Of all the exercise programs, walking is perhaps the simplest and cheapest. Walking can also be one of the most effective exercise programs because walking is an exercise that many of us enjoy and will actually take time out of our busy days to do.
Walking results in the same benefits of many other types of physical exercise: It helps strengthen the heart and lungs, improves circulation, increases your confidence, reduces the risk of certain diseases, strengthens the bones, improves muscle tone, and just generally brightens your mood.
Walking works for weight loss, but you will need to make sure you are walking long enough (or fast enough) to burn some calories.
When you are just starting your walking regimen, many experts recommend focusing on distance before you focus on speed. If you get too caught up on your intensity, you may burn out before you have established your walking routine on a daily basis.
You can burn roughly the same number of calories with a short, fast walk as with a long, slower walk. The biggest factor in your overall success will be your consistency. Make sure that you choose the right combination of pace and intensity that keeps the exercise fun for you. There will be some days that you want to take a long stroll. Others, you may want to power walk, burn some energy, and really get your heart pumping.
Most walking fitness experts recommend that you have some sort of activity each day. You can alternate your sessions of higher intensity power walking with lower intensity workouts. Just make sure you are getting out there at least 5 days a week, for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.
If you find it difficult to walk for 30 minutes when you are just starting out, start small and work your way up. It will not take long before you are walking for longer distances, especially if you make a goal to walk nearly every day.
For maximum health benefits, you will also want to make sure that you are walking fast enough to increase your heart rate. Fitness experts say that, for weight loss, you need to be walking for 30 to 60 minutes at 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. Of course, you will need to stretch first and walk slowly for five minutes before and after the workout.
You can also try interval training, in which you walk quickly for a few minutes, and then slow it down for a few minutes. Alternating between higher and lower intensity periods throughout your workout can get your heart pumping and help you to quickly build physical endurance.
Once you have established your walking routine, you can burn even more calories by choosing a route with challenging hills or by strapping small weights to your wrists or ankles. There are also several techniques that will help you build muscle tone as you walk. Concentrate on keeping a good posture, for example, flex your leg muscles and hold in your stomach. Focusing on good walking techniques such as these can help you maximize the time you spend in your walking shoes.
Make it Fun
Here are few ideas to help you make walking a fun adventure that you will look forward to each day:
Make sure you are comfortable and hydrated. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes, which will increase your comfort and reduce your risk of injury. And drink water before, during, and after your walking workout.
Search out new walking or hiking trails in your town or county.
Check out books on tape from the library or download an mp3 to enjoy on your headphones while you are walking.
Schedule your walk like any other event in your busy day. Put it on your calendar and regard it as an important appointment.
Find a friend to be your walking partner. Your friend will hold you accountable and may make the miles seem to pass more quickly. Sometimes, when we get very busy, our friendships can become neglected. When you walk with a friend, you carve out time for physical fitness and your friendship.
If you have small children, take them out in the stroller. Older kids can walk alongside you. My young son likes to ride his bike alongside me.
Take a dog. When I take my dog along, I feel as though I am doing something constructive with my time. If you do not have a dog, see if there is an animal shelter in your area that needs volunteer dog walkers. This is a great way to serve a greater purpose and get in your daily walk at the same time.
Stay Safe
Here are a few considerations to help you stay safe during your daily walks.
Walking with a friend (or even a dog) is safer than walking alone.
Tell someone when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to return.
Do not bring valuables with you on your walk.
Vary your route.
Stay in well lit, busy areas.
Stay alert. Keep your headphones on a low setting so you can still hear what is going on around you.
A walking routine is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of regular physical exercise. Enjoy creating an exercise program that will be part of your life for a long time to come.
Note: The tips in this article are for general information only. Before starting any exercise routine, you should consult with your doctor.
Copyright 2007 Jamie Jefferson
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com http://www.momscape.com and Susies-Coupons.com http://www.susies-coupons.com where you will find hand selected online coupons and products, including online coupons for shoes: http://www.momscape.com/coupon-codes/shoes.htm
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Weight Loss Walking: Create Your Own Walking Weight Loss Program
Friday, June 29, 2007
Does Hoodia Work? 3 Ways Hoodia Gordonii Helps You Lose Weight
You've seen the name everywhere. Hoodia Gordonii has taken the weight loss world by storm. Being touted as the next miracle weight loss pill, it is now being put into everything from multivitamins to Trimspa.
But does it work?
Considering the debacle that was Ephedra, consumers are right to be cautious about this new weight loss pill. Does it actually work to help you lose weight? Does it really do what the pill manufacturers say?
Well, Hoodia has been shown to have some specific effects in the area of weight loss. But there are certain things you should know before running out to buy the latest Gordonii pill from your drug store.
Here are 3 ways Hoodia helps you lose weight and 3 other things you should know to make it work best for you.
#1) It Makes You Physically Less Hungry
Pure Hoodia contains a molecule scientists called "P57" which, they believe, is responsible for making you feel full.
Normally, when you eat food, this food turns to glucose. When the glucose in your body rises it eventually signals to your brain (the hypothalamus) that you are full.
It is believed that "P57" molecule mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain, telling part of your brain (the Hypothalamus) that you feel full. Consequently, you are physically less hungry.
One of the first studies 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 do nothing but read, watch television and eat. After 15 days it was found that those taking Hodia had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Despite having unlimited access to food, these subjects lost weight without feeling hungry.
#2) It Turns Off The Desire To Overeat
Some people have reported that not only does Hoodia make them feel full, but it also shuts off their desire to eat.
As many of us know, we can feel physically satisfied but still eat for a variety of reasons like emotions, timing and social influence. In fact emotional eating is actually responsible for more overeating than physical hunger.
Hoodia can help some people lose weight by quenching this desire to eat and breaking the emotional attachment to food.
By quenching this emotional attachment to food, it can help the individual to develop new emotional coping skills that don't include using food for comfort.
Note: This may not be true for everyone, however many people have reported having less of a desire to eat after taking Hoodia.
#3) By Turning Off Your Appetite It Allows You To Start Making Positive, Healthy Food Choices
How many times have we planned to eat healthy and then that old, ugly hunger rears it's ugly head and demands food NOW. We end up reaching for anything that's fast, easy and usually unhealthy.
By turning off your appetite, Hoodia allows you to start to make positive, healthy food choices. It takes the pain out of building new healthier eating choices. Since you probably don't want to be on Hoodia forever, this is a great way to lose weight and transition your eating to a healthier, lighter diet - with less pain and deprivation.
So those are 3 ways Hoodia can help you lose weight. Does that mean that it will? Not necessarily. In order for it to help you achieve your weight loss goals there are several factors you must consider:
1) Make Sure You Buy From A Pure Source
Unfortunately, there are scam artists who are taking advantage of the current demand by packaging fake Hoodia, fillers or even sawdust - and then selling it on the health food shelves.
Look for genuine South African grown product from a seller who displays both a C.I.T.E.S certificate on their website along with Lab Assays and testing of their Hoodia pills. If you're not sure about which brand to buy, do more research until you feel comfortable with your decision.
2) Make Sure You Are Taking Enough
The correct dosage varies depending on whom you talk to but most people start with about 400 mg three times a day before meals. They then increase the dosage up as high as 1000 mg three times daily until they find the dose that works for them.
Also, give it several days to take effect before you increase your current dose.
3) Make Sure You Consult Your Doctor Before Making Any Change To Your Diet or Exercise Routine.
This one is a given but surprisingly many people don't do it and it can result in you wasting your time and effort for no good reason. If, for example, you have a medical condition that makes it hard to lose weight, Hoodia may not work for you as you'd hoped. Talk to your doctor before trying anything new.
So those are 3 ways Hoodia works to help you lose weight and reach your goals. Make sure you follow these suggestions and you'll be well on your way to weight loss success.
Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to http://www.HoodiaReview.homestead.com - a website giving you the latest information and tips about Hoodia Gordonii.
For more weight loss tips visit:
http://www.HoodiaReview.homestead.com/Hoodia_Gordini_Articles.html
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Five Tips For Staying Motivated Throughout Your Weight Loss Program
One of the hardest parts of any weight loss program is staying with it. Studies show that being able to stay motivated while you are trying to lose weight is an essential success factor. It is, though, a bit easier to say you will stay motivated than to actually complete the task.
There are always setbacks and bad days during the course of any program. Learning how to deal with those will help you tackle the tough times head on. What are the best ways to stay motivated during your weight loss program?
One of the first good ways to maintain your level of motivation throughout the long months of a weight loss program is to create a strong plan before you ever begin your weight loss program. A goal setting session as you get started will help you to understand where you are headed when you are in the middle of your program.
Your goals should not only be the basic things like I plan to lose five pounds, they should also be far more specific. For example, make sure you plan includes the number of minutes you intend to exercise each week as well as what you will do to achieve each goal. If your biggest goal is a number of pounds, outline the things you will do to reach that goal, look at the problems that might crop up as you attempt to meet that goal, and think about how you will face those problems as they come up.
The second good way to help bolster your motivation during your weight loss program is to change your method of thinking. Staying motivated means becoming an optimist, even if it is not in your normal nature. Studies show that what you think truly changes the way you do things.
For example, if you are depressed, all of your actions will reflect that. You will not be as productive at any of your tasks as a direct result of your depressive thoughts. If you want to stay with your weight loss program, think positive thoughts. Think about how much good you are doing for your body as you exercise each day. When you eat healthier foods, imagine your heart thanking you. You will derive some great motivation just by thinking happy thoughts.
The third way to stay motivated as you fight to meet your weight loss goals is to vary your routines. Your mind is quite likely to get bored if your weight loss program never varies. If you have to eat the same foods all of the time, or if you are required to stick with the same exercise program on a regular basis, you may find yourself completely uninterested in what you are doing.
As a result, you are far more likely to leave the program for something that keeps you interested in whether that means going back to your fast food habits or finding a new favorite television show while you should be exercising. The best way to prevent this is to start a different exercise program that you might enjoy every few months.
Moreover, to keep from being bored with your diet, buy some new healthy living cookbooks or search internet recipe sites for dishes to make that fit in with your weight loss program. This can help to keep you within your calorie limits without boring you.
Making a list of the positive aspects of your life from lost weight will also help you to stay motivated during your diet.
What about your life will change when you have lost the weight?
Will you be able to drop a prescription because you have become healthier?
Will you have a better self-image because you can finally fit into that dress you have been admiring?
Whatever will change about your life, list it. Post the list where you can see it on a regular basis. Remind yourself of the great benefits related to your weight loss, and you will feel better about your program.
The final way to stay motivated while you are trying to lose weight is to offer yourself a rewards program. People need rewards in all aspects of life. For example, we go to work so we can get a reward - a paycheck. If we get that reward, we get other rewards - homes, cars, clothes, and entertainment. This rewards style motivational program should carry over to your diet.
If you meet your exercise goal all week, buy that new album you have been reading reviews of. If you stay within your calorie limits, go see a movie on Saturday afternoon (just be sure to take some dried fruit or some other healthy snack). Little rewards along the way will help keep you motivated.
Keeping your level of motivation high during your next diet will help you to lose the weight.
For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website http://www.dietandweightlossinfo.com
Can You Really Lose Weight With Green Tea?
There's recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.
Green tea's weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.
But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.
Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:
1) Green tea revs up your metabolism
A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').
The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).
2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation
Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.
3) Green tea may help reduce appetite
Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.
4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.
We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.
If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You'll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.
So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?
Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 - 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?
However, 3 - 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.
Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:
#1) Green tea is not a magic bullet
While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You're not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn't going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.
#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems
For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you're worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.
If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!
Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews (http://www.Freetobethin.com )
For more free weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit
http://www.FreeToBeThin.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
5 Ways To Begin Your At-Home Teen Weight Loss Program
This is hardly the first place to discuss adolescent
obesity. Teen obesity weights have jumped dramatically in
the last two decades - in 1980, 5% of teens were
characterized as overweight, but today it's more like 15%.
We have a basic idea of what led to this 10% increase, so
we also know where to start fighting adolescent obesity. A
growth of fast food industries, television, and lack of
exercise are all primary contributors - and also the first
place to begin with teen weight loss.
Feeling comfortable with one's own body image is imperative
for most teenagers. But it's more than just looking good.
An obese teen is almost certainly to become an obese adult,
and complications with the heart, high blood pressure, and
sleep apnea are all real-world consequences of obesity. The
teenage years are the best chance at a healthier weight and
lifestyle. Try these 5 steps first when beginning an effort
of teen weight loss:
1.) Rely On The Family
Overweight teens often feel excluded from many peer
activities because of their weight. Their family should be
both the driving force behind them to lose weight and a
place of comfort and security. Parents should both
encourage their child to pursue their weight loss efforts
and let them know they are loved despite their physical
appearance. They can offer support, or just an ear to a
child's difficulties - and substantially ease the burdens
and challenges a teen faces.
2.) Ensure Exercise
Exercise is, put simply, an imperative. Lack of exercise is
the reason most teens find themselves overweight in the
first place. Starting to exercise regularly is easier than
it sounds, though. Tackle teen weight loss with a familiar
activity, even if it's just a game like basketball or
baseball. Later, perhaps a gym membership or regular
walking or running is the way to go. Exercise is also a
place where a family can play a crucial role, for in many
cases, a teenager may not feel comfortable exercising with
their peers. But the most important thing is consistency -
get active and stay active.
3.) Focus On Food
A little broad? Avoiding fast food and over-processed
snackfoods is a start. Often, it's simply a matter of
eating from all five food groups, and not overeating.
Family can help an adolescent plan out a meal strategy for
weight loss, one that incorporates healthy eating practices
and reduced calorie intake. Try eating at home more often,
where a teen (and family) has more control over what's on
their plate. Whatever the particular tack, staying aware of
diet is key.
4.) Forget The Soft Drinks
All the name-brand sodas on television and advertisements
are full of sugar and excess calories. Choose water, or
more natural juices. Pediatrics, a leading medical journal
for pre-adults, recently published a study revealing that
cutting out soft drinks can reduce calorie intakes from
beverages by 80% - so soft drinks are not a bad place to
begin.
5.) Switch Off The TV
Inactivity sustains obesity, and watching television for
hours on end is no way to make teen weight loss happen.
Find other, more active pastimes, like school-sponsored
athletics, or just getting outdoors. Cutting out television
completely isn't necessary, but limiting its use during the
day can only help.
Teen weight loss often require a strong-minded lifestyle
change, but is completely within the realm of every
teenager. Try beginning with these 5 steps to start, and
see where it takes an adolescent. They've only got to begin.
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Do You Make These 9 Mistakes While Trying To Lose Weight?
If you are on a fitness or dieting program, you know how hard it is NOT to drop out of it. In fact, most people drop out of it after a few sessions. Why is this so? There are a ton of excuses if you ask them.
While we are all human and given to laziness and temptations, there are certain things we can watch out for which will help us stay the course.
Here are 9 common mistakes people commit when trying to lose weight. Make sure you don't make the same mistakes...
1). Failure to plan ahead.
If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Having no target or vague target in mind when going to the gym can only lead to failure. How can you know if you have reached your objectives if you only have a vague target? You can ask a doctor about your ideal weight and make that your goal or target. Or think of a specific, reasonable goal yourself.
2). Succumbing to distractions
There is always the TV & other "interesting" things to distract you so it is crucial to allocate the time for gym. When something crops up at the last moment you can reschedule your gym session into another time slot if you have a good planning schedule.
3). Working out too little
Some people lift two dumb-bells a couple of times a day and think they are done. You need way more that that. Do spend some time coming up with a sound training program. Get help from a gym trainer or a veteran bodybuilder to set up your program.
4). Working out too much
Your body needs enough time to burn off the fats and grow muscles in between your workouts. Training on rest days will simply make you more tired without any additional benefits.
5). Comparing yourself with others
There is always someone who is smarter or richer or slimmer that you. Everyone has his/her own unique genetic make-up which affects how we gain weight gain, lose weight, and respond to training etc. Comparing yourself to others is totally futile.
6). Not varying your routine
Doing the same exercises in the same order over and over again is not only boring but it causes you to lose motivation. Try to juggle around the exercises that form your routine and replace them with new ones every now and then. Find variations to each classic exercise and try them out to make your routine interesting all the time.
7). Wasting your gains
If you tend to go to the pub after the gym, then you are just negating what you have achieved. Note that alcohol contains a lot of calories that are metabolized as fat very fast. Don't waste all your hard work at the gym.
8). Not watching your food intake
Try to avoid fast food and snacks and forget about those soft drinks. On the other hand, don't starve yourself . Extremes are no good. Strike a balance and provide your body with the nourishment it needs.
9) Looking for a miracle cure
It takes some effort to lose weight. Going to the gym is not a one time affair. There is no miracle cure for weight loss (or for anything). You need to put in some time and effort but it need not be a chore. Enjoy it and stop thinking of a miracle cure somewhere. There just isn't any!
So that you have it. The 9 common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight and stay slim. Do keep this handy guide around you as a reminder.
Gary T is the owner of a weight loss website dedicated to help overweight people lose weight. Get free tips and product reviews at : http://www.tiredofbeingoverweight.com . Special review of top 3 weight loss pills : http://www.tiredofbeingoverweight.com/weight-loss-pills-reviewed.html
Ear Staples - How Acupuncture Techniques Can Help With Weight Loss
The use of a procedure called ear stapling can help you with weight loss, according to various representatives and users. You can learn from both those who have gone through this procedure, as well as from those who would not do it. It is considered one procedure that can help weight loss in some people, in both men and women.
The use of ear staples involves a similar technique as does Chinese Acupuncture, which has been around for over 2,000 years. Acupuncture is a process that is becoming more and more widely acceptable in western countries such as the United States. When applying ear staples in the right spots on your ears it can relieve pressure points that can help decrease tension levels and stress, assist in curbing your appetite, and reduce (or eliminate in some cases) your desire to smoke.
Some that have undergone the ear staples procedure have encountered some complications. The most common is infections, similar to the kind that many people get when having a part of their body, such as the nose, ear (of course), belly button, or even a part of their personal anatomy pierced. There is always this risk when having your skin pierced in any way.
These staples that you get in your ears for weight loss are usually inserted by a representative and in one case costs about 65.00. The reason why these have to be removed by an acupuncture representative (or similar specialist) is because special tools are needed to remove them.
The general procedure for having Ear Staples is to wear the first set of staples for up to six months, and then have them removed for a week. Then, when the week is up, usually the staples are reinserted. The exact period of time that these staples are left in may not be the same every time, so you should consult your acupuncture specialist to find out more information about it. In fact, another source on the Internet suggests leaving them in for about 3-4 months as long as there is no sign of redness or swelling in your ear.
From one source, women are said to be able to lose between 2-5 pounds per week, while men are said to lose an average of 4-10 pounds per week. This same source says they have a 90-95% chance that it will work for you, and that there is a chance you can have it repositioned so it will work for you.
The staple that is used to complete the Ear Staple Procedure is a surgical steel type one, very similar to the type of metal that is used for ear piercing. Other risks to a person besides infection could be soreness in some people, and stinging while the piercing of the staples is taking place.
If you need more information about the effectiveness of ear stapling the best thing to do is to seek professional advice regarding ear stapling. Many people are for it, but some people think it is not a good idea because it has been known to cause pain in some people, and soreness in a persons jaw as well. However, if you contact a professional and ask as many questions as possible you will find the information you need regarding this procedure.
Remember that no diet plan or weight loss procedure is 100 percent effective. This means that you need to still have a regular diet and exercise program. Furthermore, changing your lifestyle, such as reducing the amount of caffeine and alcohol that you take in, and quitting smoking can help as well (even though smoking can cause weight gain your life usually depends upon you quitting).
If you follow the instructions that you are given when receiving your ear staplers, and before and after the procedure has taken place, you will have better chance of success at weight loss. Also, if you learn enough about this procedure ahead of time you will know exactly what the risks and benefits of this procedure will be to you.
The effects of receiving ear staples are different for everyone. Besides asking professionals about this procedure, you can also read more articles such as this one in order to learn more about this type of weight loss procedure.
For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website http://www.dietandweightlossinfo.com
Health News: Weight Loss
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How Water Can Help You Lose Weight Naturally
It may be surprising but water makes up 2/3 of your body mass. You need water to maintain an optimum level of hydration, flush away harmful toxins, cleanse the body, cool off, help joints work and to aid food digestion. You need 2 liters of water daily for all these bodily functions.
Wow, isn't that a whole mouthful? But wait, water is also important in helping you lose weight.
Yes, drinking sufficient water can actually help you lose weight. On the contrary, not drinking enough water can make you put on weight, besides putting your health at risk.
But how does water help you lose weight? Here's how and why:-
1. Your body's metabolism depends on water to continue functioning properly. Not having enought water will significantly slow down the process of breaking food down and converting it into energy. This will lead to unnecessary weight gain for you.
So, if you are dieting and you seem to have hit the dreaded plateau, then you are probably not drinking enough water. Drink more water to correct the situaion.
2. Your body's process of digestion and elimination of residues is also dependent on water. Not drinking enough water? Get ready for an uncomfortable case of constipation and a host of other problems in the intestines.
Poor digestion leads the body to seek out more food since the body "thinks" that it is not eating enough. This is usually the first sign of trouble for you.. A dehydrated or water-deprived body feels hungry, thus tempting you to eat more food than you should.
3. Water also acts as a good food filler or substitute. A big cup or glass of water before a meal can fill your belly and reduce your hunger pangs. That's why dietitians and weight loss experts advise us to drink lots of water to fill up our tummy first. Now you know why!
You should drink water gradually and steady throughout the day. Never drink a larger gulp all at once because your body can only absorb so much at one time. It will discard the rest as waste so that that's bad for you.
You can also take fruit juices, weak tea and coffee instead of plain water for hydration purposes.
And for the ladies, drinking a lot of water will not make you retain it. Dehydration forces your body to hang on to what it has, not abundance of water.
If you need help losing weight, besides drinking lots of water, it may be a good idea to also look for some weight loss supplements.
Gary T is the owner of a weight loss website dedicated to help overweight people lose weight. Get free tips and product reviews at : http://www.tiredofbeingoverweight.com . Special review of top 3 weight loss pills : http://www.tiredofbeingoverweight.com/weight-loss-pills-reviewed.html
The Skinny on Volumetrics: Using Simple Math to Lose Weight and Keep it Off
Warmer weather has arrived and so has the need to shed winter weight gain. Forget fad diets and fasting, a new approach to eating will help you lose weight and keep it off.
Volumetrics, developed by Barbara Rolls, Ph.D. and outlined in her book The Volumetrics Eating Plan (Harper Collins 2005), doesn't eliminate food groups. Instead, it uses common sense and simple math to help you calculate the energy density of foods and make choices based on the numeric outcomes.
Energy density relates to how many calories a food contains in a portion size or volume. Fried foods, cookies and chips have high density. Fruits, vegetables and fat free dairy products have low density. Lean proteins fall somewhere in between.
Studies have shown that people tend to eat the same weight of food each day. By choosing less dense foods, you consume fewer calories in your quest for fullness by volume.
For example, a three ounce portion of lean ground beef has approximately 190 calories. The same size portion of skinless chicken breast is 140 calories. And three ounces of tuna canned in water has only 98 calories. The tuna is the least energy dense choice, followed by the chicken breast. But the quantity of each example is exactly the same.
Fat and water are factors that help determine density. At nine calories per gram, fat is the most energy dense food. At zero calories, water is the least energy dense. Cutting fat and adding water-rich foods will leave you full and satisfied - and one step closer to fitting into your warm weather clothes!
Calculating the Energy Density of Foods
Calculating a food's density is easy. On the nutrition label, find the serving size weight in grams and the calorie count. Divide the number of calories by the number of grams to find that food's energy density.
Foods with a density of less than one are ideal. Foods between one and two should be eaten in moderation. Foods that calculate two or more should be consumed in limited quantities.
Not surprisingly, a four-ounce portion of raw carrots (113 grams, 22 calories) packs a .2 energy density. The high water and fiber content and zero fat in carrots make them an ideal choice.
Fat free pretzels, on the other hand, have an astonishingly high density for a food that is touted to be dieter-friendly. One ounce of pretzels (28 grams, 100 calories) has a whopping 3.57 density. Attribute this to lack of water and fiber.
One cup of fat-free cottage cheese (113 grams, 70 calories) is a smart lean protein choice at just .67.
Three Courses to Volumetrics Success
A three-course meal following the Volumetrics principles can be a highly satisfying way to cut calories without cutting enjoyment. Savor each course, eating slowly and deliberately.
Course 1: Soup
One serving of fat free broth-based soup
Course 2: Salad
Hearty mixed greens and chopped vegetables topped with low-fat or fat-free dressing
Course 3: Entree
3-4 ounces of lean protein
One serving of whole grain rice (or similar)
One or more servings of steamed vegetables
Need dessert? Opt for fresh fruit or a fat free pudding or Jell-O cup.
What About Indulgences?
Everybody has a favorite food vice. But before you indulge, consider the following:
* A Hershey bar has a high energy density of 5.58
* A 12 ounce, 150 calorie beer is only .44
* A 4 ounce, 100 calorie glass of wine scores a .88
* One ounce of honey roasted peanuts delivers a whopping 5.82 energy density
When treating yourself, the key is to practice moderation and portion control.
Patty Harder is an author, ordained S.H.E.S. minister, Reiki Master and self-help guru. To download an excerpt of her recently-released e-book "Interview with an Atlantean: An Ancient Look at the Law of Attraction," visit http://www.searchingforspirit.com.
Is Hypnotherapy The Answer For Weight Loss
Weight loss can be hard to achieve with all the demands modern
life makes on people. No wonder men, women and even children
are increasingly eating on the run. The standard western diet
(known appropriately as S.A.D.) is high in sugar, fat, simple
carbohydrates and of course chemical additives. This diet is
making people fat and triggering an epidemic of diabetes and
other related illnesses. On top of this, people are actually
moving less. The average person is busy and stressed but is not
physically exercising enough.
Stress is a significant factor in making poor lifestyle
decisions and can lead to bad habits. Individuals who have
gained weight know they have to change what they are doing, but
motivation is hard to find when the pressure just keeps piling
on. They probably wish that somebody else (with good diet and
exercise habits) could live inside their body for a little
while to help get things moving in the right direction. This is
where hypnosis can help. That new person living inside their
body can actually be them!
Hypnosis works at a subconscious level by directly giving
suggestions to the subconscious mind. Positive suggestions that
encourage weight loss work at a subconscious level to create new
beliefs, values and habitual thinking so that the client is able
to naturally make healthier decisions. Hypnosis encourages a
healthy lifestyle change which leads to natural weight loss.
This is why it is so effective. Diets have been shown to be
ineffective in the long term whereas changing your diet and
exercise habits permanently leads to positive weight loss
results.
Hypnosis suggestions for weight loss usually include motivation
encouragement and confidence building statements as well as
specific directions to create a healthier lifestyle. Hypnosis
sessions also usually use visualization guidance to help the
client `see' themselves at their ideal weight and to `feel' how
great that feels. This sets them up for success. If a person can
believe they can lose weight, they can. Unfortunately, many
people have tried countless diets and failed and, as a result,
they have lost confidence in themselves and in their ability to
take the weight off and keep it off. Hypnosis for weight loss
focuses on how individuals will feel when they lose the weight,
their competency to do so, and on the process of creating a new
healthy lifestyle that they will enjoy.
Hypnosis works differently with different people. Some people
respond very quickly to the suggestions and make long lasting
changes quickly, thereby obtaining faster weight loss results.
Others, on the other hand, take longer and need more sessions
to retrain the subconscious mind and change their beliefs about
themselves, what they are capable of and what they really want
to do. To effectively change their lifestyle, people have to
really want to do it.
Individuals who use hypnosis in order to lose weight will find
it offers a range of additional health benefits not directly
related to weight loss. Hypnosis calms the mind, the nerves and
the whole body. It alleviates anxiety and releases stress. The
suggestions give confidence and build self esteem which will
support every area of the client's life. People who use
hypnosis for a specific reason, often find a host of unexpected
benefits. The gentleness of the process also makes it a safe,
positive and easy way to help a child or teenager who is
struggling with excess weight.
Hypnosis for weight loss is not magic but it can have some
magical results. As a practicing hypnotherapist, I have helped
a great many clients lose weight and keep it off. If you have
tried to lose weight and failed and genuinely want powerful
help to achieve your goals, I recommend you seek the services
of a qualified hypnotherapist who is convenient to your
location.
About The Author: Steve Burns is the founder of
http://www.thethera
helps clients to cultivate confidence, motivation and happiness
whether in business, in relationships or generally in life.
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.
Weight Loss, Don't Go It Alone.
Wanting to lose weight is a good thing, because with any
problem, be it personal or otherwise the first step to
doing something about it is realising that the problem
exists. Obesity and being overweight is one of the biggest
health threats to modern man and has been described as an
epidemic by the W.H.O (World Health Organisation). This is
born out by statistics which all recognize that over 60% of
Americans are overweight with over 30% of those being
classified as obese.
Below are Just some of the health problems that being over
weight can lead to.
1) Fertility problems
2) Some types of cancer.
3) Diseased gall bladder
4) Diabetes
5) Increased or high blood pressure.
6) Heart disease.
Basically weight loss is all about three things
1) Creating healthy lifestyle habits
2) Setting up realistic and achievable goals.
3) Identifying emotions which trigger bad behaviour such as
overeating.
So if you can set your goals, keep your behaviour in check
and stick to your healthy habits then you will succeed.
In theory this sounds pretty straight forward, but would
probably be difficult to implement successfully on your own.
So what can you do? It goes without saying that Giving up
should NEVER be an option.
A good first step in any form of exercise or diet plan, is
to get someone else who has the same interest to "buddy up"
with you. This way you can give each other inspiration, and
keep each other from straying from the exercise plan and
diet One step better than that is to hire the services of a
Personal Trainer. Hiring a personal trainer has proved to
be one of the best methods for losing weight and getting
into shape fast.
The 6 most important steps when hiring a personal trainer !
1) Make sure the prospect has the correct qualifications.
2) Make sure that they have had experience with someone
like yourself, so if you are diabetic, make sure they have
had experience setting up programs for diabetics.
3) Make sure that they are keeping up to date with
developments in the industry.
4) Make sure they have good references.
5) Try and find a personal trainer you will feel
comfortable with.
6) Find out what their fee structure is, and get an idea
if this is reasonable by phoning around for quotes.
One way to save on fees, is to find a personal trainer who
is willing to train both you and your training partner,
many personal trainers are quite happy to let you split the
expense in this way.
Another fast growing and popular form of personal training
and weight loss is Online weight loss programs and personal
training programs, these are growing in popularity because
with personal trainers charging in the region of $60 per
hour, it is generally cheaper to try the online option.
But which ever form of personal trainer you choose, making
use of the six steps above, will help you make an informed
decision, and get a personal trainer who will make a
difference in your life.
And remember "Giving up is never an option"
----------------------------------------------------
Noel Clarke has been active in the fitness industry for
many years, and is very concerned about obesity and weight
related health problems. For more information on personal
training go to
Diet Without Exercise Only Gets You So Far In The Weight Loss Game
Losing weight, and keeping those extra pounds off, is one of the most elusive goals you might ever encounter. If you are serious about losing weight, watching what you eat is only part of the formula. Is it possible to lose weight by eating well? Well, yes. Eating well is a key part of losing weight. Being careful about what you put on your plate, and controlling your portion size can definitely help slim your waist size. But the hard truth is that diet without exercise will only get you so far in the weight loss game.
In order to lose weight, and keep it off, you will have to integrate some kind of exercise routine into your weight loss regime.
What happens when you attempt to lose weight without exercising? Reducing your caloric intake while not exercising can actually harm your chances of achieving weight loss! If you try a low-calorie diet, you can actually be sending signals to your body that triggers a slow-down effect on your metabolism. When you make a significant reduction in your food intake, your body may react by preparing for starvation. That is, your body may prepare itself for not getting it's accustomed ration of calories. When your body goes into 'starvation mode', your metabolic rate slows down. Thus, you end up burning up fewer calories.
Another negative side effect of going on a low-calorie, no exercise diet is that it can threaten your muscle tissue stores. If you find yourself losing weight through diet alone, you can be sure that you are probably losing valuable muscle tissue. Exercise helps you lose fat, while retaining and building muscle tissue. Having more muscle means having a higher basal metabolic rate, while losing muscle can cause serious long-term health problems.
Exercise and Metabolism
Simply stated, diet without exercise will only get you so far because if you are not exercising, your metabolism remains stagnant. We hear a lot about metabolism, but do you know exactly what it is? Metabolism refers to the amount of calories burned by your body. This number can vary, depending on several factors. The most basic metabolic calculation is known as your basal metabolic rate (or BMR).
Your BMR is the number of calories your body uses simply to keep your vital functions going. Vital functions include your breathing, brain function, and your heartbeat. In some ways, you can think of your BMR as your 'standing' metabolic rate. Everyone's BMR is different. Factors that influence your BMR include age, body composition, activity level, and diet, height, gender, and stress level.
Individuals with a higher BMR will burn calories faster than those with lower BMR. If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, one of your goals should be to increase your BMR. This is where exercise comes into the picture. One of the best ways to increase your BMR is to add some forms of regular exercise into your weight loss plan.
Adding Exercise into Your Weight Loss Plan
If you the type of person who would rather live on celery sticks and water than do sit-ups, you are not alone. Adding exercise to your weight loss regime can seem difficult, especially if you are not active. The truth is that exercise doesn't have to be painful, time consuming, or simply mind-numbingly dull. Here are a few valuable tips for adding exercise to your life in a way that will spare you the pain and boredom of traditional weight loss routines.
1. Start slow. Many people make the mistake of setting high exercise goals after long periods of inactivity. Just because your becoming more active doesn't mean you have to sign up for a marathon. Start slow by doing active things that are easy to work into your schedule. Go for a short walk with a friend, or take the dog out for a walk. Just focus on working in 15 to 20 minutes of walking into your day.
2. Make it fun for you. Make a list of activities you like to do. Are you a gardener? If so, there's good news for you. Gardening is an excellent way to get exercise while having fun. You'd be surprised how many calories you can burn simply by mowing the lawn, or pulling weeds. Do you like to play softball? Tennis? Golf? All are good ways to get your body moving, while having fun at the same time. Pick out a sport or activity you've always wanted to try, or return to an activity that you once loved.
3. Get an exercise buddy. Any type of activity or exercise is more fun if you do it with a friend. Working out with an exercise buddy can help keep you committed and motivated. Even if you're not a big fan of jogging, you'll find that it can be fun with a good friend trotting along side you. Again, focus on finding something fun that you both enjoy.
For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website http://www.dietandweightlossinfo.com
Monday, June 25, 2007
Do Saunas Help With Weight Loss?
Saunas have been a popular tool for relaxation for a very long
time. When saunas were first introduced, they were used
primarily for relaxation of muscles and relieving the stress
and tension that build up throughout life. As saunas became
more and more popular and widespread, the people who used them
regularly began to notice some very desirable side effects.
Specifically, people began noticing weight loss as a result of
using saunas.
Weight Loss – Myth or Fact
Many people are still incredulous about the reported weight
loss through sauna use. However, the increased popularity of
saunas all over the world cannot and does not lie. Studies have
shown that frequent sauna use does indeed help in weight loss as
the high temperature acts not only on the muscle tissue but also
on the fatty tissues of the body.
Many people agree that saunas have indeed helped them with
weight reduction. The question is how? It is not true that the
heat of the sauna helps in melting fat. Saunas - natural or
infrared - are unable to melt fat with the help of heat. What a
sauna actually does is help the body get rid of its excess salt
through sweating.
What does salt have to do with weight loss? Plenty – there are
many medical reports which explain the connection of salt and
gain of weight. This gain is not fat gain but water retention
gain. When a person consumes excess salt, this is deposited
under the skin and in order for it to stay non-toxic it will
demand water. The more salt you collect under the skin, the
more water your body will demand and retain.
The sauna helps you get rid of this extra salt and thereby gets
you rid of the water weight that you have gained. If you want to
maintain the weight loss you enjoy from visiting the sauna, you
need to keep salt consumption to a minimum in your diet.
Hence, the sauna does indeed help you loose weight though not
in the regular way of melting fat. The heat usually forces the
body sweat out the excess salt and toxins and thereby reduced a
great deal of your water weight. Combined with a healthy and
salt free (or reduced salt) diet, you could enjoy the new found
way of staying trim and healthy.
Those who have studied the effectiveness of saunas for weight
loss have observed that side by side with the relaxation
benefits of saunas, they do help with detoxification of the
body and with weight loss, when used frequently. What could be
a better combination? One takes a sauna for relaxation and
relief from stress and ends up with weight loss and body
detoxification.
About The Author: Improve your health with a Dry Sauna that
fits your space and home decor. Saunafin offers a great
selection of saunas and accessories. http://www.saunafin
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.
Weight Loss Secrets
The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and
everybody is trying to jump into the bandwagon and trying to
convince you that they know what it takes to make you lose
weight. Unfortunately, this information overload has given
birth to a ton of misinformation. As such, it is best if you
start your weight loss plan by distinguishing fact from
fiction.
Weight Loss Facts and Fallacies
Skipping breakfast will make you lose weight (because you
consume less food for the day). Actually, skipping breakfast
achieves the opposite – you gain weight! Breakfast is the most
important meal of the day. It's basically what keeps you going
for the rest of the day and a missed morning meal would make
you feel hungry earlier than usual and then what? Either you'll
eat more than you should because you are extremely hungry or eat
something that's not healthy because it's the most convenient
thing your hands can grab at the moment.
Nibbles don't count. A lot of weight challenged people tend to
rationalize nibbling here and there would not make them gain
weight. Unfortunately, it does. Just like how a couple of dimes
can make a dollar, a bucketful of nibbles will be equivalent to
one full meal.
Parties are exceptions. It does not matter if it's a simple
dinner at a small Chinese restaurant, a charity ball in a
five-star hotel or a wedding reception – you are STILL not
excused from counting calories and paying strict attention to
the do's and don'ts of your diet regime. Here's food for
thought - no matter where you eat, chocolate will always be
high on sugar.
The only way to lose weight is to commit to a fitness club. If
there's a will, there's a way! Exercise, literally, is
movement. As such, going up and down the stairs, walking to and
from work or simply cleaning your house or doing a little
gardening all counts!
Popular diets don't work. It is not that popular diets do not
work… it is just that they do not work for everyone. Our bodies
are different from each other and react differently to different
stimuli. For instance, the Atkins diet has helped thousands of
people lose weight but has caused weight gain in others. So
what do you do? The best and safest way to diet is to consult a
nutritionist or dietician who can recommend the diet that is
most suited for your body and current fitness goals.
Weight Loss = A Commitment to A New Way of Life
In your quest for weight loss, you will come across hundreds
more of myths such as those listed above. However, in the
middle of all of these there is one single truth that all diets
and weight loss regimens concede to be true – to achieve weight
loss and maintain it, you need to change your lifestyle.
To lose those unwanted pounds, you simply need to burn off more
energy than you acquire from the foods you eat. Period. So
seriously, the secret to weight loss is really something you
have known all this time right? You need to change the way you
look at food, make a conscious decision to start eating healthy
and start exercising daily.
About The Author: Brad Howard's Fat Loss Black Book delves into
the "meat and potatoes" of all of the misinformation generated
by the diet and fitness industry today. This fat loss manifesto
completely shatters all of the myths and misguided, outdated
advice being propagated today. http://www.FatLossB
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.
Understand Your Metabolism and Unlock Your Weight Loss Results
Have you ever seen an ad for the next latest and greatest
weight loss program or diet pill, only to see in fine print
that this person also ate a balanced diet and did regular
exercise? The other common complaint all the time is "I
workout hard everyday and I don't lose a pound." Does this
sound like you? The key to achieving health weight loss
and keeping it off for a lifetime is understanding your
metabolism.
When you think about weight loss you want to think in terms
of a diet fitness program. The problem many people do is
they only focus on one aspect which leaves them always
falling short of their goals.
What is metabolism any way?
Your metabolism doesn't have to be confusing. Let's break
your metabolism down in to two aspects. First, is your
body's ability to break down food that you eat and convert
it into energy or store it. You can store fat in your fat
cells though you do store carbohydrates in your muscle
cells to be used as energy later. The second is the rate
at which your body produces energy, or do you have a fast
or slow metabolism? The other key part to your metabolism
is what you are burning for energy.
Your metabolism wants small amounts of food at regular
intervals throughout the day. Typically every 2-3 hours is
a good time to eat. This isn't eating the average American
meal 5 times a day, more cutting your meal in half and
eating that amount throughout the day. When we go longer
than 3 hours between meals are body starts to store the
food we do eat as fat, and can burn away muscle tissue for
energy instead of using your food. When you eat 5 small
meals a day you train your body to use fat as your main
fuel source. A proper metabolism burns 70% fat as its main
source of energy all day long. Just think while you are
working sitting at your chair you are burning fat.
It is through exercise that we raise our metabolism up.
The amount of calories we burn is not as important as the
rate at which we burn calories. If burning 3500 calories
worked than all the walkers at the gym would be the
thinnest people. You typically see runners much thinner
than walkers and that is because running burns calories at
a greater rate and raises up your metabolism. You burn
more calories by raising up your metabolism the entire day
than you can in any workout.
Cardio interval training is considered one of the best ways
of raising up your metabolism. Interval training is short
burst of high intensity follow by short durations of low
intensity and then repeated. People after doing an
interval workout burn more fat as a source of energy for
the entire day after than any other form of cardio. You
only want to do one interval workout per week as over doing
it creates over training and a drop in results.
Combining exercise and eating 5 small meals and you will
unlock your weight loss potential. This not only the
fastest ways to lose weight these habits work for the rest
of your life to have more energy and keep the fat off your
body.
----------------------------------------------------
About The Author: Charles Carter, BS in Exercise Science is
President of LIVE, llc of http://www.liveleantoday.com -
visit the website for more information on weight loss, core
fitness programs, optimal diets, and online personal
trainer and dietician services. For more information on
expert fitness advice go to http://www.liveleanblog.com .
Health News: Weight Loss
|
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Health News: Weight Loss
|
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Blocking Cortisol Does The Latest Fad In Weight Loss Help Or Hurt You
Cortisol is a natural steroid hormone. It is produced by the adrenal gland cortex and is oAften referred to as a stress hormone. Cortisol is connected to various bodily functions. It is works with the immune system, where it regulates the amount of the bodys blood sugar.
Cortisol is also directly related to liver function. Obviously, cortisol is an important natural steroid hormone, but what does it have to do with losing weight. It helps to learn about how cortisol levels fluctuate over the course of the day.
For most people, cortisol levels are in a state of constant flux. However, there are certain patterns of production that can be noted in most people. Most people experience higher levels of cortisol in the early part of the day. As the day progresses, cortisol levels tend to fall. Cortisol levels are at their highest at the very beginning of the day, usually peaking in the first twenty to thirty minutes that a person is awake.
These patterns are common, but there are also certain triggers that can make your cortisol level rise and fall throughout the course of the day. The most prescient trigger is related to stress. Cortisol is, after all, a stress hormone. Whenever you feel stressed, your body releases a strong does of cortisol. Cortisol is directly related to the famous fight or flight syndrome that one experiences when caught in a particularly stressful situation.
Why should you be concerned with cortisol production in your own body if you are concerned with weight loss. Many health experts believe that there may be a connection between cortisol production and weight gain. The theory goes like this is every time you get stressed, your body releases a strong dose of cortisol.
This extra cortisol production, in turn, causes you to gain weight. In addition to being a strong stress hormone, cortisol is also related to fat building at the cellular level. Although cortisol is necessary at the cellular level throughout the body, some theorize that it may also be responsible for creating extra fat cells throughout the body.
How exactly is cortisol potentially responsible for production of fat cells in your body. When you get stressed, your body kicks into high gear. Your body senses the stress and the adrenal gland begins to produce extra cortisol. The cortisol that your body produces also causes sugar to be released into the bloodstream. Why is extra sugar released into the bloodstream. The extra blood sugar is released by the body as a way of preparing for the flight or fight syndrome. After all, it makes sense that your body needs more energy at this time. Recall a time in your life where you felt very stressed.
Maybe you could feel your heart pounding and felt your palms sweating before giving an important speech. Everyone has faced at least one such experience in his or her lifetime. Some people feel like they are constantly on high alert. Others have chronic feelings of restlessness and anxiety that is commonly termed nervous energy.
It makes sense that our bodies need more energy at moments of high intensity stress. At moments like this, your body needs to release extra blood sugar and a shot of cortisol. Sometimes cortisol is released at times of physical intensity, such as during a hard workout session.
How does extra release of cortisol and blood sugar into the bloodstream affect you if you are interested in weight loss. Extra cortisol release is not inherently a bad thing. But if you are prone to chronic stress, you may be prone to weight gain. When cortisol is out of balance, such as during moments of intense stress, your body may release excessive cortisol. This, in turn, may cause the production of extra fat cells.
Much has been written about the dangers of chronic stress, and indeed it is a serious problem. Now, it appears that chronic stress may also be a culprit in excessive weight gain. What can you do if you believe your body may be producing too much cortisol, resulting in excessive, stress related weight gain.
Available on the market today are special cortisol blockers that can help if you are indeed suffering from hormonal weight gain. Before taking such medications, you must consult with a medical professional to make sure that your weight problem is indeed hormonal in nature.
For several years now, Jason has been reviewing hundreds of online products and services. Many consider his reviews to be very insightful and reliable. Visit his website http://www.dietandweightlossinfo.com
Health News: [ weight loss]
|
Health News: [ weight loss]
|
Friday, June 22, 2007
Weight Loss in the Martial Arts
Obesity, or being over weight, is a condition in which
having too much fat in the body may pave the way for other
diseases. Obese people have a high risk getting various
diseases like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Obesity is nowadays a serious public health problem. The
United States has the highest rate of obesity in the world.
According to the latest statistics, 32.2% of people who
were above the age of 20 years were over weight. The number
of obese people is increasing at a steady rate and showing
no signs of stability. There are many causes of obesity
like lack of activity, lower relative cost of food,
increased food production and changes in lifestyle.
Doctors say that losing body weight will help two out of
every three people in the United States. Losing body weight
can put many diseases away. Obese people always have
greater risks of getting a heart attack. Being over weight
increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This
cholesterol gets deposited in the blood vessels and narrows
them, so that blood does not flow to the heart properly.
Due to lack of blood, the heart is deprived of oxygen and
eventually fails to function. This causes heart attack.
Taking the negative effects that being over weight can
cause, it is very advised to take measures to decrease body
weight.
Exercising for about 20 minutes a day helps to burn out the
excess fat in the body. Exercise can involves light
jogging, running or aerobics. During exercise, the cells of
the body utilize the fat for producing energy and so the
fat gets depleted resulting in body weight loss.
Controlling the diet is also very much important. Junk food
should be avoided at all costs as these contain a large
amount of fats. Changing lifestyle is the best solution to
obesity.
Martial arts have been known to be very effective in
reducing body weight. Martial arts involve a variety of
techniques to overpower an opponent and learning these
techniques involves a lot of physical exercise to the body.
Joining a local martial arts club may be very effective. It
is very a necessity to be physically fit to learn martial
arts. Physical fitness will be acquired during training.
Regular training in martial arts like judo, karate and
jujitsu will improve agility and make one perfect. They are
also known to improve confidence and will power. Confidence
and will power are very much necessary during the weight
loss program. So martial can be an effective means of
losing body weight.
----------------------------------------------------
For more information, please go to our site:
http://www.ocjj.com
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Health News: [ weight loss]
|
Weight Loss and Goals
Weight loss and goal setting are two inseparable things. I m sure you have heard of the adage that says "if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail". This is as true as it gets when it comes to losing weight.
It is not that people do not know that they need to lose weight, rather is the accuracy of how much they need to lose and why they need to lose it that is not clear. The same way you are likely to run off the road if you are driving in the dark without lights, is the same way you would fail if your weight loss endeavor if your planning is not accurate.
You likely have heard that you need to lose between one pound and two pounds a week. And as much as this is very safe and commendable advice, it is not necessarily a hard fast rule.
The better way to set a goal is to first determine what weight you want to live with for the rest of your life. You can use a jeans size to determine this or you can go more scientific by using the BMI scales.
Ideally your "for life" weight should be something you are emotionally attached to. You want to desire that size enough to be able to overcome huddles that are imminent in your dieting journey. Emotional attached or deep down desire is a source of passion. Passion is your fuel that keeps you going when you really feel like you don't want to. If your goals are just numbers in a sheet of paper you can as well stop trying to lose weight.
To start your plan, you need to be able to state your purpose in one sentence. For example "I want to be size 12 in one year". This statement will be the basis for the goal setting. You can then devise steps month by month, week by week to help you reach this goal. Your ultimate desire to be a size 12 is your goal. Steps to achieving this goal are your objectives. Objectives build up to lead to a goal. For example you would have weekly objectives that lead to achieving monthly objectives which then lead to achieving the ultimate goal.
The beauty of planning on paper first before attempting weight loss is that it allows you to see if your plans are achievable. If after deciding on your ultimate goal, you break it down and you find you need to loss 3 pounds of weight in a day then you know your plan is unrealistic.
But it can be a different story if you need to loose 3 to 4 pounds a week. And a much of this is on the higher side, it is feasible with stringent techniques.
So the question then is can you keep up with this stringent techniques to be able to lose weight. If you feel you will not, you would be better off adjusting your ultimate goal. Usually you do this by increasing the time you need to reach your goal.
In our case above, you could double the time required to reach your goal. This immediately drops your weekly target from 3 to 4 pounds to 1.5 to 2 pounds. This is more easily achievable with a simple weight loss plan.
As it is said, if you are not going anywhere, anywhere you get to is fine. Goals help determine where you want to go and help you map your way there.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007
60 Minutes Report on Hoodia
(CBS) Each year, people spend more than $40 billion on products designed to help them slim down. None of them seem to be working very well.
Now along comes hoodia. Never heard of it? Soon it'll be tripping off your tongue, because hoodia is a natural substance that literally takes your appetite away.
It's very different from diet stimulants like Ephedra and Phenfen that are now banned because of dangerous side effects. Hoodia doesn't stimulate at all. Scientists say it fools the brain by making you think you're full, even if you've eaten just a morsel. Correspondent Lesley Stahl reports.
"Hoodia, a plant that tricks the brain by making the stomach feel full, has been in the diet of South Africa's Bushmen for thousands of years."
Because the only place in the world where hoodia grows wild is in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa.
Nigel Crawhall, a linguist and interpreter, hired an experienced tracker named Toppies Kruiper, a local aboriginal Bushman, to help find it. The Bushmen were featured in the movie "The Gods Must Be Crazy."
Kruiper led 60 Minutes crews out into the desert. Stahl asked him if he ate hoodia. "I really like to eat them when the new rains have come," says Kruiper, speaking through the interpreter. "Then they're really quite delicious."
When we located the plant, Kruiper cut off a stalk that looked like a small spiky pickle, and removed the sharp spines. In the interest of science, Stahl ate it. She described the taste as "a little cucumbery in texture, but not bad."
So how did it work? Stahl says she had no after effects - no funny taste in her mouth, no queasy stomach, and no racing heart. She also wasn't hungry all day, even when she would normally have a pang around mealtime. And, she also had no desire to eat or drink the entire day. "I'd have to say it did work," says Stahl.
Although the West is just discovering hoodia, the Bushmen of the Kalahari have been eating it for a very long time. After all, they have been living off the land in southern Africa for more than 100,000 years.
Some of the Bushmen, like Anna Swartz, still live in old traditional huts, and cook so-called Bush food gathered from the desert the old-fashioned way.
The first scientific investigation of the plant was conducted at South Africa's national laboratory. Because Bushmen were known to eat hoodia, it was included in a study of indigenous foods.
"What they found was when they fed it to animals, the animals ate it and lost weight," says Dr. Richard Dixey, who heads an English pharmaceutical company called Phytopharm that is trying to develop weight-loss products based on hoodia.
Was hoodia's potential application as an appetite suppressant immediately obvious?
"No, it took them a long time. In fact, the original research was done in the mid 1960s," says Dixey.
It took the South African national laboratory 30 years to isolate and identify the specific appetite-suppressing ingredient in hoodia. When they found it, they applied for a patent and licensed it to Phytopharm.
Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million so far on research, including clinical trials with obese volunteers that have yielded promising results. Subjects given hoodia ended up eating about 1,000 calories a day less than those in the control group. To put that in perspective, the average American man consumes about 2,600 calories a day; a woman about 1,900.
"If you take this compound every day, your wish to eat goes down. And we've seen that very, very dramatically," says Dixey.
But why do you need a patent for a plant? "The patent is on the application of the plant as a weight-loss material. And, of course, the active compounds within the plant. It's not on the plant itself," says Dixey.
So no one else can use hoodia for weight loss? "As a weight-management product without infringing the patent, that's correct," says Dixey.
But what does that say about all these weight-loss products that claim to have hoodia in it? Trimspa says its X32 pills contain 75 mg of hoodia. The company is pushing its product with an ad campaign featuring Anna Nicole Smith, even though the FDA has notified Trimspa that it hasn't demonstrated that the product is safe.
Some companies have even used the results of Phytopharm's clinical tests to market their products.
"This is just straightforward theft. That's what it is. People are stealing data, which they haven't done, they've got no proper understanding of, and sticking on the bottle," says Dixey. "When we have assayed these materials, they contain between 0.1 and 0.01 percent of the active ingredient claimed. But they use the term hoodia on the bottle, of course, so they -- does nothing at all."
But Dixey isn't the only one who's felt ripped off. The Bushmen first heard the news about the patent when Phytopharm put out a press release. Roger Chennells, a lawyer in South Africa who represents the Bushmen, who are also called "the San," was appalled.
"The San did not even know about it," says Chennells. "They had given the information that led directly toward the patent."
The taking of traditional knowledge without compensation is called "bio-piracy."
"You have said, and I'm going to quote you, 'that the San felt as if someone had stolen the family silver,'" says Stahl to Chennells. "So what did you do?"
"I wouldn't want to go into some of the details as to what kind of letters were written or what kind of threats were made," says Chennells. "We engaged them. They had done something wrong, and we wanted them to acknowledge it."
Chennells was determined to help the Bushmen who, he says, have been exploited for centuries. First they were pushed aside by black tribes. Then, when white colonists arrived, they were nearly annihilated.
"About the turn of the century, there were still hunting parties in Namibia and in South Africa that allowed farmers to go and kill Bushmen," says Chennells. "It's well documented."
The Bushmen are still stigmatized in South Africa, and plagued with high unemployment, little education, and lots of alcoholism. And now, it seemed they were about to be cut out of a potential windfall from hoodia. So Chennells threatened to sue the national lab on their behalf.
"We knew that if it was successful, many, many millions of dollars would be coming towards the San," says Chennells. "Many, many millions. They've talked about the market being hundreds and hundreds of millions in America."
In the end, a settlement was reached. The Bushmen will get a percentage of the profits -- if there are profits. But that's a big if.
The future of hoodia is not yet a sure thing. The project hit a major snag last year. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which had teamed up with Phytopharm, and funded much of the research, dropped out when making a pill out of the active ingredient seemed beyond reach.
Dixey says it can be made synthetically: "We've made milligrams of it. But it's very expensive. It's not possible to make it synthetically in what's called a scaleable process. So we couldn't make a metric ton of it or something that is the sort of quantity you'd need to actually start doing something about obesity in thousands of people."
Phytopharm decided to market hoodia in its natural form, in diet shakes and bars. That meant it needed the hoodia plant itself.
But given the obesity epidemic in the United States, it became obvious that what was needed was a lot of hoodia - much more than was growing in the wild in the Kalahari. And so they came here.
60 Minutes visited one of Phytopharm's hoodia plantations in South Africa. They'll need a lot of these plantations to meet the expected demand.
Agronomist Simon MacWilliam has a tall order: grow a billion portions a year of hoodia, within just a couple of years. He admitted that starting up the plantation has been quite a challenge.
"The problem is we're dealing with a novel crop. It's a plant we've taken out of the wild and we're starting to grow it,' says MacWilliam. "So we have no experience. So it's different? diseases and pests which we have to deal with."
How confident are they that they will be able to grow enough? "We're very confident of that," he says. "We've got an expansion program which is going to be 100s of acres. And we'll be able - ready to meet the demand.
This could be huge, given the obesity epidemic. Phytopharm says it's about to announce marketing plans that will have meal-replacement hoodia products on supermarket shelves by 2008.
MacWilliam says these products are a slightly different species from the hoodia Stahl tasted in the Kalahari Desert. "It's actually a lot more bitter than the plant that you tasted," says MacWilliam.
The advantage is this species of hoodia will grow a lot faster. But more bitter? How bad could it be? Stahl decided to find out. "Not good," she says.
Phytopharm says that when its product gets to market, it will be certified safe and effective. They also promise that it'll taste good.
Click here for more information on hoodia.
What Do You Understand By Safe Weight Loss
There is a difference between weight loss and safe weight loss. Whenever you intend to put off your weight you become over anxious to get hold of quick results. And the means you start following out of this urge ultimately turn out to be unsafe. Adversely they start leaving unwanted effects on your health.
Know the reason of weight gain
Gaining and losing weight is same as the rising and the setting of the sun. It is quite natural that as your physique cannot remain same all through your life, very likely your body weight too cannot be a constant factor.
What is important is to first of all track out what are the actual reasons behind your weight gain. Is it due to overeating or due to some hormonal problems? Sometimes it can also be a consequence of lethargy or less physical labor that reduces the metabolic rate of your body.
Balance the calorie intake
Once you are aware of the cause of the weight gain in your body, you must act accordingly to get into a balanced form. If it is a problem related to hormonal disorder, you need to get treated accordingly. But if it's due to food habit and high calories, your action must be towards bringing a change in your overall lifestyle. This is the core idea behind weight loss that can be better framed as safe weight loss.
Things you must follow
To achieve a safe weight loss there are some dos and dont's. You must follow them in the right way to get better results.
* Do go for dieting but don't skip main meals.
* Lower the percentage of calorie and divide the number of times you take food. What you eat at a time can be divided for twice. This will help you to maintain a steady metabolic system and will also promote the easy burning of calories.
* Make fasting a part of your healthy diet and not a major way to get rid of pounds. Initially most obese people find fasting to be the best alternative to have a control over the body weight. But excessive fasting instead of killing your eating spree makes your urge grow wilder. Once you find you have lost 10 pounds in a fortnight you jump at it. Soon your diet takes the earlier shape and the weight loss is a loss. Again you put on the same pounds.
Do build up those practices that you can maintain and won't harm your health in any way. This is what safe weight loss is all about.
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Hoodia Diet Review
