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  Frequently Asked Questions

I am suffering from cellulite, how can I reduce it, is there any kind of surgical operation for that?
Cellulite, which is is a series of ripples of fat cells and subcutaneous connective tissue under the skin can not be removed surgically. Studies show that there is a clear association between excess fat and cellulite. To keep the layer of connective tissue between the fat cells supple, eat foods rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C. In addition you should maintain a normal weight and try to lose weight gradually if overweight, drink around least 2L of glasses/day, quit smoking, eat plenty of fiber speically from fruits& vegetables, exercise regularly, avoid taking laxatives &diuretics and reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, high-fat foods and highly processed foods.
How can I gain weight in a healthy way?
In order to gain weight, you simply need to take in more calories than you burn. The Daily Calculator on this website will give you an estimate of how many calories you require every day. Adding high-fat foods to your diet would seem logical as a first thought to add calories,since fats contain more than twice as many calories per gram compared to proteins&carbohydrates,however, this would be an unhealthy way... The best way would be to add high-quality calories to your diet by making sure to consume foods with high nutrient and calorie densities. Thus, a good weight training program, supported by a nutritious high-calorie diet would be ideal.
Is it true that chocolate will make me improve my mood?
The consumption of chocolate triggers the release of endorphins,the brain's natural happy hormones. However, researchers say that you would need to eat quantities of it in order to make any impact on the brain and be in a better mood. So, if you are trying to lose weight or even maintain it or have some medical conditions such as hyperlipidemia or diabetes watch out!
Are sports drinks better than water during a sports training or competitive event?
If the duration of the activity of an individual/athlete is continuous for 1 hour or longer, a sports drink is the better replacement fluid. However, if the activity lasts less than 1 hour, water is the best option. In either case, an athlete should have about 1-2 cups of fluid replacement every 30 minutes during strenuous, high intensity activity.
What are probiotics and why do you need them?
Probiotics are live, naturally-occurring bacteria that maintain the natural balance in your body by promoting healthy digestion, boosting the immune system, and contributing to general wellbeing. They are particularly useful when you're taking or intend to take antibiotics since they destroy the beneficial bacteria in your body when helping you to get well. Probiotics ingested as dietary supplements or yogurts can help your stomach reinforce it's friendly bacteria thus, aid recovery and prevent further infections.
I was recently diagnosed with under-active thyroid. What is the best diet for my condition?
You condition might cause different physical symptoms including weight gain,depending on the degree of under-reactivity of the thyroid. The thyroid is particularly supported by two minerals which are iodine and selenium. in addition to one amino acid which is tyrosine. In fact, iodine mostly found in iodized salt,baked potatoes with peel,turkey and tuna is part of the structure of one of the thyroid hormones (T3: tri-iodo-thyronine). Your diet should should also include foods high in selenium such as mushrooms,shrimps,salmon,eggs, barley, rye,whole grains, brown rice, spinach, asparagus and tyrosine which you can find in meat, dairy as well as almonds, avocados and bananas to help support the thyroid's function. You should also ensure your thyroid hormone levels are monitored with regular blood tests by consulting your endocrinologist.
What are omega-3 fatty acids and where do we get them?
Omega-3 fats are essential fatty acids for good health that our bodies cannot manufacture. Studies in the decades showed increased evidence of omega-3 in decreasing triglycerides levels in blood, lowering risk of sudden cardiac death and reducing risk of coronary heart diseases, blood pressure, inflammation and depressive disorders. Omega-3 exists in three forms: Alpha-linolenic acid(ALA)-found in vegetable sources such as: flax seed, soybean oil and canola oil and Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)& Docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) which are found primarily in cold-water fatty fish such as: salmon, mackerel , lake trout, herring, sardines, tuna.
Is a vegetarian diet considered healthy for you?
If a vegetarian diet is well planned it is safe however, if too restricted, it may be unhealthy because some nutrients may be missing.If you choose the right combination of foods such as those high in calcium from calcium-fortified orange juice or breakfast cereals in case dairy products are not tolerated and if you eat whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, usually your intake will be adequate and you won't need to take a multivitamin supplement however consult with your dietitian or physican for special cases. Many studies have shown that a well planned vegetarian diet has health advantages such as s reduction of your risk of heart disease, gallstones, stroke, and certain types of cancer due to not consuming meat and thus less cholesterol and saturated fat.
How to maintain your weight after a diet?
Maintaining weight loss after a diet can sometimes be harder than losing weight in the first place. The key to a successful weight maintenance after a diet is self control in making healthy changes in your eating habits following a regular exercise plan that you can keep up for the rest of your life. As for temptations like sweets, crisps and chocolates make sure to consume them moderately. If you lost weight recently and you are in need a personalized weight maintenance plan don't hesitate to contact me.
Is olive oil good or bad for your health?
To say 'olive oil can be used freely' isn't quite true. If you were to consume large quantities of olive oil you would be doing much more harm to your body than good. Like all oils, olive oil is high in calories and fat content and one should use it sparingly especially if he/she is following a weight loss diet. However, olive oil is considered one of the healthiest forms of oils compared to traditional cooking oils because it contains two essential fatty acids vital for both cellular and cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that people who live in the Mediterranean region with usually a high intake of olive oil, have a much lower risk of heart disease, LDL cholesterol and a tendency to remain healthier for longer. In addition, olive oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid and thus, is less likely to be turned into the potentially harmful trans fat when used in cooking however it is best to use it in medium- temperature cooking.