Saturday, March 31, 2007
Obesity: A problem Increasing
No one should be surprised by the large percentage of Americansover weight these days. With faster than ever growing food chainsand the way our money and appetites respond to walking pastendless, mouthwatering posters in restaurant windows, there's nowonder why diet has become the talk of the century. As many havelearned, accomplishing "weight loss" as not nearly as easy asit is to say it.
The facts are that 7.1% of children and adolescents 2-19 years ofage are overweight. That is over 12 and a half million children.Of the adult population, 32.2% which is over 66 million areobese; and almost 5% are extremely obese. Significant differencesin obesity between race and ethnic groups have also beenobserved. Mexican-American and Afro-American girls were found tobe more overweight than non-Hispanic white girls. Where boys areconcerned, the prevalence of overweight was considerably higheramong Mexican-Americans than among both non-Hispanic black andNon-Hispanic white boys. Approximately 30% of non-Hispanic whiteadults, 45% of non-Hispanic Afro-American adults, and 36.8% ofMexican-American adults were found to be obese.
A significant difference in age seemed to play a huge part aswell. Younger children are less likely to be overweight thanadolescents, and older adults are more likely to be obese thanyounger adults. The weights of adults 80 and over tend to fallinto the same category of adults 20-39 years of age.
Overweight issues are the result of an imbalance between theamount of food consumed and the amount of physical activity aperson gets. Factors that are considered linked to obesityinclude increased potion sizes, eating out often, largeconsumptions of sugar-sweetened drinks, excessive television,computer and video gaming, a change in careers, stress, and fearof crime; which lessens outdoor activity. Overweight adolescentsusually grow up to become obese adults. People gain weight whenthe body takes in more calories than it burns off. The extracalories are stored as fat. People who are obese are more thanjust a few pounds overweight, which means that their calorieintake has been more than I should have been for years.
A person's gene can play an important role in being obese, forexample, some people burn calories faster or slower than others.It is odd how obesity works in families; members of a family caneat the same foods, share the same bad habits and have a similarmind frame when it comes to weight gain; however, only a few mayhave weight problems. In most cases, weight problems come from acombination of habits and genetic factors. Obesity can seriouslyaffect a person's health in more ways than a little bit. Ofcourse it can make a person feel tired and uncomfortable, as wellas wear down joints and put extra strain on other parts of thebody; but there are more serious consequences that come fromcarrying extra weight.
Obesity in young children can cause illnesses that usually affectthe adult population, such as high blood pressure, highcholesterol, liver disease, and type2 diabetes. As they getolder, they are subjected to even more problems such as the heartdisease, congestive heart failure, bladder problems, strokes,breast or colon cancer, reproductive problems in women, and evendeath.
In addition to these things, small tasks such as walking, keepingup, playing sports, and even breathing can become extremelydifficult. Depression is also very likely among people who areover weight. They may often feel sad or angry and many people eatto make themselves feel better, only to feel worse about eatingagain.
There is some good news, however; it is never too late for aperson to make changes in their eating and exercising habits.Powerful health benefits can come from exercising as little as 30minutes a day, everyday and paying close attention to what we putinto our bodies. Staying away from sugary soft drinks such assodas, and juice, and eating more fruits and vegetables can helpsignificantly. Also, keeping a food diary and developing a betterunderstanding of the nutritional value and fat contents of food,changing grocery shopping habits, timing meals, running, andwalking is proven to do wonders for the body. Pills, and programsthat promise instant weight loss or feature severely restricteddiets are usually not effective and can be very dangerous.
A recent study has found that a key ingredient in over thecounter diet pills can increase the risk of stroke in women. Dietpills are not a permanent solution to losing weight; in fact,studies prove that almost all consumers regain that were shed.Many people are initially discouraged during weight loss,especially if they have put on excessive weight during the years;but the sooner the change is started, the closer a person willget to living a happier, healthier life.
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Written by: Aiyana Rayne. http://www.successfuloffice.com/ is a new kind of virtual office assistant, providing a full-range of office services to home businesses and global conglomerates.Their friendly staff provides an address for your business,exclusive fax, local or toll-free 1-800 numbers, and otheressential special need services. Their call center will dedicate a team of service professionals to answer your calls, your way, to provide a consistent voice to your business. They are even capable of providing a full-service sales team to your business. ============================================
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Tuesday, March 27, 2007
How To Buy Running Shoes
As an athlete or an every day person, buying running shoes is one of the best things you can do for your health. Proper running shoes are critical for a good running or walking experience, and to be able to safely exercise with the right type of support, knowing how to go about buying running shoes is more important than you might think. Your choice in running shoes can really make or break your workout experience, and if you want to get things off to a right start it is important that you choose your running shoes carefully. Chances are, your sales associate is not as knowledgeable as they sound about how to buy running shoes properly.
Shop at a "Running" Shoe Store
The worst thing you can for yourself is try to shop frugally for running shoes. The clearance rack is running shoe suicide, and more often than not you get a pair of running shoes that are malformed for your foot, too heavy or too light, or just plain do not fit right. This can be dangerous and may even potentially cause injury to your feet, legs, hips, or even your back—and all because you choose to save a few dollars by purchasing off the clearance rack.
This is not to say that buying running shoes on a dime is a bad idea. You just have to know what you are looking for and what you need in a running shoe. First of all, you are going to need proper support. Make sure that you try on your running shoes and walk around in them in the store. Many people make the mistake of thinking they know their size so they don’t have to try their shoes on at the store. You need to make sure that your shoes are not only the correct size, but also fit you right as well (this is not the same thing).
Determine Foot Type
You also need to know what type of foot you have. If you have ever had to deal with buying running shoes before, then chances are that you probably know what type of foot you have, and that is one of the most important things. Our feet are all built differently; some people have a lower arch and some people have a higher arch; still others have completely flat feet. All the different types of feet require different types of support in running shoes, so be aware of this when you are buying running shoes.
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that your feet expand during the day, so if you go out to buy running shoes first thing in the morning, chances are that they may not fit properly. It takes a few hours of actually being on your feet for them to be at their largest, so try to get your shoe shopping in during that time, so you know your shoes will fit even at their largest. Also, if you can fit it in it is best to do your running shoe shopping at a specialty running store. This makes for not only a better selection of running shoes, but more knowledgeable sales associates as well who are not worried about selling prom pumps and running shoes, but can focus in on your particular needs.
Buying running shoes doesn’t have to be a science, but there are some key mistakes that you can avoid to make your running shoe shopping experience as pleasant as possible.
About the Author: To discover additional tips about how to buy running shoes, check out http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html!
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
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Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Shop at a "Running" Shoe Store
The worst thing you can for yourself is try to shop frugally for running shoes. The clearance rack is running shoe suicide, and more often than not you get a pair of running shoes that are malformed for your foot, too heavy or too light, or just plain do not fit right. This can be dangerous and may even potentially cause injury to your feet, legs, hips, or even your back—and all because you choose to save a few dollars by purchasing off the clearance rack.
This is not to say that buying running shoes on a dime is a bad idea. You just have to know what you are looking for and what you need in a running shoe. First of all, you are going to need proper support. Make sure that you try on your running shoes and walk around in them in the store. Many people make the mistake of thinking they know their size so they don’t have to try their shoes on at the store. You need to make sure that your shoes are not only the correct size, but also fit you right as well (this is not the same thing).
Determine Foot Type
You also need to know what type of foot you have. If you have ever had to deal with buying running shoes before, then chances are that you probably know what type of foot you have, and that is one of the most important things. Our feet are all built differently; some people have a lower arch and some people have a higher arch; still others have completely flat feet. All the different types of feet require different types of support in running shoes, so be aware of this when you are buying running shoes.
Additional Considerations
Keep in mind that your feet expand during the day, so if you go out to buy running shoes first thing in the morning, chances are that they may not fit properly. It takes a few hours of actually being on your feet for them to be at their largest, so try to get your shoe shopping in during that time, so you know your shoes will fit even at their largest. Also, if you can fit it in it is best to do your running shoe shopping at a specialty running store. This makes for not only a better selection of running shoes, but more knowledgeable sales associates as well who are not worried about selling prom pumps and running shoes, but can focus in on your particular needs.
Buying running shoes doesn’t have to be a science, but there are some key mistakes that you can avoid to make your running shoe shopping experience as pleasant as possible.
About the Author: To discover additional tips about how to buy running shoes, check out http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html!
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
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Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Can Drinking Tea Make You Live Longer?
Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. Asian cultures drink gallons of green, oolong and other teas, and the Brits consume large quantities of black tea. In fact, everywhere in the world, tea is a regular part of life. In many cases, we drink tea because we like it, but as it turns out, it may be extremely healthy for us, too.
Over the years there's been tons of research on the benefits of tea to our health. And, as we learn more and more, it's becoming clear that drinking tea may be one of the best things we can do to protect our health and prolong our lives. The University of Toronto Medical Journal outlines the many benefits that drinking tea can offer
Prevention of Heart Disease
Studies have shown that regular tea consumption can actually lower cholesterol levels circulating in the blood. In fact, some studies have shown tea to reduce total cholesterol by as much as 6.5% and LDL cholesterol by as much as 11%. A reduction in cholesterol prevents atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries that carry blood become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. The plaque that builds up in our arteries is created when LDL cholesterol oxidizes.
Prevention of Cancer
Tea has been shown to reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. In fact, tea has been shown to reduce lung tumors by 80% in laboratory mice. Tea has also been effective in human studies on cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer.
Weight Loss
Tea has also been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. Tea increases energy expenditure, promotes fat oxidation and decreases fat storage. Many studies have shown that drinking tea in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose more weight than diet and exercise alone.
Improvement in Intestinal Tract Bacteria
Regular tea consumption can help improve the bacteria that live in your intestinal tract; eliminating harmful bacteria and helping beneficial bacteria to flourish. Tea has been shown to reduce the level of H pylori bacteria in the stomach. H pylori is associated with the development of ulcers.
Getting Your Daily Dose
The recommended dose of tea for health benefits is about 30 ounces per day – the equivalent of 2 ½ cans of soda. While this may seem like a lot, it's easy to consume this amount if you replace some of the other beverages you consume with tea. Consider this:
Replace one cup of your morning coffee with a cup of tea instead – that's 8 ounces.
Have one bottle of green tea with lunch instead of a bottled soda – that's another 12 ounces.
For an afternoon break, make a relaxing cup of tea instead of a snack. You'll save calories and get another 8 ounces of tea.
Have a cup of lavender or mint tea before bed – you're getting another eight ounces of tea, and you'll sleep better too!
Which tea is best?
There are literally thousands of varieties of tea available – so much that you may be confused about which you should be drinking. Probably the best tea for you is the one that you like, because if you like it you'll drink more of it. However, if you're choosing tea strictly for the health benefits, here are some suggestions to help you choose the tea that will give you the most benefit.
Choose green tea over black – Green tea is unfermented, which means that more of the original anti-oxidants are intact. It is believed that green tea has more health benefits than black tea because these anti-oxidants remain in their natural state. If you don't like the flavor of plain green tea, there are dozens of flavored green teas. They are just as healthy, and taste great. In addition, you can find bottled green teas that are very convenient when you're on the go.
Choose caffeinated teas over decaffeinated – Caffeinated teas have the most health benefit. It is believed that the caffeine in tea works with the anti-oxidants to create the maximum effects. Those who are caffeine sensitive might try green tea, as its caffeine content is lower than that of black tea.
Make sure it's real tea – There are many beverages that are referred to as tea that are not really tea. True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, and teas like rooibos and mate are really tisanes –meaning they come from other plants. There's certainly nothing wrong with these teas, but they don't provide the health benefits that you'll find in a true tea.
Drink it the way you like it- Tea retains the same health benefits whether you drink it hot or cold and whether or not you add milk. Just remember to skip the sugar if you're drinking tea to help you lose weight.
With all the health benefits that we're discovering about tea, it's a pretty good assumption that tea may help you live longer. By putting off many of the signs and diseases of aging, you're also likely to be healthier and more active in your old age. Tea is a natural, refreshing way to improve your health and longevity.
http://www.utmj.org/issues/81.1/Medical%20Murmurs.pdf
About The Author:
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Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Over the years there's been tons of research on the benefits of tea to our health. And, as we learn more and more, it's becoming clear that drinking tea may be one of the best things we can do to protect our health and prolong our lives. The University of Toronto Medical Journal outlines the many benefits that drinking tea can offer
Prevention of Heart Disease
Studies have shown that regular tea consumption can actually lower cholesterol levels circulating in the blood. In fact, some studies have shown tea to reduce total cholesterol by as much as 6.5% and LDL cholesterol by as much as 11%. A reduction in cholesterol prevents atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries that carry blood become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. The plaque that builds up in our arteries is created when LDL cholesterol oxidizes.
Prevention of Cancer
Tea has been shown to reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. In fact, tea has been shown to reduce lung tumors by 80% in laboratory mice. Tea has also been effective in human studies on cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer.
Weight Loss
Tea has also been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. Tea increases energy expenditure, promotes fat oxidation and decreases fat storage. Many studies have shown that drinking tea in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose more weight than diet and exercise alone.
Improvement in Intestinal Tract Bacteria
Regular tea consumption can help improve the bacteria that live in your intestinal tract; eliminating harmful bacteria and helping beneficial bacteria to flourish. Tea has been shown to reduce the level of H pylori bacteria in the stomach. H pylori is associated with the development of ulcers.
Getting Your Daily Dose
The recommended dose of tea for health benefits is about 30 ounces per day – the equivalent of 2 ½ cans of soda. While this may seem like a lot, it's easy to consume this amount if you replace some of the other beverages you consume with tea. Consider this:
Replace one cup of your morning coffee with a cup of tea instead – that's 8 ounces.
Have one bottle of green tea with lunch instead of a bottled soda – that's another 12 ounces.
For an afternoon break, make a relaxing cup of tea instead of a snack. You'll save calories and get another 8 ounces of tea.
Have a cup of lavender or mint tea before bed – you're getting another eight ounces of tea, and you'll sleep better too!
Which tea is best?
There are literally thousands of varieties of tea available – so much that you may be confused about which you should be drinking. Probably the best tea for you is the one that you like, because if you like it you'll drink more of it. However, if you're choosing tea strictly for the health benefits, here are some suggestions to help you choose the tea that will give you the most benefit.
Choose green tea over black – Green tea is unfermented, which means that more of the original anti-oxidants are intact. It is believed that green tea has more health benefits than black tea because these anti-oxidants remain in their natural state. If you don't like the flavor of plain green tea, there are dozens of flavored green teas. They are just as healthy, and taste great. In addition, you can find bottled green teas that are very convenient when you're on the go.
Choose caffeinated teas over decaffeinated – Caffeinated teas have the most health benefit. It is believed that the caffeine in tea works with the anti-oxidants to create the maximum effects. Those who are caffeine sensitive might try green tea, as its caffeine content is lower than that of black tea.
Make sure it's real tea – There are many beverages that are referred to as tea that are not really tea. True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, and teas like rooibos and mate are really tisanes –meaning they come from other plants. There's certainly nothing wrong with these teas, but they don't provide the health benefits that you'll find in a true tea.
Drink it the way you like it- Tea retains the same health benefits whether you drink it hot or cold and whether or not you add milk. Just remember to skip the sugar if you're drinking tea to help you lose weight.
With all the health benefits that we're discovering about tea, it's a pretty good assumption that tea may help you live longer. By putting off many of the signs and diseases of aging, you're also likely to be healthier and more active in your old age. Tea is a natural, refreshing way to improve your health and longevity.
About The Author:
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com |
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Metabolism: What You Need To Know To Lose Weight
We all know that losing weight has something to do with our metabolism. But few of us really understand what metabolism is. In its simplest terms, metabolism is a process that takes place inside your body which converts the foods you eat into energy. The body uses this converted energy to do everything; from walking to talking to swimming and so on. This process continues even while you sleep.
We are much more likely to speak in terms of burning calories when we talk about weight loss. So, when a person has a slow metabolism, he or she burns fewer calories, resulting in storing of excess calories that turn into body fat. By contrast, having a fast metabolism enables more efficient burning of calories and less buildup of excess fats.
Typically, metabolism slows as we age. Growing older, we begin digesting and processing food differently, and notice that we start gaining weight even if we eat the same types and amounts of foods we once did. Although it will vary considerably with the individual, women generally face a slow down in metabolism approximately after age 30 and men after age 40. Obviously the age of onset may differ significantly depending on the food you eat and how active a life you lead.
Although it may be difficult to believe, a low-calorie diet paradoxically slows your metabolism. You can attribute this to evolution and the fact that in our early development nature accounted for times of hunger by causing the body to react involuntarily to preserve calories and store them as fats for future use. Piling on more bad news, as you try to lose weight through semi-starvation, you actually lose muscle mass that causes a reduced rate of weight loss. Your muscles are your fat burners.
You’ll no doubt hear “rate of metabolism” referred to in any discussion about the subject. The best way to increase your metabolism rate is through regular exercise. As mentioned, muscle burns more energy than fat. It may be obvious that intensified activity will elevate your metabolism rate during exercise. But did you know that it will also increase your rate when resting? Studies show that your metabolism rate remains at a higher level for several hours following an exercise session.
Along with exercise, eating the right foods can help boost your metabolism. Your body employs energy simply to digest food. Foods high in fiber content require more energy to digest than foods full of sugar. For example, a bowl of oats will give you consistent energy longer than the sugary donut you're craving. Oats also cause your digestive system work harder, consequently elevating your metabolic rate. Now, there’s a breakfast suggestions if there ever was one!
We’ve only scratched the surface here. The long and the short of it is that if you are trying to lose weight, then your goal is to expend more energy in a day than you consume.
With a little education you can learn how to step up your rate of metabolism to achieve that goal. Greater consciousness of what you eat and the need to enhance physical activity provide the key to your weight loss.
About the Author: Robert G. Knechtel operates several websites, including MetabolismDetails.Com – Understanding Metabolism and How it Works.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
We are much more likely to speak in terms of burning calories when we talk about weight loss. So, when a person has a slow metabolism, he or she burns fewer calories, resulting in storing of excess calories that turn into body fat. By contrast, having a fast metabolism enables more efficient burning of calories and less buildup of excess fats.
Typically, metabolism slows as we age. Growing older, we begin digesting and processing food differently, and notice that we start gaining weight even if we eat the same types and amounts of foods we once did. Although it will vary considerably with the individual, women generally face a slow down in metabolism approximately after age 30 and men after age 40. Obviously the age of onset may differ significantly depending on the food you eat and how active a life you lead.
Although it may be difficult to believe, a low-calorie diet paradoxically slows your metabolism. You can attribute this to evolution and the fact that in our early development nature accounted for times of hunger by causing the body to react involuntarily to preserve calories and store them as fats for future use. Piling on more bad news, as you try to lose weight through semi-starvation, you actually lose muscle mass that causes a reduced rate of weight loss. Your muscles are your fat burners.
You’ll no doubt hear “rate of metabolism” referred to in any discussion about the subject. The best way to increase your metabolism rate is through regular exercise. As mentioned, muscle burns more energy than fat. It may be obvious that intensified activity will elevate your metabolism rate during exercise. But did you know that it will also increase your rate when resting? Studies show that your metabolism rate remains at a higher level for several hours following an exercise session.
Along with exercise, eating the right foods can help boost your metabolism. Your body employs energy simply to digest food. Foods high in fiber content require more energy to digest than foods full of sugar. For example, a bowl of oats will give you consistent energy longer than the sugary donut you're craving. Oats also cause your digestive system work harder, consequently elevating your metabolic rate. Now, there’s a breakfast suggestions if there ever was one!
We’ve only scratched the surface here. The long and the short of it is that if you are trying to lose weight, then your goal is to expend more energy in a day than you consume.
With a little education you can learn how to step up your rate of metabolism to achieve that goal. Greater consciousness of what you eat and the need to enhance physical activity provide the key to your weight loss.
About the Author: Robert G. Knechtel operates several websites, including MetabolismDetails.Com – Understanding Metabolism and How it Works.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Green Tea’s Weight Loss Magic – It’s Not The Caffeine
In recent years there has been a significant amount of attention given to green tea and its health benefits. Green tea has been shown to prevent cancer, heart disease, and reduce the signs of aging. And, more recently, studies have shown that it can be helpful in weight loss.
Green tea is a potent source of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important to our bodies because they fight the free radicals created as a by-product of digestion. These free radicals damage our cells and DNA, causing aging and disease. Therefore, a regular dose of anti-oxidants is beneficial to our health.
Many plant products contain anti-oxidants, including fruits and vegetables, cocoa, coffee, and tea. All forms of tea are good sources of anti-oxidants, but green tea is the most potent source, because the tea leaves are not fermented during the processing of green tea as they are during the production of black tea. This natural, unfermented tea leaf ensures that the important anti-oxidants, called catechins, are left in tact.
It is believed that these anti-oxidants are also an important contributor to green tea’s ability to help you lose weight. It has long been reported that green tea’s caffeine helps speed up metabolism, and may help you to lose weight.
However, what today’s research is showing is that it is not just the caffeine in green tea that helps with weight loss. Green tea’s anti-oxidants are also part of the equation. This helps explain why green tea is more beneficial to weight loss than other caffeinated beverages.
Several research studies have shown that green tea can do more than just speed up the metabolism. Green tea has also been shown to create thermogenesis, the fat burning process. In addition, in some studies, it has also been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary fat. This means that less of the fat you eat may turn into body fat.
One article of particular interest, reported on by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, discussed how green tea has the ability to increase the metabolism and boost daily energy expenditure in a greater fashion than just the caffeine content would suggest.
Two studies are discussed in this article. In the first study, healthy male subjects were fed either green tea or a dose of caffeine equal to the caffeine in green tea. The subjects who drank the green tea showed an increase in energy expenditure (number of calories burned) and an increase in fat oxidation.
However, the subjects who consumed caffeine only showed no increase in energy expenditure or fat oxidation. This leads to the conclusion that it is not the caffeine in tea that has the effect on the body’s ability to lose weight. Or, at the very least, the caffeine needs to be in combination with the anti-oxidants in order to have an effect.
In the other study cited in this article, the subjects were rats. These rats were injected with EGCG, the most potent anti-oxidant found in green tea. The rats showed a weight loss within 2-7 days of beginning the injections.
The rats showed two effects from the tea injections. The first was that their metabolism appeared to speed up. However, they also began to eat less. On average, the rats ate about 15% less when given the green tea injections.
In addition, very lean rats showed a propensity to stay lean when receiving the injections of EGCG, even when their diet increased in calories. All of the results from this study were found to be completely reversible; when the rats stopped receiving the EGCG injections, they regained the weight.
This study is important for several reasons. First of all, it suggests that EGCG is the anti-oxidant, or at least one of them, responsible for green tea’s ability to affect weight loss. Secondly, the study suggests that green tea may decrease the appetite, which may explain part of why it helps you lose weight.
Another interesting tidbit reported in this study is that the lean rats needed an increase in EGCG over time to continue to stay lean when their calories were increased. This may suggest that over time our bodies may adjust to the effects of the EGCG and we may require more in order to lose or maintain weight.
Keep in mind that this second study was conducted on rats, which means that its results may not directly correlate in humans. However, there is certainly enough positive information between the two studies to give a strong indication that green tea is helpful in weight loss.
Healthy diets combined with a reasonable exercise plan are still the two most important components of weight management. However, it does appear that adding green tea to this healthy diet can provide some help in losing weight or keeping it within a normal range. Most interestingly, it seems clear that green tea will help you more than other caffeinated beverages.
And, the really good news about using green tea to help you lose weight is that it is completely safe and has no side effects. In fact, even if you didn’t lose weight, you would likely find yourself to be healthier overall because of your green tea consumption.
Since green tea has also been shown to reduce your risk of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer, there is no downside to adding it to your diet.
To be certain, more research is needed to pinpoint exactly how green tea can help us with weight management. However, there’s certainly enough evidence available today to suggest that green tea is worth trying. You just might find that your weight loss efforts suddenly become easier and more successful.
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Green tea is a potent source of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are important to our bodies because they fight the free radicals created as a by-product of digestion. These free radicals damage our cells and DNA, causing aging and disease. Therefore, a regular dose of anti-oxidants is beneficial to our health.
Many plant products contain anti-oxidants, including fruits and vegetables, cocoa, coffee, and tea. All forms of tea are good sources of anti-oxidants, but green tea is the most potent source, because the tea leaves are not fermented during the processing of green tea as they are during the production of black tea. This natural, unfermented tea leaf ensures that the important anti-oxidants, called catechins, are left in tact.
It is believed that these anti-oxidants are also an important contributor to green tea’s ability to help you lose weight. It has long been reported that green tea’s caffeine helps speed up metabolism, and may help you to lose weight.
However, what today’s research is showing is that it is not just the caffeine in green tea that helps with weight loss. Green tea’s anti-oxidants are also part of the equation. This helps explain why green tea is more beneficial to weight loss than other caffeinated beverages.
Several research studies have shown that green tea can do more than just speed up the metabolism. Green tea has also been shown to create thermogenesis, the fat burning process. In addition, in some studies, it has also been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary fat. This means that less of the fat you eat may turn into body fat.
One article of particular interest, reported on by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, discussed how green tea has the ability to increase the metabolism and boost daily energy expenditure in a greater fashion than just the caffeine content would suggest.
Two studies are discussed in this article. In the first study, healthy male subjects were fed either green tea or a dose of caffeine equal to the caffeine in green tea. The subjects who drank the green tea showed an increase in energy expenditure (number of calories burned) and an increase in fat oxidation.
However, the subjects who consumed caffeine only showed no increase in energy expenditure or fat oxidation. This leads to the conclusion that it is not the caffeine in tea that has the effect on the body’s ability to lose weight. Or, at the very least, the caffeine needs to be in combination with the anti-oxidants in order to have an effect.
In the other study cited in this article, the subjects were rats. These rats were injected with EGCG, the most potent anti-oxidant found in green tea. The rats showed a weight loss within 2-7 days of beginning the injections.
The rats showed two effects from the tea injections. The first was that their metabolism appeared to speed up. However, they also began to eat less. On average, the rats ate about 15% less when given the green tea injections.
In addition, very lean rats showed a propensity to stay lean when receiving the injections of EGCG, even when their diet increased in calories. All of the results from this study were found to be completely reversible; when the rats stopped receiving the EGCG injections, they regained the weight.
This study is important for several reasons. First of all, it suggests that EGCG is the anti-oxidant, or at least one of them, responsible for green tea’s ability to affect weight loss. Secondly, the study suggests that green tea may decrease the appetite, which may explain part of why it helps you lose weight.
Another interesting tidbit reported in this study is that the lean rats needed an increase in EGCG over time to continue to stay lean when their calories were increased. This may suggest that over time our bodies may adjust to the effects of the EGCG and we may require more in order to lose or maintain weight.
Keep in mind that this second study was conducted on rats, which means that its results may not directly correlate in humans. However, there is certainly enough positive information between the two studies to give a strong indication that green tea is helpful in weight loss.
Healthy diets combined with a reasonable exercise plan are still the two most important components of weight management. However, it does appear that adding green tea to this healthy diet can provide some help in losing weight or keeping it within a normal range. Most interestingly, it seems clear that green tea will help you more than other caffeinated beverages.
And, the really good news about using green tea to help you lose weight is that it is completely safe and has no side effects. In fact, even if you didn’t lose weight, you would likely find yourself to be healthier overall because of your green tea consumption.
Since green tea has also been shown to reduce your risk of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer, there is no downside to adding it to your diet.
To be certain, more research is needed to pinpoint exactly how green tea can help us with weight management. However, there’s certainly enough evidence available today to suggest that green tea is worth trying. You just might find that your weight loss efforts suddenly become easier and more successful.
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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Sunday, March 04, 2007
Weight Loss Vs. Fat Loss: Discover Why Your Scale May Be Your Worst Enemy
In your pursuit of a leaner body, you know doubt utilized a bathroom scale to chronicle your progress. However, you may have been doing yourself a grave disservice. As you know, a scale measures how much weight you have lost, but it will never tell you where this weight was lost from. This is where the problem lies. When dieting, your combined weight loss could potentially come from fat loss, water loss, or muscle loss. Obviously, the former is what we all want to achieve, and the latter two are what we need to try and avoid when
ever dieting. Unfortunately, many of the fad diets claiming rapid weight loss are often achieving this at the expense of water loss and/or muscle loss. Generally speaking, if you are losing greater than two pounds per week you are likely losing muscle as well.
The best way to monitor your progress when embarking on a new diet is to measure your body fat percentage and your lean body mass. Lean body mass is your weight excluding fat. Lean body mass includes bone, muscle, and other fat free tissues with the majority of this being muscle. By measuring these two items, you will be able to determine how much fat you are losing and whether or not you are losing any muscle. The simplest way to measure your body fat percentage is through skinfold testing. If you know a personal trainer or other fitness professional in your area, they will likely be able to take these measurements for you. However, self skinfold testing is available with the use of the “Accu-Mesure”, which can by found easily online.
Once you have determined your body fat percentage, you are ready to calculate your fat weight and lean body mass. To calculate your fat weight, multiply your total weight by your body fat percentage. Remember to convert your body fat percentage to decimal form before multiplying. I.e. 11% body fat would be converted to .11 Once you have calculated your pounds of fat, subtract your pounds of fat from your total weight in pounds, which will give you your lean body mass.
Armed with these simple equations, you will be able to track your weight loss much more accurately than by simply using a scale alone. You will know exactly where your weight loss is coming from, so you can quickly make adjustments to your caloric intake to maximize your results. For example, if your lean body mass decreases and your body fat decreases, this should tell you there is to much of a calorie deficit and you should increase your daily calorie intake slightly to prevent the loss in lean body mass. Whenever you’re on a calorie restricted diet, some loss in lean body mass and therefore muscle is hard to avoid. However, this loss in lean body mass should be limited to a few tenths of a pound per week. Initially, when first starting a diet program, you will likely notice a larger drop in lean body mass due to water loss. Don’t get alarmed by this. An obvious downward trend in your lean body mass over time is definitely a concern.
It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss proper nutrition and how to calculate daily caloric needs for weight loss; however, I will mention a simple formula that can be utilized to get you in the ballpark if you have average or better body fat percentages. To calculate your total daily calories needed for fat loss, multiply your total weight by 12-13. This will give you a good starting point. I will also mention that spreading your calories out over 5-6 meals per day with each meal consisting of approximately 55% complex carbohydrate, 30% lean protein, and 15% fat will give you the best chance of permanent fat loss. Obviously, these percentages may not work for everyone, but they are a great place to start. If you want to maintain your hard earned muscle, it is also imperative you maintain a weight lifting routine, while dieting.
I hope this information will help you achieve all your weight loss goals and help you understand exactly how your nutrition and diet program is affecting your body. There is certainly still a place for the bathroom scale, but unless you’re also measuring the items above, you will never fully realize the affect of your diet program and reaching your full potential may be difficult. I wish you the best of luck.
About the Author: By Mark Petersen. If you enjoyed this article, please visit http://www.thebodybuildingpro.com to find an extensive listing of weight lifting, bodybuilding, fitness, and weight loss related information, resources, and articles. To sign up for our Better Body Newsletter, please email bodybuildingpro@aweber.com
ever dieting. Unfortunately, many of the fad diets claiming rapid weight loss are often achieving this at the expense of water loss and/or muscle loss. Generally speaking, if you are losing greater than two pounds per week you are likely losing muscle as well.The best way to monitor your progress when embarking on a new diet is to measure your body fat percentage and your lean body mass. Lean body mass is your weight excluding fat. Lean body mass includes bone, muscle, and other fat free tissues with the majority of this being muscle. By measuring these two items, you will be able to determine how much fat you are losing and whether or not you are losing any muscle. The simplest way to measure your body fat percentage is through skinfold testing. If you know a personal trainer or other fitness professional in your area, they will likely be able to take these measurements for you. However, self skinfold testing is available with the use of the “Accu-Mesure”, which can by found easily online.
Once you have determined your body fat percentage, you are ready to calculate your fat weight and lean body mass. To calculate your fat weight, multiply your total weight by your body fat percentage. Remember to convert your body fat percentage to decimal form before multiplying. I.e. 11% body fat would be converted to .11 Once you have calculated your pounds of fat, subtract your pounds of fat from your total weight in pounds, which will give you your lean body mass.
Armed with these simple equations, you will be able to track your weight loss much more accurately than by simply using a scale alone. You will know exactly where your weight loss is coming from, so you can quickly make adjustments to your caloric intake to maximize your results. For example, if your lean body mass decreases and your body fat decreases, this should tell you there is to much of a calorie deficit and you should increase your daily calorie intake slightly to prevent the loss in lean body mass. Whenever you’re on a calorie restricted diet, some loss in lean body mass and therefore muscle is hard to avoid. However, this loss in lean body mass should be limited to a few tenths of a pound per week. Initially, when first starting a diet program, you will likely notice a larger drop in lean body mass due to water loss. Don’t get alarmed by this. An obvious downward trend in your lean body mass over time is definitely a concern.
It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss proper nutrition and how to calculate daily caloric needs for weight loss; however, I will mention a simple formula that can be utilized to get you in the ballpark if you have average or better body fat percentages. To calculate your total daily calories needed for fat loss, multiply your total weight by 12-13. This will give you a good starting point. I will also mention that spreading your calories out over 5-6 meals per day with each meal consisting of approximately 55% complex carbohydrate, 30% lean protein, and 15% fat will give you the best chance of permanent fat loss. Obviously, these percentages may not work for everyone, but they are a great place to start. If you want to maintain your hard earned muscle, it is also imperative you maintain a weight lifting routine, while dieting.
I hope this information will help you achieve all your weight loss goals and help you understand exactly how your nutrition and diet program is affecting your body. There is certainly still a place for the bathroom scale, but unless you’re also measuring the items above, you will never fully realize the affect of your diet program and reaching your full potential may be difficult. I wish you the best of luck.
About the Author: By Mark Petersen. If you enjoyed this article, please visit http://www.thebodybuildingpro.com to find an extensive listing of weight lifting, bodybuilding, fitness, and weight loss related information, resources, and articles. To sign up for our Better Body Newsletter, please email bodybuildingpro@aweber.com
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
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Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
Friday, March 02, 2007
Running Training – Add Running To Your Exercise Routine
By John Purfield
If you want to make great strides with fat loss from your exercise routines, you should consider adding running to your list of exercises. All you need is a pair of running sneakers, warm clothes (on cold days) and you’re ready to go.
The good news is that you don’t have to run very long distances or for long durations to get results. However, after a few weeks you’ll be able to jog for a longer durations of time and distance.
You get results by running on an interval basis for 20 – 25 minutes. For example, you can walk for a minute and then jog for a minute for 10 intervals and you can get a great work out in. You’re body will actually burn fat from interval running.
There are many benefits that come with adding jogging or running to your exercise routine. Here are some that come to mind.
For one, jogging can provide the physical challenge needed to keep you interested in working out. Remember, jogging requires your whole body to perform the movement without any help with a machine. Sure you can use a treadmill. But the treadmill doesn’t do the work for you (at least in my case).
Physical challenges are great for people who spend all of their day leading a sedentary lifestyle. A good challenge may be trying to run a mile in 10 minutes. Achieving these challenges can build pride and confidence.
Running, of course, is one of the many exercises that help you relax. You are using your major muscle groups and using a lot of oxygen from the aerobic exercise. You can easily relieve stress and tension and focus your mind elsewhere instead of common problems. Especially, if you’re committed to reaching a physical goal you set for yourself.
If you like to start adding running to your work out, you should seek the advice of your doctor to make sure you are ready. If haven’t tried running in a long time or feel you are too heavy to jog, you should start off very slowly and with something easy.
You could always interval train because you will still get results. For example, you may want to try and walk for 3 minutes and jog for a minute until you reach 20 minutes. After, executing the workout for a few sessions, you may start feeling like you want to run more.
After a short while, you may see dramatic improvement in your endurance. From there you will start seeing the benefits of running. If you are trying to lose weight you’ll melt the fat away.
About the Author: For a great book filled with
exercise routines to keep you active for a long time, check out our review
of Turbulence Training at
http://www.addfitness.com/turbulence-training.htm
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
If you want to make great strides with fat loss from your exercise routines, you should consider adding running to your list of exercises. All you need is a pair of running sneakers, warm clothes (on cold days) and you’re ready to go.
The good news is that you don’t have to run very long distances or for long durations to get results. However, after a few weeks you’ll be able to jog for a longer durations of time and distance.
You get results by running on an interval basis for 20 – 25 minutes. For example, you can walk for a minute and then jog for a minute for 10 intervals and you can get a great work out in. You’re body will actually burn fat from interval running.
There are many benefits that come with adding jogging or running to your exercise routine. Here are some that come to mind.
For one, jogging can provide the physical challenge needed to keep you interested in working out. Remember, jogging requires your whole body to perform the movement without any help with a machine. Sure you can use a treadmill. But the treadmill doesn’t do the work for you (at least in my case).
Physical challenges are great for people who spend all of their day leading a sedentary lifestyle. A good challenge may be trying to run a mile in 10 minutes. Achieving these challenges can build pride and confidence.
Running, of course, is one of the many exercises that help you relax. You are using your major muscle groups and using a lot of oxygen from the aerobic exercise. You can easily relieve stress and tension and focus your mind elsewhere instead of common problems. Especially, if you’re committed to reaching a physical goal you set for yourself.
If you like to start adding running to your work out, you should seek the advice of your doctor to make sure you are ready. If haven’t tried running in a long time or feel you are too heavy to jog, you should start off very slowly and with something easy.
You could always interval train because you will still get results. For example, you may want to try and walk for 3 minutes and jog for a minute until you reach 20 minutes. After, executing the workout for a few sessions, you may start feeling like you want to run more.
After a short while, you may see dramatic improvement in your endurance. From there you will start seeing the benefits of running. If you are trying to lose weight you’ll melt the fat away.
About the Author: For a great book filled with
exercise routines to keep you active for a long time, check out our review
of Turbulence Training at
http://www.addfitness.com/turbulence-training.htm
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
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 fa
rmer sources, the flavor is superior and
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 fa
rmer 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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
· 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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
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Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit ourArticle Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit ourArticle Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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.
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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?
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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?
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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
For Reviews of Today’s Top Diets Visit:
Diet Reviews
For Hundreds more great articles visit our
Article Archives - Directory
Categories: Diet Plan, Diet Program
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