Weight Loss - Keeping Fit

By Tom Venuto, NSCA-CPT, CSCS
BurnTheFat.com

Anytime the topic of discussion in my blogs, articles or newsletters has turned to my own personal grocery shopping list, there has always been a spike in interest. It seems that many people are not only curious about what foods a natural bodybuilder eats to maintain single digit body fat, but they also want to be taken by the hand and told exactly what foods to eat themselves while on fat-burning or muscle building programs. That’s why I decided to put together four separate “top 10” lists of healthy foods that burn fat and build muscle.

Exact quantities and menus are not listed, just the individual foods, and of course my food intake does vary. I aim to get as many different varieties of fruits and vegetables as possible over the course of every week and there are a lot of substitutions made, so you are not seeing the full list of everything I eat, only what foods I eat most of the time.

I also want to point out that while I don’t believe that extreme low carbs are necessary or most effective when you look at the long term, research has shown that there are some definite advantages to a low to moderate carb and higher protein diet for fat loss purposes. These include reduced appetite, higher thermic effect of food and “automatic” calorie control.

Personally, I reduce my carb intake moderately and temporarily prior to bodybuilding competitions. Specifically, it’s the foods that are on the starchy carbs and grains list that go down during the brief pre-competition period when I’m working on that really “ripped” look. I keep the green and fibrous veggie intake very high however, along with large amounts of lean protein, small amounts of fruit, and adequate amounts of essential fats.

This list reflects my personal preferences, so this is not a prescription to all readers to eat as I do. It’s very important for compliance to choose foods you enjoy and to have the option for a wide variety of choices. In the past several years, nutrition and obesity research - in studying ALL types of diets - has continued to conclude that almost any hypocaloric diet that is not completely “moronic” can work, at least in the short term.

It’s not so much about the high carb - low carb argument or any other debate as much as it is about calorie control and compliance. The trouble is, restricted diets and staying in a calorie deficit is difficult, so most people can’t stick with any program and they fall off the wagon, whichever wagon that may be.

I believe that a lot of our attention needs to shift away from pointless debates (for example, low carb vs. high carb is getting really old… so like… get over it everyone, its a calorie deficit that makes you lose weight, not the amount of carbs).

Instead, our focus should shift towards these questions:

* How can we build an eating program that we can enjoy while still getting us leaner and healthier?

* How can we build an eating program that helps us control calories?

* How can we build an eating program that improves compliance?

Here’s one good answer: Eat a wide variety of high nutrient density, low calorie density foods that you enjoy which still fit within healthy, fat-burning, muscle-building guidelines!

Here are the lists of foods I choose to achieve these three outcomes. This eating plan is not difficult to stick with at all, by the way. I enjoy eating like this and it feels almost weird not to eat like this after doing it for so long.

Remember, habits work in both directions, and as motivational speaker Jim Rohn has said, “Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with and good habits are hard to form but easy to live with.”

These are listed in the order I frequently consume them. So for example, if oatmeal is on the top of the list, it means that is the food I am most likely to eat every single day.

My 10 top natural starchy carb and whole grains

1. Oatmeal (old fashioned)
2. Yams
3. Brown rice (a favorite is basmati, a long grain aromatic rice)
4. Sweet potatoes (almost same as yams)
5. Multi grain hot cereal (mix or barley, oats, rye. titricale and a few others)
6. White potatoes
7. 100% whole wheat bread
8. 100% whole wheat pasta
9. Beans (great for healthy chili recipes)
10. Cream of rice hot cereal

My Top 10 top vegetables

1. Broccoli
2. Asparagus
3. Spinach
4. Salad greens
5. Tomatoes
6. Peppers (green, red or yellow)
7. Onions
8. Mushrooms
9. Cucumbers
10. Zucchini

My top 10 lean proteins

1. Egg whites (whole eggs in limited quantities)
2. Whey or Casein protein (protein powder supplements)
3. Chicken Breast
4. Salmon (wild Alaskan)
5. Turkey Breast
6. Top round steak (grass fed beef)
7. Flank Steak (grass fed beef)
8. Lean Ground Turkey
9. Bison/Buffalo
10. Trout

My top 10 fruits

1. Grapefruit
2. Apples
3. Blueberries
4. Canteloupe
5. Oranges
6. Bananas
7. Peaches
8. Grapes
9. Strawberries
10. Pineapple

Note: I DO include healthy fats as well, such as walnuts, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil (supplement - not to cook with), avocado and a few others.

Also, I do eat dairy products and have nothing against them, nor am I lactose intolerant. I simply don’t eat as much dairy as the rest of the stuff on my lists. When I eat dairy, its usually skim milk, low or non fat cottage cheese, low or non fat yogurt and low or non fat cheese (great for omelettes).

Last but not least, I usually follow a compliance rate of about 95%, which means I take two or three meals per week of whatever I want (stuff that is NOT on these lists - like pizza, sushi, big fatty restaurant steaks, etc)

I hope you found this helpful and interesting. Keep in mind, this is MY food list, and although you probably couldn’t go wrong to emulate it, you need to choose natural foods you enjoy in order to develop habits you can stick with long term. In the fruits and vegetables categories alone, there are hundreds of other choices out there, so enjoy them all!

About the Author:

Tom Venuto is a natural bodybuilder, certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and a certified personal trainer (CPT). Tom is the author of "Burn the Fat, Feed The Muscle,” which teaches you how to get lean without drugs or supplements using methods of the world's best bodybuilders and fitness models. Learn how to get rid of stubborn fat and increase your metabolism by visiting: BurnTheFat.com

Does Milk and Weight Loss Go Together?

2009-01-02T09:49:00.001-08:00

Do milk and weight loss go together? We have all seen the commercial where someone is drinking a glass of milk and then says '"It does a body good". After that statement, the commercial goes on to say that by including milk in your every day weight loss program promotes better weight loss particularly around the waist line.

Milk and Weight Loss in the News

The Natural News had this to say about milk and weight loss, '"There is no evidence that dairy consumption helps people lose weight, according to a study conducted by researchers published in the journal Nutrition Review."

Researchers Reviews On Milk and Weight Loss

The researchers reviewed the results of 49 different clinical trials that examined the connection between either dairy or calcium supplement consumption and the changes that occur when you do consume dairy products or take calcium supplements. The results were over-whelming. Out of the studies the following was recorded:

- 41 studies showed no weight

- 5 showed a correlation with weight loss

- 2 showed an actual weight gain

- 1 study found no impact on weight but a decrease in the accumulation of body fat.

This is verifiable testing that shows milk and weight loss do not necessarily go hand in hand. When you partake of dairy products, researchers have found out that you also consume more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. With these great choices, you will lose weight faster and easier. All of these things have complex carbohydrates instead of the over-processed carbohydrates that are found in white breads and bleached white grains and white rice. It also shows that women who have a higher dairy consumption or calcium intake are much less likely to drink or smoke. Those same women are also more likely to exercise and take vitamin supplements.

The Direction of a Good Weight Loss Program

This research goes a long way to point you in the direction of a good solid weight loss program instead of just picking what you think will work and hope for the best--like milk and weight loss . Instead of listening to the dairy industry, which has a vested interest in touting the supposed weight-loss benefits of milk and weight loss, you need to choose a weight loss plan that encompasses good eating habits along with exercise.

Many health experts advise that rather than expecting a single product to function as a miracle food, those wishing to lose weight should instead focus on a balanced, healthy diet with consistency.

You and Your Weight Loss Program

So what should your weight loss program possess? You should choose a weight loss program that fits your lifestyle and combines a good variety of foods. If you choose a weight loss program that has limited menu choices, then you will quickly tire of those choices and ultimately lose the battle. Generally speaking, if you can retrain your brain to eat healthy meals, stop the munching all day and eat when you are hungry instead of eating when you are bored, stressed, depressed, lonely or sad, then you will succeed!

Steps of Healthy Weight Loss Program

Following these simple steps to your weight loss program will catapult your weight loss into the double digits!

1.) Find a program that fits your lifestyle.

If you are not fond of cooking, a diet plan that requires you to cook will not work! Don't choose a weight loss program or diet plan that requires you to eat something you can't stand or do something you are not willing to do, this is self defeating.

Hint: this does not excuse you from exercise or improving your eating habits because without these two elements in your weight loss program, you are not going to get where you want to be very fast.

2.) Decide the "why" - you have to have a motivating reason why you want to lose weight. If your reason is not motivating enough to stop food in mid air - find another one! There will be times that your reason why will be the only thing that motivates you to exercise, eat less and eat healthy - Get a good one!

3.) Make sure you are healthy enough to go on the program you have chosen!

Please take the time to check with your doctor before you go on a weight loss program to see if there are any under lying problems that could limit your success.

4.) Choose a diet that makes sense. One that is healthy and has plenty of options If you are contemplating taking weight loss supplements - either in the form of a weight loss pill or weight loss patch.- Please take the time to check them out. Some companies have tested their products in a double blind test - look at the test results before using their products. Don't trust the companies that have not gone through this process. The good ones have tested their products to insure their safety as well as their results.

5.)Above all - carry through. You must continue along the weight loss path to succeed.

This is the hardest things to do - to carry through with your plans. How many times have you decided to do something and then dropped it like a hot potato because it did not work fast enough or it was not fun enough. Buckle down - just do it. It has to be done for your health's sake so just do it!

6.) Enlist a support person, group or friend. With the right support you can move mountains!

7.)Give yourself some praise. You are taking one of life's hardest journeys - the weight loss journey. Losing weight just takes some time and committed dedication. You are worth it - you are worth every calorie you don't put in your mouth - you are worth every moment you exercise. After all, if you do not take care of yourself - who is?

How to Lose Weight Without Going to the Gym

2008-12-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so you want to lose weight without going to the gym. Sounds difficult and impossible without those fancy diets and extensive fitness regimes to the devoted gym worshippers but as a matter of fact, you can practically lose weight even you simply love food! Just follow this small list of tips based on practical lessons and lose that thin strip of fat from around your stomach and over your thighs. All you have to do is ensure:

You are burning more calories than you are consuming. Diet plays the most important role in weight loss so keep yours under check.

That you never go on strict diets, never avoid foods that you enjoy eating - these two mistakes will eventually end up in making you want to eat more by binging on say, chocolates.

That you are eating food which make you ‘feel’ full, and that not necessarily makes you full. The reason is good that this curbs appetite.

You dont have to go on any fancy diets, weight loss plans or strict fitness schedules as these are difficult to follow.

‘Work out’ by doing small chores around the house such as mowing the lawn with a non motorised mower, going to a grocery store which is not around the corner, etc.

Walking more, avoiding elevators and brisk walking as it helps a lot in the long run by putting you into the habit of being active, not lazy.

That you go for window shopping in big malls or long avenues and confusing flea markets- one walks an average of 5 to 8 miles in two hours of window shopping which is very benefical to help lose weight.

These are examples of a few really practical ways of losing weight the fun way. After a period of time, you will become habituated to this that it will not seem you are trying to lose weight. All these activities will come effortlessly to you. According to a survey printed in Health Magazine, it was found that active homemakers were less liable to gain weight even ten years after marriage owing to their busy lifestyle. If you do not have a lifestyle which is busy enough, chances are high you will put on weight. So get up and get going, not to the gym, but the mall. Hope this helped in opening a blocked mindset about weight loss.

Maintaining a Food Diary Can Double Your Weight Loss

2008-11-13T09:04:00.001-08:00

Want to get rid of those extra pounds? Well, then all you need to do is simply write down your daily food intake, for it can double your weight loss, according to a new study.

The study, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed 1,700 overweight people over six months, and revealed that those who wrote down everything they ate lost an average of 13lb.
“Recording what you eat can really help you lose weight, because a lot of the time, you’re not conscious of your behaviour,” Times Online quoted Azmina Govindji, a consultant nutritionist and author of The Hot Body Plan, as saying.

“Some eating habits are situational - for example, having tea and a chocolate biscuit while watching your favourite television programme. We do it on autopilot. If you know that you actually have to record every item you eat, it gives a split-second pause for thought. You think, ‘Do I really want to write this down.’

“Through the use of a food journal, we often become aware of patterns that are self-destructive.

“We become more authentically honest with ourselves, and we start asking the question ‘What’s eating me?’ instead of ‘What can I eat?’ ” Govindji said.

Even people who believe that they are resolutely healthy can get a shock when they see everything written down in black and white.

“Once someone spots a pattern, then they can do something to change it,” Govindji said.

The most common patterns she uncovers are in those who eat naughty foods because they are bored, hormonal or depressed.

The study is published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. (ANI)

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Weight loss Spokane Wa: Baby Steps

2008-10-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Being fat is no fun, and it's not healthy either. Getting fit can seem like climbing Mt. Everest. Instead of working toward any weight loss plan, we procrastinate and wish. Well, the best way to get our wish is to start is by taking baby steps. If we try to climb the mountain all at once, we will fail. A few little changes that add up is the better way to get in shape.

Start by choosing TODAY as the day you will start. If we find ourselves making excuses, we may need to give ourselves a little pep talk and ask, "If not today, then when?" Make a plan, and set realistic goals. Several little goals are helpful. These baby steps soon add up to the final end-goal. Write them down; so that you can visually see the steps you will take to your weight loss.

Simple changes add up to big results in time. If we expect to lose 20 pounds in a week then we will fail. Instead try keeping a food journal for a week. At the end of the week, look at the foods eaten and add up the approximate calories consumed per day. One change, such as removing the soda pop from our diet will result in significant weight loss.

Other baby step ideas to weight loss :

change milk from whole to 1%

reduce the latte to only once a week

park at the back of the parking lot

drink more water (8-10 glasses a day)

take a walk on our lunch break or after dinner

say no to second helpings

eat 6 smaller meals instead of 3 large/day

All of these can add up to big results over a few months time. They don't have to happen all at once, but rather one at a time. This will make that Mt. Everest look more like Mt.! Just those few simple steps could easily add up to 20 pounds lost in 6-12 months.

When you are really tired of being out of shape and are willing to make the ultimate commitment to your weight loss, go here. Getting fit is a lifetime goal, not just a temporary exercise plan.

Baby steps soon turn into leaps. But we can't get ahead of ourselves, or let that overwhelming feeling consume us. When we look at the little picture of fitting into even one size smaller than we wear now, that feels attainable and IT IS! Weight loss will happen sooner than we think, just by taking that first baby step, today.

The Pitfalls of Weight Loss Programs and Diets

2008-09-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Author: Antonio LeMaire

Most diet and weight loss programs have a depressingly high failure rate, with people either never reaching their weight goals or reaching them and regaining all the weight they lost (and sometimes more) in about one year.

Getting the weight off fast is so desirable that many of us are willing to sacrifice health and ignore common sense in the hope that some new weight loss program or scheme will work. This pipe dream can unfortunately outweigh the negative consequences. So let's examine the downside of dieting.

What Is An Unhealthy Weight Loss Program?

* Any weight loss program that is not nutritionally sound;

* One that works against what the body naturally needs like vitamins, minerals, and a minimum number of calories a day;

* One that requires you to go without eating (for example, fasting or meal replacement drinks);

* One that puts your body into an unnatural state, such as starvation or ketosis.

Your body can only lose a few pounds a week on a consistent basis. If you lose more than that initially, it's likely just water loss. So any weight loss program that promises you will lose five pounds a week, or 25 pounds in 3 weeks, is guaranteeing you will be losing water and muscle mass not fat.

Almost every popular weight loss program out there falls into one of the following diet categories: low calorie diets, meal replacement drinks, packaged foods, unbalanced nutrients, and ketosis diets. Let's see how they stack up.

LOW CALORIE DIETS

Whenever you drastically reduce your calories, the body enters an unnatural state and its defenses kick in. So when calories drop below, say, 1000 calories a day, your metabolism will shut down in an effort to conserve energy. And weight loss with a sluggish metabolism is very difficult.

Your body will start using muscle tissue to provide energy, which again leads to a decrease in the metabolism. Taken to an extreme, the body will break down its vital parts (such as the heart muscle) trying to meet its energy needs.

In addition to these drawbacks, trying to maintain the weight loss over time is nearly impossible because your body is now used to making do with very few calories. Going back to "normal" eating causes the weight to pile back on.

For this reason, low cal weight loss programs rarely work over the long haul.

MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINKS

One of the most unnatural things for your body is to go without solid food, which is what meal replacement plans ask it to do. Some people think that dieting will be easier if they aren't confronted with daily food choices and the pounds will just fall off. This may be true while they are on the liquid diet. But what about afterwards?

Where will the good eating habits come from after you've lost the weight? This is something that takes time, practice and knowledge. Dieters need to establish a healthy attitude towards a life-long eating plan. And no "fad" weight loss program or liquid lunch can help you with that.

Getting hooked on meal replacements can become a destructive way to view food. It often leads dieters to fear food or binge to "feed" their cravings after a long period of deprivation. And that's just the psychological side of the equation.

The lack of fiber in such weight loss programs can be a threat to good physical health. And when the body is denied enough solid food, the intestines go into overdrive absorbing calories and nutrients. This helps you during the diet period, but later it makes it much easier to regain the weight.

Another yo-yo weight loss program that hurts you in the end.

UNBALANCED NUTRIENT PLAN

Be cautious about any weight loss program that has strict rules about good foods and bad foods. Sure, high fat and high sugar foods might be considered bad for the waistline, but moderation not abstinence is key to success.

Why? Because eating the same foods every day (say, grapefruit or high protein meals) is going to result in two things: nutritional imbalance and boredom.

All foods are made up of the same nutrients in different amounts: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. It is the right proportion of these nutrients that will bring about weight loss - not the avoidance of "bad" foods and the consumption of only "good" or magical foods.

In the world of dieting, no one food or nutrient group is magical. Variety and moderation are the keys to a healthy diet and a successful weight loss program.

PACKAGED FOODS

To stay at your ideal body weight, you have to learn how to make proper food choices. By following a packaged food weight loss program you are postponing the inevitable, and spending plenty of $$$ in the process.

Another problem with this kind of weight loss program is that the foods provided are not always healthy. Read the package label and you will see chemicals, preservatives, sodium, sugar and saturated fats. And when all you can eat is packaged food, how do you plan meals with other people? Going out to restaurants and parties and enjoying family meals becomes a big hassle.

Your weight loss program then becomes a burden, not only to you, but to those around you.

KETOSIS DIETS

Ketosis has been defined as:

"An abnormal condition marked by excessive production of ketone bodies. Often caused by high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets such as the Atkins diet."

Atkins and certain other weight loss programs are based on the principle of restricting carbohydrates to the point that the body enters into ketosis. On the surface, a ketogenic diet seems to work for two reasons: First, you'll lose large amounts of weight, which is very pleasing to the dieter. Secondly, you don't experience hunger.

But there are serious drawbacks. Your weight goes down due to water loss (which occurs when you restrict carbohydrates) and a loss of lean muscle tissue. This is NOT true, lasting weight loss.

The loss of appetite comes from having ketones building up in the body, which can harm your health. Side effects of a ketosis weight loss program can include fatigue, kidney stones, gout, and muscle loss. The longer you follow such a diet, the greater the risk to your health.

Clearly not a wise choice of weight loss program, not for the short term or the long.

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM QUESTIONNAIRE

There are always new weight loss programs coming onto the market and going in and out of style. To evaluate if a weight loss program is healthy and sensible for you, ask yourself the following questions:

* Is the plan nutritionally sound?

* Will it help improve my weight, metabolism, cholesterol level, blood pressure, energy level, and general health?

* Will I be eating real food and not have to buy special formulas, drinks, etc?

* Will I be eating a wide variety of foods rather than just a few "diet" foods?

* Am I allowed to have some treats and eat my favorite foods?

* Can I eat out in restaurants, have a glass of wine with dinner, or some dessert?

* Can I follow this weight loss program without it interfering with my lifestyle?

* Can I lose weight without feeling hungry?

* Will l develop eating habits for life-long weight control with this weight loss program?

* Is this the last diet I will ever need to finally reach and maintain my ideal weight?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-pitfalls-of-weight-loss-programs-and-diets-264587.html

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How to Choose a Home Fitness Program

2008-07-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Author: Linda Schnable

Everyone can benefit from exercise and good nutrition. Most women know that the right combination of exercise and nutrition can result in fat loss, increased muscle strength and improved energy. Regardless of at what age a woman becomes physically active and aware of good nutrition, the rewards of a comprehensive fitness program are tremendous and extremely beneficial. Once you decide that you actually wish to change to a healthier lifestyle, a fitness program can be a great way to get into shape. With so many options available, how do you decide which fitness program is best for you?

Exercise equipment can be costly and take up a lot of space, especially when it goes unused. A gym or fitness center membership can be expensive and inconvenient; most women are busy enough without taking the time to travel to a health club. Luckily, there is no better place than in the privacy of your own home for reaching your fitness goals.

With so many options and varieties of home fitness videos, books, and exercise equipment, the problem arises of how to choose the right home fitness program. You do not want to spend thousands of dollars on some fitness gadget that will gather dust or make a new clothes hanger. Exercise videos can be boring. And with a woman’s busy schedule, who has the time or energy to read all of those books?

Exercising at home is perfect because it can easily fit into your schedule and your budget. Anyone considering an exercise program should contact her physician to be sure the fitness program is compatible with her health. In addition, it is important to include these essential components for an effective fitness program: strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular training, and balance.

Strength training can increase muscle strength, coordination, and metabolic rate. This type of exercise uses free weights or resistance bands to help target and tone your muscles. Strength training has also been shown to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Flexibility training or stretching exercises can increase the physical performance of your body and general health. This component of a complete fitness program is often overlooked. Flexibility training can help to reduce your risk of injury, improve your posture, and even reduce post exercise muscle soreness.

Cardiovascular exercise is integral for healthier heart and lungs. Although some place more emphasis on weight training for muscle development, it is important to remember that the heart is a muscle too and needs to be conditioned through regular aerobic activity.

Balance is crucial to our bodies, and becomes more important as we age. As we become older, our balance can become compromised. Improving coordination and balance through exercise can prevent falls and allow our bodies to function more efficiently.

Although it is a great start to having more energy and improving the quality of your life, a good exercise program alone is not enough to complete your change to a healthier lifestyle. We have all heard the adage, “you are what you eat.” Every woman needs to be aware of food and nutrition, key factors to be incorporated with comprehensive exercises for a complete fitness program. Do not eliminate food groups from your diet, rather become aware of healthy eating and good nutrition to complement your exercises.

There is a program that will have you fit, healthy, and bursting with energy. A unique home fitness program designed especially for women is available. Sisters in Sneakers includes all of the essential components of a complete home fitness program for exercises and nutrition.

When you exercise at home, the fitness program you choose must keep you motivated and interested. Sisters in Sneakers proves exercise does not have to be boring. Sisters in Sneakers allows you to vary your exercise routine to keep you out of an exercise rut and on your toes while conditioning different muscle groups.

Even with the best women’s home fitness program, sometimes the going gets tough when you are all alone. Sisters in Sneakers gives you the opportunity to connect with a fitness partner for friendship and to offer encouragement to each other, increasing the chance that you will succeed to achieve your fitness goals.

Physical activity and good nutrition are two of the best gifts you can give yourself. Praise yourself for making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, conveniently and affordably in your own home with Sisters in Sneakers. Sisters in Sneakers is creating a new generation of lifetime movers, one woman at a time. Visit www.sistersinsneakers.com today to begin your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women

About the Author:As a physical therapist,Linda has been helping people get fit and stay that way for many years. Together with physical education instructor Debbie Lewis, they have used their expertise and experience to develop a special and unique home fitness program for busy women, Sisters in Sneakers.

How Can Permanent Weight Loss be Achieved?

2008-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Author: Steven Dailly

The greatest problem when it comes to diet and weight loss programs is for many people weight loss is not permanent. It could be a matter of days, weeks or months; the simply fact is that most people during this time put back most or all of their lost weight. This can cause anxiety, anger and frustration at the time and effort put towards following a weight loss program that has not delivered the desired results.

So whose responsibility is this far this lack of permanent weight loss; is it the person doing the diet or the diet plan that is being followed itself?

To answer this question fully; involves firstly looking at the psychology of many dieters, as well as the choice of diets available out there.

Most people think weight loss programs have to be complicated to fit in with age, sex and body type. As I am about to reveal many weight loss programs on the face of it look complicated, however this unnecessary complication is mainly to differentiate it from the competition. It can be very confusing to know which diet plan to follow with so much choice out in the marketplace.

Many weight loss programs out there make themselves different from the competition, by using different daily calorie ratios for the 3 main nutrients found in food. The three main nutrients are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. So for example, what you can have is high, medium, low and zero daily calories of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. There is so many different combinations you can with these 3 main nutrients use to make a weight loss plan. There is little wonder that there is so much competition out there with a vast number of different weight loss plans.

So why do so many diets fail people and why isn't there one diet out there that has proven to consistently achieve permanent weight loss.

The real answer is to turn the first question around; instead it should read why do so many people fail in their dieting. This leads to answering the second question; there isn't a diet that guarantees permanent weight loss, because it depends very much on the individual who is carrying out the diet.

So instead of recommending which diet you should follow, you need to understand why people fail diets in the long term, this can lead to stopping the cycle of putting weight back on when lost, thus achieving permanent weight loss.

Generally almost all diets work by using the different combinations of fats, proteins and carbohydrates for your daily calorie intake. In the short term by burning up more calories than you intake you will lose weight.

Recent studies back this up; when the popular commercial diets were compared against other over a 6-12 month period, they mostly showed similar weight loss results. One major study concluded that the person adhering to the diet, rather than the diet itself was the main indicator of whether the weight loss program would work or not.

So what this shows clearly that, the most likely way to succeed in achieving permanent weight loss depends on how well you adhere to a weight loss plan in the long term. So how can this be achieved?

A solution to achieving permanent weight loss lies in looking at making lifestyle changes; developing new positive habits that involve following weight loss programs in the long term. The simply fact changes like this simply do not happen overnight and take weeks, sometimes months to become an integrated part of a persons life.

The sad fact is most people there are looking for a magic wand to end their weight loss problems. Many turn to drugs and surgery for an immediate result. Unfortunately drug use and surgery can have side effects or unknown long term consequences.

So the safer and more effective way to permanent weight loss is to reduce your calories and do your diet program for the long term. By developing these habits over weeks, months and years you ensure that weight loss will become permanent for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-can-permanent-weight-loss-be-achieved-326460.html

About the Author:

Steven Dailly is the creator of the health and fitness resource website: Fitter and Healthy You. It gives each person visiting the site to gain access to free expert tips, article and advice on health, fitness and weight loss issues. Check out today the site for yourself below :
http://www.fitterandhealthyyou.com/freeinfo.htm

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Metabolic Processes - Speeding Up the Burning Calories

2008-06-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

The main thing that a person must care of his to notice the amount of calories he is taking. So even by eating more one can lose weight by just doing some physical activities and staying active. And if there is no way to keep the body in active state then obviously the amount of calories had to be reduced.

Diet affecting the process of metabolism: -

Diet can play a major role in affecting the metabolic process. Since it was said that the breakfast is the most vital meal that can be taken in a day and then in rest of the day calories can be burnt. One should make a habit of having a healthy and good breakfast. The metabolic process of the body will be slowed down if a person waits till afternoon to have his meal. With no doubt, sugar contains a lot of fat, so try to avoid it. One best way to neutralize the affect of the sugar is to go for exercise at least three times a week or daily. Even the spice can also affect the metabolic processes. Spices like peppers can help in increasing the metabolism of the body.

Even after having a lot of spicy food one feels to drink ample amount of water which is even good for the body. If there is deficiency of the water in the body then the operations of the body system may slow down. So it is always advised to drink a lot of water which in turns helps in flushing out all the toxins from the body and helps in burning of fats. Another good advice can be to take plenty of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet. They are considered to good energy food. 2 DAY DIET Japan Lingzhi and Royal Formula SLIM 3 in 1 and IMELDA Perfect Slim can be some of the better options to include in the daily diet. It is always better to have at least 4 meals a day in a small amount.

Another key to increase the rate of metabolism is the regular exercises. Try to build the muscles by working out and also lose heavy amount of weight. If a person doesn't want to sweat out by doing heavy exercise then he can go for walk and can use the stairs instead of elevators.

If a person understands the vital role of the metabolism in his life then he can go for fast and safe weight loss.

Sitting On A Chair Helps You With Weight Loss

2008-06-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the last time you sat down and ate a good home cooked meal? Or even one at a nice restaurant where you weren’t rushed through like a herd of cattle? Unfortunately, most people can’t remember when they sat down and actually had a good meal. In this day and age, we are always on the run, taking our children to this activity or that, dealing with work issues, and other events that make us rush, rush, rush.

Fast food makes it all too easy for most people to deal with the necessary activity of eating. This in turn makes us forget that in order to lose weight successfully we need to watch what we put in our bodies. Face it, fast food is chock full of calories and preservatives that no one actually needs.
When you do not sit down at the dining room table and actually pay attention to what you’re eating and enjoy it, you will probably eat too much. We don’t get a feeling of fullness or satisfaction when we eat on the run and our minds are too busy to really pay attention what we’re doing. We tend to eat too much because we eat too fast and unless we get full when we eat a meal, we find ourselves hungry an hour later. So what do we do? We eat again.

By not stopping long enough to eat a decent meal, to enjoy it and savor the flavor of the food, our body does not get full. There is a reason why we are told to chew each mouthful a set amount of times. It forces us to slow down and to not swallow pieces of food that are too large and take longer to digest. We have to give our bodies the opportunity to digest our food properly, another problem that we all have. Once again the rush factor comes into play.

Sitting down to eat a meal is a way to lose weight, especially if we make it ourselves. When we prepare a meal, we know exactly what is cooked, how much seasoning is put into it, the portions that are served…all of these factors into a good dietary regimen. Even if you are not on a diet, by simply paying attention to the size of your portions and what you are eating can make a big difference.

When you sit down to eat, specifically when you or a member of the family prepares the meal, try to eat at least something from each of the four food groups. A meat, a starch, a vegetable, a fruit, and a dairy are all key components to a healthy meal. Try not too each two starches if you can avoid it – such as mashed potatoes and corn. Starches break down into sugar and sugar can cause a gain in weight. Eat leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, to assure your body gets enough fiber. If you like bread on the side, have a slice of whole wheat instead of white.

The point here is to make sure that no matter how busy your schedule is, sit down and eat. Don’t stand up with your plate in your hand, actually sit down. Converse with your family, eat your food slowly, and make sure that you enjoy your meal instead of not tasting it and then wondering why you’re hungry later on.

Weight Loss for Brides - Drop at Least One Dress Size before Your Wedding

2008-06-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

By: Gail Young

The stress and anxiety that most brides experience as their wedding day approaches can be overwhelming for them. The amount of preparation involved and the countless number of details needing attention can make it very difficult to eat sensibly and maintain even a modest level of good nutrition. I can recall countless conversations with brides who are so stressed out in the month or so before their wedding that they abandon all good eating habits and either starve themselves or binge on junk food to handle the stress.

Many are genuinely terrified that they'll be overweight and unattractive on their wedding day or even worse won't be able to fit into their dream wedding gown.

I have been working with a personal trainer for the past 10 years who continually reminds me how just a few simple changes to your daily routine can make a huge difference. The four basic principles I outline below really do work. I've had personal success using these strategies and continue to follow them on a daily basis. Many of my clients who have requested my help and followed this advice have had remarkable results. Start this program at least 3-4 weeks before your wedding day and see for yourself.

1. Water, Water and more Water

Hydration is critical. While the benefits are countless this is one of the hardest things to implement into your daily routine. Whenever I would neglect this item my trainer would recite how water lowers body fat, flushes cellulite, improves digestion, gets rid of dark circles under the eyes, and makes you feel full. These are just a few of the benefits of drinking the required 2.5 litres of water per day.

This may seem like a lot but I found the easiest way to get into the habit is to break the amounts down into manageable amounts:

� Keep a bottle of water beside your bed. Before you go to sleep drink 1/2 the bottle and as soon as you wake up (before your feet touch the floor) drink the remaining 1/2 bottle

� Before each meal drink a half a bottle of water

� Carry water with you and sip it throughout the day

I can't overemphasize how important this step is.

2. Go for a 10 minute Walk Every Day

Start with this...you can always increase later after it becomes routine. It's enough to gently boost your metabolism and keep you active.

3. Eat Often but Only in Small Portions

Before I started this method of eating I would starve myself for a couple of days whenever I wanted to lose weight. It seemed logical to me at the time. When I started personal training I had to modify many of my bad eating habits. I had to start eating 6 meals a day. Don't panic, it's easier than it sounds. Every 3-4 hours from the time you wake up eat a little something. Your digestive system is far more efficient at handling a series of small meals than it is at tackling one large meal.

I usually eat at 7am, 10 am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10 pm

Your meal portions (meat, veggies, carbs) should be no larger than the palm of your hand and no thicker than the palm of your hand.

4. Eat Healthy

I could spend days offering suggestions on meal variations but there are many excellent books that have been written to give you ideas. I will share my recommendations in another upcoming article.

So to make it simple a typical meal should be a protein, a carbohydrate and a vegetable or fruit.

Here is a sample daily meal plan that I eat to get you started:

Meal one: Protein shake with 1% milk (I like whey protein drinks such as IsoPro)
Meal two: 1/2 an apple and cottage cheese or yogurt
Meal three: Piece of chicken (no skin) and a small salad
Meal four: Cheese and the balance of the apple
Meal five: Piece of lean meat, rice or potatoes, vegetables
Meal six: Low fat chocolate pudding mixed with protein powder

5. The Best Part - Reward Yourself!

Choose one day a week as your reward day and eat whatever you want and as much as you want. Whether you like pasta, cookies, ice cream or my personal favorite chocolate.
Enjoy!

Don't worry, you won't gain fat if you do this because for the past six days your body has been used to eating what I term 'clean' food. On the seventh day your body thinks you are going to do the same and when you don't it gets fooled and eliminates the effects of the 'junk' food. In essence you are tricking your body that day but you must eat cleanly on the following day.

I have told many upcoming brides about this method of eating and almost all of them have emailed me back to let me know how thrilled they were at reaching their target goal of weight loss. I hope it works for you too.

As a final note of encouragement, my daughter used this method of eating and in 1 year she went from a size 18 to a size 2. This was four years ago and she has still maintained her weight to this day.

These simple techniques will not only help you quickly, safely and effectively lose at least one dress size but they will also help you feel more energetic, vibrant and healthy. Not to mention the positive effect it will have on your skin texture and overall appearance.

Stay on track and you'll be amazed at your results. Eat well, drink plenty of water and as you progress, simply imagine your groom seeing you for the first time in your wedding gown and watching his jaw drop in speechless silence.

Fitness Trainer - Five Questions to Ask

2008-05-14T11:54:00.001-07:00

Author: Steven Godlewski

The main obstacle to staying on track with a fitness program is losing motivation. People are just starting an exercise program can find themselves quickly tired of the same routine. Keeping exercise appealing and maintaining a good fitness perspective is key to long-term success.

If you have to watch the exact same episode of your favorite television show every day for the rest of your life, you would probably be banging your head against the wall by the end of the week. You would change the channel, pick up a book, or do anything you could to avoid something you once enjoyed.

Yet, many people starting on a fitness program feel compelled to follow the same routine, day after day after day, and consequently fall off the exercise wagon.

Most people would want the services of a fitness trainer in order to provide them the different portions of the fitness program in a livelier style.

Fitness trainers are actually experts in analyzing and creating a fitness program that is right for you. They are the ones who will calculate your appropriateness to a certain program with regards to your "fitness level," create the program according to your specific needs, and keep you stimulated and inspired by giving you activities that will not bore you.

But then again, as with other entities included in the fitness world, not all fitness trainers are created equal. They may vary from the different trainings that they have, the health education they have acquired, and the skills that they have learned.

It is important to consider some factors that will determine if a certain fitness trainer is right for you. Here is how to find the fitness trainer that fits you:

1. The Fitness Trainers Certification. Like any item or product, the quality is sometimes measured and determined through the certification. Before you choose your fitness trainer, it is important to verify if the trainer is duly certified by a highly regarded fitness association.

It is also best to choose a fitness trainer that has a CPR certification or first aid qualifications.

2. The Fitness Trainers Education/Trainings. Be sure to choose a fitness trainer who had acquired an adequate training and education as far as health and physical fitness is concerned.

Even though it is not necessary, fitness trainers who have acquired education connected to physical fitness or any other related field will definitely have an edge over the others.

3. The Fitness Trainer should know how to give the right attention. A good fitness trainer should know how to provide his or her client an undivided attention whenever their session is going on. In this way, the trainer will be able to focus more on the details that need attention and offer immediate considerations.

4. The Fitness Trainer should know how to track development It is best to choose a fitness trainer that knows how to track his or her client's progress as far as fitness is concerned. In this way, the trainer will be able to generate new activities and trainings designated for a particular result of the client.

5. Does your Fitness Trainer have a Good Personality? Since you will be dealing most with your fitness trainer, it is best if you will look for somebody with a compatible personality, somebody whom you can be comfortable with.

The services of a fitness program center and the contributions it can give you while working out on those belly fat, are, indeed, one of the best help that you can get from a professional person who knows what he is doing.

It is best to choose the best fitness trainer who can give you the best fitness program services that you need so that you will never get bored again.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/fitness-trainer-five-questions-to-ask-276451.html

About the Author: Steven Godlewski is a self-made millionaire and is currently working with Life Force International products. He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles and a FREE bottle of Liquid Vitamins see their website at: http://www.pillfreevitamins.com/ SEE video at: http://www.emii-dcf.org/

Summertime weight loss

2008-04-24T07:06:00.001-07:00

By Kyle Walker

Here we are. With less than a month away from summer, and suddenly, that goal you made at New Year’s has already changed drastically.

It started out as a determination to get a nice toned stomach for the summer, or something along those lines. With countless nights of drinking and eating God knows what, that goal has been altered to a hopeful wish for a flat, decent looking stomach.

You should have listened to me months ago when I told you to make fitness a lifestyle, and you would not have found yourself in this predicament. Well, I am not here to verbally abuse you, but simply offer up some advice.

First thing’s first; if you want that “beach bod” then slow down on the eating out and drinking the next few months. Not only will cutting back save you some cash, but you will save some calories as well.

People tend to overeat much more when they go out rather than when they cook at home. As far as drinking goes, alcohol slows down your metabolism. Not to mention, you probably don’t need to slaughter your immune system with finals approaching.

Another thing to consider is getting in more exercise. The next few weeks are going to be perfect for outdoor activities. With the weather being not too hot or cold, go for a scenic jog or gather up some friends and get a game of basketball or volleyball going.

Once you get the diet and the exercise portions of your life in check, there is one important thing you need to keep in mind. Don’t overdue it.

I know I have the words “Weight Loss” in the title, but that isn’t really what you are looking for. What you really want is “Fat Loss.” The last thing you want to do is stress out your body with a severe calorie deficit or overexerting yourself.

Eating too little will cause your body to burn more muscle than you would like. Even if you don’t desire to be muscular, muscle is still a very important part of your body fat percentage.

To get lean, all you want to lower is the percent of fat you have on your body. Losing 10 pounds but staying at the same percentage won’t change how you look that much.

Also, don’t get too hung up on the scale, the mirror is a better friend. Take a laxative and the scale will tell you that you lost weight but you aren’t going to look any different, so don’t waste your time.

These are just a few tips to keep you from freaking out in the upcoming weeks. However, you will see the real results when you make a healthy diet and an active lifestyle a part of your everyday life.

I know a crash diet is looking good right about now, but in the long term these are rarely beneficial, so do your best to avoid them.

Weight Loss Psychology

2008-04-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

The following paragraphs summarize the work of Weight Loss Psychology experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of Weight Loss. Heed their advice to avoid any diet surprises.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

You see the razor-thin models gracing the covers of magazines, you watch actors and actresses on the big screen who seem to never gain a pound. And you wonder: How do I differ from them? You may be surprised to learn that a number of famous people at one time had difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. But they were able to conquer their problem, thanks to a new-and-improved, healthy view of eating.

You may not realize it, but there is a certain psychology at work in successful weight loss. It is no surprise, then, that the magazine Psychology Today has explored the issue in-depth. In October of 2004, the magazine posted an article on its website detailing the experiences of Diane Berry, a nurse practitioner who studied women who had shed at least 15 pounds and had maintained their weight loss for an average of seven years.

The women shared some important things in common. For instance, they all achieved their weight loss through either Weight Watchers or TOPS, which meant that they had a firm support network as they tried to maintain their weight. The group meetings were highly important, because they learned to recognize that they were certainly not alone in their struggles with weight. The women were also quite unusual because up to 90 percent of individuals who have lost weight end up putting it back on within five years.

Another common trait of these women is that they appeared to undergo a profound mood shift as they made the transition from fat to thin. From all indications, they appeared to be depressed when they were heavy but, as they attempted to lose weight, their mood brightened.

For these women, healthy eating became a habit—a habit they refused to break. They themselves recognized the tremendous role that psychology plays in weight loss. They refused to give in to negative feelings of frustration and denial and chose a positive path instead. The women also made it a point to weigh themselves regularly so that they could chart their progress.

And they recognized that maintaining weight loss would be a lifetime struggle. They knew that they could not attempt a weight loss program then put it back on the shelf. They had to learn new eating patterns that they could continue week in and week out. In some cases, they likened their struggle to that of an alcoholic. In other words, they recognized the gravity of their problem and took steps to correct the situation.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of these women’s experiences was the fact that their weight loss actually came in spurts. At times, they regained their weight, but they did not let that deter them from their final goal. They simply viewed their setbacks as challenges that they needed to overcome. This may be the key psychological trait that separates successful dieters from unsuccessful ones—perseverance. In essence, these women were able to change their personalities in a positive way in order to achieve their long-term weight loss goals.

Another interesting aspect of this study was that it showed that the women who had undergone weight loss transformation were genuinely happy. This shows the tremendous psychological impact that weight loss can have on an individual. Once an individual is free from the burden of extra weight, he or she is better able to meet the challenges of life head-on. The dieter benefits from positive reinforcement, as relatives, friends, and co-workers congratulate him or her for the weight loss. In this way, losing weight can be quite a life-affirming experience and can lead to a more optimistic outlook on life.

It must be noted here that the psychology of weight loss is a complicated matter. There is no single ingredient that can turn a fat person into a thin one. However, recognizing that there is a psychological component to successful weight loss may, in fact, be half the battle. Once an individual recognizes that he or she is engaged in a psychological fight, he or she is better able to do battle. By retraining oneself to seek healthy approaches to diet, one can, in effect, mold oneself into a new individual—one that no longer lives to eat, but simply eats to live.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

J. Brian Keith is a proud contributing author for information about Atkins Diet Menu, Home Exercise Equipment and enjoys writing about many different topics.

4 Weight Loss Rumours Uncovered

2008-04-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

The weight loss industry is rife with rumours. Almost everywhere you turn you will see lotions that claim to remove fat from whichever area of the body you apply them to, diets that claim you can lose weight by just eating your favourite junk food and products that claim they can magically make your fat melt away. Many of the rumours behind these products are misleading and in some cases completely untrue.

Rumour 1: You can Spot Reduce Fat- Many gels, lotions, pills, diets and exercise programs claim that you can burn fat from specific areas of your body. For example, certain products state that they can burn belly fat or leg fat. Other myths suggest that fat can be removed from particular areas of the body just by exercising that body part e.g. by doing stomach crunches you can burn belly fat.

Rumour 2: The Best Way to Lose Weight is through Cardiovascular Exercise- Before you continue reading let me say that I am not discounting the effectiveness of cardiovascular exercise as a fat burning solution. However, it is not necessarily the best choice and you should consider the other options that are available.

Rumour 3: Crash Diets lead to Long Term Weight Loss- Crash diets do work in the short term because you will be consuming a lot less calories than normal. However, in the long term your body adapts and goes into starvation mode which slows down your metabolic rate drastically, meaning that although you are eating fewer calories your are also burning a lot less. Furthermore, by depriving your body of calories you can stop it functioning properly and do some serious damage to your overall health.

Rumour 4: HCG can help you Lose Weight- HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta of pregnant women. It was originally used to determine whether or not a woman was pregnant but more recently has been touted as a weight loss solution. There are a number of people claiming that HCG can help you lose weight. However, none of these claims are backed up by evidence. At the time of writing, not one medical or scientific study can prove that HCG is an effective weight loss supplement.

Please check out the Turbulence Training Program.

Merck Weight Loss Drug Effective But With Some Side Effects

2008-04-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Merck & Co.’s experimental weight loss drug Taranbant was given to obese patients in low doses. The patients experienced significant weight loss, but side effects showed on the interim results from the pivotal trial released by the company on Monday.

A year of Taranbant 2mg doses coupled with diet and exercise made 2,500 patients lose an average of 14.5 pounds (57%), compared to the weight loss of 5.7 pounds (27%) experienced by the group given placebo. However, Merck discontinued a study of patients given more than 2mg doses as it increased side effects including depression, nausea and irritability.

Taranabant is a type of medicine from the rimonabant family, a Sanofi-Aventis SA drug that was rejected by the U.S. regulators in 2007 after being linked to depression and suicidal thoughts.

“We believe we have a different profile. We didn’t see the same neurological effects in preclinical trials that they did,” said Dr. John Amatruda, vice president of Merck’s metabolism clinical research.

Dr. Amatruda says the company plans on filing Taranabant for the U.S. regulatory approval, but declined to confirm if the application is seeking a label for weight loss.

The trial also showed the new drug improved cholesterol levels while reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. However, the triall will continue for another year, expecting several pivotal trials with 0.5 mg doses and a study with diabetes patients.

Merck & Co. remains confident of its clinical development program, including a one-year extension for all existing and new trials to broaden and address safety issues from the FDA rimonabant review.

“Our compound appears to be a little more potent. The weight loss they had with 20 mg is close to what we have with 2 mg,” Amatruda said.

Lose Weight by Eating Breakfast and Drinking Milk

2008-03-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know that dieting and weight loss are two of the most common resolutions or goals by many people but usually results to failure? Don’t give up yet. Stay committed and read through.

If you really want to lose weight, forget the fad diets and eat breakfast and drink milk. Starting each day with milk and cereal may be the success for achieving a healthy weight.

Many people don't realize to eat breakfast but to skip entire morning tastes, either because you’re in rush or lazy, or just want to reduce weight. Considerable number of people finish with a soft drink or a cup of coffee as their morning meal. Chances are this is going to have an opposite effect on you because skipping meals almost always leads to overeating at lunchtime. This is especially true with breakfast, because you've just been asleep for 7 or 8 hours and your body needs to recover from this brief period of starvation.

Studies show that people who regularly eat breakfast, particularly cereal with low fat or fat-free milk, tend to be leaner compared to those who skip the morning meal or eat other options. Also, breakfast eaters are more likely to have long-term success in maintaining a reasonable weight. There is a finding that a cereal and milk breakfast is a habit common to successful weight loss maintainers.

Combine that with studies drinking 24 ounces of milk a day with healthy weight loss, and you've got a strategy that may lead to lost pounds. Multiple studies have shown that people who drink milk and get adequate amounts of calcium in their diets tend to weigh less than their peers who don't drink milk. A diet deficient in calcium has a higher risk for being overweight.

Weight Control by Eating Eggs

Eating eggs for breakfast can reduce hunger and caloric intake by more than 400 calories, both at lunchtime and over the next 24 hours. As a result, eggs are useful in helping overweight people reduce their energy intakes, a prerequisite of losing weight. This is great news if you’re trying to lose weight as it means you may find it easier to cut calories without feeling hungry. In fact, you could expect to lose up to 2lb. a month, simply by eating eggs for breakfast!

Eggs are packed with various nutrients but contain just 85 calories each. There’s also no limit to the number of eggs you can eat in a week contrary to popular belief.

Other studies found that protein-based breakfasts improved weight loss better than carbohydrate-focused breakfasts. The better effects are increased when it’s combined with exercise.

Should I avoid eating certain foods for the sake of weight loss?

Forget about avoiding eating a certain food that you like to eat - that's a dieter’s mentality and it doesn't help you lose weight. It just makes you obsessed about food and eating. Instead, if you are really hungry, then eat, and stop as soon as you’re satisfied. Just don’t eat until you’re totally full! So, if you're hungry during breakfast, then eat. If you're not hungry during lunch or dinner, then have a smaller meal.

Keep in mind that you should not eat too many sweet foods. No matter what time you eat sweets, if it's more energy than your body can use, it will be stored, meaning excess kilos.

Fad diets won’t work and only provide short-term results. Instead, always enjoy a wide variety of healthy foods and be physically active. Fad dieting is a hindrance that you don't need in your life.

Things to Remember:

* Eating breakfast increases your metabolism and burns more kilojoules during the day, which can help you lose weight.
* Protein-based breakfasts improved weight loss better than carbohydrate-focused breakfasts.
* Eggs are great protein-rich breakfast, complete with zinc, iron and vitamins like A, B, D, E and B12. Long ago, people thought that eating many eggs contributed to health risks. This is not true and it’s already proven that they don’t contribute to high cholesterol or heart disease.
* Don’t be afraid to eat a reasonable portion of your favorite dessert or snack food every now and then.
* Try to eat steamed vegetables and drink soup in the morning. Did you know that this is common in Japan? It may take some time getting used to, but the benefits are: reduced fat and added nutrients from the vegetables.

Have you seen The Greatest Fat Loss Book Ever Written - The Fat Loss Bible?
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About the Author: Junji Takano is a Japanese health researcher and has been studying the causes of viruses since 1960s. In 1968, he invented Pyro-Energen, the first electrotherapy device that eradicates viral diseases in a non-narcotic way.
Visit him at: http://www.pyroenergen.com
Free newsletter: http://www.pyroenergen.com/newsletter.htm

The 10 Commandments Of Weight Loss Success

2008-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Copyright © 2008 Frank Smoot

A major new clinical research study, involving more than 14,000 people and spanning some 16 years, has allowed us to identify what does--and what definitely does not--lead to safe, struggle-free, lasting weight loss. As a result, we now know "The 10 Commandments Of Weight Loss Success."

Commandment #1: Get The Facts Before You Act!

Be certain that whatever you do is based on real data, not on hype and wild claims. Recent research has revealed a wealth of new insights into what works--and what doesn't. Some prime examples:

- An astonishing 96% of weight loss attempts fail.

- We gain back a tragic 95% of all the pounds we lose.

- Dieting is worse than useless. It's counterproductive.

- Relying on will power often leads to weight gain.

- Most of the reasons we're overweight have nothing to do with food or diet.

- But, not being aware of these simple truths, people turn to food-based approaches like dieting--and fail by the millions.

Commandment #2. Set Realistic Weight Loss Goals.

Your "target weight" must be based in reality, not fantasy. If you're trying to look like Barbie or Ken (or Pamela Anderson or "Arnold,") you are in Fantasyland--and in danger as well. Make your goal to be healthy...not "perfect."

Commandment #3. Beware Diet Industry "Solutions."

Failed diets cause tremendous amounts of unnecessary suffering. Yet we still turn to dieting and other heavily-promoted "solutions" because the Diet Industry still pushes them relentlessly. Climbing out from under their avalanche of misinformation is "Weight Loss Job #1."

Commandment #4. Understand That Weight Loss Success Is NOT About Food

Being overweight is actually not "the problem," but a physical symptom of a non-physical problem. In other words, the excess weight you can see is only a symptom of a problem you can't see. We fail because we can't solve problems by attacking symptoms, but only by dealing with the real, root causes of obesity.

Commandment #5. Know Who You Are Losing Weight For

Who are you really trying to please or impress by losing weight? The only acceptable person to lose weight for is you. If your goal is to please or impress anyone else, you are already in trouble. Getting to your healthiest weight is one thing in life that really should be "all about you."

Commandment #6. Get Your Whole Being Involved

"Body-only" or "food-oriented" weight loss approaches are doomed from the start. For lasting weight loss, you must involve your "whole" being -- your body, mind, and spirit. See weight loss success as a 3-legged stool. If even one leg is missing, the stool will collapse--no matter how sturdy the other two legs are. To succeed, you must involve and align all three aspects of yourself toward your weight loss goals.

Commandment #7. Be Very Careful What You Put In Your Mouth

Diet drugs, pills, and "metabolizers" are, at best short-term fixes. At worst, they can be deadly. Weight loss pills not only breed dependency, but the minute you stop, you "Yo-Yo" back to your original weight--or higher.

And just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's healthy. Nature is full of things that can kill humans and other animals. (Amazon tribes count on it!)

Commandment #8. Have A Realistic Time Frame

Trying to lose more than 1-2 pounds per week sets you up to get sick, to fail, to be miserable, and probably all of the above. "Losing 10 pounds in 2 days" is very unlikely and very unhealthy. You didn't put on your unwanted pounds in a hurry. Don't try to take them off that way.

Commandment #9. You MUST "Tune Up" Your Colon For Long-Term Health

Poor colon function is epidemic, dangerous, and is a primary factor in excess weight. Too little exercise, too much protein, fat, sugar, salt, alcohol, nicotine, and not much fiber adds up to lousy colon function--causing discomfort, sluggish digestion, poor nutrient assimilation, heartburn, gas, allergies, even cancer.

Fortunately, colon function is easy, inexpensive (and very rewarding) to correct. (For more details about the crucial importance of colon health, please read the article here, or send an e mail to frank@coachfranksmoot.com)

Commandment #10. See Effort and Struggle As "Red Flags"

Fact: Nearly everyone who stays at their target weight year after year uses a proven "success recipe" that makes success struggle-free and virtually effortless. Only a few researchers are aware of this. And you can be sure you won't hear it from the Diet Industry.

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Dr. Frank B. Smoot, MA, DD, is a professional weight loss coach and counselor, author of dozens of related articles, and creator of several highly effective weight loss programs, including "Get Motivated For Life!" and "Weight Loss God's Way." He is available at http://www.CoachFrankSmoot.com and http://www.WeightLossGodsWay.com