This is a sample of the type of foods that would constitute a healthy diet which would allow an individual to maintain muscle while losing body fat.  For best results the calories would need to be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual.

Sample Weightloss Diet For Women
Meal 1 (7 AM)
1/2 cup of dry oats mixed with water
1/2 cup of egg beaters

Meal 2 (9 AM)
Meal replacement like BioRhythm Whole Gains mixed with water

Meal 3 (12 Noon)
1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

Meal 4 (3 PM)
Same as Meal 2

Meal 5 (6 PM) 1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable
6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

Meal 6 (8 PM)
Same as Meal 2

The body’s aging process can be compared to rusting, which in this case happens from the inside out.  Rusting is a result of cumulative free radical damage.  Free radicals are compounds that are unstable and can damage the body’s cells if left unchecked.  Free radicals come from our normal metabolism and our environment – for example exposure to sun, x-rays, cigarette smoke, saturated fats, alcohol, ozone, automobile exhaust, heavy metals and many other sources.  If we don’t do something about neutralizing free radicals the aging process can be accelerated as these compounds do damage to the bodies cells.  Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and many of the health issues of aging are all linked back to free radical damage.  In order to help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals we need to take antioxidants.  Antioxidant combination formulas are a great source of antioxidants as well as greens foods and super fruits such as acai and pomegranate.  We recommend using a whole food based multi like ANS Vita Greens as well.

10 million Americans are estimated to have osteoporosis.  Women are four times more likely to develop this condition than men.  1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 8 men will suffer from an osteoporosis-related break in their lifetime.  It takes much more than calcium to have healthy bones.  Using just a calcium and vitamin D supplement won’t do the trick.  We now know that other nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin k2, silica, vanadium, strontium and trace minerals play a huge roll in bone health and strength.  Combine this with proper diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes and you should see improvements in your bone health.

Try and reduce the stress on your immune system such as exposure to foods that can trigger your allergy symptoms.  Get tested to find out what you might be highly sensitive to, and then remove it from your diet.  Top trigger foods are gluten, eggs, dairy and soy.  Dietary supplements like butterbur, nettle, horseradish, eyebright, and bromelain can all help reduce your stuffy and runny nose issues.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza B. People using the elderberry extract recovered much faster than those only on a placebo. This is partially due to the fact that Elderberry inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells. A small study published in 2004 showed that 93% of flu patients given the extract were completely symptom-free within two days; those taking a placebo recovered in about six days.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine supports mitochondrial energy production and enhances the production neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  Research shows Acetyl L-Carnitine has the ability to enhance brain function and exert an antidepressant effect.

Sam-e has been extensively studied for its antidepressant activity.  It works as a methyl donor involved in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters.  Its exact mechanism of action isn’t entirely clear, although it is suggested that Sam-e may normalize levels of specific neurons in the brain.

Another interesting compound is L-Theanine.  L-Theanine is a free form amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants.  Studies suggest it can increase brain levels of serotonin, dopamine and GABA.  Clinical studies suggest L-Theanine may increase alpha wave activity, relaxing and focusing the brain without drowsiness.

Curcumin is an herb which is derived from Tumeric.  It is often used in food as a flavoring and has been getting attention for its ability to support joint function, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  Recent studies have highlighted the ability of curcumin to support the function of collagen and cartilage cells.  A study in 2005 showed that curcumin exerted a protective effect on cartilage cells and inhibited degradation of these cells as well.  Another study showed it had a positive effect at enhancing synovial (joint fluid) cell health. 

Curcumin has also been shown to maintain cholesterol and lipid levels that are already normal.  In another study curcumin given to animals consuming a high fat diet had a smaller increase in lipid levels than those not consuming curcumin.

Not many people realize the influence hormones, such as estrogen have on body weight. The worst part is, just as too much estrogen causes weight gain, low estrogen levels also cause similar issues with weight.

The liver and the gastrointestinal system, both work towards taking care of excess levels of hormones. Hormonal imbalance occurs when these organs do not function properly. Once it is determined that the hormones are imbalanced, detoxification needs to be done to get rid of the toxins in the body. as estrogen have on body weight. The worst part is, just as too much estrogen causes weight gain, low estrogen levels also cause similar issues with weight.

Experts believe that most women usually walk themselves into hormonal dysfunction. They eat too many carbohydrates without eating much protein and this creates a problem with the zinc/copper ratio. Protein is important for the adrenal glands.

Also, with the fear of weight gain, women mostly avoid fats, and many a time, they do not get the necessary fats that the body needs. Only one or two tablespoons or essential fatty acids per day are required to restore hormonal balance in the body. Essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils and they should a part of the diet. These are found in fish oils such as cod, salmon, mackerel; flaxseed and canola oils; vegetable oils, such as corn, peanut, sesame and safflower oils. The most therapeutic Omega-6 oil is found in black currant, evening primrose and borage oils. These oils are converted to prostaglandin’s in the body, which are substances that are like hormones and regulate the metabolic functions in the body.
Physicians also recommend daily vitamin intake to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and pollutants that can actually lead to excessive estrogen production, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins as well as magnesium.

Looking to strengthen your hair skin and nails and decrease the possibility of breakage. New ingredients in Irwin Naturals Hair, Skin and Nails formula can do just that.  The select vitamins and herbal extracts provide the body with the raw materials to repair damaged hair, prevent nails from breaking and rejuvenate skin cells.  The formulas precise blend and liquid delivery create noticeable results within weeks.

Use hyaluronic acid to moisturize, nourish and smooth your complexion.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound in the body that helps keep skin soft and youthful. Unfortunately this compound usually depletes with age, but by taking a supplemental form of it much more can be maintained. Hyaluronic acid is a gelatin like substance that acts as a lubricant in the body by being able to retain moisture. In the skin it helps to moisturize and rejuvenate and nourish the skin cells.