Sunday, February 18, 2007

A Healthy Daily Diet For Weight Loss

Zero carbs. Fat flush. No dessert. Sound familiar? Losing weight is hard enough as it is, and all the fad diets that come and go make choosing a natural weight loss program much more confusing. There seems to be no consistent source of information. However, you can make real changes without excessive hunger and discomfort. Simply commit to a healthy diet to live by daily.



First, it’s important to understand the basics for good nutrition. The body’s three primary nutrient needs include protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The trick is choosing the right low-fat proteins, unsaturated fats, and whole-grain carbohydrates in reasonable portions. Even if your goal is not natural weight loss, the basics for good nutrition are essential to a healthy diet:



· Enjoy plenty of low-fat protein with every meal. Protein is key to muscle growth and reduces feelings of hunger. As a result, it gives you plenty of mileage to get to the next meal without having to snack. Chicken and fish are leaner than red meat and tend to be good choices. If you take advantage of organic or local farmer sources, the flavor is superior and
there are no injected growth hormones. Don’t forget bean dishes, plus vegetarian chicken, burgers and bacon. Those with high cholesterol can obtain protein from egg whites.



· Treat yourself to five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. This sounds like a lot, but a serving is actually fairly small. Also, the closer a fruit or vegetable is to its natural state, the more nutrients are delivered to the body. All-natural juices are also a great way to get more servings in per day. Fruit satisfies your sweet tooth while reducing sugar cravings. Organic fruits and vegetables are much healthier and you will be completely overwhelmed by the difference in flavor.



· Indulge in whole grain carbohydrates. Don’t completely eliminate carbohydrates! Reduce them, yes, but don’t eradicate them. Trade refined flour carbohydrates for whole grains. Once eaten, carbs are metabolized into blood glucose, which every cell uses as a primary energy source. As a matter of fact, glucose is the brain’s only source of fuel! However, if you eat more carbs than your body needs, it converts the leftover glucose into fat. Enjoy whole-grain wraps, multi-grain crackers, hearty breads and long grain, wild or basmati rice.



· Fulfill yourself with reasonable portions. You should never eat until you’re stuffed--nor should you ever get up from the table hungry. Your stomach can hold about one quart of food and beverage, an amount that would fit in your cupped hands. The trick to fulfillment is to slow down! Savor your food, and chew each bite 30 times. Not only is this the first crucial step in digestion, but it allows your stomach and brain to register when you’re full. Don’t interfere with your body’s ability to enjoy food by watching TV, working, or worse yet, driving. Sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal.



· Drink 8 to 16 glasses of water every day. Maintaining hydration is a key component of overall health. Also, water flushes away fat and transports nutrients throughout your body.



· Treat yourself in moderation. Never eating another potato chip or piece of cake again is completely unrealistic. However, they should not be staples in your diet. Figure out what you can’t live without, and treat yourself to it occasionally.



· Take high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements each day. No matter how healthy a diet, our food will not provide 100 percent of all the vital nutrients that our bodies need daily. Ensuring that you have all the bases covered by taking a multivitamin will go a long way toward a long and healthy life.



Maintaining a healthy diet to live by daily is not difficult when the basics of good nutrition are observed. Protein and fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone, with a few whole-grain carbs thrown in. The ratio of protein should always exceed that of carbs. This will stabilize your blood sugar and eliminate snacking between meals. Although you can jump start weight loss on a low-carb diet, you should enjoy at least one serving of whole-grain carbs every day.



“Healthy” food does not mean bland. The problem with the typical American diet is that it consists of highly refined foods full of synthetic ingredients. Also, portion sizes are out of control. When you start enjoying a healthy diet daily, you will regard highly processed foods as poison, boring and bland. Those who are beginning a natural weight loss program should also cut out the following killers.



· Red meat - If you want to enjoy red meat occasionally, that’s ok. However, avoid the fatty cuts such as rib-eyes and go for a lean filet.



· Burger-and-fry fast food - Fast food is absolutely the worst thing you can eat. The buns alone are nothing but high-fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oil, both of which clog arteries. If you have to eat fast food, opt for fresh sandwiches on whole-grain breads or wraps.



· Refined carbohydrates - Any store-bought white food such as doughnuts, bagels, white bread, snack crackers, and potato chips will make you gain weight faster than almost anything.



· Dairy products - Dairy products tend to be very high in fat. If you can’t live without them, limit them to the low-fat and organic varieties. Considers substitutes such as olive oil or natural yogurt.



· High-fructose corn syrup - If you read a few labels, you’ll be amazed to see how often this is a top ingredient. Corn syrup is engineered to be 80 percent fructose and 20 percent glucose -that’s twice the fructose of regular sugar. Fruit’s natural fiber allows a sustainable absorption rate throughout all cells. Alternatively, high-fructose corn syrup is absorbed rapidly, and it must be metabolized in the liver. This excess causes weight gain.



· Alcohol - Limit yourself to three drinks per week. Your liver puts fat metabolism on hold to process alcohol. Also, alcoholic drinks like margaritas and beer are high in caloric content.



Diet is just one factor in the equation for weight loss. The other key element in a successful weight loss program is daily exercise. You should engage in 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. Choose something that you enjoy such as walking, bicycling, hiking, swimming, or any team sports. It is easier to keep exercising daily if the activities you choose are fun. After all, exercise is a way of life -just like eating a healthy diet.



Looking great is one perk of regular exercise, but the most powerful benefits are to your health. Aerobic activity strengthens the immune system, is the number one stress buster, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, boosts self-confidence, and will even improve your sex life!



These key principles will help you start your successful weight loss program. It’s now up to you - begin a nutritious diet, take a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement and exercise daily.



About the Author: Want to learn more about the role of nutrition as part of a Healthy Weight Loss Program? Visit us at NaturalFitSupplements.com

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Beginners Yoga Can Be A Challenge

Yoga is a challenging discipline for the beginning to the advanced person. The asanas, or postures are slow and steady and are not meant to be painful, but this does not mean that they are not challenging. Never extend yourself too much to cause discomfort. With practice, you should see yourself relaxing into the stretches with ease.




Nevertheless, for beginners there are a few tips when practicing yoga. Release all thoughts, good or bad before you begin. Turn off your phone and don’t answer the door, you need peace and quiet. Make sure you take a warm, relaxing shower and that you wear comfortable clothes that will allow you to stretch easily. You can use aromatherapy that will relax and help to clear you thoughts. You will want to purchase a yoga mat so you can rest on the pad and not slip and slide on the floor.



Make sure your shoes and socks are off and that your hair is either comfortable pulled back or no, whatever feels better. Turn the lights low (or you can do it in the sunlight), whatever suits you. You may want to turn some relaxing music of nature, perhaps the beach. Belts or ropes are used to grab your legs and pull them into a better stretch, which should feel delicious. Blocks are used to prop yourself up and sit better or for standing postures.



Without the prop support, you may not be able to attain some postures. Just remember that although the postures are important, performing them absolutely perfectly is not the goal. Yoga is not just an exercise; it includes the mind and intelligence and the reflection in action. These tools make it easier for you as a beginner in yoga, but you will find that eventually you will not need them. Some people prefer taking a yoga class so they are guided properly. There is nothing wrong with this, but keep in mind that only you can take your mind and spirit as far as it was meant to go, alone.



About the Author: Ann Merier writes articles about the home and family health. Her many article topics include mothers day,diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise
Beginners Yoga
Prevent Diabetes

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Mayo Clinic Diet - Weight Loss Wonder Or Fraud ?



The Mayo Clinic Diet has been said to be around since the 1940's but no one knows exactly where it came from. Year after year, the Mayo Clinic gets inquiries regarding the Mayo Clinic Diet but, none the less, the diet is not associated with the clinic. The plan offers a new lifestyle approach to maintaining and managing your weight.


The diet plan allows you eat an unlimited amount of vegetables and fruits, plus a wide variety of healthy picks from all of the other food groups. It also focuses on eating grapefruit to help speed up the weight loss effects with fat burning.



This diet method states, that there are no foods that are considered off limits but they do advise that if you eat foods that are high in fat, this will help eliminate hunger. They also practice the rule that you should stop eating when you feel satisfied and full. They claim that this is the key element in the success of this plan. Most diets that restrict foods can be effective for a certain amount of time but in the long run you only pack on the pounds again due to feeling deprived and then overeating.



The other main key in this plan is to maintain a good daily physical activity level due to its positive effects on weight management and overall health. The actual Mayo clinic states that this diet may be dangerous for some people and they continue to state that this diet is in no way associated with them. The diet offers rapid weight loss for individuals, by consuming grapefruit, vegetables, salads and large amounts of meats and fats. It is still very important not to over eat and to stop when you feel full. You also want to try avoiding snacks in between meals on this plan.



Success Rate - while there is no real statistics reported for the success rate of the so-called Mayo Clinic Diet, it has been noted that there is rapid weight loss that is common among dieters that use this method. People on this diet claim they have lost up to 52 pounds in a 2-month period, which is due to an extreme weight loss from a high-protein and high-fat plan. As with any diet, individual results will vary. This can be a good jump start to your weight loss but you would still need to get a good exercise plan and eating plan down pat in order to keep the weight off.



Before starting any diet program or exercise program, consult your doctor. Your physician will help you choose an exercise regimen and diet plan that meets your goals and needs. You do not want to lose weight too quickly as this can be very damaging to your body and overall health.



As with any fad diet, you will see the weight come off quickly but if you do not incorporate a healthy style of eating then you will quickly gain back all that was lost and in some cases even more.



About the Author: Ken Black is the founder of Weight Loss Discovery. Visit us if you want to learn more about healthy weight loss.

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Saturday, February 10, 2007

21 Days To A Vacation Body - Look Awesome On The Beach

What is the Ideal Vacation Body?



If you look better in minimal clothes than you do covered up, you have achieved a great vacation body. This look is attained by minimal body fat. A lot of people look great with their clothes on, but much less impressive in swim wear. It is possible to have a lot of muscle and fill out a shirt well, but if you can't see your abs then you won't look your best in swim wear.



Attaining a Lean Body will Make Your Face More Attractive as Well



A really nice benefit of lowering your body fat percentage is that it gives you a leaner square-jawed face as well. One of the reasons GQ models and Abercrombie Models get down to low body fat is to make their face more appealing. With women it emphasizes their cheek bones and gives them a model look. If you drop off 10-15 pounds of body fat in your quest to attain a vacation body, your face will definitely become more attractive.



The Simple 21 Day Program to a "Vacation Ready" Body



Don't let the simplicity here fool you...this program works. Here it is in a nutshell.



1) Perform at Least 1 Hour of Cardio Each Day for the 21 Days Before Your Vacation



2) Make Sure That At Least 20 Minutes of This Cardio is Intense



3) Don't Eat Any Calories at All for 4 hours Before or 1 Hour After Your Cardio Workout



4) Figure Out The Ideal Weight Your Are Shooting For and Multiply it by 8. This Number is the Maximum Amount of Calories You Will Consume Each Day.



5) Grab a Cup of Plain Black Coffee if You Want Extra Energy for Your Workout



6) Hit the Weights as Much or as Little as You Like for These 21 Days



Lifting Weights is Secondary to Cardio When You Are Striving to Get Really Lean



Since your focus is losing body fat, you really don't need to obsess over lifting weights hard during this time. If you have the energy to hit the weights hard, then go for it. If the low calories and cardio are wearing you out, then skip the lifting. Muscle tone is mainly a function of low body fat percentage. You will see very good muscle definition all over your body if you get your body fat low enough.



It Isn't Easy to Get a Vacation Body, But it Is Simple!



I bet less than 1% of the population have ever worked out for at least an hour a day for 21 days in a row. The way I look at it is this...if you want to look better than 99% of the people out there then you will have to outwork 99% of the people. If you accomplish this 21 day stretch, I guarantee that you will be pumped about the results. You will also gain the confidence that comes with knowing that you are more self-disciplined than 99% of the population.



Just 21 Days to a Great Vacation Body...Time to Get To It!



About the Author: Rusty Moore is a trainer who gives advice to men and women who want their body to "attract the opposite sex". Learn how to get that rare "Hollywood" physique. Click Here ===> The Death of Bodybuilding

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Beyond Dieting: How to Keep the Weight Off For Good

For many people the hardest part about dieting is not losing weight but keeping the weight off. The reason for this is because many people fall back into their old habits of eating not long after their diets have ended and become afflicted with yo-yo dieting.

However, successful dieters will tell you that it is important not only to know how to lose weight but how to keep it off for good.

One method that successful dieters use to keep their weight off is by proper planning of their meals and activities.

Planning Your Meals

Meal planning is perhaps one of the single most important steps you can take to keeping the weight off and getting control of your eating habits. As a part of your weight management efforts, you should try to plan your weekly meals so that you stock your kitchen with the healthy and nutritious foods and snacks. Having a healthy choice of food in your pantry and your refrigerator can serve as a preventative measure against binging or snacking on foods that may cause you to fall back to your old eating habits.

Planning Time for Exercise

Additionally, your weekly planning should also include some form of exercise. Keep in mind that research shows that exercise is one of the most important factors for maintaining weight control. Therefore, scheduling exercise into your routine is a crucial step to managing your weight.

Keeping a Food Diary

Keeping a food diary may also be essential to you keeping your weight under control. By monitoring your food and activities in a diary, you may be able to identify any problem areas you might have, before they become major issues.

Additionally, one of the things you can record in your food diary is the times of day that you feel tempted to snack. By writing these times down, you may be able to plan activities for yourself instead of succumbing to your cravings.

Dealing with Cravings

Being prepared to deal with your cravings is another important aspect of weight control. Most people experience cravings at one point or another. However, knowing how to deal with these cravings separates the successful dieters from the unsuccessful ones.

One strategy that you can follow when you begin to experience cravings, is try to outlast your cravings. Research shows that most cravings go away after 20 minutes, so if you can outlast your cravings without giving in, it will eventually pass. Additionally, instead of giving in to your cravings, do something pleasant like taking a relaxing bath or talking to a friend on the phone.

Eating Out

Long term weight management doesn't mean you can never eat out. What it might mean, however, is that you may need to prepare yourself mentally in advance for the experience. For example, one strategy is if you know you are going out for dinner, maybe you can try to mentally plan out what you might order before you get to the restaurant. Having an idea about what you are going to eat before you get to the restaurant may prevent you from over-eating once you get there.

Additionally, if you know ahead of time that you are going to eat out, try to eat a little lighter, earlier in the day. Also, once you are at the restaurant, try to skip any appetizers and desserts and go with the main meal of the evening.

Although learning weight control can be a challenge for many people, it is important to realize that by being conscious of your habits and by monitoring yourself, success can be yours and you can learn to manage your weight and keep the pounds off for good.

If you are taking your diet program seriously, make sure to check out the top weight loss site fitness calculators, diet tips and dieting news at http://www.the-weightloss-guide.com/ right away.


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Detox Herbs And Ions To Cleanse The Body

Today It's more important than ever to detoxify harmful chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals due to the stressful conditions in which our food sources are created to meet current demands. Environmental toxins also play a big role in the increase of disease and poor health. For anyone who is truly interested in reclaiming their own health, one must assume some responsibility to do so. Yes we live in a toxic society so it behooves us to do our homework to find out what is workable and safe to consume that will help us resolve the condition that needs to be handled.



Certain medicines and herbs may not react well together and this is where your homework comes in. In this article I will do my best to give you the most accurate information I can but if you are unsure, consult a medical practitioner.



Here are lists of herbs that may help to detox and feed the body:



Wormwood- cleanses the colon of worms and also works as a mild sedative. (Should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing).



Black walnut husk- cleanses the intestines of parasites, helps in digestion, works well in fungal infections.



Cloves- Also aids in digestion, clears out parasites.



Cascara Sagrada- works as a laxative to help people who suffer from constipation, a great colon cleanser. (Do not use on a regular basis as it can be habit forming. Follow manufacturer instructions.)



Cayenne Pepper- a wonderful herb that does many things including; helps the heart, kidneys, lungs, stomach, aids in digestion and is good for sinus problems, colds and sore throats. Cayenne is rich in folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, vitamin A and C.



Burdock Root- is a very good blood cleanser and helps the immune system, helps the liver and gallbladder to function better. (Do not take iron and burdock at the same time. They cancel each other out).



Corn Silk- aids the intestines, bladder and kidneys. Corn silk is one of those herbs that work well in combination with other kidney cleansing herbs.



Milk Thistle- for liver problems this herb is a must. It restores liver cells and is a great antioxidant. Milk thistle also aids the kidney and digestive disorders.



Cats Claw- good for intestinal disorders and enhances white blood cell action. (Pregnant women should avoid cat’s claw).



Cranberry- great for the urinary tract as bacteria cannot survive in cranberry’s acidity.



Horsetail- contains silica which is absolutely necessary for bones, hair and skin. It’s wonderful for strengthening the heart. It flushes out toxins when taken with a lot of water.



Pau-d’arco – A very good blood cleanser, has antibacterial properties and strengthens the immune system.



Rosemary- Helps to prevent liver toxicity has anti-tumor properties and stimulates circulation and digestion.



Yellow dock- cleanses the blood, cleans the colon and is good for liver disease. Also good for all types of skin disorders.



Yerba mate- cleanses the blood, helps with allergies, constipation and inflammation.



Parsley- This herb does many good things for the body such as stops tumors from multiplying, helps the kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver and lungs. Helps the thyroid function better, helps in lowering blood pressure, aids in kidney and prostate conditions.



A good multi vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended to help reduce free radical damage and give important nutrients to the body. NOTE: minerals should be taken at a different time from vitamins because some minerals will cancel out some of the vitamins.



Intake of clean fresh water is vital in not only in the cleansing process, but also in necessary hydration for the body. This is so important that if you did nothing else than drink eight glasses of water per day, you would be much farther ahead. You would not expect a toilet to flush without water, so it is with your body. You need water to flush toxins and waste from the body.



Foods that help you detox and alkalize the body:



Most vegetables

Most fruits

Maple syrup

Molasses

Soy products

Most vegetable and fruit juices, preferably raw fresh organic made from a juicer.

Water and lots of it.



(vegetables and fruit that are acid forming are: Asparagus, brussel sprouts, chickpeas, cranberries, canned or glazed fruit).



To keep indoor air clean you can get a good ion air purifier and a good vacuum with a Hepa filter. (Spraying the air with perfumed air cleaner products is not recommended because it does not take pollutants out of the air).



Ionic foot baths are also good for helping the body to detox and assist in the reduction of pain of all sorts.



Negative ions are very beneficial for a body and are in abundance in forests, fast moving rivers and water falls or just strolling down the beach. (The footbath mimics this) Get out of the city once in a while and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and get well!



About the Author: Willie is a freelance writer, researcher who's own health problems prompted her to take responsibility for gaining as much information on health as possible and to share that knowledge with others. She is co-owner of http://www.cleanbodydetox.com a site that focuses on health.

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Friday, February 09, 2007

10 Top Reasons Why You Are Overweight

Weight loss is one of the most important obsessions in American society today. People are constantly searching for a new way to lose weight as fast as possible. Whether you want to fit into that gorgeous dress for your date on Friday night, or you want to get in shape for the upcoming golf season, there are a number of ways that you can lose weight safely and effectively.



But, the problem these days is that most people take diets and weight loss too seriously. Being too serious about anything can lead to disappointment and frustration when things do not work out exactly as you planned. So, if you want to shed some pounds, have a plan indeed, but don't punish yourself if you fail and need to start again.



To help you, here is a light hearted look at some of the common reasons why you might be overweight.



Starting from the least to most important :



#10. Your Grandmother keeps making you cookies and you feel guilty if you don't eat them.



#9. Your spouse makes fun of you when you eat Tofu, so you eat Twinkies instead.



#8. Your co-workers keep saying you look great, so why spoil it !



#7. Tried Hypnosis, but when you go for a walk you have to stop at every fire hydrant.



#6. Your Gym shorts don't fit anymore.



#5. Too embarrassed to admit you don't know what the word Nautilus means.



#4. Exercise makes you lose your breath - better to relax and smoke instead.



#3. Can't get off the couch – too hooked on Deal or No Deal.



#2. Wife threatened to leave you if you didn't lose 20 pounds.



And the number one reason why you are overweight is ...



#1. You're in training to get on NBCs The Biggest Loser TV Show !



But, seriously, if you need to lose weight, make it fun and not a life sentence. It's not that hard if you take it one small step at a time. Here are a few tips to get you started :



- Eat lots of smaller meals throughout the day. If your usual day revolves around three meals, you should try to change this to five smaller meals during the day. This will help you to take in fewer calories during the day at any given time and will help to stimulate your metabolism and burn off the calories you actually consume.



- Exercise for at least twenty minutes 5 out of seven days a week or more. But, make it fun – go for a walk, go skating, play some golf, go cycling, swimming, jogging, or whatever you enjoy. The more you do this, the more calories you will burn and the better your chances of success.



- Cut your carbohydrate consumption as much as possible. Eat more proteins instead (eggs, milk, lean meat, chicken and so on) and you'll have more sustained energy throughout the day, will feel better and you will lose more inches over time.



More importantly, talk with your doctor about your hopefully healthy weight loss goals and ideas and get their approval first before embarking on any exercise or diet program. Before you know it, you will start feeling more energetic, positive and more alive than ever before.



About the Author: Ken Black is the founder of Weight Loss Discovery, a website all about Healthy Weight Loss.

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What Are The Risks Of Toxins In My Body?

Ask yourself this question, “What Are The Risks Of Toxins In My Body” It’s a sad fact that sooner or later, we all have to accept the fact that we regularly ingest toxins into out bodies. When I say toxins, I don’t necessarily mean harmful toxins like drugs. Some of the toxins that we put into our bodies come from foods that we eat everyday too.



Foods that we trust to make us healthy like fresh fruits and vegetables often have pesticides on them that the farmers use that can cause severe problems. The fact is that even the air we breath through pollution brings toxins into our bodies. There are few things that don’t bring toxins into our bodies and the key is to know how to get rid of them.



Diet and exercise are naturally the best way to stay healthy, but getting rid of harmful toxins should also be on your to do list. Its easier than you thought, so why not give it a shot?



What Toxins Am I Exposed To.



“What Are The Risks Of Toxins In My Body” and how can I get rid them. When it comes to getting rid of the harmful toxins in your body, it helps to know what you are exposed to every day as well as where these toxins are coming from and where can find them.



It is amazing but you can find many of these toxins in things that you would not even think had them in there. The more widely known chemicals and additives that can be found in your body and the foods that they are found in. There are thousands more in use but it is a good start. They are explained in a comprehensive Detox Manual Guide just out.



“What Are The Risks Of Toxins In My Body” Here are just a few examples of harmful toxins that we are talking about, Acesulfame K, Acetone, Acetaldehyde, Alcohol, Alkyl-phenol Ethoxylades, Alpha Hydroxy Acid…. The list is very long in deed. But the detox manual goes into detail and has in-depth information on them.



Using Diet to Detox Your Body.



Detox diets are a very popular way that people use in order to get rid of the harmful toxins that we ingest every day. These diets encourage you to eat natural foods and also encourage you to ingest lots of water and veggies which is all stuff you know is good for you. You hear about celebrities going on detox diets all of the time, and people who go into drug or alcohol rehabs are said to be detoxing as well, so you may wonder if it would be safe and ok for you to do as well.



Although detox diet theories have not actually been proven scientifically, the people who support detox diets believe that toxins don't always leave our bodies properly when we use the bathroom. Instead, they say that these toxins hang around in our digestive, lymph, and gastrointestinal systems and even in our skin and hair.



There are tons of detox diets out there to choose from. Typically they involve 1 or 2 days on a completely liquid diet and another 4 or 5 days slowly adding brown rice, fruit, and steamed vegetables to the diet. After a week of eating only these foods, you gradually reintroduce other foods with the exception of red meat, wheat, sugar, eggs, and all prepackaged or junk foods.



You should also know that there are certain type of diet that can be addictive. That's because there's a certain feeling that comes from going without food or having an enema which can feel like a high that some other people get from nicotine or alcohol. This can become a dangerous addiction that leads to major health problems in the long run.



There are other methods of reducing the The Risks Of Toxins In your Body, these methods are detailed in “Detox Manual” and can be found below, for a small price you will have a step by step guide that you can use for reference for ever.



You definitely shouldn't start a detox diet or stop eating from any major food group without talking to your doctor or a registered dietician first. The human body is designed to purify itself. Your liver and kidneys will do the job they're supposed to do if you eat a healthy diet that includes fibre, fruits, veggies, and plenty of water.



When taken once every 6 months or longer, the detox diet is not harmful and will cleanse your body of the toxins that you want to be rid of. Just make sure that you are not over doing it or prolonging the diet for longer than you need to.



Herbal Replacements and Pills.



Whole foods also contain other substances that are important for good health and a healthy detox program. Fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, contain naturally occurring food substances called phytochemicals, which might just help protect you against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure that you ingest into your system everyday



Many of them are also good sources of the antioxidants that you need which slow down your body’s oxidation, which is a natural process that can leads to cell and tissue damage. If you depend on supplements rather than eating actual foods, you miss the potential benefits of these substances. That is why you must exercise caution when choosing pills as a your detox formula.



I hope this article has not alarmed you, on the contrary I have tried to make you aware of “What Are The Risks Of Toxins In My Body” but you can find a comprehensive guide on the subject “DetoxManual”



About the Author: Bobby Ryatt, If you enjoyed reading this articles, then go to my website where I the detox guide. You will have all the information on the subject. The facts will open your eyes and expose some real truths. http://www.detoxmanual.com

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Thursday, February 08, 2007

Choosing The Right Pilates Exercise Equipment

Choosing the right pilates exercise equipment will help you achieve a better exercise program that will give you an amazing body.These items are available on the web and in sports shops. Using them will increase the results of your workout. Whether you are a just getting started or have been practising the pilates exercise equipment I describe in my article will be of great assistance to you.



The first piece of Pilates exercise equipment you want to get is a DVD that offers a viewing of a typical routine. You simply work out right with the people on the screen. While this is not the newest innovation in Pilates exercise equipment it is the most important item.



Following a good plan is simple if you have the instructor right there with you. Those of us who can’t afford a personal trainer opt to buy the DVD Pilates exercise equipment instead. Using a DVD will help you finish a complete routine without skimping. It also provides great motivation for the user.



The Pilates ball is a favorite among people of all abilities. This Pilates exercise equipment is just plain fun. You can accomplish a lot in a workout by balancing on one of these large bouncy balls without feeling a thing. The results are great and you barely break a sweat. This is among the most popular Pilates exercise equipment on the market.



One of the most important aspects of this type of workout program is its safety. This approach to fitness is very kind to the body. In fact, it is even used in some physical rehabilitation approaches. This is a very appealing feature that is the key to the Pilates workout. People of all ages and abilities are able to use this program.



No matter how safe any workout is you really want to choose a mat when completing floor exercises. Pilates exercise equipment includes this necessity to floor workouts. I think that this is one of the most important pieces of Pilates exercise equipment, especially if you have hardwood floors.



Resistance bands are great for adding a little more challenge to the routine. While the resistance bands are not an absolute necessity to a successful workout they can really help to keep things interesting for the advanced client. This Pilates exercise equipment can be introduced at the intermediate level but I really wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.



One of the keys to achieving results with pilates exercise equipment is to focus on continuity of exercise. Be patient and stick with it. You will be amazed at your body's transformation.For more information about pilates exercise equipment check out the net through your local

browser. There are also many new articles about pilates exercise on my website.



About the Author:
Ann Merier writes articles about the home and family health in general. Her many article topics include mothers day,diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise
Pilates Exercise
Mothers Day

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Fat Loss In General

Most of the fat in my diet comes from a combination of nuts and flax seed oil. However, it is well known that flaxseed contains a much higher concentration of Omega -3 oil. Flax Seed Oil is also known as Linseed Oil. FlaxSeed is a blue flowering plant that is grown on the Western Canadian Prairies for its oil rich seeds. FlaxSeed oil is highly recommended for the general well being, whole body nutrition and helps in restoring body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins.



But now let’s talk about the nutritional values of flax seed. They are the best source for Omega 3 fatty acids, which is great for the brain and concentration. Adding flax seeds to your diet can increase your ability to concentrate better and think faster.



A comprehensive approach to treating cognitive disorders should include foods and supplements that benefit the overall health of brain cells. These include omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish. Like olive, canola, and most other plant oils, flax seed oil is highly unsaturated and heart-healthy.



FAT LOSS: The Truth on Fat Loss and how to Achieve it!



Fat Loss in General



This morning I conducted a search engine "search" on the word fat loss. "Fat Loss" and "Fat Loss Supplements", being the most popular keywords, came up with a combined 1800 links, in one search engine. I went to the next search engine I ran a word count on "fat loss" rather than a link count. The results came up as 46106! WOW! Why is it that fat loss / losing body fat related information and products are so much in demand, yet obesity and being overweight are on the up and up, and are actually at the highest rate ever. With the health and fitness industry booming it seems absurd that this is occurring. Doesn't it? Temptation and Obstacles Effecting Your Attempts at Fat Loss



The fact is that losing body fat or fat loss is not easy. We are tempted every day with fast fatty and sugary foods with super deals of quick easy meals involving drive through access and home delivery. These fast food meals are "fast" and often "affordable" with meal deals for a family of four sometimes costing under $10 - $12. Who wouldn't pass this up! Before you know it, it's the end of the day, the family is hungry, dinner time is drawing nigh and your beat. I can fully understand why people choose this option when our lifestyles are so hectic.



The Alcohol "Social and Relaxation" Temptation An odd heading for this paragraph, I know, but I needed to draw your attention to the fact that alcohol will not help your fat loss efforts. I know we hear the saying so often that "doctors say that it's healthy to have one or two wines per day", however this is in regards to the properties of red wine assisting in the prevention of clogged arteries - not a fat loss miracle! If red wine is necessary for medicinal purposes and perscribed by a doctor then obviously your health comes first. However the topic here is fat loss........................



My views are "everything in moderation". BUT I DO KNOW THAT if you want to make a genuine effort to lose body fat that a couple of alcoholic drinks per day could easily effect your fat loss attempts. So unless your's is the case above then I would seriously think about "cutting back".



Since I began as a trainer years ago I have found that it is usually junk food or alcohol that prevents my clients from losing body fat. Just going without those few EXTRA drinks after work or consuming less alcohol at social gatherings will make a considerable difference to how much body fat you lose.



Quit Fooling Yourself



Do not fool yourself by thinking that if you just fat burn or exercise for one extra session per week you can rid yourself of all those extra calories and fat from alcohol and food. Unfortunately our bodies aren't that easily fixed.



Why Most People Don't Succeed at Losing Body Fat



Other than the temptations mentioned above people tend not to succeed at fat loss because they are either not committed, not well informed on fat loss or they are committed for the wrong reasons. In other words you either aren't abiding by the rules, or have been mislead by some other belief or you are trying to lose body fat because you are trying to keep other people happy by doing so rather than yourself. Making Sure You are Trying to Lose Body Fat to Please YOU, Not Everyone Else.



Think about why it is you want to lose body fat. Make sure you really want to put in 100% effort.. You want to feel great about making this decision not obliged to do it. Losing body fat can help increase your self-esteem as well as boosting your health so giving it your best shot with a positive frame of mind is always the "way to go".



Things that You Should Do Before You Get Started!



First you may want to make notes on what time of the day, when and where that you will most probably find it the most difficult to stick to this program. If, say for instance, "calling in at the drive thru for fast food on the way home from work or picking the children up" is where you find that you are most likely to go wrong then be prepared for it by making the appropriate changes. eg Having a meal which is already partly prepared in the fridge so that it will only take an extra 10 - 15 minutes to cook. Being organised with food preparation is very very important. It is exhausting coming home after a long day and realising you have to then organise something for dinner (amongst other things) You can bet the children would jump for joy if you offered them Mac's - so you do - at least there is no washing up the dishes after dinner either...Sound familiar? In large doses, or when taken with inadequate water, flaxseed may precipitate bowel obstruction via a mass effect. The effects of flaxseed on blood glucose levels are not clear, although hyperglycemic effects have been reported in one case series. Diets high in lignans can lead to a lower chance of getting colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Flax is 100 times richer in lignan than most whole grains.



But you should be drinking a lot of water after consuming the seeds.



Flax Hull Lignans are very beneficial for many health conditions. Studies have shown that SDG or lignan (secoisolariciresinol diglycoside, but for simplicity this substance will be referred to as lignans) Like the omega-3s found in fish, it appears to reduce the risk of heart disease and numerous other ailments.



Re-orgnanising Your Lifestyle - Don't Make it Difficult on Yourself!



Re-orgnanising your lifestyle may be quite a challenge for most people and families. But if you want to succeed at fat loss I am sure you want to be able to do it without tearing your hair out. Your goal is to re-arrange and plan your day so that you, your family and your new lifestyle can run smoothly. Such as planning your low-fat meals and recipes in a diary. Planning your grocery shop with a shopping list to prevent you from buying unnecessary junk food is also a great idea. Pre-preparing meals, making appointments for your exercise time slot etc all needs to be written into your appointment book or diary. You can tick each appointment off as the day progresses. When planning your shopping list remember, that unless you have the time, don't go getting all creative with lowfat banquets etc for lunches and dinner. Choose simple to prepare ingredients and meals.



What Exercise Should I be Performing to Burn Body Fat? There seems to be alot of controversy over what to do and what not to do when it comes to "fat burning" exercise. Mostly it depends on your fitness level and if you have any type of injuries, back pain or medical conditions that may affect what you can and can't do. Make sure you check with your doctor first before starting any type of exercise or eating program, so he / she can indicate and provide you with a letter verifying that it is "ok" for you to start exercising and at what level.



Different Types of Exercising for Fat Burning



Does Omega 3 Lowers Cholesterol? Why is Flaxseed called the Miracle Food? Treadmills, indoor cycles, cardiovascular machines etc any of these are great for performing fat burning exercise, provided your doctor says it's cool to go ahead with it. If you enjoy being outdoors then walking and cycling are also great. Finding a program that suits your bodies needs and fitness level is important. Make sure you add variety to your fat burning program as you advance adding hills, inclines and speed rather than increasing the time. A reasonable time for fat burning is approx 20 - 30 mins.



You should also know that if you increase the time of your fat burning session, and not the intensity and other variations, you will find that as you advance your program your sessions may become too long. This will only encourage you to think that your exercise is becoming too time consuming and a chore - which will lead you to "throwing in the towel". So keep up the variety to keep it interesting. The Wrong Program for You: A Common Mistake that Leads to Lack of Fat Loss



Have you ever read a successful fat loss story that you, and everyone else you know, tried only to find that it didn't work that well for you or them? Did you stop to think that maybe the person in the success story had their program specifically designed for their body type, not yours! If you really want to "kick some fat loss butt" you need a program that is designed to suit your body type and fitness level. Don't expect super results from a program that someone else used, remember they may have had a different metabolism, fitness level, body shape and eating program to you, which makes it very difficult for you to reach the same levels of fatloss as they did.



FREE FAT LOSS EXERCISE Sample Program:



This program is a sample program to give you an idea of the variations you can use for your fat burning programs.



Where to go from here.............



After reading this article you should have a greater knowledge of where you may be going wrong with your fat loss or how to get started on a new fat burning program.



I look forward to seeing you again soon.



There is nothing as profitable to a drug company as a patient who is forced to take some drug for the rest of his life - heart medications fit in that category.



Men who eat fish frequently have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Stomach and intestinal cancers also appear to be less common in fish eaters.



Essential fatty acids are further metabolized into hormone-like substances in the cell known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are involved in the regulation of many important physiological functions.



Let me first address the issue of fat. Fat seems to receive a lot of reprimand but the fact is we all need fat; fat helps nutrient absorption, nerve transmission, maintaining cell membrane integrity etc. However, when consumed in excess amount, fat contributes to weight gain, heart disease and certain types of cancer.



Omega 3 benefits are wide-ranging and proven by clinical studies. Understanding the best omega 3 sources means you can include more of these healthy foods in your daily meal planning.Why is Flaxseed called the miracle food? Find out at http://www.flaxseedfitness.com



About the Author:
By Elizabeth Harfleet
Does Omega 3 Lowers Cholesterol? Why is Flaxseed called the Miracle Food?

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Monday, February 05, 2007

Can Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?

Many of us are interested in losing weight. Weight loss products are huge sellers – even when they make ridiculous claims. But there is evidence to suggest that some substances can help speed up our metabolism.



We all know that a faster metabolism means more calories burned in a day – and that can easily translate into weight loss.



One substance that does seem to have promise in the battle of the bulge is green tea. First of all, green has caffeine, which does speed the metabolism somewhat. What’s special about tea is that, for some reason, the caffeine in tea doesn’t appear to raise the heart rate or blood pressure rate the way other forms of caffeine do.



This makes tea an effective way to speed up the metabolism without worry for those who are caffeine sensitive.



Green tea also seems to be helpful for weight loss because of its potent anti-oxidants. Tea’s polyphenols have been shown to have many health benefits because they combat free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage.



These polyphenols also seem to work with other chemicals in the body to intensify fat oxidation and thermogenesis. This creates fat burning heat in the body. It also helps depress leptin production in the body. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates our appetite and our fat storage.



Lower levels of leptin mean a smaller appetite, but overweight people often produce too much leptin, which may be why they eat too much. If polyphenols can decrease your leptin levels, you’ll automatically eat less.



One of the biggest problems found in those who are obese is this overproduction of leptin along with an underproduction of the hormone that tells us we’re full.



If green tea can help regulate these hormones, it may take us a long way to helping the chronically obese get their weight under control.



Another advantage to green tea in terms of weight loss and maintenance is the fact that green tea seems to help with our insulin levels. Green tea helps the carbohydrates that we eat be released more slowly, keeping our insulin at a steady level.



This helps reduce our chances of storing fat. If we can keep our insulin levels steady throughout the day, we can lose weight, or keep it off, more easily.



Too many carbohydrates often cause our insulin levels to drop in a hurry, so more of our food is stored as fat rather than burned as energy. For these reasons, green tea is thought to be helpful for patients with diabetes, as well.



One important study reported by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition supports these thoughts. This study concluded that green tea does promote fat oxidation – and in a more significant way than simply its caffeine content would suggest.



This study looked at a cross section of men, with varying lifestyle habits. Some were of normal weight and some were overweight. The participants were divided into three groups.



The first group was given a green tea extract that contained 50 mg of caffeine. The second group received a placebo and the third group received 50mg of caffeine – but not from green tea. During the course of the study, the participants ate the same diet and had the same level of activity.



The participants who took the green tea extract had at least a 41% greater expenditure of calories than the other participants, even the ones who took the caffeine. So, while we do know that caffeine stimulates the metabolism, green tea obviously has other fat burning properties, as well.



Other studies have echoed these findings. One study indicated that lifelong tea drinkers tended to be of a healthier weight overall than those who did not drink tea regularly.



Of course, green tea is not a magic pill. To reach and maintain a healthy weight you must make changes to your diet beyond just adding tea. In addition, you’ll need to get exercise to burn calories and build muscle.



However, a faster metabolism is what we’re all striving for. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, so anything that can help us improve it is welcome, indeed.



By incorporating green tea to increase our metabolism and weight bearing exercise to compensate for the muscle loss that we also experience as we age, we can keep ahead of those pound that normally pile on as we get older.



Over time, no doubt there will be more studies that help us pinpoint exactly how green tea promotes thermogenesis and how we can harness its power to help with our growing obesity problem. But, in the meantime, green tea is a wise addition to your diet for many reasons.



Green tea’s anti-oxidants have also been shown to prevent diseases, including high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure. All of these diseases are ones that plague the overweight.



Drinking green tea may help your fight to stay healthy by helping you lose the weight – but also by getting a jump start on minimizing weight related medical conditions.



Try adding green tea to your diet to help lose pounds naturally and reduce any weight related health concerns that have shown up along with those extra pounds.



Even though more research is needed, you can be assured that you’re doing something positive for your overall health – and quite possibly you’ll notice it in your waistline as well.



About the Author:
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and wu long tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

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Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?

You might wonder if your thyroid is to blame for your excessweight. In fact there are a number of questions which requireanswers when the subject of thyroid disease arises. Some of thecommon questions you should seek answers to include:

* Have you been to the doctor yet?* Will thyroid hormone treatments help you achieve your ideal weight?* Are there risks associated with thyroid treatments* Can herbal supplements help?

This article will examine each of these questions in detail. Inanswering these questions we hope to enlighten you about theseverity of thyroid disease as well as the potential treatmentsas well as the risks associated with these treatments.

Have You Been to the Doctor Yet?

The most important consideration when you are concerned aboutthyroid disease is when you are going to visit a doctor. A tripto the doctor to determine whether or not thyroid disease ispresent is extremely important and should be one of the firststeps you take if you suspect thyroid disease. Some of thesymptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue,depression, forgetfulness, dry hair, dry skin, sensitivity tocold, heavy menstrual periods and constipation. Some of thesymptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, irritability,difficulty sleeping, sensitivity to heat, weight loss and moistpalms.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms a trip to thedoctor to discuss the possibility of thyroid disease isdefinitely warranted. Your doctor can perform a simple blood testto determine whether or not thyroid disease in the form ofhyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is present. Once the conditionis diagnosed a treatment program can be designed to rectify thehormone levels and help you lose any excess weight caused by thecondition.

Will Thyroid Hormone Treatments Help You Achieve Your IdealWeight?

Whether you are suffering from hyperthyroidism and a loss ofweight or hypothyroidism and a weight gain, you might wonder ifthyroid hormone treatment can help you to achieve your idealweight. This is a rather difficult question to answer because thesubject of weight and thyroid function is rather complicated.

The American Thyroid Association discusses the subject of usingthyroid hormones for the purpose of weight loss in the followingstatement, "Thyroid hormones have been used as a weight loss toolin the past. Many studies have shown that excess thyroid hormonetreatment can help produce more weight loss than can be achievedby dieting alone. However, once the excess thyroid hormone isstopped, the excess weight loss is usually regained." Thisstatement alludes to the use of thyroid hormone to stimulateweight loss but also implies weight gain is likely to follow whenthe treatment ends. If you are considering hormone treatments forthe purpose of losing weight you should be aware that the hormonetreatments will likely only reduce the amount of weight caused bythe hormonal imbalance. Any additional weight will require a dietand exercise program to eliminate the excess weight.

Are There Risks Associated with Thyroid Treatments

There are risks associated with just about any treatment plansand thyroid treatments are no exception. One risk which mustalways be considered is overcorrection of the problem. If yousuffer from hypothyroidism, or a lack of thyroid hormone, yourtreatment could cause the opposite condition. This condition isknown as hyperthyroidism, or excessive thyroid hormone. TheAmerican Thyroid Association explains additional risks bystating, "Furthermore, there may be significant negativeconsequences from the use of thyroid hormone to help with weightloss, such as the loss of muscle protein in addition to any lossof body fat. Pushing the thyroid hormone dose to cause thyroidhormone levels to be elevated is unlikely to significantly changeweight and may result in other metabolic problems."

Can Herbal Supplements Help?

You might wonder if there are herbal supplements which can assistyou in obtaining your weight loss goals by regulating the amountof thyroid hormone in your system. There are herbal supplementssuch as Thyvox which can be used for this purpose. Visiting thefollowing website will help you to learn more about Thyvox andhow you can use it to achieve your weight loss goals:http://www.thyvox.com/. It is important to carefully review this websiteand other sources to learn as much as you can about thesupplement before you make the decision to start using it.

----------------------------------------------------------Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on a health or fitness program.

This article is provided by the vTeam, Kamau Austin Publisher. Visit Health and Fitness Vitality and the Fit After Forty blog at... http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/ for more articles on how health is your greatest asset.


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