Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Free Weight Loss programs

The race to fitness is on and a lot of people are getting into the band wagon. Some people do it to achieve a sexy body, some people just do it because they are embarrassed with the body they have now, while others do it simply to remain fit and heatlthy. As such, many fitness programs are out in the internet, in gyms, spas and fitness centers all over. Some are too expensive to afford that one may even lose weight just by trying to work out the money needed to pursue these fitness programs.

One may not have to go to the gym or the spa or any fitness center and spend much just to slim down to obtain that longed for sexy body. There are many books available in the bookstore which offer weight loss programs which are convenient and for free, of course the books are not though. These weight loss programs, or diet plans are gaining immense popularity with so much publicity, testimonials and reviews that one may be confused which exactly to follow. So before choosing which weight loss plan to follow, try reading these summaries about the most popular diet programs out today.

Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Dr. Atkins. This weight loss program encourages high protein diet and a trim down on the carbs. One can feast on vegetables and meat but should fast on bread and pasta. One is also not restricted against fat intake so it is okay to pour in the salad dressing and freely spread on the butter. However, after the diet, one may find himself lacking on fiber and calcium yet high in fat. Intake of grains and fruits are also limited.

Carbohydrate Addict's Diet by Drs. Heller. This diet plan advocates low carbohyrate eating. Approves on eating meats, vegetables and fruits, dairy and grain products. however, warns against taking in too much carb. "Reward" meal can be too high on fats and saturated fats.

Choose to Lose by Dr. Goor. Restrains fat intake. One is given a "fat" budget and he is given the liberty on how to spend it. It does not pressure the individual to watch his carbohydrate intake. Eating meat and poultry as well as low-fat dairy and seafoods is okay. A go signal is also given on eating vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread and pasta. This weight loss plan is fairly healthy, good amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as saturated fats. Watch triglyceride levels though; if high, trim down the carbohydrates and tuck in more of the unsaturated fats.

The DASH Diet. Advocates moderate amounts of fat and protein intake and high on carbs. Primarily designed to lower blood pressure, the diet plan follows the pyramid food guide and encourages high intake of whole wheat grains as well as fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy. Some dieters think it advocates too much eating to procure significant weight loss.

Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Ornish. Primarily vegetarian fare and strictly low-fat. Gives the go signal on the "glow" foods but warns to watch it on non-fat dairy and egg whites. This diet is poor in calcium and retricts consumption of healthy foods like seafoods and lean poultry.

Eat Right for Your Type. Interesting because it is based on the person's blood type. recommends plenty of mest for people with the blood type O. Diet plans for some blood types are nutritionally imbalanced and too low in calories. And for the record, there is even no proof that blood type affects dietary needs.

The Pritkin Principle. Focused on trimming the calorie density in eating by suggesting watery foods that make one feel full. Eating vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, pasta, soups, salads and low-fat dairy is okay. Although limits protein sources to lean meat, pseafood and poultry. Although it is healthy by providing low amounts of saturated fats and rich amounts of vegetables and fruits, it is also low on calcium and limits lean protein sources.

Volumetrics. For low-density calorie eating. Recommends the same foodstuff as Pritkin but restricts fatty or dry foods like popcorn, pretzels and crackers. This plan is reasonably healthy given the high amounts of fruits and vegetables as well as being low in calorie density and saturated fats.

The Zone. Moderately low on the carbs yet moderately high on the proteins. Encourages low-fat protein foods like fish and chicken plus veggies, fruits and grains. It is also healthy but lacking in grains and calcium.

Weight Watchers. High carbohydrates, moderate on fats and proteins. A very healthy diet plan and very flexible too. it allows the dieter to plan his own meal rather than give him a set to follow.

Click Here for better health

Friday, September 21, 2007

What to Know About Weight Loss Products

There are a lot of weight loss products that offer that fast weight loss results, however, are these really guaranteed? Could these products live up to their assurance of a fit body?

In US, there is an estimated 50 million people who try to lose weigh, unfortunately, only 5 per cent are successful. One thing's for sure, beware of fraudulent claims and extreme high cost because there is no magic to losing weight.

Samples of weight loss products in the market nowadays:

  • Diet Patch – this was already removed since 1990’s by FDA since they were proven ineffective.
  • Magnetic Diet Pills – allegedly flushes out fat, but not.
  • Guar Gum – causes internal obstruction.
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulators – no proven effect.
  • Eyeglasses that Suppress Appetite – These claims that the projected image on the retina decreases appetite. No proven fact.
  • Weight loss earrings – through acupuncture, suppresses appetite.

There are also examples of weight loss products:

Diet drinks that are mixed with beverages or food are used as meal substitutes. A downside of this is that once a person stopped taking the drinks, they would eventually regain the lost weight after a short period of time due to feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Another is diet supplements and medicines that also don’t work long-term. Over-the-counter pills that compose of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride may raise blood pressure and palpitation. Ephedra on the other hand can cause serious side effects such as heart problems, seizure, stroke, and even death. E.g.:

  1. Herbalife Nutritional Program – good as two meals, dieters may rely on shakes and follow artificial dieting methods and just don’t want food to work into their lives.
  2. Mega-Thin 100 Formula – Its formula contains an anti-fat weapon, however, diet is not emphasized that’s why it’s concluded that it has an appetite suppressant.
  3. NestlĂ©’s Sweet Success – recommended to take three times a day and it does not promote healthy eating habits. Weight loss is difficult to maintain once intake is stopped.
  4. Ultra Slim Fast – this plan requires regular exercise but does not teach good eating habits.
  5. Diet pills with Ephedra and PPA – many of these have enclosed diet plans. Slimming can come from the diet plan and not the pill intake and there are risks of adverse side effects.
  6. Chitosan products – contains fibers which were taken from shellfish that may cause diarrhea, bloatedness, and gas. This will only work if a low fat diet is practiced.
  7. Chromium Supplements –claim that products will lower blood sugar, body fat and cholesterol but causes anemia and even memory loss. Studies show only minimal or no beneficial effect at all.
  8. Green Tea Extract Products – known as strong anti-oxidants that help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and promote weight loss, however, the caffeine content could cause insomnia and restlessness.
  9. Algae Tablets - Spirulina contains significant nutrients that can be an acceptable food when used as part of a varied diet but are very expensive.
  10. St. John's Wort Supplement - Claims that it will suppress appetite and promote weight loss but it could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, tiredness, sleeplessness, and arouse allergic reactions.
  11. Glucomannan Products – claim that two capsules before each meal decrease food absorption. Known as food thickeners but not yet proven safe or effective. Weight loss will only happen if good diet plan is followed.

Even if you plan on using over-the-counter weight supplements or even participate in a weight loss activity, the verdict is that you still have to eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight. When choosing a weight loss product or program, collect as much information as possible.

Click Here for better health

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Moderate Exercises to Fitness!

Have you ever felt tired and stressed out from work and by the time you get home you see your three children running towards you asking you to play basketball with them? You refused and promised them that you will after you take you rest.

Instead of disappointing your children, why not say, "yes" after all? You will be surprised by the amount of energy you will have after that 30-minute activity.

Did you know that by exercising at a moderate pace for only 30 minutes, you would feel a lot better, mentally? It has been proven that this improves the appetite and sharpens your style in problem solving. Not only that. You will also feel that it is easier to sleep at night if you do moderate exercises even for only 30 minutes every day.

What are the benefits of regular exercise? It promotes self-discipline and has a positive impact how you perceive life. Exercise helps in lifting your spirits and getting you out of any depression. For first timers, it can be done for 15 minutes for 2 to 3 days a week. You can increase the time you spend once your body gets tuned up for it.

DON'T you ever force your body! If you get hurt, then stop. You can take a break from exercising for a few days and then you can start again but you need to start from day 1.

Here are some moderate exercises you can do and enjoy:

1. Do the Walking. Make use of your surroundings. You can walk your dog, with your partner or child. Encourage your family to do the walking exercise daily and you will find yourself burning calories while enjoying the surroundings and getting enough sunlight that is also good for your body.

2. Discover the wonders of Yoga. Yoga is one effective exercise that energizes not only your body but also your soul. You may want to learn even the basic yoga positions that are not too complicated but proven effective. A five-minute yoga exercise can perk you up and recharge your body with the energy you lost for the whole day. You relax and at the same time you stretch!

3. Engage yourself into sports. Play basketball, football, baseball, tennis or badminton. Many doctors have recommended sports as an effective way to stay fit and healthy. Sports can also be done in moderation. Do not take it seriously. Shooting basketball with a friend is one moderate exercise that is also considered a sport.

4. Join exercise programs at work. If you still do not have exercises programs at work, then why not start it? You can talk to your boss about it and start with your colleagues. You do not only lose calories but it is also one good way to bond with them. This can be done 30 minutes, 3 times a week.

5. Exercise while doing household chores. Gardening, raking leaves, lawn mowing, doing the laundry, vacuuming and car washing are effective moderate exercises at home. Make use of these chores to sweat and burn calories. Instead of using machines and gadgets to perform these chores, why not do it with your hands and lose some fats?

Making exercises as part of your daily routines will surprise you of how much calories you will lose. Doing these moderate exercises of the same amount every day can burn 150 calories up to 1,000 calories a day!

Click Here for better health

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Pointers on Losing Weight Safely

People who want to lose weight commonly, and first of all, think about reducing the amount of food they eat. This may be quite a solution but not exactly the best there is. In fact, depending on the amount you reduce in your food intake, it may even be dangerous to one's health. So how does one lose weight effectively and safely? Here are some points one should consider when trying to lose weight:

Beware of the Crash Diets

Most people think that trimming down the calories can alone shed off their unwanted excess. Probably this is because of the fad there is in advertising about low-calorie food products and beverages. What people don't know is that this could be dangerous because when they decrease their calorie intake way to below the required levels, the body begins to digest the fats. Sounds good but it doesn't actually. Burning fat requires a lot of energy. Since there is not much energy in the body to facilitate metabolism of fat, it will run at a very slow pace resulting to fatigue, illness and weak immune system.

Click Here for better health

Friday, September 14, 2007

Nutrition Notes on Weight Loss Supplements

More and more spend hundred and even thousands of dollars yearly on weight loss supplements in the hope of speeding up their metabolism. The main desire is to be attractive and accepted but it is becoming a more difficult goal to achieve. The fitness industry is booming but still a lot of people are unable to cut those fat in spite of all the exercise and diet efforts. In America, more than sixty per cent of adults are overweight and thirty per cent are considered obese. This is because: one, a lot of weight loss products promises unrealistic goals; two, dietary supplement manufacturers rely on the overweight person’s failure to survive; and three, the information about the supplements in the market are just written by themselves just to make a sell.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has successfully banned illegal marketers, some products are still available. Consumers can be deceived of the labels which claims caffeine or ephedra fee not knowing that these supplements composes of other ingredients that may pose the same health risks. These include heart and digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, and even psychological side effects.

Other supplement manufacturers say that their products contains EGCG which is a phytochemical ingredient found in green tea. This so-called component claims to speed up metabolism but in reality poses to reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies denote that it could slightly increase the potential to burn calories and now can be found in many weight loss supplements. It has good points on the other hand since the body might conform to EGCG after a period of time. Eve the weight loss benefit could sum up to 60 to 70 calories a day. This helps prevent excessive weight gain.

A few other significant effects of weight loss supplements is that it may contain ingredients that makers claim will prevent the absorption of carbohydrates. One good example is Chitosan, which appears most promising, which in fact shows no positive result in fat absorption. It could even take up to seven months for men to lose just a pound of body fat and for women, there is no fat loss at all. Thyroid supplements act as thyroid replacements help regulate and optimize the thyroid at a higher level. This they say makes the body feel like a couch potato and won’t perform the job it has to.

Since the number one reason why people eat is because they feel hungry, there is another type of ingredient that manufacturers made which increases the feeling of being full and decreases appetite, Guar Gum. However, recent studies show that it has no meaningful benefit at all to weight loss. It is ironic that manufacturers mix Psyllium that has the reputation of reducing eating and aiding weight loss for initial studies so far do not support this claim although it helps control blood cholesterol and sugar.

One of the latest innovations in the fat loss industry is by way of skin absorption. There’s a Cutting Gel, which is an epidril product by far the best selling in fat loss creams technology. Rub it where you want the fats cut. For now, it will seem safer to advise the age old remedies to excessive weight gain and that is to invest on walking shoes instead of diet supplements, go to the park and do brisk walking, go to the gym, and have a well balanced diet instead.


Click Here for better health

Monday, September 10, 2007

Celiac - Discover The Link With The Obesity

Against the common believe, it's seems that there's a connection between the obesity and the celiac, even if today the scientific researchers are trying to find some confirms.

Most probably the causes that link these two diseases are:

  • genetic predisposition;
  • the malabsorbtion syndrome that cause a desire of the food, despite having absorbed enough calories. When the caloric amount is excessive the need of continuous eating, carrying the main fat through the body, so the pancreas's activity is reduced damaging the capacity of the cells to burn the fat stored provoking the weight's increase.
  • Definition:

    the celiac is much diffused disease, but still very little known because of the insufficient information's campaign about this issue, a digestive disease of genetic origin that provokes the malabsorption of the food, is caused from chronic inflammation of the tenuous intestine due to the immunity reaction triggered from a mix of proteins – gliadins – contained in the “gluten”, protein that is founds in the grain and cereals.

    When it appears:

    in pediatric age with the following symptoms:

    1.weight loss;
    2.diarrhoea;
    3.low growth;
    4.anaemia;
    5.herpetiforme dermatitis.

    It can show itself also in adult age, in some cases the patient doesn't introduce any symptoms, for this reason it's known of:

    Silent celiac:

    there are alterations in the patients intestinal mucosa, but the subjects doesn't show the symptoms, because it's interested only one part of the tenuous intestine, but the remaining works regularly. But it's possible that increasing the doses of “gluten” present in the feeding, they trigger the symptoms.

    Latent celiac:

    the patient shows the genetic sensibility to the disturb but doesn't have neither the intestinal mucosa damaged nor the symptoms. But it's possible that increasing the assumed doses of “gluten” with the feeding, because an important event, like a surgery intervention, pregnancy or childbirth, they trigger the symptoms.

    Diagnosis:

    a child who doesn't grow must be submitted to a pediatric visit and must have a test verifying the existence of the malabsorption syndrome. Blood exams revealing the responsible antibody presence of the disease. For a confirm of the diagnosis it's necessary to resort the intestinal biopsy and to state the damages provoked by the gluten to the intestinal mucosa.

    If the child is too little it's necessary repeating the exam after 6 months of gluten-free diet and after others 6 months of diet containing the gluten. All this to establish that the damages to the intestinal mucosa is provoked from the gluten.

    The treatment:

    despite this is a disease much diffused that it can have serious consequences for the child's and adult's health, actually is possible to cure it just with a gluten-free diet for lifetime.

    Warning:

    during the cooking of the meals, avoid accurately, to use the same cutlery stirring food for the family and the celiac subject, because you could contaminate the food of the patient rendering the gluten-free diet inefficient.

    If the gluten free diet is not followed exactly it risks to develop the following diseases:

  • low height (most of all when the disease is developed in childhood age and so the malabsorption syndrome provokes denutrition);
  • abdominal pains;
  • delay of development puberal;
  • liver's diseases;
  • intestinal cancer (intestinal linphom, adenocarcinoma);
  • osteoporosis (provoked from a malabsorption of the calcium);
  • epileptic convulsions (caused from a deficiency of folic acid);
  • type 2 diabetes (youth insulin-dependent).
  • Advice:

    Try to get, through the celiac associations, the “manual” to carry always with you, a product list of which the industries warranty the absolute absence of gluten.

    Who says that the celiacs are forced to deprive themselves of the pleasures of the table? The problem, following a gluten-free diet, can be afforded with much serenity without renouncing to the taste and the social life.

    No to gluten, yes to the eating pleasures!

    Cinzia Cervellini is a private article writer and owner of blog: http://defeat-childhood-obesity.blogspot.com a public space where she loves sharing with the persons who asking and looking forward the responses about childhood obesity, issue of critical and increasing importance.

    Click Here for better health

    Thursday, September 6, 2007

    Coffee Drinkers Rejoice! Caffeine & Exercise Reduces Cancer Risks

    A recent study at Rutgers University found that caffeine and exercise may help prevent skin cancer. The tumor suppressing protein, phospho-p53, is boosted by 18% with exercise and is boosted 27% by drinking two cups of coffee. When exercise and caffeine are combined the effects are much more dramatic...the levels of this protein are doubled!

    Although it appears that exercise and coffee each have health benefits, combining them together seems to have the greatest impact. The ability to double the level of a tumor-blocking protein is outstanding news.

    "We think this points out a need for more studies to see if the combination will protect people against sunlight-induced skin cancer," said the study's Senior Researcher, Allan Conney, the Director of the Laboratory for Cancer Research at Rutgers University.

    This research was conducted as a result of a previous study on Green Tea. It was found that only the caffeinated version of Green Tea helped get rid of DNA damaged skin cells. The decaffeinated Green Tea had no effect to repair damaged skin cells.

    Here is a Great Way to Combine Caffeine and Exercise for Maximum Benefits

    1) Don't eat anything 4 hours before working out

    2) Drink 3-4 cups of green tea or two cups of coffee, 30 minutes before your scheduled workout

    3) Perform intense interval training cardio for an extended time to take advantage of caffeine's fat burning potential

    See...I knew my "Double Tall Iced Americano" was doing me some good! Yeah...I live in Seattle and espresso is consumed about as much as water. Now don't think you can order all those fancy drinks with caramel, chocolate, cream, etc...you have to go plain...stick with black coffee or tea without sugar.

    So caffeine will give you the energy to exercise hard while on a low calorie diet. This will help you burn body fat at a quicker rate...as well as reduce your chances of getting skin cancer. I see nothing but positives here!

    About The Author:
    Rusty Moore is the author of a controversial fitness blog called the Fitness Black Book. Learn workout routinesthat give you a sexy lean body instead of a bulky one! Too much muscle is "cheesy"...find out how to look attractive! Visit his site today... www.FitnessBlackBook.com

    Click Here for better health

    Tuesday, September 4, 2007

    Is Your Weight Loss Over 40 Out Of Control?

    Have you tried every weight loss program out there and you are still fat? Do you keep buying every new piece of workout equipment there is and you are still fat? Why are you on the internet looking for another way to lose weight if you are happy with yourself? It doesn’t matter if you are 10 pounds or 110 pounds over you ideal weight. You have to take control of your life.

    Look back on all the weight loss programs you have been on. What made them fail? Until you can answer that question, you will never have success with any weight loss program. This is where you have to look deep down inside yourself to find the answer.

    * What happened in your life that made you accept being fat?

    * What is missing in your life that food replaces?

    * Is it in your genes to be fat?

    * Is there a virus that makes you fat?

    * Lack of control over your eating?

    * Little or no regular exercise outside of your daily routine?

    * Why do you fail to control your mind and body?

    You can make decisions to love someone, have a family. These a important things in most peoples lives. So why is it so hard to choose to live a better and healthier way of life? It was said on the reality show Fat March by someone over 300 pounds, “I will not give up the foods I love”, maybe they answered the question why they are fat. Their love for food is more important than the people in their lives. Everybody should know being that overweight will shorten your life and cause major health problems.

    Do you buy the latest and greatest new workout equipment thinking it is your magic bullet to weight loss. After about a month it ends up as a clothes hanger in a closet. Every time you see it you are reminded of your passed failures, so you end up selling it for a lot less than you paid for it. Why does this happen over and over again? Maybe it is a way for you to justify the way you eat?

    You can read all the books, listen to all the audio, and watch every video on weight loss. Until you get control over your life, nothing will every change. Why do people finally lose all the weight?

    * Because they get tried of dragging their fat ass around every day

    * They are sick and tired of being tired and sick all the time

    * Something clicks in their mind that there is something better in life for them

    * Their love for food is not worth the feeling of waiting for their last breathe

    You have heard it a million times “The only thing stopping you is YOU”, How many more times will you hear it before it becomes true?

    Do something today for you. Start a weight loss program. Start a workout program. Do anything that is going to lead to a healthier and better quality of life for you. If you fall off, get back on it again. Do not give yourself an excuse to fail. Remember how you learned to ride a bike. Some start out with training wheels. Some start out with someone running alone side the bike balancing for us, and some learn by falling off and getting right back on again… again… and again. Losing weight is not any different. Some will need things to help them Others will need support groups or people to buddy up with, and some will tough it out alone. At the end they will all be riding on their own.

    http://weightlossover40.wordpress.com/

    You have permission to reprint this article in it's entirety in your newsletter or Blog. Also please feel free to pass it along to others who you think would enjoy it. Please keep all links active and working.


    G Cook
    Author
    Internet Marketer
    Weight Loss Member

    http://weightlossover40.wordpress.com/

    Click Here for better Health