VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Don't Give Up! Get Your Diet Back on Track with Help from Vitacost

It's been well over a month since you made that New Year's resolution to finally lose weight. While you probably started off strong, by this time, it may be getting tricky to stick with your original diet plan. Consider the following tips to get your diet back on track:

• Focus on the Positive. Instead of dwelling on what you haven't accomplished, consider all the positive steps you've taken to lose weight over the past few weeks.
• Try Something New. Add a fun, new physical activity, such as a nightly after-dinner walk or dance class, to your schedule.
• Buddy Up. Share your plan with a friend. Talk about any obstacles you're facing – he or she may have helpful suggestions. Having a friend who's also on a diet can also be a great source of motivation.
• Write It Down. If you're not doing so already, start keeping a food journal. It may help you discover weaknesses or slip-up patterns. Plus, reviewing "good days" of healthful eating may inspire you to achieve more.
• Try a Natural Supplement. From appetite suppressants to fat burners to metabolism boosters, you'll find name-brand products at the best-possible prices at Vitacost.com to help you get your diet back on track.

More Energy, Less Fat: Try MCTs

Medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, are fatty acids that are easily digested and more rapidly absorbed by the body than other fats. They function similarly to carbohydrates, supplying the body with an immediate, efficient source of "quick" energy.

MCTs are popular among athletes and bodybuilders looking to increase endurance and enhance sports performance. They're also used to promote weight loss, as they induce ketosis, a state in which the body burns stored fat for energy.

While MCTs are found in foods such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter, they're also available in supplement form, usually as a liquid oil that can be taken by the spoonful or added to dressings and other foods. Due to its low smoke point, MCT oil is not recommend for cooking.

To view Vitacost.com's selection of MCT products, please click here.

Spotlight on Adrenal Support Supplements

Also known as the "stress glands," your adrenal glands are responsible for producing nearly 50 hormones essential for basic body functions such as fluid and electrolyte balance, fat storage and the regulation of energy levels.

Chronic stress, as well as lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and smoking, can all negatively affect adrenal gland function, leading to imbalanced hormone levels and depletion of the body's energy reserves. Weakened immune health, disrupted blood sugar metabolism, poor mood, poor digestion and muscular weakness may also result.

Provide your body with adrenal support with nutrients such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), necessary for the production of adrenal hormones; B-complex vitamins, which enhances adrenal function; and vitamin C, which may alleviate the body's response to stress. Herbs such as ginseng, licorice root and rhodiola may also provide adrenal support.

To view the complete selection of adrenal support supplements available at Vitacost.com, please click here.

Reach Your Fitness Peak with Pinnacle Brand Products

Sure, snappy slogans and pretty packaging capture attention. But marketing can only take a product so far. Customers want safety, quality and effectiveness when it comes to nutritional supplements.

Bodyonics, Ltd., manufacturers of Pinnacle brand products, deliver all three—and more. Besides being backed by a team of top professionals, with extensive experience in every aspect of nutritional supplement manufacturing, Pinnacle brand sports and fitness products are produced in a state-of-the-art facility with a sophisticated laboratory housing some of the most advanced equipment in research, development, testing and analysis.

Sister company to Phoenix Laboratories, one of the few pharmaceutical laboratories in the U.S. that manufactures nutritional supplements, Pinnacle brand products must meet the highest standards set by the FDA. They contain the very best raw materials and are formulated to provide the greatest nutritional value and benefit for your money.

To see the full selection of Pinnacle brand products offered at Vitacost.com, please click here.

Make Dry Skin Feel Smooth & Supple

Dry skin can feel sensitive, tight and uncomfortable. Dry skin can also look dull and lifeless – and show signs of premature aging.

Dry skin is a function of many factors including:

• Heredity – dry skin can be due to genetics
• Harsh environmental elements such as overexposure to wind, sun and extreme temperatures
• Drying, harsh soaps and cosmetics
• Poor diet and nutrition can also cause dry skin

To help combat dry skin and keep it soft, smooth and supple:

• Avoid hot baths and showers – use lukewarm water instead
• Use only mild face, hand and body cleansers that also moisturize
• Apply a gentle, good quality moisturizer on your face, hands and body – and do so daily!
• Avoid excessive use of cosmetics – let your skin breathe
• Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get your daily intake of vitamins and other nutrients

Your diet should include foods that are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, as well as selenium, chromium and zinc. Taking a daily nutritional supplement (check out Vitacost.com for all your supplement needs) is an excellent way to ensure that you receive the nutrients necessary to combat dry skin while promoting healthy, beautiful skin.

Glutamine Keeps Your Mind & Body at Peak Performance

Glutamine, also known as L-glutamine, is the most abundant and utilized amino acid in the body. Glutamine contributes to a healthy digestive tract and is the primary source of energy for the immune system, keeping it fortified and functioning properly. It also supports the repair and preservation of muscle tissue, providing particular benefit to those involved in weight lifting and intense workouts.

Taking a daily glutamine supplement is an efficient way to replace declining levels of glutamine due to exertion, keeping athletic performance at its peak. Glutamine can also be used by cells as glucose, providing metabolic energy.

Found in many high-protein foods such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy products, glutamine not only does a body good, it also promotes mental alertness, clear thinking, short- and long-term memory, and a good disposition!

To be sure that you receive the right amount of this essential, multi-faceted nutrient, Vitacost.com offers a line of quality glutamine supplements at an exceptional value.

Vitamin A for Vibrant Eyes & Skin, and Immune Health

Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, bone growth, cell reproduction and immune function. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A also encourages healthy surface linings of the urinary, respiratory and intestinal tracts.

In addition to promoting good health from within, vitamin A can also help you look as good as you feel! Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. It contributes to rejuvenation of the skin by encouraging cell turnover, resulting in a smooth and radiant complexion. Vitamin A also helps with the maintenance of healthy, strong and shiny hair.

Good dietary sources of vitamin A include liver, fish oil, whole milk, milk products, egg yolks, and richly colored fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale and spinach.

Be sure that you get the most from this nutritional powerhouse by taking daily vitamin A supplements to complement your diet. 

Dancing Paws: For the Love of Your Pet!

Like other members of your family, your pet wants a healthy smile, fresh breath and loads of energy – along with a long, happy life! With this in mind, Dancing Paws is pleased to offer:

• Breath-A-Licious – a functional dental T-bone treat that helps reduce tartar build up, leaving teeth clean and bright. It contains natural ingredients that not only freshen breath, but also aid digestion, soothe upset stomachs and help reduce gas – making your dog happy, huggable and pleasant to be near!
• Dancing Paws Multi-Vitamin and Mineral – a unique formulation of natural nutrients that comes in chewable wafers. This supplement helps ensure your pet achieves optimal levels of nutrition on a daily basis to keep him energetic, frisky and spry. 
• Dancing Paws Canine Hi-Potency Joint Recovery and Dancing Paws Canine Joint Maintenance – supplements that help put spring in your pet’s step! Both formulations support joint recovery and maintenance, come in chewable wafers and help keep your four-legged family member active and in high spirits for years to come!

Where can you find Dancing Paws pet products? Why at Vitacost.com, of course – where you always get high-quality products at the best prices!