Thursday, July 31, 2008

Kettlebell Workout Video

Try this kettlebell workout routine. You don't necessarily need a beach front property, but this work out routine is guaranteed to work you out period.

This video will "PUMP YOU UP" Schwarzenegger style!

Recipe For A Healthy BBQ

(Health & Fitness), The flowers are blooming, temperatures are rising, and the smell of charcoal is in the air. It's officially grilling season -- the perfect time to fire up that commitment to a healthy lifestyle. While this outdoor tradition adds flavor to foods, it also helps remove fat and calories.

bbq

Whether it's camping and preparing food over an open fire, or cooking from the barbeque on the deck, Weight Watchers offers tips to use the grill for every element of a healthy meal from salads to dessert.

* Seared Salads: Take a break from ordinary lettuce, and substitute it with those favorite vegetables, such as asparagus, squash or red peppers. Serve in a bowl as a traditional starter, or pile in paper cones to encourage mingling at outdoor get-togethers.

* Beefless Burgers: While extra lean ground beef (93 percent lean) is always a smart favorite, why not try a patty with a punch, such as salmon, tuna, chicken or turkey? Bulk up these burger alternatives by adding chopped vegetables or fruits, as well as low calorie sauces or rubs. Nestle burgers onto a whole grain bun or pita for added fiber and flavor.

* Side Pockets: Not every side needs to be served in a dish. Put it in a pocket -- a tinfoil pocket, that is. Tear off a 12-inch sheet of foil and fill with sliced red potatoes, onions, herbs and salt and pepper. Fold over the foil and seal tightly until veggies are tender, turning at least once. Grilling in foil locks in flavors and nutrients, and makes for easy clean up.

* Sweet Endings: Swap the cakes and cookies for Mother Nature's favorite dessert -- fruit. Make a tropical treat with easily prepared fruit kabobs. Fill water soaked skewers with chunks of bananas, pineapple and mangos and sear over the fire. For extra flavor, lightly brush with a touch of melted butter, brown sugar, ginger and rum.

Try these flavorful, healthful grilling recipes from and find more at www.WeightWatchers.com.

Feta-Stuffed Chicken Burgers

Servings: Four
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 pound uncooked ground chicken breast
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
7 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
4 small wheat pita(s)
4 piece lettuce, romaine
2/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced (without oil)
5 small olive(s), black, sliced (about 4 teaspoons)

Preparation:

Preheat grill or broiler. Mix chicken, oregano, garlic powder and feta together in a medium-sized bowl; divide mixture into four balls and then press them gently into patties.

Grill or broil patties until internal temperature of burgers reaches 165 F, about 7 to 8 minutes per side. Serve each burger in a pita with a lettuce leaf, 1/4 of peppers and 1 teaspoon of olives.

Study Shows Low Carb Diets More Effective Than Low Fat Diets

(Diet & Weight Loss), Low carb diets received a well deserved boost this month when a large 2-year study concluded that low carbohydrate diets are more effective than traditional low fat diets for losing weight and improving cholesterol levels. Published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, the authors observed 322 moderately obese adults and found the low carb group outperformed low fat dieters in average weight loss and proportion of HDL to LDL cholesterol levels.




In response to strong consumer and researcher support for smart and low carb diet plans, GlycemicEdge.com announced an expansion of diet plans they support to include the Glycemic Index (http://www.glycemicedge.com), South Beach Diet, and now the Atkins Diet plan.

Wayne Becker, editor for GlycemicEdge.com, added, "The study released last week by NEJM only reinforces that no single diet is right for everyone. It also sends a strong signal that low carb diet plans may offer some strong advantages over traditional low fat diets -- particularly when it comes to weight loss and cardiovascular wellness."

Maintaining a focus on low carb focused meal plans, recipes, and managed diets allows GlycemicEdge to power a single portal that allows users to research and select the right low carb plan that suits their needs. Support and interest for the Atkins diet (http://www.glycemicedge.com/atkins.htm) has seen renewed support, particularly among men, many of which view the studies supporting low carb over low fat as a vindication of the plans originated by Dr. Robert C. Atkins.

The big surprise of the study was that low carb diets improved cholesterol more than the Mediterranean Diet or Low Fat diet plans, despite the fact that the low carb diet has no specific restrictions on fat intake.

The study highlighted a number of remarkable findings, including:

* The relative drop in cholesterol to high density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol) was 20% in the low carb group vs. 12% in the low fat group

* Avg. weight loss 6.4 lbs in low carb group vs. 10.4 lbs in the low carb group

* The low carb group ate the fewest carbs and a proportionately higher level of fat, protein, and cholesterol -- yet still showed the best cholesterol health level improvements

The addition of the Atkins Diet to the already popular South Beach Diet and Glycemic Index Diet (http://www.glycemicedge.com) plans allows visitors to select the plan that best suits their individual tastes and tolerances. Matching the right plan to an individuals goals and preferences is a critical first-step in jump starting lifestyle changes.

"One of the most overlooked findings in the study was that 95.4% of the participants in the study stuck to the diets for at least 1 year. Over 84% stayed on it for the entire 2-year period. These aren't fad diets. They're not 30 day miracle plans. These are lifestyle plans that promote long term wellness -- the fact that you lose weight and improve overall energy & cholesterol levels often overshadow how well received these plans are. We help people get started -- the first 2-4 weeks are critical."

For information about the clinical study, visit the New England Journal of Medicine (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/359/3/229).

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(source: prweb)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Goodbye to Randy Pausch, a great teacher

Official Google Blog: Goodbye to Randy Pausch, a great teacher


How To Burn Calories Off Your Fat Butt

(Diet & Weight Loss), It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how many calories to lose weight are needed. Once you know how many calories to lose weight, you can structure your eating and exercise routine around that. Now that you know how many calories to lose weight, you need to build meal plans around that figure.

burning calories

Calories

Calories from fast food can number in the thousands from just one meal. Many people choose an arbitrary number, such as 1500 calories, and that is what they eat. If you split up 1000 calories over the course of an entire day, you're looking at skimpy portions each time you eat. Every 3,500 calories is equivalent to one pound. If you cut back 500 calories a day, you should lose about one pound per week. That said, If you exercise to burn off 500 calories a day you should lose approximately one pound per week. Ideally, you should do a combination of both, (such as cut back 250 calories; burn an extra 250 calories).

For example, a 190-pound person who walks at a brisk 3 mph will burn just over 250 calories in 45 minutes. While most people can lose weight eating around 1,500 calories, you can assess your own caloric needs with a little math.

To estimate how many calories you should consume in order to maintain your weight, you'll need to do a little math. To lose one pound, you must burn approximately 3500 calories over and above what you already burn doing daily activities.

To get a rough estimate of your caloric needs, multiply the desired weight by 12-15 calories per pound for moderate activity. Now add 30 minutes of calorie burning activity like fast pace walking, cycling, stationary biking or elliptical training at the gym and you increase your calorie burn by 300 to 500 calories. When you burn extra calories, you lose weight much easier. Don’t ever cut back to fewer than 1,200 daily calories without medical advice.

Try a calorie calculator

Eating

Eating 500 to 1000 calories a day less than your usual intake should result in weight loss of 500g to 1kg per week. Eating all different kinds of foods is best for your body. Eating gives, you the energy you need to lose weight successfully. Eating fiber-rich foods can help keep you satisfied while you exercise and cut calories to lose weight. Studies have heavier people can find it difficult to lose weight, even eating very low calories, because their body's metabolism is burning at such a slow rate.

Foods
Next, find foods you can do without altogether, reduce portions of, or switch for lower-calorie alternatives. A diet void of nutrient dense foods may only cause further cravings and a greater appetite. You can pick the foods you want to eat and build healthy meal plans around them. We suggest that you become familiar with the calorie value of foods you like to eat. High fiber foods add bulk to your diet, making you feel satisfied longer.

Following are some calorie-cutting tips from the Dietary Guidelines:

  1. Eat a variety of foods
  2. Balance the food you eat with physical activity -- maintain or improve your weight
  3. Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables, and fruits
  4. Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol
  5. Choose a diet moderate in sugars
  6. Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium
  7. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

IDEA Health & Fitness Association Reveals Findings of 2008 Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey

(Health & Fitness), IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the leading membership organization of health, wellness and fitness professionals worldwide with more than 23,000 members in over 80 countries, has revealed the results of its annual IDEA Fitness Programs & Equipment Survey.

The 13th annual survey revealed a variety of emerging as well as more familiar activities that are continuing to gain momentum.

Highlights of fitness programs and trends from the survey include:

  • Survey respondents reveal that the populations of members at their facilities are heavily female (66 percent) compared to male.
  • Long-time favorites Pilates (offered by 68 percent of the respondents) and yoga (61 percent) continue their climb in popularity.
  • Personal training in small groups made an impressive leap to 58 percent, up from 44 percent last year.
  • Creating a fun environment is a key focus for 43 percent of fitness mangers and two-thirds said they expect this area to grow, citing that social activity groups (walking or running clubs, organized group activities, etc.) strengthen client retention.
  • Personal training for youths (18 years old or younger) is offered by 63 percent of respondents; kids fitness programs are offered by 36 percent. Classes for seniors rose from 39 percent to 51 percent.
  • While nutrition assessment and coaching are now offered by more than half of the survey respondents, fitness professionals are encouraged to build reciprocal relationships with registered dieticians and others.

Regarding data on exercise equipment, the survey revealed the following:

  • Equipment topping the charts continues to be small and versatile; 94 percent of respondents said they offer resistance tubing or bands while 87 percent favor barbells and/or dumbbells.
  • Stability balls and weighted bars are offered by 88 percent and 70 percent of respondents, respectively.
  • While elliptical trainers have been around for years, 61 percent of respondents said they believe this equipment area still has room for growth.
You may Visit their website at: www.ideafit.com



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(source:prweb)

14 Benefits of Exercise and Why You Should Get of Your Butt Now

(Health & Fitness), The Benefits of exercise can never be under or over estimated. Learn about 14 benefits of daily exercise for a happy and healthy lifestyle.




14 Ways You Benefit From Exercise

1. Exercise helps increase metabolism, which helps you lose weight faster.

2. Exercise is essential to physical and emotional well-being.

3. Exercise is important to keep both your body and mind "in shape".
4. Exercise also helps to regulate the amount of insulin released into the bloodstream.

5. Exercise can also help control other problems, such as: Sleep apnea, moodiness, stress, decreased energy, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and others.

6. Exercise burn calories, but you must be cautious not to assume it burns so many that you can abandon careful eating habits.

7. Exercises are prescribed in clinical settings to help treat nervous tension. Exercise can make you feel better about yourself.

8. Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, decrease harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improve your general well-being.

9. Exercise helps keep the body in good shape.

10. Exercise helps keep blood fat levels normal.

11. Exercise helps the body become more sensitive to insulin.

12. Exercise helps normal blood flow to the feet.

13. Exercise helps keep your child's blood sugar under control.

14. Exercise should be part of the normal routine.

We forget the heart is a muscle and that it needs exercise just as other muscles do to remain efficient and strong. Regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health and helps prevent diseases and sickness in our bodies.

Walking is one of the best and easiest exercises and is a great way to get started. If you don’t do anything else at least get of your butt and walk for a minimum of 30 minuets every other day. You may want to keep track of how many miles you walk with a pedometer. Create a journal and make notes of the miles you walk each month. This will help keep you motivated and exercising.

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Best Weight Loss, A Formula To Renew Vigor And Energy

(Diet & Weight Loss), You can successfully lose weight by finding the best weight loss program for your own personal needs and lifestyle. Finding the best weight loss program can help you lose weight, but even adult weight loss camps and weight loss surgery will not work if you're not emotionally ready.





However, the best weight loss program in the world won't do you any good if you gained weight for emotional reasons. It’s important to understand there are no best weight loss programs, what works for you might not work for me. The question you need to ask yourself, what is the best weight loss program for me? The best program is one that you can continue for long period and one that keeps you motivated to maintain your weight loss.

Exercise

First, exercise is the most important component of successful weight loss for most dieters. In addition, to making exercise a key component of one's lifestyle is one that will help you keep the weight off. Don't go berserk with exercising, do something that you will be able to continue through out your life, and your weight will stay off indefinitely.

Do you know that walking is the best exercise in order to lose weight? Reduce the amount you eat and exercise (i.e. walking) at least three days for 30 to 60 minutes a day and you will be able to maintain a healthy weight. With as little as 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week, you can lose up to a pound of fat a month ( 12 pounds of fat a year).

Foods

If you eat meals on the go or don't have time to prepare healthy foods, take fruits, and vegetables like apples, oranges, carrots celery ect... Find out how many calories are in the foods you eat, fast food places, restaurants, and foods you can think of. Most people get tired of fighting themselves and go back to the old way of eating wrong foods because it's much easier. Fresh natural food Nutritionally dense High in fiber Low in calories Low in fat Low in refined sugars Low in sodium Many good weight loss foods may also contain. Examples of some of the best foods for losing weight: Fruit Vegetables Legumes wholegrain foods such as muesli, oatmeal, and whole-wheat pasta are the best.

Additional Weight Loss Resources:

Pedometers to keep track of your walking distances

CDC Health Living Guide

Fitness Products

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Tuesday, July 15, 2008

House Passes Resolution to Recognize Cystic Fibrosis

(Health & Fitness), The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a resolution to encourage public awareness and understanding of cystic fibrosis, and support research to find a cure for the disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation applauds the House for this important achievement.

Introduced by co-chairs of the Congressional Cystic Fibrosis Caucus, Representatives Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Cliff Stearns (R-Fl.), this legislation recognizes the unique challenges that face people with cystic fibrosis.

"Oh behalf of the cystic fibrosis community, I want to thank members of Congress for their commitment to fight cystic fibrosis. We are making dramatic progress in the development of new therapies and in extending life expectancy for those with this devastating disease," said Robert J. Beall, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation. "We are proud to have Congressmen Markey and Stearns on our team as champions in the fight against cystic fibrosis."

Cystic fibrosis is a fatal genetic disease that affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States. When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was created in 1955, few children lived to attend elementary school. Today, as a result of dramatic improvements in research and care fueled by the Foundation, the median age of survival for a person with CF is 37 years. The Foundation continues to work to develop life-extending drugs for people with CF and more than 30 drugs are currently in development.

Read More About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation


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Sunday, July 13, 2008

Change your Mood With Binaural Beats

(Health & Fitness), I Dose offers website visitors streaming binaural beats. The binaural beats are downloadable as well. Are you feeling down, Do you not have the energy you once had? Binaural beats affect your brain waves to alter mood, consciousness and behavior.

Of course the subject of Binaural beats and how they affect you are debatable.



Want to try them? Then Go to:
I Dose

Or to read more about Binaural Beat and how they affect your brain go to:



Binaural beats - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Friday, July 11, 2008

Mens Top Five Weight Loss Tips to Help You Lose That Gut

(Health and Fitness), Men are finding it's just as hard as women to make the decision to lose weight. So we have listed some tips that will help men with weight loss and tips for maintaining a healthy weight.


1. Travelling by car - Avoid snacking on sweets and chips by packing a cooler with veggies, fruit, water, and low fat crackers like ryvita or melba toast. And instead of stopping at fast food restaurants on the way, stop at a local supermarket and buy sliced lean turkey, whole-wheat buns or bread, and fruit. Make a picnic, stop and enjoy the day with your family.

2. Cottaging - At the cottage, eating and drinking seem to go together. And this can take place over the entire summer. Pace your drinking by having several glasses of mineral water first to get rid of your thirst, and then switch to lite beer or try spritzers - half wine and half mineral water. Put some lean meat or fish on the barbeque and enjoy with fresh summer vegetables.

3. Golfing and sporting events - If you're teeing off early in the morning, have a protein-packed breakfast, like a couple of hard-boiled eggs or a protein shake, before hitting the green. Protein improves concentration and cognitive skills, both of which can boost your score. If you eat lunch or dinner in the clubhouse, order a big salad for lunch topped with grilled chicken or salmon, with dressing on the side.

4. Vacations - If you're staying at a resort, avoid temptation by keeping your own snacks in the bar fridge, and don't let yourself get too hungry! Avoid all-inclusive resorts, the temptations can be too hard to resist.

5. Barbeques - Men traditionally eat lots of red meat, sausages and ribs. But if you're trying to slim down, lean meats and fish are better options. If you're visiting friends, help out the host by bringing along healthy options that everyone can enjoy like a salad or vegetables to grill.


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