Healthy Weightloss

Healthy Living

2008-05-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Just A Few Simple Steps Away

Eat Healthy

Making small changes in your daily eating habits can have a huge impact on your overall health. Make sure you get five or more servings of vegetables and fruits every day and cut back on the saturated fat, sugar, and salt. When you are forced to eat out and on the run, be smart about your choices! Select sandwiches with whole wheat bread, salads with dressing on the side, or fresh fruit.

Snack Smart

Be smart about what food you bring into your house. While candy or chips once in awhile are perfectly fine, avoid bringing hordes home - if it's there, you will be tempted! So snack smart by stocking healthy snacks, perfect for when the munchies strike or on the go. Keep fresh, cut vegetables and fruit in the fridge or nuts, trail mix, celery with peanut butter, hummus, low-fat yogurt, or regular popcorn (sans the movie theater butter!). Find healthy snacks that you really enjoy and eating smart won't be so much of a challenge.

Get Moving

Staying active is an absolute must when it comes to getting healthy. With obesity becoming a widespread epidemic in America, it is more important than ever to commit to exercise. This isn't to say you need to start running 15 miles tomorrow - start slow and work your way up to a suitable level. Stick with a routine or mix it up everyday, but make sure you find something you enjoy, otherwise you won't stick to it. Dancing, swimming, jogging, cleaning house, gardening, playing tennis, and speed walking are just a few of the many, many ways to get active!

Select the Right Gym for You

Let's face it - it's easier to get motivated and work out if you have a place that is actually designated for it. Not to mention, who in their right mind wants to exercise outside during freezing temps or blazing heat? Shop health clubs and gyms in your area to see which ones fit your needs - from distance to equipment to qualified staff to amenities, weigh the pros and cons and find the one perfect for you.

Time to Quit

With so many known health risks associated with smoking, isn't it time you gave it up? From cancer to lung disease to birth defects for pregnant women to heart disease, smoking is a major health problem and still a leading cause of death in America. Furthermore, second-hand smoke can also greatly affect one's health, which is cause for major concern for children around those who smoke. If you want to quit, there are a myriad of resources available to you, from medications to support groups to counseling, help is out there.

Vitamins and Supplements

Eating healthy doesn't always provide all the essential minerals and nutrients we need, which is why vitamins and supplements can help bridge that gap. So how do you know which nutrients you personally need? Nutrigenomics is a new science that studies the relationship between nutrition and genetics. Companies such as industry leader Code Nutrition offer customized vitamins, which are personalized just for you and based on your very own genes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Holly_Matheson

The Value of Good health

2008-05-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

Good health is the secret of happy life. Good health can be defined as the state of being vigorous and free from bodily or mental disease. It is the most precious possession of a man. If a man losses his health, he loose the charms of happy living. Ask the man who has lost his health. He will tell you the value of good health. Health is real wealth of man.

‘Sound mind in sound body’ is an old saying. Healthy mind can be found only in healthy bodies. Sickly men have sickly minds. Their attitude toward life is gloomy. On the other hand, if the man has good health, his outlook to life is also healthy. He can work for long hours without feeling tired. If a student has good health, his memory is good and his mind is sharp.

Good health cannot be had on demand. There are certain things which are essential for good health. Nutritious food comes first. We should take only that food which is nutritious value. Fresh air is also important for good health. People living in the open air usually enjoy good health. Exercise plays a great role in making a man healthy and fit. Balancing one’s hour of sleep and rest also contribute to good health.

There are certain things which are bad for health. We should guard ourselves against them. Smoking is injurious to health. Eating too much spoils ones digestive system. If a man is irregular in his habits, he is likely to lose his health. Lack of energy also results from ill-health. So, one must stay fit to lead a happy and healthy life.

Natasha
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natasha_Salve

Mini Trampoline Workout For Beginner

2008-05-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

Easy, Enjoyable And Full Of Fun

Mini trampoline workout is akin to bouncing on the bed?

Almost.

Because when you jump on the trampoline, you'll relive the fun and joy of this childhood "play".....

What's so good about this workout?

First off, it's one of the most beneficial cardio exercises around along with increased lymphatic drainage (that helps in waste and toxin removal) and improved cardiovascular strength. It's gentle on your joints while still giving you a good workout.

Here's an easy and fun routine for a beginner. You can do it at home to improve your cardiovascular health:

(Before jumping, put on comfortable, non-slip shoes. You may want to go barefoot; be careful though as without protection of shoes, it may increase your risk of a foot injury)

1. Start with warm up exercise of 3-5 minutes. Marching in place is a good one for warm-up.

2. Practise a basic bounce first - you stand in the middle, with your feet slightly apart (this is your basic starting position for all the trampoline exercises).

Start to bounce light while keeping your feet on the mini trampoline. For balance, you might want to grab hold of a steady object or a wall.

As you become used to the bouncing, lift your feet off a little. When you become more comfortable with the bounce, increase the height of your bounce.

Bounce at a slow to moderate pace and for a few minutes per session, to allow your muscles to get used to the exercise.

You may need some time to adjust to the bouncing; could be a week or only a day; it all depends on how quick you can adjust.

3. After you've comfortably adjusted to the bouncing, do a basic walk - from the basic starting position, alternately lift your heels but don't lift your toes off the trampoline. Swing your arms. Walk as if you're doing a slow walk.

4. Add tempo now with a basic jog - from the basic starting position, alternately lift each of your foot an inch or 2 off, move your arms. Jog as if you're doing a slow jog.

5. Throw in some advanced exercises, e.g. heel-toe bounce - you stand in the center, keeping your feet together. Do the basic bounce while at the same time bring your left foot forward during the bounce, touching your heel to the surface.

Raise your left arm up in front of you as your heel touches the surface.

Repeat for your right foot.

6. Feel more adventurous and want more intensity? Try jumping jack bounce - from the basic starting position, you bounce up. As you bounce, spread your feet apart and bring your hands over your head.

A jumping jack bounce would be gentler on your joints compared with the regular jumping jack done on a hard surface.

You can vary and increase intensity of these 5 exercises by adding different arm movements; twists to your sides; go faster or bounce higher.

For a beginner, do this mini trampoline workout 3-5 minutes per session and build up to 20-30 minutes per session, 3-4 times per week.

If you feel tired or ached after a session, stop for a day or 2 to rest. You may have to shorten the length of your sessions, to allow your body to get used to the routine.

Cecelia Yap is an avid exerciser and author of the popular exercise website: perfect-body-toning.com - a web site born out of her passion which she successfully turns into a profitable business

Perhaps you have a passion or hobby you'd like to write about. Find out how you too can turn it into a profitable business like Cecelia does, here: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/my-passion.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cecelia_Yap

Is Physical Wellness Important?

2008-05-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

How do I define physical wellness?

I put it in the most simplest form - it's your overall fitness that encompasses:

Physical fitness - your cardiovascular conditioning, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. In other words, you do exercise to achieve good health for your body
Nutrition, or a balanced diet that includes food from these major food groups: vitamins & minerals; carbohydrates (good carbohydrates); fats (unsaturated fats); protein, fiber and water
Personal care, hygiene and safety - put on clean and protective clothes; comfortable foot wear; keep your immediate surroundings clean and practise safe driving and safe sex, for instance

For a state of high physical well-being, you would need to have a strong and healthy body and would feel comfortable with your body and treat it with respect.

You would be knowledgeable about issues related to health, exercise and nutrition and use the information to make sure you eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and get medical care and check-ups as needed.

You would avoid harmful substances like cigarettes or excessive alcohol that could adversely affect your health and well-being. And you would practise safe sex or abstinence to avoid unplanned pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases.

In short, you lead a responsible, healthy lifestyle that's capable of moving you towards a higher level of health or an optimal level of health.

Through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and good sleep, you can take care of your body in a better way. With better health, you can combat and prevent diseases and other ailments more effectively.

One other important thing is that you need to attend to your medical check-ups on a regular basis and seek treatment for illness. This is a show of respect to your body and one sure way to promote optimal health.

In addition, you achieve optimal health through a regime of exercise, healthy food, good sleep and resting, in accordance to your body's needs, paying heed to the signs and symptoms of disease and seeking treatment when needed.

For a good physical wellness, go for these positive and healthy habits:

Don't smoke. If you do, quit!
Exercise regularly 3-4 times per week, for 30-60 minutes per session
Maintain a healthy body weight
Practise safe sex
If you drink, do it in moderation and in a low-risk manner. This means don't drink and drive
Relax your body, mind and spirit

Cecelia Yap is an avid exerciser and author of the popular exercise website: perfect-body-toning.com - a web site born out of her passion which she successfully turns into a profitable business

Cecelia Yap is an avid exerciser and author of the popular exercise website: perfect-body-toning.com - a web site born out of her passion which she successfully turns into a profitable business
Perhaps you have a passion or hobby you'd like to write about. Find out how you too can turn it into a profitable business like Cecelia does, here: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/my-passion.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cecelia_Yap

What Gets Better Results - Dumbbells or Barbells?

2008-05-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

Dumbbells

Pros

• More range of motion

• Greater recruitment of stabilizer muscles

• Address muscle imbalances

• Improve coordination

Cons

• Unstable environment limits the amount of weight you can lift

• Must control range of motion

• Possibly out grow available weight sizes

Barbells

Pros

• Ability to lift more weight

• Less stress on stabilizer muscles - better control

• Greater concentration of tension on targeted muscles

Cons

• Limited range of motion in certain exercises

• Less effective at working stabilizers when compared to dumbbells

• Certain range of flexibility and strength required to perform many lifts

• Pre-set hand grips can affect misaligned shoulders and wrists

As you can see, each modality will allow you to concentrate on a particular element of weight training. The instability of dumbbell training allows for a greater recruitment of muscle fiber, but limits the amount of weight lifted when compared to barbell training. On the flip side, lifting with a barbell enables you to lift a heavier weight but limits your range of motion and hinders stabilizer muscle recruitment during exercises when compared to dumbbell work.

So why choose one or the other?

Have the best of both worlds and include both dumbbell and barbell training in your fitness program. Both pieces of equipment can help you lose weight, tone up, and add fantastic muscle definition. Since they neither one takes up too much space you can even have your own complete home gym tucked away in a corner or down in your basement.

The best programs always include a host of ways to train your body. This way, you'll never adapt to one specific stimulus and you'll find your ideal physique right around the corner.

If you need a place to start, check out my free weight loss e-course on "How to Lose Belly Fat Starting Today!" I've reserved a limited number of copies to give away and you can grab yours today at http://www.stephencabral.com/FreeReports.html

Committed to your success,
Stephen CabralAuthor of Fatlossity - the Complete, In-Home, Step-by-Step, Weight Loss System http://www.fatlossity.com/

Stephen Cabral is a national health correspondent with over 10 years of credentials. He holds national and international certifications in strength & conditioning, personal training, yoga and nutrition. For more information on his Free Trim, Tone & Tighten Newsletter seen by over 100,000 readers each week go to http://www.stephencabral.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Cabral

Healthy Weight Loss - Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes

2008-05-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

The other part of the health equation and secret to weight loss is to only spend your time doing the exercises that work. I only have so much time to dedicate to my own workout program, and I'm sure you don't have an extra couple of hours everyday either. So, the trick is to maximize the time you do have. If it's 30 minutes, why are you going to hop on a treadmill or go for a slow run? Although there's nothing wrong with that, you'll only burn about 300 calories and that's if you're cranking. I'm also not a fan of the repetitive motion injuries that occur from not being in proper alignment when you run. I find it crazy how many people are trying to run through the pain!

Remember, it's little steps done throughout the day that add up to huge results. That's the last key to success, lifestyle. Your lifestyle should be a realistic, but focused, routine where you know what foods you should choose 9 out of 10 times and when your workouts will take place.

This is easier than you think to accomplish.

Every night before you go to bed just mentally note what your healthy day will consist of tomorrow:

Where, when, and what will you be eating?

When, where, and how will you be exercising?

How will the decisions you make tomorrow take you 1 step closer to your ideal body?

Losing weight and feeling great come easy when you have a step-by-step plan outlining your success.

Committed to your success,

Stephen Cabral

Author of Fatlossity - the Complete, In-Home, Step-by-Step, Weight Loss Systemhttp://www.fatlossity.com/

Stephen Cabral is a national health & fitness correspondent with over 10 years of credentials and media appearances. He holds national and international certifications in strength & conditioning, personal training, yoga and nutrition. For more information on his Free Trim, Tone & Tighten Newsletter seen by over 100,000 readers each week go to http://www.stephencabral.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Cabral

Weight And Fat Loss - Does One Size Fit All?

2008-05-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

The biggest mistake that those who wish to shed weight or fat can make is to assume that a weight and fat loss program that works best for others, will work for them. The fact is that anyone deciding on a weight and fat loss program must be able to select what would work for them. Individual requirements differ based on, among other things, personal profiles, physical conditions, health issues and so on. In choosing an appropriate weight and fat loss program, there needs to be adequate assessment and review for informed decision making.

In terms of weight and fat loss, there is no shortage of offerings. The range starts from acupuncture and ends with zen healing. Different strokes for different folks. That seems to be the key. Our review shows that among the more popular programs, are prescription medications, exercises and system cleansers. However, a word of caution. Even in this group, there are several offerings that promise amazing results. We have filtered and anchored these based on customer feedback, refunds, reputation of merchants, safety and 100% money back guarantees, where applicable.

Exercise programs work but they have to be affordable, convenient and practical. If it means expensive equipment, supplements and huge investments of time and effort, it needs to be avoided by the average person. The program must be able to fit into our daily schedules without too much of an inconvenience.

Prescription medications have proven to be successful in many a weight and fat loss intervention. However, the key consideration is safety. Side effects are not to be easily shrugged off. Fat and weight loss medications from reputed professionals which are monitored and supervised are to be preferred against over-the-counter purchases.

One weight and fat loss program that is easily overlooked but is proving very successful are system cleansers. These have been especially beneficial for those who are at their wits end in trying to shed their weight and fat. There are people who have tried various programs including diets but have not achieved the desired weight and fat loss outcome. In such cases, it would be appropriate to question whether there is something within their digestive system which is the root cause of their problem. There is medical evidence that parasites and plaque are the culprits in many instances.

In selecting what is best for you, avoid trial and error. As weight and fat loss is related to health, go with the tried, tested and proven. Do not take undue risks. Above all, take your personal circumstances and individual requirements into consideration. Can you afford not to especially when it comes down to your health and wellness?

Select your weight and fat loss programs carefully. You cannot afford not to. Avoid undue frustration and wasted effort. We have reviewed three different but proven to be effective programs and we trust that you will benefit from them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Azhar_Victor

Healthy Weight Loss Inspiration

2008-05-17T03:55:00.000-04:00

Looking for an healthy weight loss program inspiration? You may be finding it hard to will yourself to lose weight. You have been accustomed to your daily eating habits, You may not even have an exercise pattern every week. Do not worry. This shall serve as your healthy weight loss program inspiration.

Healthy combination

A successful healthy weight loss program is based on two strong foundations: healthy diet and physical exercise. For you to be able to lose weight and maintain it, you need to make necessary dietary and lifestyle changes. If you are used to eating sweets every day, it is advisable to stop that unhealthy habit. Sweets, as well as foods rich in fat and cholesterol, are unhealthy. Just imagine the accumulated fats on your body.

Gradual process

Weight loss and management is a gradual process. Fad diets, quick-fix products, or dietary supplements do not guarantee instant weight loss. For you to be able to fight off your weight problems, you need to have focus and commitment. Weight loss is certainly a personal struggle, but support and encouragement from family and friends do help.

Goal setting

In every weight loss and management program, the first thing to do is to set a goal. This goal should be realistic. For example, aim losing two pounds a week. This entrails burning at least 500 calories. Work on your goal by doing what you ought to do: eat less and move more. Get healthy weight loss program inspiration from people you know who was able to go through the process and achieved good results.

Create a healthy weight loss program and stick to it every single day Over the internet, you may read stories of overweight people who have lost weight by simply following their healthy weight loss program. Derive healthy weight loss program inspiration from people who have successfully reduced their weight. This will certainly motivate you to reach your weight loss goal.

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

Top Five Ways To Lose Weight Naturally

2008-05-16T03:14:00.000-04:00

and Keep it Off!

Are you having trouble losing weight? Are you on a Diet Plan that is not working or on a Fitness program that cannot give you result? Don't worry, I'm here to tell you of the Top Five Ways to loose your weight naturally and to keep off permanently!

1- Manage your Stress Level/Emotions

Believe it or not how you feel has a lot to do with your weight. Different people deal with stress differently. For many people high stress level mean higher food intake which is likely to result in weight gain. When under stress, look for other alternatives to eating. Go outside whether than staying inside the house; go running, take a long walk or read a good book. These simple things will keep your mind away from food hence keep you from gaining weights when under stress.

2- Watch What You Eat

Watching what you eat is not just about 'Dieting,' it's about "Dietary Education." Dietary education is learning about what you are eating; the pros and cons about the food when it come to weight control and managing the portions that you eat.

3- Choose Your Activity Level

Figuring out your activity level is an important thing to do when exercising; it helps you track how well you're doing. When exercising start by doing the easy routines first, as you get better and your muscles become stronger go to the next level of difficulty and so forth. You can measure your activity level by keeping track your exercises routines, time spent doing each routines and your level of difficulty and frequency. Level of difficulty can be divided into three parts:

1- Level one, the easy stuffs: Exercising and carrying a conversation at the same time without losing your breath.

2- Level two, moderate: can have a conversation, but your are short of breath.

3- Level three, the hard stuffs: cannot carry on a conversation at all. More strength is require for this level.

4- Keep a steady Exercise Routine

Exercising to loose weight is a continuous process. It's not something you do for a while and then stop when you see that you have loss some weight. No, it's about perseverance. When you start getting results that's when you NEED to keep at it. You may cut down in your exercising times, days or tactics but you have to keep on exercising, if you don't you going to find yourself in the same place that you started from.

5- Reevaluate your Exercise Routines

Reevaluate your Exercise Routines and Eating Habits every 6 to 12 weeks. As you lose weight naturally, you will have a broad idea of what is working for you and what is not. You may need to make adjustments or you may not but follow your routines consistently and you will be eating healthier, loosing the weight, keeping off and feeling great about yourself and your body!

Visit: http://nosterne.bezoogle.com/pp/weight-loss/

To learn more about Dietary Education, Exercise Techniques and to find a good program that will help you Losse Weights Naturally!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Gedeon

Success - The Best Weight Loss Motivation

2008-05-14T01:46:00.000-04:00

Can I make a rather obvious point?

Here it is - motivation is the number one cause of diet failure.

And here's another shocker: the truth is that most diets will deliver results.

That is if the dieter is willing to stay the course long enough. However, if staying the course means suffering through hours of hunger pangs, or enduring the low-carb grouchies with nothing but pure willpower, the odds of success are pretty bleak. To put it bluntly, this kind of dieting experience is a motivational nightmare.

So aside from a dream diet of Oreo cookies and ice cream, what is the best way for us mere mortals to stay the course? The best way is to start seeing successes quickly.

Success = Motivation

Here's what I mean.

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow 12 lbs lighter. You would start to see definition in your thighs, and you could fit into jeans that hadn't see daylight in years. You'd be giddy as you get comments from friends and relatives, and all this success would build in you a sense of joy and accomplishment.

These "side effects" of success would a real shot in the arm to your motivation.

So, all things considered equal, diets that deliver rapid fat loss are going to give you the biggest reason to continue. That reason being the desire to keep your fat loss momentum going.

In other words, getting quick results has a symbiotic, or "snowball," effect on the success of your diet. Quick results, deliver excitement, and excitement gives birth to discipline, and discipline grows into successful habits.

Physiological Effects Of Hormones

As important as motivation is, it would be foolishness to assume that what was going on physically didn't have some influence on your dieting success. After all your body sends out nasty physiological signals when it is in need of nutrients. These physiological signals take the form of hunger pangs which have a negative impact on your motivation do they not?

So physiology is important, and with all the recent science bringing to light the rapid fat-loss effects that happen when specific hormones are called into play, hormones are now taking center stage in the modern diet strategy. The success of these diets can get you that motivation boost we've been talking about.

There are very few diet creators who truly understand the hormonal effects of foods. And there are even fewer plans that have hit the nail on the head when it comes to causing hormones to aid in rapid fat loss. However diets utilizing a macro-nutrient shifting protocol (also called "Calorie Shifting") are leading the way in effectiveness.

These types of diets boost the production of fat burning hormones and practically eliminate hunger pangs. Those factors, combined with the rapid fat loss, create a potent combination that keeps your motivation high.

Your one month older and still no closer to having hot hips and sexy thighs! So find out more about calorie shifting and specific plans...

Click Here > http://www.makemeskinnyagain.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christina_Laslow

How To Lose 3 Inches Off Your Waist

2008-05-13T01:27:00.002-04:00

Here's how to lose 3 inches off of your waist doing 1 simple exercise that you can do at home. I have a lot of clients who use this exercise to lose 1.75 inches off their waists in less than a month, but I'll show you how some of my clients use this to lose 3 inches in a month.

Exercise to Lose 3 Inches Off Your Waist

The exercise is called the "vacuum pose"... and has nothing to do with vacuuming. As a vacuum sucks off stuff from your carpet and makes it disappear, this exercise sucks in your belly and makes it disappear.

What you do is suck in your belly from your belly button... not the upper stomach area as most people do when sucking in their bellies.

So suck your belly button in as much as possible into your lower back. Once you can't suck it in anymore, hold that "pose" for as long as possible... at least in the 15-60 second range. Then rest and repeat.

My clients who average a 1.75 inch loss of fat from their waists do this for 5 minutes a day, each and every day for 1 month. Now, you don't have to do the 5 minutes all together, just get a total of 5 minutes done each day.

Now, my clients who lose 3 inches from their waist in 1 month do everything the same as the above group, they just do it for 15-20 minutes everyday for a month. Since this is a lot of time and the exercise gets you kinda tired after awhile, I recommend that you do this exercise during 2 minute tv commercials.

Most 1 hour tv shows have about 22 minutes of commercial time. So if you did this only during the commercials of 1 tv show everyday, you'd get in your 20 minutes and lose 3 inches off your waist without affecting your busy schedule.

If you're sick and tired of getting the same old boring and tired weight loss advice on how to lose inches off your waist... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, exercise more, and blah blah blah"... then you found the right person. I'll make weight loss easy and enjoyable for you... AND NOT BORING!

First, click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com/ to get your free 19-page report "How Spinning Around in a Circle Like a 4-year old Child will Skyrocket your Weight Loss Success". This will give you a jumpstart on how to lose 10 pounds fast while losing inches from your waist.
Second... after you get the free report, you'll be sent inside my website for even more unique and little known weight loss tips, tricks, techniques, and tactics. These unconventional tricks are a "shortcut" way on how to lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks... no mention of eating carrots or celery. I promise.

Third, with my advice, you won't starve, have to go to the gym ever, or basically do anything that is a hassle for your busy life. Listen, I understand you want to lose weight and inches without changing much in your diet or exercise plans... I get it. I have this completely covered. I've worked with over 3,700 clients. I know a 1 size fits all plan doesn't work. So I've come up with lots of "tricks" to personalize weight loss specifically for you and your lifestyle.
Fourth... there is no fourth. Just enjoy the free report and my website. If you don't lose 10 pounds with just my free information... I'd be amazingly surprised!
http://www.weightlossguide4women.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Jolan

Weight Loss Goal Worksheet

2008-05-12T01:21:00.000-04:00

Setting Realistic Goals For Your Weight Loss Goal Worksheet

Weight loss is not supposed to be a blind man's journey. It is not about waking up one day and wanting to lose weight. Rather, weight loss is a long term process of losing weight through healthy means and keeping the weight off with a healthy lifestyle. To kick start your weight loss journey, it is best to have a weight loss goal worksheet at hand so you can realistically set your goals and plans.

What it is A weight loss goal worksheet can help keep track of your weight loss journey so you can monitor how much you have achieved in a specific amount of time. Ideally, your weight loss goal worksheet should be checked and consulted regularly by a doctor, so he can guide you on your journey, just in case you've lost your way.

What is contains Your weight loss goal worksheet contains the basic information including your height and weight at the start of your weight loss program, your body mass index (BMI), and your weight loss goals. There are many weight loss worksheets available on the internet. You can also make your own weight loss goal worksheet or you can consult with an expert to come up with a personalized and realistic worksheet.

The path to weight lossIn your weight loss journey, you might be tempted to find a shortcut so you can easily achieve your weight loss goal. But do not cheat your way to weight loss! It is important to undergo a healthy diet and exercise regime that will help promote healthy weight loss. The advantage of having a weight loss worksheet is you can set real goals and once you have achieved that goal, you can now start maintaining the weight you have lost.
One essential - yet difficult - part of weight loss is weight loss management. A weight loss worksheet can help you in weight loss management with ease.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_England

Cardio - Tap Into Your Fat Stores and Start Burning Some Fat!

2008-05-11T02:40:00.001-04:00

Just a quick something I wanted to share as I believe that many people still struggle with weightloss even after adding in lotsa cardio to their exercise routine. Of course, any carefully planned out weightloss plan that involves cardio + calorie reduction will result in weightloss, but there are ways that we can actually enhance this process and burn more bodyfat instead. Personally, my body responds better when I practice the following.

We all want to burn fat when we exercise, right? But what if I told you that your body's preferred energy source is not fat, but glycogen? (Glycogen is stored in the liver and muscles and releases glucose (sugar) into the blood when your body needs the energy. Glycogen is the PRIMARY SOURCE of stored fuel in the body). So how do you use your cardio more for burning fat rather than burning glycogen?

The trick is, if you really want your body to tap more into your fat stores instead of glycogen for energy during your cardio, get your cardio first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, or right after weight training.

The reason?

Cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach will tap more into your bodyfat as your body is pretty much in a 'starved' state since you slept all night without any food. And weight training uses up stored glycogen so your body is forced to rely on stored fat for energy when you get your cardio. Just remember that even though FAT is your body's way of storing energy, it is NOT your body's preferred fuel source. Your body will always opt for the readily available glycogen stores when available.

You gotta 'force' your body to really dig into its energy stores. Yeah it sounds crazy.. but give it a shot.. it works for me. A 15 minute warmup on a cardio machine before weight training is fine... but I wouldnt go all out and exhaust myself on cardio before I hit the weights. Save that for a more suitable time.

Burn, Baby! Burn!

Josh Stone, also known as DM, is the author behind the site http://www.dailymuscle.com/ which offers the author's personal views on real-life fitness, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, cardio, fat loss, training information, and on all things that surrounds fitness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Stone

Muscle Building Workouts and Tips

2008-05-10T02:34:00.002-04:00

Do's and Dont's

Packing on Muscle mass involves a lot of dedication and care. At times, trying too hard can have its negative effects too. Right guidance and proper techniques make the perfect recipe to MUSCLE BUILDING. Muscle Building is no joke, but at the same time, very much possible. The bottomline is to workout in the right direction and not to harm your body. Here are some Do's and Dont's for Muscle Building.

Muscle Building Tips: Do's and Dont's

1) Popping a pill to reach your health and fitness goal is not the answer! Results are temporary and effects the body adversely in the long run.

2) Remove the tag " Short cut" from your workout schedule. There is no such thing as quick-fix. Dedication and hardwork hold the key for MUSCLE BUILDING.

3) Dietary Supplements can be helpful in achieving your goals. Supplementation is designed to supplement your healthy eating and exercise habits.

4) Dont go in for any supplement you come across. Before taking a supplement, consult your trained or a physician. Always buy supplements from a reputed DRUGSTORE. Do your research before taking in a supplement.

5) Supplements shouldnt be misunderstood as steroids. Steroids should be a BIG NO. Gather more knowledge on supplements at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Supplements.htm

----> Appetite not full?? Look for more muscle building do's and dont's at http://www.weightloss-health.com/muscle_building_do_donts.htm

About the Author:
Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Look out for highly effective and recommended muscle building programs from the best in this field and a chance to go through muscle building articles directory at Muscle Building Supplement, Tips, Programs and Workouts

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Walking Program:

2008-05-09T02:30:00.000-04:00

15 Ways to Stay on the Fitness Path

Starting a walking program is a personal commitment to fitness. Like many walkers, you may have started out strong and then your walking program disappeared in the hustle and bustle of life. You may be disappointed in yourself. You may play mental games with yourself as well and find all sorts of excuses for not walking: weather, job responsibilities, kids' schedules, and more. How can you get back on the fitness path? Here are 15 practical tips.

1. Put walking on your calendar and think of it as an appointment you must keep.

2. Set a new goal. You may add strength training to your walking program or walk additional steps.

3. Work towards your new goal in increments. If you start to lift weights, for example, lift small ones.

4. Check your walking shoes for wear and replace them, if necessary.

5. Wear socks that wick moisture away from your feet. When your feet are wet walking isn't fun.

6. Get a walking buddy. You may ask one of your best friends to walk with you, or invite a new neighbor to join you on your morning walk.

7. Start a walking group or join one. Companionship can be the difference between walking and not walking.

8. Bring kids and grandkids along. Your fitness model could have a huge impact on a children's lives.

9. Cut yourself some slack. Fitness is a goal that takes time and is worth your time.

10. Always have an alternate plan. If the forecast is rain, call your walking buddy or walking group members and agree to walk at the mall.

11. Walk in place while you are waiting for coffee to brew, on the phone, or watching television. You will be amazed at how many steps you accrue.

12. Make walking an event. You may go on a bird walk, historic walk, or fall walk and look at the changing leaves.

13. Vary your time and route. Variety can add spark to an "ordinary" walk.

14. Participate in a charity walk. Check your local newspaper and the American Heart Association for more information.

15. Reward yourself. You started out on the fitness path and you are still on it!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com/

http://www.healthwriter.blogspot.com/

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Assciation of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She is on a walking program and averages 10,000 steps a day. Hodgson's 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipatng Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com./ A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the "School Corner" heading.

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Raw Juice Therapy

2008-05-08T04:18:00.000-04:00

Raw juice therapy is a method of treatment of disease through an exclusive diet of juices of fruits and vegetables. It is also known as juice fasting. It is the most effective way to restore health and rejuvenate the body.

During raw juice therapy, the eliminative and cleansing capacity of the organs of elimination, namely lungs, liver, kidneys and the skin, is greatly increased and masses of accumulated metabolic waste and toxins are quickly eliminated. It affords a physiological rest to the digestive and assimilative organs. After the juice fasting or raw juice therapy, the digestion of food and the utilisation of nutrients is vastly improved.

An exclusive diet of raw juices of fruits and vegetables results in much faster recovery from diseases and more effective cleansing and regeneration of the tissues than the fasting on pure water. Dr. Ragnar Berg, a world-renowned authority on nutriton and biochemistry observes:

"During fasting the body burns up and excretes huge amounts of accumulated wastes. We can help this cleansing process by drinking alkaline juices instead of water while fasting. I have supervised many fasts and made extensive examinations and tests of fasting patients, and I am convinced that drinking alkali-forming fruit and vegetable juices, instead of water, during fasting will increase the healing effect of fasting. Elimination of uric acid and other inorganic acids will be accelerated. And sugars in juices will strengthen the heart. Juice fasting is, therefore, the best form of fasting."

As juices are extracted from plants and fruits, they process definite medicinal properties. Specific juices are beneficial in specific conditions. Besides specific medicinal virtues, raw fruit and vegetable juices have an extraordinary revitalising and rejuvenative effect on all the organs, glands and functions of the body.

To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:
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Juice Fasting Recipes That Detox Your Body

2008-05-07T01:00:00.000-04:00

Juice fasting is becoming increasingly popular amongst health conscious individuals around the world. Juice fasting has been proven to eliminate harmful and poisonous toxins from out of the body and to leave the juice faster feeling, revitalised, rejuvenated and reinvigorated.

There are many fruits and vegetables that could be included in a juice fasting detoxification program. Some are more effective than others at clearing harmful toxins from your body, but some fruits and vegetables are more effective at achieving rapid weight loss. You need to decide what your main goal is for your juice fast before you begin to develop your own juice fasting recipes.

Here are a few juice fasting recipes that I consider to be some of the most effective (and some of the best tasting) recipes:

I call this one the ‘Brain Exciter’ as it really gets the brain pumping and fresh.

• 1 orange
• 1 pear
• 1 yam
• 1 grapefruit
• 1 apple

Peel the orange, the yam and the grapefruit. Cut everything into sections, juice and stimulate your brain with this juice!

I call this one ‘Energy Enhancer’ because it pumps your energy levels sky high immediately after drinking the juice.

• 2 yams
• 1 beet
• 1 slice onion
• 2 lemons
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 slice of ginger

Peel the yams and lemons, cut everything into sections to fit your juicer. Juice everything and enjoy. Those are two juice fasting recipes you can begin to make now for your juice fasting detoxification program. Try them out and see if you feel revitalised, reinvigorated and rejuvenated and experience rapid weight loss.

Download your free report entitled & Juice Fasting & Detoxification & and discover how to achieve rapid weight loss, cleanse harmful toxins and feel reinvigorated, rejuventaed and revitalised. Download your copy now - http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com/juice-fasting-detoxification/

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What Is Juice Fasting?

2008-05-06T04:10:00.000-04:00

Juice fasting is an advanced detoxification technique that speeds up the process that eliminates toxins from the body. It is also a fantastic way to quickly lose weight. Juice fasting has been responsible for changing lives all over the world. It makes people feel healthier, look younger which sky-rockets self esteem and dramatically enhances a person’s life.

Juice fasting involves the intake of only raw vegetables and fruit juices. Both of these substances are rich in antioxidants (which fight free radicals) and vitamins (which are essential for overall health and wellbeing).

Juice fasting is a fairly extreme way for body detoxification and to lose some excess weight. The detox diet is a more gentle way and includes a greater variety of foods; having said that, it’s not quite so effective. It takes longer to detox the body and the rate of weight loss is not quite so extreme.

Some fruits and vegetables commonly used in juice fasting are: parsley, kale, beet greens, chard, spinach, dandelion leaf, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, dark grapes, apples, citrus (especially grapefruit), Açai berry, yucca root, fennel, spearmint, peppermint, basil, ginger, garlic, green onion, chile pepper, fresh turmeric root, milk thistle, juice, spirulina.

Juice fasting is an extreme method to detox the body, so a juice fasting diet should not be embarked upon lightly. You need to seriously weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether or not you are prepared for a mental, physical and spiritual overhaul. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you begin.

Download your free report entitled & Juice Fasting & Detoxification & and discover how to achieve rapid weight loss, cleanse harmful toxins and feel reinvigorated, rejuventaed and revitalised. Download your copy now - http://www.secretnaturalremedies.com/juice-fasting-detoxification/
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Vitamins for Natural Healing

2008-05-05T01:00:00.001-04:00

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients aside from keeping the internal processes of the body healthy, strong and functioning well they also help to promote the healing of wounds both on the external and inner surfaces of the body. The rate at which wounds heal and the quality of the repair tissues depends greatly upon adequate nutrition. There are several vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that affect this healing process.

Vitamin K is essential to the very first step of healing a wound – stopping the bleeding via the clotting of the blood. Without Vitamin K healing would not proceed as the blood would not clot therefore there’ll be an excessive flow of blood from the wound which is clearly not healthy. Vitamin K partners with the mineral calcium in the production of the body’s primary clotting agent the thrombin.

One of the most important vitamins involved in the healing of wounds is Vitamin C. It is particularly helpful in the growth and development of new tissues in part because it also supports the health and function of the body’s many tiny capillaries that are responsible for taking oxygen and nutrients to the far reaches of the body. Another contributing factor to its importance lies in the growth and development of new tissues for wound healing as well as for the maintenance of existing tissues it has to do its role in collagen production. Collagen is what makes the scar that holds a wound together and makes up the connective tissues of the body.

Collagen supports the structure of the skin. Vitamin C however is essential to the production of collagen which simply means that Vitamin C has a great part in literally holding the human body together. Zinc is another mineral important to wound healing. There are more than 300 enzymes in the body that require zinc to help them in performing their tasks. Many of these enzymes relate directly to the healing of wounds such as the production of collagen. Zinc plays a role in the body being able to make use of certain proteins and in cell division. However, it should be noted that too much zinc can interfere with the healing of wounds. That is because the body operates on a chemical system that has a delicate balance which cannot be tampered with and too much zinc interferes with how the body uses copper and other substances thus throwing off the balance that is necessary for the best wound healing.

Copper another mineral is also significant to the process of healing wounds. Copper has many roles in the body including being a component of numerous enzymes. In terms of healing one of its most important roles is in the formation of collagen which is essential to the wound healing process.

The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we consume daily are what support all of the processes of the body and the mind. The healing of wounds is essential to the body and proper nutrition is what allows the process of wound healing to operate at its peak performance which simply means that wounds heal as well and as quickly as they should. Dietary supplements are an affordable, safe and convenient way to make sure that your body is able to support the healing process. Have a prescription be made out to you by your family physician or a licensed dietician for you to be able to know which kind of dietary supplement will work best for you.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

Seven Foods That Let You Eat More And Weigh Less

2008-05-04T01:58:00.000-04:00

A dieter's dream is to be able to eat more and still lose weight. You can make that dream come true. Inflammation at the cellular level leaves cells toxic and toxicity interferes with metabolism leading to weight gain.

Inflammation can be caused by stress, pollutants, chemicals and poor eating habits. There are foods that have anti-inflammatory effects. Eaten on a regular basis these foods calm down cells, releasing toxins and trapped fluids. Meaning you lose weight.

Seafood, especially salmon, tuna, mackerel and other oily fish. Seafood eaten twice or three times a week has other benefits for your health as well. Tuna can be canned, fresh or even raw as in Japanese sushi. Mackerel can be canned or frozen. A salmon burger with fresh tomatoes, dill and chopped onions makes a great replacement for a hamburger.

Green tea is legendary for its antioxidant qualities and has strong anti-inflammation properties as well. Drink hot or cold. Freeze green tea in ice cubes for a refreshing replacement for plain ice. Green tea extract also comes as a supplement.

Cherries are low sugar and stuffed full of an anti-inflammatory compounds called proanthocyanidins. Cherries can be used in salads, dried and mixed with oatmeal or baked with pork or chicken. And of course cherries are wonderful as a snack between meals. Stir fresh cherries into nonfat yogurt, top with a teaspoon of chocolate for a quick and satisfying dessert.

Brown rice digests slowly which means whatever you eat with brown rice digests slowly as well. It's also a low-allergen grain, use it as a replacement for white rice. Just remember it takes longer to cook.

Greens including spinach, kale, and chard help the liver eliminate toxins more effectively from the blood stream.

Flax seed contains omega 3 fatty acids which reduces inflammation. Flax seed must be chewed thoroughly to release the omega 3 oil. You can also grind the seeds in the blender or in a spice grinder. If you prefer you can buy ground flax seed. Keep flax seed refrigerated. Add flax seed to cereals, salads, and casseroles. Its nutty flavor compliments all sorts of foods.

Olive oil is a 'good' oil. Use it to replace butter when cooking savory foods and in salad dressings. Mix a few tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs in a ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil and use as a dip for crusty bread.

The perfect anti-inflammation meal: Salmon served over a salad of mixed greens and brown rice, dressed with olive oil, flaxseed and dried cherries. Green tea is the beverage of course.

Karl Warren is the owner of 'Fight Your Flab... Fast' - a new site dedicated to helping you achieve your perfect body. If you are serious about losing weight, or you simply want to slim down a little, you should check out http://www.fightyourflabfast.com/blog now.

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Fats - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

2008-05-03T02:01:00.000-04:00

If you're a health conscious individual, you've probably heard a lot of talk lately about fats. Essential fatty acids, trans fats, saturated fats - it can all be overwhelming - especially when all you want to do is decide what to make for dinner. Use this essential guide to fats to know which ones to add to your diet, and which ones to avoid at all costs.

Good Fats
Some fats are actually good for you. They help your body to function optimally. These healthy fats are found in many foods naturally. Consider adding foods such as olive oil and nut butters to your diet - they contain these healthy foods.

Foods such as fatty fish and flax seed oil contain essential fatty acids are linked with boosting brain power and stabilizing mood. If you struggles with concentration or mood swings, you might consider adding these foods to your diet. Fish should be eaten 2-3 times per week, however, be sure to choose a fish with low mercury concentration.

Bad Fats
There are also fats that you should avoid whenever possible. Saturated fats and trans fats fall into this category. These fats raise your cholesterol - trans fat is especially destructive. It raises your bad cholesterol, and lowers your good cholesterol. Trans fat is often linked to heart disease, as well. Cut these fats out of your diet if at all possible.

To avoid these types of fats, you should read product labels carefully. Nutrition labels all list the amount of fat and trans fat that the foods contain. In 2006, the federal government initiated an action stating that all foods that contain dangerous trans fats be labeled as such. This has led manufacturers to develop alternative recipes for their products, to avoid having to label their products as dangerous.

Take a step to improve your health today. Eliminate saturated fats and trans fats from your diet. To avoid feeling unsatisfied, be sure to add in healthy fats to replace the fats you are removing. Foods high in healthy fats that also contain fiber, such as nuts and nut butters, are a great way to control appetite and feel satisfied. As you plan your daily meals, especially if you are on a weight loss diet, be sure to add in good fats and take out bad fats. It is a relatively small adjustment to make, but benefits your health in many ways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Warren

Soy Your Way Thin

2008-05-02T02:05:00.001-04:00

Soy beans may be the way to becoming thin for life. Research at the University of Illinois has shown that a peptide in soy beans jumpstarted weight loss without a decrease in the amount of food consumed. Originally the research team wanted to show that soy beans were effective as an appetite suppressant but that didn't turn out to be true. Participants in the study ate as much as they normally did, but lost weight anyway.

25 grams of soy protein is the magic number that triggers weight loss, up to 58 pounds in 16 weeks. Most participants lost up to 25% of their belly fat and some as much as 50%.

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Why soy works is unclear, but soy has other good-for-you attributes that are proven. Soy has been shown to reduce levels of a protein associated with kidney disease. Women taking a soy supplement have gained bone density. Soy helps maintain a consistent level of blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes. Genistein, a substance in soy, decreases the production of an enzyme that seems to convert healthy cells to cancerous ones.

If you're convinced that soy is a superfood and will help you lose weight, where can you find it? Soy milk, ice cream, crackers, soy pasta, and Edamame beans (soy beans) all contain soy protein. You can also find soy protein in soy shakes, and meal replacement bars. Edamame beans can be found fresh and frozen at your grocers. Edamame beans are used in some processed frozen entrees like Lean Cuisine, as well.

Soy is often used as a replacement for vegetarian meat substitutes such as Boca Burgers and breakfast patties. If your grocer has an organic foods section you'll find a number of soy products. Pile a soy burger on a toasted bun, with onion, tomato and a slice of cheddar cheese and you won't miss the beef.

You can easily substitute a soy product for a meat product in your daily diet. For example: instead of sausage or bacon, use soy sausage. Break the soy sausage into pieces, scramble with an egg, add salsa and wrap in a tortilla for a tasty breakfast burrito.

Mix soy protein powder with ground beef or turkey for burgers, meatloaf, or meatballs.

Use soy milk as a substitute for cow's milk in cereal, coffee, even in baking. Combine soy yogurt with juice and fresh fruit for a fruit smoothie.

Incorporate soy beans into your diet and give your weight loss program a real boost.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Warren

Calcium Supplements

2008-05-01T04:02:00.004-04:00

Milk contains nine essential nutrients, making it one of the most nutrient-rich drinks you can enjoy. Just one eight-ounce glass of milk puts you well on your way to meeting your daily value for calcium and other key nutrients.

Milk is also an important source of vitamin D. Researchers are now discovering that vitamin D is an important player in metabolism, (this is where it helps you to lose weight) as well as bone development. Calcium helps keep your joints flexible. Plus, milk is fortified with vitamin D, another nutrient important for healthy bones. Other excellent non-dairy sources of calcium are fortified orange or grapefruit juice, and fortified ready-to-eat cereal (check the label and find the calcium fortified varieties and how much it contains).

Of course we all know that it is better to get our nutrients form our foods. . .

But for those who do not like milk, are lactose intolerent, or just do not feel they are getting enought calcium from your diet there are calcium supplements. These supplements come in pill powder or liquid forms.

You should also reduce your caffeine intake because caffeine can deplete your bodys store of calcium.

A Plateful of Valuable Weight Loss Tips For Everyone

2007-11-05T01:48:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I think that in today's world too much pressure is put on people to be thin. We see it every day on the television and magazine covers. The media has made the weight issue too important.

What do you do in order to control your weight? Are you trying one of the many diets available? Do you have your own workout regime at the local gym. No matter what you do to keep in good shape, at least you are not giving up.

Unfortunately, many Americans have given up on their figure and now their weight issue is becoming bigger and bigger. I suppose you understand that once you give up on your figure, it all goes down hill. At the beginning you are size 9 and that's fine with you. Then you realize you've gained a few pounds but it is not a big deal. Soon your size number is 12 and then it turns to size 16. If you constantly keep avoiding the problem the size could go up and up. Nowadays it is very stupid to disregard your figure having in mind all the weightloss tips you can get. Have you tried searching the Internet for useful weightloss tips?

In the past finding some good weightloss tips was quite a difficult task. There were many gurus not knowing what they were babbling about. Have you seen one of those machines people would stand on with the giant belt? I will always remember the day when I first saw it on an old advertisement. This machine actually giggled the person's mid section all over the place. What do you think this can accomplish?

Were people so blind that they actually believed the fat could be shaken off? We are lucky today as we are well aware of how things work. We know which weightloss tips are valid and which are useless. If you think that diet pills will help you reduce your weight you are wrong. The only thing they will do is to pull the water from your figure. But you don't want to get rid of the water, do you? Your problem is fat. In case you are looking for some good weightloss tips and dietary supplements then I would suggest you conducted an online research.

Do you need decent weightloss tips? Don't give up if you haven't succeeded to find the ideal weightloss regime for yourself yet. Do some browsing and you will see that there are hundreds of solutions available. Here are some weightloss tips as follow: always maintain a balanced and healthy diet including fresh vegetables, organic meats and drink plenty of water. The key to weightloss is eating reasonable portions and exercising on a regular basis. For further weightloss assistance and more useful tips you can open google.com and conduct a search with the key words "weightloss tips".

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning weight loss. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Weight Loss Tips
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Hamilton

The Diet Your Skin Needs

2007-10-17T05:24:00.000-04:00

There is no denying the fact that appropriate diet not only benefits your health, but also your SKIN. A stressful life (inadequate care) and unhealthy eating are two major reasons for poor skin and various skin problems like rashes, dry skin, black circles under your eyes, pimples, acne, pigmentation etc. There are other secondary reasons too which can affect your skin like at the time of pregnancy when there is hormonal change or genetic problem i.e either you have oily or dry skin because of your genes. But more than 70% of the affected skin is due to the primary reasons and one of the major primary reason is inappropriate diet.

Different skin needs different type of diet. But there are few general rules for healthy skin which are universal for everyone.

Here is the list of Good Skin Health rules:

a) Water: This magical drink is the best medicine for your skin. Not only does it refresh you and make your skin glow but also purifies your body which makes the body run most effectively. Read the benefits of water and how it helps your skin glow just a click away at http://www.weightloss-health.com/Water_Benifits.htm

b) Vitamins are as essential to skin as oxygen is to your body. Some vitamins do a world of good to your skin. These vitamins are mandatory for glowing and healthy skin.

List of Vitamins essential for your glowing skin and their sources (natural):

1) Vitamin C : It can be easily found in all citric fruits like orange etc.

2) Vitamin A : Sources for Vitamin A are papaya, orange, egg yolk etc.

3) Vitamin B : It is found in all leafy vegetables along with fruits. Other sources are Whole grains , brewers yeast etc.

4) Vitamin E : It is found in oilseeds, vegetables like broccoli , nuts etc.

It is very simple to maintain healthy skin. You just need to take care of it properly and make sure you eat well. You can always consult your skin specialist for the right diet and simply follow it.

More on healthy food ( http://www.weightloss-health.com/healthy%20food.htm ) and free healthy recipes ( http://www.weightloss-health.com/Recipes.htm ) of all kinds .

About the Author

Jasdeep: for http://www.weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free tips and tricks on weight loss, diet and muscle Building at Healthy Diet Tips, Myths and Facts

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

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Trash those "Miracle" Dieting and Weightloss Products and Programs!

2007-09-05T04:22:00.000-04:00

Dieting--Weightloss

What is the best way to go about it?

Are you the type of person who checks out those five-minute infomercials on the telly featuring a "miracle" soap and a before and after girl? Do you also immediately dial the numbers on the screen to order the featured product (and supposedly avail of a mega discount)?

You've probably tried every dieting and weightloss magic pills, potions, diets, creams, exercise gadgets, and what-nots that all yielded absolutely nada effect. The problem areas (read: bulging belly, flabby arms, and double chin) are still very much out for the world to see.

You long to don sexy and figure-hugging tops and jeans, and two-piece swimsuits in the summer, but have to opt for hideous long-sleeved tops and baggy denims that make you look extremely lousy. Well, the first thing you have to keep in mind is that dieting and weightloss products and programs that promise instant results are hundred percent duds.

For years, dieting and weightloss experts tried to convince people with weight issues to concentrate on healthy lifestyle and forget "miracle" products and programs. While there are nutritionists and diet gurus who encourage weight-loss programs like South Beach diet and Atkin's diet, some experts advice clients to subscribe to natural and risk-free alternatives. Specific diet plans are fast gaining a huge following, but this isn't to say they're effective. Low-carbohydrate Atkins diet, for example, is blamed for the poor mental performance and weaker immune system of its followers.

Atkins enthusiasts believe low carb daily intake, which is estimated at 20 grams or less, is the key to slim or whistle-bait figure. The downside is that there are less carb stored in the liver that eventually translates to that distinct "lazy" feel.

A diet with insufficient carb also restricts the production of lymphocyte, which helps the body fight infections. Even the seemingly perfect and utterly promising diet programs are not fool-proof. In the end, it's still best to stick to a slowly-but-surely healthy lifestyle that cannot only erase bulges (though definitely not in a blink of an eye) but also improve health in general.

People who have weight problems should remember that not all diets are to be avoided. Though they have to stay away from crash diets and the like, they have to keep in mind healthy dieting and weightloss teach them the value of discipline and choice of the right kind of food.

Crash dieting often places food in a bad light, something to be ingested in minimum. But in fact, food (even for the overweight and obese) is an ally. Just make sure to eat a balanced diet coupled with regular exercise. This advice may sound archaic but nothing can be more true than this reality. Even if dieting and weightloss products and programs continue to increase and become much more modernized, nothing beats the benefits one can get from following a healthy lifestyle.

For more valuable information on Dieting and Weightloss, please visit http://www.womandiet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gloria_Diaz

How Can You Speed up Metabolism?

2007-04-23T02:17:00.000-04:00

The Metabolism is the rate at which your body's motor is running. The swiftness at which our body burns calories is called the metabolic rate. It is how fast your "motor" is running when you at rest or asleep.

The metabolism is based on the number of calories we burn throughout the day. Our body is always burning calories whether we are eating, sleeping, cleaning or whatever. People with a smaller percentage of body fat will have a higher metabolism rate than those that are less muscular. Muscle uses more calories to sustain itself than fat. Some people naturally have a slower metabolic rate and have a harder time staying slim. When you are younger you have a higher metabolism rate because your cells are more active.

So now you can understand that the slower your metabolic rate, the more weight you will gain. What type of exercise is ideal to speed up your metabolism so that you burn calories even at rest or sleep? Resistance training and walking will do wonders!

Improving Your Metabolism

Do not skip any meals

Exercise daily

Build your muscles

Avoid alcohol, sugar, and fasting

Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.

Eat foods with high nutritional values

Possible Causes of Low Metabolism

Fasting

Low calorie diet

Snacking throughout the day on high sugared foods (candy, colas, cakes, gum).

Lack of physical activity.

If you have a under active thyroid.

5 Natural Weight Loss Tips

2007-04-11T23:58:00.000-04:00

A More Beautiful You Is 5 Steps Away!

Being powerful, healthy, fit and trim is a goal we all should have and work toward. Despite the so called "easy cures" such as: weightloss drugs and dangerous fad diets that never give lasting health or weightloss, there are still plenty of natural, safe habits we can easily make a part of our daily routine to start us on this path. Here are 5 good ideas to get you started.

1. 'Just say no' to alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not good for you. Beer is fattening and the rest of the alcoholic drinks may not be fattening by themselves but after a couple of swigs you will be in no position to watch your diet and your appetite will also be something to battle with.

2. You should eat the so called cheat foods, but just for flavor. There are many things which you should void from your daily food intake but which you may have an undying craving for. Do not avoid them altogether or you are bound to binge. Indulge in them once in a while. Just don't hog on them-instead, share them with others.

3. Try to adopt a vegetarian way of eating for at least some of your meals . A vegetarian diet is undoubtedly better for evereyone. There are many advantages to a vegetarian diet. What I would suggest is to follow a vegetarian diet as much as possible. Make a vegetarian eating plan twice or three times a week if you find it impossible to give up eating meat all together.

4. Choose low fat substitutes or no fat substitutes. There are plenty of low fat or even no fat substitutes available in the market so why not choose wisely. It is much better for you heart too. Many people just go for shopping and pick up whatever they can. They do not bother to find out if there are any substitutes for the thing they are looking for. (my-healthy- weightloss-blog does not believe in low fat substitutes because of what is added to make them that way, as in added sugars and chemicals etc.)

5. Most importantly, avoid crash diets. They are bad for your health and you will gain what you have lost once you go back to your regular eating patterns. Crash diets are not a solution to weight loss. It might seem as if you have lost few pounds but the moment you give up on the crash diet every thing will bounce back with a vengeance.

Crash diets and diet drugs make many promises, but very rarely if ever do these promises come true. Crash diets are things people go on in order to wear an old dress or suit for a particular occasion. That's the only purpose that they serve as far as I can see.

James B. Allen is the publisher of Power Living Press. He invites you to come learn more about living a healthier, wealthier, more beautiful and more powerful life TODAY by visiting:
http://www.powerlivingpress.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Allen

How Do Negative Calorie Foods Work?

2007-04-06T00:29:00.000-04:00

To make a negative calorie food list, we must be precisely clear on what we mean. There has been some uncertainty about this saying. Some have thought that this kind of food contains no calories at all. This can't be right because all foods contain some energy (calories).

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We are going to present you with a list of negative calorie foods. If you follow it, while also eating other kinds of foods, it will increase your metabolism naturally, and the result will be weight loss - especially compared with eating a meal where these foods are not included.

When we say negative calorie food, we mean foods which contain so little energy (calories) that the body actually uses more energy to digest and absorb the nutrients then they contain! That’s exciting! So if you subtract calories you'll burn from the calories you eat, the result will be negative. Only by digesting the food you have eaten, there will be a net loss of energy or a negative energy balance. This is what must occur if you are going to lose weight but with negative calorie foods you do not have to do anything but eat them to accomplish that.

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You can also eat protein in combination with such food. Good protein will help you control your appetite as well as increase your metabolism because the total amount of calories is not reduced too much.

Here is the list of NEGATIVE CALORIE FOODS:

Vegetables

Fennel, aborigine, gourd, broccoli, leek, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, marrow, cauliflower, peppers, celery, radish, chicory, spinach, cress, tomato, cucumber, turnip.

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Fruits

Apricot, mandarin orange, blackberry, melon cantaloupe, blackcurrant, peaches, clementines, plums, damsons, raspberry, grapefruit. rhubarb, guava, strawberry, honeydew melon, tangerine, lemon, watermelon.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet marketer. He runs the website 11-Weight-Loss.net. Terje enjoys to help people with negative calorie food diets and workout to increase metabolism naturally.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terje_Ellingsen

10 Tips For Supper Healthy Weightloss

2007-03-31T15:25:00.000-04:00

Super Detox Shopping Page Detoxing your body is very good for it and you will also lose weight from stuff your body does not need. Now thats healthy!

1. Take it slow - one pound at a time

Do not get overwhelmed by how much weight you need to lose. Try to remember that losing 15 pounds in two weeks is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat.

Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can each day without gaining weight.

Fat loss is best achieved when weight is lost slowly. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 3-4 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories.

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2. Set Reachable Goals (for you personally-everyone is different)

For instance, if you know you need to get more exercise, begin with a manageable goal of, say, walking 10 minutes a day that you know you can achieve. Then build your self-esteem by achieving the small goals you set yourself.

The same logic applies for losing weight.

3. Stay off the scales

Don’t get discouraged when your progress seems to be slow according to your bathroom scales. They do not provide a true measure of what is going on with the body.

If exercise levels are adequate (5-7 days a week), you may be putting on muscle but losing fat, thus losing inches even if you are not losing pounds. It's always a good idea to do several body measurements to have a second objective way to monitor progress.

4. Stay focused on being healthy, not thin

Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motive changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health.

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5. Fat Free? (not good for your body)

We've known for some time that limiting high fat foods in the diet can be helpful with weight loss. That's because fats pack in 9 calories per gram compared to only 4 calories per gram from proteins or carbohydrates. To many, the message to limit fats implied an endorsement to eat unlimited amounts of fat-free products. Just to clarify, fat-free foods have calories too. In some cases fat-free foods have as many calories as their fat laden counterparts. If you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. Eating less fat will help you to lose weight. Eating less fat and replacing it with excessive amounts of fat-free products will not.

6. Drink plenty of water (gulp, gulp, gulp)

'Drink eight glasses a day. Water is a natural appetite-suppressant. Nettle tea is a great weight-loss tea as it supports metabolism and has diuretic properties.'

7. Reward yourself (you do deserve it!)

Each time you reach a goal, such as losing 5 pounds, reward yourself with a gift or a massage.

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8. Seek help if you need it (we all need someone sometime!)

A big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others. Find a friend to lose weight with or you can check to see if groups such as Weight Watchers, or eDiets offer programs and resources in your area by clicking the links. You may also wish to check with your local hospital to see if their registered dietician conducts group weight loss programs.

9. Watch your portions (using a smaller plate works well)

With the advent of "supersize" meals and increasingly huge portions at restaurants, our concept of normal serving sizes is a distant memory. Be mindful of the amounts of food you consume at a sitting. When necessary, divide your food in half and ask for a take home bag. It is all too easy to be a "plate cleaner" even when served enormous portions. Learn to pay attention to your hunger level and stop eating when you feel comfortably full, not stuffed.

10. Eat your food slowly (experience your food, enjoy it, really tasete the flavor and feel the textures - mmm)

Did you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in. The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites and enjoy your food.

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Tim Godfrey is the co-author of the best selling healthy diet book, Mediterranean Diet Secrets.

To see the latest healthy dieting news and learn more about the book visit: http://www.mediterraneandietsecrets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Godfrey

Is There Really Any Cheap Hoodia?

2006-05-22T16:43:00.000-04:00

According to some authoritative sources on hoodia, the current price of hoodia gordonii is $39.55 (US dollars) per ounce. So how can companies sell cheap hoodia? One belief is that they are not selling genuine hoodia gordonii. Another is that they are mixing it with inexpensive ingredients.

Advertisements of cheap hoodia gordonii products abound. E-bay sellers like to use this tag line, not to say that there is necessarily anything wrong with the products being sold on e-bay. Individuals could have bought large quantities and received volume discounts in order to turn them around for a lower than normal price and still make a few bucks. The hoodia in stores is not cheap. Even the hoodia herb mixtures that are commonly sold at Wal-greens and other retail establishments are not cheap. They may appear to cost less than the better known products like Desert Burn and Hoodia XR, but take a close look at the ingredients before you buy. The hoodia in stores is often something like “Green Tea with Hoodia!” Green tea is cheap. Cheap hoodia does not exist. There is also the question of cost per day. Many companies claim that a bottle is a thirty day supply when closer look at the label indicates otherwise.

According to Hoodia gordonii.com.za, they have researched the market and found that more than 75% of all products being sold as hoodia gordonii, possibly cheap hoodia gordonii, are not hoodia gordonii. Hoodia gordonii.com.za does not sell hoodia gordonii. They are a South African based company that facilitates the “authentication and monitoring of hoodia gordonii products in the global environment”. By buying hoodia in stores and retail outlets and sending these samples to an independent testing facility, they have been able to provide complete information about some of the products that are out there. Testing is expensive and this is a non-profit group, so every hoodia product on the market has not been tested by them at this time. One product that is listed in their “Hall of Shame” is currently the subject of a possible class action suit for making false claims.

Even the fake hoodia is not cheap hoodia. These companies know what price consumers are willing to pay for something that has been touted as a “cure for obesity”. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates companies for making fraudulent claims. Consumers who have purchased hoodia in stores that did not work and can not be returned can visit the official website of the FTC to lodge a complaint. Consumers can protect themselves from cheap hoodia ads, simply by not falling for them. The FTC also advises that companies which make claims that seem “too good to be true”, making statements like “lose weight without diet or exercise” should probably be avoided.

Patsy Hamilton is an editor of the Hoodia Info Blog. Visit us at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patsy_Hamilton

Detox Diets

2006-04-20T00:03:00.000-04:00

Americans are in desperate need of an answer to an increasing rate of obesity, diabetes, fatigue, stress, toxicity and general lack of good health. I felt the same way. Why was I always tired, cranky and why did I suddenly have a spare tire around my midsection, when I never had belly fat before?

I decided it was time to make a major play for my health - I decided to undertake a detox diet.

What detox diet did I choose? I ended up choosing the "One Day Detox Diet : The Fast Track" by Anne Louise Gittleman, a renowned nutritionist who's written several books on eating right, including the "Fat Flush" series which has gained quite a bit of notoriety as of late.

My Experience on the Detox Diet

Well, let me start off by saying, the Fast Track Detox is in fact, a diet that is eleven days long in total, the eighth day is actually the juice fast that the cover speaks of. What I didn't know is that in order to fast correctly, you have to prep your body, or else a fast may do more harm than good in terms of your metabolism, withdrawal symptoms, releasing of toxins etc. I had absolutely no problem with this part.

I didn't expect to really rid my body of the harmful toxins and excess fat storages that had been built for, heck, probably years, to all be flushed away in a one day juice fast diet.

This diet consists mainly of fresh organic foods which the author has picked specifically to perform certain "cleansing" functions to the various organs in your body which are in the most desperate need of cleansing. What are these organs? The liver, kidneys and the colon and digestive tract. That didn't surprise me, especially knowing the number of times I've heard the doomsday stories of how all of our colons have stagnant, rotting fecal matter due to decades of build up and toxic foods, and what about our livers and kidneys? Do you think they haven't suffered as well?

I like this particular detox diet, because not only does it provide me with the shopping list, the recipes and the specifics of how to eat and what to eat for the detox to work, but she also takes the time to explain thoroughly the reasons behind the specific food choices. In other words, she tells you what part of your body these foods help to cleanse and detoxify.

This knowledge REALLY helped me to visualize the damage I've probably caused to my major organs by choosing foods that not only had tons of chemicals and pesticides, but also contained a lot of low carb replacement sugars, which I thought were good for me. Not so. By visualizing my new body and how I would be mending my internal organs and bringing them back to optimal function and losing my extra weight, this really helped me to get through the tougher parts of the diet, which for me were about three days in, and now.

Why do I say "now"? Well, as I am writing this article, I am doing the one day juice fast part of the detox diet, and was suddenly inspired to write this article. It is now April 17th, at 6:36 p.m., and yes, I have gone all day without any food. I've followed my fasting to the letter, and guess what? I'm alive and kicking! Not only that I feel good. I have energy, and I feel a sense of relief for not having to worry about food for the day.

The hunger pains have come and gone, and I feel a kind of mental clarity that I haven't felt in a while. I'm envisioning how the special juice is detoxifying my body, and it's making it much easier to know that I will also now go without dinner.

Plus, I'm thinking of how good that first savory bite of food will be in the morning! All in all, I'm very glad I've come this far in detoxifying my body, and I have to say, I do feel good. I do believe that there really is something to the fact that we periodically need to give our body's a break from the barrage of environmental toxins as well as food weighed down with various toxins, by going on a detox diet. I think if you try one, you'll know exactly what I mean. You'll look at your food in a whole new light.

Visit Dieting Magazine: Diet Pill Reviews, Weightloss Supplements for diet tips, diet pill reviews, weightloss equipment reviews, and diet reviews. Danna Schneider is the cofounder of Diet News Daily.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Schneider

Workout Clothes For Your Home Fitness Exercise

2006-04-05T11:57:00.000-04:00

When it comes to working out, a lot of folks just throw on something lying around and then get started, but did you know that the kind of clothes you wear when exercising can play a large role in how comfortable you feel? Actually by wearing the right workout clothes and apparel you can enjoy your exercise routine more, and be more apt to actually stay with it, so let's discuss some workout clothes that you ought to consider:

* Just regular cotton T-shirts are fine for wicking moisture away from your skin but they do little to keep you ventilated properly in the process and so you may feel an overheated sensation while working out. Some of the new workout shirt fabrics that have been released lately remove moisture and help keep you cool at the same time, so look for apparel that advertises this feature.

* With pants and shorts it's good to have a stretchable waistband that does not hinder your activity in any way. It's also important to have fabric that removes skin moisture here too. As far as shorts are concerned, be sure that they are long enough to prevent rubbing of the thighs and chafing as you go through your exercise routine.

* Sports bras can be very helpful for women while they exercise. Again the material used should be good at removing moisture from your skin, but a sports bra should also provide comfort and support without digging in and feeling uncomfortable. Lately sports bra manufacturers have been making half sizes that help make an even better fit for many women and they also are making good quality bras that help larger breasted women as they exercise too.

* Having the right socks can contribute a lot toward feeling comfortable in a workout session. Your feet are almost always in active movement when you are exercising and if you don't wear good socks you can easily irritate your feet and maybe even blister them from the activity. Socks also provide another little layer of shock absorption for your feet, so they are a very important part of your overall workout wardrobe.

* The shoes you wear are an important choice too. Your feet need good support as they are going through intense activity and if you don't wear shoes that provide that support, you may find yourself sidelined with injuries before too long. Avoid that by getting a good set of shoes, perhaps cross-trainers that will provide solid all around foot support.

Having the right workout clothes and apparel on when you are exercising shows that you are serious about your commitment to a healthier way of life and it will reward you with better and more comfortable workout sessions.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including fitness. You can find the best fitness equipment and learn about home fitness workouts by visiting our Home Fitness website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thad_Pickering

Do You Love Popcorn As Much As I Do?

2006-03-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

If you do you must read this great article about great ways to keep it healthy but tasteing GREAT! Yumm bonnie--

Headed to the Theater this Weekend? ...Learn why theater popcorn is feared by all well-informed dieters; find out the best way to avoid overeating; get ideas on pepping up air-popped popcorn; and sort out which sweets you can settle for with Cinema Wars: Revenge of the Snacks.

"Newmac" Becomes A New Man!

2006-03-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

Mike loses 159 lbs.* in less than a year on NutriSystem

Growing up, I was a typical Ohio farm kid, food-wise: meat and potatoes—plus pie. However, I really started to put on weight after I graduated from college some 30 years ago. I would gain and then periodically go on a diet and lose some weight—only to gain it back, plus more. Over time my weight went up and up. I always wanted to lose it, but never was able to succeed. My waist went from a 36/38 to 54. I was wearing size 4XL shirts.

I knew I was too heavy but, like most, I never did too much about it; instead, I was the "jolly fat man." I became even less active because I could not do things because of my weight. As I got older, I knew the extra weight was not healthy but never did anything about it until I got a major wake-up call during the 2004 holiday season.

Hi, I'm Mike ("Newmac" on the NutriSystem boards). I'm a 53-year-old science teacher living in Ft. Lauderdale with my wife and 3 kids. This is my weight loss story.

In 2004, I caught a cold a week or two before Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving, I woke up and was having trouble breathing, like I was out of breath. I thought it was just the cold so I was not really concerned at first; however, by noon I was still having problems so I told my son Rick to take me over to the emergency room. Once there, I was told that I had a very fast heartbeat and, after some tests, the doctor said I also had pneumonia. I was admitted to the hospital and spent 5 days as they treated the pneumonia and attempted to monitor my heart rate. I was told I had heart flutter (heart arrhythmia).

In short, my heart was not beating correctly. So the doctors tried electric shock to put my heart back into rhythm. That same evening, I was at home and all of a sudden I couldn't breathe, so Rick called 911. I was rushed to the hospital with what was thought to be a heart attack. I was informed that the electric shock had not worked and my heart was out of rhythm again. I was told I had to have what is called an ablation (the fancy name is electrophysiological study), where they locate the areas that were sending the signals to my heart, telling it to beat incorrectly, and then block the messages being sent. But I was too heavy for the procedure; at least 50 pounds would have to come off before they would attempt the ablation. That was my wake-up call to lose weight.

I knew I had to do something, and immediately. With so much at stake, I checked out many different programs. I finally settled on NutriSystem (I saw the NutriSystem ad in my Sunday paper). I chose NutriSystem because I knew I needed a simple and convenient way to lose weight. The other programs all cost more or you had to make most of your own food, and I knew from experience that I would not do this. NutriSystem had all the main items prepared and I just had to add fresh items (such as fruit), which I found to be very easy.

I officially started NutriSystem program on January 10, 2005 with a start weight of at least 347+ pounds (my scale wouldn't go higher). Because of my heart condition, though, I was told not to physically exert myself, so I wondered how much weight I could lose without exercising. But from the beginning, my weight loss seemed to be pretty steady. In about two weeks, I noticed a difference—I was losing weight and I also felt better. Also, people at school started to ask me if I was losing weight after about one month into the program. Thankfully, by March I had broken the 300-pound barrier and in early June (when I was close to 100 pounds lost) I was finally able to have the heart procedure that probably saved my life.

While on NutriSystem, I've chosen to make mini-goals for myself because I knew I needed to have reachable and realistic goals to keep me going. My first goal, of course, was dropping 50 pounds, which I needed to do to get my heart fixed. Once I reached that goal, I chose another goal of another 25 pounds and so on. To me, this was better than saying "I am going to lose 150 pounds!" and then feeling like it took forever to reach it. This approach worked well: I lost 159 pounds* in less than a year!

There are many things about the program that were enjoyable. I really liked the fact that I had so many choices for the meals and I enjoyed most of the food. (My favorites are any of the pasta meals, such as lasagna, ravioli and rotini.) I have also found that the support board has been very helpful; the people there encourage
me. I also bought the NutriSystem® Nourish™ book and it helped me a great deal.

Lose weight and feel great with NutriSystem Men's Program which includes more meals with higher amounts of protein. You eat five times a day to help you feel full longer.

Mike (with his daughter Jennifer) is celebrating his one-year anniversary on NutriSystem this week as a healthier husband and dad. Congrats, Mike!

It also really helped that I could eat 5 different times during the day, so I never really found myself hungry on the diet—I was hungry when it was time to eat my meals (as it should be), but not in-between. I also liked that NutriSystem is so balanced—you have all the food groups included in the plan. (I was on diets in the past that fruit was a no-no!) Also, with NutriSystem, the weight stays off—not like some of the other diets that, once the diet is over, you go back to what you ate before and the weight comes back on. I really never knew how to eat until I started the NutriSystem program.

I have gotten a lot of support from my family and friends during my weight loss. My wife Luanne was a great help to me on this program, as she made sure I had the right amounts of all the items at each meal. We were very strict about following what the program told us to eat. For the longest time, we measured out the servings of vegetables until we learned what the proper amount looked like. I had a steady weight loss all along and I never cheated on the diet. (Really—that is the truth!)

I never was made fun of or pressured to eat items not on my diet. My friends think it's great that I lost weight and are impressed by how good I look now. I am always hearing that I look so different now. In fact, my mother is very pleased and after years of complaining that I was too heavy—now she says I am getting too thin!

Now 159 pounds* lighter, I really like the way I feel, and I am able to buy clothes that fit (and I have choices of styles). My current clothes are a size I haven't been able to wear since high school—in fact, I weigh less now than when I graduated from high school! Plus, people who I haven't seen for a while don't recognize me, and that feels good.

More importantly, my cardiologist calls me his model patient because I did what he said and lost weight—in fact, he is amazed how much I lost and says to keep it up. In addition, the doctors had told me that I had sleep apnea (probably because I was overweight), but now that seems to be gone. And, even though my blood pressure was never an issue, it is now very good due to my weight loss. I wish I had done this years ago.

I don't think I will have any trouble maintaining the weight because NutriSystem taught me what to eat and in what proportions. I actually like and look forward to eating what NutriSystem recommends! In fact, I plan on following the NutriSystem program until I reach my last goal weight (only 3 more pounds!), and I will continue to use NutriSystem products as I maintain my weight.

And when people ask me how I managed to lose weight on the program, I always tell them that it works: the program was very easy to follow, and I always saw steady progress because I never cheated.

Plus, I had the perfect motivation—when you can't breathe, you never want to go through it again.

Lose weight and feel great with NutriSystem Men's Program which includes more meals with higher amounts of protein. You eat five times a day to help you feel full longer.

- Mike

*Results not typical

"Superwoman" conquers her biggest foe: her self–esteem

2006-03-19T12:24:00.000-05:00

Tiffany loses 25 lbs.* and gains confidence

"I will do today what others won't, so I can live tomorrow like others can't."

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This quote by Zig Ziglar means exactly what it says: I will make sacrifices when other people out there won't. This is a quote I live by. My perspective on life is that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am a very goal–oriented person, and when I set a goal, I mean it! I will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. So by nature, I always strive to be the best at everything in life. I try to be Superwoman.

Hi, I'm Tiffany ("Tiff–in–TX" on the boards), a 25–year–old Texan working as a Unit Coordinator for a medical research department. This is my weight loss story.

The only challenge I could never conquer was my weight. I have pretty much always had self–image issues as long as I can recall. I remember having my picture taken in first grade, and in the photo I was wearing a pink dress that showed the outline of my belly sticking out. I remember thinking that I was fat even back then.

Through the rest of my time growing up, I always felt that I was bigger than most of the other girls my age—and that really put a damper on my self–esteem. In high school, I was in sports and I always had to get the extra large jerseys while most of the other girls wore smalls and mediums, so that always made me self–conscious about my weight. I have always thought I was fat, no matter what my size was.

My weight has affected my life in several other ways, too. For example, despite being a lifelong resident of Texas, I never wore shorts in public—ever. I also never used to wear anything sleeveless. I probably got a lot of weird looks when I was wearing pants in 100 degree weather, but I didn't mind because I would rather be hot than be seen in shorts. Emotionally, my weight played a big part in my self–esteem and self–image (neither of which were good). When I was bigger, I was shier and would keep to myself a lot.

I grew tired of feeling that way. I knew I had to do something. One day, I was talking to a college friend and I found out about NutriSystem. She had lost weight on the program and recommended it to me when I told her I wanted to lose weight. Basically, I chose the program because I had seen living proof that it worked. I started in April of 2005.

When I used to eat whatever I wanted, I never thought about calories or fat or how the food I was eating would affect me. After I began NutriSystem, though, I started thinking about everything that hit my mouth (which I still do today). It was hard to say "no" to myself sometimes, but each time I did, I felt great about it because that was an obstacle I overcame that I knew would help me later on.

And it worked. Less than five months later, I lost 25 lbs.* and reached my goal weight of 140 lbs. (I'm 5'7 ½"). I felt such a sense of accomplishment!

It helped that there was such a variety of foods to choose from, and that the program didn't eliminate any certain food group. The fact that I could eat things like pizza and chocolate and still lose weight was a great thing! I didn't feel deprived or like I couldn't enjoy foods I love. I could feast on Chicken Cacciatore at lunch, enjoy tacos for dinner, and still treat myself to the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Bar or the NutriCrunch Chocolates.

The NutriSystem Bulletin Board has also been a big key to my success, hands down. If it weren't for all those wonderful people giving me encouragement and compliments, I know that I would not be where I am today. There were so many times where I didn't feel like working out one day or I would want to eat something off–plan and I would go to the Bulletin Board and have someone tell me that I looked great. That immediately changed my mind and made me want to work out that day or resist that food temptation. I credit so much of my success to the members on the Bulletin Board, and I have made many life–long friends there.

My family and friends have been awesome throughout my journey, too. They were always very supportive and congratulatory, which helped me to stay on track and make it to my goal.

By far, the most rewarding thing about my weight loss journey has been the confidence and self–esteem it has given me. I feel like a new person, and my newfound confidence has allowed me to make new friends and enjoy life far more than I could have before. In fact, now that I have lost the weight, I'm not afraid to be the first person to strike up a conversation, and my self–esteem is soaring. I feel so much better about myself and I have tons of confidence. I am loving life.

Here's the ultimate proof: I now have a closet full of tank tops and I'm not afraid to show off my arms in public. Plus, I can now wear sizes that I haven't worn in 10 years. I feel comfortable in my clothes and my new confidence has worked wonders in my social life.

I'm not a bodybuilder, but I love the way toned muscles look. I believe that exercise is a very important part of my weight loss and maintenance, but I definitely needed NutriSystem to achieve the results I desired. Before I joined NutriSystem, I was working out for 5–6 days a week and couldn't lose a single pound (probably because I was gaining muscle). After I started the program, the pounds started to drop and my body took on a whole new shape as I shed fat. I am so happy that I found NutriSystem, because it was the main factor in transforming my body from my "before" to now.

I guess that's where the whole "flex" pose came into play. Each time I have pictures taken, I always have one taken of me flexing. Several of the girls on the Bulletin Board have taken pictures of themselves flexing also, and they'll put "This one's for Tiff!" in the caption. The fact that I can be a motivation and encouragement to them means the world to me. I absolutely LOVE helping others achieve their goals in any way I can.

Now running into people I haven't seen in years is a great thing, because I look so much better than I used to. People I haven't seen in a while always shower me with compliments when they see me. They tell me how great I look and that is such an awesome feeling. I have never had so many people give me compliments before.

I reached my goal several months ago, and I have maintained my weight thus far. I intend to keep it off by applying the knowledge I have learned from the NutriSystem program and continuing to exercise and lift weights. I am confident about keeping it off for life, because NutriSystem has given me the tools and information I need to lose weight and maintain my weight loss. I'm definitely prepared for a lifetime of healthy eating. I wouldn't mind losing another 5 pounds, but I'm not going to sweat it; I'm far happier about my body than I was several months ago.

I want to tell everyone out there that there IS an answer, and NutriSystem and exercise is it. I had never been successful at losing weight in the past until I found NutriSystem. NutriSystem has made it easy for anyone to lose weight, because it is so convenient and you don't have to constantly measure food or count calories, fat, points or carbs. The program involves healthy portions and offers a variety of foods and guidelines on WHEN to eat them. NutriSystem has taken all the hard work out of losing weight, so I believe that anyone can be successful with NutriSystem. The resources available to everyone are also the reason that everyone can reach their goals. The Bulletin Board and the ability to contact counselors and nutritionists are keys to everyone's success.

I would just like to encourage anyone out there who is contemplating ordering to just jump in and do it! NutriSystem totally works, whether you have 25 lbs. or 125 lbs. to lose, and the knowledge and support you'll receive are priceless. Thank you, NutriSystem, for helping me change my life!

—Tiffany

*Results not typical

The Worst 4 Letter Word Ever - Diet!

2006-03-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Never Ever Diet! It is the worst thing you can do for your body and your looks! bonnie--

It's several months into the new year. The diet you promised yourself you would start and stick to hasn't worked. Sound familiar? Well, remove the word diet from your vocabulary forever and be on your way to a leaner healthier you.

It's a proven fact that dieting is only a short term fix to a lifelong struggle. We change our eating habits, achieve our desired goal and then return to our old habits again. This is characterized by those yo-yo dieters you've heard so much about. Not only is the behavior depressing especially for those who lose the weight just to gain it all back but it's also extremely unhealthy.

The key to successful weight loss is changing your lifestyle. If you want true success, the healthy habits you incorporate to lose those extra pounds are the same habits you must keep to insure that the weight won't return.

Here are a few tips to help you modify your behavior to achieve and maintain your target weight.

Drink plenty of water. 6 to 8-eight ounce glasses daily is great. However 8 -10 is magnificient. Water gives the sense of fullness and flushes your system of impurities.

If you love fast food - it's okay. Have a kids meal instead of that super size meal you normally treat yourself to.

Avoid fried foods as much as possible. Bake, broil, and/or boil your meats. Your waist and heart will thank you.

Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Most of these foods are very high in sodium and other harmful preservatives. Fresh meat and veggies are best. A good rule of thumb I live by regarding meat is: If I don't have to cook it to eat it - I don't need it!

Eat plenty of fruit--Most fruit is high in fiber which adds a boost to your metabolism.

If you must eat after 6pm, make sure it's fruit or a low calorie, low fat snack.

Never lay down after meals! This is like nails in your coffin. Stay up atleast 30 minutes to a hour after eating. In the long run this can also prevent problems with indigestion, acid reflux and other gastrointestinal problems.

Start counting your calories. There are some who recommend low fat, low carb, low cholesterol. However low calorie is most important. It is increased caloric intake that causes weight gain. Remember that. If you know whats going in, you'll know what needs to come out.

Finally, exercise, exercise, exercise. Some form of exercise for at least 30 minutes each day will burn additional calories and improve your overall endurance and health.

Now, after you've incorporated these tips into your daily routine and you've achieved your desired weight, DON'T STOP! Maintain these habits and they truly will become habits. Here's to a slimmer, healthier you. Live long and strong!

Yea! Thats my motto, change your life by changeing your habbits: one small step at a time will do...bonnie--

Roschelle Nelson is the founder and publisher of WAH4life.com. She lives and works at her home with her husband and two sons. http://www.wah4life.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roschelle_Nelson

Daily weight loss motivation

2006-03-12T00:10:00.000-05:00

By: Ben Sather

When you are faced with the daily challenge of trying to lose weight, you will need to find ways to stay motivated every day. The factors that keep weight loss motivation high include your specific goals, your ability to envision what you want to achieve, and the degree of success you have in the beginning.

Daily motivation requires a special, concerted effort, and it is not always easy. One great way to keep weight loss motivation high is to find an Internet support group to check in with every day. There are many such chat groups and forums on the web.

Another idea is to keep a daily journal of your progress, struggles and success. You can keep a record of your daily diet or write in your journal about the journey and challenge of losing weight and the emotions connected to it.

Weight loss motivation will stay fresh with something tangible that you can look at to remind you of your goals. For example, you can tape a picture of yourself when you were at a more ideal weight to your refrigerator door. You can buy an outfit in your ideal size and hang it in your closet where you will see it every day. There are many books filled with affirmations and inspiration for dieters. Buy one, and read a bit of it every day.

The motivation to lose weight may not come from the same place every day. If you can develop some strategies for keeping your daily motivation high, you are much more likely to be successful and bounce back quickly if you have any setbacks. Whatever you ultimately see as your motivation for losing weight, you do not have to face the challenge alone.

There are resources and people available for anyone who takes the time to seek them. Make a daily commitment to do at least one thing in support of your goal, and you may soon find that the behaviors that support weight loss have become second nature to you!

Ben Sather is the publisher of http://www.a2-weight-loss.com/

Eating for Life

2006-03-12T00:04:00.000-05:00

As a matter of course, all responsible persons should take the time to educate themselves, and their children, about the benefits of healthy eating. Learning to eat for life in a health conscious way is one of the best guarantees for a long and fulfilling life. The quality of our lives is as important as the quantity to most individuals, but because of debilitating disease, we are often forced to make a decision and choose between quality and quantity.

Thanks to the advances in modern medicine, the average person’s life span now exceeds seventy years. If you stop to think, that’s quite a long time to walk around on this earth. Along with the wonderful life expectancy increases, however have the detrimental effects of overeating and unhealthy eating. It seems that as we advance in one area, we regress in others.

As we set out on the course of life, from birth to death, eating is a constant. We eat to sustain life to our bodies, and maintain optimal health as babies. As we grow older, we eat because we enjoy the food we are consuming. This is where the equation has become somewhat skewed. We are supposed to eat because we need the nourishment, and hopefully enjoy the food as we consume it. Not consume it just because we enjoy the food, with little regard to our need for nourishment.

Eating for life is a concept that should never have needed invention, however, here we are. Learning about healthy choices, caloric needs, vitamin needs, and how to make the best choice in order to accommodate all needs, requires some education.

Many children reach adulthood with no thought being given at all to the most important conscious action we have: eating. There is no room for food education in our school system; we’re too busy with mathematics and science. Home economics classes, that were once a part of the required curriculum, are now optional and very few students are exposed to the notional education found in that class.

Health is taught as a science course, and addresses matters of personal hygiene, diseases, and the broad spectrum of health as it applies to the masses. No individual attention is given to how to attain optimal health via our eating habits. It’s funny that we skip the most important, fundamental building block to good health: our notional and caloric consumption in our food. I personally believe we should have the field of neutrino and physical activity married into something combined to provide every person that enters the school system with a personal knowledge of their bodies’ needs, caloric, and nutritional, so that they complete their education with mental and physical competencies.

For now, we simply wait until our children have reached unhealthy, obese weights, and then put them through the painful process of trying to regain their physical health, and restrict their eating. Don’t you think it would have been much easier to simply have prevented this problem, and taught them good physical fitness and good eating habits?

Eating for life is a concept that should be as important to our educational process as our ability to count. The ability to recognize our nutritional requirements, find the foods we need to fulfill those requirements, and differentiate between healthy food consumption and “unhealthy” eating habits is not an option. Not for a healthy, happy, long, and quality life.

For more great information visit Gabae Weight Loss the premiere resource for weight loss, diets, nutrition and living a great healthy life style!

Also if you're looking for more informative articles check out Gabae Weight Loss Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bens

The Very Best Way To Lose Weight Forever

2006-03-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

It amazes me how people want to make weight loss difficult, or complicated. The ones doing that usually want to sell you something very expensive.

Weight loss is simple. I didn't say easy. It can be the hardest thing in the world to drop the extra pounds you've spent a lifetime putting on your frame. But the best way to lose weight is, and always has been, to reduce your net caloric intake.

The formula is simple. The calories you eat, minus the calories you burn, equals your net caloric intake.

If you eat more than you burn, you gain weight. If you eat exactly what you burn, you maintain your weight. If you eat less than you burn, you lose weight.

You don't need a $900 exercise machine to figure that out. It might help you burn some calories, but you have to know the formula first, not expect some magic out of the machine.
Now you know.

I've heard many people say, "But it's not as simple as eating less and moving more! I've been doing that!" Well, not if you're not losing weight. If you can't seem to drop the pounds, you haven't been eating fewer calories than you burn. It really is that simple.

You'll find no shortage of people (especially online) who want you to believe you need an exotic diet, or a particular wonder-machine, or a particular trainer. You don't.

The best way to lose weight is to get educated first about what weight loss is all about, then start following a simple plan that can put the physiological math in your favor.

Copyright by Roy Miller

Roy Miller is the creator of the Get Thin For Life System. If you liked this article, visit Roy's website at http://www.get-thin-for-life.com. Just for visiting, you can pick up a free copy of his report about exactly the best way to lose weight, and keep it off forever.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Miller

Weight Loss Survey: Why Dieters Fail To Lose Weight

2006-02-13T15:10:00.000-05:00

This article from Anne Collins fits right in with our thoughts on weight loss. Give it a read, some great advise and very helpfull! bonnie--

Current levels of overweight and obesity, together with weight-related disease, have made weight control a major health priority throughout America. Yet statistics indicate that average weight reduction on conventional diets adds up to a mere 5-8 pounds per year. So why do we find dieting so difficult? According to a new survey(1), the answer seems to be: because we make 3 crucial mistakes. We don't have a good enough incentive; we allow ourselves to go hungry; and we can't cope with "bad days".

The weight loss survey conducted by annecollins.com asked dieters to select the three biggest problems they faced when dieting. The most common problems reported were: "Inadequate incentive to lose weight" (76%); "Hunger" (72%); and "Bad days" (70%). Although these results will come as no surprise to most dieters, they highlight the importance of motivation in the dieting process. We examine how these problems occur, and what steps can be taken to overcome them.

Why Do We Need an Incentive?
We gain weight because we take in more energy than we use. Either because we eat too many calories, or burn too few, or both. So if we want to reduce weight, we need to improve our eating and exercise habits. And this is not easy, because let's face it - old habits are not easily discarded, especially if they involve cutting out our favorite treats. We need a powerful incentive to help us change. Specifically, we need an answer to the question: "How exactly will I benefit from losing weight?"

When faced with this question, many dieters have no answer. Those who do, typically reply: "I'll feel better" or "my health will improve". Others explain they are trying to lose weight to please their doctor, or their partner, or simply because they are "overweight". Unfortunately, none of these reasons are strong enough to help us succeed. So when temptation strikes, we are unable to resist.

What Type of Incentive is Best?
Our motivation to lose weight must be based on a selfish, specific benefit. A good example might be an upcoming beach holiday, or a family occasion, or the achievement of a specific mobility or fitness goal. It must be as specific as possible (general benefits are useless) and ideally related to a fixed date. In addition, it must be selfish. Losing weight to please others rarely works. The advice I give to my clients is very simple. Do not bother dieting unless you have a good incentive. Because no matter how good the diet, no matter how valuable the exercise plan, unless you have a powerful reason to change your habits you won't succeed.

Hunger Kills Diets
Most dieters are still convinced that calories are their enemy. So the less they eat, the faster they are likely to lose weight. This is not true. In reality, the less we eat, the more hungry we get and the easier it is to fall into temptation. The human body is trained to eat when hungry and no amount of willpower will neutralize this basic urge. This is why binge eating is such a common response to low calorie diets.

How to Avoid Hunger
No rocket science here. Avoiding hunger simply means eating regularly throughout the day, and keeping your calorie intake above 1000-1200 per day. This prevents hunger, thus reducing the urge to overeat, and in addition helps to maintain a regular high level of calorie-burning.

Eat Too Much Rather Than Too Little
We all have days when we feel extra hungry, even when we are dieting. This is no problem - simply eat more! It is always better to eat a little too much than not enough. Might this delay your weight loss? Yes. But so what? Taking a few extra days to achieve your goal is not a problem. The real danger is not eating enough and ending up hungry and depressed. This is a recipe for a binge.

Bad Days and The Problem of Perfection
No dieter is perfect. The truth is, all dieters experience "bad days" or fall into occasional temptation. Sadly, most dieters insist on "being perfect". They cannot tolerate these lapses. So if (say) they visit a friend and end up eating 2 containers of ice cream and a box of cookies, they go to pieces. "I'm useless!" they cry. "I'm a failure!" Overwhelmed by guilt at not being perfect, they then quit their diet in disgust.

It's the Guilt That Does the Damage
In this situation, the actual binge is typically fairly harmless. I mean, we need to eat a huge quantity of food (3500+ calories) to gain even one pound of weight. The real damage is caused by the ensuing guilt. And this is what we need to address.

Guilt Comes From Trying to Be Perfect
All dieters make mistakes and this is perfectly normal. Having an occasional binge is no cause for alarm, far less guilt. Even my most successful clients - those who have lost 100+ pounds - had regular lapses. The difference is, they didn't see themselves as "perfect" individuals. So they felt "entitled" to make occasional mistakes, and so should you. Once you accept this, you will find dieting a whole lot easier.

We Need Support to Make These Changes
In order to overcome the 3 problems described above, an essential first step is to find proper support. This is just as important as choosing the right diet plan, because no matter how good the diet, it can't motivate you to stay on track - only people can do this. Dieting is ten times easier when you receive encouragement from others. So when choosing an online weight loss program, choose one with an active forum. Because at the end of the day, it's all about people. When we are alone and isolated, the smallest obstacle can seem like a mountain. But when we have people behind us, anything is possible.

Notes:
1. Weight Loss Survey (Oct 2005) by annecollins.com. A total of 17,403 subjects replied to the survey. They were asked to choose 3 from a list of 10 diet-problems. The results were as follows:

(1) Inadequate Incentive (76%).
(2) Hunger (72%).
(3) Bad Days (70%).
(4) Boredom (69%).
(5) Stress (60%).
(6) Interference From Others (51%).
(7) Too Much Eating Out (32%).
(8) Eating on The Run (28%).
(9) Ill-health (5%).
(10) Lack of Sleep (1%).

Copyright Anne Collins 2005.

About the author:Anne Collins, 54, is a qualified nutritionist and full time weight management consultant with over 23 years experience. Her clients range from top celebrities to ordinary people of every age and shape. Her website, attracts 9 million unique visitors per annum, and her weight loss forum is one of the most active support centers on the Internet.

Anne Collins Web Site

Weight Loss Program

Weight Loss Forum

Buy the Perfect Treadmill

2006-02-12T01:17:00.000-05:00

Whether you are a fitness buff or a complete exercise beginner, a treadmill can be a wise investment. But with the hundreds of companies out there selling treadmills, there is an array of options to choose from.

In this article, I will discuss four of the most important items that you should look for, when shopping for a treadmill.

Motor

When shopping for a treadmill, the most important consideration is the motor.

The majority of treadmills operate on a DC electric motor that provides an easy to control electric current. Quality treadmills use a power output anywhere from 1.5 to 5 horse power (Hp). Obviously the larger Hp will be more expensive.

If you are using your treadmill for your home and for only a few people, then 2 Hp is all you need.

Running Deck

Since you will be doing your exercise entirely on the deck of the treadmill, it is very important that you find one that will fit your frame and provide comfort.

Usually running decks on most treadmills come with two rollers on each end, which help operate the belt. The deck is generally composed a wooden or fibre board that provide some level of spring every time a foot impacts on it. Shock absorbance is important to preventing injury.

When shopping for a deck you should primarily look for decks that can maximize the impact of your legs. In addition, look for at least a 60” length and 20” width. This will provide enough room for the average person's running stride. If you are bigger, then you might need more room.

Frame

Treadmill frames should be composed of a steel or aluminium material. Over time, these frames are known to be much more durable then plastic or wood frames. Durability is the key, so only select a frame that can take a pounding without breaking.

Console

The final factor to consider is the console. This is the one section where treadmill retailers overwhelm consumers with a bunch of jargon and cool sounding gadgets.

When you shop for treadmills, the important item you should look for is a control panel that will display your speed, time, pace and distance. Anything beyond that is your personal preference. While many people love extras, you can get by with just these items.

So if you have a little more in your budget, you can look for some factors such as:

· Programmed workouts
· Incline settings
· Maximum speeds going up to 12 mph
· Safety features that allow for quick turning off of the machine
· Heart rate monitors that can be clipped to your chest, ear or finger
· Entertainment functions that can help distract the user

Buying a treadmill can be confusing because of the technical terms and jargon. By understanding the basics of what you need, then you can ignore all the fancy sounding names and focus on what is important. When you understand the basics of a quality treadmill, then it will be easy to find one that is perfect for your home and budget.

Scott J. Patterson is the owner of Endless Treadmills for more information on how to get a discounted treadmill, check out his site: http://www.endlesstreadmills.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Patterson

What is Meditation?

2006-02-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

I reprint this article on meditation because meditation relaxes us and helps us to know ourselves. Both very important qualities to work on if you want to be healthy and lose weight. It really is not as hard as most people think. bonnie--

Many people may have had glimpses of meditation unconsciously. For example whilst walking through nature and being awed by its beauty and magnitude. Others may have been moved by sublime music. At such moments our mind becomes still and we feel a sense there is something greater beyond our usual perceptions. As mysteriously as it came, such experiences may leave, giving only a fleeting glimpse of a feeling that is hard to describe. Meditation is an attempt to make such experiences permanent and also deepen and expand our own consciousness.

People may take up meditation for a variety of reasons which could just be curiosity, a desire for more relaxation, peace of mind, or help in sleeping. Others may take to meditation from a feeling of disenchantment with the outer life. If practised with sincerity and regularity, meditation can give us relaxation and peace of mind but it can also offer more than we ever expected. Through meditation we can expedite our soul’s inner journey and we can become more aware of our own spiritual dimension.

"Meditation is absolutely necessary for those who want to have a better and more fulfilling life. If you feel that you are satisfied with what you have and what you are then you need not enter into the field of meditation. But if you feel that there is a barren desert deep inside your heart, then meditation is the answer. Meditation will give you inner joy and peace of mind."

- Sri Chinmoy

To begin meditation we need to learn the art of concentration. Here concentration is different to mental concentration. Concentration for meditation means the ability to be aware of only one thing at a time. We need to keep the mind one pointed and focused only on our meditation exercise. If you try sitting still for 5 minutes and observe your own thoughts you will realise how difficult this is at first. However spiritual teachers who have mastered the art of meditation have offered a variety of techniques to help control the mind. If practised these can change the inherent tendency of the mind to wander and we can enter to silent meditation.

Meditation has significant benefits, these do not materialise in one or two sessions, they are slowly accumulated over time as we deepen our own meditation practise. These benefits will include a more focused and calm mind, greater dynamism and better sleep. In addition we will find ourselves less worried by minor irritants because we can more easily detach ourselves from these negative thoughts.

Some people associate meditation with the Kundalini energies, and psychic powers, however these are really like diversions on the path. The real goal of meditation is peace of mind and positive changes to our inner life.

To start meditation is very easy. Just take 5 or 10 minutes somewhere quiet. Begin by focusing on your breathing and let your thoughts drift away, if thoughts come pay no attention to them. Next try to feel yourself diving deep within away from the mind. If you like you can visualise a beautiful garden or vast ocean. Then for 10 minutes try to hold this awareness with one pointed concentration. If external noises come do not let them distract you, they will always be there. Just concentrate on your breathing. Even if this first experience is not fruitful keep persevering for with each try we will be able to add to our capacity and gradually learn the art of meditation.

For more information on theBenifits Of Yoga

Richard is an economics teacher in Oxford and member of the Sri Chinmoy Centre. He edits a website about spiritual poetry called Poetseers and Write Spirit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Pettinger

Dieting – Follow This Tip and You Will Gain Will Power To Follow Any Diet

2006-02-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

This is such a great idea, I know because I have tried it before and it worked for me! Denying yourself just does not work, but looking forward to good food just might. bonnie--

This tip is not conventional, but it is guaranteed to help you follow any diet that you choose...

Follow your diet religiously for six days a week and then on the seventh day forget about your diet and have a free day.

This may sound unusual advice, but there is a logic here you need to consider and its psychological impact on your state of mind.

If you overeat once a week you remove the one reason many diets fail, which is when choice is removed from you of a food you want it even more.

Say you love Burger King, spaghetti, chocolate or whatever and you told you cant have them for 12 weeks or whatever period your diet is set for.

Guess what? You crave them even more!

By allowing yourself one free day you can say: I will stick with the diet and I can still have my favourites i.e I have a choice.

So wont this ruin all the good work of your diet?

No it won't, and there are three reasons why:

Firstly, you will have been eating sensibly on the other six days and one day won’t make much difference.

Secondly, by overeating and having treats you will perhaps realise that that your body has adjusted to better eating habits.

This day may not be the pleasure you thought i.e. when every day was a free day, or you don’t actually want to eat as much as you thought before you came to your free day.

Thirdly, it gives a choice, we all like to make autonomous decisions and by giving us choices we are more likely to stay with the diet we have chosen.

Don’t set yourself up for failure give yourself some breathing space.

To gain weight you have to eat a lot

Consider this gaining weight is a long term process and you won’t undo the good you have done on the other six days on your free day.

What you will do is give yourself the choice and make sticking with a diet less onerous.

No one wants to be told they can’t have a treat now and again, the free day gives you this and helps you stick with sensible eating longer term.

You can do your free day on any day you like in the week.

If you have tried to diet and find you can't stick with a rigid program give yourself some freedom and some choice and we all like that!

For more information on healthy weightloss

About the author:
Sacha Tarkovsky
For more sensible diet advice, tips on diets, healthy eating, as well as free e-zines and more articles visit =>http://www.net-planet.org/health.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sacha_Tarkovsky

A Negative Calorie Food List

2006-01-28T00:18:00.000-05:00

Yep, you heard it right; there are foods that you can eat that can cause a deficit in calories, what does that mean? Simply put; by eating these foods you lose weight! bonnie--

Get the Negative Calorie E-Book Today

To make a negative calorie food list, we must be precisely clear on what we mean. There has been some confusion about this phrase. Some have thought that this kind of food contains no calories at all. This can't be true because all food contains at least some energy.

We're going to present you with a list of negative calorie foods. If you follow it, not necessarly without any other kinds of food, it will increase metabolism naturally, and the result will be weight loss - especially compared with eating a meal where these foods are not included.

Now, it's time for a definition. When we say nagative calorie food, we mean foods which contain so little energy that the body actually uses more energy to digest and absorb the nutrients. So if you subtract calories you'll burn from the calories you eat, the result will be negative. Only by digesting the food you have eaten, there will be a net loss of energy or a negative energy balance. This is what must happen if you want to lose weight but with this food you don't have to do anything but eat it to accomplish that.

You can also eat protein in combination with such food. Good protein will help you control your appetite as well as increase your metabolism because the total amount of calories are not reduced too much.

Here is the list:

Vegetables

Fennel, aubergine, gourd, broccoli, leek, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, marrow, cauliflower, peppers, celery, radish, chicory, spinach, cress, tomato, cucumber, turnip.

Fruits

Apricot, mandarin orange, blackberry, melon canteloupe, blackcurrant, peaches, clementines, plums, damsons, raspberry, grapefruit. rhubarb, guava, strawberry, honeydew melon, tangerine, lemon, watermelon.

Get the Negative Calorie E-Book

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet marketer. He runs the website 11-Weight-Loss.net. Terje enjoys to help people with negative calorie food diets and workout to increase metabolism naturally.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terje_Ellingsen

How To Afford the Holistic Lifestyle

2006-01-26T23:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a very interesting and eye opening article to make you take a fresh look at your health care choices. bonnie--

"Holistic health is nice for rich people." Who else can afford it?

Is massage a luxury or a therapy? What about a naturopath? Or chiropractor? Can we stay well and stay financially solvent?

In this article, I'll give you a few tips on how you can make your holistic lifestyle affordable.

Defining the Holistic Lifestyle

I say "your" holistic lifestyle, because it will be different for everyone. But let me take a minute to explain my holistic lifestyle.

My dream holistic lifestyle is to use holistic therapies as my first line of defense for every illness. And I want to approach every discomfort, every tiny little health issue, with the safest, cheapest, effective remedy first. If it proves to be too weak or doesn't work, I move on to something a little more expensive and/or dangerous. At the end of the line are the most expensive and dangerous treatments, like pharmaceutical drugs and surgery.

In my dream holistic lifestyle, my week includes a set of therapies designed to keep me well. Meditation classes, yoga and chi gong are my favorites. Then I would see several practitioners who help me stay well. My preferred types of "wellness modalities" are massage therapy (ahh!), Feldenkrais, chiropractic and some type of energy healing. I would take vitamins regularly, and I eat great tasting, organic food.

In this dream, I have a complete team of practitioners who know about each other's role in my holistic lifestyle, and everyone works together to keep me well, and to help me recover from illness when it occurs.

As a piece of the puzzle of my holistic lifestyle, I have some excellent medical doctors who see me when I need them. I don't use them regularly, because of the high cost and the fact that their remedies are extremely strong, dangerous and have fairly severe side-effects that I want to avoid if it's possible.

Okay, that's my dream. As you read about my dream holistic lifestyle, what are you thinking? Does it sound like something you'd enjoy? So how can we make it affordable?

Affording the Dream

Let's look at the challenge of affording the holistic lifestyle I've described.

The first glaring problem is that almost all of what I want is not covered by health insurance.

This is a big problem. But there is a solution.

In order to make the holistic lifestyle affordable, you must change how you think about health insurance.

I want you to treat health insurance the same way you treat auto insurance or home insurance.

Think about these situations. If you have a flat tire on your car, do you go running to your auto insurer demanding payment? No, you don't.

When you break a doorknob on a door in your house, do you call your home insurance company and insist on getting a check in the mail? That sounds crazy, doesn't it?

What would happen if auto insurance policies covered flat tires, oil changes and glove compartment springs? Our insurance rates would be really high.

And yet, with health insurance, we act crazy. We run to expensive doctors for every little thing. And what has happened to health insurance rates? They're crazy high. It's partly our own fault.

Try to think of health insurance as a way to pay for health crises that you can't afford yourself.

Can you afford breast cancer out-of-pocket? No way. A broken leg, diabetes, chronic depression or appendectomy? Of course not. Insurance is meant for these things.

But what about colds? Flu? Back aches? Sore eyes? Insomnia? Lack of concentration? Hemorrhoids?

Yes, you can afford these things yourself. Use the money in your savings account, not your health insurance, for these smaller health problems.

What if you don't have any money in your savings? Well, everyone should have some savings, no matter how poor, but let's say you don't. Do you have a credit card? You can take out an advance on your credit card to pay for these smaller health problems, and pay back the balance over time. I'm not trying to advocate credit card debt, but I think it's a little better than "crazy" health insurance rates that you have to pay every month. Also, most healthcare institutions have payment plans you can use. If neither of those work out, borrow some money from a loved one. We're not talking about tens of thousands of dollars here, just enough to meet your deductible.

But insurance is not the answer for smaller health problems.

Now that you know that, you need to find a type of health insurance that covers the big stuff (cancer, car accidents, etc.) but ignores the small stuff (colds, flu, etc.). Does such insurance exist? The answer is YES.

It is called the "high-deductible insurance policy." It is the best type of health insurance to have, for almost every situation.

The rates of high-deductible insurance are much lower than regular policies. And this type of policy opens up your choices for the lesser health problems.

You now have the choice to use Western medicine out-of-pocket or to use alternative medicine out-of-pocket. You may find that alternative medicine, including acupuncture, massage therapy, herbs, yoga and reiki, is often a better choice. When comparing both therapies out-of-pocket, alternative medicine is much less expensive. It is also often safer, and yet, equally effective.

The circle is complete. You save thousands of dollars by changing your mindset with insurance. Then you are free to choose any type of alternative medicine you wish, whether for wellness (to stay well) or for therapy (to recover from disease). It will be less expensive, safer and more healthy for you. And all you have to change is your mind.

For more information on vitamins for healthy weightloss

Daryl Kulak is the author of Health Insurance Off the Grid, a guidebook to help people afford the holistic lifestyle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daryl_Kulak

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A Great New Way to Try the Simple, Easy, Health Remedies From The Old Days

2006-01-22T02:30:00.000-05:00

Hello readers, a few of these I have tired in the past and they worked for me. But everyone is different so try at your own risk or remedie! bonnie--

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By: Alfred Jones

How did we cure ourselves of many aches, pains and illnesses in the past? Most of the remedies worked very well, were cheap, they could usually be found in most homes and they work today as good as they did then.

Gatorade
Did you know that? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately, without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."

Colgate Toothpaste
Did you know that? Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?

Altoids Peppermints
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.

Aching Muscles
Aching muscles from a dose of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Sore Throat
Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar and the honey will kill the bacteria.

Urinary Tract Infections
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly, even though the product was never been advertised for this use. Alternatively, its hard to beat Cranberry Juice on a daily basis.

Skin Blemishes
Honey remedy for skin blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Toe Fungas
Listerine therapy for toenail fungus. Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.

Tinea. (Athletes Foot)
Dab the infected parts of the toes with Australian Tea Tree Oil. It was used in World War 1 by the soldiers for Trench Foot and it still works just as well today.

Eyeglasses
Easy eyeglass protection. To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Remove Rust
Coca-Cola cure for rust. Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.

Bug Killer
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer. If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.

Astragalus
Astralagus is a herb still widely used in Chinese medicine, to this day and is known to be a immunostimulant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.
It has been said that no single compond has such wide ranging beneficial effects on the healing process of the human system. I contains Polysaccharides, they are very important in the enhancement of the Immune System. It is one of the components of the eight essential sugars or Glyconutrients

Remove Splinters
Smart splinter remover, just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.

Put Your Multi Vitamin to the Test! IT MAY FAIL! Click here to read the Doctor's Report!

Boil Remedy
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure, cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Soothe Broken Blisters
Balm for broken blisters. To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine a powerful antiseptic.

Hasten Bruise Healing
Heinz vinegar to heal bruises. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Flea Killer
Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye to fleas.

Cure Wet Dog Odour
Rainy day cure for dog odour, Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Mites in Cats Ears
Eliminate ear mites. All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Soothe Arthritis Pain
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief, It's not just for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain. Don’t have it too hot, because you don’t want to burn yourself, Make sure you test it for heat.

For more information on vitamins and health

Most of the products mentioned are widely available in the United States and Canada, but perhaps not so well known in other countries. It is not essential that you use the actual brand name, as other similar brands are available and would work just as well. The brand names are very well known, but if you have any doubt about treatment, Please see a Physician first.
You are welcome to visit my web site for more great Health Info.

Article by Alfred Jones, Information Advisor for http://gojijuice.atspace.com
The Ancient Health Secret of The Himalayans.
This article may be freely used by Newsletters and Web Sites without permission as long as it is shown in its entirety.

The Big Easies

2006-01-17T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, here we are with the small changes again, I'm telling you it really works! Just give it a try, wouldn't you rather lose weight slower and keep it off rather than not losing at all; or losing it quick and regaining? bonnie--

25 diet-bolstering tricks that take zero effort but bring you better health even on your busiest days

by Linda Rao
As reported on Prevention Magazine.com

It happens. The busier you are, the harder it is to find time to take care of yourself. Pretty soon, you're watching those good eating habits circle the drain.

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That's why we came up with 25 ridiculously easy tips--total no-brainers--that make impressive nutrition happen even on days when you're on autopilot. Do the Big Easies, and you'll automatically get seven servings of fruits and veggies, all the calcium you need, plenty of fiber and omega-3 fats, tons of healing antioxidants, and more.

And the payoffs? You improve your chances of fending off cancer, stroke, heart attack, and diabetes; have more energy; stay slimmer; keep your mind sharp; and sidestep urinary tract infections.

Imagine it's a typical weekday, and you're busier than ever. Now, do the Big Easies!

6 AM: Rise and Shine
You hit the snooze button for the last time and fumble your way into the kitchen. Now try these tips:

1. Drink Orange Juice with Added Calcium
If you start the day with orange juice, don't miss the chance to get calcium too. This superstar mineral fends off PMS, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. And the latest? It might even help you lose weight! Most calcium-fortified orange and grapefruit juices have as much calcium as milk--or more!

2. Take a Multi
One little pill, such big benefits! People who take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement have dramatic reductions in the risk of colon cancer and heart disease, studies show. Another benefit: The folic acid in your multi is almost two times more absorbable than the form of this vitamin found in food.

3. Have "7-gram" Cereal
That means cereal with at least 7 g of fiber per serving, because eating cereal is your easiest chance to get lots of fiber in a small package. Not only is fiber a cancer fighter, but it actually cancels out some of the calories you eat! For example, if you eat 30 g of fiber a day--slightly more than double what most of us get--your body will absorb 120 fewer calories a day. That adds up to a 13-lb loss in a year!

4. Toss Some Blueberries on That Cereal
Blueberries are youth berries. Even frozen blueberries are so packed with antioxidants that just 1/2 cup can double the antioxidant power of most people's diets--something that experts suspect will slow down your aging clock. Blueberries actually reversed memory loss in one animal study!

5. Make Your Coffee with Milk
If you make instant coffee with hot water, all you're getting is a wake-up call. Use milk, and you've got cafe au lait--along with insurance against osteoporosis from the calcium and vitamin D in the milk.

6. Drink a Glass of Water When You Brush Your Teeth
You've got the water and the glass right there. So drink! Only one-third of all Americans get the recommended eight glasses daily. Think a little shortfall doesn't matter? Signs of mild dehydration include fatigue upon awakening, fatigue at midday, lack of concentration, and headaches.

8:00 AM: On the Job
With these tips, snacks at work can make you healthier:

7. Take an Apple to Work
Put one on your desk in the morning, and an apple becomes see-food--the handiest snack to grab when the munchies hit. If it's not there, you'll be hunting for sticky buns or whatever else is around. In addition to apples being a low-cal snack, a recent study revealed that the lungs of apple-a-day eaters may have better protection against air pollution.

8. Stash Nuts In Your Desk
Probably because nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium, and phytochemicals, folks who snack on a small handful of them four or five times a week tend to live longer, several studies suggest. Just don't overdo it: One ounce of peanuts (approximately 1/8 cup) contains about 170 calories and 14 g of fat.

11:30 AM: Grocery Shopping
You dash out for groceries over your lunch hour. Here's how to be a healthy shopper even when you're on autopilot:

9. Buy Better Bread
If you eat white bread, you're eating vitamin-fortified starch. Whole wheat bread has fiber, important nutrients such as selenium and copper, and a treasury of other healthy ingredients. Maybe that's why whole-grain eaters seem to have less diabetes, breast cancer, and heart disease. Just don't be fooled by a dark color: Unless the first ingredient includes the word "whole," it isn't whole wheat bread.

10. Choose Canola Salad Dressing
Are you a salad eater? Terrific! Now look for a dressing made with canola oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). One study found that nurses who got more than 1 g of ALA per day had half the number of fatal heart attacks.

11. Be Picky about Decaf Tea
Regular tea delivers a rich stew of healing antioxidants--but some decaf teas don't. If the decaf method isn't listed on the package, assume they used ethyl acetate, which dramatically lowers antioxidant levels. Look for tea that says it's been decaffeinated with water and carbon dioxide (sometimes called "natural" or "effervescence")--which preserves antioxidants.

12. Pick Up Whole Wheat Pasta
Do you need more help getting to your 30 or so g of daily fiber? Try doing this: Substitute 1 cup of whole wheat pasta (6.3 g of fiber) for the same amount of regular (2.4 g). This one easy switch pushes you 4 g closer to your total daily fiber goal.

13. Find Ice Cream that Builds Bones
You know you want some. So find a brand with 15 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium in a 1/2-cup serving. That means when you eat a cup of ice cream, you'll get 30 percent of the DV for calcium--as much as a glass of milk. Same tip applies to frozen yogurt.

12:30 PM: Takeout Pizza
Buying pizza to eat lunch at your desk? Give it this instant healthy makeover:

14. Order Pizza the "Double-Half" Way
When you order, ask for double tomato sauce and half cheese. Double sauce? Many studies link higher consumption of cooked tomato products with reduced risk of prostate and other cancers. Half cheese? You'll cut down on artery-clogging saturated fat. Trust us, after just one "double-half" pizza, you'll never go back!

4:00 PM: Party Time
Your division boss is retiring, and there's a goodbye reception. These tricks build automatic nutrition into calorie-laden buffet tables:

15. Sidle Up to the Shrimp
These denizens of the deep are ultralow in fat and calories, but they taste so rich that you can really satisfy yourself--without gaining weight! (Twelve large nonbreaded shrimp contain just 65 calories and less than 1 g of fat!)

8 PM: In a Restaurant
The choices! The sauces! Here's how to automatically make your restaurant meal healthier than ever:

18. Order Dessert First
Ask your waiter if they have berries for dessert then order them as an appetizer. Low-cal raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and ellagic acid, a compound that's being studied as a colon cancer fighter. Since restaurants get the very best berries, don't pass up this heavenly superfood!

19. Order Half Your Entrée as Takeout
One restaurant portion could feed an entire fraternity house--who needs all those calories? So when you order an entree, ask them to automatically put half of it directly into a take-home box. That way, it'll never show up on your plate! Staying slim helps lower your risk of cancer, diabetes, stroke, and many other illnesses. And you'll have a ready-made meal for tomorrow!

16. Reach for the Sparkling Water
Few things are more chic--or better for your health! So whatever else you drink at the party, make sure you also sip on a glass of club soda or seltzer. Staying well hydrated helps fight urinary tract infections by keeping your urine diluted.

17. Dip Your Carrots
Are you snacking only on carrot sticks? Make sure you eat them with some fat--a dab of dip or a cube of cheese. Without any fat, you absorb very little of carrot's cancer-fighting carotenoids.

20. Say "Salmon!"
Don't miss this boat! Salmon is one of the richest--and possibly most delicious--sources of omega-3 fats. By boosting your intake of omega-3s, you may help ward off depression, severe menstrual cramps, macular degeneration (a cause of blindness), fatal heart attacks, and possibly even breast cancer. (A 3-oz serving of cooked salmon has 1.9 g of omega-3s; in comparison, 3 oz of cooked chicken breast has a mere 0.05 g.)

21. Side with the Veggies
It's easy to leave a restaurant without touching any vegetables except french fries--unless you routinely order a side dish of broccoli, spinach, or whatever they've got that sounds good. The antioxidants in veggies--including vitamins E and C--prevent the free radical damage that promotes cancer, cataracts, and memory loss. Antioxidants can also bolster immunity, fending off things such as the flu. Not a veggie lover? Make them taste better by adding a little pat of butter--but remember that a little goes a long way.

22. Finish with Tea
Don't miss this chance for a tidal wave of antioxidants--tea has more than most veggies. People who drink 4 cups of green tea a day seem to get less cancer, perhaps due to a powerful antioxidant called EGCG. Black tea contains quercetin, a compound that helps prevent blood clots--the immediate triggers of most heart attacks.

11:00 PM: Bedtime
Congratulations! The day is over ... at last. Now finish up your healthy day with a few more Big Easies:

23. Have a Cup of Hot Cocoa
Love chocolate, but still want to be healthy? Good news! Cocoa (chocolate with much of the fat removed) actually has even more antioxidant power than tea!

The flavonoids in cocoa can keep blood platelets from clotting, which may prevent heart attacks. Plus, the milk in hot cocoa loves your bones! (Note: An average cup of cocoa has less than 1/10 the caffeine of instant coffee. But if you're very caffeine sensitive, bedtime isn't the best time for any caffeine.)

24. Not Drinking Cocoa? Pop a Calcium Supplement
Most women get less than one-half of the calcium they need for strong bones, so if you're not drinking cocoa, bedtime is a great time to take a calcium supplement. (If your tummy is empty, calcium citrate supplements are absorbed best.)

25. Drink Another Big Glass of Water After You Brush Your Teeth
Yup, more water. And another solid reason why: In a study last year, people who drank lots of water had less colon cancer. Down the hatch!

Even if you start with just one or two of these healthy alternatives you are starting on your way to a much healthier you that will last! bonnie--

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

A Little Weight Loss Goes a Long Way

2006-01-14T18:54:00.000-05:00

I know I keep saying it but read this article and you will see more evidence that small changes, that is all it takes to attain healthy weightloss! bonnie--

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.Com

December 23, 2005

Losing as little as four pounds off that soft middle-age belly can help you get healthier and probably live longer, so there's no more excuses.

Just ask the folks who published some data recently from the famous Framingham Heart Study in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers in Massachusetts have been assessing the health of folks in this study since 1948.

They found that middle-aged adults who lost 15 pounds -- tough but attainable -- cut the risk of hypertension by 21 percent. And get this: while it's not ideal, their blood pressure actually stayed down even if they put the weight back on.

Those who lost as little as four measly pounds and kept it off got the same benefit. They cut the risk of hypertension 21 percent, and hence the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In other words, exercise more, eat less, eat a healthy diet and take a few pounds off -- just a few. You'll stay healthy and live longer.

Remember I told you in the "How To Lose Weight" article that I lost 9 pounds in three months, just by stopping my Pepsi habit? Wouldn’t a small change like that be well worth lowering your risk of hypertension and all its associated health risks? I think so-simplify your life today! bonnie--

Check out the healthy weightloss articles here.

Write Off Fat In 2006

2006-01-08T01:33:00.000-05:00

Were you a diligent student at school? If so, you may be familiar with the technique of writing to remember. Well, it may come as a surprise but writing down your intentions to lose weight can reinforce your decision and actually make it easier to stick to your programme. There is something powerful about New Year's Resolutions that are written down!

Write this down: I will lose 1 kilo this week. Whether you post this note within easy view or scribble it on a scrap of paper and toss it, chances are you'll be a pound lighter by week's end, says Henriette Anne Klauser, PhD, author of Write It Down, Make It Happen (Simon & Schuster, 2001).

Writing switches on the part of your brain (called the reticular activating system, or RAS) that keeps important messages in mind, ready for you to act on them when prompted. Just as it was when you studied for your school exams, writing things down reinforces your retention and helps shapes your behaviours. If you're aware, even subconsciously, of a weight loss intention, you're more likely to pass up the left over Christmas pudding, and walk the dog instead, for example.

Whether you like to journal and keep your notes beside your bed or post something on your refrigerator, it doesn't matter. What is important is the act of writing. What should you write to help you lose weight?

Your reasons to lose weight ("to gain energy and self-confidence"), which are good motivators and doable even if you don't trim down.

Your concerns ("Will exercise take time away from my family?"), which force you to confront and resolve them before they sabotage your efforts.

Your goals How much weight you want to lose and by when. Be realistic and realise that steady, consistent weight loss of 1/2 to 1 kilo per week is a healthy rate of weight loss.

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is an Independent Herbalife Distributor, weight loss coach and creator of the online weight loss, health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For a free weight loss consultation, newsletter and resources to help you lose weight and keep it off forever, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au Online Herbalife store at http://weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com The Herbalife home business opportunity visit: http://free2liv.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Beardsmore

The Main Pages Of 'My Healthy Weightloss'

2006-01-03T02:07:00.000-05:00

Check them out for your weightloss needs:

After losing more than 40 pounds and shrinking by five dress sizes, people who see me now ask, "How did you do it?" Of course, my reply is not anything special or unique, "I eat less and work out just about every day." Everyone knows how to lose weight. I keep waiting for someone to ask me the right question, which is, "Who did you need to become in order to treat your body differently and achieve healthy weightloss that lasts?"

There is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles. Actually it accomplishes very little toning/firming. Resistance exercise (weight training) is where real toning/firming of muscles occurs.

The health benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual time you spend in the poses. One of the most common reasons why people begin practicing yoga is to improve their health and well-being. Yoga means union. It is a union of the mind, body and breath, so all aspects of your life are impacted by your yoga practice.

Walking exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed for the purpose of improving health. It is one of the best and cheapest forms of exercise. If you want to improve your general health and keep fit, or if you want to reduce your weight, walking is a good place to start.

Vitamins are the building blocks for the majority of chemical reactions in the human body. They combine with amino acids and minerals to produce enzymes (which speed up internal chemical reactions) and hormones (chemical messengers which regulate organ functions and activities including heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels).

Weight Loss: It's Routine

2006-01-01T01:55:00.000-05:00

By Janice Elizabeth Small

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Losing weight is a battle, a struggle, a pain, right? That's most people's experience whatever diet they follow.

And nearly everyone finds keeping the weight off is even harder.

There's no doubt about it, the majority of diet and fitness regimes are hardly a bed of roses. And those pills, patches and potions, which are supposed to make it easy, are either dangerous or don't do what they promise.

So how CAN you make this easier?

The answer lies in your routines.

What you habitually do shapes you - quite literally. If you habitually go without breakfast and stuff your face at 11am with cookies because you're starving, you'll end up with one kind of body. If you habitually have a yogurt and fruit on waking and take an apple to eat at 11am (when you'll still be starving) you end up with another kind.

If you habitually walk everywhere your shape is likely to be different than if you jump in the car to go a mile down the road.

Routines are just patterns of behaviour. Things we feel comfortable doing once we get used to them. We don't even have to think about them. They're easy for us - automatic.

The answer to easier weight loss AND KEEPING IT OFF then , is in adopting the right routines and habits so that we don't even have to think - we just do whatever is good for our shape - automatically.

The skill is in moving from one set of routines (the kind that keep you overweight) to another - the kind that will result in weight loss and then weight maintenance for the rest of your life.

An all-out drastic lifestyle change rarely works, but if you gently change your habits and build them gradually, taking on changes that you are happy to live with for life, then you WILL find a permanent automatic solution to your weight problems.

What routines are you following today? What small changes could you make which would be your first steps to permanent natural weight loss?

Now it's time to take action and change your habits step by step to lose that weight!

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

Life's great when you feel great! Get FREE Immutol today!

Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small

Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach, slimming club owner and author of "The Diet Exit Plan", an 8 week coaching program for automatic permanent weight loss. Get her FREE 15 page report "How to lose weight without dieting - 7 secrets the diet industry doesn't want you to know" at http://www.simplyslimming.com/ TODAY!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Elizabeth_Small

Antioxidants: Are You Getting Enough?

2005-12-29T23:56:00.000-05:00

Before we get into whether or not you're getting enough antioxidants in your daily meals, it's important to know what antioxidants are. As you may or may not already know, antioxidants are great to have in your body because they fight free radicals.

Free radicals are the bad guys--they're usually in the form of an oxygen molecule that wants to be oxidized. This oxidation process (think rust forming on your car) can harm your body's cells and even be carcinogenic. If left unchecked, free radicals will wreak havoc on your system, including damaging:

Cell walls
Cell structures
Genetic material inside your cells

Over time, this damage can and does lead to disease and aging.

Where do these free radicals come from? Some are produced naturally in your body but other environmental factors, like exposure to cigarette smoke and radiation, also contribute. Even being under stress can generate free radicals.

Antioxidants to the Rescue

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and enzymes from food that help prevent the dangerous oxidation process in your body. But that's not all. According to the American Dietetic Association, antioxidants may also decrease your risk of:

Infection
Heart disease
Cancer

At the same time, they boost the function of your immune system, which helps you to fight off disease.

Students, as you know, are busy, so many are not taking the time to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which is the key way to get antioxidants. Instead, a recent study found that coffee was the biggest source of antioxidants (per serving and level of consumption) in Americans' diets. But a big cup of 'Joe,' while, yes, providing some antioxidants, simply cannot give you the nutritional boost that a big bowl of fresh veggies can.

Meanwhile, a hectic, on-the-go lifestyle filled with late-night study sessions, parties and not enough rest is enough to create more than a handful of free radicals in your body.

While there is no set rule for how many antioxidants you should consume, if you're not eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables--but are eating a lot of processed food--there's a good chance you're lacking in these healthy molecules.

The best way to get more is to fortify your meals with fruits and veggies. Try to include some of these top 10 antioxidant foods (according to a 2004 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry) in your diet everyday:

Small red beans (dried)
Wild blueberries
Red Kidney beans
Pinto beans
Blueberries (cultivated)
Cranberries
Artichokes (cooked)
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries

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For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.
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Linda Slater Dowling, a certified natural health professional, is CEO & founder of the Nutritional Institute, home of the new STUDENT FORMULA Natural Health Products. For a FREE e-book on "Eating Right on a Budget" visit their Web site at http://www.studentformula.com/ . You may also want to sign up for their popular "Be Smart, Be Healthy, Be Natural" e-newsletter.

Article Source: Article Hub

Plan to Eat and Eat Your Plan

2005-12-25T01:33:00.000-05:00

Eat healthy, be healthy. Add exercise and be really healthy! Its that easy. bonnie--

Core Secrets. Lose weight & tone your core. Firm up and thin down today!

Poor nutrition has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and many other diseases. We can reduce our risk by choosing well-balanced meals. Balance, moderation and variety are the keys to eating well to maintain a sound mind and body.

Fast foods and eating out in restaurants have become so prevalent in our society that eating healthy meals are somewhat difficult. Understandably, it is easier to take the kids to a fast food restaurant or drive through after an exhausting day at work. No doubt there are more convenient choices but they are killing us and our families. Like with any change, it is challenging to adopt a new way in the early stages, but not impossible.

First begin with a plan. You have heard many times that if you fail to plan, then, you plan to fail. It is the same with eating. Plan your meals at the beginning of the week. Breakfast is as simple as whole grain cereal, whole-wheat toast, fruit, low-fat yogurt, 100% juice, and skim milk. Pack your lunch the night before so you will not make excuses or be tempted to run to the hotdog vendor. Pack leftovers from dinner, a veggie or tuna sandwich with low-fat mayo, fruit or soup. Purchase ready-made salads [without dressing mixed in] for a quick and easy dinner. Store readily available vegetables with low fat dip for easy snacking. Children love to dunk food into dips, this is a great way to get them to eat a healthy snack.

Prepare meals that can be stored in the freezer such as casseroles, pasta dishes, etc. Before you go to work, take a dish out of the freezer to thaw out. When you come home from work, all you need to do is throw the thawed dish in the oven for about 35-45 minutes and dinner is served without much effort.

Eating healthy on a regular basis does take planning and discipline. At first, it may seem rigorous because you are learning how to prepare meals. Grocery shopping may also feel like a chore. But, within a couple of weeks, it will become a habit and second nature. You will feel more in control knowing exactly what ingredients are being used. Therefore, you do not have to worry about hidden fats or too much salt, that are likely present in most restaurant foods.

Be a good role model for your family. You will be serving them by providing both healthy meals and educating them about leading a healthy lifestyle. This is huge because you are setting the example for your kids and passing it on to their kids, and down the line. So, if there was any evidence before of family history health problems, feel well that you decided to take charge and end the madness or at least decrease the risk for your family's future generations.

The goal here is to enjoy nutritious and tasty foods. Remember, moderation is key so do not be too obsessed or restrictive as you may sabotage your success resulting in binge eating. Many of you can probably relate to forcing yourself not to eat a certain type of food such as a cookie, only to find a whole box devoured later. Have the cookie to prevent overeating down the road.

Plan your meals to incorporate servings of protein, whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. RDA suggest for daily intake of carbohydrates: 55-70%, fats: 20-30%, proteins: 15-20% and the World Health Organization suggests 40-50 grams of fiber daily. A varied diet is essential to good health. Concentrate on foods that are high in vitamins, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, unrefined carbohydrates, high fiber, low in sugar, low in fat, low in sodium, and limit alcohol consumption. Eating well and limiting your use of salt, sugar, caffeine, fats, can reduce stress and disease. American Cancer Society has stated that as much as 60% of cancer is related to diet.

You must start by making a decision to live a healthy, less stressful life by developing good eating habits. Come up with a plan and include your family by asking for feedback. Find out what healthy foods they want to try. Get them involved. It is easier to change when you are supported. Eating well will help you manage stress, reduce risk of disease and illness, control weight, and provide energy.

Remember, if you change one thing it effects other aspects of your life; and it can be the start you need. bonnie--

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

More information on health conditions is available at http://www.healthandfinesse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicky_Pilkington

Take Charge!

2005-12-21T00:41:00.000-05:00

Ten Tips for Maintaining Control This Season

While there are any number of things that can cause us holiday stress, we often overlook the one single thing that we have control of—ourselves. With the holiday season now officially here, it's all too easy to get stuck in "life is happening to me" mode. We get inundated with what is going on around us, and we stop taking action and improving the things that are under our control. But no more! We've got 10 great tips that can help you create a sense of calm around you, when the rest of the world seems to be caught up in a tornado of holiday chaos.

Don’t wait until 2006! Lose weight now with NutriSystem!

Go to bed earlier: Get the rest you deserve. Staying up late watching bad television may be mindless, but it is nowhere near as rejuvenating as sleep is. You may also want to skip your late night drink. Alcohol can actually interfere with a good night's rest.

Pay all the bills tonight: Stop putting it off. Even though 'tis the season to spend, paying off your debts may be more enjoyable in the long run. Taking a look at your finances can ease anxiety and can also help you keep your gift giving to a reasonable level.

Just get that wrapping done: The first present is fun to wrap, and maybe the second, too. After that, maybe not so much. But unless you've got a stable of elves waiting to help out in your garage, just put on some holiday music and get to work. Get all the gifts wrapped early so you don't have to fret over them.

Be honest about the party: If you are dreading going to a social event, don't go. Seriously, life is just too short to get caught up in other people's expectations of you. Simply RSVP a respectful no, and enjoy some time to yourself. It's your right—invitations can be declined, you know.

Break traditions: You don't like going to her parents' house four hours before dinner, so why do it? Change the traditions to make this time of year more relaxing for you. Think about having your holiday meal at home without any company, or consider other options all season long that help you relax and remember what the season is really all about.

Take pride in your program: Don't feel the guilt other people will put on you. Let them know you are committed to losing weight and happier for it, despite all the goodies around. It is your body; celebrate the fact you are making it healthier, and you won't stress out as much over all the office potlucks.

Write it out: If you find yourself getting frustrated with a person or a situation this holiday season, write about it. You can write a letter to someone and not send it, or even write a letter to yourself. Expressing your feelings in writing can help you understand what frustrates you, and can alleviate a ton of stress.

Clean your house: Organization can help some people immensely. If your house is in order, then you may be able to relax a little easier while you are there.

Play with the dog: Animals don't argue. When you throw a ball to them, they rarely critique its accuracy. Interacting with animals will lower your blood pressure; it's proven. You probably don't take old Rover out as much as you should anyway, so grab his leash and get walking!

Breathe! It may sound simple, but most of us don't take those long, relaxing breaths that we should nearly enough. With all the hustle and bustle during these days, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy. So make a concerted effort to stop, at least once each day (maybe on your lunch break, or while you're in the bathroom, or right before bedtime), to stop and calm yourself, and take 10 deep, deep breaths. In through the nose, down into the belly, and out through the mouth. Think of absolutely nothing as you do it, and you'll be amazed at how it re-energizes you!

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

Just In Time For Christmas!
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Work-from-home mom loses 115 lbs.*

2005-12-20T00:53:00.000-05:00

Breaking the Chains

Don’t wait until 2006! Lose weight now with NutriSystem!

When I was overweight, I hated the way I felt and the way that I looked. I was always too tired to do anything. I absolutely hated pictures. I always tried to be the one taking the pictures and not being in them. In fact, when I started NutriSystem, I refused to take a current "before" picture. I finally found one from Christmas 2004 (right), which was at my start weight of 247. I hated that picture! At that weight, I avoided people and going places. I didn't want to be seen by anyone I knew because I was too ashamed of how big I had gotten.

Hi, I'm Shannon ("losinandcruisin" on the member support boards). I am a work-at-home single mother to three wonderful children: 9-year-old Brandon and 4-year-old twin girls, Kaela and Kaelie. I am a self-employed medical transcriptionist, and I have been working at home now for 7 years. This is my weight-loss story.

As a child, I was overweight and teased because of it (kids can be cruel). However, as an adult, it wasn't until I had difficulty with my first pregnancy that I gained a lot of weight. Then life set in: busy schedules, caring for a newborn, going to college, and working at the same time. I slowly started to gain even more. By the time I was pregnant with my twins 4 ½ years later, I was 229 pounds (I'm 5'8"). But after having the twins, I didn't have time for anything, let alone eating properly. My son had just started kindergarten, I had two colicky babies to deal with, I was getting back to my business, and I was keeping up with a household. It was a struggle managing three kids, a business, and a household, all of which led to a lot of overeating and ordering out. My weight just kept creeping up, all the way to 247 pounds. I was horrified.

I really needed to get back to being the real me and give my kids their mother back; to be able to play with them and not get out of breath or be too tired.

Finally, one night I saw a commercial for NutriSystem. I talked things over with my mother Gail, and we both decided it was now or never. We both joined NutriSystem on March 14, 2005. We have been diet buddies ever since. And I've now lost 115 lbs.* and am 15 pounds under my goal! This is something that I am very, very proud of (and a great big pat on the back for mom, too, for losing 70 lbs.* so far!).

This program is so easy to follow, even on a tight schedule. There are so many things that you can grab and go if you need to. The food tastes great and is very easy to prepare. Plus, I always have fun experimenting with the food and creating new recipes with it.

Shannon is now able to keep up with her three kids, (L-R) Kaelie, Brandon and Kaela.

The support board has been a godsend. I love giving support and everyone has been there when I needed it, especially during a very difficult time in my life, my divorce. I have seen such an outpouring of caring, it's unbelievable. Without my board friends, I wouldn't have gotten this far on my weight-loss journey.

I think the most challenging thing for me was getting it through my head that I was actually losing the weight. We are definitely our toughest critics, and it's so much easier for someone else to see our weight loss. Even though clothes get big and sometimes fall off us, it's still difficult to realize how far we've really come. My moment of realization happened soon after I made goal, when I found a pair of my old jeans, which I thought I'd tossed. They were actually a size 22, one size smaller than I wore when I started. I tried them on and just stood there and stared. I could practically fit two of me into them! I've kept those jeans and am definitely not throwing them out. They are my little reminder that if I put my mind to it, I can do anything! Plus, I've had both family and friends just about walk right by me, not realizing it was me. But the best compliment so far that I've gotten is that I look like I did back in high school! That meant so much.

However, the most rewarding part about losing weight is the self-esteem that I got back. I am no longer avoiding people or places. I can't wait to go out and just enjoy being me instead of wondering if someone is staring at me because of my size. All of that fear is gone. I feel better than I have in more than 10 years.

My lifestyle has completely changed, too. I no longer just sit and watch TV at night. I can keep up with the kids and tire them out instead of vice versa. In fact, right after I met my goal I decided to race my son to the end of the driveway (which is over 250 feet long) one morning on his way to the bus stop, which is something that I could not have done before. Well, I would have beaten him, but the little stinker threw his book bag to me and I ended up finishing right behind him. All he could say was, "Wow, Mom, you got fast!"

Shannon says, "I'm feeling better than I have in more than 10 years!"

I'm also no longer hiding from pictures. I love having my picture taken now, and my "before" picture from 2004 is my little reminder of how good it feels to have succeeded. Shopping is now fabulous, too! I love to be able to go into a store and buy what I like and have it look great! My closet has greatly benefited from me losing weight. These little things have impacted me so much.

I plan on using the tools that NutriSystem has given me to keep the weight off. I have totally changed my lifestyle. I now carefully choose something off a menu when we go out to eat, remembering my NutriSystem diary's guide to eating out and portions. I didn't really think I ate that much before, but I now realize just how much I was really eating (probably enough for a small army). Portion control is really the key; I now know what a proper portion is. I've also learned to avoid temptation. I won't deprive the kids of the foods they love; I just avoid them. They aren't for me; they are for them.

This is so much more than a diet; it's a lifetime commitment to me. We obviously don't just "poof," get overweight. Our lifestyle is what got us there; now it's just time to get out of those habits and into good habits. NutriSystem helped me to do that. They have shown me how to really eat well.

Losing weight isn't easy, but what is easy is the way NutriSystem teaches you how to eat, how to watch portions, what foods to stick with and what foods to avoid. It teaches you a whole new way of eating. It also fits into a hectic schedule. The foods are very, very easy to prepare, convenient and taste great. Any mother's life is probably hectic. I know mine is with 3 kids. NutriSystem just plain fits. You can plan their meals to go with what you're eating and have quality time to sit down as a family and still enjoy a meal together.

I absolutely love what NutriSystem has done for me. It is has truly given me my life back. I feel great and look better than I have in a very long time. It is has given me the strength to get through a very difficult time. (I know that this really works because even while going through a divorce, I did not turn to food to make me feel better, which is something that I would have done prior to NutriSystem.) Everyone deserves to be happy and healthy, to feel great and to look great. NutriSystem just happens to be the perfect tool to get you there.

-Shannon

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

* Results not typical

How To Burn Body Fat And Lose Weight

2005-12-16T00:45:00.000-05:00

Burn Fat 24 Hrs A Day – Lose Fat Even When Sleeping
By Chris Chew

To burn fat 24 hrs a day is simple. Yes, I said simple but I did not say it is easy. That is because you must have a firm commitment and mental discipline to do it. However, it will get easier and easier when you adapt to your new lifestyle and when your lose fat goal is achieved.

So how do you burn fat 24 hrs a day? Here are some simple steps to lose fat 24 hrs a day.

•Build muscles. Muscles are active cells and they are great calorie burners. The more muscles you pack on, the more body fat you will burn because the calories you have eaten will be burned for energy by your muscles.

•Do your cardio exercises in the morning before breakfast. Make sure that your cardio exercises raise your heart rate sufficiently to burn more fat. The exercises must be intensive and will leave you puffing, panting and sweating. This is to make sure that you will continue to burn calories hours after you stopped your cardio exercises.

Do your cardio exercise 5-6 days a week. On top of that, because your carbohydrate store is low in the morning, your body will burn more body fat to fuel your cardio exercises.

•Eat 5-6 times a day with about 3 hrs intervals. Make the meals small consisting protein and complex carbohydrate. Complex carbs are carbs that are more difficult to digest so that they do not spike insulin quickly to be converted into body fat. So instead of eating white rice, eat brown rice. Instead of having white bread, substitute it with brown bread instead. Have plenty of fresh leafy fibrous vegetables.

The frequency of meals will tell your body that there is plenty of food and so your body need not store body fat for emergencies. On top of that, your digestive system will be constantly working to digest the food and so that means burning of calories.

•Do weight training 3 times a week with rest days in between. Do your weight workout in the evenings so that you will continue to burn fat. Workout with compound exercises such as bench presses, squats, lunges, dead lifts etc to activate more muscle fibers and so that these large muscles will carry on burning calories for many more hours into the night.

•Take slow release protein supplement before bed such as cassein protein. This is to feed your body throughout the night and help your muscles to recover from the day’s activities and at the same because casein protein is slow to digest, your body will continue burning calories even when you are asleep.

So with a combination of all these activities, you will be burning body fat almost 24 hrs a day. Simple? Great. Let’s start to lose weight by burning body fat round the clock now.

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

Chris Chew is a personal trainer of fashion models, pageant winners, actors and other celebs.

See his sites for more free fitness tips. Lose fat fast. Build muscle fast.

Free Fitness Tips

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Chew

How To Lose Weight Part II

2005-12-05T20:39:00.000-05:00

I mentioned last time that I started to lose weight by making small easy changes. The first was that I quit a very long habit of drinking Pepsi, I loved the stuff but it is loaded with sugar and acid that my dentist says is worse for my teeth than the sugar. Anyway, I lost 9 pounds from that one change in about 4 months. Besides the weight loss I noticed other changes like the brown spots I had on my face and chest almost disappeared. (I am sure that the extra water helped too) That was good proof to me how much one little change can make.

So what was the next change I made? I started drinking green tea instead of coffee. I had to try several brands before I found one I really liked. It amazes me how one thing can taste so different with different brands, oh well. That change was pretty simple for me and I love coffee! I felt a little better about a month down the road and lost about 4 more pounds. After about three months I started to drink coffee some times like when at a restaurant, but I try to mostly drink tea.

Since that change was fairly a breeze to me, after one month I decided it was time to make another change. So I started to eat one apple everyday. I like the taste of apples once I am eating them but for some reason I never felt like 'I want an apple, that sounds good'. So I had to make a conscious effort to eat one each day. This along with the extra water I started drinking when I gave up the soda pop made me very regular, if you know what I mean. That’s always a good thing!

Besides weight loss there are always added benefits to eating and drinking healthfully, even the smallest of changes effect everything, you will be amazed once you start. So make the effort today and make that change, you and your body will love you for it! Just do it!

I want to say here that it is extremely important to make these changes slowly and one at a time so you never feel deprived or too 'out' of your comfort zone. Also, Remember to find a replacement for what ever you give up or the vacuum will bring you back. Finally, there are things you should never give up; I love sweets, chocolate, YES! Why deprive myself of something I love so much? And how I can do that and still lose weight will be in the next installment.

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

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How to lose weight

2005-12-04T01:52:00.000-05:00

The big secret to losing weight is no secret at all! You can begin to lose weight automatically, starting today. How? Make one small change. Yep, that is all there is to it. How do I know? Because that is how I lost 45 pounds. You have to pick one, just one thing to start.

One day I decided to forget about dieting all together. Because the harder I tried to not eat things the more I wanted them. Instead I decided that I wanted to be vibrantly healthy!

Because I am an avid Jim Rohn listener I knew the best way to go about it was to make small changes that I could live with. This is the easiest way to make permanent change. I figured if it was something I couldn't make permanent it was no use. The first thing I picked was to stop drinking Pepsi. I drank it for many years (at least 17) I loved it and I believe I was addicted to it, the more I drank the more I wanted.

This next step is very important, you should replace what you are giving up with something healthy that you like, I knew I had to replace it with something I liked, but what? I switched to water and iced green tea with honey. That was my first change and I lost 9 pounds in 3-4 months! So what will you change today?

Now you know how to lose weight automatically.

See ya next time, bonnie--

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

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Healthy Diet Tips For A Healthy Slim You!

2005-11-25T13:56:00.000-05:00

These healthy diet tips will keep you on the right path. Although healthy people are generally at a natural weight, this is not about dieting and losing weigh, its about lifestyle. The mainstream seesaw of dieting is a moneymaker that doesn't address real health issues and concerns.

One of the best things you can do for your body is eat at least twelve servings of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables every single day. These foods are packed with the things that our bodies need; natural, non-synthetic source of Vitamins A,B, C, and E, disease fighting antioxidants, minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and copper.

These days too many Americans get their vitamins from synthetic sources that are isolated and chemically induced. The best way to get this nutrition is from . . .

To read the rest of this article on healthy diet tips visit Healthy Weightloss

Water - It's Good For You!

2005-11-12T01:26:00.000-05:00

Yes we need it; water water water is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body! Read on and see why. bonnie--

by Kirsten Hawkins

Did you know that 70% of your body is water, your blood is 83% water and your muscles and brain is around 75% water? So it's safe to say, water is important to your health.

Even a mild dehydration can affect your short-term memory, concentration and cause fatigue. Another thing many are unaware of is that keeping your body hydrated can reduce back and joint pain in as many as 80% of sufferers.

As a general rule, unless you have a medical condition that doesn't allow you to, adults should drink 8 glasses of pure water every day. If you are overweight you should drink 1 glass extra for every 20 pounds you are overweight, and if you are working out you should add 1 glass for every 20 minutes of workout.

Water can improve your health in many ways, for those trying to loose weight, it helps suppress hunger, it helps your metabolism and when your body sees it is getting a constant supply of fresh water every day, it will release all the excess water it stored when supply was less frequent.

Other benefits include helping clean your body of waste and toxins, improve your skin moisture, improves absorption of vitamins and nutrients, better digestion and increased energy levels.

The best source is pure water, depending on the quality of your tap water, you should consider attaching a water purifier to your tap, or get bottled water.

You should not count sodas and coffee against you water consumption, the 8 or more glasses should come in addition to other beverages you drink.

So, if you are suffering from e.g. headaches, dry skin, dizziness or constipation, you may be dehydrated, and should try drinking at least 8 glasses of pure water every day.

Tips to help you drink enough water

* Have water within reach at all times. Carry around a bottle of water when you are on the move. * Add a little flavor to your water (e.g. lime or lemon) now and then for variety. * Buy a water filter for your home, this will improve the quality and taste of your tap water and lower the cost if you normally only drink bottled water.

No more excuses, go get hydrated.

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

Note: This is not medical advice. You should always consult your doctor before making any big changes to your eating and drinking habits.

Drink, Drink, Drink. . .

About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a weightlifting and fitness enthusiast from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.weight-loss-diet-exercise.com/ for more great tips on how to lose weight, eat well, and be healthy.

The Simplest Diet Plan Ever

2005-10-28T02:24:00.000-04:00

The basic idea is this; shop the outside isles of the grocery store. Eat mostly if not all fresh foods, instead of the processed convenience foods. Drop the processed fats and the low-fiber carbs and you would be amazed how you feel and look! bonnie--

3 Easy Steps to Healthy Living

By Emily Clark

You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut the fat! Cut the carbs! Cut the calories! Eat a balanced diet! But how can you cut though all of the confusion, and eat a diet that's balanced and healthy?

Here's the advice from nutritional science:

Cut the JUNK fats: Most people do not need an ultra low fat diet. But most of us could improve our diet by cutting out the junk fats. Basically, these are the processed fats: hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated oils that have been heated, and fats that are combined with junk carbs. Processed fats are the fats most likely to put on flab and clog your arteries.

Cut the JUNK carbs. Most people do not need an ultra low carb diet. But unfortunately, so many people who go on a low fat diet continue to eat highly processed foods - they switch from processed high-fat to processed low-fat. And when food manufacturers create low fat foods, they tend to replace the fat with junk carbs,that tend to pile on the pounds. Basically, junk carbs are low-fiber carbs. Like sugar, fructose (and all the other *oses), flour, cornstarch, fruit juice are all junk carbs. Yes, fruit juice is a junk carb too! - After all, how much fiber is there in fruit juice? - Virtually none - it’s yet another junk carb. You should eat the whole fruit instead, with its fiber intact.

Cut the JUNK calories. Most people do not need an ultra low calorie diet. But just think what your diet would be like if you dropped the processed fats and the low-fiber carbs. You'd be eating mainly natural proteins, with lots of vegetables plus whole fruits - and the odds are that you would be eating far fewer calories as well. That's the kind of calorie cutting most of us should be doing.

Eat a balanced NATURAL-FOODS diet. By natural foods, we mean the foods that would have been eaten by your hunter-gatherer ancestors: - lots of whole vegetable foods for vitamins and fiber; moderate to small portions of meats, fish, seafood, and other animal and protein foods, grilled, stewed or baked; and small portions of fresh whole fruit in season. This is the diet on which the human race evolved, and the diet which, for the vast majority of people, makes for optimum health
So the next time you're about to order a meal with fries and sugary soda, think about how it could be improved. Replace the fries with a salad, and the soda with mineral water, and you've already made significant progress towards a healthier, balanced meal.

And at home, look for recipes that use whole, fresh foods, with a minimum of processing. Make sure your meals include natural unprocessed foods, with lots of healthy vegetables, both cooked, and raw in salads. Avoid processed fats and processed low-fiber foods.

A sample menu:

- grilled fish with steamed green beans, and peppers
- large mixed salad, dressed with small amounts of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice
- fresh fruit platter

Yes - A healthy, balanced diet can be that simple!

For more information on healthy weightloss visit our website and surf around this blog.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on topical health matters.
The simplest is usually the best, just like it is with our eating and exercising. Stick to the easy/natural things you enjoy with that diet plan you can’t go wrong.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Benefits Of Weight Training

2005-10-25T01:07:00.000-04:00

Weight training in any of its forms is the best thing we can do for our bodies. From losing weight to feeling and looking younger it is all GOOD! bonnie--

by Kirsten Hawkins

Weight training isn't just for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone anymore. It's really a system of exercise and health benefits that are available to everyone. If you go to a local gym and observe, you can find everyone from teenagers to great-grandmas exercising and strength training.

Weight training doesn't mean just using barbells - it involves much more than that and is most often combined with aerobic activity during the "circuit."

The natural benefits of weight training include:

- Slowing down bone loss - Making your bones stronger - Toning and firm up your body - Increasing your muscle strength

Most people will tell you that strength training and using weights makes them more energized and happier, along with reducing stress. It's amazing how much better you'll feel when working out after a hard day at the office! The endorphins your body creates in response to exercise like this is very much "addictive," and you'll find that beyond being less-stressed, you'll actually "crave" your workouts and look forward to them!

One of the benefits I have personally found in strength training is that it's made my back stronger. Prior to beginning my workout, if I had to lift a lot of boxes or move heavy things, I really felt it the rest of the day, and sometimes the rest of the week. However after just a month of weight training, I found that I didn't need to take an anti-inflammatory medication every time I moved some boxes around.

Of course, all professionals will tell you to consult a doctor before beginning your workout habit; you'll want to make sure that there are no impediments to beginning this new part of your daily routine. Most doctors will tell you to use caution and listen to the trainers, but nearly none will eliminate exercise altogether for their patients--there are simply too many benefits from the exertion.

If you go to a chiropractor, ask him or her how strength training and weight lifting can help you and what specific exercises would benefit your back and joints. Again, s/he will probably have some specific suggestions for your body and spinal 'issues,' but generally, a chiropractor will tell you that strengthening back and abdominal muscles will benefit you greatly.

If you do find that you 'overdo it' initially, scale it back just a bit until you're ready to move on. You can use cold and heat to minister to the aching muscle(s), and take an anti-inflammatory agent to help in the recovery. But if you do ache a bit, don't take it as your body's way of saying that you 'shouldn't workout.' What your body is telling you is that you haven't worked out enough and that it's not used to the exertion!

If you plan your workout well, you will find that weight training machines can be a great part of your exercise plan and your health will improve greatly in very short order.

DVDS and Videos For Healthy Weightloss Here you will find a good variatey to fit any fitness level.

About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.

Eat the Right Things to Avoid Illness, and Live Longer

2005-10-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

You want to live your best life right? You want energy to do all the things you want to do. You want to feel great and look great too-- Well antioxidants are a great place to start, so take a good look at the article below. bonnie--

A Beginners Guide to Antioxidants
By Vikki Scovell

So what are they and why should you care about them? We shall begin our story with Free Oxidising Radicals. If you have had your mind numbed by beauty product commercials you may have heard of these nasties. (Here comes the science bit) Free radicals are produced when certain molecules react with unstable oxygen molecules during the process of combustion, for example during; smoking, burning of petrol (car exhaust fumes), frying or barbequing food, normal bodily processes and (Oh No) exercise. These free radicals can float around in our bodies damaging healthy cells, and are implicated in; susceptibility to infections, ageing, cancer, heart disease, cataracts and macular degeneration (vision loss common in elderly people), diabetes, Hypertension (high blood pressure), infertility, arthritis, cognitive impairment and stroke.

All is not lost, because these dangerous chemicals can be disarmed by antioxidants which are possibly the most important nutrients that you will ever hear about. Some of the big names are vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta-carotenes (found in red, orange and yellow fruit and vegetables) Selenium (found in Brazil nuts) Zinc, and bioflavonoids (also from fruit and vegetables) as well as many others. If you can balance the number of free radicals entering your body with the number of antioxidants entering your body then it is thought you can help your body avoid the diseases listed above. It is hardly surprising that studies have linked high levels of antioxidants with longer lives, and the absence of chronic diseases.

In studies around the world, high levels of antioxidants were found in people over the age of 100, and elderly people with high cognitive function also had higher levels of antioxidants. Many other research projects have linked low intake of antioxidants with Alzheimer’s, lung cancer, heart attacks, cataracts, the list goes on. A large intake of antioxidants is thought to lead to an enhanced quality of life and a delaying of the processes of ageing.

So now we know how great they are, how can we get our hands on them? Many people boost their intake with supplements, but these are no substitute for a healthy diet, and provide none of the important fibre found in source-foods which will help reduce chances of bowel dysfunction and bowel cancers. The human body is designed to derive its nutrition from plant and animal matter, and there is some uncertainty about how efficiently the body can absorb certain supplements, leading to what nutritionists call ‘expensive urine.’ Many supermarkets and companies sell bargain vitamins and supplements, but often the nutrients come in compounds which are not useful or readily absorbable- you get what you pay for in many cases. I am not dismissing all supplements, but care must be taken in choosing and using them.

Your body is capable of extracting antioxidants from natural whole foods, and this is a safe and healthy way of getting them into your system. To get the full complement of antioxidants you need to have a varied diet- the less foods you are prepared to eat, the fewer nutrients are available to you. To obtain an optimum amount of these life-saving chemicals your diet should consist of; whole grains, nuts, seeds and oily fish (vitamin E, zinc, and others) and brightly colored fruit and vegetables of as many different varieties as possible (for vitamin C, A, beta-carotenes, bioflavinoids and folates). You will be pleased to know that there are also antioxidants in Tea (especially green tea), dark chocolate and red wine (hurrah), although all of these should be used sparingly. The fresher your fruit and vegetables the more antioxidant value, some fruit juices and supermarket vegetables when tested contain almost no vitamin C- it may have been months since the original fruit was harvested. (It is important to note that you may see the word antioxidant on some food packaging, sometimes with an e number attached- you will derive no benefit from consuming these).

Your Antioxidant shopping list:

1. A steamer; lightly steamed vegetables will contain more nutrients than boiled.

2. A juicer; make your own fresh fruit and vegetable antioxidant cocktails. Try Apple, carrot, beetroot and ginger- don’t pull that face, it is delicious!

3. Oily Fish; fresh tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines. (Avoid all hydrogenated fats which will inhibit these beneficial chemicals.)

4. Green stuff; broccoli, cabbage, peas, kiwi, watercress, spinach, limes.

5. Yellow and orange stuff; lemons, golden linseed for essential fats and vitamin E(buy it ready ground or use a clean coffee grinder and make your own to sprinkle on cereal) peppers, mangoes, eggs, swede, turmeric (a ground spice), oranges, pumpkin and squash, sweet potatoes, apricots and peaches, carrots.

6. Red and purple stuff; beetroot, red cabbage, blueberries, ALL BERRIES, blackcurrants, ruby chard, beetroot tops (steam them like spinach), plumbs and prunes, purple sprouting, ruby grapefruit, tomatoes and red peppers.

7. White Stuff; Cauliflower, (rich in vitamins A and C), Brazil nuts for selenium, and a selection of other fresh nuts and seeds- avoid cooked nuts such as peanuts and cashews and other salted nuts- they don’t have the same benefits and are very fatty, and salty.

8. Organic fruit and vegetables have shown in tests to have higher levels of antioxidants- between 10 and 50% higher. Although if you are buying organic produce check the labels- if it is flown in from some far-flung destination it is not fresh despite being organic.

9. Local and seasonal fruit and vegetables will also be fresher and more likely to contain higher concentrations of our favorite chemicals.

Well I hope that you feel armed with knowledge and ready to do battle down the market to get the freshest, healthiest and most colourful shopping. Root out the winter vegetables, roast some beetroot with thyme and olive oil, buy some pumpkin and squash, and catch the freshest apples, straight off the trees.

Until next time,
Stay healthy,
Vikki.

Do you have any friends and family who could benefit from getting fitter and feeling better? If you do, then treat them to free copy of this newsletter, forward it to them, and get them to e-mail me with a request. E-mail getfitter@yahoo.co.uk subject: newsletter request. Would you like to bring health into the workplace? Get fitter now offers a corporate package, including yoga classes/courses, Nutrition seminars, conference breaks, Company Wellness days and Healthy Friday a monthly wellness event. Please visit www.corporatechill.com

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters.

Weight Loss -- You Are What You Think!

2005-10-22T13:45:00.000-04:00

This is a very SMART article and if you apply what you read here you will change your life forever! bonnie--

Most of us know and have heard the phrase, “You are what you eat”. However, is it possible that another phrase also applies? “You are what you THINK”. Yes, it is very possible that this phrase is also an accurate representation of how our perceptions and expectations affect our body and overall health.

We are just beginning to understand how the mind and our beliefs affect out body and how it responds to illness. However there is currently enough documented evidence to prove that the mind does in fact affect our body. The key behind all of these studies seems to be perception or expectation. Those individuals with positive perceptions of an event and positive expectations seem to create that reality while the same seems to be true of those with negative perceptions and expectations.

If we allow for this possibility then we must consider what it is we believe about ourselves and how we feel about the life we are leading. If we have a perception of ourselves and our life that is negative then it will tend to manifest itself eventually in one way or another. This often takes place with people who are unhappy with their life but yet afraid to make changes. When they do not take action the body itself seems to create an illness to bring about the change they seemed unable to do for themselves.

Deepak Chopra has spent numerous years studying this aspect of wellness and I highly recommend that anyone wanting to explore this field of research read his books. The book I have found most helpful is “Unconditional Life”. He gives many case studies of individuals who were affected either positively or negatively by their state of mind and the perceptions they had of their illness.

We owe to ourselves to be happy and to be hopeful and to expect the best out of life.

We owe it to ourselves to make the most of the time we are given.

We owe it to ourselves to do the things that we fear and take the steps we are afraid to take.

Life is about expansion and when we cease to expand we become stagnant and stagnation eventually brings about death. This usually happens in the inner life first and then it manifests in the physical life.

For example, someone begins to feel bored, apathetic and depressed about life and this will lead to a withdrawal from contact with other people and then soon thereafter the body itself will begin to manifest symptoms.

You must choose to be happy and to expect the best and to believe in miracles. A favorite quote is the following:

"Happiness is a way of travel - not a destination"
--Roy M. Goodman

This is something you should definitely keep in mind not only for the sake of your health but also for your entire experience of life. If you do not like your experience of life then perhaps it is time to change your point of view.

About the Author:
Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at Symptoms of Heart Attacks and Diabetes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How Yoga Can Help You Reach Your Goals

2005-10-07T00:58:00.000-04:00

Physical and mental mastery - that is Hatha Yoga - That is what you can gain with yoga

Part 2

At this point, let’s break down the major components of a typical Hatha Yoga session, and see how each one will enable you to reach your goals. There are nine main styles of Yoga in India, but most of the popular styles, outside of India, are variations of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga classes tend, among other things, to emphasize physical mastery.

Asanas are the physical postures, but depending upon the class, the postures may be held for different durations, such as: A half breath (an exhale or inhale), a few breaths, or a few minutes. Some classes are very active, with flowing movement, heated studios up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and others are tranquil at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, all year long.

So there is a style of Yoga for every person, and you should be aware of what you are getting into before you start. You should also be aware that the doors are not locked, and if 105 degrees is too much heat, it is your call.

This past summer, in Arizona, a number of people died, due to excessive heat. If your body temperature reaches 105 degrees, you could possibly have heat stroke. What is your natural climate like? Please know your temperature tolerance and know that people are different.

The Yoga postures release tension throughout your body, regardless of which style you choose. The added surge of endorphins, as a result of this exercise, is another benefit.

Pranayama, sometimes called the Yogic science of breathing, is cultivation of air - our most vital resource. Therefore, you can increase the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream without classic calisthenics, but when you combine it with the postures; you have a very powerful combination for stress relief.

Meditation is known for its stress management, focused concentration, and conscious relaxation benefits. In fact, there are so many meditation benefits, that after more than 2,000 studies, scientists still research for more.

How will all this help you achieve your goals? Simple: Once you are armed with the ability to relieve yourself from the burdens of stress, negative obstacles, and needless worrying, you then have the ability to prioritize and learn from your mistakes.

If you make a mistake, so does everyone else. Nobody is keeping track of your mistakes, except you. Everyone wants to be recognized, so grab every opportunity you can. Make sure you don’t forget to write your goals down and review them often. You will see them come to pass.

For more on yoga check out My Healthy Weightloss.com

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at Aura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Discover How Yoga Can Help You Reach Your Goals

2005-10-06T00:48:00.000-04:00

The benifits of yoga are amazing and many more than most people realize. Its more than just your body that yoga works wonders on. See the article below and breathe deep. bonnie--

Part 1

Time is valuable and there are a number of successful methods for goal realization. Yoga will cross train your mind and body for maximum potential. Imagine being able to optimize your attitude in one hour, per day, or less. Every day, people attend Yoga classes for physical or mental health, and walk away with the tools, to be masters of their own destiny.

How is this possible? Regular attendance to Yoga classes, will result in a positive attitude adjustment for the student. Many of us walk around with a “perceived handicap.” We blame everything for our set backs and lack of opportunities. Society, your boss, and your family, are all easy targets to blame, for lack of opportunities.

It is true that age, financial status, gender, and ethnic background, are factors in success. However, these factors can all be overcome by working toward your goal on a daily basis, and taking life one-step-at- a-time. Remember, that if you think you situation is a disability, it will be.

How can Yoga do anything for you? For one thing, you will appreciate life to it’s fullest. You will stop wasting time, by letting daily opportunities go by. Many of us have opportunities, but we think it won’t work, we don’t have what it takes for success, or we lack the drive to carry a plan through.

Yoga and meditation teach you to supervise your mind. Your mind has been allowed to work against you. Much like a “back seat driver,” the mind is good at “second guessing,” fearing, doubting, and discouraging new ideas. The mind would prefer to stay in one place, and let the world go by. Leaving you in a deeper state of frustration, by worrying about making a mistake.

You have to cultivate a positive relationship with your mind, through practicing Yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. You can find all this, and much more, in your local Yoga class. All you have to do is make it a regular routine. Yoga classes are everywhere, from corporate health clubs to senior centers. Whether you practice before, or after, work is not important, and you will start to feel the mental benefits, right away.

Many Yoga students walk away from their first class feeling guilty, that it took so long to start. They anguish over the fact they procrastinated so long. However, the important part is to start and continue your Yoga practice.

There is also a common feeling of euphoria during and after Yoga classes. The group support, classroom atmosphere, and the endorphins, will make your day a much better one.

For more on yoga check out My Healthy Weightloss.com

Vitamins: Fat Or Water Soluble?

2005-09-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

The best way to get your vitamins is from food. But when you do not get enough from food you will need to take at least a multi-vitamin. It is recomended that everyone take a multi to safeguard health, because most people don't eat enough of the right foods. Also, many of our foods are depleted of nutrients. Read the article below for a quick look at what the different kinds of vitamins do for you.
bonnie--

Vitamins are organic substances essential in small amounts for the body's normal growth and activity. They are obtained naturally from plant and animal foods. Vitamins have two classifications, fat- or water-soluble, depending on the materials in which they dissolve.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K. These vitamins are stored in the body's fat tissues before they are absorbed in the blood stream. Because the body stores these vitamins, it is not always necessary to get a fresh supply each day. Caution should be used when taking fat-soluble vitamins to avoid the potential of harmful, toxic levels.

Fat-soluble vitamins are required for the maintenance of healthy bones, skin and hair and for bringing nourishment to the cells. Vitamin A is essential for vision, especially night vision. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of blood-clotting proteins.

The major dietary sources of these vitamins are green leafy vegetables, deep orange or yellow fruits and vegetables, cod liver oil, sardines, butter, egg yolks, fortified milk, almonds, wheat germ, peanut butter, corn oil, sunflower seeds, and liver.

Water-Soluble Vitamins: Water-soluble vitamins include B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and vitamin C, as well as folic acid and biotin. Water-soluble vitamins, unlike fat-soluble vitamins, are not easily stored in the body and are often lost from foods in the cooking process. It is therefore important to include these vitamins in a daily dietary regimen.

B vitamins are involved in fat and protein breakdown. The B vitamins are required for healthy nervous system function, healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver function. Some of the B vitamins require other B vitamins to work correctly in the body.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important to the body in the production of collagen, creating connective tissue and supporting our organs. Other functions include protecting the fat-soluble vitamins and preventing scurvy.

The major dietary sources of these vitamins are cereal grains, meat, poultry, eggs, fish, milk, legumes and fresh vegetables. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, guava, red bell pepper, papaya, orange juice, broccoli, green bell pepper, strawberries, cantaloupe, tomato juice, mango, potato, cabbage, tomato, collard greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, cauliflower, blackberries, and blueberries.

For more on vitamins go to My Healthy Weightloss.com

About the Author
Laura LaGuardia is a contributing editor on http://www.teddycare.com/Vitamins/ to the Health Information Resources site at http://www.teddycare.com . This article may be freely reprinted as long as the author's resource box and url links remain intact.

Wanna look 10 years younger?

2005-09-26T15:43:00.000-04:00

The best thing we can do for our bodies is to eat more fruit and vegtables and less meat and processed foods or even better non of the latter. This is the quickest way to weight loss and the best way to looking younger. Read on to see why. But don't forget your vitamins especially if you are a vegitarian! bonnie--

Eat More Fruit!

by Rajesh Shetty
Fruit calories are very healthy especially compared to calories in fast foods and processed food. Never avoid fruits. In fact you should eat more fruit if you want to get rid of that excess flab from your body.

Fruits require 20-25 minutes to digest and give us energy; vegetables take 4 hours to become nutrients for energy; whereas meat takes up to 72 hours to completely break down and pass out from the body.

Unlike carnivorous animals, your intestines are too long for meat to pass out fast which leads to putrification of meat and accumulation of toxins in the body. Meat produces Uric acid which your body is incapable of handling..this causes further tissue damage.

Furthermore, fruits have anti oxidant properties and they take care of free radicals and reverse the ageing process. Also, fruits have enzymes essential for various bodily activities like metabolism, so difficult to obtain from meats and processed foods.

Dead meat products are not life supporting in the real sense but fruits are live foods and are a store house of solar energy.

Fruits also aid in the filtering and cleansing of toxins from the body. Most of the weightloss programs out there ignore the fact that toxin elimination is the most important aspect of losing weight and burning fat. Infact, without toxin removal the fat cells become very stubborn and can be hard to be burned or eliminated from the body.

Now consider this, having 2500 calories from fruit is great for your body. But being on a diet plan consisting of 1000 calories from meat and processed foods is not good for your health and maintaining ideal weight.

It really is not that hard to include fruit into your diet. Just start with one per day and when you are used to that add another and so on. Before you know it you will not recognize your healthy self! bonnie--

For more information on weightloss
visit My-Healthy-Weightloss.com

Get more cutting edge fat burning secrets in my Free 5day email ecourse delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing to my newsletter at: www.eweightlosstips.com

About the Author
Expert in weight loss principles of Ayurveda Medical Science and Author of the Best selling book, "Proven weight loss secrets revealed". www.eweightlosstips.com

Fat Burning Exercise: Choose One That Can Revive Your Body's . . .

2005-09-24T01:11:00.000-04:00

Be good to yourself you deserve it! Treat yourself like royalty starting today. bonnie--

Fat Burning Exercise: Choose One That Can Revive Your Body's Own Fat Burning Dynamism
By Laxmi Krishna

Fat burning exercise is not merely one that will burn fat on its own. Can it rekindle the body’s intrinsic fat burning mechanisms?

We all know our bodies started out as dynamic calorie-burning machines in our early years, even without strenuous fat burning exercise.

Somewhere along the way, they seem to have forgotten how to be that way any more.

In fact, we may actually notice that our bodies have progressively acquired the contrary habit of “not burning unwanted calories”. Of actually possessively holding on to fat. The reason for that is in a paradox.

The pace of life is faster nowadays, and from that we all make the cardinal mistake of deducing that a "busy life" is an "active life". We assume that our tiredness is from over-exertion, while it may even be from disillusionment.

Yet in a world that's moving fast around us, we fail to notice that our bodies are growing more and more lethargic - and that is the paradox. This personal lethargy in the midst of external turmoil is the No. 1 cause of "stress", and a host of stress-induced diseases.

Stress is nothing but our misalignment with the pace of the external world. And as the doctors love to tell us, most diseases have their roots in stress … like obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalance, emotional depression …

Look at almost all the research on diseases today, and they will show that somewhere these diseases have their genesis in this ubiquitous term called "stress". We need to examine what this "stress" is, if we want to adequately overcome the diseases themselves -- and not merely try out fat burning exercise to neutralize their impact.

Look up the word "stress" in the dictionary or thesaurus -- and here's what you'll find: hardship, oppression, distress, dread, apprehension, mistrust, nervousness ...

Stress is thus the word that reflects our "inability to cope" -- with a situation, a relationship, a circumstance, a life event ... it's a sign of a subliminal defeatist attitude that has crept into our souls!

It’s again this same stress that actually makes the body cultivate the habit of holding on to its fat for dear life. (Fat is nothing but excess energy fuel solidified and stored for future use, anticipating future starvation!)

And no matter what fat burning exercise you try, unless the mind's perception of its surrounding environment is changed it's hard to actualize results.

What the body has learnt how to do very well, is to save fat feverishly for the “rainy day”, even add on more and more …- because from everything it interacts with around it, it anticipates a lot of present and future stress!

How fearfully you perceive the world around you may have a lot to do with your body's disinclination to shed its protective weight and fat! No amount of fat burning exercise can battle these misperceptions of the mind.

Starting a purposeful walking program works in two ways -- one, it directly impacts your physical calorie burn and weight loss situation; and two, the self-assertion involved in setting strong new weight goals and staying with the walking program, day after day, despite all odds, helps wear away the fearful negativity that makes your body hold on to fat! It's the numero uno stress-busting fat burning exercise.

Laxmi Krishna is a bestselling author on weight loss. She succeeded in losing weight superfast -- 30 kgs. in just 32 weeks, with no dieting -- through a unique walking program she has designed. She reveals her success secrets in her path-breaking guide. Visit Laxmi's site at http://www.walking-calories.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Dieting 101 - For Those Having A Hard Time Getting Started

2005-09-20T23:41:00.000-04:00

Here is a solid plan to get you going in the right direction on weightloss and regaining your health! bonnie--

Okay, so you've read some of these articles, done your homework and now your finally ready to begin a diet and exercise program. But you still have this one same nagging question in the back of your mind... 'Where in the heck do I start?'

Being lost in midst of all of these variables is not a hard thing at all. There is sooo much knowledge and guidelines out there that sometimes we don't know how to put it all together. Well today you are in luck!

Before we get into this let me make one thing clear! You are doing the right thing! It is virtually impossible to know everything there is to know about diet and exercise. If everyone waited until they knew everything in order to get started no one would get started. What we first need to do is to construct a plan. Our plan will be simplified but will be enough to get you on the right track.

1. Set your goal(s)

If you don't know what you want or what you are doing you will be less likely to get where you want to go. You also will not have the same determination as you could have. If you don't have a picture of what you want in your mind you will be less motivated. Here are some sample questions you can ask yourself. How much weight do I want to lose? What exactly do I want to look like? Do I want a smaller waist? Do I want bigger arms? What measurements am I looking for? What sort of time frame am I looking at?

When you have done this it doesn't hurt to write your answers down to some of these questions as a reference for later. We as human beings can forget easily! Also, if you have to, record some of your current statistics that relate to your questions like measurements or your weight for example. Then you will have something to compare to and your results can be measured more effectively. Motivation aside, some will even take photographs of themselves. They are also great for motivation as well. In the future I will include articles on motivation.

2. Start to construct your menu along with the quantities

For some this is the hard part since they don't know how much or how little food to take. I will help you and give you a few sample formulas. The most accurate guideline that I have found (and actually have used) over the years is to multiply your current bodyweight by 10. That's how many calories you should be taking in for the day. Also remember that your true weight is when you get up without any clothes on. So if you weigh 165 pounds for example you would be able to take in 1650 calories a day. Try it!

The second way to do it is to take a piece of paper and record everything you eat for three days. Then after you do that get a calorie counter and total it up for each day. Add them together and then divide that number by 3. This will give you an average of the number of calories you usually would take in. Now you then subtract this number by 500 and that would be your caloric allowance for one day. Neat huh?

3. Begin thinking of your exercise program

While weight training is not a necessity it is highly recommeded for permanent lasting results. But if inconvenience or a lack of interest is an issue then cardiovascular activity will do just fine! Though what we explored in my other article about weight training is definitely true, it possible by all means to meet your goals with aerobic exercise. As with your goals, ask yourself these questions...Do I like to exercise at home? How much time do I have or am willing to put into it? What types of exercise do I enjoy (eg. walking, stationary bike etc.)? What days am I available?

I will now share with you some quick guidelines concerning your cardio. Incase you didn't know aerobic (meaning with air) exercise is the most beneficial for burning fat. Examples are swimming, jogging, brisk walking, running, stairclimber etc. The easiest to do by far is the exercise bike and walking. To be effective, aerobic exercise must last at least 20 minutes in duration. It doesn't have to be strenuous at all. If you can't hold a reasonable conversation while you train you are working too hard. Your heart rate does not have to be elevated that high. Also, the opposite of aerobic is anaerobic meaning your are using more muscle power. Therefore, if you are on the bike and your legs start to burn release the tension a little bit. Gradually as your muscles become more tired it still takes the same lung power to move the pedals while using lighter resistance. Either way you win!

To start off, 20-30 minutes of cardio three times a week should do wonders for you. As long as you are consistent you will see results. Remember that most of the time it is not the exercise that is at fault but the person doing them or not doing them! Again, exercise does not have to be hard but consistent. I have tried to make these guidelines as easy as possible for you because when it comes down to it, we tend not to do the things we don't like or feel is too strenuous.

There! This plan should be enough to get you started well on your way to meeting your fitness goals. Once you have the foundation laid down in this manner you can use other information you acquire to build upon it. Good luck and take it all the way!

For some the hardest part is getting started for others it is staying consistant. When ever you feel like you are losing your motivation it will help if you come back and read some more ideas to get you going again. bonnie--

When you are ready for some more weightloss tips go to: HEALTY WEIGHTLOSS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy Mclean has a diploma in Fitness and Nutrition from Education Direct, a YMCA individual conditioning certificate and is the author of Instinct - Master Your Mind And Your Body! For free tips and tricks visit www.weightlossguidance.com

Burning Fat vs. Burning Calories

2005-09-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

To lose weight and get in shape you must have a good diet and exercise regularly to burn fat. The first thing you must understand about exercise is that just because you are burning calories, does not mean you are burning fat. Your main focus when you exercise should be losing body fat, and you can’t lose body fat just from burning calories.

When we exercise, our bodies will start burning calories, but the calories that are burned are the calories from carbohydrates in our system. In order to burn calories from your stored fat, your body requires the presence of oxygen. There is a certain amount of oxygen that your body needs in order to start burning fat and the only way for you to measure the amount needed for your own body is to keep up with your target heart rate during exercise.

Please understand that if you continue to only burn calories from carbohydrates, you will lose mostly “water weight” which leads to a decrease in your metabolism. Also, think of the calories that are burned from carbohydrates as your energy calories. If you lose too much energy calories then your muscles will not receive enough energy to increase your metabolism, which indirectly burns fat. Therefore you must increase your calorie intake when you are on an exercise program to replace your burned energy calories.

To learn the steps to burning fat calories

The Simplest Diet Plan Ever

2005-09-12T01:39:00.000-04:00

Easy Steps to Healthy Living

You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut the fat! Cut the carbs! Cut the calories! Eat a balanced diet! But how can you cut though all of the confusion, and eat a diet that's balanced and healthy?

Here's the advice from nutritional science:

Cut the JUNK fats:
Most people do not need an ultra low fat diet. But most of us could improve our diet by cutting out the junk fats. Basically, these are the processed fats: hydrogenated fats, polyunsaturated oils that have been heated, and fats that are combined with junk carbs. Processed fats are the fats most likely to put on flab and clog your arteries.

Cut the JUNK carbs.
Most people do not need an ultra low carb diet. But unfortunately, so many people who go on a low fat diet continue to eat highly processed foods - they switch from processed high-fat to processed low-fat. And when food manufacturers create low fat foods, they tend to replace the fat with junk carbs,that tend to pile on the pounds. Basically, junk carbs are low-fiber carbs. Like sugar, fructose (and all the other *oses), flour, cornstarch, fruit juice are all junk carbs. Yes, fruit juice is a junk carb too! - After all, how much fiber is there in fruit juice? - Virtually none - its yet another junk carb. You should eat the whole fruit instead, with its fiber intact.

For the rest of the this healthy diet plan

Lose Weight and Keep it Off Permanently

2005-09-05T23:16:00.000-04:00

Without Fancy Diets

Have You Given-Up on Weight Loss? Free Articles and Newsletter
Fast, Healthy Weight Loss

By Sean Harder

For years the experts have been telling us that diets dont work, and my experience in the field for almost twenty years confirms that. Yet every year several new fad diets and supplements emerge, claiming they have the answer, and making people rich. Any diet will help you lose weight, there is no arguing that. I have several personal friends who have lost significant weight on the new low carb diets. Whether you can lose weight on a diet has never been the issue. I worked for Nutri-System several years ago and saw some people lose tons of weight. The issue has been and always will be whether a person keeps the weight off. Research has always shown that within 5 years, anywhere between 85 and 90 percent of people will put the weight back on after stopping a diet.

The key here is after "stopping a diet". Very few of the fad diets, or the diets where you buy special food, can or will be followed permanently. This is precisely why they don't work. There is also evidence that so-called yo-yo dieting is worse for your health than being moderately overweight. Most people I know with a weight problem have lost and gained at least 3 or 4 times in their lifetime.

For the rest of this weightloss aritcle
Lose weight and keep it off

Exercise Tips for Weightloss

2005-08-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

K. Beardsmore

If you're trying to lose weight, starting an exercise plan can help accelerate the weight you lose, and the rate you lose it at. Exercising smartly is the first step, so here are a few brief exercise tips to get you started:

10 Weightloss Tips

1. When you decide it’s time to start working out, start slowly and realize it will take some time to see results. Don't get discouraged if you don't achieve your fitness goals after the first week... many people make this mistake and end up abandoning their plans because of it. They feel that if they really push their bodies they can lose more weight in a couple of work outs, and your body simply doesn't work that way.

If you try to push your body too much in the first few goes, you are likely to end up with sprained joints, a sore back and even torn ligaments. The rule to be followed here is slow and steady wins the race.

2. Check your weight before you start the new exercise routine and then try to limit yourself to checking only weekly. If you keep checking for changes frequently, you'll be disappointed to not see radical changes immediately. It might be one or two weeks before you notice any change.

One thing you also need to be aware of: If you start exercising and working out as a way to lose weight, you could find yourself initially disappointed. Because when you work out, you start building muscle. And muscle weighs more than fat. So many people will start losing fat while they're building muscle, and not notice any change on the actual weight scale.

So instead of worrying about what the scale says, try taking your measurements before starting your weight loss exercise program, and notice how your clothes fit. Then each week, take your measurements again, and try on the exact same cloths to see how they're now fitting. Usually you'll notice you're losing inches, and your clothes are fitting better - even if the scale says you haven't lost any weight.

3. When you do notice changes, reward yourself. No, not goodies like chocolates or sweets. Reward yourself with a movie, a day off, or fun shopping spree.

Rewards can keep you going. It is a good idea to save on the money that you wanted to spend on ice creams and chocolates and then treat your self to something more substantial.

4. You can, and should, take a day off from exercise every week. Make it part of the exercise routine. Your body needs a day off from heavy activity, exercise and workouts, so be sure to schedule it in as part of your actual routine, to make sure you're taking care of it properly.

5. Exercise out doors as much as possible. There are two advantages of exercising outside: First, it gives your body a chance to get much needed fresh air and sunshine. The sun also gives you a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Secondly, Being outside, seeing everything going on around you, being around other people, smelling and hearing the world... all of these assaults to your senses help perk up your mood, keep you happy, and keep you motivated to continue with your exercise and weight loss plans.

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Choosing The Best Walking Shoes

2005-08-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

Great tips From a Recognized Race Walker

One of the beauties of walking is its minimal equipment demands. Besides pep in your step, all you need is a supportive pair of shoes.

The first couple of spins around the block you might get away with your old knock'abouts from the back of the closet or leftovers from a former aerobics class. But to protect your longevity by avoiding injury and to feel more comfortable striding briskly, you'll want to invest in the best walking shoes.

The biomechanics of walking are different from running, aerobics or other activities, so you need footwear that is designed with those differences in mind. For example, walking is a linear movement, with the impact on the heel and high demands for forefoot flexibility so you can properly roll through the foot. Aerobics, on the other hand, incorporates many lateral moves, with most cushioning needs on the forefoot and little on the heel. Although running is also linear, it demands less of a push from the forefoot in the rear and, therefore, less flexibility in the front of the shoe. Runners also land primarily on the middle or front of their feet and need slightly less stability in the heel than brisk walkers.

What about cross-trainers? Ones made for weight-training and other club activities violate several of walking shoe needs (usually they are too heavy and inflexible). Note, however, that several companies have a new type of hybrid made for both strong walking and light amounts of running. These work just fine since they have the support, cushioning and flexibility demands of both linear activities. Here's what to look for: Best Walking Shoes

Vitamins Are A Gift To Our Body

2005-08-25T00:35:00.000-04:00

Vitamins are the building blocks for the chemical reactions in the human body. They combine with amino acids and minerals to produce enzymes (which speed up internal chemical reactions) and hormones (chemical messengers which regulate organ functions and activities including heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels).

Vitamins help promote normal growth, provide proper metabolism, ensure good health and protect against certain diseases. There are two groups of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K can be stored in the body, mostly in fatty tissue and in the liver. Because they can be stored, it is possible that they can build to toxic levels if you consume too much.

It is essential that you receive a healthy supply of these vitamins every day. Except in cases of massive overdosing, water-soluble vitamins rarely reach toxic levels.

Water-soluble vitamins like C and B vitamins, on the other hand, do not stay in the body long. Since they dissolve in water, any traces of the vitamins that the body does not need will be carried away in waste.

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Your body can't produce vitamins on its own. You must get them from the foods you eat. Unfortunately, we rarely eat a wide enough variety of food to get healthy levels of all the necessary vitamins. It is best to get as many vitamins as possible from natural foods.However, taking vitamins in tablet format is often the fastest way to solve the lack of essential body nutrients.

In the past crops were grown in nutrient-rich soil, but as farming techniques become more focused towards increasing the harvest,the nutrient content of crops tend to take a dive. Nutrients are lost with storing, drying and freezing foods. Foods also lose more nutrients the longer they are kept.

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The Best Exercise For Weight Loss

2005-08-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

Brian D. Johnston

There is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles. Actually it accomplishes very little toning/firming. Resistance exercise (weight training) is where real toning/firming of muscles occurs.

Doing both aerobics and weight training is the optimal way to lose more fat and gain more muscle. If you are trying to lose weight, studies show that weight loss increases by 56 percent with aerobic and strength exercises combined. Muscle may weigh more, but when you increase your muscle composition, the body is able to burn more fat, even when you are resting, because your metabolism is higher. A pound of muscle will use 350 to 500 calories per week to survive, while a pound of fat only needs about 14 calories per week. New studies have shown that building muscle helps your body fight disease better, too.

Strength training benefits everyone, no matter what age or sex, and is becoming recognized as an important component of fitness. Research is indicating that the muscle loss found in elderly people doesn’t come from age, but lack of activity. Even a young person who doesn’t get enough exercise can lose muscle mass and strength. Strength training, such as lifting weights or performing weight-resistance exercises, as little as twice a week can help maintain or increase muscle mass.

Strength training involving several sets of many repetitions using moderate weights will not result in huge muscles. Instead it builds bone mass, increases the metabolism and tones and firms muscles, giving a leaner look.

It is very important to do both aerobics and strength exercises. The aerobic exercises help your heart and lungs get stronger and help your body utilize oxygen more efficiently, which in turn helps with strength training and overall fitness. The strength exercise helps develop muscle, reduce body fat and maintain bone mass.

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Health Benefits of Walking for Exercise

2005-08-17T12:30:00.000-04:00

By Chileshe Mwape

Walking for exercise is a purposeful, brisk walk specifically designed for the purpose of improving health. It is one of the best and cheapest forms of exercise. If you want to improve your general health and keep fit, or if you want to reduce your weight, walking is a good place to start.

Walking keeps you fit and helps you take off extra weight and keep it off. It's cheap, it's simple and almost anybody can do it. Walking has a multitude of health benefits for everyone. Here are some of the many health benefits of walking:

Helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
Lowers high blood pressure
Helps reduce weight and body fat
Helps reduce risk of some cancers
Reduces anxiety and depression and improves your mood and mental well-being

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Thanx for reading--
Bonnie

Health Benefits of Yoga

2005-08-12T10:40:00.000-04:00

By Della Menechella

The health benefits of practiceing yoga goes far beyond the actual time you spend in the poses. One of the most common reasons for people to begin practicing yoga is improving their health and well-being. Yoga means union. It is a union of the mind, body and breath, so all aspects of your life are impacted by your yoga practice.

A major benefit of yoga is physical

Yoga improves your flexibility – The stretching that you engage in during every practice helps lengthen and stretch muscles, which helps reduce the risk of injuries.
It helps to improve your balance. – The majority of yoga practices include some type of balancing in the poses. A significant number of people, especially as they began to get older, start to have problems with balance, which can lead to major injuries due to falls. By having a greater sense of balance, you are able to move more easily and safely.

Yoga can help reduce pain - Tense muscles often contribute to pain. Relaxing muscles helps to minimize muscle tension and the pain that is associated with it. Also, breathing deeply into muscles helps lessen pain by altering your perception of it.

It tones your muscles – Yoga works all the muscles in your body. It helps strengthen and tone them and also builds endurance and stamina.

It helps to increase your level of energy – Carrying tension in your body takes an enormous toll on your energy reserves. By learning how to relax through your yoga practice, you benefit by enjoying higher levels of energy so you can more thoroughly enjoy your daily activities.

Yoga helps promote a sense of relaxation – Most people breathe high in their chests. This not only does not allow them to get sufficient oxygen, it also triggers the stress response, which contributes to feelings of anxiety. Breathing deeply as practiced in yoga, helps relax your muscles and also brings much needed oxygen to your cells. The deep sense of relaxation also leads to better quality sleep.

Each yoga practice ends with some type of relaxation. Since your body and mind are one, by relaxing your body you also relax your mind. Many yoga experts believe that a relaxation pose is the most beneficial pose in any yoga practice.

Another benefit of yoga is mental

Yoga clears your mind and helps you focus your attention. – During your practice. . .

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Make The Shift - Respecting Your Body - Healthy Weightloss

2005-08-11T01:20:00.000-04:00

Make one small change at a time that you can live with until it sticks. Then start on another small change, like eating an apple every day. In six months to a year you will be feeling and looking so much better you may not recognize yourself! Six months really is not as long as it sounds, just think how close Christmas is and it seems like it was just here! In a hurry to lose weight just does not work to keep it off. bonnie--

by Julie Fuimano

After losing over 40 pounds and shrinking by five dress sizes, people who see me now ask, "How did you do it?" Of course, my reply is not anything special or unique, "I eat less and work out just about every day." Everyone knows how to lose weight. I keep waiting for someone to ask me the right question, which is, "Who did you need to become in order to treat your body differently and achieve healthy weight loss that lasts?"

A Quick Fix

Most people are disappointed with my reply because they want the quick fix. By asking how someone has lost weight, what they really want to know is, what new fad diet or what pill can they take to change their figure? What is the miracle cure for eliminating the extra bulges "round the middle"? There is no such program. The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in, given what your body uses in a day. Eat less, work out and the weight will come off; it has to. Eat less, work out = healthy weightloss!

People struggling to lose weight are focused on behavior modification, a noble effort but full of effort nonetheless. It is your thoughts and beliefs and how you relate to yourself that determines your actions and those actions manifest your results. If you focus only on changing your behavior, then while you will see results, they will not be sustainable unless you also change the thinking behind your behavior. If your ideas about food and your body do not change, then you will be forever on the diet, worried about your weight and focused on your behavior. The moment you stop your focus, you’ll start to regain the weight.

The Inner Shift

The real work when wanting to change your body is on how you think and feel about your body. The relationship you have with your body and with food is where the inner work comes in. Learn to love and respect your body - after all, it's the only one you’re ever going to have - and learn to treat food as a source of fuel rather than pleasure. When you learn to treat your body differently, you will lose weight as a byproduct of thinking and "being" different.

Your body is an incredible machine. It is your spirit's home. It deserves your love and affection. Your body is how you are able to experience this world. Without it, you would not be here. Learning to appreciate and honor your body is your responsibility. And learning how to use your body in order to navigate this world is how you live a rich and fulfilled life.

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