Chris Powell's STAX Nutrition Lifestyle System

Chris Powell is a personal trainer that has been focused on getting results for his clients for years. He is also the star trainer of the new weight loss reality show Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. Powell works hard to train those that are obese and severely overweight and help them reach their weight loss goals. Powell has created a nutrition lifestyle system called STAX that helps makes his clients’ weight loss easy and convenient. One of the biggest success stories that Chris Powell helped train is David Smith. He managed to lose 401 pounds in just 26 months with Powell’s help and by using the STAX system.

STAX holds four of your meals for the day and allows you to maintain proper portion sizes while on the go. This backpack-like system comes complete with everything you need to eat healthy meals on the go. There is a climate controlled cooler to keep everything at the proper temperature. This system also schedules all of your meals through a timer so you will never forget to eat or miss a meal. There are color coded containers for your meals broken out into proteins, carbs, veggies and fat or flavoring containers. The containers are portion controlled so that you don’t have to worry about overeating. Included with the STAX pack are:

STAX TimerSTAX Cold GelpackSTAX Cooler PackSTAX Carry StrapSTAX Perfect Portion Containers with 5 each of protein, carb, veggie and fat/flavorControls portionsAllows you to take your meals with youTemperature controlledGives you the tools to truly stay on track with your dietWorks with any dietTimer included so that you know when to eatKeeps you from missing mealsEncourages eating a proper combination of protein, carbs and veggies at each mealDoes not include a diet option with the system; requires that you have other diet guidelines

STAX is about making nutrition a lifestyle. This program encourages eating properly with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables and fats. The STAX system works with any diet so you make the choices. It allows you to take up to four meals with you each day and there is a timer included that you program so you don’t miss any meals. The STAX system is very affordable and a great product for those that struggle with eating their meals each day or who are looking for an efficient way to pack their meals. All of the elements that come with the system are available for purchase separately in case you lose any of them. With the STAX system you are completely in control of what you eat and how many meals per day you eat. All you have to do is prepare your meals and place them into their color coded containers.

The STAX system focuses on your individual eating, so there is no exercise guidance included.

Having a way to carry your meals with you and keep them cold just got easier. Chris Powell has created a wonderful meal storage system in STAX. There is no longer any excuse not to stick with your diet plan no matter how many different times you need to eat within the day. STAX also encourages you to eat proper portion sizes at each meal. Powell has helped people lose weight with STAX and it can be the key to turning healthy eating into a lifestyle.

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Inca Peanuts Touted as Best Snack for Weight Loss

Mary Hartley, RD, MPH, is the director of nutrition for Calorie Count, providing domain expertise on issues related to nutrition, weight loss and health. She creates original content for weekly blogs and newsletters, for the Calorie Count library, and for her popular daily Question-and-Answer section, Ask Mary. Ms. Hartley also furnishes direction for the site features and for product development.

Not only did Dr. Oz inherit Oprah’s timeslot, he also snagged “The Oprah Effect,” (When Oprah endorses a product, business explodes.) Case in point: Inca Peanuts. Had you heard of them before?

Here’s what Dr. Oz wants you to know.

“Inca Peanuts are the best snack for weight loss,” according to Dr. Oz. That’s because they control your appetite. They don’t suppress it like diet pills. Inca Peanuts are loaded with protein, fiber and fat, three nutrients that promote satiety. Inca Peanuts take the edge off hunger.

The protein in Inca Peanuts has all the essential amino acids, just like in animal foods. And the protein is highly digestible, as plant proteins go. Inca Peanuts are high in fiber with 6 grams of fiber per ounce. As a point of reference, one ounce of regular peanuts has only 2.4 grams of fiber.

Compared to other plants, Inca Peanuts have a better blend of fatty acids. They have the highest concentration of the essential fatty acids, Omega-3s, Omega-6s and Omega-9s. Omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is the raw material the body uses to make DHA and EPA, the omega oils in fish. In addition, Inca Peanuts have less saturated fat than any fish and they are never contaminated like farm raised fish or fish that collect mercury. The Inca Peanut fat also carries vitamins A and C, natural anti-oxidants.

The original name of Inca Peanuts is Sacha Inchic, an aboriginal term meaning “mountain or wild peanut.” The peanuts are actually the seeds of a green, star-shaped fruit that grows on a vine in the warm, moist climate of the low and high Amazon jungles of Peru. When you buy Inca Peanuts, you help indigenous people of the Amazon preserve their way of life. Oxam America and other non-profits promote cultivation as a cash crop and a way to reverse deforestation. Besides seeds, Sacha Inchic is grown to provide powdered protein for the food and supplement industries and oil for use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Inca Peanuts taste best when they are roasted and salted. When raw, they have a bitter taste like cocoa and the hardness of a seed. They are expensive because they are imported and new to the market. You can order Inca Peanuts online or try TerrAmazon brand Sachi Inchi Roasted Seeds at Whole Foods Market. Dr. Oz recommends one ounce a day – around 180 calories.

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June 18th, 2011

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Metabolism Boost Workout

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This workout can help you target a number of trouble areas, including the legs, stomach and butt. Plus, building muscle can boost your metabolism! All you need in a set of hand weights.

Several exercises are demonstrated in this video, including a lunge back, with variation, side lunges with a bicep curl and side lunge. Be sure to repeat this set of exercises on both legs!

5 Balanced Dinner Menus to Fill Your MyPlate Icon

With the recent announcement that the food pyramid will be replaced by the new MyPlate icon, Americans are more aware than ever that it’s time to start eating their vegetables.

While the plate icon offers a visual, user-friendly guide to help people make better food choices, some of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, like eating more fish, beans and whole grains, are not addressed.

Before you start cooking dinners based on MyPlate, keep the size of your plate in mind and check your portion sizes. According to the Mayo Clinic, reasonable portion sizes include:

One serving of protein should be three to six ounces (three for women, six for men) and about the size of a deck of playing cards.One serving of whole grains should be the equivalent of one slice of bread, 1/3 cup brown rice or 1/2 cup whole-wheat pasta.One serving of dairy is equivalent to an 8 ounce glass of milk or 1 ounce cheese (about the size of four dice).One serving of fruit and vegetables should be approximately 1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw.

To help make dinnertime easier, we’ve compiled five easy dinner menus featuring a protein, a vegetable and a whole grain option on your plate.

If You Like Chicken:

Protein: Grilled Garlic Lemon Chicken Breasts from Amanda’s Cookin’
Vegetable: Curried Baby Carrots
Fruit: Fruit Kabobs
Whole Grain: Mixed Grain & Dried Fruit Salad from The Perfect Pantry
Dairy: 1 cup fat-free or low-fat plain yogurt

If You Love Red Meat:

Protein: Grilled Steak
Vegetable: Cherry Tomato Salad
Fruit: Five Fruit Salad
Whole Grain: Lemon Pepper Brown Rice
Dairy: Strawberry Frozen Yogurt from David Lebovitz

If You Love Seafood:

Protein: Baked White Fish with Pine Nut, Parmesan, and Basil Pesto Crust from Kalyn’s Kitchen
Vegetable: Roasted Cauliflower
Fruit: Orange-Baked Peaches
Whole Grain: Rice Salad with Almonds & Raisins
Dairy (Dessert): Blueberry Shake

If You’re a Vegetarian:

Protein: Dave’s Teriyaki Tofu
Vegetable: Asian Garden Vegetable Soup from A Veggie Venture
Whole Grain: 1/2 cup brown rice
Fruit (Dessert): Grilled Bananas from Dine & Dish
Dairy (Dessert): 1/2 cup fat-free vanilla frozen yogurt (atop grilled bananas)

June 14th, 2011

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What Your Nails and Skin Say About Your Diet

Whether you’re male or female, healthy nails and hands are typically seen as signs of physical beauty. According to Dr. Ariel Ostad, a Manhattan Board Certified Dermatologist, changes in skin and nails can signify health problems, some of which can be helped or prevented by eating a healthy diet.

“Skin and nail changes should be given the same level of attention and scrutiny as other physical symptoms men and women experience within their body,” said Ostad. “All too often, we only see a doctor for symptoms we can feel such as stomach or back pain. Visible changes to nails and skin can be indicative of conditions such as skin cancer or other systemic issues.”

While a perfectly manicured hand is one where the nails are strong and smooth, with no discoloration or jagged cuticle, most people have less-than-perfect hands. While regular visits to the dermatologist, proper moisturizing and protecting your skin from UV rays are all good practice, what you eat can also help prevent the issues that cause skin damage – and help improve damage that has already been done.

Look at your skin and nails for cues that it’s time to change up your diet. If you suspect there is an underlying issue, be sure to see your doctor or health care professional.

Spoon-Shaped Nails. A healthy nail has a specific shape—slightly raised in the middle, then curving down a bit at the tip. “Flat, spoon-shaped nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia,” said Ostad.  “As with many health problems, it can take months of iron deficiency before the problem shows up in the nails. And when the anemia is corrected, it will take awhile for normal-shaped nails to re-grow.” In the meantime, add plenty of iron-rich foods to your diet.  Dark leafy greens, legumes and fresh or canned pumpkin are all great options. Try: Pumpkin Walnut Snack Muffins.

Peeling, Dry Nails and Skin. The nail is made up of several layers of keratin (a protein). Ideally, those layers seal together to form a unified, strong nail. But when nails aren’t protected—your hands are in water a lot, or exposed to cold, dry air—those layers tend to deteriorate, resulting in peeling nails. “Besides being an indication that you need to take better care of your nails, peeling nails can mean a diet that’s lacking in linoleic acid,” said Ostad. “The easiest way to up your intake is to increase your use of vegetable oils.” Opt for plenty of healthy olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats. Try: Italian Salad Dressing or Tunisian Spiced California Raisin Hummus.

Brittle Nails According to Dr. Ostad, experts estimate that 20 percent of women suffer from a condition called “brittle nail syndrome.” Brittle nails can’t hold onto moisture, so the layers of the nail plate dry out and crack. Nutritionally, a diet low in iron can cause nails to become thin, brittle and easily broken. Ostad recommends increasing your vitamin B and iron intake, starting with dark leafy green vegetables and eggs, beef or seafood. Try: Cottage Scrambled Eggs or Kale Chips.

June 15th, 2011

Posted in: eggs, healthy eating, healthy skin, homepage, hummus, iron, kale, muffin, olive oil, pumpkin, skin cancer

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We Love CLICK All-Natural Espresso Protein Drink

Confession: I am a coffee drinker. I can manage a french press myself. I drink it black. Despite a Starbucks in my family tree, I don’t find the coffee sold at that chain store up to my standards. I was skeptical about trying CLICK Espresso Protein Drink.

According to press releases, “CLICK is the brainchild of Greg and Beth Smith, a Fresno, California couple who owned a small chain of women’s fitness centers. The Smiths were seeking a delicious, healthy beverage for their members in response to the growing wall of sugar based energy and espresso drinks on the market.” The 15 grams of protein per serving is designed to provide sustained energy, in addition to the “two shots of espresso” or 100-150mg of caffeine per serving.

The sample of CLICK sent to me came with it’s own special mixing cup. While it is one more thing to add to my cabinets, it did make mixing a powdered drink very simple. CLICK can be served hot or cold, and their website has several recipes to try in addition to the easy mix. It is hot, even for June, in Indianapolis, so I only tried it over ice. It took about three drinks before I got used to and liked the Vanilla Latte flavor. However, I was surprised that I immediately liked the Mocha flavor. I am much more likely to choose a mocha over a vanilla latte in coffee drinks as well, though.

My friend who only drinks very sweet, milky coffee did not like the taste of either flavor. I am not sure if the added protein provided a more sustained energy for me, but it certainly kept me from getting hungry even when meetings ran into the lunch hour. Overall, though, I found the amount of energy provided, whether by caffeine or protein, was sufficient but not as much as I would have liked.

The new formula of All-Natural CLICK was designed to reach individuals who only buy natural products, however, the Don’t Eat That iPhone app was not a fan of many of the ingredients listed. The ingredients in All-Natural CLICK may not be genetically modified, but we do not know that from reading the nutritional information. Can the makers of All-Natural CLICK tell us how each ingredient is derived and from where? Simply the length of the ingredients list would have turned me away if I had picked it up in a store.

I liked All-Natural CLICK more than I thought that I would. An espresso protein is something that might appeal to me if I was less concerned about the individual ingredients that I ingest. I will stick with grinding and brewing my own coffee and eating protein for breakfast. If more information could be provided or the ingredients list could be simplified, perhaps I would try CLICK again.

Although CLICK provided Brooke with a sample to review, the review remains her own opinion and has been influenced in no way.

June 14th, 2011

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10 All-Natural Beauty Treatments

By MyDailyMoment.com Editorial Team

Pretty is as pretty does. And while it might seem like it’s clothes and cosmetics that make the woman, the reality is all-natural beauty boosters are actually found in the place you’d least expect it. We’re talking about your food.

Shiny hair, glowing skin and bright eyes are all the by-products of healthy habits like proper diet and physical activity.

While the right wardrobe and makeup can go a long way in making you look attractive and feel confident, there are natural beauty boosters that can do the same and have a positive impact on your health, too.

When it comes to reviving your appearance, it’s “super foods” to the rescue. You may be a skeptic, but many fruits and vegetables actually contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can work from the inside out to enhance your beauty. Consider them a food fountain of youth.

Below you’ll find a few tips about natural beauty boosters that can be found in common foods:

Load Up On Antioxidants: Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins can help slow the aging process by protecting the body against free radicals. Antioxidant rich foods include broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, red grapes, berries, spinach and tea.

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamins and Minerals: For great hair, eat foods that have Omega 3s, vitamin B12 and plenty of protein. Try eggs, olive oil, nuts and fish.

Water, Water, Water: Drink plenty of water. A well-hydrated body tends to work more efficiently, flush away toxins, and maintain the energy needed for intense workouts. Water keeps skin from getting dehydrated so you’ll stay moist and smooth. With all these benefits, consuming plenty of water may be the best thing you can do for your health and your appearance.

Exfoliate: Make your own exfoliants. Combine a coarse product (sugar, salt, ground-up seeds) with a smooth base (such as honey, yogurt or avocado) to slough off dead skin and reveal a glowing, fresh face. Exfoliating products can be purchased at stores or made at home from everyday kitchen products. Try scrubs that contain corn or rice powder if you have oily skin and richer formulations that contain avocado or olive oil if your skin is dry.

Supercharge with Supplements: Taking a daily multivitamin can also ensure you get enough nutrients on a daily basis. It’s best to get nutrients from their natural sources, but a multivitamin can be a great supplement to your diet, particularly for when you’re eating on the go.

Mask the Flaws: Facial masks are created from a variety of ingredients and left on your face for about 15 minutes before being rinsed away with warm water. Some women prefer to make their own facial masks, but you can shop around in health food stores for facial masks that contain plenty of natural ingredients. Among the make-at-home favorites: egg whites (made by “painting” on the white of 1 egg) or oatmeal mixed with plain yogurt (try 1/2 cup of oatmeal ground to a fine powder and mixed with 1/4 cup yogurt).

Dry Ideas: Facial and body moisturizers are very important when it comes to achieving that heavenly glow that results from healthy skin. There are so many moisturizers on the market that claim to work wrinkle-zapping magic, but the best way to maintain a youthful appearance is be mindful about what you feed your skin. There’s a variety of simple natural moisturizing lotions, gels and creams available at health food stores and large retailers. Read labels and try to avoid products that contain excessive chemicals and artificial fragrances.

Zap Those Zits: If acne is an issue, some natural products can be applied topically to help you recover the blemish-free face you desire. Some essential oils, like lavender, tea tree and jojoba, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blemish-prone skin. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice have natural astringent and anti-bacterial properties.

When it comes to appearance it’s always important to remember, the better you look, the better you feel. Reducing stress, staying fit and spending time with friends will improve looks ten-fold, better than any make-up, or chemical-laden lotions and potions ever could. Listed below are a few natural beauty boosters that promote both physical and mental well-being:

Let’s get physical – and Stay That Way: Exercising not only keeps us trim and limber, but it also improves our circulation and the functioning of all our organs. Whole-person disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi are particularly effective for these purposes, but a jog around the neighborhood will get the heart pumping and bring a blush to your cheeks just the same.

We All Need the Human Touch. Physical interaction is an important part of life as well. Our bodies crave it and reward us for it by producing feel-good hormones that can help us look great too. This is one reason why women who are having great sex tend to glow naturally. Getting a massage can also help you look your best for some of the same reasons. It helps loosen the built-up muscle tension that leads to poor posture and the appearance of fatigue.

Relax, Don’t Do It. Another scientifically proven stress-buster is meditation. While you may not see yourself as the type of person who can sit for hours at a time chanting “OM,” you might benefit from giving it a try for several minutes a day. There are web sites and DVDs geared for beginners that are very simple to follow. Being at peace with yourself will show on your face. It will also manifest in the way you treat yourself and others. When you love yourself, you will look better, be more positive and draw others to you.

You’re Hot and you’re Cold: Treatments like hot stone therapy, cold mud therapy and saunas are great, natural ways to release tension and invigorate both your skin and your mental state.

June 17th, 2011

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