Friday, June 29, 2007

How Aging Affects Weight Loss

When you want to control your weight without feeling hunger pangs and at the same time reduce the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin you need to concentrate even more on a 'youthful' diet. New research has demonstrated that you can slow down and even reverse some of the more obvious effects of aging - important when you realise how aging affects weight loss.

Look for appetizers and snacks with visual appeal that look good enough for a party and add wonderful salad combinations, soups, side dishes, and luscious desserts to create "youthful" concoctions. It really is easy to pack your system with anti-aging foods and food combinations. You don't have to become vegetarian, but meat eating creates more waste than vegetarian diets and that may in turn lead to heightened aging effects. When there is a lot of waste to be removed, it creates more wear and aging on the cells.

Healthy diets, permanent weight loss, fitness, anti-aging, beauty, staying as young as you can as long as you can and finding ways of adding life to your years should be the common goal for all of us. It will also add years to your life. Many of us do preventive maintenance for our automobiles, homes and gardens but neglect our health. Aging affects weight loss but health is far more important to everybody than a particular number or clothing size.

To maintain good health and maintain proper body function, some amount of supplemental vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and enzymes are essential. Anti-aging systems to help you restore youthful metabolism, energy, muscle, skin, immunity, vitality. I've found that there are certain programs which slow or reverse the effects of aging, support permanent weight management, address specific illnesses, dramatically improve overall energy and well-being. People trying to lose weight often notice erratic levels of fluid retention. This leads many to think that they are failing in their weight loss efforts when they are actually on the road to success.

The anti-aging approach will include drinking more water to prevent unnoticed dehydration and eating beans and lentils which are good in any weight loss diet because after you eat them you will stay satisfied longer making you eat less. They also help the digestive system to expel waste more efficiently. Minerals and vitamins are used in nutrition for anti-aging and weight loss as well as to raise general fitness, health and wellness.

Quite often people trying to lose weight will notice erratic levels of fluid retention as a result of drinking more water. This leads many to think that they are failing in their weight loss efforts when they are actually on the road to success.

As we age, our health deteriorates, our bodies are inexorably aging and we find that weight loss becomes more difficult and while most of us believe this is normal, research confirms that lack of deep sleep can also compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. This aging effect greatly affects your youthful good looks and how you relate to those around you especially if you start to feel older and this is how aging affects weight loss.

N.B. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.

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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Short Workout For Us Over 35 Years Young

In the age of 50-hour work weeks, it's easy to let fitness fall by the wayside. In fact, the number one reason why most people do not lead active lifestyles is because of a perceived lack of time.

For this reason, 30-minute workouts are becoming increasingly popular. While a new diet and exercise program makes its debut each week, consumers are becoming more skeptical about which craze to buy into. Luckily, there is an independent organization that tests and studies exercise and fitness programs. The American Council on Exercise is the premiere fitness certification, education and training organization worldwide. It recently conducted a study to help educate the public about workouts that help lower body weight, decrease risk of diseases and increase energy.

The 1-2-3 Fit circuit training program came out on top and was judged to be as, or more, effective than other methods of exercise such as playing sports, jogging or lifting weights. Since the 1-2-3 Fit workout combines cardio, strength and resistance training in just 30 minutes, it allows for higher energy expenditure thus, burning more calories.

The study evaluated 1-2-3 Fit's proprietary equipment including the Simbio System and the 30/30 Circuit training program, which was developed exclusively for 1-2-3 Fit's clientele. Test subjects ranged in age from 18 to 62, and physical activity levels varied from completely inactive to highly active. After a period of six months, researchers found that the 1-2-3 Fit circuit training program was effective for all ages, body types and activity levels.

Instead of ignoring exercise because you think you have no time, consider trying a 30-minute circuit training workout with excellent calorie-burning potential. Even the most time-starved, inactive person can now work their way to a healthier lifestyle.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Hoodia Gordonii Natural Appetite Suppressant - What Is The Hoodia Gordonii Appetite Suppressant?

The Hoodia Gordonii natural appetite suppressant has been receiving a lot of publicity on the Today Show, 60 Minutes and the BBC. This article will explain the history of the Hoodia Gordonni plant, how the Hoodia natural appetite suppressant works and where to go about locating the most potent Hoodia Gordonii natural appetite suppressants that really work.

The History of the Hoodia Gordonii Natural Appetite Suppressant

The strong appetite suppressant properties of the Hoodia cactus plant have been recognised by the bushmen of the Kalahari desert for centuries. In the mid 1990s the Council For Scientific And Industrial Research conducted a comprehensive study on the numerous native plants and bush foods regularly consumed by the "Sans Bushmen".

What the CSIR soon discovered was that the Hoodia cactus plant is not only non-toxic but it also contains some incredibly powerful properties to suppress the appetite and speed up weight loss. This detailed research was found following on from watching how animals reacted when regularly consuming the Hoodia cactus plant.

The Increasing Popularity of Hoodia Gordonii Natural Appetite Suppressants

Following on from the substantial claims of fast weight loss numerous Hoodia Gordonii appetite suppressant supplements have ascended the marketplace to become one of the fastest selling and fasting growing weight loss products in an marketplace where billions of dollars are spent every year on diet products.

Before deciding on a Hoodia appetite suppressant to aid with your weight loss it is vital to comprehendmore about the Hoodia cactus plant. Once the CSIR had been able to isolate the active ingredients in the Hoodia cactus plant that was responsible for appetite suppressing and increasing fat burning capabilities they called it p57. The CSIR then sold the rights to P57 to a British pharmaceutical organisation called Phytopharm.

Read my Hoodia weight loss review now at http://www.Hoodia-Weight-Loss-Review.com before you decide to buy just any Hoodia weight loss product!

How Can So Many Hoodia Appetite Suppressants Be On The Market When Only Phytopharm Holds The Rights

It is somewhat surprising that there are such a number of Hoodia products available for consumers when Phytopharm holds the rights to P57. While Phytopharm actually holds the licence to P57 there are other patent laws that come into play. Only the Phytopharm pharmaceutical company has the legal ability to extract the potent P57 molecule found in Hoodia Gordonii and use it in any and all of their Hoodia cactus plant diet lines.

That being said the whole Hoodia Gordonii plant is never able to be patented. That being so, other companies have the legal right to produce their own Hoodia appetite suppressant supplements and products legally without holding the licence to P57.

With such a range of Hoodia products now available from the Hoodia plant it is absolutely pivotal that consumers don't fall for inexpensive, ineffective imitations and that they ensure that they only use PURE South African cactus Hoodia Gordonii products for the fastest weight loss.

Check out the website below to find out more about the Hoodia Gordonii natural appetite suppressants available online.

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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Myths, Lies and the Death of Diet Reality

Dieters... it is time to take responsibility for your actions. We can continue the blame game on to the media, to genetics, to environment, to our life situation only so long. Because when we are gasping and puffing for air at the mall or being diagnosed with some weight related disease, genetics, your life situation and the media ain't gonna be there for you. The only person who will suffer the consequences is YOU. But we don't accept reality or responsibility and we continue to try and find the easy fix in a sea of misinformation and out and out lies.

There are a million myths out there which I am sure you are most familiar. The majority come in the forms of "Lose 20 pounds in 5 minutes" kind of claptrap. Others espouse a warped and illogical methodology of eating. Only grapefruits on Sunday with a maple syrup enema on Friday... avoid radishes because the aliens planted them here to make you evil. Now when you read that you say "outrageous"... in fact you may laugh. Why? Because it is so ridiculous to you it makes no sense. The claims are ludicrous. Now what if I began to wrap those words in some real pretty packaging. A nice website filled with doctors images and glowing testimonials from satisfied clients (all fake of course) stating "everything else failed but with the alien radish diet it was a miracle" You then read that doctors in fact recommend this diet. There is a doctor on the website (must be a real doctor on the internet!) Then you read "scientific studies" that prove the validity of the alien radish diet (internet or TV studies are never wrong) These are in depth 120 page studies! And finally... the nail in the coffin... THE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE and a smiling skinny guy or gal promising it'll work. Now our minds... as much as we initially considered this idea to be impossible... start to wonder... well maybe the alien thing is a bit weird... and the enemas... yuk... but you visit the website a few more times... and realize I HAVE to give this a shot. Look at the studies! The doctors! The testimonials! And a money back guarantee! I will just get my money back if it doesn't work! But you won't. Most marketers know that only 25% of consumers will ask for a refund with items under $20. Its too much effort. And the people who order this CRAP are generally not the most motivated group anyway... they are looking for the easy way out of dieting... so maybe even less than the 25% figure. Of course the alien radish diet goes great for the first 3-4 days at which time we run and yell at all our friends that their diet is stupid and the alien radish is the best thing since low carb sliced bread. Life is good as all the alien evil is stripped away and you do drop a few pounds. "And my clothes feel looser!" And then reality kicks in. This diet is impossible to stay on, you feel like hell, and you binge eat a whole box of cookies. Depression subsequently kicks in you binge more, maybe a whole pizza. Now you are out $20, another week of your life is gone and your poor butt is sore from the maple syrup enemas. Not a happy day.

So... you have a choice. Continue to live in frustration your WHOLE LIFE up and down like a roller coaster trying every fad and fiction available... OR you can take some time, do some REAL research into health, nutrition and how the body works and slowly and surely drop pounds. Not 10 pounds in 10 days... not shedding weight the speed of light... just living and eating well and the weight naturally coming off. Easy? No. But easier than the alternative. The first few days are tough as your body craves the foods it is addicted to. But trust me that momentary pain is nothing compared to a lifetime of obesity, or the pleasure of being healthy and fit in mind and spirit.

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Monday, June 25, 2007

How To Keep Your Weight Off After Losing It

The road to a successful weight loss does not end at the point of having lost your weight. The challenge really begins as soon as you have shed off the pounds and reach the ideal weight. It is said 95 percent of dieters fail to maintain their weight loss and soon enough they give themselves permission to consume foods which they have been depriving themselves.

If you are serious in maintaining your weight that has been shed off, you must accept that a change in lifestyle is necessary. If eating right and healthily becomes a part of your life, you will see it less as a temporary situation and therefore will make an effort to build around the new lifestyle with more interesting but healthy foods.

Be aware that the choices you make about the food you eat will end up in your body. So make a conscious effort to make a lifestyle change from food to physical activities.

Here are some simple strategies that you can use:

* Plan your weekly menus ahead - this forces you to think about what foods you will eat, whether you are single or have family. Planning ahead allows you to save time and money, with less take-out foods and eating in restaurants. The decision you make at the point of planning is what ultimately defines your eating habits.

* Plan for a weekly grocery shopping - ensure you stock up enough for the week on fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish can be frozen in the freezer and you do not need to buy fresh each time you plan to eat it. Never shop on any empty stomach.

* Plan for leftovers as it's a great strategy to save time if you know you will be strapped for time the next night. This eliminates the chances of unhealthy take-outs. You can cook extra chicken breasts on the weekend to serve up in sandwiches or salads the next day. Store your meals in containers that can be reheated.

* Buy handy and healthy tools - those that are required to produce healthy and nutritious foods like steamer and steamer baskets, stock pot, wok, meat thermometer, non-stick pots and pants, microwave and oven toaster.

Now that you have a plan and the tools, you should be ready to lead a lifestyle change that will have long term health benefit for you and your family. You will no longer need to go for a crash diet for that special event, or to get into that tight jeans. The key is not to deprive yourself of your favourite foods but to eat in moderation and make it a part of your new lifestyle.

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Friday, June 22, 2007

The Benefits of Pilates Exercises for Pregnant Women

Pilates is the best exercise during pregnancy because it strengthens the most important muscles women will use during pregnancy and labor. Pregnant pilates exercises builds abdominal, back and pelvic muscles that supports more comfortable pregnancies and deliveries. Pilates is famous for helping new moms get their figures back. Pregnant pilates exercises are much preferred because it can be adapted to your body's abilities.

It is imperative to find specialized pre-natal pilates classes or a qualified instructor licensed for appropriate pregnant pilates exercises. It is best not to do pilates on your own with no knowledge of the fundamentals of pregnant pilates exercises. Pregnant pilates exercises should be beneficial to both mother and child. It is recommended not to overdo pregnant pilates exercises to avoid jeopardizing both your health and your baby's.

Pregnant pilates exercises are not particularly strenuous but you should pay attention to your body and baby by pacing yourself. Your body's energy levels will be changing and you don't want to overdo it. Fitness professionals usually apply the talk test. If you are too breathless to talk in a relaxed tone and tempo, it is time to slow down. Other signs that you need to take a break are lightheadedness, feelings of faintness, queasiness, racing heart, shortness of breath, uterine contractions, bleeding or leaking fluid, and headache.
As the baby grows, your center of gravity will change. You may find out that you need to be a bit more careful when doing pregnant pilates exercises such as getting up and down for mat exercise, using pilates equipment or working out on an exercise ball.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy encourage suppleness in the joints and muscles. Pregnant women experience more strain to the muscles and ligaments because their bodies are making them more "flexible". Be sure not to exceed your limit. A number of moderate pregnant pilates exercises can be designed for you.

Discussions about the safety of pregnant pilates exercises are aplenty; but on the whole, sensible exercise is appropriate during pregnancy.

The compensations of pilates are evident and a great number of pilates followers have testified that doing regular Pilates classes has resulted in well balanced, toned and stronger bodies. Related benefits to pregnant pilates exercises are weight loss, increased energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing. Pilates is uncomplicated and very effective, a great complement to any exercise routine.

According to NAVA, "There is a lot of debate on the subject of Pilates and pregnancy, and exercise in general. Generally speaking, moderate exercise is safe throughout a normal, healthy pregnancy and many gentle pilates exercises are appropriate. However, keep the following cautions in mind.

- Do not over-exert the abdominal muscles to avoid diastases recti (separation of the abdominal muscles).

- Take care of you lower back, which can be strained with the weight of the fetus.

- Avoid all Pilates exercises that require you to lie on your back. The American Council of Obstetrics and Gynecology cautions women in the second trimester of pregnancy against doing any exercises that require this position as it can compromise the vascular system of both the mother and fetus.

- Do not over-stretch as relaxants and progesterone levels increase during pregnancy causing the ligaments around the joints to become lax, loose and vulnerable.

- Be aware that your center of gravity and therefore your sense of balance have changed.

- Do not start a brand new exercise regimen in the first trimester (except for prenatal yoga classes or Lamaze classes)." (poweryogapilates.com)

Everything considered, pregnant pilates exercises is more beneficial than detrimental to mother and child. As long as you are guided by an expert who knows how to handle a woman in a delicate condition, any pregnant woman would reap the optimum advantage of this exercise.

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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Weight Loss - 3 Tips to Trick Your Body

As any dieter knows, hunger and habits can cause failure to the best of plans. A few minor changes in eating habits can have big payoffs.

1.Use helpful beverages. Next time you feel hungry and it's not meal time or snack time, use filling non-caloric drinks like a hot herbal tea, a cold sugar free green or white tea, or a calorie free carbonated water. You can also drink a small glass of tomato juice with a dash of Tabasco sauce. All of these items give you a temporary sensation of being full, and usually help you hold out until meal time.

2.Make friends with your hunger. Most of us live stressful lives. Instinctively we are driven to reach for food anytime we feel hungry. Since we don't have to hunt or gather our next meal, we gain weight if we respond to every impulse. Next time you feel a bit of hunger take a few deep breaths. Too often people use food like a sedative. We feel hungry and reach for food when we may just be anxious. If you feel hungry and it's not meal time close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Many times your hunger will disappear. If you still feel hungry after a few deep breaths and you're eating enough calories for safe weight loss, remind yourself you're not going to die. Allow your hunger to exist. A slight discomfort can be good for us. Reflect on how marvelous it is to have a body that is so amazing.

3.Observe, and then avoid trigger foods. I love ice cream! Most people, including dieticians tell me it's ok to have a small portion of ice cream once in awhile. However, if I have a small portion of ice cream on Sunday, I'll want one on Monday, then Tuesday. By Wednesday I'll want a bigger bowl. In the long run it's easiest if I just avoid foods that create cravings. Some people have found that caffeine can cause them to crave dairy or more carbohydrates. Other people have found red meat causes them to crave sweets. Next time you find yourself overeating look at what you are eating and think about what you've eating in the past 24 hours. Begin to look for patterns. Once you know the foods that "trigger" over eating avoid them. Don't tell yourself you can never have them again, but rather remind yourself that "If I eat it today, I'll want it tomorrow and the day after that". It's easiest just to avoid that food today.

By incorporating these changes into your lifestyle you may find you lose weight without dieting.

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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Burn Fat At Any Age

Most people don't have a clue what they are doing in the gym. Whether it's their trainer's fault, or their own fault, most guys and gals are doing everything but the right stuff. It's actually interesting to see what lengths people will go to in order to avoid the real work.

To gain muscle and to lose fat you have to do intense exercise. And as hard as doing 45 minutes of cardio is, or as difficult as it is to squat on a bosu ball, neither of these are intense enough to make a significant difference.

But people choose those exercises because it's still a lot easier than putting a bar on your back with 80% of your maximum squat weight and banging out 8, 10, or 12 repetitions.

Once in a while, I'll meet a young kid that gets it. Like yesterday, during my workout, their was a 19-year old wrestler training at the same time, who had obviously had good coaches that taught him the benefits of squatting, deadlifting, cleans, sled pulls, intervals, etc.

He literally had more correct knowledge than 90% of the personal trainers I've met in my life. Here's a 19-year old kid that would be able to help you get more results in less time than most of the trainers in your gym. All because he understands the benefits of the basics.

After my workout, I went home and read the book, Fit Over Forty.

Fit Over Forty is a wake-up call to every man and woman that wants to
improve their health while losing body fat. I don't care if you are the
world's fittest 25-year old, if you aren't inspired by the stories of these
men and women, including Jon Benson, taking up working out at ages 30, 40,
50, and older, than nothing could ever motivate you.

Nothing discourages me more than getting emails from guys that are 28 and
making excuses for being unfit. They think they are 'too old' to get fit,
gain muscle or lose fat. That attitude makes me want to scream at those guys
and show them the reality. But I'd be better off making them read Fit Over
Forty, to see what men and women can do at any age. There'd be no more
feeling sorry for themselves at age 28.

And last but not least, any book that features Dave Draper, one of the
greatest comeback stories in bodybuilding ever, should be on your must-read
list. This book will keep you on track for months, years, and decades,
showing you that it's never too late to get fit, and no matter how out of
shape you've let yourself get, there will always be someone who's been
worse, and turned it around to become someone else's role model.

Jon Benson, the author of Fit Over Forty, went through some tough spells,
while building his business. You might relate to his story and benefit from
his trials and tribulations. And then there are the other stories of recovering
alcoholics who now have 6-pack abs at 48, the story of the Kevin Saunders
who was put in a wheelchair due to an explosion, and is now a Wheelchair
olympian, and on and on and on.

If you have even the slightest doubt that you're too old, too fat, or too unfit to reclaim the body (and energy and sex drive) of your youth, then read Fit Over 40. It 'll be like a well-deserved slap in the face, showing you what's possible.

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Thursday, June 14, 2007

Best Weight Loss Tip For Women

This is probably the best weight loss tip for women there. We are not talking about calories, or diets, or trying to starve yourself or anything like that. What we are talking about is putting you in a positive environment. And, this really starts with you. You being a positive person and having positive self talk is the best weight loss tip for women.

When I say self talk, I am speaking of the way you think of yourself. If you can not see the beauty of your own body, then why would someone else? You need to say things like: I love my body, man I am hot, I look awesome, or whatever else makes you feel good. This will put your mind and your attitude in a whole different perspective. And when you can flip the switch and change in this way, the doors will start to open for you and your weight loss program.

Being positive is what I mean by not giving up. You should never be uttering the words: I can't, or it is too hard or maybe next time. NO! Get up there are get it done. Hit that last rep, or that last 1 minute on the treadmill, or those last 5 sit-ups. Give it your very best every time. This is being positive. You can then honestly say you laid it out there, and you did your best. Why lie to yourself and say you did all that you could when you didn't? It serves no purpose. Be positive with your workouts and with your dieting. It works.

Out of all of the weight loss advice out there, they are mainly focusing on the outside of the woman. But here, we are looking at the inside of the woman. And what is on the inside, will eventually surface. So, be positive, have positive self talk, and I believe you can do anything you want to and look any way you want to. And, this is the best weight loss tip for women.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Weight Loss Exercise for Women

A healthy diet and adequate exercise are necessary for weight loss. The loss of weight associated with a chronic illness is referred to as cachexia. Unexpected, unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of illness and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Losing weight and keeping it off is a real challenge for most people. Exercise helps to burn excess calories and build muscle, both of which are important for weight management. Exercise increases your metabolism, burns excess calories, and increases your muscle mass, which in turn burns more calories. Exercising too hard or trying to do too much too quickly in the beginning can lead to burnout, serious injuries, and frustration. Instead, you should gradually begin to increase the intensity of your workout. The reasons to lose weight are as numerous as the number of dieters, but health and self-esteem top most people's lists.

Excess weight is caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, which include: physical and chemical and behavioral components. Because of the complexity of weight loss, gain, and maintenance, women need to understand that a quick and effortless weight loss is worthless. Extra weight can aggravate heart problems, and can cause diabetes and a host of other scary medical problems. Exercising on an empty stomach does not affect how you lose weight. In fact, it may hinder it if you don't have the energy to exercise. You should at least drink a glass of juice prior to your workout if you're exercising in the morning. Spot exercises, like sit-ups, crunches, hip raises, leg raises, hip adduction, hip abduction, etc. can only develop the muscles adjacent to the fat. They cannot burn fat from the area exercised.

Aerobic Exercise:

1. If you want to lose weight, cardio-aerobic exercise is one of the best types of physical activity. It also provides a range of general health and fitness benefits.

2. Aerobic exercise is any extended activity that makes you breathe hard while using the large muscle groups at a regular, even pace.

3. Aerobic activities help make your heart stronger and more efficient. They also use more calories than other activities.

4. Some examples of aerobic activities include: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobic dancing, racket sports, skating (all types), skiing, using aerobic equipment, or general aerobic exercises.

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Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Walking Tips - From Warm Up to Cool Down

Following are exercising tips for a walking program, from the warm up to the cool down.

Stretching

It is crucial that you stretch before and after you exercise, whether it's your first time walking for exercise or whether you're a walking pro. Stretching helps loosen muscles which reduces your chance of sore muscles or injury. Remember to stretch your calf and Achilles, hamstring and quadriceps.

Warm Up

Have a 5 minute warm up prior to walking. Begin walking at a medium pace then slowly increase the pace so you begin walking at your exercising pace after 5 minutes. Don't include the time involved in your warm up as part of your total walking time. The warm up period helps loosen muscles and, thus, decreases the risk of pulling or tearing muscles.

Cool Down

Upon completion of your walk, slow down gradually. Spend 5 minutes walking slowly. Stopping your exercise program abruptly can result in dizziness. Don't include these 5 minutes in your exercise time.

Heart Rate

Keep your heart rate on target. It's necessary to keep your heart rate within its "target zone" for a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes to achieve a true aerobic benefit. The target zone is between 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate (the fastest your heart can beat). If you walk below 60 percent, your walk will have little aerobic benefit. Whereas walking above 85 percent would be too strenuous. It is best to keep your heart rate within 60 to 75 percent of the maximum.

In summary, a proper walking program incorporates stretching, a 5 minute warm up, a 5 minute cool down, and keeping your heart rate within its target zone for maximum aerobic benefit.

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Monday, June 11, 2007

3 Of 8 Things You Must Do To Build Maximum Muscle Mass

#3 - Increase your water intake.

Water is an absolutely critical component to the muscle-building process and to overall body health in general. Failing to keep yourself properly hydrated throughout the day will have a negative impact on literally every single process within your entire body!

Most people know that they should be drinking "plenty" of water throughout the day, but how many actually do?

If you really paid close attention to your water intake you'd probably be surprised at how little you actually consume.

What makes proper water intake so amazingly important?

Well for starters, it's the most abundant element in your body. It is ranked only 2nd to oxygen as being essential to life.

Your body can survive for weeks without food, but without water you'd be dead in about 3 days.

Roughly 80% of your body is made up of water; the brain is 85% water and lean muscle tissue is 70% water.

Research has shown that being even slightly dehydrated can decrease strength and physical performance significantly. In fact, merely a 3-4% drop in your body's water levels will lead to a 10-20% decrease in muscle contractions.

Not only will water increase your strength, but it also plays a large role in preventing injuries in the gym. Highly intensive training over a long period of time can put unwanted stress on your joints and connective tissue, and water helps to fight against this stress by lubricating the joints and forming a protective "cushion" around them.

Along with protecting your joints, water is vital in the process of digestion. Anytime you consume a macromolecule, such as protein, your body must break this large molecule down into smaller pieces for absorption.

In the case of protein, you will be breaking it down into amino acids. Your body can only break down the protein into amino acids if water is present. So, in order to ensure that your body is utilizing all of the nutrients you consume, you must make sure that your water intake is high.

So, just how much water is enough?

To find out how many ounces of water you should be consuming every day, multiply your bodyweight by 0.6. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you should be consuming around 90 ounces of water every day.

150 x 0.6 = 90

I know it sounds like a lot, but if you plan your day out properly it shouldn't be a problem. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip from it periodically. Keep water in the places where you spend most of your time: in your car, at work, on your nightstand.

Another good method to ensure that you drink enough water is to pre-fill a few 16 ounce bottles at the beginning of the day. This way you can have a visual representation of where your water consumption is at any point in the day.

For the first few days you'll probably find yourself running to the bathroom quite frequently, but your body will soon adapt to the increased water volume and this will no longer be a problem.

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Friday, June 08, 2007

A Double Chin Liposuction Guide

If you are thinking about going through a double chin liposuction but do not know the faintest thing about, this article contains information on most information relevant to undergoing such a cosmetic surgery.

For cosmetic surgeons, complaints about having an ugly double chin are a common story. These days it does not matter whether one is male of female, one wants to have a double chin liposuction to remove that fat under the chin. We cannot blame the discontent people have for their double chins. We equally cannot blame them if they opt for cosmetic surgery rather than go through the possible inconveniences of a diet and the hassles of working out. When these traditional avenues of losing weight fail, one option still remains a valid one: double chin liposuction.

What about those exercises that people say target exclusively the under chin muscles? They do work, or rather, they can work to improve the tone of your under chin muscles. Remember though that muscle toning is not the same as losing the fat build up that will remain under your chin. You can workout a muscle until it firms up. Fat is not muscle. This is why these exercises, targeted as they as claimed, to slim down the double chin, do not work. Along with various amusing gadgets advertised on TV and on the Internet, these deceptively simple solutions are simply what they are: deceptively simple.

Double chin liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that physically removes the excess build up of fat under your chin, and even takes away the skin areas that sag around the neck area. It makes no claims of slimming down or reducing fat because it does none of those things. Instead, for example, of compacting garbage so it consumes less space, the garbage is taken out altogether. This simplicity is what accounts for the affectivity of double chin liposuction.

Double chin liposuction techniques keep improving over time, and patients who have gone through such procedures are reporting that they can return to their lives, their jobs, and their families, earlier than before. There are fewer side effects being reported, and patients are recovering at a much faster rate. The bad post-surgery stories associated with double chin liposuction are now gone.

Consult a physician before undergoing double chin liposuction.

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Thursday, June 07, 2007

Internal Cleansing, Weight Gain, And Fat Loss

Detoxification is not traditionally used in the context of weight loss, despite the fact that many do lose weight on detox diets. What is even more unusual is new evidence regarding the role of the level of toxins in the body as a possible contributing factor in excess weight.

A number of studies have found detrimental links between the rate at which pesticides are released from the body during weight loss, and a person's metabolic rate afterwards. Additionally, pesticides and industrial pollution have been found to lower metabolic rate by their affect on thyroid hormones and the rate at which the liver excretes them. And this is the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

What does all this mean?

To understand why this occurs, it is helpful to learn a little bit about environmental toxins in the body. Whilst detox experts include metabolic by-products and a number of other things such as medications, alcohol, tobacco, and the like in the list of culprits that contribute to the effects of toxicity in the body, the studies I saw cited environmental toxins only, so I will limit my discussion to these. That is not to say that these other things aren't potentially causing problems for an individual, only that they weren't in these studies.

Environmental toxins include organochlorides, which come from pesticides, and PCB's, which are leaked into the environment from industrial pollution. Pesticides make it into our body via the food we eat, and are also found in many of the chemicals we clean with and use in the garden. These toxins are stored in our body in fat cells. So, people who have a higher body mass index, store a greater amount of toxins.

When we lose weight, the fat cells are metabolized, or broken down. This releases into the body any toxins stored there. Thus, if you lose a lot of weight, you release into your body's circulatory system a greater amount of stored PCB's and pesticides.

How Do PCB's And Pesticides Affect Metabolism?

A number of studies cited in an article in Nature and Health (Feb/Mar 2007) describe the way in which metabolism is negatively affected:

* damage to the mitochondria. Mitochondria are energy producing 'powerhouses' in all cells. In the liver, and muscle tissue they convert fat into energy.


* reduction of thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormones contribute to the basal mnetabolic rate, and are particularly involved in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.


* an increase in the excretion of thyroid hormones by the liver


* these toxins have an affinity with the receptor sites where thyroid hormones need to attach in order to produce their regular metabolic effects


* these toxins also use the transport proteins that thyroid hormones need to use in order to get to these sites


* blocking the effects of the hormone, leptin, that signals that you are full. Thus, you may think you're hungry even when you're not and overeat as a result.

Unfortunately, simply burning off fat is not enough to stop the effects of PCB's and pesticides. They can affect your metabolic rate even after you've lost weight, if you don't also excrete the toxins. And because of the inhibitory effect they have on metabolism when overweight, they can contribute to a weight loss plateau.

There are a number of things you can do to detoxify your body however. This includes adding herbs, vitamins, and steam baths or saunas. Saunas are actually a very effective way to eliminate toxins. A daily sauna session of 15 minutes, at 60 degrees celcius in a far-infrared sauna, can reduce both body weight and body fat, as well as excreting environmental toxins through the skin.

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Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Three Simple Questions To Know What's Going On Inside Your Own Head

You read, see, and hear these types of headlines all the time:

  • "Get Ripped Abs Fast!"
  • "Increase Your Bench In 3 Weeks!"
  • "Lose 50 Pounds With XYZ Supplement!"
  • "Be Chiseled For Summer!"
  • "Get Buff By Buying This Program!"
  • "Drop Those Last 10 Pounds!"
  • "Gain Those 10 Pounds And Get The Woman Of Your Dreams!"
  • Etc.
They are not only in the bodybuilding and physique advertisements, but they appear on television, radio, the internet, billboards, and magazines of all types. In addition, you may hear comments from your friends & family saying, "If only I could lose those last stubborn 10 pounds," or, "I hate being so skinny!" Most people are probably exposed to comments of this type at least once per day if they live or interact in an urban or suburban environment.

I have had the opportunity to study many of the "mind disciplines" such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), hypnosis, sports psychology, the basics of quantum physics (ok... the VERY basics!), and a few other areas of similar study. The thing is that most of them have commonalities, or "overlap" in them. Personally, I find this to be terrific!! If the latest studies of the human mind - with the most intricate machines & research studies - happen to share commonalities with examples we see in everyday life then we can begin to take heart knowing that there might be something to those commonalities. It would be as if you & your friends all had a different type of compass, yet each one pointed to "North" in the same direction; you then can make an agreement for what all of you consider to be "North."

One "commonality" among all of these disciplines is that there is usually a much deeper motivation that is going on in your head when you set goals or make other declarations about your identity, particularly about your own body. The types of headlines listed earlier may sell you features, benefits, or both; however they usually fail to trigger what is REALLY going on inside your head! Here is an example:

If you say, "I want to drop those last 10 pounds before the upcoming X (wedding, high school reunion, company pool party, etc.)" you now can ask yourself a few questions to find out your TRUE motivation:

1) When I think about XYZ (dropping those last 10 pounds, increasing my bench press by 20 pounds, etc.), what is important to me?

2) How is the answer from # 1 important to me?

3) What will the answer for # 2 do for me?

Here is an example:

1) When I think about dropping those last 10 pounds before the upcoming company pool party, what is important to me?

Example answer: "I want to look good."

2) How is looking good (answer from # 1) important to me?

Example answer: "So I won't look gross to people."

[** SIDE NOTE** A lot of people are motivated by what they "won't be" or "don't want to have." This is a different type of motivation than what you DO want or what you WANT to achieve. This is discussed in the Metroflex Gym e-book and will be a topic for a future newsletter]

3) What will not looking gross to people (answer from # 2) do for me?

Example answer: "I finally get to feel attractive around people I know."

So the "core emotion", in this example, is for you to feel attractive around people you know. Once you have that core emotion (also known as a "deep-seated need") identified, ask yourself the best ways you can meet this need. It could be:

  • I am going to update my wardrobe
  • I am going to get my teeth fixed
  • I will get a good book on exercise from a reputable source
  • I will be around more uplifting & positive people
  • I will go on that interview to get a new job, earn more money, and start to feel "alive again"
  • Etc.
No matter what your specific situation is, make sure that you ask yourself those three questions and quickly get to the heart of what is really going on in your own head. It will save you TONS of time, money, and energy! Many people will find that their "sticking points" or "plateaus" come from never addressing what is REALLY going on inside their own heads.... and all they need to do is ask three simple questions!

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Monday, June 04, 2007

Can A Girl With Love Handles Accept Her Surplus Tummy

Straight answer? Depends on the girl. Fashion and image conscious answer? Not a chance in hell. Women, as encouraged by the fashion industry are nudged to be more look-conscious than the opposite sex. The conspiracy, as some not-so-slim women shoppers put it, begins at the clothes racks in shopping malls. The hip-hugging jeans, the tight sweaters, the skin revealing and form-showing motif.

Either a girl with love handles stay with her excess tummy and wince at herself everyday in the mirror, or she finds ways to "overcome" it. Overcoming is not the same as acceptance. Overcoming "it," for some, takes the form of stages.

Denial--If you were slim and agile and unselfconscious of the figure you took for granted, and then suddenly bloated up, the denial stance is understandable. Either you given in and live with the bulges in some passive-aggressive stance, or, something else sets in.

Anger--The nerve of fate to dish out such a thing on you, and around your midsection at that, marking off certain show-off clothes on your closet as unwearables. Either you rationalize your laziness and not jump into diet fads and a sudden non-rush to the gym, or your anger fuels your discontent and you research love handle loss how-to's. And then you discover you have to change your eating and lifestyle habits.

Depression--This hits when you are disappointed at yourself for not sticking to the diet, at not living up to weight-expectations after a certain period, at the image of you in the mirror and the clothes you still cannot wear. People unsatisfied with how they look to experience this. A girl with love handles is not exception.

Acceptance--For some women, acceptance is really not acceptance, but really a laziness to try harder to find a solution or a plain giving up. The anger remains, but is mute, and the depression must have forced you to re-evaluate how important it is for you to lose that love handle. You've lost your steam to struggle, or you've come to embrace and love your tummy bulge, or as with some women, learned to ignore it.

So, can a girl with love handles accept her surplus tummy? Yes. But as with most things in life, you have to pay the price.

Go visit our site below and start losing those love handles now.

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Friday, June 01, 2007

The Most Common Mistakes Made When it Comes to Fat Loss

1. Steroids. Those people in the magazines you're goggling at, the bodybuilders, they didn't get there by doing the right exercises, eating the right foods, or taking ordinary supplements. Those guys probably injected steroids for massive muscle growth. It's not exactly safe, and it's not realistic to make them you're goals unless you too plan on injecting steroids into you system. Be realistic.

2. Fad Diets. How many people do you think fail at diets? A whopping 90%. Why? Because there is no quick fix to weight loss. It takes a lot of work, and when people realize this they give up. Realize it before you get into everything that's hot on the market so you'll stick to something that works.

3. Diet Pills. Pills are not any better, and can be worse, than fad diets. If they work at all, it will be short-term only. Many of them come with horrible side effects, possibly making you gain, not lose, the weight. These are not a safe way of losing the weight so don't try every 'free to first 10 callers' pill out there.

4. Fad exercise equipment. There are hundreds of tools out there that promise you washboard abs in a matter of days. Every new on that comes out attracts thousands of people buying into them. That's not to say some of them don't work; probably a few do actually give you results, maybe not as fast as they proclaim. If you buy exercise equipment, at least use it. Don't let it sit around collecting dust while you add to your collect the latest greatest home gym.

5. Sticking with it. Too many people get all worked up about getting a better body shape just to stop a few weeks or months later when they find out it takes work. Use your enthusiasm to your advantage and keep up the good work long term. It might be hard, but quitting isn't going to get you anywhere.

6. Gain good habits. Use your enthusiasm to change things about your lifestyle that will help you lose the weight. Eat better, exercise more, build more muscle. Start slow and work your way up, establishing habits that will carry you through the long haul and beyond.

7. Be patient. How long do you think it took you to put on the weight? A while, right? So don't expect anything to work in a few weeks. It's going to take time (and it should if it's healthy!) to lose the weight and become a toned, healthy person.

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