The Problem with Yogurt?

This article shows you the TRUTH about yogurt so you know the facts...both good and bad

by Mike Geary, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Specialist
Author of best-sellers:  The Truth About Six Pack Abs & The Top 101 Foods that FIGHT Aging

As you've probably noticed in the last couple of years, probiotics are all the rage as one of THE most important factors that helps control your immune system (an estimated 70% of your immune system resides in your gut), as well as your digestive system health.

Most people "think" they get enough health-boosting probiotics from yogurt (the average person eats yogurt almost daily).  Unfortunately, there are some problems with yogurt that you need to be aware of...

1.  First problem with yogurt:

Some brands of yogurt actually contain live cultures and some do not.  Almost all yogurts found in the US start with pasteurized milk... that's not such a problem because once the live cultures are added and the milk fermented, you once again have a live and active food that's easier to digest than regular milk and has a reduced lactose content due to the consumption of lactose by the microbes.

Sadly, some brands pasteurize the yogurt AFTER it's been fermented (cultured) which kills the beneficial probiotics.  On the other hand, most good brands of yogurt do NOT pasteurize after fermenting, so the probiotics are still alive for your benefit.

The amount of probiotics in yogurt varies widely based on the brand and type, but I've seen estimates anywhere from 1 Billion to 5 Billion CFUs per cup.  This is decent, but low compared to some other probiotic sources we'll discuss in a bit.

The KEY is that you need to look for "live and active cultures" on the label, or another labeling that indicates the probiotics are still active.


2.  Second problem with yogurt:

Most yogurts in the US are sadly adulterated with way too many sweeteners, whether sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners.

Remember that sucralose kills probiotics, so any yogurt that's been sweetened with sucralose (aka, splenda) will most likely have a greatly reduced probiotic content or possibly even be fully dead.

And most other yogurts are produced to appease the overly aggressive sweet taste buds of American consumers, so they simply contain too much sugar to be considered healthy.

I always recommend choosing unsweetened plain yogurt or plain greek yogurt and adding your own stevia or other natural sweetener if you need extra sweetness beyond the addition of whole fruit.  Personally, I love to simply add a small scoop of Biotrust Low-Carb Vanilla protein to my plain yogurt (along with some berries and nuts) and it makes the PERFECT sweetness in my opinion!

I also personally choose FULL-fat yogurt and not all of this silly skim 0% yogurt that's out there these days.  Remember that the extra fat in full-fat yogurt satisfies your appetite and cravings so that you eat less calories later in the day.  If you eat these 0% fat yogurts, you'll end up hungrier in an hour or two.  Also, if you can find yogurt from grass-fed cows, the fat portion of the yogurt is VERY healthy and contains powerful vitamin K2 (shown to reduce heart disease risk) as well as CLA (found to reduce cancer risk and help to reduce body fat), and also omega-3 fats, which you also know are vital to your health.


3.  Third problem with yogurt:

The last problem with yogurt that I wanted to bring to your attention today is that yogurt is not necessarily the best source of probiotics, both in terms of quantity and also variety of strains.

Variety is KEY when it comes to the overall power of probiotics for your immunity and digestion.

Most yogurts only contain 3-4 strains of probiotics.  On the other hand, Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that contains anywhere from 10-20 strains of probiotics depending on the brand and type.  In addition, Lassi is an Indian style fermented dairy drink that also contains a much wider variety of strains than yogurt does.

In terms of quantity of probiotics, yogurts generally contain between 1 Billion to 5 Billion CFU's per cup, whereas most Kefir or Lassi contains anywhere from 7 Billion to 50 Billion active CFU's per cup depending on the brand and type.  Most yogurts are only cultured for 2-3 hours, whereas kefir is generally cultured for 12-16 hours, increasing it's probiotic content and making it easier for digestion.

Also, most Kefir is 99% lactose free and is by far the easiest to digest type of dairy on the market due to the "predigestion" that the active cultures perform on the kefir before you drink it.

Kefir is a GREAT addition to any smoothies that you make instead of using water or almond milk because you get the immune system and digestive system benefits of the probiotics in Kefir, which you can't get in almond milk.

Again, I personally choose FULL-FAT (for the reasons I described above with full-fat yogurt as well) when I look for a good kefir and I try to find grass-fed as well.  If I don't use kefir in smoothies, one way I like it is just simply to add a small touch of real maple syrup, vanilla, and chia seeds to a cup of kefir -- amazingly delicious snack for anytime!

Interestingly, I recently found out from their website that Lifeway brand kefir is made from grass-fed milk in ALL of their products (even though they don't include that on the labels), so the fat content in Lifeway kefir will also contain those ever so important nutrients of vitamin K2 for heart health, CLA for cancer protection and body fat reduction, and omega 3 fats for overall health.  The full-fat greek kefir by Lifeway is my favorite and I use it almost every day!

With all of this said about yogurt and kefir, please note that I do NOT drink regular commercial milk that's been pasteurized and homogenized.  It's a dead food that has harmful microscopic fat particles due to the homogenization.  On the other hand, yogurts and kefirs generally start with pasteurized milk, (but NOT homogenized), and are made alive and easier to digest again through the fermentation process.

For this reason, I choose to NEVER use commercial milk, but I use yogurt several times a week, and I use Kefir DAILY because of it's health benefits and great taste.

Lastly, if you're one of those folks that thinks that all dairy is bad for you because you've fallen for certain anti-animal food propaganda that floats around out there on the internet, here's one last fact to consider that might make some vegans want to switch to vegetarians...

It's well known that in the Caucasus Mountains and other areas of eastern Europe, that natives to that area drink kefir daily throughout their lives and routinely live to over 100 years old.  And in India, fermented dairy in the form of Lassi is routinely consumed with daily meals, and they display much better health than the average American.

Clearly, if "dairy was bad for you" as many so-called "experts" seem to like to claim, these natives in the Caucasus Mountains that drink fermented dairy every day of their lives wouldn't be living to 100 years old!  Just shows you to beware of who you trust for your health information.

Also, remember that VARIETY of probiotics is KEY... that's why in addition to kefir, lassi, yogurt, and fermented veggies (krauts, kimchi, etc) as good sources for a variety of strains of probiotics, I also personally take this powerful probiotic supplement daily, which I think is particularly powerful due to the micro-encapsulation technology which keeps the probiotics alive through your harsh stomach so that they can properly colonize your intestines.

Feel free to share today's yogurt and kefir article with your friends that would like it.  Easy sharing options below:

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Drink this “metabolic milkshake” in morning to spike metabolism all day

Here’s something delicious I've tried recently...
I start my day by treating myself to a “dessert” first thing in the morning!
Why the heck would I do THAT?  Doesn’t that kill your metabolism and pack on the fat?
Nope.

That’s because this is no ordinary dessert (see recipe below), it:

• Turns ON the “burn fat” signal in all your cells...
  
• Turns OFF the “eat more food” signal in your belly...
  
• And cranks UP your metabolism, energy and thinking speed...
  

So instead of fighting off hunger, turning grumpy, and struggling with fog and fatigue like most...
I get to spend the rest of my day calm and in control, razor-sharp and feeling like I can tackle the world.
How would you rather spend your day?
This recipe is so delicious, every day feels like a cheat day.
I call it my “metabolic milkshake” and here it is:
Start with a scoop (14g) of chocolate-flavored grass-fed whey protein  to boost energy:

• It fuels your metabolism with amino acids it uses to convert body fat into energy...
  
• Studies show it controls hunger and cravings so you eat less during the day...
  
• It provides the protein building-blocks to keep your skin, bones and muscles young...
  

Second, add in a handful of raw almonds to provide a satisfying crunch and put the brakes on aging:

• They’re loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that fight inflammation...
  
• They’ve got tons of flavonoids -- powerful antioxidants that reverse cellular rusting...
  
• Studies show they not only reduce “bad cholesterol”, but also directly shrink belly fat...
  

Third, pour in half a can of full-fat organic coconut milk to shift your brain into 1^st gear:

• It’s rich in medium chain triglycerides – special fats that are like rocket fuel for your brain...
  
• It’s naturally sweet and full of a type of healthy saturated fat that actually lowers your bad cholesterol...
  
• Studies show it aids weight loss by helping your metabolism burn fat while keeping you full...
  

Last Step:  Toss everything into a blender, throw in some ice, mix it up and... voila!  Throw a shot of espresso in the blender too if you want more of a mocha flavor.
You’ve got a chocolatey, decadent, crunchy “dessert” that gets your day started right.
I simply love this new “metabolic milkshake”...
WARNING:  You can completely wipe out the metabolic benefits of this shake IF during the rest of your day, you make the same two mistakes I see 90%+ of people make:
First, they mistakenly eat “high fiber” foods that in reality, slow down metabolism.
Second, they avoid blood-sugar increasing foods that, crazy as it sounds, can help stimulate metabolism.
But most importantly, both these mistakes can crush levels of a little-known metabolic hormone.
Boosting levels of this hormone is the secret behind why the “metabolic milkshake” works so well.

Let me know what you think of the recipe – I’m sure you love the taste... and the extra energy!

Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Best Selling Author

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The 3 reasons you should NEVER eat wheat -- Yes, even "whole wheat"

The 3 reasons you should NEVER eat wheat -- Yes, even "whole wheat"

There are 3 main reasons why wheat is a terrible food for your body and does more harm than good...

Reason #1 -- Wheat causes blood sugar disruption, Glycation of your cells, increases AGING, weight gain & boosts Diabetes risk

Before I tell you why wheat can actually speed up the aging process in your body, let's clarify some simple biochemistry in your body...
This deals with "glycation" in your body, and substances called Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).  These nasty little compounds called AGEs speed up the aging process in your body including damage over time to your organs, your joints, and of course, wrinkled skin.
So with that said, what is one of the biggest factors that increase production of AGEs inside your body?  This may surprise you, but high blood sugar levels over time dramatically increase age-accelerating AGEs in your body.

This is why type 2 diabetics many times appear that they have not aged well and look older than their real age.  But this age-increasing effect is NOT just limited to diabetics.
So, let's get back to how "whole wheat" relates to this...
Here is a little-known fact that's often covered up by the massive marketing campaigns by giant food companies that want you to believe that "whole wheat" is healthy for you...

... But the fact is that wheat contains a very unusual type of carbohydrate (not found in other foods) called Amylopectin-A, which has been found in some tests to spike your blood sugar HIGHER than even pure table sugar.
In fact, amylopectin-A (from wheat) raises your blood sugar MORE than almost any other carbohydrate source on earth based on blood sugar response testing that's documented in studies.

The blood sugar test results of wheat vs oatmeal:
2 slices of whole wheat toast:
45 minutes after consumption:  Blood sugar spiked from 86 fasting level to 155

1 Bowl of Oatmeal (equivalent grams of carbs to 2 slices wheat toast)
45 minutes after consumption:   Blood sugar increased from 86 fasting level to 112

As you know now, the higher your average blood sugar levels are over time, the more AGEs are formed inside your body, which makes you age FASTER.

Clearly, the whole wheat spiked blood sugar MUCH higher than the oatmeal, and if you don't know, 155 is a massive blood sugar reading that will certainly contribute to faster aging if you eat wheat frequently... and most people eat wheat without even thinking about it at almost EVERY meal...Yikes!
Not only that, but the high blood sugar spikes caused by wheat also makes your body pump out more insulin which makes you pack on more body fat... Not fun at all!
These massive blood sugar spikes from eating wheat daily also cause damage over time to your blood sugar regulation system, harming your pancreas, causing insulin resistance, and eventually causing type 2 Diabetes.  I think we have a strong case against eating so-called "healthy" wheat!

Reason #2 -- Gluten and other gut-damaging compounds

The topic of gluten is on fire in the media lately... But most people are confused as to whether there's any real health risks with gluten for the average person that doesn't have Celiac disease.
The truth is that even if you are not officially "gluten intolerant" or "gluten sensitive", there are hundreds of published studies that indicate that gluten can cause inflammation in your digestive system, and even cause "permeability" in your gut, which can lead to a health condition that's on the rise lately called Leaky Gut, as well as other digestive issues and autoimmune problems.
Scientists theorize that the reason gluten is causing these digestive system problems is due to the excessive hybridization of wheat over the last 50 years, which has created newly modified gluten molecules that are foreign to the human digestive system compared to the ancient wheat that humans ate for several thousand years historically, and even compared to the wheat that your grandparents ate 50+ years ago.

Reason #3 -- Antinutrients and mineral blockers in wheat

The third reason that wheat is terrible for you is that it contains what's called "antinutrients", which are naturally occurring compounds in the wheat plant, but can cause undesirable effects in humans that eat too much of them.

One of these antinutrients is called phytates, which blocks the absorption in your body of certain minerals like zinc, iron, manganese, and calcium if you eat wheat too often.
Again, most people eat wheat with almost every meal (cereal in the morning, bread on sandwich at lunch, and pasta or bread at dinner), so this can cause a mineral deficiency in your body over time that leads to many health conditions.
Wheat has other mineral blockers and antinutrients aside from phytates, such as lectins.  Lectins are another constituent of wheat that causes gut irritation.  Yet another reason to minimize or eliminate wheat from your diet.

There's absolutely nothing "essential" about wheat in the human diet...It simply does more harm than good...period.
Many people often ask me... "But what about the FIBER in wheat?  I thought that's why it's supposed to be healthy?"
Sorry, you can get ALL of the fiber you need from fruits, veggies, and nuts, without the digestive system damage and massive blood sugar issues that are caused by wheat.


To read the rest of this report and more go to these links below.......

The 3 reasons you should NEVER use Vegetable Oils...

The TRUTH about sugar... You can't just "burn off" sugar...



I hope this  report on wheat was really helpful in helping you lose that stubborn body fat
and getting a healthier body.
Please feel free to share with family and friends to help them live a healthier lifestyle.

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3 signs your workout IS torching fat (instead of wasting time)

Did you know getting into "the fat burning zone" during exercise can actually make you fatter?

Or that pushing too HARD, too LONG, can backfire, unleashing a storm of inflammation that only ages you faster?

Or that millions are under the false belief that they are too old, too out of shape or too injured to take advantage of the powerful ability of exercise to turn back the clock?

Those are just a few of the mistakes made when it comes to getting visible results fast.

But the #1 worst mistake is that most people totally ignore the 3 proven signals that determine whether your efforts will WORK... of if they'll just be a WASTE of time.  And new research shows that when your take note of these 3 metabolic signals, you can optimize your efforts to produce the fat-burning, muscle-toning results that you want.

In as little as 15 minutes a day. At any age.  In fact, when you follow these 3 signs, you can stimulate your metabolism to burn fat at an accelerated rate for up to 72 hours AFTER.

Metabolic Sign #1 - Trigger the After-burn...

Here's the key to unleashing your metabolism's ability to burn fat and shape muscle: get breathless.  That means doing enough so your heart and lungs are sufficiently activated.  When you get breathless, a metabolic alarm bell is triggered that releases catecholamines.

They are known as your "gas pedal" hormones because they instruct your body to break apart stored body fat and burn it for energy -- pouring gas on your metabolic fire.

A 2002 study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology shows a special type of short, smart workout can get you breathless, elevating your metabolic rate for up to 21% in the 24-48 hours after.

That means an elevated level of fat burning for days -- so make sure you get breathless.

Metabolic Sign #2 -- Unleash the Metabolic Smoke Signal...

Scientists used to think the burning sensation experienced during workouts was a sign of waste products building up.

Instead, research out of the July 2009 British Journal of Sports Medicine shows this burning sensation is a metabolic smoke signal that triggers simultaneous fat loss AND muscle growth.

It does this by signaling your body to release HGH, your #1 youth-enhancing hormone responsible for wrinkle-free skin, limitless energy, strong bones and an attractive body shape.  Efficient workouts (if done right, they can be as short as 8-15 minutes/day) release plumes of this metabolic smoke, causing a surge in HGH and other anti-aging hormones that help turn back the clock.

So to stay young, full of energy and attractive, pay attention to the BURN.

Metabolic Sign #3 -- Boost Your Mood and Motivation...

This sign is something we ALL experience when you try to lift something heavy.  The straining, huffing and puffing are all signals that your activating type II muscle fibers.  And that's important because a May 2008 study by Hulmi et al. shows this triggers testosterone production -- important both for men AND women.

Testosterone helps women strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, while also providing a big lift to mood by relieving stress and anxiety.

For men, testosterone boosts drive and motivation and builds nicely sculpted muscles and a powerful physique.

That's crucial because in men AND women testosterone plunges as we age.

So make sure you leverage the heavy effect -- you don't need any weights, just your own bodyweight works phenomenally well when using intelligent metabolic workouts (more below).

This 15 Minute Workout Optimizes all 3 Signals...

So if what everyone is doing isn't working to burn fat and get results... what does?

They key is to get breathless, get the burn and go heavy.

ALL at the same time.  All in the same workout.  In the LEAST amount of time possible.

Not in separate hour-long daily sessions that suck up all your play time.

And not in super-high intensity "infomercial" workouts that have you jumping around like a crazy person.

But instead in these super-fast 15 minute quick-hit sessions that combine a series of "intelligent" 45-second smart movements that torch fat and shape muscle VERY quickly.

Not only that, the powerful metabolic stimulus provided by these SMART movements can unleash a shockwave of fat-burning and muscle-shaping that lasts for 2-3 days AFTER the workout.  I've seen this type of smart metabolic training in action personally as I use various forms of it with fantastic results that show.

=> Do THIS for 15 Minutes to Spike Metabolism and Trigger Anti-aging Hormones Naturally

Studies show these efficient movements can burn up to 66% more calories, 900% more fat (that's NOT a misprint) and tone muscle at an 82% improved rate.  And this series of 45-second intelligent moves has seen an 80-90% success rate when it comes to burning off unwanted body fat.

Just go to this next page here for the full explanation of how this can work for anybody, at any age, regardless of what shape or health you are in.

Remember, harder isn't better, SMARTER is better.


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer truthaboutabs

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Discover The DARK Side of Soy…

Are YOU One Of The 81% Americans Eating This So-Called "Healthy" Plant Food PROVEN To Age You Faster, Increase Belly Fat And Disrupt Your Hormones?

See that bottle of oil on the right?
It's healthy, "heart-friendly" soybean oil.
Or at least that's what food marketing, the FDA, Hollywood stars following the vegan diet and maybe even your own doctor want you to believe.
As you'll soon discover in the eye-opening article below, soy foods might be one of the darkest food scams in History.
Over 81% of Americans have been convinced and deceived into believing that soybean oil and other soy products like soy milk, soy patties and tofu can help you burn more belly fat.
In reality it's the complete opposite.
New studies from independent sources now reveal that soy products age you faster, increase your belly fat and disrupt your hormones.
I know, I know, you're probably thinking WHY in the world should I trust this advice or believe any of this?
Because scientific research confirms it's 100% FACT.
You see, I used to believe that certain health foods, like soy, were good for me too!
But then I researched over 582 studies and discovered the REAL Truth About Fat Burning Foods.
My name is Nick "The Nutrition Nerd" Pineault, and I'm just a regular guy from Montreal, Quebec that wants to burn more fat, stay lean, young looking, and be healthy for life just like YOU.
Over the last 7 years, I've uncovered hundreds of dirty little tricks the big food industry, the diet industry, and even governments pull off behind your back to make a quick buck. These are the same food LIES that harm your body making you age faster, while sabotaging your body's ability to burn fat—STOPPING you from feeling great and looking your best.
But wait, it gets even worse.
MOST doctors, nutritionists and health professionals are misinformed and don't even realize they've been misled into recommending potentially dangerous FAT-STORING foods.
The good news is that after reading the short article below you’ll learn the REAL truth about commercial soy, and MANY other so-called “healthy” foods that could be making you feel WORSE, while making your waistline bigger.
You’ll also discover how easy it is to replace these “fattening” health foods with delicious and healthy REAL FAT-BURNING foods.

The 3 "hidden" dangers below show you EXACTLY how
soy can screw up your hormones, making you
store MORE belly fat with every bite...

Once you stop buying into these food lies, you'll be able to easily transform your diet from fat-storing foods to healthy fat-burning foods WITHOUT being misled or deceived by the food industry or some health professional.
It's all part of my 24 hour diet makeover that you'll learn about below specifically designed to KEEP your body in a consistent, fat burning environment 24 hours a day – without extreme dieting, weight loss pills, or some other dangerous quick fix.

Soy Danger #1:
Hidden Toxins That Make You Store MORE Belly Fat

EVERY living organism in nature has some sort of defense mechanism.
While animals use obvious weapons like claws and teeth to survive, certain plants like soy use special toxins that are linked to several health problems, which can potentially screw up your hormones.
Here are 6 examples…
Natural toxins: Impair your digestive system.
Phytates: Prevent you from absorbing certain minerals.
Enzyme inhibitors: Hinder protein digestion.
Goitrogens: Interfere with your thyroid function and metabolism.
Phytoestrogens (Isoflavones): Genistein and daidzein, which mimic the fat storing hormone estrogen. They're also shown to increase your risks of hypothyroidism by 3 fold. (1)
Haemaggluttin: Causes red blood cells to clump together and inhibits oxygen uptake and growth.
Now you can probably see why Asians have been using a process called "fermentation" for years now. It gets rid of most of the anti-nutrients, allergens and hormone-disrupting compounds found in raw soy beans.
But in North America, no one seems to care! And companies carelessly put hormone-disrupting raw soy in soymilk, soybean oil, soy patties and tofu – which increases fat storage, drains your energy, and HARMS your body.

Soy Danger #2:
Genetic Modification That DESTROYS Your Digestive Health & Immune System

What you may, or may NOT know, is that 93% of the soy grown in the US has been genetically modified by the food giant Monsanto.
You might be downplaying this like it's no big deal, but researchers have discovered that the Bt toxin inside GMO soy that's supposed to repel bugs accumulates inside your gut, slowly leaching TOXIC pesticides into your body. (2)
In fact, latest statistics show this dangerous and fattening toxin can be found in the gut of 93% of pregnant women and 80% of unborn babies... (3)
(It's no wonder GMO foods have been banned from several countries now, even though the FDA does NOTHING about it...)

Soy Danger #3:
Heavy Chemical Processing That Harms Your Body and Ages You FASTER...

Soybean oil, soy protein and other popular forms that are touted as "healthy" are all heavily processed, which presents ALL kinds of problems.
Here's why: natural plant oils inside soy plants are very fragile, so they instantly become damaged and inflammatory the second they're exposed to heat, oxygen, or even sunlight.
That's why soy products contain so many inflammatory compounds like trans-4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (HNE), a byproduct that SPEEDS up the aging process.
This same compound is found in large amounts inside the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. (4)
And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse: many soy products are processed and extracted with hexane, a dangerous byproduct of gasoline refining.
Soybeans are left soaking in a toxic hexane bath for hours one end in order to squeeze every tiny bit of oil possible. After that, the hexane is completely removed by evaporation.
At least that's what is supposed to happen. In reality, studies by the EPA clearly show that hexane can still be found in soybean oil and isolated soy protein. (5)
That's because the FDA doesn't bother setting a maximum residue level in soy foods for dangerous chemicals like hexane, which means it could be very harmful for you and your family. 

So Who Can You REALLY Trust To Learn The TRUTH About The Fat-Burning Foods You Buy And Eat?

The soy lies and myths you just discovered are really only the beginning.
But who CAN you trust?
The Government? I think not.
Government officials may have the best intentions in mind – but just follow the money. The ties between regulatory agencies like the FDA and food giants like Monsanto, General Mills and Kellogg is simply too strong.
What about your doctor?
This may offend a LOT of people, but MOST doctors have NEVER been educated about fat burning nutrition and have NO clue of what you should really eat to stay lean, young, and healthy.
In fact, one study showed that more than 50% of doctors have LESS nutritional knowledge than their patients. (Reference: Am J Clin Nutr September 1993 vol. 58 no. 3 319-325) 50%!
And what about the most popular health bloggers?
Most health bloggers are genuinely TRYING to help you. But in the end they'll just give you contradictory information and conspiracy theories that could do more harm than good.
Plus, who wants to follow their extreme recommendations or eat nothing but twigs and berries? Nobody.
As you can clearly see, 99% of all experts don't know the REAL truth about fat burning foods.
That’s why I became so obsessed, spending over 7 years meticulously developing an easy-to-use system that will show you EXACTLY how to RID these fat-storing foods from your kitchen starting today.
All you have to do is click the next page button below and you can quickly and easily replace these dangerous foods for mouth-watering foods that accelerate your metabolism metabolism—all while helping you conquer your cravings, making it easier to burn off stubborn belly fat.
It's efficient. And it's one of the fastest ways to transform your kitchen from fat STORING foods to fat BURNING foods in LESS than 24 hours.
Just click the next page button below and you'll learn exactly how to eat "fat burning foods" WITHOUT strict, complicated diets OR having to buy outrageously expensive organic groceries.

NEXT PAGE

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7 Odd Metabolism-Boosting Nutrients

Unusual nutrients that can FIRE-UP your

metabolism naturally!

by Mike Geary - Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Specialist
author of best-selling program - The Truth About 6-Pack Abs

If you've read my Fat Burning Kitchen program as well as Truth About 6-Pack Abs program, then you know I point out dozens of "minor" things that can all have small, but cumulative effects on your metabolism and fat-burning efforts.
Some of these minor fat-burning factors that I've written about previously are:

• Use of 'cruciferous' veggies to help fight the xenoestrogens your body is exposed to (that can make stomach fat particularly stubborn)
• Use of green/black/white/oolong teas to have very slight increases in the fat-burning effect
• Use of capsaicin (from cayenne) to have a slight thermogenic effect and increase in calorie-burning
• Use of cinnamon which is proven to control blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and thereby help to control appetite/cravings and burn more fat
• and dozens more simple little "tricks" like this that can all add up.

I've made sure to stress that none of these are "miracles" that will magically transform your body...
I've always tried to stress that the main aspects of your lifestyle, training consistency and strategy, nutritional habits, and mindset are vitally more important than any of these minor "tricks and tips".
But, I also honestly think that if you consistently combine many of these minor aspects like spices, teas, food types, etc, etc -- that you can see a legitimate increase in your fat burning results.
Although I don't believe in "Fat Burners" per se, I found a great new product that I think can help to maximize your metabolism...
This product contains some of the things I've talked about before... green tea, cinnamon, capsaicin, L-tyrosine, AKG, and a few other goodies.
I don't think it's a "miracle fat burner" or any nonsense like that... but I DO think it can help to give you the edge and increase your metabolism. Based on some of the ingredients, it could help to control blood sugar, control cravings, increase thermogenic caloric burning, etc...

check it out, click here: 7 Powerful Metabolism-Boosters 
It only makes sense to give it a try and see if it helps to boost your metabolism and burn off stomach fat faster than usual. 
Here's to a blazing metabolism!

Mike Geary
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Author of best-selling program - The Truth About Six Pack Abs

If you're not yet a subscriber to my FREE Lean-Body Secrets Ezine, sign up above to get FREE access to all of my delicious fat-burning recipes, unique workouts that burn fat faster than traditional cardio, and tons more fat-burning tips and tricks!

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The Shocking Truth about Dietary Fats and Saturated Fats

You've been deceived into thinking that saturated fats are bad for you, but let's look at some facts below...
by Mike Geary - Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer

I’ll preface this article by saying that it will help if you have an open mind and accept that some of these facts are a slap in the face to politically correct nutrition in this day and age where fats are admonished by many doctors, health "experts", and the mass media.
To start, eating an adequate supply of healthy dietary fats is vitally important to your overall health. Fats are one of the main components in all of the cell membranes throughout your entire body. If you eat enough healthy natural fats, your cellular processes will proceed normally.
On the other hand, if you eat man-made, heavily processed, chemically altered fats (damaged fats) that are found in most processed foods, your cellular function will be impaired as these damaged fats become part of your cell membranes, the body will have to work harder to operate correctly, and degenerative diseases can develop.
In addition, healthy dietary fats are necessary for optimal hormone production and balance within the body and are therefore essential for the muscle building and fat burning processes.  Other important functions that dietary fats play in a healthy body are aiding vitamin and mineral utilization, enzyme regulation, energy, etc.
I cringe every time I hear so called "health experts" recommend restriction of dietary fat, claiming that a low-fat diet is the key to good health, weight loss, and prevention of degenerative diseases.  Restriction of any one macronutrient (protein, carbs, or fat) in your diet works against what your body needs and can only lead to problems.
All three basic macronutrients serve important functions for a lean, healthy, and disease-free body.  As Dr. Mary Enig, Ph.D, and one of the leading fats researchers in the world, notes in several of her books and articles, there is very little true scientific evidence supporting the assertion that a high fat diet is bad for us.
For example, if these so called "health experts" that admonish fat are correct, and a low-fat diet is the solution to good health, then why did traditional Pacific Islanders who typically obtained 2/3 to 3/4 of their total daily calories from fat (mostly from coconut fat), remain virtually free from heart disease, obesity, and other modern degenerative diseases (that is, until Western dietary influences invaded)?
Also, why did traditional Eskimo populations, consuming up to 75% of their total caloric intake from fat (mostly from whale blubber, seal fat, organ meats, and cold water fish), display superior health and longevity without heart disease or obesity?
Why did members of the Masai tribe in Africa remain free from degenerative diseases and maintain low body fat percentages on diets consisting of large quantities of raw whole milk, blood, and meat? What about the Samburu tribe of Africa, which eats an average of 5 times the quantity of dietary fat (mostly from raw whole milk and meat) as overweight, disease-ridden Americans, yet Samburu members are lean, healthy, and free of degenerative diseases?
What about traditional Mediterranean diets, which are known to be very high in fat in some cases (sometimes up to 50-70% fat), and are also well known to be very healthy?

These examples of high fat diets and the associated excellent health of traditional populations around the world go on and on, yet it seems that many doctors, nutritionists, and media outlets still ignore these facts and continue to promote a diet that restricts dietary fat intake.
Well, the problem is that the good fats (the natural unprocessed health promoting fats) have gotten mistakenly lumped together in nutritional advice with the deadly processed fats and oils that make up a large percentage of almost all processed food that is sold at your local grocery store, restaurant, deli, fast food joint, etc. These deadly processed fats are literally everywhere and almost impossible to avoid unless you know what to look for and make smart choices in what you feed your body with.
Take note that I’m not recommending following a super high fat diet (although technically this can be more healthy than a high carb diet as long as you choose healthy fats).

However, in most cases, active individuals that exercise on a regular basis certainly also need adequate supplies of healthy carbohydrates for energy and muscle glycogen replenishment as well as good sources of protein for muscle repair. The above examples of the high fat diets of traditional populations and their corresponding excellent health were simply to prove the point that you don't need to be afraid of dietary fats as long as you make healthy natural choices and stay within your daily caloric range to maintain or lose body fat (depending on your goals).
Following is a list of some of the healthiest fatty foods (some will surprise you!) as well as some of the deadliest fatty foods to try to avoid at all costs:

The Healthy Fatty Food Choices:

• Nuts (any and all - walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, macadamias, etc.): Nuts are great sources of healthy unprocessed fats as well as minerals and other trace nutrients. Macadamias, almonds, and cashews are great sources of monounsaturated fats, while walnuts are a good source of unprocessed polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3’s). Try to avoid nuts that are cooked in oil. Instead, choose raw or dry roasted nuts.
• High fat fish such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, trout, etc.:  Just about any fish or seafood are good sources of natural omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, but the higher fat fish listed above are the best sources of omega-3’s. Due to the radical switch to a higher proportion of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats like soybean oil, corn oil, safflower oil, etc. in our food supply during the middle of the 20th century, the average western diet is currently way too high in omega-6’s compared to omega-3’s, which wreaks havoc in your body. This is where good omega-3 sources like high fat fish, walnuts, and flax seeds can help bring you back to a better ratio of omega-6/omega-3.  I also recommend Krill Oil, which has been shown to possibly have even more health benefits health  than standard fish oil
• Avocados or guacamole:  The fat in avocados (depending on where they’re grown) is approximately 60% monounsaturated, 25% saturated, and 15% polyunsaturated. Avocados are a very healthy natural food that provides many nutrients, fiber, and healthful fats, while adding a rich flavor to any meal. Try sliced avocado on sandwiches or in salads or use guacamole in wraps, sandwiches, or quesadillas.
• Dark, bittersweet chocolate (>70% cocoa):  The cocoa bean is a very concentrated source of antioxidants and responsible for part of the health benefit of dark chocolate. The fat portion of the cocoa bean (cocoa butter) is a healthy natural fat, composed of approximately 59% saturated fat (mostly healthy stearic acid), 38% monounsaturated fat, and 3% polyunsaturated fat. I’ll limit the description of healthy chocolate to ONLY dark bittersweet chocolate with >70% cocoa content. Most milk chocolates are only about 30% cocoa, and even most dark chocolates are only about 55% cocoa, leaving the remainder of those products composed of high amounts of sugar, milk fat, corn sweeteners, etc. Look for a quality dark chocolate that lists its cocoa content like Chocolove Extra Dark (77%) or Dagoba New Moon (74%), which contain mostly cocoa and very little sugar. Keep in mind that although dark chocolate can be a healthy treat, it is still calorie dense, so keeping it to just a square or two is a good idea.
• Extra virgin olive oil:  Olive oil is approximately 71% monounsaturated, 16% saturated, and 13% polyunsaturated. Choose “extra virgin” olive oil, which comes from the first pressing of the olives and has higher quantities of antioxidants. Unlike most other oils on supermarket shelves, extra virgin olive oil is not extracted with the use of harmful industrial solvents and is one of your healthiest choices for liquid oils. Try making your own salad dressing by mixing a small amount of olive oil with vinegar. This is healthier than most store bought salad dressings, which are usually made with highly processed and refined (chemically damaged) soybean oil extracted with industrial solvents.

• Coconut fat: Coconut fat is approximately 92% saturated fat, yet surprisingly to most people, is considered a very healthy natural fat. The health benefits of coconut fat lie in its composition of approximately 65% medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Specifically, about 50% of coconut fat is a MCT called lauric acid, which has very potent anti-microbial properties helping to enhance the immune system. Also, MCTs are more easily utilized for immediate energy instead of being stored as body fat.  Coconut oil is also an excellent cooking oil for stir-frying, etc. since saturated fats are much more stable and do not oxidize like polyunsaturated oils when exposed to heat and light, which creates damaging free radicals. The best sources of healthy coconut fat are organic coconut milk, virgin coconut oil (available at http://coconut-info.com), or fresh coconut.
• Seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds):  All of these seeds are great sources of natural unprocessed healthy fats. In particular, flax seeds have received a lot of attention lately due to their high omega-3 content. However, keep in mind that omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are highly reactive to heat and light, and prone to oxidation and free radical production. Therefore, freshly ground flax seed is the only way to go. Instead of using the store bought ground flax seed, you can buy whole flax seed and use one of those miniature coffee grinders to grind your own flax seed. Try grinding fresh flax seed into your yogurt, cereal, or even your salad.  If you’re using a flax oil, make sure it’s a cold-pressed oil in a light-proof refrigerated container, and use it up within a few weeks to prevent it from going rancid. NEVER cook with flax oil!
• The fat in organically raised, free-range animals:  This is where most people have been misinformed by the mass media. Animal fat is inherently good for us, that is, if it came from a healthy animal. Human beings have thrived on animal fats for thousands of years. The problem is, most mass produced animal products today do not come from healthy animals. They come from animals given loads of antibiotics and fattened up with hormones and fed un-natural feed. The solution is to choose organically raised, free-range meats, eggs, and dairy. At this time, the price is still a little higher, but as demand grows, the prices will come down. I've found an incredible website that actually offers free-range grass-fed meats delivered right to your doorstep at very reasonable prices. Believe me, it's very hard to find grass fed meats at any grocery stores, so I was pleased to find this site.

The Deadly Fatty Foods:

• Hydrogenated oils (trans fats):  These are industrially produced chemically altered oils subjected to extremely high pressure and temperature, with added industrial solvents such as hexane for extraction, and have a metal catalyst added to promote the artificial hydrogenation, followed by bleaching and deodorizing agents…..and somehow the FDA still allows this crap to pass as food. These oils aren’t even worthy of your lawnmower, much less your body! They’ve been linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. Even small quantities have been shown in studies to be dangerous. If you care about your health, check the ingredients of everything you buy, and if you see partially hydrogenated oils of any kind, margarine, or shortening, protect yourself and your family by choosing something else. 
• Refined oils:  Even if the oils are not hydrogenated, most oils on your supermarket shelves are refined, even most of the so called “healthy” canola oils. Most refined oils still undergo the high temperature, high pressure, solvent extraction, bleaching, and deodorizing processes. Anything labeled vegetable oil, soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, and even many canola oils have been damaged by this refining process (unless they say "virgin" or "cold expeller pressed"). This damages the natural structure of the fats, destroys natural antioxidants, creates free radicals, and produces a generally unhealthy product. Take note that the explosion of heart disease in the middle of the 20th century coincides quite nicely with the rapid increase in the use of hydrogenated and refined oils in the food supply.
• Anything deep fried: including tortilla chips, potato chips, French fries, donuts, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, etc. All of this crap shouldn't even pass as real food in my opinion!
• Homogenized milk fat - Milk fat is a very healthy fat in its natural raw state. Milk and beef from grass fed organically raised cows is known to have higher quantities of healthy fats like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acids compared with grain fed cows. Traditional populations around the world have thrived in perfect health while consuming huge quantities of raw, non-pasteurized, non-homogenized, full fat dairy products.  Once again, food processing ruins a good thing by pasteurizing and homogenizing milk fat, rendering it potentially dangerous inside the human body. Unfortunately, you will find it almost impossible to find raw milk in the US unless you personally know a farmer. Check out http://www.realmilk.com for more info on the benefits of raw milk and to find out if it’s available near you. As an alternative, cultured dairy products like yogurt have at least had beneficial microorganisms added back to them making them better for you.  Realistically, since you probably won’t find raw milk, sticking to skim milk is the best option to avoid the homogenized milk fat. If you use butter for cooking, your best option is grass-fed butter.

I hope this article has shed some light on the truth about dietary fats and made you realize their importance in a healthy diet.

A fully comprehensive analysis on dietary protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and how to compile all of this information into a diet that promotes a lean healthy body with a low body fat percentage is provided in my book “The Truth About Six Pack Abs”.  Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!

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Cinnamon and Honey: The Dynamic Duo You Need More Of

It is widely known that the key to a health-promoting diet is a variety of whole, nutritious foods.
However, there are certain foods – and certain food combinations – that can greatly boost your wellness quotient if you incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most potent superfood duos out there is cinnamon and honey.
Individually, both cinnamon and honey boast amazing health benefits.
Together, they are a veritable powerhouse.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an ancient spice, and was used culinarily and medicinally in both ancient Egypt and China. This spice comes from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which rolls into a “cinnamon stick” shape when it is dried. These sticks are either used whole, or ground into powdered form.
There are over 100 varieties of cinnamon, although what we commonly consume in the West is cassia cinnamon, which hails from China. Ceylon cinnamon is known as “true cinnamon,” and has a subtler flavor, but it is difficult to find in this part of the world.
This sweet, aromatic spice is rich in minerals, including calcium and manganese. It also contains a number of essential oils with active components, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamyl acetate.
These volatile compounds, as well as other antioxidants found in cinnamon bark, have potent anti-inflammatory properties and help to combat disease-promoting free radicals.
Thanks to its essential oil content, cinnamon possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that when cinnamon was added to carrot broth, it effectively controlled the spread of Bacillus cereus, a foodborne bacteria, for sixty days.
The cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon has been found to improve circulation and prevent the unwanted clumping of blood platelets. Because of this, it may aid in the prevention of heart attack and stroke.
Cinnamon is linked to helping to lower blood sugar, as it can slow the emptying rate of the stomach after ingesting food. This improves insulin sensitivity, and can therefore be of great use to individuals suffering from diabetes, as well as those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon make it a key food in relieving multiple types of pain, including joint pain, headaches and menstrual cramping. Furthermore, cinnamon has been linked to boosting cognitive function – just a whiff of its aroma may help to improve focus and memory.

Honey

Honey, like cinnamon, is also an ancient food celebrated for thousands of years for both its amazing taste and potent medicinal properties. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, refers to it as “liquid gold” in his writings.
However, not all honey is created equal.
Processed, refined honey is a far cry from natural, raw honey. Many honeys that have undergone heavy processing no longer contain pollen, which is an important part of real honey’s health benefits. Also, some honey products that hail from India and other parts of Asia have been found to contain contaminants, and even antibiotics and metals.
While a certified organic honey is likely a safe bet, your absolute best source for honey is a local, raw variety.

Raw honey

The importance of finding a raw honey from a local source rests in its ability to help desensitize your body to allergens commonly found in the area where you live. When bees produce honey, they deposit a small amount of pollen into it. Eating a spoon or two of local, raw honey can help build up your immunity to environmental allergens in your hometown.
Raw honey can also be extremely beneficial during a cold or cough. Adding a teaspoon of honey to your tea is not just an old wives tale: it has been scientifically studied to work. A 2007 study performed at the University of Pennsylvania gave either raw honey or Dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant medication, to children between the ages of 2 and 17 who were suffering from upper respiratory infections.
Upon analyzing the results, the study authors wrote: "In a comparison of honey, DM, and no treatment, parents rated honey most favorably for symptomatic relief of their child’s nocturnal cough and sleep difficulty due to upper respiratory tract infection. Honey may be a preferable treatment for the cough and sleep difficulty associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infection."
Raw honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties, and can be applied topically to both disinfect and help heal numerous wounds and skin conditions, including minor burns, eczema and dermatitis. When it is ingested, these properties can help to support your immune system in dealing with pathogens that may make you sick if left unchecked.
One particularly potent type of honey is manuka honey. This honey, which hails from the flower nectar of the manuka tree, native to Australia and New Zealand, has been found to have up to 200 times the antibacterial potency of any other honey. Manuka honey can also help to support healthy gut bacteria, which along with improving digestion may provide a significant boost to your immune system.
Note: Honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age.

When their powers combine…

In both Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, the combination of cinnamon and honey has been long celebrated. The following are just a few benefits of blending these two superfoods:

• Boosting the immune system to help prevent seasonal illnesses and other infections
• Speeding recovery from colds and other seasonal ailments
• Clearing sinus congestion
• Soothing indigestion and other digestive disturbances
• Aiding in recovery from bladder infections
• Supporting healthy weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise
• Aiding in the prevention of heart disease and other chronic ailments
• Potentially increasing longevity

Both cinnamon and honey taste delicious, and the healing powers of these ancient superfoods are vast.
The truth is, we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to the many benefits of honey.
If you liked today's article, feel free to share with friends and family below.

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Sculpt a Better Body with Proper Post-Workout Nutrition

Ideas for healthy post-workout shakes to help build muscle and enhance fat loss

by Mike Geary, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer
Author of best-selling program:  The Truth about Six-Pack Abs

As you’ve probably heard before, your post-workout meal may very well be your most important meal of the day.

The reason is that when you’re finished with an intense workout, you’re entering a catabolic state where your muscle glycogen is depleted and increased cortisol levels are beginning to excessively break down muscle tissue. These conditions are not good and the only way to reverse this catabolic state (and promote an anabolic state) is to consume a quickly digestible post-workout meal (can be a shake or smoothie) as soon as you can after training.

The goal is to choose a meal with easily digestible quick carbs to replenish muscle glycogen as well as quickly digestible protein to provide the amino acids needed to jump start muscular repair.  The surge of carbohydrates and amino acids from this quickly digested meal promotes an insulin spike from the pancreas, which shuttles nutrients into the muscle cells.

The post-workout meal should generally contain between 300-500 calories to get the best response. For example, a 120-lb female may only need a 300-calorie meal, whereas a 200-lb male may need a 500-calorie post-workout meal. Your post-workout meal should also contain anywhere from a 2:1 ratio of carbs:protein to a 4:1 ratio of carbs:protein. While most of your other daily meals should contain a source of healthy fats, keep the fat content of your post-workout meal to a bare minimum, since fat slows the absorption of the meal, which is the opposite of what you want after a workout.

When choosing what to make for your post-workout meal, the first thing to realize is that you DON’T need any of these expensive post-workout supplement formulations that all of the fancy ads you see everywhere will tell you that you absolutely NEED!  I tend to prefer to make my own post-workout shakes from natural ingredients instead of using a commercial mixture, since many of them are low quality.

However, one that I've found that I particularly like (and from a brand that I trust) is at this page:  http://losebellyfat.getprograde.com/workout -- they have just the right ratio of carbs to protein and use quality ingredients
.
 For the shakes that I make myself, here are some things to keep in mind if you try it...

A good source of quickly digestible natural carbs such as frozen bananas, pineapples, honey, or organic maple syrup are perfect to elicit an insulin response that will promote muscle glycogen replenishment and a general anabolic (muscle building) effect. The more you can assist the muscle repair process, the more you increase your metabolic rate and can help your fat loss as well.
The best source of quickly digestible protein is a quality non-denatured whey protein and/or some fat-free or low-fat yogurt. Here are a couple ideas for delicious post-workout smoothies that will kick start your recovery process:

Chocolate Banana – blend together 1 cup water, ½ cup milk (I prefer raw grass-fed milk for max health benefits), one and a half frozen bananas, 2 tbsp organic maple syrup, and 30 grams chocolate whey protein powder – 38 g prot, 72 g carb, 1.5 g fat, 450 calories.

Pineapple Vanilla - blend together 1 cup water, ½ cup vanilla yogurt, one cup frozen pineapples, 2 tbsp honey (preferably raw), and 30 grams vanilla whey protein powder – 35 g prot, 71 g carb, 1 g fat, 430 calories.

When choosing a good whey protein, it's important to note that the quality vastly differs between brands and types.  Most whey proteins are produced under high heat processes that destroy some of the fragile nutritional components of the whey.  The best whey that I've found is this great new grass-fed RAW whey protein...since this is from grass-fed cows, it also has higher levels of muscle-building and fat-burning CLA (conjugated linoleic acid).

When looking to lose body fat, keep in mind that post-workout meals should have the opposite characteristics of all of your other meals throughout each day. While post-workout meals should have quick high glycemic index carbs and quickly digested proteins, all of your other meals throughout the day should be comprised of low glycemic index, slowly digested carbs and slow release proteins.
These are powerful strategies towards developing a lean muscular body with a low body fat percentage.  Another great thing about post-workout meals is that you can satisfy even the worst sweet tooth, since this is the one time of the day where you can get away with eating extra sugars without adding to your gut. Instead, it all goes straight to the muscles! But ONLY if your workout was super-high intensity and involved resistance training for large portions of the body.  If all you did was some low intensity cardio, forget about doing this type of post-workout shake.

Enjoy!

A more detailed and comprehensive nutritional analysis with more of these various powerful dietary strategies are found in our best-selling #1 rated fitness ebook in the world, The Truth About Six Pack Abs.

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