea to speak to a health care professional.

Autor: Winona Stephens

Winona Stephens is resident naturopath at http://www.fitforlifeonline.com.au

Added: June 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/