Health Center | About Weight Loss

Archive for February, 2010

Many people should have told you that eating low carb diet can help reduce weight. But taking a high protein low carb diet can even help more. Let’s see why.

Losing weight can be such a hard goal to reach when you’re hungry all the time. One benefit of using a high protein diet plan is that the types of food you can eat are foods that tend to leave you feeling fuller and for longer periods of time. When you eat food higher in protein, you feel less hungry. Nibbling and snacking on nuts and cheese for example, will leave you feeling more satisfied and for a longer period of time than if you chose to eat chips or a cookie since both of these have a high carbohydrate content.

A high protein low carb diet plan offers many health benefits. For example, cholesterol levels in people who choose a high protein and low carbohydrate diet plan have been clinically shown to improve. Triglyceride levels of individuals usually drop markedly and HDL levels rise. Do you know the higher the HDL levels, the more likely you are able to keep your body’s blood circulation system in good condition?

Persons with Type 2 diabetes should notice an immediate improvement in blood glucose levels within a few days of implementing a low carbohydrate but high protein diet program. Individuals with high blood pressure can also achieve tremendous benefits from a similar plan. Many people have been able to discontinue the use of prescription medications for the treatment of both Type II diabetes and hypertension after starting a high protein low carb diet plan. Of course, you should NEVER stop using any medications without first consulting with your doctor. It is always advisable to check with your physician before beginning any diet or exercise program.

For low carb diet plan, the reason it helps losing weight is due to the removal of the adverse effects carbohydrates can have on our bodies. Carbohydrates increase our bodies blood sugar. Increased blood sugar causes the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin itself is a very necessary hormone that enables our bodies cells to use the needed blood sugar. However, insulin has some undesirable effects in the body as well. One such effect is that it causes fat to be deposited. Insulin also stimulates the brain to produce hunger signals. These signals cause us to crave more food. Usually they are the hunger for more high carbohydrate content food.

A low carb diet plan is a very effective way to halt this destructive cycle that is caused by a high carbohydrate diet. When such diet plan is enacted the level of insulin in the body is decreased. When the insulin level decreases the level of glucagons is increased. Glucagon is a hormone responsible for the burning of body fat and it is also what enables the cholesterol removal from the arteries.

For best results, besides following a low carb but high protein diet plan, get thirty minutes of exercise at least three times per week, and drink plenty of water. Doing so will keep your metabolism high and help you lose weight faster.

A low carb diet plan can be a great way to help you in your weight-loss journey, but it is important to keep in mind that your dreams of meals filled with T-bones and bacon can cause more harm than good. If you have recently jumped on the low carb bandwagon, there are a few things you will need to consider before banning carbs from your life.

We all know that refined carbohydrates are bad for us. They cause insulin levels in our bodies to raise and fall too quickly, leaving us feeling tired and lethargic. These over processed foods have many health dangers and should be avoided or eaten very sparingly. However, there is such a thing as a good carb when you are on a low carb diet plan. Whole grain carbohydrates are what supplies our bodies with the energy we need to function properly. Complex carbohydrates metabolize slower than processed carbs, giving you energy without the dramatic highs and lows that processed carbohydrates cause. Eating whole grain carbohydrates in moderation is not only healthy, it will help with the energy slump that most low carb diets cause.

Fruits and veggies are also commonly forbidden on many low carb diet plan menus. While fruits can be high in sugar, the sugar is natural and metabolizes in the body much differently than refined sugars. Fruit also supplies much needed vitamins, minerals and fiber to the body. With such a small amount of complex carbs entering the digestive system, the body has to have fiber in order to work properly. When eaten in moderation, fruits and vegetables are a must have no matter what type of diet you are on.

Fat can be another concern when following a low carb diet plan. Many low carb diets urge the dieters to eat as much meat and fats as they like. While this may seem like a dream come true, this way of eating can cause many health problems. Red meat is hard for the body to digest and should be eaten in moderation. If you are low carbing it, choose proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes that are low in fat rather than the tempting high fat foods that these diets say you can enjoy in unlimited quantities.

There is also no real need to add extra fat to your diet in the form of butter and cream. Too much fat in a diet can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and other deadly diseases. The calories that excess fats bring to a diet are not only bad for your health, eating too many can create bad habits that will be hard to break if for some reason you decide that the low carb diet plan is not a good fit for your lifestyle.

With a little tweaking, a low carb diet can be a healthy diet plan to follow. The trick is to use common sense when making food choices and to listen to your body.

Most of us from time to time have decided that we need to lose a little bit of weight, and we have various reasons why we want to. It could be that the holidays are approaching and you want to get back in shape for the party season. Or maybe you just want to get a head start on getting in shape before the new year, knowing that Christmas is the time when most people tend to put on weight.

While you may have a lot of mental motivation to get on a diet, getting the physical motivation to back it up is not always easy and can often be the reason while your slimming goals fail just as soon as you start. If your body is used to being at rest, it may not like the idea of suddenly taking part in physical workouts and activities. This is where you may really love the idea of adding fat burners to your diet to help kick start your weight loss goals.

We know of fat burners as the things that will help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism and that this will help you to burn off some extra caloriess. Well, this is true, they will do that and boost some of your weight loss on their own and really give you a much needed kick start to your diet. But they will also help you in other ways – motivation and energy for the body.

On the motivation front, you will love the motivation that adding fat burners to your diet gives you. When we start a new diet, we all want to see immediate results and will give us a reason to continue – we want positive results when we step on the scales to weigh ourselves. This is what you will be able to get with fat burners.

While your new healthy diet may be helping you to lose weight, it may not fall off as quickly as you would like with diet alone and being able to give that a little boost with the help of a fat burner like Phen375 may be just what you need to start to see results. Seeing those results will boost your self-esteem and motivate you to keep doing what you are doing to watch that weight melt off.

Another way fat burners can help you out is through energy that they will give you. In addition to eating right, you are supposed to be doing exercise as a part of a healthy diet. Well your body may not always think that’s a good idea and you may have some days when you just don’t want to put in that extras bit of effort that is needed. This is where fat burners are really great for those of us looking to lose weight. One of their side effects is a boost of energy, as they increase your metabolism that may be enough to get you over the hump and into activity. So why not try some fat burners to help you slim down in a safe way.

If you are looking in to a lose weight quick program, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when making your decision:

A weight loss program should include all of the foods recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture and should allow the dieter to eat enough calories to keep their metabolism working full force.

Set goals- If the program you are looking in to wants you to write down your weight loss goals, you may have found the right diet plan. Studies have shown that by setting goals for yourself, and writing them down, you are more apt to stick with your diet and reach your goals. Try setting small goals each week (such as to eat less fat or lose 1.5 pounds), these mini goals are not as overwhelming as larger goals, like losing 50 pounds in three months, or whatever your final goal may be. Also, by achieving these smaller goals, we see that we are making progress and are more likely to continue trying than if we don’t set any.

Calories are good- Yes, all quick weight loss program rules will tell you that you should limit your calorie intake per day if you are going to lose weight. But, cutting your calories too much can actually stall weight loss just as much as consuming too many calories per day. A good rule of thumb is to eat no less than 1,600 calories per day for men and 1,200 calories per day for women. Beware that some of these “lose weight fast” diets can be very unhealthy and can cause health problems of their own.

Exercise to speed losing weight – For our bodies to gain one pound, we must consume 3,500 more calories than our bodies burn. So, for every pound we want to lose, we must take 3,500 calories from our bodies. This can be achieved by either consuming fewer calories, or by raising our metabolism by exercise. A smart dieter on a quick weight loss program will cut calories to a healthy level and incorporate more exercise into their every day routines to flush more calories from their bodies. Of course, you can overdo exercise, so moderation is key for healthy weight loss.

A quick weight loss program must be healthy and allow the dieter to make healthy choices. Any diet that claims that a person can lose an unbelievable amount of calories in a very short amount of time is probably going to give unsound and unhealthy advice. A dieter should not have to cut out entire food groups from their diet to lose weight. Remember that our bodies work like machines, and all food groups serve a purpose in keeping our bodies functioning at an optimal level. By cutting calories too low, doing extreme amounts of exercising and/or only eating certain foods we can actually cause our bodies to shut down and stop working correctly. Don’t fall for the gimmicks. Work hard, set goals, and believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Fast weight loss diets are popular because they promise quick weight loss with little effort. While some of these weight loss plans are not healthy, and can even be dangerous, there are some fast weight loss diets that can actually work. The key is to find a diet plan that stresses healthy eating habits instead of indicating that a person must only eat a certain food group or cut calories to dangerous levels in order to lose the weight. Here are a few helpful hints to help you decide when searching for a diet plan that will fit your lifestyle best.

Being healthy is important – Fast weight loss diets should be safe or they are not worth trying. A safe diet should include all daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fiber. Not following nutritional guidelines can lead to malnourishment and other long term health problems.

Get enough calories- It is very important to not cut your calories too low. By cutting your calories to less than 1,000 per day for woman and 1,600 per day for men, you can cause irreversible harm to your body. Never go below this number per day or for long periods of time. Cutting your calories too low can cause your metabolism to malfunction, thereby stalling your weight loss efforts. It can also cause many other side effects that can do more harm than good.

Eating fruit and veggies – If you find fast weight loss diets that stress eating fruits and vegetables, they are probably going to work well for you while making sure you are not jeopardizing your health. Fruits and veggies provide many vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are required for optimal health.

Low fat is what you should aim at – Low fat diets stress the negativity of fats in the diet. While it is true that the body does need a little bit of fat every day, consuming even a moderate amount of fat per day can lead to many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and more.

Taking dairy product is important- low fat dairy products are actually good for you, contrary to what some diet experts say. Dairy is great for curbing the appetite, provides much needed calcium to the body. Studies show that by consuming foods such as yogurt, cheese, and milk can slow the formation of fat cells and boosts the metabolism.

Eat moderate meat- or at least some kind of protein. Protein helps the body to build and repair tissue and muscles, make hormones and other imperative functions throughout the body. Remember though, that too much animal protein can cause damage to some of our vital organs, and should only be eaten in moderation, if at all.

Be sure to research the diet you choose before deciding on any diet. As always, before trying any of these or other fast weight loss diets, it is very important to visit your doctor so that you can be sure you are healthy enough to diet in this way.

Healthy snacks, that taste good too, can help us meet our daily nutritional needs. Children in particular need healthy snacks that provide the essential nutrients and satisfy their growing bodies. Healthy snacks add extra calories and nutrients to an athlete’s diet without taking too much time to prepare or eat. Healthy snacks can give kids a boost, especially after school or going to and from activities.

Exercise is a part of a well-rounded lifestyle. No matter what type of activity you participate in, it is important to nourish your body with the right foods before and after you exercise. If you participate in sports, eating the right snacks after the big game can make all the difference to your body.

During any sporting event, whether intramural, or in your backyard, the muscles take a good beating. You feel good afterwards but that doesn’t mean that your body isn’t in need of some serious refueling. The body burns a lot of calories with each minute of play.

Perspiration is sticky and stinky at times but it is the body’s way of cooling off. You lose vitamins and electrolytes through your sweat. These nutrients need to be put back so that the body can recover sufficiently. Recovery involves building stronger muscle fibers and restoring the chemical balance inside your body.

Healthy snacks are the way to go, for sure. But, you still need to be careful about the portions that your child consumes. Healthy snacks are the key to meeting their nutrient needs each day. Most kids need to eat every 2-3 hours to get in all the nutrients and calories they need to sustain adequate growth. Healthy snacks are (not just can be) an integral part of a healthy way of eating. Experience and science show that to maintain good levels of energy – without sharp peaks and valleys we should eat every three hours.

What you eat after a workout is just as important as what you eat before. Eating before consists of foods that will help you sustain a certain energy level during the game. That is mostly complex carbohydrates. After a game, your body is in repair mode and needs foods that will feed the effort. Here are five great ideas for healthy after-sport snacks:

1.Water doesn’t seem like much of a snack but it is essential for the body to function properly. After a game, the body can be dehydrated depending on how much you sweat. Water is the pure way to get the body going and cooled off after so much activity. Adding a sugar-free flavor packet to the water is okay too.

2.High protein foods such as a piece of turkey breast on lettuce as a wrap or on a slice of whole grain bread. Protein is needed to repair the muscle and build it up again.

3.Certain fruits such as a banana. It is not especially sweet and it is full of potassium and carbohydrates. Foods that have a high carb count will supply the right type of energy to sustain you after a game.

4. Trail mix is also a good choice to add energy to your body. You’ve just had fun and played hard so the body needs good things put back in. Nuts provide protein and healthy fats. Pretzels and legumes provide good carbs to keep you moving and not shaky after a sporting event.

5.Dairy products such as yogurt provide protein and other vitamins the body needs, including calcium. A cup of non-fat or low fat yogurt gives your system a boost.

Healthy party snacks provide energy all day long, while sugary or fatty snacks give you a quick energy rush but ultimately leave you feeling depleted. And if you give yourself a variety of choices, healthy snacking is never boring. Healthy snacking can be very beneficial. Not only will it help you reach your nutrition goals, but it can give you that extra energy to help keep you performing at your best.

As the daily schedule continues to become overloaded with to-do lists and never-ending tasks, more people continue to live through days of anxiety, high stress levels and even experience high blood pressure as a result. Managing stress in a healthy way may involve taking frequent breaks, taking natural supplements that help support the nervous system, and engaging in physical exercises that help build up resistance to stress. Stemulite fitness supplements are becoming a popular option for many people looking for an all-natural approach to stress management. The supplement contains several ingredients that promote deep relaxation, reduce stress naturally, and also support the metabolism so that it is functioning at an optimal level.

Ways to Combat Stress Naturally

Taking nutritional supplements that support a healthy metabolism ensures that the body is performing at it’s optimal level each and every day. Many people who lead high-stress lifestyles can benefit from eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly. Nutritional supplements that support healthy muscle and cell functioning are also beneficial because they ensure the body is strong and healthy, regardless of stressors present in the environment.

Other ways to combat stress naturally include:

Yoga or stretching exercises – these physical activities promote deep breathing and relaxation, which can help many people ‘wind down’ easily on a regular basis. Yoga routines that encourage deep breathing, stretching and long periods of meditation can lower blood pressure and increase muscle strength and flexibility.

Limiting caffeine intake – consuming too much caffeine throughout the day can lead to high blood pressure and trigger the stress response. Many people who use caffeine as an energy booster end up stuck on a high-low cycle that can be difficult to move away from. Reducing caffeine intake may help reduce stress levels throughout the day and make day-to-day tasks more manageable.

Deep sleep – ensuring a good night’s rest is essential for combating stress successfully, especially for those who live a high-stress lifestyle. Events and emotions form the day can be processed efficiently when the body reaches the REM sleep state; this is the sleep stage where the body can repair and heal itself naturally, making the body and mind stronger the following day.

Balanced diet – eating too many processed foods and refined sugars can trigger an imbalance in the body, which causes toxin buildup, unhealthy nutrient absorption and several other digestion-related ailments. Eating a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains can keep blood sugar levels steady and ensure that the body is getting adequate nutrition for healthy metabolic and cellular functioning.

Stemulite for Improved Well-Being and Lower Stress

Stemulite is made with several ingredients that induce a deep state of relaxation and can enhance overall well-being. In addition to anti aging supplements such as L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and Indium, the Stemulite evening formula is made with ingredients that help the body release sleep hormones naturally and effectively.

Key ingredients linked to lower stress levels include:

Alpha lipoic acid – a brain ‘energizer’, according to Dr. Summers, the maker of Stemulite. This may be a valuable compound for combating stress and depression because it prevents mental fatigue.

Beta glucan – supports a healthy immune system and builds up the body’s defense system against disease and other ailments

Melatonin – the essential hormone for promoting a restful night’s sleep and resetting the body’s circadian rhythyms.

In addition to lowering stress levels, Stemulite works as a powerful sleep support formula for those who suffer from frequent bouts of insomnia and need are missing out on quality sleep. A good night’s rest is essential for health and well-being, and improving this area of the lifestyle may improve resistance to stress overall.

Paul Simpson, a professional fitness trainer explains how Stemulite has helped him improve his sleeping habits: “Stemulite has helped me with my sleep; it has helped me with my strength, my workout recovery, muscle endurance and my overall energy and sense of well being.”

Taking an all-natural nutritional supplement and making a few lifestyle changes continues to be a powerful way to lower stress levels and enjoy improved states of well-being.

The skin is our largest organ, and yet it is one that so many of us forget to take care of as well as we should. We douse it with fragrances, lotions, and other beauty products that contain an amazing amount of chemicals, many of which have been proven to cause cancer (like parabans for example). The best way to nourish our skin is the same way we nourish the rest of our body–from the inside out, with fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of good fats. There are also several ways to feed your skin from the outside too that are easy, cheap, and all natural:

Body Brushing: A wonderful way to detox your body, great for your lymph system, nervous and circulatory systems, dry body brushing is best done once a day to three times a week, preferably before taking a bath or shower. Using a loofah or natural bristle brush, and start at your feet. Brush toward the heart in circular movements for five minutes. After a few sessions you will notice a more natural glow to your skin, increased vitality, and a sense of invigoration, especially if done in the morning.

Masks: Our skin loves good food. Some wonderful masks that help nourish the face:

For dry/ sensitive skin: 1/2 an avocado mashed and mixed with ground oatmeal. The fat from the avocado nourishes the skin while the oatmeal soothes it.

For oily skin: a mixture of french green clay and pulverized strawberries or cranberries act to draw out impurities while giving your skin the astringent benefits it so needs.

For normal skin: A pina colada for the face! crushed pineapple and banana work wonders–the acid in the pineapple exfoliates the skin while the banana soothes and tightens.

Sea Salt Scrubs: These are yet another great exfolient for all skin types. Adding a bit of almond oil to the salt keeps it smooth and glowing. The salt helps relax muscles and detoxes the skin. Adding herbs to the scrub is great too–lavender to soothe, lemon or mint to invigorate, a pinch of cayenne on a cold day to warm you up, rosemary or calendula flowers to heal rashes or other skin problems.

Bug Spray: As the summer months approach, our thoughts turn to mosquitoes and how to prevent their nasty little bites. Most bug repellents are literally awful for you. Natural prevention is the best recourse–taking 3 or 4 capsules of garlic and 100mg of vitamin B1 create a smell that repels mosquitoes while avoiding sugar and fruit juice, to which mosquitoes are naturally attracted can cut down on your victimization. Using certain essential oils—such as eucalyptus, lemon balm, pennyroyal, citronella, tea tree, and geranium also makes effective bug sprays. Simply add a mixture of the above to a water/witch hazel (3 parts water to 1 part witch hazel) solution and transfer to a spray bottle. Several naturopaths say using these oils works as well as commercial mosquito repellent.

Baths: Warm baths are highly underrated. They soften the skin, relax the muscles and release stress from the body, mind, and emotions. Plus you can add all sorts of wonderful things to them– milk to soften skin, sea salt to soothe sore muscles, a tea of herbs such as lavender, mint, rose petals, chamomile, lemongrass, orange rinds to leave you smelling sweet and and all natural.

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