Monday, February 18, 2008

Protein And Protein Bars

Proteins are very important to our bodies. It isn't just for bodybuilders who use them to gain muscle mass. Those who are sick use them to rebuild damaged tissue and even in normal states, our body uses protein for many different tasks.

Crisp 'N Crunch Protein BarsProteins are made of amino acids that are folded together. There are essential amino acids - those that our body cannot make, and non essential amino acids - those that our body can make. Proteins that are made up of all the essential amino acids are said to be complete while those that lack in one or more essential amino acid are incomplete. Complete proteins come from sources such as meat, eggs, cheese, dairy and soy. Incomplete proteins come mainly from vegetable sources with the one exception being soy.

The ideal source should be complete proteins. For most people that isn't a problem. If you are worried about fat intake, try lean cuts of beef, chicken and turkey. For vegetarians whose main source comes from incomplete proteins, getting a variety of vegetables and whole grains throughout the day will ensure that all essential amino acids are consumed. Also, using soy protein (which is the only complete vegetable source of protein) is very beneficial

WonderSlim Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

Flavors: Cinnamon Bar, Peanut Bar, Fudge Graham Bar, Cocoa Cafe Bar, Double Berry Bar.

These deliciously crispy aspartame-free nutrition bars boast 15 grams of protein, of which 12 or more are soy, 10-15% RDI of 17 vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber. They're great as a high protein snack or breakfast alternative. These high-protein diet bars are an important part of a healthy diet or weight management plan.

Flavors:

Cinnamon: Delicious granola bar type with cinnamon. Perfect as a healthy alternative for breakfast or just as a delectable, healthy, high-protein (15g) treat!

Peanut: Chewy and crunchy, with a sweet peanut butter taste - similar to those Rice Krispie Bars in texture or like a chocolate and peanut butter granola bar. Great for that afternoon snack attack with a wholesome 15g of protein to get you through until Dinner.

Fudge Graham: Awesome chocolate taste, combined with a graham cracker-like layer. A chewy chocolate lover's treat!

Cocoa Cafe': Rich coffee and chocolate flavored bar, with a smooth, dark coating - a nice Cappuccino flavor. Enriched with extra calcium. A great breakfast replacement!

Double Berry: Contains the goodness of blueberries and raspberries with a creamy yogurt coating - enriched with extra calcium. Tastes kind of like a Pop Tart, except that it's loaded with 15g of high-quality protein!

5 Tips To Make Your Next Diet Succeed

Have you been dieting as long as you can remember but you can’t remember a time when you were actually successful? Obviously, none of the diets have worked long term so you are probably looking for something that will also allow you to maintain the results over time so this diet will be your last. There are some really simple things that you can do to make your next diet a long-lasting healthy living nutritional plan rather.Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

Stop Dieting and Start Changing Your Lifestyle

The best thing you can do is to stop thinking about dieting as a temporary state and start thinking about how you can change your entire lifestyle. When you change your lifestyle so that it represents the sort of life that you want to lead and therefore how you will look and feel, you will be much more successful in losing weight and keeping it off. For instance, if you would like to lose weight by simply stopping to eat candy bars, your diet may not last long. If you change your lifestyle so that you don’t have access to candy bars and you replace your desire for them with something else you will likely be much more successful.

Envision Change

Set goals for yourself and when you do this envision the changes not only in your body but in your mind. The mind really is your most powerful tool, so use it to your advantage. When you think about your life, think about all of the healthy and helpful things that you will be doing and also think about how you will be changing your body. Health expert says, “If you can see it in the screen of your mind, you can have it in the palm of your hand,” and this couldn’t be more true.

Be Realistic

When setting your goals make sure they are something that you can actually visualize. For instance, if you have been heavy all your life and you are five foot four inches tall envisioning yourself .. When you set your goals and you envision changes in your life you need to make sure that you are being realistic.

Appreciation Goes a Long Way

It’s easy to get down on ourselves with our hectic lives. When you are trying to lose weight you will find that it is beneficial to stay positive. Appreciate the things that you do like about your body, even if it’s that you have great hair and everyone compliments your eyes. When you learn to appreciate the positives you are therefore a more positive person and this will translate into energy that you have to give to your new lifestyle and those around you.

Nurture Your Body

Make sure you are eating foods that will give you energy to be the positive and upbeat person that you want to be. Also, pamper yourself in small ways. When you nurture your body you’ll instantly feel better about yourself and you’ll want to continue to meet your goals.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Nutritional Benefits Of Whey Protein

Adequate nutrition for your body before and after strenuous work-outs is important in order for you to reap the maximum benefits from your efforts. An increasingly Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Barspopular way of achieving this is through the use of natural Whey Protein supplements.

Nowadays many athletes, especially Body Builders, are utilizing natural Whey Protein supplements to replenish protein levels that are burned off through hard-core exercise routines. Amino Acids prevent deterioration in muscle tissue as well as provide endurance and assist in building mass. Proteins help supply these amino acids.

So what exactly is Whey Protein?

Whey Protein is derived from cow's milk and is also a by-product of making cheese, which in the past was typically thrown out as a waste product. We now know that Whey Protein is rich in amino acids essential for building muscle and overall good health.

Whey Protein is also naturally found in breast milk as well as some types of baby formula. Although protein is also found in other foods such as meats and vegetables, Whey Protein is known to have the highest digestible levels of protein that the body can use.

Whey Protein offers several other health benefits like a healthier immune system, stronger bones, weight loss, and just plain overall better well being. Whey Protein is also sometimes used to help speed the healing of wounds or burns.

Are there risks or side affects?

Since Whey Protein is derived from food it doesn't have any of the risks associated with man-made supplements. However, you can even have too much of a good thing if you're not careful. Extreme high use can be more than your liver can handle. Moderation is always best.

For those who are lactose intolerant, there is Whey Protein Isolate which has less than 1% lactose.

Diet Secrets: Protein Myths

When you want to become a vegetarian the most important question you may ask yourself or your health care specialist is "How about proteins? How am I gonna get enough proteins? I've heard that a vegetarian diet doesn't include enough proteins. Is that true?". I know proteins are considered the number one ingredient in our diet. A lot of people believe that meat is the major protein source and protein from meat, fish or eggs is by far superior to protein coming from other sources. Now, let's look at the reality and the facts, for a change.Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

It is not true that protein from meat, fish, milk or eggs is superior to protein from plant sources. Thousands of health studies tell a different story. And here are the facts:

Protein Fact #1: Protein coming from meat, fish or eggs is by no means superior to protein from plant sources. They are the same. In fact protein from plants could be considered healthier since plants contain no fats or toxic residues.

Protein Fact #2: A vegetarian diet with balanced portions of proteins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates will protect you and provide enough protein for your body to work effectively.

Protein Fact #3: You need to have a balanced diet. Too much protein is as bad as too little protein. Too much protein increases the risk for serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or stomach problems. On the other hand, a complete vegetarian and vegan diet are proved to be remarkably successful in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and more.

In other words it's fairly easy for a vegetarian to cover protein needs. Almost every kind of vegetables, grains, nuts or seeds contain proteins. The key is to have a balanced diet and consume all kinds of food. Combine vegetables with fruits and nuts and you'll have no difficulty getting enough protein. Just make sure you also get enough calories to maintain your weight status.

Scientists recommend that adults should consume at least 50-80 grams of protein each day. Here are some vegan foods that contain more than enough protein to meet your needs. You can make all kinds of combinations using the following food-list:

- Beans
- Black eyed peas
- Veggie burger
- Soy milk
- Chickpeas
- Bagel
- Peanut butter
- Spaghetti
- Spinach
- Soy yogurt
- Sunflower seeds
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Rice
- Potatoes

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Protein - Why?, What?, When? And How Much?

When you think of protein, do you picture bodybuilders? It's true that protein is an essential nutrient to build lean muscle mass, but its primary role is as an all-purpose nutritional building block to maintain your health and vitality. Your entire body consists of protein; nerves, bones and muscle are all created and maintained with the help of protein. It is the principle component of your skin, hair, nails, blood, and internal organs.Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

Protein has about 4 calories per gram. While your body's primary fuel sources come from carbohydrates and fats, protein can step in and take that role when there are insufficient amounts of those macro nutrients. When carbs and fats are adequately provided for in the diet, protein is used for tissue building and maintenance.

Some of the primary hormones are largely comprised protein components called amino acids. Insulin and other critical hormones are also of amino acids. They are responsible for metabolic rate, growth rate, and sexual development.

Enzymes are the catalysts for a myriad of chemical processes that take place in your body. They are also amino acids, protein. Enzymes are required to perform digestion, produce viral and bacterial antibodies, and a host of other necessary processes.

Your digestive system's enzymes break down large protein molecules, which are basically chains of amino acids, into each individual amino acid. These amino acids are reserved" by the body and used when we need the building blocks to create complex tissue.

Proteins are classified into two categories:
  • Essential Amino Acids
  • Non-Essential Amino Acids

"Non-essential amino acids" are not really "non-essential." The body needs them just as it does "essential" ones. However, they are called "nonessential" because the body can synthesize them itself. On the other hand, "essential" amino acids cannot be synthesized and must be gotten from the diet.

While it's true that the bodybuilding and fitness communities tout a fairly high consumption of protein per pound of bodyweight to be optimal, in fact, most nutritionists now teach that our dietary level of protein should be much lower. We should focus on "enough" protein, and you can, indeed, get "too much protein."

Your protein sources should come from lean meats, such as lean beef or skinless chicken, or fish. If you're a vegetarian, you can get ample protein just from high protein plant sources, such as beans and legumes. Even if you're not vegetarian, it's a good idea to include beans and legumes in your diet because of the soluble fiber they provide. They're also high in essential nutrients besides protein, like folic acid. It should also be noted that it is not at all true that plant or vegetarian sources of protein are inferior or "incomplete". Now we know that the body does not need a full compliment of amino acids in each meal to build tissue, and simply ingesting enough calories and enough of these types of foods is enough. That's where the concept of "amino acid pool" was developed.

In short, it's only of benefit to get a lot (or even all) of your protein from plant-based foods, and not hard at all. And give greens a try, too. They're chock full of nutrition and fiber (and after all, that's how a bull grows big and strong, with lots of greens, or grass).

Friday, February 15, 2008

High Protein And Low Fat Diet Importance

For most high protein diets means low carbohydrates. Even body builders are not advised to go on a low carbohydrate diet as they have high protein requirements. Crisp 'N Crunch Protein BarsProtein are the main source of muscle building, cell replenish and maintaining a good level of blood. In other words, proteins are the main building block of a body. And those who are interested in high protein diet need to do it carefully to avoid loss of carbs.

The main advantage of a high protein diet is that it triggers weight loss. Proteins have amino acids in them which are the main reason of good health. If your body is deficient in amino acid then you are bound to have health issues. If your diet revolves around good intake of protein instead of refined foods with high carbohydrate concentration then the body will turn into a state of ketosis. In this state the body will turn towards burning fats as energy source when it will not find fuel in the form of carbohydrates. Thus lesser carbohydrates mean more burning of fats.

Another very good source of proteins is meat. Meat like pork and beef are rich with proteins and other nutrients. Or if you are a lover of oily and fried foods then you can opt to eat fish and other seafood. The reason behind this is that these are not only rich with proteins but also have fatty acid in them that help you in maintaining a good blood cholesterol level as well as prevent such conditions as stroke or coronary artery diseases.

However, some experts claim that too much protein results in reduction of calcium supply in body and cause diseases like osteoporosis. Moreover, the efficiency of kidneys is reduced. A high consumption of proteins can cause kidney stones, by increasing uric acid levels in the body.

WonderSlim Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

These deliciously crispy aspartame-free nutrition bars boast 15 grams of protein, of which 12 or more are soy, 10-15% RDI of 17 vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber. They're great as a high protein snack or breakfast alternative. These high-protein diet bars are an important part of a healthy diet or weight management plan.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Protein, A Hand To Help You On A Diet

A lot more people avoid some useful food because they thought it make them gain weight. Some food like meat, eggs, and milk are mistaken to be a factor of Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Barsgaining weight. So those who are on diet nowadays are likely to avoid those kind of food. Actually, people are getting mistake as those food do provide benefits and also help on loosing weight. Why it help you to loose weight? It helps because these foods are full of protein.

There are studies and experiments results come out to confirm that the high protein consumers are likely to loose weight more than those who consume less protein or do not eat at all as protein help boosting metabolism. Metabolism is the process (or rate) by which your body converts calories from food into energy. That means protein helps body to be able to converts calories from food in to energy more conveniently.

Protein also helps balance the nitrogen in the body that increases the muscle mass. It also slow down the glucose absorption in bloodstream that help us hardly get hungry. Besides, it helps decrease the insulin level which allow the metabolism to work easier.

Where is the protein resource?

Actually the body itself can produce the amino acid for 80% and other 20% is from the food we eat. Amino acids are the basic structural building units of protein. The amino acid resource can be found from the high protein food like:

Casein

Casein or a protein from milk is the muscle’s favorite. It helps to strengthen muscles, increase the synthesis process, and restrain protein decay. According to the related study, if we take in the food containing casein, it will agglutinate in a jelly form in the stomach that slow down the food movement. So the amino acid will be release in to bloodstream more. In addition, casein helps strengthen the muscle, boost HDL level, and relaxes muscle tension and the joint.

Soy bean

Soy bean contains protein for 34% which is two times higher than that in pork. Although the soybean does not have any role on losing weight, it is really good for health. In the soy bean seed, especially its peel, contains lecithin which is a very good substance for health. Normally, lecithin is produced daily by the liver if the diet is adequate. It is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier. Hence, it supports the circulatory system.

Eggs

Eggs are a good and cheap protein resource. Many people may be scared of eating eggs because of the cholesterol in the yolk. In fact, the saturated fat in food is a factor that increases cholesterol in bloodstream, not the yolk. Besides, eggs helps prevent the heart decease and loose weight. An egg does not only provide only 75 calories, but it makes you full for a longer time than other kinds of food which provide the same quantity of calories.

Lose Weight With Protein

A diet based on an increased intake of foods high in protein have been shown in a number of studies to give an added boost to dieters by helping them increase Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Barsweight loss, increase loss of body fat, and reduce the loss of muscle tissue. It's recommended that your diet should contain 25 to 35 percent protein for weight loss and between 20 to 25 percent protein for weight maintenance. In either situation the protein in the food should be high quality.

Protein requires more energy to digest than other foods helping you to use more calories and therefore may help with weight loss.

Also, protein helps to preserve lean muscle tissue while you lose fat. If your body doesn't get enough protein and the important essential amino acids on a daily basis it will simple take the protein from existing muscle tissue. Protein foods also help to slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by reducing insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat.

"Protein Facts"

Protein' regardless of the types of foods high in protein it comes from, contains 4 calories per gram. Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the body. Muscles, skin, eyes, individual cells and your immune system are just a few of your body parts
comprised primarily of protein.

Protein is the main building block of your body. It's essential that your entire body receives enough protein from food to ensure proper growth and maintenance. Protein foods also provide you with essential amino acids that your body cannot manufacture itself.

And finally, there is NO documented proof that indicates high amounts of protein or higher levels of protein intake in general lead to kidney malfunction in healthy women, no documented proof whatsoever.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Why Whey Protein?

With all of the recent negative press given to body supplements, it makes good sense to be cautions about using different nutritional supplements as a part of your body building efforts.Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

Whey protein has been lauded as a safe, natural and simple supplement. It's use has become popular for those genuinely interested in good health through physical fitness and body building.

The importance of adequate protein levels in the body cannot be ignored. Since protein is used up when exercising, body builders must prevent muscle deterioration by maintaining protein levels. Naturally, building additional muscle mass will also require adequate levels.

Whey protein is a substance that is drawn from milk. That's right, plain old cow's milk. Whey is known to be a byproduct of cheese and, until the recent discovery of its health qualities, was discarded. In fact, scientists now know that what was once considered junk is actually rich in the amino acids which help build muscles and promotes good health.

As we know, protein is found in other basic foods such as meat, vegetables and grains. But, thanks to the research that has been done, we now know that whey protein is accepted by the body better. As a result body builders and other athletes can usually expect better results from whey protein than from other sources of protein.

This high quality and natural product is also useful for other people who may be on special diets, whether they are for weight loss, food allergies, or even for diabetics. Remember, high quality protein is essential for optimum health...not just for body building. Use of whey protein can help others heal quicker and recover from illness quicker.

As always, be sure to check with your health professional before implementing whey protein or making any other changes in your diet or routines. Like anything else, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so be sure to use it in moderation.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Protein Improve Health

Every bodybuilder requires protein. Protein can be obtained by taking protein supplements and by eating specific foods that are rich in protein. Many bodybuilders prefer to use a combination of both supplements and regular meals in obtaining the right amount of protein.Crisp 'N Crunch Protein Bars

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are nine different amino acids that must be supplied to the body by either a supplement or meal. These amino acids are processed by a bodybuilder’s liver and also directed to the tissues that require them. They are crucial in both the maintenance and repair of a bodybuilder’s muscle tissue. When a bodybuilder works out extremely hard, amino acids must be replenished. This is reason why most bodybuilders will consume protein directly after a workout.

Proteins can be found in many different foods that we eat on a daily basis. Meats such as beef, fish, and poultry are high in protein. Dairy products contain protein. Some of these include cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein, and eggs. Bodybuilders stick to a certain diet that contains many proteins. However, bodybuilders workout harder than most and their regular meals cannot always supply them with enough proteins. This requires bodybuilders to take supplements to make up for the lack of protein.

There are many different protein supplements available to bodybuilders. Protein supplements are most commonly sold as a powder that requires mixing. The result is what most call a protein shake. Bodybuilders typically drink several protein shakes each day. The most common times are directly after workouts and in the morning. Fortunately, protein supplements come in many different flavors to meet bodybuilder’s preferences.

The two most common forms of protein are soy protein and whey protein. Whey protein isolate is used by many bodybuilders. This protein supplement contains protein that lacks carbohydrates, fats, and lactose. Generally, whey protein is preferred by more bodybuilders when compared to soy protein. Soy protein is considered inferior to whey protein by some bodybuilders. For this reason, many bodybuilders only use whey protein supplements.

When choosing the protein supplement that is right for you it is important to talk with someone that is familiar with them. Advice from other bodybuilders may be able to help you choose a good protein supplement. This is crucial because there are both good and bad supplements available to bodybuilders. Purchasing a protein supplement that is low in quality will be a waste of your money. Also, a bodybuilder’s results will be much better when using a reputable protein supplement.

Protein supplements are sold at nutritional stores worldwide. With the increasing popularity of the internet, many bodybuilders choose to purchase all of their supplements, including protein, online. Most web sites will provide detailed descriptions on all of their supplements allowing the customer to compare them.

Both professional and novice bodybuilders use supplements. Protein supplements are among the most common supplements taken by all types of bodybuilders. Whether you are a beginner or you have been bodybuilding for years, the more you learn about supplements the better off you will be.