By James Allen
Before you try starving yourself or turning to diet drugs in order
to lose weight, take some time to research and discover more natural
and safer methods of reaching your weightloss goals. Here are five
food and excercise tips that you can get started with today.
1. Try to have breakfast within one hour of waking. It's always best
to have breakfast within an hour of waking so that your body can
charge itself with the energy it needs for the day. The idea is not
to wait for yourself to get really hungry. Breakfast is the most
important meal of the day but that does not mean that it should be
the most filling meal of the day.
2. Eat fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is often
sweetened but fresh fruits have natural sugars. When you eat fruit,
you are taking in a lot of fiber, which is needed by the body, and
fruits of course are an excellent source of vitamins.
If you do have a craving for fruit juice then go for fresh fruit
juice instead of those that contain artificial flavors and colors. Or
even better, try making your own fruit juice taking care not to
sweeten it with too many calories.
3. Fix times to have meals and stick to it. Try to have food at
fixed times of the day. You can stretch these times by half an hour,
but anything more than that is going to affect your eating pattern,
the result will either be a loss of appetite or that famished feeling
which will make you stuff yourself with more than what is required
the next time you eat.
4. Tuck in your tummy whenever you walk. Get that proper gait. And
the best way for that is to tuck in your tummy and inflate your
chest. Do not let your tummy hang above your belt line like some
unruly layer of flesh. Bring it under the belt.
Each time you tuck in your tummy, you will feel the pressure on the
muscles of your stomach. This tightening and loosening of these
muscles is even better than stomach crunches.
5. This excercise routine is our favorite - punching your pillow. It
may sound like one of those weird ideas but believe me it works. Not
too many of us have punching bags at home and if you have really
fluffy pillow giving it a good punching routine is just as good as
anything else.
This is also a nice way of letting off steam, so go for it. After all,
something is better than nothing. But I would suggest that you do not
hit it too violently or else the stuffing might come out. Do not
bother too much about the force with which you hit the pillow. It is
number of hits that are important. Try to get at least fifty punches
in one bout.
I would like to give you a little tip over here. If there is
somebody that you particularly dislike like your boss or your
neighbor, or may be your ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, try fixing a
picture of the person's head on the top of your pillow and then try
punching it. I promise you, it will give you a lot of satisfaction!
James B. Allen is the publisher of Power Living Press.
He invites you to come learn more about living a healthier,
wealthier, more beautiful and more powerful life TODAY by
visiting: [http://www.PowerLivingPress.com]
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Weight Loss With Fat Binders
By Aleshia Green
Weight management is sometimes difficult, but maintaining a healthy weight will ensure a better quality of life. When weight levels are managed, we are physically and mentally healthier. Our bodies function better without the burden of extra weight and we feel better about ourselves when our weight is under control. However, losing weight can be difficult, depriving ourselves of the foods we love is not enjoyable. Using a fat binder product like Proactol can make weight loss easier.
What is a Fat Binder?
Fat binders can help you lose weight by helping your body absorb fewer calories. Products like Proactol prevent your stomach from digesting the fat that you have eaten, resulting in fewer overall calories consumed. The stomach digests food, so the food can easily enter the bloodstream and become energy for the body. When you consume more energy, or calories, than your body can use, it is stored as fat. Fat binders attach to fats in the stomach, changing their physical make-up preventing the body from being able to digest fat cells. By preventing the absorption of calories by the body, you can prevent extra energy being stored as fat.
How Do Fat Binders Work?
After you have eaten, food enters the upper portion of the stomach where fat binders attach themselves to lipids or fat from foods you have eaten. The fat binder binds to the fats in the stomach by creating a chemical reaction. This reaction creates a gel around the fat cell which increases the size of the fat cells. The now larger fat cell cannot be digested by the body, and instead passes safely through the body and is eliminated. By safely removing a portion of the fat you consume, you will absorb less calories, while providing your body with the nutrients and energy your body needs.
How is Proactol Different?
Proactol helps you lose weight in two ways, therefore Proactol is different than other fat binders. Proactol features soluble and insoluble fibers. The insoluble fibers bind with consumed fat cells making them too large to digest. At the same time, Proactol's soluble fibers begins to bind with bile, or stomach acids. When the soluble fiber binds with the bile it becomes very thick and sticky. This highly viscous material takes more time for the stomach to digest. By remaining in the stomach longer, it allows the body to feel fuller longer, and prevents feelings of hunger. The sticky material slows down digestion and the body's ability to absorb calories.
Proactol is a natural product from the dehydrated leaves of the cactus "Opuntia ficus-indica," that when taken after meals, can reduce up to 27% of the amount of fat absorbed by the small intestine. By reducing the amount of calories absorbed by the body, you can aid weight loss and prevent weight gain. A Proactol has no side effects and is safe and natural, with clinically proven results for treating obesity without a prescription. Proactol has met all guidelines and standards established by the FDA. A licenced medical product (MDD 93/42/EEC), Proactol has been recommended by fitness experts, nutritionists, and doctors for weight loss. Using Proactol will keep you from feeling hungry, prevent food cravings, promote weight loss, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The author, Aleshia Green, writes about health and dieting. She recommends visiting this site for more information on losing weight with fat binders: http://hubpages.com/hub/Losing-Weight-with-Fat-Binders
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/
Weight management is sometimes difficult, but maintaining a healthy weight will ensure a better quality of life. When weight levels are managed, we are physically and mentally healthier. Our bodies function better without the burden of extra weight and we feel better about ourselves when our weight is under control. However, losing weight can be difficult, depriving ourselves of the foods we love is not enjoyable. Using a fat binder product like Proactol can make weight loss easier.
What is a Fat Binder?
Fat binders can help you lose weight by helping your body absorb fewer calories. Products like Proactol prevent your stomach from digesting the fat that you have eaten, resulting in fewer overall calories consumed. The stomach digests food, so the food can easily enter the bloodstream and become energy for the body. When you consume more energy, or calories, than your body can use, it is stored as fat. Fat binders attach to fats in the stomach, changing their physical make-up preventing the body from being able to digest fat cells. By preventing the absorption of calories by the body, you can prevent extra energy being stored as fat.
How Do Fat Binders Work?
After you have eaten, food enters the upper portion of the stomach where fat binders attach themselves to lipids or fat from foods you have eaten. The fat binder binds to the fats in the stomach by creating a chemical reaction. This reaction creates a gel around the fat cell which increases the size of the fat cells. The now larger fat cell cannot be digested by the body, and instead passes safely through the body and is eliminated. By safely removing a portion of the fat you consume, you will absorb less calories, while providing your body with the nutrients and energy your body needs.
How is Proactol Different?
Proactol helps you lose weight in two ways, therefore Proactol is different than other fat binders. Proactol features soluble and insoluble fibers. The insoluble fibers bind with consumed fat cells making them too large to digest. At the same time, Proactol's soluble fibers begins to bind with bile, or stomach acids. When the soluble fiber binds with the bile it becomes very thick and sticky. This highly viscous material takes more time for the stomach to digest. By remaining in the stomach longer, it allows the body to feel fuller longer, and prevents feelings of hunger. The sticky material slows down digestion and the body's ability to absorb calories.
Proactol is a natural product from the dehydrated leaves of the cactus "Opuntia ficus-indica," that when taken after meals, can reduce up to 27% of the amount of fat absorbed by the small intestine. By reducing the amount of calories absorbed by the body, you can aid weight loss and prevent weight gain. A Proactol has no side effects and is safe and natural, with clinically proven results for treating obesity without a prescription. Proactol has met all guidelines and standards established by the FDA. A licenced medical product (MDD 93/42/EEC), Proactol has been recommended by fitness experts, nutritionists, and doctors for weight loss. Using Proactol will keep you from feeling hungry, prevent food cravings, promote weight loss, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
The author, Aleshia Green, writes about health and dieting. She recommends visiting this site for more information on losing weight with fat binders: http://hubpages.com/hub/Losing-Weight-with-Fat-Binders
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Peanut Butter Fights Fat For Quick Weight Loss
By Debbie Patrickson
Do you remember that rock and roll song--"Peanut, Peanut butter?" You would hear it and hum the lyric all day. Well did you know that PB is one of the most nutritious food we can eat in addition to being one of America's favorite foods? Would it ever cross your mind that this favorite food could contribute to quick weight loss too?
Peanut butter can become a dieter's favorite food also. First let me tell you why it is considered to be a superfood. It can provide us with the most concentrated source of energy in our diet. Researchers have also found that it has tremendously positive health affects. It has been found to reduce diabetes risk and a group eating a diet high in peanuts and PB was able to decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease by 21% compared to those eating an average American diet. You probably already know that if you have belly fat you are already considered to be at a higher risk of heart disease because of it.
Most people do not think of PB as a diet food, but it can be. Most dieters are taught to avoid foods high in fats and 71% of the calories in peanut butter comes from fats. The other 29% comes from 14% carbs and 15% protein. Now maybe these kinds of facts bore you to death and are not important to you. Well that is where the bad news ends. Let me get on with telling you why PB can become a healthy and very satisfying addition to your weightloss diet and should be included in the foods you select to achieve quick weight loss.
Peanut Butter is a food that provides fuel for your muscles and gives you energy. Most dieters have experienced that dip in blood sugar that left you feeling sluggish and draggy. You did not want to take a walk, swim, ride a bike or do anything that was recommended for exercise and burning calories when you felt so weak.
Here is one of the reasons why people do not think of PB as a diet food; two tablespoons of PB contains 190 calories. Now don't say that this is disgusting, but did you know that eating PB straight from a spoon can prevent spikes in blood sugar. Many people prefer to enjoy eating PB as a snack with celery and carrot sticks. What is more important is that you will notice that it is so satisfying and eliminates that craving for something rich and tasty.
Here is a fact you might want to know about the fats in PB and relieve you of any guilt you might feel. Eighty percent (80%) of the fat is unsaturated fat that we all know as the "good fat." This type of fat has been known to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and raise the "good" HDL cholesterol. Who wouldn't like to improve their cholesterol profiles while enjoying healthy snacks? Here is another fact you might not have thought of related to PB--it is cholesterol free because cholesterol is found only in animal products and peanut butter comes from peanuts.
Do you remember Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich? It was peanut butter and banana with honey and grilled. Well, I am not recommending that you make yourself an "Elvis Special." But for breakfast, you can create a 400 calorie breakfast sandwich in a healthier version. Split one toasted whole wheat English muffin into two pieces. Spread each half with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Slice a banana and top each half of muffin with half a banana (approx. 1/4 cup). Eat it as an open-faced sandwich. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches have always been one of my family favorites and this diet version is no exception. It is satisfying enough to help you make it to lunch or you can have it as a lunch sandwich.
It is not my plan to turn this into one recipe after another, but I want to show you how you can add peanut butter into your diet and still live within the daily calories allotted to you. Here is a peanut butter smoothie that you can drink for breakfast. This recipe came from the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook. Here is how you create 1 serving for yourself: 1/2 cup fat-free milk, 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt, 2 Tablespoons creamy natural unsalted peanut butter, 1/4 very ripe banana, 1 Tablespoon of honey, and 4 ice cubs. Combine these ingredients in a blender, processing until smooth so that you have a super duper Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie for 410 calories of nutrition. Yes, that is a whole meal and sticks to your ribs. Peanut butter sticks--get it? O.K. so I am not paid to be funny!
Here is one more and I will stop. Take 1 whole wheat tortilla (8 inches). Spread 2 Tablespoons of natural unsalted peanut butter on it. Take a 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries and cover the peanut butter with the strawberry slices. Roll into a tube. Slice on a diagonal into pieces and enjoy for a 332 calorie lunch. Add a glass of skim milk for a very nutritious and satisfying lunch of about 435 calories.
Here is another good reason to add peanut butter to your diet. It adds protein and helps you stick to your diet by reducing appetite cravings. In addition, it is possible to could go on and on about all the other nutrients that are in peanut butter and their benefits--Vitamin E, Niacin, Folate, Vitamin B6, Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Iron, Zinc and Calcium--but I won't. Just be aware that there are a lot of health benefits that comes along with eating peanut butter such as reducing the risk of heart disease. It is a good source of proteins and dietary fiber, contains a vital antioxidant, important to our immune system, protects body cells and tissues and on and on. The fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E is carried by the fat in peanut butter to our cells and help maintain healthy skin.
Now you cannot live on peanut butter alone so you need good diet advice to follow along with it and the best place to go for that information is [http://fatburningdietreview.blogspot.com]http://fatburningdietreview.blogspot.com. You can also read all the great nutrition diet and health articles on http://nutritiondietandexercise.com and learn more great diet tips.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/
Do you remember that rock and roll song--"Peanut, Peanut butter?" You would hear it and hum the lyric all day. Well did you know that PB is one of the most nutritious food we can eat in addition to being one of America's favorite foods? Would it ever cross your mind that this favorite food could contribute to quick weight loss too?
Peanut butter can become a dieter's favorite food also. First let me tell you why it is considered to be a superfood. It can provide us with the most concentrated source of energy in our diet. Researchers have also found that it has tremendously positive health affects. It has been found to reduce diabetes risk and a group eating a diet high in peanuts and PB was able to decrease their risk of cardiovascular disease by 21% compared to those eating an average American diet. You probably already know that if you have belly fat you are already considered to be at a higher risk of heart disease because of it.
Most people do not think of PB as a diet food, but it can be. Most dieters are taught to avoid foods high in fats and 71% of the calories in peanut butter comes from fats. The other 29% comes from 14% carbs and 15% protein. Now maybe these kinds of facts bore you to death and are not important to you. Well that is where the bad news ends. Let me get on with telling you why PB can become a healthy and very satisfying addition to your weightloss diet and should be included in the foods you select to achieve quick weight loss.
Peanut Butter is a food that provides fuel for your muscles and gives you energy. Most dieters have experienced that dip in blood sugar that left you feeling sluggish and draggy. You did not want to take a walk, swim, ride a bike or do anything that was recommended for exercise and burning calories when you felt so weak.
Here is one of the reasons why people do not think of PB as a diet food; two tablespoons of PB contains 190 calories. Now don't say that this is disgusting, but did you know that eating PB straight from a spoon can prevent spikes in blood sugar. Many people prefer to enjoy eating PB as a snack with celery and carrot sticks. What is more important is that you will notice that it is so satisfying and eliminates that craving for something rich and tasty.
Here is a fact you might want to know about the fats in PB and relieve you of any guilt you might feel. Eighty percent (80%) of the fat is unsaturated fat that we all know as the "good fat." This type of fat has been known to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and raise the "good" HDL cholesterol. Who wouldn't like to improve their cholesterol profiles while enjoying healthy snacks? Here is another fact you might not have thought of related to PB--it is cholesterol free because cholesterol is found only in animal products and peanut butter comes from peanuts.
Do you remember Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich? It was peanut butter and banana with honey and grilled. Well, I am not recommending that you make yourself an "Elvis Special." But for breakfast, you can create a 400 calorie breakfast sandwich in a healthier version. Split one toasted whole wheat English muffin into two pieces. Spread each half with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Slice a banana and top each half of muffin with half a banana (approx. 1/4 cup). Eat it as an open-faced sandwich. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches have always been one of my family favorites and this diet version is no exception. It is satisfying enough to help you make it to lunch or you can have it as a lunch sandwich.
It is not my plan to turn this into one recipe after another, but I want to show you how you can add peanut butter into your diet and still live within the daily calories allotted to you. Here is a peanut butter smoothie that you can drink for breakfast. This recipe came from the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook. Here is how you create 1 serving for yourself: 1/2 cup fat-free milk, 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt, 2 Tablespoons creamy natural unsalted peanut butter, 1/4 very ripe banana, 1 Tablespoon of honey, and 4 ice cubs. Combine these ingredients in a blender, processing until smooth so that you have a super duper Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie for 410 calories of nutrition. Yes, that is a whole meal and sticks to your ribs. Peanut butter sticks--get it? O.K. so I am not paid to be funny!
Here is one more and I will stop. Take 1 whole wheat tortilla (8 inches). Spread 2 Tablespoons of natural unsalted peanut butter on it. Take a 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries and cover the peanut butter with the strawberry slices. Roll into a tube. Slice on a diagonal into pieces and enjoy for a 332 calorie lunch. Add a glass of skim milk for a very nutritious and satisfying lunch of about 435 calories.
Here is another good reason to add peanut butter to your diet. It adds protein and helps you stick to your diet by reducing appetite cravings. In addition, it is possible to could go on and on about all the other nutrients that are in peanut butter and their benefits--Vitamin E, Niacin, Folate, Vitamin B6, Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Iron, Zinc and Calcium--but I won't. Just be aware that there are a lot of health benefits that comes along with eating peanut butter such as reducing the risk of heart disease. It is a good source of proteins and dietary fiber, contains a vital antioxidant, important to our immune system, protects body cells and tissues and on and on. The fat soluble vitamins A, D, and E is carried by the fat in peanut butter to our cells and help maintain healthy skin.
Now you cannot live on peanut butter alone so you need good diet advice to follow along with it and the best place to go for that information is [http://fatburningdietreview.blogspot.com]http://fatburningdietreview.blogspot.com. You can also read all the great nutrition diet and health articles on http://nutritiondietandexercise.com and learn more great diet tips.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Diet Programs - The Basics
By John Mac
Atkins Diet Program
The Atkins diet program is based on the principle of switching your body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates to obtain energy. It is a life change rather than a diet program, as in order to keep the pounds off you need to stick to the recommended way of eating.
The main difference to other diet programs is in what you are allowed to eat ie eggs, meat including beef, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, wild game, veal & lamb also fish such as shellfish. Fats are also permitted ie butter, olive oil & mayonnaise, certain cheeses are also permitted.
You must drink lots of water, only de-caffinated coffee & will need to take vitamin supplements including minerals. You must also exercise every day, no need to do a marathon however, a brisk walk will suffice. You are encouraged to eat enough to satisfy your appetite but you must not overeat.
You must not drink alcohol. You must not cheat; it takes 2-3 days for the body to switch from burning carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) to burning fat, so if you cheat you are back to day 1.
You cannot eat the following:
Sugar in any form, corn syrup, honey or maple syrup.
Milk or Yogurt - a limited amount of cream is allowed.
Fruit & fruit juice.
Flour products (bread, pasta, crackers etc)
Grains or cereals.
Beans and legumes.
Starchy or high sugar vegetables such as potatoes, yams, corn, peas, parsnips, beets & carrots.
Sweet condiments such as most ketchups, bbq sauce & balsamic vinegar.
French dressing & thousand island dressing.
Cottage cheese, farmers cheese & other fresh cheeses.
Nuts & seeds.
Diet Program Pro's
Lots of popular foods are permitted & you can have snacks between meals. No need to starve and are encouraged to eat when hungry.
Diet Program Con's
Must stick to diet for good to keep off unwanted pounds. No breaks or cheat days allowed. May not be suitable if you can't go without coffee or alcohol.
South Beach Diet Program
Similar to the Atkins diet program in that it changes the way you eat whilst still allowing plenty of popular foods such as meat, fish & eggs but you can also eat cheese & vegetables.
You can have 3 meals a day & even 2 snacks a day. You can also have dessert & diet soda. You are not allowed any alcohol for an initial 2 week period but after that you are allowed to drink wine. After an initial 2 week start where what you can eat is limited you can start to phase some of your favourite foods back into your diet. Its all about eating "good carbs" instead of "bad carbs".
Diet Program Pro's
Based on a healthy way of eating rather than a diet. Many of your favourite foods are probably still allowed. Some alcohol ie wine is allowed.
Diet Program Con's
You may find the first couple of weeks particularly hard due to what you can eat being limited.
Zone Diet Program
Developed by Barry Sears a biochemist, the Zone Diet is about controlling your insulin level through a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins & fat, also known as the 40-30-30 diet (40% carbohydrates, 30% Proteins 30% fat). Once again it is a way of living rather than just a diet with 3 stages geared to make you lose weight, control hunger & have more energy. It is based on consistent insulin levels with the supplementation of high dose fish oil.
The Zone diet encourages eating regularly throughout the day & eliminates many jink foods such as sweets & chips.
The "Zone" refers to being in a physiological state in which hormones, governed by the food you eat, are in a zone which is neither too high nor too low.
Diet Program Pro's
Balanced diet rather than cutting out foods you may enjoy.
Diet Program Con's
The reasoning behind the diet can be quite technical & therefore many people may disagree about its merits.
Mediterranean Diet Program
Not a diet as such but simply a way of eating for hundreds if not thousands of years followed by people of countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Greece, Southern Italy, parts of North Africa & the Middle East.
It is well known that people from these areas have a lower incidence of heart disease; this is believed to be due to over half of their fat intake being from monounsaturated fat (mainly from olive oil) as opposed to saturated fat, prominent elsewhere. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels.
The basic diet followed is one that has a low consumption of red meat, low to moderate consumption of sweets, fish, eggs & dairy products except cheese & natural yogurt, a high consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables & a higher consumption of breads, pasta, rice, potatoes & couscous. Water & red wine (in moderation) are taken with meals.
Diet Program Pro's
Not a "fad diet" but a traditional way of eating with known health benefits.
Diet Program Con's
None as such apart from if you are unable to obtain fresh fruit & veg.
Weight Watchers Diet Program
There are 2 main diet programs for you to follow; one a points system where all foods are allocated points according to their calorie, fat & fibre content. You are allowed to use up (or consume) a set number of points per day. The other diet program is a no points system which allows you to eat from a range of wholesome foods without having to count the calories.
The weight watchers diet program can be followed online as well as offline through regular local meetings where you will get not just tips & guidance but the support & encouragement of fellow weight watchers.
Diet Program Pro's
On the points system you can eat what you like as long as you stick to the number of points. The meetings can help to keep you motivated.
Diet Program Con's
Offline meetings may not be practical for you. The points system may leave you feeling hungry.
John Mac is author & owner of http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a website aimed at providing help & information for people looking to improve their fitness, diet & health & for information about diet programs
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com
Atkins Diet Program
The Atkins diet program is based on the principle of switching your body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates to obtain energy. It is a life change rather than a diet program, as in order to keep the pounds off you need to stick to the recommended way of eating.
The main difference to other diet programs is in what you are allowed to eat ie eggs, meat including beef, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, wild game, veal & lamb also fish such as shellfish. Fats are also permitted ie butter, olive oil & mayonnaise, certain cheeses are also permitted.
You must drink lots of water, only de-caffinated coffee & will need to take vitamin supplements including minerals. You must also exercise every day, no need to do a marathon however, a brisk walk will suffice. You are encouraged to eat enough to satisfy your appetite but you must not overeat.
You must not drink alcohol. You must not cheat; it takes 2-3 days for the body to switch from burning carbohydrates (in the form of glucose) to burning fat, so if you cheat you are back to day 1.
You cannot eat the following:
Sugar in any form, corn syrup, honey or maple syrup.
Milk or Yogurt - a limited amount of cream is allowed.
Fruit & fruit juice.
Flour products (bread, pasta, crackers etc)
Grains or cereals.
Beans and legumes.
Starchy or high sugar vegetables such as potatoes, yams, corn, peas, parsnips, beets & carrots.
Sweet condiments such as most ketchups, bbq sauce & balsamic vinegar.
French dressing & thousand island dressing.
Cottage cheese, farmers cheese & other fresh cheeses.
Nuts & seeds.
Diet Program Pro's
Lots of popular foods are permitted & you can have snacks between meals. No need to starve and are encouraged to eat when hungry.
Diet Program Con's
Must stick to diet for good to keep off unwanted pounds. No breaks or cheat days allowed. May not be suitable if you can't go without coffee or alcohol.
South Beach Diet Program
Similar to the Atkins diet program in that it changes the way you eat whilst still allowing plenty of popular foods such as meat, fish & eggs but you can also eat cheese & vegetables.
You can have 3 meals a day & even 2 snacks a day. You can also have dessert & diet soda. You are not allowed any alcohol for an initial 2 week period but after that you are allowed to drink wine. After an initial 2 week start where what you can eat is limited you can start to phase some of your favourite foods back into your diet. Its all about eating "good carbs" instead of "bad carbs".
Diet Program Pro's
Based on a healthy way of eating rather than a diet. Many of your favourite foods are probably still allowed. Some alcohol ie wine is allowed.
Diet Program Con's
You may find the first couple of weeks particularly hard due to what you can eat being limited.
Zone Diet Program
Developed by Barry Sears a biochemist, the Zone Diet is about controlling your insulin level through a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins & fat, also known as the 40-30-30 diet (40% carbohydrates, 30% Proteins 30% fat). Once again it is a way of living rather than just a diet with 3 stages geared to make you lose weight, control hunger & have more energy. It is based on consistent insulin levels with the supplementation of high dose fish oil.
The Zone diet encourages eating regularly throughout the day & eliminates many jink foods such as sweets & chips.
The "Zone" refers to being in a physiological state in which hormones, governed by the food you eat, are in a zone which is neither too high nor too low.
Diet Program Pro's
Balanced diet rather than cutting out foods you may enjoy.
Diet Program Con's
The reasoning behind the diet can be quite technical & therefore many people may disagree about its merits.
Mediterranean Diet Program
Not a diet as such but simply a way of eating for hundreds if not thousands of years followed by people of countries bordering the Mediterranean such as Greece, Southern Italy, parts of North Africa & the Middle East.
It is well known that people from these areas have a lower incidence of heart disease; this is believed to be due to over half of their fat intake being from monounsaturated fat (mainly from olive oil) as opposed to saturated fat, prominent elsewhere. Saturated fat is known to raise cholesterol levels.
The basic diet followed is one that has a low consumption of red meat, low to moderate consumption of sweets, fish, eggs & dairy products except cheese & natural yogurt, a high consumption of fresh fruits & vegetables & a higher consumption of breads, pasta, rice, potatoes & couscous. Water & red wine (in moderation) are taken with meals.
Diet Program Pro's
Not a "fad diet" but a traditional way of eating with known health benefits.
Diet Program Con's
None as such apart from if you are unable to obtain fresh fruit & veg.
Weight Watchers Diet Program
There are 2 main diet programs for you to follow; one a points system where all foods are allocated points according to their calorie, fat & fibre content. You are allowed to use up (or consume) a set number of points per day. The other diet program is a no points system which allows you to eat from a range of wholesome foods without having to count the calories.
The weight watchers diet program can be followed online as well as offline through regular local meetings where you will get not just tips & guidance but the support & encouragement of fellow weight watchers.
Diet Program Pro's
On the points system you can eat what you like as long as you stick to the number of points. The meetings can help to keep you motivated.
Diet Program Con's
Offline meetings may not be practical for you. The points system may leave you feeling hungry.
John Mac is author & owner of http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a website aimed at providing help & information for people looking to improve their fitness, diet & health & for information about diet programs
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com
Monday, May 17, 2010
Fatloss For Idiots - Short and Long Term Goals
By Nadasdi Thomas L
Long Term Goals
Depending on your preference, you could set a hard-and-fast long term goal that is based on actual figures to your weight loss. Or, if you like, you could even keep your long term goal as a more general desire to attain a certain look or build.
Of course, it is worth noting that if you add actual figures to your goal, it will give you something a lot more tangible to work towards, and challenge yourself while you do so.
Just spend a few minutes thinking about what you really want to attain from your weight loss, and then devise it into a goal. Try to make it something that is truly worth achieving, to you, at least, so that if you do end up hitting your target, you'll feel that glow of accomplishment.
Do not set long term goals that can really be achieved with little or no effort.
Also, while you're at it, keep in mind that there is one other type of goal that is going to be intertwined with this long term goal. Let's discuss that now...
Short Term Goals
As the name well implies, short term goals are the variety of goals that can be achieved over a shorter span of time.
So instead of going by year, or half-years, your short term goals would probably be weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. Really, the choice of span is up to you at the end of the day, so choose something that you're comfortable with.
Some people like to constantly have something to measure their performance against, but when it comes to weight loss, weekly results might be slightly unreasonable.
Still, whatever span is chosen, there is one thing in particular about short term goals that really does tie in to the long term goals that we just discussed. And this is nothing other than the fact that your short term goals should be geared towards hitting your long term goal.
Think of it this way: If your long term goal was to lose 15 kg in 6 months, then your short term goals could be to lose 2.5 kg for each month.
That way, each of your short term goals would be working towards the actual achievement of that bigger, and much more appealing, long term goal!
Setting up your short term goals in this structure is very necessary. Not only will it help your achievement of your final goal, but it will also provide you with a valuable progress gauge so that you constantly know how well you're doing as you try to achieve that target.
Remember though, all the other rules of goals and targets that we've discussed so far still apply, so make your short term goals realistic, but not too easy to accomplish either!
Once you've done all of this, you should have a nice set of short term goals, all working towards that final target (the long term goal!). If you have already started to set up your goals and targets, congratulations, you're well on your way.
But if you haven't, then take a minute to at least think about them, because having even the roughest of ideas is going to help you with everything you do.
Before we finish off our discussion of goals and targets, it is important that you know how exactly you can use them to your best advantage. Yes, it isn't enough to just have a list of goals that you occasionally check against.
Ideally, your goals should be helping you a lot more than that!
This is the end of this article on fatloss for idiots [http://www.squidoo.com/fatlossfor-idiots]. The value of this article would be met if you feel that you have benefited from reading it. Well, have you?
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Long Term Goals
Depending on your preference, you could set a hard-and-fast long term goal that is based on actual figures to your weight loss. Or, if you like, you could even keep your long term goal as a more general desire to attain a certain look or build.
Of course, it is worth noting that if you add actual figures to your goal, it will give you something a lot more tangible to work towards, and challenge yourself while you do so.
Just spend a few minutes thinking about what you really want to attain from your weight loss, and then devise it into a goal. Try to make it something that is truly worth achieving, to you, at least, so that if you do end up hitting your target, you'll feel that glow of accomplishment.
Do not set long term goals that can really be achieved with little or no effort.
Also, while you're at it, keep in mind that there is one other type of goal that is going to be intertwined with this long term goal. Let's discuss that now...
Short Term Goals
As the name well implies, short term goals are the variety of goals that can be achieved over a shorter span of time.
So instead of going by year, or half-years, your short term goals would probably be weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. Really, the choice of span is up to you at the end of the day, so choose something that you're comfortable with.
Some people like to constantly have something to measure their performance against, but when it comes to weight loss, weekly results might be slightly unreasonable.
Still, whatever span is chosen, there is one thing in particular about short term goals that really does tie in to the long term goals that we just discussed. And this is nothing other than the fact that your short term goals should be geared towards hitting your long term goal.
Think of it this way: If your long term goal was to lose 15 kg in 6 months, then your short term goals could be to lose 2.5 kg for each month.
That way, each of your short term goals would be working towards the actual achievement of that bigger, and much more appealing, long term goal!
Setting up your short term goals in this structure is very necessary. Not only will it help your achievement of your final goal, but it will also provide you with a valuable progress gauge so that you constantly know how well you're doing as you try to achieve that target.
Remember though, all the other rules of goals and targets that we've discussed so far still apply, so make your short term goals realistic, but not too easy to accomplish either!
Once you've done all of this, you should have a nice set of short term goals, all working towards that final target (the long term goal!). If you have already started to set up your goals and targets, congratulations, you're well on your way.
But if you haven't, then take a minute to at least think about them, because having even the roughest of ideas is going to help you with everything you do.
Before we finish off our discussion of goals and targets, it is important that you know how exactly you can use them to your best advantage. Yes, it isn't enough to just have a list of goals that you occasionally check against.
Ideally, your goals should be helping you a lot more than that!
This is the end of this article on fatloss for idiots [http://www.squidoo.com/fatlossfor-idiots]. The value of this article would be met if you feel that you have benefited from reading it. Well, have you?
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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