This is not a diet book but written from the psychology perspectives that discusses how to beat cravings for sweets. A simple How to beat sugar blues
This is not a diet book but written from the psychology perspectives that discusses how to beat cravings for sweets. A simple step would be to understand the advantages of consuming high fiber and high protein foods that are equally satisfying and achieve freedom from sugar. High-fiber foods regulate blood sugar, and higher protein diet reduce cravings. There are two types of fibers, the soluble fiber, which absorbs water and forms gel like substance in the digestive system and thus reduces the absorption of sugar and cholesterol in blood. The second, the insoluble fiber that does not dissolve in water and stay in the bulk as stool which is beneficial for digestion.
This book is not for readers interested from the diabetes perspective, but addresses issues related to keeping the blood glucose at acceptable levels. The text reads more like a therapist speaking to her patients rather than an author writing a health book for her readers. The book is helpful in some respects but seems redundant since numerous books are written about this subject, and many resources are available online. One in particular is the articles published by the National Institutes of Health about controlling blood sugar (@NIH.Gov). I have been pre-diabetic for many years, and I have avoided being diabetic by the careful choice of food I consume which are not difficult to follow by an average individual. Cravings for sugary food is common and difficult to overcome, but a combination of high fiber and some sugary food is well worth a shot. This may include fresh food, whole foods, and home-cooked meals. Highly processed foods are often affordable and convenient, but they are high in calories and added sugar.
A meta-analysis involving a subset of studies demonstrated that chickpeas are effective in reducing blood glucose compared to potatoes and wheat. Chickpeas offer the potential for blood sugar control through low starch digestibility, high fiber, protein, and hormonal effects. Avocados, beans, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, almonds, berries which are also high in antioxidants. Whole grains lower the risks of diabetes and heart disease and maintain a healthy blood pressure. Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussel sprouts, rich in fibers are also recommended as a part of a healthy diet. ...more
Author Rachel Gross explores the female anatomy from a social and historical perspective in eight chapters ranging fPerspectives on the female anatomy
Author Rachel Gross explores the female anatomy from a social and historical perspective in eight chapters ranging from the glans clitoris to the egg cell to the vaginal microbiome. Most chapters skew medically dense areas to cause wince for the squeamish. In fact, this book is less to do with scientific accuracy and more to do with the views of a LGBTQ activist who tries to convince the readers that vagina doesn’t mean female anatomy, instead redefine it from non-binary, transgender, and intersex perspectives. She asks medical professionals to de-stigmatize vagina from feminism and women. Many chapters include personal stories of women who had medical issues with undefined genitals and the medical professionals who treated them. She concludes that scientists are still exploring the female body because the gender boundaries are fuzzier than ever. She believes that the gender and sex is a spectrum, and that hormones, chromosomes, and genitals can arrange themselves in myriad permutations. It is suggested that it is wrong for medical doctors to decide whether a child is a boy or a girl. This is the most absurd conclusion for an author writing about the whole idea of women. I did not expect anything stimulating from this over enthusiastic activist who questions the accuracy of scientific and medical opinions. Authors like this are creating unsafe social conditions for women and feminists to enjoy their natural rights, but they are seriously challenged by the trans-women who think they are “real women.”...more
Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, algae, and viruses are too small but they have tremendous impact on our lLiving with microbes
Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, algae, and viruses are too small but they have tremendous impact on our lives. The wilds of the human microbiome, where for thousands of years, bacterial and human cells existed in a peaceful symbiosis and in equilibrium to foster healthier bodies. The dialogue between the gut and the brain has been recognized by ancient healing traditions such as Ayurvedic medicine in ancient India, which is confirmed by the recent studies that show the microbes in the human body communicate with mind from the gut. Our personality may be shaped by your microbiome, the lack of biodiversity can make one sick which is supported by an old proverb, “you are what you eat.” Because diet has a profound effect on both physical and mental health. Most of the body’s immune system is in the gut, so pathology and dysfunction in the gut and imbalanced gut flora can cause neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease.
This book will fascinate you about the intriguing world of good and bad bugs discussed in three sections. In the first part, the author discusses friendly microbes responsible for our current oxygen-rich environment that supports life and how they are our intimate bodyguards in making our very existence possible. The second part deals with infectious microbes that can harm us, and the final section is a futuristic story of how we can harness the power of microbes to make us healthier and safer. In this book you learn that most microbes are beneficial to humans, animals, and plants, but the belief that germs are our mortal enemies-hasn't changed. A vast majority of germs are either harmless or genuinely essential to human health. This book is written for a casual reader with very little scientific data. There are several books available in bookstore that is creative and generate enthusiasm and curiosity to learn more about microbes than this book....more
In this book, the University of Toronto economics professor Joshua Gans analyzes economics of Covid-19 pandemiEconomic choices during a health crisis
In this book, the University of Toronto economics professor Joshua Gans analyzes economics of Covid-19 pandemic. The principle question addressed here is how to balance the economy and the public health crisis. What epidemiological model should we use? Covid-19 impacts different demographics in different ways, and compounding the problem is the information flow or the lack of it made it harder. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was stated that the virus affects older population, but later we learnt that it also affects younger population with equal ferocity. The actual number of death reported for wealthy countries does not help. It should be based on percentage of population and the economic diversity of the community.
The author suggests government could lend loans to its citizens during a pandemic to ease the economic burden, and repayment of loans to the government over time through taxation. But this leads to massive bureaucracy, and such a model may work for few wealthy countries. The AIDS epidemic in Africa which devastated an entire generation depleted the workforce and hampered the economic development. Prioritizing the economy over health is not necessarily a wise choice. The author also suggests that an international harmonized response would help. But organizations like United Nations and World Health Organizations have become a strong ally of China which is mainly responsible for this global pandemic. Except for United States, no other country is calling for actions against China which may have committed criminal acts.
This book is written in hurried fashion since much of epidemiology of Covid-19 is not well understood. The author does not have any academic publications in peer reviewed journals in the economics of public health that calls for closer scrutiny of his ideas....more
In 2018, 34.2 million Americans (10.5% of the population) had diabetes according to American Diabetes Association, and The myth of sugar detox program
In 2018, 34.2 million Americans (10.5% of the population) had diabetes according to American Diabetes Association, and 14.3 million of them were over the age of 65. Diabetes is also controllable by following low carbohydrate diet. Eating doesn’t have to be boring, but it is all about finding the right balance that works for you. The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes, this is also referred to as hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c.
The glycemic index, or GI, measures how a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose. Foods are ranked based on how they compare to a reference food — either glucose or white bread. A food with a high GI raises blood glucose (diabetic state), but a food with a medium or low GI produces glucose slowly into the blood stream (non-diabetic state). Examples of carbohydrate-containing foods with a low GI include dried beans, legumes, all non-starchy vegetables, some starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, most fruits, and many whole grain breads and cereals. In page 22, the author discusses these food types and offers some advice; substituting sugary food with spices would be helpful (page 66).
The sugar detox program of the author includes following 7-Day Sugar Tracker exercise for three weeks that includes recording the type of food consumed, portion consumed, sugar amount in the food consumed, time of eating, and a measure of urge to eat. The author makes helpful suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the downside of the plan is it is focused on non-vegetarian food. There is little room for people interested in vegetarian diet. This is a helpful book if you are seriously considering going through a sugar detox program. ...more
I have been a vegetarian much of my life, but recently my physician said that my blood glucose level Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet
I have been a vegetarian much of my life, but recently my physician said that my blood glucose level is high, and I must go on a low glycemic index (Low-GI) diet. Although I led a relatively healthy lifestyle, I worried that a change in my diet would make my life too restricted. But a low carb diet is necessary for various reasons; keeping a healthy body weight, lowering diabetic effects and remain health positive.
This book has many good features that focuses on vegetarians looking on low-carb recipes, especially Chapter 7 where you find main dishes. There are certainly interesting choices but lack variety. My favorites include "spicy vegan Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers", and "Paneer cheese curry with spinach and arugula". There are others that may be interest for you. One drawback is that there are very few main dishes with grains. In addition, I would like to see more colored pictures of recipes in this book that help me connect with the dish I am cooking. Chapter 8 that gives dessert recipes do not have any dishes that contain ice cream.
One note I like to add is that foods with a relatively high glycemic index ranking include potatoes and white bread, snack foods, desserts and sugary beverages. Foods such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products are naturally lower on the glycemic index. Foods with a low-GI value is the preferred choice, because they are slowly digested and absorbed, causing a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels (non-diabetic state). On the other hand, foods with a high GI value should be limited since they are quickly digested and absorbed resulting in a rapid rise of blood sugar (diabetic state). ...more
A plan to manage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia becomes necessary when you or your loved ones is affected with Understanding cognition decline
A plan to manage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia becomes necessary when you or your loved ones is affected with a cognitive decline. I have always used well known websites like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and National Institute of Health (NIH) websites for general medical and pharmaceutical questions. I could find answers to many questions this way. But this book addresses a broad audience of patients, caregivers, and treatment centers with a plan to deal with AD. You can learn to recognize warning signs, symptoms, and stages of the disease. The author explains in a conversational Q&A style, about the symptoms of AD and dementia, improving the quality of life of people suffering from AD, and how dementia is diagnosed. For specific questions and treatments, you must consult with your care providers and the physician who is treating your family members, but this book offers some useful advice as how you can handle a critical time in your life. ...more
Eating right is one of the themes of controlling blood sugar to combat diabetes. This is one of the several books available Eating right with diabetes
Eating right is one of the themes of controlling blood sugar to combat diabetes. This is one of the several books available in book stores; then what makes this different from other books? A critical review reveals that all these books follow the same general principle; make good choices for your nutritional needs and follow a plan that fits your needs.
You will find delicious recipes such as: Whole wheat blueberry muffins, berry smoothies, curried chicken skewers with yogurt dipping sauce, spinach salad with carrots, oranges and sesame; peanut noodle salad, chicken enchiladas, Vegan black bean burgers, grilled marinated shrimp skewers, Greek-style garlic-lemon potatoes, banana ice cream and much more. This book is helpful and but does not stand out as unique from other books in this area. ...more
This is a collection of stories for a reader interested to lose weight and live healthy. Although this is a promoMotivational Stories for the Listener
This is a collection of stories for a reader interested to lose weight and live healthy. Although this is a promotional book for Weight Watchers product, these stories may be beneficial to many readers. The book is divided into nine chapters but there are only three sections; the bulk of it is about women, and two small chapters; one about men and another for teams. There are two or three page profiles of each individual who lost weight by enrolling in a Weight Watchers program where they got counseled to control dietary habits and include some form of daily exercise program. A combination of diet and exercise seems to work for most people in this catalogue of profiles. There are some interesting examples; Marie, 41 of California lost 100 pounds by combining exercise and eating habits and using counseling of Weight Watchers group leader. She claims healthy eating and sensible portions are important. Sandy, 33 of New York lost 95 pounds by dieting alone. Brenda, 40 of Wisconsin is an amazing example of how much you can lose weight; she lost weight from 451 to 180 pounds (page 42). Audrey, 39 of Georgia widowed at a young age turned her life around by losing 93 pounds (page 55). Kathy, 34 of Texas lost 167 pounds; Sara, 38 of Pennsylvania lost over 143 pounds in a year and half. Tom McCarthy, 39 of New Jersey lost 137 pounds in about a year. Age appears to be irrelevant for losing weight as Barbara, 60 of Florida lost over 82 pounds (page 96). Jan, 70 of New Jersey who has travelled to 40 countries and eat various ethnic foods lost weight to feel healthy and neutralize the effects of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes (page 110). Diana, 66 of California lost 35 pounds juggling her successful career as a CEO of her own software company (page 113). Wayne, of Arkansas at 64 lost an amazing 203 pounds (page 194). Losing weight gradually is perhaps healthier and natural than losing weight too quickly. It needs mental and behavioral changes and strong support from family members such as mother or a spouse would be helpful as proved in few cases. Losing weight by team work is good for motivation and exercising together. Couples or friends could team up positively and this is illustrated in several examples in the last chapter.
There are number of publications by Weight Watchers and most of them are cooking books with some healthy choices for the menu (1-6). Losing weight by exercise and diet is a common theme and numerous books are available in literature that caters to the needs of each individual; some examples are given in references 7-10.
Note: The page numbers refer to the "advanced uncorrected proof (galley)." This copy was made available under the Amazon Vine program. ...more
Fitness America: The Colorful History of Muscle Beach
This is one of the several books available about the history of Muscle Beach that paved the way fFitness America: The Colorful History of Muscle Beach
This is one of the several books available about the history of Muscle Beach that paved the way for fitness, aerobics, weight lifting, and body building. The athletes who made it possible, especially the ladies of Muscle beach, are the real stars. Women of modern generation must be highly indebted to them for popularizing a sport that was considered freakish and outright unfeminine. These women worked in 1930s and 40s when the land was highly conservative, and Santa Monica was no different. Strong pressure from local government through legislations, and public opinions through media were always unfriendly to women of Muscle beach. Muscle beach started around 1934, although few claim the foundation were laid as early as early 1920s. In its heyday, Muscle beach was made of men, women, and children who were learning and performing athletic feats, and acrobatic stunts to delight beachgoers. Some of these performers emerged as top class athletes, stuntman, bodybuilders, gymnasts, fitness consultants, and entrepreneurs. It is a long list of names that includes; Abbye "Pudgy" Stockton, Les Stockton, Jack Lalanne, Vic and Armand Tanny, Ran Hall, Frank Jares, Steve Reeves, George Eiferman, and so on. Many of them in later years became gym owners, trainers, authors and consultants.
Women performing stunts include; Pudgy Stockton lifting a man with one hand or support him on her shoulders; Pudgy or Relna Brewer would tear a book in half, and Relna would wrestle men and toss him like a rag doll. Women were considered equals by men on the platform. In the early 1940s WWII sent many men away to the warfront, this left women to join the workforce, and fill the void left by men at Muscle beach. Pudgy Stockton was a very powerful role model for women because she was not only muscular, and athletic, but also beautiful and feminine as a woman could be. When she died on June 26, 2006 at the age of 88 due to Alzheimer's disease; Boston Globe ran in its obituary column under the title "Queen of Muscle Beach." She was also called ``the First Lady of Iron," and ``America's Barbelle," in her time.
Many Hollywood stars hung out near Muscle beach. The list includes; Jane Russell who met her husband, Bob Waterfield, and Jayne Mansfield met her husband, Mickey Hargitay, a bodybuilder. Mae West known for her interest in men with good physique invited; Chuck Krauser, George Eiferman, Mickey Hargitay and Joe Gold for her live stage revue. Chuck Krauser and Mae West remained as couples until her death in 1980.
The athletes of Muscle beach were called "wackos, fruitcakes, hippies, and bums." The fall of Muscle beach started from 1952 - 1953 when the platform was taken over by the iron sports; weight lifting and bodybuilding, and the traditional acrobatic acts of Muscle beach was on its way out. Winning a competition was the main strategy of many iron sportsmen made them less social than acrobats. A combination of events that followed in late 50s may have closed the doors on the Muscle beach of Santa Monica. The events includes; car parking problems faced by the locals due to visitors to the beach; suggestive seminude poses, and physical touching of all male bodybuilders; Joe Weider's controversial publications that were aimed at gays; and a sex case involving a group of weight lifters and underage black girls sensationalized Santa Monica beach. In later years, Muscle beach reappeared at Venice beach, just south of the Pier, but it lacks the magic of "historical" Muscle beach of Santa Monica.
The athletes of Muscle beach have endured a great deal; it was a time when doctors told patients that muscle is bad; women may lose child bearing capability, and men may become impotent. In spite of all odds, they pursued their interests, and prevailed. They did not use steroids, and many were philosophical about life. George Eiferman printed his business card bearing his mind over body philosophy; a list of ten daily exercises, and one of them was; "We are never alone. Walk with God."
The author tells the story wonderfully and I did not find anything in this book that is either bigoted or unfair to any section of the society. I recommend this book to all fans of Muscle beach. ...more
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