Bath Weight Loss Challenge: losing weight with a difference!

Inspired by the latest Government initiatives to cut obesity, exciting new, revolutionary initiative, 12 Week Weight Loss Challenge Workshop, comes to the City of Bath, and there could be one around you too!

Eating healthily and lowering the risk of obesity related diseases does mean that each of us need to take personal responsibility. However, it is easier said than done as getting into the weight loss balance is a science as a long term weight loss is only achieved through understanding how our body works and what constitutes a nutritionally balanced diet. It is exactly through applying that knowledge it is possible to make the right changes to our diet to ensure not only long term weight loss, but also healthy digestion, healthy heart, healthy aging, healthy immune system etc.

At the same time, it is exactly that knowledge that the majority of people who need it the most lack making it difficult to make any real, long term progress. Many weight loss programs around do not offer this sort of support and concentrate solely on weight loss ignoring nutritional demands of the body, causing well known yo-yo dieting effect. Media could be doing even more damage by allowing those programs to be promoted in the first place...

Weight Loss Challenge is a 12 week workshop conducted by professional weight loss and wellness coaches, initialised by Herbalife International, world leader in weight loss and nutrition, where participants, regardless of what weight loss program they follow, meet weekly to follow up their weight loss progress, are empowered with advice on nutrition and healthy food choices covering topics like Importance of Protein, Reading Food Labels, Good and Bad Fats, Good and Bad Carbs, Understanding Metabolism, Importance of Exercise, Heart Health, Healthy Breakfast, Importance of Water, etc.

The cost of 12 week Weight Loss Challenge workshop is an equivalent of £3.75 per week, making it very affordable. Majority of the registration fee goes back to the participants in terms of Weekly Gift Prizes, Free Healthy Beverages and Snacks and Cash Prizes to the three biggest losers at the end of 12 weeks.

Three biggest losers will have a chance to win up to £800 between them, final winner's pot depending on the number of total participants. Participants are free to use any method of weight loss they wish, but those who best apply the information we give in our weekly training sessions are likely to be the ones who win the competition.

Most of all, it will be FUN and we envisage it to be the place where participants will feel comfortable to come together and compete in a friendly atmosphere with one another, keep track of their progress, share knowledge and experiences, get advice on healthy eating, get necessary recognition and earn some much needed cash in this financial climate!

Next Bath Weight Loss Challenge Workshop start date & venue details: Monday, 16 February 2009 @ 7PM, The New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath.

Call Sanela on 01225 313 218 to Register or text "WLC" to 07737 053 498.

The WLC is where the "Biggest Losers become the Biggest Winners!"

Give Your Digestive System a Break This Festive Season!

When you realise that we eat about 500kg of food every year on average, it is no wonder we sometimes get a bit of indigestion! In fact, thanks to the festive season, many might feel as if they've eaten that much during December alone! If you will be over-indulging or will be starting (or re-starting) weight management programmes in January, it is doubtly important that you make sure, whatever you decide to do, that is also helps you to maintain a healthy-functioning digestive system.

Do you have a dodgy digestion?
Our digestive systems are remarkably resilient, although bad eating and lifestyle habits can stress them out, leading to a number of unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, water retention, constipation, flatulence, cramps and indigestion.

If any of the above sounds familiar, read on for some simple ways to improve your digestive health...

It is not just what you eat, but how you eat it...
For healthy digestion, it is as important to look at how you eat as what you eat.

Chew your food as saliva can only break down food so far - your teeth need to do the rest.

Eat regularly and moderately as if you eat too much and too often, your digestive system will not get a minute's peace and it is important it does!

Eat slowly and calmly: high stress levels are a major cause of both constipation and diarrhoea. If you rush when you eat, you'll increase your chances of bad digestion.

The essential ingredients of good digestion

Wonderful water!
If you aren't drinking your daily eight large glasses of water, then start today! The fluid you drink dissolves minerals, vitamins and nutrients, which are then more easily absorbed by your body. Water also relieves constipation by lubricating and softening food waste.

Friendly Fibre!
The average European only consumes half the daily recommended amount of fibre (25-35g), even though it is crucial for healthy digestion. Essentially, fibre is food your body can't absorb or break down, which passes into the colon and is eliminated as waste.

As well as aiding digestion and relieving constipation, fibre also has other health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Some tips for including fibre in your diet
Try to eat as wide a variety as possible for the greatest health benefit:

Try wholegrain bread, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta. Refined products like white bread remove the outer coat from the grain, which lowers fibre content.

Eat fruit at every meal - apples, oranges, pears and berries are great sources of fibre. But beware! Removing the skin from fruits and vegetables decreases their fibre content.

If you want to snack, how about some (low-fat) popcorn? Two air-popped cupfuls give you 2.4g fibre.

Herbalife Solutions for Healthy Digestion
If eating too much of all the wrong kinds of foods has really taken its toll, you may benefit from Herbalife's core nutrition product - Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix, which can be used as a healthy breakfast as it contains protein and complex carbs and 4 wholemeal toasts equivalent of fibre.

In addition to Formula 1 shake, the following Herbalife products have been specifically formulated to aid Healthy Digestion:

Cell Activator
Your diet is only as good as what your body can absorb. Cell Activator contains a blend of nutrients, plants, and B-vitamins that support energy production and improves performance by helping essential nutrients reach their destination. More about Cell Activator...

Herbal Aloe Concentrate
Stressed digestive systems can be soothed and cleansed by Herbal Aloe Concentrate's aloe vera and camomile. A couple of glasses a day will also held up your fluid intake, so essential for healthy digestion. More about Herbal Aloe Concentrate...

Florafibre
Digestive problems are often a result of an imbalance of "friendly" and "unfriendly" bacteria in your digestive tract. Florafibre contains millions of good bacteria to help ease a stressed system, plus fibre to boost your daily intake. More about Florafibre...



Also, let's not forget Herbalife's Christmas Survival Kit: FibreBond Tablets and Formula 1. The rule is - 'never to go to the banquet hungry'!

As long as you take a Formula 1 shake half an hour to an hour before heading out to the party - it means you won't be famished and eating everything in sight at the buffet table!

Also, take 1-2 FibreBond Tablets before your meal to ensure up to 50% elimination of fats from your food. This is one cheat you will not feel sorry about!

Have you ever wondered why we Age, get Disease?

I found it rather interesting to hear recently doctor saying that it is NOT normal for people in their sixties or seventies to be running active lifestyles to the point of running a marathon or something similar. Well, regardless what this particular doctor may think, we are what we eat (and drink and think and do) and that diseases, regardless at what point in our lives they happen, are most probably caused by what goes into our bodies and that will determine whether we will be visiting doctor's surgery on a weekly basis once we hit 50 or even earlier, or we will more frequently visit local sport centre and still play tennis at the age of 70...

As our brain uses only 10% of it's potential, the same could apply to our physical abilities - if we were to give our bodies 100% throughout our lives, the outcome would have been a lot more different than what wellness trends report each and every day... Well, not so long ago, diseases were indeed accepted as unfortunate but inevitable facts of life. We know now that diseases are caused by what we eat or don't eat. What you put in, you get out as our focus needs to shift towards prevention of disease, not it’s treatment!

Our body's health depends on the health of each and every cell and to slow down the aging, limit sickness and prevent disease, those cells need proper protection and nourishment. We have all heard of Free Radicals. What are those exactly? Well, each and every cell is made up of many atoms and when those are healthy, the cells are too and when healthy cells replicate - our body remains young and free from the disease.

On the other hand, we have another type of an atom that is damaged due to smoking, stress, sunlight, pesticides in our food, pollution, travel, medications, foods and it's additives, x-rays, exercise, chlorine in water, Mercury in tooth fillings and seafood and many more factors. Those unhealthy and damaged atoms have only one instead of two electrons and are called Free Radicals. Free Radicals alter and eventually destroy cells. And it is exactly those cells that die and cells that replicate themselves in a damaged state that are the cause or contribute to premature aging, sickness and diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and many others.

THE SOLUTION IS ANTIOXIDANT
Antioxidants are super atoms that have extra electrons that they can give to those Free Radicals to neutralise them and eliminates their harmful effects. Antioxidants are indeed a body's defence against destructive free radicals and they help prevent aging, sickness and disease.

Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts, oils, beans. Organically grown local produce will have more antioxidants than non-organic alternatives that have travelled for miles, even across different countries or continents. Antioxidants are also found in high quality supplements as most adults do not eat the right foods to properly feed their cells.

"Don't underestimate the threat free radicals pose to our health. Scientists now believe that free radicals are causal factors in nearly every known disease, from heart disease to arthritis to cancers to cataracts. In fact, free radicals are a major culprit in the aging process itself. By controlling free radicals, antioxidants can make the difference between life and death, as well as influence how fast and how well we age.",

Lester Packer, Head of Packer Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley

Heart Disease and Cancers are the most common killer diseases that are caused by the damaging effects of Free Radicals.

Heart Disease mostly comes from the build up of fatty deposits on the inner surfaces of arteries, which stops the normal blood flow and could lead to heart attack or stroke. Recent research has highlighted that those fatty deposits are influenced by free radicals, which cause it to become sticky and stick more easily to the walls of arteries. Antioxidants can therefore help in reducing the risk of free radicals oxidizing the fat and making it more sticky.

The common explanation for Cancer is that damaged and altered DNA that controls cell growth, development and replication, is the cause for the disease. The DNA has been proven to be damaged by Free Radicals, which is believed to be the main cause for most cancers. Antioxidants, once again, not only can protect DNA from free radical damage, but can also repair it.

So, the importance of antioxidants can not be overemphasized and next time when you get a simple cold remember that it is a symptom of your body lacking antioxidants in order to fight free radicals. It does not need medication, it needs nutrition, antioxidants.

And for the question Why should you take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements, please read on related article on the Importance of taking Supplements. Be careful, not all supplements are created equal!

Bianca-Trish Edgar's Story: "My weight loss journey... so far!" Story of 230 lbs weight loss & still counting!

I have learnt only recently about Bianca-Trish's incredible weight loss journey and was honoured that she agreed for me to share her story. Her weight loss is truly remarkable and she truly is one amazing lady! Having already lost 230 lbs on Herbalife Programme, her journey continues as she fights the remaining 120 lbs. I was delighted to get news this morning that she has lost further 5 lbs last week, which is total of 10 lbs loss in three weeks, since she started her "The Last 120 lbs" journey! Read her story from the start and what motivated her to change her life around... and, Bianca, thank you so much for sharing!

"Ever since I was a little girl around the age of 9 I have suffered from Bulimia Nervosa the eating disorder. I have been overweight all my life and went through extreme bullying right from nursery school through to high school, college and into the work place. To the point I tried to end my life 6 times in my teens, I found it extremely hard dealing with school, and social environments for over 17 years.

I was classed as clinically obese at only 11 and told I would not be able to have children easily because of Pcos when I was just 16. The only thing that has ever made me feel good about myself has been my music. I have loved singing, writing songs and poetry for as long as I can remember and doing this gave me a sense of security as you can now see music... no one can ridicule you if they do not see you! That is what I thought anyway.

When I was 18, I moved 150 miles away to South Devon with no friends or family. I felt scared, alone, isolated and very depressed. I worked very part time at a local CO-OP 5 minute walk away, yet physically I could not walk up and down stairs let alone down the hill to the supermarket where I would pack shelves. So I would take a taxi twice a day spending nearly as much as I earned.

I was the biggest I have ever been weighing 29 Stone and wore a 38 dress size, I had many health issues including osteoarthritis, IBS, PCOS, Manic Depression, extreme menstrual cramps.

One of the days after writing a new song I decided to take the plounge and send a demo tape off to some producers in the area. The following day to my surprise I had a phone call from an excited producer who was based over an hour away. He asked me to go as soon as I could down to the studio to record as he said I had a lot of potential. So, I took the day off work, travelled to the studio and was thinking that I could FINALLY be getting my break. My life may finally have meaning.

I walked up the path and knocked on the door shaking, I was so anxious and excited at the same time. When he opened the door and realised who I was, he looked at me up and down then laughed in my face as he said "I won't sign you, You're TOO FAT!" and he slammed the door. I was heart broken, I didn't know what to do, I froze, I felt like my world was crumbling down around me and I could not even run round to my mums house.

I went back to my apartment with the intention to finish things once and for all. I sat looking at photographs and starting thinking about my mum and the amazing things she had achieved with Herbalife. My phone rang and it was my mum, I started to cry and begged her for help. She sent some products and I started them straight away.

I felt the difference in my energy after only 2-3 days, I even walked to work. It felt amazing. I lost an incredible 150 lbs and many dress sizes.

Today, after taking a 5 year break to have my TWO CHILDREN after being told I would be able to naturally and getting engaged to my fiancé Mark. I have been back on the products since December 2007 and have lost 80 lbs since then. So, in total, I have lost 230 lbs and still counting and an amazing 12 dress sizes.

I have hope and excitement for the direction my life is going and I want to help as many people as I can to achieve their dreams and inspire people to believe!

"If You Can Dream It, You Can Achieve It" and that is the true power of Herbalife!

You can follow Bianca's story at her sites:
www.thelast120lbs.com
www.youtube.com/thelast120lbs
www.thelast120lbs.blogspot.com
And there is also her FaceBook group TheLast120lbs

What Bianca's story shows is not just the power of our incredible Herbalife products, as I know how magnificent they are, but her determination, her spirit and the fact how crippling the effects of obesity are and how there must be many people like Bianca used to be that suffer in silence, feel they are marginalized (and probably they are), discriminated against and who do not know how to turn their life around. It is true that sometimes it needs to get worse before it gets better. I hope her story will reach many who lost hope and who need to believe that their life can indeed change around! I admire Bianca as it must have taken an incredible mental strenght to achieve what she has to date!

Please help me share her story and forward it to whoever you think may need the glimmer of hope and inspiration! Please let me know if you have Herbalife story you would like me to share with the world! We can do it together!

The role of vitamins and minerals in your body: Why we must supplement?

Vitamins and minerals are natural substances found in living things such as plants and they are vital nutrients for bodily functions and prevention of disease. In a massive study of 26000 people it was concluded that not one person received nutritional requirements set by Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). This pretty much does it for an archaic argument of "I can get everything I need from food!" Well, no, you can not!

The fact is that every one of us will eventually die, however, how you look and feel for the last 20 to 50 years of your life will depend on your lifestyle and vitamin and mineral intake throughout your life as Vitamins and Minerals influence the following:

Your Immune System: They help build up your immunity as heart disease, cancer and other illnesses and ailments are created due to deficiencies based on what you eat or don't eat.

Your Energy Levels: Optimum consumption of vitamins and minerals will increase your energy levels and vitamins and minerals are involved in the release of energy from digested foods. Strong and long lasting energy levels are pretty good indicators of a healthy nutrition.

Your Appearance: Vitamins and Minerals influence the appearance of your skin, tone, elasticity, hair strength, thickness and colour, fingernail strength, colour and texture, etc. Ever came across someone who looks 50 at 30 or someone who actually looks 30 at 50?

Your Intelligence: Brain function, ability to concentrate and memory are boosted by proper vitamin and mineral intake.

According to the research in the US alone, 96% of Americans die of disease attributed to NOT getting proper nutrition. This figure will be close to majority of the Western countries. Considering that the UK is The Fat Capital of Europe, straight after the USA in the World, this figure could be closer to the UK than any other country.

"A deficiency of a vitamin or mineral will cause a body part to malfunction and eventually break down - and, like dominos, other body parts will follow", James F. Balch, M.D., Prescription for Nutritional Healing

Here are the reasons why there is an increasing evidence that vitamin and mineral supplementation is absolutely necessary:

Crop nutrient losses - decades of agriculture have overworked and depleted soils of minerals.

Poor digestion - eating too much or too quickly and stress can cause indigestion, which, in turn, reduces absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Over-cooking - can easily destroy valuable food nutrients.

Microwave cooking - easily alter the nutritional structure and value of food

Food storage - length of storage and freezing deplete the nutritional value of most foods.

Food selection - eating a too limited range of different food groups will result in nutrient deficiency.

Food omission - allergies to foods, crash dieting and poorly designed vegetarian diets omit significant dietary sources of nutrients.

Environmental factors - herbicides and pesticides are used on crops, leaving them wit low nutritional value.

Antibiotics - interfere with the intake of essential nutrients.

Poor lifestyle habits - smoking, alcohol and caffeine can inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals or accelerate the loss of nutrients.

Stress - be it physical or emotional, it can increase body's requirement of vitamins and minerals.

Out of balance - the level of each mineral and vitamin in the body has an effect on others, so, if one is missing or out of balance, all will be effected. All combined enhance the power of the others.

Nutrient variance - there are substantial differences between one fruit or vegetable and another. One tomato can have 10 times more nutritional value than another - which one did you eat?

"Insufficient vitamin intake is apparently a cause of chronic diseases... Most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone. Pending strong evidence of effectiveness from randomised trials, it appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements", American Medical Association.

Vitamins and Minerals in your body work in synergy as a network of nutrients working together and if one nutrient is missing, it will throw the entire network of nutrients out of balance. That is why supplements should include many different types of vitamins and minerals, combined in the right proportions.

Please note that not all supplements are beneficial. For a supplement to be beneficial to your body, it must be absorbed by your body. Research has proven that many, especially low cost supplements from high street stores, "name brands", would do you absolutely no good as the x-rays have shown that they simply remain in your colon, completely undissolved!

Herbalife's products are Cellular Nutrition and, as such, guarantee to be of the highest quality and completely absorbed by your body. That is why people say that they feel a difference when taking Herbalife products. Find out more about Herbalife's Cellular Nutrition Technology.

So, considering the above and the fact that your health, intelligence, energy levels and your looks are dependent on you replenishing your vitamins and minerals several times per day, have you decided which life are you designing for yourself?

Eating Healthy in an Unhealthy Economy (MarketWatch.com)

LOS ANGELES, Oct 28, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE): In these uncertain financial times, we're all watching how much we spend on food a little more closely, and it may seem that it's nearly impossible to eat a healthy diet on a tight budget. There's no question that many of the least expensive foods, like starchy foods, sugars, and fats, are also the ones that provide less nutrition than the more expensive items like fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of protein. But eating well and saving money can go hand-in-hand.

Here are some tips to get you started from nutrition experts at Herbalife:

Go vegetarian once a week. Combining grains, like rice or corn, with beans, split peas, or lentils, is an inexpensive way to include good quality protein in the diet. Use seasoning to enhance the flavor in dishes like curried lentils with brown rice or spicy black bean soup with cornbread or corn tortillas. Round out the menu with a salad or some fruit in season, and you've got a nutrition-packed meal for pennies per person.

Skip the drive-through. A protein-packed meal replacement shake like Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix, mixed in the blender with milk (or soy milk) and fresh or frozen fruit, can provide more healthy nutrition for a lot less money than fast food choices, while still delivering convenience and nutritional value.

Freeze the season. Frozen fruits and vegetables are as nutritionally valuable as fresh, in fact, in some cases freezing may preserve more nutrients because the foods are processed so quickly after harvest. Shop the farmer's markets, buy what's in season, and freeze it. Frozen pre-made side dishes and vegetables with sauces on them cost more, too. It's less expensive and better for you to purchase plain vegetables and season them yourself.

Frozen meals are convenient, but they can be pricey. And, these meals often don't feel complete unless you add a salad, vegetable or fruit to them, which drives up the total cost of the meal. Instead, cook in bulk some one-dish meals, such as soups, stews, or pasta dishes, and freeze individual portions for workday lunches.
Don't let a thinner wallet lead to a thicker waistline. With a little planning, you can watch your budget and still eat well.

Herbalife (HLF) is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutritional supplements and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in 69 countries through a network of more than 1.8 million independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to bring good nutrition to children. Please visit Investor Relations for additional financial information.

Source: MarketWatch.com

Study: Link between childhood obesity and a mother's diet before and during pregnancy

Research done at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has highlighted a link between childhood obesity and a mother's diet before and during pregnancy. The work in animals proves that overweight expectant mothers are more likely to have babies with more body fat, who are at greater risk of diabetes and lipid metabolic disorders later in life. Previous research shows that around 30 percent of women who become pregnant are overweight...


The research, published in the journal of Endocrinology, shows pups from obese mother rats who were fed more milk are almost twice as heavy as those born to lean mothers with a regular milk consumption at weaning age. The cafeteria diet used to feed the mother rats is designed to approximate a western diet which people eat everyday at home. It is of high fat content, and palatable with a lot of variety. The research found that the mother rats ate more than double the calories of the control group. Professor Morris commented:

"Maternal obesity and overfeeding early on in life caused significant changes in the chemicals that regulate appetite, which may suggest that the babies were programmed to eat differently from those born from lean mothers. Appetite is controlled by particular centres within the brain. Other research in this field suggests that maternal food preferences during pregnancy can affect the food preferences of offspring. As brain control of appetite is likely set early in life, nutrient availability in the fetal or early post-natal period may contribute to adult obesity."

The work also highlighted for the first time, different impacts of pre and postnatal overfeeding on fat accumulation, circulating lipid levels, glucose metabolism, and brain appetite regulators. In a separate paper, the same UNSW research group found that animals that were slightly undernourished in their early life had a head start on health. The research, which is to be published in the International Journal of Obesity, also shows that pups that were undernourished remained lighter as adults, while those that were over-fed as babies continued to be fatter as adults. Professor Morris also commented:

"The less milk the babies had – and the lighter they were – the higher were levels of a hormone which is known to be protective of cardiovascular disease. We know that undernutrition has an effect on longevity and this research seems to support this."

Another similar research from the University of Cincinnati and the Medical College of Georgia published online in The FASEB Journal suggests that pregnant women should think twice about high-fat foods. Scientists found that female mice fed high fat diets were more likely to have oversized offspring (a risk factor for overweight and obesity) because fat causes the placenta to go into "overdrive" by providing too many nutrients to the fetus. Helen N. Jones, Ph.D., first author of the study has commented:

"Our model may one day lead to dietary recommendations for mothers who are entering pregnancy overweight or obese. We hope this research will ultimately help reduce the number of babies suffering from birth injuries, decrease C-section rates, and lower the risk of babies becoming overweight or obese later in life."

Yet another interesting study published in the journal of Paediatrics, suggests that a child's weight may be influenced by his mother even before he is actually born. Results of the study, which included more than 3,000 children, suggest that a child is far more likely to be overweight at a very young age – at 2 or 3 years old – if his mother was overweight or obese before she became pregnant. And there's a good chance that an overweight child will stay overweight for the rest of his or her life.

A mother's weight within a month or two before she became pregnant had the greatest impact on a child's weight at all three weight measurement points. If a woman was overweight before she became pregnant, her child was as much as three times more likely to be overweight by age 7 compared to a child whose mother was not overweight or obese. There was a significant relationship between a mother's weight prior to pregnancy and her child's weight. The risk that a child would be overweight at a young age increased with the degree of the mother's obesity.

Pamela Salsberry, the study's lead author and an associate professor of nursing at Ohio State University commented:

“Weight persists with time, so a child who is overweight by her second birthday is more likely to be overweight at a later age. Prevention of childhood obesity needs to begin before a woman ever gets pregnant. Obesity continues to rise in adults, and that risk has increased in children, too. Interventions should begin immediately for children who are already overweight at these young ages.”

Obesity increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including: hypertension, osteoarthritis (breakdown of cartilage and its underlying bone in a joint), dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides), type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, and some cancers.

Adopted from articles from Science Daily

Read more articles on Healthy Pregnancy

Read also My Healthy Pregnancy Testimonial

Clinical Study Shows Increased Protein Leads to Improvement in Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: study used Herbalife Formula 1 meal

The results of a year-long clinical study in Germany reveal a significant, positive difference when following a higher-protein diet. This study used the Herbalife Formula 1 meal as a key protein source - read on for the findings! (Source: Yahoo Business Wire)

LOS ANGELES: (BUSINESS WIRE): Obesity often goes hand-in-hand with the Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of five factors that include high blood pressure, a large waist circumference, elevated blood sugar and triglycerides, and reduced blood levels of HDL cholesterol.

Weight reduction is one of the first lines of defense in treating the syndrome, and researchers from the University of Ulm, Germany, have found that increased amounts of protein in the diet lead to greater improvement in metabolic syndrome risk factors when compared to a standard level of protein.

The study, presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the Obesity Society in Phoenix, enrolled 110 overweight subjects with the metabolic syndrome who were randomly divided into two groups, and were followed for one year.

For the first three months - the weight loss phase - those in the high protein group were instructed to follow a diet that supplied about twice the protein obtained from a typical diet; they also replaced two meals a day with Herbalife's European Formula 1, a meal replacement shake. The other group was instructed to eat a standard amount of protein from an all-food diet.

For the remaining nine months of the study - the weight maintenance phase - everyone used one meal replacement shake a day as part of their meal plan, and both groups maintained the level of protein intake in the diet they had consumed during the previous three months.

Everyone lost weight after a year, but the high protein group lost more weight (nearly 25 pounds, compared with about 14 pounds for the standard protein group) and more body fat, and preserved lean body mass. More significant, however, was the finding that at the end of the study, 64 percent of those in the high protein group no longer met the criteria for the metabolic syndrome, compared with 41 percent who consumed the standard amount of protein.

"We knew that weight loss would improve risk factors for the metabolic syndrome," said Marion Flechtner-Mors, Ph.D., one of the researchers on the study and head of the Obesity Research Group at the University of Ulm, Germany, "but we found that more subjects showed improvement in these risk factors when we increased the protein in the diet."

Nearly 47 million Americans have the metabolic syndrome, and the numbers continue to grow in parallel with the rise in the incidence of obesity. Flechtner-Mors added, "Effective interventions, such as the use of high protein meal replacements for weight loss, could improve the risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome and affect the lives of millions of people."

Flechtner-Mors is a member of Herbalife's Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB). The NAB is made up of leading experts around the world in the fields of nutrition and health who educate and train Herbalife independent distributors on the principles of nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyle.

The NAB is chaired by David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) is a global network marketing company that sells weight-management, nutrition, and personal care products intended to support a healthy lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in 66 countries through a network of over 1.8 million independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation and its Casa Herbalife program to bring good nutrition to children. Please visit Herbalife Investor Relations for additional financial information.

Source: Yahoo Business Wire

Importance of Proteins, Vitamins and Minerals

Here is really simple but powerful explanation about the importance of proteins, vitamins and minerals for our body. It has been taken from Paul Zane Pilzer's much acclaimed book, The Wellness Revolution.

Paul Zane Pilzer is a world-renowned economist, a multimillionaire software entrepreneur, an adjunct professor, and the author of eight best-selling books and dozens of scholarly publications.

He was an appointed economic adviser in two presidential administrations and warned of the impending $200 billion savings and loan crisis years before official Washington was willing to listen...

"One of the major problem with the diet of most people is that they are not getting the minimum amounts of building blocks and/or catalysts that their bodies require.

Although most adults think of their bodies as fully grown, the individual cells that comprise their organs actually replace themselves on a daily to monthly schedule. Our bodies manufacture 200 billion red blood cells each day, replacing all the blood in our body every 120 days. Skin is completely replaced every 1 to 3 months. It takes 90 days for old bone to be broken down and replace by new bone.

The cells that comprise these replacement organs contain over 100,000 different proteins made up of 20 different amino acids. Food supplies us with plant and animal proteins containing the amino acids that our bodies require as the building blocks of this living tissue.

Without a daily supply of proteins, vitamins and minerals, no matter how much energy we get in the form of calories, our bodies and minds deteriorate because we are not able to fully replace the dying cells in our internal and external organs.

Food also supplies with certain minerals we require as building blocks to repair and regenerate our living matter. There are 14 essential minerals, some of which are required as catalysts rather than as mineral blocks. Seven of these are major minerals, defined as those of which we need more than 100 milligrams per day - Calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. The remaining seven are called trace minerals, such as iron and zinc.

In addition to supplying proteins and minerals as building blocks, food contains the 13 essential vitamins our bodies require as catalysts to convert food into energy and to convert amino acids into bodily tissue. A catalyst is a substance that must be present, typically in a very small quantity, for a specific chemical reaction to occur. For example, without vitamin B3, which is contained in green leafy vegetables and unprocessed grains, our bodies cannot break down plant and animal proteins into basic amino acids. It doesn’t matter how much protein you eat if your body cant convert into the building blocks of your living tissues.

When we don’t get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals, our initial symptoms include mood swings, fatigue, nervousness, headaches, confusion, and muscle weakness. Over the longer term, such poor nutrition can cause cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other diseases that we used to just accept as part of our aging process."

Diets to Avoid

Weight loss takes time and patience, and while it's tempting to join in the latest get-slim-quick fad diet, it's far better to take an educated, practical approach. As we have seen on the ITV's programme last week, Anne W. Versus The Diets Industry, just because a diet makes headlines or a celebrity has success with it, it does not make it a healthy diet.


Fad diet disasters may promote quick weight loss, but they will also cause even quicker weight gain—or put your health in serious jeopardy. A good rule to follow is to steer clear of any diet or eating plan that requires you to:

Shun an entire food group

Eat less than 1,200 calories per day

Restrict your ability to find substitutes or selections outside the framework of the diet

Fast

A healthy weight loss programme should promote a long term health and you should be able to sustain it for the rest of your life, not just as some quick fix until you lost the unwanted pounds. Once you see how good it feels to eat healthily, you will be naturally choosing healthy options and food that make you feel good.

You will know that you are on an unhealthy diet if you:

Have no energy: Nutrient deprived fad diets do not have enough nutrition to feed your body properly and you will really feel deprived and it may effect your moods, skin, etc.

Feel hungry all the time: If you are on a diet that is not nutritionally balanced and does not offer you the right balance of lean protein and fibre, you will feel hungry. Also, there is a danger, if you are still eating less calories than what you are burning, that the weight loss achieved will be some of your muscle mass, which can be a serious problem. Loss in muscle mass causes metabolism to slow down and you could soon start experiencing that you are putting on all the weight that you have lost, or even more. Avoid becoming a yo-yo dieter!

Lose more than 2 lbs of weight per week for a long period: In the beginning of any programme you may lose a few pounds in the first few week or two as you are losing some water, however, do not go for diets that promise, as an example, 2 lbs loss per day or 7 lbs loss per week over a month or even longer as you are more likely to be on a fad diet and weight lost will be mainly your muscle mass.

Easier said than done, but, try not to approach dieting out of desperation as desperation sometimes calls for desperate measures. Make a decision that you want to change your lifestyle and start eating healthily for life, not just to slim down for that holiday or for that wedding. That is OK too, however, it is your health that is in question, not just your looks, and long term commitment to your health and weight will help you sustain your weight for life.

Do your research on nutrition and find a programme that offers support, that is nutritionally balanced and that you feel you would be able to sustain for a long time, for life, ideally. And then, take it one day at the time. Good luck!

If you want to see how Herbalife could fit into your life and nutritional, personalised solutions that we have on offer, you can try one of our sample packs. Order your sample pack online at www.wellness-zing.org/sample, Call Sanela on 01225 313 218 or TEXT 'Sample' to 07737053498.

Here are some related articles that may be of help:

Dangers of crash dieting: protein - hunger connection

Fad diets - what are they?

Top Ten Weight Loss Tips - based on scientific evidence

More Weight Management Articles

Herbalife's Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix gets coverage in At Home Magazine (Oct 08): 20 Ways to Lose Weight without trying!

I was pleased to have seen our Formula 1 Meal Replacement Shake getting coverage in the October 08 issue of At Home Magazine. Most of the advice are really plain common sense that us, Herbalife distributors, in any case advise our customers: eat your breakfast, never skip meals, increase on your fruit and veg intake, get wise on portion sizes, be active, drink 8 glasses of water a day, eat at regular intervals, limit alcohol, eat slowly, choose less processed foods, write a food diary, etc. But, At Home Mag, had one more suggestion:

"TRY A NUTRITIONAL MEAL REPLACEMENT... For convenience, you might want to opt for a meal replacement such as Formula 1. It contains an excellent balance of vitamins and minerals for a healthy meal. What's more, it's available in six great flavours. Easy to prepare, and created especially for people who aspire to be their absolute best by helping build lean muscle mass, the shakes will also help sustain your energy levels. Simple swap two meals a day for a nutritious shake and then tuck into a balanced meal in the evening..."

Read more about Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix: ShapeWorks Core Essential: ANYTIME-ANYWHERE MEAL

Anne Widdecombe Versus The Diet Industry: "Diets Do Not Work"

I have just watched Anne Widdecombe's Diet's Don't Work programme on ITV, which inspired me to write this. Anne is an ex-member of Parliament who is well known for occasionally stirring up controversy with her words and policies.

She took part in the ITV's programme Celebrity Fit Club in 2002, so, failed dieter herself, I am not surprised she took on this challenge of questioning diets that currently exist, what they do to our health, then fashion and media industry's influence on our self image and impact that distorted self image can have on our health and weight.

Statistically, most of the deaths from mental illnesses come from anorexia (20%) and 70% of the teenagers have body image disturbance, which is rather worrying. Those are easily obese or anorexic of the future. Either way, future does not look bright.

Anne took no prisoners on the show. She has portrayed a problem that is quite real and is on increase in today's society. Anne has shown us examples of people following all sorts of diets: cabbage soup diet, rice cake diet, shake meal replacement diet with under 500 calories per day, juice diet, LA's 24 hr Miracle diet offering 5lbs loss per day, cookie diet as well as more mainstream diets such as Weight Watchers, Lighter Life, Slimming World, etc., you name it, they were all there (or where they?).

Well, none of the diets shown are nutritionally balanced as some hardly offer any complex carbs or protein which will result in a muscle mass loss; some do not offer enough calories at all, which will have impact on energy levels, skin appearance, and, actually, rapid drop in energy intake can be quite dangerous.

You might think that it is all a common sense and those people are just plain mad, but Anne might have pin pointed the problem, which is partly down to the multi billion worth diet industry as a whole that perhaps needs to take some responsibility as some diets shown would not be approved by any medical profession, so, why do they exist and are allowed to be promoted?

Second part of the problem are fashion magazines and media that create almost an obsession with dieting as they firstly promote unchecked and totally fad diets (Lose 7 lbs in a week!, as an example) and they promote hardly realistic picture - hardly anyone who is size 12, never mind average size 16! They would virtually print anything for money and that looks pretty=skinny! Of course 18-year-old will believe that Jordan has lost all her pregnancy weight on a juice diet! (What?!)

I actually really felt sorry for all those dieters on the programme who have seen their weight soaring by pounds or stones since they initially attempted dieting. Nearly everyone had gained weight back on and more. And they go back to dieting and the vicious circle continues. Typical yo-yo effect! I am not surprised they are frustrated, miserable and fed up!

What happens with our bodies on fad and starvation diets - we starve it from crucial nutrients, your body goes into starvation mode and, as a result, you lose muscle mass and energy, your metabolism slows down, or even shuts down, and, once you go back to normal eating, you can be sure that you will put everything back on as it simply is not the same body any more, it is unable to burn energy effectively.

I totally agree with Anne, that diet and media industries certainly have a lot to answer for as they sell a dream that it is impossible to live up to!

The only thing is, Diets DO work, and that is where Anne and I would obviously not agree. Not all diets are created equal! I am not sure whether Anne is aware of Herbalife, whether she would have patience and will to see the full picture as she did seem fed up on the show and her mind seemed to be already quite made up that all diets are indeed created equal and that they simply do not work. In any case, it is a shame, as programme perhaps left viewers in despair that we all are some rouge traders and want to cash in on their desparation to look fit and healthy. That,, perhaps makes it more entertaining!

In any case, what I can say with certainty, is that Herbalife is one unique weight management programme out there and, after all, a market leader in weight management for a particular reason: it offers exactly the opposite from any of the above mentioned diets: optimally balanced and cellular nutrition, with a minimum of 1200 calories per day, antioxidant support and personalised programme to ensure strictly fat loss, without compromising on nutrition, which results in a healthier body with more energy and vitality. Herbalife promotes healthy and active lifestyle. Herbalife shakes even my children consume and adore, so, it is hardly a diet, it indeed is a way of life!

Herbalife has been around for nearly 30 years and has been a pioneer then and it seems still to be leading the game. Others smart enough might just follow suit (well, funny enough, Atkins has been relaunched offering nutritional shakes and protein bars - sounds familiar???), however, our 30 years of experience, 45 million customers worldwide and calibre of doctors and nutritional and medical experts that Herbalife has are facts that are hard to beat, but, I am sure, we would welcome anyone who actually takes responsibility and offers a real solution to a real problem.

Until then, we have a lot of job to do - to change nutritional habits of the world and we can only do it one person at the time!

Vitamin B12 Keeps Your Brain Young! Are you getting enough of the nutrient that is absolutely vital for your brain health?

Older individuals with low levels of vitamin B12 are at increased risk of having brain atrophy or shrinkage. Brain atrophy is associated with Alzheimer's disease and impaired cognitive function. Vitamin B12 deficiency is a public health problem, especially among older people.

In a study involving more than 100 volunteers aged 61 to 87, all participants underwent annual clinical exams, MRI scans and cognitive tests, and had blood samples taken. Individuals with lower vitamin B12 levels at the start of the study had a greater decrease in brain volume. Those with the lowest B12 levels had a sixfold greater rate of brain volume loss compared with those who had the highest levels. However, none of the participants were actually deficient in vitamin B12 -- they just had low levels within a normal range.

Other risk factors for brain atrophy include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

"Our results suggest that rather than maintaining one's B12 at a level that is just above the cut off for deficiency, it might be prudent to aim to keep it higher up than normal range”, the study’s lead researcher said.

This is really important to hear, as most people would assume that if their levels are within the normal range, they’re fine. In reality, you cannot always count on the “normal” reference ranges that come with your blood tests. Vitamin D is another example of a test that lists “normal” ranges that are not nearly adequate to keep you healthy. For many decades the “experts” believed that all you needed was 400 units per day. Now we know that you need about ten times that much or the equivalent amount of sun to produce that in your skin.

To really know if your nutrient levels are where they should be to keep you optimally healthy, you need to do some major research of your own, by seeking out scientific studies like this one, or you need to seek the guidance of a health care practitioner who thinks outside of the box and understands that there is a major difference between “average” and “optimal.”

Getting back to vitamin B12, though, there are many important reasons to make sure you’re getting enough in your diet. Why is Vitamin B12 so Important?

It’s been estimated that 40 percent of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin B12, a serious public health problem when you consider how important this vitamin is for your health. Vitamin B12:

• Is needed for proper digestion, food absorption, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
• Helps folic acid regulate the formation of red blood cells, and helps your body use iron.
• Keep your nervous system healthy by assisting the nerves of your body to function and communicate in an optimal manner.
• Helps in cell formation and cellular longevity.
• Helps support female reproductive health.
• Promote normal nerve growth and development by maintaining the fatty sheaths, which play a vital role as they cover and protect your nerve endings.
• Is critical to your circulation and adrenal hormone production
• Helps boost your immunity.
• Supports a healthy mood and feelings of well-being, and provides excellent support for your memory, mental clarity, and concentration.
• Helps to boost your energy levels.

Who is at Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

The group most at risk is those who do not eat meat or animal products. Vitamin B12 deficiency is VERY common, almost universal, in strict vegetarians and vegans, as vitamin B12 is NOT readily available, if at all, in plants.

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal tissues, including foods like beef and beef liver, lamb, snapper, venison, salmon, shrimp, scallops, poultry and eggs. And, the few plant foods that are sources of B12 are actually B12 analogs. Simply put, an analog is a substance that blocks the uptake of true B12. The result being, your body’s need for the nutrient actually increases.

You may also be at risk of B12 deficiency if you have stomach problems. This is because B12 needs the help of a protein in order to be absorbed. That protein is called intrinsic factor, and if your stomach is irritated or inflamed, it may stop producing intrinsic factor, making it nearly impossible for your body to absorb B12.

Other factors also influence your body’s B12 levels:

• Age: People over 50 tend to have a limited ability to absorb B12.

• Drinking coffee: A study in Clinical Chemistry found that people who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had a 15 percent reduction in multiple B vitamins compared to those who drank no coffee.

• Taking medications: Many prescription drugs diminish your body’s levels of B12, including antibiotics, anticancer medications, anticonvulsants, anti-gout medications, antihypertensives, antiParkinson's medications, antipsychotics, antituberculosis medications, birth control pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and potassium replacements.

• Those who have undergone weight-loss surgery, which can impair your body’s ability to absorb B12 and other vitamins.

• Those exposed to laughing gas anesthesia or nitrous oxide.

If you are concerned about getting enough vitamin B12, it is important to know that Vitamin B12 is the largest vitamin known and it is not easily absorbed. Saying that, Herbalife nutrition is Cellular Nutrition and it makes sure that you get the most of the intake of our supplements. You can find adequate and optimal levels of B12 in the following products:

Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix (150% RDA of B12 per shake)
Formula 2 Multivitamin Tablet (600% RDA per daily intake: 3 tablets)

These two definitely nicely do the trick!

Sources: U.S. News & World Report September 8, 2008 & Neurology 2008; 71: 826-832
and Dr Mercola's E-zine

Is this you? Here are healthy solutions to some of your common questions...

Here are solutions to some common questions when it comes to food and diet. A lot of people survive on nutritionally poor diet and find it very difficult to break the cycle. I do believe that healthy eating and making a healthy choice is yet another habit that needs to be exercised every single day until you naturally choose the food that make you feel good. Changes that your body would experience as a result could simply amaze you. Hope this helps...


"I don't eat breakfast/ I don't eat lunch"

If you miss breakfast and don't eat for longer than 13 hours, your body starts to fast and the metabolism slows to conserve energy. You are also more likely to snack on something unhealthy later in the day and overeat in the evening. The Formula 1 Nutritional Shake takes under a minute to prepare and provides a balanced, nutritious and delicious breakfast. It is digested and assimilated by the body with ease, making it the perfect fast food! We call it Intelligent Nutrition! For complete control, try our Basic Wellness Programme

"I eat too many carbs"

Cereals and toast for breakfast, a jacket potatoes for lunch, pasta for dinner and carb based snacks such as rice cakes, cereal bars and chocolate during the day. If your diet is almost all carbs, you have no nutrition going into your body and any excess energy from carbohydrate food is stored as fat. Instead focus on getting protein into every meal. But if you tried to get all the protein you need from foods such as meats, you would consume too many fat and calories. Our Formula 1 Nutritional Shake is a perfectly balanced fix together with our healthy Protein Snacks.

"I crave carbohydrates and sugary snacks"

Too many carbs in your main meals and then "topping up" with carb based snacks as well? Consider how carbohydrate-rich food generates a rapid rise in blood glucose and therefore swings in blood sugar levels. And how insulin works as a storage hormone. As above, look at the balance of carbohydrate and protein in your diet. Our Basic Wellness Programme is a perfect solution as it is nutritionally balanced, it will balance your sugar levels and stop cravings for unhealthy foods as your body will be fully satisfied. And get a balance between fruit, vegetable and Protein Snacks. Restrict carb based snacks such as rice cakes, cookies and cereal bars.

"I eat 3 meals a day and lots of snacks"

If you are consuming too many calories each day and eat the wrong kind of foods: too many processed and fast foods empty of nutritional value, too many carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta - you will, without doubt put on weight. Use the Basic Wellness Programme to control your calorie intake without hunger. And get a balance between fruit, vegetable and Protein Snacks. This programme helps you to increase your nutritional intake in contrast to conventional diets which reduce it.

"I snack on fruit all day"

Yes, fruit is a healthy snack, but not an alternative to a balanced meal that includes protein. Focus on getting protein into every meal by balancing it with carbs, fibre and fat. Try using the Basic Wellness Programme. And get a balance between fruit, vegetable and Protein Snacks.

"I'm too busy"

If you are too busy to think of the ideal balance of every meal, Herbalife takes care of two meals and give you easy to follow guidance for the third. Gradually change your eating habits, as you lose weight, so that you can keep the weight off permanently. Our Basic Wellness Programme is a perfect healthy solution for those on the go.

"I have low energy"

Food is fuel for the body. If you miss meals, do not drink enough water, eat foods with little nutritional value or consume sugary snacks with resulting "highs and lows" then this will affect your energy levels. If you always feel tired, try our Basic Wellness Programme to get back into the routine of eating three meals a day. Includes the high quality vitamin, mineral and herbal supplement Formula 2 that will help nourish and detox your body. "Feed" the body not "starve" it.

"I want to break my coffee-drinking habit"

Too much coffee can rob the body of essential nutrients and increase radical damage. And as a diuretic coffee doesn't count as part of your daily water consumption. Do you struggle to drink 6-8 glasses of plain water a day? We have blended five fast-acting botanicals to create a herbal treat you can enjoy everyday. This Thermojetics Instant Herbal Beverage is kinder to your body than traditional beverages. Supplement your daily tea and coffee intake with this Herbal Beverage, an invigorating alternative packed with beneficial antioxidants. Each cup contains two thirds less caffeine than a cup of coffee, so you can reduce your caffeine intake and benefit your body with an herbal boost. Counts as part of daily water intake.

"I need something to replace fizzy drinks"

Fizzy drinks contain on average, six teaspoons of sugar in each can. Plain water is often the last option when choosing a drink, despite its importance to our well being. Fizzy and carbonated drinks do not allow the cells of our body to absorb nutrients correctly and can easily upset our body’s delicate infrastructure. The Thermojetics Instant Herbal Beverage provides a versatile alternative to traditional beverages, with an exhilarating low-calorie beverage. It supports body's metabolism and can be taken hot or cold. I love it with a slice of lemon or cupful of Herbal Aloe Concentrate. Many clients will alternate between herbal beverage ("Thermo") and plain water throughout the day.

"I plan to exercise"

Lack of good nutrition and lack of energy at the end of the working day often means than good intentions are not maintained beyond January! Drink the Thermojetics Instant Herbal Beverage cold on the way to the gym to provide you with extra get up and go. And use during exercise, added to your water bottle. Use the Basic Wellness Programme to provide your body with fantastic nutrition. Here is more information to help fitness minded individuals.

"I want something to support my weight management program"

Struggling to get through the day without giving into cravings and nagging hunger pains? Snacking habits i.e. mid morning and mid-afternoon. Carbohydrate cravings? Tired frequently due to excess body weight? You need a vitality boost? We have the latest science has to offer - Thermo Complete contains a selection of carefully chosen and blended herbs, which together provide a potent synergistic supplement designed to provide an invigorating boost. Without this product, weight management is 'not total'! Take in between meals.

"I eat out a lot. I eat fatty foods"

Scientific and nutritional experts strongly advocate an increased consumption of dietary fibre and lower intake of fat and calories to help maintain good general health and regulate weight. Unfortunately, typical Western diets include fast food and tends to be high in fat and low in fibre-rich foods. Fibrebond is a unique blend of active fibres and sodium choleate that can help maintain the process of elimination and assist in the emulsification of fat for digestion. Take 30 mins before a meal high in fat e.g. trip to the Chinese/ Pizza. It deals with the fats we eat, not what is already on the body!

"I have dimpled skin/ excess water"

Dimpled skin forms when fatty tissues in certain parts of the body accumulate fluid and wastes. Herbal Complex Tablets with Vitamin C and Iron are designed to encourage smoother skin, maintaining an effective process of elimination.

"I tend to get indigestion and bloating"

Stress, coffee, cigarette smoke and poor eating habits can upset the stomach and impair digestion. Aloe Vera is undoubtedly one of nature's greatest inventions. It supports your insides, gently by refreshing and cleansing. Use Herbal Aloe Concentrate on a daily basis and enjoy a real tonic!

"I've heard that exercise causes free radical damage, what can I do?"

Your body is exposed to free radicals daily from pollution, poor diet and tobacco smoke. Without an adequate supply of antioxidants, free radicals cause cellular damage, which can have a cumulative and harmful effect on your general health. The harder you exercise, the more antioxidants you need, so eat plenty of fresh, raw fruit and vegetables and take a good quality antioxidant product, Schizandra Plus is highly recommended.

Results of the latest weight loss study: High protein breakfast could aid weight loss

Eating more protein in the morning helps create the feeling of being full throughout the day and could help dieters lose weight, according to a new study. The timing of a meal is a key factor as a greater sense of fullness is experienced after a high protein breakfast compared to when more protein is eaten at lunch or dinner, the report published in the British Journal of Nutrition said.


Wayne W Campbell, PhD, the study author and professor of foods and nutrition at Purdue University in the US, said: “There is a growing body of research which supports eating high-quality protein foods when dieting to maintain a sense of fullness. This study is particularly unique in that it looked at the timing of protein intake and reveals that when you consume more protein may be a critical piece of the equation."

The Purdue study looked at overweight or obese men who ate a reduced calorie diet. The diet consisted of two variations of protein intakes, both which were within federal nutrition recommendations. The first was a normal protein intake (or 11-14 percent of calories) and the second was increased protein (or 18-25 percent of calories). The researchers tested the effect of consuming the additional protein at specific meals, breakfast, lunch or dinner, or spaced evenly throughout the day and they found that the feeling of fullness was greatest and most sustained throughout the day when the additional protein, from high-quality protein foods, from sources such as eggs and lean Canadian bacon, was eaten at breakfast. Other examples of high-quality protein foods include yogurt or low-fat dairy products such as cheese.

One is to argue that basis of this research resembles the Atkins Diet , which works for weight loss because of the same reason as they found - increase of protein. However, impact of calories (especially those coming from fat) when bacon, eggs and bagels are all consumed for breakfast, can be detrimental to health when consumed on a daily basis and more lean sources should be encouraged in order to promote healthy lifestyle as we all know by now that Atkins Diet is not a healthy diet.

A recent survey commissioned by Solae found that consumers increasingly seek filling breakfasts that release energy slowly, expanding opportunities for manufacturers of soy products. Meanwhile the Starbucks Coffee Company has just introduced the Power Protein Plate to its breakfast menus in the US and Canada. This combines an egg, a whole wheat bagel, peanut butter, cheese, and fresh fruit and contains 16 grams of protein (about one-third of an adults daily needs). Katie Thomson, registered dietitian and senior nutritionist at Starbucks want nutritious option including lean protein to help “fill them up and give them energy to make it to lunch”. Well on them for thinking of their customer's health, however, bagels and peanut butter are hardly a lean protein and neither are cheese and eggs if consumed daily.

Keith Ayoob, a nutritionist and associate professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said: “It strikes me that there is a real opportunity to increase protein intake at breakfast to see a meaningful impact on people's weight loss efforts.” Another Purdue University study published in a 2007 issue of Obesity, a scientific journal, revealed that a calorie-restricted diet with additional protein resulted in retained post-meal feelings of fullness and improved overall mood. This is more like it...


Also, Consumers increasingly seek filling breakfasts that release energy slowly, expanding opportunities for manufacturers of soy products, according to US-based Solae. "The relevance of soy protein, in particular to these needs, is its ability to deliver sustained energy and satiety benefits as a high-quality, plant-based protein," said Jean Heggie, Solae director of marketing. "Consumers seeking the benefits of protein in the morning want to get those benefits in a low-fat and convenient format. Soy protein fits well in foods and beverages designed to deliver on those attributes. There is already widespread understanding and appreciation for the benefits of protein among consumers today. However, there remains opportunity to educate consumers about benefits of specific protein sources." They are just trying to say that not all protein sources are created equal as those coming from red meat and animal sources, in general, should be replaced with plant based lean protein sources or fish as they contain less fat.

Proteins, such as those in soy, are well known for providing satiety - that is, making the consumer feel fuller for longer. However, slow release carbohydrates also boost satiety when compared to simple carbohydrates like sugar and white flour. This suggests that soy could be used in conjunction with whole grains to provide satiating breakfast cereals. Additionally, potassium content has been linked to lower blood pressure, and when using whole grain as the fibre source, a product can also provide satiety. Source: www.nutraingredients.com

Herbalife Solution: Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix has exact attributes of a breakfast and a meal in general that the above study supports.


It's important to start the day the right way. Formula 1 is your perfect healthy breakfast to kick-start your day. A shake for breakfast, lunch or dinner provides the ideal blend of protein to help you feel fuller for longer to help you resist the temptation of unnecessary snacking. Formula 1 will provide you with the confidence that you are on track to reqard your body with the nutrition it deserves.

As one of our core products, the Formula 1 shake is ideal healthy meal for everyone! We have programmes available for people wanting a healthy breakfast, weight loss, weight gain and sports nutrition that build on this nutrition. Many people use a single shake for breakfast, just to ensure they are getting their basic nutrition every day!

Formula 1: A healthy meal

High in key vitamins and minerals to help you achieve your RDAs, including antioxidant vitamins A, C and E.
Less than 220 calories to help you control your caloric intake.
Naturally high in fibre to support healthy digestion.
Specially formulated with high quality soy protein to help you feel fuller for longer or help sustain your energy levels.
Available in six delicious flavours.
Keep going for longer!

Herbalife Formula 1 nutritional shakes combine complex carbohydrates with lean protein, which can keep you going for longer without feeling the need to snack!


Heart healthy soy protein

Research shows that 25 grams of soy protein per day as part of a diet low in saturated fats can help reduce blood cholesterol. A single shake provides you with 10.6 grams (in Cookies and Cream). To achieve the recommended intake of 25 grams, add an additional shake each day, and try supplementing with other Herbalife soy-based products like Formula 3 and other foods such as soy beans or tofu.

High in fibre

Dietary fibre can help speed the passage of food and assist with the removal of wastes and toxins. The high fibre content in formula 1 may help support a healthy digestive system as it contains an equivalent of 4 wholegrain toasts. To reach your daily recommended intake or 24 grams of fibre, supplement with other Herbalife fibre products like Fibrebond or Florafibre, or foods such as cereals, grains, fruit and vegetables.

Herbalife weight-management and nutrition programmes are intended for use as part of a healthy diet in conjunction with regular physical activity. It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake. Weight control is achieved with a calorie-controlled eating plan. Only Formula 1 can be used as a meal replacement for weight control, all other products are food supplements and supporting products.

Omega-3: Lifelong intakes necessary for benefits in old age!

Latest research on Omega 3 suggests the importance of getting the right amount of nutrient from an early age as it's effectiveness lowers with age. According to three new studies, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), may decrease the risk of dementia, and improve survival in older people, if taken throughout one's life.

Two prospective studies from Norway and France measured omega-3 levels using biomarkers and showed positive benefits for the fatty acids in relation to mortality and cognitive function, respectively. However, supplementation of older people with high dose omega-3 does not affect mood or well-being, according to the findings of a third study from the Netherlands.

Putting the studies into context, William Harris from Sanford Research at the University of South Dakota commented in an accompanying editorial:

“In short, the story they tell is this: low in vivo concentrations of EPA and/or DHA predict an increased risk of death in frail, hospitalised octogenarians from Norway and an accelerated cognitive decline in free-living septuagenarians from France. On the other hand, intervention with EPA plus DHA in the healthy elderly had no effect on mental well-being. Together, these findings suggest that dietary habits that include higher versus lower intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may bring certain health benefits that short-term supplementation cannot provide.”

Norvwegian Study: Omega-3 versus mortality
In the Norwegian study, Morten Lindberg from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim and co-workers recruited 254 frail, elderly patients and measured dietary intakes of omega-3 fatty acids using plasma phospholipid concentrations of EPA. Over the course of three years of follow-up, the researchers found that people with the lowest average plasma phospholipid EPA concentrations were about 40 per cent more likely to die, compared to people with higher levels. “Overall mortality in frail, elderly, acutely sick patients was inversely and nonlinearly associated with EPA concentrations,” concluded the researchers.

Commenting on this study, Harris said:

“The authors concluded that only those in the at-risk quartile might have benefited from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Clearly, this is a speculative extrapolation; nevertheless, it is fair to say that higher tissue omega-3 fatty acid (at least EPA) concentrations appeared to be protective. Although no specific mechanism of action was identified, a generalized health benefit arising from a prolonged dietary intake of oily fish (the presumed source of the plasma EPA) would surprise no one familiar with the omega-3 fatty acid literature.”

French Study: Omega-3 versus dementia
In the French study, Cecilia Samieri from Inserm (U897) in Bordeaux and co-workers followed the 1214 non-demented participants in the Three-City Study from Bordeaux. Over the course of four years, 65 of the participants developed dementia, state the researchers. Comparing blood levels of EPA, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and total omega-3 levels, the researchers found that only higher blood levels of EPA were associated with a 31 per cent lower incidence of dementia. Moreover, higher ratios of omega-6 fatty acid blood levels, particularly arachidonic acid (AA), to DHA and total omega-3 levels were linked to a greater dementia risk.

“A high plasma EPA concentration may decrease the risk of dementia, whereas high ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids and of AA to DHA may increase the risk of dementia, especially in depressed older persons,” stated the researchers.

Dutch Study: Omega-3 and mood
For the Dutch study, Ondine van de Rest from Wageningen University and co-workers performed a 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 302 volunteers. The 65-year old subjects were randomly assigned to consume high dose omega-3 (1800 mg/d EPA plus DHA), lower dose omega-3 (400 mg/d EPA plus DHA), or placebo. While plasma concentrations of the fatty acids did increase according to the omega-3 dose, this was not associated with any significant change in the mental well-being of the volunteers in any of the groups.

“In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial we observed no effect of EPA plus DHA supplementation for 26 wk on mental well-being in the general older population studied,” concluded van de Rest.

Commenting on this study, Harris said:

“Although one can always suggest that higher doses may have been more effective, it is more likely that what is done is done; at 70 years of age, supplementation is simply unable to materially alter emotion or mentation. All three studies underscored the importance of maintaining high dietary omega-3 fatty acids intakes throughout life”

All the studies are published in the new issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Source: Nutraingredients.com)

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Stress and hunger: obstacles to healthy diet

Good intentions when it comes to a healthy food go out of the window if people are stressed or hungry, increasing demand for products that offer instant gratification, according to a new study from the US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.


Health goals are likely to be overlooked as consumers are driven by more immediate visceral influences when they leave longer gaps between meals, eat away from home or work longer hours, the report concluded.

Poor diets and rising obesity rates among Americans as well as Europeans, especially British, have occurred concurrently with increased awareness and publicity regarding the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, which is a seeming contradiction, according to the report; “Is Dietary Knowledge Enough? Hunger, Stress, and Other Roadblocks To Healthy Eating”.

But it said by identifying elements that increase demand for goods and services offering more immediate gratification, consumers can be encouraged to take steps to mitigate it, such as eating nutrient-dense snacks.

It follows a recent analysis by Leatherhead Food International which said that satiety foods are growing in popularity in response to consumer interest in ideas such as “hunger management”.

The market researcher identified the ability of food to create feelings of fullness (satiation) and to delay the time in which hunger returns (satiety) as a key trend. And it said food manufacturers are moving away from traditional salt, sugar and fat reduction strategies built upon diet foods and dieting methods consumers were no longer interested in.

Roadblocks to healthy diet
The USDA study used data from its previous surveys to test a theoretical model of both long-term health objectives and short-term situational factors affecting food choices, which predicts that when individuals face intense visceral influences, such as hunger or stress, their information about health and nutrition will have a smaller impact.

It said: “When individuals extend the interval between meals or consume more of their food away from home, they are significantly more likely to consume more calories and more calories from solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars (discretionary calories) at each eating occasion.

“For example, going five hours between meals instead of four adds about 52 calories for someone on a diet of 2,000 calories per day; extending that interval from four to six hours would add about 91 calories to the meal. Going longer stretches between meals is also estimated to lower diet quality at each meal.”


Similarly the study suggests that people who work more hours in a week are also more influenced by the interval between meals than those who work fewer hours.

Where and when someone makes a choice about food also significantly affects what and how much is consumed.

The report concluded: “Making specific reference to such situations and suggesting ways to mitigate their effects should enhance the usefulness of educational campaigns designed to improve diet quality. For example, encouraging consumers to take more active control in limiting the interval between meals and choosing nutrient-dense snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, may help them better align their intentions to eat well with their actual behavior.

Limiting intake of foods prepared away from home is also estimated to significantly decrease caloric consumption. Thus, another possibility would be to encourage individuals to plan ahead or seek out information about nutrient and caloric content of foods prepared away from home.” (Source: Nutraingredients USA)

20 Diseases and Conditions Directly Attributable to Being Overweight

Obesity is a growing concern across the globe, United Stated and the UK leading the way, where overweight rates have doubled among children and tripled among adolescents. This increases the number of years that they are exposing themselves to dangerous health risks associated with obesity.

Here are 20 diseases or conditions that can be attributed to obesity:

1. Diabetes, a disorder where the pancreas is not producing enough or sometimes not any insulin. Diabetes can lead to a whole host of other medical issues and obesity is one of the main causes.

2. Cancer has many different forms and types; many of them could be prevented with more attention to eating healthily and avoiding obesity.

3. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body’s other organs.

4. Enlarged heart is another heart condition where the muscle of your heart becomes larger due to being overworked, which naturally happens if you are overweight.

5. Pulmonary embolism is a sometimes fatal blockage of an artery. Being overweight causes most people to reduce activity, and after time lack of activity can result in an embolism.

6. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which cysts develop in your ovaries. These can burst, causing even further problems.

7. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease happens when stomach acid and juices flow from your stomach back up into your esophagus. It is common in overweight people.

8. Fatty liver disease is a reversible condition in which large pockets of fat accumulate in liver cells.

9. A hernia is caused when the hole in the diaphragm weakens and enlarges.

10. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection, which can be caused by a medical problem due to obesity.

11. Urinary incontinence is the inability to control urination. It is frequently associated with obesity, weak bladder and pelvic floor muscles

12. Chronic renal failure, meaning your kidneys fail to work, is a much greater risk to those who are overweight or obese.

13. Lymph edema is a condition that occurs from a damaged or dysfunctional lymphatic system, sometimes caused by people suffering from obesity actually crushing their own lymphatics.

14. Cellulitis is a spreading infection, involving both the dermis and subcutaneous skin tissues, resulting from poor lymph flow caused by obesity.

15. Stroke is caused by a lack of blood supply to your brain.

16. Pickwickian syndrome is characterized by sleep apnea resulting from obesity placing an excessive load on your pulmonary system.

17. Depression is a condition where a person feels miserable constantly, even to the point of being suicidal. It can be worse for someone who also has a weight problem.

18. Osteoarthritis is a clinical syndrome in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in your joints. It is caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage, oftentimes due to obesity.

19. Gout occurs when uric acid accumulates in your blood. Nerve endings then become irritated, causing extreme pain, which is made worse by carrying extra weight.

20. Gallbladder disease commonly affects overweight people as a result of high blood cholesterol levels, which cause gall stones.

According to a Surgeon General report, obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths every year just in the United States. (Sources: Scientific Laboratory for Food Intolerance).

Your body is designed to operate best when it’s at an ideal weight. Carrying around extra pounds will inevitably increase your risk of developing just about every chronic degenerative disease known to man, and seeing some of them listed above gives you an idea of just how many -- and how far-reaching the problems can be.

That said, obesity itself is not the underlying cause of any health problem. The underlying cause is usually an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise leading to increased insulin and leptin levels, and an overload of emotional stress that has not been addressed. These are the things that cause our bodies to become overweight or obese … and the cycle continues from there.

Even though obesity has been named the fastest-growing health threat, most people don’t want to lose weight to get healthy.

They want to lose weight for aesthetic purposes, or to look better, and this is fine if it gets you to the ultimate goal. Maintaining a healthy body weight is about so much more than looking good in a bikini -- it’s about having more energy, fighting disease, protecting your heart and, above all else, choosing a lifestyle that will support your entire body and your health.

Weight gain is obviously influenced by many factors, but the two that everyone keeps coming back to - diet and exercise - are still the major players in my mind. Combine a healthy diet with exercise and be sure you are addressing the emotional component of food, eating and weight gain, and most people WILL lose weight.

That is one step in the weight-loss equation. From there, it’s just a matter of changing your lifestyle...

1. Eat healthy foods. Eating right is not a “diet.” In fact, if you still feel hungry after eating you are definitely not eating right. There is no food deprivation, no counting calories and definitely no starving yourself, just eating plenty of healthy foods that are right for you.

2. View exercise as a drug. When you’re trying to lose weight, a casual walk here and there is not going to cut it. Many studies find that exercising for one hour, five days a week is actually needed. Sometimes you may need even up to 90 minutes of aerobic activity every day. There is also strong compelling evidence that strength training and high-intensity anaerobic interval training may be especially effective for weight loss.

So there you have it: eat right, exercise, and release your stress -- and that is typically all it takes. I am not suggesting that weight loss is easy, only that it is something you can accomplish if you put your mind to it, and this may mean getting some outside support.
(Source: Dr Mercola)

Obesity poses as big a threat as terrorism, Government warns. Is enough being done?

As we know it, around 25 per cent of people in England are classified as obese, so overweight that it threatens their health, compared to 8 per cent figure in 1980. On current trends, half of the population will be clinically obese by 2032, and those with Type II diabetes, which is triggered almost exclusively by being overweight, will rise tenfold to 19 million. Overall, obesity is thought to knock nine years off lifespan. Various cancers, including breast, colon, kidney and stomach cancer, are known to be linked to weight.

The cost to the NHS of treating obesity, already £1billion a year, will also soar. Obesity poses as grave a threat to Britain and the NHS as terrorism, a Government adviser has warned, reports Daily Mail. "The threat to our future health is just as significant as the current security threat."

But, ministers are blamed for failing to take 'bold action' to tackle the growing crisis. Experts have already warned that if trends continue, half the population will be obese within 25 years, causing life expectancy to fall for the first time in two centuries. A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "We are tackling obesity through awareness campaigns and action in schools"... (source: www.dailymail.com)

We all know what happened in Jamie's Kitchen and resistance that positive changes to school dinners received, from parents especially, although I do believe that the it's legacy will continue to live on. Providing free school meals, which has been proposed, could help, but the core of the problem lies with poor eating habits that children get at home. Parents surely need to be re-educated, but that is easier said than done as they, themselves were probably brought up on just as poor diet. Comments made by public that I came across when reading this article clearly show that people are in denial and really not ready to change anything. Good thing that is done at schools is surely being ruined at home.

Balanced nutrition is surely not on everyone's menu as majority lack the knowledge of what it means. It is NOT just about 5-a-day! That is just a bare minimum to make sure our intake of fibre, vitamins and minerals is at least at our bodies minimum requirement, but, balanced nutrition is a whole different ball game and something that one needs to have a knowledge of in order to be able to plan meals on a daily basis. Introduction of labels in stores was brought about to give some nutritional information that could help introduce more nutrient balance into diet, but that is just for packaged food and still, apparently, 67% of adult population do not understand percentages, so, is it really working? I know it helps me, but not sure it does to everyone.

Something is fundamentally wrong indeed and I am not sure that raising awareness and campaigns are working quick enough and that they are the only answer or that the net is spread enough.

I also believe that war on anything will just perpetuate the problem and bring more of the same thing as war on terror brings more terror, war on drugs brings more drugs, etc., so, fighting obesity by putting pressure and blame on the obese and overweight can not be an answer either and it will only worsen the problem, which, in turn, will only continue to serve well pharmaceuticals and other industries that profit from the bad habits of overweight, obese and, overall, unhealthy.

I do not believe in waging war on obese and imposing restrictions and putting pressure, but I do believe in setting positive examples and leading by example, starting by the people of influence and those that claim that they care about current health crisis. For start, our politicians, teachers, etc. should be a picture of health themselves and doctors should be more nutritionally savvy and be able to give more nutritional advice rather than prescribe pills so readily.

Oh, just how many people I talk to who believe their doctors so blindly who actually perpetuate their health problem focusing on the illness and correcting the illness by prescribing all these medications, which does not focus on prevention but just the treatment of the disease. It somehow even takes away the responsibility for people to proactively do something about their health problem.

But, the fact is, doctors really aren’t trained in nutrition as, in medical school, their nutrition related work focuses on biochemistry; i.e., here is how much vitamin A the body needs, but not necessarily where to find that nutrient. Seems wrong and puzzling, but why not then referring patients to a nutritionist/ dietician (cost covered by the NHS) who can offer nutritional advice and counselling to the patients, which they can really take home and apply to their diet? This would surely help people who really need and want help but can not afford themselves to pay for the service that is mainly available privately. To me, this seems as a real oversight, which just makes no sense at all.

I am not saying this is the bottom line and the only solution as there are many and they must come on all fronts, but I will mention one of the smartest quotes I have ever come across: "If our doctors do not become nutritional experts, our nutritional experts will be our future doctors!"

I focus on the doctors as doctors seem to have such a great power that it is scary as it currently only serves pharmaceuticals who continue to benefit from the soaring health crisis and doctor's authority could surely be used in a more positive manner when it comes to obesity and obesity related illnesses! They too must take responsibility in the advice they give astheir current role could be even deemed as unethical.



I feel proud being involved with Herbalife and with what it stands for and it's mission: Correcting nutritional deficiencies around the world, one person at the time!

I can not think of anything more noble to do at this age and time and I hope the world is a lot healthier and better place by the time I reach the end of my Herbalife career (when I am in my 90ies, of course, and, even then, I will be talking shakes and tablets, without any doubt on my mind!).

Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix: ShapeWorks Core Essential: ANYTIME-ANYWHERE MEAL

In today's busy lifestyle reaching for convenient food on the go is an easy and attractive option. These foods tend to be high in fat, salt and calories and often lack essential nutrients denying the body important vitamins and minerals. Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix has been used by millions of people around the world for the past 27 years.



It is balanced and delicious, versatile and easy to prepare - the perfect healthy meal in a glass! Whether you take one shake a day as a healthy meal or two shakes as part of your weight management programme, it will deliver perfect healthy solution as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, herbs, healthy soy protein, carbohydrates and healthy dietary fibre, all in 200 calories!

KEY FEATURES:

New, improved protein-rich formula, derived from Soy Protein Isolate

Each serving (made with milk) provides 17 grams of protein helping to keep the body's protein requirements balanced thus minimising muscle wastage during periods of weight-control.

Low in calories, only 217 kcal per serving (including 250ml of semi-skimmed milk.

Low in saturated and unsaturated fat.

Formula 1 has been developed with advanced food technology, providing a scientifically balanced and easily absorbed source of quality nutrition.

Provides a combination of slow-release and quick release carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar highs and lows while maintaining energy levels.

Provides high quality dietary fibre.

Rich in minerals and vitamins A, C and E, that can help fight "free radical" oxygen molecules and so help protect your body.

Formula 1 uses calcium caseinate, a protein source which may be more suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Easy to prepare, totally portable, delicious...

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FORMULA 1 FOR WEIGHT CONTROL AND SHAPING UP
Do you find calorie counting off-putting and demoralising?
Formula 1 is simple - you do not need to tediously count calories - just have two servings each day and a main meal of your choice. This daily routine provides perfectly balanced calories and nutrients, ensuring your body is well-nourished.

Do you feel constantly hungry and empty, even if you have just eaten?
Formula 1's special combination of ingredients will help to provide enough calories/ energy to get you through the day.

Do you worry that you maybe missing essential nutrients because you are reducing your food intake?
Ordinarily, you may well be! It is essential to the success of any weight control programme to include a reliable source of comprehensive nutrients, such as those contained in Formula 1.

Do you sometimes feel miserable, tired, even irritable whilst trying to control your weight?
Miserable because you feel deprived; tired because your "fuel" intake may be too low and irritable because blood sugar highs and lows can create a yo-yo effect. Formula 1 will help pep-up your vitality levels, and consequently, your outlook should be more cheerful.

Do you find it difficult to maintain variety and interest in your food when trying to control your weight?
With six different and delicious flavours to choose from, and an abundance of shake recipe ideas - the last thing you will suffer is boredom! The recipes are so versatile and diverse and you will also have fun thinking some of your own ideas!

FORMULA 1 FOR MAINTAINING THE PERFECT WEIGHT
Are you worried that you may start putting weight back on?
Replace ONE meal a day with a delicious shake and continue with choosing healthy foods for your two main meals. You need not put any weight back on if you have made careful lifestyle improvements and continue to use ShapeWorks products in the "maintenance fashion".

FORMULA 1 FOR QUALITY NUTRITION AND BALANCED MEALS
How often do you resort to ready-made meals or eat out at "fast food" outlets?
Many fast foods are low in nutritional value, over-processed, full of chemicals, high in fat and sugar, and expensive. If you do need a "fast meal", and want to be kind to your body, opt out for Formula 1's fantastic nutrient rich food value.

To give you an idea of just how nutritious it is, one shake provides the following approximate nutrient levels:

Vitamin A = (equivalent to) 120g cheddar cheese (47% EU RDA)
vitamin C = 100g boiled cabbage (29% EU RDA)
Vitamin D = 50g tinned tuna (50% EU RDA)
Vitamin E = 50g dry roasted cashew nuts (51% EU RDA)
Vitamin B6 = 100g cooked lentils (33% EU RDA)
Vitamin B12 = two raw eggs (154% EU RDA)
Calcium = 80g tofu (52% EU RDA)
Zinc = 85g cooked crab (32% EU RDA)
Magnesium = 248ml carrot juice (18% EU RDA)
Iron = 155g cooked beef steak (38% EU RDA)
Potassium = 100g cooked soya beans (NA)
Copper = one avocado (NA)
Selenium = 90g cooked liver (NA)
Dietary Fibre = four slices wholemeal bread (20% EU RDA)

Imagine the amount of calories you would be consuming daily in order to give your body minimum amount of every single nutrient your body needs every single day to ensure proper metabolism, growth, repair, detoxification and reproduction: it is estimated that you would need to consume food that would range between 4000-6000 calories to get the same amount of nutrition from regular foods.

How much time do you spend each day preparing nutritionally balanced meals?
If your lifestyle prevents you from regularly preparing nutritious meals, don't worry; Formula 1 takes just a few minutes, there is no mess, no fuss, and it tastes great! Just ad milk/ soya milk/ juice or rice milk and shake till smooth and creamy. If you fancy a smoothie, just add fruit. It is quick, Healthy and Easy to prepare!

Do you eat breakfast each day?
Breakfast is recognised by nutritional experts as the most important meal of the day, providing you with much needed energy and nutrients, and is the "break" from your night's "fast". Try not to neglect your fuel requirements - Formula 1 makes a satisfying and easily prepared breakfast, perfect for getting the day off to a good start!

How often do you rush through or miss lunch?
Prepare a Formula 1 shake instead! Just take a small container to work with enough of the powder for one serving and add either milk powder and water, juice or use fresh semi-skimmed or soya milk! Combine in a sealable beaker and give it a good shake - lunch is ready! If you have access to a blander - then add some fruit for variety!

How often do you feel tired and lacking in vitality?
If you find your vitality levels flagging half way through the morning or afternoon, simply top-up your fuel reserves mid morning or mid afternoon with a snack-sized half serving of Formula 1!

Do you lead a stressful lifestyle and worry that it may be affecting you on a physical level?
It is better to be safe than sorry! You need a constant supply of vitamins and minerals to help your body fight off the free radical damage we endure because of stress, pollution, chemicals, etc. Formula 1 provides balanced nutrients, which are readily absorbed by the body to help keep you in a good physical shape. As a simple preventative measure, simply include Formula 1 in your daily regime!

Do you tend to snack on cakes, biscuits, and rely on a constant supply of coffee and tea through the day?
Get into a new and healthier habit - replace one of your daily snack sessions with a nutritious and tasty protein bar or soy nuts.

FORMULA 1 IS VERSATILE
Everyone can enjoy the benefits of Formula 1 as it serves different purposes:

weight control: simply replace two meals a day with two shakes
healthy nutrition: once you've achieved your ideal weight, replace one meal with a shake and incorporate it into your daily regime feeling confident that you are giving your body the best.
sports nutrition: sports men and women all over the world enrich their daily diets by powering their active lives with rich nutrient content in Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix.

FORMULA 1 FITS INTO BUSY LIFESTYLE
A hectic lifestyle of busy mums and dads, hardworking students and high-flying executives, needs a regular supply of good quality "fuel" to keep blood sugars level and provide essential nutrients and energy throughout the day. Irregular meals and poor food choice can result in fatigue and weight gain so regularly-spaced healthy meals are a must. Formula 1 shake is a NOW meal, immediate, satisfying and nutritious.

FORMULA 1 - AN EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN
Protein provides the "building blocks" of life - amino acids - every cell in the body needs amino acids. Protein is useful to the body for a multitude of tasks, such as maintaining muscle mass, repairing damage to tissues and producing hormones and enzymes.

FORMULA 1 - MORE HEALTH BENEFITS
It can reduce cholesterol levels, helps digestive system work more efficiently by choosing smaller, highly nutritious option, fibre rich, that is easily digested; supplies excellent levels of valuable nutrients.

Finally, at the end of a long list of positive benefits, you can enjoy this marvellous product in five fabulous flavours: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Tropical Fruit, Cappuccino and Cookies and Cream Flavour. It really is the classic must-have!

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