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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Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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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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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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.
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.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
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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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.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Yuki Shoji offers a *free Report on "How you can look & stay attractive by eating foods". Go Here And Claim Your copy now at EatandLookGood.com Affiliates click here to earn money
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.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Yuki Shoji offers a *free Report on "How you can look & stay attractive by eating foods". Go Here And Claim Your copy now at EatandLookGood.com Affiliates click here to earn money
What You Should Know About Hoodia Weight Loss
Hoodia gordonii (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is also called hoodia, xhooba, !khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus.
Hoodia is a cactus that's causing a stir for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. 60 Minutes, ABC, and the BBC have all done stories on hoodia. Hoodia is sold in capsule, liquid, or tea form in health food stores and on the Internet. Hoodia gordonii can be found in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Hoodia grows in clumps of green upright stems and is actually a succulent, not a cactus. It takes about 5 years before hoodia's pale purple flowers appear and the cactus can be harvested. Although there are 20 types of hoodia, only the hoodia gordonii variety is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant.
Although hoodia was "discovered" relatively recently, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have been eating it for a very long time. The Bushmen, who live off the land, would cut off part of the hoodia stem and eat it to ward off hunger and thirst during nomadic hunting trips. They also used hoodia for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.
In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia to suppress appetite. But it wasn't until 1963 when scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa's national laboratory, began studying hoodia. Initial results were promising -- lab animals lost weight after taking hoodia.
The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated the active ingredient in hoodia, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After getting a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.
Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (makers of Viagra) caught wind of hoodia and became interested in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer recently returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.
What you need to know about hoodia
Hoodia appears to suppress appetite
Much of the buzz 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 lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also didn't experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations. Stahl concluded, "I'd have to say it did work."
In animal studies, hoodia is believed to reduce caloric intake by 30 to 50 percent. There is one human study showing a reduced intake of about 1000 calories per day. However, I haven't been able to find either study to actually read for myself and am going on secondhand reports.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Hoodia is a cactus that's causing a stir for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. 60 Minutes, ABC, and the BBC have all done stories on hoodia. Hoodia is sold in capsule, liquid, or tea form in health food stores and on the Internet. Hoodia gordonii can be found in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Hoodia grows in clumps of green upright stems and is actually a succulent, not a cactus. It takes about 5 years before hoodia's pale purple flowers appear and the cactus can be harvested. Although there are 20 types of hoodia, only the hoodia gordonii variety is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant.
Although hoodia was "discovered" relatively recently, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have been eating it for a very long time. The Bushmen, who live off the land, would cut off part of the hoodia stem and eat it to ward off hunger and thirst during nomadic hunting trips. They also used hoodia for severe abdominal cramps, haemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.
In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia to suppress appetite. But it wasn't until 1963 when scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa's national laboratory, began studying hoodia. Initial results were promising -- lab animals lost weight after taking hoodia.
The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated the active ingredient in hoodia, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After getting a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.
Eventually pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (makers of Viagra) caught wind of hoodia and became interested in developing a hoodia drug. In 1998, Phytopharm sub-licensed the rights to develop p57 to Pfizer for $21 million. Pfizer recently returned the rights to hoodia to Phytopharm, who is now working with Unilever.
What you need to know about hoodia
Hoodia appears to suppress appetite
Much of the buzz 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 lost the desire to eat or drink the entire day. She also didn't experience any immediate side effects, such as indigestion or heart palpitations. Stahl concluded, "I'd have to say it did work."
In animal studies, hoodia is believed to reduce caloric intake by 30 to 50 percent. There is one human study showing a reduced intake of about 1000 calories per day. However, I haven't been able to find either study to actually read for myself and am going on secondhand reports.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
What Does A Free Weight Loss Program Have To Offer
Growing up I was taught there is no such thing as a free lunch. We all want things that are free in life and most people would love to find some quality free resources when it comes to planning your weight loss goals. If you were to carry out a search on Google using the term "free weight loss program on the net" you will be amazed at the amount of results that you get for this search.
Today there are many places on the net that can provide you with a great collection of free weight loss resources that will help you in achieving your goals. There are so many web sites to check out you could waste a lot of your time trying to decide which sites will really help you out with your weight loss goals. But in order for you to be successful you need to find the best free weight loss plan that will best suit your needs.
Many of the better free weight loss plans will provide you with the following: -
1. Discussion Groups. This is a place where you can meet up with like-minded people who are also trying to lose those extra pounds. During such discussion groups you will be able to ask questions and get advice from those in the know all for free.
2. Body Fat Calculator. This is a great tool when looking to set up a weight loss program as this tool will help to determine just how much body fat you have and just how much of it you will need to lose. Again there is no need to pay a fee to use this handy tool.
3. A good free weight loss program on the net will offer to provide you with details relating to the types of foods that you can eat as well as providing you with healthy recipes. They will often have a database that has been set up providing you with lots of different low fat recipes that you may well want to try.
4. Any good free weight loss program will have a professional at hand who will be able to answer any questions that you may have through their discussion groups that were previously mentioned above.
Today there are many different types of free weight loss programs on the many web sites around, but by keeping in mind the points above you should find one that really suits your requirements.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Today there are many places on the net that can provide you with a great collection of free weight loss resources that will help you in achieving your goals. There are so many web sites to check out you could waste a lot of your time trying to decide which sites will really help you out with your weight loss goals. But in order for you to be successful you need to find the best free weight loss plan that will best suit your needs.
Many of the better free weight loss plans will provide you with the following: -
1. Discussion Groups. This is a place where you can meet up with like-minded people who are also trying to lose those extra pounds. During such discussion groups you will be able to ask questions and get advice from those in the know all for free.
2. Body Fat Calculator. This is a great tool when looking to set up a weight loss program as this tool will help to determine just how much body fat you have and just how much of it you will need to lose. Again there is no need to pay a fee to use this handy tool.
3. A good free weight loss program on the net will offer to provide you with details relating to the types of foods that you can eat as well as providing you with healthy recipes. They will often have a database that has been set up providing you with lots of different low fat recipes that you may well want to try.
4. Any good free weight loss program will have a professional at hand who will be able to answer any questions that you may have through their discussion groups that were previously mentioned above.
Today there are many different types of free weight loss programs on the many web sites around, but by keeping in mind the points above you should find one that really suits your requirements.
Article Directory: http://article.4flat.info
Monday, March 19, 2007
Women's Health and Weight Loss Tip 1: Lose Weight to Fight Osteoporosis
It is a well known fact that exercise and weight loss make you both look and feel better. Another bit of common knowledge is that to lose weight, control your diet, and exercise regularly gives you a healthier heart.
In addition to the previously mentioned benefits of proper diet and exercise are several other very specific health benefits of having a regular exercise and weight loss program.
One additional health benefits of exercise and weight loss activities is guarding against osteoporosis, the disease that makes the bones weak and brittle with age.
Weight-bearing activities like walking, ellyptical machine, and jogging, have been shown to strengthen the skeletal system and lower the risk of the development of this very debilitating disease.
The primary reason for this is that exercises that force the body to bear weight make the bones more dense over time as opposed to a sedentary lifestyle, in which the bones get weaker and more brittle due to a lack of force placed against them.
In women in particular, the low estrogen levels that often accomopany menopause and/or very sporadic menstruation make the problem even worse as the bones lose a lot of their mineral content and weaken accordingly.
In addition, such activities that many take part in to either lose weight or maintain an already healthy body composition have also been shown to aid in preventing further development of the disease for those who have already been diagnosed and have received clearance from their doctor.
To YourBestBody,
Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.
http://www.articles2k.com
In addition to the previously mentioned benefits of proper diet and exercise are several other very specific health benefits of having a regular exercise and weight loss program.
One additional health benefits of exercise and weight loss activities is guarding against osteoporosis, the disease that makes the bones weak and brittle with age.
Weight-bearing activities like walking, ellyptical machine, and jogging, have been shown to strengthen the skeletal system and lower the risk of the development of this very debilitating disease.
The primary reason for this is that exercises that force the body to bear weight make the bones more dense over time as opposed to a sedentary lifestyle, in which the bones get weaker and more brittle due to a lack of force placed against them.
In women in particular, the low estrogen levels that often accomopany menopause and/or very sporadic menstruation make the problem even worse as the bones lose a lot of their mineral content and weaken accordingly.
In addition, such activities that many take part in to either lose weight or maintain an already healthy body composition have also been shown to aid in preventing further development of the disease for those who have already been diagnosed and have received clearance from their doctor.
To YourBestBody,
Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.
http://www.articles2k.com
Weight: The Thanksgiving Hangover
The feasting is over. The turkey has disappeared: roasted and hot, microwaved leftovers, then cold sandwiches and eventually croquettes or thrown into soup.
You climb on the scale with trepidation and breathe a long sigh of relief when the dreaded poundage fails to appear. Before you relax and think you got away with it, remember that your sneaky little body is playing its usual tricks. Two or three days of Spartan eating will make you feel virtuous again -until you step on the scale and find you've gained 5 pounds. "Fraud" you shriek. "I've been so good!"
Remember the holiday feast? It has finally caught up with you as you knew, deep down, that it would.
What to do?
We all need brief periods of self-indulgence - it's part of the human condition. Expect a setback on your weight loss goals and let that knowledge mitigate your disappointment. Then continue on your diet with the assurance that a special occasion blip doesn't define your future. Enjoy the memories of a family gathering while carefully planning your next week's intake.
Appreciate what you have accomplished so far and avoid loading yourself down with guilt and self-reproach.
Get back on your program as quickly as possible because (sorry to bring this up now) Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat.
Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently published a psychologically-based weight control e-workbook, "Diet with an Attitude" which develops mental skills towards the goal of permanent weight control.
http://www.articles2k.com/article/119/15860/Weight_The_Thanksgiving_Hangover/
You climb on the scale with trepidation and breathe a long sigh of relief when the dreaded poundage fails to appear. Before you relax and think you got away with it, remember that your sneaky little body is playing its usual tricks. Two or three days of Spartan eating will make you feel virtuous again -until you step on the scale and find you've gained 5 pounds. "Fraud" you shriek. "I've been so good!"
Remember the holiday feast? It has finally caught up with you as you knew, deep down, that it would.
What to do?
We all need brief periods of self-indulgence - it's part of the human condition. Expect a setback on your weight loss goals and let that knowledge mitigate your disappointment. Then continue on your diet with the assurance that a special occasion blip doesn't define your future. Enjoy the memories of a family gathering while carefully planning your next week's intake.
Appreciate what you have accomplished so far and avoid loading yourself down with guilt and self-reproach.
Get back on your program as quickly as possible because (sorry to bring this up now) Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat.
Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently published a psychologically-based weight control e-workbook, "Diet with an Attitude" which develops mental skills towards the goal of permanent weight control.
http://www.articles2k.com/article/119/15860/Weight_The_Thanksgiving_Hangover/
Why Your Diet May Not Be Working
Jennifer, a middle-aged single mother with one six-year-old daughter, has been skipping sweets for a few weeks now. She’s also become a stickler for portion control. She feels as if she’s eating less than ever, and she’s been diligently exercising for an hour at a time at least four days a week. Yet, she hasn’t lost a single pound. The question is, “Why?”
This is a dilemma which affects dieters the world over. They think they are taking the steps necessary to lose weight, but nothing seems to be happening. In essence, they are trapped in a dieting rut and they don’t know how to free themselves. As a result, they become frustrated and depressed and may then engage in binge eating.
One of the problems with diets is that they are often standardized. As a result, they don’t take into consideration your individual physiology and metabolism. They provide a cookie-cutter approach to weight loss—an approach which may not work in your individual case. As a result, an increasing number of people are turning to dieticians to formulate a person weight loss strategy for them. This process has been made easier through the Internet, where you can correspond with a dietician any time of the day or night via e-mail. The dietician can also act as your personal coach, helping you through your dieting dilemmas.
Another reason that you may be failing at your diet is because of a lack of support. You may have family members who can eat whatever they want and seemingly not gain a pound. As a result, they may fill your refrigerator with junk food, leading you into temptation. Also, you may feel as if you have no one to turn to in order to discuss your weight problems. In order to solve this problem, many individuals look to psychotherapists to help them with their food-related issues. This can be particularly important if an individual has turned to purging in an effort to combat their weight problems. Bulimia is a serious disease which must be treated in order to ensure the good health of the patient. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment programs throughout the U.S. specifically focusing on bulimia.
Yet another reason for diet failure is hidden calories. You may literally be consuming calories and not even realize it. For instance, the frappucinos that are so popular today are loaded with calories—as many as 600 in a single serving! You may also be indulging in sugary sodas—another source of extra calories. By taking a few simple steps, such as eliminating the exotic coffee drinks from your diet and substituting skim milk for whole milk, you may be able to eliminate the hidden calories that are denying you dieting success.
Lack of consistency can also be a diet-killer. You might go on a diet for a while, then quit before you’ve made any measurable progress. It’s only natural to want to see quick results. The problem is that healthy weight loss involves losing only a couple of pounds a week. That means you’ll have to stay on your diet for months before you see appreciable weight loss. Discouraging? It can be, but if you keep a positive attitude you can achieve your ideal weight.
You may also be more successful in your dieting if you consider it to be a lifestyle change. Therefore, your diet becomes a meal plan for life. This means that you must change the way you look at food. It is designed to be fuel for your body, and nothing more. As a result, you should not turn to food to make you feel better or to provide you with a sense of comfort. A lifestyle change implies commitment; it means that you are prepared to follow the plan for the long haul. If you feel as if you cannot be on your diet for any appreciable length of time, perhaps it’s time to consider a different diet. Your aim ultimately should be not simply to lose weight, but to become healthier. A fad diet will not allow you to reach that milestone. Therefore, you must choose your diet carefully.
Nishanth Reddy is an Author and Publisher of various health related websites.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
This is a dilemma which affects dieters the world over. They think they are taking the steps necessary to lose weight, but nothing seems to be happening. In essence, they are trapped in a dieting rut and they don’t know how to free themselves. As a result, they become frustrated and depressed and may then engage in binge eating.
One of the problems with diets is that they are often standardized. As a result, they don’t take into consideration your individual physiology and metabolism. They provide a cookie-cutter approach to weight loss—an approach which may not work in your individual case. As a result, an increasing number of people are turning to dieticians to formulate a person weight loss strategy for them. This process has been made easier through the Internet, where you can correspond with a dietician any time of the day or night via e-mail. The dietician can also act as your personal coach, helping you through your dieting dilemmas.
Another reason that you may be failing at your diet is because of a lack of support. You may have family members who can eat whatever they want and seemingly not gain a pound. As a result, they may fill your refrigerator with junk food, leading you into temptation. Also, you may feel as if you have no one to turn to in order to discuss your weight problems. In order to solve this problem, many individuals look to psychotherapists to help them with their food-related issues. This can be particularly important if an individual has turned to purging in an effort to combat their weight problems. Bulimia is a serious disease which must be treated in order to ensure the good health of the patient. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment programs throughout the U.S. specifically focusing on bulimia.
Yet another reason for diet failure is hidden calories. You may literally be consuming calories and not even realize it. For instance, the frappucinos that are so popular today are loaded with calories—as many as 600 in a single serving! You may also be indulging in sugary sodas—another source of extra calories. By taking a few simple steps, such as eliminating the exotic coffee drinks from your diet and substituting skim milk for whole milk, you may be able to eliminate the hidden calories that are denying you dieting success.
Lack of consistency can also be a diet-killer. You might go on a diet for a while, then quit before you’ve made any measurable progress. It’s only natural to want to see quick results. The problem is that healthy weight loss involves losing only a couple of pounds a week. That means you’ll have to stay on your diet for months before you see appreciable weight loss. Discouraging? It can be, but if you keep a positive attitude you can achieve your ideal weight.
You may also be more successful in your dieting if you consider it to be a lifestyle change. Therefore, your diet becomes a meal plan for life. This means that you must change the way you look at food. It is designed to be fuel for your body, and nothing more. As a result, you should not turn to food to make you feel better or to provide you with a sense of comfort. A lifestyle change implies commitment; it means that you are prepared to follow the plan for the long haul. If you feel as if you cannot be on your diet for any appreciable length of time, perhaps it’s time to consider a different diet. Your aim ultimately should be not simply to lose weight, but to become healthier. A fad diet will not allow you to reach that milestone. Therefore, you must choose your diet carefully.
Nishanth Reddy is an Author and Publisher of various health related websites.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
How to Naturally Turn Your Slow Metabolism into a Fast Fat Burning Machine
When Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays come around where I eat more than usual, I never feel guilty about how much I had eaten. The reason is because I’ve learned how to train my metabolism to burn enough body fat to allow me to have more “cheat” days. I’m not saying to eat anything and everything once you increase your metabolism (this is unhealthy), but what I am saying is that once your body is use to being in the fat burning mode, the guilt of eating “fattening” foods on holidays is not there (at least not for me). Whenever I feel that my metabolism is slowing down, I don’t worry at all because I know exactly what to do to get my metabolism back on its fat burning track. Once you understand how powerful your metabolism is when you feed it energy (continuous small meals throughout the day along with exercise) and how powerful it is to burn fat, you will experience guilt free “cheat” days too.
Increase metabolism for easy weight loss and fat burning
Metabolism = the amount of calories our bodies burn per day.
To permanently lose body fat weight, you must increase your metabolism. In order to increase your metabolism, you must do weight training exercises to condition your muscles and feed your metabolism by eating regularly throughout the day.
A slow metabolism results in less fat loss
When we lose weight, we also lose protein from our muscles. The faster we lose weight (by cutting down too much on our calorie intake), the more protein is used for energy; and when you lose too much protein from your muscles the result is a slow metabolism. This happens because your muscles need protein to grow and stay strong. When protein is taken from your muscles, you lose muscle tissue. Muscle tissues are metabolically active and burn calories (even at rest). Your body needs calories to feed these metabolically active tissues so that it has energy to continue to burn calories. The calories that are burned also come from the fat that is stored in your body. So in other words, the more calories you eat, the more energy your metabolism has to burn the fat that is stored in your body. Without the calorie intake, your metabolism has no energy therefore it will slow down and you will burn fat at a very slow rate (if you burn any at all). Having energy is not the only reason for a fast or slow metabolism. You see, when you significantly cut down on your daily calorie intake, your metabolism burns calories slower to prevent your body from starving. Being that your body now doesn’t know when you will feed it; your body will store the calories to be used later. The calories that are stored, are stored as fat.
Increase your metabolism and lose more body fat weight than water weight
When you lose protein from your muscles, you not only lose muscle tissue, but you will also lose water. Protein holds about 4 times its weight in water. To lose 10 pounds of body fat, you would need to burn 35,000 calories (3500 calories = 1 pound). If you lose those 10 pounds in one week do you honestly believe that it was body fat? The answer is no, only about 2 pounds was fat and the rest was water (Do not be fooled by what the scale says!) When you increase your metabolism, your body has a reason to hold onto the protein (remember protein holds water) and use the energy to burn fat.
Yes you will lose some protein from your muscles even if you lose weight the right way. The key is to provide your muscles with enough protein each day so that it can not only replace your protein loss, but use the extra protein to help build new muscle tissue and stay conditioned.
Eat more food to increase your metabolism
Protein helps build muscle, but carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. When your body has a deficiency of energy (carbohydrates) and takes the protein from your muscles as energy, the protein is converted to carbohydrates before it’s used as an energy source. Therefore, when you eat, you must have the right amount of carbohydrates and proteins in your body so that energy can be used efficiently. You must also eat more frequently to fuel your metabolism all day long. Eating at least 5-6 small meals each day will give your metabolism the continuous supply of energy it needs to burn fat longer and faster. If you are short on time and not able to cook, do not resort to eating junk food as one of your meals; instead opt for a good meal replacement product to satisfy your body.
Exercise to increase your metabolism
Exercise in general burns calories. Weight training will help you to increase your metabolism because that is how you condition your metabolically active muscles. Whenever you increase your physical activity, especially through exercise, you must increase the amount of calories you consume each day. Remember, the more energy (calories) you give your muscles, the more energy it has to burn fat that is stored in your body. Also remember the less energy you give you body, the more protein will be taken from your muscles to be converted to carbohydrates as energy, which leads to a slow metabolism.
This article was written by Vernita Sherman of Ultimate Fat Burning Plan. Ultimate Fat Burning Plan is an online resource dedicated to exposing fat burning secrets that weight loss companies are keeping from you. Vernita focuses on teaching you the truth about how to permanently lose weight the healthy way.
http://www.articles2k.com
Increase metabolism for easy weight loss and fat burning
Metabolism = the amount of calories our bodies burn per day.
To permanently lose body fat weight, you must increase your metabolism. In order to increase your metabolism, you must do weight training exercises to condition your muscles and feed your metabolism by eating regularly throughout the day.
A slow metabolism results in less fat loss
When we lose weight, we also lose protein from our muscles. The faster we lose weight (by cutting down too much on our calorie intake), the more protein is used for energy; and when you lose too much protein from your muscles the result is a slow metabolism. This happens because your muscles need protein to grow and stay strong. When protein is taken from your muscles, you lose muscle tissue. Muscle tissues are metabolically active and burn calories (even at rest). Your body needs calories to feed these metabolically active tissues so that it has energy to continue to burn calories. The calories that are burned also come from the fat that is stored in your body. So in other words, the more calories you eat, the more energy your metabolism has to burn the fat that is stored in your body. Without the calorie intake, your metabolism has no energy therefore it will slow down and you will burn fat at a very slow rate (if you burn any at all). Having energy is not the only reason for a fast or slow metabolism. You see, when you significantly cut down on your daily calorie intake, your metabolism burns calories slower to prevent your body from starving. Being that your body now doesn’t know when you will feed it; your body will store the calories to be used later. The calories that are stored, are stored as fat.
Increase your metabolism and lose more body fat weight than water weight
When you lose protein from your muscles, you not only lose muscle tissue, but you will also lose water. Protein holds about 4 times its weight in water. To lose 10 pounds of body fat, you would need to burn 35,000 calories (3500 calories = 1 pound). If you lose those 10 pounds in one week do you honestly believe that it was body fat? The answer is no, only about 2 pounds was fat and the rest was water (Do not be fooled by what the scale says!) When you increase your metabolism, your body has a reason to hold onto the protein (remember protein holds water) and use the energy to burn fat.
Yes you will lose some protein from your muscles even if you lose weight the right way. The key is to provide your muscles with enough protein each day so that it can not only replace your protein loss, but use the extra protein to help build new muscle tissue and stay conditioned.
Eat more food to increase your metabolism
Protein helps build muscle, but carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. When your body has a deficiency of energy (carbohydrates) and takes the protein from your muscles as energy, the protein is converted to carbohydrates before it’s used as an energy source. Therefore, when you eat, you must have the right amount of carbohydrates and proteins in your body so that energy can be used efficiently. You must also eat more frequently to fuel your metabolism all day long. Eating at least 5-6 small meals each day will give your metabolism the continuous supply of energy it needs to burn fat longer and faster. If you are short on time and not able to cook, do not resort to eating junk food as one of your meals; instead opt for a good meal replacement product to satisfy your body.
Exercise to increase your metabolism
Exercise in general burns calories. Weight training will help you to increase your metabolism because that is how you condition your metabolically active muscles. Whenever you increase your physical activity, especially through exercise, you must increase the amount of calories you consume each day. Remember, the more energy (calories) you give your muscles, the more energy it has to burn fat that is stored in your body. Also remember the less energy you give you body, the more protein will be taken from your muscles to be converted to carbohydrates as energy, which leads to a slow metabolism.
This article was written by Vernita Sherman of Ultimate Fat Burning Plan. Ultimate Fat Burning Plan is an online resource dedicated to exposing fat burning secrets that weight loss companies are keeping from you. Vernita focuses on teaching you the truth about how to permanently lose weight the healthy way.
http://www.articles2k.com
Weight Loss Diets: How To Make Them Work
As we all know, weight loss diets are big business. And looking at the statistics, it's easy to see why. Currently, an estimated 58 million American adults are overweight (BMI 25+), of whom an estimated 40 million are obese (BMI 30+), 9.6 million are seriously obese and 6 million suffer from super-obesity (BMI 40+). Worldwide statistics on overweight are equally alarming, as reflected in the new word "globesity". In China, the number of overweight people has risen from less than 10 percent to 15 percent in just three years. In Brazil and Colombia, the figure of overweight is about 40 percent - comparable with several European countries. Even sub-Saharan Africa is seeing an increase in obesity, especially among urban women. In all regions, obesity appears to escalate as income increases. And the higher the incidence of obesity, the higher the incidence of weight-related disease, including: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, and cancers of the breast and colon.
CONVENTIONAL DIET METHODS
Both the US Surgeon General and the Dietary Guidelines For Americans (2005) issued by the US Dept of Agriculture emphasise the need for calorie control and increased physical exercise to reduce the overweight epidemic, but evidence suggests that conventional diet methods do not provide significant weight reduction, due to poor compliance. Surveys show that annual weight loss resulting from convention diet and exercise programs averages less than 8 pounds per annum, while in a 4-year follow-up study of programs incorporating the use of obesity drugs, behavior modification, diet and exercise, the final average weight loss was 3 pounds. This apparent failure of conventional weight loss methods is often contrasted with the 30-40 percent average weight loss following bariatric surgery.
FOOD COMPOSITION OF DIETS
Fashion sells products, and weight loss diets are no exception. First we had low-fat diets, which were promoted as heart-friendly ways of reducing weight. Unfortunately, this message was interpreted by consumers as "all fats are bad, all carbs are good", and led to an unhealthy overconsumption of refined carbs. With the relaunch of Dr Atkins "New Diet Revolution", the fashion penduluum swung the other way. Now carbs were the enemy, not fat.
After Atkins came the South Beach Diet, which offered us a more moderate low-carb approach. Now, it is GI diets - based on foods with a lower glycemic response - that are high fashion and, being scientifically more beneficial, are likely to remain so for some time. However, while the food composition of diets may change, the basic law of weight loss remains unaltered: calorie expenditure must exceed calorie intake. To this extent, provided a diet is calorie-controlled and includes foods from all food groups, the exact composition of foods remains no more than a matter of personal taste.
GENERAL EATING AND EXERCISE HABITS
When assessing the effectiveness of conventional dieting methods, due regard must be paid to general eating habits. In America at least, these do not appear to be helpful. Despite the mounting evidence of weight-related ill-health, social eating habits continue to develop in unhealthy directions. Value-for-money "supersizing" continues to attract customers, while fast-food sales continue to rise. And the continuing demand for "instant" food only inspires the food industry to produce more and more refined food options bulging with nutritional deficiency and calorie-overload. Is it any wonder that levels of diet-compliance among average dieters is so low? Meantime, an estimated 78 percent of Americans do not meet basic activity level recommendations, while 25 percent are completely sedentary.
IS SUPPORT THE ANSWER?
If conventional diet programs remain less than perfect ways of tackling overweight in the face of engrained eating habits, it would be misleading to write them off completely. Not only does research data from the US National Weight Control Registry demonstrate that long term weight reduction is perfectly achievable, a number of diet programs, especially medically-supervised clinic-based programs, are consistently effective. What distinguishes these diets is the level of counseling support which subjects receive. Nowadays, this support can be provided in various ways, including: mandatory group meetings, one-on-one sessions, online forums or chat-rooms. And it seems to work. For example, according to recent studies, the average weight reduction for a 10-12 week clinic-based obesity program involving meal-replacement diets, exercise and counseling support is 5.5 pounds.
FINDING MORE SUPPORT
If getting proper support is one way of improving conventional diets, dieters need to rethink their approach. Instead of focusing attention on finding the optimal eating-plan, they need to look for programs offering optimal support. Weight Watchers is an obvious choice but diets organised around the workplace or other social groupings may also provide natural help. Online programs with forum support might also be considered. In any event, there is no substitute for a reliable dieting partner.
ADOPTING HEALTHY HABITS
Given the fact that losing as little as 7-10 percent of body weight can improve many of the problems linked to being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, some obesity experts advocate a less formal approach to calorie control. They recommend adopting certain healthy habits rather than following a specific diet. An example might be a 200-calorie-a-day reduction achievable by taking a moderate 30 minute walk, and switching from (say) whole milk to skimmed milk. This saves 73,000 calories a year - the equivalent of 20 pounds of body fat. The commercial response to this approach is already visible in programs such as the "Three Hour Diet", which recommends regular eating to maintain a regular rate of calorie burning. Expect to see more weight loss programs like this, which emphasise specific habits.
CONCLUSION
Current levels of overweight and obesity require urgent attention. To be effective, conventional diet programs need to provide optimal support rather than optimal food composition, in order to facilitate diet compliance. For people who are unable or unwilling to follow a specific weight loss plan, making small but specific changes may be sufficient to achieve significant improvements in health.
Linda Smyth B.Sc., RD, aged 51, is a qualified dietitian and nutritional consultant. She is part of the editorial team at www.diet-i.com which provides a range of information about diet, nutrition and weight management to more than 5 million visitors per year.
http://www.articles2k.com
CONVENTIONAL DIET METHODS
Both the US Surgeon General and the Dietary Guidelines For Americans (2005) issued by the US Dept of Agriculture emphasise the need for calorie control and increased physical exercise to reduce the overweight epidemic, but evidence suggests that conventional diet methods do not provide significant weight reduction, due to poor compliance. Surveys show that annual weight loss resulting from convention diet and exercise programs averages less than 8 pounds per annum, while in a 4-year follow-up study of programs incorporating the use of obesity drugs, behavior modification, diet and exercise, the final average weight loss was 3 pounds. This apparent failure of conventional weight loss methods is often contrasted with the 30-40 percent average weight loss following bariatric surgery.
FOOD COMPOSITION OF DIETS
Fashion sells products, and weight loss diets are no exception. First we had low-fat diets, which were promoted as heart-friendly ways of reducing weight. Unfortunately, this message was interpreted by consumers as "all fats are bad, all carbs are good", and led to an unhealthy overconsumption of refined carbs. With the relaunch of Dr Atkins "New Diet Revolution", the fashion penduluum swung the other way. Now carbs were the enemy, not fat.
After Atkins came the South Beach Diet, which offered us a more moderate low-carb approach. Now, it is GI diets - based on foods with a lower glycemic response - that are high fashion and, being scientifically more beneficial, are likely to remain so for some time. However, while the food composition of diets may change, the basic law of weight loss remains unaltered: calorie expenditure must exceed calorie intake. To this extent, provided a diet is calorie-controlled and includes foods from all food groups, the exact composition of foods remains no more than a matter of personal taste.
GENERAL EATING AND EXERCISE HABITS
When assessing the effectiveness of conventional dieting methods, due regard must be paid to general eating habits. In America at least, these do not appear to be helpful. Despite the mounting evidence of weight-related ill-health, social eating habits continue to develop in unhealthy directions. Value-for-money "supersizing" continues to attract customers, while fast-food sales continue to rise. And the continuing demand for "instant" food only inspires the food industry to produce more and more refined food options bulging with nutritional deficiency and calorie-overload. Is it any wonder that levels of diet-compliance among average dieters is so low? Meantime, an estimated 78 percent of Americans do not meet basic activity level recommendations, while 25 percent are completely sedentary.
IS SUPPORT THE ANSWER?
If conventional diet programs remain less than perfect ways of tackling overweight in the face of engrained eating habits, it would be misleading to write them off completely. Not only does research data from the US National Weight Control Registry demonstrate that long term weight reduction is perfectly achievable, a number of diet programs, especially medically-supervised clinic-based programs, are consistently effective. What distinguishes these diets is the level of counseling support which subjects receive. Nowadays, this support can be provided in various ways, including: mandatory group meetings, one-on-one sessions, online forums or chat-rooms. And it seems to work. For example, according to recent studies, the average weight reduction for a 10-12 week clinic-based obesity program involving meal-replacement diets, exercise and counseling support is 5.5 pounds.
FINDING MORE SUPPORT
If getting proper support is one way of improving conventional diets, dieters need to rethink their approach. Instead of focusing attention on finding the optimal eating-plan, they need to look for programs offering optimal support. Weight Watchers is an obvious choice but diets organised around the workplace or other social groupings may also provide natural help. Online programs with forum support might also be considered. In any event, there is no substitute for a reliable dieting partner.
ADOPTING HEALTHY HABITS
Given the fact that losing as little as 7-10 percent of body weight can improve many of the problems linked to being overweight, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, some obesity experts advocate a less formal approach to calorie control. They recommend adopting certain healthy habits rather than following a specific diet. An example might be a 200-calorie-a-day reduction achievable by taking a moderate 30 minute walk, and switching from (say) whole milk to skimmed milk. This saves 73,000 calories a year - the equivalent of 20 pounds of body fat. The commercial response to this approach is already visible in programs such as the "Three Hour Diet", which recommends regular eating to maintain a regular rate of calorie burning. Expect to see more weight loss programs like this, which emphasise specific habits.
CONCLUSION
Current levels of overweight and obesity require urgent attention. To be effective, conventional diet programs need to provide optimal support rather than optimal food composition, in order to facilitate diet compliance. For people who are unable or unwilling to follow a specific weight loss plan, making small but specific changes may be sufficient to achieve significant improvements in health.
Linda Smyth B.Sc., RD, aged 51, is a qualified dietitian and nutritional consultant. She is part of the editorial team at www.diet-i.com which provides a range of information about diet, nutrition and weight management to more than 5 million visitors per year.
http://www.articles2k.com
Lose Weight With A Balanced Vegetarian Diet
When it comes to healthy weight loss, one of the secrets of success is to eat a balanced diet. Balance here means eating the right amount of nutritious food. In our fast food, take-out world, it is easy to get the quantities wrong and also miss out on the quality as well. So eat when you are hungry but don’t overdo it.
Getting back to the basics is important. Instead of snacking constantly during the day, do your best to eat three regular meals. Cook or have your food cooked using wholesome, natural ingredients and then eat with others in a relaxed manner. It is not only a question of what you eat, but how you eat that counts.
You may be surprised to know that in France, the land of fatty cheeses and gourmet foods, people in general stay slim. The reason is apparent if you go to a local outdoor market where large quantities of fresh vegetables are sold. The French prepare balanced meals and still manage to eat together more often than their counterparts in the USA.
So, sit down with your family and friends and eat nice meals together. If you are troubled by “demon hunger” during the day, eat a few pieces of fruit rather than a donut or any other fattening food.
While there are many fad diets (low fat, low carb, etc.) that are being promoted today, it is far better if you can settle into a way of life that you can easily and happily follow for the rest of your life.
The traditional diet of yoga practitioners has been a vegetarian diet. The yoga diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains and milk products. You can not only survive on such a diet, but you will thrive as well, and lose weight all at the same time.
Try it out. Substitute meat dishes with soy products, lentils and other legumes, and whole grains. You can get enough protein (especially if you also consume nuts and milk products) so you don’t have to worry about it.
You can also enjoy yourself in the process. Instead of an ice cream thick shake, blend together fruits, juice and yogurt and make a healthy smoothie. Losing weight does not require you to suffer; it is only a question of choosing your food well and balancing your lifestyle.
If you want to lose weight on a long term basis you have to change your diet or your pattern of exercise or both. Try out a balanced vegetarian diet and if you find it helpful, then stick with it for the rest of your life.
Dada Vedaprajinananda has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for the past 35 years. He is the webmaster of the Ananda Marga meditation society’s website, and is the author of Start Meditation, Stop Smoking and Yoga Weight Loss Secrets
http://www.articles2k.com
Getting back to the basics is important. Instead of snacking constantly during the day, do your best to eat three regular meals. Cook or have your food cooked using wholesome, natural ingredients and then eat with others in a relaxed manner. It is not only a question of what you eat, but how you eat that counts.
You may be surprised to know that in France, the land of fatty cheeses and gourmet foods, people in general stay slim. The reason is apparent if you go to a local outdoor market where large quantities of fresh vegetables are sold. The French prepare balanced meals and still manage to eat together more often than their counterparts in the USA.
So, sit down with your family and friends and eat nice meals together. If you are troubled by “demon hunger” during the day, eat a few pieces of fruit rather than a donut or any other fattening food.
While there are many fad diets (low fat, low carb, etc.) that are being promoted today, it is far better if you can settle into a way of life that you can easily and happily follow for the rest of your life.
The traditional diet of yoga practitioners has been a vegetarian diet. The yoga diet consists of fruits, vegetables, grains and milk products. You can not only survive on such a diet, but you will thrive as well, and lose weight all at the same time.
Try it out. Substitute meat dishes with soy products, lentils and other legumes, and whole grains. You can get enough protein (especially if you also consume nuts and milk products) so you don’t have to worry about it.
You can also enjoy yourself in the process. Instead of an ice cream thick shake, blend together fruits, juice and yogurt and make a healthy smoothie. Losing weight does not require you to suffer; it is only a question of choosing your food well and balancing your lifestyle.
If you want to lose weight on a long term basis you have to change your diet or your pattern of exercise or both. Try out a balanced vegetarian diet and if you find it helpful, then stick with it for the rest of your life.
Dada Vedaprajinananda has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for the past 35 years. He is the webmaster of the Ananda Marga meditation society’s website, and is the author of Start Meditation, Stop Smoking and Yoga Weight Loss Secrets
http://www.articles2k.com
Saturday, March 17, 2007
How To Lose Weight - The Secrets To Their Success
Losing weight is something that typically does not come easy for most. It requires a certain level of discipline and focus that many feel they haven’t the time for, but since your life is in the balance, I feel one’s health should become a priority.
Unfortunately, there is no magic elixir or secret exercise that will make you lose fat instantly. It takes hard work. It requires a blend of regular exercise and a nutritious diet in order for optimal success to be achieved. One pound of fat equals 3500 calories, plain and simple, and since it is never recommended that one loses any more than 2-3 lbs. in a week, it would be reasonable to cut back 500 calories a day. So, cut out the french fries and replace it with something like celery sticks or steamed broccoli. If this is done every day for a week, a pound will be lost; guaranteed!
Some trainers actually advise a seriously deconditioned client to work on their diet before hitting the gym. Next, the idea that eating more will only add to your fat is a deeply entrenched myth that needs to be clarified.
It has actually been clinically proven that eating more meals but of smaller portions keeps your metabolism elevated and thus helps burn more calories than the traditional approach of three large meals a day. Ideally, these meals should be spaced out roughly 3-4 hours apart and should contain a good source of protein and a good source of carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, corn, beans, peas, apples, leafy green vegetables, and firmer, darker breads. Some ideal sources of protein can be found in chicken, turkey, seafood of all types, and lean cuts of beef among other kinds. To give you an idea on how to exhibit portion control, aim to have your protein be no larger or smaller than a deck of cards, and your side of veggies no bigger than your fist. Aim for 5 meals of this size a day and your diet will be set for success. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, just to ensure a complete and proper diet.
When concerning exercise, make sure that you work intelligently and know that lifting weights requires a certain level of understanding, and in some instances, expertise. So, read up before you run down to the gym for the first time.
Weight training is believed to have longer lasting effects on the metabolism than simple aerobic exercise and the harder the better, so I typically indoctrinate my clients in the world of weightlifting from the very beginning. In some clinical trials the subject’s resting metabolic rate was still elevated 39 hours after strenuous exercise! When lifting weights, be sure to keep workouts to a 3 day per week maximum, at least for the first 3-4 months or so. This will ensure that the body’s neural pathways have adapted to the new level of exertion and that the connective tissue in the joints have been adequately strengthened before adding a fourth workout day. Make sure you pick exercises that utilize the most muscle groups as possible in order to burn the most calories. Many like to choose a pushing exercise, a pulling exercise, a leg exercise , and a core exercise and perform 20-25 repetitions for each movement and make a circuit out of it. This could be done three times total and that would be an excellent workout. Just make sure you choose a weight that you can handle for no more than 20-25 repetitions. This will make it challenging for your body, which will ultimately result in greater fat loss for you. Also, keep workouts to a 45 minute maximum. The body can’t handle much more abuse past that point. And once you finish your workout, it should be noted that you have a one hour window of opportunity to eat a meal of ample carbohydrates and moderate protein to make sure you replenish your energy stores and fuel your body for muscle growth, otherwise self-cannibalism on the muscle tissue will ensue and, yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. But if you follow these simple rules of fitness, keep your portion sizes under control, and eat plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, then a newer, trimmer you looms over the horizon. I guarantee it.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/How-To-Lose-Weight---The-Secrets-To-Their-Success-/457
Unfortunately, there is no magic elixir or secret exercise that will make you lose fat instantly. It takes hard work. It requires a blend of regular exercise and a nutritious diet in order for optimal success to be achieved. One pound of fat equals 3500 calories, plain and simple, and since it is never recommended that one loses any more than 2-3 lbs. in a week, it would be reasonable to cut back 500 calories a day. So, cut out the french fries and replace it with something like celery sticks or steamed broccoli. If this is done every day for a week, a pound will be lost; guaranteed!
Some trainers actually advise a seriously deconditioned client to work on their diet before hitting the gym. Next, the idea that eating more will only add to your fat is a deeply entrenched myth that needs to be clarified.
It has actually been clinically proven that eating more meals but of smaller portions keeps your metabolism elevated and thus helps burn more calories than the traditional approach of three large meals a day. Ideally, these meals should be spaced out roughly 3-4 hours apart and should contain a good source of protein and a good source of carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, corn, beans, peas, apples, leafy green vegetables, and firmer, darker breads. Some ideal sources of protein can be found in chicken, turkey, seafood of all types, and lean cuts of beef among other kinds. To give you an idea on how to exhibit portion control, aim to have your protein be no larger or smaller than a deck of cards, and your side of veggies no bigger than your fist. Aim for 5 meals of this size a day and your diet will be set for success. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, just to ensure a complete and proper diet.
When concerning exercise, make sure that you work intelligently and know that lifting weights requires a certain level of understanding, and in some instances, expertise. So, read up before you run down to the gym for the first time.
Weight training is believed to have longer lasting effects on the metabolism than simple aerobic exercise and the harder the better, so I typically indoctrinate my clients in the world of weightlifting from the very beginning. In some clinical trials the subject’s resting metabolic rate was still elevated 39 hours after strenuous exercise! When lifting weights, be sure to keep workouts to a 3 day per week maximum, at least for the first 3-4 months or so. This will ensure that the body’s neural pathways have adapted to the new level of exertion and that the connective tissue in the joints have been adequately strengthened before adding a fourth workout day. Make sure you pick exercises that utilize the most muscle groups as possible in order to burn the most calories. Many like to choose a pushing exercise, a pulling exercise, a leg exercise , and a core exercise and perform 20-25 repetitions for each movement and make a circuit out of it. This could be done three times total and that would be an excellent workout. Just make sure you choose a weight that you can handle for no more than 20-25 repetitions. This will make it challenging for your body, which will ultimately result in greater fat loss for you. Also, keep workouts to a 45 minute maximum. The body can’t handle much more abuse past that point. And once you finish your workout, it should be noted that you have a one hour window of opportunity to eat a meal of ample carbohydrates and moderate protein to make sure you replenish your energy stores and fuel your body for muscle growth, otherwise self-cannibalism on the muscle tissue will ensue and, yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. But if you follow these simple rules of fitness, keep your portion sizes under control, and eat plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, then a newer, trimmer you looms over the horizon. I guarantee it.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/How-To-Lose-Weight---The-Secrets-To-Their-Success-/457
Bella Vita Retreat - Fitness Retreat Offers More
If you’re looking for a vacation packed full of fitness go to Bella Vita Retreat in Palm Beach, FL. Located about 4 miles from the downtown area of Palm Beach, this resort is situated directly on the beach in the quiet area of town. Bella Vita Retreat’s most sought after package is their Beach Boot Camp. Guests wake up to the sound of the ocean waves and are soon recruited for the morning power walk and boot camp session. The schedule is filled with yoga, nutrition classes, personal training, stress reduction and massage treatments. There are also options to get additional private yoga and personal training sessions if guests are interested. All staff members are extremely knowledgeable and often stay afterwards to answer questions for guests.
The food is great, but very healthy. You won’t find fries and burgers on the Bella Vita Retreat menu and the price doesn’t include alcohol. There is a restaurant on the premises and a very nice outdoor/indoor beach bar. They have a full menu although if you’re trying to lose weight, you should stick to the regimen provided by Bella Vita Retreat. You’ll have plenty to eat and drink. The retreat is also close to the downtown area of Palm Beach (about 4 miles). It’s a short cab ride to shopping and sight seeing. Though it is nice to get out and about, the retreat offers a wonderful atmosphere and live entertainment in the evening. There is a full time concierge available to set up any additional excursions, but the retreat also offers snorkeling, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and more. The beach chair service is also a plus with padded beach lounges and an attendant to get drinks, etc.
This isn’t any typical boot camp as the property has been recently renovated and offers plush linens and towels, very nice bedding and pillows, valet parking and beach chair/umbrella service. In addition, you can relax at the pool or in the Jacuzzi and have an afternoon tea at the onsite beachside restaurant. And the best part? You’ll get continued support after you leave. You have lifetime access to the personal trainers and nutritionists to call or email them with questions about health and fitness. Bella Vita Retreat is a step above the rest.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/Bella-Vita-Retreat---Fitness-Retreat-Offers-More/448
The food is great, but very healthy. You won’t find fries and burgers on the Bella Vita Retreat menu and the price doesn’t include alcohol. There is a restaurant on the premises and a very nice outdoor/indoor beach bar. They have a full menu although if you’re trying to lose weight, you should stick to the regimen provided by Bella Vita Retreat. You’ll have plenty to eat and drink. The retreat is also close to the downtown area of Palm Beach (about 4 miles). It’s a short cab ride to shopping and sight seeing. Though it is nice to get out and about, the retreat offers a wonderful atmosphere and live entertainment in the evening. There is a full time concierge available to set up any additional excursions, but the retreat also offers snorkeling, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and more. The beach chair service is also a plus with padded beach lounges and an attendant to get drinks, etc.
This isn’t any typical boot camp as the property has been recently renovated and offers plush linens and towels, very nice bedding and pillows, valet parking and beach chair/umbrella service. In addition, you can relax at the pool or in the Jacuzzi and have an afternoon tea at the onsite beachside restaurant. And the best part? You’ll get continued support after you leave. You have lifetime access to the personal trainers and nutritionists to call or email them with questions about health and fitness. Bella Vita Retreat is a step above the rest.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/Bella-Vita-Retreat---Fitness-Retreat-Offers-More/448
Understanding the Difference Between Weight Loss and Body Fat Loss
There is a big difference between the matter of weight loss and body fat loss, and so if you are anyone who is concerned about health then you will want to understand the difference so that you can be aware of what you should and should not do.
Understanding Body Fat Loss and Your Body Fat Percentage
Before you can understand what body fat loss really is you need to understand what your body fat percentage is; first of all, your body fat percentage is simply the percentage of fat that your body contains, and so for example, if you weigh 150 pounds and 10% body fat, then it basically means that your body consists of 15 pounds of fat and 135 pounds of lean body mass, and that includes bone, muscle, organ tissue, blood, and everything else in this regards.
It is important to understand that a certain amount of fat is truly essential in order for your body to function properly, as fat regulates the body in many different regards, for instance it regulates your body temperature, cushions and insulates the organs and tissues, and is also the main form of the body’s energy storage.
Body Fat Loss
If you are looking to attain body fat loss, then there are several things in particular that you are going to have to take into consideration. For instance, you may want to get into an exercise activity such as bodybuilding – this does not mean that you have to get huge, just to the size that you wish – but this is because with bodybuilding workouts you are targeting your body fat and this is thus where you will lose weight and gain muscle.
Bodybuilding is basically an activity which operates according to scientific principles, and thus science and mathematics is basically the base for this activity; accordingly, in the construction of a diet plan, mathematics and numbers are key, and hence in order to construct a proper diet plan, there are several variables which need to be mathematically determined.
Variables
The variables that absolutely must be included are that of the following: body mass, current age, basal metabolic rate, caloric and macronutrient intake, and current body fat percentage.
Thus, if you take all of these and possibly more variables into consideration, then you will be able to come to a conclusion as to how much weight you should lose if any, from where on the body, and what the best way would be for you to do it.
Article Source: http://www.articles4free.com
John Ugoshowa. You are welcome to use this article on your website or in your ezines as long as you have a link back to www.quickregister.net/partners/ For more information on Fat Loss see the Fat Loss section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at: www.quickregister.net/partners/
Understanding Body Fat Loss and Your Body Fat Percentage
Before you can understand what body fat loss really is you need to understand what your body fat percentage is; first of all, your body fat percentage is simply the percentage of fat that your body contains, and so for example, if you weigh 150 pounds and 10% body fat, then it basically means that your body consists of 15 pounds of fat and 135 pounds of lean body mass, and that includes bone, muscle, organ tissue, blood, and everything else in this regards.
It is important to understand that a certain amount of fat is truly essential in order for your body to function properly, as fat regulates the body in many different regards, for instance it regulates your body temperature, cushions and insulates the organs and tissues, and is also the main form of the body’s energy storage.
Body Fat Loss
If you are looking to attain body fat loss, then there are several things in particular that you are going to have to take into consideration. For instance, you may want to get into an exercise activity such as bodybuilding – this does not mean that you have to get huge, just to the size that you wish – but this is because with bodybuilding workouts you are targeting your body fat and this is thus where you will lose weight and gain muscle.
Bodybuilding is basically an activity which operates according to scientific principles, and thus science and mathematics is basically the base for this activity; accordingly, in the construction of a diet plan, mathematics and numbers are key, and hence in order to construct a proper diet plan, there are several variables which need to be mathematically determined.
Variables
The variables that absolutely must be included are that of the following: body mass, current age, basal metabolic rate, caloric and macronutrient intake, and current body fat percentage.
Thus, if you take all of these and possibly more variables into consideration, then you will be able to come to a conclusion as to how much weight you should lose if any, from where on the body, and what the best way would be for you to do it.
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10 Successful Secrets for Weight Loss
Attitude: In order to succeed with your weight loss goals it is important to go into this program without thinking you are on a diet. What you need to do is change your behaviour and habits. This does not mean that you need to ever feel hungry or turn yourself into an Olympic athlete in order to achieve your weight loss goal. If you fall off the wagon get back on, you haven’t lost the war.
Exercise: If you are more than 20 pounds overweight then you should start off with moderate daily exercise e.g. walking or swimming to assist with your weight loss. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regime.
If you are moderately overweight then a minimum of 40 minutes per day is preferable to achieve weight loss. If aged over 40 then it helps to try and do 2 sessions per day e.g. aerobic workout in the morning and walking or cycling for 30 minutes or more in the evening. I found that my metabolism slowed down considerably when I reached 40 so fitting in two sessions a day really helped my weight loss efforts.
Getting Organized: This lifestyle change will take a certain amount of effort and forward planning on your part. Think about what you do throughout the day that you could change i.e. do you sit at your desk at lunchtime reading the newspaper? Do you watch television for several hours in the evening? Could you set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier in the morning? This extra time can be used for exercise and the time needed to prepare your meals in advance if you need to take them to work .
Make lists for shopping, don’t just hit the supermarket with a vague idea of what you will need for your weight loss goal. Cook in bulk and freeze the rest in small portions.
Things to Avoid: As a general rule stick to the outer aisles in the supermarket where the fresh produce is displayed. Avoid the aisles with packaged and processed foods. It goes without saying to avoid sugar and sugar related products (try fruit instead).
If in doubt just cut out the white stuff, sugar, white bread, white rice, potatoes etc. Dairy products can be very high in fat so try the reduced fat variety. I personally find this tastes better than the no fat variety and is more satisfying so you aren’t looking for more in another half an hour.
Alcohol is also best avoided as this is normally quite high in calories and can lead to dehydration.
Quantities: Try and keep the quantities down to between 200-300 calories per meal, slightly more for men or if you are very active.
Frequency: Eat these small meals 5 times a day, approximately every 3 hours. Do not skip a meal and try not to eat after 7pm in the evening. The frequency of meals will stop you from feeling hungry and ease you toward your weight loss goal.
Dehydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least 8 glasses . Don’t wait until you are thirsty as this means that you are dehydrated. This will help to keep your energy levels up and also eliminate toxins which can make you feel sluggish and tired.
Tricking your Metabolism: Eat 5 small meals of around 200-300 calories for 3 days then on the fourth day increase your calorie intake slightly for each meal . This will stop your body going into starvation mode and lowering your metabolism to suit the reduced intake.
Buddy: Why not get a friend or partner to join you on your new health and weight loss regime. This makes exercise more fun and helps you stay on target.
Attitude: I repeat this step as it's key to the success of your program. Continue to work towards a goal taking small steps if necessary. Many people have done this, you can too.
By using these tips you should achieve gradual and healthy weight loss without feeling deprived or hungry.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/10-Successful-Secrets-for-Weight-Loss/1179
Exercise: If you are more than 20 pounds overweight then you should start off with moderate daily exercise e.g. walking or swimming to assist with your weight loss. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regime.
If you are moderately overweight then a minimum of 40 minutes per day is preferable to achieve weight loss. If aged over 40 then it helps to try and do 2 sessions per day e.g. aerobic workout in the morning and walking or cycling for 30 minutes or more in the evening. I found that my metabolism slowed down considerably when I reached 40 so fitting in two sessions a day really helped my weight loss efforts.
Getting Organized: This lifestyle change will take a certain amount of effort and forward planning on your part. Think about what you do throughout the day that you could change i.e. do you sit at your desk at lunchtime reading the newspaper? Do you watch television for several hours in the evening? Could you set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier in the morning? This extra time can be used for exercise and the time needed to prepare your meals in advance if you need to take them to work .
Make lists for shopping, don’t just hit the supermarket with a vague idea of what you will need for your weight loss goal. Cook in bulk and freeze the rest in small portions.
Things to Avoid: As a general rule stick to the outer aisles in the supermarket where the fresh produce is displayed. Avoid the aisles with packaged and processed foods. It goes without saying to avoid sugar and sugar related products (try fruit instead).
If in doubt just cut out the white stuff, sugar, white bread, white rice, potatoes etc. Dairy products can be very high in fat so try the reduced fat variety. I personally find this tastes better than the no fat variety and is more satisfying so you aren’t looking for more in another half an hour.
Alcohol is also best avoided as this is normally quite high in calories and can lead to dehydration.
Quantities: Try and keep the quantities down to between 200-300 calories per meal, slightly more for men or if you are very active.
Frequency: Eat these small meals 5 times a day, approximately every 3 hours. Do not skip a meal and try not to eat after 7pm in the evening. The frequency of meals will stop you from feeling hungry and ease you toward your weight loss goal.
Dehydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, at least 8 glasses . Don’t wait until you are thirsty as this means that you are dehydrated. This will help to keep your energy levels up and also eliminate toxins which can make you feel sluggish and tired.
Tricking your Metabolism: Eat 5 small meals of around 200-300 calories for 3 days then on the fourth day increase your calorie intake slightly for each meal . This will stop your body going into starvation mode and lowering your metabolism to suit the reduced intake.
Buddy: Why not get a friend or partner to join you on your new health and weight loss regime. This makes exercise more fun and helps you stay on target.
Attitude: I repeat this step as it's key to the success of your program. Continue to work towards a goal taking small steps if necessary. Many people have done this, you can too.
By using these tips you should achieve gradual and healthy weight loss without feeling deprived or hungry.
http://www.articles4free.com/Article/10-Successful-Secrets-for-Weight-Loss/1179
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