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Antiaging Extra, Issue #008 -- Calorie Restriction Diet
April 16, 2009

Calorie Restriction Diet



Welcome to the Antiaging Extra. This e-zine will offer extra information on antiaging including news items, product suggestions and recipes each month. Looking for more antiaging tips and tricks? Check out the articles below as well as some suggested links. Don't look your age - Look younger!

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April 2009, Issue # 08

Table of Contents

In this issue you'll find:
Calorie Restriction Diet
Osteoporosis - Are there alternative to drugs?
Snake Venom?
Challenge your brain - Learn something new!
Baked Haddock

Calorie Restriction Diet

There have been several articles in the news lately about the calorie restriction diet and how it can increase a person's lifespan. So what is this diet and does it really work?

Well, it does work on animals. Research has been done on worms, fish, rats and dogs, as well as other animals with short lifespans. But what about humans? That's a good question. Research is still being done, especially to see if drugs can be made that mimic the results of a calorie restriction diet. But we don't need more drugs. We do need healthier lifestyles.

Those who adopt a calorie restriction diet usually eat between 20%-25% less than is needed to maintain their weight. Of course this results in weight loss, but it also helps to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body fat percentage and even blood sugar.

However before you run out a start a calorie restriction diet, be aware that those who practice this diet must take in more vitamins and minerals than is found in the average diet. They naturally eat more vegetables and whole grains. Those who don't get enough vitamins and minerals can experience loss of muscle mass, anemia, memory loss depression and other symptoms.

If you want to try a calorie restriction diet, see your doctor. But you can use some of the same principles now. Eat less desserts or choose a salad over fast food. Choose healthier food and cut out sugar. After all, are the folks on this diet living longer because they are eating less, or because they are eating better?

Osteoporosis - Are there alternative to drugs?

The disease that most women fear as they age is osteoporosis. The thought of frail bones and shrinking stature has many women running to the new drugs that are being introduced. But have you listened to the list of side effects? Somehow, I don't think a pill is the answer for everything.

So what can we do to prevent osteoporosis? FIrst, be sure that you are getting enough calcium. That's a given, we all know that. But what you may not know is that most women do get enough calcium, instead they are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is what helps the body absorb the calcium.

Another tip is to keep your body in a more alkaline state. When the body is more acidic, it tries to balance out the acidity by pulling calcium from the bones. So eat lots of fruits and veggies, especially greens. And stay away from soda. They also can cause the bones to leach calcium.

Finally, you may want to try a progesterone cream. Dr. John Lee did research years ago about the correlation between progesterone and bone density.

Snake Venom?

I just read that Aldi’s Markets will begin to sell a new wrinkle cream containing a form of snake venom. Now, it’s not really snake venom but a synthetic venom based on the Asian temple viper snake. The cream claims to paralyze the nerve endings so your face doesn’t get lines or wrinkles. Hmm – I’m not so sure about this. It is better than being injected with Botox, but I don’t think I’ll be putting snake venom on my skin, fake or not.

Instead, why not try a peel? Facial peels will revitalize dull skin and bring out a healthy glow, as well as a smoother complexion. You can go to a spa to get it done, however there are at-home versions that are also effective.

PRODUCT SUGGESTION - My favorite peel is one that uses papaya as an active ingredient. You can find it at Arbonne.com. There you can also find a line of anti-aging products that are all vegan. (No snakes for me.)

Challenge your Brain - Learn something new!

One way to keep feeling younger is to keep your mind sharp. Doing puzzles and games is one way to exercise your mind. You can also surprise your mind by switching hands to do some common tasks. This also helps your brain function. But by far the best way to exercise your mind is to learn something new.

Learning a language or a new skill or craft can challenge your mind and give it the exercise it needs. Don't ever think, "I'm too old to learn something new." That's crazy. Anyone can learn new things. It just may take longer. That means, you really needed to work your brain.

If you already have a great hobby or passion, why not learn how to share it with others through a website. Now only can you keep your brain active, but you can actually earn money through an informational site. Check out Sitesell. It's not just a web hosting company, instead they provide all the tools and training you need and it's all included.

It's not a get rich quick scheme, but it may help out in this uncertain economy and it definitely will help keep your brain sharp.

Baked Haddock

Whether you are striving to lose weight, look younger or just be healthier, fish is an excellent choice. Plus, fish has often been touted as "brain food." This Baked Haddock recipe has the added benefit of pre-measured portions. This ensures that you are eating the right amount of food.

2 pounds haddock
1/2 teaspoon olive or grapeseed oil
1 cup sliced carrots or chopped broccoli
4 scallions, sliced
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds

Sauce

1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons tamari
1 teaspoon water
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon curry
Mix together to make a sauce.

Wash and dry the fish. Cut into 4 portions. Tear pieces of parchment paper large enough to wrap the fish. (You can also use aluminum foil, but I try not to use it very often.) Lightly oil the paper. Divide the carrots or broccoli among the paper and put in a pile in the center. Lay a piece of fish on top. Divide the sauce over the fish and top with scallions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and wrap up.

Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Serve 4.



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