22 Days Nutrition

We live in an increasingly health-conscious society, one in which everyone is seemingly concerned with his or her health but never completely satisfied. Some attempt to gain weight and others try to lose it. Some lift weights to build bulging muscles and others run long distances to remain lean and thin. One desire, though, with a nearly universal appeal is looking younger and preventing disease. While a majority of people maintain meat-based diets, the popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is rapidly increasing. Most of us have become familiar with the vegetarian lifestyle but veganism remains more of a mystery.  Veganism is an extension of the vegetarian diet, with strict devotees abstaining from all animal-based products including honey, eggs, gelatin and dairy products. A vegan diet includes a variety of vegetables and fruits, beans, oatmeal, lentils, dark chocolate, herbs and spices. It is commonly rich in dietary fiber, magnesium, proteins, and vitamins a...

Pocket-size protein bars are among the most popular nutritional items found at grocery stores, gyms, health-food stores and online marketplaces. Whether in cereal aisles as breakfast bars or sports and health sections as meal replacement bars, paleo protein bars can be conveniently stashed in a bag and retrieved when an instant dose of energy is needed. These bars are popular with athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as well as busy moms, professionals and college students. Because they do not spoil or require refrigeration, they are easy to store and eat without planning or preparation. Protein bars are particularly nutrient-rich and this makes them the best pre- and post-workout foods to keep around. Meal replacement bars are nutritional powerhouses. They contribute to the building and repair of muscle mass, tissue and wounds, synthesizing of red blood cells and immune cells and the production of enzymes, hormones and antibiotics. They also supply energy in the form of carbohydr...

Adoption of a vegan lifestyle can be a very rewarding journey, as millions of vegans around the country can attest. As Americans continue to become more health-conscious, veganism is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional animal-based diets. In the past, vegan meal options were bland and limited. Today’s plant-based vegan meals, however, are delicious and consist of nutrient-rich food packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Some benefits of veganism include: • Weight Loss Because plant-based foods are rich in fiber, vegans feel full and satisfied for longer. This makes them less likely to consume calorie-loaded “junk food,” which contributes to unintended weight gains. • Lowered Risk of Diseases A plant-based diet allows vegans to avoid a variety of diseases that would potentially impact their overall health and wellness.  • Improved Skin Many vegans attribute their glowing, beautiful skin to a plant-based diet. Adoption of a plant...

People around the world are obsessed with protein. Bodybuilders and athletes drink protein shakes to boost energy before a workout and eat eggs and chicken to help build a lean and fit body. Vegans, of course, do not eat eggs or chicken—or any animal products—and, since they cannot live solely on protein shakes, plant-based alternatives must be available. Proteins are essential for continued health and proper body functioning. They are often referred as the “building blocks of life' and are important for: •    Cell renewal •    Transporting nutrients between body parts •    Formation of essential enzymes, hormones and antibodies •    Growth of skin, nails, cartilage and tendons Many who do not understand the vegan lifestyle believe the common misconception that protein can only be obtained from animal-based sources. Though this is false, “new” or inexperienced vegans commonly need to know where to get protein, how ...