Best Weight Loss Program

How to Compare Weight Loss Supplements

2007-10-08T23:48:00.001-07:00

With all the weight loss products available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. That is why we need to compare weight loss supplement products carefully before buying them. It’s not enough to just compare weight loss supplement products by brand. Compare them based on how they work, their side effects (if any), how fast they work, and their prices. Here is a simple guide to help you out.

Prescription weight loss supplements
You can compare weight loss supplement products based on whether you can buy them with or without a prescription. Prescription weight loss supplements are usually given to obese patients who need more potent medications. Obese patients are those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, although a BMI of 27 may require the same medication if the patient has a high risk of heart disease or other complications. Prescription drugs are also given to those who are having a hard time losing weight, even with proper diet and regular exercise. These drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Effectiveness may vary from person to person, but most users lose around 5% to 10% of their original weight.

Another way to compare weight loss supplement products is by the way they work. The two most common types are appetite suppressants and fat blockers. Almost all prescription weight loss supplements work as appetite suppressants, except for Orlistat (Xenical). Approved by the FDA in 1999 as an anti-obesity drug, it works by inhibiting the lipase enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary fat in the body. Xenical can decrease the body's fat absorption by up to 30%. However, it comes with minor side effects, such as cramping, flatulence, intestinal discomfort, oily stools, and diarrhea.

Meridia
Another popular weight loss supplement is Meridia. Unlike Xenical, it is an appetite suppressant, so it works in a completely different manner. It received approval from the FDA in 1997 and works by increasing brain chemicals believed to help reduce one's appetite.

Despite its FDA approval, however, Meridia has been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure. It should not be used by those with hypertension , heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and congenital heart problems. Other side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, and headaches.

Short-term supplements
You can also compare weight loss supplement products based on how long you can use them. Some anti-obesity drugs are prescribed by doctors, but approved by the FDA only for limited and short-term use. Examples are Desoxyn (methamphetamine), Bontril (phendimetrazine tartrate), Adipex-P (phentermine), and Ionamin. These drugs are restricted because of their potential side effects. They should not be used by people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or an over-active thyroid gland. Since they are “speedy,” they are only approved for a maximum of three weeks.

Over-the-counter weight loss supplements
Some products are available over the counter, with no prescription needed. When you compare weight loss supplement products of this type, be sure to look at their ingredients, supposed benefits, and potential side effects. Most OTC weight loss supplements contain phenylpropanolamine as their main active ingredient.

The phenylpropanolamine scare
Phenylpropanolamine is also used as a nasal decongestant. However, studies have found evidence that it increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding in the brain. Because of this, the FDA has requested the drug’s manufacturers to stop selling products containing the ingredient. The FDA has also warned consumers through a public health advisory in November 2000 to stop buying and using such products.

Unproven claims
Since the FDA does not strictly regulate supplements, many weight loss product manufacturers make false claims about their products. You never know when a promising product will turn out to be a fake or contain something harmful to your health.

Be especially careful of products with the labels “natural” or “herbal.” These terms do not necessarily guarantee safety. Not all herbal ingredients are safe; in fact, some may even be dangerous for people with existing medical conditions. If you are unsure about a product, check with your doctor first and do a little research on your own. Learn which ingredients to look out for and which ones to avoid. Remember, labels don’t tell you everything, so always get a second opinion.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

Easy Weight Loss - 6 Weight Loss Tips

2007-10-07T02:31:00.001-07:00

We all know that to lose weight you need to cut down on your eating, increase your exercising, eat low calorie food and change your life style a little. If your job is easy (office work) you should do exercises lake walking are running.

1.To be successful losing weight you will need to make some changes. Successful weight loss involves diet change and lifestyle change. this may be a little hard for some of us so, it would be better if we take small steps at the beginning. Do as much walking as you can in your spare time.

2. Change your diet to include lots of fruit such as apples, organic if possible. Eat atlases one apple every day. Eat organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil. Forget about fast foods, they are loaded with fats and other fat producing chemicals. Be careful eating out, try to pick healthy foods such as salad, baked potatoes some type of broiled meats.

3. Health food stores stock a variety of cleansing products to use for liver cleanse. Some peoples have clogged liver that's not working properly. Get some organic apple cider vinegar, it will eliminate fat cells in your body, take some before your meal. Eat hot pepper with your food, hot and spicy foods can do lot for the metabolism. Hot pepper increases metabolism, it also help the body burn fat more properly.

4. The best way to lose weight is eating properly and exercising regular. If you take control of your eating habits you can begin losing weight. You will lose weight by eating properly, being active or both. You don't have to skip any meals, just be sure not to eat the wrong foods. To lose weight effectively and for a long time, you will need to commit to eating right, getting the proper exercising regular.

5. The most important way to losing weight is being able to keep it off. Food and water is the energy your body has to have to exist. But, it needs only so much to operate. To lose weight, the energy taken in has to be less than the energy burned. You should not eat after 6 or 7 p.m. at night. Cut out the late snacks, they are killers for adding weight.

6. Don't just say I am going to lose weight, be positive, say I'm going to lose weight and look better. Be committed to staying with your plans and making the necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. Weight loss does not have to be all that difficult. Try at least a few of the plans above and you will lose weight and feel great. Many people have tried losing weight. Everyone who's tried to lose weight has found it is challenging. Getting motivate to lose weigh can be a little hard, but once you get into it you will find its not so bad, as a matter of fact, its fun. For more information and help visit my web site.

Author's WebSite: http://mcrandweightlose.blogspot.com/ William McRand Sr is happily married, Holds down A full time job and is also involved in Internet Marketing (Affiliate Programs). He has taken his love of marketing and developing web sites to the top in his marketing business, that offers love of marketing to others.

Collapsible Home Gym Equipment-Easy To Store, Easy To Use

2007-10-04T22:44:00.001-07:00

The luxury of working out at one's desired timings and at one's own abode is resulting in rapid rise of use of home gym equipment across the globe. Irrespective of the location or the kinds of gym available at their disposal people are buying the idea of exercising at home itself thus saving them from venturing out of homes. Not only is it comforting to work out at home, it also makes you feel relaxed which in turn helps out your exercising pattern.

Collapsible Home Gym Equipment is Beneficial to Use

This rapid rise in the number of people who have started out to work from home has resulted in increasing sales of collapsible home gym equipment. Collapsible home gym equipment is nothing but portable gym equipment that one can buy and take home and can be conveniently stored. It can fit in very easily under one's cot or in an almirah which increases its viability of usage. The ease with which it can be stored and taken along makes collapsible home gym equipment convenient and in turn very popular among masses. Not only is it easy to take down but is also as easy to put back again so that people are not discouraged once they have dismantled it after exercising.

While the general advantages of collapsible home gym equipment can be equated to that of regular home gym equipment, the additional benefit is it’s easy to store factor. It is especially useful for people who may not have spacious homes and still wish to own home gym equipment. Since it is easy to mantle and dismantle, one can make it a habit of using it on a regular basis. This ensures that one is quite regular about his exercise regime and follows it as a daily routine.

Collapsible Home Gym Equipment is Affordable

There are no major variations in prices quoted for collapsible home gym equipment when compared with regular home gym equipment. The point is that the price prices for home gym equipments vary on the basis of the kind of it and the body part it caters to and not on the fact that it is a collapsible home gym equipment or not.

Collapsible home gym equipments are available for complete body exercises and are made to suit all particular requirements for those who wish to workout. Even when it comes to prices collapsible home gym requirements are made for pockets of all kinds just as regular gym equipment just that one needs to define one's budget. The amount you can spend will get you the equipments of the like.

You can also find more info on equipment home and exercise equipment. Homegym-fitnessequipment is a comprehensive resource to know about home gym, fitness equipments and gym reviews.

Elliptical Workout vs. Treadmill Workout

2007-09-13T09:01:00.003-07:00

An elliptical workout differs from a treadmill workout in a few ways. Both will give you an aerobic workout but an elliptical trainer will work different muscle groups than a treadmill.

While both are excellent choices, they do have distinct differences. By knowing the difference, you can decide if an elliptical workout, the treadmill workout or even a combination of both works best for you.

Elliptical Workout

When comparing an elliptical workout to a treadmill workout the first thing you will notice is the elliptical trainer has much less impact. This low impact is especially good for people with joint, knee, lower back or hip problems.

An elliptical workout also works the upper and lower body simultaneously which makes your heart rate climb faster than with a treadmill workout. The elliptical trainer works your legs, back, shoulders, chest and your arms making it a total body workout.

Another great feature of an elliptical workout is you can add variety by pedaling backwards. This backward pedaling motion targets your lower body quadricep muscles.

Treadmill Workout

A treadmill workout can also give you an excellent aerobic workout and a lot of people still prefer it to an elliptical workout. If you prefer to run, jog or walk to exercise it's obviously a smarter choice.

If you are just beginning to workout or just don't want a total body workout a treadmill workout might be perfect. Most treadmills offer a different intensity level that you can increase as you get more fit.

A treadmill workout provides a different variety over an elliptical workout by allowing you to run, jog or walk on an incline. While it is a less intense workout, it is a great way to burn fat while promoting good cardiovascular health.

Even though treadmills remain the number one piece of fitness equipment sold today, elliptical trainers are quickly becoming very popular. With more and more health clubs adding more elliptical trainer machines, more people will try elliptical workouts.

Both elliptical workouts and treadmill workouts will build bone density, burn fat, promote good cardiovascular health and increase your energy level. The important thing is to workout on a regular basis whether it's at home or in a gym.

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, the bottom line is, you usually get what you pay for. There are great values especially online but it just makes sense to get quality equipment that will last.

Whether you prefer a treadmill workout or an elliptical workout choose the one that you feel is right for you. That way you will work out more often, lose more weight and be much healthier.

Gary Gresham is the webmaster for http://www.treadmill-info.com where you can find valuable information including ratings, reviews, articles and buying tips before you make the investment in quality fitness equipment. For more treadmill and fitness related articles go to: http://www.treadmill-info.com/articles_1.html

Being Overweight Can be Possible From Diet Pills

2007-09-13T09:01:00.001-07:00

Overweight can leads so many health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and knee arthritis. Many overweight people want to lose weight to improve their health and their appearance. Since losing weight is not too easy. It maybe very difficult and because most healthcare facilities don’t offer weight loss programs, several commercial weight loss programs have been developed.

Every year millions of Americans and Europeans enroll in commercial and self-help weight loss programs. In US, the numbers of obesity patient are increasing very rapidly and they are looking the solution of their overweight at ant cost. These people are not guided in proper way due to lack of awareness in weight loss. Healthcare providers and their obese patients know little about these programs because of the absence of systematic reviews.

Unfortunately, many patients and their doctors know little about the effectiveness and safety of these programs. Patients who stayed on the weight loss program lost about 15% to 20% of initial body weight in 6 months. However, many patients dropped out of these programs. Even those who completed the program regained about half of their lost weight in 1 to 2 years after treatment.

As, weight loss supplement like weight loss diet pills like phentermine, Adipex Acomplia are really playing wonder full role in weight loss. Prescription diet pills and Non-Prescription diet pills.

Non-prescription diet pills are not controlled by any regulatory body and are also not recommended for use due to higher rate of risk of side effects associated with them. Whereas, Prescription diet pills are regulated by and are safe for use.

Weight loss Diet drugs have proved to be a miracle for all whoever lost their hopes to become slim and now enjoying a healthy life. Effective diet pills like Phentermine have become so much common in obese people due to their incredible results. Due to the health awareness people are more concentrating on diet pills.

There are numerous Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) approved weight loss diet pills available but you should be very selective. Consult your doctor before taking any diet pills. Doctor give you better prescription about these diet pills and let you know which one is more suitable for you according to your health conditions.

Stuart William is an associate editor to the website http://www.slimroute.com The website offers complete information on weight loss through breaking news, personal views, and articles on weight loss. We also provide requisite information about the numerous weight loss pills such as phentermine, adipex & didrex.etc… Your feed back comment and suggestions will be highly appreciated at wilstuart@gmail.com

Weight Loss Enhancers

2007-09-13T09:00:00.001-07:00

Given the fact that many of the weight loss treatments on the market have serious side effects that include even anemia, the best alternative people found was in natural remedies that bring a significant amount of quality vitamins to the body, while also accelerating metabolism. Some plants have a more rapid effect than others, creating the much wanted silhouette in a short period of time. This is the case of anti-adipose green tea that has a powerful laxative effect. However, rapid weight loss involves some other metabolic changes with an obvious impact on the general well-being.

Studies show that among weight loss enhancers, guarana is a very successful one. Native from the Amazon area, more precisely Brazil, guarana represents the primary matter for soft drinks and dietary supplements. Its main active principles are the linoleic acid, responsible for the accelerated fat burning in the cell, caffeine, resin and vegetable fiber. Besides the metabolic acceleration function, scientific research has also indicated memory improvement and anti-bacterial effects too. Approved by the FDA, guarana has no side effects, therefore it is perfectly safe to use.

Another weight loss enhancer that can be included in any regular diet is pineapple, a tropical fruit that improves digestion by breaking down protein. The main pineapple dietary effects come from the enzymes it contains, which are responsible for the improvement of the general function of the digestive system. If food is better processed, there are lower chances to store substances under the form of fat deposits. Pineapple can be used in weight loss programs either raw or in supplements; the canned variant is not useful since it lacks the active principles.

For anyone who wants to lose weight, fibers are an important part of the dietary plan. Little do people know that lots of the digestive problems such as constipation, increased toxin level and extra weight come from too little fiber intake in their meals. Organic food with lots of vegetables and fruit is the main source of fibers. Pharmaceutical companies are even manufacturing dietary supplements that contain a high amount of fibers, thus targeting people who want to lose several pounds without too much effort. For more herbal supplements and homeopathic treatments, please subscribe to the silver bulletin e-news magazine HERE.

Peter Salazar's source for quality supplements is http://www.utopiasilver.com

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Abdominal Exercise Equipment For Abdominal Weight Loss

2007-09-11T06:36:00.001-07:00

Many people, mostly men, are suffering from chubbier and heavier abdomen. They find their stomach a major trouble spot, the reason that they all appeal to certain exercises and fitness trainings that will help strengthen and tone their abdominal muscles. Fortunately, more and more abdominal exercise techniques are now made available for these people to practice. The exercises are offered in a myriad of gyms and other fitness training facilities to promote a better shape and general well-being. However, the exercises won’t be made more successful if certain equipments are not present; the reason that every interested individual must make sure that one or a pair of abdominal exercise equipment is available for them to use.

The abdominal exercise equipment comes in a wide variety. They are available in a number of forms; each has a role to play in abdominal training. Of the available equipments, below are the most popular. Take note of the following:

Bicycle Maneuver – One of the most commonly used abdominal exercise equipment or gadgets, this material is used while the person is lying flat on his or her back with the knees bent 45 degrees with the chest. While on this position, one must place both hands nearest to the head. Do the initial movement by trying to reach the elbow with the knee. If the target is the right elbow, the right knee should be used. The opposite happens when the left elbow is involved. This “reaching” and “touching” movement must be performed simultaneously to tense the muscles in the abdomen. To obtain the best result, the exercise must be done regularly with the bicycle maneuver.

Exercise Ball – If you will be doing crunches, obtaining abdominal exercise equipment they call as exercise ball can be one great move to take. This material is used primarily for such exercises with the user sitting on it while keeping feet apart. The body must also be aligned, and in order to obtain the best effects, one should lift the trunk off the ball in repetition. Yes, this movement must be repeated for several times.

Roman Chair – Designed to consist parallel arms with a padded straight and high back, the roman chair is by far the most common of the abdominal exercise equipments available. To use it, one should place his or her forearms on the parallel arm rest that the equipment carries. While on this position, the back should be aligned with the chair’s back rest. To make you feel comfortable, consider adjusting the height of the chair, but make sure that your legs are dangling straight down especially when you are preparing for the initial step. The exercise performed on this equipment involves the bending of the legs to bring the knees near the chest. Once the knees are brought closer to the chest, stay there for quite sometime, and go back to the original position. Just like the rest of the abdominal exercises, this too must be repeated for several times.

A lot more equipments are available out there for abdominal exercise training. The best way to obtain the right abdominal exercise equipment is to know first what you will be doing. Talk to an expert if you are not sure which equipment to take.

Milos Pesic is a professional fitness trainer who runs a highly popular and comprehensive Abdominal Training web site. For more articles and resources on abdominal exercises, abdominal workout tips, abdominal fitness equipment and much more visit his site at:

http://abs.need-to-know.net

Weight Loss Satisfies Enormous Need

2007-09-11T06:33:00.001-07:00

Maslow identified seven basic human motivations that guide peoples' conduct: physical needs, safety needs, social needs, self-esteem needs, cognitive needs, aesthetic needs, and self-actualization needs.

Weight loss makes you physically better, more able, more flexible, more energetic, visibly more attractive, and more appealing to the eye.

Weight loss gives you safety in the form of stronger muscles and joints to protect your body from unnecessary injuries, aches, pains, and disease onslaught.

Weight loss improves your social life because people are drawn to physically masterful individuals, since it is unusual to meet one in your own circle of friends. Plus, human beings are naturally curious as to how you obtained your results. They want to talk with you, spend time with you, and get some answers from you - believing that maybe you can help them accomplish their personal weight loss goals, as well.

Weight loss increases self-esteem because it is empowering to your mind to know that your body can initiate desires changes at will. Having the ability to repeat positive body weight feats is both rewarding in physical and emotional terms.

Weight loss satisfies cognitive need (the necessity to have more knowledge)... because you are born with the natural need to learn new, exciting, and workable techniques that allow you to grow and prosper in positive ways. Losing weight allows you to learn, explore, discover, and create... not only a better understanding of how your own body works, but also how the world around you complements the changes you make.

Weight loss satisfies aesthetic needs - aesthetic beauty comprises the basis of human motivation. Thus "viewing" the innate or pure beauty of arts, sports well performed, and the making of a lean, attractive, or well-chiseled body can give you outstanding pleasure and satisfaction. The visual appeal of a great body cannot easily be denied or ignored. It is something that almost everyone wants.

Weight loss satisfies self-actualization needs. You have undoubtedly heard the saying, "Be All That You Can Be."

Losing weight allows you to make the most of the inherent traits, characteristics, and physical attributes you already possess, or will acquire in the near future. Via the attainment of your near-perfect body, you are also letting your true nature be revealed without hesitation or shyness.

These are effectively all very powerful entities that can only accentuate your being.

And, you can get the full spectrum simply by losing body fat and using your body weight properly.

Kenneth G. Dockins is an expert Personal trainer and Weight Loss Coach who uses American Council On Exercise standards and guidelines to help individuals worldwide to obtain ideal body weight and optimum fitness inside and out. Visit Better-Body.Biz for more info.

Comparing Kimkins Diet - Discover The Truth About Kimkins

2007-09-10T05:05:00.001-07:00

Weight Watchers works on a points plan, where each type of food has corresponding points. Members are given a quota of points that they can consume for a particular period of time. If this system is followed, you will lose weight. Members also get support from a highly active online community. The weight loss is much slower than low carb diets, and may get frustrating in the long run. Weight Watchers costs $29.95 to start out, with a $16.95 monthly membership fee, totaling to over $230 a year.

Dr. Arthur Agatson's South Beach Diet is more a diet for Dr. Agatson's heart patients than for people who want to lose weight. The diet allows the consumption of good carbohydrates such as whole grains, specified fruits and vegetables, and fat in the form of non-carb oils such as olive oil and canola oil. The diet also allows snacks and desserts. It basically prohibits the intake of processed food, bad fats and cholesterol.

While the South Beach Diet offers a profound and healthy weight loss plan, results still come a lot slower than with Kimkins. It is also more expensive; at $65 for twelve weeks, you'll be paying $260.00 a year for your weight loss.

Nutri-System depends on their Glycemic Index which measures carbohydrates as either good or bad, and uses it to provide weight loss plans. In this manner, you will be given a diet that allows snacks and desserts. It is rather expensive, however, and inconvenient, as you'll have to order their food as part of being on their program. You'll be spending $321.00 a month, totaling to almost $4,000 a year. And there have been complaints that their food doesn't taste good, giving temptations to cheat.

Jenny Craig's Weight Loss Program is the most celebrity-endorsed program, participated in by actresses such as Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Alley. Like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig's diet is based on a high carb + low calorie plan, and, like Nutri-System, sells her own food to be delivered to your house. Membership is $30 a month or $360 a year, and then you still have to buy her food.

Arguably the most popular and pioneering low carbohydrate diets, the Atkins Diet has been around since Dr. Robert Atkins formulated it in the 1970s. It champions the low carb, high protein diet, while allowing certain fats, claiming that only trans fats are to be avoided.

As Kimkins follows the basic pattern of the Atkins diet, the two low carb programs are similar, except Kimkins does not allow a significant amount of fat into the diet, only enough to cook and season your food and make them taste good. According to Ford magazine, following the Atkins plan is more expensive than Weight Watchers, but less expensive than Jenny Craig.

That's still a lot more expensive than Kimkins, with a one-payment only, lifetime membership fee of $59.95. And it's the fastest weight loss program of all previously mentioned.

For the more insider information on Kimkins and how it can HELP YOU to LOSE WEIGHT FAST, be sure to check it all out at the Kimkins Diet Review Blog or at http://www.kimkins-diet.org

Glimpse Into Teen Eating Disorders

2007-09-10T05:04:00.003-07:00

Teenage is the most exciting part of our life as it brings with itself new changes and a new outlook of life. However, for some it is the most stressful stage of their lives as it brings some of the physical changes too. Teenage is the stage which brings with itself puberty. Puberty is the phase of a biological cycle which every human being undergoes. During this stage, teen eating disorders are commonly detected in the teenagers.

Puberty is the biological maturation period under which can be defined as awakening of the teenagers about their sexual identity. At such a stage teenagers grow conscious about their body and as well as their physical structure. Teen eating disorders are mainly because of this conscious awakening. Youngsters who are plum and heavy feel depressed and dejected as they find themselves less attractive then others of their age due to which they try out different ways to reduce their weight. Teen eating disorders are one of the origins of such a weight loss obsessions.

The most common fear among teenagers is that the weight they have in their puberty stage will continue whole through their life, and so they desperately try to bring their weight down. Gaining approval of friends and pals also becomes important for teenagers as they become more sensitive to the world outside them and the reaction of people in the society becomes essential important for them.

Family might also have its influence on teenagers eating habits. If there is extreme family pressure related to their academic performance and other matters then also it is possible that there is loss of appetite. Loss appetite can also be because of teenagers wanting to gain control over their emotions. Missing meals and not eating becomes a part of their punishment regime which they think is a kind of punitive they need to undergo to make for poor performance.

Sometimes, family problems also become a major cause for such an emotional imbalance which might lead them to skip meals as they no other outlet for their frustration. Most common cases have been found when parents are fighting for separation.

Teen eating disorders is of two kinds, one in which person tends to starve himself by not eating and the other one in which the person eats uncontrollably. The one that symptoms loss of appetite is called anorexia whereas one that accounts of overeating is called bulimia.

Anorexia is the eating disorders in which there are also some special cases where the person tends to eat usually as they do but since he/she is conscious about his/her weight so induce vomiting to bring it out.

Teen eating disorders are not ailments but actually they are mental disorders which need psychological assistance. If your child is suffering from eating disorder try to get to the root cause as this will only decide the cure.

Francisco Segura owns and operates http://www.eatingdisorderadvise.com - Eating Disorder

Get That Diet Monkey Off Your Back!

2007-09-10T05:04:00.001-07:00

If you want to hang on to your excuses and your excess weight then stop reading now!

If however, you want to get that DIET monkey off your back (and those inches off your waist), then by all means read on.

In the past few weeks a few colleagues and I decide to start a “BIGGEST LOSERS” club in which we would all weigh and measure ourselves weekly (the measuring part was my idea and you’ll see why later). Now, no instructions were given regarding how to lose weight just the assumption that exercise would be required and that we would all be there to support each other should we falter along the way.

All great intensions but, after the first day we lost one person, the rest of us however decided to ‘get the party started’ for want of a better phrase. I ascertained from a fellow ‘biggest loser’ that some of our colleagues had decided to go for the quick fix of shakes and pills, whilst some others decided on the ‘Starve Yourself Mingled with Exercise’ method. So, I watch in anticipation of what will unfold in the coming weeks and whether that DIET MONKEY will fall off or hold on for dear life.

As it happened, week two into our quest I went on vacation for four wonderful weeks doing what I do best, eating and sleeping, not really making any changes to my routine. Oh! Did I mention that my vacation time was during the beautiful summer Christmas period of the southern hemisphere. That means christmas yummies, day after christmas yummies, new years indulgences and the like. What a wonderful time I had. And yet I still managed to consistently loss unwanted inches despite the norm of putting on weight during this period, mostly because of my very simple ‘GAIN BACK YOUR LIFE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM’.

On return, I found that the DIET MONKEY for my fellow colleagues was indeed holding on for dear life, and not only that had grown into a GORILLA. I felt empathy for my mates watching them feeling dejected, feeling like they’ve made no progress. Why you ask? Because they unfortunately fall into the ‘3 reason why we fail at diets’ – FANATICAL DIETING, EMOTIONAL EATING OR CONDITIONING.

As well at this they have followed the normal DIETING mishaps of thinking that the ‘all mighty weight scales’ is going to magically change it’s mind in dramatic numbers from day to day, week to week, hence the reason why I suggested we should measure ourselves. Basically weighing yourself in this manner only promotes a sense of FAILURE and feeling bad about yourself. You don’t take criticism from other people, so why torture yourself – I’m here to tell you to STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP. Give yourself a break, if you feel you absolutely must weigh yourself make it every two weeks and that DIET MONKEY will definitely start to loosen it’s grip.

7 weeks down the track and my colleagues are rejoicing in the total amount of inches lost in comparison to minimal weight lost or gained. It is a great thing in deed to see enthusiasm back in their eyes. Watch this space I am sure it will surely be a great race to the finish especially to see if that DIET MONKEY is still hanging around.

Author Bio: Gillian Tarawhiti BSc, Dip BM, Dip Ed, is Founder and CEO of Community Training Centre & Gain Back Your Life Centre, A registered EFT Practitioner, Member of AAMET and Online Training and Support to the new and not so new netpreneurs. Gillian is also the author of eBay Billion Dollar Goldmine, and the creator of the Multiple Ripple Effect System © 2004. Permission is granted to reprint this article in print or on your web site so long as the paragraph above is included and contact information is provided to http://www.gainbackyourlife-eft.com

Inner Thigh Exercises

2007-09-10T05:03:00.005-07:00

I train many women clients, and if there is one thing I have learned, women like to have toned inner thighs! It is a problem area for most women. The muscles of the inner thighs, also called the hip adductors, respond to a very specific exercise routine. It takes about 15 minutes of exercise three times a week to shape the inner thighs. All you need is an exercise mat to get stared. Try these exercises for a few weeks and you will feel more leg power when you walk, run, or swim. After about ten weeks, you will see new definition in your thighs.

Outer Thigh Lift.

Lie on your left side, and prop your upper body nearly upright on your left forearm. With your left leg bent comfortably, extend your right leg at a 45-degree angle in front of you. Slowly raise the right foot about six inches off the floor in a controlled motion. Hold for one count, then slowly lower the foot almost to the floor; start another lift without touching down. Do 10 reps. Then roil onto your right side and repeat. Do 3 sets with each leg. 3 sets of 10 repetitions each is a good starting point. When the routine begins to feel easy in about 3-4 weeks, add a one pound ankle weight.

Inner Thigh Firmer.

Lie on your left side with your head resting on a rolled-up towel to maintain proper alignment of your head, shoulders, and hips. Bend your right leg and rest it on the floor in front of you while extending your left leg straight with the foot. Slowly lift your left leg about six inches. Hold for a moment and then gradually lower the leg, beginning the next lift before your foot touches back down on the floor. After ten lifts, roll onto your right side and repeat. Complete 2 sets of 10 lifts with each leg. 2 sets of 10 repetitions each is a good starting point.

Cable Adductor Machine

This is the machine in the gym that most women gravitate towards! It's the one where you sit with your back pressed into the machine, holding onto any handles and with your legs and feet pressed against the foam pads. Smoothly bring your legs together, hold for a second then return under control to starting position. Some machines will have a combination of settings, allowing the legs to be taken wider, avoid taking your legs out too far, especially for beginners. Aim to keep your legs and back in contact with the machine at all times. It may be useful to warm up your muscles with a lightweight prior to your training weight, as this will not only help prevent injury, but also make sure that the machine is set-up comfortably for you.

Inner Thigh Firmer Using a Stability Ball or Pillow.

Lie on your back on the floor and place a small Swiss Ball or large pillow centrally between your lower legs. Smoothly squeeze the ball or pillow, aiming to apply pressure from both legs, onto the sides of the ball. Hold in the inner phase for 2 - 3 seconds prior to releasing and repeating again. Repeat 10 times. This exercise is usually performed while lying, but can also be performed seated or standing. Complete 2 sets of 10 repetitions. 2 sets of 10 repetitions is a good starting point.

How Much Exercise Is Enough To Tone The Inner Thighs?

This number guide will help you determine what intensity is right for you.

Let's say that the intensity of the exercise ranges from 1 to 5.

1 - Light exercise, can barely feel the muscle. (this is what you feel in the first 1-3 repetitions)

2 - You can feel the hip muscles working (as you do more repetitions, you become more aware of the tension in the muscles)

3 - Moderate intensity, where you begin feel a 'burn' or 'strain' in the muscle. You have to exert a little to maintain the exercise.

4 - Moderate to high intensity, where your hip muscle starts to hurt, and you feel like stopping.

5 - High intensity, where you just can't continue. You need to stop and take a break.

In order to tone the thighs, you need to push to an intensity that falls between 3 and 4. This will vary from person to person. For some individuals, 10 repetitions of an exercise is enough to get to 3, or even 4. This is especially common for beginners, or for those who have resumed exercise after a long break. For other, more conditioned individuals, it is common to get to 3 or 4 after 30-40 repetitions, or after using ankle weights.

For more information about best diets to lose weight, register for free and get full-color exercise routines, diet plans and grocery lists, visit http://www.best-weight-loss-programs.net/, for exercises for women, visit http://www.toningforwomen.com/ and to train with Nitin, visit http://www.phonefitnesstrainer.com/

Desserts and the Key to Maintaining Weight Loss

2007-09-10T05:03:00.003-07:00

Satisfying the proverbial sweet tooth and losing weight or keeping off the pounds that you have already lost can be a daunting task. When you see the dessert, you want to eat it the whole thing and worry about the extra calories later. This method does not always work well when trying to keep the weight off. There are some desserts out that can help keep the weight off and satisfy your craving for sweets.

Fruit cobblers, yogurt mixtures, fruit pies, and low fat cakes are just a few. However, the key to maintaining your weight loss, having your cake and eating it to is in watching your portion size. You can always run into the problem of too much of a good thing. You want to look at the dessert’s calorie count and fat grams associated with the portion size before you begin eating the dessert. You must consider the calorie count associated with your diet and determine if you can have the entire portion size or if you need to eat just half of the portion to stay in line with your diet. If you don’t have the will power to resist the whole portion of a dessert high in calories and fat, then fix the whole, appropriate portion size and throw away ½ of the portion before you sit down to eat it. You can not eat a dessert that is not there.

Now there are some healthy desserts with natural ingredients that you can eat the entire portion, satisfy your sweet tooth craving and stay on your diet. These delicious desserts can be prepared quickly and easily. Don’t worry you don’t have to be a master chef to do it.

For example, fruit pies are a delicious dessert that can be prepared in a manner that yields them low in calories and low in fat. You can begin by washing and draining your fresh fruit. Some fruits that make great pies are apples, peaches or berries. Cut up the fruit as necessary into bite-sized chunks or slices and put it in a bowl. You can add a sugar substitute to your taste or leave the fruit in its naturally sweet state. Then pour the fruit mixture into a pre-made pie crust that’s in a foil pie pan. Be careful not to overfill the pie pan with the fruit mixture. Add one tablespoon of butter (if desired) cut into small pieces and drop the butter chunks through out the fruit mixture that is in the pie pan. Take another pie crust and put it on top. Cut slits in the top pie crust for ventilation. Bake the fruit pie in the oven at about 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes or until the pie crust is lightly brown. Let it cool and enjoy!

Yogurt shakes are also an enjoyable low calorie and low fat treat. You can take some low fat yogurt and blend it with your favorite fruit to make a yogurt shake. Or you can add your favorite nuts or add one or two low fat cookies to your yogurt, blend it, and make a crunchy, enjoyable cool treat.

So enjoy and indulge your sweet tooth with appropriately portioned, delicious, healthy desserts that are low in calories and low in fat while you keep the weight off.

Milton Whitley has been commercially baking and preparing products with natural ingredients and 0g trans fat for over 20 years. You can get more recipe ideas for natural, delicious desserts that will help you keep the weight off at http://www.miltonspiefillings.com/.

A Dietitian's Approach Towards Fast Weight-Loss Programs

2007-09-10T05:03:00.001-07:00

Weight Loss Quickies

When trying to lose weight, it is normal for typical programs to set goals of weight loss between 1 and 2 pounds per week (~ ½ to 1 kg ). This may not seem like a lot but this type of weight loss actually helps keep the weight off on a more permanent basis. These types of programs help the body maintain a proper metabolism and retain necessary muscle mass.

This isn't to say that fast acting weight loss programs don't exist, but for people who are not clinically obese, these programs are not healthy and are strongly recommended against. The fact is that if you are just looking to lose 25 pounds or less, then a fast weight loss program is NOT for you.

Do these rapid weight loss programs work?

The fact is there are numerous amounts of fast acting weight loss programs that exist in the market today. Most of these programs try to incorporate healthy balanced diets while still retaining the fast acting result obtained by low calorie consumption. One of these programs is Medifast, which has been used by medical professionals for a long time. This program promotes a 2- 5 pound per week loss.

These diets are all very similar and consist of very low calorie consumption. This is why they fall under the category of a VLCD (very low calorie diet). These diets only allow a consumption of 800 calories or less. Popular diets in this category like the Optifast or the Cambridge Diet, should never be done without the medical supervision of a healthcare professional and are only meant to be short term.

What's there to worry about with rapid weight loss?

Since rapid weight loss diets are mostly all based on low calorie consumption, the potential to have a nutritional deficiency as a result of these diets is very evident. If there is not proper caution taken to balance these types of diets, health problems may develop.
The body was not made to last that long on low calorie consumption and it is normal for people to feel irritable and fatigued. Other side effects may include constipation as a result of inadequate fiber absorption.

Another thing to worry about with these types of diets is your metabolism. The body naturally prepares itself for life threatening situations. During these low calorie diets, the body may actually believe it is in danger and kick into starvation mode where the metabolism slows down to protect the body. Since you are really not starving but merely dieting your body goes into a yo-yo affect once regular food is reintroduced. Also, when rapid weight loss occurs it can often eat at your muscle mass (catabolism), which is something you definitely do not want.

Who are meant for these programs?

These programs were actually designed for the obese, which by definition is someone with a BMI of over 30. If you are someone who just struggles a little with your weight and are slightly above your ideal, these programs are not recommended as they can cause potential problems long term. You'd rather think of other weight loss methods for example exercises and healthy food.

A few of these VLCD's need a physician's approval, although programs do exist that may be done without it, such as Medifast.

What about fad Diets?

Fad diets like the famous Atkins or South Beach Diet are mostly all based on an introductory phase where weight loss is significant. These diets, however, have many strict restraints on food elements such as carbohydrates and weight loss with these programs is actually really due to loss of water weight.

The article is posted and written by John Scott, the researcher and writer for compareop.com (Phentermine OPs Reports and Discussion board).

Chinese Green Tea For Weight Loss

2007-09-10T05:02:00.001-07:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an accumulation of excess body fat, to an extent that may impair health. Obesity is one of the most common health conditions, affecting as much as 64% of adult Americans. This percentage is increasing every year.

Are you obese?
Obesity is measured by the body mass index (BMI). BMI is the proportion of one's weight to his height. Overweight individuals have a weight not proportional to their height. People who are more than 100 lbs overweight have an extreme form of the disease called morbid obesity. If left untreated, obesity can cause serious health complications, such as heart ailments, high blood pressure, and diabetes, among others.

Taking action
Because of this, Americans have taken several measures to help them shed the excess pounds. According to reports, Americans collectively spend as much as $56 billion every year on weight loss products like diet pills, programs, and even surgery. Sadly, however, as much as $6 billion of this is spent on fraudulent and ineffective weight loss methods.

Losing weight
Weight loss can either be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional weight loss usually occurs after suffering from a serious disease or after undergoing surgery. But while it does yield fast results, it needs constant monitoring to make sure there are no complications.

Intentional weight loss, on the other hand, is a conscious effort to shed pounds. Diet and exercise are the most common methods used. More Americans are also turning to various products, such as Chinese green tea, for weight loss.

Why tea?
Studies have shown that people have been drinking tea for over 500,000 years ever since it originated in India and China. One of the most popular products today is Chinese green tea, a weight loss product that offers several other health benefits.

What makes Chinese green tea great for weight loss is its composition. Chinese green tea is made from unfermented leaves, which are believed to contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that fight free radicals – compounds found in the body that can cause cell death and alter the DNA. Free radicals are naturally found in the body, but environmental toxins like UV rays and radiation, also increase production. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the body's aging process, and to a number of complications like cancer and heart disease. Polyphenols found in Chinese green tea are believed to protect against free radicals.

Benefits of Chinese green tea
Chinese green tea has been used as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Chinese green tea weight loss is just one of the many benefits it offers.

Chinese green tea and weight loss
Studies suggest that green tea extracts help boost metabolism and burn fat quicker. Many doctors advise obese patients to include more green tea in their diet. For effective Chinese green tea weight loss, drink at least eight cups a day. As an alternative, you can take Chinese green tea weight loss supplements. Most of them come in 500mg doses and should be taken twice a day.

Is it effective?
Although many studies are claiming that Chinese green tea is great for weight loss, there are also studies claiming otherwise. These studies suggest that drinking Chinese green tea does not help at all, and may even be harmful. So with all the “experts” offering contradicting views, which should you believe? Here are some tips.

Precautions
Before loading up on boxes of green tea, do your research and look up side effects. Consult your doctor to see whether green tea can be good for you. Studies have shown that people suffering from heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers, and even psychological disorders (particularly anxiety) should not drink green tea. Common side effects include:
• irritability
• insomnia
• heart palpitation
• dizziness

Too much green tea can also cause caffeine overdose, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. You have to also be aware of caffeine poisoning. Before including green tea in your diet, it is best to consult with a doctor first. In the end, the best weight loss methods are still proper diet and regular exercise.

The Truth About the Weight Loss Product Containing Ephedra

2007-09-10T05:01:00.005-07:00

Taking a weight loss product containing ephedra can be very risky. Ephedra has been linked to serious side effects such as seizures, strokes, and even death. Fortunately, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action and banned every weight loss product containing ephedra in the market starting April 2004.

What is ephedra?
Ephedra used to be a popular ingredient in dietary supplements and weight loss products. It comes from the plant Ephedra sinica. It is also known as Ma Huang, and is used by the Chinese as a medicinal herb to treat respiratory illnesses like asthma, the common cold, and hay fever. Ephedra also works as a powerful stimulant that directly affects the cardiovascular and the nervous systems.

Ephedra also works as a thermogenic, which can cause your metabolism to increase since there is an increase in your body heat. This has made ephedra gain its popular reputation as a “fat burner”. Many people take a weight loss product containing ephedra together with caffeine and aspirin. Studies show that when taken with proper caution, it is very effective for short-term weight loss.

Known side effects
Ephedra has been known to increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels, resulting in high blood pressure. A weight loss product containing ephedra may cause irritability, dizziness, trembling, nervousness, severe skin irritations, insomnia, dehydration, itchy skin and scalp, vomiting, profuse perspiration, headaches, hyperthermia, seizures, irregular heartbeat, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

Dosage
There is actually no standard requirement for the dosage of any weight loss product containing ephedra, mostly because they vary from brand to brand. Here is an example:
• Dosage for Metabolife 356: 2 tablets for 2 to 3 times a day, an hour before meals, and on an empty stomach. It is highly advised not to take more than 8 tablets in a day.
• Dosage for Ma Huang: Not more than 100mg a day and not more than 12 weeks. However, because of its serious side effects, it has been recommended that ma huang should be taken in doses not bigger than 8mg per serving every 6 hours, but not exceeding 24mg in a day.

Ma huang
Ma huang is classified as a fat burner and an appetite suppressant. It is also known as ephedrine, ephedra alkaloids, sea grape, ephedra, yellow horse, joint fir, Mormon tea, teamster's tea, sea grape, postillion, and squaw tea. Since it has not been formally evaluated by the FDA for safety, purity and effectiveness, there are no manufacturing standards set for ma huang. That is you should consult your doctor before taking Ma huang or any supplements containing it.

Metabolife 356
Metabolife 356 is another example of a weight loss product containing ephedra. It contains a blend of ginger, Siberian ginseng, ma huang, guarana, spirulina, bovine complex, lecithin, chromium picolinate, vitamin E, magnesium, and several other herbs. Caffeine and ephedrine are the most active ingredients of Metabolife 356. They both work to produce more body heat to speed up your metabolism so you can burn more calories. Furthermore, it also works as an appetite suppressant, making you feel less hungry and limiting your food intake.

No precautions
Ephedra is not a regulated drug, and so many manufacturers are making false claims. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent letters to a number of online manufacturers because many of them lack sufficient warnings. The label should tell the user to stop taking the drug upon experiencing side effects such as irregular or rapid heartbeat, severe headache, chest pains, shortness of breath, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells.

Is ephedra legal?
The FDA has reviewed the data on ephedra's safety, effectiveness, side effects, pharmacology, and its RAND Corporation report (which contains a review of published scientific literature on the safety and efficacy of ephedra). The FDA considered several studies that confirm the side effects of ephedra on the circulatory system. On February 2003, they evaluated whether weight loss products containing ephedra pose a significant threat to a person's health.

Ephedra and traditional medicine
The FDA has prohibited the sale of any weight loss product containing ephedra in the United States. However, some medical conditions many call for the use of ephedra-containing drugs. Before taking any supplements, be sure to consult your doctor to see whether it will work for you.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

2007-09-10T05:01:00.003-07:00

There are so many exercise bikes available that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you’ve heard. It’s almost as though you have to be a fitness equipment engineer to understand the differences! Here’s a quick summary of these confusing terms.

• Spinning Bikes

You’ve probably heard about the spin craze that has become so popular in health clubs. Spinning bikes usually have at least a front wheel that spins (which is why they are so brilliantly named spinning bikes). These bikes might be the current fad, but they aren’t very comfortable. The seats are small and hard. The classes make these boring bikes more interesting, but as home exercise bikes, they quickly become tedious.

• Stationary Bikes

Stationary bikes (or upright bikes) are the exercise bikes that most people can identify. It’s the same basic model as in the 1980’s. Once again, it’s fairly uncomfortable. You can’t really do anything like read or watch TV because you’re leaning left and right and bouncing, so it, too, quickly gets boring.

• Dual Action Bikes

Dual action bikes are aptly named, as they give you both an upper and lower body workout. There are handles that move independently - much like an elliptical machine. It’s a good workout, but a bit tough for beginners, and as usual, the time on the bike will eventually get boring.

You can also get dual action bikes that allow you to adjust the machine to create an arm-pedaling workout. It’s usually fairly difficult to make the adjustments. It’s also two separate exercises, which create a longer workout. Most people aren’t as likely to keep up such a routine.

• Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the exercise bikes with the comfortable bucket seats. You sit back and lower to the ground as you pedal. These exercise bikes are easy enough for even the most sedentary beginners, and they usually offer workout programs to keep the workouts from becoming mundane.

The Experts Recognize the Advantages of Recumbent Bikes

Most physicians and personal trainers recommend recumbent bikes. Recumbent bikes are better for people of all different fitness levels. You are more likely to keep up a recumbent bike routine over time, the bikes are safer, and there are different benefits for both men and women.

• Recumbent Bikes for All Fitness Levels

Even the most sedentary person will find a recumbent exercise bike easy to use. You can adjust the settings to offer little or no resistance as you pedal. People who are overweight will definitely find the seat much larger and more comfortable than other exercise bikes.

Athletes will find the recumbent exercise bike a challenge. The resistance can become incredibly difficult. The bike can simulate pedaling up hills. Most recumbent bikes offer various programs that will require you to sprint and tackle hills. If you want an upper body workout as you pedal, you can easily add weights and do repetitions as you sit back in the recumbent bike seat.

• Recumbent Bikes Offer a Sustainable Workout

The programs offered by most recumbent exercise bikes definitely keep the workout from becoming boring. You can simulate a course that is easy or difficult, flat or hilly. When shopping for exercise bikes, it’s better to get a bike with as many variations as possible.

The fact that a recumbent bike is suitable for all levels will keep you getting back on the bike. If you’re feeling particularly tired or lazy one day, you can have an easy workout where you can read a book or newspaper. If you really want to test your limits, you can crank up the music, set the machine to more difficult levels, and add some weights for an upper body workout.

• Recumbent Bikes are Safer

Because you sit back and lower to the ground in a recumbent bike, it is better for your body. Most exercise bikes force you to hunch over, causing a stiff back. Some dual action bikes are back injuries waiting to happen. Recumbent bikes require that you sit with good posture as you pedal.

Recumbent bikes also offer one of the few cardio workouts that put no pressure on your knees and other joints. You can’t “cheat” on a recumbent bike and stand up when you’re finding it more difficult to pedal. Standing like that on other types of exercise bikes puts unnecessary pressure on your knees and ankles. Recumbent bikes let your body exercise at an angle where your body weight is not stressing your joints. Even people with back and knee problems will find a recumbent bike easy to use.

• Why Men Should Choose Recumbent Exercise Bikes

So many men neglect their lower bodies when they workout, especially in strength training. It’s common to see buffed out men with giant biceps and tiny little bird legs. That’s because it’s easier to get an upper body workout at home. If you just invest in a recumbent bike, you can set the machine to high resistance. You will build leg muscle, and you can even do curls while you pedal.

Recumbent bikes can also allow men to get a great cardio workout without the discomfort that only a man knows on regular bikes or other types of exercise bikes. With the large, comfortable seats of recumbent bikes, you are much more likely to enjoy your workout pain-free.

If you move the seat of a recumbent bike up a bit to bring your legs higher, you can even target the lower abs and have to do less crunches to get the bottom of your six-pack!

• Things Women Should Know About Recumbent Bikes

Two words, ladies: legs and bottoms. Recumbent exercise bikes are so comfortable and easy to use that eventually you can do workouts giving you results like you’ve spent hours a day on a stair-stepper.

Recumbent bikes can give you a fat burning cardio workout with enough resistance to help you build long, lean muscle. Picture Tina Turner legs. Recumbent bikes also are great for your inner thighs. Using different programs and settings, you will be able to target different muscle areas in your legs for longer looking, leaner legs.

According to most polls, women claim in higher numbers to not have time for exercise because of more responsibilities in the home. With the positioning of a recumbent bike, you can multi-task to more easily fit in a workout. You are able to read, catch the news, and even use a phone or your handheld organizer.

Finding a Recumbent Exercise Bike

With prices between $200 and $3000, there is quite a variety of recumbent bikes available. Use the Internet to find great deals (including free shipping most of the time). Because the bikes are great for any level and help you to finally be able to stick with a safe and effective workout routine, you can splurge a little. This is definitely one of the best investments you can make for your health.

Michael Walker is a freelance author providing useful information about fitness bicycles, recumbent fitness bikes and http://www.all-in-exercise-bikes.com/spinning-bikes.htm">spin bicycles. His numerous articles offer comprehensive tips and solutions for the fitness enthusiast.

The Secret to Achieving Your Ideal Weight and Staying There

2007-09-10T05:01:00.001-07:00

Do you fall into the category of those who have lost weight only to watch that arrow slowly return closer to the dreaded right side of the scale.

Perhaps you are in a constant state of lose 1 pound gain 2 back?

Whatever your situation, the word frustrated probably describes you...

So why is it so hard to maintain your weight?

And what's all this stuff about ideal weight? We have this idea of our "younger years" when we looked and felt our best. We want desperately to get back to that weight, but we view those days as long gone.

So is there any hope for achieving your ideal weight again?

Or perhaps the question on the mind of most, "Is it possible to stay there if I achieve it?"

Yes on both accounts!

And it's not that difficult if you make a commitment, allow me to repeat...if you make a commitment. To what? To your diet!

Don't get confused with the word diet. We are not talking about diet as in "I'm going on a diet." In which case most people have this painstaking notion about starving themselves. Unfortunately, anyone who chooses to diet like this will find themselves in the exact same position as you...Struggling with weight management.

Diet, as in what you eat.

Sounds like advice from your doctor doesn't it? You have probably heard those famous words "watch what you eat" thousands of times. In fact, most people have heard it so much that they no longer pay any attention. It's almost as if those words have become boring?

Is this why so many people opt for fad diets, pills or other weight loss gimmicks? In case you haven't noticed, these methods do absolutely nothing for lasting results. They are quick weight loss fixes that provide fast results that don't last.

Perhaps you have tried one of these methods in the past? Maybe that is why you are still trying to manage your weight...?

Are you skeptical that a change in your diet would have much of an impact on your weight? It would be wise for you to keep an open mind just long enough to ask yourself, "have I ever actually followed this advice?"

The answer for most is NO!

When you make a habit of eating highly nutritious food for every meal your metabolism begins to operate at its most efficient level.

It may excite you to know that by changing your diet it is possible to achieve your ideal weight and stay there. You won't even have to think about managing anymore, your body will naturally take care of it for you.

Jason Clemens is a leading weight loss and nutrition coach.
"Learn how to burn fat fast, achieve your ideal weight and feel great?"
It's easier than you thought possible!
=>Visit naturally-lose-weight-fast.com

A Dietitian's Approach Towards Fast Weight-Loss Programs

2007-09-10T05:00:00.003-07:00

Weight Loss Quickies

Do these rapid weight loss programs work?

What's there to worry about with rapid weight loss?

Who are meant for these programs?

A few of these VLCD's need a physician's approval, although programs do exist that may be done without it, such as Medifast.

What about fad Diets?

The article is posted and written by John Scott, the researcher and writer for compareop.com (Phentermine OPs Reports and Discussion board).

Revealed - Soy Protein Increases Energy and Aids in Weight Loss!

2007-09-10T05:00:00.001-07:00

Are you concerned about the nutritional content of your food? If so, you're not alone. Many people are becoming concerned with their health and wellness. A 1999 survey indicated that 87% of consumers reported changing their eating habits due to specific health concerns.

Among the greatest worries were heart health and dietary cholesterol intake. The major dietary concern (reported by almost half of those surveyed) was reducing fat. Animal protein is a major contributor to the fat in the average American diet.

Americans eat plenty of protein, but it is mostly from meat, eggs, and dairy sources, which are usually high in saturated fat and cholesterol. In contrast, many soy products are high in protein, naturally low in fat, and naturally lactose and cholesterol free.

Soy also provides all the amino acids, including the nine essential ones your body needs but cannot manufacture itself. Using the newest methods for assessing the quality of protein, soy protein was given the score of 1.0, the highest rating possible and equal to that given animal proteins such as those from eggs and milk.

Soy products are also good sources of calcium and iron. In addition, soy protein provides naturally occurring beneficial plant compounds that are being extensively studied. Soy contains isoflavones, especially genistein and daidzein.

These are intriguing to researchers because they are phytoestrogens and may be related to soy's ability to regulate hormonal balance and deliver long-term health benefits. Some soy protein products are alcohol-processed, which removes isoflavones.

High quality soy protein is water washed to retain naturally occurring isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein and uses only non-genetically modified (GMO) soy protein certified through an Identity Preservation Program (IPP). This program assures that the soy we use is tightly monitored and controlled from planting and harvesting to processing.

The tremendous benefits of soy protein include sustained energy, vitality, and stamina, plus the benefits of naturally occurring isoflavones compounds not present in meat or dairy foods.

Who might benefit from taking a soy protein supplement? Anybody concerned about heart health. People interested in reducing their intake of the typically high-fat, high-cholesterol animal sources of protein and supplementing their diet with a plant-based protein source that is naturally low in fat and lactose and cholesterol free.

Vegetarians or vegans looking for a high-quality protein source that contains no animal products. People interested in the health benefits associated with consuming soy Anyone interested in supporting the body's natural ability to ward off hunger and maintain energy for hours.

How does a soy protein supplement work to sustain energy? The key to any good soy protein supplement is glycemic response. Glycemic response describes the effect a food has on blood sugar. Foods like a hot-fudge sundae can cause your blood sugar to spike and then plummet rapidly.

A short time after you have finished the last spoonful, you feel tired, irritable, and surprisingly hungry considering the number of calories you have just consumed. This is exactly the opposite of how you feel after a serving of high quality soy protein.

In a clinical study, subjects consumed 110 calories from carbohydrates alone and their blood sugar was measured every half hour. As expected, blood sugar shot up immediately and then quickly crashed. It is this rollercoaster response that can lead to feelings of jitteriness, irritability, and hunger.

However, when subjects consumed 110 calories of high quality soy protein, the results were significantly different. Blood sugar did not spike, nor did it plummet. Instead, it remained essentially level. The body's natural metabolic balance was undisturbed.

When choosing a soy protein supplement it should be made of or include the following: it should have at least 12 grams of protein per serving, and the protein itself should come from a natural vegetarian protein source, it should be naturally cholesterol free, it should not contain any saturated fat, and it should only contain 1 gram of total fat per serving.

Your high quality soy protein supplement should meet 50% of your daily needs for calcium and your soy protein supplement should not have any artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, or preservatives added to it. And finally your soy protein supplement should also be kosher certified and come with a money-back guarantee.

Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

Brue M. Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from all across the country sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying every natural nutrition product out there, let Brue introduce you to what he has found to be the best natural health products on the planet. Visit DynamicHealthTips.com to receive Brue's free newsletter.

Try a Slow-Carb Habit

2007-09-10T04:59:00.003-07:00

Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as well as vegetables, fruit, tofu, beans, and dairy - provide the body with the most efficient fuel for energy production and brain activity. They're nutritionally essential, a principle currently downplayed by the "low-carb craze".

What is important to understand is that not all carbohydrates have the same "fuel efficiency". Many carbohydrates - termed "refined" or "simple" - cause blood sugar highs and lows which can result in a period of high energy followed by a period of extremely low energy, often leaving the person craving more of the simple quick release carbs.

Examples of these "refined" carbs are regular pasta, white bread, snack foods and baked goods. The weight loss plans that advocate eating less or none of these foods are on the right track, except they tend to throw out the GOOD carbs as well. We'll call these "slow carbs", and here's why:

After you eat them, the carbohydrates in foods are broken down and released as sugar units (glucose) into your bloodstream. "Slow carbs" are foods that release glucose at a slower rate.

Typically, these foods are "whole foods"; that is, they contain the fibre and minerals that are often removed in making their refined, "quick-release" counterparts. (Such is the difference between whole wheat bread and white bread.)

Choosing "slow carbs" over refined carbs helps keep your blood sugar balanced (positively affecting your hunger level, mood and mental concentration, among other things). Fibre also promotes regularity and helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Examples of "slow carbs" are whole grain breads and crackers, potatoes with their skin, beans & legumes, brown rice, oats, and whole grain pasta.

Here are five tips for creating a "slow carb" habit:

1. Whole Foods - Eat as close to natural as possible. Vegetables, fruits, beans and lentils are whole foods that contain all of their original nutrients (fibre, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates for energy).

2. Grains & Breads - When it comes to grain products such as breads, crackers, cereals, and pasta, choose "darker", whole grain varieties. This can be done in restaurants as well as the grocery store.

3. Snacking - Fruit is an excellent snack. Consuming the whole fruit provides the slow-release carbs and will sustain your energy for longer, as opposed to fruit juice, which provides the body with a quick release of fruit sugar into the bloodstream. Another great snack to try is sliced red peppers with hummus (made from chickpeas).

4. Take the time (you're worth it!) - Seeing as some of the slow-carb options take longer to cook (e.g., brown rice versus white rice), make them ahead of time, and make extra to freeze for future meals. Brown rice is very versatile; try it in soups, casseroles, stuffed vegetables, or for breakfast (warmed) with cinnamon, raisins, chopped nuts or ground flaxseed.

5. Read labels - "Whole wheat" (or other "whole" grain) should appear before any other flour in the ingredient list. White flour can be disguised as "wheat flour", “enriched flour", "unbleached flour", or "grain flour", to name a few.

Working at substituting "slow carb" foods into your lifestyle will ensure that you have ample energy, proper nutrition, and that you maintain a healthy weight. Of course it's also essential that you find some ways to be active and that you limit high fat and high calorie snack foods as best you can.

Susan Baker, B.Sc.,RHN, RNCP is a registered nutritional consultant who supports individuals on their path to optimal healing through nutrition consultations, with a special interest in digestion and food sensitivities.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of “The Everyday Self-Care Workbook”. To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html

Low Calorie Vegeterian Recipe

2007-09-10T04:59:00.001-07:00

Don’t be fooled by the misconception that all vegetarian food is made from a low calorie vegetarian recipe. It may be the case if the dish is based solely around vegetables but often the addition of oils, dairy products, nuts and seeds significantly raise the calorie content.

If you think that there is no such thing as an overweight vegetarian then think again! Perhaps that is how you found yourself at this site. If you are a looking for a low calorie vegetarian recipe that tastes like it is NOT a low calorie vegetarian recipe then congratulations because you are in the right place!

I have found the most popular low calorie vegetarian recipe to be Spinach Quiche with Oat Crust. It tastes so good that most people would not even realize that it is vegetarian or low in calories!

This recipe is low in calories because the core ingredient is spinach (a vegetarian’s best friend). After using this recipe and my other low calorie vegetarian recipe (Vegetable Cottage Pie), I found that the few extra pounds I had gained over my holidays had vanished! All without any real effort on my part!

By using a vegetarian low calorie recipe you are taking the first essential step to fighting obesity, ensuring good health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases!

Counting calories in your vegetarian diet is essential to living life as abundantly as a vegetarian can! The ultimate key to vegetarian weight loss is not only to use a low calorie vegetarian recipe when preparing meals, but to also combine the change in diet with a change in your lifestyle.

You may be thinking ‘here we go again, another diet that I will fail at’ or ‘low calorie food never tastes good’. Perhaps that is the reason you are losing the obesity battle. Change your attitude! If you are serious about weight loss, make a low calorie vegetarian recipe tonight!

Hide all your regular vegetarian recipes and replace them with a low calorie vegetarian recipe. It’s as easy as that. If it is not there, then you can’t use it.

Using a low calorie vegetarian recipe is the ultimate key to vegetarian weight loss!

Melissa Lastelle-Founder of TheVegetarianBible.com.

Low Calorie Vegetarian Recipes available at www.TheVegetarianBible.com

Lose Weight and Gain Good Health with Hoodia Gordonii

2007-09-10T04:58:00.003-07:00

All of us should take good care of our health. Do not let obesity or overweight destroy your life.

Yes, obesity can ruin your life, since it can bring other illnesses and complications that can harm your health. The worse thing is that severe obesity can lead to death.

It may sound frightening but it is true, so before it actually happens to you, you have to start finding a way or ways to fight obesity and overweight.

There are plenty of ways that can make you lose weight and to have good health. Obesity is cause by too much calories that are coming in the body rather than those are being burned out from the body. So you have to find ways that can help you burn out some calories.

Eating healthy is a good way to lose weight. You have to look at the foods you eat. You have to take foods that possess the right nutrients that are needed by the body. Eating right amount of fruits and vegetable is helpful for the body. Reduce sodas and pastas. Avoid fatty foods and with too much sugar.

Physical activities and exercises are also important in losing weight. You have to have healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising. It is better to spend 30 minutes of your spare time in doing walking, running, jogging, dancing, going to the gym, aerobics, biking, swimming and a lot more. It is wiser to choose those that can make you enjoy and have fun. Make sure to do it daily.

Taking medicines in losing weight can be done as well. Prescribed medicines can make you lose weight but it can bring risks in having adverse reactions that can harm you or give you discomfort which make dieters move away and look for another alternatives.

There are plenty of healthy alternatives that dieters can make use by adding it with healthy eating and exercises. One of the popular healthy alternatives is hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii can be found in Kalahari Desert and it is a cactus-like plant that has an active molecule that works by telling the brain think that you are already full and have eaten, so it is an effective way to make you lose weight. It even aids you to be more active since it will increase your stamina and this is also important in losing weight.

This cactus-like plant was used by San people when they go out for traveling and long hunting. They chew it in order for them to suppress their hunger and thirst. It was proven that it really works since it have been part of their lives, it really had suppressed their hunger and thirst for long period of time.

So if you want to lose weight, you have to eat healthy, do proper exercises and take hoodia gordonii. But make sure to take hoodia gordoii as specified by the label and by the manufacturer in order to get the best results.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson

http://www.primeherbal.com/hoodia

Eliza Maledevic writes for http://jump2top.com - SEO Company

Lose Weight, Gain Back Your Life

2007-09-10T04:58:00.001-07:00

Losing weight has nothing to do with will power or lack of. Fanatical Dieting, Emotional Eating and Conditioning are the 3 most common patterns for obesity. I have mentioned in past articles of a highly successful technique that I use with clients and in my workshops. Remembering that all you need do is to DO IT!

It often works where nothing else will, usually rapid, long lasting and gentle, no drugs or equipment involved, easily learned by anyone and can be self applied. As Emotional Eating is the second most proven reason for obesity, I think this should be the first place to start, and it may well then work on fanatical dieting and conditioning.

The method is EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE, made of a ‘set up’, ‘basic recipe’ and ‘Affirmation Statement’.

THE SETUP

The most important part of the technique is the setup. To do this we say an affirmation whilst tapping or rubbing a particular spot. For the purpose of this exercise I am going to show you the karate chop set up. If you have a look at your hand, palm facing you, look at the side of the hand from the top of the pinky finger down to the wrist. Just above the wrist is a flesh part where one would normally do a karate chop…have you found it. If so this is the area you will tap using your pointer and middle fingers. Ok…so now that we have all of that out of the way I want you to tap you karate spot for practice.

BASIC RECIPE - The Meridians

The meridians are as follow, try and find it on your body as I mention it. Practice a little so you become familiar with them.
1. Eye Brow – this is the beginning of the eyebrow above the nose
2. Side of Eye – this can be found the bone at the end of the eyebrow
3. Under Eye – on the cheekbone under the eye
4. Under Nose- under the nose above the top lip
5. Chin – the crevasse between the lower lip and the chin
6. Collar bone – just under the collar bone
7. Armpit – halfway down under the armpit
8. Thumb – under the nail of the thumb
9. Pointer finger – bottom side of the nail facing the thumb
10. Middle finger - bottom side of the nail facing the thumb
11. Little finger - bottom side of the nail facing the thumb
Repeat 1 to 7

Whilst tapping your karate spot as mentioned above you say an affirmation as listed below.

Using the Emotional Freedom Technique:

* SET UP followed by the statements below

* BASIC RECIPE

* AFFIRMATION STATEMENT

Then repeat the exercise again for each statement. You may feel you don’t need to do some of the statements, however, experience has shown me from workshop participants and private clients that undertaking each one will be of great benefit. You will see that all statements starts with “Even though….and ends with ‘…I deeply and completely accept myself’ or similar, add this ending where done is provided.

STATEMENTS

“Even though I use the sweets to feel better, because I love how they make me feel, I choose to feel safe and comfortable without them.”

“Even though sweets are the only thing that make me feel better, …"

“Even though I feel grief when I think of losing weight, and giving up my favorite foods, ...

“Even though I have this terrible craving to eat my favorite food, …"

“Even though I use food to comfort my loneliness,...”

“Even though I fear feeling deprived, and don’t want to give anything up, ...”

“Even though I don’t feel safe without the extra pounds, ..."

“Even though I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m obese, I choose to accept myself anyway.”

“Even though my needs are insignificant, and I don’t count, I accept all of my feelings.”

"Even though I'm a food addict, ..." .”

"Even though I'm, obsessed with food..." .”

"Even though I'm a sugar addict..." .”

"Even though I crave sweets at night..." .”

"Even though I have an enormous appetite..." (we'll get to the underlying cause of this "appetite" later.) .”

"Even though I'm a closet eater..."

"Even though I binge at night..." .

"Even though I eat when I'm bored..."

"Even though I eat when I'm angry..."

"Even though I eat when I'm lonely..."

"Even though I overeat to hurt myself... .”

"Even though I eat to avoid my feelings..."

"Even though I use food to soothe myself..."

"Even though I overeat to hide myself..."

"Even though I binge because I think I'm worthless..."

"Even though I overeat because I don't love myself..."

"Even though I hate myself for overeating..."

"Even though I feel guilty when I overeat..."

"Even though I feel guilty about being overweight..."

"Even though I'm anxious when I sit down to eat.." .

"Even though I associate food with fighting..."

"Even though I feel unsafe without food..."

"Even though I eat to feel better...”

"Even though I have a block to losing weight, I choose to lose weight now”

"Even though I sabotage myself to losing weight..."

"It's not safe for me to lose weight."

"It's not safe for others if I lose weight."

"I don't feel supported by my family members..."

"I don't deserve to be happy with my body."

"Even if I never get over this eating disorder..."

"Even if I never lose weight..."

"Even though my metabolism is too slow..."

"Even though my metabolism is imbalanced..."

"Even though I can’t resist my chips, I deeply…”

“Even though I fear feeling deprived, and don’t want to give anything up, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

"Even though I’ll never be enough, there was never enough, and there probably won’t be enough…I choose to feel satisfied anyway.”

“Even though I feel deep grief, and want to eat to cover it up, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

“Even though I feel these deep losses, and I want to stuff myself with food, I deeply and completely accept myself anyway.”

“Even though I feel abandoned because they left me, I deeply and completely accept my feelings.”

There are a million and one possible affirmations to work on; I have chosen the most important and most effective affirmations that work. If you have any comments of how you went or need some assistance, go to my website for contact details.

Happy recovery because you have taken a major step to gaining back your life.

Does Your Busy Lifestyle Lead to Overeating?

2007-09-10T04:57:00.005-07:00

If you're super busy, your hectic life may lead to being overweight.

How is a busy lifestyle connected with emotional eating and overeating?

There are lots of ways. First, we become nervous that eating healthy will require time (more time than we have). We react to this by not even trying, by going out to eat, and by grabbing food on the run. I know that I end up eating more carbs (think, frozen pizza) when I'm crazy busy.

Second, when we’re rushed we don’t pay full attention to what we're eating. This is why people who eat on the go or while doing work or watching TV tend to eat more.

Did you know that normal weight people underestimate what they eat by 30%? And people who are overweight underestimate their calorie intake by 60%! One reason for this is that we don’t pay attention to what we eat and then we don’t realize how much we eat.

Finally, an extremely busy lifestyle can lead to more intense emotions which can lead to emotional eating. When we’re super busy we often sacrifice sleep—and lack of sleep is a major cause of emotional instability. When we’re exhausted, we experience emotions more intensely and they often spike up quickly. We also act more impulsively without thinking decisions through.

And we’re less likely to exercise (since we’re so busy and tired) and exercise helps to stabilize mood and therefore reduce emotional eating.

So What Do We Do About All This?
You're probably thinking that your life will not be any less busy any time soon. This is okay, but you'll have to make some minor changes. First, recognize that if you plan and shop well, it won't take longer to eat healthy food.

You can always prepare food for several days and freeze it and buy healthy organic frozen meals. Get prepackaged little bags of nuts and dried fruit (or make your own). Stock up on low-fat string cheese and other snacks you can grab and go.

Second, when you're eating, eat mindfully. To begin mindful eating, take 5-10 minutes and pay attention to your food. Realize how much you're eating. Eat slowly and savor it so a little goes a long way. The other day I ate a Take 5 bar (leftover from Halloween) while I was working on a book. After finishing it, I realized I hadn't even enjoyed it because I was focused on what I was writing. Don't make this mistake- pay attention to your food.

Third, work on keeping your sleep and emotions stable so you're less likely to engage in emotional eating. And if you know you're having a sleepy, cranky day, stay away from the drive-throughs and cookie aisle!

Now enjoy the health and weight loss benefits that these changes will bring you!

Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA is the author or coauthor of 6 books including the New York Times bestseller The Confident Speaker (McGraw-Hill, 2007). Get many more tips on how to land a book deal, get quoted in the media, and get booked as a speaker at http://www.platformbuildingsecrets.com

How To Lose Weight Fast

2007-09-10T04:57:00.003-07:00

For years I was a overweight kid, who used to keep his coat on at school I was so ashamed of my weight. I used to help my parents with the weekly shopping, go home and eat as well as my dinner I had already had. Being picked on at school, and jibes later on in life really didn't make me see it can all be so much better and each day with that weight off my shoulder gone for good.

Now I have lost around 2 stone, I feel so much lighter and wish I had done something about it at school, but with low confidence and all sorts of other things on a kids mind, exercise for some reason didn't seem obvious. My parents are fantastic but saw it as a way of learning for myself which sounds harsh, but they meant well.

So many friends ask me what’s the best way to lose weight fast and how I did it. It was my brother who is a Personal Trainer who told me about the more scientific approach which is not boring, but really interesting. The diet is called the Negative Calories Diet and works by introducing around 100 different types of food , which take more calories to digest than they contain themselves, and you don't end up hungry.

One main example are a handful of nuts. For people who are looking to loose weight, they think nuts are really fattening. This is true if you eat to many, but due to the type of unsaturated fat in them , they do you the world of good. Combined with a glass of water, will fill you up for a couple of hours. If you don't like nuts, then the diet contains lots more food which you do like and I love my food! now I eat when and what I want.

A lot of our friends are luckily enough to have a metabolism where they either burn off calories without even trying, very frustrating when I was starting to look into loosing weight.

It wasn't until I changed what and how I ate that things started to change and wow did they change and I don't mean just lettuce and water. I didn't need to push myself to the limit in the gym, running or even kickboxing even though I do enjoy those things now, I don't have half as much weight to carry. It's Great!

A trick I learn when looking at chocolate, biscuits and think.. hmm is to hold that chocolate or packet of biscuits in my hand and think... that’s the weight which would be going on my body... mostly hips for females it seems, tummy on us guys. It actually works... 90% of the time, you put it back down again and feel great! to be able to resist and feel good about yourself.

What's best of all is, the Diet actually WORKS! The program will help you loose a huge amount of weight. It works by selecting around 100 different foods which actually take more calories to digest, than they contain themselves. Now I sleep without worrying, stressing and generally concerned what the dress I purchased at the weekend, actually looks on me. Read more today on how to lose weight fast

If I can do it, anyone can. Good Luck.

Rob

My name is Rob and myself and my girlfriend used to have real trouble loosing weight until we learnt what we were doing wrong. Lorna decided she would like to pass on the info to other people so we have written this ezine.

We hope our ezine and tips will help you in your aim on how to lose weight fast

Low Carb Diets Can Assist Your Rapid Weight Loss

2007-09-10T04:57:00.001-07:00

Lo carb diets are the newest dieting trend, and seem to be effective. Here are some tips for following a balanced lo carb diet:

Eat more fruit and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions a day. Include fruit at breakfast and salad at lunch. Reduce the amount of salt by eating less processed food, such as ready meals, and adding a smaller amount of salt to food. Eat a varied diet. Change your shopping list every week to help keep you out of unhealthy food ruts and make eating more enjoyable. Eat regular meals - although it doesn't matter when you eat your food, a consistent schedule helps most people to control their diet and their weight. Control your portion sizes so that over time, if not necessarily every day, the amount of energy you consume matches your level of activity. Try to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Activity helps to regulate your appetite, and means that you can eat more without gaining weight. Drink alcohol only within sensible limits: not more than 14 units per week for women, and no more than three in any one day, and not more than 21 units per week for men, and no more than four in any one day.

The current most popular fad diet is the Lo Carb or Atkins diet. It restricts carbohydrate rich foods, thereby restricting total daily calories. Phase One of the four in the Atkins Diet consists of between 1400 to 1500 total daily calories. The average adult female consumes around 2200 calories daily and the average adult male consumes around 2800 calories daily. Almost any adult will lose weight if they consume 800 to 1300 fewer calories daily. Phase One of the Atkins Diet also restricts carbohydrate intake to only 20 grams of net carbohydrates daily. The definition of net carbohydrates is total grams of carbohydrates per serving minus dietary fibre per serving. Dietary fibre is the non-digestible remains of plant products found in beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel source. In the near future there will be a recommended dietary allowance, or R.D.A., for carbohydrates of 130 grams daily. 130 grams of carbohydrates our body needs daily is for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and production of red blood cells. Only during Phase Four of the Atkins Diet are participants allowed up to 120 grams of net carbohydrate daily. Low carbohydrate diets are nothing new, they have been around since the 1860’s and the Atkins Diet first came out in the early 1970’s.

Most nutrition experts agree that to be successful in weight loss a person needs to keep the weight off for 5 years. Over 90% of people who take weight off through a fad diet like the Atkins Diet gain the weight back in less than one year. Participants on the Atkins Diet lose between 10 to 12 pounds in the first several weeks but this is only water loss, not fat. One pound of fat contains 3500 calories. Therefore to lose 10 pounds of fat in several weeks you would need to consume 35,000 fewer calories or burn 35,000 calories more through exercise. Neither is likely to happen.

So, the best way to lose weight and become more healthy is to eat a balanced diet. Don’t cut out all your carbs, but don’t go overboard with them either. In addition to eating well, exercise in a proportional amount to what you are eating. Exercising too much is as bad as exercising too little.

Your carb dessert dietpoundsaway.com low recipe headquarters. Find quick answers to your low carb alcohol questions.

The How To Guide for Six Pack Abs

2007-09-10T04:56:00.001-07:00

So you want six pack abs? The truth is, for most people getting six pack abs is not an easy task because it requires dedication and motivation...but it is possible! Below is a general 2-step guide that, if followed religiously for 3 months, will improve your abs.

Step 1: Nutrition

This is the single most important part of the puzzle, hands down. You can have the most impressive set of abs, but if they're covered with a layer of fat, you won't see them! Break up your day with 5 or 6 mini-meals because this jump starts your metabolism. And stop eating the food that is preventing you from seeing your abs: white bread, pasta, soda, candy, dessert, fast food, hydrogenated oils, sugars and fructose corn syrup.

Instead, eat the foods that will help you reach your six pack goal: oatmeal, olive oil, whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, natural peanut butter, chicken, fish, protein, green tea and water. Be realistic - you'll slip here and there, but make a conscious effort to improve your eating habits because getting a six pack will be impossible if you don't.

Step 2: Exercise

You need to concern yourself with 3 different exercises: cardio, weightlifting and ab exercises. And aim to workout 4 times per week.

The cardio you do can be anything: walking, running, biking, swimming...whichever cardio you don't mind doing so you stick with it. The trick is to do the cardio in bursts. For example, if you're running, walk for one minute and then sprint for 15 seconds and repeat 10 times. Perform this type of interval cardio 2 times per week.

Weightlifting is important because 3 pounds of added muscle burns as many calories as a 1 mile jog...and this is while you're just sitting around! Aim for 30-45 minutes, 2 times per week. If you're confused as to what exercises to do for each body part, check out the following website. It features professional bodybuilders, but the information is great and can be used by anyone.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.htm

The last exercise you need to incorporate into your workout are ab exercises. Aim to work your abs 3 times per week. There are a ton of different ab exercises you can do so try to find 3 or so that you enjoy doing and mix it up. A good database of different ab exercises can be found here:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exername.php?MainMuscle=Abdominals

Tip: mix up your workout routine every 2 weeks to keep your body guessing and improving. Add or take away different weightlifting or ab exercises, or at the very least, vary the weight, reps or form of cardio you do.

Well, there you have it. Follow the above for 3 months, and while results will vary from person to person, you will see an improvement in your abs. And keep in mind that dedication and motivation will go a long way to helping you reach your goal of having six pack abs.

Imagine the feeling you'll get when you look in the mirror and like what you see.

Honestly, this article only scratches the surface on getting six pack abs. If you really want to learn the tried and true techniques for developing a rock-hard midsection, check out The Truth About Six Pack Abs. It's an amazing fitness program.

Bodybuilding Forearm Training - New Mass From An Old Twist

2007-09-10T04:46:00.001-07:00

Forearm Training

I personally have always struggled with developing my forearms to match my upper arms. I have recently started to use one of the oldest forearm development tools, called the wrist roller. This is a simple device that can be made with things that most people can find around the house, and yet in my opinion is one of most effective forearm developers ever devised. As you'll soon see, the reason a lot of people don't use this exercise is because it is quite painful to perform as it develops a deep burn in the forearm muscles very quickly!

This simple device can be made with a broom handle and a 5 foot length of rope. (you can see pictures by clicking the link at the bottom of this article) You can also go to Home Depot or your nearest home center and buy and 18 inch long wooden dowel that is between one and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Drill a hole through the center of the dowel about 1/4" in diameter. Now take one end of a 5 foot piece of rope and feed it through the hole in the dowel and tie in a nice big knot on the other and so it can't be pulled back through. The next thing you're going to do is to tie either a small dumbbell or a 5 - 10 pound barbell plate to the other end of the rope. Adjust the length of the rope so that when you hold the dowel in your hands and extend your hands straight out in front of your body, the dumbbell or barbell plate is just barely touching the floor.

Now you have made yourself your very own wrist roller exercise device! To perform the exercise, hold the dowel straight out in front of you with both hands and start to roll it either way, moving only at the wrist until the rope is wrapped completely around the dowel and the weight has been lifted all the way up until it stops. Now slowly roll the dowel the opposite way to lower the weight. It is very important that you keep the weight under control, and do it relatively slowly. Do not move your arms, only your wrist for maximum effect. When the weight is lowered all the way down to the bottom, keep turning the dowel in the same direction, and it will start to roll back up. Keep rolling it in that direction until the weight comes up to the top once again. Now reverse the direction and lower it to the bottom. This completes one rep.

There are several variations in the way you can perform this exercise. The method outlined above is my preferred technique. It can also be performed while resting your elbows on something to support your arms so that you can focus more on your forearms and leave your deltoids out of it. Another method is to stand on a chair or bench, and instead of extending your arms out in front of you just allow your arms to hang down in front of you and roll the weight up and down in that manner. If you follow the rolling technique I have outlined above, you'll get a thorough workout of both the back and front of your forearms. If you do it correctly, you will quickly start to feel the pump and the burn that is so effective in building forearm strength using this device.

Unless you already have incredible forearm strength and endurance, you will notice that it doesn't take much weight to fry your forearm muscles! I would recommend performing three or four complete reps of this exercise at least three times a week at the end of your workouts. Always do this workout last because you will greatly diminish your ability to lift weights for any other exercise! Or if you don't have a workout that day, just do it before you go to bed. Just make sure you don't do it right before you're going to need your hands for something like typing!

I also recommend that you do not use this exercise as your entire forearm workout. I only suggest that this is an excellent additional movement that will really add mass and strength to your forearms if that is a problem area for you or if you really need to increase your forearm strength for some kind of sports activity.

A good complete forearm workout should include standard wrist curls and reverse wrist curls for three sets of 12-15 reps for each of the two exercises. Finish the workout with wrist rollers and you will experience a most incredible pump that will trigger new muscle growth!

I personally have noticed greater endurance, strength and size in my forearms in just a few short weeks of performing this exercise. Try it for a month and see if you experience similar results. you won't be disappointed!

Please keep in mind that successful bodybuilding training requires proper nutrition. You must provide your growing muscles with the proper vitamins, minerals and protein.

Protein is by far the most important nutrient to a bodybuilder. You must consume 1 to 1.5 grams of high quality protein per pound of bodyweight every day to make quality muscle gains. This could mean 200-300 grams per day for most bodybuilders. This protein should come from chicken, beef, turkey, eggs, milk, and other animal sources. To determine how much protein these foods contain, here is a useful chart that will help you plan your diet.

Rocksolidbodybuilding.com/Protein content

You can find pictures and a video of the wrist roller device at:

Rocksolidbodybuilding.com/Forearmtraining

David Monyer has been involved in bodybuilding for the last 20 years, making most of his muscle gains in his basement gym, as well as different clubs and gyms over the years. For more information and well researched sites to purchase equipment and supplements, visit http://www.RockSolidBodybuilding.com

STEROIDS - Let's Continue to Beat this Dead Horse!

2007-09-10T04:45:00.001-07:00

Anyone else looking to beat this horse???

Still on the steroids debate. Still… on… the… steroids… debate. They’re ILLEGAL!!!!!! Doesn’t anyone understand this fact! ILLEGAL! As in, jail time, fines, suspensions, community service, ILLEGAL. Not allowable! So why is Major League Baseball going around and around with this subject STILL!?! Rafael Palmeiro tested positive for use and the debate about the record books came up…again! Quoted in the article I recently read was Gaylord Perry who threw baseballs with Vaseline on them back in the early 60’s through 80’s and Norm Cash who admittedly corked his bat back in 1961 to hit .361, 41 HR’s, and 132 RBI’s. Now let’s see, last time I checked the laws of my local county, state, and federal municipalities, NO WHERE did it say I could go to jail or be brought up on charges for sticking cork inside of a bat or putting Vaseline on any set of bat or balls that I own….(we’ll leave this comment open for our amusement.)

Recently, the committee chairperson of the Society for American Baseball Research was quoted as saying, “We’re not moralists”. However, do you not hold some level of moral obligation to saying that an ILLEGAL act that directly and actually affects the outcomes of these games does not cross the line? Not even a little? What about throwing a game by betting on the outcome? Remember the memorable days of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. What if that had been, statistically speaking, the greatest game ever played? What if it was a no-hitter or was known as the game with the most runs scored? Could anyone in good conscience leave this game in the record books as the benchmark to beat? Could any of the athletes today possibly stomach the idea of playing the all time greatest game without cheating and be second to a thrown game? Would the thrown game be the rightful owner of “The Greatest Game Ever Played”?

Here’s a question to begin arguing about? Mark McGuire. How does a Big Mac with a side order of Lies sound to you? To Congress and in front of almighty God himself, Mr. Mc chose not to “…speak about the past”. Why? Does it have anything to do with your steroid use to claim, at that time, the all time Home-Run record? Is the use of an ILLEGAL substance enough to cross the line into an area of morality? Maybe the committee would take a little time to ponder ‘that’ consideration.

Yes, it’s only baseball. But, it is the backbone of an American tradition. Maybe we should say that lemon meringue is more American then Grandma’s Apple. Maybe Orange, White, and Blue would look better on the Flag. Maybe SuperBowl Sunday is just ‘any ol’ Sunday’. Whatever. The bottom line is this. Our life is governed by our weighing the differences between what is right and wrong, good or bad, left or right. Perhaps Baseball can take a look at itself and say that if you’re: 1.) A cheater 2.) A liar or 3.) Decide to use an ILLEGAL substance like a steroid to benefit your name amongst the many who tried their damndest to become a true marker of the records, you DO NOT belong in the book of records. The only book we’ll make sure to remember you in will be the one with the fingerprints.

Did I mention that steroids were ILLEGAL???

Phil Sottile, the director and owner of Intelligent Fitness/Athlete’s Edge, has 15 years of experience in the health club industry having pioneered two previous fitness companies (one taken to IPO) and owned his own fitness centers. He has co-hosted his own broadcast of INTELLIGENT FITNESS on 105.3FM and 540AM Radio, has appeared on NEWS12 LONG ISLAND as “Personal Trainer to Long Island’s Kids” and has been reported on by several local magazines, newspapers, and bodybuilding periodicals. Additionally, he is a drug-free bodybuilding competitor and at 29, was the youngest Promoter of two popularly growing bodybuilding shows, The INBF Natural Long Island Experience and All Natural Revolution.