Weight loss patches - how effective are they?

Weight loss patches - how effective are they?

One of the new and greatly touted weight loss fads is the weight loss patch. There are two main types of patches available, The Slim Form Patch and The Diet Patch of which the Hoodia is one of the most well known. The patches are supposed to be all natural and will not cause any health issues or concerns. Supporters state that due to the absorption of the ingredients through the skin, the ingredients can enter the blood stream more quickly than drugs that are ingested and have to be metabolized in the liver to work.

The Slim Form Patch is one type of patch that will be discussed in this article. The patch was developed in Europe by Danish scientists and French biologists. Supporters of these types of patches say that they are better than other drugs on the market as they do not contain any of the harmful stimulants or chemical additives.

The main ingredients in the Slim Form patch are marine algae and several essential minerals which are supposed to work by combining the ingredients above. Once they are absorbed by the skin, they help to increase thyroid function, jump start metabolism, and reduce the person’s appetite.

This patch is stated to be safe for use by anyone over the age of 12 and in good health. It is not recommended for those who have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or have thyroid or heart problems. It is recommended to consult with a physician before starting to use this patch.

The second type of patch that is well known is The Hoodia Diet Patch. Hoodia is derived from a South African succulent plant that is found in the deserts there. Supporters of the patch state that scientists have isolated several elements in Hoodia that are responsible for suppressing the appetite. The way it works is described as the plant extract travels to the brain it then tricks the brain by sending signals that the body is full. This is considered to be a natural supplement and supposedly there are not any known side effects from Hoodia.

It has been reported that even though Hoodia was “discovered recently” that San Bushmen have used this for many years. They cut off the stem and eat it in order to stave off hunger while on their hunting trips. They are reported to also use the plant to help indigestion, stomach cramps, diabetes, and hypertension.

The diet patches are very popular today. Most people say that they find them more convenient to use than taking pills. Applying the patch takes away the need to remember to take pills at different times of the day. The patch works 24 hours a day and is supposed to continuously supply the weight loss ingredients into the bloodstream continuously through the day.

One thing of concern and to be aware of prior to purchasing Hoodia is that there are either fake Hoodia products on the market as well as products in which the concentration of Hoodia is so weak that it is considered to be ineffective. Genuine Hoodia manufacturers will have CITES documents and be able to produce them. These are the documents that are required to export hoodia gordonii from South Africa. They will also have chemical analysis available of their product showing that Hoodia is indeed present in their product as well.

Consumers should do their research and consult with their physician prior to using any weight loss supplement. They should be aware as well that since these are considered herbal supplements, they are not governed by the FDA and have not been tested nor any clinical trials done as is required of any prescription medication. So be aware that there has not been a lot of scientific research done on these types of weight loss products to know their effectiveness as well as potential side effects.

Lower blood pressure with DASH diet

Lower blood pressure with DASH diet

The Dash Diet Plan is a plan written by Marla Heller who is a registered dietician. The diet was designed to help people who have hypertension or have been diagnosed as prehypertensive by their physician. The diet can also be utilized by people who need to lower their cholesterol levels, reduce insulin resistance (which slows fat burning and sugar metabolism by the body) or as a good weight loss program when combined with moderate to brisk exercise.

The diet plan is one that is rich in vegetables, fruits and grains, low fat or non fat dairy, and nuts or legumes. It limits meat consumption to 1-2 small servings of lean fish, chicken or turkey per day. It also severely limits the consumption of sweets, desserts, and fats to less than one serving per day.

The diet plan includes the following servings per day on a 2000 calorie per day diet.

7-8 servings of grains (at least 3 should be whole grains)
4-5 servings of vegetables
4-5 servings of fruits
3 servings of low fat or no fat dairy products
1-2 servings of lean chicken, turkey or fish (Not Fried)
4-5 servings of nuts, seeds or legumes
1 serving of fats, sweets, or dessert (recommended only 2-3 times weekly or less)
Women may need to follow a lower calorie diet per day to facilitate quicker weight loss. Most recommendations for women call for 1200-1500 calories per day. Women wanting to utilize the diet above can follow the recommendations except cut down on the following servings per day:

4-5 servings of grains per day (3 should still be whole grains)
1 serving of lean chicken, fish or turkey (Not Fried)
1 serving of fats, sweets or desserts weekly instead of 2-3 times per week
The diet may seem very simple to follow, however studies have shown that most people only eat two to three servings of fruits and vegetables a day so this diet will take some adjustment. It is recommended to journal your daily intake for a few days and compare it to the DASH diet then see where you can incorporate the changes. Plan your next few days diet and go ahead and shop for those foods and ingredients. This way it will be much easier to adhere to the diets requirements. The biggest issue with most people is cutting down to the appropriate amounts of meats and sweets that are allowed on the diet.

The DASH diet has been shown to lower blood pressure readings within two weeks of starting the diet. It has shown most helpful alone for those who are prehypertensive. The diet works well for persons who are hypertensive while utilizing it in conjunction with taking their blood pressure medication and have regular consultations with their physician in order to adjust medications as needed when results of the diet are realized.

The diet has shown as well to lower cholesterol levels which is beneficiary to those concerned about heart and circulatory health. It has been shown as well to decrease insulin resistance. This is an issue with people who seem to have hard times losing weight due to this condition.

A long term study that came out in April, 2008 has shown that following this diet long term can cut down healthy women’s chances of heart attack or stroke. It showed that women who used this diet were 24% less likely to have a heart attack and 18% less likely to have a stroke than other women who ate a more traditional type of diet. This is great news as science is showing that women are much more prone to these health concerns than anyone knew in the past and it is very important for women especially to look to improve their heart and circulatory health now.

Fruits and vegetables diet

Fruits and vegetables diet

The first thing that comes to mind when hearing about a diet of fruits and vegetables, is a vegan type diet. This is not what we are going to discuss here. What this diet intends to do is increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables consumed and decrease the amounts of fat and empty calories in the diet.

This type of diet includes proteins in a moderate amount. It also gives you the best types of fruits and vegetables to include in your daily diet so you can take advantage of natural foods that are designed to be easily digested, increase metabolism, boost the body to break down and process sugars in a better way. way, and give you the nutritional values ​​you need in a healthy diet.

This diet requires 4-5 servings of vegetables per day and 2-3 servings of fruits per day. We will review the best fruits and vegetables to eat to facilitate weight loss and provide all the nutrients you need so that your body is in its best shape.

Vegetables are considered complex carbohydrates and the body does not easily break them down into fats. They consist more of nutrients, water and fiber, which helps to aid digestion and provides vitamins and minerals for our health. In addition to being more difficult to break down, they also remain in the digestive tract for longer, which helps you get hungry again so quickly.

Fruits consist of simple carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into fats and gives the body energy. They are also rich in nutrients that help manage vitamins and minerals. They break down rapidly in the digestive tract, so this diet will limit portions per day to help reduce frequent hunger. Fruits should be eaten raw. Cooking or processing fruits eliminates much of the nutritional value of fruits.

The list of vegetables and fruits that are the best are listed below. They can be eaten in any quantity and considered as a serving. Vegetables should be eaten raw or steamed without using oil or butter. As indicated above, incorporate 4-5 servings of vegetables per day in your diet.

Vegetables

Alfalfa sprouts, Brussels sprouts, broccoli
Collard Greens, Eggplants, Kale, Okra
Summer squash, spinach, leeks and chives
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion
Zucchini, Turnips, Green Turnips, Artichokes
Green Beans, Carrots, Celery, Mushrooms
Peppers
Fruits

Apples, Oranges, Grapefruit, Strawberries
Cranberries, pears, blackberries, blueberries, cranberry juice
Blackberries, Melon, Melons
Fruits to eat in limited quantities

Grapes, Coconut, Bananas
Dried Fruits, Dates, Canned or Processed Fruits
A sample diet is provided below to give you a guide on what you should eat daily:

Breakfast

1 cooked or scrambled egg
½ brown bread with 1 teaspoon of low-fat cream cheese
½ orange or 1 8-ounce glass of orange juice or cranberry juice
2 slices of tomatoes
Water, coffee or tea without sugar
lunch

4 ounces lean chicken, turkey or fish
Mixed salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green pepper.
Low fat / low calorie salad dressing
5 wholemeal cookies
Water, coffee or tea without sugar
Afternoon snack

Bowl of berries of your choice
Or 1 sliced ​​apple
Dinner

4-6 ounces of lean meat
Green beans
Broccoli, carrot, steamed cauliflower mixture
1 dinner roll
Snack

2 servings of raw vegetables

Mediterranean diet recipes

Mediterranean diet recipes

The Mediterranean diet is a diet plan that is based on what people who live in the Mediterranean basin eat, such as in Italy, Greece and Crete. What studies have found is that although people there eat high-fat diets, their incidence of heart and cardiovascular disease was much lower than their counterparts here in the United States. Studies claim that they believe the difference is that those in the Mediterranean eat olive oil as their main source of fat, while here in the United States they mainly eat animal fat.

It has been found that olive oil lowers cholesterol, blood sugar and lowers blood pressure. It has also been found to be useful in the prevention of peptic ulcers, as well as useful in the treatment of ulcers that are already present. It is also being studied for its properties to prevent cancer. Wine that is consumed in moderate amounts in this diet has also proven to be a powerful antioxidant.

The diet consists of these components:

Foods that are eaten in large quantities

Olive oil

Vegetables

Cereals and unrefined grains

Fruits

Vegetables

Fish

Foods that are eaten in moderate quantities

Dairy products (mainly cheese and yogurt)

Wine

Foods that are eaten in small quantities

Meat and meat products

In this type of diet, desserts generally consist of fruits or fruit-based products. They use things like honey to get extra sweetness in their food.

Here are some common foods that are found and consumed in the Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil

Cheese and yogurt (keep in mind that it is goat and sheep cheese)

Seafood, Sardines

Chicken

Eggs

Cakes, Ice cream, Cookies

Veal and lamb

Bread, pasta, rice, couscous, polenta, potatoes, olives, avocados, grapes

Spinach, Eggplants, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Peppers, Mushrooms, Garlic

Almonds, nuts and other nuts; Chickpeas, white beans, lentils and other beans; Misery

Here are some tips to help you begin to transcend more than the Mediterranean eats. Use olive oil instead of butter, lard or butter in your food and cooking. Try to eat nuts or fruits as snacks instead of chips, crackers or cookies. Use a low-calorie spread, mustard or something similar to avocado cream instead of putting mayonnaise on your sandwich.

The Mediterranean are also people who believe in staying active. They don't have all the modern comforts in many of the smaller villages like the one we have here in the United States. They still do by hand what we have many machines to do. Then, instead of watching television all night, go for a walk and watch nature closely. If you are looking to find something beautiful you will do it. A lot of success or failure is our mentality and how we feel about what we are doing.

If we believe we will succeed, we will work hard and achieve a lot, however, if we begin to doubt that we will achieve our goals in things like this, we have already lost half of the battle.

The Slim Fast diet plan

The Slim Fast diet plan

The Slim Fast diet has been around for many years and many people have used it to lose weight. The plan is formulated instead of replacing Slim Fast Shake or Meal Bar with two meals per day and then eating a sensible meal and two snacks per day. Slim Fast has many products that can be purchased in most supermarkets or chain stores. They have their traditional smoothies and fruit drinks. They also offer food bars or snacks and pasta dishes for the convenience of the dieter. This type of diet is designed to help a person lose an average of two pounds per week.

Originally, most people felt that Slim Fast was a difficult diet to follow, since they originally only had shakes for dieters. Many people found smoothies constantly difficult to drink and also discovered that sometimes they also felt hungry between meals. Now Slim Fast offers more products to offer its customers more variety and offer even more incentives to help people achieve their weight loss goals.

Slim Fast offers dieters an excellent program that can be accessed online. You can register on the site and complete your personal information, as well as your weight loss goals. Then your information is compiled and a personalized program is developed for you, which gives you instructions on what to eat per day and what exercise is necessary to help you stay on track with your diet.

Recipes, meal plans and instructions are offered through this program. There is even an area for you to choose your own substitutes, giving you more control over what you want to eat than is allowed in the diet. A typical day menu includes the following:

Breakfast
Thin, fast and low carb smoothie with instant oatmeal and nuts 340 calories

Morning snack
1 sliced ​​tomato 30 calories

Lunch 350 Calories
Fast slim low carb smoothie and tuna salad
(tuna, light mayonnaise, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, onion)

Afternoon Snack 60 Calories
Vegetable juice (low sodium) 6 ounces

Dinner 430 Calories
Creamy Chicken Dijon
Roasted asparagus
Mixed Vegetable Salad

Afternoon snack 70 calories
Raisins

They recommend with the previous diet plan to include up to 30 minutes per day of some type of cardiac exercise such as walking. The best thing about this plan is that you can adapt the diet to the foods you enjoy eating. You can plan up to a week in advance, allowing you to go to the market and buy the Slim Fast food and products you need. This keeps temptation down if you don't have food that you shouldn't eat at home.

As stated earlier, this is not a fad diet. It is designed to allow gradual weight loss while following a nutritional diet that gives the body all the necessary vitamins and minerals, but does not participate in fatty foods.

Sleep deprivation and weight gain

Sleep deprivation and weight gain

Studies have shown that there is definitely a correlation between people with lack of sleep and weight gain that can lead to obesity. Reports on this subject are mixed due to the fact that obese people are more likely to have respiratory problems and sleep apnea that can lead to sleep deprivation. However, there is also a strong trend among people who do not sleep a regular amount of hours during the night to eat more and gain weight faster than others who do sleep well.

There are many reasons for this. Our bodies have emotional and psychological clocks integrated in them. The circadian rhythm is the natural rhythm that is integrated into our brain. This tells us that we should relax and sleep when it is dark and then arise when the sun shines in the morning.

People who work night shifts on a regular basis and sleep during the day report marked sleep disorders, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, as well as an increased appetite. Our brain and our natural rhythm tell our bodies to eat when they are awake to keep our energy levels high. This trigger makes people who wake up in the middle of the night want to eat while they are awake.

Foods that are eaten in the middle of the night, just before returning to bed to try to sleep, are not digested properly. This leads to greater storage of fats that are then deposited in the blood. They are also deposited around the vital organs of the body, especially in and around the liver.

People who cannot fall asleep are also more likely to eat late at night, which leads to the same problems as mentioned above. Foods that are eaten late at night are not digested or properly metabolized into energy that can be used in the body. This also leads to increased fat deposits.

As humans we are creatures of habit. Habits can be good or bad. The inability to sleep for the required period of time each night can lead to other harmful misbehavior. Our body can get used to waking up after a few hours of sleep, then hunger is triggered, we eat and then go back to sleep. This is a very bad habit that can lead to being obese very quickly if this habit does not break. There are over-the-counter sleep aids that can help with sleep patterns. Prescription medications are available to help with this. Check with a doctor to see if these are an option for you if you have these problems.

Alcohol should also be avoided. It tends to relax and numb a person, however, the high fat content in alcohol makes it a bad choice to drink just before bedtime because it is not metabolized by the body and can cause increased fat storage. People who drink alcohol also before sleeping tend to wake up after short sleep intervals. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased snoring and sleep apnea if ingested in large quantities, which can cause lack of sleep.

Some natural alternatives are available to help with sleep patterns. These are herbal supplements designed to cause relaxation and sleep. These can be used by people to help improve our sleep patterns. They are not addictive or addictive by nature, so they are generally safe to use for this purpose.

As indicated above, we react to the habits to which our systems are accustomed. To improve sleep patterns, try to go to bed at the same time every day and wake up at the same time. This helps the body and mind to develop new routines that are healthy. A hot bath with some essential oils can also help people relax.

It has been reported that stress is one of the main factors for not sleeping well, so reducing stressors in a person's life will also help patterns of relaxation, appetite and sleep. It has been reported that learning to eat small meals at regular intervals is the best way to avoid hunger. In addition, refraining from eating for at least two hours before bedtime will help increase proper digestion and metabolism of foods that have been previously ingested.

Top Secret Fat Loss

Top Secret Fat Loss

This is a program developed by Dr. Suzanne Gudakunst that takes a very new and extremely different approach to weight loss. The program works under the premise that today we ingest many toxins in our food, including preservatives, pesticides, artificial colors and flavors, chemicals in the water we drink, meat and dairy parasites, and other environmental toxins.

Our liver works to rid our bodies of these toxins. One way to achieve this is to store extra fat around our vital organs to prevent toxins from invading them and causing damage or disease. When a person loses weight, fat is removed from the body and this releases these toxins into the bloodstream. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, lethargy and even changes in our mood.

Our digestive system tries to fight these toxins by secreting a thick mucus that lines the walls of the intestine and traps the toxins. This leads to a very good breeding ground for the parasites we eat to thrive and grow. The parasites then multiply in this environment.

The mucous lining may harden by trying to trap more toxins and parasites in the lining. This becomes plaque that in turn reduces the amount of nutrients our body needs from our diet, which can lead to other health problems due to the poor absorption of our food. This in turn tells the body to even store more fat because the liver tries to keep toxins and parasites at bay. That is why most people tend to gain weight very quickly after completing a diet or weight loss program.

The parasites are ingested in meats and other products or transferred from our hands to the mouth like eggs or larvae and then installed in our digestive system. These parasites tell the body that it wants sugar and starchy products, which in turn causes food cravings that most people who try to diet should not eat.

Dr. Gudakunst's program is one that encompasses a detoxifying cleansing for the body that is performed before, during and after a weight loss program. This allows the body to get rid of the toxins and parasites that are present. According to his theory, once they have been removed, the body can lose fat safely without the liver giving it a signal to store fat once more as soon as it is lost. It also stops the symptoms that occur when toxins are released into the bloodstream.

Dr. Gudakunst even states that incorporating this program into a person's life can reduce their chances of future illness and organ damage. This includes the poor absorption of food and nutrients, as well as damage to our vital organs, including our heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys and our digestive tracts. She states that these toxins are responsible for problems such as cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks, type two diabetes, kidney disease and colon problems.

Maintaining weight loss is not as hard it seems

Maintaining weight loss is not as hard it seems

There is a lot of pride that one can have after losing a lot of weight. This world is very appearance conscious and is becoming more and more health conscious as time progresses on. You learned that eating healthier and working out was only part of the battle – a huge part – but still just a part of a greater whole. Continuing to live a healthy lifestyle is not a simple one. Easy never factors into it because when you look out into the world all you can see around you are temptations. Temptations of your pocket book, temptations of faith, the body and yes – junk food. The temptations are vast and unyielding. It takes strength of character and a conviction to remain true to your self.

There is a cold hard fact that anyone can lose weight. It really is true – no matter your circumstances you can lose the weight. The truth, however, is that only 5% of those who lose weight will actually be able to keep it off. Are you someone who wants to regain weight or are you destined to be one of those 5%? I hope the latter.

Losing weight is not a fly by night process. In fact it is a life long journey. I do not want to compare to addiction but it really is. If you are addicted to food it really is a drug that needs to be controlled as well as limited. Let us take a moment to go over the top two reasons why long term diets fails:

Stress. Stress causes depression and when we are depressed we look for comfort – the usual comfort we find is in the form of food. When that occurs, old ways return and we can kiss the weight loss good bye.
Taking an extra bite. It is true – if you take an extra bite here or there you can take another extra bite and another until finally the old habits return and you can’t stop.
There are other factors too that are sometimes out of our control like an illness or being confined to a bed. Family also plays a great part in long term weight loss. So what are the reasons that keep that 5% maintaining their weight loss? Here are the top 7 reasons I found to be true among them all:

Acceptance of failure as a dieter and thusly moving on. It’s important to know where you may have failed and keep going despite of it.
Do not deny yourself the things you love. If you keep a pretty steady diet there s no harm whatsoever in allowing yourself to indulge once in awhile. Denying yourself those tasty things you like make you crave them all that much more.
Weigh yourself often – allow the scale to be your inner voice. Make yourself answer to it.
Get in daily exercise of at least 30 minutes working up to an hour every day.
In your day to day routine add activity. Do more things. Park further from the entrance. Train yourself to push yourself just a little bit more.
Diet is an important factor in maintaining your weight loss and following a diet that is high in carbs and low in fat is the most effective diet plan.
Eating often. Never allowing yourself to go into starvation mode. Eat 5 to 6 small meals each day.
Keeping these things in mind you can have a better chance of becoming one of the 5% to keep the weight loss!

Lose weight in a healthy way: Regular Exercise

Lose weight in a healthy way: Regular Exercise

You spent a lot of time trying to be good at eating well and that took you so far. You have made many healthy changes in your life, but your weight loss has decreased. Do you exercise regularly? If so, then you probably want to exercise: wake up earlier and get on the treadmill in 30 minutes. Of course, it happens once or twice, then the majesty simply disappears and you forget, and you make excuses.

Why do we exercise first? It is not always to burn only those approximately 100 calories that you eliminate every mile you walk. Exercise actually does much more. Your metabolic rate increases and, as such, it will burn those calories much faster. Studies also show that after an exercise program, when at rest, you continue to burn calories at a higher rate.

Exercise helps prevent the body from going into hunger mode or can create a hibernation response. Many people start low-calorie diets because they have discovered that their metabolic rate is reduced and, when that happens, their body is full of energy. Exercising will cause your body to resist passing to that condition.

Gaining muscle mass is a good side effect for those who exercise regularly. This is much better than the alternative. For those who only diet and do not exercise, they generally face loss of lean tissue of approximately 20%. On the other hand, people who exercise regularly while maintaining a low-calorie diet will gain weight in the form of lean tissue and lose body fat. Lean tissue is essential in the process of metabolizing fat loss. Dieting without exercise means less lean tissue to burn and will soon stabilize and stop losing weight.

Exercising regularly has a wonderfully positive effect on your body's chemistry. Untrained subjects who participated in resistance exercises for several months develop a greater amount of enzymes to burn fat.

Most heavy people produce excessive insulin inside their body tissues. Insulin in excessive amounts found in body tissues, not used by cells, can cause you to store more fat. Exercise helps the body's cells use insulin and reduces the need for more insulin.

There is no evidence at this time to demonstrate that exercise is a successful tool for appetite control. There are some studies that show that obese people seem to experience appetite suppression through some exercises.

A campus of researchers in Irvine studied obese men and women to see if the exercise was only effective in helping people lose weight. They worked with 34 obese men and women who were humiliated and demoralized after many years of trying to lose weight. They were told to start a daily walking regime and to work gradually to increase time and distance.

This group did not seem to achieve anything until they worked up to 30 minutes a day, at which time they began to lose weight and at the end of the year, each of the 11 patients who remained with the program had lost a significant amount of weight with a loss. 22 pounds average weight, since the most successful weight loss is 38 pounds and the least successful with 10 pounds.

An effective plan to burn fat free

An effective plan to burn fat free

To burn fat quickly, you must speed up your metabolism process. This can be achieved by having the right foods in the right amount along with regular exercise. To get long-term benefits and maximize your weight loss, you must spend more calories in a day than you consume. You have to keep your metabolism high to burn fat quickly. This requires following a balanced low fat diet without going into fad or low calorie diets. These types of diets not only reduce your metabolism but also cause muscle loss, which in turn reduces your ability to burn fat quickly.

Here are some suggestions and techniques that can be implemented to help burn fat faster:

Increase the consumption of high-fiber foods in your daily diet. Fiber helps burn fat faster and promotes overall health. The best fat-burning fruits include apple, blackberry, blueberry, banana, melon, orange, peach, grapefruit, lemon, strawberry, papaya, pineapple and watermelon. The vegetables that burn the most fat are asparagus, beans, broccoli, celery, cucumber, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, spinach, green salad, tomato, onion and zucchini.
Have small and frequent meals. Reduce your 3 large meals to 5-6 meals of smaller proportions.
Do not overeat and eat only when you are hungry. Avoid junk food, soda and fried foods.
Drink lots of water, especially ice water. Water hydrates you, has zero calories and when it's cold, you burn calories by heating and absorbing them.
Be moderate in your food intake, as this helps the metabolism process and helps burn fat faster. Do not starve or overeat.
Try to include resistance training in your daily exercise regimen. This helps to add muscle that in turn will speed up your metabolism and burn fat quickly.
Avoid carbohydrates before going to bed, as it increases the fat deposit and prevents your body from burning fat faster.
It includes cardiovascular training to burn fat faster. Muscle exercise burns fat and glucose in different proportions. Continuous and smooth movements when exercising help burn fat faster.
It can burn fast if you exercise at a lower level of effort and for longer. Low intensity exercise prevents decreased metabolism and fat burning. Take a deep breath to use more lung capacity to burn fat effectively.
Excessive diet does not give the desired results, as it causes hormonal changes, loss of muscle mass and frustration. To burn more calories and fat quickly, you need to build muscle. If you carry out strength and resistance training, it helps you achieve an extraordinarily high and long-term metabolism, in addition to toning your body.

How to lose belly fat and keep it off

How to lose belly fat and keep it off

There are many resources and many different opinions on how to lose belly fat. After doing much research, this program combines the best of the programs that are available and give the reader a good well rounded program which will allow them to get rid of belly fat, lose weight, and keep it off, if the program is followed as directed.

Belly fat seems to be one of the most stubborn areas to get rid of for most people. However, most people want is a quick fix and that is not what this program is designed for. It will give you needed results quickly but it is designed as a program anyone can incorporate into their life and utilize without dieting or starving themselves.

The first step to achieving your goals is to make a thorough observation of your present diet and daily routine. Most people really have no clue as to what or how much they consume on a daily basis. Start a journal. Write down everything you eat for 2 days running as well as any activity you are doing presently.

On the third day, you are going to grade your diet and your activity levels. You are going to see that there are many things you never realized that you were consuming during the day. This is time to take your inventory. Count how many servings of breads, sweets, sodas and desserts you have been consuming.

The next step after taking your inventory is to make a firm commitment to this program and stick with it! It will not work if you do it for 3 days and stop! This is designed as a way of life, not a quick fix or fad diet and you will see results if you follow this for 2 weeks. This will give you the incentive to continue.

The first rule of thumb is to cut back on sugars and starches which produce fats in the body. So make a pact to cut your servings of breads, sugars, potatoes and desserts in ½. If you totally avoid those types of foods you will start craving them and will eventually want to “cheat” which will not help you in the long run. Avoid sodas as well each soda has around 150 calories which are pure sugar and caffeine. These are empty calories and provide no nutrition for the body. Plan to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to help hydrate the body, avoid hunger, and rid the body of toxins and fats that are not metabolized by the body.

Next incorporate fat burning foods into your daily diet. This includes 3 servings of dairy products daily such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. The University of Tennessee did a study which showed that people lost twice as much belly fat incorporating this into their diet than those who consumed a diet without it.

Fat burning foods include all citrus fruit, lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and guava. These are also high in Vitamin C and will help to repair or boost your immune system. Other fat burning vegetables and fruits are carrots, cabbage, broccoli, apples, watermelon, asparagus, beets, and blueberries. Plan to eat at least 4-6 servings per day of these types of foods.

The last step is to start increasing your daily activity to help to tone and shape your body and includes your belly or abdominal muscles. People with poor health or back problems frequently have issues with this as the abdominal muscles keep the spine aligned and the back muscles in correct position. Therefore improving this area of muscle may also help back pain.

This exercise program is very quick and easy to do. Anyone can do this even those who are not in good health or have been sedentary. Importantly start SLOW and work your way up. This increases your chances of continuing.

First start on a daily 10 minute walk outside or on the treadmill. Then a quick 3 minute exercise routine that targets your abdominal muscles and belly fat. You will do 5-10 jumping jacks, squats, crunches, and push ups. If unable to get on the floor, do push ups against the wall with your body at a 45 degree angle. Every 2-3 days increase your routine by one to two repetitions or minutes. You will see results very quickly doing this!

Lose weight even with a busy lifestyle

Lose weight even with a busy lifestyle

The modern day dad is always busy. First, they have to work hard to provide for their family’s needs. They have to send their kids to school and attend to some extra curricular activities. They are also expected to help in the household chores and perhaps even cook when mom is not around. This is the reason why most dads have big bellies. Year in and year out, their busy schedule hinders them from having any form of exercise. And no matter how much effort they take in following a healthy diet, they still end up with a gut that keeps on getting bigger. They may have dropped beer from their daily routine, but the beer belly has grown that big that it is difficult to shed the extra fats.

What’s more, dads are not the most suited in reading and understanding the various workouts provided by various fitness magazines especially those articles written by individuals who do not have any clue on how it is being a busy dad. So how does one busy dad get rid of those unwanted weight? How does he deal with the little time he has to do some physical activity and workout some unwanted stomach fat? Here are some friendly tips for busy dads who want to become slimmer and healthier.

First, it is important that busy dads do some resistance training. It does not mean that dads should head to a nearby gym and punish themselves with intense training. This is not practical since dads obviously do not have the time to engage themselves in such rigorous training.

Busy dads can do some workouts at home by using their own bodyweight and a couple of dumbbells. Dads can engage in effective and intense workouts at home in as short as 15 minutes. This is certainly good news for dads since they do not have to devote a lot of time doing these workouts.

They can do simple exercises like 15 repetitions of push ups; DB lunge of 10 repetitions for each leg, resting 30 seconds and then repeating them. The set continues with DB rows for 8 repetitions; DB incline chest press for 8 repetitions; and Mt. Climber for 30 seconds, taking a 30 second rest and then repeating.

Also, busy dads can benefit from having a healthy and well-rounded diet. Busy dads should remove liquid calories from their intake by staying away from alcohol, soda, sweetened teas, and coffee drinks. It is better to drink zero calorie drinks such as water and green tea. This can help busy dads lose weight as much as 8 pounds in a week.

Busy dads should also make sure that they minimize their portion sizes. They should cut their portions down by at least a half, and this would provide serious and dramatic results. It is also recommended that busy dads eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and almonds.

Busy dads should also engage in interval training. This involved mixing high intensity exercises with lower intensity exercises. For instance, dads can do some time in a stationary bike. After warming up, mix a few bouts of intense cycling for around 30 seconds, then lower the intensity for another 60 seconds. Repeat this for 5-6 times, then dads can cool down.

These are just some of the easy and effective ways for busy dads to lose stomach fat as fast as possible. This way, busy dads can get rid of their ugly belly while still having time for their family and friends. Remember these simple tips and you will certainly lose stomach fat quickly and easily.

The best exercise to lose fat

The best exercise to lose fat

Any exercise routine to lose fat focuses on activities that consume large amounts of oxygen. Our body produces 5 calories per liter of oxygen it consumes. There are many exercise options for those who wish to lose weight. Some of these are running, swimming, biking, rowing, walking, elliptical, ergometer of the upper body, as well as outdoor sports activities such as cross-country skiing.

But what is the most effective exercise in terms of fat loss? Here are some good ideas.

Most of us are interested in physical activity that works best in terms of fat burning. After all, everyone wants to get the best investment for their money. Because the goal is to maximize oxygen consumption, it is important to perform activities that require the greatest effort of the muscles. The more muscles needed to perform an activity, the more oxygen is required to supply the working muscles.

Remember that the body requires oxygen to produce energy. Working muscles require oxygen, otherwise, muscles will tire easily and, therefore, will not have the ability to perform their functions.

Most athletes who participate in activities that require large amounts of muscles generally have the highest maximum VO2 or maximum aerobic capacity, since their activities require a large amount of oxygen for their active muscles. Therefore, the highest maximum VO2 that has been registered belongs to rowers and cross-country skiers, and not to runners.

This may sound intriguing at first since those involved in rowing and cross-country skiing use the muscles to work against resistance. The muscles of the upper body, as well as the muscles of the lower body, are pulling and pushing a given resistance, which makes such sports not only effective aerobic training exercises but also effective for burning calories.

Rowers usually have large men and women who have large, thin muscles. Male rowers generally measure around 6 ′ 4 ″ with 220 pounds of pure muscle, which makes them machines that burn practically calories. They can escape with great pictures since their sport is not essentially an activity that supports weight. Rowing idealizes large and muscular athletes, as they can produce significant power, both muscular and aerobic, through their large muscle mass.

But if one takes these similar rowers and asks them to run at speeds similar to those who row, the chances are that it will be difficult. It is due to the particular nature of the race, as well as the fact that they carry more mass.

This also goes with cross skiers as their aerobic capacity is impressive. However, they are quite similar to runners in terms of physical characteristics, since their sport supports weight and rewards athletes who have a lot of weight.

Compared to other sports or physical activities, running is more effective for burning calories at a similar intensity. Therefore, it is the most effective type of cardio to burn fat and helps anyone lose weight.

One explanation is that running is considered a burden of weight, which means that the muscles of the lower body have to work harder to support and propel a person, and spend more calories in the process. The heavier a person is, the more calories he will burn.

In addition, running produces too much energy for your movement. Therefore, many calories are spent. This activity is recommended for those who want to lose weight, but not for those who want efficient movements.

Actually, this makes sense since cycling is considered easier compared to the race, cycling is mainly mechanical, which means that most of the energy used to move the bike results in travel and not so much heat production . Compared to cycling, there is no doubt that running is a much better and healthier option.

Review of some popular weight loss diet plans

Review of some popular weight loss diet plans

Alarming reports of the increasing population of obese people around the world fill the news. As a result, it is no surprise that weight loss techniques have become so popular. Data shows that Americans are spending billions of dollars in their attempts to lose weight. All kinds of weight loss diets, exercise plans, and pills are available on and off the shelf. With so many methods to choose from, people are at a loss to find the right options that will work for them.

Let’s have look at the most popular weight loss diets. Almost all of them use different combinations of:

Carbohydrates
Fats
Proteins
Most of these diets are based on established scientific facts. Over the years, they have been the subject of a lot of research, but conclusive evidence for or against them is still lacking. Some of the most popular weight loss diets are:

Atkins diet
Carbohydrate Addict’s diet
Pritikin diet
Protein Power Lifeplan
Sugar Busters
Zone diet
One by one, we’ll look at the scientific theories behind these diets. We’ll also look at their advantages and disadvantages.

Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet was developed by Robert C. Atkins. It’s a diet plan based on:

High protein
High fat
Low carbohydrates
It doesn’t restrict the use of eggs, cheese, and meat, but it does limit how many carbohydrates a person should eat. Sources of carbohydrates like milk, sugar, fruits, and vegetables are used sparingly.

Theory:
Physiologically, the intake of carbohydrates results in the production of insulin from the pancreas. This will make you feel hungry and lead to weight gain. As this diet cuts down on carbohydrates, your appetite is reduced. It’s assumed that the body will use stored fat in place of glucose from carbohydrates. This way, you burn fat and lose weight.

Advantages:
This diet is simple, easy to follow, and doesn’t have any meal plans. You won’t have to go through the hassle of sticking to any point system or counting calories. It’s a good option for people who like eating high-protein foods. People who have trouble with other low-fat and high-carbohydrate diets are good candidates for this diet plan.

Disadvantages:
Long term use of the diet is a topic of hot debate within the medical community. There’s a potential that it can have damaging effects on:

Kidney function
Cholesterol levels
Increased risk of heart disease
Osteoporosis
Cancer
For now, there are no conclusive studies that support the safety of this diet.

Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet
Developed by doctors Richard and Rachael Heller, this diet plan is based on low- carbohydrate eating. It consists of low-carbohydrate meals, along with one reward meal everyday. This reward meal will help to keep you from feeling “cheated” and is made up of a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. It must be finished within an hour.

Theory:
This diet is based on the idea that most overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates. This addiction creates a biological condition, which is a result of a hormonal imbalance. The more carbohydrates are eaten, the more insulin is produced, which is what triggers food cravings. The more food you ingest, the more fat you store. According to this plan, a low-carbohydrate diet will help reverse this abnormal biological condition, reducing both appetite and stored body fat.

Advantages:

It’s less restrictive than the Atkins diet.
It provides a comprehensive food list.
It encourages you to drink large quantities of water.
Disadvantages:
It’s possible that extensive use of a low-carbohydrate diet is probably related to:

Increased risk of colon cancer
Osteoporosis
Kidney function loss
Increased cholesterol levels
Increased risk of heart disease
Moreover, there are no conclusive studies that support the idea of “carbohydrate addiction.”

Pritikin Diet
This diet was initially created by Nathan Pritikin and was later revised by Robert Pritikin. It’s a low-fat and high-carbohydrate eating plan. In this diet, you are encouraged to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. High-fiber grains are also recommended and fats are restricted to 10% of your daily caloric intake.

Theory:
This diet plan is based on the theory that says eating low-fat and low-calorie plant-based foods helps you to lose weight. The revised Pritikin diet is based on the calorie density solution. It assumes that eating low-calorie foods six to seven times a day reduces your hunger and results in weight loss.

Advantages:
Though debatable, it’s been found that a low-fat diet plays a significant role in preventing heart disease and some cancers. Other advantages are:

This plan encourages you to eat balanced meals.
Meals can be customized to your personal needs and tastes.
It supports exercise and stress-reduction techniques.
Disadvantages:
Medical experts believe that if you limit your fat intake to 10%, your body may have difficulty in consuming all of the fatty acids found in the food. There might be practical problems for when you eat outside your home. Also, this diet may not satisfy your appetite.

Protein Power Lifeplan
This diet was created by doctors M. R. Eades and M. D. Eades. It’s a high-protein, high–fat, and low-carbohydrate plan. It lets you have plenty of cheese, meat, and eggs. Daily calorie needs are linked to protein requirements for certain activity levels.

Theory:
The theory behind this diet is that your body is designed to run on fats and proteins and does not need carbohydrates or processed food. You need to eat fewer carbohydrates so that your insulin levels stay down. This will help you to burn stored fat for energy requirements and help you to lose weight.

Advantages:
This diet plan encourages you to eat:

Healthier fats
Low-fat cheeses
It tells you to avoid fried foods.

Disadvantages:
This diet plan will limit your carbohydrate and calorie intake and leave you with a short supply of essential natural vitamins and minerals. It is possible that high-fat diets might lead to higher risk of:
Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Cancer
Kidney failure

Sugar Busters
This diet was created by H. Leighton (and his associates) and is based on a high- protein, high–fat, and low-carbohydrate eating plan. It recommends that you don’t eat refined sugar.

Theory:
It’s assumed that if you eat refined sugar, your blood sugar will rise quickly. This leads to the release of extra insulin, which can’t be used for the conversion of glucose into energy. This unused glucose is stored in your body as fat, making you gain weight. If you avoid refined sugar, you can burn the stored fat in your body and lose weight.

Advantages:
This diet plan provides clear guidelines on food.

Disadvantages:
Theories proposed by the author are misleading and without scientific proof.

Zone diet
This plan was created by Barry Sears. It combines high-protein, high–fat, and low-carbohydrate foods.

Theory:
This diet is based on the idea that the human body is genetically programmed to attain maximum efficiency if the food you eat has the right proportion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It suggests the following calorie division:

40% from carbohydrates
30% from proteins
30% from fats
Your body is said to be working in the “zone” if this ratio is achieved. This will give you maximum energy and help you to lose weight.

Advantages:
It supports balanced meals, rich in high-fiber fruits and vegetables. It’s also an easy plan to follow.

Disadvantages:

The “zone” theory is not supported by any scientific study.
Since it’s a low-calorie diet, it may not give you enough vitamins and minerals.
Aside from these diets, there are numerous other fad diets that are devoid of basic nutrients and could have disastrous effects on your body.

Basically, weight loss can be simple if you choose a diet plan that suits your lifestyle. Take care of your necessary nutritional intake. Don’t ignore exercise. Last (but not least!) if there is a medical problem, address it right away.

If you find it difficult to choose an appropriate diet plan for yourself, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

How to dine and still lose fat

How to dine and still lose fat

Are you the type of person who is worried about your calorie intake, especially when dining out? This is the problem that most people face, especially those who frequently eat in fast food restaurants. Given the hectic lifestyle that most of us lead, it is convenient and practical to eat in restaurants or fast food places instead of having to prepare your own food. However, eating in restaurants may have its disadvantages, especially for those health conscious. Foods served in restaurants are not exactly nutritious and healthy, as they contain many calories that have no health benefits to the body and sometimes ingredients that are bad for the body.

For example, McDonald's 5-piece fried chicken served with ranch sauce amounts to a whopping 800 calories, and 55 grams of these calories are fat. This is just an incredible amount of fat considering that the restaurant advertises them as a healthy option. The food is supposedly healthy, since it is made of chicken breast, but when the chicken breast is sprayed with butter and fried, it becomes an unhealthy and calorie-rich food.

Another example of food served in restaurants that is not healthy at all would be the Jamba Juice shakes. Whenever people hear the word "milkshake," the tendency is for them to think it is healthy. This is how the manufacturer markets that product, after all. But you would be surprised to realize that this product has 900 calories and 160 grams of sugar. This is another example of how ridiculously unhealthy food is served in restaurants.

The foods mentioned are considered among the worst foods served in restaurants, in terms of their nutritional values. In fact, there are other foods that contain a lot of calories, some extend to the 1500 and 2000 calorie mark. These entries have the amount of calories that some diet plans suggest having as a total intake in one day.

This would be the problem that most of us face, since we generally eat too many foods that have empty calories and a lot of fat. Often, we are not cautious and observant of the food we put in our mouth, and we often pay for what we eat when the substances in these foods end up as sticky fat found in our buttocks, intestines or thighs.

This is not really surprising, since people in the West are well known for having an unhealthy diet. The consequence is that many people are increasingly affected by diseases and the fight against bulge. Of course, this can also lead to serious health problems later.

Therefore, it is important that you be more careful about what you eat and drink, especially when you are having dinner. Choose carefully from the menu, as there are many restaurants that offer many food options that are healthier compared to their menu items.

Also remember to avoid eating too much appetizer, since they are usually loaded with fat, including the vegetable dishes that come with dipping sauce. Also do not eat fried or sauteed foods, as they are high in fat and calories.

You should also eat small amounts of food in restaurants, as well as drink water between each bite. In this way, one can stay healthy and slim despite eating frequently in several restaurants.

Keep in mind that if you are really determined to lose some weight, you would need a lot of discipline about what you consume in your daily meals, no matter where you go.

Prescription weight loss drugs

Prescription weight loss drugs

There are FDA approved weight loss drugs that can be prescribed by a physician for people who want to lose weight. These drugs are designed for people who are very obese and have tried other diet and weight loss programs in the past without success. Clinical studies have shown that by losing weight, people can reduce the chances of them developing medical conditions later in life such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, as well as reduce insulin resistance. This is a condition which affects the body’s ability to metabolize sugars in the digestive system and the blood stream. For people who already have health concerns, losing weight can benefit them as well. A physician should do a thorough examination as well as a full medical and family history before discussing or prescribing medications for their patients to help them lose weight.

There are several different prescription drugs on the market at the present time. Several weight loss drugs were prescribed for patients in the past but have been recalled by the FDA due to complications found in people after using those drugs. We will discuss the prescription drugs that are available today and what their purpose is in assisting weight loss in people.

The first drug we will discuss today is Xenical. Xenical or Orlistat which is the generic name of the drug, is the only one of its type that is available on the market today. This drug works in a different manner than other weight loss drugs. The purpose of Xenical is to work as a lipase inhibitor which stops the bodies ability to digest fats and metabolize them into the bloodstream. The fats that are ingested by a person taking Xenical are then excreted by the body in its stools. Studies have shown that people taking Xenical while following a low fat, reduced calorie diet are able to lose 5 to 10% more weight than people who lose weight with diet alone.

Xenical does have some side effects that need to be considered. It should not be used by anyone who has diabetes, is taking blood thinners, has had an organ transplant or is taking cyclosporine. If taking Xenical, the person does need to make sure they consume less than 30% of their daily diet in fats or they can have issues such as frequency or urgency of stools, increased flatulence, as well as oily stools with some staining.

All other prescription weight loss medications such as Meridia, Tenuate, Adipex-P, Bontril, and Sanorex work on the same premise. Their function is to reduce the appetite of the person taking the drug. These types of drugs have been shown to allow obese people who are trying to lose weight to increase their ability to lose more than 10% of their body weight in a short period of time. As stated above, this medically can decrease either the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Most of these drugs are designed to be taken for short periods of time. The only two drugs approved by the FDA for longer term use are Xenical and Meridia.

Physicians can prescribe these drugs for longer periods of time. The FDA considers this off label use and no long term studies have been done in order to give us adequate information of any issues with these drugs and long term usage. As stated above, you should receive a thorough examination from your physician as well as a medical and family history of diseases before you are approved to use any of the prescription weight loss drugs that have been discussed here.

Effective cellulite treatments for cellulite removal

Effective cellulite treatments for cellulite removal

For women, having beautiful skin and body is of great concern. Having cellulite is a nightmare for women. Most women desire to have clear and beautiful skin, but if they have cellulite, the dream becomes farfetched and can even cause sleepless nights. A lot of women who have cellulite are not able to wear whatever they want. Almost all women want to look good in short skirts and tank tops. However, even women with beautiful legs and toned tummies hesitate in wearing clothes that show off their assets because of cellulite. If their cellulites are on the legs, they cannot enjoy the comfort of wearing shorts or the girly feeling of wearing skirts. Cellulite can ruin the effect of skimpy clothes on even the best bodies.

Cellulite is fat. They are more often found in women and the usual spots are the thighs, tummy, and buttocks. Sometimes, men have these in the neck and the abdominal area. When there is proper blood circulation in the body, we get smooth and clear skin. However, there are lots of times when fats, fluids, and chemicals are trapped underneath the skin. When this happens, the tissues become hard and thick and causes uneven skin surface. This is cellulite. Cellulite could be a lot lighter than the skin tone, making it more visible. For those who are not suffering from cellulite, they tend to look at it as a petty cosmetic problem. However, for those who have it, it is more than just a cosmetic problem. Because of the embarrassment and frustration that it brings, it becomes an emotional and mental problem.

There is more than one type of cellulite. There is the hard type that is a bit harder to remove because they are attached directly to the muscles of our body. The soft ones, on the other hand, are a lot easier to remove but are more visible because they sag from the body. There are several groups of people who are more prone to having cellulite. Those who are very active like athletes or dancers, those who are pregnant and have just given birth, and those who are taking birth control pills.

The good news is that there are available treatments to try to eliminate cellulite. One of the more popular treatments is the use of anti-cellulite creams. These creams are very common in the market and can be bought in different varieties. They contain the special ingredient alpha-hydroxyl acid that makes the skin more elastic, making the cellulite less visible. So in essence, the creams do not really treat the cellulites. They only make the skin look better. Another thing that men and women could do to try to eliminate cellulite is to exercise regularly. It has been proven that exercising the body is a good way to reduce the appearance of cellulites.

Liposuction may be the best surgical method to remove cellulite in the body. In this procedure, a small incision is made on the body where a small tube is inserted. Fat will then be suctioned out and it’s “bye-bye cellulite”! This procedure is very effective in removing cellulite. However there are some down sides to it. This procedure is expensive. Only those who have money to spare will be able to afford it. Certified doctors do liposuction so it really is costly. Another problem with liposuction is that it only works for those who are near their ideal weight and who have skin that is still elastic. It will not work for those who are overweight and for elderly people who have lost their skin’s elasticity. If the procedure is done on people with sagging skin, a worse cellulite problem may rise.

Those who are physically and emotionally fit, those who are relatively young and still have elastic skin, and those who are not overweight can have liposuction.  Liposuction has a good record but you have to set realistic expectations before having the procedure. It is highly possible that not every cellulite will be removed. It should also be noted that some side effects might occur. Bruising and swelling is highly likely, plus there could be some bleeding. If you are not used to anesthesia, adverse reaction may also occur.

Those who cannot have liposuction can lose cellulite the natural way. You can undergo regular exercise to lose body fat. Exercise also aids in good blood circulation. You can also use anti-cellulite creams that target the affected areas, help burns the fat within and remove cellulite. You could also try to do water therapy. Water can treat cellulite because it helps flush out toxins in the body and helps maintain good blood circulation. Ultimately, when toxins are removed and there is good blood circulation, you will have smooth and clear skin.

There are lots of methods available for everyone. The first leg of the journey starts in believing that you can fight cellulite. Do not lose hope; the dream of being cellulite-free can still become a reality.