Weight Loss = Sex Gain!

If you're looking for reasons to get back into shape, to lose weight and to improve your health, then consider the impact of your weight on your sex life!

Research from Duke University indicates that up to 30% of obese people seeking help controlling their weight indicate problems with sex drive, sexual desire, sexual performance, or all three.

We know that medical conditions such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes have the ability to impact sexual performance, which then may psychologically impact sexual desire. In men, both conditions can cause the tiny arteries in the penis to clog with fatty deposits, which can result in erectile dysfunction and/or impotence.

And overweight women are being affected as well! Similar blockages in the blood vessels leading to the clitoris are causing women's bodies to be less sexually responsive, which also may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.

Worse yet for the sex drive, the higher the body fat percentage, the higher the levels in the body of SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin). SHBG binds to the sex hormone testosterone, effectively reducing the testosterone available in the body. And testosterone is responsible for our sex drive, in both men AND women.

Of course, the impact of our weight upon our body image and our self-esteem is also a huge one when it comes to our sex life. If we don't feel attractive, we certainly tend to isolate and withdraw and not allow others into our personal/sexual space, even if THEY find us appealing.

The good news though, is that as we lose weight, our improving sex drive serves to help us keep the weight off, for a number of good reasons.

1. On average, you can burn up to 200 calories or more during a half hour lovemaking session!

2. If we have a healthy sex life, we are less frustrated and we generally eat less when we are not frustrated.

3. Sex is a mood enhancer. The more sex, the more endorphins (feel good hormone) are released and the better we feel. And again, we may not need to eat to "fill up" that anxiety or depression.

4. Sexual activity reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies. Cortisol raises our blood pressure, lowers our immune system and causes us to store fat in our bodies. And cortisol also contributes to the aging process, so sex can definitely keep us younger!

5. Sexual activity tends to improve our quality of sleep, which is also connected to weight loss.

6. The more activities that increase the blood flow to our large muscle groups (thighs, buttocks, pelvis), the better circulation we will have to the genitals. This will ultimately lead to improved arousal and orgasm and increasing sexual desire. There's a synergistic effect here, almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And, as an extra added bonus for men, I was told the following by Dr. Neil Cannon, a well-respected Sex Therapist in Denver: for every 30 pounds a man loses, his penis effectively gains an inch of length!

So there you have it, the long and the short of it! Hopefully this has given you some extra incentive to get yourself in shape or to continue your commitment to staying in shape. My goal is to inspire you, even if just a little bit. Slow and steady does win the race.

I wish you the best and look forward to your comments to this information. And as always, I appreciate you forwarding this post to anyone that you believe would benefit from it.

Thank you so much,

Dr. Adam Sheck

Dr. Adam Sheck, "The Passion Doctor" is a Clinical Psychologist and Couples Counselor and creator of the Passion 101 Website and Blog. In it you will find ideas and suggestions to help you have more passion, more romance, more sensuality, and more intimacy in your relationship.

Free Special Report: "20 Rituals For Romance!" at http://www.passion101.com

What's your most important question about Relationships, Romance, Intimacy or Sexuality? Ask Dr. Sheck at http://www.askadamnow.com and find out how he answers these questions at his free monthly Teleseminars.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Adam_Sheck

Women, Weightlifting and Weight Loss

Contrary to much of what women read online, weightlifting doesn't necessarily help women lose weight. But if you're looking to reduce body fat then weightlifting is a great idea for women of all ages.

When women work out with weights, they're burning calories - an important step in weight loss. Further, the more muscle on a woman's body the greater number of calories her body will burn 24 hours a day, even at rest or while sleeping. And a properly-designed weight training regime will keep that extra fat burning going for hours after her gym time ends - a nice bonus from her weightlifting efforts!

Healthy nutrition to support women's weightlifting plays an important role in her weight loss regime as well. A lower carbohydrate intake should be part of any diet plan, and the higher protein intake both supports the muscle building process and burns off more calories to digest than do fats and carbs. For example, a cup of cottage cheese before bed will keep a body burning calories for up to 4 hours as it makes its way through the digestive system - and what could be better for burning fat than having your body burn extra calories while you're sleeping?

The net effect for women, over time, is complete body shaping - fat melting away, muscles firm and strong and extra energy and vitality to face each day's challenges. No more wobbly skin under the arms, the appearance of a deeper cleavage and a healthy glow to the skin and face - all are pleasant changes most women desire.

But you'll sabotage your own results if you're too focused on the concept of losing weight. Generic, systemic weight loss should never be your goal, because if you're simply using the scale to monitor your progress you'll end up losing as much muscle as fat, and quite possibly more muscle than fat. Muscle is much denser than bodyfat, and so weighs more for a smaller amount. And your body is designed to rid itself of unnecessary muscle while maintaining fat stores for future energy needs. Weightlifting is the only way to convince your body it still needs the muscle you have, and maybe even that it needs a bit more.

Worrying about building big, bulky muscles from women's weightlifting is unnecessary, since a woman's body doesn't produce sufficient testosterone for the job - you have about 1/10th of the testosterone levels a man has, and look what they go through trying to build big, muscular bodies! Your muscles will get stronger and probably a bit bigger, and your reduced body fat levels will make them more noticeable when you flex - but you will certainly retain, and most likely enhance, your beautiful feminine appearance.

Working out lifting weights effectively will let women reshape their bodies and achieve the look they're after - without losing weight. Since muscle is much more dense than fat, your weight may well stay the same throughout your body transformation, or even increase slightly. But then wouldn't you rather be fit, healthy, shapely, sexy and energetic than skinny, tired and unhealthy? To achieve the body you want start your weightlifting program today!

D. Champigny is a certified personal trainer and publisher of the Flirting With Fitness website and online magazine. You can get more health, fitness, exercise and nutrition tips from him on his Getting Back In Shape blog and more great weightloss tips at http://flirtingwithfitness.com/weight-loss/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._Champigny

Natural Weight Loss Supplements for Women

Losing weight is among the most difficult tasks on the earth; perhaps because the majority of you aren't conscious of the natural weight loss supplements for women that can make you look sexy and young in a couple of weeks. The single most common mistake women make while looking for fat loss supplements is that they go for chemically processed products that may work in the short run but over a period, the person becomes dependent on them to stay in shape. In addition, most of these pills and processed chemical formulas alter the working of your heart and other body organs. So ultimately, they turn out to be unhealthy for the person's physical and general health.

Having said that, natural weight loss supplements for women do not have harmful effects. They assist our body to enhance its organs and circulatory system and metabolism to the extent that the body works more effectively without being hooked on external stimulants. When evaluating weight loss supplements, perhaps you may encounter numerous pills and brands claiming to have 100 percent natural ingredients within their products. However, it is really not always the case; usually, the nature of the herbal product is changed completely by little processing and its benefits therefore are turned into secondary effects for the body.

Below are a few very effective natural weight loss supplements for women, which can help you shed much fat in a month. However, it should be noted here that all those natural supplements work as long as you keep a check on your diet and make your body used to some regular exercise whether, either walking or exercising. Natural or processed supplements alone cannot make a significant difference at the end. Let's look into those weight loss supplements.

Green Supplements:

These nutritional supplements can be obtained under different names and brand symbols. Green supplements usually comprise of small capsules that include extracts of just about thirty to thirty six green leafy vegetables that help improve the metabolism of the body. Initially, the diet plan supplement will surely have an opposite effect i.e. your craving for food might increase but after a number of days, the body adjusts to the properties of these capsules. Once adjusted, it cuts down on your appetite while increasing your metabolism, as a result, you start burning the excess fat within your body.

Alkaline Supplements:

Alkaline vitamin supplements work by maintaining the acidity level of your system. They also come in the form of tablets, which will be consisting of natural products with high alkaline properties. These natural weight loss supplements for women affects the digestive system of the body; improving its efficiency and assisting you in digesting your meals quickly. Furthermore, it makes you feel lighter and enhances your psychical activity. The sense of drowsiness and laziness reduces and you feel like going out and walking around on a regular basis. Because your rate of metabolism and muscle increase, you will start shedding weight without making any particular effort.

In addition, you can find the best tips and advice to lose weight naturally at http://www.weightbliss.com. Weight Bliss is a site dedicated to helping you get the body of your dreams. Start losing weight today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Simmons

8 Secrets to Avoid Being Hungry All The Time

Are you tired of being hungry all the time? I can relate. I used to be hungry all the time too. I used to be hungry all the time. After years of experimentation and lots of study, I've finally unlocked the secrets to avoid being hungry all the time and am excited to share them with you. It all comes down to eating the right kinds of foods in the right ways so that your body's natural hunger/satisfaction signals work properly and blood sugar is kept steady.

8 Secrets to Avoid Constant Hunger

1. Eat real food and avoid the processed stuff. The more nutritious food your body gets and the fewer "empty calories" you consume, the happier your body becomes which results in a healthier metabolism and less intense hunger signals.

2. Include protein and healthy fats with meals and snacks. They take longer to digest and help keep you feeling full longer. Here are some examples of meals and snacks that work well:

Breakfast: Eggs in some form with 1 slice 100% whole wheat toast; 100% whole wheat toast with peanut butter or almond butter and fruit; full fat plain greek yogurt with high fiber cereal, fruit and a drizzle maple syrup; Steel cut oatmeal with butter or coconut milk, fruit, nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup; cottage cheese with fruit; leftovers.

Snacks: a handful of nuts; slices of apple with almond butter; popcorn with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle parmesan; sardines on whole grain crisp bread; cottage cheese with fruit; hummus and raw vegetables.

Dinner: Salad, poultry or fish and vegetables; vegetable lentil soup; turkey or vegetarian chili; hearty soups, stews or chili; whole wheat pasta with lots of vegetables and turkey sausage; meat, green vegetables, salad with olive oil dressing and small baked potato with butter and full fat Greek yogurt.

3. Eat lots of vegetables. They are nutritionally dense - full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants - and fill you up. Try to include a rainbow of colors - white, green, yellow, orange, red, blue and purple - everyday.

4. Limit excess sugar. If you must have dessert, have a small amount - just a bite or two at the end of your meal - so it doesn't send your blood sugar soaring. Avoid sugary drinks including soda and fruit juice.

5. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners. They perpetuate your sweet tooth, causing you to crave more sweets, and they they interfere with your body's hunger/satisfaction signals which can make you hungry. I noticed I was often ravenous within an hour of drinking a diet soda. Opt for a big glass of water with lemon, vegetable juice, green tea or sparkling water instead.

6. When you eat eat. Stop multitasking through your snacks and meals. Your brain and five senses are a big part of digestion and satisfaction. If you eat while watching television or answering email, you won't really taste your food which can lead your body to send out hunger signals even though you've eaten.

7. Get enough sleep. When you are overtired your body may send you signals that it needs more energy in the form of food. I often feel hungry when I am tired and really need a nap. Studies have demonstrated that people who are sleep deprived weigh more.

8. Drink lots of water. Most of us don't drink enough water and again, your body may inadvertently send you a hunger signal when it's really thirsty, especially if you have a habit of ignoring thirst. If you are hungry and there is no real good reason you should be, have a big glass of water and wait 10 minutes. Your hunger may disappear.

Now that you have read just how simple it can be to tame your hunger, I hope you'll give it a try. Start with one thing and then try another. Before you know it, you'll be wondering what ever happened to your constantly "hungry girl."

Martha McKinnon is a health & nutrition coach and independent pampered chef consultant who shares her passion for healthy balanced eating and living on her websites that include http://www.simple-nourished-living.com and http://www.best-ever-cookie-collection.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_McKinnon

Savvy French Weight Loss Secrets By Martha McKinnon

Fed up with trying to lose weight with deprivation diets and bootcamp exercise regimens? Why not take a lead from French, Mediterranean, and savvy women around the world and give the pleasurable approach to weight loss a try? It works for me and it can work for you.

I listened to a great talk last night by Tonya Leigh, a Martha Beck Master Life Coach specializing in weight loss, who has a program that helps women lose weight by tapping into their desire for pleasure. Since this is the only kind of weight loss program I'm interested in these days, she definitely got my attention.

Tonya explained that her weight loss program is rooted in what she learned from the French when she visited her husband in the south of France, while he attended graduate school. So, what were her French slimming secrets, you ask?

Savvy Weight Loss Secrets

1. Focus on quality not quantity. Quality matters and the French cultivate quality time, relationships and appreciate high quality food. Increased quality means you are magically satisfied with less. Eat smaller amounts of really satisfying food.

2. Create supportive rituals. Establish regular meal times where you sit down and really savor your food, take time to honor yourself with a bit of self love and appreciation each day, spend a few minutes visualizing your perfect day each morning and then take little steps to realize it.

3. Savor life. Take time to smell the roses. Find simple pleasures. Engage your senses. Savor your food - see it, smell it, taste it, notice its flavors and textures.

4. Make time for solitude and relaxation. Take 5 minutes and do some deep breathing or read something inspirational. Find something to be thankful for.

5. Clear away some clutter. Any clutter, not just kitchen clutter. Getting rid of closet clutter can be powerful too since everything is symbolic and interrelated. Follow the lead of savvy French women and focus on simplicity and quality with your clothes. Get rid of the clothes that don't fit or make you feel beautiful. You are better off with just a few articles of clothing that really ft and flatter you.

Isn't this approach so much more interesting than counting calories and fat grams? If you have read, French Women Don't Get Fat, you will recognize a lot of similarities here. In fact Tonya used a word - compensation - that I first heard author Mireille Guiliano use in French Women Don't Get Fat, that essentially means making little adjustments in your diet. When you indulge a bit one day, cut back a little bit the next. (A common sense approach to staying in balance without having to resort to extreme diets.)

Why I Believe in the French Approach to Staying Slim

Everything that Tonya said reaffirmed what I have experienced for myself - losing weight is about so much more than what you eat and how much you exercise. I know that when I become focused on my weight and some new "diet" I'm doomed. I struggle, feel miserable and the weight becomes impossible to budge. Then, when I wake up and focus on things that make me happy - nourishing myself, learning something new, my family, my friends, quality food - and find ways to make my life a celebration, the weight melts away, just like it did this summer! ( In June I weighed around 148 and now I am down to 135 - the low end of my healthy range. Of course, summer is the perfect time to shed a few pounds since you have your natural rhythms working with you, but that's a whole other discussion.)

I have experienced this paradox for myself. When I get caught up in the "diet" "good food; bad food" mentality that pervades here in the US, following the advice of all the "weight loss experts" I struggle, feel miserable and gain weight. Then when I say, "life is too short" and I embrace the attitude of the French, Mediterranean (or any other savvy women for that matter), indulging in delicious real food that is often higher in fat, chocolate and wine, while focusing on nourishing myself inside and out, I thrive and lose weight. It is so counterintuitive I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't experienced for myself.

I still find myself slipping back into "diet and deprivation" thinking every once in a while. (I am an American woman, after all.) Fortunately, it never lasts for long and that's when I know it is time to start visualizing my next trip to France, or Italy, or Greece, or Spain (or at least spend some time with one of my favorite French or Mediterranean cookbooks).

Try it for yourself. (You don't have to travel to another country.) Begin by adopting just one behavior that has you focusing on nourishing/pleasuring yourself instead of depriving and beating yourself up. Before you know it, you will be happier and your clothes will be looser.

Martha McKinnon is a health coach and yoga instructor who believes that eating great & losing weight can be simple & delicious. If you are tired of struggling and are ready to love yourself to health & happiness, she can help. Her website is http://www.simple-nourished-living.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martha_McKinnon

Green tea confirmed as a weight loss nutrient and heart health antioxidant

Green tea (and its less refined cousin, white tea) has been a part of the ancient Chinese tradition for countless generations, in large part due to its rich endowment of bioactive catechins. Many studies over the past decade have shown that green tea is a powerful tool to improve metabolism in a way that is supportive of weight loss.

Scientists publishing in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry demonstrate that it activates genes associated with fat burning while also helping to reduce absorption of fat from the digestive tract. Further evidence on the gene-altering activity of green tea is reported in the International Journal of Cardiology, as polyphenols from the drink lower free radical damage to help maintain telomere length in heart cells. Drinking several cups of green tea each day may hold the key to effective weight management and cardiac health.

Researchers from the Departments of Chemical Biology and Pharmacology and Toxicology at Rutgers University in New Jersey examined the effect of green tea supplementation on obese mice, known to exhibit similar metabolic characteristics to humans. The animals were broken into two groups and both were fed a traditional high fat/Western style diet. One group received water supplemented with the green tea bioactive catechin EGCG, while the second group acted as a non-supplemented control.

Green Tea Supplementation Assists Weight Loss by Reducing Abdominal Fat Stores

The study determined that EGCG supplementation significantly reduced body weight gain, associated with increased fecal lipids and decreased blood glucose levels, compared to those of the control group. Scientists further found that fatty liver incidence, associated liver damage and liver triglyceride levels were also decreased by the EGCG treatment. Treated animals also experienced improved insulin response as well as lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) and interlukin-6 (IL-6) levels, both strong indicators of systemic inflammation and immune response.

The study authors concluded "Our results demonstrate that the high fat/Western diet produces more severe symptoms of metabolic syndrome and that the EGCG treatment can alleviate these symptoms and body fat accumulation. The beneficial effects of EGCG are associated with decreased lipid absorption and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines." Green tea helps our cellular engines (mitochondria) to better metabolize calories more efficiently, providing a significant weight management tool.

Additionally, supporting research documents the effect of green tea catechins on extending the lifespan of heart muscle cells. Scientists found that EGCG supplementation exerted a potent antioxidant effect that lowered free radical damage to preserve telomere length and reduce heart cell death. Nutrition experts recommend two to four cups of fresh brewed green tea daily or an organically compounded and standardized EGCG supplement (300 to 500 mg daily) to assist weight management goals and improve cardiovascular health.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/green_tea_as_a_poten...
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf2029016
http://www.wellnessresources.com/health/articles/green_tea_and_querce...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22000973

About the author:
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.

Evidence shows diet soda is not a healthy weight loss product

Artificially sweetened drinks are often promoted as healthy alternatives for weight loss and diabetes because they are low in calories and don't contain sugar. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that these diet sodas are harmful to human health. According to Sharon Fowler, MPH, an authority on this subject, "Diet soda is not a health food. In fact, it's not a food at all, it's simply a slurry of chemicals, a number of which may have deleterious effects on the body." Most recently diet sodas have been tied to increased risk of stroke and heart attack, and while many people drink them as an aid to weight reduction, research suggests if you drink diet soda, weight gain may be the result instead.

Weight gain

In one study linking diet beverages to weight gain, Hazuda, et. al. at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, recorded changes in waist circumferences in 474 elderly participants in a 10-year study. As part of the study they controlled for diabetes, physical activity, neighborhood, age, sex and ethnicity. Findings showed that increases in waist sizes were 70 percent greater among those who drank diet soft drinks compared with those who did not. In addition, waist size increases were as much as 500 percent greater amongst those that drank two or more diet sodas a day.

In other research, Sharon Fowler and colleagues studied eight years of data based on individuals between 25 and 64. Of the study participants who were of normal weight in the beginning, a third were overweight or obese eight years later. In evaluating the correlation between obesity and diet drinks researchers found that every bottle of diet soda participants drank in a day raised their obesity risk by 41 percent.

Diabetes

Aspartame, a common sweetener in diet beverages, has also been linked to diabetes. In an animal study conducted at UT San Antonio, researchers fed corn oil-enriched feed to one group of mice and the same feed plus aspartame to another group. Three months later the aspartame group had elevated glucose levels but insulin levels that were equal to or less than those of the control group, suggesting that aspartame may be part of the connection between diet soda consumption and diabetes.

Corrupted Signals

What is the reason for the diet soda weight gain connection? One theory is that our bodies rely on a signaling system based on the quality of the foods we eat. In the case of diet soda, the body experiences a sweet taste and expects calories; but when they aren't forthcoming starts to crave food, which leads to overeating. Psychologists at Purdue University tested this idea by comparing two groups of rats, one which was fed yogurt with sugar and one which was fed yogurt with saccharine. The saccharine rats ate significantly more calories, gained more weight and put on more body fat than the control group.

Sweet Cravings

Still another possibility is that eating sweets dulls our taste buds causing us to eat more sugary foods in compensation. Some 2011 research in the UK seems to support this idea. The scientists found that consumption of two cans of soda a day for a month resulted in a noticeable dulling of taste buds and increased cravings for high calorie foods. Since artificial sweeteners (which were not part of this particular study) are 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, it is at least possible that they may have a similar impact on our taste buds.

Sources for this article include

http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/1033-is-diet-soda-bad-for-you.html

http://www.uthscsa.edu/hscnews/singleformat2.asp?newID=3861

http://news.uns.purdue.edu/x/2008a/080211SwithersAPA.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/artificial-sweeteners.html


About the author:
Celeste Smucker is a freelance health writer and blogger with years of experience in sales and marketing.

Sufficient sleep is essential to fuel weight loss efforts

We all understand the importance of sleeping seven to nine hours each night to allow for adequate cellular housekeeping, as the body metabolizes and synthesizes enzymes and proteins that are critical to our survival. In the past, a sound sleep has been shown to lower incidence of heart disease, diabetes and dementia in direct relationship to the number of hours slept each evening.

Canadian researchers publishing the Canadian Medical Association Journal have released the result of a study showing that adequate sleep is an important part of a weight loss plan and should be added to the recommended mix of diet and exercise. In addition to lowering caloric intake and increasing physical activity, the research team led by Dr. Jean-Phillippe Chaput of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute in Ottawa has provided sufficient evidence to show that inadequate sleep is an independent risk factor for overweight and obesity.

Scientists determined that lack of sleep increases the stimulus to consume more food and increases appetite-regulating hormones. Dr. Chaput explained "The solution to weight loss is not as simple as eat less, move more, sleep more... however, an accumulating body of evidence suggests that sleeping habits should not be overlooked when prescribing a weight-reduction program to a patient with obesity."

Seven to nine hours of sleep are needed daily to aid weight loss efforts

Many different factors affect body weight including predisposition to handling stress, depression and genetic individuality. Adequate and sound sleep can improve or eliminate each of these risk factors, and can also regulate the hormones leptin and ghrelin to lower food cravings and naturally promote a normal weight range. Naturally, reducing or eliminating insulin-producing processed carbohydrate foods and cutting sugar from the diet are necessary to stimulate weight loss in many people.

The authors of this study did not provide an exact mechanism to explain how adequate sleep assists weight loss, but they did explain that a lack of sleep affects the parts of the brain that control pleasure eating. Further, the scientists indicate that levels of the hormones leptin, ghrelin, cortisol and orexin, all of which are involved in appetite or eating, are affected by lack of sleep.

Dr. Chaput concluded "An accumulating body of evidence suggests that sleeping habits should not be overlooked when prescribing a weight-reduction program to a patient with obesity." Continuing research studies validate the critical importance of a sound night's sleep of between seven and nine hours each night to protect against chronic disease and to aid weight management efforts.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123926.htm
http://www.calgaryherald.com
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-09/cmaj-ash091112.php

Finally Losing That Stubborn Extra Weight

Many people have successfully lost weight, therefore it is possible for you to do so as well. Of course packing on those extra calories was much easier than it will be to take them off, but with a little hard work and determination, it is totally achievable. If you have been dreaming about losing weight, it is time to be proactive and make it happen. The following article will give you some great tips to help you finally lose that stubborn extra weight.

Try to look at the word "diet" as any other four letter word. Diets are restrictive and in fact set you up to fail. Many diets produce short term results but are not realistic in the long run. There are many diets which are just plain unhealthy for you. Instead of dieting, make a lifestyle change. Add more fruits, vegetables, proteins and lean meats to your diet and limit your sugars, carbohydrates, fats and steer clear of processed foods. Just eating healthier and being more conscious of the foods you consume can help you to lose weight and keep you from gaining it back. Don't beat yourself up too much if you end up going overboard with your favorite "no-no" food. Just chalk it up to a bad day and move on; remember that you are only human after all.

There is nothing quite like having people in your corner who are rooting for you to succeed. Tell your friends, family and coworkers about your intentions and plans to lose weight. Having people supporting you can really make a huge difference. You might find others who want to join you in your weight loss journey. Others, knowing that you are trying to lose weight, can also help to hold you accountable because you won't want to disappoint them. This can help to motivate you at times when you are feeling weak. The support of loved ones can carry you a long way.

You can not expect to lose all of your weight in the blink of an eye, so be realistic about how long it will actually take. Set a main weight loss goal and then smaller ones that will help you to get there. Having a plan can really help you to be successful and reaching your smaller goals will keep you motivated. Celebrate each milestone you meet and let it keep propelling you forward. Focusing on losing one or two pounds a week is realistic and will keep you from becoming discouraged. It will also excite and give you an extra boost when you lose more than what you expect to. Staying motivated and being a realist will help you to achieve your weight loss goals without giving up.

It is a fact that gaining weight is a lot easier and more enjoyable than trying to lose it. Hopefully you now feel better prepared and motivated to finally lose that stubborn extra weight. Believe in yourself and you will be a slimmer and healthier version of yourself in no time!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anak_Betawi

Fastest Way to Lose Weight

Do you need to get in shape? You can get the body you always wanted thanks to an efficient weight loss program. Keep reading for some efficient weight loss strategies.

Find something that will keep you motivated as you go through your weight loss program. Plan on losing one pound a week or more if you have a fast metabolism, but make sure your goals are realistic. Keep track of how much weight you are losing and change your methods if you are not seeing the kind of results you were hoping for. Reward yourself when you meet your goals, but not with food. You could, for instance, go and buy some new clothes or go out with your friends to celebrate.

Your weight loss program should not be a diet you will follow for a couple of months. If you want your weight loss program to work, you need to completely transform your lifestyle. Introduce changes slowly so you have enough time to get used to them. Introduce one new food a week and start exercising at your own rhythm. You should focus on adopting these new habits instead of worrying about your results right away.

Rethink the way you eat. You should either do some research on nutrition or meet with a nutritionist to talk about your diet. Start by identifying and eliminating your bad nutritional habits. Perhaps you snack too often, eat portions that are too large or prepare some unbalanced meals. You do not have to go on an extreme diet to lose weight. Eating three balanced meals a day and getting the amount of calories your body needs should be enough.

There are some foods that will help you lose weight. You should introduce as many fruits and vegetables as possible in your diet. You need five daily portions of fruits and vegetables. Try cooking your vegetables in different ways and get some exotic fruits if you do not enjoy eating apples or pears. You should also purchase whole grain products. Replace white bread with a whole grain equivalent, eat some brown rice and prepare your favorite pasta dishes with some whole grain noodles.

Exercising is another thing you need to work on. You will get some results if you work out two or three times a week, but you do not have to go to the gym to get some results. Start by making an effort to be more active throughout your daily routine. Ride a bike to work and walk as much as possible. This will be easier if you find a new hobby that allows you to spend more time outside. You could, for instance, do some yard work, go collect leaves in the woods or play with your children or your dog.

Follow these tips and put together a personalized weight loss program that corresponds to your needs. You will get some incredible results if you commit to your weight loss program and focus on making some positive changes to your lifestyle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anak_Betawi

Why Natural Weight Loss Treatment Is Better?

Weight loss has been propagated as an essential personality factor today. It certainly counts very much for a pleasing personality, but cannot be termed as an imperative component of an attractive personality. Fat people can also look attractive, but yes, the slimmer and thinner ones can win the battle easily. It matters very much to the energy and efficiency of an individual, and affects the way she or he performs.

You might think of it being hyped as part of business gimmick, but recent researches have proved that obesity is really causing deadly diseases to the individuals. As the life is getting complicated, and time is growing short for daily stuff, many people find it difficult to burn fat through exercise. Therefore they look for alternative means to lose weight. This requirement of consumers has given way to several alternative means of losing weight, ranging from medical, surgical, herbal, physical, and even spiritual or supernatural. While the impact of all such means depend upon several different factors and varies that much from each other, all of them are not safe for sure. In order to ensure safe solutions, one must stick to natural weight loss treatment only.

Some people buy diet pills as an easier alternate without knowing of their side effects. Even if you have been assured of this point, one must learn about its ingredients and research well prior to its consumption. There are natural options available too. But, you need to be cautious here too. There are many manufacturers who claim their products to be 100% natural and safe for the humane consumption, but it may not be so always. All natural products are not always safe for all. There are some natural products which, if consumed more than prescribed dosage, might harm to a person with weaker digestive system. But, there are some products which are made from safer natural ingredients such as from green coffee bean extracts. These are said to be effective in increasing metabolism and burning fat naturally. Thus, by giving a thinner structure, it improves energy level, and adds to the stamina of an individual.

The reason why green-coffee bean extract is considered a better natural alternative of weight loss medicine is that it has three prolonged effects on human body. It provides proper nutrients, supplements as a balanced diet, and thereby improves fitness. This ingredient therefore is sought as a perfect weight loss treatment which also fulfills fitness goals of the individual.

Whatever way you go to lose weight, the natural way is the only safest medium to lose weight without making any other harm to the body. Most of these natural products, which are available in the market today, are extracts of some sorts of organic plants, herbs, berries, or fruits. The extra benefit that these natural supplements can serve is better health and improved immune system. In many cases these natural supplements are rich with anti-oxidants which add glow to our skin, and keep it live longer. So, whenever there is a reason why you should think of losing weight, think of natural weight loss treatment first.

Devjeet K Singh is expert nutritionist and is a regular contributing columnist in a wide variety of health magazines. You can check out his latest contribution on weight loss supplements at his webstore http://revolutionlaboratories.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Devjeet_K_Singh

Summer Weight Loss With Fruits And Vegetables

It's common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are healthy, wholesome foods and are especially good choices for losing weight. The best part is that anybody interested in summer weight loss will have access to an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables during this time of the year.

Let's face it, a lot of us have cravings for sweets, and they have to be satisfied. We could pretend that we have enough willpower to give up sweets forever, but willpower will only carry you so far. The truth is that willpower always carries you to the same place... the next binge. So, it's much smarter to find healthy sweets that are low in calories and high in complex carbohydrates. Fruit fits the bill perfectly.

One of the best ways to enjoy fruit for summer weight loss is in an ice-cold drink. You can use fruit as a garnish or make it the foundation for a cool beverage (such as juices and smoothies).

Of course you can also find fresh fruit in abundance during the summer months and it can always be enjoyed as is. You may also want to chop up several varieties of fresh fruit and make a delicious salad. Fruit is still high in sugar, but it's better than cramming a candy bar into your mouth. Besides, fruit has some fiber as well as essential vitamins, allowing you to eat them without feeling guilty about it.

Fruit isn't the only thing that can help with summer weight loss. Vegetables are also a low-calorie, satisfying way to shed pounds during the warmer months of the year.

Eating fresh vegetables is a great way to enjoy them, but watch out for fatty dips and other sauces that can negate any calorie savings. The same goes for dressings on vegetable salads. For example, a salad made with greens and topped with a splash of vinaigrette is a better choice than a potato salad that is covered with mayonnaise.

If you're looking for a real treat, then it's hard to beat grilled vegetables. Just brush them with a bit of olive oil and then roast them on the grill. They will be bursting with flavor and you will definitely want to go back for more.

You can easily find a lot of really good recipes for both fruits and vegetables. Find a few that you like and try them. Once you have tried a few, then try a few more; you will soon find yourself enjoying fruits and vegetables even more than you do now.

Fruits and vegetables are ideal for summer weight loss. They are loaded with the nutrients your body needs, are low in calories, taste good, and are readily available in the summer. You can enjoy them in any number of ways. To put it another way, fruits and vegetables are a smart addition to any meal, especially if you are trying to shed a few extra pounds.

Important Tip: For more health tips, visit http://melvinhealthtips.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melvin_Yeo

Your Weight Loss Guidebook

This is a simple, short and indeed very effective weight loss guidebook for all those who are looking for tips, suggestions, techniques, methods and recommendations for weight reduction. This guidebook and all its content is based on my personal views, research and experience. You have every right to disagree. It is not mandatory to follow all these tips and techniques rather you are free to pick a few of these based on your needs.

1. Include any physical activity in your daily routine. This physical activity range from walking to running to any outdoor game and others. The idea is to burn your calories on daily basis. If you eat and keep sitting in office and then sit at home, you will surely going to gain. Those who play any outdoor physical game never become fat.

2. Use dark-colored crockery. Use black plates for your meal. People are supposed to eat less in dark-colored plates.

3. Fruits are very helpful. Add fruits in your meal. Fruits will never make you fat no matter how much you eat them. Red berries, oranges, lemon and apple are very good at burning human body fat. Do include them in your daily meal.

4. Drinking water is a very good habit especially those who want to lose weight must drink up to 3 liters of water in a day in winters. In summer, you must drink at least 4 liters of water per day. Drink one glass of water before every meal and snack.

5. Juices and non-carbonated drinks are very good for obese people. Fruit juices are best for reducing weight.

6. Eat vegetables. Become vegetarian. Use vegetables in salads, in meals and eat them in any way you like.

7. Do not cut off carbohydrates and sugar rather reduce the quantity of carbohydrates. It is not possible to live without taking carbohydrates in the long-run, so it is useless to stop taking carbohydrates for a few months and then switching back to it. Instead, you must try to reduce the usage of carbohydrates.

8. Similarly, reduce the intake of cheese, butter, cream, oil, cholesterol, fat and other fatty products.

9. Eat salad as much as you can. Since it contains fresh non-oily vegetables, it is extremely good for health.

10. Use raspberry ketone (or alternately use red berries). How to take raspberry ketones? You can take it in any form, either in the form of a supplement or in powder form. It is extremely good at enhancing the metabolism process.

Find out more about raspberry ketone side effects and its benefits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabih_Javed

Seven Tips To Lose Weight Safely

If there were one magic pill that we could all take so that we could easily reach our target weight, I'm sure that we would take it. There are plenty of companies who all think that such a pill exists and whether you are reading about the Acai Berry, Green Coffee Bean Extract, or Raspberry Ketones, you need to know that in spite of what these products can do for you, it is going to take more than that to keep off the weight.

In the past six months, I have lost more than a third of my body weight, putting me at a rather tiny size 2 (in juniors!), which isn't bad for someone who is approaching 50 years old! I am fit, trim, athletic, and here are the seven ways to lose weight that I relied on to reach my weight loss goals safely.

1. Make a goal - If you "fail to plan, you plan to fail", so I had a very specific goal right from the beginning. That goal turned into an intermediary goal and I ended up losing an extra ten pounds than I thought necessary.

2. Enlist the help of others - Although I didn't want to admit that I was overweight, I talked to my husband, who still said I looked fine, and told him I needed his help. In other words, I needed to keep the junk food out of the house and he had to be patient with my dietary needs.

3. Don't weigh yourself all the time - I made a point of weighing myself just once a week, in the morning, with no clothes on. This was a ritual that I dreaded yet looked forward to every week and it helped to prevent me from freaking out after every meal that I ate.

4. Count your calories - I ended up using Weight Watchers as a way to keep my calories (or points) in check. This helped me make sure that I never overate on any individual day and if I did, I made up for it the next day.

5. Drink lots of water - For the first two months of my diet, I found myself constantly with a bottle of water in my hand. This helped to keep me from getting hungry and also was a reminder that I needed to stop snacking all the time.

6. Workout - There is really only one workout that I really enjoy and that is swimming, so I made a point of doing it every day, even when I wasn't in the mood. As long as you can get yourself to the gym, or the pool in my case, you can start burning those calories. I might have arrived at the pool with a goal of only swimming for a half hour, but once I got going, I ended up doing an hour or more.

7. Reward yourself - Every time I lost another five pounds, I gave myself a reward, but it wasn't food. It was a massage, a pedicure, or a day off from work. Rewarding yourself with food is a very bad thing to do!

Basically, if I can lose weight following these specific tips, so can you. I must also say that I did take nutritional supplements along the way to help curb my appetite and reduce my hunger, but eventually there was no more need for those. Once you get in the habit of eating better and working out, the weight just seems to fall off, and it can do the same for you, too.

For more information on how you can lose weight and to learn about the Green Coffee Bean Scam that is going around, please visit http://www.greencoffeebeanscam.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacy_Cooper

How Your Weight Can Affect Your Fertility

Did you know that a study has shown that women who are overweight take twice as long to get pregnant compared to those who are at normal weight. What's even more surprising is that this same study showed that underweight women took four times longer to get pregnant than those of normal body weight. Research suggests that a woman's weight can have an impact on fertility. So, what does this mean for those who are trying to get pregnant?

Well, if your BMI, Body Mass Index, is normal, then you don't have to worry about your weight having a negative impact on your fertility. Does this mean that you will get pregnant faster? No, weight is only one of many factors that can affect fertility. Let's just hope that nothing is hampering your ability to get pregnant but to be on the safe side, it's best to get a preconception checkup and try natural methods of increasing your fertility, especially if it is taking much longer than you anticipated to get pregnant.

So, what should do if you are overweight or underweight and trying to conceive. The answer is simple. Try to get your weight at a normal level.

If you are overweight, start exercising in moderation on a regular basis. Don't make the mistake of exercising too much because this may actually harm your fertility. If you don't exercise much, or at all, start out slow and then work your way up until you are doing at least half an hour of moderate aerobic exercise. You also have to pay attention to what you eat. Eat more fruits and vegetables and consume less refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and sugar.

If you are underweight, you need to gain some weight. You can do so by eating nutritious, high calorie foods, especially those high in protein. Losing weight or gaining weight does take time and commitment but if you can work towards a better weight, you will start to reap the rewards of your effort - one of them possibly being better fertility.

Now remember, weight is only one of many factors that can impact your chances of conceiving. So, if you are trying to conceive and having a hard time, do everything that you can possibly do to improve your fertility. Besides getting your weight under control, there are many other things that can actually increase your chances of getting pregnant.

If you want to discover some of the best ways to increase your fertility and get pregnant faster, be sure to pick up our free fertility tips at http://getpregnantplan.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Delany

Milk and Weight Loss

Most people who would like to lose weight have excluded milk in their diet. However, recent studies indicate that they may actually lose weight by drinking it every day instead. They may drink skim milk in order for their bodies to get enough amount of calcium that would help in increasing their body metabolism. When the body is able to achieve better metabolic rate, it is able to make use of the energy more efficiently which in turn will result to losing weight instead of gaining it.

Individuals who love milk but who do not want to put on the additional pounds can choose fat free milk instead of the whole milk. Some people may be allergic to milk but most people can include it in their daily meals. Others with lactose intolerance problem may still enjoy small quantities of milk each day. Simply switching to the kind of milk taken every day can bring a difference for those who have some weight problems.

Whole milk is usually composed of saturated fats from animals. People know that this is not good for their bodies because it tends to increase the cholesterol level in the blood. Fat free milk on the other hand gives lots of calcium for the health benefit of people. Those who drink this kind of milk are also able to prevent bone problems such as osteoporosis. People can drink about 3 cups of not-fat milk every day. They may also combine their milk intake with lots of fruits and vegetables especially for those who would like to lose more weight.

There are also other health related benefits of drinking sufficient amount of fat free milk on a daily basis. The daily supply of calcium protects people from developing colon cancer. It also facilitates the attainment of a stable blood pressure level. Calcium is also needed by the body for blood clotting as well as for nerve conduction and it is needed for muscle contraction too. People may also benefit from the B vitamins that are contained in fat free milk.

People will also have to check labels when buying non-fat milk products. They can get more from those that are fortified with other vitamins like A and D. They also have to make sure that they read the expiration date that is indicated on the milk carton. People have to drink non-fat milk that has been pasteurized for health safety as well. Including milk in the daily diet may help people to lose their weight especially when they drink skim milk instead of whole milk.

Losing weight and feeding the muscle can be one of the most difficult things for someone to do. Learn to burn the fat the right way by eating correctly and by doing the proper exercises. By learning this, you will be on your way to shedding those unwanted pounds as well as being healthier. Please check this link also http://www.burnfatloss.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Hagler

Top 5 Weight Loss Tips You Shouldn't Miss

Losing a few pounds every month is not a hard task; all you need is proper guidance and tips. I have seen people losing more than 15 pounds in a month, and when you ask them as to how they managed to do it, most of them say that it was their mentor or coach or nutritionist who helped them. You simply cannot lose weight without consulting someone expert.

Here are top 5 best weight loss tips for all those who need guidance.

1- The first thing is to plan and set a realistic goal. You need to decide as to how much weight you need to lose? How much time you have to lose all that weight? How you will going to achieve your goal? You must write down answers to all these questions. Start off with a clear mission, plan and goal. Make sure your goals must be realistic. I mean you cannot lose 20 pounds in a month, if you will set such unrealistic targets, it will create problems for you and at the end, you will get de-motivated.

2- Contact a nutritionist or seek help from weight loss expert(s). Try to reach someone who has actually lost a few pounds and get tips. Such people can be of great help.

3- Focus on your diet. As mentioned, contact a diet expert and follow his/her guidelines. Diet is the shortest possible healthy way to weight reduction. A few general tips:

a. Increase intake of water, juices, liquids etc.

b. Drink at least one glass of water before lunch and dinner.

c. Eat vegetables as much as you can.

d. Fruits are indeed very helpful.

e. The most important part, reduce intake of carbohydrates. No more sugar. Carbohydrates will help you a lot in reducing weight.

f. Avoid eating fast food and all that unhealthy food.

4- Regular and proper walking or jogging is the best thing that you can do to reduce your weight. If you do nothing else, and just walk a mile every day, you will start losing weight. Exercise is good too but for most of the people, they do not have time for exercise. Others find it bothering to go to gym five days a week. Exercise is not necessary, it is mandatory when you are not following a diet plan. If you have reduced carbohydrates, there is no need for exercise.

5- For quick results you can use weight loss supplements. Raspberry ketone supplement is a good option. It does not have any side effects. It is recommended to consult your physician or trainer before using any drug or supplement.

Find out more about the benefits and effects of raspberry ketones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sabih_Javed

An example of a successful no-diet weight loss program

A 45-year-old woman complains that she has gradually put on 12 pounds over the past year. In the last month, she's faced a stressful work deadline and added another 4 pounds to her frame.

This individual's goal is to lose the 16 pounds she has gained. Since her weight has been gradually increasing, she knows that she is consuming more calories than she is burning, especially with her sedentary job. She decides that a weight loss of 1 pound per week (equal to a deficit of about 3,500 calories, or cutting 500 calories per day) would be acceptable and would allow her to reach her goal in about four months.

She decides to make some changes that will allow her to cut back an average of 250 calories per day :

·         Skipping a large glass of sweetened iced tea will save about 200 calories.

·         Substituting mineral water for the cola she regularly drinks during meetings can save another 150 calories.

·         Foregoing her morning muffin snack (or eating only half a muffin) can also save 250 calories or more.

To reach her goal of a 500-calorie-per-day savings, she adds some exercise :

·         Getting up early for a 20-minute walk before work and adding a 10-minute walk during her lunch break add up to a half hour of walking per day, which can burn about 200 calories.

·         On weekends, she plans to walk for 60 minutes one day and spend one hour gardening the next day for even greater calorie burning. If walking for 60 minutes is too much, two 30-minute walks one day would burn the same number of calories.

·         Twice per week she plans to stop at the gym on the way home from work, even if only for a half hour of stationary cycling or swimming (each burning up to 250 calories). 

By making just some of the dietary cutbacks mentioned and starting some moderate exercise, this individual can easily "save" the 3,500 calories per week needed for a 1-pound weight loss, leading to a healthy rate of weight loss without extreme denial or deprivation. Furthermore, her changes in diet and lifestyle are small and gradual, modifications that she can maintain over time.

Source : http://www.medicinenet.com

What Is the Traditional Mediterranean Diet?

Some of my casual readers may have misconceptions as to the definition of the traditional Mediterranean diet.  I use the word “diet” here not as a weight-loss program, but “the usual food and drink of a person or animal.”  Twenty-one countries have a coastline of the Mediterranean sea, and additional countries are in the Mediterranean region.  “Traditional” refers to the mid-20th century. 

Observational studies around that time associated the Mediterranean diet with longer life spans, reduced rates of chronic disease (less cardiovascular disease and dementia), and fewer cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, and uterus.

There is no monolithic, immutable, traditional Mediterranean diet.  But there are similarities among many of the regional countries that tend to unite them, gastronomically speaking.  Greece and southern Italy are particularly influential in this context.

So here are the characteristcs of the traditional, healthy Mediterranean diet:

• It maximizes natural whole foods and minimizes highly processed ones
• Small amounts of red meat
• Less than four eggs per week
• Low to moderate amounts of poultry and fish
• Daily fresh fruit
• Seasonal locally grown foods with minimal processing
• Concentrated sugars only a few times per week
• Wine in low to moderate amounts, and usually taken at mealtimes
• Milk products (mainly cheese and yogurt) in low to moderate amounts
• Olive oil as the predominant fat
• Abundance of foods from plants: vegetables, fruits, beans, potatoes, nuts, seeds, breads and other whole grain products
• Naturally low in saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol
• Naturally high in fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins (e.g., folate), antioxidants, and minerals (especially when compared with concentrated, refined starches and sugars in a modern Western diet)
• Naturally high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, particularly as a replacement for saturated fats

Be aware that the documented health benefits may be related to a physically active lifestyle and other social and cultural issues.  For example, traditional Mediterranean mealtimes were leisurely family affairs, not a MacDonald’s Happy Meal eaten off your lap on your drive home from work.

Steve Parker, M.D.

Reference:  Oldways Preservation Trust