Archive for October, 2007

All About Two Strand Twists

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

By Kaya Casper Two strand twists are one of the most popular hairstyles among women with natural hair. They are easy to do, look good on everyone, and they can be the basis for many different styles with slight variations. You can easily do two strand twists (aka double strand twists, twists, or twisties) on your own natural hair. They can be done on short hair or long hair; you only need about one inch of hair to wear two strand twists. Here’s how it’s done: Start by shampooing and conditioning the hair. Towel blot, or squeeze excess water out. Create a horizontal part about 3/4 inch from the nape (in the back, above your neck). Create a vertical part about 3/4 inch from the left (or right) side of your hairline. A rattail comb works well for this. You should now have a square section of hair separated from the rest. Use clips, bobby pins, or ponytail holders to hold the rest of your hair out of the way. Mist the section of hair with water, and apply a small amount of Carol’s Daughter Kizzy pomade. Massage in, focusing on the ends. Comb through with a fine toothed comb. Part the square diagonally into two smaller sections. Begin twisting these two sections together. Left over right, left over right, and continue down the length of your hair. Continue parting sections and twisting across the width of the nape. You should have four to five twists going across when the row is complete. Start another row, and continue toward the crown. Once you get to the top of your head, you will decide whether to part your hair on the side, in the middle, or just have your twists go straight back (or up depending on the length). To direct your twists a certain way, gently pull the two sections of hair in that direction as you twist. If they need a little extra coaxing, use a clip or bobby pin to hold them down while they dry. Spray your finished twists with Oyin Handmade Greg Juice to give them a nice sheen and make them super soft. Variations Two strand twists can be unravelled as soon as they dry, or after wearing them for two weeks or more for a “twist out” style. Your hair will take on a wavy and/or curly texture, that is usually more defined when the twists are worn longer before unravelling. Two strand twists can also be done on dry hair. If the hair is blow dried or stretched first, the twists may have less definition. Also, a twist out is usually more defined when twists are done on damp hair with a styling product such as Kizzy. Wear the back of your hair in an afro puff, and two strand twist the front. Vary your two strand twists over time by gradually splitting each twist into smaller sections. You can easily have a different look every week by using this method. Add accessories like a scarf or headband when your twists start to get fuzzy. Use barrettes, clips, or bobby pins to clip back the right side, left side, both sides, or the whole front of your hair. Spritz your twist out with varying amounts of water to totally change the look of it. You can go from smooth and wavy to chunky and voluminous with this trick. Be careful with this one. A few extra spritzes and your coils and waves will disappear. Use bigger or smaller sections for totally different looks. Small twists are delicate and feminine, and really big ones are jaw dropping and head turning. Get yet another look by grasping random sections of hair to twist - no parting. Other Considerations You can wash your hair with the twists in so that you won’t have to re-part your hair the next time. If your hair is prone to unravelling, try washing with a stocking cap, or braiding the ends. Other products that will help define your twists include Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel or African Formula Botanigel. Wear a satin bonnet or scarf at night. A scarf will hold your twists down if you want a more controlled look. Bonnets can be more comfortable to sleep in. Refresh your twists in the morning by spraying with Oyin Handmade Greg Juice or an herbal mixture of your choice. Spray lightly, lifting your twists as you go to dampen your scalp. Finger comb your twists into place. If you want your twists to go in a certain direction, spritz with water and bobby pin in place. Allow to dry, remove the pins, and finger comb. The pins can be worn overnight if your twists tend to get messy while sleeping. Combing through each section of hair before twisting is optional. It usually creates smoother, shinier twists, and makes the twists easier to unravel. You can find step by step photo illustrated two strand twist instructions in issue #9 of Naturally You!. Kaya Casper is the Publisher of Naturally You! Magazine, the first print magazine in the world exclusively for Black women who wish to care for their hair 100% naturally. Share natural hair care tips and resources with naturals around the world - join our free online community at: http://www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com/ecommunity. Ready to order your copies of Naturally You!? Go shopping at: http://www.NaturallyYouMagazine.com/shop. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaya_Casper http://EzineArticles.com/?All-About-Two-Strand-Twists&id=342827 ambien online overnight to florida generic ambien online no perscription ambien america prescription rx purchase zolpidem pharmacy online

3 Tips For Crochet Beginners To Learn It Right

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

By Kelly Parkson If you are a crochet beginner, here are 3 important tips for you: 1) What yarn and size hook should I use? If you are just beginning I would recommend a medium weight yarn, a basic four-ply yarn of good quality. I must stress the “good quality” because I have used inferior yarn. Fortunately I was experienced enough to make it work. If I were just beginning, the trouble I had with that yarn would have caused me to give up before I got very far. Please use good yarn. Good quality yarn makes crocheting a joy. The stitches form easily without the yarn stretching or splitting. A 4-ply yarn will accommodate a size G (4.00mm) or H (5.00 mm) crochet hook very easily. That is a great size for a beginner to start with. Not too small, not too large. 2) What should I make first? Well, if you’ve been following along, you will know that I never recommend starting a project that is too advanced when you are a beginner. I love starting my new students with a dishcloth. It is small enough not to be intimidating, but contains enough stitches that you usually get the hang of each stitch and are ready for the next one. If you are really and truly not interested in a dishcloth, then try making small bookmarks. And if you are really ambitious, make a scarf! It can be any width, and any length. It is big enough that you will get PLENTY of practice as you work the stitches. 3) Find a crocheting friend. I know that there many of you out there who don’t think that they know anyone who crochets. I guarantee that if you start carrying around a little bag of crocheting materials and practice on the bus, waiting at the doctor’s office, etc. you will elicit some interest, and probably find someone who knows how to crochet. Then, when you are REALLY stuck and just do not understand the directions of the pattern, or how to do a stitch, then have them show you. It is so helpful to just “see” how something is done. There you are. Have fun and don’t give up to soon when you learn to crochet. Kelly Parkson is the author of “Crochet Mastery: The Real Simple Way To Turn Yourself From A Clueless Beginner to A Crochet Champion.” This program offers information on yarns and hooks, basic and advanced crochet stitches, tips for beginners, how to read a pattern, and more. You can get more information at (http://www.CrochetMastery.com). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Parkson http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-For-Crochet-Beginners-To-Learn-It-Right&id=318753 buy soma cheap overseas get online soma where buy carisoprodol soma diazepam online

Choosing A Wedding Gown That Won’t Let You Down

Monday, October 29th, 2007

By Lesley-Ann Graham You look gorgeous as you walk down the aisle. You’re an absolute princess in your medieval style gown. The lovely gown and long train add to the solemnity of the occasion and truly complements your beauty. After the ceremony though that long train, layers of petticoats and really warm dress can get really uncomfortable as you go around mingling with your guests. You keep stepping on your own dress and just barely avoid pitching into the plate of one of your guests. Thank goodness for the strong arm and quick reflexes of your groom. Why not have a detachable train made for your gown. It will look beautiful in all your pictures, will be there as you take your walk down the aisle but won’t hamper you when it’s time to mingle. There’ll be nothing to drape over your arm but your new spouse. Why not have a layered skirt made for your gown that is slightly shorter in front growing longer towards the back. Lace can be used to create a false image of evenness. It’ll be easier for you to maneuver now that there is no cloth right in front of your foot. If you’ve watched the Lizzie McGuire movie, you’ll notice that they made her a gown where the skirt was detachable. Underneath, she had a pair of pants on that perfectly matched the rest of her ensemble. Again, you’ll have no problems circling the reception since there are no longer impediments to your movement. You’ll be able to really get down on the dance floor without losing your poise. Of course, last resort, just have another outfit on standby. Once you’ve had the first dance and the father-daughter dance, you can change into an outfit more suitable for mingling and even for running quickly to your wedding car. Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann’s wedding blog for more free wedding planning help and advice. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-Ann_Graham http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-A-Wedding-Gown-That-Wont-Let-You-Down&id=215878 buy phentermine no perscription cheapest phentermine without prescription phentermine with out prescription buy phentermine online free shipping

Reiki Association

Sunday, October 28th, 2007

By Eric Hartwell With Reiki becoming increasingly popular throughout the world many Reiki practitioners found the need to network with others with like interests, build a network of energy workers throughout the world and also for support, sharing ideas and information. This need has given birth to many Reiki associations world over, whether they are local or global they are a fantastic way to get in touch with others practicing this healing art. However the founder of Reiki or the original form of Reiki by Dr. Mikao Usui also known as Usui Reiki or Usui Reiki Ryoho or even Reiho for short was named the first president of an association which was the first Reiki association called the ‘Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai’ where the word Gakkai means association in Japanese and the Reiki association is also referred to just Gakkai in short. This Reiki Association was set up in April 1922 and after his death the presidency of the Gakkai was handed over to his friend, Juzaburo Ushida. The Gakkai has worked hard to preserve most of the original teachings of Dr. Usui. They have remained very secretive and have never believed in publicizing themselves or opening their doors to the public. They have had very little contact with the Western world and it is only recently that some of the original information of Dr. Usuis teachings has been transmitted to the West and the rest of the world. It is by the efforts of two Reiki Masters, Frank Arjava Petter and Hiroshi Doi that we have been able to acquire knowledge about the association and the practice of Reiki in its authentic form. Frank Arjava Petter is a Westerner who lives and works in Japan and he has since written three books that chronicle his experiences with Reiki and the Association. He has published in depth information about the history and origins of Reiki and also researched the different branches of traditional Reiki and also some facts about the Gakkai and information from the members of the association. Even more information was shared by a member of the Gakkai by a man named Hiroshi Doi who was the first member of the original Dr. Usuis association to journey to the West and share his knowledge about Reikis methods and techniques that are used by the Gakkai and stem from Dr. Usuis own teachings. He has outlined the grueling training process used by the Gakkai to obtain wisdom and ascetic powers gained by undergoing the difficult training. He states that the Western Usui Reiki is very different from the original Usui Reiki. He also explains the various techniques and special energy exercises like Hatsu Rei Ho and Reiji Ho which students in the Gakkai perform to sharpen their intuitive skills and develop more proficiency in Reiki. And these are only some of the things that have newly been discovered outside of the Gakkai. With more and more information about the original practices and exposure to Dr. Usuis system the West and the rest of the world can better understand this system and know that there is a lot more to just what was available to us and this knowledge can only empower us to make Reiki even more effective and bring more light and healing to this world. Visit us or share your opinions at the worlds best homepage or free content resource. Do you want to quit smoking? Visit Smokefree England for further information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell http://EzineArticles.com/?Reiki-Association&id=475475 us pharmacy diazepam order valium no prescription order diazepam confirmation e-mail pax shopping valium cheap valium si

Finding A Migraine Cure

Saturday, October 27th, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery] Michelle Bery A migraine headache can incapacitate its victims, rendering them unable to perform the most simple of activities for hours or even days. Severe migraines affect millions of people every year; their side effects reading like a whos who of illness nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. The repercussions can be disastrous affecting work and home life as the migraine sufferer loses precious hours to pain and debilitation. Its no wonder that the quest to find a migraine cure is paramount in the life of a migraine sufferer. The components of a migraine include the inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. This inflammation affects the central nervous system and often the digestive system causing the bevy of side effects typical of migraines. Often, the identifying of specific triggers particular to each sufferer can be tantamount to a migraine cure, as the avoidance of the triggers prevents further episodes. But in order to isolate the triggers for each person and discover a migraine cure, it is necessary to understand the most common causes of migraines. Research has shown that there are a number of common causes of migraine including lack of sleep, excessive caffeine, red wine consumption, exposure to smoke, high levels of stress, hormone fluctuations, and particular foods such as those that contain additives and preservatives. Sometimes the minimizing or avoidance of these triggers acts as a migraine cure. In other cases, over-the-counter or prescription drugs act as a migraine cure, nipping pain in the bud and allowing the migraine sufferer to move on with their day. However, it is not often that over-the-counter medication can completely alleviate the pain of a migraine. Prescription medication has a better chance of acting as a migraine cure but in order to be effective it must be carefully administered by a doctor. But for those who wish to find a more natural migraine cure, the implementation of a natural lifestyle may be just as effective as medication. In addition to a natural diet, the avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, a consistent exercise program, and commitment to adequate sleep, many migraine sufferers find relief through the use of such therapies such as chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture. For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine cure visit our ezGuide 2 [http://migraine.ezguide2.com] Migraine. Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery [http://ezinearticles.com/?Finding-A-Migraine-Cure&id=486853 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Finding-A-Migraine-Cure&id=486853 no prescription next day tramadol no prescription next day tramadol ultram online no prescription tramadol oxycodone andnot buy fedex

Accounting Job Interview

Friday, October 26th, 2007

By Sonali Sen Accounting Job Interview is the way by which an accounting company finds its right candidate for accounting operations. Like any other interview, accounting job interview comprises of a set of questions both technical and general that is meant to assess the candidate on his skills and abilities to see if he/she suits the job better. Yes, an accounting job interview can be a stressful ordeal for a new candidate facing it. But remember, every accounting job interview is a two way deal where the company is evaluating the candidate and him/her in turn analyzing the company to see if it is the right place to work. Before delving into the details of accounting job interview questions, a few words on the general attitude a candidate should be showing all through the ordeal. In the accounting job interview, respond to the needs and of both you and the interviewer. Not one or the other! In an accounting job interview, listen to the interviewer closely. Retain your poise throughout the accounting job interview. In an accounting job interview process, there is a complete diversity of objectives a person is there to get a job and the accounting job interview panel is scrutinizing each person to see if he/she is the right fit available. So, in such a scenario, the candidate should ideally market his holdings successfully across to the accounting job interview persons in order to gather their attention. And it should not stop with just presenting your resume with all your skills and qualifications, but should extend to describe how it is directly related to the company and the jobs specific needs. Let us see some more words of wisdom. In any accounting job interview, the candidate should be punctual to and properly dressed. Should show good attitude and must be brief but thorough in the presentation style. Must be enthusiastic meanwhile maintaining the control throughout. Accounting job interview questions can be of any sort as asked generally in any interview plus the technical ones. It may start with an introduce yourself and gradually climbs up to unveil the candidates personality, attitude and skills to see if the person suits for the profile. The possible accounting job interview questions can be: What are your salary expectations? Why do you want to leave the previous job and how you got along with your boss and colleagues? The first accounting job interview question can be answered as in search of a better job or can site career ambitions. The second one is to prod you to get your general attitude towards your coworkers. Remember, bad mouthing your boss doesnt set well with the expectations of accounting job interview panel. How you are different from others or why we should hire you? You can answer that by sighting instances where you did a job differently and emerged in flying colors. If you could answer the second one with calm and compose, then you are half way through. How many hours do you need to do a job or how long do you take to make a decision? The first accounting job interview is to get an idea about the work ethics you believe in and follow and to see if you are willing to put in long hours to finish a job at hand. It is also an indicator of how well he fit into with other workers. If the person works till 7 PM in a company where others leave at 5 PM and vice versa results in conflicting work ethics and such occurrence can have a negative effect on all the employees and the work as a whole. For an accounting job interviewer, there cannot be a dearth for questions. But how well a candidate listens, responds and presents himself in an accounting job interview is all what matters when it comes to his/her selection or rejection. It is all about acting smart but rationally! Sonali Sen for http://www.creativeinterview.comRead more about Interviews http://www.creativeinterview.com/Tips-for-Job-Interview.htmlCopyright 2005 http://www.creativeinterview.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonali_Sen http://EzineArticles.com/?Accounting-Job-Interview&id=108122 buy referrer html stats xanax online pharmacies xanax xanax no prescription ships to us online pharmacy no prescription hydrocodone xanax

Jobs - Support Tech

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

By Michael Russell In the world of tech jobs, there is probably no job with more stress than that of being a support tech. If you’re thinking of getting into this field there are a number of things you need to be made aware of if you’re going to have any chance of surviving this very grueling and demanding job. For starters, what exactly is a support tech? A support tech is somebody who provides support to customers who are having some kind of problem with the companies software or service. Most support techs, like the ones you’ll find at Microsoft and AOL, are technical. In other words, they’re usually supporting some kind of software that the company sells to the customer or provides to the user who uses their service. In either case, when there is a problem, it is the support tech’s responsibility to solve that problem. In most companies, there are levels to the support structure. A level one support tech is the one who can handle most of the simple everyday questions like “how do I.”. . to which they will give simple answers like “to perform this function do.”. . so that the customer can complete the task that they are trying to do. A level one support tech may also be able to handle some very simple technical problems where the software itself isn’t working properly, such as like when a modem isn’t responding. A level two support tech has to be a little bit more knowledgeable about the system itself. They handle the more difficult questions that arise, usually when the customer is having a problem with a complex series of operations. They also handle the more serious technical glitches that occur within the software itself. A level three support tech is the last line of defense. This is the person in the company who knows everything about the software and can solve just about any problem unless the software itself is not functioning correctly and the only fix is a reinstall of the software itself. Requirements for this kind of job are many. For starters, you better have a good phone voice. You’re going to be constantly talking to customers all day long unless you’re working at a tech center where you’re doing live online help and simply typing text messages back. But most tech jobs do require many hours on the phone. A support tech position obviously requires that the person has a working knowledge of the software or service itself. They also better have some very good general technical skills and be able to think on their feet. Because of the nature of the job one call may have nothing to do with the call before it and they have to be able to completely put out of their mind what happened prior, unless they learned something from the call that will help them in the future. A support tech’s job is not an easy one. In most cases they are dealing with unhappy customers because something is not working right. Therefore they have to learn patience and understanding. If a support tech has all the qualities mentioned here, they have a very good chance of being successful at their job. Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Jobs Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Jobs—Support-Tech&id=233960 chemical composition of reductil sibutramin meridia xenical discount meridia online sibutramine meridia reductil sibutramine 30 64 generics great price reductil side effects

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

By Gerard McLoughlin It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview. Begin by studying the job description and the candidate profile. This will enable you to identify the company’s particular needs and demonstrate that you possess the skills required to meet them. Find out all you can about the company’s products, services, history, and culture. Make a special effort to identify any areas where your skills and experience may be of particular value. Familiarize yourself with the company’s website and be prepared to comment constructively upon it if asked. Prepare a list matching your accomplishments to the company’s stated requirements. Keep this list in front of you during the interview and refer to it at every opportunity. Specify and quantify your accomplishments, e.g. ‘increased sales by 35%’ or ‘reduced overheads by 27%’. Interviewers are keen to hear about relevant challenges or problems you faced in the workplace, the specific actions you took, and the measurable results you achieved. They seek to identify key competencies such as communication skills, analytical skills, teamwork, drive and initiative. Be prepared to give examples of how and when you have demonstrated these key competencies. To get the feel of being interviewed over the phone, compile a list of probable questions and ask a friend use them in a simulated phone interview. Prepare your answers carefully, using key words and phrases from the job description and candidate profile. Do not attempt to write out your answers in full or they will sound wooden and scripted. Select a quiet place where you will not be disturbed during the phone call. Keep your resume and cover letter, a copy of the job advertisement, and your notes in front of you. Jot down key points throughout the course of the interview. It is a good idea to stand during a telephone interview as this makes you sound more confident and helps project a positive and professional image. Matching your speaking rate and pitch to that of the interviewer will help you to establish rapport. Professional radio broadcasters can vouch for the fact that smiling creates a friendly and enthusiastic impression. So make an effort to smile appropriately during the call. Since it is important to convey the impression that you are genuinely interested in the company and eager to make a contribution, refer to salient information you discovered during the course of your research. Listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions and comments. Respond appropriately to verbal or tonal cues. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. Provide well-developed, balanced, and analytical answers. Avoid monosyllabic ‘yes’ and ‘no’ replies. If asked to explain your reasons for leaving your previous job, make sure to have positive reasons prepared. Under no circumstances should you criticize your previous employers or colleagues. Having researched the company and analyzed the job description as suggested, you should find it easy to prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer when afforded the opportunity. At the end of the phone call, emphasize your interest in the job and the company and reiterate your qualifications. Stress that you would welcome the opportunity of a face-to-face interview. After the interview, write a short thank-you letter. Visit the author’s website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com Gerard McLoughlin, author of ‘Four Minutes To Interview Success’, has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, etc. To receive FREE career tips on a regular basis, sign up today for The Assignments Plus Newsletter. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerard_McLoughlin http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Prepare-For-A-Telephone-Interview&id=52080 buy link pharmacynet top ultram order ultram buy ultram without prescription online pharmacy tramadol 24 hours

Why Elope?

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

By Ema Drouillard The why of eloping seems to always be a curiosity? Couples elope for many personal reasons, some as simple as; one having a fear of standing up in front of a group of people. What every the reason for eloping, elopements offer an uncomplicated approach to a wedding ceremony while still retaining the non institutional feeling of a civil ceremony. What are the three fundamental elements that can not be removed from an elopement wedding? The Bride, The Groom, The Official Presiding. Eloping by its very nature offers a simple passage into married life. The elopement focuses on the significance of the relationship between the bride and groom about to become husband and wife, there is nothing to distract their attention from one another. The elopement ceremony begins; “These are the things I must not forget, word for word.” So starts the beautiful tale of joined union. If the heart is immortal then an elopement ceremony with its integral design for intimacy is the perfect beginning to enter into the mystery of the heart together. The elopement ceremony speaks to the heart of the matter. Each elopement is unique and with an elopement ceremony perhaps more then any other ceremony you can make it uniquely yours. Having your ceremony filled with the words you want to say to each other and the words you want said and heard and remembered, this is the gift of an elopement ceremony. The gift you give to each other. When you return home you can send out a photographic announcement of your union. If you like to gather your friends and family to share in your joy it can be done in an uncomplicated way, as simple as a champagne and cake celebration in the middle of a Sunday afternoon. Life can be easy and straightforward. The question of “Way Elope?” is probably as varied as “Why to Marry?” There are an abundance of answers, all personal choices that are perfectly perfect for each couple to make together. http://www.Ceremonyway.com has been designing elopement ceremonies that are, “Uniquely Yours” for years. Ema Drouillard, Elopements By Ema designs elopements packages for San Francisco California. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ema_Drouillard http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Elope?&id=83122 incest mgp brother and sister incest incest cartoon gallaries 3d animated incest pics

Low-Carb Diets: Are You Losing More than Weight?

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

By Monique N. Gilbert The average American eats about twice as much protein than what they require. Some people, in the pursuit of thinness, are going on low-carb diets and are eating up to four times the protein their body needs. Protein deficiency is certainly not a problem in America. So exactly how much protein do you really need? Much less than you think. Protein is a vital nutrient, essential to your health. In its purest form, protein consists of chains of amino acids. There are 22 amino acids that combine to form different proteins, and 8 to 9 of these must come from the foods we eat. Our body uses these amino acids to create muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs. Proteins help replace and form new tissue, transports oxygen and nutrients in our blood and cells, regulates the balance of water and acids, and is essential for making antibodies. However, too much of a good thing may not be so good for you. Many people are putting their health at risk by eating to much protein. Excessive protein consumption, particularly animal protein, can result in heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. As important as protein is for our body, there are many misconceptions about how much we really need in our diet, and the best way to obtain it. According to the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, as little as 50-60 grams of protein is enough for most adults. This breaks down to about 10-12% of total calories. Your body only needs 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. To calculate the exact amount you need, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36 (if using kilograms, multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.8). This will give you your optimum daily protein requirement in grams. Infants, children, pregnant and nursing women require more protein. People on low-carb diets are consuming up to 34% of their total calories in the form of protein and up to 53% of total calories from fat. Most of these people are unaware of the amount of protein and fat that is contained in the foods they eat. For instance, a typical 3-ounce beef hamburger, which is small by American standards, contains about 22 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat. You achieve quick weight loss on these diets because of this high fat content. High fat foods give you the sensation of feeling full, faster, so you end up eating fewer total calories. However, this type of protein and fat combination is not the healthiest. Animal proteins are loaded with cholesterol and saturated fat. Many people on these diets also experience an elevation in their LDL (the bad) cholesterol when they remain on this diet for long periods. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood, clog arteries and is the chief culprit in heart disease, particularly heart attack and stroke. So while you may lose weight in the short-run, you are putting your cardiovascular health in jeopardy in the long-run. Another reason weight loss is achieved on these low-carb diets, at least temporarily, is due to water loss. The increase in the amount of protein consumed, especially from meat and dairy products, raises the levels of uric acid and urea in the blood. These are toxic by-products of protein breakdown and metabolism. The body eliminates this uric acid and urea by pumping lots of water into the kidneys and urinary tract to help flush it out. However, a detrimental side effect of this diuretic response is the loss of essential minerals from the body, including calcium. The high intake of protein leaches calcium from the bones, which leads to osteoporosis. Medical evidence shows that for every 1 gram increase in animal protein ingested the body loses an average of 1.75 milligrams of calcium in the urine. Additionally, as calcium and other minerals are leached from our bones, they are deposited in the kidneys, which can form into painful kidney stones. If a kidney stone becomes large enough to cause a blockage, it stops the flow of urine from the kidney and must be removed by surgery or other methods. Plant-based proteins, like beans, legumes and soyfoods, also provide fiber, which helps lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL (the good) cholesterol. This prevents the build up of arterial plaque, which leads to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease, thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The amount and type of protein in your diet also has an important impact on calcium absorption and excretion. Vegetable-protein diets enhance calcium retention in the body, and causes less calcium excretion in the urine. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and kidney problems. Interestingly, kidney disease is far less common in people who eat a vegetable-based diet than it is in people who eat an animal-based diet. By replacing animal protein with vegetable protein, and replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat (like olive and canola oils), you can avoid the pitfalls of the typical high-protein low-carb diet. You will improve your health and regulate your weight while enjoying a vast array of delicious, nutritionally dense, high fiber foods. Remember, eat everything in moderation and nothing in excess. Also, the healthy way to lose weight and keep it off is to eat nutritiously and make permanent lifestyle changes that allow you burn more calories than you take in. Copyright 2005 Monique N. Gilbert. All rights reserved. Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach, Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor, Recipe Developer, Freelance Writer and Author of Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. To learn more about Monique’s personal coaching program, go to http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com ***** Author Bio . . . Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. has offered guidance in natural health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss and stress management since 1989. Through her coaching and writings, Monique motivates and teaches how to improve your well-being, vitality and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity and healthy stress-free living. For more information, visit http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com ***** Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monique_N._Gilbert http://EzineArticles.com/?Low-Carb-Diets:-Are-You-Losing-More-than-Weight?&id=16069 ambien online purchase ambien online perscriptions purchase ambien cr ambien online purchase