Posts by kurtb

Clipped....

ARA) - It's a simple fact. As the weather heats up, your thirst for fun, refreshing drinks increases. We all know it's important to stay hydrated, especially when we're outside working or enjoying ourselves under the hot sun. But with so many choices and so much news swirling around about what's safe and what's healthy, choosing the right beverages for you and your family's lifestyle can seem complicated.

"There's a lot of inaccurate information out there about beverages and the role they play in overall health and well being," says registered dietician and nutrition-culinary expert Kim Galeaz. "It's important for people to have the facts so they can make informed choices."

Here are five common beverage myths that you may have heard. Quench your thirst for knowledge and you'll find that you have even more healthy options for refreshment and enjoyment.

1. MYTH: Only water hydrates. Contrary to popular belief, water isn't the only beverage that hydrates. In fact, most beverages, including soft drinks, tea, coffee, sports drinks and milk are at least 85 percent water. And that Diet Coke you enjoy in the afternoon? It's more than 99 percent water!

Choose beverages that you enjoy. Several studies show that children and adults consume about 45 to 50 percent more liquid when it's flavored versus plain water.

2. MYTH: Caffeine dehydrates. While caffeine can have a mild, short-term diuretic effect in individuals who don't normally consume caffeine, studies have shown that this is not the case for people who regularly consume caffeine. In fact, a report on water needs released in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine found that all beverages, including those with caffeine, contribute to hydration needs.

Enjoy your morning coffee. Moderate caffeine consumption for adults -- the amount contained in 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 5 to 6 cans of caffeinated soft drinks -- has not been associated with adverse health effects or dehydration.   3. MYTH: Low-calorie and no-calorie sweeteners aren't safe. According to taste researchers, sweetness is one of our first flavor preferences, yet some people believe the secret to losing weight is eliminating sweetness from their diets. That's not necessary. Low-calorie and no-calorie sweeteners have been thoroughly tested and used throughout the world for many years, and are approved by the FDA.

Reduce your caloric intake without feeling deprived by drinking light, low-calorie and no-calorie versions of your favorite beverages.

4. MYTH: Carbonated soft drinks cause tooth decay. While all common sugars, including those in bread, cereal, juice and soft drinks, can contribute to the development of cavities if they stay in contact with the teeth, your teeth are exposed to a beverage for only a short amount of time. Also, the saliva that constantly bathes the teeth prevents erosion from acidic drinks like orange juice and soft drinks. Due to improved dental hygiene, tooth decay has declined significantly over the last 20 years, even as soft drink consumption has increased.

Bite back. Visit your dentist regularly and follow recommendations for daily dental hygiene. The widespread use of fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste and mouthwash has greatly improved dental health, making teeth more resistant to acid attack from plaque bacteria.

5. MYTH: All adults must drink 8 cups of water a day for good health. While there is no scientific evidence to support this long-held belief, many people still refer to this as the standard. The Institute of Medicine estimates that Americans get an average of 80 percent of their daily fluids from water and other beverages and about 20 percent is provided by foods. Larger people require more fluids. The IOM recommends 13 cups of fluids daily for adult males and 9 cups for adult females.

Get the facts. The specific amount of fluid you need each day depends on many factors, including your gender, age and weight, your environment, your health, and your activity level. One way to determine your needs is by using a hydration calculator like the one available at www.makeeverydropcount.com. Enter some simple information and you'll receive all the information you need to quench your thirst this summer.

Howard University The District Chronicles

The constitutionally of the motto has been challenged more than once, but so far judges have ruled that its use does not violate the First Amendment's prohibition on the establishment of religion. In the first case challenging the motto, Aronow v. U.S. (1970), the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that "Its use is of patriotic or ceremonial character and bears no true resemblance to a governmental sponsorship of a religious exercise." The case was not appealed to the Supreme Court.

Subsequent challenges have also been turned aside, including the Supreme Court's refusal in 2005 to hear an appeal to a lower court ruling that the placement of "In God We Trust" on a government building was constitutional. In 2006, a federal district court affirmed the constitutionality of the motto in a suit brought by California doctor and attorney Michael Newdow that sought to have it removed from the nation's currency. Newdow had previously gained notoriety when he had similarly tried – unsuccessfully – to have "under God" removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.

In general, judges have differentiated the "In God We Trust" motto and similar references to the deity (including the phrase "under God" in the pledge) from other publicly sponsored religious practices, such as prayer and Bible reading in public schools. Most courts view the motto and the pledge as "ceremonial deism," a legal term for religious statements that are deemed to have lost their fundamental religious character due to their longtime, customary use.

Survey...

how much have you lost? 110 lbs

is this the 1st time or a repeat performance? Lost 60Lbs in 1999 on Atkins ( 6 months), Couldn't sustain the restriction. Gained it all back plus another 30 lbs.

are you finished? No, 45 lbs to go

how long did it take? 13 Months

how long have you kept it off? Still losing

what approach did you use? CC all the way. Counting calories, and excerise. I maintain an 800 to 1000 calorie a day deficit.

Started 3/07, and lost 50 pounds in ~4.5 months. I have lost a total of 110 pounds to date.

Thanks jules817

Heroes

Pushing Daises

Lost

Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles

Archer531: Congratulations!!!. What daily  ;net (Including your workout) calorie deficit did you maintain?

bernibp: I was in the same boat as you with the CPAP machine. I weaned off of it after losing about 65lbs, and started having vivid dreams, + it was eaiser for me to fall asleep earlier at night and get a full 7-8 hrs. What psi was your machine set to? Mine was at 18.

My SW was 341

CW is 263

I love loose Leaf tea. My Fav's are Yorkshire Gold from Taylors of Harrogate (English), and PG Tips (Also English). I got hooked on them while I was working in the UK.

Teas have helped ( a great deal) with my weightloss.

You can order both teas from Teadog.com

Talk about beautiful, my family I spent four years in Northern England (Ripon). The countryside is beautiful. Many of my friends were farmers in the area. Good people.

*** Land Rover in my Gallery was my daily driver over there. I had to bring it back with me when I returned to the States

Christmas Vacation: Todd and Margo Chester, the Griswold's yuppie neighbors, appear
Todd: Hey Griswold. Where do you think you're gonna put a tree that big?
Clark: Bend over and I'll show you.
Todd: You've got a lot of nerve talking to me like that Griswold.
Clark: I wasn't talking to you.

Down 63lbs

Started CC 3/5/07

SW341

CW 278

A long ways to go yet

Thanks CC

Updated PIcs in profile