Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Omega-3 And Weight Loss

If you have made the decision to lose weight, you probably would like to see results as quickly and effectively as possible. Most experts will agree that the safest way to weight loss is through a combination of a healthy, low-calorie diet combined with a daily program of physical activity. But what if you have already implemented these two elements into your daily lifestyle? Is there another way to increase your edge and set you on a more direct path to achieve your weight loss goals? There has been much written recently about the link between omega-3 fatty acids and weight loss results. The evidence has been compelling, and suggests that omega-3 promotes weight loss, whether in the form of supplements, or increasing the intake of food that contains this essential fatty acid.

What is Omega-3?

Omega-3 is considered an essential fatty acid that the body does not produce, but must receive from an outside source. The best way to get omega-3 fatty acids into your body is through eating a diet that is rich in canola oil, walnuts, and a variety of fish, including salmon, sardines, tuna and herring. The other way to increase your intake of the omega-3 fatty acid is to take fish oil supplements, which can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores.

While it has been known for some time that this essential fatty acid was beneficial in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, questions began to arise over a connection between omega-3 and weight loss. It made sense that if omega-3 fatty acids lowered cholesterol and helped to control blood sugar levels, that it would be beneficial for dieters as well.

Studies on Omega-3 And Its Effects With Fat Loss

The next step was for researchers to study the link between them in controlled, clinical studies. Most of the results of these studies have shown that people who take fish oil supplements or eat a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids had a significant increase in weight loss amounts than those who did not.

Most of the researchers that have studied this link between omega-3 and weight loss will stress the importance of combining the intake of omega-3 fatty acids with a low-calorie, healthy diet and a regular exercise program. However, if you are having trouble losing weight due to genetic factors, a slow metabolism or other factors, taking an omega-3 supplement can increase the effectiveness of your diet and exercise efforts.

The research has shown that omega-3 assists in weight loss by keeping insulin levels in the body low. This is why this supplement is also very helpful for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes. When insulin levels in the body are high, it inhibits the body from burning fat for fuel, allowing the fat to remain in the storehouses of the body and keeping weight up as well. Lower insulin levels will make the body burn the excess fat within for fuel, speeding the rate of weight loss. If you are about to begin a weight loss program of any kind, taking a fish oil supplement or increasing the amount of omega-3 foods in your diet will give you an advantage in achieving your goals.

How much Omega-3 for Fat Loss?

Many health care professionals will recommend a daily intake of 3000 to 4000 mg. of standardized fish oil. This translates into two or three servings of cold-water fish each week or fish oil capsules that will equal this dosage amount. There are side effects that some folks experience when taking the fish oil supplements, such as flatulence and diarrhea. These issues can be greatly reduced by taking a time-release version of the capsules.

The fish oil supplements can also interact with some types of medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before beginning any type of supplement regimen. However, if you are looking for a way to see results with your diet and exercise program, omega-3 and weight loss may be a link that you want to consider.

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Effective Weight Training For Women Leads To Leaner, Healthier Bodies

For a long time, weight training was seen as an activity performed by macho men in sweaty gyms. The times have changed, as many men and women are learning the benefits of weight training for everyone, not just the men with big biceps and sculpted torsos.

Strength training can prevent injuries, promote stamina and increase self confidence. It is easy to learn, and does not take as much time as you might think. Thirty minutes of workout time three times a week can bring you the sculpted and toned body that you have dreamed about.

As free weights and strength training machines have made their way out of the gyms and into recreation centers, fitness centers and even basements, weight training for women has gained momentum.

Starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Madonna have stuck with a regular strength training regimen to maximize their assets. Other women are finding the benefits of weight training as well. Bulking up is not always the goal, but weight training can simply mean toning muscles and ridding the body of unwanted fat. Swimsuit season seems to be just around the corner! Are you ready for a woman weight training program?

The Warm-up

Before beginning a program, it is important to find a personal trainer or fitness expert that can show you the right methods for strength training. Using the wrong form on machines or with the free weights can result in pain and injury, so start out on the right foot by enlisting the help of a professional who can properly teach you.

It is also very important to warm up your muscles before beginning a weight training session. This can be accomplished with a few laps around the track of your fitness center, or a few minutes of work on the treadmill or the bike. Keep in mind that a warm-up does not mean a quick sprint, a ten minutes of easy walking or pedaling will do the trick.

How Many Repetitions, and How Much Weight?

While a personal trainer can get you started on the right path in your womans weight training regimen, the answers to these questions will depend a lot on you and what you can lift. The key is to find the weight amount that will tire you at the end of twelve repetitions. The final lift or curl should be as challenging as you can handle, but the rest of the reps should be quite doable. If you are working out with the proper weight amount, one set of twelve repetitions should be enough. However many women weight trainers prefer to finish two or three sets with a slightly lower weight amount, to ensure that toning is occurring without adding too much muscle bulk.

A weight training program for female should include two or three sessions every week that last about 30 minutes each. It is very important to spend a day after a session resting the muscles that were used. You can either do a full workout every other day, or do shorter daily sessions where you work your legs one day and your arms and upper body the next. The great thing about weight training for women is that you can tailor your program to your individual needs and schedule limitations.

Weight training for women offers many benefits, including increased strength and stamina, increased flexibility and better weight management. As people age, muscle mass decreases and will be replaced with fat if something is not done. Weight training can control that process, assisting with weight management as you age.

It is also a good way to ward off osteoporosis, since regular strength training will increase bone density. Osteoporosis is a big health concern with women of menopausal age, so weight training for women becomes even more important as a woman reaches mid-life.

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Lose Pregnancy Weight Effectively

Gaining weight during pregnancy is normal. While our baby grows, our body is changing to accommodate more room for him or her. Without the weight gain, you and your baby could end up with major health problems. But, just because gaining weight is necessary doesn't mean we can't get rid of that baby weight after pregnancy. How to lose the pregnancy weight healthily and quickly is the key.

Many of us have struggled with weight loss over our lives. We work hard to keep up with our diet and exercise programs, but often lose momentum when our energy is zapped by the pregnancy. Combining every day life events and tasks is hard enough while working to stay healthy. Being pregnant can be that much more difficult. But it is possible to lose that baby weight with a few simple tips.

When starting any new exercise and diet plan, consulting with your doctor is essential to keep your health up to par. Getting back into the swing of things slowly is the key. Remember, your body is recovering from major changes. Your ligaments are still soft and muscles overstretched; both of which could cause extreme injury if your body is not ready. However, just because you need to start slowly and take it easy at first, doesn't mean that you can't get going on the weight loss.

Make sure you are eating a well balanced diet. Not only is this going to keep you healthy (and your baby, too, if you are breast feeding), but you will be able to lose the pregnancy weight more easily. Remember, even if you are breast feeding, you don't need to eat for two any longer. Keep up with the good foods, just not the portion sizes.

Foods like sugars, caffeine, processed foods, and sodium are not only bad for you, they are bad for your baby too. If you aren't breast feeding and don't need to worry about what you eat being what your baby is eating, still consider what it is you are putting into your body. If you wouldn't feed it to your baby, you shouldn't be eating it either. The more fresh and natural your foods are, the better your body will react and the faster weight loss will start.

Eating habits alone are not the only way to help shed the pregnancy pounds. If you have not started, try out your new stroller. If you can only make it around the block once, don't worry. The purpose is to get moving and get your body back to moving normally. With each walk you take, you're going to become stronger and you will start to lose the pregnancy weight. You will also get an opportunity to get fresh air and a change of scenery, which is important for your metal state as well as your physical.

Each new day with baby is a learning experience. Don't make losing weight more difficult than it needs to be. Watch what you eat; fresh and natural foods in small portions. Move each day by walking with baby or finding other ways to get some exercise (doing all of the laundry for those tiny clothes and blankets is another good start). As long as you take one baby step at a time, you will say good bye to pregnancy weight before you know it.

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Free Weight Loss Exercise Program

You have done it. You have made up your mind that it is time to drop those extra pounds and move on to a leaner and healthier lifestyle. You also know that the best method for achieving your goals is a combination of a healthy diet that you will be able to adopt for life, and a daily exercise program. Good for you! You have made some significant steps on the road to a successful weight loss program.

Now the question becomes, what will be the best exercise regimen for you to follow? You want to select from the variety of choices in physical activity that you will enjoy and be able to stick with. You would also like to find an exercise program that will not cost you an arm and a leg. Personal trainers are helpful but expensive, as are fitness center memberships and gym equipment for the basement. So what do you do? Find the best free weight loss exercise program for you, of course!

Weight Loss Workout Programs are Effective for Everyone

The good news is that there are a number of these programs to choose from. You can pick from one that is structured like those that are found on the Internet, or you can simply develop your own plan. With a little bit of research on the safest ways to exercise and the types of activities that burn the most calories, you will be on your way to a free weight loss exercise program that will deliver the results that you desire. Do not let anyone tell you that the best exercises in life are not free. Do your homework so that you can make informed choices, and then get to the workout! There are plenty of choices available so you are guaranteed to find an activity that you like.

Before setting up your free fat loss exercise program, check the Internet for a plethora of information on the most effective types of workouts available. Some sites will even offer worksheets so that you can keep a log that tracks your progress. You can also find guidance online on how to set weight loss exercise goals, and learn how to stay motivated for the long haul. By taking the time to establish a comprehensive plan for your free weight loss exercise program, you will be much more likely to stick with it and meet your goals head-on.

Different Types of Free Fat Loss Programs

So what types of free programs are out there to choose from? The first one that comes to most peoples minds is a walking routine. Aside from a pair of good walking shoes, you can walk as long as you want and as far as you want without paying a single penny! Outdoor walks are the most beneficial health wise, since you will reap the benefits of the fresh air and sunshine, but when the snow or rain fall, indoor walking can serve your purpose as well.

Try to begin your walking program with ten minutes of exercise six days a week, or 20 minutes for three days. Make sure that you begin your weight loss exercise program with a warm-up that can be as simple as a few minutes of light walking to warm up your muscles and cardiovascular system.

Once you have developed a good routine in your weight loss exercise program, and you are ready to progress, you can increase the time and the speed of your walk for a more intense workout. For even more intensity, move into jogging for part of your route. You will see maximum results in your free weight loss exercise program without having to open your checkbook even once.

Exercise not have to cost you a thing besides time and effort. Develop a weight loss exercise program that you will enjoy, and you will stick with your plan for maximum results and benefits.

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Yu Chung Leong

A Weight Control Diet for A Lifetime Of Weight Management

If you are thinking about losing weight this year, consider a disturbing statistic. For every twenty people who successfully lose the weight they desire, only one will actually keep the weight off over the long term. The problem in maintaining a healthy weight comes before the first trip to the scale is ever made.

The mistake that so many dieters make is in selecting a program for weight loss that will bring the quickest results possible, instead of hunting for a diet for weight control. This is precisely why so many of the fad diets on the market today make astronomical sales figures and then disappear forever. While many of these plans will deliver on a little bit of quick weight loss, few have the substance to follow through in meeting your full weight loss goal, and most will offer little guidance on how to keep the weight off for good.

It is a simple fact of life that the most effective weight loss diet will also be the best weight control eating plan for you. Instead of thinking in terms of a nutritional plan that will greatly restrict and limit your variety of food choices, you must work to develop a program of healthy eating that will become the menu that you adopt for life.

While this may seem like a big bite to chew on, consider the fact that healthy eating brings a multitude of benefits to your body and mind that go well beyond weight loss and maintenance. Every system in your body will thank you for feeding it with a healthy diet by looking and feeling their absolute best.

Weight Control Diets that Work are Slow and Steady

When you make the decision that you are going to lose weight, the best method to choose is one that will bring a slow and steady weight loss that will eventually meet your goals. Diets that promise to knock off the pounds quickly will be impossible to stick with over the long term.

Many will leave you feeling hungry at times, and will force you to give up too many foods that you enjoy. If you select a weight control eating plan that is heavy in the fresh fruits and vegetable and light on the high fat, foods, you will find a plan that will be yours for life. It is not easy at first to learn to trade that muffin in the morning with an egg and whole wheat toast, or to trade that dish of ice cream with a bowl of fresh fruit, but in time it will become much easier to make the healthy choices.

Exercise Is No Exception

Here is another part of the weight loss program that will be most effective if it is done gradually. Instead of deciding that you will spend 90 minutes huffing and puffing at the gym every day, commit yourself to a 20 minute walk outdoors each day. Once you learn how enjoyable those 20 minutes can be, you will be much more inclined to increase the amount of your physical activity. However, if you start out by setting extreme and unrealistic fitness goals for yourself, your plan will fizzle before you take a whole lot of trips to the gym.

Weight control eating plans require a plan that is easy to implement and easier to follow. Relearn your food habits by incorporating more healthy choices into your daily menu, and a reduction of the bad foods will be a natural result. Start out with an exercise program that will be easy for you to stick with, and you will be much more likely to be enjoying the positive results a year or two later.

It is only partly about losing the pounds. The rest of the story is all about keeping that weight off with an effective weight control diet, so that you look and feel good for life. The tortoise knew what he was talking about; slow and steady wins the race.

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Hoodia Riview The Pro and Cons on the Market of Weight Loss Products

Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus of the "succulent" cactus family, which has grown for thousands of years in the Kalahari Desert region. Hoodia has been used by the indigenous Bushmen as a natural appetite suppressant and thirst quencher during their long hunting trips for generations.

How Does Hoodia work?

Scientists believe that the reason for Hoodia's appetite suppressing abilities is a molecule called "P57". Normally, when you eat the glucose in your body rises and eventually signals to your brain (the hypothalamus) that you are full. It is believed that "P57" molecule in Hoodia mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain, telling part of your brain (the Hypothalamus) that you feel full. Consequently, you have no desire to eat.

Does Hoodia Help People Lose Weight?

One of the first studies of Hoodia Gordonii was done in the UK on obese patients. Half of the volunteers were given Hoodia Gordonii, the other half were given a placebo. The subjects were allowed to read, watch television and eat. After 15 days it was found that those taking Hoodia had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Despite having unlimited access to food, the Hoodia subjects lost weight.

Is Hoodia Safe?

Since Hoodia is a plant (versus a man-made chemical), it is completely natural and experts say it is safe to eat. Scientists have been studying Hoodia for almost 10 years and have not found any side effects. (Not to mention the San Tribesman who have been eating Hoodia for years with seemingly no ill effects).

What Can You Do?

One way to tell if a Hoodia pill is real is to look for a document called the C.I.T.E.S. Certificate (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Since the Hoodia plant is a protected plant species it can only be sold to an exporter who has this certificate.

In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted their use of hoodia gordonii to suppress appetite. In 1963, scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa's national laboratory, began studying hoodia. They claimed that lab animals lost weight after they were given hoodia gordonii.

The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated what they believed to be an active ingredient in hoodia gordonii, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After obtaining a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.

Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer learned about hoodia and expressed interest in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.

Much of the hype about hoodia started after 60 Minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl and crew traveled to Africa to try hoodia. They hired a local Bushman to go with them into the desert and track down some hoodia. Stahl ate it, describing it as "cucumbery in texture, but not bad." She reported that she lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also said she didn't experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations.


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3 Reasons Why You Might Be Having Trouble Losing Weight

At the conclusion of this article you will know the reasons behind why some people don't achieve the weight loss results they want when living a healthy lifestyle. They either are not cutting back on the amount of calories and fat they eat daily. They may be not getting enough exercise. However, there are other reasons that often get overlooked also. If you are one of the many dieters who have plateaud and are not loosing any more weight, or have not lost any weight at all, then you may want to double check to make sure you're doing the following steps.

Reason Why You Might Be Having Trouble Losing Weight #1 You're not modifying your calorie intake as you lose weight

Let me use an example to explain what I'm talking about: Let's say that when you first started eating healthy you cut out 500 calories a day through eating less and exercising. Let's also say that it is three months later and you've lost 15 pounds and can't seem to lose any more. The problem is that the heavier you are the more calories you burn, so now that you've lost 15 pounds you may only be burning 300 calories a day instead of 500. This means that you need to cut your caloric intake again either by eating fewer calories or exercising more vigorously, or a combination of both.

Reason Why You Might Be Having Trouble Losing Weight #2 You're not keeping an exact record of how many calories you're burning during your workout

You cannot rely on the calorie counter on a treadmill or stair climber to give you an exact count of how many calories you burn during your workout unless you input the data that the machines need in order to make the proper calculations. If you just jump on the machine and press the quick start button, the machine will only give you a calorie burn estimate based on general parameters. If you prefer aerobics or weight lifting you can still keep an accurate count by using a calorie counter. Many of which can be easily found on the Internet.

Reason Why You Might Be Having Trouble Losing Weight #3 You're ingesting the same amount of calories as you burn while exercising

For some reason, some people enter a healthy lifestyle regimen under the impression that if they work out and burn 700 calories, this entitles them to eat an extra 700 calories during one of their meals. This reasoning is way off target. The whole idea behind diet and exercise is to reduce your caloric intake while not starving and wearing yourself down. If you cut 500 calories from your diet and burn another 700 while working out, then you burn 1,200 calories a day. This is to your advantage so don't go and regain the 700 calories you busted your butt to lose.

Sometimes the answer to your problem is right in front of your eyes. Don't beat yourself up over it. Just make the necessary changes and the weight will start disappearing again before you know it.

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