What Does Clinically Proven Fat Binder Mean?

For those of you who haven’t heard, there is a product now available on the market to help you win in the battle against weight loss. This product is the result of intense scientific research, years of clinical testing and long hours of hard work.
What is it?
This product is a clinically proven “fat binder”. A fat binder is a 100% natural organic compound extracted from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus plant. The function of this product is two fold. It functions as both a soluble fiber compound binding to fat preventing it from being digested, and as a non-soluble fiber compound, preventing digestion of harmful glucose molecules. In order to know exactly how these fat binding, fiber molecules work we need to understand a few things about digestion and how the body works.

Many people believe that digestion starts in the stomach, but did you know that it actually begins in the mouth? While food is being broken down into pieces small enough to be swallowed, saliva not only provides lubrication but also starts the digestion process by slowly dissolving food particles while still in the mouth. Once small enough, food then passes down through the esophagus and into the stomach. It is here in the stomach where food is further digested and is recognized as carbohydrates (sugars and starches), proteins (meats), or lipids (fats)
How does all this tie into weight gain? Your body requires a certain amount of all three compounds in order to function properly. Unfortunately in America we eat far more than our fair share of fats and carbohydrates. Fats and carbohydrates are used as sources of energy. Once the body uses what it needs it will try to metabolize or “burn” the rest. Sometimes fats and carbs are being ingested too frequently and the body can’t metabolize them fast enough. In this case, the molecules are stored as body fat and over time, weight gain occurs.
The good news is that there is a compound to help safely prevent weight gain and reduce your body’s absorption of harmful lipids and carbohydrates. This compound is called a fat binder. It’s 100% natural, 100% organic, and is clinically proven to help you lose weight. Here’s how it works. Fat binders work in a two step process. First, non-soluble fibers attach to and isolate lipids (or harmful fat molecules) in the stomach. Lipid molecules now become too large for the stomach to digest and therefore are passed out of the body.

Second, soluble fiber molecules form a thick solution which is digestible by the body. This solution gives you the feeling of being full in order to help control the amount of food being consumed. Soluble fat binders also help slow down digestion of harmful carbohydrates and other lipid molecules which may have gotten away in the first step. Once food is ready to pass from the stomach into the small intestines fat binders immediately seek out ant attach itself to bile. Bile is a chemical produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

When secreted into the small intestines, bile helps to break down fat and makes them ready to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Fat binders prevent this from happening by naturally neutralizing bile and keeping harmful carbs and lipids from being absorbed into the body. As a result, harmful fats and carbs pass safely out of the body along with the fat binders.
Fat binders are clinically proven, all natural, all organic compounds derived naturally from plant extract. Although it is a useful tool in losing weight, it is by no means a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Fat binders are clinically safe to use, however, you should always consult a doctor before taking fat binders, starting a diet, or exercise program. By taking these steps you can lose weight steadily and safely and become healthier in the long run.

The Best Way to Lose Weight

Let's face it; there is no substitute for hard work. Everyone knows that one of the best ways to lose weight is through proper diet and exercise. It isn't always easy to do. Many people lead hectic lives. They have demanding jobs that leave very little time to eat let alone eat properly. Some people have children or have jobs which are very demanding and leave very little time (or energy) for exercise. Proper dieting and exercise is achievable. With a little planning and will power you can be on your way to a slimmer trimmer and healthier new you.



The benefits of a proper diet
Let's begin by examining the definition of a diet. Simply put, a diet is eating particular foods in strictly controlled amount in order to regulate or control weight gain or loss. For some people, like athletes, the primary goal is weight gain especially in the form of muscle. For others, the goal is weight loss primarily in the form of fat. Many people diet not to gain or lose any weight, but they diet in order to maintain or stabilize their current or desired body weight.



Proper dieting is not only essential to losing weight but is essential for maintaining good health. However, each person must use caution when dieting. Not every diet is right for you. Sometimes it's very difficult for some people to not only lose weight but to keep it off for long period of time. This could be due to changes in the person’s lifestyle, metabolism, genetics, hormones or even their general health. In fact, it's been reported that only 20% of dieters who have lost 10% or more of their body weight are able to keep that weight off for more than a year.



Losing weight and keeping it off is not always easy to accomplish, but it is well worth the effort. Among the benefits of losing weight is reduced risk of heart disease. Maintaining good health and having more energy are beneficial as well. Living a long life is also a plus. Being that it isn't always easy to stick to a diet it's good to construct a plan that works for you. It's always best to consult with a professional in order to find a diet that is right for you and safely produce the results you need.



Exercise, exercise, exercise!
Needless to say, exercise is also a great way to lose weight and maintain good health. Exercise is considered to be any physical activity that helps keep the body fit and improve mental as well as physical health. In particular, aerobic exercise is necessary in building muscle in the body and strengthening the heart. As a rule of thumb, effective aerobic exercise should increase your heart rate by 50% (starting from a resting state) for about 30 minutes, 3 times per week. For most people, this can be accomplished through a nice quick walk. Find interesting and creative ways to exercise. For instance, take the stares instead of the elevator next time. Park your car farther away in order to walk more. On a beautiful day, take a walk in the park with a friend, or ride your bike around your neighborhood. See how many creative ideas you can come up with to exercise, your body will thank you for it.

The Best Diet Supplements

Obesity is a problem that plagues hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. Different companies try to entice us to with a wide variety of weight loss products promising massive weight loss in short periods of time. With all of these diet supplements vying for our attention one question still remains on the minds of most Americans. The question is can these diet supplements be trusted to do what they claim?
Most doctors will tell you that there is no magic potion or miracle cure when it comes to taking weight loss diet supplements. The safest way to lose weight is gradually. In fact it is safe to say that it’s best to lose ½ to 2 pounds per week even with the help of a dietary supplement. If you are wondering if diet supplements can be trusted the answer to your question is YES. Diet supplements can be trusted and are in fact safe to use. They can increase weight loss from between 8% to 10%. However, dietary supplements may not work for everyone.



There are so many diet supplements to choose from that making a decision can be difficult. The best way to make a decision is to become educated and find out all that you can before making a purchase. Before using diet supplements there are a few things you should know. By following the advice given below you and your doctor should be able to choose the best diet supplements for you.

Diet supplements should not be confused with weight loss medication. Diet supplements are usually considered OTC (over-the-counter).
Weight loss medications are prescription drugs and are approved by the FDA under more stringent regulations.
When used properly diet supplements are a safe and very effective way to lose weight.
You must keep in mind that supplements are only to be used only as a last resort
Eating properly and committing to an exercise program should be the first step to healthy weight loss.
They are to be used in addition to (not instead of) a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Only after consulting with your doctor should you use these supplements.
Read all of the ingredients carefully to see if they conflict with any of your current medication.
Read the instructions and follow them carefully.
Don’t take large doses of herbal diet supplements
Only buy supplements whose plants and ingredients are listed on the package.

Exercises to Lose Weight Quickly

Along with adhering to a proper diet, exercise can be a very important part of losing weight. In particular, strength and aerobic exercise are both excellent ways to lose weight in a short period of time. Of course, anyone aspiring to lose weight should consult with a physician first. It's always best to first and plan out a physical exercise program that is adjusted to your own physical condition. If you are not use to exercising you should start off with exercises that are slow and easy until you can progress to something more challenging. This way you will feel better about your progress and lose weight at a steady pace.



It has been scientifically proven that strength exercises actually burn energy for close to 24 hours after workout. Some examples of strength exercises may include weight lifting, pushups, pull ups, etc. Strength training may not offer the same benefits as a cardiovascular workout but a combination of the two are a good idea. By strength training your body will benefit from increased muscle mass and muscle strength. Mobility of the joints, an increased immune system, and weight loss will result as well. Frequent strength exercises will keep your body in great shape better than any fast weight loss diet available.



With continuous aerobic exercise the body will benefit in many ways. Some aerobics exercises may include dancing, stepping, jumping rope, walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling, and so much more. Through cardiovascular workouts you will see significant improvements in the respiratory and circulatory systems. As a rule of thumb aerobic exercises require you to keep your heart rate above 50% of your normal heart rate when it is at rest. For example, if your resting heart rate is 68 beats per minute your target rate during aerobic exercise should be 102 bpm. This 50% increase in heart rate should be kept up for about 30 minutes and should be done for a minimum of 3 times throughout the week. You can accomplish this very easily by taking time to go on a brisk walk indoors or outside. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is helpful as well.
We are all unique and no two people are created to be the same. Therefore you should consult with a doctor or exercise professional in order to set goals and create an exercise routine that will suit your needs. Once an aerobic exercise program is started the average person will notice several changes. Most of you will see a steady increase in your endurance. Some of you will also increase your body’s uptake of oxygen two times. When it comes to strength training exercises, a small number of you will see an increase in muscle growth. On the other hand, a majority of you will notice an increase in strength. There is good news for all of you. There is scientific evidence proving that exercising in your middle ages will increase your physical fitness, physical ability and flexibility later on in life.



Losing weight can truly be a challenge. However, with a proper diet and exercise program seeing physical results can be encouraging. As you continue to exercise your body will benefit from both aerobic exercise and strength training for a long time to come. You will look better, feel healthier and live longer.

Research On Obesity

One of the most dangerous health problems plaguing Americans today is Obesity. In fact, America has the highest rate of obesity compared to other countries in the world.



Approximately 32% of the United States population is considered obese and, as a result, almost 365,000 Americans die each year from some type of complication due to obesity. There are many complications and illnesses which can negatively affect a person's health.



Obesity is responsible for a long list of illnesses and health. A few of these health complications include hyper tension, high cholesterol, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Health issues such as strokes, sleep apnea and coronary artery disease are often associated with obesity as well. There are many factors which increase chances of diseases in an obese person. Alcohol, smoking, and high blood pressure due to a poor diet increase the chances of life threatening illnesses in those who are obese. Uncontrollable factors such as age, gender, and genetics all play a part in which illnesses one will get from being obese. However, scientists believe that both diet and lack of exercise are the leading causes of obesity and these are two factors that can be controlled.



Obesity is on the rise in this country and it is due to a poor diet and poor food choices. Fast food places are inexpensive and now provide healthier choices on their food menu. Unfortunately, it is still far too easy, and way too tempting, to buy unhealthy meals when eating out. Most weight gain comes from an increase in extra calories. The source of these extra calories is more from carbohydrates than fats. Believe it or not, the source of these carbohydrates comes from soft drinks and other sweet beverages, which account for approximately 25% of daily caloric intake in young adults. In the early 1980's during the Reagan administration, restrictions on advertising unhealthy foods targeting the youth had decreased resulting in an increase of ads featuring sugary snacks and fast foods directed towards children. To make matters worse, the U.S. farm bill has helped decrease the price of corn, wheat, soy, and rice making them the primary ingredients in processed foods. As a result, fast food and processed foods remain convenient, readily accessible, relatively cheap (compared to fresh fruits and vegetables), and tempting to buy.
A poor diet is not the only culprits in the cause of obesity, a sedentary lifestyle plays and important role as well. Scientists have observed that people who are of a normal weight tend to fidget more than those who are overweight. This fact remains true even when people of normal weight eat more and when overweight people eat less. In 2000 the Center for Disease Control conducted a study on physical activity. They concluded that 40% of Americans were sedentary, 30% were somewhat active, and 30% engage in a sufficient amount of daily physical activity. Over the years there tends to be a decrease in physical activity in the U.S. whenever there is an increase in advanced technology, modes of transportation, urbanization and expansion of suburbs.

From this information it is no surprise that the rate of obesity continues to rise. Since the 1970's, the rate of obesity has increased from 14% to a stunning 32% today. Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States today. By consulting with a doctor those who are obese can plan to take corrective action and prevent the diseases that are caused by obesity. With this in mind everyone can take responsibility for their own health and well being by creating a safe plan to lose weight. As a result, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise are the keys to a healthier and happier life.

The Difference Between Obesity and Overweight

Many people believe that being obese and overweight are one in the same. Although there is a fine line between the two they are in fact completely different from each other. The definition for being overweight is anyone who has a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9. BMI stands for Body Mass Index which is a measure of someone’s weight while taking their height into account. A person’s body mass index is usually measured by taking their body weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters. The formula would be BMI= kg / m2. You could also calculate the formula in pounds and inches: BMI = lb x 703 / in2. For example, a man who weighs 250 pounds and is 5ft. 2in. tall would calculate his BMI like this:



BMI = lb x 703 / in2
BMI = 250 x 703/ [(5x12) +2]2
BMI = 175,750/622 or 175,750/3,844
BMI= 45.7 or 45.7 lbs/ in2


BMI Classification
Less than 18.5 = Underweight
18.5-24.9 = Normal Weight
25.0-29.9 = Overweight
30.0 & Over = Obese


This example was calculated in pounds per square inch; however, the preferred unit of measurement is in kilograms and meters. This gives scientists a more accurate idea of the percentage of fat in a person’s body.



Another way to determine obesity is to calculate body fat percentage. The formula for body fat percentage is:



Body fat % = 1.2 x BMI + 0.23 x age − 5.4 − 10.8 x gender
Gender: 1=male, 0=female


Based on this formula, men who have >25% body fat and women who have >33% body fat are considered obese. The body fat percentage formula takes into account that women tend to have 10% more body fat than men. The formula also accounts for the fact that body fat percentage increases as age increases, even when the person's weight remains the same. This formula is not the most accurate but it does provide an estimated idea of what percent body fat a person has.
Obesity is very similar to being overweight. To be considered obese, a person must have a BMI of 30.0 or greater. Even though there is this slight technical difference between the terms overweight and obesity the two are often interchangeable. The reason why it is more dangerous to be obese than it is to be overweight is because of the amount of fat stored in the body. Those who are obese have a higher BMI than those who are overweight. In other words, those who are obese have more body fat per square inch and are more susceptible to illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and many others. However, it is not good to be in either condition. The greater your BMI the greater your risk is for future illnesses and health complications related to obesity. It is very important to visit your doctor regularly and closely monitor your Body Mass Index.

Lose Weight with 100% Natural Appetite Suppressants

The use of herbs to fight diseases and treat health problems is practiced all around the world for literally thousands of years. Today, many pharmaceutical companies produce a majority of their medications based on herbal remedies of the past. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 25% of all pharmaceutical drugs produced in America come from plants. Scientific research and discovery of brand new drugs and dietary supplements have increased in the past few years. Botanists, microbiologists, pharmacologist, and biochemists are constantly searching for new and improved medication to cure almost everything including obesity.

It is possible to lose weight by using 100% natural appetite suppressants. Not only can you lose weight but it has been scientifically proven to be safe and effective.
If you are exploring the option of using weight loss pills there are a few things you should know first. There are numerous brands of diet pills out on the market but they can all be classified under two main categories. There are prescription supplements and OTC or over the counter drugs. Over the counter drugs are medications that are available to the public without a doctor’s consent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to test and approve both types of drugs. However, the approval process is not as strict on OTC drugs as it is on prescription medication. Fortunately weight loss pills in both categories are scientifically proven to be safe, effective, and ready for use.
Prescription medications are scientifically manufactured and distributed by doctors. This is good news because doctors can regulate the doses and predict the weight loss results as well as any side effects. On the other hand, OTC natural weight loss pills are just as safe and effective. In most cases, many people choose 100% natural weight loss supplements because they are not only less expensive but people prefer to use medication free of manufactured chemicals. Why use manufactured medication when your body can experience the same benefits from an all natural supplement?

Before purchasing any drugs you must consult with your physician whether you decide to use prescription medication or OTC pills. The first thing that your doctor will recommend is a proper diet. Natural weight loss medication is great to use but you still need to eat right. While loosing those unwanted pounds, it is important that you get the proper vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body needs to not only stay healthy but function on a daily basis. The second thing your doctor will tell you is to start an exercise program that will not only help you stay fit but help you lose weight and keep it off.
Natural weight loss supplements are not to be taken for long periods of time. Instructions are to be carefully followed at all times. Remember that it is best to consult with your physician before starting an exercise routine or diet. Although OTC weight loss pills are safe and effective, your doctor should be notified before you begin using supplements. He or she can not only monitor your progress but keep a close watch on your health. The idea is not to just lose weight quickly but to lose weight safely, keep it off and remain in good health.

How To Lose Weight Fast

The Successful Six-Mix strategy for quick weight loss

For many people with obesity or abnormally high weight, the main objective is often “to lose weight fast and significantly.” What they often forget, however, is that quick weight loss cannot be found in a bottle, it doesn't happen overnight either, and it certainly won't come by itself. They have to make the decision to lose weight and then take control of their diet and lifestyle.

Whether you intend to lose your weight with the help of some weight loss program, doctor, or nutritionist, if you do not focus on the right strategy, all your efforts, time and money will go in vain. Similarly, regardless of the method you choose, whether it is a combination of diet, exercise and some natural supplement to lose weight or through cutting calories alone, your final rate of success will be determined by the way you choose to reach your ultimate destination. It is, therefore, best to adopt a multi-faceted strategy to lose weight fast and for long term.

The Six-Mix Strategy to lose weight fast

Begin a morning exercise routine: A key secret for those losing extra pounds is exercising in the morning. After a good 8 hours of sleep the blood sugar level is low and if you exercise, the metabolism will burn fat for the energy needed. During the day, the blood sugar tends to be high and making the shift to fat burning can be more time consuming.
Choose a balanced, low calorie diet: Fast weight losers are usually good dieters. Their daily calorie consumption is about 1200 to 1500 calories with only about 25% of this coming from lipids (fats). While they never skip breakfasts, they usually prefer frequent, shorter meals instead. Similarly, your diet should be a healthy combination of all major food groups e.g. proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals and you should choose healthy foods from each food group.
Drink plenty of water: Water is a natural appetite suppressant as it keeps your stomach full and prevents you from dehydration which can lead to false cravings / hunger. Water also helps your body metabolize stored fat by helping the kidneys flush out the waste. When you don’t drink enough water, the liver which works to provide stored fat for energy helps the kidneys eliminate waste and becomes less effective at metabolizing fat.
Eat fiber rich food: Just like water, fiber rich foods fill you up for longer. Also, as fiber is indigestible, it is discarded along the way and takes fats from other foods with it. According to a study, an average person could lose up to 10 pounds in one year just by doubling his / her fiber intake.Fiber is commonly found in plant foods e.g. strawberries, apples, figs, chickpeas, broccoli, beans, and nuts. You can also start with high fiber wheat-based breakfast and should also make sure you have baked potatoes and brown rice as part of your diet.
Add a natural diet supplement: At times, even diet and exercise are not enough especially if you are short of time and want quick results. The best way, then, would be to add an all-natural diet supplement or a slimming pill to your weight loss plan. It is vital, however, to choose a supplement that is safe and could work as an adjuvant to your diet and exercise practices.

Find a partner: Remember the old saying? Two are better than one. Talk to your buddies and family about working out together. It would be ideal if you find someone at a similar weight level, and with similar weight loss goals. You can also find a workout partner at work; at your gym or you could even try some of the workout groups online. Having a weight loss buddy boosts your workout by having someone to compete with.
Remember, the only constant thing is change and especially when it comes to weight loss, the faster you lose it, the faster you can gain it back as well. Losing weight is never a one-time process but an ongoing process. Keep monitoring your weight and check for even the slightest change. Stick to your exercise routines and keep track of what you eat. Once you've done that, you're on the road to a slimmer, healthier and happier you.

How Do I Get Out Of A Weight Loss Plateau

So, everything started off so well. You were doing just fine, losing weight steadily and happily for weeks. And then…all of a sudden, it stopped, freezing your scale and, of course, your hopes as well. What has actually happened? You may have entered a weight loss plateau!
What causes weight loss plateau?
When you first change the way you’ve been eating by reducing your calorie intake slightly and start exercising, you burn more calories than your body takes in which results in the initial weight loss. However, once your body is smaller, you still continue to burn the same amount of calories that you are taking in and, therefore, do not lose any extra fat. In fact, you just “maintain”.
The good news is that it’s perfectly normal for a dieter to reach a plateau. Following are some of the best tips that will jumpstart your weight loss once again and will also help you recommit to your program and re-ignite the weight loss process when you feel compromised.
1- Set SMART objectives: Your weight loss goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. It means that you need to be your own boss, set the target according to your needs and lifestyle and don't compare yourself to anyone else. A simple way to approximate your ideal weight is by referring to a Body Mass Index chart. Be realistic and do not aim too high in the beginning. Similarly, set a deadline to keep yourself enthusiastic and focused.
2- Enhance your physical activity: Regardless of their gender, people who achieve consistent weight loss and successfully avoid the plateau phase show increased physical activity either by picking up the intensity with some interval training or changing their weight training routine. This can be achieved by doing exercise in any form, like walking, cycling, weight lifting, and aerobics. According to a study, an hour a day of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking helps men and women burning off an average of 3,293 and 2,545 calories respectively. If you are short of time, you can also burn your calories faster by practicing more intense activities like running, jogging, swimming & bicycling etc.
3-Further reduce your calorie intake: Good dieters usually show gradual yet consistent weight loss. Their daily calorie intake is reported to be an average of 1800 calories / day with about quarter of this coming from fats. They usually eat out less than two and a half meals per week with less than one meal comprising of fast food. However, be careful and to avoid getting into the starvation mode, aim to reduce your calorie intake by not more than 20%.
4-Prefer frequent, Small Meals: If you want consistent weight loss, never skip a breakfast as eating a typical break fast (cereal and fruit) increases your metabolism and help you burn more calories during the whole day. For the rest of the day, limit your daily food consumption to frequent small meals instead of a fewer large meals. A difference of three hours between two meals is mostly recommended, constructing four to five small meals each day (including break fast).
5-Keep weighing regularly: To check your efforts to get out of the weight loss plateau, make a habit of checking your body weight frequently and regularly (ideally you should do it daily or at least once in a week). This enables you to notice even the smallest weight gain and, thus, you can take prompt corrective and preventive measures for the same.
6-Eat consistently: Studies show that those who are consistent about their meals are more likely to get out of weight loss plateau. Therefore, be consistent and try to eat the same way on weekdays and weekends. This may seem a little tough at first but gradually you will get used to it.
7-Practice strict command and control: It has been observed that those who are able to prevent an additional pound or two from adding up are more likely to achieve their weight reduction continuously and successfully over the long term. Similarly, it is very difficult to successfully recover if your weight gain is more than 2 to 4 pounds. Accordingly, strict monitoring through various means such as keeping a food diary, exercise chart and noting down even the smallest gains will keep you well-aware of even the minute changes and you will then be able to deal with this change promptly. Likewise, it will also empower you to control your own calorie consumption and you will have a command over how much calories you need to burn daily.
All in all, the objective of successful weight reduction is incomplete if you do not get out of the weight loss plateau. Some might believe this is the toughest part but, to tell you the truth, it actually gets easier with time. Making just a few of these changes can help you break that dreaded plateau and revive that significant weight loss all again.

Celebrity Weight Loss :: Are Their Diets Dangerous?

The best weight loss motivation is to be healthy and happy in your own body. Celebrities find themselves under so much scrutiny and media attention that they sometimes go to extremes lengths to lose weight.
The worst thing about celebrities and weight loss< is that the pressure to be so thin and beautiful causes celebrities to feel the need to downplay the amount of effort they put into losing weight. Britney Spears said that she just does some aerobics and weight training for three days a week to get back to her pre-pregnancy body. If it was that easy, we would all look like Britney Spears!
Kristy Swanson used the Medifast system to lose weight. These shakes are used as replacements for meals. While they have some nutrients in them, they are lacking in fibre and are not a balanced food. In addition, they shouldn't be used long term but become addictive because, if you use them, you don't learn how to shop, cook and eat a healthy diet.
Jessica Simpson trained for over two hours a day, six days a week for her role as Daisy Duke in the Dukes of Hazzard movie. This level of exercise is not advisable for most people as it will cause injuries due to repetitive strain, lack of recovery time and emptying of the body's nutrient stores.
Heidi Klum regained her pre-pregnancy body with 90 minute workouts and high protein meal replacement shakes. High protein shakes put a severe load on the body to digest. Intestinal problems like bacterial overgrowth are common and the load on kidneys can cause serious problems. In addition, shakes are not part of a healthy lifestyle.
Marie Osmond complained of the same slow weight gain that affects many people. She decided to buy only "healthy food" so she bought salads, fruits and vegetables. True, these foods are healthy but they are only part of a healthy diet. You need protein from animal meats, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, tofu and nuts.
Mariah Carey started a "regime" of water aerobics. The word regime is of concern as it doesn't indicate a balanced approach to a healthy lifestyle. She also restricted her diet to baked clams, rice, berries, swordfish and vegetable soup. This isn't the worst diet that a celebrity has tried and there are many fad diets worse than this but Mariah's diet is not well balanced and varied enough to be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Many celebrities lose their weight in a more healthy way. They have the time and the money to exercise daily with a personal trainer and to have a personal chef. This is just not an option for most people.

Losing Weight After Pregnancy

Pregnancy weight loss is very different for each new mother. It’s dependent upon a variety of factors including your age; your weight prior to becoming pregnant; your weight gain during pregnancy and whether or not you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed your infant. While all of these factors will affect how quickly you’ll be able to lose your baby weight, there several things that all new mothers can do to ensure their pregnancy weight loss plans are as effective and healthy as possible.

When you’re trying to establish your pregnancy weight loss plan, you should first speak to your obstetrician to ensure that you are mentally and physically healthy enough to begin a moderate diet and exercise program. Once you have medical clearance, you should try to create a pregnancy weight loss plan that’s flexible and forgiving. In the beginning, your hormones are still adjusting after having your baby. Most new mothers are also sleep deprived and consumed with trying to adjust to their new lives with their little ones. As a result, a regimented diet and exercise plan designed to expedite pregnancy weight loss will likely result in stress and frustration. New mothers need to eat healthy and try to exercise when ever possible; however, they should do these things gradually.

A good way to begin tackling post pregnancy weight loss is to begin walking with your child. Get a walking stroller and make your baby a part of your exercise plan. Walking with your baby is effective because it provides your baby with fresh air (good to tire him out); it exposes you to sunlight, which is great to increase energy and improve moods; and it’s a great way to burn calories and tone your legs. Once you’re comfortable with your new life, it will be beneficial to your pregnancy weight loss plan to find a gym with a daycare. In addition to walking, try to do moderate weight training a few times a week to increase your lean body mass. This increase in muscle will allow you to burn calories more efficiently throughout your everyday activities.

Finally, your pregnancy weight loss plan will not be effective if you don’t eat properly. It’s very important that you limit your fat intake and ensure you get plenty of protein and healthy carbohydrates. Post-pregnancy is not the time to go on a low carb, low fat diet – particularly if you’re breast feeding. Your body is adjusting to enough changes without having to contend with extremely restrictive diet plans. Simply be aware of what you’re putting into your body. As your baby grows and you your hormones regulate you can begin to increase the intensity of your workouts and the strictness of your diet.

No matter what approach you decide to take to begin your pregnancy weight loss plan, remember that your baby will only be little once. You’ll never get to relive these moments with your little one – don’t waste this precious time stressing yourself out over everything you eat and every workout you miss. Simply make smart choices and exercise in moderation – most importantly enjoy being a mother. With time you’ll find it easier to fit a regimented diet and exercise plan into you new life. Congratulations on your new addition and good luck with everything!

The Appetite Suppression Myth

Many people are under the impression that all appetite suppressants are ineffective and even dangerous to your health. This isn’t entirely true. The first thing that you should be aware of when considering purchasing over-the-counter weight control supplements, to include appetite suppressants, is that most are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Without FDA regulation, there is no guarantee that the supplements you’re taking actually contain the ingredients they list in the amounts that are listed. There are prescription appetite suppressants that can be effective; however, there are plenty of ways to control your appetite without using any drugs. If you struggle with your weight because you can’t control your appetite, the following tips may be able to help you get started on the path to a leaner and healthier life.

Probably the most effective thing you can do to avoid intense cravings and hunger pains is not to seek out the latest in appetite suppressants, but to eat at regular intervals throughout the day. If you eat 5 or 6 small, balanced meals throughout the day every day, you can prevent dips in your blood sugar levels, which lead to cravings for carbohydrates. Most people who have a lot of cravings and feel hungry all of the time have poor eating habits. They skip breakfast or eat foods that are high in simple carbohydrates and low in protein. Then they don’t eat again until lunch, usually five or six hours later. After lunch, it may be another five or six hours until dinner. With a diet like this, your blood sugar levels drop between meals and then spike after you eat foods that are high in simple carbohydrates. This leaves you feeling hungrier more often and it decreases your natural energy levels. So, you don’t need an appetite suppressant, all you really need is a more consistent diet.
Another natural appetite suppressant is any food that’s high in protein and some foods that contain complex carbohydrates. Protein takes your body longer to digest than foods with simple carbohydrates. Additionally, it doesn’t create a spike in your blood sugar levels when you eat protein-based foods. As an added benefit, protein is the building block of muscle, so if you combine protein consumption with some moderate resistance training, you will notice a significant change in your appearance in a relatively short period of time. Complex carbohydrates are also good to provide you with energy that lasts. The body burns simple carbohydrates for energy very quickly causing you to run out of this fuel source soon after you’ve eaten. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, take longer for the body to use as energy. As a result, you won’t feel that energy crash that typically follows a sugary snack.

Another great appetite suppressant that’s always at your finger tips is water. If you find that, even while following a good eating plan, you’re feeling hungry between meals drink water. This will act as an appetite suppressant while it helps to flush toxins from your body and aids in food digestion and muscle recovery. Water is an essential part of proper nutrition, so it makes sense that it would be used to fill you up when you’re feeling hungry.

There are a bunch of over-the-counter appetite suppressants on the market today. However, there is no guarantee that any of them will work. So, why waste your money on a product that may not do what it promises when you can make a few changes to your eating habits and create your own, natural appetite suppressant?

The Best 5 Foods for Weight Loss

If you’re on a quest to lose weight, it’s important to understand that weight loss isn’t solely dependent upon eating proper weight loss foods. The ultimate key to weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. That being said, while there are no magic weight loss foods that you can eat to lose weight overnight, there are definitely preferred food choices which, combined with a regular exercise program, will result in a slimmer, healthier physique. The trick is to understand what different foods can do for you and how other foods – even seemingly harmless food selections – can seriously hinder your weight loss goals.



Vegetables are the first category of weight loss foods. This is listed first because green vegetables in particular are high in fiber, low in calories and they fill you up. Additionally, green vegetables provide your body with many of the vitamins and minerals you need to achieve optimal performance. Using vegetables as a weight loss food requires that they’re eaten raw, steamed or grilled without butter or other fattening condiments such as vegetable dip. If you add green veggies to every meal you’ll find that you won’t have room to eat as much of the higher calorie foods.



Protein at first glance doesn’t appear to be a weight loss food. When most people think of foods that contain protein they think of steaks, burgers and rotisserie chicken. However, there are many lean sources of protein, including fish, lean beef, lean pork and chick breast, which are filling and healthy. Protein is considered a weight loss food because, combined with strength training, it promotes muscle growth. This is important to weight loss because muscle uses more calories for maintenance than fat does. That means that when you have more muscle, you burn more calories at rest than someone with less muscle.
Dairy may also be considered as a weight loss food. Some studies have suggested that three servings of low-fat dairy products per day can support weight loss. There is some controversy over these claims; however, in the end, three servings of dairy are recommended for bone health anyway, and as long as you’re dairy choices are low-fat / no-fat, you’ll benefit from the protein, vitamins and minerals found in dairy while you fill up and avoid other fattening foods. When you’re integrating dairy into your diet as a weight loss food, try to find foods that are low in sugar as well as fat – just because ice cream can be low-fat, doesn’t mean it’s a good weight loss food!



In moderation, some fruits can be considered weight loss foods. Typically, fruit is high in simple sugars and shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. That being said, there are some fruits, such as the grapefruit, which are harder to digest and require the body to burn extra calories during the digestion process. This is considered a negative calorie food and can be included as a weight loss food.



Finally, while not technically a food, water is the most important weight loss “food” around. Water helps your body flush toxins and properly digest foods. It also assists in the proper functioning of your major organs and in muscle recovery after workouts.

Water fills you up and it has no calories, so drink up! It’ll greatly help you meet your weight loss goals.

Weight Loss Success Stories

Do you ever wonder how all of the men and women whose weight loss success stories are featured in magazine articles and advertisements were able to achieve such tremendous results when you’re constantly struggling to lose just a few pounds and keep it off? Do you wonder what their secrets are? Well, I’m here to share the biggest secret behind these weight loss success stories with you – it’s dedication to yourself! Sounds a little cheesy right? I know, you’re thinking, “I’ve tired every weight loss plan on the market and nothing works for me”. Well, I promise that you too can become the subject of a weight loss success story. You don’t need to spend money on special programs or expensive fitness centers. All you need is a little knowledge and a little dedication.



The first step in becoming a weight loss success story is to establish your personal weight loss goals – not what anyone else says they should be – what you would like to achieve for yourself. You should also take a look at your current eating habits to determine what foods you crave the most and what times of the day are hardest for you to get through. For many people, eating is an emotional activity. It’s important to identify your eating triggers so you’ll be better prepared to deal with them in ways that don’t involve food. Weight loss success stories always begin with some self reflection and a plan.



The next step taken along the path to becoming a weight loss success story is education. Try to learn as much as you can about healthy food choices and moderate exercise options. Read fitness magazines and talk to other people who have similar weight loss goals. Weight loss success doesn’t come from crash diets or weight loss fads, it comes from knowledge, and commitment to change. Once you’ve empowered yourself with knowledge and you’ve made that commitment to yourself, you’ll find that losing weight really isn’t that difficult, and it’s extremely rewarding.
The last and possibly most important thing that you can do to become a weight loss success story is to establish a solid support network. People often find that their attempts to lose weight are disrupted by the most well intentioned friends and family. In the beginning, all it takes to break your commitment to yourself is a friendly suggestion that you should eat what you want because it’s the weekend or a holiday. It may even be a subtle suggestion by a parent that you seem too involved in your weight loss plan. These seemingly harmless comments can turn would be weight loss success stories into weight loss failures. Sit down with the people who influence your life, your close friends, family and even co-workers. Explain to them what your goals are and how important it is to you that you reach your goals. Then, kindly ask them not to encourage you to succumb to food temptations. Ask them not to make any negative comments about your decision to dedicate time and energy to improving your health and your overall quality of life. Anyone who truly loves you and cares about you will understand the commitment that you’re undertaking and they’ll become important chapters in your personal weight loss success story. Don’t be afraid to jump in with both feet. You’ll find that as time goes by, your new lifestyle will become increasingly easier until you no longer have to think about weight loss at all because you’ll have become the success story that you once admired.

The Top 10 Dieting Myths

1.Once you reach your target weight through dieting it becomes a little easier to maintain that weight.

The fact is that of all the people who have lost more than 10% of their body weight, only 20% of these people are able to keep the weight off.


2.Even with careful dieting your body get’s all the nutrients it needs.

During weight loss it is vital for your body to get all of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong. Many diets can deplete your body of certain vitamins and minerals and even some helpful lipids.


3.Weight loss is usually due to loss of fat.

Weight loss is actually due to a combined loss of fat, muscle and water. It is possible for you to lose weight and hardly loose any fat at all. The ideal goal is to loose fat, strengthen and build muscle, and stay hydrated. This is done through, proper diet, exercise and drinking plenty of water.


4.Skinny people must have a higher metabolism than heavier people.

A high metabolism has little to do with how slim a person is. The fact is that muscles always burns more calories than fat. Therefore, the more muscle a person has the higher their metabolism is resulting in more calories being burned. People are slim usually because they have a higher ratio of muscle to fat.


5.Low-carbohydrate high-protein diets are ideal for losing weight.

Those who are on this type of diet may have a higher risk for heart disease. The reason is because of an improper balance of carbohydrates and protein. An imbalanced, high protein diet may cause possible liver and kidney damage. There is little or no scientific evidence that proves low-carb, high-protein diets are dangerous to those who are healthy. However, there is evidence that this type of diet is dangerous to those with preexisting liver and kidney conditions.


6.The best way to loose weight is to eliminate all fats and all carbohydrates from your meals.

The truth is that your body acquires nutrients from six primary sources. Those sources are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates are used by the body to produce energy. Lipids (good fats) are used by the brain and cell membranes for construction. If either of these sources are depleted from the body, cell damage will occur and eventually organ failure.


7.The less you eat the more weight you’ll lose.

This depends on what you are eating. All of us can certainly do without junk food, but eating less is not the answer to losing weight. There is scientific evidence proving that eating smaller meals and having more frequent healthy snacks throughout the day is actually helpful to weight loss. By evenly distributing your intake of calories throuout the day you will have a significant impact on your body and safely loose weight.


8.Low-fat diets are better than lo-carb diets.

There is medical evidence done by the Nurses' Health Study which proves that lo-carb diets actually reduce (but not eliminate) coronary heart disease. This is because vegetables are used as the primary source of fat and protein.


9.It's important to take vitamins while dieting.

It's not good to take excessive amounts of vitamin and mineral supplements. Nutrients are beneficial to the body in moderate amounts; however, if taken in large amount they could become toxic. Taking a daily multivitamin is a good idea.


10.It's OK to skip whole meals in order to loose weight.
Skipping meals is not the answer to losing weight. The body uses food as a source of nutrition and energy in order to function. When meals are skipped over a continuous period of time the body will then turn on itself and begin to degrade muscle in exchange for energy.

How Fat Binders Work

There is a product now available on the market that has been scientifically proven to help you lose weight safely and effectively. Intense research, years of clinical testing and long hours of hard work by doctors and research scientist went into the making of this product. This product is a clinically proven “fat binder”. A fat binder is a 100% natural organic compound extracted from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus plant. It is taken in pill form for the purpose of losing weight. It functions as both a soluble fiber compound binding to fat preventing it from being digested. At the same time it also functions as a non-soluble fiber compound, preventing digestion of harmful glucose molecules. To get a better idea of how fat binders work we need to understand a few things about digestion and how the body works.

Most people will say that digestion starts in the stomach but it actually begins in the mouth. Here, food gets broken down into pieces small enough to be swallowed and saliva not only provides lubrication but also starts the digestion process. Food particles are slowly dissolved while still in the mouth and once small enough, food then passes down through the esophagus and into the stomach. It is here in the stomach where food is further digested and is recognized as one of three compounds. These compounds are known as carbohydrates (sugars and starches), proteins (meats), or lipids (fats).

Fats and carbohydrates often get a bad reputation but did you know that your body requires a certain amount of all three compounds in order to function properly? Unfortunately in America we eat far more fats and carbohydrates than we should in our daily meals. Our bodies use fats and carbohydrates valuable sources of energy. Once the body uses what it needs it will try to metabolize or “burn off” the rest. There are times when fats and carbs are being ingested too frequently and the body can’t metabolize them quickly enough. Over time, the molecules are stored in the body as fat and over time, weight gain occurs.

Fortunately, there are compounds to help safely prevent weight gain and reduce your body’s absorption of harmful lipids and carbohydrates. These compounds are called fat binders. They are 100% natural, 100% organic, and are clinically proven to help you lose weight. Here’s how they work. Fat binders operate in a two step process. First, non-soluble fibers attach to and isolate lipids (or harmful fat molecules) in the stomach. Lipid molecules now become too large for the stomach to digest and as a result are passed out of the body.
Second, soluble fiber molecules form a thick solution which is digestible by the body. This solution gives you the feeling of being full and helps control the amount of food being consumed. Soluble fat binders also help slow down the digestion of harmful carbohydrates and other lipid molecules which may have gotten away in the first step. Once food is ready to pass from the stomach into the small intestines fat binders immediately seek out ant attach to bile. Bile is a chemical produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When secreted into the small intestines, bile helps to break down fat and makes them ready to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Fat binders prevent this from happening. They naturally neutralize bile and prevent harmful carbs and lipids from being absorbed into the body. As a result, harmful fats and carbs pass safely out of the body along with the fat binders.

Fat binders are clinically proven, all natural, all organic compounds derived naturally from plant extract. Although it is a useful tool in losing weight, it is by no means a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Fat binders are clinically safe to use, however, you should always consult a doctor before taking fat binders, starting a diet, or exercise program.

Exercises for Losing Weight

Having a regular exercise routine is a highly effective way to lose weight. The goal is to keep the excess weight off by engaging in physical activity. This helps to burn off extra calories that would normally be stored in the body as fat. Your body weight is calculated by the amount of calories you consume every day subtracted by the amount your body uses. Simply put, anything you eat has calories and any activity you do burns those calories. These activities include eating, digesting, breathing, and sleeping, in addition to your normal daily activities. Anything and everything you do requires a certain amount of calories. It is very important to balance the amount of calories consumed with the proper amount of physical activity for fast weight loss. In other words, the key to effective and safe weight loss is to balance caloric intake with physical activity or exercise.



There are three basic types of exercises people use for effective weight loss; they are aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, and moderate-intensity activities. Let's examine each of them.



Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is considered to be any type of physical activity involving the larger muscles of the body. This type of exercise is used to specifically strengthen the heart and lungs. Aerobic exercise is also used for weight loss while improving cardiovascular strength. A few examples of aerobic exercise include walking, stepping, biking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobic classes, and dancing. Sports and games are also a great way to improve cardiovascular strength as well. Playing basketball, football, volleyball, racquetball, and tennis are effective aerobic sports.



Anaerobic Exercise



Anaerobic exercise is synonymous with resistance training. An example of anaerobic exercise would be "working out" or lifting weights. Anaerobic exercise is primarily done to increase muscle mass. Weight training is an excellent form of anaerobic exercise. It's great exercise to strengthen and tone the body, stay in shape, increase muscle mass and lose weight.



Moderate-Intensity Activities
Moderate-intensity activities include most of the activities you already be do on a daily basis. Some examples include landscaping and housework. Depending on where you work, moderate-intensity activities could be done on your job.These activities can be done in short 5 to 10 minute intervals. Individually, each action does not have a significant impact on your health, but if done consistently by for a total of 30 minutes of activity per day, your body can benefit and you will start to see substantial results.



If you are not use to exercising it's best to start off slow. Begin with less strenuous exercises such as swimming or walking. Start at a slow pace and don't strain your body. Eventually you will get in better shape and then you can gradually exercise at a more strenuous level. The point is not to overwork or hurt yourself, but to slowly strengthen your body and safely build up muscle mass and lose weight.

The Best Appetite Suppressants and How They Work

A proper diet and plenty of exercise are the two best weapons in the battle against weight loss. However, there are times when diet and exercise are just not enough, and other measures have to be taken in order to conquer obesity and keep the weight off. This is where weight loss pills help you to lose and keep off those unwanted, excess pounds. Appetite suppressants are a powerful tool in the fight against weight loss. Before taking them you should be educated on what they are, what they can do, and how they work for you.
The first thing you should know about weight loss pills is that there are two categories to choose from. The first category of pills is a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements are OTC or over-the-counter pills. They are not subject to strict FDA regulations and are available for purchase without a doctor’s consent. However, they do work. The second category of pills is the appetite suppressant. Unlike dietary supplements, appetite suppressants are prescribed by doctors. Because they are available only through prescription, appetite suppressants are approved by the FDA under more stringent regulations.
The second and third thing you should know about appetite suppressants is what they do and how they work. Appetite suppressants work by deceiving the body into thinking that it is either full or not hungry at all. The body’s appetite will decrease as the levels of serotonin or catecholamine decrease. These two chemicals are found in the brain and affect both your mood and appetite. Most weight loss medication prescribed by doctors today come in the form of appetite suppressant tablets or time released capsules which release medication over long periods of time.
There are three suppressants commonly prescribed by doctors. The choices are Xenical (orlistat), Meridia (sibutramine), and phentermine.
Xenical (orlistat)M - Xenical is a fat binder which prevents fat from being completely absorbed in the digestive system. Prescription strength is 120 milligrams. Alli is the OTC version of the same drug at half strength (60 milligrams). Xenical and Alli are safe to use because the drug is not absorbed into the body. Patients must choose a low-fat diet in order to reduce harmless but unpleasant side effects.
Meridia (sibutramine) - Meridia helps to reduce hunger by suppressing the appetite control part in the brain which makes you feel full. It’s very effective and increases weight loss by 5% to 10%. Meridia is prescribed to patients who struggle with cravings or have trouble knowing when to stop eating. Younger patients who are obese and are considered at low risk for heart disease are good candidates for the drug.
Phentermine- Phentermine is a generic suppressant and the least expensive of the medications. It was once associated with the infamous fen-phen weight loss drug. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant and is the most widely used weight loss drug today. Although it's approved only as a short-term drug, there are some doctors who prescribe it for the long term.
It is important to know that appetite suppressants are not an instant cure for obesity. Weight loss drugs and appetite suppressants should be combined with physical activity and an approved diet to lose and maintain weight successfully for the long term.

How To Suppress Your Appetite By Drinking Green Tea

Green tea is has become a very popular, tasty drink and is enjoyed all over the world. It originally came from China and spread throughout all of Asia and to the Middle East. Eventually it made its way into the United States where black tea is a traditional favorite. What’s interesting is that green tea has been the focus of intense scientific research and medical study concerning safe appetite suppression and natural weight loss.

In addition to having about 66% less caffeine as coffee, it has been reported that green tea certain health benefits concerning weight loss. Scientist have proven that drinking green tea helps increase the body’s ability to burn fat and prevent obesity as well as fight obesity related health issues. Research scientists at Birmingham University in the UK; have discovered surprising results concerning the effects of green tea. They wanted to compare weight loss results of subjects who drank green tea verses subjects who did not and the results were shocking.

Scientists at the University reported that the subjects who drank green tea had an average fat oxidation rate that was almost 20% higher than those who did not drink green tea. This means that in addition to exercise, green tea helps to boost your body's power to burn fat by almost 20%. Scientists also discovered an increase in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in the subjects who drank green tea verses those who didn’t. This means that the subjects who drank green tea were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes which is commonly associated with obesity.

Increased oxidation rates and increased insulin sensitivity are not the only things that scientists have discovered. The effects of green tea have been tested on lab mice and here are a few things scientists have discovered:

Weight loss- An experiment was performed on mice with an obesity gene. Mice that were fed food containing green tea extract gained less weight and had less body fat than mice who were fed no green tea extract.
Healthy liver- Obese lab mice that had no green tea extract had a higher percentage of fatty liver disease.
Lower cholesterol- Lab mice with an obesity gene that consumed green tea extract had lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than obese lab mice that consumed no green tea extract.
Green tea is not just another refreshing and healthy drink; it's also the center of intense scientific research concerning weight loss.If you are interested in drinking green tea to lose weight make sure you do your homework first. Talk to your doctor and do some research to find out as much as you can about the different types of green tea that are available. Your doctor will tell you which type is right for you as well as the amounts you should consume and the length of time you should drink it for. Until then sit back, relax and enjoy a nice hot cup of green tea… cheers.

Top 10 Diets Explained

Figuring out the best diet for you can be difficult. Before you spend hours researching different diet plans, read this summary of some of the most popular diets on the market today. Diet Books
1. The Fat Smash Diet: The Fat Smash Diet is a 90-day program that's broken into four phases. It's designed to teach you how to have a healthy relationship with food resulting in lifelong dietary changes. There are no long-term food restrictions in the Fat Smash Diet.
2. The Atkins Diet: The foundation of the Atkins Diet is carbohydrate manipulation. Like the Fat Smash Diet, the Atkins Diet is broken into four phases that teach you how to change your lifelong eating habits. This diet requires long-term restriction of net carbohydrates.
3. The South Beach Diet: The South Beach Diet is similar to the Fat Smash Diet and the Atkins Diet in that it is intended to establish long-term eating patterns. The big difference in the South Beach Diet is that it promotes healthy eating through indefinite avoidance of bad carbohydrates and bad fats.
4. The Zone Diet: The premise of the Zone diet is the consumption of carbohydrate, protein and fat calories in a ratio of 40%, 30%, 30%. Similar to the Fat Smash Diet, the Zone Diet doesn't require long-term restriction of specific foods. It's intended to be a lifelong eating plan. Diet Programs
5. Weight Watchers: This program assigns point values to foods. Members are allowed to eat a designated number of points per day, based on their height, weight, gender, age and activity level. Like the Fat Smash Diet, Weight Watchers teaches you how to make healthy choices without restricting specific food groups.
6. NutriSystem: This plan is based on the glycemic index of carbohydrates. NutriSystem requires that you purchase their meals, which will be sent to you every 28 days. Unlike diets such as Atkins and the Fat Smash Diet, NutriSystem doesn't teach lifelong eating habits. By providing the meals, it takes a lot of control for the dieters.
7. Jenny Craig: This program offers support meetings and pre-packaged meals; however, it does not assign point values to food. Jenny Craig has three levels; the first level teaches how to eat; the second teaches how to increase energy levels and the third teaches how to balance life. Fad Diets
8. Cabbage Soup Diet: This is an unhealthy approach to weight loss, which is based on calorie restriction. It's a lose-weight quick gimmick that allows you to lose up to 10 pounds very quickly; however, as soon as you increase your calories, the weight will come back.
9. Grape Fruit Diet: Another quick weight loss plan that restricts calories to lose weight. Like the Cabbage Soup Diet, it's unhealthy because it's based on the consumption of one primary food. This deprives the body of nutrients that are found in a variety of other foods.
10. Apple Cider Diet: Again, a calorie restricting diet, which results in rapid weight loss that's guaranteed to return once normal eating is resumed. Additionally, diets like this slow the metabolism making it more difficult for the body to burn fat.

Weight Control That Can Work for You

With increasing attention on the overweight and obesity trends that are rampant throughout the United States, many people are wondering how they can improve their own health through proper weight control. Without a history of healthy eating and exercise, it can be difficult for people to find a weight control program that will work for their lifestyles and their personal weight loss goals. Weight control is different for everyone. There are many factors which influence one's ability to lose weight and get fit. However, there are some steps that everyone can take to begin their weight control program without expert advice or expensive diet plans. The first basic step to weight control is to change your eating schedule. Most people eat two or three meals a day and then snack on junk food at some point in between. Irregular eating schedules that leave you feeling hungry and then stuffed create an inefficient metabolic rate. You need your metabolism to work as efficiently as possible for long-term weight control success. To do this, you should eat 5 or 6 small meals a day. These meals should be eaten every three to four hours. This will keep you feeling satisfied throughout the entire day and it will cause your metabolism to work overtime while trying to process the constant intake of fuel you're providing your body. One of the most basic rules to weight control that many people never even think about is to avoid drinking your calories. People who drink a lot of juice or soda can consume hundreds of calories a day without ever eating a meal. While some juices provide the body with some vitamins and minerals, they also contain a lot of sugar. Soda is the ultimate weight control offender in that it contains a lot of empty calories, offering fuel without sustenance. One 12 ounce can of Coke contains 155 empty calories. These calories add up quickly, and if they aren't burned off, they will be converted and stored as fat.
Another basic rule to weight control is to incorporate moderate exercise into your daily schedule. You should try to do some toning exercises and some cardiovascular training every week. For a beginner, 30 minutes of walking at a brisk pace each day will result in vast improvements in weight control. Additionally, if you add some basic weight training to your exercise plan, you can build a base of lean body mass (muscle). It has been proven that each pound of muscle that a person has burns 10 to 15 calories a day while at rest. So, as you build muscle, weight control becomes easier to attain and sustain. Weight control doesn't have to be a miserable or confusing experience. Take the first steps by eating small meals more frequently throughout the day. Make healthy food choices, limit your liquid calorie intake and incorporate a little exercise into your daily schedule. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to achieving your weight control goals and living a healthier, more energetic life!

Weight Loss Pills in the News

It seems like every time you turn around there's a new weight loss pill being advertised as the answer to all of your weight related problems. Weight loss pills and supplements make up a multi-billion dollar industry, which is highly unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is a problem because they target individuals who are already overweight and out of shape and are more likely to have weight related health issues. The cocktail of unregulated vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals found in most over-the-counter weight loss pills can pose substantial health risks, and they don't even produce long-term results.

Most people have heard of the weight loss supplement, ephedra, which was banned from American markets because it was linked to high blood pressure, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death in severe cases. It took years for this very harmful weight loss pill to be pulled from the markets. Yet, people continue to buy new "ephedra free" weight loss pills that are also untested and unregulated and may eventually be proven to cause severe health problems as well. Why? Because they're looking for weight loss solutions that don't involve diet and exercise.

Okay everyone, here is the cold, hard truth about weight loss. You will not be able to lose significant amounts of weight or improve your health without following a healthy eating plan and a balanced exercise program. Weight loss pills that promise results without diet and exercise are setting you up to lose money - not weight!
Even weight loss pills that are prescription strength, such as Xenical or it's less potent over-the-counter version, Alli require you to follow a low-calorie, low-fat diet and a regular exercise plan to see results. These drugs work by decreasing the absorption of fat in the intestines. Side effects from these drugs include a whole array of gastrointestinal unpleasantness. Yet, they have only proven to increase weight loss by an average of 6 pounds in one year for Xenical and 3 pounds in one year for Alli. Additionally, as with most weight loss pills, once you stop taking them, the weight you lost usually comes back pretty quickly. So, if you're considering going out and buying the latest miracle weight loss pill to assist your efforts to get in shape, you may want to reconsider. At the very least, consult your doctor before you decide to take an unregulated weight loss pill that may cause substantial long-term health complications. Even better, spend your money on a personal trainer or on a nutrition and exercise guide. In the end, if you truly want to get in shape and improve your health, you'll have to make some lifestyle changes, which include healthy eating and regular exercise. Weight loss pills are generally dangerous, ineffective and the results, or lack of results are not worth your time or money.

What is the Dash Diet?

With today's fast-paced lifestyle and on the go mentality, it is no wonder our eating habits have been affected, and often altered, to fit our daily schedules. We take great pleasure in appeasing our appetites at fast food outlets as just one stop among many when traveling from point A to point B. We know we need to eat better, but who's got time? We also know we need to fit more exercise into our daily lives for better overall health and natural weight loss, but time escapes us there too, so thank goodness for the fast food; squeezing that extra few minutes into our schedules for other necessities is a life saver. Or is it?
The Dash Diet, an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is one of two studies conducted with an end state for lowering high blood pressure. The Dash Diet has been highly successful in documenting the lowering of blood pressure and doing so with results in as little as two weeks. Unlike other quick fix approaches for fast weight loss, the Dash Diet simply maximizes good nutrition by implementing foods with lower saturated fats, lower cholesterol and lower total fats with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables and low fat dairy foods, as well as whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts. Higher consumption of these foods combined with a lower consumption of red meats, beverages with high sugar content, and sweets is known as the Dash Diet. Adopting this kind of eating plan is a natural cure for weight loss and a sensible plan for lowering high blood pressure that directly impacts how hard your heart has to work in order to pump the nutrient rich blood throughout your body. When you adopt an eating plan like the Dash Diet, you not only lower your high blood pressure, but you decrease the risk that is placed on the arterial walls of the heart and the passageways supplying blood to your body thereby also reducing the risk of possible stroke or death. Additionally, the Dash Diet reduces your sodium intake and has been shown to reduce the risk of headaches as well.
The Dash Diet is a sensible approach to altering your eating habits that allows you to incorporate foods like salads, whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetable snacks like baby carrots and celery sticks with peanut butter, and lean fish and poultry. They're easy to purchase and even easier to pack for a days outing that will find you feeling happier, healthier, and fuller while enjoying a brighter outlook on your long term health. Your palate will likely enjoy the new menu and your caloric consumption should be slowly reduced enough over time that your body should respond positively with a degree of weight loss you might not otherwise expect. Go shopping with the Dash Diet in mind and try the Dash Diet for at least two weeks; I'm certain you'll notice the benefits and your doctor will be happily surprised as well.

What Are The Best Ways to Undertake The Detox Diet?

As the name indicates, detox or detoxification diets are designed to detoxify your body by ridding it of chemicals that are produced by natural functions within the body or are ingested through pollution, medications or consumption of processed foods to name a few. There are many different methods of the detox diet that are thought to improve overall health and wellness. Some detox diets are even designed to improve the function of specific organ systems. Detox diet methods, such as colon hydrotherapy, can be extreme and controversial while some are as simple as following a restricted diet and a balanced exercise plan. The determination of which of these methods is the most effective will vary between individuals. However, regardless of which detox diet method you choose to undertake, the restrictive nature of this approach should be discussed with a medical professional prior to beginning the diet. Once you've decided that the detox diet is right for you, you should first begin to wean yourself off of caffeinated beverages. This will help to prevent headaches from caffeine withdrawal during the beginning of the detox diet. Next, you need to become familiar with foods that are acceptable during detoxification. This list is pretty short, but all of the foods are chosen to remove toxins from your system. Foods generally included in a detox diet are fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, rice and rice products, extra virgin olive oil, sea and vegetable salt and herbs and spices. While following a detox diet all of your foods should be organic and unprocessed to avoid introducing new toxins into your body. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day in addition to other acceptable beverages, which include unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas.
Once you've figured out what you'll eat on your detox diet, you'll need to begin a moderate exercise regiment to accompany your eating plan. Aerobic exercise especially, will help to detox your body by reducing harmful fat stores, increasing metabolic efficiency, increasing blood circulation and balancing blood sugar levels. For these reasons, your detox diet plan will be much more effective if it's done in conjunction with a detox exercise plan. Your detox diet plan should also take into account which vitamin and mineral supplements you'll want to take to aid in detoxification and to supplement your restricted diet. Some common supplements taken during detox dieting include a multi-vitamin, milk thistle, calcium supplements, vitamin C supplements and choline and methionine, which act to increase bile flow and metabolize fat. These are the main components of a simple detox diet plan; however, there are many other actions you can take during detox to improve your overall results. Many detox dieters also choose to undergo hydrotherapy, sauna therapy or breathing therapy to supplement their detox diet plan. More extreme practitioners also participate in fasting, liver flushing or colon hydrotherapy during their detox plans. If you're new to detox dieting, you should avoid the more extreme methods until you've completed at least a couple of milder detox diet plans. You may find that all you need to feel energetic and healthy is a basic detox diet and exercise program.

Best Foods For Dieting

Dieting is often thought of as a temporary solution to a lifelong battle with weight. The traditional approach to dieting involves an unsustainable restriction of food selections and an unhealthy view of nutrition in general. In order to lose weight and keep it off, you have to make sustainable changes to your daily diet. It simply isn’t reasonable to think that you can abstain from your favorite treats for the rest of your life. Additionally, you can’t expect to cut out entire food groups while dieting and be able to maintain that diet indefinitely. So, to begin making dietary changes that you can stick to for life, the fist thing you need to do is become familiar with the wide array of foods that are good for dieting.
Some of the best foods for dieting are lean sources of protein. Many people who are dieting feel like they’re hungry all of the time. If you include lean sources of protein with each meal, you’ll feel fuller for longer periods of time after you eat. The protein sources that are best for dieting include chicken, fish, egg whites and lean cuts of pork. There are also several dieting options for vegetarians looking for lean protein sources. These protein sources include tempeh, tofu, sea vegetables, miso, seeds and beans to name a few. There are even some lean sources of beef that are good for the occasional treat while dieting. Lean beef shouldn’t be eaten everyday; however, as I stated earlier, you can’t abstain from foods that you enjoy while you’re dieting and expect to maintain that diet so, the occasional beef dish is fine to eat.
The next foods that are great for dieting are vegetables and fruits. Raw or steamed green veggies can be eaten at will while dieting. Green veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals, they’re a great source of fiber and they fill you up. What more can you ask for from a diet food? Fruits should be eaten in moderation, since they’re high in simple sugars, but they’re great to satisfy cravings for sweets and they’ll fill you up as well.
Finally, complex carbohydrates are also considered good foods for dieting; though, like fruit, they should be eaten in moderation. Sources of complex carbohydrates include whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, oats and sweet potatoes. Carbohydrates aren’t bad for dieting as many would have you believe. On the contrary, carbohydrates give you energy, help in muscle recovery and minimize cravings for sugary foods. Carbohydrates should be eaten everyday while dieting and they should be consumed in single servings during the first half of your day.
The fact that you’re dieting doesn’t mean you can’t have the occasional treat either. Allowing occasional treats is actually good for dieting since it will allow you to stick to your diet plan over a long period of time. So, when you’re trying to find the best foods for dieting, consider the foods that you can’t live without, then allow them into your diet plan every now and then. Aside from that, go to the grocery store and shop the perimeter of the store. Most of the foods available in store’s perimeter are good for dieting. You’ll find there are a lot of different foods to choose from.