Wu Long Teas And Weight Loss

According to the American Obesity Association, obesity "is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese."



These numbers are disturbing and continue to rise every year. There are more than 30 medical conditions associated with obesity including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, gallbladder disease, hypertension, liver disease, and stroke.



Obesity is a world wide problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) concludes that more than 1.2 billion people around the world are classified as overweight.



Obesity is a complex disease involving environmental (social and cultural), genetic, physiologic, metabolic, behavioral and psychological components. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.



Carrying excess body weight can increase your risk of developing or worsening an existing medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, osteoarthritis and sleep apnea.



Healthy weight, overweight and obese individuals can all benefit from using obesity prevention strategies.



Strategies to Prevent Weight Gain



To help prevent weight gain it is important to assess your behavior and environment and adopt healthy habits



The amount and types of foods you eat, and your physical activity habits are important factors in controlling weight. The environment in which you live may also contribute to the adoption of poor eating or exercise habits. This is especially true in today's society, which is dominated by speed and convenience.



For example, escalators, elevators and remote-control appliances make us less physically active and walking is less frequent than in prior years. Also, greater availability of foods that are high in calories, fat and added sugars, and larger portion sizes promote unhealthy eating behaviors.



In addition, reputable organizations, government agencies and independent researchers agree on the importance of adopting healthy habits to prevent weight gain.



Effective weight management involves behavior modification which is a lifelong commitment and includes at least two components:



Healthful eating in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing a reduction in total calories, a lowered fat consumption, and an increase in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, is an essential part of weight control.



Increased frequent and regular physical activity of at least moderate intensity is also required.



Health professionals also recommend a prescription for health and weight loss that includes:

Moderate physical activity on most days of the week of at least 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day for children.

Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and reasonable portion sizes at home, in schools, at worksites, and in communities.

Drinking at least eight glasses of pure water.



In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, the use of Wu long tea (also spelled oolong tea or wu long tea) is growing in popularity as a wholesome and flavorful way to limit weight gain.



Will drinking Wu long tea really help lose weight?



For many, Wu long tea is a helpful addition to a comprehensive weight loss program. Wu long tea tastes good, contains health benefits that lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and a cup of Wu long tea in the morning can serve as a reminder of a healthy life style.

Wu Long tea has become a premium weight loss tea that many are discovering for the first time. If you have never enjoyed the great taste and slimming health benefits it is known for, you are truly missing an incredible opportunity. Originating in the Fujian Province of China, Wu Long tea has gradually been introduced into Western culture. Of all the tea, Wu Long represents the Chinese culture best.



Those who enjoy the flavor and rich aroma unique to slimming Wu Long tea truly understand the art of drinking it – slowly and delicately. Using a tiny teapot and small teacup, they are inheriting a rich tradition, started by the Chinese generations ago. The health benefits of Wu long tea are many:

Rich in Theaflavin, Tea Polysaccharides and Tea Catechin, antioxidants that assist in the reduction of plaque in the arteries, in lowering cholesterol and in producing slimming effects.

Helps regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics.

Burns 2.5 times more calories than Green Tea, ideal for weight loss.

Promotes clear, youthful looking skin.



Scientific studies have established that tea is high in health-promoting polyphenols that protect us against cancer and other diseases. Wu long tea is particularly high in "polymerized polyphenols" which according to recent studies helps to increase energy expenditure.



One recent study found that energy expenditure increased by 10% for a period of 2 hours after drinking wu long tea. This was significantly higher than the energy expenditure observed after drinking other types of tea.



Another study found that wu long tea can suppress lipid metabolism which has the effect of suppressing fatty accumulation and body weight increases. The study concludes that long-term consumption of wu long tea is beneficial for the suppression of diet induced obesity.



Health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and catechins are present in all types of tea, but hand picked wu long tea is the best source because the pickers are selecting the best leaves from the tea plant. Machine harvesting is indiscriminate and should be avoided - older leaves and twigs are harvested along with the newer leaves.



Wu long tea is not a miracle cure for weight problems. Weight loss involves following a sensible, healthy diet, and a change in lifestyle to include an adequate amount of exercise. Wu long tea however, can give you the extra boost to help in your weight loss plans, but it must be used as part of an overall strategy to improve your living habits.



Weight loss should be part of a healthy lifestyle. Don't undertake crash weight loss programs and adopt a healthy lifestyle including Wu long tea!

About The Author:

Copyright © 2007 Marcus Stout

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

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Improve Your Health And Wellbeing With Wu Long Tea: Benefits Of Drinking Wu Long Tea

What is Wu long Tea?

The Wu long (also referred to as oolong) family of teas ischaracterized by a partial oxidation process that is controllableby varying degrees of heat. Wu long tea has the benefits andtaste of both Green Tea and the fully oxidized Black Tea.

Although a number of countries now produce Wu long tea, China isthe largest and best known producer.

Since one of the characteristics of Wu long tea is partialoxidation, Wu long teas offer a wide variety of flavors dependingon the degree of oxidation. Oxidation is the key element in thedefinition of tea since all teas come from the Camellia Sinensisplant.

Wu Long Tea is a semi-oxidized tea, occupying the middle groundbetween Green and Black teas. Combining the best qualities ofGreen tea and Black tea, Wu Long Tea is not only as clear andfragrant as Green Tea, but also as fresh and strong as Black Tea.If you drink Wu Long Tea, the natural aroma may linger in yourmouth and make your throat comfortable.

Wu Long Tea is helpful in anti aging, bringing high bloodpressure down, improving the immune system, and controllingcholesterol. Wu Long Tea can help you digest food, refreshyourself and return to sobriety. It is also helpful in prolongingyour lifespan.

Chinese Wu long Teas also differ somewhat from other teas asregards the Chinese manufacturing process. Whole leaf Wu longsare often partially manufactured in private homes before finalfinishing and blending in larger factories. Althoughconsolidation of the industry has resulted in concentration ofthe business in larger firms a cottage industry still exists inthe Chinese production of Wu long Tea.

In China, high quality Wu long Tea came from three traditionaltea producing areas: Northern Guangdong (The Phoenix line),Southern Fujian (the Teguanyian line) and Western Fujian (theWuyi line). Taiwan and India are also producers of fine Wu longtea.

Fine Wu long teas are very popular with tea drinkers andconnoisseurs all over the world for their broad spectrum of tasteofferings and for their ease of infusion. In the tea producerareas of China and in Hong Kong and Taiwan (all places where teadrinkers take the tea ceremony seriously) Wu long sets thestandard for a quality tea experience.

Benefits of Drinking Wu Long tea

* Benefit Good taste

The bottom line for any tea drinker is the taste of the tea andthe feeling of wellness and serenity drinking the tea provides.Wu long Tea is provides a smooth subtle taste that encourages theserene feeling of wellness that quality tea provides.

Wu long Tea has an additional advantage in that it has a broadspectrum of oxidation and this provides a variety of tastes thatthe tea drinker can enjoy. Some Wu longs fare lighter in flavorbased upon only slight oxidation and some are more robustdepending upon greater amounts of oxidation.

When you combine the quality of Wu long Tea with taste varietythe benefit is a tea that appeals to a large number of teadrinkers.

* Benefit of a Sense of Well Being

Tea provides one benefit to drinkers that no other beverage canproduce.

That feeling is a sense of well being and serenity that isnaturally produced. Compared to coffee or soft drinks thatcontain significant levels of caffeine, sugars and other chemicalsubstances, tea creates a drink that calms and soothes thedrinker. Tea is ideal to start and end a busy day.

It is an interesting fact that most of the best spas in thecountry rely on tea as the chosen beverage.

* Benefit of Weight Loss

Due to a combination of light caffeine , anti-oxidants andpolyphenols, Wu long Tea Increases energy expenditure by 10% andit accelerates metabolism required to loose weight. Wu long Teaalso regulates blood sugar levels for diabetics. The tea burns2.5 times more calories than Green Tea and is ideal for weightloss.

Drinking Wu long Tea reduces plaque in the arteries, lowerscholesterol and produces slimming effects. It also stimulates fatreduction because the polyphenols in Wu-Long tea is effective incontrolling body fat. It activates the enzyme that is responsiblefor dissolving triglyceride.

Wu long tea eliminates the fattening effects of carbohydrates:Eating too many carbohydrates causes weight gain by increasinginsulin levels. Wu long Tea can suppress lipid metabolism whichhas the effect of suppressing fatty accumulation and body weightincreases.

* Benefit of Improved Health

Health-promoting compounds such as polyphenols and catechins arepresent in all types of tea, but hand picked Wu long Tea is thebest source. This means that the tea drinker can maintain ahealthy lifestyle with every cup.

Free radicals are damaging substances in your body. Wu Long Teacontains high amounts of anti-oxidants that reduce effect of freeradicals and helps reverse signs of aging.

Wu long Tea also helps strengthen your Immune system. Wu-Long Teadrinkers were found to have a stronger immune system and asignificantly lower risk for infections such as the common cold.

* Benefits of Quality

High quality Wu long Teas generally contain only the highestquality pluckings from such tea growing areas like the highmountain grown tea leaves grown in the famous Wuyi mountain rangein China. The benefits to the tea drinker are good health and thefeeling of well being only quality tea affords.

Loose leaf Wu long Tea is processed by the "orthodox" method – nofannings, dust, broken leaves or twigs often found in bagged teaare ever included in loose leaf Wu long Teas.

Some quality tea suppliers cup every imported shipment. Teadrinkers benefit from these suppliers because they are guaranteedconsistency.

* Benefit of Value

Value is created by high quality at a good price. Understandingthe cost per cup of loose leaf tea is important because looseleaf tea competes favorably in price with bagged tea.

When compared to tea bags the value of loose leaf tea is readilyapparent. Bags use broken tea leaves, fannings and dust becausethey infuse quicker but sacrifice quality. In terms of cost, asignificant portion of the tea bag product is involved in baggingthe tea and providing packaging for the bagged product.

With loose leaf tea one gets the high quality of plucked leaveswithout the costs associated with bagging.

Copyright © 2007 Jon M. Stout
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Jon M. Stout is Chairman of the Golden MoonTea Company. For more information about tea,(http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea)

green tea (http://www.goldenmoontea.com/blacktea) and black tea

go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com/ ========================================

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Hoodia Gordonii And Its Affect on Metabolism

When most people talk about a metabolism increasing drug or supplement they are referring to a substance that stimulates the body to burn more calories. These metabolism stimulating supplements, such as caffeine, give us a boost of energy and a small increase in metabolic activity. On the other end of the weight loss and diet supplement spectrum is the appetite suppressant. Hoodia Gordonii, a cactus like plant from the South African Kalahari Desert, is the latest big thing in appetite suppressants. But the question remains is an appetite suppressant good for the body's metabolism?

Up until recently Hoodia Gordonii was used almost exclusively by African Bushmen to help suppress their appetites during hunting trips that would last for several days. They had two reasons for doing this. One, they did not want to eat outside of the communal dining that is a staple of their culture and two, they wanted to make sure they didn't eat what they hunted before they returned to the village. These tribal Bushmen have been using Hoodia Gordonii for hundreds of centuries with no known side effects. Of course they have been eating it for centuries and may have evolved an immunity to any side effects.

In studies that have been done to back up the anecdotal evidence supplied the Bushmen the appetite suppressing qualities of Hoodia Gordonii seem to be real. In one study obese individuals were given a set amount of Hoodia Gordonii everyday and were asked not to exercise. Over the course of the study the subjects taking the hoodia ate 1000 less calories per day then the control group that was taking placebos. This can be helpful for people who are obese or extremely overweight and have a hard time controlling their eating habits.

A potential problem exists though. Because the body's metabolism requires a certain amount of calories to function per day anything that can result in fewer calories being ingested then are needed can cause the metabolism to actually slow down. For people who are trying to lose a few pounds taking Hoodia Gordonii could have the opposite effect of what they want. A slowing metabolism will actually cause the body to start hoarding its energy supplies and turning any excess calories directly into fat stores. The thing to remember is that cutting to many calories can be just as harmful as consuming to many calories.

The body's metabolism will respond best to healthy nutrient dense foods. If one is taking Hoodia Gordonii it is wise to remember that just because you are not hungry doesn't mean your body doesn't need a steady supply of energy. Where it may work best for many people is to suppress the appetite enough to keep them from snacking all day on high sugar and empty calorie foods. This will require a conscious effort to eat healthy snacks and meals to actually increase the body's metabolism for optimum fat loss.

Everything has its place and incorporating Hoodia Gordonii into a weight loss program can be beneficial if used correctly. The best way to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. This has the benefit of increasing the body's metabolism which in turn burns fat. Using an appetite suppressant to help curb cravings can be a valuable part of a good weight loss regimen. But long-term fasting and severe caloric restriction can cause more harm than good. The body needs high octane energy to function correctly and eating healthy is the first step to increasing your metabolism and losing weight.

Article Source: http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/articles

By: Andrew Bicknell
To find out how to increase your metabolism and for more information about the metabolic process please click here.

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Keep Yourself Honest With a Food Diary

By: Wendy Wood

A great tool for dieting is keeping a personal food diary. Whether you are just starting out on a diet, or struggling to stay on one, incorporating a food diary into your plan is a great way to keep yourself on track. There is something about looking at your food intake in indisputable writing that helps you curb your bad food habits. Keeping a food diary will show you exactly how much you are eating, as well as documenting the types of food that make up the majority of your diet. Some people find it helpful to keep a food diary for a week or so before starting a diet to enable them to more accurately target problem areas. Understanding your weaknesses and preparing yourself to combat diet issues is a great step in maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Starting a Food DiaryThere are no hard and fast rules about how to keep a food diary. The important thing to remember is to write down everything that you eat. Ostensibly, no one but you is going to see what is written in your food diary, so omitting snacks or other food items will mean that you are only lying to yourself. If you are serious about losing weight, it is critical that you understand exactly how your caloric intake measures up to the amount of calories you burn during exercise. Drinks and water should also be included. Simply knowing that you are committed to writing down every bit of food you eat is a great way to curb cravings and stick to your plan.

Advanced Food Diary OptionsOnce you get into the hang of keeping a food journal, you might want to consider expanding the information that you track. Along with food intake, tracking daily exercise is a great way to compare how much you eat to how many calories you are burning. It is also helpful to note the number of calories and nutritional information for the food you write down. Developing a healthy diet has as much to do with what you eat as how much you consume. Once you have a good understanding of the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates you are eating, it will be easier to plan a more balanced diet that helps you to lose weight and stay in shape.

Online Food DiaryAnother option for keeping a food diary is to keep track of it all online. There are many weight loss sites that offer free registration and many offer food diary options with a free account. This is also a great way to keep track of what your eating throughout the day if you are on your computer frequently.

Article Source: http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/articles

Wendy Wood is a full-time mom in the process of losing extra pounds and loves to show other moms how they can lose weight and be healthier as well. Sign up for your free healthy recipes at http://www.dietmamma.com/

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Why Measuring Body Fat Is More Important Than Weighing Yourself On The Scale

When people start down the road to a healthier lifestyle, their first concern is most often their weight. After all, popular health news is full of warnings for the additional risks overweight people face, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, along with numerous other diseases.

While walking the path to greater health, the dieter will begin making smarter decisions for their overall health and fitness, but their primary concern always circles back to, "How much weight have I lost?" Weight loss is a vital part of ensuring a healthier life style, but it is not the only objective: maintaining a healthy ratio of body fat is just as important.

We've been taught since we were children that people come in all shapes and sizes. A very true statement, and one that is most often forgotten when evaluating our own bodies. When people strive to lose weight, they are actually seeking to lose the extra fat their body is carrying so they can present a more attractive figure. The problem arises when people believe that they can lose that fat simply by limiting the quantity of food eaten on a daily basis. Your body needs that food so that when you work on the other half of your diet regular exercise there are calories available to burn.

A person can be at a "normal" weight and still have excessive fat, or vice versa, they can be overweight without having an excessively high ratio of body fat. When you weigh yourself, you do not take into account what your bone structure may be like or what your muscle composition is compared to your body fat. You may think that you are overweight, but you may just need to work on reducing your body fat and replacing it with healthy muscle mass.

Dieting alone will likely just remove weight through the purging of water from your muscles. Adding in regular exercise will target the fat that you really want to lose. If you lose water weight but not fat, you will not be able to maintain your smaller structure for a long period of time. Lose fat instead, and the pounds will stay off.

Body fat is measured as a percentage of your total weight. For men, 18% and under is considered to be healthy. While for women, who biologically have a far different body structure, your body fat should be maintained at a level of 25% or less. For either gender, a body fat composition over 35% is considered obese.

Athletes commonly have the lowest percentage of body fat, but low body fat can be just as dangerous as high body fat, besides needing some cushion to protect our fragile bones from injury, a body fat percentage of less than 5% for men and 12% for women can be indicative of an eating disorder and can lead to increased instances of illness.

The smart dieter will either buy their own body fat analysis equipment or have a test performed by their trainer at the gym or by their family physician. There are Body Mass Index (BMI) calculators available on the internet that will estimate your body fat percentage based upon weight versus height, but because of differences in bone structure, this is not a reliable test.

More reliable tests of body fat include comparing measurements of different parts of your body with your overall weight, health and age; using calipers to measure skinfold thickness; or using under water weighing techniques. You may use the Bio-electrical impedance test, which calculates body fat by measuring the length of time it takes a signal to pass between your hands or feet, though it tends to be fairly inaccurate.

By combining a healthier diet with regular exercise you can reduce your body fat percentage to a healthier level while presenting a newer, slimmer you. Forget about your scale, it lies. Instead, maintain a chart of your body fat percentage taken at intervals during your diet, and you will find that as you make progress, you will feel better, look better and will enjoy a healthier future!

Article Source: http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/articles

Scott White is Online Fitness Trainer Personal Training. Personal Trainer Certification Online Hypnosis Certification

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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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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!

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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:

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

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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.

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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

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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 whenever 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

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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
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A Healthy Daily Diet For Weight Loss

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



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



· Enjoy plenty of low-fat protein with every meal. Protein is key to muscle growth and reduces feelings of hunger. As a result, it gives you plenty of mileage to get to the next meal without having to snack. Chicken and fish are leaner than red meat and tend to be good choices. If you take advantage of organic or local farmer sources, the flavor is superior and

there are no injected growth hormones. Don’t forget bean dishes, plus vegetarian chicken, burgers and bacon. Those with high cholesterol can obtain protein from egg whites.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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Beginners Yoga Can Be A Challenge

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

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



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



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



About the Author: Ann Merier writes articles about the home and family health. Her many article topics include mothers day,diabetes,detox diet,yoga,pilates exercise
Beginners Yoga
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Mayo Clinic Diet - Weight Loss Wonder Or Fraud ?

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


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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

What is the Ideal Vacation Body?



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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Beyond Dieting: How to Keep the Weight Off For Good

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

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

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

Planning Your Meals

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

Planning Time for Exercise

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

Keeping a Food Diary

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

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

Dealing with Cravings

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

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

Eating Out

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

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

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

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

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Detox Herbs And Ions To Cleanse The Body

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



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



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



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



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



Cloves- Also aids in digestion, clears out parasites.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Foods that help you detox and alkalize the body:



Most vegetables

Most fruits

Maple syrup

Molasses

Soy products

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

Water and lots of it.



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



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



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



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



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

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