They have a diet that is very low in saturated fat and red meats, but high in fish which contain protective omega-3 fatty acids.

Other recent and very interesting studies lead to more healthful eating tips. The Mediterranean food pyramid is based on research showing low rates of heart and other chronic disease in certain countries bordering Mediterranean Sea compared to West.

Research has isolated key dietary habits that are believed to account for difference. (Monounsaturated) olive oil is preferred fat and fat consumption (at 40% of total calories) exceeds American Heart Association’s recommended max of 30%.

Whole grains and pastas form base of pyramid, so this is not a low carb eating style.

The choice of proteins in order of preference is cheese and yogurt, fish, poultry, eggs and (last and least) red meat. Further, proteins are grouped at top of pyramid so they account for only about 15% of daily caloric intake.

It’s also important to note that Mediterranean lifestyle incorporates more natural physical activity – as distinct from Western variety of mandatory exercise. You know, “I just gotta get to gym today” or “I have to miss my weekly tennis game Saturday. Now what can I do?!” variety.

If you’re interested in following any low carb plan, limit time you follow restrictive phase and take information above into account when you plan your maintenance program.

3.Health Risks of Long Term Restrictive Diets

In choosing to eat healthy for life, be sure to consider well-founded dietary advice such as recommended by American Cancer Society for optimal cancer prevention:

Eat five or more (optimally nine) servings of fruits and vegetables daily; include fruits and vegetables at every meal and for snacks. Aside from fact that many fruits and vegetables are good diet food because they have low calorie density (high water and fiber content), these foods are loaded with phytochemicals which work to prevent illness, cancer, and other diseases.

Choose whole grains in preference to processed grains and sugars. Choose bran, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and whole grain cereals as well as beans and legumes.

Limit consumption of red meats, especially processed meats and those high in fat.

Current estimates are that nearly 33-50% of cancers can be prevented through a eat healthy diet. The recommendations above come from hundreds of research studies which show a link between cancer prevention and a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Hundreds of studies also support link between a high fat diet, high intake of red meats and increased incidence of cancer

4.Magic Pills

Don’t be taken in by some of full page ads you see with before and after pictures that promise weight loss just by taking some magic pill. In some of them you can even tell that same head has been pasted onto fatter body or faces look dissimilar enough that you think, “That’s NOT same person”.

If you’ve read this far you know about calories in, calories out equation. Sorry, but it’s simple math and simple physics. A pill alone will never do it.

However, that doesn’t mean that there are no little magic pills that can help you lose weight in context of a healthy eating and exercise plan. There is a lot of exciting research showing that certain supplements can boost and sustain your metabolic rate as you age, increase muscle tone and even help body develop more muscle, such as Green Tea Extraxt or DHEA.

Weight loss often results when people switch their focus from dieting in order to get thin to choosing foods for health. This is especially true if they also pay heed to other side of calories in, calories out equation and get moving.

Common sense strategies, yes, but these are only ones proven to work long-term. Now, are you ready to Eat Healthy for Life?

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.

The survival rates after two years in lycopene-plus-surgery group and surgery-only groups were 87% and 78%, respectively, a statistically significant difference. No adverse side effects were observed in men taking lycopene.LycopeneLycopene is one of a group of compounds called carotenoids. It is found in high amounts in tomatoes.

The findings of this study corroborate findings of other similar studies examining effectiveness of lycopene in treatment of prostate cancer. However, amount used in current study (4 mg per day) was substantially less than amounts used in other studies (30 mg per day). It may also help stimulate immune system and has been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their own. Although more research is needed to clarify what amount of lycopene is most effective, men with prostate cancer may benefit from taking daily lycopene supplements. Eating one moderately sized tomato a day also provides approximately 4 mg of lycopene. Other tomato products, such as an 8-ounce portion of tomato juice or tomato paste may provide up to 25 mg of lycopene.