Prevent Obesity and Overweight Problems

End The Trend of Obesity

2011-10-09T14:16:00.000+08:00

It's startling. In an article written by Elizabeth Mendes for Gallup, the obesity rate is now higher than 20% for ALL 50 states in America. The state with the lowest obesity rate is Colorado at 20.1%. The state with the highest obesity rate is West Virginia at 34.3%. That means that the National Average is now 27.2 percent. Think about that for a moment; over one quarter of our country's population is now considered OBESE.
Let's just take a moment to look at some of the numbers for what they are. The current population of America is a little over 311 million people. If the national average is 27.2 percent, that means that roughly 85 million people in America are considered obese. Let that sink in for a minute; not over weight, but obese.

According to WebMD, obesity is an excess portion of body fat. A person is considered obese when his/her weight is 20% above normal. The most common measure of obesity is the BMI or Body Mass Index which measures a person's percent of body fat. A person is considered overweight if their BMI is between 25 and 29.9. A person is considered obese is their BMI is 30 or higher, and they're considered Morbidly Obese is the BMI is over 40.

Obesity occurs when a person takes in more calories than they burn. For many people, this boils down to eating too much and exercising too little. But there are other factors that play a role in a person's BMI. These can include: Age, Gender, Genetics, Environmental Factors, Physical Activity, Psychological Factors, Illness and Medication.

Obesity can lead to a plethora of health problems down the road; they include Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and certain types of Cancer, Osteoarthritis and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The Problem
As stated above, there are extenuating circumstances that lead to some people's obesity, but for the most part, it just comes down to good old over eating. The recommended Daily Caloric Intake is 2,500 Calories for Men, 2,000 Calories for Women, and 1,800 Calories for Children ages 5-10. But not surprisingly, in a report from the United Nations tracked the Caloric Intake of Americans from 2001-2003 and found the average American consumed 3,770 calories per day. That report does not differentiate between Men, Women or Children; that's just the average.

Americans are eating more and exercising less. That's the problem. We have become a nation of sedentary lifestyle. Video Games have replaced kids playing in the yard. Automation in the workplace has replaced hard work. Fast food restaurants with their 1,000 calorie drive through death knell constantly jingling on the television or over their car's radio lure people to bad health and worse diets like the Sirens' Songs lured the sailors to crash into the rocks in the Sinbad Movies from years gone by. It's gone beyond a trend, it's an epidemic.

The Solution
There is in fact only one solution to this problem. Americans need to eat more healthy foods and get back to exercising. Diet and exercise are the mainstays in treating obesity. As your Grandfather used to say, "There's no replacement for good old-fashioned elbow grease." Obesity is the LEADING PREVENTABLE cause of death in the world, and yet, not many (comparatively speaking) seem to care.

Oh, it's for certain that many people say they care; last year alone over $35 Billion was spent in the healthcare/fitness industry. Gym memberships were up, but so were waistlines. We've all seen the 2:00 am infomercial for the "Tummy 1000", and people flock to these things and buy them in bulk, only to hang socks or towels on them within 2 weeks of their arrival.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for someone deciding to make a change and get their bodies back to being healthy again. The problem with some of these quick fix machines is that they're just designed to separate the fool from his money in hopes that they can see their toes again sometime soon. There is no quick fix for reversing the effects of obesity.

People today spend a great deal of money buying Gym Memberships, only to be frustrated by the people there, coupled together with the fact that they don't really know how to work out properly. So, after a few weeks, the gym membership goes the way of the Tummy 1000, only you can't hang a towel on it, it's just wasted money.

There are some really good programs out there however. But Caveat Emptor or buyer beware, only the programs that offer hard work, coupled together with proper diet and nutrition can be expected to help get them where they want to be. There's no pie in the sky promises that if you'll just squeeze this for 30 seconds a day you'll have abs like the Governator in two weeks. A real workout program only promises that if you'll stick with them every day and do the best you can in the workouts, you'll not only get slimmer and healthier, but you'll feel a lot better as well.

Now, obviously these types of workout programs are not for everyone. Some, because of medical conditions, are never going to be able to do the aforementioned workouts, but that's the exception not the rule. But even if those folks can't do the workouts, they still can watch their diet, and there are numerous vitamins and supplements they could incorporate into their diet. A person can also look into drinking a Meal Replacement Drink, which generally has all the vitamins and nutrients you need for a day, in one Meal Replacement Shake, with little to no fat, low carbohydrates and a fair amount of protein, and most times at very low calories.

If a person were to only drink one of these shakes per day, just imagine what that might do. If the average American is engulfing 3,770 calories per day, what would the results be by drinking one Meal Replacement Shake per day? If we only look at replacing one meal in their current dietary intake, then on average, they would shorten their caloric intake by 1,116 calories, which would result in 7,812 less calories in a one week period. Just by drinking one Meal Replacement Shake a day, it would be the same result at the end of a week missing 2 days of their normal diet. And since the FDA states that getting rid of 3,500 calories per week results in losing one pound, that would be 2 pounds per week, and that's if they did nothing else different.
There are alternatives out there to dying an early death just because one could not control their diet or just didn't care.

Hard work, a sensible diet and the proper nutrients; this is the only way to end the trend of obesity. Or you could just squeeze the Tummy 1000 while you're waiting in line at the drive-through.

Dan Gandee is a husband, father of five and grandfather of two. He is a Team BeachBody Coach who is passionate about ending the trend of obesity and helping others get in great shape through hard work and proper diet. He is also an authorized distributor of Shakeology Meal Replacement Shake. He can be reached with any questions at Dan@Hardcorefitnessnow.com

How to Achieve Weight Loss For Kids

2011-08-16T09:50:00.002+08:00

Childhood obesity rates increase every year in the United States. Despite all the government programs and media efforts to push weight loss for kids, this problem is getting larger and larger, literally. What many haven't figured out is that you can't push the responsibility onto the government, schools or the fast food industry. Responsibility starts at home, with parents.

It's obvious that parents love their kids and they want what's best for them. But in many cases, parents just don't know how to give them the best. Weight loss, even for kids, is a step by step process. It can be done, but not overnight. If a parent is serious about helping their kids to be healthier, then they must be willing to make lifestyle changes for the whole family.

The first thing you should do is consult your pediatrician and let them know you want to make a lifestyle change for your kids. Seek advice and information about how to live a healthy life. After this, you must come up with a plan. It is best to write it down, with perhaps some goals, because then you are more willing to accomplish your desires.

It is good to do your own research as well. Find out what foods are necessary and beneficial for your kids. Find out how many calories they should be consuming every day. Learn about the ingredients in the foods you eat. Are they healthy or harmful? Search for a list of fun kids exercises to keep them active. It doesn't take that long to find out this information.

The hardest thing for parents to come to terms with is that in order for their child to be healthy, they will also need to be healthy too. The parents are a child's number one role model. They will eat what you eat and do what you do. It's not fair for parents to eat a bag of M&M's and not offer any to their children. The same is true for exercise. For them to want to change they will have to see a change in you.

Sitting down with your child and talking about health is very beneficial. Explain the bad food choices you've made and that in order for you all to live long, healthy lives you must make different choices. Together, come up with a weight loss goal. Create a chart to record your progress. Encourage your child along the way.
Whenever you do make your goals, celebrate them. It's typical to celebrate with dessert of a fattening dinner. Instead, celebrate with a fun day trip or take them somewhere they've wanted to go. Express to them how proud you are and they will feel good about their progress.

Weight loss for kids is possible and will benefit them the rest of their lives. Childhood obesity doesn't have to continue growing. If parents are willing to take charge and make changes, we'll start to see obesity decrease.

Remember that the reason to learn about weight loss for kids is to give you skills and knowledge necessary to help your children become the healthiest people they can be. Download a free report with tips and instructions you need to get started quickly with fitness by visiting Kids Exercise and learn how to have fun while playing exercise games.

Obesity: Health Implications

2011-07-13T14:26:00.002+08:00

What's so bad about being overweight? Beside the fact that "the worse it gets, the worse it gets", there are a number of medical conditions that are precipitated or worsened by obesity. Obesity affects every organ of the body in one way or another. Let's look at a few of the major complications.

Cardiovascular Disease
Extra weight requires the heart to work harder because the additional fat tissue needs blood as surely as every other cell in the body. Therefore, the heart must pump more blood which means more pressure on the blood vessels leading to high blood pressure (hypertension). In addition, fat builds up in the blood vessels of the heart and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes
Obesity interferes with the ability of the body to respond to insulin (the hormone which regulates blood sugar). As the insulin-glucose system becomes imbalanced, the blood sugar rises and diabetes, a chronic condition which may require medication or even insulin injections, develops.

Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is common among the obese. It is a combination of six risk factors conducive to the development of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These components are: abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, blood changes which indicate inflammation, and elevated blood clotting factors.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which one stops breathing for periods of time while sleeping. This is caused by the weight of the obese chest on the respiratory system and is associated with high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.

Depression
In addition to health challenges brought on by obesity, the overweight individual is prone to depression because of feelings of not being able to meet expectations of others or of not "fitting in". Self esteem suffers because the obese individual is often viewed by society as weak and unable to control eating habits. (This is of course not true but it is often a result of misinformation.)

Unfortunately, there are no off-setting advantages to being overweight or obese. It is a dangerous condition which can, and should, be dealt with as soon and as aggressively as possible. Children of obese individuals are at risk of developing lifestyle and eating habits that put them at risk for disease also.
Obesity is a preventable cause of death. It needs to be addressed!

A trained Nutritionist developed the correct food plan for you and your family. A Registered Nurse has independently reviewed the plan from an overall health perspective and has approved the plan.
You have nothing to lose (whoops! Yes you do.) when you make the decision to follow this logical eating plan.
You can thank me later.
Sue Bristol, R.N.
http://how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html

Diet To Reduce Weight - Women's Guide To Blasting Fat From Your Arms, Belly, And Thighs Quickly!

2011-07-07T14:42:00.000+08:00

A good diet to reduce weight for women has several key element that provide not only dramatic weight loss but also improved energy and overall health. The challenge is that most people are tempted to turn to hazardous diet pills or starvation-level eating plans to try and get skinny, even if it puts their overall health in danger. This is NEVER the right answer.

Instead, we can use some easy tricks and tips from the BILLIONS of skinny Asian women around the world who manage to look fantastic even right after having a baby!

Today I'm going to show you one diet to reduce weight that Asian women use each day to get and keep their ultra-lean figures, without working hard at the gym or eating terrible food.

Diet To Reduce Weight - The Skinny Asian Way

Whenever clients in my weight-loss classes ask me for suggestions on the best diet to reduce weight I always respond with plans that I know they'll be able to follow without too much trouble. It's not going to do them any good to try overly hard programs that are so difficult that they can't possibly stick to them.

And while you're not going to learn ALL of the best diets to reduce weight that Asian women use to burn fat and stay thin from just a single short article, you CAN pick up some tips that will allow you to get started on the road to a new you:

Tip #1: Before Every Meal You're Going To Drink a Cold Glass of Water

Not only does a big glass of water keep you from overeating because it help trigger your brain's own "I'm full" hormone production, but researchers have recently found that COLD water actually forces the body to burn fat and extra calories as energy.

It works because our bodies operate at an internal temperature around 98-degrees F, meanwhile a chilled glass of ice-water is around the 45-50-degree F mark...which means our body tries to force the water to a higher temperature through action and activity, which takes energy!

German scientists recently estimated that a tall glass of cold water may force up to 65 calories to be burned within you just from drinking it...what a perfect piece of a diet to reduce weight!

Tip #2: Your Body Evolved To Eat Fruit...Give It To It!

Despite fears about sugar content, nutritionists are now recommending something Asian women have known for thousands of years: Fruit is a key part of any diet to reduce weight.

Part of the reason it works so well lies in the fiber it contains, which helps your body not only process and remove waste (which can cause weight gain) but also because fiber requires energy to move through our system...which requires fat and calories be burned to do it just like the cold water does!

The other reason food is essential in a diet to reduce weight is that it actually makes you feel more full than the calories it contains should.

Meaning when you eat a single apple, and are taking in around 75 calories from its content, it actually keeps you as full as if you had eaten a 200-calorie bagel...or a 200-calorie plate of pasta.

Scientists aren't sure why this happens, but they believe it's part of our body's own ability to figure out that white refined carbohydrates ultimately convert to a lower nutrient profile than natural fruits and veggies do, and thus the brain commands us to eat again sooner until it gets the vitamins and enzymes it's after.

Try to mix in an apple and banana each day, or whatever fruits you enjoy, as your mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. This will keep you feeling more full throughout the day while you're still on a perfect diet to reduce weight continuously.

What If You Still Can't Lose Weight?

If you're still struggling to get the body of your dreams, you'll need to learn one of the most powerful secret free methods that Asian women do to force fat off of their belly and thighs in less than a month...WITHOUT starving or doing crazy workouts.

This method works fast and is very simple, the full details on how to do it are in the free report here: Diet To Reduce Weight. I actually do it myself while relaxing on the couch watching TV, and it works amazingly well.

Click on the link and learn the trick yourself before it's gone: http://www.skinnyasiandiet.com/free-book.htm

Overweight Health Problems - Health Problems That Are Caused From Being Overweight

2011-07-05T15:32:00.000+08:00

Are you in the situation of being overweight, well now research has shown that there are hundreds of Overweight health problems.

Over the past 10 years the size of the average waist has grown at a rapid rate, but is this not concerning everyone out there who is overweight?

Research has now show that if you are overweight you have a 75% increase in developing cancer, which is the very disease that claims the most lives.

After being overweight myself I was sick and tired of having a low self esteem and not fulfilling my life's dreams. I knew that being overweight was killing me and when I heard about the overweight health problem I knew that I needed to change something.

Overweight health problems range from mild to severe which if not acted upon now could lead to an early death, which I am sure no one wants.

Right now ask yourself, do you want to live the most of your life?

If you are overweight I need you to really ask yourself if you need to change something in your life, because the overweight health problems are a major concern.

If you were to start to try and change your life today, there is no doubt that you can achieve. When people hear the word diet they run in fear, but a diet does not have to be bland and boring.

To change your life, you need to introduce healthier food options into your day to day life. I know that once you change to some healthier options you automatically lose weight from the shock to your body.

Do not fall victim to the fad diet pills out there, I wasted hundreds of dollars on them and believe me they do not work. If you want to lose weight finally and rid yourself from overweight health problems you need to a diet that you live with.

The problem is that most people may lose weight, but once they finish their diet they gain it all back and more. If you to lose weight and keep it off you need to change your lifestyle choices.

Did you know that cancer is the number one killing disease, and being overweight increases the risk by 75%?

overweight health problems [http://burn-fat-quick-easy.com/diet-review.html]

Dangers of Obesity - Read More About It

2011-07-02T21:54:00.002+08:00

By Sean A Moronse

Obesity is a state of a human body wherein it has too much of excessive and unnecessary fats that hinders the function of some body organs. Obesity is already known as a serious health condition that can lead to death if not noticed and treated properly. Statistics of obese people have been growing as fast the population growth. Obesity is often the root cause of other health problems like heart disease, having high blood pressure, outbreaks of stroke, high amount of blood sugar. Dangers of obesity have been obvious these past few years. Seven to eight out of ten people die because of obesity related health problems. You may be aware of the dangers, but are you aware of real deal?

Dangers of obesity have increased the number of premature deaths. Heart disease, high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, failure of digestive organs, and even cancer are serious health conditions being related to obesity. Heart disease and heart failure are the most common health condition related to obesity. Nine out of ten obese people are diagnosed with coronary and chronic heart disease. When unnecessary fats blocked the arteries, the heart will have trouble circulating blood to other parts of the body. Obesity cause the thickening of heart's left ventricle wall. Being an obese individual with heart disease can make your blood pressure go up. Obesity increases the blood volume and cardiac output in arterial resistance. Obesity secretes high production of insulin in the body trying to decrease the sugar amount in the blood vessels. More insulin means more adjustments for the body to cope up with the changes. It can thicken vessels until it becomes rigid thus causing hypertension. After too much insulin has been secreted, the body becomes immune to its presence and the cells will no longer react to it causing diabetes. Since the body is no longer recognizing the presence of the insulin, the sugar-controlling substance in the body, blood sugar will keep increasing thus causing diabetes. Obesity is also often associated with certain kinds of cancer both for men and women. Obese women are more likely to develop cancer in the cervix, uterus, ovary, gall bladder, colon and breast. Obesity has been proven to increase or affect the level of estrogen which can be associated with uterine cancer. Summing it all up, obesity can cause death. There's nothing more dangerous than having your life at stake.

Having too much of something will always be bad. Dangers of obesity can be prevented. We still have the chance to minimize the risk of the health conditions brought by it. Health conditions have already been discussed above, and they are all associated with the same root cause, which is obesity. Therefore, to be able to minimize the risk of those health conditions from happening, we need to lessen and minimize the factors contributing to obesity itself. If we start about how to minimize or dispose the root cause, all the health conditions associated with it will follow. It will be a very good way to start as soon as possible so that you can prevent the situation from getting worst. Since you already know the dangers, it should be easy to start.

Are you looking for more information regarding dangers of obesity? Visit http://weight-loss-diets.com today!

The First Lady of Fitness

2010-10-19T18:33:00.000+08:00

By Dennis Rosato on August 25th, 2010
Kathy Kaehler, Fitness Expert

Kathy Kaehler has become somewhat of a legend in the fitness and wellness circles. The 14 year veteran of the Today Show granted me an interview while she was in New York. The first thing that strikes you when you speak to the Michigan native is her “realness” no cream puff filling here folks. She is all she claims to be and more. Kathy lives the life and hates diets, preferring instead to instill Lifestyle choices not trendy, temporary head spinning fads. Kathy practices what she preaches and preaches from the heart drawing from a wealth of experience as the mother of three growing and active boys. A trainer to the stars for more than twenty years, Kathy’s A-list clients are superstars and household names from Kim Basinger to Kim Kardashian. Not to mention Julia Roberts and Matt Lauer. I did my research on Ms. Kaehler but she exceeded my expectations delivering clear and sharp answers to my most complicated fitness questions. Here is the interview I had with Kathy on Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 1:00pm Eastern time.

Dennis: Kathy you are renowned for being a proponent of simplicity… I like to call it effective simplicity, in your view what SIMPLE choices can someone make to get the ball rolling towards wellness? Is there a rule or theory that can be implemented to guide someone trying to achieve a better fitness level?

Kathy: Yes Dennis, because of all the options available and various diets that exist presently confusion is the ultimate result. To streamline things I simply say MOVE YOUR BODY! As long has you continue the routine of movement your regimen will be effective.

Incorporating my 90/10 rule adds simplicity to your Lifestyle change.

90% of the time you are active and adhering to a healthy foods menu and the other 10% is LIFE. Coffee and a slice of cake with friends once a month, a power lunch at your city’s top restaurant with a client or the dinner party that pops up. All these events are LIFE and you can’t and shouldn’t avoid any of them.

Not to mention they keep us sane and are as vital as the other lifestyle changes that incorporate health.

Hey and if you are gonna indulge Dennis and live that 10% to the fullest no better way to do it than with a great new product by Breyers Ice Cream, it’s called Smooth and Dreamy. These treats are incredible because the bars and ice cream options are within the 120-160 calorie range. An unbeatable and awesome way to be devilish if you have to be.

Dennis: In my view mothers are the super heroes of our modern age. Multitask is the word that most comes to mind when I think Mom know a days. MULTITASK is our nations new buzz word or term, can you give BUSY or overwhelmed moms specifically two immediate day one CHANGES that they can incorporate to jump start new eating habits and a exercise routine?

Kathy: I have a great story for you Dennis, I’ll never forget Michelle Pfeiffer’s spirit. I trained her for the blockbuster movie Batman Returns. She was cast in the dynamic role of Catwoman.

She had a grueling schedule; call time was 5:00am for the entirety of that movie. She had the option of sleeping until right before 5:00, then showing up on set or waking up even earlier and fitting a 4:00am workout with me. She chose to take on the challenge of getting that workout in. This can be related to moms who lead hectic and demanding lives in a specific way. Just follow the principle that as soon as your foot hits the ground get that workout in! Endorphins are magical and can carry you throughout the day with that extra focus and you got that workout in early to boot.

Dennis: Wow Kathy you are so right! That simple real life principle takes the daunting feeling of “oh I have to get my workout in at the end of the day or at a lunch break” out of the equation. And I agree endorphins are a magical formula for success.

To segway utilizing the theme of endorphins what is your take on exercise during times of crisis or stress in one’s life?

Kathy: Exercise does provide a certain degree of focus that can be invaluable during hard times in a person’s life. It can help settle your thoughts and thus sharpen your decision making.

Dennis: What is something that you find most individuals FORGET to incorporate into their new wellness plan or exercise routine?

Kathy: People need to remember this tip; “FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE AND DO IT!

Get active doing something that you enjoy, is healthy, involves movement, makes you feel positive and stick to that DO IT!

Dennis: Give us a food that you can’t live without.

Kathy: Foods that are one step away from being at the original state.

Dennis: I like that concept!

Kathy: I feel out of sync when I go a period of time away from my more natural foods. I find that my performance is heightened when my body is fueled by the right food, raw or one step away from their natural state. Try it and be empowered.

Dennis: What is your most exotic food indulgence?

Kathy: Chocolate, the fresher the better..awww chocolate. Breyers is making that indulgence of mine all the more guilt free…Ice cream dipped in chocolate and low calorie is a winning combination within my 90/10 approach. I tell you Dennis Breyers Ice Cream has hit it out of the ball park on this one , Smooth and Dreamy is just that absolutely delicious and a wiser choice. I personally love the Chocolate covered strawberry bars, TRY THEM.

Dennis: If you can disclose which trainee over the years has impressed you with their toughness?

Kathy: KIM BASINGER MOST DEFINITELY.

Dennis: Your favorite fruit?

Kathy: Honey Crisp Apples when they are available. They are grown in Minnesota I think.

Dennis: Your favorite Veggie?

Kathy: KALE, you have to try my recipe KATHY’S KALE.

Dennis: I heard you were a Kale fanatic, my dad is a Swiss Chard lover so I can relate, sort off.

Kathy: I am a proponent of the nutrition powerhouse that is Kale and it is important in the diet of my children.

Dennis: Final Question Kathy, if you led a double life what would be you secret profession?

Kathy: I would be right here in New York City on Broadway! Theatre! Always Moving Dennis!

Be Sure to check out the following websites:

KathyKaehlerFitness.com

Breyers.com

Breyers Smooth and Dreamy

Dennis Rosato is an urban explorer and writer. He has tackled the swamps of the Everglades, the mean streets of New York City and now his latest journey is to overcome obesity! The ultimate lover of food, Dennis quickly realized that if he continued on his path of abandon that diabetes and heart disease were soon to follow. Dennis' latest goal is to be a Super Hero to his three children. Can he attain an eight pack set of abdominal muscles and a 31 inch waist? Are the 20 inch arms he desires within his reach? There is only one way to find out for Dennis, to gain control! Control and order have become his mantra. Dennis explores diet, fitness and nutrition with vigorous research and hands on insight.

View the original article here

Plus Up Your Gym Bag Makeover and Giveaway

2010-10-16T19:26:00.000+08:00

By Israel Lagares on October 11th, 2010

I recently participated in the Plus Up Your Gym Bag Makeover in which I was sent a gift card so that I can upgrade my gym bag. This was going to be a relatively easy upgrade, since I don’t have a gym bag to begin with. I work out at home for the most part, so it makes it really easy for me to not have to take anything with me. I was originally going to make a video about this whole fun project, but the audio was damaged.

FiberPlus Taste Test
Part of the promotion was that I had to try out the new Kellogg’s FiberPlus bars. I received a coupon to go buy a box of bars, which I did at the local Super Walmart. I chose the chocolate chip version. I let my wife try the bars out first. She didn’t like them. I tried them after a workout and thought they tasted good. It was very light and had a good amount of carbs. One of the positives of the FiberPlus bars is that they have antioxidants.

According to the Kellogg’s FiberPlus site “Many Americans aren’t getting enough fiber, whole grains, vitamins and minerals daily. With 35% of your daily fiber, 7 grams of whole grains, plus antioxidants vitamin E and zinc, these bars are a nutritious—and delicious—high-fiber treat.” Look’s like another way to combat the lack of nutrition that is rampant in America.

Plus Up MY Gym Bag
I immediately set out to upgrade my fitness tools. I have pretty much everything I need minus a few things I’ve been wanting, so this was the perfect time. The first thing I purchased was a heart rate monitor. This will let me keep track of my calorie expenditure plus my heart rate. Next I purchased a yoga mat. The days of doing yoga on a hard, cold floor are over! I also purchased a fanny pack. lol. Now I actually have a gym bag to hold my stuff. I occasionally go to the gym to hop on the elliptical or go on long walks. Now I can carry stuff with me in my “gym bag”. I also purchased a new pair of shorts. My other pair was starting to fall apart. The last thing I purchased was a Live Strong band. I try to make living strong a habit of mine.

The Giveaway!
Okay now here’s the fun part. We are giving away a $75 American Express gift card to one lucky winner. The contest is running from today until Oct 18th. The winner will be announced on Oct. 19th. To Enter:

1. Entrants may post a comment to the blog stating why they need to “Plus Up” their gym bag.
2. Entrants may send a message on Twitter.com (“Tweet”); comment should describe why they need to Plus Up their gym bag and include the Sponsor’s twitter handle @fatmanunleashed and hashtag “#plusup”.
3. Entrants may visit the FatManUnleashed facebook page and leave a comment as to why they need to Plus Up their gym bag.

Read the official contest rules.

My name is Israel Lagares. I used to be the kind of guy that was always in shape, but over the last few years I've fallen off tremendously. This site is my final attempt to get back into shape. So far I've lost 70.4 lbs. Check out my weight loss chart, weight loss videos and progress pics. Follow my journey, those of others, and read our thoughts on various health topics. Share your thoughts, experience, and journey here on FMU.

View the original article here

Cleansing…is it really safe?

2010-10-16T14:42:00.000+08:00

Like I mentioned yesterday, my number priority is answering your questions and getting you the info you need to live a super healthy life (not to mention look awesome in the process). So when I shared the free report “The Fundamentals of Digestion and Colon Health” by Yuri Elkaim, tons of questions came pouring in.

“Isabel, what do you think about colon cleansing? Do you think I should do a cleanse before I start the DSP?”

Well, the answer is yes and no (don’t you just hate it when someone answers your question like that?)

I say no because in essence, following the DSP way of eating will help you cleanse your body of toxins, processed foods and any other yucky sludge you may have living inside your body. Many people tell me that just after the first few weeks on the DSP, their digestion has never been better, not to mention more regular trips to the bathroom (if you know what I mean).

But I also say yes because some people have not been so kind to their bodies for many, many years and it will take a good cleaning out to get certain digestive organs moving the right way. I’ve had clients tell me they only go to the bathroom (and I’m not talking pee here) once every 2-3 days. This is NOT healthy and a clear sign of extreme constipation which can lead to a long list of health problems. Besides the fact that these are the same people who feel bloated and lethargic all the time. Of course they feel bloated…they’ve got days worth of poopoo stuck in their system and it has to make its way out of their body.

The problem with most cleanses advertised in stores and on the internet is that almost all of them require a long list of supplements, powders or special drinks…most of which are really just all a hoax anyway. But I’ve seen many clients fall for these claims because they’re not only desperate to lose weight, they’re desperate to get their organs moving the right way…and yes I’m talking about poop again here.

This is where my friend Yuri comes in. Yesterday I told you about how I met Yuri at a conference and right away I could tell him and I both shared many of the same views when it comes to nutrition and health. It’s always so refreshing to meet another professional who is on the same page as me since our approach is a bit “unconventional” and even nicer when that professional is so willing to pass on helpful information.

I was so excited to hear about Yuri’s cleansing program, The Total Wellness Cleanse and he so kindly shared his entire program with me for my review.

What did I think of Yuri’s cleansing program?

What do you want first?

The good news or the bad news?

Ok, I’ll start with the good news since I’m a positive person.

By far, what I love about Yuri’s approach to cleansing the body is that he does it through food! That’s right – he’s not a fan of using silly supplements or “magic formulas” that promise miracles in just a few days but have no long-term promise. So not only do Yuri and I agree that pills are not the answer, the focus of his program is using real natural foods (certain foods in certain ways) to cleanse the body of the toxic sludge it may be holding on to. These are foods that are easy to make and readily accessible, so there is nothing complicated about it. I’ve known people to buy special shakes and crazy ingredients and spend half the day preparing their ridiculous concoctions just to clean out their systems. That’s just not realistic; especially in today’s times when we’ve got jam packed schedules and way too much to do every day.

The second thing I love about Yuri’s program is that he tells you exactly what you need to eat and drink at every meal of the day. There’s no guess work here. If you want to follow this cleanse, Yuri makes it super easy by giving you the step by step game plan…basically he lays it all out for you.

And no, it doesn’t just say snack on carrots and celery and drink some lemon water every now and again. There are real, delicious recipes included and part of each day. Recipes like Almond Sunflower Cereal, Rockin’ Moroccan Warm Salad, and Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes make this cleanse tasty and easy to follow at the same time.

Between the meal plans, the recipes, the food lists and the incredibly helpful information on understanding cravings and addictions…Yuri makes cleansing as easy as can be.

“So Isabel what is the bad news?”

Ok, it’s not really bad news, per se, it’s more like Yuri and I do disagree on one point. Yuri is not a very big fan of animal meats (although he does say that if you’re going to eat it, go for the natural, grass fed, free range kind). I think protein is an essential component of weight loss and I have no problem including animal meats into my or my clients’ fat burning meal plans. Actually, in many cases it’s not only essential but it’s the missing link to many people’s fat burning efforts. If you’re not fueling your body with the right muscle building nutrients, you will have a hard time putting on fat burning muscle. So don’t be afraid of animal meats…of course, always choosing the most naturally raised meats possible.

But…in the case of cleansing I do believe Yuri has a point. When you are trying to rid your body of toxins and processed foods that may be backed up in your intestines and has been there for quite some time, minimizing the amount of animal proteins during this time (2-4 weeks) is a good idea. If you’re anything like 90% of the population and you only visit the old commode (toilet that is) less than twice a day, a good cleanse just might be in order. You’ll not only get your digestion working properly but you’ll also get rid of tons of GOOK that’s been accumulating in your intestines for years.

Even us healthy people (and I say us because I have been living the DSP lifestyle for over 10 years now) could use a good cleaning out sometimes. I remember 3 years ago when I did a very similar whole foods cleanse, the stuff that came out of my body was borderline frightening…but I’ll spare you those gory details (and when I say gory, I mean gory).

You can learn more about Yuri’s Total Wellness Cleanse here:

http://totalcleanse.thedsp.info

If you’re looking for a natural, safe way to get the old sludge and toxins out of your system, I highly recommend Yuri’s program, not only because it’s super effective but because Yuri makes cleansing an incredibly easy process and simple to follow.

http://totalcleanse.thedsp.info

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

What do I do besides Nutrisystem?

2010-10-15T20:19:00.000+08:00

By Israel Lagares on September 09th, 2010
Israel, Fat Man Unleashed

I have not mentioned what exactly I’m doing besides eating Nutrisystem lately. Well, I’m breaking my vow of silence, effectively immediately. We know I’ve been eating Nutrisystem for the past few weeks (possibly couple of months), I’ve honestly lost track. It feels normal to me now that its part of my routine. I’ve had success with Nutrisystem so far, so that’s a good thing. But I add other things to my daily routine to help me along on my weight loss journey.

Here are some of the other “things” I’ve been doing:

1. Be more active. Period. I’ve made it a point to just be more active. This doesn’t mean I go run marathons every weekend. What I mean is that I now do the little things I used to normally tend to put off. I fix those little things around the house I’ve neglected. I take out the trash at night instead of waiting to leave in the morning. I mow the lawn every weekend (unless it’s raining all day). I just do things and try not to put them off. Not for too long at least.

2. Resistance train. I lift weights three times a week. I workout my entire body on different days. From chest to back to arms to legs. Everything. I don’t only lift weights. I do body weight training as well. These include push ups, chin ups, burpees.

3. Yoga it up. I’ve started incorporating yoga into my routine. I aim for two yoga sessions a week. I feel it relaxes me and helps my body heal while getting a low impact workout. I still get a good workout and it only takes 20 minutes.

4. Walk my ass off. Literally. I’ve become a walking machine. I take anywhere from a 30 minute walk to a two hour walk. I try to get in 3 to 4 walks a week. Walking is like meditation to me. I find myself thinking a lot as I walk. Walking is one of the easiest exercises you can do. Walking and yoga are several underrated exercises.

5. Cardio. When I’m not walking or doing yoga on my non weight lifting days, I get in some elliptical machine or recumbent bike sessions. On the bike I will last from 45 minutes to an hour. On the elliptical I go for 20 minutes to an hour. Cardio baby!

6. Mentalist. This is one of the hardest ones. I make things about my mind. I workout on the days I feel like crap. I evaluate my everyday decisions. I visualize my success. I see myself in shape. I cherish the moments of victory I have.

Okay, enough. There’s more but I’ll cut it down for now. Just try to remember to do the little things. It all counts! What’s your routine like?

Disclaimer: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem Blogger 15 program. Views expressed here are my own. If you are interested in learning more about Nutrisystem, visit their website.

View the original article here

The truth about EGGS

2010-10-15T16:04:00.000+08:00

As you may have seen in many of my recipes and in my newsletters, I’m quite the big fan of EGGS. But many people freak out when they see how many whole eggs (that’s right…whole) I eat in one week.

“Isabel. Aren’t you worried about getting high cholesterol by eating all of those eggs?”

Definitely NOT. And my friend and fellow fitness author Mike Geary explains it best, in great detail, in the article below:

http://eggs.thedsp.info/

There is a lot of terrible misinformation roaming around about eggs and Mike does an awesome job of clearing it all up in this article.

http://eggs.thedsp.info/

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

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To juice or NOT to juice…that is the question.

2010-10-15T12:29:00.000+08:00

I’m pretty used to people coming to my home and saying “Wow, this place is so super healthy. I can’t believe it,” but last week was the funniest.

As you may or may not know, it does take quite a few people to keep the Diet Solution Program running. Last week I had a bit of a “retreat” at my house where I invited 3 of our employees to come and work from my house and spend some time together.

I always try and be the “hostess with the mostess” and in my best Martha Stewart impression I asked “Can I get anyone anything? Some food or a drink?”

One of my employees replied, “Yes, I would love some juice please.”

As I did everything in my power to hold back the look of death, I said “We don’t have any juice. How about water or a tea?”

Without going through the entire conversation, this particular employee couldn’t believe there was no juice in the house. Moreover, she absolutely could not believe that my son does not drink juice and only drinks water (and yes, I did let her keep her job).

She has, of course, read and knows the DSP inside and out, but she admitted that she really didn’t believe that I completely lived my life that way until she saw it with her very own eyes.

But back to the juice…

Juice is one of those drinks that many people perceive as healthy, especially when it’s labeled natural or organic and it says it is made from all natural ingredients. Let me clear this up right now…Juice is NOT part of a healthy eating plan unless you are freshly squeezing it right in your kitchen with your own hands or through a juicer.

“But Isabel. My juice says its organic, natural, 100% juice with no sugar added. Is that ok?”

Well, I spent a significant amount of time reading the label of almost every single juice container, juice box, and juice product and they all came up the same…with tons of SUGAR. Read the label clearly and you will see that every gram of carbohydrate contained in the juice directly comes from sugar.

“But Isabel. All the carbs from fruit are from sugar too right?”

Yes, fruits are almost entirely sugar (coming from fructose), but a whole fruit also contains plenty of fiber and vitamins that are lost when you make a juice, bottle it and store it for any amount of time.

“But Isabel. My juice is fortified with calcium, Vit D and iron (or whatever they are fortifying juice with these days).”

When you “fortify” any food or drink with a vitamin and/or a mineral, your body is smart enough to know that this is not the real version of this particular nutrient. So much so, that it will choose not to use it. Yes, all of these fortified products are not giving you the vitamins and minerals you need. You must obtain these from natural sources like real fruits and vegetables (i.e. real food).

So if you’re a juice lover like many people are or have fallen for the “juice is healthy” trap, here are a few strategies to help you get your juice fix while simultaneously following a healthy eating plan.

1. Buy a quality juicer and make your own juice. There are so many different delicious and nutritious juices you can make in a juicer that will give you a super boost of vitamins/minerals and super nutrition. One of my favorite is carrot, apple and ginger. Be careful though! If you’re anything like me and sensitive to too much sugar at once, I would suggest having a serving of 4 oz or less or mixing your 4 oz with some water. I would also suggest juicing primarily vegetables and not as many fruits. This is a great way to get in some serious nutrition without having to eat vegetables all day long (a great option for children). I would also combine your fresh juice with a protein and healthy fat to keep your blood sugar balanced.

It is best to drink freshly made juice right away, as the longer it is stored, the more it will decline in nutrition. You can put your juice in a glass jar with an airtight lid and fill it to the very top. There should be a minimum amount of air in the jar as the oxygen in air (air is about 20 percent oxygen) will “oxidize” and damage the juice. Wrap the jar with aluminum foil to block out all light. Light damages the juice.

2. Make my favorite “tea juice“. If you haven’t seen this recipe in the Diet Solution Recipe Guide, here it is again:

5-6 bags caffeine-free herbal tea (e.g., peach, mint, chamomile, or fruit tea)

3 quarts boiling water

Stevia powder (or liquid) to taste

Pour water over tea bags in a large pot. Add stevia while tea is hot. (Adjust amount
according to the desired sweetness.)
Let the tea cool, remove tea bags, transfer tea to a serving pitcher or individual water bottles, and refrigerate.

3. Make your own DSP approved lemonade. My business partner loves this and drinks it almost daily (be careful if you’re sensitive to citrus or too much lemon.) Mix the juice from half a lemon, 5 drops of liquid stevia and 12oz of water in a large cup. Add more stevia or lemon based on your taste. This drink is a great alternative to people who need a bit more flavor than plain water all day.

So what did I end up serving my thirsty employee? Water! (And she bought juice when we went out to lunch). Oh well, I tried.

Filed under:
Health by Isabel

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Best Pilates Workout Exercises

2010-10-15T08:19:00.000+08:00

If you are like many Americans, you are looking for an easy way to stay fit and lose weight without too much exertion. And while numerous exercise routines and diet plans are well known, no other seems to provide the same level of mental and physical benefits as Pilates.

Pilates is essentially a series of simple, but strategic, stretching and floor exercises which target key muscle groups or areas of the body. With minimal effort, the novice fitness enthusiast can gain remarkable results by engaging in Pilates exercises a few minutes every other day.

In order to begin using the Pilates technique, it is important to first know and understand the “Powerhouse.” Generally speaking, the Powerhouse is the group of muscles found in the lower back, gluteals, and abdominals, also known as the core muscle areas or center of strength. It can be further understood by visualizing a square between the hipbones and lower ribs area. This area must be engaged before any other Pilates movements are conducted.

In order to engage the Powerhouse, follow these steps:

Stand straight and tall Avoid locking your knees Slightly and gently pull your navel inward toward the spine Slightly tuck under your hips

As you engage the Powerhouse region, you will feel your body standing taller and straighter than ever before. It is advised to practice engaging the Powerhouse throughout the day, regardless of location or present occupation. Eventually, maintaining the Powerhouse in an engaged state will become second nature. Likewise, you will experience the best results from Pilates if you can keep the core engaged during exercise.

If you search for “Pilates Exercises” on the web, you might feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of exercise techniques and methods, each with its own unique instructions. These exercises, for the most part, are not intended for the beginner, nor will they provide the same remarkable results as the following simple Pilates techniques. The five easiest and best Pilates workout exercises are:

The Hundred Rolling Like a Ball Roll Up Saw Teaser

All of these exercises are very useful for strengthening the body, promoting stability, and increasing flexibility. In addition, they are very good for relieving lower back pain or preventing it altogether. Each Pilates workout exercise is easy to do, even for the beginner, but beneficial for everyone regardless of fitness level, age, or physical capabilities. Since each exercise is performed on the floor, it is recommended that a good exercise mat be purchased and used during the Pilates workout.

This exercise includes one basic beginning set, one vigorous set, and one relaxation set of exercises. While engaging in each set, it is important to relax the neck muscles, relying more on the core muscles to reduce neck pain. While there is no limit to the number of repetitions one can engage in while doing this exercise, it is recommended that the beginning student start by doing only one round of each set.

Start by lying flat on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms to your sides. Engage your powerhouse core, then exhale as you gently lift your shoulders and head up off the floor and toward your knees. Lift your arms to a parallel position, even with your hips. To execute this exercise, draw your knees toward your chest, then lift the lower legs to a table top position (as if you were placing your legs on top of a table). Take a deep breath, then as you exhale begin pumping your arms vigorously beside your body. Continue this exercise with controlled breaths, inhaling for five seconds, then exhaling for five seconds. Flatten your belly down and into the floor mat with every exhale. Continue this exercise, pumping vigorously and in this position, for 3 inhale/exhale cycles.Continuing from the same position as in the beginning set, straighten your legs out and upward in a 45 degree angle. Pump your arms once again for 3 sets of inhale/exhale cycles, holding your legs out by engaging the powerhouse core.Draw your knees into your chest. Wrap your arms around your knees. Exhale and inhale deeply and slowly for 3 counts

At the end of this exercise, you will have pumped your arms approximately 100 times, thus the reason for its name: “The Hundred.”

In the rolling like a ball exercise, the purpose is the massage the spine while engaging the entire core and promoting balance. You will engage your powerhouse core, balance on your hips, then roll backwards onto the mat while exhaling. It is very important to engage this exercise with proper flow and execution. Start by sitting up straight and tall, knees bent and pulled up against your chest, feet flat on the floor. Wrap your arms around your legs, tightening the core muscles. Lift your feet, floating them above the floor as you further balance your weight. Tuck your tailbone in toward your toes, pull in your stomach, and press your spine inward toward your legs. There should be a slight separation of the feet. Tuck your head down, resting your forehead on your knees. At this point, all of your weight should be balanced exclusively on your bottom, with the core doing all of the balancing work. Tuck your tailbone under so much and pull back through the waist that your whole body loses its balance and rolls backward onto the floor mat to the shoulders. Do not allow your upper shoulders or head to hit the floor. Immediately rock back up, inhaling and exhaling as you complete this rocking motion. Regain your center of balance, then repeat step 6.

This exercise should be repeated three to five times. During execution, be sure to keep your form in the proper position to minimize muscle strain.

The purpose of this exercise is spinal articulation, to lengthen and strengthen the legs, and to promote strength in the abdominals.

Lie with your back flat against the floor, legs tight together, toes pointed toward the ceiling, and arms down at your side. Lift your arms straight above your head, hands and fingers pointed toward the ceiling. Engage the powerhouse core muscles by focusing your energy and attention on the area. Inhale for five seconds, and during the 5 second exhale draw your chin down into your chest then roll your whole body upward into a sitting-up position. While sitting up, keep the chin against the chest, keep your arms and hands rigid, and attempt to stretch forward beyond your toes. Hold for 5 seconds, then exhale for 5 as you slowly roll back down onto the floor.

During this exercise, it is important to keep the core muscles engaged, using them exclusively to lift your body. Do not attempt to jerk your body upward, as this will engage improper muscle groups, resulting in muscle strain or pain. If you cannot complete the entire roll up exercise using only your core muscles, go as far as you physically can. Over time, your body will gain strength and the exercise will become quite easy.

The saw is a multi-part exercise. Each part in and of itself is rather simple, but putting all of the parts together may take a little getting used to. The saw is an amazing Pilates exercise that targets virtually every part of the body, with remarkable results. It promotes thigh flexibility and strength, spinal alignment, and core muscle strength. It “wrings out” the kidneys, lungs, and digestive tract, while keeping the spine long at the same time. The individual parts of the saw includes: Set-up Warm-up Engagement Recovery

Each of these steps must be followed, otherwise full benefits cannot be enjoyed and muscle injury may occur. In addition, by following proper techniques, you will be assured that your efforts are not in vain.

During the set-up portion of this exercise, you will be positioning your body in a strategic manner for maximum results. Sit up on the floor mat, feet and legs out in front of you, shoulder width apart. Keeping your back straight and tall, allow your arms to hang freely to the side. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, exhale for five seconds.Press your thighs into the floor, pulling your toes inward toward your body and pressing your heels outward. Lift your arms straight out to each side of your body, hands and fingers pointed. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, and exhale for 5. Engage the core muscles during this period of time. During the next inhale, stretch your spine as tall and straight as possible. Remember to keep your thighs pressed firmly into the floor and your hips straight. During the exhale, twist your upper body so that one arm is pointing straight in front of you while the other is pointing behind. Hold this position for three seconds. During the inhale, return your body to a straight position. Repeat step 5, twisting in the opposite direction.

Go through this exercise three times, then relax the body, remaining in a seated position.

The engagement portion of this exercise is similar to the warm-up, with an added feature.

Return to the same position as in the warm-up. Prepare to twist the body to one side or the other. As you exhale and twist, go further than during the warm-up by attempting to grab your toes with the opposite hand. Your other arm should stretch long behind you. As you reach the toe, allow your fingers to remain straight. Make your fingers go past and to the opposite side of your foot. This should be completed in a sweeping motion, as if your hand is a saw and is sawing off your toes. Inhale as you return to the starting position, exhale and repeat in the opposite direction.

In this exercise, it is important to avoid repositioning your hips. It may seem that you are off-balance without repositioning, but it is important to avoid doing so in order to engage the proper muscles and produce desired benefits.

If you have difficulty reaching your toes, do not despair. Your strength and flexibility will improve over time. Simply stretch as far as you can in the right direction, and you will also gain lasting benefits.

The teaser is a very popular Pilates exercise. While some may claim that it is a difficult exercise, in reality it is more about practice than about difficulty. It is designed to strengthen the abs and promote spinal flexibility. In this exercise, you will be forming your body into the shape of a V. Essentially, you are attempting to touch your toes in mid-air, stopping before reaching your destination. Start by lying on the floor mat. Straighten your arms out and above your head on the floor. Draw in your knees, feet on the floor. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 3, exhale for 5. As you lay on the floor, be certain that your entire back is imprinted on the floor mat. You should not allow your spine to protrude or arch during this exercise. Lift your legs to a 45 degree angle, keeping them straight and together. Point your toes. Slowly and methodically, during your next exhale, float your arms, shoulders, and head toward your legs, allowing your body to roll upward into a seated position as you attempt to touch your toes. Do not allow your legs to go back to the floor. Rather, keep them elevated as you lift the upper portion of your body. Your legs may drop slightly, but should never be totally disengaged. Avoid tensing your thigh muscles. Instead, suck in your stomach as you lift. Your body should now be in the form of a V, legs held high, hands and arms pointing toward your feet. There should be a gap of approximately 20-30 degrees between your legs and your arms. As you exhale, curl your body back toward the floor. Keep the legs elevated. Return your legs to the 45 degrees point. Repeat

These Pilates exercises are very useful for core stability and strength, and provide useful benefits throughout the body. If Pilates interests you, or if you would like to learn more exercises, there are numerous resources, DVD’s, and books on Pilates. Also, you may wish to consider joining one of many Pilates classes offered at fitness centers and community buildings throughout the nation.

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Research on Obesity in the United States

2010-10-15T03:54:00.000+08:00

How much does obesity cost the United States? See the following infographic for details.

It highlights work and health care costs by state, as well as comparing the states to one another.

Arizona, where it is hot, has the lowest percent of obese people in the country. Either the heat forces them to move away, or they sweat it off. The old grade school joke about the desert being so hot that only one S can grow there perhaps some foundation in reality.

Alaska is a leader in obesity – perhaps its to cold to go out and do anything, or people need the extra layers for warmth. What other area is right up there with Alaska on the leader board? Washington D. C. … no doubt some politicians and greasy lobbyists are living high on the hog.

Click on the mini-snapshot image below to open up the full extended infographic in your web browser.

View the original article here

Adding “Exercise” to your To Do List

2010-10-15T00:48:00.000+08:00

By Elizabeth Perez

You’re having a strange dream. You can’t identify the sound but it just won’t stop. Finally, the noise wakes you up and you realize your alarm clock is going off. Time to start another day.

You start the shower, wash up, get dressed and head out to the kitchen. Time to make coffee, breakfast, pack lunches and get the kids up and ready for school. You think about everything that you have to do today, which includes finishing that big project at work, interviewing candidates for a new position, stopping by the grocery store to pick up dinner, picking up the kids from school, taking the kids to sports practice, cleaning the house and checking homework.

No where on your list does it say anything about taking time for yourself to exercise. And how could it possibly say that? Where could you pencil that in between everything else that has to get done?

The truth is, if you don’t make yourself take the time to workout, you won’t. And you can’t really count all of your running around and house cleaning as exercise. You need to maintain a consistent increased heart rate for longer than it takes you to vacuum your house.

Finding the time to workout can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. According to an article published on Goodhealth.com, (http://www.goodhealth.com/articles/2008/09/05/how_often_should_you_exercise) “adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy.” That is probably less time than you spend watching TV on a daily basis. You can find the time to get healthy and improve the way you feel. It is simply a matter of penciling yourself in to your schedule.

For the next two weeks, take a moment before you start your day and write out your to do list. Include everything that you have to do, and everything that you want to do. Set your priorities and make sure that you do what must be done. Make working out one of your top priorities. By seeing everything written out and knowing what you need to do, you will find that you have more time than you thought. Instead of the 25 minutes you spend surfing the net for new clothes, allot that time for a run. Rather than spending two hours watching the Seinfeld marathon, take half an hour and do yoga. You don’t have to travel to a gym to workout. There are literally hundreds of ways to workout at home for free. Simply doing an Internet search for “workouts at home” will provide you with pages of great, free workouts.

It’s time for you to make yourself a priority. And don’t feel guilty about it either. If you are afraid you’re taking time away from your kids or spouse, consider this: a healthier you makes for a happier you. Your family will appreciate the change and will respect the fact that you make time to workout. In turn, they will be prone to follow in your footsteps and make exercising a priority in their lives as well.

Elizabeth Perez is a freelance writer and blogger living in the Tampa Bay area. She holds a bachelor’s degree is mass communications from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Currently, she works for a non-profit where she writes press releases and web content. Follow her blog and see recent work at her website, WhosGotAPen.com.

View the original article here

Hey Ladies, Put Down the Cigs!

2010-10-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

By Elizabeth Perez on September 28th, 2010
Photo Courtesy Valentin.Ottone

For all of you women out there who smoke, I have one bit of advice for you that might just save your life. Quit smoking.

The list of health issues caused by smoking is lengthy for both men and women, but women who smoke are even more likely to develop serious medical conditions.

According to an article on the Mayo Clinic website, women who smoke run a higher risk of succumbing to one of the top five illnesses that affect women, which are heart disease, cancer, stroke, COPD and Alzheimer’s disease.

It has been said that breaking a habit takes around two weeks. And for you smokers out there, that could seem like a lifetime. You may be worried about all the stigmas attached to quitting smoking: you’ll gain weight, you’ll be moody and cranky, you’ll get terrible headaches. But the truth is, if you can stick it out for a handful of weeks, the benefits of quitting smoking will far outweigh how bad you feel for a few weeks. And there are plenty of resources available to you if you want to put down that cigarette.

A great resource is the Smoke Free website, www.smokefree.gov, which provides you with tools and resources to help you stop the unhealthy habit. The site also has a step-by-step guide to help you quit and an option to speak with someone for advice. Kicking the habit can be very hard and you don’t have to do it alone. Talking with someone about your struggle may just be the push you need to help you quit.

There are also various inventions that can assist you in your journey. Whether you try to nicotine patch, nicotine gum or the fairly new electronic cigarette, find what works for you and stick with it. The health of all your organs depends on it.

The fact of the matter is smoking does nothing but harm your body. The longer you smoke, the higher risk you run of developing a serious health condition that could dramatically alter or even your life. You are worth more than that.

View the original article here

How Celebs Keep The Weight Off

2010-10-14T16:57:00.000+08:00

By Susan Gernhart on September 29th, 2010

I rarely have any sympathy for celebrities who whine about their difficult lives. NO TIME? How about all the “real life” moms and dads out there who are juggling jobs, parenthood and everyday responsibilities without the help of managers, nannies and drivers? NO PRIVACY? Puh-lease. You know you crave the spotlight. (I’m talking to you Diddy, Kardashian clan and Jersey Shore cast.) CAN’T GET A DATE? Well, I’m single and… well, let’s not go there.

At times, my inner green-eyed monster makes an appearance while leafing through magazines or watching the red carpet pre-awards show specials. What can I say; I’m a girl and comparing myself to others is in my DNA. So yes, I do get a tad envious watching some of these real-life muses of perfection glide towards the Kodak Theatre without a bump, lump, sag or zit in sight. Perhaps money can’t buy you love, but it can certainly snag you a top-notch fitness trainer and personal chef. (0r, a lifelong membership to one of those meal home delivery services for a $800 a month.)

This week, Kelly Osbourne and Drew Carey adorn the covers of US Weekly and Parade respectively, as Ozzy’s daughter and ‘The Price is Right’ host reveal their recent weight loss milestones. Osbourne has gone from a size 14 to a size 2, and Carey has 77 pounds with a goal to lose 15 more.

The former ‘Dancing With The Stars’ contestant tells US, “Everyone always asks ‘What is the secret’? but there is no secret. It is the old-fashioned way of making a commitment to yourself and waking up every day and doing it.”

Interesting. No surgical procedure? No super-cleanse? No detox diet? No extreme… anything?! I kept reading and realized that despite the difference in our bank accounts, I could actually apply the stars’ tried and true lifestyle tips by just making a few changes in my diet and exercise routine. (The same US article featured some other celebs who have successfully beat their battles of the bulge the right way.)

? Jennifer Hudson’s Tip – Watch portions
? Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Tip – Find what (exercise routine) motivates you
? Reese Witherspoon’s Tip – Keep workouts varied
? Ricki Lake’s Tip – Always set new goals
? Kourtney Kardashian – Stick to little meals (5-6 per day)
? Carrie Underwood – Keep a food diary (I’ve tried this but eventually get tired of my pens running out of ink. But it does help!)
? Katherine Heigl’s Tip – Chase after the baby
? Tyra Banks’ Tip – Walk off the extra pounds

Their advice isn’t rocket science or expensive and truth be told, each tip is attainable and manageable no matter what our schedule or budgets. I’m not saying that losing weight is easy (if only), but it’s good to know that these ladies – who oftentimes feel like inhabitants of another planet {Planet Hollywood!} – have (or, had) the same issues and challenges as us everyday folk. And that we can share in their solutions to a better us and bask in our own little spotlight! (Paparazzi not included.)

Hi there! My name is Susan Gernhart and after spending my entire life in New York (raised on Long Island then college upstate followed by 13 years as a Manhattan-ite), I moved down to Tampa, FL in May 2009. Speaking of changes, I've recently made a decision to leave my job so I could concentrate on a freelance career full-time. I've spent most of my career in the sports and entertainment industry (specifically marketing & promotions) and despite my decision to leave the "work world", I have loved every minute of it! I'm certainly no expert, but love writing, running, and desserts (I'm also a full-time snack-aholic) and I look forward to contributing, learning and sharing on this site!

View the original article here

How to Make A Nutrisystem Lasagna Meal in 4 Minutes or Less

2010-10-14T12:01:00.000+08:00

By Israel Lagares on September 30th, 2010

I’ve been eating Nutrisystem for about two months now. My favorite dinner is the lasagna. Here I show you how quick and easy it can be to make a Nutrisystem meal including some raw vegetables in less than 4 minutes! I was rushing to prepare my dinner because I had to workout shortly after. As you can see, it’s super fast! Plus eating raw veggies is good for you!

Steps for Preparing Nutrisystem’s Lasagna Dinner Meal
1. Take the tray out of the box.
2. Place in microwave and cook for one minute or so, depending on your microwave’s power settings.
3. Clean and prepare vegetables to accompany your Nutrisystem meal.
4. Place veggies and Nutrisystem lasagna on dish.
5. Sit down and ENJOY!!!!

Disclaimer: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem Blogger 15 program. Views expressed here are my own. If you are interested in learning more, visit Nutrisystem.

View the original article here

Shake Things Up in the Morning

2010-10-14T08:16:00.000+08:00

By Elizabeth Perez on October 06th, 2010

Are you rushing around in the morning? Do you find yourself always missing breakfast? Are you constantly stopping off at that local coffee shop for an overpriced latte that just doesn’t satisfy your hunger?

Well, Herbalife may be your beacon in the night…er morning.

The Herbalife healthy meal nutritional shake mix may be just what you’ve been looking for to give you that extra oomph in the morning. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals (if taking vitamins on an empty stomach bothers you, you may want to eat a banana or piece of toast with it to avoid an upset stomach) and doesn’t taste half bad either. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t taste like an iced, two-pump vanilla latte with extra whipped cream, but it goes down easy. I was expecting a chalky, protein shake taste, but it wasn’t like that. I still can’t quite put my finger on the taste. But it was enjoyable.

Mixing up the shake in the morning takes all of about five seconds. You add two heaping tablespoons of the powder to eight ounces of cold milk, and viola! Breakfast is served! The good thing about the shake is that, mixed with eight ounces of nonfat milk, it registers at 170 calories and one gram of fat. It also has nine grams of protein, which is more than you’ll get from drinking a latte alone for breakfast.

As a guide, the container offers some tips on using the shake. It gives tips for best results, weight loss, healthy nutrition and weight management. Herbalife does recommend adding additional protein to your diet, whether in the form of a protein powder or lean, high protein food sources.

Try it out for yourself and see what you think. Your latte breakfasts could be a thing of the past!

You can find it on Herbalife’s website here.

View the original article here

Week seven, and I Am in Heaven with BistroMD

2010-10-14T03:41:00.000+08:00

By Frank Cruz on October 08th, 2010

Hello everyone!! It is me again, your fellow soldier Frank C. of Fat Man Unleashed on a mission with BistroMD to put a, “Death to the Yo-Yo Life!” Things have been going exactly as planned. At this rate I believe I should complete my mission before the end of 2010. I look forward to that day, until then I will continue fight the good fight.

I have fought in this war on my own for years, and it has been hell. I am in battle, fighting in the frontlines of this warzone, but BistroMD is making this experience feel like heaven. Ever since they joined forces with me, this war has become a walk in the park. They have taken much of the load of my shoulders, now I can focus more on my target, and in due time I will reach it.

Right now I am feasting on the “Moroccan-inspired” Chicken breast with Lentil Salad. It tastes like the chicken breast came right off the grill. At times, I wonder how it stays so fresh. Even the gravy topping feels like, it came straight from the pot, and on to my chicken.

For tonight’s dinner I will be eating one of my favorites, Gulf Rock Shrimp, and Pasta. Jumbo style shrimp, seasoned to perfection, and served with whole wheat pasta. I feel like I am going to start drooling just thinking about it. Opps, there it went, I caught it right before it hit my keyboard lol!

That is all the briefing I have for now my fellow warriors. Until you hear from me again, continue fighting the good fight. I leave with this; when the pain kicks in, your body begins to numb, and you’re ready to give up, you’re almost to the end. So don’t stop, just keep it moving. This is Frank C., from Fat Man Unleashed, on a mission with BistroMD to fight the war against obesity. Together we will fight, and put a, “Death to the Yo-Yo Life” once and for all!!

Disclaimer: All products have been supplied by BistroMD. Views expressed here are my own. If you are interested in learning more, visit BistroMD.

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Frank Cruz. I am a former fat man who’s almost completely unleashed. I had an appetite that could not be satisfied. Four years ago I stepped on the scale, and was blown away when I saw the shocking number: 298. On January 1st, 2009 I decided to make a real change and I mean, mind, body, and soul. From that day forth I was on a mission to lose this weight. Something switched deep in my subconscious; I saw myself like a new man. That’s when the real change began, when my mind and soul won the battle over my body. Today I invite you to join me on a mission to transform your lives. This is truly a difficult task, but one that can be accomplished. I know how to do this; I have the road map to success!! Come and join me, and you too can be UNLEASHED.

View the original article here

A Quick Nutrisystem Weight Loss Update

2010-10-13T22:57:00.000+08:00

By Israel Lagares on October 11th, 2010

This is just a quick update on my Nutrisystem journey. Things are getting really busy for me, but I’m still doing my thing with Nutrisystem. I recently received a new monthly order of food. I chose a few different meals and am so glad I did. I added the spaghetti and meatballs dinner and a new sausage and rice lunch. They are both excellent! For breakfast I decided to add the cluster crunch cereal and the cinnamon roll bar. Both taste amazingly delicious int he morning.

Aside from that, I am pretty close to achieving the goal that I had set for my Nutrisystem journey. I am unofficially at 28 lbs lost so far while on Nutrisystem. Part of it is due to the exercise regimen I have undertaken, and part of it is due to the food that is being provided to me. Nutrisystem makes its ridiculously easy to eat.

You pick your meals, eat them. Done. Preparing them is a fast and easy. It completely eliminates the worry of “what am I going to eat”. Which, to be honest, has been one of the most difficult parts of getting in shape for me.

So, I’m rocking and rolling. I’ll have a more detailed update soon. For now, keep on keeping on!

Disclaimer: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem Blogger 15 program. Views expressed here are my own. If you are interested in learning more, visit Nutrisystem.

View the original article here

Ever had Back Pain…you must read this.

2010-10-13T19:07:00.000+08:00

With the increased number of questions, emails and comments we’ve been getting here at the Diet Solution, I’ve decided to share a few valuable and f-r-e-e resources today that will be incredibly helpful to anyone suffering from any type of back pain.

I know it may be a little surprising to hear that a “Nutrition” website get questions about back pain, but so many people are not able to participate in any kind of an exercise program because they are limited by their back pain. This, of course, affects how easily and quickly they’re able to lose weight and they, then, come to us for some help.

This is also a topic that is quite near and dear to my heart because my husband, Stewart, has been battling back pain since his college years. Changing Stewart’s diet (as you are going to read below) has dramatically improved his back pain (not to mention his knee pain as well) and he would be the first to tell you that of all the things he has tried in the past, changing his eating habits has been the most effective and long lasting relief he’s ever gotten for his back and joints.

But before I share the exact lists of foods that will be the first step in you experiencing the same relief in your back pain, I want to give you the link to a f-r-e-e book that I think is one of the most important books I have ever read about living pain free.

The principles in this book are so simple and yet so critical to understand to make sure that you live your life without back pain, neck pain or any other type of physical pain.

The book is called “The 7 Day Back Pain Cure” and the author of the book Jesse Cannone, is actually giving it away right now for f-r-e-e for a limited time.

Check out what he’s doing and how you can get a copy by clicking on this link:

http://NoMoreBackPain.thedsp.info

And after you’ve grabbed your f-r-e-e book, be sure to read this important article by Steve Hefferon, from the Healthy Back Institute. I love how he gives a detailed chart on exactly which foods to eat and which foods to avoid to control inflammation. As a result, controlling inflammation will help to alleviate back pain. He also goes into some other great “lifestyle” tips that are absolutely necessary, not only for pain control, but healthy weight loss as well.

You can read the article here:

http://inflammationfoods.thedsp.info

Got that?

F-r-e-e Book on how to relieve Back Pain here:

http://NoMoreBackPain.thedsp.info

Awesome article on exactly which foods to eat and not eat to relieve back and joint pain here:

http://inflammationfoods.thedsp.info

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

Here’s a fun, kick butt workout…no gym required.

2010-10-13T16:02:00.000+08:00

You’ve probably heard me say this a million times (so I’ll say it again)…

You’ve got to keep your workouts fresh, fun, new and exciting, otherwise there’s no way you’re going to stick with them. They also MUST be realistic and coordinate well with your lifestyle.

Here’s what I mean…

Let’s say someone said to me that the only way to get in shape was to go to the gym at exactly 7am every morning for at least an hour or more. Well, thank goodness that is not the case because 7am is just about the worst time for me to workout (that’s when my son wakes up), the gym is not very easy to get to on most days (did I mention said son is 11 months old?) and I do NOT have over an hour to spend at the gym (I mean, who does, right?).

Now what if someone said that there are an endless number of ways that you can get in shape, at whatever time of the day is best for you and you can do your workouts at a gym, at home or anywhere that is convenient for you? That sounds like something that would actually work right?

Lucky for me, I never have a shortage of fun workouts to choose from to keep my exercise plan new and exciting. Fitness authors from all around the world have been so generous as to share their books and programs with me for my review and when a good one comes my way, I’m always happy to share it with you.

But the last one I got comes with a bit of a funny story…

I received an email from a guy by the name of Scott, asking me if I wanted to read and try out his new fitness program. Sure, why not? I’m always up for something new.

Well, when I opened up the file he sent me, a wave of fear came over me…TACFIT Commando? Who does this guy think I am? GI Jane? He’s clearly never met me…short, petite, new mommy who wears heals at every occasion.

I was actually a little intimidated to say the least. This just didn’t seem to be something I could handle. It looked like something army recruits would be doing, not something little ‘old me could do.

But, hey, I’m willing to try anything once and as long as I didn’t have to perform this in public, who cares how embarrassing or wimpy I looked.

Well, let me tell you, not only was the workout something I could definitely handle, it was super fun, yet challenging at the same time and was all done right in my living room. I think what made it so enjoyable was that it was totally different…a completely new way of training that I’ve never done before (and I did feel a little like a tough momma there for a second…that’s right, don’t mess with me.)

And the best part was I did the entire workout in 30 minutes and didn’t need any equipment at all. How’s that for simple?

Now I’m going to ask Scott if it’s ok if I share one of my workouts with you (and I’m pretty sure he’ll say yes) but until then, take a look at Scott’s TACFIT Commando program here:

http://fitcommando.thedsp.info

The full TACFIT Commando program is available now and to celebrate its debut, they’re doing a special 51% off sale.

http://fitcommando.thedsp.info

Not only that, there’s a special surprise waiting for you on that page to go along with your new kick butt workouts.

Here’s to kicking butt!

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

Increase heart, brain, and joint health with this

2010-10-13T11:37:00.000+08:00

I just finished reading this article about Omega-3s and wanted to send it your way because it’s a great read. As you know, I’m a big advocate of including a lot of Omega-3s into your meal plans and this article confirms why.

http://fishoilforyou.getprograde.com/why-you-need-omega3-fats.html

http://fishoilforyou.getprograde.com/why-you-need-essential-fatty-acids-part2.html

After reading articles like these that explain exactly why you need to include Omega-3s in your diet, I wanted to share a delicious Omega-3 meal with you! So here’s a recipe for Grilled Salmon with Lime Butter.

Ingredients:

6 (6-oz.) pieces center-cut salmon fillet (about 1 inch thick) with skin1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh lime zest6 tablespoons lime butter sauce (recipe below)

Preparation:

Prepare grill for cooking over medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas).Season salmon all over with salt and pepper, then grill, flesh sides down, on lightly oiled grill rack (covered only if using gas grill) for 4 minutes. Turn fillets over and grill (covered only if using gas grill) until just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes more. Sprinkle fillets with zest and top each with 1 tablespoon lime butter sauce.

*If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the salmon and use the lime butter sauce.

Lime Butter Sauce:

Ingredients:

1 large garlic clove, chopped1/4 cup fresh lime juice1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Preparation:

Puree garlic with lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth. With motor running, add melted butter and blend until emulsified, about 30 seconds.

Enjoy your super healthy and filled with Omega-3s meal!

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

The Details of My Own Personal Weight Loss

2010-10-13T07:27:00.000+08:00

As per many reader’s requests, I just filmed a video where I give you all the details of my own personal weight loss journey.

To hear more about…

What healthy foods I eat all dayThe specifics of my own workout regimenExactly what motivates meHow I overcome life’s challenges and what strategies I use when things get toughThe details of my own weight loss journeyWhat are some staple items in my kitchen

…listen to the audio interview I did just a few weeks ago here:

http://fitpro.thedsp.info/

You’ll also get access to interviews with interview with 10 other top fitness professionals.? People like Joel Marion, Holly Rigsby, Tom Venuto, Vince DelMonte and many many more.

Check out those really great stories here:

http://fitpro.thedsp.info/

Filed under:
Health, Video, Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

The truth about CORN

2010-10-13T02:49:00.000+08:00

There’s nothing like a good piece of corn on the cob at your summer barbeque or your buttered popcorn to go along with your favorite movie, right? Or wrong?

This question seems to be coming up more and more often…

Isabel, are corn and foods made from corn allowable on The DSP?

Well, the answer is yes, BUT there are a few details you need to know first (you didn’t think I was just going to leave it at that, did you?)

It’s been approximated that about 60% of the corn, now in the U.S., is genetically modified (although, I do think this number is higher now). The practice of genetically modifying corn began in an attempt to make corn crops resistant to certain pesticides. This helps the farmer because they are then able to grow a larger crop because it is easier to fight off pests (they can spray the crops with pesticides and get rid of insects without damaging their crop).

Sweet corn has also been genetically modified (now called Bt-corn) so that it produces a poison which kills harmful insects. This means the farmer no longer needs to fight insects with insecticides.

Now although some of these may sound like a good thing (especially if you’re a farmer!), we need to consider how GMO foods respond in our bodies and what kind of long term effects they can have on our health.

Well, because the introduction of GMO foods is still relatively new, we’re in a way being used as “guinea pigs” in a massive experiment (Yikes!). In April 2007, Arpad Pusztai, form the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, UK, announced that experiments had shown intestinal changes in rats caused by eating genetically engineered potatoes (and I don’t know about you, but I’m not happy about anybody trying to mess with my intestines).

This actually doesn’t surprise me. It’s amazing to me how many more people now complain of things like irritable bowel syndrome and other nagging digestive problems. I’m not saying that eating GMO foods is the only cause for these conditions but I’m sure it’s a significant contributor (along with processed foods, but that’s a story for a different day).

Ok, so what if you’re able to get non-GMO corn? (Which it is difficult to know which brands and items are GMO and which are not) where does corn fit into your DSP meal plan?

First, your body reads corn as a grain, NOT a vegetable so if you are to include it into your meals, this will be the grain (carbohydrate) for your meal. So having corn and brown rice would be having 2 grains in one meal. This is not necessarily off limits and not “bad” in any way, just consider if you are someone who is sensitive to grains, you will lose weight faster by greatly reducing the number of grains you eat each day. You may want to take 2 – 3 weeks and follow the “no grain” meal plans in the Diet Solution manual and see if that helps break through any weight loss plateaus and/or helps your digestion.

What about microwave popcorn?

Well even the organic varieties contain preservatives (of course to keep them in the bag) and have been shown to contain the same chemical coating in the bag that is used on non-stick cookware (double YIKES!). I would stay away from this stuff.

How about air popped popcorn?

This is your best bet and can definitely be used as an occasional snack. But notice I said “occasional”. Remember most people lose weight faster by decreasing (not necessarily eliminating) many grains. Snacking on popcorn every day could and most likely will, impede your weight loss efforts.

I hope this information helps you to make a more informed decision at your next barbeque and at your next movie night. Remember, corn is not off limits by any means, just remember you’re looking for the non-GMO varieties and including it as a grain and not a vegetable into your meal plans.

Filed under:
Weight Loss by Isabel

View the original article here

Your Diet Solution Restaurant Guide

2010-10-12T22:45:00.001+08:00

I recently celebrated my 33rd birthday. Since I’m much too old for a party at the roller rink, my husband took me out to a wonderful birthday dinner with some friends.

“Isabel , what do you mean you went out to dinner? I thought you locked yourself up in your house and only ate directly from your own refrigerator and never left the house?”

As funny and ridiculous as the above statement is, unfortunately some people do think that in order to lose weight they can never eat out or enjoy some of their favorite foods ever again. But I can tell you that I have not stopped dining out or attending social events in the name of healthy eating, and yes, I am still am able to maintain my 30 lb weight loss.

So how do I do it?

Easy. I search the menu for DSP approved foods and make adjustments if needed.

Here’s what I mean.

My best strategy for dining out is to create a meal of protein and lots of veggies. I tend to skip the complex carb when I’m out since it’s never quite as healthy as it would be if I was to make it in my own home (yes, there are exceptions but this seems to be the case more often than not). With that being said, of course most foods would be healthier when you cook them at home but again, we’re not locking ourselves up in the house, right?

Let’s say there is a fish dish on the menu. In the case of my birthday dinner, there was a grilled rainbow trout, stuffed with crab over wild rice with a side of mixed vegetables. “Stuffed” usually means there are going to be breadcrumbs involved so I first asked if it was possible to get the grilled fish without the stuffing. The waiter said “of course.” I then asked if I could have double the vegetable and skip the rice and he again responded “of course.” When my meal came it was a delicious piece of grilled rainbow trout with a medley of carrots and zucchini on the side.

The next thing you want to pay close attention to is the portions. My fish had to be approximately 8 oz (I could tell by just looking at it). I ate a little bit more than half (which was more than enough for me) and ate all my veggies.

How about dessert? Depending on the day or the occasion, I will sometimes split a dessert with my husband. And since it was my birthday celebration, I did have some Peanut Butter and Chocolate mousse with berries on the side. Was there anything DSP about this dessert? Definitely not. But I was happy with just a few spoonfuls and it definitely did not make or break my healthy eating regimen.

So just in case you think restaurants or social events are completely off limits on your healthy Diet Solution Plan, follow the steps below so you don’t have to lock yourself in the house just to lose weight:

1. Look for the healthy protein on the menu first. Chances are you’re not going to find grass fed meat and free range poultry (although many restaurants do carry them now) but since you are not eating out every day of the week (I hope) just look for your best option. I tend to order wild fish when I’m out since I’m not so great at cooking it and really love it.

2. Eliminate the complex carb choice from your meal and ask for a vegetable replacement instead. If the dish comes with rice, potatoes, or pasta, ask if they have different vegetables available and choose a few of those.

3. Imagine there is poison on the bottom of the bread basket. Ok, ok, I don’t have to be so dramatic. But there really is no reason to fill up on tons of bread when you have a yummy meal coming really soon. Even if you’re hungry, order a small salad instead and stay away from the dreaded bread basket at all costs.

4. Schedule a cheat meal once a week. I will usually share a dessert with my husband over the weekend when we go out and that is my “treat” for the week. Actually, since I really do enjoy all of the food that I eat all week long, I never feel like I’m depriving myself but I do enjoy a little sugar every now and then.

Remember, healthy eating does not have to mean locking yourself up in a closet and never going out in the real world…that would be completely unrealistic and not something anyone could do. Walk into each social situation with a game plan and you’ll find that you can still enjoy life and feel great and look great at the same time!

View the original article here

The truth about common weight loss myths

2009-08-18T12:16:00.000+08:00

When it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, it seems that everyone has a piece of advice to offer about the best—or quickest—way to do it. These often unsolicited pearls of wisdom may come from well-meaning folks, but they can be wrong—and sometimes even dangerous. Below, I've mapped out the real deal on some common weight loss myths.

Myth: You must cut tons of calories to pass a plateau.
The real deal: If you dip below 1,500 calories per day, you probably won't be providing your body with the energy required to keep your metabolism up. Cutting as little as 100 calories per day from your diet or slightly increasing the intensity of your workouts is often what it takes to get you past a plateau.

Myth: The more crunches you do, the better your abs.
The real deal: Perform a good series of abdominal crunches daily (or close to it), and you'll definitely get strong abs—but it may not be enough to give you those glistening, six-pack abs that you see in magazines. That's because many people have layers of body fat hiding their abdominal muscles. The only way to expose the muscle is to lose fat. Crunches alone won't give you toned abs; you'll also have to lose weight to be able to see the muscles underneath.

Myth: Cardio is the best way to burn calories.
The real deal: You need cardio and strength workouts. Aerobic workouts promote the production of the enzymes that boost oxygen consumption, and therefore, the burning of calories. Weight training helps maintain and build muscle; muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, which means the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will naturally burn. Now there's a formula for success!

Cardio Training For Fat Loss - Should I Do It BEFORE or AFTER My Weight Training For Best Results?

2009-07-16T18:31:00.002+08:00

By Nick Nilsson

Training for fat loss is not easy and proper cardio training is an important part of the
process. But if you're doing your cardio at the WRONG time, you could be
shooting yourself in the foot! Find out the best time to do it and why.

When it comes to fat loss, one of THE most frequently-asked questions I get is "to maximize fat loss, should I do my cardio before or after my weight training?"

I know there are times when I like to be kept in suspense…

But I'm not going to do that to you here…

Physiologically speaking, if maximum fat loss is your goal and you want to incorporate cardio into your training schedule, you're better off doing your cardio training immediately AFTER your weight training.

Here's why:

1. When you do weight training first, you have more energy and strength for that weight training.

I know cardio junkies won't want to hear this, but intense, QUALITY weight training is actually MORE effective for fat loss than cardio training. Why the emphasis on quality? Well, if you go to the gym and just flail around with light weights for 30 minutes, it's not really going to be very effective for fat loss.

However, if you really put some effort into it and train hard, the metabolic boost you get from weight training (in terms of not only calories burned while doing it but the increase in metabolism after AND the increase in muscle mass you get from weight training) is greater than the boost you get from cardio training. And, when compared to slow, long-duration cardio training, that boost is MUCH greater.

So by performing your weight training FIRST, while you're fresh, you're going to have more energy to put into it and you're going to be stronger. This will increase metabolic and muscle mass stimulation and therefore overall fat loss. It's a win-win situation!

That's not to say you can't do a couple of minutes of cardio as a general warm-up before starting into the weights...just don't do an entire cardio session before weight training. Always keep in mind that the weight training is the REAL engine behind your fat loss efforts.

And if THAT isn't enough to convince you to do cardio after weights, I've got another reason for you…

2. Performing weight training first decreases available blood sugar and puts the body in "fat burning" mode.

When you train with weights, you're performing short, intense muscle contractions. Glucose (blood sugar) is the preferred fuel for driving these intense contractions. As you go through your workout, your body gradually uses up its readily-available supply of sugars and starts mobilizing fat for energy.

Here's the key…mobilizing bodyfat for energy is a process that takes time. If you do your cardio first, your body will be initially working on that blood sugar before getting started on the bodyfat. By the time you're done with cardio and move to weights, THAT is when you're in the optimal fat-burning mode.

But the problem is, fat is NOT an efficient fuel for weight training. By doing cardio first, you use up all the "good" stuff for weight training and force your body to make do with a less powerful fuel source. Your weight training workouts will decrease in quality and your cardio efforts won't be as effective for achieving fat-burning, which is your primary goal!

So basically, you're shooting yourself in the foot TWICE!

Think of your body as a hybrid gas-electric car. This car uses gas to provide more power for acceleration and electricity to provide long-term power for maintaining speed.

Now think of blood sugar as gas and weight training as powerful acceleration. When you press the pedal (performing weight training), you're going to get much better acceleration when you're using the proper fuel (i.e. gas).

If you try and power the acceleration with electricity, you'll go forward but not nearly as quickly as if you were using gas.

The bottom line is this…perform your weight training first so you use up the "fast" energy first. Then, by the time you hit the cardio, you're ALREADY in fat-burning mode and every single second you're doing that cardio is going to be burning more fat than if you did it first.

---

These two reasons apply no matter if you're doing slower, long-duration cardio or high-intensity interval training (which I recommend). The key thing to keep in mind is that WEIGHT TRAINING is what's going to help you change your body FAST…cardio is a useful tool for improving your results but it's NOT what drives your fat-loss results.

And that being said, if you absolutely feel you MUST do your cardio first, I'm NOT going to tell you it's the worst thing in the world…the fact that you're doing SOMETHING trumps doing nothing ANY day of the week!

But if you're looking for maximum impact for the time and effort you're putting your training, DEFINITELY hit the weights first and cardio after.

If you're interested in more articles and information on fat-loss, interval training and programs, check out the following links:

http://hop.clickbank.net/?johnwoon/betteru&l=1105

How To Lose Fat NOW - A Basic Fat-Loss Program That You Can Put To Work Today!
http://hop.clickbank.net/?johnwoon/betteru&l=1116

BASIC Nutrition - A Quick, Common-Sense Guide To What You Should Be Eating to Stay Healthy and Get Results Right Now
http://hop.clickbank.net/?johnwoon/betteru&l=1109

What Do You Mean Low-Intensity Training Isn't The Best For Fat Burning?
http://hop.clickbank.net/?johnwoon/betteru&l=1046

The Insider Secrets of Interval Training - Learn How Now!
http://hop.clickbank.net/?jophnwoon/betteru&l=1105

8 Week Cardio Interval Training Blast! Get Increased Fat Loss AND Take Your Cardio Fitness To A Whole New Level
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Nick Nilsson is Vice-President of the online personal training company BetterU, Inc. He has a degree in Physical Education and Psychology and has been inventing new training techniques for more than 17 years. Nick is the author of a number of bodybuilding eBooks including "Metabolic Surge - Rapid Fat Loss," "The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of," "Gluteus to the Maximus - Build a Bigger Butt NOW!" and "The Best Abdominal Exercises You've Never Heard Of" all available at (http://hop.clickbank.net/?johnwoon/betteru). He can be contacted at betteru@fitstep.com.

10 Things You Can Do To Lose Fat Without Even Trying

2008-11-19T21:26:00.000+08:00

Fat loss doesn't have to be painful. Try these simple
tips and you'll see just how easy it can be.

1. Eat smaller more frequent meals - not only is your metabolism boosted every time you eat something, your body can more efficiently process smaller meals. Instead of having 3 large meals in a day, try to break them up into 5 or 6 smaller meals.

2. Drink more water - regular water intake helps to flush away waste prod

3. Be inefficient - do you need to go to the kitchen to get a couple of things? Break it up into to two trips even if you can do it in one. Being inefficient like this can easily double your activity level, burning calories without even trying.

4. Eat more protein - sources of protein include foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lean red meats, etc. Your body burns more calories processing protein than either carbohydrates or fats. Protein also helps to support your muscle tissue, which burns calories all day long!

5. Take the stairs instead of the elevator - any time you can add in a little more physical activity, do it. This doesn't mean you need to slog up 20 flights of stairs. Even a flight or two done regularly will add up.

6. Don't let yourself get hungry - when you get hungry you will have a much greater tendency to overeat when you do finally get something to eat. As well, because your body is starting to go into starvation mode, it will be much more likely to hold onto whatever you give it.

7. Order small portions at restaurants - it's tough to order small french fries when "supersizing" your order is such a great "value." Take note, however, your real savings will occur in the calories that don't end up on your backside.

8. Eat more fiber - fiber is very filling. By eating more fiber you will find yourself full sooner. This feeling of fullness will last a long time as well.

9. Wait 20 minutes between servings - your brain takes at least 20 minutes to register that you're full. By waiting that long, you'll give your brain a chance to realize that you don't really need any more food.

10. Cheat on your diet - one thing I always make my clients promise is that they will cheat on their diet. The only thing I ask that they do is to cheat ONLY when they have planned to cheat. By planning when you are going to eat the foods you crave, you take back control of your eating habits.

This way you no longer "give in" to your cravings. You "reward yourself" for sticking to proper nutritional habits. Do this once or wice a week and you will feel far more in control of your eating.

In conclusion, if you follow even a few of these 10 easy tips in the long term, you will certainly notice a difference in your overall weight and health.

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Tips For Slimming Down For Summer - Submitted By: Richard MacKenzie

2008-09-05T22:52:00.001+08:00

The weight loss industry is one of the major industries around today. With thousands to millions of people worldwide trying to lose those extra few pounds to even a few stones for their summer vacation when they are laying on the beach or for the holiday season when they will be visiting family and friends and want to look their best.

The industry alone is a billion dollar industry with many programs, products, books and courses that are said to help in a whole host of weird and wonderful ways.

In my private Hypnotherapy practice here in Oxfordshire, UK, I see hundreds of people each and every year that for many different reasons what to shed a few pounds and feel better about the way that they look. During their journey with me I use Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

The most unique and thus successful part of my treatment is that all my clients learn Self Hypnosis. This gives them the tools to be able to build the life of their dreams long after their sessions with me. This makes the whole program more successful as in 2, 4… even 10 years time they may find themselves gaining a few pounds here and there. If this occurs, because of the Self Hypnosis, they are more than qualified to be able to deal with the situation themselves, rather than having to seek professional help.

During my weight loss program I give my clients loads of tips on losing weight and eating healthily. I want to share a few of these tips here with you in this article today.

If you have a lot of weight to lose then I would recommend that you seek professional advice, however putting the following tips into play will certainly put you on the right track for success!

1. Regulate your meal times. Pick times throughout the day when you can sit down and actually enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stick to these this to allow your body to pick up on the times and allow it to get used to processing food at these times.

2. Get in the habit of eating healthily on a daily basis. Eat loads of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day. This is certainly going to help with your cravings for junk food and just after a few days you will be feeling much healthier and fitter.

3. Take a walk each and every day! You can start with 15 minutes and then building to 45 minutes and then an hour an a half! You will be amazed just how quickly you will see results – not just in your weight loss, but your overall sense of well-being. Regular exercise limits stress and anxiety and there is also the bonus that you could walk in some really beautiful places.

So there you have it. Three top tips for sliming. Have fun and get success.

About the Author

Richard MacKenzie is an expert in Hypnotherapy. He has also written a book on Hypnotherapy called Self-Change Hypnosis.

Source of article: http://www.isnare.com

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of serious health conditions

2008-08-18T22:59:00.000+08:00

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of serious health conditions, including:

Coronary heart disease. Obesity causes a buildup of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and a decline in "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Excess body fat can also cause levels of triglycerides to rise. As abnormal blood fats rise, so does the risk of fatty deposits in the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis, and it increases the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.

Cancer. Obesity raises the risk of breast, uterine, cervical, ovarian and gallbladder cancer in women; and colon, rectum and prostate cancer in men.

Diabetes. Excess fat makes the body resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps it maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Fatty liver disease. Obesity causes fats to accumulate in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring of the liver that can result in cirrhosis.

Gallbladder disease. Obesity increases levels of cholesterol, which can be deposited in the gallbladder, raising the risk of gallstones.

High blood pressure. Fatty tissue relies on oxygen and nutrients in the blood to survive. Blood flow through the body must increase to meet this demand, which raises blood pressure.

It is of utmost importance to Prevent Obesity and Overweight Problems.

Eating disorders and weight control

2008-05-06T18:48:00.000+08:00

Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behavior, including unhealthy reduction of food intake, severe overeating and/or dangerous methods to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting. Severe eating disorders may result in serious health consequences including death.

Patients can be diagnosed with an eating disorder at any age, but they most often develop during adolescence and young adulthood. More women than men are diagnosed with eating disorders.

The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Other, less common types of eating disorders include pica and rumination disorder.

In addition, some patients may have an eating disorder that does not fit the criteria for any of the recognized eating disorders. In such cases, a diagnosis known as “eating disorder not otherwise specified” (EDNOS) may be made.

The exact cause of eating disorders is not known, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. Most recently, researchers are studying the possibility of biochemical or biological causes for the development of eating disorders. Some patients with eating disorders exhibit imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain that control hunger and appetite.

Patients with eating disorders frequently have other types of mental health disorders including depression, Depression comes in many forms, from mild sadness to a mood disorders such as major depression.anxiety disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder) and substance abuse. They often exhibit symptoms including an excessive preoccupation with food, extreme unhappiness or concern about body shape and size, menstrual irregularities, excessive exercise routines and chronic fatigue.

Eating disorders are usually diagnosed after a physical examination, including a complete medical history. The physician may check the patient’s vital signs and perform tests (e.g., blood tests) to rule out medical conditions that may be causing symptoms. The physician may also ask about the patient’s history of dieting and/or eating patterns. Once an eating disorder is diagnosed, a physician may refer the patient to a mental and/or behavioral health specialist (typically a psychiatrist) for further evaluation and treatment.

Due to their complex nature, eating disorders usually require a comprehensive treatment plan including medical care and monitoring of health complications (e.g., malnutrition, obesity), psychotherapy and dietary counseling by a nutritionist.

Receiving support from family members and friends is important because often patients with eating disorders are in denial and resist treatment, believing they do not need help.

The outlook for patients with eating disorders is generally favorable with early treatment.

Low calorie-dense food reduce weight

2008-05-03T20:51:00.000+08:00

You can feel less hungry and deprived on a diet by eating low calorie-dense food. Foods principally made up of water or air, such as fruits, veggies, yogurt, soups and popcorn, are typically low in calorie. Another option is to include a source of healthy fat, which will significantly slow down the digestion process, making your tummy satisfied for much longer.

The first trick is stocking up on foods that contain a lot of water or air, such as vegetables, soups and popcorn. Much maligned popcorn is actually a relatively healthy snack — just make sure it's air-popped and not bathed in butter. Other suggestions include eating warm broth-based soups and making vegetables the main feature of a mini meal. Try these tips.

• Replace regular spaghetti with spaghetti squash, and top it with a lean turkey Bolognese sauce (protein) and parmesan (a little fat).
• Dress up popcorn with cinnamon, which is proven to reduce sugar cravings by regulating blood-sugar levels.
• Pair a protein or a healthy fat such as string cheese, hummus, yogurt or nuts with a selection of crudites to ensure staying power.
• Give pre-made soups a boost by tossing in chopped veggies..

5 Superfoods for Weight Loss

2008-05-02T20:47:00.000+08:00

Some foods make it really difficult to lose weight. They create their own self-sustaining cravings ("Betcha can't eat just one!") and play havoc with your blood sugar and, ultimately, your waistline. But other foods do just the opposite. You might have heard that certain foods can help you shed pounds. It's true! Here are some other tasty options that will fuel you up and generate weight loss. Make these foods a part of your daily diet and watch the pounds come slipping off.

1) Grapefruit. Ever tried the grapefruit diet? Turns out there may be some good research to back up grapefruit's reputation as a fat fighter. In a 2004 study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, researchers investigated the effect of grapefruit on weight loss and found that eating half a grapefruit before a meal can actually help people drop weight. The researchers studied the effect of grapefruit capsules, grapefruit juice and real grapefruit. All three seemed to help, but the folks eating the real grapefruit got the best results. The mechanism isn't completely understood, but the results speak for themselves. As an added benefit, grapefruit contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene, and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. And half a grapefruit has only 39 calories.

2) Sardines. Sardines might just be one of the greatest health bargains of all time, and they're a boon to anyone wanting to lose weight. First of all, sardines are loaded with protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar, makes you feel full and helps stimulate metabolism. Second, they're a great source of omega-3s, which not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also are helpful in boosting mood. (And when you're in a good mood, you tend to crave less junk food!) Third, sardines are convenient, easy to find and cheap. And because they're very low on the food chain, they're remarkably free of contaminants, such as mercury and heavy metals.

3) Pumpkin. You may know this vegetable for its central role in Thanksgiving celebrations, but it's also one of the greatest weight-loss foods ever. Plain old canned pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber and has a mere 40 calories. Dozens of studies confirm that high fiber intake is associated with a host of health benefits, including weight management. Pumpkin is also among the easiest food in the world to prepare. You can sweeten it with your favorite low or 0-calorie sweetener, sprinkle it with blood-sugar-lowering cinnamon and nutmeg for good measure, throw in some healthy almonds and make it one of the best tasting weight-loss treats around. It's filling and delicious.

4) Grass-Fed Beef. Meat is a great diet food -- if it doesn't contain antibiotics, steroids and hormones. Eat grass-fed beef and avoid the health concerns that go along with eating meat while getting all the terrific benefits. Buffalo burgers are a good alternative if you can't find grass-fed beef. High-protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons: Protein stimulates metabolism, helps you feel full longer and helps decrease the desire to overeat. Grass-fed beef has a high omega-3 content, giving you multiple health benefits into the bargain.

5) Green Tea. This natural weight-loss stimulant might not be a food, but green tea is still a great slimming solution, not to mention that it's rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, aids digestion and regulates blood sugar and body temperature. It raises the metabolic rate and speeds up fat oxidation, thus helping people lose weight. Drink it daily to boost your metabolism. Some research has shown that five cups a day is the magic number for fat loss. As an added benefit, the theanine in green tea is also a great natural de-stressor.

Normal Weight Doesn't Always Equal Healthy Weight

2008-04-09T19:34:00.000+08:00

Despite appearances to the contrary, more than half of normal-weight Americans have a high percentage of body fat. And, like their overweight contemporaries, this makes them susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, a new study says.

Men whose body fat is greater than 20 percent and women whose body fat is greater than 30 percent are suffering from "normal weight obesity," the study authors said, even though their weight may be normal for their size.

"The prevalence of people with a high amount of body fat despite a normal weight is relatively high," said lead researcher Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, a cardiologist with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. "Many of these people have metabolic abnormalities."

These findings should alert doctors that body weight isn't the only way to protect against health problems caused by excess pounds, Lopez-Jimenez said. Even normal-weight people should be advised to exercise and eat a healthful diet to reduce their level of fat, especially belly fat, he added.

The findings were expected to be presented Tuesday at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting, in Chicago.

For the study, Lopez-Jimenez and his colleagues collected data on 2,127 people who participated in the U.S. government's Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Specifically, the researchers looked at risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, a precursor of diabetes.

The researchers found that 61 percent of the participants had levels of body fat that indicated "normal weight obesity." In addition, Lopez-Jimenez's group found changes in blood chemistry that can affect heart and metabolic health, including high cholesterol; high levels of leptin, a hormone found in fat and other tissues that's involved in appetite regulation; and high rates of metabolic syndrome.

Lopez-Jimenez said the study shows that just because your weight may be normal for your size, it doesn't mean you aren't at risk for heart disease and diabetes.

"If you have a normal weight, don't feel that everything is just OK," Lopez-Jimenez said. "If you have an excess amount of fat, you might have metabolic abnormalities as well," he said.

One expert agrees that normal body weight is not synonymous with good health.

"Body weight is a very blunt instrument; it is not a reliable gauge of obesity, or health, at the individual level," said Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Prevention Research Center at Yale University School of Medicine. "For example, a muscular man may have a very high body weight, yet be perfectly fit and healthy. Many people whose body weight is in the normal range are anything but."

And some people are vulnerable to weight gain in all the wrong places, such as in and around the vital organs of the abdomen, notably the liver, Katz said.

"Even a small amount of extra fat where it matters most can wreak metabolic havoc, increasing risk for diabetes and heart disease, while leaving you with a body weight that looks perfectly innocent," Katz said. "Excess body fat in the belly is a menace, whatever your weight. This study should sensitize patients and providers alike to this concern."

Why Are We Fat?

2008-03-31T13:39:00.000+08:00

The short answer is too much food and not enough activity.

To lose weight you need to increase activity and decrease calories. Theoretical equations sound so easy, don't they? But if losing weight really were this simple, why does the collective girth of the United States continue to grow? According to a Harris phone survey from March 1998, a whopping 76 percent of adults older than age 25 were found to be heavier than the recommended weight for their height and body frame. The percentage of the population in the "obese" category (weighing 20 percent or more above recommended weight) was 28 percent. However, the National Institutes of Health puts the rate of overweight adults at 55 percent.

What's behind this growth? Two societal shifts — one in employment and one in eating habits — appear to hold the answer. Today, more people than ever work at sedentary jobs. Rows of office cubicles filled with immobile bodies have replaced rows of soil with people digging and planting and fertilizing as they till the fields. Even activity-intense manufacturing jobs, which once amounted to veritable eight-hour workouts, have largely left our shores.

These employment shifts are great for business, but the downside to performing mental work rather than physical work is that our national body has turned flabby. Staying in shape used to be a no-brainer, the happy byproduct of a working life. Now it requires a commitment to an after-hours exercise program, one that steals time away from family and leisure. Shift No. 2 is the country's ever-increasing reliance on fatty convenience foods, which have all but swept traditional well-balanced meals off the family dinner table. The healthful shape of the Food Pyramid has been replaced by the unhealthful shapes of buckets (from take-out chicken), boxes (from Happy Meals) and bags (from drive-thru windows). Even dinners prepared at home can contain high amounts of fat when folks rely on prepared packaged foods, such as vegetables in cheese sauces and meal-in-a-boil-bag entrees.

When Losing Means Winning

"In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest."

Author Henry Miller said that, and although he wasn't talking specifically about exercise and wise food choices, his words fit the subject well. By now, most people know that fad diets and get-thin quick schemes don't last. In the same way that you didn't become good at your job overnight or a skilled parent by reading a book in a single weekend, you can't become the healthy, fit person you want to be in an instant. Only long-term change can do that. When exercising becomes as habitual as brushing your teeth, and when thinking about what's on your plate becomes as automatic as looking both ways before crossing the street, that's when lasting change will occur.

Pay An Athlete To Get Fat Then Pay Them To Get Back In Shape

2008-03-06T11:38:00.000+08:00

It is a little-known fact that some supplement companies have been known to actually pay well-trained athletes to stop training and get fat. Why? To get a really awful-looking "before" picture.

Then, when the athlete starts training hard again, eating right and, of course, taking their magic supplement, they get into great shape very quickly. The goal is to convince you that it was the supplement that was the key to the transformation, not the fact that it was a well-trained athlete in the first place. But an average person is NOT going to be able to make a transformation like this, no matter how good the supplement is.

When you're already a well-trained athlete, you can make dramatic changes to your body extremely quickly (as evidenced by my own 25 pounds in a week weight gain I talked about above). To me, it's like telling a professional boxer that he can only punch with his face for a few rounds. When he starts up with the fists again, he's going to make a pretty rapid improvement!

Beware of the many slimming claims in the market

2008-03-05T21:35:00.000+08:00

Beware of compounds like herbal supplements that are not tested nor regulated by authorities like the FDA. This can interact with other medications you are taking. Without proper regulation, there is no guarantee of safety, purity, or efficacy for most of these products. Try to get more information from the relevant authorities before buying these products.

Always avoid products claiming weight loss without lifestyle change. Do discuss this with your doctors. Take note that fasts and extreme food restrictions can be health damaging if done without medical supervision. The "detox" claim in many products can lead to fatigue, cramping, and dehydration. We must know that our body already have natural "detox" organs - including the liver, skin, and lungs!

How to lose fat easily

2008-03-04T10:33:00.000+08:00

One of the most important and simplest things you can do to lose fat easily is to eat smaller, more frequent meals.

1) This means eating six or seven small meals a day instead of the usual three big ones.
2) Each time you eat, you stimulate your metabolism, which burns more calories.
3) Eating this way also allows your body to make more efficient use of the nutrients you are putting in rather than trying to deal with a whole bunch of nutrients all at once.
4) The process of digestion actually burns calories with protein (the building block of muscles - found in foods such as meat, eggs, soy, beans, dairy, etc.) requiring the greatest amount of energy to digest.

By eating smaller, more frequent meals, your body will become a fat-burning machine.

Strokes Among Middle-Aged Women Increase

2008-02-24T12:46:00.000+08:00

According to research done by University of Southern California in Los Angeles, strokes have tripled in recent years among middle-aged women in the US.

This is mainly due to the obesity epidemic. Nearly 2 percent of women ages 35 to 54 reported suffering a stroke in the most recent federal health survey, from 1999 to 2004 as compared to half a percent in the previous survey, from 1988 to 1994.

This is surprising because it happened when more women were on medicines to control their cholesterol and blood pressure.

The researchers said women's abdominal obesity corresponds with the increase in strokes.Although men normally have a greater risk of stroke than women, women start catching up to men five or 10 years after menopause

Overweight and Cancer Risk

2008-02-21T21:03:00.000+08:00

According to a research covered more than 280,000 cases from North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, there might be a link between obesity and a person's risk of developing different types of cancer such as cancer of the esophagus, thyroid, kidney, uterus, colon, breast and gall bladder.

In men, an average weight gain of 33 pounds increased the risk of esophageal cancer by 52 percent, thyroid cancer by 33 percent, and colon and kidney cancers each by 24 percent, the research found.

In women, a weight gain of 29 pounds increased the risk of cancer in the uterus and gall bladder by nearly 60 percent, esophagus by 51 percent and kidney by 34 percent, the study said.

However, although the study suggests a link, there is no proof that being fat in itself causes cancer because scientists are still unsure how being overweight could make people more susceptible to cancer. Some believe that the presence of excess fat cells could affect the levels of hormones in your body favoring the development of tumors in humans.

However, do not wait for the proof. Start controlling your body weight now!

Control your appetite

2008-01-24T22:21:00.000+08:00

One of the toughest obstacles people face when trying to lose weight is learning how to control their appetite. Try the following:

1) Getting moving. Activity, like eating, helps produce pleasure-inducing brain chemicals called endorphins. So, you can get the same mood-lifting effect from exercise as you would from eating.

2) Avoiding junk food. Some experts suspect that foods packed with sugar or fat can disrupt the signals that help regulate your appetite. Loading up on fruit, veggies, whole grains and lean protein sources instead will help balance your body's hunger-satiety network.

3) Filling up on fiber. Fiber can't be digested by the body, so it stays with you longer, helping you feel full. Research also shows that fiber helps slow digestion so your blood sugar level stays elevated. This may help delay the release of some of the hormones that tell your body to eat again.

4) Getting enough water. Eating water-rich foods, such as veggies and broth-based soups, can help you feel fuller on fewer calories. In fact, studies suggest that water drinkers consume 200 fewer calories per day than those who skip sipping.

5) Eating regularly. Having three meals and a snack or two each day prevents drops in blood sugar, which can lead to you feeling overly hungry and making poor food decisions.

6) Dealing with emotional issues. If you address the emotional issues that can trigger eating (like stress or loneliness), you'll find that you just don't have the need to turn to food anymore.

Eat More, Weigh Less

2008-01-23T21:56:00.000+08:00

Yes, low calorie-dense foods help you lose!

You can feel less hungry and deprived on a diet by eating low calorie-dense food. Foods principally made up of water or air, such as fruits, veggies, yogurt, soups and popcorn, are typically low in calorie. Another option is to include a source of healthy fat, which will significantly slow down the digestion process, making your tummy satisfied for much longer. Keep reading for tricks on how to feel fuller on fewer calories.

Taking the stairs helps

2007-11-17T10:20:00.000+08:00

LONDON (AP) -- Attention all shoppers: taking the stairs protects your heart.

That's the message researchers tried at a suburban shopping mall by putting up colorful signs along the steps of a staircase, and it worked. Over six weeks, use of the stairway next to an escalator more than doubled.

With fewer daily opportunities for physical activity in modern society, public health officials are increasingly focusing on stairs at schools, workplaces, and even the mall. Past studies have also shown that the decision to take stairs can be manipulated relatively easily with a few signs.

Experts emphasize that just climbing one flight of stairs at a shopping mall is not going to improve your health. Unless you're climbing six or seven flights of stairs a day, it's probably not a substitute for daily exercise, but every little bit helps.
Climbing stairs for seven minutes every day could reduce your risk of developing heart disease by about 60 percent.

An overweight person might not want to do aerobics or go swimming, but stair climbing is very doable. You can exercise without even really thinking about it.

The Super Fast Diet - Lose Weight Faster Than Fasting And Keep It Off For Good

2007-11-05T22:24:00.000+08:00

Since the 1980's, numerous studies have looked at various diets and their short and long-term effects on weight. (These studies are completely referenced in The Super Fast Diet ). Over twenty-five well designed and conducted medical weight loss studies, with long-term follow-up, have repeatedly shown that people who lose weight the fastest tend to stick with dieting until they achieve their target weight. Even more impressive, their long-term weight maintenance far exceeds that of their slower-losing peers. For the purpose of getting and staying slim, "fast is better." Especially when it is Super Fast.......Click Here To Get Your Details Now!

How to Control Your calaries During Holidays?

2007-10-25T10:48:00.000+08:00

Control your eating over the holidays, and you do not have to work so hard to shed extra pounds later.

Some useful tips on how to control your calorie intake over the holidays:
1) Reduce you appetite by eating a healthy snack before you go to parties.
2) Control your portions by using a salad-sized plate for your entree and side dishes. Eat a salad on an entree-sized plate before the main meal.
3) It takes a good 20 minutes before your stomach signals you brain that it is full. Therefore it is advisable to eat slowly and once you start feeling satisfied, stop eating.
4) Reduce the amount of fat in holiday meals. Always use fat-free chicken broth or low-fat milk instead of butter when you prepare mashed potatoes. Bake the stuffing in a separate dish instead of inside the turkey. Skim the fat off the turkey drippings before you use it to make gravy.
5) Do some forms of exercise to burn off the extra holiday calories.

Cut Calories in Comfort Food, Chocolate

2007-10-11T11:09:00.000+08:00

Chocolate is delicious, decadent and satisfies your sweet tooth in seconds. But beware of the negative effect! A full-sized chocolate bar is packed with calories. See below:

1) Calories in a 2.1-oz. Snickers bar: 280
2) Amount of time it takes you to walk and burn it off: 70 minutes
3) Healthier alternative: Most brands offer baby bars, which at about 90 calories are much smarter choices. Another option is to make your splurge last longer by devouring more for less: Four Hershey Kisses only have 100 calories. If you are looking for a super low-cal alternative, prepare a pack of sugar-free hot cocoa and enjoy the sweet feeling of knowing that it is only a 25-calorie binge.

The Ideal Body Fat Loss Guide

2007-10-06T12:35:00.000+08:00

"How To Create Your Ideal Body In Record Time With The Inside Secrets And Strategies Of A Top Personal Trainer Who Gets Results...
All The Time - Guaranteed!"

Check out the Table Of Contents:

1)Introduction
2)Mindset Motivation
3)27 Fat Loss Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
4)Rigorous Interval Training
5)Fat Loss Supplementation
6)The One Thing You MUST Know
7)Putting It All Together
8)Sample Training Routines
9)Sample Nutrition Plans
10)Fat Loss Formula Cheat Sheet
11)Foods List
Click Here to get details!

Weight-Loss Surgery

2007-09-19T20:58:00.000+08:00

For the treatment of severe obesity and as far as surgery is concerned, vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. It involves reducing the size of stomach by stapling.

Patients lose weight because they become full faster during meals and thus reduce their intake of calories. This procedure has excellent long-term success rates, with patients generally losing from 40-50 percent of their excess weight. However like all surgeries, it has its short coming in terms of leakage at the surgical site and obstruction of the stomach, ulcers and obstruction.

This surgery is only normally done if there is proof that the patients fail to lose weight using proper dietary, medical and behavioral interventions.

Maternal Obesity and Risk of Birth Defects

2007-09-06T11:38:00.000+08:00

According to a new study, obese women who became pregnant had a higher risk of having babies with certain birth defects, including missing limbs, malformed hearts and underdeveloped spinal cords.

Women who are obese should try to maintain a healthy weight, engage in moderate exercise and follow a healthy daily diet if they are planning to get pregnant
There is also a strong association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to height) and the risk for certain birth defects such as spina bifida.
Click HERE to get details.

Quick weight-loss diets can lead to health problems

2007-09-06T11:05:00.000+08:00

The recommended way to diet and lose weight correctly is to lose weight slowly, over time, while eating a balanced diet with plenty of healthy foods.
Diets that encourage eating only one type of food or encourage rapid weight loss can be dangerous to your health.

The following is a list of the possible risks if you adhere to fad diets:

1) Nutritional deficiencies caused by a lack of a balanced diet.
2) Lack of physical activity with emphasis on diet only can increase the risk of heart disease.
3) Lack of variety in foods can cause boredom and frustration, and make it difficult to maintain the diet for more than a brief period.
4)Restrictions on the foods you can eat may make it difficult to establish and maintain a healthy diet in the future.
5) Many quick weight-loss diets are based on unfounded claims that may do more harm than good

Take smaller meals........

2007-07-15T21:24:00.000+08:00

While it is an easy way to get fruits and vegetables into our diet, smaller meals could also prevent binge eating. Excellent examples are a short cut of carrots and celery stalks which can satisfy your hunger while providing lots of fiber.

Do aim for snack-like portions of about 100 to 150 calories. Fruit and vegetable snacks can easily satisfy your hunger without the extra calories. It is a good idea to drink a glass of water before you eat anything. The good thing about water is that it helps to fill you up without adding calories.

Another piece of advice for those concerned about prevention and control measures to effective weight loss, danger of obesity - precursor of important diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea, stroke, and osteoarthritis......

Does Metabolism Matter in Weight Loss?

2007-04-13T18:46:00.000+08:00

Do you know people who complain about having a slow metabolism and how they barely eat anything yet still gain weight? Or have you met people who complain about someone they know who can eat whatever he or she wants — including large portions of junk food — due to a fast metabolism and apparently never gain weight....... Click here to read the whole article.

Why Are You Fat?

2007-04-09T14:36:00.000+08:00

The short answer is too much food and not enough activity.

(We all know that to lose weight you need to increase activity and decrease calories. Hence by merely going on a diet is insufficient)

But if losing weight really were this simple, why does the collective girth of the United States continue to grow? According to a Harris phone survey from March 1998, a whopping 76 percent of adults older than age 25 were found to be heavier than the recommended weight for their height and body frame. The percentage of the population in the "obese" category (weighing 20 percent or more above recommended weight) was 28 percent. However, the National Institutes of Health puts the rate of overweight adults at 55 percent.

Why is this so?
Click here to find out.

"The hard lessons I've learned about losing fat and building muscle can save you months (maybe even years) of wasted time and effort"

2007-04-04T15:32:00.000+08:00

Even if you've tried all the popular diets and programs, including Body-for-LIFE, The Abs Diet, The South Beach Diet, or The GI Diet, my methods will give you the lean, strong body you've been waiting for — and you won't have to turn your life upside down to get it...Click here to get details.

Five Tips For Planning And Losing Weight

2007-03-09T11:37:00.000+08:00

If motivation is the spark that lights the weight-loss fire, then smart planning is the timber that will keep your desire burning. Lots of folks jump into a new diet or weight-loss plan without giving it much thought. This can lead to disappointment later when results aren't as stellar as had been hoped and people don't understand what went wrong.

Losing weight or maintaining a healthful weight brings the promise of feeling great, looking good and decreasing the negative impact that being overweight has on your health. Here's a rundown of the factors that most weight-loss experts agree will help you succeed.

Click here to read the whole article.

Older Adults Face Double Whammy When It Comes to Body Fat

2007-02-14T14:43:00.000+08:00

According to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues. Up until age 80, older adults not only gain fat as they age – but because of the obesity epidemic – they actually begin their older years fatter.

The result is an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis and disability, according to Jingzhong Ding, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and a researcher on aging at Wake Forest Baptist.

Click here to read the whole article.

Five Tips For Planning And Losing Weight

2007-02-10T22:41:00.000+08:00

Why are we fat?

2007-01-28T22:32:00.000+08:00

To lose weight you need to increase activity and decrease calories. Theoretical equations sound so easy, don't they? But if losing weight really were this simple, why does the collective girth of the United States continue to grow? According to a Harris phone survey from March 1998, a whopping 76 percent of adults older than age 25 were found to be heavier than the recommended weight for their height and body frame. The percentage of the population in the "obese" category (weighing 20 percent or more above recommended weight) was 28 percent. However, the National Institutes of Health puts the rate of overweight adults at 55 percent.

What's behind this growth?

Click HERE to read the whole article.

How to Lose Weight and Keep it Off

2007-01-19T11:18:00.000+08:00

Successful weight-loss strategies that work.

It’s the 20- or 40- or even 60-pound question. How do you lose weight and keep it off?

A team of researchers created the National Weight Control Registry to find out. Using newspaper and magazine advertisements, they identified about 5,000 people who had successfully lost weight and kept it off. Study participants lost an average of 72 pounds. Although some gained back some weight, all maintained at least a 30-pound loss.

>Click here to read the whole article.

10 Steps for Weight Loss

2007-01-09T12:50:00.000+08:00

By: Russell Davies

1) Calculate how many calories you body needs to consume to maintain your existing weight. This is called you maintenance calories.(Search google with "calorie needs" and you will find a few different calculators to help you with this)

2) Initially deduct 10%(to a maximum of 500Kcal)off the total maintenance calories. Drastically reducing your calories will result in muscle and water loss - not fat loss.

3)Divide you calories over 5 or 6 meals rather then 2 or 3. You should aim to eat every 3-4 hours.

4)Cut out all simple carbohydrates (except straight after exercise, eat whole grain, high fibre foods.)

5) Exercise at least 3 times a week, doing 30 minutes of cardio to a reasonable level of intensity. This will help to create the calorie defecit and encourage your body to lose fat.

6)Make simple replacements in your diet, Sweetner in place of sugar, diet drinks in place of full sugar drinks, use leaner cuts of meat etc. At first these changes may be difficult but you will get used to them and make vital calorie savings every day.

7) Drink plenty of water - at least 2 litres of water every day - if you are dehydrated you body will be less efficient and will make fat loss more difficult.

8) Try to eat low carb(complex only!), low fat and moderate protein. From my experience the South Beach Diet is excellent.

9)Keep a food diary to monitor how many calories you are consuming - it is very easy to over eat.

10) Supplementing you diet can make fat loss easier. A diet high in protein can help preserve muscle (more muscle means an increase in metabolism). There are also some fat loss supplements available which help boost your metabolism, this is useful as your metabolism may slow during extended periods of dieting.

This article is written from my own experiences. I have lost 20lbs of fat and gained 20lbs of muscle. My body fat is 11%. Please consult a doctor for proper medical advice

I am a fitness enthusiast and write about my experience of fat loss and exercise. I have recently opened my own supplement website. http://www.thesupplementsite.co.uk

Young adults clueless about overweight being one of the heart risk factors!

2006-12-17T17:36:00.000+08:00

Since cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the US that is preventable, it is shocking and distressing to know that young adults do not know the major risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and being overweight. This finding was revealed by Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago recently based on a survey of nearly 4,200 healthy young adults with an average age of 30.

It is therefore essential that public health officials learn how to communicate information about health risks to people more effectively in the future.

Older age increases risk of obesity surgery

2006-11-29T17:12:00.000+08:00

In a review of more than 25,000 weight-loss surgery ( bariatric surgery), carried out nationwide in 2001 and 2002, it was reported by UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas that complications rose as the age of patients increased. In fact there was a "steep increase" after age 65. Those with electrolyte imbalances and diabetes were particularly at risk.

Oregon Health & Science University in Portland concludes that there is a need to look at benefits in the vast majority of patients who survive their bariatric procedure to determine what an appropriate risk is for a given patient.

Fatty livers found in obese children

2006-11-07T13:12:00.000+08:00

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego reported that pediatric fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis (fatty inflammation of the liver) in obese children have been increasing and this also includes cases of cirrhosis and liver transplantation.

According to the current issue of the Journal Pediatrics, fatty liver is seen in about 10% of children and adolescents, making it the most common liver abnormality in this age group. Fatty liver s defined as fatty deposits in at least 5 percent of the liver cells.

Obesity pill may treat diabetes

2006-11-06T17:57:00.000+08:00

Type 2 diabetes is a difficult disease treat and the available drugs although can improve blood glucose control has the tendency to promote weight gain, instead of weight loss.

Researchers in the University of Liege in Belgium found that rimonabant, sold by Sanofi-Aventis under the trade name Acomplia that is used to treat obesity problem in patients without diabetes could reduce risk factors for heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes who did not respond to the usual standard treatments.

The researchers also found that patients on rimonabant lost more weight than those not on the drug and had greater decreases in body fat. Improvements in appetite and blood glucose control were also greater in the treatment group.

Listen to what the famed Dr. Udo Erasmus has to say about "FATS THAT HEAL FATS THAT KILL"

2006-11-02T16:04:00.000+08:00

Two stories must be told on fats and oils, not just one.

Most of our confusion about the effects of fats and oils on health comes from knowing only half the story. Let me illustrate the double story on fats and oils by giving a few examples.

Some fats promote cancer; other fats inhibit cancer. Some fats inhibit immune function. Other fats are required for and enhance our immune system.
Some fats make us more susceptible to a stroke or a heart attack. Other fats protect us from heart attacks and strokes. Some fats lead to, and others reverse atherosclerosis. Some fats increase triglycerides (blood fats). Other fats lower blood fats. That's right! Fats can lower blood fats.

Some fats interfere with, while others are required for insulin function.
Some fats interfere with, while other fats are absolutely vital for brain development and brain function. And these fats are extremely important for the health of women, especially during pregnancies.

Some fats slow you down, but other fats increase your energy level.
Understand also that fats don't make you fat, and that the essential fats, used in the right ratio to one another, can be used very effectively for fat reduction and weight management. If you want to die sooner, you should also know which ones to pick. We want to treat everyone equally!

Western and affluent high fat diets contain the wrong fats for health. They lack some of the good fats, contain too much of the unnecessary fats, and are destructively processed, changing some of their molecules into toxic ones. Such fats increase cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, and other degenerative diseases.

The low fat (no fat) diet that is the rage today leads to stunted growth in children; dry skin; low energy levels; high cholesterol; high triglycerides; compromised immune function; leaky gut and allergies; lower testosterone production; and, as you will see a little later, cause many other health problems.

Low fat foods taste like cardboard (fats enhance taste), and they deprive many people of great tasting foods. Manufacturers deal with this problem in a rather interesting way. They load low fat foods with sugar, which your body turns into the hard (saturated) fats they claim to be avoiding by making these low fat foods in the first place. What a ridiculous idea! What a bad joke for health!

What we need is not a high fat, low fat, no fat, or fake fat diet.
We need the Right Fat Diet.

Eat more and loose weight?

2006-10-27T13:19:00.000+08:00

A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association shows that people who take less energy-dense foods like fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products consumed fewer calories per day, even though they tended to eat larger portions than people who favored more energy-dense options. Also, the first group of people consume more calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, C, B6, and folate.

If you want to eat more while loosing weight, follow the following advice:
1) Avoid calorie-dense foods such as chips, nuts, sweets, and processed or fatty meats.
2) Include foods that are high in water and fiber, which add to a food's bulk to give you a feeling of fullness, but contribute few or no calories.
3) Start your meal with a large salad and low-fat toppings and dressings.
4) Increase the amount of vegetables on your plate while decreasing the amount of high-fat meats or other meal items.
5) Satisfy your occasional sweet tooth with fresh fruits and berries topped with yogurt as a substitute for cake and pie.
6) Substitute a yogurt-covered granola bar that adds fiber to your diet for that high-fat, high-sugar chocolate bar.

Diabetes rate doubles in past 30 years, thanks to obesity epidemic

2006-10-06T22:16:00.000+08:00

The obesity epidemic yet again reveals another alarming news. A major new report published by the American Heart Association concluded that type 2 diabetes rates have tripled over the past three decades. A high percentage of the new diabetes cases are among obese adults. As a result of the combined factors of the diabetes and obesity epidemics, the average American today faces a 105% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than about 10 years ago.

Can Non-Fat Sorbet really replace Premium Ice Cream?

2006-09-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Sorbet is made out of water, fruit juice or fruit purée such as mango and raspberry and sugar. Chocoholics will find plenty of satisfying options as well. Although most sorbets are fat-free, don't have the wrong idea that this means you can consume as much as you want without suffering any consequences.

Sorbets do not have any fat but they still have high sugar content. This can really end up as fat in the body. Many brands of sorbet actually have more calories than regular ice cream, which tend to rely less on sugar for flavor. The same holds true for reduced-fat and low-fat brands. Ice cream has more fat, but light versions and sorbets have more sugar that can really shoot up your blood sugar level!

Adult obesity rate inceases!

2006-08-30T12:43:00.000+08:00

Weight is largely determined by how you balance your intake of calories from food with the energy you use in everyday activities. If you consume more calories than you use, you gain weight. Your body stores calories that you do not need for energy as fat.

Obesity involves having an abnormally high proportion of body fat. Doctors define obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and overweight as having a BMI of 25 or higher.

Fat is important for storing energy and insulating your body, among other functions. The human body can handle carrying some extra fat, but beyond a certain point, body fat can begin to interfere with your health.

Eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity are the main causes of obesity, especially in combination. But many factors can contribute to obesity.
According to official figures, the adult obesity rate rose from 15 percent in 1980 to 32 percent in 2004. Combine that with the number of Americans who are overweight but not obese, and the figure stands at 64 percent. And the childhood obesity rate more than tripled between 1980 and 2004, from 5 percent to 17 percent.

Being either overweight or obese increases the risk for a variety of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.

Americans have sipped and slurped their way to fatness! !

2006-08-09T13:14:00.000+08:00

The next time when you are thinking of reaching for a can of soda, think again!

An extra can of soda a day can add 15 pounds to your weight in a single year, according to researchers. A report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition clearly justifies public health efforts to limit sugar-sweetened beverages.
As far as the American diet is concerned, about one-third of all carbohydrate calories come from added sweeteners, the new report says.

The main sweetener in beverages — high-fructose corn syrup — contains slightly more fructose than ordinary table sugar. Pure fructose fails to stimulate the production of insulin, which is needed to metabolize sugar.

According to a Harvard review, a single 12-ounce can of soda provides the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of table sugar. World Health Organization advises that added sugars should provide no more than 10 percent of total calories.

Overweight Teens at Higher Risk of Premature Death?

2006-08-08T20:43:00.000+08:00

Another piece of bad news!

Harvard School of Public Health researchers have just found a link between teen obesity and a significant risk of premature death from a variety of preventable causes. This was based on data from more than 100,000 patients over a period of 12 years. Teenagers who were overweight at the beginning of the research period were found to be about 65% more likely to die prematurely over the course of the next 10 years as a result of heart disease, cancer and suicide.

Beware of "Emotional Eating"!

2006-07-27T00:28:00.000+08:00

A lot of "eatings" in people’s lives is emotionally motivated. Food is often misused as a remedy to minimize or reduce hurt, lonely feeling and anger besides being a means for pleasure. After years of using food to create moments of pleasure and perceived comfort, overweight and obesity problems very often prevail slowly but surely.

This "seduction" by emotional eating is the reason why so many people gain weight simply because they "just love food."

If you are not already trapped by this negative emotional influence, the more you are aware of the emotional attachment you have with food, the higher would be your chances for resisting this seductive connection with emotional eating. Let "healthy living" be your incentive to overcome or prevent this problem.

Lose Weight to Improve Arthritis Symptoms!

2006-07-20T13:28:00.000+08:00

As we all know, osteoarthritis could cause severe pain and reduced mobility. But there is good news for the sufferers! The result of a new study conducted by Danish researchers at Copenhagen's HS Frederiksberg Hospital on more than 500 overweight adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis indicated that losing even a moderate amount of weight can significantly improve the quality of life for many osteoarthritis sufferers.

The researchers found that patients who lost just 5% of their body weight experienced a significant improvement in their mobility and pain symptoms. They recommend a target body weight loss of 10% over the course of two months which would give even more optimal improvement.

BMI for Overweight and Obesity

2006-06-27T14:10:00.000+08:00

Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 and obesity as a BMI of > 30. All overweight and obese adults (age 18 years of age or older) with a BMI of > 25 are considered at risk for developing associated diseases such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other diseases. Treatment of obesity should focus on producing substantial weight loss over a prolonged period.

Obesity is often due to our environment that sometimes "encourage" the lack of physical activity combined with high-calorie, low-cost foods.

The good news is: If maintained, even weight loss as small as 10 percent of body weight can improve one's health.

2006-06-16T16:45:00.000+08:00

Thanks for dropping in........ Hope you'd find your answers here!

What are some suggestions for losing weight?

2006-05-27T16:21:00.000+08:00

Most experts recommend that someone attempting to lose a large amount of weight consult with a personal physician or health care professional before beginning a weight-loss program. The following are some general recommendations:

1) Aim for a healthy weight. People who need to lose weight should do so gradually,
at a rate of one-half to two pounds per week.

2) Be active. The safest and most effective way to lose weight is to reduce calories
and increase physical activity.

3) Eat well. Select sensible portion sizes and follow the Dietary Guidelines available in most hospitals or Health minitries in most countries.

Physical activity, along with a healthy diet, plays an important role in the prevention of overweight and obesity. In order to maintain a stable weight, a person needs to expend the same amount of calories as he or she consumes.

Although the body burns calories for everyday functions such as breathing, digestion, and routine daily activities, many people consume more calories than they need for these functions each day. A good way to burn off extra calories and prevent weight gain is to engage in regular physical activity beyond routine activities.

The Energy Balance is like a scale. To remain in balance, the calories consumed (from foods) must be balanced by the calories used (in physical activity).

If you eat 100 more food calories a day than you burn, you'll gain about 1 pound in a month. That's about 10 pounds in a year. The bottom line is that to lose weight, it's important to reduce calories and increase physical activity.

Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences

2006-05-27T16:16:00.000+08:00

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions, including the following:

* Hypertension
* Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of
triglycerides)
* Type 2 diabetes
* Coronary heart disease
* Stroke
* Gallbladder disease
* Osteoarthritis
* Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
* Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

American Obesity Association's concern

2006-05-27T16:04:00.000+08:00

The AOA defends the rights of disabled persons with obesity, because obesity:

* is a disease.
* is the second leading cause of premature death.
* can cause many health conditions such as diabetes and coronary heart disease.
* is a source of stigmatization and discrimination.
* can lead to a poor quality of life and impaired mobility.
* can cause physical and emotional pain that can be disabling.

What causes Obesity?

2006-05-27T15:52:00.000+08:00

When food energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, fat cells (and to a lesser extent muscle and liver cells) throughout the body take in the energy and store it as fat. In its simplest conception, therefore, obesity is only made possible when the lifetime energy intake exceeds lifetime energy expenditure by more than it does for individuals of "normal weight."

In all individuals, the excess energy utilized to generate fat reserves is minute relative to the total number of calories consumed. This means that very fine perturbations in the energy balance can lead to large fluctuations in weight over time. To illustrate, an obese 40 year old who carries 100 lb of adipose tissue has only consumed about 25 more calories per day than he has burned on average - or the equivalent of an apple every three days. In comparison a very lean 40-year-old who carries only 15 lb of body fat will have exceeded his daily energy expenditure by about four calories a day - the equivalent of an apple every 18 days.

Factors that have been suggested to contribute to the development of obesity include:

* Sedentary lifestyle
* Genetic factors
* A high glycemic diet (i.e. a diet that consists of meals that give high postprandial blood sugar)
* Weight cycling, caused by repeated attempts to lose weight by dieting
* Underlying illness (e.g. hypothyroidism)
* Genetic disorders (e.g. Prader-Willi syndrome)
* Eating disorders (such as binge eating disorder)
* Stressful mentality
* Insufficient sleep
* Psychotropic medications
* Smoking cessation

As with many medical conditions, the caloric imbalance that results in obesity often develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Polymorphisms in various genes controlling appetite, metabolism, and adipokine release predispose to obesity, but the condition requires availability of sufficient calories, and possibly other factors, to develop fully. Various genetic abnormalities that predispose to obesity have been identified (such as Prader-Willi syndrome and leptin receptor mutations), but known single-locus mutations have been found in only about 5% of obese individuals. While it is thought that a large proportion of the causative genes are still to be identified, much obesity is likely the result of interactions between multiple genes, and non-genetic factors are likely also important.

Some eating disorders are associated with obesity, especially binge eating disorder (BED). As the name indicates, patients with this disorder are prone to overeat, often in binges. A proposed mechanism is that the eating serves to reduce anxiety, and some parallels with substance abuse can be drawn. An important additional factor is that BED patients often lack the ability to recognize hunger and satiety, something that is normally learned in childhood. Learning theory suggests that early childhood conceptions may lead to an association between food and a calm mental state.

What is Obesity?

2006-05-27T15:43:00.000+08:00

Obesity is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and mammals is increased to a point where it is thought to be a significant risk factor in certain health conditions, leading to increased mortality. Obesity is relatively rare among animals in the wild, but it is common in domestic animals (who may be overfed and underexercised), and increasingly in humans.

Excessive body weight has been shown to correlate with various important diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. It is also considered a risk factor for certain cancers. Interventions, such as diet and exercise as well as medication and weight-loss surgery (in severe cases) are frequently recommended to reduce the risk of developing disease.