If you are anything like me, then you get pretty tired of hearing the tons of outrageous promises made by every new health product to hit the market: “Grow muscle in your sleep!”, “Tone and sculpt abs in only two weeks!”, “Take this pill and regrow hair!”. No matter what you are doing, whether it be reading a magazine, watching TV, or simply driving to your nearest bookstore, we are inundated by ad campaigns touting false claims and guarantees that could never be delivered on. But every so often, one of these products proves to be the real deal. Acai is one such product, and because of its ability to deliver the goods, word of its health benefits are now sweeping the nation. Lets take an unbiased look at what acai promises compared to what acai can actually deliver:

What acai promises:

· Antioxidants for a strengthened cardiovascular system

· Fiber for aiding natural, comfortable digestion

· Lipids for the production of energy

· Amino acids for muscle regeneration

· Essential fatty acids to fight negative effects of aging

· Vitamins, nutrients and minerals to replenish the body’s storehouse

· All natural alternative to manmade health supplements

· Tastes great and comes in many forms

What acai actually delivers:

· Antioxidants for a strengthened cardiovascular system

· Fiber for aiding natural, comfortable digestion

· Lipids for the production of energy

· Amino acids for muscle regeneration

· Essential fatty acids to fight negative effects of aging

· Vitamins, nutrients and minerals to replenish the body’s storehouse

· All natural alternative to manmade health supplements

· Tastes great and comes in many forms

That’s right: what acai guarantees it actually provides. But don’t take my word for it, here’s what the specialists are saying:

Dr. Mehmet Oz: “[Acai] has twice the antioxidant content as a blueberry, so it’s a wonderful alternative….”

Dr. Nicholas Perricone: “Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit. Acaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.”

Stephen Alcott of University of Florida: “Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries.”

Don’t waste your time on health products that are all bark and no bite, instead take advantage of pure, all natural acai and begin feeling the difference today!

You’ve probably already heard about acai and the many promises that have been made about what this superfruit can do for your health. Even though you may find it somewhat difficult to buy into all of the hype, it’s important to realize that many of the benefits stated are indeed accurate. In fact, many renowned health specialists have given acai their official stamp of approval; for example, take Oprah’s own Dr. Perricone: “[S]tudies have shown that this little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world….Acaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.” But exactly what does this mean for you?

Much of acai’s nutrients and minerals come from the skin’s deep purple pigment, including antioxidants (ten times more than red grapes), amino acids, essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9), and fiber. Within the fruit’s pulp can be found a long list of vitamins and nutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E.

There is catch though: the nutritional value of acai is largely based on how it is treated during its journey from palm tree to your kitchen. In other words, there are many ways that the berries can be preserved and prepared for consumption, but only a few specific ways that successfully retain most of the fruit’s goodness. Many products currently on the market may promise big results, but they simply cannot perform because what they offer retains very little of the things that make acai so nutritional. So how should acai be prepared?

The processing makes all the difference in the final quality of the product, and in order for consumers to be able to choose the best acai product, they must be knowledgeable on certain aspects of how the fruit is prepared.

• Frozen acai berry pulp retains much of the raw fruit’s goodness.
• Freeze-dried acai berry powder retains much of the raw fruit’s goodness.
• Everything else just doesn’t cut it.

Acai is a very temperamental fruit in its raw state, and unless it is properly prepared much of its rich nutritional content is lost. Thus, when searching for the right acai product for your own needs, be sure you know what you are looking for. When you do find a quality acai supplement, though, it will make all the difference in your health and wellness. Take advantage of acai today, and begin feeling better than ever before!

photo credit: bhamsandwich

Eating healthy on vacation can be a very challenging task for most people. You’re tempted to splurge and eat out, and that’s not even thinking about all the quick, unhealthy food options available as you wait for your next plane. Even if you’re normally very good about sticking to a healthy diet, you’ll likely find that it’s easy to stray while you’re vacationing. Maybe it’s a candy bar at the airport shop or a delicate, chocolate desert at a nice restaurant that’s your weakness, but there are ways to stick to your healthy eating routine while traveling.

If you’re going to be on a long flight where they serve a meal, ask the flight attendant about healthy, low-fat, or vegetarian options. Even better, you can call ahead to make a request for your meal. Many airlines are happy to cater to your needs if given the opportunity to plan for it. It’s always a good idea to bring along some healthy snacks from home. You could bring along a few pieces of your favorite fruit, crackers and cheese, or whatever else you enjoy that’s easily packed into your carry-on. Also be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re traveling, especially if you’re flying. It will help you feel fuller and it’s easy to get dehydrated in-route.

After you get to your destination the may even be more temptation and not-so-good-for you foods readily available. Does your hotel room have a microwave or even a full kitchen? If so, make the grocery store one of your first priorities to stock up on some healthy snack options and enough food for a good percentage of the meals you’ll eat while there. Most hotels have a continental breakfast that usually offers some healthy grains and fruits. This is a great option and also very convenient, just be sure to include some protein in your breakfast in one way or another.

Of course, most people enjoy trying out new restaurants when they’re on vacation. If you are going to be eating out, be selective in choosing where and what you eat. If you must order appetizers, stick with soups, salads, veggies, and baked goods. Cut down on condiments and heavy foods by asking them to put everything on the side. That way it’s up to you how many extra’s your food will have. If you’re eating dinner out, plan to go early in the evening so you aren’t downing all that delicious food right before going to bed. Remember to treat yourself a little bit so you don’t feel deprived though, you are on vacation after all. Fish is a wonderful dinner option. If you’re a steak lover though, go ahead and order a sensibly sized, lean cut and enjoy.

Eating healthy while on vacation can be a little harder than normal day-to-day, but it certainly isn’t impossible. Ensure you get some anti-oxidants and the nutrition you need by adding a health supplement to your healthy eating routine. Acai berry health supplements are also known for keeping your digestive track in check, so it could be a very useful kind of health supplement to use while traveling.

photo credit: allyrose18

Eating healthy isn’t as difficult as some make it out to be. Really, it isn’t. It doesn’t mean you have to put in twice as much effort or spend hours preparing your every meal. If you want to eat healthy, you’d be surprised at how much just a little bit helps. In fact, you’ll be cooking up delicious, healthy meals that delight your taste buds every time – in no time! Throw in some supplements and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’re feeling.

First of all, if you’re going to eat healthy you have to start out healthy. If you don’t plan you won’t make it very far before falling back into the same patterns. Before you even think about picking up the keys to your car, you have to sit down for a moment and create a list to be your guide when you hit your favorite local grocery market.

To start with, you’ll want to be sure to include on that list plenty of simple, whole foods. If you aren’t sure what that means, then think brown rice, wild rice, and whole grains. Notice I didn’t say “multi-grain”. There’s nothing wrong with multi-grain as long as it is whole multi-grain. Multi-grain is a marketing gimmick that millions of people are falling for. Just because it says multi-grain doesn’t mean it’s any healthier than the product next to it. Multi-grain can just as well be all processed grains that you’re trying to avoid…just multiple ones.

Whole grains such as the ones mentioned above are delightfully tasteful and provide fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates and important vitamins and minerals your body needs. Using these kinds of foods in your diet is important for healthy eating and doesn’t take a long time. Many of them can be cooked in about ½ an hour.

Vegetables are a corner stone to any healthy diet. They are full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals that we all need. They’re low fat and low calorie which is always good. That’s not even taking into consideration that they bring a wonderful source of protein to the table. Try to include veggies such as broccoli, spinach, lima beans, and peas – think green. No matter what kind you choose to add to your list, just be sure not to over cook them. If they’re over cooked they lose much of their nutritional value.

One of the most healthy foods to include on your list are some that do require some time to properly cook; legumes. Legumes are things like split peas, pinto beans, and black beans. There are many different kinds of legumes to choose from and they work wonderful as side or main dishes. They’re also great to throw on salads. You can expect to spend a few hours cooking them properly, but you can find them pre-cooked.

Putting plenty of all these on your menu will kick start your road to eating healthy. You can also try health supplements, such as an acai berry supplement that offers an array of benefits such as anti-oxidants. Don’t solely rely on supplements for your dietary needs, though.

photo credit: shareski

If you’re looking for healthy ways to lose weight that don’t include a trip to the pharmacy, then consider taking a yoga class. If you’ve never done yoga before, just be sure to get in to a beginner’s class. It’s easy to find gyms or yoga instructors that offer yoga classes, because it’s recently become a very popular choice of people all across the country. You can find a multitude of books and videos that help you learn the basics of yoga, but it’s best to discover the world of yoga with a qualified instructor.

Yoga Explained

Yoga actually means union. It’s an ancient form that derived from India. Today, there is a variety of different types of yoga that can be found in the US. Yoga often includes an array of poses that focus on your mental well being. Poses may be intended to emphasize meditation, chanting, or breathing. However, if you’re taking your yoga class at the local gym, you may find that the focus is more on the physical side. Yoga is a wonderful practice that combines both your mind and body, developing your flexibility, strength, and your spirit.

Why Yoga for Weight Loss?

Yoga will slowly build your flexibility, strength, and muscle; all of which are important factors for not only weight loss, but your overall health and well-being. Developing a strong, flexible core while naturally building muscle results in a higher metabolism rate! Usually you will practice yoga in a group. The spiritual aspect of practicing yoga enhances your connection to others in the group. Having that kind of support and connection is always a plus for anyone trying to lose weight. While yoga is an amazing core to your weight loss routine, you’ll want to include some kind of cardio program as well. You can do this by signing up to a spinning, aerobic, or kickboxing class. However, it can also be as simple as getting out of the house and going for a walk or jog through the neighborhood.

Eating healthy isn’t as difficult as some make it out to be. Really, it isn’t. It doesn’t mean you have to put in twice as much effort or spend hours preparing your every meal. If you want to eat healthy, you’d be surprised at how much just a little bit helps. In fact, you’ll be cooking up delicious, healthy meals that delight your taste buds every time – in no time! Throw in some supplements and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’re feeling.

First of all, if you’re going to eat healthy you have to start out healthy. If you don’t plan you won’t make it very far before falling back into the same patterns. Before you even think about picking up the keys to your car, you have to sit down for a moment and create a list to be your guide when you hit your favorite local grocery market.

To start with, you’ll want to be sure to include on that list plenty of simple, whole foods. If you aren’t sure what that means, then think brown rice, wild rice, and whole grains. Notice I didn’t say “multi-grain”. There’s nothing wrong with multi-grain as long as it is whole multi-grain. Multi-grain is a marketing gimmick that millions of people are falling for. Just because it says multi-grain doesn’t mean it’s any healthier than the product next to it. Multi-grain can just as well be all processed grains that you’re trying to avoid…just multiple ones.

Whole grains such as the ones mentioned above are delightfully tasteful and provide fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates and important vitamins and minerals your body needs. Using these kinds of foods in your diet is important for healthy eating and doesn’t take a long time. Many of them can be cooked in about ½ an hour.

Vegetables are a corner stone to any healthy diet. They are full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals that we all need. They’re low fat and low calorie which is always good. That’s not even taking into consideration that they bring a wonderful source of protein to the table. Try to include veggies such as broccoli, spinach, lima beans, and peas – think green. No matter what kind you choose to add to your list, just be sure not to over cook them. If they’re over cooked they lose much of their nutritional value.

One of the most healthy foods to include on your list are some that do require some time to properly cook; legumes. Legumes are things like split peas, pinto beans, and black beans. There are many different kinds of legumes to choose from and they work wonderful as side or main dishes. They’re also great to throw on salads. You can expect to spend a few hours cooking them properly, but you can find them pre-cooked.

Putting plenty of all these on your menu will kick start your road to eating healthy. You can also try health supplements, such as an Acai berry supplement that offers an array of benefits such as anti-oxidants. Don’t solely rely on supplements for your dietary needs, though.

Starting a new weight loss plan can be a challenging and daunting task to some. There are so many things to consider; what to eat, what not to eat, the right weight for you, how often to exercise, what’s the best exercise for you, and more. No wonder so many people put it off day after day, year after year. How do you know where to start? How do you know who to trust? Well, Bob Greene, Oprah’s fitness trainer must have got it right. She slimmed down and kept it off… for a long time, anyways. She gained it back eventually, but you have to realize that she also has a thyroid problem.

The New Year brings millions of resolutions, many of which are to be healthier and lose weight, and Oprah is no exception. This month she will be getting back on path with Bob Greene by her side. Think you don’t have time to exercise, diet, and try to lead a healthier life? Greene works with well known clients and celebrities, writes for the Oprah magazine and website, has written a new cookbook, and has a family. Yet, he manages to do it, which is apparent with one look at him. Here are his top two tips to starting a weight loss plan, staying motivated and sticking to it…

His first tip is to not try to jump in head first, but to ease into your new weight loss plan. Don’t drastically go from one diet and lifestyle to another. Instead, slowly make changes to incorporate your plans into your day to day life.

The second tip is to say no to the scale. It’s tempting to want to run to the scale day after day to check on your progress. However, he says to steer clear of any scales for at least a month. Instead, calculate your progress by how your clothes are fitting.

Ringing in the New Year with New Year’s resolutions has always been popular, and the most popular resolution among women in the United States is that they’ll finally shed those extra pounds. Well, now you can actually honor that resolution you made by adding the acai berry to your diet. The acai berry is a small round berry which must be produced as pulp and juice in order to be shipped outside of Brazil because of its fast deterioration. Many people describe the acai berry as a cross between a raspberry and a chocolate bar. So what’s the big deal about a berry grown in Brazil and how can it help you lose weight? The acai berry is extremely high in antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. It can help you lose weight because the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids it contains help to increase your metabolism, thereby causing you to burn more calories. The fiber fills you up and it takes you longer to digest your food, so you’ll find that you’re not as hungry as often as you were before adding the berry to your diet. The acai berry has been around for ages in Brazil and has been consumed by the native South Americans as a regular part of their diet for well over a century.

Because the berries are extremely perishable, preservation techniques have just now made them available outside of the immediate area. This is good news for you, since you can now find acai products in your local supermarket in the forums of acai juices, pulps, powders, extracts, and supplements, for those who find they don’t like the taste of the juice or the pulp. Just as with any good food, the real challenge is finding a way to incorporate the new food into your diet without spending an arm and a leg to do so. If you can get your hands on some acai juice, here is a great recipe which you can make on a daily basis. Consuming this smoothie everyday at least once will have a positive impact on your quest for weight loss and you just might find that you get addicted to the wonderful taste!

Acai Fruit Smoothie:
1/2 cup acai juice
1/2 cup of yogurt
Mix in a blender with handful of your favorite fresh fruit and enjoy.

You can also blend acai pulp with applesauce, green tea, or sparkling water for a great treat when you’re on the go and don’t have access to a blender. The amount you should use depends on the powder or extract you decide on, as all acai products aren’t made the same. There have been no confirmed side effects from the acai berry, so while its not unusual for someone to be allergic to something, there are no long-term side effects so you’re safe to eat acai and find your way into those skinner jeans in 2010!

photo credit: Jeff Karpala

There are literally tons of different diets and dieting products available on the market which all claim to be a quick way to lose weight. Some of these diets can work wonders for you, but the way in which they help you lose weight can be unnatural, unhealthy, or even worse, it simply doesn’t work as a reliable weight loss method. That’s one of the reasons people turn to the acai berry for their dieting needs. The acai berry is an all-natural fruit which grows on the acai palm in Central and South America. The acai berry has been harvested by the native peoples of the land for centuries. However, the berry has only recently made an explosion onto the global market after spas and health bars in Rio De Janiero began serving the drink as a supplement for weight loss.

The reason the acai berry has become so popular in recent times is the extreme amount of benefits you can gain from its consumption. In fact, weight loss is just one of the many benefits the acai berry offers. It’s loaded with antioxidants with a huge ORAC value, which is a value the FDA assigns foods with antioxidants to determine their worth to the body. Antioxidants are extremely important to the body for the number of functions they help regulate and maintain. In fact, recent studies have shown that when the acai berry is taken correctly as a dietary supplement, it can promote weight loss, increase energy, raise your metabolism, as well as being a cornerstone to helping science find the cure for cancer.

There are some things you should be aware of before you decide on an acai berry supplement for your daily diet. You should look and see how the berry was preserved, if the product states. Freeze dried berries are always more beneficial than berries which are not. The product should state how the berry was preserved, so you know you’re getting the best for your money. In addition to supplements, the acai berry often comes in many forms. You’ll find the fruit plain in regions closer to its growing location, but further out around the globe, you can get it in yogurt, juices, and even freeze dried for including it in your own recipes. Many people enjoy the taste of acai berry, describing it as a chocolate raspberry. If you do try acai and decide you don’t like the taste, its always available in supplement form. So if you’re looking to lose weight in a healthy and natural way, don’t discount the acai berry as a great supplement, especially when coupled with a regular regimen of exercise and eating properly.

If you are living anywhere in Latin America, there is no likelihood of you not hearing the name of acai berries. In this continent, acai berries are a highly consumed food, in various forms, including salads and beverages. But it is not just the taste that attracts Latinos to this amazing food. There are several reasons, all of them beneficial from a health point of view. The following is a list of ten reasons why you must include acai berries in your diet too.

1. Acai berries are among the world’s richest sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed to combat the free radicals present in the human body which cause a lot of undesirable chemical changes, including the aging process. When acai berries are a part of your diet, the concentration of free radicals in the body will drastically reduce, because of which the aging process will slow down.

2. Free radicals slow down the metabolism of the body. Among other things, this hampers the digestive process leading to accumulation of fat. Acai berries can destroy these free radicals, due to which the metabolic rate of the body increases and fat begins to get utilized. Hence, they are a potent remedy for weight loss.

3. If you are worried about your body hoarding toxic remnants of the junk food that you have been eating throughout your life, a regular consumption of acai berries can act wonderfully in cleansing your body. This detoxification is brought about because of the berries’ potential to improve the rate of blood circulation within the body which brings the toxic materials to the excretory organs faster and more effectively.

4. In parts of South America, the purple variety of acai berries (the one that is available commercially in other parts of the world) is used to make an energizer drink. The effects of this drink are instant.

5. Acai berries contain a good amount of vitamin C. This vitamin improves the absorption of iron and calcium in the body and improves the blood clotting process in case of injuries.

6. They are also a very rich source of all B complex vitamins. These vitamins are essential in the formation of red blood corpuscles and in the proper functioning of the nervous system.

7. A really wonderful benefit of acai berries is their high useful fatty acid content (approximately 32.5%). The berries contain a commendable amount of oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid, which provide the cholesterol that is necessary to the body, consequently reducing the proportion of the harmful cholesterol.

8. As the amount of good cholesterol increases in the body, a host of cardiovascular ailments are avoided, including atherosclerosis, heart seizures, hypertension, etc.

9. Acai berries are also renowned for their exceptionally high content of fiber. The berries contain 52% carbohydrates which provide fiber. This helps improve digestion and keeps the person well-protected from problems such as constipation.

10. Most importantly, acai berries have the potential to improve the immune system of the body. The immune system is extremely important in improving the body resistance so that it does not fall prey to diseases, especially the infectious and contagious ones. With a weakened immune system, the person will be sick often. Acai berries keep the person healthier by strengthening the immune system.

Thus, acai berries have a long list of uses to their name. If you haven’t been making use of this highly powerful natural remedy, it is high time you did so.