June 2012 – Linda's Diet Delites Blog

Boost Metabolism Through Low-Carb Diet – New Study Shows Promising Results

If you have debated using a low carb diet to lose weight, but you aren’t sure if this is the best type of diet to really achieve lasting weight loss, a new study might give the answer you have been searching for. Although this newest study is preliminary and the test group was a small number of people, the results are promising. Read on to learn more about what has recently been determined about the benefits of a low-carb diet.

The Low Carb Diet Study

Because low carb diets are extremely popular, the number of studies being done to determine their effectiveness (as well as any side effects) are always increasing. This newest preliminary study focused on the diet’s calorie-burning impact. Just as muscle burns more calories daily than fat does, diet can play a role in the body’s metabolism, making it burn calories at a faster rate, even when sedentary. This study compared the effects on metabolism of a low carb diet to both a low fat diet and low glycemic index diet (commonly called the Mediterranean diet). This low-carb diet study was performed on obese people

that lost weight before the study, and was performed to compare the results of the three diets during the “maintaining the weight loss” phase of dieting.

Results of the New Low Carb Diet Study

To lose weight and keep it off can be difficult, but if one diet over another increases the metabolism even when not exercising, it will make the process of keeping weight off easier for dieters. The results of this preliminary study showed that, out of the three types of diets studied, the low carb diet continues to burn more calories every day than the other two types. According to USA Today’s report, the low carb diet used in this study was one in which participants only received 10% of their daily calories from carbohydrates, and with testing throughout the week, the patients on this diet were shown to burn an average of 300 extra calories per day. For some people, this is the equivalent to an hour of walking or other moderate exercise.

The Benefit of Low Carb Diets Burning Calories

If your body is burning approximately an extra 300 calories per day, this will not only allow you to maintain weight loss, but can even result in a slow continuation of the weight loss (since burning off 3500 calories results in a pound of weight loss, this would result in about a pound lost every 12 days or so). If you add in exercise with your low carb diet, your metabolism would be increased even more, resulting in additional weight loss.

Thanks for reading our article! Are you ready to increase your metabolism through a low carb diet? Check out our great selection of low carb foods to make dieting simple by visiting Lindas Diet Delites.

Julian Bakery – The Paleo Bread – Officially Released!

Julian Bakery has released their latest bread, The Paleo Bread. The following post was provided by Julian Bakery to provide more information on this unique new bread.

Julian Bakery is proud to announce the newest addition to our diet and allergy friendly bread line: The Paleo Bread. The Paleo Bread is the holy grail of bread, truly a dieters dream. It is unlike any other bread on the market and is gluten free, grain free, yeast free, dairy free, soy free, low calorie, high in protein, fiber, and low in carbohydrates. This bread is ideal for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight, on the Paleo and just about any other type of diet.

The Paleo Bread was inspired by the Paleolithic diet due to it’s health and dietary benefits. Those who follow the Paleo diet cut out all grains and eat that of what our native hunters and gatherers ate many years ago. It’s a diet based on lean meats, seafood, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. We created two versions of The Paleo Bread which meets any and all requirements in order to be kind to practically any diet, both which are healthy, low calorie, gluten free and grain free. The Almond variety and the Coconut variety are equally tasty and both offer their own unique benefits.

The Paleo Bread Almond loaf contains six simple ingredients: Purified Water, Blanched Almonds, Egg Whites, Psyllium, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, and a pinch of Baking Soda.

Nutrition facts (per slice): Calories 100 Fat 8g Sodium 100g Carbs 5g Fiber 4g (Net Carbs 1), 9g Protein

How is all this beneficial to me?? Let’s dig a little deeper and find out!

The Many Benefits of Almonds:

Good for brain: Almonds contain many nutrients that which help in development of the brain and has been considered an essential food item for growing children.

Assists in regulating cholesterol levels: Consuming almonds on a regular basis helps to increase levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL is the bad, artery clogging cholestrol we need to watch.

Good for the heart: The mono-saturated fat, protein, and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks. Almonds help reduce C-reactive protein which causes artery-damaging inflammation. Almonds contain folic acid, which is believed to reduce levels of homocystein, the amino acid thought to contribute to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.

Skin care: Almonds contain over 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E, that precious antioxidant that not only is a cancer fighter but also are a skin powerhouse containing flavanoids, the same as that found in wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables; all fighting to combat free radicals and keep skin supple and youthful looking. The magnesium content helps increase the oxygen flow in our bodies, also important for a youthful glow.

Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer. Again, the high Vitamin E content also is a cancer fighter.

Protection against diabetes: Almonds also help in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.

Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in newborn babies.

Weight loss: Because almonds contain mono-saturated fats, it helps us to feel full longer without the health risks of unhealthy fats, or worry about our waistline. Studies have revealed that low calorie, almond rich diets are good for obese people assisting to shed their weight.

High In Fiber: Almonds are rich in fiber. Like most other fiber rich food, almonds also help in preventing constipation. Make sure you drink good amount of water after eating almonds.

Boosts energy: The presence of manganese, copper and Riboflavin (folate) helps in energy production. Almonds are great both before and after working out, and that mid-afternoon slump!

Diabetic friendly: Almonds assist in controlling diabetes, by lowering blood sugar after meals.

The Paleo Bread, Almond, is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal or snack with added flavor and health benefits, but it doesn’t end there. We created another version to The Paleo Bread line: Coconut. Since coconut is not a nut, it’s a fruit, makes it starch-free! That is why we have the two offerings; you can choose to have the Almond or Coconut depending on your dietary needs and preferences.

The Paleo Bread, Coconut, is organic, starch-free, grain free, gluten free, yeast free, soy free, dairy Free, and ideal for any diet. The Paleo Bread, Coconut, is the first starch free, gluten free, grain Free, low carb bread on the market! Get lean and sculpted while still enjoying this particular variety!

Some benefits of being on a starch-free diet with the Coconut Paleo Bread will allow for great results such as less pain and stiffening in joints as well as less gas, cramping, diarrhea, bloating and other stomach troubles due to the reduction or elimination of starchy gluten and wheat products. Many people discover a starch-free diet to be quite helpful, especially in improving digestion and over all fat loss.

Implementing a starch free diet when trying to lose weight and cutting out starchy foods from your diet will put your body into a state of ketosis in which your blood sugar levels stabilize more efficiently your insulin levels drop, which can in turn make the body burn fat quickly showing off the lean muscles you have been working so hard to get during those hard workouts at the gym or Cross Fit sessions.

Coconut is Low Carb & Low Calorie: The term available carbohydrate refers to the portion of carbohydrates that have the potential to raise your blood sugar levels and provide calories, or energy. Available carbohydrates include both sugar and starches, but exclude dietary fiber. You can calculate the available carb content of any food simply by subtracting its fiber content from its total carb content. In the case of all-purpose white flour, the available carb content is 23.1 g per 1/4 cup and whole-wheat flour has 18.4 g of available carb per 1/4 cup, while coconut flour contains 7 g of available carbohydrate per 1/4 cup.

Because of its lower available carbohydrate content, coconut flour can prevent blood sugar spikes and help you maintain more even blood sugar levels after eating, which is especially helpful if you have diabetes or are trying to lose weight.

High Fiber Content: Coconut flour contains a lot more fiber compared to any other flour, with as much as 12 g per 1/4 cup, compared to only 3 g for the same serving of whole-wheat flour. You should get between 25 and 38 g of fiber a day, according to the “2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” to help you stay regular and prevent constipation. A higher fiber intake can also help you feel fuller with fewer calories, which is especially helpful if weight loss is a goal.

Julian Bakery made The Paleo Bread to fulfill the craving for bread while living a Paleo lifestyle free from unprocessed foods. The Paleo Bread utilizes the highest quality ingredients. The Paleo Bread provides the protein and fiber your body needs to satisfy hunger while helping your body to perform at its peak. We love The Paleo Bread and hope you do too!

Conquer that Chocolate Craving with Sugar-Free Hershey’s Products!

We are proud to announce that we now have a variety of Hershey’s Sugar Free products available on our site at Linda’s Diet Delites.

Whether you are looking for some great Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup, or you want a dark chocolate or milk chocolate candy piece, we’ve got your chocolate cravings covered, but without the sugar!

Not only that, but we also have Hershey’s Jolly Ranchers for those craving a fruity flavor of candy.

Keep your cabinet stocked with these great sugar-free options that can conquer any chocolate or candy craving, but without the unwanted sugar.

The Carb/Cellulite Relationship – Learn How to Reduce Cellulite Through Diet

If you battle cellulite, you are among millions who have wondered the same thing as you: what can be done to get rid of those dimples that seem to taunt you in the mirror? You may have tried lotions, creams, gels and anything else that promised toning and tightening and promised to banish the bumps, only to be saddened by virtually no results. But did you know that the foods you consume, such as carbs, can be related to cellulite? Read on to learn more about using diet as one method to help prevent and treat cellulite.

Many Factors Cause Cellulite

It is important to remember that cellulite is not caused by just one factor, and for some people it can be virtually impossible to rid their bodies of cellulite by eliminating carbohydrates or by exercising more. In the same way that some people get stretch marks during pregnancy and others don’t, cellulite can not only be caused by diet and exercise habits, but hereditary factors and age play a part as well. While there is no surefire way to rid your body completely of cellulite forever, there are many steps you can take, such as sticking to a low carb diet, to lessen the appearance of cellulite.

The Hidden Causes of Cellulite

If you exercise to tone your body up and use lotions that are designed to fight aging and cellulite, but still are seeing no difference in the dimply appearance you hate, consider altering your diet to achieve the results you want. Too many refined sugars and carbs in a diet have been shown to contribute to the appearance of cellulite. By reducing the intake of carbs daily, you can help lessen this orange-peel appearance on the legs, buttocks, belly and other parts of the body. In addition to carbs contributing to cellulite, studies have shown that increasing the intake of whole grains can help combat this type of fat as well. This is good news for low carb dieters, because increasing the amounts of whole grains in the diet can help combat any hunger or cravings that may ensue in the beginning of a low carbohydrate diet.

Don’t Expect Overnight Results

It takes a long time for a body to change, and while it may seem that cellulite dimples appeared virtually overnight and never left, this isn’t actually the case. Cellulite likely developed over years due to genetics, age, weight, and exercise and eating habits. Keep this in mind when you lower carb intake to decrease the appearance of cellulite. Once you adjust your diet and consume more whole grains and less carbs, cellulite appearance will slowly begin to decrease. And it doesn’t hurt to continue to do toning exercises and use hydrating lotions or gels at the same time to achieve maximum results.

Thanks for reading our article! If you are ready to start a low carb diet to combat cellulite, visit our store at Lindas Diet Delites today to find a wide selection of great foods that can help you achieve that diet goal!

Good News for Diabetics – Protein Rich Meal Replacements Show Improvement in Blood Glucose Control

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, or you have a predisposition for developing the disease later, you will likely do everything in your power to either control the disease or possibly reverse it, depending on your particular situation. With consistent studies, new drugs, and new foods becoming available, experts are learning more and more ways to combat the disease. Read on to learn about one of the newest studies on the link between protein meal replacements and diabetes and how this information can help you.

A Pilot Study on Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Keep in mind while reading the following information that the study is just a pilot, meaning that it is the first of its kind and if the results are positive, there will likely be more to follow. This pilot study was performed on patients with type 2 Diabetes, and was performed to determine if there is a link between blood sugar levels and protein-rich meal replacements. Since this was the pilot study, it only followed 22 diabetes patients instead of the higher numbers that larger, more thorough clinical studies follow. Not only was a it a low number of patients in the study, but they were also followed for only a 14-week period. However, the results of this first study were positive, which means there will be more in-depth, long-term studies to follow that will better determine the link between protein-rich meal replacements and better glucose control – in fact, scientists are gearing up for a study in Germany that will consist of hundreds of diabetes patients to determine real results.

The Results and Link Between Diabetes and Protein Meal Replacements

In this pilot study, which was presented to the American Diabetes Association, over half of the people involved saw benefits by replacing meals with a specific protein-rich meal replacement. The benefits seen included losing weight, lowering BMI (body mass index), insulin dosages were able to be lowered, fasting glucose levels were lower, along with many other beneficial side effects. While the actual protein meal replacement that was used in the study was the brand Almased, there are many comparable products available on the market as well. Extend Bar Extend Shakes offer the same gluten-free, low fat, low carb, high protein meal replacement option as the brand used in the pilot study.

If you want to try to use a great meal replacement to try to regulate blood sugar levels, Extend Bar Extend Shakes are a great option. With many different flavors to choose from, you are sure to find one that will work for you. To attempt to see similar results as patients in the study (but of course it is important to consult your physician first), you would need to replace all meals with a protein-rich meal replacement for the first week. For the next three weeks, you would want to replace two meals a day with a protein meal replacement, and then just one a day for the rest of the time. Whatever brand you choose to use, be sure it is glucose-free and low in carbs and high in protein, otherwise you won’t likely see the same blood sugar regulation as the study showed.

Thanks for reading our article! If you want to try your own protein-rich meal replacement diet to help manage your diabetes, visit our website at Linda’s Diet Delites for great prices! Be sure to check with your doctor first!

Gluten-Free Diet Goes Mainstream – What This Means for Celiac Disease Patients

For anyone with a serious health condition that requires a certain type of diet, it is nice when mainstream dieters take on the same diet, simply because manufacturers of foods tend to supply whatever has demand. As the cases of diabetes has grown in America, so have the number of food items that contain little or no sugar or carbs. Similarly, as the number of cases of diagnosed Celiac disease has grown, so has the number of people taking on a gluten-free diet that do not have an intolerance for gluten. The more people that are on a gluten free diet, the more companies create and offer products that fit these needs. However, there is a downside when this happens. Read on to learn how gluten free diets entering the mainstream weight loss scene can have a negative effect on those that truly need it.

The Real Reason for a Gluten Free Diet

When a person has Celiac disease, it means that their intestines are damaged by foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye). Their bodies will react to gluten as if it were toxic, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. This ultimately results in a lack of absorption of nutrients in other foods, and can lead to malnutrition among other negative effects. According to recent information, it is believed that 1 in 133 Americans suffers from Celiac disease, with even more suffering from some other form of gluten intolerance. To combat Celiac disease, the goal is to prevent the damage from occurring to the small intestine by removing or limiting gluten in the diet.

The Gluten Free Bandwagon

As happens with many popular diets that started with a disease, people not suffering from Celiac disease will see weight loss or other benefits in those on a gluten free diet, and then decide to try it for themselves. In the recent case of Miley Cyrus, she was accused of having bulemia or anorexia due to sudden and rapid weight loss, which she combated by saying she had to be on a gluten-free diet due to food allergies. However, she took it a step further by tweeting that everyone should try a gluten free diet for at least a week. Although health experts advise against going on such a strict diet when health does not demand it, people still tend to follow any diet they believe has had success. And Miley is just one of many celebrities that have touted the benefits of a gluten-free diet.

The Damage Caused by a Diet Going Mainstream

Ten, or even five, years ago, there were very little options available to those on a gluten-free diet due to Celiac disease or other health reasons. But one in 133 is a fairly large number, and food manufacturers want to make as much money as possible – so the more people needing gluten-free foods, the more gluten-free foods became available. However, the problem lies in that many of the products available are manufactured and marketed to those on a gluten-free diet for weight loss, not those on a gluten-free diet due to a medical condition. For example, Domino’s Pizza recently started offering a pizza with a “gluten-free crust.” A dream come true for those with Celiac disease, right? Wrong. Just like so many others, the pizza is really marketed toward those who are cutting gluten out of their diet by choice, and their website specifically states “Domino’s® pizza made with a Gluten Free Crust is prepared in a common kitchen with the risk of gluten exposure. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness supports the availability of Domino’s® Gluten Free Crust but CANNOT recommend the pizza for customers with celiac disease. Customers with gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming this pizza.”

What This Means for Celiac Disease Sufferers

It is important to remember that, although there are more gluten-free foods available on the market to choose from, those with medical conditions related to gluten should still read all labels and nutritional information on any food before they buy it. The name “gluten-free” as a title should not be enough to garner your trust – instead, be safe and know what you are actually eating before you eat it.

Thanks for reading our article! If you are on a gluten-free diet, you can easily stock up on a variety of food options at our store. Linda’s Diet Delites offers an entire gluten-free section, and all of our foods that are listed as gluten-free are manufactured with Celiac disease in mind. Read our informational labels and find exactly what you need, all in one place!

Do Low Carb Diets Cause Kidney Damage? New Study Reveals Truth

There are always concerns with any type of diet, particularly any diet that cuts out a certain type of food or puts extreme restrictions on certain types of foods. A prime example of this is a low carb diet. In the beginning, experts worried that cholesterol levels would be increased in low carb dieters, simply because there are no restraints on fatty meats and cheeses. However, many studies have shown that this is actually not an adverse effect of the low carb diet. In recent years, however, the concern has been that kidneys can be damaged due to a low carb diet. Finally, there are study results to determine whether or not this is true – read on to find out the results.

The Reason for Concern

The reasoning behind the concern of a low carb diet causing damage to the kidneys is the amount of protein that is allowable on a low carb diet. Since proteins are virtually unlimited on any low-carb diet, the concern is that the kidneys can’t process the increased amount, ultimately leading to permanent damage to the kidneys as a result. Until now, there have been no real long-term studies done on the effects of a low carb diet on the kidneys.

Good News for Low Carb Dieters

The most recent study on the effects of a low carb diet on the kidneys has shown promising results for those who live by this type of diet. This two-year study, which was conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine, compared two groups of obese patients – one group being on a low fat diet and the other being on a low carb diet. In this study, they only used patients that did not have any existing kidney damage or chronic kidney problems. In the group that was on a low carbohydrate diet, there was no more adverse effects on the kidneys than in those on the low fat diet. Since this is the largest and longest study that has been done on this topic, it is definitely good news for those on a low carb diet.

If you are on a low carb diet, you want to make sure you have everything you need to be successful. One of the keys to success is to have more options available, so that you don’t get bored with your food options. To stock up on great low carb foods, visit our store at Linda’s Diet Delites, and get great-tasting foods that won’t break your carb budget!