The average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year,

a habit that could actually be making you heavier. Studies show how these substances may confuse the body’s regulatory systems that control hunger.

Whenever you eat, your body is trained to expect calories, but it’s not getting them when you eat zero-calorie sweeteners. You end up craving more food and not feeling full. What’s more, artificial sweeteners are up to 7000 times sweeter than natural sugars and this can desensitize taste buds. To learn more about the link between artificial sweeteners and weight gain, click here.

Beyond the commonly used serving packets, artificial sweeteners are often hidden in everyday items not advertised as diet foods such as cereal, vitamins, sauces and even baby food. Look for these key words on food labels to spot artificial substitutes:

• Saccharin
• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Neotame (used in stable baked goods)
• Acesulfame (found in diet sodas)

Break the Habit

• Consume no more than two servings (two packets or one diet soda) of artificial sweeteners per day.
• Try combining a half a teaspoon of your preferred artificial sweetener with a teaspoon of raw sugar. Then eventually wean yourself off the artificial sweetener.
• Choose natural alternatives such as honey or agave. Or try coconut sap syrup, which has a low-glycemic index and just 10 calories per teaspoon. It also contains B vitamins, potassium and amino acids. Because these are all quite sweet tasting, you’ll find you don’t need to use much of them. Coconut syrup is available at health food stores for about $7.

Read the rest of the post here:  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/top-5-habits-making-you-fat?page=4#copy

For years, Jess Weiner urged women to accept their weight as is. She, after all, was a happy, successful size 18. But when her doctor warned that her weight posed a health risk, she had to ask: Was her body acceptance making her sick? Could yours be?

Read More http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2011/08/jess-weiners-weight-struggle-loving-my-body-almost-killed-me#ixzz1Udjiga5q

Source: alive #April 2011 Newsletter

http://alive.com

You may have heard about the childhood obesity epidemic and maybe even have some concerns about your own children. If they do not have a weight problem now, that is good news. But, you can be proactive to prevent obesity from ever happening in your family.

Children are impressionable. They learn most of their habits from their parents. This is the time to take your kids under your wing and teach them healthy habits that will help them throughout their lifetime. As they get older (into their teens) their attention will shift from you to their friends. If a life of healthy eating and exercise are already instilled, you have a better chance of them sticking to those good habits.

Start Early

It is never too early to instill healthy habits.  Some studies have shown that children who were breastfed tended to maintain a more normal weight than children who were bottle fed.  One reason for this could be due to our desire to get our babies well fed and sleeping through the night as soon as possible, resulting in overfeeding — something that breast feeding naturally curtails. If you are bottle feeding, resist the urge to add cereal flakes when your baby is crying late at night. Our impulse is to get our baby sleeping longer, and it makes sense that a full tummy will help them sleep.  However, your baby could be getting way too many calories.

Other parents are in a rush to introduce solid foods to their baby. Following most guidelines, your child will probably be fine without solid foods as late as nine or ten months of age. It won’t hurt to hold out as long as possible if that’s what you and your doctor decide. A child’s digestion and fat burning capabilities are built for your breast milk for quite some time. So, don’t rush a solid diet.

Stay as Natural as Possible

The healthiest foods are found around the perimeter of a grocery store. This is where you’ll find the fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy, meat, fish, and eggs. The prepackaged, pre-made foods and mixes in the center of the store are loaded with additives like sugars, salt, and fats.

Introduce a new fruit or vegetable each week to your child. Let them get the natural taste of food without adding any condiments. We often forget that condiments are there to suit our tastes. Children don’t feel that a food is bland without them because they have never tasted the food before. They may like it that way.

Offer healthy snacks. It may be easier at first to grab a prepackaged snack like pudding packs or cookies, but try to get into a routine of preparing healthy snacks ahead of time so they’ll be available as the need arises. Even unsweetened Cheerios are a better choice than snacks marketed for little hands.  Throw a few Cheerios and raisins in a small ziplock bag and your little one will be thrilled.

Avoid sodas and try to prevent your child from acquiring a taste for it. They are loaded with High Fructose Corn Syrup and this chemical is being looked as as possibly the number one reason for the diabetes epidemic we are now facing.

Healthy Stress Relief

Little ones need to learn coping mechanisms. Teach them how to deal with difficult situations so they can use those skills as they get older. This goes well for you, too. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips when you are stressed, show them that you have good coping skills as well. Use your stressed-out energy to chop up some celery and carrots or go outside and hop on your bike. Do some somersaults if you have to. Your kids will see you burning off your frustrations in healthy ways and will naturally want to join you. Be an example for your kids of the right way to fight stress and burn energy.

It is never too early to start when it comes to preventing childhood obesity. Start today and use these simple strategies to ensure that your family will get healthy and stay healthy and avoid the specter of childhood obesity from every haunting your doorstep.

Doctors, scientists and companies specializing in weight loss have been looking for a magic pill for forever. The truth is that there is no magic pill.

The REALLY good news is that there are natural fat burning remedies you can use to help the process along. For example, there’s

Green tea

has long been used as a remedy for inflammation. It also helps with digestion, boosts immunity, and helps detoxify your body.

It is a diuretic, an appetite suppressant, and can help you burn fat. A compound in the tea’s polyphenols raises your metabolism, so that you burn more calories. Drink a few cups of green tea daily (but remember, there is caffeine in it so drink it in the morning).

Tumeric

is a spice found in many Indian foods and in mustard. It’s great for reducing inflammation in the body and when you reduce inflammation you may actually look and feel thinner.

Additionally, the curcumin in turmeric regulates your blood sugar. This means that your energy is balanced throughout the day and your cravings for sweets and starchy carbohydrates is dramatically reduced.

Vitamin D

There have been many studies on vitamin D recently and they’ve shown that people with normal levels of vitamin D lose weight faster than those who are deficient. Get some sunshine and take your Vitamin D, especially if you live in an area of the world where the winters are long and dark!

Vitamin B

is essential for an efficient metabolism and for cellular health. It helps to boost your mood and manage stress better. Try it — you’ll be in a good mood, relaxed,  your metabolism will hum along, and losing weight will be much easier.

Apple Cider Vinegar

contains acetic acid which has been shown to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and the speed of which it pours into your blood stream. The result is that your body may need to turn to your fat stores for energy.

Additionally, you’ll not only be burning more fat, but you have more balanced blood sugar levels. And balanced blood sugar gives you a more even level of energy, fewer cravings and more weight loss.

Sleep

is vital for weight loss and fat burning. A good night’s sleep will keep the leptin levels steady in your body (leptin is the hormone that tells your body that you have eaten enough food),  Without proper sleep, this hormone will not function properly and won’t give yor body the proper messages about food consumption.

As well, when you get a good night’s sleep you have more energy the next day. You can better manage stress and you’ll make better decisions about your diet and health generally.

Sleep regenerates and revives our bodies, so after a night (or many nights with inadequate sleep) you’ll feel hungry and tired, resulting in cravings for sweets and starchy carbs. To add to the already bad results of not enough sleep, your metabolism will slow as well.

And women are particularly affected by inadequate sleep. Studies have shown that women who don’t sleep well will, on average, gain five pounds more than those who get a good night’s sleep. It’s vital that you sleep if you are trying to lose weight. Experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night — and eight is better. Make it a goal to get this much sleep.

Losing weight and burning fat doesn’t happen overnight, but with a few simple natural remedies, a healthy diet, and good sleep, you can achieve your weight loss goals.

Have you tried to lose weight and just can’t seem to make it happen? First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Losing weight is a challenge. The good news is that there are numerous resources to help you manage weight loss and obesity. Here’s how to know when it’s time to get help managing your obesity.

• You don’t know where to start. It’s easy to know you need to lose weight. It’s not so easy to know how to begin losing the weight. If you feel overwhelmed or would just like some guidance then it’s time to get help.Look into meeting with a nutritionist and a personal trainer. Make sure both experts have experience working with obesity and the related health concerns.
• You have a plan to lose weight and exercise – you just can’t seem to stick to it. If this is you then chances are your plan isn’t customized for your personality and basic needs. The best way to achieve big goals is to take baby steps to get there. Small steps are easier to accomplish. Consider seeking help modifying your weight loss plan.You don’t have to lose all your weight at once. A pound a week is a great start. Over the course of a year that’s 52 pounds so it adds up too. Consider consulting a coach to help you create a weight loss plan that makes sense for you.
• You hate to exercise. Okay, so for many exercise is a bad word. This is common and it’s easy to overcome. Consider changing your mindset. Instead of ‘exercise’ call it ‘activity’. Find an activity you enjoy. Perhaps you like to bird watch. Going on a weekly bird watching walk is great exercise. Perhaps you like to swim or dance.Sign up for a dance class or get a pass to your local pool. Exercise doesn’t mean you have to lift weights and run a marathon. Start by doing something that you love. Get help managing your fitness by exercising with friends. Find an instructor that makes you laugh. Make sure you’re having fun and exercise won’t feel like exercise.
• You’re on your own without much support. It’s tough to lose weight without the support of others. If you don’t have a support system at home go out and find one. Join a group online. There are many obesity and weight loss support groups. There are also fun sites where you can network with others who are trying to lose weight too. You can support each other to succeed.Join a group offline. Your community likely has several weight loss programs or fitness clubs. Join one that is designed to help you meet your needs.
• You’re dealing with emotional issues. Often, obesity is caused by or triggers emotional issues. Many people eat because they’re unhappy. If you’re struggling with the emotions of obesity or past traumas consider getting therapy. Once you’re able to come to terms with your emotions you can begin to control your eating habits. You can live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.

Managing obesity is difficult. You don’t have to go it alone. Look for support. Find programs and system that work for you. And remember, you’re not alone with your obesity. Many people all around the world are going through the same struggles. Find those people and connect.

Studies have actually shown that by taking measures to improve your sleep can help you lose weight.

Why Sleep Matters

While we are sleeping, our bodies are recovering from the day. Our organs, hormonal systems and cells take this down-time to regroup. If you’re not getting enough sleep or you’re not getting good quality sleep your body cannot recover. This means your body spends the following day struggling.

Your metabolism is affected. Studies have found that people who sleep poorly eat more during the day. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that these people are turning to food for energy. However, it’s not really food they need– its better quality and more sleep.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation alters the balance of hormones which control the rate at which we burn off calories–in particular the hormone leptin.  It may also be that when you don’t get enough sleep your body switches to survival mode. It stores more fat.

Regardless of the reasons behind the sleep/weight loss correlation the facts are the same. If you don’t get good sleep you’re more prone to weight gain.

How to Get Better Sleep

To lose weight, then, it makes sense to take measures to improve your sleep. Here are some tried and true success strategies:

• Refrain from eating or drinking two to three hours before bedtime. You’ll reduce your body’s need to digest and you won’t have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Create a sleep ritual. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every day.
• Create a routine: before bed, brush your teeth, wash your face and read a book for ten minutes before turning the lights out.
• Aim for at least seven hours (but 8 is better) of sleep a night.
• Don’t use electronics in the bedroom. Electronics stimulate your brain and you want to relax. Eliminate watching television, surfing or social networking on your mobile device before bed.
• Avoid stimulants in the afternoon. If you routinely drink a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon, make it decaffeinated. Or move tea time up an hour or two. Caffeine can stay in your system for several hours and definitely affects your sleep. By the way, green tea is caffeinated

If you’re not sleeping well and cannot improve your sleep with these simple steps, consider seeking a doctor’s help. Good sleep is vital for overall mental and physical health. Once you’re able to sleep better you will also find you can lose extra weight and burn fat much more easily.

We can communicate with someone halfway around the world via instant message or video chat. We can transfer money from one bank account to another with the click of a button. We can also manage our health, burn fat and lose weight with the help of technology.

Track Your Progress

There are a number of gadgets and software programs that make losing weight much easier. Many people neglect to track their information.  Without this information it’s difficult to make smart diet and exercise decisions.

Additionally, tracking information can be extremely motivating. Many applications and software programs show you via a graph how much weight you’ve lost. If you own an iPod, iPad or iPhone take a look at the tracking applications available. There are some truly excellent applications that are free to download and use. If you spend more time on your computer or laptop check out free software programs or membership sites. Take a look at FitDay.com for one potential solution.

And of course there are gadgets that help you track your efforts. The FitBit tracks the steps you take each day. Combined with a membership site, that’s free, you can enter your daily foods and activities.

Let Your MP3 Player Get Your Heart Rate Up

Tracking information is motivating. However, you can take it several steps further. Use MP3 players designed for workouts to help you keep your heart rate up. Use a heart rate monitor to get your maximum workout. Take advantage of iPod applications that help you track your workout and provide occasional motivational messages.

Log In To Social Networking and Burn Fat

Social networking has also gotten in on the motivational scene. DailyMile is a membership site that enables you to post your fitness and weight loss activities to your Facebook account. The feedback and support you gain from your peers can be really inspiring.

Streaming Workouts

You can find a number of workout programs streaming on your computer or mobile device. That makes working out fun and easy. You can find everything from yoga to dance and strength training. If you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget, look for fat burning workouts online.

If you’re striving to lose weight or want to burn more fat take a look at how technology can help. Use it to motivate. Use it to track your success. Find great workouts online and burn more fat daily.

It detoxifies. It has an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants help your cells by getting rid of free radicals (they damage cells) in your body. These are two fantastic health benefits, but you might be surprised to know that Green Tea can help you burn fat too.

How Green Tea Burns Fat

Okay, you know that there are antioxidants in green tea. The antioxidants in green tea are called polyphenols. The catechins in polyphenols have thermogenic properties. Thermogenic properties means fat burning.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that this element in green tea boosts metabolism by four percent within twenty four hours. That means if you drink a few cups of green tea spread out throughout the day, you’re boosting your metabolism around the clock.

There’s also a couple of unique side effects of green tea. It’s an appetite suppressant, and it’s also a diuretic. Diuretic means it stimulates you to urinate and flush fluids out of your body, helping to flush your body of toxins. (Toxins motivate your body to store fat).

When you drink green tea you’re actually receiving three weight loss benefits. Your appetite is suppressed. You’re flushing your body of toxins, and you’re also boosting your metabolism and burning fat around the clock.

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink?

Experts seem to disagree on how much green tea a person should drink. Recommendations range from one cup to four cups a day.

Consider starting with one cup each day. Make it part of your daily routine. Drink it at lunch or as part of a mid morning snack.
As you learn to enjoy green tea you may drink a few more glasses each day.

Green tea can be bitter if it’s brewed too long or too hot. Follow the package instructions. And don’t hesitate to try various types of green tea. If you head to your local Asian market you’ll likely find more green tea options than you can possibly imagine. Choose a few, steep, and enjoy.

One precaution: Take care to not drink green tea in the afternoon or evening. It does contain caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine it can interfere with sleep. Sleep is also an important part of fat burning and weight loss. You don’t want to trade one fat burning benefit for another.

Green tea has been consumed for centuries. It’s been prescribed by eastern medicine as a cure for many ailments and conditions. Scientists and western medicine are only now beginning to learn the powerful health benefits green tea offers. Take advantage of this ancient and delicious beverage. Improve your health and burn fat with green tea.

I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that there are delicious foods you can eat that will actually help you fight fat. Here are seven of the winning fat fighting foods.

• Eggs An extra large egg has only 78 calories. And it’s packed with protein and nutrients. They’re very filling and will keep your blood sugar even and your hunger at bay for hours.An egg has extra lean protein that fills you up and keeps you satisfied for hours. Combine it with a piece of whole grain toast and you have a very satisfying, fat fighting breakfast. And don’t think eggs are only for breakfast. They make a great snack or mid-day meal too. Keep some boiled eggs in the fridge ready for your next snack.Eggs are excellent sources of protein, and when you mix eggs with a little fruit, a lot of greens, some beans and a little avocado, you are getting a lot of hunger fighting nutrients.

• Dark chocolate According to a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, dark chocolate suppresses appetite. Scientists found that compounds in dark chocolate slows digestion. This means you feel full much longer. It also curbs cravings for other not-so-healthy sweets.An ounce of dark chocolate has about 130 calories and is very high in flavonoids, the substances that are shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and give you hydrated, smooth skin. A 1 oz. piece of chocolate per day is now recommended for good health. Just make sure it is at least 70% cacao, but some are recommending 87% cacao. You may find it dry and bitter, but even chocolate shavings in a coffee can curb cravings.

• Whole grains Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but especially a fat burning diet and lifestyle. It fills you up. It burns slowly and provides you with an evenly distributed energy throughout the day. Opt for whole grain or rye bread and try whole grain pretzels, crackers and cereals too.

• Bananas are a super food. They’re packed with nutrients and fiber. One banana for a snack can help tide you over until your next meal. Add a little natural peanut butter to the banana and you’ll be satisfied for hours.

• Nuts are a perfect snack. They’re full of heart healthy fatty acids and they help you feel full. They’re also packed with protein and fiber. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are all fabulous for weight loss because they are so filling.  About 12 nuts a couple times a day is all you need to get nourishment and fat burning.

• Oranges Interestingly the scent of citrus is an appetite suppressant, but this amazing fruit is also at the top of the list of the most filling foods. An orange is high in fiber and has zero fats.

• Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes rock! They’re packed with more nutrients than most vegetables and have amazing amounts of fiber.  They’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours. Sweet potatoes should replace the standard potato.

There are so many really nutritious and delicious foods that will help you lose weight and burn fat. Be experimental. Try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your diet every week and add these fat fighting foods to your grocery list.