Positive Health, Fitness & Weight Loss Tips

Why Can't I Lose Weight? 3 Reasons

2006-03-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: In order to lose weight, you have to address any possible obstacles in your path. This article gives you 3 possible reasons for a weight loss plateau. They aren't the only 3 reasons but they give a great general overview of possible obstacles to weight loss. As always - make sure you work with your medical professional before attempting any change in your diet or exercise pattern.

Why can't I lose weight?

That's the question many people ask when their weight loss plan isn't working.
Asking yourself 'Why can't I lose weight?' is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself. It says you know that what you're currently doing isn't working for you.
You're at the place where you're ready to look at alternatives - try something different to get a result you want.

So why can't you lose weight? Here are 3 possible reasons you may not be losing weight - and some suggestions on what you can do about it.

#1) Medical Reasons

Now this is not the same as saying you're genetically programmed to be overweight. That is hogwash. In fact scientists estimate that even if you do have a genetic propensity to gain weight, your genes only account for 15 - 25% of your current weight. So forget the genetics excuse.

But there are medical reasons that some people can't lose weight. Low thyroid, adrenal exhaustion, insulin resistance and other medical conditions can make losing weight extremely difficult.

That's why before starting any weight loss plan, you should talk to your doctor first. Have a full workup and make sure that you don't have any health issues standing in the way of your weight loss.

There's nothing more frustrating that trying to lose weight, doing all the right things and not losing an inch - all because of a medical condition. Get the medical condition cleared up first and then address the weight (in fact, the weight may just go down on it's own once you get the medical condition addressed).

#2) Emotional Eating

I recently read an article where a nutritionist estimated that 75% of overeating was due to emotions. 75%! Can you imagine what would happen if you learned to eliminate emotional eating and cut out all those calories? What a weight loss impact! The weight would be falling off.

Unfortunately, in today's world, emotional eating is on the rise. Most people today are feeling the pressure of an increasingly hectic lifestyle. We hardly have time to tie our shoes, never mind deal with our emotions.

Because of this, our emotions get stuffed down and ignored until finally they explode and we're face-down in a bowl of Rocky-Road ice cream with extra chocolate sauce.

Here's the bottom line: you are human and you have emotions. Your emotional needs are important and need to be addressed properly with love. You need emotional nurturing and proper emotional care.

If that means you take a 5 minute break every few hours at work to regain your emotional balance, do it. If that means you need to unwind by doing a mall walk and window shopping after work - don't let anything stop you.

Learn to nurture your emotional health and you'll nip emotional eating in the bud - and start losing weight FAST.

#3) Mismatched Weight Loss Plan

There are many different ways to lose weight and hundreds of weight loss programs to choose from. Some plans emphasize a change in diet, others emphasize a change in exercise, others focus on the inner reasons for overeating.

Every person is different and will lose weight in their own unique way. If what you're doing now isn't currently working, it may be a simple case of personality-plan mismatch.

Maybe instead of a diet-focused weight loss plan, you would feel better with a fitness-focused weight loss plan or a psychological weight loss plan. There are lots of plans to choose from and you deserve to take your time and find one that fits your personality and lifestyle best.

If you think this is the case, take some time to review different diet or weight loss plans. Find one that you can get excited about, one that makes sense to you and that fits your belief system and personality. That's when you'll make real weight loss progress!

So those are 3 possible reasons for your weight loss plateau. You don't have to stay stuck in a weight loss rut. You don't have to keep asking yourself the frustrating question: Why Can't I Lose Weight?' Keep believing in yourself and in your dreams. Don't give up and you will get there!

About The Author:

Vienna Miller is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews - a website offering the latest diet reviews and weight loss plans that actually work.

For the latest weight loss tips and free diet articles visit http://www.FreeToBeThin.com/Articles.html

5 Tips To Lose Weight Before Spring

2006-03-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

So I figure that we've got about 5-8 weeks before the spring thaw starts (depending on where you live). If you aren't good with crash diets, you might want to gradually incorporate naturally thin habits so you'll be ready for spring.

If you build in 1 or 2 naturally thin habits a week, you'll be able to sit back and relax in your loose-fitting spring clothes while watching everyone else do the mad dash for the gym. So I've listed some of the easiest naturally thin habits below to help you get some ideas about how to lose weight before Spring:

#1 Drink More Water - helps speed your metabolism and flush fat

#2 Increase Exercise Time or Frequency - especially focus on strength training as this keeps your metabolism elevated for 12-24 hours after your workout

#3 Stop Eating After 7:00 - After 7:00 pm your body pretty much stores most food as fat - it doesn't need it since you'll just be going to sleep

#4 Eat Breakfast - I read a study recently where they proved that breakfast eaters actually ate less total calories for the day than non-breakfast eaters. Personally I've found this to be true for me but everyeone's different so try it and see if it works for you

#5 Make Small Changes - Have your regular toast with peanut butter - but maybe cut out the margarine. Go ahead and indulge in your 3:00 coffee break - but instead of that 600 calorie whipped mocha-frappa-lattee- cino thing, why not tray a Chai latte? Or a hot chocolate without the whipped cream? Little changes add up to large calorie cuts - especially over 5 weeks.

So those are 5 thin habits to start now to be svelte for spring. They're fairly easy and don't involve harsh crash diets or massive feelings of deprivation.

I'll try to post some more easy tips here in the coming weeks.

Until next time - V

Hoodia Update - How's It Working For Me?

2006-03-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,

I finally got my Hoodia a couple of days ago and started taking 400 mg - 3 times a day about a half hour before meals.

How's it working so far? Here are some observations (Never let it be said that I'm unwilling to be a guinea pig for the sake of my blog visitors!):

Day 1: Only took 400 mg at dinner (got the Hoodia in the mail in the afternoon). Still hungry, didn't notice much effect.

Day 2: Took Hoodia 400 mg at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At breakfast was slightly hungry still and ate a normal breakfast (ok, chocolate was included).

At lunch - NOTHING. I felt no hunger pangs at all. Had a couple of bites of a veggie wrap and a green tea but that was it - I didn't want any more.

Dinner - Again, no appetite, no hunger pangs, no desire to eat. Had a small tuna sandwich and tried to get through an apple but that was it.

Day 3 - Woke up expecting to feel hungry since I had so little last night. Took 400 mg of Hoodia before breakfast and waited for the required half hour. Again - not hungry at all.

Needless to say - I'm shocked at how well the Hoodia is working for me so far. I was a bit skeptical but I've been pleasantly surprised so far. I'll keep you informed as to how it goes - and if I lose weight.

Notes: These are ONLY my experiences. I am not giving any medical advice here and before anyone considers losing weight, taking Hoodia, etc, please consult your doctor.

Also, if you've read any of my postings on Hoodia, you'll know that the real stuff is very hard to find and it will be expensive since the Hoodia plant is in short supply and carefully regulated by the South African government.

The Hoodia brand I am taking is Hoodoba. I have read some good things about the actual product but negative reviews of the company itself. I bought it however with no problems except that it took a long time to come in the mail. You can get Hoodoba at a discount here.

Weight Loss Quiz - Choose the Weight Loss Method That Works Best For You

2006-03-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

Many people want to tone up and get ready for those warm weather months - but not everyone is the same. Some people find that a strict, basic diet works for them whereas others prefer to exercise the extra pounds off. Others achieve success when they get to the root of their overeating with a more psychological approach.

Everyone is different. To find which weight loss method will work best for you, take some time first to get to know yourself. Then you can find a weight loss plan that fits best with your personality and personal history (for example, if diets haven't worked for you in the past - you may want to look at other weight loss methods).

The quiz below is adapted from www.FreeToBeThin.com and will help you better define which weight loss paths may be your best options:

Weight Loss Quiz

Answer these questions as honestly as you can, there are NO RIGHT or WRONG ANSWERS! Keep track of how many a), b) or c)'s you get and then see the results below.

1) Which statement best describes your personality:

a) I prefer order and control. I like well-laid out plans before trying anything

b) I like to just 'go for it' and jump into things. It's more fun that way.

c) I like to thoughtfully explore why I'm doing something but I can also be spontaneous if the occasion calls for it.

2) Which statement best describes your past history:

a) Traditional diets have often worked for me in the past

b) Diets don't usually work unless I'm working out also.

c) Diets have NEVER worked for me and exercise is a chore.

3) Which statement best describes your lifestyle:

a) I have a fairly hectic lifestyle and I'm always rushing to fit things in.

b) I am busy but have time on my hands to devote to activities that enrich my life.

c) I am not very busy but would like to devote some time to activities that enrich my life

4) Which statement best describes you:

a) I can go a long time putting off what I want now in order to achieve a larger goal.

b) I always like to be actively moving towards my goals.

c) I prefer to do something right once and never have to do it again

5) Which statement best describes you:

a) I like to have definite boundaries within which to work towards my goals

b) I don't like boundaries. I like to push myself beyond my limits.

c) I don't like boundaries, I like to explore and understand things as I move towards my goals

6) Which statement best describes you:

a) I like doing what I know

b) I get bored easily

c) I don't like doing things the conventional way.

**Now count up all your a's, b's and c's.**

MOSTLY A's: If the majority of your answers were a's, your best weight loss strategy may be in the area of diets. You prefer a structured plan and a proven success rate. There are many diets on the market to choose from. Take your time and choose one that you can get excited about. For more help, check out our reviews of diets that work - click here.

MOSTLY B's: If the majority of your answers were b's, your best weight loss strategy may be to sweat the pounds off. You don't really like the structured food plans but prefer instead to challenge yourself physically and build a strong metabolism to burn the fat off - even while you're sleeping. For more information on losing weight through exercise, check out our Best exercise to lose weight page.

MOSTLY C's: If most of your answers were c's, you're more of a free spirit. Diets probably haven't worked for you in the past and you probably have some degree of 'Diet Burnout'. You don't want to feel deprived by a diet and you don't necessarily want to be a gym bunny. Perhaps a gentler, kinder weight loss method would suit you - even one that deals with the psychological reasons behind overeating. For more help, in this area, check out our natural weight loss product reviews.

This article was reprinted with permission from http://www.FreeToBeThin.com - For more diet reviews, exercise articles and weight loss tips visit:

http://www.FeeToBeThin.com/Articles.html

Spring's Coming - Are You Ready?

2006-03-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

March is here and we can officially say that spring is right around the corner. No deluding ourselves anymore that we have the winter months to hide under coats and sweaters.

In order to avoid the panic that many women (and some men) face when the first warm spring day hits, let's start getting ready for spring now. I'll be posting some positive weight loss and fitness tips here over the month of March to help people start getting spring-ready now.

The best way to lose weight (imo) is to do it slowly, being kind to yourself along the way.

The body doesn't like change. And it especially doesn't like the shock of a sudden strict diet after a winter of piping hot chocolate, donuts and holiday goodies.

So let's focus on changing one or two things a week and by the time that first spring day hits - we'll be eager to take the coats off.

Why Do We Read Weight Loss Testimonials?

2006-02-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

Why do we love reading weight loss testimonials? Why do we scour the diet plan websites for before and after pictures and personal stories of pounds lost? Why do weight loss plans almost always include testimonials?

I think it's because we are looking for one thing, perhaps subconsciously, that will help us achieve our weight loss goals: Confidence.

Skeptical? Stay with me on this.

Here's the bottom line: we all know that most diets or weight loss plans will at least work in the short term because they all include some form of calorie restriction (that doesn't mean they'll necessarily work in the long run - but that's an entirely new post).

But although we know this in our heads, our past failures tell our heart something else - this may not work. And if we think something won't work, we simply don't try it. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The diet didn't work because we didn't follow it 100%. Why didn't we follow it 100%? Because we believed it wouldn't work. See the cycle?

So reading weight loss testimonials helps us to have the confidence to give a particular program our all - if other people could try it and get these amazing results then we can too. Even if you don't want to buy a certain diet program, you can still be encouraged to lose weight just by reading weight loss testimonials.

Because if other people can lose weight and look that amazing, so can you.

Perhaps it's not even the diet plan itself that does or does not work - perhaps it is the confidence that you have in the diet plan that is the deciding factor on whether or not you will lose weight. Just something to consider.

More Weight Loss Pill Warnings

2006-02-25T08:47:00.000-05:00

'Health Canada is warning consumers not to use two unapproved products being marketed as natural weight-loss aids because they may contain substances that could cause serious side-effects or injury. '

Read the entire article here:

The Hoodia Cactus: More Details on the Actual Hoodia Gordonii Cactus

2006-02-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: Here's a little more detail on the actual Hoodia Gordonii plant itself - for those of you Hoodia researchers who want all the facts on Hoodia.

Hoodia Cactus
by Eric Morris

Most of the journalists used the name, "the African Hoodia Cactus" when they learned about the hunger-suppressing plant from South Africa. What they meant was "Hoodia Gordonii," found wild in the Kalahari Desert. It does not belong to the cactus genus.

Hoodia Gordonii is a succulent. The Genus is Trichocaulon and the family name is Asclepiadaceae. It is a grayish brown plant with ten or more tentacles, resembling a long cucumber with spikes. The height of the plant can be 18 inches to 6 feet. It is bitter-tasting, with an unpleasant smell.

The San Bushmen have been using this plant for thousands of years as a hunger suppressant while on long hunts. CSIR of South Africa took a patent on the plant as a weight-loss aid and sold it to a British pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm. The plant grows only in a desert climate and takes about 5 to 7 years to mature. Attempts to grow them in China, Mexico and the USA failed.

Phytopharm successfully conducted clinical trials on the plant and combined with Pfizer of the USA to produce P 57, the active ingredient of Hoodia, synthetically. After the attempt failed, because it was uneconomical, they arranged for large plantations in South Africa to cultivate the plant. They have tied up with Unilever, a British MNC and food giant, to test and market the product by 2008.

After a legal challenge and subsequent settlement between the San tribe lawyer and CSIR of South Africa, the Bushmen are to be given part of the profits made from the sales of the product. In an October 2004 convention at Bangkok, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora) included Hoodia Gordonii in Appendix II. This means that the South African government has an active control over this plant, and is not likely to allow over-exploitation of wild Hoodia.

It is proving to be a difficult task. Taking a plant from the wild desert and growing it as a plantation crop is a challenge that the scientists involved are facing. Diseases, pests and a lot of agricultural practices have to be understood. However, they are confident of success in putting the product on the supermarket shelf by 2008.

www.web-hoodia.com

Hoodia - Why All The Conflicting Reports?

2006-02-18T13:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I've been reading everything I can get on Hoodia (especially in the forums) in order to post here and one thing I've come up against is so many conflicting reports about it.

Some people say Hoodia works and they've lost 'x' number of pounds.

Others say they haven't lost a thing.

Some 'experts' say Hoodia hasn't really been tested.

Other 'experts' say Hoodia has been tested successfuly without any ill side effects.

Some say it's a waste of money.

Other's say it's the best money they've ever spent.

So what's the truth?

While I haven't yet started my own test of Hoodia, I have come across a few reasons that might explain the conflicting reports about why Hoodia works for some people but not for others.

#1 - Not Taking A High Enough Dose - The general consensus among those who have said Hoodia worked for them seems to be that you need at least 750 mg of Hoodia 3 times a day to get the appetite suppressing results (and probably more like 1000 mg if you're a big, strapping man). Of course, always follow the instructions on the bottle and give your body a chance to get used to it before increasing your dose.

#2 - Didn't Buy It From A Pure Source - There are lots of Hoodia substitutes out there that contain either very little Hoodia or none at all. Also, while there are around 20 species of Hoodia, only Hoodia Gordonii has the effective appetite suppressing molecule. Make sure you buy pure Hoodia Gordonii (no 20:1 extracts!) from South Africa. (For more on how to find a pure source of Hoodia check out this article)

#3 - Everyone's Body Is Different - Just as caffeine affects different people different ways (some people are allergic, some people get jittery, some get happy, others feel absolutely nothing, etc.), Hoodia may affect different people different ways. So while most people might get results from Hoodia (just like most people feel more alert after drinking coffee), some people may not. Every person's body reacts in it's own unique way, which may mean the Hoodia doesn't work for everyone.

The important thing is to consult your doctor before taking Hoodia (or making any change to your diet or lifestyle). Make sure you don't have a medical condition (like low thyroid for example) that may interfere with your weight loss efforts (whether those involve Hoodia or not).

Weight Loss Through Foods That Fight Fat

2006-02-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

I'm always interested in fat burning or negative calorie foods - hey if I can eat lots and STILL lose weight, count me in. So I thought you guys might also like this juicy little article by David Chandler on foods that fight fat. Enjoy!

Some foods can magically melt pounds, and that train of thought has been around for a long time. While exercise and a variety of wholesome foods help will help you lose weight, there are foods that burn calories and suppress hunger. Listed below are a variety of foods that will help speed your metabolism and therefore burn fat.

Foods such as raw spinach contain bulk. Therefore, the space they leave in your stomach - partly because of their high water content -leaves less room for pastries and ice cream. They are also jammed with iron, foliate, calcium and vitamins A., B, C, and E that helps you to lose weight.

Grape fruits help you lose weight fast. They are not magic, but they are powerful fat fighters due to their fiber content. In addition, without added sugar, a grapefruit has fewer calories than an orange of the same weight.

Apples keep the doctors away and fat. Eating several apples a day is a great way to lose weight. Hard fruits like apples take time to chew and fill you up.

You burn more calories chewing and digesting celery than it actually contains. Celery has vitamins E and C. It is a diet food that also helps you lose weight and should be on everyone's plate.

Protein packed legumes such as black beans, chickpeas, lentils are not just low in fat and rich in soluble fiber, they digest slowly and keep blood sugar levels steady. You will not feel like eating for a while.

Calcium rich foods and drink such as low fat milk can boost metabolism. It has been found that women and girls who consume dairy products regularly tend to lose weight easily and have less body fat than those who do not.

The omega-3 in fatty fish, such as mackerel can curb overeating. The protein mixed with the fat in fish is also known to curb your eating.

You can eat all the strawberries you want and can never gain a pound. Strawberries, peaches, plums, and grapes come with cancer fighting carotenoids and appetite-suppressing fiber. Eating these types of fruits daily will help you lose weight fast.

Above are just some examples of foods that burn fat. Disciplining yourself to eat a proper diet and the right exercise program will help you reach your idea weight in no time.

For more information about weight loss, visit Weight Loss

Lose 14 pounds in 7 Days With Negative Calorie Foods - Click Here

Hoodia Information: The Latest Weight Loss Wonder?

2006-02-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

Another fairly good article about Hoodia from author Dan Ho. I like the author's point about avoiding free hoodia offers and hoodia spam offers:

Searches for hoodia information are going through the roof as major media attention is being focussed on an ancient plant from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa called Hoodia Gordonii that promises to help millions of people looking to shed some pounds finally achieve their dreams.

To be sure, the weight loss market is littered with products high on hype but short on substance. That's why there are still so many overweight people in spite of all the new fangled diet supplements, weight loss programs, and exercise schemes promising to burn off the blubber.

What makes hoodia gordonii differnet than the rest?

We will present you with some broad scope hoodia information so you know what the fuss is all about.

First, there are over a dozen types of hoodia plant species. Only one of these, called hoodia gordonii, contains a molecule in it that can kill one's appetite, thereby helping people consume less calories than they normally would.

Hoodia gordonii has been used for literally thousands of years by a primitive tribe of nomadic hunter-gatherers called the Sans Bushmen.

How was hoodia gordonii's weight loss properties discovered?

Well, in 1996 a body called the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa was conducting a study on indigenous foods that comprised the Bushmen's diet. One of the objectives was to test for toxic compounds in any of the plants that the Bushmen were eating.

What they discovered about hoodia gordonii was quite a revelation: not only did it not harbor any toxicity; studies showed it helped animals that ate it lose weight.

Now, this was news to the scientific community, but not to the Sans Bushmen. You see, the Sans Bushmen have been around for an estimated 100,000 years!

And for many of those thousands of years, they would consume hoodia gordonii plant before going on long hunting trips in the desert to help ward off hunger and thirst pangs when they had nothing to eat and little water to slake their thirst.

In any case, the active ingredient in hoodia gordonii was eventually isolated -- since called simply P57 -- and it was licensed to a British based pharmaceutical company called Phtyopharm, which now owns the patent rights jointly with Unilever (the company that owns the hugely popular SlimFast line of weight loss products).

Further hoodia information was revealed when Phytopharm conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. In this clinical study, they divided two groups of morbidly obese people in half, with one group getting placebo, and the other getting hoodia gordonii.

The results were astounding. The group who was using hoodia gordonii consumed on average a 1,000 less calories per day!

This news sent shockwaves through the weight loss industry and hoodia products began popping up all over the Internet and in health food stores.

As for Phytopharm and Unilever, they are still in the process of conducting more studies of efficacy and safety before releasing hoodia gordonii products using P57 in the future.

As for now, there are many good hoodia products on the market, but many outright scams too.
One thing to watch out for is any company advertising free hoodia. Sounds like a seemingly great thing, but the fact of the matter is that hoodia gordonii plant does not grow in many places, its extremely rare, and it has a long maturation time before it can be used (5 to 7 years!)

Because the demand is far outstripping the supply, with many companies trying to capitalize on the craze, some of the products have been tested to contain no actual hoodia (there's simply not enough to go around).

In short, a real hoodia gordonii product isn't going to be cheap, let alone being offered as free hoodia.

Also be aware of the rising amount of spam for hoodia products. No legitimate company is ever going to sell you real hoodia gordonii by illegally spamming people.

Get more facts, advice,opinions and hoodia information at http://www.hoodia-gordonii-central.com/.

Are Chemicals Making Us Fat?

2006-02-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

Just came across the following article and thought it was worth posting:

It makes some interesting links between the rise in obesity and the rise in chemical exposure in our environment:

http://www.thelifetree.com/organics03.pdf

(you must have Adobe Acrobat reader which you can get by clicking here)

I particularly liked the part about how carbamates are used in battery farm situations to slow down metabolic rate and they're also used in herbicides and pesticides - basically we're eating them.

Hmmmmm

Diet Pill Recall

2006-02-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

You may have heard about the FDA recall on certain medications including Dexatrim and Acutrim diet pills.

Apparently these medications contain an ingredient called phenylpropanolamine which has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding inthe brain) among women aged 18 - 49. Stop taking these medications right away.

For more medications to avoid which contain phenylpropanolamine check out:

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blppa.htm

Hoodia Gordonii's Essential FAQs--Serious Dieters Ought to Know

2006-02-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

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 are the different available ways that I can take the pure Hoodia Gordonii?

A: You can order pure Hoodia in vegetable capsules of 400mg or more or less, shake, concentrated liquid, powder, and tea.

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.

About The Author:

George Alarcon runs http://www.hoodia-way.com/ where he reveals the few reputable vendors selling the purest and most potent brands of Hoodia Gordonii on the market. Why consider an inferior brand of Hoodia that will deliver poor results? (If you suffer from acne, go to http://www.acneway.com/ for help.)

Side Effects With Hoodia Gordonii

2006-02-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

Health foods are the entire craze now. Exercising and having a healthy body is a top priority for many people these days. With this comes a plethora of different forms of exercises and diets. One of the fast up and coming health food lifestyle is the Hoodia Gordonii.

The benefits of using Hoodia Gordonii are by far more striking than what has been available in the past. Compared to health foods right now it has more health benefits and is more understood. With this method, you have no diets to stick to, it decreases appetite so you don't feel starved, gives a great feeling of general good health and energy, completely natural and safe to use, won't keep you awake at night, no specialty food and most of all no stimulants and harmful side effects.

Being classified in South Africa as a food and not a drug, Hoodia Gordonii's only side effect will cause your brain to believe that you are "full" which only lasts for 24 hours even without the sufficient amount of food ingested. This could be aproblem if you need the energy and power to do strenuous activities.

Local SAN bushmen whose ancestors have been using the plant for thousand years, confirms that there are no negative side effects with Hoodia.Gordonii.

The great worry associated with Hoodia is if it is abused by individuals with eating disorders that wants rapid weight lose, individuals with distorted body images who want to have intense weight lose in a short period of time, often having a disorder called "anorexia nervosa " with or without bulimia, is becoming more common and it is a life threatening disorder when not acted upon.

A proposed warning for use with Hoodia Gordonii as a dietary supplement would be: - not to be used in childhood, pregnancy, or lactating mothers - not to be used by individuals with eating disorder - or those who are underweight or within a normal weight range.

Some comments have already been made in the media about the dangers of Hoodia Gordonii use in the extreme "dieter " with an eating disorder.

No serious or harmful side effects of Goodia Gordonii have been reported; in fact it has been in the African food chain for many years. SAN Bushmen of the Kalahi, one of the worlds most oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating Hoodia for thousand of years to starve off hunger during long hunting trips.

Although there are no published long term studies on the safety of Hoodia, it has have been used for thousand of years. But the SAN Bushmen tribe of hunter-gatherers do not take pills for blood pressures, diabetes, cholesterol, depression and other diseases like we do, yet they have been able to gain their energy during hunting times. They say that it can even cure their hung-overs and upset stomach.

Hoodia simply has not reached a wide enough market yet or undergone safety testing to know what the side effects, drug interaction and safety concerns are, if there is any. But the main dangers have been tested for and it is shown that it is not dangerous.

To make sure, supplement companies put a standard recommended dose on bottles. There are people though who self regulate and take more than the stated amount. Some would say that they should double the dosage to feel the effect. It really depends on a person's weight, diet, lifestyle and metabolism. The best way to feel its effect is to follow the exact dosage and to be patient.

Since Hoodia Gordonii is an organic with no synthetic or artificial appetite control agents it is also a natural substance that works on suppressing your appetite. It is not a stimulant and has no side effect. Hoodia Gordonii acts as an appetite suppressant and is said to have a feel-good aphrodisiac quality felt mainly by men.

Of course there is always someone who would experience a reaction even to the safest supplement, so, if you feel anything different and uncomfortable, you must quickly relay this information to your doctor or your dietary consultant.

About The Author:

By Nick Leonard
hoodia-gordonii-diet.com gives you hard hitting reviews of hoodia products like hoodithin and desert burn hoodia

How Hoodia Works

2006-02-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

'Hoodia Gordonii researcher Dr. Richard Dixey explains how Hoodia Gordonii actually works: "There is a part of your brain, the hypothalamus. Within that mid-brain there are nerve cells that sense glucose sugar. When you eat, blood sugar goes up because of the food, these cells start firing and now you are full."

"What the Hoodia seems to contain is a molecule that is about 10,000 times as active as glucose. It goes to the mid-brain and actually makes those nerve cells fire as if you were full. But you have not eaten. Nor do you want to." Source: BBC News Friday, 30 May 2003'

- Desert Burn Hoodia Website

'Scientists believe that the reason for Hoodia's appetite suppressing abilities is a molecule called "P57". Normally, when you eat the glucose in your body rises and eventually signals to your brain (the hypothalamus) that you are full. It is believed that "P57" molecule in Hoodia mimics the effect that glucose has on your brain, telling part of your brain (the Hypothalamus) that you feel full. Consequently, you have no desire to eat.

In fact it is reported the P57 is actually 10,000 times stronger than glucose at signalling your hypothalamus to stop eating.

One of the first studies of Hoodia Gordonii was done in the UK on obese patients. Half of the volunteers were given Hoodia Gordonii, the other half were given a placebo. The subjects were allowed to do nothing but read, watch television and eat.

After 15 days it was found that those taking Hoodia had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Despite having unlimited access to food, the Hoodia subjects lost weight without feeling hungry.'

- http://www.HoodiaReview.homestead.com

Food For Thought

2006-02-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

'I went into a McDonald's yesterday and said, 'I'd like some fries.' The girl at the counter said, 'Would you like some fries with that?' - Jay Leno

'I like rice. Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2000 of something.' - Mitch Hedberg

'Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart.' - Erma Bombeck

'No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain, you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office' - George Bernard Shaw

'I am not a glutton - I am an explorer of food.' - Erma Bombeck

Hoodia - What's So Great About It?

2006-02-01T11:37:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: While I'm not really into diet pills - there is one that intrigues me - Hoodia. You've probably seen it advertised on tv. It's not your average man-made diet pill (that uses caffeine, ephedra and other unhealthy ingredients that does who-knows-what to your insides). It's actually a natural plant extract.

The local tribesman in South Africa have been eating the leaves of the Hoodia Gordonii plant for years when going on hunting expeditions (where food is scarce). Hoodia helps stave off their hunger and even helps with thirst as well. Hoodia is basically a natural appetite suppressant. I've decided to run a few articles on Hoodia to help you decide for yourself what you think of this 'miracle' diet pill.

I've also ordered a couple of different Hoodia brands to try for myself and a few girlfriends who have graciously agreed to take part in an experiment - we'll let you know how it goes!

What's So Great About Hoodia Gordonii? - By Vienna Miller
http://www.HoodiaReview.homestead.com

Hoodia Gordonii - it's everywhere these days. On 60 minutes, in the health food store, in your diet pills, on the Internet. You've seen it and probably wondered 'What's so great about Hoodia?'

Hoodia Gordonii is a natural appetite suppressant made from the Hoodia Gordonii plant - a cactus of the "succulent" cactus family, which grows in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa. Hoodia has been used by the indigenous Bushmen for years as a natural appetite suppressant during long hunting trips where food was scarce.

So what's so great about Hoodia Gordonii? Here are 3 reasons why Hoodia is better than any man-made diet pill to help you lose weight quickly and safely:

1) Hoodia Helps You Lose Weight Without Hunger or Feeling Deprived

One of the first studies of Hoodia Gordonii was done in the UK on obese patients. Half of the volunteers were given Hoodia Gordini, the other half were given a placebo. The subjects were allowed to do nothing but read, watch television and eat.

After 15 days it was found that those taking Hoodia had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. Despite having unlimited access to food, the Hoodia subjects lost weight without feeling hungry.

People on various brands of Hoodia have reported losing 100 pounds in 6 months, 84 pounds in 5 months and up to 4 pounds a week by taking pure Hoodia. So if you're looking for a way to lose weight but hate feeling hungry or deprived, Hoodia can help you to reach your goals without the pain of dieting.

2) Great For Emotional Eaters

Not only do you feel full when you take Hoodia but many people say they don't even have the desire to eat. Some say they don't even think about food while taking Hoodia.

This is great for emotional eaters - whose weight may be more a result of eating out of boredom or emotional needs than because of hunger. It's also much easier to make healthier food choices when you feel satisfied and full, which contributes to your overall health and vitality.

3) Natural & Safe

Sure, you can take the caffeine-filled, chemical laden man-made diet pills and lose a couple of pounds - but why would you want to? You don't know what else it's doing to your body - and it could be causing some major damage. One of the best benefits about Hoodia Gordinii is that it's both natural and safe to take.

Since Hoodia is a plant, and not a man made chemical, it has little chance of causing side effects. In fact the South African government classified Hoodia as a food - not a drug. Scientists have been studying Hoodia for about 10 years and have found no evidence of any negative side effects.

Couple this with the fact that the Bushmen in the Kalahari desert of South Africa have been eating Hoodia for hundreds of years with no ill effect. You can see why Hoodia is an amazing alternative to caffeine-laden, questionable diet pills.

While these 3 benefits definitely make Hoodia sound better than any man-made diet pill, there are a couple of things buyers should be aware of:

There are a lot of 'fake' Hoodia diet pills out there. Because Hoodia is a protected species (and it also takes 2 - 5 years to mature), the demand is becoming greater than the supply and many manufacturers are bottling inferior forms of Hoodia that don't offer you the appetite suppressant effects of pure Hoodia.

To find out how to spot the real Hoodia (and save yourself both money and frustration), visit:

What To Know Before You Buy Hoodia

Also, you probably don't want to be on Hoodia Gordonii forever. You should try to change your diet to one rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats etc. before transitioning off Hoodia to maintain your weight loss. Good luck on your road to wellness!

About The Author:

Vienna Miller is a contributing writer for Hoodia Review - - a website giving you the latest information on Hoodia Gordonii.

For more free articles on Hoodia and weight loss visit:

http://www.HoodiaReview.homestead.com

Easy Weight Loss Tips That Don't Hurt

2005-08-31T21:26:00.000-04:00

Deprivation, starving, brain fog - all prices you pay when you're hard core dieting. But there are things you can do to lose weight that don't hurt so much.

In fact, while nothing comes free, there are some choices you can make that will definitely help you lose weight without pain. Here are some of the easiest tips I've come across that help you lose weight without the pain of deprivation:

#1) Drink Water - Water fills you up and also gives you energy. In fact experts tell us that many times when we think we're hungry, we're actually thirsty. If you're dehydrated you feel tired and are often tempted to eat to get your energy up. This can result in extra calories when what your body really needs is extra hydration. (For a great article on water and weight loss click here).

#2) Slow Down Your Eating - Since it takes 10 - 15 minutes for the brain to signal that you're full, just by eating slower, you can decrease the number of calories you take in during your meal.

Also, by slowing down your eating, you'll actually taste your food (something we in North America are doing less and less of these days) which means your eating enjoyment will be heightened. And when you enjoy your food you'll be satisfied with less.

#3) Cultivate Another Way To Deal With Stress - Let's face it, many of us are stress-eaters. And it's understandable that we would turn to food to cope in a world that's getting more stressful every day.

But food is a really lousy stress relief if you think about it. You just end up feeling stuffed (depending on how much 'stress relief' you needed), depressed and guilty - thus adding to the stress. By finding another way to deal with stress, you cut out those extra calories and you may even burn some extra ones already sitting on your hips.

For example, some people like yoga or pilates for stress relief. I personally have found walking to be the ultimate stress relief. It's not hard and it helps me to work off that stressful energy. Best part - after the walk I don't feel guilty or stuffed, just more relaxed!

4) Drink Green Tea - This is a great alternative to the high calorie dappa-lappa-loopy-frappacinno we have for our afternoon break every day. Green tea has been proven to increase metabolism and help burn fat. And it still gives you the morning caffeine. (For more ways that green tea helps you lose weight, check out this article: Green Tea and Weight Loss)

5) Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day - Keep the fires of your metabolism burning by eating smaller meals throughout the day. This isn't hard for most of us and chances are that you'll FEEL like you're eating all the time, but you'll be taking in less calories. (However I suggest you monitor your calories for the first few days if you're worried about this problem).

So instead of having 3 meals of 600 calories each (3 x 600 = 1800), split it up to 6 meals of 300 calories each ( 6 x 300 = 1800).

Those are a few of the top 'pain-free' weight loss tips I've come across. Enjoy and good luck to you!

Free Tool to Lose Weight

2005-08-29T20:14:00.000-04:00

Experts say that keeping a food journal is a great way to track your calories and lose weight for good. If you're like me, you've probably never gotten around to it.

I recently found a free tool that is an amazing way to actually do this. It's called Fitday. You can open an account for free and then use this software to log everything you eat. It logs calories eaten, calories burned, and even helps you set and track your weight loss goals. It's a lot of fun to get this much feedback and you can use it to inspire you to eat even better and reach your goals faster.

For more info, check it out below:

FitDay.com

Some (not so) Silly Diet Tips and Why They’re Not

2005-08-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

This is one of the most original 'weight loss tips' articles I've ever read so I had to post it - Enjoy!

At first glance some of these diet tips may seem downright silly. You may find yourself thinking, “That’s couldn’t possibly make enough of a difference. Plus I’d feel silly doing it.” I have a response to those negative thoughts.

First, the longest journey begins with a single step. And second, would you rather feel silly being overweight and unfit or doing something about it?

Diet Tip 1: Fidget

Every little movement burns calories. Twiddle your thumbs. Squeeze one of those little exercise balls while you watch TV to burn calories and tone your arms at the same time.

Take that more distant parking spot. Walk wherever possible. Even if you have physical limitations, you can tailor a program to your needs.

Move whatever you can, whenever and wherever you can. And just think - laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside.

Diet Tip 2: Portions and Proportions

Pay attention to portion sizes according to the eating plan you choose. Use a normal size plate – don’t supersize it! One plan suggests that ¼ of the plate should contain protein and the rest should be fruits and vegetables.

You can weigh your food, at least until you become attuned to proper portion sizes or use some of the simple guidelines like “3 oz. of protein is about the size of your palm or a deck of playing cards” or “one serving of rice is the size of a tennis ball”.

Diet Tip 3: Eat More Slowly

This allows your body the several minutes it takes to signal your brain that it is full.

Diet Tip 4: Substitute Low Calorie Density Foods for High

Choose foods with a low calorie density – foods that have fewer calories relative to their weight. “If you decrease the energy density of your diet, caloric intake will decline”, says Barbara Rolls, professor of nutritional sciences at Pennsylvania State University and co-author along with Robert Barnett of The Volumetrics Eating Plan.

Think lower cal fruits, vegetables like salad greens and broths. What these foods have in common is the magic diet ingredient, water!

Water has zero calories, so the more volume represented by water, the less room there is for calories. Water also creates a feeling of fullness, helping one to eat less.

Fiber is another low calorie density food. In this category, we again find many fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or pasta, whole grain cereals and brown rice.

A study at Tufts University in Boston found that increasing daily fiber intake by 14 grams resulted in a 10% decrease in total calorie intake and a weight loss averaging one pound a month. This is a very small diet change to make. Substitute about 28 calories of fiber for some high calorie density food you have been eating.

Diet Tip 5: Be Aware of What You Eat

Keep a food diary (and be brutally honest – no one else needs to see it). Don’t forget the spoon that you licked while putting away the leftovers or the sampling(s) you had while adjusting the seasoning.

The purpose is not only to monitor your food intake but to identify what circumstances tempt you to overeat or eat unhealthily. Keep a food diary long enough and patterns will start to emerge.

Diet Tip 6: Try New Spices and Herbs in Place of Butter and Salt

Try some new spices and herbs and cut back on the butter and salt. You might be surprised to learn the antioxidant strength of some herbs – another reason to add more to your diet. When food tastes different or more flavorful, we tend to savor it more and eat more slowly.

Diet Tip 7: Add Variety

Along the same lines, The American Dietetic Association recommends increasing variety. Occasionally adding a single new food to your routine can end monotony and increase nutrition.

This year's ADA "Get a Taste for Nutrition" campaign suggests adding a new fruit, vegetable or grain to your shopping list each week. Among its suggestions: kumquat, passion fruit and pomegranate for fruits; kohlrabi, bok choy, jicama and parsnip from the vegetable aisle; and quinoa, flaxseed, amaranth and bulgur for new grains.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.

About The Author:

Jean Bowler is a life long fitness freak. She was a ballet dancer and teacher, a private fitness trainer and more. Visit her site, http://www.ageless-beauty.com for advice on diet and nutrition, skin care and more.

Food for Thought

2005-08-24T14:29:00.000-04:00

"There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable, and smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health is all they get for it. How strange it is. It is like paying out your whole fortune for a cow that has gone dry." - Mark Twain

"Give me a dozen heartbreaks...if you think it would help me lose one pound" - Colette

"I've been on a constant diet for the last two decades. I've lost a total of 789 pounds. By all accounts, I should be hanging from a charm bracelet." - Erma Bombeck

"Ice-cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn't illegal." - Voltaire.

"Did you ever notice they never take any fat hostages? You never see a guy coming out of Lebanon going: I was held hostage for seven months and I lost 175 pounds, I feel good and I look good and I learned self-discipline. That's the important thing." - Denis Leary.

I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is two weeks. - Totie Fields

7 Tips for Dieting For Success

2005-08-23T21:25:00.000-04:00

Although this is a 'diet tips' article, these tips are really everyday small changes you can make to give you an overall healthier lifestyle (and a slimmer waist). Enjoy!

There are lots of dieters, trying every sort of plan to lose weight and get healthier. But, rather than examine diet plans or the details of how and why low-carb diets work, here are some useful tips that can be used in any diet plan -- and, really, in any sensible approach to eating.

Tip 1: Drink 8 to 10 Glasses of Water Every Day

You've heard this one over and over. But, it isn't easy and too few people actually do it. Your body needs water to keep your system clean, to process food, to keep your skin in good shape and more. Sure, it'll use any liquid, but pure water works best.

But - there's no taste, at least with pure water. This can be difficult since we're conditioned to want sweetness and flavors. But, it gets easier the more you do it. It's a matter of re-conditioning your taste buds, and yourself. Once started, you'll begin to crave water.

Drink a glass, or even two, as soon as you wake up. Especially in the beginning, those are the easy two. And they'll help you remember.

If you can't stand the taste of water, try a purifying pitcher or filter, or add a few drops of lemon or lime to your water - but no sugar or sweetener. Check out the flavored waters, too. Just keep an eye out for additives.

Tip 2: Eat Breakfast

Don't skip breakfast. If you need to go to bed earlier so that you can get up 20 minutes earlier each morning - do it! Breakfast is vitally important to good health and weight control. According to Dr. Barbara Rolls a professor of nutrition at Penn State University, "Your metabolism slows while you sleep, and it doesn't rev back up until you eat again."

Eating breakfast is good for overall weight loss and it helps you stay on track with your diet the rest of the day. Skip breakfast and you're more likely to binge.

Short on time? Keep hard-boiled eggs and high-fiber, low starch fruit in the fridge. If you plan to eat fruit during the day, breakfast is a perfect time to do it.

Tip 3: Eat 3 Meals and 2 Snacks Every Day

This could be a hard adjustment to make. Hey, you're busy! You already have a "full-plate". When are you going to eat more?

But, exactly like eating breakfast will increase your metabolism, so will eating more often. This also helps you curb bad-carb intake by making sure that your snacks are planned and occur regularly throughout the day.

Tips 4: Avoid White Foods

This is an easy way to remember what not to eat. If it's made from sugar, flour, potatoes, rice or corn - just say no. Yes, those rice cakes are actually an unhealthy high-carb snack.

Look for color. Buy broccoli, lettuce, bell peppers, green beans and peas, brown rice (in moderation), leafy greens like kale and spinach, apples, melons, oranges and grapes.

Not only colorful, they're also high in fiber, nutrients and important antioxidants. Eating colorful fruits and vegetables will give your diet variety as well as give you added health benefits. Eat your veggies.

Tip 5: Prepare Your Own Food

While more restaurants offer so-called low-carb menu items, many of them are not ideal low-carb fare. There are many recipes for quick and easy meals that you can prepare yourself at home. Do this as often as possible.

Cooking your own foods, you know exactly what the contents are and you'll be able to better control hidden sugar and other processed junk.
This tip saves you money too. Even if you end up going to the grocery store more often, you'll save versus eating out.

Tip 6: Eat Some Protein At Every Meal And With The Snacks

In addition to everything that's been discussed before, eating protein helps you burn more calories. Jeff Hample, Ph.D., R.D., a spokesman for the American Dietetic Association says that, "Protein is made up mainly of amino acids, which are harder for your body to breakdown, so you burn more calories getting rid of them."

Beautiful - eat a protein rich snack and lose weight. How about a few slices of turkey or ham or some string cheese?

Eating protein also helps you feel full so you're less likely to crave unhealthy snacks.

Tip 7: Invest In Good Cookbooks

Can’t figure out what to eat? Need variety? Get a cookbook. Granted, not all recipes in a cookbook are low-carb, but you'll be surprised at the number of low-carb and low-carb friendly recipes you can find in your standard Betty Crocker Cookbook.

Cookbooks are great reference tools that contain handy tips on purchasing cuts of meat and preparing meats, fruits and vegetables in new and exciting ways.
Plus, new low-carb cookbooks are hitting the shelves all the time. So be sure to take advantage of these resources to try something new, different and delicious.

So that's the seven tips, but here's an extra. Stay out of the center of the supermarket. It'll be easier to stick with your low-carb lifestyle if you learn this common thread in most grocery store designs: the healthy foods are on the perimeter aisles.

Think about it, when you go into the grocery all the healthy stuff, fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products, tend to be around the stores walls. You only rarely need to enter the center aisle areas if it's a store that keeps butter and cheese in the center near the frozen foods.

Usually all of the foods that you need for your low carb diet can be found on the perimeter of the grocery store.

Train yourself to start on one end of the outer aisle and work your way around. It will be much easier to avoid carb cravings and fill your basket with healthy items if you do so.

Just these few tips can make a significant difference in how successful you can be with your diet. Use them as part of your approach to dieting and a healthier lifestyle. You'll love your new self.

About The Author:

Richard writes on a variety of health and e-business subjects. http://www.Carb.Werkz.org has recipes, articles, news and diet resources. For more tips, low-carb diet information, and books and manuals vist http://www.Carb.Werkz.org

5 Essential Walking Tips To Burn More Calories

2005-08-21T11:26:00.000-04:00

Walking exercise is one of the easiest ways to get in shape and burn fat. In fact, mile for mile, you can burn as many calories walking as you would jogging.

Want to start a walking exercise program? Here are 5 tips to help you get the most walking bang for your buck:

1) Get your arms pumping.

Bring your upper body into your workout by pumping your arms. This is an easy way to burn more calories while walking. If you want to tone up, try using 2 - 5 pound handweights.

Another benefit: pumping your arms propels you forward and helps you move faster - which means more distance covered and more calories burned!

2) Build in incline intervals.

Walking on an incline is one of the fastest ways to drastically increase your calories burned. But you don't have to spend your whole workout on an incline. Try building in 30 - 60 second intervals of incline walking on your treadmill every 5 to 10 minutes.

Bonus Benefit: Building in intervals will also help your body continue to burn calories post-workout.

3) Increase your pace, not your stride

Got short legs? No problem! Instead of increasing your stride (and possibly pulling something), increase the number of steps you take.
This also increases your speed which means more distance covered and more calories burned.

4) Invest in a pair of excellent walking shoes

Walking in poor shoes can hurt your feet, knees, hips, joints and back. Then you won't be walking for a long time! A solid pair of walking shoes can actually help you lengthen the time that you walk, which again means more calories burned.

If you want to feel great after a walking workout (and be ready for the next one tomorrow), make sure you have the best possible walking shoes you can afford.

Invest in yourself. After all, why do all that work, just to pay for it with aches and pains later?

(Hint: A great place to save on proper walking shoes online is at Footsmart)

5) Take plenty of time to warm up and stretch to avoid getting painful shinsplints.

Walking is the best stress relief I know. However there's the little thing called shinsplints that threaten to put me out of commission every so often.

Many walkers and runners struggle with painful shinsplints. This constant repetitive flexing of the shin muscle can create soreness when a walker increases their speed or distance.

To help ward off shin splints (or other muscle injury), take plenty of time to warm up before you really get into your workout. Also make sure you stretch. Pointing and flexing your foot helps stretch and build the shin muscle. Ankle rotations also help with this. Stretching properly will definitely keep you happy and walking for a long time to come!

So there you have it - 5 essential treadmill walking tips. Keep these in mind and you're guaranteed to enjoy many stress-relieving, fat burning walks!

About The Author:

K. O'Neill is a nutrition specialist and contributing writer for Buying A Treadmill

For more information on how to choose the best treadmill for you visit:

http://www.BuyingATreadmill.com

5 Tips To Build More Exercise Into Your Day

2005-08-15T12:54:00.000-04:00

Having just read the famous 'French Women Don't Get Fat', I'm inspired. French women don't go to gyms. They don't work out with a trainer. They don't even do aerobics in the cover of their own homes.

French paradox?

After reading the book, I don't think so.

Among other things, French women find simple ways to incorporate more exercise and movement into their day. This helps to burn more calories and keep their waists trim. So in the spirit of this, here are 5 tips to build more exercise into your life (and forget the gym :o)

#1) Take the stairs.

We here it all the time but it's true. Stair walking not only burns mega calories but it gives you an amazing back end. You don't have to do 10 flights at once. But whenever you have the option to take the elevator up 2 or 3 floors or to take the stairs - choose the stairs.

#2) Walk your dog.

No, don't take him to the park and just stand there with the other dog owners - walk him! He'll appreciate it and you'll appreciate the looser feel of your pants after a few months - just from making this small change.

#3) Forget the gym - clean your house.

I used to hate cleaning my house. So boring - and it actually made me sweat so that was uncomfortable. Then one day I finally got a clue and realized that cleaning my house was a great way to get my exercise. Instead of going to the gym (and then stressing when I came home since my house was messy), I decided to bring out the vacuum and sweat with that instead. Now I not only have a 'workout' but I also have a clean house. 2 birds with one stone.

#4) Take a commercial break.

Instead of sitting on your couch watching the latest commercial on how they get that soft flowing caramel inside the chocolate bar, get up and do something during the commercials. Do some sit-ups or push ups. Walk around your house. Start a load of laundry. Do some squats or lunges. Every little bit helps in the calorie burning game - and you won't even miss the commercials!

#5) Be 'Movement Aware'

Just by being aware of how much movement you're doing, you'll find ways throughout your day to incorporate exercise into your routine. Instead of bending at the waist to unload the dishwasher, why not squat and bring your legs into it. Instead of looking for the nearest parking spot to the grocery store, why not park far away and walk?

If you pay attention, you'll see tons of little ways to bring more movement into your daily life that won't cost you anything but extra calories.

Try these tips and chances are you'll notice looser pants in a few months - all without sweating it out hours in a gym.

For more weight loss tips, check out the 10 Idiot-proof rules of Dieting.
For more easy weight loss tips check out