Diet Soda makes you Fat

Many people believe switching from regular soda to diet soda is beneficial. New studies show that diet will increase your risk of becoming overweight in the long run. Additionally, Coca-Cola is phasing out a controversial additive that has been linked to damage to DNA and hyperactivity in children. This additive is called Sodium benzoate (E211). There are also other artificial colors and additives that are controversial.

Tips to stop:

-If your going to drink pop, drink regular, except only drink half as much as you would normally drink. Maybe a 1/4 if you can. Slowly cut your soda intake down over time and you should lose the craving.

-Switch to 100% juice. There is still a lot of sugar in juice so you want to watch your intake. However, it is a much better alternative to soda.

-When you are thirsty or have a craving, drink a cold glass of water and see if it will go away.

-If you don't buy soda and have it in your house, then you cannot conveniently drink it. Just don't buy soda for your home. If you are at home and have a craving, you are less likely to go out and make a special trip just for soda.


Over time of cutting your consumpion you will crave it less and less. Just keep in mind it takes time, so never give up!


Links:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20050613/drink-more-diet-soda-gain-more-weight

http://www.emaxhealth.com/11/586.html

http://www.lightparty.com/Health/DietCokeAspartame.html

Flaxseed

Flaxseed = No Brainer

So it seems as if every day there is a new study showing/proving some item is now a great choice to consume daily. Well, flaxseed it is. Personally I have added this to my diet (Stone Ground Flaxseed... NOT the flax seed oil pills). I will mix it in with my cereal everyday, and on days i make an omelet I will add that in near the end so i dont cook off some of the nutrients. Other good choices include: add it to your cookie dough when making cookies, add it to salads, stir fry, etc.

Benefits of flaxseed:

Fiber: One serving 2 tbsn will provide 15% or 4g of your daily allowance. This keeps you regular.
Alpha linolenic acid (type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid): Most people lack this nutrient. Researchers are looking at in terms of their possible effects on lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, lowering the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers, and reducing the inflammation of arthritis, as well as the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and asthma (1).
Reduction of estrogen in bloodstream: This goes along with the reduction of colon cancers, and breast cancers. Estrogen will/can promote cell growth and too much estrogen can cause uncontrolled cell growth (assuming the cell is predisposed to become cancerous "mutations that lead to cancer") Ligands in flaxseed will bind these free estrogen molecules and rid them of the body. (Too lazy to find source of this, but its on the label of my flaxseed container). Its called Bob Red Mill http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipe/detail.php?rid=804 .


To Sum it up:
I like the taste of flaxseed. I am always eager to eat cereal and pour lots and lots of it on (not sure if too much is bad for you). Not only does it make me healthier, but there is a great placebo effect too. Since I am putting good nutritional items in my body, naturally my mind will think im healthier, thus making me feel better.


Maybe next time i will have more primary sources to list. Its a little late and I should get to bed.
(1) http://www.platinumperformance.com/research/nutritioninthenews/article2.cfm