Best Way To Lose Weight

Losing weight is not as hard as it looks. We all know the rules to shed a few pounds away. By eating a balanced diet, do regular exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week, and drink lots of water. Even without extreme exercising we can say goodbye to the fat by eliminating some carbs or controlling our food choices. I got a friend who eliminates all carbohydrate food from his diet for a year. He lost half of his original size! The result is quite fast however, he gained back his fat when he stop all his diet schedule. The problem of just dieting is that you will tend to gain more weight when you stop all your diet or when you start taking saying you can't help yourself. It is a conventional 'on' and 'off' method. It needs DETERMINATION to maintain your diet schedule.

So, how can we actually lose some pounds? The answer is again simple. CHANGE your lifestyle and be DETERMINE!. Start with a eating regular healthy breakfast meal every morning. It is not just rhetoric when people said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It actually helps to increase your metabolism rate. Then do more activity in your life. Activity actually increases your metabolism for hours even if you stop exercising. Increase metabolism means more food will be process faster and lesser fat will be stored. If you can't do any exercises because your 'do not have the time' to spare, try to increase your activity that you do regularly. For example, climb the stairs to your office or walk you way to your apartment or grocery shopping mall.

Another way of changing your lifestyle is by changing your eating habit. Like for example, try to eat before 7.30 at night, replacing carbs with fiber, eating slowly or avoiding soft-drinks are simple ways you can start with.

Try to remember that losing weight quickly is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can each day without gaining weight.

Click here for 10 weight loss tips

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 9:38 PM 0 comments

Weight Watchers believes that dieting is just part of long-term weight management. A healthy life style will result in a healthy body. Weight watchers has achieved lasting success with their weight loss program, and the program now has more flexibility than in past years. We are going to look at a few reasons their program works.

Part of their secret to success is the community involvement. The community in this case is a group of like minded people meeting on a regular bases to share their weight loss wins and failures. It is that feeling your not in this alone or I see what you did and I think I can do the same thing. Their pep rallies ( meeting) are encouraging and motivational.

The weight Watchers point system is probably he best known of their programs. A large number of foods have been evaluated and given a point value. If one stays within there daily point recommendation the chances are good that weight loss will result. Although they have booklets giving the point values of various food,this formula will be of help when the book is not available. Points= calories/50 +fat grams/12 - fiber grams/5'

So how many points are recommended? Weight Watchers provides these guidelines:

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

Plus there some flex points involved. Flex points allow a person to pig out on a special occasion and and not feel that they have abandoned their comment.

Another program is the Core Plan. Basically this plan gives a wide scope on the variety of food recommended and relies on the discipline of the individual to limit the quantity. Most beginning dieters find that the community aspect,discipline and motivation supplied with the Points Plan is an excellent way to begin. When weight loss happens and they feel comfortable with the system, then the Core Plan may be advisable.

Their website (http://www.weightwatchers.com) contains a lot of helpful information. Your favorite recipe can be found changed to abide by the Weight Watchers guidelines. For people to busy to take time for a meeting or if a meeting is not available in you local they also have an online application of their plan.

Although Weight Watchers may not be for everybody the program can be very beneficial as it address the mental, emotional and physical health aspects of dieting. Weight loss is each individuals responsibility. See you at the meeting.

For more interesting articles on dieting and weight loss visit: Weight Loss Tips Site

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 9:29 PM 0 comments

So what exactly causes weight gain? Well there are several reasons responsible for weight gain in a person which might be lack of physical work or exercise, wrong eating habits, too much junk food, wrong selection of foods etc. But why is it that some people never gain weight no matter what they eat? Well in those cases those people seem to have a fast rate of body metabolism due to which they never gain much. Weight gain occurs the most to people who have a slow rate of body metabolism. But there are tricks you can use to boost your metabolism. Read on to discover how you can do it and achieve stunning results...

Do a lot of cardio- Cardio is one of those exercises which can really do wonders with your body metabolism. If you stick to cardio make sure you do it on a daily regular basis. It helps to increase your heart rate which makes you breathe deeper. There are several cardio exercises you can choose from the best of which are running, brisk walking, cycling, dancing etc.

Have as much water as possible- Water is the main element of weight loss therefore it is extremely important to drink as much water as possible. Not only does it help with weight loss it also detoxifies your body which helps your overall health and fitness levels.

Make your meals small- Most people out there have a habit of having heavy meals which loads their system and gives their body a hard time to digest food which in turn stored as fat in your body. Therefore instead of having heavy meals learn to have small frequent meals as that would give your body more time to digest.

The Real weight loss secret- Can you imagine yourself losing 9 lbs every 11 days from now? Yes you heard it right "9 lbs every 11days guaranteed". This is the single most effective way which helps you lose weight. It is truly an absolute breakthrough in the weight loss industry. If you don't know this than you are missing out on the best ever secret "Guaranteed" to help you lose weight right away. So are you ready to drop some pounds within the next 11 days? Read on to discover this rare secret right now click here- Earth shattering weight loss secret guaranteed to help you lose weight within 11 days

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posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 8:53 PM 0 comments

These 10 diet free weight loss tips will help you to see results.

1. Don't count every gram of fat. You need the essential fatty acids for their nutrients. In fact, lacking healthy fat sources will make you hungry and prevent weight loss.

2. Avoid hydrogenated oils. These have been highly processed. They will make you hungry because they lack nutrients.

3. Get healthy oils as a supplement. Tonalin CLA (Tonalin is a registered trademark) is high quality. Supplementing healthy oils can aide in weight loss. It worked for me. This you can pick up at most health food stores.

4. Do some sort of exercise three or four days a week. Most everyone can walk. Getting started with exercise helps with weight loss and your overall health.

5. Drink 8 glasses of water a day. This helps to flush out toxins. And for many who are dehydrated, it provides fluids just for normal body function.

6. Buy organic food whenever possible. Because of the high nutrient content, you'll actually find you are eating less.

7. Prepare meals yourself and cut back on the processed food. Processed foods do contain ingredients to make you fat.

8. Avoid MSG, a source of weight gain.

9. Avoid aspartame another source of weight gain. This despite the high number of weight conscious people that use it.

10. Only weigh yourself once a week at the same time each week. Your weight will naturally fluctuate so you needn't worry about the minor changes.

Making changes are a necessary part of weight loss. When the changes are practical and make sense, then you have a greater chance of sticking to them. Use these tips to achieve success for your weight loss goals.

Doris Temple created http://mom-going-organic-sensibly.com to fill the need for unbiased information. The Website provides information about organic food, products and healthy nutrition. Sign up for a free monthly email newsletter (ezine) to get the answers you need and keep updated: http://www.mom-going-organic-sensibly.com/ezine-signup.html

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 8:45 PM 0 comments

Everyday and everywhere we look, we see photos of super thin models and perfectly proportioned actresses. So, it's easy to lose perspective on what our bodies should look like. For starters, most of us are not built to be that thin, nor should we be. But the majority of us are looking for an easy weight loss plan that works.

Most of those models and actresses are well below a healthy weight. And you have to remember that those professionals get paid to look that good. It's part of their job. I don't know about you but I certainly don't want to spend the majority of my life worried about how I look.

But if you want to be healthy and in shape, that's completely reasonable. And if you're wondering how to lose weight at home , we have the answer here..... Below are four simple steps to get you on your way to looking your personal best. Use these steps and you will see results over time. There is no real quick fix to losing weight. Making changes you can stick to is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

Step 1: Try making small changes instead of overhauling your life all at once. It can be overwhelming to change too much too quickly. A lot of times you'll end up eating everything in your cabinet and then punishing yourself or just quitting altogether. So start out by trying baby steps. You can switch to diet soda, use mustard instead of mayo on sandwiches, and take the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Doing anything, no matter how small, is better than nothing.

Step 2: Keep a journal of everything you eat for an entire week. Also write down the amount of calories in the food. This can be a huge eye opener. We usually tend to underestimate the amount we eat. After a week you can get a good idea of your eating habits. Some people barely eat all day then eat a huge dinner. Others tend to snack their way through the day. Figure out what you're doing and then see where you can improve.

Step 3: Get a good amount of activity every day. A goal to work up to is 60 to 90 minutes a day. This doesn't mean you have to spend that time in the gym. You can count walking through the grocery store, taking the stairs, or even playing with your dog at the park. Those little things add up during the day. You can always start out small and then add more every day or even week. The most important thing is just to get up and move.

Step 4: Readjust your portion sizes at meals. There are quite a few of us that have been taught to eat everything on our plate. Unfortunately, this habit is hard to break. But you can make it healthier. The best change to make is using smaller plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils. This will literally trick your eye into thinking you have more food. Another way to get the right portions is to use your plate as a guide. Half of your plate should be used for vegetables, one-quarter for whole grains, and one-quarter for protein. This makes eating healthier a snap.

Portion control is the one item that needs to be mastered when you want to reduce your weight. A good way to do this without any extra temptations is try try a meal system. Diet-to-Go and Bistro MD both offer fantastic meal plans that are delivered right to your door. And they give you everything you need without the extra calories. These programs are a great support when you're trying to change your eating habits.

The trick is just getting started. Start doing each of the above steps each day even if you just do a bit. Once you see some results or start to feel better it will be easier and easier to change your life...one day at a time.

You Can find out more about How to lose weight at home quickly and safely, visit our site and get our FREE Weight Loss Tips Guide

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 6:12 PM 0 comments

Did you know that by the age of 40, most of us who eat the normal amount of junk food, indulge in alcoholic drinks occasionally and eat fast food, can have anywhere between 5 and 20 pounds of excess weight in our bodies? What the heck? How is this possible?

This weight isn't from what you may think. This added weight is essentially waste residue and build-up attached to our 25 feet of intestine walls. It is no surprise that people who suffer from constipation feel symptoms of bloating and fatigue also.

So if you are asking yourself "Why should I cleanse colon?"

Here are a few reasons why you should consider a detox or cleanse:

FAST Weight Loss :

During a 7-day cleansing cycle, a person can lose up to 20 pounds. This is not weight loss from fat, but from toxic waste buildup in your intestines. You will not only experience a loss in pounds you will also find that your bloating is gone and your stomach will be much flatter so your clothes will fit much better. Pretty cool side effect of a colon cleanse I think!

Detox Your Body:

The excess pounds of feces built up in your intestines and colon not only packs on the pounds, but it also continuously releases dangerous toxins into your body. Over time, these toxins can make you very sick. A safe all natural colon cleanse product used properly can actually liquefy, break apart and flush out all of this toxic bodily waste.

Cure Constipation:

Colon cleansing will also relieve constipation problems super fast. And if you follow the directions closely and monitor your body with a simple maintenance dose you can stay constipation free for good.

For those of you caught up in a less than healthy lifestyle (would that be most of us in America?) a colon cleanse can be just the thing to get your health back on track and you get that wonderful side effect of dropping some pounds too!

Learn more about my favorite colon cleanse to loose weight fast.

Learn what is best colon cleanse for you.

Read colon cleanser testimonial from lots of people who have done a detox cleanse http://www.OxyPowderReviews.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 6:02 PM 0 comments

Want to ditch those Mommy jeans? You can! Having a baby may change your body, but it doesnt have to make it bigger! After two pregnancies of my own that resulted in a 40 and a 60 pound weight gain, Ive learned some simple tricks to losing that baby fat.

Now, Im going to share them with you:

Get Rid of All the Junk Food

Sad, but true, the simple fact is, its impossible to lose weight (and keep it off) if youre allowing yourself to gorge on cookies, bagels and soda pop all day. Stick to low-calorie snack alternatives like fresh fruit, chopped veggies and light dips, a baked potato - its more filling and nutritious, not to mention less fattening than chips, rice cakes, popcorn, low-salt pretzels, or low-fat or sugar free puddings and ice cream bars. Substitute flavored waters, teas, vegetable or low-sugar fruit juices for high calorie drinks.

Watch The Time of Day That You Eat

We all know that we shouldnt eat after 7 pm, but have you tried eating your largest meal during the day when your body is burning calories more efficiently? Try eating a big breakfast, mid-day snack and an early dinner, followed by a light nutritious snack in the early evening.

Indulge After Exercising

After my daughter was born I decided to take an exercise class in the evenings twice a week to help shed my extra weight. It was there that I learned an important lesson: your body burns calories much faster for an hour or so after strenuous exercise than at any other time of the day. So, if you just have to have that brownie, or dip of ice cream, do it right after exercising, when your metabolism is in high gear.

Walk Every Day

Walking at a brisk pace for just a half an hour every day can be a big boost to your metabolism, your energy levels and your weight loss. Babies love being in the fresh air, and many will fall right to sleep from the soothing jostling of the stroller. So put on your walking shoes, bundle up baby and hit the streets every day.

Eat A Well-Balanced Diet

While its true that getting rid of all the junk food in your house is a great start to losing weight, eating a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and low-fat snacks can all help you burn calories more efficiently.

Have Your Babies Before You Turn 26

Ok, so you may not have much control over this one, but remember, the average womans metabolism decreases by one-half percent every year after the age of 26, making it more and more difficult to lose unwanted weight every year! So, while having babies later in life may seem like a good idea for your career and lifestyle, it may not be so great for your waistline.

Breastfeed as Long as You Can

While you do need to consume more calories when you breastfeed, most nursing moms agree that if they eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, breastfeeding helps them lose more weight at a faster rate then their bottle feeding friends. Why? The simple fact is, it takes a lot of energy to make enough milk for a baby to eat in a day. Breastfeeding helps increase your metabolism and use more calories. Plus, many breastfeeding moms report that they pay more attention to the types of foods they are eating since it directly affects the quality of their milk.

Trying these weight loss tips after having a baby may not make you instantly slim, but theyre a good place to start to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Get your FREE weight loss after pregnancy guide so you can see exactly what worked for me and my friends when we were struggling to lose weight after our babies were born. You should also check out our weight loss after pregnancy blog entry at Rate-Diets.com, or this great weight loss after pregnancy section on Hubpages.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 5:25 PM 0 comments

The best way to lose weight is something that simply eludes most people. The unfortunate thing is that usually its right in front of their face, literally. Yet most have no idea how to lose weight to begin with let alone how to find the best way to lose weight. Those that have found a way to drop the pounds have failed to keep it off as they give in and fall short of harnessing their own self control. Each and every year around the New Year people realize they've ballooned up and decide its time to shed the pounds fast. Indulge in the best way to lose weight, for good.

Its easy for me to sit back now and remember a time when I was overweight. I am a naturally slender person and never thought I'd look and the mirror shocked and realizing that I need to lose weight. In fact for me I couldn't even figure out why I gained weight in the first place. Later that afternoon I remember sitting down for lunch with 2 ham sandwiches, a side of mac and cheese, a baked potato with sour cream, and bacon and 2 glasses of pepsi. Then it hit me this is the problem, I am less active than I was in high school but I still eat in the same manner. 20 pounds heavier than I need be I decided I didn't have to find a way to lose weight I needed the best way to lose weight.

I put a lot of time into working out and running and doing all the things I knew were right after that. I was still lacking one thing, discipline. I could force myself to workout and get active but I still had trouble with eating and how much I ate at one time. Then it hit me that the best way to lose weight was to stop eating! I was used to eating a lot growing up, again I was constantly one of the skinniest guys in my high school. Approaching my mid twenties I discovered I simply could no longer afford to eat that way as my health began to deteriorate.

So in my quest for the best way to lose weight I found it to be portion control and food control. Controlling not only the portions of food I eat but the types of food as well helped greatly in my quest. I realized it was ok to eat a high fat snack every now and again but just not every single night. For me it came down to a combo of things such as moderate exercise, eating healthy, avoid salt and high fats and eating fatty foods in moderation as the means for the best way to lose weight. Now that i know the truth I will never go back to what I once was.

Michael S Brown

For more on the best way to lose weight visit the site below. Secret To Weight Loss

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 5:15 PM 0 comments

Many of us who are somewhat overweight feel we'd be happy if we could just lose about 25 lbs (give or take!). But - we want to lose weight fast, and in the right places...Is this a realistic goal, or does it only happen in TV ads?

Well it is possible but not overnight, - if you want to keep healthy. Too rapid a weight loss can be very harmful to your body, so you have to pick a safe goal. This is normally a maximum of 3lbs per week. So losing 21 lbs is going to take you almost two months.

Not fast enough? Well check with your doctor before you embark on a more ambitious program to lose weight fast. Remember, you really have two goals:

- Lose the weight

- Avoid regaining it

Some diet plans are quite aggressive. The Atkins diet (in phase 1) can cause you to lose weight quite quickly. Meal replacement products like Ensure also help. Of course reducing portion sizes, and eating smaller amounts more often can help a lot in achieving your weight loss goal.One problem is, once you are on a restricted food type of diet you may well be missing out on important nutrients that you body needs. You should be taking vitamin supplements and choosing the foods you eat very carefully to get the maximum nutritional value.

Another key factor is water. Any weight loss program has a risk of dehydration. You need to drink the well-known '8 glasses of water per day' - at least.

Strength training exercises are a must if you are trying to burn off excess fat. This type of exercise will cause your body to get the energy it needs from stored fat reserves. Other exercise like aerobics, walking or cycling are good for burning calories, so you will not end up each day with an excess that can get converted to fat. Finally, stretching exercises like Yoga are excellent for toning your body and increasing the flexibility in your muscles and joints.

Now if this all sounds like a lot of work - it is! But if you want to lose quickly (and safely) then you don't have much choice. Ask yourself - "how motivated am I"? If you are really serious about getting in shape then this is a good way to start. However, losing weight is kind of like quitting smoking. You can't go back to your old habits. Like the famous coach Yogi Berra said 'baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical!'. In other words a lot of this stuff is in your head. If you can't get around this, then you are in trouble from day one.

The best way is to start off with a diet program that will cause you to lose weight fast. After you've lost some initial pounds you should be motivated to continue. Then it's time to ease off into a more gradual type of diet and exercise routine that will lead to long-term weight loss and a significant change in your lifestyle.

Remember, it is possible and lots of people do it - and you'll feel better not only physically, but mentally as well.

Author Bio:
Mike is a fitness enthusiast, runner and walker. He is a contributing editor for the Get In Shape web site. Learn more weight loss tips on their page Can You Really Lose Weight Fast?

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 2:44 PM 0 comments

For fast weight loss after pregnancy, tips and tricks that emphasize the importance of physical exercise as well as knowing as much as you can about nutrition are the best forms of defense for keeping those extra pounds at bay. Although the rich and famous make it look incredibly easy, you really don't need a host of personal trainers and state of the art equipment for losing weight after having a baby.

Combining smart, healthy eating, exercise, and the right mind set, it really is possible to regain your familiar figure. Here are five fast weight loss after pregnancy tips and tricks that any new mother can do to quickly get back in shape while enjoying motherhood.

1. Breastfeed: Not only will your baby benefit from being breastfed, but you will too as you'll be burning more calories than mothers who choose to bottle feed. New mothers do have to consume more calories, however, studies have shown that most women tend to burn those calories faster than if they were not breastfeeding their babies.

2. Realize the benefits of exercise: Join forces with friends, family, your co-workers, or other new moms to get together to regularly exercise. Bring the babies along for a walk in the park and make pushing the stroller a part of your workout.

Walking is something you can start doing within a week of giving birth, unlike some exercises. For at least six to eight weeks, avoid any exercises that are particularly exerting, such as running or jogging, until your body has had the chance to fully recover from the pregnancy.

3. Stay well rested: Besides giving you more energy and helping you to feel better in general, sufficient amounts of sleep helps your body to properly regulate hormones, which in turn, directly affect your appetite.

Finding enough time to sleep is one of the trickiest tasks for new moms, but if you sneak in an hour or so every time your baby naps, you should be able to compensate for the sleep you're sure to lose during the night.

4. Snack frequently: Snacking on healthy foods frequently helps rev up the metabolism, gives us more energy, which ultimately increases our productivity, generating more endorphins in the brain and helping us to just feel better in general.

Satisfy your brain's need to snack as well as satiating your hunger by nibbling on things such as raw vegetables, which are crunchy and great with a low-fat dip, or pretzels, an excellent low-fat snack food, and fruits that provide a solution for the sweet tooth.

5. Use a smaller plate: The old saying, "The eyes are often bigger than the stomach" holds true for many people, but using a smaller plate is one way of battling this phenomenon. Actual studies have been done on both men and women who were given different sized dinnerware to see how they may have influenced how much the participants ate. Sure enough, the bigger the plate, the more food that was consumed, and the worse the person felt physically after overeating.

Portion control must be a priority for effective weight loss, and using a smaller plate can be an incredibly easy alternative than measuring or weighing your foods.

Shedding pregnancy pounds doesn't have to be a challenge. Visit http://www.pregnancyweightloss.net and discover what other moms already know, you can easily lose your baby weight without unhealthy fad diets and starvation techniques.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 2:36 PM 0 comments

Is it easy to lose weight? Yes. Losing weight is easy. I see it everyday. Patients of mine come into the office as happy as can be because they lost 15 pounds on the newest easy weight loss plan.

It's easy but can you keep it off?

My patients may feel great but none of them keep the weight off. Just as quickly as they lost weight, my patients following easy weight loss plans, gain it back...fast!

Gaining weight, specifically re-gaining weight lost while dieting, should be the focus of weight loss programs. Other things, like easy weight loss, are distracting and costly for all of us. Every year thousands of obese and overweight people do not lose weight because of easy weight loss distractions.

Why are fast and easy diet plans so attractive? Well, what could be better than losing weight and looking good fast? How about lasting healthy weight loss?

Why do you think diet plans focus solely on losing weight and say very little about keeping it off? Because it's easy to lose weight and it's next to impossible to prevent weight re-gain.

Diet plans take the easy road and provide dieters a quick short lived solution.

From Atkins to the Zone, weight loss diets have perfected colorful ways to disguise one simple easy weight loss principle. All diets can lead to easy weight loss by following this one easy principle.

Low carbohydrate diets, low fat diets, negative calorie diets, low energy density diets--all apply this one principle. And this one principle leads to easy weight loss. Do you know what it is?

To experience easy weight loss...eat fewer calories.

Holding other things constant, like exercise, simply eat fewer calories and you will lose weight easily. Whether or not you keep the weight off depends on how easily you lost it.

The Easy Weight Loss Steps

1. Week One -- Cut calories by 100
2. Week Two -- Cut additional 150 calories (total=250)
3. Week Three -- Cut another 150 calories (total=400)
4. Week Four -- Final cut 100 calories (total=500)

First month weight loss total = 2-4 pounds 500 calories cut = 1-2 pounds/week of weight loss End of second month weight loss total = 6-12 pounds

The chance of keeping the weight off = 5%

To accelerate weight loss and weight re-gain, just cut more calories...fast. Or you can hold off on the weight loss plan above and learn more about weight re-gain and how to prevent it. Stay tuned for Weight Re-gain Prevention.

Until then, healthy living!

Michael Smith, MD
Chief Medical Consultant
Diet Basics Website

Dr. Michael Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for Diet Basics, a content rich website dedicated to the online dieter. Dr. Smith and Mark Fugua, the Chief Editor and Wellness Leader, are moving the site forward into the second phase of content, "Keep Weight Off!"

Visit the site today and learn how to prevent Weight Re-gain and Diet Shock. Start with the Diet Basics Education page.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 1:56 PM 0 comments

One of the hottest trends in the weight loss industry is juice fasting. The popularity of juice fast stems largely from the fact that they result in rapid weight loss. However, the question remains whether or not juice fasting actually works for permanent weight loss. This article will discuss various aspects of juice fasting for weight loss including how it works, how it affects your body and whether or not it is worth doing.

It seems like most people who are trying to lose weight are looking for a "quick fix" that will allow them to lose weight as fast as possible. In this regard juice fasting fits the bill. Most people who go on juice fasts lose an average of a pound a day - more at the beginning of the fast and then less toward the end. While that may initially sound like a great deal, there are a few things that you should be aware of before jumping in and trying a juice fast.

One of the major problems with juice fasting is that it does not provide your body with enough calories. When you lose weight on a fast you lose some fat, but you also lose muscle and water weight. The amount of lean muscle in your body determines how fast your metabolism runs. When you lose muscle your metabolism slows down as a result. That means that even as you are dropping weight on the fast your metabolism getting slower and slower.

Here's where things get sticky. When you reach the end of the fast and resume eating normally your metabolism is dragging. As a result it is highly likely that you will gain back every bit of weight that you lost while you were fasting. Not only that, but you may actually gain more weight than you lost, which obviously is not an ideal situation. This is because when you deprive your body of food for any length of time it doesn't know when its next meal will be coming so it grabs onto any food that you provide it and stores it away as fat in case you start starving again.

If you do decide to do a juice fast it is advisable not to stay on it too long. The longer you are on the fast the more likely you are to lose muscle mass and to have your body go into starvation mode and start storing away fat instead of using it. When you come off the fast come off gradually and reintroduce normal foods slowly to avoid as much weight gain as possible.

If you would like a quick weight loss solution that works with your metabolism and your body's natural fat burning hormones rather than working against your body you should look into a program like Fat Loss for Idiots. Rather than depriving your body of calories and allowing your metabolism to slow down this program works by varying the number of calories you eat each day - some days high, some days low - to give rapid weight loss that is more lasting than that you can get on a juice fast. To learn more about this diet and how it can help you lose 7-10 pounds in 11 days, please visit http://xenolith00.googlepages.com

Sarah

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 1:46 PM 0 comments

It's a surprisingly frequent question, "Is there a relationship between mustard and weight loss? And what about chili peppers, too?"

The benefit of mustard for dieters is very straightforward. A tablespoon (14 g) of mayonnaise--and most of us prefer two tablespoons or more on our sandwiches--contains 99 calories (kcal)and 11 g of fat. Because we go for both the "feel" as well as the taste of mayonnaise, we tend to eat more.

A teaspoon of mustard--which is enough to give a zingy taste to sandwich if you spread it thinly--comes in at just 3 calories and zero grams of fat. Switching from mayo mustard can easily save you 200 calories or more for every sandwich. And chilies are just as low-calorie with an additional benefit.

An Australian clinical study finds that eating an ounce of chopped chili peppers every day can protect cholesterol from forming atherosclerotic plaques, and the benefit is measurable in as little as a month.

Drs. K. D. Ahuja and M. J. Ball of the University of Tasmania (Australia) found that a "freshly chopped chili" condiment eaten every day slowed the oxidation of cholesterol even more effectively than taking vitamin E and antioxidant supplements. The same researchers, along with Drs. I. K. Robertson and D. P. Geraghty, also found that eating chilies for a month lowered resting heart rate in men.

So spice up your diet and lose a few more ounces every week. Mustard and chili peppers can add taste to simple meals and help you lose fat, lose weight, and protect your heart all at the same time.

Author or co-author of nine books on natural healing, Robert Rister is currently blogging on remission from pancreatic cancer.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 11:18 AM 0 comments

Are you at the point where you are tired of living a life with food as your enemy?

Is life a constant struggle as you try to shed or keep off those extra pounds?

Have you ever wondered where all your will power went?

The truth about weight loss motivation does not lie with will power; it lies with the skills we lost when we started dieting. Our problem lies not with food but with our own attitude to it. When following a diet plan or eating regime you not only label food as 'good' or 'bad' but you also give up two very important skills...

1. The Skill of Conscious Eating
2. The Skill of Personal Choice

By listening to what foods others tell you are good for you, personal power of choice is given away. By switching off your mind to your body you close down your instinctive ability to eat exactly what your body requires. Your focus becomes the food you believe you shouldn't have and the outer appearance of your body. In other words you lose the skill of inner reflection, an ability to look internally to find peace and happiness rather than projecting it on external factors and expectations.

Conscious Eating is therefore not just about food, it encompass a wide variety of skills based around reflection on...

* Your thoughts about food
* Your thoughts about yourself
* The effect different foods have on your body
* How you feel when you are eating and have eaten
* How you use food as a fuel not a comforter
* How you love yourself

These are the skills you have lost, the many and varied habits of 'Conscious Eating'. The first step in regaining them is to shed your fear of food and learn to love it again. It is fear that holds you trapped in old and unhelpful habits with food. After all, if they were useful would you be struggling in a battle with food and weight after all this time? Wouldn't you have lost the weight and kept it off easily?

Many of the Conscious Eating skills are those used by people who have never had a weight or size issue and so have never dieted. They are a rare breed that believe they are beautiful just as they are. They have no problem accepting the shape of the body they genetically inherited from their parents. They have no problem ignoring what others and society portray as the 'perfect' body shape. They sometimes have a wardrobe of clothes in 2 different sizes because they accept their weight fluctuation between seasons. They may even have no problem accepting a change in shape and size, as they get older. These are the people you can learn a great deal from about Conscious Eating. They hold many of the keys of how you regain control and power over the food you eat, and how to eat to live rather than live to eat.

Chrissie Webber is a published author, business coach and leadership trainer. As Managing Director of Life-Shapers Ltd she is developing her online weight-loss motivation company http://www.lifeshapers.co.uk into a franchise of Life Shapers Weight Management Coaches.

Her track record in the area of weight management is firstly a personal one. Following a lifetime of weight issues - at her heaviest, over 21 stone and a massive size 30 - she has personal experience of diets and their devastating effect on size and psyche.

With a background in nursing, psychology and business coaching, coupled with a lifetime of dieting, she developed and successfully used a series of models and tools that enhance weight loss motivation. Now over 5 dress sizes smaller and having sustained her weight loss for several years she has written a book about her motivational journey. Weight Loss, Life Gain - A Motivational Journey to Permanent Weight Loss was published in January 2008 by Accent Press.

Her Blog http://www.chrissiewebber.co.uk and free monthly eZine now offer support to others.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 11:09 AM 0 comments

Accepting that you are overweight is the first step. But, the more important step is choosing to do something about it. Congratulations! You are already on your way to a healthier future. The first thing to do is get a medical check-up and determine what kind of diet will suit you, and the kind of exercise you can safely undertake. Let your family and friends know your plan and ask them to stand by you and help you through the days when you find your determination faltering. Set realistic goals; dont try to lose too much weight too soon.

With food, moderation is the key. Do not deprive yourself. Eat whatever you want, but decrease the proportion. Also, eat slowly; it can make you feel full and thus prevent overeating. Include more portions of fruit and raw vegetables in your daily diet. Avoid eating out as much as possible. Instead of having three huge meals a day, have smaller meals four or five times a day. This helps lessen hunger pangs and prevents snacking. Choose water over aerated drinks, juice, and alcohol. Have a glass of water first thing in the morning, and a glass before and after every meal. If you are dehydrated, your body derives the water it needs from the food you eat, which means you could end up eating more than you should. Water also aids digestion and helps to clean out toxic substances from your system.

A regular exercise routine is an integral part of any sensible weight loss program. Walking, swimming, running, skipping, aerobics, calisthenics; pursue any of these activities for 30 minutes, three to four times a week. Go slow; give your body time to get used to the new levels of activity. Once you are used to a routine, you could try increasing the intensity or period of your workouts. Listen to your body; if you feel any sort of pain or discomfort, seek advice from a doctor or a professional trainer.

Keeping the weight off permanently requires a lifestyle change and can only be achieved through discipline, a healthy diet , and regular exercise.

Good health is not a struggle, nor it is an extraordinary feat. Healthy living is about understanding what your body needs and what is good for it. Re-discover good health in a simple way with Tania Hackner and make good health a way of living! For more information and advice on General health please visit us at http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 10:28 AM 0 comments

With so many weight loss pills to chose from and with so much marketing on media one begins to wonder if there are any best weight loss pills? If you are on the heavier side you must have asked yourself this question, and maybe even have fallen prey to a number of scams.

Weight loss pills can be divided into different categories according to the action they perform. Therefore the best weight loss pills for you depends on what drug effect will have most effect on you.

Three major categories for this are- appetite suppressants, fat burners and fat blockers. Although all of the mentioned are very popular, fat blockers are now available more easily and have gained enormous popularity in a short period of time. Xenical in particular has been very popular. Some have even referred this to be among the best weight loss pills ever. Xenical which is the brand name for Orlistat works by blocking a pancreatic enzyme called lipase and subsequently inhibiting fat absorption.

So does Xenical live up to the mark of being considered among the best weight loss pills? Clinical studies have proven that Xenical works on varying degrees on different people, but it does work. The variation is determined by compliance, diet and exercise. In one year clinical trials between 35.5% and 54.8% of the subjects achieved atleast a 5% reduction in body mass. Upto 24.8% actually achieved atleast a 10% reduction in body mass!! The most impressive finding was the reduction of incidence of type II diabetes in almost 37% of the subjects. It was because of these findings that Xenical is considered among the best weight loss pills ever.

A point to remember from the above study is that after the subjects stopped taking Xenical i.e. after one year period a significant number of subjects regained 35% of the lost weight i.e. if someone lost 30 pounds over one year they regained 35% of that. An important thing to remember about Xenical is its mode of action. No doubt that it is among the best weight loss pills, it's mode of action is by binding fat and preventing fat absorption. Now once you stop taking Xenical (and therefore let the fat absorb) and continue with the same old fatty diet then of course the fat which was before not being absorbed by xenical now goes to your system and hence the weight gain. An ideal way to approach this would be to start with Xenical and modify your diet along the way. Although it is among the best weight loss pills out there an effort on ones part is important for long term goals.

Adeel Shaikh is a doctor. To find out more on Xenical, cautions to use when buying Xenical and contraindications then please visit Best Weight Loss Pills

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 10:17 AM 0 comments

I just returned from a week-long conference in Florida. My husband and I have been going to this conference for about 38 years and I've made many friends. But some of the comments I received about my recent weight loss weren't friendly at all.

"Are you anorexic?" one friend asked. The question shocked me. She didn't even say "hello" or that it was good to see me again. I'm not anorexic; I've worked hard to lose 25 pounds and get back to my college weight.

"You don't eat much, do you?" another friend queried. This question also shocked me. What I eat is my decision. Believe me, I eat lots of food, and I've learned to make good food choices. I've also learned to judge restaurant serving sizes and leave food on my plate or take leftovers home.

"Do you diet all the time?" someone asked. No, I'm not on a diet, I'm on a personal fitness program that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, normal protein servings, and daily walks. Right now I'm trying to incorporate more stretches into my fitness routine.

Fortunately, the questions I was asked were balanced with positive comments. Several friends told me how good I looked. Others asked for eating tips and recipes. Of course I was asked what size I wore. (I usually wear size eight.) The positive comments led to discussions about obesity in America.

During the conference my husband and I went to a theme park with friends. The theme park shows were spectacular. The number of obese people we saw was also spectacular. There were hundreds of people on motorized carts and, to facilitate traffic flow, the park staff had them park in rows. "I've never seen so many obese people!" a friend from Australia exclaimed. Neither had I.

Americans are so used to seeing overweight and obese people we seem to have lost the concept of normal weight. Clothing manufacturers are making "relaxed fit" clothing for kids. Many health experts say we're in the midst of an obesity epidemic, but we're actually in the midst of an endemic - a physical condition confined to a population or region.

Corrective health measures have not halted the American obesity endemic.

I think we should cheer for the folks who achieve a healthy weight. My doctor is cheering for me, I know that. When I had my last checkup she praised me for the steps I had taken. "You did everything I recommended," she said, "and it shows." Though I'm a grandma, I'm in better condition than many teens.

What can you say to someone who has lost weight? You may ask them why they did it. In my case, my blood sugar was slightly elevated and my doctor told me to lose a few pounds to prevent diabetes. Depending on how well you know the person, you may ask them how many pounds they lost and how they did it. Their tips may help you.

You may also praise the person for taking responsibility for his or her health. When all is said and done, reaching a healthy weight and maintaining that weight is up to you. Nobody can do it for you. Many health resources have been developed to help you achieve your health goals. Small steps, such as drinking water instead of soda pop, can have significant results.

The next time you talk with someone who has lost weight I hope you will be supportive. I also hope you maintain a healthy weight. Here's to you and your good health!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD is available from http://www.amazon.com. A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You'll find another review on the American Hospice Foundation website under the "School Corner" heading.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 7:52 AM 0 comments

There are a lot people giving us all types of answers to this question. In most cases the information is coming from a well oiled selling machine on late night TV. I personally have heard all kinds of theories, from your just getting older, therefore your metabolism is slowing down, its just harder now. To, you need to go on a strict reduced calorie diet and workout like crazy to keep it off.

The unfortunate truth is that there are a lot of industries banking on you not achieving permanent weight loss. Think about it, to keep the fade diet industry going we have to continue to yo-yo with our weight. If you lose it for good they will have to find something else to do. We know that being over weight is a undisputed trigger for increasing your chance of getting all kinds of diseases; which puts you in line for the pharmaceutical industry to collect there share from your blood pressure, cholesterol and every other kind of pill you can think of. Have you heard some of the side effects of these drugs on the commercials?

The Real Reason You have Not Achieved Permanent Weight Loss

While looking around on the net the other day I came across an ad claiming to finally blow the lid off of this subject, and give us the real reason why permanent weight loss is so hard to achieve. The Doctors name was Suzanne Gudakunst. What she was saying on the website video made sense to me because I have heard those in the holistic and vegan communities mention the importance of the health of the intestines, bowels and colon.

So I clicked and purchased this product. Here is the deal. It is well know by health professionals and nutrition professionals alike that because of the lack of fiber and other ingredients that eating real live food provides, people all over the world, especially the western world, are walking around with loads of toxins, parasites that live and breed inside us and large amounts of old hardened fecal matter.

I know it is gross, but try to turn off your gag reflex for a minute and think about this. According to Dr. Gudakunst, all the things mentioned above are literally not only preventing us from losing weight but set up the perfect atmosphere for diseases to grow in our bodies. This makes sense big time in my opinion I am around 50 and stay in pretty good shape but I have friends love ones that are over weight and starting to get some of these diseases. They all start with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

How Can You Get This Permanent Weight Loss?

If you are sick and tired of being lied to, go to the site below, get some more information and take action! If you want to do something about the current health care crisis, here is your chance. Stay healthy! Whether or not this program is the one for you is up to you. I found it to be packaged well, short and to the point (on-39 pages) and most of all doable within a busy lifestyle. Just check it out and see if it rings true for you like it did for me.

I am on the way to being parasite free as we speak. No more struggling with that last 10 pounds or trying to flatten the old tummy. You have to do something. Ask yourself, where will your relationships with your loved ones be without your health? I have had this conversation with my wife. One of the strongest expressions of love we can show is to take care of ourselves the best we can in order to live as long and strong as we can for ourselves and to be around for our loved ones.

If the content in this article somehow does not apply to you, I know that it does apply to someone you love. Check the site out yourself and then enlighten that person in your life that you know needs to make a change. We can all be more healthy to experience a better life with the ones we love. Thanks for reading this.

http://www.squidoo.com/DrSGBreakthrough
http://superiorselfimprovement.blogspot.com/

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 7:43 AM 0 comments

It's a well known fact that our modern lifestyle creates a great deal of pollution, chemicals, radiation etc. that attack our bodies every day. What you may not know is that our bodies retain excess fat to protect our kidneys, liver and other organs from these toxins. As we flush and cleanse ourselves of these toxins, the body releases fat stores and we lose weight in a safe and healthy way that's long term. Here are some common questions:

Why do I need to detox? Everyday, our bodies take in a wide assortment of toxins and pollutants. It is an unfortunate by product of our modern lifestyle. There are many different chemicals in our food, pollution in the air, bacteria and metals in our water and so on (for instance alcohol, tobacco, pesticides, herbicides, air pollution, heavy metals, food additives, oral contraceptives, and drugs).

Toxins can wreak havoc on our health in the form of carcinogens and free radicals which can cause fatigue, serious illness and premature aging.The outcome of a successful and well-planned detox can help you recover from illness, increase your energy, boost your immune system, help you lose weight, clear your skin and much more...

Do I have to fast or starve myself? No. A common misconception is that detoxing or cleansing the body involves restricting your food and basically starving yourself for days on end. A perfect example of an unscientific detox is the 'Lemonade Diet'. This detox fad involves consuming nothing but homemade lemonade for up to 14 days and beyond! There is no science to back up any claims that such detox fads help the body detoxify in a safe or healthy way. Most people find that they put all the weight back on, plus extra pounds once this kind of a cleanse is over.

Okay, so what do I eat while I detox? To give your body the tools it needs to detoxify, cleanse and regenerate, a detox must give the body even more vitamins, minerals and nutrients than normal. You want to eat foods rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants that enable your body to flush the toxins and pollutants that have accumulated over your lifetime. To this end, we recommend learning more about the Weight Loss Detox which contains recipes, daily meal plans and a complete shopping list.

Can I lose weight effectively while I detox? Yes. A proper detox program will require that you eat the most nutritious foods possible. By eating these foods, you will detox safely and also lose weight. You can expect to lose between 3-7 pounds over a 7 day period. The best part is that you will see many other benefits besides weight loss. You will also lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, boost your immune system, have much more energy etc.

I've heard some people have bad reactions to a detox... What happens? When detoxing, some people experience what is known as a 'detox flu' or 'detox crisis'. As your body systematically cleanses itself of toxins and pollution, some people experience headaches, nausea, cold-like symptoms (blocked nose, shivers etc), spots and pimples. These symptoms are mild and usually last for a short while. The best medicine is to drink lots of fluids to help speed up the toxin flushing process. If symptoms persist, however, you should go see your doctor.

Can I Continue My Exercise Routine? Light exercise improves circulation which helps carry toxins out of the body. Some forms of exercise are beneficial to cleansing and detoxing, such as gentle jogging, walking or rebounding - however you should try not to place undue stress on the body during this time.

Scott Malin is rapidly becoming a widely respected writer on the subject of nutrition and weight loss. You can find excellent advice about how to successfully detox in a safe and healthy at http://www.organichealthandbeauty.com/Weight-Loss-Detox_ep_226-1.html

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 6:56 AM 0 comments

If you are looking for the fastest way to lose weight and you have over 10 pounds to lose, you're in luck. A breakthrough weight loss system, originally highly guarded by bodybuilders and people in the anorexic community, is finally being exposed to everybody. This is not unhealthy or faddish, and is actually clinically proven to be very beneficial, both physically and psychologically on dieters.

This weight loss system, called "calorie cycling", enables people to shock the metabolism into burning fat more efficiently, thus resulting in more rapid weight loss.

Dieters are never hungry and never in a "famine" mindset. There is also never any unrealistic starvation or removal of any one food group, such as low carbohydrate. People get to choose what they want to eat, so there are no pre-packaged foods, pills, potions, liquids, bars, or anything to buy. In tests, people lost much more weight with this versus starvation, low calories, and 99.1% of the other "fad" diets.

This weight loss method is so powerful that it allows people to lose up to 11 pounds every 13 days. In very rare cases, some people (those with a lot of weight to lose) have reported losses of up to 35 pounds in a month. This is absolutely the fastest way to lose weight.

Other benefits of this diet are that dieters can avoid the "plateau" effect by switching their calories, and they can eat whatever they want (in moderation - but reasonable moderation, not tiny servings).

In research, dieters were happier and more willing to stay on this diet versus traditional diets such as low calorie and low carbohydrate. Energy levels stayed the same or higher as compared to other diets as well. If you have 10 pounds or more to lose, calorie cycling is absolutely the fastest way to lose weight.

Rachel has lost 100 pounds herself, and is passionate about helping other people do it too. She has been featured in Woman's World, among others.

You can check out more about calorie cycling on her website at http://www.yayFOOD.com.

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 6:44 AM 0 comments

Besides just looking at yourself in the mirror and being unhappy with what you see, do something to change it. It isn't as hard as you think it might be. If I brought up that there might happen to be a simpler way for you to not only lose weight, but to also get an improved complexion, make better the process of digesting the food you eat and decrease some symptoms you might have with arthritis or diabetes, would you do it?

A detoxification diet, or detox diet, is the correct response. Safe detox diets function by helping your body naturally do what it does, only with better results. That's getting rid of the bad toxins that we happen to accumulate in our bodies everyday out of the body. If you could see all the toxins that enter your body in a day, you would probably want to wrap yourself in bubble. We get toxins in our bodies through the air we breathe, the food we consume, the drinks we have. Toxins are everywhere, and while there isn't a way to get them completely out of the environment, you CAN clean your body of them.

Unlike a normal trend diet that is all over the media that put your body through undue stress just to end up a couple of pounds lighter, the detoxification/detox diet promotes health. The safe detox diet will assist your body to use amino acids that you take in effectively and with more efficiency Maybe you suffer from constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or indigestion? A good detox diet can help lower problems you might have regarding those not-so-rare ailments.

There really are alot of safe detox diets available to everyone, that all seem to contain just about the same ingredients. The main focus is to limit unhealthy elements for just the right amount of time. The predetermined time can go anywhere from only a few days to several weeks. Consuming more of raw and organic foods can help flush the body and help you absorb the good amino acids that you need. Most diets seem to go on and on because they are said to be more effective. Because an at home detox diet isn't drawn out, doesn't necessarily mean that it's not more efficient. With just about any safe detox diet you'll feel different within 48 hours. What if the 48 hrs. just mentioned was all it took to receive a fast, safe, and effectual full body detox?

There is a great 2 day safe detox diet available that will help you not only burn fat and boost your energy and stamina levels, decrease your cravings for unhealthy food, and brighten eyes and skin. That's the 2 Day Slim Down. While staring into the mirror, what about, in 2 days, you could shed 12 pounds and feel cleaner from the inside out? It's now time to make the next step and start making some differences. The 2 Day Slim Down detoxification/detox diet is here to assist you achieve your health goals.

Jack Shaark is a fitness consultant and a strong believer for all natural treatments. He truly believes in a strong, healthy, and sanitary body, and the importance of digestive health. He only pushes for proven, purely natural treatments because he understands these are the most favorable treatments for the body. If you're interested in learning brand new technology, purely natural safe detox diet, please visit http://www.2dayslim-down.com

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 4:27 AM 0 comments

If you want to lose weight you may tempted to grab a fad type diet or the latest diet pill.

As a weight loss health coach I don't recommend that.

If you want a real method that will give you successful weight loss and a body you are thrilled to live in, then listen up.

Being skinny cannot be your only goal.

Now there is nothing wrong with getting slim - I know because I used to be clinically obese and thanks to following my program the fat uncomfortable unhealthy me is a distant memory.

What you want it is to be at a healthy weight that is slim and comfortable for you.

So what I am saying is don't do fad stuff that can hurt your health.

Let me share with you the first step for all the students I coach to successful weight loss. My students love the results with this step and you will too!

The first thing you want to do is when you begin your weight loss is to re-establish your good health and clean up your digestive system.

When you have an efficient digestive system, your body weight will much more quickly and easily reach its most healthy and natural range.

To restore your digestive system to optimum health and achieve the resulting weight loss you are striving for - I recommend beginning with a safe natural colon cleansing.

A thorough colon cleanse (like the one I recommend to my students) can remove from five to fifteen pounds on average of impacted waste in your colon. This waste jammed up in your colon has been constricting your body's ability to get the nutrition from the food you consume.

And if you have been eating junk foods for a long time your colon is really in a state of disarray and needs the assistance of a natural colon cleanse to get on a healthy track again.

My students love the effects of the weight loss colon cleansing - it gets them off to a super weight loss start so they stay motivated to continue.

Here is where to start to lose the weight quick for a fast weight loss colon cleanse

http://www.OxyPowderReviews.com

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Where do I find Oxy Powder colon cleanser

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 4:18 AM 0 comments

I love to snack. I love the satisfaction of crunching on something salty and following it up with something sweet. I am a self-proclaimed snackoholic. Most people when they think of weight loss, they immediately cut out snacking. What a shame! Without snacks, our lives would be dull with only three square meals each day. I will change your perception of snacking by showing you how choosing the right snacks will help you lose weight and feel better throughout the day.

Why we snack:

There are many reasons why we choose to snack. Sometimes it is because we are bored. Maybe it's because we had a stressful day. Other times, it is because we are simply hungry. If you are truly hungry, even at night, you should have a snack. The key is to snack for the right reason with the right balance of foods. When our bodies are used to eating high sugar, high fat "junk" foods we begin to crave these types of foods. Let's face it: fat, sugar and salt taste good. They may make us feel better temporarily, but after our bodies digest these types of foods, we usually feel worse than before. These sugary, high fat foods will raise our blood sugar levels very quickly giving us more energy, but they will also cause our blood sugar to come crashing down at a very fast rate. This can make us feel tired, sluggish and irritable.

It's important to train your mind to think differently about snacks and your eating habits so you begin to crave the right types of foods. It is also important to keep in mind that a snack should be designed to keep you satisfied until your next meal; it shouldn't fill you up completely.

Snacking can raise your metabolism:

When most of us think of dieting, we think of ways to cut out foods or meals. We automatically restrict and deny ourselves food in hopes that we will lose a lot of weight. Well, that usually works against us, especially when we stop dieting. The key is to eat every 4-5 hours. If you have breakfast at 6:30 am and lunch at noon, you need to eat a mid-morning snack. By restricting snacks, you are putting your body into starvation mode and actually slowing down your metabolism. If you frequently eat healthy foods, you will add "fuel to your fire" and contribute to burning more energy and increasing your metabolism. Always remember that you should be focusing on lifetime changes, not just short-term weight loss goals. Eliminating snacks forever is not realistic, but changing your snacking habits will provide you a lifetime of benefits.

The good, the bad and the ugly:

There are snacks that are really good for us, and those that are not so good for us. When planning your snacks, you want to consider a balance of lean proteins (like nuts, lean meats and low fat cheeses) with a whole grain or high fiber food (like fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads or crackers). Some examples of snacks for a mid-morning energy boost could be a low-fat yogurt, 1 ounce of nuts with a piece of fresh fruit, a high fiber/high protein granola bars, or 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter spread on some whole grain toast. Stay away from the high calorie, caffeine-coffee drinks and muffin from your favorite coffee shop. You could end up consuming around 800 calories and 30 grams of fat from one snack! Stick to snacks that are around 200 calories. If you are feeling sluggish mid-afternoon, try reaching for a whole grain pita and some hummus or make your own trail mix with dried fruits, granola, nuts and some small chocolate pieces. You will have a lot more energy from foods that fill you up, rather than a bunch of empty calories. Also, stay away from drinking soda pop. Try keeping water with you all day and sip on it. Water will give you the feeling of having more energy than a sugary soda. If you tend to snack at night in front of the television, try occupying your mind with a new task. Try crossword puzzles, knitting, or scrap booking. Place your snack food in a small bowl, instead of taking the whole bag with you. This will help you with portion control. And, when thinking of snacks, remember "out of sight, out of mind". If it's not in the house (or at the office), you will be less tempted to eat it!

Treating yourself:

We all like to treat ourselves every once in awhile. The key is moderation. Try healthier options of your favorites and eat less of these high fat, high sugar foods. And, remember it is okay to have a treat. Don't beat yourself up for eating a chocolate chip cookie or having a piece of cake at a birthday party. These special occasions are part of our lives and should be enjoyed. Just remember to balance these foods out with plenty of healthy foods and exercise and you will be on your way to your weight loss goals!

Heather Stefan is a Registered Dietitian with more than 7 years experience with a Bachlor's degree in Dietetics. Heather gained knowledge throughout her career working in both outpatient and inpatient care at two seperate hospitals, writing for local newspapers, and teaching community classes. Her specialities include: weight management using a non-diet approach, lifestyle modification, cardiac care, pre and postnatal maternal health, and diabetes.

Heather is currently a licensed provider for Real Living Nutrition Services, which provides online weight management and nutrition coaching. She is also a health educator in her community and writes a nutrition column for her local newspaper.

URL: http://www.reallivingnutrition.com/HeatherStefan.aspx

posted by tips-for-losing-weight36843  # 3:27 AM 0 comments