Best Way To Lose Weight

If you've been thinking about lap band surgery or gastric banding or adjustable gastric banding then the following facts may help you decide whether or not it would be the best weight loss solution for you. Generally candidates for this surgery have failed on many diets and may or may not have significant co-morbidities and need to take a more drastic approach or risk serious health consequences or problems that would shorten their life.

The lap band system for weight loss surgery is much better known in parts of the world other than the United States. In the US, other types of weight loss surgeries have been performed more so than lap band surgery. There have been more than 220,000 lap band surgeries performed in all countries combined and it is rapidly becoming more popular in the United States.

The lap band surgery has numerous advantages over other weight loss or obesity surgeries. It's the least invasive of the weight loss surgeries with no intestinal re-routing, thus very little trauma to obesity surgeries. Small and keyhole incisions are made so there is very little scarring. Because of these techniques there is a much reduced amount of pain for the patient and the hospital stay and recovery time are very much shortened.

There are much fewer risks, side effects and complications and a much lower mortality rate compared to other weight loss surgeries. With gastric bypass surgeries there is a bigger risk of having nutritional deficiencies and often vitamin b12 injections have to be given. Also with other obesity surgeries there are dietary intake restrictions that are related to the "dumping syndrome."

Because the band is adjustable the surgeon can decide just how much to tighten it to help with the longer term weight loss rate for the patient. These adjustments are done without having to have any additional surgery. For pregnant patients the stomach outlet is opened wider for the ever increasing nutritional requirements.

The lap band is removable at any time that the patient wishes. The stomach and other parts of the body that are involved are usually restored to their original state and function.

Compared to gastric bypass surgery, recent studies have shown a significant improvement in diabetes and high blood pressure is usually reduced, helping return the patient to a better state of health.

The lap band system can be an effective long-term weight loss surgery for most obesity patients. It's reported that more than 55% of the excess weight loss is maintained for five years at least after the surgery.

So if you're considering lap band surgery, there is a criterion that must apply or qualify you for the surgery also. Make sure to see a bariatric surgeon to get an explanation of the procedure and be aware of all the risks and complications that you may encounter. Check to see if you health insurance plan covers it. Some people travel to other countries for the surgery because it's not covered under their health insurance plans in the United States.

For more info on lap band weight loss surgery and lap band surgery complications visit http://www.Lap-Band-Surgery-Info.com a nurse's website offering tips and info on lap band surgery, adjustable gastric band surgery, medical travel for low cost lap band surgery and cost of lap band surgery

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 10:13 PM 0 comments

Food labels are your friend in the game of weight loss. They can quickly reveal how useful something is to fuel your body. For weight loss to be successful, you still have to enjoy your food. Labels can help. Below is a highlight of some of the information available.

Serving Size
What you and I consider to be a serving is not same as the food processors. A box of cereal supposedly feeds 15 people. If you ever tried handing a box of cereal to 15 people and asked them share, how willing would they be? Serving sizes can leave you hungry, but it is an important number if you want to do accurate math with the rest of the information on the label.

Calories
Calories are the amount of energy that serving will provide. If you are keeping track of how many calories you want to eat during one meal or one day, this information is helpful. One drawback, however, is it wont tell you how you will feel after eating the food. If it is a high sugar food, you may not feel to good later on due to the sugar high and the sugar crash. More label reading is necessary.

Fat
There are numerous fat numbers on the label to help you discern what kind of fat the food contains. Some fats are healthier than others. The drawback here if it contains hydrogenated fats it can still be zero on the label.

Carbohydrates & Fiber
The amount of carbohydrate and fiber will help you decide if the food you are eating will stick to your ribs, reduce cravings, and help maintain a steady blood sugar level.

Protein
Protein is important for tissue repair and healing, especially for heavy exercises. Protein also satiates appetite and helps the brain realize you are not hungry so you dont overeat.

Vitamins & Minerals
This is a list of the basic vitamins and minerals that are in the food. Most products that have food labels are processed, however, and they may also be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Because they are fortified with synthetic nutrients, absorption and quality are questionable. It is recommended to balance out the diet with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well.

Ingredients
The last portion of the food label lists the ingredients which is very important if you want to know the sources of nutrition information. Anyone with allergies studies this list very well. Food reactions are different from person to person so knowing if you are sensitive to specific ingredients can be necessary. Trial and error is usually how someone figures this out. Mood swings are commonly seen with a high carbohydrate diet. High fat foods and diary are culprits in digestive distress. If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners or hydrogenated fats, they are listed here, also. Ingredient types may have multiple forms such as sugar which can be lactose, maltose, dextrose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Artificial sweeteners also, have many different names.

The only piece of information not listed on food labels is how tasty something is. Taste is an opinion that can lead to overeating if we are not careful about maintaining a balanced diet. While being able to enjoy your favorite foods is key to successful weight loss, Using food labels to help you decide what to eat and how much to eat can make the job easier.

Dr. Lisa Ann Homic, a chiropractor and wellness coach in Auburn, NY, also started the Numbers Don't Lie Diet Program. Visit http://www.CreatePurpose.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 7:05 PM 0 comments

Designer smoothie bars are almost as common as coffee shops these days. It's little wonder too. Where else can you get a healthy snack that contains so many nutrients all in one glass? The answer is: at home. With a high speed blender, it's easy to re-create those fancy, nutrition filled fruit smoothies at home. Chances are, you'll save a lot of money too.

In addition to paying much less, there are several compelling reasons for making your own smoothies with a high speed blender. Consider the following benefits:

* You can give your dieting efforts a healthy boost. Mixing fruits, vegetables, yogurt, soy milk, or other ingredients in a high-speed blender releases the vitamins, minerals, and fibers which they contain. This allows for much quicker processing by the body. The result is a fuller feeling in a shorter time, meaning you are less likely to overeat. It also means more of those nutrients are able to be absorbed by your body. Plus, you have control over the amount of fat and sugar that goes into your recipe.

* It's easier to get your RDA. It can be tough to eat your RDA (recommended daily allowance) of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients. Using a high speed mixer makes it simple to get many of your nutrients all in one tasty go. A smoothie is also much easier to consume on the run than a handful of blueberries. Plus, you can add boosters like wheat-grass, flaxseed, bran, wheat germ, protein powder, ginseng, and many other nutritional supplements.

* Good nutrition is linked to better mental health. If you are struggling with obesity, you may also be experiencing symptoms of depression. Depression has been linked to being overweight. Doctors encourage people who are seeking treatment for mood disorders to eat a healthy, balanced diet. This is because physicians know that good nutrition can help improve mood by restoring chemical balance to the brain. What better natural depression treatment than a home-made smoothie? There are few easier ways to increase ones intake of fruits and vegetables, plus healthy staples like yogurt, milk, soy milk, and fresh cheese, than to mix them in a delicious smoothie.

* You can experiment with your own ingredients. Whatever fruits and vegetables you like can be combined for a tailor-made snack or meal. You can choose from either fresh or frozen. Fresh fruits and vegetables tend to be slightly higher in vitamins. However, frozen are also healthy, and will add a hearty texture to your concoction.

Sometimes people get discouraged with their efforts to make smoothies at home. Often this is because they are using an ordinary food processor rather than a high speed blender. While food processors may do an adequate job of mixing, they are not made for pureeing and grinding as blenders are. The results from blenders are more appetizing. They also tend to release the vitamins and minerals more quickly.

So forget about those expensive juice bars. Creating your own delicious masterpieces at home may lead to better mental health and put you on the fast-track to weight loss.

Thomas Fox researches fast speed high performance blenders in respect to weight loss and depression and if there is one, what the relationship is between food, allergies, asthma, depression, obesity, stop-smoking and workplace productivity. More information can be obtained at http://www.123vita.com/35.html

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 3:56 PM 0 comments

Weight Watchers has been successfully teaching dieters to lose weight and lose fat since the 1960s. The points system is a relatively new innovation, but has been no less successful and some find it easier to use than earlier methods.

Parts of the Weight Watchers system is covered and protected by US patents, but broadly the number of points a person can have to eat in a day is covered by their starting weight:

Less than 150 pounds = 18-25 Points

150 to 174 pounds = 20-27 Points

175 to 199 pounds = 22-29 Points

200 to 224 pounds = 24-31 Points

225 to 250 pounds = 26-33 Points

Over 250 pounds = 28-35 Points

How to allocate your day's food can become crucial when a single Big Mac will costs 14 points and a slice of undecorated cheesecake will cost 7 points!

Using some zero point foods will bulk up your day's intake without costing any of your points allocation. Here is a partial list:

asparagus

beets

broccoli

brussels sprouts

cabbage

carrots

cauliflower

celery

cucumber

diet soda

eggplant

leeks

lettuce

mineral water

mushrooms

okra

peppers

pumpkin

radishes

salsa

sauerkraut

scallions

snow peas

soy sauce

spinach

sprouts

squash

tomatoes

turnips

watercress

If it isn't obvious from the above, salads - green, garden and mixed - are all zero point Weight Watchers foods, as are vegetable juices.

If you'd like to mix some lemon or lime juice, salt, pepper, vinegar and mustard, you could have a zero point salad dressing for your zero point salad. Spend one point and you can add some olive oil! Lush, indeed.

Understanding how to use the Weight Watchers points sytem, in it's entirety, and to your benefit - including the Zero Point Foods - can mean you reaching your weight loss and fat loss goals sooner.

Warwick Foster
http://www.all-best-diet-information.com/
Compare three very successful diets - Akins, South Beach and Weight Watchers

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 12:46 PM 0 comments

Lipitrex is an all natural appetite suppressant, and fat burner, with no side affects, according to the manufacturer Progressive Health. This is definitely a plus, because side affects have always been a concern when taking weight loss pills. Problems like rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and becoming dizzy have kept many people from trying these types of supplements.

One of the primary functions of Lipitrex is to raise your metabolism. Raising your metabolism is very important to losing weight. People with a fast metabolism tend to have more energy, and their system burns calories instead of storing them, even when they are resting. People with a slow metabolism store their calories in the form of excess weight.

Lipitrex raises your metabolism with an all natural ingredient called Citrus Aurantium Extract (bitter orange). This natural fruit has been extensively studied for its ability to provide increases in the body's metabolic rate, and its potential for increasing the rate at which fat is released from the body.

Another primary function of Lipitrex is to suppress the users appetite. One of the hardest parts of losing weight is resisting the constant nagging urge to eat. If you can remove that problem, a dieter has a much better chance for success.

Lipitrex takes care of this problem with an all natural ingredient called Pinno Thin. PinnoThin is a pine tree extract, which encourages secretion of hunger depressants, greatly reducing the constant urge to eat.

Another benefit of Lipitrex is to control your blood glucose. When you eat, everything eventually turns to sugar, or glucose, and enters the blood stream. Lipitrex has an all natural ingredient called Chromium which helps control the glucose level in your blood and also helps reduce fat in the body. Controlling your blood glucose or sugar, is very good for your health, and makes you feel better, and more energetic.

Some of the other all natural ingredients in Lipitrex are Vitamin B-5, which is a healthy supplement that helps the body burn carbohydrates and fat resources at optimum levels. Vitamin B-6 which helps in improving homocysteine levels in the body and helps in the assimilation of protein into the body.

Caffeine which is considered a good supplement, helps burn fatty acids and improves energy levels if taken in proper concentration levels, and Magnesium, an important mineral, which helps in energizing the body.

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) is an amazing fat-reducing acid that works on fat deposits and targets regions that store large amounts of fat, such as the stomach area, and also helps in developing lean muscles.

Losing weight is not only good for your appearance, but is a major boost to your health. Everyday I read a new article about research linking another health problem to being over weight. Being overweight for too many years can cause damage that may become permanent.

Losing weight is never easy, and is usually something everyone dreads, but with a positive attitude, some health eating habits, a little mild exercise like walking, and a good weight loss supplement like Lipitrex to help you along, you can succeed.

Bio: Glenn Downer is a writer on weight loss supplements and runs an informational web site on the all natural supplement Lipitrex

For more information please see http://www.lipitrexreviews.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 9:36 AM 0 comments

No, Weight Loss Programs in the title is not a typo. It really is plural and was done intentionally. I did it for a reason. Well, 3 reasons really and I want to share them with you today.

The first reason being that you want to break the mindset that there is one and only one right way for you to eat. Don't think of yourself in terms of "Oh, I'm a Lo-Carber" or "Oh, I can't eat anything that has a J or T in the name." Eventually you will find a program to maintain your ideal weight but there will still be times when your goals change. There will be times where you want quick weight loss and one of the many weight loss programs will work better for those times.

A low carb diet can be great for dropping a few pounds and getting back into that little black dress for the big party. That same program may not suit you for maintaining your weight. Remember, you can't lose weight forever and if you are always eating like you are trying for weight loss you are not developing the right mindset for getting to your goal weight and maintaining it.

Once you find a few different programs that work for you, change them up as you want. Some weight loss programs are better than others depending on the situation. Go low carb for a month or two. Then enjoy a higher carb diet to get the most out of the holidays. There are no restrictions on what you can do with this and it can make life easier knowing that.

The second reason is that you will end up cutting out of your diet a whole bunch of healthy foods... forever. Many of those restricted foods have great health benefits when eaten as part of an overall sensible eating plan. Even donuts in moderation are good for the soul. I said in moderation, stop trying to rationalize that 1/2 dozen chocolate glazed donuts. There are not enough anti-oxidants in chocolate to justify it.

The third reason is that variety is the spice of life. Why reduce the pleasure in your life with unnecessary restrictions. When going out to eat or to a party you can't always control what is available. And once you start on the path of diet envy from watching other people enjoying themselves and you can't have one little taste it is hard to stay on track. Unless you have a medical or religious reason don't deprive yourself.

In addition to keeping things interesting you avoid some diet pitfalls. Do remember that your thought follow your actions. If you think one way and then do another you create emotional conflict. For example if you think of yourself as an "Anti-J/T Food" dieter and then have a Tuna steak for dinner followed up with some soothing Tea you may start mentally whipping yourself and that can derail your future efforts. You get enough grief from your parents don't start creating more problems for yourself.

Find a few different weight loss programs that work for you and use them when you like. Some are more adaptable to a maintenance diet than others and some can help you shed fat like magic. Ultimately, don't complicate your life through unnecessary restriction. Life is too short and you need the little pleasures along the way.

Can you lose 47 pounds in just 28 days? Learn what has kept you from losing fat before and what you can do about it. Go now to http://EasyBellyFatLoss.com/

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 6:24 AM 0 comments

Low calorie diets are probably the most basic of all diet plans. In most cases, they are straightforward and right to the point. The premise of them is that if you reduce the number of calories that you take in on a daily basis, and continue the same level of activity, you will lose weight.

Over the years, low calorie diets have been proven to work, and to work well. But, if this is the case, then why is it that there are so many different diets on the market? The reality is that most diets are simply different variations of the same idea dressed up for different purposes, mainly to sell books, or dieting plans, or fat burning pills or equipment.

Some of these different dieting books are helpful in that they provide healthy recipes and they point out healthy food choices that you can make to help you lose weight. They can also provide you with a structure and some motivation in the way of mapping out a plan and providing a series of success stories about other people who have overcome obesity by following that plan. If you feel that you need that extra support, then there is nothing wrong with buying a book and following a plan.

But, what happens more often than not is that people are looking for the "silver bullet" of low calorie diets that will make them lose weight with very little effort on their part. As a result, as soon as the dieting plan laid out looks like work, they start looking for the newest, latest and greatest diet that promises to tell them the fat burning secrets of the century. It is this attitude that the whole dieting industry thrives on, and is one of the reasons that people are gaining more weight and there is more obesity than ever in a country that has more dieting resources than ever before.

The bottom line is that a successful diet plans works when using low calorie diets to make good health choices. If you want to reach a healthy weight, you need to increase the amount of healthy food you consume and reduce the number of overall calories in take in. Eliminating sugary foods and replacing fatty food with low fat foods can make a big difference and will help you lose fat. Increasing the fat burning activities you do on a daily basis will also help.

In reality, the choice is completely yours about how you want to view and use low calorie diets. Choose now to make small changes on a daily basis. Don't go overboard and try to starve yourself. Look for healthy recipes, eat fresh and whole foods, drink lots of water and move your body. With these small changes you will feel better in no time and soon you will also lose weight. I recently wrote a review on the negative calorie diet plan that also offers low calorie foods.

Susan Pitts is a weight loss consultant, if you want to know more about diet and weight loss visit http://loseweightplans101.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 3:12 AM 0 comments

Motivation high = Success Guaranteed!

Losing weight is easy. All you need to do is use up more energy than you consume. The science behind weight loss may be straight forward; however, keeping your motivation up during this sometimes lengthy process can be the difficult part.

Making the decision to lose weight and become healthier is relatively easy too. But in order to succeed, your motivation must be high from the very beginning, and it must remain so until your goals have been achieved. We have looked at some ways to do this below. Everyone is different and one motivational method is not going to suit everyone. Choose some ways which may work for you, and then have another up your sleeve for when you need it.

Measuring up

Many people like to see their weight loss coming off in cold hard figures. A good way to do this is to weigh and measure yourself on day one of your new eating and exercise plan. Record the figures in a book, and then regularly weigh and measure over the following weeks and months. The longer you leave between measuring the better, as you'll see more results that way. Whatever you do, don't weigh yourself every day, you'll drive yourself crazy.

For many people, this method would do more harm than good. No weight lost, and they feel completely disillusioned and eat because 'there's no point trying'. A loss on the scales and those same people may think, 'this is so easy, I don't need to be so strict with myself, I think I'll have a sausage roll to celebrate'. You will know if this is you. So you can see where this method is headed?

Rather than weigh and measure yourself, you may aim to fit into a pair of your old size 10 jeans, for example. Try them on every few weeks until they fit. Don't be ridiculous with your 'goal garment'. If you are size 22, don't aim to suddenly fit into a size 8 skirt. It will just seem like too much of a mountain to conquer.

Tiny goals

If you have 20 kilos to lose, break it down into two kilo lots. Chip away, bit by bit, rather than overwhelming yourself with the entire task at hand. Just take it a day at a time, and before you know it, you will have reached your ultimate goal.

A journal

Keeping a journal is an excellent source of motivation for almost everyone. Don't fanatically write down every mouthful you eat, but rather your thoughts and wishes for the future. Start by writing down how you feel while overweight and unfit, and why you want to discover a new and improved you. When your motivation is running low, go back and remind yourself why you are on this mission in the first place. Return to centre and carry on.

Buddy up

Most people will know someone who would also like to be leaner and fitter. Pair up with your best friend, sister, wife or neighbour, and act as each others motivators. Arrange to meet on a regular basis. Call each other when you are feeling weak and can't get the thought of doughnuts out of your head. Go walking with each other. Listen to each other, and reach your goals together.

Bribe yourself

Don't forget, there's nothing wrong with a good old fashioned bribe, if that's what it takes to get you trim and healthy. The bribes can be small, for example, when I lose the next two kilos I will treat myself to a facial. The bribes can be huge. When I reach my goal weight and can run five kilometers non stop, I'll treat myself to a week in Tahiti. Use your imagination, and think about what would motivate you. Remember, whatever your bribe is, by the time you have earnt it, you can enjoy it guilt free.

The breakout

Not everyone can be trusted with this technique, but consider whether it would work for you. The breakout is just that, allowing yourself one meal per week, fortnight or month, when you can have what you want. You still need to set some boundaries though. You may allow yourself only one course to break out on, you may allow yourself only good quality food (no drive-throughs) even if it is fattening, you may stipulate you have to go for an extra long walk the day before or after.

For some people, getting back on the straight and narrow after a breakout would be virtually impossible. If you are one of these people, than this method is not for you. Others will feel rewarded and refreshed and ready for the next leg of their journey.

Visualization

Don't underestimate the power of visualization. Picture yourself how you would like to be - over and over again. Keep this picture in your mind as you are walking, swimming, asking for a tomato juice (when you think you want a sugary soft drink), declining a piece of birthday cake at a party or downing your 10th glass of water for the day. Achieving your goals will require just as much brain power as anything else.

Everyone should talk to their partner, if they have one, about how they can motivate you. That could mean to never mention your new eating and exercise plan, or to act as your drill sergeant throughout the process, or something in between. Either way, it is essential to let them know. The person you love can be a huge help or a massive hindrance if they don't know what you want from them. Remember you can't regain your health and look great, by not doing or eating anything differently. Change requires change.

It's also helpful to remember that you probably didn't pile on a sneaky 25 kilos in a couple of weeks, so don't expect it to be gone in two weeks. It takes time to achieve weight loss If you have any other motivational techniques that you have found work for you, please let us know so we can share them.

Yours in health,

Leisa St Ledger http://www.leisassecret.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 12:02 AM 0 comments