Weight Loss Products – “Spoilt” For Choice

Over Weight, Obesity and Obsession with weight loss is a global phenomenon. While the severity and percentage of cases differ slightly from one country/region/culture or another, abnormal weight gains can happen to anyone in any region and hence the success and popularity of weight loss products. For e.g. in the United States of America, many millions go on diets, exercise regimen, miracle pills each year and while few succeed in losing weight, very few succeed in keeping the weight off in the long run.

Losing weight and keeping it off requires many considerations. First and foremost you should determine correctly (if required, with medical consultation) about whether you are overweight and if so, by how much. Once you understand that there might be health risks involved you have to start researching and learning about the many weight loss products and options available to you. Weight loss products are available aplenty in the market as it is a very lucrative business with a large client base and a well spread problem.

While researching and narrowing down on weight loss products you have to keep many things in mind. First, it is always better to try out combinations of things rather than put all your eggs in a single basket. For e.g. along with dieting or any other weight loss product, a good exercise regiment can work wonders. This is because it is difficult to stay disciplined in any single weight loss method – say dieting or exercise and secondly the multiple methods can supplement each other nicely and give a better result.

Second, you should be extremely careful and cautious about the claims of weight loss product advertisements. It is always better to take your time, research the product and its claims, or consult a doctor or a known reference who has used the product. Many fad diets, calorie burners, even custom jewelry that is expected to use acupuncture techniques to control pressure points that stimulate hunger are available in the market. Enquire about the health risks involved, the speed of weight loss and whether customers using the weight loss product have been able to keep off their weight in the long run. Also check out about the costs involved including one time costs, recurring costs for visits or supervision, cost of pills, mixtures, special menus etc. It is always better to be safe than be sorry while using the weight loss products.

The best weight loss products that are prescribed and appreciated by both medical professionals and customers are the ones that work slow and easy. The problem with some quick fix weight loss products is that there might be health risks involved in losing weight rapidly and also the weight loss might reverse once you stop using the weight loss product. If your weight does not pose an immediate health risk, go for a combination of good diet consisting of nutritional products and a good mix of fruits, vegetables and low carb diet. Ensure that you take in enough food and calories required to keep you healthy and energized. Start on a slow and easy exercise regime and continue the weight loss program over a substantial period of time.

The best tips to lose your weight and burn your fat!!

The effective way to burn your fat and lose you weight is exercise. It’s a vital part of any weight loss program. Several people try to reduce their weight by increasing their level of their activity. You can combine a reduced calorie diet with an increased level of physical activity. If you have enough time, it is the good way to go to fitness club. Next, try to eat fresh and vegetables. In order to lose you weight, you have to eat the low calorie food. And everyone knows fresh fruit and vegetables are the best answer. The modern Western diet is one of fatty processed foods with fresh fruit and vegetables pretty much sidelined. The fruit and vegetable that you eat not only help you look young and help you to lose your weight but also boots you energy, reduce your calorie, and provide you with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. The next tip is to eat a lot but eat smaller amount. Rather than eating the big meals during the day and felling link a sloth afterwards, try to eat more meals in the day but smaller portions. This tip can help you feel good all the day and can also help you lose your weight. You can have six or seven small meals (it can be fruit and vegetable) at two or three hour intervals.4. If you want to skip the breakfast, you are wrong. I know it's tempting, you are busy, and you want an extra five minutes in bed, but do not skip breakfast. A good healthy breakfast stops you from overeating and studies show it controls your appetite and blood sugar levels throughout the day. The last tip is to try to drink lots of water. It will be good if you can have around 8-10 glasses of water a day. It can help you to diet and have less amount of food during the day. So many people t eat their meal late at night because of a hectic lifestyle. You cannot digest the meal that you have eaten before 8pm and it will increase your weight. Try eating a light meal in the evening and your main meal earlier in the day. If you want more information about weight issue, please visit my blog. Burn Stomach Fat

Weight Loss - Which Is Better, High or Low Intensity Exercises?

Copyright 2006 Eva Moffat

High Intensity Exercise or Low Intensity Exercise, which will help you lose weight quicker?

Let us first talk about what is Low Intensity Exercise and what would be considered High Intensity.

A brisk walk comes under the category of Low Intensity Exercise, while a run would be considered High Intensity; this is when your heart beats faster.

During High Intensive exercise, your body burns Glycogen. Glycogen is a substance that is made up of carbohydrates and is stored in your liver and muscles. So when you need a burst of energy the Glycogen will be converted to energy and is readily available.

Some Scientists reported that you could burn body fat by doing Low Intensive exercise. So immediately, people changed their exercise routine and started doing Low Intensive exercises.

But the Low Intensive exercises are apparently not working too well, you just have to look around you at the still overweight people who despite doing their exercises regularly are not losing weight. Why is this?

Let’s look at the facts as we know them:

What Is The Difference Between Burning Body Fat and Burning Calories?

The Scientists realised that during Low Intensity Exercise such as walking or a leisurely swim, the body burns more fat.

They also found that although a Low Intensity Exercise may help you lose weight, doing High Intensity Exercises helped build muscles. Often when on a slimming diet, you will not seem to be losing weight; this is because you are building muscles instead.

People are inclined to mistake muscles for fat yet this is not true. I’m not talking about bulging biceps but muscles when well toned help keep the body working efficiently. So a muscular body could be a sign of good health.

However, when running you would be burning more Calories. It is good to burn calories. When you eat, you are taking into your body calories. Therefore to lose weight you must burn more calories per day than you take in with your food.

So if you do Low Intensity Exercises, that will burn body fat, after you have finished exercising and cooled down, that will be it. In other words no further benefit to you.

If you compare this to doing High Intensity Exercises, you will burn Calories and increase your metabolism. Even after you have finished with your workout, you will still be losing body fat for hours afterwards.

We talked about Glycogen earlier; when you exercise you use up some of your Glycogen stores. This means that to top up your Glycogen stores, when you eat the Carbohydrates will be converted to Glycogen instead of Body Fat.

How To Get The Best of Both Worlds

Low Intensity Exercise or High Intensity Exercise, both have advantages. But people on Low Intensity Exercises are inclined to NOT lose weight or go on to yo-yo dieting, when your weight will go up and down, hence the term yo-yo dieting.

Why not do both High and Low Intensity Exercises at the same time?

You could start off by taking a brisk walk for say 5 minutes, this is the Low Intensive Exercise, then run for 5 minutes, and this is the High Intensive Exercise. When you are breathless and your heart is pumping, slow down and start walking briskly again. This is called Interval Training. So if you keep alternately walking and running for a minute at a time, you will be doing yourself and your body a great deal of good.

Do this Interval Training 5 times a week and you will soon see your body becoming lean and mean, with an improvement to the whole of your health.

Just to reminisce, my friend and I when we were late getting back to school would do this walk / run regime and it was amazing how quickly we reached school. But we didn’t know 55 years ago that it had a fancy title of ‘Interval Training’.

If you want to lose weight, try alternating High Intensive Exercise with Low Intense Exercise. You will soon be losing weight and feeling great.

Weight Loss - 10 Ways To Cut Calories

Copyright 2006 Eva Moffat

1. Use fruit purees instead of butter 2. Eat cheese but get rid of the fat 3. Don’t exercise before meals 4. Eating in front of the TV is bad for you 5. Always have a breakfast 6. Fructose is better than glucose 7. Bad fats are not good for you 8. Use skim milk rather than whole 9. Don’t have more than four egg yolks a week 10. Before cooking, trim all the fat from meat

Substitute Fruit Purees Instead of Butter

If when eating mashed potatoes, adding fruit puree instead of butter, will cut down the calories and give your mashed potatoes a different but pleasant flavour.

Eat Cheese But Discard The Fat

Cheese is good for you; it’s full of calcium. But it is also full of fat.

Get rid of the fat by putting the cheese into the microwave for about 10 seconds, then drain off the fat and grease. (Be careful not to leave it in the microwave too long, unless you want Welsh Rarebit). Or alternatively, you could buy a cheese that has less fat in it.

Don’t Exercise Before Meals

If you exercise before meals you are just making yourself hungrier as you are burning the fat. So to satiate your hunger, you will eat more. A better idea is to exercise after eating. Then your body has to work harder to digest the food. WARNING: Don’t exercise immediately after a meal, or you will make yourself sick. Exercise an hour after eating.

Eating While Watching The TV Is Bad For You

You can so easily overeat. The programme you are watching may be so exciting and you are engrossed in it, you won’t be aware of what you are eating.

Always Eat A Breakfast

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. The word Breakfast = Break Fast. You probably have had nothing to eat since supper the night before. So you are Breaking The Fast.

Your body will burn more calories if you eat breakfast.

Fructose is Better Than Glucose

Drinking Water With Fructose (Fruit Juices) rather than Glucose, will act as an appetite suppressant. Drinking a glass of orange juice an hour before eating will take the edge off your appetite.

Bad Fats Are Not Good For You

Bad fats are Trans Fatty Acids. Many margarines are Trans Fat. Butter is not.

When cooking use cooking oil instead.

Read the labels on the food you buy. If you see the words Hydrogenated Oils run a mile as this means it contains Trans Fatty Acids. As a bonus, running that mile will use up some calories.

Use Skim Milk Rather Than Whole

Drinking Whole Milk means you are drinking the cream and this of course is extra calories. Switching to Skim Milk will still give you all the goodness of milk, without the fat.

Don’t Have More Than Four Egg Yolks A Week

Do you remember the Advert on TV ‘Go To Work On An Egg’ personally I think you’d be more comfortable on the bus, but there is no accounting for taste.

Seriously, the white of an egg (the Albumen) is full of the wrong kinds of fat. So better to have the yellow part of the egg (the Yolk) and then only a maximum of four times a week.

Before Cooking Trim All The Fat From The Meat

If you love your meat, by trimming all the fat off it before cooking will cut down your calories intake dramatically. Or alternatively, eat skinless chicken or fish.

10 Secrets to a Fit Family

It's no secret that many parents and their children are overweight. These 10 simple ‘secrets’ can help you change your family's lifestyle so that you can all become fit and healthy.

1) Eat Whole Grain Foods

Processed and refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, cereal, pasta, and other foods made with white flour have a high glycemic index, low amounts of fiber, and less vitamins and minerals as foods made with whole grains. Making the switch to whole grain foods, including whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and cereals made with whole grains, are an easy and healthy way to make your family's diet more nutritious.


2) Limit Soda and Fruit Drinks

Soda and fruit drinks have low nutritional value and a lot of calories. At about 150 calories per 12 ounce serving, your kids will gain an extra pound about every 3 weeks if they drink just one can of soda each day.
Cutting back or eliminating soda, fruit drinks, and even fruit juice, can be a good way to get rid of a lot of extra calories and leave room for your kids to eat more nutritious foods.


3) Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Most children don't eat enough fruits and vegetables and that usually means that they are eating other less nutritious foods. With a high fiber content and lots of vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. And because they have lots of water in them, eating fruits and vegetables can help you to feel full and satisfied so that you don't overeat.


4) Eat More Foods with Calcium

A common mistake people make when trying to lose weight is that they stop drinking milk, eating cheese and yogurt. Calcium is important to build healthy bones and to help you lose weight. You should encourage your kids to drink low-fat milk, eat portioned amounts of cheese and yogurt to help lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.


5) Be More Active

Everyone knows that part of the cause of the current obesity epidemic is that people are much less active then they used to be. Getting kids involved in organized activities, which can be either team or individual sports, and cutting back on the amount of time in front of the TV, computer and playing video games will burn calories and improve fitness levels.

Family activities are also a good way to be more physically active. Even simple things, like walking across a parking lot, using stairs, and going for short family walks or bike rides, can make a big difference.


6) Know Where Calories Come From

While you don't necessarily need to do daily calorie counts, keep a diary of what your family eats for a few days can help you see where extra calories are coming from. Are your kids overweight because of the calories they get from a bedtime snack or those two glasses of Kool Aid or soda he drinks? Or maybe because his portion sizes are too large?

If you know where your kids' calories are coming from, you will know where to make changes and how you can cut back, especially on foods that have a lot of empty calories.


7) Learn About Carbs

Carbs get a bad wrap, especially with all of the proponents of high protein diets, like the Atkins and South Beach Diet. Not all carbs are created equal. While it is a good idea to avoid foods that have refined such as white bread, foods made with white flour, and foods and beverages sweetened with sugar, other carbs should be part of a balanced diet.

Instead of avoiding all carbs, just learn about how to choose foods with ‘good’ carbohydrates, which includes fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grain foods.


8) Learn About Fats

Like carbs, there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ fats. Instead of making the mistake of trying to stick to a low fat diet, and simply substituting other foods that are often just as high in calories, you should eat foods that have ‘good’ fat in them. This includes foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. On the other hand, you should avoid saturated fats and trans fats.


9) Choose Healthy Meals when Eating Out

Even if your family eats healthy at home, if you eat super-sized fast food meals a few times a week, they are probably still at risk for becoming overweight. If you eat out a lot, review the nutritional facts of the restaurant's menu and watch your portion sizes. Calories and fat quickly adds up when eating out!


10) Stay Motivated!

Most people know what they need to do to be healthier however, eating healthy and exercising is not easy. Education about the specifics of a healthy diet, getting the whole family involved, and setting goals, can help your family stay healthy and fit. Hire a personal trainer or seek the counsel of a dietitian to keep you on the healthy track.

Are You Struggling With Weight Loss Management?

It doesn’t matter whether you are trying to lose five pounds or more than 50 pounds; all of the same simple laws of physics determine whether or not you will lose weight and how fast your weight loss will occur. While everyone is different, if everyone remembered these simple guidelines and put them into practice, then they would find that these guidelines would generally lead to weight loss without the aid of any special diet plans, books, or medications.

Our weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food, and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day. Energy is measured in calories. If your weight remains constant, you are probably taking in the same amount of calories that you are burning each and every day. If you’re slowly gaining weight over time, it is likely that your caloric intake is greater than the number of calories you burn through your daily activities.

Everyone is in control of the amount of food he or she consumes each day, so as a result, our intake of calories is something we can control with relative simplicity. To some degree, we are also able to control our output of energy, or the number of calories we burn each day. The number of calories we burn each day is dependent upon:

1. Our basal metabolic rate (BMR)
2. The number of calories we burn per hour simply by being alive and maintaining bodily functions and
3. Our level of physical activity

For some people, due to genetic (inherited) factors or other conditions, their resting metabolic rate can be slightly higher or lower than average. Our weight also plays a role in determining how many calories we burn at rest – the more calories that are required to maintain your body in its present state, the greater your body weight. As an example, a person that weighs around a hundred pounds requires less energy (food) to maintain body weight than a person who weighs 200 pounds.

Lifestyle and work habits partially determine how many calories we need each day. Someone whose job involves heavy physical labor will naturally burn more calories in a day than someone who sits at a desk most of the day (a sedentary job). For people who do not have jobs that require intense physical activity, you need exercise or increased physical activity to increase the number of calories burned.

As a rough estimate, an average woman aged 31-50 who leads a sedentary lifestyle needs about 1800 calories per day to maintain a normal weight. A man of the same age requires about 2200 calories. Participating in a moderate level of physical activity (exercising 3-5 days per week) requires about 200 additional calories per day.

In order to lose weight rather than maintain it, you will want to eat sensible, well balanced meals with small portion sizes, cut down or reduce your intake of daily calories, try with your best efforts to eliminate fats from your diet and ensure that you exercise on a regular basis.

Diet Plans Are Meals, Snacks, and Water

Almost all women have been on a diet sometime in their life; I know I have. Men diet also, but not as many men diet as women. It is hard to decide which diet plan to suffer through. The first question is, which one will work for you and how hard do you have to work to make it work? Basically most of us are lazy when it comes to losing weight and we want the fastest and easiest diet plan we can find.

Sticking to a diet is hard to do. On most 'normal' diets you won't get hungry. By normal I mean you eat 3 meals a day with a couple of snacks during the day and you have to drink tons of water, that is what really fills you up. You may slush around all day but you won't get hungry.

There are many diet plans. There are the 300 pages or more diet books and there are the diet groups that meet at least once a week. Then there are some that will have meals delivered right to your door. The basic plan in these diets is each day eat 3 healthy meals, have a couple of snacks, and drink lots of water. Next you have the diet pills that come with a diet plan, 3 meals, a couple of snacks, and lots of water, plus a pill or 2 each day.

Let us not forget the fad diets, the cabbage soup diet, the boiled egg diet, the grapefruit diet, just to name a few. These diets don't last long, you either give up or pass out. Oh yeah, you do lose weight with these diets, but you also gain it back in a hurry, plus some.

So if you are thinking about starting a diet plan, choose carefully. Frankly in my opinion, one of the ones that meets once a week is the best. You get the support of all the rest of the group, you get to meet new people, and you get some new ideas for meals. These kinds of diets teach you how to live with a food plan, not a diet, but a way of life.

So until you decide which diet plan you think you can best follow, try to eat 3 healthy meals, a couple of snacks, and drink a lot of water each day. By the time you figure out which diet you want to tackle, maybe you will of lost the weight and won't even need a 'diet', because you will of found a 'diet' on your own, except you now call it a food plan for life.

10 Easy Ways to a ‘Healthy-Diet’ for Kids

Creating a Healthy Home can be easier than you think.

Creating a nutritionally healthy home is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure the health of your child. To start, make smart food choices, and help your child develop a positive relationship with healthy food. Your children will learn their food smarts from your example.

Here are the top 10 tips for getting children to eat healthy food:

1. Do not restrict food. Restricting food increases the risk your child may develop eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia later in life. It can also have a negative effect on growth and development. Also by restricting food you will actually increase the risk of overeating later in the day which will cause weight gain.

2. Keep healthy food at hand. Children will eat what's readily available. Keep fruit in a bowl on the counter, not buried in the crisper section of your fridge. Remember, your child can only choose foods that you stock in the house, by limiting ‘junk food’ you will, by default, teach your child how to choose healthier foods.

3. Don't label foods as "good" or "bad." Instead, tie foods to the things your child cares about, such as sports, academics and hobbies. Let your child know that lean protein such as turkey and calcium in dairy products give strength to their sports and academic performance, the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables add luster to skin and hair and the carbs in whole grains will give them energy to play.

4. Praise healthy choices. Give your children a proud smile and tell them how smart they are when they choose healthy foods. Kids thrive on positive reinforcement!

5. Don't nag about unhealthy choices. If your child chooses unhealthy foods infrequently, ignore it. However, if your child always wants fatty, fried food, redirect the choice. You might try roasting potato sticks in the oven (tossed in just a bit of oil) instead of buying french fries. Or, if your child wants candy, you might make fresh strawberries dipped in a little chocolate sauce. Too busy? Then keep naturally sweet dried fruit at home for quick snacks. With consistent effort taste buds change and soon your child will be craving healthy foods.

6. Never use food as a reward. This could create weight problems in later life. Instead, reward your children with something physical and fun -- perhaps a trip to the park or a quick game of catch.

7. Sit down to family dinners at night. If this isn't a tradition in your home, it should be. Research shows that children who eat dinners at the table with their parents have better nutrition and are less likely to get in serious trouble as teenagers. Start with one night a week, and then work up to three or four, to gradually build the habit.

8. Prepare plates in the kitchen. There you can put healthy portions of each item on everyone's dinner plate. Your children will learn to recognize correct portion sizes. Too often people go for seconds and even thirds just because the food is right there. You might notice that you need less food to feel full!

9. Give the kids some control. Ask your children to take three bites of all the foods on their plate and give it a grade, such as A, B, C, D, or F. When healthy foods - especially certain vegetables -- get high marks, serve them more often. Offer the items your children don't like less frequently. This lets your children participate in decision making. After all, dining is a family affair!

1. Consult your pediatrician. Always talk with your child's doctor before putting your child on a diet, trying to help your child gain weight, or making any significant changes in the type of foods your child eats. Never diagnose your child as too heavy, or too thin, by yourself. If weight change is recommended seek the help of a Dietitian.

Lose Belly Fat Now

The first thing that people, who wish to lose weight, think about is reducing their belly fat. It does not matter if you need to lose those extra 15 pounds or a whole lot more. And it is exactly where they all go wrong. This article will explain what the biggest mistake of flat belly seekers is, how to avoid it, and achieve your desirable flat belly.

Belly muscles are designed to give balance and coordination for the body's movements. Constant movement keeps it in shape. People used to walk and move a lot just a few centuries ago. These days most of the people sit all day long at the office and as a result their muscles weaken. At this point they can't support the internal oranges, allowing the abdomen to bulge.

The swelling causes people to seek some drastic action, in order to regain that nice flat belly they start to exercise. This is where people make the biggest mistake in flatting their stomach: they start to workout very hard on their belly muscles and develop nice firm muscles but no one can see them. They are all sunken under a layer of fat. People are walking around with nice strong belly muscles that are actually invisible.

These people can not stop complaining about how hard they work, every day shaping their muscles but no visible results are shown. This is their mistake, their muscles are just fine. The problem is the layer of fat which covers them.

The solution is working on both things at the same time: on one hand work on your belly muscles, in addition you must reduce your fat percentage, Lowering your fat percentage will eventually give you the affect you were looking for the "six-pack" look. It is very important to realize that lowering only belly fat is impossible. You must burn fat with by working and developing a higher muscles mass which will burn more calories even when you rest. Another important aspect is to reduce fattening food consumption.

There is an argument regarding how much and how often should one work on his belly muscles. It depends on you, your time, and how quickly do you want to start shaping your belly. It is recommended to work once in two days for 15 minutes, work real hard the n rest the next day. It is possible to work every day on the belly muscles, contrary to other muscles, but its best to start in this moderate manner and move from there.

This is it the big secret do not expect to find specific exercises, it is not the most important thing the key to win your fight for a flat belly is in the combination of low fat diet and exercises which will end up in a flat belly.

Losing Weight with Phentermine

To be healthy is the ultimate desire of the young generation. A healthy body is defined as a proper ratio of height and weight of an individual and it is called mass index. If mass index exceeds the body ratio then it is treated as an obesity case. There are mainly two advantages of healthy body; increase in resistive power to fight back the disease, and improve self-confidence level of the individual. Keeping body fit helps the individual to progress in all the walks of life.

To overcome obesity is the primary requirement of an individual and to overcome this, strong will power and patience play an important role. But in most of the cases, people are unable to cope up with these factors; thus some of the medicine experts introduced weight loss tablets in the market. These pills help in reducing the excess weight and keep the individual fit and healthy. One of such pill is the Phentermine, which acts as an agent in suppressing the diet and appetite. When diet and appetite is in control, body automatically responds to the mass index of the individual. The Phentermine is one of the best diet suppressant medicines available in the recent market. It has a certificate approved by the FDA and it is working in this field since 1953. It helps in reducing weight in just two to three months. The proper ratio of metabolic rate and the calorie ratios are properly maintained with the help of Phentermine. Another reason for Phentermine to be popular world wide is the cost of the pills as compared to other weight loss pills. Phentermine pills are cheap and fulfill the desire of being healthy and fit.

As we know that the Phentermine is a medicine that controls the appetite, it is also an Anorectics class of drug. The main job of these pills is to affect the serotonin conditions of the brain and in turn reduce the quantity of intake. Due to this the individual is less attracted towards the fatty foodstuffs and gains control over the excess calories. Every medicine takes time to show actual effects and the same is the case with Phentermine, so people taking Phentermine pills should have patience and will power.

Phentermine does not boast about its popularity neither it is a magic pill because Phentermine work for those people who are ready to carry out daily workouts nor stick to the balanced diet. It is a two way process. Once you are ready to follow the system then only Phentermine will work for you otherwise the result will not be achieved as per your anticipation. The Phentermine pills are recommended to those patients who are suffering from obesity and other illness related to over-weight. People with heart problems should not go for Phentermine. Pregnant women are advised to stay away from Phentermine and in case they are already taking Phentermine, should consult their doctor for the right kind of doses; otherwise the new born baby may lead to abnormalities. Brest feeding mothers are not recommended to take Phentermine pills.

There are various formulae available in case of Phentermine pills, one of them is quick release formula that provides fast impact on the blood stream and helps in controlling the appetite and reduces the weight enormously. The second formula works with time frame, in which the medicine mixes in blood stream after 12 hours and after this period only, the actions start for controlling the appetite. The obesity patients who are undergoing treatment with Phentermine are advised not to engage in activities such as driving and working on heavy machineries.

Individuals have to follow Phentermine pills for three to four months and during this period they have to carry out regular exercise and follow correct dose of the pills.

Best Diet - 3 Key Ingredients For Ultimate Weight Loss Success

So you've made the resolution that THIS is the year you're going to lose weight and get in the best shape of your life. You're not going to settle for second best - you're going to achieve that dream body you've always wanted.

Great news - this is actually the best time to make that commitment. Why? Because you can take advantage of the powerful momentum and energy a New Year brings to achieve your weight loss dreams.

But there's nothing worse than committing to lose weight, only to get lost among the 5 gazillion diets out there. It can get confusing - you may end up wasting a lot of money and effort. You may end up wondering which diet is really the BEST diet for you.

You may even end up feeling so frustrated that you give up on your dream of becoming slim and healthy. But it doesn't have to be that way.


In order to have rapid weight loss success, you have to find the best diet for you (a.k.a. the diet that will speed you towards your dream body at lightning pace). There are millions of diets - but only a few that are best for you and your lifestyle.

The best diet for you will have the 3 key features listed below. Choose your diet with these 3 key features in mind and you're already halfway to your weight loss dreams.


#1 Proven Success Rate

Are there before and after pictures of people who have lost weight with that particular diet? Are there customer testimonials? Have there been independent studies done on the diet's success rate?

The diet you choose doesn't have to have all three of these but try to find at least some kind of proven success rate before choosing that particular program.

Finding a diet with a proven success rate not only lets you know that the diet works but it also helps give you the confidence that the diet will work FOR YOU.

Confidence is one of the most underrated factors in a successful weight loss program. If you've tried and failed with diets before you especially need that extra boost of confidence to carry you through the more difficult times in the diet. By reminding yourself that this diet has been proven to work - you'll be able to keep going and reach your weight loss goals.

A related feature that gets extra points is if the diet has been recommended by an expert or a physician. Again this boosts your confidence that the diet is safe and effective.


#2 Affordable.

Losing weight should not cost you thousands of dollars (unless we're talking about surgery here and that's an entirely different article). The best diet will be affordable for the average person.

If the diet costs too much, be very suspicious and look elsewhere. There are too many shady diets out there and as a consumer, it pays to be cautious.

I'll give you an example of what I mean:

A close friend of mine went to a well-known weight loss clinic in our area and was told she had to pay the yearly fees up front (around $1000 NOT including food). They also told her she had to buy their food in bulk (like $500 for a year's worth of chocolate). When the chocolate gave her heart palpitations and she had to take it back, they told her it was non-refundable. She was out the money for the chocolate. Plus, she feels she can't leave the program because she's paid the yearly fees (which, you guessed it, are also non-refundable).

She unfortunately made the mistake of ignoring her instincts and paying way too much money for a diet program. If you notice you're being asked for hefty fees right out of the gate, warning lights should be flashing in your mind.

Now on the other hand, the best diet WILL cost you something. It actually is better if you put some cash on the table for your diet program. Why? Because when we invest in something we're more likely to stick with it. When we invest in something we are more likely to follow through and get the results we want.

For example I did a liver detox several months ago. I'm not really into liver detoxing but I read an article and figured I'd try it.

The detox kit cost me a whopping $50 and when I opened the instructions they told me I had to give up junk food for two weeks. In any other universe I would have laughed and simply forgotten about detoxing my liver. But because I'd shelled out $50, I was invested - I decided that I hopefully wouldn't starve from lack of junk food over two weeks and suffered through it.

If I'd gotten the detox kit for free there's no way I would have followed those instructions. But because I was invested, I followed through and now have a healthier liver thanking me for it.

So when searching for the best diet, putting out some money on yourself and your dreams of a better body is actually a healthy thing. Just keep in mind that you shouldn't have to spend thousands of dollars on it.


#3 Compatible with Your Tastes and Lifestyle

This is THE most crucial step however it's the one where most people go wrong. When choosing a diet, they simply pick one and go, without considering if it is compatible with their tastes and lifestyle.

For example, if you hate feeling deprived or empty you might want to choose a program that lets you eat many times during the day so you don't feel hungry. If you get bored easily you want a diet program that gives you tremendous variety and flexibility. If you don't do a lot of cooking or food preparation, you'll want to look at a program where the food is pre-made for you.

Diets are like cars - there are hundreds of different models out there, each with their own unique features. And they can get you where you want to go. But your personality might gel better with certain features than others.

Dieting is hard enough. Don't make it harder on yourself by choosing a diet not compatible with who you are. Setting yourself up for success will also guarantee that you'll stick it out until you reach your goal.


And one other thing, the best diet will be one that you can get excited about. Choose a diet that you enjoy, that you believe in, that may actually be - gulp - fun.

Emotional excitement will fade in time, yes. But it can give you enough of an emotional push to get you over the initial hump. By that time your first few pounds will have come off and will serve as your continuing motivation.

So those are 3 key considerations when looking for the best diet. Keep them in mind and you will progress in leaps and bounds towards your dream body. Remember, planning now may seem boring - but it's the key to your future weight loss success.

Possibly The Best Weight Loss Program In The World

There is a strong possibility that whoever reads this article is looking into ways of losing weight. In this article I describe how I went about losing my excess weight. I hope you enjoy the read.

I have had many problems with my weight throughout my life. Being overweight had a major negative effect on my confidence and made me feel down and at times depressed. When feeling low, I would comfort eat which merely added to the problem.

A few years ago I decided I had had enough of being fat and that it was time to do something about it. I was now more determined than ever to lose some of my excess weight. I had read about many different types of diet most of which I felt were not suitable for me and others which sounded disgusting.

What I required was my own type of weight loss program. I have never liked the thought of attending a gym, they seem to be full of thin people, however I knew that exercise would need to be a factor. Instead, I started to walk a lot more instead of driving everywhere, I also started to play football and tennis again. The thought of going out jogging did not really appeal to me, however I did buy an exercise bike which I kept in my bedroom.

As well as exercise, I also realised that I had to change my eating habits. I am somebody who likes to eat all the wrong types of food. I love all types of take away including pizzas, a curry, a chinese, and chips. I would always be snacking in between meals, on things like peanuts and crisps. I also was rather partial to alcohol, this is something which helped me to gain confidence.

The thought of cutting all of these things out of my life seemed to harsh, so I decided that I would start to write down everything I ate. This way I could see exactly what I could cut out.

This is what I decided to eat on average per day.

I would eat a healthy breakfast such as toast or cerial. I would try not to eat any snacks in between any meals, this was the thing that would be most difficult to stick to. I did however come up with a plan which you will probably think is daft. Whenever I felt hungry or a desire for food I would eat a polo mint or if I was at home, would clean my teeth. Sounds crazy but it worked for me!

For lunch I would also stick to something healthy like pasta, however for my evening meal, I decided that I could eat anything that I wanted, including curry. On the weekend I would always treat myself to a takeaway and would allow myself some alcohol.

This type of diet needs a lot of discipline and character, however it hs helped me to become a lot more confident and happy with life.

Good luck.

12 Things You Can Learn From A Two-Year Old

If you ask any child about the adults around them, they'd probably say we're a little wacky and seem to be stressed out a lot of the time. Here are a few simple things they can teach us...

1. Nap when you're tired.

2. Eat when you're hungry.

3. Don't starve yourself, it makes you tired and cranky. Eat little bits often to keep fueled up.

4. Stubbornly refuse to eat even one more bite once you're full. If you're full after a few bites, gleefully throw the rest away.

5. Leave the table with a satisfied, full belly and an eagerness to dive back into your delicious life.

6. Be picky and only eat foods you love. If it doesn't taste great to you, clamp those lips shut and refuse to eat until something better is found.

7. Be in awe over how amazing and wonderful your body is. Notice how it moves, hugs, plays, loves, heals, and enjoys life.

8. Run, jump, skip, play. Move your body because it's so much fun and it feels good. Be amazed at all the incredible physical things your body can do.

9. Wear clothes that are comfy and that make you feel good.

10. Appreciate the people around you for who they are rather than for how they look.

11. Hang out with fun, friendly people and stay away from mean, critical ones.

12. Feel great about yourself because, well, why wouldn't you?

If you don't have a two-year old around right now, seek one out and watch them for a day. Their simple enjoyment of life, and their absolute respect for their own bodies is something to aspire to.

A Lot Of People Diet To Lose Weight These Days

When we chose to change our eating habits, we usually diet to lose weight. Sometimes we may have health issues, such as high cholesterol, which is what leads us to eat healthier.

Often times we diet to lose weight because as we are overweight and realize that our eating habits may have gotten in this predicament to begin with.

It is possible to just exercise and lose weight, but sooner or later the person will not lose any more weight without changing eating habits as well. Most of the time it is the other way around; people diet, that is they count carbohydrates, fat grams, or calories, somehow limiting their food intake to reach weight loss goals.

Even though every source you read on diet to lose weight encourages combining the diet plan with exercise, not everyone does this right away. Of course, it is ideal to diet and exercise from the beginning of a diet plan, some people may feel overwhelmed by taking on too much change at once, if exercise has not been a part of their life.

There are quite a few online support sites to visit, that have a multitude of information for anyone looking to diet to lose weight. Some diets work better for some than others, for instance, the Atkins diet required quite a drastic cut in carbohydrates, which may not be an appropriate diet to lose weight for everyone.

The South Beach Diet is a popular diet to lose weight because it allows dieters to eat many of the foods they eat anyway and is not quite as restrictive as others. There are also weight loss systems such as Jenny Craig, the LA Weight Loss Center, or Curves for Women.

All of these programs are great and offer a good deal of support for anyone who wants to diet to lose weight. Exercise is encouraged, and for the Curves for Women plan, it is the central part of the program.

When you do decide to diet to lose weight, be sure you visit with your healthcare provider first before beginning your program, especially if you have quite a bit of weight to lose, or if you have health issues that may be of concern. Exercise should not be contraindicated for anyone and can be tailored for each individual dieter’s specific needs.

You diet to lose weight, but you must also incorporate exercise into your plan. You will gain greater health, and also be able to maintain your diet and fitness goals.

Fighting Child Obesity

Fitness and nutrition expert, Tracey Redford of Curves International says, “The inactivity among young people can not be blamed solely on the evolution of Internet technology and television in itself. Child obesity has lead to a number of other health related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease from the combination of improper nutrition and lack of exercise.”

Redford went on to say, “We live in a complex society where children of all ages have to contend with social issues such as depression, violence and divorce all having a downward spiraling affect both physically and emotionally. The psychological impact this has on our youth’s triggers an imbalance in eating habits and leads to a lack of motivation creating a domino effect.”

A summer camp experience with weight loss benefits

Last year in Canada alone the government spent over $2 billion on medical procedures surrounding obesity. No matter how many times we read about or see it on the news, children still do not understand the connection between eating, exercise and a healthy body. Rather than pointing fingers and placing blame, we need more resources and programs that can be offered such as summer camp programs specializing in weight loss. These camps are sometimes referred to as “fat camps” for young children and teens to guide them and educate them on making good healthy choices.

Children and parents shouldn’t be turned off by the words, “fat camp” which simply means a place where children of all ages can get fit, learn about nutritional balance and have fun doing so. Getting to participate in sports, crafts, and making make new friends while achieving weight loss in a nurturing environment provides a positive alternative for kids, and can pave the way to combat obesity.

The ultimate goal is sustainable healthy weight loss

When children feel they have no options, they continue on the same path of poor eating habits leading to a state of helplessness. Sending a child to a gym where they feel isolated and eventually lose motivation is not the solution either. Redford explains, “We need far better choices if we want our youth’s to get on track and stay on track. Weight loss camps for pre-teens and teenagers are a viable solution.”

What exactly is a weight loss camp? It’s about building a better self-image and self esteem while promoting health and wellness with individualized programs geared to weight loss that yields long term results. This is the foundation of the whole weight loss summer camp experience. A nutritionist designs an appropriate menu enabling campers to lose the weight and provide the necessary tools to keep the weight off upon returning home from camp. Understanding that the parent’s role is crucial in encouraging proper weight control for their children, the camps provide access to a network of nutritionist across the country.

Written on behalf of www.campshane.com, the original, longest running weight loss camp in the world located in the New York Catskill Mountains.

How To Lose Weight Without Really Trying

Sound impossible? I think not. You'll find plenty of opportunities to slip these easy weight loss tips into your routine and watch the numbers on the scale go down. If you've already begun to lose weight, these tips will maximize your efforts and speed up results. The bottom line is that one pound is equivalent to 3,500 calories. Whether you make slight changes to your diet or increase exercise levels, a deficit of 500 calories a day will lead to a loss of about a pound a week for you without really trying! Here are some tips you can try:

• Chew a piece of gum. Researchers recently discovered that chewing sugar-free gum all day increases your metabolic rate by about 20 percent. It speeds up the digestive system, burns more calories, and sometimes stops a craving. This method alone could help to burn off more than 10 pounds a year.

• Pack a lunch. Dining out a lot (5 or more times per week) can make you eat more than if you dine out less frequently.

• Sprinkle flax on your cereal. High-fiber, ground flax seed can help curb your appetite and also eliminate calories. You can add it to yogurt, a muffin or your oatmeal. It is readily available in health food stores or online.

• Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth after a meal seems to send a signal to your body that you’re done eating, and it makes your breath fresh without relying on gum and mints made with sugar that can cause you to crave something sweet. You can also brush your teeth instead of eating when you feel the craving to eat something you know you shouldn’t.

• Get rid of the remotes and other labor-saving devices. You could easily burn a lot of extra calories a day if you stop using the TV/VCR remote, garage door openers, electric can openers, riding mowers, and other things made to cut down on manual work.

• Smell your food. When you really have a craving for something like a fresh-baked cookie, try this little trick to satisfy yourself: Indulge in the smell for 30 seconds and then place a small bite on the tip of your tongue for another 30 seconds. Savoring the smell and taste can help you stay in control of food.

• Post inspirational messages. To keep yourself on track and motivated, place quotes in strategic spots where you might need some motivation: on the refrigerator, TV, dashboard of the car, or your computer. Some suggestions: "Eat to Live; Don't Live to Eat" and "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels."

• Eat more soup. Begin your lunch or dinner with soup and it may help you eat less during the main meal. Soup helps curb your appetite and also forces you to eat more slowly. You are more likely to pay attention to what you. Eat soups are that are low in fat and calories such as broth-based soups. Avoid creamy soups like clam chowder or cheese and bacon. Choose vegetable to work in some extra nutrients.

• Drink lots of water. Drinking about eight glasses of water every day raises your metabolism slightly and allows your body to avoid retaining extra fluid. Drink a glass of water before and during every meal and before and after workouts.

• Do not skip meals. Eating small, frequent meals help to balance your calorie intake throughout the day and also keeps your blood sugar level balanced. Instead of eating 3 big meals, try to eat 5 - 6 smaller meals throughout the day. This way you won’t overeat at meals because you’re less hungry. Skipping meals hurts your diet efforts because it causes your body to hold onto its stored food instead of burning it off.

• Stop avoiding exercise. Think about how you can work more activity into your life. Why not park your car farther away from your door at work or the mall? Take the steps to your apartment or office instead of the elevator. Walk to someone's desk in another department to ask them a question instead of e-mailing them. You can even wear a pedometer and set yourself a goal to walk a certain number of miles per day.

• Reduce caffeine intake. Reduce your consumption of caffeine to lose weight faster. Caffeine leads to an increase of insulin in your body that stops the burning of your stored fat. This is a simple chemical reaction in your body that you can change easily by eliminating caffeine.

• Plan Your Eating. Have a snack, such as fruit, an hour before you go to a planned party or dinner. This way you will feel full and be less likely to overeat.

Keep striving for your weight loss goals. The small changes that we make every single day that will make a big change in the long run!

Phentermine And Healthy Weight Loss

Today’s World is the age of competition and to be ahead of others one needs to be smart and dashing. In this regard, weight is the most distracting factor that hinders the youths in present day scenerio. To over come the over weight factor, there are various medicines and pills available in the market. But all these medicines do not fulfill the requirement of loosing weight and at same time you invite various types of side effects. Here is a magic pill that will help you in shedding your extra weight in shortest possible of time with out any side effects. This magic pill is none other than Phentermine.This medicine has been showing best results and is commonly recommended by the health authorities for all of the age groups.

Phentermine started to spread its roots from 1950 onwards and do due its positive results it was approved by the FDA in the year 1959. Phentermine is a medicine that makes you slim you in a short period when compared to other medicines available in the industry. Various people and dieters have been using this medicine for the last 55 years. The main cause of increase in weight is the metabolism and this particular magic pill reduces the metabolism and helps the individual to fight against obesity battle. Phentermine has provided a new dimension in the field of medicine. The process of medication is simple and pleasant.

Phentermine contains amine, which resembles to amphetamine and various properties of phentermine are similar to that of amphetamines chemical. There are two methods that help to reduce weight with the help of Phentermine. First method is by stimulating the central nervous process that helps in reducing the food intake or the appetite of the individual. In this process, the neurotransmitters available in hypothalamus are affected and make the nervous system active.

The second method utilized in Phentermine is, increasing the heart beat rate of an individual and in turn the metabolic rate is increased to the required level that helps in destroying the extra calories. Along with this Phentermine, if regular and simple exercises are performed, it provides a faster result.
It is advised that you should follow the calorie controlled diet schedule along with the regular exercises.

Both these programs work in conjunction with each other so that one can achieve the result in quickest possible time. In case of the first medication, if the results are not up to satisfactory level then you have to provide enough rest to the body and then only you should start the second medication process.
There are various combinations followed nowadays and one among them is the union of Phentermine and Fenfluramine and that is popularly known as Phen Fen. Even though this combination was effective but resulted in various side effects of hearts. Due to the heart problems the FDA was forced to withdraw the approval but Phentermine was not blamed for the side effects.

Second combination was with the Dexfenfluramine and that was known as Dexphen-Phen but in this case also, the Dexfenfluramine was not up to the satisfactory levels of the FDA approval.

Next combination was with Prozac and was called as Phen Pro.The Prozac may be replaced either with Luvox, Trazadone, Celexa, and Effexor or with Zoloft.
Nowadays, this combination is very popular as there are no side effects of this combination and in other words, it is a super slimming cocktail available in the World so far. In case of United States of America, this super combination is normally recommended by the health practioners to their patients but yet there is no approval from the FDA authorities. The major advantages of Phen-Pro combination are that it has longer effects to hinder the appetite strongly and the phentermine is well suited for over-weight patients.

Gastric Bypass Surgery - A Successful Alternative

“Obesity can damage the body by its mechanically and metabolically adverse effects on normal bodily function; not to mention the psychological anguish it can also bring.”

Gastric bypass surgery is a very successful alternative to normal dieting for the obese and overweight, and is an operation that makes the stomach smaller and causes food to bypass part of the small intestine. As a result, a person feels fuller quicker when eating compared to before gastric bypass surgery. The amount of food consumed is less and therefore fewer calories are absorbed - the end result being weight loss.

There are several forms of gastric bypass surgery:

Roux-en-Y Bypass: This is probably the most common gastric bypass being done today. This procedure involves making a small gastric pouch high in the abdomen and just below the esophagus. A segment of small bowel is then divided and attached to this pouch, sometimes behind the colon and remainder of the stomach. The remainder of the small bowel is then attached to the bowel leading from the liver and pancreas in a shape that resembles a ‘Y’. Despite its popularity, there are some risks associated, including a narrowing at the connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine which may require stretching at the opening, and the risk of a slowing down of the emptying of the pouch and small bowel, causing nausea and vomiting.

Mini Gastric Bypass: This gastric bypass was developed by Dr. Robert Rutledge in 1997. The mini gastric bypass creates a small gastric pouch much lower in the abdomen than the previous technique and incorporates a loop connection with the small bowel that provides for a malabsorption effect similar to that used by the Roux-en-y bypass. A patient who has undergone a mini gastric bypass must be careful to avoid calcium and iron deficiencies. Risks from this operation include leaking, bowel obstruction, blood clots, and pneumonia.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: A Roux en-Y gastric bypass performed laparoscopically. Even though this operation takes slightly longer than the standard Roux en- Y, the recovery time is shorter.

Gastric Banding: This gastric operation also limits food intake by placing a constricting ring completely around the upper end (fundus) of the stomach, creating a shape similar to that of an hour-glass.

Gastric bypass is not an operation for everyone who is obese, as it is a major procedure that poses significant risks and side effects that can require permanent alterations to one’s lifestyle. However the contented customers are numerous – including many figure-conscious celebrities.

Are Your Thoughts About Your Body Holding You Back From Success?

When someone joins my personal coaching program, one of the first things I ask them to do is to describe exactly what their body is going to look like once I help them reach their goal weight. I ask them to do this in writing – not over the phone, and here’s why…

Deeply imbedded negative thoughts are what cause us to have difficulties in any weight loss or health enhancement program – in fact, our past failures can almost always be traced back to negative thoughts that we didn’t even realize we had.

Most of our negative thinking comes out when we write things down on paper (or on the computer).

I challenge you to write out 10 brief descriptions about how your body will look in 30 days if you were coached by someone like me – someone who knows exactly how to transform the human body no matter what stage of the game you’re currently at.

Go ahead, take a moment and write out what your face would look like, what your arms would look like, what your legs and your butt would look like – would your skin look different, would your muscles be tighter, would you be leaner – detail everything, then come right back.

Did you do it?

Make your list now before reading any further – I want you to walk away with some profound knowledge of yourself when you’re done reading this article.
OK, now that you have your list, let me show you something that you can use to judge whether or not you’ve been causing yourself to fail in your attempts to lose weight and keep it off.

Here are some examples of statements that a good friend of mine used to have before he and I began working together – statements that were literally holding him back from success:

Face–more chiseled features, no double chin, no doughy jowls or puffy cheeks, no bags under the eyes.

Other than improved facial shape, I really have no complaints at all about my face, hair, eyes, nose, ears.

Neck–no double chin or “wattle”

Chest–no gynecomastia (womanly breasts), muscular instead. Look, ma, I can see my ribcage and pectoral muscles instead of a soft mattress of flab.

Arms–hard sinewy curves instead of soft breadsticks. Seeing veins and muscles instead of smooth fat.

Abdomen–are there really abs hiding in there? They’ve never made an appearance in 50 years! It’d be nice to have a tight waist not uncomfortably sliced by too-tight underwear.

Legs–less of a conical shape, more elongated and solid. Although my calves have always been rather large and firm–my best body part, next to my brain.

Buttocks–less sag, more form
Back–could be a lot less hairy, would be nice to see a “V” shape instead of a truncated pyramid.

Can you see why he might have had a few troubles in the past reaching his goal?

But I’ll let you in on a little secret – this guy is in great shape now and enjoying life more than ever, and he’s a pleasure to speak with each week in our coaching calls.

Now here’s a list from a woman who recently completed one of my coaching programs – this list was written out after our first session together – watch how positive every statement is:

WHAT MY BODY IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE
———————————–
my face will be thinner, more defined
my posture will be great all of the time
my legs will be free of cellulite and extra fat
my butt will be sculpted and defined
my abs will be tight and defined
my arms will be cut and defined and strong and sexy!
my chest will be lifted and shapely
my back will show definition and be sexy!
I will feel the urge to walk around naked all the time! (around my house and my husband, of course)
I will walk confidently knowing that I look great!
I will compliment my awesome body with cool clothes that show it off
I will wear a bikini from now on!!! No shorts over the bottom!
I will wear those short shorts I have sitting in my closet
my skin will be clear
I will be unbelievably beautiful and sexy!!!

When making your list, make sure to avoid using any negatives, and have fun with this exercise – the short time you take out of your day to make your list will save you tons of time and frustration in the near future.

Weight Loss Discipline

Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off? We have all heard that weight loss is just a matter of taking in less calories than we expend. That certainly sounds very logical, but is it really that simple?

For example, I had an intention of only eating fruits and vegetables for a day or two, to counteract the recent 'junk' food I had been enjoying. This was a solid plan that practically guaranteed a decrease in caloric intake. However, a solid plan doesn't always mean an easy execution.

I figured I would be relatively safe making a trip to the health food store. So my guard against high fat foods was down. When I got to the store, my sensibilities were assailed by a well meaning clerk hawking some freshly made corned beef and cabbage. I could hardly resist the temptation. And that wasn't the end of it. Once my armour was breached, the temptation of tasty, 'health oriented' cookie samples fought for my attention.

Once again, I capitulated. My normally strong will power seemed to crumble. And once weakened, it seemed reasonable to just continue. It's like that first drink for the recovering alcoholic.

I am by no means overweight, but once in a while my diet gets out of hand and the fat around my midsection gets a little more sizable than I am comfortable with. Usually, times like these are a great opportunity to get a little detoxification in, so I like to focus on fruits and vegetables for a day or two.

This has the dual effect of decreasing my caloric intake. I was also sticking with the simple plan mentioned above. So where did things go wrong? Did I not have enough discipline? Did I lack willpower, or was it something else?

In retrospect, the problem appears to be a lack of preparation. I failed to use the power of why. Let me explain. When the chips were down, I didn't seem to have enough reason to maintain discipline. Maybe you have had a similar experience? I rationalized with, "oh, a little won't hurt me". The truth is, once you start down that road, it can be hard to turn back.

What would the right preparation be in that case? What is this power of why that I am talking about? A great way to fortify will power with any strategy is to actually write out the reasons why sticking to your plan or achieving your goal is important. It is kind of like stockpiling ammunition. The weaponry, in this case, appears in the form of a list.

With a long list of reasons supporting the plan or the goal, I would have had a lot more reserves to draw on when my front line defenses were being stressed. When the well meaning clerk was pouncing, I should have had a ready list of whys to fall back on. As the clerk was just being nice and sounding really sensible, plus it was a free sample after all, my mind should have responded with my ready made list of why I should not vary from my plan.

That didn't happen because I never made such a list. Whatever you are trying to accomplish in life, there are bound to be obstacles and obstructions that just leap into your path to stop or block you. These are the times that you need your list. The list is your power. No list, no power.

When anyone sits down to plan something or set a goal, they need a list to support them during weak times. The longer the list, the better. Even if one has to carry the list along in one's pocket, it is worth it. A list of about 50 reasons, while hard to create, can pay off in a major way.

Imagine the clerk's surprise, had I pulled out my handy list and read it off for him. My armour would not have been pierced and the clerk would have had to move on to more ready prey or risk having the spear of temptation blunted! No list, no power.

So, how long is your list?

This article is for information purposes only. It is not meant to advise on diet or weight loss or on any health matters. If you have or think you have a health issue, including weight or diet issues, consult your primary care physician for proper diagnoses and treatment.

Essential FAQs of Hoodia Gordonii--Serious Dieters Ought to Know

There has been a great deal of information and misinformation about Hoodia Gordonii circulating, sometimes educating, sometimes baffling and creating all sorts of avoidable frustrations and false starts in someone’s diet plan. In order to throw new light and chase away the countless pieces of fiction on Hoodia Gordonii that are flying around offline and online, I decided to present the essential facts of this amazing plant that has captured the world’s attention.

FAQs of Hoodia Gordonii:


Q: What is Hoodia Gordonii?
A: Hoodia Gordonii is a spiny, bitter, and succulent aloe plant that resembles a cactus which grows in the Kalahari Desert of Southern Africa.

Q: Does Hoodia Gordonii really help to suppress one’s appetite?
A: Yes! For centuries Hoodia Gordonii has been used to reduce hunger by the Bushmen while on extended long travels through the desert or on hunting trips. It is also quenches one’s thirst and cures a case of severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, tuberculosis, diabetes, hemorrhoids, hypertension, and is a mood-enhancer and improves energy levels.

Q: Realistically, how much weight can I lose by taking Hoodia Gordonii?
A: That depends on each individual’s daily diet, metabolism, the frequency of exercise, and the bio-chemistry of the person’s body. Keep in mind that Hoodia Gordonii works to effectively suppress your appetite. If you indulge in late snacks and in between meals, hoodia can help you reduce those cravings, and together with regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can expect to experience significant weight loss in the long run.

Q: How does Hoodia Gordonii prevent me from wanting to eat?
A: Hoodia Gordonii fools your brain by making it believe that you have already eaten when you haven’t. In addition, you will feel full.

Q: About how fast will I experience results?
A: Hoodia Gordonii may work immediately or it may take days. As demonstrated in tests in Leicester, England, when volunteers consumed 400mg of a pure brand of Hoodia 3-4 times a day, it helped cut daily caloric consumption by 1,000 calories. Know that everyone’s body is different, and thus, some people will require more time in order for their body to build up the active ingredient in Hoodia. It’s a good idea to continue taking Hoodia for no less than two weeks in order to experience positive results. Also, it absolutely helps to use a trusted brand that offers the purest form of Hoodia Gordonii. Otherwise, you will not have favorable experiences using an inferior brand of Hoodia. (In the resource box I tell you how you can find a brand you can trust.)

Q: How should I take Hoodia Gordonii?
A: For absolute best results, drink an eight-ounce glass of water when taking Hoodia, one capsule, 30 minutes before meals.

Q: How much Hoodia Gordonii should I take to experience sure success?
A: Most people are finding success with Hoodia when they take 2 capsules of 400mg daily, 30 minutes prior to meals with 8 ounces of water. It’s highly recommended to take either one 750mg in the morning and another one in the afternoon, or two 400mg capsules in the morning and another two 400mg capsules in the afternoon prior to the dinner meal. These dosages guarantee you a higher possibility of successful results when taking pure 100% Hoodia, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Q: How safe is Hoodia Gordonii? What are the side effects?
A: Hoodia Gordonii is 100% natural. Both the San people (who have been using the plant for thousands of years) and scientists have confirmed that there are no side effects associated with Hoodia Gordonii. In fact, in South Africa, Hoodia is identified as a food, not as a drug.

Q: What are some of the most noticeable results when taking Hoodia Gordonii?
A: High on the list of results are: a diminished interest in food, a longer delay in the normal time frame after eating before hunger sets in once more, feeling of fullness for a longer period, and an overall feeling of optimal health.

Q: Is Hoodia Gordonii a stimulant?
A: Hoodia Gordonii is not a stimulant like caffeine.

Q: What about those ads boasting of selling pure Hoodia at bargain prices?
A: Today there are literally hundreds of Hoodia Gordonii resellers claiming to have the 100% pure stuff, when in reality, most of them are selling inferior or adulterated brands from 40 to 70% less than resellers who are selling the genuine Hoodia. It’s little wonder how such resellers can afford to sell the “pure Hoodia” at those low prices! Why? They’re usually not the pure stuff! Many resellers are selling brands that not only contain an inferior Hoodia, but other ingredients like Aloe. Beware! Choose very wisely from which vendor you buy your next or first order of Hoodia.

Q: So how can I know the dishonest supplement vendors from the reputable ones that are actually selling the authentic 100% pure Hoodia Gordonii?
A: Visit the site in the resource box and you will soon know which vendors you can fully trust to sell you the strongest, purest, and fastest-acting Hoodia Gordonii.

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Lose Weight Fast - Changing Your Diet

One of the most important things to do when you are trying to get in shape is taking caution of your diet. This does not take any time from your schedule and you will feel much healthier when you eat the right foods in the right quantity.

One of the best ways to change your diet is to change to an organic one. It is good to increase the fiber in your diet, which will clean out your colon of all negative weight loss inhibitors. This means that instead of eating refined or processed foods, you should eat whole grain foods like brown rice and whole wheat bread. This has more fiber and less bad fats such as trans fat and cholesterol.

You should also increase your input of protein, minerals and vitamins. To do this it is good to eat more fruits and vegetables and substitute red meat for fish and chicken. These meats have less calories and fat and still provide more protein.

One of the most important parts of changing your diet is to completely eliminate junk food. This will include candy, chips, popcorn, ice cream, milk shakes and soda. You can substitute fruits and vegetable snacks instead. Instead of sodas you can drink water or dilute juice with water for flavor. You will find this makes a huge difference in your sugar and fat intake.

You will feel healthier and have more energy when you change your diet. At first you may feel a little different with the extra fiber and complete change in food but this will soon pass and your body will work better and more efficiently. You will have more energy and feel like an entirely new, better person.

Keeping fit does not just depend on exercises, diet also plays an important part in improving your. Remember that looking after your health and staying fit is an investment in yourself and something you should not neglect or you will find that you will regret poor health habits later. Diet is one part of staying fit that does not take any time and you will reap the benefits throughout your life once you get into a good habit. With these few points you can make huge strides towards staying fit and healthy and being able to do the things you want to do.

Find Out Which Special Diet Will Work For You

For those people who are about to go on a diet, there are a few things that they need to know about dieting. It has been estimated that in the United States that over 44 percent of the population suffer from obesity. So now more than ever a lot of people are trying to find effective methods to lose weight.

Nowadays diets are all the rage. There are so many methods of dieting that have come out, and have claimed to be the most effective way to lose weight.

But the problem with this is that most of these diets are just fads, and end up hurting individuals rather than helping them lose weight! Some diets tend to rob too much nutrients from a person's dietary plan by cutting too much calories off of their meals!

It is important to remember that every person is different, and has his/her own dietary needs. This is why it is vital to find the special diet that works for you!

Here's a list of the different types of special diets that have become popular:

Diet Shakes- Basically this is a meal substitute that comes in fluid form. Instead of eating, those who want to lose weight drink diet shakes in place of a meal. The problem with diet shakes is that some dieters are not satisfied with just having a diet shake for their meal. They constantly have to battle food craving.

Diet meals that are prepackaged- These are low fat meals that have been prepackaged and follow a strict calorie count. Portions of these meals are also moderated. The great thing about this dietary plan is that meals are healthy and nutritious. Plus, they are convenient since it has already been prepared. But the downside to this type of diet is that it tends to be very expensive. Especially if individuals plan to stay to this type of eating plan for long periods of time.

Low carb diet- This is a special type of dietary plan that restricts a person's intake of carbohydrates. Dieters have to undergo phases in which they have to avoid specific foods, such as those that are high in carbohydrates like breads, pastries, cakes and pies.

Medical experts have stated that carbohydrates have a tendency to stimulate
a person appetite. During various phases in this diet, dieters are only allowed to eat certain foods that come from different types of food group. Serving portions are also moderated.

Those who undergo this type of dietary program are also educated about nutritional values of foods. They are also given a list of all the foods that they can incorporate into their diet. Low carb diet requires individuals to change their eating plan. In order for this to work individuals have to be extremely dedicated in sticking to their dietary meal plans.

There are a number of books that have been written about the merits of a low carb diet. There are also hundreds and hundreds of low carb recipes that are online. So for those who want to know more about this diet, or just want ideas for their next meal, they can do some research on the net to acquire more information about this special type of diet.

Tips on choosing the right diet that works for you

1. Before undergoing any type of diet individuals must first do some research and learn everything they can about the diet the they are about to incorporate in their lifestyle.

2. Those who have a pre-existing medical condition should first consult their doctor before undergoing any type of diet.

3. If individuals feel some physical discomfort a few days after trying out a new diet, they should immediately stop this diet and consult their physician.

4. Be realistic. Special diets that claim to help you lose ten pounds in a week is not a practical method! If anything this kind of diet endangers your health!

Dieting to lose weight is a big issue with many people. But when choosing a method a person has to remember to always be practical. Dieting should be done safely, and should never post any risks to the person who wants to lose weight. Maintaining health should always be a top priority when it comes to dieting.

Weight Loss Diary 11

From March 11 thru 17

Back to reality this week with the shock news that my weight did not go down enough to report; probably no more than a few ounces (around 50 grams). Hence I’m sad to report that my weight still stands at 188 pounds (93 kilos). I guess I became a little too complacent after the better than expected results of the previous few weeks. This raises the big question of who, or what, is to blame?

As I live by the rule that I am responsible for all that goes wrong, as well as all that goes right, in my life then it stands to reason that I am to blame. Because I am to blame for a poor week then I know that it is within my power to turn that around in the coming week. That’s the great thing about accepting responsibility – you can always turn things around. People that avoid responsibility rarely turn things around.

So what happened to the positive momentum? Without using this as an excuse I have suffered a slight cold for the past week and have not been exercising at the rate I have become used to. Exercise has been a major part of my calorie burn-off routine. This has been offset slightly by the fact that whilst feeling unwell I haven’t eaten as much either. Probably this explains why my weight has remained the same rather than increasing; my calorie intake has been lower and I guess I reached the perfect balance of weight neutrality this week. That’s fine when my weight is where I want it to be but right now I still need to lose 8 pounds (3.9 kilos) to reach my target weight.

In this coming week I will not attempt to lose more than my target 1 pound (450 grams) because when you start playing catch up it throws the entire routine and places you under greater pressure. Psychologically it is better to accept that I did not reach my target last week and move on.

This week nothing will change, my target is one pound, my exercise sessions will still be three per week and I will still strive to put more aerobic action into my normal day.

This article is copyright © David McCarthy 2006.