Monday, August 28, 2006

Losing Weight Naturally Is An Action and Not A Craze

by James Ellison

You have read all that you wish to know about how to stop being overweight. Those easy set of directions should be simple to follow, but not for 36% of Americans who are not able to avoid being overweight. As might be expected, once we are overweight, we normally want to trim down for many reasons, some connected to health, others having to do with appearances.

Furthermore, it's never too late to lose weight. But the fact is, it is a whole lot simpler to avoid putting on pounds than to try losing them later on. And if there is anything we all know, it is that a weight increase is expected to happen if we do not take preventive steps to stop it.

Health pros say that many people who are into losing weight usually digress. They have a tendency to go back to their previous eating habits even after they learn to savor low-fat eating. They tend to go back to inactive ways even though they enjoy workouts.

But despite an impelling force toward weight gain, you can block it from happening, experts say. And there are a lot of good reasons to head off excess pounds, grounds that go beyond egotism or social toleration.

In fact, some health pros argue that the implication of excess weight is more than aesthetic. They say that it demands a large toll on an individual's physical health.

The Means to Losing Weight...Naturally

The in and outs of eating correctly keeping a healthy weight is not all that complex. In fact, it is a good wager that many people know quite well what is best. Thus, losing weight the natural method should not be any trouble at all.

Accordingly, a reasonable plan of attack for losing weight naturally is to adhere to a diet that is abundant in complex carbohydrates, high in fiber, medium in protein, and low in fat.

A baked potato is a complex carbohydrate. Sour cream and butter is the fat that you shouldn't put on it. Vegetables are the fiber. Oil is the fat you should not fry them in. A lean cut of meat is the protein. And the gravy is the fat you should not pour over it.

Furthermore, health experts claim that dietary fat encourages weight gain because it is a very concentrated source of calories. Also, when you eat excess calories from dietary fat, you stash away those calories as body fat more in an efficient manner than extra calories from other sources.

On the other hand, it can also assist you lose weight naturally if you will not drop into the so-called fat-free trap. Businesses keep producing low-fat or fat-free versions of their top selling foods, but Americans keep becoming fatter anyway.

One of the biggest illusions of the 90s is that no fat implies non-fattening. But really, you are often obtaining just as many calories from the no-fat edition, even if the calories are not because of fat.

The term fat-free can be a pitfall if you begin to think that you can eat any sum of the food that are promoted that way.

What's more, it is better to react to hunger with healthful snacks. Health experts claim it would be better to try eating every 3 to 4 hours, which may mean a wholesome low-fat snack between lunch and dinner.

If you feel the impulse for food coming on, snacking on something good for you such as a slice of whole-grain toasted bread is a better option. Don't miss a meal and eat snacks in lieu of because that is the worst thing you can do if you are attempting to control your eating customs and weight.

Don't forget, if you wish to lose weight naturally, you have to keep account of every food you eat and of every bodily function that you do. When you say natural weight loss it means that you do not have to utilize some add-ons or helpful aids just to lose weight.

Losing weight naturally is a action and not a craze. Therefore, it would take plenty of stubborn determination, self-control, and discipline just to get your perfect weight.

This article is provided courtesy of Dieting Secrets
Digg!





Sunday, August 27, 2006

Reality Tips for Long Term weight Loss

by Saurabh Verma

Are you over weight and looking for way to reduce weight as soon as possible then just understand true meaning of over weight and weight loss. To think about a long term weight loss without consuming mediation which comes with plethora of side effects is not a sin. So to achieve your weight loss dream just follow a regular physical exercise pattern and healthy eating habit.

In the context of physical health, weight loss is the process of losing body weight, typically by losing fat. To achieve weight loss, more calories must be expended than taken in. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of food consumed, increasing physical activity or a combination of the two.

For healthy weight loss, most experts recommend a combination of healthy eating patterns and regular physical exercise. Other methods of losing weight include use of prescribed or herbal drugs or chemicals that decrease appetite and/or increase physical activity.

Here mentioned below are the few reality tips bring about weight loss as well as ensuring long-term good health:

* Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grain products like wheat.

* Increase the consumption of complex carbohydrates like whole wheat, millet (jowar) and barley (bajra)

* Restrict refined products such as flour (maida) and its products such as bread, noodles, macaronis and pastas in regular diet

* Restrict fat and cholesterol rich foods. Only non-vegetarian foods (like eggs and dairy products) are good sources of cholesterol, however saturated fatty acids present in butter, ghee, vanaspati and coconut get metabolised to cholesterol in our body

* Reduce the amount of sugars consumed

* Consume raw fruits and vegetables in form of salads and raitas in every meal. These provide adequate vitamins, minerals and fibre. Fibre is essential as it aids in digestion, has an effective role in managing obesity and cardiovascular problems

* Limit salt intake

* Have small portions of food at a time

* Do not skip meals

* Have regular meal timings

* Do not eat while cooking and watching television

* Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses) in a day

Regular Exercise Spells Mantra for Long Term Weight Loss

The best exercises that are sustainable and safe to loose weight are aerobic exercises. Aerobic exercises usually involve vigorous exercises sustained over a period of several minutes and their effect is to increase the efficiency of the lungs, heart and blood circulation, which are collectively known as the aerobic system. Short and sharp bursts of activity which rely on the body's reserves of oxygen do not produce a similar improvement. Exercises should increase strength and mobility and also aid relaxation. You can choose walking, swimming, bicycling as per your fitness level and increase gradually. You should plan on 20-minute sessions at least 3 times per week. Gradual changes in eating habits will help encourage a permanent lifestyle change. A slow weight loss of 1 or 2 pounds a week, until the desirable body weight is reached, is best.

Planned application of the above said reality tips for weight loss will bring the desired weight loss for you in long term format. If you are looking for quick weight loss then put your precious faith on weight loss diet pills.
Saurabh Verma is working as Sr. Web Content Developer for leading pharmacy web-site a1dietpill.com.
Digg!





What is a healthy diet?

by Joushua James

A healthy diet is one which has the right balance of nutrients, food, sugar, fat and salt. Dieticians who recommend a healthy diet describe it as one which contains plenty of fruits and vegetables. Ideally, fruits and vegetable should make up a third of the food intake and they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. People who have more of fruits and veggies in their diet are at a lesser risk to develop coronary heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Another important factor in a healthy diet is starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice. Starchy foods should make up one-third of the food we eat. They are a great source of energy and contain less than half of the calories found in fat. They include a range of nutrients, starch, fiber, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Including pulse and eggs in your diet is very good as they are a god source of protein for the body.

The salt, sugar and fat intake must be kept at an optimum level in order to maintain a healthy diet. Any excess in these elements leads to diabetes, blood pressure and obesity. It's found that the intake of salt, sugar and fat tends to occur when people overeat. This should be avoided especially when eating out. In order to keep the level of sugar, salt and fat optimum, eat food which contains more fiber, less oil and cream.

The main reason to opt for a healthy diet is that it strengthens your body to fight against common diseases. If a person has a healthy diet, it means they are less likely to succumb to common minor illnesses. Their healthy food intake will provide necessary nutrients and energy for the body to put off the diseases. Any person recovering from a disease is also advised to go into a healthy diet as it will give their body the capacity to recover from the illness.

Any person who goes in for a healthy diet needs to understand what are the right cooking practices and the correct level of food intake. Unregulated eating habits are the main sources of diseases. Learning to maintain a healthy diet contributes to a healthier and longer life.

Joushua James - Healthy Diet
Digg!





Cut The Fat!

by Christina Gopal

I am sure you have long heard about the implications that saturated and trans fats have on the body.

Increased fat in the diet impairs health and can lead to diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and diabetes.

An increase in body fat most often is due to an increase in food intake (amount of calories consumed) over the metabolic rate (the rate that the body burn calories). Low calorie diets aim to adjust this problem; however, these diets are not usually a good idea. This is because, sometimes the metabolic rate falls so low, that it prevents further weight loss and one can continue to gain weight on the same or less caloric intake. Instead, one should set caloric intakes to be maintained throughout their life...something that is sustainable. Consuming fat yields 9 calories per gram! This is the highest out of all nutrients, and so fats take up a lot of daily calories. Which is why, everyone could benefit from cutting out some fat from the diet.

Don't get discouraged, often people begin to worry and cut out all fat. That isn't necessary. Fats are an interesting nutrient. As there are essential fats (ones that our body needs) and then there are the fats that we must learn to avoid or limit. Essential fats, include the mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for example). Good sources for essential fats include fishes, nuts, seeds, avacados, legumes, etc.

Reducing fat, contrary to popular belief, does not have to be dreadful. The following helpful tips are simple way to cut the fat in the diet:

* Add a splash of herbed or flavored vinegar to salads instead of salad dressing
* Try mustard, chutney, hummus, or salsa on sandwiches instead of butter, margarine or mayonnaise
* Use fresh/dried herbs, spices, garlic and ginger in your cooking for flavor on low-fat dishes
* Use beans, tofu, fish in place of meat dishes occasionally (shoot for at least twice a week)
* Opt for low-fat dairy products
* Eat lean meats (e.g. chicken, turkey, deli meats)
* Trim the visible fat off your meats, and avoid poultry skin
* Avoid the use of processed meats
* Increase your fiber intake, eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables daily
* Make vegetables your biggest portion of your meal, try different ones everyday to increase variety and decrease boredom
* Avoid gravy and limit use of cream sauces (try seasonings or tomato-based sauces)
* Avoid deep fat fried foods!!

It is important to keep in mind, that food choices should be based on the benefits it provides. If something reads "fat free" it doesn't always mean that it is good in nutritional value. Furthermore, the term fat-free is not the same as low in calories....the taste of fat may be compensated for more sugar for example. It is important to read ingredients and the nutrition labels to see what you are really getting out of the food.

So don't fret...making little changes in your diet every day, brings you one step closer to a healthier you!

© Christina Gopal, Certified Weight Loss Coach
www.MyPrivateCoach.com
Christina Gopal is a Certified Weight Loss Coach at My Private Coach. She can be contacted at info@myprivatecoach.com.
Get a taste of coaching FREE today, schedule your first free session!
Digg!





Study Finds Diabetic Supplement Reduces Body Weight And Fat 3 Times Greater Than Diet And Exercise Alone

by Dave Perry

Study Finds Diabetic Supplement Reduces Body Weight And Fat 3 Times Greater Than Diet And Exercise Alone By Dave Perry

Chicago, Illinois, August 25, 2006 - Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that an active ingredient in Diab-X diabetic supplement helps to reduce body weight and fat at a rate three times greater than diet and exercise alone.

The double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted with moderately overweight subjects, placed on a 2,400 calorie daily diet.

Subjects underwent a monitored walking exercise program five days a week, supervised by a trained exercise specialist.

Changes in body weight, lipid profile (triglycerides, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol), serotonin levels, Body Mass Index, fat metabolites and food consumption were assessed.

After 90 days of evaluation, results of this study showed the following clinically verified results:

· Reduces body weight and fat (three times greater than diet and exercise alone) · Inhibits fat synthesis · Maintains healthy blood sugar levels · Curbs appetite and reduces food intake

"This is great news for diabetics" claims Diab-X spokesperson Robert Tracy, Managing Partner for Proven Results Health, manufacturer of this product.

"Excess body weight is a key trigger in the diabetic process. This Georgetown University Medical Center study shows that people suffering from diabetes can jump-start their weight loss with a supplement that will get them to a safer body weight range faster", Tracy states.

About Proven Results Health http://www.provenresultshealth.com

Proven Results Health is a Chicago-based, leading provider of all natural, clinically-proven supplements that promote healthy blood sugar levels and weight loss. Contact: Dave Perry, Perry Marketing Communications Tel: 312.401.1882 E-mail: daveatperrymar@comcast.net

Dave Perry, Perry Marketing Communications
Digg!





Saturday, August 26, 2006

Want To Get Healthy? Eat Your Fruits And Vegetables!

by Stephanie Foster

Are you eating enough vegetables? The new food guidelines issued by the United States government recommend that all Americans eat between five and nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Now this may sound like a lot, but it really isn't. Despite that, an amazing number of people do not eat enough vegetables and fruits every day. Fortunately, it really is not that hard to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

Just head to your local supermarket and look at the selection. There's plenty to choose from. Not only that, but eating healthy fruits and vegetable isn't that expensive. Many of them cost far less than you might be thinking. With a little practice and determination you can use fresh fruits and vegetables to replace unhealthier snacks.

One serving is not all that much. One of the reasons many people feel overwhelmed when they hear how many servings per day they should eat is that they don't really realize how small a serving is. It's nothing close to what you get when you order the large meal at the fast food restaurant. A small apple is about the size of one serving of fruit or vegetables. That's about the size of a tennis ball, so don't get confused if you look at the huge apples that some grocery stores carry.

The recommended servings come out to at least two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables a day. That's it. Think about how much food you sometimes pile on your plate. For many of you this won't be hard at all.

Take advantage of the variety of fruits and vegetables available. You don't have to have a basic salad, an apple, a serving of peas, etc. each and every day. Mix it up! Add fun things to your salad such as baby corn, artichoke hearts and avocado. Try some of the fruits and vegetables you've never tried before. Make fruit salad. The variety is there for those willing to take advantage of it.

Variety is important for another reason. The different fruits and vegetables have different nutrients, so this will help you to get all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Getting bored despite the variety? Try some new recipes and bring them back to life. Baked apples are simple yet delicious. If you always steam your vegetables try baking them or stir frying with a very small amount of oil.

Try eating different parts of the vegetables. Some people just throw out the greens on top of their beets; however I like to stir fry those and eat them too. Find out what parts are edible and stop throwing away some of the best parts.

Now you may think you've been replacing the vitamins in your fruits and veggies by taking vitamin supplements. Think again.

Yes, vitamins can provide the basics such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as many others, there are many other nutrients your body needs that are not available in vitamins. Vitamins from fresh sources may also be better absorbed than vitamins taken in pill form.

What's the best way to save money when buying fruits and vegetables? Buy fresh, buy in season, buy local. If there's a farmer's market in your area compare its prices to those at your grocery store.

What about the best way to make it easier to replace unhealthy snacks with fruits and vegetables? Most can be cut up in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Apples, pears and bananas will go brown if you don't protect them from the air. Dip them in an acidic fruit juice, such as lemon, lime or pineapple to protect them. Combine chopped up fruits and vegetables with a refusal to buy unhealthy snacks when you're actually shopping at the grocery store and you'll find you simply eat fewer of them. Most people won't run to the store for some potato chips just because they want a quick snack. They'll take what's available, and if that's something healthy, so much the better.

Making the effort to get your five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day isn't as hard as it seems. Take a little time and learn to enjoy them.
Stephanie Foster has been having a lot of fun learning healthier ways to cook for her family and enjoys sharing what she has learned. You can get tips and recipes at http://www.makehealthymeals.com/.
Digg!





Diet And Nutrition Questions And Answers

by Raymond Burton

1. Should you aim for zero fat in your diet?

No you should not aim for zero fat. Fat is essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It also acts as a transport for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. The deal with fat is that is contains 9 calories per gram, and this is why fat foods are considered high calorie. Despite its bad reputation, you do need between 15-20% of your diet to be comprised of fats to maintain health. Most of this will come indirectly through your regular eating and it's a fat chance (pun intended) that you're not getting enough already!

2. Can I eat carbohyrates at night time?

Yes, however you should make sure that the carbohydrates come from complex sources like brown rice, vegetables and salads.

3. What is the best diet to keep blood sugars normal for a Type II Diabetic?

The same diet that is best for everyone. A diet that is well balanced with all the macronutrients, low in simple sugars and full of natural vitamins and fiber. It's all about keeping the sugar levels stable while providing enough calories and nutrition through whole foods. Just like when we were cave women and men!

Everyone may want to take a look at tweaking the diet a bit if for instance you have food allergies or cannot digest red meat. But other than that the standard is always the same. I prefer a 20 percent fat, 50 percent protein and 30 percent carbohydrate myself.

4. If you already eat healthy with no real avail, than how can you trick your body into losing weight?

Check again to make sure that your standard of eating healthy jives with a nutritionists and if that is the case start working out harder.

5. Can a body-builder/weightlifter be a vegetarian?

Yes, there are quite a few people who have done it. It is especially easy to do if you allow eggs, milk and whey protein under the label of vegetarian. If you are going strict vegetarian it gets harder but comes down to some serious planning and using various foods to produce complete proteins.

6. What are some good sources of low fat protein for someone who doesn't really like meat or eggs very much?

Some good choices of low fat protein for someone that does not like or can not eat meat or eggs would be:

Low fat cottage cheese Skim milk, soy milk A variety of sea foods Beans and lentils Low fat yogurt Whey protein

7. What are bad carbs vs. good carbs?

Carbs are the preferred source of energy for the body. When you eat carbs your body converts them to blood sugar or glucose. This glucose is stored in your muscle cells and liver for use when needed (like training!). When weight lifting, it is mostly this stored energy that your muscles use for contraction fuel. As with any calories you eat, any excess carbs that can't be utilized are stored as fat.

Some sugars are more conducive to a good-looking physique than others. This is where the good carb verses bad carb comes into play. There are three kinds of carbohydrates:

Monosaccharides (one-sugar molecule) Disaccharides (two-sugar molecules) Polysaccharides (three or more sugar molecules)

Monosaccharides and disaccharides are called sugars or bad carbs while polysaccarides are usually called complex carbohydrates, glucose polymers or good carbs. This is where the real good stuff begins. Because the good carbs contain three or more sugar molecules, they take longer to break down. The longer it takes the body to break these carbs down, the more time it has to use them as opposed to storing them as fat. A good way to gauge the quickness of the break down is something called the glycemic index.

8. Can eating 5-8 healthy balanced meals a day cause diabetes in the long run?

I cannot find or have not heard any evidence that would support that idea. In fact during all my research I have found the exact opposite to prove itself over and over. Large infrequent meals put quite a load on the body and create large surges of insulin response. This as you may know over time is one of the factors that can lead to the onset of diabetes. There is actually a study done on older subjects that states A higher meal frequency acutely subdues glucose excursions and reduces insulin and FFA levels during the daytime in older Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus subjects. You can find that study here: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Ray L Burton is the president of Recipes4Diets and author of the best selling ebook FAT TO FIT
Digg!