29 November 2017

Natural Weight Loss Cooking Tricks


One way to lose weight is to make your own food every day. This way you can reinvent the way the foods you love are prepared and cut the number of calories that you ingest as well.

One tip is to roast your vegetables before you cook with them. This makes vegetables taste sweeter and makes it less necessary to add butter, sugar or creamy sauces. You can serve them on their own or puree them and use them as a base for stock, dips and sauces.  To roast vegetables all you need to do is spray them with cooking ok, coat them lightly and roast in a pan. The result is a low cal solution to flavoring foods.

One of the problems of eating low calorie foods is that they taste so bland. Use lots of spices to make them more attractive to your palate.  Adding spices and herbs to water oil also helps fiber rich foods like cous cous and rice taste better.

You can also prevent adding fat when baking by substituting butters, fats and oils with pureed substitutes. This allows you to retain the moisture in baked goods without giving up any flavor.

Yet another trick is to cook with fresh juices and fruits.  This can help you cut down on the consumption of fat and sugar in your recipes.  You can even add these to savory dishes to give them more oomph.

Yet another tip is to use a wire rack when you cook. Placing the wire rack above the roasting pan allows fatty juices to drip down into the pan.  You can also grill fish and meats in milk or coconut milk to save money.


Yet another solution is to use cooking spray whenever you can. This can save you from eating thousands of calories. Most people fry foods using at least tablespoons of oil which is worth 2100 calories of fat.  All you really need is a spray that contains seven calories “per misting” of your frying pan or salad bowl.

You don’t have to buy commercially made vegetable oil spray either. You can buy a pressurized canister that you can put your own oils in.

If you need more moisture while cooking you can also add a little juice or low fat broth to help the vegetables cook faster while flavoring them at the same time.

The point is that you can cook with just about everything else but fat.  That way you don’t have to add unnecessary calories to the food you are eating.  In fact when it comes to being one of the most natural ways to lose weight making your own food is one of the best approaches to cutting calories.



4 Benefits Of Losing Weight


There are many benefits to losing weight. If you have been considering this idea, or your doctor has mentioned losing weight to you, you know it will be a lot of hard work. However, the benefits of losing weight are definitely worth the effort. 

As you consider your decision to lose weight, take a look at the list of benefits below.

1. A Positive Body Image: Many overweight people struggle with their body image on a daily basis. If you are unhappy with your figure, and want to end those negative mirror sessions, losing weight may be a good option for you. Imagine feeling positive each and every time you see a photo of yourself! That’s definite motivation to lose the weight and keep it off.

2. Increased Self Confidence: If you struggle with self confidence issues due to your appearance, weight loss can be a good way to come to terms with your body. As you become strong and healthy, you’ll become confident in your abilities and strength. This is a great feeling!

3. Increased Health and Strength: As you lose weight, your body will become stronger. Exercise and weight training will help your body grow stronger – you may be able to do activities you never had the strength or stamina to before. You’ll breathe easier, and be able to run and walk for longer periods of time without discomfort. You’ll be able to play actively with your children or grandchildren without having to take breaks to catch your breath. Losing weight can truly be a life altering experience!
LOSING THE POUNDS WHILE EATING


4. Decreased Health Problems: Many health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and diabetes are all triggered or irritated by obesity. This means that if you experience or have a family history of any of these diseases, losing weight can help you to feel better. Diet and exercise can improve your health be decreasing your risk of heart disease, as well. By altering your fitness habits and your eating habits, you just may be lengthening your life!

The benefits of weight loss definitely outweigh the risks. After all, what do you have to lose? Sleepless nights, lack of energy, shortness of breath, fatigue – you’ll be able to kick all these symptoms to the curb by investing time and energy into your fitness regime. Take the time to develop a healthy diet and exercise program today – your body will thank you for years to come.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, nor should it be interpreted or substituted as medical advice. Prior to making changes to your physical exercise routine and your diet, you should always consult your personal physician. Better safe than sorry.

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5 Day Diet Like Magic Your Slim And Trim


With all the diet plans, advice, and supplements on the market nowadays, it can be virtually impossible to figure out what works and what is all hype.  One option that has gotten a lot of buzz lately is the 5 day diet.  This diet will provide you with very quick results, which is pretty much required in our society these days.  The idea behind this program is that it will give people a kick start on their diet.  If they are able to see results quickly it may give them more of a push to continue on and lose all the weight they need to lose. 

This diet is very restrictive, it has to be if you are going to lose weight in just 5 days!  Here is an idea of what it's all about:

1. Right after you get up in the morning, don't wait longer than 30 minutes, eat a small amount of a starchy food like toast or eggs.

2. Eat lunch no later than 1 p.m. Include some lean protein like beans or a steak and a lot of vegetables.  A mix of vegetables is the best way to go.

3. Dinner must be eaten before 8p.m. and should be the same things you had for lunch.

4. Snacks will be any type of 'hard' vegetable. Things like carrots, or celery are good choices.  These will slowly release sugar over a period of time which will keep your metabolism boosted.

EXERCISING TO LOSE WEIGHT
There are many opinions as to whether or not this type of diet actually works.  Most of us know that if we want to lose weight we can't starve our bodies since that will only send it into 'starvation mode' and slow the metabolism way down.

When you take this fact into account it sounds like this diet won't work, and many people say that is the case.  Any weight you lose will only be water weight and  the weight loss won't be permanent.

That may not be a problem if you just want to lose a few pounds so that you look great in that new dress you just bought.  For a quick weight loss a few pounds of water weight may be all you are looking to accomplish.

Another way of looking at it is even if you have a lot of weight to lose, it might still help you get some much needed motivation by losing weight in just 5 days.  If you can accomplish that it might make your longer term goal to lose, 20,50,or even 100lbs seem more achievable and might just be the kick start you need.

Others will say that if you cycle this extremely restrictive eating plan with a more reasonable plan you can actually 'trick' your metabolism into burning hot the whole time.

Your body will take time to react to the restricted calorie intake.  If you only do it for 5 days and then immediately go back to a more normal caloric intake you may be able to prevent it from going into starvation mode in the first place.

No matter what approach you choose for losing weight, whether it's the 5 day diet or something else, just remember that permanent weight loss is achievable and it will make your health, and life, better and more fulfilling.

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4 Health Problems Of An Obese Child Does Your Child Have Them


Obesity is dangerous enough with adults but the health problem of obese child can be even more frightening because they are showing up much earlier in life.  What used to be considered almost exclusively the health problems of middle age are now becoming very common in younger children and teens. 

If a child has too much body fat they are considered obese. A child is considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is in the 95 percentile, or above, for their age and gender. While some obesity can be genetic the vast majority of overweight children are overweight for the same reasons so many adults are: too much of the wrong types of food and not enough exercise.

Just like with overweight adults, obese children are very prone to many health issues:

1. High blood pressure and high cholesterol. These two health issues are the leading cause of heart disease and an obese child is far more likely to have heart disease when they reach early adulthood!  Again, what used to be considered more of a middle age ailment will often strike an obese child in their early twenties or thirties.   A recent study found that obese children had the same type of plaque buildup in their arteries as what a 45 year old would have.

2. Children who are obese also have a much higher chance of developing onset diabetes.   A study found that obese children are up to two times more likely to have diabetes than children of the same age that weren't overweight.  This early onset of diabetes can mean a lifetime of health issues and can frequently cause kidney disease and even blindness.




3. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics up to 35 % of obese children have sleep apnea. This disorder causes someone to stop breathing for a few seconds at a time while they are asleep.  Up until recently this was only found in adults.  Sleep apnea can lead to many issues, the most obvious of which is not getting enough sleep. This lack of sleep in a child can cause difficulties in school and learning disabilities in a developing child.

4. Depression is also common in obese children.  Obese children are often mocked and ridiculed by other kids at school which can lead to low self esteem and eventually behavioral problems and trouble in school.

Childhood obesity is a very serious medical, and emotional, issue and is certainly not something that should be ignored as 'just a phase'.  The good news is that many of the health problem of obese child can be reversed once the child loses weight.

 It's really not as hard as it may seem.  Encourage your kid to go outside and play, everyday, for at least 30 minutes.  Also getting rid of the fast food and processed food can help a lot.  Kids will often mimic what they see their parents doing so you can get a two for one: you can spend more time exercising and eating right which will help your child to develop healthier habits and that way you'll both benefit as well as share some great together time!

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4 Tips For Clothes Designs For Obese Women


The fact of the matter is that a high percentage of the population has a weight problem and that doesn't just reflect this country, but it's a world wide phenomenon.  Being a plus sized women doesn't mean that you have to give up on style and settle for unflattering stretch pants an mu mu's.  Quite the opposite in fact, now more than every there is a large range of fashionable clothes designs for obese women. 

For the most part fashion comes down to money.  And plus sized women tend to have money, so it follows that many clothing manufacturers and retailers now make fashionable, flattering clothes for plus sized women.

With all the choices now available to full figured women, it's more important than ever to know what styles will compliment your figure and what styles will accentuate the areas of your body that may not be your best.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Don't wear baggy clothes!  This is one of the biggest mistakes many full figured women make. They think they can camouflage their heaviness but all baggy clothes do is to make you appear even bigger than you already are.  A better approach is to buy clothes that fit properly, not too tight, not too loose. Think Goldilocks: you want clothes that fit just right!

2.  Many people incorrectly think that in clothing 'petite' means small.  Not so.  It just refers to any women who is less than 5'4" tall.  They can still be full figured and wear petite clothing.  If you are a petite woman, make sure that you stay away from any styles that go below hip level since that look will just make you look shorter, and rounder.

3. You don't only have to wear black.  While it is true that black does have a slimming effect, the same can be said of most monochromatic outfits.  If you add a touch of color near your face, say with a scarf, you will actually draw the eye upward away from the fuller parts of your body.

4.  Get a properly fitted bra.  Many women don't even realize that the bra they are wearing isn't sized properly for them.  Many bra shops will measure you for free.  If your bra is too tight it tends to cause the fat in your upper torso to bulge over the straps.  That isn't a look anyone really wants to have.

It's important for every women to be comfortable in her own skin.  Confidence is consistently rated as one of the most attractive qualities a women can have by men who are surveyed.  If you're not completely happy with the way your body looks than work on making changes, but in the meantime, project confidence and self love, even if you have to fake it a little bit, until you reach the healthy weight you want to be.  Also look for clothes designs for obese women to make the most out of what you've got while you're in transition.

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3 Tips For Extreme Obese Women Or Men


The vast majority of our population is overweight, at least a little.  To determine 'how overweight' someone is, we commonly use a body mass index, or BMI.  Anyone who has a BMI of over 39% is considered morbidly, or extremely, obese.  Everyone knows that having excess body fat can cause a myriad of health problems, and the more overweight you are the more severe and frequent your health problems will be.  But don't give up, even extreme obese women can find the help they need to get their weight under control, once and for all. 

Before you decide which type of weight loss plan is best for you, don't overlook your emotions.  Many people will 'emotionally eat' or eat when they are upset or depressed.  Recognizing your bad habits is the first step to changing them and adopting new, healthier, habits.

Here are some steps that can help you get back in shape:


1. The first step anyone who is obese needs to take is a trip to their doctor.  You are far more susceptible to heart problems so you need to find out if you are healthy enough for exercise.  Exercise and diet is the best way for anyone to lose weight.  No, it's not quick or easy, but it's a lifestyle change that can help you keep the weight off permanently.

Start off easy by taking short walks.  Other great ideas are non-impact activities such as swimming or biking.  You will have to start slow and that is fine, but as long as your doctor says it's ok, you need to start.  Hiring a trainer to help you modify exercises for your specific limitations is another good idea (they can also help you stay motivated).

2.  While not as highly recommended as step 1, medication can help some people who are extremely overweight.  It's still not a quick fix and the medications will need to be prescribed, and monitored, by your doctor; but using medications for a short time might be a good way to kick start your weight loss.  It's not recommended that you use these medications for extended periods of time due to the number of side effects, so if you decide to go this route think of it as only a temporary thing to get you started.




3. There are now some surgical remedies to obesity.  Bariatric weight loss surgery has helped many morbidly obese patients lose all of their unwanted weight and by doing so has allowed many of them to completely reverse some negative health issues that they were dealing with.  This surgery is expensive though and as with any surgery, there can be complications.

All in all, it's best if you can make lifestyle changes with your diet and by adding exercise to your daily routine if you need to lose weight, but if you need extra help their are other things that you can do.  The most important thing that extreme obese women need to remember is that it's not so important which method you choose, just choose one and stick with it.  You deserve a long, happy, healthy life, and only you can make that happen.

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7 Tips To Drop A Dress Size


If you need to lose weight, there are many ways to help the process along.  Use these top tips to help you lose a dress size quickly and easily – even if you’re a busy working woman. Take the time to make small changes each day. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they all add up. 

Here are some tips to get you started:


1. Drink Your Water: 6-8 glasses of water a day helps flush fat, sodium, and other toxins from the body. If water’s not your style, try adding one of the new low calorie drink mixes for taste. Keep your body hydrated for optimum weight loss,

2. Eat Breakfast: People who eat healthy breakfasts eat less food throughout the day. Eat breakfast each day to jumpstart your weight loss. If you’re rushed, try a smoothie or shake for a healthy on the go meal.

3. Eat Your Veggies:  For meals and snacks, add extra fruits and veggies. These nutritional powerhouses help you feel full, without adding extra fat and calories. Try replacing one meal a day with a salad to boost nutrition and lower your calorie intake – but avoid creamy dressings that pack on the calories.

4. Choose Healthy Snacks: Choose a healthy snack every few hours to help keep you from overeating at mealtimes. Try fruit and cheese, peanut butter crackers, or a handful of almonds. Try to choose snacks with protein – they’ll have more staying power.




5. Avoid Liquid Calories:  You may be consuming more calories than you realize by loading up on soda, juice, or alcoholic beverages. Cut them from diet to lose that dress size quickly!

6. Aerobics Help: The best way to lose fat is by burning it through aerobic exercise. Add in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day (walking counts!) to lose weight.

7. Pack in Protein: Add protein to your meals and snacks to help you feel full longer. Protein provides energy for the long haul, so add peanut butter, low fat cheese, or lean meat to your meals to keep you feeling satisfied.

Making small changes on a daily basis can lead to consistent weight loss. These tips will jumpstart the diet process, and get you started on your journey to a healthier body and life. Remember, weight loss is a process. Begin making changes in your habits today, and you’ll have lost that dress size in no time!

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, nor should it be interpreted or substituted as medical advice. Prior to making changes to your physical exercise routine and your diet, you should always consult your personal physician. Better safe than sorry.

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Amazing Peanut Butter Diet The Cool Way To Lose Pounds


I know what you are thinking when you read the title of this article - Amazing peanut butter diet? I must be whacked out!  How can you eat butter made from peanuts and still lose weight? But it is actually true.

There are some foodstuffs that boost your metabolism allowing you to burn calories faster. The diet industry calls them super foods. Peanut butter is full of protein which helps to build lean muscle. Muscles burn calories faster than other organs.

You will have to forgo the jelly and bread though so sandwiches are out of the picture. If you like smoothies, you can combine the butter with some blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Add some ice and whisk it all up into a power shake. Of course you can’t drink bucket loads of this or sit eating jars of your favorite brand and expect to lose pounds.

Life doesn’t work like that. 


You still need to follow a healthy eating program combined with daily exercise. But the sad truth is that most dieters fail as they feel miserable and deprived as soon as they hear the word diet. So if you follow a plan that allows you treats you are more likely to succeed.

You may also want to introduce other power foods such as green and black beans. They help fill you up without adding on loads of calories.  You won’t always be hungry which is unusual particularly at the beginning of most weight loss courses.   Eating four or five small meals a day rather than three large ones will also help you to keep shedding the pounds. The worst thing you can do is to try to starve yourself as your body will think you are actually in danger of starving and will stop you losing any weight at all.

EXERCISING TO LOSE WEIGHT
Drinking green tea may also help you in your goal to become slimmer. It apparently contains fat burning agents, they may account for the rather funny taste. Fish is also great for losing weight but not the deep fried variety. Tuna and Salmon contain Omega 3 acids, essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. If you eat the tinned variety look for those packed in spring water. You do not need the extra salt that comes from brine nor the calories contained in oil.

I hope you are getting the idea that losing weight does not mean you have to start surviving on boring salads. You would be depriving your system of vital nutrients and minerals if you were to do this. We need to eat as wide a range of foods as possible. But be sensible i.e. lean meats, chicken, fruit and vegetable are the way forward rather than bread, cereals and white pasta.

Some recent studies have shown that diets high in peanuts and other nuts were great at reducing cholesterol and by connection your risk of heart disease, stroke and other potentially fatal illnesses. So try combining the amazing peanut butter diet with sensible eating and moderate exercise and see how many pounds you lose.

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A Guide To The Best Exercise For Weight Loss For Women


Women often struggle to lose weight by slimming alone; weight may also climb back on once the diet ends, despite efforts to exercise. Females take longer to lose weight than men, and often women require a different kind of exercise in order to help then lose weight. Women may despair, and find it difficult to know what the best exercise for weight loss is for them.

After having a baby, new mothers may also find it harder to lose the pregnancy pounds – and what has worked for them previously may not be the best way to lose excess weight caused by childbirth.

Due to these factors, women often feel like giving up on exercise, and this is a mistake, as there are many exercises to help with weight loss: so here is a guide to some of the most suitable exercise regimes.


CARDIO: 


Cardio exercise has long been considered the best exercise for weight loss for women and men; even something as simple as a walk can help to burn calories, without putting strain on the body. Aerobic group exercise may be the first step towards helping women to lose weight in a regular way.

BREATHING EXERCISE: Kapalbhati Pranayam is the a great method of losing weight for women who have trouble moving around; air is forced through the nose in a forceful manner, and inhalation is passive. This exercise is sometimes not recommended for people with epilepsy or heart disease, but for healthy but overweight women

STRENGTH TRAINING: 


This is rapidly replacing cardio in medical opinion as the most effective weight loss method for women.
Strength training helps build muscle, which burns more calories than simple cardio by itself.

RUNNING: Many professional women take up running as a hobby, since it is both an excellent method of burning calories, and it also helps to relax the body and boost the mood of the runner. In fact, running may be the best exercise for weight loss for women, as it can also help to diminish the risk of osteoporosis.

Running is less expensive than a gym membership or the requirements of buying fitness machines; it protects women against heart attacks and stress related illnesses, also has positive emotional effects such as improvements in self-esteem and confidence.

Running can be the best exercise for losing weight in the stomach, buttocks and thigh areas: the abdominal muscles are used when running; legs and buttocks are exercised thoroughly, and it is also an excellent cardio workout for the entire body.

Running is by far the best exercise for women hoping to improve their general health; doctors sometimes recommend running as a way to reduce the risk of developing heart problems, diabetes, hypertension and stroke; there is evidence that it may also help women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Running can improve the levels of cholesterol in the blood, diminish the risk of blood clots, and improve lung capacity. It also benefits the immune system by increasing white blood cell production.

In conclusion, it is clear that the best exercise for losing weight and improving health for women is running: it is cheap, beneficial, and can help women to relax after a stressful day at work.

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Abdominoplasty Procedure - Weight Loss - Mini Tummy Tuck


A friend of ours wants to have an abdominoplasty procedure done. When she first told us about this, all we could do was look at each other. Afterwards, when we were by ourselves and were able to discuss it more, I made the comment that I thought she was nuts to want to have anything done. 

Why? Because she weighs about 100 lbs soaking wet and works out like a fiend every single day. How could she possibly need to have a tummy tuck? Well, I was wrong to jump to any conclusion like that. She explained at a later date that even though she works out like a fiend, she is still getting older and the skin around her middle is starting to get saggy. It is because she works out so diligently that she wants to continue to look her best.

Can't blame a woman for that now can you? 


The procedure she will have is called a mini-tuck where an incision is made, minimal liposuction performed if any is needed, and the skin tightened, then stitched closed. The belly button does not require relocation with a mini-tuck. A drain tube is inserted into the incision to drain excess fluid. The lower abdomen is then wrapped with a compression dressing. Pain control using a prescribed narcotic or, if the pain is minimal, then over the counter pain relievers may be used. Recovery time is 2-3 weeks with a mini-tuck.

So, I learned my lesson. I learned that even someone who is in great shape and has incredible muscle tone can still be in need of firmer skin in certain areas of her body.




I have another friend who had an abdominoplasty procedure after having two pregnancies which resulted in two very big babies, 10 lbs and 11 lbs, respectively. She lost all the baby weight but since both the babies had to be taken Cesarean and were so big to begin with she ended up with a lot of excess skin in that area and she was told the muscles of her abdomen would never recover.

Obviously, the procedure she had done was a full tummy tuck which involved "baseball stitching" the damaged muscles, removing any fat remaining with liposuction, stretching the skin taut, trimming off the excess, relocating the belly button and closing the incision. Drain tubes were inserted to help keep fluid from accumulating and aid recovery. The area is then wrapped tightly with a compression dressing to help support the muscles. A narcotic analgesic will be prescribed to control the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. Recovery time is approximately six weeks with a full tummy tuck.

So, if you are looking for a toned, flat belly, check out board-certified plastic surgeons in your area and call for a consult. Ask what your options are and if they think you are a good candidate for surgery. You may find that you are making one of the smartest decisions you have ever made in your life. Just think, no more battle of the bulge!

Although not recommended as a substitute for a weight loss or diet regimen, an abdominoplasty procedure can help correct the problem areas left behind when all is said and done.

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12 Day Grapefruit Diet Is It What I have Been Looking for

The 12 day grapefruit diet is not a new concept. The original plan was developed in the 1930's. This fruit appears to be a dieter's dream. It has no fat, is high in fiber and low in calories. It also carries benefits for your skin as it is high in vitamin C.  

So how does this diet work? It's very simple. You eat half a grapefruit before every meal. The enzyme it contains reduces your appetite so you consume fewer calories. It also speeds up the fat burning process helping you to shed pounds. Everyone knows that if you use more energy than you take in from the food you eat, you will lose weight. Some studies suggest that you could lose up to ten pounds in less than two weeks simply by introducing this change. Personally, I believe you would have a better chance of success if you also cut your portion sizes, ate four or five smaller meals rather than three large ones.And took more exercise.

It is completely pointless thinking that one simple change in your lifestyle is going to result in a big weight loss.  You need to review all areas of your life.  Do you eat food because you are bored?  Upset? Do you get enough exercise?  Most Americans are not active enough. You don't suddenly need to become a gym fanatic but a little extra activity every day will help.  I am sure you can think of a million ways to add some movement to your sedentary lifestyle.   You could take the stairs instead of the lift; get off the metro one stop early, walk to the store etc.




In the same way, you can make progress by implementing simple changes at mealtimes. Instead of frying your food which only adds extra calories, try grilling, baking or steaming. Learn how to cook rather than relying on prepackaged meals that add dollars to your bills as well as pounds to your waistline. Use herbs and spices to flavor your meals rather than salt to help prevent fluid retention.

Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are high in fiber, low in calories and very filling. Your skin will glow from all the extra vitamins and minerals you are consuming. Don't eat carbohydrates after 5pm in the evening as your body will not have sufficient time to use up all the energy they release. The body converts excess energy into fat.

Eat protein but chose the leaner cuts of meat and forget about sausages and other processed foods for now. Don't exclude all treats but go for quality rather than quantity. Stop eating when you are full and not when your plate is empty. 

Don't mistake being thirsty for feeling hungry. And stop ingesting hidden calories via flavored waters, fizzy pop and perhaps the biggest culprit of all, alcohol.

You can shrink your waistline by using the 12 day grapefruit diet. but only if you combine it with a healthy eating and exercise program.

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A Simple Way To Lose Weight And Keep It Off


Funny how those few extra pounds seem to creep onto our bodies without notice. Then, one day, it's almost as though they have all been added at once. Perhaps it a glance in the mirror, or worse, a comment from a friend you haven' t seen in a while. Whatever it is, you are ready to lose weight. You want to look and feel better. At the same time, there's so much conflicting information about the best way to lose weight. What's a person to do?

What follows may not be at the top of everybody's list for ways to lose weight quickly, but it works. At the very least it should be added to your bag of tricks for dropping those extra pounds. Some of the tips may sound a little silly, but you can't argue with results. So, what is this method? Portion control. And it can actually be a lot fun!

For starters, when you focus on your portions, there's no need to carry along a bulky calories counter guide when you go out to eat. I used to hate trying to be "casual" when using those, because I just knew all of the other diners were watching me; thinking to themselves how fat I was.

The most basic way of controlling your portions is...get ready...this is good...putting less on your plate. See? Easy. Not so fast! If it was that easy we would all be at our ideal weight. Yes, by all means, make an effort to put less on your plate. Here are a few more tricks to keep portions limited so you can lose extra weight.




Don't worry about cleaning your plate. In fact, make it a habit to always leave a few bites on your plate. Speaking of your plate, using smaller dishes will give the illusion that there is more food on them. You can even eat on a saucer instead of a large dinner plate. Granted, you may have to fill it a second time, but all in all, it's an easy way to limit the amount of food you're eating.

A big problem for a lot of people is that they eat so fast that they are technically full long before they feel full. Slow down the speed with which you normally eat. Doing so will give your stomach more time to signal the brain that it's full.

The beauty of doing it this way is that you can eat the same foods you enjoy now. You should still add more healthy foods, but you don't have to give up any foods if you can keep the portion sizes under control. Once you get used to it, it's as close to automatic weight loss as you can get. There are many other things you can do, too. Imagine looking good in the mirror, or being complimented by a friend the next time you see them.

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28 November 2017

Natural Weight Loss and Ephreda


Should taking ephedra be part of a natural weight loss plan? Although that it is true that it is a natural herb you should need consider that not everything that natural is that good for you.

Ephedra is sought after because when it comes to weight loss because it really is a magic bullet. It definitely causes the pounds to peel off. However this is one of those bullets that can really kill you.  Ephedra does have lots of side effects and at one point was banned by the FDA. This is because some people who took the weight loss drug were having heart attacks and dropping dead.

People take ephedra because you can lose up to five pounds a week without having to follow some kind of starvation diet. You have the type of weight loss that makes others notice.  It is also the kind of pill that can help you lose pounds practically overnight so that you can fit into a size 8 dress before a special event.

The key to taking ephedra wisely is to take it in moderation. You do not have to lose five pounds a week! How much weight loss is possible is completely up to you. If you take less you might get yourself to the point where you lose two pounds a week instead of a harmful five pounds a week.  This rate of weight loss is healthier and more natural for you. In fact doctors recommend that you only lose two pounds a week to stay fit.


The thing about ephedra is that it can cut your appetite so much that you end up being starved of the nutrients that you need to survive and be healthy.  Whatever you do make sure you are consuming at least 1200 calories a day. This is the minimum amount that you need a day to function normally.

If you consume any less your body could start to conserve your body fat. This is because your brain will interpret the limited caloric intake as a state of famine and give your system the mess.  If you do decide to embark on any diet that is below 1200 calories a day is careful. You should never do it without your doctor’s approval.

Ephedrine is safe for some people to take and not for others. People that should avoid it include pregnant or nursing women and people, people taking antidepressants and people with the following chronic conditions --heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or other psychiatric conditions, glaucoma, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement or seizure disorder. It can cause mania if used in combination with St. John’s Wort. It should also not be taken with cough or cold medicines or if you are allergic to aspirin.

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Tips on Fasting for Natural Weight Loss


Are you thinking of doing a fast to lose weight?  Before you embark on this more drastic form of detoxification (that can lead immediately to weight loss) there are a couple of things you should know.

First of all the results that you end up with could greatly depend on the length of your fast.

A three day fast helps rid of the body of toxins and cleanses the blood

A five day fast jump starts the process of healing and rebuilds the immune system

A ten day fast really helps you shed the pounds and fight off illness

So if you really want to lose weight naturally and keep it off then you should do a ten day fast.


The ten day fast can be a long haul so here are some tips for getting through it with relatively little discomfort--

1.  Don’t fast on water alone as that will give you headaches.

2. If you are going to do the ten day fast then consult a physician first to see if it is right for you.

3. To prepare for a fast eat only raw vegetable for a few days before starting it. This will make the starvation aspect of the fast less of a shock to the system.

4. Drink at least eight eight ounce glasses of steam distilled water a day and add another four servings of herbal tea a day.

5. It is easier to drink juices during a fast if you dilute it. One part water to three parts juice is ideal for reducing the number of calories that you take in during the fast.

6. Do not drink orange or tomato juice during a fast as these juices are hard on an empty stomach.

7. Avoid all juices made with sweeteners and other additives (like cranberry cocktail.)

8. The very best juices to use for a fast are fresh apple, beet, cabbage carrot, grape and celery juices.

9. If you do have stomach upset or ulcer like symptoms during a fast then try adding cabbage juice to the equation.

10. Herbal teas like burdock chamomile, dandelion, milk, clover and rose hips can help support liver cleansing and fat loss during your fast.

11. If you absolutely cannot stand being hungry then try eating a piece of watermelon.

12. Take a fiber supplement on a daily basis before and after your fast but not during your fast.

Doing a fast to take care of your weight problem can also reduce your likelihood of developing other disorders like joint pain, lower back pain and heart disease.

Candida Yeast and Food Cravings


Most people who suffer from being overweight are vulnerable to food cravings. This keeps them overweight simply because they overeat. The real cause might be yeast that is lurking in their intestines.  This yeast is called Candida. Normally your intestine is loaded with good and bad bacteria. However we eat things and take medicines every day that kill off these bacteria we suffer from a condition called Candida overgrowth.

Antibiotics are a major cause of yeast overgrowth in the colon. They kill off all the good bacteria in your gut that is necessary for proper digestion so that your body can absorb nutrients from the foods you eat.

Candida burrows into the intestinal wall and then spreads, like a fungus, throughout the entire body.  Candida has an appetite of its own and feeds on simple carbohydrates such as yeast, flour, sugar, pasta and all refined foods like cake and ice cream.  It creates little pockets in the intestinal wall where food is trapped and eventually ferments.

The reason you gain weight when you have this type of yeast infection is that Candida creates cravings for the foods that are the worst for you. The toxic food particles trapped in the intestines also succumb to the type of bloating that can make a belly look really fat. In fact Candida yeast is also the main cause of gas, constipation and a rounded stomach or waist. Mentally this yeast causes depression, a lack of concentration and fatigue. This alone can cause people who are overweight to eat too much.




Candida is not only an organism onto itself but also an environment in which other organisms like to live. When you have Candida yeast you are not just hosting one bug – you are hosting several and they all contribute to weight gain and food cravings.

The secondary cause of food cravings in people with Candida is parasites. These parasites leech on the body causing nutritional deficiencies that in turn cause uncontrollable cravings for certain types of foods. These parasites also excrete toxins and serve to help clog up the liver and colon.

One of your natural approaches to weight loss may be to take an herbal formula that helps destroy these parasites so that your intestine can function normally again. There are also medications that can be prescribed by your doctor to clear up yeast problems as well so you are not completely at the mercy of this rampant organism that can play such havoc with your weight.


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Ph Balance and The Fat Connection


In order to lose weight in a natural and healthy way you need to make sure that your body has a neutral pH balance or one that is leaning towards being a bit alkaline. People who are overweight tend to have an acid pH balance in their blood. Tissues that are acidic bond fat to the body and keep you obese.

If your body is too acidic you will not lose weight. Once you learn how to keep the acids out of your body in the first place then your body will start shedding excess fat.

If your food and drink are alkaline, then that acid binding fat will just melt away. There is no need for the body to hang on to it anymore.

To understand whether or not your body is acidic or alkaline you need to understand the term pH.

The term pH derives from German, with p standing for "potent" —power—and H being the symbol for hydrogen. Technically speaking, what pH measures is actually the concentration or activity of hydrogen ions in any given tissue or solution so this could also refer to the blood, fluids or tissues of the body.

An atom is made up of protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons have positive charge and electrons have a negative charge and neutrons have no charge.  When a single atom posses an equal number of these proton and electrons the atom is neutral. If it is picks up or loses an electron it becomes positively or negatively charged.  Once charged, the name for an atom is an icon.


Below a pH of 7 substances are considered to be aside because they are saturated with pro-tons – also known as hydrogen ions.  Many slimming foods are saturated with electrons which are alkaline.

In essence, the more protons there are in an icon the more acidic it is. An increase in hydrogen ions (protons) means a drop in pH and a decrease in those ions means a rise in pH.

So to simplify all of this:  all acidic foods have a positive charge and all alkaline things have a negative charge.

Your ideal physical state is to have a negatively charged alkaline body. The only way to do this is to eat more negatively charged foods.

Think of your body like a big battery. In order for it have energy you need to have more electrons than protons in your body.  When you take in alkaline rich food and drinks you are in effect recharging your own fuel cells.

The key is to find that exactly negatively charged balance that stops your body from soaking up and storing protons in your fat cells.  Instead of protons, you will be storing electrons, which will leave you, quite literally, full of energy and in a state where your body is constantly able to lose fat.


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Trying Too Hard Sabotages Weight Loss

Most weight loss attempts fail simply because people try too hard. They set up high expectations of themselves and then gorge on the wrong foods when they cannot stick to the diet. This just makes their obesity problem worse.

If you want to lose pounds for good you need to forget about fad diets and lose weight he natural way.  This means applying the principles of natural eating to your life.  For some that means eating a vegan diet and for others it means including some meat in the diet as a protein source. Every individual is different when it comes to deciding what their body requires to survive.

Eating better often involves big lifestyle changes.  Big changes are not accomplished overnight. You also can’t get anywhere if you insist on counting each and every calorie. Forget any ideas you may have about this entailing sacrifice, deprivation or days and days of eating nothing but a bland diet. Trying too hard like this simply does not work.

The key is that if you are eating vegan there is no need to count calories. Your body naturally knows what to do to keep you at a healthy weight.

Furthermore you will NOT ignore your body’s cues to eat as is true of other dieting.  Feeling hungry is a sign that is something wrong. Part of a healthy weight loss plan is listening to your body’s messages.

Don’t ever think for two seconds that staying hungry will keep you thin. In fact the exact opposite happens. Your body slows down the burning of your metabolism to a very slow rate.  It is a defense mechanism against hunger.




You can also think of eating a vegan diet as a worry free way to eat because your body knows what to do with the substances that you are ingesting. This is because you are consuming nutrients and not chemical.
The reason your body is more efficient with these types of foods is because fruits, vegetables and grains are much less dense in energy than animal foods. They simply pack fewer calories per cupful or spoonful.

This is because fat has nine calories per gram while carbs and protein only have four calories per gram.  In addition good carbs like fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain great amounts of fiber.  Fiber makes you feel full and adds almost no calories to your meal.

In some studies, those who follow whole foods, low-fat, plant-based diet consumes fewer calories. It's not because they're starving themselves. In fact, they will likely spend more time eating and eat a larger volume of food than their meat-eating counterparts.


This means that every time you eat a healthy meal, you may reduce the calories that you consume, digest and absorb, even if you eat significantly more food at one sitting.

Food deprivation just does not work. The beautiful thing about a vegan diet is that you do not deny yourself food. This is because weight loss due to calorie restriction almost never leads to long-term weight loss.



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Why Are Some Cultures Thinner Than Others


The problem with the notion of dieting is that it does not address the lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to permanently take the weight off. Losing weight is not something that can be bought or sold. It is not a commodity. Sometimes the problem is cultural. We become trapped in old habits that have us eating unhealthy foods for a lifetime.

The key is to adjust your lifestyle. This means eating a plant-based diet based on whole foods and embarking on an exercise program... There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to obesity.  Once you are diagnosed with it chronic disease it can set in quite quickly and the longer you wait to embark on a natural weight loss plan the harder it will be on your health in the future.

You only need to look around you at the people you know to determine who is healthy and who is sick because of their fat accumulations.

Think of the people that you know who are fat.  Are they sick all of the time?  What is his or her diet like? They probably eat a lot of sugar, salt, and junk food. They possibly also drink a lot of alcohol.

Now think of people that you know who maintain a healthy weight. You will notice they do not eat a lot of junk. In fact you might have noticed that these are the vegans that you know or the people who you know who like to consume Italian, Greek or Asian diets.




Traditional cultures from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia know how to eat without gaining weight like Americans do...  Think of the traditional Asian body and how svelte the physique usually is...  In China, Persia, Japan and India people have been eating a mostly plant based diet for thousands of years and it seems to keep the majority of these massive populations fit.

After you are done picturing the body shape of the average Asian then picture what your average American looks like.  Then picture him eating snacks at a baseball game. Visualize the beer full of calories and the hotdog full of fat. This is not health food and this is typical of the unhealthy eating habits of the average American.

When was the last time you saw a really fat vegan? Then ask if you could handle being on a diet that was had more vegetables rather than meat. That is your first step towards embarking on a fully effective, yet natural weight loss plan.

So just how much weight can you immediately lose if you become a vegan?  During a study at the Pritikin center there were 4,500 patients who went through a program of eating as much as they wanted of low fat, plant based whole food lost 5.5% of their body weight.  They also lost an average of seventeen pounds!

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Why Most Diets Don’t Work

If you are looking for a way to lose weight fast then you are usually looking at an unhealthy diet. These include any diets that promise that you will lose fifteen pounds in three days, fifteen pounds in a week or even fifteen pounds in a month!  To stay healthy you should not be losing any more than ten pounds a month.

You are also likely not able to stay healthy sticking to any diet that claims to be no fat, low carb, high protein, or that consists only eating grapefruit or cabbage. You should also avoid any diet that involves taking a lot of pills or chemicals or making your body more acidic in nature.

Following most fad diet plans will eventually achieve the opposite of what you want. You will gain unwanted weight, as your body desperately protects itself from acidity caused by these diets by piling on the fat. The only true and lasting solution to being overweight is to change your eating habits so that your blood is at a healthy alkaline pH level at all times.  This will help you stay fit, eliminate toxins and make the most of any exercising.
 Losing Weight And Keeping It Off


How To Successfully Get The Weight Off
Weight-loss advice comes in many guises. Most often the “new” and “revolutionary” diets are really old fad diets making a comeback. For instance the high protein low carbohydrate is as old as the original Aitkin’s diet, which was first introduced to the public in the 1970s.  Even though it’s an antique concept in dieting it is still often marketed as the “latest thing.” The South Beach Diet is just the Aitkin’s diet repackaged to us again.

You also know you are dealing with a fad diet if the diet claims to recommend only a few foods or ban a specific food or food group. A good example is the cabbage soup diet where you eat only bananas one day and glasses of milk the next. Another good example is the watermelon diet or the grapefruit diet which involves consuming one food alone. You can’t live on one food all day and expect to stay healthy.

The truth behind weight gain in this society is that people are eating more total calories and getting less physical activity. Your body simply doesn’t distinguish between types of calories when it comes to weight gain only the number of calories that you consume.

Fad and crash diets are not only unhealthy but they are also cause rebound weight gain. Also most diets cause an initial weight loss but the ultimate result is that you gain all of the weight back the minute you go off the plan.  If you don't gain it back within a couple of days, you are likely to gain it all back plus a bit more within a year.



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