Protein Snacks

It is well established that the typical person eating a western-type diet consumes more daily calories than he needs. High-calorie snacks filled with fats and sugars contribute to these extra calories. Protein packed bars, drinks, soups, and nuts are far superior to other snacks because of the inherent differences between protein and sugars and fats.

First off, protein is more satisfying than the other two macronutrients because of

specific signals it sends to the brain. When we snack on protein instead of sugars 

and fats, the body feels more full which helps people control their appetite between meals thus cutting calories and controlling their weight. Recent clinical research has supported this physiologic phenomenon.

A second reason for choosing protein as a snack is its thermogenic effect. 

This refers to the metabolic tax a food puts on the body after we eat it. This metabolic tax for protein is much higher than sugar or fat because the body uses more energy to digest it. 

This means that when you choose protein over the other two, you are burning more calories during the process of digestion.

Having this higher tax rate is good because protein tends to be low in caloric 
content, so the body is working harder on fewer calories.

A third reason to choose protein snacks over sugars and fats is the body's need
to replenish the building blocks of muscle tissue.

Muscle is important for our daily activities and it determines our metabolism. 


So the more we maintain our healthy lean muscle mass, the higher we maintain 
metabolism.

So the next time you reach for a snack, choose a protein-rich bar, drink or soup. 


Avoid high-calorie chips, cookies, candies and sweets. 

They are generally much higher in calories, and they offer little nutritional value to the body.

Dr. Heber also serves as chairman of the Herbalife Scientific and Nutrition Advisory Boards.

6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LIVER HAPPY

1  Steer Clear of these ingredients:

•  Fructose and trans fats.  A recent study in the journal Hepatology found that fructose (the sugary stuff found in sodas, powered drinks juices) and trans fats (found in foods like doughnuts, crackers and fried items) can cause fatty liver disease and scarring.

2. Get moving:

• Adding some aerobic exercise to your life-walking,cycling to prevent fatty liver disease in people, even if they didn't lose weight. In the study, which was published in Hepatology, sub-jests rode stationary bicycles three times a week for 30 to 40 minutes. Ask your healthcare provider about activity levels that may be beneficial for you.

3. Kick Cocktails to the Curb:

• If you have hepatits C or any other liver disease, consider alcohol a banned substance. Unfortunately, even a little bit can make your condition worse.

4. Take medications Carefully.

• The Liver gets taxed when you take over-the-counter and prescription medications-especially if you take them in the wrong doses, for too long or with other drugs. Discuss any medications you with your healthcare provider.

5. Nver take herbs and supplements:

• Without checking with your healthcare provider. Some-like vitamin A, nicotinic acid (niacin), pennyroyal oil, senna fruit extract, valerian, iron and mistletoe-can harm the liver.

6. Quit Smoking.

• Cigarettes and hep C don't mix. The habit has been proven to increase the rick of liver cancer among men with the hep C virus, according to a study in Interation Journal of Cancer.