Have Your Say

With all of the diets out there, it’s a wonder which one is the right one for you. Do you have the money to invest in just trying to see if it works? Is it worth the time or even the possible harm that it can put on your body? These are some of the questions that you may want to ask yourself.

When fast paced America discovers that fast food diets will add the weight, it is a wonder why we are all becoming obese. Well who is going to stop it? Unfortunately we have to just take care of our own family now and days.

If we learn to balance our health then it is in the best interest of our family overall. There are many things that we can enjoy but then there is a time to lose the weight that has over taken our bodies. There are so many diets but the Atkins Diet comes to mind.

The History of the Atkins Diet

This diet was formulated by Dr. Robert Atkins in 1998. The main purpose for this diet is the fact that it is a low carbohydrate diet. It was founded in 1989 but not yet released until 1998. Shortly after the death of Dr. Atkins the Atkin’s Nutritionals filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Then in 2005 the company arose to open the new diet trend, called the Atkins Diet.

Why Should We Consider the Atkins Diet?

Atkins knew that the main cause for concern in the US and obesity was the fact that we are consuming too many carbohydrates. Many of these include sugars and flours. Some of the foods are breads, high in fructose syrup and then there is foods that are are rich in oils that are not good for your body either. All oils are not good for you unless it is canola oil or olive oils. Breads consist of the most carbs, especially white bread.

What Does the Atkins Diet Consist of?

You can eat meats and other foods that are high in cholesterol. There may even be some controversy over that but it is part of the Atkins Diet. As long as you are eating foods that are not high in carbohydrates then you are okay. Yes, you are allowed to eat foods such as avocado dip and eggs (with yolks) and that is fine when it comes to the Atkins Diet.

Stay away from sweets and things of that nature. Sugars of all kinds need to be avoided. If you are a coffee drinker, no sugar! You must avoid things like milk, rice, white bread, white potatoes and pastas but you are allowed to eat different fruits and vegetables after the first couple weeks.

Basically you are eating foods that are extremely high in fats and protein. You are able to eat everything from red meats and fish to regular cheeses and even mayonnaise. If you are wanting to cook, it is advised to cook with butter and olive oil if it is fried.

Also it is advised to eat foods that are high in fiber as well. There will be a slack on the diet after the first few weeks. You will be allowed to eat a minimal of carbs as well as fruits and other foods that have natural sugars.

The intentions of the diet is to get your body balanced and to use it’s natural carbohydrates to remove fat. It also decreases your appetite to where you are not always hungry. This may seem strange to those of us who find breads and pastas filling. Eating ‘thick’ foods such as avocado and even eggs are sure to fill you up.

There is a Downside to this Diet as Well

As with any diet, you have to roll with the punches ’so to speak’. You have to just get out there and do something about your weight and your doctor will definitely be the one that you can go to. He is the one that will tell you about your body and what would be the best diet for you.

There are many ways that you can diet and it is totally up to you to which one that will best suit your body and your everyday life. There are downfalls in all diets and you won’t know unless you try it. Then there is that question; do I really want to try it? It takes time and dedication. Results don’t come over night. It depends on whether or not you want to go on the diet and give it a try or not. There are many ways that you can diet. Choosing the right one for you is totally up to you.

It is also recommended to exercise on a regular basis as well. There are ways that you can exercise to keep the ultimate fit. There are things that you can do to maintain your weight and find a balance in the Atkins diet, just like any other diets.

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Schoolies, or more correctly, school leavers week, is an annual right of passage for thousands of Australian teenagers. It usually happens a week or so after the end of Grade 12 exams. Originally starting at the Gold Coast in Queensland, it has grown to include many more tourist destinations. Schoolies is very big business and injects millions of dollars into the tourism economy.

If you believe the nightly news, Schoolies is all about alcohol, sex, music, motor vehicle accidents and violence. It isn’t. It’s just that the media play to established prejudices so they can sell products that appeal to the over 55 viewing audience.

Notwithstanding all the bad press about Schoolies week, tens of thousands of Australian teenagers have a wonderful time during their post exam Year 12 break. The reality is that because of all the bad publicity, Schoolies is now a very safe activity well serviced by police, ambulance and volunteer organisations like Red Frog. The local and State governments pour lots of taxpayer’s resources into helping keep Schoolies safe.

If you or your children are considering going to Schoolies this year, here 10 tips to improve safety and enjoyment.

Fights – get help, don’t get involved

When lots of young men, and more recently, young woman, congregate and consume alcohol, there is an increased chance of disagreements leading to violence. If one of your friends gets involved in a fight, don’t get involved, get help from police or other authorities. If you get involved one of two things may happen: you will get hurt, or you will hurt somebody. Both can have very bad consequences.

Learn what a standard drink looks like
If you are going to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Three to four standard drinks in a six hour period would be a reasonable amount. Ask your parents what a standard drink of beer, spirits or wine looks like, or read the label. A standard drink is a lot less than you may think.

Use protection
Did you know that 500 babies are conceived at schoolies each year? Boys will be boys and girls will be girls. Unfortunately this leads to unwanted pregnancies and the spread of nasty diseases. If you are going to indulge in sexual activities, use protection.

The Police are there to help you
Police love Schoolies week. It means they get to do what’s called “Specials”; lots of overtime. If you do get involved with police be respectful and don’t be a smart-mouth. You will not win a battle of wits or a physical encounter. And having to fetch your parents or guardians and go to court the next morning is not a good look.

Leave no one behind

When at Schoolies team up with a friend or two and don’t get separated. At the end of the night’s activities make sure you are still all together and do what the Marines do: leave no one behind. That cute guy you met will still be around tomorrow morning. Give him your number and agree to meet-up in the morning. In the harsh light of a sober day you may have to reconsider.

Have an escape and evasion plan
If you are really unlucky and everything turns pear-shaped, make sure you have an escape and evasion plan. Agree with your friends a secret code word that when spoken means “lets get out of here right now and meet up at the agreed location”. Make sure you have enough cash, enough clothing and all the location details you need to get back to your emergency rendezvous point to plan the next move.

In case of emergencies

A lot of people don’t know this but police, ambulance officers and other emergency service workers when dealing with an unconscious person look in the address book of the person’s mobile phone. They are looking for an entry called ICE. It stands for “In Case of Emergency call this number”. Make sure you have an ICE number in your phone. It could be a friend, it could be a parent or guardian. Do it now.

Watch out for the unknown silent killer
Do you know what the biggest life-threatening risk at Schoolies is? It’s not drugs, car accidents, or violence or the other risks reported in the news. It is sunburn. The second degree burns you get during schoolies week this year may turn into the skin cancer that kills you in 20 or 30 years time. As the ad says, slip on shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. Get in shade in the hotter parts of the day and if you are drinking alcohol, drink at least one glass of water for each standard drink.

Watch Out for Valuables
Lots of young excited people tend to attract thieves and other low-life. If you are going to Schoolies only take stuff you are prepared to lose. Borrow you Dad’s old clunky mobile phone, leave the fancy jewelry and shoes at home, don’t make yourself a target by strutting around with the latest iPhone or notebook.

A Note to Parents

If your child is going to Schoolies make sure they understand that’s it’s OK to call them at any time of the day or night. Preplan an emergency pickup point. Work out a way they can get emergency cash in a hurry.

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